WJJQ Radio

Local & Area News

Oneida County Health Department Unveils New Public Health Vending Machine

Published on 09/30/2026 under News Instead of candy bars or soft drinks, Oneida County's newest vending machine is stocked with valuable health supplies, free to those who need them. The Oneida County Health Department has launched its very first Public Health Vending Machine this week. Positioned right outside the Health Department and ADRC building on Keenan Street in Rhinelander; it's accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The machine is stocked with essential items like hygiene and dental kits, first aid supplies, laundry kits, and even tick removal packs. They've also stocked some critical safety gear like drug deactivation bags and gunlocks, which were donated by the Rhinelander Police Department and Iron Mountain VA. Local health officials say removing the price tag eliminates barriers for families who might otherwise struggle to afford basic care items, all while offering a private and convenient way to get help. Public health vending machines are catching on across Wisconsin, and community donations are helping keep this one stocked year-round.

Published on 09/30/2026 under News As fall foliage peaks across Northern Wisconsin, more families are trading typical weekend getaways for a day on the farm. Governor Tony Evers has officially proclaimed September and October as Wisconsin's Agricultural Tourism Fall Season. Agritourism, where farms open their doors to the public for entertainment, education, and fresh local food is a growing industry, both statewide and locally. Common attractions at this time of year include: apple orchards, pumpkin patches, corn mazes and farmstead pizza. With less than two percent of Americans working directly in agriculture, industry experts say these visits help bridge the gap—giving people a chance to learn where their food comes from while supporting local family farms. In turn, it gives hardworking farmers an opportunity to showcase their operations and supplement their income. To help travelers plan an autumn trip, the Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association recently launched a new online directory featuring interactive maps, digital discounts, and interactive games with prizes, such as "Fall on the Farm Bingo" and a "Fall Maze Challenge." To learn more or plan your visit, go to wiagritourism.com.

Published on 09/30/2026 under News Fittingly, as National Preparedness Month wraps up, the Tomahawk Health and Safety Committee is moving forward with an updated Emergency Management ordinance. The proposal outlines critical response procedures and establishes a clear chain of command during a widespread disaster, while also cleaning up some of the language of the existing ordinance. While officials hope to never use it, having an updated plan ready is essential. Under the ordinance, the Mayor, as the city's highest elected official, serves as the Local Emergency Management Director. Police Chief Al Elvins noted during the meeting that during a disaster, both he and the fire chief are typically tied up managing their department's operational duties. The plan also sets specific guidelines for declaring a local state of emergency. After brief discussion, committee members voted unanimously to send the updated ordinance to the full City Council for approval.

Published on 09/30/2026 under News With winter a few months away, Boulder Junction is preparing for the upcoming season at Winter Park following a strong 2025–26 winter. The park recorded more than 20,000 visits during its eight-week season at The Glide, nearly doubling its inaugural figures. An analysis by the town's Economic Development Committee estimates that these visitors generated approximately $1.2 million in direct local spending. Winter Park's initial infrastructure relied on temporary solutions to operationalize the park quickly and evaluate usage patterns. With two successful seasons completed, the town now possesses a clear understanding of park functionality, necessary improvements, and high-impact long-term investments. To support future growth, the Town of Boulder Junction is launching a $110,000 improvement campaign to construct permanent facilities. Planned upgrades include heated winter pit toilets, pavilion improvements, new seating, and updated signage. Partnering with the Boulder Junction Community Foundation to raise the remaining funds, the town has committed $55,000 from room tax revenues to cover half the cost. To learn more or donate, visit boulderatplay.com or boulderjunctioncf.org.

Published on 09/30/2026 under News As we close out Falls Prevention Month, local health experts are reminding us that protecting against a dangerous fall involves more than just clearing trip hazards around the house—it also means checking your medicine cabinet. Certain prescription and over-the-counter drugs can cause hidden side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, or sudden drops in blood pressure that throw off your balance. Aspirus pharmacy resident Yinglai Chang notes that taking five or more medications significantly compounds that risk, especially when side effects overlap. Even everyday over-the-counter products like Benadryl, sleep aids, or multi-symptom cold remedies can affect your coordination and alertness without you realizing it. Before starting any new medication, be sure to read the active ingredients and warning labels. Most importantly, don't hesitate to ask your local pharmacist to review your current prescriptions for potential interactions—and never stop taking a prescribed medication without talking to your doctor first.

