WJJQ Radio

Story Details

Tomahawk Historical Winding Down Extended 'Shoe Drive' Fundraiser Published on 09/19/2024 under News

Throughout the summer, the Tomahawk Historical Society has been collecting shoes and put out a final call.

The shoe drive is part of the Historical Society's campaign to raise money for an expansion project. The new building will house upcoming exhibits on antique printing equipment as well as a display on the Tomahawk Boat Manufacturing Company.

They've partnered with an international organization that distributes shoes to those in developing countries. In exchange, the Historical Society will receive a financial donation for collecting shoes.

The drive was originally set to end in August. The effort was so successful they actually need to arrange a second transport vehicle. That allowed the Historical Society to extend their collection efforts by another month. The finally pick-up will now take place on Saturday morning. Organizer Kathy Tobin said they've already got more than 4,600 pairs.

Anyone still interested in donating footwear can still do so on Thursday and Friday by dropping them off at the collection box at the Trig's Service Center.

In Other News

Two Injured in Bus, SUV Collision in Merrill

Published on 01/14/2025 under News Two people were injured in a crash involving a school bus earlier this morning in Merrill. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, that collision happened at around 7:30 Tuesday morning on Highway 17 near County G in the Town of Merrill. They said the bus, carrying students at the time, was traveling north on Highway 17 when the driver attempted to turn onto County G. A southbound SUV traveling on Highway 17 struck the bus. One passenger from the SUV and one student from the bus was transported by Merrill Ambulance with what appeared to be minor injuries. Both vehicles had to be removed from the scene. The crash remains under investigation and as of this time no citations have been issued.

Published on 01/14/2025 under News With frigid temperatures here in the Northwoods, health officials are reminding residents of the dangers of extreme cold. One of the biggest risks when temperatures drop is frostbite which is damage to body tissue caused by the cold. People, and animals, are most susceptible to frostbite in the extremities like ears and nose; fingers and toes. According to the National Weather Service, frostbite is based on a formula from windspeeds and cold. When windchills drop to a range of 20 and 30 below zero, as we saw this morning, frostbite can occur in as quickly as a half an hour. One of the best way to avoid frostbite is to simply stay indoors in extreme cold, but this isn't always possible. If you must be outdoors for an extended period of time, officials with Ready Wisconsin say your clothing choices can make a big difference. Dress in layers, with a base layer, a insulating layer, and a wind/waterproof layer. Minimize exposed skin, stay dry, and avoid the wind. Modern synthetic materials wick moisture and dry more quickly than natural fibers. Even your diet with nutritious foods and hydration helps promote circulation and blood flow. Keep a winter weather kit in your vehicle. And it's also a good idea to check in on vulnerable friends, family, and neighbors.

Published on 01/14/2025 under News Officials have released additional information into the death of a Tomahawk man now being investigated as a homicide. The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office has now identified the victim as 50 year old Richard 'Ricky' Sanderson. Sanderson died last Thursday evening after being brought to Aspirus Tomahawk Hospital with what was initially described as a chest injury. Following their initial investigation, deputies arrested 43 year old Michelle Sanderson. She appeared in Lincoln County Court Monday, charged with first-degree reckless homicide, obstructing an officer and disorderly conduct. The complaint says Michelle stabbed Richard with a steak knife following an evening of arguments. Michelle denies stabbing her husband and says he was outside working on a truck when she discovered him injured. At Monday's initial appearance, bond was set at $250,000. Future court dates will be scheduled at a later time.

Published on 01/14/2025 under News Over the past month, Lincoln County has been conducting a community opioid survey. There's just a few more days to complete it. The survey is being conducted by the Lincoln County Opioid Task Force which was created by the Lincoln County Board to create a plan to spend funding received through a series of nationwide opioid lawsuit settlements. Part of a larger assessment, the goal of the survey is to gather information on community perceptions, usage, and barriers to treatment of substance abuse from the people who live in Lincoln County. The initial deadline was set for last week, but they have extended it to this coming Friday. The survey is available on the Lincoln County website and takes 5-10 minutes to complete.

Published on 01/14/2025 under News The Raptor Education Group in Antigo treats birds of all sizes and species. Some of those birds will be featured on t-shirts throughout this year. It's all part of a new year-long fundraiser launched by REGI this month. Each month, they'll release a new limited-edition T-shirt design. Proceeds from the sales will then go directly towards the birds in their care. Fitting for a Wisconsin winter, the design, for the month of January, features a snowy owl. By the end of the year, people will have the opportunity to collect all 12 designs. They said each embodies a unique theme to celebrate their mission along with the beauty of wildlife. And you don't want to wait, they noted in the announcement, " Once the month ends, that unique designs will take flight." You can visit the Raptor Education Group website or Facebook for more information.

