WJJQ Radio

Story Details

Tomahawk School Board Hosting Referendum Informational Meeting Published on 03/03/2021 under News

In just over a month, the Tomahawk School District will send another referendum to the voters. Coming up this evening, they're holding a community informational meeting.

Last November, the district asked voters to approve a $3.5 million, four year operational referendum. With more than 6,000 ballots cast, the referendum was defeated by just 51 votes.

In reviewing the November defeat, the School Board lowered their request by a quarter of a million each of the four years. They also made the determination that additional public outreach was needed.

Last month the district sent out an informational newsletter which included information on district needs and the impact the referendum would have on property taxes.

A second part of the outreach campaign will be community informational meetings, the first of two is scheduled this evening. The meetings will be an opportunity for voters to learn more about the referendum through a presentation, and a chance to ask questions.

The meeting is scheduled for 6pm, either through in the school auditorium or attend virtually.

In Other News

Exotic Pet Surrender Event in Rhinelander Saturday

Published on 05/01/2026 under News While local Humane Societies do an excellent job in caring for dogs, cats and other common furry friends; other, more exotic pets may prove a challenge to re-home. Coming up this weekend several local partners will work with Neenah-based J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue for an Exotic Pet Surrender in Oneida County. They'll be accepting fish, invertebrates, reptiles, birds, and other small animals and plants no questions asked. The event helps keep these animals from being released into the wild which can be harmful to both the animal and the environment. Surrendered animals will be cared for by J&R Rescue until they can be re-homed down the line, whether through adoption or a sanctuary. (Organizers note that animals surrendered this weekend will not be available for immediate adoption at the event.) This event is not for common, domesticated pets like dogs, cats, rabbits, pigs, and chickens as there are other resources available for these species. The exotic pet surrender will be at the Rhinelander Library on Saturday from 10am to 1pm They'll also have some experts and animal ambassadors on hand to educate on responsible pet ownership and the risks of invasive species.

Published on 05/01/2026 under News The spring and summer travel season is picking up, and those flying in and out of the Northwoods can check out some new artwork. The Rhinelander-Oneida County Airport partners with ArtStart to host rotating art displays throughout the year, highlighting local artists and entertaining weary travelers. The latest exhibit, which opened this past week, features the work of Joan White of Nicolet Studio and Gallery in Lakewood. A Passion for Nature is a sixteen piece collection where White uses pieces of gnarled, knotty pieces of wood as her painting canvas. The airport Exhibition is open to viewing for non-travelers as well. The airport does have some free parking available for up to four hours.

Published on 05/01/2026 under News Some well-spoken Tomahawk High School students represented the community well at the State Speech Convention, overcoming a last-minute change to score high marks. The THS Forensics team qualified eighteen members to the State Festival festival. When severe weather crossed the state on competition day, it forced organizers to pivot to a virtual event just hours before the start. THS coaches said the students embraced the change and have the scores to prove it. Four THS entries earned a perfect score for gold: Aubrey Graeber in Prose, Madeline Long in Prose; Alena Cerkas in Farrago; and the Group Interpretation team of Sadie Ruder, Jayden Dellinger, and Payton Loka. Silver medalists include: Galen Schmidt, Avielle Kromm, Avery Suchomel, Skylar Hernandez, Gabby Ulrich, Finnian Colburn, Tobias Schumacher, Phoebe Hrdina, and Lydia Shaney Bronze: Skye Scheffler and Matilda VanAsten Copper: Abbigail Doleshal A congratulations go out to the THS team for another successful season.

Published on 05/01/2026 under News The arrival of May typically signals the start of the camping season within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, but the opening of some northern sites could be delayed. According to forest officials, cooler temperatures and lingering snowpacks last month slowed some of their preparation work. While the CNNF camp areas in Langlade, Oconto, Taylor, and southern Forest Counties are expected to open on schedule, some of the sites further north will be delayed by up to two weeks. Affected sites will open as staff are able to complete seasonal maintenance. Beyond the weather-related delays, the 2026 season brings several notable changes to how visitors access and use the forest. Four popular campgrounds that were previously first-come first served will now have reservation sites. This includes: Pine Lake, Ada Lake, Lac Vieux Desert, and Bagley Rapids. And those visiting the Mondeaux Dam area should note that the lodge building will remain closed this season. The public is still welcome to use the grounds as a picnic area, and the vault toilets will be maintained for use. Visitors are encouraged to check the CNNF website for updates and further seasonal changes before heading out.

