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Rhinelander Bus Driver Receives State Honor Published on 07/11/2025 under News

School bus drivers play an important, but often overlooked, role in student's lives. One area driver was recently recognized with a state award.

With summer break in full swing, the Wisconsin School Bus Association recently convened in the Wisconsin Dells for their Annual Convention and Trade Show. That included an awards luncheon for Excellence in Driving and Mechanics.

According to the Rhinelander School District, Patricia Townsend of Bowen's Bus Service, serving the Rhinelander School District, was honored for her three years of exemplary service and professionalism as a school bus driver, safely transporting Wisconsin's children with care and dedication. Kim Weyers of Bowen's glowingly describes Townsend as someone "with a heart and will ready to help any and every way she [can]."

The WSBA notes school bus drivers and mechanics across Wisconsin play an essential role in student success, ensuring every child has safe, reliable access to education. Their unwavering commitment to safety and service is invaluable to schools, families, and communities throughout the state.

In Other News

Park City Cares Foundation Makes Match Donation to Tomahawk Kinship Building Fundraiser

Published on 07/11/2025 under News The Tomahawk Kinship program continues to receive support in their effort to relocate to a larger space. A recent match pledge from a local Credit Union and their Foundation amplified donations. Tomahawk Kinship has been raising money to purchase a new building after outgrowing their current location. The Park City Cares Foundation, in partnership with Park City Credit Union announced a matching fundraiser, of up to $10,000. The full match was quickly met and an additional $20,218 was recently donated. Melissa Wrycha, President of Park City Cares Foundation Board says, "Kinship of Tomahawk plays a vital role in mentoring and empowering local youth," said "We're honored to support their mission and help create a space where young people can thrive." In the announcement they wrote: "The Park City Cares Foundation and Park City Credit Union extend their heartfelt thanks to everyone who has contributed to this amazing organization. This campaign is a testament to what's possible when a community comes together to invest in its future."Last month, Kinship reached their phase 1 goal which will allow them to purchase the former Bradley Bank building. Phase 2 fundraising is focused on retrofitting the space to better suit their needs as a youth mentorship program.

Published on 07/11/2025 under News A Merrill man charged in a roadside knife attack last fall has reached a plea agreement. Bradley LaBarge was back in Lincoln County Court Thursday for that hearing. The 32 year old was arrested last October following an altercation along Corning Road in the Town of Corning. Investigators said LaBarge was following a vehicle with an ex-girlfriend and another man. The incident escalated and LaBarge allegedly sliced the other man with a utility knife. LaBarge was initially facing a half dozen charges. According to court records, at yesterday's hearing, LaBarge pleaded guilty to two charges: 1st degree reckless injury with the use of a dangerous weapon and resisting or obstructing an officer. In exchange, 4 other charges were dismissed including attempted homicide. The case was scheduled to go trial next week, instead LaBarge will be back for a sentencing hearing. That's been scheduled for next Wednesday, July 16.

Published on 07/11/2025 under News Just an update and reminder of an upcoming detour in the Nokomis area north of Tomahawk. Crews are scheduled to begin work on a two phase project on County Road L in Oneida County next week. Phase 1 will focus on the Bearskin Creek Bridge at the very north end of County L near the Highway 51 intersection. (*This is not the Lake Nokomis bridge near the Windmill/Tilted Loon*) During this work, the Bearskin Creek bridge will be closed to all traffic, and a detour will be in place on Highway 8 and Highway 51. The Oneida County Highway Department provided another update, they expect the closure will take effect next Thursday, July 17th. The rest of County L will remain open. The goal is to complete phase 1 ahead of the Fall Ride. Phase 2, resurfacing the remainder of Oneida County Road L will be completed in mid-to-late September following the motorcycle rally. County L is expected to remain open with flagging during phase 2 We'll continue to offer updates on this project as we receive them.

Published on 07/11/2025 under News Nicolet College and Superior Diesel have a long-standing, collaborative relationship which was recently recognized by the Wisconsin Technical College System. The TWCS Board was in the Northwoods this week for a meeting, where they presented Superior Diesel with a Futuremaker Partner Award. It's state-wide recognition of local businesses and organizations that collaborate with one of Wisconsin's technical colleges. WTCS Board president Sara Rogers said, "Superior Diesel exemplifies what it means to be a community-minded employer, and their partnership with Nicolet College is a true win for the entire region." She highlighted the collaboration including internships and apprenticeships, providing hands-on equipment for student learning, participation on Nicolet program advisory committees, as well as financial contributions and scholarships. Rogers said, "Nicolet College's deep roots in the community are a direct result of the strong, lasting relationships its leaders have cultivated with local businesses and community partners."Photo (from left to right): Sara Rogers, president of the Wisconsin Technical College System Board, Layla Merrifield, president of the Wisconsin Technical College System, Austin Hoffmann, director of OEM engine sales and marketing at Superior Diesel, Brian Wendt, president and CEO of Superior Diesel, Inc., Kate Ferrel, president of Nicolet College.

