Local-Regional News July 29

 

The City of Durand continues to work on a new comprehensive plan for the city. Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren says the city had some public meetings on the plan and hopes to have another meeting in fall.  The plan is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

During a City Council meeting earlier this month, Mondovi residents expressed concerns over the Flock Cameras that have been installed at the entrances to the city. The cameras were installed after an agreement between the city and the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Department was approved over two years ago. Mondovi Mayor Brady Weiss says the council meetings are all recorded and any member of the public can listen to those meetings to hear how the council approved the cameras.  Eau Claire and Eau Claire County are also using the Flock Cameras.

A Menomonie man is being identified as the person who died after a Monday night vehicle crash on I-94 near Eau Claire. Forty-one-year-old Tyler Hartung was driving eastbound on the interstate when his vehicle went off the road near mile-marker 59 and rolled multiple times. Hartung later died at a local hospital. The accident remains under investigation.

Officials credit increased public trust in the Dunn County's Law Enforcement Deflection and Diversion (LEDD) program, a joint effort with the city of Menomonie intended to keep people out of the criminal justice system, for the program's growth in 2025.  According to data presented to the Dunn County Criminal Justice Collaborating Council, interactions between Behavioural Health Officers and case workers with community members increased from 153 in 2024 to 585 in 2025, a 282 percent increase. The 2025 total was more than 10 times higher than the 58 interactions recorded in 2023. Law enforcement referrals increased from 73 in 2024 to 93 in 2025, a 27 percent increase. Referrals to treatment rose from 42 to 61, representing a 45 percent increase.

An Eau Claire man charged with having a gun on school grounds has recently entered pleas in court. A criminal complaint shows Andrew Sichuga went to Putnam Heights Elementary School in April 2025 and would not leave for five minutes after ringing the doorbell. Law enforcement said Sichuga applied for a job and was upset he wasn't hired. He was arrested on multiple charges, including possession of a firearm on school grounds, resisting an officer and disorderly conduct. He has since pleaded not guilty on all counts and remains in custody on a ten-thousand dollar cash bond.

Bond is being set for a former Eau Claire special education teacher charged in a child sex abuse case. Nadia Horn was an educator at North High School and was arrested earlier this year on accusations that she sexually assaulted a child. She had been free on bond, but was taken back into custody with the recent filing of charges related to the discovery of another victim. A 100-thousand-dollar signature bond was set on Tuesday.

A bakery in Plainview is closed following a recent fire. Cakes Etcetera posted on social media that they will be shut down until further notice. The business suffered smoke, water, and fire damage during the recent blaze near the freezers. The fire was contained to the back room, and it did not spread to the main shop. Cakes Etcetera owners say they are working through the insurance process for cleanup and repairs.

Authorities are continuing to investigate after a man was found dead Sunday night near the Jackson County Sheriff's Office. Fifty-two-year-old Bernard Rombalski Jr was found deceased inside a vehicle. Rombalski was a resident of the Village of Merrillan. There has been no word on his cause of death.

The strength of the tornado that hit the Fox Valley Monday is upgraded. The National Weather Service says it was an EF 3 tornado that hit Menasha with winds as high as 140 miles per hour. The tornado initially touched down in Appleton around noon, producing EF 2 category winds. But it gained strength before entering Menasha. From there it headed south, dissipating over Lake Winnebago. Videos show blocks and blocks of destroyed homes and businesses. A viral pic shows a pier with a tree line in the distance before the tornado. The after photo shows the line of trees wiped away exposing damaged homes.

Governor Tony Evers has declared a state of emergency following a tornado that touched down in the Fox River Valley. The governor says the declaration for eastern Wisconsin will ensure state agencies work efficiently with local agencies and utilities to handle the damage. Evers is also thanking "neighbors, emergency and first responders, local partners, and volunteers who are already working to help restore essential services, clean up neighborhoods and assess the damages." WEM is already working with counties to assess the storm's damage and determine the resources needed for recovery.

Wisconsin voters are being urged to check their ID before next month's primary election. The Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles is encouraging residents to check now that they have a valid photo ID for the August 11th primary election. Officials say a Wisconsin driver's license or state ID are the most common forms of identification used at polling places. The DMV notes a federally compliant REAL ID is not required to vote, and some military and student IDs may also qualify. Voters who need an ID can get one free of charge for voting purposes through the DMV. More information is available at the Wisconsin Elections Commission and Wisconsin DMV websites.

Wisconsin consumer protection officials are warning families to watch for back-to-school shopping scams online. The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection says scammers often use social media ads, emails and text messages to lure shoppers with steep discounts that never materialize. Officials advise consumers to verify website addresses before entering personal or payment information and to be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true. They also recommend using credit cards for online purchases because they offer added fraud protections if products never arrive or aren't as advertised.

EAA AirVenture 2026 logs another record setting turnout. While the final attendance numbers have yet to be released, EAA CEO and Chairman Jack Pelton says initial signs point to another record year. Already looking to Air Venture 2027, Pelton says plans call for celebrating Kids Venture's new home on the Air Venture grounds, catering to young aspiring aviators and the 100th anniversary of Charles Lindberg's solo transatlantic flight from New York to Paris.

