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One Dead in Taylor County Shooting  Updated May 4

On Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at approximately 8:49 PM, the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center received a 911 call reporting an adult male subject had been accidentally shot at a home on the 1300 block of County Road E in the Town of Little Black. Taylor County deputies, along with Taylor County EMS, were dispatched to the scene.

Upon arrival, deputies located an unresponsive male subject lying in the yard and immediately began life saving measures. The male was later pronounced deceased at the scene.

Upon follow up investigation, an adult male was arrested and subsequently booked into the Taylor County Jail.

The male victim has been identified as 21-year-old Austin D. Olson of Medford, Wisconsin.

The adult male who was taken into custody has been identified as 19-year-old Brent M. Porter of Marshfield, Wisconsin. Brent Porter was brought before the Taylor County Circuit Court for a bond hearing on the charge of Endangering Safety by Use of a Dangerous Weapon- Armed While Intoxicated and was placed on a $5,000 cash bond, which was later posted.

As a result of further investigative efforts, including but not limited to additional interviews of witnesses and analyzing evidence (both digital and physical), Brent Porter was taken into custody on the felony charge of 1st Degree Reckless Homicide and subsequently transported to the Taylor County Jail.

Due to the complex nature of these types of investigations and the necessity to maintain the integrity of a criminal investigation, certain details cannot be released during this process. We understand that although this may be frustrating for some members of the public, please trust this process and know that justice for the victim’s family is our main priority, along with the overall safety and security of our community.

There is no threat to the public.

Additionally, the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased.

The Taylor County Sheriff’s Office is being assisted by The Wisconsin Department of Justice (WI DOJ) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), Taylor County Medical Examiner’s Office, Taylor County District Attorney’s Office, and Clark County Sheriff’s Office.

Due to the nature of the ongoing investigation, no other information is being released at this time. 

All suspect(s) are presumed innocent until proven guilty in the court of law.

Fire Destroys Local Business, Owner Injured       Tuesday, January 6, 2026

Shortly after 8:30 P. M. Sunday January 4th, the Medford Area Fire Department was paged out to a structure fire at 145 S. 8th ST. Rocky’s Cozy Kitchen. Upon arrival by first engine there was heavy smoke coming out of the doorway on the northwest corner of the building and smoke coming out of roof vents. Recognizing that more man power was needed a mutual aid call to Stetsonville Fire Company was made. With the fire spreading rapidly throughout the whole inside of the structure an excavator was brought in to help with the defensive fire attack. Medford Fire and Stetsonville Fire were on scene for over 8 hours. The owner of the building, Rocky Mantik,  was taken to the hospital by ambulance for injuries sustained by the fire.  The cause and origin of the fire is under investigation by the Medford City Police Department and Medford Area Fire Department.

According to a facebook post on behalf of Rocky’s family….

Rocky was injured in Sunday night's fire, he is currently in Madison receiving care in the burn unit for inhalation injuries. He is surrounded by medical professionals, and ask for prayers for his healing and strength.

Many people have reached out asking how they can help. Rocky has always been a friend to so many, and now he faces immediate financial challenges as he begins the long road to recovery.

A Go Fund Me fund has been set up. Your generosity, prayers, and kindness mean more than words can express and are deeply appreciated by Rocky and his family.

Medford Fire would like to thank Stetsonville Fire Company, Medford Police Department, Medford Utility Department, Taylor County Highway Department and Jess Brunner for their assistance. 

Local Man Drowns, Beware of Thin Ice  Monday, Dec 8, 2025

On Friday, December 5th, 2025, at approximately 4:17 PM, the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center received a 911 call reporting a missing person near the 7600 block of Perkinstown Avenue in the Township of Hammel, Taylor County. The caller further reported that her husband had been out ice fishing on Washington Flowage (which is located near their property) earlier in the afternoon, had not returned to the residence, and may have fallen through the ice.

Taylor County Deputies, along with Medford Fire personnel, Taylor County Emergency Management, and Taylor County EMS personnel were dispatched to the scene.

Upon arrival to Washington Flowage, emergency personnel observed a single sled trail leading out to an open area on the ice. A sled was also observed in the open area of water. Wings of Hope and Bruce’s Legacy were both contacted for their specialized equipment and expertise in open water searches, along with the Marathon County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team.

The missing male subject was located deceased in the water and carefully recovered. The deceased male was identified as: 69-year-old Randall K. Runge of Medford. There is no indication of foul play.

The Taylor County Sheriff’s Office would like to extend our condolences to the family of the deceased. We would also like to extend our gratitude towards the non-profit organizations, Wings of Hope and Bruce’s Legacy, along with the other emergency personnel that assisted.

This investigation is still ongoing.