WAOW - News

How to help victims of Oklahoma tornadoes

Emily Neubauer — Wed, 22 May 2013 15:52:00 EDT

In the aftermath of this tragedy, many people in central Wisconsin want to help.

UPDATE: Stevens Point student dies in school

Robert Imrie — Wed, 22 May 2013 15:41:00 EDT

STEVENS POINT (WAOW) - An administrator at St. Peter's Middle School in Stevens Point says a seventh-grade boy collapsed and died in school on Tuesday morning. Administrator Todd Kuckkahn said Wednesday that no circumstances surrounding the death of Joey Miller were being released other than he died in school. St. Peter's is a Roman Catholic school. "We are shocked and saddened," Kuckkahn said. "We trust that God in his infinite wisdom will walk with us in our grief."

Governor announces $13 M walleye initiative

Wed, 22 May 2013 14:55:00 EDT

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Gov. Scott Walker has announced a nearly $13 million effort to boost walleye production.

Marathon County board cuts funding for stray cats

Nancy Yousef — Wed, 22 May 2013 12:40:00 EDT

The Marathon County Board decided Tuesday to cut funding to house stray cats at the Marathon County Humane Society.

I-39 nighttime closures to begin Tuesday

Tue, 21 May 2013 23:56:00 EDT

Part of I-39 will close Tuesday evening.

High school soccer players raise money for cancer research

Daniel Woodruff — Tue, 21 May 2013 23:12:00 EDT

A soccer game Tuesday focused on the fight against cancer.

Wisconsin business rallies to help tornado victims

Bonnie Shelton — Tue, 21 May 2013 21:59:00 EDT

Some people in Wisconsin have already stepped up to lend a hand to the tornado victims.

Young cancer survivor helps baby Treyden

Cassandra Vinch — Tue, 21 May 2013 18:50:00 EDT

An eight-year-old Wisconsin Rapids girl is on a mission to help, and it's all for a little boy she's never met.

Ministry Health to cut 2 percent of its workforce

Robert Imrie — Tue, 21 May 2013 18:30:00 EDT

MILWAUKEE (WAOW) - Ministry Health Care says it is eliminating about 2 percent of its workforce due to declining business and a reduction in Medicare payments because of federal budget cuts forced by the so-called sequestration.

UPDATE: Gillett man killed in tree crash

Daniel Woodruff — Tue, 21 May 2013 18:27:00 EDT

The Shawano County Sheriff's Department says a 75-year-old Gillett man died after the car he was riding in smashed into a tree in Bonduel.

DOT wants summer of safety on state roads

Melissa Langbehn — Tue, 21 May 2013 17:29:00 EDT

New sign along I-39 near Mosinee shows the number of traffic deaths in Wisconsin so far this year.

Teachers practice drills after deadly Oklahoma tornado

Donovan Hill — Tue, 21 May 2013 17:18:00 EDT

The tornado devastation in Oklahoma is reaching all the way out to some Central Wisconsin schools.

Armed robbers get $1,000 in pizza heist

Robert Imrie — Tue, 21 May 2013 13:30:00 EDT

SCHOFIELD (WAOW) - Two masked men armed with pistols robbed Little Caesars Pizza in Schofield of about $1,000 in cash, authorities said Tuesday.

Weston firefighters make breakfast for elementary students

Alex Haight — Tue, 21 May 2013 11:57:00 EDT

The Weston Fire Department treated some special youngsters to a pancake breakfast Tuesday morning.

Stevens Point leaders approve $48 million development project

Mon, 20 May 2013 23:16:00 EDT

Members of the Stevens Point city council unanimously approved creating a new $48 million development project on the city's east side Monday night.

New K-9 officer joins Everest Metro PD

Bonnie Shelton — Mon, 20 May 2013 23:03:00 EDT

The Everest Metro Police Department has a new member, but he's not your typical officer.

Rhinelander group plants 100 new trees

Dan Griffin — Mon, 20 May 2013 20:40:00 EDT

Carlson Funeral Home has started an anniversary tree planting project.

