Local-Regional News July 7

 

The Wabasha City Council is meeting tonight. Items on the agenda include approval of Jim Mathias as a council member for the Third Ward, discussion and possible action on approval of the 2025 street and utility improvement project assessments, and reports from the Mayor and Department heads. Tonights meeting begins at 6pm at Wabasha City Hall.

Durand-Arkansaw Middle School Students had a new outdoor adventure class this summer school. Durand-Arkansaw Superintendent Ryan Nelson says the class gave students the opportunities to explore outdoor activities in Durand.  Nelson says the district plans to offer the course next summer school.

A suspect is in custody following a hit-and-run accident in Trempealeau County. The crash happened Saturday night on County Road J in the Town of Dodge and left one person hurt. Authorities later located the suspect vehicle and made an arrest. According to reports, the suspect and victim know each other.

Eau Claire Police have announced the arrest of a suspect that they had said was on the run while armed and dangerous. Thirty-five-year-old Dakota Leis was wanted in multiple jurisdictions on varying charges. The search for the suspect had been going on for weeks. Police have not said where he was found.

Gas prices continue to decline in parts of Western Wisconsin. Triple-A reports the average price of regular fuel in Western Wisconsin is now three-47 per gallon -- six-cents less than the price one week ago. In La Crosse, the average cost of a gallon of regular fuel is three-66 per gallon -- just a penny less than the price last week. The average cost of a gallon of regular fuel in the Badger State is now three-56 per gallon.

Final preparations are being made for tomorrow's start of the Northern Wisconsin State Fair. Livestock, agriculture and craft exhibitions will take place during the run of the event along with live music, carnival rides and lots of food options. The fair runs July 8th through 12th in Chippewa Falls.

A new report ranks Wisconsin ranks 8th in the nation on a broad range of metrics. There’s a lot to unpack from the 2026 State of the States report published by the bipartisan State of the Nation Project. Rankings include 31 metrics grouped into 14 categories including the economy, education, the workforce, rates of violence and more. Analysis by the Wisconsin Policy Forum finds Wisconsin’s “strong standing” may be at risk, and that overall, Wisconsin is worsening on 13 of the report’s 31 measures and improving on eight of them. For the other 10, its trend is “mixed, stable or unclear” when compared to the national level. Wisconsin ranked 4th for income inequality, 9th for poverty, and 6th for long-term unemployment rate, where the Policy Forum notes the state has “consistently performed better than the national rate” over the last three decades.

Authorities are releasing the ages of three kids who died Friday when their boat capsized on Geneva Lake. The Geneva Lake Law Enforcement Agency says the children were 10, seven, and six years old and were found in the sunken boat in more than 30 feet of water. Officials noted they were among 10 people on the boat and the other seven were rescued. The boat was overwhelmed during a sudden and severe storm, with the impact of waves rolling the boat and taking on water. The children all had proper life jackets on and no external injuries.

Vice President JD Vance is scheduled to appear in Milwaukee at the 128th Air Refueling Wing on Wednesday. This is Vance's second trip to Wisconsin this year. In February, he visited a machining facility in Plover alongside U.S. Rep Derrick Van Orden. Doors will open at 10:30 a.m., with the event beginning at 11:30 a.m.

Another Wisconsin police agency drops Flock cameras. The UW-Madison Police contract with automated license plate reader operator Flock Safety expired June 26 and will not be renewed. The cameras capture license plates and vehicle details and share information through Flock's law enforcement network. A UWPD statement said the technology has enhanced safety and security but concerns about privacy and conflicts with city policy prompted a search for a new vendor. Similar concerns have been cited as Dane County, several Madison suburbs, Appleton, Oshkosh and Sturgeon Bay have all stopped using Flock. Chief Brent Plisch says UWPD is exploring alternatives that better meet public safety needs and community concerns.

Rochester officials are apologizing after he Fourth of July fireworks were cut short following technical issues and bad weather. The city says it planned and paid for a full pyrotechnic display. Officials decided to get the show started earlier than scheduled to try to get through the complete program before conditions changed. However, only a small display could be presented. Once it was determined that no more fireworks could be launched, the city shared information on social media informing people that the show was over and they should leave the area safely. The city could not make an announcement inside Soldiers Field Memorial Park due to how the event was set up this year. Officials say they are with the fireworks vendor to decide what caused the technical issues and figure out the next steps. There is no reschedule date set for a fireworks show.

Wisconsin's capital city is being hailed for how it is managed. A recent WalletHub study looked at 148 of the largest cities in America to see which were the best- and worst-run based on their operating efficiency. That includes which cities had the best quality of services and their total budget per capita. Madison was ranked 24th overall on the list, and placed as the third-best city for its quality of services. Milwaukee was ranked 101st, and was among the worst in the quality of services rank.

