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Rhinelander Kiwanis Unveil Hodag Park Playground/Splash Pad Project

Published on 04/26/2024 under News Hodag Park in Rhinelander could be getting a makeover thanks to a community organization and some local generosity. This week, the Rhinelander Kiwanis announced plans to build a brand new 13,000 square foot playground, along with a 3,000 square foot splash pad at Hodag Park. Kiwanian Brandon Karaba is spearheading the project. He said, "The Kiwanis mission has always been to give back to the children in the Rhinelander community, this is a project that so many kids will be able to use for many years to come." The project carries a $1.6 million price tag, and they've launched a fundraising campaign. The good news...thanks to private donations and local business support they're nearly half way there. Those that would like to contribute can do so through the Rhinelander Community Foundation. Karaba says if they hit some of their fundraising targets by summer($1.1 million), they could install the playground this fall and begin site prep for the splash pad work next spring. Karaba said, "We are very excited to put this project together... This community deserves it and without all of them, we couldn't get it done." People can follow along on the Kwaninis of Rhinelander Facebook page for project and fundraising updates.

Published on 04/26/2024 under News The expansion of sustainability continues in the Northwoods, and several local businesses were recently selected to receive funding for solar projects. As part of Earth Week festivities, Rural Development Wisconsin State Director Julie Lassa announced 19 clean energy projects in Wisconsin will receive funding through the US Department of Agricultural Rural Energy for America program. Lassa said, "(This) announcement showcases the variety of rural people and businesses using programs like the Rural Energy for America Program to save money on their energy costs that can then be reinvested in their operations. This not only strengthens their business but helps sustain and build the local economy." Three businesses in Lincoln County will receive funding to install solar arrays: •Daigle Brothers Inc. in Tomahawk will use a $341,850 grant to install a small solar electric array. The project is expected to save $24,463 per year. It will replace 437,991 kilowatt hours (100 percent of the business's energy use) per year, which is enough energy to power 40 homes. •Foley's Forest Products LLC in Tomahawk will use a $29,880 grant to install a small solar electric array. The project is expected to save the small business $3,637 per year. It will replace 30,060 kilowatt hours (31 percent of the business's energy use) per year, which is enough energy to power two homes. •Andy Pagel Ginseng Farms LLC in Merrill will use a $16,072 grant to install a small solar electric array. This project is expected to save the rural ag producer $2,008 per year. It will replace 11,261 kilowatt hours (kWh) (64 percent of the business's energy use) per year, which is enough energy to power one home. In all, the 19 recipients will share in $2.8 million. While most of the grants were earmarked for solar, others went towards green investments such as energy efficient farm equipment.

Published on 04/26/2024 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. This spring and summer, they're recruiting volunteers to participate in four 'Friend for a Day' events. The first coming up Saturday in coordination with the DNR's Work-Play-Earth Day activities. Ahead of the event, we heard from Paul Thomas, president of the Friends group. He said they're looking for families, clubs, business employee groups or organizations to assist with clearing branches and other debris 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. Thomas recommends dressing accordingly with good shoes, a pair of gloves and tick protection. Park admission fees will be waived for volunteers, and they are encouraged to stick around and enjoy the park once the morning's work is finished. For those that can't attend tomorrow, they' have 3 additional 'Friend for a Day' projects scheduled later this year.

Published on 04/26/2024 under News A rain-filled month of April has drought conditions improving across much of the state. As they do each Thursday, the US Drought Monitor released their weekly data yesterday. The maps continue to show improvement over the past few weeks. In late March, around 72% of the state was classified in drought. Yesterday's update showed that has fallen to 19%. While improved, the Northwoods is still impacted by the dry conditions. Most of Vilas County remains in drought, it's now in the lowest of the four classifications. Northern Lincoln and Langlade Counties and most of Oneida County are in the 'abnormally dry' category. Beyond far northern Wisconsin, a portion of southwestern Wisconsin also remains in drought. Dating back to last summer, the impacts of these dry conditions have led to elevated wildfire conditions, challenging growing conditions for farms, gardens and lawns, and event lower than normal lake levels. Reservoir Levels on the Rise Area reservoirs continue their typical spring fill up. As of Thursday, WVIC listed the Spirit just a few inches below full, while the Eau Pleine is a half foot down. Nokomis is approximately a foot and a half down; the Rainbow three feet; and the Willow just inside of four feet below full.

Published on 04/26/2024 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. 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 are available year round. 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 created hundreds of temporary locations. The state "Dose of Reality" website features an interactive map listing both temporary and permanent drop-off locations. Wisconsin is annually a nationwide leader in these efforts.

