Marathon County Sheriff's Office

10/22/2026

And the scammers are back at it again!

The Marathon County Sheriff's Office has been made aware of individuals receiving phone calls from someone claiming to be with our agency who needs to "discuss urgent legal matters."

While Lt. Gladden would be happy to speak with you, neither he nor any member of our staff will contact you with this type of message.

Unfortunately, scammers continue to impersonate law enforcement officers to obtain personal information or convince people to send them money.

A few things to keep in mind if you receive one of these calls:

- Don't provide personal or financial information. This includes Social Security numbers, banking information, credit card numbers, or passwords.

- Don't trust the number on your caller ID. Scammers can make it look like they're calling from a legitimate law enforcement agency, including ours.

- Don't send money. If someone claims you have a warrant, missed jury duty, or owe a fine and demands immediate payment over the phone, that's a pretty good indication you're dealing with a scammer.

- Don't let someone pressure you. Scammers often use threats of arrest or other legal consequences to make you act before you've had time to think.

Just hang up. You don't need to explain yourself or continue the conversation. We're fairly certain it won't hurt the scammer's feelings.

If you're ever unsure whether someone claiming to be from the Marathon County Sheriff's Office is legitimate, hang up and call us directly at 715-261-1200. Don't use a callback number provided by the caller.

If you've already provided personal information and suffered a financial loss, please get in touch with our non-emergency line at 715-261-1200, option 1. We will dispatch the appropriate law enforcement officer or deputy based on your location. If you've shared banking information, contact your financial institution right away as well.

These scams aren't new, but they continue to work because the people behind them can be convincing. Taking a minute to verify who you're speaking with can save you a lot of trouble.

Please share this information, especially with family members, friends, or neighbors who may not know about these scams.

10/21/2026

The tornado sirens in the Wausau metro area were unintentionally activated by the Marathon County 911 Communications Center during a routine system test shortly after 6:00 PM this evening. The activation was accidental, and there is no tornado threat at this time.

The Marathon County Sheriff’s Office apologizes for any confusion or concern this unexpected activation may have caused and appreciates the community’s understanding.

Events like this serve as an important reminder of the value of having multiple ways to receive severe weather and emergency notifications. Residents are encouraged to sign up for the free Marathon County Alerts program at www.MarathonCounty.gov/alerts. Subscribers can choose which types of alerts they receive and how they receive them, helping ensure they stay informed in the way that works best for them.

10/20/2026

Start gathering your unused, unwanted, or expired medications for free, safe disposal on Saturday, October 24th 💊



Can't make it? Check out the year-round drop box locations here: https://www.marathoncounty.gov/about-us/departments/solid-waste/what-do-i-do-with

10/19/2026

***MEDIA RELEASE***

An 80-year-old Wausau man died, and two others were seriously injured in a two-vehicle crash Sunday morning at the intersection of County Highway L and N. 60th Avenue in the village of Maine.

At approximately 9:03 a.m. on Oct. 18, the Marathon County Emergency 911 Dispatch Center received a report of the crash.

The 80-year-old man was traveling south on N. 60th Avenue when his vehicle collided with a vehicle traveling east on County Highway L. He was the sole occupant of his vehicle and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

A 64-year-old woman was driving the second vehicle, with a 68-year-old male passenger. Both sustained serious injuries and were transported to a local hospital for treatment.

The intersection remained closed for approximately four hours following the crash.

The Wisconsin State Patrol, Maine Fire/First Responders, Wausau Fire/EMS and Marathon County Medical Examiner’s Office assisted at the scene.

The Marathon County Sheriff's Office continues to investigate the crash's cause and circumstances. The deceased driver's identity is being withheld pending positive identification by the medical examiner.

No further information is available at this time. The Marathon County Sheriff's Office will post future updates on its page.

Marathon County Sheriff’s Office Case Number: 26.4650

10/17/2026

In honor of National Mover Over Day, we ask everyone to join us in a moment of reflection. Every second of everyday, a mother, father, brother, sister, daughter, son, friend, and coworker is on the side of the roadway. They could be working, fixing a disabled vehicle, or helping another.

Unfortunately statistics have shown more and more of our friends and family members are being struck by passing vehicles while they are stuck or working on the side of the road.

That is one of the reasons, in December of 2025, the Move Over Law was expanded to include all disabled vehicles, emergency vehicles, and road service vehicles. So now EVERYONE is protected.

Please join us, and all the first responders and highway workers in Marathon County, in keeping everyone's family and friends safe by moving over or slowing down for them.

Safe Travels

10/16/2026

The Marathon County 911 Emergency Communications Center has received several phone calls from concerned citizens reporting that a deputy contacted them and asked for money because they missed jury duty.

This is a common scam, and those calling are NOT from the Marathon County Sheriff's Office.

If you receive a call requesting money, gift cards, or any other form of payment, hang up the phone. Do not provide them with any personal or banking information.

You don't need to contact the Sheriff's Office unless you gave them money, gift cards, or other forms of payment and suffered a financial loss.

10/05/2026

ONE TEAM. ONE MISSION. COUNTLESS OPPORTUNITIES.

We’re accepting applications for Deputy Sheriff with the Marathon County Sheriff’s Office, with an anticipated opening in early 2027.

We’re looking for people who want to serve this community, work hard, and be part of a team that takes pride in doing the job the right way. For the right person, this is more than just a patrol position. It’s a career with room to grow, take on new challenges, and become involved in a wide range of opportunities within the Sheriff’s Office.

