Local-Regional News Feb 3

 

A broken sprinkler system pipe at Olson Funeral Home caused an alarm to be set off. The Menomonie Fire Department responded to the alarm on Sunday afternoon to the funeral home on Wilson Ave. No fire was found and the funeral home is cleaning up the water damage from the broken pipe.

No threat is found after police responded to a swatting incident at a University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire residence hall. According to UW-Eau Claire, campus police responded to Governor’s Hall to investigate an external distress call that is believed to be a “swatting” incident. The fraudulent emergency call came in at around 10:25 p.m. on Sunday. Officers responded to the scene, secured the area, and made contact with the residents in the room referenced in the bogus call. Police determined no one was hurt and no threat was found in the residence hall.

The Wabasha Planning Commission will hold a public hearing next Tuesday to consider an application from Larry Stegemann to allow a church to be built in the Stegemann addition. This meeting begins at 6:00 p.m. at Wabasha City Hall, and other items are on the agenda. Public comments can be submitted in person or via mail or email to the Wabasha City Hall.

Another member of the Leinenkugel family is taking over the Wisconsin-based company. A social media post last week announced Katie Leinenkugel would be the next president of the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company. She takes over for her cousin Tony Bugher, and is just the second woman to hold the position in the company's history. The new leadership comes after Molson Coors recently moved brewing operations of Leinenkugel's to Milwaukee, but maintains a presence in Chippewa Falls.

A man facing kidnapping charges in a 2023 case involving an elderly victim is pleading no contest in La Crosse County. Prosecutors say that Caleb Crocker was one of three people who held an 84-year-old man prisoner in his own basement and subjected him to beating while demanding money. Crocker pleaded no contest to a kidnapping charge on Monday and will be sentenced at a later date.

Investigators are working to confirm the cause of a Monday fire in the Village of Bangor. A farm structure on State Road 162 that housed hay and other materials went up in flames yesterday afternoon. No injuries were reported though the structure was left in ruins.

The interim U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin now has the job for good. Chadwick Elgersma has served in the role on an acting-basis since June of last year. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi has now appointed Elgersma to the role outright.

UW–Extension is hosting the Chippewa Valley Healthy Water Summit, a one-day educational event designed to increase water quality awareness by providing local information that enables community members to make informed decisions. Open to the public, the Chippewa Valley Healthy Water Summit is relevant to homeowners, landowners, farmers, agency staff, and industries. The event will feature locally relevant information and expert-led sessions on key water-related topics, including PFAS, soil and water interactions, local water testing and services, and conserving soil, water, and nutrients. The event will be held at the Chippewa Valley Technical College West Campus on March 20 from 9-3:30. Contact UW Extension for more information.

Wisconsin health officials are reporting a second case of measles. The Department of Health Services announced Monday that a student at UW-Madison tested positive for the disease. The student caught the disease during an international trip, and it is not related to a case from Waukesha last month. Anyone who was exposed to the student is being contacted by health agencies to monitor for the spread of measles. The US has seen a sudden spike in measles cases, with 588 reported as of last Thursday. UW Madison does not require students to be vaccinated from the measles to attend.

The UW Health Transplant Center is celebrating a record‑setting year. The center performed more than 520 organ transplants in 2025, more than all other Wisconsin centers combined. That includes 273 kidney, 134 liver, and a record 67 lung transplants, along with 24 heart and several multi‑organ procedures. Doctors at UW Health credit expanded use of advanced organ preservation technology for boosting the success rates of transplants. The center also hit milestones with its 1,000th heart transplant and 2,000th pancreas transplant. 2026 will mark 60 years since UW Health’s first transplant back in 1966.

Storms across the country are contributing to a shortage of road salt for private snow contractors around the state. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources stormwater section manager Shannon Haydin tells Fox 6 Milwaukee the shortage is a good reminder to evaluate how much salt you use, to extend your supply and protect the environment. Haydin says overuse of salt can become toxic to aquatic life. Though the DNR is not opposed to use of salt for ice management and safety, the agency recommends measuring it carefully. An 8-ounce coffee mug can salt about 10 sidewalk squares.

