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Thanksgiving Fire at Lincoln County Farm, Several Animals Died Published on 11/29/2022 under News

A Thanksgiving Day fire at a farm in Lincoln County destroyed a barn and left several cattle dead.

According to the Merrill Fire Department, dispatch was initially paged for a structure fire at around 5am Thursday morning at a farm in the Town of Scott. That initial call indicated a growing fire in the barn and the reporting party trying to get the cows out of the barn.

Upon arrival of responders, the fire was already beginning to spread to the roof and caused a structural collapse which required an excavator to reach hot spots. Crews were finally able to get the fire under control at shortly before 1pm, with Merrill Fire noting some 210,000 gallons of water was used.

According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report, the fire is believed to have started around a skid-steer parked in the barn. While there were no human injuries, they reported ten calves died in the blaze.

In addition to firefighters from a half dozen agencies, the Lincoln County Highway Department was brought in to salt roads during the water transport. The Salvation Army also provided firefighters with food and water during the nearly 10 hour response.

-Photo provided by Pine River Fire Department-

In Other News

Oneida County Snowmobile Trails to Open Friday

Published on 02/04/2025 under News For the first time in nearly two years, snowmobile riders in Oneida County may soon be able to hit the trails. The Oneida County Forestry, Land, and Recreation Department announced that their snowmobile trail system is tentatively set to open for the season on Friday morning (February 7) at 8am. They note that all lake and river trails in Oneida County are considered unsafe and should not be utilized until they have been clearly marked by a local snowmobile club. As always, the Oneida County Forestry, Land, & Recreation Department reminds riders to stay on marked trails. They said in the announcement that trails are expected to be in rough early season condition. And they advise riders to check with local clubs or their social media for specific trail condition updates.

Published on 02/04/2025 under News While Monday's snow should help, most area snowmobile trails do remain closed at this time. Rather than waiting for the season to open,many people are taking advantage of other winter recreation opportunities. Often referred to as silent sports, activities like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fat-tire bikes typically require less snow to participate. There are growing network of public and private trail systems here in the Northwoods, many of which are open for the season. While most are in early season conditions, they have been quite busy as people have been eager to get out. And these sports are relatively affordable outside of the initial equipment investment. Others have turned to another popular winter pass time in Wisconsin... ice fishing. The lack of snow hasn't stopped area lakes from filling up with ice shanties and tip ups in typical numbers. This winter has been especially good for ice formation on area waterways. That season should remain open right up through mid-March. The lack of snow and snowmobiling in the area still remains notable. The Northwoods typically serves as a destination for snowmobilers from the southern portions of the state. For many local counties, it's a second consecutive year trails have been closed, while others like Vilas County only recently opened. This has impacted hospitality-based industries like restaurants and lodging, which then affects other businesses within the community. There is a bit of optimism with the possibility of snow in the forecast. In the meantime, there have been some local efforts to get people to visit and support affected businesses. We'll have a bit more on those campaigns and promotions in the coming days.

Published on 02/04/2025 under News A quick response kept a fire in Lincoln County from spreading early Monday morning. According to the Merrill Fire Department, crews were initially dispatched to a car fire at a property on River Road in the Town of Merrill. The owner of the home heard noises and was able to call in the fire at around 2:30am. Upon arrival responders found the fire had spread to a nearby by ice shanty and a portion of the garage. They were able to knock down the fire and keep it from spreading to the home. The vehicle and ice shanty are a loss, the garage was damaged. The release said had the fire continued to burn unnoticed, the loss of property and possibly life could have been much different. Instead, the family was able to remain in their home. Crews also dealt with snow covered roads while responding. Firefighters did briefly return to the scene after the ice shanty reignited. The cause of fire remains under investigation, but it is not considered intentional.

Published on 02/04/2025 under News One person is dead following a snowmobile crash in Forest County over the weekend. According to the DNR, that crash happened Saturday in the Town of Nashville. The operator was traveling on Crane Lake when he struck the shoreline embankment and some small trees. The 25 year old died as a result of his injuries. The name of the victim was not immediately released. The report indicates that alcohol may have played a factor. The crash remains under investigation. This is the fourth fatal snowmobile crash in Wisconsin this year.

Published on 02/04/2025 under News Aspirus Rhinelander Hospital took a brief glimpse into the past Monday afternoon. The facility hosted a small ceremony as they opened a time capsule that was more than 40 year old. The small metal canister was discovered behind the cornerstone of the former Saint Mary's Hospital in Rhinelander. It placed there back in 1981 to serve as a symbol of the hospital's rich history. They noted the contents offer a fascinating snapshot of life for the Rhinelander community, showcasing not just health care artifacts but also items that reflect the culture and spirit of the time. This included photographs, some newspaper clippings, a roster of hospital staff, along with some local mementos, coins, and a prayer rosary. The contents of the time capsule will be archived. Some of the more noteworthy items may be displayed in the future.

