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Park Falls Flambeau River YMCA Sets May 8 Grand Opening Published on 04/11/2025 under News

After more than two years of planning and construction, the new YMCA facility in Park Falls is nearing the finish line. They've set a grand opening for May 8.

The YMCA project, announced in February 2022, has been part of a revitalization of the downtown Park Falls area. The Flambeau River YMCA will be affiliated with the YMCA of the Northwoods in Rhinelander.

This state-of-the-art facility will provide the community with a 24/7 health & wellness center, community gathering room, fitness studio with group exercise classes, all day childcare, sports programs, and personal/small group training to accomplish their goal of helping individuals and families of all ages lead healthier lives.

Executive Director Scott Schultz says, "This facility will not only offer top-notch fitness equipment and programs but also serve as a hub for community engagement, creating opportunities for individuals to connect, grow, and thrive."

The May 8 Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting will be part of a day-long community celebration that will also feature an open house with tours of the new facility and an opportunity to become a charter member of the new Y.

In Other News

Grace Preparing for Christmas Day Community Meal

Published on 12/24/2025 under News The Countdown to Christmas is on, and a special community meal here in Tomahawk is just a day away. The Christmas with Friends Community Meal at Grace Lutheran Church has become an annual tradition, and organizers have been busy in the lead up to this year's event, but took some time to offer us a preview. They noted that the meal is really important to both the church and the community. They often see many of the same faces from year to year, with diners coming for not only the food, but the holiday spirit as well. In addition to the lunch, diners also enjoy seasonal music and friendly conversation. They typically serve several hundred meals between the in-person dining and the delivery service. To pull off an undertaking like this, it takes a team of volunteers cooking, serving, and delivering meals. While most volunteers come from Grace, they also receive a helping hand from other community members and congregations. This year's menu consists of ham along with a selection of sides and desserts. They'll begin serving at around 11am on Christmas Day following the Grace Christmas morning service. The meal is free, though donations are welcome. Those needing delivery can call the church office at 453-4066.

Published on 12/24/2025 under News Santa came a bit early for non-profits around the state, courtesy of the Green Bay Packers. Last week, the Packer Foundation announced nearly 400 organizations would receive funding through their annual grant program. That includes WaWui here in Tomahawk. We've been sharing how some of these non-profits will invest their funding. For those unfamiliar, WaWui is the volunteer organization that operates and maintains the SARA Park arena and banquet hall. Following last week's announcement, we spoke with board member Charis Lau. She noted that they were grateful to the Green Bay Packers for this generous donation. They plan to invest the funding into a planned restroom renovation. They hope the project will not only improve these facilities, but also help in accessibility and ADA compliance. The grant comes at a good time for WaWui. Earlier this year, the organization launched a larger fundraising campaign aimed at a number of projects to revitalize and upgrading the longtime community hub. SARA Park has become home to local hockey, figure skating, pickleball and bingo, while also hosting special events like the Antique Outboard Motor Show and Fall Ride.

Published on 12/24/2025 under News Whether a Christmas gathering in the coming days or next week's New Year's celebration, law enforcement are again reminding revelers to stay sober behind the wheel. The annual Drive Sober or Get Pulled over campaign is in full swing. The effort combines increased enforcement and education, encouraging motorists to find safe ways to get to their destinations this holiday season. Last holiday season, during this two week period, there were more than 400 crashes involving alcohol on Wisconsin roadways. State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan says, "With the holiday season underway, we are urging drivers to plan ahead before celebrating to keep Wisconsin's roads safe." Carnahan offered a number of solutions, whether designating a sober driving before heading out, taking advantage of public transit, or using a rideshare program. They're also encouraging hosts to be mindful of these risks and make sure guests have a safe ride home. Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over began earlier this month and continues through New Years Day.

Published on 12/24/2025 under News Healthy meals help make healthy lives. Marshfield Clinic and Security Health announced nearly $180,000 in funding to community projects that address food insecurity across their footprint in Northern Wisconsin and Michigan's UP. Twenty organizations will share in the funding. In our listening area that includes: Huey's Hideaway Children's Museum in Medford; Chequamegon School district; Athens Food Pantry; and the Lakeland Pantry. The program, offered through Marshfield Clinic's Caring for Communities initiative, reflects a shared commitment to improving the well-being of individuals and families by supporting access to consistent, nutritious food. Jay Shrader, vice president of Community Impact and Social Accountability says, "This grant reflects our commitment to supporting local organizations that know their communities best and are working to remove barriers to food access and improve health at its roots." The need of these organizations is strong. In the announcement Marshfield Clinic said they received 98 applications from local organizations, and actually increased the grant pool by $30,000 to maximize impact. This funding is offered through Marshfield Clinic's Caring for Communities initiative.

Published on 12/24/2025 under News Officials are encouraging families to properly dispose of their gift packaging this week, recycling when possible. Jennifer Semrau, DNR waste reduction specialist, acknowledged recycling can be confusing with rules differing between communities. But she says, "there are some basic tips people can use to make tackling holiday waste less overwhelming." Cardboard boxes can be broken down and recycled without much trouble. This includes shipping boxes as well as holiday packaging. As for wrapping paper and gift bags, that varies from program to program. For bags that are being recycled it helps to pull off the handle. Glitter and foil are generally signs that the holiday items should be placed in the garbage rather than recycling. As for items such as ribbons, bags, bows, tissue paper and even bubble wrap; consider putting them in a box and reuse them again next Christmas. Semrau also cautioned about tanglers, these are items like Christmas lights and cords. They can jam up modern recycling equipment, so keep them out of home recycling. Instead watch for seasonal collections or contact a dedicated electronics recycler. If that's not an option, put broken lights in the trash. It's also time to start planning for tree disposal, as the risk of fire increases as trees begin to dry out. While some communities offer a pick up, others have special drop-off locations.

