WJJQ Radio

Story Details

Good News Project Receives Good News; $20,000 Grant Published on 08/05/2025 under News

The Good News Project offers several valuable resources to communities in the Northwoods. They recently received a generous contribution to continue those missions.

Our listeners may be familiar with the Wausau-based organization through their electronics recycling collections or the Health Equipment Lending Program or HELP. Their board announced that they were selected to receive a $20,000 grant from WoodTrust Bank and the Bell Family Charitable Foundation.

The funds will support the final phase of a capital campaign to complete a loading dock at their facility to better suit the needs for both programs.

A grateful director Chirstine Daniels called it a pivotal moment adding, "The loading dock is more than a concrete structure—it's a gateway for generosity. With this support, we'll be able to move equipment and electronics more safely and efficiently."

The loading dock is one of the final components of Good News Project's multi-year capital campaign and is expected to be completed by September.

In Other News

Tomahawk Hosting National Night Out Event Tuesday

Published on 08/05/2025 under News The Tomahawk community will be able to connect with first responders and local organizations at a returning event this evening. National Night Out is part of a nationwide campaign that's been around for more than four decades. The Tomahawk Chamber arranged to bring the event to Tomahawk last year, and they are looking to build on that success. We spoke with Chamber director Charis Lau about National Night Out. She says, "This year we have twice as many businesses involved as last year, plus all of our returning law enforcement as well as fire departments." For the first responders specifically, it's an opportunity to get familiar with them in a positive and relaxed setting. Beyond first responders, they'll have other local community groups and organizations. And even WJJQ will be on hand. As for what attendees can expect, Lau says, "Families can make a night of it, enjoy the activities at every booth, chat with our local businesses, check out all of the amazing vehicles and trucks our officers and firefighters bring, grab dinner and dessert, and top it off with the ski show!" People can stop by Veteran's Memorial Park in Tomahawk from 5pm to 7:30p Tuesday.

Published on 08/05/2025 under News Several members of the Merrill Fire Department hit the road for an important assignment this past week. Throughout the year, firefighters around the state volunteer their time and travel to Wisconsin Rapids to help offer maintenance services at the Wisconsin Fire and EMS Memorial. That includes mowing and yard work around grounds and clean-up work in and around the museum. The Merrill Fire Department shared on their social media that they took their turn this past week. Several members of the fire department and even a few young family members traveled south to offer a helping hand. There is a special connection between the Merrill Department and the Memorial. Back in 2023, former Chief Adlord Talbot was commemorated at the site. Talbot served in the 1930's and 40's and his death classified as in the line of duty.

Published on 08/05/2025 under News Antique boat and motor enthusiasts are converging in Tomahawk this week. It's the annual Vintage and Classic Outboard Motor and Boat show, now in it's 44th year.. The event brings participants from all over the Midwest, some even further, to take part in all things outboard motors. That includes displays, a swap meet, competitions, and a chance to share stories over their passion. The Tomahawk event is seen as the regional destination. They've long included the slogan, "If you can't find it at Tomahawk, they probably never made it." on the competition front, they have 13 different divisions and will also incorporate six on-water events Other activities planned for the week including a Thursday night evening cruise. The event is based out of SARA Park and organizers invited the public to stop by, take a walk through the arena and down memory lane. They note that Wednesday and Thursday are the best days to check it out, and it is free for spectators. The event wraps up Friday with a special participant banquet.

Published on 08/04/2025 under News The Nicolet College Board recently welcomed three new trustees, along with one current board member appointed. Starting with the returning member, Abbey Dall. She currently serves as the executive director at the Northwoods Alliance for Temporary Housing or NATH in Rhinelander. Dall is actually a Nicolet graduate. The three newcomers to the board include: Jim Mulleady of Eagle River, an employee of Shorewest Realtors, will serve as an employee member. Tony Pharo of Eagle River, executive director of Oneida County Economic Development Corporation, will serve as an at-large member. Scott Sievert of Rhinelander, general manager at Trident Maritime Systems, will serve as an interim employer member. Nicolet President Kate Ferrel welcomed the new board members, adding, "They each bring deep expertise combined with enthusiasm for community service. Their guidance will help ensure College continues to be an asset to the people of our district." The Board also elected their officers for the upcoming school year, with Dall selected as the Chair.

Published on 08/04/2025 under News Another longtime member of Merrill is being honored for his contributions to the city during his life. Over the weekend, the intersection of East 9th Street and North Sales Street in Merrill was dedicated as William C. Johnston Way. It's part of an ongoing effort of the city Historic Preservation Committee to dedicate street segments for tor those who've left an indelible mark. According to the biography, Johnston graduated Merrill High in 1963. He went on to become president of Merrill based Park City Credit Union, a position he held for nearly 25 years. He used that position to regularly give back to the Merrill community, both through the credit union and on his own. They noted this was often done with little fanfare as he wanted. Johnston was also active in the community and served regularly on city committees and commissions. He becomes the third community member this year recognized through the Merrill Historical Street program. A small ceremony was held over the weekend to unveil the new marker.

