Local-Regional News July 4

 

The Tarrant Park Pool opens Monday. The City of Durand has received a final approval from the State of Wisconsin for the pool to open. The pools will be open Monday-Friday from 6am=8am for lap swim and from 1-3:30pm for open swim through July 18. After the 18^th open swim will be everyday from Noon-6pm. Swimming lessons will also begin on Monday. Becuse of a donation from Advent Health, the first 800 people to visit the pool will receive free admission.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation will be closing Hwy 12 from Heller Road to Hwy 25 on Monday for the construction of the concrete median. The closure is expected to be in place through August 4^th. A detour via Oak Avenue and Hwy 25 North will be in place. Construction of the median is part of the resurfacing project of US 12 between I-94 and Hwy 25.

The Durand-Arkansaw School District is exploring before and after school programming for elementary school students. Durand-Arkansaw Superintendent Ryan Nelson says the district is working on starting that program this fall.  Nelson said a recent survey of district families showed approximately 50-60 children would use the program.

The City of Mondovi is planning on having a fireworks show this Friday night. Mondovi Mayor Brady Weiss says there is a backup date in case of inclement weather on Friday and the city needs someone to take over the fireworks shoot for 2026.  There will also be a fireworks display on Friday night over Lake Eau Galle starting at 10pm.

The Buffalo County Sheriff’s Department will have additional traffic enforcement on Hwy 35 from Nelson to Fountain City on Friday and Saturday from 3pm-11pm. Deputies will be on the lookout for those speeding and driving under the influence. The Department says its committed to ensuring the safety of Buffalo County Roads and citizens over the holiday weekend.

The Dunn County Highways Department will be conducting seal coating of county roads starting on Monday. Roads will remain open during seal coating but traffic will be slowed by flaggers and pilot cars as roads will be down to one lane. Motorists can also expect loose gravel for 24-48 hours. The Highway Department will then sweep the roads to remove any loose gravel that remains on the road.

Wisconsin has a new state budget. Early Thursday morning Governor Tony Evers signed the budget agreement for the biennial budget. Along with a tax cut for most Wisconsin residents, the budget will have $1.4 Billion for K-12 schools, $360 million for child care costs, continued funding for agricultural road improvement program, and an increase in funding for the UW System. The budget agreement was reached between republican legislative leaders and the governor earlier this week.

A former FBI special agent is being named as the acting top federal prosecutor in the Western District of Wisconsin. Chadwick Elgersma has been named acting U.S. Attorney. Elgersma says his primary objective will be to keep Wisconsin residents safe through the vigorous enforcement of Federal law. The Western District of Wisconsin encompasses a 44-county jurisdiction including Pepin, Buffalo, Dunn and Pierce Counties.

A Vernon County woman faces charges of child sexual assault in a school setting. Police arrested 33-year-old Ashley Ann Benson on Monday and charged her with sexual assault of a child, sexual assault by school staff and sex with a child 16 or older. Prosecutors accuse Benson of engaging in sexual contact with multiple victims at multiple locations. Benson had been employed at both a public and private school in the Viroqua area prior to her arrest. She was released on a signature bond, and has been ordered not to have contact with anyone under the age of 18.

Attorney General Josh Kaul says the Wisconsin Supreme Court’s ruling on the state’s abortion law leaves room for action by the state Legislature. The court ruled Wednesday on a suit originally brought by Kaul and Governor Tony Evers, regarding Wisconsin’s 1849 law which criminalized most abortions. Justices ruled that the 1849 law has been superseded by several other state laws, and by a previous ruling from the Court that the law only applied to assault which resulted in death of an unborn child, not elective abortions. The ruling makes way for a return to the state's previous status allowing regulated abortions. Speaking at a Wednesday press conference, Kaul said "we can do better through state legislation and establishing protections for continuing access to safe and legal abortion and ensuring that our laws are updated.”

Both pro-life and pro-choice advocates are sharing their reactions to the Wisconsin Supreme Court's ruling on the state's abortion law yesterday. In a four-to-three decision, the court found that a ban on killing an unborn child initially passed in Wisconsin in the mid-1800's is no longer enforceable. Matt Sande with Pro-Life Wisconsin say he and his organization are disappointed in the ruling and they remain committed to banning abortion without exception. Planned Parenthood Wisconsin spokesperson Michelle Velasquez says members of the organization are "relieved and grateful" that the court is recognizing what patients and providers always known about reproductive rights.

