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.

Local-Regional News Aug 25

 

The increase costs of energy, food and other items has Durand-Arkansaw School District Administrators concerned. Durand-Arkansaw School District Superintendent Ryan Nelson says the increase in state aid is not keeping up with the increasing costs to run the district.  Nelson says while the district always plans for incremental increases in energy costs, the current spikes are making budgeting more challenging.

The Mondovi City Council is meeting tonight. Items on the agenda include discussion and possible action on a resolution to establish an advisory committee on Data Centers, and reports from the mayor and department heads. Tonights meeting begins at 5:30 at the Marten Center in Mondovi.

Construction is set to begin on the Hwy 29 bridge over the Red Cedar River in Menomonie next Monday. During the construction, the bridge will be reduced to one lane and controlled by traffic lights. The project includes replacing the bridge joints and placing new pavement markings. Construction is scheduled for completion in late October.

The Buffalo County Health and Human Services Department is asking county residents to complete the Compass Now 2027 Survey. The Health and Human Services Department is teaming up with Great Rivers United Way, local hospitals and community organizations to conduct the survey about needs for local families and communities. The survey is completely anonymous. To fill out the survey, visit the Buffalo County Health and Human Services Department’s Facebook Page or the offices in Alma.

The new Pickleball Courts at Offutt Park are set to open to the public this week. The court surfaces are currently in their final dry time and are set to be open starting on Friday at 7am. The new courts were made possible by donations from players and the park committee.

Officials are sharing the name of a driver who died Saturday after hitting a deer in Eau Claire County. Sixty-nine-year-old Bruce Anderson of Stanley hit the animal on County Trunk Highway D shortly before 7 p.m. Anderson died at the scene.

Two people have been arrested following a shooting incident in La Crosse earlier this month. Police say gunfire was exchanged at a location on Johnson Street on the night of August 9th. No one was injured. Eighteen-year-old Brayden Calhoon and a 16-year-old individual were taken into custody separately on Saturday.

Memorial services are being planned for Alma Center Lincoln High School football player Adam Massman. Massman was injured in a Thursday night football game and later died. Services for the 17-year-old will be held at Lincoln High School this Friday and Saturday.

Gas prices are climbing in Western Wisconsin. Triple-A reports the average price of regular fuel in Western Wisconsin is now four-oh-four per gallon -- nine-cents higher than the price one week ago. In La Crosse, the average cost of a gallon of regular fuel is three-97 -- nine-cents more compared to one week ago. The average cost of a gallon of regular fuel in the State of Wisconsin is three-92.

AAA is urging drivers and riders to slow down and stay alert as students head back to school. Spokesperson Brynna Knapp says motorists should watch for increased activity around schools, including crossing guards, pedestrians, and children who may enter intersections unexpectedly. Knapp also reminds families that e-bikes and e-scooters aren't toys. With more students using them, riders should wear helmets, obey traffic laws, and slow down near intersections. AAA says patience and caution can help keep everyone safe this school year.

Free vaccination clinics are open as a measles outbreak continues in southern Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services says free or reduced cost vaccines, including that against measles, are available at clinics and events across the state. D H S has confirmed over 40 cases of the disease across three counties, but says none of the exposures have been in the general public. As of August 20, 2,777 confirmed measles cases were reported in the U.S. in 46 states and the District of Columbia so far this year. You can find a local clinic online at D H S dot W I dot Gov.

WisDOT is wanting to hear from the public about their Americans with Disabilities Act transition plan. The plan highlights efforts to improve accessibility on Wisconsin's transportation system. It also aims to find the specific barriers within their facilities and transportation infrastructure. People can submit comments through an online comment form on WisDOT's website until September 17th.

New data shows Affordable Care Act health insurance enrollment is down in Wisconsin. About 45,000 fewer Wisconsinites are enrolled in ACA marketplace health plans after enhanced federal tax subsidies expired late last year. New data from health news and policy organization KFF shows enrollment dropped 16%, from a peak of more than 306,000 to about 245,000 people. Many consumers citing rising costs as the reason for dropping or changing coverage. Health experts warn a growing number of uninsured patients could increase financial pressure on hospitals and drive up costs across the health care system.

The head of the Marquette Law School Poll says a supposed "social experiment" by group releasing false polling data didn't get the attention of reputable agencies. Charles Franklin tells WISN's UPFRONT the polling data by "Median Strategies" never crossed his mind when handling the polling data ahead of the Wisconsin primary election. The fake polling by Median Strategies was caught after a candidate in the Los Angeles mayor's race posted the outfit's polling data on social media. The group claimed they were performing a "social experiment".