The iconic clock tower of the Lincoln County Courthouse in Merrill is undergoing major restoration. The courthouse, built between 1899 and 1903, remains one of Merrill's most recognizable landmarks and continues to serve as the county's courthouse today. Construction was delayed by nationwide labor strikes, and the project ultimately cost nearly $120,000, roughly $4 million in today's dollars. The historic clock tower has undergone several repairs over the years, but a recent $99,000 grant from the Bierman Family Foundation will fund the latest restoration after the clock stopped working. Because the mechanism is one-of-a-kind, it must be carefully dismantled and repaired piece by piece. The project is expected to take about 8 months.

Local-Regional News July 6

 

Another construction project begins today on Hwy 10. Crews will begin construction of a single lane roundabout at the intersection of Hwy 10 and 25 just west of Durand today. The construction will also include installing curb and gutter, replacing culverts and storm sewer and lighting at the intersection. Hwy 10 and 25 will be open during the constructions. Motorists will encounter shoulder closures and flagging operations at times. That project is expected to be completed in November.

The Durand-Arkansaw School Board has approved a tentative budget for the 2026-2027 school year. Durand-Arkansaw Superintendent Ryan Nelson says the district is anticipating it will be receiving some additional revenue this year.  The final budget will be approved in October after the student counts and state funding is announced.

The Wabasha County Board is meeting tomorrow. Items on the agenda include discussion and possible action on consideration of floodplain regulations and subdivision ordinance amendments and reports from committee and department heads. Tomorrow’s meeting begins at 9am in the Old Courthouse Annex in Wabasha.

A 17yr old Buffalo City female was injured in a one vehicle rollover accident near Fountain City Thursday. According to the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Department, the driver became distracted by her cell phone and lost control of the vehicle, over corrected and went into the ditch where the vehicle rolled several times and ended up in a cornfield. The driver was taken to Winona Hospital with back and neck injuries.

Buffalo County is among over a dozen Wisconsin counties that are now eligible for federal disaster assistance. According to a press release from FEMA, federal disaster assistance is available to the state of Wisconsin to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, tornadoes and flooding from April 13-23, 2026. Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and families recover from the effects of the disaster.

La Crosse Police are investigating a Saturday night swatting call targeting Emplify Health hospital. The call to police falsely reported that an armed individual was outside of the hospital's emergency room. Police responded to the scene and confirmed that the call was a hoax. Rice Lake authorities are also investigating a similar type of call to the Marshfield Medical Center in Rice Lake on Thursday afternoon.

Charges are being filed against a Madison man accused of making threats to the Vernon County Sheriff's Office. Authorities say that 44-year-old Jesse Jensen made threatening phone calls to the sheriff's office on June 21st. He was taken into custody the following day. Charges against Jensen include threatening to cause bodily harm to certain individuals involved with a court or legal system.

Deer harvest quotas and guidelines are in place for this fall’s hunting seasons. The Wisconsin Natural Resources Board has approved 272,720 bonus antlerless harvest authorizations to be available for purchase beginning August 17th. Those permits are in addition to free antlerless tags offered in farmland zones. Harvest opportunities will vary by deer management unit based on local populations and management goals. Bonus permits will be available statewide except in one northern management unit. Hunters can purchase permits through the state's Go Wild licensing system.

Residents in Wisconsin have filed a class action lawsuit against Microsoft's Fairwater Data Center. The residents allege the facility's around-the-clock operations creates excessive noise that has disrupted nearby homes and lowered property values. The complaint claims roughly a thousand residential properties with a mile and a half of the campus are affected. The lawsuit states the noise is generated by diesel generators and HVAC systems, including chillers, cooling towers, air-handling units and condenser fans. The plaintiffs say the constant sound has made it difficult to enjoy their homes and outdoor spaces and has affected sleep and daily routines.

Five people are recovering after an 80-foot silo collapsed during severe storms in Walworth County. Officials say two people in a car and three motorcyclists had pulled off Highway 14 and sought shelter behind a barn when the silo fell. All five were taken to area hospitals, with several suffering serious injuries. The collapse also prompted a MABAS Life Safety Box Alarm to bring in additional emergency crews. Officials say the storms damaged more than 40 homes and left several roads closed across Sharon Township.

Authorities are sharing additional details about an officer-involved shooting in Oneida County. A pair of Oneida County deputies went to an address on Lumen Lake Drive June 17th to serve an arrest warrant on John Krga -- a suspect wanted on charges that he sexually assaulted a child. Reports say Krga pulled a firearm and fired a shot leading one of the deputies to return fire. Krga was hit and died at the scene.

