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Local Deputies Receive State Award for August Tree Rescue

Published on 05/06/2024 under News Teamwork is key when it comes to an emergency response, and three members of the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office were recently recognized by their peers, receiving a state law enforcement award for their life-saving actions during a call last summer. At the annual Wisconsin Professional Police Association Convention last weekend, Sgt. Investigator Logan Lange, Deputy Conner Monk, and Deputy Michael Sundquist were presented with a 'Team Award' for their efforts on August 24, 2023. They were among the responders called to a tree accident last summer. According to the Sheriff's Office, deputies arrived to find the man trapped up in a tree, about 12 feet off the ground, with severe lacerations to his arm. Utilizing a bucket, Sundquist assisted in bringing the victim back to the ground, where Lange quickly applied a tourniquet to his arm to slow the severe bleeding. All the while, Monk was clearing a path and setting up a landing zone for the victim. According to the Sheriff's office, without those efforts including the use of the tourniquet, the patient likely would not have survived. Even the trauma center commended the placement, noting there was minimal bleeding present upon arrival at the hospital. In addition to the state recognition, the Sheriff's Office noted that the men received local awards as well, with Sheriff Ken Schneider awarding Lange with the Life Saver medal; Sundquist with the Sheriff Recognition medal, and Monk with a Letter of Recognition.

Published on 05/06/2024 under News Nicolet College has reached a new transfer agreement with UW-Parkside which will allow students to pursue a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from right here in the Northwoods. The agreements focus on two concentrations of the Parkside BA program: General Business Administration and Business Analytics. In both cases, students who have completed the Nicolet Associate of Applied Science in Business Management will be eligible with up to 60 transfer credits. The program can be completed online, allowing students in northern Wisconsin flexibility to continue their education remotely while building upon the academic foundation achieved at Nicolet. Nicolet President Kate Ferrel says, "This marks a significant milestone for Nicolet College and is a major opportunity for our community. It puts bachelor's degrees within reach, while allowing our students to continue living and working right here in the Northwoods." Parkside president Lynn Akey added, "By partnering with Nicolet College, we area extending the impact of UW-Parkside and empowering learners to achieve their academic and professional aspirations." -Photo provided by Nicolet College-

Published on 05/06/2024 under News While a few pennies won't buy much these days, thousands of pennies can make a difference for those in need. Students in Rhinelander are learning that lesson and the importance of clean drinking water. As part of an annual curriculum on water resources around the world, the third grade classes in Rhinelander are once again organizing and leading an elementary-wide fundraiser. The money raised will go towards well-building projects in Africa. They are following in the footsteps of their classmates who, through similar projects over the years, have sponsored wells in Togo, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. As part of the effort, students at Central, Crescent and NCES will be participating in penny challenges, while classmates at Pelican will be selling 'kindness-grams for the project. Last year the students raised more than $2,500 which was boosted by an anonymous donor who chipped in another $1,500.

Published on 05/06/2024 under News Road construction season is in full swing and we've got another project getting underway this week. According to the Department of Transportation, crews will begin work on Highway 8 between Wisconsin 17 and County P in the Rhinelander area. According to the project description, work will include pavement replacement and intersection upgrades. Motorists will encounter single lane closures with the use of temporary traffic signals. Work is scheduled to run through mid-September. As for updates on other ongoing projects here in the Northwoods...•According to the DoT Crews continue their work on Highway 51 between Manitou Park and the Minocqua Lake Bridge. Both directions of traffic continue to share the northbound lanes. •The Lincoln County Highway Department continues work on County K, County A, and Tug Lake Road. That includes a temporary closure of Tug Lake Road on Monday, May 6 until 4pm for culvert work. Otherwise these roads are closed to local traffic only and motorists should utilize alternative routes. •And the Town of Bradley previously announced plans for paving Schmidtbauer Road, Wildwood Road; and Muskellunge Lake Road between Dereg and Nibler Roads this week.

