WJJQ Radio

Story Details

Beef A Rama Returns to Minocqua Saturday Published on 09/27/2024 under News

Back in the 80's, an advertising campaign from Wendy's famously asked, "Where's the beef?' The answer, this weekend at least, is up in Minocqua.

The community will be hosting Beef-A-Rama, now in it's 59th year. Most of the events will be centered in Downtown Minocqua and Torpy Park, they've arranged to have shuttles running from four parking areas around the community.

Thousands of hungry visitors will visit downtown Minocqua to enjoy plenty of bovine themed activities and entertainment. Kicking off the day is the rump roast run and a calf mile race. They've also got a Prime Choice craft fair and both an eating contest and a judged team roasting competition.

Of course, visitors can sample three types of beef sandwiches, shredded, shaved, and brisket. Many visitors even don cow-themed clothing and costumes.

The Minocqua Chamber even created an app for Beef-A-Rama information on your smartphone. Or you can visit their website or Facebook for a full schedule of events and information.

In Other News

Northwoods Responders Benefit from WPS Foundation Grants

Published on 09/04/2025 under News A week's worth of giving to Northern Wisconsin first responders has wrapped up, and residents are all a little safer. This past week, the Wisconsin Public Service Foundation have been presenting their annual Rewarding Responders grants to police, fire, and EMS agencies serving communities across the WPS footprint. During the most recent cycle, $75,000 was distributed to supplement the purchase of specialized equipment as well as training opportunities. This is particularly important to smaller or volunteer agencies who may not have the resources in their budgets. Last week, we told you about a grant to Life Link, which will be used for a special pump used to administer medication during transport. But they weren't the only recipients in the area. Other agencies receiving funding include: Arbor Vitae Fire and Rescue with a confined space rescue tripod; Crandon Police for a battery-powered rescue saw; Newbold Fire -portable carbon monoxide detectors; and Pine Lake Fire-thermal imaging cameras. Beth Straka, president — WPS Foundation says. "The important tools we help provide our first responders — from vital medical devices to heavy-duty equipment — can be critical in keeping people and our communities safe." The program, now in it's 12th year, has now contributed more than $675,000 to first responder agencies.

Published on 09/04/2025 under News The Tomahawk Finance Committee continued their efforts to review city properties, including a sale earlier this week. Last month, the committee requested bids for a less-than-an acre parcel of land along Highway 86 up for bid. Interested parties could submit an offer to the committee for consideration at a special meeting held Tuesday. The city received three sealed offers for the property. Clerk Amanda Bartz, with her best impression as a game show presenter, opened the envelopes one by one; revealing the bids to the committee members. In the end, it was Cooks, who submitted the high bid of $8,150. The other offers were for just over $6,500 and $5,500. The committee approved the Cook bid, and once payment and paperwork is completed they will become the new owners. This sale was part of a larger effort of the committee to review city-owned properties, particularly those of little or no use to the city. Among the goals is to get them back on the tax role, spur growth or development, and reduce any associated maintenance costs.

Published on 09/04/2025 under News Those looking to harvest wild rice in northern Wisconsin this fall can expect generally below average crops. That's according to the DNR's forecast, released this past week. Weather over the past year likely played a factor. Kathy Smith with the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission noted that the 2025 growing season brought a mix of conditions. She pointed to wind damage in mid-June as well as several heavy rainfall events which caused temporary high water levels on occasion. Additional factors impacting the low rice production include long-term climate and stressors like boat activity near rice beds. With this forecast, harvest may take a little extra research and exploration. Some reliable locations may have fewer opportunities, but some other previously poor locations may have rebounded. Wild rice maturity and harvesting typically takes place during the month of September. It's open to Wisconsin residents, though requires a license. They encourage participants practice proper harvesting techniques to conserve wild rice beds. The Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission has additional information for those interested in the wild rice harvest.

Published on 09/04/2025 under News With back-to-school busyness, it's key to remember the importance of a well-balance diet. Aspirus is reminding families that eating well doesn't have to be complicated. Tammy Licari is a registered dietitian at Aspirus. She says, "Good nutrition affects how kids learn, grow, and feel every day. Licari says, "A general understanding of what makes a meal well-balanced goes a long way. She says the goal is to incorporate three key macro-nutrients; carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, into each meal. Each of these building plays a key role including body fuel, brain development, vitamin absorption, muscle building, and immune system. Small changes are a good place to start and can be as simple as switching to a whole grain bread; fruit for chips; or yogurt for ice cream. Licari says it's important to remember you don't have to be perfect to make a difference. She says, "Healthy eating is about progress, not perfection. She added, "building these habits now helps kids do their best at school and beyond."

