News Briefs
Founder of ‘Blue Jean Nation’ to speak in Woodruff
Mike McCabe, former candidate for governor of Wisconsin, and founder of citizen empowerment organization, Blue Jean Nation, will speak 6-7:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 9, at the Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Woodruff. McCabe will speak about the current state of politics in Wisconsin and how to build a progressive movement throughout the state. The event is hosted by the Northwoods chapter of Our Wisconsin Revolution. McCabe served as Executive Director of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign from 1999 to 2014. He recently served as the Executive Director of We Are Many—United Against Hate. The event is free and open to the public.
Snowmobile safety class offered
The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) is sponsoring a Wisconsin DNR certified snowmobile safety course three nights in January at the Oneida County Law Enforcement Center. Class times are 4-7 p.m., on Jan. 20, 21 and 23. Anyone born on or after Jan, 1, 1985 and at least 12 years old must have certification to operate on public areas. All ages can enroll in the course, and parents and other adults are encouraged to enroll and participate. Cost is $10 per person. Register online at the DNR Go Wild website. Students are required to have a DNR customer ID number for the class, which can be obtained by calling 888-936-7463. Students who need special accommodations are asked to notify the OCSO when registering. For more information on the class, contact Deputy Michael Baran, 715-493-0540.
Northwoods commemoration of MLK Jr. Day
The public is invited to attend an annual Northwoods commemoration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Sunday, Jan. 19. The event, organized by the Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (NUUF) is the only event of its kind in the area. The remembrance will begin with a candlelight vigil at 4:30 p.m. at Veterans’ Park in downtown Minocqua, immediately followed by a 5:30 p.m. showing of the critically acclaimed movie “Selma” at Lakeland Cinema in Woodruff. Admission to the movie is free. “Selma” is based on the true story of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s efforts, in the face of violent opposition, to secure voting rights for African Americans. The movie is set against the backdrop of racial unrest, and chronicles a turbulent three-month period in 1965, during which time the historic march from Selma to Montgomery led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act, signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson. Co-sponsors of this year’s event include Nicolet College, Ascension Lutheran Church, St. Matthias Episcopal Church, St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church, League of Women Voters of the Northwoods, the Northwoods Branch of the American Association of University Women, and Northern Wisconsin Center for Working People.
Free income tax assistance available
Trained and certified volunteers, through the AARP Tax-Aide Program will provide free 2019 federal and state income tax and Wisconsin Homestead Credit preparation, including electronic filing. The target group for this service is people low to moderate income, with a special emphasis for those ages 60 and older. The free service is available at the ADRC of Oneida County in Rhinelander, by appointment only, every Monday and Wednesday Feb. 3-April 8. To schedule an appointment, call the ADRC office at 715-369-6170. The Rhinelander tax-aide site prepared and e-filed more than 500 returns in each of the past three years.
Northwoods Nordic to host Hodag Challenge
More than 15 schools and up to 350 skiers are expected at the Ced A. Vid Outdoor Classroom (CAVOC) trails Jan. 18-19 for the third annual Ascension Northwoods Nordic Hodag Challenge Cross Country Ski Race. High school and junior varsity skiers will complete on a 5K course and the middle school on a 3.3K course. Racers will start at timed intervals on Saturday and then at intervals Sunday, based on their times from Saturday. Medals will be awarded for both freestyle (skate) and classic racers. Spectators are welcome for all races, with many areas of the course spectator accessible.
Conservation themed speeches, posters open to the public
The public is invited to listen to speeches given by the area’s future environmental stewards. The Conservation Awareness Speaking Contest will take place at 5 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 15 on the second floor of the Oneida County Courthouse. The contest is hosted by the Oneida County Land and Water Conservation Department (LWCD) and challenges area youth to write and deliver a speech promoting the conservation of natural resources and the protection or enhancement of environmental quality. The contest is dedicated to Oneida County Conservationist Jean Hansen who passed away in 2016. A poster contest is held in conjunction with the speaking contest. This year’s theme is, “Where Would We Bee Without Pollinators?” Posters will be judged on Jan. 14 and on display at the courthouse during the speaking contest. First place winners of both contests compete in the area competition Jan. 24 in Langlade County.
Public meeting scheduled for WIS 47 in Oneida County
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is holding a public meeting to discuss proposed improvements to WIS 47, from Kildeer road in Oneida County to the Vilas County line. The meeting is scheduled 5-6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 15, at the Woodruff Town Hall. A brief presentation is scheduled to begin at 5:15 p.m., followed by an open house. The purpose and need for the project will be discussed and feedback obtained on proposed improvements, which include removal and replacement of asphalt, beam guard replacement, culvert replacements and installation of centerline rumble strips. Improvements also include replacement of curb and gutter and curb ramps in Lake Tomahawk and Woodruff. Construction is currently scheduled to begin in spring 2022. If special accommodations are needed, contact Dan Erva, 715-365-5776 no later than Friday, Jan. 10.
Homeowners see higher lottery credit on tax bills
The Wisconsin Department of Revenue is reporting the average lottery and gaming credit for homeowners has increased by an estimated $24. The increase is due, primarily, to lottery sales exceeding estimates. The statewide average credit is $184 compared to $160 in 2018-19. Overall, the Lottery Credit distributed more than $271 million to Wisconsin homeowners for property taxes levied in 2019. Last year, that figure was $236 million. Since 1988, the Wisconsin Lottery has provided over $4.6 billion in property tax relief to eligible Wisconsin homeowners.
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