Local-Regional News Oct 23

 

The food services budget surplus for the Durand-Arkansaw School District has dropped. From a surplus of over $200,000 a few years ago, the ending surplus will be less than $500. The surplus was built up during the COVID pandemic with additional federal funding that has since ended. Durand-Arkansas Superintendent Ryan Nelson says higher food and labor costs are also contributing to the surplus drop.Nelson says if the current trend continues, the district will be forced to use money from the general fund to balance the food service budget.

The Dunn County Board of Supervisors is considering a new 20-year comprehensive plan that would establish a long-term framework to guide future development, farmland preservation, housing, transportation and natural resource protection over the next two decades.  Officials said the plan will guide future growth, adding the most significant change is an emphasis on directing new housing, businesses and higher-density development toward cities, villages, hamlets and areas already served by infrastructure. County leaders say that approach can reduce development costs, preserve farmland and protect rural landscapes. Supervisors gave the 2027-2047 Dunn County Comprehensive Plan its first reading Wednesday night, with a final vote scheduled for Nov. 10. 

Motorists using Hwy 25 to Wabasha will need to find alternate routes next week. The BNSF will have the railroad crossing in Nelson closed to all traffic, except emergency vehicles starting on Monday. The closure is needed as the railroad makes needed repairs to the crossing. Motorists needing to cross the Mississippi River will need to use the bridges in Fountain City or Red Wing.

The City of Durand is still looking for donations to help with the bandshell project. Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren says the city was expecting the project to cost $250,000 and so far the city has raised $210,000.Those interested in making a donation can contact Durand City Hall for more information.

Xcel Energy believes heating costs may be lower this winter. The company says it believes with normal weather this winter, the average Wisconsin residential natural gas customer will see their monthly bills decrease about 2% compared to last winter. The lower cost of natural gas this year is the primary reason for the decrease. That cost is paid directly by customers without any markup from Xcel Energy.

One person is dead after a Thursday afternoon collision in Barron County. Authorities say a 25-year-old man was crossing Highway 63 on an ATV when he hit a motorcycle. The motorcycle's 77-year-old rider died at the scene. The accident is under investigation.

The search committee tasked with finding the next president of the Universities of Wisconsin has officially named three finalists for the role. Higher education leaders Steven Holley from the University of Mississippi, Tonjanita Johnson from the University of Alabama System, and Bernard Savarese from the University of Tennessee System made the final cut. All three candidates will participate in separate public forums next week at UW-Parkside and UW-Madison, with options for the public to attend virtually via Zoom.

Wisconsin voters could determine control of state government in November. Political science professor Anthony Chergosky of UW-La Crosse says Democrats have a realistic shot at flipping the state Senate and, in a strong election year, could also win the governor's race and the Assembly. That would give Democrats their first state government trifecta since 2010. Chergosky says a Democratic sweep could revive proposals on abortion, taxes and school funding, while a split Legislature could slow policymaking and complicate the next state budget.

Resolving overcrowding and aging prisons will be a job for Wisconsin’s next governor and legislature. Outgoing Democratic Governor Tony Evers introduced an ambitious corrections realignment plan as part of his 2025-27 Executive Budget over a year ago. It included closing the 125 year-old Green Bay prison and had a total cost projected at $325 million. In a release this week, Evers said costs are now about $585 million with earliest completion in late 2032 and blames Republican lawmakers. But state Senator Van Wanggaard, chair of the Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety, said Evers’ “plowed ahead” with his plan despite Republican opposition. Wanggaard, who like Evers is not seeking reelection, said when Republicans last fall released agreed to release $15 million for planning the overhaul, Evers rejected an alternative plan to “right size” the prison system.

An associate principal at Bonduel Middle and High School is now formally charged with child sex crimes after being arrested earlier this week. The investigation began on October 16th after an anonymous tip reported an ongoing sexual relationship between Kaitlyn Hintz and a female high school student. The victim admitted to engaging in repeated sexual contact with Hintz between October 2024 and August 2025. Hintz was arrested Wednesday and is facing multiple charges, including second degree sexual assault of child. The court set a cash bond of 500-thousand dollars, and a preliminary hearing is set for October 27th.

Certifying elections was a point of contention during Wednesday night's debate between candidates for governor. Asked about his support for overturning results of Wisconsin's 2020 presidential election, Republican Tom Tiffany said it was because META billionaire Mark Zuckerberg put $15 million into Wisconsin, "primarily in blue cities." Democrat David Crowley: said Tiffany's was "willing to throw out hundreds of thousands of votes . . because he disagreed on how somebody spent money. Both the 7th District congressman and Milwaukee County Executive said they'd support results of the 2028 presidential election regardless of who wins.

