Local-Regional News March 11

 

The Durand City Council is meeting tonight. Items on the agenda include discussion and possible action on awarding the bid for the 6^th Ave East Project, a resolution on providing the sale of approximately $2.1 million in general obligation promissory notes and discussion and possible action regarding the vacant building ordinance. Tonights meeting begins at 6pm at Durand City Hall and will be live streamed on the WRDN Website.

The City of Durand will be asking for the public’s opinion on a wide rage of issues to help develop a comprehensive plan for the city. Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren says the city will be having a survey out soon.  Items on the survey will look at housing, public amenities in the city, infrastructure and more.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is accepting public comment on its 2026 spongy moth aerial treatment plans. Beginning in May and continuing through July, DATCP plans to treat selected areas in western Wisconsin using low-flying planes. A total of approximately 57,615 acres at 18 sites in Barron, Buffalo, Dunn, Pepin and Trempealeau Counties are scheduled for treatment. Visit the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Website for more information.

The Jackson County Sheriff's Office is continuing to investigate a deadly vehicle crash. According to reports, a pedestrian wearing dark clothing and walking in a traffic lane was hit Monday night on Highway 54. The victim was later declared dead at a local hospital. The motorist involved is cooperation with the investigation.

The Mondovi Business Association is gearing up for the 11^th annual Shamrock Shuffle on March 19^th. The Association is looking for items for raffle baskets and items can be dropped off at Midtown Building Supply or Simply Rustic Boutique by next Tuesday. The Association is also organizing an Easter Egg Hunt for April 4^th.

A hearing is being set for a Rusk County woman charged in connection with the death of her husband. The body of Ladysmith resident Terry DuSell was found on last week. Authorities say that 62-year-old Charles Allers has admitted to fatally shooting the victim. DuSell's wife -- Terry DuSell -- is charged with hiding the corpse. Mrs. DuSell is scheduled to appear in court on March 31st.

A unique partnership has been announced between the Wisconsin Pork Association and Ducks Unlimited. Through this partnership, Ducks Unlimited will introduce Wisconsin farmers to the Advancing U.S. Pork Sustainability and Market Value grant program and provide technical support to farmers implementing on-farm conservation practices. This grant program provides incentives for farming practices, such as cover crops, swine management and energy-efficient barn upgrades. Participants receive not only financial incentives but are also matched with a technical advisor to ensure effective implementation. For more information, visit the Wisconsin Pork Association Website.

Wisconsin is pushing ahead with its lawsuit against Live Nation, even after a major federal settlement with the company and Ticketmaster. The U.S. Department of Justice announced Live Nation will pay up to $280 million in fines and spin off 13 amphitheaters nationwide as part of that agreement. However, Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul says the state isn’t backing off. Kaul says several states will continue their cases to ensure “fair competition in the market.” A federal judge says the trial is expected to resume next week.

Former Wisconsin attorney general Brad Schimel will not continue to serve as interim US attorney for the Milwaukee area. A panel of Judges on Tuesday announced they won’t retain Schimel, whose interim 120 day appointment expires next week. The judges said the decision does not reflect Schimel's ability or conduct in the Eastern District of Wisconsin, but that they’ll wait for President Donald Trump to go through the full confirmation process to appoint a full time US Attorney. Attorney General Pam Bondi appointed Schimel last November. In that role he oversaw prosecution of Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan, who was charged with helping an immigrant evade federal immigration officers. Democratic US Senator Tammy Baldwin is already on record against Schimel's confirmation, saying his loyalty is with President Trump and not the law.

Wisconsin’s outdoor recreation industry has broken economic records for the third year in a row. Governor Tony Evers says new federal data shows the sector generated over 12 billion dollars in gross domestic product in 2024, up nearly four percent from the previous year. The numbers were released after Evers pressed the Trump Administration to end a delay that state officials said left businesses planning with limited information. Activities driving the growth include multi‑use outdoor gear, motorcycling and ATVing, boating and fishing, along with strong contributions from hunting, camping, climbing, and biking.

