Local-Regional News May 23

 

The Durand-American Legion Post 181 will be holding Memorial Day Services to honor members of the US Military who died while serving their country. Services begin Monday morning at 8am at the Lima Cemetery, 8:40 at the St. Josephs-Arkansaw Cemetery, 9am at Arkansaw Cemetery, 9:15 at French Cemetery, 9:45 at the Pepin County Veteran Memorial, 10:30 at Memorial Park in Durand, 11:10am at Forest Hill Cemetery and the St. Mary’s Memorial Day Service is at 11:30.

Investigators say they believe a fire that tore through Menomonie's downtown area this week was electrical in nature. No final determination has been made on the cause of the Tuesday night blaze that left many properties in ruins. Clean-up in the area continues. No injuries have been reported.

Rural Dunn County residents will soon be able to take advantage of rides to Menomonie. Dunn County Transit will be offering scheduled pickups on Tuesdays from each of four rider zones. The Tuesday pickups will rotate between the four zones. Normal fares will be fifteen dollars per ride but will be free this summer as Dunn County ADRC is covering the cost. Those needing a rid will have to call Dunn County Transit 24hr in advance. Dunncountywi.gov has more info.

The City of Durand has written off noncollectible ambulance service bills from prior to 2018. Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren says the write-offs were requested by the city auditors since the debt is over six years old and can’t be collected. Milliren says the city is now working on getting unpaid bills collected after 2018.

There has been no word yet on the cause of a Thursday afternoon fire in Chippewa County. Crews dispatched to a barn fire in Edson say they arrived to find a number of large hay bales on fire. Firefighters put the fire out and used skid steers to pull the hay bales out of the barn. All animals were able to escape the flames and the barn remains standing.

Two defendant charged in connection with a shooting in Fairchild are entering pleas. Mark Dickinsen and Aaron Walker were charged following a shooting in September of last year at a location on Park Street. Dickinsen has pleaded no contest to charges including intimidation of a victim and OWI. Walker has pleaded not guilty to similar charges and his case remains pending.

Eighteen Wisconsin school districts are getting almost one-million-dollars to pay for new advanced manufacturing and technical education equipment. The Department of Workforce Development says the funding will benefit more than 42-hundred students across the state. The department says the money will go toward addressing the state's skilled labor shortage through programs that help prepare students for those careers. Here in Western Wisconsin, Eleva Strum, Ellsworth and Osseo-Fairchild School Districts all received grants. Supported projects include new welding labs, dental and biomedical lab equipment, and materials needed to start new programs like industrial robotics.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is urging state residents to stay safe this Memorial Day weekend. DNR officials say anyone planning to hit the state's UTV and ATV trails should wear a helmet, and riders under 18 are required to use one by law. The department adds that those going out on the water should wear a life jacket and avoid using alcohol while operating a boat.

A fundraiser has been established to help the family of one of the victims in a deadly shooting at UW-Platteville. A GoFundMe has been set up in the memory of 22-year-old Kelsie Martin of Beloit who was shot and killed on Monday. Martin just graduated with a psychology degree a few days before the shooting. Police say she was shot in a campus residence hall by 22-year old Hallie Helms who then fatally shot herself. The motive for the shooting is still under investigation.

The Goodhue County Sheriff's Office is emphasizing boating safety as the Memorial Day weekend nears. Sergeant Jordan Winberg says checking the weather conditions is critical. He adds that a life jacket is the most important piece of equipment. Winberg says children under ten years old should wear one at all times. He also mentioned that most boat crashes are related to alcohol use. Violators could face a fine, jail time, or even a loss of license.

