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Local & Area News

Ember Heats Up Music on the River; WJJQ Community Cookout

Published on 07/01/2026 under News Tomahawk's Music on the River returns Wednesday evening with a special kickoff to the Fourth of July holiday week, and a special thank you from WJJQ. The second concert of the 19th season will feature Ember, an award winning, four-piece band from Western Wisconsin and Music on the River regular. They describe themselves as bringing "a fun party atmosphere with dance-driven renditions of popular rock and country hits." Wednesday also marks the return of the WJJQ Community Cookout. After a rain-out during season opener, WJJQ staff and volunteers will be serving brats, hot dogs, chips, and soda beginning at 4:30 pm. The cookout serves as one of the station's annual opportunities to thank listeners while traditionally helping kick off another summer of Music on the River. With another threat of stormy weather in the forecast today, stay tuned to WJJQ for any potential location changes.

Published on 07/01/2026 under News The countdown to Tomahawk's annual Powwow Days celebration is officially on. While the Tomahawk Lions Club takes the lead on coordinating the full day of festivities, they lean heavily on the community for support. Tomahawk Lion Kevin Koth stopped by the WJJQ studios to preview this year's events and discuss the year-round planning that makes it all possible. Koth noted that pulling off an event of this scale requires massive volunteer effort and delegation extending well beyond the Lions' membership. This collective community support helps organize everything from the morning races and kids' activities to the midday attractions and evening fireworks. Even behind the scenes work such as clean-up is covered, and importantly the financial support. Bringing Powwow Days to life carries a price tag of approximately $25,000, with the parade and the fireworks show demanding the largest share of the budget. Over the past two months, the Lions' fundraising team has been working tirelessly, reaching out to local businesses and generous donors whose financial support keeps the tradition alive. While the event is packed with decades-old annual traditions, like the chicken lunch and firefighter water demonstrations, organizers always look to keep things fresh and exciting. This year, parade-goers will have a spectacular reason to look to the skies. Koth shared the exciting news that Tomahawk is on the flight path for an F-35 fighter jet flyover, which is scheduled to roar over the crowd right during Saturday's Powwow Days parade. You can listen to the entire conversation with Kevin in the WJJQ audio center. Of course, stay tuned to WJJQ throughout the week for news, updates, and live coverage.

Published on 07/01/2026 under News Wisconsin Public Service is looking for another furry face to be featured in its annual safe digging campaign. The local utility has officially put out a call for nominations for its next safe-digging "spokes-dog." In 2024, an Aussie-doodle pup named Arlo from Tomahawk became the company's first-ever "ambassadog." Last year, the crown went to Pearl from Schofield. With Pearl's one-year reign now coming to an end, WPS is hunting for her successor. Customers are encouraged to enter the contest by snapping a photo of their dog, preferably digging in his or her favorite spot. A panel of judges will narrow down the entries to a few select finalists, and WPS customers will then get the chance to vote online to select the top dog. During their term, the winning pup is regularly featured on social media and regional billboards to remind residents to utilize Digger's Hotline. Their primary message? "Doggone it! Always call 811 at least three days before you dig." Pet parents have until July 9 to enter their canine candidates. Complete rules and entry forms are available on the WPS website and their official social media channels.

Published on 07/01/2026 under News Throughout the week, we've been talking about safety when the temperatures climb. It's a good reminder to keep kids and pets out of parked vehicles. In direct sunlight the rays can create dangerous heat in a short amount of time. The National Weather Service shared some figures that show just how quickly that can happen. Using a sunny, 80-degree day, like today, as an example, they note that temperatures in a vehicle can climb to more than 120 degrees in less than an hour. Even running a quick errand can see quickly rising temps. On that same 80 degree day, it can rise to more than 100 degrees in less than 20 minutes. Dark colors on the interior of the car may make the temperatures climb higher and faster. While leaving a window cracked may help a little, they note the cooling effects are minimal. Safety officials say the best thing is to simply take children with you whenever you leave the vehicle. For pets, they'll be safest and happiest at home.

Published on 07/01/2026 under News Law enforcement officials will be out on waterways across the state over the extended holiday weekend to make sure boaters are staying sober. Launched in 2009, Operation Dry Water is a nationwide enforcement and education campaign dedicated to reducing alcohol- and drug-related accidents on the water. Throughout the Fourth of July weekend, DNR staff and local recreational safety deputies will increase patrols on area lakes and rivers to ensure everyone is operating safely. Lt. John Sinclair is a DNR Boating Law Administration encourages people to make the right choice. He says boating is an incredibly popular pastime in Wisconsin, especially on holiday weekends. But he notes that increased traffic comes with people who chose to operate under the influence. Officials will also continue to educate boaters about other safety habits, such as the proper use of life jackets. The Operation Dry Water campaign runs through Sunday.

