Local-Regional News Nov 28

 

Another Winter Storm is expected for the weekend. The National Weather Service has issued Winter Storm Warnings for Buffalo, Trempealeau and Goodhue Counties and Winter Weather Advisories for the rest of the WRDN Listening Area for Saturday through Sunday morning. Snow is expected to develop overnight tonight and continue all day Saturday. Four to Ten inches of snow is expected with the highest amounts along and south of I-90. After the storm moves through, quiet weather is expected all next week.

Three duck hunters had to be rescued when their boat capsized on Wednesday. According to the Wabasha County Sheriffs Department, rescue crews responded to the capsized boat near Weaver Landing on the Mississippi River. All three hunters were brought to shore by other hunters on the river. The three were taken to a local hospital.

The Fair Maps Wisconsin Coalition will be holding an informational meeting on the proposal to create an Independent Redistricting Commission in Wisconsin in Nelson on December 6^th. The group is spearheading a plan to establish the commission with the goal of ending gerrymandering in Wisconsin when new voting district maps are redrawn every 10 yrs. The meeting will be held at the Nelson Community Hall starting at 12:30pm on December 6^th.

A student in the Osseo-Fairchild School District has a pen pal like no other. Aubrey Hart and her classmates were instructed to write letters, look up addresses and send out their messages when learning to write cursive. Aubrey sent her letter off to the president asking about life in the White House. This week she received a response from President Trump. For his part, the president's letter was typed -- but signed in cursive.

Prison is being ordered for a St. Paul man convicted on charges stemming from a shooting in St. Croix County. Investigators say that Antonio Thelen fired a gun through the window of a Hammond bar last year and wounded one person. Thelen pleaded guilty to charges that include first-degree recklessly endangering safety and has now been sentenced to a term of seven-and-a-half years behind bars.

A Western Wisconsin Hospital is receiving a federal loan. U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development (RD) State Director Andrew C. Iverson announced St. Croix Regional Medical Center will receive $105 million to construct a 130,000-square-foot replacement critical access hospital facility in St. Croix Falls. The funding includes a $95,000,000 direct loan and a $10,000,000 guaranteed loan. Once completed, the new hospital will increase bed capacity to 25, add surgical and specialty care units, incorporate state of the art imaging and diagnostics, and have a state-of-the-art floor plan to support efficient patient flow and centralize outpatient services. The replacement facility will be located approximately three miles from the existing facility, which is outside the center of the City of St. Croix Falls residential district. The location will allow emergency vehicles easier access.

The Green County Humane Society is asking neighbors and animal lovers for assistance as they care for 55 recently-rescued dogs. The organization took in 29 adult dogs and 26 puppies on Tuesday after the animals were removed from a hoarding situation in Lafayette County. Operators of the shelter say they need donations and foster families to help care for the pets, as their facility is now over capacity. For information on how to help, visit green-county-humane-dot-org.

A pair of three-judge panels will hear lawsuits regarding Wisconsin’s congressional maps. The judges were appointed by the liberal majority of the Wisconsin Supreme Court. The lawsuits argue current congressional district maps unconstitutionally favor Republicans and must be redrawn. The suits will proceed in Dane County Circuit Court, although the judges are from multiple counties. It's the first time this process has been used since being created by Republicans in the Wisconsin Legislature more than a decade ago. Conservative Justices Annette Ziegler and Rebecca Bradley accused the liberal justices of attempting to deliver a political advantage to Democrats. Conservative Justice Brian Hagedorn agreed with part of the order, but not with how the judges were chosen.

Wisconsin is joining a lawsuit by 20 states against the Trump administration over cuts and new conditions to a Department of Housing and Urban Development program. The suit targets reductions in permanent housing assistance, with most of the funds shifted to transitional housing that includes work or service requirements. Governor Evers warns the move could force thousands of vulnerable people out of their homes during winter. New York Attorney General Letitia James is leading the lawsuit.

Morgan Geyser is going to be extradited back to Wisconsin. The 23-year-old was in court yesterday for a brief hearing where she signed a waiver of extradition following her arrest in Illinois on Sunday. Geyser was just 12 years old when she and a friend stabbed another girl nearly to death in a bid to appease the fictional "Slender Man" character. Geyser was placed in a mental institution after the 2014 attack but a judge earlier this year approved her conditional release to a group home. She apparently cut off a monitoring bracelet and left that facility in Wisconsin over the weekend. The Waukesha County District Attorney told reporters she hopes a motion is filed to revoke the conditional release.

