Local-Regional News April 28

 

The City of Durand has set the pool rates for the upcoming pool season. City Administrator Tracy Carlson says the city will offer a family punch pass at a reduced rate.  There are other levels of punch passes that will be available, and the one-time daily rate will be set at $5. The pool is expected to open in June.

The Mondovi City Council is meeting tonight. Items on the agenda include discussion and possible action on an offer to purchase a lot in Peeso Creek Terrace, a proposal for a controller for the Marten Center, and reports from the mayor and department heads. Tonights meeting begins at 5:30 at the Marten Center at 5:30.

Two people were injured in a three vehicle accident in Isabelle Township on Sunday. According to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department, 31yr old DeShawn Gilles of Baldwin was traveling southbound on Hwy 35 and slowing to make a left turn onto Hwy C when he was struck by a southbound motorcycle driven by Michael Mecklenburg of Belle Plain, MN. The Gilles vehicle then struck a northbound motorcycle driven by 51yr old Nason Holets of New Prage, MN. Holets was transported to Mayo Red Wing, while Mecklenburg was med-flighted to Regions Hospital in St. Paul.

A man facing a reckless homicide charge after a 2024 shooting in Trempealeau County is going to trial this week. Investigators say that Todd Gieck shot and killed the victim -- Ettrick resident Kyle Dahl. Dahl was found wounded in his vehicle along Highway 53 in the Town of Gale and later died at a local hospital. Gieck has said the shooting was accidental.

Bond is being set at 100-thousand dollars for a man charged after a fatal weekend accident in Eau Claire County. Two vehicles -- a pickup truck and an SUV -- hit head-on just before 6 p.m. Saturday at State Highway 93 and Severson Road in the Town of Pleasant Valley. Three people were treated at the site of the accident. A passenger from the SUV -- since identified as 56-year-old Kimberly Clark of Onalaska -- died at the scene. The pick-up truck's driver -- 46-year-old Kirk Johnson -- is charged with homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle.

The trial of a man shot by Eau Claire Police in 2022 is underway. Police responded to Clayton Livingston's home after a neighbor accused him of pointing a gun at his house. Responding officers say Livingston also pointed a gun at them. Two officers shot and injured the suspect who is now facing six counts of second-degree recklessly endangering safety and a charge of operating a firearm while intoxicated.

A jury has been selected for the trial of an Onalaska woman charged in the death of her six-year-old son. Josie Dikeman called 9-1-1 on February 11th of 2023 saying that her son was non responsive. Crews found the child dead at the scene with prescription drugs near the body. Blunt force trauma was listed as the cause of death with the use of a prescription sedative as a contributing factor. Dikeman has pleaded not guilty to a charge of first-degree intentional homicide. Opening arguments are expected today.

A Western Wisconsin Food Pantry is reducing the number of monthly food distributions. Beginning in June, Feed My People will scale back its Eau Claire pop-up distribution from four events per month to two. Distributions will take place at the Hunger Action Center, on Alpine Road, on the second Monday from 5:00–6:00 p.m. and the fourth Friday from 10:00–11:00 a.m., continuing through December. In 2027, pop-ups in Eau Claire will move to an as-needed, emergency response model rather than have a regular schedule. This shift is being made in coordination with local pantries. This change is part of a broader effort to strengthen long-term hunger relief across West Central Wisconsin.

Many Western Wisconsin motorists are experiencing an increase in gas prices this week. Triple-A reports the average price of regular fuel in Eau Claire is now three-66 per gallon -- 16-cents more per gallon over the price one week ago. In La Crosse, the average cost of a gallon of regular fuel is three-77 per gallon -- 20-cents more compared to one week ago. The average cost of a gallon of regular fuel in the State of Wisconsin is three-92 per gallon.

Wisconsin is honoring schools that go the extra mile for students in military families. Osseo-Fairchild Elementary, St. Croix Falls Elementary, Middle and High School are among seventeen schools across Wisconsin have been named the state’s first Purple Star Schools—an honor celebrating strong support for students from military families. It’s part of a new Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction program designed to help children who often move many times during their school years and face shifting expectations and requirements. To earn the designation, schools must train staff, appoint a liaison for military families, offer programs that build social connections, and provide online resources to help students transition smoothly.

The Rochester City Council is expected to consider the future of a proposed local sports complex during today's meeting. Council members plan to discuss possible improvements for the planned Rochester Community and Technical College's Regional Sports Center. Some of the options considered include expansions, replacing the dome, or keeping the dome open year-round. Officials say nothing is final yet.

State authorities say residents are not to subsidize energy costs for data centers and other heavy consumers. That's according to the Public Service Commission's unanimous approval at Friday's meeting. We Energies will be eventually providing services to data centers in Port Washington and Mount Pleasant as they build out. Power plants and other related projects will be evaluated individually. A formal written order still needs to be issued.

