State and local law enforcement agencies have descended on a house in Portage , searching for a body. A young boy, reportedly badly beaten and burned, was airlifted to a Madison hospital Thursday. The state crime lab, Portage police and the Columbia County Sheriff's Department are digging in the backyard of the residence on Oneida St., near the Amtrak station. Neighbors say they never see anyone coming into or out of the home. Portage police took several renters into custody Thursday night. A press conference is expected later today.
