Local Rhinelander Headlines

FOND DU LAC - Many farmers in Fond du Lac and Dodge counties were hoping to get an early start on this year's planting season, but their plans have been derailed by a repeat of last year's soggy weather conditions. A Reporter Media report (http://fondul.ac/1jYQW9K ) says by this time of year, farmers have generally planted about 40 percent of the state's corn crop. This year, only about 20 percent has been planted. Full story: WJFW

PHILLIPS - Some community members worry Phillips High School will cut its football program. The school board will meet tonight to decide if the school will keep its varsity team. That means there might only be a JV team next season. Full story: WJFW

RHINELANDER - Hospice provides comfort to those ending their life's journey. Ministry Home Care Hospice patients get some of that comfort from quilts that are hand-stitched with love by a group of dedicated women. Those women told Newswatch 12's Lauren Stephenson what quilting for hospice patients means to them. Click "Play Video" to see their story. Full story: WJFW

RHINELANDER - You could expect more mosquitoes this summer across the Northwoods. Our snowy winter helped them. More snow means more water on the ground once it melts. And that could mean more mosquitoes this summer. Full story: WJFW

PARK FALLS - Leaders at one Northwoods school think a new teaching style could help students remember information better. The flip means students are watching recorded lesson plans outside of the class room. Then they work on assignments in class. Full story: WJFW

WAUSAU - Marathon County officials cut down a 130-year-old oak to make a popular sledding hill safer. The decision that doesn't sit well with residents who say the tree was a local landmark. Full story: WJFW

MADISON - he 20 highest-paid state employees last year worked for the Wisconsin Investment Board, which manages the investments of the Wisconsin Retirement System. A Wisconsin State Journal report shows all 20 made more than $300,000. Chief investment officer David C. Villa took home a state-high $834,000. Full story: WJFW

MERRILL - It took a while for Merill Firefighters and EMS to get their new building. But they finally moved in. Sunday, they debuted their new facility to the community. The Merrill Fire Department hosted an open house and they did it in perfect timing. Sunday was the beginning of EMS week. They thought it would be a great opportunity to celebrate EMS practitioners and show off their new facility. Full story: WJFW

WOODRUFF - A Northwoods hospital struggled for months to get a helicopter port in a residential area for months. The vote eventually passed and the hospital moved forward with its plans. Howard Young Medical Center in Woodruff officially opened the ambulance garage and new hanger Sunday. Full story: WJFW

MADISON - A federal trial to determine whether a Wisconsin law that requires abortion providers to have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals is constitutional is set to get underway later this month. Planned Parenthood and Affiliated Medical Services filed a lawsuit in July arguing the law would force clinics in Appleton and Milwaukee to close because abortion providers at the facilities lack admitting privileges. Full story: WJFW

SARATOGA - The Wood County Sheriff's Department will investigate a car and motorcycle crash in the Saratoga Township. Deputies say the man driving the motorcycle, 29 year old Michael J Anderson of Holmen, died on the scene. Full story: WJFW

RHINELANDER - Many people who live in Rhinelander know about Ryan Adam. He was a soldier who was killed in Afghanistan in 2009. Saturday, community members came together to honor him in a special way. Military Street was changed to Adams Way Saturday. It's right in front of the Rhinelander National Guard Armory. Full story: WJFW

RHINELANDER - People come to the Northwoods for different reasons. Golf is one of them. Rhinelander's Northwoods Golf Club celebrates its 25th anniversary this weekend. Full story: WJFW

MILWAUKEE - The University of Wisconsin ranks among the top 10 U.S. medical schools in producing graduates who go into family practice. That's an encouraging trend that could help stem an expected shortfall of doctors. Full story: WJFW