WJJQ Radio

Local & Area News

Area Fire Departments Participate in 'Keep the Wreath Green' Campaign

Published on 12/03/2025 under News Fire stations around the Northwoods have become a bit more festive in recent days, but there's a reason behind the decoration. It's all part of the annual 'Keep the Wreath Green' campaign. During the holiday season, participating fire departments hang wreaths on their stations outfitted with green bulbs. When the agency responds to a fire, they change one of the green bulbs to a red one. The wreath serves as a visual reminder of the fire risks over the holiday season, one of the busiest stretches for fire departments nationwide. We saw that here in the Northwoods over the most recent Thanksgiving holiday. In just a few years, crews responded to life-changing fires in Lincoln, Oneida, and Vilas Counties. Here in Lincoln County, both the Tomahawk and Merrill Fire Departments participate in 'Keep the Wreath Green'. A few fire safety tips for the holidays...keep your Christmas tree watered and be careful not to overload electrical outlets. Keep an eye on food cooking, and avoid open flames and candles near flammable materials. These wreaths will remain up through the New Year's holiday, hopefully remaining green during that time.

Published on 12/03/2025 under News The 2025 Wisconsin gun-deer season has come to a close, and the harvest was just shy of last year's totals. The DNR provided a recap of the nine-day gun deer season Tuesday. According to the data, hunters registered 182,000 deer. That's down less than a percentage point when compared to last year's total, and 1.5% below the five year average. But hunters have seen a bit more success when factoring in the archery/crossbow seasons. As of Tuesday, the overall deer harvest including the bow hunts came in at approximately 295,000. That's up 1.1% from last year. Among factors that may have impacted the season was the relatively late start on the calendar, which traditionally has led to a slight drop. Weatherwise, after a quiet opening weekend, hunters across the state had to contend with major winter storms that crossed the northern portions of the state mid-week and central and southern Wisconsin during the second weekend of the season. The purchase of hunting licenses also saw a decline of less than a percentage point. Across all seasons, 790,000 hunters purchasing a tag. And it was a relatively safe 9-day gun/deer season. After two opening weekend firearm incidents, the DNR says there were no additional incidents reported for the remainder of the season.

Published on 12/03/2025 under News The Rhinelander Community will be celebrating a special birthday during an annual community event this evening. The Rhinelander School District and their partners will be hosting their 4th annual Hodag Day at the Dome celebration. Each December, they inviting the community to come enjoy the Dome with games, activities and entertainment. This year's theme is the 132nd Birthday Bash for the Hodag, the iconic, mythical beast that has become a symbol of the community. Organizers invite community members young and old to stop by and enjoy some of the activities they have planned. As part of the celebration, the district will host a Youth Entrepreneur Market. They explained this as an opportunity for students from the Rhinelander schools to sell some the products they produce. Doors open at 3:30pm and the Hodag Day at the Dome runs through 6pm.

Published on 12/03/2025 under News It's looking a little more winter-like outside. It serves as a good reminder that winter parking rules are now in place across many Northwoods communities. Here in the City of Tomahawk, winter parking rules went into effect as of December 1. That means no parking on city streets between 2:30am and 5am. While the goal is to allow room for plows to operate, the rules apply whether there is snow or not. A first offense ticket is $25. The winter parking rules here in Tomahawk run through March 15. Most other Northwoods communities have their own overnight winter parking rules in effect. These rules may vary, and drivers are encouraged to check local rules before parking.

Published on 12/03/2025 under News A Northwoods deer has a second lease on life following a water rescue. According to the St. Germain Fire Department, resident on Lost Lake reported that a deer had ventured out onto the newly formed ice and broke through. Responders arrived on the scene and assessed the situation, which they noted is a key step in any ice/water response. After determining it would be safe to proceed, a pair of responders suited up with their ice rescue gear. They broke up the ice to reach the struggling deer and created a path back to shore. In addition to rescuing the deer, they noted it provided a good training opportunity ahead of the ice rescue season. And the department noted the incident also serves as a good reminder to exercise good judgment and decision making when traveling on the ice throughout the winter season.

