WJFW Newswatch 12

12/25/2025

Tonight on Newswatch 12 at 10!

12/24/2025

Catch Newswatch 12 at 6!

12/24/2025

Join us for Newswatch 12 at 5!

12/24/2025

A search of the suspect’s vehicle revealed fi****ms in the vehicle.

He was also arrested for going armed while intoxicated, obstructing, and carrying a concealed weapon.

An 18-year-old Merrill man was arrested for being armed while intoxicated and first offense OWI after a two-vehicle crash in the town of Merrill Sunday.

12/24/2025

The Packers held a walk-through on Tuesday, and Love and Willis were both limited participants.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis says his throwing shoulder is feeling better. Willis expects to be available for Saturday’s game against Baltimore if starter Jordan Love remains in concussion

12/24/2025

'I JUST STARTED DIGGING IT UP': A Japanese mortar cannon was found buried in a backyard in Merrill and recently acquired by the Merrill Historical Society. Through research it was found out the cannon was made in 1943 by China during the Japanese occupation, likely near the end of World War II.

“We don’t know the history of how it came here and how it ended up in Wisconsin. How it ended up on my parents’ property and why the person would want it so badly to keep and then bury it.”

A Japanese mortar cannon was found buried in Lincoln County and recently acquired by the Merrill Historical Society.

12/24/2025

'IT'S SO EXCITING': Excitement for a strong winter of snowmobile traffic grows for bars and restaurants in Northwoods with trails opening early this winter. Owners are eager for more snow to arrive.

“It's so exciting because it's been a long time since we've been able to open up this early, so it's our big week. From Christmas to New Year's it's almost like our Black Friday."

Snowmobilers love stopping at the many classic pubs and grills of the Northwoods. Slo’s Pub in Arbor Vitae welcomed riders this past weekend, and server Danielle Neureuther says although it

12/24/2025

RISING HEAT BILLS: A colder winter and higher natural gas prices are not the only thing contributing to the bill increase.

The state is setting aside more than $100 million dollars in low-income heating assistance this winter – as the price of natural gas increased since last winter.

12/24/2025

After receiving a federal grant, the Mercer Public Library, which was built in 1937, is getting some much needed upgrades.

Libraries are a staple of Northwoods communities, and the Mercer Public Library is taking steps to keep it that way with new renovations to update the building.

12/24/2025

MAGICAL TIME OF YEAR: A local Santa Claus - Santa Ray - enjoys being as realistic of a Santa as he can be this time of year and spreading joy to kids, and yes, adults, too.

WAUSAU, Wis. (WJFW) — At the Hy-Vee in Wausau this weekend, Ray Lundquist isn't doing shopping, but rather goes by Santa Ray this time of year.

12/24/2025

We'll be dry today with a mostly cloudy sky and highs in the low 30s. The weather will also be quiet tonight and tomorrow for those doing any Christmas activities. Christmas night and Friday we'll need to monitor for a wintry mix of rain, freezing rain, sleet, and snow. Less than a tenth of an inch of ice is possible and that will melt fast with mid 30s for highs on Friday. Along and north of Highway 8, 1-3 inches of snow will also be possible. Precipitation chances will also stick around this weekend and also into the early part of next week.

12/24/2025

The WJFW Newswatch 12 Trail Report is brought to you by Merrill Steel!