Local-Regional News May 13

 

The Durand City Council is meeting tonight. Items on the agenda include discussion and possible action on the issuance of $2.6 million in general obligation promissory notes, create an ordinance to allow water, serwer and storm utilities to charge TID 3 for debt service payments and repairs for the sewer plant to not exceed $110,000. Tonights meeting begins at 6pm at Durand City Hall and will be live streamed on the WRDN Website.

The Mondovi City Council learned of the discontinuation of the CDBG Housing Revolving Loan Fund. Mondovi Mayor Brady Weiss believes the ending of the fund will not be a net loss for Mondovi Residents.  The program would allow eligible homeowners get a loan for home repairs and improvements and not have to pay the loan back until the home was sold.

Students from Durand-Arkansaw and two other school districts will be in Durand tomorrow at the Pepin County Heritage Center learning about the Civil War. Pepin County Heritage Center member Bob Zika says a civil war reenactment group from Red Wing will be on the courthouse lawn.  The public is invited to attend the event from 2-4pm.

The daughter of Wisconsin State Senator Jesse James is taking a plea deal. James' 31-year-old daughter -- Elizabeth Johnson -- had been accused of stealing more than 30-thousand dollars from the senator's campaign. She was charged earlier this year but has now pleaded no contest to charges of theft in a business setting and filing false campaign finance reports. She will now enter a 36-month diversion program. Senator James represents the state's 23rd Senate district -- a district that includes Barron, Clark, Price, Rusk, and Taylor Counties and portions of Chippewa, Dunn and Marathon Counties.

An Eau Claire North High School employee has resigned after accusations of creating inappropriate AI images of staff. NHS families were sent a message saying the administration received a report of the staff member generating the images on a personal computer. The district noted no student images were involved. The employee was placed on unpaid administrative leave and later resigned. No other details have been released.

Dave Solberg is returning to familiar territory in Eau Claire. City Council on Tuesday named him interim city manager following the resignation of Stephanie Hirsch. Solberg has previously served as Eau Claire's interim city manager and deputy city manager.

A pair of Regal Beloit employees are facing charges with accusations that they stole close to three-hundred-thousand dollars from the company. Patti Krahenbuhl and Ginger Heath are charged in the alleged embezzlement. Investigators say the duo used corporate credit cards to cover personal expenses over an eight-year-period between 2017 and 2025.

Possible human remains were found in northern Wisconsin last week. A release from the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office says bones were recovered after the department received a call from a forester who discovered them while marking trees last Friday. State and local officials were led through the woods to the spot where the bones were located. Investigators are working with the Rusk County Medical Examiner’s office and a forensic anthropologist to confirm their identity.

Two prominent voices from either side of the State Senate are not happy with a compromise deal on how to spend Wisconsin's budget surplus. Governor Tony Evers and Republican leaders announced the 1 point 8 billion dollar plan on Monday. Madison Democrat and candidate for governor Kelda Roys calls it a "backroom deal" and says the surplus is actually money that's been stolen from Wisconsinites by Republicans. Roys says she wants to see all of the funding go towards education. Whitewater Republican Steve Nass also calls the plan a backroom deal, and says spending any of the surplus risks a structural deficit going into the next fiscal year. He also says the plan should have come with school reforms. Lawmakers could vote on the deal as soon as Wednesday.

Fewer Wisconsinites are expected to make a long journey for the extended Memorial Day weekend. Triple-A projects 834-thousand residents will travel at least 50 miles or more for the holiday, which is a slight dip from the year before. Officials say increasing gas prices are having an influence on travel plans, as most of the projected traveling number will get to their destination via car. The Memorial Day holiday period runs from Thursday, May 21st to Monday, May 25th.

Health officials say it’s shaping up to be a bad spring for ticks, with the CDC tracking a rise in emergency room visits for bites. UW Health infectious disease specialist Dr. Greg DeMuri says mild winter conditions helped more animals survive—giving ticks more chances to feed and multiply. Experts urge prevention: wear long sleeves and pants, use insect repellents with DEET or picaridin, and check pets for ticks. Watch for symptoms like a bullseye rash, fever, fatigue, or joint swelling. Doctors say if symptoms appear—or you’re unsure how long a tick was attached—contact your healthcare provider.

