WJJQ Radio

Local & Area News

Home Fires Typical Increase During Christmas Holiday

Published on 12/20/2024 under News Cooking, candles and Christmas decorations not only make it a festive holiday, but also raise the risk of fire. Area fire departments are reminding those hosting holiday gatherings over the next few days to be mindful of those hazards. According to the National Fire Protection Association, outside of Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are two of the busiest days for home fires. Data shows approximately 1,000 fires are caused by Christmas trees and decorations like candles. NFPA spokesperson, Lorraine Carli says, "By understanding when and where potential risks exist, people can take simple steps to reduce their likelihood, which can go a long way toward ensuring a festive, fire-free holiday season." Starting with your Christmas tree: turn off the lights when you go to bed and make sure to keep it well-watered throughout the season. Keep candles away from any flammable materials, and never let them burn when you're outside the home or sleeping. As for cooking, the kitchen is the origin of nearly half of all house fires. Carli notes that it's easy to become distracted when trying to do too much. If you're hosting a gathering, try to get as much of the cooking out of the way before your guests arrive. Local fire departments are also sharing fire safety messages at this time of year through their Keep the Wreath Green campaign.

Published on 12/20/2024 under News Over the past few months, kids in Oneida County have been taking Legos to a whole new level. This weekend they'll showcase their efforts to the community. Oneida County 4-H is hosting a Youth Robotics Festival on Saturday morning and is inviting the public to attend. The free event will feature 4-H robotics teams from Three Lakes and Rhinelander. Oneida County 4-H partnered with FIRST Lego League to introduce STEM activities to 4th through 8th graders with fun hands-on learning. The activities also help the students develop life skills such as communication and organization. The latest season began back in August, with participants meeting weekly. As we shared last month, the High-Tech Hodag team actually qualified for the state competition. During Saturday's event, the team members will showcase their models, answer questions, recap their season and receive their awards. In addition, Oneida County 4-H leaders will be offering science activities for youth of all ages. For those interested, it'll take place tomorrow (Saturday, December 21) from 10am to noon at the Northwoods Center at Nicolet.

Published on 12/20/2024 under News A day of ice fishing turned into a rescue mission for a group of army soldiers in Northcentral Wisconsin. According to a news release from U.S. Army Public Affairs, Sgt. 1st Class Timothy Deeren, Staff Sgt. Matthew Jones, and Staff Sgt. Steven Vest are currently stationed in Wausau as Army recruiters. The trio decided to spend a day ice fishing on the Wisconsin River when they witnessed another angler break through the ice. They quickly sprang into action, utilizing a make-shift rope by tying their jackets together. They were able to pull the man out of the water, getting him into dry clothes and a heated vehicle until emergency crews arrived. Capt. Matthew Olson, Commander of the Fort McCoy Recruiting Company, said, "I'm beyond proud of the Wausau Army team. Their display of courage and selfless service is a tribute to their Army values and training and reflects the quality of Soldiers we work with every day."

Published on 12/20/2024 under News Another sure sign of winter's arrival... Wisconsin's frozen road laws are beginning to take effect. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation announced that as of Saturday morning, the declaration will be in place for zones 1 and 2, which comprise roughly the northern half of the state. The frozen road law allows heavier loads for trucks carrying certain cross-cut forest products, along with salt and sand for winter maintenance. The declaration is issued once the ground under highway pavement is frozen to a depth of at least 18-inches. The higher weight limits do not apply to county or local roads unless authorized by the local agency having maintenance authority. The frozen road determination for the remaining portions of the state will be made once conditions warrant.

Published on 12/20/2024 under News The DNR is hosting the first of their twice annual free fishing weekends in just under a month. On Free Fishing Weekend, anglers can fish most Wisconsin waterways without a fishing license or a stamp. The winter event will take place January 18-19. The DNR is encouraging fishing clubs and organizations to consider hosting free fishing clinics to coincide with the free weekend. They note that youth can fish without a license year-round, so it's a good opportunity to target adults. They also encourage consideration of anglers with limited mobility. Once registered, the DNR will promote the clinic and provide educational materials. Interested groups must register by January 8.