A fire at a southeast Wisconsin egg packing plant on Thursday. The fire broke out at the Cold Springs Farm in Palmyra on Thursday. Media reports say the flames were contained to one of several buildings at the Jefferson County facility. Cold Springs is owned by Daybreak Foods and has been the site of multiple avian flu outbreaks over the past year. Daybreak Foods has laid off over 80 workers at two Wisconsin facilities that have been the sites for avian flu outbreaks, and is also in the process of remediating the Palmyra site after an illegal wastewater release.

The CDC says public health officials are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella illnesses. The agency says the illnesses are linked to contact with backyard poultry, which can carry Salmonella. As of April 13th, 34 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella have been reported in 13 states. Illnesses started on February 26th to March 31st with at least 13 people hospitalized. The outbreak is mainly focused in the Midwest.

A flight to Orlando from Minneapolis makes an emergency landing in Milwaukee. Sunday night, a smoky odor was detected on Delta Flight 2309. Once the crew declared an emergency, the plane landed safely at Mitchell International Airport and taxied to a gate where it was met by fire crews. The 128 passengers onboard were deplaned safely. No one was injured. The cause of the odor is being investigated.

Wisconsin voters are showing signs of referendum fatigue. A new report from the Wisconsin Policy Forum shows support for school district referendums continues to slide. In the April 7 election, voters approved just over 61% of ballot questions, well below the 70% approval rate seen in 2025. If that trend holds through November, it would mark the lowest approval rate since 2010. School districts have increasingly relied on referendums to raise revenue above state-imposed limits, especially as federal pandemic aid expires, enrollment drops, and labor costs rise. Even with the declining support, voters still signed off on $541.9 million in new funding this spring, slightly more than last year.

An under-construction bridge in Waukesha County collapsed over the weekend. The bridge breakdown on Saturday near Oconomowoc's Riverside Park sent concrete into the Oconomowoc River below. Mayor Matt Rosek tells Fox 6 Milwaukee that the collapse followed another problem with the bridge last week. Rosek said the bridge collapsed while crews were working to remove concrete from the river after a beam failed during a Monday concrete pour. No one was injured from either incident. The mayor doesn’t know how the September completion date for the project will be delayed as the reason for the collapse is being determined.

An Earth Week cleanup on Milwaukee’s rivers sets a new Guiness record. Fox 6 Milwaukee reports more than 2,000 volunteers collected more than 100,000 pounds of waste on Saturday from locations on the Milwaukee, Menominee and Kinnickinnic rivers. The Guinness World Records book recognized this year's Milwaukee Riverkeeper spring cleanup as having the most participants in a multi-river cleanup. Organizers hope the record-setting feat, which Milwaukee Riverkeeper partnered with Tru Earth to accomplish, will help encourage more people to take care of the environment.

Local-Regional News April 27

 

Buffalo County authorities say an 89-year-old Eau Claire man has died from injuries he suffered in a motorcycle accident last Wednesday. The Buffalo County Sheriff's Office says the crash happened near Highway 88 in the Town of Lincoln on Wednesday. The man lost control of his motorcycle going around a curve, hit a culvert and flipped several times. He was treated at the scene and flown to a hospital, where he died. His name is being withheld pending notification of family. The investigation continues but speed is believed to have been a factor.

Two Twin Cities motorcyclists died last week after one crashed head-on into the other in western Wisconsin. The Pierce County sheriff’s office reported that 47-year-old Timitha Thein’s Harley Davidson collided with 26-year-old Evan Jorgenson’s Harley on Wisconsin Highway 35 just before 6:15 p.m. Wednesday. The crash occurred about seven miles southeast of Prescott which is about 25 miles southeast of the Twin Cities. Thien and Jorgenson were both transported to Regions Hospital in St. Paul, where Thien died on Wednesday and Jorgenson on Thursday. The crash is under investigation and according to the sheriff’s office there was no preliminary indication of impaired operation.

Hwy 85 js closed for a reconstruction project. The improvement project is starting just west of the north junction of County O west of Rock Falls and ending west of at 1010th Street, all in the Dunn County town of Rock Creek. During construction, Hwy 85 will be closed, with through traffic detoured via US 10 and WIS 37.  Hwy 85 will be open to access local businesses and the Chippewa River Trail will remain open.

One person is dead after a Saturday evening accident in Eau Claire County. Reports say two vehicles hit head-on just before 6 p.m. at State Highway 93 and Severson Road in the Town of Pleasant Valley. Three people were treated at the site of the accident. One died at the scene. One driver was arrested on a charge of homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle.

