Local-Regional News July 21

A motorcyclist is seriously injured after a crash in Buffalo County. The accident happened around 3 p.m. Saturday when the 55-year-old driver lost control while approaching the intersection of Canada Ridge Road. They left the roadway and traveled over a small embankment. The victim sustained life-threatening injuries and was taken to a local area hospital. A preliminary investigation shows that speed and unfamiliarity with the roadway may have been contributing factors in the crash.

Funeral Services today for the Wabasha Firefighters killed on Lake Pepin in a boating accident. Due to the services today, Pembroke Ave and 3^rd Street East will be closed today. Because of limited parking shuttle buses will pick up and drop off people between 9:45 and 1:30 today at the old athletic field across from Wabasha Fresh Market.

The Menomonie City Council has approved a lawn watering ban. The Council approved the ban after the water department reported low water pressure in the system and having to issue a boil water advisory last week. The ban prohibits lawn irrigation with a few exemptions, such as drip irrigation, using watering cans, and newly installed lawns like sod. The ban applies to those that have municipal water sources and will remain in effect until August 18.

A candidate in Minnesota's First Congressional District is postponing today’s town hall meeting in Wabasha County. DFL hopeful Jake Johnson says the town will be engaged in funeral services for the three people who died in a boat crash on Lake Pepin. He released a statement expressing condolences to those who lost loved ones. Johnson added that he will be providing information about the new date and time for the town hall session once has more details.

A Mondovi man has been sentenced to two years probation in a child sexual assault case in Eau Claire County. Austin McGee was charged last year with second degree sexual assault of a child , child enticement and fourth degree sexual assault. On Monday McGee reached a settlement with prosecutors on two modified counts of fourth degree sexual assault and given the probation sentence.

Federal officials will be in Buffalo County next week for disaster assistance. The Federal Emergency Management Agency and Small Business Administration will set up shop at the Buffalo County Courthouse in Alma for in-person help with filing claims following recent severe storms and flooding. The assistance will be available next Monday and Tuesday from 9am-4pm. Officials said residents should file claims with their insurance provider before coming to the courthouse.

Jurors in Sawyer County have come back with a verdict in the trial of a man accused of killing a woman inside her Stone Lake home. Forty-two-year-old Cary Elkin had been shot multiple times with her body discovered by her estranged husband and a friend in April of 2021. Elkin's boyfriend -- Manly McDermott -- has now been found guilty of first-degree intentional homicide. He will be sentenced at a later date.

Officials are sharing the name of a young horse and buggy operator who died after a recent collision. The accident happened this past Friday in the Town of York. The Clark County Sheriff's Office says it appears the operator failed to stop at a stop sign and entered an intersection where the buggy was hit by a pickup truck. The buggy's operator -- 18-year-old Eli Miller -- suffered fatal injuries. No one else was hurt.

A warning about a sophisticated new workers compensation scam. Fraudsters are posing as workers’ compensation agencies and luring their victims into fake online hearings through platforms like Zoom, Teams, and WhatsApp. According to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, the scheme has primarily targeted Spanish-speaking workers, with victims told they've been awarded money but must pay fees to receive it. Legitimate workers compensation hearings are scheduled only through official mailed notices, and all Wisconsin workers’ compensation attorneys must be licensed in the state. Anyone receiving suspicious communications should contact DWD.

Construction begins Monday on a resurfacing project along U.S. 63 in Barron County. The work will stretch from U.S. 8 in Turtle Lake to WIS 48 in Cumberland and includes resurfacing, culvert improvements, guardrail replacement, shoulder rumble strips, and high-friction pavement treatment. U.S. 63 will remain open during construction, but motorists should expect single-lane closures controlled by flaggers and side-road closures. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation expects the project to be completed by mid-November.

A program easing Wisconsin State Park passes purchases is deemed a success. The program lets drivers renewing vehicle registration also sign up for a parks pass. The Department of Transportation says over 23-thousand drivers have already purchased their passes since the program started last month, saving residents time and reducing mailing costs since the vehicle stickers and passes come in the same envelope.

A former manager at the Plover Pizza Hut will serve prison time for sexually assaulting a young employee. Thirty-year-old Kyle Elkins will serve seven years in prison and five years on extended supervision after pleading no contest to a pair of felony counts. He forced himself onto the victim early 2025, in one case pulling a gun and threatening to fire the 17-year-old if she didn't engage. His sentence includes treatment and a stay on the state's sex offender registry.

An iconic WW II submarine is drydocked in Sturgeon Bay. Last week, USS Silversides was towed from her berth at the Great Lakes Naval Memorial and Museum in Muskegon, Michigan to Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding in Sturgeon Bay, making the voyage across Lake Michigan in about 20 hours. Comprehensive preservation work on the 80-year-old sub includes hull cleaning, structural inspections and application of advanced protective coatings. This $3.5 million project is the first time the Silversides has been in dry dock in more than 50 years, according to the museum where Silversides has been the centerpiece since 1987. The sub was commissioned just 8 days after the 1941 Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and made 14 war patrols in the Pacific.

