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Rhinelander Fab Lab Receives Two Local Donations Published on 05/28/2020 under News

While school isn't in session, a high tech classroom in Rhinelander has received a pair of generous donations. Over the past few weeks, the Hodag Fab Lab received a pair of donations totaling nearly $10,000.

Fabrication Laboratories, or Fab Labs are equipped with modern manufacturing equipment such as 3D printers and laser engravers. Amid the Coronavirus pandemic, the Rhinelander Lab has actually been used to printing masks.

Associated Bank awarded the fab lab with nearly $7000 to purchase a garment printer. The printer will allow students to explore possible careers in a related field, express themselves through art, and design and promote their club, cause, or even a future business.

Fab Lab Director Mike Wojtusik said, "Students can be very creative with their work, but often don't have multiple means of making it come to life. This printer will help do that."

A second grant came from the Rhinelander Partners in Education. With a number of their events canceled this spring, they took some of those funds to contribute $1,400 to help update lab software.

A second contribution from the Partners group went towards appreciation signs for teachers that have been placed around the community.

(Photos attached: Hodag Fab Lab Director Mike Wojtusik has been busy making PPE masks for community members.)

In Other News

Re-Purposing Fall Leaves Benefits Home

Published on 10/22/2025 under News Here in the Northwoods, the fall colors have come and gone, and we're left to rake them up. Those looking to get some yard work done over the weekend are encouraged to re-purpose leaves around the home. While burning yard waste may be convenient, it also creates air pollution and runs the risk spreading into a wildfire. Instead, a little extra work and some creativity can re-purpose yard waste instead. First and foremost, consider leaving at least a portion of your yard natural. Many insects, including important pollinators will winter in or under fallen leaves. Officials note that leaves are packed with nutrients and minerals which will benefit your plants and lawn next summer. Speed up the process by breaking down the leaves with a shredder or mulching lawn mower. Similarly, dried leaves can also serve as a key component of your compost pile. They recommend a 2:1 mix of brown waste like dry leaves to green waste such as plant-based kitchen scraps and grass clippings. And if you don't have much use for yard waste at home, many municipalities do have disposal, either a pick-up service or drop-off location. Just a reminder for our city of Tomahawk residents specifically, that pick-up will take place next week.

Published on 10/22/2025 under News The Lincoln County Board now has a balanced spending plan to consider for their next meeting. At their meeting Tuesday, the Lincoln County Board of Supervisors was presented with an updated 2026 budget from Finance Director Heather Marheine. The levy came in at $13.3 million; that's up about 2.9% from last year. According to the document, the county's portion of the mil rate averages $3.50, down approximately 4.9%. The County received a boost in both equalized value and net new construction, while also projecting an increase in sales tax revenue. The finance team was able to close an approximately $1.2 million gap from the first version of the budget presented in June. That included approximately $800,000 in savings from the sale of Pine Crest in both operations and maintenance. The County agreed to sell the skilled nursing facility to a private provider over the summer. The spending plan included a big boost for roads, from just over $2 million this year to $3.1 million next year. Marheine did share some future challenges for the county going forward including the capital improvements budget, employee recruitment and retention, and decreasing timber sale proceeds. The final Lincoln County budget will be back before the board for approval in November. Local schools, towns, and cities are also finishing up their budgets at this time of year.

Published on 10/22/2025 under News One person is in custody following a fatal crash in Taylor County early Monday morning. According to the Taylor County Sheriff's Office, responders were called to a single vehicle rollover at around 2am Monday. The incident happened on County Road C near Wood Lake Avenue in the town of Rib Lake. Crews arrived to find an SUV on its side in the ditch after leaving the roadway and striking several trees. A female passenger was removed from the vehicle and brought to an area hospital where she died of her injuries. She has been identified as 49 year old Sharon Kaplon of Ogema. The driver, 49 year old Stephen Kaplon, was taken into custody on charges of homicide by intoxicated use of a motor vehicle. He is being held in the Taylor County Jail on a $200,000 cash bond while awaiting charges.

Published on 10/22/2025 under News A bill under consideration in Madison aimed at boosting the Northwoods forest industry received a stamp of approval from the Lincoln County Board. At their meeting last night, the Lincoln County supervisors approved a resolution offering support for the Forestry Revitalization Act. The legislation, introduced earlier this month, would provide financial incentives for the construction of a plant in Hayward that would produce aviation biofuels through from forest products. The industry has taken a hit in recent years due to the closure of a number of mills in the region including Wisconsin Rapids, Duluth, and Park Falls. They are hoping the biofuel plant can fill or exceed that demand. The forest products industry is among the leading employers in Lincoln County. Even the county itself benefits from the sale of timber from county forest lands. Wisconsin is among several states vying for the mill. The Lincoln County Board endorsement will be sent to state officials encouraging them to support the bill.

Published on 10/22/2025 under News Dealing with loss can be challenging no matter your age. A program designed specifically for children is returning to the Northwoods this weekend. The Rhinelander School District and their Community Education program will host their 3rd annual Camp George on Saturday. It's a one-day grief support camp designed for children who have experienced loss. According to organizers, Camp George offers a safe, compassionate space for children to process grief related to the loss of a loved one or family changes such as divorce. To help with coping and healing, the kids will engage in specially designed activities. It's designed for children kindergarten to 8th grade aged. And participation is not just limited to Rhinelander, but students around the Northwoods that have experienced grief. It is free, but they do ask that people register ahead of time. You can do so through the Rhinelander Community Education website.

