Local-Regional News Nov 12

The City of Mondovi will be holding a budget hearing next week. Mondovi Mayor Brady Weiss says the city has a balanced budget for next year.

Weiss

Weiss also said the budget includes a fully staffed police department.

As school districts around the state deal with increasing operating expenses, the state funding formula remains outdated. During a visit to Durand this week, WI Governor Tony Evers said he hoped to try to increase funding for special education to help school districts and property taxpayers.  The Governor is hopeful the incoming legislature and Governor will address the school funding issues.

The Dunn County Board has approved a new budget. The budget establishes a tax levy of approximately $25 million, while the tax rate is decreased 6 percent to $4.04 per $1000 of equalized value. According to County Manager Dan Dunbar, some services had to be reduced due to limits the state imposes on raising the tax levy. The budget includes $28 million in general fund spending, an 8 percent decrease. Public safety is the largest budget item at $11.2 million.

The Elk Mound Town board faces a lawsuit accusing it of violating the Wisconsin Open Meetings Law. Village resident John Fellenz filed the lawsuit in Dunn County Court, alleging the board violated the open meeting law on October 5. Fellenz alleges the board locked the doors to the village hall, used cardboard passes to determine admission to the meeting, and placed the sign-up sheet for public comment inside the locked building. Fellenz is asking for a reversal of the board’s decision to dissolve the Elk Mound Police Department and prevent the village and Dunn County from enforcing any contract for law enforcement services approved at the meeting.

A custodian with the Alma Center School District is accused of making terrorist threats to teachers in the school district. According to a criminal complaint, on November 5th, authorities were contacted to investigate a threat at the Alma Center High School. The superintendent reported that a custodian had found a threat written in marker on the paper towel dispenser in the boys restroom. Investigators say surveillance video showed Cortney Aldinger entering the restroom with an item consistent with a marker and noted similarities between her handwriting and the message. Aldinger denied writing the message and was released on a one-thousand-dollar signature bond, with an initial court appearance scheduled for December 7th.

The former manager of Eau Claire VFW Post 72-32 has been convicted of theft charges. Prosecutors say about 80-thousand dollars went missing from the VFW around the same time that Jennifer Simonson was making large deposits into her personal checking account. Simonson pleaded no contest and was sentenced to two years of probation.

In La Crosse County, the verdict is in for a man charged in the 2023 stabbing death of Timothy Salis. Bryant Smith had claimed self-defense in the case. He was found guilty Wednesday on charges of first-degree intentional homicide. He will be sentenced at a later date

The Children's Wisconsin hospital campus in Wauwatosa is returning to normal operations following a security scare yesterday. Authorities lifted a two-hour lockdown after police searched the main hospital and outpatient clinics, finding no suspicious items or credible threats. During the emergency, patients and families were instructed to shelter in place while officers cleared the facilities. Police confirm the bomb threat was a hoax, noting Children's Wisconsin is one of several pediatric hospitals nationwide targeted by similar false threats this week.

A long-empty prison in Appleton, Minnesota is now holding immigrants facing deportation. Detainees began arriving Monday, three months after ICE bought the facility from CoreCivic for nearly 500 million dollars. CoreCivic is operating the 16-hundred-bed detention center and says it has hired about 125 of the 500 employees needed at full capacity. Immigration attorneys warn the remote location could limit access to legal help, while CoreCivic says private legal visits are available daily in person and online. Opponents plan a vigil Saturday, raising concerns about detainee treatment as some residents welcome the jobs.

The U.S. Small Business Administration is encouraging northern Wisconsin businesses impacted by this summer's wildfires to apply for federal disaster loans. SBA spokesperson Monica Myles says many business owners are concerned about whether customers will return and whether they'll be able to stay open after the fires. Low-interest loans are available to businesses, most private nonprofits, and other eligible organizations in seven counties, including Burnett, Douglas, Polk, and St. Croix. The application deadline is July 22nd, 2027.

Wisconsin ranks among the nation's best for veteran employment. Wisconsin is now ranked among the top three states in the nation for helping veterans find and keep jobs. Governor Tony Evers says the state has remained in the top five for four straight years under a U.S. Department of Labor measure that tracks employment services for veterans. State workforce officials say more than 63% of veterans who used Wisconsin employment services found jobs during the most recent program year. Wisconsin is home to about 300,000 veterans.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court agrees to hear a case that could overturn ACT 10. Act 10 went into effect 15 years ago, the work of then Governor Scott Walker and Republican majorities in the Wisconsin Legislature. As a result, public sector employees with the exception of law enforcement and firefighters lost collective bargaining rights. A Dane County Judge declared the law unconstitutional two years ago but allowed it to remain in place. A state appeals court overturned that decision in July. Now the Supreme Court, which has a liberal majority, will hear the case first brought by unions representing teachers and other public sector employees three years ago. This comes as new Democratic majorities in the Legislature are talking about a repeal of ACT 10.

