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Fatal Hit and Run Results in 3 Year Prison Sentence Published on 07/31/2020 under News

A Sugar Camp man received a three year prison sentence following a fatal hit-and-run crash in Oneida County last summer.

Jeffrey Liebscher was back in court for a sentencing hearing yesterday. The 54 year old previously pleaded to a felony count of hit-and-run causing death.

Last August, Liebscher fled the scene following a crash that left 23 year old motorcyclist Sean Holtslander dead.

In addition to the 3 year prison sentence, Judge Patrick O' Melia sentenced Liebscher to 7 years of extended supervision. Earlier this year, while out on bond, Liebscher was arrested for consuming alcohol. For that violation he received 9 months of jail and a $3,000 fine.

In Other News

Hot Air Balloons to Fill Rhinelander Skies for Good Cause

Published on 07/31/2026 under News Just weeks after country music echoed across the Hodag grounds, the skyline is taking center stage as vibrant hot air balloons prepare to launch into the Northwoods skies. The second annual Saluting Heroes Balloon Rally kicks off tonight and runs through Saturday, bringing two days of high-flying, family-friendly fun. More than 20 colorful and uniquely shaped hot air balloons will take flight ranging from patriotic designs to crowd favorites like a giant octopus and Nemo. Attendees can take to the skies themselves during tethered rides, while each evening concludes with a signature musical balloon glow at dusk. (weather permitting) While the festival offers a welcome summer boost to local businesses, its primary mission is honoring those who serve. All proceeds directly support active military members, veterans, and first responders. Organizers are hoping to build on the overwhelming success of last year's inaugural event, which raised more than $38,000 for local causes, including a $30,000 donation to Camp American Legion. Gates open at 4:00 p.m. both today and Saturday, with activities running until 10:00 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, free for children ages four and under, and parking is $5.

Published on 07/31/2026 under News Another week of minimal rainfall has pushed drought conditions further across the Northwoods. According to the latest update from the U.S. Drought Monitor, nearly the entire region north of Highway 64 is now officially classified in a drought. Here in Lincoln County 82% has now slipped from "abnormally dry" into full drought status. Conditions are worse further north, a pocket of D2 or severe drought is growing in northern Oneida, southern Vilas, and the majority of Iron and Price counties. Statewide, 92% of Wisconsin is currently experiencing drier-than-normal conditions, with 40% of the state meeting the threshold for official drought. The prolonged dry spell continues to pose significant challenges for home gardeners, local farmers, and wildfire crews. A little bit of relief could be on the way, local forecasters are calling on some much-needed rainfall on Friday.

Published on 07/31/2026 under News As the Northwoods enters the second half of the summer boating season, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is reminding everyone to do their part to keep the state's lakes and rivers safe. With anglers, paddlers, swimmers, and motorboats all sharing the same water, obeying the law is also good boater etiquette. DNR Boating Law Administrator Lt. John Sinclair says boaters must stay mindful of their speed and the size of their wake. He notes that large wakes create hazardous conditions for everyone on the water, especially kayakers and canoeists, adding that a little courtesy goes a long way toward preventing accidents. The reminder comes as state officials report 17 boating-related fatalities in Wisconsin so far this year. The DNR also reminds boaters to wear a life jacket, never operate under the influence, reduce speeds in congested areas, and respect no-wake zones. Officials say those simple steps can help ensure everyone enjoys the rest of the summer safely on the water.

Published on 07/30/2026 under News Fair season is officially underway in the Northwoods, and one area fair has never been interested in following a traditional script. Today marks opening day of Oneida County at Pioneer Park in Rhinelander. Organizers have long aimed to create lasting memories while showcasing the best of a Northwoods summer, while leaning heavily into a quirky, high-energy mix that gives the fair its distinct local flavor. The most noticeable change for fairgoers this year is on the midway. The fair has partnered with Spectrum Carnival to introduce an all-new lineup of rides, highlighted by a gondola-style Ferris wheel, a high-altitude drop tower, and a thrilling 360-degree swing pendulum. Yet it is the non-traditional attractions that truly set this fair apart. The schedule features everything from professional wrestling and high-flying aerialists to returning fan favorites like the Cast Iron Skillet Throwing Contest and competitive cheese curd eating. Visitors will also find plenty of live music, family entertainment, and traditional fair food. A complete schedule of events is available on the fair's official website. Consider this weekend a bit of a appetizer, as both the Lincoln County and Wisconsin Valley Fairs are set to launch next week. Opening ceremonies for the Oneida County Fair begin Thursday at 4:00 PM, with festivities continuing straight through Sunday. Best of all for families planning their weekend, admission to the grounds is completely free.

Published on 07/30/2026 under News Officials have released additional details regarding a fatal incident that followed a multi-county vehicle pursuit in the Northwoods earlier this week. The chase began in Lincoln County shortly after noon Tuesday, when deputies requested assistance while following a southbound vehicle into Marathon County. Minutes later, officers located the vehicle on County Highway K in the Village of Maine, just north of Wausau. Upon approaching the vehicle, deputies discovered the driver and sole occupant deceased inside. Authorities have now identified the driver as 48-year-old John Wallace of Oregon, Wisconsin. A preliminary autopsy determined he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. According to investigators, preliminary findings indicate that no law enforcement officers involved in the pursuit discharged their weapons during the incident. Authorities have not yet released what prompted the initial pursuit. The Wood County Sheriff's Office is handling the investigation. All officers involved are cooperating fully. No additional details are available at this time.

