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Motorists Encouraged to Watch for Turtle Crossings

Published on 05/26/2026 under News Wisconsin is home to eleven species of turtles...Biologists and conservationists are asking drivers to give them a brake at turtle crossings. Each spring, the DNR works with partners such as the Turtle Conservation Program to raise awareness of Wisconsin's turtles. They typically lay their eggs in late May and early June. DNR Conservation Biologist Andrew Badje says that Nesting season is an important but risky time for turtles. To reach ideal nesting locations, turtles often attempt to cross roads where they are at risk of being hit by vehicles. If you come across a turtle in the road, you can help it on it's journey. First and foremost, make sure it is safe to park and get out of your vehicle. They recommend bringing the turtle to the shoulder of the road in the direction it was heading. For snappers, a safe option is to ferry the turtle by pulling it on a shovel, a sheet, or even your car's floor mat. Other species can simply be picked up by two hands on either side of the shell. Never pull a turtle's tail. The Turtle Conservation Program also tracks turtle sightings and frequent crossing locations. When 'hot spots' are identified they'll sign the location or even explore additional protections. Beyond vehicles, turtle nests are also at risk of predators such as raccoons, coyotes, and skunks. The Turtle Conservation Program has additional information on nesting cages and other resources. Badje, "Protecting adult females and turtle nests in the wild is essential for conserving Wisconsin turtle populations."

Published on 05/26/2026 under News There's typically an increase in vehicle-versus-deer collisions at this time of year, regardless of the type of vehicle. Over the weekend in Lincoln County, drivers of a motorcycle and an ATV struck deer in separate crashes. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report, both incidents happened Sunday. The motorcycle-versus-deer crash happened on State Highway 64/107 in the Town of Scott. Deputies say the collision caused the operator to lose control and put the bike down. The driver suffered minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The same day, deputies were also sent to the area of STH 107 and Hillcrest Road in the Town of Bradley for an ATV-versus-deer crash with injuries. After striking the deer, deputies said the southbound ATV rolled and came to rest in the ditch. The driver was brought to an area hospital for treatment of undisclosed injuries. The Sheriff's Office says both drivers were wearing helmets. For the week, the Sheriff's Office reported 12 vehicle-versus-deer collisions in Lincoln County, along with crashes involving a bear and an eagle.

Published on 05/26/2026 under News One person is dead, another hospitalized following a crash in Vilas County involving a car and a motorcycle over the holiday weekend. According to the Wisconsin State Patrol, that collision happened Monday evening on State Highway 155 in the Town of St. Germain. At shortly after 7pm dispatch received a call reporting the crash. The caller indicated the motorcycle operator was unresponsive. Upon arrival, responders determined the 64 year old man died from his injuries. His name was not immediately released. The driver of the vehicle was brought to an area hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Based on the preliminary investigation, officials believe the northbound motorcycle crossed over the center-line while negotiating a curve and struck the vehicle head-on. The Wisconsin State Patrol handling the investigation.

Published on 05/26/2026 under News Lincoln County is seeking some additional funding to help develop a new recreational trail. At their meeting this past week, the Lincoln County Board approved a resolution authorizing the Forestry Department to apply for a grant for improvements to the Trout Capital Trail project through the American Trails 2026 Trail Fund. The project focuses on a newly established ½ mile recreational trail segment near Prairie Dells Road. It connects to the recently constructed bridge spanning the Prairie River and links with trails on the opposite side of the river. County officials say the current trail surface is often soft and muddy, limiting usability and creating maintenance concerns. Funding from the grant program would help provide a more stable and sustainable trail surface while improving trail connectivity. According to the resolution, Lincoln County would contribute in-kind support for the project through Forestry Department staff, equipment and resources. The resolution was described as self-explanatory during introduction. Supervisors did not have any further discussion before approving it unanimously by voice vote.

Published on 05/26/2026 under News Road construction season is in full swing, and a pair of new, Northwoods projects are set to begin this week. According to the Department of Transportation, crews will begin a two month project on Highway 107 in Lincoln County. Work includes culvert replacement and repaving the stretch of Highway 107 between Wilderness Drive and County S. The road will be closed to through traffic during construction. Meanwhile, work also begins in Oneida County on Highway 45 between Monico and Three Lakes. This project includes resurfacing, the replacement of 22 culverts, as well as additional safety improvements. Motorists will encounter single-lane closures, with work scheduled to run into early October. And after pausing for Memorial Day weekend several ongoing projects will resume. Here in the Tomahawk area, crews will continue work on Highway 51 between Highway 8 and County L. For this phase of the project, the road will be open with single lane closures. They've got approximately a month left according to the DoT update. Work also continues on the Barnes Creek Bridge on Highway 17 in the Town of Merrill (closed at the bridge), Highway 8 near Rhinelander (detoured), Highway 51 in Minocqua (open with lane closures). The DoT has information on all of their projects on their 511 road construction website.