Lincoln County woman victim of telephone scam

Dan Griffin — Mon, 20 May 2013 19:48:00 EDT

Last week, 90-year-old Alice Lund took a call she'll never forget.

Five Wausau firefighters sworn in

Cassandra Vinch — Mon, 20 May 2013 19:32:00 EDT

Five new members of the Wausau Fire Department were sworn in today at city hall. Fire department leaders say they've been short staffed for several months, due to retirements.

Wausau Paper deal signed; New company is Expera

Robert Imrie — Mon, 20 May 2013 18:41:00 EDT

MOSINEE (WAOW) - Wausau Paper said that a $110 million deal to sell its mills in Rhinelander and Mosinee to a New York private equity firm was signed Monday. The mills and their specialty paper business will became part of a new company called Expera Specialty Solutions under the deal with KPS Capital Partners, said Hank Newell, president and CEO of Wausau Paper. "This transaction accomplishes all of our key objectives," Newell said in a statement.he new company will be better able ...

Gas prices spike as Memorial Day approaches

Cassandra Vinch — Mon, 20 May 2013 18:27:00 EDT

Memorial Day is just a week away, but this year, travelers who plan to drive will find filling up especially painful.

Campgrounds gear up for the big holiday weekend

Melissa Langbehn — Mon, 20 May 2013 17:34:00 EDT

Campgrounds gear up for the visitor that will arrive this weekend for the start of the summer tourism season.

Father charged with felony in pointing gun at son

Robert Imrie — Mon, 20 May 2013 17:06:00 EDT

WISCONSIN RAPIDS (WAOW) - An 81-year-old father who police say pointed a loaded pistol at his son in a disagreement over money has been charged with felony recklessly endangering safety.

DOT announces Interstate 39 lane closures

Robert Imrie — Mon, 20 May 2013 15:49:00 EDT

ROTHSCHILD (WAOW) - The reconstruction of Interstate 39 near Rothschild is causing some nighttime lane closures and detours. The state Department of Transportation says the southbound lanes will close Tuesday from 10 p.m. until 5 a.m. Wednesday, with traffic being detoured onto state Highway 29 and Business 51. The northbound lanes will be closed Wednesday from 10 p.m. until 5 a.m. Thursday, with the same detour route. The DOT advises motorists to plan ahead and allow more travel time to a...

UPDATE: Rhinelander man dies after Lincoln Co. ATV crash

Dan Griffin — Mon, 20 May 2013 09:20:00 EDT

Lincoln County Sheriff's officials say a 49-year-old man died after an ATV crash in the Township of Harrison Saturday evening.

UPDATE: NWS ADDS MORE WISCONSIN COUNTIES TO TORNADO WATCH

Rob Duns — Mon, 20 May 2013 01:54:00 EDT

The National Weather Service has added more counties to the tornado watch into early Monday morning.

URGENT: TORNADO WATCH ACTIVE UNTIL 1 A.M. MONDAY

Rob Duns — Sun, 19 May 2013 20:00:00 EDT

The National Weather Service will have a tornado watch active for much of Wisconsin until 1 a.m. Monday.

Wisconsin law enforcement agencies crack down on seatbelt use

Dan Griffin — Sun, 19 May 2013 18:41:00 EDT

Starting this week, law enforcement officials are cracking down on seatbelt use across the state.

Woman injured after car hits power pole in Wood Co.

Sun, 19 May 2013 17:04:00 EDT

Wood County authorities say a 49-year-old woman from Wisconsin Rapids was injured after her car hit a power pole Sunday afternoon.

Man killed in one car crash in Forest Co.

Sun, 19 May 2013 14:05:00 EDT

Forest County Sheriff's Department officials say a 26-year-old man was killed in a one car crash just after midnight.

Stevens Point PD: Man hit by car Saturday night

Sun, 19 May 2013 13:51:00 EDT

Stevens Point police say a man was seriously injured after being hit by a car Saturday night.