Wisconsin's attorney general is celebrating a court victory over changes to a federal student loan forgiveness program. Josh Kaul and the Wisconsin Department of Justice joined a multi-state lawsuit challenging a U.S. Department of Education rule that was set to take effect Wednesday. The court ruled that the policy was illegal and permanently blocked it. Officials say the rule could have allowed the federal government to deny loan forgiveness eligibility to employers over activities tied to policies opposed by the Trump administration. The program forgives federal student loans after ten years of qualifying public service work.

UW Madison police are seeking tips in a 44-year-old cold case. It was July 2nd of 1982 when 23-year-old Donna Mraz was fatally stabbed while walking home from her job at a downtown restaurant. Police say the UW Madison student and Walworth County native was attacked on a sidewalk behind Camp Randall Stadium. UW police say they continue to work with state and federal law enforcement but despite extensive investigations the case remains unsolved and investigators haven't been able to identify a motive. They're urging anyone with information in Mraz's murder -- no matter how small -- to come forward.

You can help track game bird populations across Wisconsin this summer. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources says anyone can become a community scientist by taking part in its annual Game Bird Survey. From now through August 31st, people can submit sightings of wild turkeys, ruffed grouse, and pheasants using a mobile app. The DNR uses the data to track breeding success and monitor game bird populations statewide. Officials say every observation helps wildlife managers make informed decisions. No registration is required, and participants can find more information on the DNR's Game Bird Survey webpage.

Local-Regional News July 3

 

A 17yr old Buffalo City female was injured in a one vehicle rollover accident near Fountain City yesterday. According to the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Department, the driver became distracted by her cell phone and lost control of the vehicle, over corrected and went into the ditch where the vehicle rolled several times and ended up in a cornfield. The driver was taken to Winona Hospital with back and neck injuries.

Buffalo County is among over a dozen Wisconsin counties that are now eligible for federal disaster assistance. According to a press release from FEMA, federal disaster assistance is available to the state of Wisconsin to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, tornadoes and flooding from April 13-23, 2026. Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and families recover from the effects of the disaster.

A man accused of making threats targeting a Barron County school has been ruled competent for trial. Dustin Rudd reportedly livestreamed video of himself on May 15th of this year approaching Prairie Farm School on foot -- saying that his own children had been eaten and that he was going to shoot students. Rudd -- who was armed with a rifle -- was arrested before turning in to the school's driveway. Rudd faces charges including attempted first degree intentional homicide.

One person is dead following a crash in Hudson. Authorities received multiple reports of a vehicle versus motorcycle crash with injury on Hanley Road on July 1st. Jacob Wagner, the driver of the motorcycle, was taken to Regions Hospital where he was pronounced dead. The driver of the truck is identified as a juvenile and was not injured. The incident remains under investigation.

Tomorrow night's scheduled fireworks show in Chippewa Falls is being pushed to Sunday night due to the threat of inclement weather. Meanwhile other fireworks shows and 4th of July parades are scheduled in communities around the region. Check community calendars for times and locations.

Pope Leo the 14th is excommunicating a Minnesota-ordained priest after an unauthorized bishop ceremony. Reverend Michael Goldade was one of four priests consecrated as bishops Wednesday by the Society of Saint Pius the 10th. Goldade was born in North Dakota and ordained as a priest in Winona in 2004. The Vatican says the ceremony was an act of schism because only the pope can authorize new bishops. The Vatican is also urging Catholics not to take part in activities promoted by the group.

No one is hurt following a fire at Baymont hotel in Onalaska. OFD and the Holmen Area Fire Department were called to the fire around 3:01 a.m. and found a fire on the roof of the 3-story hotel. All occupants were evacuated and accounted for. All hotel guests were relocated to a nearby hotel, and with the fire put out by 5:15 a.m. The damage was moderate, and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

A regent for the Universities of Wisconsin is stepping down. Jack Salzwedel resigned this week, citing medical challenges in his family but didn't go into details. In his resignation letter to Governor Tony Evers, Salzwedel argued "life is short" and he wanted to make sure his "priorities are in the right place." He was just elected to the board in 2024 and still had five years left in his term. Salzwedel was involved in the search to find UW-Madison's next chancellor.

President Trump's delay is threatening rural housing assistance in Minnesota. The bipartisan bill would preserve USDA Section 5-1-5 rental subsidies for low-income rural residents. The measure includes language written by Senators Tina Smith and Mike Rounds to keep rental assistance from expiring when mortgages mature. President Trump is delaying signing the bill until Congress passes a separate voter ID bill. Housing advocates say thousands of rural residents could lose affordable housing assistance if the bill does not become law.

