Local-Regional News March 9

Due to construction in Wabasha,  the public parking lot across from the Library will be closed as well as sections of parking stalls along Alleghany Avenue and 2nd Street West starting today. The parking lot and stalls will be closed until the construction project is completed. 

Gas prices are now over three-dollars per gallon across the state. UW-La Crosse economics professor Hugo Vaca Pereira Rocha tells WKOW airlines will eventually pass on costs to consumers leading to increased ticket prices. This is in response to the ongoing U.S.-Israeli attacks in Iran.

Two people are hurt after an ATV Crash in Anson Township Sunday afternoon. According to the Chippewa County Sheriffs Department, A 64yr old man with a 6yr old and 4yr old boys as passengers was traveling on 188^th Street and lost control of the ATV, causing it to roll over. The man was taken to the hospital with serious injuries while one of the boys was taken to the hospital. That accident is still under investigation.

The Durand-Arkansaw School District is paying off some debt early. The board approved a resolution to redeem some bonds that were due in two years. Durand-Arkansaw School Superintendent Ryan Nelson says the early payment will save the district approximately $10,000. The resolution was needed as the first step in paying off the debt.

A man accused of sexually assaulting children in northwestern Wisconsin will spend the rest of his life in prison. Eau Claire County Judge Jon Theisen on Friday sentenced Robert Kartsenson to 40 years, followed by 20 years extended supervision. That’s tantamount to a life term for the 83-year-old charged with sexually assaulting six young victims in Eau Claire and Barron Counties over a period of years dating back to the mid-1990s. Karstenson admitted to the assaults when arrested by Eau Claire police in June of last year. Karstenson’s neighbor, 55-year-old James Barbey is also charged with multiple counts of child sexual assault. A scheduling conference in Barbey’s case is today (Monday) in Eau Claire County Court.

A western Wisconsin school district is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Education. The Department’s Office for Civil Rights announced the investigation of the New Richmond School District in a Thursday press release. The probe “based on reports that the District is allowing biological men to use female bathrooms,” will determine whether the St. Croix County district’s restroom policy violates federal Title IX protections for female students and athletes. The action follows a January school board meeting at which parents and conservative activist group Moms for Liberty demanded the district stop allowing biological males into girls’ bathrooms.

In Sawyer County, a woman convicted in connection with the death of her four-year-old daughter is learning her fate. The child suffered from severe cerebral palsy and was on a feeding tube. At the time of her death, the child -- who died of died of ethanol toxicity -- was found to have a blood alcohol level of more than seven times the legal driving limit for an adult. Samantha Smith was sentenced Friday to a term of 15 years in prison.

UW Extension will be holding a workshop titled Emotion Regulation in Action in May that is designed for teachers and daycare providers. Attendees will learn simple, sicence-based tools to help kids stay calm, build confidence, and navigate “big emotions” throughout the day. The workshop will be May 16^th from 9-3pm at CVTC in Eau Claire. For more information contact UW-Extension.

Wisconsin’s public universities can soon offer faster more affordable paths to a bachelor’s degree. The UW Board of Regents has approved a new policy allowing campuses to create three‑year degree programs. Requiring 90 credits instead of the traditional 120 effectively cuts a full year off the typical four‑year timeline. Supporters say this could reduce costs for students thousands of dollars, eliminating a year of tuition, housing, and fees. Universities can now begin developing the new three‑year options, bringing Wisconsin in line with dozens of institutions nationwide exploring alternative degree pathways.

Wisconsin’s high school graduation rate has climbed again. New data from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction shows 92 percent of high school students graduated on time in the 2024–25 school year, the highest since the state began using the four‑year adjusted cohort in 2010. Overall attendance rose to 92.6 percent, while chronic absenteeism fell to 17.3 percent, both better than last year. The information is part of new data released Thursday on the DPI’s WISEdash Public Portal, which includes multi‑year enrollment, graduation, and attendance trends for every public school district in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin appears to be falling behind when it comes to the best states to drive in. Finance website WalletHub recently ranked every state based on concerns of the road, including traffic, road conditions, and more. The states were then ranked into categories and given an overall score. The Badger State was ranked 32nd overall, and received its highest ranking of 22nd in the traffic and infrastructure category. Wisconsin did not fare well in the safety category, where it was ranked 42nd.

