ANTIGO, Wis. (WXPR) - The Langlade Hospital Center For Health and Performance has received a grant from the Green Bay Packers Foundation which should help local athletes be in top shape.

Center Supervisor Greg Renfro says the $2,000 grant will enable them to purchase equipment for the "SportFit" program. "The program is set up so student athletes can come into our facility. We design a program for whatever their sport is...lets say baseball...we design a program that is designed to help that individual perform optimally as a baseball player."

Renfro says the exercises also help prevent injury. He says they do similar programs for other sports. He says they will use the Packers Foundation money to purchase a Laser Speed Course. "It's just a fancy way to say it's a laser timer. They leave one end and when they cross the laser beam at the other end it gives us their 30 yard sprint time."

The Packers Foundation recently awarded a record $750,000 to 188 civic and charitable groups throughout the state of Wisconsin. More than 10,000 requests came in for funding to the Packers Foundation.

The Greater Headwaters Trails in Vilas county also received funding through the foundation.

ANTIGO, Wis (WXPR) - The Assembly Speaker's Task Force on Rural Schools is holding its fourth public hearing Wednesday afternoon, January 8th at the Antigo High School.

Task Force Chair, Representative Rob Swearingen of Rhinelander, says they wanted to start with a meeting in Rhinelander. He says after going to other parts of the state, they come back to this region. "Talking to Representative (Mary) Czaja she thought in the 35th Assembly District she thought it would be better to move it to Elcho and Antigo which are great examples of rural schools. We're excited to bring the Task Force once again back to the Northwoods. We'll be touring Elcho in the morning and then we'll have the hearing about 1:30 after touring the Antigo high school."

Swearingen says the bi­partisan group will make two more stops to hear about the issues facing rural schools. He says they will schedule an additional stop in Grant or Iowa counties in February. Swearingen says he hopes to have a report to Assembly Speaker Robin Vos by March. The meeting Wednesday afternoon at Antigo high school is open to the public.

RHINELANDER, Wis. (WXPR) - The Oneida and Vilas Public Health and Emergency Management Departments have released a list of facilities open 24 hours that people could go to if they need to warm up in the extreme cold.

In Oneida county, Trig's Riverwalk Centre and Wal­Mart...both in Rhinelander... are facilities that are open 24 hours. In Minocqua, Trig's and WalMart along Highway 70 are open 24 hours, as is Howard Young Medical Center in Woodruff..

In Vilas county...Trig's in Eagle River and Eagle River Memorial Hospital are open 24 hours. In Lac du Flambeau, the tribe will be offering their Natural Resources building as a warming shelter from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday.

Oneida County Health Department Assistant Director Carl Meyer says in these extreme temperatures, problems come quickly. "Frostbite can occur on the skin in less than 10 minutes. It's a serious warning and we want to make sure we are prepared for that."

Meyer says, "Symptoms include loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in the fingers, the toes, the ear tips or the tip of the nose. You just want to limit your time outside with these extreme temperatures.”

The next level of problems...hypothermia, shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech and drowsiness in adults and children. In infants, symptoms can include bright red or cold skin and very low energy.

WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAU) -- Wisconsin’s Democrats are again taking their discussion about redistricting to the people. Several are upset with what they call gerrymandering, and would like to see Wisconsin move the redistricting process every ten years to a non-partisan body.

State Representative Mandy Wright of Wausau says the last redistricting created a very lopsided Legislature, and cost taxpayers millions of dollars to complete. “I really do think that with these new districts that have been drawn, we have created very strong Democratic districts and also some very strong Republican districts. Those representatives tend to be far more extreme, Democrat or Republican, because they’re more worried about a primary (election) than really pleasing their general electorate.”

The issue of redistricting is a high priority for several of Wisconsin’s freshmen Democrats. Wright believes it will take more Legislators and pressure from the public to make the changes. “I actually have an unusual district, where’s it’s basically 50-50, and I have to be very conscious of listening to both sides of the isle, and really actively seeking out ways that we can work together, and I appreciate that, and I think it’s a good thing but it’s never going to be resolved if I don’t have more of my colleagues that feel that same sort of pressure.”

Former Congressman David Obey will join Representatives Wright, Amy Sue Vruwink, Dana Wachs, Deb Kolste, and Evan Goyke for a series of public hearings around the state. “We’re going to hold public hearings. We’ve had this bill the entire last session and it hasn’t gotten a public hearing, so we’ll be holding public sessions throughout central Wisconsin.”

The Wausau hearing is January 10th at Northcentral Technical College beginning at 1:30 p.m.

UNDATED (WRN)  Most of Wisconsin is expected to see record low temperatures today, and state officials are urging anyone who has to leave home to use caution. Wind chills in parts of the state are expected to register in the minus 40 degree range or possibly even lower, while air temperatures will also be well below zero statewide.

