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.

Local-Regional News May 22

 

A special day today as its graduation for the Durand-Arkansaw High School. Durand-Arkansaw Superintendent Ryan Nelson says the district is proud of the students crossing the stage tonight.  Graduation begins at 7pm in the gym at Durand-Arkansaw High School. The graduation will also be live-streamed on the Durand-Arkansaw YouTube Channel, the WRDN website, and on Ntec Channel 99.

One person was injured after a semi accident in Trimbelle Township on May 13^th. According to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department, 72yr old Ronald Anderson of Mondovi was traveling eastbound on Hwy 10 hauling a load of straw bales when he lost control of the semi, struck a guardrail, and the semi overturned. Anderson was taken to Red Wing Hospital.

Motorists in Buffalo City are reminded that the speed limit on River Road in the city has been reduced to 25mph. The new speed limit signs were posted yesterday. Buffalo City leaders are reminding motorists to slow down, stay alert and keep the community safe.

The Wisconsin Department of Justice is sharing more details about a deadly officer-involved shooting in Eau Claire County. Sheriff's deputies were responding to a three-vehicle accident May 4th in the Town of Union when one person involved in the accident ran from the scene. Deputy Joseph Wollum pursued the suspect -- later identified as Kelly Whalen. When Wollum caught up with Whalen, the DOJ says the suspect pulled a knife on him and the officer fatally shot them. The incident remains under investigation.

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.

Federal authorities arrested a Mexican citizen in Barron County who was wanted in Mexico in connection to a homicide case. Investigators say 32-year-old Alejandra Sanchez-Cuaquehua was living in the area after illegally reentering the United States following a previous removal. Authorities say she is now in ICE custody and is expected to be returned to Mexico to face murder charges.

A pair of Vernon County businesses are receiving grant funding through the Dairy Business Innovation Alliance. Hidden Springs Creamery and Nordic Creamery -- both in Westby -- are among ten small and medium Midwest dairy businesses just announced as grant recipients. Hidden Springs -- a sheep dairy and producer of artisan cheese -- will receive funding to help support education and training as part of efforts to launch new products. Nordic Creamery will receiving funding that will -- in part -- help them to develop a new cheese made from goat and sheep milk.

A federal judge dismissed a U.S. Department of Justice lawsuit seeking access to Wisconsin's full voter registration list. The ruling blocks the release of unredacted voter information, including Social Security and driver's license numbers. Supporters say the decision protects voter privacy, while Republicans say the review was needed to help verify voter rolls. The DOJ has 60 days to appeal.

A safety reminder for the Memorial Day weekend—whether you’re on the road or on the water. The Wisconsin State Patrol says distracted driving and speeding are leading causes of summer crashes. Drivers are urged to put the phone down, follow posted speed limits, and slow down in construction zones. Troopers also remind motorists to move over—or slow down—for roadside emergencies. If you’re heading out on the water, the DNR says make sure you have a properly fitting life jacket for everyone on board, and brush up on boating safety before the season begins. For more tips, visit 511 dot WI dot gov or the DNR website.

Wisconsin is joining 24 other states in suing the Trump administration over student loan limits for nursing students. The administration imposed new limits on federal student loans for graduation programs, letting a short list of professional degrees, like medicine and law, borrow more. The new rules exclude nursing, physical therapy and nurse anesthesia programs. Critics say it will price students out of advance practice roles and worsen the healthcare worker shortage. The Trump administration has argued most programs still fit under the caps, with the change meaning to pressure schools to lower tuition.

Another Wisconsin community pushes back against data center development. During a Tuesday night listening session in the Village of Wrightstown outside Green Bay, most residents opposed the idea of a data center, citing noise, water usage, loss of farmland and power consumption. People in attendance at Tuesday’s discussion also said they think the village isn’t being fully transparent. Community members believe Cloverleaf Infrastructure is eyeing land behind Wrightstown High School, but village leaders says there are no proposals on the table, and that the meeting was a response to rumors on social media. The village also plans to hold two more open house listening sessions on May 26 and May 31.

