Local-Regional News Nov 6

 

The construction of the roundabout at the Hwy 10-25 intersection west of Durand is nearing completion. According to the Pepin County Sheriff’s Department, starting next Tuesday, traffic will be shifted to the new roundabout, but the three-way stop will remain in effect while crews complete additional work. Because of the three-way stop and additional work motorists are reminded to expect traffic delays. The roundabout is expected to be fully completed by December 10.

The Dunn County No-Till Drill rental program is coming to an end. According to the Dunn County Land and Water Conservation Division, the program is ending due to rising maintenance costs and the reduction of a staff member. Dunn County will retain the no-till drill for use on the Red Cedar Demonstration Farm. The rental program will end at the end of the year.

The City of Durand will hold a public open house on December 9^th so the public can review the new comprehensive plan. City leaders and members of the consulting firm SEH will be on hand to discuss the plan and answer any questions. That open house will begin at 4pm on December 9^th at Durand City Hall.

Charges are being filed against three teens in connection with an attack last weekend on the owner of an Eau Claire restaurant. Prosecutors say the suspects -- one age 19 and the other two age 17 -- attacked the owner of El Patio restaurant after they were thrown out of the establishment on Halloween night. The suspects are each charged with substantial battery as party to a crime.

Probation for a man convicted on drug trafficking charges in Eau Claire County. Antonio Cantu pleaded no contest Thursday to charges including maintaining a drug trafficking place and possession with intent to deliver LSD. He has been sentenced to three years of probation.

Broadband expansion in Wisconsin is getting a $58 million boost. The Wisconsin Public Service Commission has awarded funding for 46 broadband projects that will bring new or improved service to more than 18,000 locations statewide. Here in Western Wisconsin, Pierce-Pepin Cooperative Services received a $2.1 million grant, Mosaic Technologies $1.3 million and 24-7 and West Wisconsin Telcom received a $110,000 grant. The grants will benefit communities that still lack reliable internet access and are intended to complement federal broadband expansion efforts. According to the Tony Evers administration, projects supported through state programs have helped connect more than 428,000 homes and businesses since the governor took office in 2019.

A Rice Lake man is awaiting sentencing after being convicted in a case where he allegedly tried to hire someone to kill the mother of his child. Tyler Crotteau was locked up in the Barron County Jail when he reportedly tried to hire a killer. He has now pleaded guilty to a charge of solicitation of first-degree intentional homicide. Sentencing is scheduled for January 19th.

Republican Congressman Brad Finstad is planning to request a recount in Minnesota's 1st Congressional District. Democrat Jake Johnson leads Finstad by 323 votes in the unofficial count. That margin is small enough to qualify for a publicly-funded recount under state law. Johnson declared victory Wednesday, and Finstad's campaign confirmed its recount plans Thursday. The State Canvassing Board is scheduled to certify the results November 19th, after which Finstad can formally request the recount.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is revising cost-share requirements for the Dairy Business Innovation (DBI) Initiatives program following engagement with the four DBI centers and dairy industry stakeholders, according to the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association. Under revisions to the 2026 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), the four DBI centers will no longer be required to provide cost share as part of their applications or for activities related to managing their programs, enabling them to continue operations as they have in the past. Subawards to dairy businesses, including both farmers and processors, will be subject to a new cost-share requirement, though USDA is allowing each DBI center the flexibility to establish the cost share within a range of 10% to 25% of the federal funds requested. The changes follow discussions this fall between USDA, the Office of Management and Budget, the four DBI centers, and industry representatives regarding a proposed 25% cost-share requirement. The initial proposal would have, for the first time ever, applied a mandatory cost share to DBI funding more broadly, a change which would have jeopardized operation of the program.

Today marks the opening of the new Mississippi River Bridge connecting Crawford County, Wisconsin with Lansing Iowa. The new span replaces the old Black Hawk Bridge that was brought down in December of last year. The new bridge is opening well ahead of its original spring 2027 target.

Columbia County health officials are confirming at least three cases of measles linked to an outbreak in neighboring counties. Public health leaders say all known cases so far involve unvaccinated individuals who attended private gatherings. Investigators are directly contacting anyone who may have been exposed, noting there are currently no public exposure locations. Officials advise residents to verify their vaccination status and call ahead to a clinic if measles symptoms develop.

A months-long measles outbreak in Wisconsin has now taken a life. The state Department of Health Services says the virus killed an infant in Southwest Wisconsin--the first death of its kind in the state since 1990. The coroner lists measles as the immediate cause of death. D-H-S says it won't release additional information to protect the family's privacy. As of Tuesday, there were 431 measles cases in 13 counties, with eight people hospitalized.

Governor-elect David Crowley spoke for the first time about the election results and his agenda. On Wednesday, he said his focus upon taking office will be lowering the cost of living. The Democrat also said he is already planning on speaking with legislators about the agenda in the coming days as he establishes his transition team. Crowley will officially take office after he's sworn in on January 4th, 2027.

