2026 Rhinelander Mayoral Forum

This spring, Rhinelander voters will decide who should lead the city for the next four years. Rhinelander's television station (WJFW), public radio station (WXPR), and community college (Nicolet) are partnering on the 2026 Mayoral Candidate Forum in order to allow voters to make a more informed decision. The two candidates are Kris Hanus and Tom Barnett. Mayor Kris Hanus is running for re-election. Hanus has been mayor for the past four years and is a local bar and restaurant owner. Tom Barnett has been District 1 Alderperson on the Rhinelander City Council for the last six years. He is an artist and owns a storefront in downtown Rhinelander. The 2026 Mayoral Candidate Forum will take place on March 12th at 7:00pm at the Nicolet College Theater. It will be moderated by Dan Hagen from WJFW and Katie Thoresen from WXPR. Dan and Katie will ask questions, and audience members are invited to ask questions as well.