A project to renovate and restore Milwaukee's Mitchell Park Domes may receive funding from the county. County Parks staff are requesting 30 million dollars for the Domes project, and to turn over operations to the group spearheading the restoration. The request from Parks Director Guy Smith acknowledges that the proposal would take other capital projects for the Parks Department off the table for the budget cycle. The Milwaukee Domes Alliance is fundraising a total of around 133 million dollars to fully renovate the site. The county parks committee will take up the proposal next week. The Domes were constructed between 1959 and 1967 at an original cost of four point five million dollars.

The pheasant population is growing in Wisconsin. The Department of Natural Resources says data collected during its Spring 2025 Survey show pheasant numbers growing for the second year in a row. Results of the ruffed grouse survey show a slight decrease from 2024, but the population is still higher than the five-year-average. Pheasant and ruffed grouse hunting seasons start in September and October.

Governor Tony Evers signs bills to bolster nuclear power in Wisconsin. One bill provides the state Public Service Commission with two million dollars to evaluate existing nuclear energy opportunities and identify sites for possible nuclear power development. Evers says Wisconsin must continue efforts to lower energy costs and improve energy independence by reducing reliance on out-of-state energy sources. He also signed a bill creating a Nuclear Power Summit Board to host a summit in Madison in 2028. Both bills passed the Legislature with bipartisan support.

Submissions are being accepted for the Packers' "Give Us A Sign" contest again this year. Fans can suggest jokes, phrases, and one-liners to be considered for the competition. Selected messages will go head-to-head in tournament style online voting to determine a winner. The suggestion that comes out on top will be printed on signs for fans at Lambeau Field during the upcoming NFL season. The person who submits the winning message will win game tickets and travel accommodations to Green Bay. Submissions can be made at packers-everywhere-dot-com now through July 23rd.

Local-Regional News July 3

 

The Durand-Arkansaw School District is exploring before and after school programming for elementary school students. Durand-Arkansaw Superintendent Ryan Nelson says the district is working on starting that program this fall.  Nelson said a recent survey of district families showed approximately 50-60 children would use the program.

The City of Mondovi is planning on having a fireworks show this Friday night. Mondovi Mayor Brady Weiss says there is a backup date in case of inclement weather on Friday, and the city needs someone to take over the fireworks show for 2026.  There will also be a fireworks display on Friday night over Lake Eau Galle starting at 10pm.

The Buffalo County Sheriff’s Department will have additional traffic enforcement on Hwy 35 from Nelson to Fountain City on Friday and Saturday from 3pm-11pm. Deputies will be on the lookout for those speeding and driving under the influence. The Department says its committed to ensuring the safety of Buffalo County Roads and citizens over the holiday weekend.

The Dunn County Highways Department will be conducting seal coating of county roads starting on Monday. Roads will remain open during seal coating, but traffic will be slowed by flaggers and pilot cars as roads will be down to one lane. Motorists can also expect loose gravel for 24-48 hours. The Highway Department will then sweep the roads to remove any loose gravel that remains on the road.

Wisconsin has a new state budget. Early Thursday morning, Governor Tony Evers signed the budget agreement for the biennial budget. Along with a tax cut for most Wisconsin residents, the budget will have $1.4 Billion for K-12 schools, $360 million for child care costs, continued funding for the agricultural road improvement program, and an increase in funding for the UW System. The budget agreement was reached between republican legislative leaders and the governor earlier this week.

A former FBI special agent is being named as the acting top federal prosecutor in the Western District of Wisconsin. Chadwick Elgersma has been named acting U.S. Attorney. Elgersma says his primary objective will be to keep Wisconsin residents safe through the vigorous enforcement of Federal law. The Western District of Wisconsin encompasses a 44-county jurisdiction including Pepin, Buffalo, Dunn and Pierce Counties.

A Vernon County woman faces charges of child sexual assault in a school setting. Police arrested 33-year-old Ashley Ann Benson on Monday and charged her with sexual assault of a child, sexual assault by school staff and sex with a child 16 or older. Prosecutors accuse Benson of engaging in sexual contact with multiple victims at multiple locations. Benson had been employed at both a public and private school in the Viroqua area prior to her arrest. She was released on a signature bond, and has been ordered not to have contact with anyone under the age of 18.