Governor Evers is signing several bills into law aimed at strengthening protections for children. One measure makes child grooming a felony offense, giving law enforcement clearer authority to prosecute offenders. This follows a report documenting hundreds of alleged cases of teacher sexual misconduct and grooming. Another law expands the state's Missing Child Alert program to include children ages ten and eleven. State officials say the changes are intended to improve responses when children go missing and increase safeguards for students.

A Texas man is going to prison for a drive-by shooting nearly four years ago in Rochester. Exavier Porter was sentenced Thursday to 18 years in prison. He was convicted of attempted murder and drive-by shooting charges last November. Prosecutors say Porter was driving on Avenue Northwest in October 2022 when he spotted the ex-boyfriend of his female passenger driving down the same street. The suspect got out of his vehicle and opened fire at the victim, who was not injured.

The man who served as the Green Bay Packers’ president for nearly two decades has died. Bob Harlan joined the team in 1971 and worked in several executive positions until he was named team president and CEO in 1989. Harlan’s tenure leading the Packers culminated in the team winning its first Super Bowl title since the Lombardi era. He also oversaw the nearly $300 million redevelopment of Lambeau Field, which was funded in part by a successful 1997 stock sale. Harlan retired in 2008. His son Kevin and granddaughter Olivia have served as announcers on NFL game broadcasts. Bob Harlan was 89 years old.

The Wisconsin State Patrol is encouraging e-bike and e-scooter safety. The department is reminding folks this month to stay alert and share the road safely in the interest of safety for riders and motorists alike. There were 64 e-bikes and e-scooters involved in motor vehicle crashes in the state last year.

Local-Regional News March 6

 

The Pepin County Sheriff’s Office Receives Generous Community Donation. In a social media post, the department announced a local couple who recently donated funds to equip every patrol squad with a Stat-X First Responder aerosol fire suppressant kit. These compact extinguishers give deputies another valuable tool to respond quickly to vehicle fires, small structure fires, and other emergency situations where immediate action can make a difference until the fire department arrives. Having this equipment readily available in each squad can literally save lives and protect property across Pepin County.

Buffalo County has announced the projected date of implementing the Seasonal Weight Restrictions is March 16^th. The restrictions may go into effect earlier due to the warmer weather. The department will be holding a public meeting next Wednesday at 8am to discuss the restrictions.

The Friends of the Durand Public Library has begun the digitization of the local newspapers. The first set of newspaper books was delivered to Indus International in West Salem for scanning. The Friends of the library are hoping to have all of the newspaper books scanned and continue to raise money for the project.

University of Wisconsin-Stout has been awarded $19 million in federal funds  as manager of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program in Wisconsin. This funding will enable UW-Stout’s Manufacturing Outreach Center and the Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership to coordinate efforts that support Wisconsin’s small and mid-side manufacturers. The funds were awarded by the US Department of Commerce.

The City of Altoona is considering joining its fire department with the Chippewa Fire District. Officials say that such a move would enhance service for residents and qualify the department for a state grant. The city will present a full rundown of what is being considered and why at a meeting Tuesday at the Lake Hallie Fire Department.

The Wabasha Port Authority is announcing a new commercial revolving loan fund. The Port Authority applied for, and was awarded, funding from the Rural Business Development Grant program through the United States Department of Agriculture.  This funding, along with a local match, will allow the Port Authority to provide small, low interest gap financing loans to local businesses to help them move their projects forward. The Commercial Revolving Loan Fund can make small low interest loans to businesses within the city limits of Wabasha. Projects must meet eligibility requirements. The application and guidelines for this program are available on the City’s website. Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis.

One person was injured after being struck by a pickup truck in Zumbrota on Wednesday. According to police, pedestrian was walking north in the crosswalk along West Avenue when they were struck by the truck, which was traveling westbound on 2nd Street W. The victim was airlifted to St. Marys Hospital in Rochester, where they were listed in “critical condition.”

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers was in La Crosse on Thursday talking about gerrymandering. Gerrymandering is the process through which officials divide an area into specified districts in order to gain some sort of advantage. Evers says he wants to pass a constitutional amendment against the practice.