Published on 10/21/2025 under News While most people think of snowy trails when it comes to sleddog racing, there are other disciplines held on dryland. An international racing event is being held in Northwoods. Minocqua is hosting the International Federation of Sleddog Sports (IFSS) Dryland World Championships. Opening ceremonies were held Monday night, with racing continues throughout the week. While the competition dates back to 1990, this is the first time it is being held on US soil. Niina Baum, is a local racer and member of the U.S. Federation of Sleddog Sports. She played a key role in bringing the event to the Northwoods, noting it has been five years in the making which began by hosting some smaller regional races. The events are based out of Minocqua's Winter Park and free for spectators. Baum encouraged people to stop by and check out what she described as 'an action-packed event like you've never seen before.' The racers are competing in categories like bikejoring (pulled on a bike), canicross (running), or scooter racing. They anticipate more than 350 competitors representing 23 countries. Sherry Hulett at the Minocqua Area Visitors Bureau says, "Events like this not only showcase our beautiful region but also the sporting opportunities that we can support. The increase in visitors, athletes and spectators, also strengthen our local economy as they stay, shop, and dine here, giving a real boost to area businesses." The Minocqua Visitors Bureau has a full schedule of events and locations on their website.

Published on 10/21/2025 under News Two Lincoln County hunters suffered minor, self-inflicted injuries in separate incidents this past week. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report, the first of these two accidents happened Thursday in the Town of Harding. The victim, a 28 year old Merrill man, was getting ready to go bow hunting. He told the deputy he typically carried a hand gun due to the bear population in the area he hunts. While attempting to holster the fire arm, the man said he unintentionally discharged the weapon. The bullet grazed the man's foot, and he was brought to an area hospital for treatment. The second incident happened on Saturday. A 23 year old Irma man was attempting to load his crossbow when it discharged. The bolt, or arrow, struck the man's finger, becoming lodged. According to the report, the man was brought to an area hospital to have bolt safely removed. A couple of other quick notes from the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report…Two motorists were taken into custody for 1st offense OWI following traffic stops.The number of vehicle versus deer collisions remains elevated with another 18 reported this past week on Lincoln County roadways. Drivers are encouraged to use a little extra caution at this time of year, as the number of deer collisions typically increases in the fall. We'll have a bit more on that topic in the coming days.

Published on 10/21/2025 under News The timber industry plays a crucial role in the Northwoods economy, and this week has been set aside to recognize the trade. The third week in October is Forest Products Week in Wisconsin. The goal is to recognize the important role that the state's estimated 17 million acres of private and public forestland plays in our economy and the environment. Scott Lyon, DNR forest products team leader says, "From paper products such as food packaging, fine writing paper and toilet paper to lumber used to build homes, flooring and furniture, we depend on forest products daily." It's a leading employer many Northwoods counties. In the latest data available for Lincoln County, the forest industry was responsible, either directly or indirectly, for more than 1,800 jobs. In addition to the economic impact, Carmen Hardin, DNR Applied Forestry Bureau Director highlighted the environmental benefits of a healthy and renewable forest industry as those lands provide additional benefits like clean air and water, recreational opportunities, and wildlife habitat. She added, "One of the draws of forest products made with Wisconsin wood is the story that product tells – whether it's a bench from urban trees that fell during a storm, a baseball bat made from Wisconsin ash or a pint of maple syrup from a backyard. Wisconsin wood products tell a story and connect Wisconsinites to our forests."

Published on 10/21/2025 under News A little more than a year away, local lawmakers continue to make decisions on their future political plans. The latest announcement comes from State Representative Calvin Callahan who shared Monday that he will not enter the race for US House of Representatives. It will be an open race for the 7th Congressional seat with current congressman Tom Tiffany seeking the nomination for Governor. Callahan says after careful thought and conversations with friends and family he won't pursue the seat at this time. He says, "There is still important work to be done in Madison." Adding, "I remain focused on making the Northwoods a great place to live, work, and raise your families." Callahan's decision mirrors State Senator Mary Felzkowski. Earlier this month, Felzkowski announced she would not pursue higher office at this time. Callahan's full statement:I'm deeply humbled and grateful for the incredible outpouring of encouragement and support I've received from friends, neighbors, and community members across northern Wisconsin urging me to run for Congress. It's truly an honor to have so many folks believe in my leadership and commitment to our shared values. After careful thought and conversations with friends and family, I've decided to not seek election to Congress at this time. There is still important work to be done in Madison. Representing the hardworking people of the 35th Assembly District is one of the greatest honors of my life, and I remain focused on making the Northwoods a great place to live, work, and raise your families.

Published on 10/21/2025 under News A congratulations go out to the Tomahawk High School one act-play for advancing out of the district competition. The Tomahawk Drama Department hosted several area schools Saturday for districts. This fall, THS is performing the character driven comedy, "Epic Adventures in a Rinky-Dink Art Museum" by Ken Preuss. It follows a group of creative writing students on a field trip to a small-town museum where they battle boredom by pursuing mysteries romance and other adventures. On Saturday, the judges advanced Tomahawk on to the sectional competition. That's in Oconto Falls the first week of November. On the line for the Hatchets is a tenth consecutive trip to the state festival. That'll be held on the UW Stevens Point campus this year. In sharing the results, the troupe also announced another public performance on Tuesday November 18. We'll offer a reminder as that date approaches.

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