WJJQ Radio

Story Details

DNR Updates Public Access Lands App Published on 07/18/2024 under News

Wisconsin has no shortage of public lands and waterways. The DNR is making it easier for recreationists to learn about opportunities and plan their next adventure no matter their favorite activity.

Earlier this month, the agency launched an updated Public Access Lands App for computers and smart devices. The goal is to make it easier to locate state parks, county forests, lakes and rivers. The app features up-to-date property information including maps, parking locations, boat access and restricted areas.

Users can search for specific interests such as hiking, hunting, or fishing. For locations with specific webpages, those are linked.

The app compliments a print version of the Public Access Lands Atlas which features more than 400 detailed maps. Additional information is available on the DNR website.

In Other News

Tomahawk Kids Learning Theater in Summer Workshop; Friday Performance

Published on 07/18/2024 under News A group of kids here in Tomahawk have been using their summer vacation to get a crash course in theater. It's all part of the Tomahawk Community Theater's 2nd annual Children's Summer Workshop. We were recently joined by director Terry Bucaro, along with two of the youth actors Noah Bixby and Morgan Maule. Bucaro has been involved with the Theatre group since it was created right around three years ago. In addition to their community productions, this is the second summer they've offered the youth class. She says one of their goals was to get younger kids involved in theater and create interest and experience as they enter high school and beyond. That immediately paid off, she noted one of last year's participants joined the THS Drama Department. Over the past few weeks, this year's class, made up of around a dozen elementary and middle school students have been learning about theater while also preparing for a public performance, coming up Friday evening. The cast includes both Bixby and Maule. Despite this being his first time in a production, Bixby, entering grade five, already says he has a passion for action and want to pursue it in the future. Maule, a soon-to-be eighth grader, got encouragement from mom and thought it was something fun to do during the summer, though Morgan is already thinking about continuing to participate in high school. Both highlighted the amount of new friends they've made during the workshop, and were excited to share their experiences with friends outside of theater. Participants range in age from 4th through 8th graders, and Bucaro has already seen some of the older kids take the younger ones under their wing and act as mentors. With a full class and a waitlist for a second consecutive summer, Bucaro says they'd eventually like to offer more than one workshop to allow more participation. As for this year's workshop, it all leads up to a Friday evening performance of Internet Disconnect. It's at 6pm in the school auditorium. We'll offer up a preview on the Friday morning Sunrise Show. And if you'd like to support the theater, Noah and friends will actually have a lemonade/snack stand set up Thursday afternoon in front of Tomahawk Pharmacy on Main Street.-Photo from Tomahawk Community Theater-

Published on 07/18/2024 under News The Medford School District is using a grant from Aspirus to help implement a new phone free policy on campus. The goal of a phone-free campus is to maximize educational time and support mental health. The District was recently awarded $40,000 through the Aspirus Medford Hospital & Clinics Community Health Improvement Grant Program to purchase what are known as Yondr Pouches. According to the announcement, students will be required to place their smart devices into these special protective bags that will be locked as they enter the building and unlocked at the end of the day. Upon implementation, most Yondr partner districts saw improvements in academic performance, student behavior, and student engagement. By limiting distractions during the school day, the district hopes to reduce the minimize effects of social media while reducing instances of vaping, bullying, and fighting. Jill Lybert, Principal, Medford Area Senior High School. "We believe this will have a direct and positive impact on improving our students' academics, behavior, and mental health and create a better learning environment for our students." The Medford phone free policy will go into effect this fall at the middle and high school.

Published on 07/18/2024 under News Lincoln County will be getting a small payment as a participant in a larger class action settlement related to opioids. Lincoln County Corporation Counsel Karry Johnson provided the supervisors with a quick overview at Tuesday's meeting. Over the past several years, the county has been included in a handful of similar settlements. The latest, with Kroger Co. is on the smaller side. While the full settlement is for approximately $1.2 billion, that total is divvied up among the participants and based on populations. Johnson did not have specific numbers on how much Lincoln County would actually receive, but estimated somewhere in the range of $50,000. These settlement payments come with spending restrictions, the funds earmarked for opioid remediation through prevention, awareness, or treatment. The supervisors did have the option to opt out of the settlement and litigate alone, however after some brief discussions approved the resolution to enter into the settlement agreement.

Published on 07/18/2024 under News The Oneida County Health Department has identified a case of whooping cough. According to a news release, there was a positive case of pertussis confirmed Tuesday. They did not provide any additional information on the individual or their location. The Health Department wanted residents and visitors to be aware. Symptoms often begin like a cold, which progresses to more severe coughing and gasping for breath, hence the name whooping cough. The Health Department encourages people to stay home when sick, until symptoms pass. If you've been exposed or display the more severe symptoms, seek medical help. Most people will recover with antibiotics, though whooping cough can be more severe for vulnerable populations.

