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WJFW News

Mayor Urges Patience in Paper Mill Sale Submitted: 01/12/2013

RHINELANDER - We learned last night that Wausau Paper plans to sell three of its mill locations-- including Mosinee and right here in Rhinelander.

The Rhinelander mill reportedly employs nearly 500 people. Some of those employees told us they'd heard rumors for about a month. But they were caught off guard when they heard it was official. Some say supervisors never even formally told them.

They weren't the only ones surprised.

"I heard it last night at eight o'clock. I received a call telling me it was going on and it was in the papers this morning. The first thing I heard about it, it kind of took me by surprise," says Rhinelander Mayor Dick Johns.

Rhinelander Mayor Dick Johns understands the importance of keeping the paper mill alive. He worked there himself for 40 years.

Johns says he's seen the mill change ownership before, and it's not time to panic yet.

"You never know what's down the line for us and we're going to have a long process. We have to take our time and move slowly through it. And the only thing I can say, is the community can be rest assured that this office and City Hall is well behind anything to keep that mill up in operation," says Mayor Johns.

A spokesperson for Wausau Paper says the company wants to focus entirely on tissue and towel products. This move will likely leave only the Wausau Paper corporate headquarters located in Wisconsin.

Mayor Johns says he's contacting agencies like the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, that can hopefully help find a buyer for the mill.

We'll be sure to keep you updated as we learn more information.

Story By: Lyndsey Stemm

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Concert Benefits Raising Awareness For Lyme Disease Submitted: 05/19/2013

CRANDON - We normally go to concerts to enjoy music or see our favorite bands live.

But last night’s concert had a little something extra.

This concert was meant to raise awareness on Lyme disease at Crandon High Scool.

Sue Reeder was recently diagnosed with the disease, 15 years after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

"I always felt like there was something not quite right with that diagnosis," Reeder said.

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Victim from Tuesday's SUV, Tanker Crash Dies from Injuries Submitted: 05/19/2013

BOULDER JUNCTION - The New Auburn woman hospitalized from a crash earlier this week has died from her injuries.

It happened around 1 o'clock Tuesday on Hwy 51 at County Highway H in Manitowish Waters.

Fifty five-year-old Patty Hanson crashed her SUV into a gas tanker. The SUV flipped upside down in a marshy roadside ditch.

The semi truck driver was treated at the hospital and released shortly after. He told sheriff's deputies he was hauling 5-thousand gallons of gasoline.
The Vilas County Sheriff's and Coroner's Offices and the State Patrol are still investigating.

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WI Not Likely to Go the Way of Other States on Gay Marriage Submitted: 05/18/2013

MADISON - Wisconsin's neighbor Minnesota may have become the 12th state in the country to legalize same-sex unions on Tuesday.

But gay marriage is not on the legislative agenda in Wisconsin, and that's not expected to change in the near future.

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse political scientist Joe Heim tells Post-Crescent Media national public opinion seems to lean toward gay marriage but he doesn't see Wisconsin joining that group soon.

Wisconsin's constitution, unlike Minnesota's, bans same-sex marriage.

In November 2006, nearly 60 percent of Wisconsin voters supported an amendment banning gay marriage.

Before Wisconsin lawmakers could consider a bill to allow gay marriage, voters would have to pass an amendment undoing the 2006 amendment language. But before that the Legislature would have to pass the amendment in two consecutive sessions.

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Community Celebrates Longtime Business By Planting Liberty Elm Trees Submitted: 05/18/2013

RHINELANDER - Trees can be found just about everywhere in the northwoods.

But there's one tree that hasn't been in Rhinelander for a while.

Carlson Funeral Service celebrated its 100 year anniversary as part of the Rhinelander community.

Today more than 100 people joined them in planting 100 young Liberty Elm Trees.

After planting the tree, they put a white wrap around them to prevent animals from getting to them.

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Deadline for No-Call List Nears Again Submitted: 05/18/2013

MADISON - The quarterly deadline to place a telephone number on Wisconsin's no-call list is approaching.

The deadline to be added to the list is May 31. Any number put on the list then will be protected from unwanted phone solicitations and text messages starting July 1.

Registrations are good for two years, and people can re-register their numbers at any time.

The list is updated four times a year.

Anyone who misses the May 31 deadline won't be able to get their number added to the list until Oct. 1.

Numbers can be added to the list at http://nocall.wisconsin.gov or by calling 1-866-966-2255.

Political calls, calls from nonprofit organizations and calls made in response to a written or verbal request or permission are not covered.

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Boy Killed in Skid Loader Accident Submitted: 05/18/2013

BLANCHARDVILLE - The Lafayette County sheriff's office has identified the 8-year-old boy run over by a skid steer loader.

The sheriff's department says Melvin Jarrett, Jr., was killed when he was accidentally struck by a skid loader being operated by Melvin Jarrett Sr.

Authorities say Jarrett Sr. was backing up when the boy was struck at about 4:40 p.m. Friday. Sheriff's officials say the machine was being used to help develop a small campground.

The boy is from Blanchardville and the man is from Mineral Point.

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Nicolet College Graduate Makes History Submitted: 05/18/2013

RHINELANDER - Students around the Northwoods graduated today. One local graduate made history at Nicolet College.

"As a Nicolet Grad, not only will your education enhance you as an individual, but you will enhance the greater good of the Northwoods community as an educated citizen of our democracy," says Nicolet College President Elizabeth Burmaster.

Hundreds of Nicolet College students walked across the stage after accomplishing their goal… earning a college degree. But one student was challenged in a way no other Nicolet graduate has experienced. Jeff Hedberg is legally blind.

"Other people can follow in my foot steps and do exactly what I did. They just need to put one foot in front of the other and believe that there are people out there that will give them a chance and opportunity," says Hedberg.

Jeff's wife Sylvia Hedberg Thomas says it all started a couple of years ago when her husband decided to go back to school. The director of disability service reached out to him to help build a plan that would ensure Jeff reached his goals.

"When Bob told Jeff everything that he would be able to do, Jeff's like 'You really think I can do that?' And I was sitting there going, 'Well yea. Of course you can," says Hedberg Thomas.

Everybody either has or will have a disability to some extent within their lifetime. Technology can and will help most of them get through the challenge of their situation," says Hedberg.

Even though Jeff's tutor Charmaine Jacques helped him out, she says she learned from him as well.

"I learned a little bit of brail from Jeff and I learned a lot about his software that he uses," says Jacques.

This isn't the last stop for Jeff. He plans to get his masters at Stout University.

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