A report finds DOGE delayed an Echo Trail fire-prevention plan near Ely. The Washington Post found DOGE held up ten-million dollars that were intended for the U.S. Forest Service last year. The project would have removed dead trees along the Echo Trail to reduce wildfire fuel and strengthen the road as a firebreak. Some of the same acreage later burned in the Sioux Fire, which prompted evacuation orders north of Ely. This comes as some of those woods off the Echo Trail near Ely are burning.

Pierce-Pepin Electric has announced the co-op will be doing  maintenance at the Ella Substation which will result in a planned power outage this week. The power outage is scheduled to begin at 11pm on Wednesday until approximately 5am on Thursday. This project is expected to affect approximately 800 Pierce-Pepin customer accounts in the Pepin, Ella, Porcupine, Arkansaw, and Durand areas. It may also affect properties in Buffalo County. Residents in the affected areas are encouraged to plan ahead for the outage.

Local-Regional News July 28

 

Pierce-Pepin Electric has announced the co-op will be doing  maintenance at the Ella Substation which will result in a planned power outage this week. The power outage is scheduled to begin at 11pm on Wednesday until approximately 5am on Thursday. This project is expected to affect approximately 800 Pierce-Pepin customer accounts in the Pepin, Ella, Porcupine, Arkansaw, and Durand areas. It may also affect properties in Buffalo County. Residents in the affected areas are encouraged to plan ahead for the outage.

The Mondovi City Council is meeting tonight. Items on the agenda include discussion and possible action on a request to close West Hudson Street from South Franklin to South Eau Claire Street for Oktoberfest, a fee waiver for food trucks attending Oktoberfest and reports from the mayor and department heads. Tonights meeting begins at 5:30 at the Marten Center in Mondovi.

The Durand City Council will be adjusting the lease for the library. Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren says the rental rates are being adjusted due to reduced space being used by the library.  The council is expected to approve that new lease next month.

The Durand Public Library will be closing early today through Thursday due to the warm weather. The Library will be closing at 3pm to help ensure comfort and safety for patrons and staff. Earlier this year the HVAC system failed in the library and is still waiting to be replaced. The library is expected to resume regular hours on Friday as the weather cools.

One person is dead after a one vehicle roll over accident in Eau Claire County. According to the Wisconsin State Patrol, a vehicle traveling eastbound on I-94 near mile marker 59 lost control, left the roadway and went into the right ditch and rolled several times, ending up on its roof. The driver was removed from the vehicle and taken to the hospital where they died from their injuries. The name of the victim has not been released and the cause of that accident is still under investigation.

Prison for a Chippewa County man convicted of sexually assaulting a child. Forty-one-year-old Timothy Klich of Bloomer pleaded guilty in Dunn County Monday to a single count of second-degree child sexual assault. He was then given a five-year prison term.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is advising Eau Claire County dog owners to be mindful of wolves. The department says wolves killed a dog Saturday in the Town of Wilson. Wisconsin DNR says wolves also killed a hunting dog in Bayfield County on Sunday.

Gas prices continue to rise in Western Wisconsin. According to Triple-A, the average price of regular fuel in Western Wisconsin this week is now three-91 per gallon -- up seven-cents-per-gallon from just one week ago. In La Crosse, the average cost of a gallon of regular fuel is three-88 per gallon -- up just one cent from the price last week. The average cost of regular fuel in the State of Wisconsin is now three-87 per gallon.

La Crosse County jurors heard opening statements Monday in the homicide trial of Cody Alland. Alland is charged in the 2025 fatal shooting of 42-year-old Justin Betz outside of Newie's Vogue Bar on George Street. Prosecutors also began their presentation of witnesses yesterday. The trial is expected to last through the week.

Severe weather moved through the Fox Valley over the noon hour Monday, leaving behind significant damage. A severe thunderstorm, which was then upgraded to a tornado-warned storm by the National Weather Service impacted areas of Appleton, Menasha and Neenah. As of Monday afternoon officials in all three communities are asking residents to avoid traveling in the affected areas unless absolutely necessary. In the City of Appleton all departments have been fully mobilized in response to the storm. Crews are prioritizing emergency calls and working to restore access to roads wherever possible. Images and video posted to social media showed damage to residences and businesses. There were widespread power outages as a result of downed trees and power lines, Appleton Mayor Mayor Jake Woodford said there were also reports of injuries.

One person was injured in a single vehicle accident just west of Durand on Sunday. According to the Pepin County Sheriff’s Department, 64yr old Mary Brown of Rochester was traveling westbound on Hwy 10 when she lost control of her vehicle in the construction zone at the intersection of Hwy 10-25. Her vehicle tipped onto its side and caught fire. Brown was taken to a local hospital, and preliminary investigation indicates alcohol was a factor in the accident. She has been charged with OWI.

You can watch one-on-one interviews with Wisconsin candidates for governor. WisPolitics of State Affairs has partnered with WisconsinEye on video interviews with candidates. WisPolitics Editor JR Ross sat down with all five Democrats: Joel Brennan, Francesca Hong, Kelda Roys, David Crowley and Mandela Barnes as well as Republican Andy Manske. 7th District Republican Congressman Tom Tiffany declined to participate in the half-hour interviews conducted July 8 to July 22. Candidates answered questions on issues including school funding and achievement gaps, surplus spending, immigration detainers, Act 10, data centers and more. You can watch at the WisPolitics and WisconsinEye websites and on YouTube.

