River News: New Senior Housing, Airport Growth, and Food Pantry Donations

• Rhinelander plan commission approved a Conditional Use Permit for a new 55-and-older housing development, including 10% of units for veterans according to local reports.
• The Rhinelander-Oneida County Airport reported record passenger boardings in 2025, driven by increased tourism and regional economic activity as regional data shows.
• The Park City Cares Foundation donated $4,000 to five local food pantries, supporting efforts to address rising food insecurity through wholesale purchasing discounts according to the foundation.

Rhinelander has taken a step toward addressing the growing demand for senior housing by approving a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for a new 55-and-older development. The project will include income-based housing for seniors and 10% of the units reserved for veterans. The approval comes with conditions, including the need for the developer to coordinate with state agencies such as the Department of Transportation and the Department of Natural Resources as reported.

The Rhinelander-Oneida County Airport experienced a significant increase in passenger boardings in 2025, attributed to the region's appeal for tourism and outdoor recreation. With commercial and seasonal flights to Minneapolis-St. Paul and Chicago O'Hare, the airport serves as a key transportation hub. The airport is planning to expand its services to accommodate the growing demand as regional analysis indicates.

The Park City Cares Foundation has allocated $4,000 to support five local food pantries, helping meet the rising need for food assistance in the community. This donation allows pantries to purchase essential food items through wholesale discounts, effectively leveraging each dollar donated into about five dollars of food. The donation was split among the Merrill, Rhinelander Area, Lakeland, Tomahawk, and Nokomis food pantries according to the foundation's announcement.

What are the conditions for the new senior housing development in Rhinelander?

The Conditional Use Permit for the new housing development requires the developer to return with a site plan and coordinate with the Department of Transportation and the Department of Natural Resources. These conditions aim to ensure the project aligns with local infrastructure and environmental planning. The development is intended to resemble existing senior housing developments like Rhine Haus, which uses income-based rent structures as detailed in the permit.

The project is also expected to address the needs of aging residents, who are increasingly seeking more accessible housing options. This shift allows younger residents to move into homes that become available, helping to balance the housing market in Rhinelander according to development plans.

Why is the Rhinelander-Oneida County Airport expanding its services in 2026?

The airport's record 2025 passenger boardings reflect the Northwoods region's appeal for business and tourism. The airport director attributed the growth to the area's seasonal attractions and outdoor activities, which attract visitors year-round. With increased air traffic, the airport is planning to expand its regional flight services to better serve the growing demand as regional data shows.

The expansion aims to strengthen the airport’s role in supporting regional economic development. By offering more flight options, the airport is positioned to enhance accessibility for both residents and visitors, further boosting the local economy according to airport planning documents.

How are local food pantries benefiting from the Park City Cares Foundation’s donation?

The $4,000 donation from the Park City Cares Foundation is being distributed to five local food pantries, helping them purchase essential food items at reduced costs. Each dollar donated is equivalent to approximately five dollars of food, thanks to wholesale purchasing and store discounts. This funding provides flexibility in addressing the specific needs of each community served by the pantries as reported.

The donation comes as food pantries report increased utilization, reflecting the challenges many families face with rising living costs. The foundation's support underscores its commitment to ensuring no one in the region goes hungry. The funds also help pantries respond to evolving community needs, ensuring that essential resources remain accessible according to the foundation's statement.