The Oconto Falls Public School District is filing a motion to dismiss a lawsuit saying they let multiple teachers go unpunished after being accused of sexually abusing students. The suit includes claims from multiple adults who were once students in the district. It also said the school district should've known what the teachers were doing and taken more direct action to address the inappropriate behavior. The district denies those claims in its motion and is asking the judge to throw out the lawsuit. A decision hasn't come down yet.

The Minnesota Senate is voting to bar ICE agents from wearing masks and allow residents to sue. On Monday, the legislature passed them as part of a comprehensive package aimed at responding to Operation Metro Surge. After hours of debate, the bills narrowly passed along party lines by a vote of 34 to 33. It now heads to the tied Minnesota House, where it faces dim prospects. Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth and other Republicans have voiced opposition.

Local-Regional News May 12

 Mondovi residents will be seeing an increase in garbage fees. The city says the fees will increase of $1.70 to $2.25 depending on the size of the garbage container. The increase is due to increased costs to provide garbage services by GFI. The new rates go into effect with the June billing.

The Mondovi City Council is meeting tonight. Items on the agenda include approval of the offer to purchase two lots in Peeso Creek Terrace, approval of the discontinuation of the CDBG Housing RFL program and reports from the Mayor and Department heads. Tonights meeting begins at 5:30 at the Marten Center in Mondovi.

A Rochester man has been sentenced to prison for murdering a woman in Wabasha County last year. 45Yr old Craig Hameister pleaded guilty to second-degree murder with intent in Wabasha County Court and was sentenced to 34yrs in prison on Monday. In June of 2025, authorities found 36yr old Melissa Hunt with significant injuries. Hunt later died at the hospital.

Firefighters from Wabasha, Kellogg and Lake City responded to a large hillside grass fire on Saturday. Firefighters were able to save a home. “Dry conditions have created an environment where flames can advance quickly, said Fire Chief Darren Sheeley. Moderate to high fire conditions continue in Western Wisconsin and Eastern Minnesota.

Osseo police are searching for a suspect after a high-speed chase. An OPD officer was patrolling the area of Harmony Street and 10th Street early last week when he saw a motorcycle speeding. The officer attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver drove away at a high speed, reaching around 130-miles-per-hour. Officials say a K9 officer later tracked the suspect, but was not arrested. OPD is looking for information on the suspect's location so they can take him into custody.

Officials say a pair of batteries charging in a kitchen is the likely cause of a weekend house fire in Eau Claire County. A residence in the town of Wilson went up in flames and was destroyed on Saturday. A dog died as a result of the fire though no other injuries were reported.

A Sparta man is in custody after a woman reported her husband strangled her. The Monroe County Sheriff's Office first responded to a report of a domestic disturbance in April, with the victim saying her husband, Randal Cuntiz, tried to kill her. Deputies observed red marks across her neck and bruising on her left temple. Cuntiz was arrested on multiple charges, including attempted first degree intentional homicide. His initial court appearance is scheduled for June 1st.

A former U-W-L student accused of sexually assaulting teen girls in his dorm room is pleading no contest to charges in the case. Caden Atkinson was originally charged in February of last year and had pleaded not guilty to charges of sexual assault. He changed that plea to no contest on Monday and has been allowed to enter into a diversion agreement that could result in all charges in the matter being dismissed.

Rusk County authorities have identified the body of a man missing since Saturday on Fish Lake. According to the Rusk County Sheriff’s Department, on Monday, divers found the body of 19yr Stanley Lang of New Auburn. On Saturday night authorities received a call about a possible drowning on Fish Lake in Rusk Township. The investigation in the Lang’s death is underway.

Tony Evers reaches an historic agreement with Republican legislative leaders. A bipartisan deal will invest more than $600 million in schools, provide property tax relief and eliminate taxes on overtime and tips. The agreement was announced Monday after months of negotiations between the Democratic governor, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, and Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu, none of whom are running for reelection this fall. It will use a portion of the state's surplus to increase K-12 special education reimbursement to 50 percent — the largest in state history. The package provides more than $850 million in direct payments, with individuals receiving $300, and married couples filing jointly receiving $600 or their net tax liability, whichever is less. The Joint Committee on Finance is set to take up the proposal Tuesday. With the Assembly and Senate expected to vote on Wednesday, Evers could sign the bill as early as next week.