Twenty people were arrested last week in a federal human trafficking probe covering an area including Kenosha. According to the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation was based out of the Chicago area with federal teams from Homeland Security and the FBI staging portions of the operation out of the Kenosha Public Safety Building. The sheriff’s office and Kenosha Police Department were not asked to participate in the action. The sheriff’s office says U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement contacted them to confirm that any arrested undocumented immigrants connected to the case were deported, adding that ICE was not part of the original operation.

Drivers across Minnesota are being reminded to not drink and drive this Thanksgiving weekend. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety says police across the state will be participating in an extra DWI enforcement campaign, looking to crack down on impaired drivers. The campaign kicks off today and will run every weekend through December 31st.

Sidewalk chalk is now legal again in Anoka. Anoka City Council amended the law to allow water-soluble chalk drawings in public. The 2021 ban on chalk art, and other displays on public property, drew national attention and protests over free speech. The intention of the ban was to prevent the destruction of public property following the protests of the police killing of George Floyd. With the new amendment, Anoka now allows chalk on city sidewalks, as long as it can be easily removed with water, for drawings intended to last for less than 24 hours.

Local-Regional News Nov 26

 

One person was injured in a two vehicle accident in Gillman Township on Monday. According to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department, 61yr old Timothy De Jong of Prescott was pulling a camper westbound on Hwy 29 when he collided with an eastbound vehicle driven by 37yr old Shane Rosendahl of Menomonie. The camper and Rosendahl’s vehicle were totaled in the accident. Rosendahl was taken to Regions Hospital, while De Jong was not injured.

Charges are being filed against an Eau Claire man who authorities say left a threatening voicemail on the line of a local school. Twenty-three-year-old Damien Haupt is accused of leaving a message for the Children's House Montessori School on East Lake Street last week saying his hope was for everyone at the school to be raped and killed. Haupt reportedly included in his message that he lived across the street from the school. Charges against him include making terrorist threats, telephone harassment and disorderly conduct.

A signature bond of ten-thousand dollars is being set for a Gilman man charged in connection with a fatal vehicle collision. Chippewa County prosecutors say that 33-year-old Cody Skorstad was driving uninsured and on a suspended license back in July when he caused a head-on collision while trying to pass a vehicle on County Road H in Delmar. Nineteen-year-old Ayden Nicpon was killed in the crash and Skorstad is facing charges of second-degree reckless homicide.

About 50 people in downtown Eau Claire were evacuated Tuesday evening after Xcel Energy says a vehicle hit a gas meter. Xcel Energy spokesperson Chris Ouellette said a vehicle hit a gas meter behind Houligan's Steak and Seafood on South Barstow Street. The Eau Claire Fire Department evacuated Houligan's, the Transit Center, and other buildings in the area as a precaution. 

Emplify Health says they are nearing their fundraising goal to open a specialized unit inside the behavioral health department at their hospital in La Crosse. Emplify has set a five-point-two-million-dollar goal for the effort and says they are just 250-thousand dollars shy of meeting the figure. The new unit will serve as an urgent care center for mental health emergencies.

Winona County officials are seeking public feedback on the country’s latest hazard mitigation plan. Emergency Management Director Ben Klinger explained the plan is crucial to be eligible for future FEMA assistance. The plan helps prepare for natural hazards like tornadoes, winter storms, flooding, and droughts. The public comment period is open through December 8.

Wisconsin drivers are getting a "recipe" from state officials for a safe Thanksgiving weekend. The Department of Transportation shared "ingredients" this week to make sure families have an enjoyable holiday with their loved ones. The agency said the recipe includes seat belts, patience, an emergency kit, and "heaps of courtesy to other travelers." More than a million and a half Wisconsinites are expected to travel 50 miles or more for the long Thanksgiving weekend. Peak travel times are expected to begin today between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Opening weekend deer harvest numbers are up from a year ago according to the Department of Natural Resources. Deer specialist Jeff Pritzel says harvest numbers are up by about 3,000 over last year. Total gun harvest is over 90-thousand and combined with the archery season, around 212-thousand deer have been harvested this year. Two shooting incidents happened over the weekend as well, one was fatal. The D N R is still accepting chronic wasting disease samples from opening weekend, just look for testing sites online at D N R dot W I dot Gov or on your Go-Wild app.

