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DoT Encourages Road Safety as Thanksgiving Travel Picks Up Published on 11/27/2024 under News

As Thanksgiving travel picks up, officials are encouraging motorists to think safety.

According to AAA, nearly 1.6 million Wisconsinites will travel to their destinations this holiday. As a result, the DoT is encouraging drivers to follow the rules of the road.

DOT Secretary Kristina Boardman says, "Let's work together on safe, responsible driving behaviors so we can all make it our destinations safely this holiday season. Please put the phone down, buckle up, drive sober and check 511 Wisconsin to 'know before you go'."

As for peak travel times, this afternoon and evening as well as Sunday afternoon are expected to be busiest. Motorists may want to leave early to avoid traffic, as mornings are typically less busy.

Boardman also used Thanksgiving to give thanks to those who ensure our roads are safe from emergency responders to highway workers and road crews.

In Other News

Month-Long Bridge Closure Planned on Lincoln County Highway M Starting October 26

Published on 10/19/2026 under News Drivers in Lincoln County should prepare for a temporary road closure starting next week. Lincoln County Highway Commissioner Jason Lemmer announced that the County Highway M bridge over the south branch of the Copper River, located about a quarter-mile west of Forks Road, will close for emergency repairs on Monday, October 26th, at 7:00 AM. The closure is expected to remain in place for about a month. Highway officials note that once repairs are complete, the weight limit restrictions currently on the structure will be removed. They hope to have the road re-opened November 20th. Travelers are advised to plan alternate routes and allow extra travel time while work is underway. We'll continue to reminder drivers as the project draws closer.

Published on 10/19/2026 under News A routine fall yard cleanup took a dangerous turn in Oneida County this weekend after a piece of lawn equipment burst into flames. Responders were dispatched around 4:00 p.m. Saturday to a residence on Lakeshore Drive following reports of a lawn tractor fire. The homeowner was using a leaf-bagging attachment when the machine caught fire near the treeline, sending flames 10 to 12 feet into the air and igniting surrounding vegetation. Crews from the Pine Lake Fire Department arrived quickly and were able to contain the blaze before it could spread further into the nearby woods. Additional mutual aid was initially called, but was then canceled once crews got the situation under control. They were on the scene for about a half an hour, no injuries were reported. The Oneida County Sheriff's Department and local ambulance personnel also responded to the scene.

Published on 10/19/2026 under News The Lakeland Pantry is getting a boost of more than $17,000 thanks to a new donation initiative at Lake of the Torches Resort Casino. The funds were raised through a program launched in February, allowing Lake Club members and casino guests to drop their Ticket In/Ticket Out, or TITO, slot vouchers into donation boxes on the gaming floor. The casino collects the vouchers and turns the accumulated value into direct support for the pantry which provides food and other essentials. Bill Olmsted, President of the Lakeland Pantry Board, called the contribution a wonderful example of how small gifts can add up to make a significant difference for local families. Lake of the Torches CEO Bill Guelcher thanked guests for their generosity, adding that the casino plans to keep the TITO collection boxes active on the floor to continue supporting the pantry.

Published on 10/19/2026 under News Following National Move Over Day over the weekend, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is reminding drivers and off-road riders to slow down and share the trail safely with workers and outdoor enthusiasts. Much like road traffic regulations, Wisconsin requires off-road operators to slow down or move over. By law, ATV and UTV riders must drop their speed to 10 mph or less when within 100 feet of anyone not riding a motorized vehicle. This rule applies to interactions with hikers, equestrians, trail crews, and emergency responders across trails, frozen lakes, and public access routes. "Slowing down and giving others plenty of space isn't just a safe strategy, it showcases a respectful image of the ATV/UTV community," said Lt. Jacob Holsclaw, DNR Off-Highway Vehicle Administrator. Additionally, the DNR reminds operators to always ride sober, wear a helmet and seatbelt, keep headlights on, and follow all posted signs and speed limits.

Published on 10/17/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's Cross Country squads provided some encouraging finishes in the Great Northern Conference meet Saturday at Hatchet Field, each placing third. For the girls, three Hatchets placed in the top 15. Charlee Lund placed fifth with a time of 19:34. Right behind Lund was Elise Gibeault, placing sixth and clocking in at 19:43. Ellie Micke placed 14th with a time of 21:51. On the boys' side, three athletes placed in the top 20. Jordyn Carew placed 12th, clocking in at 17:39. Connor Zorn finished 15th with a time of 17:58. Dawson Jones went 16th with a time of 18:11. The WIAA Division 2 Cross Country Sectional Meet for Tomahawk is Friday at Rhinelander. Team Finishes: Girls: 1st – Lakeland 2nd – Rhinelander 3rd – Tomahawk 4th – Merrill 5th – Mosinee 6th – Antigo 7th – Medford Boys: 1st – Lakeland 2nd – Rhinelander 3rd - Tomahawk 4th – Mosinee 5th – Northland Pines 6th – Medford 7th – Antigo

