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Rhinelander Eyes Vruwink for City Administrator Vacancy Published on 03/03/2021 under News

The City of Rhinelander has narrowed their search for a new city administrator which could be approved as at a special meeting this evening.

Yesterday, the city issued a statement saying they have successfully negotiated an employment contract with their top candidate, Zach Vruwink. Following the dismissal of former administrator Daniel Guild last year, Vruwink was brought in to serve as assistant to the mayor. That temporary role ended last month.

Vruwink, himself, formerly served as mayor in Wisconsin Rapids for four terms (2012-2020).

According to the release, Vruwink was one of three candidates interviewed and evaluated for the city administrator position. A conditional agreement was reached Monday. A special City Council meeting has been scheduled Wednesday to finalize the offer.

Mayor Chris Frederickson said in the news release that he is anxious to get back to his role as mayor and refocusing on serving as an innovator and policy maker, leaving the day-to-day duties of administrator to Vruwink.

In Other News

Preparations Underway for 41st WJJQ Home, Sport, and Travel Show

Published on 04/10/2026 under News Spring has finally sprung here in the Northwoods, and that means the return of the WJJQ Home, Sport, and Travel Show. Set up began last night and will continue throughout the day at the Tomahawk School complex in preparation for the 41st edition of the WJJQ Home Show. Each spring, the event brings together businesses and professionals offering ideas, services, and products covering everything from home improvement to lawn and garden to outdoor recreation. With warmer weather settling in, it's a chance for many to gather inspiration for upcoming spring and summer projects. For others, the show is simply a sign that winter is finally in the rearview mirror, one of the first major community events of the season and an opportunity to reconnect with friends and neighbors. In addition to exhibits inside the gym, the event will again feature a health expo, craft fair, outdoor displays, youth dance performances, and a variety of food options. Altogether, there are well over 100 vendors, displays, and attractions planned for the weekend. Rodeo royalty is expected to make an appearance, and WaWui will unveil the motorcycle for its annual Fall Ride bike raffle. As always the WJJQ Home, Sport, and Travel Show remains free. Hours are Saturday from 9am to 4pm and Sunday from 10am to 3pm at the Tomahawk School Complex. And be sure to tune in to WJJQ Radio. We will be broadcasting live with interviews from exhibitors all weekend long.

Published on 04/10/2026 under News Voter turnout in Lincoln County on Tuesday was in line with comparable elections in recent years. According to the preliminary results, just shy of 7,100 Lincoln County voters cast ballots on Tuesday. The total was within a hundred votes of the last comparable election, back in April 2024. As is often the case, the composition of the ballot can impact voter turnout. Both the City of Tomahawk and the City of Merrill had competitive Mayoral races on the ballot. In 2024, the Merrill School District had a referendum, while 2026 had a levy referendum for the City of Tomahawk. That shifted the vote north. There were only a handful of contested county board seats. Voter total was down from the 11,000 votes cast last April, which was likely driven by a high-profile State Supreme Court that had record spending. This year's Supreme Court race did not have the same attention. In general, the spring elections have significantly lower turnout than the November elections. The last presidential in 2024 election had more than 17,000 votes in Lincoln County.

Published on 04/10/2026 under News As Wisconsin heads into storm season, a new law aims to protect homeowners from getting taken advantage of when they need help the most. Governor Tony Evers and his pen have been busy following the final scheduled legislative session of the year, signing numerous bills into law. That includes Wisconsin Act 230, co-authored by Northwoods lawmakers State Rep. Calvin Callahan and State Sen. Mary Felzkowski. Callahan attended the signing ceremony and provided some information. The bill is designed to crack down on so-called "storm chasers", contractors who move into damaged areas after severe weather looking for work. Callahan says those contractors sometimes offer to handle insurance claims in exchange for homeowners signing over key rights through what's known as an assignment of benefits. He warns those agreements can lead to inflated costs, poor workmanship, and even denied insurance claims. Under the new law, contractors must clearly explain homeowners' rights in plain language before any agreement is signed. It also prohibits contractors from negotiating directly with insurance companies on a homeowner's behalf. Callahan says after a storm hits, homeowners are often under pressure to make quick decisions. He says this law is meant to prevent bad actors from taking advantage of that urgency and to give families peace of mind as they begin repairs.-Photo provided by the Office of State Rep. Callahan

Published on 04/10/2026 under News The traditional spring turkey season opens next Wednesday, but first younger hunters will get the chance to bag a bird. Coming up this weekend, is the youth turkey hunt. The early-bird season gives participants under the age of 16 an opportunity to gain valuable experience out in the field. Last year, these new hunters registered nearly 4,000 turkeys during their dedicated weekend. The youth hunters participating in this season must have completed their hunter education course or utilize the mentored hunting program. The youth weekend leads into the regular turkey hunting season which is actually comprised of 6 week-long periods across the state's seven zones. The state's turkey population continues to grow. Last year more than 50,000 turkeys were harvested, a top five total all time. Hunters are encouraged to review safety guidelines before heading out. Non-hunters enjoying public lands may want to consider wearing high-visibility clothing.

Published on 04/10/2026 under News If you're spotting brown pine needles along the roadside this spring, it might be the result of winter road treatments. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources says white pines across the region are showing signs of salt spray damage after an active winter of snow and ice. As vehicles travel treated roads, tiny droplets of salt can become airborne and settle on nearby trees. That salt pulls moisture out of pine needles, causing them to turn brown, often starting at the tips and working inward. The damage is usually most noticeable on the side of the tree facing the road. There is some good news, most minor damage won't have long-term effects, and new growth this spring should help trees bounce back. Paul Cigan, DNR Forest Health Specialist says while mature trees can typically recover, younger trees and saplings may be more vulnerable, especially if the damage happens over multiple years. Homeowners can also take steps such as barriers to protect trees near roadways, or even rinsing off salt residue.

