Local-Regional News June 2

 

One person is dead following a single-motorcycle crash in Buffalo County. Authorities received a report of the crash on Highway 37 near Steiner Road Saturday evening. Deputies learned that a 56-year-old man was traveling southbound when he lost control while steering through a turn. The driver suffered life-threatening injuries and died due to his injuries. The crash is under investigation. This is the third speed-related motorcycle fatality in Buffalo County this year.

The cost of the 6^th Ave East repaving project is coming in under budget. Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren says the project is $30,000 under budget, so the city will do two additional projects.  All three of the projects should be completed this summer.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. was in Western Wisconsin for a visit with 3^rd District Congressman Derrick Van Orden. Kennedy was promoting the new food guidelines and also the $10 Billion that is being sent to rural hospitals that was passed in the budget reconciliation bill. Kennedy says the US has lost 120 rural hospitals over the last decade.  Kennedy and Van Orden were at the Gilbertson Family Farm outside of Elk Mound for the visit.

President Trump will be paying a visit this week to Chippewa County. The White House says the president will be coming to the area on Friday to highlight his support for Wisconsin's farmers. This will be the president's second visit to the Badger State during his second term. Specific details of the president's visit have not been released.

Gas prices are lower again this week in Western Wisconsin. Triple-A reports the average price of regular fuel here is Western Wisconsin is now 4.05 per gallon -- eleven-cents cheaper than the price one week ago. In La Crosse, the average cost of a gallon of regular fuel is three-84 per gallon -- 40-cents less compared to one week ago. The average cost of a gallon of regular fuel in the State of Wisconsin is four-13 per gallon.

A pilot is injured after a small plane crash in Polk County. The incident happened on Saturday morning as it was traveling from Menomonie to Brainard, Minnesota when engine problems occurred. The crash happened near 30th Avenue and Highway 46. The pilot was the only person in the plane and had non-life-threatening injuries. The accident is under investigation.

Sentencing is being ordered today for a former funeral director convicted on charges in St. Croix County. Benjamin Hanson had worked for a funeral home that handled arrangements for 92-year-old Minnesota resident Alyce Peterson back in 2001. Her skull was found by Boy Scouts in the town of St. Joseph in 2002 eventually leading to charges last year against Hanson. Hanson pleaded guilty earlier this year to a charge of hiding a corpse.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court is set to hear an appeal challenging the state's congressional map. Wisconsin Business Leaders for Democracy sued the Wisconsin Elections Commission in 2025, arguing the districts operate as an anticompetitive gerrymander. A three-judge circuit court panel dismissed the case in April before the group appealed to the state's highest court. Justices agreed to hear the appeal but denied a request to expedite it. The group is seeking to return the case to a lower court.

Advocates are calling for the removal of remaining dogs from the Dane County breeding facility that 15-hundred beagles were rescued from over the last several weeks. A group of peaceful protesters gathered outside Ridglan Farms in the Town of Blue Mountains on Saturday, calling attention to the over 600 dogs still on the property. The business had been breeding and selling the animals for medical research until a series of protests and break-ins where some dogs were stolen. The 15-hundred beagles that were taken from the site were sold to rescue organizations and animal care groups. The owners of Ridglan Farms previously agreed to surrender their license to breed and sell dogs for research by July 1st.

The FBI says no charges are being filed against a man who caused a flight bound for Minneapolis to be diverted to Madison this past Friday night. Authorities say a United Airlines flight that took off from Chicago's O'Hare Airport had to be re-routed to Dane County Regional after a passenger became unruly, touching down in Madison around 9:30 p.m. Officials have since explained the passenger was a 75-year-old man who was suffering from a mental health episode. There were law enforcement officers on the plane who were able to restrain the passenger. No one was hurt.

You may have noticed fewer cryptocurrency kiosks in Wisconsin following a recent state law restricting their use. Wisconsin Consumer Protection director Mike Domke says it's not surprising, given that their primary use was fraud. Domke says crypto currency booths became yet another method for scammers to get people to send them money, given that the industry is unregulated and any money transferred is likely unrecoverable. The new law requires warnings about possibly being scammed to be posted when you start a transaction with the device, and to restrict their daily use to just one thousand dollars.

UnitedHealthcare is reducing its prior authorization requirements for pediatric care. According to the insurance giant, it is removing two-thirds of authorization requirements for members under age 18 by the end of the year as part of a broader effort to respond to growing backlash over the mandates. However, UnitedHealthcare will continue to require preapproval for services with higher clinical complexity. UnitedHealthcare will also introduce authorization waivers for certain procedures performed at leading comprehensive pediatric hospitals.

The American Red Cross is among the organizations recognizing CPR and AED Awareness Week beginning today. The annual occasion is meant to draw attention to the importance of learning about and using the life-saving technique and medical devices. The Red Cross reports over 350-thousand cardiac arrests happen outside of hospitals every year in the U.S. and only about 40 percent of those patients receive CPR before emergency medical teams arrive. The nonprofit is encouraging everyone to take CPR and AED certification courses. Folks can find the nearest classes by searching red-cross-dot-org.