Childhood vaccination rates in Wisconsin continue to decline. New data from the Department of Health Services shows nearly three out of every ten children don’t have recommended vaccinations by age two. Immunization Program manager Stephanie Schauer says several factors may be contributing, from limited access and busy family schedules to growing misinformation. In 2025, nearly 3 percent of kids received no recommended vaccines by age two, up from 2 percent the year before. Schauer says it’s okay for parents to have questions, but urges them to talk with a trusted health care provider. More information is available on the DHS website.

Wisconsin taxpayers have a new way to file their state returns for free this year. The Wisconsin Department of Revenue’s updated WisTax system is now live for the 2026 filing season, offering expanded eligibility for most full‑year residents with a Wisconsin ID. The platform now supports amended returns, Homestead Credit claims, and provides a smoother process for veterans and surviving spouses to apply for the property tax credit. Revenue Secretary David Casey says the goal is to remove financial barriers and keep taxpayer data secure. WisTax works on phones, tablets, and desktops, and provides instant confirmation once a return is submitted.

The Minnesota Senate is approving legislation that determines when motorists are required to hit brakes for school buses. The passage of the bill comes after the state Appeals Court overturned a driver's conviction for moving past a flashing stop arm because the equipment was only partially extended. The new measure will require drivers to stop at least 20 feet from any school bus displaying flashing red lights whether the stop arm is extended or not. All vehicles must remain stationary until the lights stop flashing. The bill now awaits a vote in the Minnesota House of Representatives

Wisconsin women are living in a great state for strong opportunities. That's according to a recent study by finance website WalletHub, which ranked the best and worst states for women. The research looked at more than two dozen indicators of women's living standards, including median incomes, health care, and more. Wisconsin ranked 12th overall in the country, and received a top-ten ranking in the economic and social well-being category. Massachusetts was ranked 1st overall.

Local-Regional News March 10

 

The Mondovi City Council is meeting tonight. Items on the agenda include discussion of pedestrian lights on north Eau Claire street, along with reports from the mayor and city department heads. Tonights meeting begins at 5:30 at the Marten Center in Mondovi.

A long time Lake City Businessman has passed away. Tom Heffernan, former owner of Tom Hefferann Ford passed away on Sunday. Heffernan was owner of Tom Heffernan Ford for 50yrs in Lake City and was active in the community supporting the Lake City School District and Volunteer Fire Department. Services will be March 28^th at St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church at 10am.

Pepin County Landowners still have a chance to purchase trees during the Pepin County Land Conservation Departments Native Tree Sale. The Department has White Pine, Norway Pine, Swamp White Oak and Red Maple trees for sale. Contact the Pepin County Land Conservation Department for more information.

Prison for former Altoona Library director Arin Wilken. Wilken was arrested in March of 2024 on charges of sexually assaulting a child but pleaded guilty to a lesser charge earlier this year. He has been sentenced to one year in prison and five years of probation.

Prices at the gas pump continue to rise along with the price of oil as the U.S. continues military operations in Iran. Motorists in Western Wisconsin are feeling those increasing costs as Triple-A reports the average price of regular fuel in Eau Claire is now three-13 per gallon -- 38-cents more per gallon from one week ago. In La Crosse, the average cost of a gallon of regular fuel is three-oh-two per gallon -- 21 cents more per gallon from a week ago.

The Eau Claire City-County Health Department is reporting an increase in Norovirus activity across Eau Claire County. They said it is not uncommon to see a rise in Norovirus activity this time of year. The best way to prevent the spread of Norovirus is by keeping your hands and surfaces clean. Soap and water is the best method to kill Norovirus not hand sanitizer. If you get sick, stay home, Norovirus is extremely contagious. Individuals who contract the virus are often sick for one to three days.

A discrimination lawsuit filed against UW-Eau Claire chancellor James Schmidt has been dismissed. The federal suit -- filed by former UW-Eau Claire vice chancellor of equity, diversity, and inclusion and student affairs Olga Diaz -- alleged that Schmidt fired her for supporting someone else's discrimination claim. The Western Wisconsin U.S. District Court tossed out the suit on the grounds of sovereign immunity.

A Chippewa Falls man is facing charges after authorities found him to be in possession of child sex abuse material. Allen Laszinski has been charged with possession of child pornography and possession of virtual child pornography. Laszinski is scheduled to appear in court today.