Published on 04/30/2026 under News Tomahawk Main Street is exploring with a streetscape project that would beautify and revitalize downtown. At the City of Tomahawk Board of Public Works meeting Tuesday, the organization asked for approval to move forward with design-work and fundraising for improvements aimed at enhancing the look, feel, and accessibility of the Main Street district. The proposal includes updated landscaping, improved pedestrian features, decorative lighting, and new street furnishings. A key part of the project also addresses the removal of ash trees impacted by the emerald ash borer, with plans to proactively replace them to maintain the area's appearance. The project is designed to reflect the community's character while supporting local businesses and attracting visitors; a long-term investment in downtown's economic vitality and overall community appeal. Under the proposal, the city could contribute through in-kind support by staff, such as tree removal and site preparation, as well as the possible use of materials on-hand. Otherwise, Tomahawk Main Street and their team volunteers would fundraise and write grants. No timeline was provided, but would likely be impacted by the fundraising. The proposal builds upon another effort by Tomahawk Main Street. They are working with the Tomahawk Historical Society to receive a Wisconsin historical designation and marker for the district. That display would be placed in the boulevard at the intersection of Wisconsin Avenue and Tomahawk Avenue, overlooked by the William Bradley mural on Walker's General Store. The Board gave their permission to Tomahawk Main Street to continue moving forward with planning the streetscape.

Published on 04/30/2026 under News The Lincoln County Health Department continues to target opioids through education and outreach. Coming up this evening, The Lincoln County Health Department, alongside the Lincoln County Opioid Task Force, is hosting a free community training focused on recognizing and responding to an opioid overdose using Naloxone, commonly known as Narcan. Narcan is a nasal spray that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose within minutes, potentially saving lives. Narcan is legal to carry and use without a prescription, making it an accessible tool for anyone who may encounter an overdose situation. Public Health Nurse Deanna Engel says the goal is simple: give people the knowledge and confidence to act in a critical moment. They'll walk attendees through how to spot the signs of an overdose and properly administer the medication. Tonight's training will take place at the TB Scott Free Library in Merrill. It gets underway at 5pm and is about an hour. There will be another opportunity May 14 here in Tomahawk.

Published on 04/30/2026 under News As northern Wisconsin anglers gear up for this weekend's fishing opener, a major change to muskie regulations is drawing concern. Previously, Wisconsin was divided into northern and southern musky zones, with a staggered start to accommodate a later spawn on the northern half of the state which typically opened Memorial Day weekend. In a change implemented this year, the musky season for the entire state will open with the general opener this coming weekend. Freshwater Fishing Hall of Famer and WJJQ guide Steve Heiting joined us earlier this week to preview the upcoming fishing season while also discussing the musky topic. He says the new timing could put added pressure on muskies during a critical period when muskies are spawning or about to spawn. Heiting warns the impact may not be immediate, but could show up years down the road, especially as the Wisconsin DNR faces potential funding difficulties in their fish stocking programs. Heiting suggested better collaboration between fisheries biologists and experienced guides on these topics. He says, "There's value in both science and time on the water." Adding, "Bringing those perspectives together would give us the best chance to manage these fisheries responsibly." Despite the rule change, many northern Wisconsin guides say they'll wait until after Memorial Day to target muskies, sticking with the tradition of protecting spawning fish. They also used the Conservation Congress Hearings earlier this month to introduce advisory resolutions to reverse the change.

Published on 04/30/2026 under News The fishing opener just a few days away, and anglers are going over their final fishing checklists. Local law enforcement are reminding folks to check trailers as well. For many, opening of fishing weekend will be the first time to launch their boats this year. Before pulling out of the driveway, it's a good idea to do a quick inspection of the trailer. Areas to focus on include making sure the tires are good shape, and the lights are working properly. The ball and hitch assembly should be the same size and latch securely, and always use safety chains. And make sure anything being stored in the boat during transport is properly secured to avoid life jackets, tackle boxes, coolers or other gear from being blown out onto the road and creating a hazard for other travelers. In addition to a safety inspection, the DNR regularly reminds anglers to check boats, trailers and props for aquatic invasive species as well. First launch is a good time to check for any AIS hibernating over the winter.

Published on 04/30/2026 under News Aspirus continues to offer support at their facilities here in Northern Wisconsin to those who've experienced sexual assault. The provider recently highlighted what is known as the SANE program. SANE stands for Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner. These nurses are specially trained to conduct the forensic examination, while supporting the patient during what can be a traumatic experience. Aspirus now has a mobile SANE team that can travel to hospitals and emergency departments where needed. Amy Riegert is a registered nurse who coordinates the Aspirus SANE program. Riegert says "We learned there were gaps in the system because there are only so many trained forensic nurses in this specialty. This has allowed us to extend our reach, especially into rural communities." April is Sexual Assault Awareness month.

Published on 04/29/2026 under News One person is dead, another person in custody following an unintentional shooting in Taylor County. According to a news release from the Taylor County Sheriff's Office, the incident happened Tuesday evening at shortly before 9pm. Responders were called to a home in the Town of Little Black for what was described as an accidental gun-shot injury. Upon arrival, deputies located the man lying in the yard, unresponsive. They immediately began life-saving measures, however he was pronounced dead at the scene. Following the preliminary investigation, an adult male was arrested and brought to the Taylor county Jail. No other information on the incident has been released at this time. The investigation is ongoing.

+ Read More