A woman is dead and a man is in custody in a Sauk County shooting. Sauk County Deputies found the woman dead in the parking lot of Pewitt's Nest Nature Preserve in Baraboo on Friday afternoon, after receiving several calls about a man pulling a woman from a vehicle, shooting her multiple times and fleeing. An hour later, a man allegedly fired several gunshots into the front door and vestibule of the Sauk Prairie Police Department headquarters. Following that shooting, officers took the alleged gunman into custody after stopping his vehicle. An investigation found that the man was the suspect in both shooting incidents. There were no other injuries. He’s being held in the Sauk County Jail.

An 11th offense OWI arrest in Columbia County. 58 year old Robert Ramsey of Winnebago Wisconsin, was arrested Sunday night near Poynette. The State Patrol says they started getting complaints earlier in the evening that Ramsey was swerving and nearly crashed into other drivers and guard rails on I 39 in Marquette County. Another trooper spotted Ramsey's SUV in Columbia County and pulled him over near a truck stop. During the stop, the state trooper learned Ramsey was on parole for 10 prior OWI convictions.

The Minnesota House is passing a bill to create an office of inspector general. On Thursday, the bipartisan legislation was created to oversee public funds and to investigate fraud allegations. Fraudsters have bilked hundreds of millions of dollars from state-supervised safety net programs. With the midterm elections coming in November, Republicans see the issue as one of their best campaign issues. While Democrats seem anxious to show they're taking action to combat the theft of public money.

Catalytic converter thefts are on the rise in Madison. Police officials say older model Toyota Priuses are being targeted around Midtown district. More than a dozen converters have been stolen so far this year, and nearly half of the thefts have taken place since May 2nd.

Monona police are showing off a new piece of technology to make vehicle pursuits safer. The department gave a demonstration last week of a new tool called a "Grappler," which can be used during police chases. It allows police to fire a net in an attempt to catch a tire and axle of the vehicle, allowing them to slow a suspect car down in a controlled manner. Officials explained there will be two squads with the grappler in the field, thanks in part to funding by the asset forfeiture program. The city approved the purchase back in December.

Local-Regional News May 11

 

A Dunn County high school student is receiving a ten-thousand-dollar scholarship to put towards his college education. Boyceville High's William Engel is receiving Olympiad Founders' Scholarship. He is one of just five students nationally to receive the science award this year. An estimated four-thousand students applied for the scholarship which is award based on academic achievement, community engagement and commitment to Science Olympiad.

The City of Wabasha will be holding the annual spring clean up event on May 16^th from 8-Noon at the Old Athletic Field. The event will be for Wabasha and Kellogg residents only. No yard waste, garbage or hazardous waste will be accepted. For a complete list of acceptable items, contact Wabasha City Hall.

The City of Wabasha has closed Lawrence Boulevard East at the Baily Avenue intersection due to road construction. The road was closed as construction at the intersection of Main Street, Washington Avenue, and Market Street may not always allow thru traffic.

In closed session today, members of Eau Claire City Council will receive a list of those who have expressed interest in serving as the community's interim city manager. Stephanie Hirsch resigned from the post last month. An announcement on the position is expected tomorrow.

Charges are being filed against an Illinois man following a Saturday traffic stop in Eau Claire. Wisconsin State Patrol says that Ramon Gonzalez Gonzalez was driving at twice the posted speed limit when pulled over on I-94 and that he showed signs of impairment. The suspect had two minors with him inside the vehicle. Gonzalez Gonzalez was arrested for suspicion of OWI.

A former Winona high school teacher who pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting three students is going to prison. Eric Birth was sentenced yesterday to 90 months behind bars. The 32-year-old defendant also served as a track coach at the high school before he became a licensed teacher and gym teacher. Prosecutors say all three of the victims, were between ages 16 and 18, were on Birth's track team.