Published on 09/30/2026 under News Monthly unemployment estimates in the Northwoods dropped in August, but were up compared to the same time last year. The Department of Workforce Development released its monthly unemployment estimates this past week. It was a mixed bag across the state: rates increased in 10 counties over the month, dropped in 36 counties, and remained unchanged in the remaining 26. Locally, month-over-month estimates show slight improvements. Lincoln County's rate fell from 3.9% in July to 3.8% in August. Oneida County dropped from 3.2% to 3.1%, while Vilas County saw a decrease from 3.6% to 3.5%. All three Northwoods counties along the Highway 51 corridor were up by about half a percentage point compared to August 2025.

Published on 09/29/2026 under News A marketing strategy to put Lincoln County on the map is paying off in viewers, visitors, and tourism dollars. Over the past three years, the Lincoln County has partnered with Discover Mediaworks to showcase its local gems through television episodes, social media features, and short-form video content. Josh Osterman, Director of Content Strategy and Partnerships at Discover Mediaworks, recently presented a glowing report on the initiative to the Lincoln County Board. Osterman highlighted how taking a "30,000-foot view" of the area has helped draw attention to lesser-known locations alongside long-standing staples, from off-road riding in the Harrison Hills and guided fishing excursions to local dining spots and scenic drives along Highway 107. Broadcast viewership across full episodes, themed specials, and promotional spots on the Discover Wisconsin network surpassed 10 million viewers. Meanwhile, short-form social clips pulled in another 2.5 million views. County leaders earned praise for keeping the area top-of-mind for Upper Midwest travelers, with out-of-state interest surging in major metro markets like Chicago, Detroit, Indianapolis, and the Twin Cities.Broadcast Viewership: 10,180,174Digital Impressions: 2,106,958Digital Views: 959,521Digital Engagements: 20,100Digital Reach: 2,180,275Podcast Listens: 16,936Podcast Views: 2,514,170Emails Contacted: 330,771Emmy: 1The ultimate goal was to boost the local economy, and state data shows it worked. Figures from the Wisconsin Department of Tourism show Lincoln County's total economic impact grew 11.6% over the three-year stretch, while direct visitor spending rose more than 12.5%, outpacing several neighboring counties and state tourism hubs. The report also teased upcoming feature topics like local hiking trails, waterfront dining, and adventures along the Wisconsin River.

Published on 09/29/2026 under News Vehicle-versus-deer crashes are on the rise across Lincoln County, but over the weekend, a driver's attempt to avoid an animal led to a rollover wreck that left two people injured. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, emergency responders were paged to Highway 8 near Martin Road in the Town of Somo for a single-vehicle crash. The driver, an Olivia, Minnesota man, reported he was traveling eastbound when a deer ran onto the highway. He swerved to avoid hitting the animal, causing his vehicle to enter the south ditch and become airborne before coming to rest. Both the driver and a passenger suffered minor injuries. Deputies reported 12 vehicle-versus-deer collisions on Lincoln County roadways last week, marking a noticeable uptick from recent weeks.

Published on 09/29/2026 under News A Merrill man thrown from his vehicle in a rollover spent the night in the ditch before the crash was discovered. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report, deputies were sent to the area of County G and Alder Road in the Town of Pine River back on September 7 for a rollover crash involving injuries. The driver stated he had been in the ditch since the night before. He told deputies he was heading to his home when he missed a curve and crashed. The man was ejected from the vehicle during the crash and received injuries as a result. No update on his condition was provided.

Published on 09/29/2026 under News The Wisconsin State Patrol and local partners are reminding parents and caregivers to protect their most precious passengers by reviewing their child car seats. The agency named child passenger safety its September Law of the Month, focusing on proper seat selection and installation. According to federal traffic data, approximately half of all car seats are installed incorrectly. State law sets specific minimums based on age and size—starting with newborns in rear-facing car seats, transitioning to forward-facing harnessed seats, and eventually moving to booster seats until a child reaches age eight, eighty pounds, or four feet nine inches in height. State Patrol officials say keeping children in the appropriate seat significantly reduces the risk of injury in a crash. Superintendent Tim Carnahan emphasized that proper installation is a simple way to protect young passengers, adding that adults should set a good example by making it a habit to buckle up themselves on every trip, no matter the distance. Additional safety guidelines and certified inspection locations can be found online at wisconsindot.gov.

Published on 09/29/2026 under News A high school junior from Delavan-Darien High School has taken top honors in the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources' 2027 State Park and Forest admission pass design contest, while a Northwoods student finished among the top entries. Junior Kiet Tuan Tran won first place out of more than 120 statewide submissions. Tran's winning design captures a rustic camping scene, complete with a tent sporting a fitting cheese-pattern print set beneath a tree canopy shaped like the outline of Wisconsin. Local student Skylarr Martin of Rhinelander High School also earned recognition, receiving an Honorable Mention for their artwork. Now in its 36th year, the DNR-sponsored contest invites high school students from across the state to showcase their artistic talents. "The contest is a great way to get students thinking about our public lands and the different ways they can support the state's natural resources," said Chris Pedretti, DNR Business Operations Section Supervisor. The new vehicle admission passes featuring the winning design will be available for purchase ahead of the 2027 state park season. Contest materials for the 2028 pass design contest are available now, with submissions accepted through April 30, 2027.