At the Capitol, legislation requiring child sexual abuse prevention programming in Wisconsin K-12 schools advances. The bill was approved Wednesday by the Assembly Committee on Children and Families, where Appleton Democrat Lee Snodgrass noted it would not apply to private schools. She said it should include all children in the state of Wisconsin. Oconomowoc Republican Barb Dittrich didn’t disagree while citing the recent case of a school bus driver accused of sexually assaulting a 6-year-old girl on his bus. Dittrich said it's critical to teach kids safety at an appropriate age and called the bill the start of something very positive. The bill requires school boards to provide at least one instructional session to pupils in 4K through grade 12, specifies what that program must cover, and requires that parents be notified and given the option to exempt their students.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court won't hear another appeal from Steven Avery. Avery is serving a life sentence for the 2005 murder of Teresa Halbach in Manitowoc County and has submitted numerous appeals throughout his time in prison. The latest attempt from Avery's attorneys said there was evidence an alternate suspect committed the murder, but that was rejected by both the circuit and appeals courts. The Supreme Court's denial is just one sentence long and unsigned. Avery, now 62 years old, is incarcerated at Fox Lake Correctional Institution in Dodge County.

At the Capitol, a Republican bill to increase penalties for rioting in Wisconsin is paused for now. The legislation received significant opposition earlier this month in the state Assembly's Judiciary Committee and was not given a committee vote on Wednesday. Democrats Ryan Clancy of Milwaukee and Andrew Hysell of Sun Prairie were pleased, calling the bill legal overreach that could be used against legitimate protests. The bill's author, Two Rivers Republican Shae Sortwell, accused them of falsely claiming the bill was “pulled” from Wednesday’s agenda when a vote hadn’t officially been scheduled. Committee chair Representative Ron Tusler told WisPolitics in a statement that the bill in its current form has “constitutional, common-sense, and enforcement issues” and will not receive a vote until those are addressed.

A Minneapolis woman who pleaded guilty in the Feeding Our Future fraud scheme is going to prison. Sahra Nur has been sentenced to four years behind bars and has been ordered to pay millions in restitution. She pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering in 2023. Nur confessed in court that her business, S&S Catering, claimed to have provided over one million meals to children from September 2020 through April 2021. Prosecutors say she served only a fraction of that number despite receiving federal reimbursement.

The Chippewa Area History Center will play host this weekend to a group of World War II reenactors. The group will stage an interactive wartime encampment complete with authentic uniforms, vehicles and more. Folks can check out the encampment reenactment Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Local-Regional News May 22

 

The Durand-Arkansaw School Board has approved a new policy for outdoor graduation ceremonies. At last nights board meeting, the board approved the new policy that the forecasted temperature must be at least 60, winds under 10mph, and no rain or lightning. The final decision on having graduation indoor or outdoor will be made by noon on Wednesday before graduation.

Clean-up efforts continue in Menomonie today after a destructive Tuesday night fire. Firefighters were called to Town and Country Antiques at East 3^rd and Main and found a lagre fire from the business and the apartments above it. The historic building and apartments are a total loss. There have been no reports of injuries and no word on the cause of the fire. The American Red Cross is assisting those displaced by the fire.

The Durand City Council has approved changing the hours city hall is open to the public during the week. The new hours will give city employees time to finish work at the beginning and end of the day. Those needing to see city staff outside of public hours will be able to make an appointment.

No one was hurt when a semi caught fire in Dunn County Wednesday morning. According to authorities, a semi had its brakes overheat and start on fire near the intersection of Hwy 12 and 29. The fire spread to the trailer, which was carrying cinder blocks. Firefighters were able to quickly put out the blaze, and no one was hurt.

Weather permitting today, residents along Hwy 35 north of Pepin may notice large yellow low-flying planes today as the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture will be spraying for spongy moth. The planes will be spraying an organic chemical that prevents the moths from mating and does not harm people, bees, pets, or other animals. People with severe allergies may wish to stay indoors during nearby treatment applications.

The Lake City Public Works Department has announced that season passes and swimming lesson registrations will be available online starting on Tuesday. Due to a donation from the Peters Memorial Foundation, individual and family season passes will be offered 50% off while funds last on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information on swimming lessons and passes, visit the Lake City Website and select O’Neil Pool under the Community Programs Tab.