A familiar face is taking over Wisconsin-based Kohl's on a permanent basis. The Menomonee Falls retailer announced Michael Bender as the new CEO after being unanimously selected by the Board of Directors. Bender had been holding the role on an interim basis since May 1st. He took over for Ashley Buchanon, who was fired after an investigation found conflict of interest in some of her dealings. Bender has more than three decades of experience in leadership positions, including executive positions at Walmart.

State Senate Democrats see a Republican proposal as an attack on abortion access in Wisconsin. The legislation would force women who use abortion medication to end a pregnancy or medically address a miscarriage to collect, bag up, and return any biological byproducts to their prescribing doctor. Senators LaTonya Johnson and Kelda Roys say it’s simply a way to punish the women in question. Johnson calls the bill from Republican Senator Andre Jacques “weird and evasive.” Republicans say the “Clean Water for All Life” bill would help protect Wisconsin’s waterways. The FDA recently rejected a petition from a pro-life group to restrict access to mifepristone due to a lack of evidence that the pills impact the environment. The bill from Jacques and Representatives Lindee Brill and Nate Gustafson is being circulated for co-sponsors.

Democratic candidate Ryan Strnad is dropping out of the state gubernatorial race. Strnad announced his decision today after switching parties and entering the race in August. He unsuccessfully ran for the Assembly in 2000 as a Republican. The Milwaukee Brewers beer vendor said he is supporting fellow Democrat and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. The race for governor is open with no incumbent running for the first time since 2010.

Snowy owls have made their way to Wisconsin. The birds make an annual migration trip south from Canada, and avian experts are urging caution for those who might encounter the birds. If you see a snowy owl, you're encouraged to keep your distance and take a photo but also keep your visit brief. The presence of humans disrupts rodent activity which then impacts the owls' hunting opportunities. The owls are all white with black spots. Snowy owls typically remain close to their breeding areas in the Arctic Circle, but a small number reach Wisconsin each year.

The University of Wisconsin Athletics is extending its partnership with Under Armour for another decade. The deal includes shoes, apparel, and accessories to all 23 Division-One teams and will invest in the university's NIL platform. Under Armour will also supply custom jerseys for the next Shamrock Series game against Notre Dame at Lambeau Field. Wisconsin first signed with Under Armour in 2015 following a 15-year partnership with Adidas.

The number of bankruptcy filings across Minnesota are on the rise. The latest data from UScourts.gov shows that nationally, bankruptcy filings are up by more than ten-percent. In Minnesota, the number of filings are up by 20-percent so far this year as compared to recent years. Bankruptcy attorney's say vehicle loans and wages not keeping up with the cost of living are the two biggest contributors to bankruptcies.

A survey by USA Today put cross country ski areas in the Western Upper Peninsula and northern Wisconsin as part of the nations best. ABR Trails Foundation in Ironwood and Minocqua Winter Park are in the top 10 cross country ski resorts in the country. ABR Trails came in at number four on the list and was described ad an 11-hundred acre Nordic skiing center with over 60 miles of cross-country trails. Minocqua Winter park landed in the number eight spot described as having a good variety of beginner, intermediate and advanced trails, groomed for skating and skiing. 

Local-Regional News Nov 25

 

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction has released its 2024-25 School and District Report Cards, and the Durand-Arkansaw School District is proud to announce significant performance gains across all major indicators. Both schools in the district—Caddie Woodlawn Elementary and Durand Middle/High School—earned ratings of Exceeds Expectations, contributing to an overall district score of 74.8, also within the Exceeds Expectations category. This represents a substantial increase from last year’s score of 65.5. Superintendent Ryan Nelson stated, “The gains we are seeing across every major indicator—achievement, growth, target#group outcomes, and graduation—underscore the strength of our instructional practices and the hard work of our staff. “

Some staff and pay changes in Dunn County. As part of the recently approved budget, the position of chief information officer was eliminated, and the parks and facilities director position was merged with the transit director position, saving a total of $135,000 a year.  The policy for allocating salary increases was altered to give officials more options to reward high-performing employees.  Instead of using the traditional step increases, raises will be tied more directly to performance evaluations. “This is a more sustainable approach to wage increases,” said Jenalee Nutter, Assistant County Manager and Human Resources Director. 

In the days leading up to Thanksgiving, the Eau Claire Police Department is advising residents not to challenge wild turkeys. The department shared a post on social media Monday advising that they are monitoring flock activity near the High Bridge. The department is strongly suggesting that folks avoid confronting the bird.

