3/21/2025

WASHBURN - Former Washburn resident Kim Kingsley and his attorney requested a new judge in his animal cruelty case. Douglas County Court has assigned Judge Kelly Thimm to replace Barron County Judge Maureen Boyle. Kingsley, 73, faces four charges of mistreatment of animals causing death, 14 charges of intentionally mistreating animals, 20 charges of intentionally failing to provide food for an animal, and 20 charges relating to shelter for the horses. The mistreatment charges are Class 1 felonies, and the other charges are all Class A misdemeanors. During a previous court appearance, Judge Thimm found probably cause for the charges and a trial will now proceed. If convicted, Kingsley could be facing at least 50 years in prison.

3/21/2025

UPPER MICHIGAN – The Michigan School Finance Research Foundation exists to keep the state’s schools in good condition. Yesterday, the group met virtually to release its first-ever Statewide School Facilities Study results. Data from the study shows school buildings aren’t in bad shape, but upgrades are needed.  Data from the study shows a $22.8 billion gap in funding related to building health, safety and wellness standards.  In 2022, the group began the state-funded assessment of over 2,000 K-12 facilities to make sure buildings were up to date.  Ironwood, Bessemer, Wakefield Marenisco, Watersmeet, Ewen Trout Creek and Ontonagon Schools were included in the study.

3/21/2025

N. WISCONSIN - New data shows Wisconsin has one of the highest rates of speeding tickets in the country, ranking second behind North Dakota.  According to Insurify, 7.8 percent of Wisconsin drivers have a speeding ticket on their record, just below North Dakota’s 8.7 percent. Speeding remains a serious issue nationwide, contributing to 29 percent of all traffic fatalities, according to the National Safety Council.  Midwestern states dominated Insurify’s top 10 ranking for speeding tickets, with Ohio, Iowa, and South Dakota.  In Wisconsin, fines for speeding usually range from $200 to $800, and violators also lose points on their driver’s license.