JWMS ribbon-cutting highlights a day to cherish for SDR
With the afternoon’s grand unveiling of improvements at James Williams Middle School (JWMS) dovetailing with a school board meeting at which grateful high schoolers shared profound experiences from recent school trips abroad, Monday, April 20, was a day tough to top for the School District of Rhinelander (SDR).
Mayor Hanus sworn in for second term, Mikalauski remains Rhinelander city council president
With one new face among its eight alderpersons, the Rhinelander Common Council held its reorganizational meeting on Tuesday, April 21. Gerald Anderson attended virtually, and Thomas Barnett was absent.
Water and sewer extension plan progresses at Pine Lake board meeting
A proposal by the city of Rhinelander to extend utilities to the site of a potential development south of Shepard Lake Road, impacting that town road’s right of way, moved forward at the Pine Lake town board meeting on Wednesday, April 15.
Pelican board revisits 2025, gives brief bridge update in annual town meeting
With Dr. Walter and Donna Gager on hand to represent the electorate, the annual meeting of the town of Pelican was held last Tuesday, April 14 at Pelican Town Hall. Chairman Nick Scholtes, town supervisors James Cates and Walter Dahlquist Jr., and clerk Mike Ring fielded questions from the Gagers as they proceeded through the agenda.
Nearly three dozen area firefighters band to battle Pelican brushfire
A homeowner burning brush from the day before is believed to have caused a slow-moving brush fire in the town of Pelican on Thursday, April 16. The Pelican Fire Department was dispatched at 4:48 p.m. to the 2170 Easy Drive home of Frank Pyrchalla, with automatic aid from the Pine Lake Fire Department, and assistance from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office and Oneida County medics.
State fund distribution to fuel big boost for SDR’s libraries
In a school library, young imaginations soar. Last Friday in Crescent Elementary School’s library, those imaginations got a huge boost of rocket fuel when Wisconsin Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski came by to announce the School District of Rhinelander’s $207,766 share of this year’s record $73.5 million Common School Fund annual Library Aid distribution — funds specifically for the state’s public school libraries.
Holt bids farewell at City Council meeting
Council greenlights Baby Box and Iron Hodag statue
Eight years as District 6 alderperson drew to a close for David Holt at Monday’s meeting of the Rhinelander Common Council, April 13 at Rhinelander City Hall. His message from the podium during public comment was one of the session’s highlights. After a congratulatory handshake with Linnaea Newman, who ran unopposed for the District 6 seat in last week’s spring election, Holt reminisced.
McKenzie and White sworn in, law changes explained by Muelver at Newbold town board meeting
Held two days after the spring election, the April 9 regular meeting of the Newbold town board saw the swearing in of returning town supervisors Mike McKenzie and Brad White for their newest terms by clerk Kim Gauthier. The board was alerted to two recent law changes in town assessor Jef Muelver’s monthly report.
Stella town board reviews East Stella Lake Road project plans at special meeting
With the expected June start of construction nearing for the town of Stella’s East Stella Lake Road project, town supervisors heard the latest update on engineer MSA Profesional Services’ plans from Phil Kriesel of MSA at a special town board meeting last Wednesday, April 8.
Crescent town board opens road and roof project bids
Deferring some decisions until its next meeting made for a relatively short gathering for the Crescent town board Wednesday, April 8. The highlight was the opening of bids for the town’s seven prospective road projects for 2026, which involve Fire Tower Road, Hat Rapids Road, Range Line Road, North Rifle Road, Sterling Road, Long Lake Road and Beyer Road.
Newbold town board tackles a variety of topics in marathon session
The Newbold town board gathered at the Newbold Community Center for its regular meeting on Thursday, March 26 — a meeting that turned out to be not-so-regular in length, topping two and a half hours. One of the discussions contributing to its length was a concern brought to the board by chairman Dan Hess in search of guidance.
Pelican to go forward with Haymeadow Road Bridge project
The Pelican town board has been in a pickle … but at its special meeting March 30, there was hope of a way out. A $133,043 difference between its estimate and total cost to remove and replace the 109-year-old Haymeadow Road Bridge — an overage of more than 20% — has had the board in a difficult place.
Convicted sex offender arrested after failing to update information
A convicted sex offender released to the Rhinelander area in 2022 is in the Oneida County jail after allegedly failing to report a change of address. Timothy S. Henk, 64, was convicted in 2001 of kidnapping/seize or confine without consent and second degree sexual assault/use of force.
Johnson named new Rhinelander fire chief
Police & fire commission hears of positive community outreach by police officers
It’s official — Rhinelander again has a fire chief. Adam “A.J.” Johnson, the city’s interim fire chief since the departure of Brian Tonnancour in January, was formally named the new fire chief at the April 1 meeting of the Rhinelander Police & Fire Commission.