The public is invited to tour the new UW River Falls Science and Technology Innovation Center (SciTech) at a Grand Opening Celebration March 31 from 4 to 6 p.m. SciTech opened to students on Jan. 26 for the first day of spring semester classes. In addition to cutting-edge technology, the new building offers collaborative work and study spaces. SciTech is located on the UWRF campus at 262 E. Cascade Ave.

Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Annette Ziegler is no longer running for reelection in 2027. Justice Ziegler was first elected in 2007 and reelected in 2017. She said she looks forward to finishing out the rest of her term on the court and "handing the baton to a new justice in 2027." Ziegler previously worked as a senior judge in Washington County and the District III deputy chief judge. She plans to step away from the high court bench to spend more time with her family.

A Wisconsin bill that would require warning labels on explicit content in books is drawing concerns from literacy advocates. Assembly Bill 961 is described as an effort to increase transparency around explicit content. Distributors would be required to display a clear warning label when material meets the state's legal standard for explicit content. Madison Reading Project founder Rowan Childs says proposals involving books often raise concerns about who determines what content is appropriate, mentioning that they're always "concerned when people are policing books or policing words." The bill passed the Wisconsin State Assembly last month and still needs approval from the Senate and governor before becoming law.

Amtrak service will roll into Madison earlier than expected. A senior director with Amtrak now says the plan is to bring passenger rail service to the Capitol City by 2030, at least a couple years earlier than planned. Amtrak plans on connecting Madison to Milwaukee and Chicago and eventually the Twin Cities. The question now, where to build the train station? Madison hasn’t had regularly scheduled passenger rail service since 1971. Former Governor Jim Doyle brokered a deal to receive over 800 million in federal money for the service in Madison, but that project was scrapped when Scott Walker was elected governor.

A newly proposed bill is designed to require Minnesota drivers under 21 to complete driver's education before they can obtain a license. Currently, state legislation calls for 30 hours of driver's education for those 17 and under. The new measure sponsored by State Representative Andrew Myers would require every new driver to take drivers education before getting behind the wheel. Recent statistics show drivers aged 18 to 20 who missed driver's ed are 75 percent more likely to get a traffic ticket and 24 percent more likely to be involved in a deadly crash.

We've changed the clocks once again, and it's a good time to check your home's safety equipment. Ready Wisconsin reminds you that now is the time to do an inspection of your home and check the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. It's also a good time to update any safety plans you have in case of fires or storms, and to restock home first aid kits and fire extinguishers. Also consider picking up an emergency weather radio for your home if you do not have one so you can be prepared for severe weather.

Six candidates will compete for the title of 79th Alice in Dairyland. The finalists announced Friday include Faith Baerwolf of Columbus, Kelly Herness of Whitehall, Gabrielle Huitema of Markesan, Jessica Moor of Wilson, Anastasia Poull of Port Washington, and Michelle Stangler of Watertown. The six will next take part in an extensive interview process and training to earn an Agricultural Marketing and Communications Certificate from the state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. The next Alice will be named at a public event on May 16 in Wausau, with the new Alice’s duties beginning in July.

Local-Regional News March 9

Due to construction in Wabasha,  the public parking lot across from the Library will be closed as well as sections of parking stalls along Alleghany Avenue and 2nd Street West starting today. The parking lot and stalls will be closed until the construction project is completed. 

Gas prices are now over three-dollars per gallon across the state. UW-La Crosse economics professor Hugo Vaca Pereira Rocha tells WKOW airlines will eventually pass on costs to consumers leading to increased ticket prices. This is in response to the ongoing U.S.-Israeli attacks in Iran.

Two people are hurt after an ATV Crash in Anson Township Sunday afternoon. According to the Chippewa County Sheriffs Department, A 64yr old man with a 6yr old and 4yr old boys as passengers was traveling on 188^th Street and lost control of the ATV, causing it to roll over. The man was taken to the hospital with serious injuries while one of the boys was taken to the hospital. That accident is still under investigation.

The Durand-Arkansaw School District is paying off some debt early. The board approved a resolution to redeem some bonds that were due in two years. Durand-Arkansaw School Superintendent Ryan Nelson says the early payment will save the district approximately $10,000. The resolution was needed as the first step in paying off the debt.

