Fatal Vehicle Crash - Town of Menomonie

On February 2, 2020, at 8:10 PM the Dunn County Sheriff’s Office and Menomonie Fire and Rescue, were dispatched to the 3700 block of 420th St, in the Township of Menomonie for a one-vehicle crash with injuries.

The initial crash investigation showed a 4-door sedan was southbound on 420th St approaching a curve. The driver was unable to negotiate the curve. The vehicle left the roadway, and struck a group of large trees.

Due to significant damage to the vehicle, Menomonie Fire and Rescue extricated the adult male driver. Life saving measures were attempted on scene, but were not successful and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The adult male passenger in the vehicle was transported to Mayo-Menomonie, where they received treatment for non-life threatening injuries.

The crash remains under investigation.

The names of the individuals involved in the crash are not being released at this time.

Updated information: Feb 4, 2020:

The deceased operator of the vehicle was Christopher Becker, age 19, of Menomonie, WI

The passenger that was injured was Dylan Thomas, age 18, of Menomonie, WI

First Degree Homicide Arrest - Town of Colfax

On January 15th, 2020 at 6:00pm the Dunn County Communications Center received a request for a welfare check on a subject in Colfax Township. Dunn County deputies responded to the residence and discovered a deceased male in the residence.

The Dunn County Sheriff’s Office has arrested Gary E. Styer age 51, with First Degree Intentional Homicide for the death of his 78 year old father Edward J. Styer, both of rural Colfax. He will appear in court today for a bond hearing at 1:15 p.m.

Investigators have learned that in the morning hours of January 15, 2020, Gary used a blunt object to cause the death of Edward and remained in the home with him until later in the day when he drove to Eau Claire and disclosed to an acquaintance that something had happened in the house. Evidence is still being gathered in this case as the investigation continues.

Dunn County Snowmobile Trail Sign Damage

On Jan 19, 2020 the Dunn County Sheriff’s Office received a report of criminal damage to signs along the snowmobile corridors of 20 and 33 in the Townships of Spring Brook and Rock Creek.

A reward was offered by local snowmobile clubs and local business and tips from the public were generated on Jan 20.

The Dunn County Sheriff’s Office worked with the WI Department of Natural Resources Wardens on a joint investigation. Two males were identified as being responsible for the damage and have admitted to their involvement. There were more than signs damaged for an estimated damage amount of $2000.

The Dunn County Sheriff’s Office will be requesting formal criminal charges from the Dunn County District Attorney’s Office.

The signs have been repaired by the Elk Lake Blizzard and Brunswick Beavers snowmobile clubs.