Wisconsin is turning global interest in dairy into new export opportunities. During this year's World Dairy Expo in Madison, the state hosted more than 130 agricultural delegates from 21 countries. The visitors toured farms, research facilities, genetics operations, and feed businesses across Wisconsin while meeting directly with producers and suppliers. State agriculture officials say the goal is to strengthen trade relationships and create future export opportunities. Wisconsin exported nearly four billion dollars in agricultural, forestry, and food products in 2025.

3M is putting legal claims over a "forever chemical" to bed. The St. Paul-based chemical maker will settle a slew of lawsuits for more than 7.3-billion-dollars. More than 120-thousand people will receive payments after claiming they were sickened by exposure to PFAS chemicals that leeched into the groundwater. The substance was often found in firefighting foam used at military bases, airports and other locations.

Minnesota Governor-elect Amy Klobuchar is promising to audit the state government on her first day in office. The Star Tribune reports former appeals court Judge Cindy Jesson will lead her transition team. Klobuchar's audit would examine state agencies for fraud, waste, and abuse. Her plan also calls for stronger oversight of state payments and protections for whistleblowers who report suspected fraud. She takes over January 4th from Governor Tim Walz, who ended his reelection bid amid the state's fraud scandal.

A bald eagle found in Milwaukee is in critical care. The Wisconsin Humane Society reports the eagle was found hopping around a residential area last week. It was recovered and taken to a veterinary clinic where it was diagnosed with a critical case of lead poisoning. Humane Society staff say the cause is likely ingested fishing tackle or lead shot. A team from the UW School of Veterinary Medicine is now caring for the eagle.

Local-Regional News Nov 5

 

In Buffalo County, a man accused of causing the death of a service animal is pleading not guilty to charges. Twenty-one-year-old Quintin Ehlo is accused of killing his girlfriend's dog. Ehlo initially said the dog had died of heat stroke but an autopsy revealed injuries that prosecutors say disproved that story.

A recount is expected in the Minnesota District One congressional race. Democrat Jake Johnson has declared victory, but holds just a 323-vote advantage over GOP incumbent Brad Finstad. If the result holds, it'll be the first time the First District has been blue since 2018. Preliminary results showed a 10% increase to the DFL in Wabasha County, 12% increase in Winona County and a 9% increase in to the DFL in Goodhue County.

The Wabasha Athletic Complex has installed new lighting for the pickleball courts. The lighting was installed after a donation from WNB Financial and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines. The lights were recycled from the old athletic field  but given an upgrade with new paint and new electrical wiring.

The Whitehall School District will be looking at reductions as it cuts between $1.3-$1.5 million from the budget after an operating referendum was rejected on Tuesday. The district says local tax dollars will offset state equalization aid losses, and the reductions will create significant operational challenges. The district is expected to begin planning the budget reductions immediately for the upcoming school year.

Authorities in Jackson County are looking into a threat made on social media targeting the Melrose-Mindoro School District. The message was discovered on Wednesday. Investigators are reportedly speaking with the family of the juvenile responsible for the post.

Charges are being filed against a Tomah man accused of trying to kill a woman. Officers responded Monday afternoon to a home in Warrens where a woman had reportedly said her life was being threatened. Thirty-two-year-old Matthew Rasmussen faces charges including attempted 1st degree intentional homicide.

Voters in the City of Hudson on Tuesday approved a referendum to hire 9 additional full time firefighters. The $1.29 million property tax increase will allow the department to hire the full-time firefighters, and response times are expected to be 8 minutes faster.

Wisconsin election officials are praising poll workers after a smooth run on Election Day across the state. The Wisconsin Elections Commission reports that all 36-hundred polling locations opened on time Tuesday morning with minimal disruption. Chief election official Meagan Wolfe called the state's operations exceptionally well run as local clerks begin working to certify the final results.

State Superintendent Jill Underly says Tuesday's election results show K-12 funding needs fixing. Underly says the number of referendums on the ballot indicates that too many school districts are forced to ask taxpayers for more money just to maintain basic operations. She says voters clearly support investing in public education, but argues schools shouldn't have to rely on recurring referendums to keep the lights on, pay teachers, and provide quality education. Underly is calling on state leaders to pursue meaningful reforms to how Wisconsin schools are funded. Voters weighed in on nearly 80 school referendums statewide.

Wisconsin voters approved two of three referendums to amend the state Constitution. Question One was approved. Governor Tony Evers used the sweeping veto authority to cross out digits in the Republican authored state budget to fund schools through the year 2425. Future governors will be unable to use the veto to create or increase any tax or fee. Question Two was rejected. It would have restricted public health agencies from prohibiting gatherings – including religious gatherings – during emergencies. It was drafted in response to lockdowns during the COVID pandemic. Question Three was approved. It will prohibit giving preferential treatment or discriminating based on race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin when offering government jobs or contracts, as well as in public education.

Another month of above-normal temperatures is in store for Wisconsin and Minnesota. The National Weather Service's long-term forecast for November calls for warmer-than-normal and wetter-than-normal conditions. Both states have already received double to triple what the state usually gets in rain for the month.

Milwaukee Public Schools was the victim of bank impersonation fraud, resulting in an initial loss of around 450-thousand dollars. The district became aware of the fraud Monday. U.S. Bank has recovered 255-thousand dollars, and the district is working with the bank to recover the remaining 195-thousand dollars. Superintendent Brenda Cassellius says the district is conducting an internal investigation and implementing short and long-term controls.

