Please join us as we Celebrate with a weekend of activities!

Friday, January 20
Rhinelander High School Open House at 4:30 pm (includes tours of the new facilities)
Unveiling of the Hodag Facilities Foundation Donor Wall at 5:20 pm
Jim Miazga Community Gymnasium Dedication at 7:15 pm

Saturday, January 21
6th Annual Build the Future Gala sponsored by Rhinelander Schools Education Foundation
Reception at 5:30 pm  •  Dinner at 7:00 pm  •  Dancing at 8:00 pm
Tickets are $40 per person. RSVP to 715-369-2875 or
makrisue@rhinelander.k12.wi.us
All proceeds from this event go directly into the schools in the form of teacher grants for classroom innovation.

Questions? Please call the HFF office at 715-369-0900 or email Steve Jensen at info@hodagfacilities.com.

“Many of our employees live in the district, further solidifying our desire to give back to the community and provide something spectacular for the future of our state,” explains Jim Stahl, senior project manager at Miron Construction.  “There is no better way to do that than by providing something extra for our kids. We settled on a donation amount of approximately 5% of the cost of the foundation projects (estimated cost – $1,000,000). Our philanthropic contributions are evaluated by our executive team on a case-by-case basis.”

The donation includes construction management fees for all foundation projects, project management costs for foundation projects (both onsite and office), costs of all equipment/ tools for foundation projects, and various trucking costs for foundation projects (equipment and labor).

“We feel these changes will greatly impact the students, staff and community,” explains Stahl. “Numerous portions of the facility that were remodeled had been in existence since the original construction was completed in the 50s and 60s. Areas were beginning to show the wear and tear of decades of use and with the new technology and teaching methods available, the old facility simply could not meet current and future needs. In addition, new ‘green’ areas were developed to provide more open space with a brighter color scheme that will truly enhance the learning environment. The larger footprint of the gym will allow more activities to take place during and after school. The new digital media center can also be utilized by the school population as well as by the community after hours. We truly believe that these updates will improve the facility and provide a more welcoming environment for current and future students as well as the community.”

Miron Construction Co., Inc., recently named Builder of the Year by The Daily Reporter, as part of the publication’s 2011 Newsmakers of the Year awards program, is a forward-thinking, fast-growing private company completing work throughout the nation. Miron has been providing innovative pre-construction, construction management, design-build and general construction services to multiple markets for the past 94 years.

“This donation was extremely important due to the fact that Miron’s ownership strongly believes that we are partners with our clients,” said  Jim Stahl. “We have been partnering with the Rhinelander School District since the early 90s and we are committed to its’ future. Therefore, there was no question we would work with the Foundation to support such a worthy cause.” 

For more information on the Hodag Facilities Foundation call the HFF office at 715-369-0900, visit www.hodagfacilities.com, or e-mail info@hodagfacilities.com.  For more information about Miron Construction, please visit www.miron-construction.com.

Download Full Press Release PDF

Read more about the Heck donation here (pdf)

Photo L-R: Eugene Shawano, FCP Tribal Administrator; Ron Counter, SDR; Mary Peterson, SDR; Brad Kowieski, One Prospect Technologies; Marta Kwiatkowski, SDR; Charlie LaHam, HFF; Jason Neilitz, One Prospect Technologies; James Crawford, FCP Executive Council Vice Chair; Roger Erdahl, SDR; Brad Brunsch, One Prospect Technologies

Rhinelander High School graduate Brad Kowieski is the vice president of sales and business development at One Prospect Technologies. “Things have changed dramatically in the last forty years­–whether it’s automation in the factory, or automation in the kitchen, or automation at the paper mill, you need to be able to operate in these environments,” said Kowieski. “By implementing strong technology at the school, it gives kids a good foundation to build upon.”

The $100,000 donation will be given part in cash and part in kind and is a good fit for the technology firm that has been serving school districts for almost 11 years. The company recently launched Cloud Spirit™, a virtual desktop infrastructure product that dramatically reduces costs for school districts and allows students to access their data and run necessary programs from anywhere.

