The Northwoods River News

Lack of quorum, but no shortage of insights at Rhinelander Ethics Committee meeting

Although unable to take official action due to a lack of quorum, the Rhinelander Ethics Committee meeting Monday, June 22, at Rhinelander City Hall yielded discussions with some candid insights into the role of the committee and its procedures.

First reading approved for proposed ordinance paving way for UTVs on Lincoln St.

The road toward Rhinelander possibly allowing UTVs on Lincoln Street rounded a curve at the Monday, June 22 meeting of the city’s common council. Both the need to update the city’s existing ATV/UTV ordinance, and the pros and cons of lifting the prohibition that currently keeps ATVs and UTVs off Lincoln Street, have been discussed in the council’s last few meetings.

Chiefs Chiamulera, Johnson share candid views on how Rhinelander is protected and served

It may have been called “Meet the Chiefs,” but at the community forum held June 10 at Rhinelander City Hall, Police Chief Joshua Chiamulera and Fire Chief Adam “A.J.” Johnson steered the spotlight onto other introductions. It was an eye-opening hour packed with details on the missions of their departments and the means by which they are executed.

Discussions on Pine Lake financial matters fill much of town board meeting

A nearly 45-minute discussion on a possible policy for limiting the amount spent by the town and fire department on items prior to board approval dominated the agenda at this month’s meeting of the Pine Lake town board on Wednesday, June 17.

Newbold getting details in place for next year’s revaluation

With the town of Newbold’s revaluation looming in 2027, how to inform its citizens both then and now was among the topics discussed at the June 11 Newbold town board meeting, held at the Newbold Community Center.

American Legion Post 318 is home again

Local soldier Jopek joins Shultz in post’s name at rededication ceremony in Lake Tomahawk

A time of renewal and remembrance, last Sunday’s rededication of American Legion Post 318 was a celebration two years in the making. The post’s longtime home at 7986 Choate Boulevard in Lake Tomahawk was nearly lost to a basement blaze on Feb. 13, 2024. Thanks to the fire departments of Lake Tomahawk, Woodruff and Newbold, the flames were mainly contained on the concrete lower level, where they even melted the overhead lights, but pervasive smoke damage damaged the upper floor too.

City council adopts amended zoning map

There’s now one less hurdle between a proposed future housing development and reality. At its regular meeting June 8, the Rhinelander common council approved the second reading and adoption of proposed ordinance 2026-1, after having approved the first reading May 26.

Stella prepares for a pair of road projects

Road project season is upon us, and a pair of those projects led the agenda at this month’s meeting of the Stella town board, held Tuesday, June 9 at Stella Town Hall.

Crescent works on town utility policy, considers online tax payments

The latest area town to see the need for a town utility permit and policy, Crescent made progress toward that goal in its town board meeting June 10. Town chairman Grady Hartman brought a first draft for the board to discuss.

Jury trial in Oneida County court set for Minnesota man charged with sexually related felonies

Mithaugen also indicted by federal grand jury

A jury trial on Oct. 29-30 has been scheduled in Oneida County Circuit Court for a 37-year-old Minnesota man accused of sexually related crimes. Arrested in Rhinelander Feb. 14, Creighton Mithaugen of Faribault, Minn., was charged with one count apiece of the Class C felonies of attempting 2nd degree sexual assault of a child and using a computer to facilitate a child sex crime.

SDR board approves preliminary budget roughly 2% larger than last year’s

Board hears annual survey results

The School District of Rhinelander board of education approved the 2026-2027 preliminary budget, with total revenues of $53,352,382 and total expenditures of $55,826,276. That’s an increase of more than 36% over the 2025-26 budget approved last October.

Council starts process for ATV/UTV ordinance on city streets

Another mile has been logged on the long road toward possibly allowing UTVs on Lincoln Street. In a major portion of its marathon meeting last Monday, June 8, the Rhinelander common council discussed a draft of an ATV/UTV ordinance drawn up by city attorney Steve Sorensen.

Heading for U.S. history’s hallowed ground

Rhinelander ‘history nerd’ to represent state in national competition June 14-18

Looking to make some history as well as celebrate it, 14-year-old Amelia Lindgren of Rhinelander will leave Wisconsin tomorrow for quite an adventure. A student at SOAR Charter Middle School, Amelia earned the trip by blending her fascination with our nation’s past happenings with her creativity, writing skill, and tech savvy in creating websites.

Exploration ahead for Crescent silent sport recreation options

The possibility of adding silent sports opportunities in the town of Crescent will be getting a close look this summer. At its meeting June 3, the Crescent plan commission accepted an offer that will make that possible.

Rhinelander plan commission hears latest update for comprehensive plan

It’s been a decade since the city of Rhinelander’s comprehensive plan was last updated. With state statutes requiring Wisconsin cities’ plans to have a thorough update at least once every 10 years, the North Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (NCWRPC) has been carefully combing through Rhinelander’s plan this year.

