Local-Regional News Sept 28

 

The City of Durand is working toward finalizing a new comprehensive plan. Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren says the Planning Commission approved the final for chapters of the plan and the city will have an open house to allow the public to review the plan.  Milliren says the city wants to use the plan as a tool for future economic development.

Drought conditions are bad in areas of Northwestern Wisconsin. For only the second time since it began tracking conditions in 1999, the U.S. Drought Monitor shows areas of "exceptional drought," its most severe category, in portions of Ashland, Bayfield, Douglas, Iron and Sawyer counties. According to the National Weather Service in La Crosse, the previous occurrence was in August and September 2023. A significant portion of northern Wisconsin is in "extreme drought" or "severe drought" conditions. Here in Western Wisconsin, Pepin, Pierce, Dunn and Eau Clarie Counties are under severe drought conditions, while most of Buffalo County is under abnormally dry conditions.

Lake City residents remain under a boil water advisory. The city issued the advisory on Friday after E. coli bacteria was detected in a recent drinking water sample. Over the weekend, crews completed chlorination of the water system, and follow-up water sampling is underway; the results of those tests are due tomorrow. The city has made contingency plans to have additional drinking water resources available in case community needs change or the boil water advisory remains in place longer than anticipated.

On Friday, the Elk Mound Public Safety Committee approved a proposal for the village to disband its police department and contract with the Dunn County Sheriff’s Department for law enforcement services. The proposal would have a full-time deputy, based in Elk Mound, working 48 hours a week, 52 weeks a year. The Village board would have to approve the proposal for it to take effect.

A November 30th sentencing date has been set for Luke Larson in Buffalo County. Larson was convicted last week in connection with the deaths of two motorcyclists. Luke Larson was driving his pickup truck along State Highway 35 on September 27th of 2024 when he crossed the center line and hit the riders. He was found guilty on charges including two counts of homicide by negligent operation of a vehicle.

A two-alarm fire early Sunday in Eau Claire has left ten people displaced. The fire ignited shortly before 1:30 a.m. in a Prestige Court townhouse garage. Firefighters were able to contain the fire to the garage with smoke damage to the living areas. No one was hurt and there has been no word on the cause of the blaze. The Red Cross is helping those displaced find temporary housing.

The Wabasha Public Library has a new librarian. Karla Klemme was the librarian at the Rice Lake Library for 16yrs. Klemme grew up in Wabasha and is excited to return home. She looks forward to getting to know the patrons and families who use the library.

UW-River Falls is going to the dogs – in a good way. Ten assistance dogs in training have begun a semester where they'll live in residence halls, attend classes, and experience college life alongside UWRF students. The Yellow Lab Retrievers, ranging in age from 15 to 24 months, are part of the Falcon Fetch that's Fostering Education Through Campus Hosting program, a partnership between the university and Minnesota-based Can Do Canines, giving students hands-on experience helping raise and train future assistance dogs. 22 students are participating in the program this semester. Can Do Canines has offered the Fetch program at UW-River Falls since 2023 and at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus since 2016.

Attorney General Josh Kaul reaches a settlement for a medical data breach. The 2 point 3 million dollar settlement is against Labcorp, a nationwide medical services company. The company's debt collection vendor exposed over 10 million records in 2019. Over 16 thousand Wisconsin residents were caught in the breach. While LabCorp did not lose the records itself, the multistate settlement will require the company to tighten up its security with vendors and limit the amount of data that is available to outside businesses.

Wisconsin State Fair officials are enacting stricter youth admission rules following a chaotic final night that led to seven arrests. Under the new policy, fairgoers 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult who is at least 25 years old after 5 p.m. Chaperones are now limited to supervising four minors, down from six, and must remain on the grounds for the duration of the visit. Organizers hope the tighter age requirements and smaller supervision ratios will curb disruptions and keep the annual event safe for families.

More issues with the rerouting of a northern Wisconsin oil pipeline. Wisconsin Public Radio reports Ashland County deputies were alerted to a fire at an Enbridge Line 5 work site last week. The fire in the town of Gingles (Jingles) was quickly contained and no one was injured, but the Department of Natural Resources and the F B I are investigating, since a fire was also started at an Enbridge office in Superior last week. Enbridge officials claim the fires are vandalism. The company is working on a federally ordered reroute of Line 5 around tribal lands in northern Wisconsin.

Madison Democrat Mark Pocan is part of a bipartisan congressional effort to end federal spending on experiments involving cats and dogs. It's called the Companion Animal Protection Against Cruel Testing Act. This week, Pocan and other lawmakers were joined by animal rights activists and 2 beagles, Tara and Rosie, rescued from Ridglan Farms, the embattled beagle breeding facility in Blue Mounds that closed down at the end of summer. Pocan says testing on dogs is not necessary because of improved technology and human-based research methods, that he says are not just more humane but more accurate for humans. There is a narrow waiver in the legislation for critical public health or national security emergencies if no scientifically valid alternative exists.

