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Hey Oneida County, hope your week’s off to a good start! Secondhand shopping vs fast-fashion pollution, a PFAS crisis and bottled water program, a filmmaking meetup with Michael Graf, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Environmental toll of overconsumption: Northwoods owner Megan Joyce of Sundari Consignment Boutique says secondhand shopping cuts fast-fashion pollution. Since opening in July, she collected thousands of pieces and urges shoppers to buy less clothing — see the environmental costs explained.
A compassionate guide through loss: Charity and Charlotte Boucher’s Healing Stories from the Heart shares faith-filled reflections on grief, love, and healing, honoring Charlotte’s legacy after her 2021 passing for Oneida County readers seeking comfort — learn more about the book.
Northwoods skiers hit the trails: Minocqua Winter Park hosted high school Nordic conference championships January 27, first time in over 15 years, with Lakeland Union, Rhinelander competing as winners move on to state in Brillion — get all the details.
Town faces historic PFAS crisis: Ahlstrom has launched a bottled water program for eligible Stella residents within three miles of Town Hall, with Culligan delivering five gallon jugs, though the town chair says questions remain — read the full story.
Gold & silver are hot: Last year was gold’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150%… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. Curious about precious metal investing? GoldCo has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial walk-in-the-door fee to x-rays, surgery, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could save thousands on your next vet bill with Lemonade.
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.
*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
New approach to local growth: Three Lakes is pursuing a special exemption to create a tax incremental district using TIF. Current rules require 3,500 residents, $500 million in equalized value, and a sewer district. The plan aims to boost economic development and workforce housing while easing local tax pressure and attracting visitors. Get all the details.
Your neighbors are Googling you: It’s uncomfortable but true — employers, new friends, even other parents at school pickup search names all the time. If something negative, outdated, or misleading shows up first, it can shape opinions before you ever meet. BetterReputation helps push down unwanted search results so your first impression actually reflects who you are today. And if it’s someone you care about, you can help them too.
Top honor spotlights community: Eagle River was ranked among the Midwest’s best camping destinations in Campspot’s 2026 Togetherness Index, which looks at booking trends and length of stay. Two family run resorts made the list, and Peaceful Pines owner Chris Westfall says the recognition should bring more visitors. Learn more about the ranking.
Gold is having a moment: Between inflation headlines, market swings, and growing global uncertainty, precious metals are (again) in the spotlight. American Hartford is currently offering up to $25,000 in free silver when you open a qualified account. They’ll also help you set up a penalty-free gold IRA with a lowest price guarantee, no buyback fees, and 7-day price protection.
Make some noise: Whether you’re chasing a first guitar, grabbing reeds before band night, or booking lessons, Northland Music Center keeps the Northwoods playing with guitars, drums, keys, and band gear. Rentals are simple, and the crew is friendly… no pressure, no ego, just help finding what fits.
A second opinion never hurts: Not every financial advisor is the right fit, and it’s okay to explore your options. Unbiased matches you with an advisor based on your personal situation, giving you a chance to ask questions in a free, no-pressure conversation to see if the fit makes sense. No obligation — just helpful advice.
Sushi night, sorted: When cravings hit, Kobe Sushi makes it simple with reliably delicious rolls, easy online ordering, and quick pickup or laid-back dine-in. Enjoy a midweek reset that feels special without the fuss, just straightforward sushi comfort that doesn’t overcomplicate dinner.
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📆 Around town this week
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All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
This week
⛷ Community Ski Night @ Northwood Golf Club | Wednesday (2/11) at 6:00 PM – Midweek slump cure: Wednesday ski nights are back at Northwood Nordic Trails, meeting in the back lot at Northwood Golf Club. Glide a few loops with the locals, then linger by the fire with potluck snacks, tall stories, and a well-earned thaw.
🏒 Hodag Hockey Mite Cross Ice Invitational @ Rhinelander Ice Arena | Friday (2/13) – Watch the tiniest Rhinelander blades fly at the Hodag Hockey Mite Cross Ice Invitational, a full day of pint-sized breakaways, brave goalies, and proud sideline coaching. Grab a hot coffee, claim your cold bleacher, and cheer like the Hodag is watching.
💕 Galentine’s Party and Sale | Friday (2/13) at 10:00 AM – Need a solid excuse to spoil yourself? Hit the 3rd annual Galentine’s bash celebrating, well, you, with complimentary pink drinks, sweet treats, special sales, and gifts with purchase. It is retail therapy with snacks, and supporting local totally counts as self care.
This weekend
🎿 USCSA Regional Championships: Women’s Nordic Skiing @ Cedric A. Vig Outdoor Classroom | Saturday (2/14) – Whether you know your kick wax from your klister, or you just like ringing a cowbell, the USCSA Regional Championships bring top collegiate women’s Nordic racing to our backyard. Bundle up, sip something hot, and let their cardio make you feel virtuous by association.
🎣 50th Annual Fisheree | Saturday (2/14) at 6:30 AM – Bundle up and head to Hodag Park for the 50th Annual Fisheree on the ice, where bragging rights, cash for longest fish, and a pile of raffle baskets await. Grab a cookie, swap fish tales, and feel smug knowing it all supports the Rhinelander Lions.
🎬 February Filmmaking Meetup @ The Hilgermann Center | Sunday (2/15) at 2:00 PM – Northwoods Filmmaking Society is gathering at The Hilgermann Center for shop talk, plus a video chat with Green and Gold screenwriter Michael Graf, the Emmy winner with Super Bowl cred and a Nicholl shortlist to boot. All skill levels welcome, bring curiosity, not ego.
❄ Snowshoe Hike | Sunday (2/15) at 3:30 PM – Trade the couch for Long Lake’s 1.5-mile snowshoe loop, no registration, all ages, and yes, bring the dog. Mel’s rents shoes for 10 bucks, so no excuses. We’ll finish by the fire with coffee, hot cocoa, roasted apples, and summer sausage.
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: 15°F – Precip: 10%
Mostly cloudy. High near 29, with temperatures falling to around 25 in the afternoon. West northwest wind 9 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 15. Northwest wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 27°F – Low: 6°F – Precip: 0%
Partly sunny, with a high near 27. Northwest wind 5 to 9 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 6.
This house is wild
This 4-bed, 4-bath, 3,900+ sq ft home on Island Lake, Three Lakes Chain, is inspired by Midwest Living’s 2006 Idea Home, pairing soaring ceilings with nature-inspired palettes. Slate tile, bamboo inlays, and a two-way stacked-stone fireplace anchor the spaces. The cherry kitchen complements a main-level ensuite with lakeside screen porch, retro bar, sunset views, and firepit patio to sandy shoreline.
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 genuinely think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week:
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