Voter turnout in Southern Minnesota surpassed that of the last governor's race. The secretary of state's office says the ten-county region that includes Rochester counted 22-thousand more ballots last week than in 2022. The party vote favored DFL Governor-elect Amy Klobuchar this year by nearly 23-hundred ballots. Outgoing Governor Tim Walz lost the region by more than seven-thousand votes in 2022.

Two headliners have been announced for the 2027 Northern Wisconsin State Fair. Hairball is set to perform July 7th, 2027, with opening act Rival Five. Meanwhile, Flo Rida is scheduled to perform July 10th, 2027, with opening act Dirty Prescott Kids. Tickets are available to purchase on the State Fair's official website. 

Local-Regional News Nov 11

 

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers visited the Durand Food Pantry yesterday. The Governor praised the volunteers for their work at the food pantry.  Evers hopes the new governor and legislature will continue to support programs that help food pantries operate.  Evers ends his term of as governor at the end of the year.

The City of Mondovi is considering adding a new display from the Mondovi Historical Society at Tourist Park. Mondovi Mayor Brady Weiss says a member of the public would like to donate a PTO-driven sawmill built in Mondovi in the 1950s.  The city hopes to find a suitable location for the historic piece of equipment at the park for the display next year.

One person is dead after a Tuesday night crash in Eau Claire County. The accident happened on Highway 53 near the Town of Clear Creek shortly before 9 p.m. The Eau Claire County Sheriff's Office says that two vehicles were involved in the accident and that one of the drivers died at the scene. The other driver was left with life-threatening injuries.

The Eau Claire County Sheriff’s Department is seeing an increase in thefts from rural properties. According to the department, there were 81 reported thefts from rural properties so far this year, an increase from 66 at this same time last year. Many of the thefts happen at night on farms and unoccupied properties, including copper wire and tools. The department is asking the public to report any suspicious activity to authorities.

Newly released airport surveillance video shows the moment federal immigration officers detained a Wisconsin State Patrol trooper in Madison. The footage from Dane County Regional Airport shows undercover ICE agents stopping several men to check their identification before locating 21-year-old Carel Aaron Van Der Merwe on November 5th. Agents arrested Van Der Merwe inside the terminal as he traveled to visit family, despite holding a valid work permit while awaiting a pending asylum decision. He was released from custody a day later following intervention from Wisconsin Congressman Derrick Van Orden. Authorities believe transportation security officials may have tipped off federal agents prior to the flight.

A Rice Lake man has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for distributing child pornography. 21-year-old Jenson Clements will also serve ten years of supervised release after prison. Prosecutors say Clements sent videos of sexual activity involving himself and a 15-year-old girl he met on Snapchat. Investigators later found he had sent the same videos to two 14-year-olds in an effort to entice them into sexual activity. A federal judge cited Clements' history of sexually predatory behavior against vulnerable girls when imposing the sentence.

Today is Veterans Day, and in Wisconsin there’s local help for those who’ve served to access benefits. Navigating veteran benefits can be complex. Located in each of Wisconsin’s 72 counties and 11 Tribal nations, Veterans Service Officers are dedicated professionals who assist veterans, service members, and their families in accessing the benefits they’ve earned. That includes healthcare, disability compensation, pensions, and education as well connecting vets to state benefits – such as Wisconsin’s Veterans Homes, property tax credits, and employment services. Find out more at dva.wi.gov.

Wisconsin Senate Democrats are officially naming Middleton Senator Dianne Hesselbein as their new majority leader following a party vote yesterday. Hesselbein will step into the top post when the new legislative session begins, making her the first Democratic majority leader in the state Senate since 2012. Her leadership follows last week's election victory, where Democrats flipped both legislative chambers to secure an 18-to-15 majority. Hesselbein, who previously served as minority leader, pledged to focus on government accountability and public service as Democrats take control.

The Clark County Health Department is announcing a confirmed case of measles in a Clark County resident through laboratory testing. According to a press release from the health department, this is the first confirmed case in the county. Public health officials are working with the individual and their healthcare provider to identify anyone who may have been exposed and provide guidance to help prevent further spread of the disease. There are several Wisconsin counties with confirmed cases of measles.

Health experts are encouraging people to get vaccinated before holiday gatherings and travel increase the spread of seasonal illnesses. UW Health's Dr. Jim Conway says flu and COVID cases are expected to rise during the fall and winter months, and while many people experience mild symptoms, both viruses can lead to serious complications. Conway says older adults face a higher risk of hospitalization and recommends staying current on flu and COVID vaccinations. He adds both shots can be given during the same appointment.

Governor-elect David Crowley says his first 100 days in office will be for Wisconsinites. Speaking on WISN's UPFRONT, Crowley said the people are setting the agenda and that means affordability for Wisconsinites, investing in schools and making sure everyone has good health care and child care. Crowley also says he'll be working with the Democrat controlled legislature to undo Republican authored measures like Wisconsin Act 10 which stifled public unions, and would sign new federal redistricting lines if they pass the legislature.

The Wisconsin DNR is opening enrollment for its Deer Management Program. Private landowners, land managers and hunters can receive access to DNR wildlife biologists, educational resources and a personalized online database to track management efforts. Properties of 40 acres or more may also qualify for site visits, written management recommendations and discounted antlerless deer tags. Participants provide valuable harvest and observation data that helps guide deer management decisions across Wisconsin. More info is available on the DNR website.

