Local-Regional News Marcy 20

 

The city of Durand is reviewing the empty building ordinance. Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren says when the ordinance was first passed it was enforced, but that changed with the pandemic in 2020.

milliren

Because any fines from the ordinance cannot be put on the property tax of the building owner, some council members believe the ordinance should be eliminated. The council will discuss more options at the next council meeting.

Eau Claire firefighters responded to a house fire on Spring Street last night. According to Eau Claire Fire when crews arrived they found the rear of the home on fire spreading to the second floor. No one was inside the home at the time of the fire and damage is estimated at $150,000. The cause of that fire is still under investigation.

A Western Wisconsin man has been sentenced to federal prison for possessing methamphetamine with intent to deliver. According to the US Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Wisconsin, 41yr old Nicholas Fisher was sentenced to 10yrs in federal prison with 5yrs of supervised release. Fisher pleaded guilty to the charges in December.

Another scam to report, this time in St. Croix County. According to the St. Croix County Sheriff’s Department, scammers are using spoofed phone numbers to look like they are coming from the sheriffs office. Scammers are claiming that you have an active warrant or missed jury duty and demand payment over the phone or face arrest. The Sheriff’s Department reminds everyone that law enforcement would never call you about a warrant or try and collect fines. If you receive a call like this just hang up.

One person is dead following a single-vehicle crash in Barron County. BCSD received a report of the crash at the intersection of County Road SS and 21st Street Wednesday night. The investigation shows that the driver lost control of the vehicle, causing for it to exit the roadway and hit some trees. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. The crash is under investigation.

Two people have been arrested and are facing drug charges after a traffic stop this week in Tomah. The vehicle was stopped for operating without headlights. A subsequent search of that vehicle reportedly turned up more than 145 grams of cocaine. The driver and passenger were both charged with Possessing Drug Paraphernalia and Possessing with Intent to Manufacture, Distribute or Deliver Cocaine.

The City of La Crosse was the scene of a Wednesday evening train derailment. The accident happened near the Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center. Reports say the derailment involved one rail car and a caboose. No hazardous chemicals were involved and no one was hurt.

Today is the vernal equinox, the first day of spring for Earth's northern hemisphere. At this point in the planet's annual orbit, the sun appears directly over the equator, producing essentially the same amount of time in daylight and darkness over today's 24 hours. Then, for the northern half of the planet, daylight hours steadily increase until the longest day of the year, the summer solstice, in June.

Funding for a state conservation program will expire soon. The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund was created by the Wisconsin Legislature and Governor Tommy Thompson in 1989 to preserve important natural habitats and expand outdoor recreation. It has authorized state borrowing and spending to acquire more than 750,000 acres, and for grants to local governments and nonprofit conservation groups. Extensions for Knowles-Nelson have previously received bipartisan support in the legislature, but recently Republicans have objected to land purchases through the program. A ten-year, $1 billion funding extension proposed by Governor Tony Evers didn’t make it into the state budget, but the Assembly passed a pair of bills in January to extend it for two years while pausing land acquisitions. The state Senate’s failure to pass those means Knowles-Nelson will expire in June.

Governor Tony Evers is signing a bill that extends postpartum medicaid coverage. This comes after the Wisconsin DHS reported nearly half of pregnancy-related deaths happen in the postpartum period. The coverage will extend from 60 days to a full year for low-income mothers and babies, making Wisconsin the 49th state in the country to expand coverage. The Democrat has advocated for the extension in every budget cycle during his time as governor. It will be available starting on July 1st.

Governor Tony Evers is expanding access to breast cancer screenings in Wisconsin. He signed Gail's Law Thursday morning, which requires insurance companies to cover secondary breast cancer screenings for women with dense breast tissue. The law was inspired by Gail Zeamer, a Neenah woman who advocated for the legislation before her death from breast cancer in 2024. The expanded access will apply to plans starting January 1st, 2027.

Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu is no longer seeking reelection. LeMahieu said in a statement Thursday that it's time for a new chapter in his life. He says "serving in the State Senate has been the privilege of a lifetime, and I'm proud of our accomplishments." LeMahieu has served on the Wisconsin Senate since 2015 and as its majority leader since 2020.