Published on 04/25/2024 under News Two Tomahawk traditions and a long-time volunteer earned Wisconsin Main Street awards. A local contingent traveled over to Green Bay last weekend to attend the 33rd annual Wisconsin Main Street Awards, and they didn't walk away empty handed. Main Street Director Jennifer Turkiewicz was excited to share their results. First up, the annual North for the Fourth T-Shirts received honorable mention in Best Promotional Marketing category. The creators of the campaign have changed several times over the past four decades, with Tomahawk Main Street currently in charge. Each year, a new design is created, meaning the shirts are a collector's item which sells out on an almost yearly basis. In fact, Turkiewicz says they've quadrupled the number of shirts available and began produced tank tops and sweatshirts as well. The second award for Tomahawk Main Street was awarded to Andy Goretski of Custom Murals for Best Historic Restoration. Goretski spent last summer repainting the mural of city founder William Bradley. The art work was initially painted on the side of the Standard Mercantile building some twenty years ago but began to fade due to the elements. Turkiewicz said, "Andy brought his gift, his paintbrushes, and a big heart to the store side, and he delivered!" And finally an organization like Tomahawk Main Street isn't successful without volunteers, and Joan Laabs received a Community Champion Award. Turkiewicz called her an asset for years. She said, "Joan may have begun by simply helping around the office..., but every year, she jumps in a little more and more. Just a few examples on a lengthy list of volunteer hours, the "We Give Thanks" program, the Main Street Memories Car Show, a member of the promotions committee. The annual awards banquet also gave Turkiewicz a chance to look back on the past year. She says, " Tomahawk Main Street is blessed to have so many incredible friends committed to our mission and goals, and we are pleased to announce these awards; our beautiful downtown is near and dear to all of us who live and visit here, and now receiving recognition state-wide, competing against so many other amazing communities, is a true testament to this community's hard work and dedication."

Published on 04/25/2024 under News Lac du Flambeau was selected to receive two green energy grants totaling more than $1 million. As part of an Earth Week, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin announced the recipients of their Energy Innovation Grant Program. In this cycle, $7.8 million will be shared across 28 projects which were selected from more than 80 applications. Recipients include: schools, municipalities, health care providers and housing organizations. Lac du Flambeau Tribal Housing Authority was fortunate to receive two complimentary grants for their 13-unit multi-family building known as Elk Point East. The first, $500,000, will be invested into a ground mount solar array and battery storage. The second grant $525,000, is earmarked for a first of its kind conversion of whole-building electric resistance heating to a cold-climate air source heat pump system. Gov. Evers said in the announcement, "These projects will help strengthen energy infrastructure across Wisconsin while making significant progress in our transition to a clean energy economy, resulting in cleaner air and water and more family-supporting jobs." Since the program's inception in 2017, the PSC has awarded $40 million to 169 EIGP projects statewide.

Published on 04/25/2024 under News Officials have released additional information into a homicide in Park Falls earlier this month. According to the Department of Justice-Division of Criminal Investigation, the incident happened on the afternoon of April 13. At shortly after 4pm, officers responded to a report of shots fired near the 600 block of 2nd Avenue North. Upon arrival they found a victim dead with multiple gunshot wounds. A handgun was found at the scene. The alleged shooter was taken into custody. Yesterday the DoJ identified him as 50 year old Christopher J. Dyer. According to court records he is being held on $1 million bond on an anticipated charge of 1st degree intentional homicide. The DoJ has not released any information on the victim other than identifying that person as an adult. The incident remains under investigation.

Published on 04/25/2024 under News Over the years, Wisconsin has produced a number of memorable Olympians. The peregrine falcon chicks hatched at Wisconsin Public Service and We Energies facilities will be named in their honor. There are currently 11 peregrine falcon eggs across the various power facilities. Once hatched, the chicks will be banded and named through a themed public vote. To celebrate the upcoming summer games, each of the potential names are inspired by Wisconsin Olympians. Just a few examples of the more than two dozen options: Birdie Blair in honor of 5 time gold medalist and Wisconsin resident Bonnie Blair-Cruikshank; Curly for Madison's sibling curlers Becca and Matt Hamilton; Miracle for the Wisconsinites Mark Johnson and Bob Suter on the 1980 men's hockey team; and Oarlock in honor of bronze-medal rower Megan Kalmoe of St. Croix Falls. Voting is underway and will continue through May 9 on their website. The website also has links to the nesting box webcams. Over the years, more than 400 of the once-endangered peregrine falcons have hatched at the WPS and WE Energies facilities.

Published on 04/25/2024 under News There are millions of trees in the Chequamegon Nicolet National Forest. Staffers are busy preparing for an another Arbor Day celebration with some special events. Coming up on Friday afternoon, local, state, and federal foresters will host a free public program at the USDA Forest Service office in Rhinelander. We heard from some of the organizers who offered a sneak preview of tomorrow's event, highlighted by a tree planting ceremony. It's part of an initiative to replace some of the ash trees removed due to the invasive emerald ash borer. The new trees, 3 year old white pines, were grown from seed at a Forest Service nursery. That will be followed by some interpretive activities for people of all ages to learn about the importance of trees and some of the ways that people can establish more trees in their communities. That includes some family friendly activities featuring Woodsy the Owl. The Arbor Day celebration gets underway Friday at 1pm. To register for the program, please e-mail Veronica Hinke: Veronica.Hinke@usda.gov or call (815) 386-0711. Photo by Doug Sippl / USDA Forest Service, Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest: A newly planted white pine tree from the USDA Forest Service J.W. Toumey Nursery settles into the ground and will soon take root. The public is invited to be part of a very special tree re-planting initiative on Arbor Day, April 26, 2024, at the USDA Forest Service office in Rhinelander.