Published on 05/25/2026 under News It is Memorial Day and local groups and communities will honor those who gave their lives in service to the country. While many are enjoying camping and cookouts today, local veteran groups want people to also remember the reason for Memorial Day. That's honor, mourn, and pay tribute the U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. The origins of the holiday date back to the 1860's and began with states observing those fallen during the Civil War. The current designation of Memorial Day on the last Monday of May was established in 1971. Here in the Northwoods, the practice of marking the graves of veterans has been completed. Tomahawk Main Street continued their tradition of hanging Honor Banners on downtown light poles. It all leads up to the observance ceremonies around the area. We've got other programs listed in the WJJQ Community Calendar. Here in Tomahawk, the community program will be held at Veteran's Memorial Park with a Time of Reflection at 9am and the program at 9:30am. Merrill and Rhinelander programs both get underway at 10:30. The Merrill program at the City Cemetery Veterans Memorial; Rhinelander's at the High School Performing Arts Center. And Northwoods National Cemetery in Harshaw will host a ceremony at 2:30pm.

Published on 05/25/2026 under News The Tomahawk High School Class of 2026 received their diplomas Friday evening. But first, they took a literal walk down memory lane. As part of the annual graduation festivities, the Tomahawk School District continued the Graduate Celebration Walk. For most THS students, their educational years are spent on the same campus and under one shared roof, K-12. On their final day of class, the soon-to-be graduates, in cap and gown, took part in a mini-parade through the entire campus where they were celebrated by staff and students in the elementary, middle and high schools. Students who attended St. Marys made their way across town to visit that school. The Walk was established a few years ago as a way to promote the camaraderie and progress these students have made, while, allowing them an opportunity to inspire younger students and even reconnect with past teachers and staff members who have contributed to their educational journey. Speaking of Friday night's THS graduation, that ceremony was recorded and is now available for viewing on the Tomahawk School District YouTube channel.

Published on 05/25/2026 under News Four people were taken into custody following a high speed chase in Rhinelander after officers responded to gun shots. According to the Rhinelander Police Department, officers were called to Hodag Park Friday afternoon at shortly before 2pm for reports of several males firing a gun over Boom Lake. Police say the suspects fled the scene in a vehicle, leading officers on multiple pursuits through the city and surrounding highways. Authorities say officers temporarily ended the chase several times in the interest of public safety as the vehicle traveled through downtown Rhinelander and other populated areas. During the pursuit, police report shots were fired from the suspect vehicle at law enforcement officers. The chase continued east on Highway 8, where officers eventually used a PIT maneuver near Beaver Creek Road to stop the vehicle. Four suspects were taken into custody without incident. Their names were not immediately released. The investigation remains ongoing.

Published on 05/25/2026 under News An investigation is underway into an officer-involved shooting death in Forest County. According to the Wisconsin DOJ- Division of Criminal Investigation, officers from the Crandon Police Department, the Forest County Sheriff's Office, and DNR responded Saturday afternoon to reports of an active shooter at a housing complex on Indian Settlement Road in the Town of Nashville, located on the tribal lands of the Sokaogon Chippewa Community. Investigators say the suspect fired a weapon toward nearby homes and responding officers. During the encounter, two Crandon police officers and a DNR conservation warden returned fire, striking the suspect. Life-saving measures were attempted, but the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene. No officers or members of the public were injured. Officials say there were officer body cams and squad dash cams. A rifle was later recovered at the scene. The officers involved have been placed on standard administrative leave. The DOJ-DCI is handling the investigation.

Published on 05/25/2026 under News After crowded roads Friday evening, officials are anticipating another busy travel day Monday following the long holiday weekend. While the Northwoods traffic may be better spaced Monday than the late Friday rush, southbound traffic is still expected to be heavy at times. Drivers are encouraged to slow down, buckle up, and avoid distractions. It may also save motorists some time by checking out alternative routes or traveling at non-peak hours. To accommodate the holiday traffic, the Department of Transportation has paused most of their road construction projects for the long weekend. That includes temporarily reopening many of the work zones that have been closed in recent weeks. This includes Highway 51 north of Tomahawk and in Minocqua. Those projects are expected to resume on Tuesday morning.

