Local-Regional News Oct 2

 

The Buffalo County Sheriff’s Department is asking for the publics help in finding a missing person. On Thursday, deputies found a boat near the shoreline of Merrick State Park that was out of fuel. The Department has not located 60yr old Brian Daley of Utica, MN and is asking the public if they saw or picked up a stranded boater near Merrick State Park. If any one has any information they are to call the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Department.

USDA has designated Pepin and Pierce Counties as a natural disaster area due to drought conditions for over 8 weeks. The designation will allow the farm services agency to extended credit to producers recovering from the drought. Emergency loans can be used to replace livestock, equipment, reorganization of a farming operation or to refinance certain debts. Application deadline is May 17^th. Farmers in the contiguous counties of Buffalo, Dunn, Wabasha and Goodhue Counties are also eligible for the program.

Dunn County has identified the person killed in a two vehicle accident in Elk Mound Township on Tuesday. According to the Dunn County Sheriffs Department, 55yr old Thomas Hendricks of Menomonie was killed when he crossed the centerline of Hwy 12-29 and struck a westbound vehicle. That accident remains under investigation.

The Dunn County Health Department has received a $3500 Community Impact Grant to support the continuation and distribution of the Community Resource Guide for 2026-2027. The guide provides information on housing, food access, mental health, and other essential needs for residents. The funding will allow the Health Department to distribute approximately 5,000-7,000 guides across the county. The grant is from the Community Foundation of Dunn County.

A Wisconsin congressional candidate wants her incumbent opponent to stop sharing AI deepfake videos of her. A cease-and-desist letter from legal counsel for Democrat Rebecca Cooke’s campaign specifically points to a video shared by 3rd District Representative Derrick Van Orden on August 4th. That video purports to show Cooke speaking “on the campaign trail” in Eau Claire with former President Biden seated behind her. The AI version of Cooke has her saying that she wants to “take advantage of as much corruption as possible and give every illegal alien free healthcare,” something she never said. A news release from the Van Orden campaign accuses Cooke of a “full blown temper tantrum.” Van Orden derided the cease-and-desist letter with another AI generated video on his social media.

One person is dead after a Thursday evening shooting in La Crosse. Fifteen-year-old Rashied Schuelke was shot shortly before 5:30 p.m. at a location near 7th and Hood streets. He later died at a local hospital.

The case against a former Monroe County deputy accused of sexually assaulting a teenager is moving forward. Prosecutors say that Aaron Yang assaulted his daughter's babysitter in 2023. Yang is scheduled to go to trial in July of next year.

Authorities say a missing five-year-old boy from Juneau County and his biological mother are both safe following a multi-county search. Deputies launched an investigation Wednesday after 39-year-old Carrie Murphy failed to show up for a court-ordered custody exchange at the New Lisbon Police Department. License plate readers later tracked her vehicle as concerns grew over her behavior and mental status. Law enforcement officers located both Murphy and Atlas Kleiser yesterday morning, bringing a safe end to the regional search.

--

Wisconsin’s US Senators support legislation targeting a "Wild West" era in college sports. Democrat Tammy Baldwin and Republican Ron Johnson were both “yeas” as the Protect College Sports Act passed on a bipartisan 77-22 vote this week. The bill would grant the NCAA a limited antitrust exemption to restore its five-year eligibility rule and transfer limits, and would also codify regulation of name, image and likeness deals that allow athletes to be paid. The bill will now need to be passed in the House. A survey by the The Athletic put the University of Wisconsin’s NIL spending in the range of $27-31 million, ranking the Badgers 23rd among schools in the Power 4 conferences and 8th in the Big Ten.

An immigration judge is ruling a Milwaukee mosque leader is subject to deportation, though he will not face immediate removal from the U.S. Attorneys representing Islamic Society of Milwaukee president Salah Sarsour said this week they plan to file for relief under the Convention against Torture, arguing he would face severe harm if returned to Israel, Jordan, or the West Bank. His defense expects that proceeding to take place early next year and vows to pursue multiple layers of federal appeals if necessary. Sarsour will, for now, remain out of immigration custody and reside in the U.S.

October brings the start of several hunting and trapping seasons across Wisconsin. Six different season opening dates are scheduled throughout October, including duck, goose, bear, pheasant, grouse, bobcat and coyote seasons. Hunters are urged to double-check season dates, licenses and required stamps before heading afield. The Department of Natural Resources also encourages hunters to review regulations, public land access information and firearm safety rules. Anyone born on or after January 1st, 1973 must have hunter education certification before purchasing a hunting license, unless they qualify under Wisconsin's mentored hunting law.

Global trade leaders and dignitaries are in Milwaukee as the city hosts the G20 Trade Ministerial for two days of international economic talks. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer is attending the summit in person, marking what is believed to be the first time the coalition of major industrialized nations has conducted official business in Milwaukee. Discussions come as domestic and international businesses navigate shifting tariffs under the Trump's administration, with local companies like Kohl's even filing legal challenges against recent trade policies. The historic two-day event concludes today.

