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Nokomis Considering Paramedic Living Area at Fire Station; Public Info Meeting Thursday

Published on 09/09/2026 under News The Town of Nokomis is considering expanding its fire station to provide living quarters for the 24/7 ambulance crew housed at the facility. Coming up on Thursday, they'll be hosting another public information meeting. Earlier this week, we had Firefighter Russ Berg and Town Supervisor Bette Stillman on the Morning Conversation to provide some background and status. Built in 2002, the Nokomis Fire Station expanded to include EMS services in 2009. In recent years, paramedic shift rotations shifted from 12-hour to 24-hour schedules. Currently, the Medic 4 crew relies on cots or air mattresses in a non-code-compliant area. Due to safety regulations, at least one crew member must remain awake at all times under the current setup. To provide suitable accommodations, a town committee recommended building a station addition that would feature dedicated bedrooms, office space, and a shared living area. While the 24/7 staffing model has successfully reduced local ambulance response times, some residents have voiced concerns regarding the project's overall cost. If approved, the town plans to offset expenses by pursuing USDA Rural Development loans, grants, and community fundraising. Thursday's session marks the town's second public information meeting following an initial gathering last month. The meeting begins at 6:00 p.m. at the Nokomis Fire Station and will feature a formal presentation followed by a Q&A segment for residents. No official decisions or votes will take place during the meeting. And we've got that conversation with Russ and Bette posted in the WJJQ Audio Center.

Published on 09/09/2026 under News Science education is getting a competitive boost in Tomahawk. On Tuesday, the Tomahawk School Board voted unanimously to approve a new high school Science Olympiad Club, opening up fresh hands-on opportunities for local STEM students. The initiative was introduced by Heather Goldberg, an Alternative Education teacher new to the district who previously built a successful Science Olympiad program at Lakeland Union High School. Goldberg pitched the program as a "track meet for academics," where students compete across 23 distinct events. Competitions fall into three main categories: written academic tests, hands-on lab experiments, and engineering design challenges. Past building events have tasked students with constructing efficient balsa wood towers engineered for load-bearing tests or crafting rubber-band-powered flight devices. Students will prepare using weekly resource periods, independent study groups, and after-school practice sessions. Beyond the academic challenge, Goldberg emphasized that the club gives non-traditional student-athletes a place to belong, build teamwork skills, and explore potential career paths. Startup costs for the district are minimal, with additional expenses to be covered through local grants and student fundraisers. Following Goldberg's presentation, the board gave the official green light for team formation and recruitment to begin.

Published on 09/09/2026 under News September marks National Suicide Prevention Month; a dedicated effort to raise awareness, end stigmas, and connect individuals with life-saving resources if needed. On September 8, local mental health organizations joined national voices to highlight the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which provides free, confidential support 24/7 by calling or texting 988. This year's national campaign theme, "988 Reasons: Your reason is reason enough," delivers a powerful message: you do not need to reach a breaking point to ask for help. Whether navigating severe emotional distress, substance use challenges, grief, anxiety, or general life stressors, compassionate support is readily available. Since transitioning from its original ten-digit hotline to the streamlined, three-digit 988 code, the lifeline has expanded rapidly, successfully answering millions of calls, texts, and online chats nationwide. Throughout the remainder of September, local advocacy groups will continue sharing educational resources and hosting events to promote these critical services. Together, these efforts ensure that everyone in the community knows help is always just three digits away.

Published on 09/09/2026 under News As electric vehicle adoption continues to grow, so does the demand for a reliable charging network. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) recently announced a new round of grant funding to construct fast-charging stations across the state, including several key locations in the Northwoods. The funding is provided through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program. According to WisDOT, the new fast-charging stations will help ensure residents and tourists alike have dependable infrastructure to travel seamlessly throughout Wisconsin. In total, 42 locations will share $25 million in funding. Northwoods additions include new stations in Eagle River and Wausau, which will be housed at Days Inn locations off Highway 45 and Highway 51/I-39, respectively. These build upon grants awarded last year for charging infrastructure in Arbor Vitae, Prentice, and Merrill. The stations are positioned along Wisconsin's designated Alternative Fuel Corridors, typically partnering with gas stations, restaurants, or lodging to support more than 43,000 registered Wisconsin EVs alongside out-of-state travelers. A complete map of all existing and planned charging locations is available on WisDOT's interactive EV dashboard online.

