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Eagle River Business a Finalist for Main Street Makeover Contest Published on 12/28/2018 under News

A Northwoods business has been selected as a finalist for the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation's annual Main Street Makeover Contest.

The WEDC announced the five finalists out of 20 businesses nominated. Of those 5, one business will receive personalized technical assistance and up to $10,000 to implement changes through the makeover.

Among the five businesses still in the running is Arrow Gift Shop in Eagle River. The location has served numerous community needs over the decades including a library, grocery, clinic and pharmacy. Now with second generation owners, it serves as a destination for visitors to the community and residents alike.

Other 2018 finalists include:

Anthony's 511, Watertown
Bushel & Pecks, Beloit
Campbell Family Homes, Viroqua
K Sera Salon and Spa, De Pere

The WEDC says that the winner will be announced in mid-January. They'll be paired with design firm RetailWorks Inc. A two day transformation make over will follow in the spring.

While just one business will receive the makeover, all will receive technical assistance from the Wisconsin Main Street team to achieve goals and improve their business.

This is the third year the WEDC has run this contest. Last year, Tomahawk Sew and Vac made it to the final round before beat out by a Fond du Lac Cafe'.

In Other News

Rhinelander Chamber Launches Community Volunteer Website

Published on 04/30/2024 under News The Rhinelander Chamber is looking to make it easier for non-profits to connect with potential volunteers. On Monday, the Chamber announced the launch of a centralized community volunteer website. The project was developed by Leadership Oneida County. That team includes Angela Badeau who said, "Strong communities are built through the collective efforts of their citizens. The Chamber is excited to offer nonprofit organizations an additional tool to promote volunteer opportunities that enhance the Rhinelander area through volunteer service." Badeau also explained how the process works. Nonprofits can submit their volunteer opportunities and events. They are posted onto an online calendar where people willing to lend a helping hand are able to browse. The listing includes dates and time, requirements, as well as contact information for the non-profit. With the launch this week, the calendar is still relatively light on opportunities, but it is expected to fill quickly. The Community Volunteer page is part of the Rhinelander Chamber website at www.RhinelanderChamber.com/Volunteer.

Published on 04/30/2024 under News Trees can play a key role in our health, and Aspirus was recognized for their efforts both on campus and in their communities. This past week, fifteen Aspirus Health Hospitals received the Arbor Day Foundation designation as a 'Tree Campus Healthcare Institution.' Fittingly, in an area known as the Northwoods, it includes the Aspirus facilities in Eagle River Rhinelander, Woodruff, Tomahawk and Merrill. To qualify each facility has met a list of criteria such as establishing a tree committee and campus program, participate in community education of trees, and completing an community forest project. With 15 spots on the list, Aspirus facilities make up nearly a third of the entire list. Currently, just 50 hospitals around the country carry that designation. Andrew Miller, Director of System Facilities Management and Security for Aspirus Health 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."

Published on 04/30/2024 under News The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office recovered stolen ATV tires after an individual attempted to sell them online. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's report, the incident began last week when an ATV fell off a trailer while being towed on Highway 51 and 8 in the Town of Bradley. The owner, a Hazelhurst man said he planned to return and retrieve the ATV from the ditch at a later time. When he returned, however, he found the tires had been taken. Several days later, the man reporting finding those tires in a posting for sale on Facebook Market Place. The investigating deputy followed up on the post. According to the report, the seller, a 45 year old Merrill man, admitted to taking the tires. He said he believed the ATV had been abandoned. The Sheriff's Office did not indicate if charges will be filed. It was actually a busy week for thefts in the Sheriff's report... A Gleason woman reported her wallet was stolen from her vehicle. She was parked near the Merrill Memorial Forest while she utilized the bike trail. She told deputies the vehicle was unlocked at the time. She had placed the wallet in a purse which was located on the passenger seat. And last Monday a person reported a burglary in progress in the Town of Merrill. The reporting party observed two men exit a locked building on Hillside Drive and run into a nearby field. Two Wisconsin license plates were reported missing-AXC7430. A neighbor reported seeing a suspicious 90's model blue Chevy Blazer in the area with two men during that time period.

Published on 04/30/2024 under News As we transition to spring, we continue to receive announcements to open area trails and campgrounds. Most trails in the region close during the transition from winter to spring in order to protect them as the frost leaves the ground and they dry out. It also allows an opportunity for some maintenance. As the trails do open up, they do reminder users that they will be in early season condition. We heard from the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest which will open their recreation trails on Wednesday, their campgrounds, with a few exceptions, will re-open on Thursday. And in Oneida County, the Forestry, Land and Recreation Department announced their ATV/UTV trails will open Wednesday. The announcement also included the opening of the Enterprise campground.

