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YMCA of Northwoods Shares Plans for Park Falls Facility

Published on 03/31/2023 under News Downtown Park Falls is undergoing a bit of a makeover, which involves the YMCA of the Northwoods. This week the Y shared some additional details on those plans. As we covered earlier this month, the Park Falls City Council approved a plan to move the City Hall services to their public library building. On Tuesday, the Board of Directors of the YMCA of the Northwoods unanimously approved a letter of intent to purchase Park Falls City Hall building as the future site for the new YMCA branch. In the announcement, the YMCA says the coming facility will re-purpose, re-imagine, and expand the existing building on the site. Plans include a childcare center, a gymnasium, a wellness center, and space for seniors and families. Conceptual and schematic drawings for the facility are currently underway. Allie Plessner is co-chair of the YMCA steering committee. She says, "We're delighted to move forward with a location in the heart of the City of Park Falls." Her co-chair Paul Rybak added, "We look forward to reinventing a well-known building in town for an exciting new purpose." YMCA of the Northwoods Interim CEO Fred Hauser. "Seeing partners come together to build momentum for this project has been special to watch. The progress behind the Park Falls YMCA is already a success, one that will only intensify once the facility is open to the public." As for the timeline,construction on the new facility is tentatively planned to begin in fall 2023 once the city clears out of the building this summer. The YMCA of the Northwoods hopes to complete their project by December 2024.

Published on 03/31/2023 under News Local unemployment figures were a mixed bag last month, mirroring a statewide trend. With the calendar about to flip to April, the Department of Workforce Development looked back by releasing the February unemployment estimates. According to those preliminary figures, the state saw unemployment rates decrease or stay the same in 31 of the state's 72 counties month over month. Here in Lincoln County, the unemployment estimate was unchanged from January to February, staying at 3 percent even. The Oneida County estimate ticked up slightly from 3.7 percent in January to 3.9 percent in February. Vilas County went the other direction, falling from 4.1% to 4%. All three Northwoods counties were improved when compared to February of last year, Lincoln County showing the biggest improvement falling from 3.7% to 3%. In fact, statewide, the rates fell or stayed the same in 68 of 72 counties when compared to last year.

Published on 03/31/2023 under News The Oneida County Fair is known for thinking a little outside the box, and they'll be doing so once again this weekend. Coming up on Saturday, organizers will bring back their annual telethon, now in it's third year. The goal is raise money for the fair operations, while also showcasing the many talented community members here in the Northwoods. Past performers have included speakers, magicians, artists and speakers. The 12 hour event will feature a mix of live and recorded entertainment. Organizers also teased that they will be sprinkling in announcements about this year's Fair as well. The event will once again be streamed on the Oneida County Fair Facebook Page. They'll be broadcasting from Tom's Drawing Board. As for this year's fair, it's scheduled for the July 27th through July 30th.

Published on 03/31/2023 under News Every four years, coinciding with the Olympics, the sport of curling takes the country by storm. Coming up next month, some curling experts will be in the Northwoods, introducing the game to the Rhinelander community. The Rhinelander Ice Arena will be hosting a pair of 'Learn to Curl' sessions on Sunday, April 16. According to organizer Terri Gleason, the instructors will be going over the history of the game, techniques, strategy, and etiquette. If your vocabulary doesn't include phrases like skip, hack, house, and hammer Gleason says, "Don't worry, all these special curling terms will also be taught..." The hands on lessons are open to all ages and abilities, and they've got an impressive stable of volunteer instructors. Gleason notes they have more than 100 years of combined curling experience, including at the club, national, and even world level. That will include Matt Thums of Wausau who is captain of the U.S. Wheelchair Curling Team. Registration is now open with the cost of $10. We'll include a link in the online version of the story.

Published on 03/31/2023 under News A summer trial has been scheduled for a Tomahawk man facing charges related to an investigation into child sexual assault. Glenn Wagner was back in Lincoln County Court on Thursday for a hearing. The 93 year old is facing four felony charges including sexual assault of a child under the age of 13; repeated sexual assault; exposing genitals to a child; and child enticement. At yesterday's hearing, he exercised his right to request a speedy trial. According to the court calendar, Judge Robert Russell scheduled the trial to begin June 26 with five days set aside for the case. Wagner was arrested earlier this month, following an investigation by Tomahawk Police.

