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.

Local-Regional News Aug 10

 

The Buffalo County Sheriff’s Department is reporting the release of a registered sex offender back into the community. In 2008, David Hawkinson was convicted in Buffalo and Pepin County of Repeated 1^st Degree Sexual Assault of a Child. Hawkinson will be released from prison on August 18 and will be listed as homeless. He will have lifetime GPS monitoring and supervision due to his sex offense. Currently, the WI Department of Corrections is working on a pending relocation to a different county in which Hawkinson will reside.

Buffalo County has a new sheriff. Governor Tony Evers announced the appointment of Jake Laehn to fill the vacancy left with the resignation of former Sheriff Michael Osmond. Laehn -- a 15-year veteran of the department -- will fill the remainder of Osmond's term, which is set to expire in January of 2027.

A Pepin County non-profit has been awarded a $500 grant from the Pierce Pepin Cares Program. Bridge to Hope will use the money to support direct advocacy services, community outreach, and resource navigation for Pepin County residents, including crisis intervention, legal advocacy, and housing resource referrals. The Pierce Pepin Cares program is a program where members of Pierce Pepin Cooperative round up their monthly energy bills to support local non-profits and other organizations.

In La Crosse County, prison for Josie Dikeman. Dikeman was convicted in May of the 2023 death of her boyfriend's six-year-old son, A.J. Jurors convicted the defendant on charges including First-Degree Reckless Homicide, Chronic Neglect of a Child Resulting in Death, and Physical Abuse of a Child. Dikeman was sentenced Friday to a term of 27 years in prison.

Final preparations are underway for this week's Pierce County Fair in Ellsworth. The fair will feature the traditional carnival, livestock shows and commercial exhibits. A light up the sky drone show is Thursday, Tractor Pull Friday night, and music from Half Shebang, and Brad Boice. The fair runs Thursday through Sunday in Ellsworth.

Sex crimes charges are being filed against a former janitor for the Coulee Christian School District. Twenty-two-year-old Davin Keeney is accused of engaging in sexual activity with a juvenile. Charges include grooming of a child for sexual activity and sexual assault of a child by a person who works or volunteers with children.

Voters around the Badger State will be heading to the polls tomorrow for the Wisconsin primary election. Arguably the biggest item for voters to decide will be who represents the Democrats in the race for governor. State Rep. Francesca Hong had a commanding lead in a Marquette University poll last month, while Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley recently received an endorsement from Governor Tony Evers. Polls will be open from seven in the morning until eight at night.

More and more working families are turning to food benefits and food pantries for their meals, and that can make eating healthy harder. UW Extension Food Health scientist Dr. Beth Olsen says it's not just that fresh foods can be more expensive, it's hard finding the time to actually cook. If you have a freezer and a slow cooker, consider making a large stew or meal and freezing away servings for the rest of the week. Most of all, says Olsen, don't fret over missing the time to cook and just having something to eat.

A UW-Madison lab employee has pleaded not guilty after being accused of trying to poison his coworker. Makoto Kuroda appeared Thursday in Dane County Court for his arraignment. The not guilty plea was entered for charges of second-degree recklessly endangering safety and tampering with products to cause harm. A pre-trial conference is scheduled for September 25th.

An inmate who escaped from the Juneau County Jail was arrested in Minnesota. The JCSO had reported that Steven Garner didn't return back to the jail last week after an authorized work release. The agency announced Friday that authorities arrested Garner in Winona, Minnesota and is being held on charges there. He's set to be transferred back to Juneau County.

A new federal law reveals hazing incidents on UW campuses. UW-Madison recently posted detailed descriptions of nine hazing incidents involving Greek organizations between 2021 and 2025. Reported hazing included forced pushups, eating raw onions and performing to children's music. The Stop Campus Hazing Act requires universities to publicly disclose hazing violations and update reports twice a year. UW-Green Bay and UW-Whitewater also reported incidents. UW-Madison has reported no cases of hazing so far this year.

