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60th Annual Venison Feed Returns to Tomahawk, Kicking Off Deer Season with Free Burgers

Published on 11/21/2025 under News Here in Tomahawk, you don't have to bag a buck to get a taste of venison. That's because the Tomahawk Chamber will once again offer free burgers to kick off the gun-deer season. Hunting, in general, is full of tradition. No better example is the Tomahawk Chamber Venison Feed. In fact this year is the 60th anniversary of the annual event. Chamber director Charis Lau noted they'll even have some special displays set up today to take a look back at past years. The festivities take place on the Friday before the opener of the gun deer season. Lau described it like a family reunion. Locals gather with out-of-towners at the west end of Main Street to share stories and camaraderie, all while enjoying a free venison burger. Many are hunters, but some just stop down for the food and the spectacle. If there is a dress code, it's orange-heavy. It's not fast food, but the food goes fast. They typically go through the approximately 1,500 burgers in an hour. The venison is donated to the Chamber, processed at Geiss Meats and volunteers grill up the burgers. Many add their own twist with special seasonings, toppings, and condiments. Our WJJQ staff will have a grill. In recent years, other community groups have been invited to participate with fundraising opportunities. For those that'd like to stop by, they'll be set up in front of the Post Office on Main Street starting at 11:30am.

Published on 11/21/2025 under News In less than 24 hours, hundreds of thousands hunters will head to their deer stands in hopes of bagging a buck. The year-long wait is finally over...the Wisconsin gun deer season opens on Saturday morning. According to DNR data, last year hunters registered just shy of 190,000 deer. The season began with a slow opening weekend. By the end it rebounded, with the total about 1.2% above the five year average. As for what to expect this year, DNR biologist Derek Johnson provided the Northwoods season forecast. He says a second consecutive mild winter should continue to benefit the herd. He added, "We should have two good age groups of deer in the woods this fall." While there isn't any tracking snow on the ground, hunters may be more comfortable spending time in their stands with a mild weekend weather forecast. The timing of the season may have the opposite effect. This year's hunt falls relatively late on the calendar, which has traditionally led to lower harvest totals. Hunters in the Northern Forest Zone are also reminded to review the newly drawn deer management units in effect this season. The 9-day gun deer season opens Saturday morning and will run through the following Sunday.

Published on 11/21/2025 under News As we close out Winter Weather Awareness Week, officials are reminding motorists to take it easy on the roads once the snow arrives. Based on past Department of Transportation data, there will be around 18,000 crashes caused by poor winter driving conditions. Most of those can be attributed to driving too fast for conditions. Following a snow event, one of the first steps to ensure you reach destination safely is to give yourself plenty of time, while leaving plenty of space between your vehicle and the one in front. A few other quick tips...Be gentle on the accelerator and the brake, and don't be overconfident with your 4-wheel drive, it won't help you stop any faster. Use your headlights, but skip the cruise control. Before leaving home on a snowy day, check road conditions, make sure your cell phone is charged and keep at least a half tank of gas. It's also a good time put your winter emergency kit in the car. Of course stay tuned to WJJQ for local updates and cancellations during the winter months.

Published on 11/21/2025 under News A newly re-branded grocery store in Wausau made quite the impression the first impression, selling a multi-million dollar MegaBucks ticket in its first week. According to the Wisconsin lottery, the $7.1 million dollar winning ticket from Wednesday's drawing was purchased at the Hy-Vee grocery store in Wausau. Formerly County Market, the store was purchased by HyVee over the summer, closing briefly this month for the re-brand, and only this week re-opened. Store Director, Jake Dryer said, "We are brand new to the community. It's really exciting to sell a big winner on our third day open as Hy-Vee." At $7.1 million, this was the fourth largest MegaBucks jackpot since 2017. The odds for the Wisconsin-based game, around 1 in 7 million. The winner has 180 days to claim their prize.

Published on 11/21/2025 under News Throughout this week we've gone over a number of tips to keep hunters safe in the field. But officials are also reminding hunters about safety once you're back in your hunting cabin as well. The culprit... carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless gas is caused by improper burning or venting of fuel. Wisconsin Public Service is encouraging hunters inspect the heating system in their hunting shack, especially if it hasn't been used in a while. The most important step is to ensure you have a carbon monoxide detector, and that it's working properly. It's also a good idea to check heating vents, flues, and chimneys, and remove any debris or animal nests. Inspect any fuel-burning appliances and remember not to use a portable generator indoors. WPS also provided a quick rundown of carbon monoxide poisoning which can include: dizziness, headaches, or sleepiness; red lips and unusually pale complexion; nausea and vomiting; and a fluttering heartbeat. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should be moved to fresh air immediately and contact 911.

