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Lincoln County Receives Bierman Family Foundation Grant for K9 Program

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.

Published on 08/21/2026 under News City officials are warning local residents, businesses, and builders to stay vigilant following additional email scam attempts impersonating City of Rhinelander staff. The latest fraudulent messages are coming from the fake email address planning.rhinelanderwi.@usa.com and request payments via wire transfer. A number of municipalities around the state have reported similar schemes, but Rhinelander officials weren't aware of any community members who have fallen for the scams. To protect against fraudulent requests, officials offered a few reminders...They note that legitimate communications from City of Rhinelander staffers come from email addresses that end with "@rhinelanderwi.us. They would never require payment via wire transfer. Those with questions about communications from the city should verify requests directly.

Published on 08/21/2026 under News A unique waterski competition is taking place in Crandon this weekend, though no water skis are needed. Hundreds of spectators and thrill-seekers will line the shores of Peshtigo Lake in Crandon this weekend for the return of Footstock. Ditching traditional skis altogether, competitors glide across open water relying on nothing more than bravery, balance, and bare soles at speeds pushing 40 miles per hour. Known officially as the World Figure 8 Barefoot Tournament, the competion is all about endurance. The format puts two barefooters side-by-side behind a single boat, driving through tight, high-speed turns and churning wakes until one competitor falls. In addition to the top billing Open Championship, they'll feature additional women's, junior's and senior's divisions. Action kicks off early Saturday morning and runs through Sunday afternoon.

Published on 08/20/2026 under News An annual campaign targeting impaired driving is underway in Wisconsin. Local law enforcement agencies are joining state partners for the "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" initiative. The two-and-a-half-week campaign highlights drunk driving and drug-related impairment. According to Wisconsin Department of Transportation statistics, there were just over 7,000 alcohol- or drug-related crashes in the state last year, along with more than 20,000 OWI convictions. State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan says "Strong partnerships are critical to prevent impaired driving crashes. This includes our law enforcement partners, but more importantly, it means working with motorists and communities to make sure impaired drivers never get behind the wheel." Officials emphasize that impaired driving threatens not only the person behind the wheel, but also their passengers and everyone else sharing the road. To combat the issue, the increased enforcement push is paired with a public education campaign across traditional media, social media, and even digital highway messaging signs. Drive Sober will continue through Labor Day weekend.

Published on 08/20/2026 under News The Lincoln County Board has fast-tracked repairs on the County Highway M bridge west of Merrill, bypassing the standard competitive bidding process in an effort to complete the project before winter. Following a brief presentation from Highway Commissioner Jason Lemmer, supervisors approved an emergency measure to address severe structural damage discovered during a July inspection. A 10-ton weight limit has since been posted, and officials warned that further deterioration could force a complete bridge closure if left unrepaired. The emergency status allows Lemmer to solicit direct bids from three contractors rather than running a lengthy public bidding process. This streamlined approach ensures the county can meet a strict Sept. 15 deadline for stream bed work in the Copper River. The $325,000 repair focuses on replacing the bridge's damaged steel piles. Funding includes $58,000 from the Highway Department for design costs, with the remaining $267,000 drawn from the county's general fund. Lemmer noted that the rest of the structure remains in good condition and estimated these repairs will last approximately 50 years. Further updates on traffic impacts will be provided as the official project timeline is finalized.

Published on 08/20/2026 under News As we enter the dog days of summer, we've been getting some reports of some area lakes showing signs of blue-green algae blooms. Health officials are reminding the public to avoid affected waters. Blue-green algae is naturally occurring in Wisconsin waterways. Problems may arise when the algae goes into bloom. Factors leading to a bloom include stagnant waters, fertilizer run-off, warm temperatures, and sunlight. Despite the name, blue-green algae can appear in a variety of colors including reds, browns and whites. Its appearance is often described as looking like pea soup or spilled paint on the water surface. There are a variety of symptoms from exposure or ingestion including skin irritation, nausea and illness. In addition to humans, pets can also be affected. The Health Department recommends showering or rinsing off if you have been in affected waters. And with fall fishing, avoid eating the catch if a bloom is present at your favorite fishing spot. While some popular swimming areas like beaches may be monitored, it is typically up to swimmers to be on the lookout for algae. Officials often say, "When in doubt, stay out!"

Published on 08/20/2026 under News Beyond high-profile races atop the ballot, voters in Minocqua will decide on a school funding request this November. At a meeting earlier this week, the Minocqua J1 School District finalized a recurring operational referendum question for the upcoming election. The district includes Minocqua-Hazelhurst-Lakeland (MHLT), along with Creative Minds Charter School and Lakeland STAR Charter School. If approved, the measure would allow the district to exceed state revenue limits by $3.5 million annually. District officials estimate the initial property tax impact will be approximately 66 cents per $1,000 of equalized property value, though they project the mill rate could decrease over time due to rising property values and declining enrollment. To help community members review the proposal before casting their ballots, the district is launching an informational website and planning several public presentations. According to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction-Referenda Reporting Portal, more than 40 school districts across the state are seeking voter approval for referendum funding this fall.

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