Take precautions handling fireworks this 4th of July holiday. UW Health occupational therapist Alyssa Villarreal says never consume alcohol or drugs and handle fireworks, avoid homemade fireworks, and only light one at a time. Villarreal says you should also avoid lighting fireworks while they're still in your hand and douse fireworks in water when they're done before picking them up. It’s estimated more than 14,000 people were hurt by fireworks last year in the U.S., more than double the injuries reported in 2023

An Olmsted County jury is awarding a man more than seven million dollars involving a sexual abuse lawsuit involving the Diocese of Winona-Rochester. The plaintiff, who is in his 50s, accuses Reverend Joseph Cashman of sexually abusing him as a child from 1973 to 1976. At the time, Cashman was the principal at Lourdes High School. The case was one of many brought this year against the diocese, which reached a 21-point-five million dollar settlement agreement with 145 people who were sexually abused by its clergy.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court has sided with Democrats and pro-choice advocates on a challenge to the state's abortion ban. In a 4-3 decision from the liberal majority court, justices ruled that an 1849 law against infanticide has been superseded by several other state laws, and by a previous ruling from the Court that the 1849 law only applied to assault which resulted in death of an unborn child, not elective abortions. The ruling makes way for a return to the state's previous status allowing regulated abortions. Conservative Justice Annette Zeigler wrote in the dissent that the court’s four liberal justices are “compromised on the issue of abortion,” calling their analysis “flawed.” In the majority opinion, Justice Rebecca Dallet said state lawmakers are free to pass legislation modifying the court’s ruling.

A woman accused of killing her cellmate at a Wisconsin prison pleads no contest. A Fond du Lac County judge found 29-year-old Taylor Sanchez guilty on a count of first-degree intentional homicide Monday after Sanchez entered her plea. In July of 2023, 68-year-old Cindy Schulz-Juedes was found unresponsive in her cell at Taycheedah Correctional Institution. Schulz-Juedes was serving a life sentence for the murder of her husband. Sanchez was charged with the death following an investigation and had previously pleaded not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect. She will be sentenced next month.

Madison man accused of violating sanctions against Russia has reached a plea deal in federal court. The Wisconsin State Journal reports federal prosecutors accused Andrew Pogosyan of selling eight pieces of scientific equipment to Russian buyers. Pogosyan allegedly tried to mask those sales by claiming they were going to other eastern European countries. The plea deal says at least one of those pieces of equipment made it to a branch of the Russian military that creates chemical weapons. Under the deal, Pogosyan faces a maximum of 10 years in prison for the most serious charges of smuggling.

Nine suspects from Wisconsin are charged in connection to a federal auto theft ring. Prosecutors say the suspects stole an estimated 175 high-end cars, transported them over state lines, altered VIN numbers, and created fake vehicle titles. In Wisconsin, the cars were sold as part of a drug trafficking operation. The thefts resulted is millions of dollars in losses. Most of the 23 total suspects tied to the case are from Wisconsin, but others are from Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Delaware and North Dakota.

Local-Regional News July 2

 

The Durand-Arkansaw School Board has approved plans to move forward with construction of a district-owned Early Learning Center. The new Early Learning Center will serve children as young as six weeks old through age 12, offering comprehensive care and early learning experiences in a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate environment. The facility will be large enough to accommodate up to 125 children, supporting the district’s mission of empowering all to learn, grow, and succeed from their earliest years. Construction of the Early Learning Center is anticipated to begin later this fall, with plans to open its doors to children and families by August 2026.

The Pierce County Sheriff’s Department is reminding residents that the main entrance to the Sheriff’s Office will be closed during the construction of the new government center. The department is asking residents to not drive through the construction zone, and if you have to contact the department for non-emergencies, to use the non-emergency number.

Authorities are advising weekend boaters and kayakers to avoid the Red Cedar River from 22 Mile Ford Park to past Colfax. The river’s high and fast-moving water, along with debris, is making the river dangerous for water activities. Rescue crews were called to the river to rescue 6 kayakers over the weekend. Rivers in Western Wisconsin will remain high over the Fourth of July weekend.