Published on 11/21/2025 under News A Northwoods art gallery debuted it's latest exhibit on Thursday. ArtStart hosted an opening reception to celebrate their Winter Exhibitions. It highlight two artists who explore the beauty and complexity of the natural world through distinctly different mediums. M. Rene Iannarelli is a textile artist with more than four decades of experience, her art form: manipulating fabric. Her latest exhibit is With Age Comes Lines. It celebrates Iannarelli's deep connection to the changing seasons, with a special emphasis on the expressive power of lines. The other half of the exhibit is photographer David Barnhill whose photos are described as challenging viewers to see the natural world in new and unexpected ways-revealing both its serenity and its wild imagination. Following yesterday's opening reception, people can visit during regular gallery hours: Thursday through Saturdays 11am to 4pmthrough January 17.

Published on 11/20/2025 under News Last winter, Boulder Junction Winter Park introduced the award-winning ice skating trail known as The Glide. The town not only plans to bring back the skating ribbon, but they also have been working on some improvements. Laura Bertch is Chair of the Boulder Junction Park Board. She says, "We're thrilled with the progress made this summer. Winter Park has quickly become a signature destination for residents and visitors alike, and these upgrades will make the experience even more enjoyable for everyone." The Glide was an approximately one mile ice skating trail that looped through a scenic wooded area. It was converted from a under-utilized cross-country ski trail and formerly a railroad. Over the summer the project won a Wisconsin Governor's Outdoor Industry – First Ascent Award for Innovation. For year number two, they are hoping to highlight the charm and hospitality of the Boulder Junction community with new gates and a welcoming entry. The team also worked on smoothing and leveling the skating areas to produce smoother and more consistent ice conditions, while expanding and improving the parking areas. A new woodshed will keep wood dry for the fire pit area. And they are planning to have more community gatherings and events at the park. The Park Board led the effort, but they were quick to pass along praise to the community volunteers and local businesses for their support. And while it's ultimately up to Mother Nature, they hope to open for the season December 20.

Published on 11/20/2025 under News With Thanksgiving a week away, experts anticipate record holiday travel numbers once again. Triple A recently released their annual Thanksgiving travel forecast which overlaps with Wisconsin's deer hunting season. They expect more than 1.7 million Wisconsinites will travel 50 miles or more next week. That would be the highest on record. Most will be by road, as auto travel in Wisconsin is expected to approach 1.5 million over the Thanksgiving holiday. Some good news for those travelers, as gas prices are down slightly from last year with the state average just under $2.85. The Thanksgiving travel window runs from Tuesday through the Monday after Thanksgiving weekend to better reflect recent holiday travel trends. As for those planning their travel to avoid traffic, the busiest times are expected next Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons, as well as the Sunday afternoon following Thanksgiving. Often times, the best day for less crowded roads may actually be on Thanksgiving Day.

Published on 11/20/2025 under News When it comes to winter safety, it's important to stay informed. That also means understanding watches, warnings and other weather terminology. As part of Winter Awareness Week, the National Weather Service provided a few words to know. They offered a reminder of a change in weather terminology last year that eliminated the use of windchill watches and warnings. While the dangers of windchill still exist, the classifications are now part of extreme cold watches and warnings instead. Speaking of watches, warnings and advisories, they said generally a watch means to prepare, which may be followed by a warning or advisory which means take action. Another weather term we frequently here in the Northwoods is lake effect snow. According to the NWS, Lake effect snow is created when cold air is moved across a relatively warm, large body of water. Those airs mix creating clouds which result in a narrow band of heavy snow downwind from the lake. In our case, the Canadian air travels across Lake Superior charging the conditions for heavy snows across Northern Wisconsin and the UP. This also occurs along the eastern shores of Lake Michigan. And while we may use a blizzard for any event with a lot of snow, the NWS defines a blizzard as a large amounts of snow (either from the sky or blown from the ground) coupled with winds of at least 35mph and visibility of less than a quarter mile for at least three hours.

Published on 11/20/2025 under News A Wisconsin Rapids man facing numerous charges in Lincoln County including 5th offense OWI has reached a plea agreement. Brandon Banuelos was back in Lincoln County Court for a plea hearing on Tuesday. The 32 year old was facing six charges as a result of an August traffic stop. Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle complaint after a driver reported Banuelos had been following her vehicle, even after she attempted to let him pass. Banuelos failed to stop until the woman pulled into a private property. According to court records, at yesterday's hearing, he pleaded 'no contest' to 3 charges: 5th offense OWI, failure to stop, and disorderly conduct. In exchange, four other charges were dismissed but considered during sentencing. And the case moved directly into sentencing where Banuelos was ordered to serve 2 years in prison followed by 3 years extended supervision. He'll have three years with a suspended driver's license, an ignition interlock device; and no contact with the victim outside of an apology letter. The plea agreement comes just a few weeks before a trial was set to begin on December 2.