Published on 07/01/2026 under News The Fourth of July is just a few days away, and transportation officials are reminding holiday travelers to buckle up, stay alert, and expect slower traffic in work zones and along major travel corridors. According to AAA, Wisconsinites will hit the road in near-record numbers this holiday weekend, with an estimated 1.4 million motorists expected statewide. WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman emphasizes that vigilance is vital, stating, "Safety on our roads is a shared responsibility. Whether you're driving across the state or just across town, your choices behind the wheel matter." With the holiday falling on a weekend, traffic is expected to peak on Friday afternoon and evening, before picking back up again on Sunday afternoon. Here in the Northwoods, the Interstate 39 and Highway 51 corridor is typically the busiest stretch as folks head north ahead of the holiday and travel south afterward. According to the Department of Transportation, most road construction will pause over the holiday weekend to keep as many lanes open as possible. However, there are a couple of notable exceptions right here in Lincoln County including Highway 107 and the Barnes Creek Bridge project on Highway 17. Travelers are highly encouraged to check real-time road conditions at Wisconsin 511 (511wi.gov) before leaving home. Boardman parted with one final safety reminder for the weekend: "Buckle up, drive sober, put distractions away, and look out for one another. Together, we can make this Fourth of July a safe and memorable celebration across Wisconsin."

Published on 06/30/2026 under News With the Northwoods in the middle of one of its hottest stretches of the summer, Aspirus Health is reminding residents that extreme heat can be more dangerous than many people realize. Emergency medicine physician Dr. Dylan Wyatt says extreme heat claims more lives each year than floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes because high temperatures put tremendous stress on the heart and the body's ability to cool itself. Dr. Wyatt says it's important to recognize the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat exhaustion can cause heavy sweating, dizziness, weakness, nausea, and muscle cramps. Moving to a cool place and drinking water or electrolyte drinks can help. Heat stroke, however, is considered a medical emergency. 911 should be dialed immediately, while attempting to cool the victim. Warning signs include confusion, slurred speech, fainting, and a body temperature of 104 degrees or higher. To prevent heat-related illness, Aspirus recommends staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water (even before you begin to feel thirsty) and avoiding strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest portions of the day. Finally, take a moment to check in on friends, family, and neighbors, especially those who are older or more vulnerable to the heat.

Published on 06/30/2026 under News A Gleason man was hospitalized after his motorcycle struck a deer in Lincoln County over the weekend. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, emergency responders were called to Highway 17 near County Road X in the Town of Russell on Saturday. The caller reported that the motorcyclist was breathing but had sustained a head injury. Deputies determined that the motorcycle was traveling northbound on Highway 17 when a deer ran into the roadway. The 24 year old driver was transported by ambulance to Aspirus Wausau Hospital. The Sheriff's Office noted he was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. No update on his condition was provided. Sheriff's deputies remind drivers that deer remain highly active in the Northwoods, and fawns are on the move. This crash was one of 13 vehicle-versus-deer collisions reported in Lincoln County over the past week.

Published on 06/30/2026 under News A 67-year-old Prentice man has died following a search on Worcester Lake in Price County over the weekend. According to the Price County Sheriff's Office, deputies responded to a report of a missing man, believed to be on Worcester Lake in the Town of Hackett, at around 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Multiple agencies responded to the scene and conducted a thorough search of the lake. The man's body was eventually located and recovered; he was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities are currently withholding the victim's name pending the notification of family members. No further details have been released, and the incident remains under investigation. The Price County Sheriff's Office was assisted in the search and recovery efforts by the Prentice Fire Department, Prentice EMS, Pike Lake Fire Department, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission, the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, the Oneida County Sheriff's Office, the Price County Coroner's Office, and local residents.

Published on 06/30/2026 under News Visitors to Park City Credit Union's Tomahawk branch may notice a new tribute honoring a longtime community leader. The credit union recently dedicated its newly renovated office area as the Dr. Bobbi Voermans Business Center. While widely known for her work at Hometown Chiropractic, Dr. Bobbi also served on Park City Credit Union's Board of Directors from 2014 until her passing in 2021. In a social media post, credit union officials shared that Voermans played an important role in guiding Park City's growth while remaining deeply committed to serving both members and the local community. The newly renovated area will provide the additional office space needed to support the organization's ongoing growth while keeping her legacy alive. A plaque outside the business center recognizes Voermans' passion for improving the lives of others. It also highlights a message she frequently shared: to begin and end each day with positivity, gratitude, and the encouraging reminder to "Have your best day."

