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'People Catcher's Club': Local Aspirus Emergency Departments Urges Anglers Use Caution with Fish Hooks

Published on 05/02/2024 under News The countdown to the fishing opener is on, and local ER staffers are reminding anglers to use a little caution with hooks to ensure they aren't trading time on the lake for a visit to the hospital as part of what they playfully call the 'People Catcher's Club.' Earlier this week we heard from the emergency departments at Aspirus Eagle River Hospital and Howard Young in Woodruff. Serving an area well-known as a fishing destination, they've removed hundreds of fishing hooks and lures over the years. In fact, they've actually created a display showcasing the various hooks over the past three decades. The original idea came from MedEvac Paramedic Dan Halverson. He said, "I started collecting them, created the cabinet for the hooks, and even more people were willing to leave them for the display." While the People Catcher's display is in good fun, a hooked angler can be serious. Barbs on the hook make self-removal difficult, the wound from a dirty hook also risks infection. That's why the Aspirus staffers have plenty of training on the various methods of hook removal based on the situation. Howard Young ER nurse Wendy Lizak added, "We always tell (the hooked anglers) you are not the first one, you won't be the last..." The reminder also provided a chance to recount the legend of the twice-hooked angler. He arrived at Howard Young and had a musky lure removed. Rather that contributed the artificial bait to the display he decided to take it with him. Unfortunately, as he got into his vehicle, he managed to snag himself a second time. After a second removal he left the cursed lure for the display. In exchange for the lures, the Anglers are presented with a bobber-shaped stress ball, and an official membership card in the People Catchers Club. Halverson noted that most also get the photo taken as they add the lure to the display cabinet. Photo contributed by Aspirus-People Catchers Club lures on display at Aspirus Howard Young Emergency Department

Published on 05/02/2024 under News They say "It takes a village to raise a child." Here in Lincoln County several groups are teaming up to ensure new parents are ready when their littlest ones come home for the first time. Last fall the Lincoln County Health Department hosted a Community Baby Shower down in Merrill. Based on that success, they're expanding to Tomahawk later this month. Yesterday we spoke with Lexi Buntrock, who serves as the Lincoln County Public Health Educator. She explained that the Community Baby Shower is a way to get information to parents on a wide variety of topics through informational booths and demonstrations. They've already got more than a dozen set to attend the event here in Tomahawk. She gave a quick sampling of the topics: a CPR/Choking demo, safe sleep, breast feeding, early literacy, as well as support for childcare, housing, and even mental health for new moms and dads. It's is geared for those with little ones 0-18 months, the Merrill event last fall had around 45 families attend. It was convenient timing for Buntrock, a new mother herself at the time. Even though she was an organizer, she said was able to learn some new things. A participant survey showed overwhelming positive feed back, which led them to expand to northern Lincoln County. For those that would like to attend, mark your calendar for May 30, 3pm-5pm. It'll be at the St. Mary's Corpus Christi Center. We'll follow up as that approaches as well. You can hear that conversation with Lexi in the WJJQ audio center.

Published on 05/02/2024 under News Over the past decade, the Wisconsin Public Service Foundation has awarded more than a half million dollars in grants to first responders across their service footprint. Those agencies have another opportunity to apply. Known as 'Rewarding Responders', the WPS Foundation provides a series of grants each summer to help with the purchase of lifesaving equipment and fund training for first responders across Northern and Northeastern Wisconsin. Dating back to 2014, spokesman Matt Cullen says they've now awarded $500,000 in Rewarding Responders grants have been distributed to 202 public safety agencies. Over the years local grants have gone towards items such as coldwater rescue gear, thermal imaging, and AED units. Last year's recipients included Eagle River Police, the Langlade County Sheriff's Office, and fire departments in Antigo, Merrill, Minocqua and Pine Lake. In celebrating the 10th anniversary of the program last year, the Foundation increased the annual funding pool to $75,000. Eligible departments can begin applying for the new cycle. Recipients will be announced this summer.

