7 Day Forecast / Radar

Search
NEWS STORIES

Rhinelander prepares for its first major light showSubmitted: 12/10/2017
Story By Phylicia Ashley

Rhinelander prepares for its first major light show
RHINELANDER - This year the city of Rhinelander wanted to create a whole new experience by transforming Hodag Park into the "Lights of the Northwoods."
"You can always follow but you can't always be the first one's," said Lights of the Northwoods Vice President Shawn Will.
Will, will always remember this week as the time he was trailblazer.
"Our grand community event," said Will.

Since he was a child he traveled to other communities to enjoy the magic of the holidays.
"Now the kids can come to this park and see what we're doing here," said Will.


Will wanted a different experience for his kids and brought some magic to their hometown.
"Yea now we don't have to travel anymore!" said Will excitedly.
More than 50 volunteers worked all weekend to create something the city of Rhinelander has never seen before.

The La Crosse Rotary Lights Display inspired the members of the Lights of the Northwoods organization.
"It's something that needed to be done at this park this park is underutilized," said volunteer Terri Thompson.
Twelve non- profit organizations sponsored more than 32 light displays at Hodag Park. Some lights came from the original La Crosse lighting show.
"I'm part of the beginning of something that hopefully will become extraordinary. I know it will be," said Thompson.

Thompson volunteered to join something she believes will change the city forever.
"This just brings it to life year round," said Thompson.

At Thursday's ribbon cutting families will see Hodag Park lit with more than 50 thousand Christmas lights. But for Will this first light show is just the beginning.
"This is just a preview of what we hope this can become," said Will.
Lights of the Northwoods is free.
The event runs from Dec.14th through Dec. 17 th.
Canned Food donations are encouraged.



Text Size: + Increase | Decrease -
| Print Story | Email Story
Sponsored in part by HodagSports.com
 IN OTHER NEWS
A Forest County casino made holiday miracles come early this year for local charitiesSubmitted: 12/09/2019

Play Video

CRANDON - The holiday season came a little early this year to charities in Forest County.

A team from the Potawatomi Carter Casino Hotel delivered toys and essentials to charities around Crandon.

Donated toys went towards the Associated Banks Giving Tree Program.

A spokesperson from the bank gave a statement on behalf of the donation.

"Associated has been a coordinator and sponsor of the Giving Tree since it began in 1994," the statement said. "We are proud of our friends, neighbors, and colleagues in Crandon who willingly donate toys to children in need, it is exciting to see the increase in donations year after year."

+ Read More
National Guard commander resignsSubmitted: 12/09/2019

MADISON - The commander of the Wisconsin National Guard has agreed to resign following a federal investigation that found the Guard deliberately defied federal law, regulations and policies on handling sexual assault complaints.

The National Guard Bureau this year reviewed how Wisconsin commanders report, investigate and prosecute sexual assaults.

+ Read More
Arrest made in Racine homicideSubmitted: 12/09/2019

RACINE - Police say a female suspect has been arrested in a fatal shooting in Racine.

Officers are recommending the 38-year-old Racine woman face charges of first-degree intentional homicide.

+ Read More
Control efforts on gypsy moth show successSubmitted: 12/09/2019

MADISON - The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection reports gypsy moth populations are down across the state.

Gypsy moths are an invasive species from Europe. Their caterpillars feed on the leaves of trees and shrubs, devouring forest foliage.

+ Read More
State patrol applicants upSubmitted: 12/09/2019

MADISON - Wisconsin State Patrol saw an increase in applicants. This comes after a change in requirements in hopes of a more diverse staff.

The application period opened back in November.

+ Read More
Preventing Christmas trees from catching fireSubmitted: 12/08/2019

Play Video

RHINELANDER - Fires cause roughly ten million dollars worth of damage to U.S. homes every winter.

+ Read More
Santa Claus hosts sensory-friendly meet-and-greet for kids with autismSubmitted: 12/08/2019

Play Video

RHINELANDER - Kids across the country look forward to getting their picture taken with Santa during the holiday season. Santa usually visits busy places like the mall, but these areas can be noisy and overwhelming for kids with autism. That's why Saint Nick made a special trip to Tom's Drawing Board in Rhinelander Sunday.

"This is a nice, quiet place where kids with autism or other sensory issues can come visit me," said Santa Claus.

The Autism Society of Central Wisconsin hosted a sensory-friendly meet and greet with Santa Claus. Families could register to visit during certain time slots so that there weren't too many people there at once.

"We made sure there's no flashing lights, loud music, people screaming or talking really loud," said Santa. 

Kids stayed entertained with sensory-friendly toys and activities while they waited to take their picture with the big man himself.

+ Read More
+ More General News
Search: