Local-Regional News Dec 29

 

Expect slow going on the roads throughout the day as the clean up continues from this weekends Winter Storm.  Yesterday there were reports of trees and power lines down in parts of Dunn County due to the heavy wet snow and windy conditions.  The Wisconsin State Patrol said there were over 70 accidents in Northwestern and Western Wisconsin yesterday afternoon due to the weather.  Some areas here in the WRDN Listening area had up to 10 inches of snow due to the storm.  Colder and quiet weather is expected for the rest of the week.

The Durand City Council is meeting today.  Items on the agenda include discussion and possible action on writing off CDBG loans #24 and #48 on a foreclosed property in the amount of $15,136, confirmation of the sale of the Durand Fire Hall to the new Durand Fire District, and reports from the Mayor and Department heads.  Today’s meeting begins at 4pm at Durand City Hall.

A number of Western Wisconsin organizations are on the receiving end of grant funding recently announced by the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority.  Two million dollars in funding is being awarded statewide to 59 applicants for the purposes of aiding with housing assistance.  Among those receiving grant awards are Habitat for Humanity of the Greater La Crosse Region, the Salvation Army of Barron County and Osseo Housing in Trempealeau County.

The City of Menomonie will offer curbside Christmas tree pickup on Thursday, January 8, 2026, to help residents responsibly dispose of their real Christmas trees after the holidays.  To ensure collection, trees must be bare. Please remove all decorations, tinsel, ornaments, lights, tree bags, posts, and stands. Artificial trees and wreaths will not be collected. Place your tree at the curb by 6:00 a.m. on the scheduled pickup day.  For more information contact Menomonie City Hall.

 Firefighters from Goodview Fire and Rescue were on the scene of a basement fire on Sunday, despite the heavy snow and whiteout conditions.   According to Goodview Fire and Rescue, crew members responded to a report of a basement fire in the 8100 block of 6th Street. The department said its team faced challenges due to snowy road conditions.  The fire was contained to the basement, but smoke damage affected the entire house. The department said there were no injuries; however, it did not have information on a damage estimate. 

Investigators are working to determine the cause of a mobile home fire in Onalaska.  Crews dispatched to the scene at the Creekside Mobile Home Park shortly before 6 p.m. Saturday searched the home for occupants with reports that someone could be trapped inside.  It turned out that the owner had already left the scene though they later returned.  That individual refused a medical evaluation.

The Hastings American Legion is shutting down temporarily to come up with a strategic plan.  The American Legion Post 47 dispelled rumors that they were closing their doors permanently when they shut down on Christmas Eve.  Hastings Legion officials released a Facebook post that they decided to take a step back to evaluate their current situation and develop a plan to shape how the club does business moving forward.  The post also says that more updates on the future of the club would follow.

 A Sunday fire in Jackson County left a semi-truck destroyed.  Taylor Fire and Rescue responded to the scene at around 1:30 p.m. and found the burning vehicle.  The fire was determined to be electrical in nature.  No injuries were reported.

Attorney General Josh Kaul says Wisconsin is joining a multistate lawsuit over federal limits on gender-affirming care for young people.  The suit targets an HHS declaration that labels some care unsafe and aims to exclude providers from Medicare and Medicaid.  Kaul and the coalition argue the declaration breaks federal law by bypassing notice and comment.  They also claim the decision undermines states' authority to regulate medicine.  The group is asking the court to block the HHS declaration nationwide.

State property owners are facing the highest school property tax increase in more than 30 years.  The Wisconsin Policy Forum notes that gross K-through-12 school property taxes jumped nearly eight-percent this December.  The month also saw the biggest jump in tax levies for all local governments since 2018.  This increase stems from voter-approved referendums and the last two state budgets.  Local officials are concerned that rising taxes may affect residents' ability to stay in or move to communities.

 Governor Evers has announced that two million dollars in grants has been put toward housing efforts. The grants are in partnership with the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority.  Organizations across the state received the grants to help address emergency housing needs. This year's grant program helped providers in 27 counties create or improve over 15 hundred beds and housing units throughout Wisconsin.  

The latest Wisconsin jobs data for 2025 is from September due to the government shutdown. It's expected that the state's job numbers for October and November will be released in early January. In September, employment was down by nearly 52-thousand jobs. A representative for Wisconsin's Department of Workforce Development said the decline is due to older workers retiring. 