Wisconsin's Department of Children and Families Secretary Jeff Pertl paid a visit to Eau Claire on Wednesday. Pertl made an appearance at the Eau Clair Children's Museum where he took part in a discussion with child care providers about the expectation of cuts to Gov. Tony Evers' proposed state budget. An estimated 480-million dollars is being pulled out of the Child Care Counts program by the Republican-led Joint Committee on Finance. Pertl says the investments made in public education and vouchers for private schools compared to child care subsidies for working families of children ages zero to five are simply not even.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is reminding hunters that the deadline for elk hunting licenses is coming up soon. The last day to apply is May 31st. Applicants will need to choose between the Clam Lake Elk Range or Black River Elk Range when entering the drawing. Applications can be purchased through the Go Wild website or in-person at the state's license agents.

The CEO of Wisconsin based mobile carrier Cellcom confirms a cyber attack took down its voice and data services last week. CEO Bridget Rirden made the announcement in an unscripted YouTube video on Tuesday. She says there is no evidence to show that personal customer data like payment cards, bank account information, or Social Security numbers have been compromised. Rirden says tech crews have been brought in from around the country but there’s no timeline for when service will be completely restored. Most Cellcom customers have been without voice and data service since last Thursday, leaving them to rely on web-based messengers to connect with family and friends. Some services were restored on Monday including voice calls between Cellcom Customers.

At the Capitol on Tuesday, a committee hearing for a bill to provide a tax credit for companies filming movies and tv in Wisconsin. Milwaukee Based film producer Jeffrey Kurz says productions are currently bypassing Wisconsin, and the tax credit would a tremendous economic and branding opportunity for the state. Rachel Harrison is a stunt performer born and raised in Wisconsin and says attracting productions would create thousands of jobs and the opportunity for Wisconsin to get involved in the multi billion dollar film industry. The bill would allow companies to apply for a 30% credit equal to costs of salary or wages for Wisconsin residents working on productions. It would also create a state film office to implement the tax credits.

The Oak Creek Common Council is approving a permit for Buc-ees to build a gas station in Oak Creek. The permit would allow a 120-pump gas station to be built near South 27th and West Elm. Buc-ees says it expects more than ten-thousand vehicles to visit the gas station every day. A dozen people, mostly residents who live near the new station's construction site, came to the common council meeting to oppose the new station. They raised concerns about property taxes, light pollution, and the environment. The council approve the permit four-to-one.

A 10-year-old dies in a Richland County UTV crash. It happened Saturday on private property in the township of Dayton. Investigation by the Department of Natural Resources determined that the boy and a passenger were riding on private property when the driver took a quick turn, causing the small UTV to tip over on the driver's side. The DNR is still determining safety certifications and helmet use. The boy’s death marks the 13th ATV/UTV related fatality in Wisconsin already this year. There were 40 such fatal crashes last year.

Target says price hikes will be a 'very last resort' for offsetting tariffs. The comment comes despite the retailer reporting weaker-than-expected sales in its first quarter. According to Target's CEO, the company has "many levers to use in mitigating the impact of tariffs." Major retailers appear to be treading cautiously around the question of price hikes after Trump slammed Walmart for warning that shoppers could pay more due to tariffs.

Local-Regional News May 21

 

The Durand-Arkansaw School Board is meeting tonight. Items on the agenda include Board Reorganization, renewal of student accident insurance, approval of the fall 2025 dual credit courses and reports from the district and building administrators. Tonight's 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 discussion and possible action on approving the Judicial Privacy Protection Policy and Procedure, allowing the corporation council to add defendants to the Opioid Litigation, and reports from county committees. Tonight's meeting begins at 7 in the board room at the Government Center in Durand.

The City of Durand has been approved into the Connect Communities Program. Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren says the program will allow the city to connect with other communities on idea for increased economic development and tourism.  The cost to the city to join was $100. The Connect Communities Program is part of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.

Former Eau Claire County Treasurer Larry Lokken is being ordered not to leave the state. Lokken was sentenced in 2015 after being convicted on charges that he and his assistant took part in the theft of one-point-three-million dollars from the county. Lokken is due to be released from custody next month and had hoped to move out of state. He was told yesterday that he does not have permission to leave Wisconsin but can petition again for permission at a later date.

The Chippewa County Sheriff's Office reports that road signs are being stolen. The latest report came in Tuesday morning, stating that a stop sign had been cut down during the overnight hours. Authorities say that is just one of a number of similar reports that have come in in the last number of months. Authorities remind would-be perpetrators that they can be held liable for any accident or injury that occurs due to their unauthorized removal of a traffic sign.