The financial collapse of a Fox Valley community assistance agency is now under federal investigation. That's according to Green Bay Republican Congressman Tony Weid, who says the US Department of Housing and Urban Development is now looking into the bankruptcy of Newcap. The agency shut its doors in March after it was revealed that directors were spending grant money on trips, increased salaries for the board and other unintended purposes. Weid says it's vital that taxpayer funding is spent the way it's been granted and not to enrich executives.

A Madison suburb may already be scrapping a contract with Flock Safety. The Wisconsin State Journal reports the city of Stoughton may be cancelling its contract with the automated license plate reader company just a few months into a two year contract. City officials say they have been flooded with complaints about the cameras since they were installed. The city council will vote on the possible termination Tuesday night.

Republican Senator Ron Johnson says passing a third reconciliation bill through the Senate is "a very small needle to thread." Johnson told Fox News that getting the measure to pass "will not be easy to do" and he took aim at Democrats, accusing them of wanting chaos. His comments come as Senate Majority Leader John Thune faces increased pressure to pass a third reconciliation bill ahead of the upper chamber's August recess. The House passed its own version of a 95-billion-dollar framework for a third budget reconciliation package last week.

The Rochester Salvation Army is welcoming new leaders. Majors Randy and Kathy Hellstrom and Envoy Jennifer Dieterle are now serving as local corps officers. The Hellstroms previously served in Flint, Mich9iganas commanding officers for eight years. Meanwhile, Dieterle also served as a Salvation Army office for about 15 years before working for the Salvation Army in Rochester and then for Mayo Clinic. The local agency serves close to ten thousand people each year.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is seeking recycling standouts. The DNR is accepting nominations for its 2026 Recycling Excellence Awards. The awards recognize communities, tribes, nonprofits, schools and businesses that are making an impact through recycling, waste reduction, and food waste diversion efforts. Categories include overall programs, innovative projects and special events. Nominations, including self-nominations, are accepted through September 14th. Winners will be highlighted on the DNR's website and social media platforms.

Local-Regional News July 27

 

Heat Advisories and Extreme Heat Warnings are now in effect across much of the state as dangerous heat and humidity settles in. Forecasters say temperatures will reach the low-to-mid 90s, with heat index values topping 100 degrees in many areas and nearing 110 degrees in western Wisconsin. Strong-to-severe thunderstorms are possible, with damaging winds, large hail, and an isolated tornado. Forecasters say the exact timing of the storms remains uncertain and urge residents to stay weather aware.

The City of Durand has a new flyer out to raise money for bandshell improvements. The flyer was approved by the city council last week. Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren says the city hopes to have the bandshell improvements done by Fun-Fest next year.  All donations are being matched by an anonymous donation. For more information contact city hall.

The Durand Police Department will be having a new event for the kids for National Night Out. Durand Police Chief Stan Ridgeway says the winner will receive a special gift on National Night Out.  Find Sam will be this weekend and clues will be on the Durand Police Department Facebook Page. National Night Out is August 4.

Bond is being set for a man charged in connection with the stabbing of a woman in La Crosse. The incident happened outside of a home on 16th Street South back in May. Investigators say that Ivan Canchola-Garcia stabbed the mother of his young daughter and that the victim was holding the child at the time of the attack. Canchola-Garcia appeared in court Friday where his bond was set at a million dollars on a charge of attempted first-degree intentional homicide.

Charges are being filed against a La Crosse man who crashed into the Zumbro River while reportedly trying to flee police. The 31-year-old man was behind the wheel of a pick-up truck Friday night when police say he hit multiple vehicles on Highway 52 and continued on without stopping. He faces charges including hit and run, fleeing from law enforcement and suspicion of DUI.

Governor Tony Evers' administration says Wisconsin ranked in the top five nationally for helping veterans find jobs for a third straight year. Wisconsin placed fourth as measured by a federal employment-services benchmark. The ranking is based on the Uniform National Threshold Entered Employment Rate for veterans and eligible people. The update comes ahead of National Hire a Veteran Day on Saturday. The state is home to about 300-thousand veterans.

Wisconsin leaders say slow mail delivery could stamp out some votes. Governor Tony Evers and U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin are urging the U.S. Postal Service to fix mail delivery issues before Wisconsin's upcoming elections. In a letter to postal officials, they pointed to absentee ballots that arrived too late to be counted in the spring election. The pair also wants the Postal Service to drop a proposed rule they say could further delay mail-in voting. State election officials report many clerks experienced mail problems in April, with some ballots taking more than a week to arrive. Wisconsin's primary is August 11th, with the general election set for November 3rd.

A new online tool can simplify getting a restraining order in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Court System has launched a pilot program for a new mobile-friendly portal that guides users through filing domestic abuse temporary restraining order petitions. The plain-language system helps people complete forms and submit them electronically in one process. Chief Justice Jill Karofsky says the goal is to make court process more accessible and supportive for survivors seeking protection. The pilot is underway in eight counties, with a statewide rollout planned by the end of August.