Published on 12/20/2024 under News Triple A is projecting record travel over the holiday season. Before hitting the road or flying the skies, Aspirus is reminding travelers to take a little extra care with medications. Proper storage is essential to ensuring medications work as intended, especially when it comes to temperatures. Aspirus Pharmacy Resident Rebecca Thao says, "To maintain their efficacy, you want to keep (prescriptions) in an insulated container if you can, and keep them in their original container..." Thao specifically highlighted freezing temperatures, through if your final destination includes sun and sand, those medications should also be kept in a cool, shaded location. Thao recommended reviewing and discussing any medication needs with your provider or pharmacist. And prepare for the unexpected, she says to bring enough medication to last your entire trip along with a few extra doses in case of a delay or emergency. If you lose your medication or run out: Contact your health care provider for a new prescription at a nearby pharmacy, request a prescription transfer through a national pharmacy chain or visit a local walk-in clinic to obtain a new prescription.

Published on 12/19/2024 under News While winter doesn't officially arrive until the weekend, we're getting a sneak peak with a widespread snow expected throughout the day Thursday. Our Northwoods forecast is just a few inches, but central Wisconsin and communities along Lake Michigan could see upwards of 8-10 inches. A number of school districts made the early decision for a snow day. With higher totals forecast to our south and east, these closures are predominantly from Wausau and south. Of course, stay tuned to WJJQ throughout the winter for local cancellations here in the Northwoods. And with our first major snow of the season, officials also note it's important to brush up on winter driving skills.That all starts before you leave your home. The DoT recommends keeping a winter driving kit in your vehicle. Try to keep at least a half tank of gas and a fully charged cell phone. Always clear snow and ice from your vehicle before leaving. Once on the road, the DoT recommends slowing down and allow plenty of time to reach your destination. Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses, and ramps. Lastly, leave room for maintenance vehicles and snowplows to do their jobs.

Published on 12/19/2024 under News By the end of the day, there will be plenty of snow to remove. If you're planning to shovel, health officials encourage doing so safely. Snow removal can be a deceptively dangerous chore for your body and can impact your heart, your back, and slip injuries. Aspirus is reminding shovelers to be mindful of those dangers. We heard from Aspirus physical therapist Katie Zenner, who discussed shovel techniques to avoid injury. She says you want to avoid stress and strain on your back by keeping it straight, engaging your core, and utilizing your legs. Avoid twisting and turning. Zenner added, "Instead of just lifting with that shovel and twisting at your trunk, move your feet so you're keeping your body all in line." A few other general shoveling tips offered up by Aspirus: Dress for the cold from head to toe...that includes good footwear for traction. Before you start do a little stretching, and take breaks throughout the process. Try to lighten your load by shoveling a few times during the snow event rather than waiting until it's done. And most importantly, if you do feel any pain, stop shoveling right away. If you have chest pain, seek medical attention immediately.

Published on 12/19/2024 under News The Wisconsin State Building Commission approved a number of projects around the state, including one here in Tomahawk. Following the meeting of the State Building Commission, Governor Evers announced the projects that will share in $81.5 million. That includes the release of Building Trust Funds to prepare the preliminary design for the new Fire Response Equipment Facility and Fire Equipment Fabrication Storage Facility at the DNR Lemay Forestry Center located in Tomahawk. According to the announcement, "These two new facilities will help preserve new and existing fire vehicles and fire equipment, as well as provide a centralized wildland fire response station for programs in the area." In announcement Gov. Evers says, "Every project approved today is critical to our communities." The Wisconsin State Building Commission is made up of six legislators and a citizen member. The Northwoods is well-represented with both State Sen. Mary Felzkowski and State Rep. Rob Swearingen serving on the committee.

Published on 12/19/2024 under News From toys and food to money and warm winter clothing, there is now shortage of collection campaigns at this time of year. One of the more unique efforts kicked off in Rhinelander on Wednesday. Students at Rhinelander High School will once again be collecting denim. It's part of the FBLA/DECA Jeans for Teens. Over the next three weeks, students will be collecting jeans for Frederick Place Temporary Housing Shelter in Rhinelander. Last year, they gathered more than 600 pairs, a mark they reach most years. They're once again asking people to check their closets, shelves, or drawers for new or gently used jeans. They can be a gift that wasn't your style or a pair that never quite fit. For students or family members, each of the campuses in the district will have a drop off location. They're also teaming up with a number of community partners that have the decorated collection boxes including: Rhinelander Public Library, YMCA of the Northwoods, Maurices, Campfire Coffee & Creamery , and Bath and Body Creations. The collection runs through Jan 7.