UW-Madison warns of "druggings" off campus. The University put out an alert on Tuesday that eight people were drugged at an unnamed fraternity on Langdon Street last week. Most of the campus's registered fraternities have buildings and dorms on Langdon. The incidents had been reported to campus administrators but not police. Spokesperson Gillian Drummond told media outlets the university is handling an investigation at this time.

A third term for Wisconsin’s Attorney General. Voters reelected Democratic AG Josh Kaul, defeating Fond du Lac County District Attorney Eric Toney for a second time. Toney conceded at around 10:15 p.m. Tuesday with the Associated Press declaring Kaul the winner about a half hour later. Kaul defeated Toney by about 1.2 percentage points in 2022. Kaul was first sworn in as attorney general in January 2019 after defeating incumbent Republican Brad Schimel.

A person is under arrest after firing a gun from a rideshare in a Green Bay suburb. The incident started Monday afternoon when a person leaving a rideshare in Hobart fired a weapon into the air. That person was spotted early Tuesday morning in the village of Howard and taken into custody around 9 am. Police did put a lockdown on some nearby schools. The suspect has not been named, but officers say they were a felon with an active warrant from the Department of Corrections. Charges could be filed later on Tuesday.

For the second time in four years, the DFL Party won Minnesota's "trifecta." The DFLers took the governor's race, the state House and Senate on Tuesday, putting them in position to pass sweeping legislation that could have otherwise died in committee. It's just the third trifecta in state history.

Local-Regional News Nov 4

 

Western Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District is in Democratic hands, as Derrick Van Orden conceded the race to Rebecca Cooke. The third time was the charm for Cooke, who lost to Van Orden two years and lost a Democratic primary prior to that.

Democrats gain majorities in the Wisconsin Legislature, setting up a trifecta. Democrats will control both chambers for the first time in more than a decade. Election results show Democrats flipped the State Assembly by winning eight targeted Republican-held seats, giving them a 53-seat majority. One of those seats was the seat held by Clint Moses of Menomonie, where Democrat Jeremiah Fredrickson defeated Moses. Democrats also won two key State Senate races and held onto a western Wisconsin district to take the majority in that chamber. The victories combined with the election of Democrat Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley as Governor, give Democrats a governing trifecta in Madison for the next legislative session.

Some Northwestern Wisconsin School Districts will have some decisions to make after last nights elections. Operational Referendums in Glenwood City, Ladysmith, Somerset, Black River Falls and Barron all failed. Meanwhile voters in Bloomer rejected a referendum to build a new high school and complete maintenance at the elementary and middle schools.

Amy Klobuchar is becoming the first woman elected governor of Minnesota. Multiple sources are calling the race for the Democratic U.S. senator over Republican House Speaker Lisa Demuth. Klobuchar campaigned on lowering costs, fighting fraud in state programs and restoring public trust. In her victory speech, she pledged to audit the state government and to use technology to detect and prevent fraud. She will succeed Governor Tim Walz, extending the DFL's hold on the office to five consecutive terms.

Democrat Matt Little is set to replace Angie Craig in Minnesota's 2nd Congressional District. Multiple sources are projecting that the former Lakeville mayor and state senator has defeated Republican Eric Pratt. Craig gave up the seat to run for the U.S. Senate, but lost in the Democratic primary. Little campaigned on Medicare for All and opposition to President Trump's policies. His victory keeps the competitive district covering the south metro and parts of southern Minnesota in Democratic hands.

 Firefighters quickly brought an overnight blaze under control behind the Bub’s Brewing Company building Tuesday morning. According to the Winona Fire Department, crews were dispatched around 1 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, to reports of a fire at the back of the building on East 4th Street in Winona. Upon arrival, firefighters found a fire burning near the rear entryway. Off-duty personnel were called in to assist, but the on-duty crew managed to bring the flames under control within minutes. The cause of that fire remains under investigation.

A man who prosecutors say took a firearm onto the grounds of an Eau Claire elementary school is pleading no contest to charges. Reports say that 34-year-old Andrey Sichuga went to Putnam Heights Elementary in April of last year, rang the bell and stood outside for five minutes before leaving. Police stopped Sichuga as he pulled away and found a gun inside his pickup truck. Sichuga -- who had been passed over for a job at the school -- has pleaded no contest to a weapons charge and been sentenced to two years of probation.

Students in the Plainview-Elgin-Millville Schools were able to finish their day with no disruptions after a temporary lockdown. District officials say buildings were placed in "secure status" Tuesday morning because of an alleged threat outside the elementary and high school buildings. Classes continued as scheduled, but visitors were not allowed on the campuses. Plainview police found there was no credible threat.

La Crosse Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Aaron Engel is being recognized. Engel has been named the 2027 Wisconsin Superintendent of the Year by the Wisconsin Association of School District Administrators. The group says that Engel demonstrates exceptional leadership and a commitment to students while having a positive impact on the La Crosse community.