“Cloud Spirit™ allows 8-12-year-old computers to act as if they are brand new,” explains Jason Neilitz, founder and CEO of One Prospect Technologies. “What school districts run into is there are so many different versions of software applications and this keeps it all standard.” Cloud Spirit™ provides centralized management and centralized storage, allowing access anytime and anywhere. It also helps schools with their budgeting cycles. Schools can extend the life of the computers up to 12 years, providing much needed cost savings.

“The foundation of what school districts are setup to do is to provide a top-of-the-line education to the students,” said Neilitz. “The kids are the ones that get affected in a lot of the budget cuts. I think what the HFF has done is setting the standard for other school districts and communities. If you focus your energy on the kids and give them as much as you possibly can, that’s a good thing.”

One Prospect Technologies is owned by the Forest County Potawatomi. “The Potawatomi believe in ‘community first’,” explains Neilitz. “They are very excited about the difference we are making, as well.”

For more information, or to get involved, visit the Hodag Facilities Foundation Web site at www.hodagfacilities.com, or or e-mail info@hodagfacilities.com.

Download Full Press Release PDF

January 14, 2011 marked the kick off of the Many Hopes. One Dream. campaign–a  $1 million comprehensive capital campaign to support major facility renovations within the Rhinelander School District. These improvements are above and beyond those being funded by the $13.7 million dollar referendum. As a result of the campaign, students will see improvements this year in the high school’s auditorium, gymnasium, fitness center, pool, digital media center and more.

“The results of the campaign are having a remarkable affect on Rhinelander students and the community,” said HFF President David Heck. “Many people have stepped up with extraordinary generosity, enabling us to enhance our facilities to improve access for students and give them a better opportunity for success.”

“With our final commitments, we will have raised $875,000 to date and with additional in kind donations, we are right at our goal with $950,000,” said Heck. “We received a lot of contributions from donors that were designated for specific areas of improvement and with these additional improvements, we are moving our goal higher.”

The Hodag Facilities Foundation is looking toward the future with a second phase of the campaign that will address science labs in the high school or other needed improvements identified by the School District of Rhinelander.

“The DreamBuilder dinner will give us an opportunity to celebrate, and to recognize the individuals, businesses and families in our community who, through their commitment to excellence, have made extraordinary changes in our schools,” said HFF Board Member Sue Makris. “As we enter these final months of the campaign, we seek to raise additional funds through our donor wall and other means to enable us to exceed our campaign goal.”

The DreamBuilders dinner will be held on Wednesday, September 14, at the Rhinelander Café and Pub. It will include a social hour at 5:30pm and dinner at 7:00pm. Tickets are $20 and all proceeds will help the Many Hopes. One Dream. capital campaign finish strong. Seating is limited. For tickets or questions, please call 715-369-0900.

For more information, or to get involved, visit the Hodag Facilities Foundation Web site at www.hodagfacilities.com, or e-mail info@hodagfacilities.com.

Download Full Press Release PDF

Photo L – R: Tom Umlauf, Superior Diesel; David Heck, Hodag Facilities Foundation; Ron Counter, SDR Board of Education; Marta Kwiatkowski, School District of Rhinelander Administration; Jody Doro, SDR Board of Education; Brian Wendt, Superior Diesel

“We need to invest in our future by investing in the young people of our community,” said Brian Wendt who heads business development for Superior Diesel. “We attribute our success to our employees and feel a responsibility to contribute to the growth and development of our young people in hopes of creating job opportunities in years to come.”

Superior Diesel was drawn to the facilities project because of their long-term commitment to positively impact the education of youth within the community. The company has a five year track record in developing and implementing in-depth internship programs with area schools and wanted to do more to engage students beyond their current program.

“I believe there is a lot of interest from kids and young adults when it comes to technology and computers,” said Wendt. “We need to find ways to allow our youth to use their skills and creativity in areas that interest them. If you give them the resources, they are more willing to apply themselves.”Superior Diesel is a leading value-added distributor of John Deere diesel engines, Funk Drivetrain components, and Yanmar Industrial diesel engines for the Midwestern United States. The company is headquartered in Rhinelander, Wisconsin with an additional full service facility located in Seville, Ohio.

President and CEO Thomas Umlauf is strongly behind the effort. “Superior Diesel recognizes the need to stay on top of the latest technology advancements and plan for the future. That is why we were encouraged by the efforts to create and enhance a Digital Media Center at Rhinelander High School,” he says.While many students have to move out of the area in order to continue their education or for employment opportunities, Superior Diesel hopes to retain some of the extraordinary and creative talents of the Northwoods by investing and improving the facilities.

