A Vilas County judge has entered a not guilty plea for the man accused of crashing a snowmobile in Vilas County, killing a Chicago television news anchor.

Scott Hirschey waved his right to a preliminary hearing Thursday, then stood mute when asked to enter a plea.

Attorneys for the prosecution and defense are working to schedule a pre-trial conference by phone for the week of June 19.

Hirschey tells NewsChannel 7 that losing his friend, Randy Salerno, has been very tough of him.

Hirschey faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted of homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle.

He appeared by phone for his initial appearance in February because he was still in the hospital.

The judge had set a signature bond of $25,000.

The criminal complaint says Salerno was riding with Hirschey because Salerno's snowmobile would not start.

Click here to read the entire complaint.

Their sled hit a tree.

Salerno was pronounced dead at the scene.

Hirschey refused to take a breathalyzer test, according to the complaint, but a test at the hospital showed he had a blood alcohol level of 0.225.

Salerno's blood alcohol level was below the legal limit.