Stay safe as you travel Wisconsin this weekend. Triple A projects more than 1.4 million Wisconsinites could hit the road this holiday weekend. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) urges motorists to practice safe driving habits – slow down, put the phone down, stay alert. Most road construction will pause during the holiday weekend to maximize open lanes. Most Wisconsin rest areas remain open, providing travelers with restrooms, essential amenities, and a safe place to take a break.

A northern Wisconsin tribe says a recent leak on an oil pipeline project requires its shutdown. The Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa want Canadian firm Enbridge Energy to shut down its Line 5 reroute project after drilling sludge leaked at a site in Iron County and into waterway. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports about 16 hundred to 19 hundred gallons of fluid spilled last weekend near Vaughn Creek which flows into the Bad River Reservation. While Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Enbridge report the spill contained, the Tribe says the incident proves the project threatens natural resources. Enbridge is rerouting Line 5 because of the tribe’s successful legal action to remove it from the reservation.

A Fond du Lac man is charged with making threats to kill a high-ranking Wisconsin Executive Office official and their family. Bradley Hartmann made his initial court appearance July 1st after prosecutors charged him with three counts of terrorist threats and four counts of unlawful use of the telephone. The charges stem from alleged messages Hartmann made June 28th to an executive office official based in Madison. In a statement, District Attorney Eric J. Toney said political violence "will never be tolerated in America," adding that authorities will protect public officials "regardless of what political party" they belong to. Hartmann's cash bond is set at 15-thousand dollars, and his next court hearing is scheduled for July 23rd.

Federal agents intend to keep wearing masks while operating in Milwaukee. Immigration agents have made numerous arrests in Milwaukee and ICE says it won't be obeying an ordinance which prohibits law enforcement from wearing masks in most situations. An agency spokesperson told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel the ban was "despicable" and that following it would endanger agents and make it easier to identify them. ICE has reported 39 arrests in the city since the current surge started.

There will be an investigation into double mailing of absentee ballots for the spring election in Green Bay. The Wisconsin Elections Commission's agenda for next week's regular meeting includes "Discussion and Possible Action Related to the City of Green Bay and the Issuance of Duplicate Ballots". That agenda item includes a letter instructing Green Bay City Clerk Celestine Jefferies to put procedures in place to prevent double mailings. The agenda does not currently include action on this week's alert that double mailings also went out for the upcoming August Primary election.

A child drowned at an outdoor water park in Western Wisconsin on Tuesday. Polk County Sheriff’s Office said emergency responders were called to Campfire Cove Aqua Park, at Do Nothin’ Campground, east of Balsam Lake on Tuesday evening. A 9-year-old victim was found and lifesaving aid attempted, but the victim was pronounced deceased at the scene. No other details were released and the apparent drowning was under investigation by the sheriff’s office and county medical examiner.

Falls by patients in Minnesota hospitals that led to death or serious injury are at a record high. The information comes from a study conducted by the Minnesota Department of Health. The cause of most of the falls last year are due to patients misjudging their strength and getting up on their own to go to the bathroom. Several of the incidents involved patients who were on sleep or psychiatric medications.  

Local-Regional News July 2

 

Pepin County Solid Waste is reminding residents that all Pepin County Collection Sites will be closed on Saturday for the July 4^th holiday. The shooting range will also be closed Saturday. The Waubeek Collection site will be closed on Wednesday, July 8 for preparation of new asphalt on the service road.

Pierce County Emergency Management is advising Plum City Residents that the village’s outdoor warning siren is currently out of service. The Village is aware of the issue and is working to have the siren repaired as soon as possible. Residents are reminded to have several ways to receive severe weather warnings including listening to WRDN, NOAA Weather Radio, or using a phone app. Outdoor warning sires are designed to alert people who are outdoors and sould not be your only method of receiving emergency notifications.

Officials are sharing the name of a woman who died after a single-vehicle crash on I-94 East near Eau Claire Monday night. The accident involved a pickup truck that went off the roadway near mile post 64. A female passenger -- since identified as 27-year-old Anna Melicher -- suffered fatal injuries in the accident. The truck's driver -- 28-year-old Cyrus Muehlberg -- was also hurt and has been charged with suspicion of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence.

Bond is being set at 50-thousand dollars for an Eau Claire man accused of secretly recording people in various states of undress. According to reports, the victims -- females aged 9, 17, and 21 -- were recorded through an opening in a set of bedroom window blinds. Jesse Xiong faces charges that include invasion of privacy with a surveillance device.

Law enforcement authorities in Wabasha and Olmsted County plan to increase patrols through September. The effort is part of the 100 Deadliest Days campaign on Minnesota roads. The targeted roadways are Highways 14, 19 and 60. Olmsted County is also warning drivers of increased deadly accidents this year. So far in 2026, there have been ten roadway fatalities in the county, compared to nine for all of 2025. The

In Barron County, bond has been set at half-a-million dollars for a man accused of trying to hire a killer. Prosecutors say Tyler Crotteau was incarcerated at the county jail when he tried to hire a fellow inmate to kill the mother of his child. The man he reportedly tried to hire informed jail officials and Crotteau later confessed. He is charged with solicitation to commit first degree murder.

