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Oneida County Economic Development Corp Conducting Housing Survey Published on 03/28/2025 under News

Housing around the Northwoods has been an area of focus in recent years. One group is studying the topic and seeking some public input.

The Oneida County Economic Development Corporation is conducting a comprehensive study to address growing concerns over housing affordability and availability in the county. As part of that process, and to ensure a comprehensive analysis, they're seeking input from the public.

They said, "This public survey is open to anyone who lives, works, goes to school in, or spends time in Oneida County."

Responses are anonymous, and they are used to identify trends in what kinds of housing (are) needed and at what prices, along with any other housing concerns participants may have.

The larger study will also analyze market trends and interview local stakeholders, along with incorporating the survey data. Tony Pharo, OCEDC Executive Director says, "This study will provide valuable data to guide decision-making and help create solutions that benefit both residents and local businesses."

The survey will be available online through Friday April 11. We'll include the link in the online version of the story. The results will be published in May.

In Other News

Power Restoration Efforts Continue After Weekend Ice Storm

Published on 03/31/2025 under News A severe ice storm crossed the Northwoods over the weekend, leaving tens of thousands without power as we start the work week. That weather overnight Saturday into Sunday morning glazed the region with a coating of ice, wreaking havoc on the electrical grid. In an update provided at around 9pm Sunday evening, Wisconsin Public Service Spokesman Brendan Conway says their crews had already restored power to more than 62,000 customers. But there's still plenty of work to be done...As of daybreak Monday, there were still approximately 60,000 customers without power, due to approximately 1,100 outages. The outages were widespread on Monday morning: 12,000 in Oneida County; 8,000 in Forest; 6,000 in Langlade; 3,000 in Lincoln; and 1,600 in Vilas Counties. Conway says they hope to have 80% of customer's power restored by the end of the day, Monday. He says, "We have an army of field crews working around the clock, including technicians from across Wisconsin who are coming to the area to help." During their efforts Sunday found downed lines and damaged equipment, and their restorations efforts were slowed due to slick roads and gusty winds. Just a quick reminder — customers should stay at least 25 feet away from any downed wires, and report to WPS or law enforcement.

Published on 03/31/2025 under News In recent years, the Hodag Dome has become the voting location for Rhinelander residents. With the temporary closure of the dome and an election Tuesday, city leaders had to quickly make a decision to find an alternative location. The City Council held a special meeting Sunday where they finalized plans to hold Tuesday's election at James Williams Middle School, right across the parking lot from the Dome. The decision came after working with the school district, and at the recommendation of City Clerk Austyn Zarda. According to the announcement, Wisconsin State Statutes require that both the municipal clerk, and a majority of the Common Council must agree on a new polling location. They'll utilize the gymnasium at James Williams Middle School, and ask voters to use the parking lots south of Mike Webster Stadium. They do plan to place signs and also staff onsite to redirect voters to the correct locations.

Published on 03/31/2025 under News The Hodag Dome in Rhinelander is temporarily closed after damage sustained during the weekend storm. According to the Rhinelander School District, the facility lost power and the back-up generator failed. This initially resulted in a partial deflation of the dome. As that happened, several tears occurred in the material causing additional damage. As a result, staff completely deflated the Dome on Sunday. The manufacturer is scheduled to be on-site Monday to assess damage and develop a repair plan. The goal is to restore the dome and resume normal operations as quickly as possible. The district says events scheduled to take place in the Dome this week will either be relocated to a new location or canceled. One of the most notable events, spring election voting for City of Rhinelander residents has been moved to the gym at James Williams Middle School.

Published on 03/31/2025 under News A Tennessee man has been arrested in connection with a shooting in Lincoln County last month. That incident happened in the early morning hours of February 7 at X to C Golf Course. At the time, the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office said the victim, a Gleason man was struck in the shoulder and was hospitalized. No update on his condition was provided. The Sheriff's Office identified the suspect as Bobby Dabbs, 27, of Trenton, Tennesseee. According to the Sheriff's Office, they worked with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and Gibson County Sheriff's Office to locate and arrest Dabbs. That happened on March 17. The Sheriff's office says Dabbs has been extradited to Wisconsin. Online court records show charges pending of first degree reckless injury and injury by negligent use of a weapon. Dabbs is scheduled to make an initial appearance in Lincoln County Court today.

Published on 03/31/2025 under News With many folks returning from Spring Break last week, another quick reminder of a tollway scam that continues to pop up here in the Northwoods. Over the past few weeks, we have received numerous reports from our listeners who have received these text messages once again. The scammers are posing as collection services and trying to trick people into paying fake fees. Just quickly bringing back our original story to keep listeners aware... While Wisconsin doesn't have toll roads, many popular travel destinations and neighboring states do. The modern toll system allows motorists to pay online using your license plate for your contact information. Scammers have been posing as these services by sending unsolicited text or email messages claiming the recipient has an outstanding toll and a quickly approaching late fee. In addition to seeking payment, they may also provide a link where you'll be prompted to provide personal information. The first step to avoid these scams is awareness. If you are unsure of a possible toll, verify with the toll service's actual website. Don't utilize the links or contact information included in the suspicious message.

