Local-Regional News Aug 19

 

The Pepin County Sheriff’s Department has installed three flock cameras in the county. Pepin County Sheriff Joel Wener says a private donation of $10,000 for the next three years paid for the installation of the cameras. While the donation for the cameras was private, Wener says the department did notify the Pepin County Law Enforcement Committee about the cameras.  During last months law enforcement committee meeting some members of the public asked the committee to void the contract with Flock. Wener said he believes the committee will be having more discussions on the cameras at future meetings.

The Durand-Arkansaw School Board is meeting tonight. Items on the agenda include a public hearing on a waiver to start school before September 1^st, 2027, consideration of the Library Lease with the city of Durand, and reports from the superintendent and building administrators. Tonights meeting begins at 6pm in the board room at Durand-Arkansaw High School.

The Tarrant Park Pool in Durand closes on Sunday. Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren says with school starting, staffing becomes an issue.  Those that have extra card punches for the pool can donate them to other families to use before the pool closes on Sunday.

The Mondovi City Council is looking at finishing some landscaping at Mirror Lake Park. Mondovi Mayor Brady Weiss says the landscaping would be around the new Nancy Polzer Pavallion.  The city hopes to get that completed either this fall or next spring.

The Buffalo County Sheriff’s Department is reporting a phone scam. Yesterday, the department received reports of residents receiving calls from an individual claiming to be a member of the department. The department wants to remind residents the department will never ask you for sensitive personal or financial information. If you receive a call or believe you are a target of this scam, you are to call the sheriff’s department directly at 608-685-4433 to verify whether a deputy or dispatch is attempting to contact you.

An Altoona man is free on bond, but facing charges including child porn possession and invasion of privacy. Police sat that 33-year-old Adam Price was found to be in possession of child sex abuse materials and that he also recorded people on video without their consent as they used the bathroom in his home. Reports say Price has admitted to the allegations.

Charges filed against a suspect accused of making threats against a St. Croix County church are being dropped. The Faith Community Church in Hudson received a hoax bomb threat back in April. Bryant Camp was subsequently charged with making terrorist threats and causing a bomb scare. Prosecutors have agreed to drop the charges down the line if Camp continues psychiatric treatment.

Two men are in custody after a Monday night shooting incident in La Crosse. Police say a group of men in a vehicle followed teens in a car with complaints about how the young people were driving. The teens drove to the home of one of their parents and the suspects followed. At the home, two of the men got out of their car and argued with a parent. There was a struggle over a firearm that was in the possession of one of the suspects and the weapon went off. No one was hit. Joseph Bechtel and Brandon Stansell were arrested for recklessly endangering safety.

In La Crosse County on Monday, ground was broken on a new commercial dive training center. The J.F. Brennan Company facility in the Village of French Island will be a first-of-its-kind center and will feature a 25-foot-tall dive tank in addition to space for classroom instruction. Students will learns skills needed for underwater construction, welding, inspection and more.

More cases are being confirmed in the southwestern Wisconsin measles outbreak. The Grant County Health Department says two new cases have been linked to dozens of others in Lafayette and Iowa counties, bringing the number of cases in the area to 36. There are also three probable cases that officials are looking into. Public health leaders are working to identify others who may have been infected from exposure, although no exposure sites have been listed as of yet.

The Wisconsin State Patrol is calling for school bus safety as students prepare to head back to class. State troopers say there were 655 crashes involving school buses across the Badger State last year, an increase from the year before. On top of that, there were more than 13-hundred traffic convictions for drivers who failed to stop for a school bus. A state patrol official told WMTV-15 many drivers are thinking where they need to go, instead of where they are, like a school zone.

Madison's city attorney has determined that the Office of the Independent Police Monitor can't access records related to the police shooting death of Corey Ruiz. The city attorney said the records can't be accessed until the state's investigation is complete. Ruiz was shot and killed by Madison Police Officer Kile Baitinger-Peterson during a struggle with police on July 22nd. City Attorney Michael Haas issued a formal legal opinion on August 15th addressing a subpoena the monitor's office sent to MPD requesting records from the incident. Haas said state law gives priority to the outside investigation being conducted by the Department of Justice's Division of Criminal Investigations.

A bipartisan US House bill could address an immigration status backlog. Eastern Wisconsin Congressman Glenn Grothman and California’s Lou Correa have introduced the PERM Backlog Reduction Act, which they say will reduce costly delays in the Department of Labor's Program Electronic Review Management system. Employers use the PERM system to obtain permanent labor certifications required for certain permanent employment-based immigration petitions. Rep. Grothman explained, “The PERM Backlog Reduction Act provides employers with an optional, self-funded way to receive timely decisions while giving the Department of Labor the resources it needs to reduce backlogs and modernize the system.” More details on the PERM Backlog Reduction Act can be found at Grothman.House.gov.

A vandalized Flock camera hampers investigators in a Lincoln County hit-and-run crash . An unidentified man was hospitalized after being hit by a southbound vehicle along County Road K outside Merrill early Sunday morning. Officers say they were able to collect some evidence at the scene, but won't get any help from a nearby FLOCK camera- it was recently vandalized and not in service at the time of the incident. They're looking for a larger vehicle, possibly a pickup, that has a damaged passenger side rear-view mirror.