Four people were pulled from Lake Michigan over the weekend when their boat capsized. It happened early Sunday morning at the Port Washington marina. The people aboard the fishing boat were wearing their life vests and were able to call for help. A nearby charter boat was the first to arrive and got everyone safely out of the water with no serious injuries. The US Coast Guard reminds everyone to wear life vests when on the water.

The future USS Wisconsin ballistic missile submarine is five years into construction, and the public is invited to hear the latest on its progress at the Wisconsin Veterans Museum on Madison’s Capitol Square this Thursday. The event kicks off at 9:15 a.m. with a reading of Governor Evers' proclamation declaring August 27 as USS Wisconsin Day, honoring the submarine's hull number, 827. Officials from the USS Wisconsin Association will be on hand to answer questions. On view in the museum gallery will be a casting from torpedo tube and images relating to the boat’s construction. This is the third U.S. Navy vessel to be named after the state of Wisconsin. The Iowa class battleship is a museum ship moored in Norfolk, Virginia. The first Wisconsin was launched in 1898 and decommissioned in 1920.

Wisconsin is receiving high marks as one of the most enjoyable states. Finance website WalletHub recently ranked the Most Fun States In America based on several key factors based on entertainment that won't put a major hole in your wallet. The states were judged on the price of movie tickets, access to national parks, nightlife, and more. The Badger State was ranked 16th overall, and placed in the top five in the nightlife category. In case you were wondering, California had the highest score and ranked first.

Local-Regional News Aug 24

 

As a result of a state audit of the Durand-Arkansaw Food Service program, the district will be implementing a new policy when it comes to those students with a negative balance. Durand Arkansaw School Superintendent Ryan Nelson says the new policy is meant to clear up any confusion for families and the district.  Nelson says the district is in a tough spot, recognizing the economic balance between families of students and the school districts food service program.

An arrest warrant has been issued for an Eau Claire man wanted for sexually assaulting a child. Fifty-three-year-old Allen "David" Ossman is wanted in Dunn County for the repeated sexual assault of a child. Ossman has denied the accusations.

Three people are recovering after becoming stranded in fast-moving water while tubing. Fire crews were dispatched around 9:09 p.m. Friday to the river. The fire department said all three were conscious, alert and talking when they arrived. The three were evaluated by medics and declined transportation to a hospital. The department reported no injuries or fatalities. Officials are recommending people to wear a life jacket, evaluate river currents before entering the water while tubing or swimming.

A Dane County judge declines to take a Wisconsin state senate candidate off the November ballot. Judge Jacob Frost on Thursday ruled there was not enough evidence to prove that Eau Claire County Board member Michele Magadance Skinner was not a Wisconsin resident. The State Senate Democratic Committee challenged the Republican’s residency after voting records showed Skinner had voted in both Wisconsin and Georgia in 2021. Skinner said she had been bouncing between Wisconsin and Georgia at the time, trying to decide which place she would ride out the COVID pandemic. The ruling keeps Skinner on the general election in November. If she had been removed, Republicans would have had to scramble to replace her by next Tuesday.

Renovations are coming to the jail in La Crosse County. The La Crosse County Board approved a one-point-three-million dollar project to upgrade its facility. The money will go towards the design and construction of additional special-needs unit, improving housing for incarcerated women and addressing mental health and safety concerns. The jail was last expanded in 2010 and currently houses 137 people.

An Alma Center Lincoln High School senior is dead following an injury suffered during Thursday night's football game. Superintendent Drew Semingson sent a message to Lincoln families Saturday to confirm the news. Semingson said Adam Massman was injured during the game and received medical care from personnel who were at the game before he was taken to a hospital. The district learned Saturday afternoon that he had died from the injury. The school plans to have additional counseling support for students beginning at noon Monday and throughout the day Tuesday as students return to school.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is giving an update on the state's measles cases. In Iowa County, there are four new confirmed cases. Meanwhile, in Lafayette County there is one new confirmed case and four probable cases. There are now a total of 41 confirmed and seven probable cases associated with the outbreak. Symptoms of measles include a runny nose, high fever, tiredness, and cough, among other things.

Federal health officials are planning a national alert system for missing people with autism. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced the initiative on Friday during a visit to Rochester. The plan will draw from Rochester and Olmsted County programs, using wearable trackers and regular contact between first responders and families. Autism advocates say such alerts could prevent drownings, which accounted for more than nine out of ten wandering-related deaths in 2024. Kennedy says officials will visit communities nationwide to develop training standards and best practices.

