Marathon County Crime Stoppers

05/01/2026

* SCAM ALERT *

We are aware that some folks have been seeing this scam attempt sent to their phones lately. In fact, this text message was received by Chief Barnes this morning.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation will not reach out to you regarding payment for "pending traffic offenses." Be cautious about what links you click on when receiving text messages from unknown or questionable sources.

Keep your personal information safe & help educate others who may be vulnerable.

04/28/2026

***Silver Alert cancelled, Harold has been located safe.*** (4/28/2026 7:23 AM)

Silver Alert issued statewide for missing Harold Peterson, 92, White, Male, 5 ft 11 inches, 175 lbs., with Hazel eyes and balding Gray hair. Last seen wearing a blue jacket, glasses, baseball cap (possibly Green Bay Packers). He was last seen dropping off a family member at Aspirus Wausau Hospital and never returned back home.

Missing from Wausau
Date and Time Last Seen: 04/27/2026 9:10 PM

Harold is driving a 2014 Grey Buick Encore, WI license plate ADJ3419. Anyone with information is asked to call Wausau Police Department at 715-261-7800.

04/22/2026

“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” - Lorax

04/19/2026

***Silver Alert cancelled, Carol and her dog have been located safe.*** (4/19/26 1:10AM)

Silver Alert issued in New Auburn for missing Carol Zucollo, 85, White, Female, 5 ft 4 inches, 155 lbs., with Blue eyes and brown hair. Missing on foot. Last seen wearing Gray and white camo jacket. She is with her yellow lab.

Missing from 117th St, New Auburn WI
Date and Time Last Seen: 04/18/2026 1:00pm.

Anyone with information is asked to call Chippewa County Sheriff's Office at (715)726-7701 option 1.

04/19/2026

UPDATE:
The United Way Community Closet will be open Monday, April 20 from 9am to 4pm for those impacted by the tornado in Ringle.

DONATIONS are also being accepted at the closet during that time for clean, seasonally appropriate clothing. Mostly kids and men’s clothes as well as sneakers for all. The closet can only accept clothing donations.

The Community Closet is located at 705 S. 24th Ave, Suite 440
Wausau, WI 54401

THANK YOU to the amazing group of closet volunteers for stepping in and making this possible!

04/18/2026

PLEASE STAY OUT OF THE MARTIN ROAD AREA!

Martin Road has been CLOSED again as WPS works to restore power to the affected area.
Crews are removing the debris from the area, as well.

Please DO NOT drive in the area unless you are a resident. The roads are congested with debris and service vehicles.

04/18/2026

04/18/2026

RINGLE UPDATE: We appreciate the community’s quick response when their neighbors are in need.

As we await the Marathon County Emergency Management Assessment, right now the best thing to do to help with the efforts in Ringle is to donate to the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin’s Emergency Relief fund at https://cfoncw.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=8227

IN-KIND DONATIONS are being accepted at the Weston YMCA Aspirus Branch, 3402 Howland Ave.

The DCE Middle School is no longer taking donations.

FAMILES IN NEED can pick up donations at the Aspirus Branch YMCA.

We appreciate the community’s quick response when their neighbors are in need!

04/18/2026

***4/18/26 12:30 PM UPDATE****
River Road from County Road J to Abbey Street is now open to Residents and Contractors Only. Law enforcement will ask for proof of residency or contractor status before permitting entry. Other areas remain closed while crews work to restore utilities and make the area safe for re-entry. Crews have made great progress and are working as quickly and safely as possible to restore service.

We continue to ask volunteers to not report to the Ringle area at this time. We will continue to provide updates as progress continues and needs change.

Thank you for your patience and continued support.

************

The outpouring of support and offers of assistance since yesterday’s storm have truly been heartwarming. At the request of Ringle Fire Chief Chris Kielman and to assist us to serving the needs of Ringle residents in a safe and effective manner, volunteers are asked to not report to the Ringle area at this time. Marathon County Emergency Management is assessing the damage this morning and clean-up efforts cannot resume until the assessment has been completed.

Once the assessment has been completed, we will provide you with information on the types of assistance needed and where volunteers should report.

04/18/2026

04/18/2026

In response to tonight's tornado, the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin is partnering with United Way of Marathon County to support those impacted.

If you or someone you know needs help, call 2-1-1 to report damage and get connected to shelter, food, and recovery resources.

We’ve also launched an Emergency Relief Fund to respond quickly to urgent needs and support long-term recovery.

You can help by donating here: https://cfoncw.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=8227

Together, we rebuild.