Local-Regional News Sept 3

 

The Dunn County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help locating a woman who was last seen around 6:30 a.m. Wednesday morning. According to the department, Wendy Champion was last seen in the area of N11198 670^th Street in Wheeler. Those living in that area are asked to check security, trail and doorbell cameras to help determine Champion’s direction of travel. Property owners are also asked to check any buildings on their property where someone could seek shelter. If anyone has any information on Champion’s whereabouts, they are to call the Dunn County Sheriff’s Department.

Bond is being set at 10-thousand dollars for a Pierce County woman charged in the death of her three-week-old child. The child was found unresponsive March 14th and was later pronounced dead. Twenty-three-year-old Jessie Lee Kittelson reportedly told police she used methamphetamine throughout her pregnancy, breastfed the child and had used the drug as recently as three days before his death. Charges against Kittelson include possession of methamphetamine as party to a crime and first-degree reckless homicide.

The parking lot to the front door of the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department is closed. The lot is being resurfaced and will be closed until next Tuesday. Those visiting the department are asked to follow the signs to the temporary entrance at the back of the building.

In Eau Claire, school resource officers on Wednesday detained a Memorial High student following the discovery of a phony weapon. A student had reported to officers that another student was possibly armed, leading to the investigation and finding. The reporting student has been commended by the school for reporting the matter.

A new railroad quiet zone ordinance in Red Wing goes into effect today. The ordinance will prohibit trains from blowing their whistles at the Broad Street and Jackson Street crossings. The quiet zone was desired to bolster existing businesses along the tracks and attract new housing, retail, and commercial activity. Because of the quiet zone, new enhanced safety features were installed at both the Broad Street and Jackson Street crossings.

Another community in Western Wisconsin is removing its Flock Cameras. The City of Altoona has removed the cameras and ended its contract with the company. The city used the cameras since 2023 but allowed the contract to expire due to privacy concerns, costs and customer service issues. While the city removed the Flock Cameras, they still have license plate reading cameras in use that are owned and operated by the police department and not an outside company.

Work is set to begin on a major sewer maintenance project in Chippewa Falls. This comes after the City Council approved a two-million dollar bid to replace and upgrade a sewer siphon that runs beneath Duncan Creek. City officials say construction will occasionally require closures on the waterway while crews complete the work. The sewer line is considered a key piece of the city's wastewater infrastructure and needed significant maintenance. Officials hope the project will be finished by the end of the year.

A Winona man is in custody after being charged with sexually assaulting a minor, according to court records. On Monday, 22yr old Tyler Uhren was arrested and charged with four counts of criminal sexual conduct. The criminal complaint says the victim described the assault to a forensic examiner, and another child corroborated the younger child’s description of events. If convicted, Uhren faces up to 30 years in prison.

A debate between the two candidates for Wisconsin governor is being confirmed. Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley and Congressman Tom Tiffany will go head-to-head on the stage next month at Marquette University Law School's Eckstein Hall. It will be hosted by WISN-TV on October 21st., the day after early in-person voting starts for the general election in November. There will be no in-person audience scheduled for this debate.

U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin says Head Start programs need continued federal support after visiting a Head Start facility in Wausau Tuesday. The Wisconsin Democrat says funding for the early childhood education program was cut by the Trump Administration, but lawmakers were able to restore that money. Baldwin says Head Start helps children from low-income families enter school on equal footing with their peers and provides a proven foundation for future success. Supporters call it a critical investment in children's futures, while the administration says the changes reduce regulations and give local programs more control.

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater says there's no threat to life after an emergency alert was sent out earlier Wednesday. A campus safety alert posted just after 11 a.m. said the campus community was asked to shelter in place. However, police confirmed there was no threat to safety when the alert was activated. Officials say someone reported a person waled into Andersen Hall and was yelling, with witnesses believing the person had a weapon. Police found the person later and determined the person didn't have a weapon.

Wisconsin is part of a multi-state investigation into alleged voter fraud. According to internal federal guidance reviewed by CNN, the Department of Homeland Security is launching a “coordinated criminal voter fraud surge . . . to pursue investigative leads, conduct field interviews, and support timely prosecutorial review,” in nine states. In addition to Wisconsin, the “surge” from early September to mid-October will occur in Washington, Missouri, Georgia, California, Pennsylvania, Nevada, New York and Connecticut. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has accelerated efforts for DHS to back up President Donald Trump’s claims of widespread election fraud.

Congress is sending the White House a one-month delay of the federal hemp THC ban. The House approved the short-term spending bill on Tuesday after the Senate passed it last month. The provision moves the ban on hemp-derived THC products from November 12th to December 11th. The measure also bans synthetic hemp derivatives. Senator Amy Klobuchar says the delay will give Minnesota farmers, breweries and retailers time to work on a long-term solution.