There's been another ruling against Trump administration funding cuts to states. A federal judge in Boston Friday ruled the Trump administration cannot use a long-overlooked clause in a law to cut grant funds that support programs for law enforcement, environmental protection, food assistance and more. The lawsuit was filed by a coalition of 23 states including Minnesota. The judge ruled that the line used to justify the cuts - that cuts are allowed if a grant "no longer effectuates the program goals or agency priorities" - does not apply and cannot be used.

President Trump's selection for governor of Minnesota Mike Lindell is not registered to vote. The Minnesota Secretary of State's officer says the owner of MyPillow is not on the state's voter records. The Star Tribune reports that Lindell has an active voter registration in Texas. He does not need to be registered to vote in Minnesota to run for office. Lindell is under scrutiny because his campaign is calling for strict scrutiny of voter rolls and election integrity. The Republican hopeful is running in the August 11th primary against House Speaker Lisa Demuth and retired health executive Kendall Qualls, who won the GOP endorsement in May.

More than 80 new food and beverage items are making their debut at this year's Wisconsin State Fair. Fair Communications Manager Tim McCormick says vendors are once again pushing the envelope with creative offerings, including the Al Pastor Pizza, Bayou Crunch Cup and Sweet Lemonberry Cheese Curds. The fair is also celebrating its 175th anniversary with a special Fair-aschino Cherry Cream Puff, featuring nostalgic flavors of grenadine, ginger ale and maraschino cherries. The Wisconsin State Fair runs August 6th through the 16th. 

Local-Regional News July 20

 

Motorists traveling on Hwy 10-25 just west of Durand are advised to use extra caution in the construction zone just west of the city. Crews are installing a new roundabout at the intersection of Hwy 10 and 25. Due to the construction, lanes are narrowed and have been shifted at the intersection and speed limits are lowered to 45mph. That project is expected to be completed by this fall.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is issuing a public health alert for Beef Grillers raw beef patties produced by Gunderson Food Service in Mondovi. This alert is due to product being misbranded and containing an undeclared allergen.  The product contains milk, a known food allergen which was not declared on the product’s label. The product was sold frozen at Gunderson Food Service’s establishment in Mondovi on or before July 16, 2026. No illnesses have been reported as a result of consuming this product.

The City of Menomonie has lifted all the boil water orders for the city. The City announced that the city’s three water towers are approximately 80% full, and the city expects all three towers to completely refill overnight. Water pressures throughout the city are now within normal operating range. As a precaution, city crews remain on the lookout for possible leaks across the city’s 100 miles of underground water pipes. If residents see flowing water in an odd location, they are asked to contact the city.

The City of Mondovi will be closing North Washington Street to through traffic from Oak Street to Mirror Lake Drive today. The City is doing some road work to North Washington and will need to close the street. Motorists will need to use an alternate route while the work is being completed.

Dunn County Emergency Management is inviting comments and input from residents, businesses, area organizations, and communities regarding the draft Dunn County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2026-2031 and any needed projects to reduce or eliminate hazard risks to residents and property. The public is invited to provide comment as the draft plan is finalized. Comments can be submitted online by July 25. Contact Dunn County Emergency Management for more information or for a copy of the plan.

Authorities say a man fleeing police died early Saturday morning in the Chippewa River. Eau Claire Police responded at around 2:30 a.m. to reports of a fight on a Galloway Street sidewalk. A man who had fled the scene was later found standing in the river, but -- rather than comply with officers calls for him to come back to shore -- the man went further out into the water. The man began to struggle in the river and his body was later recovered.

The Eau Claire City-County Health Department is providing a local update on Cyclospora. Cyclospora is single-celled parasite that infects the small intestine, causing an intestinal illness whose symptoms include explosive diarrhea. The CDC and the FDA are investigating several outbreaks of Cyclosporiasis linked this summer to fresh produce. Local health officials report that they typically identify a couple of cases each year and have seen no increase in cases so far in 2026.

Record numbers for the 30^th annual Durand Youth Fishing Contest. Organizers have announced that 530 youth have been registered for this years contest. The opening kickoff for the contest will be tonight from 5-7pm at Arkansaw Creek Park. The contest will be from Wednesday through Saturday with the picnic and awards ceremony on Sunday afternoon at Memorial Park in Durand.

A plea to keep kids safe on offroad vehicles. While all fatal crashes this year have involved adult operators, youth ATV and UTV participation is on the rise. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is urging families to put safety first. Riders 12 and older born on or after January first, 1988, must complete a state-approved safety course and carry proof of certification. Training is only part of the equation -- parental supervision and proper safety gear are essential. State law requires riders under 18 wear helmets, and all UTV occupants must buckle up. Adult guidance can make the difference between preventing a crash and a tragedy.

Infrastructure work is in full swing at the Wisconsin Capitol this summer. Visitors will find four of the Capitol’s eight entrances, including that on State Street closed, as crews work to replace the decorative concrete surrounding the Capitol. According to the Wisconsin Department of Administration, that concrete has reached the end of its service life, and this work will restore the Capitol’s exterior appearance and support long-term performance along with making significant storm drainage improvements. The project began in May with completion expected in November.

