WJJQ Radio

Recent News

Free Fishing Weekend Returns to Wisconsin Waterways

Published on 01/16/2026 under News Whether tip-ups, jigging, or casting a line; Wisconsin anglers can hit the ice for some fishing this weekend without a license. The DNR has brought back their OutWiGo Winter Free Fishing weekend. Coupled with a summer free fishing weekend in June, the campaigns are an attempt to introduce new participants to the sport of fishing and provide former anglers a chance to renew their interest. Landing a fish is fun, but officials note the sport is about more than the catch. It allows participants a chance to make memories, spend time with friends and family, and enjoy the state's natural resources. Coinciding with the license waiver, some fishing clubs and organizations are hosting fishing clinics or activities on select waterways. The DNR also has loaner equipment available at some state properties. (check the DNR website for availability) While you don't need a license, anglers must still follow all other fishing regulations including size and bag limits. For those heading out, the DNR did offer a reminder to dress appropriately for the chilly weather in the forecast and remember no ice is 100% safe.Among gear to consider include a rescue rope, ice claws, a life jacket, and a cell phone in a waterproof case.

Published on 01/16/2026 under News Some of the fastest snowmobiles in the world are converging in the Northwoods for an iconic race weekend. World Championship Snowmobile racing at the classic ice oval in Eagle River is back for a 63rd edition. Following a successful Vintage Derby last week, the older sleds are making way for more powerful and contemporary machines over the next few days. In a typical year, tens of thousands of sled-heads travel to the Northwoods to not only take in the races but ride themselves bringing a much needed boost to the local economy. As we shared Thursday, the 'Ride with the Cup' tour has been passing through Northwoods communities. They're back at it again today, and are scheduled to arrive at the Derby track this evening, just in time for the opening ceremonies. Races continues across multiple classes, with the World Championship Race Sunday afternoon. This year's field features a number of past champions among the approximately 30 contenders. Last year saw a first time winner in Zach DeWald. The previous six Derbys were won between four-time winner Blaine Stephenson and two time winner Matt Goede.

Published on 01/16/2026 under News A pair of area middle school groups are teaming up with the Green Bay Packers to make their mark on their respective communities. At the start of the school year, middle-school student organizations were invited to develop a service project to help their school, neighborhood or surrounding community. Once the project proposals were submitted and reviewed, 10 projects ideas were selected to receive a Character Playbook Community Impact Grant. That included two local projects in Taylor County. • The Rib Lake Middle School Leadership Group will make a variety of accessible sporting equipment available at a community park, offering residents and visitors the opportunity to spend time together while getting active. • Medford Area Middle School students will distribute personal items and tabletop games to local assisted living and dementia care centers as part of their project called "Games and Goodies for the Greatest Generation."According to the announcement, the projects should be complete by the end of the school year.

Published on 01/16/2026 under News Nicolet College is looking to fill four seats on their nine-member board. That includes three terms that end on their regular cycle this summer, as well as a fourth that is a partial term. While it is currently spring election season, members of the Nicolet Board of Trustees are appointed. Some of the seats on the board have specific criteria as to who can hold them, two of the full-time seats, along with the partial term seat, are open to all eligible applicant. The third full-time seat is set aside for an elected official. Once the nomination period has closes, the potential candidates will have a public hearing in March. The selected candidates will begin serving July 1. The three full terms will run through 2029; the interim term through 2028. The nomination period is open through February 10. Application information is available on the Nicolet website.

Published on 01/15/2026 under News In addition to the mayoral and city council races, City of Tomahawk voters will also decide on a levy referendum this spring. At a special meeting Wednesday, the Tomahawk City Council voted unanimously to place a levy referendum on the April ballot. The City is seeking a 20% increase to the base levy, which amounts to approximately $276,000. It would result in an increase of $75 for a $100,000 property. The state restricts the ability of municipalities to increase their tax levy without voter approval. The decision in Tomahawk comes after several consecutive years of difficult budget decisions. During last week's Finance meeting, committee members highlighted how costs have outpaced the levy growth. With much of the discussion taking place at previous meetings, the resolution was approved with minimal discussion. Instead, last night's conversation focused on outreach ahead of the vote to explain why the city is seeking additional levy. They have already prepared a fact sheet that will sent out with utility bills and will be posted online. They also are planning to host public informational meetings, however they didn't not set those dates.