Prison for a man convicted of sex crimes in Barron County. Investigators say that Devon Bernstein sexually assaulted a five-year-old child. He was arrested in the case last year and has pleaded guilty to a charge of child sexual assault. Bernstein was sentenced yesterday to a term of 35 years in prison.

Wisconsin drivers are being reminded to move over or slow down for roadside emergencies. Governor Tony Evers has proclaimed this week Crash Responder Safety Week. WisDOT says 72 emergency responders have been struck by vehicles while working roadside in Wisconsin over the past five years. Officials say slowing down and giving crews extra space can save lives and help prevent dangerous secondary crashes. Drivers are also reminded it's the law to move over or slow down for emergency vehicles and disabled vehicles along the road.

More than 70 school districts have funding referendums on yesterdays ballot. Districts across Wisconsin have been dealing with frozen tax funding for over a decade and limited help from the state legislature. Voluntary referendums are the primary method of raising those tax bases for limited times.

A teen acquitted of killing a youth counselor will still serve prison time. 18-year-old Javarius Hurd was convicted in Lincoln County Court last week of battery by prisoner in connection with an assault and death at Lincoln Hills Correctional in 2024. A jury found him responsible for throwing soap in a counselor's face, but found him not guilty of reckless homicide in the death of counselor Corey Proulx. Judge Galen Bayne-Allison on Friday sentenced Hurd to three years in jail and three on supervision. With time he's already served in the case, he could be on supervision in a year.

The 2026 We Energies Cookie Book is officially available for Wisconsinites across the state. This year's edition marks the 98th anniversary of the holiday tradition, featuring 38 recipes submitted by Wisconsin home bakers. The book includes baking tips and advice alongside featured recipes like Mimi's Sugar Cookies and Crispy Oatmeal Cherry Cookies. Residents can download a digital copy on the We Energies website or grab a physical copy at signature pickup events on Saturday.

The outcry over Flock cameras in Minnesota is leading some police departments to hide their locations. Transparency advocates say police are using a loophole in state law to make the license plate readers private, citing the potential for damage by camera opponents. More than five-dozen camera sites are being withheld.

Holiday ornaments are being sought for the Executive Residence. The annual holiday Tribute to Our Troops Tree honors Wisconsin service members past and present. Governor Tony Evers and First Lady Kathy Evers say families can submit personalized ornaments recognizing veterans, active-duty military, fallen service members, and those deployed during the holidays. The Tribute to Our Troops Tree has been a Wisconsin tradition since 2005 and will be featured during holiday celebrations at the Governor’s Residence.

Local-Regional News Oct 3

 

The Dunn County Board of Supervisors is set to hold a public hearing on the proposed 2027 budget. The proposed budget calls for a county tax levy of over 25-million dollars, an increase of less than one percent over the current year. Following the hearing, supervisors are expected to vote on the spending plan. The meeting is scheduled to take place on November 10th at 7 p.m. at the Dunn County Government Center. The county is facing a $1.4 million budget gap for 2027.

The City of Durand is receiving a grant from the state of Wisconsin for snow removal during last springs snowstorm. The grant is for $8400. The city also received a $2000 state grant for election security. That money will be used to expand a secure closet for the city’s voting machines.

An area meat processor is receiving a grant from USDA to expand operations. Durand Smokehouse will use a $158000 grant to purchase equipment to expand production in its processing plant in Durand. The grants are part of the USDA Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program to expand processing capacity. USDA awarded over $1 million to four projects in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin voters go to the polls today. Statewide, voters will choose Democratic Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley or Republican Representative Tom Tiffany to be the next governor. In Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District, Republican incumbent Derrick Van Orden is being challenged by Democrat Rebecca Cooke. In the Wisconsin 7th, Republican Michael Alfonso is squaring off against Democrat Fred Clark. Polls are open until 8 p.m.

Multiple students were left with minor injuries after a Monday collision involving a school bus in Eau Claire. The bus was carrying middle school students when police say it was hit by a Jeep whose driver had run a red light. The accident is under investigation.

Gas prices are lower this week in Western Wisconsin. Triple-A reports the average price of regular fuel in Eau Claire is now three-95 per gallon -- 27-cents less than the price one week ago. In La Crosse, the average cost of a gallon of regular fuel is four-oh-eight per gallon -- eight-cents less versus the price last week. The average cost of a gallon of regular fuel in the Badger State is four-22 per gallon.

Don't be fooled by scammers trying to get you to pay phony utility fees. Wisconsin Consumer protection administrator Michelle Reinen says your utility is not coming out to turn off the power or heat right now, especially not during the winter. "In Wisconsin, that's not possible if you have unpaid bills because from November 1 to April 15th of every year, there is a winter heating moratorium for unpaid bills." Even after the moratorium, there is an entire process for utilities to cut off power and every effort will be made to keep your heat on in the meantime. If you get a threatening call, simply hang up.

UW System enrollment holds steady despite a drop in international students. Enrollment at Universities of Wisconsin campuses remains strong this fall. More than 164,500 students are enrolled systemwide, down less than one percent from last year. Officials say much of that decline is due to fewer international students. First-year enrollment remained nearly unchanged at more than 28,400 students. Participation in Direct Admit Wisconsin also grew, with about 7,200 freshmen enrolling through the program. A record 14,579 high school students are taking UW courses through dual enrollment programs.

