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Friends of Council Grounds Unveils New Park Pass Sales Kiosk

Published on 02/18/2026 under News Council Grounds is a hidden gem here in the Northwoods. And now park-goers have a more convenient option to purchase their park passes. Friends of Council Grounds, a volunteer group who support, assist, and promote the state park property here in Lincoln County, recently unveiled a brand-new, electronic park pass sales kiosk. The kiosk offers both daily passes and the year-long passes for residents, seniors, and non-residents. The convenience allows purchase outside of park office hours, or having to deal with mailing or online purchases. The funding to purchase the kiosk came from two sources. The Friends group was awarded a Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Grant. The Friends matched with money raised through merchandise sales, watercraft rental fees, and sales of firewood harvested and processed by their Wood Team volunteers. Council Grounds near Merrill is approximately 500 acres, located right along the Wisconsin River.

Published on 02/18/2026 under News At their meeting Tuesday, the Lincoln County Board approved future compensation packages for three elected offices. The positions impacted by the resolution include the Clerk of Courts, the Coroner, and the Sheriff. The compensation is for the years 2027-2030 and features a 3% annual increase. Ahead of the vote, Board Chair Jesse Boyd noted that, based on preliminary numbers from other counties, the Lincoln County Sheriff position would be below the state average. It ranges from $98,000 next year to $107,000 in 2030. Ultimately, no changes were made to the initial resolution, which was approved unanimously. This process to set compensation must be completed prior to the earliest time nomination papers can be filed. These positions will all appear on the November ballot. Elected Office2027202820292030Clerk of Courts $75,7777.66$78,050.99$80,392.52$82,804.29Sheriff$98,424.89$101,377.64$104,418.97$107,551.54Coroner (1,040 Hours)$33,143.90$34,138.21$35,162.36$36,217.23

Published on 02/18/2026 under News When it comes to an emergency, every second counts...and that includes the time before professionals arrive on the scene. As part of February being National Heart month, the American Red Cross is encouraging people participate in lifesaving skills courses such as First Aid, CPR and AED use. The training equips participants with the knowledge and skills to better identify and respond to heart-related emergencies. Statistics show more than 300,000 people experience cardiac arrest outside of hospitals each year, yet only about one-third of adults say they feel confident and ready to act. Kathryn Halvorsen, executive director of the North Central Wisconsin chapter of the American Red Cross says, "Learning first aid and CPR skills may make a lifesaving difference for your child, family member, or even a stranger." Across the Wisconsin Region, nearly 19,000 people were trained in lifesaving skills last year through the Red Cross last year.The Red Cross has options for both in-person and online classes across more than a dozen categories. You can visit their website for more information.

Published on 02/18/2026 under News Family and patients who are receiving care for trauma injuries at Marshfield Medical Center have a new place to call their temporary home. Cattails Cottage opened this past week. It is an 11‑room lodging facility that provides safe, temporary housing for families of trauma patients and seriously injured patients receiving acute care at Marshfield Clinic. Rooms are offered at no cost on a first‑come, first‑served basis for eligible patients and families who live more than 40 miles from Marshfield. Staffed hours are 8am to 5pm Monday-Friday with 24/7 key‑card access for guests. Linens, kitchen supplies and laundry facilities are provided. Marshfield Medical Center President Bob Chaloner said, "Cattails Cottage is an invaluable support for patients and their families as they receive care in Marshfield. Having easy access to treatment with a no-cost lodging option removes one burden during this challenging time." It was converted from housing for oncology patients. Back in 2024, that service was relocated to Cattails Place across the street. Marshfield Clinic Foundation used donor funds and community support to renovate and make necessary facility improvements.

Published on 02/18/2026 under News Northcentral Technical College has received federal funding to expand a program aimed at recruiting new first responders. NTC announced the school has been awarded $3.2 million through the 'Consolidated Appropriations Act' at the request of Senator Tammy Baldwin. The funding will support the North Central Wisconsin Firefighter/Paramedic Apprenticeship Program. NTC President Jeannie Worden said, "This investment builds on years of collaborative work to create meaningful, career-ready pathways in public safety." The 18-month program will immerse apprentices in the full scope of firefighter/paramedic work through a structured combination of classroom instruction and supervised, real-world experience, while allowing them to earn a wage and complete their education. Each cohort will include nine apprentices. Wausau Fire Chief Jeremy Kopp called the federal investment is a major step forward for public safety in our region…" He added, "Programs like this help ensure we are building a strong, well-trained pipeline of firefighter/paramedics who are prepared to serve our community from day one."

