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Park City Cares Foundation Donates to Local Schools and Modern Manufacturing Equipment Published on 02/05/2024 under News

Several Northwoods Schools were able to invest in modern manufacturing equipment thanks to a generous donation from the Park City Cares Foundation.

In recent weeks, the Foundation provided $5,000 which was shared by the Rhinelander, Merrill, and Tomahawk school districts and these high-tech classrooms, often referred to as 'fab labs.' The students are able to get hands-on experience, and even business experience by producing products for the public.

Jack Mikunda, President of the Park City Cares Foundation,says, "We are immensely proud to support our local schools and students by providing resources that enhance their access to cutting-edge technologies. This aligns seamlessly with our mission to foster financial literacy and educational growth within our communities."

The Rhinelander School District utilized their funding to acquire a new industrial garment press, upgrading their aging machine. Merrill's funding went towards a portable CNC machine, while Tomahawk's funding went towards a heat press, enabling custom T-shirt production. Additionally, the lab is developing an online ordering system.

In addition to the equipment purchases, the Foundation also invested another $1,500 into scholarships.

-Photos provides by Park City Credit Union: Check presentations clockwise from upper right with the Tomahawk School District, Merrill Schools, and Rhinelander School District.-

In Other News

Tomahawk Classes on After Temporary Power Outage Restored

Published on 05/09/2024 under News The Tomahawk School District experienced a temporary power outage Wednesday afternoon. The electricity is back on, and classes shouldn't be affected going forward. We heard from Tomahawk District Administrator Wendell Quesinberry late Wednesday night after power had been restored to the campus. He says the outage was related to a break in an underground wire that supplies power to the school. Wisconsin Public Service sent a crew to repair the wire Wednesday night. While school is in session, the cafeteria was affected by loss of power. Quesinberry says that food service will be operating with a modified menu and limited selected this week. They ask that parents plan accordingly. They also won't be able to provide milk today, though Quesinberry expects a new supply of milk by the school day on Friday.

Published on 05/09/2024 under News The Oneida County Sheriff's Office is warning residents about a recent string of scam calls with scammers claiming to be from the Sheriff's Office. According to the warning, several residents have reported getting phone calls from someone claiming to be an Oneida County Sheriff's Deputy. The scammers are also able to alter their phone number that shows up on caller ID. The scammers are fishing for personal information with the threat of jury duty or warrants. The Sheriff's Office confirmed this is a scam, stating that they do not make these types of contact via phone call. They remind people to remain vigilant when it comes to unsolicited phone calls seeking personal information. BBB Launches Scam Survivor Tool Kit Speaking of scams...today is actually the first 'Scam Survivors Day.' The Better Business Bureau of Wisconsin is launching a new guide for scam victims. According to the announcement, the 'Scam Survival Toolkit' will connect those impacted by scams with information and resources. This includes steps to limit further financial impact as well as guidance for restoring not only long-term financial, but also emotional well-being. BBB Wisconsin CEO Jim Temmer notes that victims may not report scams do to the stigma. He says they are offering the new toolkit for victims to help 'them gain peace of mind and work toward their recovery.' It's available on their website.

Published on 05/09/2024 under News Each spring, two Nicolet students are selected to represent their fellow classmates, the School and the Nicolet Foundation as student ambassadors. The two newest ambassadors have been named for the upcoming academic year, and both have shown perseverance in overcoming medical issues to continue their education. Becky Visser-Breezer will serve Nicolet College Student Ambassador. According to the announcement, the culinary student and Minocqua resident dealt with a neurological issue that briefly left her unable to walk. With some 'grit and tenacity' Visser-Breezer has recovered and is aiming to open a barbecue food truck upon graduation. Meanwhile, James Kieweg will serve as the Foundation Ambassador. We actually shared his story last month. A serious car accident less than two years ago left the Rhinelander man with serious injuries and a bout of homelessness. With support from the Nicolet College Foundation and other community resources, Kieweg was able to get back on track where he is now part of the welding program. Nicolet College President Kate Ferrel said of the two new ambassadors, "Becky and James have the spirit of resilience and determination that we aim to foster in all our students at Nicolet College. Their stories are a testament to the transformative power of education and the support systems we have in place." -Additional information on the two new ambassadors-

