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Travel Wisconsin Launches Fall Colors Tracker Published on 09/23/2025 under News

The leaves are beginning to change here in the Northwoods, and with that, Wisconsin's tourism arm will make it easier to plan viewing excursions.

Monday marked the first day of autumn, and Travel Wisconsin has launched their annual Fall Colors tracker. The online tool lets travelers view when and where fall colors are at their peak. This year they've once again partnered with around 100 volunteer reporters from around the state who will give localized color updates.

The site also highlights nearby by amenities and fall color-related attractions such as selfie stations and popular public viewing areas. One of the top spots is right in our backyard at Timm's Hill, the highest point in the state.

The map also features photos, videos, and drone footage.

Tourism Secretary Anne Sayers says, "Fall moves by fast. With the Fall Color Report, you'll make every moment count by discovering beautiful places to see the changing leaves, ideas for filling out an itinerary and inspiration to find the awe in autumn."

A number of factors impact fall colors such as tree health, day length, soil moisture, and temperatures.

As of the latest report, most of the Northwoods is listed between 10% and 25%. The expected peak time the first week of October. You can visit the Fall Color guide on the Travel Wisconsin website, or sign up to have them sent to your email on a weekly basis.

In Other News

Hatchet Girls Swim Squad Defeat Antigo in GNC Dual

Published on 09/26/2025 under Sports Tomahawk's girls' swim squad defeated Antigo in their Great Northern Conference Dual Thursday night at the Hatchet Pool, 81-33. The Hatchets finished first in eight of the 11 events. Tomahawk placed first in all three relay events and five of the eight individual events. The Hatchets also had all three swimmers that were in the 50 yard freestyle finish in the top three. The win puts Tomahawks' dual record at 2-3 on the season. The Hatchets will go on the road for their next GNC Meet Thursday at Medford.

Published on 09/26/2025 under News The Tomahawk Community Thrift Shop has been successful thanks to their team of volunteers, and they're hoping to get more people involved. The Board recently put out a call for volunteers, and we spoke with Board Member Sherry Hulett about the many opportunities available whether in store or on their board. Hulett credited the founding members for their vision, and noted that many are still volunteering. But there is occasional turnover. And Hulett also noted the need grows at this time of year. That's because a handful of their regular volunteers are snowbirds who will be heading south for the winter. When it comes to time commitment, Hulett says they are very flexible, adding it's excellent opportunity for retirees or parents with kids in school. There are a variety of positions including sorters, stockers, displays, and cashiers along with leadership opportunities on the Board. The mission of the Thrift Store is to return 75% of their proceeds back to community groups and organizations, and in six short years have already contributed $188,000 in grants. As for how to get involved, Hulett says they are 'old-school.' They have paper applications at the store during regular hours. You can hear that conversation in the WJJQ audio center.

Published on 09/26/2025 under News Beef is on the menu in Minocqua this weekend, as the community will be hosting Beef-A-Rama. This is the milestone 60th year for Beef-A-Rama, and they're hoping to 'let the good times grill' with a Mardi Gras theme. Thousands of hungry visitors are expected to visit downtown Minocqua to enjoy plenty of bovine themed activities and entertainment. Kicking off the day is the rump roast run and a calf mile race. They've also got a Prime Choice craft fair. Dozens of teams will compete for bragging rights by testing their roasting skills in a cooking competition. And Mad Dog and Merrill will even be on-hand filming an episode of their popular grilling TV show on site. And there will be plenty of beef served up to attendees. Most of the events will be centered in Downtown Minocqua area. To accommodate the thousands of attendees, they've arranged to have free shuttles running several parking areas around the community. For more information including a full schedule, you can visit the Minocqua Visitor's Bureau Facebook or website, or simply download their Beef-A-Rama app on your smart phone.

Published on 09/26/2025 under News September is AFib Awareness Month, a time to focus on atrial fibrillation, the most common form of irregular heart rhythm. According to the American Heart Association, a third of people with Afib have no symptoms. And recent research has show Afib on the rise among those under the age of 65. Dr. John Johnkoski, is a cardiothoracic surgeon at Aspirus. He says, "The earlier we detect AFib, the better we can protect patients from stroke and heart damage." One important tool might be sitting on your wrist. Smart watches and other personal devices can give people new ways to notice something is wrong. While the wearable tech can't diagnose AFib, they can provide a helpful nudge to get checked by a doctor when an irregular rhythm shows up. Johnkoski says, "Technology can support awareness, but it is not a replacement for medical evaluation." That evaluation can lead to life-saving treatment whether medication or lifestyle changes. Johnkoski says, "If you feel something unusual or if your watch flags an irregular rhythm, reach out to your care team. That simple step could prevent a stroke or even save a life."

