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Phelps/Vilas County Economic Development Corp Selected to Participate in Thrive Rural Program Published on 02/12/2024 under News

Ten rural communities from around the state will get some assistance from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation including a partnership up in Vilas County.

The WEDC recently announced the recipients of their Thrive Rural program. Each will have access to up to $25,000 in grants, two years of technical assistance in planning and grant-writing, and other services typically employed by larger communities.

Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of the WEDC says, "Many of our smaller communities have big goals and big ideas, but they don't have the staff or the experience to connect to the resources that can make those plans a reality."

Among the recipients, the Vilas County Economic Development Corporation, which is working with the Town of Phelps. They're looking to acquire and demolish a former hospital on Highway 17. They hope this will develop and create a more welcoming gateway to the community. Local officials believe will spur additional development.

Kathy Schmitz, Executive Director of the Vilas County Development Corporation says they were thrilled their Phelps project was selected. She says, "This will enable us to have access to customized technical and financial assistance from the Office of Rural Prosperity and WEDC. Overall, it supports our mission to build a stronger Northwoods economy for today, and generations to come."

WEDC's Office of Rural Prosperity will partner with local economic development organizations to work with specific communities on projects related to community development, small business development, housing, and sustainable energy.

In Other News

WaWui Launches Capital Campaign for SARA Park Improvements

Published on 06/30/2025 under News The non-proft behind a popular park in Tomahawk announced a capital campaign as well as a new event this fall. Over the weekend, WaWui kicked off a $5 million fundraising campaign aimed at revitalizing and upgrading SARA Park a longtime community hub. They've got plans for multiple upgrades and improvements such as modernizing electrical systems in the building; installing a new, energy-efficient ice plant; replacing the bleachers; and improvements to accessibility, efficiency, and comfort throughout the building. That same announcement also included plans for the debut of the Beer and Bacon Bash on October 4. It will offer craft beer tasting, bacon inspired dishes, and live entertainment and activities. They've also got their annual motorcycle raffle, which will be drawn at the Fall Ride. Chris Bembinster, President of the Wa Wui Board says, "We're incredibly proud to launch this campaign with an event that brings the community together in the same way SARA Park has for decades." He added, "This is more than just a fundraiser — it's an investment in the future of youth sports, local events, and a place where our community connects." SARA Park has become home to local hockey, figure skating, pickleball and bingo, while also hosting special events like the Antique Outboard Motor Show and Fall Ride. The facility is operated by the volunteer non-profit known as WaWui.

Published on 06/30/2025 under News Last Winter the Town of Boulder Junction debuted a unique new ice skating loop. Now that trail is award-winning. The Glide Skating Ribbon at Winter Park was a first-of-its-kind project in Wisconsin, transforming a railroad grade into a festive ice skating trail that wound through the trees. The township announced that project has been awarded with a 2025 Wisconsin Governor's Outdoor Industry – First Ascent Award for Innovation. The award recognizes a community-led approach to outdoor recreation that demonstrates exceptional creativity. Town Chairman Dennis Reuss. "The Glide brought many people to Boulder Junction this past winter and made a very strong positive impact on our local businesses. This award confirms what we've seen firsthand, true innovation paired with community spirit delivers real results." Laura Bertch, Chairperson of the Boulder Junction Park Board, emphasized the collaborative spirit behind the project. "This honor reflects not only the leadership of our Park Board members but also the dedication of the many volunteers who gave their time and energy to make this vision a reality." The Board said in the announcement that they're looking to building upon this success with additional amenities and attractions. And this weekend is a good time to celebrate as the Board has already announced plans for the 1st annual Boulder Junction Parks & Recreation Celebration Day on July 5 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Boulder Junction Lion's Club Pavilion.

Published on 06/30/2025 under News With action picking up on area waterways, a popular awareness campaign returns to remind boaters about simple steps to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. The DNR will team up with local volunteers and lake organizations for the annual Great Lakes Landing Blitz. It's a regional collaboration that includes all Great Lakes states and provinces. Here in Wisconsin, the Clean Boats, Clean Waters teams will be offering tips during boat landing inspections to help keep our waterways clean. Many Northwoods boaters are already familiar with these volunteers at local landings during the boating season. Erin McFarlane is a Clean Boats, Clean Waters coordinator. She says, "The Landing Blitz is a key part of our statewide aquatic invasive species prevention efforts since the holiday draws both frequent and infrequent boaters to the water, allowing us to educate and empower a lot of people." She added, "Every year, hundreds of people voluntarily help raise aquatic invasive species awareness and emphasize the importance of boaters taking action." The two-week Landing Blitz kicks off today and runs through July 13.

Published on 06/30/2025 under News After several months on the rise, the local unemployment estimates saw big improvements in May. The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development released their county job figures this past week. The unemployment estimates were improved in a little more than half, 37 of the state's 72 counties. Some of the biggest improvements were right here in the Northwoods. In Lincoln County, the unemployment estimate fell from 4% in April to 3.5% in May. Oneida County was also 4% in April, and fell to 3.3% in May. And one of the biggest improvements was up in Vilas County. It went from 6% in April to 3.7% in May. While improved month over month, all three Northwoods Counties, and 70 of 72 counties around the state, were up when compared to May of last year.

