A 911 call was received by the Taylor County Sheriff's Office on Friday, December 5, 2025, at approximately 4:17 p.m. The caller reported a missing person near the 7600 block of Perkinstown Avenue in the Township of Hammel. She said that her husband had been ice fishing earlier in the afternoon on Washington Flowage, which is located near their property. When he did not return, she was concerned he may have fallen through the ice.
Taylor County deputies, along with Medford fire personnel, Taylor County Emergency Management, and Taylor County EMS personnel, arrived at Washington Flowage where they saw a single sled trail leading out to an open area on the ice. The sled was seen in the open area of water.
Given they have specialized equipment and expertise in open water searches, Marathon County Sheriff's Office Dive Team, Wings of Hope and Bruce’s Legacy were contacted to aid in the search effort.
The man was found in the water, deceased, and was recovered. He was identified as Randall K. Runge of Medford. He was 69 years old. There is no indication of foul play.
The Taylor County Sheriff’s Office extended their condolences to the family of Randall. "We would also like to extend our gratitude towards the non-profit organizations, Wings of Hope and Bruce’s Legacy, along with the other emergency personnel that assisted," the sheriff's office added.
WI DNR ANNOUNCES PRELIMINARY 2025 DEER HARVEST TOTALS
The regular gun deer season was held from November 22 through November 30, 2025.
According to the Wisconsin DNR, "Preliminary figures indicate the number of deer hunters in Wisconsin slightly decreased compared to 2024. As of 11:59 p.m. Sunday, November 30, sales for deer hunting privileges (which include gun, archery, crossbow, conservation patron, and sports licenses) reached 790,044, down 0.12% from the same time last year. Of those, 550,611 were for gun privileges only (which include gun, conservation patron, and sports licenses).
"Preliminary figures show hunters registered 182,084 deer during the 2025-gun deer season, including 86,068 antlered and 96,016 antlerless deer. Compared to 2024, the gun season harvest total is down 0.8% statewide, with the antlered harvest down 2.6% and the antlerless harvest up 0.9%.
"Since the opening of the bow and crossbow seasons, Wisconsin hunters have registered 294,757 deer. This harvest is 1.1% ahead of the same time last year."
Price County is part of the Northern Forest Zone. However, rather than the deer harvest totals being reported by county as was done in previous years, some counties, including Price, are now part of DMUs, which are Deer Management Units. Portions of Price County are in six units, including DMU-112, DMU-113, DMU-115, DMU-116, DMU-117, and DMU-119. Portions of other counties are included in those DMUs and they are as follows:
DMU-112: Portions of Price, Rusk, and Sawyer Counties
DMU-113: Portions of Ashland, Bayfield, Price, and Sawyer Counties
DMU-115: Portions of Price, Rusk, Sawyer, and Taylor Counties
DMU-116: Portions of Lincoln, Oneida, Price, and Vilas Counties
DMU-117: Portions of Ashland, Iron, Oneida, Price, and Vilas Counties
DMU-119: Portions of Langlade, Lincoln, Price, Oneida, and Taylor Counties
Marquette County led the Central Farmland Zone and the entire state, registering 7.9 deer per square mile. Vernon County led the Southern Farmland Zone with 6.5 deer registered per square mile. DMU 201 (primarily in Eau Claire County) led the Central Forest Zone with 3.8 deer per square mile. DMU 108 (portions of Burnett, Polk, and Washburn Counties) led the Northern Forest Zone with 2.7 deer registered per square mile.
The DNR reported two hunting incidents. On the first day of hunting, a 57-year-old man was walking to a field to go hunting. He received a gunshot wound in his buttock. His injury was treated at a hospital. The investigation is pending. Also on the first day, in the evening hours, a 24-year-old man in Fond du Lac County was found as a victim of a self-inflicted, but unintentional, gunshot to his chest. He was found hours later by family members on private property. According to the WI DNR, "Preliminary investigation reflects the victim was in a tree, gun deer hunting from a saddle stand, when the unintentional discharge of their firearm occurred. Investigation pending." Comparatively, during the 2024-gun deer season, one firearm-involved hunting incident occurred resulting in an injury. (Keep reading; the article continues after the ad.)
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The DNR added, "For the past 10 nine-day gun deer seasons (2016-2025), the incident trend reflects an average of five hunting incidents per year. In addition, Wisconsin has had six fatality-free seasons, and all 10 years reflect single digit incidents."
The DNR stressed that hunters should follow the four rules of firearm safety, known as TAB-K:
T - Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.
A - Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.
B - Be certain of your target, what’s before it and what’s beyond it.
K - Keep your finger outside your trigger guard until you are safe to shoot.
Learn more about safe hunting in Wisconsin and register to take a hunter education course on the DNR’s Hunting Safety webpage.
