Local Regional News Oct 27

 

The Buffalo County Board approved a resolution for health insurance for county employees last night. According to County Administrator Lee Engfer, the new plan will see increased costs for both employees and the county.  During public comments, Garret Marten, the Union Representative, said that with the proposed plan, Buffalo County is paying more for health insurance than surrounding counties.  During the debate on the proposal, the administrator said they reviewed other plans, including the Union plan, and that Martens numbers were incorrect. Depending on coverage options, deductibles would range from $1000 to as much as $8000 per year with premium costs from $192 to $586 a month for employees and from $988 to $4096 per month per employee for the county.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development will provide more than $14.5 million in USDA financing for a West Wisconsin Telecom Cooperative project that will expand fiber-to-the-premises high-speed internet across seven rural Wisconsin counties. The project will improve internet access for residents, businesses, farms, and schools in Buffalo, Chippewa, Dunn, Eau Claire, Pepin, Pierce, and St. Croix counties. The funding announced today is provided through USDA’s Telecommunications Infrastructure Loans and Loan Guarantees program, which offers direct loans and loan guarantees through the Federal Financing Bank to support telecom transmission and distribution facilities.

The Mondovi City Council is meeting tonight. Items on the agenda include discussion of traffic concerns on Oak Street and Washington Street, a review of the proposed 2027 budget, and approval of non-union wage increases and agreements between the city and the Police and Teamsters Unions. Tonights meeting begins at 5:30 at the Marten Center in Mondovi.

The Dunn County Law Enforcement Committee has put on hold a proposed contract for Law Enforcement Services between the county and the Village of Elk Mound. The Committee paused the proposal over concerns about a Wisconsin open meetings violation complaint against the Elk Mound Village Board that could nullify the agreement. The proposal is now on hold until that lawsuit is resolved.

Elk Mound Police Chief Chad Weinberger is running for Dunn County Sheriff next week. Weinberger filed paperwork to run last Thursday after supporters told him they'd write his name in. Write-in candidates must register in Wisconsin so their votes are counted. Weinberger faces incumbent Dunn County Sheriff Kevin Bygd.

The Eau Claire County Parks and Forest Committee isn't moving forward with a proposed expansion of the Seven Mile Landfill. GFL had proposed a 120-acre expansion that would have cut into Eau Claire County forest land. The committee rejected the proposal during a meeting yesterday. The decision follows concerns from the public over water pollution and losing access to public lands.

An Eau Claire woman is charged in a hit and run. Police say Abby Adamski was driving last Thursday night when she hit a woman in a crosswalk on North Clairemont Avenue at Moholt Drive and then took off. The victim was sent to the hospital with serious injuries. Adamski is charged with hit and run causing great bodily harm.

Health officials are confirming two cases of measles in Jackson County. The two cases are related to out-of-state travel and were confirmed through testing at the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene. Jackson County and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services are working to identify and directly notify people who may have been exposed to the measles virus.

One person is hurt following a single-vehicle crash in Vernon County. Authorities were informed of the crash Saturday morning after Andres Gonzales steered his vehicle in order to avoid hitting a deer. The car went off the side of the road, became airborne, struck a ditch and flipped over several times before coming to a stop. Gonzales was found outside of the vehicle and was flown by helicopter to the hospital. The incident remains under investigation.

Wisconsin has joined 19-other states in suing the Dollar General Corporation. The lawsuit alleges the company is engaging in long-running deceptive pricing practices by routinely charging customers more at the register than the prices displayed on shelves, price tags and advertisements." Attorney General Josh Kaul said in a statement that the prices people see when they're shopping should be the same as the prices they're charged. The complaint alleges that thousands of Dollar General stores have taken advantage of shoppers by extracting millions of dollars in unlawful overcharges. The company also allegedly received tens of thousands of consumer complaints, but did nothing about it.

Governor Tony Evers grants another round of pardons. Evers has granted another 206 pardons, pushing the total number issued during his time in office to more than 2400. Evers says the pardons recognize people who have paid their debt to society and turned their lives around. Under Wisconsin law, pardons restore certain rights lost after a felony conviction, including the ability to serve on a jury, hold public office, and obtain some professional licenses. To qualify, applicants must have completed their sentence at least five years ago and have no pending criminal charges.

Milwaukee Archbishop Jeffrey Grob is apologizing after video surfaced showing him and other Catholic leaders praying with President Trump in the Oval Office. Grob says it was meant to be a private discussion on issues like immigration enforcement and human dignity, alleging the White House recorded and released the footage without consent. The archbishop expressed sadness over the situation, maintaining the prayer was not a political endorsement or photo opportunity. He added he regrets causing pain to parishioners and wishes he had heeded his initial reservations about going.

