RHINELANDER--Graduation for Rhinelander High School Seniors is set for Friday night at 7:00 p.m. at Mike Webster Stadium. But the school, city and Oneida county have worked out a way to hold a parade of cars as an extra touch.
Chief of Police Lloyd Gauthier said seniors who want to to participate will gather at the Ice Arena. The parade of cars would move down Coolidge Avenue, then go to the high school. If the weather cooperates, the seniors walk from the parking lot to the stadium for the ceremonies.
If raining, two lines of cars will form and the school board will hand out diplomas.
Chief Gauthier said these seniors paid a heavy price because of the COVID outbreak...
"As we talked about it and tried to make it a special celebration because of COVID and what the seniors had to endure the last semester of their senior year. We came up with the idea of a parade, if the weather permits, for them to be outdoors..."
185 Seniors are scheduled to graduate. The Sheriff's Department will regulate the busy Highway 17 bypass by the Ice Arena so the cars can safely cross the intersection and head toward the high school.
At Mike Webster stadium, school officials say masks will be required and six foot social distancing will be in effect will several other conditions.
After closed session, the city council approved the continuance of Zack Vruwink as acting city administrator until December 31. Vruwink has been working in a temporary status as the city moves forward to hire a new city administrator.
