Marathon County Sheriff's Office

06/10/2026

Here are the names of the first 10 lucky winners of this year’s Marathon County Youth Outreach Program Raffle:

June 1 Stellar Services, LLC #470
June 2 Jaime Dziamaski
June 3 Stellar Services, LLC #222
June 4 Miranda Doran
June 5 Carol & Mike Dahm
June 6 Jack Blume
June 7 Swahili Allen
June 8 Brian Modrzejewski
June 9 Julie Hillman
June 10 Mindy Gabrich

Congratulations!

06/08/2026

Way to go, Chuck!!!!

Chuck Kerstell, a Crisis Professional assigned to our CART team has been recognized as the 2026 Co-Responder of the Year by the Wisconsin CIT Symposium. This is an incredible honor that recognized the important work that Chuck provides in his service to the residents and visitors of Marathon County.

Chuck is part of a multi-disciplinary team that assists people in crisis. Through their work, they do their best to ensure people with mental health needs are connected with critical mental health services.

Thank you, Chuck for all you do. We are fortunate to have you as part of our team!

Congratulations to Chuck Kerstell on being named the 2026 Wisconsin Co-Responder of the Year!

For nearly 40 years, Chuck has dedicated his career to helping individuals experiencing mental health and substance use crises. As a Crisis Assessment Response Team (CART) Crisis Professional with North Central Health Care, Chuck has played an instrumental role in building Marathon County's co-responder program and strengthening partnerships between behavioral health services, law enforcement, schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations.

Known for his compassion, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to person-centered care, Chuck has impacted countless lives throughout our community. His work continues to help individuals access the support they need while improving outcomes for those experiencing crisis.

This recognition is a testament to the difference Chuck makes every day for the individuals, families, and communities he serves.

Please join us in congratulating Chuck on this well-deserved honor!

Read more: https://www.norcen.org/about-us/news/2026/june/nchcs-chuck-kerstell-named-wisconsin-co-responde/

06/05/2026

Today, Lieutenant Cory Gladden successfully completed the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Command College's 12th class, an intensive eleven-month executive-level program offered through the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Certified Public Manager program in collaboration with the Wisconsin Department of Justice.

This achievement earned Lieutenant Gladden certification as a Certified Public Manager in Wisconsin.

The program, hosted at the Wisconsin State Patrol Academy, demands a substantial commitment from its participants.

We offer our congratulations to Lieutenant Gladden on this significant accomplishment and thank him for his commitment to use the training he received to better serve our community.

Congratulations, Cory.

06/05/2026

A big thank you to Hy-Vee Wausau for your support and appreciation with a delivery of donuts on National Donut Day.

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, the Marathon County Sheriff’s Office pauses to honor the brave men and women who gave their lives while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

Their courage, sacrifice, and devotion to our country will never be forgotten. Because of their service, we continue to enjoy the freedoms they fought to protect.

Today, we remember the fallen, support the families they left behind, and express our deepest gratitude for those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.

05/21/2026

***MEDIA RELEASE***

Marathon County, WI (May 21, 2026) – With Spring weather finally here and Summer on our doorstep, the Marathon County Sheriff’s Office joins many of you who are ready to get out and enjoy time on our local ATV/UTV Routes and Trails.

As riders prepare for the start of this year’s summer season, we want everyone to have a fun and safe experience here in Marathon County while on their ATVs or UTVs. We would like to echo the recent news release from the Wisconsin DNR issued on May 15, 2026, and encourage all riders to earn their ATV/UTV safety certification by completing an approved course.

“Marathon County has seen it’s share of significant ATV/UTV crashes.” Said Lieutenant, Michael Van Offeren, “In the last five years there have been nine crashes involving other motor vehicles on public roadways, resulting in four people being injured. As most of our ATV use is on ATV Routes, on public roadways, ATV/UTV safety while with other road users is our primary concern.

“ATVs operated on private land must be done so safely as well.” Said Lt. Van Offeren, “In the last five years there have been 17 reported ATV crashes resulting in 12 people being injured. Though those numbers are higher compared to on roadways, the types of injuries were far less severe. At the end of the day, we want people to return home to their families with enjoyable stories to tell, instead of a hospital night stay.”

To view statistics including the 2024 Recreation Vehicle Annual Report on the DNR’s ATV crash incident webpage at: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/ATV/CrashInfo

Anyone operating an ATV/UTV at least 12 years of age and born on or after January 1st, 1988, are required to complete a state DNR-approved safety education course. They must also carry proof of the certification while riding on all public trails, routes, and private lands not owned by them or immediate family. Those who are passengers on an ATV/UTV, but do not operate it, would also benefit from taking the ATV safety class, but it is not required. For mor information on the regulations and to sign up for an ATV safety class, please visit the DNR’s website at: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/atv

Participants of the ATV Safety Class have their choice of online or in-person classes. Parents are urged to join their children at the safety classes. Some insurance companies even offer a discount to parents who have the safety certificate. For those interested in in-person classes please remember the following:
• In-person classes fill up fast, so please check the DNR website often.
• Classes are geared for students ages 11 and up. However, students of any age can sign up. Refunds are not given if a student is unable to pass the class.
• Many in-person classes are completed in just two days or over one weekend.

