WJJQ Radio

Story Details

Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest Announces 2025 'Free Days' Published on 01/09/2025 under News

While their offices are closed Thursday, officials at the Chequamegon Nicolet National Forest announced the five fee free days in 2025.

Throughout the year, National Forests offer various days when standard amenity fees and admission are waived. The first opportunity this year is later this month, January 20th in conjunction with Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

There will be two opportunities in June, National Get Outdoors Day on June 14 and Juneteenth on June 19th. September 27th is National Public Lands Day and another free day. The final one planned for the year is on Veterans Day November 11.

As for today's office closure, that is for the remembrance of President Jimmy Carter's death. There is also no mail delivery.

In Other News

CWA Receives Grant with Goal of Returning Service to Detroit

Published on 10/02/2026 under News Travelers flying out of the Northwoods, could soon have another connection option, thanks to some federal funding. Central Wisconsin Airport announced they've been awarded a $950,000 federal grant to help bring back nonstop flights to Detroit. Delta used to fly this route, but ended service back in 2023. Currently, flying out of CWA means connecting through either Chicago O'Hare or Minneapolis–St. Paul. Adding Detroit back into the mix would open up a major hub to the east, expanding connection opportunities, a major win for travelers. Now, don't pack your bags just yet. Airport officials say flights won't start right away. They still need to finalize the grant details and lock in an airline to fly the route. Still, local leaders are calling it a huge win and a major step toward giving Northwoods travelers better choices closer to home.

Published on 10/02/2026 under News The Tomahawk Community Theater's latest production offers audience members a unique opportunity to step into the story. Over the next two Wednesdays, the local theater group is partnering with the Pine Tree Supper Club to present a 1920s-themed murder mystery dinner. According to board member Jason Kivela, guests won't just watch the drama unfold—they will play an active role in it. Upon arrival, attendees receive character cards, secrets, and clues to help unmask the killer—or perhaps even become the victim. Kivela compared the experience to playing a live-action version of the board game Clue. "You get a card with your character's facts, so you don't have to memorize anything or be a great actor," he noted. Beyond providing an entertaining evening and supporting the local theater group, the dinner serves as a kickoff for a busy fall season. Kivela teased an upcoming variety show later this autumn, as well as preparations for the group's next full stage production. The interactive dinner runs on two consecutive Wednesdays: October 7 and October 14. Because the mystery unfolds the same way each night, it is recommended for single-night attendance. Seating is limited, and guests planning to attend the October 7 performance must RSVP today. Ticket details are available at TomahawkCommunityTheater.com and on the group's Facebook page.

Published on 10/02/2026 under News Wisconsin reigns as the cranberry capital of the U.S., producing more than twice as much of the fruit as any other state. This weekend, the tiny, tart berry takes center stage in the Northwoods. Cranberry Fest returns to Eagle River for its 46th year. According to the Area Chamber of Commerce, around 45,000 visitors attend the two-day event annually. While central Wisconsin leads the state in output, Northern Wisconsin remains a heavy producer—with Lincoln, Price, Oneida, and Vilas counties accounting for more than 2,200 acres of active cranberry marshes. Weekend highlights include local marsh tours, wine tastings, a farmers market, and an expansive craft fair featuring more than 250 vendors. Attendees can also sample a wide array of cranberry-infused foods and drinks, from meatballs and fritters to cheesecakes, sodas, and craft beers. For those wanting to take a batch home, roughly 10,000 pounds of fresh cranberries will be available for purchase. The festival is centered at the Vilas County Fairgrounds, with additional activities spread across satellite locations, including local wineries, area marshes, and downtown Eagle River.

Published on 10/02/2026 under News Two teens were arrested after allegedly showing a gun near John Muir Middle School in Wausau on Thursday afternoon, triggering a brief safety lockdown. At around 12:45 p.m., three students on the playground were involved in a brief verbal exchange with two teens walking along the sidewalk outside the campus fence. During the encounter, one of the teens allegedly lifted his shirt to reveal a firearm. The students immediately reported the incident to staff and the School Resource Officer. The school quickly initiated a "Secure" protocol—bringing all students inside and locking exterior doors. Within five minutes, responding officers located both suspects exiting Marathon Park. They were taken into custody without incident, and officers say they recovered a firearm. They will be referred to Juvenile Justice for weapon-related offenses. Wausau Police also used the opportunity to praise the students for speaking up right away and reminded parents to encourage children to report anything suspicious.

