Council OKs use of UTVs on Lincoln Street starting in 2027

Starting in 2027, local UTV enthusiasts will be able to operate their specialized vehicles on Lincoln Street, one of the city's busiest corridors, after the Rhinelander Common Council gave final approval Monday night to an ordinance allowing UTVs — but not ATVs — on the stretch between Oneida Avenue and Eisenhower Parkway.

An amendment to ban both vehicle types on that stretch failed 5-2, with aldermen Gerald Anderson and Steven Jopek voting in favor. The council then adopted the ordinance as originally written, also on a 5-2 vote (Anderson and Jopek again dissenting).

Jopek cited crash data and a recent fatal UTV crash in Boulder Junction in explaining his opposition, while Mayor Kris Hanus noted the UTV/ATV distinction reflects a safety-based compromise, since UTVs are generally considered safer than ATVs.

A full story on the council meeting, including pointed remarks about transparency in the announcement of the city administrator's resignation, will be published in our July 22 edition.