Wisconsin is joining 25 other states suing the Trump administration over new conditions tied to federal disaster and counterterrorism funding. The lawsuit challenges new funding requirements from FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security. The changes would force states to help enforce federal immigration law and change election procedures to receive federal funding. Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul argues the conditions violate federal law and the Constitution. The state previously joined similar lawsuits that successfully blocked comparable funding conditions in federal court. Wisconsin receives about seven-million-dollars each year through the Homeland Security Grant Program.

Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo was arrested overnight in Milwaukee. The sheriff's office said Romo was pulled over around 8 p.m. Thursday and performed poorly on a field sobriety test. He was arrested on suspicion of operating while under the influence. In Wisconsin, a first-offense OWI is generally a civil offense and not a criminal charge. Romo is not required to appear in court for the citation.

The Trump administration sues Milwaukee over the city’s ordinance prohibiting law enforcement wearing masks on duty. The U.S. Department of Justice argues the ordinance is unconstitutional when applied to federal agents, pointing to the administration’s recent wins in similar legal challenges it launched against California, Virginia and Philadelphia. This spring, Milwaukee joined a growing number of localities that have passed restrictions on how law enforcement, including federal agents, can operate, part of pushback by local Democrats against President Trump’s immigration crackdown. The suit filed Thursday in U.S. District Court calls the Milwaukee ban “blatant unconstitutional regulation of the Federal Government.”

Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul is addressing the ongoing investigation into this week's deadly shooting by a Madison police officer. Kaul urged residents Friday to trust in the independent review as investigators gather evidence after 38-year-old Corey Ruiz was killed Wednesday during a struggle with MPD officers. Police say Ruiz pulled a knife and injured an officer, prompting the officer to open fire after an attempt to tase Ruiz failed. The incident has led to protests. Ruiz's family is demanding accountability and calling for Madison police to adopt body cameras. They're being represented by civil rights attorney Ben Crump. The Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation says it's reviewing all available evidence before forwarding the case to the Dane County District Attorney for a charging decision.

Minnesota voters are not expecting a huge turnout in next month's primary election. A KSTP/SurveyUSA poll shows that more people are likely to vote in the November election than the primary. The survey also shows that campaign issues may be shifting slightly. Over 34 percent of the respondents still say inflation is the most critical issue, but that's down from 40 percent last month. Meanwhile, 16 percent listed fraud as their most important issue. That topic was not on last month's survey.

Local-Regional News July 24

 

Existing homes median price rose in Western Wisconsin in June. According to the Wisconsin Realtors Association, Pepin County had 7 homes sold in June, Buffalo County 19, Pierce County 33 and Dunn County had 50 homes sold. The Median Price of a home in Western Wisconsin rose 4.6% compared to June of 2025 to $340,000, compared to a 5.9% statewide increase.

Record number of kids are participating in this years Durand Youth Fishing Contest. Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren says that the event started 30 yrs ago organized by just two people.  The contest is now drawing kids from around Wisconsin and Minnesota and will wrap on on Sunday with an awards picnic at Memorial Park.

An Arcadia man - already out on bond in a 2021 child porn case - is facing new, but similar charges. Thirty-year-old Simon Rose was charged yesterday in Eau Claire County with 14 charges stemming from a child sex abuse material investigation. Authorities acting on a tip began investigating Rose earlier this year and say they found 13 videos and an image of child sexual abuse material on his Snapchat account. Rose had been banned under terms of his release from using the internet for anything but work-related purposes.

The City of Wabasha and the Wabasha Public Library have announced Liesl Knox as the new Library Director. Knox has worked as a librarian with the Wabasha Public Library for six years. Prior to that, she served on the Library Board. She possesses a Master’s of Arts in Human Resource Development from University of St. Thomas and a Bachelor’s degree in communications.

Sexual assault charges are being filed in La Crosse against a candidate for Wisconsin State Assembly. Independent Paul Weber is running in the 95th State Assembly District and is facing allegations that he sexually assaulted one woman back in May and two more in recent weeks. Weber is in custody on two counts of fourth degree sexual assault and a count of second degree sexual assault with an unconscious victim.

A group of Wisconsin voters -- with support by the Wisconsin Democratic Party -- is suing the state elections commission to let them vote again if their preferred candidate drops out of a race. The lawsuit was filed yesterday in Dane County Circuit Court. It asks a judge to force the state elections commission to rescind guidance that says Wisconsin voters cannot request a new ballot if their preferred candidate withdraws from a race. Elections Commission Chair Don Millis has said the panel has no plans to change its guidance it approved earlier this month.

A Rochester woman has been found guilty of disorderly conduct for spouting a racial slur at an autistic child. On Thursday, a jury convicted Shiloh Hendrix on one of two misdemeanor charges after deliberating for more than nine hours. The case stems from an April 2025 confrontation in which Hendrix used a racial slur against an eight-year-old Black autistic child. A judge fined her one-thousand dollars and ordered her to complete 200 hours of community service. Hendrix also received a stayed 90-day jail sentence.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services warns of an increase in invasive ticks that cause serious illnesses. D H S reports an increase in Lone Star ticks this year. The agency has a service where residents can send in ticks to get them identified and so far this year 33 Lone Star ticks have been submitted. There were only six in all of 2025. Lone Star ticks can carry a parasite that causes an allergy to red meat called alpha-gal syndrome. The Department of Natural Resources says Wisconsin winters are still too cold to allow Lone Star ticks to reproduce successfully here.