Local-Regional News Sept 2

 

Four people were injured in a two-vehicle accident in Wabasha County on Monday. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, a vehicle driving southbound on Hwy 2 in Elgin Township collided with another vehicle at the intersection of Hwy 247. 72yr old Nikki Werner and 72yr old Marie Hangsleben, both of Pepin suffered life-threatening injuries, while 89yr old Paul Dicke and 88yr old Janice Diercks, both of Goodhue received non-life-threatening injuries.

The Durand-Arkansaw School board has a vacancy. The vacancy occurred due to the resignation of board member Cathy Asher. The board will conduct interviews of interested candidates in late September. The seat will be up for election on the April 2027 ballot for a two-year term. For more information, contact Durand-Arkansaw School Superintendent Ryan Nelson or Board President Bill Yingst.

Dunn County is asking the FCC to change its official local TV Market to Eau Claire. In a formal request, The Dunn County Board of Supervisors is asking the Federal Communications Commission to give county residents television programming from the La Crosse-Eau Claire TV market rather than from the Twin Cities. The request is intended to ask the FCC to ensure that television viewers, local businesses, and communities across Dunn County are served by a media market that better reflects the region's daily realities and local interests.

The Madison Street Project in Durand continues to move forward. Crews are laying the first coat of blacktop today. Crews will also begin to complete landscaping and sign replacement along Madison Street over the next few weeks. The project is expected to be completed by this fall.

A new online survey is asking Chippewa Valley residents questions to help shape their health in Chippewa, Dunn and Eau Claire counties. The responses will help decide the biggest community health issues that local health coalitions will work on from 2028 to 2030. The 2026 Community Health Survey will be open through next month.

Two people are hurt after a crash in the Town of Pigeon Falls. The Trempealeau County Sheriff's Office says Stacey Lisowski was traveling north on Hwy 53 and stopped for a school bus when she was rear-ended by Addisyn Feyen who didn’t see Lisowski due to foggy conditions. Lisowski was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries; Feyen suffered minor injuries.

The Trempealeau County Sheriff’s Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying the person who stole items from the Express Mart in Eleva on Sunday night. According to the department, the man entered the store wearing a black hoodie and black mask, stole the items he wanted and then fled the scene. If anyone has any information, they are to call the Trempealeau County Sheriff’s Department.

The Wisconsin State Patrol will conduct aerial enforcement in several Western Wisconsin Counties through Labor Day Weekend. Troopers will conduct the enforcement operations over I-94 in Eau Claire County on Thursday, and over Hwy 29 in Chippewa County on Friday. Troopers will be looking for impaired drivers and those drivers speeding and driving dangerously.

A Viroqua farmer is dead following a farming accident. The Vernon County Sheriff's Office says the incident happened yesterday at a farm on Cherry Grove Road in rural Viroqua. Investigators believe the victim entered a grain bin to clear corn and became trapped. The grain then collapsed around him.

Measles cases continue to climb in southwestern Wisconsin. The number of confirmed cases has jumped to 102 in the region, an increase of ten compared to last Friday's report. The majority of those cases are located in Iowa and Lafayette counties, with the former leading the way with 55 confirmed cases. Health officials are urging people to get vaccinated for the illness as it is very contagious. Employers are also being asked to have employees show records of their last vaccination.

Minnesota and Wisconsin officials are launching the Blatnik Bridge replacement project. Hundreds attended Monday's groundbreaking for the one-point-eight-billion-dollar project. Each state is contributing 400-million dollars, while the federal government is providing one-point-zero-five-billion dollars. The existing bridge will remain open until early 2027, with the replacement expected to open in fall 2031. Officials say the project will strengthen Upper Midwest supply chains and connections to global markets.

Employment service wait times may be decreasing for Wisconsinites with disabilities. A new round of federal funding could help clear a long waitlist. Democratic Governor Tony Evers says funding from the US Department of Education will allow the Department of Workforce Development's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation to serve all eligible participants through at least 2027 without restarting a waitlist. The program helps people with disabilities prepare for and find work. About 7600 people were on the waitlist earlier this year after demand outpaced available funding. State officials say the new federal money will help remove barriers to employment, with a goal of eliminating the waitlist entirely by June of next year.

Tony Romo is not contesting his O W I arrest. Romo pleaded no contest in Milwaukee County court to the charges against him, including a citation for first time O W I. He was arrested in July after a traffic stop. Romo's drivers license has been revoked for 6 months and he'll have to pay a fine and undergo a drunk driving diversion program. Romo is off the air at C B S for now, former Badgers all star J J Watt has replaced him on the announcing desk for N F L games.

