WJFW News
Update: Judge Won't Throw Out Lawsuit
Submitted: 09/14/2012
MADISON - A judge has refused to throw out a lawsuit challenging the use of dogs in this winter's wolf hunt.
Legislation creating the hunt allows hunters to use dogs. A group of humane societies filed a lawsuit last month alleging Department of Natural Resources rules enacting the hunt don't include any restrictions on dog training or use, setting up deadly dog-wolf fights in the woods.
The DNR asked Anderson to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing dog use doesn't harm the humane societies and the hunt legislation authorizes their use.
Dane County Judge Peter C. Anderson ruled Friday the societies have shown they may have to expend extra resources to take care of injured dogs and wolves. He says he believes the Legislature meant for the DNR to at least consider dog restrictions.
Story By: Associated Press
Sponsored in part by HodagSports.com
In Other News:
Man dies when a train hits his van
Submitted: 06/19/2013
TOWN OF UNITY, WI - An elderly man from central Wisconsin killed in a terrifying crash when a train crashes into his van. Charles Podbelsek, 81, was driving on a Clark County Road Tuesday morning. When he approached the railroad crossing he did not stop at the stop sign and hit a Canadian National train. His Caravan was thrown from the crossing, landed on its roof, and Podbelsek was thrown from the van.
Grouse population down across Wisconsin
Submitted: 06/19/2013
MADISON - Hunters will find a few less ruffed grouse in Wisconsin. The Department of Natural Resources says the population decreased 9 percent between 2012 and 2013. The DNR, U.S. Forest Service, tribal staffers and volunteers have conducted a roadside survey to monitor the number of breeding grouse since 1964. Surveyors begin 30 minutes before sunrise and listen for the ``thump, thump, thump'' sounds drumming male grouse produce. The number of drums surveyors heard per stop in 2013 was down 9 percent statewide from last year.
Kemp Street construction pushed back to July 8
Submitted: 06/18/2013
RHINELANDER - Independence Day always brings a flood of visitors to the Northwoods. Closing one of Rhinelander's major streets could create a big headache. But we learned today that major construction on Kemp Street won't start until after July 4th. The city and contractors decided today to start the Kemp Street part of their sewer project during the week of July 8th.
Eagle River library presents new design
Submitted: 06/18/2013
EAGLE RIVER - You can put songs, books and even movies on a device smaller than your hand. With that kind of technology, you wouldn't think real, brick-and-mortar libraries would be as busy or need as much space. But in Eagle River, the Olson Library is busier than ever. The library's foundation started planning for expansion in 2007. It held an open house to begin its next step in fundraising Tuesday.
Home sales in Wisconsin continue to rise
Submitted: 06/18/2013
MILWAUKEE - Home sales in Wisconsin continue to rise. The Wisconsin Realtors Association says May sales are up about 18 percent compared to the same month last year. It's the 23rd consecutive month of growth. Prices are up as well. The median price last month was 144-thousand dollars.
City Council votes to recognize domestic partnerships
Submitted: 06/18/2013
STEVENS POINT - Stevens Point moved one step closer to recognizing same-sex partnerships last night. The city council voted to offer domestic partner benefits for city workers. The change would allow city workers to cover their partners under their health insurance. It would apply to both same-sex and opposite-sex couples. Milwaukee, Madison and Racine are among Wisconsin cities that allow something similar.
Chrysler recalls nearly three million vehicles
Submitted: 06/18/2013
NATIONWIDE - Chrysler is recalling nearly three million vehicles. The recall covers 1993 through 2004 Grand Cherokees and Libertys from 2002 through 2007. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration requested the recalls. It says fuel tanks in those models are located in a dangerous spot. They could rupture and start on fire in a rear-end crash. Chrysler insists the SUVs are not defective. At first, the company refused to recall the vehicles. But now, dealers will inspect the recalled vehicles. If necessary, they can can upgrade the rear structure to better handle low-speed crashes.