Local Rhinelander Headlines

WAUSAU - Northern Wisconsin Congressman Sean Duffy didn't know just how much hunger and homelessness affects our communities. A group of local pastors tuned him in to the problem. "It surprised me. I think a lot of people aren't aware of how bad this problem is, and I thought I could be part of a growing solution to address those issues of hunger and homelessness in Wisconsin, especially right here in central Wisconsin," Duffy said. Read more: WJFW

MADISON - We'll know soon if a bill making it harder to force schools to drop race based nicknames will become law. Governor Scott Walker says whether he signs or vetos the bill it comes down to concerns about if current law tramples on free speech rights. Full story: WJFW

WAUSAU - The Wausau School Board will delay the release of its music controversy report, according to a press release from School Board President Michelle Schaefer. According to a press release from Schaefer Tuesday, the report could not be released because of Wisconsin Public Records Law. Full story: WJFW

ONEIDA COUNTY - The Oneida County Board lost a supervisor this weekend. Gary Baier died at age 69 after fighting cancer. Full story: WJFW

ASHLAND - Police are holding a 14-year-old boy in a suspected homicide in northwestern Wisconsin. The victim, a 52-year-old Ashland man, was pronounced dead at the scene. Police identify the victim as William Saari (SAR'-ree). Full story: WJFW

WESTON - A Weston man faces 48 counts of possessing child pornography. According to online court records, 51-year-old Thomas J. Beer was charged with seven counts of possessing child pornography in November. Full story: WJFW

WAUSAU - Salem Lutheran Church in Wausau wants to know who stole baby Jesus. The figurine was stolen right in front of the church on sixth street. Pastor Richard Russow noticed it was missing last Friday. Full story: WJFW

RHINELANDER - A Rhinelander Pizza and Bistro owner will face drug charges, according to online court documents. Randy Zadnik is charged with possession of meth, drug paraphernalia and narcotic drugs. That means two felonies and a misdemeanor. Full story: WJFW

MADISON - A call claiming the power will soon be shut off would worry anyone. Scammers count on that, and state officials are warning Wisconsin businesses. There are rising reports of scammers calling with threats to cancel utility service. Full story: WJFW

MADISON - A new report says Wisconsin ranks among the top 10 states in volunteer rates. The Corporation for National & Community Service, a federal agency that promotes public service, reviewed states' volunteer rates between 2010 and 2012. It found 35.6 percent of Wisconsin residents did volunteer work over that span, ranking them eighth among all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Utah was first at 43.8 percent and Minnesota second at 37.7 percent. Full story: WJFW

ACROSS WISCONSIN - State officials are warning Wisconsin businesses about increasing reports of scammers calling with threats to cancel utility service unless immediate payment is made. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection said Monday that the con artists call a business and pretend to represent a local utility company. Full story: WJFW

MEDFORD - A Rib Lake woman accused of trying to kill her four children will look to reach a plea agreement. According to online court documents, 37-year-old Heidi Mann reached a tentative agreement Monday in Taylor County court. Full story: WJFW

WAUSAU - New exotic jerky stores in Wausau and Eagle River could help hunters get the taste of meat if their hunts disappointed. There are plenty of meat sources in the Northwoods. We've got deer,turkey, duck, the list can go on. But it can be tough finding exotic meat. Full story: WJFW

MADISON - The high value of wild Ginseng makes it a frequent target of poachers in Wisconsin. A yearlong Department of Natural Resources probe into illegal ginseng harvesting has generated more than 100 citations. Full story: WJFW