WJJQ Radio

Story Details

Nicolet College Receives ~$1 Million in Wisconsin Technical College System Grants Published on 05/12/2022 under News

Nicolet College students will benefit from nearly $1 million in grants recently awarded to the school through the Wisconsin Technical College System.

Nicolet President Kate Ferrel says that the biggest beneficiaries of these grants will be the students providing a quality education leading to careers with family supporting wages. She added that local economies will also reap rewards by having a skilled workforce.

In all, Nicolet was awarded 13 grants totaling $989,000. A credit to the quality applications, Nicolet received all 13 grants for which they applied.

The largest grant, $350,000, will be used to further expand the college's "family" of patient simulators used to train students in Health Occupations programs. These simulators have advanced features allow students to practice in scenarios they may not encounter during their clinical training.

Other grant categories include: implementing diversity and equity work and curriculum; piloting virtual reality assessment and simulations; upgrades to career services and coaching programs, and the student emergency assistance program.

Even potential students will benefit with grant funds earmarked for career exploration programs for middle and high school age students such as college day visits, the eighth grade 'heavy metal' manufacturing tour, and the high school skills competition day.

Ferrel said of the grants, "At its core it's all about creating opportunity for students, giving them the tools, knowledge, skills, and experiences they can benefit from in whatever professional endeavor they choose."

In Other News

Free Fishing Weekend Returns to Wisconsin Waterways

Published on 01/16/2026 under News Whether tip-ups, jigging, or casting a line; Wisconsin anglers can hit the ice for some fishing this weekend without a license. The DNR has brought back their OutWiGo Winter Free Fishing weekend. Coupled with a summer free fishing weekend in June, the campaigns are an attempt to introduce new participants to the sport of fishing and provide former anglers a chance to renew their interest. Landing a fish is fun, but officials note the sport is about more than the catch. It allows participants a chance to make memories, spend time with friends and family, and enjoy the state's natural resources. Coinciding with the license waiver, some fishing clubs and organizations are hosting fishing clinics or activities on select waterways. The DNR also has loaner equipment available at some state properties. (check the DNR website for availability) While you don't need a license, anglers must still follow all other fishing regulations including size and bag limits. For those heading out, the DNR did offer a reminder to dress appropriately for the chilly weather in the forecast and remember no ice is 100% safe.Among gear to consider include a rescue rope, ice claws, a life jacket, and a cell phone in a waterproof case.

Published on 01/16/2026 under News Some of the fastest snowmobiles in the world are converging in the Northwoods for an iconic race weekend. World Championship Snowmobile racing at the classic ice oval in Eagle River is back for a 63rd edition. Following a successful Vintage Derby last week, the older sleds are making way for more powerful and contemporary machines over the next few days. In a typical year, tens of thousands of sled-heads travel to the Northwoods to not only take in the races but ride themselves bringing a much needed boost to the local economy. As we shared Thursday, the 'Ride with the Cup' tour has been passing through Northwoods communities. They're back at it again today, and are scheduled to arrive at the Derby track this evening, just in time for the opening ceremonies. Races continues across multiple classes, with the World Championship Race Sunday afternoon. This year's field features a number of past champions among the approximately 30 contenders. Last year saw a first time winner in Zach DeWald. The previous six Derbys were won between four-time winner Blaine Stephenson and two time winner Matt Goede.

Published on 01/16/2026 under News A pair of area middle school groups are teaming up with the Green Bay Packers to make their mark on their respective communities. At the start of the school year, middle-school student organizations were invited to develop a service project to help their school, neighborhood or surrounding community. Once the project proposals were submitted and reviewed, 10 projects ideas were selected to receive a Character Playbook Community Impact Grant. That included two local projects in Taylor County. • The Rib Lake Middle School Leadership Group will make a variety of accessible sporting equipment available at a community park, offering residents and visitors the opportunity to spend time together while getting active. • Medford Area Middle School students will distribute personal items and tabletop games to local assisted living and dementia care centers as part of their project called "Games and Goodies for the Greatest Generation."According to the announcement, the projects should be complete by the end of the school year.

Published on 01/16/2026 under News Nicolet College is looking to fill four seats on their nine-member board. That includes three terms that end on their regular cycle this summer, as well as a fourth that is a partial term. While it is currently spring election season, members of the Nicolet Board of Trustees are appointed. Some of the seats on the board have specific criteria as to who can hold them, two of the full-time seats, along with the partial term seat, are open to all eligible applicant. The third full-time seat is set aside for an elected official. Once the nomination period has closes, the potential candidates will have a public hearing in March. The selected candidates will begin serving July 1. The three full terms will run through 2029; the interim term through 2028. The nomination period is open through February 10. Application information is available on the Nicolet website.

Published on 01/15/2026 under News In addition to the mayoral and city council races, City of Tomahawk voters will also decide on a levy referendum this spring. At a special meeting Wednesday, the Tomahawk City Council voted unanimously to place a levy referendum on the April ballot. The City is seeking a 20% increase to the base levy, which amounts to approximately $276,000. It would result in an increase of $75 for a $100,000 property. The state restricts the ability of municipalities to increase their tax levy without voter approval. The decision in Tomahawk comes after several consecutive years of difficult budget decisions. During last week's Finance meeting, committee members highlighted how costs have outpaced the levy growth. With much of the discussion taking place at previous meetings, the resolution was approved with minimal discussion. Instead, last night's conversation focused on outreach ahead of the vote to explain why the city is seeking additional levy. They have already prepared a fact sheet that will sent out with utility bills and will be posted online. They also are planning to host public informational meetings, however they didn't not set those dates.