Minnesota's original constitution is on display at the Minnesota Story Center in St. Paul. Each week through July fifth, sections of the 169-year-old constitution will rotate. Minnesota is the only state with two signed constitutions. This was a result of a deep political divide between Republicans and Democrats.

Local-Regional News June 1

 

A longtime Durand resident and business owner has passed away. Robert Heike passed away last Thursday. Following his service in Vietnam, Heike became a pharmacist and returned to Durand to work at the family pharmacy. He took over Heike Pharmacy in 1991. A celebration of life will be held on Friday June 12 from 3-7pm at the Durand Rod and Gun Club.

The Madison Street Project keeps moving forward. Crews completed the underground work from 1^st Ave to 4^th Ave West, and according to Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren are now working on areas just south of Durand Fresh Market. Crews will begin working on sidewalk and curb and gutter between 1^st Avenue and 4^th Avenue West next week after Fun Fest.

Two people are injured after a two-vehicle crash in Pierce County. Authorities were called to the crash Thursday afternoon on US Highway 10. Investigators say a car operated by 29yr Davis Lunde of River Falls was traveling westbound on Hwy 10 when he collided with another car driven by 59 yr Alice Averbeck of Prescott. Both Lunde and Averbeck were taken to the hospital with undetermined injuries.

A search warranted carried out at Red Wing Glass Friday morning resulted in police finding nearly five pounds of suspected methamphetamine and a large amount of cash. An additional search warrant was executed in Pierce County, at a residence. No other details were provided. Red Wing Police arrested Shawn Goulette, and charged him with first-degree possession and sales of a controlled substance.

A Baldwin resident is being identified as the person who died after a Thursday crash in St. Croix County. Fifty-seven-year-old Darin Ofstie was riding a motorcycle in Baldwin Township when a car turned in front of them. Ofstie hit the car and sustained fatal injuries. The car's teenage driver sustained injuries that are described as minor.

Authorities are investigating the death of an inmate at the Saint Croix County Jail. The sheriff's office says a 22-year-old man was found unresponsive in the jail's Huber dorm early Saturday morning. Jail staff and first responders attempted life-saving measures, but the inmate was pronounced dead at the facility. Officials have not released the man's name or cause of death. The Dunn County Sheriff's Office is leading the investigation under department policy.

Officials with the state Department of Agriculture are setting spongy moth traps in western and central Wisconsin, including Pepin, Pierce, Dunn and Buffalo Counties. Over six-thousand traps are being placed across Central and Western Wisconsin now through early July. The small green boxes will be stapled to or hung from trees to attract male spongy months in an effort to lower future populations. State officials are asking residents to avoid disturbing the traps once they are in place.

Wisconsin State Patrol is sharing the results of last week's aerial patrols over Eau Claire County. The department flew drones over construction work areas on I-94. With the aid of ground support, 21 traffic stops were made for speeding with those drivers being caught going anywhere from 15- to 24-miles-per-hour over the speed limit.

Crews were dispatched Sunday morning to the scene of a house fire in Tomah. The fire was reported shortly before 4 a.m. with officials saying it likely started with a portable battery jump starter that was on the front porch of the Kilbourn Avenue residence. No one was hurt.

Rural emergency medical services in Wisconsin are under growing strain. The Wisconsin Office of Rural Health reports as many as 40 to 50 percent of ambulance services can’t provide round-the-clock coverage. Officials say funding gaps, staffing shortages, and rising call volumes are all contributing factors. The demands are also taking a toll on mental health. EMS Outreach Manager James Small says many experienced responders face PTSD, depression, or anxiety due to repeated trauma. Despite the challenges, crews remain committed, but low pay and volunteer reliance are making it harder to keep services running. A new EMS Forward plan aims to improve reliability, support workers, and strengthen rural systems statewide.

A deal to avoid jail time is reportedly in the works for a former principal at Sun Prairie West High School, charged in connection with a sex abuse scandal. Jennifer Ploeger (PLOO-ger) is expected to enter no contest pleas to misdemeanor counts of failure to report child abuse during a court appearance next month. Court filings indicate that Ploeger is being pre-screened for the deferred prosecution program. The case unfolded last year when the former dean of students at Sun Prairie West was arrested following an investigation into child sexual exploitation and possession of child pornography. Robert Gielke-Meisegier has been sentenced to 18 years in prison in federal court. He also faces over a dozen felonies on the state level. That case continues to play out in court.

A Kaukauna teacher who mocked an assassination attempt against the President on social media has been fired. The Kaukauna School Board on Wednesday voted 6 to 1 to fire high school social studies teacher Patrick Meyer. Last month, Meyer posted on social media that multiple attacks against President Trump have failed and that assassins need to do better. This was a reference to the failed attack at the White House Correspondents Dinner in April. The district states that the post "created material disruption to school operations" in its cause to fire Meyer. Meyer had been on leave for several weeks while the board decided his fate.

