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Fatal Crash in Marathon County Friday Afternoon Published on 02/12/2024 under News

Officials have released additional information including the name of the victim in Friday's fatal crash in Marathon County.

According to the Wisconsin State Patrol, that accident happened at shortly after noon on County C near the village of Elderon. Officials say the operator was traveling east on County C when he left the roadway and struck a large rock in the ditch, causing his vehicle to catch fire. The release did not state what caused him to leave the roadway.

Some good Samaritans passing by the scene were able to remove the operator from the vehicle and began life-saving measures which were continued by responders on the scene. Despite those efforts, the man died at the scene.

The victim has been identified as 76 year old Alan Bruce Woznicki of Schofield.

The Wisconsin State Patrol is conducting the crash investigation.

In Other News

Lincoln County Veterans Council Picnic Aims to Connect New Generation of Veterans

Published on 06/25/2026 under News A summer gathering in Lincoln County this weekend is designed to do more than just provide food and entertainment for local veterans. The Lincoln County Veterans Council will host its Summer Picnic and Family Fair this Sunday. Organizers hope the event will help strengthen local veterans' organizations and connect younger veterans with crucial resources, support, and fellow service members. The event comes at a critical time, as veterans' organizations face declining membership and aging ranks. American Legion Post 46 Commander Jeremy Gunther said local groups are working to adapt and better serve veterans returning to civilian life, particularly those from more recent conflicts. He noted that many younger veterans are currently balancing careers and raising families, making it difficult to participate in traditional organization activities. To bridge this gap, the family-friendly picnic is intended to introduce veterans and their families to available local services in a relaxed, fun setting. Gunther highlighted a few key features of the afternoon, including: • A presentation by Operation Horses Heal, an organization providing equine therapy for veterans. • A visit from the American Legion Riders during their statewide Cruise for a Cause. Gunther emphasized that the event is open to the general public as well as veterans, noting that community support in the Northwoods has always been tremendous. The Lincoln County Veterans Council Summer Picnic and Family Fair is Sunday from 1-5 at the Northwoods Veteran's Post in Merrill. While admission is free, organizers are requesting a $2.50 goodwill donation from non-veterans to help cover event costs, a nod to America's upcoming 250th anniversary celebration. For planning purposes, attendees are asked to RSVP by emailing AmericanLegionMerrill@gmail.com.

Published on 06/25/2026 under News The countdown to the Fourth of July is on, and travel experts are anticipating record-setting holiday travel period. AAA estimates that more than 1.6 million Wisconsinites will travel at least 50 miles from home during the upcoming holiday period, which they've defined as June 27 through July 5. More than 1.4 million of those travelers are expected to drive, making road trips to popular destinations like the Northwoods a top choice. According to AAA, gas prices remain a primary concern for motorists. Wisconsin's average gas price currently sits at $3.74 a gallon, which is about $0.70 per gallon higher than last year. Nick Jarmusz, Director of Public Affairs for AAA, says, "Even with ongoing volatility at the pump, being flexible and planning ahead can help drivers manage fuel costs this Independence Day. Travelers are increasingly looking for ways to manage costs by taking shorter vacations, choosing destinations closer to home, and comparing transportation options. With Northwoods resorts, campgrounds, and lakes expected to be packed, local authorities are encouraging caution on regional roadways and advising travelers to allow extra travel time. With the holiday falling on a Saturday, traffic is expected to build slowly throughout the upcoming week before peaking next Friday. However, the busiest travel day of all might be Sunday, July 5th, as travelers returns home. To beat the holiday traffic regardless of which day you leave, travel experts recommend setting an early alarm clock, as the roads are typically much less crowded during the early morning hours.

Published on 06/25/2026 under News June is National CPR and AED Awareness Month, and the Oneida County Health Department is encouraging residents to learn lifesaving skills that could make a critical difference during an emergency. Health officials note that in a cardiac emergency, every second counts, and immediate CPR can significantly improve a person's chances of survival. Robbie Deede, Community Health Supervisor, Preparedness Coordinator, and Public Health Nurse says, "Understanding the basics of CPR and AED, and being able to perform them in an emergency, is something all Oneida County residents should be able to do. It could save the life of a friend or loved one." The department says learning CPR is a simple way to be prepared to help when it matters most. To help expand training opportunities, the Oneida County Health Department offers a CPR Anywhere® Kit to organizations interested in teaching CPR skills to employees, volunteers, students, or community members. Officials say increasing access to CPR education can help build a safer and more prepared community throughout Oneida County.

Published on 06/25/2026 under News Much like the glaciers that shaped Wisconsin's landscape thousands of years ago, progress on the Ice Age National Scenic Trail can be slow and steady. But thanks to a dedicated group of volunteers, another 4,200 feet of trail has now been added in Langlade County. Despite rainy weather and multiple changes of plans, volunteers gathered earlier this month to continue work on the Antigo Heights Segment of the Ice Age Trail on the Moraine Outwash Preserve. Crews completed stone steps through a scenic moss-covered boulder field, opened a new dispersed camping area, and roughed in an additional 800 feet of future trail. The effort is part of the ongoing work to develop and maintain the 1,200-mile Ice Age National Scenic Trail, which passes through Lincoln, Langlade, Marathon, and Taylor counties locally. Last year, 940 volunteers contributed more than 25,000 hours of service to the trail system. More volunteer opportunities are planned this summer, including another trailbuilding event in Langlade County in July and a project on the Underdown Segment in Lincoln County in August.