A guilty verdict in a Superior homicide. Douglas County Court jurors on Thursday found 32-year-old Aaron Donald Johnson guilty of first-degree intentional homicide and related charges in the death of 41-year-old Derek Walczak just over two years ago. Johnson claimed he was acting in self-defense when he emptied his handgun after breaking into a garage and fighting with Walczak, who he shot at least 13 times. Key testimony came from Cody Berg, who was ending a relationship with Johnson and was in the garage with Walczak the night of October 6, 2024. Superior Police officers responding to a 911 call from Walczak arrived to hear the fatal shots being fired. Sentencing for Johnson is scheduled for January 20th.

A national trend toward drinking less alcohol may be gaining traction in Wisconsin. More people are taking part in Sober October and exploring alcohol-free lifestyles. University of New Mexico psychology professor Katie Witkiewitz says younger adults are leading the shift, with many rethinking their relationship with alcohol and whether it benefits their lives. Health experts say even modest reductions in drinking can lead to better sleep, more energy, and improved overall health. Wisconsin remains among the nation's leaders in binge drinking and alcohol-related deaths.

Local-Regional News Oct 26

 

The Buffalo County Board is meeting tonight. Items on the agenda include discussion and possible action on a resolution supporting sustainable state funding for local health departments, approving the employee health insurance plans for 2027 and reports from committee chairs. Tonights meeting begins at 7pm at the government center in Alma.

The railroad crossing at Hwy 25 in Nelson is closed this week. Crews from BNSF are repairing the crossing and only emergency vehicles will be allowed through. Motorists needing to cross the Mississippi River will need to use the bridges in Fountain City or Red Wing this week.

Wisconsin state officials are approving funding to replace the Tank Creek Bridge in Trempealeau County. The State Building Commission signed off last week on more than two-million-dollars of grant money for the project. The bridge was destroyed by fire last year. The funding will also cover the reconstruction of three other bridges along the Great River State Trail.

The Durand-Arkansaw School District has received a donation from the Durand Fun-Fest Committee to assist families with food service bills. Durand-Arkansaw Superintendent Ryan Nelson says the donation was a surprise.  The food service is currently facing higher food and labor costs and has raised the price of school breakfast and lunch for students.

The Durand-Arkansaw School Board has an open seat. Board member Jason Weisenbeck resigned his position as board member representing area 4, which includes the towns of Maxville, Nelson, Modena and parts of the town of Canton and Village of Nelson. Anyone interested in filling the remainder of the term should fill out an application by November 11.

Members of the Durand-Arkansaw FFA Chapter were recognized at this years National FFA Convention. Alex Albers, Kenneth Klevgard, Brody Bechel and Kobin Bechel were recognized as an Agriculture Technology and Mechanical Systems Career Development Event National Finalist. The four took second place in the event that recognizes students’ competencies in agricultural technology and mechanical systems.

The La Crosse Police Department is ending its Flock Safety camera contract. Police say the camera system helped solve serious crimes, including an attempted homicide case earlier this year. However, department leaders say they have concerns about accountability and oversight across the broader network. Police Chief Shawn Kudron says the decision was made to uphold the department's standards and maintain public trust. City leaders say they remain committed to using tools that support public safety while protecting privacy.

Barron County is the latest to enact a ban on data centers. The county board voted 28 to 1 last week to approve a temporary moratorium on data centers. The ban only applies to county zoned land, not unzoned townships and municipalities. It will end January 1, 2028, or when the county approves a specific zoning land use ordinance for data centers, whichever is sooner. County officials were drafting it now and said the ordinance could be up for a vote as soon as January 2027.

The State Building Commission approves more than $250 million for projects around Wisconsin. Highlights include new student housing at UW-Madison that would add nearly 1,700 beds by 2029, infrastructure upgrades at Winnebago Mental Health Institute, and improvements to military facilities in Madison and Wisconsin Rapids. The package also includes renovations at UW campuses across the state and nearly 30 maintenance and repair projects in 15 counties. Governor Tony Evers says the investments will help improve education, public facilities, and communities statewide. $254 million in total was awarded.

Wisconsin's measles outbreak has reached 310 cases. Health officials reported 43 new cases over the last ten days. Most cases are in southwestern Wisconsin, with Lafayette County reporting 103 confirmed or probable infections. Northern Wisconsin has reported 34 confirmed cases across Chippewa and Marathon counties. Health officials warn fewer reported cases do not necessarily mean the outbreak is slowing, and actual infections could be higher.

Rock County supervisors oppose a controversial transmission line project. The proposed BECI high-voltage transmission line would cut through the county. Thursday night the Rock County Board approved a resolution in opposition to the project. Critics say the design of the transmission line would create more obstacles in farm fields by adding ground anchors and tension wires, which farmers would have to maneuver around, increasing the risk of collisions. The line would also run through northeastern Dane County. Last month, the Dane County Board passed a resolution requesting an extended review of the project.

