WJJQ Radio

Recent News

Lincoln County Economic Development Corp. Preparing for Upcoming Summit

Published on 04/23/2026 under News Preparations are ramping up for an event set to bring local business leaders and community members together. The Lincoln County Economic Development Corporation is hosting its 2026 Economic Summit next Tuesday where they'll focus on the theme "Energizing the Small Business Spirit." Continuing the alternating city format, they'll return to Merrill after last spring's event was in Tomahawk. LCEDC Executive Director Sara Guild says the full-day event will highlight ways to strengthen local businesses and grow the regional economy. It is designed to spark collaboration and support long-term economic success across Lincoln County and the surrounding region. The morning will feature updates from local leaders, economic partners, and experts. In the afternoon, attendees will take part in interactive sessions focused on practical strategies from improving marketing efforts and connecting with support resources. The summit will wrap up with a presentation centered on community-driven growth in small towns, aimed at turning ideas into action. Guild says they already have more than 100 attendees registered. There are still some seats available with options including half-day, full-day, and group opportunities. Visit the LCEDC website for more information.

Published on 04/23/2026 under News A Northwoods program aimed at fighting food insecurity is handing out more than just a meal, it's also putting a new book on hunger into the hands of local kids. Feed Our Rural Kids, or FORK, offers a number of programs and outreach in Vilas and Oneida Counties to address hunger. As part of their latest effort, dubbed Project Lulu, they're also tackling the stigma that may come along with it. More than 30 copies of the award-winning children's book Lulu and the Hunger Monster have been distributed to elementary schools, libraries, and resource centers across the Northwoods. The book, written by Erik Talkin, helps young readers better understand and empathize with the experience of hunger, while breaking down harmful stereotypes. Local organizers say the goal is to spark conversations and build understanding. Project leaders hope that by combining education with outreach, they can help lift the weight of stigma and ensure more families feel comfortable accessing the support they need. Photo: Kate Frisk Head Librarian of the Boulder Junction Public Library with Project Lulu Chairperson Rick Miech

Published on 04/23/2026 under News Spring is upon us and wildlife officials are offering their yearly reminder to leave animals and their newborns alone. It's part of the annual Keep Wildlife Wild campaign. All too often a well-meaning person will come across a fledgling bird, baby rabbit or newborn fawn. While the animal may appear abandoned, the DNR says more likely than not, the mother is nearby or will return soon. DNR officials say young animals are often left unattended for long stretches while parents search for food, and human interference can do more harm than good. Using the example of a fawn, they explained that natural behavior is to keep still and quiet. This keeps them safe from predators while their mothers forage for food. Drawing attention to a fawn's location can tip-off predators and also keep the mother away longer than expected. If you do come across a young animal that appears sick or you feel may be truly abandoned, they instead recommend taking a picture, video and some notes. Share that information with the DNR or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. They'll be able to provide further guidance based on the information your provide.

Published on 04/23/2026 under News Another day and another warning about fire danger in Wisconsin. Officials are again urging caution with wildfire risk remaining elevated across the entire state. On Wednesday, the DNR issued a redflag warning for Washburn and Burnett Counties in northwestern Wisconsin, while most of the Northwoods was listed in either High or Very High fire danger. The DNR responded to nearly 70 wildfires in the last week. The DNR is at full staffing and preparedness across the state to respond to any incidents. Debris burning remains the leading cause of these fires. Campfires, ashes from fireplaces, outdoor grills, smoking, chainsaws, off-road vehicles or other small engines with hot exhaust systems have the potential to throw a spark. The DNR is asking the public to be especially careful with any activities that could potentially lead to a wildland fire and check any recent fires to make sure they have been properly extinguished. Elevated fire conditions are expected to continue Thursday, though there is some rain in the forecast tonight.

Published on 04/23/2026 under News As spring cleaning gets underway, health experts are reminding residents not to overlook one important spot...the medicine cabinet. With Drug Take Back Day set for Saturday, officials with Aspirus say it's a good time to safely dispose of unused or expired medications. Over time, prescriptions and over-the-counter products can build up in homes, increasing the risk of accidental use or misuse. Marisa Harley, a pharmacy resident with Aspirus says expired medications may be less effective and, in some cases, unsafe. Beyond prescriptions, check items like vitamins, supplements, creams, and eye drops, which are often overlooked. When it comes to disposal, officials stress that medications should not be thrown in the trash or flushed, as that can pose safety and environmental risks. Instead, they recommend using designated drop-off locations. Health officials say taking a few minutes to clean out your medicine cabinet can help keep your home and community safer. We'll have a bit more on Drug Take Back Day on the Friday Morning Sunrise Show.

