Local-Regional News May 5

 

The state’s Department of Public Instruction announces a major new investment in literacy coaches. DPI will place literacy coaches in Durand-Arkansaw, Glenwood City, Osseo Fairchild, Arcadia and 46 other public schools and four private schools over the next two years under Wisconsin Act 20. The effort is supported by more than nine million dollars approved by the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Finance. Schools were selected through a competitive process based on third-grade reading needs, geographic balance, and readiness to support the program. Coaches will work directly with teachers to strengthen instruction, build school-wide literacy systems, and boost the number of students reading at grade level by the end of third grade.

Gas prices continue to spike in Western Wisconsin. Triple-A reports the average price of regular fuel in Western Wisconsin is now $4.26 gallon -- 34-cents more per gallon over the price one week ago. In La Crosse, the average cost of a gallon of regular fuel is three-97 per gallon -- 20-cents more compared to one week ago. The average cost of a gallon of regular fuel in the Badger State is four-37 per gallon.

With the cold weather this week, it may be some time before the water is turned on at Durand Parks. Durand Public Works Superintendent Matt Gillis says the department will begin the process of opening up the Tarrant Park Pool later this month.  The company that built the pool will also be helping the city re-open the pool for the upcoming summer season.

A Western Wisconsin College is in the running for a $1 million award. The Aspen Institute named CVTC one of 25 semifinalists for its 2027 “Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence.”  The colleges are from across the country and a panel of experts will narrow the pool down to 10 finalists. Those are expected to be announced next month.

One person is dead after an officer involved shooting in Eau Claire County. According to the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, deputies responded to an accident at Hwy 12 and North Crossing on Monday. One person ran from the accident and deputies pursued and found the person near Lyle Lane. At that point the person pulled out a knife and a deputy shot them. The person died at the scene. The deputy involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative assignment. The shooting is under investigation.

The trial of a man shot by Eau Claire Police in 2022 is over. Police responded to Clayton Livingston's home after a neighbor accused him of pointing a gun at his house. Responding officers say Livingston also pointed a gun at them. Two officers shot and injured the suspect whose case was heard by a jury in recent days. Livingston has been convicted on charges of recklessly endangering safety and possession of a firearm while intoxicated. He will be sentenced at a later date.

Burn permits are being suspended across Wisconsin as fire danger remains very high. Despite record flooding across parts of the state, the Department of Natural Resources says there hasn't been enough consistent rain to get things green. Combine that with gusty winds and low humidity and you've got a recipe for wild fires. You're being asked to hold off on burning brush piles or making campfires, and to avoid using equipment that could cause sparks like chainsaws or off road vehicles. The fire danger is considered moderate in Pepin, Pierce, Dunn and Buffalo Counties and very high in Eau Claire and Chippewa Counties.

A new digital passport is giving travelers a different way to explore Wisconsin this summer. The Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association is launching its new Destinations Pass during National Travel and Tourism Week, encouraging people to turn road trips into something more interactive. The free digital passport runs from May through September and connects visitors with farms, markets and local attractions across the state. The passport does not require an app. Users sign up online and receive it by text or email. Checking in at destinations earns points and prizes throughout the summer.

The owner of Minocqua Brewing is getting into the race for Wisconsin governor. Kirk Bangstad announced Saturday he was launching a campaign for the post, but the Journal Sentinel reports he hadn't filed paperwork as of that day. The Democrat's announcement comes after he was interviewed by federal authorities for a social media post he made concerning the gunman who tried to enter an event attended by President Trump. In his remarks Saturday, Bangstad argued he's been called "the Trump of the left," but claimed he's smarter and has the "showmanship aspect."

The first group of Ridglan Farms beagles are out of Wisconsin. A plane carrying more than a dozen dogs was seen departing the Badger State en route to New Jersey. Dozens of others were taken by vehicle to New York, and all will be placed in no-kill shelters as they wait to be adopted. This after the Blue Mounds research facility and animal advocacy groups announced last week the purchase of the majority of Ridglan Farms' dogs. Officials told WKOW sick and worn out dogs were prioritized for the plane ride.

Employers that go above and beyond for veterans are being sought by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. During National Military Appreciation Month, DWD is inviting businesses to apply for its Vets Ready Employer Initiative. The designation recognizes employers that prioritize hiring and retaining veterans, build strong support systems, and stay connected to the veteran community. Applications are open now through July 31st, with winners to be announced on Veterans Day in November. Employers can earn gold or silver status across small, medium, and large business categories. Last year, a record 25 Wisconsin employers received the Vets Ready designation.

