WBZH Friday News Roundup

Transcript

WBZH Friday News Roundup

WHSM/WBZH Hayward News · Fri Jul 17, 2026

Kathryn Lake

96.9 WBZH and 101.1 WHSM Hayward's home for real news and great conversation.

Here's your Daily News Roundup.

For Muskie101 News, I'm Maddie Schaefer.

If you play a string instrument or just want to make music with others, Northwood Strings is inviting the community to a free string jam next Monday at the Hayward Farmers Market.

The session runs from noon until 1 p.m.

at the Market on Highway B near the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame in Lumberjack Bowl.

Musicians of all ages and skill levels are encouraged to bring an instrument and join in.

The event is free and open to the public.

The Drummond Fireman's Picnic

is coming back this summer, bringing a longtime community tradition back to Drummond Lake Park.

The picnic will take place Saturday August 8th from 11 a.m.

to 2 p.m.

It also marks the grand opening of the park's new pavilion.

Firefighters will have their newest truck, the Bruce, on display, and a lifelink helicopter is expected to stop by.

The afternoon also includes live music from Nick Kuka, along with fire equipment demonstrations, a giant slip and slide, cornhole, raffles, and food.

The event is free and

open to the public.

Work continues on the reconstruction of County Highway F and County Highway DD in Sawyer County with paving expected to begin next month.

The Sawyer County Highway Department says crews have finished pulverizing the road and are now working on driveway approaches, grading, and final road preparation.

They say paving will start around August 10th and the project should wrap up by September 18th.

During this time, motorists should expect construction equipment, temporary lane restrictions, and short delays while work is on

The department asked that drivers reduce their speed, obey all traffic control devices, and use extra caution when traveling through the work zone.

They add that residents can expect continued access to their homes throughout the project, and mail delivery will not be interrupted.

For more information, visit the Sawyer County Highway Department's Facebook page.

The Russ County Sheriff's Office has released additional information about a double homicide and suicide that happened earlier this month.

According to a press release, the incident occurred July 9th in the

town of Hawkins.

When deputies responded to a welfare check at a home on Poplar Road, they found three adults dead from apparent gunshot wounds.

Authorities have now identified the homicide victims as 76-year-old Rocky Griffith and 80-year-old Lana Kelly.

The alleged suspect was identified as their son, 45-year-old Chad Griffith, who police say died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Based on evidence at the scene, the Sheriff's Office believes the incident was a double homicide and suicide.

The Sheriff's Office says all

3 lived at the residence.

As the heat wave moves through, energy providers are preparing for an increase in demand.

Civic Media's James Kelly has some tips on what you can do to help save energy while still keeping cool.

James Kelly

As the weather outside heats up, people inside will be turning up their air conditioners to stay cool.

More air conditioning needs more energy use, however, placing additional strain on utility companies to meet the increased demand.

Energy company officials are asking residents to help mitigate that additional strain while still staying cool by

doing things like closing their shades and windows, keeping interior doors open to circulate air through their homes, and getting their air conditioners inspected to ensure they're working as efficiently as possible.

Residents should also be looking out for signs of heat-related illness this week, including things like muscle cramps, nausea, and heavy sweating.

To minimize the effects of the heat this week, residents should limit outdoor activity or schedule it for cooler times of the day, like early morning and late evening, stay properly hydrated, and wear lighter clothing.

Safety experts also suggest checking in with people who are more vulnerable to the heat, like older neighbors or family members.

And for pet owners, make sure animals have access to plenty of fresh water and shade throughout the day.

Now a look at Northwood's news, I'm Maddie Schaefer.

The Russ County Sheriff's Office has released additional information about a double homicide and suicide that happened earlier this month.

According to a press release, the incident occurred July 9th in the town of Hawkins.

When deputies responded to a welfare check at a home on Poplar Road, they found three adults dead from apparent gunshot wounds.

Authorities have now identified the homicide victims as 76-year-old Rocky Griffith and 80-year-old Lana Kelly.

The alleged suspect was identified as their son, 45-year-old Chad Griffith.

who police say died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Based on evidence at the scene, the Sheriff's Office believes the incident was a double homicide and suicide.

The Sheriff's Office says all three lived at the residence.

As the heat wave moves through, energy providers are preparing for an increase in demand.

Civic Media's James Kelly has some tips on what you can do to help save energy while still keeping cool.

James Kelly

As the weather outside heats up, people inside will be turning up their air conditioners to stay cool.

More air conditioning needs more energy use, however, placing additional strain on utility companies to meet the increased demand.

Energy company officials are asking residents to help mitigate that additional strain while still staying cool by doing things like closing their shades and windows, keeping interior doors open to circulate air through their homes, and getting their air conditioners inspected to ensure they're working as efficiently as possible.

Residents should also be looking out for signs of heat related illness this week, including things like muscle cramps, nausea, and heavy sweating.

