1/05/2026

MADISON (AP) - Embattled Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan, who was convicted of obstruction last month for helping an immigrant evade federal officers, has sent her resignation letter to the governor. The letter was sent Saturday. Republicans had been making plans to impeach her ever since her Dec. 19 conviction. Last April, federal prosecutors accused Dugan of distracting federal officers trying to arrest a Mexican immigrant outside her courtroom and leading the man out through a private door. A federal jury convicted her of felony obstruction.

1/05/2026

ARBOR VITAE - The Arbor Vitae Fire and Rescue Department celebrated a successful “Keep the Wreath Green” fire safety initiative, reporting on Facebook Saturday that the holiday wreath hung with colored bulbs remained completely green, meaning the department responded to no structure fires between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day.

The campaign replaces a green bulb with a red one for each fire. The department encouraged continued fire prevention in 2026. The wreath also had one while bulb representing fallen firefighters and one blue bulb representing fallen law enforcement officers.

1/05/2026

MERCER - Mercer and surrounding area residents interested in learning how to cross country ski are invited to register for lessons courtesy of the FE University course taught by Chad McGrath on Mondays and Wednesdays in January, starting today. MECCA Trails will be the site of the class; rental skis are available. MECCA Trails Owl Prowl Snowshoe with the North Lakeland Discovery Center is scheduled for this Friday. All ability levels are invited, and snowshoes are available for rent. Otherwise, the event is free. More information on both events can be found at meccatrails.com/events