Local-Regional News Jan 21

 The Durand-Arkansaw School District is applying for a grant from FEMA to build a community shelter that could also be used for community and school needs. Duarnd Arkansaw Superintendent Ryan Nelson says community needs would be incorporated into the building.  If approved, the grant would cover 90% of the cost.

Pepin County Human Services has worked out an agreement with two hotels to accept Salvation Army Vouchers to assist homeless people that need a place to stay for the night. Durand Police Chief Stan Ridgeway says when officers picked up a homeless person in October, because they didn’t have a credit card for a deposit there was no hotel in Pepin County that would accept the voucher.  Recently the City and County of Eau Claire sent a letter to Attorney General Josh Kaul accusing Durand Police and other law enforcement agencies of dropping off homeless people in Eau Claire against their will and is asking the Attorney General to prohibit the practice. Chief Ridgeway says officers have not ever taken a homeless person against their will to Eau Claire.

A Barron County man, who was recently released from prison, is behind bars after police say he assaulted his mother.  According to Cumberland Police, officers called to a home where a woman said her son, Devin Baldwin, assaulted her and was still in the home. The woman was able to get out to reach an officer waiting outside, but Baldwin was still in the home.  After a standoff officers entered the home and were able to find and arrest Baldwin.

The Chippewa County Sheriff's Office is getting more than 15-thousand-dollars for new equipment. The state Sheriff's Association got an anonymous donation last fall to buy deputies less lethal equipment and support K-Nine units. Chippewa County Sheriff Travis Hakes tells 18 News the money will be used to get new equipment like tasers, pepper spray, and WRAP systems.

The newly elected state assembly representative Christian Phelps is making his properties clear. Phelps was sworn into his first term earlier this month and met with supporters in Eau Claire on Sunday. He says public education is his background and he always believes the most responsible use of state resources and community organizing is putting the next generation first. Phelps has co-authored a bill that would provide free breakfast and lunch for public school students. He'll be serving on the education committee and the committee on public benefit reform. Phelps was elected to represent the 93rd Assembly District, which includes parts of Eau Claire, Dunn, and Trempealeau counties.

One man is in custody after a fatal shooting in La Crosse's north side over the weekend. Police said Cody Alland is the person responsible for the shooting that killed Justin Betz. The incident happened early Sunday morning when the two men got into an argument. Although first responders performed life saving measures, Betz passed away at La Crosse hospital. Alland is being held at the La Crosse County Jail on a 1st degree homicide charge.

Health officials are offering some safety suggestions as Wisconsin continues to see extremely cold temperatures today. Doctor Danielle Lorenz with HSHS Saint Vincent Hospital warns that frostbite can happen in a matter of seconds while touching metal objects outside when the air is this cold. Doctor Lorenz is urging Wisconsin residents who work outdoors to stay hydrated and to take frequent breaks indoors if possible. She is also encouraging people to check in on elderly family and neighbors.

Apple Valley police are giving an update on the missing pizza delivery driver that never made it home last week. Authorities believe Shuefuab Xiong went missing while experiencing a "mental health crisis." The 42-year-old's car was found unoccupied in Superior, Wisconsin, 170 miles north of Apple Valley. AVPD said they're not sure how Xiong is traveling. He reported to work at Domino's Pizza on January 14th but missed four scheduled deliveries. Shuefuab Xiong is described as five-feet-eight-inches tall and 215 pounds. He has brown eyes, is bald, and has a black mustache and beard. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is being asked to call 911.

The McFarland American Legion is donating 35-hundred dollars to Abundant Life Christian School. American Legion Post 534 hosted its monthly meat raffle yesterday, where the money was raised. Post Commander David Murray tells 27 News the crowd was larger than normal, and the Legion was inspired to donate to ALCS when other local entities did the same. Wisconsin Culver's restaurants donated 165-thousand dollars in a fundraiser earlier this month, and Madison-area Noodles and Company locations will donate some of their sales from this Thursday to the school.

A new year means new budgets, and it's also a time to see what subscriptions you're being charged for. Wisconsin Consumer Protection administrator Michelle Reinen says a look through your credit card and checking records might turn up some surprises. That could range from online video services to magazines to cable contract or subscription boxes. Companies have to provide a way to cancel services, but some may make it difficult to do. If you run into trouble, contact Consumer Protection at 800-422-7128.

Mnsure says more Minnesotans used the state healthcare marketplace to get insurance than ever before. More than 167-thousand people enrolled for plans offered through MNsure before the January 15th deadline. Over 146-thousand people enrolled last year. About 60-percent of those who enrolled will receive federal tax credits to help pay for those plans.

A Madison Police detective who suffered a medical event while on duty is now deceased. Detective Erik Lee started working with the Madison Police Department in 2001 in the Traffic Enforcement Safety Team unit. He was promoted to Detective in 2023. MPD says Lee will be remembered for his passion for firearm safety, which led him to work as a firearms instructor for the department. It's unclear what the medical event was.

Minnesotans who go to this year's State Fair will be paying more for parking and admission. The board that runs the event announced yesterday that admission will cost 20 dollars when purchased at the gate during the fair. That's an increase of two dollars from last year. On-site parking will also go from 20 to 25 dollars. The increases will help pay for more than 20-million dollars in capital improvements at the fairgrounds.

