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Car Fire in Town of Scott Published on 02/17/2017 under News

The Merrill Fire Department was called a vehicle fire Thursday morning on Brandenburg Avenue in the Town of Scott. According to their report, when crews arrive the fire was out with only a few hot spots smoldering. They said that the car is a total loss. No injuries were reported.

In Other News

Anglers Prepare for Another Fishing Season Opener

Published on 05/02/2025 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 24; while the small-mouth bass harvest begins June 21. Whether catching for a meal, landing a trophy mount, or just spending a relaxing day out on the water; there are plenty of reasons to fish. The state has a long tradition of fishing and the numbers bare that out. Statistics show around a million fishing licenses are sold every year. And while there are a lot of anglers, there are also a lot of waterways to fish with 15,000 lakes and 42,000 miles of streams and rivers. Earlier this year, the DNR launched their Wisconsin Fishing Finder, a comprehensive resource for anglers in Wisconsin. The natural fish population is strong, the DNR and their partners enhance the state fishery through stocking programs like the Wisconsin Walleye Initiative which added 1.2 million fingerlings of Wisconsin's most popular fish. 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. 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 05/02/2025 under News A pudgy pine warbler and rotund ruby-throated hummingbird are among feathered friends competing in a statewide contest to celebrate healthy birds and migration. The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin and Save Our Songbirds are bringing back their Fat Bird Week for a second year. The Foundation notes 'a fat bird is a healthy bird' and the contest 'celebrates and spotlights the amazing journey our migratory birds make to get back to Wisconsin.' Eight fat bird photos were selected to face off in the bracket style tournament which will be decided by fan vote. The foundation was inspired by the organizers of the popular Fat Bear Week in Alaska which celebrates bears bulking up for winter hibernation. The group notes that some species of bird will actually double their weight ahead of migration. And for year-round Wisconsin birds, the extra heft can keep them warm in the chilly winter. While many people call birds "fat," they are often referring to is the fluffiness of the feathers. While the contest is all in good fun, it also serves as inspiration to create a more bird-friendly back yard by focusing on native plants to provide nutritious meals for birds. The voting will take place over the next week, and we'll include a link in the online version of the story.

Published on 05/02/2025 under News A signing ceremony is common when a High School athlete commits to a college. One area district recognizes all students for their post-graduation plans. On Thursday morning, the Rhinelander School District hosted Senior Signing Day to celebrate each students unique journey. The gym was filled with students, families and community members as the Hodag Class of 2025 announced their future plans whether attending a four year college, a tech school, joining the military, or entering the workforce. The event was organized by Lexi Allen, the district's College and Career Counselor She explained, "This day is all about recognizing every student's path and showing them that their hard work and dreams matter — whether they're headed to college, the military, or straight into a career." Following the ceremony, the district also hosted a college fair for underclassmen to connect with representatives and explore future options. And for younger students, the district also hosted their "Careers on Wheels" day. Elementary students got an up close look at various jobs that work with heavy equipment from tractors to cranes to emergency vehicles.

Published on 05/02/2025 under News Fluoride addition in the City of Tomahawk will likely remain a discussion point for city leaders going forward. The Tomahawk Board of Public Works met Tuesday for the first time since the results of an advisory referendum in April, and short discussion followed. City voters recommended the city resume fluoride being added to the city water supply. The vote was 579 in favor and 519 opposed. Fluoridation of municipal water is common, and done to improve oral health and reduce cavities. Recently, it has become a politicized topic, though the elimination in Tomahawk last fall came from a different conversation entirely. The decision was made after discussions related to corrosion in the city's chemical storage building. A new storage location would likely be required, and a rough estimate provided at Tuesday's meeting was between $550,000 and $800,000. Alderman Ding Bartz raised the question of how the previous arrangements and building design were approved by the project engineer and the DNR. He suggested the city should get to the bottom of that issue, though acknowledged that will take some time. No immediate action was taken at Tuesday's meeting.

Published on 05/02/2025 under News A third person has been sentenced on drug distribution charges in connection with an investigation in Marathon County. The US attorney's Office for the Western District of Wisconsin announced the sentencing of Jessica Colby of Stratford. The 29 year old previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. She was ordered to serve 2.5 years in federal prison followed by three years supervised release. Investigators identified Colby as a facilitator in a group distributing large quantities of meth and cocaine in Northern Wisconsin. During the investigation, officers recovered large amounts of drugs and evidence in Colby's home during a search. According to the news release, Colby picked up and delivered bulk shipments of drugs and made payments to suppliers. In addition, Colby admitted to having her own drug customers. In sentencing, Judge William Conley weighed the large quantities of drugs involved in this case, with Colby's lack of prior criminal record. Colby becomes the third person sentenced as part of this investigation. A fourth, Joshua Lake, has also pleaded guilty and will be sentenced in early June.