Published on 05/25/2026 under News As ATV and UTV riders hit the trails for Memorial Day weekend and throughout the summer, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is reminding riders to put safety first. The DNR says Wisconsin has already seen 14 ATV and UTV fatalities this year, including nine on public roadways. Officials say many serious crashes involve riders not wearing helmets or seatbelts. The DNR is also reminding riders about new ATV and UTV regulations taking effect June 1, including a requirement that all UTV operators and passengers wear seatbelts. DNR Off-Highway Vehicle Administrator Lt. Jacob Holsclaw says helmets and seatbelts have been proven to reduce serious injuries and save lives, especially when used together. Officials also warn that speed, alcohol, and careless driving continue to be leading causes of crashes. Two thirds of fatal crashes have occurred on public roads. Riders are also encouraged to check that trails and road routes are open before heading out and to follow all posted traffic laws and safety regulations. • When traveling on routes, operate in single file on the extreme right side of the traffic lane. • Keep headlights on at all times. • Follow speed limits and regulatory signs. • Use directionals or hand signals.

Published on 05/22/2026 under News Memorial Day weekend in Tomahawk means the return of the Main Street Memories Car Show. Originally started by a local car club, the event was later taken over by Tomahawk Main Street, which has continued the tradition while introducing small changes to keep the show fresh and exciting. As we previewed Thursday, this year's show is dedicated to founder and longtime participant Swede Jorgensen. Main Street Director Jennifer Turkiewicz took some time out from preparations to discuss the 32nd edition of the Car Show. She was quick to credit the many volunteers, participants, and attendees who have helped make the show a success over the past three decades. Last year's event featured more than 325 vehicles, which Turkiewicz admitted made for a tight fit. While many car shows are in fields or parking lots, Tomahawk's offers a scenic setting in the historic downtown district.. Turkiewicz added that vehicle owners also appreciate the paved streets, which help keep their chrome polished and clean. Turkiewicz said they traditionally have a big age range, referring to both the people and the cars. And because the Main Street Memories Car Show doesn't group by class or era, you might find a 1935 Ford could be parked next to a brand-new Corvette. In addition to traditional classics, the show has also featured TV- or movie-inspired vehicles such as the Scooby-Doo Mystery Machine, the Batmobile, the "Dukes of Hazzard" General Lee, and Jurassic Park Jeep. Turkiewicz says the show is very family-friendly and gives visitors the chance to admire unique vehicles, learn more about them, and meet owners who enjoy sharing the stories behind their cars. And while the vehicles are the main attraction, Turkiewicz says there's plenty for non-car enthusiasts to enjoy as well. The event also includes a craft fair, vendors, kids activities and entertainment complementing the downtown restaurants and shops. The Main Street Memories Car Show takes place Sunday throughout the Tomahawk Main Street District, rain or shine.

Published on 05/22/2026 under News Another group of Tomahawk High School students have reached a milestone in their educational journey...it's time for graduation. Ninety Three THS seniors will cross the stage this evening to receive their diplomas. It the culmination of a busy few weeks for the soon-to-be-graduates. They've finished finals, attended their senior class trip, held senior awards night, and completed a community service project. It's all led to the final day of class and tonight's commencement ceremony. Learning a bit about the Class of 2026: their motto is "Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up."; class song is 'Hey Ya' by OutKast as their class song. Midnight blue and the hydrangea are the class color and class flower respectively. Michael Samundsen was named the 2026 Valedictorian with Edwin Riese as Salutatorian.. Each is expected to address their fellow graduates during this evening's program. Rounding out the Top 10, students graduating with honors include: Freya Alberg, Faith Derleth, Ethan Gibeault, Emma Hoff, Logan Norman, Nathan Norman, Sophie Olsen and Galen Schmidt. As for tonight's graduation ceremony, tickets are not required. Doors open at 6pm, the program begins at 7pm. While the ceremony won't be live-streamed, the district says it will be recorded and posted to the their YouTube channel.

Published on 05/22/2026 under News Northwoods motorists may want to tap the brakes this weekend as you may be watched from above. The Wisconsin State Patrol announced upcoming aerial enforcement plans which will include Highway 51 in Oneida County on Friday. According to the announcement, it's much easier for troopers to spot drivers who are speeding or driving aggressively from the air. When a pilot observes a violation, they communicate with ground-based units to initiate a traffic stop. The Wisconsin State Patrol says that the aerial enforcement missions are publicly announced to improve public safety through voluntary compliance rather than to simply stop drivers and handing out citations. The eye in the sky has been used in various regions around the state throughout this week.

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