News Briefs

Safe Ride Home parking available

A Rhinelander city parking lot has been designated for overnight use this winter by people who will be utilizing the Safe Ride Home program. Those individuals are encouraged to park their vehicles in the lot, located next to Grey Wolf store on South Stevens Street, at the beginning of the evening. The intent is to have a place for people to park their vehicles and not have it interfere with the city of Rhinelander Public Works Department snow removal efforts. Vehicles are required to be removed by noon the following day. Contact Police Chief Lloyd Gauthier for more information, at 715-365-5300.

CoVantage Cares kicks off fundraiser

Giving Tuesday was the beginning of CoVantage Cares Foundation’s annual two-week fundraising campaign. It will run through Dec. 17. Funds generated at the credit union’s branches will be matched with up to $150,000 in contributions. Local non-profits chosen to receive funding were selected by CoVantage staff. In the Northwoods, the Elcho Food Pantry, Midwest Indian Mission/New Hope shelter and transitional housing in Crandon and National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Northern Lakes in Rhinelander are slated to receive matching donations. To make a donation, stop in to any branch office Dec. 13-17. For more information, visit covantagecu.org/cares.

Sno-Dags 'learn to cross country ski' program

Registration and equipment rental for the Sno-Dags learn to cross country ski program will be at the Rhinelander High School Commons 3:30-5 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 17. Sno-Dags is a six-week program for grades 2-5 with an emphasis on basic techniques, enjoying the sport and having fun on skis. The program, sponsored by Northwoods Nordic Ski Club, will be held six consecutive Tuesdays on the community trails located at RHS, beginning Jan. 7. For more information, call Susan at 715-493-0145 or visit hodagnordic.com or the Rhinelander Nordic Facebook page.

Denim & Dessert presents ‘Miracle on 34th Street’

The Denim & Dessert Readers Theatre will present their rendition of the Christmas classic, “Miracle on 34th Street,” 6:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 14 at the Presque Isle Community Center. Performed as a radio production, the cast of local community members narrates the holiday efforts of Kris Kringle who plays Santa Claus at Macy’s in New York. The play eventually brings out the true meaning of Christmas. Admission is free with donations welcomed. Coffee and dessert will be served after the play. For more information, call 715-604-2534. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Breakfast with Santa

Rhinelander Girl Scout Troop 7318 Juniors and Cadettes are sponsoring Breakfast with Santa Sunday Dec. 15 at the Masonic Lodge in Rhinelander. Tickets are $15 and include a photo with Santa, breakfast and the opportunity for children to make a special gift for a loved one with the help of Santa’s elves. Breakfast times are 9-10 a.m., 10-11 a.m. and 11 a.m.-noon. Tickets are limited; advanced payment is encouraged. Email girlscouts7318@yahoo.com to reserve a spot. The scouts are raising money to support their upcoming educational trip to Chicago.

Barnett seeks seat on city council

Thomas Barnett has announced he will run to represent District 1 on the Rhinelander City Council. Council president George Kirby currently holds that seat. Barnett is the Oneida County Fair coordinator, volunteers in the community and is a professional artist. In an announcement letter, Barnett said he wants to “help foster in a new era of cooperation and mutual respect” that will propel the city forward and remain fiscally responsible. Among his main areas of interest Barnett includes bringing new business to the city, advocating for youth and at-risk youth and creation of a diverse arts commission. If elected Barnett said he will hold monthly listening sessions for his constituents. The election for city council is April 3.

Aspirus Wausau named to top 50 list

The Aspirus Wausau Hospital (AWH) has been named one of the nation’s 50 top cardiovascular hospitals and one of the five highest ranked teaching hospitals without cardiovascular residence programs in a study by IBM Watson Health. This study has been conducted annually since 1998; this is the 13th time AHW has been recognized in this way.