One person is in custody following a two-person crash in Monroe County. Authorities received multiple reports of the incident Thursday morning. Officials say a car driven by Kenneth Mickelson crossed the center line into the westbound lane, striking an SUV driven by Thomas Pleuss. Pleuss suffered significant injuries due to the crash and was taken to a hospital. Mickelson was arrested after he was medically cleared, and the accident remains under investigation.

Another bird flu case is confirmed in northwestern Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection identifies a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza in a commercial poultry flock in Barron County. It's the third in the county since mid-September, and the eighth infected flock overall in Wisconsin this year. Six cases were in commercial operations, two in backyard flocks. State and federal officials have quarantined the Barron County site and depopulated the flock to prevent further spread. According to the DATCP bird flu webpage, more than four-and-half million birds have been depopulated in the state this year. Affected birds will not enter the food supply and DATCP urges poultry owners to strengthen biosecurity measures and keep birds away from wild birds whenever possible.

Minnesota's food waste is rising despite millions spent to reduce it. The increase undermines the state's reduction target. Minnesota aims to cut food waste in half by 2030 compared with 2013 levels. The Pollution Control Agency has awarded nearly five-million dollars to 13 organizations working to prevent food waste. The agency encourages residents to plan meals, freeze leftovers and donate extra food.

WisDOT earns national recognition for its online information tool. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation has received a 2026 Government Experience Award from the Center for Digital Government for its new online Projects Hub. The website serves as a one-stop source for highway and bridge project information across the state. Users can search interactive maps and access details on nearly 600 transportation projects, from planning through construction. According to WisDOT, the platform improves transparency and public access to information, and it's expected to become the agency's primary project information resource beginning next year.

Local-Regional News Oct 23

 

The food services budget surplus for the Durand-Arkansaw School District has dropped. From a surplus of over $200,000 a few years ago, the ending surplus will be less than $500. The surplus was built up during the COVID pandemic with additional federal funding that has since ended. Durand-Arkansas Superintendent Ryan Nelson says higher food and labor costs are also contributing to the surplus drop.Nelson says if the current trend continues, the district will be forced to use money from the general fund to balance the food service budget.

The Dunn County Board of Supervisors is considering a new 20-year comprehensive plan that would establish a long-term framework to guide future development, farmland preservation, housing, transportation and natural resource protection over the next two decades.  Officials said the plan will guide future growth, adding the most significant change is an emphasis on directing new housing, businesses and higher-density development toward cities, villages, hamlets and areas already served by infrastructure. County leaders say that approach can reduce development costs, preserve farmland and protect rural landscapes. Supervisors gave the 2027-2047 Dunn County Comprehensive Plan its first reading Wednesday night, with a final vote scheduled for Nov. 10. 

Motorists using Hwy 25 to Wabasha will need to find alternate routes next week. The BNSF will have the railroad crossing in Nelson closed to all traffic, except emergency vehicles starting on Monday. The closure is needed as the railroad makes needed repairs to the crossing. Motorists needing to cross the Mississippi River will need to use the bridges in Fountain City or Red Wing.

The City of Durand is still looking for donations to help with the bandshell project. Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren says the city was expecting the project to cost $250,000 and so far the city has raised $210,000.Those interested in making a donation can contact Durand City Hall for more information.

Xcel Energy believes heating costs may be lower this winter. The company says it believes with normal weather this winter, the average Wisconsin residential natural gas customer will see their monthly bills decrease about 2% compared to last winter. The lower cost of natural gas this year is the primary reason for the decrease. That cost is paid directly by customers without any markup from Xcel Energy.

One person is dead after a Thursday afternoon collision in Barron County. Authorities say a 25-year-old man was crossing Highway 63 on an ATV when he hit a motorcycle. The motorcycle's 77-year-old rider died at the scene. The accident is under investigation.

The search committee tasked with finding the next president of the Universities of Wisconsin has officially named three finalists for the role. Higher education leaders Steven Holley from the University of Mississippi, Tonjanita Johnson from the University of Alabama System, and Bernard Savarese from the University of Tennessee System made the final cut. All three candidates will participate in separate public forums next week at UW-Parkside and UW-Madison, with options for the public to attend virtually via Zoom.

Wisconsin voters could determine control of state government in November. Political science professor Anthony Chergosky of UW-La Crosse says Democrats have a realistic shot at flipping the state Senate and, in a strong election year, could also win the governor's race and the Assembly. That would give Democrats their first state government trifecta since 2010. Chergosky says a Democratic sweep could revive proposals on abortion, taxes and school funding, while a split Legislature could slow policymaking and complicate the next state budget.