The city of Chetek is deactivating its social media accounts. On a Facebook post made Friday morning, the city said "due to recent threats against City employees, the City of Chetek will be deactivating its social media accounts within 24 hours of this posting.' The deactivation means that livestreams of City meetings will not be shown during any period of its deactivation. It's unclear if this is a permanent or temporary move.

The budget for the Universities of Wisconsin is getting the green light. The Board of Regents approved the proposal Thursday, which includes a tuition freeze for the next two years. That's as long as the state invests 190-million dollars in support of the freeze and other operating needs. Then, there would be only increases based on inflation for the two years after that. State lawmakers have to approve of the investment before the tuition freeze can take effect. The budget's three promises include keeping the college system affordable, expanding the state's workforce and access to healthcare.

It's getting harder for prospective college students to get into the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The Journal Sentinel reports the school had its lowest acceptance rate ever recorded in 2025, when just 41 percent of applicants were accepted. That's down from 57 percent in 2009. This as a law was signed two years ago guaranteeing students who are in the top five percent of their high school class a spot at UW-Madison, if they want it. One official told the Sentinel there's no secret formula for getting into the school, as they look at all aspects of a particular student.

Governor Tony Evers is pushing back against proposed federal changes to Head Start. Evers has sent a letter to federal health officials urging them to scrap a Trump Administration proposal that would roll back Head Start program standards. The governor says the plan would eliminate requirements covering class sizes, services for children with disabilities, educational quality, and child safety. Evers argues the changes would weaken a program that serves about 700,000 children nationwide. In Wisconsin, Head Start and Early Head Start programs served more than 12,000 children and families last year.

Three U.S lawmakers from Minnesota are urging President Trump to approve the state's request to a major disaster declaration to help residents recover from July floods. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith along with Congressman Brad Finstad sent a letter to the White House. They claim the water damage impacted Fillmore, Houston and Mower counties from July 2 through July 8. The legislators say help from the Trump administration will speed up the recovery effort. The letter indicates damage assessments show that the threshold has been met for federal assistance.

Wisconsin health officials want your input on fighting the opioid crisis. The Department of Health Services is asking residents to complete an online survey about how opioid settlement money should be spent. DHS Substance Use Initiatives Director Michelle Haese says community voices are critical because people with firsthand experience can help identify the greatest needs. The survey is available on the Department of Health Services website through September 30th.

Local-Regional News Aug 21

 

Two people were injured in a two vehicle accident just west of Durand on Wednesday. According to the Pepin County Sheriff’s Department, 66yr old Joseph Wald of Menomonie was traveling eastbound on Hwy 10, when a westbound vehicle driven by a 16yr male from Arkansaw, attempted to turn left onto Hwy P causing the vehicles to collided. Wald was med flighted to Mayo Eau Claire, while his passenger, 66yr old Rebecca Issacs of Menomonie was transported to Advent Health in Durand. After an investigation, Wald was arrested on Operating While Intoxicated, 6 Offense, and Operating After Revocation.

The Durand Arkansaw School Board has approved a new policy regarding staff communication with students. Staff will not be allowed to use personal cell phones to contact students. Superintendent Ryan Nelson says the new policy tightens up the current ways staff communicates with students. State law is requiring school districts to come up with new policies regarding cell phone use among students and staff.

The city of Menomonie is receiving a one-million-dollar grant to help build a new city well. Governor Tony Evers announced the funding, which came from the Community Development Block Grant program. It comes after Menomonie's water system faced challenges this summer, including the city water towers nearly running out.

The Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents approved two major University of Wisconsin-River Falls capital project requests. The projects are included in the capital budget request which will be delivered to the state Department of Administration for consideration by the governor and legislature as part of the 2027-2029 biennial budget. The request includes construction funding for a new 48,000 Square Foot Plant Science Discovery Center to replace the aging greenhouse facility and planning and design funding for the renewal of the Agricultural Sciences Complex. Together, the projects represent UW-River Falls top capital budget priority.

The Eau Claire City-County Health Department is reporting cases of whooping cough. The cases include children and adults in the area. The health department says whooping cough can be treated with antibiotics. They also encourage residents to get the whooping cough vaccine.

Another UW-System campus joins the Direct Admit program. UW-Eau Claire has joined the program that allows eligible graduating high school students directly into UW-System universities without having to go through an application process. The hope is to help bolster enrollment at the Universities. Enrollment has been flat across the system, but was up at nine of the 13 Universities in 2025. Eau Claire, Madison and La Crosse did not join the program at its inception in 2024.

Chippewa Falls officials are revealing three finalists for the city administrator position. The City Council selected Rebeca Glewen, Cassandra Hiller, and Dana Schoening as candidates. Interviews are tentatively scheduled for September 8th.