Rhinelander man charged with sexual assault

A Rhinelander man is facing up to $20,000 in fines and up to a year and a half in prison after having been charged with two counts of fourth degree sexual assault. James Aaron Lubinski, 31, is alleged to have inappropriately touched an Auto Zone employee several times despite being told by that person to not do it. He was arrested May 23.

Domestic threat leads to arrest of Rhinelander man

A Rhinelander man was in Oneida County Court June 3 after having allegedly threatened to shoot his wife in the head. The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call from the wife of Steven Michael Cooper, 59. She contacted them after leaving him in the house.

Sentence given for driver in trio of senior citizens charged with possession of fentanyl with intent to deliver

A 69-year-old Eagle River man who was the driver in a trip to Chicago that resulted in more than 100 grams of illegal substances coming into Oneida County has been sentenced. Barry Clure was arrested Jan. 17 with Susan Cody, 75, and Patrick Menting, 63, after a traffic stop in the town of Monico for the expired registration of Clure’s vehicle.

The world awaits Rhinelander High School Class of 2026

The atmosphere inside the Hodag Dome was buoyant with pomp and pride on Sunday. Cheered on by families and friends carpeting the indoor field, Rhinelander High School’s Class of 2026 received their diplomas, wise advice and best wishes for the years to come in the Commencement Exercises.

Teens alleged in high-speed chase, firing shots in Hodag Park formally charged

Court proceedings will continue June 9

A trio of teens alleged to have shot a firearm in Hodag Park and led a chase of up to 100 mph with area law enforcement May 22 have now been formally charged. On May 29, criminal complaints were filed against Isaiah E.M. Hammer, 18, of Crandon, Stewie J. Daniels, 18, of Rhinelander and Darius A. Polar, 17, of Crandon.

Newbold agrees to adopt-a-road program, turns down fitness court

There’s something new in the works for Newbold. At its regular meeting May 28, the town board welcomed Carey Bongard of the Two Sisters Lake Association.

City council moves toward action on amending zoning, UTV ordinance

In a step toward the possibility of a major housing project in the city, the Rhinelander common council at its regular meeting May 26 approved the first reading of an ordinance to amend the official zoning map of the city of Rhinelander.

New RPD sergeant Rezny celebrated in city hall ceremony

A family affair, from daughters Adeline and Reagan removing his old badge, to father George pinning on the new one, Ryan Rezny’s ceremonial promotion to Rhinelander Police Department sergeant delighted more than two dozen well-wishers on hand last Wednesday morning, May 27, at Rhinelander City Hall.

Public Works leaders front and center in community forum

Rhinelander’s public works leaders introduced themselves to the public and shared insights on current projects at the “Your Department of Public Works Leaders” community forum May 21 at city hall.

Memorial service completes Ginzl’s long journey home

A circle spanning some 86 years was brought to an awe-inspiring close last Sunday. Corporal John James “Jack” Ginzl, a Rhinelander High School basketball and tennis star who became the first Rhinelander paper mill employee to enlist to fight in World War II, and who was killed after 1,006 days in captivity as a prisoner of war and was buried in a mass grave in then-Formosa before being recovered by U.S. forces, was at last identified decades later (see “John Ginzl Comes Home,” May 22 Northwoods River News).

A joyful gift for the community

Kiwanis team with Vancos, other community supporters to christen splash pad at Hodag Park

It was a scene of giddy glee at Hodag Park on May 22, children scampering through water cascading from colorful apparatuses, and adults watching with wistful satisfaction — deeply pleased at the grand opening of this fun new asset for the community, and wistful that they couldn’t hop right in, right now, and have some of that fun too!

Stella town board hears PFAS update, begins move to another bank

With PFAS contamination in dozens of wells in the town of Stella, a report from the town’s PFAS committee found an attentive audience at the Stella town board meeting May 11 at Stella Town Hall.

Rhinelander Housing Authority bids Fralick farewell, welcomes Showalter

The Rhinelander Housing Authority board of commissioners saw off commissioner Melanie Fralick at their regular bimonthly meeting May 19 at Evergreen Manor. “She chose to resign. She's on several committees in town,” RHA executive director Janell Schroeder told the Northwoods River News.

TID 13, amendment to TID 10 receive final OKs from Joint Review Board

Rhinelander’s lucky 13th Tax Incremental District (TID) is a go. After having been adopted by the Rhinelander Common Council at its regular meeting on May 11, a resolution creating TID 13, a mixed-use district of 25 contiguous parcels in the North Stevens Street area, with new residential development along with light industrial and commercial, received final approval by the Joint Review Board in a 10-minute meeting May 18 at Rhinelander City Hall.

John Ginzl comes home

WWII airman returns to Rhinelander after 86 years

His boyhood home at 1318 Eagle Street still stands strong. Brown Street still rolls through a portion of town, site of Rhinelander’s first annual nighttime bicycle race in 1934, won by the crazy-legged teen aboard his bike Flying Gingerbread.

