WJJQ Radio

Story Details

Wausau School Board President Enters 7th District Congressional Race Published on 10/15/2019 under News

The 7th district congressional field continues to grow, with a fifth candidate entering the race.

Wausau School Board president Tricia Zunker launched her campaign yesterday morning. The announcement on Indigenous Peoples Day was fitting as Zunker, if elected, would become the first Native American to serve Wisconsin in congress.

During her announcement, Zunker said while she is running as a Democratic candidate, her job is representing all of her constituents, or people over party.

She brought up a number of issues during her announcement including support for farmers, the environment, education, and affordable health care. A news release emphasized her family ties to unions, farming and the military.

In addition to her role on the Wausau School Board, Zunker teaches law remotely at several universities and serves on the Ho-Chunk Supreme Court.

_____

Another politician decided against running in that race yesterday. State Senator Janet Bewley said she will not enter the election and will instead continue to serve the residents of her 25th Senate district.

In the announcement she specifically praised Zunker saying, "I've had the pleasure of talking with Tricia Zunker in the past and have been impressed with her grasp of the issues facing our northern cities, villages and towns. The 7th CD deserves a congressperson who understands the needs of our friends and neighbors and I look forward to seeing how her campaign unfolds in the coming months."

In Other News

Tomahawk School District Dedicates New 'Wall of Honor'

Published on 11/12/2024 under News A new display on the Tomahawk School campus recognizes former Tomahawk students who served the country. Monday was Veterans Day, a fitting time for the district to officially dedicate what is known as the Wall of Honor. The seeds of the project were planted just under a year ago. The idea was to create a simple but meaningful gesture to recognize and honor the many active duty military or retired veterans who attended Tomahawk schools. Ahead of their annual Veterans Day program Monday morning, the district held a small dedication to officially dedicate the display. It's located in the main foyer near the auditorium and gym, notable as a high-traffic area for both students and the public. Each military branch is represented with a hand-crafted service emblem that are displayed above name plates that list the former students who served in that particular branch. The planning committee worked with the local veteran's groups, the public, and even the Hatchet Innovation Lab to produce the name plates in-house. With that hard work complete, Monday was a time to reflect on the project, but more importantly the names. It'll be a display that continues to grow, as each additional graduating class typically adds a few more members, and they continue to track down the names of past veterans. Information is available in the district office or website.

Published on 11/12/2024 under News Five more veterans from the Tomahawk area will take part in a future Never Forgotten Honor Flight; and it's all thanks to elementary students. As part of yesterday's Veterans Day program, the Tomahawk Elementary Student Council awarded five ceremonial boarding passes to veterans in attendance: Bill Burcalow, Jack Bremmer, George Kleist, Timothy Panfil, and Elizabeth McBride. Those vets will be able to travel to Washington thanks to the students 'Dunking for Dough' fundraiser. Teacher and Student Council Adviser Megan Barker explained that the students were challenged to raise money, with a reward of putting their principals in a dunk tank. They far exceeded their initial goal, by raising $2,500. Barker called it 'heartwarming' to see the students, as young as 4k, supporting this cause. Jim Campbell, founder of the local chapter of the Honor Flight was also on hand at yesterday's program and presentation. He noted it was the 15th anniversary of the announcement of their founding. And over the years, he says the Tomahawk School District has been their largest school supporter across their 13 county region. For those who missed the Veterans Day program, which included student speeches and performances by the THS band and choir; it is available on the district YouTube Channel.

Published on 11/12/2024 under News The number of vehicle versus deer collisions in Lincoln County continues to rise. One accident this past week sent the driver to the hospital. The number of accidents involving deer typically peaks in late October and early November. This is when the animals are on the move and in search of potential mates; the days are shorter; and the time when deer are active, dawn and dusk, occur during common commuting times. Over the past month, the number of vehicle/deer collisions in Lincoln County each week has typically been in the teens. This past week, the number jumped again, with 23 reported. Among those, a crash Friday on County W in Pine River. The investigation showed the driver attempted to swerve, struck the deer and left the roadway causing the vehicle to roll. The driver was brought to an area hospital with undisclosed injuries. As we reported earlier this year, drivers are typically advised to avoid swerving if a deer collision is inevitable. Drivers are reminded to use caution at this time of year, due to the increase in deer activity.

Published on 11/12/2024 under News A Merrill man found guilty in a a fatal shooting two years ago will serve 15 years behind bars. Tanner Graap, 30, was back in Lincoln County Court for a sentencing hearing Monday. Graap was arrested as a result of the shooting death of a 28 year old Merrill woman at a Merrill home in January of 2022. Graap initially told investigators he unintentionally fired the handgun. In September, he pleaded guilty to an amended charge of 2nd degree reckless homicide by use of a dangerous weapon. In exchange, several other charges were dismissed, but considered during yesterday's sentencing. According to court records,Judge Robert Russell ordered Graap serve 15 years of initial confinement followed by 10 years of extended supervision. He must maintain absolute sobriety, avoid contact with the victim's family, and submit an apology to the family.