A Rice Lake man is learning his fate after being convicted on federal drug charges. David Anderson Jr was busted after selling methamphetamine to a confidential informant twice in April of last year. Anderson pleaded guilty Tuesday to charges of possessing methamphetamine intended for distribution and was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years in prison.

Two students are dead following a reported murder-suicide at UW-Platteville this week. Campus officials have confirmed Kelsie Martin and Hallie Helms were both found with gunshot wounds in a residence hall on Monday afternoon. Martin was flown to UW Hospital, where she ultimately died, and Helms was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the university. Both students were 22 years old and listed as graduates in the commencement program from last weekend. Police are still investigating what led up to the shooting. Counseling services are being made available to students.

The St. Croix County Sheriff's Office is investigating after two people were found dead in Springfield Township. Officers performing a welfare check Monday night found the bodies of an adult male and an adult female. A firearm was also discovered at the scene. Reports say the victims knew each other.

Olmsted County Commissioners unanimously passed an ordinance for the future sale of recreational marijuana on Tuesday. 14 businesses will soon be able to set up shop in Olmsted County after two county lotteries. Olmsted County will begin taking applications for a local lottery in late June and another in late July. The new businesses will have to win the county and the upcoming state lottery before they can open.

Wisconsin Court of Appeals Judge Chris Taylor is running for state Supreme Court. It appears the liberal former state lawmaker will face conservative Justice Rebecca Grassi Bradley in the April 2026 election. Taylor announced her bid yesterday, saying she believes everyone who comes before the court "deserves to be heard, respected, and treated equally". Bradley was first appointed by former Governor Scott Walker in 2015. She is seeking another ten-year term.

Wisconsin is seeing a very active start to the severe weather season this spring. The National Weather Service has already confirmed a total of 19 tornadoes in April and May, including the outbreak that spawned twisters in several different counties last week. The Badger State averages 23 tornadoes per year and we are already nearing that number with roughly a week and a half left in May. The peak of the storm season usually comes in June and July.

Some Republican state lawmakers are introducing a measure that would expand the early voting hours in Wisconsin. The proposal would set a 20-hour minimum for in-person absentee voting without an appointment. Officials say they will also come up with a funding system to help local governments cover the cost of offering additional early voting.

Wisconsin Republicans held their annual state convention over the weekend. According to a WisPolitics straw poll, attendees supported Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann over state Congressman Tom Tiffany for governor next year. Schoemann is the only candidate to emerge so far, while Tiffany says he's considering a run for governor. In presidential politics, attendees overwhelmingly back JD Vance in 2028.

The northern zone musky fishing season will start Saturday in Wisconsin. Anglers will be allowed to target musky fish on open water starting May 24 until the end of 2025. Anglers can expect fish in most waters to be done spawning and ready to feed at the start of the season due to the warmer weather. Musky will likely be active in shallow vegetated bays, channels and on points just adjacent to shallow bays during the early part of the season. Fishing licenses are available for purchase on the GoWild-dot-WI-dot-gov.

The Minnesota legislative session is over without reaching a budget deal. The state House and Senate convened early Tuesday morning while still deadlocked on several key budget bills. A special session is needed to finish the biggest parts of the spending plan. Some of the proposed bills that need to be considered include healthcare for undocumented immigrants, paid family leave, and a transportation bill.

Some items that were used during the NFL Draft in Green Bay last month are being auctioned off for charity. Titletown Auction Company is hosting online listings of things like signs and banners and stage decor. Each piece will sell with no reserve and a minimum two-dollar bid, with the proceeds to be donated to the Northeast Wisconsin Chapter of the Red Cross. The items are listed on the Titletown Auctions webpage. Bidding is closing tomorrow at 6:00 p.m.

Local-Regional News May 20

 

Property owners in Durand will see a reassessment of their property in 2026. Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren says the city was notified of the reassessment requirement recently.  Mondovi went through a reassessment of the city last year.

