WJJQ Radio

Recent News

Food for Kidz Meal Packing Event Returns to Lakeland Area

Published on 10/23/2026 under News An increase in food insecurity has created a growing need for outreach programs. An impressive event in Minocqua this weekend will help replenish local food pantries and school backpack programs. The Lakeland-Area Lions Club is hosting "Food for Kidz," an annual meal-packaging event, this Saturday and is encouraging community members to lend a helping hand. During the event, volunteers measure bulk food contributions into individual meal-sized packages. The packaged meals are distributed to around two dozen area food pantries, shelters, and after-school backpack programs. The event is also part of a broader outreach initiative that sends packaged meals to areas in need. The local event typically packages around 250,000 meals in a single day—achieving this in just four short hours. That success is made possible by 500 to 600 volunteers working efficiently along assembly lines. Some volunteer slots are still available, and organizers note that while it is a busy day, it is a fun experience supporting a great cause. Organizers have set an ambitious goal of 300,000 meals this year, which would push their lifetime total past 3 million meals since the mission began. Online registration to volunteer, walk-ins can also help. The packing event will take place at Lakeland Union High School on Saturday morning with shifts at 9am and 11:30am.

Published on 10/23/2026 under News Following a well-received premiere last month in Tomahawk, a new feature-length documentary capturing local history is getting a financial boost through regional tourism funds. The Tomahawk Regional Chamber of Commerce has awarded a 5,000-dollar room tax grant to support Tomahawk: City in the Pines. Produced by Tomahawk native Clay Schmit alongside filmmaker John Newcombe, the project uses historical photographs, archival research, and contemporary footage to bring local heritage to life in the 90 minute film. The film debuted in September to strong local reviews. Chamber officials say the grant program supports initiatives that showcase the area's culture and drive local tourism. Executive Director Charis Lau noted that the documentary helps residents reconnect with their roots while offering visitors a deeper appreciation for the community. Looking ahead, Chamber officials say they are exploring additional collaborative film projects to keep sharing Tomahawk's story. For those that missed the screening of Tomahawk City in the Pines; the film is now available to stream online through Kinema.

Published on 10/23/2026 under News As waterfront property owners pull their docks, lifts, and boats for the season, local conservation officials are encouraging residents to check all equipment for aquatic invasive species (AIS). Fall equipment removal provides an ideal opportunity for inspection and thorough cleaning. Taking time to inspect gear helps keep local waterways free from invaders like zebra and quagga mussels, which easily attach to solid structures left underwater over the summer. Others like Eurasian watermilfoil and spiny waterfleas can be spread in weeds and mud. Officials note that pressure washers are an excellent tool for cleaning gear, especially if docks, lifts, or watercraft will be moved to a different body of water. Fall removal is also a prime opportunity to thoroughly drain, wipe down, and dry boats and trailers before placing them into winter storage, preventing invasive hitchhikers from surviving the winter and spreading next spring Property owners are urged to stay vigilant for any new AIS discoveries. If you spot something unusual, snap a clear photo, collect a sample if possible, and share the information with your local AIS coordinator or the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Published on 10/23/2026 under News Law enforcement agencies and local health departments across Northern Wisconsin are gearing up for statewide Drug Take Back Day this Saturday. Special drop-off sites will be set up statewide throughout the day. These collection events serve multiple crucial purposes: they keep unused medications out of landfills and municipal water systems while preventing dangerous pharmaceuticals from falling into the wrong hands. "If somebody has a cabinet full of medications that they're saving 'just in case,' I would tell them it's time to go through it and get rid of them," said Aspirus Pharmacist Allison Waraska. "It's very important to take a few minutes to look through your medications, identify what you no longer need or what is expired, and bring those back on Drug Take Back Day." Residents in Lincoln County are fortunate to have several permanent drop-off locations year-round, including drop boxes at both the Tomahawk and Merrill Police Departments. While these boxes are always available, statewide collection days serve as a helpful reminder to clean out home medicine cabinets. During his report at the most recent Tomahawk Health and Safety Committee meeting, Police Chief Al Elvins highlighted the community's continued active use of the local collection program. For those looking to find a prescription drug disposal location, the state health department offers an interactive online map that allows users to search for both temporary event sites and permanent drop-off boxes.

