Local Rhinelander Headlines

STATEWIDE - Here's a sure sign of spring - Wisconsin's early trout season is just a little more than a week away. The season runs from 5 a.m. March 2nd until midnight on April 27nd. Participants will need a state fishing license and an inland trout stamp. Full Story: WJFW

RHINELANDER - You can find a family's creative work on display at Nicolet College. Today was the opening of the Generations Exhibit. All three artists have been making masterpieces throughout the last several decades---and are all related. Full Story: WJFW

WOODRUFF-ARBOR VITAE - Kate Pelham was a Northwoods doctor from 1931 to 1956. Her medical service to the community made her a legend--and it was all done without a hospital. In 1953, students from Arbor-Vitae-Woodruff Elementary School collected a million pennies to help build the area's first medical center. Full Story: WJFW

CRANDON - When you throw a trash bag into your garbage bin, you probably DON'T think about how much it costs you. But the City of Crandon hopes to save money on trash and pass the savings on to residents. Full Story: WJFW

HAZELHURST - Some people in Hazelhurst want to get rid of their drafty old town hall. On Tuesday, Hazelhurst's board took the first steps in building a new one. The town bought 7-acres of land last May. It’s waiting to see where the economy goes before making plans. Full Story: WJFW

RHINELANDER - The Rhinelander man accused of shooting his neighbor's dog with a crossbow won't go to trial. Instead, he reached a plea deal with the state Thursday. Full Story: WJFW

MADISON - As early as next week we could finally have a decision about iron mining in Northern Wisconsin. The Legislature's finance committee will meet Monday in Madison to vote on the mining bill. If it passes, it would be easier for Gogebic Taconite to build an open pit mine south of Lake Superior Full Story: WJFW

CRANDON - A Wabeno man could face up to 100 years in prison after being charged with two felony counts of sexual assaulting a 9-year-old. Michael George touched and penetrated the girl at least 20 times between last Thanksgiving and Christmas, she told a Sheriff's Deputy. Full Story: WJFW

RHINELANDER - Nobody on Earth can ride a snowmobile faster than Rhinelander's Jack Hendricks. A big statement--but one he can back up. Hendricks broke a world record for a quarter mile at a National Straightline Snowmobile Race last month in western Wisconsin. Full Story: WJFW

ST. GERMAIN - A judge ruled Vilas County can build a snowmobile trail on the right of way on a St. Germain couple's property. Tom and Karen Martens filed a lawsuit last fall to stop the trail from crossing their land. The Martens said the statute allowing for trails on right of ways doesn't apply to their land because it was an easement. They also cited safety concerns. Full Story: WJFW

RHINELANDER - 17-year-old Jeffrey Stefonik appeared in court Wednesday. Stefonik is accused of breaking into and vandalizing a Monico home. He faces six felonies, including burglary and criminal damages. Full Story: WJFW

RHINELANDER, THREE LAKES, NORTHLAND PINES - Tuesday, three local school districts will ask whether you'll support them by raising your property taxes. Rhinelander, Three Lakes and Northland Pines school districts are headed for a referendum election. Rhinelander is asking for $4 million per year through 2016. Full Story: WJFW

RHINELANDER - Two Northwoods high schoolers want to share the comfort of books with victims of the Sandy Hook shooting and Hurricane Sandy. Rhinelander's Katelyn Larson and Erin Tenderholt found their own way to pitch in from hundreds of miles away. Full Story: WJFW

WISCONSIN - The home sales market just keeps getting better and better for sellers here in the state. Sales last month were up more than 18% compared to January of last year. The average price of a home also bumped 3.5% percent to $123,000. Full Story: WJFW