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Hearing on Use of Pepper Spray, Solitary Confinement at Lincoln Hills

Published on 06/22/2017 under News MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A federal judge is set to hear evidence in a case seeking to halt the use of solitary confinement, pepper spray and the shackling of inmates at Wisconsin's troubled youth prisons. The hearing Thursday before U.S. District Judge James Peterson comes in a lawsuit filed against the state Department of Corrections by the American Civil Liberties Union and the Juvenile Law Center. They are asking the judge to temporarily ban the disciplinary tactics at the Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake prisons while its lawsuit challenging them as unconstitutional proceeds. Attorneys asked the judge to close the hearing when videos are shown that reveal the identities of young inmates as they are pepper sprayed. A coalition of media outlets and groups was objecting to closing the hearing to show the videos.

Published on 06/22/2017 under News Thanks to our friends in the Brantwood area, our listeners are familiar with the 100 year Finish Independence Celebration in 2017. Coming up today, a business in the Merrill area is hosting a unique traveling Finnish experience. While not created there, perhaps one of the most familiar Finnish products is the sauna. This afternoon Metsa Machines is hosting a traveling sauna known as Sisu. For the independence celebration, Sisu and its groups are touring the country. They began back in January in the Twin Cities, and have already traveled up the Pacific Coast this spring. They're here in Wisconsin in June including today's stop in Merrill. According to their website, Mesta Machines was established in Central Wisconsin last year with the goal of importing and distributing quality Finnish products & equipment. President Patrick Taylor said they were happy to host Sisu and help celebrate Finnish independence as many of their products are built in Finland. The event will be held from 1pm to 7pm today at N1271 State Hwy 64 & 107 – guests can head west out of Merrill on Highway 64 and watch for the signs.

Published on 06/22/2017 under News June is Invasive Species Awareness Month and several local groups are hoping to increase public awareness and remind citizens to take simple steps to help prevent the introduction or spread of invasives. One of those groups is the Oneida County Aquatic Invasive Species Program. They noted that invasive species are primarily spread by human activity, and its often unintentionally. They can attach to footwear, dog fur, tires or wood products, garnering the nickname hitchhikers. Examples of invasive species in Oneida County and the larger northwoods area are: Emerald ash borer, Phragmites, Garlic mustard, Yellow flag iris, Purple loosestrife, Chinese mystery snails and Rusty crayfish. The group said that prevention and early intervention are the most efficient and cost effective approaches and offered a few tips. First up, clean and inspect when traveling to a new area. That includes hiking boots, outdoor gear, boats, trailers, and construction machines. Never release aquarium fish, exotic animals or live bait. Finally, learn to identify invasive species in your area and report sightings to your County Land and Water Conservation Department or the DNR.

Published on 06/22/2017 under News One person was injured from an explosion inside a silo in Marathon County last evening. According to the Marathon County Sheriff's Office news release, that incident happened at just before 7pm in the Township of Emmet. Officials determined that several individuals were clearing brush from the property and placed it in the silo to be burned. They said that gasoline was added to the pile within the concrete silo to assist in starting the fire. Investigators believe the fumes from the gasoline created a dangerous fuel to air mixture inside. The Sheriff's Office says an 18 year old male from Illinois was injured by the explosion and was transported to a nearby hospital. He was listed in fair condition.

Published on 06/21/2017 under News Music on the River returns to Tomahawk this evening for nearly two months of weekly live bands in Memorial Park. This is actually the 10th year for the event, and to celebrate the organizers have expanded to seven shows. Outside of the added show and a rotating line-up the 2017 concert series will be much like year's past. That includes the annual WJJQ Community Cookout to kick of the series tonight. Our staff will be joined by other community members in serving up brats, hot dogs, chips and soda. That's all in the lead up to Led West taking the stage. The six piece band plays an ecletic mix of favorites from classic country and rock to modern favorites. As an example their catalog includes: Elvis and Johnny Cash to Clapton and Skynrd to Bruno Mars and Zach Brown Band. Perhaps the best part of Music on the River, however, is that the event is free. Serving gets underway at 4:30 with music to begin at 6pm, all at Memorial Park here in Tomahawk.