Senator Tammy Baldwin proposes lowering the Medicare eligibility age. The Madison Democrat has introduced the Medicare at 50 Act, which would allow more than 58 million Americans between ages 50 and 64 to buy into Medicare before reaching the traditional eligibility age of 65. In a statement Baldwin said Wisconsin families sent a message last Tuesday, that they are struggling to make ends meet and afford the skyrocketing cost of health care. So Baldwin says she's taking this head on.

Wisconsin's U.S. senators are joining forces to honor the Milwaukee Brewers on Capitol Hill. Democrat Tammy Baldwin and Republican Ron Johnson introduced a bipartisan resolution Monday congratulating the team, staff, and fan base on bringing Milwaukee its first World Series title, defeating the Tampa Bay Rays four games to one. The resolution highlights the Brewers' record-breaking 103-win regular season along with their dominant playoff run through the National League. Both lawmakers praised the franchise for bringing immense pride to the state after more than four decades of waiting.

Local-Regional News Nov 10

 

Two people were injured in a two vehicle accident in Pepin County on Saturday. According to the Pepin County Sheriffs Department, a vehicle driven by 43yr old Joseph Davidson of Durand was traveling on Hwy 25 when the vehicle left the roadway and struck a guardrail coming to rest in the northbound lane of Hwy 25. Davidson was standing by the vehicle when it was struck by a northbound vehicle driven by 42yr old Ryan Miller of Menomonie. Davidson was thrown into the air and a nearby ditch. Miller told police he couldn’t see the disabled vehicle due to it had no headlights on and the glare of headlights from southbound traffic reduced his visibility. Davidson was med flighted to Eau Claire, while passenger 43yr old Jessica Olson of Durand was transported to an Eau Claire Hospital. Miller was treated at the scene. After an investigation, Davidson was placed under arrest for Operating While Intoxicated-3rd Offense and Operating after Revocation.

Durand Police Chief Stan Ridgeway has announced his resignation from the Durand Police Department. In an email sent to WRDN, Ridgeway said he accepted a new position in the private sector outside of law enforcement, and the decision to leave law enforcement was not made lightly. His last day with the Police Department is November 20^th. The Durand City Council will discuss the next steps at the city council meeting on November 18.

Local backlash against the flock cameras installed in Pepin County. Yesterday Herb Schneider and Jay Bauer held a protest against the cameras near the one installed by the Hwy 10 Bridge. Schneider says they are not arguing the cameras are not good, but the government should not be surveilling the public.  Schneider and Bauer have an online survey about the cameras they are hoping the public will fill out.

Democratic control at the state Capitol could mean action on education funding. In an interview with WRDN, UW-La Crosse political scientist Anthony Chergosky says Democrats will control the Legislature’s most powerful committee and also have an ally in Governor David Crowley if they want to address school funding.  Ahead of the election, 62% of school districts received notice from the Department of Public Instruction that they would receive less aid for 2026-27 school year than in the prior year. Of 79 K-12 referendum questions on local ballots last week, 44 were approved and 35 failed.

Derrick Van Orden -- defeated last week in his bid for reelection to Congress -- has filed papers to run again. Van Orden -- who lost his 3rd Congressional District post to Democrat Rebecca Cooke -- had made no public comment about a planned 2028 race. Cooke will be sworn in along with the rest of the new Congress on January 3rd.

The construction of the roundabout at the Hwy 10-25 intersection west of Durand is nearing completion. According to the Pepin County Sheriff’s Department, traffic will shift to the new roundabout starting today, but the three-way stop will remain in effect while crews complete additional work. Because of the three-way stop and additional work motorists are reminded to expect traffic delays. The roundabout is expected to be fully completed by December 10.

An inmate was found dead at the Barron County Jail. A press release from the BCSO says the inmate was found dead in his cell on Sunday. Jail staff began CPR and contacted EMS, but he was pronounced dead on the scene. He was the only occupant of his cell. The cause of death remains under investigation.

Many drivers in Western Wisconsin this week are seeing lower prices at the pump. Triple-A reports the average price of regular fuel in Eau Claire is now three-67 per gallon -- 23-cents less than the price one week ago. In La Crosse, the average cost of a gallon of regular fuel is three-82 per gallon -- 22-cents less versus the price last week. The average cost of a gallon of regular fuel in the State of Wisconsin is three-87 per gallon.

A defendant charged in connection with a pair of Jackson County bank robberies has pleaded no contest. Prosecutors say Alexander Pongratz robbed a Black River Falls bank in November of 2018 and an Alma Center bank in January of 2019. Pongratz will be sentenced at a later date.

At the Capitol, state Senate Republicans have a new leader. Democrats won all four of their targeted state Senate races on Election Day and will have an 18-15 majority in the new legislative session. Republican Julian Bradley said that shows the need for new leadership in Wisconsin. The two-term senator from New Berlin won the election for Republican Minority leader last week, succeeding Devin LeMahieu who did not to run for re-election. Bradley said he’s “honored” by the selection. Senator Rachael Cabral-Guevara of Fox Crossing was elected Republican Caucus Chair, succeeding Van Wanggaard who also didn’t seek reelection.

