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Rhinelander School District Hosting Referendum Info Presentation Published on 03/12/2025 under News

The spring election is just a few weeks away, and the Rhinelander School District continues their community outreach with a pending referendum question on the ballot.

As we've seen time after time, communication is key, often through public information sessions and community presentations. The Rhinelander School District will be hosting a public info meeting, scheduled for 6:00 - 7:00 pm in the Rhinelander High School Commons.

The district is seeking to increase their existing referendum ,while extending it. In the end, it would allow the district to exceed revenue limits by $7 million starting next school year and through the 28-29 school year.

The district has created a website to provide further information.

Rhinelander voters won't be the only ones considering school funding. There are more than 80 school referendum questions on the ballot. Locally, that includes Elcho, Prentice, Three Lakes, and Wausau. And last month, voters in Tomahawk and Northland Pines approved referendum requests.

In Other News

DNR Encourages 'Be Bear Aware' this Spring; Avoid Attracting Black Bear

Published on 04/06/2026 under News It's that time of year when bears will be emerging from their winter slumber. The DNR is encouraging folks to 'Be Bear Aware' to avoid conflicts. Every spring, Wisconsin's estimated 24,000 black bears emerge from their winter torpor, leaving their dens in search of food and potentially new territory. The 'Be Bear Aware' campaign encourages people to limit attractants that may draw bears in to unwanted locations. According to the DNR, black bears are known for returning to spots where they've found good food sources, and prevention is the best tactic. Some common reminders if you are in bear territory:• Garbage and recycling containers. If stored outdoors rinse them out occasionally • Remove bird feeders when bears are active • Store pet food inside, and bring their food dishes in after feeding • Regularly clean grills, smokers, and picnic areas Experts also offered a few tips if you encounter a bear. In your yard, ensure it has a clear escape route, then try and scare it away with loud noises. If you encounter a bear in the woods, stay calm and make your self big, while slowly backing away. Try to stay calm and do not run. The DNR has additional information on Be Bear Aware on their website.

Published on 04/06/2026 under News A Highway 51 project near Tomahawk begins this week that will require a temporary detour. Construction crews will start work on US 51 between US Highway 8 and Oneida County L. This project involves repairing concrete pavement, resurfacing the asphalt and bridge repairs. The first phase of the project will include a full closure and detour. That's scheduled to begin this week and run through mid-May. Phase 2, the duration of the summer, work will continue, but Highway 51 is expected to remain open with single lane closures. A few other quick reminders on Northwoods road construction… The Highway 86/County D overpass over Highway 51 in Tomahawk is also currently closed due to bridge work.Work also began last week on Highway 51 in Minocqua. At least one lane of traffic will remain open in each direction throughout the summer-long project.Drivers can check 511 Wisconsin for updates and ongoing and upcoming road construction projects and traffic impacts.

Published on 04/06/2026 under News A Tomahawk native and THS Grad is making the most of her education participating in a national competition. Haley Liebelt, a student at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, recently competed in the 2026 Operation Stimulus Supply Chain Case Competition, held at Colorado State University. Liebelt, an operations and supply chain management major from Tomahawk, was one of five UW-Whitewater students selected to take part in the national event, which brings together 20 top college teams from across the country to collaborate, innovate, and solve real-world industry challenges. Now in its 43rd year, the competition is considered the longest-running of its kind in North America, highlighting emerging talent and connecting students with industry leaders. Back on campus, Liebelt also serves as president of UW-Whitewater's Association for Supply Chain Management, helping lead fellow students interested in the growing field.

Published on 04/03/2026 under News As cleanup continues from yesterday's ice storm, thousands are still without power, and another round of winter weather could be on the way. According to an update provided by Wisconsin Public Service last evening, crews had already restored electricity to more than 44,000 customers. As of daybreak Friday, more than 21,000 customers remain in the dark. Spokesman Matt Cullen says crews are working around the clock to repair widespread damage caused by heavy ice and strong winds, including downed lines, broken poles, and trees tangled in electrical equipment. The hardest-hit areas include parts of central and northeast Wisconsin, though outages are scattered across the Northwoods as well. Adding to the challenge, another round of ice is in the forecast for Friday night into Saturday morning, which could bring additional outages, especially further north in the service area. WPS says it appreciates the public's patience as crews continue working nonstop to get the lights back on. Customers can track restoration updates through the WPS app or online outage map, though officials warn repair times may change as crews assess damage. (Photo provided by Wisconsin Public Service: Icy storm damage in Stevens Point on April 2, 2026)

Published on 04/03/2026 under News The recent stretch of weather may have created a challenging situation for migrating birds, and a local rescue is asking residents to be on the look out for any loons that wind up on land. Local loon rescue duo Kevin and Linda Grenzer put out a message to their followers on social media warning of what is known as 'loon fall out'. This occurs when migrating loons develop ice on their bodies. It interfering with their flight ability, and they fall out of the sky. Loons have limited mobility on land and are unable to take off into the air. We've experienced this phenomenon on several occasions in recent years. The Grenzers encourage people to watch for any loons in unusual spots like roads, parking lots, fields, or small ponds. If you come across a stranded loon, call a local expert like REGI, Loon Rescue, or your local wildlife center to advise on the next steps. The bird likely needs to be checked out for injuries before a return to the wild.