Authorities say that more than three dozen dogs were removed from unsafe conditions at a Jackson County home on Monday. Officers performing a welfare check at a location in Adams Township convinced the owner to surrender the animals that are now receiving care from a number of organizations. No charges have been announced.

Probation for an Onalaska woman convicted after a deadly crash. Megan Urch was driving and reportedly looking at her phone when she hit a pedestrian in September 2024. The victim -- 83-year-old Darlene Wozney -- later died at a local hospital. Urch pleaded guilty earlier this year to a charge of homicide by negligent operation of a vehicle and has now been sentenced to five years of probation.

Wisconsin has been approved for 22-point-six-million dollars in federal disaster assistance following severe storms, tornadoes and flooding in the state. The move comes after communities across the state experienced heavy rainfall and severe weather in April, causing rivers to flood and destroyed homes and businesses. Governor Tony Evers formally requested a federal disaster declaration from President Trump for the damaging storms and floods that same month. Trump posted on Truth Social Tuesday, saying he spoke with Representative Tom Tiffany about the approval. Tiffany says he appreciates "President Trump and his administration for their partnership as we work together to help every affected community recover."

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is accused of trying to cover its tracks after sending personal information to wrong addresses. Officials say notifications were sent out yesterday to affected individuals explaining their information may have been accessed by people who shouldn't have seen it. DHS notified the impacted Wisconsinites when the error was discovered back in April, compiling a list of more than 81-hundred names. Those people have been offered free credit monitoring for one year, and a dedicated call center to have questions answered.

A judge is greenlighting the sale of a former UW-Milwaukee campus in Washington County. The circuit court judge denied a request yesterday by the Washington County Charitable Foundation to block the university's sale to Ozaukee Catholic School. The Foundation sued in March to stop the sale, arguing it has supported students studying at the Washington County campus so long as it is used for public education. The campus has been closed for two years, and officials approved its sale to Ozaukee for three-million dollars last August.

Wisconsin lawmakers are encouraging kids to avoid screens this summer. The Wisconsin Partnership For Kids hosted a kickball game between state legislators and youth players during a local summer camp in Waunakee yesterday. The two sides played each other at Heritage Elementary School. Democratic Rep. Alex Joers told WMTV she hopes the children take more opportunities to get out and socialize, noting what she described as a direct connection between screen time and isolation.

Funding expires for Wisconsin’s Knowles-Nelson land conservation program. During a Tuesday media event at Governor Nelson State Park outside Madison, Democrats pointed the finger at Republicans in the Legislature. Senate Minority Leader Diane Hesselbein (HESSEL-bine) said they attempted to work with Republicans to sustain funding for the program. Republicans and Democrats failed to agree on reauthorization. Hesselbein said that puts future acquisitions in jeopardy and that parcels that come up for sale may be purchased by developers. Republican lawmakers argued that the program which has acquired some 750,000 acres for conservation since 1989 needs greater legislative oversight.

The Marine Corps is declaring a Twin Cities Marine as dead after going missing at sea. Twenty-one-year-old Lance Corporal Armando Ortiz Canseco of Richmond, Minnesota, was reported missing on Thursday morning. He was last seen on the USS Anchorage off the Southern California coast. The Corps says an extensive search and rescue operation ended Friday before shifting to recovery efforts. Ortiz Canseco, one of five siblings and a Richfield High School graduate, enlisted in the Marines in April 2023.

A La Crosse woman is giving thanks to local firefighters who helped to rescue her cat this week. The feline named Garland got stuck Monday after climbing high up into a tree. Members of the La Crosse Fire Department -- who happened to be in the area -- deployed a ladder and came to Garland's rescue. The fire department says it's always rewarding when they can help a neighbor, whether they have two legs or four.

Local-Regional News July 1

 

The Durand-Arkansaw School Districts new Early Learning Center is completed. Superintendent Ryan Nelson says the center will be opening later this month.  The District will be having a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new center today at 5.

As the Madison Street project continues in Downtown Durand residents may notice crews building bump-outs onto the street. Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren says those bump-outs will lead to some one-way streets from Madison to Main Street.  3^rd Avenue West will remain two-way after the project is completed.

One person is in custody following a deadly crash on Interstate-90 near Eau Claire. Officials responded to the single-vehicle accident Monday night after a pickup truck drifted off the roadway before it vaulted and came to rest in the median. Officers observed signs of impairment and continued investigating. The passenger died due to her injuries. The driver, Cyrus Muehlberg, was arrested, and the crash remains under investigation.