Published on 01/14/2025 under News Local businesses continue to benefit from an investment in green energy. Another round of REAP grants were announced this week. REAP stands for Rural Energy for America, a US Department of Agriculture program. In the newest cycle, 42 Wisconsin projects will share in $14 million. The funds are invested into a variety of energy saving projects. Here in the Northwoods each of the four grants was awarded to install solar electric arrays. It included a Langlade County fish hatchery, a Taylor County farm, a Marathon County manufacturer, and a Vilas County bait shop. •In Langlade County, Silver Moon Springs, a fish hatchery operation in Elton, will use a $80,702 REAP grant to install a 57-kilowatt (kW) ground mount solar electric array. This project is expected to save $9,387 per year. It will replace 79,900 kilowatt hours (kWh) (113 percent of the company's energy use) per year, which is enough energy to power seven homes. •In Marathon County, Stainless Specialists, Inc. a rural small business in Wausau, will use a $28,857 REAP grant to install a solar electric array. This project is expected to save $4,100 per 4 USDA is an equal opportunity employer, provider and lender. It will replace 32,800 kilowatt hours (91 percent of the company's energy use) per year, which is enough energy to power three homes. •In Taylor County, Joseph Tomandl, an agricultural producer in Medford, will use a $88,176 REAP grant to install a ground-mounted electric solar array. This project is expected to save $8,995 per year. It will replace 81,242 kilowatt hours (88 percent of the company's energy use) per year, which is enough energy to power eight homes. •In Vilas County, Popeye's Liquor and Bait LLC, a rural small business in Eagle River, will use a $38,128 REAP grant to install a roof-mounted solar electric array. This project is expected to save $3,861 per year. It will replace 30,549 kilowatt hours (100 percent of the company's energy use) per year, which is enough energy to power three homes.

Published on 01/14/2025 under News Mercer was scheduled to host their popular MECCA Winterfest races and celebration this weekend. Unfortunately, Mother Nature had different plans. Race Director Rodney Silvis says, "We are incredibly disappointed to have to cancel Winterfest's live events for the second year in a row." He says, "Our volunteers have been working hard and were ready to host this exciting event, but unfortunately, the snow conditions will not allow us to hold a safe race for our participants." All is not lost however. As they did last year, they'll once again offer virtual winterfest events allowing participants to complete races on their own. They have several race distances and options for skiing or snowshoeing. All virtual participants who enter by February 15 will be eligible to win gift certificates and merchandise from event sponsors. Those interested can visit meccatrails.com for more information.

Published on 01/13/2025 under News Update: Additional information has been released. The victim has been identified as 50 year old Richard Sanderson. Michelle Sanderson remains in custody in connection with his death. She is expected to make an initial court appearance Monday afternoon at 1:30pm._____ One person is dead, another in custody in Lincoln County. According to the Sheriff's Office, the 911 Dispatch Center received a call at shortly before 10pm Thursday reporting a 50 year old man who had been injured in his chest and shortness of breath. The caller was transporting the man to Tomahawk Aspirus Hospital via private automobile. The man died as a result of his injuries. No further details into the nature of the injuries was provided. The man's name was not immediately released. According to the news release, a 43 year old Tomahawk woman was taken into custody in connection with the incident. No other details on her involvement were provided. The Sheriff's Office says there is no threat to the public. The incident remains under investigation.

Published on 01/13/2025 under News Communication is key when it comes to successful school referendums. The Rhinelander School District is asking voters for additional funding this spring. Ahead of that vote, they'll be hosting a pair of community presentations. Those informational sessions were recently finalized and announced. The first will take place the morning of February 19 in the Hodag Dome at 9am. An evening session will be held March 12 in the Rhinelander High School Commons at 6pm. The district has created a website to provide further information. As we previously covered, the district is seeking to increase their existing referendum ,while extending it. In the end, it would allow the district to exceed revenue limits by $7 million starting next school year and through the 28-29 school year. The Rhinelander referendum will appear on the April spring election ballot. And they're not the only district seeking additional funding this spring. Tomahawk and Northland Pines are among a half dozen school districts around the state with questions on the February primary ballot.

Published on 01/13/2025 under News A Northwoods company is in the running for Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year. The annual awards are put on by Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce as a way to recognize the state's top manufacturers of all sectors and sizes. WMC says the companies were selected for innovations, philanthropy, technological advances, commitment to customer satisfaction and the quality jobs they create. This is the 36th year for the awards, and four winners will be selected. Among the four nominees in the 'large business category' is Weinbrenner Shoe Company. The Merrill-based company, known for their work boots, has been around for more than a century. All of the nominees will be honored, and the winners announced at a black tie awards program on Feb. 20 at the Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee. This isn't the first time Weinbrenner has been in the running for a state manufacturing award. Last fall, their Thorogood Line of work boots reached the sweet sixteen in another WMC contest to find the 'Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin'.

+ Read More