Residents in the city of Mondovi are being reminded to keep their yards mowed. The City has an ordinance requiring property owners to mow their lawns. The city is now hanging 24-hour notices for residents in violation of this ordinance. Property owners who do not mow their yards will have the city mow their yard, and the property owner will be responsible for the cost of mowing.

The Dunn County Sheriff’s Department is seeking the public’s help in identifying those responsible for damaging the restrooms a Ridgeland Park. In a social media post, the department shows pictures of a sink filled with rocks and damage to a urinal. Anyone with information is to contact the Sheriff’s Department or Dunn County Crimestoppers.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources announced Monday that the Tank Creek Bridge on the Great River State Trail is currently closed until further notice due to damage from a fire on Thursday evening. There were no injuries reported, but the bridge is a total loss. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Due to the location of the bridge, there is no current reroute in place. A timeline and budget for replacement have not yet been established. The bridge was originally built in 1957 as a railroad bridge for the abandoned Chicago-Northwestern railroad line and is over 200 feet long and located approximately three miles east of Trempealeau.

A Hudson man charged in connection with the killing of his wife has been found competent to stand trial. Police performing a welfare check at a home on Namekagon Street back in March found the victim dead at the scene. Fifty-four-year-old Chad Haworth has been charged with intentional homicide in the case. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for later this week.

Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul is looking into the challenges that are coming as a result of federal funding cuts for victim services. The AG visited Eau Claire yesterday to hear from victim advocates and others who have been impacted by crime. Kaul says the Trump Administration has slashed funding related to Wisconsin's Victims of Crime Act from 44-million dollars per year down to 13-million. A number of state programs have been reduced and staff members have been laid off because of the cutbacks, according to the attorney general.

Authorities in Altoona are reminding folks about ordinances pertaining to the placement of signs in the community. City leaders say they have seen a number of signs show up recently promoting businesses that engage in hail damage repair. The activity coincides with a recent hailstorm that impacted a number of residents and businesses. The City of Altoona and Altoona Police remind folks that those sorts of temporary signs can only be placed at locations where such work is currently being performed. Police say that signs that do not abide by the law will be removed.

Details are limited on an incident that led to a shelter-in-place order at UW-Platteville yesterday afternoon. Campus safety officials sent out the alert shortly before 4:30 p.m. The order was lifted a short time later and the Grant County coroner was called to a student residence hall. Since then, university leaders have cancelled final exams for the week and have offered counseling services for students. Campus Police Chief Joe Hallman has said one person was transported from a residence hall to a nearby hospital and no one is in custody but no other information has been made available so far.

A Rochester man is in custody after he was accused of leading police on a pursuit through Olmsted County. The incident happened Saturday afternoon when officers attempted to stop the suspect for allegedly speeding. The man then sped off and attempted to flee from deputies on his motorcycle. He reportedly was going 90 miles per hour in a 55-mph zone. The man was later arrested on suspicion of fleeing from police, reckless driving, and speeding.

Wisconsin’s higher ed funding takes another drop. According to the latest analysis from a national organization of state higher education executives, the Universities of Wisconsin ranked 44th out of 50 states in public funding in 2024 — a drop of one spot from 2023. That’s behind Illinois and Michigan, which ranked 1st and 2nd, as well as below neighboring Iowa and Minnesota. Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman said more public investment is urgent. Just 18 percent of the UW System’s current two-year budget of $13.7 billion comes from state taxpayers. Governor Tony Evers’ budget proposal included the largest increase ever for the UW system - $856 million, a number unlikely to survive budget deliberations in the Republican controlled legislature.

“It’s fake.” That’s the message U.S. Senator Ron Johnson delivered to delegates at the weekend’s state Republican Party Convention in Rothschild, regarding the House deficit reduction bill. Johnson said "the big, beautiful bill isn't what it's advertised to be" and will actually be increasing the federal budget deficit by a total of about $4 trillion over the next 10 years. Johnson told delegates he’s “digging his heels in” even as other Senate Republicans oppose the House bill due to its cuts to Medicaid, arguing that will harm working Americans.