Shawano County sheriffs help end high-speed chase

Dan Griffin — Sun, 19 May 2013 10:30:00 EDT

Shawano Co. Sheriff's officials say they used a spike system to help stop a high-speed pursuit that started in Green Bay early Sunday.

UW-Stevens Point grads revel in graduation day

Bonnie Shelton — Sat, 18 May 2013 22:19:00 EDT

Hundreds of graduates walked across the stage at UW-Stevens Point Saturday to accept their diplomas.

State Park Speedway sees big turnout for opening race

Dan Griffin — Sat, 18 May 2013 21:15:00 EDT

Racing fans packed State Park Speedway in Rib Mountain Saturday. It was the first day of the racing season and a chance for fans to remember racing icon, Dick Trickle. People at the track observed a moment of silence for Trickle. He died Thursday in an apparent suicide at the age of 71. Race organizers said the event brought in more than 1,500 fans to watch the season's opening race and to remember Trickle's successful career."

Central Wisconsin organization helps Purple Heart recipients heal

Dan Griffin — Sat, 18 May 2013 17:32:00 EDT

A central Wisconsin organization is making a difference in the lives of wounded Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans.

Hundreds ride motorcycles in central Wisconsin for charity

Dan Griffin — Sat, 18 May 2013 17:28:00 EDT

Motorcycles rumbled through central Wisconsin Saturday for the 10th annual Wausau Fire Charity Ride. Organizers said about 500 riders took part in the nearly 200 mile ride.

NTC students celebrate graduation

Dan Griffin — Sat, 18 May 2013 17:24:00 EDT

It was a day of a celebration for hundreds of NTC grads and their families. More than 750 Northcentral Technical College students graduated Saturday. Organizers said about 430 students took part in the ceremony.

Hundreds participate in "Saving Treyden Run and Walk"

Nancy Yousef — Sat, 18 May 2013 00:08:00 EDT

Hundreds of people went the extra mile for a central Wisconsin baby battling cancer.

Wet weather doesn't stop annual Wausau Fire Charity Ride

Nate Barrett — Fri, 17 May 2013 23:40:00 EDT

Dozens of motorcycle riders hit the pavement for a good cause -- even as wet weather put a damper on a yearly tradition.

Medford senior has perfect attendance

Cassandra Vinch — Fri, 17 May 2013 19:43:00 EDT

A Medford High School student is about to accomplish something few ever will. He's never missed a day of school, and now he's just a few days away from graduation.

Bar fight leaves one woman in critical condition

Emily Neubauer — Fri, 17 May 2013 19:36:00 EDT

An Adams County woman is fighting for her life after authorities say she was attacked in a bar.

People in central Wisconsin hope to win historic Powerball jackpot

Dan Griffin — Fri, 17 May 2013 19:32:00 EDT

The Powerball jackpot just keeps climbing. People in central Wisconsin are turning out in big numbers to win. Friday, the jackpot grew to $600 million, the largest in Powerball history.

Powerball fever hits north central Wisconsin

Cassandra Vinch — Fri, 17 May 2013 18:35:00 EDT

Powerball fever has hit north central Wisconsin. Owners at Townline market in Wausau say everyone wants that winning ticket.

Motorists expect delays on I-39

Cassandra Vinch — Fri, 17 May 2013 18:27:00 EDT

Drivers could hit major delays Friday evening on I-39. Bridge work between Stevens Point and Mosinee has the northbound side of the highway down to one lane.

Two men charged in multi-county burglary ring

Fri, 17 May 2013 18:07:00 EDT

Two men have been charged in a multi-county burglary ring.

Living history lesson for Wausau students

Melissa Langbehn — Fri, 17 May 2013 17:53:00 EDT

Students took part in a living history lesson at Wausau West High School.

Shredding party held to raise money

Nancy Yousef — Fri, 17 May 2013 00:26:00 EDT

Shredded paper is bringing in green paper.

What to do with stray cats in Marathon County?