“I am proud to be a graduate of Rhinelander and have been able to work for a company that has allowed me to continue to live in the area,” says Wendt. “I hope other children in the community have the privilege of doing the same.”

For more information on the Hodag Facilities Foundation call the HFF office at 715-369-0900, visit www.hodagfacilities.com, or e-mail info@hodagfacilities.com.

Download Full Press Release PDF

Photo Left to Right: Gary Kellen, Hodag Diamond Club; Steve Jensen, Hodag Facilities Foundation; Kristi Mullikin, Rhinelander Little League/Hodag Fast Pitch; John Reinthaler, Rhinelander Little League

“Our programs are growing and our teams are improving,” explains Hodag Diamond Club President Gary Kellen. “The contribution of an indoor batting cage allows more access for a growing number of kids participating in these sports.”

The top of the line batting cage will be installed in the Jim Miazga Community Gymnasium. The cage stands 8’ tall, 70’ long and 12’ wide, and feature collegiate style nets. The mechanics of the raising and lowering action allow the cage to setup in just five minutes.

“All kids involved in baseball and softball can benefit from the indoor batting cage,” adds Rhinelander Little League President John Reinthaler. “It’s such an immense advantage because you can get in so many more swings and so many more batters. Five years ago we had two hitting stations and very limited access. We have grown that to eight hitting stations (six cages), giving everybody more opportunity.”

The expansion of batting cages is the latest in a string of positive community achievements presented through Rhinelander’s youth baseball and softball programs in the last five years:

• Rhinelander High School ranked 8^th in Wisconsin for Division I Baseball in the 2011 season, finishing a whopping 22-3
• Six RHS baseball players were named to the 2011 All-State Academic Team (Dan Kellen, Kyle Comer, Alex Henkel, Nate Schmidt, Troy White, and Micah Baumgartner)
• Rhinelander won its first Class AA State American Legion Championship in 2010
• Rhinelander Girls U-14 Softball competed at Nationals in 2010
• Rhinelander Little League expanded its competitive participation with four traveling teams
• Rhinelander hosted the American Legion regional tournament and an invitational tournament in 2011
• Hodag Park added batting cages with four hitting stations
• Stafford Park was revamped with a new infield, outfield, fencing, concession stand and viewing area
• Pioneer Park added a batting cage, a new scoreboard, new fencing and a new concession stand
• Rhinelander Central added an indoor batting cage
• Rhinelander Little League purchased sound systems for Hodag, Pioneer and Stafford Parks
• Rhinelander High School added a new JV diamond including new field, dugout and fencing

The success of the high school teams have been aided by an improving youth program. The Rhinelander Little League supports boys age 5-12, and Fast Pitch is open to girls age 7-15. Rhinelander Little League currently enjoys participation from over 300 boys and girls.

“Our Little League program is growing and we’re getting better teams,” says Reinthaler. “We have 4 traveling teams on top of Little League which has grown to 26 teams including t-ball. We’ve made Little League available for everyone, regardless of talent level. The coaches and assistant coaches are all volunteers. We have 26 sponsors, 13 games per season and our fee has not increased in the last ten years.”

The Hodag Diamond Club supports High School Baseball Teams and the American Legion Baseball Team. It is open to high school boys from freshman through senior year.

“Increasing access to facilities increases participation, which, in turn, increases success,” explains Kellen. “It’s nice to hear other communities compliment us on our facilities and tell us they enjoy playing here in Rhinelander.”

For more information on the Hodag Facilities Foundation call the HFF office at 715-369-0900, visit www.hodagfacilities.com, or e-mail info@hodagfacilities.com.

Download Full Press Release PDF

“We invite everyone to bring their families and come out to Pat’s to support the HFF,” said Sue Makris, HFF board member. “The HFF has raised nearly 70% of its $1 million dollar goal for educational facility improvements in the Rhinelander School District. With everyone’s help, we can push this over the top. ”

Pat’s Tavern Owner Pat Deau is hosting the event as part of the commemorative celebration of the retirement of Rhinelander High School’s gymnasium floor. Laser-engraved souvenirs crafted from the RHS gym floor will be available during the evening for purchase.