Published on 04/23/2026 under News Another Northwoods lawmaker is seeking re-election to Madison. State Representative Rob Swearingen (R–Rhinelander) announced Wednesday that he is running for an eighth two-year term in the Wisconsin State Assembly. Swearingen pointed to his record of supporting economic growth and advocating for the priorities of the 34th Assembly District which included most of Oneida and Vilas Counties. He highlighted efforts related to PFAs, broadband access, and strengthening tourism. In the announcement Swearingen called representing the 34th district an honor. He added, "While other districts have seen significant changes, our district has remained consistent. I look forward to earning the opportunity to continue serving the people of northern Wisconsin." "I'm grateful for the continued support I've received from people across the district as I seek another term." That election will take place in November.

+ Read More

Sports Headlines

Hatchet Softball Wins Home Game Against Merrill

Published on 04/21/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's softball squad bounced back Tuesday afternoon at Hatchet Field with a big Great Northern Conference win over Merrill, 4-1. The Hatchets got a complete game victory from Cameron Kraklow, who allowed just one run on seven hits. Averi Petta finished with an RBI triple and a run scored. Autumn Merrigan provided the clutch hit, knocking in a two-run single in the bottom of the fifth to put the Hatchets up 4-0. The win puts Tomahawk at 3-3 on the season and in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets go back on the road for a GNC Doubleheader against Antigo Thursday. Game One is at 4:00.

Published on 04/21/2026 under Sports The Hatchet Baseball team would win of the wildest games in recent memory Monday night at Athletic Park in Merrill, coming from behind to defeat the Blue Jays, 18-13. After surrendering eight runs in the third inning and falling behind, 10-2, the Hatchets rolled off ten runs in the fifth inning, capitalizing on mistakes by Merrill pitching. Cash Olsen finished three for four with two doubles and four runs scored. The go-ahead hit was a two-out, two-run double by Brody Hilgendorf to complete the comeback. Hunter Hilgendorf picked up his first win of the season on the mound while Olsen nailed down his second save. Tomahawk improves their record to 3-3 on the season and 3-1 in Great Northern Conference Play. The Hatchets hit the diamond Thursday back at TK Field against Antigo. First pitch is at 5:00.

Published on 04/21/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's softball squad suffered their second straight GNC defeat Monday night on the road in extra innings, losing to the Rhinelander Hodags, 5-4. The Hatchets led 4-2 heading into the seventh inning before Rhinelander's Ruby Pramann tied the game with a two-run double. Pramann would then deliver the walk-off RBI double in the bottom of the ninth to seal the victory. Anita Ziert finished two for four with a couple of singles. The Hatchets' lone extra-base hit came on a first-inning double from Averi Petta. The loss drops Tomahawk to 2-3 on the season and in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets are back in action Tuesday for another GNC showdown, this time at home against Merrill. Tune in for the broadcast on Sports Talk 810 AM/97.7 FM WJJQ with the Fehrman Orthodontics Radio Pregame Show at 4:35 and first pitch at 5:00. Alex Koch and Matt Theiler will be in the broadcast booth.

Published on 04/17/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's track and field squads would each finish in the top four of their first outdoor invite of the season in Marathon Thursday. The Hatchet girls would finish second with 114.5 points only to Great Northern Conference foe Rhinelander. Elise Gibeault dominated, placing first in the 100 meter dash, 200 meter dash, and High Jump. Gibeault was also the third leg of the Tomahawk 4x200 Relay Team, joining Ellie Micke, Alicia Voermans, and Siennah Caulkins. The 4x400 Relay Team of Voermans, Faith Derleth, Lydia Shaney, and Abbie Rosenmeier also placed first. For the Boys, they placed fourth as a team, placing behind Rhinelander, Marathon, and Edgar. The Hatchets' lone first place finish came in the 400 meter dash from Beau Stromberg. The Hatchets' next outdoor invite is next Thursday in Medford. Events begin at 4:30.

Published on 04/17/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's golf squad came in second in their first triangular of the season at Inshalla Country Club Thursday. The Hatchets finished with a score of 211, six strokes behind Three Lakes and 53 ahead of Mellen. Junior Oliver Childers won the triangular individually with a score of 35. Jaxon Kaiser placed second on the Hatchets and fourth overall with a 42. Tomahawk heads on the road for the first time today when they travel down to Reedsburg for an invite. Tee-off is at 9:00 AM.

+ Read More

Current Weather

Quick Links

WJJQ Daily Features

5:00 until 10:00AM
Jeff in the Morning
Zach with the News

9:35AM
Monday - Friday
Morning Conversation

8:30am - 9:00am
Monday – Saturday
Trig’s Trading Mart
Call (715) 453-4481 to buy, sell, wanted, trade or help your neighbor.

Listen Live While On The Go!
Stream 92.5FM Live To Your Mobile Device.