Local Rhinelander Headlines

RHINELANDER - The sounds of Christmas filled downtown Rhinelander today. Local elementary students shared their talents to spread some holiday cheer with Christmas carols. "It's something for everybody- the businesses enjoy us coming and caroling and the kids enjoy going around and singing and when we're all done the businesses have been kind enough to provide cookies and hot chocolate," said Rachel Strong, of Rhinelander Schools’ Music Department. Full Story: WJFW

RHINELANDER - A sign of the times: as social media consumes more and more of people's lives, a Tomahawk man is now going to prison for inappropriate behavior on Facebook. "He also threatened the victim and her father," says Oneida County Assistant District Attorney Scott Moller. A seemingly dangerous man will be off the streets for half a decade. In October a jury found 23-year-old Abel Jump guilty of trying to use Facebook to get a child to have sex with him. And that's not all. "He made threats against a judge," says Moller. Full Story: WJFW

RHINELANDER - The Lac du Flambeau man who burned two children with hot water back in 2011 pleaded guilty today. Jeffrey Kulick was charged with two counts of felony child abuse. Today he agreed to two lesser felony child abuse charges in a plea deal with the state. The abuse involved a two-year-old boy and three-year-old girl. Full Story: WJFW

RHINELANDER - You've probably ordered pork chops or tenderloin in a restaurant before. But if you haven't been to Mainstreet Ed's in Argonne, you probably haven't had pork chops or tenderloin done right. Owner Ed Hill makes a burned maple syrup sauce for his whiskey river pork chops. It's unique, and that's how Ed tries to keep it at his restaurant. Full Story: WJFW

EAGLE RIVER - A Northwoods Business incubator seems to be off and running. The Vilas County Board is recognizing that. The Board approved $100,000 in funding to keep the business incubator running. This incubator, similar to a baby's incubator, helps small or infant businesses get going in Vilas County. The Vilas County Economic Development Corporation opened the incubator earlier this year. Full Story: WJFW

CRANDON - If you think being underage will keep you out of prison... think again. A Mole Lake stabbing suspect will be one of the youngest inmates in the adult prison system for the next four years. Forest County District Attorney Chuck Simono told the Court Craig McGeshick has always been forthcoming with his role in February's Mole Lake stabbing. But despite facing 30 years in prison he wouldn't cooperate with any other information. "He refused to say anything, repeatedly saying he was not going to be a snitch, he was not going to tell anyone who was involved. And he hasn't from day one until now. That, Your Honor is going to really give him rank, it's going to give him status all within the gang setting in which he thrives," says Simono. Full Story: WJFW

More entertainment options could open up to people under 21 in Rhinelander. Right now, minors can't go to shows or concerts if they're held in a place that has a liquor license. But the owner of the Elbo Room Lounge in downtown Rhinelander wants to change that. He requested an ordinance to allow people under age 21 into shows and events. Full Story: WJFW

The Associated Bank in downtown Rhinelander put up their annual Christmas Tree, but instead of lights and ornaments, this tree is decorated with hats and gloves. Right now it's looking a little bare, so the bank is looking for donations to spruce it up. "There's a lot of room for additional donations,” said Keith Haselton... Full Story: WJFW

MERRILL - Merrill Police seem to have found a substantial drug operation thanks to a simple traffic stop. Sunday night, police pulled over a car driven by 23-year-old Cassiopia Conlin. Two warrants were already out for her arrest and police took her into custody. Full Story: WJFW

MINOCQUA - Drug abuse has become a growing problem across the country and perhaps the most concerning issue involved is prescription drugs. The misuse, dispersion and abuse of prescription drugs unfortunately often begins in a legitimate pharmacy or doctors office. The Lakeland Area Prescription Drug Task Force was created to find a proactive approach to keeping drugs in the hands of those who need them and off the streets. Full Story: WJFW

EAGLE RIVER - Earlier this year the Vilas County board rejected a proposed voluntary staff reduction. That meant more than 10 employees would have to be cut. But with those cuts getting closer, the board back-tracked. Now it will let staff members take a voluntary reduction afterall. Full Story: WJFW

RHINELANDER - The Governor's office hopes to find the next Oneida County Sheriff soon. It started accepting applicants today. Sheriff Jeff Hoffmann announced his retirement last Monday. For the time being, Chief Deputy John Sweeney will fill in. Full Story: WJFW

PHELPS - Kids and adults love gingerbread houses around the holidays. But in Phelps, they're taking that passion one step further. What was a vacant lot has turned into the perfect place to start a new holiday tradition. This life-size gingerbread house was the idea of Shelly Ray, who designed it so that every detail is just perfect. Full Story: WJFW

Kids in Boulder Junction are in the full swing of the Holiday Season...especially with a visit from one very famous man in a red suit. Santa himself already making the rounds and gathering a toy list from all the kids in the Northwoods, but only if they've been nice..."I haven't found a naughty one yet. All this? Wow, I really have to think and get this all in my mind here. I'll see what I can do." Full Story: WJFW