Nate Barrett — Fri, 17 May 2013 00:08:00 EDT

The debate about dealing with cats moved forward in Marathon County.

Made in Wisconsin: Beer

Bonnie Shelton — Thu, 16 May 2013 23:39:00 EDT

Beer is a huge industry in the badger state. Experts say that beverage has an economic impact of more than eight billion dollars a year and many breweries are thriving in central Wisconsin.

Portage Co. motorcycle crash sends one to the hospital

Nate Barrett — Thu, 16 May 2013 23:22:00 EDT

Authorities say a motorcyclist was airlifted to the hospital after colliding with a car in Portage County.

New name revealed for Kronenwetter park

Daniel Woodruff — Thu, 16 May 2013 22:49:00 EDT

The Village of Kronenwetter has revealed the winning name for a park.

Wausau PD overtime hits 3-year high; effort underway to cut back

Daniel Woodruff — Thu, 16 May 2013 19:16:00 EDT

The amount of overtime the Wausau Police Department is paying its officers is rising.

Marshfield Zoo honors Ms. Grizz

Cassandra Vinch — Thu, 16 May 2013 18:45:00 EDT

An animal that lived at the Marshfield Zoo longer than any other is remembered. Ms. Grizz the grizzly bear died two years ago, but now she will forever be a part of the zoo.

Local police honor fallen colleagues

Emily Neubauer — Thu, 16 May 2013 18:32:00 EDT

Dozens of police officers came together this afternoon in Wausau to honor their fallen colleagues.

Marathon County officials take steps against destructive beetle

Emily Neubauer — Thu, 16 May 2013 18:22:00 EDT

The Emerald Ash Borer is a tiny beetle that does a lot of damage.

NewPage: Chlorine gas leaks, no one hurt

Robert Imrie — Thu, 16 May 2013 18:00:00 EDT

WISCONSIN RAPIDS (WAOW) - A small crack in a one-ton cylinder caused an unknown amount of chlorine gas to escape inside a building at NewPage on Thursday, Lt. Wade Wittenberg of the Wisconsin Rapids Fire Department said. No workers were exposed to it.

Program helps teens with special needs

Donovan Hill — Thu, 16 May 2013 17:49:00 EDT

The transition from high school to the real world can be tough.

Wausau West students take part in hands-on lesson

Melissa Langbehn — Thu, 16 May 2013 17:03:00 EDT

Students take part in hands-on safety lesson.

Mayor: $17 M building planned in Stevens Point

Robert Imrie — Thu, 16 May 2013 16:37:00 EDT

STEVENS POINT (WAOW) - Stevens Point Mayor Andrew Halverson says a Wisconsin company is negotiating to build a $17 million plant on the city's east side.

'Click it or Ticket" crackdown starts Monday

Robert Imrie — Thu, 16 May 2013 15:37:00 EDT

MADISON (WAOW) - The Wisconsin State Patrol says 405 law enforcement agencies, the most ever, are participating in the annual "click it or ticket" mobilization in Wisconsin to get more people wearing seat belts.

Special report: Coping with the cost of child care

Rob Duns — Thu, 16 May 2013 11:53:00 EDT

Finding child care is an in-demand and expensive endeavor in Wisconsin.

Tracking the Snowmelt Contest

Justin Loew — Wed, 1 May 2013 00:00:00 EDT

The entry period for the Rib Mountain Snowmelt contest has ended. Now it is time to sit back and watch the snow melt. Will it happen in May? How about June? Based on the cool weather this Spring more people than ever predicted dates in July! We will see. Be sure to checkwaow.com,the weather blog, and Newsline9 facebook and twitter feeds from now through the end of the contest. We will post pictures of the snow that is left on the mountain, with more frequent updates toward thefinal demiseof t...

Wis. commission allows tribe to keep grant

Wed, 22 May 2013 15:50:00 EDT

The vice chairman of the state Building Commission has decided to let a Wisconsin Chippewa tribe keep a $250,000 grant to help build a cultural center.