Meanwhile, Democrats will control the governor’s office and both chambers of the Wisconsin Legislature for the first time since 2010. Newly elected state Representative John Kroll cautions that shouldn't be taken as a license to push one agenda. Kroll tells WSAU radio that "people voted for change," but the only way for Democrats to deliver is "to listen to everybody, and not just our base.” Kroll is a former Marathon County Board supervisor who defeated five term incumbent Pat Snyder with 54 percent of the vote. He’ll represent the Wausau area 85th Assembly District when the new legislative session opens in January. Democrats will have a 53-46 Assembly majority, and an 18-15 majority in the state Senate.

Measles spreads further in Wisconsin. Shawano-Menominee Counties health officials say the infected person made a trip to the E R at Marshfield Clinic Weston last week Thursday, and is still trying to track down everyone who came in contact with that person. The state recorded its first measles death last week as well, when an infant died in southwest Wisconsin. D H S reports 477 people have contracted the illness this year.

Viroqua's mayor says the spouse of a city council member trespassed in her home. 58-year-old Evan Blattner was arrested last month for trespassing at the home of Mayor Krista Browne. Browne says she hired Blattner to do some painting work in her house this spring but he never finished the job. Blattner allegedly entered Browne's house in late October after disagreements between the mayor and the council. Browne says she will not let threatening behavior change the way she leads the city.

Minnesota's aging railroads are getting a 28-point-six-million-dollar overhaul. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith detailed the federal grants Friday as part of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy's "Golden Age of Rail" push. The money will buy 200 bigger grain cars for farmers, replace worn tracks in the Twin Cities, and repair 25 miles of railroad near Saint Cloud that carry hazardous materials. Construction dates have yet to be announced.

Local-Regional News Nov 9

 

With the new budget, the Durand-Arkansaws School District receives just over $11,000 in funding per student, which is one of the lowest in the area. Durand-Arkansaws Superintendent Ryan Nelson says it is frustrating.  Nelson is hopeful for positive changes to the state funding with the new budget in 2027.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is asking for the public’s input on the reconstruction of the Rush River Bridge on Hwy 29 between River Falls and Spring Valley. The project would replace the bridge in 2030. The DOT is accepting public comments through December 4^th.

Eau Claire city council members are proposing several changes to the city's downtown paid parking program. The proposal comes less than four months after paid parking began and drew criticism from community members and business owners. One proposed change would eliminate the 50-cent-per-hour on-street zone fee. Other changes include shifting paid on-street parking hours to 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and providing one free hour in city-owned parking ramps on Saturdays. Council members will introduce the proposal at the November 10th city council meeting.

A school employee is in custody in Jackson County after allegedly making terroristic threats at Alma Center-Lincoln High School. Sheriff's deputies arrested the worker Friday following a brief investigation into a handwritten message found in a school bathroom. School officials contacted law enforcement Thursday evening after discovering the note, which threatened violence against teachers on a specific date. Authorities identified the employee after reviewing security camera footage and conducting interviews on campus.

In Vernon County, members of the Stoddard-Bergen Fire Department came to the rescue of three duck hunters on Saturday. The trio was on the Mississippi River when their boat flipped, throwing them into the water. The men -- ages 18, 42 and 60 -- were found wearing flotation devices. No injuries were reported.

Low vaccination rates are driving Wisconsin’s measles outbreak. It’s the state’s largest outbreak in more than 35 years. And, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, transmission has been concentrated in close-knit southwestern Wisconsin communities and social networks where vaccination coverage is low, primarily within some Amish and Mennonite communities. Reported case counts likely understate how far measles has spread, because not everyone who gets sick seeks care or is tested. Nearly all cases have occurred in people who were unvaccinated. As of Friday, the DHS website showed 477 reported cases, of which 474 were in unvaccinated individuals. There have been nine hospitalizations, and last week’s reported death of an infant was the state’s first measles death since 1990.

A court ruling is protecting millions in Wisconsin public safety funds. Attorney General Josh Kaul says a multistate coalition won a lawsuit blocking the Trump administration from tying federal law enforcement grants to immigration enforcement requirements. The ruling preserves more than six million dollars that Wisconsin risked losing, including funding for local law enforcement, violence prevention programs, and juvenile justice initiatives. Kaul says the decision ensures states can access congressionally approved public safety grants without what he calls unlawful conditions.

A Wisconsin State Patrol trooper has been released from ICE custody after being detained at an airport. Carel Aaron Van Der Merwe was detained Thursday while waiting to board a flight at Dane County Regional Airport. The South African national has been waiting seven years for an asylum hearing and holds a valid work permit through 2030. The Department of Homeland Security says Van Der Merwe overstayed his visa in 2019, while his attorneys argue he has federal work authorization. Van Der Merwe was released Friday under electronic monitoring and regular immigration check-ins while his case remains pending.