Democratic candidate Sara Rodriguez has dropped out of the race for Wisconsin governor. Rodriguez posted the announcement on social media Friday morning. This news comes after she fired her campaign manager earlier this week after donations were apparently double-counted, and her campaign having "hundreds of thousands of dollars" less than she thought. She discovered the problem when TV stations didn't run her ads due to not being paid. The primary takes place on August 11th.

The presumed Republican nominee for Wisconsin governor has outraised all Democrats combined. But analysis of the most recent campaign finance reports shows just three conservative billionaire donors account for the bulk of the $8.7 million 7th District Congressman Tom Tiffany raised from January 1 through June 30. The Republican Party of Wisconsin received $4 million from Uline shipping supply company owners Richard and Elizabeth Uihlein and $2.5 million from ABC Supply CEO Diane Hendricks which went to Tiffany. Among Democrats, former Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes reported raising $841,358 during the period, followed closely by Madison state Representative Francesca Hong’s $708,883, former head of the state Department of Administration Joel Brennan raising $665,627 and Madison state Senator Kelda Roys raising $527,431.

Governor Tony Evers is steering the state fleet toward electric and hybrid vehicles. The Democratic governor says a new Clean Fleet Policy requires state agencies to select alternative-fuel vehicles, including electric and plug-in hybrids, for new fleet purchases unless an exemption is approved. The state operates more than 6,000 vehicles, with only about 14% currently using alternative fuels. The Evers Administration says the policy will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and save taxpayers money over the long term through lower vehicle operating costs.

A former UW Madison researcher accused of trying to poison a co worker has been bound over for trial. 42-year-old Makoto Kuroda is accused of putting lab chemicals into the water bottle and shoes of a colleague this spring. The colleague took a drink from the bottle, noticed it had a bad taste and then spit it out. During a preliminary hearing Thursday, a police officer testified that Kuroda admitted he put chemicals in the water. He was apparently upset that his colleague who had been a friend got a promotion. Kuroda was initially placed on leave from his job at the university's Influenza Research Institute on Madison's West Side. He later resigned.

Minnesota employers added more than 13-thousand jobs in June, marking a third straight month of growth. Education and health services led the increase with 78-hundred new jobs. However, the state's labor force participation rate fell for a seventh straight month as retirements and a shrinking immigrant workforce reduced the number of available workers. Minnesota's unemployment rate remained at four-point-four-percent, which is just above the national rate of four-point-two-percent.

Spent artillery shells are among items seized from a foreclosed home. Kaukauna Police Officers responded to the residence twice this week due to an ongoing dispute between the new owners and a man who was evicted. The new owners told officers that they found gun safes and those artillery shells inside the home. The shells were used and inert, but the previous owner is a convicted felon not allowed to possess the firearms found in the safes. The shells have been turned over to the National Guard for dismantling.

Local-Regional News July 17

 

The City of Durand has announced that there will be free admission to the Tarrant Park Pool starting next week. Because of a donation from Advent Health, starting on Monday, between Noon-5pm and 6-8pm the first 1000 people visiting the pool will receive free admission. Free admission is only for open swim daily. It does not apply to the morning swim times.

The Buffalo County Fair in Affiliation with Pepin County is looking for volunteers for the Saturday Night Track Events. Admission takers for the Demolition Derby along with track event assistants are needed. To volunteer contact the Buffalo County Fair via their facebook page or call 608-863-0381.

The Durand Youth Fishing Contest is in need of volunteers for the community picnic on July 26^th. Volunteers are needed for the registration tables, selling 50-50 raffle tickets along with event set up and tear down. To volunteer, contact the Durand Youth Fishing Contest via their facebook page.

A Mondovi Student is headed to the National High School Finals Rodeo in Lincoln Nebraska. Tysen Poeschel earned a position for team roping and tie down after taking the Reserve Champion Tie Down Roper, and 3^rd place in Team Roping in Wisconsin. The finals are July 19-25 and will be video streamed at the cowboy channel dot com.

No charges will be filed after a deadly deputy shooting in Eau Claire County in May. The Eau Claire County District Attorney's Office has determined that Deputy Joseph Wollum acted in reasonable self-defense. The deputy shot and killed Kelly Whalen after a May 4th traffic crash in the Town of Union. Authorities say Whalen was armed with a knife at the time of the incident.

The City of Eau Claire is updating residents on the city's water usage during this period of hot and dry weather. Officials are reassuring residents that the city's water system continues to meet current demand. The recent stretch of hot weather has significantly increased water use across the area. During this period, the city's Water Treatment Plant has been pumping between 13 and 15 million gallons of water per day, which is around twice the average daily demand. The increase is driven almost entirely by outdoor lawn watering.

The Winona County Sheriff’s Office says a man has been found dead after going missing in Airport Lake Thursday night. The 22yr old man was found after a 40 minute search by authorities. Life saving measures were performed but were unsuccessful. The name of the victim is being withheld and the Winona County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the incident.

The School District of Bloomer is pursuing a capital referendum in November. The school board officially approved the referendum language during its meeting on Wednesday. If approved, the referendum would provide the district with 77-million-dollars to address long-term facility needs. That includes the construction of a new high school with a community performing arts center, maintenance and safety improvements at Bloomer Middle and Elementary Schools and district-wide site, fixture and furnishing upgrades.

