Mike Leischner
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News director at @WSAU, baseball, football, and soccer fan. God uncle to 4, uncle to 4, big brother to 2, cat dad to 1. Romans 5 1-5.
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Articles by Mike Leischner
Radford Homicide Charges Upgraded
SHAWANO, WI (WSAU) — The man accused of killing Sabrina Radford in 2016 is now facing first-degree homicide charges. Court records show James Radford is now facing a Class A felony count. He was initially charged with first-degree reckless homicide, but that case has been closed. James is accused of killing Sabrina, who was his wife, then reported her death as a suicide.
Feltz Reaches Plea Deal for Wisconsin Rapids Ambulance Theft
WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI (WSAU) — The man accused of taking a working Wisconsin Rapids ambulance on a 40-minute joyride to Pittsville has reached a plea deal with the state. Benjamin Feltz entered a no contest plea for felony recklessly endangering safety and a misdemeanor OWI. Prosecutors then dismissed three additional felony counts but read them into the record, along with a handful of misdemeanors. A judge then withheld his sentence for seven years of probation.
Feltz Reaches Plea Deal for Wisconsin Rapids Ambulance Theft
WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI (WSAU) — The man accused of taking a working Wisconsin Rapids ambulance on a 40-minute joyride to Pittsville has reached a plea deal with the state. Benjamin Feltz entered a no contest plea for felony recklessly endangering safety and a misdemeanor OWI. Prosecutors then dismissed three additional felony counts but read them into the record, along with a handful of misdemeanors. A judge then withheld his sentence for seven years of probation.
Call to the Hall: Baseball Hall of Fame Claims Artifacts from Ashby, Contreras, Yelich, and Others
mahnken / Depositphotos.com ST. PETERSBURG, FL (WSAU) — The National Baseball Hall of Fame has claimed eight items from the Milwaukee Brewers’ World Series run for ensrinement. The list includes items from seven players and Manager Pat Murphy’s Postseason hoodie.
Lo Trial Schedule Adjusted
WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — A Weston man facing multiple felony trials before the end of the year has had one of those proceedings canceled for now. Jacob Lo, 23, was scheduled to face a two-day trial beginning Nov. 18 for charges stemming from an August high-speed chase through the Wausau area. Court records show his attorney requested the postponement Wednesday, indicating Lo is withdrawing his demand for a speedy trial. A status conference will take place on that date instead.
Marathon County Supervisors Give Final Approval to $55 Million Highway Department HQ
WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — The Marathon County Highway Department will officially vacate its Wausau facility on West Street. Supervisors have signed off on a $55 million project in Kronenwetter, consolidating the main facility and a satellite garage in Mosinee. Deputy Administrator for Public Works and Capital Projects Chris Holman says the current facility is no longer efficient, meaning important equipment has to sit outside.
Marathon County Supervisors Give Final Approval to $55 Million Highway Department HQ
WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — The Marathon County Highway Department will officially vacate its Wausau facility on West Street. Supervisors have signed off on a $55 million project in Kronenwetter, consolidating the main facility and a satellite garage in Mosinee. Deputy Administrator for Public Works and Capital Projects Chris Holman says the current facility is no longer efficient, meaning important equipment has to sit outside.
Marathon County Supervisors Give Final Approval to $55 Million Highway Department HQ
WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — The Marathon County Highway Department will officially vacate its Wausau facility on West Street. Supervisors have signed off on a $55 million project in Kronenwetter, consolidating the main facility and a satellite garage in Mosinee. Deputy Administrator for Public Works and Capital Projects Chris Holman says the current facility is no longer efficient, meaning important equipment has to sit outside.
Marathon County Supervisors Give Final Approval to $55 Million Highway Department HQ
WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — The Marathon County Highway Department will officially vacate its Wausau facility on West Street. Supervisors have signed off on a $55 million project in Kronenwetter, consolidating the main facility and a satellite garage in Mosinee. Deputy Administrator for Public Works and Capital Projects Chris Holman says the current facility is no longer efficient, meaning important equipment has to sit outside.
