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Ribbon Cutting Opens Hodag Dome to Community Published on 02/02/2021 under News

The Rhinelander School District officially opened their new athletic facility for public use.

At a small ceremony yesterday morning, district officials and community leaders held a ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open the Hodag Dome. While yesterday's event highlighted the completion of the project and opening for community use, the impressive facility has already been in use for several months for Rhinelander student athletes.

At approximately 128,000 square feet,the Hodag Dome is the largest high school dome facility and one of the largest air supported domes overall in North America. Construction crews broke ground back in April, inflating the dome in October. They wrapped up most of the finishing work in recent weeks.

The facility will serve as a community beacon with no shortage of activities. Featuring numerous fields, courts, a track and other amenities, it's a athlete's paradise. They also hope to host non-athletic events at the facility such as conventions and even Rhinelander voting.

The facility calendar and annual memberships are available on the district website. The facility ID cards are just $15 per year for Rhinelander School District residents. Those outside of the district can purchase a membership for $40.

The public can use the facilities for "open dome," reservations of amenities, as well as organized classes and activities.

The Rhinelander Hodag Dome group has a video of the ceremony, as well as a drone tour of the facility on their Facebook Page.

Photo provided by the Rhinelander School District

In Other News

Tomahawk Historical Society Holding 'Old Kindergarten Building' Reunion on Friday

Published on 07/01/2024 under News Summer is a time of class reunions, and a unique reunion is coming up in Tomahawk later this week. With more than a hundred years, plenty of Tomahawk area students passed through what is affectionately known as 'the old kindergarten building.' Now part of the the local museum, the Tomahawk Historical Society is inviting former students to attend an all-class reunion later this week. We recently spoke with a few members of the Historical Society including former kindergarten teacher Terry Derleth, who actually began her Tomahawk teaching career in the classroom. She recalled that time as one of her favorites as a teacher. She added that it warms her heart that she is able to drive past and see the old building where she got her start. Coming up on Friday, the Historical Society is inviting anyone who attended kindergarten in the building to stop by and enjoy some fun activities while sharing stories and reminiscing. They've got displays and pictures, and encouraged others to bring any along to share. And in good fun, they've even got some collectibles with the slogan, "I'm So Old My Kindergarten Is Now A Museum." They'll also have information on some of the other happenings at the Historical Society. That Old Kindergarten Building reunion is planned for Friday from 10am-2pm at their location in Washington Square in Tomahawk. You can hear that conversation in the WJJQ Audio Center.

Published on 07/01/2024 under News Those hosting a Fourth of July cookout can expect to pay a little less this year, around 6 and half dollars a plate. The Wisconsin Farm Bureau released their annual summer picnic survey this past week. It shows a typical Wisconsin cookout this summer costs around $66.38 for ten people. That's down a half percent from last year. It's also about $5 less than the national average. WFB Spokeswoman Cassie Sonnentag says, "Wisconsin's diverse agriculture industry lends itself to affordable food prices due to the availability and proximity to many of the survey's items." The July Cookout Survey is part of Farm Bureau's Marketbasket series, which also features a Thanksgiving dinner survey. For the summer survey, they sample prices of a dozen cookout items like burgers and hot dogs across 23 communities. A little planning can help bring that cost down. Create a menu, price shop, and stick to your list. Rather than the host covering the cost, invite guests to bring a dish to pass and their beverages.

Published on 07/01/2024 under News One person was injured after a small airplane crashed in Northern Wisconsin yesterday morning. According to the Vilas County Sheriff's Office, the plane went down near Land O'Lakes Sunday at shortly before noon. Responders were dispatched to County B near the Post Office. The update indicated the pilot, a 67 year old from Watersmeet, Michigan, was not injured in the crash, A passenger in the plane had minor injuries and was treated on the scene. No other injuries were reported. The preliminary report didn't not indicate when caused the plane to go down. The crash remains under investigation by local officials as well as the NTSB.

Published on 07/01/2024 under News A Langlade County man involved a fatal hit and run crash that killed a moped operator two summers ago will serve 13 years in prison. Cory Hansen was back in court this past week for a sentencing hearing. The 32 year old was arrested in connection with a fatal crash in eastern Langlade County on June 29, 2022. Investigators say Hansen was intoxicated when he crossed over the center-line and struck an oncoming moped, killing the operator. Initially facing five charges, in March, Hansen pleaded no contest to homicide by intoxicated use of a motor vehicle and hit and run involving death. In exchange three other charges were dismissed. The sentencing took place Thursday. According to court records, Hansen was ordered to serve 13 years of prison, followed by 10 years of extended supervision. Jailed since the time of his arrest, Hansen was credited with 730 days of time served. He was also ordered to pay restitution to the victim's family and the township.