Resolving overcrowding and aging prisons will be a job for Wisconsin’s next governor and legislature. Outgoing Democratic Governor Tony Evers introduced an ambitious corrections realignment plan as part of his 2025-27 Executive Budget over a year ago. It included closing the 125 year-old Green Bay prison and had a total cost projected at $325 million. In a release this week, Evers said costs are now about $585 million with earliest completion in late 2032 and blames Republican lawmakers. But state Senator Van Wanggaard, chair of the Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety, said Evers’ “plowed ahead” with his plan despite Republican opposition. Wanggaard, who like Evers is not seeking reelection, said when Republicans last fall released agreed to release $15 million for planning the overhaul, Evers rejected an alternative plan to “right size” the prison system.

An associate principal at Bonduel Middle and High School is now formally charged with child sex crimes after being arrested earlier this week. The investigation began on October 16th after an anonymous tip reported an ongoing sexual relationship between Kaitlyn Hintz and a female high school student. The victim admitted to engaging in repeated sexual contact with Hintz between October 2024 and August 2025. Hintz was arrested Wednesday and is facing multiple charges, including second degree sexual assault of child. The court set a cash bond of 500-thousand dollars, and a preliminary hearing is set for October 27th.

Certifying elections was a point of contention during Wednesday night's debate between candidates for governor. Asked about his support for overturning results of Wisconsin's 2020 presidential election, Republican Tom Tiffany said it was because META billionaire Mark Zuckerberg put $15 million into Wisconsin, "primarily in blue cities." Democrat David Crowley: said Tiffany's was "willing to throw out hundreds of thousands of votes . . because he disagreed on how somebody spent money. Both the 7th District congressman and Milwaukee County Executive said they'd support results of the 2028 presidential election regardless of who wins.

The Hastings school board is considering new restrictions on what can be displayed inside its buildings. The board is considering a policy that would keep non-school sponsored materials out, including Pride flags, campaign signs and religious symbols, to maintain "viewpoint neutrality." Critics say the policy makes the schools less safe for students and micromanages teachers.

Madison is earning global recognition after being named one of National Geographic's top 25 must-visit destinations for 2027. The publication highlighted Wisconsin's capital city for its scenic lakes, vibrant parks, and thriving local food and dining scene. Tourism officials say the honor comes after years of building relationships with travel writers to showcase everything Dane County has to offer. Business owners and community leaders are celebrating the global spotlight, calling it a huge point of pride for the area's hospitality and culture.

Local-Regional News Oct 22

 

The Durand-Arkansaw School Board has passed the budget for the 2026-2027 school year. The $15 million budget includes a $5.8 million tax levy. Durand-Arkansaw School Superintendent Ryan Nelson says the mill rate is one of the lowest rates in the area due in part to the equalized value.  The Budget averages out to $11,700 per student in funding, one of the lowest in the state.

Nearly $70 million is approved for rural road projects across Wisconsin. The latest round of Agricultural Roads Improvement Program grants will fund 39 projects in 32 counties, including road, bridge, and culvert upgrades. In Western Wisconsin, the Town of Mondovi received an $819,000 grant to repair Mock Road, the Town of Lima received just over $1 million to repair Forster Road, and the Town of El Paso received $1.6 million to repair 290th Street. State officials say the improvements will help move agricultural and forestry products more efficiently to market. The grants are part of a 150 million dollar investment approved in the current state budget to support Wisconsin's agriculture industry and rural infrastructure.

Bond is being set at 25-thousand dollars for a Dunn County man accused of abusing his two-month-old daughter. The child was taken to the hospital back in July with a list of injuries that Codi Stenlund had said were the result of a fall in her Pack 'n Play. Doctors determined that story was false and police were notified. Stenlund is pleading not guilty.

A proposed high-voltage power line project is drawing opposition from landowners in its path. Xcel Energy and Dairyland Power say the Gopher-Badger Link would extend from North Rochester through Marion to the Wisconsin border. It's being touted as a necessary improvement to the power grid, but property owners are concerned about the loss of their land and future utility costs.

In La Cross County, charges are being filed against a West Salem man accused of sexually assaulting a child. Prosecutors say that 44-year-old Kevin Arndt victimized a 12-year-old at the family's home in 2025. This week, Arndt entered a plea of not guilty to the charges.

Saturday is Drug Take Back Day in Wisconsin. You can safely dispose of unused or expired prescription and over-the-counter medications at 136 collection events and 239 participating law enforcement agencies. Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul is encouraging residents to take advantage of the effort which helps prevent misuse and keeps pharmaceuticals out of rivers and lakes. Information on collection sites is available through the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

Big first day turnout for in person absentee voting in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Elections Commission reported 55,659 in-person absentee voters for Tuesday, exceeding 33,644 on the first day of early voting in 2022 and 34,036 in 2025. In Western Wisconsin, Pepin County had 15 in person absentee voters on Tuesday, Buffalo County 22, Dunn County 173 and Pierce County 249 in person absentee voters on Tuesday.