Wisconsin cheese fans will have to wait at least two more years for another shot at the world title. The Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association reports no cheeses from the state cracked the top twenty in this year’s World Championship Cheese Contest. Seven of the finalists come from Switzerland, including a Gruyere by three‑time champion Michael Spycher, who’s back again with a nearly perfect score. Two U.S. cheeses made the final cut: Beecher’s Flagship Reserve cheddar from Seattle, and Suncatcher— a washed‑rind hard cheese from Jasper Hill Creamery in Vermont.

One of Wisconsin's senators believes Brad Schimel shouldn't continue as the US Attorney for the Eastern District. Democrat Tammy Baldwin said in a statement she doesn't think Schimel should've been "a top federal prosecutor in our state to begin" and shouldn't get an extension in the role. Schimel's interim post as the US Attorney ends March 16th, 120 days after President Trump appointed him in November. Schimel told the Journal Sentinel he was surprised by Baldwin's comments, claiming he's had a "pleasant working relationship with her over many years."

State Attorney General Josh Kaul is taking legal action against President Trump's latest tariff measures. Kaul is part of a coalition filing a lawsuit to block the administration's attempt to impose tariffs without congressional approval. He says the "unlawful use of tariffs should stop." The coalition says these tariffs violate the law, disrupt constitutional powers and breach the Administrative Procedure Act.

Wisconsin could soon expand access to healthy food as medicine. Democratic Governor Tony Evers and the state Department of Health Services have submitted a letter of intent for the Food is Medicine State Officer Program—a three‑year federal initiative designed to help states develop food‑based health interventions. If selected, Wisconsin would receive funding and support to grow programs like medically tailored meals, produce prescriptions, and other nutrition services aimed at preventing and managing conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. A full‑time state officer would work to expand access, boost enrollment, and better coordinate Medicaid and public‑health programs. Final proposals are due May 1st, and Wisconsin could begin recruiting for the position this summer if selected.

Wisconsin’s U.S. Senators split on a procedural vote on a bipartisan resolution to block the Trump administration from continued hostilities against Iran. Senate Republicans on Wednesday blocked an effort by Kentucky Republican Rand Paul and Virginia Democrat Tim Kaine to force action on the measure. The vote to advance the resolution failed 47-53 with Madison Democrat Tammy Baldwin voting to move it forward, and Oshkosh Republican Ron Johnson joining all Republicans expect Paul to block it. Baldwin in a floor speech Monday called the war, which has led to the death of six American servicemembers in Kuwait, “reckless and illegal.” In an interview on Newsmax, Johnson said “there’s no way we can have 535 commanders in chief,” referring to House and Senate efforts to invoke a provision of the 1973 War Powers Act .

The Wisconsin Public Service Foundation is opening applications for its annual technical college scholarships. This year, the foundation will award $25,000 to high school seniors heading into one‑year technical diplomas or two‑year associate degree programs. Last year, WPS awarded 14 scholarships, helping students pursue careers in fields like automotive and heavy equipment maintenance, electric power distribution, engineering technology, and marketing. Since its founding in 1964, the WPS Foundation has donated more than $6 million to support students pursuing college degrees and technical diplomas. More info can be found on the WPS Foundation website.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is asking the public to prioritize safety when going outdoors. The fluctuating temperatures are affecting lake ice, making it unreliable for vehicles, UTVs, snowmobiles and fishing shelters. The DNR is recommending citizens to carry a cell phone, wear a life jacket, use ice creepers and carry spikes and a rope. They're also telling snowmobilers to check trail conditions as late-season trails can be unpredictable.  

Local-Regional News March 5

 

A now defunct poultry farming company is convicted of abandoning over 2 million chickens to starve to death across the Midwest. A Buffalo County judge found Pure Prairie Poultry guilty on Wednesday of 30 counts of mistreatment of animals. Prosecutors say P P P delivered 24-thousand chickens to a farm in Mondovi in October of 2022 with the intent to sell them for processing. But P P P ran out of money to pay for feed in 2024, and left its farms to fend for themselves. The chickens from the Mondovi farm were eventually given away, but not before they went more than three weeks without eating and hundreds of chickens died of starvation. Pure Prairie Poultry was fined over 13-thousand dollars, but it is unlikely the court will receive those funds since the company is bankrupt.

A longtime Durand-Arkansaw School District Employee is retiring. Food Service Director Lori Snap will retire at the end of the year. Durand-Arkansaw School Superintendent Ryan Nelson says the food service program is one of the most regulated parts of any school district.  The district is now looking for a new food service director.

