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Published on 10/02/2026 under News The Northwoods is turning into a vibrant canvas, with brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows splashed across the landscape. We are currently right in the middle of our peak fall color season. Peak fall color in northern Wisconsin usually occurs during the last week of September and the first week of October, while central Wisconsin typically lags a week or two behind. Travel Wisconsin's annual Fall Color Tracker currently shows many Northwoods communities at 50% to 75% peak color. A number of factors influence the timing and vibrancy of autumn foliage, starting with the type of tree; it's health and leaf volume. Environmental conditions also play a critical role, including temperature, daylight hours, and precipitation. Ecologists note that the most brilliant displays typically result from bright, sunny days paired with cool, frost-free nights. Additionally, calm winds help keep the leaves on the branches longer. Several regional hotspots are highlighted as prime viewing destinations on Travel Wisconsin, including Timm's Hill, Rib Mountain, and the Ice Age Trail. For a hidden gem, the Bearskin-Hiawatha Trail corridor is a top recommendation for hikers and bikers looking to take in the fall views, particularly from the trail's scenic trestles.

Published on 10/02/2026 under News Beer and bacon are a mouth-watering combination, and both will be featured heavily at a popular returning event in Tomahawk. After a successful debut last fall, WaWui is bringing back the Beer and Bacon Bash on Saturday. The event is described as a celebration of local flavor, fun, and philanthropy. Organizers have arranged a select offering of craft and domestic brews at the beer garden, alongside food trucks serving up bacon-themed treats. Beyond the food and drink, attendees can enjoy live music, campfires, and a new kickball tournament launching this year. All proceeds from the Beer and Bacon Bash will go directly toward SARA Park, making it a great time for a great cause. For those unfamiliar, WaWui is the volunteer-led organization that supports and operates the facilities at Tomahawk's SARA Park. The venue hosts community members of all ages and interests, offering space for hockey, figure skating, pickleball, bingo, private celebrations, and facility rentals, in addition to serving as a hub for the annual Fall Ride. WaWui is currently running an ambitious capital campaign to fund several planned maintenance and upgrade projects in the coming years, and they encourage the community to come out and show their support. The Beer and Bacon Bash runs Saturday from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at SARA Park.

Published on 10/02/2026 under News Travelers flying out of the Northwoods, could soon have another connection option, thanks to some federal funding. Central Wisconsin Airport announced they've been awarded a $950,000 federal grant to help bring back nonstop flights to Detroit. Delta used to fly this route, but ended service back in 2023. Currently, flying out of CWA means connecting through either Chicago O'Hare or Minneapolis–St. Paul. Adding Detroit back into the mix would open up a major hub to the east, expanding connection opportunities, a major win for travelers. Now, don't pack your bags just yet. Airport officials say flights won't start right away. They still need to finalize the grant details and lock in an airline to fly the route. Still, local leaders are calling it a huge win and a major step toward giving Northwoods travelers better choices closer to home.

Published on 10/02/2026 under News The Tomahawk Community Theater's latest production offers audience members a unique opportunity to step into the story. Over the next two Wednesdays, the local theater group is partnering with the Pine Tree Supper Club to present a 1920s-themed murder mystery dinner. According to board member Jason Kivela, guests won't just watch the drama unfold—they will play an active role in it. Upon arrival, attendees receive character cards, secrets, and clues to help unmask the killer—or perhaps even become the victim. Kivela compared the experience to playing a live-action version of the board game Clue. "You get a card with your character's facts, so you don't have to memorize anything or be a great actor," he noted. Beyond providing an entertaining evening and supporting the local theater group, the dinner serves as a kickoff for a busy fall season. Kivela teased an upcoming variety show later this autumn, as well as preparations for the group's next full stage production. The interactive dinner runs on two consecutive Wednesdays: October 7 and October 14. Because the mystery unfolds the same way each night, it is recommended for single-night attendance. Seating is limited, and guests planning to attend the October 7 performance must RSVP today. Ticket details are available at TomahawkCommunityTheater.com and on the group's Facebook page.

