By David Murchland - Marshfield Now!
WOOD COUNTY, Wis. (April 14, 2026) — Severe weather, public safety awareness, and community collaboration took center stage in the latest episode of County Connections, featuring Wood County Sheriff Shawn Becker and host David Murchland.
The program opened with discussion of recent storms that swept through the region, bringing heavy rainfall and rising water levels across local rivers, including the Yellow and Wisconsin Rivers. Sheriff Becker urged residents to exercise caution, հատկապես when encountering flooded roadways.
“If you see water across the roadway, stay off of it,” Becker emphasized, noting that submerged roads can be structurally compromised and dangerous. He also encouraged residents to report hazardous conditions so emergency crews can respond quickly with barricades and warnings.
Becker highlighted advances in weather tracking and emergency communication, praising the accuracy of modern alerts and urging the public to take warnings seriously by preparing safety plans and seeking shelter when needed.
Recognizing Dispatchers’ Critical Role
The episode also marked National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, honoring 911 dispatchers nationwide. Becker underscored the vital role dispatchers play as the first point of contact in emergencies.
“They take that first call… and connect law enforcement, fire, EMS, and the community,” he said.
Dispatchers must remain calm under pressure while multitasking—gathering critical information, communicating with callers, and relaying details to first responders. Becker described the job as both mentally demanding and essential to ensuring safe and effective emergency response.
New Law Targets Cryptocurrency Scams
A major legislative update was also discussed: the passage of a new Wisconsin law regulating cryptocurrency ATMs. The law, signed by Governor Tony Evers, aims to combat scams that have increasingly targeted seniors.
According to Becker, scammers often convince victims to deposit large sums into crypto kiosks, making the money difficult to recover. The new law introduces a $1,000 daily transaction limit and requires refunds within 30 days in certain cases.
Becker credited Wood County’s investigative efforts for helping bring attention to the issue and pushing for statewide reform.
Mental Health Training Expands
The sheriff also highlighted the success of Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training in Wood County. Now in its 15th class, the program equips law enforcement and first responders with tools to better handle mental health crises.
“Throughout your career, you’re going to save somebody’s life—and you might not even know it,” Becker said.
Nearly 400 personnel have participated in the training, which emphasizes de-escalation, communication, and connecting individuals with appropriate services rather than defaulting to detention.
Mock Crash Demonstrations Educate Students
Community outreach efforts were also on display through a recent mock crash simulation at Auburndale High School. The exercise involved local emergency services and aimed to educate students about the consequences of impaired and distracted driving.
The realistic demonstration included staged injuries, a fatality, and law enforcement procedures, offering students a firsthand look at the aftermath of serious accidents.
Community Support and Department Updates
The episode concluded with updates from the sheriff’s department, including a new deputy hire and an upcoming retirement. Becker also noted strong community support for a recent K-9 fundraising bingo event, which reached capacity and highlighted the need for a larger venue in the future.