Wisconsin

Chaos at the Caucus: Republican infighting erupts in Wisconsin’s 8th District

Published

12 months ago

April 11, 2025

Chaos at the Caucus: Republican infighting erupts in Wisconsin’s 8th District

MADISON, Wis. (WSAW) – It was chaos at the caucus. The Republican Party of Wisconsin and the GOP’s 8th Congressional District spent more than $1,600 on security for a GOP Caucus meeting, where only Republicans were in attendance.

“That’s not normal. There were people who were afraid to attend the caucus,” Kirt Johnson, chair of the Kewaunee County Republican Party, said.

Johnson, who has worked in politics and public policy for over four decades, described this caucus as, “one of the most disgusting, shameful things [he has] ever witnessed.”

Both sides of the debacle labeled this caucus as the boiling-over point for the Republican Party.

“For us to be in a situation as volunteer grassroots activists who are just doing this because we love our country,” Doug Reich, chair of the Brown County Republican party, said. “To be faced with going to a meeting where there are literally county sheriffs there who have been told to potentially escort you out is beyond belief.”

It is the great divide in the party born in Wisconsin.

Ahead of the caucus, the Republican Party of Wisconsin was concerned rules were not followed for the county delegate selection process in Waupaca, Oconto and Brown Counties.

“In the past, the party and some parties will suspend the rules and just enable anyone to go to [the caucus to] represent the county,” Reich said. “In accordance with our own Constitution, we held an election.”

That election resulted in five delegates from Brown County being excluded from the caucus.

“They actually precluded certain people who were dues-paying members in good standing from actually going to the caucus,” Johnson said.

In addition, a spokesperson from the statewide party said they received complaints the three counties did not follow due process and/or submitted their list of delegates late.

As a result, the Eighth District Credentials Committee petitioned for the three county delegations to not be seated at all at the caucus, except for the five originally not elected from Brown County.

In response, the Waupaca and Oconto Republican Party filed a lawsuit against the Republican Party of Wisconsin’s 8th Congressional District Committee, receiving a restraining order at 5 p.m. on a Friday, requiring all of the delegates to be allowed to join the caucus the next morning for a vote.

“The Republican Party was born in Wisconsin. It was literally born probably 30 miles from here,” Ken Sikora, the newly elected chair of the GOP 8th Congressional District. “Here we are, what, 150 years later… fighting for the right of our elected delegates to be represented at a caucus.”

During the caucus, there was a motion to adjourn in light of the legal battle.

“The idea at that point was we really can’t do the caucus until we clarify what the legal situation is, what the status of delegates,” Johnson said.

Joel Bartel, the GOP chair of Waupaca County, then began to “rile up the crowd,” Johnson described.

“I’m more boisterous, probably, than a lot of the chairs,” Bartel said. “I went out to all the caucus, all the delegates, and I said, ‘Hey! We’re having a meeting. Come on up.’ And the policemen wouldn’t let them come up, which I don’t understand why our executive committees are closed.”

With a vote, the caucus prevailed.

“The person who was running the meeting, I think, made the judgment that this could get out of control. We could have a riot. People could get hurt,” Johnson said. “We’ll just go ahead and do the caucus.”

Ken Sikora was overwhelmingly elected to chair the GOP’s Executive Committee for the 8th CD, beating the incumbent Stephanie Soucek.

“People love a fighter. We have a lot of people behind us,” Sikora said.

Another key contention point within the party is Sikora’s record. He was convicted of battery and disorderly conduct for domestic abuse. When asked if the convictions reflect on his ability to lead, Sikora responded, “No, not at all.”

“This is the same type of tactics that they used against Donald Trump in ‘16. Same thing against Ken,” Bartel added. “The establishment was trying to create this case that he’s a bad guy, look at his record, blah, blah, blah.”

Sikora did not refute his record, but said it was just “A story,” not “The story.”

Meanwhile, other long-term Wisconsin Republicans are dismayed at the turn of events.

“It’s embarrassing that it was the Republican Party,” Johnson said. “It’s just crazy, and like I said, it was mob rule.”

