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American Pond Hockey Founder Receives State Tourism Award Published on 03/13/2025 under News

While the American Pond Hockey Invitational on Lake Minocqua is just a few years old, one of the founders was recently recognized for his efforts.

Earlier this week, six individuals and organizations were recognized for outstanding contributions to the travel hospitality industry at the Wisconsin Governor's Conference on Tourism. Among the recipients, Will Jeffrey, who received the Service Excellence award.

According to the summary, Jeffrey launched the American Pond Hockey Invitational in 2023 to boost winter tourism in Minocqua and continues to expand. And outside of the tournament weekends, they also noted that the organization fosters community camaraderie through public skating opportunities and rec league hockey.

They said, "Jeffrey's work with American Pond Hockey is"the best of Wisconsin hospitality and serves as a model for tourism leadership."

Jeffrey wasn't the only local nominee from the area. The new Glide Ice Skating Ribbon in Boulder Junction fell just short in the 'Innovation' category, while the Land O'Lakes Zombie Crawl was a runner up in the 'Bright Idea' category.

Other winners include, and you can learn more on their website:

Legacy Award — Thomas M. Diehl
Arts, Culture and Heritage Award — Milwaukee Art Museum
Bright IDEA Award — Access for All Initiative, Friends of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
Innovation Award — Skelly's Farm Market
Rising Star Award — Cory Bennett, Mineral Point Chamber of Commerce

In Other News

Tomahawk Board of Public Works Selects Firm for Geotechnical Study for Planned PFAS Treatment Facility

Published on 01/01/2026 under News The City of Tomahawk has been exploring a PFAs treatment facility. As part of the planning process, the city, working with MSA Professional Services, solicited bids for geotechnical exploration and engineering work. At their meeting Tuesday evening, the Board of Public Works recommended a service contract. The work which includes four borings of varying depths; an assessment of existing conditions and recommendations for utility construction, foundation design, and best practices. The City received two bids, which came within $5 of each other. The Board recommended the lower bid with American Engineering Testing Inc. out of Wausau for $7,280. The item is back on the agenda for next week's City Council meeting. Back in the fall of 2023, routing testing for PFAs in the Tomahawk water system came back elevated. The proposed treatment facility would filter these forever chemicals from the water. The price tag is approximately $6.2 million, and the city is pursing funding through the state Clean Drinking Water program.

Published on 01/01/2026 under News The Lights of the Northwoods in Rhinelander has quickly become a holiday tradition. While initially an event around the Christmas holiday, it's now a month-long spectacle. And organizers also welcome in the New Year with a bang. The annual celebration concludes this evening with a special New Year's Day fireworks show. Throughout December, Hodag Park has been decorated with hundreds of thousands of holiday lights and displays. Visitors can either drive or walk through the park to take in the festive atmosphere. They've also been busy supporting local food pantries and community organizations via donations. There is one last chance to check out the lights with a shortened path today. That's to accommodate the fireworks which are scheduled to begin at 7pm. They do recommend arriving early so that everyone can get parked and settled in before the show begins.

Published on 12/31/2025 under Sports On Tuesday, the Hatchet Hockey Team played their final game of the Neenah Holiday Tournament and defeated Middleton 9-2. The Cardinals scored the first goal of the game, with Tomahawk responding and scoring three goals to end the period and lead 3-1. Brayden Lamer had two of the goals in the first and Jonah Dickens added the other. Assisting on the Lamer goals was Caiden Reichelt, Cold Peterson and Beau Stromberg. The Hatchets would open the second period scoring with two quick power play goals from Jake Albert. The first came 00:52 seconds into the period and was assisted by Lamer and Jett Reilly. Albert's second came 00:46 second later, assisted by Jett Reilly and Tomahawk led 5-1. Jett Reilly would add the third goal of the second, assisted by Lamer and Dickens and Tomahawk led 6-1 after two. Middleton would cut the lead to 6-2, before Tomahawk responded with three goals to close the scoring. Lamer scored his third of the night, assisted by Dickens and Rex Reilly. Jett Reilly got his second of the game 00:22 seconds later on an assist from Dickens and Dickens scored in the closing minutes of the period on a short handed goal. Hudson Seymour had 16 saves for Tomahawk. The Hatchets are now 8-2 overall and will host Antigo on Tuesday night at SARA Park Arena.

Published on 12/31/2025 under News It's continued good news for snowmobile riders here in the Northwoods, as trail opening announcements continue. The latest includes northern Lincoln County. Over the past few days, the Northwoods has received upwards of a foot of new snow. Local snowmobile clubs have taken advantage, busy preparing these trails to open. This includes not only panning and grooming, but also removing debris and hazards caused by the heavy, wet snow that fell late Sunday. After initially opening the Hiawatha Trail from Tomahawk north on Monday; they'll now open most of Zone 1 on New Year's Day, at 8am Thursday. *There are a few exceptions including corridors 17 and 19; and most water crossings. Lincoln County trails in Zones 2, 3, and 4 will remain closed at this time. The Trails are in early season condition and could be rough and icy in areas. Elsewhere in the Northwoods: Langlade County's Zone A snowmobile trails, along with the segment between intersections 41A and 42B in Zone B will open New Years Day at 6am. Most trails in Price, Iron, Vilas, and Oneida Counties have already been open. As always, stay tuned to WJJQ throughout the riding season for news, updates, and events; as well as our snowmobile trail condition report.