The Hastings school board is considering new restrictions on what can be displayed inside its buildings. The board is considering a policy that would keep non-school sponsored materials out, including Pride flags, campaign signs and religious symbols, to maintain "viewpoint neutrality." Critics say the policy makes the schools less safe for students and micromanages teachers.

Madison is earning global recognition after being named one of National Geographic's top 25 must-visit destinations for 2027. The publication highlighted Wisconsin's capital city for its scenic lakes, vibrant parks, and thriving local food and dining scene. Tourism officials say the honor comes after years of building relationships with travel writers to showcase everything Dane County has to offer. Business owners and community leaders are celebrating the global spotlight, calling it a huge point of pride for the area's hospitality and culture.

Local-Regional News Oct 22

 

The Durand-Arkansaw School Board has passed the budget for the 2026-2027 school year. The $15 million budget includes a $5.8 million tax levy. Durand-Arkansaw School Superintendent Ryan Nelson says the mill rate is one of the lowest rates in the area due in part to the equalized value.  The Budget averages out to $11,700 per student in funding, one of the lowest in the state.

Nearly $70 million is approved for rural road projects across Wisconsin. The latest round of Agricultural Roads Improvement Program grants will fund 39 projects in 32 counties, including road, bridge, and culvert upgrades. In Western Wisconsin, the Town of Mondovi received an $819,000 grant to repair Mock Road, the Town of Lima received just over $1 million to repair Forster Road, and the Town of El Paso received $1.6 million to repair 290th Street. State officials say the improvements will help move agricultural and forestry products more efficiently to market. The grants are part of a 150 million dollar investment approved in the current state budget to support Wisconsin's agriculture industry and rural infrastructure.

Bond is being set at 25-thousand dollars for a Dunn County man accused of abusing his two-month-old daughter. The child was taken to the hospital back in July with a list of injuries that Codi Stenlund had said were the result of a fall in her Pack 'n Play. Doctors determined that story was false and police were notified. Stenlund is pleading not guilty.

A proposed high-voltage power line project is drawing opposition from landowners in its path. Xcel Energy and Dairyland Power say the Gopher-Badger Link would extend from North Rochester through Marion to the Wisconsin border. It's being touted as a necessary improvement to the power grid, but property owners are concerned about the loss of their land and future utility costs.

In La Cross County, charges are being filed against a West Salem man accused of sexually assaulting a child. Prosecutors say that 44-year-old Kevin Arndt victimized a 12-year-old at the family's home in 2025. This week, Arndt entered a plea of not guilty to the charges.

Saturday is Drug Take Back Day in Wisconsin. You can safely dispose of unused or expired prescription and over-the-counter medications at 136 collection events and 239 participating law enforcement agencies. Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul is encouraging residents to take advantage of the effort which helps prevent misuse and keeps pharmaceuticals out of rivers and lakes. Information on collection sites is available through the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

Big first day turnout for in person absentee voting in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Elections Commission reported 55,659 in-person absentee voters for Tuesday, exceeding 33,644 on the first day of early voting in 2022 and 34,036 in 2025. In Western Wisconsin, Pepin County had 15 in person absentee voters on Tuesday, Buffalo County 22, Dunn County 173 and Pierce County 249 in person absentee voters on Tuesday.

Wisconsin candidates for governor David Crowley and Tom Tiffany sparred over taxes, abortion, and affordability during their first and only debate last night. The showdown comes as recent polling shows a tight race, with Crowley holding a narrow three-point lead as early voting gets underway. Crowley emphasized creating a simpler tax system and forming a commission to address school funding, while Tiffany vowed to maintain services while using the state surplus to enact tax cuts. Voters will head to the polls to choose Wisconsin's next governor on November 3rd.

A measles outbreak in Southwest Wisconsin is adding a fifth county. The state Department of Health Services says a new case in Richland County is connected to an ongoing outbreak in Grant, Iowa, Lafayette, and Vernon Counties. D-H-S says the number of cases in Rock, Chippewa, and Marathon counties--all separate from the outbreak--is unchanged. There are 289 Wisconsin measles cases so far this year.

Millions of dollars are being awarded for clean energy projects across Wisconsin. Governor Tony Evers and the Public Service Commission have announced $11.5 million in Energy Innovation Grants for 36 projects. The funding will help school districts, nonprofits, local and Tribal governments, manufacturers and colleges expand renewable energy, improve energy efficiency and strengthen long-term energy planning. Evers and the PSC say demand for the program remains high, with applicants requesting nearly $35 million in the latest grant round. Since 2017, the program has awarded more than $51 million to 205 projects statewide.

Wisconsin disability advocates are sounding the alarm over challenges facing independent living across the state. Self-advocate Carl Schulze says potential federal Medicaid cuts could threaten home and community-based services that help people avoid institutional care. Caregiver advocates report more families are reaching crisis points while caring for loved ones and say additional respite services are needed. Meanwhile, disability groups are urging lawmakers to expand affordable, accessible housing, noting much of Wisconsin's housing stock was built before modern accessibility standards. The issues were highlighted during a recent disability and aging forum.

