Ripco Credit Union holding Food Drive Challenge

Ripco Credit Union has launched a Food Drive Challenge to help make sure the Rhinelander Area Food Pantry will continue to be well-stocked and positioned to help the community, including any employees who are or will be directly impacted by the announced layoffs at Petco and the government partial shutdown. Ripco will provide a $1 cash match for each pound of food collected, up to 500 pounds. Drop-off bins are located at the Rhinelander Branch of Ripco; the challenge will run through Thursday, Jan. 31.

Annual CANtastic event needs entries

The Rhinelander Area Food Pantry (RAFP) and the Rouman Cinema are again co-sponsoring the CANtastic events which pairs creative competition and community service. This year’s theme is “Toon into Hunger.”Competing area teams showcase their talents by designing and constructing sculptures made with donated or purchased canned goods. These creations are judged on criteria including creativity, complexity and use of color. At the close of the competition, prizes are awarded for Judges Choice, People’s Choice and Most Cans Used Following the theme. All of the food used in the structures is donated to the RAFP for distribution. The competition is open to any group or organization in the Rhinelander area.
The build day is Saturday, March 3 at The Rouman Cinema. The CANtastic creations will be on display for two weeks to allow the public to view and judge them. For more information, call Guy, 715-282-5810 or Bill, 715-360-0400 or visit the RAFP website.

Relay for Life daffodil sale helps celebrate spring

The American Cancer Society’s annual Daffodil Days is a celebration of spring and an opportunity to join ACS in the fight for a world without cancer. The Relay for Life movement is one of the world’s largest fundraising events to benefit people with cancer. Money raised through daffodil sales supports research, patient services and other programs. Sales are underway now through March 1. Receive a bunch of 10 daffodils for a donation of $10. Order by calling Joy Turpin, event lead at 715-479-6560 or through email at [email protected]. Flowers will be available for delivery or pick up March 14. Order forms are available from Relay participants and various locations in Eagle River and Rhinelander. For more information, visit www.relayforlife.org/northwoodswi.

Community discussion on creative economy development

Several Northwoods organizations are inviting the public to an informal discussion about developing and growing the creative economy in the Northwoods and throughout the state. Creative industries have become a focus in the region with noted impacts on many parts of society.
At the meeting, state and regional leaders will discuss cultural and creative economy development as critical strategies for 21st Century growth. The meeting will include a group discussion about the ways in which the creative sector and creative collaborations benefit workforce development, entrepreneurship, cultural development and quality of life in the Northwoods and the state overall. Included in the discussion with be representatives of Arts Wisconsin, Grow North, ArtStart Rhinelander, Nicolet College, Oneida County Economic Development Corporation and the Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce. The meeting will be held Jan. 29, from 3:30-5 p.m. at Nicolet College Theater in the Lakeside Center. RSVP to [email protected].

Northland Pines referendum meetings set

The Northland Pines School District will be going to referendum Feb. 19 to exceed the revenue limits for operational purposes. The district is requesting $4.6 million per year for three years beginning with the 2019-20 school year. If passed, this would replace the current referendum for $3.9 million per year. The two remaining public information meetings are scheduled for Jan. 29 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Germain Elementary School and Feb. 4 at 2 p.m. at the Walter E. Olson Memorial Library in Eagle River. District administrator Scott Foster will discuss district operations and the impact the referendum will have on taxpayers. The district faces a projected $5 million shortfall the next three years and Foster said budget cuts have been and will continue to be considered in areas of administration and overall staffing. For more information, npsd.k12.us/district/referendum.cfm.

Education and money

The League of Women Voters of the Northwoods (LWVNOW) are holding a joint meeting with the American Association of University Women (AAUW) of the Northwoods, Monday, Feb. 4 at the Pine Lake Town Hall and fire station at 12:30 p.m. At 1 p.m., the program will hear from two administrators from Merrill Area Public Schools regarding the difference between charter schools an voucher schools, what impact these have on public education funding, why are school districts holding referendums to keep them running, are there alternate ways of funding education and will answer other education and money questions. Optional lunch at Rhinelander Café and Pub at 11:15 a.m.; email [email protected] by Feb. 1 if attending either. The meeting is free and open to the public.