The US House on Wednesday passed legislation that puts constraints on members of Congress buying stocks. Some Democrats complained it doesn’t include the executive branch. Wisconsin 1st District Congressman Bryan Steil authored the Stop Insider Trading Act and told CNBC that’s a “Goldilocks argument,” and that it's important to tell the American people that members of Congress cannot be day trading stocks and remove even the appearance of impropriety. Thirteen Democrats joined all Republicans in voting for the bill. It would allow members of Congress, spouses and dependent children to hold onto stocks they already own but prevent them from buying new ones. It also requires a public notice be filed with the clerk of the House at least seven days before they sell an existing stock. It’s considered unlikely to pass the US Senate.

The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association is preparing for a leadership change. Communications Director Todd Clark is retiring after 26 years with the WIAA. Clark says one of the biggest challenges of his career was guiding the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic, including the loss of an entire sports season. Clark says the most rewarding part of the job was watching student-athletes learn life lessons through both success and failure and grow into productive adults. Clark officially retires in January. The WIAA has begun a search for his successor.

A Democratic candidate for governor admits having posted to a Twitter account that posted racist and homophobic messages. NBC News reported Wednesday that the account, made in 2010 to promote a social club, had posts that directly referenced Milwaukee County executive David Crowley. Crowley admitted to having posted to the account, but said multiple people had access to the account over the years and he did not make any of the bigoted posts. Quote: "I strongly condemn the language used in these posts from a decade and a half ago." Crowley re-entered the race for Governor last week and was endorsed by Governor Tony Evers.

Republican candidate for governor Mike Lindell is blaming Minnesota officials after registering to vote in the state on Monday. The Republican candidate for governor says he expected the driver's license process to register him automatically. State officials say automatic registration requires proof of citizenship or existing citizenship records. The Secretary of State's office says its voter-registration records were accurate. Records show Lindell registered on Monday after the Minnesota Star Tribune reported he was not registered.

Bipartisan lawmakers are introducing a bill aimed at providing clear regulatory framework for hemp and hemp-derived THC products. The Lawful Hemp Protection Act was introduced today by Minnesota Congresswoman Angie Craig and Kentucky Congressman Andy Barr. It would establish the first comprehensive federal regulatory framework for hemp products, and according to reports from The Hill, Barr's office said the legislation has the White House's approval. The framework will separate industrial hemp from consumable hemp products, and require finished products to undergo testing to ensure that the products comply with synthetic cannabinoid restrictions.

A popular resort was destroyed by a fire in Marquette County this week. The fire on Tuesday afternoon destroyed River's Bend Resort on the Fox River in Montello. Firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke and flames pouring from the building, which had passed its inspection just hours earlier in the day. Fire spread through the ceiling and roof area, causing a partial collapse of the structure. No one was inside the building at the time of the fire, and no injuries were reported. Firefighters are still investigating the cause.

Local-Regional News July 23

 

The Durand Police Department and Durand-Arkansaw School District have hired a new school resource officer. Durand Police Chief Stan Ridgeway announced that Kenny Schuh was hired as the new SRO at last night's council meeting. Ridgeway says that Schuh was a student teacher at Durand High School.  Schuh’s first day with the department is August 3, and he will be in attendance at National Night Out on August 4^th.

The Buffalo County Highway Department will be working on multiple projects next week. Crews will be paving Hwy I from Hwy D to Center Creek Road next Tuesday, and then paving Hwy AA from Hwy K to Swan Lane on Wednesday of next week. The paving is all dependent on the weather. The road work could cause travel delays and motorists should plan accordingly.

The Wisconsin Conservation Congress will be holding a listening session on environmental issues next Wednesday in Menomonie. The public will be able to share their thoughts on topics including clean water, energy and data centers, and other issues. The listening session will be on July 29 from 6-8pm at the Menomonie Market Food Co-Op.

Firefighters responded Wednesday morning to a blaze at the Menomonie Family Restaurant. The fire was contained to the restaurant's cooking hood ventilation system and no one was hurt. Menomonie Fire Chief Denny Klass later released a statement saying that the fire was 100 percent preventable, that the restaurant has been in violation of building and fire codes for the past several years and that the restaurant failed to follow repeated requests to become compliant.

Prison is being ordered for an Eleva man convicted in his tenth OWI case. Fifty-seven-year-old Shawn Sosinsky was hit with the charge earlier this year in Pierce County. He has now been sentenced to five years in prison, fined $4,861 and had his license revoked for three years.

A Red Wing man now has a jury trial date scheduled in the murder of a 40-year-old woman inside a home. 41Yr old Daryl Nixon is charged with 2^nd degree murder in the death of Andrea Broyld in November of 2024 after police found the body of Broyld in a Putnam Avenue home with multiple gunshot wounds after a standoff with Nixon. Nixon’s trial is set for September 28.