Xcel Energy is encouraging boaters and fishermen to steer clear of the area surrounding the Dells Hydro Dam in Eau Claire. The company says the area could be dangerous with a dam safety barrier having been washed out. A spokesperson for Xcel Energy says that boating, canoeing or kayaking above the Dells hydro dam is not recommended until they can safely reinstall the boat barrier.

The Wisconsin Joint Finance Committee approved two funding items to support mental health treatment in Chippewa Falls. The two provisions to the state budget authored by Sen. Jesse James (R-Thorp) and Rep. Clint Moses (R-Menomonie) grant $10 million to Rogers Behavioral Health to establish a behavioral health hospital and $1 million to Lutheran Social Services to re-open the L.E. Phillips Libertas Treatment Center. The proposed behavioral health hospital in Chippewa Falls would offer crisis stabilization, residential treatment, and adult and youth outpatient services.

The Chippewa County Health Cooperative reports it is now the new owner of the former St. Joseph's Hospital. St. Joseph's has been shuttered for more than 16 months but the Health Cooperative says they plan to reopen the facility under a new name -- Chippewa Valley Cooperative Hospital. A reopening planned for this fall will have the facility offering wound care and cancer services with additional services added over time.

Wisconsin's new budget has 110-million dollars set aside for direct payments to child care providers. Governor Tony Evers let Republican state lawmakers know that he would veto the spending plan if those funds were not provided. There is also over 120-million earmarked to help subsidize daycare for working families that have trouble affording the service. The Wisconsin Legislature is expected to take a final vote on the budget bill today.

Nearly one-and-a-half-million Wisconsin residents are expected to hit the road for this Fourth of July weekend. Triple A is estimating record-breaking highway travel for the holiday. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation expects today, Thursday, Friday, and this coming Sunday to be the busiest days on the road. Officials are asking motorists to be courteous and patient and watch for construction and emergency workers while driving around the Badger State.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court has a new Chief Justice starting today. Justice Jill Karofsky will serve as Chief Justice until her term ends in April 2027. She was first elected to the Wisconsin Supreme Court in 2020 and previously served as a Dane County Circuit Court Judge and with the DOJ's Office of Crime Victim Services. Previous Chief Justice Ann Walsh Bradley's term ended yesterday.

The Universities of Wisconsin System responds to the budget agreement between Governor Tony Evers and Republicans in the State Legislature. UW System President Jay Rothman says the roughly $240 million increase in the system budget marks the largest overall increase in over two decades. Rothman says with the new investments, UW schools can do more to provide the educational opportunities students deserve and parents expect. The deal between the governor and Republicans imposes a minimum faculty workload requirement. The UW System had initially asked for a $855 million overall increase, and Republicans had discussed the possibility of cutting the system's budget by $87 million.

You can help prevent the spread of the invasive Jumping Worms in Wisconsin. The state Department of Ag, Trade and Consumer Protection says the invasive species native to eastern Asia first popped up in Wisconsin in 2013. Jumping worms alter the soil and create a challenging environment for growing plants and trees and establishing lawns. You can help prevent the spread of jumping worms by cleaning your equipment when moving from one site to another, inspecting plant materials before installing, and ensuring wood chips and mulch are sourced from responsible suppliers. More information can be found on DATCP's website.

A Rochester man accused of firing at a vehicle during a botched drug deal is pleading not guilty. Katavion Leggins was arrested on June 17th. He was on probation when the incident took place. The defendant has been charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, reckless discharge of a firearm, and possession of a firearm as a felon. Leggins is scheduled to face trial on April 28th.

A new motorcycle law took effect yesterday. Both "lane splitting" and "lane filtering" are now legal in Minnesota, under certain scenarios. Lane splitting for motorcyclists will be allowed when two or more lanes of traffic are moving in the same direction. This allows a motorcycle to pass another vehicle going in the same direction, and in the same lane, but not over 25 miles an hour. Lane filtering is when a motorcycle moves between lanes of traffic when other vehicle aren't moving, and is now allowed at nothing over 15 miles per hour over the speed of traffic.

The Wisconsin State Patrol is entering a vehicle in this year's Best Looking Cruiser contest. The annual competition is sponsored by the American Association of State Troopers. Voters have until July eleventh to look through photos of police cars and trucks from across the nation and select their favorite. The top 13 cruisers will be featured in next year's AAST calendar, with the winner placed on the cover. A link to vote is posted on the AAST webpage at state-troopers-dot-org.