Wisconsin hospitals faced rising financial pressures last year. A new report from the Wisconsin Hospital Association Information Center shows hospital expenses increased more than 9% in fiscal year 2025, while uncompensated care jumped more than 15%. More than 2 million patient visits involved care that wasn't fully paid for, with charity care accounting for most of the increase. The report also found nearly half of Wisconsin hospitals saw lower operating margins, and more than one in four reported operating losses.

Animal rights activists are seeking to recall Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne over his handling of alleged animal abuse at Ridglan Farms. Organizers accuse Ozanne of failing to prosecute the facility over its treatment of beagles. A special prosecutor identified one violation involving cherry eye surgeries without general anesthesia, but reached a settlement instead of filing charges. Activists aim to gather 100-thousand signatures by Christmas Day, ahead of a December 28th petition deadline. A recall election could take place next spring if the petition qualifies.

The Universities of Wisconsin have a new leader following a unanimous vote by the system's Board of Regents. Tonjanita Johnson will take office as the system's next president around January 1st, overseeing 13 public university campuses state-wide. Johnson currently serves as the senior vice chancellor for academic and student affairs at the University of Alabama System, bringing more than 30 years of higher education experience to Wisconsin. In a statement, she pledged to work closely with campus leaders, faculty, and state officials to strengthen higher education in the state.

A state agency warns of a phishing attempt. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is alerting partners they may have been sent an email impersonating a DHS staff member as part of a phishing campaign, attempting to capture credentials and personal information. According to a Friday press release, email content varies, but each impersonates DHS staff members and includes a link to review or submit a bid proposal. That link takes users to a fake Microsoft login page and asks them to enter credentials. DHS will never ask anyone to click a link to enter personal information. Partners who received the email should delete it immediately. Anyone who clicked a link should notify their Information Technology (IT) team immediately.

The Rochester City Council is considering a four-percent increase in the downtown service charge. The proposal would raise 426-thousand dollars for Downtown Alliance events, improvements, and marketing in 2027. Roughly 150 downtown property owners pay the annual charge based on property values. Several business owners support the increase, saying the alliance helps attract people downtown.

The Dane County Sheriff's Office is launching a new daily update to help drivers avoid deer collisions and give local hunters a head start this season. Deputies are tracking car-deer crashes across the county to rate daily deer movement on a one-to-five-star scale posted every morning. Officials urge extra caution on the roads as peak mating season approaches, noting that early November typically brings a sharp spike in deer activity. Last year's peak occurred on November 5th when deputies responded to 12 deer-related crashes in a single day.

Local-Regional News Nov 2

 

With over $ 43,000 in donations, the Tarrant Park Pool broke even this summer. While the city has not set next year’s admission prices, Milliren says admission may need to increase.  The city is accepting donations for pool operations for 2027.

Students for the Durand-Arkansaw School District will start the 2027 school year earlier. The district’s request for a start before September 1^st was approved by the state of Wisconsin. District Superintendent Ryan Nelson says the goal is to have the school year end before Memorial Day.

No one was injured in a single vehicle accident in Dunn County last night. According to the Dunn County Sheriff’s Department, a vehicle traveling eastbound on Hwy 85 failed to negotiate a curve, entered the ditch, became airborne for approximately 135 feet before overturning in a field. The vehicle caught fire and became engulfed in flames. The driver, a 42yr old female from Eau Claire was able to exit the vehicle and was assisted to safety by a passing motorist. The driver was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The driver was cited for operating while under the influence and failure to maintain control of a vehicle.

Prison for a Menomonie man convicted on sex crimes charges involving child victims. Twenty-six-year-old Jesse Sell -- according to prosecutors -- sexually assaulted one child and exposed another to sexual materials. Sells has been sentenced to 22 years behind bars.

UW-Eau Claire police say there's been an increase in vehicle thefts in the area. Police are offering tips to residents to stay safe. Officials say people should always lock their vehicle, keep valuables out of sight and to never leave keys inside a vehicle. If anyone notices someone looking into vehicles, they should report it to police.

A Roberts man has been identified as the person who died after a Friday vehicle crash in St. Croix County. Authorities say that 41-year-old Matthew Drinkwine was behind the wheel of an SUV when it went off the road and hit a tree. The accident is under investigation.

Charges are being filed against the husband of a Viroqua alderperson. Fifty-eight-year-old Evan Blattner is accused of illegally entering the home of Viroqua Mayor Krista Browne last Monday. Blattner -- the husband of Ward 8 Alderperson Tanja Birke -- was arrested Friday on charges of criminal trespassing.

Control of the Wisconsin State Senate could come down to voter turnout on Election Day. UW-La Crosse political science professor Anthony Chergosky says several Senate races are competitive, and midterm elections often hinge on which party does a better job getting supporters to the polls. He notes turnout typically drops from presidential election years, making voter participation especially important. Wisconsin voters will also decide races for governor, the Legislature, and Congress on Tuesday.

