Local Rhinelander Headlines

People in the Northwoods got a chance to try out some unique winter activities

CONOVER - Sunday was the second year the Northwoods Blizzard Blast was held in Conover. The money raised goes to support Conover's volunteer fire department. Some of the events included ice bowling, ice golfing, youth archery, recliner races, dogsled dash, fireworks and an artisan bazaar. Newswatch 12 spoke with some of the volunteers.

Two longtime friends had fun volunteering at the blast. Alex Gangler and Hunter Indermuehle volunteered at the ice bowling activity.

Full story: WJFW

People compete in 4th Annual Hodag Snow Dash

RHINELANDER - Competitors at the Hodag Snow Dash race didn't seem to mind the cold. This year's timed 5k had a similar turnout to last year. The event was put on by the YMCA of the Northwoods. The YMCA collaborated with Rhinelander Lions Club Fisheree.

For many racers, it wasn't their first snow dash. People look forward to the course each year.

"You know, it's always a challenge. This year it's going to be the temperatures, and I think Chris Cook has developed a pretty nice race course, and I think he changes it a bit every year," said competitor Brian Wendt. "So we're looking forward to seeing what he brings on."

Full story: WJFW

University of Wisconsin-Madison students and staff protest UW system cuts

MADISON - Several hundred University of Wisconsin-Madison students, faculty and staffers braved subzero temperatures to protest Gov. Scott Walker's proposal to cut $300 million over the next two years from the UW system.

They rallied on campus Saturday on the fourth anniversary of the beginning of large-scale demonstrations against a Walker plan that eliminated collective bargaining rights for most of Wisconsin's public employees.

Protester Yogesh Chawla says the UW system is the economic engine of Wisconsin, so cutting it will hurt the entire state.

Full story: WJFW

Sturgeon spearing season begins

OSHKOSH - Sturgeon spearers took 467 fish on Lake Winnebago on the opening day of the season.

The Department of Natural Resources says that's more than 100 over the average opening day harvest, and the fifth-biggest since sturgeon spearing switched to a 6-hour day in 2003. Spearers registered 13 sturgeon over 100 pounds from Lake Winnebago, the largest being 127 pounds.

They didn't fare so well elsewhere. The DNR reports 126 sturgeon speared in the Upriver Lakes, the second-lowest for opening day since 2007, including three of 100 pounds or larger.

Full story: WJFW

Possible changes to Wisconsin's standardized tests

MARSHFIELD - As Wisconsin schools prepare to give new standardized tests this spring, teachers and administrators say the time, effort and money they're putting into the exams may be pointless.

That's because Gov. Scott Walker has called for scrapping the new tests next year before school officials can analyze the results.

The Smarter Balanced test, also known as The Badger Exam, is linked to the Common Core State Standards. It will test students in grades 3-8 in math and English.

Full story: WJFW

Volunteers raise money for White Lake Volunteer Fire Department and community

WHITE LAKE - Many fire departments in the Northwoods rely on community volunteers to fight fires. White Lake's Volunteer Fire Department also needs donations to fund its services.

That's why the department held its biggest fundraiser of the year Saturday.

This is the 40th year the White Lake Fishing Derby has been held. The entire community helps with the event.

Full story: WJFW

Transportation borrowing could continue to rise under Gov. Scott Walker's budget proposal

MADISON - State borrowing for road building would continue to rise under Gov. Scott Walker's latest budget proposal, a trend that has industry leaders wondering if some transportation projects will be scrapped in order to hold down debt.

Nearly 20 cents of every state dollar in Wisconsin's road fund will be used to pay off highway loans this year. That number would climb even higher if Walker's $1.3 billion in proposed transportation borrowing is approved.

Full story: WJFW

Future scientists gather at UW-Marathon County to compete in Wisconsin Science Olympiad regionals

WAUSAU - Some Northcentral Wisconsin schools want more students to get involved in science. That's why more than one 100 students competed in a regional tournament Saturday.

The Wisconsin Science Olympiad was held at the UW Marathon County. More than 18 teams from 11 local high schools competed. Teams competed in 25 science categories, ranging from biotechnology to forensics to air trajectory.

"I'm more into the medical aspects of it, and how it affects population," said Neenah High School student Lydia Engelbreth. "Earlier today I did the disease detectives, and so I took a test on how the spreading of diseases affects populations, and how it spikes in some places rather than others, and what causes it."

Full story: WJFW

Inaugural Flannel Face Off challenged competitors with Northwoods obstacles

RHINELANDER - The race was put on by the Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with the Rhinelander Lions Club Fisheree. The race was held at the Boom Lake boat landing in Hodag Park. About 50 people competed in the 5k despite the below zero temperatures.

The obstacles were challenging for everyone.

"You're sinking in the snow, and the path wasn't traversed before I was out there, and just pulling a, I don't know how many pounds, 100 pounds maybe," said competitor Shelly Gilingham. "It was very difficult."

Full story: WJFW

New $1 million grant should help Northwoods' kids access psychiatric care

WISCONSIN - Northern Wisconsin struggles to find enough child psychiatrists treat all the kids who need help. But new program should help relieve the shortage.

The Medical College of Wisconsin got a $1 million grant funded by the state to start the Child Psychiatry Consultation Program. The program will serve Milwaukee County and 15 counties in northern Wisconsin.

"Sometimes the rural area makes it difficult to be able to attract that level of skill set," said Kitty Rhoades, the Department of Health Services Secretary. "They can work in an urban area and be able to see 20 clients in one day rather than maybe perhaps ten due to geography in a rural area."

Full story: WJFW

OWI biomarker program could improve treatment options across Wisconsin

RHINELANDER - Health workers at the Human Resource Center in Rhinelander believe the biomarker project helps them better track OWI offenders in recovery.

