Solutions Journalism

Back-to-back low-snow winters forced some communities to try something different to give the economy a boost.One of the more successful projects was The Glide in Boulder Junction. The ice-skating ribbon through the woods brought people from around the world to the Northwoods.Now it’s back for a second year.

People gathered Tuesday to celebrate the opening of a 40-unit housing complex in Lac du Flambeau. It helps fill a large need for affordable housing in the area.

Funding for AmeriCorps was abruptly ended last month, and members were told to go home.AmeriCorps is the federal agency for national service and volunteerism.

Having a community is critical to people’s mental health. It gives people a sense of belonging, support, and purpose.A new, tribally led initiative from Wisconsin Humanities wants to help indigenous people across the state create community.

Despite winter coming back strong this week, the Town of Boulder Junction announced earlier this week that Winter Park is closed for the season.It marks the end of inaugural season of The Glide, the ice-skating trail the town built through the woods.The Glide was built, in part, as a response to last year’s poor winter and the impact it had on the tourism industry.

A volunteer fire department in Vilas County has been working with its local high school and community college to help fill gaps in its own department.

The Laona Rescue Unit responds to emergency medical calls in a roughly 405 square mile area of Forest County. Its new facility is more centrally located to respond to those calls.

The Rhinelander District Library is eliminating fines for most of the materials.It joins a growing list of libraries nationwide making the decision to drop fines for overdue books.

Trees are important for cities to help improve air quality, lower cooling costs for homes, and improve overall quality of life.The City of Rhinelander has lost more trees than it’s planted over the years, especially in lower-income areas.

There’s a new ‘no phone’ policy at Northland Pines High School in Eagle River.