National cemetery in Harshaw gets a name
The National veterans cemetery under construction in Oneida County has been named the Northwoods National Cemetery. The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) purchased the six-acre property at 4520 Lakewood Rd., Harshaw in 2015 for $24, 712. A design-build contract was awarded in August 2017 and cemetery construction is underway. It will be the second VA national cemetery in Wisconsin and will offer more than 3,380 casket and cremation spaces to accommodate burials for the next 10 years. Northwoods National Cemetery is part of the VA’s rural initiative to provide access to VA burial benefits for veterans who reside in rural areas and who have not previously had reasonable access to a national or state veterans cemetery. More information is available at www.cem.va.gov.

Project North Art Walk entrants needed
Project North Festival, taking place in Rhinelander this fall, is seeking amateur and professional artists to exhibit their work for a Downtown Art Walk. Selected exhibitors will be matched with a participating downtown business storefront. The artwalk is open to all art forms, including painting, dawing, stained glass, sculpture, carving, basketry and more. Work must be original in concept and design, and the exhibiting artist must complete all their own work.
Project North, taking place Sept. 26-28, will feature more than 15 live music performances, an eco village with sustainability speakers, products and vendors, art experiences, children’s activities and more. More information and applications are available at www.projectnorth.org.

Second installment property taxes due
Oneida and Vilas county treasurers are reminding residents the second installment of the 2018 property tax bills is due by July 31, 2019. Both counties recommend mailing payments to avoid long lines and limited parking. Mailed payments must be postmarked by July 31 and received by Aug. 7 to avoid delinquent payment interest charges. Payments may also be made online at the county websites or at some area banks. For more information in Oneida County, call 715-369-6137 and in Vilas County, call 715-479-3609. For a more detailed explanation, visit www.starjournalnow.com.

HOPE Consortium offers free self-care class
People affected by substance use disorder can attend “Taking Care of You: Harvesting Your Garden and Cooking on a Budget,” a free self-care class offered by the HOPE Consortium, a partnership of northern Wisconsin organizations formed in 2015 to address growing problems associated with opioid abuse and methamphetamine use. Attendees will learn about gardening, harvesting and cooking healthy meals on a budget. It is open to anyone affected by substance use disorder or is a loved one of someone affected by substance use. Children and families are welcome. Registration is encouraged but not required. Those served by the consortium include men, women, and affected family members, with priority for women of childbearing age, who live in Oneida, Vilas, Forest, Price or Iron counties, or Forest County Potawatomi, Lac du Flambeau Chippewa or Sokaogon Chippewa Tribal Nations. For more information, contact Danielle Luther, 715-387-9180.