The Eau Claire City Council is scheduled to vote this week on a development agreement with ABF Ingredients North America to build a biomanufacturing facility in the Gateway Northwest Industrial Park. Documents filed with the city of Eau Claire indicate the complex will represent a 270-million dollar investment in Eau Claire with a taxable value of 56-million dollars and up to 100 new jobs. The city is offering five-point-six million dollars in direct assistance and it will build a regional stormwater facility to serve the property. The city council will vote on the proposal at its meeting Tuesday.

Eau Claire City-County health officials are tracking an increase in the number of flu cases in the region. The health department is not tracking specific cases but is studying trends based on wastewater tracking and hospitalizations. Health officials say it's normal to see increases in cases of Influenza B in the spring. Influenza B is milder than Influenza A. They remind residents to wash hands frequently to prevent catching the flu.

Eau Claire-based Menards is being ordered to pay five-and-a-half million dollars to an injured worker. A Eau Claire County court jury last week finds the home improvement company responsible after a truck driver was hit in the head by metal pallets that were being moved by a worker operating a forklift at Menards' Eau Claire facility. Workers called to testify at trial said the worker wasn't following company rules when the accident happened.

Deputy Sheriff Mark Hollister has formally announced his bid for Chippewa County sheriff. His announcement sets up an August primary challenge for incumbent Sheriff Travis Hakes. Hollister says his platform will focus on community engagement, proactive public safety and operational excellence. The primary election takes place August 11th, followed by the general election on November 3rd.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) will begin aerial treatments for spongy moth in May and early June in Dunn, Pepin and Trempealeau Counties. In June and July treatments will happen in Buffalo, Dunn, and Pepin Counties. Residents in the affected areas can expect loud, low-flying planes as early as sunrise on select mornings, spraying a naturally occurring soil bacteria to treetops and a mating disruptor. Treatment timing depends on spongy moth development and favorable weather conditions, so exact treatment dates cannot be predicted far in advance.

The Village of Lake Hallie has selected its next police chief. Wisconsin State Senator Jesse James is getting the gig. The Republican lawmaker currently represents the state's 23rd Senate district including all of Barron, Clark, Price, Rusk, and Taylor counties and most of Chippewa County -- but recently announced his plans to retire from the office. James has represented the district since January of 2023.

A 17-year-old from Rochester is in custody following several wrong-way crashes in Zumbrota. The collisions happened Friday morning on Highway 52 near mile marker 75. The suspected teen driver was arrested under suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. There is no report of injuries. Charges are pending.

Polaris announces when it will be closing its plant in Osceola. The recreational vehicle manufacturer announced Monday that the plant in rural Polk County will be closed by January of next year. The site in Osceola is home to a parts plant for the Indian line of motorcycles, but the brand was sold to a private equity firm last year, and the new owner is moving the production line from Osceola to a plant in Iowa. The move will put 189 workers out of a job.

Wisconsin is suing online prediction markets on allegations of facilitating illegal sports betting in Wisconsin. Attorney General Josh Kaul says Kalshi, Robinhood, Coinbase, Polymarket, and Crypto.com have been able to work around state law.  Kaul says the suit has no impact on a new state law which legalizes online sports betting in Wisconsin.

A Wisconsin native, kidnapped in Iraq, is sharing her story. Shelly Kittleson, who graduated from Darlington High School in 1995, had been a journalist in the Middle East for nearly 2 decades. On March 31st, she was kidnapped in Baghdad by an Iran-backed paramilitary group. She was relased on April 8th. Shelly writes about her ordeal in an article published this week in The Atlantic. She says her wrists and ankles were zip tied and she was blindfolded. And if she made any noises, her kidnappers said they'll kill her. Shelly sustained several broken ribs and was forced to read a script which she described containing "nonsense", for a video. Shelly says they moved her from place to place and they gave her food, "shampoo, a toothbrush and pink pajamas.

High participation in Wisconsin’s Adopt-A-Highway program prompts a driver safety reminder. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation reports a record number of Adopt‑A‑Highway volunteers are out this spring. More than 3,100 groups took part last year, collecting over 170 tons of trash. Drivers need to slow down, stay alert, and move over to keep volunteers safe. In 2018, a hit-and-run driver killed three Girl Scouts and a mother on an Adopt-a-Highway cleanup in Lake Hallie. That driver was found guilty and sentenced to 54 years in prison. More than 2,700 miles of highway are currently still available for adoption. WisDOT provides safety gear and supplies. More information is available on the Adopt‑A‑Highway website.

April is Financial Literacy month. Financial literacy isn’t just about investing; it’s about making informed decisions and avoiding scams. The Wisconsin Department of Ag, Trade and Consumer Protection is encouraging consumers to take advantage of its free financial protection resources. DATCP offers downloadable Consumer Protection Fact Sheets and a 40‑plus‑page Consumer Guide covering everyday issues like protecting your money and navigating small claims court. More than 100 consumer topics are available online, along with educational videos in the DATCP's “Consumer Protection 101” series.

