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WJFW News

New Cell Phone Law Submitted: 11/01/2012

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WISCONSIN - Teens in Wisconsin now have one more reason to put down the cell phone when they get behind the wheel.

The law is written to stop drivers with an instruction permit or probationary license from using their phone, unless it's an emergency.

Sergeant Rich Reichenberger of the State Patrol, says, "Basically it's new drivers. Anyone, if you get your license at the age of 16, it extends out at least until you're 19-years-old. That also effects new drivers to the state who have been on a probationary license in another state. Also, drivers from another country as well."

You can still use the phone if you pull over to the side of the road and turn on your flashers, but the goal is to keep drivers focused on the task at hand, the road, Reichenberger says, "Basically the law is in effect because, as being a new driver, there's a lot of things going on that you have to get used to. Your attention is divided anyway, watching other vehicles and things like that. Adding that cell phone and talking on the cell phone, you get kind of caught up in your conversation."

As a reminder no one of any age or with any license is allowed to text and drive.

Wisconsin ranks among the highest in the nation for fatal accidents involving young people and police hope this will drive us towards zero deaths in Wisconsin.

Story By: Michael Crusan

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Verdict in Raw Milk Trial Submitted: 05/25/2013

BARABOO - A Wisconsin dairy farmer has been acquitted on three of four counts in a trial related to the sale of raw milk.

Dairy farmer Vernon Hershberger was found guilty on one charge of violating a holding order placed on products at his farm. This was after a 2010 raid.

Hershberger could get up to a year in jail and a $10,000 fine.

They found the 41-year-old not guilty of charges that he sold retail food, produced milk and operated a dairy plant without proper state licenses.

His supporters have said he was targeted because he sold raw milk through a private buying club with several hundred members.

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Fire Levels Garage in Merrill Submitted: 05/25/2013

MERRILL - A Saturday afternoon fire burned a garage to the ground. It happened on Anna Road in Merrill.

At two o'clock fire crews from Merrill, Russell, Pine River and the DNR were called to a home.

The homeowner said he and his wife started a fire in a burn barrel behind the garage hours before.

The garage was totally destroyed along with everything inside. The fire is still being investigated.

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Woodruff Celebrates 125th Birthday Submitted: 05/25/2013

WOODRUFF - Woodruff also had another big event to celebrate today.

It's the towns 125th anniversary.

The town kicked off the celebration with a 5-k run, car show and of course participating in the parade.

Woodruff has officially been part of the Northwoods since 1888.

Board chairman Mike Timmons says it's a privilege to be a part of this town.

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Fire Burns Rhinelander Apartment Building Submitted: 05/24/2013

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RHINELANDER - People jumped from a second story window to escape an early morning fire in Rhinelander.

Just after two this morning, the Rhinelander fire department rushed to 254 Westhill Road.

Half of a four unit apartment building was already in flames when they got there.

Five people living in the building had already gotten out.

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Father Overseas Turns into Learning Opportunity Submitted: 05/24/2013

RHINELANDER - Rhinelander kindergartener Carlie Jahn watched her dad leave for his third overseas tour of duty last fall.

Usually, she gets to see him for two-weeks during his nine-month tour. But there was no leave for Guardsmen Justin Jahn this year. He will be in Afghanistan until July.

Instead of too much sadness, Carlie's mom is helping her by sharing at school.

"Once that time came through, it was hard for her to understand why he wasn't coming home. I thought this would be a fun way to have her realize that she's not the only one, that there's others out there," says Amanda Jahn.

Jahn talked with grade schoolers at Crescent Elementary today about living with a family member in the military.

Students also recognized veterans and active soldiers related to them.

Memorial Day is Monday.

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Adams Co. man convicted of killing mother sentenced to life Submitted: 05/24/2013

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FRIENDSHIP, WI - You need to think back several years to remember this case - back to late 2010.

An Adams County man convicted of killing his mother, hiding her body and using her checks and credit cards has been sentenced to life in prison.

61-year-old Larry W. Clark won't be eligible for parole for 30 years.

A jury convicted Clark of seven felonies including first-degree intentional homicide.

Prosecutors say he shot 79-year-old Marcella Clark in the back in 2010 and hid her body in the woods near their Big Flats house.

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Little Free Libraries Promote Reading Submitted: 05/24/2013

RHINELANDER - You don't need to get a library card to check out a book theses days. Boxes that look like bird houses are popping up all over.

They're called Little Free Libraries. Anyone can stop by to take or give a book. It's all based on the honor system. Maureen O'Melia put her's up at home last night across from Pioneer Park.

"I contacted Ed Hughes from the library. He was excited about the idea as well and he, a week later, says I built you one Maureen. But I had to stain it and get it ready for the outdoors," says Maureen O'Melia, who built a Little Free Library.

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