Spring Weight Restrictions are now in effect in Pepin County. The seasonal weight limits will be in effect on all Pepin County Roads effective on Thursday. Axel weight limits will be at 6 tons per axle with a 22 tons maximum gross vehicle weight. Restrictions will remain in place until road conditions stabilize. More information is available on the Highway Department Page of the Pepin County Website.

Democrats introduce a bill they say could make healthcare more accessible and affordable in Wisconsin. La Crosse County Representative Tara Johnson said the BadgerCare public option is designed to extend healthcare coverage to more residents, lower costs and expand BadgerCare enrollment to small businesses. Johnson said public health care keeps prices down because it is not beholden to insurance company stockholders or bonuses for executives, and those savings will get passed on to Wisconsinites. Republican leaders have already adjourned the state Assembly this session.

More details are emerging in an ongoing death investigation in Rusk County. The body of Ladysmith resident Terry DuSell was found on Tuesday. Sixty-two-year-old Charles Allers -- who is currently being held on an unrelated probation warrant -- has been identified as a person of interest in the case. Meanwhile -- DuSell's wife -- Terry DuSell has been taken into custody on a charge of hiding a corpse. Reports say the suspects were having an affair.

La Crosse City Council is considering a measure that would enforce a minimum age of 21-years-old for the purchase or possession of cigarette & tobacco products and electronic vaping devices. Council's Judiciary and Administrative Committee gave its approval to the idea this week with a full council vote planned for next week. If approved, the measure would being La Crosse in line on the matter with state and federal laws.

A Wisconsin-based bottler is recalling more than 600-thousand bottles of water. Nearly a month ago, Portage based Valley Springs Artesian Gold issued the recall, after the bottles were packaged in unsanitary conditions. Last week, the FDA upgraded the recall to a Class 2, which means use of or exposure to could cause "temporary or medically reversible" adverse health ​effects. The recalled bottled water was sold at retailers in Wisconsin and Illinois and sold mostly in 1 gallon jugs, which includes Valley Springs infant water and Daisy Doggy water, along with steamed distilled and natural varieties.

Over 650 federal agents are remaining in Minnesota nearly three weeks after the end of Operation Metro Surge. On February 20th, White House border czar Tom Homan told CNN that the DHS would return its regular footprint of 150 agents. Meanwhile, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem told Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar that fewer than 650 agents remained. At its peak, the operation had roughly four thousand federal agents and officers assigned to Minnesota. In February, Homan told Fox News that if federal agents need to return, they will.

A State Senate committee is considering a bill that would send an extra $14.6 million to UW–Madison athletics and overhaul how athletes' name, image, and likeness deals are handled. Badgers Athletic Director Chris McIntosh told lawmakers the industry is changing fast, and rising costs, including a $20.5 million expense from the House settlement, are putting pressure on UW’s financial model. But student‑athletes say the fallout is hitting them. Track and field athlete Maggie Munson says she lost a $6,000 academic award and that her team has lost nutrition support. She also noted the university tore down the indoor track facility with no plan to rebuild a competition track. The bill passed the Assembly last month with just one “no” vote and would also make NIL contracts exempt from public records laws.

Wisconsin signs off on PFAS and lead water regulations in line with federal standards. Democratic Governor Tony Evers says this updates state limits for several PFAS chemicals and lowers the action level for lead in drinking water, requiring all lead service lines to be replaced by 2037. The announcement comes as national utility groups challenge the federal regulations, and as Evers battles with Republican lawmakers over who can approve agency rules. Wisconsin’s new lead service line rule is set to be published March 30, but the PFAS rule is still pending. Lawmakers are nearing a deal to release $125 million in PFAS cleanup funds.

Governor Tony Evers is calling lawmakers back to Madison to ban partisan gerrymandering. The Democratic governor signed an executive order yesterday for a special session to be held beginning April 14th. Evers wants to see a constitutional amendment passed that doesn't allow gerrymandering, although the amendment wouldn't specify how to draw electoral maps. Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez and both Democratic legislative leaders were absent for yesterday's announcement. It's unclear if the idea has any support from either side of the aisle.