Microsoft is expanding its footprint in Racine County with a 70-million-dollar land purchase in Sturtevant. The tech giant acquired 70 acres and a massive distribution facility from United Natural Foods, which closed the site earlier this year. Company officials say they are evaluating the property as a potential data center location, which would sit adjacent to their ongoing developments in neighboring Mount Pleasant. Local leaders and Microsoft are in early discussions regarding local approvals as the company continues to weigh further regional growth.

Wisconsin-based home products company DHI Corp. is moving its corporate headquarters back to Milwaukee. The company is bringing around 25 employees to a 45-hundred-square-foot office space in Milwaukee's historic Pabst District. Founded in the city as a hardware business in 1872, DHI Corp. operated out of Mequon for over two decades before making the return downtown. Chief Executive Officer JP Drevline called the move an investment in growth and talent, joining several other major companies that have recently relocated to Milwaukee's urban core.

Milwaukee Brewers fans who bought special souvenir tickets a decade ago are finally cashing them in for the team's first World Series appearance in 44 years. The rare bronze "Timeless Tickets" were sold for one thousand dollars back in 2015 and guaranteed admission to any future home game of the owner's choice. While some supporters are thrilled to bring their grown children to Friday's opener, others have raised complaints about assigned seating locations. Team executives say they are actively working to resolve the issue with unhappy fans.

Local-Regional News Oct 21

 

The Menomonie City Council is looking into the future of using Flock Cameras in the city. During last night’s council meeting, UW-Stout Students expressed concerns over the cameras including one that was pointed directly at North Hall. They would like to see the cameras removed. City Police would like to keep the cameras but use a different vendor. The council asked the police department for more information on alternate vendors to the next council meeting.

The Pepin County Board is meeting tonight. Items on the agenda include discussion and possible action on a certified survey map in the town of Stockholm, authorizing the use of funding from the local assistance and tribal consistency fund, and reports from department heads and committees. Tonights meeting begins at 7pm at the government center in Durand.

The Durand-Arkansaw School Board is meeting tonight. A budget hearing will be first then the regular board meeting. Items on the board meeting agenda include discussion and possible action on the library media specialist agreement with the Mondovi School District and reports from the district and building administrators. Tonights meetings begin at 6pm in the board room at Durand-Arkansaw High School.

The Dunn County Board is meeting tonight. Items on the agenda include discussion and possible action on the comprehensive plan, the 2027 wage grid and employee pay raise plan and a proposed 2027 budget presentation from the county manager. Tonights meeting begins at 7pm at the Dunn County Government Center in Menomonie.

A resident in Elk Mound has started a drive to recall the village board president. The recall drive is over the town boards decision to disband the police department and contract out with the Dunn County Sheriff’s Department for law enforcement services. If the registration papers for the recall are approved, organizers will have 60 days to collect 90 signatures to force a recall election.

A Florida woman charged after a fatal collision near Black River Falls is entering her plea. Teresa Lowman was reportedly behind the wheel of a semi that clipped another semi on I-94 back in February. The victim's big rig went into a ditch and caught fire leading to his death. Lowman pleaded not guilty yesterday to charges of hit and run involving death and homicide by negligent operation of a vehicle.

A man accused of recording a video of a woman while she showered on the UW-Eau Claire campus is pleading guilty to charges. Twenty-seven-year-old Deshaun Barkus did not have the woman's permission when he recorded her. He has pleaded guilty to a charge of capturing an intimate representation without consent and been sentenced to two years of probation.

Three Chippewa Valley nonprofits are each receiving a financial boost from a charitable trust. The Otto Bremer Trust is awarding a combined 175-thousand dollars to the Chippewa Valley Free Clinic, the Chippewa Valley Technical College Dental Clinic and the L.E. Phillips Career Development Center's Chippewa Falls Outreach Program through its Community Responsive Fund. The trust awarded the grants based on established priorities and criteria.

An invitation to baseball’s biggest stage. “The Milwaukee Brewers are bringing the bats, and the Screaming Eagles are bringing the band.” That post on the band's Facebook page announces the UW-La Crosse Screaming Eagles Marching Band will perform outside American Family Field before Game 2 of the World Series on Saturday. The Brewers invited the band to play before the game. The 2026 World Series opens on Friday with the Brewers facing the Tampa Bay Rays at AmFam.

A central Wisconsin school district is investigating an apparent cybercrime attack resulting in a 92-thousand-dollar loss. Adams-Friendship Superintendent Dr. Nicki Ells announced yesterday that officials flagged an unusual payment request processed by their business manager in August. The district immediately notified law enforcement and placed the business manager on administrative leave pending an ongoing investigation. Administrators are currently working with insurance and legal counsel to recover the missing funds and review district financial security measures.