The center implemented the program in 2012 to develop best practices for repeat intoxicated drivers. Assessors take blood and fingernail samples that scientists look at to track a person's drinking history months into the past.

Alcohol biomarkers are measurable indicators, or flags, the body produces to verify unhealthy bouts of drinking, according to the biomarker project headed by Dr. Pamela Bean in Madison. Workers are able to analyze the markers from the blood and fingernail samples.

Full story: WJFW

Local sweet shop makes "50 Shades" themed treats

RHINELANDER - Valentine's Day falling on a weekend will keep movie theatres pretty busy, especially with the release of "Fifty Shades of Grey." One Northwoods movie theatre owner has an unusually busy weekend.

George Rouman owns Rouman Cinema and Fun Factory Sweet Shoppe, both in Rhinelander. He combined his businesses in a unique way: 50 Shades-themed chocolates and popcorn.

Both treats are regular, delicious-tasting sweetsâ€"just with a little kick.

Full story: WJFW

State budget needs to make up hundreds of millions by summer; parties disagree if budget repair bill needed

MADISON - Four years ago, a projected state budget shortfall in February triggered Gov. Scott Walker to take strong action.

His legislation, called a budget repair bill, became Act 10.

It stripped most bargaining rights from public employees and set off massive protests on the Capitol Square.

Full story: WJFW

Packers announce ticket price increases for 2015 season

GREEN BAY - The Green Bay Packers will be increasing ticket prices for the 2015 season _ with prices going up anywhere from $3 to $105 depending on seat locations.

Season ticket holders are learning of the price increases in mailings sent out this week.

Packers president and chief executive Mark Murphy says in a brochure for season ticket holders that the increase places the Packers 18th in average ticket price, just below the NFL average.

Full story: WJFW

Direct Caregivers Conference held to better serve aging population

RHINELANDER - Many people in the Northwoods need caregivers because of an aging population. That's why a local college works to support and educate caregivers. Nicolet College held the 9th annual Direct Caregivers Conference today. Sandy Bishop, Director of Workforce Development at Nicolet College said more than 60 caregivers went to the conference. Many exhibitors also attended.

"The conference is geared toward professional and family caregivers, and provide services whether it be in a person's home or in any number of settings from skilled nursing homes to group homes to assisted living and supportive homecare," said Bishop. "Really across the whole spectrum of long-term care."

Full story: WJFW

Northern Wisconsin needs more child psychiatrists, $1 million grant and new program will help

WISCONSIN - Northern Wisconsin struggles to find enough child psychiatrists to see kids needing treatment. A new program will help with that. The Medical College of Wisconsin got a one million dollar grant funded by the state to start the Child Psychiatry Consultation Program.

The program will serve Milwaukee County and 15 counties in northern Wisconsin.

"Sometimes the rural area makes it difficult to be able to attract that level of skillset," said Kitty Rhoades the Department of Health Services Secretary. "When they can work in an urban area and be able to see twenty clients in one day rather than maybe perhaps ten due to geography in a rural area."

Full story: WJFW

UPDATE: Names released from deadly duplex in Mosinee

MOSINEE - A 75-year-old man and 68-year-old woman died in a Mosinee duplex fire according to the Mosinee Police Department Chief Ken Muelling.

Preliminary results from autopsies show Hershal (Fred) Baumann and Neatha Carwile, both of Mosinee, died from smoke inhalation.

Firefighters are still trying to figure out what caused the fire, but they don't suspect foul play. It started at 599 Hall Street in Mosinee around 5 p.m.

Full story: WJFW

Technology used for OWI assessment program could improve treatment options across Wisconsin

RHINELANDER - Health workers at the Human Resource Center in Rhinelander believe the biomarker project helps them better track OWI offenders looking to get better.

The center implemented the program in 2012 to develop best practices for repeat intoxicated drivers. Assessors take blood and fingernail samples that scientists look at to see a person's drinking history months into the past.

Alcohol biomarkers are measurable indicators (flags) the body produces to verify unhealthy bouts of drinking, according to the biomarker project headed by Dr. Pamela Bean in Madison. Workers are able to analyze the marker from the blood and fingernail samples.

Full story: WJFW

Senator calls for investigation of deaths at Tomah VA Medical Center

MADISON - Senator Tammy Baldwin is asking the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate three deaths and reports of prescription drug abuse at the Tomah Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

In a letter to Attorney General Eric Holder, Baldwin says the seriousness of the allegations warrant a review by a law enforcement agency independent from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The medical center is currently being investigated by the VA Office of the Inspector General and the VA's Secretary of Health.

Full story: WJFW

DNR to host 2015 Wisconsin Bird Education Conference

WISCONSIN - Your property could play host to protected birds and that's why the DNR and many bird conservation groups want your help.

State land is regularly groomed for birds, but private land isn't. That's why the DNR and Wisconsin Bird Conservation Initiative want to teach you how to make your land livable for birds.

"A lot of times, bird species aren't using just public land; they're using private land as well," said DNR Wildlife Biologist Shelby Hiestand. "So it's really a good way--by reaching out to private landowners--to reach out to areas that we normally would be able to do conservation on regularly."

Full story: WJFW

Northwoods offers different option for single people on Valentine's Day weekend

RHINELANDER - Many couples already made plans for Valentine's Day weekend, but there are things people can do even if they don't have a significant other.

Dubl Digits owner Danielle Miller caters to women who want to pamper themselves. Miller offers manicures, pedicures, facials and treatments.

She won't have a specific special geared towards single women Saturday, but she does have a few suggestions for this weekend.

Full story: WJFW

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