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Missing father of 3 did 'research' to stage his own death and flee the country: sheriff

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Missing father of 3 did 'research' to stage his own death and flee the country: sheriff

Wisconsin authorities on Thursday said they successfully contacted a missing father of three who “staged his death” in August and apparently fled the country, though his exact whereabouts is still unknown.

Ryan Borgwardt’s family reported him missing on Aug. 12 when he did not come home, and Wisconsin authorities and volunteers searched for the 45-year-old for months after locating his capsized kayak in Green Lake that same Monday.

On Nov. 8, nearly three months after he vanished, Green Lake County Sheriff Mark Podoll announced that a digital forensic analysis of Borgwardt’s computer led officials to determine that the missing father and husband was likely alive “someplace in Europe.”

Now, Podoll is sharing new information about exactly how Borgwardt staged his disappearance and where his missing persons case currently stands.

MISSING FATHER OF 3 MAY HAVE FAKED HIS OWN DEATH AND FLED TO ‘SOMEPLACE IN EUROPE’: OFFICIALS

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Borgwardt “took out a $300,000 life insurance policy in January and purchased airline cards,” the sheriff said, all of which led officials to believe he is still alive somewhere — just not in the United States. (Facebook)

“He staged his death, and unfortunately, one of the things that he did say is he didn’t expect us to go more than two weeks in searching for him. Well, I hate to tell you he picked the wrong sheriff and the wrong department.”

“I hate to tell you he picked the wrong sheriff and the wrong department.”

— Sheriff Mark Podoll

The sheriff announced during a Thursday press conference that earlier this month, officials with the sheriff’s department got in touch with a woman who speaks Russian and was able to connect them with Borgwardt. Podoll added later that the missing father and the Russian-speaking woman apparently met on the internet.

2 FLORIDA WOMEN ARRESTED FOR ALLEGED MURDER OF ONE OF THE WOMEN’S MISSING BOYFRIEND

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“That was a big turning point,” Podoll said of their contact with the woman.

After getting in touch with Borgwardt through the woman, the sheriff’s office asked him to send a video of himself to prove that he was safe, as their biggest concern up to that point was that Borgwardt was well and not in danger. 

A digital forensic analysis of Borgwardt’s computer led officials to determine that the missing father and husband was likely alive “someplace in Europe.” (Facebook)

Borgwardt complied, and Podoll played his video aloud during the Thursday press conference. In the video, Ryan can be heard quietly saying his name, the date, the time and that he is “safe.”

The sheriff’s office has since had “nearly daily communications with Ryan,” Podoll said. 

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KAREN READ CLAIMS MURDER CHARGE IN POLICE OFFICER BOYFRIEND’S DEATH IS DOUBLE JEOPARDY

Borgwardt has since explained to police that on Aug. 12, the day he disappeared, he parked an e-bike near Green Lake — one of the deepest lakes in Wisconsin — and paddled out onto the lake in a kayak with his fishing rod, phone and a child-sized, inflatable boat. He dumped his phone and fishing rod into the lake, got in the inflatable boat, overturned the kayak and paddled to shore, where he then rode the e-bike to a bus station in Detroit. From Detroit, he traveled to the Canadian border.

Wisconsin officials believe Ryan Borgwardt fakes his own death in August. (Bruce’s Legacy/ Facebook)

Earlier this month, the sheriff expressed that Borgwardt may have gone to a country in Europe, though he clarified on Thursday that the 45-year-old’s exact location remains unknown.

Fishermen on Green Lake “came up with a fishing rod” that officials collected as evidence, and Borgwardt’s wife identified the fishing rod as her husband’s, Podoll said during the Nov. 8 press conference recorded by FOX 11.

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“We feel that this was Ryan’s way that he could tell the entire country how he did it.”

— Sheriff Mark Podoll

“We are continuing to verify this information, trying to put the dots together,” the sheriff explained on Thursday. “We feel that this was Ryan’s way that he could tell the entire country how he did it. There are communications we are expressing the importance of his decision to return home, clean up the mess that he has created.”

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Authorities determined through digital forensic analysis that prior to his disappearance, Borgwardt replaced the hard drive of his laptop, cleared his browser history the day he went missing, took photos of his passport, moved money to a foreign bank, changed his email address and had been in “communication with a woman from Uzbekistan,” Podoll said on Nov. 8, according to FOX 11.

The investigation into Borgwardt’s disappearance will continue and “involve a lot more people” going forward, the sheriff said.  (FOX 11)

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Authorities had not issued any warrant for Borgwardt’s arrest as of Thursday, and Podoll expressed that they will not have to serve any warrants if Borgwardt decides to “cooperate.”

The sheriff’s office also has not filed any criminal charges against Borgwardt, but local officials are currently working with federal partners to determine how to move forward with potential charges if they are warranted. The FBI is also working on overseas communication.

 

“He needs to return home to his children. If he chooses not to return, it’s on his own free will, and I think the message is very clear,” Podoll said.

Green Lake County will seek restitution between $35,000 and $40,000 in connection with the resources needed for ongoing efforts to locate Borgwardt.

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Detroit, MI

4Warn Weather Alert issued for Wednesday morning in Metro Detroit — What this means

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4Warn Weather Alert issued for Wednesday morning in Metro Detroit — What this means


A 4Warn Weather Alert has been issued for Wednesday morning in Metro Detroit following overnight thunderstorms.

A Flood Watch is in effect for most of Southeast Michigan through 2 p.m. on March 11, prompting a 4Warn Weather Alert as rounds of rain and storms move across the region during the morning commute and through midday.