Published on 09/29/2026 under News Two Marshfield Clinic AmeriCorps programs are set to receive new grant funding to continue their community outreach missions across the state. Serve Wisconsin recently announced the distribution of $9.2 million in federal AmeriCorps grants to support 17 programs statewide. Through these initiatives, AmeriCorps members will assist with a wide range of local efforts, from conservation projects to after-school youth programming. Marshfield Clinic Health System secured funding for two specific programs. The first grant supports the "Community Corps" program, placing 50 members in non-profits and public health organizations across the region to expand capacity and address community health needs. The second grant funds the "Recovery Corps" program, training 20 members as recovery coaches to assist individuals battling opioid and substance use disorders while delivering community education. "Our AmeriCorps members serving this year are building upon the service legacy of those who have served before them," said Kyle Clower, Executive Director of Serve Wisconsin. In addition to funding the 17 statewide programs, Serve Wisconsin received $354,374 through the federal Volunteer Generation Fund to further support local volunteer initiatives across Wisconsin.

Published on 09/28/2026 under News We are still three months away from Christmas, but a Lincoln County group is already preparing its annual holiday gift distribution for families in need. Christmas Spirit Lincoln County works with local partners each holiday season to ensure a Merry Christmas for children across Tomahawk, Merrill, and surrounding areas. The non-profit's mission is to fulfill gift requests for parents and guardians who are struggling financially and may otherwise be unable to provide presents for their kids. Volunteer Chris Copiskey says the group helped more than 150 families and nearly 400 children last year. In addition to traditional toys and gifts, they also focus on providing essential items like winter coats, hygiene products, and bedding. Calling the effort "a heartwarming and humbling process," Copiskey noted that community generosity is always unbelievable. The first phase of the mission is already underway: collecting applications and wish lists. Although the deadline is October 31st, participating parents are encouraged to submit their paperwork as soon as possible. Applications are available at WJJQ in Tomahawk, as well as the Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce and the Merrill Fire Department. Once requests are gathered, individual gift tags will be placed on community Giving Trees, allowing local residents to pick a tag and purchase items. In early December, volunteers will organize and distribute the gifts—an experience organizers call one of the most rewarding parts of the project.

Published on 09/28/2026 under News Artificial intelligence is rapidly expanding across health care, but local experts say human judgment must remain at the center of patient care. Erica Neilitz, simulation coordinator at Nicolet College, recently brought that message to the state capitol. Neilitz testified before the legislative Study Committee on the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Health Care, presenting alongside representatives from the UW-Madison School of Medicine and the Medical College of Wisconsin. Drawing on 26 years of nursing experience, Neilitz offered legislators insight into how AI is shaping both nursing education and the workforce. At Nicolet College, Neilitz uses hands-on simulations to prepare students for real-world medical settings, honing their decision-making and critical thinking. While AI offers promising new capabilities for health care, she emphasized to lawmakers that technology can never replace core nursing values. "There is significant value in artificial intelligence in health care, but it has to remain a tool that humans use responsibly," Neilitz stated. "As AI becomes more integrated into practice, we need to make sure nurses are prepared to use it without losing the clinical judgment, critical thinking, and caring that are foundational to nursing." Lawmakers on the study committee focused their questions on responsible student AI use, AI literacy, and recommendations for future state policy. Neilitz hopes her testimony will help ensure upcoming regulations support innovation while keeping human-centered care the top priority.

Published on 09/28/2026 under News Last Monday, another group of Northwoods veterans traveled to Washington, D.C., aboard the Never Forgotten Honor Flight, and local organizers are continuing their push to get more eligible veterans on the waiting list. As part of that effort, officials are working to dispel some of the most common reasons veterans hesitate to sign up. Many veterans believe they shouldn't apply because they didn't see combat, while others worry about health or mobility issues. Organizers stress that any military member, whether active duty, Reserve, or National Guard, who served prior to May 7, 1975, qualifies for the trip. Full medical support and personal assistance are provided throughout the entire day if needed. Other veterans say they have already been to Washington or fear reliving difficult memories. Honor Flight officials emphasize that traveling alongside fellow service members offers a unique experience—one that often brings long-overdue closure and healing. Since the local hub was founded in 2010, the program has flown more than 5,400 area veterans to the nation's capital. The local chapter typically takes 4 missions per year, with one more on the schedule this fall.

+ Read More