Published on 04/03/2026 under News The spring election is just days away, and voters across the Northwoods will be heading to the polls to weigh in on local races, from city councils to school boards and county leadership. In Tomahawk, the spotlight is on the mayor's race, where the city will see new leadership for the first time in a decade. Current mayor Steve Taskay is not seeking re-election after serving since 2016. With the seat open, two newcomers to elected city office, Michael 'Hob' Habeck and Jeffery Koth, are making their final case to voters. Both recently joined WJJQ's morning conversation program to discuss key issues like housing, city finances, and the future of Tomahawk. Those conversations are available now in the WJJQ Audio Center for voters to check out before cast a ballot. Tomahawk isn't the only community with a closely watched mayoral race. In Merrill, incumbent Steve Hass is facing a challenge from former mayor Derek Woellner. And in Rhinelander, current mayor Kris Hanus is running against city council member Thomas Barnett. Election Day is Tuesday, April 7.

Published on 04/03/2026 under News Somo Avenue in Tomahawk is one of the roughest stretches to drive in the city. As they await a long-term fix, the city may work with the county on a temporary solution. The segment doubles as State Road 86, and the city has been awaiting a full reconstruction from the state for years. At Tuesday's Board of Public Works meeting, during his monthly report, Street Lead Nick Rosenmeier briefly discussed a possible plan. Recently, the previous overlay has started to come up, leaving large potholes that are difficult to fill and maintain. Rosenmeier had preliminary discussions with the county to wedge the top layer and put down an overlay. The project would likely take a couple of days, and ideally be completed ahead of the summer tourism season. It would likely require another project planned this year, on Bradley Farm Road, to be pushed into 2027. Details still need to be worked out with the county, and the Board of Public Works would need to approve the project.

Published on 04/03/2026 under News A new investment could help breathe fresh life into the Northwoods forestry industry. Governor Evers signed the Forestry Revitalization Act into law, a bipartisan measure co-authored by local Senator Mary Felzkowski. The legislation provides tax credits to support a proposed, new facility that will convert woody biomass into sustainable aviation fuel. Officials say the project is expected to bring billions of dollars in economic impact to Northern Wisconsin, while creating thousands of jobs, not only at the plant itself, but across supporting industries like logging, trucking, and forest management. That's welcome news for the region's forestry sector, which has seen declines in recent years due to changing markets and mill closures. Leaders say the new demand for woody biomass could help stabilize and grow the industry by creating a new, long-term market for forest products. Felzkowski called it transformative for the Northwoods economy and forest products sector, noting she was 'thrilled that, after months of hard work from all our Northwoods legislators, we were able to get this across the finish line." Governor Tony Evers says the move positions Wisconsin as a leader in the growing sustainable aviation fuel market, where demand is expected to rise sharply in the coming decades.

Published on 04/03/2026 under News Anglers across the Northwoods are gearing up for an early start to trout season this weekend. The DNR says the inland trout season opens April 4th this year, about a month earlier than in the past. The early start is for the state's inland streams and springs. The early open harvest season for trout does not apply to inland lakes and ponds. Officials say trout populations are strong statewide, and the earlier opener was supported by the public to expand spring fishing opportunities. Langlade County continues to stand out for high-quality trout streams, with clear, cold waters that attract anglers from across the region. Areas like the Wolf River and its tributaries are known for healthy trout populations and scenic fishing spots. The DNR reminds anglers they'll need a valid fishing license and trout stamp, and to check updated bag and length limits for the new season. They're also encouraging everyone to help protect local waterways by cleaning gear and preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species.

Published on 04/02/2026 under News An Athens man accused of cutting the brake lines of another man's vehicles on multiple occasions will spend four years in prison. Back in December, David Genrich pleaded no-contest to one count of attempted first-degree recklessly endangering safety and three counts of criminal damage to property. In exchange 5 other charges were dismissed, but were considered during sentencing. The 24 year old was arrested in the spring of 2023 after an investigation into multiple instances of vehicle brakelines being cut. Court documents show Genrich later admitted to cutting the brakelines and stating he wanted to date the younger man's girlfriend. Following the four year prison sentence, Genrich will also have 5 years of extended supervision. He was also ordered to pay restitution to the victims.

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