Published on 08/04/2025 under News It was another warm summer weekend here in the Northwoods, but there was a little extra heat in downtown Tomahawk with an annual rib cook-off. The Tomahawk Lion's Club hosted their anniversary 15th edition of Thrilla on the Grilla Saturday. Ten teams grilled up their best, turning out hundreds of racks of mouthwatering ribs, along with tasty sides like Mexican street corn and kraut, potato salads and desserts. And in the end, LP Building Solutions had a clean sweep, claiming all first place in all four categories. This included the judge's pick and the fan vote for both their ribs and their side dish. The victory is nothing new for the team as they entered the competition as the defending rib champion. As for the runner's up, five other teams shared those honors across the five categories, though no one went away hungry with plenty of good food served up throughout the day. Of course the event doubles as a fundraiser for the Tomahawk Lion's Club, and they thanked all the teams who participated, all of the volunteers who lend a hand, and everyone who came out to enjoy the food and the event. Their already looking forward to next year.

Published on 08/04/2025 under News The Tomahawk Community Theater is busy planning their fall production. They've now put out a call for potential actors. The TCT board has been laying the groundwork for their next production set to debut later this year. This time around, they've selected an iconic 'who-done-it' with Agatha Christie's murder mystery Murder on the Orient Express. With some of the behind the scenes work finalized, they're beginning the process of auditions. Past performers have highlighted the inclusiveness, no matter their experience. It's typically a blend of newcomers and veterans from previous plays who have made up the cast and crew. The process will be through informal readings during a pair of open house opportunities at the Fine Arts Studio at 200 West Mohawk Drive in the coming days. The first is scheduled Monday evening from 5pm to 8pm; the second on Thursday evening. This will be the fourth production for the Tomahawk Community Theater, which was launched in the summer of 2022. The first three performances resulted in a run of sold out shows. In between, they've also hosted a variety show and children's summer theater workshops to continue their mission of providing opportunities for those interested in the fine arts here in the Tomahawk community.

Published on 08/04/2025 under News Lincoln County Featured in New Discover Wisconsin Video, Summer Recreation Focus Over the last year or so, Lincoln County partners have teamed up with Discover Wisconsin and Uniquely Wisconsin to produce a series of video segments on the county. Discover Wisconsin released another video short focused on Lincoln County over the weekend. The five minute video is titled 'What's behind the trees.' It features some additional footage from previous shots. Among the highlights of the latest video is an extended look at a hidden gem, even for many locals in the scenic Ice Age Trail. They also highlight several local businesses, the Tomahawk Fall Ride and Merrill's unique Three Arch Bridge. That video is available for viewing on the Discover Wisconsin YouTube Channel.

Published on 08/04/2025 under News The Tomahawk Community Theater is busy planning their fall production. They've now put out a call for potential actors. The TCT board has been laying the groundwork for their next production set to debut later this year. This time around, they've selected an iconic 'who-done-it' with Agatha Christie's murder mystery Murder on the Orient Express. With some of the behind the scenes work finalized, they're beginning the process of auditions. Past performers have highlighted the inclusiveness no matter their experience. Its typically a blend of newcomers and veterans from previous plays. The process will be through informal readings during a pair of open house opportunities at the Fine Arts Studio at 200 West Mohawk Drive in the coming days. The first is scheduled Monday evening from 5pm to 8pm; the second on Thursday evening. This will be the fourth production for the Tomahawk Community Theater, which was launched in the summer of 2022. The first three performances resulted in a run of sold out shows. In between, they've also hosted a variety show and children's summer theater workshops to continue their mission of providing opportunities for those interested in the fine arts here in the Tomahawk community.

Published on 08/04/2025 under News It was another warm summer weekend here in the Northwoods, but there was a little extra heat in downtown Tomahawk with an annual rib cook-off. The Tomahawk Lion's Club hosted their anniversary 15th edition of Thrilla on the Grilla Saturday. Ten teams grilled up their best, turning out hundreds of racks of mouthwatering ribs, along with tasty sides like mexican street corn, stuffed strawberries and peach cobbler. And in the end, LP Building Solutions had a clean sweep, claiming all first place in all four categories. This included the judge's pick and the fan vote for both their ribs and their side dish. The victory is nothing new for the team as they entered the competition as the defending rib champion. As for the runner's up, five other teams shared those honors across the five categories, though no one went away hungry with plenty of good food served up throughout the day. Of course the event doubles as a fundraiser for the Tomahawk Lion's Club, and they thanked all the teams who participated, all of the volunteers who lend a hand, and everyone who came out to enjoy the food and the event. Their already looking forward to next year.

+ Read More