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Tomahawk Wastewater Department Looks to Curb Sewer Line Back Ups from Improperly Flushed Materials

Published on 10/28/2026 under News The City of Tomahawk Wastewater Department is taking steps to address a persistent and costly problem in the city's sewer system. Residents who repeatedly violate flushing rules could eventually see the costs passed on to their utility bills. At Tuesday night's meeting, the Board of Public Works discussed ongoing lift station backups caused by improperly flushed items, including wipes labeled "flushable," feminine hygiene products, and other non-biodegradable debris. Despite previous outreach efforts, including warnings on utility bills and notices distributed through door hangers, the problem remains widespread. Earlier this year, they shared the "No Wipes Down Pipes" campaign on social media. City staff can isolate problem areas, with Esker Heights identified as one of the neighborhoods experiencing frequent calls. However, pinpointing the individual households responsible remains a challenge. To encourage compliance, board members revisited a proposal to impose a surcharge for repeated service calls to the same locations. While no surcharge was formally approved, the board directed wastewater staff to calculate potential costs ahead of the next meeting. The city also plans to communicate with residents through a mailer serving as a final warning. Additionally, officials will verify that lift station alarm systems are fully operational, with both audible and visual alerts to help identify problems early. Tomahawk isn't the only Northwoods community dealing with the issue. Earlier this month, the City of Rhinelander issued a similar warning about proper waste disposal and what should and shouldn't be flushed.

Published on 10/28/2026 under News A jury returned a split verdict in the trial of a teenager charged in connection with the fatal attack of a Lincoln Hills youth counselor. After approximately two hours of deliberation, 18-year-old Javarius Hurd was found not guilty of the most serious charge, reckless homicide, in the death of Corey Proulx. However, following the six-day trial in Merrill, the jury did find Hurd guilty of one count of battery by a prisoner. The charges stemmed from a June 2024 incident at the Lincoln Hills juvenile facility. Prosecutors alleged that Hurd threw soapy water at a female officer. When Proulx pursued Hurd, an altercation broke out, causing Proulx to fall, strike his head on a hard surface, and suffer fatal injuries. Hurd's legal team maintained that the incident was an escalation rather than intentional reckless homicide. A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for Friday.

Published on 10/28/2026 under News Bats and Halloween go hand in hand, and throughout this week, wildlife officials are celebrating these flying mammals and the vital role they play in our ecosystem. The week leading up to Halloween is International Bat Week. According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the state is home to eight bat species, four of which are currently considered threatened. Bats are best known for their voracious appetites and ability to control insect populations. Experts note that a single adult bat can eat up to 1,000 mosquito-sized insects per hour. Wisconsin's bat populations have declined over the years due to factors including habitat loss and white-nose syndrome, a fatal fungal disease that affects hibernating bats. In a bit of good news, DNR Conservation Biologist Jennifer Redell noted that hibernation surveys over the past few years have shown a slight rebound in population numbers, though she emphasized there is still a long way to go. Property owners can make a few small adjustments around their yards to create a more bat-friendly environment: consider installing a bat house, plant native species, and limit the use of insecticides and pesticides. Residents interested in getting involved can find educational resources and citizen-science monitoring opportunities through the Wisconsin Bat Program.

Published on 10/28/2026 under News A local firefighter has earned statewide recognition for his work keeping the Merrill community safe. Merrill Fire Department's Joe Bozinski was named Fire Inspector of the Year Thursday night at the Wisconsin State Fire Inspectors Association conference in the Wisconsin Dells. Nominated by Chief Josh Klug, the award came as a complete surprise to Bozinski, who was joined at the banquet by his family and fellow department members. Hired in 2021 as Merrill's first dedicated fire inspector in its 138-year history, Bozinski has reduced local fire code violations by 54 percent. With over two decades of fire service experience—primarily with the Village of Maine—along with a private sector background at Crystal Finishing Systems and Greenheck, Bozinski is known for building positive relationships with local business owners. Accepting the award, Bozinski said his goal has always been to inspire safety, not just conduct inspections, adding that he feels fortunate to serve the Merrill community.

