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Sen. Baldwin Introduces Resolution to Establish National Loggers Day Published on 09/23/2022 under News

The logging industry plays a critical role in the Northwoods economy, and a new bipartisan bill in Washington would recognize October 12 as National Loggers Day.

The goal of the resolution, introduced by Democratic senator Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin and Republican Susan Collins of Maine, is to highlights the many contributions and economic benefits of the logging industry in the country.

Baldwin said in announcing the resolution, "I'm proud to lead this bipartisan effort with Senator Collins to spotlight the importance of logging businesses and workers who keep our forests healthy and support our Made in America forest products supply chain."

She added, "Wisconsin's logging economy provides good-paying jobs and revenue for rural communities and the National Park System. Healthy forest management also provides public recreational opportunities that make the Wisconsin way of life a national treasure."

This resolution is supported by the American Loggers Council and Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association, located right here in Northern Wisconsin.

In Other News

Community Fundraiser for Lincoln County Man Battling Blastomycosis Diagnosis

Published on 02/14/2025 under News The Tomahawk community is coming together to support a Lincoln County man recovering from blastomycosis. 'Blasto' is a fungal infection that primarily affects the lungs. It's caused by spores that can be kicked up from disturbed soil, leaves or decaying wood in wet areas. The Northwoods, unfortunately, has seen a number of cases over the years, affecting both animals and humans. Christopher Busterud was diagnosed with 'blasto' late last year. The 26 year old graduated from Tomahawk High School and now lives in Merrill. Bo and Monica Busterud recently stopped by the WJJQ studios to share Chris's story and promote this weekend's fundraiser. Otherwise a healthy kid, Monica said Chris's case was extreme. Bo said that Chris has been in and out of the ICU for a number of months and is currently at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee to continue treatment. He added that the doctors and nurses have referred to him as a miracle boy, and Bo was quick to praise their care. He noted that it is a life-changing diagnosis with a long road ahead which could potentially include a lung transplant based on his recovery. While he has insurance, there are many additional costs associated with this hospital stay including time off from work. That's where Saturday's fundraiser comes in. Monica noted that while Chris is generally a private and quiet person, he is really feeling the love of the community. Unfortunately, he won't be able to attend as he is still in the hospital. Monica says it's going to be a fun time and they've got raffles, silent auctions, food and refreshments, and plenty of entertainment. It gets underway at 1pm Saturday at the Corner Pub in downtown Tomahawk.

Published on 02/14/2025 under News TV programs like Pawn Starts and Antiques Road Show have developed a following over the years by giving a little insight into old and often overlooked treasures. A fundraiser here in Tomahawk this weekend will offer a similar experience in person. The Tomahawk Community Community Theater is partnering with Mark Moran. Moran is a Wisconsin-native with an expertise on antiquities. In fact, he's been a frequent contributor to Antiques Road Show over the years. Last month they stopped by the WJJQ studios, where they put out a call for people to submit items to be appraised. Within a few days, they had a waiting list in addition to the 100 plus items that will be included. They shows are often about more than simply placing a monetary value, as Moran will often provide a history of the item, which can be just as important to the owner and the audience. And speaking of audience, the public will be able to attend the appraisals. It'll take place Saturday morning in the Tomahawk School Auditorium. It begins at 11am. Admission is $5 and proceeds go to support the Tomahawk Community Theater.

Published on 02/14/2025 under News Michael and Joan Hartmann of Rhinelander recently celebrated their 50th anniversary. In their retirement, the couple have been volunteering with the American Red Cross-North Central Wisconsin Chapter over the past six years including time with their Disaster Action Team. Late last year, the Hartmanns had their first out-of-state deployment together. They assisted with recovery efforts following Hurricane Milton. The couple said, "Our deployment to Florida for Hurricane Milton really opened up our eyes to Red Cross volunteering." As for why they got involved, the pair shared, "We have many common interests, we like being together and working together, and volunteering is one more thing that we can do together that is very rewarding." According to the Red Cross, "The Hartmann's story is a powerful reminder that volunteering not only changes lives but also strengthens bonds between those who serve." For those inspired by the Hartmanns, the American Red Cross-North Central Chapter is seeking volunteers for the Disaster Action Team, providing emotional support, assistance, and resources to help families.

Published on 02/14/2025 under News Officials are warning the public about another scam targeting Northwoods residents. According to the Oneida County Sheriff's Office, these scammers have been posing as bail bondsmen with a number of complaints this week. The scammers have been targeting primarily elderly victims in Oneida, Vilas and Forest Counties, stealing tens of thousands of dollars. According to the Sheriff's Office, the scammers are calling their victims claiming to be a relative who was arrested and working with a bail bondsman for release. These scammers are actually going to their victim's residence to collect the money. The first red flag, according to the Sheriff's Office, is that bail bondsmen are not used in the state of Wisconsin. They added that law enforcement or the courts would not go to a residence to collect bond payments. The Sheriff's Offices in the three counties are working together to identify these individuals. Anyone who may have been contacted or victimized by these individuals is asked to contact their law enforcement.