Published on 01/15/2026 under News The Heart of Vilas Bike Trail System has been travel destination for decades, and now they have statistics to show it's impact on the region. The Heart of Vilas was one of five participants in the Wisconsin Office of Outdoor Recreation; Do-It-Yourself Economic Impact Program. The summer study used surveys, infrared trail counters, and manual trail counts to gather data, while also working with local stakeholders. Based on the data collected, they estimate the Heart of Vilas Bike Trail System generated approximately $25.7 million for the area's economy last year. That's thanks to the more than 160,000 cyclists who rode the trail between May and September. Rider feedback showed nearly 60% came to the area specifically for the trail. On average, day visitors spent approximately $50; overnight trail users $287. Mary Jones, Executive Director of the Boulder Junction Chamber says "We know that tourism is the backbone of our economy here in the Northwoods, and outdoor recreation is the largest tourism driver. Participating in this economic impact study ... has allowed us to not only put a number on the economic impact of this multi-community asset, but also provided the opportunity to discover insightful information about the current trends..." The Heart of Vilas Bike Trail System is made up of over 52 miles of paved, off-road bike trails connecting the communities of St. Germain, Sayner, Boulder Junction, Manitowish Waters, and Mercer. Other participants in this year's study included Peninsula State Park, Olbrich Botanical Gardens, the Three Eagle Bike Trail, and Oconto County.

+ Read More

Sports Headlines

Hatchet Hockey Team Defeats Wisconsin Rapids

Published on 01/14/2026 under Sports The winning ways continued for Tomahawk Hockey Tuesday night as they would defeat fellow Division 1 opponent Wisconsin Rapids Lincoln at SARA Park, 5-2. After allowing the first goal in the first two minutes of the game, the Hatchets rolled off three in the first period to go ahead for good. Four different Hatchets found the back of the net. Jonah Dickens had two goals on the night. Jake Albert, Beau Stromberg, and Cole Peterson each scored. Tomahawk now stands at 12-3 on the season after the victory. The Hatchets have their fifth game in eight days coming up Thursday at SARA Park against Great Northern Conference foe Medford. Puck drop is at 7:00.

Published on 01/14/2026 under Sports The Hatchet girls' basketball squad would struggle at Great Northern Conference Powerhouse Mosinee Tuesday night, losing 68-20. Tomahawk would struggle offensively, putting up just four points in the first half. Anita Ziert led the way with ten points on the night, The Hatchets played their second game without starting guard Lizzy Long. The Hatchets fall to 8-4 on the season and 3-3 in Great Northern Conference play. Tomahawk heads back out on the road Friday night for another GNC Showdown at Medford. Tip-off is at 7:15.

Published on 01/14/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's boys basketball squad continued their rough season on the court Tuesday night, losing at home to Great Northern Conference foe Mosinee, 75-20. The Hatchets would struggle offensively, scoring just nine first half points. The loss drops Tomahawk to 2-9 on the season and 0-5 in Great Northern Conference action. The Hatchets are back at home Friday night to take on Great Northern Conference foe Medford. Tip is at 7:15.

Published on 01/14/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's female wrestlers came away with their second consecutive first-place scramble finish in back-to-back days at Edgar Tuesday night. The Hatchets came away with five first-place individual finishes. The top finishes came from Kylie Peissig, Abbie Rosenmeier, Lillian Taves, Cadence Thompson, and Aubrey Tollefson. The Hatchets now have three top-two finishes across four invites. The Hatchets travel to the other side of the state for a quad at Shawano Thursday. Events begin at 5:00.

Published on 01/14/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's hockey squad continued their undefeated stretch in Great Northern Conference play at SARA Park Monday with a dominating 8-0 victory over the Antigo Red Robins. After getting off to a slow start in the second period, the Hatchet offense picked up with seven goals in the final two. Jonah Dickens and Jett Reilly chipped in two goals a piece while Jake Albert and Brayden Lamer also found the back of the net. The win improves Tomahawk to 10-3 on the season and 6-0 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets turn right back around tonight and have a showdown with fellow Division I Sectional Opponent Wisconsin Rapids Lincoln at SARA Park. Alex Koch and Zach Garner are in the broadcast booth with the Fehrman Orthodontics Pregame Show at 6:35. Puck drop is at 7:00.

+ Read More

Current Weather

Quick Links

WJJQ Daily Features

5:00 until 10:00AM
Jeff in the Morning
Zach with the News

9:35AM
Monday - Friday
Morning Conversation

8:30am - 9:00am
Monday – Saturday
Trig’s Trading Mart
Call (715) 453-4481 to buy, sell, wanted, trade or help your neighbor.

Listen Live While On The Go!
Stream 92.5FM Live To Your Mobile Device.