Former state Attorney General Brad Schimel has a new job title after his term as interim US Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin was set to expire. On Wednesday, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that she was naming Schimel 1st assistant US attorney in Milwaukee, which will allow him to continue to oversee cases in Wisconsin. Earlier this month, a panel of federal judges decided not to extend his tenure as interim US Attorney. Assigning a new title has become a familiar move in federal judicial districts as Democrats in the U.S. Senate delay confirmation votes on President Donald Trump's appointees.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is unveiling a supplemental budget plan focused on middle-class families statewide. The proposal includes expanding dependent care tax credits for families with young children and allocating 100 million dollars to provide emergency aid to first-time homeowners and renters. The initiative calls for lowering the state sales tax by three-quarters of a cent while expanding it to include services like financial planners, bankers and lawyers. Walz is also proposing a social media tax on tech companies with over 100 thousand monthly users in Minnesota.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is encouraging state residents to beautify their properties with native plants. DNR officials say native plant sales will be popping up now through June as folks get back out into their gardens. Using native plants supports the area's natural ecosystem, providing habitats for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, according to experts. Wisconsin DNR has listings of native plant sales and nurseries posted on its webpage.

Local-Regional News March 19

 

Elk Mound Residents may see a large police presence at Elk Mound High School today. The district says that law enforcement will be using the high school building for training exercises. The training should last throughout the day.

The Durand City Council recently approved the sale of $1.9 million in bonds for the upcoming Madison Street project. According to Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren the money will also be used for the water filtration plant project and refinancing some older debt.  The council approval is the first step in the process of selling the bonds.

Downtown Mondovi will be busy tonight from 4-8pm with the Mondovi Business Association Shamrock Shuffle. Downtown Mondovi businesses will have extended hours tonight until 8pm. Michelle Larson says there will be family activities as part of the event.  There will also be a snowman making contest and other events.

Despite the recent heavy snow, all snowmobile trails in Dunn County will remain closed. Because the trails would need to be inspected, groomed and cleared of any fallen trees, swamps and creeks have also thawed out and its also tapping season the decision was made to keep the trails closed. Even if the trails could have been reopened, with the warm weather expected the rest of the week and into the weekend it was expected that the trails would have to be closed again.

The Town of Northfield is still struggling following the harsh weather. Residents are saying they're looking for accountability and answers for why their roads are not cleared. The First Supervisor of Northfield Nathan Graham says the sudden amount of snow has made plow trucks alone not enough. He also says Northfield may have been able to receive assistance from neighboring townships if the chairman sent out a formal request for help. Graham says any residents whose roads aren't cleared by Wednesday should reach out to the town chairman.

The Eau Claire County Sheriff's Office is reporting the receipt of a potentially life-saving donation. The Wollum family has donated 32 LifeVac devices in memory of former Eau Claire County Sheriff Ron Cramer. LifeVac is described as a simple, life-saving device designed to help clear airway obstructions during choking emergencies.

Sentencing is being ordered for an Eau Claire man convicted on federal drug charges. Forty-one-year-old Nicholas Fisher was arrested in May of last year and was found to be in possession of close to three pounds of meth. Fisher has now been sentenced to ten years in prison.

The Fall Creek School District is seeking a referendum for a building expansion project to help keep up with growing enrollment. The district is seeking a referendum totaling $24.8 million dollars over 20 years. If passed it would fund building an extension with more middle school classrooms and an auditorium and gym space. It would also convert the current auditorium into a middle and high school art room, create a dedicated middle school secure entrance way, update building interiors, and add more parking.

A La Crosse man convicted of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old victim is being sentenced to prison. Cody Tanke was to have been sentenced in September of last year but instead fled to Puerto Rico. He was arrested there and returned to Wisconsin. Tanke has now been sentenced to 20 years behind bars.

Charges are being filed against a Medford man in connection with a Clark County collision that left one person dead. On August 9th of last year, a horse-drawn buggy was struck by a van from behind on County Trunk Highway K near the Town of Loyal. An adult passenger from the buggy died at the scene while a 12-year-old child survived with serious injuries. The van's driver -- 38-year-old Trevor Olson -- now faces charges including homicide by negligent operation of a vehicle.

Public school enrollment declines again across Wisconsin. Wisconsin’s public schools lost more than 14‑thousand students this school year, with enrollment declining in 68 of the state’s 72 counties. New data from the Department of Public Instruction shows public school enrollment dropped nearly two percent for the 2025–26 school year compared to last year. It’s part of a decades‑long trend that has districts across Wisconsin considering school closures or consolidation. A Wisconsin Policy Forum report shows the state’s enrollment has fallen faster than the national average since 2000, though that gap has narrowed in recent years.