Movie theaters across Wisconsin will be paying tribute to longtime Milwaukee sportscaster Bob Uecker this week. Uecker called Brewers baseball for 54 years. He also gave a scene-stealing performance in the 1989 sports comedy "Major League" with Charlie Sheen. Uecker died recently at the age of 90, so to pay tribute, Marcus Cinema locations around Wisconsin are bringing "Major League" back to the big screen on Friday the 24th, including Point Cinema in Madison. Part of the admission will be donated to the Milwaukee Brewers Foundation. 

Local-Regional News Jan 20

The Durand Police Department is disputing Eau Claire’s allegation that the department dropped off a homeless person in Eau Claire against their will. In a statement Durand Police said officers had contact with a female the night of October 27 after receiving a call of a person lying in a yard. The female was confused as to where she was and how she arrived in Durand. She told officers she was waiting for a ride back to St. Paul. Later that evening the female was seen in the Kwik Trip Parking lot and the officer asked if her ride was still coming, and the female asked if there was a shelter available. Officers called Hope Gospel Mission, Sojourner House and Bridge to Hope and only Bridge to Hope answered and said they were full. Officers advised the female they could take her to Soujorner House but that there was no guarantee they had space available and she still wanted to go there. Officers advised her she was not under arrest and did not commit any crime. Durand Police have released body and squad cam footage of the incident and say the accusations from Eau Claire are totally untrue. Last week Menomonie police also released a statement disputing Eau Claire’s claim of dropping off a homeless person in Eau Claire against their will.

Firefighters from Elk Mound and 10 other departments battled a fire at Shooters Showgirls on 850^th Street in Elk Mound early Saturday morning. When firefighters arrived the found the building fully engulfed. The building was a total loss and no one was hurt in the fire. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Dunn County Sheriff’s Department and Elk Mound Fire Department. The Sheriff’s Department is asking the public for any information on any vehicles parked in the immediate area between the hours of 2am-5am early Saturday morning.

Wisconsin residents are now dealing with the coldest weather of the winter season so far. An Extreme Cold Warning is in effect for many in the northern portion of the state including the entire WRDN Listening Area, while the rest of Wisconsin is under a Cold Weather Advisory. Wind chills as low as negative 40 degrees in some areas are making it dangerous to spend time outdoors. Doctor Christopher Harkin with SSM Health is reminding people to keep all skin covered when heading outside. He also warns that those who have conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes are more susceptible to cold weather health concerns.

A Wabasha man has been arrested after becoming stuck on the railroad tracks in Nelson on Friday Night. According to the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Department, Deputies responded to a vehicle driving on the tracks in Nelson on Friday night. Upon arrival, they found a vehicle owned by 47yr old Samuel Horace the Third stuck on the tracks 50 yards from Hwy 25. BNSF was notified of the situation and one southbound train in the area attempting to stop narrowly missed the vehicle by 1-2 feet. Horace told deputies he accidentally turned onto the tracks thinking it was a road. He admitted to drinking prior to the incident and was arrested for Operating While Intoxicated and operating without a valid drivers license.

One person was injured in a two vehicle accident in Trimbelle Township on Thursday. According to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department, 45yr old Gina Willmarth of Prescott was traveling eastbound on Hwy 10, when she lost control and collided with a vehicle driven by 33yr old Tanner Olson of Ellsworth. Willmarth was transported to Mayo Clinic in Red Wing.

One person was injured in a single-vehicle accident in Ellsworth Township on Wednesday. According to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department, 24yr old Sophia Korman of Ellsworth was traveling northbound on Hwy 65 when she lost control and entered the ditch. Korman was transported to River Falls Area Hospital.

One person is injured after a shooting in La Crosse. Police say the incident happened Sunday morning. Officers were dispatched after reports of multiple shots fired in the 1800 block of George Street. When they arrived on scene they found one person with a gunshot wound. They were rushed to the hospital and the severity of their injuries is unknown. Police say while the investigation is ongoing, they believe there was an argument between the two individuals before the shooting.

Tax preparation is getting a little easier for some Wisconsin residents this year. The state's Department of Revenue says the IRS Direct File system now works seamlessly with the WisTax state tax return preparation site. This means citizens who use the IRS Direct File software will have forms like W-2's and 1099's filled automatically in WisTax. The individual tax filing season starts on January 27th.

Wisconsin communities are getting more than 141-million dollars for local roadways. The money comes from the Department of Transportation's quarterly payments to local governments. Funding is meant to construct, repair, and improve local roadways. Four-hundred-million more dollars will be distributed by the end of 2025.

The Dane County Medical Examiner's Office identified a man who died while in the custody of Madison police. According to the Wisconsin Department of Justice’s Division of Criminal Investigation, Madison police officers responded on December 30th to the report of a stolen vehicle at a Best Western Hotel. After the suspect, identified as 32-year-old Richard L. Johnson of Madison, ran off, officers caught him and took him to the Dane County Jail following EMS clearance. When police got Johnson to the jail, he was unresponsive and taken to the hospital where he died the next day. The cause and manner of Johnson’s death are pending. DCI said no weapons were used.

The teen accused of a shooting scare at a Kenosha elementary school was in court Thursday. The now-14-year-old waived his right for a court trial by admitting to the charge of making a terroristic threat at Roosevelt Elementary School. In November, the teen walked into the school with what police later found to be several airsoft replica guns. The boy admitted to a social worker he intended to scare the students at the school with his actions. A weapons charge against him was read into the record and dismissed. The judge in the case will decide on his sentencing during a hearing later this month.

