WJJQ Radio

Story Details

Lincoln County Deputies Busy Assisting Motorists with Winter Driving, Deer Published on 11/22/2022 under News

In recent weeks, we've highlighted the dangers several driving challenges that Northwoods motorists face this time of year including both winter driving conditions and deer.

Both were quite apparent on Lincoln County roadways last week. The weekly recap from the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office showed deputies were kept busy throughout last week assisting motorists.

Our first taste of winter weather brought several days of snow and ice. The Sheriff's Office responded to more than two dozen vehicle slide-offs or crashes attributed to winter driving conditions. Fortunately none of the accidents resulted in serious injury.

In addition to the winter weather, deer also remain on the move at this time of year. In addition to rut, the snow cover has them out looking for food. This past week, 24 motorists reported striking deer on Lincoln County roadways. Deer collisions typically peak in November, and there have already been more than 60 reported deer strikes in November in Lincoln County alone.

In Other News

Merrill Historical Society Celebrating Filmmaker with Upcoming History Hunt

Published on 09/22/2023 under News While people won't confuse the Northwoods with Hollywood, there was a brief time in the 70's and 80's when a number of movies were filmed right here in Lincoln County. In the coming weeks, the films and the man behind them will be celebrated by the Merrill Historical Society. We were recently joined by member Tom Berg to talk about Bill Rebane. He explained that Rebane actually immigrated to the US from Latvia. Through some family ties, he eventually wound up in Lincoln County. At his property in Gleason, he established a studio called the Shooting Ranch. Over an approximately twenty year period, the area became a common setting for his films which fall into the horror/supernatural/science fiction genre. Perhaps the most famous, The Giant Spider Invasion, has become a cult classic over the years. The Merrill Historical Society has an exhibit on Rebane. Thanks to an expert on their staff, Berg says it is something comparable to one expected in a large city. Rebane's filming wasn't restricted to his property. Merrill and Tomahawk were common shooting locations. Berg notes scenes in Bradley Park, the Tomahawk Rail Depot, and even right here at WJJQ studio. The movie, The Devonsville Terror had a short radio scene shot in our former studio. That all comes into play next month. The Historical Society will be hosting a History Hunt. Participants will be challenged to check in at various filming locations. Berg teased that they've got a special guest lined up to conclude the History Hunt. Rebane, himself, will be on hand to meet with the participants. The History Hunt takes place on October 7, and registration is required by contacting the Historical Society.

Published on 09/22/2023 under News Feeding those in need has been the mission of the Lakeland Pantry for over 50 years and now they'll be offering some free health screenings for their clients, as well. The new service is the result of a partnership with Aspirus Howard Young Medical Center. Pantry director Lorna Springate says, "(We), along with Aspirus, realized the need for another source in our community for our clients to take advantage of basic health screenings." Meghan Coyle is nursing manager at Howard Young and also a volunteer at the Food Pantry. She says they are happy to provide the service, adding, "We offer free screenings so you can keep an eye on your health on a consistent basis." Volunteer Aspirus medical personnel or retired nurses are available during regular pantry hours to provide some standard screenings like blood pressure readings and blood sugar (glucose) checks. They'll also be able available to provide nutritional advice for pantry clients. They have a dedicated room where these screenings can be completed in a private space. According to the Pantry, thanks to the generosity of the community, they are able to distribute around 17,000 pounds of food each week. They are also a resource for clothing, books, and various items for young children. They're open the second Tuesday and Thursday of each month.

Published on 09/22/2023 under News We're well into harvest season in Wisconsin, and state officials are reminding both motorists and farm vehicle operators to safely share the road. The Department of Transportation and the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection put out that joint message as part of National Farm Safety and Health Week. According to the DoT, there were 136 reported crashes involving motorists and farm vehicles in Wisconsin last year. Those incidents resulting in 50 injuries and two fatalities. DATCP Secretary Randy Romanski says, "Farmers are working hard to get their crops from farm gate to dinner plate,". "Motorists should drive with caution and anticipate slow movement from farm implements. Ag vehicle operators should check their machinery to ensure the appropriate lights, signage and signals are working." A few other quick reminders from the DoT: Pay attention to the road ahead, prepare to slow if you see a farm vehicle. Remember it is illegal to pass an AG vehicle on the road when in a no passing zone. Be aware that these vehicle may off the road in areas such as fields. Wisconsin is home to more than 64,000 farms across all 72 counties.

Published on 09/22/2023 under News Just another reminder that Northwoods motorists may want to slow down a bit this weekend. As we told you earlier this week, the Wisconsin State Patrol continues to conduct aerial enforcement. They are scheduled to monitor Highway 51 in Oneida County from the skies through the day today. According to the news release, it's much easier for troopers to spot drivers who are speeding or driving aggressively from the air. When a pilot observes a violation, they communicate with ground-based units to initiate a traffic stop. The Wisconsin State Patrol says that the aerial enforcement missions are publicly announced to improve public safety through voluntary compliance rather than to simply stop drivers and handing out citations.

