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Rhinelander Chamber Announces Return of Hodag Heritage Festival in May Published on 04/18/2024 under News

The Rhinelander Chamber has officially announced the return of the Hodag Heritage Festival, and the week-long celebration is just under a month away.

For more than a century the Hodag has been synonymous with Rhinelander. Back in 2021, the Chamber and their partners established the Hodag Heritage Festival. It was a way to celebrate not only the connection to the mythical beast, but also the city's history and community.

This will be the fourth edition of the Hodag Heritage Festival and the event continues to grow. Rhinelander Chamber event and program coordinator Rachel Bohlen says, "We have more Hodag & cryptid vendors, food trucks, and activities than ever before. There truly is something for everyone!"

She teased a few events including a hodag calling contest, historical bus tours, a city-wide scavenger hunt and the re-dedication of the Hodag Historical marker.

The Chamber has a schedule of events on their website. Some of the week-long activities will kick-off May 12, while the main celebration on Saturday May 18.

In Other News

Wisconsin Public Service Foundation Brings Back Rewarding Responders Grants for 10th Year

Published on 05/02/2024 under News Over the past decade, the Wisconsin Public Service Foundation has awarded more than a half million dollars in grants to first responders across their service footprint. Those agencies have another opportunity to apply. Known as 'Rewarding Responders', the WPS Foundation provides a series of grants each summer to help with the purchase of lifesaving equipment and fund training for first responders across Northern and Northeastern Wisconsin. Dating back to 2014, spokesman Matt Cullen says they've now awarded $500,000 in Rewarding Responders grants have been distributed to 202 public safety agencies. Over the years local grants have gone towards items such as coldwater rescue gear, thermal imaging, and AED units. Last year's recipients included Eagle River Police, the Langlade County Sheriff's Office, and fire departments in Antigo, Merrill, Minocqua and Pine Lake. In celebrating the 10th anniversary of the program last year, the Foundation increased the annual funding pool to $75,000. Eligible departments can begin applying for the new cycle. Recipients will be announced this summer.

Published on 05/02/2024 under News Earlier this year, the Wisconsin Beef Council set out to find the state's best burger. The winner is from right here in the Northwoods. Among eight finalists, it was the All-American Burger from Pickles Bar and Grill in Hazelhurst that reigned supreme. The classic cheeseburger stood out with a craft blend of brisket, short rib, and chuck, and a house blend seasoning. Co-owner Justin Koshak says they were honored to be named the winner especially as the lone finalist from Northern Wisconsin. He said, "We are happy to represent what the Northwoods has to offer when it comes to restaurants, taverns and grills. There are so many great spots up here that showcase great menus and fantastic food." Rather than a fan vote and popularity contest, the decision was made by a panel of judges who stopped at each restaurant for a surprise visit last month. Most of the judging was based on the burger itself: taste, presentation, proper cooking, and overall enjoyment; though a few bonus points were available for the restaurant and atmosphere. The contest announcement comes as the state celebrates Wisconsin Beef Month in May. Tammy Vaassen, executive director of the Wisconsin Beef Council says they were thrilled with the overwhelming response to the contest. They're looking forward to bringing back and growing the contest for next year. Photo provided by Wisconsin Beef Council: (from L-R) Pickles Co-Owner Justin Koshak, Wisconsin Beef Council Executive Director Tammy Vaassen, and Pickles Co-Owner Dan Linscott (aka, "Pickles")

Published on 05/02/2024 under News Over the past two weeks, County Deer Advisory Councils have been meeting around the state, proposing deer herd management and season structures for the upcoming season. Coming up this evening folks in Lincoln and Oneida County can participate. Each county in Wisconsin has its own CDAC, and each spring develop recommendations for antlerless harvest goals, tag availability and season options for their respective counties. CDAC recommendations are reviewed and set each year so they can be adjusted in response to the previous year's deer harvest, winter severity and other population factors. Coming up this evening, both Oneida and Lincoln County CDAC's will meet. The Oneida County meeting gets underway at 6pm at the Woodruff Town Hall. Lincoln County's meeting is set for 7pm at the Lincoln County Service Center. Once each county has made their recommendations, they'll be sent on to the Natural Resources Board for their final approval which typically takes place at their May or June or meeting.