Local-Regional News July 1

 

A Mondovi man was injured and arrested after a one-vehicle accident Sunday in the Town of Gilmanton. According to the Buffalo County Sheriff's Department, rescue crews were sent to the scene on Hwy 88 near Lieberman Road and found a vehicle driven by 58-year-old Edward Stiner of Mondovi off the road. Stiner was taken to Mayo Clinic in Eau Claire, and after an investigation of the accident, deputies determined alcohol was likely a factor. Stiner was arrested for OWI 3^rd offense.

Compeer Financial is warning its customers of scam phone calls that appear to be coming from a Compeer Financial number. The caller identifies themselves as a member of the Compeer Fraud Team and is requesting confidential information related to clients' accounts. Compeer is reminding customers that they will never call, email, or text you asking for account passwords, usernames, social security numbers, or other personal information. If you receive a call like this, you are to hang up and call Compeer directly to report it.

Arcadia Police say more arrests may be coming following a large-scale weekend fight. According to reports, a fight involving 20 to 30 people broke out just after 1 a.m. Sunday at the Memorial Park Pavilion. Four people were taken to a local hospital for treatment of non life-threatening injuries. A suspect who police say was armed with a machete during the fight was later arrested.

Charges are being filed against a woman accused of stealing funds from an Eau Claire non profit. According to reports, Kayla Szydel stole thousands from the Wellness Shack mental health center. Charges against the suspect include theft in a business setting. Szydel is expected to appear in court tomorrow.

The National Weather Service says another tornado was confirmed in Wabasha County last Wednesday. The Tornado was and EF-0, with maximum winds of 50mph, and went approximately 2.7 miles just south of Lake City. This is the second tornado confirmed on the ground in Wabasha County from last week’s storms. The first was an EF-1 with 100mph winds and destroyed a home northeast of Zumbro Falls.

Many Wisconsin drivers are noticing a decrease in prices at the pump this week as the July 4^th holiday weekend approaches. Triple-A says the average price of regular fuel in Eau Claire -- for example -- is now two-93 per gallon. That's a drop of eight-cents per gallon from last week. The average cost of a gallon of regular fuel in the Badger State is two-96 per gallon.

The deadline to lock in Wisconsin's biennial budget has now passed. State lawmakers failed to approve the two-year spending plan before yesterday, meaning the budget has not been delivered on time for the first time in eight years. Republicans and Governor Evers did reach an agreement overnight on funding for things like childcare, public schools, and tax cuts. The state's Joint Finance Committee will be meeting this morning to put finishing touches on the spending plan, meaning the full Assembly and Senate could vote on it as early as tomorrow.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is asking residents and visitors to take extra precautions out on the water this Fourth of July weekend. Officials say the state's rivers and lakes are high right now because of recent heavy rainfall. Recreation Warden Joseph Mulrooney warns that rising water can make rivers unpredictable by changing currents and carrying more debris. DNR officials will also be joining the nationwide Operation Dry Water initiative this weekend, an effort to crack down on boating under the influence.

Victim service providers and advocates are calling on the Wisconsin State Legislature to fully fund the Department of Justice's victim services budget request. Late Friday, the Legislature's Joint Committee on Finance approved $20 million to go towards victim services. DOJ had requested nearly $68 million over two years. Bryan took part in a Monday media conference with Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul.

Flags will fly at half-staff across Wisconsin for a slain police officer. Governor Tony Evers issued the order Monday in honor of Milwaukee Police Department Officer Kendall Corder, who was killed in the line of duty at the age of 32. Corder and another officer, 29-year-old Christopher McCray, were ambushed while responding to a call last Thursday night. Corder died Sunday after being taken off life support at his family’s request. McCray was released from the hospital on Saturday. A 22-year-old man was arrested in connection to the shooting. Flags will remain at half-staff until sunset on Tuesday and again on the date of Officer Corder’s interment, which is yet to be announced.

Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have developed an AI tool that helps identify brain activity patterns tied to nine types of dementia. The tool, StateViewer helped researchers find the dementia type in 88-percent of cases using a single scan. The AI tool also helped clinicians interpret scans twice as fast with three times more accuracy than standard. Researchers trained and tested the AI on over 36-hundred scans, including images from patients with dementia and people with cognitive impairment. The AI tool helped identify the disease early which is a key challenge in dementia care.