Tod Pritchard with Wisconsin Emergency Management says everyone should try to limit their time outdoors as much as possible, breaking out the heaviest and warmest clothes they have and making sure as much skin is covered as possible. In these types of temperatures, Pritchard says it does not take long for frostbite or hypothermia to set in, especially when directly exposed to the wind.

Pritchard says those traveling on the roads should make sure to pack an emergency kit, just in case they get stuck or their car will not start because of the extreme cold. Kits should include blankets, some extra food, and a cell phone charger.

Carbon monoxide can pose a greater risk during cold snaps, as people take extra steps to keep their homes warm. Pritchard says you should take the time to check or install carbon monoxide detectors, in order to provide an extra warning in the event of a leak from a heating device.

WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAU) - Police have released the name of Friday’s shooting victim. He was 27-year-old KC Christopher Elliot of Wausau. Elliot was shot early Friday in the parking lot outside of Sidetracked Bar on Wausau’s west side. The suspect is 31-year-old John M. Lewis, and he is already in custody.

Wausau Police are also looking for two more witnesses to the crime. 30-year-old Samuel A Teague, and 30-year-old Joshua A Sanchez. Mr. Teague has a warrant for his arrest through the Department of Corrections on another matter. Anyone with information about the crime, or the location of Teague and Sanchez is encouraged to contact Wausau Police at (715) 261-7800, or their nearest law enforcement agency.

UNDATED (WSAU) -- NewPage Holdings has a new owner.

Tennessee based Verso Paper is buying out the company in a deal worth $1.4 billion dollars. That will also include buying debt that NewPage holds.

The deal was announced today by both company boards. THey're hoping to complete the sale by the end of the second quarter.

Verso CEO Dave Paterson says the move will be beneficial for both companies and offer a better base against the increased use of digital media in the market. Paterson will be the head of the new board.

The new company will have 11 plants in 6 states including the one in Wisconsin Rapids.

STEVENS POINT, Wis. (WSAU) -- A Hancock man faces his initial appearance today in the overdose death of a UW-Stevens Point student.

26 year old Erik E. Olsen of Hancock is due in court today to face charges of first-degree reckless homicide in the death 22-year-old Jordan C. Peterson

Peterson was found dead in an off-campus apartment November 17th when a roommate returned to their apartment after a weekend away. An autopsy showed Peterson died of a heroin overdose.

Investigators believe Olsen supplied the drug to Peterson, and have recommended charges of first-degree reckless homicide.

Peterson was a senior biology pre-med student originally from the Markesan area. Many of his family members are now in central Wisconsin.

He's being held on a $100,000 cash bond. His appearance is this afternoon at 1:30

RHINELANDER, Wis. (WXPR) -- With temperatures reaching no higher than 15 degrees today, and lows down to 30 below.humans are not the only ones suffering. Animals kept outside may also be having a hard time.

Dr. Ron Reupert at Animal Health Care Center North in Rhinelander says most pet owners know how to take care of their animals. But he says many dog breeds like hounds aren't built for weather this cold. "Short haired dogs I have seen not do well. If they are kept outdoors, they need to have a supplemental heat source, and a lot of people do do that." Reupert says he sees dogs suffering weight loss and other stress reactions to the extreme cold.that may be linked to organ failure down the road. But he says most livestock can weather the temperatures...as long as they're not exposed to direct wind. "Horses and cattle do pretty well in the cold. As long as they have enough to eat, and as long as they can get out of the wind." Reupert says he has seen horses develop respiratory issues if they're shut up in a barn with poor ventilation.

Besides extra food, it's important to give outdoor animals plenty of water that's not frozen to prevent dehydration and hypothermia.

WAUSAU, Wis (WSAU) -- Collaborative Consulting in Wausau is celebrating a major milestone.

The company announced their 100th hire today. The company opened up the office in November 2011 after some major fanfare from the city of Wausau and the state. The company is based on IT consulting, a job service that had been seeing major overseas outsourcing.

In the statement, Senior Vice President John Williams said the hiring numbers show a major turnaround in the industry. "We believed and thought our clients would buy into the idea that we could do a better by having those similar types of work done here in the United States, by our well trained, US based workforce."

Collaborative works with medium and large sized companies to help create software for the companies and to manage data-storage and other services and has been hiring heavily from local colleges and technical schools. "We wouldn't be able to do that without the support of the colleges, and we hope that we've created something of incredible value to the market for the long run."

The company's overall goal is to reach 200 employees in Wausau. "We think 200 is somewhere 12 to 18 months out. We're currently in the process of building out the 5th floor of the Dudley Tower, which is our expansion space, so we're very excited that that's going to get underway shortly." Williams says they're happy to work in the Wausau area, and may be expanding to another location in the Midwest with a similar model.