Published on 12/23/2025 under News Two area food pantries will once again benefit from the community's generosity and an annual holiday fundraiser organized by a local auto dealership. Over the past 28 years, the Schlegel family and their team at Heritage Chevrolet in Tomahawk have organized what is known as 'Fill the Need.' On Monday, Roger Schlegel and Renee Merrigan from Heritage joined Gregg (Albert) and Alex (Koch) on the Midday Show to recap the event. In recent years, the Fill the Need has transitioned from a food drive to a fundraising effort which better suits the needs of the food pantries by allowing them to purchase items of need as they need them. Over the years they've raised tens of thousands of dollars, and 2025 was another record setting year. Over the past three weeks, the community contributed nearly $14,000 for the Tomahawk and Nokomis Food Pantries. That included contributions from 286 donors, making it an average donation of nearly $50 per person. And in a case of give and you shall receive, 75 prizes were drawn from those who contributed. While Heritage takes the lead in organizing Fill the Need, more than 40 other local businesses pledged thousand of dollars in prizes to reward donors. Schlegel was quick to thank those businesses and used it as an opportunity to promote Shop Local efforts. He also thanked the Heritage team, their partners, and the entire community for making a difference and helping those in need. The winner's list is available on the Heritage Facebook page. We'll got them listed on the WJJQ website, as well. Winners can stop in at the dealership to claim their prizes.

Published on 12/23/2025 under News The local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness is looking to educate residents on advocacy skills. NAMI Smarts for Advocacy workshops help participants learn how to effectively share their lived experience with mental illness to influence policymakers. NAMI Northwoods announced they'll be offering free workshops designed to help build those skills for residents across Marathon, Lincoln, and Langlade Counties. The trained instructors offer practical tools to advocate for improved mental health policies in the state. Topics include contacting and meeting with legislators, understanding Wisconsin's legislative process, and learning how a bill becomes law. Executive Director Traci Schlegel said, "With so much noise in politics, it is easy to believe our voices do not matter. In reality, our lived experiences and personal stories are some of the most effective tools we have to influence mental health legislation." NAMI Northwoods will offer the workshops tailored to a variety of settings, including workplaces, nonprofits, advocacy organizations, and community groups. To learn more or request a NAMI Smarts for Advocacy workshop, contact Tracy Schlegel, Executive Director of NAMI Northwoods, at info@naminorthwoods.org or 715-432-0180.

Published on 12/23/2025 under News Nicolet College has a long history of working closely with local communities, businesses and organizations. That starts at the top, and Nicolet College President Kate Ferrel will be adding another role to her duties. Starting with the new year, Ferrel will take over as the Chair of the Board for the Vilas County Economic Development Corporation. In her role as Board Chair, Ferrel will advance strategic initiatives to support economic growth in Vilas County. She was elected at the VCEDC annual meeting on December 12 and will succeed Jim Tuckwell, who has served as Chair for eight years. Under Tuckwell's leadership, VCEDC had a significant impact on high-speed broadband expansion and community development projects. Ferrel says "I am honored to step into this role and continue the important work of strengthening economic opportunities in Vilas County." With more than 25 years of experience in Wisconsin's technical college system, Ferrel has led programs to advance workforce development and economic growth in central and northern Wisconsin. Of her double duty, Ferrel added, "I believe deeply in the impact of partnerships between local businesses, local government, and local educators to build strong, resilient and diverse economies."

Published on 12/23/2025 under News Officials are encouraging people look to reduce food waste over the holiday season which is both good for the environment and your wallet. A recent study by the DNR showed that wasted food was among the largest components of trash in the state. The average home sends nearly 300 pounds of food to landfill. As part of their holiday recycling and waste reduction campaign, the agency focused on food as well. Erik Flesch is a DNR organics waste management specialist. He says, "We may not typically think of reducing food waste in our homes as recycling. But being conscious of the food we buy, the way we store it and the way we dispose of it can reduce hunger, save money and improve Wisconsin's environment." As for ways to bring those numbers down over the holidays, a few simple steps can make a difference. It starts with planning: get a head count, prepare a menu, make a list, and stick to it.Consider shopping your own refrigerator, freezer and pantry for food items you may already have.Use safe food practices to ensure leftovers stay good longer, and send leftovers home with guests. And rather than tossing fruits and vegetables and their scraps, keep them for use in compost.

Published on 12/23/2025 under News The holidays are meant to be joyous, but can often turn stressful with travel, gatherings and disrupted routines including sleep schedules. Aspirus is reminding people to be mindful when taking products to get a little shut-eye. Asprius pharmacy resident Marissa Harle says, "During the stressful holiday season, people often reach for easily accessible products when they are having trouble sleeping." This can include OTC meds, supplements, and other products. Even sold over the counter, Harle says these sleep aids are not risk-free. Many can cause sleepiness extending into the following day. The products may also interact with other prescription medications, as well as alcohol. Typically these sleep aids are meant for short-term, occasional use. Harle says using them long-term may be masking other concerns that need to be addressed ranging from lifestyle factors and late-day caffeine use to excessive stress and underlying medical issues. These can be discussed with your provider.

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