At the Capitol, freshman Democrats in the Wisconsin Legislature want to amend the state Constitution to include include explicit protection for the fundamental right to privacy. Sun Prairie Representative Andrew Hysell says the federal government is “running roughshod over the law and the Constitution:” Hysell sees this as an issue that could get support from Republicans. Like all amendments to the state Constitution, this would require approval in two consecutive legislative sessions and in a statewide vote.

New long-term closures tied to the I-94 are now in effect. The 27th Street viaduct between St. Paul Avenue and Evergreen Lane, as well as the I-94 exit to 26th Street and St. Paul Avenue, are expected to stay closed through summer 2026. The closures are expected to lead to longer detours not only for drivers, but also for bus routes and nearby businesses. Construction on the I-94 East-West Project is expected to continue through 2033.

Target is welcoming a new CEO. Michael Fiddelke was named to the role in August. He succeeded veteran CEO Brian Cornell following a shaky performance and unrest in the retailers' hometown. Fiddelke previously served as Target's chief operating officer. The retailer has logged 12 straight quarters of weak or declining sales, and its stock has fallen more than 20 percent in the past year. Fiddelke's expected to share more details of his vision next month at Target's 2026 Financial Community Meeting, which will be held in Minneapolis rather than New York.

Lawyers for the Minnesota state government are considering the unprecedented move of prosecuting federal agents. There is no modern precedent of criminal charges being filed by the state, without the cooperation of the federal government, against federal officers for the use of deadly force. If charges are brought, the cases would first focus on arguments over federal vs. state court jurisdiction and whether federal officers have immunity from state prosecution. However, state attorneys said this legal process could take years to play out. The charges would pertain to federal agents killing Renee Good and Alex Pretti in January.

A food publication is picking its top brewery in Wisconsin, and it's located in Green County. Mashed recently released its list dubbed "The Best Brewery In Your State, Hands Down," which highlights what it found to be the number one spot for beer in each state. It looked at online reviews and accolades won by different breweries to make its choices. New Glarus Brewing Company was named the best in Wisconsin, a business that has been operating since 1993. It has earned awards at the World Beer Cup and Great American Beer Festival.

Local-Regional News Feb 2

 

Charges are being filed against a Buffalo County woman after the seizure of a large volume of fentanyl. Thirty-six-year-old Danielle Hauser was one of two people seen leaving a Fountain City apartment that was under surveillance last month. Her vehicle was stopped with authorities then saying they found a stolen, loaded handgun inside. Back at the apartment, drugs including more than 220 grams of methamphetamine and 165 grams of suspected heroin that field-tested positive for fentanyl were found along with multiple stolen firearms. The drug seizure is the largest fentanyl seizure in Buffalo County History. Hauser is being charged with a list of drug offenses.

Crews responding to reports of someone having trouble breathing at a home in the Town of Pleasant Valley on Friday found potentially deadly levels of carbon monoxide. The situation on Balsam Road resulted in two people being taken to the hospital for treatment with both found to have a high level of carbon monoxide in their blood. Authorities are reminding the public the importance of having working smoke and CO alarms in you home, and to check your furnace intakes and exhausts for obstruction. The matter is being investigated.

Ellsworth police responded to a call of a shooter at the Ellsworth Elementary School on Friday. According to Ellsworth Police, the call came in from the Goodhue County Dispatch Center saying students were hurt at the school because of the shooting. Ellsworth police placed the elementary, middle and high schools in a non emergency lockdown and performed a walk through and found no threats. Goodhue County Dispatch reported that it received twelve calls involving schools bus accidents, a rape and other accidents. It was determined the caller or callers were using phones that were only using 911 and there was no active cellular carrier. The matter remains under investigation.

Prison for an Eau Claire man convicted on federal drug charges. Nathan Hendrickson was arrested last year after selling methamphetamine in multiple controlled transactions. He later pleaded guilty to possession and distribution charges and was sentenced last week to ten years in prison.

The Durand Improvement Group has released the line up for this year’s music in the park concert series. Half Shebang will perform on June 17^th, Left Wing Bourbon is on July 15^th and Chris Kroeze will perform on August 19^th. All concerts begin at 6pm at the bandshell in Memorial Park in Durand.

