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Mark Ashbeck

Mark Ashbeck Mark Ashbeck

Mark C. Ashbeck, 49, of Edgar, departed this life in the late evening hours of Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025, at Marshfield Medical Center-Weston. He was born in Wausau on December 4, 1975, to the late ...

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Shooting victim name, charges sought

05/01/2026 Updated Press Release Regarding the recent death investigation, which was reported on April 28, 2026, at approximately 8:49 P.M. in the Township of Little Black in Taylor County, the male victim has been identified as 21-year-old Austin D. Olson of Medford, Wisconsin. The adult male who was taken into custody on 04/29/26 has been identified as 19-year-old Brent M. Porter of Mar...

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Shooting leaves one dead in Little Black

On Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at approximately 8:49 p.m., 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 sub...

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Now hiring
Members of the Gilman School Board renewed teacher contracts and heard of staffing shortages within the district during a meeting on Monday, April 27. MANDEE ELLIS/THE STAR NEWS
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Now hiring

At the first meeting since the district successfully passed their referendum by a slim margin, Gilma...

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US Agriculture Department invested $330 million in Wisconsin

In the last year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development made $330 million in investments in rural communities across Wisconsin. These investments helped to boost Wisconsin’s economy, invest in agricultural opportunities, develop rural infrastructure, and encourage private investment in rural America.“Rural communities across America are the backbone of our nation and Pres...

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Medford School Board OK’s new pay rates for coaches, advisors
Wind and soggy conditions couldn’t stop Medford Area Elementary Students from celebrating Arbor Day by planting a tree on Friday, April 24. The autumn blaze maple was donated by the city of Medford and presented by mayor Laura Holmes to a crowd of excited students. Principal Dan Miller (forefront) pointed out the trees bordering the area which were planted on previous Arbor Day celebrations by students that came before them. “That tree right there was planted in 2009,” Miller stated, pointing at a tree behind the children. “Why do we need trees?” Holmes (left) asked the students, who answered that trees produce the air that they breathe. MANDEE ELLIS/THE STAR NEWS
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Medford School Board OK’s new pay rates for coaches, advisors

Coaches and advisors in the Medford School District should have a better idea of what they’ll get ...

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Give road crews a break

Slow down.Put your coffee down. Hang up your phone. Turn down the radio, audio book or latest true crime podcast you have become obsessed with.It is road construction season in Wisconsin.Your one job as a driver is to navigate safely to your destination. Safely, not just for you and your passengers, but other drivers on the roads and especially for those working in construction zones.Crews are out...

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