Authorities say a man is in custody after a standoff with police early Sunday morning in Rochester. Police say officers were sent to a home Saturday night where a man was armed with a knife during a domestic dispute. The suspect left the scene before police arrived and drove to a different residence in southwest Rochester. The man left the vehicle with a rifle, and an officer discharged their weapon before the suspect ran into a residence. The defendant eventually surrendered after a SWAT team and the Crisis Negotiation Unit arrived. He was taken into custody without incident.

A total of thirty five people were ejected from two Morgan Wallen concerts over the weekend at Camp Randall Stadium. The Wisconsin State Journal reports Saturday's concert saw twenty-three ejections, followed by twelve on Sunday. There were technically ten arrests Sunday because one person was arrested a second time after reentering the stadium following his first arrest. UW - Madison Police spokesperson Marc Lovicott says the majority of ejections and citations were related to disorderly behavior due to alcohol consumption. The concerts over the weekend were the first live shows at Camp Randall in twenty-eight years.

A legendary Wisconsin Dells attraction is turning 80 years old. The Wisconsin State Journal reports the Dells Army Ducks started in 1946 when Milwaukee native Melvin Flath bought two of the amphibious assault vehicles and brought them to the Dells. Since then, the Flath family has bought more than 150 of the vintage vehicles. The Ducks tour the Lower Dells and the Wisconsin River, letting visitors see the canyons carved by the river. A special celebration is set for the 4th of July including a cookout and fireworks. 

Local-Regional News June 30

 A fire destroys a trailer and garage in the Town of Naples on Sunday morning. According to the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Department, a person driving by the home stopped to get the family out of the home on Pheasant Trail. Mondovi firefighters were able to keep the fire from spreading into the home. The fire destroyed the trailer, including a Ford Model T. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

First responders on Saturday came to the rescue of six people in distress on the Chippewa River. Two people on floating tubes near the Lake Street bridge were aided by members of the Eau Claire Fire Department and -- separately -- a group of four people -- also on floating tubes -- was rescued near the UW-Eau Claire foot bridge. Authorities have said that high water levels on the river have the ability right now to make for hazardous conditions.

Multiple people are recovering from injuries suffered in a large-scale fight that happened early Sunday in Arcadia. Police say a fight involving 20 to 30 people broke out just after 1 a.m. at the Memorial Park Pavilion. Reports say that one person involved was armed with a machete. That individual was later arrested.

Over 135-thousand dollars has been raised for the family of a man killed in a tire explosion in Wabasha County. The Wabasha County Sheriff's Office says personnel were called to Lake City after a tire being worked on exploded last week, killing Joshua Moechnig Jr. The GoFundMe created to support his wife Heather and their four children set out with a goal of 140-thousand dollars.

The Chippewa Valley Regional Airport has seen a 9% increase in passenger traffic so far this year. According to airport officials, the increase can be attributed to United Airlines offering two flights a day to Chicago and Sun Country Airlines offering seasonal flights to vacation destinations like Ft. Myers, FL. The airport has also seen an increase in private planes using the airport.

Crews have begun the demolition of the Zorn Arena, and Brewer Hall on the UW-Eau Claire Campus. The area was originally opened in 1952 and the 84,000 square foot section of campus will be re-developed into a green space with a pedestrian walkway. The demolition and construction of the green space should be completed by September.

Charges are moving forward against a Hudson man accused of killing his wife. Police performing a welfare check at a home on Namekagon Street back in March found the victim dead at the scene. During a preliminary hearing held on Friday, it was determined that charges against 54-year-old Chad Haworth -- including 1st-degree intentional homicide -- would be held over for trial.

Plans to re-open St. Joseph's Hospital in Chippewa Falls are moving forward and ahead of schedule. The Chippewa Valley Health Cooperative agreed to purchase the old facility in March, and had 90 days afterward to decide if they wanted to move forward with the purchase. The co-op members say they will, and have moved the timeline to open the facility in August. The space will be a temporary location until the co-op opens a state of the art hospital in Lake Hallie in 2027.

