WJJQ Radio

Story Details

Hatchet Girls Track & Field Teams Wins Rhinelander Invite Published on 05/10/2024 under Sports

Tomahawk's track and field squads competed in the Rhinelander Invitational Thursday. The Hatchet girls had their third consecutive first-place finish, finishing with 152 team points. Tomahawk placed first in the 4x200, 4x100, and 4x400 meter relays. Siennah Caulkins placed first in the high and triple jumps. Alicia Voermans placed first in the pole fault with a mark of 9'.

Tomahawk's boys placed eighth in the meet with 51 points, finishing ahead of Lakeland and Merrill. The Hatchets had second-place finishes in the 4x800 and 4x200 meter relays.

This concludes the 2024 Hatchet track and field regular season. The Great Northern Conference meet is Tuesday in Medford.

In Other News

Results from the 2024 Tomahawk Powwow Days 10k, 5k, and Fun Run

Published on 07/05/2024 under Sports Results from the 2024 Tomahawk Powwow Days 10k, 5k, and Fun Run Top 10K Finishers:1st - Logan Higgins, Karen Swanson 2nd - Axel Treinen, Josie Brown Top 5K Finishers: 1st - Dan Machmueller, Marie Peterson 2nd - Steven Hebert, Natalie Johnson 1-Mile Fun Run Finishers Boys 1st - Parker Olsen, Emma Kieffer Boys 2nd - Jonas Eloranta, Hannah Kieffer Most Patriotic Winners 1st - Tina Murray 2nd - Rachel Hawkins 3rd - Rory Gundlach

Published on 07/05/2024 under News For a second consecutive year, the potential for rains and stormy weather led organizers of the Tomahawk Fireworks to postpone the show. The good news, folks don't have to wait too long, as the fireworks are expected to light up the skies tonight instead. We were right on the northern edge of forecasted rain last evening. The decision to move the fireworks was made in the late afternoon. This is done to allow the large crowds to change up their plans. Here in Tomahawk, the Lion's Club works with the Fire Department to launch the fireworks safely. They invests thousands of dollars into the show each year, and look to make it the best viewing opportunity possible. Of course, with another chance at some rainy weather Friday, stay tuned to WJJQ for any changes. Tomahawk wasn't the only community to postpone fireworks; Wausau's show was moved to Saturday.

Published on 07/05/2024 under News While most schools are on summer break, the first week of July is an important time for district financials. That's when the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction releases an estimate of the general school aid each district will receive for the upcoming school. General school aids are the largest source of state support for public schools. The funds help offset local property taxes under the current revenue limits. Statewide, the estimated general aid for the upcoming school year is up 4.2%, but that increase isn't evenly distributed. Based on a formula, some school districts see their aid increase, while others see it drop. Looking locally, it's good news for the Tomahawk School District. After going nearly a decade with this aid declining year after year; it's a second consecutive year with an increase. Last fall, the district received around $1.8 million, this year's preliminary estimate is $2.1 million. That amounts to a 13% increase, and is back to level it was around 6-7 years ago. We'll take a look at some of the other Northwoods figures in the coming days. The estimated numbers are released during the summer when most school districts are working on their budgets. The finalized figures are certified in mid-October. General Aid does not include other state funding including 'per pupil,' sparsity, and transportation aid.

Published on 07/05/2024 under News One of the benefits of being here in the Northwoods during the dog days of summer... a lake or river is never too far away. Those looking to take a quick dip in the water should be mindful of some common health concerns. We recently heard from the Lincoln County Health Department about both blue-green algae and swimmer's itch. Starting with blue-green algae; the name itself can be misleading as it appears in a rainbow of colors. It's typically described as looking like paint spilled on the water surface. It becomes a health concern when in bloom, and exposure can lead to a variety of symptoms from skin irritation and itchy eyes to headaches, ear aches and nausea. Meanwhile, the Health Department notes that swimmer's itch is caused by a parasite. It typically leads to an allergic reaction and skin rash. It generally doesn't require medical attention, but it may be uncomfortable none-the-less. Warming temperatures and calm waters can increase the risks. Watch for posted warnings, and assess the water before jumping in. The Health Department offered up a common saying, 'when in doubt, stay out.' It's always a good idea to rinse off after swimming in a lake or river, and of course, keep pets out of questionable waters as well.

Published on 07/05/2024 under News Seniors in the area can take advantage of a returning program that helps cover the cost of fresh, local produce. It's growing season in Wisconsin, and action at local farmer's markets is picking up. It's perfect timing for the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Central Wisconsin to bring back their Senior Farmer's Market Nutrition Program. We were recently joined by Jen Clark, a community health educator with the local ADRC. She says they've got a limited number of $45 vouchers for the clients what can be redeemed at area farmer's markets, allowing fruits, vegetables, and herbs grown right here in Wisconsin, often from the farmers themselves. Packed with nutrients and vitamins, a healthy diet of fresh produce benefits us all, but especially aging populations. Earlier this summer, we told you about a similar program offered by Aspirus with the Produce Prescription Program. Clark says these ADRC vouchers are available for seniors age 60 and up who meet certain income guidelines. Those interested can simply reach out to the ADRC, they've got an application on homepage of their website. They are available on a first come first serve basis. The ADRC of Central Wisconsin is a collaborative effort that serves residents of Lincoln, Langlade, Marathon, and Wood Counties.