A former Thiensville police officer is facing a fine for the mistreatment of animals earlier this year. Richard McCormick resigned from the department after shooting two dogs in April, leaving one dead. This week, the district attorney decided against a criminal charge and issued a civil forfeiture instead, meaning McCormick could be fined up to 500-dollars. He's scheduled to be in court in October. The shooting wasn't reported until June by the Journal Sentinel when three women found the wounded dog and took care of him.

A lucky save for a Horicon woman who nearly got caught in a phone scam. Fox 6 Milwaukee reports Horicon police had to assist an elderly woman who was being harassed by phone scammers claiming her computer was hacked and she needed to pay them 1000 dollars in Apple Pay cards to get it fixed. The woman misheard the scammers and instead bought Applebee's gift cards instead. When she tried to give them to the scammers, they hung up on her. Fox 6 helped the woman's family get a complete refund on the gift cards.

The Minnesota State Fair is considered the top fair in the country. USA Today reports that they came to the conclusion based on factors like high attendance, massiveness, and enormous economic impact. Wisconsin finished second, while Iowa and Illinois ranked seventh and eighth. The Great Minnesota Get-Together runs August 27th through September 7th this year.

Local-Regional News Aug 7

 

Expect increased traffic and people in Durand over the next few days. Blues on the Chippewa is underway in Durand. The music began last night at Veterans Memorial Park in Durand and continues today. Along with the music a craft show is also being held. Blue on the Chippewa runs through Saturday.

The Village of Elmwood has a new website. The site includes meeting agendas, ordinances, village news and more. The village will be continuing to add more features to the site over the coming weeks. The new website is at vi dot elmwood dot wi dot gov.

Governor Tony Evers is ordering the American flag to be flown at half-staff next Monday. They'll be lowered to honor Eau Claire Fire Department firefighter Bryce A. Jungbluth, who passed away at 27 while on duty following a sudden medical emergency. Evers said his passing "leaves behind a void in the lives of all who had the privilege of working and serving alongside him." The flags will be lowered from sunrise to sunset on August 10th.

A woman is hospitalized in critical condition after a loose camper top struck the windshield of an SUV she was riding on Highway 14 in Dover Township. The incident happened last night near 19th Avenue Southeast. A Ford F-650 truck was towing another vehicle with a camper top attached to it. The camper broke free and hit the windshield of a 2017 Ford Escape. The passenger, a 42-year-old Lewiston woman, was taken to St. Mary's Hospital with life-threatening injuries. The driver of the Escape suffered minor injuries. The driver of the truck was not hurt.

Oxbow Park is taking reservations for a new campground. Olmsted County says the rural Byron site has water hookups, 42 electric campsites and four camper cabins. The cabins can accommodate up to six people and include both heating and air conditioning for year-round use. The county is moving the campground to higher ground because repeated river flooding damaged the existing location. Most of the former campsites will be restored as native prairie or open space.

In La Crosse County, sentencing is scheduled today for Josie Dikeman. Dikeman was convicted in May in the 2023 death of her boyfriend's six-year-old son, A.J. Jurors convicted the defendant on charges including First-Degree Reckless Homicide, Chronic Neglect of a Child Resulting in Death and Physical Abuse of a Child.

A new fact sheet from the Wisconsin Office of Children's Mental Health highlights the link between youth vaping and mental health concerns. Director Linda Hall says about one-third of high school students report vaping, often because of curiosity or stress. But Hall says the nicotine-packed devices can actually create a cycle of dependence and anxiety. She notes a single vape can contain nicotine equivalent to hundreds of cigarettes. The fact sheet and resources for parents are available on the OCMH website.

If a TikTok account or social media influencer is trying to get you to change your diet, be careful. UW Extension Food Health scientist Dr. Beth Olsen says many influencers are just trying to sell you a meal plan or supplement. Before you make any major changes to your diet or take a supplement, consult your doctor to make sure you aren't going to be doing damage to yourself. Olsen says going it alone carries the risk of cutting out something you may need in your diet or doing serious harm without realizing it.