Published on 09/03/2025 under News The bow deer season is just a week and a half away, and the City of Tomahawk will once again hold a nuisance deer hunt in the city. The Common Council approved that resolution last night, as they have on an annual basis. Now that doesn't mean you'll see hunters walking down Main Street this fall. The city designates areas where the nuisance deer hunt is and is not allowed. Most of the areas designated for the hunt are in what would be considered rural stretches of land within the city limits. While participation and success vary from year to year, a typical season sees fewer than ten deer registered. Clerk Amanda Bartz said four deer were harvested last year. Twenty five tags will be available. The participants must register with the Tomahawk Police Department. They must also follow standard DNR hunting rules. The nuisance deer hunt runs concurrent to the regular archery season which kicks off a week from Saturday.

Published on 09/03/2025 under News Thanks to some lower than anticipated fuel costs last year, your next electric bill may show some savings. Wisconsin Public Service announced that electric customers should see refunds on their bills this fall through fuel cost adjustments. Utility rates are set by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, and part of the formula is estimated fuel cost. When the actual price is lower than projected; the customers receive a credit. According to the WPS announcement, fuel costs were less than projected in 2024. As a result, they said customers should see a credit on an upcoming bill. The refund amount of 6.6 cents per kWh, and will vary based on the customer's electricity usage. They said a typical customer will receive a refund of around $43. The credit should appear on bills in September and October, depending on the customer's billing cycle. Additional information on the WPS website.

Published on 09/03/2025 under News And just a heads up for listeners, our very own Gregg Albert was the focus of a local TV news feature. The segment aired on WSAW last night... that's Channel 7 here in the Northwoods. Dale Ryman spent some time here at the WJJQ studios this past week for the latest segment of 'You Know You're From...' The story took a look back at Gregg's forty plus years owning the Big Q, family, his commitment to community, and balancing continuing to work with semi-retirement. If you missed the segment when it aired live, it is available on their website at wsaw.com.

Published on 09/03/2025 under News September is Suicide Prevention Month, and the Lincoln County Health Department is offering another prevention training class. Working with Healthy Minds Lincoln County and Aspirus, the Health Department is offering a virtual QPR training next week. They offered similar classes this spring. QPR is a three step training model. According to the Health Department, people trained in QPR can learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help. The class will instructed by Heidi Pritzl, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for Aspirus Health. It's scheduled for next Monday at noon. It's free thanks to an Aspirus sponsorship, but registration is required. Wednesday is the deadline, and we'll include that information in the online version of the story. As part of this month's Suicide Prevention campaign, we'll highlight several other outreach efforts by the Lincoln County Health Department.

Published on 09/03/2025 under News With the calendar now turned to September, fall hunting season openers are coming quickly. Today is the start of the black bear season. According to a preview provided by the DNR, Wisconsin is home to around 24,000 black bear. While they are most common in the forested northern regions, bear have been expanding south in recent years. Last year, hunters registered ~4,300 bear, with more than half harvested in the first two weeks of the season. Hunters saw a 37% success rate, with numbers higher in the Northwoods. There were a little more than 13,000 licenses available, and the DNR says they received more than 32,000 applications. Another 114,000 people opted for preference points. The combined 146,000 applications was a record. The season runs into October. The DNR reminders bear hunters that they should know their management zone, and review the zone-specific rules in place for the dates they are hunting. These rules vary and may affect the use of hunting aids such as dogs and baiting. Under the current management plan, the state is divided into 6 zones. Zones A, B, and C actually converge here in Lincoln County.

Published on 09/03/2025 under News Following the summer tourism season, a two part road construction project in the Minocqua area is resuming. This spring, crews began work on Highway 51 between Front Street and Third Avenue. They worked until mid-June before pausing for the summer. According to the DoT weekly construction report, that work is picking back up. They'll begin by working on the curb and gutter. According to the report, both the north and south bound left lanes will be closed. Crews will maintain one lane of traffic in each direction. This project is scheduled to run into October.

+ Read More