WJJQ Radio

Story Details

Nicolet Offering Three-Day Teen Academies on Public Safety in June Published on 04/28/2025 under News

Nicolet College will be offering high school students an opportunity to learn what it takes to become a first responder.

Many public safety agencies have seen a shortage in younger people pursuing these careers, especially in rural areas. Coming up this summer, Nicolet College will be offering two free academies, one focused on criminal justice and law enforcement, the other on fire and EMS.

Jason Goeldner, associate dean of public safety at Nicolet College. He says, "These careers attract people who want to make a difference in their communities and keep their families and friends safe and healthy." Goeldner added, "We need young people who are ready to step up for their communities and summer academies are a great place to start to see if they have what it takes."

Each academy is three days and is designed for teens age 16-18. They include an introduction, classroom work and hands-on activities on topics such as first aid, search and rescue, k9 demonstrations, and training scenarios. They've also arranged to visit some local departments.

The Criminal Justice Academy is June 16-19; the Fire and EMS the following week June 24-26. The academies are free, space is limited, and registration is required. Those interested can sign up on the Nicolet website.

For more information about the criminal justice academy, contact Tim Gerdmann at 715-365-4535 or tgerdmann@nicoletcollege.edu. For more information about the fire and emergency medical services academy, contact Ray Lemke at 715-365-4453 or rlemke@nicoletcollege.edu.

In Other News

DNR Encourages 'Be Bear Aware' this Spring; Avoid Attracting Black Bear

Published on 04/28/2025 under News It's that time of year when bears will be emerging from their winter slumber. The DNR is encouraging folks to 'Be Bear Aware' to avoid conflicts. Every spring, Wisconsin's estimated 24,000 black bears emerge from their winter torpor, leaving their dens in search of food and potentially new territory. The 'Be Bear Aware' campaign encourages people to limit attractants that may draw bears in to unwanted locations. According to the DNR, black bears are known for returning to spots where they've found good food sources. They are often attracted to food and food scents.Prevention is the best tactic, and they added a few quick reminders...•Make sure garbage and recycling containers are secured, rinse them out occasionally •Remove bird feeders when bears are active •Store pet food inside and bring their food dishes in after feeding •Regularly clean grills, smokers, and picnic areas If you do encounter a bear in your backyard, the DNR recommends trying to scare it away with loud noises after ensuring it has a clear escape route. If you encounter a bear in the woods, stay calm and make your self big while slowly backing away. Try to stay calm and do not run.

Published on 04/28/2025 under News Friday was Arbor Day, and the Aspirus facilities in the region were recognized for their efforts when it comes to trees. The Arbor Day Foundation recently named all 18 Aspirus Health hospitals as 2024 Tree Campus institutions. That becomes even more impressive considering only 59 hospitals in the nation are designated as Tree Campus institutions. The program recognizes healthcare facilities, along with schools and universities for their dedication to enhancing community well-being through tree investment, education and community engagement. According to the announcement, trees and green spaces are proven to improve health outcomes and reduce stress for both patients and caretakers. Andrew Miller, Director of System Facilities Management and Security, says, "As a health system, we recognize the critical importance trees play in the health of individuals and communities." He added, "We believe planting and caring for trees is the right thing to do and aligns to our mission of healing people, promoting health and strengthening communities." There are certain criteria facilities must meet to receive the recognition. That includes maintaining a tree advisory committee, investigating in a tree campus program, and completing a community forestry project.

Published on 04/28/2025 under News Earlier this month we told you about the Wisconsin Department of Transportation Adopt-A-Highway program. It's an annual effort to keep the state highways clear of litter. The Oneida County Highway Department offers a similar program at a local level, and they recently highlighted the efforts of these volunteers. Oneida County currently has 37 groups who have adopted highway segments. They are encouraged to clean-up those segments two to three times per year. The Highway Department says, "These dedicated individuals and groups provide a great service for our beautiful Northwoods." Spring is a common pick-up time, and the Highway Department noted that many of these groups have been out or are making plans to do so. They are encouraging drivers to be aware of these volunteers. When approaching slow down and give them plenty of space. They also noted that there are still segments available for adoption. Interested individuals or groups can contact the Highway Department to learn more.

Published on 04/28/2025 under News City of Tomahawk residents who took advantage of the spring-like weather this weekend to finish up yard work can have it removed this week. It's time once again for then annual City of Tomahawk spring yardwaste pick-up. During the week of April 28, 2025, the Public Works Department will be out each morning collecting curbside yard waste. They did offer a reminder of rules. First and foremost, clean up is for brush and yard waste only. The brush should be neatly piled with cut ends of limbs facing the curb. Leaves should be placed in plastic bags, no other garbage should be in those bags. Items should be set out no later than 7am each morning. If you miss this week's pick-up, CITY OF TOMAHAWK RESIDENTS ONLY, can drop off those items at the city yard waste collection site located off South Tomahawk Avenue.

