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Five THS Students Attend FCCLA Leadership Conference in Orlando Published on 07/22/2025 under News

Five Tomahawk High School students spent a week in Florida for a national leadership conference, and they brought some high honors back to the Northwoods.

Back in April, Tomahawk Family Career and Community Leaders of America or FCCLA students attended the state leadership conference. Five students qualified for the national conference which was held in Orlando earlier this month.

In addition to educational sessions and networking opportunities, students also present their projects. The THS contingent fared well, and brought home several medals. According to the Tomahawk School District, Siennah Calkins earned gold in Leadership while also being recognized as a Top Ten Finalist. Morgan Kretzchmar earned gold in career investigation. Caylie Swan and Riah Petta finished in second place in interpersonal communications; while Emma Hoff earned bronze in review display.

According to the National FCCLA organization, nearly 8,000 students attended this year's event.

In Other News

Wisconsin Public Service Announces Finalists for 'Spokesdog' in Safe Digging Campaign

Published on 07/23/2025 under News Earlier this month, we told you about the return of a Wisconsin Public Service safe digging campaign featuring a customer dog selected by public vote. Several local pups in are the finalists. The winning pup will be featured in a social media campaign promoting safe digging and the use of Digger's Hotline. The campaign began last year, featuring Arlo, an Aussie-doodle from Tomahawk. Arlo's term is winding down, and WPS is looking for his successor. WPS customers were encouraged to submit a photo of their dog, preferably digging in his or her favorite place. Among the finalists are several local dogs: Bella and Copper both live in Rhinelander, while Ruby is a dog from the Tomahawk area. People have until next Monday, July 28, to check out the dogs and cast a vote. The winner will be announced ahead of August 11, or 8-11 which is also the Digger's Hotline phone number.

Published on 07/23/2025 under News A local law enforcement agency is warning residents about recent cases of check washing. The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office explained that check washing is where a criminal steals a check that has already been written out and uses techniques to 'erase' or 'wash' the hand-written information. This allows them to re-write the check and steal the funds from the unsuspecting victim's bank account. Here in Lincoln County, investigators have been looking into two cases. They wanted to inform and educate the public without compromising their ongoing investigation. They were able to share a few details. Both reported checks were mailed out for credit card payments to Discover. They did pass through the Tomahawk and Merrill Post Offices respectively. This led to the conclusion that the checks weren't taken from local mailboxes or postal facilities. The Sheriff's Office says they are working with the US Postal Service on this investigation. The Facebook warning has a few tips to avoid a check washing scheme… • Consider using online payments. • While these particular cases involved Discover payments, they noted it could be a check for another type of payment in the future. • The Sheriff's Office says gel ink is more resistant to check washing than ink from a traditional ball point pen. • And as always be vigilant, routinely checking financial accounts for unusual activity.

Published on 07/23/2025 under News Tomahawk's summer concert series is winding down, but there are still two more weeks left to enjoy the show. Coming up this evening a fan favorite returns. While the Tomahawk Music on the River line-up changes each summer, the Jerry Schmitt Band has become a main stay in recent years, including each of the last four years. They're back once again this evening. The Central Wisconsin band describes their music as a blend of modern and traditional country with a rockabilly influence. They've release several albums, received numerous awards and play not only Wisconsin, but other country hotbeds like Nashville. Tonight's show was initially the season finale, however some stormy weather last Wednesday forced a postponement of the Cougar's set. They'll be back in Tomahawk on August 6 for a make-up show. But first, it's the Jerry Schmitt Band playing at 6pm tonight. As of 10am, they are still on for Memorial Park, but with the threat of rain this afternoon, stay tuned to WJJQ for any weather-related changes.

Published on 07/23/2025 under News With temperatures climbing over the next few days, officials are reminding people about some laws to protect utility customers. We regularly discuss the winter disconnection moratorium which prevents utilities from disconnecting service during the winter heating months. But the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin also notes that similar rules go into effect while a heat advisory, heat warning, or heat emergency is issued by the National Weather Service. Some area of southern Wisconsin are already under advisories, and temperatures are expected to spike in the Northwoods this weekend. In addition to the disconnection moratorium, the PSC notes that utilities must also make a reasonable attempt to restore service if there is a potential threat to health due to a combination of heat and loss of service. According to the announcement, once the heat advisory, heat warning, or heat emergency expires, service may be disconnected again if a payment arrangement hasn't been established.

Published on 07/23/2025 under News The DNR regularly calls on the public to become citizen scientists. The latest effort is to track game birds including turkeys, grouse, pheasants, and partridge. The game bird survey is currently open through the end of August. Paul Frater is DNR surveys coordinator. He says, "Wherever you are in Wisconsin, you can help the DNR manage wildlife by collecting data in your area." These surveys are designed to measure the reproductive status of these game birds. That data, along with harvest information, helps the DNR with management decisions. Frater notes that the sightings can be submitted through their survey app. People can learn more by visiting the DNR survey website.