Wisconsin will receive part of a 149 million settlement with Mercedes-Benz Group AG. The state will get over 630 thousand dollars to resolve claims that the automaker sold vehicles equipped with illegal emissions defeat devices. The Wisconsin Attorney General said the state had joined a coalition of 48 states and Puerto Rico that sued Mercedes. The coalition accused the company of using the devices to falsify emissions. Mercedes allegedly sold over 211-thousand diesel vehicles from 2008 to 2016 that contained the devices. 

The Salvation Army in Olmsted County says it has exceeded its red kettle goal of 365 thousand dollars.  The nonprofit also said it matched both a 50-thousand-dollar Mayo Clinic match and a 30-thousand-dollar match from an anonymous donor over the past week.  The funds will be used to support the community of Olmsted County in need of health care, housing support, meals, youth programming, and other basic needs social services.

The Wisconsin State Patrol is continuing to encourage safe driving on the state's roadways this holiday season.  The patrol is in the midst of its "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign -- an effort get impaired drivers off the roads.  The patrol is stepping up education and enforcement of impaired driving laws through New Year's Day.

Local-Regional News Dec 24

 

The Durand-Arkansaw School District has entered into an agreement with CESA 10 to help reduce energy usage. Durand-Arkansaw Superintendent Ryan Nelson says its hoped that the pilot program from CESA 10 will help the district find savings in energy usage.  If no energy savings are found, there will be no cost to the district. CESA 10 is currently working with three other districts as part of the pilot program.

The Buffalo County Health Department is offering Buffalo County Residents free Narcan kits and medication lock bags The kits and bags are available to anyone with no ID, questions or appointments required. Narcan is a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose, and the medication lock bags can help prevent children and others from accidentally taking a prescription drug. The kits and bags are available at the Buffalo County Courthouse during regular business hours.

A Dunn County Supervisor has passed away. Supervisor Carl Vandermeulen represented the 19^th district, which is the southside of the city of Menomonie, and served on the Judiciary Committee and represented Dunn County on the West Central Regional Planning Commission. Vandermeulen passed away on December 11.

Charges filed earlier this year against an Eau Claire woman are being dropped. Fifty-nine-year-old Georgia Eaton was among more than a dozen people charged following an April drug bust at a home on Barland Street. Prosecutors are dropping the action against Eaton due to her serious health issues and in -- what they say -- is the interest of justice.

The Chippewa County Highway Department is reminding motorists to please pay attention and use caution when driving during winter weather events. According to the Chippewa County Sheriff’s Department, the county has had two plow trucks struck in the last 10 days. There were only minor injuries to the striking drivers and no injuries to the plow operators. There was significant damage to the vehicles that struck the plow truck and one of the plow trucks was out of service for a short period.

Charges continue to pile up for an Osseo contractor. Anthony Brooks is accused of accepting customer payments for home remodeling and renovation projects that he then never began and for which he failed to provide refunds. Brooks was already facing five counts of theft by contractor in Chippewa County and sixteen similar counts in Eau Claire County. Prosecutors in Chippewa County are now adding a count of felony theft in a business setting for the alleged scamming of victims in a 2023 incident.

The search for a new superintendent in the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District is over. Sun Prairie Area School District administrator Dr. Brad Saron is being named the Chippewa Falls district's new leader. Saron officially steps into his new post on July 1st of next year.

Homicide charges filed against a Western Technical College instructor in connection with the death of a pregnant woman are being dismissed. The body of 27-year-old Alexis Pickett was found last month at the scene of a La Crosse house fire. Pickett's former romantic partner Matthew Sierra was arrested later Tuesday on charges including 1st degree intentional homicide, 1st degree intentional homicide of an unborn child and arson. Those charges were dismissed yesterday with the court siting the prosecution's failure to file an amended complaint. Prosecutors have until Friday to refile.

The Wisconsin Soybean Association is responding to a ban on drones built overseas. The FCC is prohibiting imports of new unmanned aircraft from foreign companies, citing national security concerns. Officials with the Wisconsin Soybean Association say the decision is negatively impacting farmers who use drones to monitor crop health and make informed decisions in the field. WSA President Doug Rebout says policymakers need to consider how decisions like these impact agriculture businesses.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources offers some tips on how to reduce food waste during the holidays. Organics Waste Management Specialist Erik Flesch says planning can go a long way in helping you make the right amount of food and food that everyone can enjoy. Flesch says have containers on hand to send guests home with meals for later, consider composting waste instead of recycling, and use freezer bags and proper containers to make sure leftovers don't get freezer burn. More tips can be found on the DNR's website.

