Star Journal report

The Hodag Schools Foundation has announced another donation to Hodag athletic complex. Peoples State Bank of Rhinelander pledged $100,000 for improvements to the complex.

“One of the reasons we stepped up to help with this project is the impact it will have not only just on our school’s student athletes, but also on the community in general,” said Brandon Karaba, 2001 Rhinelander High School graduate and assistant vice president and mortgage lender. “From an exercise and fitness standpoint, having a sports complex that will be available when weather doesn’t cooperate, means more people staying fit and improving their health.”

Peoples Northern Market President Craig Lau said the bank looks for ways to give back to the community.

“The facility will be viewed by neighboring communities as an excellent cooperative venture, raising the bar for athletic competition for all Rhinelander athletes,” Lau said. “Additionally, the economic impact to Rhinelander and the surrounding communities will be felt for decades to come. When teams and athletes travel to Rhinelander, those athletes and families will eat at our restaurants, stay at our hotels, and shop in our stores, providing an economic boost that is not just felt by those businesses but felt by the employees who work at those businesses.”

Hodag Schools Foundation (HSF) is a volunteer run non-profit community based organization dedicated to providing financial support for quality programs and facilities benefiting students and promoting excellence in the school district and community. HSF President David Heck stated he anticipates the announcement of up to five more donations in the next few months to complete the donation solicitation portion of the project.