A former candidate for Wisconsin Attorney General is now formally back in the race. Republican Fond du Lac County District Attorney Eric Toney submitted his nomination papers to the Wisconsin Elections Commission on Thursday. Candidates for all state offices have until Monday to do so. Toney lost to current AG Josh Kaul in 2022 by about 35-thousand votes. Toney says he's been working to improve efforts to protect children online and increase pay for public defenders. If no other attorney general candidates register, the November election will be a rematch between Toney and Kaul.

U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar is revealing her running mate in her bid for governor of Minnesota. The Democrat has selected ex-Fergus Falls Mayor Ben Schierer to join her on the ticket. He also was a candidate for state Auditor to replace incumbent Julie Blaha. Klubuchar says Schierer know what it takes to hammer out results by collaborating with the private and public sector, as well as residents.

A federal immigration agent is facing multiple charges after state law enforcement officers arrested him in Texas in connection to a nonfatal shooting in Minneapolis earlier this year. According to the Hennepin County Attorney's Office, Christian Castro was arrested after authorities issued a warrant for him last week. Minnesota prosecutors allege the ICE agent was attempting to arrest a suspect after a car chase and the suspect fled to his home where Castro fired into his front door, shooting his roommate. Castro told investigators he had opened fire on the men while they hit him with a shovel, but officials later said Minneapolis police footage revealed what was described as a different set of circumstances. Castro has been charged with four counts of second-degree assault and one count of falsely reporting a crime.

New safety laws for ATV and UTV riders take effect Monday across Wisconsin. The Department of Natural Resources says one major change now requires everyone in a UTV, including the driver, to wear a seatbelt. Officials say many recent injuries and fatalities are linked to riders not buckling up. UTVs are also growing in popularity, with registration numbers, and crashes, on the rise. Other new rules include limits on tinted windows and a ban on towing objects on trails. The DNR is also reminding riders to avoid alcohol, wear helmets, and consider taking a safety course as the summer riding season gets underway. 

Local-Regional News May 29

 

Charges are being filed against a woman who Buffalo City authorities say stabbed a man this past weekend. Officers were dispatched to the victim's home on Saturday where they found the man wounded inside and trying to put out fires that the suspect had reportedly also started. Tonia Schwanke faces charges including arson.

The Durand-Arkansaw School District in partnership with area organizations is bringing back a food program for students. Durand-Arkansaw Superintendent Ryan Nelson says its a replacement for the weekend meal program.  The new program will begin with the 2026-2027 school year.

The Durand Lions Club has raised enough money to replace the light pole banners across the city. During this weeks Durand City Council Meeting, members brought in samples of the banners. Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren says the themes of the banners range from the high school to tourism.   Six different banners will be installed across the city. Those banners could be installed this summer.

Free summer meals are available for Wisconsin kids through a Department of Public Instruction program. Across Wisconsin, more than 3 million meals are served each summer through the Summer Food Service Program, helping kids stay fed when school is out. The federally funded program offers free meals to anyone 18 and under at more than 900 sites statewide, including schools, camps, and community organizations. In Buffalo County, sites include Alma, Mondovi and Gilmanton Schools, and in Pierce County Elmwood School is a site. A full list of locations is available on the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction website.

An Arcadia, man is charged with making terrorist threats. According to Trempealeau County Authorities, 33yr old Kyle Waldvogel sent concerning emails to a building manager in Whitehall. The manager told police he had recently told Waldvogel due to his recent behavior he was being evicted on June 30^th. Waldvogel has court appearance for July 14^th.

A Merrillan man is facing drug charges after a recent traffic stop in Jackson County. Richard Madsen was stopped late last Wednesday night on Highway 12 in the Town of Alma with officers having recognized his vehicle as having been involved with previous drug cases. Inside the vehicle, police say they found five grams of fentanyl. Madsen is charged with possession of fentanyl and cocaine with intent to deliver.

Ashley for the Arts is set to return to Memorial Park in Arcadia this summer. The three-day festival offers music, art and family-friendly activities. Jon Pardi, Keith Urban, Gene Simmons Band and Boys Like Girls are among those announced to perform. The festival takes place from August 6th-through-8th.

The search for a missing La Crosse man is over. Twenty-two-year-old Eli McCumber -- who had been missing since last Saturday -- was found safe Thursday morning at a home in La Crescent Minnesota. McCumber was taken from the home to a local hospital for care.

The former manager of a Juneau County bank is being sentenced to prison after being convicted on theft charges. Prosecutors say that Sandra Campfield stole more than 350-thousand dollars from customer accounts and more than 40-thousand dollars directly from the vault. Campfield has pleaded guilty to embezzlement by a bank employee and been sentenced to 21 months in prison. She has also been ordered to pay restitution and a fifty-thousand dollar fine.

The search for the next athletic director of UW - Madison is entering its next phase. The application period is now open and will be for the next two weeks, following the listening sessions that were held over the past few weeks. The search committee in charge had been meeting with student-athletes and others to figure out what qualities they wanted in the next athletic director. The school hopes to have the next athletic director in place and working this summer.