A different kind of problem from avian flu. Residents in the Jefferson County Village of Palmyra say the smell of decomposing fowl is leaving a foul smell near their homes. WTMJ-TV in Milwaukee reports that following a recent flock depopulation from poultry farms in in the county due to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, the chicken carcasses were moved to a composting site in the village. While the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection said in a statement that composting the carcasses deactivates the virus and prevents contamination of groundwater, Palmyra residents still have concerns about health repercussions. A similar situation occurred in Palmyra in 2022 following a bird flu case in the county.

A bill to legalize online sports betting in Wisconsin is headed to the governor’s desk after clearing the State Senate on a bipartisan vote Tuesday. The measure would allow wagers through mobile apps using a so‑called hub‑and‑spoke model, with servers located on Tribal lands. Supporters say it responds to requests from Wisconsin’s tribes, while opponents warn it could worsen gambling addiction and financial harm. It is unclear if Governor Tony Evers will sign the bill into law, as he has expressed concerns about whether there is broad tribal support.

There is no threat to the public after a World War One-era ordnance munition was found inside a home in the city of Beloit. The Beloit Fire Department says emergency responders were called out yesterday to the 26-hundred block of Chatsworth Drive after the ordnance munition was located in the basement of the home. The contents were turned over to the Dane County Bomb Squad so they can be disposed of it properly.

A federal judge is halting the Trump administration's decision to end deportation protections for Somali refugees. On January 16th, then-Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said she'd allow the temporary protected status to expire on March 17th. U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs issued a ruling to stop the TPS from expiring. Noem cited improved conditions in Somalia in her decision, despite ongoing fighting there. President Trump targeted Somali people, particularly in Minnesota, prompting Operation Metro Surge.

More than two-hundred vendors will be on hand this weekend for the region's largest sports and recreation show. The Wisconsin Sport Show happens Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Chippewa Valley Expo Center. Wisportshow.com has ticket information and more details.

Local-Regional News March 18

 

Trempealeau County was the scene of a destructive Tuesday morning fire. A home on County Road Z in Eleva was left in ruins by the blaze. The fire began in the garage and spread to the rest of the home. Residents of the home were able to safely evacuate and the cause of fire has yet to be determined.

The Dunn County Board is meeting tonight. Items on the agenda include discussion of the Sheriff’s Agreement with Homeland Security, approval of a county-owned land use plan, discussion and possible action on a resolution setting compensation for jurors and reports from county committees and department heads. Tonights meeting begins at 7pm at the government center in Menonomie.

A pair of Dunn County deputies are being honored for their efforts in solving a decades-old cold case homicide. The stabbing death of a woman in the Town of Spring Brook in February of 1974 remained unsolved until November of 2024 when Deputies Dan Westlund and Jason Stalker -- working with a group of genetic genealogists -- identified a suspect and made an arrest. Defendant Jon Miller was later convicted of first-degree murder in the case. Westlund and Stalker will receive the Michael Vendola Death Investigator of the Year Award next month.

Mondovi residents are reminded of a March 31^st deadline to register their dogs or cats. Registration can be done at City Hall during regular business hours. Failure to register your dog or cat by March 31^st will result in a late fee being charged.

Area students who have been active participants at the Buffalo-Pepin County Fair are encouraged to apply for a scholarship. The fair is giving out two $500 scholarship to eligible graduating seniors. Application deadline is April 1^st and more information can be found at buffalo pepin county fair dot com.

Wabasha Police are warning residents of another scam. Residents are receiving a text or email that appears to be from the State claiming the person has an outstanding parking or toll violation in Hennepin County. The text also claims the person must either pay a $160 fine or appear in court and gives a court date and time. Residents are advised to not click on any links or scan any QR codes. Police say this is a scam as the state would not send this type of notice via text or email.

The Olmsted County Board voting down a proposed deer hunting firearm ordinance Tuesday evening, following a public hearing on the matter. In a 3-4 vote, the action allows for the use of rifles for deer hunting in the county starting this fall under a new state law. That law has an opt-out provision for county’s to retain shotgun-only restrictions through the passage of a local ordinance. The county’s decision follows similar action in Goodhue, Wabasha and Winona Counties.