A federal judge is rejecting the Trump administration's demand for Minnesota voter data. Judge Katherine Menendez dismissed the Justice Department's lawsuit on Monday. The department sought an unredacted voter list containing birth dates and partial Social Security numbers. Menendez ruled the Civil Rights Act and Help America Vote Act do not authorize the demand. The Justice Department disagrees with the ruling and says it is assessing its next steps.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is looking for volunteers to teach hunting skills across the state. The DNR says becoming a volunteer instructor offers a chance to shape the future of hunting in Wisconsin, gain hands-on teaching experience and work with DNR staff. Volunteer opportunities are available statewide for instructors of all experience levels. Volunteer opportunities include Outdoor Skills programs, which teach specific skills like shooting basics, processing deer, dog training and cooking wild game. The Learn to Hunt Program allows volunteers to host educational mentored hunts outside of the normal hunting season.

Local-Regional News Aug 18

 

A Durand man was arrested last month in connection with vandalism to flag displays in the city. 32Yr old Austin Novak of Durand was arrested on July 31^st after the Pepin County Sheriff’s Department received reports of a man tearing down America Flags from multiple locations in the City of Durand. According to the criminal complaint officers talked with a witness who saw a man tearing down a flag at the Dairy Queen and was able to get a picture of the man on their phone. The witness also said the man ripped the mini flags at the corner of Hwy 10-85. Dairy Queen also submitted surveillance footage of the man tearing down the flag. Officers also found two broken flag poles and torn flags on Main Street near 3^rd and 4^th Ave East. After an investigation, officers located Novak at his apartment on Main Street. Novak said he was just “expressing himself” and was arrested. He has been charged with 2 counts of Criminal Damage To Property and one county of Disorderly Conduct. He is currently released on a $350 cash bond and will have his next court appearance on September 15^th.

As the City of Durand prepares for the 2027 budget, heath insurance costs may be higher. Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren says the city was notified health insurance costs could rise between 12-15%.  The city will begin working on the next budget starting in September and October.

The Dunn County Sheriff’s Department is reporting a phone scam involving the families of inmates at the Dunn County Jail. The caller identifies themselves as a Dunn County Correctional Officer or Deputy and they request funds for either a cash bond or electronic monitoring so the family member can be released. This is a scam. The sheriff’s department believes the scammers are using data from outside websites to obtain incarcerated individuals information. If you receive a call like this, hang up and do not give out any personal information.

The City of Menomonie is extending its irrigation ban until the end of October. The ban was first put into place last month when the city's water supply began running low. The supply has been replenished, but leaders want to make sure they don't invite the previous problem to return. The ban applies to automatic sprinkler systems and not to resident who water their lawns and gardens manually.

Motorists in Buffalo County are reminded that Hwy B from Hwy 37 to Hwy 88 is closed to all traffic for a re-construction project. The reconstruction is expected to continue through the rest of the summer. The highway department will also begin seal coating projects on parts of Hwy C, F, X, XX and Z from Aug 24-26^th. Motorists should plan accordingly and expect possible delays during that seal coating.

Buffalo County Residents that haven't applied for aid after this April's floods, you still have a little time. Wisconsin Emergency Management spokesperson Katie Rousonelos (ROO so nel OUS) says FEMA will close their application process at the end of August. Officials from either organization will look over your application and may send someone to inspect any damage if it hasn't been repaired already. If that's the case, make sure you have receipts to show what work was done. You can apply online at Disaster Assistance dot Gov. Over 60 million dollars has been distributed to Wisconsin businesses and residents so far.

Gas prices are trending higher this week in Western Wisconsin. Triple-A reports the average price of regular fuel in Western Wisconsin was now three-95 per gallon -- 13 cents-per-gallon higher than the price one week ago. The average cost of a gallon of regular fuel in the State of Wisconsin is now three-89 per gallon -- five cents more than it was last week.

The Universities of Wisconsin are pledging a four-year tuition freeze for the 2027 thru 2029 school years. The pledge is contingent on the state agreeing to invest 190-million dollars to support the cost of the proposal. The Universities of Wisconsin system includes 13 public universities across the state.

More than a dozen Minnesota communities are rethinking their use of Flock cameras. Cameras have been vandalized in at least seven communities. Sherburne County, North Branch, Winona and Duluth are the latest to end or suspend their programs. Five other jurisdictions previously ended or paused their use of the technology. Officials cite costs, possible abuse, state-law compliance and concerns about public trust.

Data center debate continues in Wisconsin Rapids where Mayor Matt Zacher (zacker) says city staff are working on a 12-month moratorium on new developments. However that won't stop an application from PNK Industries for a 150 megawatt hyperscale data center. "We don't want the city getting sued if at all possible, so we have to figure out the best way forward.” Zacher says he’s trying to be as front-facing as possible through his weekly chats at the city library, which have at times turned heated. The La Crosse City council last week approved a temporary block on any data centers entering the community, joining a growing list of local governments hitting the pause button. AI data center developments also look to be a major issue in the race for governor.