More than six-and-a-quarter-million-dollars in loans is being taken out to make 521 affordable housing units across the state. Governor Evers and WHEDA announced the funding will create the units through five developments statewide, including 270 workforce units in Madison. WHEDA CEO Elmer Moore Junior emphasized the loans will help projects reach completion. Since 2019, the Evers administration has helped develop more than 30-thousand housing units. Evers highlights safe, stable, affordable housing as a priority for families and communities.

The "Slender Man stabber" has returned to custody after a Waukesha County judge revoked her conditional release. Court records show 23-year-old Morgan Geyser waived her right to a hearing and will be placed in nearby mental health facility. This follows Geyser removing her GPS bracelet last month and fleeing her Madison group home. She was later located and arrested in Posen, Illinois. State health officials had filed the petition to revoke her release, which the court approved Tuesday. Geyser was involved in the 2014 Slender Man stabbing, when she and another girl attacked a friend to please the fictional character.

Six horses are dead after being struck by a pickup in rural Kenosha County on Monday morning. The Sheriff's Office says a 67-year-old man from Antioch, Illinois was driving to Kenosha before dawn when his pickup struck the horses that escaped a fenced enclosure on a property and entered the roadway near the intersection of two county trunk highways. Five of the horses died at the scene while a sixth was euthanized. Though the man’s pickup was significantly damaged, he wasn’t injured. Citations related to the animals being on the loose are pending following an investigation.

A bill to delist the gray wolf in Wisconsin has passed the U.S. House. The legislation, introduced by Republican Congressman and candidate for governor Tom Tiffany, delists the gray wolf from the Endangered Species Act, prevents endless lawfare from overturning the decision and restores authority to state lawmakers and wildlife officials to responsibly manage gray wolf populations. The Wisconsin Cattlemen's Association applauded the passage, saying it marks a step forward to protect the state's cattle population. The bill now heads to the U.S. Senate.

Rochester Mayor Kim Norton's veto of a 52-million-dollar construction contract for a planned sports complex is now overridden. The City Council held a special session Monday night and took down the veto by a five-to-two vote. The decision allows the contract to move forward despite Mayor Norton's opposition. The Rochester DFL delegation has threatened to introduce a bill to revoke the project's funding if the council overrode the veto. There is no word yet if local lawmakers will continue to oppose the project at the state level.

Last weekend’s Powerball drawing led to four big winners in Wisconsin. Though no ticket took home the top prize Saturday night, four tickets in the state matched four of five numbers and the Powerball, leading to $50,000 winners in Elm Grove, Madison and Hartford. The remaining winning ticket sold in Janesville matched those same numbers and the Powerball but added the 3X multiplier option, earning that ticket $150,000. Once again, no one matched all six numbers in Monday night's $1.6 billion Powerball drawing. That means the jackpot for the Christmas Eve drawing will be an estimated $1.7 billion, the fourth largest in Powerball and U.S. lottery history.

Local-Regional News Dec 23

 

Four people were left injured Saturday after a collision in Gilman Township. According to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department, 30yr old Reed Kaliher of Chanhassen, MN was traveling southbound on Hwy I when he collided with a vehicle traveling westbound on Hwy 29 driven by 74yr old Terrance Traynor of River Falls. Kaliher and passenger 80yr old Joanne Bethke were taken to Western Wisconsin Health in Baldwin while Traynor and passenger 73 yr old Linda Traynor were taken to River Falls Area Hospital.

Investigators say an employee of a Menomonie medical office secretly placed a recording device inside the facility. According to Menomonie Police, staffers at ReforMedicine say they found the device last month on November 19 -- hidden in a non-public area. Menomonie police were notified by the staff and as a result of an investigation, forty-eight-year-old Medical Assistant Meng Vang has been arrested on charges related to invasion of privacy and representations depicting nudity. The investigation into the incident continues.

The Durand-Arksansaw School District is restructuring the sequence of science classes at the high school. Durand-Arkansaw Superintendent Ryan Nelson says the restructuring should allow students to take the advanced science classes sooner if they choose.  Its hoped that the restructuring will make it more flexible for students wanting to pursue a science career after high school.