A Portage County woman accused of repeatedly poisoning her ex-husband has been formally charged. Court records show Jessica Meis was arrested after allegedly putting eye drops into his drinks in May 2025, causing extreme fatigue, dizziness, headaches and more. Investigators say the victim installed a camera in his kitchen in mid-July after suspecting he was being poisoned. Officers reviewed the two videos and determined Meis was poisoning the victim. She was arrested and has now been charged with aggravated battery and placing foreign objects in edibles, with a preliminary hearing set for Wednesday.

A Delta flight leaving Minneapolis had to return after the pilot became ill. The plane was headed to Orlando from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport yesterday returned. Delta did not provide details about the medical issue or the pilot's current condition. The flight eventually took off again for Orlando.

Help for people experiencing mental health and substance use concerns is just a call, chat or text away. Caroline Crehan-Neuman with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services says the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential support with trained counselors, who can help people work through a myriad of issues that they may be facing. Crehan-Neuman says the assistance available has proven to be helpful, with less than half a percent of all contacts to the 988 center in Wisconsin requiring any type of additional intervention. In Wisconsin, calls, texts, and chats are answered by the 988 Wisconsin Lifeline, a service of Family Services of Northeast Wisconsin contracted with the Department of Health Services.

Local-Regional News Sept 1

 

The City of Durand did not receive any bids for its logging project in the city. Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren says the lack of bids does happen.  The city hopes the logging project could provide approximately $ 40,000 in revenue.

A privately owned one-room schoolhouse built in 1899 in Pepin County is having a free open house this weekend. Deb Fisher is the owner of the Little Plum School on Hwy N north of Pepin. Fisher and her late husband Rick have restored the school.  The Open House will be Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 1- 6 pm daily. There will be write-like Laura Ingalls Wilder Demonstrations each day at 2 and 4pm.

Another phone scam in Western Wisconsin to report, this time in Eau Claire County. The Eau Claire County Sheriff’s Department is reporting that scammers are spoofing the department's phone number to make it appear the call is legitimate. The scammers are claiming a loved one is in jail and needs bail, or you have a warrant for arrest and need to make a payment over the phone immediately. The sheriff’s department would never ask for payment or personal information over the phone. This is a scam. If you are concerned, hang up, and call the non-emergency number to talk to a deputy.

Cumberland Police say Flock license plate cameras were used to track down a suspect in a recent armed robbery. The incident happened last Wednesday when someone who had arranged to meet an individual they connected with online met them in person to make a purchase. At that point -- according to the report -- the supposed seller pulled out a gun and stole 300 dollars from the victim before fleeing. Flock cameras were used to track down the suspect, who was later arrested in Eau Claire County.

Flock cameras have been deactivated in a Barron County community. The City of Chetek’s Common Council voted Friday to cover up and block the two Flock cameras in the city and break the 3-year contract with the company. The cameras were a point of contention for residents concerned about privacy and mass surveillance, the mayor and city council, and the city’s police chief, who purchased the devices without knowledge or approval from the city council. The blowback to the cameras culminated in threats against city officials, leading to the city deactivating its social media pages earlier this month. In the neighboring city of Rice Lake, police said one Flock camera was damaged in an arson attack over the weekend. No suspects have been arrested.

Winona County officials confirm they negotiated and paid a $128,539.57 ransom following a cyberattack earlier this year, even as they continue to investigate a second, unrelated ransomware incident that struck just months later. The first breach was detected on January 22, 2026. To ensure the resumption of vital public services and protect personal data, county leaders ultimately decided to pay the threat actors. A second, unrelated attack in April affected emergency and municipal services and prompted Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to authorize the Minnesota National Guard and Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to step in and assist with emergency operations.

Alma Center Lincoln High School is canceling this Friday night's football game against Assumption High in the wake of the death of one of its players. Seventeen-year-old Adam Massman died after suffering an injury in an August 20th game. The school district says it is considering what to do about the rest of the season.

An investigation is underway after a deadly ATV crash in Olmsted County. The collision happened Saturday morning in Marion Township. Authorities say a 40-year-old man rolled the vehicle into a ditch. He was thrown from the ATV and found dead. It's still not clear what caused the vehicle to roll over.

Wisconsin goose hunters head back into the field. The state's statewide early Canada goose season opens Tuesday and runs through September 15. According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, hunters may harvest up to five Canada geese per day during the early season. The regular goose season opens September 16th in the Northern and Southern Goose Zones. Hunters are reminded to carry their licenses, permits, HIP registration, and required stamps while afield.

Wisconsin wins a major court victory for voting by mail. The Wisconsin Department of Justice is part of a 25-state coalition securing a temporary restraining order from a federal court in Massachusetts. It blocks key components of a Postal Service rule which would have forced states to redesign ballot envelopes, register for a new voter‑tracking portal, and upload voter data ahead of the November 3 midterms. The court found the requirements “practically impossible” to meet in time and warned they could disenfranchise voters because many states have already printed ballots and must begin mailing them as early as this week. Attorney General Josh Kaul calls the ruling an encouraging sign as states seek a broader injunction to halt the rule.