The Wabasha County Board is meeting tomorrow. Items on the agenda include discussion and possible action on a proposal to withdraw from the Whitewater Joint Powers Board, authorize contracts for preventative maintenance contracts with Harris for the Old Courthouse Building and the Justice Center and approve using Opioid Settlement Funds for three non profit groups including the Wabahsa Ambulance Service. Tomorrow’s meeting begins at 9am in the Old Courthouse Annex in Wabasha.

Winona County Sheriff Ron Ganrude announced on Friday that he will not be seeking another term as the county sheriff. The sheriff said it was after a “great deal” of reflection and conversations with his family that his decision was made. While he said it was not an easy decision, he feels as if it was the right one. Ganrude’s law enforcement career began in 1980 with the St. Charles Police Department and has been the Winona County Sheriff since November of 2014.

Wisconsin’s K-12 open enrollment period begins Monday. Application runs through April 30th during which parents and guardians can apply to send their children to any Wisconsin public school district next school year. Applications are available to any Wisconsin resident in 4K through high school, according to the Wisconsin Department of Public instruction. Parents are typically responsible for their students transportation to and from school if they use open enrollment although some districts may offer partial transportation families interested in applying for open enrollment can visit dpi.wi.gov/open-enrollment to find out more.

Wisconsin may get updated standards for PFAs in drinking water. Following approval by the Natural Resources Board, the updated standards will now go before Wisconsin Legislature and Democratic governor Tony Evers for approval. The drinking water standards align with the Environmental Protection Agency’s 2024 federal standard, setting levels near zero for two of the most pervasive PFAs compounds, and establishing standards for other PFAs compounds. The Legislature will need to approve the new standards by the end of its session in the spring for Wisconsin to remain in compliance with federal laws. Water systems in Wisconsin would have until 2029 to comply with the new standards.

Cape Cod potato chips will soon be made in Wisconsin. The Campbell's Company, which owns the brand, says the Hyannis factory that produces them is set to close this spring. Campell's says the location only produces four-percent of the total amount of chips and that the "site no longer makes economic sense for the business." Forty-nine-workers will lose their jobs and will get separation benefits with job placement support. Cape Cod potato chips will continue to be made in Wisconsin.

A federal judge has denied Minnesota's request to end the ICE raids in Minneapolis. A lawsuit was filed by the state along with the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul after the Renee Good shooting, demanding an end to the Trump administration's immigration raids. The lawsuit argued that the administration was violating the 10th amendment of the Constitution, which limits federal power. On Saturday, the judge ruled that there was evidence that federal agents have "engaged in racial profiling, excessive use of force and other harmful actions," but that the plaintiff had failed to show the administration had violated the 10th amendment.

A federal judge last week fined a Florida man for misrepresenting Native American-made goods at art shows, including in Wisconsin. Jose Farinanago [[ fah-ree-nah-nah-go ]] Muenala [[ Moo-eh-nah-lah ]] pleaded guilty Wednesday to misrepresenting Native-produced goods. Along with the 25-thousand-dollar fine, he was also sentenced to three years of probation. Prosecutors said he sold jewelry under the business name Southwest Expressions. He reportedly claimed the jewelry was handmade by Pueblo natives, but it was actually mass-produced and imported from the Philippines.

A Milwaukee man is found guilty of forging death threats against President Donald Trump to frame an immigrant robbery victim and get him deported. A Milwaukee County jury convicted 52-year-old Demetric Scott Thursday of felony identity theft and witness intimidation. Scott was jailed for stabbing Ramon Morales Reyes and stealing his bike. While in jail, Scott wrote letters posing as Morales Reyes to state and federal officials threatening to kill President Trump. Investigators determined Morales Reyes couldn't have written the letters because he doesn't understand English well, and the handwriting in the letters didn't match his. Scott later admitted that he wrote the letters. The jury also found Scott guilty of reckless endangerment connected with the bicycle theft. He faces up to 26 years in prison when he’s sentenced next month.

