5/27/2026

N. WISCONSIN - The Wisconsin State Patrol and other law enforcement agencies are participating in the national “Click It or Ticket” campaign through the end of the month to promote seat belt use. Officials say the campaign comes ahead of the unofficial start of summer and the start of travel season, when drivers can expect increased patrols and enforcement. Preliminary data shows more than 7,600 Wisconsin crashes last year involved unbelted motorists, resulting in 145 deaths and nearly 1,900 injuries. Seat belts are one of the most effective ways to prevent serious injuries and fatalities in crashes.

5/26/2026

LAC DU FLAMBEAU - More than a dozen law enforcement officers responded to a barricade situation in Lac du Flambeau Sunday evening involving 50-year-old Bert La Barge Jr. Police said La Barge, who had an active arrest warrant and probation appearance request, allegedly barricaded himself inside a home while armed with a firearm. Multiple agencies from Price, Vilas, and Oneida counties, along with Minocqua and Woodruff police, assisted at the scene. After interacting with a crisis negotiator, La Barge surrendered around 9 p.m. without incident.

5/26/2026

VILAS COUNTY – One dead another hospitalized following A head-on collision between a motorcycle and a car on a Vilas County highway last night.  The crash happened just after 7:00 last night on State Highway 155, just south of South Lost Lake Drive in the Town of St. Germain.  When the first deputy arrived on scene, the motorcycle operator was determined to be dead.  The driver of the other vehicle was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.  Preliminary investigation indicates the 64-year-old male motorcycle operator was going north around a curve when he crossed the center line into the path of the other vehicle.  The Wisconsin State Patrol has taken over the crash investigation.