Governor Tony Evers is urging Congress to change new federal restrictions on hemp. The law is set to take effect in November and will ban the sale of most products in the U-S as it sets the legal THC limit in hemp products to trace amounts. Governor Evers says that will jeopardize the 700 million dollar economic impact in the state, along with nearly 35 hundred jobs. Wisconsin had 470 federally licensed hemp producers as of last November. Evers also highlighted the importance of hemp products as lawful alternatives in Wisconsin, where marijuana, even medicinal use, is not legal.

A Republican candidate for Minnesota governor is selecting a running mate. Kendall Qualls has named business leader Brian Nicholson as his lieutenant governor. The GOP hopeful described his running mate as an everyday Minnesotan and a father with a lengthy background in business. Nicholson released a statement claiming that he's ready to step up and be the leader that the state needs. The primary election is set for August 11th. The general election is on November 3rd.

The World Championship Cheese Contest returns to Madison. Cheese producers from 25 countries and 34 U.S. states and territories are competing, entering cheeses, butters, cultured products, and dry dairy ingredients. International judges score each entry on a 100‑point scale, deducting for any defects in flavor, texture, color, finish, or packaging. More details are available at worldchampioncheese.org.

Local-Regional News March 4

 

One person was injured in a single vehicle accident in Oak Grove Township on Sunday. According to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department, 30yr old Raymond King of Hagar City was traveling eastbound on Hwy 10, when he entered the ditch and struck a tree. King was med-flighted to Regions Hospital in St. Paul.

A Trempealeau County man is being identified as the person who died after a recent vehicle collision in Jackson County. Seventy-nine-year-old Blair resident Harold Crivitz died after a February 24th head-on collision on State Highway 95 near the Town of Curran. The accident remains under investigation.

Three people are hurt following a two-vehicle crash on Highway 93 and Golf Road in Eau Claire Monday morning. According to Eau Claire police, a vehicle traveling southbound on Hwy 93 attempted a left turn onto Golf Road from the straight ahead lane and was struck by a vehicle traveling northbound on Hwy 93. The three injured were taken to the hospital.

The UW-Stout Cybersecurity program is receiving some national recognition. The bachelors degree program has been named the 14^th best in the nation by Programs. Com. The rankings consider academic quality, affordability, hands on training and curriculum relevance. The program at UW-Stout was created four years ago.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is moving to close an assisted living facility in Eau Claire. The department is revoking the operating license of Care Partners Eau Claire West meaning that the facility's current roster of 51 residents must be transitioned elsewhere. The license revocation comes after the Department of Health Services issued Care Partners multiple violations for failed to provide proper notice to at least seven residents before they were involuntarily discharged.

Two people are in custody as a death investigation continues in Rusk County. The body of Ladysmith resident Terry DuSell was found on Tuesday. Sixty-two-year-old Charles Allers -- who is currently being held on an unrelated probation warrant -- has been identified as a person of interest in the case. Meanwhile -- DuSell's wife -- Terry DuSell has been taken into custody on a charge of hiding a corpse.

The Durand Improvement group has announced a new event for spring. DIG will be holding a Spring Fling Luncheon on April 30^th in the Orton Room at Riverside Grill. Proceeds from the luncheon are going to help with the costs of refurbishing the bandshell at Memorial Park. Tickets are $30 each and will go on sale March 9^th at Ntec.

No new measles cases have been reported at UW-Madison. The University announced Monday that a required 21-day monitoring period for anyone who might have been exposed to the disease last month passed without any new detections. A student in off campus housing contracted the disease following international travel in February, and the school rushed to contact and track down over 4-thousand people who might have come in contact with the patient. The university is requiring all students to report their vaccination status by next week, to better react to situations like this.

Sergeant 1st Class Nicole M. Amor from White Bear Lake, MN dies in Kuwait from Iranian military missile strikes. Amor was one of six American soldiers to be killed since the start of the conflict against Iran. The Pentagon announced yesterday that she was killed by an unmanned aircraft system attack. Four of the six soldiers have been identified as members of the Army Reserve who died Sunday when a drone hit a command center. Their deaths were a day after the U.S. and Israel launched their military operations against Iran.

A southeastern Wisconsin church group is being held up overseas following military strikes by the U.S. The group from Lakeland Community Church in Lake Geneva has been stranded in Jerusalem after most air travel was shut down in the Middle East. They were set to fly back today, but those flights were canceled as the U.S. and Israel started strikes against Iran over the weekend. Members told WISN they are trying to make the most of their trip, despite continuous sirens and having to shelter-in-place.