The Chippewa County Sheriff's Office is welcoming a new officer. K9 Vader began patrols on Monday. Vader joins the department -- replacing the recently retired K9 Max. Chippewa County Sheriff Travis Hakes is thanking the community whose donations have made their K9 program a reality.

La Crosse Police are investigating a Sunday night incident in which a person was thrown from the hood of a moving vehicle. Police say the driver was intoxicated and hit the brakes -- ejecting the other individual from the front of the car and leaving them with life-threatening injuries. Twenty-one-year-old Hayden Holinbeck faces possible charges of causing injury while operating under the influence and injury by intoxicated use of a motor vehicle.

Amy Klobuchar, Tina Smith and Ilhan Omar are fighting the federal hemp ban. Minnesota's Democrats are making the push to revoke the ban that will began in a year. The bill to end the government shutdown featured a ban on a legal loophole about the amounts of THC from hemp. Breweries and small businesses in Minnesota said the prohibition will effectively kill the industry if federal lawmakers don't act. Hemp-derived THC products are a big business in Minnesota and have helped keep many breweries stay afloat during a decline in beer sales.

Lawmakers are reintroducing a bill to allow Sandhill crane hunting in Wisconsin. It's the third time in twelve years that lawmakers are trying to advance a proposal that would establish a hunting season for the bird in the state. The bill would also include provisions that would reimburse corn growers up to 50% of the cost of treatment to keep birds away from corn fields. Those in favor of the legislation says it would help farmers who have crops, mostly corn, that have crops damaged by the bird. Those opposed say it wouldn't help farmers that much and could have damaging effects on the sandhill crane population in Wisconsin. Previous versions of the bill have not reached the governor’s desk.

A Republican Senator is pushing back on President Trump's proposed tariff dividend checks. Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson says the country "can't afford" the president's proposal to issue two-thousand-dollar tariff dividend checks for working-class Americans to help them afford higher living expenses. Johnson, who is a leading fiscal hawk in the Senate, made the claim during a recent interview with Fox Business and warned that the nation could face a two-trillion-dollar deficit this year. He also said the debt total was "completely unacceptable" while explaining that officials must "start focusing on that and doing something about it."

A former EMS Chief for the Wausau Fire Department is pleading not guilty to theft and misconduct charges. Officials say Jared Thompson allegedly stole hundreds of vials of fentanyl and hydromorphone between January and June 2025. Staff reported unusual orders, missing medication, and signs of use in the fire station. Thompson was arrested in August and is no longer employed by the department. His next court hearing is scheduled for mid-December.

Allowing the processing of absentee ballots a day before an election in Wisconsin has bipartisan support in the Legislature but wasn’t part of any elections bills passed in the Assembly last week. Republican Representative Scott Krug thinks lawmakers will get there eventually. Krug noted last week that 43 other states have an early processing system of some kind, and that the Monday processing lawmakers have been discussing would be the strictest of all of those processes. Krug is hopeful that an informational hearing would allow his colleagues to learn how that would work and how would make a difference. The Assembly passed a bill that includes provisions changing how absentee ballots are processed, eliminates use of central count locations and prohibits “pop-up” absentee ballot collection sites. Krug says another which sets hours for voting by absentee ballot stands a good chance being signed into law.

The Fond du Lac County Sheriff's Office said a man was found dead after an apparent hunting accident. Authorities said they found the man dead near a tree stand "from an apparent gunshot wound" after receiving a call Saturday night. The caller said the man had been hunting near Stumpf Road and Wild Goose Road in the Town of Oakfield earlier in the day. Authorities with the Fond du Lac County Sheriff's Office, Lifestar Ambulance and Oakfield Department responded to the call, finding the man died from what they believe was an "unintended discharge." Police said the incident was isolated, but the case is still under investigation by the sheriff's office and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

A snowstorm is expected to arrive in Minnesota just in time for Thanksgiving. A watch that was issued yesterday for the northern half of the state has been expanded to the south. It now includes Stearns, Stevens, Grant, Pope, Douglas, Todd, Benton, Kanabec, and Mille Lacs counties. The snow is expected to fall Tuesday into Wednesday. The hardest-hit parts of the state, like the northeastern counties of St. Louis, Cook, and Lake, could see up to ten-inches of the white stuff.