Published on 10/23/2026 under News A buck at a Northwoods deer farm has tested positive for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). According to the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, the positive result came from a 3-year-old white-tailed buck tested at a deer breeding farm in Taylor County. State officials did not identify the farm further in the release. Due to the positive test result, the property has been placed under quarantine while state veterinarians and staff conduct an epidemiological investigation. This was one of two positive CWD cases announced yesterday by state officials. The other involved a wild buck in Marinette County that was euthanized after showing visible signs of illness. CWD is a fatal neurological disease that affects deer, elk, and moose. Transmission occurs through direct contact between animals or exposure to contaminated environments.

Published on 10/23/2026 under News The Marathon County Sheriff's Office is warning the public about a renewed phone scam involving fake law enforcement callers. Deputies say scammers are calling residents claiming to be from the Sheriff's Office—even using real staff names like Lt. Gladden—to demand money or personal information for "urgent legal matters." Officials remind the public that caller ID numbers can easily be faked, and legitimate law enforcement will never demand immediate phone payments for warrants or jury duty. If you receive one of these high-pressure calls, simply hang up. To confirm whether a call is real, dial the Marathon County Sheriff's Office directly. Anyone who has lost money to a scam should contact non-emergency dispatch right away.

+ Read More

Sports Headlines

Hatchet Fall Sports Update 10/24/26

Published on 10/24/2026 under Sports Gibeault, Lund Head to State Cross Country Halloween Afternoon Two Hatchet Cross Country athletes will be making their trip to the Ridges in the Wisconsin Rapids for the WIAA Division 2 State Cross Country Meet next week. At the Sectional Meet in Rhinelander, Senior runner Elise Gibeault and Sophomore athlete Charlee Lund would each finish in the top ten time-wise, making the Hatchet athletes automatic qualifiers. Gibeaults placed fifth with a time of 20:17. Lund was right behind Gibeault, placing sixth with a time of 20:22. As a team, the Hatchets would finish just outside of the top two, placing third behind Lakeland and Wittenberg-Birnamwood. Tomahawk's boys would place eighth overall in the Sectional Meet. Jordyn Carew finished as the boys' fastest runner with a time of 18:24. Gibeault and Lund will compete in the WIAA Division 2 State Cross Country Meet at the Ridges in Wisconsin Rapids Halloween. The Division 2 Race begins at 12:40. Tomahawk Football Stymied in Second Half at Brillion, Ending Season The Hatchet Football Season would end in the WIAA Division 5 First Round of the Playoffs as they would fall to #3 Brillion Friday night, 27-7. Tomahawk led 7-0 with less than 30 seconds remaining on a 20-yard touchdown run by Hudson Evans. However, the Lions scored 13 points in the final seconds of the first half, including a pick-six as it came to end. After the interception, the Hatchets failed to re-establish any momentum in the second half. Tomahawk was limited to less than 50 total yards and failed to cross the Brillion 50 in the second half. Max Larson finished with 47 rushing yards, leading the way on the ground for Tomahawk. The Hatchet Football squad would finish 4-6 on the season and 4-3 in Great Northern Conference play. 11-Player Football Playoff Scores: ,#5 D2 Marshfield 44, #4 D2 Wausau East 14 #2 D3 Medford 42, #7 D3 Green Bay West 0 #3 D3 Fox Valley Lutheran 54, #6 D3 Rhinelander 14 #4 D3 Luxemburg-Casco 42, #5 D3 Merrill 14 #3 D7 Hilbert 46, #6 D7 Abbotsford 7 8-Player Football Playoff Scores: #6 Athens 48, #2 Hurley 42 Hatchet Girls Swimmers Place Ninth in GNC Meet at Lakeland At the Great Northern Conference Girls Swimming Meet in Lakeland Friday, the Hatchet girls as a team would place ninth to wrap up their regular season. The Hatchets as a team would have a couple of ninth-place finishes in relay events. Kami Gabrich, Kortney Busterud, Aubrey Tollefson, and Kaylee Roberts placed ninth in the 400 yard freestyle with a time of 4:33.61. Tomahawk also had Roberts, Busterud, Gabrich, and Sloane Eisenman place ninth in the 200 yard freestyle, clocking in at 2:04.95. Tollefson placed tenth in the 100 breastroke with a time of 1:22.14. The WIAA Division 2 Sectional Meet for the Hatchet Girls Swimmers will take place November 7th at Rice Lake.