More than 750-thousand people celebrated the Milwaukee Brewers' World Series championship Friday. Milwaukee Police estimate the team's parade and rally drew one of the largest crowds in state history. Officials say preliminary research suggests it may have been Wisconsin's largest single-day event ever. The estimated attendance surpassed Milwaukee's population of roughly 560-thousand residents, representing nearly 13-percent of the state's population. The celebration included a parade through the city and a rally at Henry Maier Festival Park.

Wisconsin is receiving more than five-million-dollars from General Motors as part of a 220-million-dollar multistate settlement over alleged illegal sales of drivers' private data. The Wisconsin Department of Justice says GM collected driving information from millions of customers through its Smart Driver program without proper consent. GM allegedly sold data on driving habits to brokers, who then provided it to insurance companies to adjust premiums. The settlement requires GM to limit its collection of driving data and strengthen consumer privacy protections.

One person has been accused of a ninth OWI offense following a traffic stop in Monroe County. A Wisconsin State Patrol Trooper conducted the stop on a vehicle Thursday night and learned the driver didn't have a valid driver's license. The officer also learned the suspect was on probation and parole. During a vehicle search, authorities found suspected meth, THC and open intoxicants. After a sobriety test, Vern E White was arrested on suspicion of operating while intoxicated.

The state of Wisconsin is closing in on 400 measles cases for the year. The state Department of Health Services says there are now 392 cases -- including 336 confirmed and six probable cases in a four-county outbreak in the southwest part of the state. D-H-S says there are also 33 cases now in Chippewa County, where the virus continues to spread. There are also measles cases in Rock, Richland, Marathon, Jackson, and Marquette counties.

Wisconsin's largest utility holding company is in talks to supply power for another major data center development in the state. WEC Energy Group announced during an earnings call yesterday an unnamed developer is seeking 400 megawatts of power capacity to support new facilities. CEO Scott Lauber says potential sites are being evaluated across both We Energies and Wisconsin Public Service territories, depending on local transmission capacity and community support. The proposed project would add to massive data center developments already under construction in Mount Pleasant and Port Washington.

The owners of a proposed billion-dollar gas-fired power plant in Superior are canceling the plans. Dairyland Power Cooperative and South Shore Energy notified Wisconsin regulators on Wednesday that they are abandoning the Nemadji Trail Energy Center. The project faced years of legal challenges, local opposition and permitting delays. Minnesota Power backed away in December after several permits expired. No construction took place on the plant, which regulators approved in 2020.

A record number of Minnesotans have already cast ballots in next week's midterm election. State officials say more than 659-thousand voters have made their voices heard through Thursday, a 64-percent surge over the 2022 midterms. High profile state and federal races are driving turnout amid concerns about fraud and costs of living.

Orange you glad the Brewers won the World Series? Florida’s Natural made good on a World Series wager with Johnsonville, sending more than 20 pallets of orange juice to Wisconsin following the Brewers‘ championship-clinching win over the Tampa Bay Rays Wednesday night. A portion of the orange juice was displayed outside the Italian Community Center, along Friday’s championship parade route, with fans able to pick up cartons of orange juice and take photos with the shipment. If Milwaukee had lost, Sheboygan Falls-based Johnsonville would send 413,554 bratwursts to Tampa, one for every resident of the city.

Local-Regional News Oct 30

 

The Dunn County Sheriff’s Department is aware of reports of an individual hitchhiking in the Connorsville area. The department says they have no information indicating there is a threat to the public but are encouraging residents to keep their vehicles and homes locked and to not pick up the person hitchhiking.

The Durand-Arkansaw School District will be hosting the Division 2 Sectional Track Final next spring at the Bauer Built Sports Complex. Durand Arkansaw Superintendent Ryan Nelson says this will be the second time the district has hosted the sectional final and there will be schools from all over the state attending.  The District may also be hosting a WIAA football playoff level 4 game later this month.

With the Madison Street, Pool and Bandshell projects over the last few years, things will be a bit slower for the City of Durand in next years budget. Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren says there will be only a few smaller street projects.  The city is still looking for approximately $40,000 in donations for the band shell project, and if anyone wants to make a donation, they should contact city hall.

Free rides are available to voters heading to the polls next Tuesday in the Chippewa Valley. Several organizations are partnering together to provide the service. The organizations say they want to help people who face transportation challenges to exercise their right to vote. Anyone who needs a ride can call 715-210-8842.

The City of Eau Claire is reminding residents about new alternate side parking rules. Officials say they go into effect November 1st through May 1st, even if there is no snow. It'll be enforced from midnight to 7 a.m. Additional information can be found on the official Eau Claire city website.

A Black River Falls teen is pleading guilty to stabbing her mother. Rhiannon Redcloud entered a guilty plea to second-degree recklessly endangering safety with use of a dangerous weapon in Jackson County court. Authorities say the 17-year-old stabbed her mother in August in a home in the Town of Komensky. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 10th.

