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Hey Oneida County, hope your week’s off to a good start! A push to unlock development funding, pond hockey’s winter tourism rebound, ice turkey bowling, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Push to unlock development funding: Three Lakes is pursuing a special exemption for a tax incremental district to spur growth and workforce housing that could ease the tax burden for residents and attract more visitors — learn how the TIF works.
Cold-weather crowds return: After two slow winters, Eagle River’s American Pond Hockey has brought a surge of guests to the Chanticleer Inn, lifting restaurants and hotels and reviving winter tourism across the Northwoods — see what’s driving the rebound.
Leadership in emergency services: Aspirus MedEvac director Robert Kirkley, a former UP educator, was named 2025 Director of the Year by Wisconsin EMS Association for 35 years and data driven improvements to patient care — read about his innovations.
Ancient calm in motion: Vilas County ADRC hosted a free Qi Gong meditation seminar at the Eagle River Library last week, with retired psychotherapist Kathy Mitchell leading movements to promote mindfulness and stress relief — read the full story.
Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why precious metals are back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
Company offers local aid: Ahlstrom, which owns the Rhinelander mill and was named responsible for PFAS contamination in Stella, launched a free bottled water program for residents within three miles of the Town Hall. About 300 letters went out. No well testing is needed. Langan and Culligan manage monthly service. Learn more about the program.
Born from industry setbacks: Rhinelander logger Dennis Schoeneck, owner of Enterprise Forest Products, founded Timber Professionals Cooperative Enterprises to give loggers and truckers an ownership stake. The co-op purchased the former Hoffman Wood Fiber sawmill in Tilleda and aims to boost output from roughly 2,500 to 4,500 tons per month. Learn how and why it started.
Sweet tooth reset: Midweek moods improve fast at Fun Factory Sweet Shoppe, where small-batch fudge, classic bulk candy, and the Chocolate Hodag nod to Rhinelander lore. It’s the kind of treat run that starts innocent, then quietly becomes a cozy stash for later.
Closet upgrade, sustainably: Freshen your wardrobe and lighten the donation pile as Sundari Consignment Boutique keeps quality women’s and children’s vintage, boutique, and natural‑fiber pieces in circulation, plus returns 5% of profits to local causes. Thoughtful style, less waste, and plenty of finds without the guilt.
What do people see when they search your name? Search results can surface past mistakes or outdated information that no longer reflects who you are. BetterReputation helps remove and clean up unwanted content so your online presence matches your real life today. Not worried about yourself? Doesn’t hurt to mention it to family or friends who might be.
Take control of your credit card debt: High interest can keep you stuck paying more than you need to. A balance transfer card with 0% intro APR until 2027 and no annual fee gives you time to pay down what you owe without interest working against you. By transferring your balance, more of your payment goes toward the principal so you can actually make a dent in what you owe.
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📆 Around town this week
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
This week
🎄 Christmas Crafters for a Cause @ Church of the Pines Ministry Center | Tuesday (2/24) at 9:30 AM – Holiday spirit in February, because the Cookie Walk waits for no one. Swing by Church of the Pines for a monthly, low-pressure craft session making goods for December’s sale, supporting United Women in Faith. Supplies provided, bring your lunch, and your best stories, optional.
🩸 Community Blood Drive @ Ripco Credit Union | Tuesday (2/24) at 10:00 AM – Got a spare pint, Rhinelander? Ripco Credit Union and Red Cross are hosting a blood drive at the Sutliff Ave branch, and with the shortage, your sleeve roll could save a neighbor. Bonus, you walk out with a $20 e-gift card.
🌲 Wisconsin Forest History @ Minocqua Public Library | Tuesday (2/24) at 5:30 PM – Retired forester John Grosman is unpacking how logging, fires, and old-school practices carved the Wisconsin woods we wander today. Expect the Peshtigo Fire, vanished lumber towns, and a few aha moments your grandpa and your inner history nerd will appreciate. It’s free, no registration.
This weekend
🛷 Vintage Snowmobile Show @ TBD | Saturday (2/28) at 9:00 AM – Come admire the sleds that outlasted our backs at an equipment fundraiser with a vintage snowmobile show, trophies, apparel, a bogie toss, and a scenic overlook ride. Big money is in the raffle, so polish your pride, bring cash, and watch for tickets soon.
🐾 Passport to America’s Wild Animals Stop #2 @ Mel’s Trading Post | Saturday (2/28) at 10:00 AM – Mel’s is going wild with Passport Stop #2, where Kendell and the crew from Wild Instincts dish the dirt on the critters living in our own backyards. It’s free, family-friendly, and surprisingly educational. Think less zoo, more neighborly gossip with fur, feathers, and talons.
🎳 Ice Turkey Bowling @ Minocqua Yacht Club | Saturday (2/28) at 11:00 AM – Winter in Minocqua means 16 lanes of ice turkey bowling on the frozen lake, with prizes for the top teams. Expect fire pits, 50/50 raffles, basket raffles, and live music by Brad Emanuel. Come for the skill-optional laughs, stay because proceeds help Lakeland Food Pantry.
📷 Winter Photo Explore: Community Photo Walk @ Tilly’s | Sunday (3/1) at 1:00 PM – Stretch your legs and your creativity with a Winter Photo Explore starting at Tilly’s downtown. Bring a camera, a phone, or just your eyeballs, and we’ll wander Rhinelander or carpool if the weather acts up. Kids can tag along, under-14s with an adult.
Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Oneida County report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 29°F – Low: 4°F – Precip: 92%
Snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 29. Southwest wind 10 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 4. West northwest wind around 13 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 19°F – Low: 0°F – Precip: 0%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 19. West northwest wind 3 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 0.
This house is wild
This cheerful 2-bed, 1-bath retreat sits minutes from town, close to all amenities, and is move-in ready. Sliding doors open to a large wraparound deck with sweeping views of Little Papkee Lake. A detached 24-by-24, drive-through, two-car garage adds convenience and storage. Compact footprint, big outdoor living, and a location that balances nature and access.
Take a peek inside →
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🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.
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