A Minnesota woman is heading to trial next week after being accused of using racial slurs against a child. In April 2025, Shiloh Hendrix was seen on video using racist slurs against a Black autistic child at a playground in Rochester. Hendrix has pleaded not guilty to two misdemeanor disorderly conduct charges. Her attorney argues the remarks were protected by the First Amendment, while prosecutors say they amounted to unprotected fighting words. Community leaders say the trial is an opportunity for accountability following several racist incidents in Rochester.

UW Health experts are urging parents to learn more about e-bikes and e-scooters before their kids ride them. Injury prevention specialists say young riders should know traffic laws, wear properly fitted helmets and other safety gear, and use devices that match their size and ability. The warning comes as e-bike crashes involving motor vehicles in Wisconsin have jumped nearly 200 percent since 2022. Doctors call the rise in serious youth injuries a growing crisis and say parents need to be proactive about safety.

Wausau is the latest community to try to get out in front on data centers as alders unanimously approve creating data center specific language in the zoning code. Assistant City Planner Carrie Edmondson says input and lived experience from across the state went into the ordinance. Alders call the language a starting point which could require revisions based on what happens in other communities. The ordinance passed 11-0. In addition to obtaining a conditional use permit It limits data center development to medium or heavy industrial zoning areas and requires any potential data center to be at least 200 feet from residential areas. The city is not fielding proposals for a data center at this time and has not been contacted by a potential developer.

Money from a Wisconsin man who faked his own death is now helping find missing people. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources says restitution paid by Ryan Borgwardt is already being put to use. Borgwardt, the Green Lake kayaker who staged his own death and fled the country last year, was ordered to repay the agency for hundreds of hours spent searching for him. The DNR used about $9,000 from that restitution to buy new sonar equipment for underwater searches. Its already been used on four missions and helped locate two missing people. The agency says the technology improves search efforts while reducing risks for public safety divers.

A former Milwaukee police officer who misused the city's Flock Safety cameras will spend 13 months on probation. Josue Ayala pleaded guilty to misconduct in office in June as part of a plea deal. Ayala accessed the city's camera data more than 120 times last year in order to spy on a dating partner and that person's ex. At the time Ayala listed the reasons for access as simply "investigation". This incident and others like it were the impetus for a number of Wisconsin communities dropping their Flock contracts over privacy issues.

Two people die in separate crashes in southern Wisconsin Wednesday. A 13-year-old Amish girl from La Valle died after a truck pulling a trailer rear ended her horse and buggy in Sauk County Wednesday morning. Investigators say an 81 year old Viola man was driving the truck and stayed at the scene and has been cooperating with police. The buggy was equipped with lights and a slow-moving vehicle placard and the girl was also wearing a high-visibility reflective vest. The investigation continues. In Rock County, an ATV operator was killed after they were ejected onto the road and then run over by a truck, also pulling a trailer, Wednesday night. Authorities say the accident remains under investigation but at this time, it doesn't appear any criminal charges will be filed.

The Grandparents Happy Hour bill is now law in Minnesota. Governor Tim Walz signed the legislation this week in Champlin. The measure allows assisted living home and facilities to serve alcoholic beverages to their residents without a retail license. The law is a part of the 2026 omnibus liquor bill that corrects a minor oversight that often kept senior living facilities from offering residents drinks.

Local-Regional News July 16

A boil order is in place in the City of Menomonie. The city issued a Precautionary Boil Water Advisory following a significant loss of pressure within portions of the municipal water system. The loss of pressure was due to high water demand. Residents are advised to boil water used for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, preparing food, making ice and infant formula until further notice.

Wildfire smoke from fires in southern Ontario, Canada and northeast Minnesota has moved into Wisconsin. The Wisconsin DNR has issued an Air Quality Advisory for the entire WRDN listening area due to the unhealthy air quality conditions. Wildfire smoke is said to affect anyone, but people who may notice symptoms sooner include older adults, young children, people who are pregnant, outdoor workers and individuals with heart or lung conditions.

A former Eau Claire North High School teacher accused of sexually assaulting a child is facing more child sex crime charges. Nadia Horn was first charged in March over allegations involving two victims. She now faces new charges after prosecutors say a third victim was identified during a search of her phone. The person was freshman at North High School at the time.

An Eau Claire man is pleading guilty in a child sexual assault case last year. Court records say James Barbey entered a guilty plea to multiple charges, including second-degree sexual assault of a child. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 21st.

One person is dead after a vehicle rear-ended a stopped dump truck in Utica Township on Monday. According to the Winona County Sheriff’s Department, 43yr old Zackary Ford of Winona was traveling on County Road 29 when he rear ended the stopped dump truck that was waiting at a flagman in a construction zone. Ford was unresponsive when first responders arrived and died at the scene.

Tomorrow is the final day to register for the 30^th Annual Durand Youth Fishing Contest. There are three different age categories and 9 different fish categories and fishing will be allowed in all publicly accessible waterways withing 25 miles of Durand City Hall. Youth can register at Ryans Sports Shop or through the Durand Youth Fishing Contest Facebook Page. All participants must be registered by tomorrow. The Contest will be held next Wednesday through Saturday.

