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Rhinelander Skate Park Organizers Discuss Planning at National Conference Published on 11/28/2024 under News

The future Rhinelander Skate Park was presented at a recent national conference, showcasing youth engagement.

The City of Rhinelander and ArtStart have been leading the way on this project. Earlier this month, Melinda Childs, ArtStart's Community Cultural Development Director and City Council member Carrie Mikalauski traveled to Tampa to attend the National League of Cities conference.

The pair participated in a panel on the importance of arts participation in local government. They were able to highlight the role that local youth have played in the efforts to build the new skate park.

Childs says, "It's been such a privilege to be able to share our story and learn from others doing similar work."

And speaking of that skate park...one week from today ArtStart will host the design firm as they present the preliminary skatepark layout and gather input from community members. That'll be at 5:30 on Thursday December 5 at ArtStart in Rhinelander.

In Other News

Record Setting Year for Ice Age Trail Use

Published on 12/26/2024 under News It was a record-setting year for the Ice Age Trail, both hikers and volunteerism. The 1,200 mile Ice Age Trail carves much of the state, ultimately connecting from the Minnesota border to Green Bay. Here in North Central Wisconsin, it cuts through Taylor, Lincoln, Langlade, and Marathon Counties. Wausau, Antigo, Rib Lake, and Merrill have all been designated as Ice Age Trail Communities. As 2024 winds down, members of the Ice Age Trail Alliance looked back at what they called an "exciting and impactful year." That includes an estimated 4.65 million users, based on a study from the Fiscal and Economic Research Center at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. That has generated an estimated economic impact of more than $460 million. Luke Kloberdanz is executive director and CEO of the Ice Age Trail Alliance. He says, "The economic impact study confirmed what we anecdotally knew to be true. More people than ever before are getting out on the Trail." He added, "The "Covid bump" in usership has not dwindled...The Trail is now a part of people's lives." Meanwhile, they continue to improve and expand the trail system thanks to a generous team of volunteers who logged a record 103,000 hours on various projects. Kloberdanz added, "We are deeply grateful to our volunteers, supporters, and partners for their commitment to the Trail. Together, we've made incredible strides in protecting, creating, and celebrating this natural wonder."

Published on 12/26/2024 under News While we haven't had much snow so far this winter, chilly temperatures have allowed ice to form on area lakes. That's important for the return of a popular tourist attraction up in Eagle River. That is, of course, the Eagle River Ice Castle. For those unfamiliar, the Eagle River Fire Department and their team of volunteers build a massive castle almost entirely out of ice blocks taken from Silver Lake. A typical year features around 2,500 frozen bricks hand-placed into the castle walls. The Eagle River Fire Department has been monitoring the ice on Silver Lake as they plan for this year's build. According to an update they provided earlier this week, the department says there's approximately 10 inches of ice thickness. They need around 14 inches for the castle to happen. They wrote, "The forecast shows some challenging weather ahead, but we're hoping for a cold snap in early January to help those final 4 inches grow." The Ice Castle a tradition that dates back to the 1930's however, it's been sporadic in recent years. The last build took place in 2022.

Published on 12/26/2024 under News Another local nurse has been recognized with prestigious professional honor. Aspirus Eagle River Hospital honored Morgan Westphal with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. Like many previous recipients, her nomination came from a patient who has experienced the care and compassion first hand. Westphal was working in the Emergency Department at the time. They wrote, in part, "Morgan is the most compassionate, caring, understanding, outstanding nurse. This kid deserves an award! She even remembered taking care of me a year ago. I can't say enough about Morgan. She really comforted me and was truly amazing." The award is part of the DAISY Foundation's program to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform every day. As a Daisy recipient, Westphal received a honoree pin and a Shona Tribe sculpture known as A Healer's Touch. The staff were also treated to cinnamon rolls, another symbol from the Daisy Awards. -Photo provided by Aspirus-

Published on 12/26/2024 under News Officials are encouraging families to properly dispose of their gift packaging this week, recycling when possible. While programs differ between communities there are some general rules of thumb to follow. The DNR recently provided a few tips. Cardboard boxes can be broken down and recycled without much trouble. This includes shipping boxes as well as holiday packaging. As for wrapping paper and gift bags, that varies from program to program. For bags that are being recycled it helps to pull off the handle. Glitter and foil are generally signs that the holiday items should be placed in the garbage rather than recycling. As for items such as ribbons, bows, tissue paper and even bubble wrap; consider putting them in a box and reuse them again next Christmas.

