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WJFW News

Taking the Plunge for Angel On My Shoulder Submitted: 01/05/2013

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ST. GERMAIN - Today many of us at Newswatch 12 joined the ranks of brave and chilly souls jumping into Big St. Germain Lake... It was definitely cold, but the cause for the jump, warmed our hearts.

This year was the 13th Annual Northwoods Original Polar Bear Plunge benefiting Angel On My Shoulder- a foundation started in St. Germain that helps families affected by cancer.

"It's hard to put into words until you see the kid’s faces that wouldn't have an opportunity to get away from their problems, get away from the things that are affecting them, forget about life in general for a while, and just have fun being a kid. Until you see that expression on their face, it's almost impossible to put into words," said Matt Reuss, a popular returning plunger, dressed this year as a shark.

The crazy antics bring in big donations for Angel On My Shoulder.

That means dozens of kids can take a break from cancer in their lives, and just be a kid at Camp Angel, and thankfully, Polar Bear plungers are ready to pull out all the stops..

"The higher we set the bar the higher they donate to us,” said Reuss, “This year $750. A couple thousand over the years."

The annual Polar Bear plunge is sponsored by WRJO Oldies. In the past 5 years they've raised over $250,000 for Angel on my Shoulder.


Story By: Kailey Burton

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 In Other News:
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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Knowing the Symptoms Helps Prevent Lyme Disease Submitted: 05/23/2013

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MINOCQUA - “This disease is called the great imitator for a good reason,” says Jeff Waite.

Lyme disease can be good at hiding.

“Lyme disease is a bacterial type infection spread by a spiral keet, which is also considered a parasite. And it can be carried in the spit glands and intestinal track of ticks in this area. Particularly the deer tick," said Dr. Kurt Landauer.

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Walleye Plan Excites Local Fishermen Submitted: 05/23/2013

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EAGLE RIVER - The initiative will help to rebound what's thought of as a suffering walleye population by adding hundreds of thousands of the fish to Wisconsin lakes.

The project could improve fishing for the state's most popular game fish and tourism in the state. George Langely, a local fishing guide at Eagle Sports bait shop in Eagle River, says walleye fishing isn't what it used to be.

"The walleye population has pretty much suffered in the last twenty years and it's really nice to see Madison recognizing that and taking some steps to do something about it. It will take a while but it's a great start."

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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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Farmers Alfalfa Crop Deals with Hard Winter Submitted: 05/23/2013

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DEERBROOK - Wisconsin farmers depend on alfalfa crop for feeding dairy cows.

Usually, alfalfa survives winter.

But a long, cold, and difficult winter is making things hard for many farmers.

“That’s rot. The plant is green, and it’s growing but it’s not going to make another cutting,” said farmer Jason Nagel.

This year’s growing season will be a challenge for him.

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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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