U.S. 8 improvement project in Rhinelander begins April 20
The Rhinelander area will soon gain two new traffic roundabouts — and a substantial road detour during their construction. Construction will start April 20 on a U.S. Highway 8 improvement project that is expected to be completed in early September, representatives from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) and contractor Musson Brothers explained at an information meeting held Thursday, April 2, at Rhinelander City Hall.
Rhinelander Public Art Commission decides location of proposed ‘Iron Hodag’ sculpture
There’s a hefty new Hodag coming to town, and the Rhinelander Public Art Commission had its first meeting of the year March 25 to help smooth its way.
Election clerks tell it like it is
Local clerks answer questions at forum prior to Tuesday’s primary
Postponed for two weeks when the area was socked with mid-month snow, the presentation “What Election Clerks Want Voters to Know: A Community Conversation” finally brought a trio of municipal clerks together with an attentive crowd last Friday, March 27 at the Rhinelander District Library. The event was co-sponsored by the library and the League of Women Voters of the Northwoods (LWVNW).
Windy, dry conditions lead to brushfire battle in Woodboro Township
Gusty winds helped turn a firepit burn into a threat to three Woodboro Township structures last Sunday afternoon, March 29. The Crescent volunteer fire department responded to the call, with the assistance of the Cassian volunteer fire department and Wisconsin DNR units, to fight a spreading brush fire on the hillside behind 7373 U.S. Highway 8.
Frodesen charged with firearm felony
A preliminary hearing in Oneida County Court was held March 24 for a Rhinelander man accused of intentionally pointing a firearm at a law enforcement officer.
Clure and Cody arraigned on Fentanyl charge
An Eagle River man and woman, each charged in January with one count apiece of possession with intent to deliver more than 50 grams of Fentanyl, have been arraigned in Oneida County Court with judge Mary Sowinski.
Stella approves tree removal bid at special meeting
In preparation for the June start of a $4 million Agricultural Roads Improvement Program (ARIP) project, funded by a grant for projects that directly impact roads used for purposes such as agriculture and forestry, the Stella town board held a special meeting on March 24 to open bids for tree removal.
SDR board hears JWMS news, school forest timber sale plans and more in busy session
James Williams Middle School earned a sizeable share of the spotlight during the March 23 School District of Rhinelander school board meeting.
Questions on Haymeadow Bridge create quandary for Pelican town board
A ticklish situation regarding the Haymeadow Bridge has made for quite a quandary for the Pelican town board. That quandary was front and center at the board’s regular monthly meeting March 23, as well as at a special meeting on March 13.
City Council OKs Messer Street Project expansion
Council members got the latest scoop on city projects galore at Monday’s Rhinelander Common Council meeting. Delivered by Mark Barden of Town and Country Engineering, the update filled much of the meeting, held at Rhinelander City Hall.
SDR board approves upgrades to tracks and tennis courts
Approvals of some six-digit purchases to benefit students both physically and mentally were among the highlights of Monday’s meeting of School District of Rhinelander school board, held at Rhinelander High School’s Superior Diesel Advanced Learning Center.
Pine Lake eyes city’s water and sewer extension plan
A potential development’s impact to Shepard Lake Road’s right of way made for a lively discussion at the Pine Lake town board meeting on Wednesday, March 18. With chairman Jim Flory absent, the meeting at the Pine Lake Community Building was chaired by Tim Oestreich.
Helke seeks court review of Rhinelander commission’s police captain promotion
A Rhinelander Police Department officer who was interviewed last month for the role of police captain, but was not offered the promotion, is taking legal action. Patrol sergeant Kurt Helke was one of only two candidates for the police captain position, together with then-fellow patrol sergeant Chad Brown. Each was interviewed separately in the executive board room behind the council chamber at Rhinelander City Hall in a closed session of the Rhinelander Police and Fire Commission the morning of Feb. 5.
Rhinelander Housing Authority receives $50,000 WHEDA grant, updates pet policy for tenants
After a trio of previous tries, the Rhinelander Housing Authority has at last been awarded a $50,000 Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority grant, the RHA board of commissioners heard at their regular bimonthly meeting March 17 at Evergreen Manor.
Chimney fire in Stella leads to blaze
A spreading chimney fire at a home in the town of Stella prompted assistance from three fire departments Monday afternoon, March 16.
Crescent town board readies for road projects
This year promises to be a busy one for road projects in the town of Crescent. Town supervisor Jonathan Jacobson’s detailed look at potential 2026 road work filled much of this month’s Crescent town board meeting on March 11.
Global Game Jam - Northwoods Showcase program makes for more than ‘just’ a game
With flashing screens and intriguing games everywhere you looked, the fourth annual Global Game Jam - Northwoods Showcase drew an appreciative crowd to Nicolet College’s Lakeshore Center last Wednesday, March 11, to enjoy the creations of its middle and high school student participants.
The men who would be mayor
Incumbent Hanus, challenger Barnett open up in Nicolet forum
In preparation for the April 7 spring election, Rhinelander voters had the opportunity to compare and contrast the pair of candidates who hope to helm the city at Thursday night’s Rhinelander Mayoral Forum.