Governor Tony Evers and the Wisconsin DNR has announced the launch of two new grant programs to provide funding to help communities sample private wells and public water supplies for PFAS contamination. The two grant programs are the PFAS Community Grants Sampling Program and the Wisconsin PFAS Private Well Testing Program. Both are funded by the 125-million dollar PFAS Trust Fund, which was previously approved but was unspent in Madison for years. In a statement, Evers said, "This is an exciting day that has been a long time coming, and these programs will have lasting impact on communities and private well owners across the state."

The City of Wausau has taken the first steps towards ending its use of Flock surveillance cameras. Wausau's Public Health and Safety Committee passed a resolution Monday night that recommended the city's Finance Committee to cancel payments to Flock for the 2027-28 contract. The resolution also asked the city's Common Council to ask police to stop using Flock and put bags over the cameras. Multiple committee members noted concerns about the ways cancelling the agreement with Flock could open the city up to legal liability. Flock legally owns the 20 cameras placed in Wausau, and it's not clear when they'll will be out of service.

A group of non-profits is working to keep Wisconsin's state fish alive in the Northwoods. A group of sportsmans' clubs have joined the Mole Lake hatchery to take over muskellunge stocking. This is after a lack of funding forced the Department of Natural Resources to stop its own hatchery program for the big game fish. Jeff Van ReMortel from the Vilas and Oneida Counties Musky Fund tells W J F W Rhinelander fish availability has been dropping over the past decade. The groups helped fund the release of 9-thousand musky fingerlings into lakes across the Northwoods this season.

Minneapolis College is experiencing a surge in students who are affected by rising costs. The school says more students are taking advantage of food pantry and mental health services as they struggle to balance the higher price of food and housing while pursuing a degree. The US Labor Department says consumer prices rose nearly four percent in September.

A bovine escapee roams the streets of Madison. It's not unusual to see cows in Wisconsin. It is unusual to see them using the crosswalk. That happened Monday morning near Madison College, where a cow that had been on site for the college's veterinary students escaped enclosure and went for a stroll near Dane County Regional Airport. The cow was successfully wrangled back to campus with only minor abrasions from its walk.

Local-Regional News Oct 20

 

The Madison Street project is essentially complete. Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren says there are just a few temporary signs that will need to be replaced.  The city expects to complete the project this month.

The Durand Public Works Department has shut off water at all city parks to winterize the water lines. With the water turned off, no restroom facilities are available at city parks. The parks do remain open to the public.

The Pepin County Department of Human Services will be holding a Mental Health Town Hall Meeting on October 27^th at Durand -Arkansaw High School. There will be professionals from the mental health field to have a community conversation and question-and-answer session about mental health and resources available. The event is open to the public and begins at 7 pm on the 27^th.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has identified a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial poultry flock in Barron County. The affected premises has been quarantined to restrict movement of poultry and poultry products. Birds on the property were depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease. Birds from the flock will not enter the food system. This is the second case of HPAI in Barron County in this month.

Gas prices are lower in parts of Western Wisconsin this week. Triple-A reports the average price of regular fuel in Western Wisconsin is now four-oh-nine per gallon. That's a dime less than the price was just one week ago. The average cost of a gallon of regular fuel in the Badger State is four-19 per gallon.

Wisconsin's two U.S. senators are confirming their Milwaukee offices received suspicious mail containing unknown substances yesterday. Republican Ron Johnson and Democrat Tammy Baldwin both released statements confirming their staff encountered letters matching a nationwide pattern targeting political and election offices. No injuries were reported in either office and the letters were turned over to federal law enforcement for analysis. The FBI and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service are leading a joint investigation into the origin of the mailings.

Wisconsin polls open early today for in person absentee voting. Wisconsin Elections Commission Administrator Meagan Wolfe says early returns on absentee ballots show more people may be coming in to vote in person. Wolfe says disruptions in mail delivery of absentee ballots and long lines on Election Day may be the cause. WEC reports around 173-thousand mail in ballots have been received by clerks, out of 365-thousand requested. That's down from the 2022 General Election, and Wolfe says it may signal more voters making it to the polls early to beat long lines on Election Day.

Wisconsin's fall trapping seasons are getting underway. Trapping seasons for species including muskrat, mink, raccoon, opossum, skunk and weasel are now underway in parts of the state, with additional seasons opening later this fall. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is reminding trappers to review regulations, season dates and licensing requirements before heading out. The agency also advises hikers and pet owners that traps may be present on public lands and recommends staying on designated trails and keeping pets leashed.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is set to travel to Eau Claire Tuesday. The Department of War says he's visiting as part of the Arsenal of Freedom Tour. Secretary Hegseth will visit Riverside Machine and Enginering and deliver remarks to the workforce alongside Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler. He previously visited Wisconsin in August, where he toured the Oshkosh Corporation and spoke to workers.

