WJJQ Radio

Story Details

Hatchet Girls Swimming Team Loses to Medford Published on 10/02/2020 under Sports

On Thursday night the Tomahawk Hatchet Girls Swimming Team traveled to Medford for a GNC Dual with the Raiders. Medford wins the meet 84 to 46.

Abby Jaecks had two first place finishes in the 500 free and 200 free. Karlie Woodall had a second in the 50 free.

In Other News

Lincoln County Health/Aspirus Team Up for CALM Conversations on Suicide Prevention

Published on 09/17/2026 under News September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and two local health organizations are teaming up to give Lincoln County residents the tools to save lives. Aspirus Health and the Lincoln County Health Department are hosting a free community workshop called "CALM Conversations." The event takes place next Thursday evening at 5pm at the Lincoln County Sports Club in Merrill. No prior mental health experience is needed. The introductory session teaches adults how to have supportive, non-judgmental conversations with friends or family members who may be struggling. It also focuses on how temporarily putting time and distance between an at-risk person and lethal means can prevent suicide. The workshop is free, but they ask that participants register due to limited space. That deadline is Monday. Contact Kristin at 715-539-1373 or kristin.bath@co.lincoln.wi.us.

Published on 09/17/2026 under News Earlier this month, we reported on major trail funding heading to the Northwoods, but that wasn't the only local effort receiving a boost. The Transportation Alternatives Program helps communities invest in bike paths, sidewalks, and pedestrian safety initiatives. In the latest round of state grants, officials announced more than $32 million for projects across Wisconsin. The rural allotment accounts for more than $11 million, divided among 11 small-community projects—including several right here in our area. The largest local grant, nearly $1.3 million, went to the Town of Cloverland to help connect Eagle River and St. Germain via a new trail. Vilas County also received over $53,000 to partner with the North Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission on a comprehensive, countywide bicycle and pedestrian plan. Further south, the City of Medford was awarded over $447,000 for a neighborhood sidewalk project aimed at improving safety for students and pedestrians near Northcentral Technical College and the local youth center. State officials say these federal grants cover up to 80% of total project costs, with local sponsors providing the remaining match.

Published on 09/17/2026 under News A Shell Lake man is behind bars following an alleged burglary attempt in the Town of Merrill on Labor Day. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, deputies were dispatched to a home on Oak Ridge Avenue on Sept. 7, 2026, after receiving a report of a burglary in progress. Before law enforcement arrived, the reporting party informed dispatchers that the intruder had fled the building on foot and was actively being pursued. Upon arrival, deputies met with the witness, who pointed out the suspect's last known location. Officers searched the area and apprehended 38-year-old Jason Duellman without incident. When questioned by authorities, Duellman allegedly claimed he had only entered the property "to just look around." Duellman was arrested and transported to the Lincoln County Jail. He faces charges of burglary, entering a building/construction site, and a probation violation. Following his initial appearance in Lincoln County Court, a judge set Duellman's bond at $5,000 cash. He remains in custody.

Published on 09/16/2026 under News As thousands of motorcyclists roll into town for Fall Ride weekend, the Tomahawk Police Department is bringing in backup. To cover expanded patrols throughout the city during Fall Ride, the department relies on neighboring agencies to provide extra manpower. Each year, Tomahawk requests mutual aid, bringing in outside officers to work alongside local police throughout the event. The goal is to increase law enforcement presence and visibility, particularly in the downtown area, which hosts many of the weekend's festivities. In recent years, the event has seen no major incidents—a trend officials hope to maintain. The department puts out a call each year to fill roughly 30 additional shifts through mutual aid. During a recent Health and Safety Committee meeting, Sgt. Matt Gorell noted that a majority of this year's shifts will be filled by the Mountain Bay Metro Police Department, which serves Rothschild, Schofield, and Weston. To get into the Fall Ride spirit, visiting and local officers typically trade their traditional police blues for special Harley-Davidson-inspired black-and-orange uniforms. Because event activities spill outside city limits, other agencies like the Lincoln and Oneida County Sheriff's Offices and the Wisconsin State Patrol, also typically increase their presence in the area. While early arrivals and preliminary activities are already underway, the Fall Ride unofficially kicks off Thursday and runs through Sunday.