A piece of dynamite believed to be around a hundred years old is found in Waupaca County last week. The resident who turned in the explosive on Friday told sheriff’s deputies that it was possibly from the 1920s and was in poor condition. The sheriff’s office kept an eye on it until the Brown and Outagamie County Bomb Squad arrived to collect the dynamite and move it to a safe location where it was detonated.

U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar is unveiling an anti-fraud plan as she runs for governor. Klobuchar announced her plan to reduce fraud while speeding up business permitting, state services, and homebuilding. This comes as she works to distinguish herself from Tim Walz, who ended his bid for re-election amid numerous allegations of fraud. Klobuchar said she would have done things differently from Walz. She also said her experience prosecuting crime as Hennepin County Attorney would help in addressing fraud.

The City of Eau Claire is encouraging residents to take part in the No Mow May effort. The idea behind No Mow May is to ask people not to cut their grass this month as part of a movement to promote biodiversity and provide a habitat for pollinators like bees and butterflies. Participation is optional and the city advises that they will be continuing to mow in public parks.

Local-Regional News May 4

 

The Madison Street project continues to move forward. Durand Public Works Superintendent Matt Gillis says all the underground work from First Avenue West to Fourth Avenue West should be done in the coming weeks.  The project is currently running about a week ahead of schedule.

The City of Mondovi continues to search for funding for a new pickleball court. Mondovi Mayor Brady Weiss says the city is searching for a large donor to get fundraising started in earnest.  So far the local group raising money for a new court has raised approximately $17,000 and the city is also exploring possible grants for a new court.

The Dunn County Sheriff's Department is warning of a new scam. Scammers are calling family members of those arrested, impersonating as bail bond agents and offering ankle monitor solutions. These calls are nothing more than scams and advise residents not to provide any information, send money or agree to anyone claiming to be a device officer without checking with law enforcement first.

Dunn County residents who have old electronics can get them recycled for free. Dunn County Solid Waste Management will hold a e-recycling event on Thursday from 10am-6pm at the Dunn County Fairgrounds. Household electronics, small appliances like microwaves, coffee makers, and outdoor electronics will be collected for recycling for free. For a complete list of allowed items, visit or call Dunn County Solid Waste Management.

Lake City has announced that O’Neil Pool will be opening on June 8^th. Sign ups for swimming lessons will open on Wednesday at 8am at the Lake City Website. Swimming lessons for levels 1-3 will be free, and $60 for levels 4-6. Spots are available on a first come first served basis. For more information visit the Lake City Website.

The Wabasha County Board meets tomorrow morning. Items on the agenda include the appointment of an interim county sheriff, approving the extension committee appointments, and reports from committee and department heads. Tomorrow's meeting begins at 9am at the old courthouse annex in Wabasha.

Individuals interested in running for City Council or Mayor offices in the City of Wabasha can now file during the official filing period from May 19, 2026 through June 2, 2026. City Council and Mayor candidates must file for office during this period for their name to appear on the ballot and must file at City Hall. There is a $5 filing fee. The following positions are open: Mayor and council seats for the 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd wards. Visit the elections page at the City of Wabasha website for more information.

The trial of Josie Dikeman continues today in La Crosse County. Dikeman is charged in the 2023 death of her six-year-old son A.J. Authorities found the boy dead at his home with prescription drugs near his body. Blunt force trauma was listed as the cause of death with the use of a prescription sedative as a contributing factor. Jurors on Friday were shown body camera footage recorded during a welfare check the day before the young boy's death.

Wisconsin is set to receive more than 80-million-dollars from a nationwide settlement with Purdue Pharma and its owners. The agreement is part of a nearly seven-and-a-half-billion-dollar deal resolving lawsuits over the company's role in the opioid crisis. Officials say Purdue and the Sackler family were accused of aggressively marketing opioids across the country. The settlement bans the Sackler family from selling opioids and directs funding to treatment, prevention, and recovery efforts over the next 15 years. State officials say Wisconsin has secured more than 874-million-dollars in total opioid settlement funds.

FEMA is set to begin assessing storm damage across the state following severe weather in April. This follows a request for federal assistance from Governor Evers earlier last week. Officials say multiple tornadoes touched down during the storms, along with heavy rainfall that caused significant flooding. FEMA teams will work alongside state officials to evaluate the extent of the damage. The assessments start on Monday.

The Wisconsin DMV is warning people of a text scam threatening to suspend driver's licenses. The texts claim to be from WDOT and say there's unpaid traffic violations, along with a threat to suspend their registration if the recipients don't pay. The DMV says scams like this are designed to gain personal information to sell or be used for identity theft, financial fraud or registering other vehicles under stolen credentials. The agency is advising people to check the sender, not respond and not click on any links that are sent.

