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Local & Area News

Progress Continues on Tomahawk Dream Park/Splash Pad; Area Remains Closed

Published on 07/15/2024 under News While most of the equipment has been installed and the finish line is in sight; a brand new park in Tomahawk is still under construction and remains closed at this time. Washington Square in Tomahawk has been undergoing a major makeover in recent months...highlighted by a brand new all-inclusive playground and a splash pad. While it may seem inviting, project leaders are asking people to stay out of the construction zone until the project is completed. If all goes according to plan, it'll be just a few more weeks...they're hoping to open towards the end of August. We've been tracking this project since it was proposed all the way back in 2021. It's a joint effort between the City of Tomahawk, and a community non-profit known as Tomahawk Together. After raising more than $1.7 million, they broke ground last October. The playground is designed for children of all ages and abilities. That includes sensory areas and equipment for those with limited mobility. Even the ground surface is designed with that in mind. It's made up of a porous, shredded-rubber surface that's soft enough to help cushion a fall, while still firm enough for wheel chairs and strollers. Beyond the play areas, they're also upgrading the bathrooms, parking areas and other amenities. But once again, the Dream Park and Splash Pad in Washington Square remain closed. We'll continue to pass along any updates including the official opening when it is confirmed. Until then, you can check out the progress on the Dream Park Facebook page.

Published on 07/15/2024 under News Officials have provided additional information on this weekend's fatal, three-vehicle crash in Oneida County. According to the Sheriff's Office, crews were notified of that accident at shortly before 2:30pm Friday afternoon. It happened on Highway 51 in Town of Hazelhurst. Their initial investigation showed a northbound passenger car was stopped and waiting to turn left into a private driveway. It was struck from behind by a pickup, and pushing it into the opposite lane of traffic where it was struck by an oncoming, southbound box truck. Both occupants in the car were pronounced dead at the scene. They have been identified as a Gregory and Audrey Bohn. Both were 70 years old and from Hazelhurst. The driver of the second vehicle, an 85 year old Hazelhurst man was injured and transported to a nearby hospital. This morning's update did not provide any additional information on his condition. The third driver, a 23 year old Arbor Vitae man, was treated on the scene. Hwy 51 was closed for more than 7 hours following the crash. The crash remains under investigation.

Published on 07/15/2024 under News An abundance of rain in the first half of the summer has led to occasional flooding in some locations. The DNR is reminding residents who utilize private wells, to have their water tested following any flood events. According to a DNR news release, flood waters and runoff may contain bacteria and other contaminants that can affect private water supplies which can lead to the spread of waterborne illness. They note that wells located in pits, basements and low-lying areas are especially susceptible to contamination. Well owners who experience flooding or observe changes to the taste, color or sediment levels in their water following heavy rainfall should assume their well is contaminated until it can be tested and treated if needed. Even without obvious signs of flooding, the DNR recommends private well testing on annual basis. The DNR has a website dedicated to private wells and flooding.

Published on 07/15/2024 under News EAA AirVenture is just a few days away, and Nicolet College will be taking a field trip to the annual gathering. Nicolet will be organizing a day trip down to Oshkosh, reserving a coach bus. Pilot ground school instructor Curt Drumm is helping organize the trip. He called attending AirVenture 'a dream come true for any aviation enthusiast," adding, " We're thrilled to offer this opportunity and can't wait to share this experience with our community." Drumm says,"This trip offers a unique opportunity to see thousands of aircraft from the latest military technology to vintage World War II airplanes, experience the air show, and learn from the best in the industry. While Airventure is a week-long event, the Nicolet trip is for a single day, July 24. That's a Wednesday. They'll be leaving from the Nicolet campus at 6am and will return around 9pm. It's open to both Nicolet students and the general public. Space is limited, reservations are required. Tickets are $50 and we'll include sign up information in the online version of the story.

Published on 07/15/2024 under News The folks up in Boulder Junction have been busy transforming the Boulder Junction Sports and Recreational Area. After building an all-inclusive playground last year, they've set their sights on an upgraded basketball court. They're nearing the fundraising goal and hope to begin work a bit later this summer. We recently heard an update from board chair Laura Bertsch. She says they're at 85% of their fundraising total. That's about $12,000 short of where they need to be to break ground. The hope to hit that mark and begin work in August. The project will include replacing and expanding the current half court to a full-sized basketball court, along with new backboards, rims, and benches. As for the all-inclusive playground which opened a little more than a year ago, Bertsch says, "The high amount of use the playground is receiving and the large amount of pleasure and well-being that is derived from the children's play is a testament to (the community's) generosity" You can visit boulderatplay.com for additional updates, information, and fundraising opportunities.

