Ahlstrom defendants challenge strict liability claim in Stella PFAS lawsuit
The four defendants affiliated with pulp and paper company Ahlstrom-Munksjo have come out swinging in defending themselves against a lawsuit filed by a group of Town of Stella property owners who allege the spread of PFAS-contaminated sludge/fibercake from the Ahlstrom-owned Rhinelander paper mill on local farmlands contaminated their drinking water.
‘The results of the investigation were not a surprise to us’
Sheriff speaks out after DA clears officers involved in fatal shooting
Oneida County sheriff Grady Hartman is praising his deputies for their “great courage under fire” on the evening of Jan. 20 when a call to a residence on River Street ended with what Oneida County district Jillian Pfeifer has determined was a lawful use of lethal force.
DA clears officers involved in fatal shooting
District attorney Jillian Pfeifer has determined that City of Rhinelander and Oneida County officers were justified in using lethal force during an incident at a River Street residence on Jan. 20 that resulted in the death of a 33-year-old man.
Legislators announce bill requiring CO detectors in schools
Just days after carbon monoxide sickened students and staff in the Crandon, Rep. Rob Swearingen (R-Rhinelander) and his colleagues Jeff Mursau (R-Crivitz) and David Steffen (R-Howard), announced Tuesday they will be introducing legislation that would require Wisconsin schools to have carbon monoxide detectors throughout their buildings.
Lueder appointed to City Council
Choosing a fresh face over experience, the Rhinelander Common Council voted unanimously Monday to appoint local businessman Bob Lueder to represent Aldermanic District 4.
Plan commission tables decision on Woodland Drive tourist house permit
The City of Rhinelander plan commission voted last week to postpone its decision on a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) application submitted by a property owner seeking to operate a tourist house/short-term rental on Woodland Drive.
Rhinelander Rennes facility dealing with COVID outbreak
The Rennes Health & Rehab Center in Rhinelander is dealing with a COVID-19 outbreak, the Oneida County health department has confirmed, however the situation is abating due to the implementation of safety procedures.
Family sues district, janitor over 2018 elementary school assault
A local family has filed a civil lawsuit against the School District of Rhinelander and Victory Janitorial Service, Inc. alleging they were negligent in allowing Stavros Iliopoulos to continue to work as a janitor at Northwoods Community Elementary School (NCES) despite knowledge of “other incidents of sexual harassment” attributed to him.
Plea agreement reached in human trafficking case
A 58-year-old Rhinelander man who was scheduled to stand trial this week on six counts of human trafficking formalized a plea agreement Friday morning resolving the case.
District officials make the case for tech ed referendum
At a time when it’s not uncommon to hear laments that America doesn’t make anything anymore or that many young people don’t know what to do when a basic household item breaks, the School District of Rhinelander is hoping voters will support a $26 million referendum aimed at modernizing the district’s technical education facilities.
City moving ahead with walking trail
Ethics resolution approved
With spring right around the corner, the City of Rhinelander is moving forward with plans to construct a pedestrian path that will connect westside residents to the rest of the city. On Monday evening, the common council unanimously approved a proposal from Town and Country Engineering, Inc. for design and engineering services related to the proposed trail.
City receives $25,000 ‘Plowing for Pizza’ grant
If Mother Nature happens to have a change of heart, and the Rhinelander area receives a heaping helping of fresh snow in the near future, the city’s plow truck drivers will be ready, thanks to Domino’s Pizza.
Defendants in overdose death cases moving toward trial
A pair of unrelated cases involving separate fentanyl-related overdose deaths in Oneida County are moving closer to the trial stage.
Ethics committee to present recommendations to city council
The City of Rhinelander’s ethics committee is ready to present to the common council a resolution outlining the ethical principles it believes should guide those who serve the city’s residents.
Council takes another step toward possible new municipal complex
The City of Rhinelander is continuing its exploration into what would be a major facilities-related project — shifting the center of city government from the historic City Hall building at 135 S. Stevens Street to a new consolidated municipal building in an as yet unidentified location.
Procedure for selection of new city alderperson finalized
The Rhinelander Common Council has finalized a questionnaire that must be completed by anyone interested in filling the vacant District 4 aldermanic seat. Potential candidates have until noon on March 1 to complete and return the questionnaire which is available on the city website — https://www.rhinelanderwi.us/departments/city_clerk/district_4_vacancy.php.
