Local Rhinelander Headlines

Retired judge Tim Vocke has been selected to serve as chairman of the nonpartisan board that oversees elections in Wisconsin. Vocke's name was selected at random from a glass vase by board director Kevin Kennedy. He replaces David Deininger as chairman of the Government Accountability Board. Full Story: WJFW

MINOCQUA - For some, artistic expression is a way of life. Whether it's painting, scetching or music--it's a way to grow. That's apparent at the Marywood Fransiscan Spritual Center in Minocqua. Karen Kappell teaches art to anyone who stops by. It's more about instruction than anything else. Full Story: WJFW

MINOCQUA - A Minocqua church wants to break down divisions between Native Americans and non-natives in the Northwoods.

The congregation at St. Matthias Church in Minocqua said addressing racial tensions in the community is a top priority.

This new logo helps emphasize that.

Full Story: WJFW

CRANDON - He thought he would stay out on bail, but now a Mole Lake stabbing suspect will have to wait for sentencing in jail. Twenty-year-old Jesse Daniels pleaded guilty in court today, days before he was scheduled to go to trial for the stabbing. Three other people are already serving four to seven years in prison for their roles. Daniels agreed to plead guilty to two of the six felonies he was charged with: second degree attempted homicide and false imprisonment. Full Story: WJFW

EAGLE RIVER - Today kicks off the 50th Anniversary of the Snowmobile Vintage Race in Eagle River. Tomorrow, racers will qualify for the championship. The finals are on Sunday. Chuck Decker is the president of the world championship snowmobile derby. Full Story: WJFW

RHINELANDER - A propane tanker crashed into a car at 9:30 this morning in Rhinelander. A woman and a child were taken to the hospital. The crash slowed traffic for about 30 minutes around the intersection of 17 and County Road P in Rhinelander. The propane tanker was headed north on 17 when it hit the car. The passenger side of the car and the cab of the tanker suffered the most damage. Full Story: WJFW

EAGLE RIVER - Getting a perfect score on the ACT isn't easy. But that's what a Northland Pines student did. In fact, it's the first ever for his high school. Christian Svetnicka also has a perfect G-P-A. With his resume, he can do anything. But what's the soon-to be graduate's dream job? Full Story: WJFW

CONOVER - People come to the Northwoods for blue skies, clean water, and fresh air. But how can we make sure it stays that way? One Conover resort has an idea-- Go green. Sandy Shores Resort is the first business in the city to be “Certified Travel Green." Sandy Welnetz, who owns the resport along with her husband Curt, couldn't be more proud. Full Story: WJFW

But don't worry, your butter burgers and custard will be as good as ever! Josh and Jennifer Clark are the new owners of Culver's on Kemp Street in Rhinelander. They're excited to get to know the community. The Clarks may be new to the area, but Jennifer has a little history here. Full Story: WJFW

The School District of Rhinelander will have new leadership next year. Tuesday night, the school board is meeting to begin the hiring process for a new superintendent. Current superintendent Roger Erdahl will retire June 30th. He's been with the district for 11 years. Board president Ron Counter said before Erdahl came in, the district had a history of unsuccessful leadership. Full Story: WJFW

MINOCQUA - People who need wireless internet service around Minocqua should have a definite provider in place for some time starting next week. The town board's Broadband and Business Development Committee agreed to send a lease proposal to the town board for SonicNet last night. SonicNet has unofficially provided wifi to people on the outskirts of town for about three years now. That's when the town built three wireless towers at a cost of $15,000 each. Full Story: WJFW

IRMA - A 44-year-old Thorp man lead a Deputy on a short high speed chase Friday evening. Gary L. Hempleman passed the Deputy going 84 mph on US Highway 51 north of County Road J in Irma. The Deputy pulled out to stop the driver- but instead of stopping, Hempleman turned east onto County Road V and accelerated to over 90 MPH. Full Story: WJFW

CRANDON - Imagine finding a YouTube video of someone pretending to shoot up your school. Given the backdrop of the Sandy Hook shootings, an already troubling video becomes downright haunting. But that's what police in Forest County are dealing with this week. Forest County Sheriff John Dennee says someone alerted his office to a disturbing YouTube video. It shows students being shot at Crandon School. Full Story: WJFW

ST. GERMAIN - Today many of us at Newswatch 12 joined the ranks of brave and chilly souls jumping into Big St. Germain Lake... It was definitely cold, but the cause for the jump, warmed our hearts. This year was the 6th Annual Northwoods Original Polar Bear Plunge benefitting Angel On My Shoulder- a group started in St. Germain that helps kids affected by cancer. "It's hard to put into words until you see the kid’s faces that wouldn't have an opportunity to get away from their problems, get away from the things that are affecting them, forget about life in general for a while, and just have fun being a kid. Until you see that expression on their face, it's almost impossible to put into words," said Matt Reuss, a popular returning plunger, dressed this year as a shark. Full Story: WJFW