Democrats in the Wisconsin Legislature have announced their first bill package of 2025. Assembly Minority Leader Greta Neubauer says the “Lowering Costs, Improving Lives” bill package would lower the cost of housing, groceries, and prescription drugs for Wisconsinites and help uplift working families and seniors. One bill authored by 14th Senate District Representative Sarah Keyeski would would allow school districts to receive additional funding to provide free breakfast and lunch for public school K-12 students. Another bill included in the package would expand the Homestead Tax Credit, which provides tax breaks for low-income homeowners and renters. The road to the bills becoming law could be tough - Republicans retain majorities in both the Assembly and state Senate.

A lawsuit over what power state legislative committees should have got a hearing at the Wisconsin Supreme Court on Thursday. Democratic Governor Tony Evers is suing the legislature because a committee has repeatedly delayed implementation of guidelines to prevent therapists and others from engaging in so-called 'conversion therapy' which is meant to make gay, lesbian, and queer people straight. Liberal justices seemed skeptical of arguments from the Legislature's attorney, who said lawmakers simply want to ensure that this sort of rule gets a proper hearing. Evers' office argues this is an illegal legislative veto of powers that are clearly given to the executive branch in the state constitution.

A new bill would require schools to limit cell phone usage in schools. Two Republicans from Wisconsin introduced the bill this week. It would require school boards to adopt their own policies that generally would prohibit students from using cell phones inside schools. 

Local-Regional News Jan 17

 The Durand Arkansaw School District has approved the space availability caps for open enrollment for the 25-26 school year. For the K-3 the board set 2 available spots in 1^st grade, 18 in 2^nd grade and 4 in 3^rd grade. For grades 4-12 no caps were needed. The reason for the low numbers in grades 1-3 was that the district receives grants for low-class sizes and did not want to jeopardize those grants.

The Durand City Council has set the rates for upcoming swimming lessons this summer. Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren says residents of the Durand-Arkansaw School District will have a discounted prices for lessons. It will be $25 for residents of the district and $50 for non residents. The new Tarrant Park Pool is set to open in June.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is hosting career fairs. Five career fairs will take place across the state over the coming weeks. The first is in Eau Claire tomorrow/Saturday, and other locations include Oshkosh, Milwaukee, Fitchburg, and Woodruff. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, explore the natural resources field and learn how to apply online as new job postings become available. The DNR says it typically has job opportunities in a number of fields including engineering, law enforcement, and environmental sciences. More information is available on the DNR's website.

The Wabasha County Sheriff's Office is asking for help finding a sign thief. The sheriff's office announced Tuesday that someone had stolen the welcome sign that greets visitors to Millville. Investigators believe the sign was stolen on Sunday or Monday. Anyone with information is being asked to call the sheriff's office.

The Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center (HVMHC) announced it will be opening a new Peer Support Network (PSN) Drop-In Center in Wabasha. The center will offer an inclusive environment for anyone to connect, share experiences, and support one another. Anyone who participates are also treated to free activities and refreshments. The drop-in center will be set to open on Tuesday, Jan. 21.

The Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District wants to change its elementary school boundary lines. This is because the district is experiencing a decline in enrollment. On Wednesday night, the C-F-A-U-S-D had its first public informational session and Superintendent Jeff Holmes said a study from Applied Population Laboratory validated the need to look at whether or not their boundaries needed to be adjusted. The potential new boundaries aren't available yet but the district is considering all options during this early stage. There are also no official decisions about whether changes will be made. The district will host more public sessions in the near future as the school board will be making a decision by the end of March.

"A hometown guy." That's how fans in Milwaukee describe Bob Uecker, that no matter his TV and movie fame, he always remained a hometown guy. Many fans left cans of Miller Lite and other items in front of his statue at American Family Field. One fan told 12 News her ring tone is Uecker's call of Ryan Braun's late-season home run in 2008 that helped the Brewers clinch their first playoff spot in 26 years. For years, Uecker dined at The Jackson Grill a few times a month during baseball season. The supper club paid tribute to Uecker last night with his pictures and candles next to an empty table and chairs. Mister Baseball died of cancer less than two weeks before what would have been his 91st birthday.

The Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions and other state regulatory agencies across the country are accusing the company behind Cash App of violating banking rules. Wisconsin DFI officials are involved in an effort to investigate Block, Inc. to determine whether the firm has kept up with all anti-money laundering regulations. Block is paying out an 80-million-dollar penalty under a multi-state settlement and they are agreeing to hire a consultant to generate and submit a report on Cash App usage. Banks and financial companies are required by law to verify the identities of users and to report suspicious transactions. State regulators believe Block has not complied with all of those rules.

UnitedHealth Group's CEO says problems with the country's health care system need to be addressed. In the first earnings call since the deadly shooting of UnitedHealth executive Brian Thomson on a Manhattan sidewalk, CEO Andrew Witty acknowledged Thursday that there are flaws driving up the costs of health care for people across the country. He blamed both the private sector and government for creating a confusing and costly landscape. The company reported record 2024 revenues.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is hoping state lawmakers will agree to cut the state's sales tax and reduce spending on some Department of Human Services programs. Walz unveiled his proposed state budget yesterday. The governor said his budget is fiscally responsible, reining in spending on disability waivers, special education transportation and Medicaid inflation adjustments. He also wants to expand the number of professional service businesses that would need to pay state sales taxes while proposing a slight cut in the sales tax rate. The two-year, 66-billion-dollar proposal now goes to the legislature for consideration.