That’s all she wrote: City council balks at idea to hire full-time grant writer
Run up the flagpole but finding few salutes, an idea to add a full-time grant writer for the city made for much of the discussion at Monday’s Rhinelander common council meeting.
Pelican town board approves replacement for short-lived pressure washer
A new pressure washer will soon be in the works for Pelican’s town shop, after the town board’s regular meeting Monday at the Pelican Town Hall. With town chairman Nick Scholtes absent due to illness, supervisor Walter Dahlquist Jr. led the brief meeting.
Generations generate a fine forum
SDR board candidates deliver in event presented by student council and League of Women Voters
Whether a passionate candidate, a curious audience member, or an inspired student helping it happen, last Wednesday’s Rhinelander School Board Candidate Forum offered quite an educational opportunity.
Fee-less weight limit permit, upcoming road maintenance projects discussed by Stella town board
Unusual circumstances this year for the town of Stella’s seasonal rate limits led the agenda at last Tuesday’s meeting of the town board. Revisiting a decision made at the board’s November meeting, town chairman William “Casey” Crump observed 2026 weight limit permits must be completed and submitted to exceed the posted weight limits, but this year no fees will be required for those permits.
New TID proposed for North Stevens St. area
Mixed-use district would include residential, light industrial, and commercial uses
Rhinelander’s latest Tax Incremental District, TID 13, took its first steps toward becoming a reality Tuesday morning with the convening of the Joint Review Board. The proposed district includes 25 contiguous parcels in the North Stevens Street area.
Town utility permit policy, road projects among topics discussed by Newbold town board
The Newbold town board made strides toward a new town utility permit policy and weighing a slate of possible road projects at its regular meeting last Thursday, Feb. 26. Supervisor Petra Pietrzak was absent.
Newbold repurposes outdoor ballot box to improve indoor drop box
The April 7 spring election is on the way, and the town of Newbold has made some improvements on where absentee ballots will be deposited: its triple-locked new drop box. After the newly built Newbold Community Center opened about two years ago, town clerk Kim Gauthier and treasurer Jodie Hess found its drop box was a little too small to hold all the tax payments and absentee ballots entering through the slot in the building’s outside wall.
Treacherous ice sends Escort into rollover on U.S. Highway 8 in Pelican
Icy conditions have contributed to another crash on U.S. Highway 8. On Tuesday at 4:40 p.m., a Ford Escort was traveling westbound on Hwy. 8 through the town of Pelican when it slid across the median and hit the opposite ditch, rolling onto its roof.
Shoplifting sprees lead to Florence woman facing fines of up to $20,000
A Florence woman charged with a pair of drug-related felonies in October was arrested again Wednesday and charged with felony bail jumping, a class H felony, and class A misdemeanor retail theft after allegedly shoplifting $277.87 in items at the Rhinelander Walmart Supercenter.
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.
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.
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.
Newbold town board nixes Rookery Run tower proposal, hears finance update
A proposal to place a 100-foot service tower on Rookery Run found little support at the Feb. 12 Newbold town board meeting, held at the Newbold Community Center.
Slippery, slushy conditions lead to rollover in Pelican
In the freezing drizzle Wednesday morning, an Argonne woman sustained injuries when her vehicle rolled over, landing upside-down in a ditch on U.S. Highway 8 in Pelican.
Fourth OWI and officer obstruction charges for Baraboo man
A Baraboo man was arrested in Three Lakes last Monday night for a 4th OWI offense and obstructing an officer. Kendall J. Meyer, 56, was charged with one count of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence-4th offense, a class H felony, and one count of resisting or obstructing an officer, a class A misdemeanor.
At least 1,656 Wisconsin child labor violations allegedly amassed by Chicago-based Burger King franchise operator
A Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development audit of child labor violations against the operator of over 100 Burger King franchises in Wisconsin — including one in Rhinelander — is under administrative review, pushing back a deadline to pay more than $1 million for what state officials say is “the largest determination of child labor and wage payment violations in modern Wisconsin history.”
SDR board renews Burke’s contract
Board hears update on $26M referendum construction project
Eric Burke has earned another two years at the helm of the School District of Rhinelander. The superintendent’s contract renewal, spanning July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2028, was approved by the SDR Board of Education at its regular monthly meeting on Monday, Feb. 16. Board clerk Mary Peterson and board treasurer Mike Roberts were absent.
Revaluation angles discussed by town assessor at Newbold meeting
Revaluation, looming next year for the town of Newbold, dominated the discussion in Jef Muelver’s monthly town assessor report at the Feb. 12 Newbold town board meeting. Newbold has fallen out of compliance with the state’s value. To be in compliance, valuation has to be within 10 percent above or below. “Tentatively, we’re ratioed at 66 percent (of market value) for 2025,” Muelver told the board.
Prev Next