We Energies customers are facing higher electricity bills after state regulators approved a rate increase. The Public Service Commission approved smaller increases starting in 2027, though exact amounts remain undetermined. The utility originally proposed raising monthly bills by 14-to-15-dollars in 2027 and another eight-to-nine-dollars in 2028. We Energies says the revenue will fund renewable energy projects, infrastructure improvements, and higher operating costs. The commission is expected to finalize the rates in the coming weeks.

Wisconsin Democrats are promising swift action after sweeping both houses of the state legislature for the first time in 16 years. Assembly Minority Leader Greta Neubauer told the Journal Sentinel lawmakers plan to move quickly to lower costs for working families and restore reproductive rights. Early legislative priorities include providing free school meals, capping prescription drug costs, and expanding property tax credits for renters and homeowners. Leaders also aim to address labor laws, public education funding, and gun safety measures in the upcoming session.

Former Governor Tommy Thompson says Wisconsin is back to being a blue state. Thompson made that declaration Wednesday on Wisconsin Public Radio's Wisconsin Today program following Republican election losses. "Wisconsin is a blue state, and it was before I got elected governor, and it's gone back to that." Thompson says victories scored by U.S. Senator Ron Johnson and President Donald Trump were narrow. Democrats have won nearly every state wide race since 2016, including wins for governor, attorney general, and four state supreme court seats. Democrats will have total control of governor’s office and legislature when the next session starts in January.

Minnesota Governor-elect Amy Klobuchar is signaling she'll appoint her own replacement in the U.S. Senate. CBS Minnesota reports state law gives the governor the power to fill the seat temporarily. Whether Klobuchar or outgoing Governor Tim Walz makes the appointment depends on when she resigns from the Senate. Klobuchar takes office in January and has yet to publicly name any candidates. Voters will choose who serves the rest of her Senate term in a special election in November of next year.

A catch of a lifetime breaks a long standing state record. W J F W reports Austin Schiefer of Menasha was fishing on the bay of Green Bay last month when he reeled in a massive smallmouth bass. He quickly contacted the Department of Natural Resources to get it officially recorded. The smallie weighed 9 pounds 11 ounces, 10 ounces more than the previous record set in 1950. The grandson of the previous record holder even reached out to Schiefer to congratulate him on the catch. He's planning to get replica mounts of the fish made for Fox Valley tackle shops to display.

Local-Regional News Nov 6

 

The construction of the roundabout at the Hwy 10-25 intersection west of Durand is nearing completion. According to the Pepin County Sheriff’s Department, starting next Tuesday, traffic will be shifted to the new roundabout, but the three-way stop will remain in effect while crews complete additional work. Because of the three-way stop and additional work motorists are reminded to expect traffic delays. The roundabout is expected to be fully completed by December 10.

The Dunn County No-Till Drill rental program is coming to an end. According to the Dunn County Land and Water Conservation Division, the program is ending due to rising maintenance costs and the reduction of a staff member. Dunn County will retain the no-till drill for use on the Red Cedar Demonstration Farm. The rental program will end at the end of the year.

The City of Durand will hold a public open house on December 9^th so the public can review the new comprehensive plan. City leaders and members of the consulting firm SEH will be on hand to discuss the plan and answer any questions. That open house will begin at 4pm on December 9^th at Durand City Hall.

Charges are being filed against three teens in connection with an attack last weekend on the owner of an Eau Claire restaurant. Prosecutors say the suspects -- one age 19 and the other two age 17 -- attacked the owner of El Patio restaurant after they were thrown out of the establishment on Halloween night. The suspects are each charged with substantial battery as party to a crime.

Probation for a man convicted on drug trafficking charges in Eau Claire County. Antonio Cantu pleaded no contest Thursday to charges including maintaining a drug trafficking place and possession with intent to deliver LSD. He has been sentenced to three years of probation.

Broadband expansion in Wisconsin is getting a $58 million boost. The Wisconsin Public Service Commission has awarded funding for 46 broadband projects that will bring new or improved service to more than 18,000 locations statewide. Here in Western Wisconsin, Pierce-Pepin Cooperative Services received a $2.1 million grant, Mosaic Technologies $1.3 million and 24-7 and West Wisconsin Telcom received a $110,000 grant. The grants will benefit communities that still lack reliable internet access and are intended to complement federal broadband expansion efforts. According to the Tony Evers administration, projects supported through state programs have helped connect more than 428,000 homes and businesses since the governor took office in 2019.

A Rice Lake man is awaiting sentencing after being convicted in a case where he allegedly tried to hire someone to kill the mother of his child. Tyler Crotteau was locked up in the Barron County Jail when he reportedly tried to hire a killer. He has now pleaded guilty to a charge of solicitation of first-degree intentional homicide. Sentencing is scheduled for January 19th.