Local-Regional News April 23

 

With the spring planting season starting, motorists are reminded that they are not allowed to pass farm machinery in a no-passing zone. Pepin County Sheriff Joel Wener says the department has seen an increase in farmers installing cameras on tractors.  Farmers are also reminded to make sure any planting equipment or machinery does not extend past the centerline of highways.

Emergency crews were dispatched to tackle a fire yesterday at the La Crosse Milling Company in Buffalo County. According to the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Department, the fire appears to have been contained to a grain bin silo that contained nearly 100 tons of oats. No injuries were reported.

The city of Red Wing is reporting that a barge may have spilled up to 3500 gallons of crude corn oiil on Monday. According to the city, the incident happened at the ADM plant, and employees, along with Red Wing fire, placed containment booms around the spill to prevent it from drifting down the river. The cause of the spill remains under investigation.

The City of Mondovi is looking for people to add names to the Mirror Lake Veteran’s Memorial Wall. Currently the city has 3 names and if they can find at least two more the cost would be $200 per name. The deadline for requests is April 30^th, and for more information, contact Mondovi City Hall.

 Trempealeau County Sheriff Erica Koxlien is announcing her campaign to stay in office. Koxlien was appointed to the position in December of last year following the retirement of former sheriff Brett Semingson. She is a Trempealeau County native and a graduate of UW - Eau Claire.

Jeremy Gragert was sworn in Tuesday evening as the new Eau Claire City Council president. Gragert prevailed in the spring election with sixty percent of the vote in his contest versus Scott Rogers. Gragert previously served on council from 2018 to 2024.

The Olmsted County Board has decided to keep the $1.5 million in property tax assessments that were charged in error. The board voted 4-3 to apply the money with interest toward the 2027 tax levy. Some local lawmakers and residents wanted the money refunded this year. The county is taking steps to prevent the error from occurring again.

A pair of teens remain in custody following a crime spree of vehicle break-in in Rochester. All of the incidents happened Saturday. Officers responded to a group of individuals attempting to steal a car and then getting away in a vehicle. Police spotted several vehicles in the area that were tampered with and rifled through. Officers eventually arrested four teenage boys after finding the suspect's car, which had been reported stolen. A 16-year-old and a 15-year-old were taken to East Central Regional Juvenile Detention Center in Anoka County. They are in custody on the suspicion of possession of stolen property. Two other teens were released to their parents.

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Charges are filed in the break in at a beagle research facility in Dane County. Following last Saturday’s unsuccessful attempt by animal rights activists to break in and free dogs, four people have been charged in Dane County Court with burglary to a building or dwelling, as a party to a crime. All are from out of state and include the organizer of Saturday’s break in at Ridglan Farms, 44-year-old Wayne Hsiung. They were scheduled for initial court appearances on Tuesday. Dane County Sheriff’s deputies responded with tear gas and made numerous arrests, and no dogs were taken. Two Dane County Board supervisors are calling for an independent investigation of the law enforcement response. Ridglan Farms has also been issued a citation for manure storage without a permit, for a trench dug around the facility, which Ridglan says was a reasonable security measure.

Drug charges are being filed against a motorcycle rider who authorities say tried to escape a Tuesday traffic stop in Wood County. Authorities tried to pull 23-year-old Wyatt Landphier over for speeding but say that -- rather than comply with the stop -- Landphier tried to speed away. The suspect crashed in Hansen Township and officers say they found him in possession of more than 110 grams of cocaine.

Residents of Juneau County will be voting for a new sheriff in the future. Sheriff Andrew Zobal announced he wouldn't be seeking reelection to the post and is retiring from policing. Zobal has been in law enforcement for more than three decades, including the last four as sheriff in Juneau County. In a statement, Zobal gave credit to the people he worked with over the years, and thanked the residents who put their trust in him.

The University of Wisconsin - Madison is getting a major boost for its engineering building. The school says a pair of successful alumni made a 25-million dollar donation to help pull UW-Madison closer to its goal of funding the new state-of-the-art center. The donation came from John and Tashia Morgridge, John being the former president and CEO of Cisco Systems. It's the latest significant financial contribution the Morgridge's have made to their alma mater. The new engineering building broke ground last year.

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction is celebrating standout success stories. DPI has announced that 95 schools statewide earned Schools of Recognition honors for the 2024–25 school year. The awards highlight exceptional work in helping all students succeed, especially those facing economic challenges. Sixteen schools were named High Achieving, ranking in the top ten percent for reading and math. Fifteen schools were recognized as High Progress for strong growth in student outcomes. And seventy‑one schools earned High Impact honors for outperforming similar schools while serving large numbers of economically disadvantaged students. Some schools earned recognition in more than one category.