A city in Dane County is ending its contract with a security camera provider. The Fitchburg Common Council voted this week to terminate a deal with Flock Security following months of residents expressing concerns with the equipment. Some residents described the cameras as dangerous, although police noted the technology has been in use for years. The equipment takes still images of cars and license plates instead of recording video. The contract will officially be terminated in four months.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has confirmed the first cast of Mpox in 2026. There have been five cases in the state so far, including a cluster in southeastern Wisconsin. DHS reports cases remain low, but infections are rising nationwide. Mpox spreads through close contact and can cause rashes, fever, and chills. While the risk to the general public is low, persons at higher risk should talk with a healthcare provider about vaccination. DHS urges residents to watch for symptoms and seek medical care if they develop unexplained rashes or other signs of illness.

The Republican candidate for Governor weighs in on compensating people who claim they were harmed by the federal government. Tom Tiffany says some January 6 defendants could “possibly” receive compensation through the Trump administration’s $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund if the harm was "significant enough." During a WisPolitics luncheon in Madison on Tuesday, Tiffany said he is "still studying the details" of the fund, which has drawn bipartisan criticism from US Senators. Tiffany said he'd draw the line at anyone that harmed a law enforcement official receiving compensation. On Wednesday, State Senate Minority Leader Dianne Hesselbein proposed the No Taxpayer Dollars for Insurrectionists Act to create a 100% state income tax on any payouts received the fund.

The new Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail is taking its first steps in southeast Minnesota. Organizers said the first segment will start with the Lost Creek Hiking Trail, a six-point-five-mile system in Chatfield. Supporters are working with landowners and local governments to stitch together a route of 100-plus miles through the Driftless Region's bluffs and river valleys. The Bluff Country Hiking Club said funding from the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources is helping move the project forward as crews work on signage and access agreements. Organizers said it could take about ten years to complete the full trail, with more miles expected to open in stages.

A dangerous donation to a southeast Wisconsin non-profit. Police in West Bend say their officers headed to a St. Vincent de Paul thrift store Tuesday after employees there discovered a contribution they thought could be a grenade. Police worked with staff to shut the store down temporarily. The Milwaukee County Bomb Squad arrived to determine it to be a "flash bang" device, which creates a bright flash of light and loud noise as a distraction device when deployed. Police believe the item from the early 2000s was meant for military use. West Bend Police are looking for information on how the item ended up as a donation.

Local-Regional News May 28

Durand Public Works crews began filling the Tarrant Park Pool this week. During last nights council meeting, Public Works Superintended Matt Gillis told members that city crews along with the pool company are going through the start up of all the pumps, heaters and other equipment for the pool. Next week the pool will host an event for Durand-Arkansaw Middle School Students and the pool will open to the general public on June 8.

Local non-profit groups wanting to apply for temporary liquor licenses in Mondovi are being reminded that they have have their applications into the city at least 15 days before their event. The groups will also have to purchase any beer or other liquor from a distributor and not grocery stores. During this weeks council meeting the council discussed the state laws regarding temporary liquor licenses and that the state is starting to actively enforce the state law.

With the failure of the surplus spending bill in the state senate, area school districts are looking at their upcoming budgets differently. Durand-Arkansaw School Superintendent Ryan Nelson says there were two aspects of the bill that would have helped the district and taxpayers.  The bill also included a $300 tax rebate for individual taxpayers.

AI wildfire detection cameras may come to Eau Claire County. Xcel Energy is considering the installation between Eau Claire and Osseo to spot smoke earlier and help first responders arrive faster. The camera would scan the area in a 360-view every minute, flagging any smoke that's then analyzed by a human analyst. If approved, officials believe this technology could provide crews with a critical head start, allowing them to spot wildfires before they spread.

A man who Eau Claire County prosecutors say was part of a fentanyl distribution network is pleading guilty to charges. Olaguer Renteria was charged along with five other people in 2024 as part of the network. He has pleaded guilty to being a party to manufacturing or delivering THC.

A convicted sex offender will be released in Eau Claire next week. The state's Convicted Sex Offender Registry says 36-year old Cody McIlquham was convicted in 2010 of exposing a child to harmful materials in Eau Claire. He was also convicted in 2015 of sexual exploitation of a child and possession of child pornography. Eau Claire Police say McIlquham's conditions of release include no unsupervised contact with minors and GPS monitoring. He will live at a home in the 100 block of Randall Street in Eau Claire when he's released June 2nd.

Authorities are sharing the name of a person who died after a Monday night vehicle collision in Jackson County. Wisconsin State Patrol says that 68-year-old Duane Zaugg was behind the wheel of a GMC Sierra that was rear-ended near Warrens. He suffered fatal injuries in the crash. Police say the driver that hit Zaugg is suspected of alcohol use and could face charges.

Angie Craig is skipping this weekend's DFL convention and is focusing on the August primary instead. Her campaign says the endorsement process doesn't reflect the full range of party voters statewide. It was a decision that Craig said she knew would likely be her route to winning since she entered the race a year ago. This comes as Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan's campaign says it has support from 75-percent of the delegates who decide the party's endorsement. Craig is the presumed front-runner who's backed by a massive fundraising edge and a record of winning tough suburban races.