Published on 10/02/2026 under News Wisconsin reigns as the cranberry capital of the U.S., producing more than twice as much of the fruit as any other state. This weekend, the tiny, tart berry takes center stage in the Northwoods. Cranberry Fest returns to Eagle River for its 46th year. According to the Area Chamber of Commerce, around 45,000 visitors attend the two-day event annually. While central Wisconsin leads the state in output, Northern Wisconsin remains a heavy producer—with Lincoln, Price, Oneida, and Vilas counties accounting for more than 2,200 acres of active cranberry marshes. Weekend highlights include local marsh tours, wine tastings, a farmers market, and an expansive craft fair featuring more than 250 vendors. Attendees can also sample a wide array of cranberry-infused foods and drinks, from meatballs and fritters to cheesecakes, sodas, and craft beers. For those wanting to take a batch home, roughly 10,000 pounds of fresh cranberries will be available for purchase. The festival is centered at the Vilas County Fairgrounds, with additional activities spread across satellite locations, including local wineries, area marshes, and downtown Eagle River.

Published on 10/02/2026 under News Two teens were arrested after allegedly showing a gun near John Muir Middle School in Wausau on Thursday afternoon, triggering a brief safety lockdown. At around 12:45 p.m., three students on the playground were involved in a brief verbal exchange with two teens walking along the sidewalk outside the campus fence. During the encounter, one of the teens allegedly lifted his shirt to reveal a firearm. The students immediately reported the incident to staff and the School Resource Officer. The school quickly initiated a "Secure" protocol—bringing all students inside and locking exterior doors. Within five minutes, responding officers located both suspects exiting Marathon Park. They were taken into custody without incident, and officers say they recovered a firearm. They will be referred to Juvenile Justice for weapon-related offenses. Wausau Police also used the opportunity to praise the students for speaking up right away and reminded parents to encourage children to report anything suspicious.

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Sports Headlines

Tomahawk Fall Sports Update 10/1/26

Published on 10/02/2026 under Sports Hatchet Cross Country Places in Top Eight at Athens Tomahawk' Cross Country squads finished in the top eight in the Athens Blue Jay Invitational Thursday night. The Hatchet Girls would place sixth in the invite, placing ahead of Chequamegon, Antigo, and Cadott. The top finisher for the Hatchet ladies was Elise Gibeault, who placed eighth with a time of 21:05. Second on the team and 22nd overall was Ellie Micke, clocking in at 22:40. As for the Hatchet Boys, they would place eighth in the invite, ahead of Antigo and Abbotsford. Connor Zorn placed 26th overall at 18:16. Dawson Jones finished 32nd at 18:30. Tomahawk's next invite is Tuesday when they head to Northland Pines. Events begin at 4:00. Team Results: Boys: Prentice/Rib Lake - 2nd Rhinelander - 6th Chequamegon - 7th Tomahawk - 8th Antigo 9th Girls: Prentice/Rib Lake - 1st Rhinelander 3rd Athens - 4th Tomahawk - 6th Chequamegon - 7th Antigo - 8th Tomahawk Swimmers Drops Final Home Dual to Medford The Hatchet Female Swimmers would fall in their final home GNC dual of the season to the Medford Raiders at the Hatchet Pool, 120-32. Despite the loss, Tomahawk would have three second-place finishes in the dual meet. Kami Gabrich placed second in the 200 freestyle with a time of 2:33.44. Gabrich would then join Kourtney Busterud, Aubrey Tollefson, and Kaylee Roberts in a second-place finish in the 400 yard freestyle relay with a time of 4:39.51. Busterud, Tollefson, Roberts, and Sloane Eisenmann would then finish second in the 200 Medley relay. The Final GNC Meet of the season takes place down in Merrill next Thursday. Events will begin at 5:30. Hatchet Volleyball Swept by #1 in Division 2 Mosinee Against #1 in Division 2 Mosinee, the Hatchet Volleyball squad would suffer yet another Great Northern Conference Sweep, losing, 25-7, 25-17, 25-22. The loss drops Tomahawk to 5-24 on the season and 0-6 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets are back at home for the GNC Finale Tuesday night against Northland Pines. Tune in for the broadcast on the WJJQ app, online at wjjq.com, and on Northwoods 92.5 WJJQ. The Fehrman Orthodontics Radio Prematch Show will begin at 6:35 and first serve is at 7:00. Matt Theiler and Alex Koch will have the broadcast from the Hatchet House Tuesday night.