Several bills are headed to the desk of Governor Evers after passage through the Wisconsin Senate yesterday. Senators adjourned the legislative session after the close of yesterday's business, with no plans to reconvene until next January. Measures that would legalize online sports betting through platforms run by tribal nations, set NIL rules for college athletes, and devote tax dollars to cleaning up PFAS were approved by the state senate. Each piece of legislation will need to be signed by the governor before they can be adopted into law.

Now is a good time to check your voter registration status. The deadline to register online through myvote.wi.gov is today, March 18, but you can also register at the polls on Election Day or at your clerk's office through April 3. You'll need to re-register if you've changed addresses or changed your name since the last election. Make sure to bring a proof of residence document that shows your current address, like a copy of your lease, a utility bill or bank statement. The April 7 election includes the statewide race for Wisconsin Supreme Court, as well as plenty of local offices and referendums on the ballot.

A group of people face possible charges after being accused of stealing dogs from Ridglan Farms in Blue Mounds. The Dane County Sheriff's office says 50 to 60 protesters broke into the property Sunday morning and began removing numerous dogs. Around 20 people were arrested and taken to the Dane County jail. Some of the beagles taken were recovered and returned to Ridglan Farms, but several beagles remain unaccounted for. An investigation is ongoing.

The state Senate on Tuesday approved a bill to allow Wisconsin’s Department of Health Services to seek a federal waiver prohibiting FoodShare recipients from purchasing candy or soda with their benefits. Republicans attached $69 million and 70 positions for DHS to help ensure quality control of FoodShare and keep the error rate low. Because it includes the funding he requested, Democratic Governor Tony Evers is expected to sign it. The bill previously passed the Assembly prior to Tuesday’s bipartisan 25-8 Senate vote.

Three people are safe after a Sunday night emergency landing at Appleton International Airport. Appleton Airport director Abe Weber says a United Express private jet travelling from Rochester, New York to Missouri was forced to land in the middle of Blizzard Elsa because of a cracked windshield. Appleton Tower asked if a bird strike caused the incident, the pilot said they hoped not, because it happened at 38-thousand feet. The airport was closed because of the storm, but one runway is always open in case of emergencies like this.

Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar is introducing the Antitrust Accountability and Transparency Act. This comes a week after the settlement between Live Nation and the DOJ that threatened to breakup the company and Ticketmaster. They were accused of creating an illegal monopoly when they merged in 2010, leading to the inflation of concert ticket prices. Klobuchar says she's wanting to strengthen review of antitrust settlements and ensure they protect consumers, workers and small businesses. She told Variety last week that the "Justice Department showed absolute disrespect for the court and the jury -- and, I would add, it's absolutely disrespectful to the fans."

Before you put down big money on an animal purchase, make sure you're actually getting what you're looking for. Wisconsin Consumer Protection division director Michael Domke says some online sellers don't actually have the animals or livestock they're offering. Be sure to research that seller, and to call them directly from another source to ensure that whoever is selling that animal is who they say they are. Consider using an escrow service for any large animal purchase, to make sure that payment is released only when both sides are satisfied with their purchase or sale.

A middle school basketball team is back home after being stuck in Madison due to the winter storm. Players from Little Chute came following the Wisconsin Middle School Basketball Championship over the weekend. While the team stayed in Madison, they used the opportunity for bonding, which included sledding at the Capitol. Little Chute ended up winning the championship and were able to leave once the storm lightened up.  

Local-Regional News March 17

 

Longtime Farm Broadcaster and supporter of WRDN Radio,  Orion Samuelson, passed away on Monday. Orion started his career in 1951 at the age of 17 at WKLJ in Sparta, WI He also worked at WBAY in Green Bay before moving to WGN in Chicago in 1961, where he would remain until his retirement in 2020. Orion was featured on WRDN Radio with his National Farm Report and Samuelson Sez programs, and he was also a host of the TV Shows US Farm Report and This Week in Agri-Business. He was 91.

Firefighters from Lake City, Wabasha, and Zumbro Falls had to battle a fire near the pallet factory during the blizzard on Sunday. According to the Lake City Fire Department, a large, unoccupied tin-roofed building had collapsed under the weight of snow before the fire started. The weather hampered firefighting efforts and crews were on the scene for nearly 6hours. No one was injured in the fire, the exact cause of the blaze is still under investigation.

Gas prices continue to rise in Western Wisconsin. Triple-A reports the average price of regular fuel in Eau Claire is now three-27 per gallon -- 14-cents more per gallon from one week ago. In La Crosse, the average cost of a gallon of regular fuel is three-19 per gallon -- 17 cents more per gallon from a week ago. The average cost of a gallon of regular fuel in the Badger State is three-38 per gallon.