Worker deaths in Wisconsin have decreased slightly over the last three years, but remain above the national average. That’s according to the AFL-CIO’s annual Death on the Job report cited by Wisconsin’s construction news source The Daily Reporter. The union federation report uses U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data which shows 109 workers died on the job in Wisconsin in 2024 with Black and Latino workers dying at a higher rate than the national average. The latest figure is lower than the 112 deaths in 2023 and 125 in 2022. The AFL-CIO also argues it would take the 30 OSHA inspectors assigned to Wisconsin roughly 131 years to inspect every workplace in the state.

New study finds more than half of Wisconsin's deer ticks carry Lyme disease bacteria. Researchers at the Marshfield Clinic found 51% of deer ticks tested were infected with the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. Staff Scientist Dr. Alexandra Linz says while that number is higher than expected, it does not mean your risk of getting sick after a bite is the same. She says the actual risk is much lower. Experts recommend avoiding tall grass and brush, wearing long clothing, and using repellents. They also say do a full tick check and shower after spending time outdoors.

An ICE agent's attorney says the agent will turn himself in over charges from Operation Metro Surge. On Wednesday, St. Paul criminal defense attorney Ryan Pacyga filed a certificate of representation for Gregory Donnell Morgan Junior. A Hennepin County Attorney charged Morgan with two felony counts of second-degree assault on April 16th. Pacyga confirmed to the Minnesota Star Tribune that he is representing Morgan and that they are cooperating with the investigation. This was the first criminal charge to be levied against a federal agent for their actions during Operation Metro Surge.

Three Wisconsin cities rank among the safest in America. The personal finance site SmartAsset assessed data from multiple federal agencies on natural disaster risk, traffic fatality data, and property and violent crime rates for over 300 cities with populations between 65,000 and 250,000. The study released Tuesday ranked Waukesha the eighth safest city in the country, with Appleton placing tenth and Eau Claire right behind in eleventh place. The report named the Denver suburb of Bloomfield, Colorado as the safest city in the nation.

Local-Regional News May 21

 

The City of Durand is continuing to move forward in developing a comprehensive plan, and is still encouraging everyone to fill out a community survey as part of the plan. Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren says the survey will be open until the end of June and is open to everyone.  That survey can be found at the City of Durand website or paper copies are available at Durand City Hall.

Last night at the Durand-Arkansaw School Board meeting, the board approved the 2026-27 student accident insurance plan with rates remaining unchanged. The insurance is secondary insurance for students that have some type of sports or activity injury at school. The board also adjusted the price of breakfast at Caddie Woodlawn Elementary after a mistake was found last month. The breakfast price for 2026-27 will go from $1.75 to $2.00 instead of the $2.25 that was passed last month.

The Pepin County Human Services and Sheriff’s Department has received a grant for crisis intervention training to the county. The grant follows a successful collaboration with Buffalo County to bring the training to the area in 2025. The training educates the public and community response efforts for mental health in the county. The training will be held in August.

With the Memorial Day Holiday weekend approaching, Xcel Energy is reminding the public to stay out of restricted areas at the Cedar Falls Hydro facility near Menomonie. According to Xcel, there has been an increase in trespassing incidents in active construction zones at the facility. Increased signage and barriers to the restricted areas have been installed and local law enforcement has also been notified. The construction is a multi-year modernization project at the dam.

A bus carrying students of the Eau Claire School District was involved in an accident Wednesday afternoon. Students were on their way home when the bus was rear-ended on McKinley Road. No one was hurt.

A Trempealeau County day care owner has been convicted on charges of physical abuse of a child. Ashley Hove was performing daycare work at a home in the Village of Eleva when a child was injured in April of last year. A doctor's report said that the child's injuries were caused by some kind of physical violence. Hove has pleaded no contest to the abuse charges this week and will be sentenced at a later date.

Holiday campers at Kruger Campground Park in Wabasha County are advised to be on the lookout for a black bear. The Wabasha County Sheriff’s Department says the bear has been sighted at the park numerous times. Campers are reminded to keep their food secure, clean up all food waste and trash and put in secure location, and keep pets and children nearby. If you encounter a bear, back away slowly, and make loud noises from a safe distance. Never attempt to run from a bear.

The search for a 36-year-old Ladysmith resident missing since last summer has come to an end. Officials confirm that human remains found in a wounded area of Rusk County on May 8th are those of Seth Miller. Foul play is not suspected in Miller's death.

