Local-Regional News March 31

The Buffalo County Health Department announced the notification of that county's first confirmed case of Covid-19 yesterday. According to April Loeffler, Buffalo County Health Supervisor, the individual is in their 50's who had known contact with another confirmed case. The individual is isolating at home and will continue to do so under state guidelines. The health department has spoken to the individual and is identifying contacts that the individual may have had and will follow up with anyone who may have been exposed to provide appropriate guidance.

The blood supply in Wisconsin is critically low because of all of the covid-19 outbreak. Angela Jacobson, Director of Nursing at Advent Helath in Durand says blood is needed and you can still give blood at the main collection site in Eau Claire.  Call 800-448-35-43 to make an appointment.

If your a past member of the healthcare or behavioral healthcare industries and would like to volunteer to help local health officials or hospitals during the covid-19 outbreak, the state of Wisconsin has a way for your to help. Pepin County Health Officer Heidi Stewart says the Wisconsin Emergency Assistance Volunteer Registry is the easiest way to let officials know you want to volunteer.  You can find the registry at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services Website.

Pierce County Public Health Urges Caution in Ellsworth Area. The Health Department believes that Ellsworth is currently at higher risk for COVID-19 due to the high number of cases identified in the area. The Health Department is urging residents to take the orders seriously and stay home. Please, cancel family get-togethers and do not stop by each other’s homes. As of last night, Pierce County had 4 active positive cases, 7 probable cases and 3 recovered cases of Covid-19.

The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for the Chippewa River in Pepin County. Over the weekend 1-2 inches of rain fell over the river basin which is causing the rise in the river. The Weather Services says the river will crest over 14 in Durand by Wednesday. River Road and the river walk in Durand are now closed due to the flooding. That flood warning is in effect until Saturday morning.

The Pepin County Sheriffs Department is receiving calls that some Pepin County residents are receiving phone calls from Xcel Energy. The caller told the resident they are behind on their bill and needed to pay immediately or service would be disconnected. THIS IS SCAM! Please never give out your personnel information or banking information. If you are in doubt hang up. A reminder that per Governor Tony Evers, utilities are not allowed to disconnect residential customers for failure to pay their bills. You are encouraged to contact your gas or electric provider to work out a payment arrangement.

The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is refunding its students as a result of COVID-19. UWL Vice Chancellor Bob Hetzel tells Wisconsin Public Radio that it will refund more than five-million-dollars worth of housing, dining, and parking fees. Hetzel says about 90 students are still on campus after the university moved classes online to limit the spread of the coronavirus. He says if those students choose to leave campus, they will also be refunded.

Wisconsin’s dairy farmers were already struggling and the coronavirus pandemic has just made things worse.  Many of those farmers depend on selling their milk to restaurants, schools and the hospitality industry.  About one-third of the state’s dairy products are sold in the foodservice trade – mostly cheese.  Some dairy producers say the pandemic has caused milk prices to fall below their costs at a time when they need the money for the upcoming planting season.  They say if processing plants close or cut production, they could find themselves forced to dump their milk.

 Minnesota farmers hoping to get into the fields soon for chemical application should be cautious. That from University of Minnesota Extension crops educator Dave Nicolai.  He says the hope is we have a dry spring so fieldwork can begin as planned in April. Nicolai says we went into the fall very wet and excessive rains could really slow things down, adding that the first thing that needs to happen is for the ground to become frost-free.

 Parents and kids at home due to COVID-19 should watch out for bears. Residents in an Altoona neighborhood are putting teddy bears in their windows so families can spot them on somewhat of a scavenger hunt. Altoona resident Brenda Brown says families began putting teddy bears and other things up in their front windows recently, and the community has responded by following suit. Brown said there were nearly 20-teddy bears in the windows after the first day and more were added over the weekend.

he weather will eventually turn, and people across Wisconsin are going to want to get outside. One Wisconsin lawmaker says there is no reason not to let people out onto the golf course. State Rep. Jon Plumer wrote a letter Friday to Governor Evers asking that the governor re-open Wisconsin's golf courses. The governor's Safe At Home order lists golf courses as non-essential. Plumer says he understands the need for social distancing, but he says there is plenty of distance on an 18-hole golf course.

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A new analysis predicts Wisconsin could make it through the coronavirus pandemic without a shortage in hospital beds. That's if social distancing mandates ordered by Governor Tony Evers are maintained. The University of Washington's Institute for Health Metrics & Evaluation projection for every state showed as of Sunday that Wisconsin's peak resource use will come in 53 days, on May 22. On Monday, the data changed, indicating the state would peak in 26 days, on April 26. That indicates social distancing measures could work as intended to flatten the curve, if they stay in place and people continue to stay at home.

Families are stuck indoors because of the COVID-19 outbreak, but there's still some good chances to eat well. Professor Beth Olsen from UW-Madison says even if you are looking to eat healthy, now is not the time to radically change your diet. The outbreak is stressful enough!  She says one of the best things you can do is to Google what ingredients you do have on hand and learn how to make a new meal.

Wisconsin’s presidential primary is still on the calendar for next Tuesday.  State elections officials have approved some coronavirus-inspired safety measures – including social distancing enforcement and curbside, drive-thru and outdoor voting options.  Governor Evers wants lawmakers to order that absentee ballots be sent to every registered voter in the state.  Republicans aren’t buying-in to the idea, especially if it wouldn’t require people casting ballots to upload a picture I-D.

