Oneida County Economic Development Corporation

10/30/2026

📢 Housing Project Update 📢

🏠 Aspen Grove Apartments (update #6) 🏠

Located in Minocqua, Aspen Grove, continues to make strong progress: with two buildings that are fully leased; a third is preparing to open later this month with only one unity left, and construction is advancing across the remaining phases.

The Ritchie Management Group continues to advance their 112 Unit Apartment Construction, while leasing demand remains strong, particularly as they begin securing commitments for buildings scheduled to open this winter and next spring. Work is also progressing on the planned pickleball court, with remaining improvements and related amenities continuing through the development schedule.

OCEDC continues to work closely with RMG, supporting their efforts reinforcing the impact of OCEDC's housing strategy across Oneida County. It's exciting to see such great progress and community interest within the Aspen Grove Housing Development for the Lakeland Area.

Keep up the great work RMG! For more information visit: Ritchie Management Group

10/28/2026

❄️ WISCONSIN WINTER UTILITY ASSISTANCE REMINDER ❄️

As colder weather approaches, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) is encouraging residents with past-due utility bills to seek assistance before the statewide winter heating disconnection moratorium begins November 1, 2026.

From November 1 through April 15, Wisconsin law prohibits utilities from disconnecting residential electric and natural gas service used for home heating due to nonpayment. However, customers whose service is already disconnected must make payment arrangements to have service restored.

💡Need help with your utility bills?

Contact your utility provider to discuss payment arrangements.

Apply for financial assistance through the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP).

📞 Call 1-866-432-8947 for energy assistance information.

🌐 Learn more: https://energyandhousing.wi.gov/Pages/Energy.aspx

If you cannot reach an agreement with your utility provider, contact the PSC at 1-800-225-7729.

Share this information with friends, family, and neighbors who may need assistance this winter. Staying informed can help households prepare for the colder months ahead!

10/26/2026

Congratulations to Ahlstrom on receiving a Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC) Energy Innovation Grant!

As part of $11.5 million awarded statewide, this funding supports clean energy innovation, energy efficiency, and sustainable manufacturing practices.

OCEDC congratulates Ahlstrom on this achievement and its continued contributions to advancing sustainability and strengthening Wisconsin’s economy!

Read the full article here.

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WIGOV/bulletins/42f7baf

10/23/2026

10/23/2026

💧 NEW WISCONSIN PFAS TESTING GRANT PROGRAMS

The Wisconsin DNR has launched two new programs to help Oneida County communities, including the Town of Stella, and private well owners test for PFAS contamination in drinking water.

💧Community Grants Sampling Program: Provides eligible municipalities funding for PFAS testing in private wells, public water supplies, and wastewater.

💧Private Well Testing Program: Offers eligible private well owners PFAS testing when their municipality is not pursuing a community grant.

Interested in testing your well? Contact your local municipal officials first to learn about community sampling plans.

🔗 Learn more: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/PFAS

10/21/2026

Our Director, Tony Pharo, is working closely with Senator Tammy Baldwin to identify the impact Verizon/Frontier dropped copper landlines will have on our rural communities here in Oneida County.

Verizon is planned to start ending a phone service that many rely on in less than a month.

10/20/2026

📣 ATTENTION Oneida County Residents:

Have you received a notice from FRONTIER/VERIZON regarding the discontinuation of copper telephone or internet lines?

OCEDC is aware of these concerns and is working closely with Senator Baldwin's office to address the impacts on Oneida County residents and explore available options.

📨 If you received a disconnection notice, and have questions, please contact OCEDC at [email protected] to share your concerns and help us better understand the local impact.

Your feedback is important as we work together to advocate for our community.

10/19/2026

It was our pleasure to present this plaque to Tilly's for their generous donation as an OCEDC Community Partner. Their generosity is greatly appreciated and will have a meaningful impact on our ongoing efforts to drive growth and sustainability in Oneida County.

Pam & Randy have been a valuable asset to Oneida County and Downtown Rhinelander. Their partnership helps us to further strengthen our community, and together, we are fostering a brighter economic future for all.

Once again, thank you Tilly's for your support, we look forward to continuing our partnership and achieving even greater results together.

10/16/2026

The national housing crisis is having an impact here in Rhinelander and remains a top concern among business owners.

10/15/2026

What a wonderful day for a FALL SUMMIT 🍂

We want to send out a huge thank you to all that attended our Annual Fall Summit yesterday! With a full room of local leaders, area business partners, small business owners, entrepreneurs, community members and more, your engagement and connection is what helps build a stronger Oneida County together.

Thank you to our keynote, Wendy Baumann from the WI Dept. of Financial Institute, and her team, for their indepth overview of WI-DFI and statewide trends.

Thank you to our Economic Discussion Panel, Keith White from AirPro Fan & Blower Careers, Kelly Traczyk from Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, Amy Vanney from Nicolet Bank, Luke Durkee, Twenty-Two RE, and Ken Smith from Housing Onward Wisconsin. Your local and regional insights into our current economic environment was impactful and we truly appreciate your time and efforts.

Thank you to The Pines Event Center for always creating a beautiful and inviting space. And thank you to Trig's for catering our Lunch, it was delicious as always.

Thank you to our Emcee Brad Kowieski from Nicolet Bank, who always does a seamless job. And Thank you to our Board President Leah Selsmeyer Van Zile, and upcoming Board President Russell Wayne Wolfe III, along with our entire Board for supporting OCEDC events and our mission forward.

And Thank you to all of our Partners for sponsoring yesterday's event including Associated Bank , Wisconsin Public Service , Nicolet Bank, Heck Capitol Advisors, Ahlstrom, Marshfield Clinic - Minocqua Area , Superior Diesel Inc. , AirPro Fan & Blower, Lakeland Fitness and Golf , Rhinelander City Government , and Oneida County Government. Support like yours is what drives our organization as a 501(c)3 Non-profit.

We are already looking forward to next year!