A new round of grant funding is available for electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is opening applications for funding that would expand electric vehicle charging along busy U.S. and state highways. Wisconsin received nearly 79 million dollars through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program, with about 37 million already supporting 78 projects statewide. More than 20 stations are up and running. The next phase will focus on “connecting corridors” beyond the interstate network, adding convenient charging within a mile of highway exits.

Sentencing for former Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan has been called off. Dugan was convicted last December of interfering with federal agents carrying out an immigration enforcement operation at the county courthouse in April of 2025. She was scheduled to be sentenced on June 3rd after her defense team was denied a new trial and acquittal last month. On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman decided instead to hear oral arguments to reconsider Dugan's dismissal motion on the scheduled sentencing date. Adelman’s order adjourned her sentencing. Dugan resigned as judge in early January due to her conviction.

A former attorney for President Donald Trump is looking to get millions from a recently set up "anti-weaponization" fund. Jim Troupis (TROO-pis) worked on President Trump's 2020 campaign and is seeking $3.2 million from the $1.8 billion fund set up by President Trump's Department of Justice. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel says Troupis submitted a formal request for the money on Tuesday. Troupis is a former Dane County judge who faces felony forgery charges in Wisconsin over his role in a fake elector scheme, that aimed to stop the certification of Joe Biden's victory over Trump.

The Wisconsin DATCP is warning people about a new twist in a utility bill scam. Scammers have been calling people over the past month claiming they have unpaid utility bills and demanding immediate payment. The new element now involves sending victims a barcode by text or email, leading them to scan it at a local retailer to make the payment. The DATCP says the payment is going into the scammer's cryptocurrency wallet. Officials say customers should visit the website or call the phone number found on their utility bill to find out what they owe.

Wausau earned recognition on two fronts this week. Investopedia has named the city as one of the best 100 in America for retirees, an honor based on several factors including cost of living, access to healthcare, and culture and recreational opportunities. Mayor Doug Diny says he was "delighted but not surprised" about the honor, saying there is a lot to love about the city. Other Wisconsin communities on the list included Eau Claire, Waukesha, and La Crosse. Wausau was also named a Tree City USA for the 45th straight year, with the Arbor Day foundation recognizing the city's commitment to a healthy tree population. 

Local-Regional News May 26

 

The Durand City Council is meeting tonight. Items on the agenda include approval of closing the streets around Memorial Park for Fun Fest and Music in the Park, discussion and possible action on a light pole banner idea from the Durand Lions Club, and reports from the Mayor and Department Heads. Tonights meeting begins at 6pm at Durand City Hall and will be live-streamed on the WRDN Website.

The City of Mondovi will accept bids for a new city engineer. During last night’s council meeting Administrator Loken told council members that engineering firms had reached out about providing engineering services for the upcoming Hwy 10 reconstruction project. The council decided to move forward and accept bids from the firms. The current city engineering firm is CBS Squared.

Buffalo County Motorists will need to find alternate routes next week as Hwy 88 is set to be closed from the intersection of Hwy T to just south of Buck Knuckles Bar starting on June 3^rd. The road is being closed so crews can replace culverts. During the closure no traffic will be allowed.

Durand Firefighters responded to a fire inside the Durand Public Library yesterday. Crews were called to the library around noon and quickly put out the fire. No one was hurt. There was no cause of the fire reported.

Charges are being filed against a Menomonie man who police say fatally stabbed his mother this past Friday night in Eau Claire. Investigators say that 27-year-old Michael Hurlburt stabbed his mother -- 56-year-old Lisa Bragg-Hurlburt -- with a kitchen knife at Half Moon Lake Apartments near Carson Park. The victim was found dead at the scene. Michael Hurlburt was taken into custody and has been charged with first-degree intentional homicide.

A man who police say made threats targeting a Barron County school has been arrested. According to reports, 36-year-old Dustin Rudd livestreamed video of himself on May 15th approaching Prairie Farm School on foot -- saying that his own children had been eaten and that he was going to shoot students. Rudd -- who was armed with a rifle -- was arrested before turning in to the school's driveway. Rudd faces charges including attempted homicide.

A La Crosse man charged following a 2025 shooting is pleading no contest. Three teens were arrested after the shooting of a man at a location on Logan Street. Jaysen Moran -- now age 20 -- was charged with attempted 1st-degree intentional homicide. He has now pleaded no contest to charges of battery and disorderly conduct and been sentence to a year of probation.

Compeer Financial is warning customers of a possible scam. The company reported that on May 26^th customers received phone calls that appeared to be from Compeer and the caller identified themselves as a Compeer employee asking for verification of a transaction. In some instances customers also received follow up text messages. Compeer reminds customers they would not call and ask customers to click on links to confirm passwords, account numbers, transactions or social security numbers. If you receive a call or text, just hang up or delete the text and do not click on the link.

A county judge is halting construction on a Minnesota data center. A temporary restraining order has halted work on a data center for Google in Pine Island, about 18 miles north of Rochester. The order comes as environmental advocates argue the project did not receive a thorough enough environmental review. A judge says the pause is needed to maintain current conditions while the lawsuit moves forward. Google hopes to build an 88-acre site with a 250-thousand-square-foot data center in Pine Island.