Published on 12/19/2024 under News While most anglers have shifted their attention to ice fishing, the DNR is reminding musky hunters they have a less than two weeks left to land a lunker this season. The agency notes that the 2024 open water musky fishing season closes across the state on December 31.Along with the closure date, they also note that musky may not be targeted through the ice at any time. Anglers can mark their calendars for May 3 in the southern zone and May 24 in the northern zone for when the 2025 season opens. And for those looking to pass the time while the season is closed, the DNR encouraged people visit their dedicated musky webpage to learn more about the iconic fish including fun facts, fishing tips, and where to find them. -Photo provided by Wisconsin DNR-

Published on 12/18/2024 under News There has been a growing push around the state to regulate boats that create large wakes on smaller lakes...Lincoln County joined the effort last night. While their isn't much boat traffic on area waterways at this time of year, the Lincoln County Board spent a portion of their December meeting on a resolution related to enhanced or excessive boat wakes. The resolution they approved doesn't actually establish any new rules, but it calls on the Wisconsin legislature to engage in 'meaningful discussions' to establish some standards. The goal is to address these newer ski boats, often equipped with a ballast system, when operated at slow speeds in order to create a larger wake for wake-surfing. The sport has exploded in popularity in recent years with the wakes mimicking ocean waves for the surfer to ride a few feet behind the boat. Lincoln County is not alone in these efforts with other neighboring municipalities and counties passing similar resolutions. They typically seek regulations to restrict enhanced wakes to a distance of at least 500 feet from shore and a minimum of 20 feet in depth. The supervisors briefly discussed the same concerns often cited during these conversations including damage to the water bed and shoreline; interference and safety of other water users; disturbing wildlife; and spread of invasive species when ballast systems are not properly drained. Supplemental material for the meeting included around a dozen letters of support from either residents or lake associations within the county. After a limited discussion, the Lincoln County Board approved the resolution unanimously.

Published on 12/18/2024 under News Another area school is set to go to referendum next spring. At their meeting Monday, the Rhinelander School Board approved an operational referendum question to be placed on the April ballot. The district is in the middle of a referendum approved in 2022. If approved, the new request would overlap, both increasing and extending the district's funding availability. It would essentially allow the district to exceed the revenue limits by $7 million through the 28-29 school year. (If it is approved, the district will be able to exceed its revenue limit by an additional $3 million per year in both the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years. Once the current referendum expires in 2027, the district would then be able to exceed its revenue limit by $7 million in the 2027-28 and 2028-29 school years.) The district highlighted rising costs since the last referendum specifically citing special education, staffing, and transportation. Superintendent Eric Burke says, "We are proud of our efforts to continue providing our students with an exceptional educational experience, despite the financial challenges facing our district and many others like ours across the state." Burke added, "As we continue to manage the impact of rising costs and an inadequate state funding system, we are once again looking to engage our community and propose a solution that will position our students for success, now and in the coming years." If approved the district projects the average tax payer would see an increase of $52 per $100,000 of valuation the first year and the decreasing each subsequent year. By the final year, they project it to be lower than the current level. The district has created a website to provide further information. Rhinelander joins a growing list. According to the DPI, there are already 10 districts going to referendum in the spring election cycle. Here in the Northwoods, both Tomahawk and Northland Pines will go to voters on the February primary.

Published on 12/18/2024 under News The Tomahawk Chamber of Commerce has found it's next executive director, though they didn't have too look far. Charis Lau had been serving in the role on an interim basis over the past few months.At a recent meeting, the Chamber Board lifted the interim tag, allowing her to continue in the position going forward. Lau says she was thankful for the opportunity, noting, "The Board has been an incredible asset as well as supportive throughout the last few months of transition, and I can't thank them and those in town who have supported me... enough." As for what she's looking forward to, Lau says, "We have plans to further our involvement, development, education and advocacy in and for the Tomahawk community." Speaking of the Chamber, they also announced some new hours starting in January. That will be 9-4 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday, and longer hours on Thursdays from 9-6.

Published on 12/18/2024 under News The DNR is continuing their months-long review of the current boundaries for deer management units. This past week, the agency announced a public comment period for a draft rule that would update some of the areas under review. One of the proposed changes would be here the Northwoods, part of the 22-county Northern Forest Zone. The boundaries are currently based on counties, but could revert back to habitat-based deer management units. It would also adjust a portion of the Central Forest Deer Management Zone boundary and select Metropolitan Sub-unit boundaries. Last month, the DNR held a series of public informational meetings online and around the state to discuss the review process and the proposal. The next step in the process is a public comment period which runs through January 10. The proposal is available on the DNR website for review. The DNR will also host a virtual public hearing January 8 for another opportunity for formal comment.

+ Read More