Local Rhinelander Headlines

CRANDON - Prosecutors believe four people beat a man and left him in Forest County woods so wolves could attack him. That was earlier this month, and the man almost died. Two of the four adult suspects appeared in Forest County Court today. Full story: WJFW

NORTHWOODS - Greenhouses in the Northwoods help some spring plants get started even with snow and cold outside. But what about perennials that have no escape from the conditions? Despite the harsh winter, gardening experts don't believe there will be much damage to plants. Full story: WJFW

MARATHON - Wisconsin cheese makers may soon need to change the way they label their products. The European Union wants to ban the use of names on certain cheeses like Parmesan, Gorgonzola, and Brie. Unless the cheese comes from Europe they must call the cheese Feta-like or Feta style. Full story: WJFW

WAUSAU - Drivers heading through Wausau and Rib Mountain will see some road construction. Crews will be doing concrete repair work starting today. Full story: WJFW

MILWAUKEE - More than 7,500 Wisconsin residents and business owners are facing steep flood insurance premium increases that could threaten their pocketbooks and ability to sell their properties. La Crosse resident Teresa Secord--is one of them. Full story: WJFW

LAC DU FLAMBEAU - Most people can't wait for this winter to end, and you can bet gardeners are some of those people. This weekend, 200 gardening enthusiasts were thinking spring. Full story: WJFW

FOND DU LAC - A new policy at Fond du Lac High School that allows administrators to oversee student publications is drawing criticism, and 16 English teachers are asking administrators to rethink the rules. This month, students at ``Cardinal Columns'' student magazine were told that the district was implementing a policy that would allow the principal to oversee student publications and refuse to publish certain items. Full story: WJFW

MADISON - The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is warning people the spring thaw could contaminate their wells and drinking water. DNR officials say flood waters and runoff contain bacteria and other contaminants. Wells located in pits, basements and low-lying areas are particularly susceptible. Full story: WJFW

MADISON - Wisconsin remains the only state in the nation where a first-time drunken driving conviction brings a ticket and not jail time, after a session in which lawmakers failed to toughen penalties despite nearly a dozen bills before them. The session is winding down, and the only drunken driving bill sent to Gov. Scott Walker simply clarifies earlier legislation intended to force judges to sentence drunken drivers to a minimum amount of prison time in certain cases. It does not establish new penalties. Full story: WJFW

CINCINNATI - A federal appeals court has suspended gay marriages in Michigan, putting on hold a decision by a lower court judge who had struck down the state's same-sex marriage ban. The Cincinnati court's order Saturday brings a halt to same-sex weddings in Michigan, at least through Wednesday. Dozens of couples got hitched earlier Saturday in at least four Michigan counties. Full story: WJFW

RHINELANDER - Many homeowners start to plan their summer projects in the spring. This weekend they have the chance to get a jump-start on those projects. The Hodag Home Show has given homeowners the opportunity to have local and regional housewares businesses come to them for more than 20 years. Full story: WJFW

FOND DU LAC - Former Green Bay Packers linebacker George Koonce has accepted a job at Marian University in Fond du Lac. Koonce will be the university's vice president of advancement beginning April 21. The university says Koonce will be responsible for ``growing awareness and increasing philanthropic support'' through the community and alumni. Full story: WJFW

WAUSAU - Prosecutors allege a Wausau man pretended to be a police officer to get his daughter out of jail. Today the man asked the judge to dismiss the case. 63 year old Bradley Woodward of Wausau represented himself in Marathon County court. Full story: WJFW

RHINELANDER - Oneida County board members will look at some big changes to the way they do business. The board will look at reducing its size from 21 to only nine members and into hiring a county administrator. Full story: WJFW