The Justice Department is charging 10 green card holders with voter fraud in Minnesota. Federal prosecutors say nine allegedly cast ballots in elections dating back to 2022, including seven in the 2024 general election. One defendant allegedly voted in the August 2026 primary, while another is accused of falsely claiming U.S. citizenship while registering to vote. All 10 defendants made their initial appearances in federal court this week. The Minnesota Secretary of State's office says it cooperated with federal subpoenas and notes the cases involve 10 people out of about eight-point-five million votes cast during the period.

The Brewers gear up for the post season with new food items. If the combinations sound a little strange, that's because the team and its restaurants are engaging in a little Wisconsin fusion. Items like a Birria Bahn Mi hot dog, a double burger topped with pot roast and peppers, Oktoberfest pizza and Brat Rangoon's. The Brewers will enjoy home field advantage through the post season as they scored over 100 wins for the first time in team history. 

Local-Regional News Oct 1

 

The City of Durand will begin working on the 2027 city budget this month. Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren says the city council will again work as a committee of the whole on the budget.  One issue the city will be dealing with is a 15% increase in employee health insurance rates.

Dunn County is looking for election workers. Dunn County will host 2026 election training for those wanting to work the upcoming elections or want to know how the process works. Classes will be on the last four Thursdays of October at the Dunn County Government Center. Classes are free, and for more information, contact the Dunn County Clerk’s office.

Dunn County is updating its comprehensive plan and is looking for public input. The plan will guide decisions on growth and development, agriculture, natural resources and community well-being. The draft plan is now available for review at the Dunn County Planning and Land Use webpage.

The Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District is suspending a teacher over comments they reportedly made on social media. The district has not shared the name of the educator or the nature of their comments. The district has released a statement saying, in part, that they hold all employees to high professional standards and expect them to maintain appropriate boundaries and conduct in their interactions with students. The Chippewa Falls Police Department is investigating the incident.

The UW-Eau Claire Marching Band is headed to New York. The Blugold Marching Band has been invited to perform in this year's Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. This year will be the 101st for the event in New York.

Sun Country Airlines is resuming non stop flights to Las Vegas out of the Chippewa Valley Regional Airport. Flight schedules are available at suncountry-dot-com. The non stop service to Las Vegas begins tomorrow.

Results of a new poll show the race to be Wisconsin's next governor getting closer. According to the poll from Marquette Law School released yesterday, Democrat David Crowley leads Republican Tom Tiffany 49-percent to 46-percent among likely voters with five-percent undecided. Early in-person voting begins October 20th with Election Day on November 3rd.

Wisconsin health officials are encouraging residents to get vaccinated now before flu, COVID and other respiratory viruses begin spreading more widely. State epidemiologist Dr. Jonathan Westergaard says vaccines remain one of the best ways to reduce the risk of serious illness, hospitalization and death. He says getting vaccinated this fall can help protect families throughout the respiratory virus season. More information is available through the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website.

Twenty-three minor employees at a Wisconsin McDonald's franchise will receive 17-thousand dollars in back wages following a state child labor audit. The Department of Workforce Development reports franchisee Iron Arch committed multiple violations, including overworking teenage staff and failing to provide required 30-minute meal breaks. The state Department of Justice also ordered the employer to pay nearly 60-thousand dollars in civil penalties and fees. State officials say enforcement of minor labor laws remains essential to keeping young workers safe without sacrificing their education.

The Watertown Unified School District is facing pushback after Interim Superintendent James Feil canceled Watertown High School's planned spring production of Flashdance. Feil cited personal concerns with the show's mature themes, despite acknowledging the effort to edit the script for high school audiences. Dozens gathered outside the school board meeting to protest the decision, expressing frustration over lost effort and muffled artistic expression. The controversy has also led to the resignation of the show's original theater director.

A new tool is helping drivers better find DMV centers. Finding a Division of Motor Vehicles office in Wisconsin just got easier. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation has launched a new interactive online map called "Find My DMV." The tool lets you search for nearby service centers, check hours, filter locations by available services, county, or days open, and get directions through Google Maps. State officials say the new platform is designed to make in-person DMV services more accessible and convenient. Each location listing also includes links to online services that may help customers avoid a trip altogether.

Nine people are recovering after being exposed to carbon monoxide in Fond du Lac County. The sheriff’s department says EMTs were called to a home in the Town of Osceola early Wednesday morning for symptoms consistent with C O poisoning. Seven children and 2 adults were taken from the home and to local hospitals. The case is under investigation; deputies have not released further information on the conditions of the victims.

Amtrak is expanding Borealis service after surpassing 500-thousand passengers since its launch. The daily train connects St. Paul and Chicago through Wisconsin and began operating in May 2024. Minnesota transportation officials say a fourth passenger car will be added in the coming weeks. The trip takes less than seven and a half hours, with one-way fares starting at 41 dollars. Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois help fund the service.