A man accused of sexually assaulting children in northwestern Wisconsin will spend the rest of his life in prison. Eau Claire County Judge Jon Theisen on Friday sentenced Robert Kartsenson to 40 years, followed by 20 years extended supervision. That’s tantamount to a life term for the 83-year-old charged with sexually assaulting six young victims in Eau Claire and Barron Counties over a period of years dating back to the mid-1990s. Karstenson admitted to the assaults when arrested by Eau Claire police in June of last year. Karstenson’s neighbor, 55-year-old James Barbey is also charged with multiple counts of child sexual assault. A scheduling conference in Barbey’s case is today (Monday) in Eau Claire County Court.

A western Wisconsin school district is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Education. The Department’s Office for Civil Rights announced the investigation of the New Richmond School District in a Thursday press release. The probe “based on reports that the District is allowing biological men to use female bathrooms,” will determine whether the St. Croix County district’s restroom policy violates federal Title IX protections for female students and athletes. The action follows a January school board meeting at which parents and conservative activist group Moms for Liberty demanded the district stop allowing biological males into girls’ bathrooms.

In Sawyer County, a woman convicted in connection with the death of her four-year-old daughter is learning her fate. The child suffered from severe cerebral palsy and was on a feeding tube. At the time of her death, the child -- who died of died of ethanol toxicity -- was found to have a blood alcohol level of more than seven times the legal driving limit for an adult. Samantha Smith was sentenced Friday to a term of 15 years in prison.

UW Extension will be holding a workshop titled Emotion Regulation in Action in May that is designed for teachers and daycare providers. Attendees will learn simple, sicence-based tools to help kids stay calm, build confidence, and navigate “big emotions” throughout the day. The workshop will be May 16^th from 9-3pm at CVTC in Eau Claire. For more information contact UW-Extension.

Wisconsin’s public universities can soon offer faster more affordable paths to a bachelor’s degree. The UW Board of Regents has approved a new policy allowing campuses to create three‑year degree programs. Requiring 90 credits instead of the traditional 120 effectively cuts a full year off the typical four‑year timeline. Supporters say this could reduce costs for students thousands of dollars, eliminating a year of tuition, housing, and fees. Universities can now begin developing the new three‑year options, bringing Wisconsin in line with dozens of institutions nationwide exploring alternative degree pathways.

Wisconsin’s high school graduation rate has climbed again. New data from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction shows 92 percent of high school students graduated on time in the 2024–25 school year, the highest since the state began using the four‑year adjusted cohort in 2010. Overall attendance rose to 92.6 percent, while chronic absenteeism fell to 17.3 percent, both better than last year. The information is part of new data released Thursday on the DPI’s WISEdash Public Portal, which includes multi‑year enrollment, graduation, and attendance trends for every public school district in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin appears to be falling behind when it comes to the best states to drive in. Finance website WalletHub recently ranked every state based on concerns of the road, including traffic, road conditions, and more. The states were then ranked into categories and given an overall score. The Badger State was ranked 32nd overall, and received its highest ranking of 22nd in the traffic and infrastructure category. Wisconsin did not fare well in the safety category, where it was ranked 42nd.

Governor Evers is signing several bills into law aimed at strengthening protections for children. One measure makes child grooming a felony offense, giving law enforcement clearer authority to prosecute offenders. This follows a report documenting hundreds of alleged cases of teacher sexual misconduct and grooming. Another law expands the state's Missing Child Alert program to include children ages ten and eleven. State officials say the changes are intended to improve responses when children go missing and increase safeguards for students.

A Texas man is going to prison for a drive-by shooting nearly four years ago in Rochester. Exavier Porter was sentenced Thursday to 18 years in prison. He was convicted of attempted murder and drive-by shooting charges last November. Prosecutors say Porter was driving on Avenue Northwest in October 2022 when he spotted the ex-boyfriend of his female passenger driving down the same street. The suspect got out of his vehicle and opened fire at the victim, who was not injured.

The man who served as the Green Bay Packers’ president for nearly two decades has died. Bob Harlan joined the team in 1971 and worked in several executive positions until he was named team president and CEO in 1989. Harlan’s tenure leading the Packers culminated in the team winning its first Super Bowl title since the Lombardi era. He also oversaw the nearly $300 million redevelopment of Lambeau Field, which was funded in part by a successful 1997 stock sale. Harlan retired in 2008. His son Kevin and granddaughter Olivia have served as announcers on NFL game broadcasts. Bob Harlan was 89 years old.

