Happy weekend, Oneida County! In today’s edition: New flights on the horizon, Snowmy Kromer returns, the World’s Largest Penny gets a save, and more.

— Cait Baker

🏆 Most popular this week

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

Air service expansion ahead: Rhinelander-Oneida County Airport saw 30,686 passengers in 2025 as more travelers headed to the Northwoods. New daily Delta Connection service and seasonal United Express flights to O’Hare are planned in 2026 — see what’s planned for 2026.

Your closet’s environmental footprint: Wisconsin boutique owner Megan Joyce urges secondhand shopping to reduce fast fashion pollution. At Sundari Consignment Boutique she has collected thousands of garments and hopes Northwoods shoppers rethink buying new — read the full story.

How a town rallied: Woodruff’s World’s Largest Penny is now under a tarp after major cracks were found. The Dr. Kate Museum plans a $30,000 all-weather cover to preserve the community landmark — see what’s planned next.

Beloved snow icon rebuilt: Snowmy Kromer is back in Minocqua with a new Stormy Kromer hat and a new home at Torpy Park, bringing visitors and optimism after two winters with low snowfall — read the full story.

Wisconsin rail heritage revived: Rhinelander’s 5 Spot, a 1925 Baldwin narrow gauge locomotive built for Thunder Lake Lumber Company, is displayed at Pioneer Park Historical Complex after restoration and stints in Mexico and Colorado — read the full preservation story.

Shaping future of local lakes: Oneida County is developing a new lake classification system using DNR data, grouping lakes into three classes based on external stressors. Backed by a DNR surface water grant, the effort aims to guide lake use, protect water quality, and educate users about fragile conditions. Get all the details.

Gold & silver are hot: Gold just had its best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150% in 2025… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. If you’re curious about adding precious metals to your portfolio as a market hedge, American Hartford has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. 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.

An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.

📆 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.

🔥 Stories, Songs & S’mores @ Rhinelander District Library | Monday (1/19) at 6:00 PM – Warm stories, singalongs, and s’mores without the campfire smoke, now that’s a win. Children’s WI is bringing danceable tunes, you bring the kiddos and a cozy blanket. It’s wholesome chaos, a sugar bribe, and bedtime-ready snuggles all in one tidy outing.

🍷 Uncorked & Fortified: Port Night @ Mary Kate’s Wine Bar | Tuesday (1/20) at 6:00 PM – An evening at Mary Kate’s means one thing, Port takes center stage. Sip through ruby, tawny, and maybe a vintage or two, swap smart notes, and call dessert research. Slow pace, good company, and conversation that lingers longer than the finish.

🎿 Community Ski Night @ Northwood Golf Club | Wednesday (1/21) at 6:00 PM – Wednesday ski nights are back at Northwood Nordic Trails behind the golf club, restoring midweek sanity. Glide a few loops, then park it by the fire with potluck snacks, a thermos, and stories that get taller every winter. Parking lot meetup energy, adult gear.

🎸 Kevin Troestler @ ArtStart Rhinelander | Thursday (1/22) at 6:30 PM – ArtStart is kicking off the 2026 Roots Concert Series with Wisconsin’s own Kevin Troestler, blending blues, country, and soul in downtown Rhinelander. Think Stevie Ray grit with supper club manners, no pretense, just chops. Suggested $10 at the door, cash bar, local vibes.

⛵ 4th Annual Winter Regatta @ Pitlik’s Sand Beach Resort | Friday (1/23) – Think a regatta needs waves? Around here, we race on Sand Lake’s frozen runway, sip something warm, and call it a perfect day. The 4th Annual Winter Regatta brings friendly competitions, neighbors you actually like, and that cozy Pitlik’s charm, boots required.

❄ Hodag Winter Whiteout @ Hodag Dome | Friday (1/23) – Whether you still slide into second like it’s 1998, or you just want an excuse to wear your warmest boots, this winter softball tournament turns Hodag country into full-on snow globe mode. Think hometown bragging rights, thermoses, and plenty of frost-fueled banter.

🐀 Stella VFD Varmint Collection Fundraiser @ Stella Volunteer Fire Department | Friday (1/23) at 5:00 PM – Stella VFD’s annual varmint collection is back, the way to swap cabin fever for bragging rights and a good cause. Register one evening, then weigh in the next day. Same prizes as last year, you know the drill, and it all supports our firefighters.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 Oneida County report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 23°F – Low: -1°F – Precip: 41%

A chance of snow. Cloudy. High near 23, with temperatures falling to around 17 in the afternoon. Northwest wind 7 to 12 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around -1. West wind 5 to 8 mph.

—

Tomorrow – High: 8°F – Low: -9°F – Precip: 63%

Snow likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 8. West southwest wind 6 to 9 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible. Later: A slight chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around -9. Chance of precipitation is 20%. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.

Most popular house this week

Set on the Rhinelander Flowage of the Wisconsin River, this beautifully remodeled cabin frames million-dollar views in every season. Two true primary suites each feature a full bath and walk-in closet. Vibrant, cozy living spaces pair with updated mechanicals and plumbing, so everything feels turnkey. A versatile finished space above the garage flexes as a studio, office, or guest quarters. A dry boathouse with a rail system stands ready for a light refresh.

Abundant wildlife drifts along the shoreline, and dockside fishing is excellent. Part of the Rhinelander Chain, this spot delivers easy days on the water and unfiltered Northwoods beauty.

Take a peek inside →

📣 Own or manage a local business?

Meet BaseLocal Business — a free and easy way to get your business happenings in front of our readers.

How it works:

• Sign up (it takes less than 5 minutes)
• We’ll manually verify your business is legit
• Once verified, you’ll be able to share events, news, and special deals with us any time

Everything you share is reviewed, and approved submissions are automatically considered for future newsletters. AKA… your business has a much higher chance of being featured in front of thousands of Oneida County locals who live, shop, eat, and share good things with their friends.

We also regularly spotlight verified businesses just because we think they’re great.

Click here to get started (it’s free) →