Local-Regional News March 13

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Local-Regional News March 12

 

The City of Durand has approved the contractor for the 6^th Avenue East project. Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren says the city received 11 bids for the project.  American Express was the winning bidder for the main project at a cost of approximately $115000.  That project is expected to be completed this summer.

Residents in Buffalo County are concerned about Bitcoin mining and its effects on electric rates in the county. Residents met with officials from Riverland Energy Cooperative in Waumandee last night to talk about a Bitcoin company called Anovary that has set up several locations in Riverland Co-Ops territory. Co-Op leaders told those attending the company pays for all electric expenses,  including any electric upgrades the company needed and the company is willing to shut down when Riverland needs electric capacity.

Buffalo County Road Bans are in effect  due to unseasonably warm temperatures we received earlier this week.  The restrictions are 10 ton maximum for single axle vehicles, 22 tons maximum for 3 or more Axles and combination vehicles have a 30 ton maximum. Exemptions are available on a case by case basis, contact the Buffalo County Highway department for more information.  

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is planning a resurfacing project in Dunn County. The nearly $9 million project, will resurface a portion of US 12 and WIS 40 between Elk Mound and Colfax. The planned work includes milling the existing pavement along the route and then paving new asphalt, placing centerline rumble strips in rural areas, and repairing the Eighteen Mile Creek Bridge. Canadian National will replace the railroad crossing in Colfax. The project is set to start at the end of the month and is scheduled to be completed in early October.

Officials are voting to increase the salary for the Chippewa County Sheriff. The Chippewa County board has opted to increase the sheriff's salary for the next four years to a little over 123-thousand dollars annually -- an increase of six-percent. The board is also raising the salaries of the clerk of courts and coroner.

Prison for an Eau Claire man convicted in a January 2025 fatal shooting. Du'Marion Stogner pleaded no contest last year to charges including second-degree intentional homicide in the shooting death of 21-year-old Andre Simmons Junior. Stogner was sentenced Wednesday to nine years in prison.

The verdict is in for a La Crosse County man charged with killing his wife. Zachary Fritz stabbed his wife to death in June of 2024 and claimed he was mentally ill at the time. On Wednesday, Fritz was found not guilty of first-degree intentional homicide due to mental disease or defect. Fritz will be required to spend the rest of his life in a psychiatric facility.

Rusk County is the latest county to experience a cybersecurity incident impacting the county’s computer network. County officials said they’re currently working with a team of forensic experts to fully understand the extent and implications of the incident and to restore operations within a safe and remediated network environment. Their comprehensive assessment is ongoing and may span several weeks.

The Sun Country Airlines is relaunching their Eau Claire to Las Vegas seasonal service. The flight path was last served in fall 2024. This relaunch builds on the momentum established during Sun Country's second year of successful winter service between Eau Claire and Fort Myers. Flights will be on Mondays and Fridays starting September 4^th. Customers can now book travel plans through December 15th, 2026.

The Eau Claire City Council is approving a proposal to increase water rates. The water rate will increase by 20-percent, with city officials saying the hike is needed to match higher operating expenses as well as infrastructure repairs and improvements. The increase comes after city officials shared an anticipated two-point-two-million-dollar deficit for the 2027 budget. The change will go into effect on April 1st.

Hundreds of gallons of oil are leaking from a Minnesota nuclear power plant. On Tuesday morning, officials discovered a leak at the Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant in Monticello, Minnesota. Xcel Energy said the plant has been shut down for maintenance since February 20th. Plant officials say no oil has reached the Mississippi River. Xcel says it has notified federal, state and local officials.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison's next second-in-command is a familiar face. The school announced John Zumbrunnen will be the permanent provost and executive vice chancellor of academic affairs. Zumbrunnen has held the position on an interim basis since last June. He was named as one of the three finalists after UW - Madison held a national search. Zumbrennen has been with the school for 17 years, including being a professor of political science.

Democratic lawmakers are pushing new legislation that would ban cosmetic testing on animals in Wisconsin, and it’s being led by a 14‑year‑old Wauwatosa student. Abby Wurzburger is championing the Wisconsin Humane Cosmetics Act, which would prohibit the manufacture, sale, import, or practice of cosmetic animal testing in the state. She says Wisconsin should join the twelve other states that have already passed similar bans. Wurzburger has been working with Wauwatosa Democratic Representative Robyn Vining on the bill. But with the legislative session nearing its end, it’s unlikely lawmakers will take it up this year.