The first pediatric influenza-related death of the season in Wisconsin is confirmed. The Department of Health Services says respiratory illnesses are currently high in Wisconsin with ER visits due to the flu and RSV increasing, especially for children and infants. Sixteen pediatric influenza associated deaths have been reported nationwide for the 2024-2025 season.

Former Wisconsin Congressman Sean Duffy is promising to focus on safety and infrastructure improvements if he is approved to serve as the U.S. Secretary Of Transportation. Duffy laid out some of his plans for the office during a confirmation hearing before U.S. Senators yesterday. Duffy has gotten bipartisan support in the appointment from Wisconsin's current Senate representatives, Democrat Tammy Baldwin and Republican Ron Johnson. If the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee approves Duffy his appointment will go before the full Senate for a vote.

The Wisconsin Court of Appeals is again rejecting a filing from convicted killer Steven Avery. The court issued the ruling on his third appeal request yesterday morning. Avery's attorney claims a different suspect killed freelance photographer Teresa Halbach in 2005 then planted evidence on Avery's property. The appeals court calls those arguments "speculative". Avery's case got widespread attention after it was featured in the Netflix documentary series Making a Murderer.

Wisconsin is one of the top states offering the most energy assistance. A report by Home Energy Club compared states based on financial renewable energy incentives, average energy prices, and low income energy assistance. Wisconsin was ranked fifth overall, with Indiana and Iowa in first and second place for providing the most assistance.

Negotiations to help build a nationally popular convenience store in Wisconsin are moving forward. The village of DeForest is working with state and local officials to obtain about $7 million in funding to update an interchange along Interstate 39/90/94. The work will support development of a Buc-ee’s  convenience store near the interchange. An engineering study found that the current infrastructure is unequipped to handle the expected traffic for what is expected to be one of the world's largest gas stations. The DeForest development would be the first Midwest location for the Texas-based Buc-ee’s chain.

The Federal Trade Commission is suing tractor-maker John Deere over its equipment repair policies. The suit filed yesterday in U.S. District Court in Illinois alleges violations of state and federal laws in refusing to provide customers with a way to repair their farm equipment. Minnesota and Illinois are also part of the lawsuit. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison released a statement yesterday saying John Deere has an "unlawful repair monopoly" that makes fixing farm equipment slower and more expensive than it needs to be.

Fishing will be free in Wisconsin this weekend. The Department of Natural Resources says anglers of all ages can fish without a fishing license on Saturday and Sunday. Regulations like bag and size limits and species restrictions will still be in place. More information about fishing regulations is available at DNR-dot-Wisconsin-dot-gov.

Local-Regional News January 16

 Menomoine Police are disputing the circumstances surrounding an accusation by Eau Claire and Eau Claire county that alleged Menomonie Police dropped off a homeless man in Eau Claire against his will. In a statement issued by Menomonie Police, on October 17th offices responded to a complaint that a subject was being followed by vehicles. During the interaction officers believed the person was experiencing a mental health issue but not a metal health emergency. Later the subject called the Dunn County Communications Center to register a complaint but was outside of the city limits. Dunn County Deputies and a Menomonie Police officer met with the subject at the Loves Truck Stop and determined the subject was willing to go to the Sojourner House in Eau Claire. Officers called Sojourner House to confirm they would accept him. After a consensual search officers found cocaine residue but did not arrest the subject for only a residual substance. The officer then gave the subject a courtesy ride to the homeless shelter. Menomonie Police say the letter drafted by Eau Claire does not accurately reflect the circumstances around the transport of the individual and is releasing the details of the case including the body and squad camera footage.

The Pepin County Health Department has been named a level 2 Health Department and goes above and beyond serving the health needs of county residents. During last nights county board meeting a representative from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services told the board that a review of the department showed the staff has innovative programs, creative solutions, and positive partnerships with the community. Health Officer Heidi Stewart is one of the longest-tenured Health Officers in the State of Wisconsin.

The Buffalo County Sheriff’s Department is warning parents of high school students of a scam callers requesting credit card payments for ACT/SAT prep exams. The department says that all payments for the prep exams are processed through the school and under no circumstances should credit card information be provided for student exams over the phone.

FEMA is awarding thousands of dollars to Eau Claire County for construction of a safe room in the Hillcrest Estates mobile home park neighborhood. The money comes from the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. According to a press release from FEMA, this is the first grant of three to build a safe space for residents in the mobile home park in the case of a natural disaster in the Altoona area. FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program allows communities to implement critical mitigation measures to reduce or eliminate the risk of losses due to natural disasters. The Durand-Arkansaw School District is also looking at applying for a FEMA Grant to build a fieldhouse that would also serve as a safe area for the community.

A former Chippewa Falls man is being sentenced to jail for a crash in 2021 that killed his wife. Laramie Schemenauer was charged in St. Croix County after the incident. The charges include homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle, reckless homicide, and knowingly operating a vehicle without valid license causing death. The crash happened along the I-94 after Schemenauer lost control of his vehicle causing it to roll over into opposite lanes of traffic. His wife, Stephanie, was pronounced dead at the scene. Schemenauer was sentenced to 360 days in jail and will be on probation for six years.

Two Leinenkugel brothers are offering to buy back a closed Leinenkugel's brewery in Chippewa Falls. Molson Coors is rejecting the offer. The company announced the Western Wisconsin brewery would be closing last November, and production will be moved to Milwaukee. The Leinenkugel's plant is scheduled to close on Friday, with 56 employees affected by the closure. The brothers asked if they could continue the conversation with Molson Coors earlier this month, but say they haven't heard back.