Travelers without proper I.D. will face a 45-dollar fee at airports across the nation. TSA's ConfirmID program allows those without acceptable identification to go online and be verified through biographic data. The pass is good for ten days of travel

Local-Regional News Jan 30

 

A former Pepin County substitute teacher has been convicted on charges in a sex crimes case. Zachary Weber worked in the Durand-Arkansaw School District and this week pleaded no contest to charges of soliciting an intimate representation from a minor. Investigators say those charges stemmed from exchanges the defendant had with underage girls on Snapchat. He will be sentenced at a later date.

A Menomonie teen charged in connection with a deadly Dunn County hit and run is pleading guilty. The body of 54-year-old Ann Seidl was found lying in a ditch along County Highway Y on March 29th of last year. Authorities say that then-17-year-old Addison Bowell was the driver of the vehicle that hit Seidl and failed to stop. Bowell has pleaded guilty this week to charges including homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle. She continues to face a charge of hit-and-run involving death.

The Eau Claire City-County Health Department reports that respiratory viruses -- including influenza and COVID-19 -- continue to be diagnosed at a high rate locally. Folks are being encouraged to get vaccinated, to wash their hands often and to stay home from work or school if they are sick. In regards to the measles, local health officials say that there is no evidence of exposure or community spread in the county.

A factory closure in Western Wisconsin will put 200 people out of work and end the Wisconsin production of a classic motorcycle line. Polaris has announced that its factory in Osceola will close, ending production of the Indian motorcycle brand in Polk County. Indian was sold to a private equity firm last year, and the company is moving the production line from Osceola to a plant in Iowa. The closure will occur sometime this summer, according to Polaris. The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development will be offering assistance to the displaced workers.

Bond is being set at 100-thousand dollars for a man authorities say violated a restraining order and injured law enforcement officers. Reports say that 19-year-old Nathaniel Witaker was served with a temporary restraining order Tuesday in Hillsboro. He was later found armed with a knife at a prohibited location. A police officer and a sheriff's deputy were injured while trying to take the suspect into custody. Whitaker faces charges including stalking and battery on a law enforcement officer.

Wisconsin residents are pushing for homeschooling as a valid education option for families. This comes during National School Choice Week, which helps raise awareness of all education options available for families. Supporters for this option say that it can provide "certain things that students can miss in traditional education." Critics are arguing that public funds should remain invested in only public education systems.

Help the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources track the state's black bear population. The DNR is asking for the public to report any black bear den locations as part of an ongoing statewide study on black bear reproduction and population. The survey will improve the accuracy of population models, as well as help researchers as they investigate a connection between consumption of human food and bear reproduction. If you come across a black bear den, note its GPS coordinates, take a photo from a safe distance, and describe the site and surrounding area. More info can be found on the DNR's website.

Minnesota farm communities are saying the ICE surge is going to be very damaging for business. In Willmar, the Minnesota Farmers Union has 18-thousand Minnesota members and says ICE raids have had a profound impact on their bottom line. One raid made headlines this month when ICE agents ate at a Willmar Mexican restaurant, then followed the workers home and arrested them afterward. Gary Wertish, president of the Minnesota Farmers Union, says workers are scared to come to Minnesota and even to other states. He predicts lower crop yields and ultimately higher prices at the grocery store.

Wisconsin and several other states won't have to give up federal funding for electric vehicle charging stations. A federal judge in Washington ruled last week that Wisconsin and 16 other states will continue to get grant funding to pay for improving coverage for those stations. The ruling preserves 62 million dollars in grants for the state. The Trump Administration last year froze the funding for the program over policy reasons, saying the country didn't need more electric vehicles. The judge said the White House violated procedures and couldn't stop congressionally approved spending.

After months of meetings and concerns from residents in the Deforest area, a big data center project has been officially scrapped. On Wednesday, QTS announced now is not the right time for our proposed project to move forward in the DeForest area. Earlier this week, the DeForest Village Board said the proposal was "not feasible." Many locals were apprehensive about the 12 billion dollar, 16 hundred acre data center campus proposal just outside of DeForest, citing worries of the environmental impact and decreasing property values. The “No Data Center in DeForest” group has more than 4-thousand followers on its Facebook page.