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Wisconsin

Search for missing kangaroo in central Wisconsin captures online attention

Published

7 hours ago

March 27, 2026

Press Room

Search for missing kangaroo in central Wisconsin captures online attention

The search for a pet kangaroo that escaped from its home outside of Necedah has captured media attention across the country.

Chesney is a 16-month-old kangaroo owned by Debbie Marlund, who operates Sunshine Farm Petting Zoo. He and his brother Kenny live in Marlund’s home, along with her five labradors, and often visit the residents of nursing homes and senior centers in the region.

“Chesney actually sleeps in bed with me every night,” Marlund said. “They’re both home bodies. They do get plenty of outside time when it’s nice. They don’t particularly care for cold weather.”

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The kangaroo was in his outdoor enclosure Wednesday morning when he was spooked by an unfamiliar dog and escaped. He’s been spotted multiple times in the area around his home but has so far evaded several attempts to catch him.

News of the search has been picked up by several TV news stations, including as far away as Seattle, and even made a British-based publication.

Marlund said she has not stopped searching for Chesney since Wednesday morning.

Chesney has been missing since Wednesday. Photo courtesy of Sunshine Farm – Necedah’s Facebook page

“I have been asking neighbors to let me go on their property and walk trails, walk paths, and get close to the vicinity,” said Marlund, adding that friends have been driving local roads to make sure he isn’t spotted leaving the area.

Colton Johnson of Midwest Aerial Drone Services has also aided in the search using a drone and thermal camera.

He often uses the equipment to search for lost pets but said tracking a kangaroo is more difficult because of its speed.

“It’s hard to keep up with him,” Johnson said. “He slipped us last night, but we’re going to head back out there tonight and see if we can get eyes on him.”

Johnson said there have been plenty of people in the area showing up to try to get a look at Chesney. But he urged residents to avoid going after the kangaroo because it could drive the scared animal further into the wooded area.

Marlund asked locals to keep an eye out for Chesney and report any sightings.

“He’s not going to come to a stranger, he’s too spooked,” she said. “But I think it is beneficial for people who are staying in the area or driving by to keep their eye out.”

A kangaroo wearing a teal harness sits in a car seat and drinks from a plastic cup held by a person. — Kangaroo Chesney enjoys a taste of Culver’s. *Photo courtesy of Sunshine Farm – Necedah’s Facebook page*

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Wisconsin

These Wisconsin Rapids restaurants are offering Easter specials

Published

19 hours ago

March 27, 2026

Press Room

These Wisconsin Rapids restaurants are offering Easter specials

If you’re looking to make reservations for an Easter meal, check out these Wisconsin Rapids-area restaurants.

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – Calendars are quickly filling up with Easter services, egg hunts, photos with bunnies and brunch plans.

If cooking isn’t your thing, or you’ve been too busy to plan and cook this year, you have options in the Wisconsin Rapids area. Several local restaurants and businesses have you covered with all of your favorite Easter treats.

The following Wisconsin Rapids-area restaurants and businesses will be offering Easter breakfast, brunch or dinner.