Rochester-based Mayo Clinic is agreeing to pay an employee 50-thousand dollars after he received a COVID-19 vaccine against his wishes to avoid termination. The deal is part of a 2025 religious discrimination lawsuit. The plaintiff was a security guard who was opposed to taking the vaccine because of his Pentecostal faith. He offered to be tested for COVID-19 and wear a mask instead. Mayo officials denied the employees request for exemption from the policy in December 2021. They also threatened to fire the worker. He eventually received the vaccine to avoid termination. As a part of the settlement, Mayo officials will provide religious accommodations to its vaccination requirement unless there is undue hardship.

Make sure you're staying alert near railroad crossings. According to the Wisconsin State Patrol, Wisconsin has seen 360 train-related crashes over the past 10 years. Drivers are reminded to never to go around lowered gates or stop on tracks, and pedestrians are urged to stay off rail property and use only designated crossings. Wisconsin is home to about 3,300 miles of active train tracks and nearly 4,000 public rail crossings. Officials say a moment of caution at a railroad crossing can help prevent tragedy.

Local-Regional News Sept 25

 

The verdict is in for an Alma man charged in connection with a deadly vehicle crash in Buffalo County. Prosecutors say on September 27, 2024, Luke Larson was driving his pickup truck along State Highway 35 near Markey Bluff Road in Nelson when he crossed the center line and hit two motorcyclists. Both riders died at the scene. Larson was convicted Thursday on charges including two counts of homicide by negligent operation of a vehicle. He will be sentenced at a later date.

One person was injured in a semi vs vehicle accident in Wabasha County on Thursday. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, 53yr old Joseph Roche of Lake City was traveling northbound on Hwy 61 when he collided with a southbound semi at the intersection of Borners Court. Roche was taken to Mayo Clinic-St. Mary’s with life-threatening injuries.

The Madison Street Project is getting close to completion. Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren says the final layer of blacktop may be installed starting today.  The project has a substantial completion date of October 15.

Mondovi Residents may experience water discoloration over the next few weeks as the city flushes fire hydrants throughout the city. Flushing the hydrants helps keep the water system operating properly and ensures the hydrants work when needed. If your water becomes discolored, just run the tap for a few minutes. If you have any questions, call Mondovi City Hall.

The Village of Elk Mound may disband its police department. The Public Safety Committee is meeting today to discuss the plan. If approved, the village would contract out with the Dunn County Sheriff’s Department. Currently, the police department has the chief, one part-time officer, and an administrative assistant. The Village Board will have final say on the proposal.

Charges filed against a former Eau Claire resident accused of child abuse have been dismissed. The accusations involved four children, two of which Daniel Tlutsy allegedly spanked with a metal wrench. The charges filed last year have now been dropped, with prosecutors saying they lack the evidence to meet their burden of proof in court.

Gov. Tony Evers is seeking applicants for the Court of Appeals – District III. The appointment will fill a vacancy being created by Presiding Judge Lisa K. Stark’s retirement, effective Dec. 28, 2026. The new judge will complete a term ending July 31, 2029. District III consists of 35 counties, including Buffalo, Chippewa, Dunn, Eau Claire, Pepin, Pierce, and Trempealeau counties.

Existing home sales in Wisconsin fell 8.3% in August of 2026 compared to August of 2025, as declining affordability and tight housing inventory continued, according to the Wisconsin Realtors Association. Here in Western Wisconsin, Buffalo County reported 11 homes sold in August, Pepin County 14, Pierce County 26 and Dunn County 30 homes were sold in August. The median price of a home here in Western Wisconsin was $335,000, compared to $362,000 statewide.

Republican Congressman Derrick Van Orden told folks in Menomonie Thursday that he supports data centers, provided they meet certain criteria. In remarks made at Sand Grains Farm, the congressman said that data centers must use closed-loop air-cooled systems that use minimal water, must be built on existing U.S. military bases, must not result in higher electric rates and must only be developed with the approval of local residents. Van Orden says that data centers are critically important to national security.

State Superintendent Jill Underly is calling for changes to the way Wisconsin funds public schools. In her annual State of Education address at the Capitol, Underly said the current formula focuses too much on enrollment, district spending, and property values instead of student needs. She argued school districts have become increasingly dependent on local referendums to cover operating costs, putting pressure on communities. Underly also said state leaders have failed to provide predictable funding that keeps pace with the cost of educating students, and she urged lawmakers to rethink the state's approach to school finance.

The election for Wisconsin Attorney General pits two term Democratic incumbent Josh Kaul against Republican Fond du Lac County District Attorney Eric Toney, who says Kaul has failed to adequately staff the State Crime Labs after getting funding for more positions in the 2023 budget. Kaul says the staffing issue is being addressed and that the vacancy rate in the state crime lab is very low. Both candidates spoke while attending the annual Wisconsin Counties Association convention. Kaul defeated Republican AG Brad Schimel in 2018 and beat Toney in 2022 to win a second term.

