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2019 Spring Turkey Harvest Steady Published on 06/12/2019 under News

Preliminary totals show Wisconsin's turkey harvest during the recently completed spring season were nearly identical to last year.

According to statistics provided by the DNR, hunters registered 38,556 birds this year, compared to 38,885 in 2018. With the number of turkey tags nearly the same as well, the success rate was relatively flat at just over 18 percent.

DNR upland wildlife ecologist Mark Witecha says they did receive a fair number of reports of uncharacteristic turkey breeding behavior with toms being less responsive in the early and middle time periods. Despite that he still called it an "excellent year in the field."

In addition to the spring turkey hunter, the DNR also offers a fall hunt, though it is typically not as popular as the spring season.

In Other News

Vilas County Announces Friday Opening of Snowmobile Trails

Published on 12/18/2025 under News Despite the mild temperatures outside, another snowmobile trail system is set to open ahead of the weekend. According to an update from Vilas County Forestry, Recreation and Land Department, the Vilas County trail system will open tomorrow morning at 8am. The decision comes after a meeting of the eleven clubs that make up the Vilas County Snowmobile Alliance. They noted in the announcement that this year's opening was set back by damage caused by the winter storms in late November. Trails are expected to be in early season riding conditions. In the announcement, they also urged riders to use caution and stay off lakes until they've been marked. As we announced yesterday, trails in Oneida County are also slated to open on Friday at noon.

Published on 12/18/2025 under News Experts are predicting record travel numbers in Wisconsin over the upcoming winter holidays. According to Triple A, nearly 2.4 million Wisconsinites will travel at least 50 miles over the next two weeks. The projection would break the previous high, set last year, and comes on the heels of a record-setting Thanksgiving holiday. This year, that travel window is defined as the thirteen-day period from Saturday, December 20 to Thursday, January 1. Nearly 90% of those travelers will do so by vehicle. With Christmas falling midweek once again, travel will likely be spread out in the days leading up to Christmas. And as often the case, traveling on the holiday itself might be the least crowded. Traffic will pick back up again on the Saturday and Sunday following Christmas. They don't anticipate major impacts on New Year's eve/day. Traffic typically increases in the afternoons and evenings, so those looking to avoid busy roadways should plan to leave earlier in the day. As for gas prices, drivers will be saving about a quarter per gallon compared to last year. The statewide average at around $2.50.

Published on 12/18/2025 under News Data shows an uptick in respiratory illness in the area, and local officials are encouraging people take simple steps to stay healthier over the holidays. According to the Oneida County Health Department, respiratory illness activity is listed as moderate across Wisconsin's Northern Region based on emergency department visits. They said, data show increasing activity of influenza, Covid-19, and RSV, with influenza rising more quickly than other respiratory illnesses. With holiday gatherings upon us, they offered a few reminders of common ways to reduce the risk. First and foremost they recommend getting a flu shot and Covid booster, especially for those 65 and older or those with chronic conditions.Wash your hands with soap and water frequently and utilize hand sanitizer when that's not possible.Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow.Stay home when sick to avoid spreading illness.And when the temps allow, try and open a window to get some improved airflow indoors.The Department says, "Taking simple steps now helps keep you, your loved ones, and our community healthier this season."

Published on 12/18/2025 under News Lawmakers took another step in plans to overhaul the state corrections system, which will impact Lincoln Hills. On Wednesday, the Wisconsin State Building Commission approved construction of a new youth correctional facility in Dane County. A majority of youth offenders are from southern Wisconsin. The goal is to move youth offenders to smaller facilities closer to their families, increasing access to mentors, and more effective programming. The proposed facility in Fitchburg would be the second. A facility is currently being built in Milwaukee and is on track to open late next year according to the announcement. This is part of a larger plan that would eventually lead to the conversion of Lincoln Hills/Copper Lake School in Irma to a 500-bed, medium-security adult facility. According to yesterday's announcement, that target is 2029. Following yesterday's meeting Governor Evers said, "Closing Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake schools and getting our kids closer to home and the support systems they rely on has been our prerogative since Day One, and I'm thrilled to see our administration and members of this Commission take another important step in getting this done and done right." The Northwoods is well represented on the seven member commission with both State Senator Mary Felzkowski and Representative Rob Swearingen serving. At their meeting yesterday, the Commission approved approximately $185 million in construction projects across the state.