Tech company Oracle abruptly drops its legal challenge to data center utility rate changes. The company filed a complaint in June after the Wisconsin Public Service Commission approved a plan requiring data centers to post cash or property as assurance each month they are in service if their bond rating drops below an A minus. The company argued that could cost Oracle over 100 million dollars a year. But on Monday, Oracle dropped the complaint with little statement. S and P Global Ratings, a business credit agency, has rated Oracle at a B B B minus, its lowest rating for any company it recommends investment in.

Doctors are raising concerns about new childhood vaccine recommendations from the Trump administration. UW Health Immunization Program Medical Director Dr. Jim Conway says the changes could create confusion for parents heading into the school year and add to declining trust in public health. He says families should rely on healthcare providers and established medical organizations for vaccine information, rather than social media. Last week, President Trump signed an executive order recommending the M-M-R vaccine be given as three separate shots.

Watch out for fake AI images and videos online. Lisa Schiller with the Better Business Bureau of Wisconsin says criminals are increasingly using AI technology to confuse victims. Scammers have been using AI to mimic loved ones over the phone to creating entirely phony products online and even selling fake timeshares to people. The number of scams reported to the BBB jumped by 238 compared to last year, with victims losing on average over 55-hundred dollars. Schiller says, as always, keep a skeptical mind when people start asking you for money over the phone or social media.

Bonus antlerless deer tags are on sale for the fall hunt in Wisconsin. Tags are available through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Go Wild system. Sales are staggered by management zone during the first three days, with all remaining authorizations available statewide beginning August 20th. Hunters logging into Go Wild will be randomly assigned a place in a virtual queue. Hunters should know their deer management unit and whether they'll hunt on public or private land before purchasing. Bonus tags cost $12 for residents and are available until sold out.

Wisconsin's capital city is among the better places for pets to live. Finance website WalletHub recently ranked the 100 biggest cities in the U.S. based on nearly two dozen metrics and ranked them based on pet friendliness. That includes health and wellness and access to the outdoors. Madison ranked 47th in the country and received its highest praise in the health and outdoor categories. Milwaukee was ranked much lower in the study, coming in at 98th overall.

Local-Regional News Aug 17

 

The Durand Fire District has received a grant to upgrade their radios. Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren, who attended the last meeting of the District says the grant is an 80-20 grant.  Milliren informed the city council of the grant during the Mayor’s report at last weeks council meeting.

The Mondovi City Council has approved the purchase of some predator decoys to help control the geese. Mondovi Mayor Brady Weiss says the decoys are similar to some decoys he is currently using.  The city has also approved a goose hunt in the city in September.

Alma residents could see higher water rates. The City of Alma has applied with the Wisconsin Public Services Commission to raise water rates by nearly 104%. The two part proposal would have a rate increase to cover the cost of water plant equipment and increased operating costs since the last rate increase in 2017. The city would also like to have fire protection removed from property taxes and put on water bills. A public hearing on the proposal will be held September 2^nd at 2pm via zoom and written comments can be submitted at the Public Services Commission website.

In Dunn County, traffic came to a stop for a time Saturday on I-94 when a trailer came unhinged from a semi-cab. The driver was heading eastbound when -- around 2 p.m. -- the trailer detached, rolled across a median and came to a stop on its side on westbound 94. Traffic was stopped for two hours while crews removed the trailer. No one was hurt.

A suspect is in custody following a Friday home invasion in Chippewa County. Bloomer Police say video shows a suspect entering a home through a broken glass door and carrying a scoped long rifle. Residents of the home escaped the scene. The suspect was arrested Saturday in Rusk County.

More questions have emerged about a state Senate candidate in western Wisconsin. Voting records show Michele Magadance Skinner has voted in both Wisconsin and Georgia in recent years. She's a Republican Eau Claire County supervisor who is challenging incumbent Democrat Jeff Smith in the 31st state Senate District. The State Journal reports online voting records showed Skinner voted absentee in Wisconsin in the November 2020 election and 2 weeks later, she registered to vote in Georgia using her family's lake house as her address and voted in a high stakes federal run off election for US Senate in Georgia in January of 2021. Skinner last year also reportedly claimed primary residence in both Wisconsin and Georgia.

The City of Red Wing has opened a new bike trail. The trail runs from He Mni Can-Barn Bluff and Colville Park. The new segment of the Riverfront Tail has been worked on for the last 10yrs and was funded by private donations and federal grants. A grand opening for the new trail is planed in the next few months.

Pace International is turning tariff refunds into bonuses for its employees. The company received 120-thousand dollars for tariffs the U.S. Supreme Court ruled illegal. Pace gave one-thousand-dollar bonuses to most of its 100 employees on July 22nd. New hires also received bonuses, although the company did not disclose their amounts. Company leaders say employees earned the money by helping Pace adapt to changes in its technology business.

