YMCA youth baseball and T-ball starting soon
The YMCA of the Northwoods is offering three baseball-related programs this spring. Girls and boys ages 3-9 can join RHS baseball coach Joe Waksmonski to learn the fundamentals of baseball, focusing on sportsmanship and team work. The basic skills of T-ball will be offered for children ages 3-6. Throwing, catching, batting and learning to field will be taught. Lastly, a youth class to teach beginning baseball players the mechanics of pitching will be offered for ages 7-9.
All classes are 45 minutes long and will be held on Saturday mornings. Classes run from Feb. 29 through April 4. The fee is $18 for members and $40 for nonmembers and includes a t-shirt. Register by calling 715-362-9622 or at www.ymcaofthenorthwoods.org

Babysitting course offered
Camp Fire Oneida will be presenting the “I’m taking care” babysitting course. The class will teach responsible behaviors, child care skills, first aid basics, safety and accident prevention and fun activities for children. The course is open for students in grade five or above. The fee is $40 and includes a workbook, supplies, lunch and a certification card. Partial scholarships are available. Class dates are Rhinelander Feb. 29 and May 9, Eagle River March 31, and Mincoqua April 4. Classes will run from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. For more information and to register, visit www.campfireoneida.org.

Dance and theater summer internships available
Land O’Lakes Arts (LOLA) is seeking two summer teaching interns for dance and theater programs. Internships are designed for college students who are majoring in the arts and desire an arts teaching experience. Interns for both programs will teach children during a four-week program that culminates in a public performance. Interns will receive free housing and a weekly stipend. The dates of the internships are negotiable but must take place between mid-June and mid-August. The application deadline is March 15. For more information, call 715-547-3950 or visit www.lolaartswi.com.

Natural resource career exploration offered to high school students
Trees for Tomorrow in Eagle River is again offering a hands-on summer workshop for high school sophomores, juniors and seniors to explore careers in the natural resources field. The weeklong workshop will provide students a chance to experience forestry, wildlife, soils, water resources, fisheries and wood technology as possible future careers. They will work directly with natural resource professionals who will provide hands-on activities as well as strategies for college and internship applications. The workshop is June 14-19. The $200 fee includes five days of instruction, materials, lodging and meals. Financial assistance may be available for students who demonstrate a high need. Space is limited; applications are due by April 10. For more information, contact program coordinator Amy Ester at 715-479-6456 ext. 227 or [email protected] Applications can be found online at www.treesfortomorrow.com.

Record high water levels on Great Lakes continues
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently announced that January 2020 water levels on all Great Lakes were higher than January 2019 and are expected to remain that way into spring and summer. Recent six-month forecasts of Great Lakes water levels shows levels continuing to be well above average to near record levels in the coming months. According the Corps, Lakes Michigan and Huron both set new record high January levels previously set in 1987, and Lake Superior set a new high record level for January, previously set in 1986. Several natural factors are attributed to the high water levels including persistent wet conditions across the Great Lakes Basin and warmer than normal January temperatures. High water levels lead to coastal impacts, and damages such as significant erosion are expected.

Violin and viola lessons now available
Land O’Lakes Arts (LOLA) will now offer violin and viola lessons on Thursdays beginning March 5. Students can take 16-week or full semester lessons in one-hour, half-hour or 45-minute increments. Private lessons are also available. Instructor Beth Hassler has a Master’s degree in music in viola performance, has a teaching license for K-12 music education and is a Suzuki method teacher. The registration deadline is Feb. 27. For more information, call 715-547-3950 or visit www.lolaartswi.com.

Northland Pines expands 4K program
Northland Pines will be expanding its 4K program from two days a week to four days a week beginning in the 2020-21 school year. Eagle River, Land O’Lakes and St. Germain elementary schools will offer 4K Monday through Thursday. Half days are an option, but parents would be responsible for transportation. To be eligible for 4K, students must be at least 4-years-old by Sept. 1, 2020. Registration and screening events are scheduled for various dates, times and locations in March. For more information, contact enrollment secretary Stacy Swenson at 715-479-4123 or [email protected] To begin the online registration process, visit www.npsd.k12.wi.us/district/enroll4k.cfm.

Call for artists
The Friends of Wabeno announce the first Historical Wabeno Art Challenge. The challenge is open to anyone who would like to create an original piece of art showcasing Wabeno’s history and display their art at the Wabeno Logging Museum for two months this summer. The art challenge is being held as part of the Wabeno Art & Music Festival Aug. 1. There will be awards and a chance for artists to sell their art entry. Details, applications and resources for ideas can be found at www.wabenoartandmusicfest.org. Applications are due by April 30. Those selected will submit their artwork May 27-29. Artwork will be displayed June 5-Aug. 1. For more information, contact Mary at 608-628-0757 or [email protected]

Wisconsin libraries now viewed as community hubs
Wisconsin residents are visiting their local libraries as often as they had in the past, but the reasons for visiting have changed significantly in the digital age. According to a report by Wisconsin Policy Forum, local libraries as now being viewed as more than places to find books; they are being considered community hubs.
Activities at local libraries are seeing an increase in attendance, report statistics show. While free wi-fi and electronic content are also reasons to visiting the local library, the study shows that it is the programs being offered by the libraries that are increasing public participation. Attendance at programs offered for both children and adults nearly doubled between 2000 and 2018. The report concludes that decisions regarding future funding for libraries will need to reflect the local library’s changing role in the community.

Summer internships available
Trees for Tomorrow in Eagle River will be offering two summer internships for college students and recent graduates in the natural resources or education fields. The ten-week program gives interns the opportunity for a hands-on teaching experience with preschool aged children through adults. The positions are available June 8-Aug. 14. No previous knowledge or skills are required. An on-campus dorm, most meals and a $1,400 scholarship upon completion of the internship will be provided. TFT staff will also work with the student’s school to help them acquire internship credits. The application deadline is March 20. A cover letter, resume and at least two letters of recommendation are required to apply. For more information, contact intern coordinator Bethany Heft at [email protected]

Northwoods Land Trust acquires Sack Lake property
In an effort to save old-growth forests, Northwoods Land Trust (NWLT) permanently protects 13,600 acres of land and 72 miles of natural lake and river shoreline throughout the Northwoods and opens many of these areas to the public. NWLT recently acquired 129 acres and 871 feet of natural shoreline on Sack Lake in Iron County. The year-long process involved discussion with the Wisconsin Board of Commissioners of Public Land, the previous owner of the property, and raising grant funding from private foundations. Sack Lake, considered a “wild lake” by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, features an old-growth hemlock forest as well as sugar maple and yellow birch trees. The area is home to a diverse population of songbirds, birds of prey, mammals and understory plants. In addition, it is considered an important habitat for the American marten, a Wisconsin endangered species. NWLT will manage the forest and provide public access for hiking, hunting, fishing and nature observation. For more information, visit www.northwoodslandtrust.org.