Wisconsin candidates for governor David Crowley and Tom Tiffany sparred over taxes, abortion, and affordability during their first and only debate last night. The showdown comes as recent polling shows a tight race, with Crowley holding a narrow three-point lead as early voting gets underway. Crowley emphasized creating a simpler tax system and forming a commission to address school funding, while Tiffany vowed to maintain services while using the state surplus to enact tax cuts. Voters will head to the polls to choose Wisconsin's next governor on November 3rd.

A measles outbreak in Southwest Wisconsin is adding a fifth county. The state Department of Health Services says a new case in Richland County is connected to an ongoing outbreak in Grant, Iowa, Lafayette, and Vernon Counties. D-H-S says the number of cases in Rock, Chippewa, and Marathon counties--all separate from the outbreak--is unchanged. There are 289 Wisconsin measles cases so far this year.

Millions of dollars are being awarded for clean energy projects across Wisconsin. Governor Tony Evers and the Public Service Commission have announced $11.5 million in Energy Innovation Grants for 36 projects. The funding will help school districts, nonprofits, local and Tribal governments, manufacturers and colleges expand renewable energy, improve energy efficiency and strengthen long-term energy planning. Evers and the PSC say demand for the program remains high, with applicants requesting nearly $35 million in the latest grant round. Since 2017, the program has awarded more than $51 million to 205 projects statewide.

Wisconsin disability advocates are sounding the alarm over challenges facing independent living across the state. Self-advocate Carl Schulze says potential federal Medicaid cuts could threaten home and community-based services that help people avoid institutional care. Caregiver advocates report more families are reaching crisis points while caring for loved ones and say additional respite services are needed. Meanwhile, disability groups are urging lawmakers to expand affordable, accessible housing, noting much of Wisconsin's housing stock was built before modern accessibility standards. The issues were highlighted during a recent disability and aging forum.

Microsoft is expanding its footprint in Racine County with a 70-million-dollar land purchase in Sturtevant. The tech giant acquired 70 acres and a massive distribution facility from United Natural Foods, which closed the site earlier this year. Company officials say they are evaluating the property as a potential data center location, which would sit adjacent to their ongoing developments in neighboring Mount Pleasant. Local leaders and Microsoft are in early discussions regarding local approvals as the company continues to weigh further regional growth.

Wisconsin-based home products company DHI Corp. is moving its corporate headquarters back to Milwaukee. The company is bringing around 25 employees to a 45-hundred-square-foot office space in Milwaukee's historic Pabst District. Founded in the city as a hardware business in 1872, DHI Corp. operated out of Mequon for over two decades before making the return downtown. Chief Executive Officer JP Drevline called the move an investment in growth and talent, joining several other major companies that have recently relocated to Milwaukee's urban core.

Milwaukee Brewers fans who bought special souvenir tickets a decade ago are finally cashing them in for the team's first World Series appearance in 44 years. The rare bronze "Timeless Tickets" were sold for one thousand dollars back in 2015 and guaranteed admission to any future home game of the owner's choice. While some supporters are thrilled to bring their grown children to Friday's opener, others have raised complaints about assigned seating locations. Team executives say they are actively working to resolve the issue with unhappy fans.

Local-Regional News Oct 21

 

The Menomonie City Council is looking into the future of using Flock Cameras in the city. During last night’s council meeting, UW-Stout Students expressed concerns over the cameras including one that was pointed directly at North Hall. They would like to see the cameras removed. City Police would like to keep the cameras but use a different vendor. The council asked the police department for more information on alternate vendors to the next council meeting.

The Pepin County Board is meeting tonight. Items on the agenda include discussion and possible action on a certified survey map in the town of Stockholm, authorizing the use of funding from the local assistance and tribal consistency fund, and reports from department heads and committees. Tonights meeting begins at 7pm at the government center in Durand.

The Durand-Arkansaw School Board is meeting tonight. A budget hearing will be first then the regular board meeting. Items on the board meeting agenda include discussion and possible action on the library media specialist agreement with the Mondovi School District and reports from the district and building administrators. Tonights meetings begin at 6pm in the board room at Durand-Arkansaw High School.

The Dunn County Board is meeting tonight. Items on the agenda include discussion and possible action on the comprehensive plan, the 2027 wage grid and employee pay raise plan and a proposed 2027 budget presentation from the county manager. Tonights meeting begins at 7pm at the Dunn County Government Center in Menomonie.

A resident in Elk Mound has started a drive to recall the village board president. The recall drive is over the town boards decision to disband the police department and contract out with the Dunn County Sheriff’s Department for law enforcement services. If the registration papers for the recall are approved, organizers will have 60 days to collect 90 signatures to force a recall election.