Two additional cases of Measles in Marathon County. Health officials say this doesn't mean that there is community spread of the disease. In a statement on Wednesday, officials said there is no reason to believe that public exposure has occurred after last week's case, but they are monitoring the situation. Officials add that exposure is occurring in other parts of the state, and anyone who is showing symptoms should self-isolate or seek treatment. Marathon County now has three confirmed cases of the disease, statewide more than 100 cases have been reported- mostly in Southwest Wisconsin. Five cases have required hospitalization, and more than 99 percent of the cases are in those who weren't vaccinated.

A federal grand jury has indicted three men accused of convincing pharmacists to invest 750-thousand dollars in a proposed COVID-19 test manufacturing facility. Court documents say Kurt Wise claimed to represent Liberty Development and persuaded three pharmacists to invest in a factory that would produce the tests. Instead, the money was used for other business dealings, including payments to co-defendants Carl Wise and Keith Begin. The three men each face federal wire fraud charges.

The University of Minnesota is planning to cut 225-million-dollars from its budget over the next two years. President Rebecca Cunningham said the reduction represents about 12-to-15-percent of the university's allocated operating revenue. Cunningham cited shifting enrollment, uncertain state and federal funding, and rising costs as factors behind the cuts. The university is moving from a one-year to a two-year budget planning process, with leaders across its campuses and units determining specific reductions. The cuts follow two consecutive years of university budget reductions and tuition increases.

Local-Regional News Sept 24

 

The city of Durand has approved a memorandum of understanding with former School Resource Officer Bonnerup over Therapy Dog Sam. Bonnerup resigned his full-time position as School Resource Officer this past summer and still works part-time for the Durand Police. While Bonnerup will be owner of Sam, Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren says the Durand Police Department will still have access to Sam.  As part of the agreement, Bonnerup will be in charge of all care of Sam.

The Durand-Arkansaw School District is getting the failed HVAC System repaired. The system for the library and middle school area failed this summer. Durand-Arkansaw Superintendent Ryan Nelson says the delays in getting state permits and bids for the project were the reasons the repairs weren’t done sooner. Nelson says MTI will be working on that project.  The new system should be in place in the coming weeks.

The woman driving the vehicle involved in a high-speed pursuit in Dunn County that led to a Wisconsin State Trooper being severely injured has been charged. 47Yr old Martell Mitchell of Minneapolis is charged with attempting to flee an officer, possession with intent to deliver cocaine, 2^nd – degree reckless endangering safety, felony bail jumping and other charges. Authorities say troopers attempted to pull her over on I-94 in the construction zone near Eau Claire for speeding, and she led troopers on a high-speed chase. State Patrol Trooper Brad Ritger was injured when he fell off a bridge and onto 490^th Ave after deploying spike strips to stop Mitchell. She is being held on a $70,000 cash bond.

A man charged in connection with a fatal stabbing in Eau Claire is pleading not guilty by reason of insanity. Anthony Jackson is facing charges for stabbing Alex Graff at the Do Dodge Inn in December of 2024. Graff was playing pool when Jackson reportedly stabbed him. Jackson's trial is scheduled to begin October 26th.

In St. Croix County, a defendant charged following a deadly 2025 crash is pleading guilty. Investigators say that Andre Matthews was attempting to overtake traffic by using the right shoulder of I-94 East when he hit a motorcycle being ridden by Twin Cities restaurateur David Burley. Burley was fatally injured. Matthews yesterday pleaded guilty to a charge of homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle.

A Sparta man has received his prison sentence after committing two domestic violence acts. The district attorney's office says the attacks happened on two different victims, with one happening in June 2024 and the other happening in October of the same year. Andrew Nauman was sentenced to 36-years in prison after being convicted on multiple charges, including first-degree reckless homicide. DA Kevin Croninger said they hope "that this sentence will, on some level, provide a measure of justice and accountability."

The American Red Cross says blood donations are helping keep hospital shelves stocked, but the need for donors continues. Spokesperson Laura McGuire says the organization has rebuilt its blood inventory to a healthier level thanks to donor support. However, she says the supply remains vulnerable during hurricane season, when severe weather can disrupt both collections and transportation. The Red Cross encourages eligible donors to make an appointment at RedCrossBlood.org and help maintain a stable blood supply.