A man is recovering after he was pulled from a house fire in Stanley. Police responded to reports of a fire at a home on North Franklin street over the weekend and found a man on the floor of the home's living room. Officers Tyler Lewien and Christian Cortes pulled them and several pets to safety. He was later treated and released by medical responders. An initial investigation says it's believed that the cause of the fire was electrical, with flames igniting between the home's first and second floors.

Most respondents in a newly released Marquette Law School poll wanted state lawmakers to approve a proposed tax relief and K-12 funding bill earlier this month. Poll director Charles Franklin tells WISN's UPFRONT the survey was done rapidly to match the speed of the announcement and rejection of the package. 80 percent of respondents said the Legislature should have passed the 1 point 8 billion dollar package, while fewer than 20 percent said those opposing the bill did the right thing. The bill would have tapped part of the state surplus, and analysis by the Legislative Fiscal Bureau found could lead to a budget deficit.

State officials are urging caution as garage sale season ramps up across Wisconsin. Consumer Protection Director Mike Domke says older items, like toys with small button batteries or antique cribs—can pose hidden risks for children, including potential lead exposure. He also warns many secondhand items may be under recall, something retailers are required to address, but garage sale sellers are not. Domke says shoppers should take a moment to search online for recalls before buying, helping ensure those bargain finds don’t come with safety hazards.

Small businesses impacted by last August's historic storms can apply for grant funding. Governor Tony Evers is urging small businesses and nonprofits affected by last August’s severe storms to apply for federal disaster assistance. While some loan programs have closed, Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the Small Business Administration are still available. The storms, which hit Wisconsin August 9th through the 12th of last year, caused tens of millions of dollars in damage. Evers says recovery takes time and emphasizes that support is still available. The loans can help cover expenses like payroll, debts, and other bills tied to storm-related losses.

An ICE agent is pleading guilty after he was caught in a Bloomington prostitution sting. Brashad Johnson has been charged with a misdemeanor count of trying to shire a woman for sex on February 5. Authorities say the St. Michael man sent text messages to a phone number in an ad to an undercover officer, offering 100 dollars for sex. Johnson showed up at the Best Western Hotel in Bloomington as it was arranged. He was arrested after he entered a room with a 100 dollar bill and a cellphone.

Slow down and stay alert as turtle nesting season ramps up in Wisconsin. From late May through June, female turtles are leaving lakes and wetlands to lay eggs—often crossing busy roads. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources says road deaths are a leading cause of decline for Wisconsin’s 11 native turtle species. The DNR is also asking residents to report turtle sightings and protect nests from predators. Conservationists stress that keeping turtles in the wild, and out of the illegal pet trade, is key to protecting their future. More info can be found on the DNR's website. 

Local-Regional News May 26

 

A Durand man has been arrested following a vehicle pursuit early Saturday morning. According to the Pepin County Sheriff’s Department, deputies observed a vehicle, driven by 28yr old Issac Phillips driving without headlights on. Phillips fled when emergency lights were activated and speeds through the city reached up to 55mph. The pursuit ended when Phillips crashed into a tree. He was taken to Advent Health in Durand and then booked into the Pepin County Jail on charges of fleeing an officer and Operating while intoxicated 5^th offense.

The Durand-Arkansaw School District’s Early Learning Center is close to completion. Durand-Arkansaw Superintendent Ryan Nelson says the district will be moving into the new center in June and opening in July.  Nelson reported to the school board, 115 children are signed up for the center in July.

The Pepin County Highway Department will be spraying a herbicide along county roadways this year. The department has used the herbicide along guardrails in years past. Pepin County Highway Commissioner Chris Bates says by using the herbicides it could reduce the number of mowing operations by the county and help fight invasive species.  Those with questions on the herbicides are encouraged to contact the Pepin County Highway Department.

The Mondovi City Council is meeting tonight. Items on the agenda include discussion on the Hwy 10 project engineering, and reports from the mayor and department heads. Tonights meeting begins at 5:30 at the Marten Center in Mondovi.

Boaters along the Mississippi River near Wabasha are reminded of the no wake zone. The City of Washsha has a no wake zone from the upper Parkside Marina rock point downriver to Bailey Avenue, just below the National Eagle Center. Markers were placed last week on the Minnesota side of the river. The no wake zone is in effect through the end of the Labor Day Weekend.

Eau Claire Police are continuing to investigate a Friday night homicide. Police received a call that night at around 8 p.m. from someone saying they had just killed an individual at Half Moon Lake Apartments near Carson Park. Officers found a body at the scene and took one person into custody.

Many Western Wisconsin drivers are seeing a drop in prices at the gas pump this week. Triple-A reports the average price of regular fuel in Western Wisconsin is now four-21 per gallon -- eight-cents lower than the price one week ago. In La Crosse, the average cost of a gallon of regular fuel is four-24 per gallon -- 19-cents less compared to one week ago. The average cost of a gallon of regular fuel in the Badger State is four-37 per gallon.

