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Several Local Nominees in “Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin” Competition Published on 09/19/2023 under News

From mahogany boats to robotic lawn mowers there are a lot of interesting things made in the state. The Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce is again trying to identify the coolest and there are a few local products in the running.

Over the past few weeks, the WMC has taken nominations for the appropriately-named 'Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin' contest. After unveiling the competitors, they've turned the contest over to public vote.

Right here in Tomahawk, Samuel Pressure Group is among the nominees for their large custom-built pressure tanks.

Elsewhere in the Northwoods, there are more than a half dozen other products in the running, some are quite familiar, others less so. St. Croix fishing rods are some of the best in the business and are made in Park Falls. Minocqua Popcorn and Puffs makes tasty snacks here in the Northwoods and 7Fifteen Motorworks in Three Lakes makes custom and vintage race cars.

Rhinelander's got a pair of nominees, with Air Pro Fans and Kapp Structures' rigid mountain bikes. Merrill's got a pair of nominees as well, Thorogood's work boots as well as Merrill Tool and Water Jet's power rake.

The local nominees will face off against some well-known Wisconsin brands including 3m, Generac, Ariens, John Deere, and Carmex.

Last year more than 200,000 people voted, and in the end it was the electric fire trucks from Pierce Manufacturing that came out on top.

The 2023 voting begins this week. You can visit madeinwis.com to view the nominees and cast a ballot.

In Other News

Aspirus Shares ABC's of Melanoma Detection

Published on 05/14/2024 under News May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and area dermatologists are teaching the ABC's of melanoma. According to the American Cancer Society, melanoma arises from the uncontrolled replication of melanocytes, the cells responsible for skin pigment, transforming them into cancerous cells. Aspirus dermatologist Patrick Kehoe says "Melanoma doesn't discriminate, but it poses a higher risk to individuals with lighter or less pigmented skin." He says the most avoidable risk factor is ultraviolet light exposure. With summer right around the corner, he recommends the regular application of an SPF 30 or higher sunscreen, as well as sun-protective clothing. Kehoe says melanoma is the third most common type of skin cancer, but the deadliest. When it comes to treatment, early detection is key. That means monitoring moles and other skin marks, and that's where the alphabet guide comes in. A stands for asymmetry and looking for when two halves of a mole don't match. B for border; an uneven, fuzzy, or notched circumference C refers to color, the presence of multiple or unusual shades or hues D stands for diameter, and moles larger than a pencil eraser E for evolution; meaning any change in appearance over time. If you detect any of these signs, Kehoe recommends speaking your provider to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist.

Published on 05/14/2024 under News For years the Tomahawk Public Library has been a hidden gem here in the Northwoods, now word is getting out around the state. The local library recently made its way onto a list of best libraries in the state. The distinction comes from Best Things Wisconsin which ranks everything from best farmer's markets to best hiking trails. When it comes to best libraries large and small, Tomahawk made the cut. In the short explanation, they, of course, highlighted the scenic view from the Tomahawk Public Library, overlooking the Wisconsin River. And the library staff often take advantage of the setting with a number of outdoor programs including Stories by the River and the Story Walk trail. The small-town library was joined on the list by some of the larger facilities in the state including the Milwaukee Public Library and the Wisconsin Historical Society Library in Madison.

Published on 05/14/2024 under News A challenger has entered the race to serve the Northwoods in Madison. On Monday, Elizabeth McCrank announced her candidacy for the 35th Assembly District which includes Lincoln and Langlade Counties, as well as portions of Marathon, Oconto, Oneida, and Shawano Counties. The seat is currently held by Republican Calvin Callahan. He announced a re-election bid early this year, seeking a third term. McCrank currently serves on the Lincoln County Board, a supervisor in the third district. She highlighted her diverse working experience. McCrank is presently employed by the University of Wisconsin-Madison, but says she has worked in light construction, taught college and GED students, bussed restaurant tables and bagged groceries. In her announcement, McCrank expressed a focus on rural population decrease, school and library support, comprehensive care needs of the youngest and oldest in our communities, the climate for entrepreneurs and people's right to make health care decisions for themselves. McCrank says, "We need leaders who believe that government is not just of the people and by the people, but FOR the people." Any potential primary would be held in August, the general election in November.

Published on 05/14/2024 under News Often times law enforcement agencies will announce their patrol plans in an effort for voluntary compliance. The Oneida County Sheriff's Office has done just that, as it relates to the popular Lake Nokomis Boat landing along County Road N. Via social media, the Sheriff's Office says they will be actively patrolling that area. The post reads, "If your vehicle is a hazard, or is parked in a no parking zone, you could receive a citation and/or have your vehicle and boat trailer towed." They also included a photo of an SUV and empty boat trailer, parked on the shoulder of the road, in front of a 'No Parking Any Time' sign.

Published on 05/14/2024 under News Each year the Friends of Council Grounds put in hundreds of hours to ensure people are able to enjoy the state park here in Lincoln County. This spring and summer, they're recruiting additional volunteers to participate in four 'Friend for a Day' events. The first was actually held last month, in coordination with Earth Day, when they spent time focused on trail clean up. Coming up this weekend, they'll be focused on the beach area. Organizers are inviting individuals, families, clubs, or even a business group to lend a helping a hand. As a 'thank you' for helping out, they'll waive admission free allowing volunteers to enjoy the park in the afternoon. They noted it's a great time at the park with all the spring wildflowers in full bloom. You don't have to be a 'Friends' member to participate, and there is no commitment to join. They'll be meeting at the park entrance at 9am Saturday morning to hand out assignments.

