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YMCA of the Northwoods Continuing Indoor Winter Farmer's Market Published on 02/09/2024 under News

Despite the recent stretch of weather, it isn't growing season here in Northern Wisconsin. Up in Rhinelander, they're continuing a farmer's market in what many would consider the off-season.

Each Saturday morning, local vendors set up at the YMCA of the Northwoods which continues to expand their indoor farmers market during the winter months. Organizer Marilyn Duschl. says, "The market gives the community the opportunity to purchase locally produced items."

Of course the products being sold at this time of year have changed from the summer months. Root vegetables and preserved items heavily featured. This includes jams, salsas, sauces and pickled foods, and even some baked goods and gluten free options.

Duschl says they have around a half dozen local vendors that participate depending on the week. She encouraged people to stop by and check it out on Saturdays from 9am to noon at the YMCA of the Northwoods in Rhinelander.

In Other News

Downtown Tomahawk Offering Historical Walking Tour Saturday Morning

Published on 07/26/2024 under News The City of Tomahawk has been around for more than 130 years. On Saturday morning, a guided walking tour of the downtown district will give people a peek into the past. Tomahawk Main Street and the Tomahawk Historical Society are teaming up to host what they've dubbed the Toma-Walk on Saturday. Main Street Director Jennifer Turkiewicz is helping organize the event and will also be one of the presenters. She says that the city has a rich history and over the years a dedicated group of people have done an excellent job of documenting that past. But she noted that some of those people are getting older, so its important to share these stories with new generations. Even in her role, Turkiewicz says she was able to learn some new things about the downtown district. She says, "(Tomahawk) is an amazing community and we're really blessed, but we wanted to remind folks of the hard work that went in to it." Over the years various groups have offered similar history walks, the most recent about 15 years ago. While Main Street is small in size, a lot has happened over the years including fires and a bank robbery. Turkiewicz says they selected 8 locations to highlight in the Downtown District including Mitchell Motel, Postl's Popcorn Stand, and women's only bowling alley. Artist Andy Goretski will be on hand to discuss the William Bradley mural on the side of Standard Mercantile, with Turkiewicz teasing that Mr. Bradley may be on hand for an introduction. The Toma-Walk is free, though donations will go to support the Historical Society expansion project and Main Street's effort for a historical marker in the district. They'll be meeting at the west end of Main Street at 10am Saturday morning, set up in the parking lot at Auntie Em's and Tomahawk TTT. They'll leave at around 10:30 and they expect a little more than an hour.

Published on 07/26/2024 under News The last weekend in July means the return of the St. Mary's Summer Festival, a family-friendly celebration dating back decades. Gary Luedtke and Lynn Gruebe made their annual stop at the WJJQ studios to offer a preview. They are two of the many volunteers that pitch in each year. Luedtke notes you don't have to go to St. Mary's to attend, with Grube adding that the festival is "St. Mary's gift to the community." If there is a theme, it's food, family, and fun. As always, folks will be well fed highlighted by the infamous pie garden. With dozens of selections, it's not for the indecisive. Other culinary highlights include a salad smorgasbord and a partnership with Outboards for a classic Friday fish fry. As many food choices as they have, they may have even more raffle options, no matter your age or your hobbies. In addition to the dozens of smaller raffle baskets, they also have some big ticket items. The pair teased a Blackstone grill, an area dining package, and a thousand dollar prize. And there will be plenty of family friendly activities as well including corn hole, karaoke, entertainment and an inflatable children's course. Luedtke says the money raised goes towards various programs including the Soup Kitchen, Our Sister's House, as well as the St. Mary's School. The event takes place on the St. Mary's grounds starting today at 4pm. They'll pick back up at 3 on Saturday.

Published on 07/26/2024 under News Governor Evers made a stop in the Northwoods Thursday to promote a new grant program to help fund rural roads impacted by industries such as farming and timber. Earlier this week, the state announced the first recipients of the new Agricultural Road Improvements Program. In all, 37 projects will share in $50 million in this initial round of funding. As we told you yesterday, Lincoln County was awarded $3.5 million, the largest grant in this cycle. It's earmarked for repairs on County Highway YY. That's what brought the Governor to Tripoli yesterday. Located in the northwestern corner of the county, it gets regular traffic from logging trucks as well as some additional farming equipment. Those frequent heavy loads have left the road in need of repairs. The Governor has highlighted the difficulty that rural counties and municipalities have in funding large infrastructure projects without additional dollars. That's where this program comes in. It covers 90% of the project cost, leaving just 10% of the price tag to the recipient.

Published on 07/26/2024 under News The American Pickers will be returning to Northern Wisconsin this fall. They're putting out a call for those who may have hidden treasures on their property. American Pickers is a popular program on the History Channel featuring Mike Wolfe and his team as they travel the country looking for antiques and other unusual items. Debuting in 2010, the series has run for nearly 400 episodes. Producers of the show announced they'd be traveling through Wisconsin in September. They put out an invitation for anyone who may have a private collection of interest to the show. While in Wisconsin, the Pickers will be searching for historically significant or rare items, as well as unforgettable characters and their collections. For those that may have something of interest, we'll include a link in the online version of the story. You can contact them via email at americanpickers@cineflix.com or call 646-493-2184.