The rapid expansion of data centers is raising concerns over the permanent loss of prime agricultural land and the immense strain on local power and water resources. An agricultural policy expert thinks local county boards shouldn't have to face pressure, alone, from multi-billion-dollar tech companies wanting to build facilities. Jonathon Coppess, Professor of Agriculture Policy at the University of Illinois is concerned bout data-centers being sited on land zoned for agricultural use.  In Coppess' view, siting of data-centers, because of the resource demands, is too much to ask of a board alone. He says while it could be handled by state legislators, this type of land-use question will ultimately need to be addressed by the federal government.

A Republican running for Wisconsin governor is getting an endorsement from a man who used to hold the office. Former Governor Tommy Thompson announced his endorsement of Tom Tiffany on Friday, calling him the right leader for the Badger State's future. Thompson added he looks forward to campaigning with Tiffany and other Republicans ahead of this November's contest. Thompson served as Wisconsin's governor until 2001 when he was picked to serve in the George Bush administration.

Wisconsin drivers could see a sharp rise in diesel prices soon. Gas-Buddy analyst Patrick De Haan says the state's average diesel price could top six-dollars per gallon. The current diesel average is about five-dollars-and-66-cents per gallon. De Haan says fuel prices increased across the Midwest, though Wisconsin saw smaller increases than some neighboring states.

Wisconsin health officials say new training for first responders is helping drive a sharp drop in overdose deaths statewide. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services recently wrapped up a first-of-its-kind Overdose Prevention Summit series for first responders. More than 250 emergency workers from nearly 130 agencies took part in five regional summits, sharing local strategies and learning about a changing drug supply, including fentanyl and the emerging sedative medetomidine. DHS says partnerships with first responders are key, as overdose deaths in Wisconsin dropped more than 42 percent from 2023 to 2024.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is continuing its assessment of flooding damage along the Wolf River in Shiocton. FEMA Spokesperson Nicole Wilson says any information they gather will be sent to Governor Tony Evers' office for review and the state will have to make a request to the agency for relief funding. And if the governor decides that they do need more assistance than what the state can provide, the request still has to be approved by President Trump. Wilson says FEMA will stay in the area until it has a total understanding of the impact.

Appleton is dropping its contract with Flock Safety. Mayor Jake Woodford announced Wednesday the city would not renew its contract with the security company. Flock Safety provides automated license plate readers to communities, but has faced increasing criticism from the public over privacy concerns. Mayor Woodford thanked Flock for helping the city solve crimes, but said that any regulations the city sets on the use of the data Flock is collecting cannot be enforced on the company itself or on other departments that might get access to Appleton's data.

A man is facing 21 charges in connection with an animal abuse case in Marathon County. Investigators say deputies found seven dead dogs, three dead goats, and ten malnourished dogs at a property in the Town of Day. Court documents say surviving dogs showed signs of severe malnutrition and were living in unsanitary conditions without food or water. The complaint says 29-year-old Joseph Carey told authorities he fell into a depression and stopped caring for the animals. Carey is expected back in court later this month to learn whether the case will proceed to trial.

Wisconsin dairy farmers and business leaders are urging the U.S. to maintain its trade deals within the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The Treaty is about to be reviewed by the three nations. Wisconsin dairy leaders say trade deals are essential for exports and supply chain stability and growth.

A large African stork is drawing attention across the state. Witnesses say the marabou stork has been sighted all week and has two rings on its left leg. A representative with natural resources says the bird is not wild and likely escaped from captivity. The stork appears healthy and can fly. 

Local-Regional News May 8

 

Students at U.W. River Falls, Stout and Eau Claire are among those being impacted by a hacking incident. CANVAS -- a cloud-based digital hub for classrooms used by colleges, universities and other school systems across the country -- including the University of Wisconsin system -- was recently the victim of a security breach. U.W. says an investigation is underway to determine the full impact of that breach.

A Welch man is accused of illegally killing a bobcat. Leslie Grinsteinner has been charged with gunning down the wild animal out of season, failing to register and tag a deer he shot and deer hunting without a license. Authorities say the defendant shot the bobcat because it was eating his cats. Grinsteinner made the kill three weeks before the hunting season opened for that animal. The defendant was charged by summons and is due in Goodhue County Court on June 11th.