The Wisconsin State Patrol is encouraging e-bike and e-scooter safety. The department is reminding folks this month to stay alert and share the road safely in the interest of safety for riders and motorists alike. There were 64 e-bikes and e-scooters involved in motor vehicle crashes in the state last year.

Local-Regional News March 6

 

The Pepin County Sheriff’s Office Receives Generous Community Donation. In a social media post, the department announced a local couple who recently donated funds to equip every patrol squad with a Stat-X First Responder aerosol fire suppressant kit. These compact extinguishers give deputies another valuable tool to respond quickly to vehicle fires, small structure fires, and other emergency situations where immediate action can make a difference until the fire department arrives. Having this equipment readily available in each squad can literally save lives and protect property across Pepin County.

Buffalo County has announced the projected date of implementing the Seasonal Weight Restrictions is March 16^th. The restrictions may go into effect earlier due to the warmer weather. The department will be holding a public meeting next Wednesday at 8am to discuss the restrictions.

The Friends of the Durand Public Library has begun the digitization of the local newspapers. The first set of newspaper books was delivered to Indus International in West Salem for scanning. The Friends of the library are hoping to have all of the newspaper books scanned and continue to raise money for the project.

University of Wisconsin-Stout has been awarded $19 million in federal funds  as manager of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program in Wisconsin. This funding will enable UW-Stout’s Manufacturing Outreach Center and the Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership to coordinate efforts that support Wisconsin’s small and mid-side manufacturers. The funds were awarded by the US Department of Commerce.

The City of Altoona is considering joining its fire department with the Chippewa Fire District. Officials say that such a move would enhance service for residents and qualify the department for a state grant. The city will present a full rundown of what is being considered and why at a meeting Tuesday at the Lake Hallie Fire Department.

The Wabasha Port Authority is announcing a new commercial revolving loan fund. The Port Authority applied for, and was awarded, funding from the Rural Business Development Grant program through the United States Department of Agriculture.  This funding, along with a local match, will allow the Port Authority to provide small, low interest gap financing loans to local businesses to help them move their projects forward. The Commercial Revolving Loan Fund can make small low interest loans to businesses within the city limits of Wabasha. Projects must meet eligibility requirements. The application and guidelines for this program are available on the City’s website. Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis.

One person was injured after being struck by a pickup truck in Zumbrota on Wednesday. According to police, pedestrian was walking north in the crosswalk along West Avenue when they were struck by the truck, which was traveling westbound on 2nd Street W. The victim was airlifted to St. Marys Hospital in Rochester, where they were listed in “critical condition.”

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers was in La Crosse on Thursday talking about gerrymandering. Gerrymandering is the process through which officials divide an area into specified districts in order to gain some sort of advantage. Evers says he wants to pass a constitutional amendment against the practice.

Wisconsin cheese fans will have to wait at least two more years for another shot at the world title. The Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association reports no cheeses from the state cracked the top twenty in this year’s World Championship Cheese Contest. Seven of the finalists come from Switzerland, including a Gruyere by three‑time champion Michael Spycher, who’s back again with a nearly perfect score. Two U.S. cheeses made the final cut: Beecher’s Flagship Reserve cheddar from Seattle, and Suncatcher— a washed‑rind hard cheese from Jasper Hill Creamery in Vermont.

One of Wisconsin's senators believes Brad Schimel shouldn't continue as the US Attorney for the Eastern District. Democrat Tammy Baldwin said in a statement she doesn't think Schimel should've been "a top federal prosecutor in our state to begin" and shouldn't get an extension in the role. Schimel's interim post as the US Attorney ends March 16th, 120 days after President Trump appointed him in November. Schimel told the Journal Sentinel he was surprised by Baldwin's comments, claiming he's had a "pleasant working relationship with her over many years."

State Attorney General Josh Kaul is taking legal action against President Trump's latest tariff measures. Kaul is part of a coalition filing a lawsuit to block the administration's attempt to impose tariffs without congressional approval. He says the "unlawful use of tariffs should stop." The coalition says these tariffs violate the law, disrupt constitutional powers and breach the Administrative Procedure Act.

