WJJQ Radio

Story Details

DoT Accepting Feedback on 2027 Hwy 8 Project near Tomahawk Published on 01/24/2023 under News

Last Tuesday, the Department of Transportation hosted an informational meeting on a proposed Highway 8 project near Tomahawk. Now the public has a chance to weigh in on the proposal.

That work is on a 2.5 mile segment of Highway 8 between County Road L and Klade Road, just to the west of Highway 51. The project is tentatively on the calendar for 2027, though it could be moved up by a year.

In addition to resurfacing the pavement, engineers have also outlined several proposals to address safety at intersections, specifically at County L and County A.

While traditional turn-lane configurations are among the proposals, alternatives could include roundabouts. At dangerous intersections, roundabouts can slow down speeds while also changing collision angles.

The project could also improve the Hiawatha Trail crossing. The proposal would re-route the trail approach from the south to create a 90 degree angle to improve visibility for trail users.

The DoT has created a project page on their website which includes sketches and information. They'll accept comments through mid-February. Comment forms are on the website as well.

In Other News

Rhinelander Celebrates Hodag Heritage Festival on Saturday

Published on 05/15/2026 under News Rhinelander and the Hodag are synonymous. This week has been set aside to celebrate the mythical beast. The Rhinelander Chamber and their many community partners have been busy preparing for the 6th annual Hodag Heritage Festival. The event brings plenty of fun, history, and whimsy with hodag-themed activities. Among the popular returning highlights are the hodag calling contest and Hodag Historical Bus Tours . They also keep it fresh with new attractions, this includes Paul Bunyan Lumberjack shows. The tale of the Hodag emerged from the times when logging reined king in the Northwoods. Rachel Boehlen, Chamber Director of Events and Strategic Initiatives says, "We're so excited to bring these fun and unique features to the Hodag Heritage Festival." Activities are centered around Pioneer Park. Earlier this year, the Chamber also launched a new Hodag Heritage Festival website with information, schedules, and more.

Published on 05/15/2026 under News Earlier this week, a major renovation project began at the century-old Grand Theater in Wausau. Just days into the work, the project received a significant fundraising boost: the Performing Arts Foundation announced it has been awarded a $1.1 million grant from the State of Wisconsin. Sean Wright, Executive Director of The Grand Theater, noted that the state's investment serves as a testament to the theater's vital role as both a cultural and economic driver. He says, "As we approach our 100th anniversary, this funding provides the necessary resources to ensure our facility remains a premier destination for world-class performing arts while maintaining the historic integrity of this community landmark," Wright said. The renovation aims to modernize the venue while preserving its heritage. Key highlights include: • Enhanced Patron Experience: Installation of new seating and upgraded lighting and AV equipment. • Infrastructure Improvements: Significant work on accessibility, structural restoration, and the installation of a new roof. With the addition of the state grant, the campaign has now raised $15.5 million toward its $17.5 million goal. The facility will remain closed throughout the summer to accommodate construction. The community can look forward to the grand reopening, with the first performance in the upgraded theater scheduled for November 7.

Published on 05/15/2026 under News Local lawmakers expressed disappointment after a budget surplus deal fell apart in the State Senate earlier this week. The proposal, crafted by Governor Evers and Republican Legislative leaders would have utilized the surplus to provide a tax rebate, along with an increase in state funding for k-12 schools and special education. While defeated by three votes in the senate, the bill cleared the Assembly. Among the 'yes' votes was Assemblyman Calvin Callahan who represents the 35th district. The local representative provided comments on the bill's demise. He said, "While this deal wasn't perfect, it did provide property tax relief and put money directly back into the pockets of taxpayers, where it never should have left. Many objections to this proposal were that it didn't do enough, and I agree, but you can't get everything you want in a negotiation." Callahan said, "I am disappointed that some people let that stand in the way of delivering affordability to the people of Wisconsin."

Published on 05/14/2026 under Sports Tomahawk Softball Wraps Up 2026 With Extra Innings Thriller The Hatchet softball squad would wrap up Great Northern Conference play Thursday evening with a thrilling victory over the Merrill Blue Jays in eight innings, 8-6. Tomahawk would notch their first six runs of the day in the fifth and sixth innings. Sophie Olsen ripped a two-run double to tie the game at two. Averi Petta would follow that up with a two-run home run to put the Hatchets ahead. The other runs scored were on wild pitches. After Merrill tied the game and forced extra innings, the Hatchets would score their final two runs in the top of the eighth on errors. Camryn Kraklow allowed just two earned runs in the victory. Cracklow and Ellie Micke crossed the plate twice in the game. The Hatchets will finish the 2026 regular season with a 10-11 record and a 6-8 Great Northern Conference record. Seeding meetings get underway for Tomahawk softball Sunday afternoon. Sixth-Inning Rally Leapfrogs Tomahawk Baseball Over Merrill Tomahawk baseball's bats woke up Thursday night at Tyler Kahle Memorial Field as they would come back to defeat Merrill, 8-4. The Hatchets trailed 4-3 headed into the bottom of the sixth inning before rolling off five runs to seal the victory. Tomahawk tied the game on a run scored by Wally Horabik off of Nick Arndt reaching on an error. However, The unsung hero was Hudson Evans, who hit a pinch-hit two-run single to put Tomahawk ahead. The Hatchets would add two more runs with a Logan Norman RBI double and a run scored by Jasper Ertl on a passed ball. Wally Horabik would pick up the win on the mound, pitching three scoreless innings. The win puts Tomahawk to 6-9 on the season and 5-7 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets are back on the diamond tonight for a non-conference showdown with Crandon at TK Field. First pitch is at 6:30. Childers Takes Top Spot, Hatchet Golf 5th in Lakeland The Hatchet Golfers would place fifth in their Great Northern Conference Invite at Trout Lake Golf Course in Minocqua Thursday afternoon. Tomahawk would finish with a team score of 338, two strokes behind the host, Lakeland. However, the biggest bright spot came from Oliver Childers, who took the top spot in the meet with a 75. Jake Albert was second on the team and 11th overall with an 82. Tomahawk is back on the course today with an invite at the St. Germain Golf Club today. Tee-off is at Noon.