A new poll shows Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley with an early lead in the Wisconsin governor's race. The Badger Battleground Poll of 500 likely November voters shows the Democrat with 48 percent of the vote, compared to Republican Congressman Tom Tiffany's 44 percent. The survey also showed Crowley being favored by Independents and college grads and having a favorability rating of 43 percent. Tiffany's favorability rating was 38 percent.

Wisconsin is receiving more than 140-million-dollars in federal funding for rail improvements. The state DOT will receive the funds to overhaul up to 41 Charger locomotives serving Amtrak routes in the Midwest and Pacific Northwest. Amtrak's Hiawatha line between Milwaukee and Chicago will also receive new trainsets to help meet growing demand. The award comes as part of a nearly five-and-a-half-billion-dollar federal investment aimed at improving rail safety, upgrading infrastructure, and reducing delays nationwide.

Over 160-thousand dollars in fake checks were used at businesses in Dane County. Police said a father-son duo were caught using them to buy luxury cars at a Madison dealership. Police released a photo of what one of the checks looked like and are encouraging businesses who received similar checks to call the MPD non-emergency line. Employees at Trust N Ride Auto Sales & Repairs reported the situation to police last month after the suspects tried to buy their third BMW in three days using checks. Officers arrested a 33-year-old man and his 18-year-old son.

Drought conditions continue this week across Minnesota and Wisconsin. The latest update from the U.S. Drought Monitor released on Thursday shows that more than 90 percent of Wisconsin and 88-percent of Minnesota is seeing some type of drought conditions. Most of Western Wisconsin is experiencing moderate drought conditions, while Northwest Wisconsin and Eastern and northeastern portions of Minnesota are seeing the worst conditions, where severe drought is present.

Too many recreational vehicle users are not heeding the message when it comes to safety. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources off-highway vehicle administrator Lieutenant Jacob Holsclaw says that includes using seatbelts and wearing helmets for UTV riders. Failure to use helmets and seatbelts are the primary causes of Wisconsin’s worst in the nation 29 fatal ATV/UTV incidents so far in 2026. Records show 13 fatalities involved ATVs and 16 involved UTVs, with the top three types of fatal crashes being rollovers, collision with a motor vehicle and ejections.

More land added to Wisconsin's most popular state park. The Natural Resources Board unanimously approved addition of 37 acres of land to Devil's Lake State Park. The new addition is the one of the last sections of private land still inside the park borders. The addition will allow the state to create public access to the park through Tower Road on the east side of the property.

Madison's Capitol Square joins other must-see Wisconsin attractions The Wisconsin State Capitol and Capitol Square are named a "Wonder of Wisconsin" by Travel Wisconsin and Governor Tony Evers. The designation highlights both the historic Capitol building and the surrounding square, home to popular events like the Dane County Farmers' Market, Concerts on the Square, and Taste of Madison. The Capitol's architecture, history, and panoramic views make it a standout attraction. The Capitol joins 11 other Wisconsin landmarks on the Wonders of Wisconsin list, including Devil's Lake, the Apostle Islands, and Lambeau Field.

Local-Regional News Aug 14

 

The Durand City Council approved a resolution authorizing the issuance and sale of $549,000 in Sewer and Water Revenue Bonds. Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren says the money is coming from the State of Wisconsin Clean Water program.  The water filtration plant project should be completed by this fall.

The City of Mondovi will be allowing goose hunting within the city limits again this fall. Mondovi Mayor Brady Weiss says the hunt is an effective way to control the goose population in the city.  Hunters must be licensed and follow all WI hunting regulations. Hunters also need to register with the city at city hall.

The Plum City School District is looking at expanding its Little Blues Program. The program currently offers care for kids 2 ½ to 13yrs old before and after school. The program is considering expanding to offer services to children younger than 2/12 yrs old. The School District is asking for the community to fill out a survey to determine the need for care and what ages. Plum City School District residents can find the survey at the Plum City School District Facebook Page.

The Buffalo-Pepin County ADRC is once again offering a Stepping On Class. The 7 week class helps elderly adults avoid falls and stay independent. Studies show that the class can reduce falls by 31 percent. The class will start on October 6^th at Emplify Health in Mondovi. Call the Buffalo-Pepin County ADRC at 866-578-2372 or visit their facebook page to register.

The City of Menomonie is considering extending the lawn watering ban in the city. Currently the city has a ban in place until August 18 due to the low water levels the city water system is facing. A proposal to extend that ban until October 31^st.   The Menomonie City Council is expected to discuss the proposal on Monday.

One person was injured in a motocycle vs car accident in Wanamingo Township on Wednesday. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, 35yr old Phillip Carl Breidall of Goodhue was traveling southbound on Hwy 57 when a northbound vehicle turned onto the Hwy 52 ramp and the two vehicles collided. Breidall was taken to St. Mary’s Hospital with life-threatening injuries. The other driver was not hurt.