Take the right steps to cut food waste. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is encouraging residents to reduce food waste during Food Waste Prevention Week. A state study found food waste was the largest component of trash sent to Wisconsin landfills, totaling about 854,000 tons in 2020. The DNR says wasted food creates methane emissions when it breaks down and costs the average American consumer more than $700 a year. Officials recommend meal planning, proper food storage and learning the difference between food quality dates and actual food safety concerns.

Local-Regional News Sept 30

 

One person is dead after a two vehicle accident in Elk Mound Township on Tuesday. According to the Dunn County Sheriff’s Department a vehicle traveling eastbound on Hwy 12/29, crossed the centerline and struck a westbound vehicle. The driver of the eastbound vehicle, a 55yr old male from Menomonie was pronounced dead at the scene. The name of the victim was not released.

The Coast Guard is investing a Monday spill of diesel fuel into the Mississippi River. Officials say a tugboat released about 50 gallons of diesel into the river between Winona County, Minnesota and Buffalo County, Wisconsin. Firefighters responded to the incident and worked to stop the spill from reaching beyond the area.

Lake City is accepting applications for a vacant city council position.. The appointment will fill a vacancy on the council for the remainder of the current term ending in January 2029. Individuals interested must be eligible to hold municipal office in Minnesota and must be residents in Lake City. Applications are available at City Hall.

The Buffalo-Pepin County ADRC is holding another Stepping on Class starting next week. Stepping On is a fun 7 week class that helps seniors stay steady and independent. Studies show the class can reduce falls by 31 percent. The class is free, and registrations are still being accepted. Contact Buffalo-Pepin ADRC at 866-578-2372. Classes begin next Tuesday from 1-3;30 at Emplify Health in Mondovi.

The Dunn County Clerk of Courts is now beginning the process of preparing for 2027 jury service. Juror Qualification Questionnaires are being mailed on a postcard. If you receive one, you are asked to complete it and return it within 10 days. The questionnaires help determine whether you qualify for jury service. Receiving a questionnaire does not mean you are being called for jury duty, it is just the first step in determining eligibility for jury service.

La Crosse Police are searching for the suspect in a recent stabbing incident. The assault happened this past Saturday night at a location on North Third Street. There is no word on the condition of the victim. Police are looking for 30-year-old Paul Thomas Jr. Anyone with information on Thomas' whereabouts is encouraged to contact police.

A Clark County man is once again facing charges of OWI. Unity resident James Neubauer was stopped this past Saturday night after reportedly being caught going 80 miles per hour in a 55 mile per hour zone. This is the tenth time that Neubauer has faces an OWI charge.

Wisconsin health officials are confirming 22 new measles cases, pushing the state's total to 214 for the year. The Department of Health Services reports the vast majority of infections remain concentrated in southwestern Wisconsin, with Lafayette, Iowa and Grant counties seeing the highest case counts. Four additional cases reported in northern Wisconsin stem from out-of-state travel and are not tied to the main regional outbreak. Public health agencies continue to monitor the spread and will publish updated figures every Tuesday and Friday.

Expanding suicide prevention efforts to reach more people in rural Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is extending its partnership with Aspirus Health and launching a new partnership with CALM America. Aspirus will expand training on the Question, Persuade and Refer method, teaching people to recognize suicide warning signs, talking with individuals in crisis and connecting them with help. There will also be more training for mental health professionals, including support for telehealth. According to DHS the effort will focus in part on rural communities with limited access to mental health care. If you or someone you know needs help, support from trained counselors is available 24/7 through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Line. Call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org.

The Wisconsin Elections Commission is reviewing election fraud. Thursday's meeting agenda includes a yearly update on illegal voting and elections violations. Reports compiled by WEC staff show that a very small number of votes cast in the last dozen elections have been from felons or have had substantiated fraud claims. The highest total was in the 2020 general election with around 150 felons voting and even fewer cases of fraud with nearly 3 point 3 million votes cast. The report will be sent to the legislature's elections committees for review in the next session.

A University of Wisconsin literacy expert says falling behind in reading can affect a student's performance across the classroom. UW–Madison professor Mark Seidenberg says reading becomes a bigger part of learning as children move through school, and struggling readers often have a harder time keeping up in other subjects. He also says parents can help by spending more time talking and reading with their children. Seidenberg adds that while artificial intelligence may change how people access information, strong literacy skills will remain essential.

The City of Manitowoc is cutting ties with Flock Safety and its license plate-reading cameras. Mayor Justin Nickels announced the city won't renew the contract when it expires early next ear. Nickels is asking Flock to remove privately-owned cameras across the city. Manitowoc deactivated its cameras earlier this month amid growing concerns over data and privacy. The Mayor noted the city remains committed to investing in public safety tech, but will look to different providers offering entirely separate services.