Wis. gov announces walleye production plan

Wed, 22 May 2013 14:02:00 EDT

Gov. Scott Walker has announced a nearly $13 million effort to boost walleye production.

This Hour: Latest Wisconsin news, sports, business and entertainment

Wed, 22 May 2013 15:14:00 EDT

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker is gearing up for re-election next year. But the Republican's actions suggest he might be seeking a much bigger prize - the presidency in 2016.

Unemployment improves in nearly all Wis. counties

Wed, 22 May 2013 14:54:00 EDT

Unemployment rates improved in nearly all 72 Wisconsin counties last month.

Wis. governor to court Iowans, stoking 2016 talk

Wed, 22 May 2013 14:50:00 EDT

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker is gearing up for re-election next year. But the Republican's actions suggest he might be seeking a much bigger prize - the presidency in 2016.

Minn. lawmakers compromise on sand mining rules

Wed, 22 May 2013 14:42:00 EDT

Critics of silica sand mining had hoped the Minnesota Legislature would adopt aggressive statewide rules to protect people and the environment. What finally emerged from the just-finished session, however, was a compromise...

Wolf hunt referendum to go on 2014 Michigan ballot

Wed, 22 May 2013 14:02:00 EDT

A referendum on wolf hunting will be placed on the November 2014 ballot, but the outcome of the vote could be meaningless.

Man killed in industrial accident

Wed, 22 May 2013 08:18:00 EDT

Police say a man has been killed in an industrial accident in Superior.

Wis. Republicans want rent-to-own out of budget

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:30:00 EDT

Two Republican state senators want the Legislature's finance committee to delete wording in Gov. Scott Walker's executive budget that would exempt rent-to-own businesses from Wisconsin's consumer protection laws.

Not guilty in Marathon County overdose death

Wed, 22 May 2013 12:14:00 EDT

The girlfriend of a Wausau man accused of providing the heroin that killed him has pleaded not guilty in Marathon County.

Senators warm to transportation nominee

Wed, 22 May 2013 16:36:00 EDT

President Barack Obama's nominee for transportation secretary is getting a friendly reception from senators of both parties laced with warnings that the nation needs to make a host of transportation improvements with no...

Judge seals affidavit of Maine man in teen's death

Wed, 22 May 2013 16:36:00 EDT

Police laid out their case Wednesday against a man accused of killing a 15-year-old girl whose body was found in a wooded area miles from her home, but the details remained hidden from public view after a judge sealed a...

Faith healers charged with murder after 2nd death

Wed, 22 May 2013 16:27:00 EDT

A Philadelphia couple who believe in faith healing over medicine and who were on probation in their son's pneumonia death were charged with murder Wednesday after a second young child died under what a prosecutor called...

Soldier charged with videotaping women

Wed, 22 May 2013 16:26:00 EDT

An Army soldier has been charged with secretly photographing and videotaping women at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, including in a bathroom.

Boy achieves family dream with geography bee win

Wed, 22 May 2013 16:26:00 EDT

Passion for geography runs deep in Sathwik Karnik's family.

Man who kidnapped 2 Iowa girls had long record

Wed, 22 May 2013 16:26:00 EDT

When Michael Klunder enticed two girls to enter his pickup truck near a rural Iowa school bus stop Monday, it was at least his third kidnapping in a long criminal history in which he was ordered to receive sex offender...

Man shot to death while questioned in Boston probe

Wed, 22 May 2013 16:26:00 EDT

A Chechen immigrant who was being questioned about his ties to one of the Boston Marathon bombing suspects was shot to death early Wednesday after he lunged at an FBI agent with a knife, officials said.

Who else took the 5th? Baseball star, banker, more

Wed, 22 May 2013 16:16:00 EDT

The baseball star, the Hollywood 10, Oliver North. And Lois Lerner of the IRS.

House panel moves to curb military sexual assaults

Wed, 22 May 2013 16:16:00 EDT

Lawmakers have approved legislation to stem the growing epidemic of sexual assaults in the military.

