Local Rhinelander Headlines

MADISON - The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources' board has approved sweeping new rules to reshape deer hunting in Wisconsin. Some of the key provisions in the plan call for eliminating in-person deer registration in favor of online or phone registration, reducing the number of deer management units and creating county committees to advise the DNR on population goals. Full story: WJFW

MERRILL - Freezing cold temperatures affect everyone in the Northwoods. Including some animals. But insects can survive low temperatures with some help from the snow. Snow is a great buffer for insects. Full story: WJFW

MADISON - A $504 million tax cut will be the centerpiece of Governor Scott Walker's State of the State speech. Walker is set to deliver his 4th State of the State speech tonight before a joint meeting of the Legislature. Full story: WJFW

BAYFIELD - For the first time in five years, you can visit the Apostle Islands sea caves by walking across frozen Lake Superior. The ice is solid, although you might be able to feel it moving on the water below it. Full story: WJFW

MILWAUKEE - The victim of a fatal shooting at Purdue University was an Eagle Scout whom a former teacher describes as a ``very capable student and an even better person.'' Twenty-one-year-old Andrew Boldt of West Bend, Wis., was fatally shot Tuesday in the Electrical Engineering Building on Purdue's main campus in West Lafayette. Police have arrested another student, 23-year-old Cody Cousins, on a preliminary charge of murder. Full story: WJFW

RHINELANDER - Last week, former Oneida and Forest County Medical Examiner Traci England reached a plea deal with prosecutors. But her legal troubles may not be over. Full story: WJFW

ST. GERMAIN - The Knockouts are an all-female roller derby team. They have seven skaters they need at least seven more to start the season. Amber Krouze, the team captain and Northwoods Roller Derby Knockouts President says you don't need a lot of experience to join the team. Full story: WJFW

RHINELANDER - Despite the recent cold snaps, thin ice still lingers in some areas. Wisconsin Public Service urges everyone to avoid outdoor activities near hydroelectric dams. It’s warning people to stay away from these dams because of thin ice. Full story: WJFW

CRANDON - You might not think of small school districts like Crandon as part of the leading edge of technology. But Crandon now has an app for your smartphone. They send notifications for any cancellations in the school. Full story: WJFW

CRESCENT - A small fire broke out at a home near Emma Lake west of Rhinelander Monday morning. Crescent Fire Department got a call at 10:18 a.m. Full story: WJFW

WAUSAU - Wausau Paper lashed out today in response to a letter from their largest shareholder. Wausau Paper says it's disappointed Starboard Value L-P wants the company to replace management OR consider selling the company. Full story: WJFW

CALEDONIA - A rail line has reopened in southeastern Wisconsin following the weekend derailment of 19 cars on a coal train. The 135-car Union Pacific train was hauling coal from Wyoming to a Sheboygan power plant when it hit some broken tracks in Caledonia in Racine County on Sunday morning. Full story: WJFW

A long-time lawmaker from northeastern Wisconsin says he's going to call it quits. Rep. Garey Bies, a Sister Bay Republican, said in a telephone interview with The Associated Press on Monday he won't seek re-election in November. He said 14 years in the Legislature is enough. Full story: WJFW

MADISON - Employers that want to take a look at your facebook page may soon be banned from doing that. The Wisconsin Assembly takes up a bill this week that would bar employers from asking for access to their social media accounts such as Facebook. Full story: WJFW