Published on 09/29/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's girls swimmers traveled down to Wausau and competed in a double dual with Wausau East and Medford Tuesday night. The Highest a Hatchet placed was third across two different events. Kami Gabrich would take third in the 200 freestyle with a time of 2:27.85. Gabrich also joined Kaylee Roberts, Sloane Eisenman, and Kourtney Busterud in a third-place finish in the 200 yard freestyle relay with a time of 2:11.21. The Hatchets are back in the pool for a GNC Dual Thursday against Medford. Events will begin at 5:30.

Published on 09/29/2026 under Sports Despite fighting back in every set, Tomahawk's volleyball squad would once again fall short in a Great Northern Conference match against Lakeland at the Hatchet House, 25-18, 26-24, 25-22. Tomahawk would fall behind consistently in the first half of each game before coming back and at least tying games two and three. However, the Hatchets would fall short, allowing the T-Birds to pull away in each set. Lauren Reibe had a team-high seven kills and Lexi Palmer had 12 assists. Tomahawk now sits at 5-23 and 0-5 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets are back in action for another Great Northern Conference match Thursday at #1 in Division 2 Mosinee. First Serve is at 7:00.

Published on 09/27/2026 under Sports Hatchet Volleyball was unable to overcome being shorthanded Saturday in Abbotsford, going 0-5 in their invite. Tomahawk played most of the invite without Sophia Lacina, Lexi Palmer, and Lauren Reibe. The Hatchets would get swept by Mondovi, Adams-Friendship, Spencer, and Rosholt. Tomahawk's lone set win came against the host Abbotsford. The losses drop Tomahawk to 5-21 on the season and 0-4 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets are back on the court Tuesday for a GNC Match against Lakeland. Tune in for the Fehrman Orthodontics Prematch Show at 6:35 and first serve at 7:00 on Northwoods 92.5 WJJQ. Alex Koch and Matt Theiler will have the call.

Published on 09/25/2026 under Sports Make it three wins in a row for Tomahawk Football as they would travel to Mike Webster Stadium and upend the Rhinelander Hodags Friday night, 28-14. After the two teams traded touchdown drives in the first five minutes, the Hatchet defense bent but did not break against the Hodag aerial attack. Tomahawk would force three turnovers, including the first interception of the season for Rhinelander quarterback Abe Gretzinger. Colin Black filled in a quarterback after Jack Reilly left the game after the first quarter due to injury. Black had 40 yards passing and 20 yards receiving. Miles McGowan finished with an interception, a fumble recovery, a 20-yard passing touchdown, and a two-point conversion. Max Lason found the end zone twice, and Zander Zehner scored his first touchdown of the season. The Hatchets now sit at 3-3 on the season and 3-1 in Great Northern Conference play. Tomahawk returns home for the Homecoming Game next Friday against Medford. Alex Koch and Jon Long will be on the call with the Fehrman Orthodontics Kickoff Cabin at 6:15 and kickoff at 7:00. 11-Player Football: Wausau East 19, Mosinee 0 Medford 37, Lakeland 0 Merrill 32, Antigo 27 Crivitz 35, Northland Pines 14 Manawa 36, Crandon 8 8-Player Football: Hurley 58, Chequamegon 8 Rib Lake 28, Three Lakes/Phelps 20 Athens 26, Alma Center Lincoln 24 Niagara 47, Goodman-Pembine 16

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