Donald Trump’s endorsement clears the Republican primary field for governor for Tom Tiffany. Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann announced Wednesday he will step aside from the race after President Trump endorsed 7th District Congressman Tom Tiffany. Schoemann said he was proud of his campaign, and that the move will allow Republicans to support one another, rather than fight. Tiffany wished Schoemann the very best and said he'll work to improve Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Democrat Party's response to Schoemann’s departure from the race was simply "Who?" The Democratic primary field to succeed Tony Evers remains crowded, with nine declared candidates.

Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar is formally announcing her bid for governor of Minnesota. She released a video this morning said that "these times call for leaders who can stand up and not be rubber stamps of this administration." Klobuchar's announcement comes after current Governor Tim Walz announced he would be dropping his bid for a third term over criticism surrounding a statewide fraud scandal. It also comes as Minnesota has become the epicenter of President Trump's immigration crackdown.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation can help prospective voters obtain the necessary ID. Ahead of the Spring Primary Election on February 17, the Division of Motor Vehicles reminds residents how to obtain identification, free of charge, that is valid for voting. Valid ID for voting purposes includes a driver license, Tribal identification card, military or student ID and others. There is no separate “voter ID,” and a federally compliant REAL ID card is not required to vote. Not sure if your ID meets the requirements? Visit the Wisconsin Elections Commission website to check. To see a list of required documents needed to present at a DMV Customer Service Center in order to get ID to show at the polls, visit wisconsindmv.gov/idcards. 

Local-Regional News Jan 29

 

Buffalo County is getting another K-9 officer. Winona, Minnesota-based OZ Lifting Products LLC has funded another police dog, as its OZ canine donation program continues to positively impact local communities and law enforcement. Trace Erickson, a former law enforcement officer, leads 12-week training programs; he even utilizes an out-building on the property of OZ Lifting’s facility. Erickson will tailor the training program to focus on detection and patrol support. Special attention will be given to drug detection in addition to search and rescue. Ozzy, a German shorthair pointer, will be trained with handler, Deputy Joslin Carothers, this spring.

In Trempealeau County, police have arrested a suspect whose actions -- they say --led to the temporary lockdown of a school in Galesville. Reports say the armed man had barricaded himself inside a home not far from Galesville Elementary School on Tuesday. When the man exited the home and tried to drive off, he was taken into custody.

Chronic wasting disease reaches the endemic threshold in southeastern Minnesota. It means that the targeted culling no longer works in three of the deer permit zones at the center of its spread. According to state officials, Minnesota received 121 positive results from nearly 14-thousand samples analyzed from across the state during the 2025 deer seasons. This marks a 26-percent increase in positive cases from the previous year. The number of infected deer in that area has slowly ticked up over the last few years to the five-percent threshold.

The Chippewa Valley Regional Airport is hoping for high passenger numbers from last year to continue. Nearly 52,000 passengers went through the airport in 2025, that’s up 16 percent from 2024 and could mean a big year ahead. In 2025, the airport offered daily United flights to Chicago O’Hare International Airport. It also provided Sun Country seasonal services, which are set to start back up on Friday.

There will be no school today for students in Plainview-Elgin-Millville after a threat agains the district was received..  Superintendent Courtney Frie said a threat against the school district was called into the Plainview Police Department around 7:12 p.m last night. Police say they have spoken with several individuals who heard about the threats but are also seeking witnesses who either saw the specific threat or heard the suspect make the threat in person.

President Trump is making an endorsement in the race for the Republican nomination to be Wisconsin's next governor. Trump this week has announced his backing of 7th Congressional District Representative Tom Tiffany. The move prompted Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann to drop out of the race on Wednesday.

It’s Identity Theft Awareness Week, and Wisconsin’s Department of Trade and Consumer Protection is sharing ways to keep your information safe. Administrator Michelle Reinen says avoid storing sensitive data on your phone or computer, where scammers can get to it. She also recommends securing your mail with a lock or PO box and sending important documents directly at the post office. When you’re done with paperwork containing personal details, shred it. Reinen says never give out personal information in response to unexpected calls, texts, or emails. More tips are on DATCP’s website.

Health officials are warning residents of respiratory viruses active across the state. The Department of Health Services says flu, COVID-19, and RSV are circulating at elevated levels. COVID-19 activity is increasing, showing high levels in wastewater and laboratory results. RSV is rising statewide with the highest rates seen in children ages zero to four. DHS leaders are urging residents to get vaccinated, stay home when sick, and contact a doctor early if flu symptoms develop.

