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WPS Foundation Kicks Off Annual Rewarding Responders Grant Tour at Minocqua Fire Department

Published on 08/25/2026 under News First responders across the region will be better equipped during emergency calls thanks to continued support from the Wisconsin Public Service Foundation. As part of its Rewarding Responders program, the WPS Foundation is visiting law enforcement, fire, EMS, and rescue agencies throughout the Northwoods this week, delivering a combined $75,000 in grants for crucial equipment, safety gear, and training. One of the first stops was the Minocqua Fire and Rescue Department, where officials unveiled new medical supplies to stock the department's mass-incident emergency response kit. The new gear will allow firefighters to provide lifesaving care if injuries occur during large public events or gatherings. "This grant comes to us at a time when we are facing new challenges in public safety," said Fire Chief Rich Carani. "It means we are able to purchase the equipment we need to respond quickly and treat members of the public when needed." Other local agencies selected to receive funding during this cycle include the Tomahawk Police Department and the Nokomis Fire Department. We will highlight additional grant recipients later this week. With this latest round of funding, the WPS Foundation's Rewarding Responders program has now surpassed $750,000 in total support distributed among 240 agencies.

Published on 08/25/2026 under News Atrial fibrillation affects millions of Americans each year, yet the condition often goes undetected and untreated, significantly increasing the risk of serious health issues like stroke. To help raise awareness, the Aspirus Heart Care team is hosting a free community discussion in Minocqua on Thursday. The presentation will be led by cardiothoracic surgeons Dr. John Johnkoski and Dr. Stephen Thorp, alongside electrophysiologist Dr. Andrew Mykytsey. The team has hosted similar discussions in past years, drawing strong turnouts and positive community feedback. Earlier this month, Dr. Johnkoski joined the WJJQ Morning Show to offer a preview of the upcoming event. Recent research shows that A-fib is on the rise among adults under 65. The trend is often attributed to a combination of risk factors, including smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, hypertension, and sleep apnea. During Thursday's presentation, the medical team will cover the link between A-fib, stroke, and heart failure, as well as both traditional and innovative treatment options. The program is free to attend, but pre-registration is required. Registration is requested by calling 800-847-4707 or visit aspirus.org/classes-events

Published on 08/25/2026 under News Multiple arrests were made following a search warrant execution at a Merrill home last week. According to the Merrill Police Department, officers working alongside the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office executed the warrant in the 800 block of Grand Avenue after learning Nicholas Teal was inside. Teal was wanted on an active warrant for 1st-degree reckless homicide by drug delivery. He was taken into custody and appeared in Lincoln County Circuit Court on Friday facing multiple drug-related charges. An adjourned initial appearance is scheduled for September 4. Several others were also arrested as part of the operation. Jacqueline Terry made an initial appearance in Lincoln County Circuit Court on Friday facing six drug-related charges. She is due back in court later this week. Homeowner Edward Duellman is also facing six charges, including maintaining a drug trafficking place. Noting previous drug raids at the property, Lincoln County Circuit Court Judge Galen Bayne-Allison ordered the residence to remain vacant until further notice.

Published on 08/25/2026 under News With the first day of class quickly approaching, campuses across the Northwoods are putting the finishing touches on their back-to-school preparations. Here in Tomahawk, a group of volunteers recently teamed up to ensure the playground at St. Mary's School is safe and ready for young learners ahead of recess. More than a dozen community members turned out to answer the school's call for help spreading fresh wood chips across the playground surface. The chips, donated by the local PCA Mill, provide a softer, safer landing area for students. Following the evening effort, school officials expressed their gratitude, sharing: "Even though there is still work to do, we did a great job working together. The volunteers' time, hard work, and willingness to help made a big difference."

Published on 08/25/2026 under News Wisconsin manufacturers produce a wide array of innovative products, and an annual statewide competition is once again looking to crown the coolest among them. The appropriately named "Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin" contest officially launched nominations this week. Hosted by Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC), the annual contest celebrates state-made products and the workers who produce them, while highlighting manufacturing's vital role in the state's economy. WMC President and CEO Kurt R. Bauer, "For more than a decade, this contest has helped spotlight the innovation and talent that make Wisconsin a manufacturing powerhouse." Over the years, several Northwoods favorites have made deep runs in the competition, including St. Croix Fishing Rods, Minocqua Popcorn, and Thorogood work boots. Members of the public can submit nominations through September 11. Finalists will be announced ahead of public voting later next month, with the overall winner crowned in October during Wisconsin Manufacturing Month.