Published on 05/09/2024 under News It was a sunny afternoon Wednesday, perfect for area students to showoff their renewable energy skills. Wisconsin Public Service held their 28th annual Solar Olympics on the UW-Oshkosh campus. More than 100 students participated from a dozen high schools within the WPS footprint including several from here in the Northwoods. The friendly competition, hosted each spring, allows these students to showcase their knowledge of solar energy. This year featured 12 different events such as a solar cars builds, solar cookers, art and design, and solar jeopardy. In addition to the individual events, there was a team competition and Valders High School that claimed top spot. WPS created the Solar Olympics in 1997 in conjunction with districts participating in the Solarwise for Schools program. Solarwise provides renewable energy lesson plans, projects, and teacher training. -Photo provided by Wisconsin Public Service-

Published on 05/09/2024 under News While amphibians may small in size, they do play a big role in our ecosystem. It's Amphibian Week, and the DNR is reminding people to pay attention to the 19 species of frogs, toads, and salamanders that call Wisconsin home. The name amphibian loosely translates to 'living a double life', referencing their ability to live on both land and water. The DNR notes that amphibians provide valuable clues about the health of our ecosystem. Because they absorb water through their skin, they are highly sensitive to environmental contaminants and changes in their habitat. They also play an important part of the food chain, both as a predator and prey. And in recognizing the importance of amphibians, the experts offered a few tips to make your property a little more amphibian-friendly.When caring for your lawn, minimize the use of chemicals like insecticides and herbicides. Try and keep a natural area near shorelines, ditches, and wet spaces that amphibians call home. Speaking of habitat, consider a small 'toad abode' by using brush piles, rocks, re-purposed flowerpots or event a bird bath on the ground. The DNR has additional information on their website.

Published on 05/08/2024 under News An early spring means an early start to tick season here in Wisconsin. While small in size, a tick can have a big impact on our health, and local healthcare providers are reminding people about the importance of tick checks and prevention. The Aspirus Tick-Borne Illness Center in Woodruff opened in 2019 to provide advanced care to diagnose, control and treat tick-borne illnesses. Among them Lyme disease, and this past year, Asprius says they saw an increase in the number of cases. It's been a similar trend around the state. Ashley Johnson is a nurse practitioner at the Tick-Borne Illness Center. She offered a few tips for people to remember when it comes to ticks. The pathogen that causes Lyme disease is carried by the deer tick, one of the two most common species in the state. The other being the larger woodtick. Whenever returning from an outdoor activity in tall grass, the woods, fields, and even gardening; she recommends a quick tick check. She says that ticks tend to move toward the 'dark, warm, and cozy' parts of your body. That's why she says you should pay close attention to armpits, belt line, groin, hairline and behind your ears. Taking preventative steps is also important to enjoy the Northwoods. They often attach to people from the ground, so Johnson says tall boots and tucking your pant legs into your socks can help. So does a bug spray with Deet. Once home from an outdoor activity, change out of your clothes and toss them in the dryer for a hot cycle. May is National Lyme Disease Awareness Month, and we'll have a bit more on tick illnesses in the coming days.

Published on 05/08/2024 under News Outside of a few alleyways, the City of Tomahawk doesn't currently have any one-way streets. That could soon change, at least for a single block. At their meeting Tuesday, the Tomahawk City Council introduced an ordinance amendment that would establish a one-way street on 5th Avenue between Washington and Lincoln allowing only southbound traffic on that segment. The reason for the proposed change is the ongoing improvement project in Washington Square which includes an all-inclusive playground and a splash pad. With an expected increase in park use, city officials re-imagined the layout, proposing some additional angled parking stalls on 5th Avenue which necessitated the one-way street. The plan was discussed and largely agreed upon at previous meetings, but still need an ordinance amendment to reflect the change. There was minimal discussion at the meeting Tuesday. The item will be back before the Council at their June meeting for a public hearing and vote. Speaking of the Washington Square project, Clerk Amanda Bartz offered a brief update with some good news. She says that some of the new playground equipment has arrived at the park. After breaking ground last fall, they remain on schedule. _____ It was an otherwise routine Tomahawk City Council meeting...the other action items on the agenda were the approval of five special event applications: Music on the River; Powwow Days; Thrilla on the Grilla; the Antique Outboard Motor Show; and the Rodd Timm Memorial Soft Ball Tournament. Each is a returning event with minimal changes. The Council approved each application unanimously.

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