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Wisconsin kayaker accused of faking his own death, fleeing country charged with obstruction

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Wisconsin kayaker accused of faking his own death, fleeing country charged with obstruction

A Wisconsin kayaker who allegedly faked his own drowning earlier this year before leaving his family and fleeing to Eastern Europe was charged Wednesday with obstructing the search for him. 

Ryan Borgwardt turned himself in to the Green Lake County Sheriff’s Office in Wisconsin Tuesday and pleaded not guilty in a hearing Wednesday on the misdemeanor charge after he “came back” to the U.S. “on his own,” the Green Lake County sheriff said. 

He was released on $500 bail and told the judge he plans to represent himself. 

He was also ordered to surrender his passport, according to FOX 6. 

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Ryan Borgwardt turned himself in to the Green Lake County Sheriff’s Office in Wisconsin Tuesday, and he pleaded not guilty in a hearing Wednesday on a misdemeanor charge.  (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Borgwardt, who was reported missing in August, allegedly told investigators he had been researching how to fake one’s own death, including how deep a person needs to sink so they won’t resurface. 

After attending church with his family on the morning of Aug. 11, Borgwardt allegedly told investigators he drove to Green Lake, about 50 miles from his home, which he picked because it’s the deepest lake in Wisconsin. He then paddled to the middle of the lake in his kayak and overturned it, according to authorities.

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He then paddled back to shore in an inflatable raft he brought with him and dropped his cellphone and ID in the lake. 

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After attempting to wash away his muddy footprints, Borgwardt then allegedly rode off on a bike he had hidden there. 

After riding for 70 miles, he said, he caught a bus from Madison, Wisconsin, to Toronto, Canada, and barely got across the border because he didn’t have his driver’s license. 

From there, he caught a flight to Paris and then an unnamed Asian country before he moved to the Eastern European country of Georgia. 

A search of Green Lake by authorities lasted for more than a month and cost around $40,000, according to FOX 6. 

Ryan Borgwardt’s booking photo in Green Lake, Wis., Tuesday. (Green Lake County Sheriff’s Office via AP)

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Investigators eventually found a picture of a woman he met up with in the unnamed Asian country on his laptop at his home in Wisconsin, along with other incriminating information.

They also discovered he took out a $375,000 life insurance policy in January that he said he wanted to leave for his family. 

Borgwardt allegedly admitted he left too much information on the laptop but told investigators he had to leave it behind to make his disappearance seem real. 

He had also cleared his browser history, changed his banking information on the day of his disappearance and obtained a second passport, investigators said, according to FOX 6. 

Ryan Borgwardt appears in a Green Lake County courtroom Wednesday in Green Lake, Wis.  (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

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Investigators were eventually able to contact Borgwardt through a woman who spoke Russian and whose information they found on his laptop, and he sent U.S. authorities a video message saying, “Good evening, it’s Ryan Borgwardt. Safe, secure, no problem.” 

He told investigators he knew he would eventually be found. 

Investigators have not given a motive for why the husband and father of three allegedly staged his own death. 

Green Lake County Sheriff Mark Podoll said that would be “up to him someday,” if he wants to reveal why he left. “We’re not going to release that. … We brought a dad back on his own.”

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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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