Final fundraising reports are in ahead of next week’s primary election for Wisconsin governor. Campaign finance documents submitted to the state show that between July 1 and July 27, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley raised around $776,000, while state Representative Francesca Hong raised nearly $339,000. Donations to Crowley’s campaign included $20,000 from current Democratic Governor Tony Evers, who endorsed Crowley when he re-entered the race after earlier dropping out. In the primary campaign’s waning days, both Crowley and Hong reported more than $400,000 in their campaign accounts. Two other Democrats, state Senator Kelda Roys and former Evers cabinet member Joel Brennan raised about $126,000 and $145,000 respectively during the July reporting period. The combined fundraising by the four Democrats was eclipsed by the more than $4.6 million raised by Republican Congressman Tom Tiffany. The bulk of Tiffany’s total was transfers from the Republican Party of Wisconsin, which received $5 million from Richard and Elizabeth Uihlein. Fellow Republican megadonor Dianne Hendricks has also contributed millions to Tiffany by way of the state party.

SSM Health is again appealing a ruling that ratified a nurse’s union at St Mary's in Madison. St. Louis based SSM asked the National Labor Relations Board to review claims it made regarding the June vote by nurses to form a union. SSM states that the NLRB dismissed its claims that 83 votes may have been cast improperly without conducting a proper investigation. Even if those votes are tossed out, it would not overturn the ratification. St. Mary’s nurses are seeking better hours, compensation, and more staff to provide patient care.

The American Red Cross is reaching out directly to Fox Cities residents affected by last week's tornado. Northeast Wisconsin Chapter Director Rebecca Rockhill says people in the impact zone can expect a text message. It's not spam - it's the how the agency can start to get in touch with people requiring assistance. The EF-3 tornado with winds up to 140 miles per hour left a trail of damage across Neenah, Appleton and Fox Crossing. The Red Cross emergency shelter facility moved from Christ of the Rock Church to Appleton North High School this week. Another resource center for tornado victims is opening in Menasha to provide assistance with housing, finances, mental health, food, and essential needs.

A Wisconsin company will work with a top global shipbuilder to modernize the industry. South Korean’s HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering plans to turn the Fraser Shipyards in Superior into a model for renovating the US shipbuilding industry. Much of that capacity moved overseas over the last 30 years, and Fraser Industries wants to see that work return to the US. No formal agreement is in place yet, but HD Korea and Fraser are hoping to have a partnership in place by this fall after signing a memorandum of understanding in Washington, DC last month.

The Wisconsin State Fair is open. Doors opened at 10 am Thursday for the fair's 175th anniversary. If you're heading out to the fairgrounds in West Allis, be aware that all bags are being searched on the way in and that restrictions on the number of bags you can have are lifted. You can find a full listing of events at the fair online at W I State Fair dot Com. Visitors to the Cream Puff bakery in The Dairy Building will find that it now bears the name of Tony Evers in honor of governor’s long-time support of the Wisconsin State Fair and State Fair Park

Local-Regional News Aug 6

 

A Pierce County couple is facing charges in the death of their three-week-old child. The child was found unresponsive March 14th and was later pronounced dead. Twenty-three-year-old Jessie Lee Kittelson told police she used methamphetamine throughout her pregnancy, that she breastfed the child and had used the drug as recently as three days before his death. The child's father, 26-year-old Taylor Jae Olson, has admitted to acquiring the drugs for Kittelson. The baby died of methamphetamine toxicity and the parents are charged with reckless homicide.

A new phone scam in Pierce County. The Pierce County Sheriffs Department is reporting of someone claiming to be Investigator Ryan Miller from the River Falls Police Department calling citizens and asking them to return his call about personal matters that need to be discussed. If you receive this message, do not call back on the phone number left for you. If you believe someone from River Falls Police needs to speak with you, make sure you look up the number yourself and call that one instead.

Buffalo County has a new alerting system. The county has changed to a new alert provider from Regroup software. The software will allow Buffalo County Emergency Management to send information directly to residents in case of severe weather , or other emergencies. The old alert system will expire at the end of August. Visit the Buffalo County Emergency Management webpage to sign up for the new system.

