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Local & Area News

Published on 05/05/2026 under News One person is dead following a UTV crash in Oneida County over the weekend. According to the Sheriff's Office, that crash happened Saturday at around 5:30 on a trail in the Town of Enterprise. Responders were pages to a segment near Bowman Road. The preliminary investigation showed the UTV left the trail and struck a tree while negotiating a turn. The operator sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. He has been identified as 70 year old David R. McMillen of Salem, Wis. A passenger was treated for minor injuries on the scene. The DNR is completing the accident report. This is the 13th fatal ATV/UTV crash in Wisconsin this year, the second in Oneida County.

Published on 05/05/2026 under News Trout fishing on the Prairie River in Lincoln County may fly under the radar, but a new video short highlights the premier trout stream and a local fly fisherman. As part of Lincoln County's ongoing partnership with Discover Wisconsin, they have released a series of videos highlighting the people, places and events that make Lincoln County special. The latest episode, a 4.5 minute mini, focuses on local trout fishing along the scenic blue ribbon waters on the Prairie River. Like many of these videos, it showcases a place through the story of the people. This video is narrated by Joe Krznarich, a Merrill flyfisherman. The second part of the video even enters his home workshop where he ties his own flies by hand, proving it's as much art as it is sport. Over the years, video segments featuring Lincoln County have been produced on a number of topics including local trails, unique events, and even dog-sledding, the latter of which earned a regional Emmy Award last fall. The video is available on the Discover Wisconsin YouTube Channel. We'll include a link in the online version of the story.

Published on 05/05/2026 under News If you're a frequent flyer, you're bound to run into a travel delay at some point. Unfortunately for the 55th edition of the Never Forgotten Honor Flight, the veterans had to wait an extra day to visit Washington, DC. The local chapter of the Honor Flight network was set to make their first mission of the new year on Monday. But after a lengthy delay, the yesterday's flight was eventually postponed. According to the announcement, they were worked to reschedule the flight for Tuesday with local accommodations for the veterans and guardians. The mission featured an expected 91 veterans including 86 Vietnam era veterans and 4 vets from Korea and a 100 year old WWII vet. The local chapter was founded back in 2010. Following today's flight, the 55th overall, the Northern Wisconsin Chapter of the Honor Flight will have transported more than 5,300 veterans to the Nation's capital.

Published on 05/05/2026 under News The Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin has launched a new webpage to support tornado recovery efforts, while also announcing an impressive milestone in fundraising for the cause. The Tornado Relief webpage provides a central place for impacted residents to apply for emergency assistance, access resources, and track updates as recovery continues. Foundation President Tim Parker says the site is designed to make help more accessible while keeping the community informed during the transition from immediate response to long-term recovery. It's been a little more than two weeks since the EF3 tornado touched down in Ringle. The Community Foundation has served as a central hub for people looking for ways to support those impacted by the storms. According to yesterday's update, more than 700 donors have now contributed over $250,000. The Emergency Relief Fund aims to assist individuals and families facing urgent needs like housing instability and basic living expenses. A five-member review committee will meet weekly to evaluate applications and distribute funding as quickly and fairly as possible. Residents can apply online or by submitting a paper application, with funds often paid directly to vendors when possible.

Published on 05/05/2026 under News A child is recovering after being struck by a Wausau city bus Monday morning. According to the Wausau Police Department, responders were called to a vehicle-versus-pedestrian crash involving a Metro Ride bus at the intersection of South 12th Avenue and Callon Street. Based on their preliminary investigation, during school drop-off, a child ran into the roadway after exiting a vehicle. The child was struck by an oncoming Metro Ride bus. EMTs provided immediate care on the scene, and the child was transported to Aspirus Wausau Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. According to the news release, the Wausau School district is actively providing services to students. The Marathon County Sheriff's Office is conducting the investigation because a city agency, Metro Ride, was involved. Both parties are cooperating with the investigation.