Officials are confirming the discovery of chronic wasting disease in La Crosse County. Chronic Wasting Disease is spread directly through animal to animal contact and is fatal for members of the deer family. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources says a test for the disease came back positive on a hunter-harvested adult buck that was harvested within ten miles of Monroe and Vernon Counties. Officials are moving to extend the current baiting and feeding ban in La Crosse County for another three years.

Three area 4-H programs will again partner with the UW-Stout Art Education Program to bring art lessons to area youth. The program, in its 6^th year is open to all you in grades K-12 in Chippewa, Dunn and Eau Claire Counties. The sessions are virtual for youth in grades K-6 and in person at UW-Stout for grades 7-12. The program will be held Thursday nights starting at 6:30 from February 12 through March 12. For more information, contact the County 4-H Educator.

Governor Tony Evers is extending the energy emergency in Wisconsin. The governor signed an executive order as disruptions continue to cause challenges within the Midwestern pipeline distribution system. There is also a high demand for residential heating fuel, like heating oil and propane. Evers' office says the order will go toward the delivery of these products throughout Wisconsin. It replaces an executive order signed on December 5th.

Minnesota private well owners are being encouraged to test their water for contaminants. High levels of arsenic have been found in water supplies in Mower County and other areas of Minnesota. The naturally occurring chemical is highly toxic to humans. Screening clinics are put on by the Minnesota Well Owners Organization, the Mayo Clinic and other organizations. Recent research from Mayo Clinic shows a reliance on well water in the Midwest and unanimous support for the need to further test the well water.

Property taxpayers are expected to see the largest rise in local taxes since 2018. A report from the Wisconsin Policy Forum says most of the taxes come from schools. Data from the Department of Revenue says property taxes for K-12 school districts are expected to rise to over six billion dollars in December tax bills. The report says nearly 29 percent of school districts have a tax increase of over ten percent this year.

No charges are being filed against a Niagara police officer who was involved in a deadly chase last month. The Marinette County District Attorney is declining prosecution for Officer Rhianna Carne. Officials say Carne tried to pull over 57-year-old Steve Mecklenburg on the afternoon of November 5th before he took off at high speed and crashed into a commercial truck. Mecklenburg did not survive the wreck.

Be wary of sextortion scams. The Wisconsin Department of Justice is offering tips that can help parents identify a possible sextortion scam involving their children. Parents should talk to kids about dangers and risks online, as well as their online activity, including the websites they are visiting and the people they are communicating with. Sextortion is a form of sexual exploitation where the offender threatens to release compromising material of the victim unless the victim sends them something of monetary value. Governor Tony Evers recently signed a bill into law that makes sextortion a felony.

Republican leaders in the State Assembly say they will begin impeachment proceedings against Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan if she does not immediately resign. A jury found Dugan guilty of obstruction on Thursday after a four-day federal trial but acquitted her on a misdemeanor charge of concealment. Dugan faces up to five years in prison on the obstruction count. She plans to appeal. In a statement issued on Friday, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and Assembly Majority Leader Tyler August cite the Wisconsin Constitution, which says no person who has been convicted of a felony shall be eligible for any office of trust, profit or honor in the state. Dugan’s trial stemmed from her actions at the Milwaukee County Courthouse earlier this year when she helped an undocumented immigrant evade arrest by federal agents.

President Trump appears to be backing Mike Lindell for Minnesota Governor. At a rally in North Carolina on Friday, the president said Lindell "deserves to be governor of Minnesota." Lindell announced his campaign earlier this month. He will challenge Democratic Governor Tim Walz who is seeking a third term. Lindell has been a staunch supporter of Trump throughout his political career, but has found himself facing numerous legal rulings about his theories of election fraud in 2020.

Climatologists have confirmed that the August rainfall in the state was the largest ever recorded. It passed the previous record set nearly 80 years ago by about three inches. Between August 9th and 10th, a rain gauge recorded over 14 inches of rainfall in under 24 hours. The previous state record was over 11 inches in June of 1946. The 24-hour rainfall record was confirmed by scientists with the State Climate Extremes Committee. 

Local-Regional News Dec 22

 

A Wheeler man has been indicted on production of child pornography charges, and possession of child porn. A grand jury indicted 40yr old Timothy McClellan that alleges between March 1^st and October 6 of this year, he produced pornographic images of five different minors. The charges are the result of an investigation conducted by the Dunn County Sheriff’s Department, and Turtle Lake Police Department. If convicted, McClellan faces 15-50yrs in prison.