The City of Eau Claire's City Council approved new ordinances during Tuesday's meeting. The city council approved a proposed ordinance that modernizes their compositing rules, expanding safe opportunities for residential and community compositing, and divert organic waste from local landfills. It's set to take effect on January 1st. Meanwhile, the council also approved a one-point-three-million dollar construction contract for the next round of Carson Park upgrades. The plans includes construction of a new bathroom and retail space behind the first base bleachers, with work expected to begin in a couple of weeks and finished before the start of next season.

La Crosse Common Council is approving an 18-month moratorium on the development of data centers in the city. Such centers have generated concerns regarding things like energy demands, economic and health impacts and safety. La Crosse County approved a similar moratorium in June.

More measles cases are being confirmed in southwestern Wisconsin. The Department of Health Services says there are now 15 confirmed cases in Iowa and Lafayette counties, while there are also six probable cases. This after there were just two cases as of Tuesday, and officials believe there are more active cases in the community. No hospitalizations have been reported so far with this outbreak, and no exposure locations have been mentioned.

A Wisconsin Rapids lawmaker wants to know what caused a delay in voting results in Milwaukee. Election officials say results were delayed because of some missing USB sticks, with five of the nine flash drives needing to be re-downloaded because of human error. More specifically, it was described as the wrong button being pressed. State Rep. Scott Krug called for further explanation of the matter, saying he plans to ask for a detailed report from election leaders in Milwaukee.

The last dogs at Ridglan Farms are now out of the facility. Big Dog Ranch Rescue says the final 155 dogs were released from Blue Mounds, most of which being puppies believed to be just a few months old. This departure marks the end of a mission by rescue groups to have all dogs leave Ridglan Farms, a mission that began back in April. Big Dog Ranch Rescue mentioned it has rescued more than 21-hundred beagles from the facility to date.

AI-powered scams are surging in Wisconsin and costing victims far more money. The Better Business Bureau reports that from January through July, reports of AI-related scams jumped 238% compared to the same period last year. The average loss climbed from about $778 to more than $5500. The BBB says scammers are using AI tools like voice cloning, deepfake videos and fake investment platforms to appear legitimate. Officials urge consumers to verify claims independently and avoid sharing personal or financial information with unexpected contacts.

One person is dead and others are injured after a two-vehicle crash in Wood County. Authorities received a report of the incident Wednesday night. An initial investigation shows a vehicle traveling at a high speed didn't stop at a stop sign and hit a pickup truck that was hauling a horse trailer. The driver of the car, 16-year-old Jacob Stoflet, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead Thursday. The three occupants from the pickup truck were taken to the hospital, and the incident is under investigation.

Post-primary questions about Wisconsin’s premier political poll. Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley narrowly defeated high-polling Francesca Hong in Tuesday night's Democratic primary for governor. Marquette Poll Director Charles Franklin says they correctly placed Hong's support at around 39 percent, while the 34 percent of undecideds in the final poll prior to Election Day broke strongly for Crowley. Franklin also points to unprecedented turnout for a primary. More than 790-thousand Democrats cast a ballot, eclipsing the 640-thousand in the 2024 US Senate primary.

The Interstate 94 project in Milwaukee may not be finished until 2035. That's according to a new report from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, which noted the relocations of utilities could cause the project to be delayed by two years. The Journal Sentinel reports there's also a new cost estimate for the project that climbs above one-point-seven-billion dollars, a nearly four percent increase from February's estimate. DOT officials noted the delay is not certain and several factors play into the project timeline.

The Wisconsin State Fair's Blue Ribbon Livestock Auction raised more than $405,000 this year. The auction supports young exhibitors and youth programs across the state. Foundation President Jenny Gehl says the excitement at the event is unlike anything else. The auction featured 38 animals and generated funding for scholarships, youth grants, and exhibitor recognition programs.

Local-Regional News Aug 13

The City of Durand has approved a new revised lease with the Durand-Arkansaw School District. Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren says the revised lease is due to the library using less space.  The new lease will keep the rent at $21,500 a year for the next three years with no increase in the rent.

Area Firefighters, EMS, Police, Healthcare workers, and others are participating in Crisis Intervention Training in Durand today. Shannon Grendzinski, Master Level Service Coordinator for Pepin County Human Services, says the training is an evidence-based training to assist those responding to someone experiencing a mental health crisis.   Grendzinski hopes to have the training on a bi-annual basis.

The four corners in Downtown Mondovi is currently a four-way stop; could that change to a controlled intersection? Mondovi Mayor Brady Weiss says with the upcoming Hwy 37 and Hwy 10 projects, that has been discussed with the State of Wisconsin.  So far, the DOT has no plans to install traffic lights at that intersection.

A man convicted in a 2024 fatal shooting in Trempealeau County is learning his fate. Investigators say that Whitehall resident Todd Gieck shot the victim -- Ettrick resident Kyle Dahl -- along Highway 53 in the Town of Gale. Dahl was found in his crashed vehicle and later died at a local hospital. Gieck was found guilty earlier this year on charges including reckless homicide and has been sentenced to 40 years in prison.