Published on 07/30/2026 under News While it remains four years off, planning continues for a major, much-needed road reconstruction project in Tomahawk. During its meeting Tuesday, the Tomahawk Board of Public Works discussed the upcoming Highway 86/Somo Avenue project, which is currently scheduled for 2030. Because the stretch doubles as State Highway 86, the city is coordinating the work directly with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and engineering firm MSA Professional Services. The scope of the project recently expanded slightly. City Clerk Amanda Bartz noted officials were informed that construction will now extend to include the first block of South Tomahawk Avenue, spanning between Somo Avenue and Wisconsin Avenue (Main Street). Safety and pedestrian access near local schools are also central to the plans. Because the work zone intersects heavily used routes to the school campus, the project includes sidewalk expansions and upgrades stretching out to Voermans Street. Plans also call for a pedestrian-activated crossing alongside ADA-compliant sidewalk improvements. While the state will oversee the roadway itself, the City of Tomahawk is responsible for underground infrastructure, including water main and sanitary sewer replacements. Earlier this year, crews televised the existing pipelines and presented a map Tuesday identifying specific segments slated for repair or complete replacement. As preliminary design work moves forward, the Board approved a professional service agreement with MSA to handle engineering for the sanitary sewer and water main portions of the project.

Published on 07/30/2026 under News It was a season-high turnout for WaWui Bingo in Tomahawk on Wednesday, and one lucky player walked away with a near-record payout. Tasha Tennant of Brantwood is a regular at the weekly summer bingo sessions, and her dedication paid off in a big way. Tennant filled her card during the night's blackout game to claim a massive $5,529 jackpot. That's one of the top five largest payouts in the history of the progressive game. While the blackout game required players to cover their full card in 59 called numbers or fewer, Tennant managed to complete hers in just 55 calls. As progressive jackpots grow each week, so do the crowds. The volunteers reported 210 players on Wednesday, marking their biggest turnout of the summer season so far. This marks the second progressive jackpot awarded this summer, following opening night in May when two players split a prize of nearly $4,000. Proceeds from WaWui Bingo directly support operations and facility improvements at SARA Park in Tomahawk. Games return next Wednesday, when the progressive jackpot will reset.

Published on 07/30/2026 under News While summer is still in full swing, it won't be long before hunters head out into the field looking to harvest a deer. That includes participants in Wisconsin's special Gun Deer Hunt for Hunters with Disabilities. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources announced this week that eligible hunters can now contact sponsors to secure land for the upcoming October 3–11 season. Timing for the second weekend, overlaps with the statewide Youth Deer Hunt. On those two days, eligible hunters with disabilities can hunt all lands, even those not enrolled. However, for the first seven days of the season (October 3–9), hunting must take place on an approved sponsor's property. The DNR says more than 70,000 acres have been made available across 47 counties, including several properties right here in the Northwoods. A full sponsor directory is available on the DNR website, and hunters can contact landowners directly to sign up. Because some smaller properties have limited capacity, officials encourage hunters to make arrangements as soon as possible ahead of the September 15 enrollment deadline. The announcement coincides with Disability Pride Month in July, as the DNR highlights its ongoing commitment to expanding accessibility so everyone can enjoy Wisconsin's outdoors.

Published on 07/30/2026 under News No criminal charges will be filed against the officers involved in a fatal shooting in Forest County earlier this summer. Dodge County District Attorney Andrea Will was brought in as an independent prosecutor to review the May 23rd shooting death of 51-year-old Floyd Vanzile Junior in the Town of Nashville. According to state investigators, officers from the Crandon Police Department, Forest County Sheriff's Office, and DNR responded to reports of an active shooter firing a rifle at an occupied housing complex. Two Crandon police officers and a DNR conservation warden returned fire, striking Vanzile. He was pronounced dead at the scene. In her final report, DA Will wrote that Vanzile was an "active shooter firing with complete disregard for human life." She concluded that officers acted in self-defense and that their use of force was objectively reasonable to protect both themselves and the public.No officers or civilians were injured.

Published on 07/29/2026 under News After spending June helping residents strengthen their social connections, the Lincoln County Health Department is now encouraging the community to take the next step toward a healthier lifestyle. The department's new Healthy Lifestyles Passport Challenge kicks off Friday, inviting anyone who lives or works in Lincoln County to complete simple activities throughout the month of August that promote healthy eating and physical activity. Public Health Promotion and Education Specialist Lexi Buntrock says the goal is to help families and individuals build healthy habits they can continue long after the challenge ends. Participants earn points by choosing activities like visiting a farmers market or trying new fruits and vegetables to hiking a local trail or taking a walk with a friend. Other points are awarded by visiting the Health Department booth at a Farmer's Market or National Night Out, or even checking out a book about health and nutrition. (list of examples) Those who complete the Challenge by the end of August have an opportunity to win prizes. Passport forms are available at the Lincoln County Health Department or can be printed off online. Completed forms are due by September 11. Additional information is available on the LCHD website.

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