Two people are in custody following burglaries to a business in Monroe County. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Department released a statement and said a sergeant was conducting extra patrol related to several burglaries when they saw a suspicious vehicle in the area Friday morning. During the traffic stop, additional information linked the two suspects to the previous crimes, with them in the process of conducting a burglary to Kendall Fast Trip. The two suspects were arrested and booked at the Monroe County Jail.

Fifteen-hundred beagles are being bought from Ridglan Farms in Dane County. The two groups behind the purchase confirmed the dogs started moving out of the Blue Mounds research facility last Friday, and will be available to find forever homes soon. Big Dog Ranch Rescue and the Center for a Human Economy officially announced the move yesterday, adding the Dane County Humane Society will help place 500 of those animals. The deal was initially reported Wednesday when Ridglan Farms said it would be selling a majority of its dogs. The purchase price, however, has yet to be disclosed.

Minneapolis is reportedly the front runner for hosting the 2028 NFL Draft. ESPN reports that the winning bid could be revealed during the NFL owner's meetings in Orlando on May 19th and 20th. The Vikings submitted their bid and showed a brief video of team officials attending last month's draft in Pittsburgh. Head of team public affairs Lester Bagley says the visit was an opportunity to learn from a host city and to position Minnesota for a future opportunity. The 2027 NFL Draft will be held in Washington, D.C.

Trail cam footage is showing cougar kittens in Northern Minnesota. Experts say the footage could confirm that the big cats are breeding. Three kittens were spotted on March 25th and March 26th over the carcass of a whitetail deer. Minnesota's Department of Natural Resources says this hasn't happened in over 100 years. The department says there have only been 180 cougar "detections" since it began trying to validate claims in 2004.

Local-Regional News May 1

 

Its the last weekend of the Durand City-Wide Clean up. Its a chance for city residents to clean up yards from this past winter. Durand Public Works Superintendent Matt Gillis says certain rules need to be followed.  A complete list of rules for the clean up are available on the city website or Facebook page.

Mondovi residents may experience discolored water over the next few weeks. The city water department will be flushing fire hydrants over the next month. If you experience discolored water after hydrant flushing, just run cold water until it clears up.

Colfax resident Jeff Foster is announcing his candidacy for the State Senate. Foster is running in District 23 -- a district that includes Barron, Clark, Price, Rusk, and Taylor Counties plus portions of Chippewa, Dunn County and Marathon Counties. Foster describes himself as a former social worker, dairy farmer and business leader.

The Wabasha Public Works Department has installed the boat docks on the Mississippi River in Wabasha. Crews will also install the storm basins on Market and Washington Streets for the upcoming road work on both streets. The public works department as has opened up the volleyball courts for the upcoming volleyball league season.

UW-Stout broke ground on its renovation project of the recreation complex yesterda. The Sports and Fitness center will receive upgraded locker rooms, the creation of on-site fitness studios and 10,000 square feet of new space. The two-year project is funded through student-fees and donor contributions.

Groundbreaking ceremonies were held Thursday in Chippewa Falls for a new behavioral health hospital. Rogers Behavioral Health is developing the facility near Highway 178. Plans call for the hospital to be fully operational next spring.

The City of La Crosse and the La Crosse School District are proposing a new public indoor pool on the city's northside. The discussions follow the announced closure of the city's outdoor pool at Logan Middle School this summer due to condition and cost concerns. School officials say a public pool meets multiple community needs, including having kids engaged and off their phones. The proposed project would also renovate the current pool at Logan High School. The initial project is estimated to cost around 33-million dollars.

Five people are injured after a six-vehicle crash in La Crosse. WisDOT says a school bus was traveling on I-90 Wednesday and failed to see slowed traffic due to a construction zone reducing traffic to a single lane, causing the bus to hit the cars in front. One vehicle became pinned beneath the bus and trapped two people. Emergency responders were able to remove the individuals. The crash is under investigation.

The former president of the University of Wisconsin system is calling for change after losing his job. Jay Rotham wrote an op-ed in the Journal Sentinel where he called out the Board of Regents following their vote to fire him. He said change needs to "start at the top" with the Board, saying clear direction needs to be provided to the people leading UW. Rotham noted his desire to be a fewer number of regents, which is currently at 18. The Board voted to fire Rotham on April 7th, citing a loss of confidence in his leadership.