Authorities are identifying three family members found dead earlier this month in Rusk County. Deputies were responding to a welfare check on July 9th at a home on Poplar Road in the Township of Hawkins when they located Rocky Griffith and Lona Kelley dead from gunshot wounds. Their son, Chad Griffith, was also found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Investigators believe Chad killed his parents before taking his own life.

The cyclosporiasis outbreak is impacting Wisconsinites. The state Department of Health Services has confirmed at least 43 cases since May, although fewer than 10 were acquired domestically. The stomach illness can cause intense diarrhea and discomfort. Most of the cases in the Badger State have been the result of traveling internationally. Doctors recommend washing your produce, such as lettuce, before consuming to help prevent catching the parasite.

Some scrutiny for the world’s richest man here in Wisconsin. On a 5-1 vote the Wisconsin Elections Commission finds probable cause that Elon Musk broke state law by offering $1 million to people to vote in the 2025 state Supreme Court election. Brown County’s District Attorney is tasked with determining whether to prosecute Musk. The criminal referral stems from two complaints filed against Musk from social media posts just prior to the election in which Susan Crawford defeated Brad Schimel. One offered awards to people at a rally in Green Bay in appreciation of voting. That was taken down and replaced with an offer of two $1 million awards to rally attendees for signing a petition opposing activist judges. Wisconsin’s election bribery law prohibits offering anything valued above $1 to cast a ballot.

Vehicles seized from a convicted fraudster will be sold at auction. Hundreds of power-sports items that once belonged to Stanley Pophal, the Wausau man who stole more than 14 million dollars from 190 investors, will hit the auction block later this month. According to the US Department of Justice the listing includes snowmobiles, motorcycles, dirt bikes, and go-karts, and all proceeds will go towards restitution for the 64-year-old's victims. Apple Auctioneering will handle the sale, which will be conducted online. Those interested in bidding are encouraged to sign up early. Pophal pled guilty to federal money laundering and wire fraud in June, he's scheduled to be sentenced in September.

President Trump is endorsing Mike Lindell for Minnesota governor. The Commander-In Chief announced today that he is backing the MyPillow founder in the GOP primary election next month. President Trump also took a shot at incumbent Governor Tim Walz by calling him one of the worst and incompetent governors in U.S. history. He added that Lindell is one of the most hard-working Patriots. The other two Republican candidates for governor are Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth and retire health care executive Kendall Qualls, who won the state GOP endorsement in May. The election is set for August 11th.

Investigators from the Marathon County Sheriff's office are still looking for leads following the theft of 20 head of cattle valued at 50-thousand dollars. Deputies were called July 8th to Kingdom Haven Farm after the owners said the animals were discovered missing the morning before. Investigators say there were no signs of forced entry at gates, fences or the cattle barn. Authorities believe the suspect backed a livestock trailer into the west side of the barn to load the cattle. The case remains active, with officials saying they plan to canvass the area for possible surveillance footage from nearby homes or businesses.

A vacant Madison landmark will house a company researching nuclear fusion. Realta Fusion has announced the former Oscar Meyer plant on the city’s north side as its new corporate headquarters. The Madison-based group is expanding its research team and needs the space, according to CEO Kieran Furlong. Realta's goal is to create stable nuclear fusion which would be able to generate enormous amounts of power without generating nuclear waste. That goal is still a long way off, but Realta's hope is to generate new prototypes in Madison that get closer to sustainable fusion

We Energies is installing new tracking devices -- on falcon chicks. Peregrine falcons are notoriously hard to track once they leave their nests like the ones installed on power plants across Wisconsin. That's why We Energies and Wisconsin Public Service turned to an emerging technology to band and track the birds. The Blue Morpho system uses solar power to ping cell phone towers and more effectively track the birds, who like to nest high up on cliffs and towers. 

Local-Regional News July 15

 

The identities of three people killed in a weekend pontoon crash on Lake Pepin on the Wisconsin side have been released. The collision on Saturday involved a boat and a barge. All three victims are from Wabasha. They are identified as Ashley Monson, Manuel De Angel-Sola, and Nicholas Loechler. De Angel-Sola and Loechler were members of the Wabasha Fire Department.

WisDOT seeking input on the US 10 reconstruction project through Mondovi. The Multiyear construction project includes replacing pavement, utilities, sidewalk, curb, gutter. During construction, US 10 will be closed to through traffic. Because of lengthy detours, construction will be split into stages, that would include using Hwy 37, Hwy 85, Hwy 93 and I-94. The use of city streets is also being considered. A public meeting on the project will be held on June 29 from 5-7pm at the Marten Center in Mondovi.

An Elk Mound man was recently arrested for OWI with a minor in the vehicle. According to the Wisconsin State Patrol, troopers pulled over 24yr old Thomas Hager of Elk Mound for seat belt and vehicle equipment violations on North Holly Avenue in Elk Mound. The trooper noticed signs of impairment and field sobriety tests indicated Hager was under the influence. He was arrested and taken to the hospital for a blood draw and then taken to the Dunn County Jail. He faces OWI First offense with a minor in the vehicle, possession of drug paraphernalia and bail jumping.

