Local Rhinelander Headlines

Even while protected by a layer of ice, fish felt the effects of a hard winter. The DNR warns you might see some dead fish washing ashore when you head down to the dock this spring. Die-offs are an ordinary part of the season. Full story: WJFW

FOREST COUNTY - The Forest County Sheriff's office just joined a national private emergency messaging system called NIXLE. It allows people living in Forest County to sign up for text message or email alerts. Those alerts can be for severe weather, street closures or crimes. Full story: WJFW

RHINELANDER - Starting a project on an older home can be complicated and pricey. You might not know where you'll get the extra money to finish the project. But a Northwoods group wants to help. Full story: WJFW

RHINELANDER - Some people may struggle transitioning from high school to adult life. That transition could be even more difficult for some with disabilities. Full story: WJFW

TOMAHAWK - Tomahawk police arrested two people in the largest drug bust the city has seen in 30 years. 38 year old Jessica Teich and 33 year old Jamaal Wilson were arrested Thursday morning for having and growing marijuana. Full story: WJFW

CRANDON - Four witnesses testified against four suspects in Forest County court Wednesday. The suspects are accused of trying to kill a man in March. The four witnesses and the amount of evidence is uncommon for a preliminary hearing. Full story: WJFW

MADISON - Republican Senator Mike Ellis denies doing anything illegal. He also claims that a video taken without his knowledge is misleading. A conservative activist oraganization known for hidden-camera videos, released the recording of Ellias yesterday. Full story: WJFW

MERRILL - Prosecutors in a Lincoln County murder trial continued their second day of witnesses and evidence by focusing on an autopsy, scents collected by dogs and reviewing digital data recovered during the investigation. Mark Bucki,50, faces three charges in the case, including first-degree intentional homicide, hiding a corpse and strangulation/suffocation in the death of his wife, Anita Bucki. Full story: WJFW

MERRILL - Dogs found the scent of human remains at Mark Bucki's Merrill-area home last May. Prosecutors argue Bucki killed his wife, Anita, and then hid her body in Taylor County woods. Full story: WJFW

WESTON - Some kids rely on school lunches to eat. But on the weekends, they might struggle to get food. One north-central Wisconsin community wants to make sure that doesn't happen. Full story: WJFW

MINOCQUA - The Minocqua Town Board just offered to buy lakefront land north of Torpy Park for $300,000. If the deal goes through, the space would most likely be used to extend Torpy Park's green space. Full story: WJFW

WAUSAU - Teachers play an important role in shaping the minds of our youth. One teacher at Wausau West High School was recognized at the state level for her commitment to teaching. Christine Kadonsky was honored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars. The award is given to teachers who teach, civic education. Full story: WJFW

MERRILL - Th new Merrill Wal-Mart opened its doors for business Wednesday morning. Store manager Matt Colby has been with the company for ten years. He says it was a huge team effort. "It took a lot, tons and tons of teamwork," said Colby. Full story: WJFW

MADISON - Wisconsin workers don't need to worry about their boss demanding passwords to social media pages like Facebook. Governor Scott Walker has signed a bill that makes it illegal for bosses to ask for access to employees social media accounts. Full story: WJFW