Published on 04/30/2024 under News The Nokomis Volunteer Fire Department too time this weekend to recognize several members with their annual awards banquet. Three firefighters were nominated for their 'Member of the Year,' an award voted on by the members themselves. The award went to Joe Jelinek who has stepped into the role of chief. According to the nomination he was not only recognized for filling in the role, but also the way he handled the transition. As for the other two nominees... •Keith Ploeckelman is acknowledged for his leadership with the fire prevention program both at the schools and the department. He also has taken a lead in managing the maintenance program for department apparatus and equipment. •Dakota Jelinek is viewed as a great asset when working with others and taking on responsibilities, such as helping with computer tasks. They also presented a 'Booster Award' to an individual or individuals who is not a member of the fire department, but still assisted the agency in a meaningful way. The award was shared by Rhinelander Fire Chief Brian Tonnancour and his assistant chief Dan Bauer. And they also recognized three retirees for their years of service: Cody Brown with 11 years, Linda Cole with 17 years, and Don Richert with 28 years. Even the name of the event, Mary's Dinner, is in memory of former first responder Mary Muckerheide. In her passing, Mary established an endowment fund for the annual banquet.

Published on 04/30/2024 under News Those who participated in the annual Wisconsin Conservation Congress Spring Surveys overwhelming supported restrictions on excessive boat wakes. Each spring the DNR and the Wisconsin Conservation Congress partner to offer advisory questions on outdoor resource management to gauge public interest. Around 19,000 people participated in this year's survey, and on Monday the results were released. There were around 50 questions on a variety of topics, including several related to 'wake boats.' These boats typically use a ballast system designed to create a larger wake for recreation such as wake surfing. One question was related to a rule that would restrict the use of these boats on small lakes, less than 1,500 acres, while requiring those using a wake boat on larger lakes operate more than 700 feet from shore and other lake users. According to the results, nearly 11,000 people supported the rules, about 3,800 opposed. Around 1,300 survey participants did not have an opinion. A second, more general question, regarding establishing some regulations was supported by a similar margin. Like all questions on the survey, these are advisory only. Previous legislative efforts to regulate the use of wake boats have failed. The full list of survey results is available on the DNR website.

Published on 04/30/2024 under Sports Tomahawk's golf squad had a strong showing in their invite at Marathon, placing fifth out of 16 teams. The Hatchets finished with a team score of 350, just one stroke behind fourth-place Prentice. Austin Lamer finished as the meet runner-up with a score of 80. Owen Dickrell finished second on the team and 14th overall with a score of 88. Tomahawk will have their next Great Northern Conference meet at Northwoods Golf Club in Rhinelander Thursday afternoon.

Published on 04/30/2024 under Sports The Hatchet softball squad was shut out for the second consecutive game by a Great Northern Conference opponent, losing to Lakeland 5-0. Over the last two GNC games, Tomahawk was outscored 14-0. The loss drops Tomahawk to 7-8 on the season and 2-5 in Great Northern Conference play. The two teams will meet again today at Hatchet Field for the second of two games. Tune in for the broadcast today on Sports Talk 810 AM and 100.7 FM WJJQ. The Fehrman Orthodontics Radio Pregame Show is at 4:05 and First pitch is at 4:30. Matt Theiler and Alex Koch will be in the broadcast booth.

Published on 04/29/2024 under News It won't be long before Veteran's Memorial Park in Tomahawk is filled with people for the summer Music on the River concert series. This past week, organizers unveiled the tentative line-up. Now entering year 17, they continue to offer a mix of returning favorites and newcomers making their debut. They'll have a little something for everyone...with bands featuring pop, rock, and country with more eclectic influences like jazz and reggae. It all kicks off June 19 with Ember. Then over the next five Wednesdays it'll be: Jerry Schmitt Band (June 26); Copper Box (July 3); The Tamaracks (July 10); Billy Bronsted Trio(July 17); and Santy and Son (July 24) The series will close out on July 31 with the Hip Pocket. Each night of concerts is free to attend. They're held in the pavilion at Veteran's Memorial Park offering not only viewing by land, but also by water. Stayed tuned to WJJQ each Wednesday morning as we'll preview that night's concert, while featuring some of their music and occasionally even band interviews.

Published on 04/29/2024 under News A Northwoods School district was recognized nationally for their sustainability efforts. Wrapping up Earth Week, the US Department of Education announced the recipients of their Green Ribbon Schools and sustainability awards. Nationwide just 41 schools, ten school districts, and three colleges were honored for their innovative efforts to reduce environmental impact and utility costs, improve health and wellness, and offer effective sustainability education. Among the 54 recipients were five right here in Wisconsin including the Northland Pines School District in Eagle River. Pines was nominated by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. Just a few examples of the many steps they highlighted: solar power generation on each campus, conversion to LED lights, efficiency fixtures, green cleaning products and and the use of several electric buses in their fleet. They've also brought those efforts into the classroom, or often brought the classroom outside, to teach a curriculum that includes sustainability and the environment. Other Wisconsin recipients include: · Madison – Creative Learning Preschool and Child Care Center · Milwaukee – Hawthorne Elementary School · Bay View – Milwaukee Parkside School for the Arts · University of Wisconsin-StoutOf the recipients, U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona says, "These awards represent thousands of students, and countless hours of hard work in schools and on college campuses, ensuring equitable access to healthy, climate-resilient learning environments where students are prepared for the sustainability challenges of the present and future."

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