Published on 12/26/2024 under News With Christmas now behind us, some people may have holiday gifts to return. The Wisconsin Better Business Bureau is hoping to make the process a little easier. While businesses aren't required to accept exchanges or offer refunds unless the product was defective or misrepresented, most do offer a return program. They are required to follow that policy as presented. The BBB says...•Pay attention to the time frame allotted by the retailer for returns and initiate the return promptly. Find out if the countdown begins on the date of original purchase, or if there are extended holiday return time frames. •Hopefully a gift receipt or regular receipt was included. Bring that along, as well as a photo ID. Some stores now require a form of ID to cut down on return fraud. •Finally be aware that some stores may charge a restocking fee for open items or those without packaging.If you believe a retailer is not honoring its posted return policy, you can file a complaint with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection.

Published on 12/26/2024 under News State lawmakers are receiving their committee assignments as they prepare to return to Madison for the 25-26 legislative session. Representative Calvin Callahan of Tomahawk shared his assignments including once again serving as Chair of the Assembly Committee on Consumer Protection. Callahan says, "I am looking forward to ensuring that Wisconsinites are protected from fraud, unsafe products, and unfair business practices. I will continue to advocate for legislation that promotes transparency, fairness, and accountability, while keeping the best interests of my constituents at the forefront." He'll also serve as Vice-Chair of the Committee on Insurance and as a member of the Committee on Energy & Utilities and Committee on Forestry, Parks, & Outdoor Recreation. The new session begins in January.

Published on 12/24/2024 under News In a little more than a week, people will be plunging into the frigid waters of Lake Mohawksin for a good cause. And there's still time to get involved. The new year marks the return of the STAR Splash here in Tomahawk, as they're preparing for a 19th year. We were joined by some of the organizers, Jackie Leonard, Kathy Rankin and Chad Grube to talk about the fundraiser and encourage people to get involved. The STAR Foundation has additional information on their website. Participants are currently collecting pledges with the promise of a plunge into the chilly waters. Some jumps as individuals, while for others it's a team effort. As in recent years, the donations will be split between the STAR Foundation and a non-profit of the jumper's choosing allowing them to support a group or cause important to them. For those unfamiliar, the STAR Foundation provides supplemental funding to various groups and non-profits around the community. Over the years they've returned more than a half million dollars to these organizations for projects, large and small. The STAR Splash is one of their largest fundraiser and an excellent way to get involved whether as a donor or a jumper. Last year's mild winter led to less splashing than normal. Due to a lack of ice, they simply waded into the water from the shore. They were optimistic for the more traditional set-up this year. Even if you don't plan on jumping, it's a day long-event with plenty of other fun, entertainment and raffles on dry land as well. Castaways will continue to serve as the host. The STAR Splash is January 4.-Photo from the last year's STAR Splash-

Published on 12/24/2024 under News Whether a Christmas gathering in the coming days or next week's New Year's celebration, law enforcement are again reminding revelers to stay sober behind the wheel. Wisconsin State Patrol's December Law of the Month brings attention to impaired driving laws and encourages motorists to find safe ways to get to their destinations this holiday season. State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan says, "Across the state, Wisconsinites are celebrating the holidays and the end of another year. We encourage everyone to take responsibility and plan ahead if you plan to celebrate." Carnahan offered a number of solutions, whether designating a sober driving, utilizing public transit, or a ride-share program. Last year, according to the DoT, there were more than 7,700 impaired driving crashes on Wisconsin roadways. The Law of the Month, pairs with the ongoing Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign which kicked off last week and runs through New Year's Day.

Published on 12/24/2024 under News Last month, Nicolet College held a special welding class for area veterans. The participating vets used their new skills to craft a meaningful monument to service. The three-session introductory course was held in early November, and it was reserved for veterans-only. It included an introduction to welding, necessary tools, safety, and techniques with plenty of hands-on training. The class culminated with a final project; the nine men created a Vietnam Memorial. The approximately 4 foot tall piece features an 8 sided base, topped with a plaque. Each of the panels has a Vietnam or US Military-related inscription. In unveiling the final product, they noted one of the class participants who actually served in Vietnam during the conflict. According to the announcement, the finished memorial will be permanently placed on Nicolet campus.

Published on 12/24/2024 under News A Northwoods lawmaker offered a tepid response to Governor's appointment as secretary of Department of Natural Resources. On Monday, Governor Tony Evers tabbed Karen Hyun to lead the agency which oversees Wisconsin's many natural resources including hunting, fishing, forests, state parks, and water resources. Following the announcement, Senate President Mary Felzkowski released a statement. She says, "While Ms. Hyun's lack of professional experience in Wisconsin and lack of experience with sporting heritage, forestry, and freshwater lakes is concerning, I look forward to getting to know her and understanding her vision for the DNR." Hyun's resume does include time with the US House Committee on Natural Resources and a role as deputy assistant secretary for fish, wildlife, and parks at the US Department of the Interior. She most recently served as the chief of staff of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Hyun's appointment is effective January 27 Felzkowski says, "Given the district that I represent, the issues surrounding the DNR are of utmost importance to both me and my constituents. I look forward to working with Ms. Hyun to ensure that the DNR works diligently on all aspects of natural resources and for all areas of Wisconsin."

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