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REGI Gets Salmon Donation from DNR Fishery Published on 10/21/2024 under News

A local bird rescue facility is well-stocked with food for the winter after a generous donation of fish.

The Raptor Education Group shared via social media that they were the recipient of more than 4,000 pounds of salmon. REGI says they will utilize the fish to help keep the birds fed through the winter. It's through a partnership that dates back a number of years now.

The fish came from the DNR Strawberry Creek Chinook fishery in Sturgeon Bay. Established back in 1969, the facility is the primary source of Chinook salmon eggs for Lake Michigan from the state of Wisconsin.

Salmon naturally die after spawning. Rather than allowing those fish to go to waste, the fishery donates them. While smaller fish are suitable for food pantries, larger fish are used for other purposes such as donations to animal rescues like REGI.

Volunteers made their way to Door County to load up the trailer over the weekend.

In Other News

Tomahawk Community Theater Presents Fall Production: Ghost Story

Published on 10/25/2024 under News The curtain is set to be raised for the latest production by the Tomahawk Community Theater. Coming up this weekend, the cast and crew will be offering up two performances of their latest play, Ghost Story. Over the past few weeks, we've had several members of the production stop by the WJJQ studios to preview show. Without too many spoilers, the humorous plot revolves around some characters placed into witness protection and their dealing with ghosts in the house and a nosy neighbor. The cast includes a mix of newcomers and actors who've appeared in one of the two previous productions of the theater group. What makes it even more entertaining is that the cast is made up of familiar faces from the community. As we've previously announced for this production, they've moved to a new, bigger location. They've partnered with the school district to host the play in the school auditorium, which will allow for a more traditional setting and a larger audience. They've got a Saturday evening show at 7pm and a Sunday matinee at 2pm. Tickets are $10 and will be available at the door.

Published on 10/25/2024 under News Downtown Tomahawk will be celebrating the season with the return of the annual Tomahawk Main Street Fall Fest on Saturday. The district has been decorated with scarecrows, pumpkins and cornstalks in the lead up to the award winning October celebration. While they try to offer something for everyone, the events are certainly geared towards families. More than a dozen businesses are either hosting or sponsoring activities. Main Street Director Jennifer Turkiewicz says, "Fall Fest provides families and friends an opportunity to get together, make memories and enjoy our beautiful downtown." She then gave a quick rundown that includes pumpkin decorating, face painting, and plenty of fall-themed treats along with a slide and some magic shows. It all leads up to the annual Downtown Trick-or-Treating. Each year hundreds of kids dress up and get treats from participating businesses, look for the ghosts in the windows. Turkiewicz says seeing all of the costumes are her favorite part of Fall Fest. She noted that in recent years more families are wearing themed costumes, which puts a smile on her face. Tomahawk Main Street has a full list of activities, locations and sponsors on their Facebook Page. We've got them posted on the WJJQ Community Calendar.

Published on 10/25/2024 under News Here in the Northwoods, the fall leaves have come and gone, and we're left to rake them up. Those looking to get some yard work done over the weekend are encouraged to re-purpose leaves around the home. While burning yard waste may be convenient, it also creates air pollution and runs the risk spreading into a wildfire. Instead, a little extra work and some creativity can re-purpose yard waste instead. First and foremost, consider leaving at least a portion of your yard natural. Many insects, including important pollinators will winter in or under fallen leaves. Officials note that leaves are packed with minerals and carbon which will benefit your plants and lawn next summer. It works best as mulch. You can speed up the process by breaking down the leaves with a shredder or mulching lawn mower. Similarly, dried leaves can also serve as a key component of your compost pile. They recommend a 2:1 mix of brown waste like dry leaves to green waste such as plant-based kitchen scraps and grass clippings. And if you don't have much use for yard waste at home, many municipalities do have disposal, either a pick-up service or drop-off location. Just a reminder for our city of Tomahawk residents specifically, that pick-up will take place next week.

Published on 10/25/2024 under News It only takes a spark to start a wildfire. While debris burning remains a leading cause of wildfires, the DNR is reminding people about other sources. According to their news release, the DNR has investigated 82 wildfires around the state this week. The causes of 32 were attributed to improper equipment use. The includes trailer chains dragging on the ground; off-road vehicles; operating vehicles/machines on grass; and tools like chain saws, tractors and lawn mowers. People should be aware and takes to steps to avoid incidental ignition, especially when fire danger remains elevated. •Secure dragging parts and trailer chains to avoid creating sparks while driving. •Avoid operating vehicles on dry grass. •Check tire pressure for exposed rims. •Maintain brakes and other high-wear components to prevent metal-on-metal contact. •Operate equipment (chainsaws, off-road vehicles, lawnmowers, etc.) early in the morning or late in the day to avoid sparks at peak burn hours. •Avoid outdoor burning until conditions improve. That is expected to be the case this weekend. Most of the state is classified as abnormally dry or in drought. That's coupled with low humidity, warm temps and breezy conditions in the forecast.