A Tomah home sustained minor damage in a Monday morning fire. Reports say a pickup truck in the driveway of a Birch Lane residence caught fire and that the flames spread to the home. The home's residents -- including a two-year-old child -- were able to safely evacuate.

The Minnesota State Patrol is sharing crash numbers after a winter storm dumped snow across the southern portion of the state over the weekend. Officials say there were over 460 property damage crashes reported between early Friday and just before midnight on Sunday night. MSP adds that there were 40 injury crashes logged and one fatal wreck reported in Meeker County on Saturday. A 22-year-old man who was not wearing his seatbelt died in that incident, according to troopers.

A judge is denying a change of venue request filed by former Minnesota State Patrol trooper Shane Roper. His lawyers argued Roper should have his vehicular homicide trial moved out of Olmstead County. The judge disagreed with that suggestion, saying he will be able to get a fair trial without the venue change. Roper was on duty with MSP when his cruiser struck a vehicle near Apache Mall in Rochester back in 2024. Eighteen-year-old Olivia Flores was killed in that crash.

It's good news for snowmobile riders in Western Wisconsin. Eau Claire Countywide Snowmobile trails are open again. The Eau Claire County Parks & Forest Department made that announcement on Monday adding that trails have not been groomed at this time.

Wisconsin is joining a multi-state lawsuit against OneMain financial. Attorney General Josh Kaul alleges the lender charged consumers hundreds of millions of dollars in hidden fees. The lawsuit claims OneMain packed high‑cost installment loans with add‑on insurance and products that inflated costs, sometimes by thousands of dollars, often without clear consent. Kaul says consumers should clearly understand what they’re paying for. The lawsuit seeks restitution, penalties, and repayment of profits allegedly obtained unlawfully.

A Black River Ralls resident is being identified as the person who died following an accident earlier this month in Jackson County. Thirty-four-year-old Jordan Funmaker was walking in a lane of traffic on State Highway 54 in the Town of Brockway March 9th when they were hit by a vehicle. Funmaker was taken to a local hospital and was later declared dead.

A bill that could be voted on in the state Senate would prohibit non-disclosure agreements between data center developers and local governments in Wisconsin. The legislation authored by Republican state Senator André Jacque would ban use of NDAs to conceal data center development plans from local communities. It passed a Senate committee on a bipartisan 4-1 vote Friday. The bill would prohibit companies and local governments from using NDAs or other secrecy deals to conceal information from the public or local government officials and prevent local governments from approving a data center if those requirements are violated. Jacque said data centers carry many concerns for residents in communities where they’re built, and projects seeking local approval need to so in the open. The bill would need to pass both chambers to get to the governor. The state Assembly has already adjourned for the year.

Wisconsin recorded one of the largest drops in opioid deaths nationwide. That's according to a new report from the Kaiser Family Foundation, a health care research nonprofit, which looked at statistics from 2024. Wisconsin and Virginia were tied for the second-largest decline in overdose deaths, at a 44-percent decline. West Virginia led the nation with a 46-percent decrease. The report found opioid death rates fell in every state in 2024, but it did not identify what specific factors contributed to the decline nationally.

It's been 6 years since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic, which took a toll on the healthcare workforce in Wisconsin and the nation. The American Medical Association reported that physician burnout peaked at about 63-percent in 2021. The figure improved to around 44-percent by last year. COVID-19 was one of the three leading causes of death in Wisconsin in 2020. Figures from the CDC last year listed Covid as the 10th leading cause of death in Wisconsin.

If you're feeling down and anxious about the state of the world and the constant negative news on social media, do something about it. That's the advice from UW-Health Behavioral Health specialist Shawn Skogen. "I think we get stuck in, 'Well, I want this to be better now' or 'what's it going to be like in a month?" But that small change today, right? I'd say that 10 minute walk on your lunch break today and again tomorrow and the next day adds up where, OK, you're feeling better." Skogen says just taking care of yourself a little bit each day, rather than endlessly scrolling social media can make all the difference.

A Southeast Minnesota dairy farm has received some recognition. Minnesota Milk Producers Association presented its 2025 Producer of the Year award to Dave and Ann Buck of Bucks Unlimited in Goodhue. Dave and Ann started Bucks Unlimited in 1991 with about 80 cows. Today, the family has more than 1,000 cows. The Minnesota Milk Producers Association said it presents the Producer of the Year award to exceptional dairy farmers who are leaders in agriculture and their community.