UNDATED (WSAU) -- Here is a list of places to seek shelter from the cold.

TOMAHAWK: Nelson’s County Market, Tomahawk Public Library, Tomahawk Senior Center, Tomahawk City Hall,

MERRILL: T.B. Scott Library

Marathon County: ALL MARATHON COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY LOCATIONS in Wausau, Athens, Edgar, Hatley, Marathon City, Mosinee, Rothschild, Spencer, Stratford

WAUSAU: Catholic Charities Community Warming Center, The Salvation Army

CRANDON: New Hope Shelter

EAGLE RIVER: Ministry Eagle River Memorial Hospital, Trig’s

WOODRUFF: Howard Young Medical Center, Trig’s

LAC DU FLAMBEAU: Lake of the Torches Resort Casino, Tribal Natural Resources Center

MINOCQUA: Trig’s, Walmart

RHINELANDER:Trig’s, Walmart

STEVENS POINT: Portage County Health & Human Services, Portage County Public Library, The Salvation Army, Stevens Point Recreation Center

AMHERST: Lettie Jensen Community Center

JUNCTION CITY: Kennedy Elementary School

ROSHOLT: Rosholt Public Library

ALMOND: Village of Almond Municipal Center

PLOVER: Village of Plover Municipal Center

WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAU) -- You might want to call ahead before driving to your favorite business Monday evening. The cold weather is prompting some business owners to lock up early. Others are going about evening business as usual.

It’s a scene you’ll find all over Wisconsin. In Milwaukee, some malls are closing early. In the Wausau area, a couple of grocery stores plan to finish early. Signs are up at Quality Foods IGA in Rib Mountain saying they will close at 7 o’clock, and Pick N’ Save stores in Kronenwetter and Weston saying they will close at 8:00 p.m.

Managers say it’s a safety issue for both staff and customers, and they don’t want to have people driving in this extreme cold weather late into the evening.

STEVENS POINT, Wis. (WSAU) -- The man accused of delivering the heroin that killed a Stevens Point college student was in court Monday.

26-year-old Erik Olsen of Hancock had an initial appearance on a first-degree reckless homicide charge.

22-year-old Jordan Peterson died in November at his off-campus apartment of an overdose. Court records say Peterson sent a text message to Olsen searching for drugs. Roommates say Peterson occasionally smoked marijuana, but Olsen was unable to find him any locally. Investigators say Olsen instead found some heroin for Peterson. It’s unclear if this was Peterson’s first experiment with that drug.

Olsen remains in jail, unable to post a $100,000 cash bond. His preliminary hearing has not been set yet.

RIB MOUNTAIN, Wis. (WSAU) -- It’s actually too cold for a popular winter sport.

Granite Peak Ski Area closed Monday and Tuesday to prevent skiers from potential injuries caused by cold weather. Management was also concerned about having skiers stuck on chair lifts if there was ever a malfunction during extremely cold weather.

The popular skiing destination is expected to reopen Wednesday.

WISCONSIN RAPIDS, Wis. (WSAU) - A Wisconsin Rapids man is accused of helping his girlfriend assault a teenaged girl.

A non-guilty plea was entered in Wood County Court Monday for 18-year-old Marcus J. Decorah. Decorah is accused of intimidating a 13-year-old boy to invite a 13-year-old girl to a Nekoosa residence so that Decorah’s girlfriend could assault her. The girlfriend is 17-year-old Kayla Pixler of Wisconsin Rapids. Pixler believed the 13-year-old victim wanted to be in a relationship with her boyfriend. The alleged assault happened August 23rd of last year.

Court records say the young boy complied with Decorah’s demands after being threatened, and when the younger girl arrived, she was struck several times in the face and head by Pixler.

Decorah will return in front of the judge to face charges of disorderly conduct and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Pixler is scheduled for trial on disorderly conduct and child abuse charges beginning January 22nd.

WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAU) -- The illegal sale of tobacco products to minors rose substantially in Wisconsin for the first time since 2008. That’s according to the state’s sales compliance survey, where underaged teens work with coordinators to try buying tobacco products from retailers.

The statewide survey shows clerks selling tobacco to minors 7.3% of the time, compared to 5.4% in 2012.

Dave Wille is the coordinator with the Wisconsin Wins Program, which performs the compliance surveys in Marathon, Wood, and Portage Counties. Wille says in central Wisconsin, there were some areas where retailers performed very well. “Last year in 2013, Wausau did very well. There were 25 establishments visited and none of them sold to minors. Marshfield and Stevens Point also did very well. They had 100% compliance.”