A Lake City Teacher is being recognized for their work. Marie Kruse was named the 2026 Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom Teacher of the year. The award recognizes Kruse for her work in helping students know where their food comes from. Kruse will receive an expense-paid trip to the national Agriculture in the Classroom conference in Providence, Rhode Island, in June.

Wabasha’s Bike Share is up and running with a new program thanks to the Wabasha Rotary, and Wabasha Main Street. Wabasha Bike/Walk Advocates have secured six Republic Bikes for the City of Wabasha Public Bikes program.  Bikes are free for the first 10 hours and need to be returned by 10 pm each day. Bikes are located downtown Wabasha on Main Street at Heritage Park by the sidewalk under the Wabasha Interstate Bridge. A credit card and a smartphone are all that is needed to unlock a bike. No charge will be generated if the bike is returned within 10 hours.

The Buffalo County Dairy Promotions Committee is now accepting applications for the 2026 Buffalo County Dairy Princess. The princes attends the Buffalo County Dairy Breakfast and other events throughout the year representing the Dairy Industry in Buffalo County, and receives a scholarship. For more information email buffalo co dairy breakfast at outlook dot com.

The Durand Improvement Group has released the bands for this years music in the park. Half Shebang will perform on June 17^th, Left Wing Burbon is July 15 and Chris Kroeze is August 19. Other event will be held in conjunction with Music in the Park. The Touch-A-Truck event is June 17, Craze Daze July 15 and Taste of Durand on August 19. Music it the Park will be held from 6-9pm at Memorial Park in Durand.

Wisconsin Congressman Derrick Van Orden took part in a roundtable discussion about veterans' issues Thursday in Sparta. Staffing at V.A. facilities was among the items talked about with local vets. U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins was also on-hand for the event.

Two men are facing charges with authorities saying they gained unlawful entry to the Eau Claire Children's Museum. According to reports, Shaun Craig and Ethan Guilhas got in after business hours on Tuesday and made a mess of things though no real damage was done. The duo was arrested at the scene.

Charges are being considered against a Stanley-Boyd High School student who police say had multiple weapons and rounds of ammunition in their vehicle. Stanley Police were called to the school yesterday after staffers were informed by students a classmate potentially had a weapon in their vehicle in the school parking lot. The weapons and ammo were found during a search by officers. The matter is being referred to the Chippewa County Juvenile Court.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is expecting two weeks' worth of wildfire smoke alerts this summer. A strong El Niño is expected to bring in warmer and drier conditions as well as intense storms that increase the chances of fire activity in Minnesota. The agency predicts local wildfires and those in Canada and across the West will bring 12 to 16 days of wildfire smoke. Smoke from wildfires can contain fine particles that pose health risks for everyone. The highest-risk areas include the Twin Cities suburbs and parts of southeastern Minnesota, near Rochester.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is canvassing flood damaged areas. Fox 11 News reports FEMA staff are knocking on doors in the Shiocton area to see how much damage was done by last month's record flooding. The Wolf River crested its banks and threatened to burst a dam.

A surprise celebration honored one of Wisconsin’s newest Teachers of the Year. The Department of Public Instruction this week named Wauwatosa East High School English teacher Jonathan Etter the first of five 2026–27 Wisconsin Teachers of the Year. The announcement came during a schoolwide surprise celebration. Etter has taught English since 1996 and has spent the past 19 years at East, where he’s helped expand advanced academics and dual enrollment opportunities. He also teaches college credit courses through UW–Green Bay. Etter will receive a three-thousand-dollar award from Herb Kohl Philanthropies.

A man accused in the death of a Lincoln Hills youth counselor has withdrawn his previous pleas. Officials say Javarius Hurd assaulted two staff members at the youth prison in June 2024, fatally injuring counselor Corey Proulx. Hurd previously pleaded guilty but not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect to second-degree reckless homicide and battery charges. A judge granted Hurd's request to withdraw those pleas during a hearing yesterday in Lincoln County. Court records show the homicide charge has been upgraded to first-degree reckless homicide. A hearing is scheduled for next month.