Green Bay’s mayor says the city will continue preparations for in-person voting on April 7th.  Mayor Eric Genrich says he is disappointed the city’s lawsuit trying to stop in-person voting was dismissed by U-S District Judge William C. Griesbach.  Genrich says he will monitor a similar federal effort in the western district.  Wisconsin’s governor has asked lawmakers to take action so absentee ballots can be mailed to every registered voter.  Republican leaders have already called that request impossible.  Green Bay had asked the election be moved to June 2nd.

The Madison Metropolitan School District is working with United Parcel Service to make sure students have the devices they need for online instruction.  District officials say they have worked over the last couple of weeks to come up with a safe plan to get computers to students so they can learn at home.  U-P-S is helping by giving the district reduced pricing for boxes, packing materials, insurance and verified delivery.  The devices start going out Wednesday so all students will have what they need by the end of next week.

The National Weather Service confirms damaging tornadoes in southwestern Wisconsin and northeastern Iowa Saturday. Early reports indicate the tornado was an E-F-1 with maximum sustained winds of 100 miles-an-hour. It was on the ground for almost seven miles in Grant County. Local officials say the storm track was about a mile north of Potosi and damage was done to a house, several farms and trees, with small hail left covering the ground after it passed.

Authorities in Stearns County are searching for thieves who really wanted some toilet paper.  The sheriff’s office says a deputy was called to Quarry Park last week about some damage done to the property.  When he arrived, he found an entire toilet paper dispenser had been ripped off the wall.  Only the rivets were left behind.  County officials say we’ve all experienced a bathroom emergency, “but this seems a little much.”

Local-Regional News March 30

Local rivers are on the rise.. The National Weather service says the Chippewa River in Durand should rise to 13.9 feet by Wednesday which is the minor flood stage. The boat landing and River Road in Downtown Durand are already starting  to flood. Meanwhile in Wasbasha, the weather service says the Mississippi River will reach flood stage by Tuesday.

One person is dead after a fire in the Town of Hale on Friday. According to the Trempealeau County Sheriffs Department, 86yr old Richard Morchinek had started a brush fire, when his clothes started on fire. The fire spread to a barn starting the barn on fire as well. The Morchinek was flown to Regions Hsopital whe he died of his injuries.

Former Whitehall resident and country music star Joe Diffie has passed away after testing positive for Covid-19. Diffie's publicist said the singer passed away Sunday in Nashville due to complications from covid-19. Diffie had a string of hits in the 1990's including Home and Pickup Man. He lived in Whitehall when he was a child from 6th-11^th grade.

The Mondovi School District is taking advantage of the closure of schools in Wisconsin to get ahead on the construction project. District Superintendent Greg Corning says the district worked with Hoffman Construction to change up the schedule..

As authorities deal with the Covid-19 outbreak, area health officers are working together. Pepin County Health Officer Heidi Stewart says health officers and emergency management officials from around the area hold conference calls to talk about more than just the number of cases.  The conference calls are held everyday.

Doctors in Eau Claire say flu cases have decreased significantly since the COVID-19 outbreak.  H-S-H-S Sacred Heart Hospital critical care director Travis Christman  says social distancing is not only preventing the spread of coronavirus, it is also impacting flu numbers.  Flu shots are still available, but social distancing and monitoring symptoms are combining to help slow the spread of both illnesses.

The Wisconsin Fire Marshal has wrapped up the investigation of last weekend’s fatal fire in Dunn County without determining an official cause.  Fifty-three-year-old Vue Lohr died of smoke inhalation in the house fire in Spring Brook.  A woman and four children suffered thermal injuries and lacerations and they are being treated at different hospitals.

 A Rochester man is facing assault with a dangerous weapon charges for trying to shoot a former neighbor.  Police say the 50-year-old woman saw 59-year-old Omar Alasow in an apartment parking lot when he pulled out a gun, pointed it at her and pulled the trigger.  Officers say the gun jammed and she ran away.  The woman said Alasow continued to chase her and she heard the gun clicking as he kept trying to fire.  Police later spotted him in his car and found a loaded gun in the front seat.  The alleged victim said she had no idea why Alasow tried to shoot her.

Olmsted County authorities are identifying the man electrocuted Thursday at a business in Byron.  Deputies say 37-year-old Anthony Steel of Rochester was on an elevated boom at Duke Aerial Equipment when the boom made contact with an overhead power line.  Steel died at the scene.  He was employed as a mechanic at the business and was apparently testing the boom at the time of the accident.

Members of Wisconsin's congressional delegation helped the U-S House pass the two-trillion-dollar Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act.  Republican Representative Mike Gallagher said the bill is not perfect, but "surges badly needed resources to the hospital systems, health care workers, and first responders on the frontlines of this fight." Democratic Congressman Ron Kind said "we took another important step toward getting businesses, working families, and health care providers the support they need during these tough times."  Most adults in Wisconsin will receive direct payments of 12-hundred dollars and a 500 dollars per child.  President Trump signed the stimulus package shortly after it was approved in the House.

 A Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources warden is being praised for using his old-school, backwoods skills to find a missing boy.  The incident happened last November.  The boy ran from his middle school and vanished into a nearby marsh, resulting in a massive search effort.  Warden Austin Schumacher managed to pick up the boy’s trail while the rest of the searchers headed off in the wrong direction.  Schumacher carried the child piggyback for a mile, getting him to safety as darkness was falling and a threatening snowstorm finally hit.

