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Winter Clothing Collections Underway Around Northwoods Published on 11/23/2021 under News

With cold weather arriving, groups across the state are making sure that everyone remains warm this winter by collecting outdoor gear.

One of the largest collection efforts is known as the 'Big Bundle Up.' The program, now in it's 11th year, launched earlier this month. It's organized by the Wisconsin Department of Tourism, and handled locally by a number of participating Chambers.

Over the years, they have collected more than 200,000 warm winter items to help families in need. Among the participating chambers here in the Northwoods: Minocqua, Rhinelander, and Boulder Junction.

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Meanwhile, here in Tomahawk, the Chamber directs people to the community-run collection known as "Warm the People."

Based on Main Street, it's a community coat-rack that people can use as needed. Originally run at the Knot Haus, it has now relocated to outside Sew Pieceful Quilting.

Last year, more than 400 coats changed hands through the program. While still early, they've already provided around 75 jackets this year.

For those that would like to donate, their current area of need is boys and girls jackets. You can follow the Knot Haus Facebook Page for further updates.

In Other News

Tomahawk Public Library Welcomes ‘Mammoth Hunter’ Ice Age Expert

Published on 07/10/2026 under News The Tomahawk Public Library took a trip back in time Thursday morning, as local youngsters got an opportunity to see what life may have been like during the Ice Age. Families packed the library lawn for a hands-on presentation by Sean Sullivan, a Wausau-based primitive skills expert known as "The Mammoth Hunter." The interactive session brought Wisconsin's prehistoric past to life using museum-quality fossils and replicas Sullivan crafted himself based on archaeological evidence dating back 15,000 years. Sullivan doesn't just display tools, he demonstrates how to use them through live demonstrations of primitive survival skills from fire starting to hunting. Sullivan uses a method called experiential archaeology, learning about the past by actively recreating and testing ancient technology. He even dresses the part during his presentations. Yesterday's event was part of the Tomahawk Public Library's ongoing and always popular summer programming. This year's theme is Unearth a Story, fitting for Thursday's archeological discussion. The series is made possible through funding from the Tomahawk Public Library Natural Resources Fund.

Published on 07/10/2026 under News Voters in Wisconsin's Seventh Congressional District have a crowded ballot to sort through before the August 11th primary. It's an open seat featuring eight candidates including several relatively unknown political newcomers. To help bridge the geographic divide of the state's largest district by area, the League of Women Voters of the Northwoods is offering a unique opportunity and shared community event to get to know the candidates. All candidates on the ballot have been invited to participate in a forum on July 21 in Wausau. That will be broadcast to local hubs allowing Northwoods residents to gather, watch the debate together, and evaluate their options. The Northwoods chapter will host watch parties at two locations: Rhinelander and Eagle River. League President Debra Durchslag says democracy works best when voters can hear directly from the candidates. The watch locations are open to everyone, regardless of political leanings. We will share specific details and final candidate lineups as the event draws closer.

Published on 07/10/2026 under News As temperatures climb and more people head to Northwoods lakes to cool off, the Oneida County Health Department is reminding swimmers to watch out for an unwelcome summer nuisance: swimmer's itch. The itchy skin rash can develop after swimming in freshwater lakes. Health officials say it is caused by tiny parasites found in some waters. Fortunately, it is not contagious, isn't an infection, and typically clears up on its own within a few days. While it may be difficult, try to avoid scratching. Instead, opt for an anti-itch cream or a cool compress. To reduce the chances of developing swimmer's itch, the health department recommends showering as soon as possible after swimming, drying off thoroughly with a towel, and changing out of wet swimsuits right away. Swimmers are also encouraged to choose areas with moving water and avoid shallow, weedy spots when possible. According to the CDC, the parasites frequently travel on waterfowl, so beachgoers should avoid feeding ducks near popular swimming locations. The reminder is part of Healthy Adventure Week, an initiative by the Oneida County Health Department encouraging residents and visitors to enjoy the Northwoods safely throughout the summer.

Published on 07/10/2026 under News State wildlife officials are asking boaters to ease off the throttle on northern Wisconsin waterways to protect a highly vulnerable and culturally significant native grain. The Department of Natural Resources warns that wild rice plants, known as manoomin by the Ojibwe people, are entering a fragile growth stage. Right now, the young plants look like bright green grass emerging just above the water's surface, making them incredibly easy to uproot. Large wakes and waves from passing boats can completely tear the young rice from the lake bed before it has a chance to mature. Boaters can help protect the crop by maintaining a strict slow-no-wake speed in shallow areas, particularly in bays, backwaters, and near stream inlets where the rice is most abundant. Boaters can check known rice waters before launching by utilizing the DNR's online Surface Water Data Viewer. Wild rice has faced a steep decline over the last few decades due to a variety of factors including warming temperatures and water quality. The annual aquatic plant is not only a critical ecosystem indicator , but it also provides crucial food and habitat for regional waterfowl and wildlife. The plants won't become sturdy enough to support their prized seed stalks until closer to Labor Day, with the Wisconsin wild rice harvest usually taking place in September.