Published on 06/21/2017 under News While the US Supreme Court tackles Wisconsin's redistricting, the topic continues to be discussed at the Lincoln County Board. Earlier this year, the Lincoln County Board passed an advisory resolution requesting the state legislature explore a nonpartisan board to complete redistricting. That resolution was brought by Supervisor Hans Brietenmoser. Last night he updated the board on what other counties are doing with that same document. He says that 16 other counties have passed similar resolutions and he believed another half dozen others are considering it. Also at last night's meeting, the board voted 16-4 to prepare the resolution for the Wisconsin Counties Association annual convention. Of course, the redistricting process ultimately lies in the hands of the state legislature and that decision by the Supreme Court this fall. County Board June Recap It was a lengthy Lincoln County Board meeting last evening, with numerous resolutions and ordinances to vote upon. The meeting actually began with an update on the vacant district 4 supervisor seat. With no candidates showing interest, that was pushed to the next meeting. In one unanimous vote, the board appointed or re-appointed 14 individuals to various county and regional committees. Finance director Dan Leydet had nothing new to add on the year to date budget, and said his department is just getting in the preliminary 2018 budgets from department heads. He noted that there is still a lot of work to be done. Without much discussion, the board approved a resolution accepting and thanking the Biermann Family Foundation for a gift to the Sheriff's Office for an armored rescue vehicle with an 18-2 vote. Concerned over the continued arming of law enforcement and the current national atmosphere, Bill Zeitz opposed, echoed by Paul Gilk. The DoT did not approve a jurisdictional transfer request of an 0.8 mile stretch of County S to the City of Tomahawk. As a result the board rescinded a previous resolution proposing the transfer. A last minute resolution was added at the request of Price County to submit a project proposal for the County YY bridge which is shared by the two counties. A pair of staffing changes were made in social services including adding an additional social worker. Director Renee Krueger explained the necessity due to an increase of referrals. There were three votes on topics related to the sale of tax delinquent properties in the county. The first two amended the current county policy to 'modernize' the ordinance that was written more than 15 years ago. The third resolution was the longest discussion of the night. It was a request that the state legislature explore a policy which allows a delinquent land owner to reclaim their property up to three years following a sale. Loretta Baughan who introduced the resolution explained that loophole may discourage people from purchasing these properties. After discussions on the topic and potentially sending it back to committee, it was ultimately approved 19-1. The last three items involved zoning. The first two were described as housekeeping as the county updates their shore land and floodplain zoning to comply with state changes. The third involved a standard rezoning request for a property in the Town of Harding. Each was approved unanimously with minimal discussion.

Published on 06/21/2017 under News Among the items on a busy day for the state assembly in Madison is a bill that would relax deer baiting bans. We first told you about that legislation when it was in the senate earlier this month. It would impose a 3 year ban on baiting when a positive Chronic Wasting test is determined, with a 2 year ban for neighboring counties. Currently Oneida, Vilas and Forest Counties have a baiting ban from a 2015 test. The senate already passed the bill. With assembly approval it would head to the governor for his signature.

Published on 06/21/2017 under News An Eagle River man will have his photograph featured in an upcoming Great Lakes Calendar. The DNR recently announced the winners of their 9th annual Great Lakes Photo contest. Overall, they said the contest received more than 250 entries in 6 featured categories. According to the announcement, Scott Pearson of Eagle River was a runner up in the Cultural and Historical Features category. His photo was of the Stewart J. Cort barge in Superior. As a result, his photo will appear as the featured picture for the month of December. In addition to the photos, the competition also included a poetry contest with submissions featured in the calendars. The DNR says calendars will be available at various Great Lakes events and at lake shore state parks, as well as regional DNR offices.

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Published on 06/20/2017 under News While investigating a separate matter, officers learned that a 53 year old male had been consuming alcohol, a violation of his probation. A positive test confirmed alcohol consumption and the man was taken into custody. On Friday evening, officers made contact with a 27 year old Tomahawk man who had an open bond through Marathon County. He was taken into custody as a result. A woman reported that her vehicle had been keyed while parked in a business parking lot. A man discovered that his vehicle, which had been parked for several weeks, had the window broken with a rock. He did not find anything appeared missing. A business reported a shoplifting complaint over the weekend. Items were located in the woman's purse, and returned to the store.