Consider helping a local humane society this holiday season if you're looking for a way to give back. Marathon County Humane Society Executive Director Lisa Litermann says donations are a great way to help. Those can either be monetary or items that your local shelter might need. Litermann says after that, another way to help is by donating an animal if your situation allows for it. Contact your local shelter for more info on how you can help. 

Local-Regional News Nov 24

 

Two people were injured in a single vehicle accident in Independence on Sunday. According to the Trempealeau County Sheriff’s Department, 26yr old Lazaro Lopez was traveling on 7^th street and was unable to make a turn. The vehicle left the roadway and hit a tree. Lopez and a passenger were taken to the hospital and Lopez was cited for failure to keep the vehicle under control.

A bill that would allow ATV/UTV’s to cross the Hwy 10 bridge is stuck in the state Assembly. Currently state law prohibits ATV’s and UTV’s from crossing bridges longer than 1000 feet. A bill introduced in the State Senate by Senator Stafsholt did pass and now Assembly Bill 329 is awaiting a public hearing in the Sporting Heritage Committee. At this time no hearing has been scheduled. The next time the Assembly is to meet in in January.

A La Crosse woman is being identified as the person who died after a collision in Minnesota. The accident happened Friday afternoon in Olmsted County and involved a car and a semi. Thirty-four-year-old Taylor Hermeier was a passenger in the car and died at the scene. The car's driver suffered non life-threatening injuries and the truck driver was not hurt.

A man convicted on charges following a pursuit involving Eau Claire Police is learning his sentence. Prosecutors say Nathan Stevens led officers in an April chase that resulted in damage to seven police vehicles. Stevens later pleaded no contest to two counts of vehicle operator fleeing or eluding an officer resulting in bodily harm. He has now been sentenced to five years in prison.

The search continues for a new superintendent in the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District. The district's Board of Education says they have narrowed the field of candidates down to two -- Dr. Sarah Chaja-Clardy of Fitchburg and Dr. Brad Saron of Sun Prairie. Interviews are expected to take place next week.

The United States Geological Survey office in La Crosse is closing. The Wisconsin State Journal reports that according to U.S. Department of the Interior budget documents, the primary area of research conducted in La Crosse will end, justifying closing the facility. The La Crosse facility focuses on ecosystems research. According to the Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center website, the La Crosse facility employs 86 biologists, geographers, and other scientists or specialists. It's unclear if employees at the facility will have the chance to relocate or continue their research.

A group of 27 new Wisconsin State Patrol troopers is fanning out across the state for their assignments after having graduated from classes and training on Friday. The application window for the next recruiting class will open on January 11th. Details can be found at wsp-dot-wi-dot-gov.

A bill to legalize online sports betting is delayed in the state legislature. It was pulled from the Assembly's calendar after opposition from some conservative lawmakers, who are concerned about addiction. Supporters argue legalization would bring in new revenue for the state and tribes. The Assembly Majority Leader said he'd like to bring the bill back into conversation next year.

Morgan Geyser who, as a child, stabbed her friend 19 times to appease the fictional "Slender Man" character is back in custody. The Madison Police Department said Geyser, now 22, left her group home in Wisconsin, and cut off her Department of Corrections monitoring bracelet. Police said she was last seen on Saturday. She was found Sunday night at a truck stop in Posen, Illinois, south of Chicago.

Record-breaking travel is expected for the week of Thanksgiving. According to Triple-A, about 82 million people across the country are expected to travel for the holiday with about 90-percent of people driving. Roads will be packed all week, but the highest levels of congestion will be between noon and 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday and between 11:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday and Sunday. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said, drunk driving and speeding are the top hazards for the holiday travels. The Sunday after Thanksgiving has 65-percent more crashes than the Sunday before the holiday.

Dunn County ADRC Invites Residents to Access Services During National Care at Home Month and National Family Caregiver Month. The Dunn County Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) is reminding residents that the agency offers a wide range of services to support older adults, adults with disabilities and the family members who care for them.  “Caregivers are the heart of our community,” said Tracy A. Fischer, ADRC Manager. “We’re here to provide tools and encouragement so families can thrive at home.” 

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is speaking out against false information on a CDC website linking vaccines to autism. Department officials called the update "a fundamental distortion of science and truth." Health leaders say the promotion of the misinformation is "irresponsible and dangerous." DHS affirmed its commitment to reviewing federal communications and providing accurate guidance. Officials noted that parents and the autism community deserve credible information, and DHS will correct or clarify federal messaging when needed.