Published on 09/26/2025 under News Fall in Wisconsin means hunting, with the various seasons seemingly opening on a weekly basis. Coming up Saturday is the start of the Northern Zone duck season. Highway 10 serves as the northern and southern zone boundary for most of the state. Hunters in the northern zone get to start a week earlier to provide better opportunity ahead of the fall migration. Based on their spring waterfowl survey, the DNR is predicting a productive season. According to that data, Wisconsin's duck breeding population estimate was 565,000 birds, a 26% above the long-term average. The most abundant species, the DNR says mallards make up 32% of the state's total duck harvest. The daily bag limit statewide is six ducks with some species specific limitations as well. Hunters are reminded to review those regulations, as well as safety tips. The Northern Zone season runs through late November.

Published on 09/26/2025 under News More than a dozen technical college students will benefit from scholarships from the Wisconsin Public Service Foundation. The Foundation announced that 14 first-time college students will share in $25,000 through their annual technical college scholarship program. The recipients are all enrolled in technical colleges with a focus on fields in energy, maintenance, electric power distribution and natural gas utility construction. And that investment has even benefited WPS, as they currently employ 16 past scholarship recipients who completed their degrees and came to work for the utility. Since its incorporation in 1964, the WPS Foundation has awarded more than $6 million in scholarships to students in the region.

Published on 09/26/2025 under News A Wausau Man has been sentenced to eight years in prison on federal charges of cocaine trafficking and illegal firearms possession. According to the US Attorney's Office for the western district of Wisconsin, Johntay L. Johnson was back in federal court for a sentencing. In July, the 40 year old pleaded guilty to distributing cocaine, maintaining a drug-involved premises, and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The investigation began in December 2023, when the Central Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force identified Johnson as a cocaine trafficker operating out of Wausau. During the investigation, a confidential informant purchased cocaine from Johnson on multiple occasions including while he was out on bond for other charges. During a search warrant executed at Johnson's home investigators recovered four fire arms included two previously reported as stolen. In addition to his 8 years in prison, he'll also serve 3 years supervised release.

Published on 09/26/2025 under Sports It's homecoming week here in Tomahawk and the THS Cross-Country team will continue a unique tradition. For nearly three decades now, the Hatchet harriers have completed what is often referred to as the 'gameball relay.' Traditional homecoming focuses on football and a dance. Over the years, the Tomahawk School District has sought a more inclusive week-long celebration incorporating additional sports and athletes. That includes the 'gameball relay', now in it's 28th year. Cross Coach Connor Ahrens explained this afternoon's tradition. At the traditional pep rally, the cross-country captains will be presented with the football for tonight's game. The runners will be transported south towards Mosinee, tonight's opponent. At the 26 mile mark, marathon distance, they'll begin a relay-style run along County E and back towards Hatchet Field. After a ceremonial lap around the gridiron, the runners will present the game ball back to the THS football captains ahead of kick-off.*Photo from 2023 Gameball Relay

Published on 09/26/2025 under Sports Tomahawk's volleyball squad went 2-1 in their home quad Thursday night. The Hatchets would win in three sets over Abbotsford and Marathon. Tomahawk defeated Marathon 21-25, 27-25, 15-11. The Hatchets would then beat Abbotsford 25-17, 19-25, 15-11. The Hatchets ended the night losing to Newman Catholic, 22-25, 15-25. Tomahawk's record now stands at 12-12 on the season and 2-2 in Great Northern Conference pay. The Hatchets are back in action Tuesday for a Great Northern Conference Showdown against Mosinee. Tune in for the broadcast on Northwoods 92.5 WJJQ. The Fehrman Orthodontics Prematch Show begins at 6:35 and First Serve is at 7:00. Alex Koch and Matt Theiler will be in the broadcast booth.

Published on 09/25/2025 under Sports The recognition continue to take notice for Tomahawk's football team and this time it is coming from Wisconsin's NFL Team. The Green Bay Packers announced Football Coach Dewey Reilly was named their High School Coach of the Week. Reilly has led the Hatchets to their first 5-0 start since 1969 and are ranked fifth among all Division 5 programs Statewide according to the Bound Wisconsin Coaches poll. Away from the field, Reilly, who is a 1997 Tomahawk High School Graduate, emphasizes the importance of the team being positive role models for the Tomahawk Community. Reilly also played Linebacker at Minnesota State-Mankato. As a result of the award, the Packers and the NFL Foundation will donate $1,000 to Tomahawk's Football program and will be recognized of the award on packers.com, boundwisconsin.com, and wifca.org. The Hatchets take on Mosinee in their Homecoming Football Game Friday night. Tune in for the Fehrman Orthodontics Kickoff Cabin at 6:10 and opening kick at 7:00 with Alex Koch and Jon Long in the broadcast booth.

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