Search ends in sorrow

The remains of Martevious Watts, 31, of Medford have been recovered from the Medford Millpond.

As of early Saturday morning, the cause of death has not been released and the circumstances remain under investigation by the Medford Police Department.

Watts, who could often be found fishing along the banks of the Black River and the Medford Millpond in the Medford City Park had been missing for over a week. He had last been seen by family members on Thursday, October 10. On the following Friday morning gear and other items belonging to Watts were found leading law enforcement to begin

See SEARCH on page 3 searching for him using boats, drones and search and rescue agencies with dogs trained to locate bodies.

Search efforts continued into the following week. According to Police Chief Chad Liske the water level of the Mill Pond was lowered to aid in search efforts. Wings of Hope along with Christian Aid Ministries Search and Rescue conducted ground and aerial searches once again in the areas surrounding the Mill Pond, as well as water searches of the river.

“At about 9:13 p.m. the deceased body of Martevious was located in the river and recovered with the assistance of the search teams.” Liske said.

“On behalf of the Medford Police Department, I would like to extend our condolences to the family and friends of Martevious. We also wish to thank Wings of Hope, North Star Search and Rescue, Wisconsin K9 S.O.S Search and Rescue, Marathon County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team, Christian Aid Ministries Search and Rescue, and the community for all the support in the efforts of locating Martevious,” Liske said.

Liske continued stating the Medford Police Department will continue to investigate and work to bring further closure for the family.