Published on 09/09/2026 under News With the calendar now turned to September, fall hunting openers are fast approaching. Today marks the official start of Wisconsin's black bear season. According to a preview from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the state is home to roughly 24,000 black bears. While populations remain most concentrated in forested northern regions, bears have continually expanded their range southward in recent years. Last year, hunters registered approximately 3,700 bears. That's a drop from a highly productive 2024 harvest, but right on par with the state's five-year average. Demand for licenses remains high. This year, more than 34,000 applicants vied for one of the 15,245 available bear licenses, while another 106,000 people opted to purchase a preference point to boost their drawing odds in future lotteries. DNR officials remind hunters to verify their specific management zone and review all applicable regulations prior to heading into the field, as rules vary by region and date regarding the use of hunting aids like bait and dogs. Under Wisconsin's current management plan, the state is split into six zones. Three Zones, A, B, and C, intersect right here in Lincoln County.

Published on 09/09/2026 under News Tiny mushrooms, a patient angler, a dock extending into the morning fog, and a deer appearing to walk on water were among the top winning subjects in a local photography competition. Each summer, the Friends of Council Grounds State Park hosts its annual amateur photo contest, inviting submissions from park visitors near and far. After drawing more than 30 initial entries, organizers narrowed down the field, and community members cast nearly 1,300 ballots in the final round of public voting. Lydia Lehnertz of Eau Claire won the plants category with a detailed shot of green elf cup fungi growing on a log, while Allison Heckendorf of Merrill took top honors in the "People Using the Park" category with a portrait of a angler at work. Melissa Tremaine won the landscape division with her scenic submission titled "Foggy Morn," and Daniel Hinz claimed first in wildlife with a photo capturing a deer wading through a shallow section of the river. The Friends group expressed its appreciation to everyone who entered and supported this year's contest. Organizers encourage future park visitors to keep their cameras ready during upcoming trips to capture moments for next year's competition. The finalist photos are available for viewing on the official Friends of Council Grounds Facebook page.

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Sports Headlines

Hatchet Fall Sports Update 9-8-26

Published on 09/08/2026 under Sports Tomahawk Volleyball Drops in Five to Rhinelander Tomahawk's volleyball squad would lose a heartbreaker in their home opener at the Hatchet House Tuesday night, dropping to Great Northern Conference foe Rhinelander, 25-17, 23-25, 21-25, 25-17, 15-12. The Hatchets would bounce back from losing game one and from trailing set four by 20 points. However, the Hodag hitting came up clutch in Game 5, holding off a furious Hatchet killing attack. Sophomore Lauren Riebe thrived in the match, notching a career-high 16 kills. Freshman setter Lexi Palmer would notch 19 out of 27 Tomahawk assists. The two teams combined for 64 kills, 60 assists, and 38 aces in the match. The loss drops Tomahawk to 2-10 on the season and 0-2 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets are back on the court for an invite Saturday at Waupaca. Tomahawk Cross Country Places in Top 10 at Marshfield The Hatchet Cross Country squads would finish in the top ten in their invite at Marshfield Tuesday afternoon. Tomahawk's girls would place sixth overall out of 14 teams. The Hatchets finished two points behind fifth place Athens and 11 points ahead of Columbus Catholic. The top Hatchet female finisher was Sophomore Charlee Lund, placing 16th with a time of 22:26. Elise Gibeault would place 23rd overall with a time of 22:52. For the Hatchet boys, they would place tenth with 239 points. The Hatchets' top finisher was Sophomore Connor Zorn with a time of 20:03. Luke Morrison placed second on the team with a time of 20:47. The Hatchets's next meet will be the Night Invite in Neenah Friday. Events begin at 7:00 PM. Girls: Phillips – 1st Athens – 5th Mosinee – 10th Medford – 11th Boys: Phillips – 3rd Mosinee – 6th Medford – 7th