Rochester property owners could see another tax hike next year after the City Council OKed a preliminary levy. Council members voted seven-to-one on Monday night to approve a tax levy of close to 125 million dollars for 2027. The proposal is about five-point-six percent higher than the city's 118-point-three-million-dollar levy for 2026. City leaders say the additional tax plan is needed to keep up with rising personnel costs and inflation. The only no vote came from Council member Shaun Palmer, who proposed an alternative plan that reduces the levy by 400 thousand dollars. The Rochester City Council will hold a public hearing on December 7th, with a vote on the final budget to follow

One person is in custody after authorities found meth during a traffic stop in Rusk County. Authorities say the stop happened around 8:50 p.m. on September 18th on Highway 40. During the stop, a K9 made an alert on the vehicle and authorities found a quarter pound of meth. Rob Graves was arrested on suspicion on possession with intent to distribute.

Oneida County will be pulling down its Flock Safety cameras. Chief Deputy Terri Hook tells WJFW TV in Rhinelander the cameras are already offline, and have been since the end of August. Hook says the cameras have provided valuable information for officers, but that the data privacy concerns other communities have been sharing along with the public opposition to Flock warranted their removal. Communities across the state have been removing the cameras after objections were raised in Sheboygan over data sharing outside of Flock's contract.

Public health officials in Dane County are confirming the area's first human case of West Nile Virus this season. While nearly eighty percent of infected individuals show no symptoms, health experts warn mild cases can bring fever, fatigue, and muscle aches as mosquito activity peaks through September. County health authorities urge residents to wear insect repellent, drain standing water around their property, and wear loose, long-sleeved clothing during outdoor activities. Local officials are monitoring the situation closely after recording three human cases last year.

Wisconsin hunters are being urged to test deer for chronic wasting disease. According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, hunters play a key role in tracking the disease and the DNR is especially interested in samples from fall priority areas near recent CWD detections. Hunters can submit samples through self-service kiosks, cooperating processors, at-home testing kits, or appointments with DNR staff. Results are usually available within two weeks. Health officials continue to advise hunters not to consume venison from any deer that tests positive for CWD.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz says he accepts responsibility for not stopping fraud in Minnesota programs sooner. Walz says he should have done more and pushed state agencies harder as warning signs emerged. He says the fraud has tainted his record, but should not overshadow other accomplishments of his administration. Walz pointed to free school meals, the child tax credit and paid family and medical leave among policies he hopes will define his tenure. He says he didn't plan to run for public office again after leaving the governor's office.

UW-Madison is celebrating its highest standings in two decades after landing eighth among public universities in the latest U.S. News & World Report national rankings. The flagship campus climbed to 34th overall while securing top spots for specialty programs like real estate and risk management. The school also made gains in affordability, jumping 23 spots in the best value category and ranking fourth overall for in-state value. Interim Chancellor Eric Wilcots says it reflects the university's broad academic excellence and dedication to preparing future leaders across every discipline.

Local-Regional News Sept 23

 

Health officials are reporting Chippewa County's first confirmed case of the measles. The Chippewa County Department of Public Health says it is working with the patient and their doctors to learn if anyone else may have been exposed. A spokesperson for the department says that measles is highly contagious and so confirming a case in the community is concerning.

Nearly 370-million dollars in federal transportation funding has been awarded to support 195 local road and bridge projects across Wisconsin. The funding will cover projects scheduled for federal fiscal years 2027 through 2031 in urban and rural communities statewide. In Pepin County funding was approved for replacement of the Harvey Creek Bridge, in Buffalo County funding was approved for replacement of Hwy OO from Hwy 35 to Prairie Moon Road.

The Durand City Council is meeting tonight. Items on the agenda include discussion and possible action on a memorandum of understanding with former officer Bonnerup on Sam the therapy dog, approval to send requests for proposals for auditing services and reports from the mayor and department heads. Tonights meeting begins at 6pm at Durand City Hall and will be live-streamed on the WRDN Website.

A Wisconsin State Patrol officer remains hospitalized after a Monday morning accident in Dunn County. Trooper Brad Ritger was taking part in an effort to stop a fleeing vehicle when he deployed a tire deflation device on a bridge deck west of the Dunn County / Eau Claire County line just before 5 a.m. Moments later, he fell over the bridge deck onto 490th Avenue -- several feet below the bridge -- and sustained serious injuries. The suspect was taken into custody and is facing charges.

Pepin County is rewriting the comprehensive plan. State law requires the county to update the comprehensive plan every 10yrs and Pepin County’s plan is 13yrs old. Maria Nelson from Pepin County Land Conservation and Planning says the new plan will be based on the realities of Pepin County.  The public is invited to participate in a survey to help with the rewrite of the plan. The survey takes about 20 minutes and is available at the Pepin County Website or at the Pepin County Land Conservation Department office inside the government center in Durand.

The City of Wabasha is reminding residents that placing signs in the public right of way is not allowed. That includes areas between sidewalks and streets, medians and intersections. If you are promoting a business, event or garage sale, your sign must remain entirely on private property. City staff will remove and collect any signs that are in the right of way.

