The spring elections are the earliest they can be this year, falling on April 1 and while the snow and cold may still be around, there are several contested seats heating things up.

On the Oneida County Board, several spots are contested and many in the Rhinelander area. District 5 which covers parts of the city of Rhinelander and the town of Pelican has incumbent Carol Pederson facing off against challenger Robert DeeDe. In district 7, which includes parts of the towns of Enterprise, Monico, Piehl, Schoepke, Stella and Three Lakes will see incumbent Bob Mott take on challenger Dennis Schoeneck.

In district 11 representing the town of Crescent, incumbent Bob Martini will face challenger Robb Jensen. 

Further out in the county, in district 16 representing the town of Woodruff, incumbent Michael Timmons will take on challenger Michael Pockat, while in district 18 representing the town of Minocqua, Candy Sorensen, the incumbent, faces Lance Krolczyk. In district 21 representing the town of Hazelhurst, incumbent Ted Cushing is facing challenger Bruce LaRose. 

The final contested county board race features two challengers as Alan VanRaalte and Ken Dirks will battle for the district 20 seat representing the towns of Little Rice and Nokomis.

Rhinelander voters will also cast their ballots for school board Tuesday. The Rhinelander School District has three seats up for grabs with four names seeking election.

Incumbents Ray Burgan, Mike Roberts and Merlin Van Buren are looking to return to the board while challenger Duane Frey is also seeking election.
At the city ranks, four alderpersons and the mayor are up for reelection but are all running unopposed. 

For those living in the city of Rhinelander and wanting to vote there are two polling places in the city, the YMCA of the Northwoods and the Oneida County Department on Aging.