WJJQ Radio

Local & Area News

WPS Planning Work at Merrill Hydroelectric Facility, Month-Long Closure of Nearby Recreation Spots

Published on 05/07/2024 under News For the second time in a week, we've got some maintenance work on an area dam to pass along. Wisconsin Public Service announced a maintenance and safety project on their hydroelectric power plant in Merrill. The project will result in the temporary closure of some of the recreation areas surrounding the facility. WPS says they will be repaving and installing new asphalt in areas around the hydroelectric facility's powerhouse and substation to ensure WPS employees can continue to safely access the facility going forward. Due to this work, for the next month or so, they will temporarily close some of the nearby recreation areas. This includes the fishing pier downstream of the dam, as well as a short segment of the River Bend Trail. To accommodate trail users, they'll establish an alternative route. They'll post signs near the trail, as well as at the fishing pier with the closure information. According to WPS, the project is getting underway this week, and they hope to finish the work by early June. WVIC Working on Lake Nokomis Dam Last week, we told you about a similar, but separate project on the dam on Lake Nokomis. WVIC will be completing a summer-long maintenance project. As part of the preparation work, the Nokomis Drive Boat Landing will be temporarily closed this week from Wednesday to Friday.

Published on 05/07/2024 under News A recent class project at Tomahawk High School will soon be showing up on store shelves. One of the benefits of the newest tech. ed. curriculum is the opportunity for students to gain real-world experience including some of the business aspects. The Enterprise Wood Products course at THS did just that. According to the district, this project began earlier in the school year, when the students set out to design a product, create a prototype, and pitch it to a local business in the hopes of creating a business partnership. The students came up with a hatchet-shaped cribbage board, and Standard Mercantile agreed to the partnership including selling the cribbage boards. Beyond the mass production which including the students using the modern manufacturing equipment, the lessons also include design and prototyping, cost-benefit analysis, preparation, production, and efficiency. Those interested in purchasing the student cribbage boards, they'll be available at Standard Mercantile on Main Street.

Published on 05/07/2024 under News A Northwoods community is keeping a promotion launched earlier this year to help businesses impacted by the mild winter. Back in February, the Eagle River Chamber of Commerce created a Chamber Bucks Drawing to incentive both residents and tourists to spend at local businesses. Known as the Snowmobile Capital of the World, the community was hit especially hard by the lack of snow which kept the trails closed all season. Other popular attractions include the Ice Castle and the Pond Hockey Tournament were casualties due the weather. With a successful trial run, Chamber Director Kim Emerson announced plans to keep the raffle drawing through the end of the year. She says they were very thankful for all of the support of local businesses, and wanted to continue to bring business to their members throughout the year. As for entry, it's quite simple. People who spend money at an Eagle River Chamber business, whether a product, service, or experience, can bring their receipt to the Chamber to be entered for a chance to win one of four $25 Chamber Bucks certificates each month. The drawings will be held on the first Monday of each month through December. The next drawing is scheduled for June 3.

Published on 05/07/2024 under News A Nicolet student recently earned high marks in a business competition against other students in the Wisconsin Technical College System. Business Management student Katelyn Abbot traveled to Lakeshore Technical College to compete in the New Ideas Regional Pitch Contest. The participants were tasked with with establishing a business concept. Abbott's idea was for Blondie's Bakery in Rhinelander, offering dairy-free, gluten-free, and allergy-free baked goods made with local and organic ingredients. Her idea and presentation earned her a second place finish. She said of the high marks, "My jaw dropped, and I couldn't believe it when I heard my name. I was so happy." She was also quick to credit the student-organization, DECA; her Nicolet classwork and instructor Curt Drumm. Abbott was joined at the event by another Nicolet student John Krueger who pitched a concept for a hydroponic produce business. Nicolet College was also selected to host next year's competition. Photo provided by Nicolet: Students John Krueger and Katelyn Abbott, pictured with Curt Drumm, business management/entrepreneurship instructor, recently competed in the New Ideas Regional Pitch Contest at Lakeshore Technical College.

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.

+ Read More