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Fall Ride Benefits Muscular Dystrophy Association Published on 09/11/2019 under News

The Tomahawk Community is putting the final touches on Fall Ride preparations, and the bikes are already filling the streets.

The celebration of motorcycles, the fall colors and the Northwoods community are apparent. But with all the festivities, it's easy to forget that the Fall Ride events centered out of SARA Park go towards raising money for Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Last year, development coordinator Abbey Forcey said that MDA raised a little more than $117,000. During the 35 year partnership, they have raised more than $2 million.

As for this year's fundraiser, they will be raffling off a 2019 Harley-Davidson Vivid Black FLHTK Ultra Limited Motorcycle.

There's no shortage of Fall Ride events planned, kicking off with tomorrow's bonfire and bratfry. As always, stay tuned to WJJQ for previews, times, and locations, as well as live updates from a number of events.

We also have our pocket sized Fall Ride Passport to the Northwoods informational booklet.

In Other News

Aspirus Seeing Increase of E-Bike Injuries; Encourage Helmets, Safety

Published on 07/08/2026 under News As electric bicycles continue to grow in popularity, local hospitals are seeing a corresponding rise in serious injuries related to e-bike crashes. Aspirus Trauma Coordinator Jamie Armbruster says that because e-bikes are heavier and faster than traditional bicycles, they require much longer stopping distances. This combination often leads to more severe trauma when a crash occurs. Common injuries treated at Aspirus emergency facilities include fractures, facial trauma, internal organ damage, and brain injuries. Many of these cases involve riders who were either skipping helmets entirely or using standard bicycle helmets not safety-certified for higher e-bike speeds. Armbruster emphasizes that wearing a properly fitted helmet remains the single best defense against head injuries, with national statistics showing a proper helmet cuts the risk of severe head injury by 85 percent. According to Armbruster, demographic data highlights two groups facing the highest risk: children and teens, particularly boys under 16, and adults between the ages of 45 and 64. E-bikes can also pose a hazard to pedestrians sharing multi-use recreational trails, parks, and sidewalks. To prevent collisions, riders are encouraged to slow down and use verbal cues or a bike bell when passing others. Finally, local law enforcement agencies encourage all riders to familiarize themselves with the specific rules of the road and local ordinances governing motorized bikes before hitting the pavement.

Published on 07/08/2026 under News A few packs of diapers can go a long way toward helping local families. The Oneida County Health Department is asking the community to donate diapers, baby wipes, and new infant clothing as part of a diaper drive running through July 15. The donations will help stock the department's upcoming Community Baby Shower and Family Day, providing essential supplies to expecting and new parents. The Health Department says, "This drive is a simple way for our community to come together and support families during one of the most exciting — and challenging — times in life." Donations can be dropped off at ten locations throughout Rhinelander, Minocqua, and Three Lakes, including all three public librariesand the Oneida County Health Department. Monetary donations are also being accepted to purchase additional baby supplies. The Community Baby Shower and Family Day will be held July 18 at the YMCA of the Northwoods in Rhinelander. We'll have more on that event next week. Donation drop-off Locations include: Minocqua Public Library - MinocquaCulver's - RhinelanderOneida County Health Department - RhinelanderPeoples State Bank - MinocquaTrigs - RhinelanderTrinity Lutheran Church - RhinelanderFaith Lutheran Church - Three LakesDemmer Memorial Library - Three LakesNicolet National Bank – RhinelanderRhinelander Public Library - Rhinelander

Published on 07/08/2026 under News The DNR has officially opened its annual summer Game Bird Survey, calling on hikers, hunters, and outdoor enthusiasts to report sightings of wild turkeys, ruffed grouse, and pheasants. The data collected is designed to measure the nesting and reproductive success of the state's game birds for the current breeding year. Specifically, biologists are looking to establish the ratio of adults to juveniles spotted in the wild. When paired with fall harvest data, these summer reproductive numbers give state scientists the exact information they need to make critical wildlife management decisions. Paul Frater, DNR surveys coordinator says, "Every submission increases our dataset and helps build a more complete picture of how game birds are doing throughout the state." Participation is simple...whenever you spot a game bird or a brood during daylight hours, you can log the date, location, and species directly into the DNR's "Survey123" smartphone app. To learn more or to download the tracking app, visit the DNR's official Game Bird Survey webpage. The survey runs through August 31.