The Durand-Arkansaw School Board has again approved a contract to provide special education services for Alma, Pepin and Plum City School Districts. Durand-Arkansaw School Superintendent Ryan Nelson says its a win-win for everyone.  The agreement is for the 2026-2027 school year.

One person is dead after a Saturday morning vehicle accident in Eau Claire County. The accident happened a little before 12:30 a.m. on County Road G in the Town of Wilson. Sheriff's deputies say the involved vehicle went off the roadway and that the driver was ejected. They died at the scene. Report say that speed and alcohol use were factors in the accident.

Prison is being ordered for a former Hudson teacher charged with crimes involving a fifth grader. Madison Bergmann was arrested last year with reports saying that she had engaged in inappropriate conduct with a young student. She pleaded guilty in September to charges including child enticement-sexual contact and sexual misconduct by school staff. She was ordered Friday to serve a term of six years in prison.

Eau Claire firefighters were dispatched multiple times in recent days to the scene of a brush fire on Jeffers Road. Crews were sent to the scene on Friday -- extinguishing the blaze and remaining on site for close to 12 hours to make sure that things were taken care of. When the brush began to smolder on Saturday, crews were sent back. No injuries were reported.

A Westby man is facing charges after a Sunday shooting incident in La Crosse. Police responded just after 2:30 a.m. yesterday to reports of gunfire at a location on 3rd Street South. No victims were found at the scene though a car window had been hit. Officers located 22-year-old suspect Dominic Janzen at a nearby residence and took him into custody on charges that include first degree recklessly endangering safety.

Wisconsin Congressman Tom Tiffany is behind a bill that would remove the gray wolf from the endangered species list. Members of the U.S. House have passed the Pet and Livestock Protection Act, which was introduced by the western Wisconsin Republican. If signed into the law, the legislation will allow states to manage wolf numbers through regulated hunting. The Wisconsin DNR estimates gray wolf populations have grown to roughly 12-hundred in the state after there were less than 500 around in 2006. Tiffany's measure will now be considered in the U.S. Senate.

As the trade war with China continues, Wisconsin soybean farmers continue to feel the pinch. State Agriculture Secretary Randy Romanski. Romanski says any farmer who is in need of assistance in planning or management of their farm can get help from DATCP. Just head to D A T C P dot W I dot US or contact your county farm office for more information.

Snowmobiles are reminded to ride sober and safe this season. Some snowmobile trails across the state are starting to open and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is reminding to keep safety in mind when you hit the trails. Two of the most common crash contributors around the holidays are weak ice and impaired operation. The DNR says both of those can be mitigated through planning and smart decision-making. The DNR reminds you to also stay on marked trails and check ice thickness before venturing out. More safety tips can be found on the DNR's website. Currently all snowmobile trails here in Western Wisconsin remain closed.

Two children in Wisconsin have died from respiratory-associated illnesses. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has confirmed the first pediatric respiratory illness-associated deaths for the 2025-2026 season, one a result of COVID-19 and the other from influenza. DHS Respiratory Disease Epidemiologist Tom Haupt said the deaths serves as a reminder about how serious these viruses can be, and it's not too late to protect yourself and your family by getting vaccinated. While it’s important for everyone, vaccines are especially critical for young children, older adults, people with chronic health conditions, and those who are pregnant. DHS encourages everyone 6 months and older to get vaccinated against flu and COVID-19.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers over the permit it issued for Enbridge’s Line 5 reroute project in northern Wisconsin. The Army Corps issued its permit October 29 during the federal government shutdown. No supporting documents were included. In its suit, the Bad River Band argues the permit fails to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act and Clean Water Act. The lawsuit adds to existing related to Canadian-owned Enbridge’s proposed 41-mile project to move the pipeline around the tribe’s reservation on the shores of Lake Superior, at an estimated cost of $450 million. Earthjustice filed the lawsuit Tuesday on the tribe’s behalf in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Bad River Band Chairwoman Elizabeth Arbuckle said in a statement that Enbridge has been trespassing on its lands for more than a decade.

Tony Evers approves a new rule aimed at keeping foster kids with their family and loved ones. The new rule provides a separate, streamlined licensing path for relative and like-kin caregivers and fair financial support. Evers says keeping adults in kids' lives who know and love them can go a long way toward making sure a kid has the stability they need. Ever says the change will reduce barriers and provide equitable financial support to caregivers. In 2024, 39 percent of children in Wisconsin who entered out-of-home care were initially placed with relatives, increasing the likelihood that they would be placed with their siblings.