Minnesota state lawmakers are proposing bills to regulate access to artificial intelligence. One proposal is to ban children from using AI chatbots. It would also prohibit health insurers from using AI to determine if a procedure is medically necessary. A separate bill would ban the use of AI algorithms to set different prices for the same goods and services for different consumers. Both Republicans and Democrats alike at the Minnesota State Capitol believe that in the absence of federal regulations, states must create their own.

Memorial services are set for longtime Green Bay Packers president Bob Harlan. A visitation and funeral Mass will be held March 16th at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral in Green Bay, with a public Celebration of Life following that same day in the Atrium at Lambeau Field. Harlan, who served as Packers President and CEO for nearly two decades, died last week at age 89. After joining the Packers organization in 1971, he ascended to the team’s presidency in 1989 and helmed a reorganization of the franchise that led to a Super Bowl XXXI (31) victory in 1997, and a nearly $300 million refurbishing of Lambeau Field. Harlan stepped down from his position in 2008.

Local-Regional News March 11

 

The Durand City Council is meeting tonight. Items on the agenda include discussion and possible action on awarding the bid for the 6^th Ave East Project, a resolution on providing the sale of approximately $2.1 million in general obligation promissory notes and discussion and possible action regarding the vacant building ordinance. Tonights meeting begins at 6pm at Durand City Hall and will be live streamed on the WRDN Website.

The City of Durand will be asking for the public’s opinion on a wide rage of issues to help develop a comprehensive plan for the city. Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren says the city will be having a survey out soon.  Items on the survey will look at housing, public amenities in the city, infrastructure and more.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is accepting public comment on its 2026 spongy moth aerial treatment plans. Beginning in May and continuing through July, DATCP plans to treat selected areas in western Wisconsin using low-flying planes. A total of approximately 57,615 acres at 18 sites in Barron, Buffalo, Dunn, Pepin and Trempealeau Counties are scheduled for treatment. Visit the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Website for more information.

The Jackson County Sheriff's Office is continuing to investigate a deadly vehicle crash. According to reports, a pedestrian wearing dark clothing and walking in a traffic lane was hit Monday night on Highway 54. The victim was later declared dead at a local hospital. The motorist involved is cooperation with the investigation.

The Mondovi Business Association is gearing up for the 11^th annual Shamrock Shuffle on March 19^th. The Association is looking for items for raffle baskets and items can be dropped off at Midtown Building Supply or Simply Rustic Boutique by next Tuesday. The Association is also organizing an Easter Egg Hunt for April 4^th.

A hearing is being set for a Rusk County woman charged in connection with the death of her husband. The body of Ladysmith resident Terry DuSell was found on last week. Authorities say that 62-year-old Charles Allers has admitted to fatally shooting the victim. DuSell's wife -- Terry DuSell -- is charged with hiding the corpse. Mrs. DuSell is scheduled to appear in court on March 31st.

A unique partnership has been announced between the Wisconsin Pork Association and Ducks Unlimited. Through this partnership, Ducks Unlimited will introduce Wisconsin farmers to the Advancing U.S. Pork Sustainability and Market Value grant program and provide technical support to farmers implementing on-farm conservation practices. This grant program provides incentives for farming practices, such as cover crops, swine management and energy-efficient barn upgrades. Participants receive not only financial incentives but are also matched with a technical advisor to ensure effective implementation. For more information, visit the Wisconsin Pork Association Website.

Wisconsin is pushing ahead with its lawsuit against Live Nation, even after a major federal settlement with the company and Ticketmaster. The U.S. Department of Justice announced Live Nation will pay up to $280 million in fines and spin off 13 amphitheaters nationwide as part of that agreement. However, Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul says the state isn’t backing off. Kaul says several states will continue their cases to ensure “fair competition in the market.” A federal judge says the trial is expected to resume next week.

Former Wisconsin attorney general Brad Schimel will not continue to serve as interim US attorney for the Milwaukee area. A panel of Judges on Tuesday announced they won’t retain Schimel, whose interim 120 day appointment expires next week. The judges said the decision does not reflect Schimel's ability or conduct in the Eastern District of Wisconsin, but that they’ll wait for President Donald Trump to go through the full confirmation process to appoint a full time US Attorney. Attorney General Pam Bondi appointed Schimel last November. In that role he oversaw prosecution of Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan, who was charged with helping an immigrant evade federal immigration officers. Democratic US Senator Tammy Baldwin is already on record against Schimel's confirmation, saying his loyalty is with President Trump and not the law.