Governor Evers says Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake Schools are in full compliance with court-ordered reforms. The orders follow a lawsuit over child abuse allegations and a 2015 investigation citing excessive force, pepper spray use, and unsafe conditions. State officials say a court-appointed monitor has reviewed operations and confirmed compliance. The Evers administration is now asking a judge to end the federal consent decree, moving closer to closing the juvenile correctional facilities. Evers says a new youth facility opening later this year in Milwaukee will allow the state to transition away from the two schools.

The Wisconsin Court of Appeals closes the appeal process for convicted Waukesha Christmas Parade attacker Darrell Brooks. Tuesday's ruling denied a request from Brooks for an extension to file an appeal for postconviction relief. Brooks drove an SUV into the parade route, killing six people and injuring dozens more. Brooks has continued to seek postconviction relief from the multiple life sentences he received in 2022, submitting his 11th request last November. Court records obtained by Fox 6 Milwaukee show Brooks' filing time was extended to January 7th of this year, and "no further extensions of time will be granted."

One person is dead following a house fire in Shawano. Crews were called to the home at about 2:30 AM. By then the structure was fully engulfed. When they were able to make their way inside, they found one person deceased. Firefighters dealt with sub-zero temperatures in addition to the flames, witnesses also noted that smoke from the fire was visible for miles. investigators haven't determined the cause of the fire.

A Rochester man convicted of being a serial axe murderer is granted parole. The supervised release board voted five-to-two in favor of releasing David Brom. He was released from prison last July on a work release program. The decision to release the inmate came from a Supreme Court ruling that life without parole for individuals under 18 is unconstitutional. Brom was found guilty of murdering his family with an axe back in 1988.

The American Lung Association's annual State of Tobacco Control report has given Wisconsin failing marks. The report cites poor prevention funding, limited access to quitting services, and weak efforts on flavored tobacco products. The state also received a D for tobacco taxes and a B for smokefree workplace laws. Lung Association leaders are urging lawmakers to raise tobacco taxes and increase the legal age to buy tobacco from 18 to 21.  

Local-Regional News Jan 28

 

The Durand City Council is meeting tonight. Items on the agenda include discussion and possible action on the public engagement plan for the comprehensive plan project, an update from the Durand Fire District and reports from the Mayor and City Department heads. Tonights meeting begins at 6pm at Durand City Hall.

Officials of the Dunn County Treatment Court recently reported that 2025 was a successful year in helping individuals overcome addiction and rebuild their lives through evidence-based treatment and recovery support.  In 2025, the program served 17 participants, celebrated six successful graduations and had five new admissions, said Kayla Johnson, county Treatment Court Coordinator.  In 2025, Johnson added, the court received 20 referrals, including 15 self-referrals, two from defense attorneys, one from the District Attorney’s Office, and two from the state Department of Corrections. 

The Pierce County Fair is accepting applications for the Century and Sesquicentennial Farm and Home awards. Families whose property has remained in the same family for 100 or 150 years may qualify for recognition during the 2026 Pierce County Fair and the Wisconsin State Fair. Application deadline is March 1^st, and for more information, contact the Pierce County Fair at 715-273-6874.

Tuesday's scheduled arraignment of an Eau Claire man accused of killing a neighbor did not take place as scheduled. Shane Helmbrecht is charged with intentional homicide in the fatal shooting of neighbor Jenn Ward in 2016. Helmbrecht had previously been found incompetent to stand trial, and was sent to a group home that he later walked away from -- only to later be found in Mexico. Tuesday's hearing was delayed with Helmbrecht continuing an appeal. Another hearing is scheduled to take place in March.

A Sparta man has been sentenced to prison in connection with the death of a Sparta woman in February of 2024. 53yr old Timothy Burns pleaded no contest to manufacturing and delivering the narcotics that killed the woman. He was sentenced to two years in prison and three years of extended supervision.

Authorities are continuing to investigate a deadly collision that happened Monday night in Jackson County. The Jackson County Sheriff's Office says a driver traveling on County Highway P lost control and went left of center and into the path of an oncoming vehicle. One of the drivers was killed and the other was left injured.