Published on 06/30/2025 under News The Northwoods Children's Museum is highlighting local plants and animals through a weekly program. The kids museum up in Eagle River is teaming up with the Northwoods Wildlife Center to offer free wildlife education programs throughout the summer. Every Monday morning, they'll focus on a new animal that can be found right in our own back yard. The first session was held last week, and was focused on loons. This morning they'll focus on turtles. Other topics during the summer include eagles; reptiles; butterflies and owls Many of the programs will feature live animals. No registration is required, all ages welcome. These programs will take place each Monday at 10:30am.

Published on 06/30/2025 under News A road construction project in Oneida County could affect a threatened turtle species. The DNR announced an incidental taking of wood turtle during the Camp Nine Road bridge project. They are planing to replace the deteriorating culverts where Camp Nine Road crosses the Tomahawk River with a 50 foot single span concrete bridge west of Hazelhurst. That work could impact the wood turtle, though the DNR notes they will utilize conservation measures to minimize the affects on the local population; and the work is not likely to jeopardize the state population. The public can submit written comments regarding project-related impacts to the wood turtle by July 10. Additional information is available on their website.

Published on 06/27/2025 under News From aurora borealis and meteor showers to owls, bats and fireflies, the Northwoods provides excellent opportunities to view the night skies. Coming up this weekend, conservationists are encouraging people to reduce light pollution and look up. The Oneida County Land and Water Conservation Department promoting the 3rd annual Northwoods Lights Out! Following the slogan, "The darker the night, the brighter the stars." Part of the campaign is focused on reducing the use of outdoor lighting, which can impact nocturnal wildlife. This includes insects, frogs and toads, birds, and bats. Some simple projects include repositioning outdoor lighting so it is directed downward and using energy-efficient bulbs in warmer colors. Motion sensor lights provide outdoor light when needed. Or simply close curtains or blinds to keep light inside. They are also encouraging people to take a moment to enjoy the night skies and surroundings whether out in space or the animals that come out at night. Staff will be conducting several night-themed conversations at local libraries during July. Another Northwoods Lights Out is planned for mid-August.

Published on 06/27/2025 under News Summer is ice cream season, and another limited-edition flavor designed by kids is starting to roll out to ice cream shops around the state. Each year, Wisconsin-based Cedar Crest Ice Cream partners with the Wisconsin 4-H Foundation to hold a flavor creation contest. They challenge 4-H clubs around the state to come up with a new theme and ice cream flavor design. The winning entry is actually produced and sold in the month of July, National Ice Cream month. This year, the winning flavor came from Sunnyside Climbers 4-H Club out of Plover. Their Demo Derby creation features chocolate ice cream, 'dented' with chocolate cookie crumbles, 'smashed' M&M's, and swirled with chocolate fudge. Demo Derby is starting to arrive at ice cream parlors and scoop shops around the state. The Windmill up in Nokomis teased the new flavor in their latest shipment (along with a few other July feature flavors). They typically post their daily ice cream selections on their Facebook page so people can watch for Demo Derby entering the rotation in the coming days. The 4H winning flavor is a typically a July exclusive, though on occastion, Cedar Crest has made popular winning flavors permanent.

Published on 06/27/2025 under News A dip in the lake can be refreshing on a hot summer day. Up in Oneida County the Health Department is making sure some popular swimming spots are safe. The Oneida County Health Department will be conducting weekly water quality testing at four county parks with designated swimming areas during the summer months. This includes Hodag Park in Rhinelander, Buck Lake in Pelican, Torpy Park in Minocqua and Sugar Camp Lake in Sugar Camp. The goal is help families and beach-goers make informed choices by identifying when levels of E. coli become temporarily elevated. Swimming when bacteria levels are elevated can lead to illness. To inform the public, they'll use a stoplight color system: green-go ahead; yellow-caution; red-stay out. For this week, all four swimming spots came back green and well below any level of concern. They'll typically test take the samples on Monday/Tuesday, allowing for a follow-up test when results are elevated. Weekly results will be posted to the Health Department website and Facebook page, along with a beach sign.

Published on 06/27/2025 under News We're one week away from the Fourth of July, and experts are predicting record-setting travel. Triple A released their annual holiday travel forecast this week. They're estimating around 1.47 million Wisconsinites will hit the road over the next week. That's 2.5 percent higher than last year. Their forecast covers a 9-day period from this Saturday through the following Sunday. Debbie Haas VP of Travel at AAA notes that Independence Day is one of the most popular times for travel, adding that the holiday falling on a Friday is allowing travelers a chance to extend their getaway. They anticipate Wednesday, July 2 and Sunday, July 6 to be the busiest travel days. Of course here in the Northwoods we are used to the travel patterns with northbound traffic heaviest ahead of the holiday and southbound traffic following. To avoid traffic, set your alarm clock. The roads are typically less crowded during the morning hours. And at the pump, Wisconsin drivers are paying a little more than $3 a gallon, that's down about 25 cents from last year.

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