Our expectations are simple: Duty, Integrity, Respect, Team, and Safety.

Starting pay: $32.27/hour
Qualified lateral-entry officers may start at $36.25/hour.

Application deadline: November 7, 2026, at 11:59 PM.

If you’re interested in joining our team, apply here:
https://ccitc.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/Marathon_County_Careers/details/Deputy-Sheriff_JR-897

10/03/2026

The Marathon County Sheriff’s Office extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones of Wisconsin State Patrol Trooper Bradley Ritger following his line-of-duty death.

Trooper Ritger’s dedication to public service, professionalism, and commitment to the people of Wisconsin reflect the highest traditions of law enforcement service.

We join the Wisconsin State Patrol, the broader law enforcement community, and communities across Wisconsin in mourning this profound loss and honoring Trooper Ritger’s service and sacrifice.

Our thoughts are with Trooper Ritger’s family, fellow troopers, and all those affected by his passing during this difficult time.

It is with profound sadness that the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and Wisconsin State Patrol announce the line-of-duty death of Trooper Bradley Ritger at the age of 29.

On September 21, 2026, Trooper Ritger was responding to a traffic pursuit when he deployed a tire deflation device on a bridge deck west of the Dunn County/Eau Claire County line. As he moved to a position of cover, he fell from the bridge onto the roadway below. Despite lifesaving efforts and critical medical care, Trooper Ritger succumbed to his injuries on October 2, 2026.

Trooper Ritger joined the Wisconsin State Patrol as a member of the 67th Recruit Class. He served in the Northwest Region for nearly five years, primarily in the Dunn County area. During his career, he attained certifications as a general law enforcement instructor, mobile field force team member and squad leader, and salvage vehicle inspector. Prior to his service with the Wisconsin State Patrol, Trooper Ritger served with the Wisconsin Department of Corrections for three years.

Trooper Ritger was a dedicated public servant whose strong work ethic and positive presence left a lasting impact on anyone who had the privilege of knowing him. He approached every situation with professionalism, integrity and a genuine commitment to serving others. Whether assisting the public, supporting his fellow troopers, or taking on difficult challenges, he consistently demonstrated compassion and willingness to help wherever needed. His dedication to his family and unwavering commitment to his profession will not be forgotten.

We extend our deepest sympathy to Trooper Ritger’s family, friends, loved ones and all who served alongside him. As the community mourns, the Wisconsin State Patrol has placed a law enforcement memorial vehicle at its Northwest Region Post in Eau Claire where the public is welcome to drop off cards, flowers, or other condolences.

Out of respect for the family, no additional information will be shared at this time. Funeral arrangements are being made by the family. We kindly ask media and the public to respect their privacy and space for grieving.

09/21/2026

When a Beechcraft Bonanza made an emergency landing on Lake Wausau, the pilot and passenger safely exited the aircraft and made their way to a nearby sandbar. Once they were safely off the water, the response continued.

The Marathon County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team was tasked with helping recover the aircraft.

The plane weighed about 2,500 pounds and rested in six to seven feet of water with its landing gear retracted. Recovering it without causing additional damage required more than simply attaching a line and pulling it to shore.

Before divers entered the water, the team worked through how the aircraft could be safely lifted, supported, and moved. They reviewed the aircraft's design, identified possible attachment points, considered its center of gravity, and determined how much lift would be needed.

A local aircraft owner also gave members of the Dive Team access to a similar Beechcraft Bonanza at the Wausau Airport. Deputy Zentner, Corrections Lieutenant Tackes, Wausau Police Officer Stetzer, Deputy Mielke, and Dive Team Commander Lieutenant Samuel Wellhoefer used that opportunity to look over the aircraft and work through the rigging plan before attempting it underwater.

That preparation was especially important because of the shallow water. Although six to seven feet of water may sound like it would make the job easier, it created one of the larger challenges of the recovery. The team planned to use inflatable lift bags to raise the aircraft from the bottom, but shallow water leaves less room for those bags to expand and provide lift.

On Monday, September 14, the team began the recovery by deploying its Remote Operated Vehicle, or ROV. The ROV documented the aircraft and gave the team another look at the underwater conditions before divers went to work.

Deputy Zentner and Corrections Lieutenant Tackes then entered the water as the primary divers. Working from the plan developed the day before, they rigged the aircraft and attached the lift bags. The team used approximately 8,000 pounds of lift capacity to raise the aircraft from the bottom.

Once the aircraft was suspended in the water, it was moved into deeper water and carefully towed to shore. The divers then removed the lift bags and secured the aircraft so Jerry’s Towing could complete the recovery using a rotator crane.

The aircraft was later returned to the Wausau Airport for the Federal Aviation Administration’s investigation.

This was an unusual call, but many of the skills used during the recovery are skills our Dive Team trains on throughout the year. The team is equipped for underwater search and recovery, evidence recovery and documentation, ROV operations, underwater rigging, lift bag operations, and other situations that require divers to work in difficult underwater conditions.

Just as important is the ability to take that training and apply it when a call presents a problem the team has not faced before.

The work seen in this video was a team effort. It included the divers in the water, the members supporting them from the surface, and the planning that took place before the recovery ever began.

We also want to thank the Federal Aviation Administration, Wausau Airport Management, Jerry’s Towing, the aircraft owner who helped with the team’s preparation, and everyone else who contributed to the aircraft's safe recovery.

We are proud of the work our Dive Team members put into this operation, and of the training they continue to put in so they are prepared when our community needs them.