Published on 05/02/2024 under News Today is the National Day of Prayer and several Northwoods groups are among those hosting events today. The formal observance of a National Day of Prayer came from President Harry Truman in 1952. Thirty years later, the first Thursday of May was officially established as the annual date. The goal is to allow participants, regardless of faith or denomination to bring unity and share a common focus. National organizers estimate some 30,000 observances around the country will be held today. In recent years, the Associated Clergy of Tomahawk have teamed up to revitalize the National Day of Prayer Ceremony. They will be in a different location this year, with the event scheduled for Veteran's Memorial Park at 10:30am. Among the guests will be the American Legion Color Guard and the St. Mary's Children's Choir. Rhinelander is holding a similar event outside the Oneida County Courthouse at noon. This year's theme is "lift up the word – light up the world"

Published on 05/01/2024 under News Officials in Oneida County are looking to reduce roadside garbage, with focus on one stretch in particular. The effort was prompted by an uptick in litter and other debris along County Highway K this spring. That is in part, due to the location of the Oneida County Transfer Station and Recycling Center on Cty K west of Rhinelander. To help address that issue, they're looking to combine education, enforcement, and a little community involvement. Lisa Bauknecht, Oneida County Solid Waste Director, explained that the county ordinance states that transporting solid waste without a secured covering is prohibited and violators could be cited. This spring, the Solid Waste Department has been monitoring vehicles entering the facility without a cover and issuing warnings. They may notify the Sheriff's Office of repeat violators. They'll also be updating and replacing the roads signs signifying the rules. Bauknecht says, "We value our customers and ask that they respect facility neighbors as well as our beautiful Northwoods by kindly covering and securing loads before driving to the facility..." As for the debris already along that stretch of highway, community volunteers are planning a roadside clean-up day this weekend. Rachel Boehlen is helping organize the effort, she says they'll be gathering Saturday morning at 8am at the Cassian Cross Country Ski Trailhead. She invited community members to lend a helping hand. They also used the opportunity to promote the County's Adopt-a-Highway program, in which groups pledge to maintain a segment of highway. Currently just four the fourteen miles of County K are spoken for.

Published on 05/01/2024 under News Here in the Northwoods, it's not unusual for a few extra days tacked on to the end of the school year. In Tomahawk, this year, the reverse is true. In a letter to parents, District Administrator Wendell Quesinberry announced that they will actually wrap up the school year a few days earlier than planned. Most local schools build in a few extra instructional days to offset any potential snow days during the winter. Tomahawk does the same, however the mild winter meant those days weren't used. As a result, Quesinberry says they were able to move up the final day of class to Friday May 31 rather than June 5 as originally scheduled. The summer school start date won't change, and remains June 10. While students get an early start to summer vacation, the staff will still be on campus. Quesinberry says they'll use the time for various in-service and training days. The custodial and grounds team will also use the extra time without students to get a head start on maintenance and summer projects.

Published on 05/01/2024 under News Walleye fishing on the Minocqua Chain of Lakes has been limited to catch-and-release for nearly a decade. That could change this year. The Wisconsin Natural Resources Board has scheduled a special meeting tomorrow morning to consider an emergency rule. It would establish a daily bag limit of a single walleye on the chain, which includes Jerome, Kawaguesaga, Little Tomahawk, Mid, Minocqua, Mud and Tomahawk lakes, the Minocqua and Tomahawk thoroughfares and connecting waters. There would be some slotted size limits as well. Any harvested walleye must be at least 18 inches, but not between 22 and 28 inches. The DNR says this would allow a moderate level of walleye harvest while preserving the quality-size fish that were built up during the past nine years of harvest closure. It's good timing for anglers, as the general inland fishing opener in Wisconsin is coming up on Saturday. That special meeting is scheduled to begin at 9:30am Thursday and will be conducted remotely via Zoom. That meeting will also be streamed on the DNR You Tube Channel.

