WJJQ Radio

Story Details

Hodag Day at the Dome - Wednesday Published on 12/07/2022 under News

Last month, the Hodag was named best high school mascot in the country. Coming up today, the community will celebrate.

The School District and the Rhinelander Chamber, jointly announced Hodag Day in the Dome, which will take place on this afternoon. Rhinelander district superintendent Eric Burke says, "The Hodag was recently named the Best High School Mascot in the Nation. We thought that deserved a celebration, not only for our students, but for the whole community."

The free event will feature an opening ceremony, the pep band, and plenty of games, music, prizes as well as an appearance by the hodag mascot. They'll also be selling commemorative T-Shirts marking the occasion.

That'll take place today at the Hodag Dome from 4pm to 7pm.

In Other News

Silent Sports Offer Calming Fall Color Experience in the Northwoods

Published on 10/03/2024 under News Fall color season is in full swing here in the Northwoods, and there is no shortage of viewing opportunities especially if you're into silent sports. While an afternoon drive may be the simplest way to check out the fall leaves; local chambers, tourism organizations, and silent sports clubs are encouraging people to park and consider exploring by foot, bike, or boat. They offered a few ideas. A hike through a county forest or state park is a simple and affordable way to get an up-close look while getting some fresh air and exercise. To cover a bit more ground, there are a number of bike trail systems that wind through wooded areas. Highlighted trails include the Hiawatha and Bearskin near Tomahawk and the growing network of trails in northern Oneida and Vilas Counties. If you'd rather paddle than pedal, a kayak or canoe excursion is another opportunity for picturesque viewing. As a bonus, the reflections of the leaves on calm waters can double the viewing experience. Local organizations have been enhancing kayak and canoe launches and designating water trails in the area. And if you'd like to check out the fall colors from a higher perspective, there are some unique aerial opportunities, as well. Timm's Hill, the highest point in the state, is right in our back yard and frequently cited as one of the best viewing spots in the state. And down in Wausau, Granite Peak has their chair lifts running for fall color viewing as well. According to the Travel Wisconsin Fall Color Report, the Northwoods colors will peak in the next week or so.

Published on 10/03/2024 under News Lincoln County is celebrating it's 150th anniversary, and community partners are organizing several events and activities. As part of the sesquicentennial, organizers are encouraging people to get out and explore through their recently launched History Hunt. Throughout the month of October, participants will be tasked with visiting historic locations around the county . Each destination will feature a history hunt sign with a historical fact and a corresponding clue to be placed into the word puzzle. They note the history hunt is a combination of a scavenger hunt, a driving rally, and some word puzzle skills. Among the qualifications they listed, "A sense of adventure and love for local history!" Participants have the entire month of October to visit the locations and complete the puzzle. The cards will then be entered into a drawing for a chance to win prizes including an overnight trip to the Dells. Game sheets are available at the Tomahawk and Merrill Chambers. Additional information on this and other 150th anniversary events is available on the County website. They also encourage people to mark October 19 on the calendar for a day-long, county-wide celebration.

Published on 10/03/2024 under News As we covered Wednesday, Marshfield Clinic Research Institute is continuing to seek submissions for an ongoing tick study utilizing ticks submitted by the public. They also shared some of observations they've already discovered. Since the study opened in April, they have been able to identify more than 5,400 ticks sent in by Wisconsin residents, with distribution across the entire state. Of the ticks collected, about 4,200, more than 75%, were the familiar wood tick. This is not only because of their prevalence, but researchers also note likely due to their larger size, making them easier to spot. Most of the rest were the deer tick, also commonly found in Wisconsin. It's smaller that the wood tick, and known for carrying Lyme disease. But the release also noted they were able to detect rarer species to Wisconsin. This includes 13 lone star ticks, which are more common in the southeastern regions of the US. It's being discovered more frequently in the Midwest in recent years and is considered a species of concern. Easily identified from the white spot on it's back, the lone star tick carries its own illnesses including alpha-gal syndrome, also known as meat allergy, due to that particular symptom. Researchers will continue collecting ticks into the winter dormancy period. When ticks are submitted the individual receives an ID number to look up information from the tick they submitted.

Published on 10/03/2024 under News The Oneida County Health Department is seeing an increase in the number of cases of whooping cough or pertussis, following a state and national trend. While the numbers remain low overall, just 4 cases reported in Oneida County since mid-July, it is still higher than normal. According to the announcement, in a typical year, they see a single case if any. The Health Department says people should watch for symptoms that begin like any other respiratory illness, which progresses to a more serious cough, hence the whooping name. Those showing symptoms should contact their health care provider. They also recommend staying home when sick. Illness spreads more frequently in the fall and winter as people spend more time together indoors. Other tips they offered include staying up to date on vaccinations, frequent hand washing, and covering coughs. In addition to whooping cough, people should also be mindful of flu, RSV and Covid.

Published on 10/03/2024 under News Just one Northwoods product remains in a contest to determine the 'Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin.' Each fall, Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce holds Manufacturing Madness. It's a way to both celebrate and raise awareness of the many products made in Wisconsin. From more than 130 nominees, just 16 were placed into a bracket with the public able to vote on their favorite in the head-to-head match ups. On Wednesday, the field of 16 was cut in half. Among those moving on in the competition is Minocqua Popcorn and Puffs for their snack products. They edged out Carbliss, a canned cocktail drink. Minocqua Popcorn moves on to face a John Deere lawn tractor model. While one Northwoods product advanced, another was eliminated. A work boot from Thorogood in Merrill fell to Jolly Good soda. The next round of voting got underway this morning and will continue through Tuesday. You can visit madeinwis.com to view the products and cast a ballot.