Published on 10/21/2026 under Sports The Hatchet Volleyball season came to a quick end in the WIAA Division 3 Regional Quarterfinal Tuesday night as they would get swept at Weyauwega-Fremont, 25-14, 25-12, 25-8. The Hatchets were unable to overcome hot starts by the Warhawks and allowed 13 aces in the match. In her final high school volleyball match, Senior Outside Hitter Averi Petta led the Hatchets with eight kills. Lexi Palmer had 12 assists on the night. Tomahawk finishes the 2026 season with a 6-29 overall record and a 1-9 Great Northern Conference record. The lone Hatchet Senior to graduate is Averi Petta.

Published on 10/17/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's Cross Country squads provided some encouraging finishes in the Great Northern Conference meet Saturday at Hatchet Field, each placing third. For the girls, three Hatchets placed in the top 15. Charlee Lund placed fifth with a time of 19:34. Right behind Lund was Elise Gibeault, placing sixth and clocking in at 19:43. Ellie Micke placed 14th with a time of 21:51. On the boys' side, three athletes placed in the top 20. Jordyn Carew placed 12th, clocking in at 17:39. Connor Zorn finished 15th with a time of 17:58. Dawson Jones went 16th with a time of 18:11. The WIAA Division 2 Cross Country Sectional Meet for Tomahawk is Friday at Rhinelander. Team Finishes: Girls: 1st – Lakeland 2nd – Rhinelander 3rd – Tomahawk 4th – Merrill 5th – Mosinee 6th – Antigo 7th – Medford Boys: 1st – Lakeland 2nd – Rhinelander 3rd - Tomahawk 4th – Mosinee 5th – Northland Pines 6th – Medford 7th – Antigo

Published on 10/17/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's football squad would end the 2026 season with their first win over the Mosinee Indians Friday night at Veterans Park Friday, 6-3. The Hatchets held Mosinee under 100 total yards of offense, including just 14 yards allowed in the second half. Tomahawk's lone score came at the end of the third quarter when Max Larson ran it in from one yard out. The touchdown from Larson was his seventh of the season. He also led the Hatchets with 61 yards on 14 carries. Hudson Evans had 44 yards on eight touches. The Hatchets finish the 2026 Regular Season with a 4-5 on the season and 4-3 in Great Northern Conference play. Tomahawk will play in the first round of the WIAA Division 5 Playoffs Friday night. The Hatchets are the #6 seed and will travel to #3 seed Brillion. The Fehrman Orthodontics Kickoff Cabin will begin at 6:15 with kick at 7:00 from Lion Field on the WJJQ app, online at wjjq.com, and on Northwoods 92.5 WJJQ. Alex Koch and Keith Hanse will have the broadcast Friday night. 11-Player Football: Medford 48, Antigo 6 Rhinelander 27, Lakeland 14 Wausau East 21, Merrill 14 Stratford 45, Northland Pines 6 Crandon 48, Clintonville 30 Edgar 35, Abbotsford 0 8-Player Football Playoffs: #1 Laona-Wabeno 44, #8 Three Lakes/Phelps 6 #4 Northwood/Solon Springs 48, #5 Rib Lake 8 #6 Athens 44, #3 Turtle Lake 20

Published on 10/11/2026 under Sports At the Great Northern Conference Volleyball Tournament, Tomahawk went 1-2 in their matches Saturday. The Hatchets were swept by Mosinee and Medford in their first two matches. However, Tomahawk would steal a match against Rhinelander, winning in four sets. The Hatchets will finish the 2026 regular season with a 6-28 record and a 1-9 overall Great Northern Conference record. Seeding meetings across the state of Wisconsin will take place Monday. Stay tuned to find out who Tomahawk will play in the first round of the WIAA Division 3 Volleyball Postseason on Northwoods 92.5 WJJQ.

+ 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.