Published on 04/24/2024 under News The Lincoln County government could soon be getting a new website domain and email addresses that are simplified and more secure. The County currently uses the co.lincoln.wi.us. Under a resolution approved by the county board last week, they'll transition to lincolncountywi.gov. The '.gov' addresses are exclusive to US government agencies and organizations. Ahead of the vote, IT Director Travis Spoehr provided a brief overview. He noted the change is something they've talked about in the past. Now the application and registration of .gov domains have been waived for counties and local municipalities. According to the resolution, the Wisconsin Elections Commission will make .gov a requirement for electron elections communications. Some Northwoods counties have already made that transition including Oneida and Vilas Counties. As for the specific domain name, Spoehr noted that they needed to include the 'wi' because there are 36 other Lincoln Counties around the country. They'll continue to maintain the current domain at this time to make a staggered migration. A specific timeline wasn't provided.

Published on 04/24/2024 under News Utility bills in the Northwoods could be up slightly starting next year. Wisconsin Public Service shared that they have filed a request with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin to set the electricity and natural gas rates for the next two years. According to the release, the proposal would result in an increase of $11-12 a month for a typical electric bill, while natural gas customers would see an increase of $3-4. Even with the potential increase, WPS noted that bills would remain below the national average. The release says a majority of the filing is to recover costs of new power plants the PSCW has already approved. They also continue to focus on three key priorities: reducing customer outages, building the infrastructure needed to support jobs plus economic growth in Wisconsin, and meeting new EPA environmental rules. An update to the filing with more specific information on the impact for each group of customers. The company says they will also provide this information to customers through a bill insert and on wisconsinpublicservice.com. The PSC will review the proposal later this year, and the new rates, if approved, would take effect in January.

Published on 04/24/2024 under News A plump pine warbler and a Rotund ruby-crowned kinglet are among feathered friends competing in a statewide contest to celebrate healthy birds and migration. The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin is celebrating their first-ever Fat Bird Week. The Foundation notes that 'a fat bird is a healthy bird' and it 'celebrates and spotlights the amazing journey our migratory birds make to get back to Wisconsin.' Eight bird photos were selected in the bracket style tournament decided by fan vote. The foundation was inspired by the organizers of the popular Fat Bear Week in Alaska which celebrates bears bulking up for winter hibernation. Conservation biologist Ryan Brady notes that some species of bird will actually double their weight ahead of their twice annual migration. He says, "Fat is fuel in the world of bird migration." They did clarify that while many people call birds "fat," they are often referring to is the fluffiness of the feathers. While the contest is all in good fun, it also serves as inspiration to create a more bird-friendly back yard. Brady says to think native plants which will provide nutrition via fruits, seeds, nectar, and even drawing in bugs. The 'Fat Bird Week' winner will be announced during next Tuesday's webinar "Four Ways to keep Wisconsin's Birds Fat and Healthy." For more information

Published on 04/24/2024 under News For years, Oneida County has offered a teen court program through the municipal court system which provides an alternative for first time youth offenders. The program is currently seeking high school age students to serve as panelists in the program. Panelists interview the offending juvenile and their parents. They assign sanctions designed to help the youth avoid making similar decisions, while allowing the offender to move forward without a juvenile record. Sharon Krause, works with the program through her role as Community Youth Development Educator with the Oneida County UW-Extension. She says serving can be beneficial to the student panelists as well, building communication and leadership skills. It also exposes them to careers in law, government policy, social work and counseling. She says "High school students who wish to become panelists need to have good listening skills, work well as part of a team, and be trustworthy with confidential information." Teen panelists should live in Oneida County (or Vilas County and attend Lakeland Union) The deadline is apply is May 1. For more information about Oneida County Teen Court and panelist application materials, please visit https://oneida.extension.wisc.edu/positive-youth-development/teencourt/ or contact Sharon Krause at sharon.krause@wisc.edu or (608) 381-2661.

Published on 04/24/2024 under News A team of Nicolet cosmetology students earned high marks at an industry event earlier this week. On Monday, Raven Carufel and Axle Jacobs, along with student model Isabella Hulsey attended America's Beauty Show in Chicago. The trio took part in the student team competition where they scored a third place finish in the cyberpunk fantasy category. The teams had an hour to craft an intricate hairstyle and makeup look demonstrating their creativity and technique. Instructor Marie Stott said, "Raven, Axle, and Isabella demonstrated their talent, dedication, and teamwork throughout this competition. Their success is a testament to their hard work and education at Nicolet College." The judging panel included industry professionals as well as social media influencers. For Jacobs specifically, it was a successful April. Earlier this month, we reported Jacobs competed and won the Wisconsin Skills USA barber competition and qualified for nationals. -Photo provided by Nicolet College

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