Desiree Fischer
Assignment Editor
Wausau, WI
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Desiree Fischer came to NewsChannel 7 in 2002 as a part time production assistant and now serves as NewsChannel 7’s Assignment Manager.
After graduating from University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in 2005 with a degree in Communication, she began working full-time in the news department as a Videojournalist.
Desiree lives in Wausau with her husband Bill and son Jack. She grew up in Marathon, Wis.
Sexual assault can be devastating at any age, but especially as a child while their brain is still developing. 7 Investigates has provided the basic context around the number of sexual assaults in north-central Wisconsin, but in Part 12 of this A Cycle of Abuse series the experts have advice for parents and caregivers, and things you can look out for to protect and support your child.
“Knowing that 12 strangers believed in us, and we heard guilty.”
In Part 3 of the 7 Investigates: Cycle of Abuse series, we shared someone reports a child sexual assault two to three times daily in our 15 county viewing area, but there are countless more that go unreported. That is because reporting can be difficult and complicated for victims.
In Part 5 of the 7 Investigates: Cycle of Abuse series, we shared that in 98% of the child sexual assault cases we studied, the victim knew the suspect. The suspect was only a stranger 2% of the time.
“The biggest danger is family members and trusted friends.” (Lee Shipway, Peaceful Solutions Counseling executive director.)
Despite reports of child sexual assault happening two to three times daily across north-central Wisconsin, charges are only being filed for that crime about twice a week across the same area.
Gov. Tony Evers has announced the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and the Wisconsin National Guard will launch a Mobile Vaccination Program beginning January 19.
Northcentral Techincal College President Dr. Lori Weyers will retire in June 2021. Dr. Weyers’ notice of retirement was accepted by the NTC District Board of Trustees Tuesday night at their regular meeting.
Aspirus Health and Ascension have signed an agreement to transfer ownership of seven Ascension hospitals, 21 physician clinics, and air and ground medical transport services located in north and central Wisconsin to Aspirus.
Granite Peak Ski Resort is saying thank you to our first responders.
The Marathon County Sheriff’s Office is conducting a homicide investigation after a body was found in the Town of Spencer Tuesday morning.
University of Wisconsin System President Tommy Thompson announced Monday that the UW System’s COVID-19 “surge testing” sites will extend operations until mid-January.
38-year-old Lindsay A. Folan was last seen at 1:30 a.m. on Thursday, December 24th
Staff and family members donated their time to give back on Christmas Day
Fire crews are investigating the cause of a Christmas Eve house fire in the City of Wausau.
Papillion’s Pizza and Fleet Farm are teaming up to provide free meals for those in need on Christmas Day.
The Wausau Eagles Club will be hosting another free meal event on Christmas Day
Community members are invited to join together tonight for a prayer vigil to honor area healthcare workers.
A 19-year-old Portage County man was injured after he was struck by a vehicle early Friday morning.
The University of Wisconsin System will extend its COVID-19 surge testing sites, provide free rapid COVID-19 tests for community members as well as students and staff.
A 38-year-old Arkdale man is facing homicide charges in connection to two fatal overdoses in 2019.
The pandemic has impacted us all in one way or another. Maybe you or a loved one has had the virus. Or you’ve had to start working from home, or your kids have adjusted to virtual learning.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources today announced the official wolf season will begin Nov. 6, 2021.
This year, veterans and active military members can drive through to receive their free ham
Gov. Tony Evers announced Thursday that COVID-19 Lodging Grants have been awarded to 663 Wisconsin lodging operators. The grant aims to help stabilize the state’s lodging industry it continues to be impacted by the pandemic.
The Wood County Health Department is asking residents for their input as they prepare for the arrival of a COVID-19 vaccine.
Elementary schools in the Wausau School District will shift to a 4-day a week schedule starting next week.
Kenneth Zipperer is charged with mail fraud, wire fraud, dispensing prescription drugs without a license, and money laundering as part of a scheme involving an unlicensed pharmacy and the distribution of misbranded prescription drugs.
John C. Kronquist, Sr was last seen on November 14
Drivers will now be given a heads up when snow making operations at Granite Peak Ski Area may impact road conditions.
Gov. Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection announced two of Wisconsin’s largest hunger relief organizations will receive an additional $10 million to help serve Wisconsinites experiencing food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The City of Wisconsin Rapids will be limiting public access to city buildings beginning Wednesday, Nov 11.
The University of Wisconsin System is offering free COVID-19 testing on all 13 institutions. The rapid result tests are available to all community members starting Monday.
Between two and three times a day, a child sexual assault is reported to social services somewhere in north-central Wisconsin. And more than once each day, a police investigation opens in that same area--for that same reason.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, warmer temperatures, gusty winds and dry vegetation resulted in nearly 50 wildfires across the state this week.
The University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point will now offer free COVID-19 testing on all three UWSP campuses. The rapid result tests will be available to all community members beginning Nov. 9.
President Donald Trump will make a campaign stop in Kenosha Monday.
Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden will campaign in Milwaukee Friday.
A study done by the Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health found participation in high school sports in Wisconsin has not led to an increase in COVID-19 cases among student-athletes.
The Wausau Police Department is asking the community for help identifying three suspects involved in stealing lottery tickets from a local gas station.
The annual Merrill Ice Drags have been canceled for the 2021 season.
Roosevelt Elementary School in Stevens Point will move to e-learning for two weeks beginning tomorrow and running through October 30.
Two people were hurt Monday afternoon, after an explosion left them trapped in a home in the Town of Schley, near Merrill.
Gov. Tony Evers today directed Department of Health Services Secretary-designee Andrea Palm to issue Emergency Order #3 limiting public gatherings to no more than 25 percent of a room or building’s total occupancy. See full the order and list of exemptions here.
The City of Wausau Finance Committee will host a public hearing on the Wausau mall project Tuesday, Oct 13.
An 18-year old Merrill man has been arrested in connection with a months long investigation into multiple cases of vandalism in and around the City of Merrill. Charges are also expected to be filed against three other suspects.