Published on 01/15/2026 under News The Heart of Vilas Bike Trail System has been travel destination for decades, and now they have statistics to show it's impact on the region. The Heart of Vilas was one of five participants in the Wisconsin Office of Outdoor Recreation; Do-It-Yourself Economic Impact Program. The summer study used surveys, infrared trail counters, and manual trail counts to gather data, while also working with local stakeholders. Based on the data collected, they estimate the Heart of Vilas Bike Trail System generated approximately $25.7 million for the area's economy last year. That's thanks to the more than 160,000 cyclists who rode the trail between May and September. Rider feedback showed nearly 60% came to the area specifically for the trail. On average, day visitors spent approximately $50; overnight trail users $287. Mary Jones, Executive Director of the Boulder Junction Chamber says "We know that tourism is the backbone of our economy here in the Northwoods, and outdoor recreation is the largest tourism driver. Participating in this economic impact study ... has allowed us to not only put a number on the economic impact of this multi-community asset, but also provided the opportunity to discover insightful information about the current trends..." The Heart of Vilas Bike Trail System is made up of over 52 miles of paved, off-road bike trails connecting the communities of St. Germain, Sayner, Boulder Junction, Manitowish Waters, and Mercer. Other participants in this year's study included Peninsula State Park, Olbrich Botanical Gardens, the Three Eagle Bike Trail, and Oconto County.

Published on 01/15/2026 under News It's Derby Weekend up in Eagle River. Before a champion is crowned, the trophy will be toured through the Northwoods. Thursday marks the return of the 'Ride with the Cup', a spin off from the former Torch Ride. Now, rather than a flame, the participants take the Champion's Cup on the 200-plus mile, two-day tour through the Northwoods. While Eagle River hosts the oval racing, this cup tour is an opportunity to get other Northwoods communities involved in and excited for Derby weekend. Organizers have established a mission of promoting safe snowmobiling in Northern Wisconsin, while showcasing the area as a snowmobile tourism destination across the supporting communities. The event features special guests both in the travel party as well as at the various stops. This includes local snowmobile club representatives, state officials, and AWSC Miss Snowflake – Jena Lenz and Miss Sno Eagle – Brianna Sullivan. The tour begins Thursday morning in Wausau, stops in Merrill mid-morning and arrives in here in Tomahawk around mid-day for three stops at the Knight Owls Snowmobile Club garage, Tomahawk Sports Center, and the Northwoods Passage Shed up in Nokomis. In they afternoon, they'll continue up the Highway 51 corridor to Lakeland area. After pausing for the evening, they'll continue on sleds Friday with the route traveling through St. Germain, Sayner, Rhinelander and Three Lakes. They'll eventually make their way to Eagle River and the Derby Track just in time for the Opening Ceremony tomorrow evening.

Published on 01/15/2026 under News The Tomahawk Public Library has a wide-selection of love stories, but they're currently inviting the public to share their passion about the library itself. During the month of January, the Tomahawk Public Library is collecting stories about how the library has made a difference in their patron's lives big or small. They've dubbed it the Library Love Stories. They invite patrons to share a few sentences or a whole novella about how the library makes their hearts happy. This can be the books, programming, the staff, the location or something else entirely.The campaign offers several benefits to the library by providing valuable feedback on what's successful, but can also be used to promote the library and pursue grants with the comments. People can drop them off their Tomahawk Public Library Love Stories at the front desk or submit them via email.

Published on 01/15/2026 under News Ice fishing season is in full swing, but frozen lakes don't mean that invasive species are hibernating. Officials are reminding ice anglers to take steps to avoid transporting these aquatic invaders. Just like the summer months, there are several ways invasive species jump from lake to lake. Plants, seeds, mud, and debris can attach to equipment. For ice fishing in particular, that includes augers, sleds and lures and even boots and gloves. They recommend wiping down equipment after each use to ensure there aren't any hidden hitchhikers. Another risk comes from the transport of live bait. Anglers should follow Wisconsin's live bait laws and dispose of unused minnows, worms and other live bait properly. As long as no lake or river water has been added to the container, the DNR says minnows may be used on a different waterbody. If lake or river water was added, the minnows cannot be used at other fishing locations and should be disposed of before going to a new site. And a quick reminder it's the DNR's Winter Free Fishing weekend on Saturday and Sunday. We'll have a preview coming up on our Friday show.

Published on 01/14/2026 under News Local snowmobile clubs are encouraging riders 'know before they go' and check routes before heading out. It's International Snowmobile Safety Week, and local stakeholders are sharing messages to ensure a safe ride for everyone on the trails this riding season. A sport like snowmobiling is heavily reliant on conditions and occasionally this requires temporary trail closures or re-routes to accommodate changing conditions. For example, this past weekend, the Northwoods Passage snowmobile club, which maintains trails near Tomahawk, had to move a trail on Lake Nokomis after an area of the channel opened up. Other clubs have had to make similar changes due to factors such as slush and ice heaves. One of the best ways to stay up to date on these types of trail changes is from the local clubs who maintain them. Updates are typically posted to social media accounts, and some clubs also maintain websites or blogs. Whether you're riding your local trails, or visiting a new area to explore, it's a good idea to check-in with the clubs. It's important to stick on the marked trails for not only safety reasons, but to also respect the landowners who allow trails to cross their properties. Northwoods Passage Snowmobile Club Facebook PageKnight Owls Snowmobile Club Facebook Page

+ Read More