The Broadsheet: Bear attack in Comstock

Headlines from the Barron News-Shield July 16, 2025 edition, plus some extra, newsy recommendations from the editor.

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Hello readers,

A sensational story out of Comstock is making national news. A 69-year-old woman was attacked by a black bear, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. A conservation officer reportedly shot the bear, but it has not been found. For more, check out this week’s top story.

The incident occurred in the vicinity of 21st Avenue north of Comstock.

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Headlines

• Summer road projects are in full swing across the Barron County region and beyond. Among major roads, Hwys. 53 and 63 are the most affected major highways in the area. Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening.

• An electric rate case filed by Barron Light & Water is moving forward with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin. Barron Light & Water Utility has filed for an 11.12% electric rate increase with the PSC, marking its first municipal rate case since 2009. This rate case centers on covering rising operational and power supply costs—as well as critical infrastructure investment—after over 15 years of unchanged rates.

• Barron County will take part in Wisconsin’s annual Snapshot Day on Saturday, Aug. 9, for the first time, joining more than 20 other organizations across the state in a coordinated effort to identify and monitor aquatic invasive species.

  Hosted locally by the Barron County Soil and Water Conservation Department, the event invites volunteers of all ages to help survey rivers, lakes, and wetlands for non-native species that threaten native ecosystems. No prior experience is necessary, and participation is free.

• Summertime in Barron County is always chock-full of opportunities to attend fun festivals and events. July promises fun for the whole family at the Barron County Fair. Attendees will experience a sense of nostalgia at every turn with the promise of classic fair foods and carnival rides that bring out the kid in all of us. The county fair will take place at the Barron County Fairgrounds this week from July 16-20. This year’s county fair will have attendees enjoying “Summer Days and Country Ways” and will include traditional fair shows and attractions along with a couple of new additions.

Major renovations are underway at Cumberland High School this summer. Parts of the school dating back to 1960s are being demolished. New additions will include a secure entrance, expanded cafeteria, expanded wrestling room, career and technical education classroom, and other new and updated classrooms and learning spaces. The improvements are the result of a $32.95 million referendum that passed 957-696 in February of 2024. Construction is expected to continue well into 2026. Photo by Ryan Urban

Dozens of vintage tractors of all kinds puttered laps around Pioneer Village during the tractor parade Sunday afternoon, July 13, as part of the museum’s annual Heritage Days event. Pictured, from the start of the line, are Elise Kallenbach, Carol Kettner and Pete Sinclair. Photo by Ryan Urban

Children, both young and old, made off with a haul of candy, can koozies and other goods Sunday, July 13, during the Prairie Farm Dairy Days Grande Parade. Above, parade-goes await handfuls of candy from the Prairie Farm Fire Department. Click the photo to view an expanded gallery of pics from the festival.

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Editor’s Picks

IN THE NEWS: Here’s another good overview of the recently passed state biennial budget, most notably what provisions didn’t make the cut. Check it out at Wisconsin Watch.

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That’s all I’ve got for this week. Thanks for reading. If you need to catch up on local news or are looking for more Editor’s Picks, check out the archives at newsshield.substack.com.

—Ryan Urban