Wisconsin is working to become a filmmaking hub by offering tax credits to attract more productions. The Department of Tourism's Film Wisconsin initiative aims to generate economic activity through lodging, food, transportation, wages, and local businesses. Productions under 30 minutes must spend at least 50-thousand-dollars to qualify for incentives, while longer productions must spend at least 100-thousand-dollars. State officials plan to track the program's economic impact to determine how the tax credits benefit communities.

You may be surprised to find out that the tools many scammers use to run their criminal networks are entirely legal. Wisconsin Better Business Bureau Spokesperson Lisa Schiller says most of the tech is the same as legitimate sales businesses use. Schiller says laws are in place to prevent spam calls but that they need to be expanded to include tech like text messages. She reminds everyone to report any scams to the B B B or Wisconsin Consumer Protection so experts can keep track of how scams are evolving. A breakdown of how scams are crafted and the technology behind them can be found online at B B B dot org slash Scam Studies.

Candidates for Wisconsin governor are not too far apart on the issue of AI data centers. Republican Congressman Tom Tiffany says they don’t belong on farmland. Like Tiffany, Democratic Milwaukee County Exec David Crowey, a former supporter of the developments, is talking about protecting taxpayers and utility customers, and the need for local input. UW La Crosse political scientist Anthony Chergosky notes the race is happening amid strong public opposition to data centers reflected in polling, including the latest Marquette Law School Poll. Neither candidate supports a statewide 12-month moratorium on new data center projects, even as many local units of government are enacting those on their own.

The Minnesota Supreme Court is rejecting a gubernatorial candidate's request for a recount of the Republican primary. The court says Lindell declined to pay the 825-thousand dollars required and missed the funding deadline of August 24th. Lisa Demuth defeated Lindell by 45-thousand votes and remains the Republican nominee for governor. Lindell paused his recount payments after claiming Minnesota's process was unlawful. Lindell says he plans to appeal the decision.

Wisconsin's capital city is one of the top places in the U.S. for buying or selling a home. Finance website WalletHub recently ranked the best Real Estate Markets in the country based on housing-market attractiveness and economic strength. It looked at several key factors, from housing affordability to job growth. Madison came in at seventh overall on the list, and was the only Wisconsin city who made the study. Frisco, Texas was rated as having the best real estate market in the nation.

Local-Regional News Aug 31

 

The Madison Street Project is still ahead of schedule. Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren says once the fine grading of the gravel begins, thats a sign that the road will be paved soon.  If all goes well, paving work is expected to begin sometime this week.

The new Durand-Arkansaw School Resource Officer is settling into his new position. Durand Police Officer Ken Schuh began his new job earlier in August. Schuh says he has been busy, but not as a police officer.  Schuh also has a teaching degree and is looking forward to using those skills as the School Resource Officer for the Durand-Arkansaw School District.

One person is dead after a motorcycle accident in Wabasha County on Sunday. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, 27yr old Nicholas Simien was traveling westbound on Hwy 60 near mile marker 214 when he lost control struck a guardrails and crashed. Simien was pronounced dead at the scene.

Wabasha Police are informing the public of the relocation of level 3 predatory offender Cody Dean Plank on September 1^st to Wabasha. Plank was convicted of Criminal Sexual Conduct and was released in December of 2025. He will be living in the 400 block of Main Street in Wabasha.

The Wabasha County Board is meeting tomorrow. Items on the agenda include the consideration of a Non-Metallic Mining request from Milestone Materials, approve a Maintenance Service Agreement with Vertiv for UPS Equipment and reports from committee chairs and department heads. Tomorrows meeting begins at 9am at the Old Courthouse Annex in Wabasha.

In Chippewa County, investigators are working to learn the cause of a weekend fire. Wheaton Fire and Rescue was dispatched early Saturday morning to a home on 20th Street where a fire that began in attached garage had spread to the residence. The fire caused extensive damage but no one was hurt.

One person is dead after a Saturday morning crash involving two motorcycles in La Crosse. The accident happened at around 2:30 a.m. near Copeland Park. Police say the two riders did not collide but both failed to negotiate a curve and crashed. One rider died at the scene. The other survived with non-life-threatening injuries and has been charged with operating while intoxicated and possession of THC and cocaine.

A former Rusk County teacher accused of sending a topless photo of herself to a teenager is pleading guilty to charges. Investigators say that Kayla Vavra -- who was working as a second-grade teacher in the Ladysmith School District -- added herself to a teenager's Snapchat account. On the app, Vavra reportedly described her own sexual experiences to the teen and sent the topless image. Vavra was arrested back in February and is now pleading guilty to a charge of Exposing a Child to Harmful Material.