Published on 02/17/2026 under News It won't be long before road construction season returns to the Northwoods. A Highway 51 project near Tomahawk this spring will require a temporary detour. The WisDoT announced that US 51 between US Highway 8 and Oneida County L will be closed and detoured this spring. The official detour route will use US 8 and WIS 47. Construction is scheduled to begin in April, and they plan to re-open this segment prior to Memorial Day weekend. The work will continue after that date, but Highway 51 will be open with some lane closures. All lanes will be open for weekend traffic during this second phase. This project involves repairing concrete pavement, resurfacing the asphalt and bridge repairs. More information will be available closer to the start of construction in April. Project information website. They note this project is not associated with the proposed roundabout at US 51 and County K/Swamp Lake Road in Oneida County planned in 2027.

Published on 02/17/2026 under News Those heading out onto the ice at this time of year should use caution. A rescue was performed in Lincoln County. According to the Merrill Fire Department, responders were paged to Council Grounds on the Wisconsin River just below the Alexander Hydro Dam. The call came in at shortly before 11am Monday morning. The caller indicated a man had fallen through the ice, he was able to get out but was stranded on a nearby island. Firefighters used a Rapid Deployment Craft (RDC) to reach the man and bring him back to shore safely. His sled & ice shanty were also recovered. Members of the Merrill PD & Lincoln County Sheriff also assisted on scene. With above average temperatures over the past week, ice conditions on many Northwoods waterways have been changing. Caution is advised, and remember that no ice is 100% safe.

Published on 02/17/2026 under News With a stretch of mild weather, snowmobile trail closures are expanding. Here in Lincoln County, the Forestry, Land and Parks Department announced that trails in zones 2, 3, and 4 are closed as of yesterday. At this time, the trails in zone 1 and the Hiawatha will remain open. For those trails, they warned that riders can expect rough segments, icy stretches, and potential bare spots due to the warm weather and sun. In the announcement, Recreation Forester Nick Behrens says, "We kindly ask riders to follow all "TRAIL CLOSED" signs, stay on marked routes, and respect private property. He added, "Our trail system exists thanks to the generosity of local landowners, and your cooperation helps keep these trails open for everyone to enjoy."

Published on 02/17/2026 under News It's Fat Tuesday, and while some communities are celebrating Mardi Gras festivities, others here in the Northwoods are enjoying a Polish-style pastry also popular at this time of year. Today is celebrated as Paczki Day. The name of these doughnut-style desserts may confuse some. It's spelled p-a-c-z-k-i, but it's pronounced POONCH-kee. And that's plural...if you can limit yourself to just one, you've got a paczek or POON-check. Pazcki were brought to the United States by Polish immigrants. With large populations in the Midwest, the treats are quite popular in Wisconsin, including here in the Northwoods where they are found at many bakeries and grocery stores at this time of year. The Fat Tuesday connection is because Pazcki were a popular way to use up ingredients like milk, eggs, sugar and fruits ahead of Lent. And while the traditional filling is a prune jam, more modern takes include apricot, lemon, blueberry, cherry and chocolate.

Published on 02/17/2026 under News The Oneida County Sheriff's Office is warning residents about the reappearance of a 'missed jury duty' scam. Over the past few days, the Sheriff's Office has received multiple reports from residents who have been contacted by these scammers. The caller identifies as Deputy Campbell, and claims the person missed jury duty. The Sheriff's Office says they do not have a Deputy Campbell in their employment. They said they would not call a resident about to missing jury duty, nor would they request payment or gift cards in exchange for missing jury duty. In the warning, the Sheriff's Office reminds residents to be vigilant, never share personal or financial information. If you are suspicious of an unsolicited phone call, hang up and call back using a known number. The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office issued a similar jury duty scam warning earlier this year.

Published on 02/17/2026 under News Aspirus Wausau Hospital has been recognized on the Forbes Top Hospitals 2026 list, earning national distinction for performance across quality, safety, and patient care measures. More than 2,600 hospitals around the country were assessed across multiple performance domains, including mortality, complications, re-admissions, patient experience, and value of care. Hospitals included on the list demonstrated strong overall performance across these measures. Jeff Wicklander, Aspirus SVP says, "This recognition reflects the daily work of our caregivers and care teams who are focused on delivering safe, high-quality care to our patients and our community." He added, "Our priority is always to improve outcomes, support families, and make sure patients can trust the care they receive close to home."