Chippewa County prosecutors say that Sheriff Travis Hakes does not meet the basic credibility standards necessary to continue in his office. District Attorney Wade Newell released a letter saying as much yesterday, signed by himself and all assistant D.A.s in his office. Sheriff Hakes was placed on Chippewa County's Brady list in 2023. That is a list of law enforcement officers whose history of integrity and other credibility concerns must be divulged to defense attorneys, according to standards set by the U.S. Supreme Court. Hakes -- who is running for re-election -- is calling the release of Newell's letter a last-minute political hit.

New income guidelines for free and reduced-price school meals in Wisconsin. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has updated income eligibility limits for free and reduced-price meals served through schools and day care programs. Under the new guidelines, a family of four earning $42,900 a year or less qualifies for free school meals. Families earning up to $61,500 may qualify for reduced-price meals. The changes took effect July 1st and run through June of next year. Applications are available through participating schools and childcare providers, and families can apply at any time during the year.

Prairie Farms announced it will be shutting down its creamery and cheese production facility in Shullsburg. The company sent letters to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Monday and said they're ending operations, leading to layoffs for all employees. The layoffs are permanent and impact both the White Hill Cheese location and Shullsburg Creamery. Some workers will remain on staff while they wind down operations. The date of when the remaining layoffs will take place is unknown.

Wisconsin is easing requirements for nursing instructors. To help address a growing nurse shortage in the state, Governor Tony Evers has approved an emergency rule allowing some registered nurses with bachelor's degrees to teach clinical nursing courses. Previously, instructors needed a master's degree in nursing. State officials say the change will expand the pool of qualified faculty and help train more nurses. Wisconsin hospitals reported nursing vacancy rates of up to 10% in 2023, and the state is projected to need nearly 14,000 additional nurses by 2045.

A fatal fall at Devil's Lake State Park. It happened early Tuesday afternoon along the Devil's Doorway Trail. Witnesses told emergency responders that the man fell about 75 feet before rolling down a hill an additional 75 feet and stopping near a rock field south of Devil’s Doorway. Authorities believe he ventured off the trail, which likely lead to his fall. The recovery took crews about three hours because of the trees, foliage and height of the cliff at the scene.

More people will be able to ride Amtrak’s Hiawatha line this fall. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports Amtrak will be re-adding passenger cars to the service starting this fall. The train lost multiple cars in 2025 when older cars had to be pulled for structural failures. The service is currently running at a capacity of 260 passengers, but will return around 390 passengers once the new cars are put into rotation.

A new Marquette Law School Poll offers insights into what voters think of Democrats running for governor. Poll Director Charles Franklin offered a caveat to results – the poll finished interviews with 430 Democratic primary voters last Wednesday, before Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez dropped out and before Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley re-entered the race. The results, Madison state Representative Francesca Hong polled at 26%, former Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes at 15%, Rodriguez at 11%, former Department of Administration Secretary Joel Brennan at 2% and Madison state Senator Kelda Roys at 1%. The poll had a 6.1% margin of error with 45% of those Democrats polled still undecided.

Federal officials are withholding nearly 200-million dollars in Medicaid funding from Minnesota. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Junior says the pause follows a review of claims in 14 high-risk programs. He says Minnesota must provide documents showing the services were legitimate before the money is released. State DHS officials say the federal government has not explained how it calculated the amount. Governor Tim Walz says the action will hurt vulnerable Minnesotans who depend on Medicaid services.

Republican frontrunners in the Minnesota primary election are pulling away while DFL races are getting tighter. A new KSTP/SurveyUSA poll shows Mike Lindell and Michele Tafoya are increasing their leads in their GOP primary races for Minnesota governor and U.S. Senate. Meanwhile, in the DFL Senate primary race between Angie Craig and Peggy Flanagan is too close to call. Meanwhile, in the race for Minnesota Attorney General incumbent Keith Ellison still leads GOP-endorsed Ron Schutz, but his lead is shrinking.

Local-Regional News July 22

 

Charges are being filed against a Minnesota man accused of killing his girlfriend's service dog. According to the report, on July 10th, 21-year-old Quintin Ehlo called the woman to Aghaming Park in Buffalo County saying that the dog -- a German shepherd named Tru -- had died of heat stroke. It was later discovered that the dog had died of blunt-force trauma. Charges against Ehlo include mistreatment of animals causing death.

The Durand City Council is meeting tonight. Items on the agenda include approval of the picnic license and open container application for Blues on the Chippewa, reports from the Mayor and Department head and the council will go into closed session to conduct the annual review of the city administrator. Tonights meeting begins at 6pm at Durand City Hall.

The Durand-Arkansaw School District has received a $40,000 pledge to support the new Panther Cub Academy Learning Center from Security Financial Bank. The money will be given out over the next three years to support the learning center. The center is expected to provide early learning opportunities for children and help address the growing shortage of childcare and early learning options in the area.

Family members of students involved in Dunn-St. Croix Conference Sports will now have a new platform for athletic activities. The conference has announced that it will be using the website Bound as the platform. Family members will be able to create a family account on the website. Those that have questions are encouraged to contact their schools activities and athletic directors.

The Dunn County Fair gets underway today. The fair gates open after 3pm today. The fair has a new midway with Badgerland Midways this year. Entertainment on the free stage includes Khris Kroeze on Thursday. There will be races at the Red Cedar Speedway Friday night and the demolition derby is Saturday night. The fair runs through Sunday at the Fairgrounds in Menomonie.