DNR VIOLATION HOTLINE: Anyone with information regarding natural resource violations may confidentially report by calling or texting 1-800-TIP-WDNR or 1-800-847-9367. The hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Trained staff relay the information to conservation wardens. You can also file a report online.
We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Mechanical Engineering Co-OP. This opportunity provides hands-on experience in mechanical design, analysis, and optimization of machinery, working closely with our experienced engineering team.
Term:
June - Dec 2026
Key Responsibilities:
Assist in the design, analysis, and testing of mechanical components and systems for automated machinery and production lines.
Collaborate with mechanical engineers to develop 3D models, detailed drawings, and specifications using CAD software.
Participate in prototype development, testing, and validation of mechanical designs to ensure performance, reliability, and manufacturability.
Contribute to troubleshooting and problem-solving efforts for mechanical issues, proposing solutions to improve machine efficiency and performance.
Support continuous improvement initiatives by offering ideas to enhance mechanical design, reduce waste, and optimize system performance
Qualifications:
2+ years of college coursework completed in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
Basic knowledge of CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD) is preferred.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and design skills.
Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment and communicate effectively.
This co-op offers an excellent opportunity to develop your skills in mechanical engineering while contributing to meaningful projects in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
At Barry-Wehmiller we recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying. We know that our differences often can bring about innovation, excellence and meaningful work—therefore, people from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply to our positions. Please let us know if you require reasonable accommodations during the interview process.
Barry-Wehmiller is an equal opportunity employer. M/F/D/V This organization uses E-Verify.
Applicants may be subject to pre-employment screening which may include drug screening, reference checks, employment verifications, background screening and/or skills assessments.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities (Essential Functions):
Filling and distributing basic materials and repair orders and working with.
Maintain records of all items received and those being shipped out.
External/Internal Warehouse Transfers.
Work Indoors as well as Outdoors for different projects as needed.
Support other areas of business as needed.
Unload incoming trucks as directed; inspect for damages; compare items and quantities received against freight bills.
Operate materials handling equipment such as forklift, pallet jacks, hand trucks or dollies to move stock or organize storage.
Actively participate in team meetings to communicate and help resolve any cost, quality, or production issues.
Regularly and effectively communicate and interact with other team members.
Maintain equipment and work area in a clean and orderly fashion.
Work in accordance with established safety procedures.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Education and Experience:
High school Diploma or GED Equivalent.
Able to lift 50 pounds, and have the ability to kneel, bend, stoop, and stand for at least 8 hours.
Able to operate Microsoft Programs and can utilize a 10 key number pad.
At Barry-Wehmiller we recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying. We know that our differences often can bring about innovation, excellence and meaningful work—therefore, people from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply to our positions. Please let us know if you require reasonable accommodations during the interview process.
Barry-Wehmiller is an equal opportunity employer. M/F/D/V This organization uses E-Verify.
Applicants may be subject to pre-employment screening which may include drug screening, reference checks, employment verifications, background screening and/or skills assessments.
Click this link to learn more about and apply for this job.
Job Description:
We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Mechanical Engineering Intern for Summer 2026. This internship provides hands-on experience in mechanical design, analysis, and optimization of machinery, working closely with our experienced engineering team.
Term: Summer 2026 (May-August)
Key Responsibilities:
Process QSM tasks by researching intent and requirements related to documentation changes and implementing them in SolidWorks models and drawings as approved by the Change Team.
Update CAD models and drawings for new machine construction based on feedback from Assembly, as approved by Product Development Engineering.
Assist machine designers by conducting purchased-part research, performing light design tasks, and organizing documentation.
Create detailed and assembly drawings of new SolidWorks models.
Participate in design reviews and project meetings to contribute ideas and feedback.
Assist in setting up product configurators for standardized designs.
Review and organize product documentation, ensuring that any residual changes are processed effectively.
Gather legacy drawings, convert them to PDF, and upload them to a shared web platform.
Prepare and present to management a summary of the experience gained during the internship.
Apply scientific methods and Lean principles to proactively identify and suggest improvements to manufacturing systems.
Identify equipment needs and process specifications; lead the implementation of these requirements into the production environment.
Act as a technical liaison between operations and design engineering to facilitate smooth communication.
Support the culture of continuous improvement through the Lean journey, assisting in the development and coaching of associates on Lean philosophies.
Qualifications:
2+ years of college coursework completed in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
Experience with CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD) is preferred.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and design skills.
Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment and communicate effectively.
This internship offers an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience in mechanical engineering while contributing to meaningful projects that drive innovation in manufacturing.
At Barry-Wehmiller we recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying. We know that our differences often can bring about innovation, excellence and meaningful work—therefore, people from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply to our positions. Please let us know if you require reasonable accommodations during the interview process.