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 Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers issued an order temporarily suspending evictions and foreclosures due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  It prohibits landlords from evicting tenants for any reason unless it would result in an imminent threat of serious physical harm to another person, and mortgagees from commencing civil action to foreclose on real estate for 60 days.  The order does not relieve a person's obligation to pay their rent or mortgages.  Evers said, "during this time individuals, families, and small businesses may see disruptions in paychecks due to losing hours, tips, business, or employment.  This is another step we can take to prioritize the health and safety of Wisconsinites during this public health emergency,"

Republicans are rejecting Governor Tony Evers' call to send an absentee ballot to every voter in Wisconsin.  The Democratic governor said Friday that he wanted to make sure everyone had a chance to vote in the April 7th election amid the coronavirus pandemic.  It would require action by the Wisconsin Legislature.  Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald says Evers knows it's not logistically feasible to print, verify and mail millions of ballots within ten days.  He said, "the clerks of this state should know this is a complete fantasy." Fitzgerald says all registered voters can easily request an absentee ballot from their clerk or online.

The president’s reelection campaign is threatening to sue television stations in five states – including Wisconsin – if they don’t pull an anti-Trump ad.  The campaign says the political advertisement using clips of the president talking about the coronavirus is false.  The campaign says the ads include the “false assertion” that the president called the coronavirus a “hoax.”  Created by the Priorities U-S-A Action Fund, a Democratic super political action committee, the advertisement includes comments by Trump where he tries to minimize the seriousness of the coronavirus pandemic.

 The Minnesota D-N-R says do not believe a social media post saying the state's fishing season is canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.  The false report was made on Minnesota D-N-R letterhead and encouraged anglers to request access to their favorite fishing areas in the state.  The D-N-R says all bodies of water will be open for fishing this season.  The fishing opener this year for trout is April 18th, walleye, sauger and northern pike on May 9th and muskie on June 6th,

Hormel Foods is helping the Austin community during the COVID-19 outbreak.  The company is ordering about 300 lunches each weekday from a dozen local restaurants.  Hormel initially started the program to support its corporate team members while keeping food-service operators working.  With the staff now working remotely, Hormel is donating most of the meals to hungry relief organizations and local first responders.  The company’s Jennie-O team is also purchasing meals from local businesses in its four plant locations in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

An iconic Wisconsin brewery is helping fill the hand sanitizer shortage. Leinenkugel's is donating 165 barrels of bulk beer to the Chippewa River Distillery to be turned into hand sanitizer. Stores across America are running short on the anti-bacterial goo. A number of breweries and distilleries in America are turning their beverages into hand cleanser.

Local-Regional News March 27

A Durand area church is assembling weekend food packages for families in the Durand-Arkansaw School District. Faith Lutheran and Rock Creek Lutheran Churches were forced to cancel their monthly community dinners due to the Covid-19 outbreak. Church members decided to use the money normally used for those dinners to assemble weekend food packages for familes. Chruch member Linda Talford says the packages will have a variety of food items.   The packages will be handed out today and next Friday from 4:30-5:30pm at the Faith Lutheran Church Parking lot in Durand.

Families in the Mondovi School District are taking advantage of the school breakfast and lunch meals during the school shutdown. Mondovi School Superintendent Greg Corning says the district has a pick up for city families and has been delivering meals to families in the rural areas using the bus routes. Corning says the program has grown substantially over the last few days.  The meals are free and for those in the Mondovi School District wanting to participate in the program, you are to call the district office to sign up.

The Dunn County Health Department (DHCD) was notified by a Health System Partner that there is a second confirmed case of COVID-19 in a Dunn County resident. The case is currently isolated at a hospital in the region. “We are working quickly to get all of the facts about this case including any close contacts and a possible route of exposure.” said KT Gallagher, Dunn County Health Department Director.

Because of the Covid-19 outbreak, most doctors visits at Advent Health Durand have been canceled. But there will be a new way to see your doctor soon. According to Angela Jacobson, Director of Nursing and Emergency Prepardness says the hospital is setting up a tele-medicine system so paitents will be able to conduct a doctors visit through their home computers.  Jacobson says the new tele-medicine system should be up and running sometime next week.

There are reports of people claiming to have Covid-19 when in fact they do not. Pepin County Health Officer Heidi Stewart says when people do that it can cause distraction and disruption for healthcare providers and health authorities.  If you falsly claim you have covid-19 you could be arrested and charged with disorderly conduct, filing a false report are more.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is suspending all DNR burning permits until further notice. All burning of debris in barrels, burning of debris piles on the ground, grass or wooded areas is prohibited at this time. DNR burning permits do not apply within incorporated cities and villages. These municipalities oftentimes can and do create their own burning permit requirements. In addition, some townships may choose to be much more restrictive than state law and may not allow burning at any time. Regardless of where you burn, it is up to you to check with your local municipality for their regulations, even if you have obtained a DNR burning permit.

The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development reports more than 69 thousand people filed for unemployment benefits last week.  To put the rough week for workers in perspective – 17 thousand filed last Friday.  On the same date in 2019 fewer than 800 filed for unemployment.  State officials report this week’s total will add another 70 thousand applications for unemployment.  That’s 50 times the number who filed last year during the same five-day period.  The state’s “Safer at Home” knocked them off the job.

A 330-million-dollar coronavirus response package is on its way to Governor Tim Walz after passing the Minnesota House and Senate.   The measure includes 200-million dollars to establish a COVID-19 Minnesota Fund.  There's also funding for child care providers, homeless services, small businesses, veterans, college students and food shelves. Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka said, "there are many ways that state government can act to protect Minnesotans’ lives and their livelihood, and this is just the first step to taking care of the most important needs.”  Senate Minority Leader Susan Kent says they will continue to advocate for hourly school workers and first responders.  House leaders praised the bi-partisan cooperation on the package.