Published on 04/28/2025 under News A Wausau area man convicted on federal drug charges was sentenced to seven years in federal prison. According to a news release from the US attorney's Office for the Western District of Wisconsin, Dustin Brunker of Weston was sentenced this past week. The 37 year old pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine back in January. Brunker's arrest was part of a larger investigation into meth and cocaine distribution in the area. Agents conducted a series of controlled purchases of methamphetamine involving Brunker last spring. They also executed a search warrant at his shared residence where they recovered drugs and other evidence related to a drug operation. According to the news release, Brunker was on supervised release at the time of his arrest. At sentencing, Judge William Conley called Brunker's 'large quantity methamphetamine trafficking egregious' and that it 'showed an escalation in criminality.' Three others were charged in connection with this investigation. Mercadys Perkins received six years in prison at a sentencing hearing last week. Two others have pleaded guilty and will be sentenced in the coming weeks.

Published on 04/25/2025 under News Earlier this month, Kinship of Tomahawk announced plans to potentially move into the historic Bradley Bank building on Main Street. Now they're turning to the community for some financial support to complete the deal. We were joined by Kinship director Patti Hilgendorf on Thursday to discuss the exciting news and kick off their fundraising efforts. The tentative agreement with the Associated Bank, the current owner of the property, is pending Kinship securing enough funding by summer. For those unfamiliar Tomahawk Kinship is a mentor program. Over the years, they've made more than 300 matches, while also providing services such as after-school activities, tutoring, and group outings. Hilgendorf explained the success of the program has left them 'bursting at the seams' in their Kins-House. That location is also thanks to a local bank, Crossbridge. Hilgendorf called the partnership amazing, but also acknowledged they've outgrown the current space. When Associated Bank closed their local branch, Hilgendorf reach out. They were able to work out a purchase agreement, and Kinship kicked off a fundraising campaign to meet their $300,000 goal by early-July. Behind the scenes, Hilgendorf says they're preparing more than a dozen grant applications. Since announcing their plans two weeks ago, she noted they've received several thousand dollars in pledges or donations. They've recently launched a Go Fund Me and created a committee to coordinate other fundraising efforts. Hilgendorf says people can stop by the Kinship House, visit their website or follow their social media. We'll include a link to their GoFundMe in the online version of the story. That conversation is available in the WJJQ audio center.

Published on 04/25/2025 under News When taking care of spring cleaning, people are encouraged to check their medicine cabinets as well. The first of two scheduled drug-take back events takes place on Saturday across the state of Wisconsin. Officials note that ridding your home of unused and unwanted prescriptions not only clears clutter, but also eliminates the chance of misuse while also offering an environmentally safe way to dispose of medications. Residents here in Lincoln County are fortunate to have 4 permanent drop-off locations. That includes both the Tomahawk and Merrill Police Departments as well as Marshfield Clinic-Merrill and Tomahawk Pharmacy. While these locations are available year round, the dedicated collection efforts offer a good reminder to utilize these services. In addition to a number of permanent drop-off locations, law enforcement and health officials are teaming up to create hundreds of temporary locations. Wisconsin is annually a nationwide leader in these efforts.

Published on 04/25/2025 under News Each year the Friends of Council Grounds put in many hours to ensure people continue to enjoy the state park here in Lincoln County. Ahead of their busiest season, the group is recruiting volunteers to participate in their Work-Play-Earth Day activities. It's part of a larger series of clean-up efforts coordinated by the DNR at various state park properties. They're looking for individuals, families, clubs, and organizations to lend a helping hand. They'll be clearing branches, debris and litter from park trails, picnic areas and campsites while also picking up litter in those spaces. You don't have to be a 'Friends' member to participate, and there is no commitment to join. They'll be meeting at the park entrance at 9am Saturday morning to hand out assignments. It's a good idea to dress accordingly with good shoes, a pair of gloves and tick protection. Park admission fees will be waived for volunteers for the day.

Published on 04/25/2025 under News After starting off the week with Earth Day activities and education, today is focused on the trees. The last Friday of April is Arbor Day. The observance was started in Nebraska more than 100 years ago and continues to this date. The DNR continues to take part in their annual mission of providing tree education to young learners. Along with classroom lessons, many students can get their hands dirty by planting a tree themselves. This gives kids a chance to follow the growth of the tree throughout their schooling. The DNR has once again donated tree seedlings to fourth-grade classrooms around the state for students to plant, some 54,000 in all. Wisconsin is home to around 17 million acres of forest lands that offer numerous benefits through the forest industry, outdoor recreation, wildlife habitat, and protecting the environment. DNR Applied Forestry bureau director Carmen Hardin says Arbor Day is a good time to reflect the importance of both urban and rural forests. She added, "Everyone has a role in ensuring that both continue to serve a vital role in the ecological, cultural and economic health of our state, our local communities and our individual lives."

Published on 04/25/2025 under News A teen charged for his role in the lead-up to a fatal attack at Lincoln Hills reached a plea deal. Rian Nyblom was back in Lincoln County Court Thursday. The 18 year old was allegedly asked by another juvenile inmate, Javarius Hurd, to provide soap that would be used in a planned attack on a female staff member at the youth correctional facility located in Lincoln County. Counselor Corey Proulx intervened in the initial altercation and sustained fatal injuries. At yesterday's hearing, Nyblom pleaded guilty to amended charges, two counts of battery by a prisoner as party to a crime. He is scheduled to be sentenced August 6. Hurd is facing charges as well.

+ Read More