Published on 06/20/2017 under News The Tomahawk Powwow Days Celebration is right around the corner and planning is in full swing. From the Lion's cookout to the Kwahamot ski show, everyone has their favorite traditions. That also includes the annual North for the Fourth T-shirts... and Tomahawk Main Street has now unveiled this year's design. The cartoon depicts a fun version annual water fights with various food and fun caught up in the stream of water. Of course the design is based on the firefighter display occurs each year on Main Street following the parade. While the T-shirts have dated back 40 years, Main Street Director Michelle Kennedy Hogan noted the Water Fight Tradition is more than 90 years old. The shirts will be available at a variety of Tomahawk locations and are also available to be ordered on the Tomahawk Main Street website.

Published on 06/20/2017 under News It appears as though Lincoln County will be on the receiving end of another generous donation from the Bierman Family Foundation. That's according to a resolution on tonight's County Board agenda accepting and thanking the Foundation for another grant. The resolution describes the gift as $305,000 to for the purchase of an armored rescue vehicle. That vehicle would be utilized by the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office. It's part of a busy June meeting for the Lincoln County Board with 8 resolutions and 5 ordinances on the docket. That meeting gets underway at 6pm at the service center in Merrill.

Published on 06/20/2017 under News A stormy June has continued one of the wettest springs in recent memory. That has lead to excessive water and fast currents, and the DNR is once again reminding the public to think safety. DNR Chief Conservation Warden Todd Schaller says Wisconsin is known for its rivers and lakes, making summer a prime time for water fun. However, he says, with it comes summer storms and ever-changing water conditions that need to be on all water enthusiasts' radar. He says, "A top and quick water safety tip is to always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life vest. The old bulky orange ones of years gone by today are replaced by comfortable versions." Adding, "Wearing one just might save your life." Schaller also advises to take the time to check local water conditions before swimming, boating or paddling. Good places to check are DNR offices, local bait shops, sporting goods stores or U.S. Geological Survey, too. "These recent storms also have been packing big winds that have pushed trees and other debris in the water," Schaller said. "The floating debris is another danger to keep watch for."

Published on 06/20/2017 under News While summer break is in full swing, that doesn't mean area students aren't still in the class room. Districts across the area are offering various summer courses. That includes here in Tomahawk, where the summer school program continues to grow. Elementary principal Penny Antell told the school board at their meeting last week that they had just shy of 400 students participating in the various courses this year. While there is often a connotation that summer school is for students behind in their studies, many of these classes cover some more fun activities such as active living and healthy eating. They also help with preventing what is known as summer learning loss, where students remain out of the classroom for several months and take time to adjust back to classes in the fall. The Tomahawk Summer School program runs through the end of the month.

Published on 06/19/2017 under News Officials have released additional information on a fatal crash that occurred near Tomahawk over the weekend. That crash occurred Saturday evening at just after 5 pm on Highway 51 south of County L in the town of Nokomis. The Oneida County Sheriff's Office says the collision involved a motorcycle and an automobile. The operator of the motorcycle died as a result of the accident. He has now been identified as Kevin Chiapuzio of Ironwood, Michigan. He was 47 years old. A second individual was transported to an area hospital. That person's condition was not updated. The crash remains under investigation.

Published on 06/19/2017 under News A Tomahawk bus driver is facing multiple charges after allegedly seeking inappropriate contact with a teen. James Schmit appeared in Lincoln County Court Friday. The 51 year old is facing three charges including:child enticement, stalking and abduction of a child. The alleged incidents happened on the last day of school. The criminal complaint states that Schmit did not immediately drop the student off at her home, but instead tried to get her to come to his house. The alleged incident lasted just under an hour before the girl was brought to her home. At Friday's hearing, bond was set at $100,000. Additional court dates will be scheduled at a hearing next week. In a letter to parents, Tomahawk District administrator Terry Reynolds stated: "We have also been assured by the Tomahawk Bus Company that the driver in question will never transport students again." He called the news upsetting and assured parents that each bus driver undergoes a background check. He says they will continue to work with the local bus company to ensure student safety at all times.

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