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Northwoods Snowmobilers Awaiting Snow, Season Openers Published on 12/23/2024 under News

Northwoods snowmobilers are eagerly awaiting a new season, but they'll have to wait a bit longer to get on their sleds.

Barring an unexpected snowfall, local snowmobile trails are almost certain to remain closed over the holidays. But riders are holding out hope for the upcoming season after a disappointing one last year. Most area trail systems remained closed last riding season due to the mild winter conditions.

Of course, the opening dates for snowmobile trails varies, and is reliant upon the cold and snow. Leaving last year's unusual season out of the equation, the average opener for trails here in the Northwoods over the past decade has been right around December 23, which happens to be today's date.

Local snowmobile clubs have most of their pre-season preparations complete and are also awaiting Mother Nature.

They are reminding riders that it's important to observe trail opening and closure announcements for a number of reasons. This includes safety, season-long trail damage, and relationships with private landowners who allow trails to cross their properties.

Of course stay tuned to WJJQ throughout the winter months for all of your snowmobile information including the opening announcements which we'll pass along as we receive them.

In Other News

Grace Lutheran Church Preparing for Christmas With Friends Community Meal

Published on 12/23/2024 under News The Countdown to Christmas is on, and a special community meal here in Tomahawk is just two days away. The Christmas with Friends Community Meal at Grace Lutheran Church has become an annual tradition for years, and organizers have been busy in the lead up to this year's event. They noted that the meal is really important to both the church and the community. They see many of the same faces year after year, as they come for not only the food, but the holiday cheer. In addition to the lunch, diners also can enjoy seasonal music and friendly conversation. They typically serve several hundred meals between the in-person dining and the delivery service. Unserved meals are contributed to groups like Our Sisters House. To pull off an undertaking like this, it takes a team of volunteers cooking, serving, and delivering meals. While most volunteers come from Grace, they also receive a helping hand from other community members and congregations. These partnerships allow local churches to rotate hosting holiday meals like Easter and Thanksgiving. As for the Christmas with Friends Community Meal at Grace Lutheran Church; it is free, though donations are welcome. They'll begin serving on Christmas Day at around 11am after their special Christmas morning service. Those needing delivery can call the church office at 453-4066.

Published on 12/23/2024 under News Local food pantries will once again benefit from the community's generosity and an annual holiday fundraiser organized by Heritage Chevrolet. Over the past 28 years, the Schlegel family and their team at the Tomahawk dealership have organized what is known as 'Fill the Need.' On Friday, Roger and Mark Schlegel joined our own Gregg Albert and Alex Koch on the Midday Show to recap the event and announce the winners live, on-air. In recent years, the campaign has transitioned from a food drive to a fundraising effort. And it was once again an impressive total. Overall, they raised just over $12,000 to benefit the Tomahawk and Nokomis Food Pantries. That included contributions from 274 donors, resulting in an average of nearly $50 per person. And while Heritage takes the lead with organizing, other local merchants contributed several thousand dollars in prizes from gift cards to snowmobile gear and a pressure washer. The winner's list is available on the Heritage Facebook page. We've got them listed on the WJJQ website, as well, in the contest tab. Winners can stop by Heritage starting Monday to claim prizes.

Published on 12/23/2024 under News The Lincoln County Health Department is reminding community members about the risk of blastomycosis. While being exposed to the spores that cause blasto may be unusual at this time of year, the Health Department notes that symptoms can be delayed by up to fifteen weeks. That means an exposure during fall activities could still be developing at this time of year. Dr Michael Clark is a Lincoln County Health Department Medical Advisor. He notes that symptoms of blasto are similar to those of other respiratory illnesses common for this time of year. He says, "Given the significant overlap... it is important for patients to follow-up with their provider if respiratory symptoms are not improving or worsen, and to be sure your provider is aware of activities. While rare overall, Lincoln County has among the highest incidence rates of blasto in Wisconsin. That's still just a handful of cases each year. About half of people infected will not have any symptoms, though some serious cases can lead to hospitalization. Exposure comes from common and popular outdoor activities, especially those that disturb the soil. Just a few examples include hunting, hiking, camping, gardening, off-roading, construction and yard work.

Published on 12/23/2024 under News While we're in the middle of the winter holiday travel season, summer travelers got some good news with a new flight route and carrier out of the Northwoods. The Rhinelander-Oneida County Airport announced a new daily flight to Chicago's O'Hare airport. At this time, it's a seasonal route that will begin May 22 and through September 28. Demand could lead to additional flights or year-round options. Skywest will operate the 50-seat flight on behalf of United, bringing second major carrier to the Northwoods. That will allow for additional connection opportunities. Currently, the Rhinelander-Oneida County airport offers daily service to Minneapolis/St. Paul through Delta. Flight options should be available for booking at this time.