The Family Fare Supermarket in Lake Wissota will soon be permanently closed. The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development made the announcement on their website. In a letter, they said the employees will be let go starting March 16th through March 27th. The closure of the Family Fare Supermarket will affect about 45 employees, including 43 hourly employees and two salaried employees.

Wisconsin is distributing ten-million dollars to strengthen ports and the state's waterborne commerce. The grant money comes from the Harbor Assistance Program. Department of Transportation says more than two-million dollars will go to the Hanke Terminals in La Crosse, another two-million will go toward a dock wall at the Port of Green Bay, and almost two-million will help construct a load-out pad in Manitowoc.

The Goodhue County Sheriff's Office is investigating after a credit card skimmer was found at a Pine Island retail store. The device was discovered at a Dollar General store. Authorities are looking for the person responsible for installing the skimmer that they believe has been in place from December 13 to January 13. Anyone who believes their information may have been compromised is urged to contact the Goodhue County Sheriff's Office.

More than 17-thousand Wisconsinites would quit smoking cigarettes if menthols weren't available. That's according to a new Wisconsin Department of Health Services report. The DHS study shows menthol cigarettes are disproportionately advertised to communities of color, contributing to smoking rates that are nearly twice as high among African American Wisconsinites. The department is launching a digital education and outreach campaign to prevent the use of menthol cigarettes in affected communities.

An ICE detention facility has been proposed for Milwaukee. A Tuesday press release from Alder Larresa Taylor revealed that the U.S. Department of Homeland security has requested modifications to an empty warehouse in her district on Milwaukee’s northwest side. Taylor says Immigration and Customs Enforcement is looking to make the changes to the building “...to transport prisoners to and from the facility." She added that the agency is exercising a federal exemption allowing it to avoid city approval to turn the building into a detention facility, a move Taylor says she does not support.

The father and son accused of vandalizing a controversial Milwaukee mural are going to trial. Peter and Zechariah Mehler pleaded not guilty to felony property damage charges. Prosecutors say in September, the two used an axe to destroy the mural depicting the blend of the Star of David with a swastika. The owner posted the mural to protest the war in Gaza. The Mehlers face up to three-and-a-half years in prison if convicted.

Iowa State Senator Michael Bousselot is proposing to purchase several Minnesota counties. He announced yesterday that he'll introduce a bill to buy the lower nine counties in Minnesota. Bousselot says the new residents can expect low taxes and a farm-friendly state. He also posted on X stating making Minnesota Iowa again and added Governor Tim Walz may say Iowa is just rocks and cows but we see opportunity. The locations include Fillmore, Freeborn, and Mower counties.

The Minnesota State Fair has picked a country music group to lead off this year's Grandstand Concert Series. Fair officials announced yesterday that Old Dominion will perform on Thursday, August 21st. Tickets for the show go on sale at ten o'clock Friday morning. Information about buying tickets is available on the state fair's website.

Local-Regional News January 15

Eau Claire County and the City of Eau Claire are asking for help from Wisconsin's Attorney General after homeless people have been dropped off in Eau Claire, without consent from the person or the city, by other Western Wisconsin law enforcement agencies including the Durand Police Department, St. Croix County Sheriff’s Department and the Menomonie Police Department. The city and county allege that on October 28 of 2024 Durand Police brought a female to Eau Claire who had not committed a criminal act in Durand and had told officers she was waiting for her ride. The female never asked to be brought to Eau Claire where she was dropped off at a full shelter around midnight. The female had contact with Eau Claire Police and was taken to the hospital. A short time after that she was arrested by UW-Eau Claire Police for public urination. The letter, written to Attorney General Josh Kaul by Eau Claire County Corporation Counsel and the Eau Claire City Attorney says the drop offs are unlawful, unprofessional and dangerous to the individual and the public.

The Durand-Arkansaw School Board is meeting tonight. Items on the agenda include action on the space availability cap for 2025-26 open enrollment, reports from the district administrator and building administrators, and the board will go into closed session for personnel evaluation summaries. Tonights meeting begins at 6 in the board room at Durand-Arkansaw High School.

The Pepin County Board is meeting tonight. Items on the agenda include adoption of the Shoreland Protection ordinance, a report from the Regional Office Director for the Department of Health Services and county board committee reports. Tonights meeting begins at 7 in the board room at the Government Center in Durand.

Authorities are naming the two men involved in a fatal basket lift incident in Trempealeau County. The two people involved were 63-year-old Douglas Poss and 61-year-old Ryan Poss. According to a press release, the incident happened on Saturday morning. Officials say the two men were in an aerial basket lift trimming trees when it tipped over. They were pronounced dead at the scene.

The new year brings more flight options to the Chippewa Valley Regional Airport. The airport saw 13% fewer travelers in 2024 than in 2023. After more than 44,000 travelers in 2024, the Chippewa Valley Regional Airport started the year with a new partnership as United Airlines is back at the airport with daily flights between Eau Claire and Chicago. It is hoped that with the new daily flights it will increase tourism and use of the airport. Sun Country is also providing non stop flights to Ft. Myers Florida until April 7^th.

