Local Rhinelander Headlines

WAUSAU - A very old grapevine in Wausau promises new opportunities for the Historical Society, and it’s been there all along. "We are all guessing about how it got there, we really have no idea," said Master Gardener and volunteer, Dana Sanft. Full Story: WJFW

MADISON - Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources officials are taking the unusual step of allowing farmers to harvest hay and graze cattle on some state lands. The DNR will let farmers take free hay and let cattle roam on certain state properties in 32 counties where Governor Scott Walker has declared flooding-related states of emergency and federal officials have declared natural disaster areas due to winter-kill and excessive rain and snow. Full Story: WJFW

RHINELANDER - You could see more boathouses popping up on Oneida County's lakes. That's because the county board is considering an ordinance that would allow flat-roof boathouses. Full Story: WJFW

WOODRUFF - When you get a smoldering hot day like today, going to the lake sounds pretty great. But if you don’t know how to swim, that could be a problem. Full Story: WJFW

WOODRUFF - Nobody knows exactly when or by whom a prestigious anglers club was founded here in the Northwoods. But you can bet you know someone in it. "Probably, I'm going to guess seven or eight times," says Kurt Justice. Full Story: WJFW

WAUSAU - We know the Northwoods has great hunting and fishing, but we also have some of the BEST hospitals in the nation. Aspirus Wausau was recognized TWICE in the last week. They were listed as one of the 100 Best Community Hospitals by Becker's Hospital Review. Full Story: WJFW

RHINELANDER - The School District of Rhinelander welcomed a new staff member earlier this week. Kelly Huseby will be the district's new principal at Crescent Elementary School. Full Story: WJFW

MADISON - Wisconsin health officials want people to be careful in the heat and humidity. The Department of Health Services says last year 27 people died in Wisconsin because of heat-related issues. Full Story: WJFW

WOODRUFF - For a couple years, some lakes in the Northwoods have been drying up. You can see it now along the lake shores. Full Story: WJFW

LAC DU FLAMBEAU - Kids walking to school this year will be safer along highway 47 in Lac Du Flambeau. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation recently started a 3 and a half million dollar construction project in Lac Du Flambeau. Full Story: WJFW

WATERTOWN - Governor Scott Walker hopes ``cooler heads will prevail'' at the site of a proposed iron ore mine in northern Wisconsin. Masked guards wearing camouflage and armed with rifles were posted at the mining site last week. Full Story: WJFW

RHINELANDER - We got some surprise visitors here at the station last night. A flock of flamingoes parked on the Newswatch 12 front lawn, and decided to stay for the night. Full Story: WJFW

HURLEY - A woman charged with crimes after a mining protest gets released on a signature bond. 26 year old Katie Kloth, of Stevens Point, made an initial appearance in Iron County Circuit Court Monday afternoon. Full Story: WJFW

RHINELANDER - Heat index could make it feel like it's 90 degrees this week. That can be dangerously hot, especially for children and seniors. Full Story: WJFW