As far as the larger cities, Wisconsin Rapids is where Wille says he is most concerned. “In the City of Wisconsin Rapids, we had 21 retailers that were inspected during 2013, and 16 were in compliance. Five were not. The compliance rate was 76.2%, so there’s still some work to be done there.”

Overall, Wille says they found over 80% compliance in Rothschild and the Everest Metro districts. He says the best compliance average was Portage County with 97.5% having one illegal sale in 40 establishments. Wood County had 83.3% compliance, and Marathon County had 82.8% compliance.

Wille says they found retailers were properly asking to see identification nearly every time, but the clerk didn’t always look close at the I-D. “Looking at, and then properly reading the I-D, we have a little bit of work to do there yet. We had actually more sales last year where the clerk actually did ask for the I-D, and then either didn’t look at it or misread it and went ahead and made the sale anyway, than simply not asking for the I-D in the first place.”Retailers do get citations when they sell to underage customers.

Wille says he is concerned about fewer inspections because of state budget cuts, and believes the statewide increase in illegal tobacco sales could be because there are fewer checks than there used to be.

WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAU) - Wausau police have released more information about Friday's shooting that left a man dead at a bar.

Wausau police had been looking for two men who may have been witnesses to the shooting. One of those men has turned himself in. He is 30-year-old Samuel A Teague. Teague was also wanted on a warrant from the Department of Corrections on another matter.

Police are now once again looking for two men based on information gathered so far. They're 30-year-old Joshua A Sanchez and 19 year old Timothy Jacobs. If you know their whereabouts, contact your local police.

The victim in the shooting was 27-year-old KC Christopher Elliot of Wausau. Elliot was shot early Friday in the parking lot outside of Sidetracked Bar on Wausau’s west side. The suspect is 31-year-old John M. Lewis. He remains in custody on a probation hold, and is likely to have new homicide charges added to his lengthy criminal history.

Lewis has been to prison more than once in the past decade, and has been involved in cocaine, marijuana, and heroin trafficking. He is presently awaiting a March plea and sentencing on his latest drug charges.

No date has yet been set for Lewis on the shooting.

WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAU) --  The Wausau School District's board members will be challenged in the spring elections.

Tuesday was the deadline for candidates to file their nomination papers for local offices in the April elections. Two incumbents and four new faces will be on the April ballot. 

The Wausau School Board race has six total candidates seeking three positions. Incumbent Vice President Lance Trollop and Clerk Yvonne Henning are being challenged for their seats. The new candidates are Chad Dennis, A.J. Gordon, Mary Kowatch, and Jeff Leigh.

Incumbent Treasurer Robb Shepherd did not register as a candidate.

The election will be on April 1st, and new board members will be sworn in at the end of April.

MADISON (WRN)  State lawmakers are renewing a push for a plan to give consumers a pair of sales tax holidays in Wisconsin.

Under the bill, the first holiday would come during a weekend in August and would apply to back to school related purchases, such as clothing classroom supplies, and computers. The second would take place during the first weekend in November, and would shoppers a tax break on energy efficient products.

The state Department of Revenue estimates the pair of holidays would cost the state about $14.5 million a year in lost tax revenues. State Representative Chad Weininger (R-Green Bay), a sponsor of the bill, contends similar breaks offered by other states have had a neutral impact or have actually increased revenues because consumers still spend money on other products that are taxed while they are shopping. He also points out that many of Wisconsin’s neighbors do not offer tax holidays of their own, which could entice residents of those states to come and shop during those periods.

The bill is facing some criticism from Democrats, who consumers will only head out to buy products they had already planned on shopping for. Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau) and other Republicans have also described the proposal as nothing more than a gimmick, which could make it difficult for the bill to make it through his chamber of the Legislature.

During a hearing on the bill Tuesday at the Capitol, Weininger argued the plan will bring “welcome relief” to many middle class families in the state during what can be expensive times of the year for them. A Legislative committee is currently considering the proposal.

STEVENS POINT, Wis. (WSAU) -- One of the three people involved in a June 2012 Stevens Point church burglary was given two years on probation. 22-year-old Jesse Peterson of Neillsville received that sentence from judge Thomas Flugar Tuesday. The sentence also calls for a letter of apology to the church, substance abuse counseling, and restitution.

Court records say Peterson was the driver who took 25-year-old Jacob Kiernan of Sparta to Celebration Church, where he is accused of causing damage to the building and stealing several items including a guitar.

The church’s pastor found the stolen guitar, listed for sale at a La Crosse pawn shop’s website. Police then traced the pawn records to Kiernan’s friend, 26-year-old Taylor Kilbey of Sparta.

Kiernan has a January 27th initial appearance scheduled in Portage County court. Kilbey has a long list of past drug, burglary, theft, and intimidating witness charges but she has not yet been charged in relation to the Celebration Church case.