Chippewa County prosecutors' case against Carson Peters-Berger will not be going to trial. Peters-Berger is charged in the 2022 killing of 10-year-old Lily Peters. The D.A.'s office announced Wednesday that a resolution hearing will be held August 26th -- heading off a jury trial that had been scheduled to begin in November. Prosecutors have given no indication as to what the resolution will look like.

A Chippewa Falls man charged with reckless homicide after a deadly accident on Lake Wissota is pleading not guilty. Two jet skis collided on the lake on the night of May 23, 2025, resulting in the death of 24-year-old Elle Jo Kramschuster. Kramschuster had been a passenger on Bruce Sanborn's jet ski. Sanborn is one of two men charged in the case and entered his plea on Wednesday.

A Monroe County man charged in the attempted killing of his wife is pleading not guilty. The incident happened in Sparta back in April. The victim says she told police her husband, Randal Cunitz, tried to strangle her and provided authorities with an audio recording of the attack. Cunitz pleaded not guilty yesterday to charges including attempted first-degree intentional homicide.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says chronic wasting disease was found in deer near Stillwater. A landowner found a doe that was emaciated, lethargic and unafraid of people. The deer later died on July 16th, and laboratory testing confirmed the disease this week. The DNR is planning its response, which could include feeding bans and increased hunting opportunities. The always-fatal neurological disease causes lethargy and weight loss, but no human cases have been documented.

Wisconsin may soon delay payments for losses caused by wolves. The Wisconsin Natural Resources Board has approved work on an emergency rule that would delay livestock and hunting dog wolf depredation payments because funding could run short by next summer. According to the Department of Natural Resources, claims from farmers and hunters would be held until the end of the fiscal year, with the goal of paying them in full. Officials cite rising costs and a long-running deficit in the agency's Fish and Wildlife Account. The board is expected to consider the final rule later this month.

A legal challenge to Wisconsin's new online sports betting law. The Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty has filed a lawsuit challenging the new online sports betting law. The conservative group argues lawmakers exceeded their constitutional authority by legalizing mobile sports wagers placed in Wisconsin and processed on tribal land. The suit, filed on behalf of two taxpayer groups, seeks to block Democratic Governor Tony Evers from implementing tribal gaming compacts through the law’s provisions. Supporters say the law will generate increased revenue for Wisconsin's tribal nations, critics call it an unconstitutional expansion of gambling.

Wisconsin doctors are urging state lawmakers to create a BadgerCare public option as healthcare costs continue to rise. Supporters say the proposal would expand affordable coverage for families and small businesses. Family physician Doctor Kristen Dall-Winther says patients who lose health insurance often delay care until medical problems become more serious and expensive. Healthcare workers also note Wisconsin is one of just ten states that has not expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act.

Work on Wisconsin's first Buc-ee's travel center is underway. The 73-thousand square foot facility in Oak Creek is expected to have 120 gas pumps and bring even more jobs to the area. Crews have been laying the groundwork to prepare for utilities, while vertical construction is expected to begin before the new year. Officials had hoped to open the travel center sometime next year, but a sewer project nearby delayed construction, and now the project could be completed by early 2028.

A Rochester woman is accused of slashing another woman's tires and then threatening her with a box cutter. Police say the road rage incident happened Sunday on Highway 14 near West Circle Drive Northwest. Keara McGee has been charged with terroristic threats and assault. The other driver told detectives that a car sped around her and keep her from changing lanes, then braked in front of her. McGee allegedly got out of the vehicle with a box cutter and slashed two of the victim's tires. The defendant then held the sharp object near the woman's neck. McGee was released from custody and is expected back in court on September 1st.

The U.S. Senate is giving Minnesota's hemp-derived THC industry a one-month reprieve. Senators advanced a short-term spending bill that would delay new restrictions from November 11th until December 11th. The restrictions would ban many THC drinks, gummies and CBD products containing more than zero-point-four milligrams of THC. Senator Amy Klobuchar and Representative Angie Craig are proposing federal regulations instead of an outright ban. Final Senate approval is expected later this week, giving advocates more time to pursue a longer extension.