Published on 09/04/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's football squad would fail to shake off another slow start in their Great Northern Conference opener Friday night at Hatchet Field, losing to Wausau East, 23-14. The Hatchets were able to move the ball for three out of the four quarters against Wausau East. Unfortunately, Tomahawk was unable to overcome an early 16-0 deficit behind two first-half touchdowns from the Lumberjacks' Xander Klein. The Hatchets rushed for a season-high 183 yards on 40 carries. Max Larson led the way with 69 yards and a touchdown. Henry Nieman finished with a receiving touchdown and an interception. Tomahawk falls to 0-3 on the season and 0-1 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets are back at Hatchet Field next week to welcome Antigo. The Fehrman Orthodontics Kickoff Cabin begins at 6:15 and kickoff is at 7:00. Alex Koch and Jon Long will be in the broadcast booth. Other Northwoods Football Scores: 11-Player Football: Coleman 28, Northland Pines 16 Marathon 19, Crandon 0 Mosinee 33, Antigo 14 Merrill 42, Lakeland 13 Medford 62, Rhinelander 20 Regis 42, Abbotsford 0 8-Player Football: Suring 56, Goodman-Pembine 6 Hurley 22, Phillips 6 Laona-Wabeno 44, Rib Lake 6 Three Lakes/Phelps 64, Chequamegon 0

Published on 09/03/2026 under Sports The Hatchet female swimmers went 0-2 in their home double dual with Mosinee and Lakeland Thursday night. Tomahawk would fall to Lakeland, 134-27 and to Mosinee, 80-57. The top finish for Tomahawk came in the 400 yard freestyle as the team of Kaylee Roberts, Kurtney Busterud, Kami Gabrich, and Aubrey Tollefson placed second with a time of 4:42. Kaylee Roberts placed third in the 100 backstroke with a time of 1:17.14. Tollefson placed third in the 100 yard breaststroke with a time of 1:25.63. The Hatchets will have their next double dual next Thursday in Colby with the host and Rhinelander. Events begin at 5:30.

Published on 09/03/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's volleyball squad would fight tooth and nail, but come up short at Raider Hall in Medford Thursday night, losing, 25-16, 25-23, 26-24. The Hatchets would build leads in Games Two and Three, but Medford relied on the heavy hitters of Taylor Klingbeil and Kayla Baumgartner to come back and get the victory. Lauren Reibe finished with six kills and six aces in the victory. Lexi Palmer and Shelby Borowski combined for 19 of Tomahawk's 21 assists. The loss drops Tomahawk to 1-6 on the season and 0-1 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets are back on the court Saturday for the next invite at DC Everest. Their first match will be at 9:00 against Edgar.

Published on 08/29/2026 under Sports The Hatchet volleyball squad stumbled out of the gate to begin 2026, going 1-5 in their opening matches at the Just A Game Fieldhouse Friendship Tournament in the Wisconsin Dells over the weekend. Tomahawk went 0-4 Friday, losing to Wausau West, Wisconsin Dells, Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau, and Oshkosh North. Saturday, the Hatchets started the day with getting swept by Cashton. The Hatchets would leave the Dells with a victory after sweeping Rio. Tomahawk begins Great Northern Conference play Thursday night at Medford. Tune in for the broadcast on the WJJQ app, online at wjjq.com, and on Northwoods 92.5 WJJQ. The Fehrman Orthodontics Radio Prematch Show will begin at 6:35 with opening serve at 7:00. Matt Theiler and Alex Koch will be in the broadcast booth from Medford Thursday night.

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