While Republicans grapple over the state budget, Democrats have been watching from the sidelines. On WISN's 'UpFront,' Milwaukee state Senator LaTonya Johnson says they're firm on voting against the Republican proposals. Johnson says even approval from Governor Tony Evers might not be enough for Senate Democrats who want to ensure a good deal for their constituents. With at least two Senate Republicans signalling no votes, Republican leadership would need Democratic support to get the budget ready by the end of Monday. The J F C met late Friday night to approve some budget items, but much more needs to be completed before it can come to the floor for a vote.

The Olmsted County Sheriff's Office is joining a statewide campaign to crack down on speeders. Drivers can expect to see an increase in law enforcement patrols along Highway 14 throughout the county and southern Minnesota. The campaign will start with the 100 deadliest days on Minnesota roads, Memorial Day through Labor Day.

A federal judge is siding with Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul in a lawsuit over funding for electric vehicle infrastructure. This week, the court issued a temporary ban on cuts for charging station money that were implemented through an executive order issued by President Donald Trump. The five billion dollars to install chargers across the country was included in the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed by Congress. The current court decision states that the president overstepped his authority in taking away expenditures that were already approved by federal lawmakers. Wisconsin is one of more than a dozen states that challenged Trump's executive order.

Wisconsin's Joint Finance Committee is releasing nine-million-dollars for a state-run literacy coaching program. The funding is part of a 50-million-dollar package that was approved in 2023, however, it was delayed. A recent Supreme Court ruling has cleared the way for its release. Remaining funds will return to the general fund if not approved by Monday.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court rules UW Health isn't legally required to bargain with labor unions. Service Employees International Union argued the hospital's employees should be able to bargain, citing the Wisconsin Employment Peace Act. The court unanimously decided UW Health is an excluded employer due to regulations outlined in Wisconsin Act 10. The ruling comes after multiple appeals by SEIU. The union says it will continue to look for other ways to get collective bargaining rights.

The city of Green Bay is selling the home belonging to the man known as "Uncle Fester." 67 year old Stephen Preisler gained renown under the name "Uncle Fester" for his books on how to make various drugs. In July 2023, he was charged with multiple drug manufacturing and delivery counts after items were seized from his home. A court ordered an injunction closing his home, clearing the way for it to be sold. The city is now working with prospective buyers to inspect the site. Given the history of drug use in the home, there will be health precautions in place. Anyone entering the home will be required to wear N95 masks and shoe covers.

We Energies is looking for the utility company's next safe digging "ambassadog." A new pooch will be featured in an online campaign for the 8-1-1 safe digging hotline later this summer. We Energies customers who would like to participate should take photos of their dogs digging or in their favorite place to dig and submit them at we-energies-dot-com by July tenth. The winner for the campaign last year was Idaleen, a one-year-old German shepherd from Hartford.

Local-Regional News June 27

 The new Tarrant Park pool is closer to opening. On Thursday, the pool was inspected by the State of Wisconsin. During a tour of the pool, Durand Public Works Director Matt Gillis said there were a few questions the inspector needed to get answered first, and then he has to send out the approval letter to Pepin County.  A license from Pepin County could be issued next week, and then the pool would be allowed to open. Once the pool is open, the first 800 people to use the pool will receive free admission thanks to a donation by Advent Health.

The City of Mondovi is beginning the early planning for the Hwy 10 reconstruction project. This week, the city signed a financial agreement with the Wisconsin DOT to cover the city’s portion of the project. Mondovi Mayor Brady Weiss says there is a lot of infrastructure underneath the road that will need to be replaced.  The state is planning on reconstructing Hwy 10 through Mondovi in 2030 and 2031.

The Durand-Arkansaw School District is asking families to take a survey about a proposed Before and After School Care Program Starting this fall. The program would be located at Caddie Woodlawn Elementary and run from 6:30am-7:45am and from 3:15-5:30pm. Morning care would be $8-10 a day while afternoon care would be $12-$14 a day and would include an afternoon snack. Input will help staff determine the level of interest, and plan staffing, space and programming. You can find a link to the survey at the Durand-Arkansaw School District Facebook Page.

A portion of the Flyway Trail in the Town of Buffalo will be closed for construction starting July 7^th. Buffalo County says the trail will be closed from the east side of the bridge that crosses the BNSF Tracks to the Buffalo Town Hall. The section of trail will be closed for a few weeks as crews prep for the construction. The project will have the trail be paved between the town hall and the Trempealeau County Line.