Published on 08/25/2026 under News With the fall deer season right around the corner, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is looking for experienced outdoor enthusiasts to help train the next generation of hunters across the state. The DNR is actively recruiting volunteer instructors to lead hunter education and practical skills workshops in all regions of Wisconsin. Volunteers work alongside DNR staff and partner organizations, such as Pheasants Forever and the National Deer Association, to teach hands-on topics including basic marksmanship, deer processing, game cooking, and dog training. Beyond the classroom, opportunities are also open for volunteers and landowners to host "Learn to Hunt" mentored events. These classes provide additional instruction and continuing education to hunters of all experience levels. The DNR has additional information on their website.

Published on 08/24/2026 under News The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office K-9 program is adding new recruits thanks to a generous grant. During its meeting last week, the Lincoln County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a resolution accepting $35,315 from the Bierman Family Foundation to fund the acquisition and training of two new K-9 officers. The new dogs will replace K-9s Poncho and Nina, who both recently retired after years of service to the county. One of the new dogs has plenty of local experience already. Dasty, who spent five years as a K-9 with the Merrill Police Department, is moving to the Sheriff's Office along with his handler, Josh McCaskill. McCaskill previously worked for the Sheriff's Office in Corrections, prior to his 15 years with the Merrill PD. The Sheriff's Office recently highlighted Deputy McCaskill and Dasty. According to those discussions at the meeting, as part of an inter-agency Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), $5,000 will be provided to the City of Merrill. Acquiring a new K-9 and training a handler typically costs roughly $30,000. Bringing Dasty on board alongside a second new dog allows the department to rebuild its unit efficiently within the grant's budget—ensuring the program continues with zero impact on local tax levy dollars. The Lincoln County K-9 program was originally reestablished in 2014, also largely funded by a Bierman Family Foundation grant.

Published on 08/24/2026 under News A suspect is in custody following a hit-and-run crash that injured a pedestrian in Lincoln County last weekend. On Friday, the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office announced the arrest of 28-year-old Edgar resident Brandon Karlen. He is charged with Hit and Run–Causing Great Bodily Harm. Early on August 16, responders were called to County Highway K near Lake Pesobic Road in the Town of Merrill, where they discovered a man lying in the road with severe head injuries. The victim was hit by a southbound vehicle while walking along the west side of the road. Rushed to a nearby hospital, he told officers he remembered little about the crash. Investigators recovered evidence at the scene pointing to a truck with passenger-side mirror damage, eventually identifying Karlen as the suspect. According to reporting from WSAW-TV, Karlen is a State Patrol Trooper who was off-duty at the time of the alleged incident. The State Patrol stated he is currently on paid administrative leave. A judge set a $10,000 signature bond during Karlen's initial court appearance on Friday. His bond conditions require absolute sobriety and prohibit driving at night. He is scheduled to return to court for an adjourned initial appearance on September 14.

Published on 08/24/2026 under News Three people were injured following a head-on, two-vehicle collision near Merrill on Friday. According to the Merrill Fire Department, responders were dispatched to County Road K, south of County Road FF in the Town of Scott. Upon arrival, crews found one vehicle blocking the roadway while the second had come to rest in the ditch. The driver of one vehicle was trapped inside and required extrication before being transported to a nearby hospital. Two occupants in the other vehicle were also treated and transported. Fortunately, several off-duty Merrill firefighters stepped up to staff a third ambulance, ensuring all three patients received immediate care both on scene and during transport. The road was closed for about half an hour while crews cleared the scene. The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office is investigating the crash.

Published on 08/24/2026 under News With the fall hunting season right around the corner, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is sweetening the deal for meat processors participating in the state's long-running Deer Donation Program. Established in 2000, the program has seen hunters contribute over 100,000 deer, supplying Wisconsin food pantries with more than 4 million pounds of ground venison to combat food insecurity. DNR officials credit the program's long-term success to both the hunters in the field and the dedicated meat processors who turn those harvests into meals for neighbors in need. To encourage more local butcher shops and processing facilities to get involved, the DNR announced a $25 increase in reimbursement rates for every donated deer. Processors will now receive $125 per standard deer, and $135 if CWD testing is required. The rate increase aims to boost processor participation ahead of the fall hunt, ensuring even more venison reaches families in need. Hunters and processors interested in participating can find more information on the DNR website.