Republican Congressman Brad Finstad is planning to request a recount in Minnesota's 1st Congressional District. Democrat Jake Johnson leads Finstad by 323 votes in the unofficial count. That margin is small enough to qualify for a publicly-funded recount under state law. Johnson declared victory Wednesday, and Finstad's campaign confirmed its recount plans Thursday. The State Canvassing Board is scheduled to certify the results November 19th, after which Finstad can formally request the recount.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is revising cost-share requirements for the Dairy Business Innovation (DBI) Initiatives program following engagement with the four DBI centers and dairy industry stakeholders, according to the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association. Under revisions to the 2026 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), the four DBI centers will no longer be required to provide cost share as part of their applications or for activities related to managing their programs, enabling them to continue operations as they have in the past. Subawards to dairy businesses, including both farmers and processors, will be subject to a new cost-share requirement, though USDA is allowing each DBI center the flexibility to establish the cost share within a range of 10% to 25% of the federal funds requested. The changes follow discussions this fall between USDA, the Office of Management and Budget, the four DBI centers, and industry representatives regarding a proposed 25% cost-share requirement. The initial proposal would have, for the first time ever, applied a mandatory cost share to DBI funding more broadly, a change which would have jeopardized operation of the program.

Today marks the opening of the new Mississippi River Bridge connecting Crawford County, Wisconsin with Lansing Iowa. The new span replaces the old Black Hawk Bridge that was brought down in December of last year. The new bridge is opening well ahead of its original spring 2027 target.

Columbia County health officials are confirming at least three cases of measles linked to an outbreak in neighboring counties. Public health leaders say all known cases so far involve unvaccinated individuals who attended private gatherings. Investigators are directly contacting anyone who may have been exposed, noting there are currently no public exposure locations. Officials advise residents to verify their vaccination status and call ahead to a clinic if measles symptoms develop.

A months-long measles outbreak in Wisconsin has now taken a life. The state Department of Health Services says the virus killed an infant in Southwest Wisconsin--the first death of its kind in the state since 1990. The coroner lists measles as the immediate cause of death. D-H-S says it won't release additional information to protect the family's privacy. As of Tuesday, there were 431 measles cases in 13 counties, with eight people hospitalized.

Governor-elect David Crowley spoke for the first time about the election results and his agenda. On Wednesday, he said his focus upon taking office will be lowering the cost of living. The Democrat also said he is already planning on speaking with legislators about the agenda in the coming days as he establishes his transition team. Crowley will officially take office after he's sworn in on January 4th, 2027.

Wisconsin is turning global interest in dairy into new export opportunities. During this year's World Dairy Expo in Madison, the state hosted more than 130 agricultural delegates from 21 countries. The visitors toured farms, research facilities, genetics operations, and feed businesses across Wisconsin while meeting directly with producers and suppliers. State agriculture officials say the goal is to strengthen trade relationships and create future export opportunities. Wisconsin exported nearly four billion dollars in agricultural, forestry, and food products in 2025.

3M is putting legal claims over a "forever chemical" to bed. The St. Paul-based chemical maker will settle a slew of lawsuits for more than 7.3-billion-dollars. More than 120-thousand people will receive payments after claiming they were sickened by exposure to PFAS chemicals that leeched into the groundwater. The substance was often found in firefighting foam used at military bases, airports and other locations.

Minnesota Governor-elect Amy Klobuchar is promising to audit the state government on her first day in office. The Star Tribune reports former appeals court Judge Cindy Jesson will lead her transition team. Klobuchar's audit would examine state agencies for fraud, waste, and abuse. Her plan also calls for stronger oversight of state payments and protections for whistleblowers who report suspected fraud. She takes over January 4th from Governor Tim Walz, who ended his reelection bid amid the state's fraud scandal.

A bald eagle found in Milwaukee is in critical care. The Wisconsin Humane Society reports the eagle was found hopping around a residential area last week. It was recovered and taken to a veterinary clinic where it was diagnosed with a critical case of lead poisoning. Humane Society staff say the cause is likely ingested fishing tackle or lead shot. A team from the UW School of Veterinary Medicine is now caring for the eagle.

Local-Regional News Nov 5

 

In Buffalo County, a man accused of causing the death of a service animal is pleading not guilty to charges. Twenty-one-year-old Quintin Ehlo is accused of killing his girlfriend's dog. Ehlo initially said the dog had died of heat stroke but an autopsy revealed injuries that prosecutors say disproved that story.

A recount is expected in the Minnesota District One congressional race. Democrat Jake Johnson has declared victory, but holds just a 323-vote advantage over GOP incumbent Brad Finstad. If the result holds, it'll be the first time the First District has been blue since 2018. Preliminary results showed a 10% increase to the DFL in Wabasha County, 12% increase in Winona County and a 9% increase in to the DFL in Goodhue County.

The Wabasha Athletic Complex has installed new lighting for the pickleball courts. The lighting was installed after a donation from WNB Financial and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines. The lights were recycled from the old athletic field  but given an upgrade with new paint and new electrical wiring.

The Whitehall School District will be looking at reductions as it cuts between $1.3-$1.5 million from the budget after an operating referendum was rejected on Tuesday. The district says local tax dollars will offset state equalization aid losses, and the reductions will create significant operational challenges. The district is expected to begin planning the budget reductions immediately for the upcoming school year.