Published on 07/15/2024 under News Native nations in northern Wisconsin began a special week-long walk/run over the weekend. That ceremonial event is known as the Healing Circle Run. This 7-day journey is designed to connects 10 tribal nations throughout the Ojibwe Ceded Territory, primarily in Northern Wisconsin. On Sunday, day 2, they traveled from Lac du Flambeau to the Mole Lake Reservation in Forest County and the Sokaogon Cultural building. That's approximately 71 miles. On Monday, two routes will connect at Lac Vieux Desert one coming from Mole Lake, the other south from Keweenaw Bay. They said the Healing Circle Run is "an opportunity pray for healing for ourselves, our families, our communities, our nation, Aki (the earth) and all our relatives. They note that healing a nation begins with the individual." They'll continue in the coming days and wrap up by next weekend, with the entire circle spanning approximately 725 miles.

Published on 07/12/2024 under News It's looking like ice cream weather over the next few days, and some local 4-H members actually came up with the idea for a new, limited-edition flavor with a Northwoods theme. Each year, Wisconsin-based Cedar Crest Ice Cream partners with the Wisconsin 4-H Foundation to hold a flavor creation contest. They challenge 4-H clubs around the state to come up with a new theme and ice cream flavor design. The winning entry is actually produced and sold in the month of July. This year's top concept, as determined by a Cedar Crest judging panel, came from the Pesobic Pathfinders, a Merrill area 4-H club. Fitting for the Northwoods, their theme is Paul Bunyan. The ice cream has a vanilla-bean base, with chocolate coated pretzel logs with some Butterfinger sawdust. It's then completed with a maple syrup swirl. In addition seeing their winning idea become reality, the Pathfinders received a $500 contribution to their club and, of course, an ice cream tasting party. People can watch for Paul Bunyan ice cream at parlors and scoop shops around the state during the month of July. It's in the rotation at the Windmill up in Nokomis. We heard from Russ Berg who noted that it's been one of their most popular flavors since it's debut. The 4H winning flavor is a July exclusive, though Cedar Crest has, on occasion, made past winning flavors permanent. And if you need one more excuse to sample a scoop, July is National Ice Cream Month.

Published on 07/12/2024 under News Last week fireworks filled the skies. Coming up this weekend it'll be another spectacular sight, the annual Taste and Glow Balloon Festival. Each of the next two evenings, dozens of hot air balloons will brighten the skies over Wausau. Organizers noted that it's an entirely new lineup of balloons. And while each is impressive in it's own right, they highlighted two special balloons that were actually hand-painted by a renowned artist Charles Markert. He actually painted, free hand, more than 50 hot air balloon envelopes. Two will be on display this weekend in Wausau. The first, LeGrande Carousel, is a piece reminiscent of visiting Coney Island. Each horse is based on real carousel horses from amusements around the world. The other balloon, the Celebration, is a Baroque design that tells a mythical story of love, merriment and fertility in three scenes. It took over a year to complete. Making the appearance more special, the two balloon pilots with be Charles's son Tim and daughter-in-law Jodi. While the Hot Air Balloons may be the showcase of Taste and Glow, there's plenty of family-friendly activities on the ground including: gourmet food, a drone show, dragon lion dancers, log rolling, children's activities and live music and entertainment. Weather permitting, in the evening hours, people can even go up in a tethered balloon.-Photo provided by Visit Wisconsin: The Celebration, one of two hand-painted hot air balloons from artist Charles Markert that will be featured at Taste and Glow.

Published on 07/12/2024 under News People who utilize wells for their drinking water are encouraged to test their water annually for contaminates. The Lincoln County Health Department is hoping a new program will ensure low-income families are able to get their water tested as well. The one-time offer will provide a free well testing kit to residents who qualify based on their income. Erin Ray, Environmental Health Technician, Lincoln County Health Department says, "Through education and the free well water tests, we are hoping to remove barriers that prevent residents from testing their well." The Health Department has an eligibility survey on their website. A limited number of testing kits are available through this free program. Residents on well water who don't qualify are still encouraged to test water annually for nitrates and bacteria. The Health Department has a certified water lab, and additional information on their website.

Published on 07/12/2024 under News Crews battled a fire at an Eagle River resort property overnight. According to the Vilas County Sheriff's Office, responders were paged to the Wild Eagle Lodge at shortly before 10pm. The initial call indicated smoke and fire coming from a maintenance building on the property. Firefighters were able to contain the fire to that building, preventing it from spreading to any other nearby structure. The building was unoccupied, and no injuries were reported. According to the release, no other damage was reported and the Wild Eagle Lodge is expected to remain open. The cause of fire wasn't immediately determined, though officials say it does not appear suspicious.

