Local Rhinelander Headlines

WAUSAU - A Marathon County man admitted to watching and having child pornography. According to the criminal complaint there was a hard drive with child pornography found at 44-year-old Michael Neuendank's house in Ringle on Friday. Full story: WJFW

MADISON - Two more Republican state Assembly members say they will not be seeking re-election. Rep. John Klenke, of Green Bay, announced Monday that he will not be running for a third term. Last week Rep. Mary Williams, of Medford said she would be retiring after 12 years in the Legislature. Full story: WJFW

LEADVILLE, COLORADO - The two skiers killed in a Colorado avalanche came from the central Wisconsin community of Portage. That word from relatives and colleagues of the two skiers. Three other skiers were hospitalized following Saturday's avalanche near Leadville, Colorado. Full story: WJFW

WAUSAU - There will be lane closures on Highway 51 in Wausau next week. Crews need to repair a damaged beam guard. The lane closures will begin tomorrow. Full story: WJFW

ANTIGO - You can enjoy the Olympics by watching them on TV. But some families in Antigo enjoyed them by playing Olympic themed games today. The Winter Fun and Wellness Family Day was held at Peaceful Valley Park in Antigo. Full story: WJFW

CONOVER - Sunday, the town of Conover held a blizzard blast to raise money for local fire departments. There was bowling, ice sculpting and sleigh rides, but the main event was the recliner race. “This is a great event we are out here to celebrate winter and this is a serious winter this is no like it’s kind of chilly this is a lot of snow and there is no better way to do that than to push a chair on ice,” says Blizzard Blast participant Elizabeth Bloodworth. Full story: WJFW

ELKHORN - A Walworth County woman who was sentenced to probation after her twin children drowned in a bathtub in 2011 might now face prison time. A Janesville Gazette report (http://bit.ly/1bzMV9I ) says 28-year-old Melody N. Butt is accused of violating the terms of her probation. Full story: WJFW

EAGLE RIVER - Bowlers in Eagle River knocked down pins for cancer. More than 100 people came out to strike out for cancer. The event was held at the Eagle River Bowling Lanes. The money raised goes to breast cancer department at Marshfield Clinic. Full story: WJFW

RHINELANDER - It might seem early to start fundraising for an event that doesn't happen until June. But the Oneida County Relay for Life wants to raise more than $25,000 this year. They held their fundraising kick off in Rhinelander today. Full story: WJFW

MELLEN - Opponents of a proposed open pit iron mine in northern Wisconsin plan to gather Sunday to protest a new 600-foot restricted zone at the site. Paul DeMain, one of the organizers from the Lac Courte Oreilles Harvest and Education Project, tells Wisconsin Public Radio (http://bit.ly/MkR71E ) the protest will be peaceful. Full story: WJFW

RHINELANDER/MADISON - Most of us either vote Democrat or Republican when we're in the voting booth. But there's another party hoping to gain your vote in the Northwoods. The Libertarian Party will introduce candidates for office for the fall 2014 elections. Full story: WJFW

TOWN OF DELTA - Authorities in northwestern Wisconsin have identified a 68-year-old man who died after falling through the ice while on his way to fish with a friend. The Bayfield County sheriff's office names him as Laverne Fletty of the Eau Claire area. Full story: WJFW

ANTIGO - Sled dog racing will become a spectator sport this weekend in Langlade County. You can watch mushers and their dogs race on courses around the north side of Antigo. Most sled dog races are in more rural areas. Full story: WJFW

ACROSS THE NORTHWOODS - Propane users feel the impact of winter by looking at their heating bill. Prices for propane are at least double compared to prices over the last two decades. Full story: WJFW