Published on 07/26/2024 under News Whether swimming in a backyard pool, a local beach or a Northwoods lake, safety is important. Thursday was World Drowning Prevention Day, and the Oneida County Public Safety Dive Team partnered with Aspirus to share that message. Michael Fraley is one of ten members of the dive team in Oneida County. He noted that a drowning in real life often looks different than the frantic manner depicted on TV or movies. Instead he notes that its usually silent, as it's difficult to make noise or shout for help when struggling. That's why it important to monitor young children who are swimming and pay attention to signs of distress. According to Fraley, you won't have too much time to react. He says "Twenty to 60 seconds...before that person is going to be underneath the water." When offering assistance to a struggling swimmer, Madison Weber, an Aspirus MedEvac EMT says it's important to not become a victim yourself. That's where flotation devices are an important tool. They noted its also important to quickly call responders who can arrive on the scene for any life-saving measures. Local communities play a crucial role in preventing drowning. Local leaders, schools, and organizations are encouraged to organize events and activities that promote water safety awareness and education.

Published on 07/25/2024 under News We can officially call it fair season in the Northwoods. One of the first in our listening area begins today. Over the past few days, teams of volunteers have been busy preparing Pioneer Park in Rhinelander for the Oneida County Fair. As always, organizers have never shied away from embracing the unique and this year is no different. In addition to the traditional fair activities like rides, live entertainment and exhibits, they also get creative with some outside-the-box attractions. Just a few examples of popular returning events: the Great Northern Crayfish Carry; the Sexiest Men's Legs in a Kilt; and the Cast Iron Skillet Throwing Contest. It wouldn't be a fair without a wide range of food to sample with an ever-growing selection of vendors both traditional and global cuisine. They even have a few eating contests as well including watermelon and cheese curds. You can visit their website to plan your visit and see a full schedule of events. Opening ceremonies get underway at 4pm. The Oneida County Fair runs through Sunday. Best of all, there is no entrance fee.

Published on 07/25/2024 under News Last year, the state established a new grant program to fund road improvements that will assist in the Wisconsin agriculture industry. Several Northwoods projects were among those selected in the first round of funding. In all, $50 million will be distributed through the Agricultural Road Improvements Program or ARIP. The projects were selected to support ag-related industries such as farming and timber, by improving rural roads and bridges that are crucial in transporting materials and products. On Wednesday, Governor Tony Evers and the DOT jointly announced 37 projects that will share these funds. The largest sum was actually awarded to Lincoln County. Approximately $3.6 million will be applied to a project on County YY in the northwestern corner of the county. Other Northwoods recipients include: Sugar Camp-$1.1 million for Rolling Acres Drive; and Manitowish Waters-$1.6 million for Cranberry Blvd., Alder Lake Road, Townline Road, Old Hwy. 51, and Leisure Lane. The ARIP funds cover 90% of project, while the recipient is responsible for the remaining costs. According to the announcement, a second grant cycle, with $100 million available, is expected to open later this summer.

Published on 07/25/2024 under News A blood drive is typically a routine event. But each summer, one organization offers a unique, themed opportunity to donate blood while supporting local veterans organizations. The Community Blood Center hosts several MASH Blood Drives around Northern Wisconsin. Today, they'll return to Rhinelander and the Hodag Dome. The theme is connected to the iconic television show. In what organizers called a win-win opportunity for donors, the Blood Center has partnered with the Veterans Group of Rhinelander. For every blood donation, the CBC has pledged a financial contribution to the Veterans' group. Donors will also receive an exclusive MASH t-shirt. Summer is typically a critical time for blood banks as their donor participation typically drops while the need increases. Organizers noted that they nearly met their goal with registration alone, and expect to meet that via walk-ins. Donors can stop by the Hodag Dome until 2pm. If you can't make it Thursday, there is another opportunity coming up August 8th in Merrill.

Published on 07/25/2024 under News The DNR is encouraging wildlife artists to submit pieces for their annual bird stamp design contest with the deadline quickly approaching. Each summer, the agency holds an art competition with the three winning designs featured on the wild turkey, pheasant and waterfowl stamps in the following year. Sales of stamps also bring in hundreds of thousands of dollars each year to help fund habitat restoration and enhancement, along with education and research projects. It provides a unique opportunity for Wisconsin artists to showcase their artwork statewide while also promoting and supporting wildlife management. Northwoods artists have been frequent winners over the years. Those interested have one more week to enter, as the deadline is August 1. Winners will be judged at the Waterfowl Hunters Expo in Oshkosh next month. Details are available on the DNR website. -Photo courtesy of the Wisconsin DNR:2024 winning turkey created by Jim Tostrud of Kenosha-

Published on 07/25/2024 under News Artists across the Northwoods will be opening up their studios and work spaces to the public for a special opportunity this weekend. The Northwoods Art Tour kicks off its 24th year on Friday. The weekend-long event allows guests a unique opportunity to observe an artist in their creative space, observe the process, and connect with them where the art is made. Whether painting, pottery, woodwork and sculpture, they always have a variety of artists to visit and this year is no different. In fact, they have a record number of 44 artists featured at 35 studios around the Northwoods. The area covers Vilas, Oneida, Iron, and Lincoln Counties. There are four stops in the Tomahawk/Irma area including Oak View Studio; Swallow Haven; Chapel Art Gallery; and a newcomer Memphis & Palmer Arts. The tour is self-guided, so participants are able to design their own experience and choose locations and artists that are of interest. A digital brochure is available at northwoodsarttour.com with maps, locations, and artist descriptions. The summer edition of the Northwoods Art Tour is Friday through Sunday from 10am to 5pm. And there will another opportunity this fall, in early October.

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