Full forecast –> Wild weather: Heavy rain leading to flood concerns in Metro Detroit

What is a 4Warn Weather Alert?

We issue a 4Warn Weather Alert when we’re expecting weather conditions that will be inconvenient to our viewers.

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Why did we issue an alert for Wednesday morning?

Early Wednesday morning, thunderstorms were rolling through Metro Detroit. While severe weather was a possibility overnight, most storms in Southeast Michigan remained below severe limits. Stronger storms developed across West Michigan earlier, and a Severe Thunderstorm Warning was issued for the Saginaw area.

Meanwhile, parts of the Thumb and Mid-Michigan are dealing with freezing rain and icy conditions, while Northern Michigan is under Ice Storm Warnings, including Alpena.

The biggest concern in Southeast Michigan Wednesday morning is heavy rainfall.

Several rounds of rain could produce localized flooding, especially in areas that typically collect water, such as low-lying neighborhoods, underpasses and roads with poor drainage.

A Flood Watch is in effect for most of Southeast Michigan through 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 11, 2026. (WDIV)

Flood safety tips

Drivers should be cautious of standing water on roadways. Even shallow water can hide hazards or stall vehicles Here is an important rule during flood events: Turn around, don’t drown.

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Just a foot of moving water can sweep a vehicle away. Drivers should never attempt to cross flooded roadways and should seek alternate routes if water covers the road.

Just a foot of moving water can sweep a vehicle away. Drivers should never attempt to cross flooded roadways and should seek alternate routes if water covers the road. (WDIV)

Heavy rain can also lead to basement flooding in some homes. Residents are encouraged to check sump pumps, clear nearby drains if possible and monitor lower levels of their homes for water intrusion during prolonged rainfall.

Copyright 2026 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit – All rights reserved.



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Milwaukee, WI

Forest Home Avenue construction to resume in Milwaukee County

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Forest Home Avenue construction to resume in Milwaukee County


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Construction on a stretch of Forest Home Avenue in Milwaukee County is set to resume as part of a Wisconsin Department of Transportation resurfacing project, according to WisDOT.

The project affects Highway 24 — also known as Forest Home Avenue — between Janesville Road in Hales Corners and 45th Street in Milwaukee. The project started in early 2025 and is expected to be completed in mid-2026.

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Here’s what to know about the latest construction update.

When will Forest Home Avenue construction resume?

Preparation work for construction along Forest Home Avenue is expected to begin the week of March 16, according to WisDOT.

Active construction work is scheduled to begin the week of March 23, weather permitting.

Where will construction be?

Construction work will take place in two segments along the corridor. The segment between 45th Street and Howard Avenue is already largely complete and will include minor lighting work and restoration.

The segment between Howard Avenue and Janesville Road will include resurfacing, permanent pavement markings, guardrail installation and improvements at several intersections.

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What work will be done during construction?

The Highway 24 project will improve about 5 miles of roadway. The work includes resurfacing pavement, replacing traffic signals and lighting at numerous locations, making improvements to the bridge at 76th Street and upgrading sidewalks and curb ramps.

Traffic impacts during Forest Home Avenue construction in Milwaukee County

During construction, Highway 24 will be reduced to one lane in each direction in active work zones. Drivers may also encounter parking lane restrictions, overnight or short-term closures at ramps and intersections, and temporary pedestrian detours.

Access to businesses and residences along the corridor will be maintained during construction.

When will the project be completed?

The project is currently scheduled to be completed in early summer, though WisDOT says the timeline may change depending on weather conditions.

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Adrienne Davis is a south suburban reporter for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Got any tips or stories to share? Contact Adrienne at amdavis@gannett.com. Follow her on X at @AdriReportss.



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Minneapolis, MN

Minnesota snow causing slick spots on roads

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Minnesota snow causing slick spots on roads


Winter weather is back, with flakes falling across the area Tuesday night and early Wednesday. Snow has led to slush on the roads in the Twin Cities metro, which is creating slick spots on roadways – especially on bridges and overpasses, as well as side streets and parking lots. 

The slick spots are patchy because the ground has been so warm over the past few days. The warm ground has also helped keep snow totals lower. However, there are minor accumulations in the Twin Cities, especially north of the metro, where there is a winter weather advisory in effect until Wednesday afternoon.

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Snow is expected to wind down by around sunrise Wednesday. Skies will then clear, making way for afternoon sun and a high of around 39 degrees. Any snow that did fall is expected to melt pretty quickly. 

Find live updates on weather and road conditions below, and watch FOX 9 live in the player above. 

7:10 a.m. – Icy roadways

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MnDOT is reporting roads in the Twin Cities being partially covered or completely covered in ice for the morning commute. This is causing crashes and backups across the metro. 

You can find the latest road conditions from MnDOT here.

6:40 a.m. – Crashes reported

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A couple of crashes have been reported in the Twin Cities metro, including on Highway 169 in Shakopee, which is slowing down traffic for the morning commute. 

This comes as slippery conditions have been reported across the Twin Cities metro. 

You can find the latest road conditions from MnDOT here.

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6 a.m. – Plows out salting

Plows are out in the Twin Cities metro area clearing up the slushy roadways and dropping salt, as temperatures hover around the freezing mark Wednesday morning. 

MnDOT is reporting partially covered roads in the Twin Cities, with a couple completely covered roadways in the southwest metro and north of the Twin Cities. 

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You can find the latest road conditions from MnDOT here.

5:30 a.m. – Slushy spots on Twin Cities roadways

There are some slick spots on Twin Cities roadways, with MnDOT reporting most roads are partially covered in snow or slush. 

You can find the latest road conditions from MnDOT here.

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