NEW LAWS FOR ATVs/UTVs:
• Both Operators and passengers are all required to wear a seatbelt in a UTV.
• Intentionally causing damage with an ATV or UTV can cost you more than a fine – up to three times the cost to repair the damage.
• ATV/UTV Operators may not tow objects bearing any person on a trail or route. Towing people on ice is limited to 10 mph.
• UTVs now have window tint restrictions.

05/20/2026

Yesterday, we had the honor of publicly swearing in Deputy Michael Peterson. Deputy Peterson recently graduated from the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Academy at Northcentral Technical College and has now begun his Field Training Program with the Sheriff’s Office.

Deputy Peterson joins us after serving in the Marathon County Jail as a Corrections Officer and previously serving our nation in the United States Marine Corps.

Congratulations, Deputy Peterson we look forward to all you accomplish.

05/19/2026

The Central Wisconsin Airport, as a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certified Class 1 airport, is required to hold annual “live burn” training exercises.

Impact during the Emergency Exercise:

• The airport anticipates no impact to normal airport operations during the emergency response
exercise.

• Airport rescue and firefighters will conduct fire training on simulated aircraft fuselage with live fire along Highway 153 on the east end of the airport.

• Noticeable training fires will primarily be happening between 8:00 am - 3:00 pm

• Media representatives wanting to witness the training exercise should contact Brian Grefe by email. Instructions and directions will be provided.

About Central Wisconsin Airport

Central Wisconsin Airport is the premiere commercial service airport in the region, located in Mosinee halfway between
Wausau and Stevens Point. For more information, please visit www.fly-cwa.org.

05/18/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 5/18/2026
CONTACT: Lieutenant Michael Van Offeren

The Marathon County Highway Safety Taskforce and
Click It or Ticket Safety Campaign Reminds Drivers and Passengers to Buckle Up May 18 – June 1, and Every Day

Marathon County, WI — Agencies of the Marathon County Highway Safety Taskforce are joining the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in urging drivers to buckle up ahead of the Click It or Ticket seat belt safety campaign. The national high-visibility seat belt enforcement effort, which coincides with the Memorial Day holiday, runs May 18-31, 2026.

The Marathon County Highway Safety Taskforce includes the Marathon County Sheriff’s Office, Wausau Police Department, Mountain Bay Metropolitan Police Department, Marshfield Police Department, Marathon City Police Department, and Stratford Police Department.

“Seat belt use should be an automatic habit for drivers and passengers alike,” said Lieutenant Michael Van Offeren. “During the Click It or Ticket campaign, we’ll be working with our fellow law enforcement officers across local and state lines to ensure the message gets out to drivers and passengers. Not buckling up could mean a ticket, or worse, risking a life.”

In 2024, there were 9,758 unbuckled passenger vehicle occupants killed in traffic crashes. The national seat belt use rate in 2024 was 91.2%, which is good — but it can be better. The other 8.8% still need to be reminded that seat belts save lives. During the last five years in Marathon County, there have been 60 fatal and/or serious injury crashes where occupancy protection (seatbelts/child safety restraints) is listed as a factor, resulting in 16 fatalities and 109 injuries. Data obtained from Community Maps – Traffic Safety for Wisconsin, between May 1, 2021, and May 1, 2026. The Marathon County Highway Safety Taskforce will be joining agencies across the nation in taking a no-excuses approach to seat belt law enforcement, writing citations day and night.

One of the focuses of the Click It or Ticket seat belt campaign is nighttime enforcement. NHTSA data shows a higher number of unrestrained occupant fatalities happen at night (56% between the hours of 6 p.m. and 5:59 a.m.). Of the males killed in crashes in 2023, more than half (53%) were unrestrained. For females killed in crashes, 41% were not buckled up.

“During this campaign, officers and deputies of the Marathon County Highway Safety Taskforce will be initiating High Visibility Enforcement Patrols focusing on both seat belt and OWI enforcement. These patrols will occur on May 20, May 28, and May 29. Outside of these specified patrols, officers and deputies working standard shifts will also be keeping a more watchful eye for seat belt violations.” Says Lieutenant Van Offeren.

Buckle Up the Right Way
• Place the shoulder belt across the middle of the chest and away from the neck.
• Lay the lap belt across the hips and not the stomach.
• NEVER place the seat belt behind the back or under arms.
“We are asking friends and family to remind each other to buckle up in the front and back seats and to consider changing their habits if they don’t,” said Lieutenant Van Offeren. “Seat belts save lives, and everyone — front seat and back, child and adult — needs to remember to buckle up.”

For more information on the Click It or Ticket seat belt high-visibility enforcement campaign, please visit NHTSA.gov/ClickIt.


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