The Wisconsin Elections Commission is putting out an urgent call for poll workers, for the state's April 7 election, which looks as if it's going forward with in-person voting.  Reid Magney with the Elections Commission says the National Guard is in the process of distributing hand sanitizer and other supplies to polling places. There is an urgent need for poll workers. You can contact your local clerk to volunteer.

One person is dead after an accident  at Carr's Tree Service in Byron.  The Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office says it received a 9-11 call around 7 a-m Thursday about a fire.  The caller reported that it involved an elevated boom on a piece of equipment at the business.  Deputies learned the person died after the boom apparently made contact with an overhead power line.  The victim hasn't been identified.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection says it has sent letters to retailers telling them to stop price-gouging during the coronavirus pandemic.  Among the big names contacted were Menards, Walgreens and Walmart.  The consumer protection agency says it has received dozens of complaints about 16 Wisconsin companies.  Items where the state feels prizes have been increased unfairly include toilet paper, cookies, bleach, surgical masks and even pinto beans.  N95Sales-dot-com was accused of price gouging on N95 masks.

The head of Wisconsin’s Board of Nursing is suggesting some nursing students could soon find themselves working on the frontline during the coronavirus pandemic.  Board Director Peter Kallio calls this an “all hands on deck” situation and he says Governor Evers should waive some training requirements to get more help into the field.  Kallio’s proposal would waive the final 25 percent of training hours.  It’s also possible rules could be changed to allow retired nurses to come back to work during the pandemic.

A Brown County judge has ruled against a group challenging the half-cent sales tax which went into effect a little over two years ago. The Brown County Taxpayers Association argued the tax is illegal due to the way the funds are being spent. Judge John Zakowski issued a 32-page decision Tuesday saying the county is following state statutes. Only four of Wisconsin’s 72 counties don’t have a countywide sales tax in effect.

The owner of a bar in Ogdensburg faces up to 30 days in jail and a 500-dollar fine for violating a state order closing bars and restaurants during the coronavirus pandemic.  Shaun Boutwell owns Shaunie B’s Bar.  Police say they have issued several warnings demanding the bar be closed following the governor’s order earlier this month.  Boutwell is charged with a misdemeanor for violating health rules.

Minnesota's unemployment rate dropped a tenth in February to three-point-one percent.  The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development says the state lost 49-hundred private sector jobs last month and gained 400 government positions.  DEED Commissioner Steve Grove said, "It’s important to note that February employment numbers don’t reflect the significant impact on Minnesota employment we’ve seen in the past 10 days due to COVID-19."  He says the pandemic's impact on monthly job numbers won't be clear until the release of the April data.  He expects 28 percent of Minnesotans to be unemployment due to the coronavirus outbreak

The Wisconsin Election Commission has extended the deadline for online voter registration.  Those who want to cast ballots in next month’s presidential primary now have until Monday to sign up.  Commission members are encouraging people to vote early or vote absentee due to the coronavirus pandemic.  The deadline to obtain an absentee ballot is a week from today (Thursday), but the commission says you shouldn’t wait until the last minute.

Local-Regional News March 26

As people shelter at home during the Covid-19 outbreak it is a good idea to check on your friends and neighbors. Pepin County Health Officer Heidi Stewart says while you should not go into a neighbors home, a simple phone call would help both yourself and your neighbor. Stewart says a mental health hotline has been set up to help those need some help during these challenging times.  You can also call 211 for assistance ranging from mental health, to needing food and other services.

The Mirror Lake project is continuing in Mondovi. Mondovi City Administrator Bradly Hanson says the lake is getting a complete face lift..  The lake was drained over the winter for the dredging part of the project and its hoped that will be completed before summer.

The Village of Elmwood is asking for the public's help after someone did some significant damage to the Poplar Hill Cemetery between Sunday morning 3/22 and Monday evening 3/23. There is a $1000 reward for information that leads to the responsible person/persons from an anonymous donor. Anyone with information should call Doug Claflin at 715-317-0024. 

The Pierce County Sheriffs is reporting scammers are contacting residents in regard to covid-19. According to the Sheriffs Department, residents are receiving phone calls and text messages, claiming to have checks from the government. Please be advised the coronavirus stimulus package is still being worked out. Anyone who tells you money is available now is a scammer.

A Wisconsin man faces drug charges after a package containing six pounds of T-H-C products was intercepted at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.  Thirty-six-year-old Edgar Hernandez was charged with possession with intent to deliver.  Airport authorities contacted the Barron County Sheriff’s Office last weekend when a package holding 250 vaporizer pen cartridges was detected at a U-P-S sorting facility.  When a search warrant was executed, more T-H-C products were found in his home.

 Eau Claire voters can cast their ballots while still maintaining social distancing.  City Clerk Carrie Riepl opened a drive-thru polling location Tuesday at the City Hall parking lot.  No change in the rules.  You need to have a voter I-D and must be registered.  Riepl says about 175 people used the drive-thru on its first day.  She expects greater numbers as we get closer to the April 7th election.

The Olmsted County Sheriff's Office is investigating after a woman found dead puppies in a shoebox in a ditch.  The woman and her daughter discovered the box of five newborn dogs wrapped in a towel Tuesday night near Chatfield.  Deputies say it isn't clear what breed the puppies were or how long they had been there.  They were taken to an animal hospital for proper disposal.  Investigators say they're treating it as a possible criminal case.

Forget the rumors you've heard about the National Guard's role during the coronavirus outbreak. Wisconsin National Guard Adjutant General Paul Knapp, in charge of state Emergency Management, posted a brief video to Twitter on Wednesday, to reassure residents of the Guard's role in assisting the state's efforts  Rumors that the Guard is enforcing Governor Evers' "Safer at Home" order or doing things like blocking entrances to grocery stores are just that -- rumors.