Authorities in Jackson County are looking into a threat made on social media targeting the Melrose-Mindoro School District. The message was discovered on Wednesday. Investigators are reportedly speaking with the family of the juvenile responsible for the post.

Charges are being filed against a Tomah man accused of trying to kill a woman. Officers responded Monday afternoon to a home in Warrens where a woman had reportedly said her life was being threatened. Thirty-two-year-old Matthew Rasmussen faces charges including attempted 1st degree intentional homicide.

Voters in the City of Hudson on Tuesday approved a referendum to hire 9 additional full time firefighters. The $1.29 million property tax increase will allow the department to hire the full-time firefighters, and response times are expected to be 8 minutes faster.

Wisconsin election officials are praising poll workers after a smooth run on Election Day across the state. The Wisconsin Elections Commission reports that all 36-hundred polling locations opened on time Tuesday morning with minimal disruption. Chief election official Meagan Wolfe called the state's operations exceptionally well run as local clerks begin working to certify the final results.

State Superintendent Jill Underly says Tuesday's election results show K-12 funding needs fixing. Underly says the number of referendums on the ballot indicates that too many school districts are forced to ask taxpayers for more money just to maintain basic operations. She says voters clearly support investing in public education, but argues schools shouldn't have to rely on recurring referendums to keep the lights on, pay teachers, and provide quality education. Underly is calling on state leaders to pursue meaningful reforms to how Wisconsin schools are funded. Voters weighed in on nearly 80 school referendums statewide.

Wisconsin voters approved two of three referendums to amend the state Constitution. Question One was approved. Governor Tony Evers used the sweeping veto authority to cross out digits in the Republican authored state budget to fund schools through the year 2425. Future governors will be unable to use the veto to create or increase any tax or fee. Question Two was rejected. It would have restricted public health agencies from prohibiting gatherings – including religious gatherings – during emergencies. It was drafted in response to lockdowns during the COVID pandemic. Question Three was approved. It will prohibit giving preferential treatment or discriminating based on race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin when offering government jobs or contracts, as well as in public education.

Another month of above-normal temperatures is in store for Wisconsin and Minnesota. The National Weather Service's long-term forecast for November calls for warmer-than-normal and wetter-than-normal conditions. Both states have already received double to triple what the state usually gets in rain for the month.

Milwaukee Public Schools was the victim of bank impersonation fraud, resulting in an initial loss of around 450-thousand dollars. The district became aware of the fraud Monday. U.S. Bank has recovered 255-thousand dollars, and the district is working with the bank to recover the remaining 195-thousand dollars. Superintendent Brenda Cassellius says the district is conducting an internal investigation and implementing short and long-term controls.

UW-Madison warns of "druggings" off campus. The University put out an alert on Tuesday that eight people were drugged at an unnamed fraternity on Langdon Street last week. Most of the campus's registered fraternities have buildings and dorms on Langdon. The incidents had been reported to campus administrators but not police. Spokesperson Gillian Drummond told media outlets the university is handling an investigation at this time.

A third term for Wisconsin’s Attorney General. Voters reelected Democratic AG Josh Kaul, defeating Fond du Lac County District Attorney Eric Toney for a second time. Toney conceded at around 10:15 p.m. Tuesday with the Associated Press declaring Kaul the winner about a half hour later. Kaul defeated Toney by about 1.2 percentage points in 2022. Kaul was first sworn in as attorney general in January 2019 after defeating incumbent Republican Brad Schimel.

A person is under arrest after firing a gun from a rideshare in a Green Bay suburb. The incident started Monday afternoon when a person leaving a rideshare in Hobart fired a weapon into the air. That person was spotted early Tuesday morning in the village of Howard and taken into custody around 9 am. Police did put a lockdown on some nearby schools. The suspect has not been named, but officers say they were a felon with an active warrant from the Department of Corrections. Charges could be filed later on Tuesday.

For the second time in four years, the DFL Party won Minnesota's "trifecta." The DFLers took the governor's race, the state House and Senate on Tuesday, putting them in position to pass sweeping legislation that could have otherwise died in committee. It's just the third trifecta in state history.

Local-Regional News Nov 4

 

Western Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District is in Democratic hands, as Derrick Van Orden conceded the race to Rebecca Cooke. The third time was the charm for Cooke, who lost to Van Orden two years and lost a Democratic primary prior to that.

Democrats gain majorities in the Wisconsin Legislature, setting up a trifecta. Democrats will control both chambers for the first time in more than a decade. Election results show Democrats flipped the State Assembly by winning eight targeted Republican-held seats, giving them a 53-seat majority. One of those seats was the seat held by Clint Moses of Menomonie, where Democrat Jeremiah Fredrickson defeated Moses. Democrats also won two key State Senate races and held onto a western Wisconsin district to take the majority in that chamber. The victories combined with the election of Democrat Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley as Governor, give Democrats a governing trifecta in Madison for the next legislative session.