Microsoft is allowing Mount Pleasant to keep a five-million dollar annual development incentive. Village officials announced yesterday a plan to retain nearly four-point-nine-million dollars to help stabilize property tax bills and cover capital costs, such as road repairs and public safety vehicles. The remaining 100-thousand dollars will go to the Racine County Economic Development Corporation to support economic growth across the county. Local leaders say taxpayers will see immediate relief while benefiting long-term as Microsoft continues construction on its data center campus.

Minnesota's newest iron ore mine will supply a planned steel mill in Iowa. On Monday, Mesabi Metallics announced a 15-billion-dollar mill alongside President Trump. The company's Nashwauk mine will provide iron ore for the facility, which is expected to begin production in 2030. Officials project the mill could eventually produce ten million tons of steel annually. Mesabi says it plans to expand permanent staffing at its Minnesota mine from 200 to 350 workers.

Organizers are gearing up for this weekend's Chippewa Valley Quilt Show. The event at the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds will feature vendors and the exhibition of more than 200 quilts. The Chippewa Valley Quilt Show happens Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Local-Regional News Sept 29

 

Student researchers from the UWEC Kinesiology Department are hosting an exercise intervention program at the Roger Martin Community Center. They will be hosting brief informational meetings on Wednesday 09/30 and Thursday 10/01 at 9:30am for interested individuals. They will be available at the center from 8:30am-11am on Wednesday and Thursday to meet with individuals one-on-one or provide information to those who cannot attend at 9:30.

The City of Lake City has lifted the boil water advisory. Follow up water testting confirmed that e. coli is no longer in the system. Residents are still advised to run each cold water faucet for about five minutes, or until the water becomes noticeably colder to make sure you have pulled in freshly disinfected water from the city’s main distribution system. Residents should also discard existing ice.

A Red Wing man has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder charges. 43Yr old Darryl Nixon made the guilty plea in the death of 40yr old Andrea Broyld in November of 2024. According to authorities, Nixon locked himself inside a home, prompting a standoff with police. Police later found the body of Broyld inside the home with multiple gunshot wounds. Nixon will be sentenced at a later date.

A group of Elk Mound Residents, opposed to the disbanding of the police department have started a petition drive. Last week the public safety committee sent a proposal to the full village board that would disband the Elk Mound police and contract out with the Dunn County Sheriffs Department for law enforcement services. The petition calls for the village board to reject the proposal and release the proposal and financial comparison to the public before any vote is taken.

A man who fled police during a traffic stop last week in La Crosse is now in custody. Forty-one-year-old Odell Thompson was stopped while riding an e-bike last week and when police tried to take him in on an outstanding arrest warrant, they say Thompson fled. He was arrested Monday on charges including resisting an officer and on a probation violation.

 

Wisconsin health officials are urging everyone to get the flu vaccine this year. This year's influenza vaccine will cover the two most common strains of flu, as well as a more contagious strain that hit the US last year. Flu vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months old or older, and will be widely available. If you need help finding a site for a vaccine, contact your doctor or local health department or check online at Vaccine Information dot Org.

Waterfront property owners are encouraged to check the health of their shorelines. The Score My Shore online tool helps lake and riverfront residents identify ways to improve water quality, wildlife habitat, and shoreline protection. According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, simple steps like planting native vegetation, reducing mowing near the water, and redirecting runoff can make a big difference. The DNR says protecting shorelines is a shared responsibility, and even small improvements by neighboring property owners can have lasting benefits for Wisconsin’s lakes and rivers.

Amtrak's Borealis rail service passes a major milestone. According to Amtrak, more than 500,000 riders have used the Borealis between St. Paul and Chicago since the route launched in May 2024. Wisconsin Transportation Secretary Kristina Boardman says the milestone shows the service is a reliable and popular travel option across the state and beyond. Amtrak also reports more than 2.2 million passengers have traveled the corridor overall and plans to add a fourth passenger car to the Borealis train in the coming weeks to meet growing demand. The Borealis makes eight stops across Wisconsin., and also has stops in Red Wing and Winona.

Rochester businesses are getting support as construction disrupts customer access. Destination Medical Center has approved 500-thousand dollars for marketing and signs to help customers navigate downtown. Business owners say road closures and detours are hurting sales amid Mayo Clinic's expansion and a new bus rapid transit project. Thai-riffic and Thesis Beer Project announced in August they were closing. The brewery's owners say business was cut in half after transit construction began last year.

The University of Wisconsin Center for Tobacco Research and Intervention is getting a federal grant to overhaul smoking cessation programs. Funded by the National Cancer Institute, the five-year project partners with sixteen community health centers to develop and test improved tobacco treatments. Researchers emphasize that nearly twenty-two million Americans rely on safety-net health centers annually, where smoking rates remain significantly higher than the national average. Lead investigators say the initiative will focus on continuous quality improvement and outreach to ensure long-term support for adult patients struggling to quit.