Wausau Paper added as a defendant in Stella PFAS lawsuit
Number of plaintiffs increases dramatically
Six months after a group of Town of Stella property owners first filed a federal lawsuit alleging that PFAS-contaminated sludge spread on nearby farmlands contaminated their drinking water, the number of plaintiffs in the case has increased from 6 to 40 and a new defendant has been added.
Stella PFAS site ‘recommended’ for inclusion in Superfund inventory
Amended complaint filed in lawsuit against paper mill, 3M
The Department of Natural Resources has completed a report detailing its preliminary assessment of PFAS-contaminated lands in the Town of Stella that includes a recommendation that the site be added to the national Superfund inventory.
Officers involved in January incident cleared to work
Deceased identified
The five law enforcement officers involved in a critical incident on River Street late last month have been authorized to resume their duties.
PFOS-based fish consumption advisories issued for Hat Rapids Flowage, Moen Chain
Updated safe fish consumption booklet available
The state Department of Natural Resources (DNR), in partnership with the Department of Health Services (DHS), has released an online publication with updated guidelines for safe fish consumption.
Longtime city alderman, county board supervisor dies
Tom Kelly, a long-serving member of both the Rhinelander Common Council and the Oneida County Board of Supervisors, passed away Thursday, Feb. 1, at the age of 81, his family reported.
‘We dream of a Rhinelander that continues to thrive’
Chamber celebrates 100th anniversary
Here’s a thought experiment for those who call the Rhinelander area home. Imagine the individuals who founded the Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce 100 years ago had just 30 minutes to explore the city circa 2024. What elements might they find familiar and what would be beyond their wildest imaginings?
Northwoods Land Trust announces expansion of Holmboe Conifer Forest
The Holmboe Conifer Forest in Rhinelander just grew by six acres. The Northwoods Land Trust (NWLT), which has managed the old-growth tract since 2007, has announced that it acquired an additional six acres at the end of January, boosting the total acreage of the protected forest to 38.
Gunshot fired during health and welfare check on Coolidge Ave.
Second incident in four days involving shots fired
For the second time in less than a week, a gunshot was fired while local law enforcement officers conducted a health and welfare check in the Rhinelander area. On Wednesday evening, an individual fired a shot through a window of a residence on Coolidge Avenue, the Rhinelander Police Department reported Thursday.
March jury trial set in human trafficking case
A 58-year-old Rhinelander man facing multiple counts of human trafficking is scheduled to stand trial in early March after invoking his right to a speedy trial.
New hotel opens in Rhinelander
The new Holiday Inn Express & Suites hotel on Rhinelander’s northeast side is open for business.
County supervisors approve PFAS-related resolution
Board requests more testing of private wells
Tom LaDue is expecting his grandchildren to visit his Snowden Lake home this summer, but he doesn’t know whether they’ll be able to spend much time in the water.
Pine Lake board mulls town’s role in library district
The Pine Lake town board is concerned about the financial impact of the town’s obligation as a member of the Rhinelander Library District, but it is not abandoning the library.
The magic maker
Campbell honored for service to community
For Scott Campbell of Rhinelander, the holiday season never really ends. As the de facto lead designer/builder of the festive light displays that illuminate Hodag Park every December, and a core member of the hearty team of volunteers that installs and removes the pieces every year, a substantial portion of Campbell’s year is spent working on something related to Rhinelander’s most popular holiday attraction, the Lights of the Northwoods.
District files motion to dismiss lawsuit over treatment of nonbinary student
The School District of Rhinelander is seeking immediate dismissal of a federal lawsuit filed by a mother and her nonbinary child alleging that Rhinelander school officials “repeatedly refused to recognize or respect (the child’s) gender identity” and (undertook) “a series of discriminatory and highly stigmatizing actions against them based on their sex, gender identity, and nonbinary status.”
City Council signals support for Timber Drive speed study
Mayor offers to buy controversial Highway 17 billboard
Three weeks after approving the purchase of new radar speed signs at the request of the Rhinelander Police Department, the Rhinelander Common Council voted unanimously Monday to move forward with another project related to traffic control — a proposed speed study of Timber Drive.