Arias jury deadlocked but must keep deliberating

Wed, 22 May 2013 16:06:00 EDT

Jurors in the Jodi Arias murder trial told the judge Wednesday they are unable to reach a unanimous verdict on whether the convicted murderer should be sentenced to life in prison or death for killing her one-time boyfriend,...

UK officials: Radical Islam drives London attack

Wed, 22 May 2013 16:27:00 EDT

Two U.K. government officials say a brutal attack that left one man dead near a London military barracks appears to have been motivated by radical Islam.

Mexico cartel dominates, torches western state

Wed, 22 May 2013 16:17:00 EDT

Michoacan is burning. A drug cartel that takes its name from an ancient monastic order has set fire to lumber yards, packing plants and passenger buses in a medieval-like reign of terror.

Kerry: US, allies, ready to step up aid rebels

Wed, 22 May 2013 16:06:00 EDT

The U.S. and several key allies looked again Wednesday for a strategy to end Syria's civil war, their united efforts unable at the moment to stem the Assad regime's military gains and Washington still unwilling to...

Amid signs of turmoil, S Sudan says oil will flow

Wed, 22 May 2013 15:36:00 EDT

Following a lengthy Cabinet meeting, South Sudan's government spokesman said Wednesday that the country will continue to export oil through Sudan and that there had been only a temporary slowdown in production.

Key House chairman slams Senate immigration bill

Wed, 22 May 2013 15:29:00 EDT

A key House committee chairman says a wide-ranging immigration bill just passed by a Senate committee falls far short of what is needed to end the problem of illegal immigration.

Palestinians have little faith in Kerry effort

Wed, 22 May 2013 15:16:00 EDT

Palestinians believe the U.S. effort to restart peace talks is doomed, and they're preparing instead to resume their campaign of seeking membership in key international organizations as soon as next month, officials told...

Trial for captain in deadly shipwreck in Italy

Wed, 22 May 2013 15:07:00 EDT

An Italian judge has ordered the captain of the Costa Concordia cruise ship to stand trial for manslaughter in the vessel's shipwreck off the coast of Tuscany, which killed 32 people.

Irishman charged with 1982 IRA Hyde Park bombing

Wed, 22 May 2013 15:07:00 EDT

British prosecutors have charged a 61-year-old Irishman with the 1982 IRA attack on the queen's cavalry in Hyde Park, a nail-bombing at a top London tourist attraction that left four soldiers and seven horses dead.

Global, local issues for Iran in upcoming election

Wed, 22 May 2013 14:36:00 EDT

By The Associated Press Main domestic and international issues facing Iran ahead of its June 14 presidential election:

Israeli air force chief warns of Syrian attacks

Wed, 22 May 2013 14:26:00 EDT

Israel's air force chief warned Wednesday that tensions with Syria could escalate into a "surprise war" and that Israel needs to be ready.

Current Forecast

Justin Loew — Wed, 22 May 2013 05:00:00 EDT

Cooler with scattered showers through Wed. evening. Sunny and fairly nice Thursday and Friday, but cool.

Panel passes Wisconsin food stamp work requirement

Tue, 21 May 2013 21:25:00 EDT

The Legislature's budget committee has approved Gov. Scott Walker's proposal requiring that able-bodied adults on Wisconsin's food stamps program spend at least 20 hours a week working or getting trained for a job.

Milwaukee man claims $1M Powerball prize

Wed, 22 May 2013 04:25:00 EDT

A Milwaukee man has claimed a $1 million prize from Saturday's record $590.5 million Powerball jackpot drawing.

Singer Kellie Pickler named new `Dancing' champ

Wed, 22 May 2013 00:02:00 EDT

Kellie Pickler came into the final "Dancing With the Stars" episode in second place but finished in first.

Brewers to honor fallen Wis. police officer Friday

Wed, 22 May 2013 06:22:00 EDT

The Milwaukee Brewers are planning to honor the Wauwatosa police officer who was gunned down Christmas Eve while on duty.