The Town of Shelby is considering removing fluoride from its municipal water. Community members and health experts discussed the topic during public comment session yesterday held by the town's Sanitary District Commission. The commission didn't vote on the matter.

Drought conditions continue to expand across Western Wisconsin. According to the latest drought monitor moderate drought conditions are being reported in Pepin, Buffalo, Dunn and Eau Claire Counties, while severe drought conditions are being reported in the western 2/3rds of Pierce County. While some rain fell overnight, dry conditions are expected into the weekend and next week.

State health officials are linking a foodborne illness outbreak to Minnesota-grown alfalfa sprouts. At least 23 Minnesotans have contracted E. coli or salmonella, with two hospitalized. Wisconsin has identified another 18 cases and no deaths are linked to the outbreak. The affected sprouts were sold under the Everything Sprouts and Calco brands at grocery stores and restaurants. State health officials are urging consumers to discard products from both brands while the investigation continues.

Law enforcement is stepping up efforts to keep impaired drivers off the road. The annual "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign runs now through September 7th, with State Patrol and local agencies increasing enforcement statewide. Officials say nearly 7,000 crashes involving alcohol or drugs have been reported in Wisconsin this year, accounting for about one-third of all traffic deaths. Drivers are urged to plan ahead with a designated driver or rideshare. Authorities also remind the public to call 911 if they spot a suspected impaired driver.

A former sheriff’s deputy faces charges for misusing Flock Safety cameras. Frank McGrath faces two counts of misconduct in public office. Prosecutors allege an internal Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office audit showed McGrath using the automated camera system to track a co-worker in fall of 2025. Those findings were forwarded to other Racine County deputies for an investigation. McGrath resigned in December after being put on administrative leave and faces up to 7 years in prison if convicted on both charges. The Sheriff’s Office has announced new policies requiring personnel to document Flock use and reasoning for it, reducing data retention from 30 to 7 days and requiring additional training.

Scammers have been convincing Wisconsinites to hand over their savings in gold bars at an alarming rate. Lisa Schiller with the Better Business Bureau of Wisconsin says this is a grooming scam where crooks make it seem as if they are the only people the victim can trust. In one case, the victim was strung along for three months while the scammers bled them dry of their entire life savings. Original reporting put losses at around 3 million dollars, but the F B I says 13 victims have now lost a combined 5 point 3 million dollars in Wisconsin alone.

Post primary polling and a debate in the race for Wisconsin governor. Marquette University Law School will release results of its first statewide survey after Wisconsin’s primary elections on Wednesday, August 26. Democrat Milwaukee County Executive Daivid Crowley faces Republican 7th District Congressman Tom Tiffany in the race to succeed two-term Democratic Governor Tony Evers. The Wisconsin Broadcasters Association debate is scheduled for Friday, October 9th at 7 p.m. hosted by Milwaukee PBS with radio and television stations from across Wisconsin participating in production.

Minnesota governor candidate Mike Lindell says he will pay for a Republican primary recount. Lisa Demuth defeated Lindell by more than 45-thousand votes. Lindell must submit an official request and cover the estimated 825-thousand-dollar cost by Monday. However, the Secretary of State's Office says it has not received a request. Lindell alleges unverified electronic reporting irregularities and wants every ballot counted by hand.

The Department of Natural Resources is sweetening the deal for meat processors that take donated deer. The D N R announced Wednesday it will increase the payouts it offers for each deer that's handled by a processor to 125 dollars per deer, or 135 per deer if C W D testing is required. That's up from the previous 100 per deer the agency was offering before. Since the program's inception in 2000, hunters have donated over 100-thousand deer, which is over 4 million pounds of venison sent to local food banks. You can find a local store to donate to online at DNR dot WI dot Gov. 

Local-Regional News Aug 20

 

One person is dead and another injured after a one vehicle accident in Martell Township on Sunday. According to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department, a vehicle was traveling westbound on Hwy 29, when the vehicle crossed Hwy 63 and struck a tree. The vehicle started on fire. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene, while passenger, 30yr old Jhulissa Sarango Minga of Hudson was taken to River Falls area hospital. The driver of the vehicle has not been identified.

The Durand-Arkansaw School Board has approved a new policy on the use of cell phones by Middle and High School Students. Durand-Arkansaw Superintendent Ryan Nelson says the new policy is following a new state law on the use of cell phones by students.

Shortly after the new flock cameras were installed in Pepin County earlier this summer, 2 of the three were vandalized. Pepin County Sheriff Joel Wener says both the cameras on Hwy 10 were vandalized. The cameras have since been reinstalled and now have additional cameras on the to monitor the area around them to prevent vandalism.