The U.S. Department of Justice is suing to get the personal information of Wisconsin voters. The suit, filed Thursday in the Western District of Wisconsin, argues the U.S. attorney general has “sweeping power” under federal law granting access to state voting records. The Wisconsin Elections Commission had earlier told the justice department that state law prohibits release of the information. The suit seeks an order compelling WEC to turn over the voter registration list that includes full names, dates of birth, addresses, and either state driver’s license numbers or the last four digits of Social Security numbers or a unique identifier under the Help America Vote Act. An Elections Commission spokesperson declined comment, and the agency typically does not comment on pending lawsuits. Wisconsin is one of several state declining to turn over voters’ personal information as part of a Trump administration “election integrity effort.” DOJ said in a release that it’s also filed suit against Georgia, Illinois and Washington, D.C.

The state of Minnesota will receive more than 630 thousand dollars as part of a settlement with Menards. The deal is linked to claims of deceptive advertising in the home improvement retailers' eleven percent rebate program and price gouging during the pandemic. Wisconsin-=based Menards has agreed to pay four-point-25 million dollars to ten states, including Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and South Dakota. The attorney general involved says Menards also raised prices on household items such as rubbing alcohol, garbage bags and dish soap during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is considering lowering the walleye limit. For the first time since 1956, is considering lowering the amount of walleye fish you can catch from six to four. The state agency says changes in lake habitats and ongoing technological advances in fishing as the main reasons behind the proposal. GPS devices and fish finding electronics, have made catching fish much easier in recent years. If the change is approved, it wouldn't take effect until May 2027.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is seeking nominations for this year's Ethical Hunter Award. The DNR says nominees are selected based on exceptional more actions and character while out in the field. Established in 1997, the award recognizes a hunter whose action is symbolic of Wisconsin’s hunting heritage. Examples of potential award nominations could be those who assist other hunters in finding their lost game, help find lost equipment, mentor novice hunters, or help protect our shared natural resources. Nominations must be made by January 31st and more info can be found on the DNR's website.

Local-Regional News Dec 19

 

The Durand-Arkansaw School Board has approved the 2026-2027 School Calendar. Durand-Arkansaw School Superintendent Ryan Nelson says the first day of school for 2026-2027 will be September 1^st.  Nelson says spring break will be the week before Easter Sunday in 2027.

The City of Durand has approved a new certified survey map of some Xcel Energy Property by the wastewater treatment plant. Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren says the plan buy the Arkansaw Sanitary District was one of the drivers of mapping out the property.  The City also approved another map for Xcel land near Alcivia’s Grain Storage facility.

A Tennessee man accused of sexually assaulting a Holcombe teenager is pleading no contest to charges. Investigators say that -- in 2022 -- Trevor Blackburn drove to Wisconsin and kidnapped the then-15-year-old girl from her home. Blackburn pleaded no contest this week to charges of kidnapping and 1st degree child sexual assault. He will be sentenced at a later date.

A former funeral director faces charges after investigators and DNA testing solved a 23-year-old cold case in Western Wisconsin. In 2002, a human skull was found at a Boy Scout Camp in St. Croix County. Authorities say recent DNA testing connected the remains with a 91-year-old Minnesota woman who died of natural causes in 2001 and was cremated. The sheriff’s department says 57-year-old Benjamin Hanson, of Minnesota, was the funeral director for her cremation, and said he fraudulently charged the woman’s family more than $2,700 for hair styling. Witnesses at the funeral home said Hanson was not acting normal at the time and he was eventually fired from the funeral home. Hanson faces charges of theft and hiding a corpse.

An Eau Claire Paper Company is receiving state tax credits for expanding. Cascade Paper will invest $6 million for the installation of a state of the art converting line to enable the company to increase capacity and introduce new products. The expansion will lead to 36 new jobs. The WEDC is providing up to $200,000 in performance-based state income tax credits.

A La Crosse-area resident is pleading no contest to sexual assault charges. Seventeen-year-old Jonah Larson is considered a crocheting phenom whose skills once earned him an appearance on Good Morning America. On Thursday, he pleaded no contest to a charge of second-degree sexual assault of a child. He is being allowed to enter a diversion program which -- if he completes it successfully -- will knock a conviction off of his record.