Published on 09/16/2026 under News Authorities are looking into a risky incident over Lincoln County after someone on the ground aimed a laser at a commercial airliner. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, air traffic controllers at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport reached out to local dispatchers to report that a Boeing 737 cruising at 34,000 feet had been targeted by a laser beam. Thanks to onboard navigation tech, the flight crew provided exact coordinates where the light originated, leading deputies straight to the area of County Highway E and Wadell Road in the Town of Bradley. Deputies searched the neighborhood and spoke with local property owners, but were unable to track down a suspect. Fortunately, the pilot reported no disruptions, and the plane continued safely on to its destination. Pointing a laser at an aircraft is a serious federal crime that can temporarily blind pilots and put everyone on board at risk. The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office says the investigation remains ongoing.

Published on 09/16/2026 under News A Northwoods lawmaker is calling for a statewide ban on government-operated automated license plate reader cameras as communities across Wisconsin reconsider the technology. State Representative Calvin Callahan says systems like Flock Safety cameras raise serious concerns about privacy, mass surveillance, and how data on law-abiding motorists is collected and shared. Callahan, who is seeking reelection this November, currently serves as chair of the Assembly Committee on Consumer Protection. He plans to hold a legislative hearing on surveillance cameras when lawmakers return in January to examine who can access license plate data, how long it is retained, and whether it is shared with outside agencies. While calling for broad restrictions, Callahan says he would consider allowing the technology for serious criminal investigations, provided law enforcement obtains a warrant and operates under judicial oversight.

Published on 09/16/2026 under News Health officials have confirmed a case of measles in a Marathon County resident. According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) and the Marathon County Health Department, state testing confirmed the diagnosis. Authorities say the individual contracted the virus while traveling out of state. Officials say this case is unrelated to the ongoing measles outbreak in Southwestern Wisconsin, which has seen over 160 cases concentrated primarily in Iowa, Lafayette, and Grant counties. No identifying details or personal health information about the patient are being released due to privacy laws. Public health teams are working to trace and notify anyone who may have been exposed. At this time, officials have not identified any public exposure locations.

Published on 09/16/2026 under News The Tomahawk STAR Foundation is stepping up once again to support area organizations, announcing a new round of community grant funding aimed at preserving local history, boosting local athletics, and brightening the holiday season. Leading the latest round of funding is a $5,000 pledge to Tomahawk's Hometown Christmas. The committee will use the grant to help purchase additional lighted holiday decorations throughout the city. In addition to holiday festivities, the foundation announced a $1,000 grant toward the production of the historical documentary Tomahawk: City in the Pines, which premiered locally to fantastic reviews over the weekend. Another $1,000 award will support the Tomahawk Titans baseball team. Additional grants are being announced and highlighted via the STAR Foundation Facebook page. Over the years, the STAR Foundation has served as a vital community chest, directing local donations back into non-profits, civic projects, and area programs. Its two primary fundraisers are the summer "Best Burger in Paradise" contest and the icy New Year's plunge into Lake Mohawksin known as the STAR Splash.

Published on 09/16/2026 under News As Northwoods bowhunters head out following the opening weekend of archery and crossbow deer season, state wildlife officials are issuing a timely reminder to protect the local herd, adhering to all deer baiting and feeding bans. Officials explain that placing food or attractants causes deer to group together unnaturally. This significantly raises the risk of spreading Chronic Wasting Disease. Under state law, any CWD detection triggers an immediate multi-year baiting and feeding ban in that county and adjacent areas. There are currently 60 counties under the restriction. Locally that includes Lincoln, Oneida, Langlade, Marathon, Vilas, and Forest Counties. Hunters can check county-specific rules and CWD drop-off testing locations online at dnr.wi.gov before heading out into the woods this season.

Published on 09/16/2026 under News A Wausau woman faces multiple charges following a multi-county police chase down U.S. Highway 51. Back on Friday, Lincoln County deputies responded to a 911 call reporting a southbound vehicle weaving on the Highway near Merrill. A deputy located the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop, however the driving continued south into Marathon County. The pursuit ended when the vehicle pulled over north of Wausau. Deputies identified the driver as Sylvia Fritsch of Wausau. After showing signs of impairment and failing field sobriety tests, Fritsch was arrested and taken to the Lincoln County Jail. She faces charges including second-offense OWI, fleeing an officer, and resisting arrest. Both the Marathon County Sheriff's Office and Merrill Police assisted during the incident.

+ Read More