5/28/2026

VILAS COUNTY - Authorities report they’ve identified 64-year-old Eric Raymond Powell of Saint Germain as the motorcyclist killed in a Memorial Day crash near Eagle River. The Wisconsin State Patrol says Powell crossed the centerline on State Highway 155 and collided head-on with a southbound Toyota RAV4 driven by 39-year-old Eric Peterson Aldor. Powell died at the scene, while Aldor suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to a hospital in Minocqua. The crash happened Monday evening in Vilas County, and the Wisconsin State Patrol continues to investigate.

5/28/2026

ONTONAGON - A 36-year-old Brent Mayer of Bruce Crossing will serve a minimum of 22 years in prison after he was sentenced on child sexually abusive material charges in Ontonagon County.  The Michigan State Police Computer Crimes Unit, Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, sentenced Mayer to at least 22 years in prison, with a maximum sentence of 37.5 years on separate charges that include possession of sexually abusive material - aggravated, child sexually abusive activity - aggravated and using a computer to commit a crime.  Mayer was convicted on 16 felony counts on April 9 following a jury trial in the 32nd Circuit Court of Ontonagon County. He was served with a habitual offender - 2nd offense notice, which increased the penalties of the conviction.  He was arraigned in May 2025 following an investigation by the MSP, which revealed that Mayer was viewing files of sexually abusive material online. A search of his residence resulted in the seizure of digital evidence. 

5/28/2026

IRONWOOD - Gogebic Community College Emergency Medical Services (EMS) program received the Superior Impact Award from the Superior Health Foundation recently.  Nicole Rowe, Director of Allied Health says, “This was in relation to the good work the program is doing to address EMS needs in the western end of the upper peninsula and is a result of a grant GCC received from the foundation two years ago.”  The award was announced during the Gogebic Community College Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday.  In other board action the board approved the sale of the Construction Technology student built 280 square foot structure that includes two utility storage areas, loft, kitchen, bathroom and utilities, and Kari Klemme, of Hurley, was approved as the new Business Faculty member.  Klemme has been employed at GCC employee for seven and a half years holding positions as the Bookstore Manager, Executive Assistant to the President and her most recent as the Marketing Strategist. She will begin her duties on August 15.