A group of eight people are filing a complaint with the city of Wausau Ethics Board after the removal of the city's absentee ballot drop box. In September, Wausau Mayor Doug Diny removed the city's drop box without agreement from Wausau City Clerk Kaitlyn Bernrade. While the drop box was returned, a letter to the Ethics Board says the group believed Mayor Diny violated a section of the ethics code. They say they're concerned that Diny's actions violate federal voting rights, intimidate voters from using secure drop boxes, and undermine the security of those same drop boxes. A ruling in 2024 doesn't force or require the use of drop boxes. The decision is up to the clerk's discretion

The Republican controlled Wisconsin State Assembly passed a bill Tuesday that will allow voters to add an amendment to the state constitution requiring a photo ID to vote. Assembly Minority Leader Democrat Great Neubauer says the Assembly should be taking up issues Wisconsinites are concerned with. Speaker Robin Vos countered, saying Democrats haven't introduced any other bills to take up. If passed in April, the amendment would require voters to show a valid voter ID from the state, the federal government, a federally recognized Native American tribe, or a state college or university.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court heard arguments on Tuesday over how the Department of Natural Resources can enforce the state's hazardous spill laws when it comes to PFAS. Conservative Justice Rebecca Bradley says the D N R doesn't have the authority to force cleanups until the legislature decides how much PFAS can be considered hazardous. Liberal Justice Jill Karofsky says the argument from Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce is misleading because the D N R has the authority to regulate spills whether or not the individual chemical is listed in state statues. The court's Liberal majority may make a ruling on the issue before the spring elections, when liberal justice Ann Walsh Bradley will be stepping down.

A federal judge in Minnesota has tossed out an expert's testimony after artificial intelligence was used to draft a court document. The expert had submitted testimony on behalf of the Minnesota Attorney General's Office in a case challenging the state's new law on election deepfakes. The document submitted was analyzed and found to contain citations that did not exist. The expert admitted that he used ChatGPT to draft his document and asked for a chance to submit an amended version of his testimony. The judge ruled last week that the submission had "shattered" the expert's credibility with the court and denied the request.

The widow of a Minnesota man who died while testing a stunt cart before a parade is filing a wrongful death lawsuit. Ryan Colligan died last August during a crash before a Shriners fundraising parade in La Cresent. The suit alleges that Shriners International failed to provide proper safety precautions. One claim was that Colligan was not offered the option of wearing a helmet before he drove a motorized cart that he never operated before. The lawsuit is seeking 50 thousand dollars or greater in damages.

Last week, Stevens Point Mayor Mike Wiza and other state officials were informed that Wisconsin had not been picked as the location for Belgian potato company Agristo's first US headquarters. Mayor Mike Wiza says a deal that could still be made with Agristo at a later date. Agristo will finish the deal with Grand Forks, North Dakota this spring, estimated to create 300-350 jobs.

A Dakota County judge is ruling that Minnesota State Representative Brad Tabke remains the winner of a Shakopee area House race. This decision comes after the DFL lawmaker's opponent Aaron Paul filed a lawsuit contesting the result of the November election. Tabke won by 14 votes, while 20 absentee ballots remained missing. Judge Tracy Perzel says Paul has not proven his case. He can appeal the judge's ruling to the Minnesota Supreme Court.

Wisconsin has a new Office of Violence Prevention. Governor Tony Evers signed an Executive Order creating the office today and directed ten-million dollars of funding to get it started. He says the office will focus on prevent violence and gun violence statewide, a response to the Abundant Life Christian School shooting from almost a month ago. Evers says his 2025-2027 budget will include funding that aims to support the Office of Violence Prevention as a permanent fixture in Wisconsin.

A former Minneapolis police officer connected to the death of George Floyd will be a free man. The Federal Bureau of Prisons says J. Alexander Kueng is scheduled to be released today from the FCI Elkton facility in Ohio. He was one of four officers who were convicted for the death of Floyd in 2020. Kueng was charged at the state level with three and a half years of prison time after pleading guilty to aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter. He also served a three-year federal sentence after he was charged with violating Floyd's rights. Kueng will be under supervision in both his state and federal cases.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Wisconsin Salt Wise are inviting the public to learn more about the impact of road salt in drinking water and freshwater ecosystems. Winter Salt Awareness Week is happening from January 27th through the 31st and there will be a series of YouTube live streams with speakers and topics on the impact of salt and ways to be an advocate of freshwater. Anyone interested in watching the livestream can register through WinterSaltWeek.org, or watch it afterwards on the Wisconsin Salt Wise Youtube Channel. 

Local-Regional News January 14

 A plea deal is being reached in a Dunn County sexual assault case. Skyler Edquist was sentenced on Monday to two years of probation as part of the plea deal. The 21 year old, who was already on the sex offender registry, will be on it for an additional 15 years. Nearly two years ago, Edquist was charged with sexual assault of a mentally ill victim. According to the criminal complaint, Edquist and the victim were residents at an adult assisted living facility.

Pierce County Meats Inc. in Ellsworth, Wis., is issuing a voluntary Class II recall for packaged Ready-To-Eat (RTE) meat products that have wheat in them that was not on the label. The affected products carry a mark of inspection for establishment No. 132 and would have been purchased or received prior to January 8, 2025. Products included in this recall were processed as a service from inspected carcasses at Pierce County Meats Inc. for their customers, or products were directly purchased from Pierce County Meats Inc. or Big Acres Meats retail store located in Prescott Wisconsin. No illnesses have been reported as a result of consuming these products. Anyone with signs or symptoms of a foodborne allergic reactions or sensitivities should contact their doctor. Consumers who have these products can discard them or return them to Pierce County Meats Inc.

The Mondovi City Council is meeting tonight. Items on the agenda include discussion and possible action on snowmobile routes and trails designation, approval of short term borrowing for city operations and the council will go into closed session to meet with legal council. There will also be reports from the mayor and department heads. Tonights meeting begins at 5:30 at the Marten Center in Mondovi.