An area June Dairy Month breakfast will not be held this year. The Pierce County Dairy Promotions Board recently decided to not hold the dairy breakfast this year. The board cited a lack of volunteers to help with the breakfast. Instead of the breakfast, the board decided to do a number of smaller educational events throughout the year. The first of those events will be on March 21 at UW River Falls University Center with featured speaker Michelle Payn, author of the book Food Bullying and Food Truths from Farm To Table. The event starts at 3pm and admission is free.

Local-Regional News March 16

 

The clean up continues after a large blizzard moved through the upper midwest. According to the national weather service 15-22 inches of snow fell across the region. Most government offices are closed today, along with no meals on wheels delivery for Buffalo, Pepin and Dunn Counties. Drivers are urged to use extra caution today as the clean up continues. The snow wont stick around too long as the weather service says we could see 50’s by the weekend.

A Wisconsin State Patrol trooper is recovering from injuries suffered in a Saturday night accident in Dunn County. The officer was helping to direct traffic when their vehicle was rear-ended by an SUV on westbound Interstate 94 in Dunn County. The officer's injuries are described as minor.

The Durand Fire Department is reminding homeowners to clear their homes heating exhaust vents and gas meters clear of ice and snow. Vents can get blocked and cause a build up of carbon monoxide inside your home. The gas meter should be cleared to prevent a possible gas leak and allow for emergency access by firefighters and utility workers.

Governor Tony Evers is declaring a state of emergency in Wisconsin because of winter weather. Evers signed the declaration Saturday evening ahead of blizzard and winter storm warnings going into effect around the Badger State. The move allows the Wisconsin National Guard to get involved should they be needed during the weather event. The storm has already caused massive power outages and will be lingering until this afternoon. Drivers are being warned to be safe on the roads because of dangerous conditions.

Homeowners in the cities of Durand, Mondovi and Wabasha are asked to make sure that fire hydrants are cleared of snow. During a fire its critical that firefighters do not have to use valuable time clearing a hydrant so firefighters can use it during a home fire.

Drivers on Interstate 94 in Trempealeau and Jackson Counties were stranded for nearly 8 hours due to the blizzard. The incident happened between mile markers 88 and 105 after snowplows couldn’t keep up with the blizzard condition. The Natiional Guard assisted drivers with food and water while the road was cleared. Drivers were still asked to avoid the area on Monday morning.

An Eau Claire art gallery was the scene of a Sunday morning fire. Crews responded just before 1 a.m. yesterday to B-framed Galleries on South Barton Street to find smoke coming from the back of the property. No one was hurt and the cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed.

One person is dead following a likely attempted murder-suicide. La Crosse police responded to a shooting on Onalaska Avenue and found an injured person suffering from apparent gunshot wounds, along with a witness. The witness told police the suspect was inside the home with a gun. Officers later found the suspect, Deontis Jackson, and was pronounced dead at the scene. Early investigation indicates that it's likely a domestic-related attempted murder-suicide.

Areas of southeast and northeast Minnesota are set to get treatments for spongy moths in the coming months. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture says low-flying aircraft will apply a synthetic pheromone to tree canopies across a nine-county area beginning in June. The treatment is not toxic, but it does interrupt mating for the invasive insects. The treatments will be applied in Olmstead, Wabasha, and Winona counties. Details on informational meetings connected to the spraying are posted on the state Department of Agriculture webpage.

Businesses in Wisconsin are advised to round down cash purchases to the nearest five cents. Guidance from the Wisconsin Department of Ag, Trade and Consumer Protection and the Department of Revenue comes as pennies are no longer being minted and may not be available at cash registers. The agencies say transactions ending in one through four cents should round down to zero, while amounts ending in six through nine cents round down to five. There’s currently no state or federal law requiring businesses to follow the guidance, which is intended to create consistency for consumers.

Governor Evers has signed eight bills into law and vetoed a proposal to expand a child care tax credit. One measure extends the state's safe haven law, allowing parents to anonymously surrender a newborn up to 30 days after birth. The governor rejected a bill expanding the Business Development Tax Credit for employers helping cover child care costs. Evers says the proposal included a broad provision that could allow fraud and the state should pursue direct child care investments.