The Wisconsin Public Service Commission has approved a water rate increase that affects La Crosse Water Utility customers. City officials say the increase is needed to help pay for aging infrastructure, maintenance and rising operating costs. Many miles of water pipes were installed more than 80 years ago. For a typical residential customer using four-thousand gallons of water a month, the average bill will increase from about 17 to 29 dollars per month. Most customers are expected to see the full impact of the new rates on their bills in early 2027.

Federal officials open a tornado relief center in the Fox Valley. The Federal Emergency Management Agency opened a special center at the former UW-Fox Cities campus on Monday. Representatives from FEMA and the US Small Business Administration will be on hand for a month to help answer questions from residents, direct victims to financial aid, and to check up on existing claims made to either agency.

A proposed Madison area IKEA is taking longer than expected to open. The CapTimes reports the Swedish home goods manufacturer is pushing back the opening of the store until next spring. IKEA had hoped to open the location by this fall, but did not offer an explanation for the delay. The new location is a renovation of multiple vacant sales spaces at an existing mall, and is part of IKEA's effort to move into smaller residential areas.

Green Bay police had to deal with an extremely rowdy crowd at Lambeau Field. The police department says it responded to 29 calls to the stadium during Sunday night's Packers - Cowboys game. That includes medical calls and violation of stadium rules. In total 16 people were ejected from the game and six were arrested. The two teams got into a scuffle during the pregame, with officials being forced to separate the squads before kickoff.

Fox Sports host David Ortiz isn't taking the bait to stay at Milwaukee's haunted hotel. Following the Brewers sweep of the L A Dodgers to win the National League Championship Series, Brewers manager Pat Murphy challenged Ortiz to stay at Milwaukee's Pfister Hotel. The hotel has both a reputation of being haunted, and also spooking M L B players coming to Milwaukee. "No Chance" was Ortiz's reply to Murphy. The Pfister opened in 1893 and is considered one of the Midwest's top hotels, despite - or maybe due to - the haunted reputation.

Local-Regional News Oct 19

 

During a recent legislative conference for cities and villages, Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren talked with other leaders about AI and Data Centers. Milliren says that the recommendations to cities and villages are to have something on the books before a Data Center is proposed.  Mondovi is also looking at possible rules for Data Centers in the city.

The Dunn County Sheriff’s Department is asking the public for help solving a hit-and-run accident on Sunday morning. According to the department, the accident happened on 708^th Avenue in the town of Red Cedar, and deputies found a damaged power pole, street sign, and utility box with lines down across the roadway. The vehicle had left the scene, and if anyone has any information on the accident, they are to contact the Dunn County Sheriffs Department.

The Durand Sportsman’s Club in conjunction with the WI Department of Natural Resources, has stocked pheasants at four different locations in the area. The club stocked the pheasants off of Thibodeau Road off of Hwy 25 and off of Hwy P in the Tiffany Wildlife Area, the lower Chippewa State Natural Area off of Round Hill Road, and just off of Hwy M. The 2026 Pheasant Season opened this past Saturday.

Officials are working to confirm the cause of a weekend two-alarm fire in Eau Claire. The fire happened Saturday afternoon at a detached garage on Airport Road and spread to the residence. One person was taken from the scene to a local hospital. The fire caused an estimated $300,000 in damage, and the two people living there are being assisted by the Red Cross.

Central Sands Dairy is paying 245-thousand dollars to resolve state environmental claims over wastewater discharge violations. The Wisconsin Department of Justice announced the settlement Friday following allegations that the Nekoosa dairy farm improperly applied manure to crops and contaminated local groundwater. State officials also cited the operation for failing to make required upgrades to its manure storage facilities. As part of the agreement, Central Sands must permanently close and abandon its waste storage facilities in Juneau County by July 2027.

Wisconsin candidates for governor David Crowley and Tom Tiffany are finalizing their preparations for Wednesday night's debate in Milwaukee. The broadcast marks the only televised debate of the governor's race and will air statewide on ABC affiliates. Both candidates are aiming to highlight key contrasts on economic issues and campaign priorities before a broad audience. Station officials report the debate is produced by WISN-TV in partnership with WisPolitics.

Wisconsin election officials say they're prepared for a busy Election Day next month. Elections Commission Administrator Meagan Wolfe says more than 2.6 million voters are expected to cast ballots on November 3rd, with over 3,600 polling places and 30,000 poll workers ready statewide. Wolfe says local election clerks have spent years training for routine operations and potential challenges, including cybersecurity threats. She adds voters should expect the same voting experience they've had in previous Wisconsin elections.