Wisconsin could soon expand access to healthy food as medicine. Democratic Governor Tony Evers and the state Department of Health Services have submitted a letter of intent for the Food is Medicine State Officer Program—a three‑year federal initiative designed to help states develop food‑based health interventions. If selected, Wisconsin would receive funding and support to grow programs like medically tailored meals, produce prescriptions, and other nutrition services aimed at preventing and managing conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. A full‑time state officer would work to expand access, boost enrollment, and better coordinate Medicaid and public‑health programs. Final proposals are due May 1st, and Wisconsin could begin recruiting for the position this summer if selected.

Wisconsin’s U.S. Senators split on a procedural vote on a bipartisan resolution to block the Trump administration from continued hostilities against Iran. Senate Republicans on Wednesday blocked an effort by Kentucky Republican Rand Paul and Virginia Democrat Tim Kaine to force action on the measure. The vote to advance the resolution failed 47-53 with Madison Democrat Tammy Baldwin voting to move it forward, and Oshkosh Republican Ron Johnson joining all Republicans expect Paul to block it. Baldwin in a floor speech Monday called the war, which has led to the death of six American servicemembers in Kuwait, “reckless and illegal.” In an interview on Newsmax, Johnson said “there’s no way we can have 535 commanders in chief,” referring to House and Senate efforts to invoke a provision of the 1973 War Powers Act .

The Wisconsin Public Service Foundation is opening applications for its annual technical college scholarships. This year, the foundation will award $25,000 to high school seniors heading into one‑year technical diplomas or two‑year associate degree programs. Last year, WPS awarded 14 scholarships, helping students pursue careers in fields like automotive and heavy equipment maintenance, electric power distribution, engineering technology, and marketing. Since its founding in 1964, the WPS Foundation has donated more than $6 million to support students pursuing college degrees and technical diplomas. More info can be found on the WPS Foundation website.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is asking the public to prioritize safety when going outdoors. The fluctuating temperatures are affecting lake ice, making it unreliable for vehicles, UTVs, snowmobiles and fishing shelters. The DNR is recommending citizens to carry a cell phone, wear a life jacket, use ice creepers and carry spikes and a rope. They're also telling snowmobilers to check trail conditions as late-season trails can be unpredictable.  

Local-Regional News March 5

 

A now defunct poultry farming company is convicted of abandoning over 2 million chickens to starve to death across the Midwest. A Buffalo County judge found Pure Prairie Poultry guilty on Wednesday of 30 counts of mistreatment of animals. Prosecutors say P P P delivered 24-thousand chickens to a farm in Mondovi in October of 2022 with the intent to sell them for processing. But P P P ran out of money to pay for feed in 2024, and left its farms to fend for themselves. The chickens from the Mondovi farm were eventually given away, but not before they went more than three weeks without eating and hundreds of chickens died of starvation. Pure Prairie Poultry was fined over 13-thousand dollars, but it is unlikely the court will receive those funds since the company is bankrupt.

A longtime Durand-Arkansaw School District Employee is retiring. Food Service Director Lori Snap will retire at the end of the year. Durand-Arkansaw School Superintendent Ryan Nelson says the food service program is one of the most regulated parts of any school district.  The district is now looking for a new food service director.

Spring Weight Restrictions are now in effect in Pepin County. The seasonal weight limits will be in effect on all Pepin County Roads effective on Thursday. Axel weight limits will be at 6 tons per axle with a 22 tons maximum gross vehicle weight. Restrictions will remain in place until road conditions stabilize. More information is available on the Highway Department Page of the Pepin County Website.

Democrats introduce a bill they say could make healthcare more accessible and affordable in Wisconsin. La Crosse County Representative Tara Johnson said the BadgerCare public option is designed to extend healthcare coverage to more residents, lower costs and expand BadgerCare enrollment to small businesses. Johnson said public health care keeps prices down because it is not beholden to insurance company stockholders or bonuses for executives, and those savings will get passed on to Wisconsinites. Republican leaders have already adjourned the state Assembly this session.

More details are emerging in an ongoing death investigation in Rusk County. The body of Ladysmith resident Terry DuSell was found on Tuesday. Sixty-two-year-old Charles Allers -- who is currently being held on an unrelated probation warrant -- has been identified as a person of interest in the case. Meanwhile -- DuSell's wife -- Terry DuSell has been taken into custody on a charge of hiding a corpse. Reports say the suspects were having an affair.