Wisconsin is reporting big gains in its statewide tree‑planting push. Wisconsin’s latest Trillion Trees Pledge report shows the state planted nearly 12 million trees and conserved more than seventy‑eight hundred acres of forestland in 2025. That brings the total to more than 54 million trees planted since 2021, already more than halfway to the state’s 2030 goal. The Department of Natural Resources supplied over four and a half million seedlings last year, with millions more planted through public, private, and community partners. The state is on track for another strong year of tree planting in 2026.

Local-Regional News April 22

 

The City of Durand is hoping to receive funding to cover the costs of snow removal from the March Blizzard. Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren says the storm cost the city approximately $12000 in snow removal costs. The city hopes to learn how much they will receive in the coming months.

Hwy 85 js set to be closed soon for a reconstruction project. The improvement project is on WIS 85, starting just west of the north junction of County O west of Rock Falls and ending west of at 1010th Street, all in the Dunn County town of Rock Creek. During construction, WIS 85 will be closed, with through traffic detoured via US 10 and WIS 37.  Hwy 85 will be open to access local businesses and the Chippewa River Trail will remain open.

Two people are facing abuse charges in Buffalo County. According to authorities, 36yr old Valerie Jones and 27yr old Tristan Keader have been charged with causing metal harm to a child, reckless child abuse, intentional child abuse and failing to prevent child abuse after a teacher reported bruising to the couples 8yr old child to health and human services. The couple is due back in court next month.

An Eleva woman is facing child abuse charges in Trempealeau County. According to Trempealeau county authorities, a five year old girl reported to police that 31yr old Kaneesa Bauer slapped her for spilling water and other abuse charges. Police say Bauer admitted to slapping and spanking the child. Bauer has been ordered tno to have any contact with the child and her next court appearance is in May.

A veteran Trempealeau County law enforcement officer is announcing his candidacy for county sheriff. Chief Deputy Wayne Dahl has served in the Trempealeau County Sheriff's Office since 2000. His candidacy is being endorsed by retired sheriffs Randy Niederkorn, Rich Anderson and Brett Semingson.

The contest to be the next District 2 representative on Eau Claire City Council continues. Six votes from current council members are needed for someone to prevail in the contest. With two members absent, three votes were held last night with the result of each being five for Joyce Orth and three for Shelley Janke. The matter will be taken up again next week.

Gas prices are on the decline this week in some parts of Western Wisconsin. Triple-A reports the average price of regular fuel in Eau Claire is now three-50 per gallon -- ten-cents less per gallon than they were one week ago. In La Crosse, the average cost of a gallon of regular fuel is three-57 per gallon -- unchanged from one week ago. The average cost of a gallon of regular fuel in the Badger State is three-71 per gallon.

Authorities in La Crosse County are searching for a missing man whose abandoned vehicle was discovered on Sunday. The vehicle of 45-year-old Stanley Howe was found at the Paul E. Stry Nature Preserve with his phone inside. Howe is described as standing six-feet tall and weighing 240 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact police.

The University of Wisconsin-River Falls will host its 50th annual Colts in Training Sale May 2 at the Campus Farm,1475 S. Wasson Ln., River Falls. Preview rides will begin at 11 a.m. A live auction with both in-person and online bidding will begin at 2 p.m. The colt sale has only been held virtually since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020. The model proved to be efficient, but the landmark anniversary called for a special event. 50 colts will be offered for sale, all of which have been trained by students in UWRF’s Colts in Training Program. Six of this year’s colts were foaled at UWRF while the rest came from outside breeders and owners who sent them to the program for training. After training, the horses go on to a variety of livelihoods.

A warning about rising wildfire danger as spring cleanup begins. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources says 50 wildfires burned more than 150 acres last week, despite heavy storms that left behind large amounts of debris. With dry, breezy weather in the forecast, officials urge residents to use brush collection sites or transfer stations and burn only if local rules allow it. They remind the public to check burn permits, keep piles small, monitor the weather, and never leave a fire unattended. Fire danger updates are available on the DNR website or by calling 1‑888‑WIS‑BURN.

Some Madison families are protesting against the end of transgender youth health care in Wisconsin. Several gathered at the State Capitol over the weekend, months after UW Health ended access to gender-affirming care over a threat from President Trump. The president said continuing trans health care could result in hospitals losing funding for Medicaid and Medicare. That resulted in UW Health and Children's Wisconsin ending the practice over "federal actions." Protesters at the rally said they are struggling to find health care for their kids as a result.