Officials are celebrating a record turnout in Madison for the annual Badger Challenge. Event organizers report raising roughly one-point-two-million dollars this year, with 100 percent of participant donations going directly to cancer research initiatives at the University of Wisconsin. The annual event features a half marathon and a 100-mile bike ride, alongside accessible options for wheelchair users and children. Leaders say funds raised through the challenge help launch innovative early-stage ideas that pave the way for breakthrough clinical trials and life-saving treatments.

A Cybersecurity incident hits a Central Wisconsin city. Leaders in Stevens Point say they detected some suspicious network activity Wednesday morning, which turned out to be unauthorized access to its servers by an outside group. The incident has caused intermittent phone and email outages, but at this time officials emphasize that no sensitive resident or employee data was taken or exposed. A statement from Mayor Mike Wiza says they are working with appropriate state and federal agencies to investigate, and all critical city services are working as normal, but other departments may still have brief phone and email outages while the servers are restored, which could take up to two weeks.

Kiet Tuan Tran created the winning artwork in the annual contest sponsored by the Department of Natural Resources. More than 120 entries were submitted by high school-age students from across Wisconsin. The winning design features camping in the woods, one of the most popular activities at State Parks. The winning artwork will appear on 2027 annual vehicle admission passes, which go on sale January 1st. Pass sales help fund operations at Wisconsin's state parks, forests and recreation areas.

Some Minnesota Republican candidates are publicly disagreeing with President Trump ahead of November. Republican governor candidate Lisa Demuth says she wants the Iran war to end after previously declining to name a Trump policy she opposed. Attorney general candidate Ron Schutz says he would not take orders from Trump and would sue the federal government when appropriate. U.S. Senate candidate Michele Tafoya says she wants the administration to clarify its objective in Iran. However, Republican congressional candidates Brad Finstad and Eric Pratt continue to support Trump's approach.

With students back in school, food safety experts are reminding families that proper lunch storage can help prevent foodborne illness. University of Minnesota food safety professor Hanyu Chen says perishable foods such as deli meats, yogurt, cut fruit and leftovers should be kept cold until they're ready to eat. Chen recommends packing lunches in insulated bags with ice packs or other cold sources to keep foods below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. She also says students should use school refrigerators when available. Food safety experts say taking those simple steps can help reduce the risk of harmful bacteria growing before lunchtime. 

Local-Regional News Sept 28

 

The City of Durand is working toward finalizing a new comprehensive plan. Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren says the Planning Commission approved the final for chapters of the plan and the city will have an open house to allow the public to review the plan.  Milliren says the city wants to use the plan as a tool for future economic development.

Drought conditions are bad in areas of Northwestern Wisconsin. For only the second time since it began tracking conditions in 1999, the U.S. Drought Monitor shows areas of "exceptional drought," its most severe category, in portions of Ashland, Bayfield, Douglas, Iron and Sawyer counties. According to the National Weather Service in La Crosse, the previous occurrence was in August and September 2023. A significant portion of northern Wisconsin is in "extreme drought" or "severe drought" conditions. Here in Western Wisconsin, Pepin, Pierce, Dunn and Eau Clarie Counties are under severe drought conditions, while most of Buffalo County is under abnormally dry conditions.

Lake City residents remain under a boil water advisory. The city issued the advisory on Friday after E. coli bacteria was detected in a recent drinking water sample. Over the weekend, crews completed chlorination of the water system, and follow-up water sampling is underway; the results of those tests are due tomorrow. The city has made contingency plans to have additional drinking water resources available in case community needs change or the boil water advisory remains in place longer than anticipated.

On Friday, the Elk Mound Public Safety Committee approved a proposal for the village to disband its police department and contract with the Dunn County Sheriff’s Department for law enforcement services. The proposal would have a full-time deputy, based in Elk Mound, working 48 hours a week, 52 weeks a year. The Village board would have to approve the proposal for it to take effect.

A November 30th sentencing date has been set for Luke Larson in Buffalo County. Larson was convicted last week in connection with the deaths of two motorcyclists. Luke Larson was driving his pickup truck along State Highway 35 on September 27th of 2024 when he crossed the center line and hit the riders. He was found guilty on charges including two counts of homicide by negligent operation of a vehicle.

A two-alarm fire early Sunday in Eau Claire has left ten people displaced. The fire ignited shortly before 1:30 a.m. in a Prestige Court townhouse garage. Firefighters were able to contain the fire to the garage with smoke damage to the living areas. No one was hurt and there has been no word on the cause of the blaze. The Red Cross is helping those displaced find temporary housing.

The Wabasha Public Library has a new librarian. Karla Klemme was the librarian at the Rice Lake Library for 16yrs. Klemme grew up in Wabasha and is excited to return home. She looks forward to getting to know the patrons and families who use the library.