Heavy rain over the past few weeks has left fields saturated across much of Wisconsin, especially in low‑lying areas near rivers. UW Extension Crops Educator Will Fulwider says flooding has delayed soybean planting and is now pushing corn planting back as farmers wait for soils to dry. Fulwider says some fields remain underwater and won’t be accessible for a while, especially those with clay soils that hold moisture longer. As planting dates slip later into the season, yield potential can decline, making timing critical. For now, Fulwider says, it’s largely a waiting game until fields dry out.

Governor Tony Evers is directing Wisconsin Emergency Management to submit a request to FEMA due to recent flooding. Evers says the state is likely to qualify for federal aid, as current assessments show the extent of the damage and that recovery needed is too much for the state to handle on its own. Once the request is submitted, the federal agency would gather their own damage assessment. The governor's office doesn't know when FEMA will respond.

The federal government sues Wisconsin over a lawsuit targeting prediction markets. Prediction markets allow people to place bets on the outcomes of just about anything – including sports. Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul filed the state’s civil suit last week. Kaul argued such markets violate the state's sports betting law. Sites targeted in the suit filed in Dane County include Kalshi, Robinhood, Coinbase, Polymarket, and Crypto.com. The federal Commodity Futures Trading Commission argues that it has exclusive jurisdiction over regulating prediction markets. The commission has already sued Connecticut, Illinois and New York.

Financial hardship is taking a growing toll on children’s mental health in Wisconsin. A new report from the Wisconsin Office of Children's Mental Health shows children who grow up in financially stressed households are far more likely to face bullying, anxiety, depression, and substance use problems. The report says kids exposed to poverty early in life face the greatest risks. Director Linda Hall notes the developing brain is highly sensitive to stress — but also responsive to support. With out‑of‑pocket mental health costs rising, the agency says policies like child tax credits, food assistance, and housing support can ease family stress and protect children’s well‑being.

Another powerful Republican in the Wisconsin State Senate won’t seek re-election. First District State Senator André Jacque of DePere announced Thursday morning he won’t seek another term. Jacque was first elected to the State Assembly in 2010 and was elected to the Senate in 2019. Jacque said in a statement that he reached his decision not to run again after “…much discussion with family and friends.” His district covers all of Door and Kewaunee counties, and parts of Brown, Calumet, Manitowoc, and Outagamie counties. Jacque’s decision not to run adds to a list of high-ranking GOP senators not seeking re-election, including Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu, Steve Nass, Van Wanggaard, Jesse James and Rob Hutton.

Longtime Minnesota Republican lawmaker David Hann is out of the race for a vacant Minnesota U.S. Senate seat. The former Republican Party of Minnesota chairman announced yesterday that he is suspending his campaign. Hann did not say why he's pulling out of the race. A recent poll showed that the ex- Minnesota Senate Minority Leader received two percent support. The remaining candidates include Republicans Michele Tafoya, Adam Schwarze and Royce White. Democrats in the race are Congresswoman Angie Craig and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. The primary election is set for August 11th.

Mitchell International is offering a free service no other airport in Wisconsin does. The airport is the first in the state to offer free American Sign Language interpreting services through an on-demand video interpreting app. Travelers can access the app on their computer or smartphone so they can communicate in security, at baggage claim, and other areas of the airport. Officials noted it can also be used to get safety instructions and other announcements after boarding a plane.

Local-Regional News April 30

 

The Durand-Arkansaw FFA Chapter held their annual Ag Day for Middle School Students yesterday. Durand-Arkansaw FFA Advisor Kenzie Person says AG Day is one of the favorite events for FFA Members.Middle School Students visited different stations to learn about machinery safety, various livestock industries and participated in games including a hay bale toss.

The City of Mondovi continues preparing for the Fourth of July Fireworks Display. With it being America’s 250^th Birthday, Mondovi Mayor Brady Weiss says the city is planning a special fireworks display.  Along with the display, the city plans on having some food booths available at Mirror Park.

The Durand City Council passed an amended ATV/UTV ordinance last week. Durand City Administrator Tracy Carlson says the amended ordinance was in connection with allowing ATV’s/UTV,s access to the Hwy 10 Bridge.  ATV’s and UTV’s will not be allowed to use the Hwy 10 bridge until Pepin County and the Town of Waubeek pass ordinances allowing access.

The verdict is in for a man facing charges after a 2024 fatal shooting in Trempealeau County. Investigators say that Todd Gieck shot and killed the victim -- Ettrick resident Kyle Dahl. Dahl was found wounded in his vehicle along Highway 53 in the Town of Gale and later died at a local hospital. Gieck has said the shooting was accidental. He found guilty yesterday on charges including reckless homicide.