Published on 05/06/2024 under News A Northwoods organization focused on child hunger is raising money for food programs by giving away some money for food. That organization is the Eagle River-based Feed Our Rural Kids or FORK. Over the weekend, they launched their new Grocery Raffle. According to the announcement, they'll be selecting one lucky winner to receive $100 in groceries per week for a full year. The recipient can choose from their favorite store as long as it is locally-owned and with fewer than 10 locations. That could be the Trig's Eagle River location where they kicked off raffle sales this weekend. Throughout the summer, and up until October 6, they'll be have tickets available at dozens of locations and events around the Northwoods. The winner of the contest will be drawn at the Eagle River Cranberry Festival this fall. Tickets are $5.00 each or 5 for $20.00 FORK, which recently celebrated their 5th anniversary, has made it a mission to ensure Northwoods students have easily prepared food and snacks. That includes their backpack program for elementary students in St. Germain, Sugar Camp, Land O' Lakes, Phelps, Eagle River, and Three Lakes You can visit the FORK website for more information including a full list of places to purchase a raffle ticket.

Published on 05/06/2024 under News A familiar medical provider is returning to Lincoln County. Marshfield Clinic Merrill Center announced Dr. Paul Samundsen will practice at their facility. He had most recently worked as an Emergency Department physician at Marshfield Medical Center-Park Falls. According to the news release, "When he is with patients, Dr. Samundsen says one of his main goals is to make everyone feel comfortable." Samundsen says, "I don't look like a typical physician, and I strive to create a non-judgmental environment where everyone can work on their medical issues without feeling degraded or embarrassed." A veteran of the US Army himself, Samundsen added his special interest in caring for veterans in particular. In his free time, Samundsen enjoys spending time with his three sons, along with football, hockey, boating and fishing.

Published on 05/03/2024 under News The winter wait is finally over... Anglers will once again fill Wisconsin's waterways this weekend with the hopes of landing some fish. Saturday marks the start of the inland fishing season for a number of species; most notably walleye, northern pike and large mouth bass. Anglers should note that the northern zone muskie season doesn't open until May 25; while the small-mouth bass harvest begins June 15. The state has a long tradition of fishing and the numbers bare that out. Statistics show around 2 million licenses are sold every year, nearly twice the national average per capita. And while the natural fish population is strong, the DNR and their partners enhance the state fishery through stocking programs like the Wisconsin Walleye Initiatve. They also stock trout, bass, musky, and northern pike. The DNR did offer up a few reminders for anglers before heading out this season. Make sure you've got a fishing license and go over regulations for any lake-specific rules and bag limits on the waters you fish. If you're fishing in a boat, check that the registration is up-to-date and you've got enough life preservers. And to keep invasive species out of your favorite waterways, it's a good idea to inspect your boat, trailer and equipment for any of these aquatic hitchhikers. And stay tuned to WJJQ throughout the season for fishing news, updates, events, and of course a stable of fishing guides who offer their expertise with their weekend reports.

Published on 05/03/2024 under News It won't be long before Lake Nokomis, Bridge Lake, and Deer Lake are buzzing with all sorts of summer water recreation. There's some maintenance work planned on the dam that creates those waterways, though it won't affect most people. Wisconsin Valley Improvement Company announced plans for a safety enhancement project on the Rice Reservoir Dam. According to the news release, they'll be utilizing a barge-mounted crane to install steel sheet piling at the embankment and spillway. Other work includes some bridge deck modifications, rock rip rap on the shoreline, and the construction of some fishing platforms and walkways. They're hoping to minimize impacts on the public. We heard from Scott Blado, WVIC environmental specialist and safety coordinator. The Nokomis Drive boat landing will have limited access next week including a temporary three day closure from Wednesday through Friday. That is to accommodate the equipment mobilization. Throughout the summer some areas in the immediate area of the dam may be inaccessible. Those areas will be fenced off. And probably the biggest question is the water levels...they don't anticipate any changes due to this project. People can simply expect the water level fluctuations that are typical over the course of the summer, impacted by factors such as regional precipitation. The project is expect to run into November, we'll share any updates as we receive them. WVIC has additional information on their website.

