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ADRC reports ridership rise, plans website updates and confirms staffing stability
Summary
At the Feb. 23, 2026 Oneida County ADRC meeting, a presenter reported January ridership up 8% year-over-year; staff and committee discussed improving website accessibility and social media presence, confirmed the agency is fully staffed, and reviewed financial reports including a $12.77 per-meal charge billed to Vilas County for Arbor Vitae meals.
A Oneida County ADRC presenter and staff gave a series of updates at the committee's Feb. 23, 2026 meeting, reporting higher transit ridership, planned website accessibility fixes, stable staffing, and routine financial results.
Barb Newman reported that "January 2026 was strong with ridership up 8% from this time last year" for Northwoods Transit Connections and said quoted surveyors were re-sent after receiving no responses. Newman added the service is fully staffed and that she would review the budget regarding a request to expand service hours to Friday nights; she said funding for both Friday and Sunday expansions is unlikely.
ADRC Manager Mya Olkowski reopened a prior presentation about digital media and invited ideas for a stronger social-media presence; she said staff currently posts monthly events on Facebook. Committee member James Unger identified website items that should be updated to help community members with low vision or blindness: the monthly meal calendar, the monthly events calendar, and the current newsletter link. Olkowski said those items would be updated as soon as possible and invited additional suggestions by email.
Staffing: Ms. Beth Hoerchler and Manager Olkowski reported the ADRC is fully staffed. Recent hires filled a mental-health technician role and an ES position; one staff member has stated an intention to leave in May and an internal posting will follow. Olkowski confirmed RSVP Coordinator Lori Ring remains employed and will re-apply for a grant to fund her position, with decisions expected by mid-June 2026. Olkowski reported the Widow's Weekend event has approval from Corporation Counsel and is planned for November 2026.
Financials and program delivery: Chair Ted Cushing noted the 2026 financial reports were received and discussed. Olkowski said the reports show no current issues and similar numbers to previous periods. The minutes record that the ADRC is charging Vilas County ADRC the full price of $12.77 per meal for Arbor Vitae resident meals, which is expected to increase reported meal revenue. Olkowski also said functional screens (assessments) fell behind while the agency was understaffed; with full staffing the ADRC expects more functional screens to be completed so that clients who need assistance can receive it.
Public comment: James Unger announced that the Wisconsin Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired will participate in The Big Share fundraising event on March 3, 2026, hosted by Community Shares of Wisconsin, and provided the council's website instructions for online donations (wcblind.org → "The Big Share").
The committee adjourned at 9:30 a.m.; the next meeting is scheduled for March 23, 2026.