The Trump administration is reportedly turning over evidence in the case of an ICE agent shooting and killing of Renee Good early this year in Minneapolis. The deadly incident happened during a traffic stop at East 34th Street and Portland Avenue on January 7th. Attorneys for Good's family say they're cautiously optimistic that the evidence was turned over and have concerns about full compliance. Last month, Minnesota state and county officials sued the federal government alleging they are being blocked from investigating the shootings of Good, Alex Pretti and Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis by federal agents.

Sentencing is being ordered for a man convicted in a deadly Prairie du Chien stabbing. Sixty-five-year-old Daniel Welsch was killed in 2024. Forty-year-old defendant Jessie Slaughter pleaded no contest to a 1st Degree Reckless Homicide charge in February of this year. He has now been sentenced to a term of 25 years behind bars.

Minnesota is banning cryptocurrency ATMs. On Tuesday, Governor Tim Walz signed the bipartisan bill into law. It bans kiosks that sell virtual currencies like Bitcoin. There are around 350 kiosks in Minnesota. The Department of Commerce estimated that state residents lost about one million dollars to kiosk scams in the last three years.

Local-Regional News May 7

Representative Clint Moses is announcing his campaign for re-election to the Wisconsin State Assembly. He's seeking to continue representing the 92nd Assembly District. Moses is currently serving his third term in the Legislature, where he chairs the Assembly Committee on Health, Aging and Long-Term Care. He said he'll continue prioritizing efforts to improve the affordability and accessibility of healthcare for Wisconsin families.

Two people are injured after an accident in Pierce County. Authorities were called around 9:15 a.m. Tuesday after a semi collided with an SUV on 170th avenue. According to the Pierce County Sheriffs Department, 63yr old Kevin Burgess was traveling northbound on Hwy C when he collided with a vehicle driven by 30yr old Silvia Ayohua of Hagar City who was traveling eastbound on 170^th Avenue. Both drivers were taken to the hospital with undetermined injuries. The driver of the SUV had a passenger, but was not taken to the hospital.

Two people were injured in a two vehicle accident April 29^th in Trenton Township. According to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department, 79yr old Kay Fuecker of Hager City was traveling northbound on Hwy 63 when she collided with another northbound vehicle driven by 54yr old Troy Miller of Red Wing. Both were taken to Mayo Hospital in Red Wing.

In Dunn County, the verdict is in for a man accused of sexually assaulting a juvenile. Investigators say that Joshua Crouse assaulted the victim and then apologized to her the next day. He was charged in 2024 and convicted yesterday of 2nd Degree Sexual Assault of a Child. Crouse will be sentenced at a later date.

Facing a $10.5 million budget deficit for the next school year, the Eau Clair School Board has decided to eliminate or partially cut 17 teaching positions. The positions eliminated include special education, art, instructional coaching and reading intervention. Positions with reduced time include drama, band, french and family and consumer sciences.

The 3M Company is claiming military immunity in the Minnesota PFAs case. The company claims it's not liable for the pollution of the Mississippi River because it was the result of work being done for the military. This comes after a six-year battle between 3M and the state of Minnesota over the forever chemicals in the river. 3M previously used these chemicals in products like Scotchgard, but stopped manufacturing the chemicals in 2025. Some PFAS have been linked with cancers, and all of them are resistant to breaking down in the environment and the bodies of humans.

Twice on Tuesday, an attorney for Josie Dikeman asked the presiding judge in her trial to declare a mistrial. Twice, that request was denied. Dikeman is facing homicide charges in La Crosse County in connection with the 2023 death of her boyfriend's six-year-old son A.J. Jurors yesterday heard video testimony from other children who say they saw Dikeman abuse the victim. Defense attorneys say they have evidence of witness coaching.

Authorities are investigating a fatal Tuesday afternoon crash in Barron County. Cameron Police say a vehicle collided with a commercial farm sprayer near 1st Street and US Highway 8. The driver of the vehicle died at the scene. The name of the victim is being withheld pending notification of family.