UW-River Falls is going to the dogs – in a good way. Ten assistance dogs in training have begun a semester where they'll live in residence halls, attend classes, and experience college life alongside UWRF students. The Yellow Lab Retrievers, ranging in age from 15 to 24 months, are part of the Falcon Fetch that's Fostering Education Through Campus Hosting program, a partnership between the university and Minnesota-based Can Do Canines, giving students hands-on experience helping raise and train future assistance dogs. 22 students are participating in the program this semester. Can Do Canines has offered the Fetch program at UW-River Falls since 2023 and at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus since 2016.

Attorney General Josh Kaul reaches a settlement for a medical data breach. The 2 point 3 million dollar settlement is against Labcorp, a nationwide medical services company. The company's debt collection vendor exposed over 10 million records in 2019. Over 16 thousand Wisconsin residents were caught in the breach. While LabCorp did not lose the records itself, the multistate settlement will require the company to tighten up its security with vendors and limit the amount of data that is available to outside businesses.

Wisconsin State Fair officials are enacting stricter youth admission rules following a chaotic final night that led to seven arrests. Under the new policy, fairgoers 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult who is at least 25 years old after 5 p.m. Chaperones are now limited to supervising four minors, down from six, and must remain on the grounds for the duration of the visit. Organizers hope the tighter age requirements and smaller supervision ratios will curb disruptions and keep the annual event safe for families.

More issues with the rerouting of a northern Wisconsin oil pipeline. Wisconsin Public Radio reports Ashland County deputies were alerted to a fire at an Enbridge Line 5 work site last week. The fire in the town of Gingles (Jingles) was quickly contained and no one was injured, but the Department of Natural Resources and the F B I are investigating, since a fire was also started at an Enbridge office in Superior last week. Enbridge officials claim the fires are vandalism. The company is working on a federally ordered reroute of Line 5 around tribal lands in northern Wisconsin.

Madison Democrat Mark Pocan is part of a bipartisan congressional effort to end federal spending on experiments involving cats and dogs. It's called the Companion Animal Protection Against Cruel Testing Act. This week, Pocan and other lawmakers were joined by animal rights activists and 2 beagles, Tara and Rosie, rescued from Ridglan Farms, the embattled beagle breeding facility in Blue Mounds that closed down at the end of summer. Pocan says testing on dogs is not necessary because of improved technology and human-based research methods, that he says are not just more humane but more accurate for humans. There is a narrow waiver in the legislation for critical public health or national security emergencies if no scientifically valid alternative exists.

Rochester-based Mayo Clinic is agreeing to pay an employee 50-thousand dollars after he received a COVID-19 vaccine against his wishes to avoid termination. The deal is part of a 2025 religious discrimination lawsuit. The plaintiff was a security guard who was opposed to taking the vaccine because of his Pentecostal faith. He offered to be tested for COVID-19 and wear a mask instead. Mayo officials denied the employees request for exemption from the policy in December 2021. They also threatened to fire the worker. He eventually received the vaccine to avoid termination. As a part of the settlement, Mayo officials will provide religious accommodations to its vaccination requirement unless there is undue hardship.

Make sure you're staying alert near railroad crossings. According to the Wisconsin State Patrol, Wisconsin has seen 360 train-related crashes over the past 10 years. Drivers are reminded to never to go around lowered gates or stop on tracks, and pedestrians are urged to stay off rail property and use only designated crossings. Wisconsin is home to about 3,300 miles of active train tracks and nearly 4,000 public rail crossings. Officials say a moment of caution at a railroad crossing can help prevent tragedy.

Local-Regional News Sept 25

 

The verdict is in for an Alma man charged in connection with a deadly vehicle crash in Buffalo County. Prosecutors say on September 27, 2024, Luke Larson was driving his pickup truck along State Highway 35 near Markey Bluff Road in Nelson when he crossed the center line and hit two motorcyclists. Both riders died at the scene. Larson was convicted Thursday on charges including two counts of homicide by negligent operation of a vehicle. He will be sentenced at a later date.

One person was injured in a semi vs vehicle accident in Wabasha County on Thursday. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, 53yr old Joseph Roche of Lake City was traveling northbound on Hwy 61 when he collided with a southbound semi at the intersection of Borners Court. Roche was taken to Mayo Clinic-St. Mary’s with life-threatening injuries.

The Madison Street Project is getting close to completion. Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren says the final layer of blacktop may be installed starting today.  The project has a substantial completion date of October 15.

Mondovi Residents may experience water discoloration over the next few weeks as the city flushes fire hydrants throughout the city. Flushing the hydrants helps keep the water system operating properly and ensures the hydrants work when needed. If your water becomes discolored, just run the tap for a few minutes. If you have any questions, call Mondovi City Hall.

The Village of Elk Mound may disband its police department. The Public Safety Committee is meeting today to discuss the plan. If approved, the village would contract out with the Dunn County Sheriff’s Department. Currently, the police department has the chief, one part-time officer, and an administrative assistant. The Village Board will have final say on the proposal.