This year's Golden Sporkie goes to the Birria Flamin' Bombs from the Fiesta Grill and Cantina. The fried balls are filed with birria, onion, cilantro and cheese. This year's Drinkie award went to the Tilt-a-Spritz from the Old Fashioned Sipper Club. It's made with grapefruit and lime with ginger beer. The State Fair opens Thursday morning in West Allis. 

Local-Regional News Aug 5

 

Changes to the construction zone on Hwy 10-25 just west of Durand. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation has decided to install temporary stop signs in all directions at the intersection of Hwy 10-25. The decision wsa made after several recent traffic accidents at the intersection. The change will result in occasional traffic backups and travel delays. Mortorists are advised slow down in the construction zone and be prepared for traffic backups.

A Wisconsin Rapids man has reached a plea deal with Pepin County Prosecutors in a sexual assault case. Jarmell Owens was charged with repeated sexual assault of the 14yr old girl after meeting her on snap chat. On Tuesday Owens pleaded guilty to one count of causing a child to view sexual activity and in return the sexual assault charges were dropped. Owens was sentenced to six months in jail, five years probation and will also have to register as a sex offender.

 Gov. Tony Evers announced yesterday that he is seeking applicants for the Buffalo and Pepin County Circuit Court. The appointment will fill a vacancy being created by Judge Thomas W. Clark’s retirement, effective Dec. 31, 2026. The new judge will complete a term ending July 31,2028. Applications are due by September 4^th. 

An in-home daycare worker convicted of child abuse in Trempealeau County will serve time in prison. Ashley Hove was sentenced to ten-years of prison with five years of extended supervision on Monday. Deputies were first contacted by Mayo Clinic in Rochester about a one-year-old flown in by helicopter for a brain bleed. Investigators say the child was hurt while at Hove's in-home daycare, with Hove admitting that she hurt the child twice. She'll receive 480-days of jail credit and must pay more than 15-thousand dollars in restitution.

Those needing to access the WIC program at the Dunn County Government Center will need to use a new entrance. The county is making some improvements to the current entrance and sidewalk and the usual entrance is closed. Those needed to visit the WIC program are advised to use the entrances at the lower-level of the government center.

Xcel Energy says lakes and rivers across Xcel Energy’s northern Wisconsin river systems are experiencing lower water levels than normal this summer. According to the company,  an extended stretch of hot, dry weather and below-average rainfall has reduced the amount of water flowing into reservoirs and rivers throughout the watersheds, prompting Xcel Energy to adjust operations at several hydroelectric facilities. Boaters may notice lower than normal water levels at boat landings and exposed sandbars due to the lower water levels.

Wisconsin State Patrol is sharing details about a deadly collision in La Crosse County. The patrol says a wrong-way pickup truck hit another vehicle head-on this past Saturday on I-90 westbound near West Salem. The driver of the pickup survived with multiple injuries, while injuries suffered by the other driver proved fatal. The accident remains under investigation.

Three people are injured after an explosion in Stanley. Crews were called to a home around 8:30 p.m. Monday for the report of an explosion. Two adult victims had already been taken to a local hospital for medical treatment when emergency personnel arrived. A third adult victim was still as the scene and was treated for injuries. The source of the explosion is still under investigation.

Make sure you have the right ID to vote next week. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation reminds residents who don't already have an approved photo ID for voting to start the process of getting one now. Wisconsin does not issue a separate voter ID, and a REAL ID is not required to vote. Residents can check accepted forms of identification through the Wisconsin Elections Commission website. Those needing a Wisconsin ID can begin online at wisconsindmv.gov, gather required documents, and apply at a DMV service center. If a permanent ID isn't ready before Election Day, eligible voters can obtain a free receipt valid for voting.

One person is dead following a single-vehicle crash in Taylor County. Authorities received the report of the accident early Saturday morning and found two injured men. Investigators say the vehicle involved was southbound when it left the roadway, entered a ditch, then re-entered the roadway and rolled before coming to a rest. 36-year-old Nathan Burke was thrown during the crash and died due to his injuries. The other occupant received medical treatment and was later placed into police custody on suspected drug related charges.