Stay alert on the road as deer crashes spike in late spring and early summer. May and June bring increased activity as deer seek places to give birth and young deer separate from their mothers. State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan says deer are unpredictable and motorists need their full attention on the road. Preliminary data shows nearly 18,000 deer-related crashes in 2025, resulting in six deaths and over 700 injuries. Motorcyclists face the greatest risk. Watch especially at dawn and dusk, slow down if you see a deer, and don’t swerve—brake and stay in your lane. After a crash, move off the road if possible and call for help if needed.

Wisconsin is rolling out a new statewide action plan to address what leaders call a growing mental health crisis. Department of Health Services Secretary Kirsten Johnson says the plan reflects months of work by the Interagency Council on Mental Health, incorporating feedback from thousands of residents. A key focus is improving access to care, including creating a single, easier entry point for mental health resources across state government. The plan also prioritizes rural Wisconsin, with an expanded use of telehealth to ensure access to care no matter where people live.

Sentiment against AI and data centers continues to grow in Wisconsin. Marquette Law School poll director Charles Franklin says polling last year showed an even split in people who thought data centers were worth the cost. "But by February, that had jumped up to this 70-30 split that we saw again in March." The number is holding firm across party lines as well, with a majority of Republicans now opposing data center expansion. Franklin says even people who regularly use AI for work or other reasons feel AI is bad for society. The results come as a number of communities have passed moratoriums on data center construction.

Another central Wisconsin community is filing a class action lawsuit against 3M over PFAS contamination. The lawsuit filed by residents of the village of Maine alleges that the chemical and materials manufacturer is to blame for widespread contamination of the forever chemicals in the area. 3M has a plant in Maine that mines granite for roofing granules and waste containing the chemicals has been dumped at the quarry for years. The waste material was also sold to residents as a commercial fill product for decades. The city of Wausau received a 2 point 8 million dollar settlement with the company over similar contamination issues in 2025.

The Rock County Sheriff's Office is warning of a potential scam targeting this summer's 4-H Fair. Officials explained somebody impersonating a fair employee has been contacting vendors asking for money via email, adding a link to transfer whatever funds that are requested. The warning didn't say how many people were impacted, but argued the fair would not ask for payments through email. The fair starts on July 28th, with a theme of "Christmas in July."

Leave white-tailed deer fawns alone. That’s the advisory from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The agency says if you find a fawn, don’t touch or move it since they spend their first weeks staying quiet and out of sight while their mothers search for food during the spring and early summer. Giving the fawn that alone time is the best way to support their natural behavior. You’re also advised not to feed the fawn, since nonnatural food sources can them at risk of suffering nutritional deficiencies that can lead to deformities or death. The DNR website has more information.

The Wisconsin State Fair is bringing back Senior Day. The announcement comes ahead of the fair's 175th year. Guests 60 and older will receive a special seven-dollar admission ticket on August 10th. In addition to the discounted tickets, there will be musical performances, raffles, prizes and games. Senior Day takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Local-Regional News May 6

 

The Tarrant Park Pool is set to open in June. Durand Public Works Superintendent Matt Gillis says the pool will open June 3^rd for an event for Durand-Arkansaw Middle School Students.  The first day of the season will be June 8^th.

The City of Durand has a new online reservation system for camping at Tarrant Park. City Administrator Tracy Carlson say the new system is now online.  Camping at Tarrant park should be open later this month.

Bond is being set at 200-thousand dollars for a Chippewa County man accused of child abuse. The victim in the case was less than a month old when authorities were called in April to Marshfield Hospital in Eau Claire on a report of suspected abuse. Hospital staffers say the baby had injuries including skull fractures, retinal hemorrhages and brain lacerations. Dayne Paulson is charged with repeated physical abuse of a child.

Drivers are being reminded to slow down and share Wisconsin roads this spring. The Wisconsin State Patrol says crashes involving animal-drawn vehicles remain a serious concern. Preliminary data show 165 crashes over the last five years, killing 12 people and injuring nearly 190 others. Officials say these vehicles have the same rights as cars and must display slow‑moving vehicle emblems and proper lighting. Motorists are urged to slow down, avoid distractions, and pass only when it’s safe and legal.