Published on 10/03/2024 under News The Tomahawk City Council met Tuesday, with a light agenda and a handful of reports. The evening began with public comment utilized by Linda Jorgenson from the Wisconsin Dental Hygenists Association. She encouraged city leaders to reconsider a decision made last week by the Board of Public Works to stop fluoridation treatment of the municipal water system. While not mandated, fluoridation of municipal water is a common practice for oral health, and cavity prevention, in particular. Jorgenson stressed the importance of the treatments in preventing tooth decay, particularly among youth. She noted that many community that have removed fluoridation have seen effects 5 to 10 years down the line. Because the topic was not listed on the agenda for the evening's meeting, the Council did not address the topic further. Other public comment included a complaint about speeding and loud vehicles along East Somo Avenue. Mayor Steve Taskay also provided a tribute to longtime Tomahawk Police Officer Larry Bromberek following his passing this past week. Water lead Glenn Hanna provided a pair of updates, noting they've been working on supplying water to new campground sites and also noted that last week's sewer and roadwork on South Tomahawk Avenue is largely complete. And the council also heard brief, monthly reports from a pair of directors, Heidi O'Hare with the library and Jennifer Turkiewicz with Tomahawk Main Street.

Published on 10/02/2024 under News A local farm is celebrating harvest season by opening their field to local vendors. Tranquil Acres is gearing up for their inaugural Home Town, Home Made, Home Grown, Hoe Down. While their unique farm is still open for the season, owners Bill and Heather Smith, have also been busy preparing an open field for Saturday's festivities. For those unfamiliar, Tranquil Acres, located just south of Tomahawk, follows the mantra 'take what you need, pay what you can.' They allow visitors to learn where their food comes from by getting their hands dirty and picking produce themselves. With fall upon us, they recently opened their lower field which features thousands of pumpkins and squash of all shapes and sizes. It's a small, family and friends run operation, and that's also the type of vendors they've invited to take part in the Hoe Down. They already have more than 40 and counting. Just a few examples include artists, jewelry, woodworking and baked goods. Smith says the goal is to reconnect local farmers and handcrafters with each other and the community. Whether that means a purchase for yourself, or gifts for others, Smith says "It's all about celebrating and supporting the little guy." They'll also have plenty of entertainment and children's activities along with their usual nature trails and green space. Among the special guests will be the 2025 River Pro Rodeo Queen Mya Pankow with a meet and greet. For those that would like to check out the Hoe Down, it's on Saturday from 10am to 6pm. More information is available on their Facebook page, where they have also been previewing vendors.

Published on 10/02/2024 under News A statewide tick study continues, and researchers are encouraging those enjoying the fall activities to be mindful of ticks and submit them for identification. Earlier this spring we introduced you to the Marshfield Clinic Research Institute's Tick Inventory via Citizen Science. The goal is to study distribution and improve detection and disease prevention efforts. Since the collection began in April, they've identified more than 5,400 submitted ticks. This includes not only common wood and deer ticks, but some non native species like the lone star and brown dog ticks. And while the peak of tick season has passed, they are still active. In fact, associate research scientist Alexandra Linz says, "We often see a second peak of deer ticks in the fall, which are the ones that primarily carry disease in Wisconsin." Linz says, "The deer tick's small size and greater likelihood of carrying illnesses like Lyme disease is what makes it critical to perform tick checks after spending time in wooded or brushy areas." The study will continue into the winter when tick activity typically ends. Submission kits are available at Rib Mountain State Park as well as many Marshfield Clinic locations. Map of tick submissions made to the Marshfield Clinic Research Institute TICS study

Published on 10/02/2024 under News The Lincoln County Health Department is looking to ensure local children keep a healthy smile. The agency recently provided dental resources to elementary and middle school students across all eight public and private school campuses in Tomahawk and Merrill. The kits included a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and a dental magnet featuring some helpful hints when it comes to oral health. Lexi Buntrock is the Public Health Educator with the Health Department. She says, "By educating and providing dental resources to students, we hope we can foster life-long healthy dental habits and prevent urgent dental needs in the future." The Health Department also offers information and resources through their Guide to Affordable Dental Care. The Health Department has also been a part of the Wisconsin Seal-A-Smile program for 13 years. We'll have a bit more on that program in the coming days.

Published on 10/02/2024 under News Governor Evers was back in Northern Wisconsin yesterday, a second straight day visiting to the area. After stopping at Lake Nokomis Cranberries in Eagle River on Monday, Evers was at Stoney Acres Farm in Athens on Tuesday. As we previously covered, the tour is part of a celebration of the state's growing agri-tourism industry. It's win-win for the owners, typically family run. An opportunity to draw people to their farms, and a fun way to showcase their properties and products. For Stoney Acres, they're known for their pizzas, utilizing ingredients grown on site. Governor Evers got a chance to show off his pizza making skills during his stop. According to Stoney Acres social media accounts, the pie included sausage, peppers, heirloom tomatoes, oyster mushrooms and hint of bleu cheese. They noted it will be a menu option this weekend. Governor Evers previously issued a proclamation celebrating Wisconsin's Agricultural Tourism Fall season highlighting attractions such as pumpkin patches, harvest festival, corn mazes and farm-to-plate locations like Stoney Acres.

+ Read More