The case of a man charged with hiding a corpse, obstruction of an officer, and animal mistreatment has been settled in Buffalo County. Arthur McMullin had been arrested and charged last year after authorities found the decomposing body of his wife and 70 dogs and cats in their home in Fountain City. McMullin was found guilty of obstruction of an officer and not guilty due to mental disease or defect on the other charges and was sentenced to time served. McMullin will remain in jail until the Department of Health conducts a mental health examination to determine if he should be committed to institutional care or have a conditional release.
With the recent announcement of two people in the Twin Cities area infected with measles, health officials are reminding everyone that two doses of the measles vaccine are the best way to prevent the spread of the disease. Jessica Schrauth with the Pepin County Health Department says that your age may determine if you need that second dose. If you are unsure of your vaccination status, the Pepin County Health Department can help find that information.
Durand Fun Fest kicks off this afternoon at Memorial Park. Fun Fest Chair Rhonda Sweeney says there will be music throughout the weekend. Other events include the car show, golf tournament, carnival and the grand parade is set for Sunday at 2pm.
Governor Tony Evers approved a regionwide I-94 Bridge maintenance work project. Evers signed a contract with prime contractor Thunder Road for sealing decks and pier columns on bridges on or over I-94 in St. Croix, Dunn, Eau Claire, Trempealeau, and Jackson counties. Work is scheduled to start on Sunday.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking the public’s help on the ongoing investigation into the cause of a fire that destroyed the 68-year-old Tank Creek Bridge in Trempealeau County on the Great River State Trail. The fire occurred in the evening on Thursday, May 15. No injuries were reported; however, the bridge was a total loss. The cause of the fire is under investigation, and the public’s help is needed. The DNR asks the public to share any information with the DNR’s confidential Violation Hotline online or by calling 1-800-847-9367.
An area business has been recognized by Pierce County Economic Development. ALCIVIA has been awarded the Pierce County Economic Boost Award at the annual Pierce County Economic Development Awards Ceremony, held on May 15. The award recognizes ALCIVIA’s expansion project in Hager City, Wisconsin, which has generated significant economic benefits for the region. The Hager City grain facility boasts 3.9 million bushels of storage and the ability to handle up to 60,000 bushels per hour along with rail access. The Economic Boost Award is presented to a project, initiative, or collaboration that has driven significant economic advancement in Pierce County through job creation, investment, or business attraction.
The 2025 WIAA State Track and Field Championships will kick off today in La Crosse. Over 22-thousand people are expected to attend the two-day event. The event is anticipated to bring in four-million-dollars to the region according to city officials. Meanwhile, La Crosse Police warn of major traffic congestion due to the event
Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski launches a new database aimed at increasing transparency. The new searchable database is part of the new Secretary of State portal and provides streamlined access to public government documents. Godlewski says for the first time, anyone with internet access can search and download official public records like oaths of office, executive orders, and pardons. In addition to free access, certified copies can be ordered directly through the portal for a small fee. More information can be found on the Secretary of State's website.
The U.S. Department of Justice is accusing the Wisconsin Elections Commission of violating federal law. On Wednesday the DOJ sent a letter to the commission threatening to withhold federal funding. It accuses the commission of not providing a complaint process for state voters. The DOJ says this violates the Help America Vote Act.
Budget negotiations between Governor Tony Evers and legislative Republicans stall. The Democratic Governor accuses Republican lawmakers of walking away from negotiations, while Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu and Joint Finance Committee co-chair Howard Marklein say Evers' spending priorities have extended beyond what taxpayers can afford. An Evers’ statement said he agreed to Republican proposals including a tax cut for certain retirees and the middle class but added that he is “…disappointed that Republican lawmakers aren't willing to reach consensus and common ground." LeMahieu and Marklein stated their confidence that the legislature will pass a 2025-27 budget that the governor will sign.
Minnesota legislators are on course for a weekend special session after exceeding a midweek deadline to finish work on the state budget. After hours of closed-door meetings held yesterday, Governor Tim Walz and legislative leaders say they are discussing plans for a special session on Saturday. The General Assembly adjourned its regular session on May 19th without a completed two-year spending plan. If the state doesn't have a budget by July 1st, it would enter a partial government shutdown, which would cause the layoff of thousands of public employees.
Take advantage of a state park during Free Fun Weekend. State park admission fees, fishing licenses, and trail passes will be waived for all visitors Saturday and Sunday. Wisconsin has 50 state parks, 15 state forests, 44 state trails, and 84,000 miles of rivers and streams for you to check out. Free Fishing clinics will also be held over the course of the weekend at state and municipal properties to instruct beginning anglers. Visit the DNR Events calendar and Wisconsin State Parks webpage for a list of events and more information on state properties.
A Madison Girl Scout has set a new state record for most cookies sold. Badgerland Girl Scouts say Molly Lenius sold 35-thousand-598 boxes over 13 years. Her family also set a record with more than 64-thousand boxes sold by two siblings. Lenius, a Gold Award Girl Scout, plans to study engineering and math at Iowa State University.