It's Forest Products Week in Wisconsin. Wisconsin's forests cover nearly 17 million acres and support an industry that contributes more than $43 billion annually to the state's economy. According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the forest products sector supports about 127,000 jobs statewide, from logging and lumber production to papermaking and maple syrup production. Wisconsin has led the nation in papermaking for more than 70 years. The week highlights the role forests play in the state's economy, recreation, and environmental health.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court is being asked to rule on how data from automated surveillance services can be used in court. The A C L U of Wisconsin on Wednesday filed directly with the Supreme Court to challenge use of data from Flock Safety in Milwaukee, Green Bay, Racine, and Kenosha. The suit, filed on behalf of the Wisconsin Council of Churches, alleges that use of automated surveillance infringes on property and privacy rights, and asks the Court to force Wisconsin law enforcement to obtain search warrants to search data collected by the camera systems. Justices will have to decide whether or not to directly take the case before taking any action.

Wisconsin is getting 218-million dollars in federal funding to extend Amtrak service from Chicago to Madison. The project will expand the Hiawatha line with new passenger service through communities including Pewaukee and Watertown. The money will pay for track upgrades, station construction, and other improvements needed to launch the route. Supporters say the expansion will create jobs and give travelers another option between Madison, Milwaukee, and Chicago. State officials will still need to provide matching funds before the project can move ahead.

State coffers continue to grow even as funding lags for K12 schools. State government finished the 2025-26 fiscal year with over $349 million more in the general fund than expected. The Department of Administration’s annual fiscal report showing Wisconsin on track to finish the current two-year budget with a surplus of around $2.8 billion and nearly $2.1 billion in its rainy day fund. Governor Tony Evers hailed the annual fiscal report as “damn good news.” Meanwhile official numbers released by the Department of Public Instruction earlier this month show 62% of Wisconsin school districts receiving less state general aid this year than they did last year, forcing more districts to place funding referendums before local taxpayers in November. The state Senate earlier this year rejected a $1.8 billion deal Evers struck with Republican legislative leaders which included money to increase special education funding and property tax relief along with income tax cuts.

No taxes on tips and overtime could save Wisconsin workers, but cost the state billions in revenue. According to a new report from Forward Analytics, eliminating Wisconsin's income tax on tips and overtime pay could save eligible workers more than $2.7 billion dollars over the next decade. Researchers determined the change would also reduce state tax revenue by roughly the same amount. The proposal has become an issue in the race for governor where both Republican candidate Tom Tiffany and Democratic candidate David Crowley have expressed support. Analysts say workers in tipped and overtime-heavy jobs could see hundreds of dollars in annual tax savings, depending on their income and occupation.

Budget cuts at the University of Minnesota could exceed 262 million dollars. That is a higher amount that was previously announced last month at 225 million dollars over two years at its five campuses. The Star Tribune reports that the Twin Cities campus will face 131 million to 146 million dollars of the reductions. Among the smaller campuses, Crookston and Duluth would see the largest percentage of their budget trimmed at ten percent to eleven percent. The School of Dentistry and the College of Biological Sciences would see the smallest cuts.

Local-Regional News Oct 16

 

We are learning more about the six people who died when a small plane crashed in Sauk County Tuesday night. The Menomonie-bound flight went down in the Town of Dellona, killing all six people aboard. The Sauk County Sheriff's Office has released the names of those killed. They are 63-year-old Ronald Riek of Woodville, 36-year-old Tyler Harvey of Cadott, 67-year-old Mary Brion of Nelson, 39-year-old Kayla Turpin of Eau Claire and 45-year-old Amanda Haremza and 13-year-old Rylan Haremza -- both of Altoona. The NTSB is investigating the crash.

Authorities are investigating the death of a person found dead near train tracks in Pierce County. Officials received a call from BNSF Railway regarding a deceased subject laying along the tracks on October 13th. A press release says deputies found a female with fatal injuries that appeared to have resulted from contact with a train. The exact cause of death is under investigation.

The growing season is expected to come to an end overnight tonight. The National Weather Service has issued a freeze warning for the entire WRDN Listening area from 1am until 9am Saturday with low temperatures expected in the upper 20s. The freezing conditions could kill crops and other sensitive vegetation.

Firefighters from Township Fire and four other departments battled a barn fire on Thursday. The fire started in a silo on a farm on Hemlock Road in the town of Brunswick. When firefighters arrived, they found the fire had spread to the attached barn. The barn was a total loss, and a second silo also caught on fire. The cause of that fire is under investigation.

Governor Tony Evers, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation and Hewlett Packard Enterprise are announcing that Hewlett Packard Enterprise plans to invest $75 million over the next five years to expand its operations in Chippewa Falls, creating 75 new jobs in the area and supporting growing demand for artificial intelligence and high-performance computing solutions. To support the project, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation is authorizing up to $5.1 million in performance-based Enterprise Zone tax credits, building on an $8 million EZ agreement with HPE previously announced by Gov. Evers in 2021.