One person is dead after a Wednesday morning collision in St. Croix County. The accident involving two pickup trucks and happened shortly after 7 a.m. on I-94. Authorities say the driver of a Chevy Silverado hit a Chevy Colorado, forcing both off the road. The Colorado struck a number of trees and its driver died at the scene. The accident is under investigation.

Prison time for a Tomah man convicted on charges stemming from a 2023 overdose death. Monroe County prosecutors say Nicholas Hage sold meth and fentanyl to a man who later suffered a fatal overdose. Hage pleaded no contest to a charge of reckless homicide for delivering drugs and has been sentenced to eight years in prison.

Winona police are declining to replace the eight Flock cameras that were cut down or stolen. The department says the technology contributed to growing community concerns about trust in policing. The cameras disappeared from four locations between July 29th and August 1st. Police say the system helped solve crimes and locate people in crisis, with no known instances of misuse. The theft investigation continues and police say future technology decisions will include public input.

The UW System could make new investments to boost Wisconsin's workforce and business growth. The Tech for Tomorrow and Accelerate Wisconsin initiatives are part of the Universities of Wisconsin proposed 2027-29 budget. The plan would help create 300,000 career-ready workers, upskill one million employees, and support the launch of 2,500 new businesses over the next decade. Leaders say the proposals would speed new technologies from campus research labs to the marketplace while helping entrepreneurs expand their businesses. The UW Board of Regents is expected to vote on the full budget proposal next week.

Lightning strikes are the culprit for several fires in southern Wisconsin. Strong storms hit on Tuesday morning. In Dane County, lightning sparked a fire at a home in the town of Oregon, causing 400 thousand dollars in damage. Later in the morning, a residence in Fitchburg, which borders Madison's south side, was hit, resulting in a fire that displaced residents. Southwest of Madison, 3 fires were reported in Iowa County, in the Dodgeville and Hollandale areas, with 2 of them confirmed to have started from a lightning strike. No injuries have been reported.

Construction crews are set to break ground on a new senior and veteran housing complex in Rhinelander Wednesday. The development will include 48 apartment homes, including six units reserved for veteran residents. Project backers say it'll help fill a gap in housing options for older adults in the area. The estimated cost is approximately ten-point-six-million dollars. The complex is estimated to be completed by the fall of next years, and applications won't be accepted until the project is near completion.

Three people including a young child are dead after an incident at a Minnesota in-home daycare. Hopkins Police Chief Brent Johnson said two adults and the child were found dead at the scene. The two adults are believed to be the owners of the daycare and the parents of the child who was killed. The adult male is believed to have been the suspect in the incident. It happened yesterday morning at a daycare in Hopkins, just outside of Minneapolis. Other children were inside the daycare and were safely reunited with their families. Police said there is no further threat to the community.

FEMA teams are on scene in the Fox Valley. Federal Emergency Management Agency personnel will work to verify damage from last month's E F 3 tornado that left a trail of destruction through Menasha, Appleton and other areas in the Fox Cities. Governor Tony Evers requested aid from FEMA last week, and once this initial survey is complete, there will be a clearer indication on how much federal assistance might be coming.

Wisconsin has the second highest “brain drain” of adult college graduates leaving for other states, according to a new report from the Wisconsin Policy Forum. Almost 60% of Wisconsin-born adults in their 30s and now living in another state have a bachelor's or advanced degree, compared to only about 45% of those born in a different state and now living in Wisconsin. That gap is the second highest among the 50 states, behind only North Dokota.

One study is revealing the top states to live in. WalletHub based its ranking of all 50 states on 51 key metrics, including health care and location, income, and homeownership rates. Idaho took the top spot for its low real estate tax rate and highest median income growth in the country. New Jersey took the second spot for its location to economic hubs and highly rated healthcare while Wisconsin made up the top three for its affordable housing. Massachusetts and New Hampshire round out the top five on the list. 

Local-Regional News Aug 12

 

A November rematch is set in Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District. Rebecca Cooke’s win in the Democratic primary means she’ll face Representative Derrick Van Orden in the general election. It’s Cooke's third attempt at the seat. She lost in the 2022 Democratic primary and then to Van Orden in the 2024 general election. The small small business owner and nonprofit leader defeated former Eau Claire City Council president Emily Berge.

The Durand City Council is meeting tonight. Items on the Agenda include discussion and possible action on an updated library lease with the Durand-Arkansaw School District, a resolution to authorize the issuance and sale of up to $549,000 in Sewer and Water System Revenue Bonds, and reports from the Mayor and Department Heads. Tonights meeting begins at 6pm at Durand City Hall.

Sheriff Eric Koxlein won the republican primary race for Trempleau County Sheriff and will be the presumptive winner of the general election as no Democrat ran in the race. Meanwhile in Chippewa County, Travis Hakes defeated Mark Hollister in the republican primary for sheriff and because no Democrat is running in November Hakes is the presumptive winner of the general election.

The City of Mondovi will review a request from the Buffalo County Trail Riders Association to expand the operating hours for ATV’s and UTV’s in the city. Mondovi Mayor Brady Weiss says the group would like to see the hours expanded to 24 hours a day in the city. The Trail Riders Association is also planning on asking the Buffalo County Board to expand operating hours in the county to 24-7.

