WJJQ Radio

Local & Area News

Northland Stainless Leadership Excited for Sen. Baldwin Tour

Published on 08/23/2017 under News US Senator Tammy Baldwin has been traveling the state as part of a Made in America tour. We heard from a local manufacturing facility selected to be part of the tour. Samuel Pressure Vessel Group who, among their several Wisconsin facilities, operates Northland Stainless in Tomahawk. Samuel Spokesperson Sachin Shivaram said of the visit, "Senator Baldwin is a great advocate for protecting and growing manufacturing in the state." He continued, "We are thrilled to have this opportunity to sit down with her and share some insights and opinions about how (Samuel does) things and how the government may be able to help. Shivaram said he's particularly interested in ideas the Senator may have on developing apprenticeship programs that could benefit Samuel as well as other similar small to medium manufacturing facilities. Northland Stainless has operated here in Tomahawk since 1973 and employs more than 100 workers.

Published on 08/23/2017 under News There are numerous scenic drives here in the northwoods, but one route has now received an official designation. Yesterday, the Department of Transportation announced that the Nicolet-Wolf River Scenic Byway is now the 5th roadway in their Scenic Byway program. The 145 mile route travels through Forest, Langlade, Oneida and Vilas Counties. It's named for two of the nationally recognized resources within the area, the Nicolet National Forest and the Wolf River. The route travels through various communities along Highways 32, 52, and 55. WisDOT Secretary Dave Ross said, "This newest scenic byway is the result of individuals, local governments and organizations coming together to have a positive economic impact on their communities. Their efforts will provide travelers with a genuine Northwoods experience." In addition to the picturesque views, the route was also selected for the region's connection to tribal culture and the logging heritage. The DOT Scenic Byways program was established back in 2005. With the latest announcement, the program now features 5 regional routes. Other areas include Door County, Lake Superior, the Mississippi River and the Lower Wisconsin River.

Published on 08/23/2017 under News A Northwoods man charged with burglaries in two counties last year has reached another plea deal. Thirty four year old Robert Smith of Lac du Flambeau was in Oneida County Court for that hearing. Smith was one of two men arrested following an investigation into burglaries between Minocqua and Lac du Flambeau. Because the alleged break-ins occurred in multiple counties, the men faced charges in both Oneida and Vilas County Courts. In Oneida County, Smith was facing 12 felony burglary charges, as well as 35 misdemeanors for criminal damage to property, trespassing and theft. According to court records, Smith pleaded 'no contest' to 3 felony charges and two misdemeanors. In exchange, the remaining charges were dismissed but read in. Smith was then sentenced 4 years of prison and 5 years of extended supervision. That will run concurrent to his sentence in Vilas County on related charges. The men were also ordered to pay $3,400 in restitution.

Published on 08/23/2017 under News After more than 10 years leading the department, Wausau Police Chief Jeff Hardell officially announced his plans to retire early next year. Hardell was promoted to Chief back in 2006, but his experience with the Wausau Police Department dates back much further. He actually joined the force in 1980, dedicating 37 years to protecting the citizens of Wausau. The city's police and fire commission will have some time to find his successor, as Hardell will stay on through February 23 of next year according to yesterday's announcement.

Published on 08/23/2017 under News The DNR has opened a public review and comment period for the Northern Highland American Legion State Forest Master Plan. The 232,000 acre forest was established in 1925 to protect the headwaters of the Wisconsin, Flambeau and Manitowish Rivers. The existing master plan was approved in 2005. Since that time, the DNR notes that several trends in recreation participation, along with changes to the use and management of surrounding public lands, have placed different and new demands on the property. As a result, the proposed amendment will address those evolving needs and opportunities regarding recreation. This has been an ongoing process which has involved usage studies and surveys conducted by UW-Stevens Point in recent years, as well as the nearly 500 comments from the open house and comment periods this spring.. You can view the changes on the DNR website and also make comments through September 17.

Published on 08/23/2017 under News An Emmy winning group will be in the Northwoods this evening for another performance. The Nicolet Live! program at Nicolet College will host Tonic Sol-Fa. The Minneapolis-based quartet performed on the campus last fall as well. Their performance include originals arrangements along with familiar pop and gospel tunes. To show case their talents, there are no instruments needed for the a cappella group. The group has performed numerous times on television including national morning and late night talk shows. They've also shared the stage with an impressive list of performers from Lonestar to Weird Al. That show will be held in the Nicolet College Theatre this evening.

Published on 08/22/2017 under News A 29 year old Tomahawk man was arrested following a suspicious person investigation at a business in the Town of Merrill Friday afternoon. Upon arrival, Deputies noted the man showed signs of impairment. He was eventually taken into custody for a 4th offense OWI, obstructing an officer and 4 counts of bail jumping. A 22 year old Merrill man was taken into custody after his vehicle left the roadway late Friday. The deputy investigated that incident at around 10pm on Highway JJ. The driver displayed signs of intoxication and was eventually cited for a first offense of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. A 53 year old Tomahawk man was arrested early Saturday morning. The deputy initially stopped the driver along State Rd. 86 at just after 1am for a failure to turn on his headlights. The man was eventually cited for a 3rd offense operating while intoxicated. A 36 year old Gleason man was arrested Sunday afternoon after deputies responded to a disturbance in the Town of Schley. At just past 4pm, a caller reported an intoxicated man was causing issues at the residence. The suspect was arrested on misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct, criminal damage to property and bail jumping. After a brief drop during the summer months, the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office is again cautioning motorists to be on the look out for deer. In their weekly report, they noted that the deer are becoming more active leading to the number of car deer crashes remaining high in recent weeks. They not that majority of the crashes are being reported in the early morning hours shortly after day break.