Published on 07/18/2024 under News The year's edition of the Hodag Country Music Festival has come and gone. In addition to benefiting local businesses, the event also provides an opportunity for non-profits to raise important funds. That includes the Pine Lake Volunteer Fire Department, which sells ice for the campers and concert goers. With this year's Hodag falling on one of the hottest stretches of the summer, the ice was in high demand. In their recap, the Fire Department says, they sold more than 180,000 pounds of ice, more than 9,000 twenty pound bags. They also sell water and t-shirts while acting as responders as well. They wrote, "We sincerely want to thank all the festers who continue to make this one of our biggest fundraisers every year." Funds will go towards outfitting their new ladder truck as well as additional firefighting equipment.

Published on 07/17/2024 under News For a second straight week, Tomahawk's summer concert series features a performer with ties to the community. As Music on the River enters the second half of their schedule, this evening will feature the Billy Bronsted Trio. Bronsted is a 2012 THS grad, who actually played Music on the River last year as well. His new band, Billy Bronsted Trio formed earlier this year with songwriter Bronsted on guitar and lead vocals. They've spent the first have of the year criss-crossing the Badger state. That includes a stop back at Music on the River, here in Tomahawk at Veteran's Memorial Park. They've also teased a special guest and set list featuring fiddler Timmy Mac. As always the shows are free, with music set to begin at 6pm.

Published on 07/17/2024 under News Lincoln County tabbed two hires from within to fill vacancies in two roles in county leadership. Among the items on a crowded Lincoln County Board agenda Tuesday, were the soon-to-be-vacant finance director position and an open highway commissioner position. Last night was finance director Samantha Fenske's final meeting. She's served the role for the last year and a half. After providing her last budget report, she received a round of applause from the supervisors, as well as praise from Finance Committee Chair Julie DePasse. To succeed Fenske, the board approved a resolution appointing Heather Marheine as Finance Director. She already worked for the County, in accounting with the Highway and Solid Waste Departments. She'll jump into a role during one of the busiest times. The County is currently in the process of crafting next year's budget. As for the Highway Commissioner vacancy, Jason Lemmer had served in an interim role over the past two months. He can now remove the interim tag, as the supervisors approved him to take over the position permanently. Both votes were unanimous.

Published on 07/17/2024 under News Over the past 14 months, Lincoln County has invested hundreds of thousands of dollars into various projects designed to establish and promote the area as a travel destination. Those expenditures continued last night. The source of the funds has come from the County's share of American Rescue Plan Act or ARPA funds. Much of that has focused on marketing the county and improving public recreational areas like campgrounds, trails, and boat landings. It dovetails with a slogan adopted last spring, Lincoln County: Where the Northwoods Starts and Your Adventure Begins. At their meeting last night, the supervisors approved three additional resolutions allocating ARPA funds. This included an additional $112,000 for ongoing county projects for improvements at New Wood Park, Otter Lake, Prairie Dells and the Hiawatha Trail. Initial funding for these projects had been approved last summer. The supervisors previously set aside funding for local municipalities and entities to propose projects. Allocations were made for two more projects last night: $4,000 to the Pickerel Lake District for an aerator and $38,000 to the town of Merrill for improvements to the Lokemoen boat landing. A third resolution approved ARPA funds be invested into the Lincoln County Economic Development Corporation for 2025 and 2026. The supervisors didn't take action on a fourth ARPA-related resolution for various tourism marketing projects. This came after concerns over privacy and the use of tracking data. They'll take up the resolution next month.

Published on 07/17/2024 under News Atrial fibrillation affects millions of Americans each year, yet often goes undetected and untreated. That can lead to serious health risks including stroke. The Aspirus Heart Care team will be offering up a free seminar on the topic here in the Northwoods next week. The program will be held in Minocqua next Tuesday evening. It'll be led by cardio-thoracic surgeon John Johnkoski and electro-physiologist Kevin Rist. They'll go over surgical procedures, well-established and innovative, along with management and other approaches that help reduce symptoms, prevent strokes, and allow people to live more active lives. Recent research has show Afib on the rise among those under the age of 65. It can be attributed to a combination of factors including smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, hypertension or sleep apnea. Johnkoski says, "The major issue with atrial fibrillation isn't just the symptoms, like racing or skipping heartbeat or shortness of breath, which are certainly troubling; rather, patients with the condition should know they are at much higher risk of heart failure and stroke." He notes that the risk of stroke can increase five fold in those with Afib. The seminar is scheduled for July 23 (at 6:30pm) and will be held at the Waters of Minocqua. It is free, but registration is required. We'll include a link.

Published on 07/17/2024 under News Throughout the year, the Friends of Council Grounds put in hundreds of hours to ensure that people are able to enjoy the state park located here in Lincoln County. This spring and summer, they're recruiting additional volunteers to participate in four 'Friend for a Day' events, with the next coming up this weekend. Organizers note that Council Grounds is home to more than 50 wooden benches placed around the park, allowing visitors to take in the scenic beauty. Those benches are the focus of Saturday's effort. They'll be clearing some of the brush around the benches for better accessibility and viewing, as well as cleaning the benches as well. That will allow volunteers to go back and stain them as needed. You don't have to be a 'Friends' member to participate, and there is no commitment to join. Simply meet at the park office Saturday (July 20) morning at 9am. They'll waive the admission fees, so once the work is finished volunteers can enjoy the park afterwards. This is their third of four planned 'Friend for a Day' events.

+ Read More