Published on 10/01/2026 under News Nearly two years after the initial order was placed, the Tomahawk Fire Department's new fire engine has officially arrived. Last week, several department members traveled to Custom Fire in Osceola to pick up the apparatus, which will serve as Engine #3. The city approved the roughly $1.2 million purchase back in January 2025 with an estimated 20-to-24-month delivery timeline, putting the engine slightly ahead of schedule. The department's existing Engine #3 was aging, requiring frequent maintenance, and facing rising repair costs. Fire Chief Paul Winter provided an update on the acquisition during Tuesday's Health and Safety Committee meeting. He noted that the new rig will undergo a few final steps before entering full service. It is currently getting local detailing on its coating, and Custom Fire will perform additional touch-up work later this month. The manufacturer also plans to display the Fire Truck at the Fire Chiefs' Association Conference from October 14–17. Winter says that they received some added options on the truck at no cost for allowing the display. If everything remains on schedule, the engine will officially enter service shortly after the conference. The community will have a chance to check out the rig during the Tomahawk Fire Department's open house on Saturday, October 10. It's also fitting timing, as next week also marks National Fire Prevention Week. As for the old Engine #3, Winter stated that the department plans to list it for sale to help offset the purchase cost, noting that they have already received several inquiries.

Published on 10/01/2026 under News A quick heads-up for Tomahawk residents for some road construction planned next week that may cause some brief travel disruptions, or residents that may need to make temporary arrangements. First up is a weeklong project on East Lincoln Avenue. From Monday through Thursday, East Lincoln between 4th and 6th Streets will be closed to through traffic. Final paving is scheduled for Thursday, which may temporarily limit driveway access for property owners along that stretch. The city notes that Washington Square Park will be accessible via the alley. Crews also have two single-day projects planned for Wednesday:Leather Avenue / County Highway CC: Paving between Collins Street and the recreational trail will reduce traffic to a single lane.Henry Street: The road will be closed for a pavement overlay. Residents who need to use their vehicles on Wednesday are asked to park on an alternate street by 7:00 AM.As always, these dates are weather and progress dependent. We'll offer another reminder early next week.

Published on 10/01/2026 under News Dealing with loss can be challenging no matter your age. A program designed specifically for children is returning to the Northwoods this weekend. The Rhinelander School District and their Community Education program will host their 4th annual Camp George on Saturday. It's a one-day grief support camp designed for children who have experienced loss. According to organizers, Camp George offers a safe, compassionate space for children to process grief related to the loss of a loved one or family changes such as divorce. To help with coping and healing, the kids will engage in specially designed activities. The program is designed for children aged 6-14. And participation is not just limited to Rhinelander student, but youth from around the Northwoods that have experienced grief. It is free, but they do ask that people register ahead of time.

Published on 10/01/2026 under News Wisconsinites throw away nearly 300 pounds of food per person every year, but this week is dedicated to bringing that number down. As part of the Food Waste Prevention Week campaign, state partners are highlighting how a few simple steps can protect the environment while saving money at the grocery store. According to a statewide study, wasted food is the largest single component of trash entering Wisconsin landfills, totaling more than 850,000 tons annually. That works out to roughly 294 pounds per resident. Beyond the environmental impact, food waste hits local wallets. The EPA estimates that wasted food costs the average American $728 each year. DNR officials say small daily habit changes can make a significant financial and ecological difference. It can be as simple as mapping out weekly meals and sticking to the grocery list. Date codes indicate peak quality rather than food safety, so check food before before discarding. And organize your refrigerator and store fresh food properly to extend the shelf life. The DNR has additional tips on their website.

Published on 10/01/2026 under News A lotto player in Tomahawk will receive a six-figure payout, even though they didn't match a single number on their ticket. The Wisconsin Lottery's "All or Nothing" game is unique because, as the name implies, a grand prize winner can either match every drawn number or none of them. Players choose 11 numbers from a pool of 22, making the odds of matching 0 or 11 identical. In Tuesday's drawing, a winning ticket was sold at the Tomahawk Kwik Trip store. The ticket holder matched zero numbers to secure the $100,000 grand prize. In fact, according to the Wisconsin Lottery, six of the nine grand prize winners in the game this year have won by matching zero numbers. The winner has 180 days from the draw date to claim their prize.

Published on 10/01/2026 under News Patients in the Northwoods struggling with sleep apnea have a new treatment option locally. Sleep apnea is a common disorder where a person's breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, leading to poor rest and low blood oxygen levels. Aspirus Rhinelander Clinic is now offering Inspire V, the latest generation of an implantable therapy designed for adults with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea who can't tolerate traditional CPAP machines. Dr. Ryan Black says, "Sleep apnea can have a profound impact on a person's overall health, energy levels, and quality of life." Functioning similarly to a pacemaker, the small system works by delivering gentle stimulation to key airway muscles, keeping breathing open and natural during sleep. Dr. Black called the updated technology a "continued evolution of sleep apnea treatment." With clinical studies showing a 90 percent satisfaction rate, clinic officials say it offers an effective path to better rest. Those interested can discuss the treatment with their provider to see if they qualify.

+ Read More