A Madison Democrat wants answers after a nonverbal student was allegedly given a can of dog food last month. State Rep. Sheila Stubbs spoke to reporters last week after reports came out that a 15-year-old student with autism was fed wet dog food by a Madison East High School staff member. The child's mother, Debra Hawkes, explained her son was given the dog food on February 13th, but wasn't informed about the situation until the following week. Stubbs demanded answers from school leaders and the police. The Madison school district said the accused staff member has been put on leave as they investigate.

The Wisconsin Elections Commission recommends criminal charges against more thirteen people involved in a failed effort to recall Assembly Speaker Robin Vos. In a letter obtained by WisPolitics WEC said it found probable cause that recall volunteers violated election fraud laws. Two allegedly listed false addresses on petition forms, and 11 are accused of turning in fraudulent voter signatures. The findings have been forwarded to the Racine County District Atto for review. The recall campaign came from supporters of President Donald Trump, who criticized Vos for refusing to decertify Wisconsin’s 2020 presidential results. Vos filed a complaint with the Elections Commission after several residents said they found their names forged on recall petitions. In a statement, Vos said he hopes the DA moves quickly to prosecute the individuals.

A case of the Bird flu is being reported in Dane County. The case was identified in a backyard poultry flock, with the affected premises being quarantined. Bird flu can be spread by contact with infected birds, as well as interactions with wild birds or their droppings, equipment or clothing worn by anyone working with animals. Poultry owners are encouraged to continue monitoring their herd and flock health.

Minnesota is suing the Trump administration over frozen Medicaid payments. On Monday, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and the state Department of Human Services announced the lawsuit. Minnesota's Human Service Department alleges the federal government hasn't shown how the state is not in compliance with federal statutes or provided feedback on a revised action plan. Last week, the Trump administration announced its plan to halt over 250 million dollars in Medicaid payments to Minnesota. This comes as the federal government continues to scrutinize Minnesota's social services programs amid allegations of fraudulent schemes.

A piece of Green Bay Packers history fetches a high price at auction. A certificate from the team's very first stock sale in 1923 sells for over 64-thousand dollars. Belonging originally to W. R. Whittenberg, the certificate was for 20 shares of stock and would have cost Whittenburg 100 dollars. Those shares were sold to keep the newly formed team afloat, and originally raised 55-hundred dollars. There have been 5 more sales of shares since then. The auction was handled by Heritage Auctions, and the new owner was not named. 

Local-Regional News March 3

 

The Dunn County Sheriff's Office is entering into an agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The deal will allow select deputies to serve federal detainers on individuals who are already in custody at the Dunn County Jail on local criminal charges. The deal does not grant deputies authority to enforce federal immigration laws or to participate in immigration enforcement activities such as arresting individuals based solely on suspected immigration status.

A candidate is throwing his hat in the ring to be Wabasha County’s next top cop.  Jason Bade announced his run for sheriff on Monday. Bade has been with Wabasha County Sheriff’s Office for 24 years, and has 29yrs experience in law enforcement. Sheriff Rodney Bartsh announced his retirement last week.

Three Durand-Arkansaw High School Students have advanced after a regional competition. SkillsUSA Wisconsin held the competition last Thursday and Friday in Menomonie. Ian Afdahl took first place in the Cabinetmaking category, while Brody Bechel, Korbin Bechel and Sam Bergeson took Second Place for Welding Fabrication. All three will now move on to the 53^rd annual Wisconsin SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference in Madison April 7-8^th. Founded in 1973, Wisconsin SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers, and industry representatives working together to ensure America has the skilled workforce needed to stay competitive.

The Dunn County Highway Department is implementing seasonal weight restrictions starting on Thursday. The restrictions are put in place during the spring thaw to help prevent roadways from damage caused by heavier loads traveling over them. Gross vehicle weight of 5 tons per axel with a maximum gross vehicle weight of 25 tons will be in effect. Once the ground has dried out, the restrictions will be lifted. Visit the Dunn County Website for a list of roads under the restrictions.

A Tennessee man convicted of kidnapping and assaulting a Holcombe teenager is learning his fate. Investigators say that -- in 2022 -- Trevor Blackburn drove to Wisconsin and kidnapped the then-15-year-old girl from her home. Blackburn pleaded no contest to charges of kidnapping and first-degree child sexual assault. He was sentenced yesterday to 30 years in prison.

