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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

Officials Encourage Learning Life-saving CPR and AED Training

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.

Published on 06/24/2026 under News A Spring Valley man was arrested following a brief vehicle pursuit in Lincoln County on Sunday. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report, a patrol deputy initially attempted a traffic stop for speeding on Taylor Street in the City of Merrill. The deputy reported that the driver initially sped off, resulting in a brief chase before eventually pulling over and stopping. The driver was taken into custody for fleeing or eluding an officer in a vehicle. He was transported to the Lincoln County Jail. Also on Sunday, a driver was injured and arrested following a crash in the Town of Corning. According to the Sheriff's Report, deputies were dispatched to South Branch Road and Natzke Road for a single-vehicle crash. The driver told deputies she swerved to miss a deer, causing her to lose control of the vehicle, which ultimately wound up in the ditch. The deputy noted signs of impairment when speaking with the driver and requested field sobriety tests. As a result of those tests, she was placed under arrest for a first-offense OWI. She sustained minor injuries in the crash. The number of vehicle-versus-deer collisions remains elevated, with 13 reported this past week on Lincoln County roadways.

Published on 06/23/2026 under News Health officials are reminding Northwoods residents and visitors to watch for blue-green algae blooms as warmer summer weather returns to area lakes and waterways. The Lincoln County Health Department says blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, is naturally present in many Wisconsin waters but can rapidly multiply under the right conditions. Warm temperatures, sunlight, calm water, and nutrient runoff can all contribute to blooms, which are most common from mid-June through mid-September. Environmental Health Specialist Mike Mandli says people should stay out of any water that resembles split-pea soup or spilled paint. Despite its name, blue-green algae can also appear white, red, or brown. Exposure or ingestion can lead to illness, including skin irritation, rashes, headaches, nausea, and other gastrointestinal issues. In addition to humans, pets can also be affected. The Health Department recommends showering or rinsing off immediately if you have been in affected waters. Eating fish caught in areas where a bloom is present should also be avoided. While some popular swimming areas like beaches may be monitored for algal blooms, it is typically up to swimmers to be on the lookout. The Health Department campaign uses the slogan, "When in doubt, stay out!"

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