Wisconsin's public affairs network says it will stop broadcasting hearings and votes at the State Capitol because it doesn't have the funding to continue. WisconsinEye will stop coverage on December 15th. It says the network cannot start up again until it receives nearly one-million dollars in donations. That's their operational budget for one year. WisconsinEye is an independent nonprofit service.

A Watertown woman who left her son along the side of a freeway pleads guilty. Flor Escalante was driving the 12-year-old boy to a Brookfield school in November of last year when the two argued about grades. Escalante pulled over on I-94, told her son to get out, and drove off. Deputies found the boy and arrested Escalante, who told them she did it because she felt her son did not appreciate everything she did for him. She entered her plea in Waukesha County court Thursday to a charge of child abandonment and was sentenced to two years’ probation.

A father and three others have been charged with child neglect after a teen girl was found weighing just 35 pounds in Oneida. Court documents alleged she was forced to stay in a locked bedroom under video surveillance. The Oneida [[ oh-NY-duh ]] Police Department said Walter Goodman, Melissa Goodman, Savanna Lefever and Kayla Stemler were arrested a few weeks ago following an "extensive" child neglect investigation. They've been charged with chronic neglect of a child with the consequence of great bodily harm and chronic neglect of a child with the consequence of emotional damage. Court records show the investigation began last August when the victim's father called police saying his daughter barely eats, had been sick for days and was throwing up.

President Trump is ending Temporary Protected Status for Somali nationals in Minnesota effective immediately. In a post to Truth Social, Trump says the state under Governor Tim Walz is a hub of fraudulent money laundering. He also says Somali gangs are threatening public safety and that billions of dollars are unaccounted for. State and federal officials have not yet issued public responses to the announcement.

The UW Board of Regents approves new minimum teaching requirements and a redesign of general education courses. The policy changes stem from the state's biennial budget negotiations over the summer, which gave the University of Wisconsin System a $256 million increase but included mandated reforms. The workload policy requires instructional faculty and staff to teach at least one course per semester starting next fall, with some exceptions. The new general education policy starts in September and will reorganize courses into six broad categories, with students taking 30 to 36 credit hours in 10 to 12 courses. UW system leaders say that ensures courses transfer between schools and could reduce the time and cost for students to earn a degree.

Local-Regional News Nov 20

 

The Durand City Council has approved a resolution that having the city join the new Durand Fire District. The new district is a result of a merger between the city and rural fire departments. The new district will go into effect on Jan 1. Other townships are expected to join the district before then.

Sentencing is scheduled today for an Eau Claire man convicted in connection with the death of a Dunn County corrections officer. Officer Jeff Reynolds was killed in a Christmas Eve 2024 vehicle collision on US 12 near Menomonie. Defendant Mark Sokolowski pleaded guilty in September to charges including homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle.

The Wabasha Police Department is working on solving an ongoing feral cat problem on the city’s west side. The department is working with several individuals and agencies and is placing live traps in the mobile home park as part of a trial run to capture a few of the cats. All captured cats will be spayed or neutered and then relocated to area farms. Residents are asked to not disturb the traps.

The Lake City Public Works department is alerting residents that received a letter from American Water Resources of Minnesota regarding an optional insurance program that Lake City utility customers already pay a montly fee on their utility bill for water service line protection. The protection doesn’t include other utility lines so residents are encourged to review the offer from the company before deciding.

A man charged in a Winona child torture investigation pleaded guilty Wednesday. Jalil Wilson, 30, of La Crosse admitted to false imprisonment with intentional restraint. As part of the plea agreement, he faces up to three years in prison. Wilson will be sentenced on Jan. 29 in Winona County Court.

The Trempealeau County Sheriff's Office is investigating a Wednesday morning crash on State Road 93. The accident happened shortly before 3 a.m. in the Town of Chimney Rock. Reports say a car went left of center and collided head-on with a semi. The car's driver suffered serious injuries while the truck driver was not injured.

A La Crosse County man accused of killing his wife is entering his plea. Investigators say that Zachary Fritz stabbed his wife to death in the couple's Shelby home on June 10th of last year. In court Wednesday, Fritz pleaded no contest by reason of mental disease or defect to a charge of first-degree intentional homicide. He is set to go to trial in February.

