Local Rhinelander Headlines

MINOCQUA - You might think of special education in schools as a group isolated from the rest of the student body. But in Minocqua, thanks to a unique group, it's the exact opposite. Full Story: WJFW

GREEN BAY - We all know texting and driving can end in a crash. Now, a new ad campaign starring a student from Three Lakes warns of that danger. The new "Zero in Wisconsin" messages get their debut this morning in Green Bay. Full Story: WJFW

RHINELANDER - People driving past Rhinelander High School may be startled to see a large law enforcement presence, but don't worry, it's only a drill. The Oneida County Sheriff's department and Rhinelander School district will be hosting the training. Full Story: WJFW

RHINELANDER - Another sign of spring just around the corner, even if it doesn't quite feel like it yet- the snowmobile season in most of the Northwoods is over. Oneida, Lincoln and Vilas counties closed most of their trails today. Most of the county land use agreements with private landowners expire March 31st. Full Story: WJFW

TOMAHAWK - This holiday, for many people means preparing dinner at home, and spending time with your family. But for parishioners at Saint Paul Lutheran in Tomahawk, it means giving back to the community. Full Story: WJFW

WAUSAU - This week we told you about two Marathon County corrections officers attacked by an inmate. Now the Wausau Daily Herald says a consultants' report concluded the Marathon County Jail was so understaffed that employees could be in danger. Full Story: WJFW

MADISON - The Wisconsin Conservation Congress is gearing up for another round of annual spring hearings next month. It's a group of influential sportsmen who advise the DNR on policy. Every April it holds hearings in all 72 counties for people to vote on suggested changes to DNR regulations. Full Story: WJFW

MARSHFIELD - The defense team for a man accused of planning a shooting rampage at an abortion clinic is hoping to get the charge dismissed on a legal technicality. Ralph Lang of Marshfield drove to Madison in May 2010. He's accused of planning to kill abortion doctors at a Planned Parenthood clinic. Full Story: WJFW

MADISON - Drivers who cut around stopped garbage trucks could risk the same penalties as passing a stopped school bus. A proposal in the state legislature would add sanitation truck workers to the statute. Full Story: WJFW

MADISON - A Democratic lawmaker is blasting a Republican colleague for threatening to reconsider a grant for the Lac du Flambeau Chippewa after the tribe announced it had increased spearfishing goals, saying he has an ``1800s mentality.'' Full Story: WJFW

RHINELANDER - Animal shelters need all the help they can get placing pets with families in the community. And correctional facilities look for ways inmates can give back to the community. Two local facilities have partnered to meet those needs. An unusual partnership? Maybe. But it looks like one that will be mutually beneficial. Full Story: WJFW

RHINELANDER - Newswatch 12's Ben Meyer was out enjoying the warm weather on Friday. Full Story: WJFW

MERRILL - Home should be a place you can relax and feel safe. Not a place where you'll find a burglar standing in your living room. That happened in a small community near Merrill on alert last week. Full Story: WJFW

CHIPPEWA FALLS - The outlook for the state's maple syrup crop is much better than last year. Unseasonably warm weather took a toll on the state's maple-syrup crop in 2012. Cooler conditions this year have improved the 20-13 outlook significantly. Full Story: WJFW