A Wabasha County family is cleaning up after a possible tornado tore through their farm Wednesday night, northeast of Zumbro Falls.   According to Katie Bartels, her family’s property consists of her trailer home and her parents’ trailer home, along with several other farm buildings. Several buildings were damaged, including Bartels’ house. She said it’s a total loss and she fears insurance won’t be enough to rebuild. She also said the farm has been in her family since the 1920s. The storm hit the farm just after 6pm on Wednesday night and also destroyed several other buildings on a neighbor's farm.

The 53^rd Lake City Water Ski Days is this weekend. The festival features live music, arts and craft fair, water ski shows on Lake Pepin, car show and parade. The festival celebrates Lake City as the birthplace of water skiing, invented by Ralph Samuelson in 1922 on Lake Pepin.

The suspect charged in an officer-involved shooting in Eau Claire will go on trial in September. Thomas Burback has pled not guilty to four charges, including intentionally pointing a gun at law enforcement. The 54-year-old was shot by an Eau Claire officer on May 25, 2024 when the officer was responding to a disturbance call.

The Wisconsin National Guard is showing appreciation for the state's teachers by giving them an experience that many don't get. A guard chopper crew was in Green Bay yesterday to take teachers for 30-minutes rides on a Blackhawk helicopter. Educators who participated got a bird's eye view of the city, including a flyover of Lambeau Field. Guard members were in Madison, Chippewa Falls, and West Bend earlier this month to take teachers on flights around those communities as well.

It looks like over half of the voters in Wisconsin do not want Governor Evers to run for a third term. That is according to a new poll released by Marquette Law School yesterday. The pollsters surveyed more than 870 registered voters in the state, finding that 55 percent believe the governor should not run for re-election while 42 percent think he should. When looked at by party affiliation, half of independent respondents said they do not want Evers running again, siding with 15 percent of Democrats and 93 percent of Republicans.

A negative approval rating for President Donald Trump in Wisconsin. The latest Marquette Law School Poll released Wednesday shows a sharp partisan divide in supporting the president, with 90% of Republicans approving of Trump's work, while 98% of Democrats and 59% of Independents disapproving. Poll director Charles Franklin says “People are still very skeptical of tariffs, and think deficits will go up, there are several policy challenges for President Trump.” Franklin adds that the poll’s findings show the biggest concern about the Trump presidency is inflation, with 55% of those surveyed believing that Trump’s policy proposals will cause price hikes.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is warning residents about a tickborne illness that has recently taken a life. Officials say three people across the state have been hospitalized with Powassan virus and one of those patients has died. The virus is spread by the blacklegged tick, a deer tick that also carries Lyme disease and other illnesses. Experts say Powassan virus infections are rare but Wisconsin did see 12 cases last year, the second-most of any U.S. state. It can cause mild illness or neurological disease and is especially risky for older adults, young kids, and people with weakened immune systems, according to the health department.

A former attorney of President Trump is being disbarred in New York. A panel of judges on New York's midlevel appeals court ruled that Kenneth Chesebro, who helped devise President Trump's alternate electors strategy in 2020, should be disbarred due to his guilty plea in Georgia's probe of the matter. The judges say Chesebro's actions qualify as a "serious crime," a finding that should bring disciplinary action. His New York law license was suspended last fall, and he still faces criminal charges in Wisconsin over his role there in the scheme.

The Department of Public Instruction launches a new public school finance reporting portal. DPI says the public will be able to download, sort, search, and access information through the portal at no cost. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jill Underly says that will increase fiscal transparency and help Wisconsinites understand how their local districts and schools operate financially. Through the portal, you can access data on school district referenda, tax levies, and the status of required education agency reports. You can access the portal by visiting the DPI website.

A squad car in Walworth County gets rear ended by a woman allegedly eating fast food while driving. The Sheriff’s Office says it happened late Tuesday night in the Town of Darien when a deputy patrolling I-43 saw a vehicle approaching his squad from behind at a high rate of speed. Though the deputy accelerated to avoid a crash, the vehicle rear-ended his car. The 41-year-old Town of Geneva woman driving the striking vehicle claimed she wasn't paying attention while eating her food from Taco Bell. She had no signs of impairment. The squad car suffered extensive damage, and the deputy was hospitalized for minor injuries. The crash is under investigation.