An Olmsted County judge says Dr. Michael Joyner owes Mayo Clinic over 223-thousand dollars. Judge Kathy Wallace issued the ruling on Wednesday, covering expert preparation and other expenses but excluding attorney fees. Joyner lost his lawsuit alleging Mayo Clinic retaliated against him for raising concerns about a company involved in COVID-19 research. A jury found the disciplinary actions were warranted and not retaliatory. Wallace also recently denied Joyner's request for a new trial.

More than 51-thousand Wisconsin State Park passes have been sold through the state's online DMV renewal system. Under previous state law, park passes were issued based on the calendar year. The program has raised over one-point-five-million dollars and accounts for more than 12-percent of all state park passes sold through October 1st. Drivers can now buy a 12-month pass while renewing their vehicle registration, with the money going toward road repairs and state park maintenance. In a statement, Governor Tony Evers says it's "about making government work smarter, not harder, to make life just a little bit easier."

Saturday is Halloween and the Durand Improvement Groups annual Trunk or treet will be from 3-5pm in Downtown Durand. Main street will be closed from 1^st Ave to 4^th Avenue West from 2-5pm. Trick-or-treating hours in Durand will be from 4-8pm, Mondovi from 5-7pm, Elmwood from 4-8pm and Menomonie from 5-7pm. Wabasha is having its spooktacular night is tonight in Downtown Wabasha from 4-6pm with trick-or-treating at Heritage Park under the bridge.

Wisconsin is rolling out new programs to help identify PFAS contamination across the state. The DNR says about $133 million from the state’s PFAS trust fund will support sampling and other efforts to better understand where the so-called "forever chemicals" are present and reduce exposure. Local governments can now apply for grants to test water supplies and biosolids, while private well owners can apply for free sampling through the State Lab of Hygiene. More information is available on the DNR website.

Menasha High School is one step closer to taking it all in a national competition. The T-Mobile Friday Night Lights 5G national competition has been narrowed down to four schools, one from each region of the US. After taking first place against 10 other schools in the Midwest region, Menasha secured $250 thousand and a new Gronk Fitness gym. Now, Menasha competes against three other schools in the US for a $1 million Football field upgrade. This comes after Menasha High School's Calder Stadium faced significant damage from the July EF3 tornado. You can vote online in the T-Mobile Friday Night Lights 5G for the Menasha Blujays once every day now through November 8.

Madison is one step closer to bringing back passenger rail service after securing up to 218-million dollars in federal funding. The grant will support the Hiawatha West expansion project, extending Amtrak service from Chicago and Milwaukee through Waukesha, Jefferson, and Dane counties. The proposed route includes potential new stations in Pewaukee, Watertown, and Madison, which hasn't seen passenger train service since 1971. City and state transportation planners say growing regional demand and strong federal partnership have given the project significant momentum.

The city of Milwaukee is getting ready to celebrate the Brewers World Series victory with a massive downtown parade. The procession tips off at ten o'clock this morning at Fourth and Wisconsin Avenue before heading through downtown to Maier Festival Park. Fans can enter the festival grounds for free to join a championship rally, with overflow crowds able to watch the speeches on video boards spread across the park. Tickets for seats inside the main amphitheater went on sale yesterday, with all proceeds benefiting the Brewers Community Foundation. Organizers are urging fans to arrive early as large crowds gather to honor the franchise's first World Series title.

The state of Wisconsin is paying tribute to the World Series Champion Milwaukee Brewers. Governor Tony Evers proclaimed today as Brewers "Won Our Way" Day in Wisconsin. The Brew Crew earned their first World Series title this week by beating the Rays. The team is celebrating the championship with a parade and rally today in Milwaukee.

Wisconsin’s 10th Safe Haven Baby Box is installed in Manitowoc. The baby box is housed at Manitowoc Fire Station #3, which is located closest to Interstate 43. The baby box allows mothers who feel they cannot raise a child to anonymously relinquish it to emergency responders. The climate-controlled box would keep the baby safe until emergency crews would find it and take it to a local hospital to check its health. Wisconsin’s Safe Haven law allows a mother to surrender their baby at a hospital, police station, or other emergency medical facility. That can be done for up to 30 days after the child is born. It was previously only 72 hours when the law was first passed back in 2001. A Safe Haven Baby Box in Racine County has been used two times since its installation in 2024.

Governor Tony Evers has announced the theme for this year's Capitol Holiday Tree. The theme for the 2026 Capitol Holiday Tree is "The Year of the Neighbor," tying into Evers' designation of 2026 as his final Year's theme in office. Students are encouraged to create handmade ornaments celebrating what it means to be a good neighbor and the people who make their communities better. The tree will be displayed in the State Capitol rotunda throughout the holiday season. Ornament submissions from students and families around Wisconsin are due by November 20th.

Local-Regional News Oct 29

 

The City of Durand is exploring an ordinance on shipping containers used for temporary storage. Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren says the ordinance is the result of requests to use the containers made by city residents.  The proposed ordinance is expected to be brought up again at the next council meeting.

District staff and law enforcement continue to review the response to the recent swatting incident against the Durand-Arkansaw School District. District Superintendent Ryan Nelson says the incident allowed staff and law enforcement to review the response.  The incident against Durand-Arkansaw and the Pepin School District remains under investigation by the FBI.