Published on 12/31/2025 under News During a snowstorm, street crews prioritize clearing routes. Among the challenges in the city is where to put the snow initially, until it can be moved. That topic has come up at several Board of Public Works meetings in Tomahawk recently, including Tuesday. The conversation has largely centered on the side streets off of Wisconsin Avenue, specifically the south block of 2nd Street. Traditionally, the snow is first pushed to the center of the road until it can be transported elsewhere. Unlike many other side streets, that block on 2nd has angled parking on the east side of the street. When the parking spots are occupied with larger vehicles, and the center-aisle snow piles it it leaves little space for traffic. Several business owners attended a previous meeting to request an alternative, and the Board experimented with pushing the snow to the opposite side of the street. But after trying this method during the first few snow events, they learned the change resulted in blocking the handicap accessible parking. While the plowed snow typically only stays for a day or two, this was a concern for the Board and those who use the stall. As a result, the Board at their meeting decided to revert back to the center-lane snow. The hope to invite business-owners and residents in that area to a future meeting to brainstorm alternative options. Tomahawk Reminding Residents of Winter Parking Rules: Speaking of parking and snow during the winter months, the Board of Public Works also wanted to remind residents and visitors about the city's winter parking rules. That means no parking on city streets between 2:30am and 5am. While the goal is to allow room for plows to operate, the rules apply whether there is snow falling or not. A first offense ticket is $25. The rules went into effect December 1 and run through March 15.

Published on 12/31/2025 under News Space heaters can provide quick warmth, but they are also among the leading cause of home fires during the winter months. After responding to a pair of recent fires caused by space heaters, the Wausau Fire Department offered up some tip to ensure they are being used safely. Their two fires were actually sparked in different ways. The first happened when a space heater was placed too close to combustible materials that caught fire. The second happened when the resident plugged into a string of power strips which overloaded the outlet. Many of the fires can be avoided by taking some precautions. Start by keeping the space heater at least 3 feet from any flammable materials like furniture, bedding, and curtains.Space heaters should be plugged directly into the wall outlet. Extension cords and power strips can overheat and melt which can spark.Never leave space heaters unattended.And whether using a space heater or not; all rooms where people sleep should have a working smoke alarm.

Published on 12/31/2025 under News A local temporary housing facility received a belated Christmas gift, with a significant contribution from an area business. On Tuesday, representatives from AirPro Fan & Blower in Rhinelander contributed $10,000 to Northwoods Alliance for Temporary Housing or NATH Frederick Place. NATH executive Director Abbey Dall Lukowski says, "(AirPro's) continuous generosity in monetary support has been consistent, moreover, their commitment to ensuring our community is well cared for on all levels, is ever appreciated." In addition to dropping off the check, Dall-Lukowski says that Rob Randolph and Jason Giese also showed community commitment by taking time to learn about Frederick Place's program for unhoused neighbors. Dall-Lukowski says, "Serving our homeless neighbors is not always easy, but when we have our Northwoods' partners and communities behind us, the path is made clearer and more easily traveled." Photo: Frederick Place House Staff, Ashlynn Klabunde & Abbey Lukowski with AirPro representatives, Rod Randolph & Jason Giese who recently shared a financial gift at Frederick Place.

Published on 12/31/2025 under News Bingo at SARA Park in Tomahawk is a summer tradition. But for one night only, they'll be back for a special holiday session. Last year, the volunteers from WaWui decided to ring in the New Year with a special winter bingo game. Based on the success, they decided to bring it back for a second year. While some of their players have fled south for the season, they wanted to provide a fun way for folks that have stuck around to celebrate the new year. The games won't last until the clock strikes midnight. It will actually be their normal summer schedule with doors opening at 5:30, cards on sale at 6pm, and games begin at 7pm. They may also have some feature New Year's-themed surprises. As always proceed from WaWui bingo are used to support the SARA Park facility.

Published on 12/31/2025 under News Those looking to ring in the New Year are reminded to do so safely by not driving while impaired. As we've previously covered, the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign is continuing across Wisconsin through the New Year's holiday. The campaign if focused on sober driving during the holiday season including both Christmas and New Years. DoT statistics show that last holiday season, considered the last two weeks of December, there were nearly 400 crashes around the state involving impaired drivers. Many people will enjoy a drink to celebrate this evening, but law enforcement partners are reminding revelers to have a plan. They note that impairment can cloud judgment. That's why they say it is important to designate a sober driver prior to heading out. Ask establishments about ride share or safe ride programs. And If you're hosting a gathering this evening, plan how your guests will get home safely. The Drive Sober campaign is a combination of increased enforcement along with education.

Published on 12/30/2025 under News Update: The Lincoln County Forestry, Land, and Parks Department announced that the Lincoln County Snowmobile trails in Zone 1 will open as of Thursday, January 1. Exceptions include: Corridor 17 south of the Cty S/Hwy 51 Park and Ride at intersection #30 and Corridor 19 from Cty E north to Hwy 86. The Hiawatha Trail is already open. Trails in Zones 2, 3, and 4 will remain closed at this time._____ Winter weather over the weekend was a welcome sight for snowmobilers across the Northwoods. Not only did it refresh the snow conditions on area trails, but also allowed some additional segments to open. The Lincoln County Forestry, Land and Parks Department announced the opening the Hiawatha Trail effective as of Monday afternoon. The Hiawatha allows a corridor for Lincoln County riders to travel north and access the trails in Oneida County, which were previously opened. Local clubs are also continuing their efforts to inspect and prepare the remainder of the trail system. That includes removing debris and hazards from the weekend snow. As of Tuesday morning, all other trails in Lincoln County do remain closed. Riders should stay off of trails until they are officially opened. For trails to our north, Oneida County and Vilas County are reporting much improved trails thanks to the additional snow. Riders are encouraged to use a little extra caution as the heavy snow may leave sagging branches. Stay tuned to WJJQ in the coming days for any additional trail openings. Again, as of Monday afternoon, the Hiawatha Trail in Lincoln County is now open.

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