Published on 07/07/2026 under News School may be out for summer, but budget season is picking up for local school boards. The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) has released its first look at next year's general school aid estimates. While total funding is relatively flat statewide, some individual districts are seeing significant shifts. That includes the Tomahawk School District, which is projected to receive fewer general aid dollars from the state. The DPI estimates Tomahawk will receive just under $1.3 million ($1,280,990) for the 2026–2027 school year. This marks a decrease of more than $226,000 ($226,057), a roughly 15% drop from last year. However, this drop is neither unusual nor unexpected for local school officials. General state aid for Tomahawk has been trending downward for more than a decade; just two years ago, the district received over $2 million in general aid. While state general aid is designed to help offset local property taxes, several districts in the Northwoods are often categorized as "property-tax rich". Under Wisconsin's current equalization aid formula, these districts receive fewer state aid dollars. These summer numbers are only preliminary estimates to help districts build their initial budgets. The state will certify the final, official funding numbers in mid-October. General aid does not include other critical state funding streams, such as per-pupil, sparsity, and transportation aid.

Published on 07/07/2026 under News A Merrill man faces multiple charges after allegedly firing a nail gun at bystanders and vehicles at a Lincoln County resort last week. The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office responded to a disturbance at the Rock Island Resort in the Town of Merrill on Tuesday, June 30. Witnesses told deputies the subject, Daniel Zulliger, had become disorderly while out on a boat with a group and pushed someone overboard. After being brought back to the resort dock, Zulliger allegedly escalated the disruption by firing nails at nearby people and cars. Upon arrival, deputies located Zulliger sitting inside his truck. Authorities say he refused repeated commands to exit the vehicle and actively resisted arrest before being taken into custody. Zulliger was booked into the Lincoln County Jail on tentative charges including: endangering safety by use of a dangerous weapon, battery, resisting or obstructing an officer, and disorderly conduct

Published on 07/07/2026 under News From curious critters and scenic landscapes to family fun and outdoor recreation, Council Grounds State Park is the perfect place to snap a memorable photo. Now, the Friends of Council Grounds is asking parkgoers to share their best shots. The volunteer group has launched its annual summer photo contest, a beloved local tradition that has run for over a decade. The rules remain the same as in previous years, with amateur photographers encouraged to submit entries across four distinct categories: plants, wildlife, landscapes, and people enjoying the park. To keep the submissions relatively fresh, organizers are accepting photos taken during both this year and last year. The Friends group will narrow each category down to three finalists, and the public will get to vote online to select the ultimate winners later this summer. The entry window opened on July 1 and runs through July 31. Organizers note they have already received some fantastic early submissions. Complete contest rules, entry forms, and a few helpful photography tips are available on the Friends of Council Grounds Facebook page.

Published on 07/07/2026 under News Voters will get a look at the crowded field of Republican candidates vying for Wisconsin's open 7th Congressional District seat as the contenders face off in their first major televised debate tonight. Four Republican candidates have confirmed their participation: Michael Alfonso, Jessi Ebben, Kevin Hermening, and Niina Baum. The 7th Congressional District is the largest in the state by land area, spanning across the Northwoods and northwestern counties. It is an open seat this year because incumbent Republican Congressman Tom Tiffany is vacating the position to run for governor rather than seeking reelection. While the sprawling district was once a reliable Democratic stronghold for decades, Republicans have successfully held the seat since 2011. Tonight's debate, hosted by WJFW Newswatch 12, will air live at 5:00 p.m. on television and stream on the station's website. They will host a separate debate for the Democratic primary candidates next Tuesday, July 14, with both events moderated by anchor Dan Hagen. Wisconsin's partisan primary election is scheduled for August 11, which will determine the final nominees heading into the November general election.