Minnesota Energy Resources has asked customers to decrease natural gas usage through Friday, Jan. 30, as extreme cold weather causes volatile prices and higher bills. MER spokesperson Alison Trouy says “The price that we pay for natural gas is the price our customers pay. There’s no markup there. The extreme cold, both in Minnesota and across the country, is really to blame for this. The company recommended lowering thermostats by a few degrees during the continued freezing temperatures. Additional conservation methods include avoiding fireplace use, using gas ranges sparingly, opening blinds during the day, and closing them at night to contain warmth from the sun.

A former high school principal is formally charged for failing to report child abuse. Online court records show Jennifer Ploeger is charged with three misdemeanor counts of failing to report child abuse during her time as principal at Sun Prairie West High School. The charges stem from an investigation into former West dean of students Robert Gilkey-Meisegeier. An independent investigation found that Ploeger was told multiple times that Gilkey-Meisegeier had inappropriate relationships with students, but Ploeger wrote the allegations off as rumors. Gilkey-Meisegeier pleaded guilty last week in federal court to a count of producing child pornography. Ploeger is set to make an initial court appearance in early March.

US Senator Tammy Baldwin wants the resignation of D H S Secretary Kristi Noem and the removal of ICE agents from Minneapolis. Speaking on Tuesday, the Wisconsin Democrat says Noem oversaw the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. "We watched as ICE agents shot Alex 10 times, even as Alex laid motionless on the ground." Baldwin also will be a no vote on any funding bill that includes ICE funding without reforms. There's a government shutdown set to take place at the end of the month if no continuing resolution is passed.

Wisconsin residents are being warned about a new payment scam via email. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation says scammers are impersonating tolling agencies and "sending fake email notifications claiming recipients owe overdue toll fees." Victims who click on the link in the emails are taken to websites designed to look like legitimate toll payment portals. Officials are saying anyone who receives these emails should report them and delete them immediately.

A massive data center project in Racine County gets the green light. The Mt. Pleasant Village Board Monday night approved site plans for 15 more data centers near Microsoft’s existing facility at the former Foxconn site. Village President David DeGroot tells FOX 6 Milwaukee that, “Data center AI is an emerging market, and I think that there isn't a better spot for us to be in.” Microsoft is already building two data centers on the site. Though some residents remain opposed to more, the vote by the seven-member board was unanimous.

The Wisconsin Elections Commission may be getting involved in an elections lawsuit against the city of Madison. WEC met in closed session on Tuesday to discuss that lawsuit brought by the liberal law firm Law Forward. A group of residents is suing the city for failing to count nearly 200 ballots in the 2024 presidential election. The Elections Commission previously ruled that the city erred in that failure and directed it to create policies that would prevent miscounts in the future. Madison officials dispute the Commission's authority to actually dictate city policy but did not officially contest the ruling. It's unclear what actions WEC might take in the current lawsuit. The commission did not discuss anything in open session.

A Wisconsin Corrections staffer has been fired following an investigation that began after Morgan Geyser left a Madison group home last year. Geyser and a friend were convicted in the 2014 Slender Man stabbing when both they and their victim were 12. Now 24-years-old, she walked away from a Madison group home on November 22nd. Geyser and a 43-year-old man were taken into custody the following evening south of Chicago. Three Department of Corrections employees were the subject of personnel investigations related to the incident. A DOC spokesperson confirmed that two have returned to work after serving unpaid suspensions of three and five days, while the third employee was terminated. Geyser has been returned to the Winnebago Mental Health Institute in Oshkosh.

Chris Madel is dropping out of the Minnesota governor's race and said he can't support federal retribution. His exit comes as some other Republicans have started to distance themselves from the Trump administration's immigration crackdown in the state. In a surprise video announcement, the attorney said he supported the originally stated goals of ICE in Minnesota, but the effort has expanded far beyond its stated focus on true public safety threats. After launching his campaign on December 1st, he quickly rose from a relative political unknown to a top contender for the GOP nomination. He launched his campaign as a staunch defender of law enforcement and has recently provided legal counsel to Jonathan Ross, the ICE agent who shot and killed Renee Good on January 7th.