Jenks Trial Canceled Due to Scheduling Conflicts
WAUTOMA, WI (WSAU) — A man accused of killing his grandmother in Wisconsin and fleeing to Utah will not be tried in February as scheduled. Randy Jenks is accused of stabbing 75-year-old Patrica Glenn on March 7th. Officers were called to her home for a welfare check and found her lifeless body. By the time they arrived, Jenks was already en route to Ogden, Utah. Police arrested him the next day. A bloody knife was found in his belongings. It’s unclear what led to the stabbing.
Brewers Announce Game Five Watch Party at American Family Field
American Family Field in Milwaukee. MWC photo by Mike Leischner MILWAUKEE, WI (WSAU) — Tickets for a World Series Game Five watch party at American Family Field will go on sale at Noon. Fans will be limited to six tickets per email address. Parking will be $15 for preferred spots and $10 for general lots. Fans are encouraged to buy tickets early and pay for parking in one transaction to guarantee access. Gates will open at 5:00 PM; parking lots open at 4:30. First pitch at Tropicana Field is at 7:00.
Wausau votes to end use of Flock cameras
WAUSAU, Wis (WSAU) — The city of Wausau has officially added itself to the list of communities cutting ties with Flock Safety. Several Alders said if negative headlines about Flock were around three years ago, they wouldn’t have welcomed the cameras into the community. “[Those issues] weren’t on anyone’s radar,” said Alder Carol Lukens.
Hurd Found Guilty of Battery, Not Guilty for Reckless Homicide
MERRILL, WI (WSAU-WAOW) — It was a split decision for 18-year-old Javarius Hurd, who was cleared of reckless homicide by a Lincoln County jury on Tuesday. The decision came after a six-day trial, which wrapped up on Monday. Hurd was found guilty of one count of battery by a prisoner. Hurd was accused of reckless homicide in the death of Lincoln Hills Correctional Officer Corey Proulx, who died after a confrontation at the facility in 2024.
Dixon Pleads Not Guilty to Sexual Assault, Burglary
ANTIGO, WI (WSAU) — An Antigo man accused of burglary and sexual assault has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Prosecutors say 27-year-old William Dixon approached the victim at a local bar in early September. According to the woman, Dixon followed her to her vehicle as she left and tried to kiss her after she repeatedly rejected him. Dixon allegedly broke into the victim’s home later that night while she was sleeping.
Wausau Alders to Consider Canceling FLOCK
ruhuntn@hotmail.com / Depositphotos.com WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — Alders in Wausau will consider an ordinance calling for all FLOCK safety cameras to be covered and police to cease using FLOCK data. The one-page resolution comes from the Public Health and Safety Committee, which voted to recommend canceling the final two years of the city’s contract with the embattled public safety organization.
Hurd Trial: State, Defense Rest, Closing Arguments Begin Tuesday
MERRILL, Wis. (WSAU) — The homicide trial against 18-year-old Javarius Hurd will soon be in the hands of the jury. Court records show both the state and defense rested on Monday, with the state closing its arguments just before 10:00 AM. Hurd’s defense team then called an expert witness before the court called a lunch break. After the break, the defense called just one additional witness, then confirmed that Hurd would not testify.
Wisconsin Rapids Alder Recall Election is Tuesday
WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI (WSAU) — Some voters in Wisconsin Rapids will legally have the chance to vote twice within seven days. The District 7 Alder Recall is tomorrow, October 27th, when voters will decide whether incumbent Michael Timm keeps his seat on the City Council. The challenger is Rusty Brown. Voters also have the option to write in a name. Voters in District 7 can cast their ballots at City Hall from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The winner will serve the remainder of the term, which expires next April.
Coyle Trial Canceled, Scheduling Conference Scheduled for Friday
STEVENS POINT, WI (WSAU) — A Portage County man accused of running off with his girlfriend’s child, prompting a two-day AMBER Alert in September 2025, will not go to trial this month as previously scheduled. Jordan Coyle will return to court on Friday for a scheduling conference after a judge removed a week-long trial from the calendar earlier this month. The 35-year-old is accused of taking the girl after she got off the school bus, then hiding with her in a forested area.
