WJJQ Radio

Story Details

Tomahawk Building Trades Students Complete Concrete Sidewalk Published on 10/29/2024 under News

A group of Tomahawk students got the ins-and-outs of concrete work during a recent class project with real-world applications.

The district recently shared that students in the high school building trades program were able to pour and craft a new concrete sidewalk, transforming a previously underutilized area of the campus. They said the completed sidewalk not only enhances the school's accessibility, but also serves as a testament to the students' hard work and dedication.

The students worked under the guidance of Aaron Evans of Evans Concrete Construction. Instructor Andy Piessig says, "This project allowed us to see the direct impact of our efforts."

The district says the students learned essential techniques for site prep, form construction, pouring, and finishing concrete. This project provided a real-world application of their classroom knowledge, reinforcing the importance of precision and teamwork in construction.

In Other News

Wildlife Officials Celebrate Bats Ahead of Halloween

Published on 10/30/2024 under News It's spooky season and there are plenty of bat decorations around. Wildlife officials are celebrating real bats, and the vital role they play in our ecosystem. The week leading up to Halloween is International Bat Week. This year the DNR is taking part in the campaign. They note the state is home to eight bat species, though four are considered a threatened species in Wisconsin. Bats are known for their voracious appetite and ability to control bug populations. Experts note an adult bat may eat up to a thousand mosquito-sized insects an hour. In a typical night, that adds up to their own body weight in bug consumption. Wisconsin's bat populations had been on the decline to factors including habitat loss and white-nose syndrome, a fatal fungus that affects hibernating bats. In a bit of good news, DNR conservation Biologist Jennifer Redell noted that hibernation surveys over the past three years have show a small rebound in bat population numbers, but she noted there's still a long way to go. People can make a few small improvements around their yard to make it more bat friendly. Consider hanging a bat house, plant native plants, and limit the use of insecticides and pesticides.The DNR has additional information. There are also volunteer opportunities for citizen science monitoring with the Wisconsin Bat Program.

Published on 10/30/2024 under News Last month, the City of Tomahawk-Board of Public Works voted to end fluoride treatment in the city's water supply. It could eventually receive input from voters next spring. The decision at the September meeting was made during a discussion on corrosion of a storage room where the city keeps chemical supplies including the concentrated fluoride additive. City water lead Glenn Hanna confirmed they have already stopped adding fluoride following last month's vote. The topic was back on the agenda last night, and around an hour of the meeting was spent on the topic. Most of the conversation came from members of the public. This included a contingent of local dentists, hygienists and other health professionals who urged the city to reconsider and resume treatment. Several members of the public, including a litigant in a national fluoride lawsuit spoke in opposition. As the conversation progressed, the Board, and City Council members in attendance, raised the idea of an advisory referendum which would allow city resident to weigh in. A final decision to move forward on an advisory referendum was not made, and details including the date and wording of a question will be discussed at a future meeting.

Published on 10/30/2024 under News A speed study on a Tomahawk road showed most drivers traveling slightly above the posted speed limit, though not enough to warrant a change. The request for a speed study was prompted by a group of residents along West Leather Avenue who approached the Tomahawk Board of Public Works with concerns about vehicles traveling at excessive speeds. The Board asked the Tomahawk Police Department conduct a traffic study. While Police Chief Al Elvins was unable to attend last night's meeting, he submitted a written summary. The study took place over a week-long period in mid-September. Officers used a portion of their shift, between 20 minutes and an hour to conduct a traffic count and speed check. In all, over 17 shifts, they monitored 12 hours and counted 1,400 vehicles. The highest speed observed was 52. The average high speed across those 17 shifts was approximately 40 mph, the speed limit is 35. According to the report, an number of speeding citations were issued. The exact number was not included. Chief Elvins wrote, "With the average high speed at less than 5mph over the posted speed limit, it does not appear that enforcement is needed in this area." The Board, along with Sgt. Steve Buckwalter, briefly discussed the results. They noted that the presence of an officer likely serves as a good speed deterrent, though Buckwalter noted they can't be everywhere at once. Another useful deterrent is the portable unit that displays digital speed readings. Buckwalter noted their machine is current in need of repair, and they will look into getting that back into operation. No further action from the Board was taken.

Published on 10/30/2024 under News Aspirus: World Stroke Day; Know Symptoms and Seek Treatment Tuesday was World Stroke Day, and Aspirus encourages people to learn the symptoms. According to the CDC, someone experiences a stroke in the United States every 40 seconds. A stroke happens when blood flow to the brain is blocked restricting oxygen and nutrients. This affects a person's motor skills and other vital functions. At Aspirus, Dr. Fareed Suri says the amount of time the brain is deprived of oxygen determines the extend of the damage. He added, "The sooner we are able to restore the blood flow, the more we are able to save the brain." High blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and smoking are the four major risk factors for stroke, though it can affect anyone. Symptoms will vary, and that's where the BE FAST checklist comes in.Balance – Sudden loss of coordination or balance Eyes – Sudden change in vision Face – Sudden weakness on one side of the face or facial droop Arm – Sudden arm or leg weakness or numbness Speech – Sudden slurred speech, trouble speaking, trouble understanding speech Terrible Headache – Sudden onset of a terrible headache

Published on 10/30/2024 under News The Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest is among state properties receive habitat restoration grants. The funds are come from the generosity of hunters and anglers around the state. The money in the Cherish Wisconsin Outdoors Fund is primarily built through voluntary contributions from the public when they purchase their annual hunting and fishing licenses. The DNR and the Natural Resources Foundation announced that five projects around the state would share in $80,000 on habitat improvement projects. In the Northern Highland–American Legion State Forest, grant funds will be used to mow brush, apply herbicides, remove excess trees to reclaim forest openings and maintain natural frost pockets as open habitat. They hope to improve habitat for ruffed grouse, elk, the golden-winged warbler, and the American Woodcock. David Clutter, executive director of the Natural Resources Foundation says, "This is a great way for hunters, anglers and other nature enthusiasts to help improve the public lands we all enjoy."