A woman and her adult son were arrested in Eau Claire this week after an overnight standoff with police. According to reports, 57-year-old Kari Nittmann and 33-year-old Zane Nittmann threatened a young boy who rode past their home on an e-bike and sicced a dog on the child. Police responded to the scene and engaged in a standoff with the two that ended when they reportedly tried to sneak out the back of the home and drive away. Police disabled the vehicle and arrested them.

An Eau Claire man is facing charges after a recent arrest in an undercover sex sting operation. Authorities in Trempealeau County say that 19-year-old Joseph Farris connected online with an undercover officer who was posing as an underage boy and arranged to meet him for sex. Farris was arrested last week when he showed up for a meet-up last week in Osseo. He is charged with using a computer to facilitate a child sex crime.

A deadly crash that happened back in May on I-94 in Monroe County is resulting in charges for a Warrens woman. Investigators say that 21-year-old motorist Lacey Georgeson was speeding when she rear-ended a pickup truck. Both vehicles went off the interstate and the driver of the pickup suffered fatal injuries. Georgeson now faces charges that include homicide by intoxicated use of vehicle.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Iowa County Health Department, and Lafayette County Health Department report the third and fourth cases of measles confirmed in Wisconsin so far in 2026, in residents of Iowa and Lafayette counties. According to DHS neither case is related to any previously confirmed cases and both are believed to have been exposed in Wisconsin, suggesting there may be additional measles cases in communities that have not yet been identified. The investigation is ongoing and public health officials are working to identify and notify people who may have been exposed to the virus. Measles is highly contagious and can cause serious health complications. There’s more information on the DHS website.

Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan is defeating Representative Angie Craig in the Democratic Senate primary. Flanagan ran as an unabashed progressive who criticized corporate influence in politics to defeat the better-funded moderate Craig. Flanagan supports Medicare for All and refused corporate PAC money. Flanagan will face Republican nominee Michele Tafoya in November.

Wisconsin insurance regulators are urging consumers to do their homework before signing up for alternative health coverage plans. Sarah Smith with the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance says many of those plans are not comprehensive health insurance and may offer only limited benefits. She advises shoppers to carefully review coverage, exclusions, and benefits before enrolling. Regulators also warn consumers to avoid unsolicited online offers and scammers, and to use the official federal marketplace at Healthcare.gov when shopping for coverage.

A woman was arrested on a flight that diverted to Milwaukee this weekend. The United Airlines flight from Tampa to Chicago had to divert to Milwaukee Mitchell Airport due to bad weather Sunday night. W I S N TV reports deputies were called to the plane because a woman was threatening to leave the parked plane while it was on the runway. The 44-year-old woman was taken off the plane in handcuffs and cited for disorderly conduct. United says it provided reimbursements for everyone on board and got them on the next flight to Chicago on Monday.

A Madison Airbnb owner accused of planting secret cameras on his properties takes a plea deal in his case. Online court records show 43-year-old Patrick Sias pleaded no contest on Monday to 8 charges of invasion of privacy. Sias was accused of installing peephole cameras in the bathrooms of a rental property, which had their own charging ports and storage devices. The cameras were discovered by a group of women attending a bachelorette party in July of 2025. The plea means he accepts the charges without admitting guilt. He'll face up to 3 years in prison on the most serious charges.

Avoid ash trees when putting up tree stands this season. As hunters start scouting for the fall deer season, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources says dead and dying ash trees can be dangerous places for tree stands. Officials say emerald ash borer infestations have now been confirmed in all 72 counties, weakening trees and making them more likely to snap or drop large branches. Hunters are urged to use other tree species, wear a full-body safety harness and stay alert around ash trees, especially on windy days.

Wisconsin Consumer Protection is tracking price-gouging in wake of the Fox Cities tornado. Governor Tony Evers last week said the state will be vigorously enforcing the price-gouging laws, after reports that prices for goods and services had spiked following the tornado that tore through Menasha. Wisconsin defines price gouging as raising the price by more than 15 percent following a disaster. Anyone with concerns over pricing should contact DATCP at D A T C P dot WI dot Gov, or by calling 800-422-7128.

Watch out for shady reviews online. Lisa Schiller with the Better Business Bureau says it's easy to post an online review, but there's definitely signs it might be phony. "If a reviewer has a very common or a generic name, you know, like John Smith or, you know, Anne Doe, something like that, you've spotted a red flag." Other things to look out for is a large number of reviews all made at the same time, or reviews that repeat words or phrases from other reviews. If you're seeing a lot of bots in the comments, it's a sign to find another item. 

Local-Regional News Aug 11

 

The Mondovi City Council is meeting tonight. Items on the agenda include discussion and possible action on ATV/UTV operating hours within the city limits, goose control on Mirror Lake, and the council will go into closed session to confer with legal counsel on possible litigation the city may become involved in. Tonights meeting begins at 5:30 at Mondovi City Hall.

