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Council to administration: Pursue one-year golf course contract
Like a wayward tee shot, the Rhinelander Common Council’s Nov. 11 discussion regarding the future of the city-owned Northwood Golf Club moved in a number of different directions before the alderpersons landed on a motion directing city administration to pursue a one-year contract with Oliphant Golf Management.
Council approves tax levy
Administrator recommends city investigate public safety millage
The Rhinelander Common Council voted unanimously Monday to adopt the proposed fiscal year 2025 budget and approve a tax levy of $6,172,164. The general levy is listed in the city’s budget overview as $4.8 million, the airport levy is $197,081, the library levy is $295,973 and the debt service levy is $879,110 for a total of $6,172,164.
Fire chief pays tribute to fallen assistant chief
A somber Rhinelander Fire Chief Brian Tonnancour took to the podium during the public comment portion of Monday evening’s common council meeting to speak directly to the community about how the department is coping following the sudden loss of assistant chief Dan Bauer.
$50,000 cash bail set for defendant involved in high-speed chase
Four felony charges have been filed against a 51-year-old Neopit man accused of striking another vehicle on State Highway 17 and then leading local law enforcement on a high-speed chase.
No lawyer yet for woman charged with reckless homicide
The state public defender’s office is still looking for an attorney to represent a 37-year-old Rhinelander woman charged with first-degree reckless homicide in connection with the death of her four-month-old child in April 2020.
‘He was the fire department’
Colleagues, community mourn assistant chief
The Rhinelander Fire Department is mourning the sudden loss of a veteran firefighter/paramedic described by his colleagues as the “the heartbeat” of the crew.
Mayor, residents react to cancellation of shared ride program
Public hearing scheduled for Nov. 25
The public comment portion of the Oct. 28 meeting of the Rhinelander Common Council was focused primarily on the panel’s recent decision to discontinue its shared ride taxi program, Rhinelander Public Transit, in 2025. The vote, which took place during the council’s Oct. 14 meeting, came after the alderpersons were advised that the city’s share to fund the program in 2025 would be approximately $75,000 rather than the estimated $25,000.
School board approves property tax levy
With an operational referendum on the horizon, the board of education met Monday, Oct. 28 to formally approve the School District of Rhinelander’s budget and tax levy for 2024-2025. The vote came during a special meeting convened immediately after the annual meeting of the electors.
Council directs administration to explore golf course recommendations
Advisory committee suggests in-house management
The clock is ticking for the members of the Rhinelander Common Council to make decisions regarding the future of the city-owned Northwood Golf Club. The city’s contract with Oliphant Golf Management, the firm that has been operating the course for the city, is set to expire on Dec. 31, 2024 and an ad hoc advisory committee, formed a year ago after the club experienced a significant loss of membership, is recommending the council return the course to its former designation as a city department and run it without the assistance of an outside management company.
City clerk reports high turnout for early and absentee voting
City of Rhinelander residents have taken advantage of the opportunity to vote early and avoid the expected large crowds on Election Day, city clerk Austyn Zarda reported during the Oct. 28 meeting of the Rhinelander Common Council.