Published on 10/28/2026 under News An Arbor Vitae man will spend a decade in federal prison following a child pornography investigation in Vilas County. U.S. Attorney Chadwick Elgersma announced that 40-year-old Jack McBride was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge James Peterson to 10 years in federal prison, followed by 20 years of supervised release. McBride pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography back in August. The investigation began in March 2025 when the Vilas County Sheriff's Office received two CyberTips regarding McBride's online activity with minors. A search warrant executed at his residence that June led to the seizure of two cell phones, where forensic analysts uncovered numerous illicit videos, images, and explicit search queries. During sentencing, Judge Peterson noted the severe nature of the material and the fact that this was McBride's second offense as key factors behind the 10-year sentence.

Published on 10/28/2026 under News The Lincoln County Humane Society is stepping in once again to help animals rescued from a severe hoarding situation. Earlier this week, staff worked alongside local law enforcement to remove 19 cats and kittens, plus one dog, from a home in Lincoln County, with additional animals still being recovered. Shelter workers say this is the second time in about a year they've had to remove animals from this exact same property. Officials point out that animal hoarding is a complicated, emotional issue. They note most owners genuinely believe they're helping, even as the situation gets out of control. Since the humane society doesn't have an investigator on staff, they rely on law enforcement and alert neighbors to step in. This can include helping get pets spayed or neutered before numbers increase. If you notice warning signs like strong animal odors and property neglect, request a welfare check with the proper law enforcement agency.

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Sports Headlines

Hatchet Fall Sports Update 10/24/26

Published on 10/24/2026 under Sports Gibeault, Lund Head to State Cross Country Halloween Afternoon Two Hatchet Cross Country athletes will be making their trip to the Ridges in the Wisconsin Rapids for the WIAA Division 2 State Cross Country Meet next week. At the Sectional Meet in Rhinelander, Senior runner Elise Gibeault and Sophomore athlete Charlee Lund would each finish in the top ten time-wise, making the Hatchet athletes automatic qualifiers. Gibeaults placed fifth with a time of 20:17. Lund was right behind Gibeault, placing sixth with a time of 20:22. As a team, the Hatchets would finish just outside of the top two, placing third behind Lakeland and Wittenberg-Birnamwood. Tomahawk's boys would place eighth overall in the Sectional Meet. Jordyn Carew finished as the boys' fastest runner with a time of 18:24. Gibeault and Lund will compete in the WIAA Division 2 State Cross Country Meet at the Ridges in Wisconsin Rapids Halloween. The Division 2 Race begins at 12:40. Tomahawk Football Stymied in Second Half at Brillion, Ending Season The Hatchet Football Season would end in the WIAA Division 5 First Round of the Playoffs as they would fall to #3 Brillion Friday night, 27-7. Tomahawk led 7-0 with less than 30 seconds remaining on a 20-yard touchdown run by Hudson Evans. However, the Lions scored 13 points in the final seconds of the first half, including a pick-six as it came to end. After the interception, the Hatchets failed to re-establish any momentum in the second half. Tomahawk was limited to less than 50 total yards and failed to cross the Brillion 50 in the second half. Max Larson finished with 47 rushing yards, leading the way on the ground for Tomahawk. The Hatchet Football squad would finish 4-6 on the season and 4-3 in Great Northern Conference play. 11-Player Football Playoff Scores: ,#5 D2 Marshfield 44, #4 D2 Wausau East 14 #2 D3 Medford 42, #7 D3 Green Bay West 0 #3 D3 Fox Valley Lutheran 54, #6 D3 Rhinelander 14 #4 D3 Luxemburg-Casco 42, #5 D3 Merrill 14 #3 D7 Hilbert 46, #6 D7 Abbotsford 7 8-Player Football Playoff Scores: #6 Athens 48, #2 Hurley 42 #1 Laona-Wabeno 42, #4 Northwood/Solon Springs 0 Hatchet Girls Swimmers Place Ninth in GNC Meet at Lakeland At the Great Northern Conference Girls Swimming Meet in Lakeland Friday, the Hatchet girls as a team would place ninth to wrap up their regular season. The Hatchets as a team would have a couple of ninth-place finishes in relay events. Kami Gabrich, Kortney Busterud, Aubrey Tollefson, and Kaylee Roberts placed ninth in the 400 yard freestyle with a time of 4:33.61. Tomahawk also had Roberts, Busterud, Gabrich, and Sloane Eisenman place ninth in the 200 yard freestyle, clocking in at 2:04.95. Tollefson placed tenth in the 100 breastroke with a time of 1:22.14. The WIAA Division 2 Sectional Meet for the Hatchet Girls Swimmers will take place November 7th at Rice Lake.