Minnesota legislators are defunding the proposed Northern Lights Express project. Both the House and Senate approved a measure to redirect 77 million dollars of approved state funding for the passenger rail service designed to connect the Twin Cities and Duluth. The plan now heads to Governor Tim Walz for his signature. The funds will then go toward covering unemployment insurance costs for seasonal school workers. House Republican Transportation Chair Representative Jon Koznick says the move means the Northern Lights Express train is effectively dead.

The Department of Natural Resources has funding available for organizations to promote ATV/UTV safety. Off-Highway Vehicle Administrator Jacob Holsclaw says it's a great avenue for the DNR to be able to connect with local organizations that will spread the word on how to enjoy ATVs and UTVs safely. Organizations are encouraged to apply for this two-year program by the end of May for up to $316,464 in funding annually. Visit the DNR's website for more information on how to apply for funding.

The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum has released its Pope Leo 14th bobblehead. During its release week two-thousand Pope Leo bobbleheads were sold to customers across 47 states. The museum said the bobbleheads have been popular in Chicago where the Pope was born and raised and in Philadelphia where he went to college. The eight-inch bobblehead is on presale with an anticipated November shipping date. Each costs 30-dollars plus shipping and tax.

Local-Regional News May 19

 

One person is seriously hurt following a tractor accident in Trempealeau County over the weekend. Emergency crews were called to a property on Hunts Valley Road in the town of Burnside around 11:00 a.m. yesterday. First responders were able to pull the unconscious victim from underneath the overturned tractor before that person was flown to a hospital in La Crosse for treatment. Authorities have not released the victim's identity or details on their condition.

The Pepin County Sheriffs Department is joining the Wisconsin State Patrol and law enforcement agencies across the state in launching the Click It or Ticket campaign this week. The initiative runs now through June first. Area Law Enforcement will be enforcing the state's seat belt law, with nighttime safety belt usage a particular focus this year. Drivers are reminded to buckle up and to follow traffic rules to maintain safety and avoid citations.

Western Wisconsin Congressman Derrick Van Orden was a featured speaker over the weekend at the state's Republican Party Convention in Rothschild. Van Orden -- who represents Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District -- spoke to those assembled about the need for party unity. Van Orden says Republicans lost the recent election for a state Supreme Court seat due to internal squabbling.

Local businesses are continuing to deal with the impact of last week's hail storm in the Chippewa Valley. Ken Vance Honda reports their inventory suffered excessive hail damage in the storm. Forecasts call for residents to see a good chance of storms again tomorrow and Wednesday.

Nearly 16-hundred students became graduates of the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire on Saturday. Two commencement ceremonies were held -- one in the morning for those collecting College of Arts and Sciences and Nursing diplomas and one in the afternoon for those graduating from the colleges of Business and Health & Human Sciences.

Two people were killed in a head-on collision in Fremont Township on Friday. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, 83yr old Hadley Thompson was traveling westbound on I-90 when his vehicle crossed into the eastbound lanes and hit a vehicle head-on driven by 70yr old Warren Hacker of Appleton.. Both Thompson and Hacker were killed in the accident, while 71yr old Patricia Hacker was taken to Mayo Clinic Rochester with life-threatening injuries. That accident remains under investigation.

The City of Mondovi is considering a rain date for this year's July 4th fireworks display. Mondovi Mayor Brady Weiss says the city needs to make that decision sooner rather than later. If they decide to schedule a rain date, the city would be charged extra for the fireworks.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is introducing some new resources for seniors. Last week, Governor Evers and DHS announced a statewide hotline to connect folks with local Aging and Disability Resource Centers. There is also a new online directory at find-my-A-D-R-C-dot-org. Both the hotline and the website can help older adults and individuals with disabilities find support services.

The state health department is reminding you to check for ticks when you come in from outdoor activities. Epidemiologist Rebecca Osborne says tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease and Alpha-Gal Syndrome can be devastating. Be sure to wear long pants and tuck them in your socks when in wooded areas or scrub to prevent ticks from getting up your legs, and wear E P A approved bug spray when outdoors. Also be sure to check your pets when they come in as well, because ticks can travel on their fur and bite you indoors.