The City of Chippewa Falls is continuing their search for a City Administrator. Mayor Jason Hiess says there's "no offers of employment" that are being extended to the interviewed candidates for the positions so far. The Chippewa Falls City Council unanimously approved funding for the position at their meeting in December 2025. There hasn't been a city administrator since 2009.

A water quality advisory is being issued for Half Moon Beach. The Eau Claire City-County Health Department says the beach's water is testing positive for elevated bacteria levels. Folks are being advised that the water could make them sick or cause skin rashes.

In Barron County, bond has been set at half-a-million dollars for a man accused of trying to hire a killer. Prosecutors say Tyler Crotteau was incarcerated at the county jail when he tried to hire a fellow inmate to kill the mother of his child. The man he reportedly tried to hire informed jail officials and Crotteau later confessed. He is charged with solicitation to commit first degree murder.

The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development announced a new grant initiative intended to fund projects to address healthcare workforce challenges in Wisconsin’s rural communities. According to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce development, the program is called the Workforce Innovation Grant: Healthcare Employment, Access, and Rural Transformation, and it will make up to $150 million available over the next four years for projects aimed at strengthening the healthcare workforce in rural and semi-rural parts of the state. Nonprofit and government organizations can apply for awards ranging from $500,000 to $10 million, as long as they’re partnering with regional workforce groups and proposing what DWD describes as innovative, long-term solutions.

County Road 34 near Byron could soon be in line for a major reconstruction, as Olmsted County engineers begin planning a project aimed at improving safety and drainage. Olmsted County estimates more than 2,500 motorists travel County Road 34 each day. Over the last five years, the county said the road has seen about a dozen crashes, with road conditions and visibility listed among the top concerns. Final design plans and permitting are not expected to be submitted until 2027, with construction currently scheduled to begin in 2028.

The state’s Child Care Bridge Payments program for providers expires this week, and Wisconsin Early Childhood Association Executive Director Ruth Schmidt says families and policy makers will need to make decisions, with families have a more difficult time finding care for their pre-K children. Schmidt says the end of the bridge payment will exacerbate a shortage of qualified early childhood educators in Wisconsin. She believes state lawmakers ought to consider some sort of a public investment and acknowledge that the entire state relies on there being a healthy system of child care. The Bridge Payments program was established when the earlier Child Care Counts pandemic-era stabilization program was set to expire about a year ago but is now ending with nothing to replace it.

A contractor is chosen to replace a vital bridge linking Duluth and Superior. The Minnesota and Wisconsin transportation departments last week announced a joint $930 million bid by Ames Construction and Kraemer North America was the apparent best-value to replace the Blatnik Bridge. Built in 1961, the Blatnick carries an average of 33,000 vehicles a day on I-535 and US Highway 53 across the St. Louis River. The states and Ames-Kraemer Joint Venture II now have up to 60 days before the contract is awarded. The project is estimated to be completed in six years with full closure of the bridge expected to begin early next year. A $1.06 billion federal grant is helping pay for the project. Wisconsin and Minnesota both have also earmarked $400 million.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court will hear two lawsuits that seek to have the state’s congressional maps redrawn. Oral arguments are scheduled for September 16 for the justices to hear appeals. Plaintiffs have appealed to the Supreme Court after both cases were heard and rejected by three-judge panels last year, in a process allowed by a 2011 law passed by Republicans in the Wisconsin Legislature. One case alleges the current maps discriminate against Democrats who hold just two of Wisconsin’s eight seats in the US House. The other claims district boundaries violate the state Constitution’s guarantees of equal protection. The court will have a 5-2 liberal majority in August when Justice Chris Taylor is sworn in. Rulings in favor of the plaintiffs could send the cases back to circuit court.

Appleton police are still defending the use of Flock Safety cameras even as the city continues to plan their removal. Police Chief Polly Olson says the company's automated license plate readers helped police solve a vandalism spree last week that damaged several local businesses. She calls it a "force multiplier" for the department that enhances officers' ability to solve crimes. Mayor Jake Woodford says that despite that, "concerns about the integrity of Flock's underlying system have eroded our trust." The city is expected to stop paying for the service and have the cameras removed in July.

Minnesota is one of four states accused of refusing to provide the federal government with data on SNAP applicants. The Department of Justice is also suing three other states that include Kentucky, Michigan and Pennsylvania. The DOJ alleges that the USDA requested the last five years of SNAP applicant data from several states last year. After dozens honored the request, federal officials claimed the USDA requested the data again from the four states in May 2026. The Trump administration claims that SNAP is losing billions of dollars due to fraud, waste and abuse.