The City of Menomonie is installing a lawn irrigation ban on local residents. City officials say the heat is resulting in extreme demands from its water system and that, in turn, is affecting water pressure. The water pressure issues could have an impact on first responders' ability to battle fires. The ban has been put in place until August 1st.

Charges filed against a Menomonie man who police say fatally stabbed his mother Eau Claire are being held for trial. Investigators say that 27-year-old Michael Hurlburt stabbed his mother -- 56-year-old Lisa Bragg-Hurlburt -- with a kitchen knife at Half Moon Lake Apartments near Carson Park on the night of May 22nd. The victim was found dead at the scene. Hurlburt is charged with first degree intentional homicide and yesterday waived his right to a preliminary hearing.

Andrew and Alexander Heckendorf of Menomonie, Wisconsin have been selected as the University of Wisconsin, Dunn County 4-H’s Key Award winners for 2026. Andrew and Alexander have been active members of the Little Elk Creek 4-H Club for seven years This prestigious award is one of the highest recognition’s that a 4-H member can receive. Earning the 4-H Key Award is an honor of distinction that only a select few 4-H participants may obtain. Andrew and Alexander will be recognized at the Dunn County 4-H Distinguished Member Awards Ceremony Sunday, July 26, at 12:15 p.m. at the Dunn County Fair.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is looking into the first cases of West Nile Virus this year. Officials announced the confirmed cases of mosquitoes in Milwaukee County and a wild bird found in Bayfield County. However, no cases involving people have been found in the Badger State as of yet. Health officials warned the virus is passed through infected mosquitoes, but can also spread from infected persons to others.

Federal disaster unemployment aid is now available in parts of Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development says assistance is available for eligible workers in 19 counties and the Oneida Nation impacted by severe weather between April 13th and April 23rd. The program provides temporary income support for people who lost work and who don't qualify for regular unemployment benefits. Eligible applicants include self-employed workers and those unable to return to work because of storm damage. Anyone seeking assistance must first apply for regular unemployment benefits. The deadline to apply for disaster assistance is August 31st.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has issued a statewide air quality advisory for fine particle pollution. Conditions are expected to range from Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups to Very Unhealthy, lasting through Thursday at noon. The DNR said smoke from wildfires in Minnesota and Ontario is expected to enter northern Wisconsin between 8 p.m. and midnight Tuesday, then push south. Statewide impacts could be possible by 6 a.m. Thursday, with the heaviest smoke expected in northwest Wisconsin. Health officials are urging people to limit time outdoors as air quality worsens.

The federal government is reportedly turning over evidence to Minnesota investigators linked to the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. The Minnesota Star Tribune says the Department of Justice is submitting the information of the shooting deaths during Operation Metro Surge after months of refusing to do so. The evidence includes the SUV Good was driving when she was shot and killed by ICE agent Jonathan Ross. The vehicle was transferred to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension over a week ago. The newspaper reports that additional digital and physical from the killings was turned over in the last several days. The Trump administration's previous unwillingness to share evidence led Minnesota officials to file a lawsuit earlier this year.

The Port Washington data center project is the subject of a lawsuit. The Wisconsin Examiner reports the suit was filed Friday in Ozaukee County Court by Midwest Environmental Advocates on behalf of the Sierra Club. It alleges the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources skipped a required environmental review process at the request of Vantage, the company building the $15 billion hyperscale data center in Port Washington. The lawsuit alleges that the agency backed off from requiring an environmental impact statement after Vantage claimed it would “kill the project.” The lawsuit argues the DNR ignored potential environmental impacts and that failing to conduct the full review before granting permits violates Wisconsin’s Environmental Policy Act. The DNR conducted a more limited environmental analysis summary.

Work has officially started on Wisconsin's first Buc-ee's. It's not much, but over the weekend fences went up, and a driveway was laid down at the work site in Oak Creek. Crews are starting groundwork ahead of the main buildout which set to start in August with construction expected to be completed in 2028. The 73,370-square-foot travel plaza will feature 120 gas pumps as well as EV chargers. A proposed Buc-ee’s in the Madison suburb of DeForest has stalled over funding and zoning. Texas-based Buc-ee’s has 56 locations, mostly in the US South and West.

The Wood County Sheriff's Department will be featured in two upcoming episodes of the A&E docuseries "Behind Bars: Officer Cam." The episodes will feature footage from corrections officers' body cameras. A third program focusing on correction officers' interactions with inmates has also been filmed, but a release date has not been given. The Wood County Jail is the first sheriff's department in the state to be on the show. The two episodes will air back-to-back beginning at 7 p.m. on July 23^rd

Local-Regional News July 14

 

The investigation continues into a deadly weekend boat crash. The Saturday accident on Lake Pepin involved a collision between a pontoon boat and a commercial barge. Three people were found alive in the water soon after the accident and three were found dead on Sunday. Of the dead, two have been identified as Wabasha firefighters. The City of Wabasha released a statement saying the community lost three exceptional community members in a tragic boating accident. They were colleagues, friends and neighbors.

One person was injured in a single motorcycle accident in Spring Lake Township on Saturday. According to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department, 18yr old Logan Albers of Spring Valley was traveling eastbound on 710^th Avenue when he lost control on a curve and entered the ditch. Albers was med-flighted to St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester.