Published on 05/03/2024 under News For years, Camp Birch Trails has been a destination for girl scouts in the region. Coming up this weekend, they'll be showing off the facility, a hidden gem right here in the Northwoods. Camp Birch Trails is actually right here in Lincoln County, down in Irma. The property is owned and run by the Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes. They oversee the thousands of scouts across 58 counties of Northern Wisconsin and Michigan's upper peninsula. Yesterday we were joined by Bethany McAnnally who talked about the Camp Birch Trails, as well as an open house on Sunday. At 240 acres, the property offers many classic summer camp opportunities. That includes a large lodge, some smaller rustic cabins, a camping area, all surrounding a small private lake perfect water water recreation and other activities. McAnnally says she first attended Camp Birch Trails when she was just six years old, she eventually became a counselor there, and completing the circle works with the Girl Scouts organization in a professional capacity. She say those experiences created lifelong memories and friendships. For those that would like to see what Camp Birch Trails is all about, McAnnally invited people to attend an Open House coming up this weekend. It's Sunday afternoon from 2-5pm. They'll have tours, information, and fun activities. You can hear that entire conversation in the WJJQ Audio Center to learn more.

Published on 05/03/2024 under News A Tomahawk Police Officer was recently recognized for her work in the community. At a small ceremony, the Tomahawk VFW Post, in conjunction with the Tomahawk Police Department presented Officer Alysia Watruba with the Community Service Award while noting her many positive attribute and calling her an asset to the department and the community. Watruba was presented with a plaque that read, in part, "For over a decade, Officer Watruba has served the residents of Tomahawk with empathy and compassion. She has demonstrated a high proficiency in her work duties and completes her patrol assignments with accuracy and precision." They said, "Officer Watruba's commitment to upholding the values of honor, duty, and service embodies the spirit of the Veterans of Foreign Wars."

Published on 05/03/2024 under News Anglers on one area chain will have something extra to look forward to, in addition to this weekend's fishing opener. At a special meeting held virtually on Thursday, the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board established an emergency rule that will allow anglers to harvest walleye on the Minocqua Chain of Lakes, pausing a nearly decade-long catch-and release period. As proposed, the emergency rule establishes a daily bag limit of one walleye on the Minocqua chain. And to maintain healthy, breeding populations, there are additional size regulations. Harvested fish must be larger than 18 inches, but not between 22 and 28 inches. Ahead of the meeting the DNR said, "This regulation will allow a moderate level of walleye harvest while preserving the quality-size fish that were built up during the past nine years of harvest closure." The vote to establish the emergency rule was unanimous.

Published on 05/02/2024 under News The countdown to the fishing opener is on, and local ER staffers are reminding anglers to use a little caution with hooks to ensure they aren't trading time on the lake for a visit to the hospital as part of what they playfully call the 'People Catcher's Club.' Earlier this week we heard from the emergency departments at Aspirus Eagle River Hospital and Howard Young in Woodruff. Serving an area well-known as a fishing destination, they've removed hundreds of fishing hooks and lures over the years. In fact, they've actually created a display showcasing the various hooks over the past three decades. The original idea came from MedEvac Paramedic Dan Halverson. He said, "I started collecting them, created the cabinet for the hooks, and even more people were willing to leave them for the display." While the People Catcher's display is in good fun, a hooked angler can be serious. Barbs on the hook make self-removal difficult, the wound from a dirty hook also risks infection. That's why the Aspirus staffers have plenty of training on the various methods of hook removal based on the situation. Howard Young ER nurse Wendy Lizak added, "We always tell (the hooked anglers) you are not the first one, you won't be the last..." The reminder also provided a chance to recount the legend of the twice-hooked angler. He arrived at Howard Young and had a musky lure removed. Rather that contributed the artificial bait to the display he decided to take it with him. Unfortunately, as he got into his vehicle, he managed to snag himself a second time. After a second removal he left the cursed lure for the display. In exchange for the lures, the Anglers are presented with a bobber-shaped stress ball, and an official membership card in the People Catchers Club. Halverson noted that most also get the photo taken as they add the lure to the display cabinet. Photo contributed by Aspirus-People Catchers Club lures on display at Aspirus Howard Young Emergency Department