Published on 05/02/2024 under News Earlier this year, the Wisconsin Beef Council set out to find the state's best burger. The winner is from right here in the Northwoods. Among eight finalists, it was the All-American Burger from Pickles Bar and Grill in Hazelhurst that reigned supreme. The classic cheeseburger stood out with a craft blend of brisket, short rib, and chuck, and a house blend seasoning. Co-owner Justin Koshak says they were honored to be named the winner especially as the lone finalist from Northern Wisconsin. He said, "We are happy to represent what the Northwoods has to offer when it comes to restaurants, taverns and grills. There are so many great spots up here that showcase great menus and fantastic food." Rather than a fan vote and popularity contest, the decision was made by a panel of judges who stopped at each restaurant for a surprise visit last month. Most of the judging was based on the burger itself: taste, presentation, proper cooking, and overall enjoyment; though a few bonus points were available for the restaurant and atmosphere. The contest announcement comes as the state celebrates Wisconsin Beef Month in May. Tammy Vaassen, executive director of the Wisconsin Beef Council says they were thrilled with the overwhelming response to the contest. They're looking forward to bringing back and growing the contest for next year. -Photo provided by Wisconsin Beef Council: (from L-R) Pickles Co-Owner Justin Koshak, Wisconsin Beef Council Executive Director Tammy Vaassen, and Pickles Co-Owner Dan Linscott (aka, "Pickles") Best Burger Finalists: ● Brazen Head Pub, 147 N Main St, West Bend ● Crafty Cow, 2675 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee ● Dog House Bar & Grill, 117 S 1st St, Mt. Horeb ● Ferry Xing Bar & Grill, 306 Main St, Merrimac ● Pickles Bar & Grill, 5507 Co Rd Y, Hazelhurst ● Skippy's Burger Bar, 113 Green Bay Rd, Thiensville ● Straight Home Bar & Grill, 184060 WI-153, Eland ● The Dump Bar & Grill, 105 W Edgewater St, Cambria

Published on 05/02/2024 under News Over the past two weeks, County Deer Advisory Councils have been meeting around the state, proposing deer herd management and season structures for the upcoming season. Coming up this evening folks in Lincoln and Oneida County can participate. Each county in Wisconsin has its own CDAC, and each spring develop recommendations for antlerless harvest goals, tag availability and season options for their respective counties. CDAC recommendations are reviewed and set each year so they can be adjusted in response to the previous year's deer harvest, winter severity and other population factors. Coming up this evening, both Oneida and Lincoln County CDAC's will meet. The Oneida County meeting gets underway at 6pm at the Woodruff Town Hall. Lincoln County's meeting is set for 7pm at the Lincoln County Service Center. Once each county has made their recommendations, they'll be sent on to the Natural Resources Board for their final approval which typically takes place at their May or June or meeting.

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Sports Headlines

Hatchet Girls Track & Field Team Finishes Second at Three Lakes

Published on 05/01/2024 under Sports Tomahawk's track and field squads competed in the Three Lakes Blue Jay Invite. The Hatchet girls finished second, placing behind only Rhinelander. Tomahawk's top finishes came in separate field events. Siennah Caulkins placed first in the high jump with a mark of 4'8". Elizabeth Arnott placed first in the pole vault with a jump of 7'9". Kaylynn Sandry placed first in the discus with a 75'9" throw. The Hatchet boys placed fifth out of seven teams with a team score of 80. Tomahawk's lone top finish came from Jerome Morrison, who had a 9'3" mark in the pole vault. The Hatchets' next meet is Friday at Merrill.

Published on 05/01/2024 under Sports Tomahawk's softball squad was shut out by Lakeland for the second consecutive game, losing, 6-0. The Hatchets were at the mercy of T-Bird pitcher and University of Arkansas commit Saylor Timmerman, striking out 14 batters. Tomahawk only got two hits in the game, coming from Sammy Gebauer and Macy Jankiewicz. The loss is Tomahawk's third straight, dropping to 7-9 on the season and 2-5 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets will try to break their losing streak Thursday night in Medford.

Published on 05/01/2024 under Sports The Hatchet baseball squad was shut out by Mosinee at TK Field Tuesday afternoon, losing 16-0. Tomahawk has scored just one run in their last four games, coming in a 6-1 loss to Medford. The Hatchets mustered just one hit all game, which was a single from Wally Horabik. Monty Framke, Brayden Larson, and Ethan Ihn all gave up five runs or more on the mound. The loss drops Tomahawk to 1-10 on the season and 1-6 in Great Northern Conference play. The two teams will meet for the second consecutive game Thursday.

Published on 04/30/2024 under Sports Tomahawk's golf squad had a strong showing in their invite at Marathon, placing fifth out of 16 teams. The Hatchets finished with a team score of 350, just one stroke behind fourth-place Prentice. Austin Lamer finished as the meet runner-up with a score of 80. Owen Dickrell finished second on the team and 14th overall with a score of 88. Tomahawk will have their next Great Northern Conference meet at Northwoods Golf Club in Rhinelander Thursday afternoon.

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