An abandoned northeastern Wisconsin prison will be converted into a facility that will house ICE detainees this fall. The location is in Appleton and has been closed for 16 years. The owner Core Civic announced a five-year deal with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. It will house up to 16 hundred ICE detainees. The reopening will take place in stages, and the prison is expected to be fully operational by next spring.

The National Weather Service has more information last week’s devastating Fox Valley tornado. New data released from the NWS Green Bay office shows the EF-3 tornado that hit Appleton, Menasha and Fox Crossing was a mile wide at its largest point. It travelled 12 miles from Appleton to Lake Winnebago where it dissipated over the water, only on the ground for under 30 minutes. That makes it the largest tornado to ever hit Northeast Wisconsin.

A federal judge stops the White House from terminating school mental health grants. Wisconsin was one of 15 states to sue the Trump Administration after it announced it would cancel the grant series. The state will lose 12 point 5 million dollars for special ed students if the funding is removed. This is a temporary restraining order, and Attorney General Josh Kaul says it's an important stop gap to allow the states to make their case.

Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway is speaking out on the decision to clear out the encampment at the intersection of Williamson and Baldwin Streets. Protesters have been camping out there since the July 22nd police shooting of Corey Ruiz. Multiple tents, tables, vehicles and a large memorial was set up in the intersection. In a video statement released Tuesday, Rhodes-Conway said the decision was not made lightly and that it was made "after almost two weeks of trying to resolve the situation peacefully, and voluntarily, with the people occupying the site." Police confirmed at least 10 people had been arrested as of Tuesday morning.

At least seven states have reported cyberattacks on water systems to the FBI. The states include Minnesota and Michigan. In a statement, the FBI said it's aware of the attacks and they "are fully engaged to protect critical infrastructure." The FBI did not provide any details on who's responsible for the attacks. President Trump pushed back on the possibility Iran was behind the attacks and instead pointed the finger at Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. The governor responded in a post on X, saying, "Trump knows exactly who is responsible for this attack" and "This is what modern warfare looks like."

A Wisconsin man has a unique story about going to Cabela's without driving. The Washington County Sheriff's Office says the 69-year-old arrived at the hunting and outdoor store in Richmond on Saturday via helicopter and landed in the parking lot. When a deputy spoke to the man, he told him "the drive was too long," so he flew from his house about 50 minutes away instead. Authorities noted he was in compliance with the FAA, is a licensed pilot and didn't break any laws.

Local-Regional News Aug 4

 National Night Out is tonight. Durand Police Chief Stan Ridgeway says there will be a free picnic and other activities at the Bauer Built Sports Complex.  The public will also get to meet Kenny Schuh, the new school resource officer.  Many other local law enforcement agencies are also hosting national night out events this evening from 5-8pm.

The Wabasha City Council is meeting tonight. Items on the agenda include a public hearing on a possible peddlers ordinance, discussion and possible action on the draft street and utility improvement project assessments, and reports from department heads and mayor. Tonights meeting begins at 6pm at Wabasha City Hall.

A Faribault man is facing charges as vandals continue to target Flock cameras across Minnesota. Justin Lee Campbell, 42, faces felony interference with emergency communications and gross misdemeanor theft. A criminal complaint alleges Campbell stole a camera from a 10-foot pole near I-35 on July 27th and later bragged about taking it. Winona police say all eight of their cameras were stolen, while Duluth has recorded six thefts or vandalism incidents. Edina, Eden Prairie and Anoka County report similar incidents as the devices face privacy concerns over their use in immigration enforcement.

A man accused of trying to kill a woman inside a La Crosse storage unit has been found competent for trial. Prosecutors say that Freeman Cole tried to strangle the victim to death in October of 2023. He had been found not competent for trial earlier this year. Cole has pleaded not guilty to charges including attempted first-degree intentional homicide.

Wisconsin may soon delay payments for losses caused by wolves. The Wisconsin Natural Resources Board has approved work on an emergency rule that would delay livestock and hunting dog wolf depredation payments because funding could run short by next summer. According to the Department of Natural Resources, claims from farmers and hunters would be held until the end of the fiscal year, with the goal of paying them in full. Officials cite rising costs and a long-running deficit in the agency's Fish and Wildlife Account. The board is expected to consider the final rule later this month.