Published on 08/24/2026 under News Musky anglers gathered in Eagle River this past weekend for one of the largest musky tournaments in the country. The Eagle River Area Chamber of Commerce and the Musky Clubs Alliance of Wisconsin hosted the 40th annual National Championship Musky Open across seven local lake chains. Those waters accommodated more than 1,100 competitors from not only the Northwoods and Wisconsin, but more than a dozen other states. Bouncing back from a slower bite in 2025, participants caught and released 184 muskies this year. This year's largest catch was a tie at 48.5 inches, with Jeremy Falkowski of Wittenberg landing his fish first to win the tiebreaker, and the replica prize. West Allis resident Brett Strasser took home top overall honors, landing three muskies for a combined 117.5 inches. Tournament proceeds directly benefit the Musky Clubs Alliance and its ongoing mission to enhance and protect musky habitats and the fishery across Wisconsin. Following a successful weekend, organizers are already turning their attention toward next summer's 2027 event.

Published on 08/21/2026 under News From Northern Wisconsin to Eastern Africa, members of The Rock Church in Tomahawk recently completed a mission trip. Now, the community has a chance to support their newest effort. Kayla Stelling from The Rock Church was part of a two-week mission to Kenya. She stopped by the WJJQ studios to talk about their trip and to preview a fundraiser taking place tonight. The nine-member, all-female team from Tomahawk, including three mother-daughter pairs, traveled to serve at the Ark Children's Home in Thika. The facility provides shelter, education, and care for 37 rescued children. During their stay, the team saw firsthand the daily challenges faced by the facility. Stelling noted that while the children receive dedicated care, the home has several urgent needs, including a clean water well, a security perimeter wall, solar power infrastructure, and a dedicated indoor kitchen and dining space. Those needs inspired the group to make a lasting difference, with plans for potential return trips in the future. To help raise funds, the mission team is hosting a community fundraiser tonight from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at The Rock Church. The event features an authentic, home-cooked Kenyan dinner, video presentations, and personal testimonies from the trip.

Published on 08/21/2026 under News Overnight rain across the Northwoods brought a welcome sight to the region as drought conditions have continued to expand week by week. The latest report from the U.S. Drought Monitor, released Thursday, shows a pocket of "D3 Extreme Drought" developing in Northern Wisconsin. This area covers northern Price County, much of Iron County, and small portions of western Oneida and Vilas Counties. The remainder of the Northwoods is categorized under D1 Moderate Drought or D2 Severe Drought classifications. Statewide, 91% of Wisconsin is currently classified as abnormally dry or worse, with 72% officially in drought. While the overnight rainfall will not entirely reverse the ongoing deficit, it provides a much-needed boost for lawns, gardens, and local farms, while helping to temporarily lower the risk of wildfires across the region.

Published on 08/21/2026 under News Getting to a reported fire posed a unique access challenge for Pine Lake firefighters, though finding a source of water was no issue at all. Crews were dispatched to the south side of Estabrook Island at shortly after 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday evening following reports of smoke and flames. Firefighters launched an airboat packed with wildland pumps and tools from a nearby boatlanding on the Wisconsin River. Prior to the arrival of firefighters, a man and his son had paddled to the island in kayaks and used buckets to help douse the flames. The firefighters set up a portable pump to pull water from the river to quickly extinguish fire. It burned an approximately 10-by-10-foot area near the shoreline. The cause of the island fire remains under investigation by the DNR. Crews were on the scene for about an hour and a half. Officials expressed gratitude for the neighbors, as well as the Pelican Fire Department which provided a boat back up.

Published on 08/21/2026 under News Anglers are descending on the Eagle River area this weekend for one of the most popular musky tournaments in the country. It's time once again for the National Championship Musky Open, hosted each summer by the Eagle River Chamber of Commerce and the Musky Clubs Alliance of Wisconsin. Proceeds from the event support the Alliance's year-round conservation and outreach efforts for Wisconsin's state fish. By the numbers, the catch-and-release tournament ranks among the largest in the nation. Last year's event drew more than 1,100 anglers representing 14 states. Action on the water was a bit slower last year, with 117 muskies boated and released across the tournament lakes. While seasoned anglers have spent weeks or months scouting local waters, others enter simply for the experience, and a shot at an impressive prize. Every registered participant is automatically entered into a drawing for a fully outfitted fishing boat. Freshwater Fishing Hall of Famer Steve Heiting serves as the tournament's master of ceremonies. Regular WJJQ listeners will recognize Heiting, who shares his angling insights each weekend during our local fishing updates. Registration kicked off Thursday evening, with anglers officially hitting the water Friday through Sunday.

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