Wisconsin’s outdoor recreation industry has broken economic records for the third year in a row. Governor Tony Evers says new federal data shows the sector generated over 12 billion dollars in gross domestic product in 2024, up nearly four percent from the previous year. The numbers were released after Evers pressed the Trump Administration to end a delay that state officials said left businesses planning with limited information. Activities driving the growth include multi‑use outdoor gear, motorcycling and ATVing, boating and fishing, along with strong contributions from hunting, camping, climbing, and biking.

Childhood vaccination rates in Wisconsin continue to decline. New data from the Department of Health Services shows nearly three out of every ten children don’t have recommended vaccinations by age two. Immunization Program manager Stephanie Schauer says several factors may be contributing, from limited access and busy family schedules to growing misinformation. In 2025, nearly 3 percent of kids received no recommended vaccines by age two, up from 2 percent the year before. Schauer says it’s okay for parents to have questions, but urges them to talk with a trusted health care provider. More information is available on the DHS website.

Wisconsin taxpayers have a new way to file their state returns for free this year. The Wisconsin Department of Revenue’s updated WisTax system is now live for the 2026 filing season, offering expanded eligibility for most full‑year residents with a Wisconsin ID. The platform now supports amended returns, Homestead Credit claims, and provides a smoother process for veterans and surviving spouses to apply for the property tax credit. Revenue Secretary David Casey says the goal is to remove financial barriers and keep taxpayer data secure. WisTax works on phones, tablets, and desktops, and provides instant confirmation once a return is submitted.

The Minnesota Senate is approving legislation that determines when motorists are required to hit brakes for school buses. The passage of the bill comes after the state Appeals Court overturned a driver's conviction for moving past a flashing stop arm because the equipment was only partially extended. The new measure will require drivers to stop at least 20 feet from any school bus displaying flashing red lights whether the stop arm is extended or not. All vehicles must remain stationary until the lights stop flashing. The bill now awaits a vote in the Minnesota House of Representatives

Wisconsin women are living in a great state for strong opportunities. That's according to a recent study by finance website WalletHub, which ranked the best and worst states for women. The research looked at more than two dozen indicators of women's living standards, including median incomes, health care, and more. Wisconsin ranked 12th overall in the country, and received a top-ten ranking in the economic and social well-being category. Massachusetts was ranked 1st overall.

Local-Regional News March 10

 

The Mondovi City Council is meeting tonight. Items on the agenda include discussion of pedestrian lights on north Eau Claire street, along with reports from the mayor and city department heads. Tonights meeting begins at 5:30 at the Marten Center in Mondovi.

A long time Lake City Businessman has passed away. Tom Heffernan, former owner of Tom Hefferann Ford passed away on Sunday. Heffernan was owner of Tom Heffernan Ford for 50yrs in Lake City and was active in the community supporting the Lake City School District and Volunteer Fire Department. Services will be March 28^th at St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church at 10am.

Pepin County Landowners still have a chance to purchase trees during the Pepin County Land Conservation Departments Native Tree Sale. The Department has White Pine, Norway Pine, Swamp White Oak and Red Maple trees for sale. Contact the Pepin County Land Conservation Department for more information.

Prison for former Altoona Library director Arin Wilken. Wilken was arrested in March of 2024 on charges of sexually assaulting a child but pleaded guilty to a lesser charge earlier this year. He has been sentenced to one year in prison and five years of probation.

Prices at the gas pump continue to rise along with the price of oil as the U.S. continues military operations in Iran. Motorists in Western Wisconsin are feeling those increasing costs as Triple-A reports the average price of regular fuel in Eau Claire is now three-13 per gallon -- 38-cents more per gallon from one week ago. In La Crosse, the average cost of a gallon of regular fuel is three-oh-two per gallon -- 21 cents more per gallon from a week ago.

The Eau Claire City-County Health Department is reporting an increase in Norovirus activity across Eau Claire County. They said it is not uncommon to see a rise in Norovirus activity this time of year. The best way to prevent the spread of Norovirus is by keeping your hands and surfaces clean. Soap and water is the best method to kill Norovirus not hand sanitizer. If you get sick, stay home, Norovirus is extremely contagious. Individuals who contract the virus are often sick for one to three days.

A discrimination lawsuit filed against UW-Eau Claire chancellor James Schmidt has been dismissed. The federal suit -- filed by former UW-Eau Claire vice chancellor of equity, diversity, and inclusion and student affairs Olga Diaz -- alleged that Schmidt fired her for supporting someone else's discrimination claim. The Western Wisconsin U.S. District Court tossed out the suit on the grounds of sovereign immunity.