A second suspect is being charged in the killing of a teenager in Sawyer County. Sixteen-year-old Nolan Trotterchaude reportedly met up with 18-year-old Brennen Boswell and 19-year-old Xzavier Barreras back in June with Trotterchaude interested in purchasing a firearm from one of the men. Prosecutors say Barreras fatally shot the young teen. With Barreras already jailed, Boswell has now been arrested on charges including being a party to felony murder during an armed robbery.

Officials are sharing the identity of a man who died after a dramatic vehicle collision in Taylor County. The accident happened at around 3:15 a.m. this past Saturday morning as a tractor was hauling a house westbound on County Road O. An eastbound vehicle clipped a corner of the house, went all of the way underneath the trailer and came out on the other side where they were hit by a pickup truck. The driver of the vehicle that struck the house -- 19-year-old Dylan Mickelson -- died at the scene.

A federal judge rules a Wisconsin lawsuit against online "prediction markets" may proceed. Last week Federal Judge William Griesbach ruled against the federal Commodity Futures Trading Commission which had sought to block the lawsuit against Kalshi and other companies. Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul says the companies offer sports betting to Wisconsinites, which is illegal. The C F T C attempted to block the lawsuit, saying the companies offer "commodity swaps" and thus are under federal jurisdiction. Greisbach disagreed and said the C T F C had not adequately explained how betting on the outcome of a sporting event could be classified as a commodity.

Wisconsin's capital city is one of the best places for first-time home buyers. A recent study from finance website WalletHub ranked 300 cities across the US by looking at market attractiveness, affordability, and other factors. The survey placed Madison as the 18th best city in America for those buying a home for the first time. However, two other Wisconsin cities ranked ahead of Madison -- Green Bay was ranked 13th and Kenosha was 17th.

A new study says Midwest states are bearing the brunt of President Trump's tariffs and trade war policies. Researchers with the Midwest Economic Policy Institute found the region's large manufacturing and agriculture sectors make it especially vulnerable to higher import costs. Co-author Frank Manzo says the average Midwest household is paying more than $2,000 extra because of the tariffs. In Wisconsin, the study estimates household costs have risen $1,500, manufacturing has lost about 6,000 jobs, and the state's economy has contracted by roughly $2 billion.

Wisconsin residents lost millions of dollars in a scam involving gold coins. The Better Business Bureau says several people were victims of an elaborate set of scams that culminated in buying large amounts of gold coins and handing them to couriers. One Oshkosh woman told Fox 6 Milwaukee she spent 433-thousand dollars of her life savings to appease the scammers, who claimed she was being hacked, that the police were after her for weapons trafficking, and that only they could protect her. BBB spokesperson Lisa Schiller says anytime someone on the phone or internet tells you to buy gold, cryptocurrency or interact with unknown couriers, end contact immediately and report the incident to police.

A weekend kidnapping scare in Sheboygan has police asking parents to talk to their kids. The incident started Sunday afternoon when someone called 911 to report a kidnapping at a park. The caller said they heard a young person scream about being kidnapped while being driven in a vehicle. There was a major police mobilization to locate the child which turned out to be a prank between kids. In a post to the department’s Facebook page, Sheboygan police urge parents to remind children that false reports can lead to serious consequences, even for juveniles.

Minnesota is fighting the Trump administration over its new prediction market ban. The Minnesota Star Tribune reports a federal judge paused enforcement, allowing Kalshi and Polymarket to continue operating in the state. Minnesota's law bans certain wagers involving war, elections and sports. Federal regulators argue the contracts are financial instruments under federal control rather than gambling. The judge says Minnesota may still apply its existing gambling laws while the case continues.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is looking for help with statewide surveys. Officials say volunteers are needed to assist with monitoring deer and game bird populations across the Badger State, known as Operation Deer Watch and Game Bird Survey. Data gathered during the survey helps scientists understand the reproductive status of those animals and make decisions on wildlife-management. Participants would just need to submit sightings on a mobile app and don't need to register.