Some Northwestern Wisconsin School Districts will have some decisions to make after last nights elections. Operational Referendums in Glenwood City, Ladysmith, Somerset, Black River Falls and Barron all failed. Meanwhile voters in Bloomer rejected a referendum to build a new high school and complete maintenance at the elementary and middle schools.

Amy Klobuchar is becoming the first woman elected governor of Minnesota. Multiple sources are calling the race for the Democratic U.S. senator over Republican House Speaker Lisa Demuth. Klobuchar campaigned on lowering costs, fighting fraud in state programs and restoring public trust. In her victory speech, she pledged to audit the state government and to use technology to detect and prevent fraud. She will succeed Governor Tim Walz, extending the DFL's hold on the office to five consecutive terms.

Democrat Matt Little is set to replace Angie Craig in Minnesota's 2nd Congressional District. Multiple sources are projecting that the former Lakeville mayor and state senator has defeated Republican Eric Pratt. Craig gave up the seat to run for the U.S. Senate, but lost in the Democratic primary. Little campaigned on Medicare for All and opposition to President Trump's policies. His victory keeps the competitive district covering the south metro and parts of southern Minnesota in Democratic hands.

 Firefighters quickly brought an overnight blaze under control behind the Bub’s Brewing Company building Tuesday morning. According to the Winona Fire Department, crews were dispatched around 1 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, to reports of a fire at the back of the building on East 4th Street in Winona. Upon arrival, firefighters found a fire burning near the rear entryway. Off-duty personnel were called in to assist, but the on-duty crew managed to bring the flames under control within minutes. The cause of that fire remains under investigation.

A man who prosecutors say took a firearm onto the grounds of an Eau Claire elementary school is pleading no contest to charges. Reports say that 34-year-old Andrey Sichuga went to Putnam Heights Elementary in April of last year, rang the bell and stood outside for five minutes before leaving. Police stopped Sichuga as he pulled away and found a gun inside his pickup truck. Sichuga -- who had been passed over for a job at the school -- has pleaded no contest to a weapons charge and been sentenced to two years of probation.

Students in the Plainview-Elgin-Millville Schools were able to finish their day with no disruptions after a temporary lockdown. District officials say buildings were placed in "secure status" Tuesday morning because of an alleged threat outside the elementary and high school buildings. Classes continued as scheduled, but visitors were not allowed on the campuses. Plainview police found there was no credible threat.

La Crosse Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Aaron Engel is being recognized. Engel has been named the 2027 Wisconsin Superintendent of the Year by the Wisconsin Association of School District Administrators. The group says that Engel demonstrates exceptional leadership and a commitment to students while having a positive impact on the La Crosse community.

Prison for a man convicted of sex crimes in Barron County. Investigators say that Devon Bernstein sexually assaulted a five-year-old child. He was arrested in the case last year and has pleaded guilty to a charge of child sexual assault. Bernstein was sentenced yesterday to a term of 35 years in prison.

Wisconsin drivers are being reminded to move over or slow down for roadside emergencies. Governor Tony Evers has proclaimed this week Crash Responder Safety Week. WisDOT says 72 emergency responders have been struck by vehicles while working roadside in Wisconsin over the past five years. Officials say slowing down and giving crews extra space can save lives and help prevent dangerous secondary crashes. Drivers are also reminded it's the law to move over or slow down for emergency vehicles and disabled vehicles along the road.

More than 70 school districts have funding referendums on yesterdays ballot. Districts across Wisconsin have been dealing with frozen tax funding for over a decade and limited help from the state legislature. Voluntary referendums are the primary method of raising those tax bases for limited times.

A teen acquitted of killing a youth counselor will still serve prison time. 18-year-old Javarius Hurd was convicted in Lincoln County Court last week of battery by prisoner in connection with an assault and death at Lincoln Hills Correctional in 2024. A jury found him responsible for throwing soap in a counselor's face, but found him not guilty of reckless homicide in the death of counselor Corey Proulx. Judge Galen Bayne-Allison on Friday sentenced Hurd to three years in jail and three on supervision. With time he's already served in the case, he could be on supervision in a year.

The 2026 We Energies Cookie Book is officially available for Wisconsinites across the state. This year's edition marks the 98th anniversary of the holiday tradition, featuring 38 recipes submitted by Wisconsin home bakers. The book includes baking tips and advice alongside featured recipes like Mimi's Sugar Cookies and Crispy Oatmeal Cherry Cookies. Residents can download a digital copy on the We Energies website or grab a physical copy at signature pickup events on Saturday.

The outcry over Flock cameras in Minnesota is leading some police departments to hide their locations. Transparency advocates say police are using a loophole in state law to make the license plate readers private, citing the potential for damage by camera opponents. More than five-dozen camera sites are being withheld.

Holiday ornaments are being sought for the Executive Residence. The annual holiday Tribute to Our Troops Tree honors Wisconsin service members past and present. Governor Tony Evers and First Lady Kathy Evers say families can submit personalized ornaments recognizing veterans, active-duty military, fallen service members, and those deployed during the holidays. The Tribute to Our Troops Tree has been a Wisconsin tradition since 2005 and will be featured during holiday celebrations at the Governor’s Residence.