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Rep. Callahan Calls on Immediate Re-establishment of Wolf Season Published on 01/14/2021 under News

A Northwoods legislator is calling on the DNR to immediately establish a wolf harvest season.

Newly elected assemblyman Calvin Callahan made those statements after participating in yesterday's joint informational hearing on the process of reinstating the wolf season.

In November, it was announced that the gray wolf would be removed from the federal endangered species list turning management over to the states. That change took effect on January 4.

The de-listing happened in the middle of the dates established for the annual wolf season leading to disagreements over whether to establish the season immediately or at the start of the subsequent season in November.

Callahan in his statement yesterday said, "The department has had plenty of time to develop harvest quotas, provide and process public applications for hunting licenses, and, furthermore, address concerns about the sustainability of the wolf population in Wisconsin."

The DNR has previously announced intentions to establish a wolf management committee and resume the season in November. The state previously held wolf harvests between 2012 and 2014.

In Other News

Marshfield Medical Center-Weston Hosts Ribbon Cutting at Women’s Health and Imaging Center

Published on 10/13/2025 under News October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and a new Marshfield Clinic facility in the Wausau area focused on women's health held a grand opening celebration this past week. Marshfield Medical Center-Weston hosted a ribbon-cutting and offered tours at their new Women's Health and Imaging Center. The goal of the facility is to streamline services and offer them at one central location including oncology, radiation therapy and surgical services. The Center recently became first Wisconsin location to offer Contrast Enhanced Mammography. Dr. Sarah Nielson explained CEM is like a regular mammogram, but the patient is injected with an iodine-based dye making it easier to spot hyperactive cancer growth. Nielson called it an exciting addition to their services, adding, "Patients can now access the most advanced medical care available nationwide – right in their own community." The Center also offers screening mammography, diagnostic mammography, breast ultrasound, breast biopsy, MRI and bone density screening.

Published on 10/13/2025 under News Middle School students from around the Northwoods got to experience some of the college opportunities right in their own back yard. On Friday, Nicolet College hosted their annual College and Career Day. More than 350 8th grade students from schools around the region made the trip to Rhinelander campus to learn about the different programs and pathways available to them in just a few years. During their visit the students embarked on campus tours and several academic program demos, including Public Safety, Aviation, Welding, and Culinary. For some students, it was also their first time experiencing a college campus. The College and Career Day has been a longtime opportunity and another part of the collaboration between Nicolet College and the schools and students within their region.

Published on 10/13/2025 under News A fire at a silo on a Merrill area farm late last week was contained. According to the Merrill Fire Department, crews were paged to a farm on Joe Snow Road in the Town of Scott on Thursday evening. The initial call indicated a silo that was smoldering. Upon arrival, MFD personnel met with owner and confirmed the fire was caused by some old silage. Firefighters were able to use thermal imaging camera to detect the hot spots, cooling the silo with about 4,000 gallons of water. No injuries were reported and the owner was advised to continue removing the remaining silage. -Image from Merrill Fire Department shows thermal imaging camera to identify hot spots in silo fire.

Published on 10/13/2025 under News The DNR is encouraging fall campers and hunters to leave firewood behind, and instead 'buy local, burn local.' October is National Firewood Month. It's part of a campaign to prevent invasive species from hitching a ride. Insects and fungi can often hide in or on firewood and spread to new locations when transported. This may include the spongy moth, emerald ash borer, and the fungus that causes oak wilt. Instead of transporting firewood, officials with the DNR encourage it be obtained within ten miles of the intended burn location. Another option is to use treated and certified wood. For many destinations it's the law. Non-certified firewood from more than 10 miles away is prohibited at state parks, state forests and other DNR properties, while many county, federal, and private campgrounds may have similar restrictions. The same 'closer is better' guidelines apply to wood-heated cottages or hunting cabins. And when your excursion is complete, officials recommend leaving un-burned wood behind rather that bringing it home and potentially introducing invasives to your own property.

Published on 10/13/2025 under News Some local students are making a difference in their community by hosting a fundraising 5k. Earlier this month, the Rhinelander High School students organized the second annual Run for Our Heroes race on the trails of the Cedric A. Vig Outdoor Classroom. The group behind the race was the Rhinelander High School FBLA/DECA chapter, a business/marketing student organization. The race served as a fundraiser for the Northwoods Veteran's Homestead. They are building a tiny-home village near Rhinelander that will provide housing and resources for homeless veterans in the Northwoods to get back on their feet. And thanks to the runners and race sponsors, the FBLA/DECA was able to raise over $700 in the Run for Our Heroes which will be donated to the Northwoods Veterans Homestead project.

