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Rhinelander, Merrill Among ‘Carnegie Libraries’ to Receive Foundation Grants

Published on 12/04/2025 under News More than a century ago, Andrew Carnegie helped fund the construction of more than 1,600 public libraries around the country. Now those libraries are set to receive a substantial gift from his Foundation including some Northwoods locations. Between the 1880's and 1910's, there were 65 Carnegie-funded libraries built in Wisconsin. Currently 47 buildings remain, but just 22 still operate as libraries. As part of the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Carnegie Foundation pledged $10,000 gifts to the approximately 1,280 Carnegie libraries. Among the recipients is the Rhinelander District Library, built back in 1903. Library Director Virginia Roberts says, "This gift honors the history of Carnegie Libraries and the role they have played in communities nationwide for more than a century." Roberts called the grant a 'timely gift' as the library is in the midst of a fundraising campaign. They are currently planning a multi-phase renovation and restoration project including the original Carnegie entrance. They aren't the only Northwoods library set to receive funding. The TB Scott Free Library in Merrill is another Carnegie library that announced they will be receiving a grant. The funds will be awarded to the libraries in January.Photo provided by the Rhinelander District Library-A composite photo of the current library (left) and the original library (right)

Published on 12/04/2025 under News With winter weather now upon us, there are plenty of adventures awaiting in Lincoln County. The ongoing partnership between Lincoln County and Discover Wisconsin continues. They have now released another video focused on Winter in Lincoln County. The narrator describes the area as a 'playground of snow and ice,' while exploring some of the many recreational opportunities available once the weather turns cold. The segment highlights two popular events specifically. The first half of the video is dedicated to the family-friendly Alice in Winterland ice fishing tournament which is held each February on Lake Alice. For the second half, they head south to Lake Alexander for the Ice Drags racing weekends. Both segments provide interviews with organizers and participants along with some scenic shots including drone footage. The video went live on the Discover Wisconsin YouTube Channel Wednesday evening. We'll include a link in the online version of the story.

Published on 12/04/2025 under News While many elves already have a jump start on their Christmas decorations, others may use this first weekend in December to hang lights. Officials are encouraging people take safety seriously for a happy holiday season. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, on average there are about 160 holiday decorating-related injuries each day during the holiday season, with nearly half of the injuries involving falls. Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator Greg Engle says, "Holiday decorations should bring joy and not danger into people's homes. By taking a few extra moments to prevent hazards in your homes, you can create a joyful and safe environment." Ready Wisconsin offered a few quick tips:Choose a sturdy ladder that is the correct height and weight limit, and make sure it is placed on level grounds. Wear shoes that allow for good traction. Avoid standing on things likes chairs, counters or tables.Clear pathways including outdoor sidewalks of trip hazards, such as clutter, power cords and extra furniture.As for the lights, inspect both the bulbs and the cords for damage. Avoid overloading the circuits and outlets.Be mindful of fire dangers, keep trees watered and turn off the lights when you go to bed.

Published on 12/04/2025 under News An Athens man accused of cutting the brake lines of another man's vehicles on multiple occasions has reached a plea agreement. David Genrich pleaded no-contest to one count of attempted first-degree recklessly endangering safety and three counts of criminal damage to property. In exchange 5 other charges were dismissed, but will be considered during sentencing. The 24 year old was arrested in April of 2023 after an investigation into multiple instances of vehicle brake lines being cut. Following the second incident, the victim set up a surveillance camera capturing an individual, that matched the description Genrich. The plea agreement before a jury trial scheduled for later this month. According to the court calendar, a sentencing hearing was scheduled for April 2.

Published on 12/04/2025 under News A chilly week has ice forming on area waterways, but officials are reminding folks to stay off until more ice forms. It's important to note that no ice is completely safe and many factors affect ice strength. This includes fluctuating temperatures, water levels, snow cover and currents. With that in mind, a general rule of thumb is 2 inches or less, stay off entirely. When ice reaches 2-4 inches it may support some activities by foot. Any equipment such as ice shanties, ATVs, and snowmobiles should wait for at least a half foot of ice. When in doubt, it's best to wait. Whenever you venture onto the ice, let someone known where you'll be and when you plan to return. They also recommend some emergency tools including a segment of rope, a life preserver and a cellphone in a waterproof case.

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Sports Headlines

Hatchet Hockey Team Wins GNC Opener at Lakeland

Published on 12/03/2025 under Sports On Tuesday night the Hatchet Hockey Team traveled to Lakeland Ice Arena to play the T-Birds in the Great Northern Conference opener. Tomahawk would jump out to an early lead and never look back, skating to an 8-1 win. Jett Reilly scored three minutes into the game and Tomahawk led 1-0. Tomahawk would add another goal three minutes later, when Landyn Seymour scored with assists to Jonah Dickens and Jake Albert. Dickens would score :35 seconds later, assisted by Jett Reilly and Tomahawk led 3-0. Lakeland scored their lone goal of the night with under six minutes left in the first from Lawson Bain. Tomahawk closed the first period out with a shorthanded goal from Dickens on an assist from Jett Reilly. Dickens would add another tally with :18 seconds remaining, assisted by Jett Reilly and Rex Reilly. Tomahawk led 5-0. Tomahawk scored three goals in the second period, Beau Stromberg assisted by Albert and Rex Reilly. Tomahawk closed out the scoring with two power plays goals, Jett Reilly scored his second goal of the night on an assist from Albert with six minutes left in second. Albert would close out the scoring on a goal assisted by Jett Reilly and Jonah Dickens. Tomahawk led 8-1 after two periods and neither team lit the lamp in the third. Tomahawk's Hudson Seymour 23 saves in the net. Tomahawk is now 3-0 and 1-0 in the GNC and will host Rhinelander for the home opener at SARA Park Arena at 7:00 pm on Thursday.

Published on 12/03/2025 under Sports The Hatchet Boys Basketball Team opened their season on the road Tuesday night, traveling to Faith Christian Academy. The Hatchet get the win 81-49. Colton Seslar led Tomahawk with 23 points, Logan Norman had 18 and Jerry Johnson added 11. Tomahawk is 1-0 and will open Great Northern Conference on Friday night hosting Antigo at the Fieldhouse. The opening tip is at 7:15 pm.

Published on 12/03/2025 under Sports The Hatchet Girls Basketball Team opened their 2025-26 Great Northern Conference schedule on Tuesday night, as they hosted the Medford Raiders. Tomahawk falls to Medford 60-31. The Hatchets are 1-1 overall and 0-1 in the GNC and will travel to Antigo on Thursday night.

Published on 12/03/2025 under Sports On Tuesday night, the Hatchet Boys Swimming Team opened their season at Marshfield for a non-conference triangular. Tomahawk finished in third place and will be back in action at the Wisconsin Rapids Invite on Saturday.

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