Latest news with #VernonCountySheriff'sOffice
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Yahoo
Seven people survive after boat goes through dam gate on Mississippi River
GENOA, Wis. (WFRV) – Seven people, including a child, are safe after a harrowing incident on the Mississippi River when their boat went through a dam gate on Monday afternoon. According to the Vernon County Sheriff's Office, the emergency unfolded around 1:30 p.m. when authorities received a 911 call reporting that a boat with several occupants had passed through one of the gates at Lock and Dam No. 8. Some of the passengers were still in the water or on the downstream side of the dam when first responders arrived. Green Bay Police searching for suspect who allegedly stole Prevea Health shuttle Investigators say 39-year-old Brandon Kumm of La Crosse was operating the boat with six passengers onboard. The vessel's inboard engine reportedly stalled one to two miles upriver and failed to restart as it drifted toward the dam. Passengers attempted to paddle, but the current proved too strong. Authorities noted there was no attempt to drop anchor. As the boat entered the 600-foot safety zone upstream of the dam, staff from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers acted quickly, closing the gates in the affected area in an effort to minimize danger. Despite the emergency, all seven individuals—none of whom were wearing life jackets—went underwater beneath the Tainter gate and resurfaced downstream. Corps staff threw life rings to the group, who helped each other to safety atop the dam. No injuries were reported, and no one was transported to the hospital. Police find 70+ empty beer cans in vehicle, driver determined to be 3x over the legal limit Travis Decker sighting reported in Idaho, US Marshal's office investigating 'By the grace of God, no injuries were reported,' the Vernon County Sheriff's Office said in a statement. Officials say higher-than-normal river levels may have created more turbulence but also more clearance under the gate, allowing the group to pass through without being pinned or injured. The boat itself remained upright and came to rest against the gate, as designed in emergency situations. Although there were more than enough personal flotation devices onboard, none were worn at the time the occupants jumped from the vessel. The sheriff's office emphasized the importance of boating safety equipment, recommending not only the use of life jackets but also the availability of emergency contact numbers for nearby locks and dams. The installation of a marine radio is also advised for added safety, especially in remote areas. Wisconsin man dies after getting injured by a firework day after Fourth of July The middle of the main navigation channel at this location marks the border between Wisconsin and Minnesota. While land access to the dam is more easily reached from the Wisconsin side, the investigation is being led by the Houston County (Minnesota) Sheriff's Office, with assistance from the Vernon County Sheriff's Office and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The incident remains under investigation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Yahoo
Wisconsin deputy hospitalized after exposure to meth smoke during search warrant
WHEATLAND, Wis. (WFRV) – A Vernon County deputy was hospitalized Thursday evening after being exposed to second-hand methamphetamine smoke while executing a search warrant in the town of Wheatland. According to the Vernon County Sheriff's Office, the deputy was treated at a nearby hospital and has since been released. Officials say the deputy is expected to return to duty. Loaded AR-15 found during traffic stop in Wisconsin; one arrested During the incident, Kyle J. Backlund, 35, of Viroqua, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and felony bail jumping. Authorities noted that Backlund's arrest was unrelated to the original warrant being served. Backlund had previously been arrested in a drug-related case on May 29. He was released from custody on June 4 on a $1,000 signature bond—just 33 hours before the deputy was exposed. Two teens arrested after early morning burglary in Fond du Lac The Vernon County Sheriff's Office says the investigation remains ongoing and additional arrests may be forthcoming. 'This is poison affecting our community, and we will put forward our best effort to locate the source,' the Sheriff's Office stated. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Yahoo
Deputies: Driver crashes into postal worker in Wisconsin after waiving to Amish farmer
CASHTON, Wis. (WFRV) – Deputies in western Wisconsin say two people suffered minor injuries when one driver crashed into the back of a postal worker while allegedly waving to an Amish farmer. Around 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 6, deputies with the Vernon County Sheriff's Office responded to a two-vehicle crash on Oneida Road in Cashton, just outside the Town of Clinton. Deputies say a pickup truck was driving north when he reportedly looked out his passenger window to wave at a 'farmer in the Amish community.' At the same time, a postal worker was pulling away from a mailbox after making a delivery. WisDOT: Deer crashes rise during late spring, officials urge drivers to stay alert The pickup truck reportedly braked and steered left while the postal worker accelerated and turned right. However, the truck crashed into the left rear of the postal worker. Vernon County Sheriff's Office Vernon County Sheriff's Office Both drivers were wearing seatbelts and were treated by first responders but refused additional treatment. The crash remains under investigation. No additional information was provided. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Yahoo
California man identified as source of threat to Wisconsin non-profit, charges possible
LA FARGE, Wis. (WFRV) – A California man has been identified as the alleged source of a threatening phone call made to a Wisconsin-based non-profit, and possible charges are under review. Authorities say 23-year-old Gabriel Anthony Autio Ramirez of Santa Cruz, California, made a threatening call to leadership at OrganicEye, a La Farge area watchdog organization focused on oversight in the organic farming industry. Boat capsizes on Wisconsin River, search for two missing boaters continues Before the call in February 2024, the Vernon County Sheriff's Office had also received reports of threatening emails sent to the group in late 2023. Working alongside OrganicEye's technical staff, investigators obtained and executed search warrants on two service providers. The information led detectives to Ramirez, who is employed by CCOF, the nation's largest USDA-accredited organic certifier. The threats reportedly began shortly after OrganicEye filed a formal complaint against CCOF, alleging federal law violations related to conflicts of interest. CCOF has cooperated with the investigation and is not believed to be involved beyond Ramirez. Brown County Tavern League significantly expands SafeRide program for 2025 NFL Draft The case has been referred to the Vernon County District Attorney's Office. Ramirez has not been charged, but he could face felony charges for threats to injure and a misdemeanor for unlawful use of a telephone. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Vernon County Sheriff's Office at (608) 637-2123. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
03-03-2025
- Yahoo
Wisconsin sheriff arrests two suspects for stealing $30k worth of various property, includes sawed-off shotgun and drugs
CRAWFORD COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV) – Crawford County Sheriff Dale McCullick reported that a lengthy investigation into a burglary led to the arrest of two individuals on Saturday According to a Facebook post from the Crawford County Sheriff's Office, authorities executed a search warrant at a property located at 53604 CTH S in the Township of Seneca, where stolen items were believed to be hidden. Officials report that 44-year-old Charles Kirch, and 42-year-old Angela Ziegler who live at the location, are suspected of burglarizing a cabin and stealing an estimated $30,000 worth of various property. The stolen items included firearms, tools, electronics, furniture, a wood-burning stove, a ladder, and more. Wisconsin sheriff's department arrests two suspects for child porn and bestiality charges During the search, law enforcement officers reportedly found several stolen items, including a sawed-off shotgun, methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and a stolen rifle. Kirch and Ziegler were arrested and taken to the Crawford County Jail. Kirch faces multiple charges, including burglary, theft, felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a sawed-off shotgun, and bail-jumping. Ziegler is charged with burglary, theft, possession of a sawed-off shotgun, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and bail-jumping. The investigation was assisted by the Vernon County Sheriff's Office, Richland County Sheriff's Office, and Crawford County Highway Department. No further information has been provided. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