Chagnon charged with failing to update sex offender information
A convicted sex offender who returned to Rhinelander in the fall of 2022 after serving a sentence for violating prison rules during his incarceration on a possession of child pornography conviction has been charged with failing to update information as required under the Sex Offender Registry Program (SORP).
Race for circuit judge takes shape
Oneida County assistant district attorney Mary M. Sowinski and Oneida County corporation counsel Mike Fugle are seeking the privilege of serving as the county’s next circuit court judge.
Rodeway Inn conversion project moving forward
Apartments expected to be ready for occupancy in April
Come spring, there will be another option for those searching for an affordable place to call home.
Candidates line up for spring election
Several contested races on the ballot
Election season is upon us with contested races this spring for the Rhinelander Common Council, the Oneida County Board of Supervisors and the School District of Rhinelander Board of Education.
Sowinski eyes Branch II seat
Oneida County judicial race intensifies as assistant district attorney files papers
Assistant Oneida County district attorney Mary M. Sowinski is throwing her hat in the ring for circuit court judge.
PFAS lawsuit chosen as top story of ‘23
Amended complaint coming in February, defendants answer due in March
With 2024 fast approaching, the time has come to look back on the top local news stories of the year that was 2023.
Mayor to run for county board
Rhinelander Mayor Kris Hanus has decided to seek a second elected office. Hanus, who has served as mayor of the Hodag city since April 12, 2022, filed a declaration of candidacy and nomination papers Dec. 20 for the District 2 Oneida County Board of Supervisors seat currently held by supervisor and alderman Tom Kelly.
No charges to be filed in deaths of teens found in Oneida County Forest
Deaths were the result of hypothermia, medical examiner concluded
Law enforcement has concluded its investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the two Merrill teenagers whose disappearance on an unusually warm weekend in early spring shook residents in both Lincoln and Oneida counties.
City to purchase speed and flashing school crossing signs
Attention speed racers, the City of Rhinelander wants motorists to slow down and be aware of students crossing the street on their way to school.
Santa’s Workshop tradition continues in Sugar Camp
Traditions, especially those of the holiday variety, resonate in small towns. Generations of townspeople who couldn’t fathom living anywhere else work hard to ensure their children get to experience the Christmas rituals they enjoyed in their own younger days.
1980 Oneida County John Doe identified
Thanks to the marvels of modern science and the diligent efforts of numerous individuals, a 43-year-old Oneida County mystery has finally been solved.
Corporation counsel to run for circuit judge
Oneida County corporation counsel Mike Fugle is once again asking the voting public to consider him for an open judicial seat.
Bloom won’t run for re-election
The Oneida County Circuit Court will see additional changes in 2024 as Branch II Judge Mike Bloom has filed a notice of non-candidacy for the next election. Bloom’s decision to step down comes just months after Mike Schiek, a former district attorney, took the bench in Branch I, succeeding Judge Patrick O’Melia who retired in August 2022.
Site chosen for new city test well
Utility rate increase coming in 2024
With a goal of ensuring clean drinking water for generations of future residents, the City of Rhinelander is moving ahead with plans to dig a new test well at the city’s reservoir on County Road G.
Panel denies motion to transfer Stella PFAS lawsuit to South Carolina
The United States Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation has denied a motion filed by chemical giant 3M to include a PFAS-related lawsuit filed by a group of Oneida County property owners in a massive multidistrict litigation consolidated in South Carolina.
Fire damages Maple Street residence, two displaced
A late-night fire on Rhinelander’s west side Monday has displaced two tenants.
RFD to get one additional firefighter as council approves 2024 tax levy
Despite a “once in a generation” boost in state aid to the City of Rhinelander coming in 2024, the Rhinelander Fire Department will add one, not three, new firefighters to the team next year.
School board OKs referendum question
Voters to decide in April
Come spring, School District of Rhinelander voters will be asked to authorize the issuance of general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $26 million for the purpose improving technical education facilities at James Williams Middle School and Rhinelander High School.
City ethics committee reviews complaint
Discussion to continue Nov. 27
The ethics committee created by the Rhinelander Common Council back in 2020 met Nov. 13 to discuss a complaint filed against a city employee.