Published on 10/17/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's football squad would end the 2026 season with their first win over the Mosinee Indians Friday night at Veterans Park Friday, 6-3. The Hatchets held Mosinee under 100 total yards of offense, including just 14 yards allowed in the second half. Tomahawk's lone score came at the end of the third quarter when Max Larson ran it in from one yard out. The touchdown from Larson was his seventh of the season. He also led the Hatchets with 61 yards on 14 carries. Hudson Evans had 44 yards on eight touches. The Hatchets finish the 2026 Regular Season with a 4-5 on the season and 4-3 in Great Northern Conference play. Tomahawk will play in the first round of the WIAA Division 5 Playoffs Friday night. The Hatchets are the #6 seed and will travel to #3 seed Brillion. The Fehrman Orthodontics Kickoff Cabin will begin at 6:15 with kick at 7:00 from Lion Field on the WJJQ app, online at wjjq.com, and on Northwoods 92.5 WJJQ. Alex Koch and Keith Hanse will have the broadcast Friday night. 11-Player Football: Medford 48, Antigo 6 Rhinelander 27, Lakeland 14 Wausau East 21, Merrill 14 Stratford 45, Northland Pines 6 Crandon 48, Clintonville 30 Edgar 35, Abbotsford 0 8-Player Football Playoffs: #1 Laona-Wabeno 44, #8 Three Lakes/Phelps 6 #4 Northwood/Solon Springs 48, #5 Rib Lake 8 #6 Athens 44, #3 Turtle Lake 20

Published on 10/16/2026 under News A new initiative at the Tomahawk School District is breaking down barriers for local students and helping them stay focused on learning. With the start of the new school year, the district launched the Hatchet Hub, an essential resource pantry located across all three campus school buildings. The program was introduced by district social worker Mickala Ferge, whose position was brought back to the district through funding shared with a grant from the Lincoln County Opioid Task Force. Ferge joined WJJQ's Thursday Conversation to discuss the project, explaining that the Hub provides crucial support for students in need. It is stocked with basic essentials, including food, hygiene products, clothing, and occasionally gift certificates for services like haircuts. To eliminate any potential stigma, items are distributed confidentially through school staff or directly out of Ferge's office. With winter fast approaching, the Hub is currently seeking community donations of winter gear alongside regularly needed items like non-perishable snacks and hygiene basics. That conversation is available in the WJJQ Audio Center. To learn more or support Tomahawk students through the Hatchet Hub, contact the Tomahawk School District.

Published on 10/16/2026 under News There's no major snow in the forecast yet, but local snowmobile clubs are already gearing up for the upcoming season. The Northwoods is home to some of the best trails in the state, but keeping them in top shape requires year-round effort. This Saturday, October 17th, the Northwoods Riders and Northwoods Passage Snowmobile Clubs will host their annual trail brushing and maintenance day. Volunteers will head out to clear brush, downed trees, and other debris that accumulated since the trails closed last winter. With hundreds of miles of trails north of Tomahawk to maintain, organizers are calling on community members for a helping hand. The event is open to everyone—not just club members. Organizers highlight it as a great opportunity for riders to get involved, meet local club members, and see firsthand the dedication required to maintain the trail network. Volunteers will gather at the Northwoods Riders Garage on County Highway L in Nokomis at 9:00 AM on Saturday to receive trail assignments. Participants are encouraged to bring helpful tools such as saws, loppers, work gloves, safety glasses, and an ATV or UTV if available. After the trail work is finished, volunteers will head back to the garage for a "thank you" gathering featuring food, refreshments, and music.

Published on 10/16/2026 under News In coordination with National Move Over Day on Saturday, law enforcement officers across Wisconsin are sharing an important safety reminder to leave a lane of space when passing roadside workers and stopped vehicles. Throughout the week, Wisconsin State Patrol troopers are stepping up enforcement of the state's Move Over Law while handing out educational flyers to motorists stopped for violations. State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan emphasized the danger of roadside stops, saying, "Stopping alongside the road can be very dangerous... Our officers will be working to educate motorists about the law and remind them that moving over or slowing down can protect lives." Over the past five years, roadside incidents in Wisconsin have injured 128 people and claimed six lives. The original Move Over Law focused on emergency, utility, and maintenance vehicles with active warning lights, but it was later expanded to protect any disabled vehicle using hazard lights or flares, or with visible occupants nearby. Drivers on multi-lane roads are required to shift out of the lane closest to stopped vehicles—or slow down if changing lanes isn't safely possible. Violators face fines of up to $300, with far steeper penalties if a crash or injury occurs.

Published on 10/16/2026 under News Aspirus Health has announced it will sunset hospice care at the eight-bed Seasons of Life Hospice House in Woodruff, transitioning services directly into homes and assisted living facilities across the Northwoods. According to the announcement, the decision follows an evaluation of patient needs, staffing requirements, and long-term sustainability. Seasons of Life currently averages four patients daily while requiring round-the-clock staffing. Sustained low demand, high staffing needs, and rising costs made the dedicated facility model difficult to maintain, reflecting a national trend where hospice care overwhelmingly occurs in home or residential settings. Tom Kaster, VP of Home Health, Hospice and Home Medical Equipment for Aspirus Health, says, "Hospice care is not ending in the Northwoods. We are directing our resources toward a model that can reach more patients across a wider area while preserving compassionate support." Aspirus at Home–Home Care & Hospice expanded its Northwoods capabilities in July, including an improved on-call process and a broader service area. The team now supports patients in communities including Arbor Vitae, Eagle River, Three Lakes, Mercer, Manitowish Waters, Boulder Junction and Crandon. The Aspirus at Home Hospice team will create personalized transition plans for current patients at Seasons of Life. A final service date will depend on the patient census, and Aspirus is supporting the 11 affected team members with role options across the health system.

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