Baraboo man found guilty for threats against schools, public officials (BARABOO)
A Baraboo man convicted of online threats. According to online court records, a Sauk County jury on Thursday found 66-year-old Kerry Martin guilty of 19 counts of making terroristic threats. Martin spent several months in 2025 threatening schools in Baraboo and Sauk counties, judges, the mayor of Baraboo and others on a public Facebook page, repeatedly tagging public officials to make sure the posts were seen. Martin said he intended to blow up the schools and shoot teachers. He faces 3 and a half years in prison on each of the charges.
$1 million bond for suspect in Fond du Lac cold case murder (FOND DU LAC)
One million dollars bond for the man accused in a 1995 cold case murder. 88-year-old Jerome Baier was charged on Monday in Fond du Lac County Court with first degree homicide in the disappearance of his former roommate. Then 40-year-old James Ruland went missing in October of 1995 and his body was never found. Prosecutors say Ruland’s family has waited decades for answers and new forensic testing found after decades of searching prompted Baier’s arrest. He’ll be back in court for a preliminary hearing in October.
Reading levels among students are dropping (UNDATED)
A University of Wisconsin psychologist says reading proficiency remains a major challenge for students, and the problem began long before the pandemic. Dr. Mark Seidenberg says most children have not been reading at proficient levels for years, though learning disruptions during COVID made the situation worse. He also points to increased screen use and says parents can help by spending more time talking and reading with their children. Seidenberg says phonics instruction remains essential, giving students the foundation they need to become independent readers.
It’s PFAs awareness week in Wisconsin (UNDATED)
It’s PFAs awareness week across Wisconsin. Governor Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources are highlighting ongoing efforts to address contamination from the so-called “forever chemicals.” The state recently released $125 million from Wisconsin’s PFAS Trust Fund and another $10 million in settlement money to assist communities affected by contamination. PFAS have been used for decades in products ranging from non-stick cookware to firefighting foam and can persist in the environment for years. The awareness campaign runs through Friday and includes public education on reducing exposure.