A Menomonie woman is going to prison following a deadly hit and run crash last year in the Township of Dunn. Addison Bowell was sentenced to nine years after pleading guilty to charges earlier this year. The accident happened in March of last year on County Highway K. Authorities say Bowell was under the influence when she hit and killed Ann Seidl who was running on the side of the road. The 18-year-old fled the scene and was later arrested.

The City of Ellsworth has opened Main Street to ATV-UTV Traffic. The city approved a change in the ordinance to allow ATV-UTV on Main Street between Hwy C and the intersection of Hwy 10-63-65 in Downtown. ATV and UTV Traffic is not allowed on North Maple Street, west of the traffic signals on Hwy 10-63 or on Hwy 10-63 east of Hwy C.

Measles cases are climbing in Chippewa County. State health officials say there are now 31 confirmed cases in the county. There were less than a dozen two weeks ago. There are more than 300-cases total in Wisconsin

A Rice Lake woman charged in a deadly 2024 crash on Highway 53 near Haugen is not guilty by insanity. Patricia Kronquist pleaded guilty yesterday to homicide by negligent driving, but the judge found her not guilty by insanity. She was charged in a 2024 crash that left a Michigan man. Authorities say Kronquist was passing vehicles in the wrong lane of a construction zone before collided with another vehicle. She will learn today whether she will be ordered to an institution or given conditional release.

A Minnesota man is in custody following a disturbance at a convenience store in Siren, Wisconsin. Police say offices were called out Sunday night to a Circle K on State Road 35 on a report of a man armed with a knife making threats to go inside and kill everyone inside the store. Officers entered the store with guns drawn. After a struggle, Ryan Denis Larsin was taken into custody.

Brewers fans are waking up following a historic victory for the Milwaukee franchise. Fans packed watch parties around Wisconsin last night to watch the Brew Crew win the first World Series in the organization's 57-year existence. Over thirty thousand fans packed American Family Field and erupted when the final out was recorded in Game Five. Stores selling Brewers merchandise also reopened last night to give fans a chance at new gear.

Wisconsin health officials are using National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week to remind parents to get young children tested for lead exposure. The Department of Health Services says testing rates have rebounded since the pandemic, helped by a recommendation that all children be screened at ages one and two. Still, about 3,000 Wisconsin children under six are lead poisoned each year. Health officials say a simple blood test is the only way to know if a child has been exposed and to connect families with available services.

This year's Wisconsin bear hunt exceeds expectations. The Department of Natural Resources reports hunters registered a preliminary total of 4,275 bears during the 2026 season, about 3% above the state's harvest goal. According to the DNR, hunter success was 28%, close to the five-year average. Wisconsin's black bear population is estimated at more than 24,000 animals, with the highest concentrations in northern Wisconsin. More than 146,000 people applied for a bear hunting license or preference point this year, a record high.

The latest Marquette Law School Poll continues to give a very narrow edge to Democrat David Crowley among likely voters. Poll Director Charles Franklin said it's 51 percent for Crowley, 44 percent for Congressman Tom Tiffany for a seven-point margin, with 4% undecided.” Franklin said results are closer among registered voters with 47 percent for the Milwaukee County Executive and 44 percent for Tiffany with 9 percent undecided. Tiffany leads by 12 percent among those who remain unsure about whether they’ll vote. Franklin stressed the results are within the poll’s margin of error of 4.7 percentage points.

The race for Wisconsin governor is the most expensive ever. According to a WisPolitics review, candidates and outside groups have already spent $166 million on the race between Democrat, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, and Republican Congressman Tom Tiffany. Republicans have accounted for $117.5 in spending so far with Tiffany the biggest individual spender by a large margin. The $47 million on Tiffany’s campaign finance reports has nearly matched the entire Democratic spending effort, including by outside groups, the Crowley campaign and candidates that ran against him for the nomination. For Tiffany, Restoration of America PAC, largely funded by Illinois businessman Dick Uihlein, has reported almost $20 million in independent expenditures. LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman has donated $8 million to the state Democratic Party in recent weeks

Flock cameras in Wausau will be covered following a 9-1 city council vote to end the city’s agreement with the company two years early. That pleased residents who spoke at the start of Tuesday’s meeting. Alder Carol Lukens said she would not have supported a Flock contract if she’d known how many issues would be raised over the technology. The resolution gives the city's public works department two weeks to cover the cameras, which remain property of Flock. Wausau’s action follows similar moves by local governments around Wisconsin and across the nation in response to citizens’ concerns about surveillance and data collection.

Two right-wing activists are facing charges in connection with a polling place stunt during Minnesota's primary election. James O'Keefe and Cam Higby were charged today in Hennepin County with identity theft and unlawful voting. Prosecutors say the pair dressed in burqas and spoke in fake accents in an alleged attempt to challenge the state's vouching laws.

Madison is finding itself among the safest cities in America. Finance website WalletHub recently ranked 180 cities across the U.S. based on more than three dozen indicators of safety. Those include traffic deaths, assaults per capita, unemployment rates and how many residents don't have health insurance. Wisconsin's capital city was ranked 12th overall, receiving high marks for home and community safety, as well as financial safety.