Local Rhinelander Headlines

MILWAUKEE - A federal judge in Milwaukee has struck down Wisconsin's voter Identification law, saying it unfairly burdens poor and minority voters. U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman issued his long-awaited decision Tuesday. It invalidates Wisconsin's law. Full story: WJFW

WESTON - A Northwoods village may soon offer a bike rental program. The village of Weston program would be a partnership between the village and Sprocketz bikes in Weston. Weston would buy the bikes while Sprocketz would maintain, rent, and store them. Visitors and people living in the area could rent bikes for a day, week, or weekend rate. Full story: WJFW

WAUSAU - New numbers show Wisconsin's wolf population went down nearly twenty percent since last year. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports new numbers were announced this morning at a meeting of the state's wolf advisory committee. Full story: WJFW

MADISON - America's Dairyland might seem an unlikely place for growing some of the country's favorite seafood. Wisconsin's first indoor shrimp farm is in Wisconsin's Kickapoo Valley where the organic food industry is booming. Full story: WJFW

RHINELANDER - A new law will increase the minimum fine for illegally parking in a disability parking spot in Wisconsin. Gov. Scott Walker signed a bill last weak increasing those fines. The new law will increase minimum fines from $50 to $150. The current maximum penalty of $300 won't change. Full story: WJFW

EAGLE RIVER - Last year, Eagle River named Michelle Albaugh its "Woman of the Year". But now, the former treasurer of the Eagle River Jaycees is in major trouble. She's charged with stealing more than $16,000 from the civic organization. Full story: WJFW

EAGLE RIVER - Don't let melting snow in the Northwoods fool you. Even though it makes some areas soggy, many spring days bring high fire danger. Doing a poor job of managing brush or yard waste fires can lead to bigger grass fires in our area. Full story: WJFW

RHINELANDER - We found some of the first loons of the season out on the water in the Northwoods on Monday. Newswatch 12's Ben Meyer spotted this loon just upriver from the paper mill in Rhinelander. Full story: WJFW

MINOCQUA - You may notice your colleagues or family members suffering from upper respiratory illnesses. Right now, as we transition from winter to spring, many people may get cold or allergy symptoms. Full story: WJFW

WISCONSIN - Most cable customers in Wisconsin will be served by Charter Communications under a deal announced Monday by Charter and Comcast. Comcast is buying Time Warner Cable for $45.2 billion in a deal expected to close by the end of the year. Full story: WJFW

MADISON - Many states now let people register to vote online. Wisconsin is not one of them. The state has long been considered a model for its high voter turnout and running smooth elections. Full story: WJFW

CONOVER - A Northwoods community came together to help animals in need. And they had some fun doing it. Sunday was the eighth annual Wine Tasting Benefit for the Humane Society of Vilas County. Full story: WJFW

EAGLE RIVER - Prom can be an exciting time in a teenager's life. With prom season here, many Northwoods students will dress their best and have fun. But officers plan to look out for prom goers to make sure they don't do anything dangerous. Full story: WJFW

EAGLE RIVER - Church members in Eagle River found out someone broke into their church Sunday morning. The Vilas County Sheriff's Department want to know who would burglarize a church and set it on fire. Full story: WJFW