Published on 12/23/2024 under News An Antigo man charged with the theft of thousands of dollars from his township and fire department has reached a plea agreement. Gary Kieper was back in Langlade County Court Friday for his hearing. Initially facing 9 charges, court records show Kieper pleaded guilty to 4 including two counts of theft in a business setting and two counts of misconduct in public office. The 70 year old was arrested earlier this year after an investigation into the mishandling of funds in the Town of Ackley where Kieper served as treasurer. Further investigation revealed missing funds from the Langlade County Rural Fire Council. They found more than $300,000 had been taken, dating back to 2013. Following the plea agreement the case moved directly into sentencing. Kieper was ordered to serve 9 months in jail and 7 years probation. He was also ordered to pay restitution, which court records show was completed.

Published on 12/20/2024 under News Cooking, candles and Christmas decorations not only make it a festive holiday, but also raise the risk of fire. Area fire departments are reminding those hosting holiday gatherings over the next few days to be mindful of those hazards. According to the National Fire Protection Association, outside of Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are two of the busiest days for home fires. Data shows approximately 1,000 fires are caused by Christmas trees and decorations like candles. NFPA spokesperson, Lorraine Carli says, "By understanding when and where potential risks exist, people can take simple steps to reduce their likelihood, which can go a long way toward ensuring a festive, fire-free holiday season." Starting with your Christmas tree: turn off the lights when you go to bed and make sure to keep it well-watered throughout the season. Keep candles away from any flammable materials, and never let them burn when you're outside the home or sleeping. As for cooking, the kitchen is the origin of nearly half of all house fires. Carli notes that it's easy to become distracted when trying to do too much. If you're hosting a gathering, try to get as much of the cooking out of the way before your guests arrive. Local fire departments are also sharing fire safety messages at this time of year through their Keep the Wreath Green campaign.

Published on 12/20/2024 under News Over the past few months, kids in Oneida County have been taking Legos to a whole new level. This weekend they'll showcase their efforts to the community. Oneida County 4-H is hosting a Youth Robotics Festival on Saturday morning and is inviting the public to attend. The free event will feature 4-H robotics teams from Three Lakes and Rhinelander. Oneida County 4-H partnered with FIRST Lego League to introduce STEM activities to 4th through 8th graders with fun hands-on learning. The activities also help the students develop life skills such as communication and organization. The latest season began back in August, with participants meeting weekly. As we shared last month, the High-Tech Hodag team actually qualified for the state competition. During Saturday's event, the team members will showcase their models, answer questions, recap their season and receive their awards. In addition, Oneida County 4-H leaders will be offering science activities for youth of all ages. For those interested, it'll take place tomorrow (Saturday, December 21) from 10am to noon at the Northwoods Center at Nicolet.

Published on 12/20/2024 under News A day of ice fishing turned into a rescue mission for a group of army soldiers in Northcentral Wisconsin. According to a news release from U.S. Army Public Affairs, Sgt. 1st Class Timothy Deeren, Staff Sgt. Matthew Jones, and Staff Sgt. Steven Vest are currently stationed in Wausau as Army recruiters. The trio decided to spend a day ice fishing on the Wisconsin River when they witnessed another angler break through the ice. They quickly sprang into action, utilizing a make-shift rope by tying their jackets together. They were able to pull the man out of the water, getting him into dry clothes and a heated vehicle until emergency crews arrived. Capt. Matthew Olson, Commander of the Fort McCoy Recruiting Company, said, "I'm beyond proud of the Wausau Army team. Their display of courage and selfless service is a tribute to their Army values and training and reflects the quality of Soldiers we work with every day."

Published on 12/20/2024 under News Another sure sign of winter's arrival... Wisconsin's frozen road laws are beginning to take effect. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation announced that as of Saturday morning, the declaration will be in place for zones 1 and 2, which comprise roughly the northern half of the state. The frozen road law allows heavier loads for trucks carrying certain cross-cut forest products, along with salt and sand for winter maintenance. The declaration is issued once the ground under highway pavement is frozen to a depth of at least 18-inches. The higher weight limits do not apply to county or local roads unless authorized by the local agency having maintenance authority. The frozen road determination for the remaining portions of the state will be made once conditions warrant.

Published on 12/20/2024 under News The DNR is hosting the first of their twice annual free fishing weekends in just under a month. On Free Fishing Weekend, anglers can fish most Wisconsin waterways without a fishing license or a stamp. The winter event will take place January 18-19. The DNR is encouraging fishing clubs and organizations to consider hosting free fishing clinics to coincide with the free weekend. They note that youth can fish without a license year-round, so it's a good opportunity to target adults. They also encourage consideration of anglers with limited mobility. Once registered, the DNR will promote the clinic and provide educational materials. Interested groups must register by January 8.

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