WJJQ Radio

Story Details

Man Injured in ATV/UTV Crash in Lincoln County Published on 05/29/2017 under News One man was injured in an ATV crash in Harrison yesterday morning.

The Sheriff's Office says that crash involved an ATV and UTV at just before 11am. The machines were both operating on a trail south of Gouda Road. The initial investigation showed that a northbound ATV struck the southbound UTV head on.

Both the operator and passenger of the ATV were thrown from the machine and into the windshield of the UTV. The operator of the ATV sustained non-life threatening injuries while the passenger was not injured. Both were wearing helmets.

The occupants of the UTV were both wearing seat belts and were uninjured.

The Sheriff's Office noted that the driver of the ATV will be cited for operating in a careless manner.

In Other News

Rhinelander Kiwanis Unveil Hodag Park Playground/Splash Pad Project

Published on 04/26/2024 under News Hodag Park in Rhinelander could be getting a makeover thanks to a community organization and some local generosity. This week, the Rhinelander Kiwanis announced plans to build a brand new 13,000 square foot playground, along with a 3,000 square foot splash pad at Hodag Park. Kiwanian Brandon Karaba is spearheading the project. He said, "The Kiwanis mission has always been to give back to the children in the Rhinelander community, this is a project that so many kids will be able to use for many years to come." The project carries a $1.6 million price tag, and they've launched a fundraising campaign. The good news...thanks to private donations and local business support they're nearly half way there. Those that would like to contribute can do so through the Rhinelander Community Foundation. Karaba says if they hit some of their fundraising targets by summer($1.1 million), they could install the playground this fall and begin site prep for the splash pad work next spring. Karaba said, "We are very excited to put this project together... This community deserves it and without all of them, we couldn't get it done." People can follow along on the Kwaninis of Rhinelander Facebook page for project and fundraising updates.

Published on 04/26/2024 under News The expansion of sustainability continues in the Northwoods, and several local businesses were recently selected to receive funding for solar projects. As part of Earth Week festivities, Rural Development Wisconsin State Director Julie Lassa announced 19 clean energy projects in Wisconsin will receive funding through the US Department of Agricultural Rural Energy for America program. Lassa said, "(This) announcement showcases the variety of rural people and businesses using programs like the Rural Energy for America Program to save money on their energy costs that can then be reinvested in their operations. This not only strengthens their business but helps sustain and build the local economy." Three businesses in Lincoln County will receive funding to install solar arrays: •Daigle Brothers Inc. in Tomahawk will use a $341,850 grant to install a small solar electric array. The project is expected to save $24,463 per year. It will replace 437,991 kilowatt hours (100 percent of the business's energy use) per year, which is enough energy to power 40 homes. •Foley's Forest Products LLC in Tomahawk will use a $29,880 grant to install a small solar electric array. The project is expected to save the small business $3,637 per year. It will replace 30,060 kilowatt hours (31 percent of the business's energy use) per year, which is enough energy to power two homes. •Andy Pagel Ginseng Farms LLC in Merrill will use a $16,072 grant to install a small solar electric array. This project is expected to save the rural ag producer $2,008 per year. It will replace 11,261 kilowatt hours (kWh) (64 percent of the business's energy use) per year, which is enough energy to power one home. In all, the 19 recipients will share in $2.8 million. While most of the grants were earmarked for solar, others went towards green investments such as energy efficient farm equipment.

Published on 04/26/2024 under News Each year the Friends of Council Grounds put in many hours to ensure people continue to enjoy the state park here in Lincoln County. This spring and summer, they're recruiting volunteers to participate in four 'Friend for a Day' events. The first coming up Saturday in coordination with the DNR's Work-Play-Earth Day activities. Ahead of the event, we heard from Paul Thomas, president of the Friends group. He said they're looking for families, clubs, business employee groups or organizations to assist with clearing branches and other debris from park trails, picnic areas and campsites while also picking up litter in those spaces. You don't have to be a 'Friends' member to participate, and there is no commitment to join. They'll be meeting at the park entrance at 9am Saturday morning to hand out assignments. Thomas recommends dressing accordingly with good shoes, a pair of gloves and tick protection. Park admission fees will be waived for volunteers, and they are encouraged to stick around and enjoy the park once the morning's work is finished. For those that can't attend tomorrow, they' have 3 additional 'Friend for a Day' projects scheduled later this year.

Published on 04/26/2024 under Sports Tomahawk's track and field squads had top-three finishes in the Eagle Relays at Northland Pines Thursday. The Hatchet girls had another impressive showing, placing second behind just the host. Tomahawk had three first-place finishes, coming from the 4x1600 meter relays, the 4x100 meter throwers, and the 4000 meter distance relays. The Hatchet boys placed third overall, finishing behind just the host and Rhinelander. The boys' top finish was in the 4000 meter distance relay. The next meet for Tomahawk is Tuesday when they travel to Three Lakes.

Published on 04/26/2024 under Sports Tomahawk's softball squad was shut out in Mosinee Thursday afternoon for the second time this season, losing 9-0. The Hatchets were much more competitive, but still came out on the wrong side of the result. The loss drops Tomahawk to 7-7 on the season and 2-4 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets will be back in action Monday for the first of two games in back-to-back days against Lakeland.