The Chippewa, Dunn, and Eau Claire chapters of Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation and Wisconsin Farmers Union are set to host a candidate townhall at the Town of Elk Mound Town Hall on Tuesday, October 27 from 6-8pm. The event is a non-partisan, informational forum with candidates for Wisconsin’s 31st and 23rd Senate Districts, and 91st, 92nd, and 93rd Assembly Districts. Candidates will share their agricultural and rural policy platforms related to Young Farmers, Rural Infrastructure, and the Cost of Doing Business.

Jurors deliberated for about an hour before returning Thursday with a verdict in the La Crosse County trial of Jacob Klaver. Klaver was charged in the killing of Josh Pigney, whose body was found inside Pigney's Holmen home last year. Klaver has been found guilty of charges including first-degree intentional homicide. He will be sentenced at a later date.

The Wisconsin Elections Commission is reassuring voters after authorities cleared a piece of suspicious mail sent to state election offices Wednesday. A staff member flagged the unopened package after recognizing similarities to hazardous envelopes recently mailed to election officials in other states. Emergency responders did field tests and confirmed the package contained no hazardous materials, though an investigation continues. Elections Administrator Megan Wolfe emphasized that the incident will have no impact on prep for the upcoming November 3rd election.

Healthcare Open Enrollment is here and that scammers are looking to take advantage of people entering the insurance marketplace. Lisa Schiller with the Better Business Bureau expects people are already receiving suspect messages about their coverage. Schiller says to only trust official websites, like Health Care dot Gov, and never follow links sent to you randomly from other sources.

A new youth correctional facility is set to open in Milwaukee. The Southeast Regional Care Center will open next month and house 32 youth from the region. It’s a crucial component in the Wisconsin Department of Corrections plan to move youth out of two northern Wisconsin facilities, Copper Lake and Lincoln Hills. Youth offenders will be closer to home, rather than 4 or 5 hours away from their families. A second regional facility is under construction in Dane County. A possible third center for northeastern Wisconsin has not yet received funding. Legislation calling for closure of Copper Lake and Lincoln Hills was enacted in 2017.

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs wants the evidence from his recent battery conviction out of the public eye. Jacobs filed a lawsuit in Brown County, Wisconsin on Wednesday, asking the courts to keep surveillance video from his home sealed. His attorneys are citing security concerns after several athletes' homes were burglarized. Jacobs was convicted last month after pleading no contest to his role in a physical altercation with a woman back in May.

Xcel Energy is planning to freeze its power rates in Minnesota for two years. Minneapolis-based utility officials say the proposal will take place only if state regulators let them cash out its federal tax credits early. Xcel filed a proposal with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission stating that it won't increase rates until November 2028. The initiative comes while rising public frustration over the high costs of living. Xcel's recent rate case was approved in June and raised the rate of power by five-point-eight percent over two years. The Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota is reviewing the utility's proposal. Xcel is looking to receive federal tax credits totaling close to 382 million dollars for five large battery storage projects.

Health experts say life after breast cancer treatment can bring physical and emotional challenges, and support from family and friends can make a big difference. UW Health oncologist Dr. Kim Dittus says survivorship is about more than watching for cancer to return. It also includes managing long-term side effects, mental health concerns, and building healthy habits. Dittus says accountability from loved ones, along with counseling and support groups, can help survivors stay healthy and cope with fears of recurrence. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Local-Regional News Oct 15

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating Tuesday night’s fatal plane crash in Sauk County. The NTSB identifies the aircraft in which five adults and one child died as a single engine six seat Piper PA-46. Preliminary information has the plane at 24,000 feet when the pilot reported icing, requesting and receiving approval to descend from air traffic control. The aircraft entered a right descending turn that increased in rate until communications and data tracking were lost. Investigators will document the scene and examine the aircraft which will be recovered to a secure facility for further evaluation. NTSB investigations involve three primary areas: the pilot, the aircraft and the operating environment.

Durand Property owners should be receiving their new property assessments in the mail this week. Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren says the re-assessments were required by state law.  Those wanting to question their reassessments will have a chance to do so later this month and next month; contact Durand City Hall for dates and times of review meetings.

The Mondovi Bulk item pick up is tomorrow. Each residence is allowed two that can be lifted by hand and not exceed 50lbs. Acceptable items include furniture, mattresses and boxsprings. Unacceptable items include tires, computers, hide-a beds, or sofa-recliners. Items must be curbside by 6am tomorrow. For more information contact Mondovi City Hall.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court says it will hear an appeal on the competency of Shane Helmbrecht. Helmbrecht is charged with intentional homicide in the fatal shooting of his Eau Claire neighbor Jenn Ward in 2016. Helmbrecht had previously been found incompetent to stand trial but was ruled as competent in 2024. His attorneys are challenging that decision.