Published on 08/22/2017 under News The Powerball jackpot continues to grow with no weekend winner, but several large sum winning tickets were sold right here in the Northwoods this past weekend. According to the lottery association, there were three Wisconsin tickets that matched four of five numbers along with the Powerball in Saturday's drawing. Two were sold locally. One ticket was purchased at Krist Food Mart in Minocqua. Whoever holds that ticket won $50,000. A second northwoods ticket, purchased at the Antigo BP North, also chose the Power Play option raising their winning total to $200,000. Neither winner had come forward as of yesterday afternoon. The winners have 180 days to claim their prize. As for that jackpot, it grows to $650 million for Wednesday. Lottery director Cindy Polzin put that in a Wisconsin perspective noting that's enough to buy every Wisconsinite 25 bags of cheese curds while still having $3 million left over.

+ Read More Tomahawk Police Report

Published on 08/22/2017 under News Officers were contacted regarding damage caused at a motel room. They were able to reach the Neillsville woman believed responsible. After police contact, the two parties intended to work out the situation civilly. A South Tomahawk Avenue resident reported a bicycle taken from their property over the weekend. Officers were called to a residence for an altercation, with the initial report that an individual was struck in the face. After speaking with the parties involved, officers determined the incident was verbal. No further police action was taken and the officer provided one of the individuals a ride to another location for the evening. Two individuals reported that their vehicles had been scratched, each accusing the other. The officer observed the scratches and determined the first was not consistent with vandalism. The other individual then admitted to keying the second vehicle in retaliation. He was cited for criminal damage to property. During the investigation, the other individual was cited for possession of THC and drug paraphernalia.

Published on 08/22/2017 under News Veterans in Lincoln County are benefiting from a unique fundraiser run by a couple in southeastern Wisconsin. As we briefly mentioned in last week's County Board recap, the supervisors accepted a donation from Maurice and Jackie Nolden. The couple raise money through the sale of their 'Nolden Vet Bugs.' As explained to the board by Lincoln County Service Officer Rick Wolf, the Prairie du Sac couple create these decorative statues out of watering devices reclaimed from old farms. The lawn decorations measure about a foot across (2' with the legs) and are painted to replicate bugs. The one Wolf had as a display was fashioned into a lady bug. The Nolden's sell their decorations with 100% of the proceeds going to Veteran Organizations across the state. Wolf explained that the pair had sold more than 4,000 bugs raising more than $100,000 overall. Last week's donation to the local Veteran's Service Office came in at $700.

Published on 08/22/2017 under News US Senator Tammy Baldwin will be right here in Tomahawk to tour a local manufacturing facility. According to Samuel Pressure Vessel Group, Sen. Baldwin will be making a stop at their Northland Stainless facility. The factory, in operation here in Tomahawk since 1973, produces pressure vessels which are utilized in chemical, pharmaceutical, bio-tech, food and paper industries. The local facility focuses on custom fabrication. The announcement says that Baldwin will meet with executives, tour the facility and speak with some of the more than 100 employees here at the Tomahawk facility. We'll have more on that visit coming up tomorrow.

Published on 08/22/2017 under News Today has been declared Wisconsin Main Street Day. As part of the celebration, various elected officials and members of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. have stops scheduled across the state to celebrate Main Street programs and downtown revitalization efforts. According to the announcement, they are highlighting the important role downtown business districts play in Wisconsin's economy. Twelve officials stops have been planned stretching from Ashland to Milwaukee; DePere to LaCrosse. That includes a stop in Wausau this morning. The Wausau event will include Lt. Gov Rebecca Kleefisch.. She'll be joined by city officials to make an announcement regarding future plans for Downtown Grocery. The building was destroyed in a September 2015 fire. The owners had relocated to the mall, as their former location has undergone renovations.

Published on 08/21/2017 under News A local legislator is again looking to open mining in Wisconsin. Late last week, state senator Tom Tiffany, along with Rep. Rob Hutton of Brookfield introduced a bill they've titled the Mining For America Act. Tiffany said, "Our neighbors, Minnesota and Michigan have placed their shovels in the dirt of America's future. It is Wisconsin's turn to do the same." The bill would lift the nearly 20 year moratorium the legislature previously put in place. In the announcement, the two noted that Wisconsin has mining laws in place and the state can mine in a responsible way. Shortly after the announcement, conservation groups quickly voiced opposition including the Sierra Club which called the legislation the "Mining Giveaway Bill."

Published on 08/21/2017 under News A Tomahawk man was injured in a single vehicle crash in Lincoln County last evening. The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office says that accident happened at just before 8pm on County Road CC near Tomahawk. They found the vehicle had left the roadway and rolled. The driver, a 50 year old Tomahawk man was transported to a local hospital before being airlifted to Marshfield. He was listed in stable condition as of this morning. Investigating deputies say that alcohol was a factor in the crash and as a result, cited the man for a first offense OWI and operating without insurance.

Published on 08/21/2017 under News The school year is right around the corner and after this weekend some Tomahawk students are set with supplies for the year. The Tomahawk Kinship program once again hosted their Back to School, Backpack Supply distribution at their end of summer picnic yesterday. Each year the Kinship program provides grade appropriate supplies in new backpacks prior to the start of the school year. Patti Hilgendorf with Kinship joined Jeff on the Morning forum earlier this month. She noted that this gives students the "right tools to learn when they get to class." Hilgendorf says they have 72 Kinship kids currently in the program. Over the past few weeks, the organization has had tags with grade specific supplies needed for the upcoming year. They turned to the community to purchase or donate the supplies, with their group rounding out the remaining items. New this year, the Kinship program partnered with the Vineyard Church as Hilgendorf noted that they held overlapping events which sometimes lead to the doubling up of supplies for some families.

+ Read More