Published on 10/30/2024 under News Northwoods volunteers packed more than a quarter of a million meals to address food insecurity during an annual event in Minocqua last weekend. On Saturday, the Lakeland High School Cafeteria was full of food, bur rather than serving it up, it was being backed by volunteers to be distributed to those in need. It was part of the 16th annual Food for Kidz packing event. Organizers recapped the event and shared some record setting totals. The double assembly line operation featured 567 volunteers across 2 two-hour shifts. In the end, they were able to package more ~271,000 meals, shattering the previous high of 243,000 set last year. The packaged meals are distributed to 19 area food pantries and after school back pack programs with additional meals going to areas of need like hurricane affected North Carolina and programs in developing nations.

Published on 10/29/2024 under News It's that time of year when deer become more active, and safety officials remind motorists to be on the lookout. According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation deer/vehicle crashes typically peak during October and November as the days shorten and bucks pursue potential mates. In fact, in Wisconsin more deer are hit in November than any other month. According to the DoT statistics, there were more than 16,000 vehicle-deer crashes last year, about a third of those occurring in October and November. Locally, we've seen an increase in the number of animal collisions as well. In last week's Lincoln County Sheriff's Report, deputies responded to 19 such crashes. Wisconsin State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan said. "It can be hard to spot deer along the road and their movements are unpredictable, so it's important that drivers are vigilant and avoid distractions while driving." Motorists are reminded to buckle up, slow down, and scan the road ahead, particularly at dawn and dusk when deer are most active. If you see one deer, anticipate more may follow. If a collision with a deer is unavoidable, brake firmly and stay in your lane, as swerving may result in an even more serious crash. If you strike a deer, pull off to the side and remain in your vehicle until help arrives.

Published on 10/29/2024 under News Plates have been cleaned, votes cast, and Tomahawk has chosen its 'Best Burger in Paradise.' Each summer, the Tomahawk STAR Foundation invites area restaurants to grill up their best burgers as part of a friendly fundraising competition. Card holders are able to sample each of the entries and can cast a vote for their favorite. This year, ten restaurants stepped up to the challenge. Over the past few months, hundreds of burgers were served up. In the end, it was B's Landing that claimed the top spot. Their fajita-inspired winning burger featured sautéed mixed peppers & onions, pepper jack cheese and Mexican street corn dressing. The real winner, however, was the STAR Foundation. Proceeds from the contest support their mission as a central location that provides charitable donations to Tomahawk-area organizations. They'll be celebrating this weekend, as the STAR Foundation will host their Burger Bash Wrap Up at B's Landing Saturday, November 2 from 5-9.

Published on 10/29/2024 under News A pair of bills awaiting vote in Washington could impact small pharmacies around the country. Tyler Stevenson opened Tomahawk Pharmacy nearly ten years ago. He's among pharmacists closely tracking this legislation. He stopped by our morning conversation Monday to talk about what are known as Pharmacy Benefit Managers or PBMs and why he supports the changes. He explained that PBMs were initially established to keep prescription costs down, acting as an intermediary between clients, pharmacies, and prescription manufacturers. The industry has quickly grown, and Stevenson says three companies now control 80 percent of the market. That impacts Stevenson as pharmacists are typically not able to negotiate prescription reimbursements. He says it's not uncommon that they have multiple claims each day where the reimbursement doesn't even cover their purchase cost, without even factoring in their business overhead. And while these practices greatly impact smaller and independent pharmacies, even some larger retailers and chains are also affected. There are currently two bills before the US Senate that they hope would rein in some of the power of PBMs. Stevenson says they would help define reasonable and relevant compensation for prescription reimbursements. He noted that they have good momentum and have already cleared the House of Representatives with bipartisan support. They are still awaiting a vote before the Senate and he is encouraging people reach out to both Senators Baldwin and Johnson. For those that would like to learn more, Tyler's conversation is available in the WJJQ audio center.

Published on 10/29/2024 under News Merrill fire crews responded to a duplex fire over the weekend. According to the incident summary, firefighters were dispatched to a property on Pier Street Friday evening at shortly before 7pm. The initial report came from an occupant of the upstairs apartment of the duplex. The caller reported fire and smoke coming from the basement level. All occupants were able to safely evacuate. Crews were able to quickly contain the fire. Ventilation fans were used to clear smoke, and public service was able to isolate gas and electric between the two duplex units. With no further safety concerns, the upstairs residents were able to return home. The lower unit, where the fire originated, was not occupied. According to the release, they are still investigating what caused the fire.

+ Read More