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4-H Supporters Attend Lincoln County Board Meeting; Resolution Possible Published on 09/21/2022 under News

Supporters of Lincoln County 4-H once again filled the county board meeting room. This time they were greeted with some potentially good news.

Ahead of the public comment period of the meeting, County Board Chair Don Friske announced that they have tentatively reached an agreement that would continue to support the local 4-H programs. No further details were provided.

As we've covered over the past few weeks, the supervisors are working on next year's budget. With little wiggle room, the UW-Extension program has been placed on the chopping block. That's the department that oversees the local 4-H program.

More than 150 people attended a listening session on the topic last week. Many of those same individuals were in attendance last night as well. And at a meeting that rarely features any public comment, last night's public comment period extended for more than an hour. More the a dozen speakers of varying ages weighed in, from 7 year old Stephanie Van Asten to Caroline Lemke who stated she's been a 4-H leader for more than 60 years.

While the agreement Friske alluded to would preserve the 4-H program, funding for the UW-Extension is still absent from the budget proposal. While most of the speakers last night addressed 4-H specifically, several members also addressed the importance of the UW-Extension as a whole and their work with organizations such as the Merrill High School 'Raise Your Voice' program for mental health.

The budget process is still ongoing. The board was presented with a balanced budget for the first time last night. Chair Don Friske says they'll weigh in on supervisor amendments at the October meeting. The budget is typically approved at the November meeting.

In Other News

Anglers Prepare for Another Fishing Season Opener

Published on 05/01/2026 under News The winter wait is finally over... Anglers will once again fill Wisconsin's waterways this weekend with the hopes of landing some fish. Whether catching for a meal, landing a trophy mount, or just spending a relaxing day out on the water; there are plenty of reasons to fish. Saturday marks the start of the inland fishing season for a number of species. In addition to walleye, pike, large-mouth bass and panfish, it now includes musky as well. (One of the few exceptions, northern zone anglers for small mouth bass will have to practice catch-and-release until June 20.) The state has a long tradition of fishing and the numbers bear that out. Statistics show nearly a million fishing licenses are sold every year. The DNR did offer up a few reminders for anglers before heading out this season. Make sure you've got a fishing license and go over rules and regulations including any lake-specific rules or bag limits where you fish. The new season may also mean some changes to those rules. For example, the Lake Nokomis/Rice Reservoir Chain and the Boom-Rhinelander Chain now have a new 10 pan fish daily bag limit. The DNR has a webpage with all changes for the season, divided by county. To keep invasive species out of your favorite waterways, it's a good idea to inspect your boat, trailer and equipment for these aquatic hitchhikers. And stay tuned to WJJQ throughout the season for fishing news, updates, events, and of course a stable of fishing guides who offer their expertise with their weekly reports. Reservoirs: Eau Pleine 3", Spirit 3", Nokomis 6", Rainbow 1.5', Willow 2'

Published on 05/01/2026 under News A piece of a powerful Vietnam Veterans memorial now has a permanent home in the Northwoods. Nicolet College held a dedication ceremony Thursday for a retired wall panel from The Wall That Heals, a traveling, three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The ceremony took place at the Lakeside Center Patio, where members of the Northwoods Honor Guard performed a 21-gun salute ahead of the brief but meaningful ceremony. Nicolet was selected as a permanent home for a section of the retired exhibit after originally serving as one of 31 stops on the nationwide tour back in May of 2023. Army veteran and Nicolet employee Casey Lehmann, who helped coordinate that first visit, and said the experience united the campus and broader community in remembrance and gratitude. Lehmann said the display will serve as a lasting tribute, one that not only honors those who served and sacrificed, but also stands as a reminder of the enduring cost of freedom. Even the steel base for the new display reflects school's ongoing support of local vets. It was created by veterans who participated in a Nicolet community education welding class.

Published on 05/01/2026 under News As part of the nation's 250th anniversary, local conversations will offer a chance for Northwoods residents to reflect on America's beginnings and its future. Several area libraries will host community discussions as part of the America@250 initiative, in partnership with the League of Women Voters of the Northwoods and PBS Wisconsin. That includes the Tomahawk Public Library which announced two of these conversations in May. Discussions will be inspired by the documentary series The American Revolution, directed by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt. The series explores how thirteen colonies fought for independence and helped shape democratic movements around the world. Organizers say the goal is to encourage thoughtful, local conversations about the ideals of the nation's founding, the challenges faced along the way, and how those themes still resonate today. The Conversations at the Tomahawk Library are scheduled for May 7 and May 21. Seating is limited, so registration is required. Those interested can contact the library to learn more or reserve a spot.

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.

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