Officials are sharing the name of a man who died last weekend in the Chippewa River. Eau Claire Police responded at around 2:30 a.m. Saturday to reports of a fight on a Galloway Street sidewalk. A man who had fled the scene was later found standing in the river, but -- rather than comply with officers calls for him to come back to shore -- the man -- now identified as 29-year-old Joshua Watson -- went further out into the water. Watson began to struggle in the river and his body was later recovered.

A man charged in connection with a deadly 2024 UTV crash in Monroe County is pleading no contest. Twenty-three-year-old Danielle Fields was a passenger on a UTV that crashed on St. Patrick's Day of that year in the Township of Wells. She died at the scene. The UTV's operator -- Keegan Savor -- has now pleaded no contest to charges of reckless homicide and OWI and been sentenced to 12 months in jail.

Wisconsin's Democratic Party is asking the state elections commission to let primary voters change their ballots if a candidate drops out of the race. Earlier this month, the elections commission approved new guidance that said absentee voters who already mailed in their ballots would not be able to change it. The guidance came days after Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez withdrew from the contest and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley re-entered the race. But Elections Commission Chair Don Millis says the panel has no plans to change its guidance.

The UW System expects to send a record number of Direct Admit offers to Wisconsin high school seniors this fall. The Universities of Wisconsin plans to offer automatic admission to about 40,000 students entering their senior year this August. That's nearly 6,500 more than last year through the Direct Admit Wisconsin program. The initiative, launched in 2024, allows eligible students to be admitted to up to 10 UW campuses without completing a traditional application. Participation has also grown, with 510 high schools taking part this year, up from 467 last year.

Las Vegas-based Allegiant Airlines plans to cut hundreds of Sun Country flights at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. The move is expected at MSP in September. Airline executives say the cuts are taking place due to a pilot staffing shortage.

A plane on its way to E A A AirVenture crashes. The single engine plane on its way to Oshkosh from Colorado crashed in a marsh in Montello Sunday afternoon. The pilot reported mechanical problems and managed to land safely with no injuries. The crash is under investigation.

It's official: Tony Evers is endorsing in the race to succeed him. Governor Evers on Saturday announced he’s backing Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley in the August Democratic primary. This comes after current Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez dropped out of the race amid campaign finance irregularities. Crowley re-entered the race over the weekend and accepted the endorsement at an event in De Pere.

A trifecta of bad behavior behind the wheel. Oregon police pulled the 25-year-old Fitchburg man over just before 8:30 Sunday morning after clocking him at 127 miles per hour in a a 70 mile per hour zone, so nearly 60 miles over the limit. In addition to extreme speeding, police saw him toss a beer can from the vehicle prior to pulling over so he was arrested for an OWI. And he was operating without a license, his third such offense in 3 years.

Rochester is getting more playground equipment without increasing its 300-thousand-dollar budget. On Monday, the City Council approved a 290-thousand-dollar state-supported contract which should save about 25-thousand dollars. The playground will include slides, swings, climbing equipment and accessible rubber surfaces. The 97-hundred-square-foot playground is part of the new 65-million-dollar Rochester Sports and Recreation Complex.

A Minneapolis man is accused of trying to run over a couple at a campground in Washington County. Michael Fritz has been charged with two counts of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of fleeing a peace officer. The incident happened July 14 at the St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park. The couple that was allegedly targeted were not hurt.

As families start preparing for the new school year, UW Health experts say now is the time to help children get back into a healthy sleep routine. Dr. Casey Freymiller recommends gradually moving bedtimes earlier, about 15 minutes at a time, rather than making a sudden change. She says lack of sleep can lead to grumpiness, emotional outbursts, and difficulty learning. Freymiller also urges families to limit screen time before bed, noting that light from phones, tablets, and TVs can make it harder to fall asleep and stay on a consistent schedule.

Local-Regional News July 21

A motorcyclist is seriously injured after a crash in Buffalo County. The accident happened around 3 p.m. Saturday when the 55-year-old driver lost control while approaching the intersection of Canada Ridge Road. They left the roadway and traveled over a small embankment. The victim sustained life-threatening injuries and was taken to a local area hospital. A preliminary investigation shows that speed and unfamiliarity with the roadway may have been contributing factors in the crash.

Funeral Services today for the Wabasha Firefighters killed on Lake Pepin in a boating accident. Due to the services today, Pembroke Ave and 3^rd Street East will be closed today. Because of limited parking shuttle buses will pick up and drop off people between 9:45 and 1:30 today at the old athletic field across from Wabasha Fresh Market.

The Menomonie City Council has approved a lawn watering ban. The Council approved the ban after the water department reported low water pressure in the system and having to issue a boil water advisory last week. The ban prohibits lawn irrigation with a few exemptions, such as drip irrigation, using watering cans, and newly installed lawns like sod. The ban applies to those that have municipal water sources and will remain in effect until August 18.

A candidate in Minnesota's First Congressional District is postponing today’s town hall meeting in Wabasha County. DFL hopeful Jake Johnson says the town will be engaged in funeral services for the three people who died in a boat crash on Lake Pepin. He released a statement expressing condolences to those who lost loved ones. Johnson added that he will be providing information about the new date and time for the town hall session once has more details.

