11/19/2025

N. WISCONSIN - Two Republican candidates have thrown their hats into the ring to replace Representative Tom Tiffany, who is running for Governor.  Jessi Ebben has positioned herself as a staunch Trump ally and political outsider. As part of her campaign, she vows to stand with law enforcement, collecting endorsements from the Vilas and Oneida County sheriff’s offices.  Michael Alfonso is the other Republican candidate. Alfonso says he wants to be a creator of change. Alfonso says his political journey started after the assassination of Charlie Kirk, and he says he wants to continue Kirk’s legacy.  Alfonso is the son-in-law of current Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. Both vie for the 7th congressional seat.

11/19/2025

VILAS COUNTY – After almost 45 years of service, including a dozen years as Vilas County Sheriff, Joseph Fath is retiring on December 1st. He noted many changes since starting in 1981, including splitting jail and dispatch duties, increasing patrol cars, and adding a second circuit court. Fath looks forward to spending more time with his grandkids and traveling. He said he’s proud of the department, with everyone working together well, which will be a good foundation for the next sheriff to maintain the department’s effective operation. The Governor will appoint a replacement for Fath to fill out his term until it ends in January 2027.

11/19/2025

MADISON - A Republican-backed bill is up for a vote in the Wisconsin Assembly today that will restrict what recipients can buy with federal food assistance.  Under the proposal, soft drinks, candy, and energy drinks would no longer be allowed for purchase using money from SNAP benefits.  If passed, the bill requires the Wisconsin Department of Health Service to apply for a waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.  The Wisconsin Department of Health Services claims it would incur about $6 million in costs in order to create a database of candy and soft drink products.