Local Rhinelander Headlines

WISCONSIN - More than 350,000 American veterans have been waiting months or even years to get their disability benefits. That backlog includes about 3,500 veterans under the umbrella of the Milwaukee Regional Office, which serves Wisconsin veterans. Full story: WJFW

PORTAGE COUNTY - Update--Two people on a motorcycle died when a minivan turned in front of them yesterday afternoon in Portage County. The crash happened on Highway 66 and County highway PP around 4:45 Monday night. Full story: WJFW

MADISON - A state program that provides in-home care for the elderly and disabled will expand to seven more Wisconsin counties. Republican Governor Scott Walker announced in December of 2011 his administration would lift an enrollment cap on Family Care. Full story: WJFW

LAC DU FLAMBEAU - A woman in Lac du Flambeau told police she “felt like she was going to be strangled to death” in mid-March. The man prosecutors think did it faced a judge in Vilas County on Monday. David Figueroa has five kids with his girlfriend. Full story: WJFW

GREEN BAY - Green Bay firefighters have rescued a man who collapsed in a large fuel storage tank. Crews from the Green Bay Metro Fire Department were called to the U.S. Oil Co. tank farm just after 11 a.m. Monday. Full story: WJFW

MADISON - Republican Gov. Scott Walker says state health officials are ready to begin expanding a state program that provides in-home care for the elderly and disabled to seven more Wisconsin counties. Full story: WJFW

ASHWAUBENON - The Green Bay Packers will raze about a dozen houses near Lambeau Field this spring. The property is being cleared for grass parking. The organization has been buying land around Lambeau Field for several years. Full story: WJFW

WISCONSIN - There could be changes to the way that Wisconsin police handle drunk driving cases. The United States Supreme Court ruled that police can order a blood test without a warrant or permission if they suspect someone of drunk driving, only in certain circumstances. Full story: WJFW

RHINELANDER - Fishermen in northern Wisconsin can keep largemouth bass this season. This is the first time in 22 years fishermen won't have to release the fish. Full story: WJFW

RHINELANDER - People in Rhinelander and Merrill can finally turn off their water. For much of the winter, customers needed to leave a steady stream of water running. That was to keep underground pipes from freezing in record cold temperatures. Full story: WJFW

WISCONSIN - OSHKOSH, Wis. (AP) — The fine for a first drunken-driving offense, including court costs and surcharges, can be as high as $1,000. But industry experts are questioning whether heavy fines serve as effective enough deterrents. Full story: WJFW

RHINELANDER - Easter can mean Easter eggs hunts, pastel colors, and a lot of chocolate. Some businesses rely on those Easter traditions for a larger profit. One local chocolate store depends on Easter for a boost in sales. Full story: WJFW

MADISON - Wisconsin wildlife officials are using road-kill and radio-tracking data to assess the harsh winter's effect on the state's deer herd. Department of Natural Resources staffers are looking for 10 carcasses in every county so they can check a number of biological signs, such as fat stores and pregnancy. Full story: WJFW

MANITOWISH WATERS - Most Easter egg hunts take place outside. But with the recent snow fall, some were in danger of being canceled. One Northwoods camp found an alternative to keep the festivities going. Full story: WJFW