WJJQ Radio

Story Details

DNR Allows Resumed Hunter Safety Courses July 13 Published on 06/29/2020 under News

The DNR announced that instructors will be able to resume hunter education courses starting next month.

As part of their response to Covid-19, the agency temporarily suspended all in-person courses back in March. In recent weeks, they received push-back from a number of groups that sponsor the courses.

Earlier this month, a Kansas-based hunter advocacy group sued, saying by canceling the courses, the DNR was denying people the right to hunt.

The resumption date is scheduled for July 13. The DNR says courses will be limited to 50 people with physical distancing and the recommended use of face masks.

Since being established in 1967, more than 1.2 million people have completed Wisconsin's Hunters Safety Courses. It is credited with a a decline in hunter related injuries and deaths.

In addition to Hunter's Safety, the DNR decision also allows for recreational vehicle safety courses to resume.

In Other News

Langlade County Conservationist Among Wisconsin Invasive Species Honorees

Published on 06/16/2026 under News A Langlade County conservation volunteer is being recognized statewide for her efforts to protect Northwoods forests and natural areas from invasive species. The DNR and the Wisconsin Invasive Species Council have named Terrie Pohjola as one of nine recipients of the 2026 Invasive Species Action Awards. Pohjola serves as Forestry Chair for the 2,400-acre Knight Templar Club Reserve on Duck Lake and is also a Wisconsin Master Naturalist. According to the DNR, she developed comprehensive maps and management plans to identify and control invasive species across the property. As a result, known populations of garlic mustard have been eliminated or brought under control, while tansy has been removed from environmentally sensitive areas. Pohjola also works closely with the reserve's Junior Naturalist Program, helping educate the next generation about conservation and stewardship. The Invasive Species Action Awards are presented annually during June, which is designated as Invasive Species Action Month in Wisconsin. This year, nine individuals and organizations were honored for their outstanding commitment to preventing the spread of invasive plants and animals and protecting the state's natural resources. To read more about this year's recipients

Published on 06/16/2026 under News It's graduation season, and eight interns recently celebrated a major milestone after completing Goodwill North Central Wisconsin's Project SEARCH program in Rhinelander. The 2026 class graduated from the program's site at Aspirus Rhinelander Hospital, capping off nine months of workplace training designed to help individuals with disabilities prepare for employment. Project SEARCH provides participants with hands-on experience through rotations in various hospital departments, including radiology, environmental services, food service and other support areas. The internships are intended to build job skills and confidence while exposing participants to a variety of career paths. Shana Herzfeldt is the director of mission operations. She says, "This program shows how a partnership with a shared vision can lead to a future full of opportunities for these students. Herzfeldt added, "It is extremely rewarding and inspiring to see their remarkable progress and achievements." Following graduation, Goodwill NCW continues to work with participants through individualized job searches, helping them secure employment either with the host organization or elsewhere in the community. The Rhinelander program operates through a partnership between Goodwill NCW, the School District of Rhinelander, the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Aspirus Rhinelander Hospital, TMG, Lakeland Care and Inclusa.

Published on 06/16/2026 under News Aspirus Health has a new leader for its nursing teams in the Northwoods. Jennifer Loesch, DNP, MBA, has been named the new Chief Nursing Officer for the North Division. Loesch brings over 25 years of healthcare experience to the role, joining Aspirus from Allina Health. As CNO, she will oversee nursing strategy and operations at hospitals in Eagle River, Rhinelander, Tomahawk, and the Howard Young Medical Center in Woodruff. North Division President Teri Theiler says Loesch's deep expertise in patient safety and clinical outcomes will be "instrumental" in continuing to grow and innovate nursing practice across the region. Loesch says she is honored to join the team and looks forward to fostering a culture of teamwork and professional growth to enhance the care provided to Northwoods communities.

Published on 06/15/2026 under News Lincoln County residents now have a new way to receive emergency notifications. Lincoln County Emergency Management announced that Lincoln County Alerts, a new emergency alert system, will officially go live on June 19th, and public enrollment is currently open. The system, powered by CodeRED, is designed to provide timely information from local public safety officials during emergencies and disasters. Officials say alerts may be issued for severe weather, flooding, evacuation orders, shelter-in-place notices, missing vulnerable persons, active shooter incidents, public health emergencies, road closures, and other safety concerns. Lincoln County Alerts will also provide additional keyword enrollment for specific special events. The first will be this weekend's rodeo. Emergency Management Director Tyler Verhasselt says, "Lincoln County Alerts gives residents and visitors a direct way to receive emergency information from the people responsible for protecting this community." He added, "When seconds matter, people need information from trusted local public safety officials. In a large rural county, redundancy matters. This system helps us reach people faster, more clearly, and through more than one channel." Public enrollment is now open with several ways to sign up including an online option or by texting LINCOLN to 36475. Lincoln County Emergency Management has additional information on their website.