Published on 07/01/2024 under News We continue to receive road construction updates. Many projects will pause for the Fourth of July holiday. *As always these are subject to change based on circumstances including the weather. Town of Wilson Crews are planning a week-long project on Poplar Road. That work will begin in the first half of this week (July 1) After a brief pause for the Fourth, they'll be back early next week to finish up their work. Lincoln County The County will be completing some chip sealing the first half of this week. The preliminary schedule includes: Monday and Tuesday- County B – Hwy 17 to Cty D (8.32 Miles) Cty H – Cty D to Cty A (1.42 Miles) Tuesday and Wednesday- Cty A - Hwy 51 to the River (2.47 Miles) ; CTH A - Mail Route Rd. to the County Line (3.72 Miles) Cty Q - Cty K to Joe Snow Rd (1.89 Miles) Cty Z - Cty Q to Fairview Rd (.64 Miles) WisDOT Highway 51 between Manitou Park and the Minocqua Lake Bridge is back open to four lanes of traffic. The DoT notes that motorists may encounter lane closures as crews complete finishing tasks in the next couple of weeks.

Published on 07/01/2024 under News With the Fourth of July right around the corner, officials are reminding folks to leave fireworks at home when enjoying public lands this week. We heard from both the DNR and the Chequamegon Nicolet National Forest who shared a similar message to celebrate a fireworks-free holiday. Most importantly fireworks bring a wildfire risk, with the DNR noting that fireworks-related fires peak around the holiday. Fireworks are also prohibited on DNR-managed lands as well as National Forest lands. Possessing fireworks on DNR property can result in a citation of more than $200, along with the costs of putting out any fires as well as double the cost of damages. Similarly, the use of fireworks in a national forest can lead to a $5,000 fine. Instead, they recommend leaving it to the experts and enjoy a community fireworks show.

Published on 07/01/2024 under News Whether land or water, it was a busy weekend in Minocqua with a pair of separate races, each benefiting local causes. On Saturday morning, the community hosted by the Bear Cupboard runs and the Minocqua Island Swim Challenge. Kicking off the day, runners took to the streets of Minocqua and the Bearskin Trail for the annual Bear Cupboard 5k and half-marathon and Cubbie Run. It's a fundraiser for the Lakeland Area Food Pantry and other supplemental food programs in the community. Organizers said they have more than 460 runners take part across the three race lengths. A bit later, more than 100 swimmers took to the waters of Lake Minocqua for the annual Minocqua Island Swim Challenge. Proceeds from the race go to the Oneida County Sheriff's Department Dive Team. The choppy waters of the lake add another challenge that pool swimmers don't normally face. There were two distances, a 400 meter race and a longer mile-long race coming out of Torpy Park. Both events continue to grow, and saw a wide range of participants from as young as 5 years old, and even a few 80 plus year old participants.

Published on 06/28/2024 under News The skies will be busy above the Northwoods this weekend, as the Tomahawk Airport is hosting their 3rd annual Northern Lights Fly In. Ahead of the event, we were joined by one of the organizers, and a pilot herself, Jade Lear for a preview. While most people think airplanes when it comes to airports, Lear actually pilots what is known as a paramotor. For the unfamiliar its a paraglider with a motorized propeller on the back. There are many different styles; Lear's is a seated trike, others like her husband have a harness and backpack style rig. The pair operate Northern Lights Paramotor and Lear has a flight-focused Youtube Channel. They can frequently be scene in the skies around Tomahawk at dawn and dusk. When discussing her view from the air, Lear said words can't describe, especially the sunrise and sunset. As for this weekend's fly-in, it serves as a celebration and showcase of the local airport for not just pilots, but the community as a whole. They're hoping to build on last year's success with more than 50 paramotor pilots from not only Wisconsin but, as far away as Pennsylvania and Florida. While Lear's main focus was the paramotors, there will be plenty of other action at the airport this weekend, Saturday in particular. The morning will kick off with fundraising pancake breakfast. On the ground, Lear notes that pilots are always happy to share their knowledge, and people can check out their rigs. They even teamed up with a local car club, as the Summer Knights for a car show. The event officially kicks off Friday and runs through Sunday. You can hear the entire conversation in the WJJQ audio center.

Published on 06/28/2024 under News A second teen has been charged in connection with attacks on two staff members at the state's juvenile correctional facility that injured one and left another dead. Seventeen year old Rian Nyblom made an initial appearance in Lincoln County Court Thursday. He is facing three charges including murder by battery as party to a crime and two counts of battery by a prison as party to a crime. That incident happened Monday evening at Lincoln Hills in Irma. A teen inmate, identified as Javarius Hurd, allegedly threw soap into the face of a female counselor and punched her multiple times. She was treated at an area hospital and is expected to recover. The complaint says Hurd fled in the court yard where a second altercation took place involving another youth counselor, 49 year old Corey Proulx. Proulx died from injuries sustained in the incident. Investigators say Nyblom was aware of the plans and provided Hurd with the cup of conditioner that was used in the initial attack. Nyblom is being held on a $20,000. Future court dates weren't immediately scheduled. Hurd is facing four charges and made his initial appearance earlier this week.

Published on 06/28/2024 under News For the first time in more than a year, Wisconsin is drought-free. The US Drought monitor released their latest report. It showed the last two areas, in far northern Wisconsin and an area in West Central Wisconsin, are no longer classified as 'abnormally dry.' The last report showing Wisconsin drought-free prior to yesterday was all the way back in the second week of May of last year. Throughout last summer the dry conditions challenged farmers and home gardeners, elevated wildfire conditions and impacted water levels. This spring farmer's have contended with over-saturated fields, and some areas have experienced flooding following heavy rains. According to that data, the state, on average, is about 3.25 inches above normal precipitation for this time of year, marking it the 7th wettest on record through May.

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