Branding Iron Supper Club will offer an Easter Dinner from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. April 5 at 9721 State 13 S. in Saratoga. The Easter menu includes a ham dinner, a prime rib dinner, Branding Iron’s full menu, salad bar and a fresh fruit mimosa bar. The Easter Bunny will also visit from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Reservations are available at 715-325-8102.
Lake Arrowhead Association will host an Easter Brunch Buffet from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. April 5 at Lake Arrowhead, 1195 Apache Lane in Rome. The menu will include a variety of options including a carving station for prime rib and smoked ham, mahi mahi with a Korean glaze, sliced pork loin, chicken Alfredo, chicken tenders, mac & cheese, french fries, baby red potatoes, carrots, a build-your-own omelet station, biscuits and gravy, french toast sticks, pancakes, sausage, bacon, scrambled eggs, fruit, vegetables and more. Reservations are required, including a $25 non-refundable deposit to reserve a spot and can be made at 715-325-2915 or banquets@lakearrowheadgolf.com or events@lakearrowheadgolf.com.
Nekoosa Court will host an Easter Breakfast from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. April 4 at Nekoosa Court, 145 N. Cedar St. in Nekoosa. Breakfast will include all-you-can-eat eggs, sausage, pancakes and beverages with an Easter Egg Hunt to follow.
Olympic II will host Easter Weekend Specials from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. April 4 and from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 5 at 2520 Eighth St. S. in Wisconsin Rapids. The Easter specials include a breakfast special of an 8-ounce New York strip steak and eggs, hashbrowns and toast, as well as a tenderloin and jumbo shrimp dish, a roast turkey and ham combo, chicken breast and four shrimp, ham steak, roast chicken and roast turkey. Reservations and orders for takeout can be placed at 715-424-4744.
Quality Foods is offering a complete Heat & Serve Easter Dinner, including a ham dinner for eight people with off-the-bone ham, mashed potatoes and beef gravy or eight three-cheese twice-baked potatoes, homemade stuffing, Hawaiian rolls, green bean casserole and eight slices of cheesecake. The store also will offer an Easter prime rib dinner for four, including prime rib, four three-cheese twice-baked potatoes, Hawaiian rolls, green bean casserole and cheesecake while supplies last at 1021 W. Grand Ave. and 1811 Baker Drive in Wisconsin Rapids. Orders must be placed by April 1 at 715-423-8350 for Baker Drive and at 715-423-9750 for West Grand Avenue. Orders must be picked up by noon April 5.
Slice of Heaven Bakery will host a free Easter dinner from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 5 at 1158 Snow Pass in Rome. Guests can eat at the event or order for takeout. Reservations are not needed, but those who need a delivery should contact rebeccalacount@gmail.com or call 608-449-0702.
The Whitney will offer an Easter Breakfast Buffet from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 5 at Hotel Mead Resorts & Convention Centers, 451 E. Grand Ave. in Wisconsin Rapids. Hot dishes include pancakes, pumpkin spice pancakes, french toast casserole, cheesy hashbrown casserole, quiche, frittatas, breakfast burritos, scrambled eggs, poached eggs, bacon, sausage, ham, breakfast sandwiches, eggs Benedict, biscuits and gravy and chicken and wild rice soup. Cold dishes include a yogurt bar, fruit skewers, deviled eggs, muffins, cranberry bread, croissants, biscuits and an English muffin. Desserts include fruit pie, carrot cake, peach cobbler and coffee cake. The buffet is available by reservation only at 715-423-1500.

Want to add your business to the list? Please email cshuda@usatodayco.com with the name of your restaurant, your Easter hours, what your Easter menu will include, and whether reservations are required.

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Wisconsin

How to live stream Wisconsin vs Dartmouth: NCAA hockey, TV channel

Published

1 day ago

March 26, 2026

Press Room

How to live stream Wisconsin vs Dartmouth: NCAA hockey, TV channel

March continues on the ice as Dartmouth Big Green takes on Wisconsin Badgers in a regional semifinal matchup in the 2026 NCAA Men’s Hockey Tournament.

MORE: How to live stream NCAA men’s hockey tournament 2026: TV channel, schedule

How to Watch Wisconsin vs Dartmouth

Date: Thursday, March 26, 2026

Wisconsin enters the tournament as one of the more complete teams in the field, combining strong defensive structure with high-end offensive talent. The Badgers have leaned on forward Cruz Lucius, a dynamic scorer capable of creating chances in transition, along with Kirsten Simms, who has been a consistent offensive presence throughout the season. On the blue line, Wisconsin’s physicality and ability to limit quality scoring chances have made it a difficult matchup.

Dartmouth arrives as a disciplined and well-coached group that thrives on structure and goaltending. The Big Green will look to slow the game down and rely on key contributors like John Fusco and Cade Webber to control play in their own zone while generating offense through efficient puck movement.

This matchup will likely come down to pace and execution. Wisconsin prefers to push tempo and create scoring opportunities off the rush, while Dartmouth will aim to keep things tight, limit mistakes, and capitalize on special teams opportunities.

Fans can watch the NCAA hockey tournament across the ESPN family of networks, with games airing on ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNU, while select matchups stream exclusively on ESPN+.

Watch Wisconsin vs Dartmouth Live on Fubo

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