Published on 05/02/2024 under News They say "It takes a village to raise a child." Here in Lincoln County several groups are teaming up to ensure new parents are ready when their littlest ones come home for the first time. Last fall the Lincoln County Health Department hosted a Community Baby Shower down in Merrill. Based on that success, they're expanding to Tomahawk later this month. Yesterday we spoke with Lexi Buntrock, who serves as the Lincoln County Public Health Educator. She explained that the Community Baby Shower is a way to get information to parents on a wide variety of topics through informational booths and demonstrations. They've already got more than a dozen set to attend the event here in Tomahawk. She gave a quick sampling of the topics: a CPR/Choking demo, safe sleep, breast feeding, early literacy, as well as support for childcare, housing, and even mental health for new moms and dads. It's is geared for those with little ones 0-18 months, the Merrill event last fall had around 45 families attend. It was convenient timing for Buntrock, a new mother herself at the time. Even though she was an organizer, she said was able to learn some new things. A participant survey showed overwhelming positive feed back, which led them to expand to northern Lincoln County. For those that would like to attend, mark your calendar for May 30, 3pm-5pm. It'll be at the St. Mary's Corpus Christi Center. We'll follow up as that approaches as well. You can hear that conversation with Lexi in the WJJQ audio center.

Published on 05/02/2024 under News Over the past decade, the Wisconsin Public Service Foundation has awarded more than a half million dollars in grants to first responders across their service footprint. Those agencies have another opportunity to apply. Known as 'Rewarding Responders', the WPS Foundation provides a series of grants each summer to help with the purchase of lifesaving equipment and fund training for first responders across Northern and Northeastern Wisconsin. Dating back to 2014, spokesman Matt Cullen says they've now awarded $500,000 in Rewarding Responders grants have been distributed to 202 public safety agencies. Over the years local grants have gone towards items such as coldwater rescue gear, thermal imaging, and AED units. Last year's recipients included Eagle River Police, the Langlade County Sheriff's Office, and fire departments in Antigo, Merrill, Minocqua and Pine Lake. In celebrating the 10th anniversary of the program last year, the Foundation increased the annual funding pool to $75,000. Eligible departments can begin applying for the new cycle. Recipients will be announced this summer.

Published on 05/02/2024 under News Earlier this year, the Wisconsin Beef Council set out to find the state's best burger. The winner is from right here in the Northwoods. Among eight finalists, it was the All-American Burger from Pickles Bar and Grill in Hazelhurst that reigned supreme. The classic cheeseburger stood out with a craft blend of brisket, short rib, and chuck, and a house blend seasoning. Co-owner Justin Koshak says they were honored to be named the winner especially as the lone finalist from Northern Wisconsin. He said, "We are happy to represent what the Northwoods has to offer when it comes to restaurants, taverns and grills. There are so many great spots up here that showcase great menus and fantastic food." Rather than a fan vote and popularity contest, the decision was made by a panel of judges who stopped at each restaurant for a surprise visit last month. Most of the judging was based on the burger itself: taste, presentation, proper cooking, and overall enjoyment; though a few bonus points were available for the restaurant and atmosphere. The contest announcement comes as the state celebrates Wisconsin Beef Month in May. Tammy Vaassen, executive director of the Wisconsin Beef Council says they were thrilled with the overwhelming response to the contest. They're looking forward to bringing back and growing the contest for next year. -Photo provided by Wisconsin Beef Council: (from L-R) Pickles Co-Owner Justin Koshak, Wisconsin Beef Council Executive Director Tammy Vaassen, and Pickles Co-Owner Dan Linscott (aka, "Pickles") Best Burger Finalists: ● Brazen Head Pub, 147 N Main St, West Bend ● Crafty Cow, 2675 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee ● Dog House Bar & Grill, 117 S 1st St, Mt. Horeb ● Ferry Xing Bar & Grill, 306 Main St, Merrimac ● Pickles Bar & Grill, 5507 Co Rd Y, Hazelhurst ● Skippy's Burger Bar, 113 Green Bay Rd, Thiensville ● Straight Home Bar & Grill, 184060 WI-153, Eland ● The Dump Bar & Grill, 105 W Edgewater St, Cambria

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