Published on 12/03/2025 under News Governor Evers made a visit to the Northwoods on Tuesday to get in a little holiday shopping and promote a shop local campaign. For the fifth consecutive year, Gov. Evers proclaimed the weeks between Small Business Saturday through the end of the year as "Shop Small Wisconsin Season." As part of the campaign, Governor Evers stopped in Merrill at several locally owned businesses including Kindhearted Floral and Custom Creations, Polka Dotted Pie, and Johnson's Gifts and Home Decor. Gov. Evers says, "I'm very supportive of small businesses and especially in smaller towns in the state. He added, "When you spend a dollar in a small business in a small town 60% of that ends up local." Throughout the Shop Small Wisconsin Season, the governor is encouraging all Wisconsinites to celebrate small businesses and the many contributions they make to communities across the state, to explore new small businesses and champion their success, and to show support for their neighbors and communities.

Published on 12/02/2025 under News Perfect timing after a pair of winter storms the past week dumped snow across most of the state. Monday was dedicated to those who keep our roads snow-free throughout the winter. It was Snowplow Driver Appreciation Day in Wisconsin on Monday. DoT secretary Kristina Boardman called snowplow drivers and their support staff the unsung heroes of winter. For more than 100 years, Wisconsin has maintained a unique partnership with the state's 72 county highway departments. During the winter, county highway workers keep interstate, U.S. and state highways safe by snow plowing as well as treatments such as salting and liquid brine. On a day dedicated to appreciation, officials also encourage motorists to use caution and courtesy when driving near a working snow plow. Motorists should maintain at least 200 feet behind a working snowplow. A good rule of thumb, make sure you can see the plow's mirrors to ensure the driver can see you. Use caution if passing a snowplow and remember the road conditions will likely be worse in front. The state is making it easier to spot road maintenance vehicles which utilize flashing green warning lights meant to increase safety, enhance driver awareness and improve visibility. Following a snow event monitor road conditions. If your trip isn't urgent consider delaying your travel until plows have been out.

Published on 12/02/2025 under News A Thanksgiving Day crash in Lincoln County left a vehicle partially submerged in an area river. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report, that crash happened on Thursday along Prairie Forks Dr in the Town of Russell. The driver, a 51 year old Gleason man, told deputies he was traveling south when he lost control of the vehicle on a slippery stretch of road. It appears the vehicle struck a bridge embankment, rolled, and came to rest in the Prairie River. The driver was able to exit the vehicle through a back door prior to the cab filling with water. The man reported minor injuries but declined medical transport. The vehicle was removed from the river by Rod's wrecker.

Published on 12/02/2025 under News A Tomahawk man arrested in connection with a series of threats made to a local grocer has been formally charged. According to court records, Nicholas Wolf made his initial appearance in Lincoln County Court on Monday. The 26 year old is facing 4 felony charges, two counts each of bomb scares and making terrorist threats. Wolf was arrested early last week after Tomahawk Police investigated multiple threats called in to the Trig's grocery store in Tomahawk. At the time, they said it was part of a multi-jurisdictional investigation and that there was no threat to the community. According to court records, at Monday's initial appearance, Judge Galen Bayne-Allison set bond at $10,000. As a condition of the bond, Wolf is not allowed contact with any Trig's location and he may not have access to any electronic device with the exception of a phone for emergencies only. Wolf is due back in court again for an adjourned initial appearance on December 22.

Published on 12/02/2025 under News Lincoln County has trails of all types, no matter your interest, and that's the focus of another new video short. Over the past two years, Lincoln County has had an ongoing partnership with Discover MediaWorks and their various programming. This past week, they released another video segment focused on Lincoln County, and specifically the trail networks. It's titled 'Off the Beaten Path' and in three short minutes focuses on some of the different recreation opportunities available. This includes the Harrison Hills for their ATV/UTV trails, the Ice Age Trail for hiking, and the Underdown Trails for mountain biking and cross country skiing. And perhaps the most natural of all trails on the water with the Wisconsin River. The narrator notes the area is perfect for a quick day trip or a weekend escape. The video segment is available on Discover Wisconsin's Youtube channel and cross-promoted on their various social media accounts. This is part of a growing catalog of segments and features on Lincoln County. As we reported earlier this month, a Uniquely Wisconsin segment focused on a sled dogs in Gleason won a Regional Emmy Award. There have actually been a number of Northwoods-themed episodes in recent weeks including Vilas County snowmobiling, a Northwoods UTV loop through St. Germain, Arbor Vitae, and Woodruff, and a Rhinelander-themed episode of their podcast The Cabin.