Published on 07/10/2026 under News The skies above Northern Wisconsin have been busy lately with Fourth of July fireworks and roaring F-35 military flyovers, but this weekend, the view from below slows down. The sixth annual Taste N Glow Balloon Fest takes over Stettin today and tomorrow. This year, organizers have arranged for 26 vibrant hot air balloons from across the country to take to the air in Marathon County. In addition to watching from the ground, the festival offers attendees the opportunity to go up in a tethered balloon. To ensure more people can participate, they've even brought in two fully handicap-accessible balloons this year. One of the highlights will take place at dusk. That's when the famous nighttime 'balloon glow' takes place. This is when the pilots light up their burners in unison to create a massive wall of light. For safety reasons, all balloon events remain wind- and weather-permitting. Beyond the balloons, there are plenty of other attractions on the ground, including a professional lumberjack show, a craft fair, and a variety of food trucks.

Published on 07/09/2026 under News A sea of lawn chairs, campers, and cowboy boots has once again taken over the Northwoods. The legendary Hodag Country Music Festival is celebrating its 48th year this weekend, drawing more than 30,000 music lovers to Rhinelander for one of the region's largest summer events. The four-day festival officially kicks off its musical lineup today, Russell Dickerson is the headliners. Over the rest of the weekend, country stars like LeAnn Rimes, Jo Dee Messina, Brothers Osborne, and Old Dominion will take the stage. For the most dedicated Hodag attendees, the fun starts early. Fans gather Wednesday for the traditional "chair line" lottery where concert-goers secure their prime viewing real estate for the weekend. Beyond the music, the festival is a massive boon for the community. The Wisconsin Department of Tourism estimates Hodag injects more than $10 million into the local economy, while giving area non-profits and civic groups a prime opportunity to raise funds. The Hodag runs through Sunday.

Published on 07/09/2026 under News A month-long effort to get Lincoln County residents off their screens and connected with others appears to have made a real difference. The Lincoln County Health Department has released the results of its second annual Social Connection Challenge, held during Mental Health Month in May. They had 173 participants, tasked with a selection activities designed to strengthen relationships and reduce social isolation. The most popular challenges included calling a friend or family member, meeting someone for coffee or dinner, spending time with children or grandparents, and performing random acts of kindness. The results were overwhelmingly positive. Nearly all participants said the challenge helped improve their mental health; three quarters said it strengthened their connections with others; and 86 percent said they plan to continue making social connection a priority. The Social Connection Challenge was organized by the Lincoln County Health Department in partnership with Aspirus Health and the Healthy Minds for Lincoln County Coalition to raise awareness of the importance of social connection and its role in supporting mental well-being.

Published on 07/09/2026 under News Fresh off a huge Fourth of July weekend, the Kwahamots Water Ski Show Team is back on the water tonight, and they're welcoming some special guests Tonight is WJJQ Night at ski show. While the radio staff are staying on dry land, we will be handing out tickets for a chance to win a variety of WJJQ prizes including t-shirts, water bottles, and campfire coffee mugs. On the water, the Kwahamots are stars of skiing, jumping, barefooting, and wakeboarding. This is also a tune-up for the team as they prepare to compete in the Wisconsin State Show Ski Championships next weekend. So come out, support the squad before they head to State, and walk away with some swag from the WJJQ crew. The show begins at 7:30pm.

Published on 07/09/2026 under News A vital summer lifeline for Northwoods families is returning this week with a massive expansion plan to tackle childhood hunger. Now in its fifth year, the Hodag Food Wagon provides nutritional support during the summer months when some in-school programs addressing food insecurity pause. After distributing more than 12,000 meals last year, the program is aiming to nearly triple its impact this summer as it rolls into new communities. Coordinated by the Rhinelander Food Pantry alongside UW-Extension FoodWIse, and additional funding through the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction's Summer Food Service Program. The goal is to give families a boost by pairing kid-friendly food with nutritional education, recipes, and hands-on activities through the "Healthy Hodag" adventure series. While the "Hodag" name is synonymous with Rhinelander, the program's expanded footprint means it will look a little different depending on where you live: In Elcho: The service will operate under the Hornet Food Truck name to match local school pride.In Tomahawk: Organizers have partnered with Kinship of Tomahawk to directly serve local "Kinskids."By tailoring the program to individual towns, organizers hope to ensure no Northwoods child goes hungry this summer.

Published on 07/09/2026 under News After a successful statewide bat count last month, Wisconsin residents will once again have the chance to help researchers this weekend. More than 150 volunteer community scientists participated in June's Great Wisconsin Bat Count, documenting more than 15,000 bats emerging from bat houses, barns and other roosts at more than 60 locations across the state. The survey counted more than 12,500 little brown bats, over 2,500 big brown bats, and even four rare tricolored bats. The DNR says the June survey produced encouraging results, including record numbers of little brown bats while continuing to find tri-colored bats, the states smallest species. The next count takes place July 10 through 12. Unlike the June survey, which occurred before baby bats, known as pups, could fly. This weekend's count will include newly flying juvenile bats. The information helps biologists track how bat populations are recovering from white-nose syndrome and other threats. Healthy bat populations are important natural form of pest control, eating thousands of insects each night including mosquitoes and crop pests. Anyone interested in participating in the surveys or learning how to make their property more bat-friendly can find more information on the Wisconsin Bat Program website.

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