Published on 02/04/2025 under News A Wausau man was arrested on multiple charges after a confrontation with deputies while nude at a Merrill area business. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report, deputies were called to Rock Island Resort on Saturday for a report of an adult male, allegedly intoxicated and walking around with no clothing on. The first deputy on scene confirmed the report and attempted to detain the man. According to the report, the 46 year old initially resisted. The deputy was eventually able to place the man under arrest. He was brought to Aspirus Merrill Hospital for medical clearance, and then brought to the Lincoln County Jail. He was booked for disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and lewd and lascivious behavior. The man's name was not immediately released. He was later post bond and was released from the jail.

Published on 02/04/2025 under News A breakfast sandwich, a crossing deer, and some slick roads likely contributed to an accident in Lincoln County over the weekend. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report, deputies were sent to Highway 17 in the Town of Harrison on Sunday for a single vehicle crash. Upon arrival deputies learned that the driver of the southbound vehicle, an 80 year old Weston man, dropped a breakfast sandwich he was eating after a deer ran out in front of his vehicle. According to the summary, the man pulled over to retrieve his sandwich. He failed to put the vehicle in park, and it rolled forward into the ditch. This caused him to fall on slippery roads and injured his leg. According to the report, the man was brought to Aspirus Rhinelander Hospital for his leg injury. A couple of other quick notes from the Sheriff's Report •A 19 year old Merrill woman was arrested for 1st offense OWI following a traffic stop for equipment violations and driving behavior. •A 26 year old Merrill woman arrested for multiple charges including battery and disorderly conduct following a domestic altercation. The report indicates that additional charges maybe considered as there was a second victim that was identified. •There were 6 vehicle vs deer crashes reported on Lincoln County roadways this past week. There was also an eagle struck by a vehicle.

Published on 02/04/2025 under Sports The Hatchet girls' basketball squad continued to find ways to win, defeating Rib Lake Monday, 37-35. The win by Tomahawk is their fifth in their last six games and the Hatchets won despite being without Anita Ziert. Tomahawk got 14 points from Freya Alberg, Lizzy Long had nine points, all coming from beyond the arc and Claire Albert added eight in the win. The win puts Tomahawk 10-8 on the season and 4-4 in Great Northern Conference play. The ten wins by Tomahawk is the most by a Hatchet girls' basketball team since they won 14 games in the 2002-03 season. The Hatchets will look for another win on the road Friday at Great Northern Conference foe Rhinelander, with the opening tip at 7:15 pm.

Published on 02/03/2025 under News Two times each year, the Tomahawk Community Thrift Shop returns their proceeds to community organizations. And over the years, they've gifted hundreds of thousands of dollars to local non-profits. Ahead of their ceremonial check presentation, two of their many volunteers Joe and Bonnie Trapp stopped by the WJJQ studios to talk a bit about the store while also announcing the latest grant recipients. The Tomahawk Community Thrift Shop opened back in 2019. The founders were inspired by a store in the Minocqua area and wanted to bring a similar operation to the Tomahawk Community. After taking care of their operational costs, the return approximately 75% of their profit to the community. And in just six short years, that's added up to approximately $200,000. Around $50,000 is being donated in the latest cycle. This includes:•The new American Legion Youth Girls Softball Team to cover start up costs (~$3,000) •The American Legion-to renovate their meeting space utilized by groups including the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts ($5,000) •The American Legion and the Boy Scouts to rehabilitate the cabin on Boy Scout Island ($5,000) •The Cub Scouts and the Samoset Council to host the Pinewood Derby Regional Racing ($500) •Music on the River to sponsor an extra week of their summer concert series ($3,000) •Tomahawk Public Library for additional materials including their early reader collection and youth programming ($5,000) •Tomahawk Middle School for their orientation and mentoring program known as W.E.B. ($1,500) •Tomahawk Community Theater to support an upcoming production ($2,500) •Tomahawk Historical Society to repair the roof of the garage behind their kindergarten building ($7,000) •Both the Tomahawk Food Pantry ($7,000) and Our Sisters House ($8,000) for operational costsBonnie Trapp says,"We can't thank the volunteers, shoppers, and donors enough for their support." Speaking of volunteers, they're always looking for more. Joe said of his volunteering, "It's such a good cause, its hard to say no." He says he particularly enjoys working the counter, where he gets to communicate with the people in the store. For non-profits, the next rounds of grants will be awarded in July. The application period opens May 1-June 30.

Published on 02/03/2025 under News Officials have released additional information into a fatal crash in Oneida County last month including the names of those involved. The Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation is leading the investigation and provided an update over the weekend. That crash happened back on January 17 during a law enforcement pursuit. According to the release, the officer involved has been identified as Deputy Michael Bedish of the Oneida County Sheriff's Office. They said he has 4.5 years of law enforcement experience. He is on administrative duty as is standard procedure. The deceased individual has been identified as 28 year old Matthew Johnson. Investigators say Deputy Bedish attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle operated by Johnson, when he failed to stop. The chase continued along Highway 47, and ended when Johnson crossed into the opposite lane of traffic and struck an oncoming vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene. In addition to Johnson, six people were injured in the other vehicle. The update did not provide any information on those individuals. The investigation is ongoing.

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