A Florida woman charged after a fatal collision near Black River Falls is entering her plea. Teresa Lowman was reportedly behind the wheel of a semi that clipped another semi on I-94 back in February. The victim's big rig went into a ditch and caught fire leading to his death. Lowman pleaded not guilty yesterday to charges of hit and run involving death and homicide by negligent operation of a vehicle.

A man accused of recording a video of a woman while she showered on the UW-Eau Claire campus is pleading guilty to charges. Twenty-seven-year-old Deshaun Barkus did not have the woman's permission when he recorded her. He has pleaded guilty to a charge of capturing an intimate representation without consent and been sentenced to two years of probation.

Three Chippewa Valley nonprofits are each receiving a financial boost from a charitable trust. The Otto Bremer Trust is awarding a combined 175-thousand dollars to the Chippewa Valley Free Clinic, the Chippewa Valley Technical College Dental Clinic and the L.E. Phillips Career Development Center's Chippewa Falls Outreach Program through its Community Responsive Fund. The trust awarded the grants based on established priorities and criteria.

An invitation to baseball’s biggest stage. “The Milwaukee Brewers are bringing the bats, and the Screaming Eagles are bringing the band.” That post on the band's Facebook page announces the UW-La Crosse Screaming Eagles Marching Band will perform outside American Family Field before Game 2 of the World Series on Saturday. The Brewers invited the band to play before the game. The 2026 World Series opens on Friday with the Brewers facing the Tampa Bay Rays at AmFam.

A central Wisconsin school district is investigating an apparent cybercrime attack resulting in a 92-thousand-dollar loss. Adams-Friendship Superintendent Dr. Nicki Ells announced yesterday that officials flagged an unusual payment request processed by their business manager in August. The district immediately notified law enforcement and placed the business manager on administrative leave pending an ongoing investigation. Administrators are currently working with insurance and legal counsel to recover the missing funds and review district financial security measures.

Governor Tony Evers and the Wisconsin DNR has announced the launch of two new grant programs to provide funding to help communities sample private wells and public water supplies for PFAS contamination. The two grant programs are the PFAS Community Grants Sampling Program and the Wisconsin PFAS Private Well Testing Program. Both are funded by the 125-million dollar PFAS Trust Fund, which was previously approved but was unspent in Madison for years. In a statement, Evers said, "This is an exciting day that has been a long time coming, and these programs will have lasting impact on communities and private well owners across the state."

The City of Wausau has taken the first steps towards ending its use of Flock surveillance cameras. Wausau's Public Health and Safety Committee passed a resolution Monday night that recommended the city's Finance Committee to cancel payments to Flock for the 2027-28 contract. The resolution also asked the city's Common Council to ask police to stop using Flock and put bags over the cameras. Multiple committee members noted concerns about the ways cancelling the agreement with Flock could open the city up to legal liability. Flock legally owns the 20 cameras placed in Wausau, and it's not clear when they'll will be out of service.

A group of non-profits is working to keep Wisconsin's state fish alive in the Northwoods. A group of sportsmans' clubs have joined the Mole Lake hatchery to take over muskellunge stocking. This is after a lack of funding forced the Department of Natural Resources to stop its own hatchery program for the big game fish. Jeff Van ReMortel from the Vilas and Oneida Counties Musky Fund tells W J F W Rhinelander fish availability has been dropping over the past decade. The groups helped fund the release of 9-thousand musky fingerlings into lakes across the Northwoods this season.

Minneapolis College is experiencing a surge in students who are affected by rising costs. The school says more students are taking advantage of food pantry and mental health services as they struggle to balance the higher price of food and housing while pursuing a degree. The US Labor Department says consumer prices rose nearly four percent in September.

A bovine escapee roams the streets of Madison. It's not unusual to see cows in Wisconsin. It is unusual to see them using the crosswalk. That happened Monday morning near Madison College, where a cow that had been on site for the college's veterinary students escaped enclosure and went for a stroll near Dane County Regional Airport. The cow was successfully wrangled back to campus with only minor abrasions from its walk.

Local-Regional News Oct 20

 

The Madison Street project is essentially complete. Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren says there are just a few temporary signs that will need to be replaced.  The city expects to complete the project this month.

The Durand Public Works Department has shut off water at all city parks to winterize the water lines. With the water turned off, no restroom facilities are available at city parks. The parks do remain open to the public.

The Pepin County Department of Human Services will be holding a Mental Health Town Hall Meeting on October 27^th at Durand -Arkansaw High School. There will be professionals from the mental health field to have a community conversation and question-and-answer session about mental health and resources available. The event is open to the public and begins at 7 pm on the 27^th.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has identified a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial poultry flock in Barron County. The affected premises has been quarantined to restrict movement of poultry and poultry products. Birds on the property were depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease. Birds from the flock will not enter the food system. This is the second case of HPAI in Barron County in this month.