Published on 12/02/2025 under News After a weekend of holiday shopping; today is set aside for giving back. Giving Tuesday has become a national movement encouraging people to donate to non profits. Those looking to donate are encouraged to a do a little research, and not to forget local organizations. Groups including the Better Business Bureau and State Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection offered warnings about scammers taking advantage. As usual, they recommend avoid pressure tactics, ask questions, and skip any unusual payment requests. When in doubt, think local, as there are a number of familiar groups and organizations in every community that are able to fulfill their missions thanks to community generosity. That includes: food pantries, animal rescues, youth programs, and temporary shelters. And if money is tight at this time of year, get creative. Consider donating food, blood, winter clothing items, toys, or even your own time by volunteering at an organization that interests you.

Published on 12/01/2025 under News With the calendar turned to December, the holiday season is in full swing. That includes an impressive light display in Rhinelander that switches on this evening. Now entering year number nine, Lights of the Northwoods continues to grow each year. It now features more than a million lights and festive displays along a path through Hodag Park. Over the past few weeks, organizers have been putting the final touches on the festive Christmas light tour which begins Monday evening. Attendees have two options, a slow drive through the park, or if the weather allows, a walking tour. While entrance is free, organizers invite revelers to give back to the community and help area non-profits. Last year they collected thousands of dollars for local community organizations, and thousands of pounds of food were distributed to area food pantries. When Lights of the Northwoods began, nearly a decade ago, it was centered in and around the week of Christmas. Due to popularity, they now welcome visitors throughout the month of December. While the lights are nightly, organizers have special activities on weekends including bonfires, visits from Santa, and snacks and cold weather refreshments. Like year's past, they'll also wrap up Lights of the Northwoods with a January 1 fireworks display. The full calendar is available on the Lights of the Northwoods website.

Published on 12/01/2025 under News A storage building was destroyed in a fire in Lincoln County over the weekend. According to the Pine River Fire Department, crews were called to a structure fire on County G in the Town of Pine River on Saturday afternoon. The initial call reported a steel-framed outbuilding on fire. The report indicated there was an automobile in the building along with other fuel sources including diesel, oil, tires, and landscaping materials. Outside the building was a large propane tank. Mother Nature may have helped the firefighters...they indicated the strong winds pushed the fire away from the propane tank and a nearby home. In the end, the building was considered a total loss. No injuries were reported to humans or animals. Several neighboring agencies provided mutual aid and crew were on the scene for several hours. The fire is believed to have been caused by an improperly installed wood furnace.

Published on 12/01/2025 under News After Black Friday and Shop Small Saturday, today marks the third in a holiday shopping trio...Cyber Monday. Officials are reminding online consumers to shop safe and shop smart. Over the years, more and more consumers have shifted to online shopping for at least a portion of their holiday purchases. The experts says a little bit of extra research can held avoid these Grinches and their holiday scams. First make sure your browser and anti-virus software is up-to-date.Watch for misleading advertisements, lookalike websites, and untrustworthy sellers.Be wary of unsolicited offers and those that appear 'too good to be true.'Before clicking 'buy' double check shipping and return policies and read all fine print.Finally, keep a paper trail and monitor your bank and credit card statements throughout the holiday season.

Published on 12/01/2025 under News Across their 1.5 million acres, the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest has no shortage of trees including some that would be perfect for Christmas. For those looking for their holiday centerpiece, forest officials have once again made their annual Christmas tree permits available for the public. It may be a little extra work, it can be a fun and festive family activity. While the trees in the forest are not professionally trimmed or groomed, many enjoy them for their natural appearance. Officials note that cutting a Christmas tree also improves forest health by helping thin densely populated stands of small-diameter trees. Removing these trees in designated areas helps other trees grow larger and can open areas that provide forage for wildlife. Some trees are off-limits such as those adjacent to campgrounds and trails. The permits are just $5, available on both the forest website. The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest also participates in the Every Kid Outdoors initiative which allows fourth grade students a free Christmas tree permit.-Photo provided by the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest

+ Read More