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WJFW News

Another Mole Lake Stabber Pleads Guilty Submitted: 01/11/2013

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.

As part of the plea deal, District Attorney Chuck Simono can only request as much prison time as the longest sentence already handed out. In this case it's 15 years, with seven in prison and eight on extended supervision.

But Judge O'Melia made it clear he does not have to follow the plea deal.

"I am not bound to any agreement. I could give you the maximum for these two offenses. The maximum for the first, of attempted second degree intentional homicide as a party to a crime is prison up to 36 years," says Judge O'Melia.

Simono asked the judge to hold Daniels in the Forest County jail even though he's out on bond. The defense argued their client is on the ankle monitoring program and is not a flight risk. But Judge O'Melia disagreed since Daniels now faces lengthy prison time.

Story By: Lyndsey Stemm

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Minocqua Farmers Market Opens for the Season Submitted: 05/24/2013

MINOCQUA - Many of us have been waiting for home-grown fruits and vegetables.

Now they're here at a Northwoods summer market.

It's opening day for the Minocqua Farmers Market.

15 vendors filled the Minocqua Park Complex on Highway 70.

They have vegetable plants, flowers, baked goods and MORE available for purchase.

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Panel Blocks Change to Rent-to-Own Rules Submitted: 05/24/2013

MADISON - Consumers will still be told how much interest they will pay at a rent-to-own businesses in Wisconsin.

The Legislature's finance committee has blocked Republican Governor Scott Walker's plan to exempt rent-to-own businesses.

A handful of Republicans, including Senate President Mike Ellis, have been pushing the committee to remove the proposal from the budget.

The committee voted 10-6 yesterday to eliminate the plan.

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One Dollar Price Tag on Historic Building Submitted: 05/23/2013

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MERRILL - An historic Merrill building will only cost you one dollar to buy, but the price tag is set low because there's much bigger cost involved.

The Lincoln House in Merrill is badly damaged and beyond repair.

It needs to be demolished.

The buyer would have to pay for that, plus have a plan to redevelop the site.

The city has been trying to sell the Lincoln House for three years.

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Northwoods Magazine Reaches 35,000 Readers Submitted: 05/23/2013

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PRESQUE ISLE - You can find a magazine for almost any hobby, interest or passion.

If your passion is the great state of Wisconsin (and whose isn't?), there's now a magazine for that, too.

"Our Wisconsin" is a magazine that's more of a friendly conversation between neighbors.

It features photos and stories from around the state.

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Phone App Brings High-Tech to Northwoods Camping Submitted: 05/23/2013

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STATEWIDE - Camping in the Northwoods just got a little more high-tech, thanks to a new website and iPhone app. You can download the Northern Highland American Legion State Forest app on your iPhone.

The app lets you see what campsites are available, and reserve your spot online. It also gives information about trails and other activities in the area.

In the “old days” travelers could always call ahead about site availability, but by the time out of town visitors arrive, they might be full.

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Marketplace Day makes entrepreneurs of grade schoolers Submitted: 05/23/2013

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HARSHAW - A marketplace might make you think of a city square or a grocery store.

But what about a grade school?

The Northwoods Community Elementary School hosted Marketplace Day Thursday for friends, family, and community members.

Kindergarteners through fifth graders sold flower pots, lemonade, and artwork.

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Judge Will Wait to Decide About Trying Teenager as Adult Submitted: 05/23/2013

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RHINELANDER - When a child commits a violent crime sometimes it's serious enough to be tried in adult court.

Today Oneida County Judge Patrick O'Melia had special circumstances to consider.

Sixteen-year-old Michael Thimm was arrested last year for stabbing his mother and her boyfriend after a fight over his computer.

He's charged with attempted first degree intentional homicide. That charge means juveniles are automatically put into adult court.

But today his defense tried to get Thimm put back into the juvenile system. The main reason is because he has Aspergers-- a form of Autism.

A psychologist testified Thimm's disorder keeps him from understanding things like when a person is suffering. He also said emotional distress can cause impulsive reactions.

The doctor said if Thimm gets proper treatment he won't be a threat to the public.

"People with Aspergers or Autism Spectrum Disorder, most of the time they show up in the mental health system. They're very, very rare in the criminal justice system. And so the chances that they would even have the resources to address his needs are pretty slim," says Dr. Michael Caldwell.

But officials from the Department of Corrections also testified they do have resources for people like Thimm.

After three and a half hours of testimony, Judge O'Melia decided to wait on a ruling.

Both sides will submit written briefs before he makes a decision. We'll keep you updated as this develops.

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