Local-Regional News June 30

The City of Durand is receiving a state grant because of the creation of the fire district. Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren says its part of a program to encourage local governments to combine services and save money.  The City and Rural Fire Departments merged into the Durand Fire District at the beginning of this year.

The Mondovi Thrift Store is in need of help. The store is looking for volunteers and for board members. Mondovi Mayor Brady Weiss says that the store is under some financial stress and could use some help.  For more information on the open board position or to make a donation visit Mondovi City Hall or the Thrift Store.

We now know the name of a motorcycle rider who died after a Friday crash in Dunn County. Authorities say that 51-year-old Jeremy Snitker of Prairie Farm collided with a semi truck on County Road K in the Town of New Haven. Snitker was taken to a Minnesota hospital where he later died. The driver of the semi was unhurt.

The Trempealeau County Sheriff’s Department is warning families of inmates of a scam. The department has received multiple reports of scammers calling family members claiming their member has been released or can be released to a halfway house if the family sends money. The department believes that the scammers are using the publicly available roster to target the family. The public is reminded that the Sheriff’s Department or Jail staff will never call demanding money over the phone. If you receive a call like this, do not give out any information and hang up can contact local authorities.

In Barron County, charges are being filed against a man accused of trying to hire a killer. Prosecutors say Rice Lake resident Tyler Crotteau was locked up in the county jail when he tried to hire a fellow inmate to kill the mother of his child. The man he reportedly tried to hire informed jail officials and Crotteau subsequently confessed. He was charged yesterday with solicitation to commit first degree murder.

Gas prices continue to decline in most parts of Western Wisconsin. Triple-A reports the average price of regular fuel in Eau Claire is now three-56 per gallon -- 13-cents lower than the price one week ago. In La Crosse, the average cost of a gallon of regular fuel is three-67 per gallon -- unchanged from the price last week. The average cost of a gallon of regular fuel in the State of Wisconsin is now three-65 per gallon.

Governor Tony Evers was in Altoona Monday as part of his annual Pothole Patrol tour. Evers visits a number of communities every summer to drop in on road crews and lend a hand to the work of filling those potholes. Evers reminds drivers to slow down and be aware of crews taking care of neighborhood roadways.

Waukesha County is the wealthiest county in the Badger State. That's according to a ranking compiled by financial tech company SmartAsset, which looked at items such as investment income, property value and median income. Waukesha County led the way in Wisconsin overall, and was also the top dog for median income and median home value. Rounding out the top five were Ozaukee, St. Croix, Washington and Dane counties.

Nearly two dozen buildings on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus are temporarily closing due to air conditioning issues. Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Robert Cramer said a broken chilled water line significantly reduced the university's ability to cool certain buildings down. Crews are working to install about 30 temporary chillers across campus until a permanent line can be installed, which is expected to take at least a month. University leaders say campus will stay open for classes and work, with some buildings set to have an increase in temperature to ensure other facilities are prioritized.

For the second time this year, some absentee voters in Green Bay have been sent a second ballot. The city on Sunday announced that some residents in select wards of the city have been mailed a second ballot by accident. This is the second election this year that the clerk's office has erroneously mailed double ballots, the first time being the April elections. It's unclear how many extra ballots were mailed out but city hall will be sending a second letter to those who got two to only return one ballot.

A jury trial is scheduled next spring for the father of Madison's Abundant Life School shooter. Dane County prosecutors say 44-year-old Jeffrey Rupnow (RUPP-now) gave a dangerous weapon to a person under 18 resulting in deaths and contributed to the delinquency of a minor. The December 2024 school shooting at the east side Madison school left a student and teacher dead. Rupnow's 15-year-old daughter then shot and killed herself. Jury selection is set to begin March 8th, with the trial beginning the following day and lasting nine days.

Minnesota Congresswoman Angie Craig is getting a major endorsement in her race for U.S. Senate. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey announced that he is supporting the U.S. Representative in her effort to replace retiring Senator Tina Smith. He recently released a statement claiming that Angie is relentless and she's a fighter for justice. Craig previously gained the endorsement of St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her. Opponent and DFL-endorsed Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan has earned the support of incumbent Tina Smith, Caongresswoman Ilhan Omar and Attorney General Keith Ellison. The primary election is set for August 11th.

E-bike and e-scooter crash injuries are rising dramatically. Injuries involving collisions between e-bikes and motor vehicles in Wisconsin have increased by 171% over the last four years, according to recently released statewide data from the Dane County Traffic Safety Commission. And injuries from crashes between e-scooters and motor vehicles have increased by 240% over the same period. A significant portion of those crashes involve children and teenagers, often due to unsafe riding practices. High speed and lack of helmets can lead to severe injuries. Experts urge parents to educate children on traffic laws and ensure they use proper safety gear 

Local-Regional News June 29

 

A motorcycle rider is dead after a Friday crash in Dunn County. Authorities say the rider collided with a semi truck on County Road K in the Town of New Haven. That person was taken to Regions Hospital where they later died. The crash occurred while both the semi truck and motorcycle were negotiating a curve on Hwy K. The driver of the semi was unhurt.