Published on 05/01/2024 under News Most of the Tomahawk event calendar is now set for the rest of the year. The City's Health and Safety Committee is in charge of those special event applications, and last night they approved five. Each is a well-established event leading to little discussion. This includes the Lion's Club Fourth of July Powwow Days celebration; the Rodd Timm Memorial Softball Tournament; the Antique Outboard Motor Show; the Tomahawk Lions Club Thrilla on the Grilla; and the Music on the River. One concern that was quickly worked out was the July 3rd edition of Music on the River. The Kwahamots have a special edition show that same night, and the two events share the same stretch of river, albeit on opposite shorelines. As a compromise, Music on the River will start and end a half hour early on that date only. The remaining shows will remain 6pm-8pm. Ultimately all five applications were forwarded to the Common Council by unanimous vote. In recent meetings, they have already approved events including the Main Street Memories Car Show, the Fall Ride events and activities, the Venison Feed, and Hometown Christmas. It was an otherwise routine night of committee meetings, Health and Safety, Finance, and Public Works... BPW resumed last month's discussion on the disabled parking stalls in the municipal parking lot. Since that conversation, they reviewed the current ADA rules and conducted a count of the total number of parking spaces in the lot. They learned that not only was the lot in compliance, the city actually has more ADA spaces than required, and recently added additional stalls at the request of Grace Lutheran Church. BPW also discussed ongoing water pressure issues on Leather Avenue and Leather Court dating back several years. With additional development in that area, the city will explore various options and financing to address those concerns.

Published on 05/01/2024 under News A pair of eaglets who fell from their nest are recovering at the Raptor Education Group, thanks to some concerned citizens and an experienced rescue duo. Most of our listeners are familiar with Kevin and Linda Grenzer, known for their work with loons, but they rescue many species of birds including these young eagles. They recently recounted those efforts. The initial call came from a concerned citizen on Lake Wausau who observed a portion of an established nest had fallen from an approximately 40 foot tall tree. That nest was known to have two young eaglets in it. Following a quick check of the area, they did locate one of the two birds on the ground. Concerned about injuries from the fall, as well as the risk of predators, they made the decision the eaglet would need rescue. Linda says she softly spoke to the young bird as she approached and was able to safely secure him in a towel. The search then turned to the second eaglet, which they were also able to locate and gather as well. The found the birds were cold, wet, and dehydrated. The brought the birds back to Antigo, where the REGI staff were awaiting them and began assessment and care. The Grenzers said, "It takes a village to rescue a bird(s) in need of help. These eaglets had an astounding village on their side. They specifically highlighted Amy Baxter, Garry Stack and Marn Stack who made the initial call and assisted the rescue.

Published on 05/01/2024 under News The first Wednesday in May marks the return of Wawui Bingo in Tomahawk. For more than 30 years now, the weekly summer bingo games have served as an additional revenue source and fundraiser for Wawui which operates the SARA Park facility. The players themselves, along with the many volunteers, have become a community of their own with many regulars, who have their own lucky tables, daubers, and anything else that may help them claim the prize. It also includes a rotating stable of bingo callers, and some special themed nights. For those unfamiliar, each Wednesday is actually two sessions. The first are a series of regular games and some smaller prizes. Then the final card of the night is blackout with a progressive prize that grows each week it is not claimed in the specified number. That has grown to more than $5,000 over the years. Last year, 3 jackpots were awarded during the season. Wawui Bingo takes place each Wednesday night in the summer at SARA Park. Doors opening at 5:30 and games begin at 7pm.

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