To minimize the effects of the heat this week, residents should limit outdoor activity or schedule it for cooler times of the day, like early morning and late evening, stay properly hydrated, and wear lighter clothing.

Safety experts also suggest checking in with people who are more vulnerable to the heat, like older neighbors or family members.

And for pet owners, make sure animals have access to plenty of fresh water and shade throughout the day.

Schaefer and you're listening to Northwood's News.

For Civic Media News, I'm Connie Feldman.

Wildfire smoke from fires burning in Minnesota and Ontario continues to affect air quality across Wisconsin.

Civic Media's Maddie Schaefer spoke with health experts about how to cope until things clear

up.

Health

experts say the smoke contains fine particles known as PM 2.5, which are small enough to travel deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream.

Whenever we do have poor air quality, that could lead to an exacerbation or flare-ups for people with chronic lung diseases or coronary artery diseases or certain other chronic diseases.

and that can land them in the hospital and then under my care.

That's Dr. Tony Malick with Aspirus Health.

He says people with asthma, heart disease, older adults, young children, and pregnant women are most at risk.

But even healthy people can develop a cough, sore throat, or irritated eyes after spending time outside.

And if the air quality is poor, it would be a good idea to stay inside or minimize your time outside.

If you can, move activities indoors, keep windows closed, and check the air quality index before heading outside.

You have trouble breathing, chest pain or symptoms that don't improve, you should seek medical care.

For Civic Media

News, I'm Maddie Schaefer.

Wisconsin is still under an air quality advisory at least until later today.

Forecasters say possible thunderstorms could bring a brief respite, but more smoke is expected to return over the weekend.

A major investment in clean energy could bring more than 600 jobs to Madison.

Rialta Fusion plans to build its headquarters and research facility at the former Oscar Meyer plant.

State and local leaders are offering up to 55 million dollars in incentives to land the project.

The company says it chose Wisconsin after a nationwide search.

Rialta is a fusion power company, built on research, done at UW Madison.

Work on the site could begin before the end of the year.

The Appleton Common Council is set to decide whether to implement a list of rules for automated license plate readers.

If passed, any companies that work with the police department would give a detailed list of what data is collected and stored.

Police would also have to give a detailed annual report about the license plate readers.

This comes after Mayor Jake Woodford announced in May the city would stop using the cameras amid public concerns about privacy and who uses the data.

The Wapaka Police Department is warning residents about organized panhandling rings that use young children to solicit money.

Officers said they were called to a business Monday after reports of adults asking for money while accompanied by a small child.

Police say people often stand near store parking lots or along roadways and hold signs asking for help with food, rent, or medical bills, many cases involving groups traveling from city to city rather than local people in crisis.

Authorities caution that some signs include QR codes for Venmo or other online payment platforms which can carry a risk of phishing.

Investigators from the Marathon County Sheriff's Office are still looking for leads following the theft of 20 head of cattle valued at $50,000.

Deputies recalled July 8th to Kingdom Haven Farm after owners said the animals were discovered missing the morning before.

Investigators say there were no signs of forced entry at the gates, fences, or cattle barn.

The case remains active, with officials saying they plan to canvas the area for possible surveillance footage from nearby homes or businesses.

Emergency dispatchers in Dane County are getting help from Artificial Intelligence.

The Public Safety Communications Department said it'll soon be adding AI dispatchers to the force in order to assist with non-emergency 911 calls.

Officials explained the system will transfer non-emergencies to a different line and the virtual assistant will handle calls such as noise complaints and animal control inquiries.

And that's your state news update.

I'm Connie Feldman for Civic Media News.

Mike Clemens

Brewer baseball is back.

Hi, I'm Mike Clemens with sports the Brewers back in action tonight at Amfam field against the Florida Marlins Jacob Mizorowski still being rested won't start until next week lefty Kyle Harrison on the 15 day IL with a sore elbow Brandon Woodruff is on the 60 day IL so that means that Logan Henderson will be on the mound tonight for the crew NBA in Miami

The Heat welcomed their new player, Yana Santeta-Cupo, to Florida.

I'm excited.

I've been with the Bugs for 13 years.

I love what I've felt so far.

I think people are so welcoming, so nice to me.

I hope it stays that way.

I'm so driven.

All this stuff is nice.

We can talk about it all day long, but I just love playing basketball.

Mike Clemens

Yanis will now wear the number seven jersey.

Team President Pat Riley telling reporters the heat wanted Yanis last February, but couldn't work out a deal before the trade deadline with sports on Mike Clemens.

I meteorologist Mace Michaels, hazy sunshine, warm and humid today with smoky areas, isolated thunderstorms, a high not far from 90.

Still a slight storm chance tonight, a low in the mid sixties, warm but less humidity this weekend.

Highs back into the eighties.

Kathryn Lake

That's your Hayward News Roundup from WBZH and WHSM.

Find more news anytime at WBZH.fm slash news.

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