Published on 02/16/2026 under News From fire trucks and hoses to ladders and turnout gear, firefighters use all sorts of equipment. One often overlooked tool...their ropes. One local department is raising funds to replace theirs. The Tomahawk Fire Department is sell tickets for their St. Patrick's themed Pot O' Gold fundraising raffle. Funds will be going towards their ropes, harnesses, and webbing. To promote the fundraiser, the Department recently highlighted how this seemingly simply gear is essential for rescue operations, fire fighter safety, and equipment management.Ropes (Life Safety & Utility): Life safety ropes are used for hoisting, lowering, and rappelling, while utility ropes are for securing objects and training.Harnesses (Class II & III): Essential for personal escape systems (PES), allowing firefighters to safely escape through windows during a "mayday" situation. They are also used for working at height and rescuing victims.Webbing (Versatility): Used to create improvised harnesses, carry SCBA bottles, drag victims or incapacitated firefighters and secure equipment.The Fire Department notes these aren't standard ropes you can purchase at the hardware store; they must adhere to standards set by the National Fire Protection Agency. Even a relatively small department like Tomahawk, replacement runs approximately $10,000. And while they are not used in every call, the department notes they are crucial for saving lives whether an aerial response, confined space, or ice water rescue. The raffle provides an opportunity to support the department with a chance to win some cash. Members of the Tomahawk Fire Department have tickets for sale, we also have a limited number here at WJJQ during business hours.

Published on 02/16/2026 under News The Lincoln County Health Department is reminding community members about the risk of blastomycosis. While being exposed to the spores that cause blasto may be unusual at this time of year, symptoms can be delayed by several months. That means an exposure during fall activities could still be developing during the winter months. Some symptoms of blasto are similar to those of other respiratory illnesses common for this time of year. Given that overlap... it is important for patients to follow-up with their provider if respiratory symptoms are not improving or worsening, especially for activities that are associated with blasto. Exposure comes from common and popular outdoor activities, especially those that disturb the soil. Just a few examples include hunting, hiking, camping, gardening, off-roading, construction and yard work. While rare overall, Lincoln County has among the highest incidence rates of blasto in Wisconsin. That's still just a handful of cases each year. Many infected show no signs or symptoms though serious cases can lead to hospitalization or long-term impacts. The Lincoln County Health Department has a webpage dedicated to blasto.

Published on 02/16/2026 under News ArtStart will be teaming up with Aspirus to host two suicide prevention trainings in the coming days. The first session is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon (3:30pm-5pm). In that first session, they'll be going over what is known as CALM or (Counseling on Access to Lethal Means). It teaches participants how to talk in a nonjudgmental and supportive manner with a family member, friend, or others who may be thinking about suicide. Heidi Pritzl is suicide Prevention Coordinator-Aspirus System. She says, "CALM Conversations assists people to be able to recognize and respond to suicide risk with an additional focus on reducing access to lethal means." This can include firearms and dangerous medications. The second training, next Thursday, February 26 (1pm-2:30pm) covers what is known as QPR. The three step training model teaches people how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to Question, Persuade, and Refer someone for help. Organizers note these trainings are ideal for teachers, parents, coaches, caregivers, faith leaders, community leaders, and anyone interested in supporting mental health and wellness in the community. While free, registration is required. Register for CALM Conversations by calling ArtStart, 715-362-4328. For QPR Training, click here to register.

Published on 02/16/2026 under News For more than seven decades, Wisconsin Public Service and their staff have partnered with local Boy Scouts in the Samoset Council to help area scouts earn merit badges. They did so once again here in the Northwoods. WPS volunteers were in Wausau for an annual electricity merit badge clinic, joined by around two dozen boy scouts from the Samoset council in north central Wisconsin. Lessons include teaching scouts how electricity is generated, how to design circuits and create working electromagnets. They also focus on safety when electricity is involved and introduces scouts to a variety of careers in the industry. The first WPS/Boy Scout program was held back in 1952, and this was the 72nd edition overall. WPS hosts a similar event in Green Bay for Fox Valley Scouts as well.

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