Important choices made at SDR school board meeting

An eventful meeting of the School District of Rhinelander board of education ended on an unexpected note Monday, May 18. Emerging from closed session, the board accepted several resignations including that of Kyle Barber, principal of Northwoods Community Elementary School. Effective June 5, the resignation concludes a single year for Barber in that position.

Crescent board green-lights new businesses, will start work on utility permit and policy

New business is a boon for any town, and three of Crescent’s newest found an appreciative welcome at the Crescent town board meeting May 13. The first, Aaron Panke, was invited to introduce his concept as the board considered his conditional use permit application.

Roster of 2026 road projects chosen by Newbold town board

Supervisors also reappoint fire chief and eye Fitness Court

With bids in hand for their wishlist of road construction projects, and a budget that meant there were choices to make, the Newbold town board selected a carefully weighed assortment of 2026 road projects at their meeting May 14 at the Newbold Community Center.

City Council approves TID 13 and amendment to TID 10, hears city infrastructure updates

Rhinelander is now just one Joint Review Board vote away from having a 13th Tax Incremental District (TID). TID 13, a mixed-use district of 25 contiguous parcels in the North Stevens Street area, with new residential development along with light industrial and commercial, received the approval of the Rhinelander Common Council at its regular meeting last Monday, May 11. Rhinelander’s Joint Review Board is expected to meet May 18 to make it official.

Newbold town board hears update on skyrocketing property values

Newbold is slated for revaluation next year — and its town board heard eye-opening news relating to it in Jef Muelver’s monthly town assessor report at its May 14 meeting. Muelver began by recapping the number of residential and commercial sales in the township in 2025: a total of 47.

Nine-year sentence for Eagle River senior citizen said to use fentanyl ‘like cash’

Co-defendants have June court dates

A 75-year-old Eagle River woman has been sentenced to nine years in the Wisconsin prison system after having been found guilty of one count of possession with intent to deliver more than 50 grams of fentanyl as a party to a crime.

Possibility of UTVs on Lincoln Street explored further by City Council

The question of whether to allow utility task vehicles (UTVs) on Lincoln Street, tabled at the April 27 meeting to gather more information, topped the agenda at the nearly two-hour meeting of the Rhinelander Common Council on Monday, May 11.

Third graders from SDR, Nativity and Zion take part in annual event

On a day made for recreation, with a bright blue sky and a hint of summer warmth in the air, some 200 Rhinelander area third-graders took to the grounds of the YMCA of the Northwoods for the 8th annual Recreation Rodeo on May 8.

Rezny elevated to Rhinelander police sergeant

After a morning of interviewing candidates in closed session Tuesday, May 12, the Rhinelander Police & Fire Commission has selected Ryan Rezny for promotion to the position of police sergeant.

No surprises in SDR school board’s reorganization

A swift six minutes in length, the School District of Rhinelander school board’s reorganizational meeting May 11, held at Rhinelander High School’s Professional Development Center, was a solid endorsement for keeping on keepin’ on.

Progress continues in Newbold plan commission’s review of town ordinance

The Newbold plan commission is in the midst of the painstaking process of reviewing, discussing and proposing revisions to town ordinance Chapter 13 subdivision and platting. The process continued at the commission’s meeting May 7.

New businesses welcomed by Crescent plan commission

The May 6 meeting of the Crescent plan commission saw applications from two new businesses approved. Aaron Panke and family’s application proposes growing and selling pumpkins and flowers, while Britteny Zettler’s permit application is to operate a massage studio and retail service business. Both will be recommended to the Crescent town board.

Tomahawk man charged with striking girlfriend with pickup truck

A cash bond of $100,000 has been set for a Tomahawk man alleged to have struck his girlfriend with a pickup truck. Robert Richard Cookson, 59, was arrested April 21 in the town of Little Rice.

Crash between pickups, one at highway speed and one stopped for school bus, closes Highway 17

In a crash that closed both lanes of U.S. Highway 17 for 40 minutes, a Ford F150 heading northbound at close to 55 mph rear-ended another vehicle stopped for a school bus dropping off children near Royalwood Lane at 3:52 p.m. on April 21.

Pelican board makes enhanced wake boat ordinance official, opens road project bids

A round of applause from a near-roomful of residents rewarded the Pelican town board at its meeting on May 4. There, the board completed what it had begun at its Feb. 9 meeting, when it had agreed to take the first step toward enacting an ordinance to prevent enhanced wake boating on the town’s 59-acre Buck Lake, 71-acre Fish Lake, 58-acre Hixon Lake, 443-acre Lake George and 401-acre Lake Thompson by submitting a draft ordinance and condition report to local government recreation administrator-conservation warden Robert Kneeland.

Town utility policy ordinance formally enacted at Newbold town meeting

It was smooth sailing for town ordinance Chapter 19 Town Utility Permit Policy at the public hearing and regular meeting of the Newbold town board on April 30. With attendees making no comments at the public hearing, held at the Newbold Community Center, Chapter 19 was formally enacted by the board at the regular meeting that immediately followed.