Published on 05/14/2024 under News A Lincoln County man was arrested for allegedly biting a young child. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report, they began the investigation after receiving notification from Children's Hospital of Milwaukee. Staff reported a 3 year old child was brought to the hospital with bite marks on the upper arm and forearm. Pictures provided to the investigating deputy showed injuries consistent with bites. According to the report, when deputies went to the suspect's place of employment for questioning, the 25 year old Merrill man elected not to speak to the deputies without a lawyer present. He was taken into custody and brought to the jail. The report indicated the man was heard talking to the phone and admitting biting the child though not that hard and in response to the child biting others. The man's name wasn't disclosed in the Sheriff's report, nor were any potential charges. Other notes from the weekly Lincoln County Sheriff's Report...•Deputies investigated a complaint at the Pride Dam in the Town of Bradley. An angler reported a disagreement involving a dog in which the other party allegedly displayed a firearm. Deputies were unable to locate the other individual. •A 20 year old Irma woman was arrested following a domestic altercation involving her mother last week. •A traffic stop and subsequent vehicle search lead to the arrest of a 21 year old Marathon man for possession of marijuana. •Two individuals were arrested for OWI offenses following traffic stops. •The number of vehicle/deer collisions is down with just one reported this past week on Lincoln County roadways.

Published on 05/14/2024 under News The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services has been investing in programs to help train future firefighters with a focus on rural areas. The funding is part of the Youth Volunteer Firefighter Training program, which has a goal of helping boost recruitment of firefighters by introducing the career to students. Overall $75,000 in grants were award including North Central Technical College, in partnership with several local high schools. NTC's share is $25,000 which will go towards their Youth Firefighter Academy to help train six high school students for level 1 Firefighter certification and prepare them for Emergency Medical Responder certification. Shane Heilman is director of the NTC program. He says, "With the support of the Wisconsin Youth Firefighter Training Grant, we can continue building partnerships with local Fire and EMS agencies and local high schools that address this urgent need and ensure local departments are equipped with qualified youth firefighters who will respond effectively, mitigate risks, and safeguard lives and property."

Published on 05/14/2024 under Sports Tomahawk's softball squad got back in the win column Monday afternoon, knocking off Athens in their final home game of 2024, 8-6. The Hatchets went up by five runs headed into the seventh before the Blue Jays put up three more. However, Tomahawk was able to hold off the rally and come away victorious. Khianna Vacho had a season-high three hits. Scout Stromberg finished with a double and two RBIs. Sophie Olsen consistently put herself in scoring position with four stolen bases. The win puts Tomahawk at 10-11 on the season. Tomahawk will have their final Great Northern Conference game of 2024 at Rhinelander on Tuesday. Tune in for the broadcast on Sports Talk 810 AM and 100.7 FM WJJQ, with the Fehrman Orthodontics Radio Pregame Show at 4:05 and first pitch at 4:30. Matt Theiler and Alex Koch will be in the broadcast booth.

Published on 05/14/2024 under Sports Tomahawk's baseball squad failed to plate runners at home against Chequamegon, losing 7-1. The Hatchets had six total hits in the game, but only had one with runners in scoring position. Colton Seslar and Brody Hilgendorf both went two for three on the game. Brayden Larson provided the lone RBI for the Hatchets, going one for three with an RBI double. The loss drops the Hatchets to 3-13 on the season. Tomahawk will have their final regular-season road game of the season today at Rhinelander. First pitch is at 5:00 on Tuesday.

Published on 05/13/2024 under News Growing season is finally upon us, and a business just north of Tomahawk remains a popular destination for all things plants. Cerny's Greenhouse recently opened the doors on their 43rd season. Despite his busy season, second-generation owner Justin Cerny took a few minutes to stop by the WJJQ studios to talk about the business, growing season, and accessibility during a nearby construction project. Over the years, Cerny's has been not only supplied the Tomahawk area, but a shopping destination for those around the state. Cerny says, "the out-of-town word of mouth has been phenomenal." That can be attributed to the quality of the plants, grown across 15 greenhouses, all in-house. Cerny admitted to having a high standard for what they put on the shelf. As for the plants, the numbers are staggering, for example, Cerny says they sell around 15,000 hanging baskets alone each year. They are constantly moving plants for their production greenhouses to their retail space. Justin shared a sense of pride in being able to drive through his hometown and pick out plants he knows came from his shop, including the Main Street flower program. He noted that in addition to the retail space, around half of their products are sold wholesale, supplying garden centers around the region. Just days ahead of the 43rd season opener, Cerny's was thrown a curve-ball with some nearby road work. Lincoln County began a project on County Road A, right in front of the business. With little advance warning, Justin admitted to being caught off-guard when the road construction signs went up. He says he's been in communication with the County and construction crews and he assured that they business will remain open and accessible seven days a week. For those that would like to hear more we've got that conversation available in the WJJQ audio center.

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