Published on 05/14/2026 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 another free community training focused on recognizing and responding to an opioid overdose using Naloxone, or Narcan. Narcan can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose within minutes, potentially saving lives. It is most commonly administered as a nasal spray, and can be carried without a prescription. Public Health Nurse Deanna Engel says the goal is simple: to 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. Earlier this month, the partners hosted a similar event down in Merrill that was well-received. Tonight they'll be offering a class in Tomahawk, at the Public Library. It begins at 5pm and takes around an hour.

Published on 05/14/2026 under News With construction season now in full swing, another highway project is getting underway in Lincoln County. The Department of Transportation announced a bridge replacement as part of improvements to Highway 17 between Merrill and Rhinelander in the Town of Merrill. Work will include the removal and replacement of the Barnes Creek bridge, with crews installing a new concrete girder bridge. According to the DoT, Sheet Piling Services has been selected for the $870,000 project. During construction, Highway 17 will be closed at the bridge, and traffic will be detoured using County G. Work is scheduled to begin later this month. The project is expected to be completed in August, depending on weather and construction progress.

Published on 05/14/2026 under News An orphaned black bear cub is being cared for thanks to some law enforcement officers and a local animal rehabilitation center. According to the Marathon County Sheriff's office, deputies responded to Highway 29 near Wausau. A bear cub was left alone after the mother was struck by a passing vehicle. With help from Wausau Police, they were able to secure the cub who was turned over to Wild Instincts. The rehabilitators brought the cub back to their Rhinelander facility. In an update, they said the cub is doing well and strong enough to spend time in their outdoor enclosure. Their hope is to eventually return the cub to the wild. And while highlighting this specific situation, the Sheriff's Office also reiterated the Keep Wildlife Wild message. The campaign generally encourages people not to approach young animals in the wild. And if you believe the animal has been abandoned, like this Wausau cub, contact an animal rehabilitation facility for guidance.

Published on 05/14/2026 under News Bird experts are encouraging residents across the Northwoods to turn off unnecessary outdoor lighting during overnight hours this spring to help protect migrating birds as they make their seasonal journey north. Researchers with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Purdue University say Wisconsin sits directly in a major migration corridor, with millions of birds crossing the state on peak migration nights through mid-June. About 80% of migrating birds travel at night, but artificial light can pull them off course into populated areas where they face additional hazards including window collisions. Conservation groups say even small changes such as shutting off porch lights, decorative lighting and unused business signs overnight; can make a significant difference, especially in smaller northern Wisconsin communities surrounded by forests and wetlands that provide critical habitat for migrating birds. The effort is part of the growing Lights Out Wisconsin campaign, which promotes reducing light pollution during peak migration periods to help birds safely navigate the night skies over the Badger State.

Published on 05/14/2026 under News A Northwoods program that encourages young girls to run while building life skills will wrap up their spring session with a special weekend. 'Girls on the Run' is a nationwide program, with a chapter located here in Northern Wisconsin. It's a 10-week, after-school running program for elementary and middle school students. In addition to the physical health benefits, they also help build confidence, social, and emotional skills. The local chapter started in Minocqua around 20 years ago, but they've grown to feature nearly two dozen communities stretching from Manitowish Waters to Mosinee. During that time, the organization says they've had more than 1,500 graduates. Each spring they wrap up the course with a 5k run. The local chapter will hold two this weekend. The first, Saturday, is at Minocqua Winter Park. Then on Sunday, they'll shift south to Wausau and Nine Mile Forest. People can also support these programs by serving as coaches, ambassadors or fundraiser, or even establishing a program in a new community. You can visit their website for more information.

Published on 05/13/2026 under Sports The Hatchet golfers would fall back to the middle of the pack in their Great Northern Conference meet Wednesday at Northwood Golf Club in Rhinelander, placing fourth. Tomahawk would finish with a score of 354, five strokes behind Rhinelander and eight strokes ahead of Northland Pines. The finish marks the sixth GNC Meet in which Tomahawk placed fourth or lower. Oliver Childers placed ninth overall with an 84. Rounding out the top three for the Hatchets are Jaxon Kaiser with an 86 and Jake Albert with an 87. Tomahawk is back in action today for their next Great Northern Conference meet at Trout Lake in Minocqua. Tee-off is at 3:00.

+ Read More