Stories
RHS Sports recap: Friday, Feb. 27
Girls’ basketball: Rhinelander 42, Pulaski 27 | Gymnastics: Rhinelander 2nd/8, WIAA D2 Sectionals | Wrestling: Rhinelander at WIAA state girls’ meet
Lady Hodags gear up for playoff run
RHS opens postseason tonight at home against Pulaski
The Rhinelander High School girls’ basketball team has been in the postseason situation they face before and, this year, feel better prepared for it.
RHS Sports recap: Thursday, Feb. 26
Boys’ basketball: Rhinelander 75, Mosinee 73, 2OT | Wrestling: Rhinelander at WIAA state meet
Hodag gymnasts eye potential state berths as sectional meet
The Rhinelander High School gymnastics team has sent several gymnasts to the WIAA individual state meet over the years, and will have a chance to do so again tonight during a Division 2 sectional meet in Antigo.
Wrestling: Lindner ready for her state moment
It’s incredible to think how far Rhinelander High School junior Cassidy Lindner has come in the sport of wrestling in less than a year in a half. Fifteen months ago, Lindner was trying the sport for the first time and now she is in Madison, competing on the state’s biggest high school stage.
Eagles co-op stuns Storm, advances to sectional final
In a playoff shocker, the Northland Pines girls’ hockey co-op defied all odds to take down the No. 1 seed on the road.
After River Falls loss, Hodag Hoops seeded 2nd for WIAA tourney
It’s hard to know exactly what the WIAA computers would have spit out had last Saturday’s game against River Falls turned out differently for the Rhinelander High School boys’ basketball team. Regardless, the Hodags know they can play with anybody in their half sectional as the WIAA tournament begins next week.
Hodag Bantams take 6th at WAHA state tournament
The Rhinelander’s Ice Association’s Bantam (14U) hockey team took sixth out of eight teams at the WAHA Class 3A state tournament held Feb. 21 and 22 in Waupun.
Rhinelander honors volunteer forester as council reviews golf course finances
Presentations on an honored urban forester and the city’s municipal golf course led the agenda at the Rhinelander Common Council meeting Monday, Feb. 23. Council member Steven Jopek was absent.
Forum for SDR board candidates to be held March 4
The Rhinelander High School Student Council, in partnership with the League of Women Voters of the Northwoods, reminds community members that the forum for candidates running for the Rhinelander School District Board of Education will take place on Wednesday, March 4, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Superior Diesel Tiered Classroom at Rhinelander High School.
Youth Sports roundup
Squirt Bs second in home tourney | Three Rhinelander bowlers compete at Badger State Games | RBA 8th Grade Green team takes title | Middle school girls’ basketball
Sports Digest
Hodag DE Sieker named to WFCA All-Star Game | Rhinelander’s Olson named to Team Wisconsin Alpine squad | Five Hodag lifters qualify in last chance meet | Rhinelander native Retzlaff takes runner-up in Atlanta NASCAR race | Local skiers compete in Birkie Week races
DNR, counsel say county cannot ban clearcutting in shoreland corridors
Sparse public hearing yields legal guidance but no decisions
A public hearing Tuesday on proposed amendments to Oneida County’s shoreland zoning ordinance was sparsely attended — no votes were taken, few residents spoke — but county officials received a clear signal from the state and their outside attorney on one issue that has been contentious: Prohibiting clearcutting in viewing and access corridors doesn’t cut it legally.
United Express returns to Rhinelander with summer flights to Chicago O’Hare
Nonstop flights operated by SkyWest Airlines begin in May
The Rhinelander–Oneida County Airport (RHI) has announced the return of seasonal United Express service to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), operated by SkyWest Airlines. Beginning May 22, daily flights will once again connect the Northwoods to one of the nation’s largest hubs for the busy summer travel season.
Annual Faith and Fishing Seminar set for March 7 in Rhinelander
The Christian Musky Fellowship Club has announced plans to hold its annual Faith and Fishing Seminar on Saturday, March 7, at Northlife Church, 903 W. Boyce Drive in Rhinelander. The event is free, with a suggested $5 goodwill offering to support the Rhinelander Area Food Pantry.
High-speed chase closes U.S. Hwy. 8 for almost an hour
Zarda charged in Forest County, with more to come
A court date of March 3 is expected for a 41-year-old Crandon man after a high-speed chase down U.S. Highway 8 on Feb. 18. Driving a 2009 black Ford Edge reportedly “all over the road” at speeds of up to 95 mph, Daniel Lee Zarda Jr. led Crandon police officers into Oneida County at nearly half past noon. There, his vehicle lost a tire and came to a stop in a ditch near the highway’s intersection with Browns Road.
Hazelhurst man dies in Willow Flowage accident
A Hazelhurst man died Tuesday after he was run over by a pickup truck on the Willow Flowage in Little Rice. According to a press release from Tyler Young, patrol captain with the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, Randall Bernau, 73, was pronounced dead at the scene.
