Police investigating vandalism at Rhinelander Country Club

Rhinelander police are investigating after several golf carts were damaged in a vandalism incident at the Rhinelander Country Club during the early morning hours of Thursday, May 30.

According to club pro Kevin Schoppe, boats belonging to members were also vandalized.

A total of six golf carts were damaged and one had to be retrieved from the water, according to Schoppe.

“At this point we have all six golf carts back at the club,” he said. “Three were damaged on the property with one flipped over and one left in Boom Lake. Three were taken off the property. All are not usable.”

There was “minimal” damage to the golf course, however members were able to play Thursday without delay, Schoppe reported.

“Golf course superintendent Mitch Beckendorf and his staff were able to clear debris and retrieve the golf cart from Boom Lake,” Schoppe said.

The six golf carts alone will cost between $60,000 and $70,000,” Schoppe noted. “A very expensive night.”

Schoppe noted that the course is working with insurance companies and law enforcement to determine the full extent of its losses. He also noted that the members whose boats were damaged are also assessing their losses.

According to Chief of Police Lloyd Gauthier, officers were dispatched to the club at approximately 6:14 a.m. Thursday.

“From the initial investigation, two male juveniles were involved in damaging multiple golf carts, damaging multiple boats that were docked at the Country Club, and damage to property at Hodag Park,” the department reported in a press release. “Two golf carts were also stolen and later located on property owned by Ahlstrom Munksjö.”

The incident remains under investigation, Gauthier noted.

Anyone with information on this matter is asked to contact the police department at 715-365-5300.

Schoppe said the club is moving forward from this unfortunate incident.

“We are confident that the Rhinelander Police Department and the Rhinelander community as a whole will help us resolve this issue,” he said. “Go Hodags.”

Heather Schaefer may be reached at [email protected].