Life jackets are the best way to save your life on the water, but many people still aren't wearing them. D N R warden Darren Kuhn tells W X P R in Rhinelander that every boat is required to have as many life preservers or jackets on board as passengers, but that many people simply stow them away. He says no one is going to rush to open compartments and get out a life jacket when an emergency happens. The D N R issues around 500 citations a year for failure to have life saving devices, and most people who drown on Wisconsin lakes were not wearing a jacket.

Charges are dropped against law enforcement officers in a fatal high-speed chase in Dane County. Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne cleared on Friday Iowa County Sheriff's Deputy Jeffry Okey and Wisconsin State Patrol Trooper Bryan Baumann. They were being accused of the death of Bo Johnson who allegedly did not stop when officers tried to pull him over last March for driving over 140 miles-per-hour.

Wisconsin ranks first in the nation for turning in the most unused medications on Drug Take Back Day. The Department of Justice announced today that almost 57-thousand pounds of prescription medications were turned in during the spring collection day. In total, more than one-point-three-million pounds of drugs have been turned in since Drug Take Back Day started in 2010. The Drug Enforcement Administration organizes two official Take Back Days each year in the spring and fall, but unwanted prescriptions can be returned year-round at law enforcement offices, hospitals, and health clinics.

Wisconsin’s unemployment rate increased slightly last month. Preliminary estimates from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show that the state’s jobless rate bumped up a tenth of a point to 3.3% in April, which is still lower than the 4.2% national average for last month. The federal data also showed a decrease in the state's labor force participation to 65.5%, which is still 2.9 percentage points higher than the national rate. Though Wisconsin’s month-to-month labor force number dropped by 4,900 people from March to April, that total grew by 900 compared to the same time in 2024.

A couple of injuries have been reported after four tornadoes touched down Thursday in Juneau. Emergency management officials say one person was sent to the hospital. A state of emergency is declared by Mayville Mayor Rob Boelk. A National Weather Service spokesperson said on Friday strength levels varied up to EF-2 and lasted around 20 minutes. Severe weather was also reported in Western Wisconsin with 100mph winds and large hail in parts of Dunn, Eau Claire and Rusk Counties and a tornado was reported in New Richmond.

The Ramsey County Fair is once again being canceled. This is the sixth straight year which the fair has been canceled. The fair was first canceled in 2021 and 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and then was cancelled in the years following due to the county board of commissioners instituting a 25-thousand-dollar fee which had to be paid upfront for the fair to be held on the county fairgrounds. Now, the county says the fair cannot be held due to deteriorating property conditions and a lack of accessibility. The Ramsey County Agricultural Society says it is continuing to search for a new location for the fair.

The Minnesota State Fair is unveiling some of the free entertainment available this year. Over 900 free stage shows will take place over the 12 days, lasting from August 21st to September 1st. Bandshell Tonight! at the Bandshell includes artists such as Arrested Development and Los Lobos. Music fans can hear rock, rap, country, cajun, bluegrass and more. Adult tickets will cost 20 dollars, with seniors and kids costing 18. Children under four are free. 

Local-Regional News May 16

 

Clean-up begins after severe weather rolled through western Wisconsin. There are reports of unconfirmed tornadoes hitting the area yesterday. There was also hail damage in the area. There were reports of baseball-sized hail in parts of Western Wisconsin, and a tornado was spotted on the ground in New Richmond. The severe weather downed trees and power lines, causing power outages, and many public schools held students at school before sending them home.

Authorities are reminding residents to avoid scams if they have damage from Thursday’s storms. Authorities recommend contacting your insurance provider first regarding any storm damage. They may have a list of approved contractors to assist with repairs, said officials. Police suggest using reputable, local contractors known within the community. If you are contacted, scammers may know some personal information, like your name and address, from public records. Don't provide any more information and hang up. Police said if something seems odd, it probably is.

The City of Mondovi is continuing to search for new police officers to fill open positions. Mondovi Mayor Brady Weiss says the city would like to get back to five full-time officers.  The city has also increased officer pay and hopes to fill at least two positions.