Published on 07/22/2025 under News Two times each year, the Tomahawk Community Thrift Shop returns their proceeds to community organizations. And over the years, they've gifted hundreds of thousands of dollars to local non-profits. Ahead of their ceremonial check presentations, two of the many store volunteers, Joe and Bonnie Trapp, stopped by the WJJQ studios to announce the latest grant recipients and talk about the shop. Overall, 12 groups will share in $28,700 in the latest cycle. Some of the funds are earmarked for specific projects, others will go towards general operations and outreach. Many of the recipients will be familiar to our listeners. They include Apex Angels and Warriors; Salvation Army of Tomahawk, Tomahawk Area Interfaith Volunteers; the Ties that Bind Us; St. Mary's School; Kwahamots; Our Sisters House; Tomahawk Public Library; Tomahawk Food Pantry; Kinship; Tomahawk Wrestling Alumni; and WaWui. (Additional details below) The Tomahawk Community Thrift Shop opened back in 2019. The founders were inspired by a store in the Minocqua area and wanted to bring a similar operation to the Tomahawk. They invest most of their profits into community organizations. And in those six short years, they've presented $218,551. Summer 2025 Tomahawk Community Thrift Shop Recipients:Apex Angels and Warriors-$2,500-Supporting wolf dog and veteran programSalvation Army of Tomahawk-$2,500-Happy Kids Backpack ProgramTAIV-$1,000-Supporting cost of transportation for seniors and disabledTies That Bind Us-$2,000-supporting those with cancer diagnosis locallySt. Mary's-$1,600-Wenger Flip Forms for music programKinship-$3,000-Tutoring programKwahamots-$1,500-bleacher replacementOur Sisters House-$2,000-operations costs at the temporary housing shelterTomahawk Public Library-$4,500-Activity kits for Tinker Tuesdays and STEM programsTomahawk Food Pantry-$2,600-Ongoing expensesTomahawk Wrestling Alumni-$4,500-Costs associated with hosting Youth Wrestling TournamentWaWui-$1,000-Bleacher Replacement Fundraiser

Published on 07/22/2025 under News This past week, the Tomahawk Kinship organization officially took ownership of their future home. Now they're looking to show off the new space. It was a week ago today that papers were signed and Tomahawk Kinship acquired the former Bradley Bank building from Associated Bank. The youth mentorship program had been on the hunt for a larger space to accommodate their growing needs. They set their sights on recently vacated building, launching a fundraiser to secure the $300,000. And thanks to community generosity and several grants, they reached the goal earlier this month. With keys in hand, Kinship is opening the doors to the community with an open house this evening. The goal is to share their vision of the new home with the community. Purchasing the building was only the first step. Phases 2 and 3 include retrofitting the building to suit their needs, and converting a portion of the back parking lot into a green space. Tonight's Open House will include tours, information, a silent auction, and even some tasty snacks courtesy of the Windmill and Sweet Pies of Mine. For those interested, it's from 5pm to 7pm this evening. Come in through the back entrance. And attendees are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food donation.

Published on 07/22/2025 under News A Northwoods warden was recognized by the DNR as their Warden of the Year. At a ceremony earlier this month, Bradley Dahlquist was presented with the Haskell Noyes Warden of the Year award. Dahlquist is a member of the Antigo Warden Team, beginning his career in 2008. According to the DNR, their Warden of the Year recipient demonstrates an ability to lead a quality law enforcement conservation program that balances enforcement, education and community involvement. Dahlquist was nominated by was nominated Captain Ben Treml, who called Dahlquist a humble leader with a contagious can-do attitude backed by a strong drive for public service. Treml says, "Brad has been instrumental in serving the public in Forest and Langlade counties throughout his career. He is the first to volunteer and take on extra duties and keeps current on ever-changing technology to support his strong performance in investigative and enforcement work in all areas." The Haskell Noyes Award, created 95 years ago by the late Milwaukee businessman who sought recognition for officers protecting the resources. Photo credit: Wisconsin DNR: Bradley Dahlquist, DNR conservation warden, is recognized with the 2024 Haskell Noyes Award. Pictured, from left to right, are: Lt. Jacob Cross, Warden Bradley Dahlquist, Chief Conservation Warden Casey Krueger and Capt. Ben Treml.

Published on 07/22/2025 under News A Lincoln County man was arrested due to his actions after a family pet was struck by a vehicle. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report, the incident happened Friday. Deputies were sent to County Z in the Town of Scott for a man disrupting passing cars. According to the report, when deputies arrived on scene, they found the man had placed a garbage can in the middle of the highway. They learned the man was upset because his cat had been killed near that location. The deputies initially gave the man a warning, removed the garbage can, and left the scene. They were called back to the area a short time later. The man was allegedly attempting to spray passing cars with paint, according to the report. The deputies placed the man under arrested for disorderly conduct and brought him to the Lincoln County Jail.

Published on 07/22/2025 under News Lincoln County Deputies are seeking information on a pair of burglaries this past week. According to the Sheriff's Report, the first took theft took place at an address along highway 17 in the Town of Russell. A man reported his vehicle had been broken into and a fire arm stolen. The second incident happened on County T in the Town of Somo. The property owner said someone had entered a building on his property and stole several high value items. At the time of the report, the victim was still working on a complete list of items taken. The burglary is believed to have happened at some point over the last two weeks. Anyone with information on either of these incidents is asked to contact the LISO.

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