Published on 07/11/2025 under News A two week campaign focused on preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species wraps up this weekend, but the groups behind the outreach are hoping the lessons learned become life-long habits. The Great Lakes Landing Blitz kicked off back on June 30. It's a collaborative effort comprised of local, state, and provincial leaders in the Great Lakes Region. Over the past few weeks, these volunteer inspectors have been set up boat landings, helping educate boaters about the important role everyone plays in keeping water ways free of AIS. Some of the tips they've emphasized including always inspecting boats, trailers and equipment for these aquatic hitchhikers; removing attached plants, animals, and even mud where they can hide. In addition to these boat landing educators, there have been growing efforts in recent years to place signs to serve as a visual reminder and even cleaning stations where boats can be rinsed or scrubbed. Here in Wisconsin, Clean Boats-Clean Waters works with county conservationists and local lake/river groups or organizations on outreach. The Landing Blitz continues through Sunday.

Published on 07/11/2025 under News Update: Tower repair crews spent most of the day Thursday up on the WJJQ tower working on installing our new antenna. They worked until dusk, before pausing overnight. They're expected to return this morning to resume, and hopefully complete this work this morning. Unfortunately, that means our over-the-air signal remains off as of the Friday morning Sunrise Show. Listeners can tune in to our stream via the WJJQ website or the WJJQ App. _____ A little more than two months ago, a thunderstorm crossed the Tomahawk area. One of the lightning strikes actually hit our radio tower. It initially knocked us off air for a few hours, until a temporary fix restored our broadcast. Now the time has come for a more permanent fix. We'll begin that project this morning. The repair work will include a replacement of our FM antenna and transmission line. That requires some members of the tower crew to climb hundreds of feet in the sky. And to protect those workers, we will have to reduce power or turn it off entirely at times. While that will affect our traditional, over-the-air signal for short periods of time; modern technology means you can stay connected to the broadcast via streaming on our website at WJJQ.com; or use your smart phones or other smart devices with the WJJQ app. We'll communicate with the repair crews and our listeners as to when those interruptions may happen, allowing time to switch to streaming. They anticipate the work will take place Wednesday, and possibly Thursday as well.

Published on 07/10/2025 under News From small, quiet fishing holes to large lakes buzzing with activity, Northwoods waterways remain popular for residents and visitors alike. That's why it's important to protect the resources. Coming up on Friday, local lake groups will team up with experts to discuss all things water here in the Northwoods. It's all part of the annual Northwoods Six-County Lakes meeting, those six counties in the partnership are Oneida, Vilas, Iron, Forest, Langlade and Lincoln Counties. Organizers anticipate more than 200 people will attend. This year's theme is "Quakes to our Lakes: What's Shakin'?" They'll focusing on areas of concern in and on local waterways, as well as potential solutions. Specific segments include: wake boats, algae blooms, and of course aquatic invasive species, even a segment on grants to address these issues. They'll also have exhibits and county breakout sessions. The seminar is free and gets underway at 8:30am at the Nicolet Lakeside Center in Rhinelander. Registration is available on-site or pre-register online.

Published on 07/10/2025 under News The Rhinelander community is going a little bit country this weekend for one of the largest music festivals in the region. Now entering year 47, the Hodag Country Music Festival in Rhinelander continues to draw top country artists to the Northwoods. This year's lineup includes: Jordan Davis, LoCash, Carly Pierce, and Gretchen Wilson, even Three Dog Night. Tonight's headliner is Mitchell Tenpenny. With big names comes big crowds, as people travel from across the Midwest, many camping right on site for the four day party. More than 30,000 people attend the festival each year. The Wisconsin Department of Tourism estimates the event has more than a $10 million economic impact on the Rhinelander area. In addition to the business benefit, many local groups and organizations take advantage with fundraising opportunities from the visitors. Many of those concertgoers were on hand last night for the modified 'chair line.' The Wednesday night tradition has evolved over the years, and allows people to set up their chairs in their favorite location based on a random drawing. Though many would argue there are no bad seats on the festival grounds. Music gets underway Thursday afternoon and will continue through Sunday evening.

Published on 07/10/2025 under News A pair of major drug busts were announced in Northern Wisconsin yesterday. Between the two investigations, sixteen people have been arrested. Seven Arrested in Oneida County InvestigationIn Oneida County, according to the Sheriff's Office, seven individuals were arrested and charged with conspiracy to manufacture or deliver fentanyl. The five men and two women range in age from 22 to 41 years old. The Sheriff's Office says the individuals were involved in an effort to transport the opioid to the area for local distribution. They noted recent trends have shown that fentanyl is being mixed with other illicit drugs to increase the potency, resulting in fatal and non-fatal overdosing. The individuals have been making initial appearances in Oneida County Court this week. Nine Arrested in Price County InvestigationMeanwhile, in an unrelated case, the Price County Sheriff's Office and the Phillips Police Department jointly announced the arrest of 9 people who will face drug-related charges related to the sale of marijuana and methamphetamine. The investigation began earlier this year and included the execution of search warrants at several homes. The suspects ranged in age from 34 to 57 years old.

Published on 07/10/2025 under News A program aimed at addressing youth food insecurity is returning to the Rhinelander community today. Now in its 5th year, the Hodag Food Wagon provides nutritional support when children are on summer break and food insecurity can rise. The Rhinelander Food Pantry coordinates with UW-Extension Food Wise, and this year they'll receive funding through the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Summer Food Service Program. The goal is to give families with kids a little boost during the summer by providing kid-friendly food as well as nutritional education and recipes. Each bag features five breakfast meals and five lunch meals. With 150 bags available each week, they'll prepare around 1,200 bags during the eight-week period, around 12,000 meals in all. During some of the pick-up events, they'll also have other activities, tonight it's a pizza party. They'll be set up at the Food Pantry from 4pm to 6pm on Thursdays through the end of August.

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