The Wisconsin DMV is warning customers of a new wave of fraud scams. The company put out a press release saying the latest phishing scam warns of a driver's license suspension that's pending or vague "violation details" that demands payment. The scammers' goal is to get individuals to click on the fake links or give away personal information. Wisconsin DMV urges consumers to be on the lookout and to not share any personal information with unsolicited emails or messages.

Elk River is the latest Minnesota city choosing to fly the old state flag. This comes after the cities of Champlin, Zumbrota, Plainview, and others are reverting back to the 1983 design. Elk River Mayor John Dietz said over a thousand residents weighed in, and about 75-percent of responses were in favor of the old flag. Back in 2023, the DFL-controlled legislature created a new flag commission to replace the 1983 design. The DFL lawmakers claimed the flag had racist undertones.

Harley‑Davidson is pulling nearly 17,000 Softail models from the 2025 and 2026 model years after discovering a rear brake line can rub against the Body Control Module. The company says that contact can cause a hole in the line, leading to a brake fluid leak and potential loss of rear braking. Harley will replace the hardware at no cost, and damaged brake lines will be swapped out as needed. Owners will receive recall letters on May 18, but they can also check their bike’s vehicle identification number on Harley‑Davidson’s website.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is launching his next political move. He announced today the creation of the Small Town PAC. The federal political action committee is designed to recruit and support Democrats in rural neighborhoods across the country. Walz mentioned last month that he planned to play an active role in this year's mid-term election, mainly in governor's races. Meanwhile the governor's approval rating has dipped across Minnesota in recent years. A Star Tribune poll taken last June found that six out of ten voters outside of Hennepin and Ramsey County disapproved of Walz's performance.

The DEA is partnering with participating local health organizations and law enforcement agencies for this Saturday's National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. The event is an opportunity for Western Wisconsin residents and others to safely drop off and dispose of expired and unneeded prescription medications. Drop-off locations will be available in most communities. A complete list of those sites can be found at the DEA website.

Local-Regional News April 21

 

The Durand City Council is meeting tonight. Items on the agenda include the reorganization of the council after the spring election, discussion and possible action on approval of the issuance and sale of $2.1 million in general obligation notes, setting the rates for the pool for the upcoming season and amending the ordinance regarding use of atv/vut’s on city streets. Tonights meeting begins at 5:30 at Durand City Hall.

While there are no major road projects in the city of Mondovi this year, next year there will be a big project on Hwy 37 from the 4 corners to south of town. Mondovi Mayor Brady Weiss says the city is already in the preliminary planning stages of the project.  That project is expected to begin in the spring of 2027.

The Durand Youth Fishing Contest is making changes for this year. Organizers have decided to expand the official contest water boundaries. The new boudaries will include all accessible waterways withing 25 miles of Durand City Hall. Age categories have also been modified to 5-9, 10-14 and 15-18yrs old. The Durand Youth Fishing contest is July 22-26.

An Eau Claire man has been sentenced to 10yrs in federal prison for possession methamphetamine intended for distribution 41yr old Jason Bloedow was arrested in April of 2025 after selling methamphetamine to an informant. When arrested officers forund approximately 2 pounds of meth in Bloedow’s vehicle and he later admitted to selling 28 pounds of meth in the prior three months.

The City of Wabasha is undertaking a construction project to improve Market Street and utilities . The project includes the full reconstruction of the street, sanitary sewer, watermain, and storm sewer utilities. The project also includes the reconfiguration of the Market Street, Washington Ave, and Main Street intersection to improve safety.  This project is scheduled to begin the week of April 27th and expected to take approximately 10-12 weeks to complete, depending on weather conditions. The contract substantial completion date is August 28, 2026; however, the final lift of paving will be completed in the Spring of 2027.

The City of La Crosse is considering a number of ordinance changes regarding the use of electric bikes and scooters. Members of the La Crosse Board of Park Commissioners last week voted to continue consideration of proposals that would allow e-bikes with pedal assist to be used on sidewalks while banning throttle use. E-scooters would be permitted on most sidewalks except in the downtown area. The proposals still require approval from the Judiciary & Administration Committee and from Common Council before taking effect.

Minnesotans are banding together after tornadoes wreck parts of Rochester. Olmsted County Sheriff's Office reported that no one was killed or injured despite some severe property damage. The National Weather Service confirmed three tornadoes of varying severity near Olmsted and Wabasha counties. Just outside Rochester, Marion Township, with a population of over four-thousand, suffered the worst. The sheriff's office said a dozen homes were severely damaged.

Minnesota legislators are asking Olmstead County to fix its property tax error. The error resulted in an additional $1.5 million being assessed to property owners in the county. County staff is recommending that the $1.5 million in funds be sequestered and allocated to the 2027 budget. However community members are telling lawmakers they would prefer the money be refunded now. There are state laws in place that would allow the county to issue refunds due to the error.