Published on 11/20/2025 under News While hunters will fill the fields and forests over the next week, public lands including county state and national, remain open for other fall recreation, as well. Officials put out a reminder for all outdoor enthusiasts to share those spaces. First, for hunters, always make sure to check the rules and regulations for when and where hunting is allowed. For non-hunters, the most important thing is visibility. They recommend brightly colored clothing, blaze orange or fluorescent pink is preferred. The same goes for dogs, and keep them on a leash. While hunter interference is prohibited by Wisconsin law; officials say it is a good idea to make your presence known when passing through a potential hunting location. One of the most important tips is to simply be kind and courteous to each other.

Published on 11/20/2025 under News A Northwoods Healthcare provider and a major insurance carrier have reached a new multi-year agreement. Aspirus Health and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Wisconsin (Anthem) announced the new contract on Wednesday. With the new contract, they said Anthem members covered by employer-based, individual, Medicare Advantage, and Medicaid health plans in Wisconsin will have uninterrupted in-network access to Aspirus Health doctors and care sites, including Aspirus-affiliated partner providers in the Aspirus Network Inc. Matt Heywood, Aspirus president and CEO said, "Reaching an agreement for the benefit of the patients who count on us for high-quality health care close to home was of the utmost importance to everyone at Aspirus ..." Paul Nobile, president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Wisconsin. "Continuing our long-standing relationship with Aspirus Health helps us deliver on our promise to improve lives and strengthen the health of our central Wisconsin community."

Published on 11/19/2025 under News From a vehicle slide-off to a dead battery, most Wisconsin motorists will become stranded at some point. That's why it's important to carry a winter emergency kit in your vehicle. It's Winter Weather Awareness Week in the state of Wisconsin and today we're looking about some useful items you should keep in your vehicle during the winter months to remain safe and comfortable until you're back on the road. The cold can put a strain on your battery, so it's a good idea to keep a set of jumper cables in the car. Portable jumping units are also handy. If you have one, make sure it is fully charged and check regularly during the winter months. Ready Wisconsin also recommends a tow rope, a small shovel, and either sand or kitty litter to provide traction if you become stuck. Sometimes you'll simply have to wait for help, that's when items like an extra set of winter clothing, blankets, snacks, a cell charger, flashlights, and a battery operated radio are useful. Ready Wisconsin and Lincoln County Emergency Management have a full list of items to consider on their website.

Published on 11/19/2025 under News The state has awarded funding to help communities improve their drinking water quality. That includes several recipients here in the Northwoods. Governor Evers and the DNR jointly announced the latest funding from the Safe Drinking Water Loan program. The program provides a combination of low-interest loans and principal forgiveness for drinking water infrastructure projects. Yesterday's announcement allocated more than $282 million shared by 74 Wisconsin municipalities. Locally, the City of Rhinelander received funding for a new well construction; the Village of Weston for their PFAS treatment. Both Prentice and Phillips received funds for water main projects. The City of Tomahawk has been exploring an application for this program in 2026 to help fund a planned PFAS treatment facility. In Tuesday's announcement, Governor Evers said, "While there is still more work to do, I am incredibly proud of our work to fight PFAS, help private well owners replace their contaminated wells, and replace lead service lines statewide, and these funds bring us one step closer to meeting our goal of ensuring every Wisconsinite has access to clean, safe water." Since the project was introduced in 1998, around $1.5 billion in assistance has been provided to Wisconsin municipalities.

Published on 11/19/2025 under News With the gun deer hunt just a few days away, the DNR is reminding hunters to dress for safety by wearing the appropriate gear for visibility. A state law requiring blaze orange in the field is among factors attributed to a drop in hunting related accidents. In addition to the more traditional blaze orange, a 2016 Wisconsin law allows the use of fluorescent pink, as well. According to the DNR, state law requires at least 50% coverage of orange or pink from the waist up. They note that includes any hats or hoods. Even if you're not hunting, the DNR still encourages other outdoor recreationists to sport blaze orange or pink to ensure safety for everyone enjoying Wisconsin's natural resources. And it's also a good idea for any pets to have a high visibility vest as well to avoid any accidents.

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