A Chippewa Falls man is facing charges after authorities found him to be in possession of child sex abuse material. Allen Laszinski has been charged with possession of child pornography and possession of virtual child pornography. Laszinski is scheduled to appear in court today.

The public is invited to tour the new UW River Falls Science and Technology Innovation Center (SciTech) at a Grand Opening Celebration March 31 from 4 to 6 p.m. SciTech opened to students on Jan. 26 for the first day of spring semester classes. In addition to cutting-edge technology, the new building offers collaborative work and study spaces. SciTech is located on the UWRF campus at 262 E. Cascade Ave.

Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Annette Ziegler is no longer running for reelection in 2027. Justice Ziegler was first elected in 2007 and reelected in 2017. She said she looks forward to finishing out the rest of her term on the court and "handing the baton to a new justice in 2027." Ziegler previously worked as a senior judge in Washington County and the District III deputy chief judge. She plans to step away from the high court bench to spend more time with her family.

A Wisconsin bill that would require warning labels on explicit content in books is drawing concerns from literacy advocates. Assembly Bill 961 is described as an effort to increase transparency around explicit content. Distributors would be required to display a clear warning label when material meets the state's legal standard for explicit content. Madison Reading Project founder Rowan Childs says proposals involving books often raise concerns about who determines what content is appropriate, mentioning that they're always "concerned when people are policing books or policing words." The bill passed the Wisconsin State Assembly last month and still needs approval from the Senate and governor before becoming law.

Amtrak service will roll into Madison earlier than expected. A senior director with Amtrak now says the plan is to bring passenger rail service to the Capitol City by 2030, at least a couple years earlier than planned. Amtrak plans on connecting Madison to Milwaukee and Chicago and eventually the Twin Cities. The question now, where to build the train station? Madison hasn’t had regularly scheduled passenger rail service since 1971. Former Governor Jim Doyle brokered a deal to receive over 800 million in federal money for the service in Madison, but that project was scrapped when Scott Walker was elected governor.

A newly proposed bill is designed to require Minnesota drivers under 21 to complete driver's education before they can obtain a license. Currently, state legislation calls for 30 hours of driver's education for those 17 and under. The new measure sponsored by State Representative Andrew Myers would require every new driver to take drivers education before getting behind the wheel. Recent statistics show drivers aged 18 to 20 who missed driver's ed are 75 percent more likely to get a traffic ticket and 24 percent more likely to be involved in a deadly crash.

We've changed the clocks once again, and it's a good time to check your home's safety equipment. Ready Wisconsin reminds you that now is the time to do an inspection of your home and check the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. It's also a good time to update any safety plans you have in case of fires or storms, and to restock home first aid kits and fire extinguishers. Also consider picking up an emergency weather radio for your home if you do not have one so you can be prepared for severe weather.

Six candidates will compete for the title of 79th Alice in Dairyland. The finalists announced Friday include Faith Baerwolf of Columbus, Kelly Herness of Whitehall, Gabrielle Huitema of Markesan, Jessica Moor of Wilson, Anastasia Poull of Port Washington, and Michelle Stangler of Watertown. The six will next take part in an extensive interview process and training to earn an Agricultural Marketing and Communications Certificate from the state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. The next Alice will be named at a public event on May 16 in Wausau, with the new Alice’s duties beginning in July.

Local-Regional News March 9

Due to construction in Wabasha,  the public parking lot across from the Library will be closed as well as sections of parking stalls along Alleghany Avenue and 2nd Street West starting today. The parking lot and stalls will be closed until the construction project is completed. 

Gas prices are now over three-dollars per gallon across the state. UW-La Crosse economics professor Hugo Vaca Pereira Rocha tells WKOW airlines will eventually pass on costs to consumers leading to increased ticket prices. This is in response to the ongoing U.S.-Israeli attacks in Iran.

Two people are hurt after an ATV Crash in Anson Township Sunday afternoon. According to the Chippewa County Sheriffs Department, A 64yr old man with a 6yr old and 4yr old boys as passengers was traveling on 188^th Street and lost control of the ATV, causing it to roll over. The man was taken to the hospital with serious injuries while one of the boys was taken to the hospital. That accident is still under investigation.

The Durand-Arkansaw School District is paying off some debt early. The board approved a resolution to redeem some bonds that were due in two years. Durand-Arkansaw School Superintendent Ryan Nelson says the early payment will save the district approximately $10,000. The resolution was needed as the first step in paying off the debt.