La Crosse City Council is considering a measure that would enforce a minimum age of 21-years-old for the purchase or possession of cigarette & tobacco products and electronic vaping devices. Council's Judiciary and Administrative Committee gave its approval to the idea this week with a full council vote planned for next week. If approved, the measure would being La Crosse in line on the matter with state and federal laws.

A Wisconsin-based bottler is recalling more than 600-thousand bottles of water. Nearly a month ago, Portage based Valley Springs Artesian Gold issued the recall, after the bottles were packaged in unsanitary conditions. Last week, the FDA upgraded the recall to a Class 2, which means use of or exposure to could cause "temporary or medically reversible" adverse health ​effects. The recalled bottled water was sold at retailers in Wisconsin and Illinois and sold mostly in 1 gallon jugs, which includes Valley Springs infant water and Daisy Doggy water, along with steamed distilled and natural varieties.

Over 650 federal agents are remaining in Minnesota nearly three weeks after the end of Operation Metro Surge. On February 20th, White House border czar Tom Homan told CNN that the DHS would return its regular footprint of 150 agents. Meanwhile, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem told Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar that fewer than 650 agents remained. At its peak, the operation had roughly four thousand federal agents and officers assigned to Minnesota. In February, Homan told Fox News that if federal agents need to return, they will.

A State Senate committee is considering a bill that would send an extra $14.6 million to UW–Madison athletics and overhaul how athletes' name, image, and likeness deals are handled. Badgers Athletic Director Chris McIntosh told lawmakers the industry is changing fast, and rising costs, including a $20.5 million expense from the House settlement, are putting pressure on UW’s financial model. But student‑athletes say the fallout is hitting them. Track and field athlete Maggie Munson says she lost a $6,000 academic award and that her team has lost nutrition support. She also noted the university tore down the indoor track facility with no plan to rebuild a competition track. The bill passed the Assembly last month with just one “no” vote and would also make NIL contracts exempt from public records laws.

Wisconsin signs off on PFAS and lead water regulations in line with federal standards. Democratic Governor Tony Evers says this updates state limits for several PFAS chemicals and lowers the action level for lead in drinking water, requiring all lead service lines to be replaced by 2037. The announcement comes as national utility groups challenge the federal regulations, and as Evers battles with Republican lawmakers over who can approve agency rules. Wisconsin’s new lead service line rule is set to be published March 30, but the PFAS rule is still pending. Lawmakers are nearing a deal to release $125 million in PFAS cleanup funds.

Governor Tony Evers is calling lawmakers back to Madison to ban partisan gerrymandering. The Democratic governor signed an executive order yesterday for a special session to be held beginning April 14th. Evers wants to see a constitutional amendment passed that doesn't allow gerrymandering, although the amendment wouldn't specify how to draw electoral maps. Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez and both Democratic legislative leaders were absent for yesterday's announcement. It's unclear if the idea has any support from either side of the aisle.

Governor Tony Evers is urging Congress to change new federal restrictions on hemp. The law is set to take effect in November and will ban the sale of most products in the U-S as it sets the legal THC limit in hemp products to trace amounts. Governor Evers says that will jeopardize the 700 million dollar economic impact in the state, along with nearly 35 hundred jobs. Wisconsin had 470 federally licensed hemp producers as of last November. Evers also highlighted the importance of hemp products as lawful alternatives in Wisconsin, where marijuana, even medicinal use, is not legal.

A Republican candidate for Minnesota governor is selecting a running mate. Kendall Qualls has named business leader Brian Nicholson as his lieutenant governor. The GOP hopeful described his running mate as an everyday Minnesotan and a father with a lengthy background in business. Nicholson released a statement claiming that he's ready to step up and be the leader that the state needs. The primary election is set for August 11th. The general election is on November 3rd.

The World Championship Cheese Contest returns to Madison. Cheese producers from 25 countries and 34 U.S. states and territories are competing, entering cheeses, butters, cultured products, and dry dairy ingredients. International judges score each entry on a 100‑point scale, deducting for any defects in flavor, texture, color, finish, or packaging. More details are available at worldchampioncheese.org.