Hundreds of protesters were hit with tear gas and rubber bullets in Wisconsin during a failed attempt to raid a medical research lab that experiments on beagles. About a thousand protesters showed up at Ridglan Farms west of Madison on Saturday to try to rescue the beagles. Officials claim the protesters brought tools to break in, and one drove a truck through the front gate. The raid was thwarted by local authorities, who arrested about 26 people. The lab is set to surrender its license later this year after a special prosecutor found it had performed experiments that constituted animal mistreatment.

Amtrak could be serving Madison by early in the next decade. Following the successful launch of Borealis service connecting Milwaukee and the Twin Cities, Amtrak is moving ahead with more connections, including between Milwaukee and Madison. Westward extension of the Chicago-Milwaukee Hiawatha line could have twice-daily round trips in place by the early 2030s, according to an Amtrak presentation. Federal grants could cover up to 80% of the $215 million to $275 million "Hiawatha West" project, using existing track to connect downtown Madison and Milwaukee via Pewaukee and Watertown. A separate project could add an 8th daily Chicago-Milwaukee trip sometime this year.

A hectic week for severe weather in Wisconsin. The Journal Sentinel reports that Wisconsin’s four National Weather Service stations declared 92 different tornado warnings from Monday through Friday of last week. The most warnings were from the agency’s Milwaukee station, which issued 43 warnings. The La Crosse station declared 35 warnings, with 26 warnings on Friday alone adding up to the most in a single day in the office’s 29-year-history. The weather service confirmed at least 13 tornadoes touched down in the state Friday, with eight in southeast Wisconsin, three in western Wisconsin and two in Marathon County. The strongest were EF-3’s that touched down in the Buffalo County community of Cream, and the town of Ringle in Marathon County. Final touchdown confirmations aren’t expected to be complete until Tuesday. The State Climatology Office says, on average, Wisconsin gets 23 tornadoes every year.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is warning heavy rain and flooding could contaminate private wells across the state. DNR officials say floodwater and runoff may carry bacteria and other contaminants that can affect drinking water and increase the risk of illness. Private well owners are urged to test water, especially if they notice changes in taste, color, or sediment. Residents are advised to stop using contaminated water, disinfect wells, and test them before use. Authorities say public water systems remain safe, but warn contamination is possible.

You can help birds with their spring migration. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is encouraging residents to get outside and enjoy the return of more than 350 species of migratory birds traveling through the state’s flyways and forests this spring. Conservation biologists say the season is exciting for birdwatchers but dangerous for birds, with populations down nearly 3 billion since 1970. The DNR urges simple steps at home: turn off exterior lights at night in May, make windows safer with screens or markers, plant native species like serviceberry and dogwood, and avoid pesticides that harm insect‑eating birds. Birding events and festivals are happening statewide in the coming weeks, with details available on the DNR’s website.

Local-Regional News April 20

 

Clean up continues after severe weather moved through the area on Friday. A tornado tore through the town of Cream west of Waumandee in Buffalo County, damaging a family home and others surrounding it. Highway 88 was closed for a few hours as authorities worked to keep neighbors who wanted to help safe from downed power lines and other hazards. No injuries were reported. Another tornado was reported near Blair were multiple trees and power lines were down along with damage to two sheds and a camper.

A Wabasha County Resident is unhurt after a tornado struck her home on Friday. 89Yr old Yvonne Kruger was at her home just southeast of Plainview when the tornado struck. She was able to get to the basement in time and while her home was damaged, and her garage and pole shed were completely destroyed she was able to walk away from the storm unhurt.

Pepin County authorities are warning residents of a new scam being sent to residents. There are reports of individuals who have received phone calls and texts claiming they have an unpaid traffic citation and face suspended license and vehicle registration if not paid immediately. This is nothing more than a scam. If you receive a text just delete, do not click on the link, and if you receive a phone call just hang up and do not give out any personal information.

The Pepin County Health Department and Wisconsin DNR are asking the publics help in reporting sightings of sick or dead wildlife. To file a report, visit the Wisconsin DNR Webpage, or call 608-267-0866. Information requested is type and number of animals, where the animals were found and your contact information. To dispose of a wild animal carcass, use gloves or an inverted plastic bag to move it and either bury the carcass on your property or double-bag it in a garbage bag and place it in your trash. Do not handle dead wildlife with your bare hands.

The Wabasha County Board is meeting tomorrow. Items on the agenda include approval of two gambling premise permits, approval of a license to collect, transport and dispose of solid waste and recyclables and reports from county department heads and committees. Tomorrows meeting begins at 9am in the old courthouse annex in Wabasha.