Charges filed against a former Eau Claire resident accused of child abuse have been dismissed. The accusations involved four children, two of which Daniel Tlutsy allegedly spanked with a metal wrench. The charges filed last year have now been dropped, with prosecutors saying they lack the evidence to meet their burden of proof in court.

Gov. Tony Evers is seeking applicants for the Court of Appeals – District III. The appointment will fill a vacancy being created by Presiding Judge Lisa K. Stark’s retirement, effective Dec. 28, 2026. The new judge will complete a term ending July 31, 2029. District III consists of 35 counties, including Buffalo, Chippewa, Dunn, Eau Claire, Pepin, Pierce, and Trempealeau counties.

Existing home sales in Wisconsin fell 8.3% in August of 2026 compared to August of 2025, as declining affordability and tight housing inventory continued, according to the Wisconsin Realtors Association. Here in Western Wisconsin, Buffalo County reported 11 homes sold in August, Pepin County 14, Pierce County 26 and Dunn County 30 homes were sold in August. The median price of a home here in Western Wisconsin was $335,000, compared to $362,000 statewide.

Republican Congressman Derrick Van Orden told folks in Menomonie Thursday that he supports data centers, provided they meet certain criteria. In remarks made at Sand Grains Farm, the congressman said that data centers must use closed-loop air-cooled systems that use minimal water, must be built on existing U.S. military bases, must not result in higher electric rates and must only be developed with the approval of local residents. Van Orden says that data centers are critically important to national security.

State Superintendent Jill Underly is calling for changes to the way Wisconsin funds public schools. In her annual State of Education address at the Capitol, Underly said the current formula focuses too much on enrollment, district spending, and property values instead of student needs. She argued school districts have become increasingly dependent on local referendums to cover operating costs, putting pressure on communities. Underly also said state leaders have failed to provide predictable funding that keeps pace with the cost of educating students, and she urged lawmakers to rethink the state's approach to school finance.

The election for Wisconsin Attorney General pits two term Democratic incumbent Josh Kaul against Republican Fond du Lac County District Attorney Eric Toney, who says Kaul has failed to adequately staff the State Crime Labs after getting funding for more positions in the 2023 budget. Kaul says the staffing issue is being addressed and that the vacancy rate in the state crime lab is very low. Both candidates spoke while attending the annual Wisconsin Counties Association convention. Kaul defeated Republican AG Brad Schimel in 2018 and beat Toney in 2022 to win a second term.

Two additional cases of Measles in Marathon County. Health officials say this doesn't mean that there is community spread of the disease. In a statement on Wednesday, officials said there is no reason to believe that public exposure has occurred after last week's case, but they are monitoring the situation. Officials add that exposure is occurring in other parts of the state, and anyone who is showing symptoms should self-isolate or seek treatment. Marathon County now has three confirmed cases of the disease, statewide more than 100 cases have been reported- mostly in Southwest Wisconsin. Five cases have required hospitalization, and more than 99 percent of the cases are in those who weren't vaccinated.

A federal grand jury has indicted three men accused of convincing pharmacists to invest 750-thousand dollars in a proposed COVID-19 test manufacturing facility. Court documents say Kurt Wise claimed to represent Liberty Development and persuaded three pharmacists to invest in a factory that would produce the tests. Instead, the money was used for other business dealings, including payments to co-defendants Carl Wise and Keith Begin. The three men each face federal wire fraud charges.

The University of Minnesota is planning to cut 225-million-dollars from its budget over the next two years. President Rebecca Cunningham said the reduction represents about 12-to-15-percent of the university's allocated operating revenue. Cunningham cited shifting enrollment, uncertain state and federal funding, and rising costs as factors behind the cuts. The university is moving from a one-year to a two-year budget planning process, with leaders across its campuses and units determining specific reductions. The cuts follow two consecutive years of university budget reductions and tuition increases.

Local-Regional News Sept 24

 

The city of Durand has approved a memorandum of understanding with former School Resource Officer Bonnerup over Therapy Dog Sam. Bonnerup resigned his full-time position as School Resource Officer this past summer and still works part-time for the Durand Police. While Bonnerup will be owner of Sam, Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren says the Durand Police Department will still have access to Sam.  As part of the agreement, Bonnerup will be in charge of all care of Sam.

The Durand-Arkansaw School District is getting the failed HVAC System repaired. The system for the library and middle school area failed this summer. Durand-Arkansaw Superintendent Ryan Nelson says the delays in getting state permits and bids for the project were the reasons the repairs weren’t done sooner. Nelson says MTI will be working on that project.  The new system should be in place in the coming weeks.