Olmsted County commissioners are considering 29-point-three-million dollars in new debt. Commissioners will review the proposed bond sale during Tuesday's meeting. Most of the money will fund construction of a new solid waste Materials Recovery Facility. The state is providing ten-million dollars toward the 57-point-two-million-dollar project, with county waste revenue covering debt payments. The facility is expected to begin commercial operations in September 2027.

State health officials are reporting a significant increase in measles cases tied to an outbreak in southwestern Wisconsin. The Department of Health Services says confirmed cases in Grant, Iowa, and Lafayette counties jumped from 42 Tuesday to 92 Friday, with six additional probable cases. Health officials say the investigation indicates measles is spreading locally, though no public exposure locations requiring broader public notification have been identified. Wisconsin has reported 100 measles cases statewide so far this year.

Wisconsin’s state budget surplus is growing. Preliminary Wisconsin Department of Revenue figures for 2025-26 show state tax collections came in more than $450 million higher than expected. That grows the state's projected surplus for the end of the 2025-27 budget cycle to nearly $3 billion. Wisconsin collected $10.6 billion in individual income tax, $8.2 billion in sales and use taxes and $3.0 billion in corporate income and franchise taxes over the fiscal year.

Governor Tony Evers requests federal disaster aid for last month's Fox Valley tornado. State and federal assessments in Menasha and Appleton are complete and the Federal Emergency Management Agency identified more than 20 million dollars in residential, business, and public property damage. Evers also requests federal funds for northern Wisconsin, where straight-line winds damaged infrastructure. The request now goes to the White House for approval from President Trump.

A Weston woman is facing multiple felony fraud and theft charges. This comes after local and state investigators uncovered a years-long embezzlement scheme totaling nearly one-million dollars from a Schofield real estate management company. Court documents say 66-year-old Lynn Loss, who worked as an independent contractor, bookkeeper and trustee for the company, funneled over 928-thousand dollars in unauthorized payments to herself and her private company. She's facing multiple charges, including fraudulent writings, and is set to appear in court September 10th.

A Rochester hotel worker is accused of attacking a man several months ago. Jarred Clement faces one felony assault charge. Police say in March the defendant placed a gun to the victim's neck, hit him with it and then pushed the man. Clement earlier denied that he had a weapon but later confessed to the incident because the victim threatened to kill him. If convicted, Clement could serve three to seven years in prison or face a 14-thousand dollar fine.

Wild rice harvesters in Wisconsin may see better yields this season. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources forecasts an improved harvest for 2026 after several years of below-average production A wet spring followed by a drier summer created stable growing conditions for the aquatic grass. Lower water levels on some lakes and rivers make for more challenging canoe, access, but good rice beds should be available for those willing to scout different locations. The Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission’s Annual Harvest Outlook webpage includes helpful information for harvesters and conditions for some wild rice waters in Wisconsin, along with rules which apply to tribal and nontribal harvesters. Peak harvest typically arrives in early September.

Local-Regional News Aug 28

 

Drought conditions continue here in Western Wisconsin and Southeastern Minnesota. According to the latest drought monitor, extreme drought conditions are found in Western Pierce and Eastern Goodhue Counties, while severe drought continues for Pepin, Eastern Pierce, Dunn, Northern Buffalo and Wasbasha Counties.

The number of dairy farms in Wisconsin continues to fall. According to the National Ag Statistics Service, the number of licensed dairy herds in Wisconsin has dropped below 5000 to 4991 as of August 1^st. Here in Western Wisconsin, Pepin County has 27 licensed dairy herds, Eau Claire County 45, Pierce County 57, Buffalo County 65, Trempealeau and Dunn Counties have 66 licensed diary herds. The largest dairy county in Wisconsin is Clark County with 609 licensed dairy herds.

The Memorial Park Band Shell renovation project is moving forward quickly. Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren says Durand Builders notified him at music in the park of the crews coming in to begin the project.  The city is still taking donations for the band shell renovations, contact Durand City Hall for more information.

As energy costs continue to rise, could it affect sports travel for school districts? Durand Arkansaws School Superintendent Ryan Nelson says there have been some discussions about limiting travel for middle school sports to save travel time and travel costs.

A Black River Falls teen is facing charges in the stabbing of her mother. Prosecutors say that -- on August 7th -- Rhiannon Redcloud stabbed her mother multiple times with a 10-inch kitchen knife before calling 9-1-1. The victim survived the incident and Redcloud has been charged with First Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety - Use of a Dangerous Weapon and Aggravated Battery.