A Mondovi man has been sentenced to two years probation in a child sexual assault case in Eau Claire County. Austin McGee was charged last year with second degree sexual assault of a child , child enticement and fourth degree sexual assault. On Monday McGee reached a settlement with prosecutors on two modified counts of fourth degree sexual assault and given the probation sentence.

Federal officials will be in Buffalo County next week for disaster assistance. The Federal Emergency Management Agency and Small Business Administration will set up shop at the Buffalo County Courthouse in Alma for in-person help with filing claims following recent severe storms and flooding. The assistance will be available next Monday and Tuesday from 9am-4pm. Officials said residents should file claims with their insurance provider before coming to the courthouse.

Jurors in Sawyer County have come back with a verdict in the trial of a man accused of killing a woman inside her Stone Lake home. Forty-two-year-old Cary Elkin had been shot multiple times with her body discovered by her estranged husband and a friend in April of 2021. Elkin's boyfriend -- Manly McDermott -- has now been found guilty of first-degree intentional homicide. He will be sentenced at a later date.

Officials are sharing the name of a young horse and buggy operator who died after a recent collision. The accident happened this past Friday in the Town of York. The Clark County Sheriff's Office says it appears the operator failed to stop at a stop sign and entered an intersection where the buggy was hit by a pickup truck. The buggy's operator -- 18-year-old Eli Miller -- suffered fatal injuries. No one else was hurt.

A warning about a sophisticated new workers compensation scam. Fraudsters are posing as workers’ compensation agencies and luring their victims into fake online hearings through platforms like Zoom, Teams, and WhatsApp. According to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, the scheme has primarily targeted Spanish-speaking workers, with victims told they've been awarded money but must pay fees to receive it. Legitimate workers compensation hearings are scheduled only through official mailed notices, and all Wisconsin workers’ compensation attorneys must be licensed in the state. Anyone receiving suspicious communications should contact DWD.

Construction begins Monday on a resurfacing project along U.S. 63 in Barron County. The work will stretch from U.S. 8 in Turtle Lake to WIS 48 in Cumberland and includes resurfacing, culvert improvements, guardrail replacement, shoulder rumble strips, and high-friction pavement treatment. U.S. 63 will remain open during construction, but motorists should expect single-lane closures controlled by flaggers and side-road closures. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation expects the project to be completed by mid-November.

A program easing Wisconsin State Park passes purchases is deemed a success. The program lets drivers renewing vehicle registration also sign up for a parks pass. The Department of Transportation says over 23-thousand drivers have already purchased their passes since the program started last month, saving residents time and reducing mailing costs since the vehicle stickers and passes come in the same envelope.

A former manager at the Plover Pizza Hut will serve prison time for sexually assaulting a young employee. Thirty-year-old Kyle Elkins will serve seven years in prison and five years on extended supervision after pleading no contest to a pair of felony counts. He forced himself onto the victim early 2025, in one case pulling a gun and threatening to fire the 17-year-old if she didn't engage. His sentence includes treatment and a stay on the state's sex offender registry.

An iconic WW II submarine is drydocked in Sturgeon Bay. Last week, USS Silversides was towed from her berth at the Great Lakes Naval Memorial and Museum in Muskegon, Michigan to Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding in Sturgeon Bay, making the voyage across Lake Michigan in about 20 hours. Comprehensive preservation work on the 80-year-old sub includes hull cleaning, structural inspections and application of advanced protective coatings. This $3.5 million project is the first time the Silversides has been in dry dock in more than 50 years, according to the museum where Silversides has been the centerpiece since 1987. The sub was commissioned just 8 days after the 1941 Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and made 14 war patrols in the Pacific.

There's been another ruling against Trump administration funding cuts to states. A federal judge in Boston Friday ruled the Trump administration cannot use a long-overlooked clause in a law to cut grant funds that support programs for law enforcement, environmental protection, food assistance and more. The lawsuit was filed by a coalition of 23 states including Minnesota. The judge ruled that the line used to justify the cuts - that cuts are allowed if a grant "no longer effectuates the program goals or agency priorities" - does not apply and cannot be used.

President Trump's selection for governor of Minnesota Mike Lindell is not registered to vote. The Minnesota Secretary of State's officer says the owner of MyPillow is not on the state's voter records. The Star Tribune reports that Lindell has an active voter registration in Texas. He does not need to be registered to vote in Minnesota to run for office. Lindell is under scrutiny because his campaign is calling for strict scrutiny of voter rolls and election integrity. The Republican hopeful is running in the August 11th primary against House Speaker Lisa Demuth and retired health executive Kendall Qualls, who won the GOP endorsement in May.

More than 80 new food and beverage items are making their debut at this year's Wisconsin State Fair. Fair Communications Manager Tim McCormick says vendors are once again pushing the envelope with creative offerings, including the Al Pastor Pizza, Bayou Crunch Cup and Sweet Lemonberry Cheese Curds. The fair is also celebrating its 175th anniversary with a special Fair-aschino Cherry Cream Puff, featuring nostalgic flavors of grenadine, ginger ale and maraschino cherries. The Wisconsin State Fair runs August 6th through the 16th.