WJJQ Radio

Story Details

Property Owners Can Help with Pollinator Habitats Published on 06/23/2023 under News

Pollinator week is wrapping up, but officials hope efforts continue throughout the year.

All week long, we've been highlighting the importance that pollinators play in our everyday lives. Property owners can do their part as well.

Caitlin Williamson is director of conservation programs for the Natural Resources Foundation. She notes, "The great thing about pollinators is that everyone can do something to help them, from individuals to schools to businesses to farmers." Adding, "Our small actions, combined together, can make a big difference."

Property owners can attract and provide habitat with little effort by simply leaving a portion of their yard natural. Uncut grass, brush, and woody debris will serve as homes to pollinators. Avoid using insecticides.

For those with a green thumb, a diverse selection of plants that bloom throughout the summer can be beneficial. When choosing those plants, try to focus on native species. The Natural Resources Foundation has a guide on how to plan a pollinator habitat.

Other opportunities include participating in citizen science efforts such as the Wisconsin Bumble Bee Brigade, or consider donating to organizations like the Wisconsin Pollinator Protection fund.

Williamson says, "I have hope that if we all work on this together, we'll all see more butterflies and other pollinators in our park properties and home yards in the future." She added, "Pollinator Week is a great time to get started."

In Other News

Survey Shows Confidence in Wisconsin Technical College System

Published on 02/03/2026 under News A new statewide survey shows growing confidence in the Wisconsin Technical College System. Northwoods residents have a pair of tech schools in our back yard with Northcentral Technical College in Wausau and Nicolet College in Rhinelander. A recent survey published in January showed approximately two-thirds of Wisconsin residents hold a favorable opinion of the system and its colleges. That's up from 52% in a similar survey from 2022. Residents overwhelmingly associate technical colleges with real-world value, job outcomes and affordability. System President Layla Merrifield says, "Our colleges provide affordable, flexible pathways to careers and further education, and these survey results affirm that we are meeting the needs of students and employers alike." Merrifield added, "As we look ahead, WTCS remains committed to expanding access, strengthening partnerships with employers and ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed.

Published on 02/03/2026 under News Atrial fibrillation, often called AFib, is a common and treatable heart rhythm condition. For some patients, medications alone are not enough to manage symptoms, but there are other options. February is American Heart Month and Aspirus provided some information on Afib while highlighting a relatively new treatment known as Pulse Field Ablation. Dr. Ronnie Ortiz is a cardiac electro-physiologist with Aspirus Heart Care. He explained that atrial fibrillation is an irregular heart beat, where people may notice palpitations, shortness of breath, chest discomfort and most commonly feeling tired. When medications are not effective, physicians may recommend an ablation procedure. Ablation targets areas of heart tissue that contribute to the abnormal rhythm. Pulse field ablation uses targeted electrical energy, allowing physicians to treat the heart more efficiently. Compared to traditional ablation, Ortiz says, "What's different is that it reduces the risk of collateral damage to nearby structures, which is an important benefit for patients." It also reduces the time of the procedure and recovery. Ortiz also emphasized the importance of seeking care when symptoms appear. He says, "The longer atrial fibrillation goes untreated, the more challenging it can be to manage."

Published on 02/03/2026 under News The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office is investigating an art theft. According to this week's report, a deputy was sent to a property on County A in the Town of King for a report of a theft that occurred sometime within the last year. The reporting party indicated that while his home was under construction, someone remove a high-value piece of art from the property. According to the report, the owner was able to provide the deputy with possible suspects. At the time of the report, no arrests have been made. The investigation is ongoing. A few other quick notes from the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report… A 67 year old Merrill woman was arrested for 1st offense OWI following a single vehicle crash in the Town of Scott.Two other weekend accidents resulted in injuries that required further medical treatment.The number of vehicle vs deer collisions remains elevated for this time of year with another 9 reported this past week on Lincoln County roadways.

Published on 02/03/2026 under Sports The Hatchet boys wrestling squad would finish up their home portion of their schedule with a close loss in their Great Northern Conference dual with Antigo Monday night, 35-30. The loss drops Tomahawk's dual record to 7-3 on the season. The Hatchets are back in action tonight to wrap up their regular season at Great Northern Conference foe Mosinee. Events begin at 7:00.