Vernon County Sheriff's deputies responded Tuesday afternoon to reports of gunfire in Westby. The incident happened at the Cedar Meadows North mobile home community. No one was hurt and one person was taken into custody.

Irvine Park Zoo's Hyena, Zuri, has passed away at the age of 20. The Chippewa Falls Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Department made the announcement Tuesday. Officials say the average hyena in captivity lives between 14-to-16 years. The large mammal exhibits will be temporarily closed, including the Lynx exhibit.

The Wisconsin State Patrol is reminding drivers to stay alert and obey school bus laws during Safe Stop Week. Officials say motorists are still being cited for illegally passing stopped school buses, though reports show those violations have declined over the past year. More than 1300 citations were issued statewide last year. Sergeant Nic Betts says the trend is moving in the right direction, but drivers must remain vigilant as students travel to and from school. Extra troopers will be on patrol this week promoting school bus safety.

State elections officials warn about those voter registration mailers you're probably getting. Wisconsin Elections Commission administrator Meagan Wolfe says the mailers from groups such as "Civitech" or "Voter Participation Center" should not be trusted. Many of the mailings will look like an absentee ballot envelope or direct you to incorrect information on voting, registering to vote, or your current voting status. If you need any of this information you should instead check online at My Vote dot WI dot Gov for your local voting location and how to request a ballot.

A University of Wisconsin psychologist says reading proficiency remains a major challenge for students, and the problem began long before the pandemic. Dr. Mark Seidenberg says most children have not been reading at proficient levels for years, though learning disruptions during COVID made the situation worse. He also points to increased screen use and says parents can help by spending more time talking and reading with their children. Seidenberg says phonics instruction remains essential, giving students the foundation they need to become independent readers.

The Grant County Sheriff's Office reports a weekend murder suicide near Cuba City. Authorities say 40 year old Ben Randecker shot and killed 35 year old Katie Kieffer of Darlington as Kieffer was dropping off a child they had together at Randecker's house on Saturday afternoon. The couple had just recently ended their relationship. The sheriff's office says Kieffer was dead at the scene while Randecker later died of his injuries at a hospital. The child wasn't hurt. Last month, Randecker was arrested on domestic battery and stalking charges.

A 66-year-old Baraboo man faces decades behind bars after a Sauk County jury convicted him of making terrorist threats. Kerry Martin was found guilty of posting graphic threats on Facebook targeting the city's mayor, police chief and local judicial officials over a three-month span. Investigators confirmed the account belonged to Martin, who threatened a mass shooting with an AR-15 and talked about bombing a school. Prosecutors noted that, while citizens can express frustration with government, threatening community violence crosses the line into serious criminality.

Opposition is building across southern Wisconsin over a proposed 190-mile, high-voltage transmission line cutting through nine counties. U.S. Representative Tom Tiffany reaffirmed his stance against the project during a town hall meeting in Baraboo last week, arguing the 765-kilovolt power line threatens local farmland and private property rights. His stance mirrors concerns raised by opponent David Crowley, who also recently voiced opposition to the project in favor of less disruptive energy alternatives.

A 30-foot Concolor fir from Endeavor, north of Madison, is heading to Washington, D.C. to serve as the 2026 Official White House Christmas Tree. A White House official selected the winning tree yesterday during a visit to Silent Night Evergreens Farm. Third-generation farm owner David Chapman earned the opportunity after winning a national contest, marking the fourth time his family's farm has provided a Christmas tree for the White House. The tree will be trimmed down to 18-and-a-half feet before being transported to the nation's capital ahead of Thanksgiving.

Local-Regional News Sept 22

 

No one was injured when a vehicle crashed into the propane tank cage at Dollar General yesterday afternoon. According to Durand Police the driver accidentally accelerated while parking at Dollar General. The vehicle hit the tank cages. No propane leaked from any of the tanks and the vehicle was removed from the scene.

The trial of an Alma man facing charges in connection with a deadly vehicle crash in Buffalo County has begun. Prosecutors say, on September 27th of 2024, Luke Larson was driving his pickup truck along State Highway 35 near Markey Bluff Road in Nelson when he crossed the center line and hit two motorcyclists. Both riders died at the scene. The prosecution delivered opening statements yesterday with Larson facing two counts of homicide by negligent operation of a vehicle.

A Rural Durand man is facing 15 felony possession of child pornography charges in Buffalo County. According to authorities, the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Department received a report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that possible child sexual abuse material had been uploaded to a cloud account belonging to 53yr old Gabriel Kurtz. Deputies executed a search warrant and found numerous files containing child pornography.

Pepin Residents are asked not to park vehicles and equipment on or along 2^nd Street between Lake and 3^rd Street starting at 7pm today. According to Pepin Police, 2^nd Street will be getting paved and the road needs to be cleared to ensure the project can be completed with no delays or possible damage to parked vehicles from the heavy equipment. No parking on 2^nd street is advised until completion of the project.