Gas prices are lower in parts of Western Wisconsin this week. Triple-A reports the average price of regular fuel in Western Wisconsin is now four-oh-nine per gallon. That's a dime less than the price was just one week ago. The average cost of a gallon of regular fuel in the Badger State is four-19 per gallon.

Wisconsin's two U.S. senators are confirming their Milwaukee offices received suspicious mail containing unknown substances yesterday. Republican Ron Johnson and Democrat Tammy Baldwin both released statements confirming their staff encountered letters matching a nationwide pattern targeting political and election offices. No injuries were reported in either office and the letters were turned over to federal law enforcement for analysis. The FBI and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service are leading a joint investigation into the origin of the mailings.

Wisconsin polls open early today for in person absentee voting. Wisconsin Elections Commission Administrator Meagan Wolfe says early returns on absentee ballots show more people may be coming in to vote in person. Wolfe says disruptions in mail delivery of absentee ballots and long lines on Election Day may be the cause. WEC reports around 173-thousand mail in ballots have been received by clerks, out of 365-thousand requested. That's down from the 2022 General Election, and Wolfe says it may signal more voters making it to the polls early to beat long lines on Election Day.

Wisconsin's fall trapping seasons are getting underway. Trapping seasons for species including muskrat, mink, raccoon, opossum, skunk and weasel are now underway in parts of the state, with additional seasons opening later this fall. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is reminding trappers to review regulations, season dates and licensing requirements before heading out. The agency also advises hikers and pet owners that traps may be present on public lands and recommends staying on designated trails and keeping pets leashed.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is set to travel to Eau Claire Tuesday. The Department of War says he's visiting as part of the Arsenal of Freedom Tour. Secretary Hegseth will visit Riverside Machine and Enginering and deliver remarks to the workforce alongside Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler. He previously visited Wisconsin in August, where he toured the Oshkosh Corporation and spoke to workers.

The Wisconsin Public Service Commission has approved a water rate increase that affects La Crosse Water Utility customers. City officials say the increase is needed to help pay for aging infrastructure, maintenance and rising operating costs. Many miles of water pipes were installed more than 80 years ago. For a typical residential customer using four-thousand gallons of water a month, the average bill will increase from about 17 to 29 dollars per month. Most customers are expected to see the full impact of the new rates on their bills in early 2027.

Federal officials open a tornado relief center in the Fox Valley. The Federal Emergency Management Agency opened a special center at the former UW-Fox Cities campus on Monday. Representatives from FEMA and the US Small Business Administration will be on hand for a month to help answer questions from residents, direct victims to financial aid, and to check up on existing claims made to either agency.

A proposed Madison area IKEA is taking longer than expected to open. The CapTimes reports the Swedish home goods manufacturer is pushing back the opening of the store until next spring. IKEA had hoped to open the location by this fall, but did not offer an explanation for the delay. The new location is a renovation of multiple vacant sales spaces at an existing mall, and is part of IKEA's effort to move into smaller residential areas.

Green Bay police had to deal with an extremely rowdy crowd at Lambeau Field. The police department says it responded to 29 calls to the stadium during Sunday night's Packers - Cowboys game. That includes medical calls and violation of stadium rules. In total 16 people were ejected from the game and six were arrested. The two teams got into a scuffle during the pregame, with officials being forced to separate the squads before kickoff.

Fox Sports host David Ortiz isn't taking the bait to stay at Milwaukee's haunted hotel. Following the Brewers sweep of the L A Dodgers to win the National League Championship Series, Brewers manager Pat Murphy challenged Ortiz to stay at Milwaukee's Pfister Hotel. The hotel has both a reputation of being haunted, and also spooking M L B players coming to Milwaukee. "No Chance" was Ortiz's reply to Murphy. The Pfister opened in 1893 and is considered one of the Midwest's top hotels, despite - or maybe due to - the haunted reputation.

Local-Regional News Oct 19

 

During a recent legislative conference for cities and villages, Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren talked with other leaders about AI and Data Centers. Milliren says that the recommendations to cities and villages are to have something on the books before a Data Center is proposed.  Mondovi is also looking at possible rules for Data Centers in the city.

The Dunn County Sheriff’s Department is asking the public for help solving a hit-and-run accident on Sunday morning. According to the department, the accident happened on 708^th Avenue in the town of Red Cedar, and deputies found a damaged power pole, street sign, and utility box with lines down across the roadway. The vehicle had left the scene, and if anyone has any information on the accident, they are to contact the Dunn County Sheriffs Department.

The Durand Sportsman’s Club in conjunction with the WI Department of Natural Resources, has stocked pheasants at four different locations in the area. The club stocked the pheasants off of Thibodeau Road off of Hwy 25 and off of Hwy P in the Tiffany Wildlife Area, the lower Chippewa State Natural Area off of Round Hill Road, and just off of Hwy M. The 2026 Pheasant Season opened this past Saturday.