‘An Art Teacher in Antarctica’ at Nicolet College March 2
Travelogue and exhibit documents 10-day expedition
Northwoods artist, adventurer and teacher Breanne Kanak will share stories, photos and videos about her 10-day expedition in Antarctica at the Theatre at Nicolet College on Monday, March 2, at 6 p.m. Kanak’s talk will cover topics such as conservation, mindful eco-tourism, and the joys and challenges of teaching from one of Earth’s most remote places. Kanak is a K12 art teacher in the Wabeno School District.
Firearms charges brought against Pelican Lake man
A Pelican Lake man is in the custody of the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, facing charges related to firearms. Ian Sandison, 28, was arrested Feb. 19 in the town of Pelican. According to the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office supplemental report submitted with the complaint, Sandison allegedly pointed an AR-style rifle at a man while stopped in a vehicle, and was found to be carrying a loaded revolver. More firearms and ammunition were in his Toyota Tacoma pickup truck, including a loaded Smith & Wesson, AR-style MP-15 rifle.
Cedric Vig Book Fund running out of time
Deadline for annual fundraiser is end of February
The Rhinelander District Library Foundation (RDLF) is approaching the end-date of their annual book fundraiser. The non-profit aims to raise $20,000 by the end of February 2026. The fund, which provides 1/3 of the Rhinelander District Library’s new books every year, is celebrating its 40th year.
Hazelhurst man dies in Willow Flowage accident
A Hazelhurst man died Tuesday after he was run over by a pickup truck on the Willow Flowage in Little Rice. According to a press release from Tyler Young, patrol captain with the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, Randall Bernau, 73, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Oneida County Court Report
The following cases were recently filed or heard in Oneida County Circuit Court from Feb. 17 to Feb. 23:
The first responders we don’t see
To the Editor: Emergency dispatchers are often called the first responders, yet their role is frequently misunderstood and undervalued. I’ve been a police officer for 24 years and understand how important dispatchers are to an officer’s and the public’s safety and how their mental health struggles are often overlooked, or worse, minimized.
Popular governors rise above party
Another exercise in nonpartisan cooperation ended sadly, as Donald Trump undoubtedly planned. Every year, the nation’s governors meet with the president to discuss common concerns. Trump had initially banned two Democratic members of the National Governors Association from attending — governors Jared Polis of Colorado and Wes Moore of Maryland.
Edward Carl Stoever, Jr.
Edward Carl Stoever, Jr. was born on March 13, 1926, in Milwaukee, and died of natural causes on February 10, 2026 at the Seasons of Life Hospice Home in Woodruff. He was a resident in Rhinelander. After retiring, he spent over 30 years in the Northwoods that he loved so much. His full obituary may be seen at https://www.carlsonfh.com/. A memorial service is pending.
Bruce Raymond Rhode
Bruce Rhode, 89, passed away on Feb. 16, 2026, at Milestone Senior Living in Rhinelander. Bruce was born on June 13, 1936, in Rhinelander to Floyd and Emroy Rhode. He was a 1954 graduate of Three Lakes High School, receiving awards for athletic and academic achievements. Bruce was formerly married to Raeburn Bretl and together they raised three daughters and two sons in Sugar Camp.
Charles “Chuck” J. Hunter
Charles “Chuck” J. Hunter of Rhinelander passed away February 20, 2026 at his home. He now resides above us with all who have preceded him. Chuck was born in 1954 to Jack and Beverly Hunter, who he is now with. He was a graduate of Rhinelander High School Class of 1972.
Scrub-a-dub time!
Pretend-washing along to the Sesame Street song “Everybody Wash,” Rose Umland gets mom Cody’s face nice and clean while her siblings Torvi, left, and Owen, seated, join in the fun during Preschool Storytime on Tuesday, Feb. 24, at the Rhinelander District Library.
Rhinelander High School announces first semester honor roll
The School District of Rhinelander recently released the Rhinelander High School first semester honor roll. To make the honor rolls, students must earn a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.5. The honorees are listed below by class.
Discovery Days at Nicolet College
Registration opens March 1 for summer career exploration programs
Nicolet College will open registration for its summer 2026 learning programs for high school students on March 1. Nicolet College Discovery Days offers hands-on learning experiences for upcoming high school freshmen through seniors to explore career-focused college programs by attending various academies, bootcamps, or workshops.
Northern zone anglers enjoy longer musky season this year
Anglers targeting the fish of a thousand casts, the elusive muskellunge, can now begin their season on May 31 in the Northern Zone. Prior to this year, anglers targeting those big, wary fish needed to wait until June to get out and do some figure eights. This year, as of May 31, all open waters are fishable for musky.
Free guided snowshoe hike at Holmboe near Rhinelander
Join Northwoods Land Trust (NWLT) for this free guided snowshoe walk on Thursday, March 5 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Holmboe Conifer Forest State Natural Area located in the city of Rhinelander. According to NWLT land conservation associate Frank Schroyer in a press release: “This 38-acre property along the Pelican River has been welcoming the public since it became a conservation area 1965, and later a designated State Natural Area. It is a great venue to snowshoe among old-growth hemlocks and see what other animal signs we can find along the way.”