The City of Durand has appointed Discover Durand as the Tourism Commission. The commission is a requirement of the new room tax and the city could create its own commission or appoint a group. Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren says Discover Durand will receive 70 percent of the room tax revenue and the appointment is for one year.  Discover Durand will use the money to promote tourism in Durand, The other 30 percent of the room tax will go into the general fund for the city.

Motorists in Pierce County are reminded that Hwy 63 will be closed at times as crews are reconstructing Hwy 63 this summer. Work includes milling and replacing the pavement, replacing the bridge decks over the South Fork of Lost Creek and an branch of the Rush River and replacing culverts and guardrails. Through May 20^th Hwy 63 is closed from Hwy 10 to Hwy 72, then from May 20 through August 4 Hwy 63 will be closed from Hwy 72 to Hwy J.

The cause of a house fire in Chippewa Falls remains under investigation. Firefighters were called early yesterday morning to a burning home along the five-hundred block of South Main Street. Upon arrival, firefighters found heavy smoke and flames coming from the home. All of the occupants made it out of the burning home safely. The fire is said to have caused 50-thousand-dollars worth of damage to the home.

The City of Eau Claire will be embarking on a project to convert 93 acres of land into pollinator-friendly landscapes. The project is scheduled to begin on Monday and will target areas difficult to mow or not regularly used by the public. Locations include land along Hastings Way, Highway 312 ramps, and near the Chippewa River State Trail.

A person of interest is being sought after a shooting in La Crosse. Police have identified that person as 27-year-old Diontae Booth. This comes after one person was shot yesterday morning along the 9-hundred block of Fifth Avenue South. The victim was taken to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Wisconsin sees a substantial drop in fatal drug overdoses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports Wisconsin is among six states and the District of Columbia to see the total number of year-to-year overdose deaths drop by more than 35%. The biggest drop was in West Virginia, which saw a 44% decline. Only Nevada and South Dakota saw increases in fatal overdoses. Overall, total U.S. overdose deaths dropped by 30-thousand, a 27-percent decrease which the CDC says is the largest one-year decline ever recorded.

The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs is launching a redesigned and streamlined website. The overhaul should provide veterans and their families with an improved experience that connects them with all state veteran benefits and services. Veterans Secretary James Bond says it's more than just a visual update and reflects months of collaboration with Wisconsin veterans and their advocates. The site features a streamlined design, simplified navigation, improved search functions, and mobile-friendly responsiveness. To see the updated site, head to WisVets.com.

As people kick off the summer by firing up the grill and serving food at a cookout, the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service shares some tips to keep their celebrations safe. “Food safety is a year-round priority, but it’s especially important during summer months when we are cooking outdoors and handling food in warmer temperatures,’ says Dr. Denise Eblen. Some of the key recommendations include cleaning grill surfaces with soap and water and making sure old residue is scraped off. Preventing cross-contamination is another key recommendation that includes using separate plates, cutting boards, and utensils for raw and cooked foods. Never place cooked food on plates that held any raw meat, poultry, or seafood. It’s important to cook food to a safe temperature. APHIS reminds you that color is not a reliable indication of doneness. Use a food thermometer to ensure food reaches a safe minimum internal temperature. 

Wisconsin Republicans gather in Wausau for the state party convention today and Saturday. UW-La Crosse political scientist Anthony Chergosky says they’ve got lots to talk about, including elections for governor and state Supreme Court, and holding their majority in the state Assembly. Wisconsin Democrats will have the same issues to discuss during their convention in The Dells next month.

A Milwaukee judge accused of helping a man evade immigration authorities in a courthouse has pleaded not guilty to federal charges. Judge Hannah Dugan was indicted by a federal grand jury earlier this week. She's charged with concealing a person from arrest and obstruction of a proceeding before departments and agencies. Dugan was arrested last month after she allegedly confronted an ICE task force and told them they needed a warrant. Dugan's trial is set to begin July 21st.

An emu is on the loose in Juneau County. The Sheriff's Office is asking for help finding the bird, who has been spotted wandering around Summit Township. Deputies say they aren't sure who the emu belongs to and are asking the owner or anyone who spots the bird to call the sheriff's office.