Published on 07/12/2024 under News Drivers in Northern Wisconsin should be on their best behavior today. A week-long State Patrol enforcement will be based out of their Wausau post today. As we previewed earlier this week, it's Trooper in a Truck. The state patrol partners with the Wisconsin Motor Carrier Association to allow troopers to sit in the passenger seat of semi cabs and other transport vehicles. This offers a better vantage point to watch for distracted driving dangers such as texting behind the wheel, as well as safety violations like seat belt use. If a violation is spotted, the trooper will radio another unit in a squad to conduct a traffic stop. After working out of their other posts around the state throughout the week, their final stop is here in Northern Wisconsin. This is the third summer the Wisconsin State Patrol conducted 'Trooper in a Truck,' and a half dozen other states utilize similar campaigns.

Published on 07/11/2024 under News Fresh off of their annual 4th of July series, the Kwahamots will welcome some special guests for their ski show this evening. It's once again WJJQ night with the Kwahamots. The radio staff won't be taking to the water, but we will be on hand passing out tickets for chances to win a variety of prizes. The stars of the show, of course, will be the Kwahamots who'll be skiing, jumping, barefooters, and wakeboarding, all woven into an entertaining show and presentation. The team is actually gearing up for the Wisconsin State Show Ski Championships in Wisconsin Rapids starting next week. But first, the community is invited to stop by Kwahamot Bay this evening to enjoy the show with a chance to win some WJJQ prizes this evening at 7:30pm.

Published on 07/11/2024 under News Marshfield Clinic Health Systems is in talks with Sanford Health in a potential merger that would span 6 states across the Midwest. On Wednesday, the two regional Health providers issued a joint news release announcing the memo of understanding. Most of our listeners are familiar with Marshfield Clinic, as the health system has long served northern and central Wisconsin. Sanford Health is based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and was described as one of the largest rural health care systems in the country. According to the announcement, 'The partnership will bring together two strong physician-driven organizations, each with a reputation for excellence in quality, safety and patient experience.' Bill Gassen, president and CEO of Sanford Health. "We are who we are today because of combinations with care delivery organizations in rural communities across America's heartland. Dr. Brian Hoerneman, interim CEO of Marshfield Clinic, says, "Partnering with Sanford Health presents an incredible opportunity for our organizations to unify and establish the premier rural health system in the nation." If finalized, the combined system would feature 56 hospitals and 4,300 providers across Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Michigan's UP. It would include more than 56,000 employees. This isn't the Marshfield Clinic's first attempt at a western merger. Over the past five years, they've had conversations with both Gunderson Health and Essentia Health that did not go forward. They hope to proceed quickly and complete the merger by the end of the year. The release states that Sanford Health would be the parent company, with Marshfield Clinic facilities operating as a region within that system and maintaining regional leadership.

Published on 07/11/2024 under News The Rhinelander community is going a little bit country this weekend for one of the largest music festivals in the area. Now entering year 46, the Hodag Country Music Festival in Rhinelander continues to draw some of the most popular country performers to the Northwoods. This year's lineup includes: Ashley McBride; Bailey Zimmerman; Walker Hayes; and Chris Young. With big names comes big crowds, as people travel from across the Midwest, many camping right on site for the four day party. More than 30,000 people attend the festival each year. The Wisconsin Department of Tourism estimates the event has more than a $10 million economic impact on the Rhinelander area. Many of those visitors were on hand last night for the modified 'chair line.' While some would argue there are no bad seats on the festival grounds, the Wednesday night tradition allows participants to place their chairs based on a random draw. As for the music, it gets underway this afternoon and will continue through Sunday evening.

Published on 07/11/2024 under News The Hodag Country Music Festival in Rhinelander isn't the only Northwoods concert series kicking off today. The Merrill community bringing back Gazebo Nights for a 13th year. Also known as Thorogood Thursdays, the concerts will once again take place in Normal Park. Earlier this year, organizers unveiled the line-up which will once again feature a variety of styles and plenty of talent. It all begins this evening with Wisconsin music mainstay BMAC, Brian McLaughlin as he continues on his farewell tour. Then weekly, six more concerts will follow with a one-week pause for the Lincoln County Fair in August. The full line up is available on the Gazebo Nights Facebook and the WJJQ Community Calendar. While the focus is on the music and the concerts are free, local non-profits also benefit through food, concessions and weekly 50/50 raffles. Last year, these groups and organizations raised more than $20,000. Organizer Gus Caylor stopped by the WJJQ studios on Thursday for a preview. We've got that conversation in the WJJQ audio center.

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