Winners are being revealed for this year's Sustainable Eau Claire Awards. The awards recognize individuals, businesses, and organizations that are committed to creating a more sustainable Eau Claire. Community beautification stalwart Mari Jackson is being recognized as this year's Outstanding Individual. The Riverflow Refillery home goods store is being recognized as Outstanding Business and Prairie Partners of Eau Claire is being celebrated as Outstanding Organization.

An escaped inmate from Columbia County is back in custody after being captured in Tomah. Authorities say Matthew William Mahoney was identified following a tip from Columbia County officials. Mahoney was found this morning near a Walmart and initially gave a false name when encountered by law enforcement. Tomah police are recommending charges against Mahoney, including identity theft and obstructing an officer.

The Wisconsin State Patrol wants people to be safe on the state's roadways this holiday season. The patrol is launching their "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign -- an effort get impaired drivers off the roads. The patrol is stepping up education and enforcement of impaired driving laws through New Year's Day.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville is adding programs for students looking to get into the cannabis field. The school announced this week the launch of six new Cannabis Career Certificate programs in partnership with Green Flower, a cannabis education leader. This includes areas such as cultivation, retail, and product development. All except one of the programs is 16 weeks long, with the other one being half that length. All of the programs will be online and will begin January 13th.

Eric Hovde won’t be running for Wisconsin governor. The former U.S. Senate candidate made the announcement on a video posted to X on Wednesday. Hovde said he wants to spend more time with his family following his narrow election loss run last year to incumbent Democratic Senator Tammy Baldwin. His decision leaves U.S. Congressman Tom Tiffany and Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann as the major Republicans in the August 2026 primary.

An assailant in the 2014 Slender Man stabbing won’t contest a revocation of her conditional release from a state mental hospital. Morgan Geyser cut her ankle bracelet off and escaped her group home in Madison last month. She and a 43-year-old friend were found and arrested in Illinois. Her attorney filed a letter in Waukesha County Court this week saying Geyser won’t contest her release revocation. That will return her to the Winnebago Mental Health Institute where she’d been for over a decade. Geyser had been in the and Waukesha County jail before being moved to an undisclosed location last week. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services filed a petition last month to revoke Geyser’s release. A hearing is scheduled for February.

Former conservative State Supreme Court Justice Michale Gableman has another recusal request denied. Liberal state Supreme Court Justice Janet Protasiewicz has again rejected Gableman’s request that she remove herself from an upcoming decision on whether to suspend his law license. Gableman faces a three-year suspension for his oversight of an investigation into Wisconsin's 2020 presidential election. Protasiewicz already rejected Gableman's first recusal request earlier this month, and Gableman filed a request last week asking her to reconsider. The review will go before the state Supreme Court, which currently has a 4-3 liberal majority.

Weather is considered a contributing factor in Green County's deadly plane crash last month. The NTSB released its preliminary report showing foggy and overcast conditions led to reduced visibility for the small aircraft ahead of the crash near Monroe Municipal Airport on November 24th. Two people were killed in the crash including the pilot and a pilot-rated passenger. Officials identified the men as being from Oshkosh and Omro.

The American Civil Liberties Union is suing ICE on behalf of six Minnesotans who say their First Amendment rights were violated. ACLU lawyers say the alleged abuses involving immigration agents from Operation Metro Surge are following a pattern seen in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Portland. The suit names several federal officials, including Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and ICE Director Todd Lyons.

Eau Claire health officials are offering tips to help folks avoid getting sick and spreading illnesses this holiday season. The Eau Claire City County Health Department recommends that folks wash their hands frequently and that they cover their mouth when they cough. Tops among recommendations from health officials is for people to get vaccinated for influenza and COVID.

Local-Regonal News Dec 18

 

The Durand-Arkansaw School Board has approved the parameters for the $1.3 million dollar borrowing for the new early learning center. Durand-Arkansaw School Superintendent Ryan Nelson says the approval is one step in the process.  During the presentation of the parameters for the sale, a representative from Baird told board members that the District's Credit Rating has improved to AA-.

The City of Mondovi has announced a public hearing for December 30 to discuss the proposal to purchase the property at 450 Madison Street to serve as a Municipal Fire Hall. With the new, larger equipment and additional firefighters, the current fire hall is too small. The public hearing will be on Tuesday, December 30, starting at 5:30 at the Marten Center in Mondovi.