In Monroe County, officials have identified a woman whose body was found last weekend in Tomah's Memorial Park. Nikole Drinkwine was found dead last Saturday in a riverbank near a park walking trail. Drinkwine's cause of death has not yet been determined.

The Dolly Parton Imagination Library's book gifting program will be launched in seven counties. The Winding Rivers Library System announced it'll be launched throughout Buffalo, Trempealeau, Jackson, La Crosse, Monroe, Vernon and Juneau on January 4th, 2027. The program will mail free age-appropriate books to registered children every month from birth to age five. Additional information regarding the program can be found on Winding River's official website.

The Wisconsin State Patrol is continuing to encourage safe driving on the state's roadways. The patrol is in the midst of its "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign -- an effort get impaired drivers off the roads. Last year, there were nearly seven-thousand crashes involving alcohol or drug impairment in the state, accounting for one-third of traffic fatalities. The patrol is stepping up education and enforcement of impaired driving laws through the Labor Day holiday.

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley has the edge over his opponent in a new poll of likely voters. The Marquette University Law School survey shows the Democrat leading Congressman Tom Tiffany by five points with 49 percent of the vote. However, the pair is tied when the poll is filtered to just registered voters, each receiving 44 percent of the tally. Voters have listed cost of living and inflation as their top issues this term, while data centers were lower on the list.

Wisconsin is set to receive at least $219 million as part of a landmark $17.1 billion settlement with Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram. Attorney General Josh Kaul says the agreement resolves allegations the company's social media platforms harmed children's mental health. The settlement also requires stronger parental controls, new safeguards for younger users, and limits aimed at reducing excessive scrolling by teens. Kaul says the funds could support youth mental health services, after-school programs, digital wellness initiatives, and other efforts focused on helping young people.

Updated fish consumption advisories for Wisconsin waters are out. The Department of Natural Resources in partnership with the Department of Health Services announce online publication of the 2026-2028 Choose Wisely booklet, outlines consumption guidelines for fish from waterbodies across the state. Fish are a great source of lean protein and healthy omega-3 fats, but pollutants may build up in their bodies, and some can reach levels harmful to wildlife and humans who eat fish. The DNR routinely samples fish from popular angling areas and waters with suspected pollution and contaminants. Certain locations, such as parts of the Yahara River Chain of Lakes and the Wisconsin and La Crosse rivers, now have more restrictive consumption advisories, including "Do Not Eat" for some species.

A cheese plant closure in Central Wisconsin. Foremost Farms USA will discontinue production of 40-pound block cheese and permanently close its facility in Marshfield, affecting all 68 employees. The company’s WARN notice filed with the Department of Workforce Development states Foremost is providing at least 60 days' advance notice to all affected employees. The closure is expected to occur on or around December 15 and layoffs are expected to be permanent. Foremost President and CEO Brenda Dehart said the decision to close the plant built in the 1950s follows a comprehensive review of changing dairy market dynamics, including increased U.S. cheese production capacity and shifting consumer demand, and is not a reflection on the employees in Marshfield.

A federal judge is clearing the way for an ICE agent to leave a Texas jail. Christian Castro is facing five charges for allegedly shooting Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis in Minneapolis on January 14th and later lying about it. Castro has spent 90 days in jail while Texas Governor Greg Abbott considers Minnesota's extradition request. The judge rejected Minnesota's request to force immediate action, saying Abbott has neither approved nor denied the warrant. Texas law permits Castro's release today, while Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison says litigation will continue.

Local-Regional News Aug 27

 

The City of Durand has approved a new land plat for a new subdivision in the city. The subdivision would be on land where the first dog park was proposes off of Grant and South Streets. Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren says the proposed subdivision would have 13 individual lots for single family homes.  The State of Wisconsin has to approve the land plat, and the city is looking at financing options to assist with infrastructure development.

The City of Mondovi is forming an advisory committee to look at data centers and their possible affect on the city if one was to be built. Another issue is bit coin mining operations. Mondovi Mayor Brady Weiss says while bit coin mining operations could be covered under current building codes, it might not be a bad idea to have the new committee look at those too.  The new advisory committee is set to be formed in September.

The Durand-Arkansaw School District is being recognized again. This time, the Middle and High School were recognized by US News and World Report as one of the best High Schools in Wisconsin and the nation for 2026-27. The Middle and High School earned an overall score of 71.42 out of 100, ranking among the top 30% of Wisconsin high schools and the top 28% nationwide. Rankings were based on student performance on state assessments, graduation rates, and how well schools prepare students for college.

The Wisconsin DNR will have to redo a permit for a large dairy in Pierce County. Wis politics dot com reports that on Monday, Administrative Law Judge Angela Chaput Foy ruled that the expansion permit for Ridge Breeze Dairy failed to protect groundwater because the permit had no way for the DNR to determine if the dairy was following groundwater standards. The judge ordered the DNR to add safeguards to the permit to detect any violations of WI Groundwater Standards. The ruling does not stop Ridge Breeze Dairy’s expansion from 1700 cows up to 9000 cows.