Published on 06/30/2026 under News With temperatures climbing over the next few days, state officials are reminding residents about crucial laws designed to protect utility customers. We regularly discuss the winter disconnection moratorium which prevents utilities from disconnecting service during the winter heating months. But the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin also notes that similar rules go into effect while a heat advisory, heat warning, or heat emergency is issued by the National Weather Service. Much of the state is under advisories, and temperatures are expected to remain elevated here in the Northwoods into the weekend. In addition to halting scheduled shutoffs, the PSC states that utilities must make a reasonable attempt to restore service if a combination of extreme heat and a lack of power poses a potential threat to human health. Utilities are explicitly encouraged to err on the side of human health and safety when making these reconnection decisions. However, the protections are temporary. According to the PSC announcement, once the heat advisory, warning, or emergency expires, service may be disconnected again if the customer has not established a payment arrangement.

Published on 06/30/2026 under News There is good news for pheasant and ruffed grouse populations in Wisconsin. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently released data from its annual spring surveys of the two popular game birds. For the third consecutive year, pheasant observations tracking above the five-year average. Because the Northwoods is not a typical territory for these birds, pheasant surveys are not conducted here; instead, the strongest populations were observed in western Wisconsin. Meanwhile, ruffed grouse survey results showed a slight decrease from 2025, an expected dip due to the birds' historic 10-year population cycle. According to DNR ruffed grouse specialist Alaina Roth, the population trough typically occurs in years ending in 4, 5, and 6. Roth noted that numbers from the previous two years remained strong largely due to "exceptional nesting and brooding conditions in prior years." The grouse population is tracked via a roadside drumming survey. Multiple survey routes were completed in each county within the Northern priority area, and this region ultimately recorded the state's strongest numbers. The full reports are available on the Wisconsin DNR wildlife survey website.

Published on 06/29/2026 under News For many people, the sounds of a Fourth of July parade are part of the celebration. But this year in Rhinelander, organizers are also setting aside a quieter stretch of the route so even more people can enjoy the holiday tradition. The Rhinelander Fourth of July Committee has announced it will designate a sensory-friendly area along this year's parade route, extending from City Hall to Rives Street. Parade participants are being asked to avoid using sirens, loud horns and confetti cannons while traveling through that section of the route. Music from parade units and marching bands, however, will still be welcome. The committee says the sensory-friendly area is intended to better accommodate individuals with sensory concerns, helping make the community celebration more accessible and inclusive. Organizers are asking all parade participants to honor and respect the request as the parade makes its way through the designated quiet zone.

Published on 06/29/2026 under News With the Northwoods' first real stretch of summer heat settling in this week, many residents will be looking for ways to stay cool without sending their electric bills soaring. Wisconsin Public Service is offering several simple, low-cost tips to help keep homes comfortable while reducing energy use. One of the easiest ways to beat the heat is to keep the sun out by closing blinds or curtains during the day. WPS also recommends keeping windows closed while outdoor temperatures are highest, then opening them overnight to let cooler air inside. Ceiling and portable fans can helps circulate cool air. WPS reminds homeowners to make sure ceiling fans are set to rotate counterclockwise during the summer, creating a cooling downdraft. Another tip is to avoid creating extra heat indoors during the daytime hours. Instead of using the oven or stove, consider grilling outside, and swap the dryer for a clothes line. For those looking to save money over the long term, WPS recommends choosing energy-efficient appliances when it's time to replace older models and installing a programmable smart thermostat to help manage cooling costs more efficiently.

Published on 06/29/2026 under News A Fourth of July cookout in Wisconsin is expected to cost a little more this summer, according to the annual Wisconsin Farm Bureau Market Basket Survey released this past week. To determine the average cost, the survey tracks the prices of a dozen cookout essentials—including burgers, hot dogs, buns, and sides—at a sample of grocery stores across 20 communities statewide. This year, the survey found that the average cost to host a typical summer cookout for ten people is around $75.50, a 7.5% increase from last year. This total is roughly two dollars higher than the national average and marks the highest cost since the survey was established in 2013. Farm Bureau spokesperson Cassie Sonnentag says, "From availability to inflation, we are seeing increases across many of the food items on the shopping list." This includes supply chain issues and rising fuel costs. The largest jump was in ground beef, up 23% from last year. The spike is driven largely by the cost of ground beef, which is up more than 23% from last year due to supply chain price increases, particularly rising fuel costs. However, there are still ways to save. Sonnentag noted that identifying local brands, taking advantage of sale prices, buying in bulk, and shopping in season can significantly reduce overall spending. Other cookout tips include creating a menu beforehand, sticking to your grocery list, and spreading the cost by inviting guests to bring a dish to pass. In addition to its summer cookout report, the Wisconsin Farm Bureau also conducts an annual Thanksgiving dinner survey.

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