Published on 04/26/2024 under Sports Tomahawk's baseball squad was no-hit by Lakeland for the second straight game, losing at home 7-0. The Hatchets were no-hit in 12 innings against the T-Birds pitchers Ben Peterson and Drew Warren. The loss drops Tomahawk to 1-9 on the season and 1-5 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets will try to get back in the win column Monday against GNC foe Mosinee. Tune in for the broadcast on Sports Talk 810 AM and 100.7 FM WJJQ with the Fehrman Orthodontics Radio Pregame Show at 4:35 and first pitch at 5:00.

Published on 04/26/2024 under News A rain-filled month of April has drought conditions improving across much of the state. As they do each Thursday, the US Drought Monitor released their weekly data yesterday. The maps continue to show improvement over the past few weeks. In late March, around 72% of the state was classified in drought. Yesterday's update showed that has fallen to 19%. While improved, the Northwoods is still impacted by the dry conditions. Most of Vilas County remains in drought, it's now in the lowest of the four classifications. Northern Lincoln and Langlade Counties and most of Oneida County are in the 'abnormally dry' category. Beyond far northern Wisconsin, a portion of southwestern Wisconsin also remains in drought. Dating back to last summer, the impacts of these dry conditions have led to elevated wildfire conditions, challenging growing conditions for farms, gardens and lawns, and event lower than normal lake levels. Reservoir Levels on the Rise Area reservoirs continue their typical spring fill up. As of Thursday, WVIC listed the Spirit just a few inches below full, while the Eau Pleine is a half foot down. Nokomis is approximately a foot and a half down; the Rainbow three feet; and the Willow just inside of four feet below full.

Published on 04/26/2024 under News When taking care of spring cleaning, people are encouraged to check their medicine cabinets as well. The first of two scheduled drug-take back events takes place on Saturday across the state of Wisconsin. Ridding your home of unused and unwanted prescriptions not only clears clutter, but also eliminates the chance of misuse while also offering an environmentally safe way to dispose of medications. Residents here in Lincoln County are fortunate to have 4 permanent drop-off locations that are available year round. That includes both the Tomahawk and Merrill Police Departments as well as Marshfield Clinic-Merrill and Tomahawk Pharmacy. While these locations are available year round, the dedicated collection efforts offer a good reminder to utilize these services. In addition to a number of permanent drop-off locations, law enforcement and health officials are teaming up to created hundreds of temporary locations. The state "Dose of Reality" website features an interactive map listing both temporary and permanent drop-off locations. Wisconsin is annually a nationwide leader in these efforts.

Published on 04/25/2024 under News Two Tomahawk traditions and a long-time volunteer earned Wisconsin Main Street awards. A local contingent traveled over to Green Bay last weekend to attend the 33rd annual Wisconsin Main Street Awards, and they didn't walk away empty handed. Main Street Director Jennifer Turkiewicz was excited to share their results. First up, the annual North for the Fourth T-Shirts received honorable mention in Best Promotional Marketing category. The creators of the campaign have changed several times over the past four decades, with Tomahawk Main Street currently in charge. Each year, a new design is created, meaning the shirts are a collector's item which sells out on an almost yearly basis. In fact, Turkiewicz says they've quadrupled the number of shirts available and began produced tank tops and sweatshirts as well. The second award for Tomahawk Main Street was awarded to Andy Goretski of Custom Murals for Best Historic Restoration. Goretski spent last summer repainting the mural of city founder William Bradley. The art work was initially painted on the side of the Standard Mercantile building some twenty years ago but began to fade due to the elements. Turkiewicz said, "Andy brought his gift, his paintbrushes, and a big heart to the store side, and he delivered!" And finally an organization like Tomahawk Main Street isn't successful without volunteers, and Joan Laabs received a Community Champion Award. Turkiewicz called her an asset for years. She said, "Joan may have begun by simply helping around the office..., but every year, she jumps in a little more and more. Just a few examples on a lengthy list of volunteer hours, the "We Give Thanks" program, the Main Street Memories Car Show, a member of the promotions committee. The annual awards banquet also gave Turkiewicz a chance to look back on the past year. She says, " Tomahawk Main Street is blessed to have so many incredible friends committed to our mission and goals, and we are pleased to announce these awards; our beautiful downtown is near and dear to all of us who live and visit here, and now receiving recognition state-wide, competing against so many other amazing communities, is a true testament to this community's hard work and dedication."

Published on 04/25/2024 under News Lac du Flambeau was selected to receive two green energy grants totaling more than $1 million. As part of an Earth Week, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin announced the recipients of their Energy Innovation Grant Program. In this cycle, $7.8 million will be shared across 28 projects which were selected from more than 80 applications. Recipients include: schools, municipalities, health care providers and housing organizations. Lac du Flambeau Tribal Housing Authority was fortunate to receive two complimentary grants for their 13-unit multi-family building known as Elk Point East. The first, $500,000, will be invested into a ground mount solar array and battery storage. The second grant $525,000, is earmarked for a first of its kind conversion of whole-building electric resistance heating to a cold-climate air source heat pump system. Gov. Evers said in the announcement, "These projects will help strengthen energy infrastructure across Wisconsin while making significant progress in our transition to a clean energy economy, resulting in cleaner air and water and more family-supporting jobs." Since the program's inception in 2017, the PSC has awarded $40 million to 169 EIGP projects statewide.

+ Read More