Published on 09/22/2023 under News As part of nationwide opioid settlements, funding will be distributed to state and local entities. Earlier this week, the Lincoln County Board established an opioid settlement task force to determine how those dollars are spent. The task force is actually plan B for the county. Earlier this summer, the board established and posted a grant-funded, limited-term position of Community Health Planner-Opioid Grant Coordinator. That role remained unfilled, leading the supervisors to take a different approach by creating the task force instead. A task force isn't unusual. During discussion supervisors pointed out that several other area counties are also using a task force. In addition to creating the task force, the resolution also established who will be assigned. It includes the Lincoln County Health Director, the Social Services Director, the Sheriff, and a County Board member. The remaining spots will be filled by representatives from North Central Health Care, healthcare, education and Lincoln County Probation and Parole. The funds awarded in the settlement do have specific parameters on how they can be spent.

Published on 09/22/2023 under News The DNR is seeking public comment on two grants for shooting range projects in Antigo and Wausau. As part of their goal to promote hunter safety, hunting, and shooting sports, the DNR offers grants for range facilities available to the public. The project at the Langlade County Gun and Bow Range would address a variety of facility improvements including ADA compliant parking pads, security fencing, shooting back stops, and information kiosks. The expansion project at the Wausau Skeet and Trap Club includes purchasing ten additional trap machines and accessories to create three new shooting stations for sporting clays. As part of the process, the public can review and comment. That period runs through October 19.

Published on 09/22/2023 under Sports On Thursday, the Tomahawk Hatchet Girls Swimming Team traveled to Rhinelander for a Great Northern Conference Dual against the Hodags. Rhinelander wins the dual 138-21. Paige DeKiep had the lone first place finish for Tomahawk in the 50 free. Tomahawk is now 2-2 in GNC Duals and will host Colby on Thursday at the Tomahawk Swimming Pool.

Published on 09/22/2023 under Sports Tomahawk's girls' volleyball squad went 1-2 in their home quad Thursday night. The Hatchets' lone win came against GNC foe Antigo, their second win over the Red Robins this season. Tomahawk lost to Prentice, 2-0, and Newman Catholic, 2-1. The record for Tomahawk now stands at 13-16 with a 5-2 record in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets will be back in action for another GNC showdown at Northland Pines Tuesday night. Tune in for the Fehrman Orthodontics Coaches Show at 6:40 and first serve at 7:00. Alex Koch will have the broadcast from Eagle River.

Published on 09/21/2023 under News Downtown Park Falls is undergoing a bit of a makeover including a new YMCA facility. On Wednesday, project organizers launched a capital campaign to help fund the multi-million-dollar facility. As we've previously covered, partnering with the YMCA of the Northwoods, the Park Falls YMCA facility will re-purpose, re-imagine, and expand the former City Hall building. The new Y will include a childcare center, gymnasium, wellness center and space for seniors and families. Allie Plessner is co-chair of the steering committee. She says, "From the start, the Park Falls YMCA has been driven by the needs and desires of the people who live here. She continued, "The facility will reflect the community – its ideas, its passions, and its generosity. We're glad to be at the stage of asking the broader community to pitch in with their contributions." The fundraising target is $9.8 million, though they are well on their way. They've received a $5.6 million grant from the state. Coupled with additional funding opportunities, there is around $2 million left for the public capital campaign. (Visit their website for additional information) Plessner added, "Based on the community enthusiasm I've observed... I'm confident the fundraising goal is well within our reach." Construction is set to begin next year with completion targeted for May 2025.

Published on 09/21/2023 under News A Oneida County Sheriff Sergeant has joined exclusive company by completing an exclusive FBI training course. The Oneida County Sheriff's Office announced the graduation of Elisha Williams from the FBI National Academy. Williams has been with the Oneida County Sheriff's Office for seven years, and currently serves as a patrol sergeant and school resource sergeant for the Rhinelander School District. According to the announcement, less than 1% of all law enforcement officers have completed the program. For Sgt. Williams' class specifically, there were nearly 200 law enforcement officers from 46 states, a few from outside the US and even some military personnel. Enrollees took part in a ten week training course that covered areas like communications, psychology of leadership, emotional intelligence, and even advanced public speaking. The classroom work was coupled with physical training, culminating with the challenging 'Yellow Brick Road.' That's a 6.1 mile run over a Marine Corp obstacle course. Over the years, the Oneida County Sheriff's Office has had five others complete the program including current Chief Deputy Daniel Hess. Other members of the Sheriff's Office over the years include retired detective sergeants :the late Raymond Zastrow, James Purdy, and Glenn Schaepe, along with retired Chief Deputy John Sweeney. -Photo provided by the Oneida County Sheriff's Office-

+ Read More