Published on 12/18/2025 under News From toys and food to money and warm winter clothing, there is no shortage of collection campaigns at this time of year. One of the more unique efforts kicked off in Rhinelander on Wednesday. Students at Rhinelander High School will once again be collecting denim for the FBLA/DECA Jeans for Teens. Over the next three weeks, students will be collecting jeans for Frederick Place Temporary Housing Shelter in Rhinelander. Last year, the teens gathered more than 400 pairs of jeans, a mark they reach most years. They're once again asking people to check their closets, shelves, or drawers for new or gently used jeans, noting it can be a gift that wasn't your style or a pair that never quite fit. For students or family members, each of the campuses in the district will have a drop off location. They're also teaming up with a number of community partners that have the decorated collection boxes including: Rhinelander Public Library, YMCA of the Northwoods, Maurices, Campfire Coffee & Creamery, and Bath and Body Creations. The collection runs through Jan 6.(photo from last year's collection)

Published on 12/18/2025 under News Firefighters were able to contain a weekend fire at a Vilas County recycling center before it could spread. Back on Sunday, crews were dispatched to West Recycling Way in Eagle River for a report of a commercial structure fire. According to the update, they arrived to find a conveyor belt system and mixed plastic recyclables hoppers had caught fire. Crews were able to quickly knock down and fully extinguish the fire, which they said resulted in minimal damage to the facility. No one was injured, and the cause remains under investigation. Three Lakes and St. Germain Fire Departments provided mutual aid.

Published on 12/17/2025 under News Northwoods snowmobile riders are getting an early Christmas present with Oneida County opening their trails ahead of the weekend. The Oneida County Forestry Land and Recreation Department announced that a majority of their trail system will open at noon on Friday. There are a few exceptions including the Northwoods Passage 51B trail. In the announcement, they note that all lake or river trails in Oneida County remain closed at this time, and they are considered unsafe until they have been clearly marked. While the local clubs have been busy preparing the trails, they do anticipate early season riding conditions. In recent years, local snowmobilers have had to wait until January on a number of occasions. Last year, Oneida County trails didn't open until February 7 for an abbreviated riding season. We await word on neighboring counties, and will pass along any additional openers as we receive them. As always stay tuned to WJJQ throughout the season for updates and reports on the local trail system.

Published on 12/17/2025 under News Volunteers in Lincoln County were once again able to make this Christmas season merry with a little help from the community. Over the past few months organizers of Christmas Spirit-Lincoln County have been busy preparing their annual gift distribution. Working with community partners, they fill gift requests for families struggling financially to provide presents during the holiday season. With both the need and generosity remaining high, they recently announced they were able to distribute gifts to 150 families this year, which will allow 390 kids to have a brighter Christmas next week. Those gifts were distributed to families earlier this month. As their giving season wraps up, organizers wanted to thank everyone who lent a helping hand this year. This includes the Tomahawk and Merrill Fire Departments, area businesses, shoppers, gift wrappers, who continue to coming together to make this program possible each holiday season.

Published on 12/17/2025 under News Earlier this year, YMCA of the Northwoods announced they were exploring a new location in the Lakeland area. Now they're seeking some community input. Back in October, the Y share they were considering a partnership with Lakeland Fitness and Golf Center in Woodruff. They created a Lakeland Area Y Steering Committee is exploring the feasibility. That committee has launched a Community Needs Assessment survey to help determine what gaps in facilities, programs, and services there are in the area. Linda May, CEO of the YMCA of the Northwoods says, "A YMCA is built by listening to the community it hopes to serve. Your voice will help us understand what matters most and how we can work within the Lakeland area. Together, we can strengthen connections, support wellness, and create a vision for a place where everyone belongs." The YMCA of the Northwoods is based in Rhinelander. They also have the Flambeau River Y in Park Falls which opened earlier this year.

Published on 12/17/2025 under News Local responders recently took part in some winter rescue training, while also reminding the public to use caution whenever heading out onto the ice. Throughout the season, rescue crews regularly brush up on their skills to ensure they are well-prepared when they get the call for an ice-water rescue. Crews from the Nokomis Fire Department were able to conduct a training session on Monday evening. They took advantage of some open water near the County L bridge. They said were able to cover a variety of useful skills including rope handling, radio use, verbal and non-verbal communication, rescues, and self-rescues. And because not all emergencies come during the daytime hours, they brushed up on lighting the scene. In addition to the rescue training, the group also said they were able to test out their new electric ice auger. This can be a useful tool during a fire response in getting fast access to water under the ice.

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