Published on 05/05/2026 under News While Wisconsin has started to green up, fire danger remains elevated across much of the state. On Monday, the DNR suspended burning permits for 43 counties, while most of the state was listed in either high or very high fire danger. There were 20 wildfires reported around the state Monday including one in Lincoln County, two in Oneida County, and three in Price County. According to the DNR, spring is the most critical fire season in Wisconsin. The DNR is at full staffing and preparedness across the state to respond to any incidents. Fire risk is increased by ongoing dry vegetation, low humidity, warmer temperatures and breezy conditions. They note even a few days between precipitation can dry out grasses, pine needles and leaf litter, creating hazardous conditions. They note that people can help by using caution and avoiding activities that may cause a spark.

Published on 05/04/2026 under News Several partners in Lincoln County are looking to improve mental health by encouraging interactions in the community. The Social Connection Challenge is a joint effort of Healthy Minds for Lincoln County Coalition, Lincoln County Health Dept, and Aspirus. During the month of May, they're encouraging community members to prioritize social connection by limiting screen time; reaching out to friends, family and neighbors; seeking opportunities to help others; and finding ways to get involved in the community. Kristin Bath with the Health Department says they're excited to bring back the Social Connection Challenge for a second year. She added, "We hope this challenge provides a fun way for families, friends and our community to take part in activities that bring us together and are good for our mental health." The Challenge includes 50 suggested activities, and participants are asked to complete 15 to be entered into a prize drawing. Just a few examples include: completing a random act of kindness; attend a summer concert; join a community education class; or volunteer in your community. Online forms can be completed on the Health Department website or picked up in their office in Merrill. They will also be available in Merrill and Tomahawk at the local Libraries and Chambers. The deadline is June 5.

Published on 05/04/2026 under News Tomahawk elementary students recently got to experience opera, and some even got to join the professionals on stage. This past week, the district hosted a live production of The Elixir of Love presented by Opera for the Young. Elementary students attended the performance, which was adapted into English and set in the American Old West, blended humor, music, and themes of growing up and forgiveness. For around twenty fourth- and fifth-grade students, the experience went beyond the audience. They joined professional performers on stage, taking on chorus and cameo roles in the fully staged production. The performance capped off a day-long lesson where students also had the chance to connect with the visiting artists during classroom sessions, learning more about opera and what goes into a live performance. The district says the activities gave students a rare chance to experience opera up close with a memorable mix of music, learning, and hands-on performance. The event was made possible through support from the Diane Garton Edie Legacy Fund Award and a grant from the Tomahawk Community Star Foundation.

Published on 05/04/2026 under News Another group of Northwoods Veterans are traveling to the nation's capital Monday to visit the monuments built in their honor. The Never Forgotten Honor Flight is taking the first of four planned missions to Washington this year. Organizers expected 91 veterans to take part including 86 Vietnam era veterans and 4 vets from Korea and a 100 year old Iwo Jima Marine from WWII. And the co-founder of the local Honor Flight chapter, Mike Thompson is also flying as an honored veteran. Today's mission is the 55th for the local hub dating back to 2010. During that time, 5,300 local veterans have taken part in the Never Forgotten Honor Flight. Organizers continue to encourage eligible veterans who have not taken part in the honor flight to sign up. As for today's flight, the public is invited to welcome them home this evening. Honor Flight officials recommend arriving at Central Wisconsin Airport no later than 8:30 pm.

Published on 05/04/2026 under News Officials have released addition information in a fatal shooting in Taylor County last week. That incident occurred last Tuesday. Responders were called to a home in the Town of Little Black for what was described as an accidental gun-shot injury. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. They have now identified him as 21-year-old Austin D. Olson of Medford. Investigators also identified the suspect as 19-year-old Brent M. Porter of Marshfield. Porter was initially taken into custody and charged with endangering safety by use of a dangerous weapon while armed and intoxicated. He was released after posting bond. Following additional investigation, including witness interviews and analysis of digital and physical evidence, authorities say Porter was taken back into custody and is now facing a felony charge of first-degree reckless homicide. He is currently being held in the Taylor County Jail. Officials say the investigation remains ongoing.

Published on 05/04/2026 under News With spring planting season right around the corner, Wisconsin gardeners are being reminded to choose their plants carefully. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources says invasive species can easily sneak into gardens, often through ornamental plants or even wildflower seed mixes. Officials warn some seed packets may contain invasive species mixed in, so reading labels and doing a quick check before planting can make a big difference. Invasive plants can spread quickly, crowding out native species, reducing biodiversity, and even impacting wildlife habitat. The DNR encourages gardeners to consider native plants, which are better suited to Wisconsin's climate and help support pollinators. They recommended the Midwest Invasive Plant Network which offers information on invasive plants to avoid, and suitable alternatives. They have also created a free mobile app that is available for download.