Published on 10/13/2025 under Sports The Hatchet Volleyball squad went 1-2 in the Great Northern Conference tournament at Northland Pines Saturday. Tomahawk's run got off to a rocky start, being swept by Medford 3-0. In the consolation bracket, the Hatchets would defeat Antigo in four sets before losing in the fifth place match to the host, Northland Pines. Tomahawk finishes the 2025 season with a 14-17 overall record. Seeding meetings for the WIAA Volleyball Playoffs are this week. Stay tuned to WJJQ for more updates.

Published on 10/13/2025 under Sports The Tomahawk Cross Country team completed their regular season with top-five finishes in their home meet Saturday at Hatchet Field. The Hatchet girls won the meet, finishing three points ahead of second-seeded Medford. Tomahawk had four runners place in the top ten. Charlee Lund finished fourth overall with a time of 20:20. The other Hatchet runners finishing in the top ten were Abble Rosenmeier, Faith Derleth, and Lydia Shaney. Tomahawk's boys finished fourth overall in the meet and had two runners finish in the top 20. The top Hatchet finisher was Caden Reichelt, placing ninth with a time of 17:55. Connor Zorn finished second on the team and 17th overall. The Hatchets will compete in the Great Northern Conference meet at Rhinelander Saturday.

Published on 10/13/2025 under Sports Tomahawk's football squad got back in the win column with another strong second-half performance to end Senior Night with a 24-3 win over Merrill Friday night at Hatchet Field. Despite struggling in the first half running the ball, the Hatchets were able to gain a push on the Merrill defensive line to run away with the victory. On Senior Night, it was Junior fullback Tiegan Sarazin that had a career game, rushing for 137 yards and a touchdown. The Hatchets also got rushing touchdowns from Max Larson and Jonah Dickens. Tomahawk's defense also forced three interceptions off of Merrill quarterback Cole Rudie in the second half. The Hatchets improve their record to 7-1 on the season and 5-1 in Great Northern Conference play. The seven wins by Tomahawk are the most wins in a season by a Hatchet squad since 2000. Tomahawk will play for at least a share of the Great Northern Conference title Friday in Minocqua against Lakeland. Tune in for the Fehrman Orthodontics Kickoff Cabin at 6:10 and kickoff at 7:00.

Published on 10/10/2025 under News Folks will be saying 'Willkommen' in downtown Tomahawk with the return of Oktoberfest. Tomahawk Main Street is hosting the third edition Oktoberfest. Main Street Director Jennifer Turkiewicz has been busy putting the finishing touches on this weekend's festivities. With a lot of German heritage in the area, including herself, Turkiewicz says the Oktoberfest celebration was a natural fit. Like Oktoberfest tradition, the event will kick-off with the tapping of the Golden Keg from this year's Fest Master. The individual will be revealed at the event and is selected based on their support of the community and downtown district over the years. Of course when people think Oktoberfest, they think craft beers. They'll have 16 ales and lagers on tap, many with special fall themes and flavors. They'll also have Sprecher root beer for designated drivers and those who don't drink. Beyond the libations, German-themed foods are on the menu from brats and kraut to potato salad and pretzels prepared by local eateries. They'll also have games such as Roll Out the Barrel and Hamerschlagen, a yodeling contest, and of course plenty of polka music. While you don't have to be German to attend, Turkiewicz says lederhosen are welcome and encouraged. Turkiewicz encouraged people to support some downtown businesses, while enjoying a festive atmosphere and amazing community on a nice fall afternoon. They'll be set up on North 3rd Street, that's where the farmer's market typically takes place. They do have a number of ticket options available with and without the beer. Registration gets underway at 1pm with the event kicking off at 2. Prost!

Published on 10/10/2025 under News State officials were in the Northwoods Thursday to celebrate the anniversary of a unique program that highlights some of the most scenic segments of road in the state. The Rustic Roads program is a joint effort of the Departments of Transportation and Tourism. It features 126 roads, across 61 counties. The designated routes are lightly traveled and showcase outstanding natural features such as rugged terrain, native vegetation or wildlife, or cultural or historic qualities that uniquely set it apart from other roads. The Rustic Roads program actually began 50 years ago right here in Northern Wisconsin. Rustic Road 1 is located in Taylor County, a segment running between WIS 102 and County D, near the village of Rib Lake. Yesterday's anniversary celebration was held just down the road at Timm's Hill County Park in Ogema. Among those in attendance, Governor Evers. He said, "In celebration of 50 years, I invite everyone to get out and explore these scenic roads, and I look forward to seeing this program's continued growth in the decades to come." DOT Secretary Kristina Boardman, "Rustic Roads are special to so many because they give us the time and space to enjoy a more leisurely way to travel." Both Evers and Boardman also highlighted the importance of local collaboration when it comes to these programs. The designated routes are all marked with unique brown and yellow Rustic Road signs. The state also publishes a Rustic Roads guide each summer, with both print and digital versions available for those planning their next trip.

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