It is a big job getting ready for next summer’s Democratic National Convention in Milwaukee – and it’s on hold right now.  The coronavirus pandemic has put stress on the groups working to get ready for the July event.  It’s just hard to prepare while everyone is told to stay home.  Republicans have a little more breathing room because their convention in Charlotte doesn’t start until late August.  The host committee has to raise 70 million dollars for the Milwaukee gathering.  It had 25 million as of the end of last year.

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A Rochester teen is pleading not guilty to second-degree murder in a January shooting near the Rochester Community and Technical College campus.  Eighteen-year-old Robert Salley demanded a jury trial for the deadly shooting of 24-year-old Trevor Boysen.  Police say surveillance video shows Salley getting into a car and then after exiting the vehicle, firing a gun at the car.  The recording then shows Boysen getting out of the vehicle and collapsing on the ground.  Investigators said the shooting was apparently the result of a "drug deal gone bad."  Salley remains jailed on two-million dollars bail.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is ordering Minnesotans to stay at home for two weeks to help stop the spread of coronavirus.  The governor's latest executive order is asking people to limit their movements outside of their homes beyond essential needs from this Friday at 11:59 p-m through April 10th.  Bars and restaurants will remain closed until May 1st.  Schools will be closed until May 4th.  Walz says the move has come after an exhausting look at modeling for the state of Minnesota and trying to spread out the period of time when infection rates are at its peak. Walz said, "we must take bold action to save the lives of Minnesotans."  The Minnesota Department of Health and U of M predict more than 70-thousand Minnesotans could die from COVID-19 if we take no action.  Senate Republican Leader Paul Gazelka said he has "grave concerns" about the Stay-at-Home order, "and the consequences for the families of Minnesota when their jobs and businesses that provide their livelihood are lost."

 Officials with Husky Energy say they have suspended rebuilding work on the refinery in Superior due to the coronavirus pandemic.  A company spokesperson pointed to the current safety and public health risks.  The 400-million-dollar project was expected to be complete early next year.  Some construction workers are staying on the sight to keep essential functions like the wastewater treatment plant and gas and diesel terminals operating.  Normally, 200 people would be working at the refinery.

There’s a new look coming to some Wisconsin Pick ‘N Save stores.  The California-based grocer is installing plexiglass barriers to protect cashiers.  The barriers will provide a little more separation during the coronavirus pandemic.  Many Wisconsin stores already have social distancing spacers on the floor and customers are being encouraged to order their groceries online to limit the number of shoppers inside.

Wisconsin’s spring election is less than two weeks off and state leaders are encouraging voters to request an absentee ballot again.  Election Day is Tuesday April 7th.  The focus is to keep in-person voting to a minimum due to worries about the coronavirus pandemic.  Requests for absentee ballots are said to be on a record pace.  The Wisconsin Elections Committee says more than 554-thousand applications have been received by municipal clerks as of Tuesday.  Voters need to be registered to before they can request an absentee ballot.  You can register online until March 30th at MyVote-dot-WI-dot-gov.  The deadline to request an absentee ballot is April 2nd.

Managers of Wisconsin’s state parks are suggesting that people get their social distance in the great outdoors. The Department of Natural Resources is dropping all fees at any state park that's still open. Most parks, lakes, and hiking trails are still open under Governor Evers' "Safer at Home" order. Park offices and campgrounds, however, are closed.

Local-Regional News March 25

The City of Mondovi has declared a state of emergency. At last nights council meeting the council approved the declaration in response to the Covid-19 outbreak. As part of the declaration, the city administrator will act as the city's Emergency Management Director, all city buildings will be closed to the public. However city employees will still work and provides services to city residents via phone, email or in person with an approved appointment, and all city sponsored functions are cancelled.

Peirce County buildings will be closed beginning today. While the buildings are closed services will continue. Residents are encouraged to conduct services by phone and email, but the county will continue to provide in person services to those with appointments.

In the midst of the Covid-19 outbreak, residents of the City of Durand are coming together to help out Advent Health Hospital. Angela Jacobson, director of Nursing and Emergency Preparedness says the over the last few days the hospital has received donations of masks and food items.  Staff is using the hand made masks to cover and protect their N95 masks. Jacobson says the hospital has even received some hand made hat that can be worn over their surgical hats.

The Governors Safer at home order goes into effect today, but the meal delivery for students in the Durand -Arkansaw School District will Continue. Durand Arkansaw School Superintendent Greg Doverspike says that the district will be serving nearly 300 kids very soon.  The meals are free and those students that have a younger sibling not in school can also receive free meals. For more information on the program just call the district or visit the school district website.

The Pepin County Sheriffs Department continues to work during the covid-19 outbreak. Sheriff Joel Wener says its business as usual for the department.  Wener is reminding residents to not call the communications center for questions of the Governors Stay at Home order.

 Authorities in Eau Claire say an autopsy will be performed on the body of the woman found inside a car which was driven into the Chippewa River.  Police say 21-year-old Chloe Zielke of Eau Claire was a student at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.  Investigators say they aren’t searching for any suspects who might have been involved in the vehicle winding up in the river.  They think Zielke was the driver last Friday.

A man from northwest Wisconsin is dead after a logging accident Monday afternoon near Barron.  The Barron County Sheriff's Office says 56-year-old Nathan Hecker of Stone Lake was repairing equipment on a log skidding machine when he became pinned between the cab and engine compartment.  Hecker died of his injuries at the scene.