Published on 02/14/2025 under News Wisconsin Valley Improvement will restart their aerator system on a segment of the Eau Pleine reservoir, which will create unsafe ice conditions nearby. The aerator is often used in late winter or early spring to help maintain adequate oxygen levels in the water for the fishery. The aerator is located in a narrow stretch of the reservoir adjacent to the Big Eau Pleine County Park. They are cautioning anglers, snowmobilers and others traveling on the ice that the operation will create unsafe ice conditions and open water. They have installed rope barriers, warning flags , and signs as a precaution. The Eau Pleine is a 7,000 acre reservoir located in Marathon County.

Published on 02/13/2025 under News The Tomahawk School District will be opening up their buildings to the community later today to highlight some of the happenings on campus. The Tomahawk School District is hosting their first annual District Showcase. Director of Teaching and Learning, Mark Schoomer has taken lead in organize the event. He stopped by the WJJQ studios yesterday to offer a preview. He said the goal is to give community members an opportunity to get a glimpse into what the students do. There will be a little something for everyone with different activities in classrooms across the campus, this includes art spaces, gym activities, and demonstrations on the cutting edge equipment utilized in the districts tech ed labs. In addition to those presentations, Schommer also says they'll have some short seminars on topics like reading and math support, understanding assessments, navigating social media, and the emergence of artificial intelligence And while it may seem geared towards parents with students in the district Schommer says it's a great opportunity for anyone in the community to learn more about what's going on in the Tomahawk School District. The timing of the Showcase dovetails with the upcoming referendum. They will be hosting their third and final public informational meeting(5:30pm in the auditorium). The Showcase will be featured across the campus from 4pm to 7pm

Published on 02/13/2025 under News Several groups in Lincoln County are teaming up to offer special training in suicide prevention. Healthy Minds for Lincoln County is working with Aspirus Merrill Hospital and Lincoln County Health Department for these valuable courses this spring. The goal is to help participants recognize warning signs, offer hope, and access help and resources. They'll focus on a three step training model known as QPR, which stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer. Each of the hour and half long classes will be instructed by Heidi Pritzl, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for Aspirus Health. There will be opportunities in both Tomahawk and Merrill, along with a virtual option. The virtual course is March 11 with a February 28 deadline to sign up. In person classes will be held Friday, April 4 with registration by March 24. •Tomahawk Public Library (breakfast provided) 9:00-10:30 am •Merrill TB Scott Free Library (lunch provided)12:30 - 2:00 pm The classes are free, but registration is required and space is limited. We'll get that information in the online version of the story.

Published on 02/13/2025 under News Two local recreation areas have been taking part in a pilot program aimed at placing a value on what these locations offer. The Wisconsin Office of Outdoor Recreation recently released their first efforts of the Do-It-Yourself Economic Impact Report. Two of the five locations included are in Northern Wisconsin: Nine Mile County Forest in Marathon County and the WinMan Trails in Vilas County. The goal of the pilot is to help local governments and nonprofits produce reports that capture the economic contributions of outdoor recreation. That information can be valuable for a number of purposes including grants applications, event promotion, and community support. Office of Outdoor Recreation Director Cassie Mordini says, "We know the outdoor recreation industry as a whole is big business in Wisconsin, but it can be challenging for those who manage outdoor spaces to determine the economic benefits for their communities." They found Nine Mile County Forest generates around $3.3 million, the WinMan Trails $4.3 million. Based on available data, they'll also be able to estimate jobs supported and local and state taxes generated from these outdoor recreation activities. Those reports can be viewed online. The five teams were selected through a competitive application process and participated in a series of workshops to kick off the program. The hope to eventually expand the availability of these resources to all locations.

Published on 02/13/2025 under News A reckless homicide case involving a teen at Lincoln Hills will remain in adult court. Javarius Hurd is facing multiple charges including first-degree reckless homicide and two counts of battery by prisoner in a fatal attack at the youth correctional facility located in Lincoln County last June. That incident left staff member Corey Proulx with fatal injuries; he died the next day. Attorneys for the 16 year old requested the case be moved to juvenile court. After three days of hearings, the judge denied that request in an oral ruling handed down Wednesday. Court records also show the attorney requested signature bond and for Hurd to be moved to a different facility. No decision was made on those motions. Hurd is one of two youth inmates being charged. Future court appearances will be scheduled at a later date.

Published on 02/13/2025 under News Improvements are in the works at Rib Mountain State Park, and the public has a chance to learn more and provide feedback. The Greater Wausau Prosperity Partnership, in collaboration with the DNR, has developed a trail network concept plan for Rib Mountain State Park. The plan will impact and improve a number of recreational areas of all types. That includes multi-use paths; hiking and biking trails, realignment of snowmobile trails; and an expansion of the ski area within the already leased space. They're currently in process of providing public information and gathering public feedback. They've got a public informational meeting this evening at 6pm. It'll take place at NorthCentral Technical College Professional Conference Center at 6pm. They've got a website with the concept. As for the public feedback, that can be submitted online through March 2.

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