The renovation project of the Band Shell at Memorial Park is beginning. During last nights Music in the Park, Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren announced to the crowd that site work around the band shell will begin later this month, with the hope of having the project done in time for next years fun fest. The fundraising effort for the project does continue and for more information contact Durand City Hall.

No one was injured in a garage fire in Fountain City on Wednesday. According to the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Department, firefighters from Fountain City, Waumandee and Winona responded to the fire at W800 Hwy 95 in the City of Fountain City. Firefighters were able to keep the fire contained to the garage and no one was in the home at the time of the blaze. A dump truck inside the garage sustained extensive damage and is believed to be the cause of the fire.

Lake City residents will notice more truck traffic around Cross Street today and paving operations will begin today. The city announced that Monarch Paving will pave Cross street today and tomorrow from Hwy 63, to West Lakewood Avenue. There will be travel and parking restrictions during the paving operation.

An Eau Claire man is pleading guilty to sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl. Ray Jackson entered a guilty plea to second-degree sexual assault of a child and child enticement. Authorities say Jackson lured the girl into a portable toilet near the Forest Street Community Garden in May 2024 before sexually assaulting her. A sentencing hearing is set for January 19th of next year.

Bond is set for two men charged in a shooting in La Crosse. Police say Joseph Bechtel and Brandon Stansell followed a car full of teens on Monday night to one of the teen's homes. Bechtel pulled a gun and the weapon fired when the teen's parents tried to take it from him. No injuries were reported. Bechtel is being held on a one-thousand dollar cash bond, while Stansell is being held on a 25-hundred dollar signature bond.

A new Oxbow Park campground is opening near Rochester on September 1st. The site includes 42 electric campsites and four heated cabins. Amenities include electricity, water hookups and Wi-Fi. Campsites cost 35 dollars nightly, while cabins cost 75 dollars. The three-million-dollar campground replaces a lower site that repeatedly flooded in 2019.

Watch out for fake products on websites like Walmart and Amazon. Lisa Schiller with the Better Business Bureau of Wisconsin says items listed on those sites can be from third parties, who simply pay to get an item listed. "Always look out for the too good to be true prices." Poorly worded or misspelled item listings could be a sign of a scammer, as can AI generated pictures and text. If you hit purchase on that item, the fake company or item might simply vanish a few days later and you'll never get a delivery. Be sure to dispute the purchase with the retailer, so you're not out the money you spent.

A new ordinance proposed to the Winnebago County Board is looking to stop the expansion of license plate reader cameras in the county. The ordinance asks the board to pass a law that would reduce law enforcement's access to the cameras. The proposal says the cameras would only be allowed for parking enforcement, access to controlled areas and weigh stations, with data being deleted after 90-days. Winnebago County Sheriff John Matz wants to keep his departments 15 Flock cameras, adding the tech has helped track down carjackers, child exploitation suspects and more. The proposal is set to be reviewed by the Winnebago County Board's Judicial and Safety Committee.

Epic Systems wants to use AI to predict your future health. The Verona-based maker of the MyChart health records system wants to use millions of patients’ medical data and let AI handle possible diagnosis. That announcement was part of Tuesday's annual User Group Meeting at Epic. Epic officials say using their own AI system will help keep patients and doctors from using Claude or ChatGPT, which are not secure for medical information.

A polling company shuts down after fabricating results leading up to Wisconsin’s primary election. A poll by Median Strategies claimed Madison Democrat Francesca Hong had a 23-point lead over Democrat David Crowley of Milwaukee who ended up winning by just over 3-thousand votes. It turns out the poll by Median Strategies was bogus and created as a social experiment. It kind of fell flat in Wisconsin as most media here didn't use those numbers that actually were pretty close to the legitimate polls. Median Strategies however has created a fuss in LA's upcoming mayoral run-off, predicting a big win for Incumbent Karen Bass which the Bass campaign posted on their website. It's since been removed.

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is taking legal action to bring an ICE agent accused in a shooting in Minneapolis back to the state. The lawsuit is connected to the extradition of Christian Castro, who was charged in Minneapolis during Operation Metro Surge. The defendant is charged with second-degree assault and falsely reporting a crime linked to the January 14th shooting that injured Julio Sosa-Celis. Castro remains behind bars in Texas on a 200 thousand dollar bond.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is reminding people to keep young wildlife wild. DNR Captive Wildlife Health Specialist Jenna Fastner says it's common for young animals to be alone while parents are nearby, so seeing one by itself doesn't mean it's orphaned. Fastner says people should avoid touching or approaching young wildlife, since human interaction can harm the animal and even attract predators. If you're concerned, observe from a distance and contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for advice.