Published on 03/30/2023 under News A key contributor to the Tomahawk area snowmobile community was recently recognized by his peers around the state. Gary Hilgendorf has long been a member of the Knight Owls snowmobile club, one of a number of groups responsible for maintaining the local trail system and growing snowmobiling in the area. Last weekend, the Association of Wisconsin Snowmobile Clubs hosted their annual spring convention in Green Bay. It was at their banquet that Hilgendorf became the latest recipient of the AWSC President's Cup. For forty years, the state network has presented the honor to the person or persons that have gone above and beyond all expectations in their efforts with snowmobiling in their respective communities. Hilgendorf has been instrumental in the Tomahawk area trail system and has received a number of recognitions and awards for those countless hours of dedication and effort. That includes being named the 2011 International Groomer of the Year by the Hall of Fame. The Tomahawk area as a whole was also recognized once again as a 'Snowmobile Friendly Community.' That's a AWSC distinction promoting community efforts for the betterment of snowmobiling. Tomahawk had previously been recognized, and that was renewed for another 4 years. -Photo: AWSC President Dave Newman presents the 2023 AWSC President's Cup to Gary Hilgendorf of Tomahawk-

Published on 03/30/2023 under News School referendum questions are relatively common, but voters in one Northwoods community will consider additional funding for their municipal budget. With the spring election on Tuesday and early voting underway, we've been previewing some of the ballot items around the area. That includes voters up in the Town of Minocqua who will vote on a referendum to exceed their levy limits. According to the ballot question, the town is seeking a $400,000 increase on their current $4.3 million levy, starting next year. The Township has created a page on their website providing voters with additional information. If approved, the referendum would result in approximately $21.37 per $100,000 in assessed value. They highlighted the many services offered by the township including police, fire, a library and numerous parks along with more than 160 miles of road. Budgets have been affected by rising costs, as they note asphalting has more than doubled over the past decade. If the referendum fails, the town would need to explore reducing some services. Minocqua is not alone in looking at alternative funding sources. We've seen a number of towns, cities and counties attempting to capture additional dollars to help balance their budgets through various means. These include vehicle registration fees, premier resort area or PRAT taxes, and transportation utilities. They also continue to press for additional tools or assistance from state legislators with minimal success.

Published on 03/30/2023 under News Despite the winter weather in the forecast, road construction season is right around the corner. This year's work schedule is coming into focus. The Department of Transportation recently highlighted another summer project, this time on Highway 17 near Rhinelander. The DoT will be holding a meeting next week ahead of the project start date. Crews will be working on a segment between Highway 8 and Stevens Street. Work will including repaving the driving surface, along with widened sidewalks in some areas, improved curb ramps, and a new right turn lane at the Timber Drive intersection. Governor Evers signed a $7.9 million contract with Musson Brothers as the prime contractor. Work is currently scheduled to begin the week of April 17 and will run through November. As always those dates are subject to change based on weather and construction status. As for the informational meeting, that will take place next Wednesday at 2pm at Rhinelander City Hall.

Published on 03/30/2023 under News The Merrill Police Department provided additional details on an incident that prompted a heavy police presence in a neighborhood earlier this week. According to a news release from Merrill Police Chief Corey Bennett, officers were called to a residence near Grand Avenue and State Street Tuesday at around 3pm. The initial response was the result of threats included self-harm by officer. The subject was believed to have a bladed or edged weapon. Officers, with aid from the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, formed a perimeter and attempted to make contact with the subject. According to Bennett, after some time, a mutual decision was made to disengage from the scene rather than seek entry into the home. He explained a number of factors played into that decision including there being no apparent threat to the community at large, no felonies known to have occurred, and other occupants being safe. Bennett says they were able to make contact and detain the individual the following day. That person's name has not been released. Chief Bennett says the investigation is ongoing and no other information is being disclosed at this time.

Published on 03/30/2023 under News Student artists in Wisconsin have the opportunity to be featured on next year's State Park vehicle admission stickers. The stickers provide access to more than 60 state parks, forests and other recreational properties around the state. The design changes each year. For the past 33 years, the DNR has sponsored an annual contest which allows high school-age students to create the artwork for the sticker. Steve Schmelzer, DNR Parks Director, says "The admission sticker design contest is a wonderful opportunity for high schoolers across the state to blend their artistic creativity and interest in our natural resources, and to see that creativity on hundreds of thousands of cars across the state."He added that it's always a pleasure to see the entries and it's never an easy choice to pick one winner. Last year, more than 250 entries were submitted. The winner was Brookfield East senior Brooke Salomone. Her design features a stylized compass with different recreational themes in each quadrant including fishing, camping, and boating. The DNR has additional contest information including past winners and tips on their website. The contest runs through April 30.