A six-vehicle collision involving a school bus sent five people to the hospital Wednesday in La Crosse County. According to reports, the bus hit multiple vehicles that had stopped ahead of it in traffic on I-90 eastbound. The condition of the injured has not been reported.

The City of Wabasha is repairing the outfields at the athletic complex. Following the 2025 baseball season, the outfields were repaired and regraded last fall, including sand leveling and reseeding. This work was intentionally scheduled after the season to avoid disrupting scheduled games and activities. Because the work occurred late in the year, dormant seeding was used. Earlier this spring, periods of warmer weather followed by colder temperatures and snow likely affected seed establishment, resulting in areas where the grass did not fully take. Reseeding could not be completed earlier this spring due to weather and soil conditions. On Monday,  the contractor will come on-site and hydro-seed the area. The City expects the contractor to continue working with the City to correct the outfield conditions at no cost to the City and will continue to monitor progress to ensure the work is completed appropriately.

In La Crosse County, jurors are now hearing testimony in the trial of an Onalaska woman charged in the death of her young son. Josie Dikeman called 9-1-1 on February 11th of 2023 saying that her six-year-old was non responsive. Crews found the child dead at the scene with prescription drugs near the body. Blunt force trauma was listed as the cause of death with the use of a prescription sedative as a contributing factor. Jurors yesterday heard from the boy's father to whom the defendant said in a recorded conversation that she was free and that nothing was going to happen to her.

The Minnesota Supreme Court has upheld the murder conviction of a man who killed a Winona mother in 2023. Adam Fravel was sentenced to life in prison without parole after being found guilty of multiple murder charges in 2024. The court rejected his appeal, ruling there was enough evidence to support the verdict and that he received a fair trial. Madeline Kingsbury's body was found months after she disappeared in southeastern Minnesota.

The USDA is approving new grant funding to support the expansion of the Sparta Free Library. The library is listed among the National Register of Historic Places. The newly-announced 250-thousand-dollar USDA Rural Development grant is intended to help cover the cost of new furnishings, improved technology, and expanded accessibility.

A second liberal judge enters the next race for Wisconsin Supreme Court. Appeals Court Judge Pedro Colón announced Tuesday. Colon was appointed by Governor Tony Evers in 2023 to the 1st District Court of Appeals. Prior to that he was appointed to the Milwaukee County Court by Governor Jim Doyle after representing a Milwaukee state Assembly distirct as a Democrat from 1999 to 2010. Colon was born in Puerto Rico and holds degrees from Marquette University and UW Law School. Liberal Clark County Judge Lyndsey Brunette announced her campaign earlier this month for the seat being vacated by the retirement of conservative Justice Annette Ziegler. If no conservative candidate enters the race, a win by either Brunette or Colon in next April’s general election would give liberals a 6-1 majority on the state Supreme Court.

Wisconsin Republicans are announcing new legislation that would end emissions testing in Wisconsin. Under current law, regions that fail to meet the EPA's air quality standards face stricter regulations. The proposed legislation would remove Wisconsin from the EPA's list of problem areas unless federal authorities can prove the pollution originates within the state. U.S. Representative Glenn Gothman says the current law "forces the average guy and the below-average income guy to have to buy a new car."

There's a new lawsuit in connection to the April 18th clash at Ridglan Farms in Blue Mounds. Activists filed the lawsuit against the animal research facility and the Dane County Sheriff following a demonstration that resulted in several people being arrested. Protesters attempted to remove beagles from the facility, and the lawsuit claims police responded with rubber pullets, tear gas, and pepper spray. Multiple demonstrations have been held at the facility in Blue Mounds over the past couple of months.

Wisconsin prisons have seen a dramatic increase in inmates serving time for OWI. That’s another finding from Wisconsin Policy Forum’s comprehensive review of the state’s criminal justice system. Research Director Joe Peterangelo said  that in 2000, there were 646 adults who were incarcerated for a drunk driving charge. In 2023, it was 2,754.The Policy Forum is also preparing a more detailed study on the issue, looking at who is being arrested and incarcerated for these offenses by race, age, gender, how Wisconsin’s drunk driving laws compare with other states, and drunk driving crashes and fatalities.

Safety should be top of mind if you’re letting kids help with spring cleaning. UW Health pediatrician Dr. Megan Yanny says keep all cleaning chemicals locked up, out of sight and out of reach. Symptoms of exposure can include drooling, trouble swallowing, wheezing, vomiting, or skin and eye irritation. Yanny says kids can still help safely by organizing toys, sorting clothes, or folding laundry. If you think a child may have gotten into a chemical, call the Wisconsin Poison Control Center right away.