Charges are being filed against a Chippewa Falls man who was pulled over near Lake Hallie. Billy Oldenburg was stopped for speeding on Highway 53 and then reportedly failed field sobriety tests. Oldenburg was charged with suspicion of operating while intoxicated -- his sixth time facing the charge.

There’s a new online tool aimed at improving road safety across Wisconsin communities. The “Community Maps” platform from UW–Madison tracks all police-reported crashes statewide, with data going back more than two decades. Associate Director Andi Bill says the goal is to give everyone, from local officials to everyday residents, easy access to safety data for streets, intersections, and neighborhoods. The maps are updated nightly and can help identify dangerous areas and guide improvements. You can explore the resource online at the UW Traffic Operations and Safety Lab website.

Members of the Wisconsin State Senate say Governor Tony Evers and Republican leaders never discussed a proposed surplus spending deal with their members. Beloit Democrat Mark Spreitzer speaking on WISN's UPFRONT. Spreitzer says what Democrats saw was a bill that had too many Republican earmarks and could have put a hole in the budget for next year. Meanwhile Delafield Republican Chris Kapenga said he had no idea the deal was being made until a flyer urging him to vote on the deal made its way to his district. Kapenga says outgoing Governor Tony Evers, Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu and Assembly Speaker Robin Vos are to blame for rushing the vote. The proposal died in the Senate after no Democrats and three Republicans voted against it.

An FDA report says no child deaths have been definitively linked to Covid vaccines. The analysis comes almost six months after former FDA vaccine chief Dr. Vinay Prasad said, without evidence, that the agency identified at least ten previously unreported child deaths tied to the vaccines. Prasad's claims were used to propose changes to how the FDA reviews vaccines. He left the agency in April after facing criticism over delays and rejections involving several treatments for rare diseases. The FDA's analysis came up in a letter Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson sent this month to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. regarding transparency around Covid vaccine safety.

A couple of philanthropists are making a major contribution to a renovation project at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. John and Tashia Morgridge, alumni of the school, have pledged to provide more than 85-million dollars to support efforts to update Science Hall. The building has been around since the late 1800s, and there are plans to renovate the building at a cost of more than 163-million dollars. The project will keep the historic nature of the building but bring it up to modern standards. The couple is no stranger to helping out the Madison campus, previously contributing 140-million toward the new College of Computing and Artificial Intelligence building.

A judge is allowing the criminal case to move forward against the father of the Abundant Life Christian School shooter. Court records show Jeffrey Rupnow's request to dismiss the case was denied this week. Rupnow is charged with selling dangerous weapons to a person under 18 and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Prosecutors say Rupnow bought the two guns recovered after his daughter Natalie opened fire at the Madison school in December 2024 and killed two people. Investigators allege Rupnow failed to secure the weapons in his gun safe. Rupnow is scheduled for another hearing in late June.

Authorities in southern Minnesota are on the lookout for a woman suspected of bank fraud. The Blue Earth County Sheriff's office has released images from several banks of the suspect between May 7th and 13th. The woman allegedly presented other people's personal identification to take money from existing equity lines of credit. She has withdrawn a total of 30-thousand dollars. The banks are located in Waldorf, St. Peter, Eagle Lake, Hutchinson and Rochester.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is accepting artwork for its annual bird stamp contests. Submissions can be entered for the annual Wild Turkey, Pheasant, and Waterfowl Stamp Design Contests. Winning designs will appear on the 2027 stamp collection. Entries must be submitted or postmarked by August 1st, with judging set for August 22nd at the Waterfowl Hunters Expo in Oshkosh. Officials say the contest not only highlights local talent but also supports conservation as stamp sales generate hundreds of thousands of dollars each year for habitat restoration, education, and wildlife management across the state. 

Local-News May 25

Summer swimming lessons at Tarrant Park in Durand will have 260 students this year. This is the first year the lessons were organized by the Durand-Arkansaw School District instead of the City of Durand. Durand-Arkansaw Superintendent Ryan Nelson says the idea to have the district run the lessons came from conversations with the city.  The swimming lessons will be in June and July.

Motorists who use Dorwins Mill Road between Hwy 10 and 85 will need to use an alternate route this summer as crews replace a bridge over Baier Creek. Pepin County Highway Administrator Chris Bates says the county helped the Town of Durand get funding for the replacement of the bridge.  That project should be completed by the end of July.

Farmers Market vouchers for seniors in Buffalo and Pepin County will be available on June 1^st. The $25 vouchers are for those 60yrs and older to obtain fresh fruits and vegetables sold at farmers markets. There is some income restrictions and vouchers will be available on a first come first served basis. Contact Buffalo-Pepin County ADRC for more information.

One person was injured when their vehicle crashed into a home in Burnside Township. According to the Trempealeau County Sheriffs Department, a vehicle traveling eastbound on Hwy X failed to negotiate a curve, left the roadway, went into the ditch and struck a home. The driver of the vehicle was trapped and had to be extricated from the vehicle and med-flighted to Mayo Eau Claire. Speed and alcohol are believed to be contributing factors to the accident. The name of the driver was not released.