Published on 03/30/2023 under News The Rhinelander Fire Department provided some additional information on a fire at a downtown restaurant this week. That fire happened at Dinky Diner on Thayer Street Tuesday evening at around 6pm. Firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke coming from the rear of the building. The restaurant was closed at the time and occupants of the adjacent apartments were able to safely evacuate. No injuries were reported. The news release states that the diner is considered a total loss. Crews were able to largely contain the fire to that building with nearby properties sustaining minor damage. Six residents were displaced due to utilities, and the Red Cross is assisting. As of Wednesday's update, a cause of fire had still not been determined.

Published on 03/29/2023 under News Northwoods Counties were the largest beneficiary in the annual County Forest Road Aid from the state. The Department of Transportation announced that assistance this past week. Overall, 24 Wisconsin counties will share in a little more $320,000 to maintain and improve public roads in county forests. The qualifying roads meet a number of criteria and cannot be town roads, county or state highways. Statewide, more than 900 miles of roads qualified. Locally, Lincoln County claimed 27 miles, good for about $9,500. Oneida County's 39 miles received nearly $14,000. Vilas County has around 48 miles which received $17,000. Marinette County, with more than 234 miles of designated roads, received nearly a quarter of the overall funding. DoT secretary Craig Thompson explained, "The first county forest in Wisconsin got started almost 100 years ago in Langlade County with the idea to turn abandoned loggers' land into a public asset." He says, "Today, these lands help define Up North in Wisconsin, and WisDOT works with our local partners to ensure that forest infrastructure improves tourism, industry, and agriculture." The County Forest Road Aid is separate from the General Transportation Aid.

Published on 03/29/2023 under News Officials will be commemorating those who served in Vietnam during a brief ceremony here in the Northwoods this morning. Today is National Vietnam War Veterans Day, and it is a special 50th anniversary of the ground force withdrawal from Vietnam. To mark the occasion, the Northwoods National Cemetery in Harshaw has created a special program which will feature the Northwoods Honor Guard and the Lake Tomahawk American Legion. According to the Wisconsin Historical Society, more than 57,000 Wisconsinites served in Vietnam, more than 1,200 never returned. Northwoods National Cemetery in Harshaw officially opened in August of 2020, becoming the second national cemetery in Wisconsin. It is located along Lakewood Road. The program is set to begin at 11am. Later this spring, a traveling National Vietnam Memorial Exhibit will be coming to spring. Nicolet College will host "The Wall That Heals" in May.

Published on 03/29/2023 under News Mary Burns and Michael Schiek frequently share the Oneida County Courthouse; the two are also sharing the same ballot this spring. Early and absentee voting is now underway, ahead of next Tuesday's election. We've been previewing some of the items appearing on the ballot here in the Northwoods. The spring general election is officially non-partisan and and includes town, city, school board, and some county level positions. That includes this Oneida County judge race. Burns currently holds that judge seat, she was appointed to the bench back in August following the retirement of Patrick O'Melia. Meanwhile, Schiek is Oneida County district attorney. The two emerged from a three-way primary in February. Burns received just over 3,100 votes; Schiek received 2,500. Oneida County Corporation Counsel Mike Fugle was eliminated in the primary. He received about 1,100 votes. This isn't the only judge race on the spring ballot of course, with the high profile Wisconsin Supreme Court election between Dan Kelly and Janet Protasiewicz. We'll continue previewing select local races and ballot initiatives in the coming days.

Published on 03/29/2023 under News The Wisconsin snowmobile season will officially come to a close on Friday. The last few remaining trails, those up in Vilas and Iron County made it official. The trails up in the snowbelt got a few extra days of riding. In addition to the Northwoods Counties, there were a handful of counties in Northwestern Wisconsin still open as well. Despite the upcoming snow this weekend, these closures go into effect around the entire state at the end of the day Friday. This is due, in part, to agreements with landowners which sets the Wisconsin snowmobile season through March 31. With most trails across the Northwoods opening in late December, this riding season turned out to be one of the longest in recent years. In their official closure announcement, Vilas County Parks & Recreation Supervisor Todd Bierman was quick to highlight the 11 clubs that maintain the trails in Vilas County. He says, "These clubs went above and beyond to make this season such a great success. Countless hours and funds, above and beyond the allotted funding from the state, were used this season to give our trail users the best and safest trails possible."

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