WJJQ Radio

Recent News

Record Setting Tourism Numbers in Wisconsin, Lincoln County

Published on 06/11/2026 under News It was a record-setting year for tourism, both across the state of Wisconsin and right here in Lincoln County. On Tuesday, the Wisconsin Department of Tourism released its 2025 economic impact data, revealing that the state's tourism industry generated a record-breaking $27 billion last year. When broken down by county, the data showed that Lincoln County set a tourism record for the fourth consecutive year, reaching $115 million in economic impact, a 2.3% growth over the previous year. In the northern half of the county, Tomahawk Chamber Director Charis Lau was excited to share the numbers, noting that tourism remains one of the strongest drivers of local economic activity. She says, "The newly released tourism impact data demonstrates the important role visitors play in supporting local businesses, creating jobs, and contributing to the overall quality of life enjoyed by residents." Delving a bit further into the numbers, the tourism industry supports nearly 700 part-time and full-time jobs in Lincoln County. It also generated approximately $6.3 million in local tax revenue, a figure that continues to rise alongside visitor spending. Lau added, "Every visitor who chooses Tomahawk contributes to a stronger local economy, and every positive experience helps create another ambassador for the Northwoods." In the coming days, we will take a closer look at how neighboring Northwoods counties fared.

Published on 06/11/2026 under News If it seems like there is an uptick in ticks this spring, latest survey data from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services supports that claim. State health officials report that tick activity remains high across Wisconsin, currently driven by tiny deer tick nymphs and larvae, while adult ticks have trended downward. Because these young black-legged ticks are only about the size of a poppy seed, they can be incredibly difficult to spot, yet they frequently carry tickborne illnesses. Locally, Lincoln County is one of three counties selected by the DHS for specialized tick surveillance. Known as "tick dragging," staff conduct these surveys every other week in Lincoln, Iowa, and Waupaca counties. The process involves pulling a white denim drag along a 750-meter path and checking it for ticks at regular intervals. Notably, Lincoln County turned up more ticks than the other two counties this past week. With summer recreation now in full swing across the Northwoods, health experts encourage residents to stay vigilant while enjoying the outdoors. You can prevent tick bites by taking proactive steps, including performing daily tick checks. If you do find one, the DHS offers a free Tick Identification Service, which allows residents to submit photos of ticks found on people or pets for quick identification.

Published on 06/11/2026 under News As breast cancer awareness and screening efforts continue to grow in the Tomahawk area, Aspirus Tomahawk Hospital has earned national recognition for the quality of its mammography services. The hospital recently received a three-year mammography accreditation from the American College of Radiology, a designation awarded to facilities that meet rigorous standards for image quality, patient safety, equipment performance and staff qualifications. Mammography remains one of the most effective tools for early breast cancer detection according to Aspirus Tomahawk imaging services manager Laurie Lemke. She noted that the accreditation reflects the team's commitment to providing safe, accurate and compassionate care. The recognition comes as Aspirus continues to expand breast imaging services locally. The hospital recently added 3D mammography technology with AI-assisted detection capabilities, providing patients with advanced screening tools closer to home. Community outreach efforts have also been supported by local breast cancer advocacy group The Ties That Bind Us, which works to promote awareness and support for patients and families.

Published on 06/11/2026 under News An event focused on the needs of individuals with autism is coming to the Northwoods this weekend. Bonnie and Clyde's Gangster Park in Harshaw will host the Fourth Annual Autism Acceptance Fundraiser this Sunday. Organized by Aurora's Guiding Light Foundation, the event aims to celebrate neurodiversity and raise vital funds for local autism programs. This year, organizers want to highlight that support should continue into adulthood. Foundation founder Alexandra Kuckkahn says the inspiration for the event's expansion came from watching her own daughter grow into her teenage years. She says, "Autism doesn't end at 18 — there's a whole community that deserves its own party, and we are here to give it to them." A dedicated, quiet sensory room will also be available all day. To ensure every attendee feels comfortable, the day is split into three distinct segments tailored to different sensory needs:The morning (10am-noon) begins with Sensory Hours, offering a quiet, low-stimulus environment.Mid-day (noon-4pm) will focus on Inclusive Family Hours, featuring a variety of fun activities and a special presentation by advocate Ashley Mathy at 3pm.The evening (4pm-8pm) introduces the unique Adults On and Off the Spectrum Music Festival, featuring live music, dance floor, and a Silent Disco where guests can control their own headphone volume.Admission to the daytime activities is free, though a $5 donation is suggested for the evening music festival to support the performing artists. All funds raised from food, drinks, and raffles will directly support local autism advocacy and family resources.

Published on 06/11/2026 under News As thunderstorms rolled across the Northwoods Wednesday morning, one lightning strike may have sparked a small house fire in Oneida County. The Pine Lake Fire Department was dispatched just before 8 a.m. to a reported fire involving a water heater at a residence on Highway 17 North near Royalwood Lane. Officials said the homeowner was able to knock down the fire before firefighters arrived. Crews found light smoke coming from the home and smoldering materials around the water heater area. The fire was contained to the area surrounding the water heater. According to the department, the fire was caused by a lightning strike during the morning storms. The Pelican Fire Department was initially dispatched on automatic aid but was canceled after Pine Lake crews arrived and assessed the situation. Firefighters remained on scene for about an hour extinguishing remaining hot spots and checked for any fire extension in the home.