The Department of Natural Resources is investigating after people reported spotting sturgeon in flood waters in the Fox Valley. The D N R says it received multiple sightings of the ancient fish in unlikely places while high waters pushed through the Wolf River and other parts of the Lake Winnebago system following flooding earlier this month. That included parking lots, culverts and inland ponds. Each time wardens came to investigate, the fish had already moved back to faster moving waters and rivers. Fisheries officials will be keeping an eye on the sturgeon this summer to make sure the flooding doesn't affect the stocks of the popular game fish.

Local-Regional News April 29

 

The City of Mondovi will be replacing the HVAC controllers at the Marten Center. The city recently had the HVAC System replaced but the current controller at the center was not compatible. Mondovi Mayor Brady Weiss says its more than just a thermostat. The cost for the new controller is $3520.

Construction on the Madison Street project is ahead of schedule. Durand City Administrator Tracy Carlson says that Public Works Director Gills informed her the project is about a week ahead of schedule. Last week, the council approved the issuance of a $2.1 million promissory note to pay for the project.

Buffalo County has ended its contract with NIXLE and has partnered with a company called Regroup for a new notification app. The county is urging residents to download the app to receive emergency information from Buffalo County Emergency Management. For more information on the app, contact Buffalo County Emergency Management.

The Pepin County Land Conservation Department is looking for a summer intern. The position runs Monday through Friday up to 40hrs a week from May until August. The intern will help with GIS and public safety projects throughout the summer. For more information on the position contact Pepin County Land Conservation. The department is also announcing they still have swamp white oak and red maple seedlings for sale. The trees come in bundles of 6.

River Falls Police have arrested a man accused of stabbing a bank employee during an attempted robbery on Tuesday. The suspect reportedly fled the First National Bank branch after the incident but was later apprehended. The injured bank employee is expected to make a full recovery.

Eau Claire City Manager Stephanie Hirsch is resigning. Hirsch tendered her resignation yesterday after four years in the city manager role. In stepping down, she expressed her gratitude to City Council and the community for having given her the opportunity to serve.

A La Crosse man is facing charges with authorities saying he inappropriately touched a teenager at a city park. The incident happened last week at Cameron Park and involved a teenage victim. Police say the incident was captured on video. Charges against Jerrold Yttrie include attempted second-degree sexual assault of a child.

The search for a missing man in La Crosse County has come to an end. Stanley Howe was reported missing last week with his vehicle found abandoned at the Paul E. Stry Nature Preserve. The La Crosse County Sheriff's Office says Howe's body was found Monday in the Town of Shelby. Howe's family is encouraging anyone battling mental health issues to reach out for help.

Xcel Energy is reminding anglers, boaters and other outdoor enthusiasts to use caution around dams and hydroelectric facilities. The company says boating, canoeing or recreating above or below a dam can be dangerous-especially during periods of high or rapidly changing river flows. The company reminds those near dams to obey a warning signs, barriers, avoid boating or fishing alone near dams, stay clear of spillways and never swim or wade near a dam.

The CDC is issuing a warning about cases of possibly drug-resistant salmonella. According to an update from the agency, 34 people across 13 states have the same strain of salmonella that may be resistant to the antibiotics, and 13 of those who fell ill required hospitalization. So far, cases have primarily been found in the Midwest, with Michigan reporting the most confirmed cases at six, followed by Ohio and Wisconsin with five cases each. The CDC has linked cases to backyard poultry, but it's not clear which species in particular is to blame.

A second challenge to Wisconsin’s congressional maps has been dismissed by a panel of judges . A three-judge Circuit Court panel has dismissed a lawsuit challenging Wisconsin’s congressional maps, ruling that anti-competitive gerrymandering claims cannot be decided under state law. The judges cited a 2022 Wisconsin Supreme Court decision that found the state Constitution does not limit partisan considerations in redistricting. The case was filed by a bipartisan group called Wisconsin Business Leaders for Democracy, arguing the maps violate equal protection and voting rights. Republicans currently hold six of the state’s eight congressional seats. Supporters of the maps praised the ruling, while the plaintiffs’ attorneys say they will appeal to the state Supreme Court.

UW–Madison is launching a new college focused on computing and artificial intelligence. The university on Monday announced a 100‑million‑dollar donation and named the inaugural dean of its new College of Computing and Artificial Intelligence. The gift, funded by alumni and industry leaders, will help UW–Madison hire 50 new faculty members, expand research and build academic programs as the college opens July first. Remzi Arpaci‑Dusseau, who currently leads the School of Computer, Data and Information Sciences, was selected as the college’s first dean. University officials say student demand has surged in recent years, sometimes creating waitlists for introductory courses.