A Rochester man is expected to stand trial on rape and assault charges later this year. Police say Donald Priester connected with a runaway 14-year-old girl from Wisconsin in July 2024, picked her up in St. Croix, threatened her with a gun, and raped her twice. The 37-year-old defendant has also been charged with having an illegal firearm and drug possession. Priester is scheduled to return to Olmsted County Court for a pretrial hearing on January 6, and a jury trial is set for January 12.

Bringing new research on aging to UW Madison. A new research center will focus on understanding how metabolic changes associated with aging influence health and cause disease. The National Institute on Aging has recognized the UW School of Medicine and Public Health’s strength in aging research through a competitive grant awarded for the Wisconsin Nathan Shock Center of Excellence in the Basic Biology of Aging. The center will bring together more than 40 researchers from across the UW–Madison campus who work on metabolism and aging, with the goal of generating insights that may one day guide improved approaches to health care. UW and the NIH are investing $6.3 million in the center to foster cross-campus collaboration. Wisconsin joins eight other Nathan Shock Centers, which are named for the first director of the National Institute on Aging, part of the NIH.

The Wisconsin Legislature’s deep partisan divide was on display as the state Senate took to the floor on Tuesday. Democratic Minority Leader Dianne Hesselbein criticized Republican authored bills, saying nothing on the day's calendar addressed costs and affordability for working families across the state of Wisconsin. She said Democrats "are frustrated and dismayed.” Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu said Republicans addressed costs and affordability with a middle-class tax cut in the latest state budget, while Democrats introduce bills that let local governments increase their levies to raise property taxes. He said Democratic complaints seems "a little disingenuous.” Democratic Governor Tony Evers is expected to veto numerous Republican measures, including bills to prohibit undocumented persons from receiving taxpayer financed health care, to ban local governments from setting up income programs, and to allow new cigar bars to open. The Senate will not return to the Capitol until January.

The Milwaukee Public Museum will be bowing out in a big way next year. The downtown museum announced Tuesday that its final year of 2026 will be an ongoing “Greatest Hits” celebration until its closing in January of 2027. The museum's iconic exhibits, theme days and activities will be spotlighted throughout the year, and two major fundraising events will also happen. There’s a schedule of the events online at M-P-M dot E-D-U. When the Milwaukee Public Museum closes, the new Nature & Culture Museum of Wisconsin will take its place in downtown Milwaukee when it opens in early 2027.

A third-party candidate is entering the Minnesota governor's race. Mike Newcome of Lake Elmo is a buisness veteran who has received the endorsement of the Forward Independence Party. The Forward Independence Party is the descendant of the organization that endorsed former Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura in 1998. Newcome is hoping a similar wave of frustration with Republicans and Democrats among voters will carry him to victory in 2026. Newcome's father served in the Minnesota Legislature as a Republican in the '60s and '70s, while his mother worked on several campaigns over the years.

The trees decorating the State Capitol and the Governor's Mansion are coming from Oconto County. The trees were harvested Monday morning at a tree farm near Gillett. According to the Wisconsin Christmas Tree Producers Association, a 30-foot balsam fir will take center stage in the Capitol Rotunda. Governor Tony Evers says this year's theme for the holiday tree is "The Learning Tree". Students are being encouraged to make handmade ornaments honoring educators, child care providers, custodians and other school staff and submit them to decorate the tree.

The Tug-of-War event between Vikings and Packers fans is moving to Wisconsin after the permit was denied. When organizers applied for a permit to hold the event at the Stillwater Lift Bridge, Minnesota's Department of Transportation denied it. Now organizers are moving the event to the old toll bridge in downtown Hudson, Wisconsin. The annual Border Battle event started last year with proceeds going to first responders on both sides of the St. Croix river. Organizer Cory Buettner said the last year drew around 150 to 160 participants and about 600 spectators.

Local-Regional News Nov 19

The Durand City Council is meeting tonight. Items on the agenda include discussion and possible action on joining the Durand Fire District, the Madison Street bids and a new PTO Policy. There will also be reports from the mayor and department heads. Tonights meeting begins at 6pm at Durand City Hall.

The Durand-Arkansaw School Board is meeting tonight. Items on the agenda include discussion and possible action on the start college now and early college credit program approvals for Spring of 2026, reports from administration, and the board will go into closed session to discuss the joint library agreement with the City of Durand. Tonights meeting begins at 6pm in the board room at Durand-Arkansaw High School.