The Mondovi City Council is meeting tonight. Items on the agenda include discussion and possible action on a proposal from JT Engineering for the Hwy 10 Sanitary Sewer and Watermain project, along with reports from the Mayor and Department Heads. Tonights meeting begins at 5:30 at the Marten Center in Mondovi.

Prison is being ordered for a man convicted in connection with a deadly 2024 vehicle accident in St. Croix County. Mitchell Majetich was reportedly driving under the influence when he hit another vehicle and a passenger from his own car was killed. Majetich pleaded no contest to charges of first-degree reckless homicide and guilty to a charge of operating under the influence. He has been sentenced to eight years in prison.

Charges are being filed against a suspect apprehended after a shots-fired incident in Eau Claire. Police responded Sunday evening to an area near West Madison Street and Oxford Avenue. Witnesses say that 29-year-old Raymond Ramirez had been drinking under a bridge when he pointed a gun at another man's dog and the two began to argue. Ramirez fired and hit the side of a Dollar General store. He was arrested on charges including Endangering Safety - Going Armed While Intoxicated as officers continue to try to identify the other person involved.

The volatile situation in Iran continues to play a role in the price at the pump. Triple-A reports the average price of regular fuel in Western Wisconsin this week is now three-62 per gallon -- eight-cents higher than the price one week ago. In La Crosse, the average cost of a gallon of regular fuel is three-66 per gallon -- unchanged from seven days ago. The average cost of a gallon of regular fuel in the State of Wisconsin is now three-67 per gallon.

Hot weather continues across the region this week, with temperatures expected to stay in the mid to upper 90s. Health officials are urging people to watch for signs of heat exhaustion, including heavy sweating, headaches, dizziness and fatigue. Minnesota Department of Health Doctor Nick Lehnertz says those symptoms can quickly progress to heat stroke, causing confusion, nausea and even aggressive behavior. Older adults, young children and people with chronic health conditions are especially vulnerable. Stay hydrated, take breaks in air conditioning, and check on your neighbors.

A new report shows Wisconsin prisons are holding more drunk drivers than ever before. The Wisconsin Policy Forum reports the number of people incarcerated for operating while intoxicated has more than quadrupled since 2000. Nearly 2,900 people were in state prisons for OWI convictions in 2024, a record high, before dipping slightly last year. The report says the increase comes despite a sharp decline in OWI arrests. Wisconsin recorded more than 36,000 OWI arrests in 2002, compared to fewer than 19,000 in 2025. Overall arrests by law enforcement statewide have dropped more than 60% over the last two decades.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court strikes down a law restricting how the state's Attorney General may use money from legal settlements. Justices on Friday ruled 5 - 2 to invalidate the law, with conservative Brian Hagedorn joining the court's liberal justices. Passed by Republicans in the 2018 lame duck legislative session between Governor Scott Walker and Governor Tony Evers, the law requires the Wisconsin Department of Justice deposit all settlements into the state's general fund and prohibits spending those funds on specific programs. It was part of a set of actions stripping the executive branch of spending authority. Several other lame duck session laws have also been struck down by the court.

A Democratic candidate for Governor fires her campaign manager. Lt. Governor Sara Rodriguez on Sunday announced the firing of her manager over what she described as inaccurate campaign finance filings. The firing comes just days before those filings are required to be submitted to the Wisconsin Elections Commission for review. Rodriguez will be meeting with W E C on Monday to discuss this firing and the inaccurate reports. She’s one of five Democrats vying in the August primary to face Republican congressman Tom Tiffany in November.

The IRS is giving residents and businesses in Wisconsin counties affected by April tornadoes and flooding additional time to file federal taxes. Residents now have until November 2nd to file most federal returns and make payments that would have been due after April 13th. The extended deadline also applies to estimated tax payments, many business returns and disaster-related casualty claims. The hardest-hit areas include Outagamie, Brown, Winnebago and more than a dozen other counties.

An elderly woman died in Lake Michigan over the weekend. Sheboygan County deputies were called to the Lakeshore in the town of Wilson on Saturday for a report of a woman unconscious in the water. The 80-year-old was recovered by first responders but could not be revived. Witnesses told officers they saw the woman walk into the lake before she was found. The victim has not been identified, and the cause of death is still being determined.

The Minnesota DFL race for U.S. Senate remains close. The candidates are Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan and Congresswoman Angie Craig. The polls show that the race very tight, with some polls showing Craig ahead and some showing Flanagan ahead. New campaign finance figures are expected to be released later this week. The primary election is set for August 11.

A unique river rescue in Northwest Wisconsin. Five horses got loose from their paddock at the Spooner Rodeo on Friday and wandered off into the river in Spooner, where they got stuck in the mud. The horses were rescued with help from Spooner police, fire and utility crews, rodeo cowboys, local residents and a local towing company. The horses appeared to be in good health.