Republican leaders of the Wisconsin Legislature say their constituents need some more certainty.  Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald and Assembly Speaker Robin Vos accused the governor of causing mass confusion with what they call his flip-flopping reaction to the coronavirus.  Fitzgerald and Vos say Governor Evers’ “Safer at Home” order doesn’t include details that would let people plan ahead.  They say the Democratic governor has increased the level of anxiety in the state during the pandemic.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz says there is going to be an extension on school and restaurant closures in Minnesota.  Schools were scheduled to be closed through Friday.   Walz didn't indicate how long that extension might last.    He said, "can't be indefinite, but what I don't want to set things up for is that, I can't tell you that it's going to be open on that date."  The governor also told reporters, "there may a point where it just makes sense to say, our children aren't coming back this year and we're gonna finish the best we can." Most districts in the state are prepared for online instruction for the remainder of the spring semester.

Many Wisconsin health care groups say they support Governor Tony Evers’ order called Safer at Home.  The Wisconsin Hospital Association was one of several groups urging people to follow the suggestion and stay at home.  The groups say the order will mean doctors, nurses, home health care workers and people in long-term care facilities will be safer.  In order for the doctors and nurses to remain on the job, they say you need to stay at home.

Two Wisconsin companies are making barrier masks for medical personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic. Monterey Mills in Janesville is the largest textile mill of its kind in North America. It makes knitted pile fabric which is used in medical and air filtration products. Eder Flag of Oak Creek has converted part of its flag-sewing operations to help produce masks in partnership with Monterey Mills. The two companies already have 20 thousand of the masks pre-sold.

Several voting and civil rights groups are demanding that Governor Tony Evers should postpone the April 7th Spring Election.  Souls to the Polls President and Reverend Gregory Lewis says his community will be forced to decide between their right to vote and their safety.  The election includes Wisconsin’s presidential primary, a state Supreme Court race and hundreds of local contests.  Even though some states have postponed their presidential primaries due to the coronavirus pandemic, Evers has said democracy must go on and people should vote by mail-in absentee ballot.

 Small businesses ordered closed in Minnesota because of COVID-19 will soon be able to apply for emergency loans between 25-hundred and 35-thousand dollars.  Governor Tim Walz just set up the program with 30-million dollars in special funds.  Walz said, "I'm not sure any state has moved on this, but I can't wait for the S-B-A to do it. We're gonna make forgivable loans to those small businesses who have been asked to do a lot."  The loans will be no-interest and 50-percent forgivable.  State officials expect between 12-hundred and five-thousand businesses will receive assistance.  Businesses with questions about the emergency loan program should email ELP@state.mn.us.

A University of Minnesota extension program is providing meal kits through groups in Greater Minnesota to help serve vulnerable, isolated community members during the COVID-19 outbreak.  U of M Extension's Kathy Draeger says we have about 250 grocery stores that are located in communities that have a population of 25-hundred or less, "and it's important that we keep the flow of food, maintaining the flow of food into these communities."  She says the kits hold about 62 pounds of food, including breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack items.  She urges anyone interested in receiving the food to call their local food shelf and ask about a 14-day meal kit.

 There is still a possibility the Class of 2020 at the University of Wisconsin-Madison will get their diplomas in their caps and gowns, but it’s not clear when.  The school postponed the spring graduation ceremony Monday.  Chancellor Rebecca Blank said pushing back commencement is the most heartbreaking of the many decisions she’s had to make due to the coronavirus pandemic.  Graduation was supposed to be held May 8th, but no new date has been set.

Hormel Foods is rewarding its employees for working around the clock to make sure food stays on the shelves.  Austin-based Hormel announced it is giving away more than four-million dollars in special cash bonuses to its plant production team members.  Each full-time workers will receive 300 dollars and part-time employees will get 150.  Hormel Foods President Jim Snee said, "our incredible team of more than 13-thousand plant professionals is the backbone of our company and this special bonus is one way we can continue to thank them for how they have risen to the challenge and continue to produce food with a sense of purpose and pride."

Local-Regional News March 24

Governor Evers is expected to give more information today on the stay at home order. Pepin County Health Officer Heidi Stewart says there is still guidance from the Wisconsin Department of Health that encourages people to go outside for walks and exercise, but keep 6ft away from other people..

Other types of private events like bonfires or backyard parties with neighbors are being strongly discouraged.

The Durand-Arkansaw School Board has approved a co-operative agreement with Plum City Schools for middle school wrestling. Durand Arkansaw School Superintendent Greg Doverspike says starting with the Middle School Wrestling was the best way to start out.  Doverspike says that the youth wrestling program, which is not affiliated with the district will also begin to have youth wrestlers from Plum City.

Health care workers at Advent Health in Durand have received some hand made donated masks. Angela Jacobson, Director of Nursing and Emergency Preparedness at Advent Health says workers can wear the handmade masks over the N95 masks.  Jacobson says those making the masks are using templates found on Pinterest.

Dunn County Authorities have released the name of the man killed in a house fire on Sunday. 53Yr old Vue Lor was killed when he was unable to get out of the house. Five other occupants of the house, one female adult and four children are being treated at different hospitals for thermal injuries and lacerations. The cause of that fire remains under investigation.

Mayo Health System in Eau Claire is no longer allowing visitors of any kind. The hospital says patients will not be allowed visitors unless granted a compassionate exception including birth and end-of-life care. Patients are also prohibited from using the Family Health Clinic entrance. Effective today, patients are being asked to enter through the Main, East Doors. Daily drive-thru testing also continues from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. today.

