River News Reports On Fire Recovery, Blue Heron Awards, And Air Traffic Growth

• A community benefit event has been organized to support Cole Quandt, who lost his home and possessions in a fire. The event, scheduled for January 18, will be held at Pine Lake Town Hall according to local reports.
• The Vilas County Lakes and Rivers Association recognized two families for their exemplary stewardship of lakefront properties, promoting sustainable environmental practices as reported.
• The Rhinelander-Oneida County Airport reported a record number of passenger boardings in 2025, reflecting growing demand for the Northwoods region and the airport's role in economic development according to airport data.

A community benefit event will be held from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, January 18, at Pine Lake Town Hall to support Cole Quandt and his dogs. Quandt lost his home and all belongings in a fire on Thanksgiving morning but has been aided by community support in the weeks since the incident as local news reported.

The benefit event will feature meals, baked goods, and raffle baskets, with proceeds going directly to Quandt. The event aims to help him rebuild and regain a sense of normalcy according to event organizers.

Separately, the Vilas County Lakes and Rivers Association presented its 2025 Blue Heron Stewardship Award to two families for their efforts in maintaining natural shorelines and promoting environmental health as detailed in the announcement.

What Is the Community Benefit Event for Cole Quandt?

The event is designed to provide financial and emotional support to Quandt after he lost everything in a fire. It also serves as a way for the community to come together and show solidarity. Quandt was able to escape with his two dogs, and the community has expressed appreciation for his resilience according to community reports.

The event will include a Manwich or hot dog meal, a baked-goods sale, and basket raffles. These activities are intended to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all attendees as planned.

Who Received the Blue Heron Stewardship Award?

The Blue Heron Stewardship Award was given to Brian and Jean Ciske of Broken Bow Lake and Fred and Stephanie Gruber of Irving Lake for their lake-friendly waterfront development as reported.

The Ciske property features a natural shoreline with a bog mat containing native vegetation, while the Gruber property includes a wetland with wild calla and sedges. Both properties provide habitats for wildlife and demonstrate best practices in shoreline management according to award criteria.

The award evaluates properties based on five criteria related to lake health, including driveway and parking areas, structures and septic systems, yard and recreation areas, shoreline conditions, and overall lot assessment as specified.

Why Did the Rhinelander-Oneida County Airport See Increased Traffic?

The Rhinelander-Oneida County Airport reported a significant increase in passenger boardings in 2025 due to strong demand for the Northwoods region for business, tourism, and recreation according to airport data.

The airport director attributed the growth to the region's appeal for visitors seeking outdoor activities and seasonal events. The airport is planning to enhance its services with new flight options to support continued growth as stated.

The airport serves as a key transportation hub for the area, offering commercial flights to Minneapolis-St. Paul and seasonal flights to Chicago O'Hare. Its role in supporting regional tourism and economic development is critical to the local economy according to regional analysis.