A state trooper is injured after falling over a bridge deck near Elk Mound. An investigation shows Trooper Brad Ritger was responding to a traffic chase around 4:55 a.m. that was initiated by another trooper for speed. Ritger deployed a tire deflation device and moved to get into a position of cover when he fell over a bridge deck. Life-saving measures were administered before he was taken to a nearby hospital. The incident remains under investigation.

In Dunn County, bond was set at 25-thousand dollars yesterday for a man accused of abusing his two-month-old daughter. Investigators say Codi Stenlund hurt the child back in July, leaving her with critical injuries. Stenlund told police at the time that the girl was hurt when a cat tipped her pack 'n play, causing her to fall. He faces a charge of child abuse-recklessly causing great bodily harm.

The Mondovi City Council is meeting tonight. Items on the agenda include approval of license applications and reports from the mayor and city department heads. Tonights meeting begins at 5:30 at the Marten Center in Mondovi.

Expect blasting today at the quarry near Elmwood. The Village is advising residents of the blasting that is expected today. Residents may hear loud noises and or feel the blasting. That work is expected today only.

A former Monroe County transport officer who stood accused of sexually assaulting an inmate has been sentenced. Prosecutors had said that David Griffin grabbed an inmate's genitals while he and another officer were taking him to the Monroe County Jail back in March. Griffin has pleaded no contest to charges of disorderly conduct and been sentenced to 60 hours of community service.

Refinery issues have driven gas prices higher across the Great Lakes. Patrick de Haan from Gas Buddy dot Com reports that conflict in Iran and the Gulf, continued strikes on Russian refineries as well as slowdowns in gas production across the Midwest have spiked gas prices. The average price for unleaded is now 4 43 a gallon in Wisconsin, up 34 a gallon from last week. De Haan says any lowering of prices will require attacks on oil production to stop.

A Columbian woman is accused of illegally voting in Wisconsin. Federal prosecutors accuse Julieta Englestad of voting in the 2022 general elections. The Hudson resident is a lawful permanent resident of the US but has not completed naturalization, making it illegal for her to vote. Englestad pleaded not guilty to the charges on Friday. She faces a maximum of 6 years in prison on the charges.

An arrest and charges in a 1995 cold case murder. Fond du Lac County deputies arrested 83-year-old Jerome Baier on Friday and charged him with first degree homicide in the death of then 40-year-old James Ruland. Ruland and Baier were roommates at the time, and Ruland went missing in October of 1995. His body was never found, but prosecutors say new forensic testing prompted Baier's arrest.

Governor Tony Evers declared Wisconsin's first PFAS Awareness Week. The focus is on clean, safe drinking water across the state. This comes after he signed a bipartisan plan to release 125-million dollars from the PFAS Trust Fund earlier this year to help communities test and treat contaminated water. The state also has ten-million from a Tyco PFAS settlement, with the money set to go towards clean water projects, new polluted wells and the installation of new treatment systems. PFAS Awareness Week runs through Friday.

Cargo shipments are down across several categories at the Port of Duluth-Superior. Port officials say iron ore tonnage fell by roughly two-and-a-half-million tons last year, with trade uncertainty involving Canada contributing to the decline. Coal shipments are also dropping as energy markets shift and the Superior Midwest Energy Terminal prepares to close. Officials say every major cargo category is currently down. The port is investing millions in infrastructure while pursuing new cargo opportunities, including wind energy components.

A beloved lion dies at Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison. Zookeepers noticed 13-year-old Pelo the lion becoming uncoordinated and unable to move properly in June. He initially responded to treatment, but took a turn for the worse last week and was euthanized. Pelo came to the Zoo in 2014 and was a beloved mainstay of the zoo community, even having cubs with a female lion at the park.

Local-Regional News Sept 21

 

The Durand -Arkansaw School Board has approved the 2026-2027 continues performance report. According to Durand-Arkansaw School Superintendent Ryan Nelson the performance program has four pillars.  The administration must provide a progress report to the school board in the spring of 2027.

Probation for a Dunn County man convicted of 2^nd degree sexual assault of a child, and causing mental harm to a child. 32Yr old Chase Thomas of Menomonie pleaded guilty to the charges in Dunn County Court last week. On Friday, he was sentenced to 5yrs of probation and 5yrs in prison which was stayed by the court, along with 5yrs of extended supervision. He will also have to comply with the sex offender registry.

Former Kasson-Mantorville star Matthew Donovan is in the ICU after suffering a severe head injury during a college football game. The Mayville State quarterback was injured in a helmet-to-helmet collision on Saturday and was airlifted to Fargo with a brain bleed. His family says Donovan underwent a craniotomy and remains in a medically induced coma. Doctors say his brain pressure remained controlled overnight and his pupils were normal and reactive on Sunday morning. A GoFundMe has been created to help the family with medical and travel expenses.