Police in Cornell have arrested a suspect in connection with an armed bank robbery Thursday morning. The robbery happened at Citizens State bank. Local schools were placed in lockdown while police searched for the suspect. He's identified as 40-year-old Kevin Wayne Rasmussen of Woodville. Police called it an isolated incident and there was no threat to the public.

Authorities have released the names of those involved in an officer-involved death in Chippewa Falls. The Wisconsin Department of Justice says Sergeant James Luckey shot and killed 44-year-old Bradley Barnum. The incident happened earlier this month after Barnum fled a vehicle and appeared to brandish a handgun. Investigators later determined the weapon was a B-B pistol. Barnum was pronounced dead at the scene despite life-saving measures. The Division of Criminal Investigation is continuing its review and will submit findings to the Chippewa County district attorney.

The Winona County Sheriff’s Department has identified the body of the person found dead in the Mississippi River near the Trempealeau Dam last Wednesday. Authorities identified the female as 72yr old Patricia Sweningson of Winona. Since March 26, Winona police has been investigating the disappearance of Sweningson. The department has not identified any circumstances of foul play and the case is still under investigation.

Authorities in Worden in Clark County say two children are being treated for injuries they suffered when they were struck by a pickup truck Thursday morning. The Clark County Sheriff's Office says a pickup headed east on CTH N approached two children -- a boy aged seven and a ten-year-old girl -- when the driver was blinded by sunshine. The truck ran the children into a ditch and the driver stopped immediately to help. The children were treated at the scene and taken to Marshfield Hospital The children are listed in serious condition. No tickets have been issued yet.

An increasingly complicated and frustrating sports TV landscape has Senator Tammy Baldwin proposing the “For the Fans” Act: The Wisconsin Democrat says what used to be grabbing the remote and hitting a button or two has turned into a maze of streaming subscriptions, unexpected blackouts, or a sky-high payment, calling it inconsistent and "flat-out confusing for fans.” Baldwin wants to decrease consumer TV costs and make local games easier to access, while ending blackouts for fans with out-of-market subscriptions. Her bill would also require professional leagues to provide a way for fans to watch all games for teams in their state, in Wisconsin's case the Packers, Brewers and Bucks. It would need to pass both chambers of Congress and be signed by President Trump before any fans would be able to see lower costs.

Governor Tony Evers is urging Wisconsin’s congressional delegation to oppose federal limits on state AI laws. In a letter this week, Evers responded to President Donald Trump’s call for a national AI framework that could override state laws, restrict state oversight of AI development, and limit accountability for companies whose technology causes harm. Evers pointed to several bipartisan measures Wisconsin has already enacted, including required disclosures for AI‑generated political ads, expanded prohibitions on virtual child pornography, and a ban on deepfake images used to harass or intimidate. He warned that broad federal preemption could jeopardize those protections and leave states unable to respond to emerging risks.

The U.S. Senate is ending the 20-year mining ban near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. This means mineral leasing on the 225-thousand acres of land in the Superior National Forest is no longer prohibited. Thursday's votes marked a major win for Representative Pete Stauber, who represents the northeastern part of the state and authored the resolution. Only a future bill from Congress could reinstate the mining ban. President Trump is expected to sign the resolution.

The spring turkey hunting season is underway in Wisconsin, and the Department of Natural Resources is reminding hunters to focus on safety. Hunter Education Administrator Renee Thok says to remember the four basic rules of firearm safety — treat every firearm as loaded, always point the muzzle in a safe direction, be sure of your target, and keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot. Thok also reminds hunters that high‑visibility clothing isn’t required during the spring season, which can make camouflaged hunters harder to see. The spring turkey season runs through May 26th.

Minnesota officials are trying to reclaim some of the two-point-five million dollars of grants that passed through a Minneapolis church. The Department of Human Services is suing Zion Baptist Church accusing them of breach of contract and mishandling funds. Pastor Brian Herron says he's puzzled by the state's allegation. He claims the church did the work it was supposed to do and submitted its paperwork for reimbursements under the direction of grant managers. The funds were designated to go to community groups supporting services for mental health, substance abuse and violence prevention.

A Juneau County man sold his second home only to see it destroyed by a tornado two days later. 67-year-old Raymond Hohe  tells the State Journal he sold the home near Elroy on Sunday for 1 point 7 million dollars. It's not just any home, but a 38 hundred square foot residence on 188 acres of land. Hohe actually lives in Elkhorn and used the Elroy area property as a get away. He wasn't there on Tuesday, when it was wiped out by a tornado. Needless to say, the buyer has backed out of the deal. At this time, Hohe is planning to rebuild and actually has a pretty remarkable outlook about the whole situation saying he's glad nobody was hurt and that houses can be rebuilt, but people can't.