Published on 03/31/2025 under News Despite the winter weather outside, spring and summer will eventually arrive in the Northwoods. And in just a few months, we'll be talking about Fairs. One of the largest in our area, the Wisconsin Valley Fair will return to Wausau July 29-August 2. Organizers have now finalized and announced the Grand Stand entertainment with a little bit country and a little bit rock and roll. Opening night July 29 will be a classic country band Sawyer Brown. They'll be followed by a bit of modern country on July 30 with Parmalee. And night three, July 31, it's classic rockers Night Ranger known for their chart topping hit Sister Christian. Night Ranger were originally scheduled to perform at last year's fair, but their show was canceled. Tickets from last year will be honored, and you can contact organizers for steps if you don't have the original emailed ticket. As for this year, 1,000 reserve seats will be sold, starting Friday April 4. There are also general admission seats come with no additional cost beyond the fair admission.

Published on 03/28/2025 under News Preparation is key when it comes to first responders. The Tomahawk Fire Department has been busy over the past few weeks with several training exercises, including work with a new piece of equipment. Fitting for this time of year, as we transition from winter to spring; the TFD shared they recently completed ice rescue training with their new rapid deployment, water rescue craft, which they described as a game-changer in emergency response. They said the inflatable will allow their responders to safely reach victims faster and more efficiently during water and ice emergencies, improving their ability to save lives. They also shared gratitude to Billy Bob's and Outboards for their generous donation allowing this purchase. Earlier this month, the Tomahawk Fire Department also teamed up with the Wisconsin DNR for their annual spring wildland fire training. They noted, "Staying sharp and ready for wildfire season is critical, and we appreciate the knowledge and hands-on experience." While wildfires haven't been prevalent in the Northwoods so far this year, crews in other areas of the state have been quite busy. The DNR tracker shows more than 300 wildfires during the first three months. -Photo from the Tomahawk Fire Department

Published on 03/28/2025 under News Officials will be commemorating those who served in Vietnam during a brief ceremony here in the Northwoods this morning. Tomorrow is National Vietnam War Veterans Day, recognizing the anniversary of the ground force withdrawal from Vietnam. To mark the occasion, a bit later this morning, the Northwoods National Cemetery in Harshaw will hold a special program. According to the Wisconsin Historical Society, more than 57,000 Wisconsinites served in Vietnam, more than 1,200 never returned. Northwoods National Cemetery in Harshaw officially opened in August of 2020, becoming the second national cemetery in Wisconsin. It is located along Lakewood Road. The program is set to begin at 11:30am.

Published on 03/28/2025 under News Each spring Wisconsin Conservation Congress and the DNR offer an opportunity for interested parties to weigh in all things outdoors. The annual Fish and Wildlife Spring Hearings are right around the corner, and the partners recently shared some of the details. A familiar format will return with hearings held simultaneously across all 72 counties. DNR staff and WCC delegates will be on hand at these spring hearings to discuss local issues, answer questions and open dialogue. Those will all take place on the evening of Monday, April 14: (A full list of locations is available on the DNR website.)•Lincoln County at Lincoln County Service Center in Merrill•Oneida County at James Williams Middle School Auditorium in Rhinelander•Vilas County at Boulder Junction Community CenterThat same evening, a three-day, online public input survey will go live. The responses are advisory only, and the questions are currently available for review on the DNR website. There are more than 70 yes/no questions, covering a wide variety of topics. Just a few of the many examples include: the use of lead ammo and tackle; extending the turkey season in far northern Wisconsin (zones 6 and 7); creating a military/veteran waterfowl season; allowing wardens to enforce local ordinances; and a number of lake or river specific questions related to fishing regulations. We'll offer up a reminder as that date approaches.

Published on 03/28/2025 under News While a spoonful of medicine may be convenient, experts says measuring is a safer way to ensure dosage is correct. Oral liquid medications are involved in more than 80 percent of pediatric home medication errors, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. That's why Aspirus is encouraging caregivers to measure. Olivia Bishop, an Aspirus Pharmacy Resident. "If we're not measuring it correctly, we can either be overdosing our patients, which puts them at risk of side effects, or underdosing, which means the infection or issue we're treating isn't being addressed." To support national guidelines, Aspirus pharmacies provide tools like oral syringes with clear milliliter markings to help caregivers measure medications accurately. Bishop says, "You want to make sure you're using a device that has lines for milliliters so you know you're getting the exact dose." She says your pharmacist can walk you through the process. Aspirus has also implemented milliliter-only instructions on prescription labels to further enhance clarity and accuracy. This approach helps caregivers avoid common mistakes, such as misreading units or misusing household utensils.

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