Prosecutors say the threats that sent police rushing to Stanley-Boyd schools last month were a hoax. The D.A. filed charges last week against Brittany Frane. Investigators say she sent threats to herself and tried to blame an ex. Those threats put Stanley-Boyd schools on a soft lockdown last month. Frane is out on bond and due back in court in June.

Authorities in the Eau Claire area are searching for two suspects in a double-shooting which happened last Friday night.  Dispatchers say they got several 9-1-1 calls from neighbors reporting they heard a woman screaming for help.  Officers arrived at the address to find a 30-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman suffering gunshot wounds.  The man was dead and the woman is being treated at a hospital for injuries she is expected to survive.  Police were told the suspects broke into the home and there was a confrontation leading to shots being fired.  Investigators haven’t released the names of the victims or the suspects.

If you're considering withdrawing lots of cash from your bank or credit union account, don't do it. 

All Wisconsin banks and credit unions remain open for business and are considered an essential service under Governor Tony Evers' order closing non-essential businesses.

 The Mayo Clinic plans to continue paying its employees during the COVID-19 pandemic.   Minnesota's largest private employer announced a staffing and pay protection program for its allied health staff.  The program guarantees that staff members will continue to be paid at their current rate for normally scheduled hours through April 28th.    Mayo says some staff will be redeployed to assist with critically needed work in other areas while some may be asked to stay home depending on current needs in response to the coronavirus.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is holding back on a shelter-in-place order, despite action by a number of other states including Wisconsin that are trying to control COVID-19.  Walz said, "40 to 80 percent of us will eventually get this, even if we shut it down now."  Minnesota's governor says he wants more information on how effective a stay-at-home order would be.    Walz says to slow progress of COVID-19  a shelter-in-place order will probably have to be "multiple weeks to months."  He adds at this time he's not ready to issue a shelter-in-place order, "but we very soon could be."

The Stevens Point police chief has been suspended 15 days without pay for allegedly drinking while he was on the job.  Chief Marty Skibba’s suspension is effective immediately.  An investigative report finds the veteran law enforcement officer had open liquor bottles in his police car.  The chief indicated the death of his parents had influenced his behavior.  Skibba will be required to accept counseling services and provide a medical report indicating he is ready to return to the job.

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The commander of the Wisconsin National Guard is pushing back against rumors his troops will be enforcing the governor’s orders for people to stay at home.  Major General Paul Knapp says the Guard is being deployed to help doctors and other public health managers during the coronavirus pandemic.  Troops won’t be taking the place of local police.  Knapp says the rumors are being spread to cause “a sense of hysteria across the United States.”

Small business owners affected by COVID-19 in Wisconsin are going to get some help from the Small Business Administration. Governor Tony Evers  says the low-interest federal disaster loans will provide certainty for Wisconsin's small businesses. The administration says non-profits and small businesses could qualify for up to 2-million-dollars to cover losses from the coronavirus pandemic. Wisconsin's Small Business Administration Director Eric Ness says business owners should now reach out to the S-B-A office to help the loan approval process along.

The Wisconsin Department of Revenue is giving taxpayers an additional 90 days to file their income tax return.  The move matches one announced by the I-R-S to help people during the coronavirus outbreak.  The declaration of a national emergency cleared the way for the filing deadline to be extended to July 15th.  Interest and penalties for taxpayers will be waived and you don’t have to file for an extension to wait until the later to pay up.  About half of all Wisconsin taxpayers won’t be affected because they have already filed their tax returns. Minnesota also extended the tax deadline to July 15^th.

The likelihood that Wisconsin schools will re-open this spring is diminishing.  Governor Tony Evers issued another order last weekend giving the Department of Public Instruction leeway to forgive schools that are not in session.  The order suspends the rules for the number of hours students have to spend in class, gives the D-P-I more flexibility with other deadlines, and gives student teachers credit for weeks not spent in classrooms.  Wisconsin schools have been ordered to remain closes until they different information.

 Researchers at the University of Minnesota-Duluth are working with the state to come up with an alternative to road salt.  Scientists say road salt is the main source of chloride which is showing up in state waters.  In recent testing, 50 Minnesota bodies of water failed to meet the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s water-quality standards because they’re contaminated by chloride.  Potassium acetate is being tested, but it costs seven times as much and it isn’t known yet how its runoff would affect groundwater.

A small business owner in Duluth wants to switch from making handbags and backpacks to making medical masks. Frost River Trading Company is a handbag, duffel bag, and backpack manufacturing company. Owner Christian Benson's wife is an anesthesiologist who is frustrated by the lack of surgical masks to protect her and other employees from COVID-19. Benson is trying to contact lawmakers and 3-M in hopes of finding help with the new project.

Local-Regional News March 23

One person is dead and five injured after a house fire in Spring Brook Township Sunday Afternoon. According to the Dunn County Sheriffs Department, firefighters from Elk Mound and Menomonie, and Mayo 1 and Lifelink 3 responded to the fire. There were six occupants of the house at the time the fire started. Five of the occupants of the house, one female adult and four children, are being treated at different hospitals for thermal injuries and lacerations. One adult male from the house was unable to make it out of the house and perished. Two other adult residence of the house were not home at the time that the fire started. This fire remains under investigation by the State Fire Marshal, Dunn County Sheriff’s Office and the Dunn County Medical Examiner’s Office

Advent Hospital in Durand is asking residents that believe they need a Covid-19 test to call the hospital first. Angela Jacobson, Director of Nursing and Emergency Management says the hospital can order a test right over the phone if one is needed.  If a test is ordered, an appointment would be set up, you would then go to the Hospital and use the ambulance bay and a staff member will come out to your vehicle to conduct the test. Please do not just show up to the hospital requesting a test.