“The old gym floor has been at the heart of many amazing moments at RHS,” said Makris. “Its removal was a part of the gym renovation that includes expansion to the new Jim Miazga Community Gymnasium. Alumni, parents and friends will have an opportunity to purchase a piece of the floor to take home with them at the event.”

The Hodag Facilities Foundation kicked off its capital campaign in January with a generous lead gift of $250,000 from Jim Miazga and his wife Jean. Since then a number of individuals and businesses have come forward with contribution and support.

For more information on the Hodag Facilities Foundation celebration event, or to purchase a piece of the floor call the HFF office at 715-369-0900, visit www.hodagfacilities.com, or e-mail info@hodagfacilities.com.

Download Full Press Release PDF

“Every piece of hardwood from the gym is unique,” said Sue Makris, HFF board member. “Each represents history and a recollection from times at Rhinelander High School.”

On Tuesday, July 5, the Hodag Facilities Foundation (HFF) will commemorate the retirement of its longtime gymnasium with a community celebration hosted by Bucketheads Sports Bar & Grill starting at 4pm.

Nostalgia will be in the air, and also in the hands of attendees who will have an opportunity at the event to purchase laser-engraved souvenirs crafted from the RHS gym floor. Bucketheads owner and 1998 RHS graduate, Mike Hastreiter, will run refreshment specials and donate a portion of the proceeds to the HFF. Lake George Music Club will provide live music from 5pm-9pm.

“Your support will help the HFF reach the goal of raising $1 million for educational facility improvements in the Rhinelander School District,” said Makris. “With your help, students will return to school this fall to a newly constructed digital media center, a brand new school store, renovated swimming pool, remodeled auditorium and a much larger gymnasium with a digital scoreboard.”

The RHS gymnasium floor was recently removed as part of a major school renovation that includes expansion of the former gym to the new Jim Miazga Community Gymnasium. The floor has been the foundation of many extraordinary moments at RHS. Alumni, parents and friends are encouraged to capture the historical and sentimental significance involved in the retirement of the floor.

“Each piece of the floor conveys a different meaning and memory,” said Steve Jensen, HFF board member and former RHS student, teacher and coach. “When you look at the piece of the floor, it’s as if the moment comes back to life. Many people will remember basketball games and I do, too.  The first game will always stand out as one of the most exciting.  I remember where I sat and when Tom Madson stole the ball and went in for the layup.  It’s almost as though it just happened a few days ago. For me the many hours of teaching physical education in that gym has a lot of meaning.  I remember the teaching of knowledge and skills to make students ready to participate in physical activities for the rest of their lives.  And, how can I forget the badminton games, commando ball, and what a tremendous teaching facility it was?  That green divider wall was such a valuable piece of equipment.  And it was a fantastic hardwood floor.  I felt so fortunate to have been able to teach in that facility.”

For more information on the Hodag Facilities Foundation celebration event, or to purchase a piece of the floor call the HFF office at 715-369-0900, visit www.hodagfacilities.com, or e-mail info@hodagfacilities.com.

Download Full Press Release PDF

The lift was originally included in the $13.2 million referendum, but was cut when the referendum went over budget. The private donation by the Rhinelander Wrestling Club puts the lift back into the plans.

“We still feel it’s a need and we wanted to do our part to help the school,” said Rhinelander Wrestling Club Head Coach Mark Steinmetz. “There currently is not a place to store the meet mats. The mats are very heavy – they weigh several thousand pounds.”

In the past, students had to lift and stack the mats. “It was really tough. This will make it a lot easier for everyone,” said Steinmetz.

The Rhinelander Wrestling club has been supporting Rhinelander area youth for 30 years. The Club currently has fives coaches who serve 90 active members from grades K-8.

Steinmetz hopes the Club’s donation to the Hodag Facilities Foundation allows the high school wrestling team to feel a part of the new gymnasium facilities. “Wresting has an important effect on kids,” said Steinmetz. “It teaches a work ethic. It’s a very tough sport and you have to put a lot into it to get results out of it. It teaches you not to quit.”

For more information on the Hodag Facilities Foundation capital campaign, visit www.hodagfacilities.com, or e-mail info@hodagfacilities.com.

Download Full Press Release PDF