Low water levels on the Mississippi River are leading to changes in service on the Lansing Ferry. Operators of the ferry -- connecting Crawford County, Wisconsin with Lansing, Iowa -- are now limiting the number of vehicles the boat can carry due to safety concerns. Normally, the ferry carries as many as twelve vehicles per trip but that number is being cut to a capacity of nine while river levels are low.

Minnetonka-based company Cargill is locking out over 17-hundred union workers from their Colorado plant. This comes as Cargill and Teamsters workers at a beef slaughterhouse are at an impasse amid contract negotiations. The employees, who are not getting paid, say Cargill is refusing to provide adequate raises after months of bargaining. The beef plant has skidded to a standstill during a time when consumer complaints about high beef prices are growing. Union members overwhelmingly voted against Cargill's latest proposal.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture will be spraying for Spongy moth today in Trempealeau County. Residents may see low flying yellow planes spraying a product called Foray 48B that contains a naturally occurring soil bacteria.   Spongy moth caterpillars cannot digest Btk, so they die soon after they eat the leaves. Btk is not toxic to people, bees, pets, or other animals, and is approved for use in certified organic food production. It will break down in sunlight within a few days after application. People who have allergies may wish to stay indoors or leave the area until treatment is done. The yellow planes are loud and will fly low, just above the tree canopy, which may frighten pets or livestock. Those with animals may use their discretion to reduce stress by keeping them indoors or monitoring their behavior during aerial treatments.

A Mineral Point man driving an Amish buggy was killed in a Tuesday afternoon crash in Lafayette County. The sheriff’s office says the buggy was struck from behind by a pickup truck driven by a 36-year-old Dodgeville man on State Highway 23 in the town of Willow Springs. The driver of the buggy identified as 56-year-old Joseph Z. Glick died at the scene. The horse pulling the buggy had to be euthanized from injuries sustained from the crash. The driver of the pickup wasn’t hurt. The sheriff’s office says the crash is still under investigation.

A recent hack on school data service Canvas is a good reminder to take information security seriously. Wisconsin Consumer Protection director Mike Domke says companies should be training their employees on how to prevent breaches, but understand that it can happen to anyone. Domke says every company should have a recovery system in place in case of a data breach. If you need help putting one together, contact DATCP online at D A T C P dot W I dot Gov.

Former Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle is endorsing Judge Pedro Colón for the Wisconsin Supreme Court. According to a press release from Colón's campaign, Doyle appointed Judge Colón to the Milwaukee County Circuit Court in 2010. Doyle says the Judge "comes uniquely qualified to face the challenges that will undoubtedly come before this Supreme Court in the next decade." He also said Colón is a "dedicated public servant who deeply cares about the people of our state."

Milwaukee Police say a second officer is under investigation for possible misuse of Flock license plate readers. No formal charges have been filed, but department officials said during a Fire and Police Commission meeting earlier this month that the officer is on full suspension pending the outcome of the investigation. Earlier this year, prosecutors charged former Milwaukee police officer Josue Ayala with using the system to track an ex-girlfriend. Ayala was charged with a misdemeanor count of attempted misconduct in public office and resigned from the department. Milwaukee Police say changes have been made regarding the system, and Flock Safety said the technology has audit trails to hold officers accountable.

The Green Bay City Council is approving a conditional use permit for a new type of homeless shelter in downtown. The permit allows Safe Haven Hope Center to run a small, highly supervised transitional home at 315 South Jefferson. The home would be limited to 19-residents and 26-people total at any time, with at least one staff member for every ten residents. There will also be a zero-tolerance policy for drugs and alcohol. Those running the shelter has to provide a status update in six months to the council so any concerns can be addressed.

Two Wisconsin breweries earn international recognition. Appleton’s Vault 202 Brewery & Taproom was awarded a silver medal at the 2026 World Beer Cup last month in Philadelphia. The brewery took the prize in the Italian-Style Pilsner category for a beer they call “Now That’s a Sandwich.” The taste of the brew made with Italian-grown malt and a blend of Michigan- and German-grown hops is described as having a bright orange zest and subtle hop spice flavors. Vintage Brewing of Sauk City also earned silver for a Belgian-Style Dubbel beer they entered named “Dedication”. The competition evaluated over eight thousand beers from more than 50 countries.