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Survey Shows Average Summer Cookout Cost Up 4% in Wisconsin Published on 06/26/2025 under News

A Fourth of July cookout in Wisconsin is expected to cost a little more this summer.

That's according to the annual Wisconsin Farm Bureau-Market Basket Survey released this week. To find the average cost, they track prices of a dozen cookout like burgers and hot dogs, buns, and sides at a sample of grocery stores across two dozen communities around the state.

This year, they found the average cost to host the typical summer cookout for ten is around $69, an increase of 4% from last year. That is about two dollars less than the national average.

Spokesperson Cassie Sonnentag says, "These prices are a reflection of inflation and lower availability of certain food items." The report specifically identified an increase in protein prices like beef, pork, and poultry, driven by higher farming costs.

Sonnentag says identifying local brands, taking advantages of sale prices, buying in bulk, and shopping in season can reduce overall spending.

A few other cookout tips, create a menu and stick to your grocery list. It's helpful to spread the cost by inviting guests to bring a dish to pass.

In addition to the cookout survey, the Farm Bureau also conducts a Thanksgiving dinner survey.

In Other News

Lincoln County Sheriff's Office Seeks Info on Missing Winneconne Man, Car Located in Somo

Published on 06/26/2025 under News The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office is seeking information on a man missing from the Fox Valley who may be here in the Northwoods. According to a news release, the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office investigated an abandoned vehicle off East Circle Drive in the Town of Somo Wednesday morning. They were able to match the registration to Mitchell Reif of Winneconne. Deputies followed up with the Winnebago County Sheriff's Office, learning that Reif was listed as missing over the weekend after they were unable to make contact during a welfare check. As part of their investigation in Lincoln County, a property owner near the abandoned car had a trail camera image from Sunday of a man matching the description of Reif. The Sheriff's Office is asking people in northwestern Lincoln County and southeastern Price County to check trail cams or their properties for any signs of Reif. Anyone with information can contact the Lincoln Couty Sheriff's Office.

Published on 06/26/2025 under News It's graduation season, and a non-traditional ceremony was recently held in the Northwoods. That commencement took place at the Oneida County jail where five incarcerated individuals earned their high school diplomas. It's part of an ongoing partnership between Nicolet college and local jail facilities in Oneida, Vilas and Forest Counties. Over the last year, the state grant-funded educational program has awarded 46 diplomas between the three locations. The goal is to help reduce recidivism by providing a pathway to employment opportunities for inmates upon release. Oneida County Sheriff Grady Hartman says, "These inmates have taken advantage of the time they have here and the commitment these instructors have made to assist them and will leave with a positive achievement that they can use to improve their lives and their families' lives once they are released." The ceremony at the Oneida County Jail showed an interesting juxtaposition. The graduates donned traditional graduation caps and gowns, but they were worn over orange jail uniforms. Pomp and Circumstance was played on a cell phone. Each graduate spoke of his journey and thanked all those involved for this opportunity to change. This initiative is part of a broader statewide effort, with Wisconsin's technical colleges serving incarcerated individuals through basic education, credentialing, and workforce readiness programs.

Published on 06/26/2025 under News Nicolet College is looking to make it easier for busy people to learn about education opportunities through some special evening outreach events during the summer. These sessions are known as Nicolet @ Night, and there are five planned before the start of the fall term. The goal is to reach potential students who want to learn more about Nicolet, but may not be able to attend these types of events that are typically held during the day. They'll have admissions representatives on hand to discuss academic programs and pathways, classes, services and other information. As a bonus,they'll not only waive the application fee, but attendees will also be entered into a scholarship drawing. Nicolet admissions manger Katie Ourada says these evening events are designed to give students flexibility. She notes, "Many of our future and continuing students are full-time workers, parents, and busy people, who need support when it's convenient for them." There is a Nicolet @ Night session this evening from 4:30-7:00pm on the second floor of the Red Oak Center on the Nicolet Campus. Future dates include July 16, July 21, August 7 and August 12.

Published on 06/26/2025 under News Food pantries play a key role in their respective communities across the Northwoods by addressing food insecurity. One food pantry is celebrating a special anniversary this evening. The Rhinelander Area Food Pantry opened 20 years ago. And over the past two decades, they've distributed more than 9.5 million pounds of food. To celebrate these impressive milestones, they're inviting the community to attend an open house this evening. Executive Director Courtney Smith says, "This is a great opportunity to learn more about RAFP and how we serve our community." It may even inspire people to get involved. They'll have a food truck, live music, and a number of raffles including a getaway to the Kohler Lodge and a Lambeau Field Tour. They're also planning to showcase the new Front Porch Project and debut a new podcast episode focused on the History of the Rhinelander Foot Pantry from the 'If These Woods Could Talk' series. For those that would like to check it out, the Rhinelander Food Pantry Open House is Thursday evening from 5 to 7:30.