Wisconsin’s Youth Apprenticeship program is breaking records yet again. Enrollment has hit an all‑time high for a fifth straight year. More than 12,100 high school juniors and seniors signed up for the 2025–26 school year, a seven‑percent increase over last year. Youth Apprenticeships let students earn while they learn, pairing paid work experience with related classroom instruction. Nearly every public school district with a high school now offers it. Top career pathways this year include Health Science, Marketing, Manufacturing, Architecture and Construction, and Hospitality and Tourism, each with more than a thousand students.

State lawmakers are proposing a bill to penalize cities that fly the old Minnesota state flag. Eight Minnesota DFL lawmakers have proposed the bill to mandate that cities and counties only fly the 2024 state flag. However, Republican House Speaker Lisa Demuth says the bill has no chance of passing. This comes after multiple counties and cities have voted to reinstate the old Minnesota State Flag on city property. Elk River, Champlin, Zumbrota, and Plainview all voted to use the old flag.

Kids get stuck in the darndest places. Madison firefighters had to rescue a toddler who climbed into a claw machine on Madison's Far East Side. This happened last Thursday afternoon. A video of the rescue was posted on Reddit. Firefighters speculate he crawled in through the prize-retrieval window. In the end the boy was unhurt and reunited with his mom.

Local-Regional News April 28

 

The City of Durand has set the pool rates for the upcoming pool season. City Administrator Tracy Carlson says the city will offer a family punch pass at a reduced rate.  There are other levels of punch passes that will be available, and the one-time daily rate will be set at $5. The pool is expected to open in June.

The Mondovi City Council is meeting tonight. Items on the agenda include discussion and possible action on an offer to purchase a lot in Peeso Creek Terrace, a proposal for a controller for the Marten Center, and reports from the mayor and department heads. Tonights meeting begins at 5:30 at the Marten Center at 5:30.

Two people were injured in a three vehicle accident in Isabelle Township on Sunday. According to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department, 31yr old DeShawn Gilles of Baldwin was traveling southbound on Hwy 35 and slowing to make a left turn onto Hwy C when he was struck by a southbound motorcycle driven by Michael Mecklenburg of Belle Plain, MN. The Gilles vehicle then struck a northbound motorcycle driven by 51yr old Nason Holets of New Prage, MN. Holets was transported to Mayo Red Wing, while Mecklenburg was med-flighted to Regions Hospital in St. Paul.

A man facing a reckless homicide charge after a 2024 shooting in Trempealeau County is going to trial this week. Investigators say that Todd Gieck shot and killed the victim -- Ettrick resident Kyle Dahl. Dahl was found wounded in his vehicle along Highway 53 in the Town of Gale and later died at a local hospital. Gieck has said the shooting was accidental.

Bond is being set at 100-thousand dollars for a man charged after a fatal weekend accident in Eau Claire County. Two vehicles -- a pickup truck and an SUV -- hit head-on just before 6 p.m. Saturday at State Highway 93 and Severson Road in the Town of Pleasant Valley. Three people were treated at the site of the accident. A passenger from the SUV -- since identified as 56-year-old Kimberly Clark of Onalaska -- died at the scene. The pick-up truck's driver -- 46-year-old Kirk Johnson -- is charged with homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle.

The trial of a man shot by Eau Claire Police in 2022 is underway. Police responded to Clayton Livingston's home after a neighbor accused him of pointing a gun at his house. Responding officers say Livingston also pointed a gun at them. Two officers shot and injured the suspect who is now facing six counts of second-degree recklessly endangering safety and a charge of operating a firearm while intoxicated.

A jury has been selected for the trial of an Onalaska woman charged in the death of her six-year-old son. Josie Dikeman called 9-1-1 on February 11th of 2023 saying that her son was non responsive. Crews found the child dead at the scene with prescription drugs near the body. Blunt force trauma was listed as the cause of death with the use of a prescription sedative as a contributing factor. Dikeman has pleaded not guilty to a charge of first-degree intentional homicide. Opening arguments are expected today.

A Western Wisconsin Food Pantry is reducing the number of monthly food distributions. Beginning in June, Feed My People will scale back its Eau Claire pop-up distribution from four events per month to two. Distributions will take place at the Hunger Action Center, on Alpine Road, on the second Monday from 5:00–6:00 p.m. and the fourth Friday from 10:00–11:00 a.m., continuing through December. In 2027, pop-ups in Eau Claire will move to an as-needed, emergency response model rather than have a regular schedule. This shift is being made in coordination with local pantries. This change is part of a broader effort to strengthen long-term hunger relief across West Central Wisconsin.