In Eau Claire County, a woman facing charges of chronic child neglect is pleading no contest. Prosecutors say that Mary Oram and Toni Hammonds starved Hammonds' four kids. Investigators say they got a call from Eau Claire Schools in 2024 because teachers were concerned about the children. All four children had to be treated for malnourishment. Oram previously pleaded no contest to charges and was sentenced to prison. Hammonds has pleaded no contest this week and will be sentenced at a later date.

The Wabasha County Board declared a state of emergency last month in response to the tornado’s that moved through the county on April 17^th. According to the Wabasha County Emergency Management, an EF-2 tornado struck near Plainview, and an EF-1 tornado struck near Elgin, causing damage to roads and private and public land. The declaration will all the county to access the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Disaster Fund.

The City of River Falls has received a $431000 federal grant to upgrade the city’s emergency communication system. WI 3^rd District Congressman Derrick Van Orden made the announcement to local officials yesterday. The money will be used to build a three tower site system with 65 radios to improve coverage and reduce communication gaps for first responders. The upgrade is expected to strenthen coordination between UW-River Falls, local schools and emergency officials.

The City of Tomah is announcing plans to close its Aquatic Center. Mayor Paul Dwyer shared the news yesterday saying the cost of needed repairs to the facility are more than it can afford. Dwyer says the city will now focus on development of a new indoor pool and community center that can serve residents year-round.

Stanley Police are investigating a Tuesday morning collision involving a truck and an electric scooter. Reports say both vehicles entered the intersection of East Maple and South Franklin Streets at the same time leaving the operator of the scooter injured. The scooter's operator was taken from the scene for care. The driver of the truck was unhurt.

The Wisconsin Department of Justice is approving a 700-million dollar settlement in a multistate antitrust lawsuit against Google. The lawsuit challenged Google's control over Android app distribution and in-app payments. Most of the settlement funds will go directly to people who made purchases on Google Play from August 2016 to September 2023. Recipients won't need to fill out a claim form and will receive their payments through PayPal or Venmo. Wisconsin joined this effort alongside the AGs of all other 49 states.

Wisconsin is setting a new record for the average price for a gallon of diesel fuel. According to Triple-A, the average price for a gallon of diesel is five-dollars 66-cents. The previous record was set in June 2022, when diesel hit an average price of five-dollars 52-cents. The current state average is just above four-dollars.

Incumbent U.S. Minnesota Senator Tina Smith is endorsing Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan as her successor. Smith, who is retiring, says Flanagan is built for this moment at this moment. Flanagan is seeking the DFL endorsement over Congressman Angie Craig at the party convention in Rochester. Republicans in the race for the U.S. Senate GOP nomination includes Adam Schwarze, Michele Tafoya and Royce White.

Governor Tony Evers is celebrating National Tourism and Travel Week in Wisconsin. Evers and Tourism Secretary Anne Sayers were at Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison yesterday to show off the state's tourism industry and how it impacts Wisconsin's economy. State data shows the Gardens itself contributed over 20-million dollars to Dane County's economy in 2025. The governor's office noted growth in the tourism industry, with a record of more than 114-million visitors coming to Wisconsin in 2024.

The Department of Natural Resources is looking for a few good volunteers at its campsites this summer. State Parks volunteer coordinator Janet Hutchens says there are many spots available for people to pitch in and help out fellow campers. Hosts will stay at the campsite a few hours a day, greeting and assisting fellow campers and provide information about park facilities, park programming, and amenities in the area. They'll also make sure the campsites are neat and orderly for use. Some Northwoods locations in Vilas and Oneida Counties are paid positions as well. Find out more online at D N R dot W I dot Gov and search for "Volunteer Opportunities".

Police around Wisconsin raise concerns about a game being played by high school students. Monday morning, police in Franklin conducted a high-risk traffic stop after the report of a naked man with a gun in the middle of the street. Officers later encountered several shirtless people arguing loudly and threatening to kill each other. Police connected the behavior to a game called "Paranoia" in which players are assigned a "target" and have a week to shoot them with a water gun. According to the game’s rules, you cannot be eliminated if you’re naked. Police in Franklin and other communities in the state are asking the public to let youth know of the seriousness of these incidents connected with the game, and the potential consequences that may result. The person found naked was arrested for disorderly conduct.

Local-Regional News May 5

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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