Published on 06/11/2026 under News A Merrill man originally facing nearly 50 charges related to animal neglect has reached a plea agreement. Thirty-five-year-old Matthew Krautkramer was back in Lincoln County Court on Wednesday. He was arrested earlier this year following an animal welfare check at a vacant home he owned, where officers discovered numerous cats, both alive and deceased. Krautkramer told investigators he had moved out of the residence but was attempting to continue caring for the animals. While he initially faced 48 charges, Krautkramer pleaded guilty to four counts of mistreatment of an animal causing death. The case moved directly to sentencing, where Krautkramer was ordered to serve 32 days in jail with Huber privileges, along with three years of probation. As part of his sentence, Krautkramer is strictly prohibited from owning, possessing, caring for, or having any contact with pets or animals.

+ Read More

Sports Headlines

Gibeault Places 3rd in 400 meter dash

Published on 06/06/2026 under Sports In the WIAA Division 2 State Track & Field Meet at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse this weekend. Elise Gibeault and Ellie Micke competed in three separate events. Gibeault's top finish came in the 400 meter dash, placing third with a time of 56.7 seconds. Gibeault would finish 2.26 seconds behind state champion Harper Sheehan of Hayward. In her final event, the Hatchet Junior would set a brand new school record in the 200 meter dash with a time of 25.38 seconds, a full second behind Sheehan. As for Micke, her season would end in the High Jump Preliminaries. Micke would finish tied for 12th with Martin Luther's Dynasty Fancher. This concludes the Tomahawk Track & Field Season.

Published on 06/03/2026 under Sports The Hatchet golfing season would end in the WIAA Division 2 Sectional Meet at Spooner Wednesday, placing ninth at the Spooner Golf Club. Tomahawk would finish with a 345, 13 strokes behind St. Croix Central. The top Hatchet golfer in the Sectional meet was Jake Albert, who placed 28th overall with an 82. Rounding out the top three were Rocco Carew with an 83 and Oliver Childers with an 87. Jaxon Kaiser finish with a 93 and Brayden Lamer finished with 100. This concludes the Tomahawk golfing season.

Published on 05/29/2026 under Sports Junior Athlete Elise Gibeault and Sophomore Athlete Ellie Micke would become the only Hatchets to qualify for the WIAA Division 2 State Track & Field Meet at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse next weekend. Gibeault would finish second in both the 200 and 400 meter dashes. Gibeault would re-set personal bests and school records in both events. The Junior finished with a run of 25.74 seconds in the 200 meter dash and a run of 56.39 seconds in the 400 meter dash. Gibeault would place behind only Hayward's Harper Sheehan in both events. As for Micke, she was the last qualifier in the field in the High Jump. Micke tied for the 4th spot in the sectional and would advance by way of tiebreaker. Micke's leap in the High Jump was 5'3". Gibeault and Micke will compete in the WIAA Division 2 State Meet in La Crosse Friday. Field Events begin at 3:00 PM. Running events begin at 3:30 PM.

Published on 05/28/2026 under Sports Despite coming back from down four runs in the fifth inning, Tomahawk's baseball squad would fall in extra innings in the WIAA Division 3 Regional Quarterfinal at Tyler Kahle Memorial Field to the Crandon Cardinals, 8-5. The Hatchets trailed 5-1 heading into the bottom of the fifth inning before tying the game up behind two-run hits from Nick Arndt and Max Larson. After the Hatchets stranded the winning run on third in the seventh, Crandon rolled off three runs off Hatchet pitcher Logan Norman to take the lead. Tomahawk would bring the tying run to the plate, but Arndt flew out to center to end the game and the season. Arndt finished two for five with a triple and two RBIs. Max Larson finished one for five with a double and two RBIs. Despite pitching five scoreless innings and retiring ten straight, Norman absorbed the loss on the mound. The Hatchets finish the 2026 season with a 9-11 record and a 7-7 Great Northern Conference record. Tomahawk graduates Norman, Arndt, Jonah Dickens, Wally Horabik, Colton Seslar, and Brody Hilgendorf.

Published on 05/27/2026 under Sports The Marawood Conference Champion Prentice Golf Team won the WIAA Regional Championship on Tuesday at the Inshalla Country Club. The Bucs set a school scoring record with a 297. Ladysmith finished 30 strokes behind Prentice. Eliah Harding led the way with an even par 70, Matti Heikkinen shot a 74, Hagan Isaacson a 76, Evan Lord a 78 and Jackson Isaacson shot a 79. Prentice will compete in the WIAA Sectional Meet on Tuesday at Big Fish Golf Club in Hayward. The first tee times are at 9:00 am.

+ Read More

Current Weather

Quick Links

WJJQ Daily Features

5:00 until 10:00AM
Jeff in the Morning
Zach with the News

9:35AM
Monday - Friday
Morning Conversation

8:30am - 9:00am
Monday – Saturday
Trig’s Trading Mart
Call (715) 453-4481 to buy, sell, wanted, trade or help your neighbor.

Listen Live While On The Go!
Stream 92.5FM Live To Your Mobile Device.