Many Western Wisconsin motorists are experiencing an increase in gas prices this week. Triple-A reports the average price of regular fuel in Eau Claire is now three-66 per gallon -- 16-cents more per gallon over the price one week ago. In La Crosse, the average cost of a gallon of regular fuel is three-77 per gallon -- 20-cents more compared to one week ago. The average cost of a gallon of regular fuel in the State of Wisconsin is three-92 per gallon.

Wisconsin is honoring schools that go the extra mile for students in military families. Osseo-Fairchild Elementary, St. Croix Falls Elementary, Middle and High School are among seventeen schools across Wisconsin have been named the state’s first Purple Star Schools—an honor celebrating strong support for students from military families. It’s part of a new Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction program designed to help children who often move many times during their school years and face shifting expectations and requirements. To earn the designation, schools must train staff, appoint a liaison for military families, offer programs that build social connections, and provide online resources to help students transition smoothly.

The Rochester City Council is expected to consider the future of a proposed local sports complex during today's meeting. Council members plan to discuss possible improvements for the planned Rochester Community and Technical College's Regional Sports Center. Some of the options considered include expansions, replacing the dome, or keeping the dome open year-round. Officials say nothing is final yet.

State authorities say residents are not to subsidize energy costs for data centers and other heavy consumers. That's according to the Public Service Commission's unanimous approval at Friday's meeting. We Energies will be eventually providing services to data centers in Port Washington and Mount Pleasant as they build out. Power plants and other related projects will be evaluated individually. A formal written order still needs to be issued.

A fire at a southeast Wisconsin egg packing plant on Thursday. The fire broke out at the Cold Springs Farm in Palmyra on Thursday. Media reports say the flames were contained to one of several buildings at the Jefferson County facility. Cold Springs is owned by Daybreak Foods and has been the site of multiple avian flu outbreaks over the past year. Daybreak Foods has laid off over 80 workers at two Wisconsin facilities that have been the sites for avian flu outbreaks, and is also in the process of remediating the Palmyra site after an illegal wastewater release.

The CDC says public health officials are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella illnesses. The agency says the illnesses are linked to contact with backyard poultry, which can carry Salmonella. As of April 13th, 34 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella have been reported in 13 states. Illnesses started on February 26th to March 31st with at least 13 people hospitalized. The outbreak is mainly focused in the Midwest.

A flight to Orlando from Minneapolis makes an emergency landing in Milwaukee. Sunday night, a smoky odor was detected on Delta Flight 2309. Once the crew declared an emergency, the plane landed safely at Mitchell International Airport and taxied to a gate where it was met by fire crews. The 128 passengers onboard were deplaned safely. No one was injured. The cause of the odor is being investigated.

Wisconsin voters are showing signs of referendum fatigue. A new report from the Wisconsin Policy Forum shows support for school district referendums continues to slide. In the April 7 election, voters approved just over 61% of ballot questions, well below the 70% approval rate seen in 2025. If that trend holds through November, it would mark the lowest approval rate since 2010. School districts have increasingly relied on referendums to raise revenue above state-imposed limits, especially as federal pandemic aid expires, enrollment drops, and labor costs rise. Even with the declining support, voters still signed off on $541.9 million in new funding this spring, slightly more than last year.

An under-construction bridge in Waukesha County collapsed over the weekend. The bridge breakdown on Saturday near Oconomowoc's Riverside Park sent concrete into the Oconomowoc River below. Mayor Matt Rosek tells Fox 6 Milwaukee that the collapse followed another problem with the bridge last week. Rosek said the bridge collapsed while crews were working to remove concrete from the river after a beam failed during a Monday concrete pour. No one was injured from either incident. The mayor doesn’t know how the September completion date for the project will be delayed as the reason for the collapse is being determined.

An Earth Week cleanup on Milwaukee’s rivers sets a new Guiness record. Fox 6 Milwaukee reports more than 2,000 volunteers collected more than 100,000 pounds of waste on Saturday from locations on the Milwaukee, Menominee and Kinnickinnic rivers. The Guinness World Records book recognized this year's Milwaukee Riverkeeper spring cleanup as having the most participants in a multi-river cleanup. Organizers hope the record-setting feat, which Milwaukee Riverkeeper partnered with Tru Earth to accomplish, will help encourage more people to take care of the environment.