A Wisconsin man has been sentenced to life in prison following the death of ten-year-old Lily Peters. Carson Peters-Berger pleaded guilty to first-degree intentional homicide. Peters was found dead in April 2022 after disappearing while riding a bicycle in Chippewa Falls. Peters-Berger previously pleaded not guilty to adult charges in December 2024. A jury trial was scheduled for this November, but because of the plea change and sentencing, it'll no longer take place.

Authorities are investigating the deaths of two people in La Crosse County. Deputies performing a welfare check Tuesday at a home in the Town of Greenfield found the victims inside. There has been no word on the cause of death.

In St. Croix County, charges are being filed against three suspects accused of scamming a Hudson woman. Investigators say the victim received a call from one of the women stating that the victim had failed to report for jury duty and that she needed to deposit more than 18-thousand dollars into a Bitcoin machine else she would be arrested. The woman fell for the con. The suspects are each charged with party to theft by false representation and party to uttering a forgery.

An Eau Claire man is facing charges of OWI in Barron County. Seventy-one-year-old Bradley Armstrong was pulled over Sunday night with the officer later finding marijuana in the suspect's vehicle and learning that the suspect's driving privileges had been revoked. Armstrong reportedly failed field sobriety tests and was charged with operating a motor vehicle while under the influence -- the 16th time the suspect has faced such a charge.

A Menasha school district building won't be ready for students next week. District officials announced this week that Gegan  Elementary remains too damaged to start the school year. That damages includes holes in the roof and broken windows which still need replacement from an EF 3 tornado struck the Fox Cities last month. Students who would be attending Gegan will instead be sent to two neighboring schools. District officials hope to have the building open next year.

A woman who lost her job after a traffic stop is planning to sue the Milwaukee Police Department. Amber Newell was heading to her healthcare job earlier this month when she was pulled over by Brookfield Police due to an outdated Flock technology alert connecting her car to a homicide. Her attorney told the Journal Sentinel she was held at gunpoint and later fired when her employer learned of the homicide connection. Newell was not connected to any murder and her attorney blamed "human error" by Milwaukee police. The department admitted to not removing the flagged vehicle from its system and Newell now plans to file a notice of claim.

Measles cases in southwestern Wisconsin continue to increase. The latest update from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services says the number now stands at 61, including 17 probable cases of the illness. Iowa County has 35 confirmed cases, while Grant and Lafayette counties are also impacted by the outbreak. DHS officials say residents need to be aware of measles if they haven't already been notified of being directly exposed.

The Wisconsin State Fair is reporting an increase in attendance. More than 925-thousand visitors were counted during this year's 11-day event in West Allis, an increase compared to last year's edition. However, the number is well short of the record of more than one-point-one-million fairgoers in 2024. That was the third consecutive year the fair saw at least one-million visitors, but is now falling short of that mark for the second-straight year. Next year's event is scheduled to take place from August 5th to August 15th.

Republican governor candidate Mike Lindell is withholding payment for a primary election recount. Lindell declined to submit the 825-thousand dollars by Monday's deadline after losing the primary to Lisa Demuth by more than 45-thousand votes. His campaign argues that grouping ballots for other candidates together violates state recount law. The Secretary of State's Office says the plan follows state law, administrative rules and previous recount procedures. Lindell is asking the Minnesota Supreme Court for an emergency injunction and an extension of the payment deadline.

Badger football games are adding competition to the concession stands. Fans will be treated to new menu items this season that's called "Battle of the Dogs," where a new hot dog will be introduced each home game based on Wisconsin's opponent. That includes the Michigan State Spicy Spartan Dog and Rutgers Fat Dog. Camp Randall Stadium will be offering other new menu items this year, such as the Badgers Cheeseburger and Takis Street Corn.

Local-Regional News Aug 26

 

The Mondovi City Council has passed a resolution to form an advisory committee to look at data centers. The committee would be made up of city, business and agriculture leaders and report back to the council. Mondovi Mayor Brady Weiss the committee would advise the council on various issue if a date center project came to the city.  The resolution was not for or against data centers, nor is there any date center project proposed at this time in or near Mondovi.

Recognition for the Building Administrators at the Durand-Arkansaw School District. Superintendent Ryan Nelson says the administrators will be presenting at the National Principals Convention.  Nelson says the presentation will also highlight the district to a national audience.

The Durand City Council is meeting tonight. Items on the agenda include the appointment of a council representative to the Durand Fire District Board, and update on the Bandshell renovation and fundraising efforts, and the status of financing for various projects in the city. Tonights meeting begins at 6pm at Durand City Hall and will be livestreamed on the WRDN Website.