Poultry shows and exhibitions are suspended in southern Wisconsin due to the bird flu. This virus is highly contagious among poultry and can lead to sudden death, a decrease in egg production and difficulty breathing. The state's Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection announced the suspension Friday. Exhibitions, swap meets and the movement of birds to other events are also postponed. The suspension may be extended if more cases are reported.

A report shows that Minnesota is losing about 100 veterans a year to suicide. This comes as the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs unveiled a "Veteran Suicide Prevention Plan." The number was down to around 80 deaths in 2024, but it went back up to around 100 in 2025. The department's suicide prevention plan will be phased in during the next four years.

At the Capitol, legislation allowing University of Wisconsin athletes to earn money from their name, image, and likeness is a step closer to the governor’s desk. After passing the state Assembly last month with only one no vote, it cleared the Joint Finance Committee on an 8-5 vote Wednesday. Three Republicans on the committee voted against the legislation which would provide UW-Madison with $14.6 million in annual state subsidies to cover costs of athletic facilities, freeing up money to pay athletes for NIL deals. Senators Julian Bradley, Rob Stafsholt and Pat Testin told WisPolitics that they have concerns over using taxpayer money to ultimately pay athletes. The state Senate will take up the bill next week.

A liberal law group is suing the Republican‑controlled Wisconsin Legislature over its use of private attorneys. Law Forward has filed a lawsuit on behalf of three Wisconsin taxpayers from Green Bay and Eau Claire. The suit filed in Dane County Court last month argues lawmakers should rely on taxpayer funded attorneys within the Wisconsin Department of Justice. Republicans authorized hiring outside counsel after Democrat Josh Kaul was elected attorney general in 2018. Since 2017, the Legislature has spent more than $26 million on private legal fees. Defendants named in the suit include Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu and Senate President Mary Felzkowski. Republican leaders have argued that outside attorneys ensure all sides are vigorously represented.

A Wisconsin city is among the happiest cities in America. Finance website WalletHub looked at more than 180 of the largest cities in the US to figure out how location plays a role in the brightness or gloominess of daily lives. The study used several factors to determine the rankings, including income growth, depression rates, and more. Madison was ranked 12th overall in the US, receiving its highest marks in the emotional and well-being category. Milwaukee also made the cut, although it was ranked 153rd on the list.  

Local-Regional News March 13

 

Western Wisconsin is bracing for a possible dangerous winter storm this weekend. The National Weather Services says an intense storm will move out of the plains and into the upper midwest on Saturday. Snow accumulations of 1-2 feet are expected with even higher totals possible in parts of Wisconsin. In addition to the heavy snow, winds gusting as high as 40mph will lead to whiteout conditions and near impossible travel.

The City of Durand has agreed to make a donation to Durand Improvement Group for a fireworks display on July 3^rd. Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren says the donation of $2500 is coming from the room tax. The last fireworks display in Durand was for the 60^th Anniversary of Fun Fest.

Pepin County authorities arrested a man on Wednesday night after a four hour manhunt in the Chippewa River Bottoms. According to the Sheriff’s Department, a property owner notified deputies of an unknown individual, later identified at 39yr old Kyle Smith, on trail camera armed with a rifle. The property owner believed the rifle belonged to them. During the investigation, deputies discovered two other properties west of the Chippewa River Bike Trail had been broken into. Deputies used drones and both K-9 units to search for Smith. He was later arrested at a local Durand business. Smith is facing burglary, trespassing, weapons violations, theft and other charges. Property owners are encouraged to check the Chippewa River Bottom properties and trail cameras for signs of entry or if Smith was on your land.

A longtime area business is moving. The Courier Wedge Newspaper has announced that it is closing its offices in Durand and moving to Wabasha. The move will allow Sundstrom and Company to expand into the building the Wedge currently occupies. The weekly paper will continue to be published. The move is expected to be completed by the end of the month.

An area June Dairy Month breakfast will not be held this year. The Pierce County Dairy Promotions Board recently decided to not hold the dairy breakfast this year. The board cited a lack of volunteers to help with the breakfast. Instead of the breakfast, the board decided to do a number of smaller educational events throughout the year. The first of those events will be on March 21 at UW River Falls University Center with featured speaker Michelle Payn, author of the book Food Bullying and Food Truths from Farm To Table. The event starts at 3pm and admission is free.