A man accused of sexually assaulting children in northwestern Wisconsin will spend the rest of his life in prison. Eau Claire County Judge Jon Theisen on Friday sentenced Robert Kartsenson to 40 years, followed by 20 years extended supervision. That’s tantamount to a life term for the 83-year-old charged with sexually assaulting six young victims in Eau Claire and Barron Counties over a period of years dating back to the mid-1990s. Karstenson admitted to the assaults when arrested by Eau Claire police in June of last year. Karstenson’s neighbor, 55-year-old James Barbey is also charged with multiple counts of child sexual assault. A scheduling conference in Barbey’s case is today (Monday) in Eau Claire County Court.

A western Wisconsin school district is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Education. The Department’s Office for Civil Rights announced the investigation of the New Richmond School District in a Thursday press release. The probe “based on reports that the District is allowing biological men to use female bathrooms,” will determine whether the St. Croix County district’s restroom policy violates federal Title IX protections for female students and athletes. The action follows a January school board meeting at which parents and conservative activist group Moms for Liberty demanded the district stop allowing biological males into girls’ bathrooms.

In Sawyer County, a woman convicted in connection with the death of her four-year-old daughter is learning her fate. The child suffered from severe cerebral palsy and was on a feeding tube. At the time of her death, the child -- who died of died of ethanol toxicity -- was found to have a blood alcohol level of more than seven times the legal driving limit for an adult. Samantha Smith was sentenced Friday to a term of 15 years in prison.

UW Extension will be holding a workshop titled Emotion Regulation in Action in May that is designed for teachers and daycare providers. Attendees will learn simple, sicence-based tools to help kids stay calm, build confidence, and navigate “big emotions” throughout the day. The workshop will be May 16^th from 9-3pm at CVTC in Eau Claire. For more information contact UW-Extension.

Wisconsin’s public universities can soon offer faster more affordable paths to a bachelor’s degree. The UW Board of Regents has approved a new policy allowing campuses to create three‑year degree programs. Requiring 90 credits instead of the traditional 120 effectively cuts a full year off the typical four‑year timeline. Supporters say this could reduce costs for students thousands of dollars, eliminating a year of tuition, housing, and fees. Universities can now begin developing the new three‑year options, bringing Wisconsin in line with dozens of institutions nationwide exploring alternative degree pathways.

Wisconsin’s high school graduation rate has climbed again. New data from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction shows 92 percent of high school students graduated on time in the 2024–25 school year, the highest since the state began using the four‑year adjusted cohort in 2010. Overall attendance rose to 92.6 percent, while chronic absenteeism fell to 17.3 percent, both better than last year. The information is part of new data released Thursday on the DPI’s WISEdash Public Portal, which includes multi‑year enrollment, graduation, and attendance trends for every public school district in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin appears to be falling behind when it comes to the best states to drive in. Finance website WalletHub recently ranked every state based on concerns of the road, including traffic, road conditions, and more. The states were then ranked into categories and given an overall score. The Badger State was ranked 32nd overall, and received its highest ranking of 22nd in the traffic and infrastructure category. Wisconsin did not fare well in the safety category, where it was ranked 42nd.

Governor Evers is signing several bills into law aimed at strengthening protections for children. One measure makes child grooming a felony offense, giving law enforcement clearer authority to prosecute offenders. This follows a report documenting hundreds of alleged cases of teacher sexual misconduct and grooming. Another law expands the state's Missing Child Alert program to include children ages ten and eleven. State officials say the changes are intended to improve responses when children go missing and increase safeguards for students.

A Texas man is going to prison for a drive-by shooting nearly four years ago in Rochester. Exavier Porter was sentenced Thursday to 18 years in prison. He was convicted of attempted murder and drive-by shooting charges last November. Prosecutors say Porter was driving on Avenue Northwest in October 2022 when he spotted the ex-boyfriend of his female passenger driving down the same street. The suspect got out of his vehicle and opened fire at the victim, who was not injured.

The man who served as the Green Bay Packers’ president for nearly two decades has died. Bob Harlan joined the team in 1971 and worked in several executive positions until he was named team president and CEO in 1989. Harlan’s tenure leading the Packers culminated in the team winning its first Super Bowl title since the Lombardi era. He also oversaw the nearly $300 million redevelopment of Lambeau Field, which was funded in part by a successful 1997 stock sale. Harlan retired in 2008. His son Kevin and granddaughter Olivia have served as announcers on NFL game broadcasts. Bob Harlan was 89 years old.

The Wisconsin State Patrol is encouraging e-bike and e-scooter safety. The department is reminding folks this month to stay alert and share the road safely in the interest of safety for riders and motorists alike. There were 64 e-bikes and e-scooters involved in motor vehicle crashes in the state last year.