Published on 10/21/2026 under Sports The Hatchet Volleyball season came to a quick end in the WIAA Division 3 Regional Quarterfinal Tuesday night as they would get swept at Weyauwega-Fremont, 25-14, 25-12, 25-8. The Hatchets were unable to overcome hot starts by the Warhawks and allowed 13 aces in the match. In her final high school volleyball match, Senior Outside Hitter Averi Petta led the Hatchets with eight kills. Lexi Palmer had 12 assists on the night. Tomahawk finishes the 2026 season with a 6-29 overall record and a 1-9 Great Northern Conference record. The lone Hatchet Senior to graduate is Averi Petta.

Published on 10/17/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's Cross Country squads provided some encouraging finishes in the Great Northern Conference meet Saturday at Hatchet Field, each placing third. For the girls, three Hatchets placed in the top 15. Charlee Lund placed fifth with a time of 19:34. Right behind Lund was Elise Gibeault, placing sixth and clocking in at 19:43. Ellie Micke placed 14th with a time of 21:51. On the boys' side, three athletes placed in the top 20. Jordyn Carew placed 12th, clocking in at 17:39. Connor Zorn finished 15th with a time of 17:58. Dawson Jones went 16th with a time of 18:11. The WIAA Division 2 Cross Country Sectional Meet for Tomahawk is Friday at Rhinelander. Team Finishes: Girls: 1st – Lakeland 2nd – Rhinelander 3rd – Tomahawk 4th – Merrill 5th – Mosinee 6th – Antigo 7th – Medford Boys: 1st – Lakeland 2nd – Rhinelander 3rd - Tomahawk 4th – Mosinee 5th – Northland Pines 6th – Medford 7th – Antigo

Published on 10/17/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's football squad would end the 2026 season with their first win over the Mosinee Indians Friday night at Veterans Park Friday, 6-3. The Hatchets held Mosinee under 100 total yards of offense, including just 14 yards allowed in the second half. Tomahawk's lone score came at the end of the third quarter when Max Larson ran it in from one yard out. The touchdown from Larson was his seventh of the season. He also led the Hatchets with 61 yards on 14 carries. Hudson Evans had 44 yards on eight touches. The Hatchets finish the 2026 Regular Season with a 4-5 on the season and 4-3 in Great Northern Conference play. Tomahawk will play in the first round of the WIAA Division 5 Playoffs Friday night. The Hatchets are the #6 seed and will travel to #3 seed Brillion. The Fehrman Orthodontics Kickoff Cabin will begin at 6:15 with kick at 7:00 from Lion Field on the WJJQ app, online at wjjq.com, and on Northwoods 92.5 WJJQ. Alex Koch and Keith Hanse will have the broadcast Friday night. 11-Player Football: Medford 48, Antigo 6 Rhinelander 27, Lakeland 14 Wausau East 21, Merrill 14 Stratford 45, Northland Pines 6 Crandon 48, Clintonville 30 Edgar 35, Abbotsford 0 8-Player Football Playoffs: #1 Laona-Wabeno 44, #8 Three Lakes/Phelps 6 #4 Northwood/Solon Springs 48, #5 Rib Lake 8 #6 Athens 44, #3 Turtle Lake 20

Published on 10/11/2026 under Sports At the Great Northern Conference Volleyball Tournament, Tomahawk went 1-2 in their matches Saturday. The Hatchets were swept by Mosinee and Medford in their first two matches. However, Tomahawk would steal a match against Rhinelander, winning in four sets. The Hatchets will finish the 2026 regular season with a 6-28 record and a 1-9 overall Great Northern Conference record. Seeding meetings across the state of Wisconsin will take place Monday. Stay tuned to find out who Tomahawk will play in the first round of the WIAA Division 3 Volleyball Postseason on Northwoods 92.5 WJJQ.

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