6/09/2026

COVINGTON - A three-vehicle crash on Sunday that closed M-28 in Covington Township for 6 hours resulted in one death.  In a Monday press release yesterday, the Baraga County Sheriff’s Office says around 2 p.m., it was dispatched to M-28 near Pirkola Road. Upon arrival, deputies discovered a semi-tractor and trailer overturned across M-28 and fully engulfed in flames after striking and breaking a power line. The driver of the tractor-trailer, 60-year-old Karry Mengsolf, of Southern Wisconsin, received minor injuries after he was able to escape the cab and move away from the scene.  The driver of the second vehicle identified as 67-year-old Gary Cronkright, of Iron River, was pronounced dead at the scene.  A third vehicle traveling behind the tractor-trailer was struck by debris from the crash. That driver was not injured.  Deputies say a preliminary investigation determined that the vehicle driven by Cronkright crossed the center line into the oncoming lane of traffic and struck the front of the trailer.  The crash remains under investigation by the Baraga County Sheriff’s Office.

6/09/2026

PRICE COUNTY - A two-vehicle crash at State Highway 111 and County Road J in the Town of Harmony in Price County on Sunday killed a 74-year-old woman from Kennan, according to the Price County Sheriff's Office. The woman, who was driving a 2013 Chrysler Town and Country van, was pronounced dead at the scene. Three occupants of a 2023 Volkswagen SUV — a 57-year-old man, a 54-year-old woman and a 13-year-old boy from Eau Claire — suffered serious injuries and were transported for treatment. Authorities are withholding the victim’s name pending notification, and the cause of the crash remains under investigation.

6/09/2026

VILAS COUNTY - The Eagle River Planning Commission again delayed action on a conditional use permit for a proposed 52,000-square-foot U-Haul storage facility to allow more review and fact-finding. The Vilas County News Review reports nearby business owners say the project could reduce property values and visibility from the highway, potentially harming their businesses and raising concerns about Business Improvement District taxes. The delay gives city engineers time to review drainage, road impacts, and construction plans before the commission makes a recommendation on the 17th. The Eagle River City Council will then make a final decision on the matter.