Published on 10/25/2024 under News Coming up Saturday, law enforcement agencies around the state will work with health departments and other partners to collect unwanted prescription medications. It's time once again for the semi-annual Drug Take Back event. Throughout the day Saturday, special drop-off locations will be set up around the state. These drug take back events serve several purposes. They keep prescriptions out of landfills and municipal water systems, but they also keep them in safe hands. Residents here in Lincoln County are fortunate to have a number of permanent drop-off locations. That includes both the Tomahawk and Merrill Police Departments. While they are available for use year-round, the statewide collection events serve as a good reminder to utilize the service. For these needing to locate a prescription drug disposal location, the state health department has an interactive map allowing users to search for both temporary and permanent drop-off sites.

Published on 10/25/2024 under News The Rhinelander School District's Cedric A Vig Outdoor Classroom or CAVOC is typically a pretty quiet, calm place, allowing students to connect with nature. Coming up this weekend, the trails will be filled for a race, and it all benefits a local veterans project. The Rhinelander High School FBLA/DECA chapter is hosting their 1st annual Run for Our Heroes 5K. Proceeds will go towards the Northwoods Veterans Homestead project. For those unfamiliar, earlier this summer the group broke ground on what will eventually be a tiny home village. It will be made up of a 16 tiny homes and a community center. The goal is to provide an opportunity for homeless veterans to get back on their feet through not only housing but also connecting them with resources to assist with employment, permanent housing, and other steps in self-sufficiency. For those interested in supporting the students and veterans, registration or check in begins at 9am Saturday, opening ceremonies at 10am, and the run/walk getting underway at 10:15.

Published on 10/25/2024 under News Utility workers are back in northern Wisconsin after an emergency deployment to Florida for storm repairs. It's been two and a half weeks since Hurricane Milton crossed central Florida leaving millions without power. Around 25 workers from Wisconsin Public Service stepped up to hit the road and provide assistance. They joined thousands of utility workers from around the country who offered assistance. WPS announced yesterday, that their team members have now returned to Wisconsin. They said, "The crews worked 16-hour days, replacing utility poles and restringing wires. Their efforts helped restore power to tens of thousands of customers in and around Tampa." This isn't the first time in recent years that these workers have deployed from hurricane restorations in Puerto Rico to wildfires in California.

Published on 10/24/2024 under News Two people are dead, two more were injured in a multi-vehicle crash in Lincoln County Wednesday afternoon. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, that crash happened at shortly before 4pm on Highway 17 near Barnes Creek Avenue in the Town of Merrill. According to the preliminary investigation, a northbound pick-up truck crossed over the center-line and struck a southbound SUV head-on. A third vehicle then collided with the truck. Both occupants of the SUV, a 79 year old driver and 82 year old passenger, were pronounced dead at the scene. Their names are being withheld pending notification of family. The 32 year old driver of the pick-up truck was transported to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The driver of the third vehicle was treated for minor injuries on scene. Highway 17 was closed for 5.5 hours following the crash, which remains under investigation.

Published on 10/24/2024 under News We're two months from Christmas, but a global gift distribution campaign is kicking off with an opportunity here in the Northwoods. That program is Operation Christmas Child. While a simple concept, their reach is global. Volunteers fill shoe boxes with small gifts including toys, hygiene items, and school supplies. The boxes are then distributed to children in need around the world. Maria Nakala is the regional coordinator, overseeing the collection in 6 Northwoods counties. She made her annual stop to the WJJQ studios this week to drop off supplies and talk a bit about the collection. She notes that items we may take for granted are incredibly meaningful for the recipients with examples like a wash cloth or notebook, along with simple gifts like a soccer ball. She noted that a boxing afternoon can be a fun group activity for family and friends. The national collection week is November 18-25. We've got instructional pamphlets and a few boxes here in the WJJQ. Or you can visit the Operation Christmas Child website.

Published on 10/24/2024 under News As the use of electric vehicles grows, so does the need for a reliable charging network. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is looking to fill coverage gaps including here in the Northwoods. Back in May, $23.3 million was awarded to 53 public charging station projects around the state. This past week, the DoT announced some additional grant opportunities. They list priority areas where they would like to see applicants. That includes here in Tomahawk, of interest due to the location between Highway 8 and the Highway 51 north and south zones. DOT Secretary Kristina Boardman said, We're excited to offer this opportunity to more applicants because we must ensure we're distributing this critical funding in areas where we're currently lacking as we continue to look to the future of this statewide program." According to the announcement, the charging stations will be within one mile of a highway intersection or interstate exit and will feature four charger ports, each delivering at least 150 kilowatts of power. In addition to providing fast and convenient charging, these stations will offer amenities such as restrooms and food and beverage options. Boardman says, "This network will allow us to provide an essential service to commuters, travelers, and visitors who can now make solid plans and go farther on every trip." Grants will be awarded next spring.

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