Published on 06/15/2026 under News A deteriorating state highway running through Tomahawk is finally getting a long-term plan, and local residents are being invited to weigh in. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) has announced a public involvement meeting this Wednesday to discuss a future project on Highway 86 (Somo Avenue) between Wisconsin Avenue and US 51. WisDOT staff will kick off the meeting with a brief presentation detailing the scope and timeline of the upcoming project. The remainder of the evening will transition into an open-house format, allowing community members to look over project maps, ask questions, and submit feedback. The road has been an issue for a number of years, and is scheduled for 2030. Earlier this spring, as a temporary solution, the City and Lincoln County partnered to put down a pavement overlay on a four-block segment. The public involvement meeting is scheduled for Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. in the Tomahawk High School Cafeteria. The DoT has additional information on their project website.

Published on 06/15/2026 under News Over the past week, we've been looking at the tourism impact numbers along the Highway 51 corridor. Our last stop is up in Vilas County...small in population, but large in tourism. The Wisconsin Department of Tourism released record-setting data for both the state and counties last week. Up in Vilas County, visitor impact is estimated at $402 million last year. That is up from the previous year and ranks just behind Oneida County for tops in the Northwoods. Collette Sorgel, Director of Vilas County Tourism & Publicity, says, "Vilas County has long been a place where people come to unplug, reconnect, and make lasting memories, and it's exciting to see that appeal continue to grow." Tourism is Vilas County's largest industry, supporting 2,147 jobs. Visitor spending in the county accounted for $27 million in state and local sales tax revenue last year. Sorgel says, "Whether someone is returning to a favorite family cabin, discovering our trails and lakes for the first time, or exploring one of our vibrant communities, visitors continue to find experiences here that keep them coming back."

Published on 06/15/2026 under News Sunday was World Blood Donor Day, and two local partners used the opportunity to celebrate local donors while offering a reminder of the ongoing need for donations. The Community Blood Center and Aspirus Health released a joint message emphasizing the importance of blood donations not only during awareness events, but throughout the entire year. Summer is traditionally one of the most challenging times for blood collection. School breaks, family vacations, outdoor activities, and extreme weather often reduce donor turnout and cause blood drive cancellations. At the same time, the demand for blood frequently rises during the summer months for those very same reasons. Danielle Espinoza, with The Community Blood Center, said of the donation process, "It's quick, it's easy, and it can save up to three patient lives. Whether you're a first-time donor or returning, World Blood Donor Day is a great moment to show support." Aspirus Emergency Department Manager David Lehman added that blood is a resource hospitals need every day and one that cannot be manufactured, making regular donations critical to patient care. The Community Blood Center conducts more than 100 mobile blood drives each month. Donors can visit their website to find a collection event nearby.

Published on 06/15/2026 under News A Wausau man has pleaded guilty in federal court to defrauding nearly 190 investors out of more than $14 million. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, 64-year-old Stanley Pophal admitted to operating a years-long investment fraud scheme through his company, Bright with Silver Incorporated. Between 2019 and 2025, prosecutors say Pophal promised investors returns of at least 20 percent through ventures involving cryptocurrency, real estate, artificial intelligence, precious metals, and gemstones. Instead, authorities say Pophal used most of the money to fund his personal lifestyle, including travel, mortgage payments, a private plane rental, and the purchase of hundreds of snowmobiles, motorcycles, and other vehicles. Investigators seized more than 600 items allegedly purchased with investor funds, including hundreds of snowmobiles stored in a rented warehouse. Pophal also admitted to making Ponzi-style payments to earlier investors using money from new victims. He is scheduled to be sentenced September 2nd.

Published on 06/12/2026 under News Wisconsin is officially celebrating its status as "America's Dairyland" this June with a month-long tribute to the state's iconic industry. With more than 5,500 dairy farms and 1.2 million cows across the state, June Dairy Month focuses on three pillars: meeting the farmers, enjoying the dairy, and celebrating Wisconsin's heritage. Organizations like the Farm Bureau and Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin are highlighting the innovation and commitment required to supply the nation with milk, cheese, and ice cream. Chad Vincent, CEO of Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin says, "June Dairy Month is one of the best times of the year to experience Wisconsin dairy." He added, "These events give families an opportunity to visit local farms, meet dairy farmers, enjoy great food and learn more about the care, commitment and innovation that go into producing the dairy products they enjoy every day." One of the most popular ways to celebrate is through the more than 75 dairy breakfasts being held in farming communities statewide. This Sunday, it's Lincoln County's turn. Organizers in Merrill will once again serve up a feast fit for a farmer. All proceeds from the meal help fund agriculture-related scholarships and local youth programming right here in the county. The breakfast runs from 8:00 a.m. to noon this Sunday at the MARC in Merrill.

Published on 06/12/2026 under News It is Friday, which means a steady stream of weekend visitors is bound for the Northwoods. For many, the destination is Oneida County, which is celebrating another record-setting year for tourism. According to new economic impact data released by the state, travelers spent an impressive 314 million dollars in Oneida County last year. That is up roughly 11 million dollars from the previous record set in 2024. Jacqui Sharpe, chair of the Oneida County Tourism Council, says while the lakes, trails, and outdoor recreation draw people in, it is the locally owned businesses and welcoming communities that keep them coming back. That steady stream of visitors supports an estimated 2,200 tourism-related jobs across the county. The booming hospitality industry also generated more than 25 million dollars in state and local tax revenue last year. Sharpe noted that tourism touches nearly every corner of the local economy, bringing immense value not just to the visitors, but to the people who live and work in the Northwoods every day.

+ Read More