Barry-Wehmiller is an equal opportunity employer. M/F/D/V This organization uses E-Verify.
Applicants may be subject to pre-employment screening which may include drug screening, reference checks, employment verifications, background screening and/or skills assessments.
To learn more about this job and apply, click this link.
Job Description:
The Continuous Improvement Lead will play a vital role in supporting the deployment of Barry-Wehmiller’s operating model, the BW Way, by working closely with the site’s Continuous Improvement Leader and cross-functional teams. As an integral member of the Continuous Improvement team, this individual will serve as an understudy to the CI Leader, learning to execute our “People, Performance, and Harmony Transformation” while helping to drive a culture of continuous improvement across the organization.
PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES
Works directly under the sites Continuous Improvement Leader as an understudy learning to execute our “People Performance and Harmony Transformation."
Work with manufacturing and transactional business leaders and their teams to analyze key performance indicators to ensure improvement efforts are strategically aligned and adding value to the bottom line.
Work with multiple manufacturing teams to coach/develop team members and leaders to support the growth in capability (skills, culture and coaching Kata) for sustaining continuous improvement.
This position will facilitate and co-facilitate various Continuous Improvement related workshops, training events, projects/Kaizen/RIE events, Value Stream Mapping, process flow charts, line balancing, and other Continuous Improvement tools for improvement results that can be leveraged across multiple departments and value streams.
Ensures that Continuous Improvement training, tools, assessments, and resources are available to employees at all levels and are being utilized appropriately and effectively across all areas of the business.
Provide progress reporting to Leaders of the organization for tracking results to strategic plans and KPIs.
Provide follow-up guidance and support throughout the implementation time period of events to ensure successful and sustainable implementation and results.
Work across business practices to remove barriers and streamline processes by understanding internal and external customer requirements.
All other duties as assigned by the Continuous Improvement Leader.
SKILLS/EXPERIENCE
Basic understanding of Lean Transformations in manufacturing operations, demonstrated experience educating others on Lean principles and deployment planning.
Hands-on experience using modern Business Excellence and Continuous Improvement methods (LEAN, TPS, Kanban, PSQDCI, A3,5S, Six Sigma etc.).
Basic Microsoft Office and applicable Barry Wehmiller software applications required.
Ability to plan and carry out projects independently while working effectively in a diverse work group.
Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
Ability to write reports, procedures, and correspondence.
Demonstrated leadership skills to influence those that you work with and around.
Demonstrated ability to apply critical thought processes to develop, recommend and implement strategies and programs that address plant and corporate objectives.
Taking a true mentorship stance for all team members at all levels that we work in.
Ability to work and operate under conditions of multiple deadlines and changing priorities.
Outstanding written and oral communication skills up and down the organizational hierarchy to include regional offices.
EDUCATION
High school diploma/GED required.
Associate's degree in business, Engineering, Operations, Manufacturing, or equivalent combination of education and experience with an emphasis in Continuous Improvement and Lean.
At Barry-Wehmiller we recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying. We know that our differences often can bring about innovation, excellence and meaningful work—therefore, people from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply to our positions. Please let us know if you require reasonable accommodations during the interview process.
Barry-Wehmiller is an equal opportunity employer. M/F/D/V This organization uses E-Verify.
Applicants may be subject to pre-employment screening which may include drug screening, reference checks, employment verifications, background screening and/or skills assessments.
Click the link to learn more about and apply for this job.
Job Description:
BW Papersystems is looking for an experienced Billing & Contracts Associate to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for contract billing and accounting for orders, sales, and deposits. This will include ownership and reporting for daily sales, new orders, backlog, revenue recognition, and accounting for customer deposits. In addition, you will also back up the Accounts Receivable leader in credit and collections activities. Within this position, you will be responsible for reconciliation of all contracts and related general ledger accounts, along with order listings, sales and revenue reporting, and backlog maintenance.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities (Essential Functions):
Enter orders into XA/ERP and D365/CRM systems
Maintain and report backlog and daily sales
Record revenue for all contracts
Create and send contract billings to customers
Partner with value streams, leadership, and sales teams across the business to understand contractual agreements specific to billing and collections.
Set and understand contract payment terms, track milestones, follow changing ship dates Invoicing to milestones, collection of funds
Work with sales and value streams to correct invoice disputes and process related customer credits
Perform accounting transactions as required, including monthly revenue, deposits, and AR close
Participate in financial and cross-functional project teams as necessary
Advance the development of standard work and cross training within the finance team
Other duties as assigned Job Specification:
Must possess a high level of attention to detail and accuracy in calculations/transactions
Strong organizational skills, and able to prioritize multiple tasks and meet all deadlines
Excellent communication and customer service skills
Experience with Microsoft Programs, and other business intelligence software
Working knowledge of accounting principles
Excellent problem-solving skills and judgement
Basic Qualifications & Requirements:
Associate’s degree in accounting or relevant experience
High School diploma or GED equivalent with 3+ year of experience working in an accounting/office environment
2+ years of relevant professional accounting or billing experience
At Barry-Wehmiller we recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying. We know that our differences often can bring about innovation, excellence and meaningful work—therefore, people from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply to our positions. Please let us know if you require reasonable accommodations during the interview process.