La Crosse Mayor Shaundel Washington-Spivey is addressing concerns around public safety in the city's parks and downtown area. He warned residents that negative behavior will not be tolerated and encouraged positive use of public safety. Washington-Spivey noted there will be an increased presence of Neighborhood Resource Officers in and around the parks. The announcement comes after Burns and Cameron Parks were closed last September following safety issues. City officials added that both sheltered and unsheltered individuals have contributed to safety issues.

A new scam is targeting apartment hunters with fake application fees. The Wisconsin Division of Trade and Consumer Protection say scammers pose as landlords and direct people to pay to fill out a fake application before they could "even tour the property." Officials say future renters should verify the listing by looking at rental companies' official websites, satellite or street-view maps and look up property records. The FTC says between 2020 and 2025, 65-million dollars was lost to rental scams, with young renters hit the hardest.

Governor Tony Evers has formally requested a federal disaster declaration in response to severe April storms and destructive flooding. A Wisconsin Emergency Management and FEMA joint preliminary damage assessment determined more than $27 million in damages. Evers request to President Donald Truump includes FEMA Individual Assistance in 19 counties and the Onedia Nation, and Public Assistance in 14 counties and the Oneida Nation, as well as FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to help reduce the impact of future disasters statewide. In a press release, Evers noted that the latest request for federal support comes as the Trump has yet to justify denial of Public Assistance following severe weather and flooding which caused over $27 million in damage across the state last summer. Evers also cited reports indicating that it’s harder for Democratic-led states to get disaster funding under the Trump Administration than Republican-led states, with FEMA rejecting disaster aid for Democratic-led states at the highest rate in its history.

Home prices in Wisconsin are continuing to rise. A report from the Wisconsin Realtors Association shows the median price of homes increased six-point-three percent year over year in April, with a typical home costing 340-thousand dollars. Home sales were still up seven-point-four percent during the same time period due to a slightly lower mortgage rate. Here in Western Wisconsin, Dunn County had 34 homes sold, Pierce County 19, Buffalo and Pepin County had 7 homes sold. The median price of a home in Western Wisconsin was $313,000. Experts say available housing needs to increase 62-percent to reach a balanced market.

Analysis finds last week's failed surplus deal would've sent Wisconsin's budget into the red. A memo from the Legislature’s Fiscal Bureau shows the proposed deal — brokered by Governor Tony Evers and Republican leaders — would have added roughly three‑and‑a‑half billion dollars in spending over four years. Combined with existing commitments, the state would have faced an estimated $2.95 billion deficit, assuming no changes in revenue. The $1.8 billion package included tax rebate checks, more general state aid for schools, increased special education funding, and eliminating income tax on overtime and tips. The deal collapsed in the Senate last week, with Democrats — and some Republicans — warning it cost too much. Policy analysts say the impact would have made the next budget significantly tougher to balance, though not impossible. Backers argue rising tax revenues could have offset the hit.

Some Wisconsin high school students could see a change in their spring ACT scores. The Wisconsin State Journal reports that ACT found a scoring problem affecting students who took the online exam during school-day testing. The company began pulling affected scores May 13th and plans to reissue updated results by June second. Officials say scores will either stay the same or increase slightly — but won’t go down. State Superintendent Jill Underly says the test still plays a key role in college admissions and school accountability.

New federal funding will assist Wisconsin communities to replace lead water service lines. Wisconsin will receive $94.3 million through the EPA’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, a result of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed by Congress in 2021. It’s part of a larger $2.9 billion initiative by the Trump Administration and EPA to address approximately 4 million lead service lines across the country. Lead is a neurotoxin that is especially harmful to children. Roughly half of the funding for Wisconsin will be allocated to disadvantaged communities as grants or principal forgiveness loans. As of 2023, EPA projected there are more than 343,000 lead service lines in the state.

A new effort to protect a historic Wisconsin natural resource. Wild rice is known as manoomin by the Ojibwe people who harvest on northern Wisconsin waterways. Governor Tony Evers has appointed 24 people to the Wild Rice Stewardship Council, which he established through an Executive Order on Indigenous Peoples' Day last October. The group is charged with preserving wild rice stewardship and supporting Tribal treaty rights. Council members include representatives from Wisconsin’s 11 federally recognized Tribes, the DNR, DATCP, the Office of Environmental Justice and Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission. The executive order designates the first week of September as "Wild Rice Week" to raise awareness for and appreciation of wild rice.

There will likely be no hunting season for sharp-tailed grouse this year. The Wisconsin State Journal reports a Department of Natural Resources report shows a 22 percent decline in the grouse population over last year. Last year was the first hunt for the grouse since 2010, with a total of five birds harvested. Wildlife experts say poor weather and an unsuccessful nesting season are likely to blame. Fish and game services across the Midwest are reporting a decline in sharp-tailed grouse in general.

The Wisconsin State Fair is adding a new attraction to mark its 175th year. The America 250 Wheel will debut in the Midwest during this summer's fair in West Allis. The 230-foot portable observation wheel will give riders a view from above while featuring a theme tied to U.S. history and national parks.