Pepin County property owners are reminded that they are responsible to make sure their fire numbers are clearly visible from a town road or highway. Fire number signs that are faded, damaged or missing need to be replaced so public safety crews can find your location in case of an emergency. New signs can be purchased for $25 from the Pepin County Zoning Office.

In Chippewa County today, a resolution hearing will be held in the case against Carson Peters-Berger. Peters-Berger is charged in the 2022 killing of 10-year-old Lily Peters. Prosecutors have said that the case will not go to trial. There has been no word on what is expected with today's resolution.

Prison for a Chippewa County man charged with multiple counts of sexually assaulting a child. Curtis Vaughan was charged in 2024 with prosecutors saying he assaulted an 11-year-old victim at their home in Lake Hallie. He has pleaded no contest to charges of sexual assault and been sentenced to three years in prison.

Governor Tony Evers hosted a roundtable discussion yesterday about challenges that continue to face folks after the COVID pandemic. Government and private sector leaders took part in the event at Chippewa Valley Technical College. During the discussion, Governor Evers touted the benefits of the state's Workforce Solutions Initiative.

A Wisconsin prosecutor is declining to charge Elon Musk with election bribery for his million-dollar check handouts to voters during the state's Supreme Court election last year. Democratic La Crosse County DA Tim Gruenke said his office decided not to press charges since nobody was paid anything of value in the end for voting or promising to vote. Billionaire CEO Musk announced in March 2025 that he would speak in Wisconsin with entrance limited to those who voted in the state's election. He said on his social media platform X that he would write two checks for a million dollars each, and clarified later that entrance was limited to those who signed a petition against "activist judges."

A woman accused of trying to illegally record a Rusk County Board member meeting is pleading guilty to charges. Ladysmith City Administrator Alan Christianson and his sister, Stephanie Christianson, were arrested in the incident last fall. Prosecutors say Stephanie Christianson was recording the meeting outside of a closed door on her cell phone. She has now pleaded guilty to a felony count of intercepting an oral communication. The charges against her brother remain pending.

A Rochester daycare employee is accused of hitting a two-year-old while on the job. Connie Keller has been charged with malicious punishment of a child. Authorities say the 54-year-old defendant struck a toddler in the mouth on May 18th. The head of the daycare reviewed surveillance video and saw Keller strike the child with the back of her hand. The child was not hurt. The woman is expected back in court on November 12th.

Governor Tony Evers and Wisconsin DHS are introducing a new statewide Injury and Violence Prevention Strategic Plan. Officials say it's the first plan developed alongside state partners and focus groups. It outlines five areas for reducing injuries, experience of violence and violent deaths in the state. The areas include child maltreatment and abuse, intimate partner assault, intentional firearm injuries, unintentional drug overdoses, and self-harm and suicide. This marks the first prevention plan for the state in over a decade.

Wisconsin is challenging new federal conditions on public safety grants. The Wisconsin Department of Justice has joined a coalition of states suing the Trump administration over immigration-related requirements attached to federal public safety grants. Attorney General Josh Kaul says the administration is illegally using funding as leverage by requiring states to comply with immigration enforcement demands. Wisconsin previously helped block similar conditions on victim services funding. Now, state officials say more than $6 million in grants for law enforcement, crisis intervention and juvenile justice programs could be at risk.

Attorneys for the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and environmental groups argued before a Bayfield County judge last week, opposing permits for Enbridge’s 41-mile Line 5 reroute. A partial stay was lifted in early August after halting construction at four waterway crossings. The groups argue the project could permanently damage wetlands and waterways. Enbridge and project supporters point to extensive environmental review completed before permits were issued by the Wisconsin DNR. Next steps will include more briefings regarding the four crossings as well as a future decision by Judge John P. Anderson after reviewing the presented material.

A Minnesota climate expert is warning residents against wasting water during the drought. CBS Minnesota reports 88-percent of the state is abnormally dry or experiencing drought, while nearly half is in severe drought. North-central Minnesota is facing years of accumulated water shortages that have lowered lakes, streams and groundwater. Five watersheds remain under drought warnings requiring water suppliers and other users to conserve. Residents are advised to take shorter showers and turn off faucets while brushing their teeth or shaving.

One kangaroo is on the loose in Columbia County after escaping from a trailer. It happened Sunday morning near Portage when four kangaroos were being transferred between vehicles. The Wisconsin State Patrol says two of the animals were hit by vehicles and didn't survive, while a third was recovered by the owners. The fourth kangaroo ran off near Wisconsin 78 and Interstate 39 and is still unaccounted for. Troopers requested Wisconsinites not to pull over on the side of the road to look for the missing animal.