WJJQ Radio

Story Details

Aspirus Recognizes Northwoods EMS Past and Present Published on 05/26/2023 under News

This week has been set aside to recognize those in the emergency medical services field. In addition to recognizing their current providers, Aspirus is also looking back at those who have influenced EMS over the years right here in Northern Wisconsin.

In a news release, Aspirus notes that the state of Wisconsin, and the Northwoods in particular, has a proud history in the evolution of EMS. They specifically highlighted Dr. JD "Deke" Farrington, a former physician at Lakeland Memorial Hospital and Howard Young Medical Center. He has been referred to as "The Father of Modern EMS" due to the integral role he played in the development of emergency medical services dating back to the 1950's.

Among his many accomplishments, Dr. Farrington coordinated the first nationally recognized EMT course. It was held in Wausau in 1969. He is also credited with inventing the spine board and promoted the use of extrication and part of board that established industry standards. He even took part of the development of the 'Star of Life' as auniversally-recognized EMS symbol.

Dr. Michael Clark currently serves as an emergency medicine physician and EMS medical director at Asprius. He says, "The Northwoods is proud to have such a rich history in the development of these techniques and trainings that continue to save countless lives today." He added that, "Dr. Farrington understood the importance of emergency medical care and had the foresight to see how he could improve it."

Today Aspirus MedEvac has a team of more than 250, operating two air units and 35 ground ambulances at 13 base locations in northern Wisconsin and Michigan's UP.

In Other News

Anglers Head to Eagle River for National Championship Musky Open

Published on 08/21/2026 under News Anglers are descending on the Eagle River area this weekend for one of the most popular musky tournaments in the country. It's time once again for the National Championship Musky Open, hosted each summer by the Eagle River Chamber of Commerce and the Musky Clubs Alliance of Wisconsin. Proceeds from the event support the Alliance's year-round conservation and outreach efforts for Wisconsin's state fish. By the numbers, the catch-and-release tournament ranks among the largest in the nation. Last year's event drew more than 1,100 anglers representing 14 states. Action on the water was a bit slower last year, with 117 muskies boated and released across the tournament lakes. While seasoned anglers have spent weeks or months scouting local waters, others enter simply for the experience, and a shot at an impressive prize. Every registered participant is automatically entered into a drawing for a fully outfitted fishing boat. Freshwater Fishing Hall of Famer Steve Heiting serves as the tournament's master of ceremonies. Regular WJJQ listeners will recognize Heiting, who shares his angling insights each weekend during our local fishing updates. Registration kicked off Thursday evening, with anglers officially hitting the water Friday through Sunday.

Published on 08/21/2026 under News City officials are warning local residents, businesses, and builders to stay vigilant following additional email scam attempts impersonating City of Rhinelander staff. The latest fraudulent messages are coming from the fake email address planning.rhinelanderwi.@usa.com and request payments via wire transfer. A number of municipalities around the state have reported similar schemes, but Rhinelander officials weren't aware of any community members who have fallen for the scams. To protect against fraudulent requests, officials offered a few reminders...They note that legitimate communications from City of Rhinelander staffers come from email addresses that end with "@rhinelanderwi.us. They would never require payment via wire transfer. Those with questions about communications from the city should verify requests directly.

Published on 08/21/2026 under News A unique waterski competition is taking place in Crandon this weekend, though no water skis are needed. Hundreds of spectators and thrill-seekers will line the shores of Peshtigo Lake in Crandon this weekend for the return of Footstock. Ditching traditional skis altogether, competitors glide across open water relying on nothing more than bravery, balance, and bare soles at speeds pushing 40 miles per hour. Known officially as the World Figure 8 Barefoot Tournament, the competion is all about endurance. The format puts two barefooters side-by-side behind a single boat, driving through tight, high-speed turns and churning wakes until one competitor falls. In addition to the top billing Open Championship, they'll feature additional women's, junior's and senior's divisions. Action kicks off early Saturday morning and runs through Sunday afternoon.

Published on 08/20/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's girls swimmers opened up their season with a 13th-place finish at the Fun In the Sun Outdoor Relays in Merrill Thursday evening. The Hatchets competed in five different relays in the event. Tomahawk placed ninth in the 500 freestyle relay, swam by Aubrey Tollefson, Sloane Eisenman, Kaylee Roberts, and Kami Gabrich. The Hatchets placed 12th in the 200 Butterfly Relay, swam by Tollefson, Gabrich, Roberts, and Kortney Busterud. Tomahawk's highest finish in the meet was eighth in the 200 Backstroke Relay. The Hatchets then capped off the night with a tenth-place finish in the 200 breaststroke. Tomahawk will have a couple of weeks off before their next meet, which will be a home double dual with Great Northern Conference foes Lakeland and Mosinee September 3rd.