Officials are working to confirm the cause of a weekend two-alarm fire in Eau Claire. The fire happened Saturday afternoon at a detached garage on Airport Road and spread to the residence. One person was taken from the scene to a local hospital. The fire caused an estimated $300,000 in damage, and the two people living there are being assisted by the Red Cross.

Central Sands Dairy is paying 245-thousand dollars to resolve state environmental claims over wastewater discharge violations. The Wisconsin Department of Justice announced the settlement Friday following allegations that the Nekoosa dairy farm improperly applied manure to crops and contaminated local groundwater. State officials also cited the operation for failing to make required upgrades to its manure storage facilities. As part of the agreement, Central Sands must permanently close and abandon its waste storage facilities in Juneau County by July 2027.

Wisconsin candidates for governor David Crowley and Tom Tiffany are finalizing their preparations for Wednesday night's debate in Milwaukee. The broadcast marks the only televised debate of the governor's race and will air statewide on ABC affiliates. Both candidates are aiming to highlight key contrasts on economic issues and campaign priorities before a broad audience. Station officials report the debate is produced by WISN-TV in partnership with WisPolitics.

Wisconsin election officials say they're prepared for a busy Election Day next month. Elections Commission Administrator Meagan Wolfe says more than 2.6 million voters are expected to cast ballots on November 3rd, with over 3,600 polling places and 30,000 poll workers ready statewide. Wolfe says local election clerks have spent years training for routine operations and potential challenges, including cybersecurity threats. She adds voters should expect the same voting experience they've had in previous Wisconsin elections.

It's Forest Products Week in Wisconsin. Wisconsin's forests cover nearly 17 million acres and support an industry that contributes more than $43 billion annually to the state's economy. According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the forest products sector supports about 127,000 jobs statewide, from logging and lumber production to papermaking and maple syrup production. Wisconsin has led the nation in papermaking for more than 70 years. The week highlights the role forests play in the state's economy, recreation, and environmental health.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court is being asked to rule on how data from automated surveillance services can be used in court. The A C L U of Wisconsin on Wednesday filed directly with the Supreme Court to challenge use of data from Flock Safety in Milwaukee, Green Bay, Racine, and Kenosha. The suit, filed on behalf of the Wisconsin Council of Churches, alleges that use of automated surveillance infringes on property and privacy rights, and asks the Court to force Wisconsin law enforcement to obtain search warrants to search data collected by the camera systems. Justices will have to decide whether or not to directly take the case before taking any action.

Wisconsin is getting 218-million dollars in federal funding to extend Amtrak service from Chicago to Madison. The project will expand the Hiawatha line with new passenger service through communities including Pewaukee and Watertown. The money will pay for track upgrades, station construction, and other improvements needed to launch the route. Supporters say the expansion will create jobs and give travelers another option between Madison, Milwaukee, and Chicago. State officials will still need to provide matching funds before the project can move ahead.

State coffers continue to grow even as funding lags for K12 schools. State government finished the 2025-26 fiscal year with over $349 million more in the general fund than expected. The Department of Administration’s annual fiscal report showing Wisconsin on track to finish the current two-year budget with a surplus of around $2.8 billion and nearly $2.1 billion in its rainy day fund. Governor Tony Evers hailed the annual fiscal report as “damn good news.” Meanwhile official numbers released by the Department of Public Instruction earlier this month show 62% of Wisconsin school districts receiving less state general aid this year than they did last year, forcing more districts to place funding referendums before local taxpayers in November. The state Senate earlier this year rejected a $1.8 billion deal Evers struck with Republican legislative leaders which included money to increase special education funding and property tax relief along with income tax cuts.

No taxes on tips and overtime could save Wisconsin workers, but cost the state billions in revenue. According to a new report from Forward Analytics, eliminating Wisconsin's income tax on tips and overtime pay could save eligible workers more than $2.7 billion dollars over the next decade. Researchers determined the change would also reduce state tax revenue by roughly the same amount. The proposal has become an issue in the race for governor where both Republican candidate Tom Tiffany and Democratic candidate David Crowley have expressed support. Analysts say workers in tipped and overtime-heavy jobs could see hundreds of dollars in annual tax savings, depending on their income and occupation.

Budget cuts at the University of Minnesota could exceed 262 million dollars. That is a higher amount that was previously announced last month at 225 million dollars over two years at its five campuses. The Star Tribune reports that the Twin Cities campus will face 131 million to 146 million dollars of the reductions. Among the smaller campuses, Crookston and Duluth would see the largest percentage of their budget trimmed at ten percent to eleven percent. The School of Dentistry and the College of Biological Sciences would see the smallest cuts.