The woman driving the vehicle involved in a high-speed pursuit in Dunn County that led to a Wisconsin State Trooper being severely injured has been charged. 47Yr old Martell Mitchell of Minneapolis is charged with attempting to flee an officer, possession with intent to deliver cocaine, 2^nd – degree reckless endangering safety, felony bail jumping and other charges. Authorities say troopers attempted to pull her over on I-94 in the construction zone near Eau Claire for speeding, and she led troopers on a high-speed chase. State Patrol Trooper Brad Ritger was injured when he fell off a bridge and onto 490^th Ave after deploying spike strips to stop Mitchell. She is being held on a $70,000 cash bond.

A man charged in connection with a fatal stabbing in Eau Claire is pleading not guilty by reason of insanity. Anthony Jackson is facing charges for stabbing Alex Graff at the Do Dodge Inn in December of 2024. Graff was playing pool when Jackson reportedly stabbed him. Jackson's trial is scheduled to begin October 26th.

In St. Croix County, a defendant charged following a deadly 2025 crash is pleading guilty. Investigators say that Andre Matthews was attempting to overtake traffic by using the right shoulder of I-94 East when he hit a motorcycle being ridden by Twin Cities restaurateur David Burley. Burley was fatally injured. Matthews yesterday pleaded guilty to a charge of homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle.

A Sparta man has received his prison sentence after committing two domestic violence acts. The district attorney's office says the attacks happened on two different victims, with one happening in June 2024 and the other happening in October of the same year. Andrew Nauman was sentenced to 36-years in prison after being convicted on multiple charges, including first-degree reckless homicide. DA Kevin Croninger said they hope "that this sentence will, on some level, provide a measure of justice and accountability."

The American Red Cross says blood donations are helping keep hospital shelves stocked, but the need for donors continues. Spokesperson Laura McGuire says the organization has rebuilt its blood inventory to a healthier level thanks to donor support. However, she says the supply remains vulnerable during hurricane season, when severe weather can disrupt both collections and transportation. The Red Cross encourages eligible donors to make an appointment at RedCrossBlood.org and help maintain a stable blood supply.

Rochester property owners could see another tax hike next year after the City Council OKed a preliminary levy. Council members voted seven-to-one on Monday night to approve a tax levy of close to 125 million dollars for 2027. The proposal is about five-point-six percent higher than the city's 118-point-three-million-dollar levy for 2026. City leaders say the additional tax plan is needed to keep up with rising personnel costs and inflation. The only no vote came from Council member Shaun Palmer, who proposed an alternative plan that reduces the levy by 400 thousand dollars. The Rochester City Council will hold a public hearing on December 7th, with a vote on the final budget to follow

One person is in custody after authorities found meth during a traffic stop in Rusk County. Authorities say the stop happened around 8:50 p.m. on September 18th on Highway 40. During the stop, a K9 made an alert on the vehicle and authorities found a quarter pound of meth. Rob Graves was arrested on suspicion on possession with intent to distribute.

Oneida County will be pulling down its Flock Safety cameras. Chief Deputy Terri Hook tells WJFW TV in Rhinelander the cameras are already offline, and have been since the end of August. Hook says the cameras have provided valuable information for officers, but that the data privacy concerns other communities have been sharing along with the public opposition to Flock warranted their removal. Communities across the state have been removing the cameras after objections were raised in Sheboygan over data sharing outside of Flock's contract.

Public health officials in Dane County are confirming the area's first human case of West Nile Virus this season. While nearly eighty percent of infected individuals show no symptoms, health experts warn mild cases can bring fever, fatigue, and muscle aches as mosquito activity peaks through September. County health authorities urge residents to wear insect repellent, drain standing water around their property, and wear loose, long-sleeved clothing during outdoor activities. Local officials are monitoring the situation closely after recording three human cases last year.

Wisconsin hunters are being urged to test deer for chronic wasting disease. According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, hunters play a key role in tracking the disease and the DNR is especially interested in samples from fall priority areas near recent CWD detections. Hunters can submit samples through self-service kiosks, cooperating processors, at-home testing kits, or appointments with DNR staff. Results are usually available within two weeks. Health officials continue to advise hunters not to consume venison from any deer that tests positive for CWD.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz says he accepts responsibility for not stopping fraud in Minnesota programs sooner. Walz says he should have done more and pushed state agencies harder as warning signs emerged. He says the fraud has tainted his record, but should not overshadow other accomplishments of his administration. Walz pointed to free school meals, the child tax credit and paid family and medical leave among policies he hopes will define his tenure. He says he didn't plan to run for public office again after leaving the governor's office.

UW-Madison is celebrating its highest standings in two decades after landing eighth among public universities in the latest U.S. News & World Report national rankings. The flagship campus climbed to 34th overall while securing top spots for specialty programs like real estate and risk management. The school also made gains in affordability, jumping 23 spots in the best value category and ranking fourth overall for in-state value. Interim Chancellor Eric Wilcots says it reflects the university's broad academic excellence and dedication to preparing future leaders across every discipline.