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Happy weekend, Oneida County! In today’s edition: Hidden risks in home water, Eddie B’s smoky ribs, an art teacher in Antarctica, and more. Let’s get to it!

— Cait Baker

🏆 Most popular this week

Curated by popular demand — here are this week’s most-clicked events, local spots, and stories.

Hidden risks in home water: Experts urge Wisconsin families using private wells to test for PFAS, noting federal rules do not cover private systems. Wisconsin DNR has found contamination statewide, including clusters near Rhinelander — see why testing matters.

Bring on the smoke: Whether you’re craving hickory-kissed ribs or just a relaxed spot by the water, Eddie B’s White Spruce Restaurant & Tavern smokes in-house and serves scratch-made sides on a breezy riverside deck. It’s a weeknight win you can eat with your fingers.

Small plates, big vibes: Skål Bar & Kitchen serves shareable, locally sourced plates (think TJ’s Butcher Block and Minocqua Farmers Market) and Nordic-leaning cocktails that taste like cozy season in a glass. Easygoing vibes, weeknight friendly, big on flavor without the fuss.

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.

Local lodging policy sparks debate: In January 2026, Oneida County approved allowing shorter stays at tourist rooming houses while keeping a cap on how many renters can rotate through each week. Supporters say it opens cheaper options for visitors. Critics warn it could worsen the region’s affordable housing tensions. See what’s changing and why.

Three stations, one shared beat: On January 13, Wisconsin public radio stations formed the Wisconsin News Collaborative, focusing on environmental and natural resources and sharing reporting statewide, bringing coverage to Oneida County and Northwoods — learn how coverage is shared.

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/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.

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.

🔥 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.

• Got debt? See if you qualify to pay up to 45% less
• This is the best home warranty (and it’s $150 off right now)
• This free tool makes it easy to find a financial advisor
• Over 62? Learn how to turn home equity into tax-free cash
• This pet insurance plan reimburses up to 90%
• Open a GoldCo account & get up to 10% in free gold/silver

📆 Sneak peek at next 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.

🐧 An Art Teacher in Antarctica @ Lakeside Center- Nicolet College | Monday (3/2) at 6:00 PM – A Northwoods art teacher brings Antarctica home with Drake Passage tales, crisp visuals, and wry lessons on conservation, mindful travel, and teaching at the edge of the map. Her expedition artwork fills Lakeside Center’s first floor all month, free admission, plus Lounge snacks and drinks.

🌲 Kids Wilderness Immersion @ Teaching Drum Outdoor School | Tuesday (3/3) at 11:00 AM – Over at Teaching Drum Outdoor School in Three Lakes, kids 6 to 11 ditch screens for sticks, fires, and tree IDs. By donation, join anytime with registration, and yes, parents stay and play. Expect shelters, mindful walks, obstacle courses, and pleasantly tired children.

🧩 Play & Learn @ Hodag Dome | Wednesday (3/4) at 9:30 AM – Kid energy at a 10? Park the screens and let them loose for free play, crafts, story time, singing, and dancing, while you talk to other caregivers. No membership required, just bring your driver’s license for check-in, and watch their skills, confidence, and friends grow.

✂ 13 Colony Quilt Shop Hop @ Sassy Girl Quilt Shop | Thursday (3/5) at 7:00 AM – Winter got you quilting in circles? Hop on a 13-shop hop bus tour leaving from Woodruff for fresh fabric, ideas, and a day out with folks. Seats limited, it’s $60, bring your lunch, water and a treat are covered, bring a friend for a reward.

❄ Snowshoe Hike @ Holmboe Conifer Forest State Natural Area | Thursday (3/5) at 1:00 PM – Head to Holmboe Conifer Forest for a free, guided mile-long walk with Northwoods Land Trust. Snowshoe past old-growth hemlocks on the Pelican, spot critter clues, Hodag sightings not guaranteed. BYO snowshoes, register online, space is limited.

🎱 25th Annual Snow-Fest Pool Tournament @ Flick’s Resort Bar & Grill | Friday (3/6) at 6:30 PM – Snow-Fest’s 25th annual pool throwdown is racking up Friday with a double-elimination warmup, first 16 paid get tables and glory. Saturday brings the infamous two-and-one traveling team circus, then Sunday crowns the champs. Pay up fast, bring your best break, and your thicker skin.

⛸ Friday Night Open Skate @ Lakeland Hawks Ice Arena | Friday (3/6) at 7:00 PM – Lace up and glide into Friday night at the rink, the most wholesome chaos this town does all winter. Five bucks gets you in, three rents the blades, and yes, all ages. Shuffle, show off, or supervise teens while pretending it counts as cardio.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 Oneida County report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 18°F – Low: -2°F – Precip: 14%

A chance of snow showers between noon and 3pm. Mostly cloudy. High near 18, with temperatures falling to around 16 in the afternoon. Northwest wind around 7 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around -2. North northwest wind around 3 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 22°F – Low: 4°F – Precip: 2%

Sunny, with a high near 22. West northwest wind around 3 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 4.

Most popular house this week

Perched above Boom Lake and Hodag Park, this classic ranch celebrates sunset views through a picture window framing the water. A roomy kitchen and dining zone connects to a brick fireplace living room. Three main-floor bedrooms and a bath pair with a private backyard. Two garages and basement stubbed for toilet add flexibility, plus 2022 boiler, 2018 roof, ready for updates.

Take a peek inside →