The Wabasha Port Authority has a vacancy and is taking applications for Board Members. The Port Authority meets the third Tuesday of the month at 5:30PM. This board is focused on economic development in the City of Wabasha. This is a volunteer position and they will provide guidance to staff on business development, business loans, business grants, supporting new housing projects, childcare, and more! To learn more about the Port Authority, check out the Economic Development tab on the City’s website.

Firefighters from River Falls responded to a report of a gas leak at the new Vanguard Renewables Digester last Friday. According to authorities, a membrane on the digester separated from the digester tank structure causing the gas leak. There was no fire, and the gas dissipated quickly, and there were no injuries reported. The new anaerobic digester started operation this month and is using food waste from the River Falls Area to produce renewable natural gas. The digester is located at the Peterson Family Farm just outside of River Falls.

Eau Claire-based Menards is agreeing to terms of a multi-state settlement. The home improvement store chain had been accused of price gouging during the pandemic and misrepresenting their credit check program known as the "Menards 11% Rebate Program." With the settlement announced yesterday, Menards agrees to pay a total of four-point-two-five-million dollars to ten states including Wisconsin and abide by a set of guidelines to improve their business practices.

In St. Croix County, former Glenwood City School District superintendent Timothy Johnson is pleading no contest to charges. Johnson was charged last year on 17 felony counts with accusations that he stole close to three-hundred-thousand dollars from the district. Johnson pleaded no contest this week to charges including forgery and misconduct in office. He will be sentenced at a later date.

Bond is being set for a Western Technical College instructor charged in connection with the death of a pregnant woman whose body was found last month at the scene of a La Crosse house fire. Crews dispatched to a Taylor Street blaze November 13th found the body of 27-year-old Alexis Pickett. Pickett's former romantic partner Matthew Sierra was arrested Tuesday on charges including 1st degree intentional homicide, 1st degree intentional homicide of an unborn child and arson. Sierra appeared in court yesterday where bond was set at one-million dollars.

Wisconsin health officials are worried about the flu season. Data from the Department of Health Services shows a rise in emergency room visits due to flu over the last several weeks. Only 28 percent of state residents have gotten the flu vaccine compared to 35 percent at this time last year. Health officials are also concerned about a new flu strain circulating in Europe which could easily make the jump to the US as travel increases during the next few weeks. DHS advises getting a flu shot as soon as possible. The flu vaccine is covered for most people and you can find a location to get yours at vaccines dot gov.

At the Capitol a pair of Democratic lawmakers want to overhaul how the state delivers public affairs broadcasting. Whitewater Representative Brienne Brown and Beloit Senator Mark Spreitzer want to create a state funded outlet to cover hearings and floor sessions at the Capitol. The bill would provide 2 million dollars a year to run the network to be operated by the state's Educational Communication Board. The move comes after WisconsinEye, an independent network that had been covering those events shut down this week over lack of funding. It's unclear if the measure will be taken up by Republican leadership in Madison.

A new law requires Wisconsin schools to notify parents of sexual misconduct. Democratic Governor Tony Evers signed the Republican-authored legislation into law earlier this month. It requires schools to notify a student's parent or guardian promptly if their child is the alleged victim of a sexual offense by a school employee or volunteer. The new requirements set a timeline for school to notify parents, something the state previously didn't require. Schools will now have to provide a notice by 5pm the same day if a report is received during school hours, or by noon the next calendar day if it's received after school hours.

Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul said his office is pushing back against the Trump administration. In an end-of-year interview with Channel 15, he said the state is involved in 35 different multi-state lawsuits against the administration. Democrat Kaul is running for a third term in 2026. He'll face Eric Toney, the Republican District Attorney in Fond du Lac County.

Snow plow operators are warning drivers after 19 crashes in Minnesota. Darryn Maaninga has been a plow operator for 16 years and has witnessed dangerous driving behaviors firsthand. Maaninga recommends staying back at least ten car lengths and giving plow drivers room to work. He said drivers should remember that plow operators are working to help them travel safely.

President Trump and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz are both receiving subpar approval ratings. A KTSP/Survey USA poll shows the president has the support of 42 percent of registered Minnesota voters, with 55 percent disapproval. Trump keeps the approval of 89 percent of Republican voters. Respondents are most concerned about how he's handling the economy. Meanwhile, Governor Walz doesn't fare much better in the poll. He is at 48 percent approval and 48 percent disapproval. Walz's critics are concerned about his lack of stopping state government fraud.