Barry-Wehmiller is an equal opportunity employer. M/F/D/V This organization uses E-Verify.s may be subject to pre-employment screening which may include drug screening, reference checks, employment verifications, background screening and/or skills assessments.
Grade 11: Cooper Fifield, Conner Fox, Deverick Hartmann, Madison Holm, Chase Mabie, Emily Mason, Mason Podeweltz, Gavin Polansky, Korbin Thums
Grade 12: Michael Bant, Ashlyn Englund, Jaxson Franz, Kayla Gillett, Clint Hale, Rhys Harris, Justin Hoffman, Evan Lord, Grady May, Nicholas Nikkila, Taylor Slattery, Zach Starkey (Keep reading; this article continues after the ad.)
Pine Village in Prentice offers affordable, active living in a wooded setting for those 50+ and disabled persons. Rent is based on 30% Adjusted Gross Income. Small pets under 30 pounds are welcome. Contact Pine Village at 715-428-2300.
Perfect Attendance
4K: Arya Enders, Coleson Gedde
Kindergarten: Phoenix Farr, Oliver Nelson, Nicole Weiler
1st Grade: Case Gedde, Forrest Walcisak
2nd Grade: None
3rd Grade: Scarlet Conner, Asher Gruber, Zoe Johnson
Image from Facebook/The Voice of Worcester 2.0 video
At the November 18, 2025 Town of Worcester meeting, the issue of rumble strips on Little Chicago Road was addressed. It was initially brought up at the prior town meeting. (See related article.)
Chairman Jim Michler said, "Do we really want to put rumble strips in there? If we do, we would need to communicate with all the people who live within listening distance of it, because we did hear testimony at the last meeting from somebody who says they are noisy. So, Russ, do you have any thoughts on that, because I'm kind of inclined to say we do not need rumble strips, so if you feel the same way, we can just vote that down and say we're not going to do it." Jim later added that Supervisor Jeremy Pesko had mentioned he talked with someone who said rumble strips can be heard from quite a distance.
Supervisor Russ Long stated it's a safety concern and there is a lot of traffic on that road. He said they do make a lot of noise on the highway, but he didn't feel there would be such a noise factor on Little Chicago Road given the speed is less on Little Chicago Road coming to a stop sign. Russ said that the corner is a big accident corner and asked how many accidents that occur there come from Little Chicago Road.
Jim said this intersection did not have enough accidents for the state to do anything, and the town would have to bear the cost of adding rumble strips. "It's just not a dangerous enough intersection," he said.
Russ asked for the cost of rumble strips. Jim said, "Well, the real cost is people, who his house rumbles every time somebody drives there. The dollar value, don't know, but it can't be that awful bad."
Russ said, "We can always put them in. Once the road's complete, we can always put in rumble strips." Russ again mentioned he was considering the safety factor. Ultimately, though, Russ made a motion to not put rumble strips on Little Chicago Road at the Hwy. 13 intersection. Chairman Jim Michler seconded it, and the motion was carried.
During public comment, Ann Patros asked if a roundabout could be implemented at Little Chicago Road. Jim said it's not on the state list as being too dangerous, so he did not feel it would qualify. Ann asked what the standard was from the state, and Jim said it has to do with the number of fatal accidents; they list all of them in the state, and they take the top number of intersections to focus on.
Anthony Sleck said, "I know in the meeting when we first discussed it, you had your deputy standing here so nobody could bring up any comments other than rumble strips. Why was that the only thing you put on the agenda instead of getting input from people that were here. That's why all them people were here. You made sure they didn't get an opportunity to talk about anything but rumble strips." There was no further discussion.
Another larger topic of the meeting was about open records. Brian Kerner asked why his open records requests, from over a year ago, have not been fulfilled. He stated that his name was placed on the town's website about requesting records and wanted to know why he hasn't seen the records. Jim responded, "Because your request was to inspect the records, that required a meeting here to do it, because you had a long list of requests." Jim said a written record of requests is kept, and phone contact does not qualify as a written record, so the town does not call. Jim said Brian did not give contact information but was sent three Certified letters, and he refused all three of them, but Brian interjected that he never received those. Jim continued, "Because you refused delivery on three Certified letters, we canceled those requests." Jim was told, "You just broke the law" and "It sounds like you need another lawsuit," and Jim replied, "Go right ahead. That's your choice."
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