A Chippewa Falls native is joining the cast of Saturday Night Live. The show announced Grace Reiter is one of two new cast members joining the series. According to NBC News, Reiter is a writer, director and actress who gained popularity through her sketches on TikTok. The season premieres September 26th.

A call for legislative action on Flock safety cameras. State Representative Calvin Callahan is calling for a ban on unchecked use of Flock Safety automated license plate reader cameras by government agencies. Callahan says he's heard a lot from constituents that have real privacy concerns. The Tomahawk Republican Chairs the Assembly Committee on Consumer Protection and intends to hold a hearing on surveillance cameras when the Legislature returns in January. He says if constituents feel their privacy is being overlooked, it's up to lawmakers to take appropriate action. Callahan says some sheriffs he's spoken to want the cameras gone, while others see the need for the legislature to step in. Many local governments have dropped or scaled back Flock contracts amid public concerns over data privacy and surveillance.

Bipartisan opposition to a proposed data center in the middle of Wisconsin Rapids. Over three hours of speakers turned out for a plan commission meeting last week, including Republican State Representative Scott Krug. "It's nothing against anybody in the trades. There will be other projects." New York-based developer PNK Group has been trying to turn the vacant papermill into a data center using existing power and water connections along the Wisconsin River, with little local support. The plan commission voted down the project unanimously.

Clark County has postponed its decision to knock down a historic jail. After a lengthy public session with members of the community, the county’s decision was pushed back for the next three months. The county board chair said there's concerns with the 129-year-old building's condition, water damage, high heating costs, asbestos and lead paint. A city agenda packet estimates it would cost 259-thousand dollars to demolish.

Green Bay city leaders say there won't be a third time for absentee voting issues. Thursday was the deadline for clerks to mail out the first set of absentee ballots to residents who requested them before mail in voting started. Interim city clerk Stacy Menke tells Fox 11 Green Bay her office is double and triple checking that one ballot is going to each person who requested one. Former city clerk Celestine Jeffreys admitted to being the source of at least one instance of double mailings of ballots in the spring and August elections. No one ever double voted in either election.

State lawmakers want the Wisconsin Public Service Commission to have more time to review major transmission line projects. This comes as two large projects advance toward PSC review. Tim Woodhouse leads the coalition opposing the 140 mile long, 765 kilovolt Maribell line that would traverse Southwestern Wisconsin’s Driftless Region. During a press conference at the Capitol this week, Woodhouse said residents have " been thrown into a David and Goliath situation with the proposal which would be the largest transmission line proposal ever in the state of Wisconsin. Representatives Tara Johnson and Andrew Hysell are calling for expanded review authority for the Public Service Commission so residents can have input. A Tony Evers budget proposal that would have allowed the PSC chair to grant an additional 180 days to review large transmission projects was pulled by Republican lawmakers. Applications for the Maribell and BECI projects will be submitted to the PSC early next year.

A Wisconsin company makes a multibillion-dollar deal with Amazon. Shares of Generac surged on Thursday on news the generator maker entered into a lucrative partnership with Amazon. The Waukesha-based power company made a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on September 16, reporting a deal worth up to $8 billion to provide backup power generators for Amazon data centers. Generac reported initial deliveries of backup power to Amazon in 2027 and 2028 are expected to be worth $2.4 billion. Generac CEO Aaron Jagdfeld said the agreement establishes Generac as a “long-term partner for the supply of industrial backup generators to Amazon” and demonstrates the industry’s growth.

Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar is pushing a bipartisan bill requiring safety testing for advanced AI. The proposal would require developers to work with the federal government to test certain models before release. Companies would also have to report imminent risks associated with their technology. Klobuchar is working with Republican Senators John Thune and Ted Cruz on the legislation. President Trump and some House Republican leaders have argued AI companies should face less federal oversight.

The annual Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin competition is underway. It's put on by Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce and has over 100 products from the Badger state competing. Nominated products will first compete in a popular vote, with the top 16 products advancing to head-to-head matchups in October. Some of the familiar products on the list -- Jack Link's Beef Jerky, the Packers' Original Cheesehead Hat, Kwik Trip Glazers and Johnsonville Beer Brats. There are also some highly specialized industrial equipment products like Whisker’s Litter-Robot 5 Pro, Cardinal IG’s smart privacy glass and Leo Cancer Care’s radiation therapy technology.

Local-Regional News Sept 18

 

The Durand-Arkansaw School District is seeing a slight drop in enrollment. Durand-Arkansaw School Superintendent Ryan Nelson says the preliminary drop in enrollment was not unexpected.  Today is the third Friday of the School year, and an official enrollment count will be taken.

Durand-Arkansaw High School has a new girls golf team. Girls Golf Coach Justin Redetzke says students approached him last year to try and start the team. Because the team started late, it will not be eligible to participate in the playoffs this year. The team will be hosting a golf meet at Rolling Greens on September 28^th.