A man accused of injuring a co-worker with a reciprocating saw Wednesday morning in Holmen is now in custody. Investigators say Mario Sandoval intentionally hurt the victim while the two working a roofing project at Viking Elementary School in Holmen. Police say Sandoval fled the scene but was later arrested. The victim's injuries are described as non life-threatening.

The CPKC Holiday Train is returning to our area on December 12. The lighted train featuring music will be stopping in Wabasha at Bruegger Park from 5:45-6:15pm and in Red Wing at Bay Point Park from 7:15-7:45pm. Those attending are encouraged to bring food items for area food pantrys.

The final round of voting gets underway Thursday for the Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin. Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce and BMO announce the 4800XPC Electric Rope Shovel engineered for high-production open-pit mining by Komatsu of Milwaukee, the Gravely ZT HD STEALTH 60 zero turn mover by Ariens Company of Brillion, CliC Smart Privacy Glass by Cardinal IG of Tomah and the M157 Small Arms Fire Control for the SIG Sauer M7 rifle by Vortex of Barneveld as finalist in the competition showcasing Wisconsin’s $73.8 billion manufacturing industry. Individuals can vote starting at 8:00 AM Thursday once per day, per email address, until 12:00pm on October 27. The product with the most votes will be crowned the 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin at WMC’s Business Day event in Madison that same day.

Last month’s plane crash involving a candidate for governor was due to pilot error. That preliminary finding from the National Transportation Safety Board investigation into loss of power on the aircraft carrying 7th District Congressman Tom Tiffany and pilot Leonard Boltz on September 12. The NTSB report found that loss of power was “due to (Boltz’s) delay in switching fuel tanks and not turning on the electric fuel boost pump,” after a full day of flying. The two men swam to shore after Bolz made an emergency water landing in Lake Wausau that evening, both suffering minor injuries. According to the report Boltz had flown earlier from Antigo to La Crosse for a Tiffany campaign event on a full fuel tank and did not refuel before returning to Wausau.

The Wisconsin Elections Commission is pushing back on concerns about possible federal interference in next month's election. Administrator Meagan Wolfe says state and federal laws prohibit voter intimidation, and there have been no indications of anything outside normal election procedures. Wolfe says Wisconsin is accustomed to election observers because of its battleground state status, and local clerks are trained to protect voters' rights while managing outside observers. She says polling places are prepared for unexpected situations and no unusual problems are expected on Election Day.

Leaders from communities across southern Wisconsin rallied at the Capitol on Tuesday in opposition to proposed high capacity transmission lines. Viroqua (VER-oh-kwa) mayor Krista Browne says the MariBell and BECI lines are a threat to the landscape. Viroqua is one of 69 communities that have passed measures opposing the project. Dairyland Cooperative, one of the groups behind the proposed lines, says people should participate in any formal application process once they petition the Public Service Commission.

The Wisconsin DNR notifies Enbridge of alleged violations on its line 5 reroute. The DNR on Tuesday issued a formal notice of violation in a letter to Enbridge concerning its project to construct a new 41-mile stretch of pipeline in Ashland and Iron counties. The letter alleges violations from March 30 through September 21 including an August 25 gas leak in the Town of Saxon that released over 1.3 million gallons of natural gas liquids into the air. The agency’s environmental enforcement specialist wrote that Enbridge “caused significant air pollution and did not use good operating practices nor take reasonable precautions to prevent the release from occurring.” In a statement, Enbridge spokesperson Juli Kellner said the company is reviewing the notice of alleged violation and has worked closely with the DNR through the permitting process and construction project as well as the response to the line strike incident near Saxon.

More information could soon be released in the case against Packers running back Josh Jacobs. The Hobart-Lawrence Police Department has been handing open records requests in the case after a Brown County judge last month ruled he would not seal the evidence. Jacobs pleaded no contest in September to misdemeanor battery and criminal damage to property in connection with an incident at his home involving his girlfriend. Hobart-Lawrence Police have received records requests from media outlets, and are holding the release of that information pending notification and review by the victim and Jacobs.

Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon is getting ready for the possibility that the Trump administration will interfere at the polls on Election Day. The Democrat recently mentioned that he's very concerned about election security. The Department of Justice sent close to 20 election monitors to polling places in Hennepin and Ramsey counties for the primary. Weeks later, the DOJ announced an investigation showed that there was illegal voting in Minnesota last spring. Ten residents were indicted. Simon's office is working with election administrators in all 87 counties to make sure they're ready. The incumbent secretary of state is seeking a fourth term on Election Day. Simon faces Republican Tad Jude, Libertarian Chip Tangen, and Green Party candidate Seth Kuhl-Stennes.