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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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 In Other News:
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.

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Man dies when a train hits his van Submitted: 06/19/2013

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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.

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Kemp Street construction pushed back to July 8 Submitted: 06/18/2013

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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.

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Eagle River library presents new design Submitted: 06/18/2013

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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.

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Assembly Republicans want to restrict public access to mining site Submitted: 06/18/2013

MADISON - Wisconsin Republicans want to make sure protestors don't interfere with the mining exploration project in Iron and Ashland counties.

Representative Mark Honadel is trying to persuade Republican leaders to limit public access to the mining sites.

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos said Monday the changes won't appear in the spending plan.

But he said Republican leaders are working on other options with the state Department of Natural Resources.

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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.

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Antigo looks to Langlade Hospital to take over ambulance service Submitted: 06/18/2013

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ANTIGO - The city of Antigo doesn't want to run an ambulance service anymore. It's just too expensive. Instead, the city's new hospital may take over.

"We have a great ambulance service now and that's our biggest concern here is being able to maintain that... As with a lot of people our problem is financial," said City of Antigo’s Mayor, Bill Brandt.

Each year it costs around 2 million dollars to run the ambulance service for Antigo and 10 surrounding townships.

About half of that is paid by the city and county through taxes... The other half is paid by the user fees.

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