Published on 02/02/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's hockey squad won their eighth straight game Saturday, defeating St. Mary Springs in Fond du Lac, 5-2. Tomahawk got on the board first, as Jonah Dickens lit the lamp with an assist from Jett Reilly and Tomahawk led with 9:27 left in the first. Five minutes later, that duo would team up again for the second Hatchet goal, as Dickens scored from Reilly and Tomahawk led 2-0 after the first. Tomahawk would build their lead to 3-0 with 12:38 remaining in the second; Brayden Lamer scores on the power play, with assists to Dickens and Reilly. Dickens would score his 40th goal of the year on a shorty with 11:23 left in the second. Landyn Seymour and Reilly assisted. Seymour would cap off the Hatchet second period scoring, with an even strength goal with 1:28 left in the second. Dickens and Reilly get the assists. Tomahawk led 5-0 after two periods of play. St. Mary's Spring would score their two goals late in the third period, both on power plays from Teigue Wagner. Hudson Seymour had 22 saves for the Hatchets. The Hatchets improve to 18-3 on the season. Tomahawk looks to finish the Great Northern Conference season undefeated Tuesday up in Eagle River against Northland Pines. Puck drop is at 7:00.

Published on 02/02/2026 under Sports The Hatchet boys' wrestlers would finish second in the Elcho Scramble Saturday. Tomahawk finished with 237.5 points, finished behind only Manitowoc Lincoln. The Hatchets would have three first place finishers in the meet. Wally Horabik would win the 144-pound bracket. Also placing first were Kaiden Kapellusch at 175 pounds and Nathan Norman at 215 pounds. Tomahawk is back in action Monday for a Great Northern Conference dual match with Antigo at the Hatchet House. Events begin at 6:30.

Published on 02/02/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's female wrestler would place sixth at the Husky Challenge in Eau Claire North Saturday morning. The Hatchets finished with 107 team points, five behind Eau Claire North and St. Croix Falls. Fellow Lincoln County School Merrill would win the challenge Saturday. Three Hatchets would finish fourth place in the invite. Kylie Peissig, Kaylee Roberts, Kami Gabrich, and Lillian Taves all placed in the top four. The Hatchets hit the mats for the Great Northern Conference Meet in Medford Friday night. Alex Koch and Tony Derleth will have the broadcast on Northwoods 92.5 WJJQ with the Fehrman Orthodontics Radio Pre-meet Show at 4:40 and opening events beginning at 5:00.

Published on 02/02/2026 under News At their annual awards celebration this weekend, the Tomahawk Regional Chamber of Commerce recognized another group of individuals that have contributed their time and talents to the community. The Chamber honors those who have made the Tomahawk area a better place to live, work, and play. And in this community, there is never a shortage of candidates. The Ambassador Award is presented to an individual, organization or business who presents the community in a positive light. It was awarded to Tomahawk Music on the River. They're the group behind the free, weekly concert series in Memorial Park during the summer. Next, the Spirit Award, was presented to Chris Bembinster, a long-term volunteer with WaWui and SARA Park. A new award this year, Small Business of the Year, was voted on by the community. We, at WJJQ Radio, were grateful to accept this award. The final award of the evening was for Lifetime Achievement. It was presented to Patti Hilgendorf. Hilgendorf is the long-time director of the youth mentor program known as Tomahawk Kinship. A congratulations go out to all of this year's recipients.

Published on 02/02/2026 under News A family was displaced following a fire in Vilas County over the weekend. Responders were called to a house fire on Trails End Road in Land O'Lakes at shortly before 1am Sunday morning. The initial report indicated a fire originating in the chimney that was spreading to the roof. Firefighters were unable to save the home, it was considered a total loss. The occupants were able to safely evacuate and no injuries were reported. The fire remains under investigation.

Published on 02/02/2026 under News Those visiting the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest this spring or summer may be asked to complete a short survey and/or interview. The National Visitor Use Monitoring survey is conducted every five years, and this year the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest is on the schedule. According to the announcement, the surveys will be conducted at recreation sites and along forest service roads in the forest. Contract employees will wear bright orange vests and there will be signs saying "Traffic Survey Ahead." Questions may include where in the CNNF you visited and how long, along with satisfaction of the visit. Some participants may also be asked to complete a supplemental survey on recreation spending to measure the economic impact on local communities. Surveys are voluntary and all responses are confidential; and last about ten minutes. Surveys will be conducted through Sept. 30, 2026.

+ Read More