Elmwood residents could see an increase in water rates. The Village has submitted a proposal to the Public Service Commission to raise water rates by 36% to help the water utility keep pace with increasing capital investment and operating costs. The increase would increase an average water bill by $8.51. If the rate increase is approved by the PSC, it would take effect in early 2027.

One person has been arrested after an undercover operation in Trempealeau County. According to the Trempealeau County Sheriffs Department, Operation Osseo Traveler focused on identifying individuals who used online platforms to arrange sexual encounters with children. Investigators posed as minors in online conversations and those who took steps toward meeting a child for sexual purposes were arrested. The name of the person arrested has not been released. The operation was done in conjunction with the Wisconsin Department of Justice and the Oneida County Sheriff’s Department.

A Blair woman is in custody after a rollover crash in Trempealeau County. Crews were called just before 5 p.m. Saturday in the Town of Preston. Investigators say 20-year-old Cassandra Sagero was speeding when she drove off the road and into a ditch, causing the vehicle to roll over. She was arrested on suspicion of OWI and resisting an officer.

Gas prices are falling in Western Wisconsin. Triple-A reports the average price of regular fuel in Eau Claire this week is now three-82 per gallon -- down nine-cents-per-gallon from just one week ago. The average cost of a gallon of regular fuel in the Badger State is now three-84 per gallon -- a drop of eleven-cents per gallon from the price seven days prior.

The Buffalo County Health and Human Services Department is announcing registration is now open for a no-cost laptop event on September 15. The event, organized by Techquity Wisconsin and the Great Rivers United Way will offer no-cost laptops, and how to guides to individuals and families in need. The event will be held at the Alma Library and registration is required. For more information contact the Buffalo County Health and Human Services Department.

An animal rescue is reporting results of a weekend surrender event. J and R Aquatic Animal Rescue took in exotic pets that folks felt they were no longer able to care for at a weekend event in Cadott. Thirty animals were turned in at the Cadott Community Library and are now receiving proper care.

Wisconsin voters head to the polls today to cast ballots in primary elections. Voters will be choosing nominees for governor, congress and statewide offices. Many counties will be choosing nominees for sheriff and will be deciding other contests, as well. Polling hours today are 7 a.m. until 8 p.m.

A major investment to train more health care workers in Wisconsin. Universities of Wisconsin Interim President Renée Wachter unveiled a plan to train 35,000 new health care professionals over the next decade. The proposed Healthy Wisconsin plan is the first major piece of the UW System's 2026-27 budget request and would invest $90 million across the state's 13 public universities. Wachter says the goal is to strengthen the health care workforce pipeline and improve access to care statewide as providers face ongoing staffing shortages.

Brookfield police are explaining why officers stopped the wrong vehicle at gunpoint after a Flock camera flagged it in connection with a Milwaukee homicide. The stop happened on I-94 in Waukesha County before officers contacted Milwaukee police. MPD says staff failed to remove a wanted vehicle alert from the system, leaving it active after the vehicle and occupants were no longer needed. Brookfield Police Chief Christopher Garcia says his officers acted consistently with the information available at the time.

The last beagles will be leaving a Dane County research farm this week. Blue Mounds-based Ridglan Farms will be transferring the last 155 animals on its property to Big Dog Rescue Ranch this week, which will effectively shut down the facility. Ridglan has been a target of animal rights groups for decades for the medical and chemical testing performed on the beagles in the facility and the breeding programs on site. The facility gave up its license to operate voluntarily this summer rather than face felony animal abuse charges.

PETA is asking federal regulators to investigate two incidents involving monkeys at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The animal rights group sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture alleging one monkey required a forearm amputation after being attacked through an adjacent food opening. PETA says another monkey suffered severe oral injuries after workers left interlocking doors unsecured, allowing neighboring animals to fight. The group says the USDA has cited the university for eight animal welfare violations since 2024. UW-Madison says it complies with federal inspections, reports incidents, and corrects problems.

A Neillsville man is in custody after causing a disturbance at a local car dealership. Officials say David Schutz entered Gross Motors around 9 a.m. Monday and began threatening and spitting at employees. Staff asked him to leave, but he refused. Police learned Schutz had worked at the dealership for a short time in 2017 before he was fired. He was arrested for disorderly conduct and trespassing.

Minnesota-based Target is being affected by a major recall related to salmonella contamination. Taylor Farms is recalling food items containing jalapenos. It comes after the California-based company pulled lettuce linked to the ongoing cyclospora outbreak. Taylor Farms said the recalled products include salsas and guacamole, sold at major outlets including Target and Walmart. The products can be returned to stores for a full refund.

Do what you can to limit the amount of data you're handing out to businesses and services. UW-Madison information researcher Dorothea Salo says given the amount of data breaches that happen regularly now it's wise to be skeptical of what info a company wants from you. "You can ask, why do you need this information?" Keep a robust ad blocker on your computer and devices, since bad online ads are the number one source of malware on the internet. Salo says it's also a great idea to freeze your credit as soon as possible and keep it frozen until you need to take out a loan or complete a major purchase.