The Buffalo County Sheriff’s Department is warning of a phone scam. According to a post on the department's social media page, Waumandee State Bank has received reports of a man named Collin calling residents asking for access to their online banking information. This is a scam and the department reminds residents to not share any account information or personal information over the phone.

Travelers flying out of La Crosse Regional Airport now have another carrier to consider. Allegiant Airlines is launching nonstop flights in and out of La Crosse to two destinations next year -- Mesa, Arizona and Sanford, Florida. Flights to Mesa will begin February 6th and flights to Sanford will start May 21st.

Western Wisconsin residents and folks across the state could see an increase in influenza in the coming weeks. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services reports that only about 23 percent of the Badger State population has received a flu shot for the season. Health officials say that statistic -- combined with an increase in travel during the holidays -- could add up to a rise in flu levels across the state.

The City of Eau Claire is seeking applicants interested in serving on its Landmarks Commission. The commission designates landmarks, landmark sites and historic districts inside of city limits. The commission positions are volunteer roles. More details are available at eauclairewi-dot-gov.


The Rusk County Aging & Disability Resource Center reports they have recently received a donation of nearly 300 life-saving fire suppression tools. The gift comes from the Ladysmith Freemasons Lodge in partnership with the Wisconsin Masonic Foundation. Rusk County Health and Human Services says those tools will be distributed to community members in the days to come.

A sports betting bill is on the fast track at the Capitol in Madison, with the Assembly set to take it up on Wednesday. It would require online operators give at least 60% of revenues to tribal partners under a “hub-and-spoke” model, with bets placed off-site routed through servers located at tribal casinos. Governor Tony Evers said that’s necessary if he’s to sign the bill. Evers also told WISN’s “UpFront” that he’s not concerned about opposition to the bill by major operators including DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Fanatics. State Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu said his Republican caucus is still discussing whether they can support the legislation.

If you're heading out into the woods this weekend, be sure to wear something visible. Wisconsin DNR warden Jeff Mulroney says blaze orange and hunter pink outdoors wear is inexpensive and widely available. While non-hunters are recommended to wear that clothing, all hunters are required to wear high visibility gear on at least 50 percent of their body and on their head. The nine-day gun deer season opens on Saturday. More info is online at D N R dot WI dot Gov.

A bill to stop SNAP recipients from buying soft drinks, candy, and energy drinks is up for a vote. The Republican-backed measure will be discussed tomorrow in the Wisconsin Assembly. It would need the state's Department of Health Services to apply for a waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture if approved. Officials estimate the department would spend around six-million-dollars to create a database of the restricted products.

Legislation introduced at the Capitol would require Wisconsin school districts to serve real butter in school meal programs. State Senator Howard Marklein (MARK’ line) is Senate author of the bill and says the bill was drafted after meeting with farmers at a local Farm Bureau chapter meeting. A student brought home the margarine packets from school lunch. The state already requires real butter in other government-supported meal programs, including at state prisons. Marklein says requiring real butter only makes sense, especially in rural areas where dairy farmers are a big supporter of school districts.

More than 282-million-dollars is being allocated to 74 municipalities to improve water infrastructure. Governor Evers and the state's Department of Natural Resources say the funds come from the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program. Key projects include arsenic-contaminated sediment cleanup and grants for counties to implement land and water resource management programs. Officials say the funding continues the state's long-term efforts to provide residents with safe drinking water.

Financially-strapped UCare plans to shut down next year. The Minneapolis-based nonprofit insurer announced yesterday that close to 300 thousand people receiving Medicaid and Affordable Care Act benefits will be shifted to Medica. UCare has already announced the end of its Medicare Advantage plans for next year. There is no word yet on what will happen to the more than 14 hundred who work at UCare, even though Medica said it will need more employees to handle the expected enrollment numbers.

Minnesota organizations are saying cuts to federal housing grants will cause a spike in homelessness. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced plans to limit the amount of money eligible for permanent supportive housing. CEO of Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative has called these funds the backbone of the nation's response to ending homelessness. Alliance House in Minneapolis said without these subsidies, rent will become unaffordable, and more people will be back to living on the street. According to a federal report, more than nine-thousand Minnesotans experienced homelessness during a single night in 2024.

Before you get into the holiday spirit, there's something you should know about decorating your car. Driving with Christmas lights is illegal on Wisconsin roads. State law restricts car lighting to white or amber in the front and red in the rear. If you don't comply, you could face a fine of up to 200 dollars. You are allowed to have decorations on your car as long as they are secured down and don't block your view.