Seventeen Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources employees are getting awards for lifesaving and heroic actions. The DNR says Warden Bob Jumbeck of the Mississippi River Warden team received a Valor Award for acting in extremely dangerous situations. In May 2024, Warden Jumbeck enlisted the assistance of a citizen and their boat to rescue an intoxicated operator in a trapped vessel on the treacherous upriver side of the U.S. Army Corps Lock and Dam 4 on the Mississippi River in Buffalo County. Eight wardens and a program specialist were given Lifesaving Awards for acting in situations that could've ended in death.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is spending roughly 14-million dollars on a series of biofuel and clean energy projects around Wisconsin. The money is coming from the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive and Rural Energy for America programs and is going toward 42 developments in 27 counties. The investments include Red Cedar Dentistry, LLC, a rural small business in Menomonie, will use a $26,844 REAP grant to install a 24-kilowatt roof-mount solar electric array., Falls Theatre in River Falls will use a $37,150 REAP grant to install more energy efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment and , Oxheart Farm, LLC, a dairy farm in Hager City, will use a $19,557 REAP grant to install a small solar electric array.

A UW-Eau Claire Foundation is looking at the possible purchase of the old Sacred Heart Hospital Building. WQOW reports that Blue Gold Real Estate is exploring the possibility of purchasing the old hospital. How the former hospital would be used would be up to Blugold Real Estate, which is part of the UW-Eau Claire Foundation. They make decisions to benefit the university, but that doesn't necessarily mean the hospital would become university property. 

The Rice Lake Police Department is releasing a statement about a forgery attempt at Johnson Bank earlier this month. According to a police report, an unknown white male tried to cash a check at the bank on January 2nd. He also gave a driver's license from Minnesota and social security card, which both matched the name on the check. The bank teller said the person in the vehicle wasn't the same person as the driver's license and refused to cash the check. The car didn't have a front or back plate. Neither Johnson Bank nor the victim lost any money.

Volunteers from the Wisconsin chapter of the American Red Cross are assisting wildfire relief efforts in California. Northeast Wisconsin Executive Director Rebecca Rockhill says they are coordinating closely with their partners to provide food, shelter and emotional support and other critical services. Rockhill says monetary donations are the best way to help, because sometimes donations of clothing and household items can divert resources away from caring for those affected. A total of eight American Red Cross Wisconsin members have been deployed to California.

The Minnesota Legislature is set to begin the 2025 session today, despite uncertainty over how much work will get done during the first few weeks. DFL representatives were sworn in during a private ceremony on Sunday and will reportedly avoid today's opening session in the House. The boycott is an attempt to keep Republicans from taking any action on electing a speaker or conducting other House business. House rules normally require 68 members to be present to create a quorum, and Republicans hold 67 seats. Republican caucus leader and speaker designate Lisa Demuth has called the boycott a "new low" for the DFL and plans to challenge any attempt to adjourn the House due to the boycott.

A new recycling practice may explain why the amount of collected materials dropped by nearly 7,000 tons between 2013 and 2022 in Wisconsin. Wisconsin Policy Forum Senior Research Associate Tyler Brynes says it's called "lightweighting". Companies have shifted to using less materials to package their products, which leads to less waste in the system. Brynes says a plastic water bottle today weights nearly 40% less than one from 10 years ago.

Applications to join the Wisconsin State Patrol will close in less than a week. WSP says it's accepting both in-state and out-of-state applicants for its 71st and 72nd recruit classes. Either a two-year degree, relevant military training, or 60 college-level credits are required to apply. Applications are due this Sunday, January 19.

Wisconsin is one of the best states to raise a family. A new report by WalletHub ranked all 50 states based on median family income, affordable housing, and school quality. The study ranked Wisconsin eighth-best, with Massachusetts and Minnesota at the top of the list. New Mexico and Mississippi were put at the bottom of the list.

A Wisconsin-based retailer will be closing stores across the country. Friday, Kohl’s announced its plan to close 27 under-performing stores in 15 states by April. None of the stores are in Wisconsin. The announcement comes as the Menomonee Falls based retailer has seen 11 straight quarters of sales declines. The move is aimed to boost profitability and improve sagging sales. The number of employees affected by the plan was not disclosed.

The University of Minnesota is seeking 235 million dollars from the state Legislature this afternoon for its upcoming budget. Officials say if they don't get the requested money they will need to increase tuition. The Board of Regents says 120 million dollars of the funding would be used to invest in 26 thousand employees living across Minnesota. Another 30 million dollars would be targeted to make sure more than 70 thousand students are fully supported while studying at the U of M campus. Forty-five million dollars will go toward helping health science programs to train nurses, doctors, and technicians.

The Wisconsin Department of Veteran Affairs is asking for Valentines for veterans. Program Specialist Jodi Barnett says the Valentines get delivered to three Veterans Housing and Recovery Program locations across the state. They're asking for any sort of gifts or cards you want, just don't send food or candies along. Valentines get delivered to three Veterans Housing and Recovery Program locations across the state. 

Local-Regional News Jan 13

 One person is dead after a single vehicle accident in Pepin Township on Saturday morning. According to the Pepin County Sheriff’s Department, 29yr old Christopher Noel of rural Pepin was traveling southbound on Big Hill road when he failed to negotiate a curve, left the roadway, striking an embankment causing the vehicle to overturn. Noel was ejected from the vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene by the Pepin County Coroner.

