Local Rhinelander Headlines

WAUSAU - You could help make the Wausau East-West Log Game the best in the country. USA Today is hosting a national voting competition for the best high school football rivalry. The Log Game received more than 125,000 votes to win the Midwest region. Full story: WJFW

RHINELANDER - Vacant buildings don't help already struggling communities. The old WPS building in the middle of downtown Rhinelander has been empty for at least three years. But that could change. Oneida County bought the building from WPS in 2008. The county intended to use it for the Department of Aging. Full story: WJFW

STEVENS POINT - UW-Stevens Point will build a new Chemistry-Biology Building to help with classroom space. The State of Wisconsin Building Commission approved project today. Full story: WJFW

RHINELANDER - Most people can now successfully get through the online healthcare website. The Obama administration announced today about 365,000 people have successfully signed up. That's well behind what the administration had hoped for at this point. Full story: WJFW

WHITEWATER - Wisconsin has made the Peace Corps' Top 10 list for number of volunteers per capita. Peace Corps volunteers spend two years working in a developing country. Tasks might include teaching English, digging wells and tending gardens. Full story: WJFW

MADISON - Democrats in the Wisconsin Legislature are calling on Republicans to hold a public hearing on a bill to increase the minimum wage. Twenty six Democrats, including possible gubernatorial candidate Sen. Kathleen Vinehout, sent a letter Tuesday requesting the hearing. Full story: WJFW

RHINELANDER - It’s been almost a year since 14 homes and businesses were vandalized in the town of Monico. The damage three teenagers caused was roughly $100,000. One of those teens learned his punishment today. Full story: WJFW

EAGLE RIVER - A Northwoods middle school started a fundraising competition Monday that will help raise money for the Frederick Place in Rhinelander. Grades six through eight at Northland Pines Middle School in Eagle River will compete to raise the most money. Full story: WJFW

RHINELANDER - A Rhinelander employee union believes the city illegally rejected their collective bargaining agreement,now they’re suing the city. The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 1226 represents City of Rhinelander workers from public works, wastewater, parks, water and golf course employees. They filed suit against the city on Dec. 4, 2013. Full story: WJFW

VILAS COUNTY - You'll need to tune up the snowmobile in Vilas County. Trails in Vilas county will open Friday, Dec 11. with the exception of Phelps trails. This is ahead of the scheduled opening for Tuesday December 17th. Full story: WJFW

RHINELANDER - Wintry roads led to a scary-looking SUV rollover near Rhinelander on Monday afternoon. A car headed east on Highway 8 near North Rifle Road flipped on its roof. Full story: WJFW

RHINELANDER - “This time of year is just a little different because the pressure is more,” says Anthony Turek, Rhinelander Postmaster. “Christmas is coming we’re a little over 2 weeks away I think right around two weeks and this is it.” Its crunch time at the Post Office. With Christmas fast approaching it’s important to keep a few things in mind when sending packages this holiday season. Full story: WJFW

PHILLIPS - High school and college students use North Central Technical College in Phillips as a way to get a jump start on college. Soon, they'll have more space and more programs to take advantage of. Full story: WJFW

WAUSAU - Sandra La-Du Ives was the assistant jail administrator in Oneida County for nine years. That was before she was named the Oneida County jail administrator in May. Full story: WJFW