A La Crosse woman is facing charges after a Wednesday shooting. Police say that 48-year-old Mary Ann McGuire shot at her husband during a domestic dispute. No one was hurt. McGuire is charged with first-degree recklessly endangering safety and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

A Southeast Minnesota dairy farm has received some recognition. Minnesota Milk Producers Association presented its 2025 Producer of the Year award to Dave and Ann Buck of Bucks Unlimited in Goodhue. Dave and Ann started Bucks Unlimited in 1991 with about 80 cows. Today, the family has more than 1,000 cows. The Minnesota Milk Producers Association said it presents the Producer of the Year award to exceptional dairy farmers who are leaders in agriculture and their community.

Authorities say a man going through a mental health episode grabbed an officer's weapon before he was shot and killed in a Rochester home. The incident happened Wednesday night inside of an apartment in the 19-hundred block of Ashland Drive Northwest. Officers responded to a call to the residence concerning a man experiencing a mental health crisis. The man got into a tussle with officers as they tried to take into custody. He grabbed one officers' gun, and another officer shot the man. The shooting is now being looked into by the state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.

Beaver Creek Reserve in Fall Creek will play host tomorrow to Maple Fest 2026. The event -- formerly known as Maple Syrup Saturday -- is an opportunity for folks to explore the tradition of maple sugaring through tapping, collecting, and boiling down sap into delicious goodness. More details can be found at beavercreekreserve-dot-org.

Families receiving Wisconsin FoodShare assistance may soon be prohibited from using it for soda or candy. The Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee on Wednesday approved a bill which requires the Department of Health Services to seek any necessary waiver from the federal government to prohibit those purchases. Democratic Senator LaTonya Johnson of Milwaukee offered an amendment to provide exceptions, but it was rejected. The bill previously passed in the state Assembly with bipartisan support after it was amended to include a request from Governor Tony Evers to put more state money into the FoodShare program to account for changes the federal government made in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. It passed the committee on an 11-2 vote and is now ready for the state Senate to act.

Seven Wisconsinites are on Forbes' most recent list of the world's richest people. Diane Hendricks is the highest-ranked Wisconsin resident on the annual list of billionaires, with a net worth ⁠of $22.3 billion. Hendricks is co-founder of Beloit-based ABC Supply, a wholesale distributor of roofing supplies, siding and windows. She’s a prominent Republican donor, who over the years has contributed millions to conservative PACs and candidates. Also on the Forbes list this year are Menards founder John Menard, Jr. with a net worth of $19.4 billion and Epic Systems founder ​Judy Faulkner, net worth $7.8 billion. Rounding out list from Wisconsin are James Cargill II, an heir to Cargill Corporation, and three members of the SC Johnson family.

State aid will support Wisconsin’s county forest roads. The administration of Governor Tony Evers is directing more than $328,000 to upgrade nearly 940 miles of county forest roads across 24 rural counties. The investment supports the state’s timber industry, which generates up to $50 million a year and helps sustain 16,000 jobs. Evers says the funding continues his administration’s focus on improving local infrastructure, with more than 9,600 miles of roads and 2,400 bridges upgraded since 2019. County forests also fuel tourism, offering thousands of miles of snowmobile, ATV, biking, and ski trails. State officials say keeping these roads in good shape helps support Wisconsin’s $12‑billion outdoor recreation economy.

Wisconsin Consumer Protection is seeing a rise in fake job listings. Division director Mike Domke says criminals are using third party job posting sites to try and hook people into fake jobs with promises of big money and easy work. "We know scammers don't care about the rules. All they want to do is get in there and get your money and information." One common trick is to "sign you up" for the job and send you a check to pay for supplies from their company website. But that check is fake, and once you cash it, you may have already sent them your own money.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is unveiling a plan to reform the state's Medicaid system following several cases of fraud. He wants to get rid of the role of managed care organizations, which involve private insurers that the state contracts with to manage the benefits for the majority of Medicaid recipients. Walz is also proposing to centralize the Department of Human Services. He is recommending that there will be a shift in the responsibility of eligibility verification from counties to the state level. Walz's plan is getting mixed reviews from Minnesota legislators who will have to vote on the measure. Senate Republicans call the proposal more hype than results. Meanwhile, top Democrats are open to having conversations about a makeover of the system.

The Wisconsin Humane Society is trying to find select dogs forever homes. The organization is currently running a promotion called "Name Your Own Fee" to get Wisconsinites to add a four-legged friend to their family. The selected dogs are known as "Benchwarmers," or animals who have been available for adoption for more than six days to try and "get them back in the game." Those interested can see the available dogs on the Society's website.