Prison for a former Monroe County mental health nurse who engaged in sexual activity with a patient under her care. Melissa Knutson claimed in 2022 that she was raped by the patient, but did not report it due to fears of retaliation. She now acknowledges that was not the case. She has been convicted of charges including Misconduct in Public Office and Obstructing an Officer and been sentenced to 18 months in prison.

Administrators in the School District of La Crosse are broke ground Monday at the site of what will be a new elementary school. The ceremony took place at the former site of the Hogan Administrative Center. The new school will begin welcoming students in August of next year.

The cost to fill up at the pump has risen 23.2 cents per gallon over the last week here in Wisconsin and gas prices have also risen all across the country. That’s according to GasBuddy. Experts are saying it’s all due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The average price per gallon is still 4.8 cents lower than the average here in Wisconsin a year ago.

Members of the Wisconsin National Guard are playing a role in U.S. strikes on Iran. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine, told reporters yesterday National Guard units are showing the "value of America's reserve forces," including Wisconsin's troops "operating in Kuwait and Iraq." A Wisconsin National Guard spokesperson confirmed it is deployed to the Middle East, but didn't provide any specifics.

The 62nd annual Eau Claire Farm Show begins today. The event at the Chippewa Valley Expo Center features more than 150 agricultural business vendors showcasing the latest products and equipment. Parking and admission are free for the event. The show runs through tomorrow.

The former principal at Sun Prairie West High School pleads not guilty for failing to report child abuse. Jennifer Ploeger appeared in Dane County Court Monday. She's charged with three misdemeanor counts for allegedly failing to report child abuse. As part of her conditions, she’s barred from contacting the school district or any child victims named in the complaint. Her case stems from the investigation that followed the arrest of former dean of students Robert Gilkey‑Meisegeier, who faces multiple charges related to child exploitation and recently pleaded guilty to federal child pornography charges. Ploeger was given a $500 signature bond and is due back in court on March 26.

Wisconsin drivers are being warned to watch out for a surge in phishing scams during National Consumer Protection Week. The Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles says scammers are posing as the DMV trying to trick people into clicking fake links or paying bogus “unpaid toll” or “DMV fee” charges. The DMV reminds residents Wisconsin has no tolls and they will never send urgent demands for money. They’re encouraging drivers to enroll in eNotify for alerts about any changes to their account. The DMV has also added new identity‑verification tools, comparing a customer’s selfie to the photo on file to reduce fraud.

A group of Democrats in the Wisconsin Legislature want to legalize assisted suicide for terminally ill adults. WTMJ radio obtained a co-sponsorship memo circulated by six Democrats in the Senate and Assembly. The proposed bill would let patients with less than six months to live request life‑ending medication. It would require a written request signed by the terminally ill patient and witnessed by at least one other person who can attest to the patient’s mental capacities and prove they are not being coerced. Providers could opt out but would be required to document requests and transfer medical records to a new provider if a terminally ill person chooses. Co‑sponsors have until March 5 to sign on. Similar measures have failed to advance in the Legislature, most recently in 2024.

Another successful year for the Wisconsin Department of Veteran Affair's Valentines for Veterans Program. The DVA says this year's program brought in more than 40‑thousand handmade valentines from across the country, and even Canada and Germany. Secretary James Bond says the response shows how strongly people still value veterans’ service. DVA staff and board members delivered the cards to residents at the state’s Veterans Homes and the Veterans Housing and Recovery Program in Union Grove. Each veteran got a gift bag filled with handmade cards from schools, scout troops, community groups, and individuals saying “thank you.”

Rochester Mayor Kim Norton will not run for a third term. The city's first female mayor says she plans to focus on family and travel. Norton is credited with gaining 100 million dollars in investments, improving city infrastructure and parks. She previously served on the Rochester school board and in the Minnesota House of Representatives.

A big hockey fan is buying the "X" from the Xcel Energy Center Rooftop Sign for 21 thousand dollars. The proceeds will benefit the Minnesota Wild Foundation, which supports youth hockey in the state. The single letter is about eight feet tall and eight feet wide. Despite its sitting atop the building for 25 years, it's in good condition.