Scott Farmer sentenced for drunk driving crash that killed siblings (WAUPACA)
The man convicted in a 2023 drunk driving crash that killed four siblings in Weyauwega is sentenced to 37 and-a-half years in prison. At Friday’s sentencing for 48-year-old Scott Farmer, Waupaca County Judge Raymond Huber said the head-on crash just before Christmas of last year was “a tragedy, but not an accident.” Farmer’s blood alcohol content was more than four times the legal limit to drive. The December 16 crash on Highway 10 in Weyauwega killed siblings, 25-year-old Daniel, 23-year-old Fabian, 14-year old Lillian, and 9-year-old Daniela Gonzalez just before Christmas of last year. Farmer was also sentenced for a fifth drunk driving conviction. Huber cited the need to protect the public in sentencing Farmer to 37 and-a-half years in prison. His sentence will keep him incarcerated until he’s in his mid-eighties, after which he’ll serve 21 and a-half years extended supervision.
Vos hopes Supreme Court will disbar Gableman (MILWAUKEE)
Assembly Speaker Robin Vos weighs in, on alleged ethics violations by the man he hired to conduct a review of the 2020 presidential election in Wisconsin. The Office of Lawyer Regulation accuses the former state Supreme Court justice of violating several court conduct rules during his investigation. On WISN’s ‘UpFront’ Sunday, Vos said Gabelman “went off the rails” while conducting the investigation, which ultimately failed to uncover any actionable election malfeasance. Vos hired Gabelman in 2021 and ended up firing him the following year. On ‘UpFront’ the Speaker said he hopes Gabelman loses his law license and “goes back to work at Home Depot.”
Watch out for common holiday scams, says Consumer Protection (MADISON)
Be on the lookout for some common scams this holiday season. Wisconsin consumer protection director Michelle Reinen says one common trick is fake messages about failed package deliveries. Crooks with send you a text message or email with link to check that delivery, but then ask for money or personal information to “complete the delivery”. Never click on random links in your text messages or emails, and always check with the supposed delivery company or the post office directly if you think you’ve missed a delivery.
Newly commissioned USS Beloit is latest in problem plagued LCS class (MILWAUKEE)
The US Navy’s newest Littoral Combat Ship was commissioned Saturday in Milwaukee. Similar ships have been plagued with problems. The USS Beloit is named for the city where Fairbanks Morse has built generations of engines to power navy vessels. Constructed at Marinette Marine, the 387-foot-long Freedom class LCS is the first commissioned Navy ship named Beloit. Designed to fulfill multiple roles for the Navy, the Freedom LCS variants have experienced multiple problems with their mechanical and weapons systems. The ships were designed with an intended life of 25 years, but several are already out of service, including the USS Milwaukee which was commissioned in Milwaukee and decommissioned last year after just eight years of use. The ships cost approximately $360 million apiece.
“Giant Spider Invasion” prop up for auction (UNDATED)
A classic Wisconsin B-movie prop is up for auction. One of the Giant Spider props from the titular 1975 sci-fi movie The Giant Spider Invasion is up for auction in December. That film was shot in Merrill and was notably covered by the comedy series Mystery Science Theater Three-Thousand. You can also own all the rights to the film and several of the original negatives. The auction is coming entirely from a collection of the independent filmmaker Bill Rebane, who set up shop in tiny Gleason, in Lincoln County.
Former fire chief faces embezzlement charges (OCONTO)
A former northeast Wisconsin fire chief faces over 20 counts for allegedly embezzling from his department. Oconto County prosecutors accuse 41-year-old Christopher Thompson of taking over 100-thousand dollars from the Lakewood Fire Department Association. Investigators say Thompson took the money over several years and used it to pay personal bills. He allegedly admitted to the thefts and said he would pay back the money, but department officials say that hasn’t happened yet. Thompson resigned in September, and is being held on a $10,000 cash bond.
Evers issues more pardons (MADISON)
Governor Tony Evers issues more than 150 pardons in latest round. The 172 pardons granted by Evers brings his total number to 1,436. Evers says it’s a privilege to hear the stories of people who have worked to make amends and give back to their communities. A pardon is an official act of forgiveness that restores rights lost when someone is convicted of a felony, including the right to serve on a jury, hold public office, and hold certain professional licenses. A pardon does not expunge court records.
Donate harvested deer to fight food insecurity (UNDATED(
You can help fight food insecurity through a Department of Natural Resources program. The DNR’s Deer Donation program supports Wisconsin residents in need by helping stock food pantry shelves with ground venison from donated deer. A full list of instructions are available on the DNR’s website if you’re interested in donating your harvested deer. The DNR says more than 900,000 Wisconsin residents received food assistance through the program last year. Since the program began in 2000, hunters have donated over 98,000 deer, totaling nearly 4 million pounds of venison, to help Wisconsinites in need.