Published on 07/05/2024 under News Council Grounds park-users are encouraged to snap a few pictures and enter their annual summer photo contest. The competition is organized by the Friends of Council Grounds group, and is now reached an anniversary 10th year. They'll once again select winners in four different categories: plants, wildlife, landscapes, and people using the park. Trying to keep the entries relatively new, they'll accept photos over a two year period. Once the contest closes, judges will narrow each category down to three finalists. From those nominees, the public will get to select the winners later this summer. The entry period opened on July 1 and runs through July 31. Contest rules and a few tips are available on the Friends of Council Grounds Facebook page. The DNR has contest rules on their website as well.

Published on 07/04/2024 under News The Fourth of July in Tomahawk marks the return of a decades-long tradition known as Powwow Days. If you can't find something to do, you probably aren't looking very hard. With a number of partners and volunteers, the Tomahawk Lion's Club oversees the annual festivities. Earlier this week we were joined by Lion Kevin Koth to offer a bit of a preview. Events actually began this morning with the Powwow Days run. It's a 5k, 10k, and fun run based out of Memorial Park. After the races, there are also children's games in the park. By mid-morning attention shifts downtown, first for the Lion's Club Chicken Luncheon, always an impressive undertaking. No backyard grills here, Koth explained their temporary pit is typically around 45 feet long and 4 feet wide and just as high. Each of the 6-7 racks holds 20 chickens above the coals turning out hundreds of the birds each year. The crews started cooking at day break in order to meet the lunch rush. Perhaps the centerpiece of the Powwow Days, the parade begins at 1pm. Of course, here on WJJQ, we'll be featuring our annual coverage of the parade live on 92.5. As parade clears out, the Tomahawk Fire Department takes over Main Street for their annual water and hose display. Once the sun goes down, the fireworks go up. While many have their favorite viewing locations around the community, the two most popular are SARA Park and Memorial Park. As for the entire Powwow Days events, while the Lion's do much of the planning and legwork, Koth was quick to thank the many businesses and individuals who provide donations and volunteer to make Powwow Days a success year after year.

Published on 07/04/2024 under News Before the parades, cookouts, and fireworks, Tomahawk Fourth of July celebrations kicks off with the annual PowWow Days 5k, 10k and Fun Run. For nearly fifty years, these races have become an annual tradition for runners in the Northwoods. While some are seeking top times and personal bests, others are simply getting in a holiday workout while having plenty of fun. Stars and stripes; red, white and blue are the most common racing attire. In recent years, organizers have started handing out awards for most patriotic costumes. As for the race itself, it has grown to regularly feature more than 600 runners. While most are from the Northwoods, all corners of the country are typically represented from Alaska to Florida. And participants are anywhere from 2-3 years old for the youth races up to runners in their 80s. The race typically features a number of past champions, as well as current and former Hatchets runners. Stay tuned to WJJQ Sports for the race results.

Published on 07/04/2024 under News The Tomahawk Area Interfaith Volunteers provide a valuable service for those in need, and they are looking to grow their pool of volunteers. Joan Litwitz stopped by the WJJQ studios on Wednesday to talk about the non-profit known as TAIV. She described TAIV as a 'helping organization.' Their volunteers serve seniors and those with disabilities in the community, with most of their outreach through transportation. It's essentially a volunteer Uber, providing rides to appointments and other excursions. And while those getting the rides are benefiting, Litwitz notes it's also rewarding for the volunteers through the conversations during the ride. She says the passengers often have plenty of stories to share. It's not a big commitment and they are flexible with their hours. Litwitz says some volunteers pledge a day a month, while others offer a few times a week. They do have two transport vans, or in some cases, drivers can use their own vehicles. In addition to volunteering, people can also support TAIV through their upcoming golf tournament. That's on July 20. And watch for TAIV in today's Powwow Days Parade.

Published on 07/04/2024 under News There was plenty to do in Tomahawk Wednesday...and chose bingo on a record-setting night. Nearly 350 people packed SARA Park for last night's session of Wawui Bingo. The players had their eyes on the prize, a progressive jackpot that had grown to $5,482. To claim the prize, the winner had to fill their entire card in 52 numbers or less. And it was Jennifer Duellman, a 'longtime, loyal player' who was able to do just that. That just shy of the all-time high jackpot, and coupled with a holiday crowd; organizers said they set a new attendance record of 346.In fact, to accommodate all of the players, they used not only the bingo hall, but they also spilled into the entryway to the hockey arena. Wawui Bingo takes place each Wednesday night during the summer. Proceeds go towards the operations and improvements at SARA Park.

+ Read More