Two men are dead following an apparent worksite accident in western Wisconsin over the weekend. Emergency responders were called to the scene in Galesville shortly after 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, according to the Trempealeau County Sheriff's Office. Authorities say the men were up in a lift basket trimming trees when it tipped over, sending them plummeting to the ground. It looks like the lift was sitting on slight slope, causing the balance to shift, according to investigators. The sheriff's office has not publicly named the victims.

Three people were injured in a two vehicle accident in Ludington Township on Friday. According to the Eau Claire County Sheriff’s Department, a vehicle driving on highway N when the driver failed to stop at a stop sign at the intersection of Hwy 27 and struck a vehicle traveling on Hwy 27. The driver of the first vehicle was taken to the hospital while the driver and passenger of the second vehicle were also taken to the hospital with the passenger having life threatening injuries.

Two areas in Western Wisconsin are among the fastest growing in the state. That's according to a new population project report from the Wisconsin Department of Administration, which factors in population age, fertility rates, and death rates. Trempealeau County is expected to be the second fastest growing county in Wisconsin through 2050, only behind Dane County. By 2050, Trempealeau is projected to grow by 24-percent. Eau Claire is also expected to continue growing by seven-percent. Meanwhile, the population in Pepin County is expected to decline by 23 percent by 2050, Dunn County is expected to decline by 6%, Buffalo County by 21% and Pierce County is forecast to have a 14% decline in population by 2050.

More money is being invested into future generations of farmers in Chippewa County That's thanks to the Wisconsin Farm Technology Days, a yearly event hosted in a different county each year, which brought in over 145-thousand dollars for the Community Foundation of Chippewa County. A check was given to the board members on Saturday. Over 120-thousand dollars will go towards youth education and agriculture. Rob Mooney, the Wisconsin Farm Technology Days executive chair, says they want to be able to help children stay in the agriculture industry because it is dying and it's an important industry in Wisconsin.

The barricades are back out along roads on the Lac du Flambeau reservation. W A O W TV in Wausau reports tribal leaders are preparing to block off roads on their reservation in under a week if the Town of Lac du Flambeau doesn't pay easement fees on the roads. The tribe is giving the town until Thursday to get current. Those roads cross tribal lands to get to private homes of non-tribal members, and the companies in charge of those properties stopped paying easements decades ago. A spokesperson for the tribe says Thursday will be the end of a 90-day warning of non-payment.

The state of Minnesota plans to begin testing raw milk to see if it contains the bird flu. The testing is part of a U.S. Department of Agriculture effort to determine if the H5N1 virus is present in the nation's milk supply. The state will use samples submitted for other types of testing to help limit the burden on Minnesota dairy farmers. The new testing should start near the beginning of February.

The New Lisbon triple-homicide suspect is being held on five-million-dollars bond. Virgil Thew made his first appearance in Juneau County Court on Friday, a day after he was arrested in connection with the December 30th shooting deaths of his 33-year-old girlfriend Elizabeth Kolba and her 12-year-old and 13-year-old daughters. The 47-year-old Thew was found in Elroy on Thursday, following a more than week-long search. Elroy is located about 12 miles southeast of Thew's mother's home in New Lisbon, where the bodies were found. Thew is facing multiple charges, including three counts each of first-degree intentional homicide and hiding a corpse. He's scheduled to be back in court on February 13th.

Classes have resumed at Abundant Life Christian School nearly a month after a shooting that claimed the lives of a student and a teacher. Friday was the first day back since the December 16th shooting. Earlier this week, Abundant Life Principal Doug Butler posted a video message to parents ahead of the return to school. Butler said faculty and staff have been "trained to offer trauma-informed care" to students. He added that faculty and staff have also been trained "to recognize trauma in ourselves." Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes says they're investigating the shooter's online activity, but that they have "no credible information that there are others who intend to commit further violence."

A 22-year-old woman convicted in the 2014 Slender Man stabbing in Waukesha has been granted conditional release from a psychiatric hospital. Morgan Geyser was seeking release from the facility for the fourth time. Geyser was just 12 years old when she and Anissa Weier stabbed their 6th grade classmate more than a dozen times to a please a fictional character called Slender Man. Both Geyser and Weier were found not guilty by mental defect and committed to psychiatric hospitals. A Waukesha County judge ruled Thursday that Geyser’s release would not post a significant risk to the public. Weier was granted conditional release in 2021.

Minnesota lawmakers are demanding answers and calling for change in the U.S. Postal Service. This, after residents of Cook County in northeastern Minnesota say they haven't received mail in 2025. Furthermore, it's being reported that when those residents went to their local post office looking for their mail they were turned away. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith are calling on the Postmaster General to take immediate action to rectify the issue.

What's billed as "America's Largest Indoor Waterpark" is getting larger. Kalahari Resorts owner and founder Todd Nelson announced an 85-million-dollar indoor waterpark expansion in the Wisconsin Dells, which he called "the Waterpark Capital of the World" in a news release. The release says construction is already underway for the 75-thousand-square-foot glass-enclosed, open-air waterpark with a retractable roof. The new waterpark is expected to open in Fall 2026, according to the release.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is inviting state residents to come check out America's national bird in the wild. DNR is hosting Bald Eagle Watching Days in Sauk Prairie next Saturday, January 18th. There is a new Wisconsin River overlook in Prairie du Sac that guests can spot the eagles from. Sauk Prairie High School will also be hosting live raptor shows as part of the gathering. Everything is free to attend.