Local Rhinelander Headlines

CAMBRIDGE, MASS. - Social media no doubt full of information and reactions from this week's scares in Boston. Chances are someone you're connected to online is affected. Full Story: WJFW

A Texas law enforcement official says 12 bodies have been recovered following a massive explosion that leveled a fertilizer plant. Full Story: WJFW

MINOCQUA - In the Northwoods it can be hard to find help for special needs children. But in April especially, families affected by autism shouldn't feel alone. April is World Autism Awareness Month. In Minocqua families can find a helpful retreat. On Sunday April 28th, Wisconsin Family Ties will host a family fun day at the Waters of Minocqua. Full Story: WJFW

RHINELANDER - He greets you when you drive into town, and watches over you at nearly every pub, store, even from police cars. Now Rhinelander will get even more recognition thanks to the mythical green monster we all know and love. The Rhinelander Chamber of Commerce won two advertising awards for its use of the Hodag. The "What is a Hodag" infographic won the awards from the American Advertising Federation. Full Story: WJFW

MANITOWISH WATERS - This month, Manitowish Waters welcomes a Northwoods native as its newest Chamber of Commerce Executive Director. Dave Karaffa grew up near Boulder Junction and graduated from Lakeland Union High School. Full Story: WJFW

RHINELANDER - Oneida County lost a dedicated public servant this past weekend. Tomorrow friends and family will say goodbye to Paul Dean. Dean spent 13 years on the Oneida County Board representing Pine Lake. Before that, he served the city of Rhinelander in the Police Department. Back then he was known as Detective Sergeant Paul Dean. Full Story: WJFW

MADISON - The state Assembly has approved a bill that would penalize the trafficking of the food stamp benefits in Wisconsin. The Republican-sponsored measure would make it illegal to buy, sell or transfer food stamp benefits for cash and other unlawful purposes such as trading stamps for alcohol or cigarettes. Full Story: WJFW

RHINELANDER - You might think of the library as a stationary place. Usually you go to it. But workers at the Rhinelander District Library often bring services out to people in the community. To keep doing so, they could use some help. Full Story: WJFW

BOSTON - Two explosions have shaken the finish line area of the Boston Marathon. Spectators covered in blood were seen being taken to a medical tent, as authorities ran out onto the course to carry away injured runners. Full Story: WJFW

MINOCQUA - Today, law enforcement prepared for the worst in Minocqua. It wasn't a fire or tornado drill- the Minocqua J1 school district practiced a "CODE RED" Lockdown in case of a Sandy Hook-type emergency. Full Story: WJFW

THREE LAKES - Much longer than four score and seven years has passed since the Battle of Gettysburg. In fact, this year will mark the 150th anniversary of the deadliest fight in the Civil War. Three Lakes is almost a thousand miles from that battle site. Full Story: WJFW

MINOCQUA - Most of us try to avoid pain entirely, but expecting to NEVER feel pain could be part of a growing drug problem in the Northwoods. The Lakeland Area Drug Abuse Task Force spoke about appropriate pain management today. Full Story: WJFW

MADISON - Those hoping to catch a trout should have a little better chance of success. State Department of Natural Resources officials hope to add nearly 330,000 trout to Wisconsin waters. Full Story: WJFW

MADISON - Two Wisconsin women are charged with human trafficking involving a young girl in Illinois. The two women are Elizabeth Roeder, of Milwaukee, and Shannon Hathaway, of Stoughton. Full Story: WJFW