Published on 06/26/2025 under News The City of Tomahawk was notified of a small area of contamination near the city garage, though it is likely an old site. At their meeting Tuesday, the Board of Public Works was updated on the report and pending investigation. The city had previously reached an agreement with Vertical Bridge to lease a small section of city property near the city garage to construct a telecommunications tower. In January their contractor notified the DNR and the city of soil and groundwater samples exceeding contaminant levels of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons. Nick Rosenmeier with the Public Works Department provided the Board members on the next steps. The city is working with the DNR and REI, an area environmental consulting firm. Rosenmeier noted they have been very helpful. The planned next step is to conduct some additional sampling through soil boring and test wells to verify this not newly contaminated. During discussion they board members noted past land use and location near the railroad as potential causes. The discussion was informational only and no action was taken at this time. The Board will likely have to approve the testing, once those plans have been finalized. The Board is also looking at the possibility of reclassifying North 4th Street from Class A to Class B with a goal of protecting the street from heavy truck loads. This has been an ongoing topic for several years, and they'll continue to look at options or potential ordinances going forward.

Published on 06/25/2025 under News It's a summer Wednesday in Tomahawk, and that means another opportunity for live music. Tomahawk Music on the River is entering the middle stretch, week three of seven. The summer concert series is now in it's eighteenth season and another fan (and Jeff in the Morning) favorite returns. The Jimmys have become a regular here in Tomahawk. Known for their highly-energetic shows, the band which features a horn section and keys. In the past, they've even hopped aboard a shored pontoon to literally play music on the river. The Jimmys are also highly decorated with a lengthy list of Wisconsin-based music awards including this year's WAMI for Best Blues Band. Music is set to begin at 6pm at Memorial Park in Tomahawk. There is a chance at some rain this afternoon, so stay tuned to WJJQ for any announcements regarding a change in venue.

Published on 06/25/2025 under News For those planning a scenic summer road trip, the Wisconsin Departments of Transportation and Tourism have again partnered to release an updated guide featuring Wisconsin's designated Rustic Roads. The first Rustic Road was designated back in 1975, right here in Northern Wisconsin, Taylor County specifically. DOT Secretary Kristina Boardman says, "It's amazing to see how this program has grown and evolved since the first Rustic Road was designated 50 years ago." The program now features approximately 760 miles of scenic, lightly traveled country roads around the state, more than 125 in all. These roads are marked by unique brown and yellow Rustic Roads signs. Locally, they include: Vilas County Road K; Tesch Road in Lincoln County; Blue Lake Road, Sutton Road and Camp Pinemere Road in Oneida County. The guide also features five Wisconsin's Scenic Byways. Among them, the Nicolet-Wolf Scenic Byway which passes through Forest, Langlade, Oneida and Vilas counties. Department of Tourism Secretary Anne Sayers says,"Rustic Roads in Wisconsin continue to be popular destinations in all seasons. This guide is the perfect starting point for making memories exploring the friendly communities and natural beauty Wisconsin is known for today and for the next 50 years to come." The guides are free and available as a hard copy or a digital download.

Published on 06/25/2025 under News Over the past several years Vilas County has invested in expanding high speed internet. Now their Economic Development Corporation is launching a new campaign to tout the county as a broadband destination. According to the announcement, the campaign will promote Vilas County as an ideal spot for remote workers, entrepreneurs, and expanding businesses; balancing scenic beauty with digital opportunity. That's where the slogan 'Northwoods Charm. Big City Connection' comes in. Kathy Schmitz is executive director of the VCEDC. She says, "Five years ago, we developed a strategy to bring high-speed broadband to Vilas County and since then, we've gone from 5 percent broadband coverage to 86 percent." Schmitz added, "The rapid expansion of broadband now provides the ability to do business globally among Vilas County's beautiful lakes and forests." The campaign features real stories of people living and working in Vilas County utilizing high-speed broadband access as well as key partners in the expansion process.

Published on 06/25/2025 under News The City of Tomahawk Finance Committee kicked off their 2026 budget work by approving the proposed spending plan for the Tomahawk Public Library. Because the Tomahawk Library is funded by several entities including not only the city, but Lincoln County, their budget typically goes through this process before other departments. Ahead of the vote, director Heidi O'Hare provided a brief overview. The Tomahawk Library budget request overall is $507,000, with the city responsible for $213,000. That's a $3,500 increase or 1.6% from last year. Broken down further, about $360,000 goes towards wages and benefits; $90,000 for operations; and $51,000 on library. O'Hare noted that the library benefits from what are known as cross-county reimbursements. These funds are calculated through a formula and based on usage from residents of neighboring counties. O'Hare says that those numbers have been rising and Tomahawk is receives one of the highest payouts in the area. Approximately $57,000 comes from Oneida, Price, Langlade and Taylor Counties. There was minimal discussion by committee, though several members praised O'Hare for her work. They unanimously sent the budget to the full City Council for their meeting next week.

Published on 06/25/2025 under News Beer and bacon, steak and ribs, Tomahawk will be well-fed during some upcoming special events. The Tomahawk Health and Safety Committee approved applications for a half dozen events at their meeting last night including several based on food competitions. Starting with the familiar, the committee approved the Lions Club Thrilla on the Grilla rib cook-off. They'll be back at their usual location on Main Street on August 2. There are a pair of new events. Tomahawk Trailer is hosting a Kinship fundraiser at SARA Park known as Steaks for Kids. It's a two day cooking competition August 15 and 16. Sticking at SARA Park, WaWui is hosting a new event known as the Beer and Bacon Bash on October 4. It'll feature food trucks, a beer garden, a bonfire and entertainment. Technically we're half way to Christmas...the Committee approved Tomahawk Main Street's application for the second of the two part downtown Christmas celebration on December 12. The committee also checked off minor changes to the set up for Fall Ride and Oktoberfest. The event applications had already been approved. They were all sent on to the City Council unanimously.

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