Arpin Woman Charged with Homicide Due to Negligent Operation of a Vehicle Appears in Wood County Court

Wednesday, April 9th, 2025 -- 10:00 AM

An Arpin woman charged with the head-on crash that resulted in the death of another woman was found not competent to stand trial.

Back in December of 2023, Wood County Central Dispatch received the report of a head-on collision on US Highway 10 near Day Road in the Township of Auburndale.

A Corolla was traveling eastbound behind a semi on US Highway 10, which is a 4 lane divided highway. The Corolla moved over to pass the semi. There was a Rav4 traveling westbound in the eastbound lane approaching this location.

The Corolla and Rav4 collided head-on. The sole occupant of the Rav4, Elsie Punke, of Arpin, was transported to Marshfield Medical Center by Marshfield Ambulance in critical condition.

The operator of the Corolla, Michael Baugh, 25, of Arpin, was pronounced deceased at the scene and the passenger, Alissah Hardesty, also of Arpin, was transported to Marshfield Medical Center by Marshfield Ambulance with minor injuries.

Punke was charged with homicide by negligent operation of a vehicle. During her competency hearing on Monday, Punke was found not competent to stand trial, so her court proceedings have been suspended for now.

However, with treatment, the judge found Punke is likely to regain competency and then her court proceedings can continue.

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