Published on 07/07/2026 under News A Lincoln County judge has ruled that there is enough evidence for a criminal case to proceed against a Wausau man accused of leading deputies on a high-speed pursuit this spring. Nicholas Langston was back in court Monday for a preliminary hearing and arraignment. According to court records, the judge found probable cause to bind the case over for trial. Langston subsequently entered a plea of not guilty. He faces more than a dozen charges, including fleeing an officer and second-degree recklessly endangering safety. The charges stem from an incident in late May when the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office attempted to initiate a traffic stop on Langston's vehicle along Highway 51 near Tomahawk. According to investigators, Langston fled north, reaching speeds of up to 130 mph before the pursuing deputy ended the chase due to safety concerns. Langston was located and arrested a short time later. Future court dates have not yet been scheduled.

Published on 07/06/2026 under News Another successful Powwow Days celebration in Tomahawk is in the books, featuring a full day of activities ranging from record-setting race numbers to an exciting fireworks show. Here are a few final notes from event organizers to put a bow on the Fourth of July festivities. Record-Breaking Race Turnout: Starting with the Powwow Days 5K, 10K, and Fun Run—the event continues to grow in popularity. In fact, organizers say they saw a record 738 racers take part this year. Parade Highlights and Winners: As for the parade, the big highlight was the F-35 flyover. While the jet was a bit delayed, it was well worth the wait as it roared up Main Street to the excitement of everyone in attendance. While there were many fantastic entries this year, a few stood out to the judges' panel. In all, nine winners were named across four categories—many of whom are frequent guests right here on WJJQ.Organizations: Hope Beyond 21 took the top spot. We've been following their new organizational efforts to support families of children with Down syndrome. Runners-up included the Summer Knights Car Club and Tomahawk Kinship.Merchants: Tomahawk Main Street took first place, followed by Hometown Christmas and LP.Youth Groups: First place went to the Wisconsin River Pro Rodeo, followed by the Cub Scouts.Clowns and Other: The Will Garske Group took home the top prize. Lions Club Raffle: Additionally, the Tomahawk Lions Club held its annual Powwow Days raffle, handing out more than $6,000 in cash payouts. The top prize winners included Sandy Theis ($1,500), Kevin Imm ($1,000), and Mike Kahle ($750). (Other winners include: Ken Schulz-$500; Marion Peil-$250; Kelly Nelson-$200; Suzy Skees-$200; Mike and Steve Rozinski-$200; Sue Buchannan-$200; Bob and Pam Barnetzke-$200; Chris Theiler-$200; Monica Busterud-$200; Kelly Nelson-$200; Connie Norgren-$200; Mike Volkers-$200; Pam Leist-$100; Tom Loka-$100; Al Berghammer-$100) On behalf of everyone here at WJJQ, a special thank you goes out to all of the organizers, businesses, volunteers, and community members who came out to Tomahawk over the weekend to make it a holiday to remember.

Published on 07/06/2026 under News A lake home in the Town of Merrill was destroyed by fire over the holiday weekend. The Merrill Fire Department was dispatched Sunday at just before 3:45 p.m. to a home on Ackerman Road with the fire spreading into the nearby woods. When crews arrived on the scene, they found heavy fire and smoke coming from the home, along with a brush fire burning along the roadside. Firefighters quickly contained the brush fire to prevent it from spreading, but hot, humid conditions and the home's location created additional challenges. An excavator to help extinguish the remaining hot spots. No one was home when the fire started, and no injuries were reported. The home was declared a total loss. While a cause wasn't immediately determined, officials say the fire appears to have been accidental. Mutual aid was provided by several area fire departments, including Tomahawk, Pine River, Corning, Russell, Riverside, Little Rice and the Wisconsin DNR, along with multiple EMS agencies and other local responders.

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