Published on 04/09/2026 under News A new organization in the Northwoods is working to build connection, support, and hope for families with Down Syndrome. And there is an opportunity this weekend to learn more, support the mission, and meet those already involved. Hope Beyond 21 is a newly formed nonprofit based in the Tomahawk area, created to support families within a 100-mile radius who have loved ones with Down syndrome. Led by president Hannah Wallis, vice president Molly Rundle, and secretary Tiffany Schauer, they were inspired by their own connections to Down syndrome family friends. We caught up with the trio to learn more about their story and their mission. They said one of their biggest goals right now is simply bringing families together, something they've already started to do, connecting families through social media and outreach. That connection is critical, especially for parents navigating new diagnoses or challenges. The group is also working to grow its impact through fundraising to eventually provide additional support for families. One of their first events, last month, was postponed due to a snowstorm. But the "Cash, Cattle and Chromosome" fundraiser was rescheduled for this Sunday at Silverado in Tomahawk. The event will feature meat raffles, 50/50 drawings, a bake sale, and food, with proceeds going toward building resources for families in need. In just a few short months, they said the community response to Hope Beyond 21 has been overwhelming. They've even designed merch featuring their Hope Beyond 21 chromosome logo and slogan 'Beyond Labels, Beyond Limits, Beyond Measure. Anyone interested in learning more, volunteering, contributing can reach out through their Facebook page or simply stop by their fundraiser on Sunday.

Published on 04/09/2026 under News As vape products continue to grow in popularity, so does the problem of what happens when they're tossed away. Local groups in Marathon County are teaming up this April for Vape Disposal Month, encouraging residents to safely get rid of nicotine vapes instead of throwing them in the trash. Partners include: Nicotine Prevention Alliance of Central Wisconsin, Marathon County Health Department and Marathon County Solid Waste. Officials say discarded vapes pose a serious environmental and safety risk. Many contain lithium-ion batteries and leftover liquid, which can contaminate soil and water, or even spark fires at waste facilities, something they have seen locally. To help reduce those risks, Marathon County residents can drop off nicotine vapes for free throughout April at designated sites in the Wausau area, including the Good News Project, Marathon County Health Department and the Marathon County Solid Waste Department. Organizers hope the effort not only keeps hazardous materials out of landfills, but also raises awareness about the environmental impact of a product many people don't think twice about once it's used up.

Published on 04/09/2026 under News Maple syrup season is in a full swing, and coming up this weekend, there's a chance to see how it's made right here in the Northwoods. The UW– Extension and Kemp Natural Resources Station are hosting a free Maple Sugaring Demonstration Day Saturday in Woodruff. Organizers say the event is meant to be both educational and fun, offering a closer look at one of Wisconsin's signature spring traditions. The open house runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is designed for beginners and hobbyists interested in collecting sap and making their own maple syrup. Visitors can stop in throughout the day for hands-on workshops and live demonstrations. Activities include syrup tasting, maple quality judging, and a traditional birch bark sugar cone workshop, along with demonstrations showing how syrup is finished, filtered, and bottled. No registration is required, and more information, including a full schedule, is available through Kemp Station's website.Workshop schedule:10 AM – Maple Quality & Judging – Tony Johnson, Working Lands Forestry Educator-Bring your own syrup to judge11 AM – Traditional Birch Bark Sugar Cones, Biskakone Greg Johnson (Lac Du Flambeau), DJ Micik (Menominee)-Workshop making birch bark sugar cones, limited to 20 hand-on participants1 PM – Finishing, Filtering & Bottling Syrup, Scott Bowe, Kemp Superintendent-Live demos and syrup tasting2 PM – Bags, Buckets, & Tubes, Tony Johnson, Working Lands Forestry Educator- Guided tour of the sugarbush; help haul sap!

Published on 04/09/2026 under News Each summer, Tomahawk hosts a unique celebration of vintage and classic boats and motors. This year's event will offer a little extra flavor with some special guests. The 46th Annual Antique Boat and Motor Show returns to SARA Park August 4th through the 7th. It continues a decades-long tradition that draws collectors and enthusiasts from all around with demonstrations, a large swap meet, and plenty of restored vintage equipment on display. And this year they'll have some special guests in attendance. Mad Dog and Merrill, the grillmasters behind the TV show Midwest Grill'n will film a live taping on Wednesday, August 5th. The live filming gives attendees a chance to be part of the show's energetic, crowd-filled atmosphere. They said, "The addition of Mad Dog & Merrill's live filming brings even more excitement to an already beloved Northwoods tradition, blending culinary entertainment with one of the region's premier heritage events." Its free to attend both the recording of Midwest Grill'n, as well as the Antique Outboard Show. We'll offer up a reminder as the August event draws closer.

Published on 04/09/2026 under News With warmer weather arriving and pollen levels on the rise, knowing the difference between allergies and a cold can help you breathe a little easier. According to Aspirus Health, the symptoms between the two can be easy to confuse. Runny nose and congestion are common with both, but there are a few key differences. Pharmacy resident Kenneth Yuk says itchy or watery eyes are more likely tied to seasonal allergies, while body aches and fever usually signal a cold. Yuk explains that colds are caused by viruses, which can trigger a fever as the body fights infection. Allergies, on the other hand, are simply the body reacting to irritants like pollen or dust, meaning no fever. While over-the-counter meds can help, they noted some can cause side effects. And if symptoms linger for more than a few weeks, include a fever, or don't improve with treatment, doctors recommend following up with your primary care provider.

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