Coyle Trial Canceled, Scheduling Conference Scheduled for Friday
STEVENS POINT, WI (WSAU) — A Portage County man accused of running off with his girlfriend’s child, prompting a two-day AMBER Alert in September 2025, will not go to trial this month as previously scheduled. Jordan Coyle will return to court on Friday for a scheduling conference after a judge removed a week-long trial from the calendar earlier this month. The 35-year-old is accused of taking the girl after she got off the school bus, then hiding with her in a forested area.
Coyle Trial Canceled, Scheduling Conference Scheduled for Friday
STEVENS POINT, WI (WSAU) — A Portage County man accused of running off with his girlfriend’s child, prompting a two-day AMBER Alert in September 2025, will not go to trial this month as previously scheduled. Jordan Coyle will return to court on Friday for a scheduling conference after a judge removed a week-long trial from the calendar earlier this month. The 35-year-old is accused of taking the girl after she got off the school bus, then hiding with her in a forested area.
Coyle Trial Canceled, Scheduling Conference Scheduled for Friday
STEVENS POINT, WI (WSAU) — A Portage County man accused of running off with his girlfriend’s child, prompting a two-day AMBER Alert in September 2025, will not go to trial this month as previously scheduled. Jordan Coyle will return to court on Friday for a scheduling conference after a judge removed a week-long trial from the calendar earlier this month. The 35-year-old is accused of taking the girl after she got off the school bus, then hiding with her in a forested area.
Mayors Monday: Weston Administrator Jami Gebert
WESTON, WI (WSAU) — Weston Administrator Jami Gebert joined us for this week’s Mayors Monday.
Court Proceedings Begin Against Bonduel Associate Principal Accused of Child Sex Crimes
SHAWANO, WI (WSAU) — An Associate Principal at Bonduel Middle and High School, accused of an inappropriate relationship with a student, is out on bond. Formal charges were filed against Kaitlyn Hintz this week, including felony charges for repeated sexual assault of the same child, child enticement, and second-degree sexual assault.
Auction Opens for ‘Welcome Home to Wausau’ Sign
WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — Time to place your bids for one of Wausau’s former welcome signs. Public Surplus Auctions is handling the sale. As of Thursday morning, the high bid was $26. The winning bidder will be responsible for picking up the ten foot by six foot sign, which is being sold as-is, with panels needing to be re-affixed. Wausau recently replaced its four main “weclome” signs to reflect the new city logo. The Marathon County Historical Society has taken one of the signs for preservation.
Rothschild Announces Plans for New Outdoor Recreation Area
ROTHSCHILD, WI (WSAU) — Leaders in Rothschild have announced plans to turn a pond near Wausau Tile and the Ceder Creek Recreation Trailhead into a multi-use outdoor recreation area. Administrator Ryan VanDeWalle unveiled the plans on Wednesday, which include a multi-use trail around the water and swimming areas for users of all ages and abilities. “We’re really trying to make this an outdoor recreation [destination] not only for the Village but for the Wausau area and beyond.
Fatal Crash in Shawano County
Fatal crash. MWC file photo MAPLE GROVE, WI (WSAU-WAOW) — A 38-year-old man died after his pickup truck struck a dump truck on Highway 29 at Hofa Park Drive in the Town of Maple Grove on Tuesday. The Shawano County Dispatch Center received multiple 911 calls reporting the crash at approximately 3:41 p.m. Shawano County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the scene along with personnel from local fire and EMS agencies. WAOW TV reports two vehicles were involved in the crash.
Brewers Announce World Series Watch Parties for Games 3, 4
American Family Field. Image courtesy: Milwaukee Brewers/Twitter MILWAUKEE, WI (WSAU) — The Milwaukee Brewers will open American Family Field to fans during the first two road games of the World Series. The team has announced watch parties for Games Three and Four, next Monday and Tuesday. Tickets go on sale at 10:00 AM on Thursday for $15. Concessions and merchandise will be available.
