Local Rhinelander Headlines

BOULDER JUNCTION - Christmas came early for some kids in Boulder Junction today. Today was the 20th Annual Boulder Junction Children's Christmas Party. The Boulder Junction Lion's Club host the party every year. Full story: WJFW

EAGLE RIVER - A driver hit a squad car in Eagle River. It happened around 6:30 Saturday night. Vilas County Dispatch got a call saying a car was traveling all over Highway 70 through the City of Eagle River. Full story: WJFW

IRON RIVER, WIS. - Authorities in northwestern Wisconsin are investigating the deaths of two people at a residence in Iron River. A statement from the Iron River Police Department says the Bayfield County Sheriff's Office responded to a 911 call reporting an altercation in progress about 6:15 p.m. Saturday. Full story: WJFW

RHINELANDER - We don't usually say pets and craft shows in the same sentence. But two organizations used a local craft show to raise money for pets in need. Pet Haven Sanctuary was one of more than 20 vendors selling goods at the Holiday Craft Show in Rhinelander today. Full story: WJFW

LAC DU FLAMBEAU - A judge threw out the rape case against Jerome LaBarge, Jr. on Tuesday. That's because the case was filed too late, putting it past the statute of limitations. But LaBarge will soon face another judge. Full story: WJFW

PINE LAKE - Police believe a wood stove burner started a garage fire near Rhinelander Friday. The fire started around 1 p.m. at a garage on the 4000 block Trails End Road just north of Rhinelander. Full story: WJFW

EAGLE RIVER - Most of us know businesses demand hard work to begin. Northland Pines fifth graders found out just how much work it takes to start their own business. Students worked in groups to create a business that sold a product they could make themselves. Today students' businesses were open in the school's library. Full story: WJFW

MINOCQUA - Cross Country skiing seems like it’s just you and nature, but there’s actually a lot of manpower and big machinery involved. The trails at Minocqua Winter Park open Friday. Employees got ready for the skiers starting Sunday. Full story: WJFW

RHINELANDER - Footprints in the snow led police to another burglar in Rhinelander. Police say Kevin Kurek was breaking into garages late last month. But he left a trail of footprints from garage to garage. An observant neighbor followed the footprints and called police. Full story: WJFW

TOWN OF PELICAN - Winter activities like ice drag racing can attract a lot of people to lakes. Northwoods towns are now looking to protect their residents by regulating those events. Full story: WJFW

MEDFORD - You know curling from the Olympics. This week, master curlers from across the country are throwing their rocks in Medford. But this kind of curling you won’t see in Sochi, Mixed Doubles. "Mixed doubles is fun. I really like it. It's really quick, everything happens quick and you're making a lot of precision shots because you don't have sweepers. I like that a lot and I like getting to play with Brady," said Cristin Clark. Full story: WJFW

MADISON - A company looking to dig a huge iron mine near Lake Superior has submitted a storm water permit application to state regulators. Gogebic Taconite wants to build a 4{-mile long open pit mine in the Penokee Hills. The company is waiting for the Department of Natural Resources' permission to excavate mineral samples in the area. Full story: WJFW

RHINELANDER - A judge dismissed the charges against a Lac du Flambeau man charged with raping a woman in 2006. Judge Michael Bloom ruled Tuesday that the statute of limitations had expired on the case against 33-year-old Jerome LaBarge. Full story: WJFW

WAUSAU - Wausau Police need your help to find two men wanted in burglaries on Wausau's East Side. Three homes were broken into and ransacked between November 25th and December 3rd. No one was home at the time. Full story: WJFW