Get ready for extremely hot temperatures across Wisconsin this week. The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat warning for the southern half of the state through at least Tuesday including the entire WRDN Listening Area. Heat indexes are expected to reach over 100 degrees today . Meteorologists remind you to stay hydrated if you have to be outside, take breaks if working in the heat, and to never leave pets or children in cars even for a few minutes.

Construction on Hwy 10 from the Pepin-Buffalo County Line to Hwy A in Mondovi will begin today. Crews will be replacing the pavement surface and overlay the roadway with asphalt. The work includes cleaing and repairing or replacing culvert pipes and cleaning ditches. Hwy 10 will remain open to traffic but there will be single lane closures controlled by flagging operations. The project is scheduled to be completed in August. The cost of the project is approximately $3.5 million.

The city of Durand has received $10,000 for snow removal costs from the spring snowstorm. Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren says the money came from a state disaster declaration.

A new rideshare service is coming to Mondovi. American Phoenix Transportation Services will provide transportation to Eau Claire two times a week. Mondovi Mayor Brady Weiss believes the service is needed.  The company hopes to begin that service in July.

Wisconsin State Patrol is reporting the recent arrest of an Osseo man on OWI charges. Fifty-one-year-old James Lusk was stopped for a moving violation when officers say he showed signs of impairment. This was Lusk's seventh time being arrested for OWI.

Officials say a pilot has died in a plane crash at the Winona Airport. The 74-year-old pilot, Wayne Ledebuhr of Winona, was the only person on board when the aircraft went down on Thursday night. First responders attempted life-saving measures, but he died at the scene. Federal officials say the aircraft crashed while trying to land around 8 p.m. The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration are investigating.

Prison for a Rice Lake man convicted of sex crimes involving a child victim. Investigators say that Jonathan Scheel sexually assaulted a 12-year-old child multiple times. Scheel pleaded guilty earlier this year to a charge of second-degree sexual assault of a child and was sentenced Friday to eight years in prison.

Wisconsin leaders are restarting efforts to bring Amtrak service to the capital city. Governor Tony Evers and the Department of Transportation explained yesterday a grant application was submitted to expand the Amtrak line to include service to Dane County and others. The proposal would see the twice-daily Hiawatha line from Chicago to Milwaukee go to Madison, Watertown, and Pewaukee. The Evers administration believes a successful move forward would create dozens of permanent jobs and have a positive impact on the Badger State economy.

Dane County prosecutors are expected to charge 51 more animal rights activists in connection with protests and rescues at the Ridglan Farms beagle breeding facility. Court officials say the charges are expected to be filed next week. Four activists already face charges tied to the March rescue of 22 beagles. Ridglan Farms is set to surrender its breeding license on July 1st under an agreement to avoid animal cruelty charges. The company also plans to release the remaining dogs to rescue organizations by August and permanently close its breeding and experimentation operations.

State wildlife officials say conflicts involving gray wolves, livestock, and pets are declining. The Department of Natural Resources paid about 200-thousand-dollars in damage claims this year, almost 100-thousand-dollars less than in 2024. Officials say complaints and verified wolf conflicts are down across the board. The DNR credits predator-proof fencing with helping protect livestock from wolf attacks. This comes as two federal bills seeking to remove gray wolves from the Endangered Species List remain pending.

Rochester is receiving 500-thousand dollars from the Environmental Protection Agency to assess polluted sites downtown. KTTC reports that the money comes through the EPA's Brownfields grant program. The program helps cities evaluate and clean up contaminated properties for possible redevelopment. The grant will fund assessments at sites including the former Mr. Muffler property, the former Rochester City Mill and the Silver Lake Power Plant. City officials say identifying environmental concerns can reduce risk for future developers, investors and city projects.

Students at UW-Madison are losing robot delivery service. Starship Technologies says delivery robot operations are going to stop in Madison and at other colleges around the country. Officials noted they are shifting their focus to hot food delivery and grocery chains in cities across the U.S. and Europe. UW-Madison students have had access to the robot delivery service during each school year since 2019.

Wisconsin is in the middle of the road when it comes to patriotism. A recent WalletHub survey recently ranked the 50 most Patriotic states in the country based on military and civic engagement. The finance website looked at items such as the number of military enlistees and veterans and how many people voted in the 2024 election. The Badger State was ranked 25th in the survey, but was listed at 15th in the civic engagement category. In case you were wondering, Virginia was ranked as the most patriotic state.