Second Day of Hurd Trial Wraps With Testimony from Nyblom
MERRILL, WI (WSAU) — Day two of the reckless homicide trial for Javarius Hurd featured testimony from a co-defendant linked to the fatal 2024 assault at the Lincoln Hills School. Rian Nyblom took the stand around 3:30 PM Tuesday, answering questions from both the prosecution and defense regarding the death of youth counselor Corey Proulx. Nyblom’s testimony is scheduled to resume Wednesday morning.
Adams-Friendship School District Reports Possible Cybercrime
Investigation. MWC file photo. ADAMS, WI (WSAU-WAOW) — The Adams Friendship Area School District says it may have lost about $92,000 in a possible cybercrime. WAOW TV reports the district business manager received and processed an unusual payment request from a third party. The district immediately contacted law enforcement, legal counsel, and its insurance provider to investigate. The business manager is on leave while they investigate and review operations.
Wausau Committee Votes to Terminate FLOCK Safety Payment, Instruct Council to Explore Contract Termination
Wausau Public Health and Safety Committee meeting. MWC photo by Mike Leischner WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — The Wausau Public Health and Safety Committee has voted to direct the City Council to withhold $50,000 payments to FLOCK Safety in the 2027 and 2028 budgets while exploring options to terminate the city’s contract with the embattled company. Following a closed-door discussion, Alder Kristin Slonski moved to withhold the funds and review the contract’s exit clauses.
Hurd Trial Underway in Lincoln County
MERRILL, WI (WSAU) — The trial for a Madison man accused of reckless homicide in the death of Corey Proulx is underway. Javarius Hurd is accused of lashing out as Proulx was trying to restrain the then-teenager in a courtyard at Lincoln Hills Youth Prison. The incident happened in the Spring of 2024, causing Proulx to hit his head on a hard surface. He died a few hours later at a local hospital.
Tomahawk man arrested on disorderly conduct, drug charges
TOWN OF BRADLEY, WI (WSAU) — A Tomahawk man was jailed twice for disorderly conduct after Sheriff’s Officers were called to a home in the Town of Bradley on Friday and again this morning. Deputies were called to a home on County Road E on Friday for a report of an argument, including threats of injury. They found the suspect, Spencer Johnson, was intoxicated and using various items around the home as weapons. He was taken into custody for disorderly conduct.
Fatal Crash in Village of Maine
Fatal Crash. MWC file photo MAINE, WI (WSAU) — An 80-year-old has died as a result of a two-vehicle crash in the Village of Maine. The unidentified man was driving south on North 60th Avenue near the intersection with County Highway L. His vehicle collided with an eastbound vehicle, and he died at the scene. Two people in the other vehicle, ages 64 and 68, were seriously injured and hospitalized for treatment. An update on their condition has not been provided.
Mayors Monday: Wisconsin Rapids’ Matt Zacher
WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI (WSAU) — Wisconsin Rapids Mayor Matt Zacher joined us for this week’s Mayors Monday. The Mayor focused on Tuesday’s City Council meeting, which will feature a vote on a proposed conditional use permit for a data center at the site of the former paper mill. The item comes to the Council with a failed recommendation from the city’s plan commission. Zacher says the vote will focus on PNK Group’s submittal to the plan commission.
World Series Schedule Finalized
MILWAUKEE, WI (WSAU) — Game times for the 2026 World Series have been set. Major League Baseball confirmed that all seven games will start at 7:00 PM CT. The complete schedule is as follows, with the Brewers holding home-field advantage in four of the seven games.
World Series Schedule Finalized
MILWAUKEE, WI (WSAU) — Game times for the 2026 World Series have been set. Major League Baseball confirmed that all seven games will start at 7:00 PM CT. The complete schedule is as follows, with the Brewers holding home-field advantage in four of the seven games.
World Series Schedule Finalized
MILWAUKEE, WI (WSAU) — Game times for the 2026 World Series have been set. Major League Baseball confirmed that all seven games will start at 7:00 PM CT. The complete schedule is as follows, with the Brewers holding home-field advantage in four of the seven games.
World Series Schedule Finalized
MILWAUKEE, WI (WSAU) — Game times for the 2026 World Series have been set. Major League Baseball confirmed that all seven games will start at 7:00 PM CT. The complete schedule is as follows, with the Brewers holding home-field advantage in four of the seven games.
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