The Pepin County Department of Health and Human Services will be holding a town hall meeting on Mental Health on October 27^th. The meeting will have mental health professionals and feature an open community conversation, a question-and-answer session, and an opportunity to learn about local resources. The public is invited to attend. The meeting will be held at the Durand-Arksansaw School District offices.

The City of Chippewa Falls has hired a new city administrator. The City Council voted to hire Rebecca Glewen as the new administrator. Glewen is a former mayor of Beaver Dam and was the Trempealeau County administrator in the spring of 2024. Glewen is the first city administrator in 20 years for Chippewa Falls.

The City of Winona is reporting a scam. The city says scammers are impersonating the city’s Planning Commission and sending fake invoices demanding payment to local contractors, businesses and property owners. The city says the scammers are pulling details from news reports and public records to make the invoices appear legitimate. The city says it does not send out emails demanding wire transfer payments. Anyone who receives one of these emails is to contact the City of Winona Directly.

Prison is being ordered for a Sparta man convicted in the 2024 killing of Ticarra Manning. Andrew Nauman pleaded no contest earlier this year to charges of first-degree intentional homicide and felony murder battery. He was sentenced yesterday to 36 years in prison.

The Clark County Sheriff's Office has canceled its contract to use Flock license plate reader cameras. Sheriff Kerry Kirn issued a statement yesterday, saying that as sheriff, he has a responsibility both to provide department deputies with effective tools to keep the communities they serve safe and to listen to the people. He says he has heard the concerns expressed by Clark County residents regarding the use of the plate reader technology, including concerns about privacy, and took those concerns seriously.

A bill approved by the US House would make A M radios standard in all vehicles. Supporters say A-M radio provides an essential, free service and an important lifeline for broadcasting emergency information when cell phones and the internet aren't working. If the bill becomes law, A-M radio would be classified as standard equipment in a vehicle and automakers would not be allowed to charge extra for it. According to the most recent data from Nielsen Media Research, over 90 percent of U-S adults listen to the radio every month and 74 percent of people who commute listen to the radio while they're driving. The A-M Radio for Every Vehicle Act passed the U-S House Tuesday night by a voice vote. The bill has been eligible for debate in the Senate since last year. Wisconsin Senator Tammy Baldwin is among its co-sponsors.

A Bangor choir teacher is facing allegations of child sex crimes. Paul Sadergaski, who taught at Bangor Middle School/High School, was arrested after allegedly having inappropriate communication with a student. During the investigation, officials found inappropriate content unrelated to his position in the district or the case. Officials are recommending he be charged with grooming of a child for sexual activity, as well as possession of child pornography. Sadergaski is currently on administrative leave from the district.

ACT and SAT scores could soon be optional for UW System college admissions. Testing requirements were suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic and have remained optional ever since. Research conducted by UW-Madison found test scores were not strongly tied to student retention or graduation rates, while factors like high school coursework, grades, and extracurricular activities were better predictors of success. The proposal goes before the Board of Regents Thursday. If approved, campuses could still use test scores for scholarships, course placement, and other academic opportunities.

Three more southeastern Wisconsin communities are shutting down their Flock Safety automated license plate reader programs. The cities of Waukesha, Oconomowoc, and Racine all voted to part ways with the vendor following council decisions. Waukesha Police Chief Dan Thompson emphasized that while the technology helps solve crimes, maintaining public trust and transparency is just as essential. The moves come as several local departments re-examine privacy protections and vendor practices regarding automated camera systems across the state.

Alliant Energy has set its price for data centers. The utility earlier this month sent a "large load" rate for approval with the Public Service Commission after the Commission ruled the company needed to find a standard rate for hyperscale data centers. This comes in response to Alliant's original filings to provide power to a Meta data center in Beaver Dam. Alliant would charge its large customers the full price for any new power generation that needed to be built to handle their facilities, and would prevent rate increases for the rest of Alliant's customer base. The P S C will have to approve the request.

The two biggest races in Minnesota appear to be getting closer. A new KSTP/SurveyUSA poll shows the gap between Amy Klobuchar and Lisa Demuth in the race for governor is tightening. Last month, Klobuchar led Demuth by 16 points and now she has a seven-point lead with several weeks to go before the election. Meanwhile, in the U. S. Senate race to replace retiring incumbent Tina Smith is also close. Peggy Flanagan started the race with a five-point lead over Republican nominee Michele Tafoya. They are both now are knotted up at 42 percent. Twelve percent of the registered voter in the poll are undecided.

Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport is ranked the best in North America for the third straight year. J.D. Power released its Airport Satisfaction Survey today. MSP edged Detroit and Phoenix for the top spot. The study includes factors such as level of trust with airport, terminal facilities, airport staff, food, beverage and retail and departure and arrival experience.