Local-Regional News July 13

 

Three boaters missing after a commercial barge reportedly collided with a pontoon boat Saturday night on Lake Pepin have been found dead. According to the Wabasha and Pepin County Sheriff’s Department, the first call came in at around 10:45 Saturday night of people screaming for help in the waters of Lake Pepin. First reponders found an overturned pontoon boat near the YMCA Camp on Deer Island with three survivors clinging to the boat. After an extensive search that lasted into Sunday afternoon, the bodies of the other three victims were reported as recovered and taken to the Ramsey County Medical Examiners Office. The names of the victims have not been released. The Wisconsin DNR will be leading the investigation in to the accident. No campers or camp staff were involved in the accident.

A dangerous weeklong heatwave is coming to Western Wisconsin. Extreme heat warnings are in effect for most of the WRDN listening area and northern Wisconsin. Highs are expected to reach the mid-90s, with heat index values near or above 100-degrees on Monday and Tuesday. Warm overnight temperatures could increase the risk of heat related illnesses. Forecasters say the hot and dry weather may not ease until the end of the week.

Applications are being accepted from those interested in becoming the next Buffalo County sheriff. The position became available with the recent resignation of now-former Sheriff Michael Osmond. Governor Evers is accepting applications through 5 p.m. next Monday

A suspect is in custody after a shots-fired incident last night in Eau Claire. Police say a number of shots were fired near businesses in the area of West Madison Street and Oxford Avenue. No injuries were reported.

The FAA and the NTSB are investigating after a small plane crashed in Winona County. The collision happened Thursday near the corner of Winona County Road 33 and Winona County Road 6. Authorities say the 62-year-old pilot experienced engine trouble and was forced into making an emergency landing. He was able to get out of the plane, and he was taken to a local hospital.

Three people are dead after what authorities are calling a double murder suicide. According to the Rusk County Sheriff’s Department, deputies were called to a home in the Township of Hawkins on Thursday for a welfare check. When deputies arrived they found three people dead from gunshot wounds. Based on the preliminary investigation, authorities believe the incident to be a double murder suicide. The names of the victims have not been released pending notification from the family.

Summer sunshine means extra attention to skin safety. University of Minnesota Medical School dermatologist Dr. David Pearson says UV levels rise significantly during the summer, increasing the risk of sun damage. He recommends applying sunscreen every morning, even on days when you don't expect much time outdoors, and reapplying throughout the day when needed. Pearson also suggests wearing UPF-rated sun-protective clothing for added protection. If you do get a sunburn, cold showers, over-the-counter creams and staying hydrated can help ease symptoms.

Wisconsin's US Senators react to the death of Lindsey Graham. His office said in a statement posted on social media that the Republican US Senator from South Carolina died Saturday evening after a “brief and sudden illness,” at age 71. A post from Wisconsin Republican Senator Ron Johnson said “I am shocked and deeply saddened on the sudden passing of my friend and colleague, Lindsey Graham. He was a true American patriot who blended a wonderful sense of humor with a serious and dedicated sense of duty to our country. He will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.” Wisconsin Democrat Senator Tammy Baldwin posted “Senator Lindsey Graham devoted decades to public service, including his service in the Air Force and in Congress. I’m keeping his family, his staff, and the people of South Carolina in my thoughts and sending my deepest condolences.”

Wisconsin is joining a multi state lawsuit to block school mental health funding cuts from the Trump administration. The Wisconsin Department of Justice said terminating the grants is projected to cost the University of Wisconsin and Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction approximately 12.5 million dollars. The states are seeking a preliminary injunction to prevent the grants from being terminated.

The Wisconsin State Patrol is set to conduct aerial enforcement across a handful of counties this week. Patrol's will be seen on US 51 in Oneida County on today, I-94 in Jackson County on Tuesday, and WIS 29 in Chippewa County on Thursday. The enforcement process works through coordination between air and ground units.

The Wisconsin Elections Commission reminds voters not to bet on elections. With the August primary a month away, commissioners issued a warning to anyone who wants to place bets with online gambling services like Polymarket and Kalshi. Under Wisconsin law, betting on the outcome of an election makes you ineligible to vote in that election. Commissioner Ann Jacobs says people should be voting for the best person for the job, not to win some money.

Governor Tony Evers is urging Wisconsin's Congressional delegation to reject President Trump's call to pass the SAVE Act. Evers suggests the act would "undermine Wisconsin's safe, secure elections, disenfranchise voters by creating unnecessary hurdles for eligible Wisconsinites to cast their ballot." He also says this wold bury state and local election officials under "massive, unfunded administrative burdens." There's no word on when Congress will deny or approve the SAVE Act.

Minnesota is receiving more than 400 thousand dollars from a CVS Medicaid overbilling settlement. The payment is part of a 36-and-a-half-million-dollar agreement involving 37 states and the federal government. The settlement resolves allegations that CVS billed Medicaid and other government programs for more insulin than patients were prescribed. CVS says insulin pen billing is complicated and it settled to avoid the cost of litigation. Attorney General Keith Ellison claims CVS knowingly overbilled taxpayers.

The Minnesota State Fair is unveiling several new foods for 2026. The complete list includes three dozen items available for the first time along with nine new vendors. Some food featured are a Pickle Pie, Butter Brew Mustache Pretzel, Dubai Whoopie Pie, Hmong Corndog and more. The Minnesota State Fair runs from August 27th to September 7th. Tickets are 20 dollars for those 13 to 64. Admission is free for children four years of age and under.