Local Rhinelander Headlines

WAUSAU - People in Wisconsin drove more safely last year than they had in seven decades. In 2013, 527 people died on Wisconsin roads. That’s the fewest number of traffic related deaths since 1944. Full story: WJFW

RHINELANDER - Three-quarters of working-age people without disabilities hold down a job in America. But only about a third of people with a disability have a job. A Rhinelander organization works hard to prepare people with disabilities for a place in the workforce. Full story: WJFW

MADISON - Nearly half of the Wisconsin and West Virginia residents who signed up for health insurance through the new online exchanges are senior citizens, which could lead to higher insurance rates in those two states. The federal government released its latest signup numbers figures Monday. Full story: WJFW

MADISON - A company looking to dig a huge iron mine near Mellen is complaining state regulators want too much information on its plans to take bulk mineral samples. The Department of Natural Resources says Gogebic Taconite needs certain permissions for the sampling, including a storm water permit and an air permit exemption. Full story: WJFW

MADISON - People looking for firewood might need to find it closer to where they plan to camp. The DNR board will consider tightening firewood movement restrictions to slow the spread of the emerald ash borer. Full story: WJFW

MADISON - Wisconsin manufacturing and retail workers could volunteer to work seven days straight without a day off under a bill two Republican lawmakers are circulating on behalf of the state's largest business group. The bill promises to ratchet up tensions between the GOP and Democrats and their organized labor allies, who are still stinging after Republicans passed Gov. Scott Walker's plan to strip most public workers of nearly all their union rights in 2011. Full story: WJFW

MINOCQUA - 29 snowshoe racers competed in 5k and 10k races in the Moose Track Snowshoe Race at Minocqua's Winter Park Sunday. They believe snowshoeing is the best way to stay fit. Jim McDonell won for the men's 5k race. Full story: WJFW

EAU CLAIRE - The state Department of Health Services is trying out a program to prevent overdose deaths. The Leader-Telegram reports 47 agencies statewide are participating in the one-year pilot program. Full story: WJFW

PARK FALLS - Losing your hand in a tragic accident can be devastating for anyone, especially a nine year-old hockey player like Evan Halmstad. He lost his hand in an accident earlier this month. Halmstad has played for the Price Ice Hockey team in Park Falls for five years. Full story: WJFW

MINOCQUA - Craft brewers hoped to boost business at a local beer festival Saturday. It was the first year the Wisconsin Brewers Guild partnered with the Ice Cold Beer Fest in Minocqua. 37 Wisconsin brewers hoped to introduce festival attendees to their beers. Full story: WJFW

PRICE COUNTY - The Price County Sheriff's Department will investigate how a train and truck collided Saturday morning. Deputies responded to a call just before 11 a.m. Full story: WJFW

EAGLE RIVER - People in Vilas County will see a familiar face on the ballot next fall. Joe Fath will run for Vilas County Sheriff. Fath is the current Sheriff. Full story: WJFW

MERRILL - Both the Merrill school district and the Merrill Police Department got an anonymous complaint fearing that 27 year-old Matt Callope, the band director at Merrill High School, may have had inappropriate interaction with a 17 year-old female student. We spoke to the Merrill Area Public Schools superintendent Wally Leipart. Full story: WJFW

EAGLE RIVER - Northwoods schools struggle to find teachers for some classes like Mandarin Chinese. In the past, that meant students couldn't take those classes. But thanks to technology, students can take classes even if their schools don't offer them. Full story: WJFW