Published on 05/01/2025 under News The fishing opener just a few days away, and anglers are going over their final fishing checklists. Local law enforcement are reminding folks to check trailers as well. For many, opening of fishing weekend will be the first time to launch their boats this year. Before pulling out of the driveway, it's a good idea to do a quick inspection of the trailer. Areas to focus on include making sure the tires are good shape, and the lights are working properly. The ball and hitch assembly should be the same size and latch securely. As a back up, utilize the safety chains; crisscrossing them under the tongue of the trailer to prevent the it from bouncing should disconnection occur. And make sure anything being stored in the boat during transport is properly secured to avoid life jackets, tackle boxes, coolers, or other gear from being blown out onto the road and creating a hazard for other travelers. In addition to a safety inspection, the DNR often reminds anglers to check trailers, boats, and props for aquatic invasive species as well.

Published on 05/01/2025 under News Today is the National Day of Prayer and several Northwoods groups are among those hosting events today. The formal observance of a National Day of Prayer came from President Harry Truman in 1952. It's now held annually on the first Thursday in May. The goal is to allow participants, regardless of faith or denomination to bring unity to their community and share a common focus while praying for all. National organizers estimate some 30,000 observances around the country will be held. That includes right here in Tomahawk, where the Associated Clergy of Tomahawk will once again team up to hold a ceremony in Veteran's Memorial Park. They said their theme of the program is "Be Joyful in Hope." In addition to clergy, the program will also feature the Honor Guard and students from St. Marys. It's scheduled to begin at 10:30am; attendees are encouraged to bring along a chair. And following the program, attendees are invited to participate in their "Prayer Walk." The group will make there way through the community to pray for residents and businesses. Rhinelander is holding a similar event outside the Oneida County Courthouse getting underway at noon.

Published on 05/01/2025 under News Wisconsin Public Service is warning its customers about a sudden increase in scam phone call. According to the warning,the scammers are using familiar tactics, posing as a WPS employee and threatening customers with disconnection if an immediate payment is not made. The utility provider says customers across their service area in Northern Wisconsin have seen an uptick in these scam calls this week. Scammers request customers provide banking information or send money using unusual payment methods. This includes crypto, pre-paid cards, and third-party money transfer apps. Among the tips WPS offered, "Follow your instincts." If a call, email, or text seems suspicious; hang up or delete. They said: "It's not rude; it's safe." Customers can verify their account and bill status by using the phone number on your bill.

Published on 05/01/2025 under News Over the past two weeks, County Deer Advisory Councils have been meeting around the state, proposing deer herd management and season structures for the upcoming season. Those meeting are winding down, and Lincoln County is on the docket for tonight. Each county in Wisconsin has its own CDAC, and each spring develop recommendations for antlerless harvest goals, tag availability and season options. CDAC recommendations are reviewed and set each year so they can be adjusted in response to the previous year's deer harvest, winter severity and other population factors. This year, the Northern Forest Zone recommendations will be based on habitat-based deer management units rather than county line boundaries. The Lincoln County meeting is scheduled for 7pm at the Lincoln County Service Center in Merrill. Once each county has made their recommendations, they'll be sent on to the Natural Resources Board for their final approval.

Published on 05/01/2025 under News A man charged in connection with a police standoff in Langlade County two year ago was ordered to serve nine years in prison after reaching a plea deal. According to court records, Roger Houghton Jr. of Nekoosa was back in court. The 43 year old was set to go to trial next week, but reached a plea agreement. Charges were the result of an incident that occurred at a home in Antigo in June of 2023. A woman initially reported a domestic incident, and upon arrival law enforcement learned of children in the home. Communicating with negotiators, Houghton eventually released everyone, but remained in the home until the following morning. He eventually surrendered and was taken into custody. Houghton was initially facing 12 charges, but court records show he pleaded 'no contest' to three counts: kidnapping; threatening a law enforcement officer; and disorderly conduct-domestic abuse as a repeat offender. The remaining charges were dismissed, but considered during sentencing. Following the plea agreement, the case moved into sentencing. Judge John Rhode ordered Houghton serve nine years of initial confinement followed by ten years of extended supervision.

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