Last week, the Pepin County Board passed an emergency administrative flexibility resolution in response to the Covid-19 outbreak. Pepin County Board Chairman Steve Anderson says the resolution was needed in case the spring election is postponed or canceled.  If the election is cancelled, administrative decisions would be handled by the Administrative Coordinator in consulltation with the Pepin County Sheriff and the Pepin County Health Officer.

The Durand High School Academic Decathlon Team took 2^nd place at state. Durand-Arkansaw School Superintendent Greg Doverspike says members of the team work very hard to prepare for the competetion.  This year's state competetion was even more of a challenge as the teams were in separate rooms due to the social distancing guidelines.

One person was injured in a one vehicle rollover accident south of Arcadia on Friday. According to the Trempealeau County Sheriffs Department, 24yr old Juan Antony Rodriguez of Arcadia was traveling southbound on Hwy 93 when he lost control of his vehicle , crossed the northbound lane and went off the road. Rodriquez was ejected from the vehicle. He left the accident scene and was located by deputies at his residence. Rodriquez suffered serious injuries and was taken to Whitehall where he was air-lifted by Mayo Helicopter to the hospital.

 Mayo Clinic Health System is receiving donations of personal protective equipment after the federal government requested businesses to help with medical supplies during the coronavirus pandemic. Physician Chair Paul Molling says the community always responds with tremendous support whenever a request is made. One organization donated around one-thousand N-95 masks to the hospital. Molling also said the hospital is grateful for the donations and support they have received during the pandemic.

The cost for regular gas in Wisconsin is down 25-cents-a-gallon compared to a week ago. Triple-A says the average price statewide is a-dollar-90 today, while the national average is two-17. Drivers are paying a-dollar-61 a gallon in La Crosse, one-72 in Eau Claire, one-81 in Kenosha County, a-dollar-86 in Milwaukee and a-dollar-89 in Madison.

A fugitive from a Racine gang-related shooting has been arrested in La Crosse County. Twenty-six-year-old Gregory L. Wells was taken into custody in the Town of Campbell Wednesday at about 6:45 p-m. Included in the more than 20 charges filed against Wells are attempted homicide and six counts of first-degree recklessly endangering safety. Racine police say the shooting happened last week. The name of the victim hasn’t been released.

The state of Wisconsin is asking FEMA for help getting protective medical supplies for law enforcement officers and firefighters.  The governor’s office says the request was made for help obtaining 50 thousand non-surgical masks, 10 thousand face shields, 11 thousand coverall, three thousand N-95 face masks and 35 thousand pairs of protective gloves.  Governor Evers says the hope is that the federal government can identify a source for the supplies “as quickly as possible.”  The state has already accessed thousands of items from the strategic national stockpile.

Minnesota-based 3M has doubled its production of N-95 respirators in an effort to provide much-needed protective equipment to health care workers worldwide. The company reports they reached maximum production levels for the respirators and doubled its global output to nearly 100-million per month. In the U-S alone 3-M reported they are manufacturing 35-million respirators each month. Ninety percent of those are earmarked for health care workers.

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The Wisconsin National Guard is calling-up 300 citizen-soldiers to help with the coronavirus. Commanders yesterday mobilized the troops. Colonel Eric Leckel says the troops will provide support to the state's virus response, which could include transporting virus samples, helping with logistics, and even providing doctors or nurses to local hospitals.

Wisconsin residents worried about the growing coronavirus outbreak can find somebody to talk to. The state has set up a distress line for those who want to discuss the fears about COVID-19. Governor Tony Evers says it is important to stay informed with the latest news about the virus, but sometimes that causes a lot of stress and anxiety. The Distress Line phone number is 1-800-985-5990.

Three Fox Valley mayors, including Eric Genrich of Green Bay, asked Governor Evers on Friday to move the April 7 Election. Evers said he doesn't have that authority.  Also Friday, the state Elections Commission asked Evers for assistance in procuring hand sanitizer and other supplies, in recruiting poll workers, and access to public health officials for guidance.

The University of Wisconsin System is telling students who were ousted from their dorm rooms they will get a refund of a pro-rated amount of the charges they paid for housing and dining.  System President Ray Cross announced the decision Thursday, saying it was made because classes are now being delivered through alternative methods – like online – and not in person.  The students affected won’t be able to credit the refund amount toward future housing and dining charges.

The University of Minnesota is seeking participants to take part in clinical trials for a remedy for coronavirus. Doctor Tim Schacker is a infectious doctor and Vice Dean for Research at the university's Medical School. He and his team are conducting three anti-viral COVID-19 trials. To be eligible for the study, you must have had high-risk exposure to someone with coronavirus within the past three days. To sign up for the trial or learn more email covid19@umn.edu

 Summerfest is still on – for now.  The fact that the annual event is three months away gives organizers some time.  Summerfest C-E-O Don Smiley says they are looking at all options before deciding about the festival.  Smiley says all preparations for the celebration starting June 24th are full steam ahead, but he adds that could change if the coronavirus pandemic continues.

A Minnesota bar is offering a special you can’t pass up while store shelves are emptied of paper products.  Cambridge Bar and Grill is offering a free roll of toilet paper if you spend 25 dollars on a takeout order.  The owner says he gets the T-P from a commercial supplier and he hopes the special offer makes people smile.  There were smiles in the bar earlier this month when an anonymous customer left a 500-dollar tip for the staff on a tab for just over six dollars.