Published on 05/04/2026 under News Some quick road construction updates. Starting here in the Tomahawk area… The Lincoln County Highway Department announced a two day project this week. They will be working on an emergency culvert replacement on County CC, about 1.5 miles west of Tannery Road. County CC will be closed at that location starting at 6am Tuesday. They hope to re-open by the end of Wednesday. As for the WisDoT updates, Crews continue to work on Highway 86/County D bridge over Highway 51 near Tomahawk. The overpass is closed, they hope to have it back open next week. North of Tomahawk, they continue to work on Highway 51 between Highway 8 and Oneida County L. That segment is temporarily closed and detoured. According to this week's update, it will remain closed through May 21. They'll re-open ahead of Memorial Day weekend. After the holiday, this segment will be open with single lane closures.

Published on 05/01/2026 under News The winter wait is finally over... Anglers will once again fill Wisconsin's waterways this weekend with the hopes of landing some fish. Whether catching for a meal, landing a trophy mount, or just spending a relaxing day out on the water; there are plenty of reasons to fish. Saturday marks the start of the inland fishing season for a number of species. In addition to walleye, pike, large-mouth bass and panfish, it now includes musky as well. (One of the few exceptions, northern zone anglers for small mouth bass will have to practice catch-and-release until June 20.) The state has a long tradition of fishing and the numbers bear that out. Statistics show nearly a million fishing licenses are sold every year. The DNR did offer up a few reminders for anglers before heading out this season. Make sure you've got a fishing license and go over rules and regulations including any lake-specific rules or bag limits where you fish. The new season may also mean some changes to those rules. For example, the Lake Nokomis/Rice Reservoir Chain and the Boom-Rhinelander Chain now have a new 10 pan fish daily bag limit. The DNR has a webpage with all changes for the season, divided by county. To keep invasive species out of your favorite waterways, it's a good idea to inspect your boat, trailer and equipment for these aquatic hitchhikers. And stay tuned to WJJQ throughout the season for fishing news, updates, events, and of course a stable of fishing guides who offer their expertise with their weekly reports. Reservoirs: Eau Pleine 3", Spirit 3", Nokomis 6", Rainbow 1.5', Willow 2'

Published on 05/01/2026 under News A piece of a powerful Vietnam Veterans memorial now has a permanent home in the Northwoods. Nicolet College held a dedication ceremony Thursday for a retired wall panel from The Wall That Heals, a traveling, three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The ceremony took place at the Lakeside Center Patio, where members of the Northwoods Honor Guard performed a 21-gun salute ahead of the brief but meaningful ceremony. Nicolet was selected as a permanent home for a section of the retired exhibit after originally serving as one of 31 stops on the nationwide tour back in May of 2023. Army veteran and Nicolet employee Casey Lehmann, who helped coordinate that first visit, and said the experience united the campus and broader community in remembrance and gratitude. Lehmann said the display will serve as a lasting tribute, one that not only honors those who served and sacrificed, but also stands as a reminder of the enduring cost of freedom. Even the steel base for the new display reflects school's ongoing support of local vets. It was created by veterans who participated in a Nicolet community education welding class.

Published on 05/01/2026 under News As part of the nation's 250th anniversary, local conversations will offer a chance for Northwoods residents to reflect on America's beginnings and its future. Several area libraries will host community discussions as part of the America@250 initiative, in partnership with the League of Women Voters of the Northwoods and PBS Wisconsin. That includes the Tomahawk Public Library which announced two of these conversations in May. Discussions will be inspired by the documentary series The American Revolution, directed by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt. The series explores how thirteen colonies fought for independence and helped shape democratic movements around the world. Organizers say the goal is to encourage thoughtful, local conversations about the ideals of the nation's founding, the challenges faced along the way, and how those themes still resonate today. The Conversations at the Tomahawk Library are scheduled for May 7 and May 21. Seating is limited, so registration is required. Those interested can contact the library to learn more or reserve a spot.

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