Published on 11/12/2024 under News Every five years, the Oneida County Health Department updates their Community Health Improvement Plan or CHIP. The latest effort is complete and set to be launched. The comprehensive approach is designed to address the pressing health needs of the community. Linda Conlon is the Oneida County Health Director. She says, "We are thrilled to introduce this dynamic plan that prioritizes the well-being of all residents." The goal is to bring together health experts, community leaders, and residents to showcase the top four health priorities outlined in the CHIP and how it will shape the future of public health in our county. Those four pillars are: 1. Housing – Expanding access to safe and affordable housing for all residents 2. Childcare – Supporting families by improving the availability and affordability of quality childcare 3. Substance Use – Addressing substance use through enhanced prevention efforts 4. Mental Health – Promoting mental well-being for all and expanding access to mental health care Conlon says, "By working together, we can create lasting change and improve the quality of life for all who call Oneida County home." Coming up Wednesday, they'll be hosting an event for people to learn more. It's from 3:30pm to 5pm at the Nicolet College Northwoods Center or online. It's free, but they do ask that people RSVP. We'll include a link.

Published on 11/11/2024 under News November 11 is Veterans Day, and the Tomahawk School District will once again honor those in the community who've served in the armed forced. Tomahawk Middle School will once again host their annual, 'A Salute to Our Veterans' program. They've once again teamed up with local veteran's groups to offer the program. It will feature student readings as well as performances by the Tomahawk High School Band and Choir. They'll also hear a key note address from retired Lt. Col. Tiger Myers who served in the US Air Force. As always, the public is invited to attend. The program gets underway at 10:30am in the School Auditorium. Ahead of the program, the district will also officially dedicate the new 'Wall of Honor.' Located in the Main Foyer, just outside of the auditorium, the wall display honors former Tomahawk students who have gone on to serve the country, listing each name under the branch served. We'll have more on the new Wall of Honor on our Tuesday morning program.

Published on 11/11/2024 under News Today is Veterans Day and Lincoln County is offering a simple gesture to recognize the approximately 2,000 veterans who call Lincoln County home. Led by the local Veteran's Service Office, Lincoln County is part of a growing awareness campaign known as Operation Green Light. They've officially recognized the effort since 2022. Residents and businesses are encouraged to participate by simply changing out a traditional light bulb for a green one. Staff have exchanged the green lights on select Lincoln County Buildings such as the Service Center and the Court House. The goal is to highlight the unique challenges faced by veterans and the resources that are available at the county, state, and federal level. Lincoln County Veterans Service Officer Matthew Pultz said, "By shining a green light, you let veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported." At their meeting Tuesday, the Lincoln County Board is expected to approve a resolution that officially recognizes Operation Green Light in November. What started as a week-long campaign coinciding with Veteran's Day, they're now encouraging participants to observe Operation Green Light through the entire month of November.

Published on 11/11/2024 under News Nearly a dozen Aspirus hospitals were recognized as Top Performers by a statewide group. The Wisconsin Hospital Association recently announced those honored through their CheckPoint tracker. These hospitals earned recognition for their efforts in patient safety, quality improvement, and delivering high standards of care. Lisa Rowe-Peplinski, Aspirus Vice President – System Quality & Nursing Integration says, "Our recognition as Top Performers is a direct result of the dedication and teamwork across our system," said. "We remain focused on providing the best possible care to our patients, and this acknowledgment is a testament to those efforts." In all, 10 Aspirus Hospital received the honor: Aspirus Eagle River Hospital Aspirus Langlade Hospital Aspirus Medford Hospital Aspirus Merrill Hospital Aspirus Rhinelander Hospital Aspirus Riverview Hospital and Clinics, Inc. Aspirus Stanley Hospital Aspirus Stevens Point Hospital Aspirus Tomahawk Hospital Aspirus Wausau Hospital These hospitals demonstrated excellence across key categories, including Mortality-Conditions and Procedures, Patient Safety for all Patients and Patients with Surgery, Patient Experience, Re-admissions, and Infection Control.

Published on 11/11/2024 under News Nicolet College recently welcomed a new member to their leadership team. The school announced that Dr. Bobbi Fields will take over as the new VP of academic affairs. Fields brings over 20 years of experience in the Wisconsin Technical College System. It all started as a student at Moraine Park Technical College. She went on to roles in both faculty and administration. Her career also includes work in the private healthcare sector. Fields says, "I am eager to work with faculty, staff, and students to foster a collaborative and inclusive campus culture, through the development of shared goals important to achieving academic success." That includes fostering strong connections and meaningful pathways with students. Fields says, "I will focus on three priorities: strengthen community engagement, develop new academic programs and credentials, and create innovative learning opportunities across academic programs by enhancing initiatives that already exist and developing new initiatives." According to the announcement, Fields plans to expand credit for prior learning programs, which recognize students' previous experiences and allow them to progress more efficiently toward a degree. She also plans to expand experiential learning opportunities, such as internships and service-learning projects, to help students gain practical skills and improve employability, while also growing enrollment.

Published on 11/11/2024 under News Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) and its sister utility We Energies filed plans with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin in October to purchase two new large-scale renewable energy projects. In total, the projects would add 165 megawatts (MW) of new solar power to the grid. That is enough energy to power about 50,000 homes. According to the announcement, if approved, the Good Oak Solar Farm and Gristmill Solar Farm projects will be built in Columbia County. This builds on the plan WPS and We Energies filed in September to acquire five more renewable energy projects. In total, those projects would add 500 MW of new solar power, 180 MW of wind power and 100 MW of new battery storage to Wisconsin's grid. If approved, the facilities would be jointly owned by WPS, We Energies and Madison Gas and Electric (MGE). The power produced would serve customers across the state.

+ Read More