Local-Regional News March 23

 

The City of Durand is encouraging the public to fill out the community survey that is now available. Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren says the survey is part of the comprehensive plan the city is developing and there are multiple ways you can take the survey.  The survey will take about 10 minutes to complete and is open to residents and non residents alike.  Vist the City of Durand Website or City Hall to complete the survey.

You can make your voice heard about Wisconsin's conservation issues. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the Wisconsin Conservation Congress are inviting the public to their annual Fish and Wildlife Spring Hearings. Meetings take place Monday, April 13^th from 6-9pm, in counties statewide. Here in Western Wisconsin the Buffalo County meeting is at Alma High School, Dunn County is at the Dunn County Fish and Game Club, Pepin County’s meeting is at the Government Center and Pierce County’s meeting will be held at Ellsworth Middle School. Attendees can ask questions, discuss local conservation issues, and vote in Conservation Congress delegate elections. Public input will also be accepted online from April 13th through April 15th. More information is available on the DNR website.

A Baldwin man is facing charges after being arrested Saturday in St. Croix County. According to the Wisconsin State Patrol, troopers pulled over Fifty-two-year-old John Carpenter on I-94 westbound near Menonomie after he had reportedly been driving erratically and hit a guardrail. He was cited with operating a motor vehicle under the influence, 5th offense.

Council members in Eau Claire are going to vote on a resolution to give people free transit rides. The resolution will allow them to accept a monetary donation of 300-dollars from JONAH, known as "Joining Our Neighbors Advancing Hope." The money would be used to provide free bus rides on election day on April 7th, as well as for Earth Day on April 18th. The Eau Claire City Council is slated to vote on March 24th.

The National Weather Service is warning of minor flooding in the forecast for the Black River at Black River Falls. A flood warning has been issue until Tuesday morning. The river was expected to crest at 49-point-six feet last night -- its highest level in nearly nine years.

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers has vetoed a bill that would have limited ownership of land by a citizen of or business based in countries considered foreign adversaries. In the veto statement Evers said he objected to the legislature placing blanket prohibitions on land ownership regardless of the specific circumstances and whether or not any real threat exists. The Wisconsin Farm Bureau expressed disappointment in the veto saying they supported policies that improve national security and keep Wisconsin productive lands in agricultural use.

Two Wisconsin airports could be temporarily shut down amid the partial federal government shutdown. With some 50,000 Transportation Security Administration agents continuing to work without pay, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warns some small airports could have to halt flights temporarily. On CNBC late last week, Duffy did not specify any, but the Federal Aviation Administration's list of “small hub” airports includes Dane County Regional and Appleton International. A spokesperson told the State Journal she was optimistic the Madison airport would be spared if it came to that.

Over 30 people are hurt after a tour bus crashed in Green Bay yesterday. Emergency crews responded shortly before 3 p.m. after the bus exited I-43 at Webster Avenue and went over an embankment, nearly hitting a building. Many of the passengers were elderly and suffered minor injuries, but two individuals are in critical condition, according to the Green Bay Police Department. Officials say there were over 50 people on the bus as it traveled from Chicago to a Michigan casino. It is not clear what caused the crash at this time. Law enforcement is investigating.

Legislation aimed at supporting parents after a stillbirth is heading to the governor's desk. Senate Bill 379 would create a two-thousand-dollar state income tax credit for families who experience a stillbirth, helping offset costs associated with medical care and burial expenses. The bill passed the State Assembly unanimously and cleared the Senate. Lawmakers say the bill is intended to both ease financial strain and formally recognize the loss families experience. Wisconsin would join a small number of states offering similar tax credits if it gets signed into law.

Federal funding for a bridge replacement project in northwestern Wisconsin got the green light this week. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announcing the department's delivering over $1 billion to replace the 65-year-old Blatnik Bridge connecting Duluth and Superior. Duffy said in a statement that was among a backlog of 3,200 grants announced to much fanfare under President Joe Biden and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg that had yet to be delivered. Recent letters by Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers and U.S. Senators from Minnesota and Wisconsin urged release of the federal funding to avoid delays. Wisconsin Senator Tammy Baldwin said in a news release that the delay in releasing the funding was unnecessary.

The discovery of drugs and firearms at a Washington County Girl Scout camp property leads to charges. Fox 6 Milwaukee reports 48-year-old Paul David faces multiple charges. According to a criminal complaint, sheriff's deputies called for a domestic-related incident last weekend found 13 firearms, marijuana, psychedelic mushrooms and drug packaging materials inside David's residence at Camp Silver Brook in the Town of West Bend. A spokesperson for Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast told the station that David’s wife is an employee and is on leave while authorities investigate. The West Bend School District uses the camp for outdoor classes and has suspended activities there for the remainder of the school year. Court records show David had a felony DUI conviction in Illinois that resulted in a three-year prison sentence, as well as multiple OWI offenses in Wisconsin.

Janesville Police and Fire Departments contact OSHA after a Janesville business is uncooperative in the wake of two explosions which sent a total of 3 employees to a burn unit. Emergency personnel were first dispatched to NaturPAK on February 11th when a pressure valve for a tank used to boil broth malfunctioned. One employee was transported to a Madison burn unit via helicopter with life-threatening injuries. Janesville Police say while speaking to employees during the initial investigation, the facility manager instructed employees to discontinue communication with police. Wednesday, just before 1:30 p.m. , first responders were called back to the business where another equipment-related explosion had occurred. Two employees were flown by helicopter to a Madison burn unit with life-threatening injuries. Janesville Police say there was minimal cooperation from NaturPAK management during their investigation. According to a news release, all of the information Janesville first responders have gathered has been forwarded to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to determine the root cause of these incidents, evaluate compliance with workplace safety regulations, and implement measures aimed at preventing future occurrences.

Three more defendants in the Feeding Our Future fraud case are pleading guilty. Aisha Hussein, Sahra Osman, and Fadumo Yusef each pleaded to one count of wire fraud. All three are a part of a group of seven all scheduled to go on trial in April. Meanwhile, Suleman Mohamed was scheduled to plead guilty, but his hearing was rescheduled at the last minute for next week. More than six dozen people have been charged in connection with the huge fraud scheme, which prosecutors have called the largest COVID-19 fraud scheme in the country, totaling over 250 million dollars.

Melting snow is raising the risk of residential flooding across central Wisconsin. Officials say homes, especially those with basements, face a higher chance of water damage, though major river flooding is unlikely. The state's unusually dry winter may help absorb some of the melting snow. Experts warn homes with previous flooding issues are especially vulnerable. Homeowners are urged to inspect basements, check sump pumps daily, and clear gutters to prevent water buildup.

Local-Regional News Marcy 20

 

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

milliren

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Local-Regional News March 19

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Local-Regional News March 18

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Local-Regional News March 17

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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