Published on 06/25/2026 under News Waterfowl numbers in Wisconsin remain steady, according to the annual spring survey results released by the Department of Natural Resources. The spring waterfowl breeding survey indicated stable population numbers and strong habitat conditions for migratory birds. Surveyors estimated the state's breeding duck population at 571,000 birds, a slight increase from last year, the 10-year average, and long-term historical averages. The DNR notes that this study is best interpreted by looking at long-term trends rather than year-to-year comparisons. Species-Specific Trends When compared to long-term averages, individual species showed varying trends: • Mallards: Population estimates rebounded from last year, though they remain below the long-term historical average. • Blue-Winged Teal & Wood Ducks: Both species showed healthy population increases on both a yearly and long-term basis. • Canada Geese: Population numbers dropped slightly from last year, but they still remain well above the long-term average. In addition to positive survey results, the wet conditions across the state this spring should provide excellent brood-rearing opportunities for waterfowl throughout the remainder of the summer. The annual spring waterfowl breeding survey dates back to 1973. The full data set and detailed breakdown of the numbers are available on the Wisconsin DNR website.

Published on 06/24/2026 under News After a rainout for last week's season opener, Tomahawk's Music on the River is set to return for its summer season this evening, as long as Mother Nature cooperates. Tomahawk Music on the River is entering its 19th season with seven weeks of Wednesday concerts at the Memorial Park Pavilion. The scenic setting on the shores of the Wisconsin River allows concertgoers to enjoy the show not only on land, but also from the water. It's not unusual to see groups of people watching by boat near the shore. Kicking off the shows this year will be a newcomer to Music on the River. BD Greer and the Gents will be entertaining the crowd this evening. The band is based out of Milwaukee. Greer is renowned for her versatile voice, described as reminiscent of classic legends like Aretha Franklin and Peggy Lee. She delivers captivating performances that seamlessly blend soul and jazz, while her high-energy stage presence easily engages crowds. With some rain in the forecast this afternoon, a venue change to SARA Park is possible. Organizers hope to make a decision by 3:30 p.m. this afternoon. Stay tuned to WJJQ for any announcements. Music begins at 6 p.m.

Published on 06/24/2026 under News Property owners can play a critical role in protecting the world's declining pollinator population. This week marks National and State Pollinator Week, and a number of local agencies are educating the public on the vital role that pollinators play while encouraging people to create their own pollinator habitats. All week long, groups will be hosting pollinator events, seminars, and workshops. While much of the focus is typically on bees and butterflies, other key pollinators include moths, native fly species, beetles, hummingbirds, and even bats. These pollinators are crucial not only to our food chain but to our entire ecosystem. Pollinated plants also help feed local wildlife, clean the air, and stabilize the soil. Over the years, there has been a concerted effort to expand pollinator gardens and habitats across the Northwoods. These natural spaces are filled with native plants that attract pollinators by providing both food and shelter. They are simple projects that can easily be created in backyards and home gardens by leaving small, natural areas undisturbed. We'll have more details on how to create your own pollinator space this week.

Published on 06/24/2026 under News Another generation of peregrine falcons has taken to the skies of North Central Wisconsin. No longer balls of fluff, Wisconsin Public Service announced that all four chicks at the Weston Power Plant near Wausau have successfully taken their first flights. This year's cast of falcons were named after local television and radio personalities: Kyle Prey-zorski, Matt Tweet, Featherson Lehmann, and Jade Eggshell. The young peregrines will spend the next month sharpening their flying and hunting skills before heading off on their own. Each bird is carrying a solar-powered tracking tag, allowing researchers to follow their travels after they leave the nest. This is the first time WPS has used the technology, and only the second time it has been used with peregrine falcons in the United States. The successful fledging season continues a conservation success story that has helped peregrine falcons recover from near-extinction in Wisconsin. Since the early 1990s, WPS and We Energies have banded and named 476 peregrine falcons at their facilities across the state.

Published on 06/24/2026 under News The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is asking for public input as it develops a new master plan for the Langlade County portion of the Wolf River State Trail. The planning effort follows the end of a cooperative management agreement between the DNR and Langlade County earlier this year. The state agency has now assumed planning authority for the trail and will update a management plan that was originally created in 2006. The 44-mile Wolf River State Trail follows a former railroad corridor through Langlade and Forest counties. In Langlade County, trail users currently enjoy activities including hiking, biking, horseback riding, ATV and UTV riding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Residents are invited to learn more and share their ideas at a public meeting July 15 at the Antigo Public Library. An open house begins at 5:30 p.m., with a DNR presentation scheduled for 6 p.m. Public comments and survey responses will also be accepted through July 31 as the DNR works to guide future management and recreational use of the trail.

Published on 06/24/2026 under News Governor Evers made a stop in the Northwoods Tuesday, shovel in hand. The Governor is once again on his annual Pothole Patrol tour, a campaign designed to highlight state funding for roads. Yesterday, he made his way to Antigo. Joined by city officials and the local street crew, he helped fill several potholes along South Dorr Street. While the actual filling of the potholes is symbolic, the Governor is also using the tour to discuss efforts to boost local infrastructure funding. Since Evers took office, the state has improved more than 9,600 miles of roads. Officials note that this is enough distance to drive from Wausau to Disney World in Florida and back three times, with miles to spare. They said these investments ensure that the state's infrastructure can meet the needs of a 21st-century workforce and economy, which remains a top priority for the administration. The Pothole Patrol Tour has been an annual tradition for Governor Evers since he took office, dating back to 2019. Yesterday's visit to Antigo was one of two stops on the day, along with a visit to Montello.

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