Local Rhinelander Headlines

ANTIGO - Rural schools face different problems than schools in urban areas. The state assembly put together a rural schools task force to look for solutions for those districts. The group finished their work this month. It found huge transportation costs over sprawling districts is one of the main problems rural schools face. Full story: WJFW

MADISON - The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources says it found no evidence of fights between hunting dogs and wolves when the agency examined wolf carcasses this spring. This past wolf hunting season was the first in which Wisconsin hunters were allowed to use dogs to pursue wolves. Full story: WJFW

A coalition of churches is supporting the state of Michigan's effort to restore a ban on gay marriage. Legal briefs were filed Wednesday at a federal appeals court in Cincinnati. Michigan is asking the court to overturn a March decision that struck down the state's ban on same-sex marriage. Full story: WJFW

RHINELANDER - The memory of Sgt. Steve Martin lives on in Rhinelander. Sheriff’s deputies, city leaders and officers gathered today to honor him nearly 10 years after their loss. Martin was in the Army and a former Rhinelander Police Sergeant. Full story: WJFW

THREE LAKES - Northwoods students proved what they learned in a year of reading today. Three Lakes hosted Battle of the Books. It was a competition of six different schools. Each school had one team of three students. There was a representative from fourth, fifth, and sixth grade. Students had to identify the book title and the author of a scene. Full story: WJFW

ACROSS WISCONSIN - Some people think of transition and relaxation when it comes to retirement. But for Wisconsin, it could mean a shrinking workforce. There are more baby boomers retiring than children enrolling in schools across the state. Full story: WJFW

KEIL, WI - The army wants to find out why a Wisconsin soldier died while serving on a base in Kosovo. The father of army sergeant Heidi Ruh says the military told the family she was shot while on base. Full story: WJFW

A well-funded, pro-Democratic national group will wade into the Wisconsin governor's race "EMILY's List" has made defeating Republican Governor Scott Walker and electing Democrat Mary Burke a top priority this year. Full story: WJFW

RHINELANDER - Mountain bikers will get one of their first chances to race in the Northwoods this weekend. The Rhinelander Area Silent Trails Association (RASTA) will host the RASTA Rally this Saturday. Full story: WJFW

U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson says he'll use campaign funds to pay for his legal challenge to a part of the federal health care overhaul law that pays health care costs for congressional members and their staff. Johnson's spokeswoman Melinda Whitemarsh Schnell says the Republican will pay legal fees when bills are submitted. Full story: WJFW

RHINELANDER - The convicted murderer who walked away from his work release job found out how much time he'll serve for escaping. Todd Brecht is currently serving a life sentence for shooting and killing his brother in law in 1985. Today he found out he got two more years added to that sentence. Because he's serving a life sentence he'll only serve those extra years if he gets released on parole. Full story: WJFW

RHINELANDER - Not many people get to watch an industry grow throughout the years. But the Rhinelander Airport director has seen the airline industry undergo many changes. Full story: WJFW

RHINELANDER - Rhinelander High School's mock trial team placed in the top ten in the nation this year. The team finished eighth in the national competition in Madison this past weekend. The team prepares all year to compete at the regional and state level. Full story: WJFW

BOULDER JUNCTION - We see businesses struggle to stay open in small communities, but that's not stopping owners from opening a grocery store in Boulder Junction. The Coontail Market will open on the corner of County M and Main Street. Full story: WJFW