Published on 08/20/2026 under News An annual campaign targeting impaired driving is underway in Wisconsin. Local law enforcement agencies are joining state partners for the "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" initiative. The two-and-a-half-week campaign highlights drunk driving and drug-related impairment. According to Wisconsin Department of Transportation statistics, there were just over 7,000 alcohol- or drug-related crashes in the state last year, along with more than 20,000 OWI convictions. State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan says "Strong partnerships are critical to prevent impaired driving crashes. This includes our law enforcement partners, but more importantly, it means working with motorists and communities to make sure impaired drivers never get behind the wheel." Officials emphasize that impaired driving threatens not only the person behind the wheel, but also their passengers and everyone else sharing the road. To combat the issue, the increased enforcement push is paired with a public education campaign across traditional media, social media, and even digital highway messaging signs. Drive Sober will continue through Labor Day weekend.

Published on 08/20/2026 under News The Lincoln County Board has fast-tracked repairs on the County Highway M bridge west of Merrill, bypassing the standard competitive bidding process in an effort to complete the project before winter. Following a brief presentation from Highway Commissioner Jason Lemmer, supervisors approved an emergency measure to address severe structural damage discovered during a July inspection. A 10-ton weight limit has since been posted, and officials warned that further deterioration could force a complete bridge closure if left unrepaired. The emergency status allows Lemmer to solicit direct bids from three contractors rather than running a lengthy public bidding process. This streamlined approach ensures the county can meet a strict Sept. 15 deadline for stream bed work in the Copper River. The $325,000 repair focuses on replacing the bridge's damaged steel piles. Funding includes $58,000 from the Highway Department for design costs, with the remaining $267,000 drawn from the county's general fund. Lemmer noted that the rest of the structure remains in good condition and estimated these repairs will last approximately 50 years. Further updates on traffic impacts will be provided as the official project timeline is finalized.

Published on 08/20/2026 under News As we enter the dog days of summer, we've been getting some reports of some area lakes showing signs of blue-green algae blooms. Health officials are reminding the public to avoid affected waters. Blue-green algae is naturally occurring in Wisconsin waterways. Problems may arise when the algae goes into bloom. Factors leading to a bloom include stagnant waters, fertilizer run-off, warm temperatures, and sunlight. Despite the name, blue-green algae can appear in a variety of colors including reds, browns and whites. Its appearance is often described as looking like pea soup or spilled paint on the water surface. There are a variety of symptoms from exposure or ingestion including skin irritation, nausea and illness. In addition to humans, pets can also be affected. The Health Department recommends showering or rinsing off if you have been in affected waters. And with fall fishing, avoid eating the catch if a bloom is present at your favorite fishing spot. While some popular swimming areas like beaches may be monitored, it is typically up to swimmers to be on the lookout for algae. Officials often say, "When in doubt, stay out!"

Published on 08/20/2026 under News Beyond high-profile races atop the ballot, voters in Minocqua will decide on a school funding request this November. At a meeting earlier this week, the Minocqua J1 School District finalized a recurring operational referendum question for the upcoming election. The district includes Minocqua-Hazelhurst-Lakeland (MHLT), along with Creative Minds Charter School and Lakeland STAR Charter School. If approved, the measure would allow the district to exceed state revenue limits by $3.5 million annually. District officials estimate the initial property tax impact will be approximately 66 cents per $1,000 of equalized property value, though they project the mill rate could decrease over time due to rising property values and declining enrollment. To help community members review the proposal before casting their ballots, the district is launching an informational website and planning several public presentations. According to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction-Referenda Reporting Portal, more than 40 school districts across the state are seeking voter approval for referendum funding this fall.

Published on 08/20/2026 under News A group of roving volunteers recently rolled into the Northwoods to lend a hand at a local bird rescue and rehabilitation facility. The RV Volunteer Friends (RVVF) are a crew of Good Samaritans who spend their retirement traveling the country in motorhomes, donating their time and skills to maintenance projects at non-profits, state parks, and historic sites. Last month, the travelers made a stop at the Raptor Education Group, Inc. (REGI) in Antigo. During their two-week stay, the volunteers completed a wide range of property upgrades, including general maintenance, hanging new doors, adding roof snow guards to bird enclosures, and repairing fencing. REGI staff noted that the volunteers' infectious energy left a lasting mark on the team, while their stay provided a welcome boost to the local Antigo economy. Just as quickly as they arrived, the volunteers packed up and hit the road for their next project—leaving behind a re-energized team and a safer home for recovering wildlife.

Published on 08/20/2026 under News For the second time in a month, a local restaurant is warning customers about unauthorized promotional mailers circulating in the community. The latest alert comes from Castaways in Tomahawk. The mailers advertise an upcoming seminar hosted by MASA Medical Air Services, offering attendees a free meal at the restaurant. However, Castaways clarified that the promotion was not created, approved, or authorized by their management. They emphasized that any legitimate promotions will come directly from Castaways or be announced on their official Facebook page. A similar warning was issued in July by The Loop Hole after similar unapproved flyers were sent out to local residents.

+ Read More