Local-Regional News November 30

One person is dead after a one vehicle accident in Bridge Creek Township early Friday. According to the Eau Claire County Sheriffs Department, 46yr Misty Thostenson was traveling northbound on Hwy 27 near Hwy V when she lost control of her vehicle, entered a ditch and struck a tree. Thostenson was the only person in the vehicle.

The Clark County Sheriff’s Office is warning the public about a pair of fake law enforcement officers.  An incident was reported earlier this week where a vehicle with red-and-blue emergency lights flashing pulled a car to the side of the road.  Two people got out of separate vehicles, came up to the stopped car and identified themselves as a Dunn County warden and a Clark County deputy sheriff.  One was in a silver Chevrolet pickup truck and the other drove a Ford Explorer.  Anyone with information about the incident is urged to call the Clark County sheriff.

Sparta police say charges are anticipated against three people who were involved in a police pursuit that reached speeds of 100 miles-an-hour.  The chase started shortly before 2:00 p-m Wednesday when police were told about a theft at the All American Can-Do-It Center in Sparta.  The vehicle was finally spotted at a McDonald’s drive-thru, but when an officer approached, the driver accelerated toward the officer, hit a second squad car, then took off.  The pursuit finally ended in Cashton and inside the vehicle, with the suspects, police say they found the stolen tools.  They also found drugs.

 The Tomah Fire Department reports flames 20-feet high were blowing through the roof of a series of downtown buildings when crews arrived on the scene just before 5:00 a-m Sunday.  Firefighters from several communities joined in the effort to knock down the flames and rescue residents in the apartments above.  Two businesses – Dimensions Bar and the Artisan Market – were destroyed.  One apartment resident was taken to Tomah Health for evaluation.  Firefighters say he was hanging out of a second-floor window when they rescued him.  The cause of the damaging fire is still being investigated.  

 It's Cyber Monday and many of us will be looking for deals online. The Better Business Bureau says scams are on the rise this time of year. They say be careful what you click on, including flashy banners advertising "big sales" and "limited-time deals" that may be leading you to a malicious website. They say you can keep scam free by doing your research on the products and sellers before buying.

President Donald Trump is promising a court challenge to the results of the Wisconsin recount.  The Trump campaign paid three-million dollars for the recount and watched Biden pick up another 87 votes.  Dane County canvassers finished their work Sunday.  Trump picked up 45 votes in Dane County, but Biden gained another 132 votes in Milwaukee County.  The recount had little effect on President-elect Biden’s 20-thousand-600 vote margin in the state.  A spokesperson for the Trump campaign, Jenna Ellis, says the Wisconsin recounts “revealed serious issues” about the legality of the ballots.  The chair of the Wisconsin Elections Commission must certify the vote by Tuesday.

State Parks season passes are set to go on sale December 1st. State Parks business director Chris Pedretti says they're continuing to offer plenty of options on how to buy those passes since the pandemic continues to hamper in person sales.  You can also order your passes online at WI Parks dot Net, or over the phone at 8 8 8 W-D-N-R Info.

Wisconsin corn growers are expected to see record yields this year. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service forecast an average of 184 bushels of corn per acre. That’s six bushels, or about 3 percent, higher than the previous record set in 2016 and almost 11 percent higher than what farmers saw last year. Joe Lauer, an agronomy professor for the University of Wisconsin-Madison, says farmers were grateful for more normal weather patterns this year after an extremely wet season in 2019.

 The presidential recount is complete in Milwaukee County.  The results were certified by the Milwaukee County Board of Elections Friday evening.  Officials said no instances of fraud were found in the week long process.  President-elect Joe Biden received 317-thousand-527 votes and President Donald Trump 134-thousand-482.  The recount added 257 votes for Biden and 212 for Trump, netting a total of 45 votes for the former vice president.  The state of Wisconsin certifies election results Tuesday.

Bagged salad mixes are being recalled in 12 states – including Wisconsin – during an investigation by the Food and Drug Administration.  The federal agency is looking into multiple reports of an intestinal infection which is caused by a parasite.  The salad mixes linked to the sicknesses were produced by Fresh Express and sold at Walmart, Aldi, Hy-Vee and Jewel-Osco stores.  There have been no deaths reported, but federal health authorities are reporting 206 laboratory-confirmed cases of the infection in eight of the 12 states.  Wisconsin is one of those eight states.

 Milwaukee police are investigating a case when a tire thief apparently left a turkey behind as a sort of payment.  A man living on the city’s north side said someone stole one of his tires this week and left a frozen turkey in its place.  The man noticed his tire was missing Monday and he said he couldn’t believe his eyes – because the thief had used a frozen turkey to keep his car jacked up in the air while they removed the tire.  He says the joke is on the thieves because he needed that turkey for Thanksgiving dinner.

Wisconsin 7th District Congressman Tom Tiffany is calling for Governor Tony Evers and Legislative leaders to work together to set up guidelines for school districts to enable the full resumption of in-person classes as soon as possible  The state legislature has not been in session for months, although leaders recent discussed possible pandemic response measures with Governor Evers.

This past weekend was the second weekend that bars and restaurants in Minnesota are shut down under Minnesota Governor Tim Walz's COVID emergency order.  The governor continues pushing for state aid to those struggling businesses and said,"along with cooperation with the legislature, I'm prepared to call them back into special session and pass this package immediately."  Walz said he wants the special session this coming week.  Both parties seem to be talking about 350- to 400-million dollars for restaurants and bars, but a sticking-point could be whether to also extend unemployment benefits for workers.

Volunteers have transformed Chippewa Falls’ Irvine Park into a Christmas Village for the 33rd year.  Organizers say the holiday tradition won’t be stopped by the coronavirus pandemic.  Visitors can stay in their cars or walk through the park by following safety guidelines.  Chippewa Falls Parks, Recreation and Forestry Director Dick Hebert says people have proposed, gotten married, and posed for family pictures for years during the celebration featuring 100-thousand lights.  Local officials hope visitors will do some shopping, stop and gas up, or go someplace to eat when they come.  Christmas Village is free and open through New Year’s Day, from 7:00 a-m to 9:30 p-m.  Donations are appreciated

Local-Regional News November 26

 A Chippewa Falls man has been arrested in Dunn County on multiple charges. According to the Dunn County Sheriffs Department, iOn Monday, investigators with the department and the West Central Drug Task Force were tracking a large shipment of methamphetamine from Menomonie to the Village of Boyceville. Deputies pulled over 35yr old Justin Barnard and deputies detected signs of impairment believed due to narcotics. Barnard was arrested for OWI, possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver, possession of cocaine, identity theft and resisting or obstructing an officer. Deputies seized 74 grams of methamphetamine, cocaine and other drug material. Barnard is being held in the Dunn County Jail.

Three people have been arrested in connection with a death in Dunn County. According to the Dunn County Sheriffs Department, On November 17^th, deputies conducted a welfare check at N2564 440^th Street in Dunn Township. They found 37yr old Bruce McGuigan of Hayward dead as the result of multiple blunt force injuries. Arrested were 37yr old Ryan L Steinhoff, 37yr old Chad D. Turgeson and 24yr old Ashley A. Gunder. All three have been charged with first degree intentional homicide, as a party to the crime. The incident remains under investigation by the Dunn County Sheriffs Department, Wisconsin Division of Criminal Investigation, Wisconsin Crime Lab and WI State Patrol.

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison's office is taking legal action against a Wabasha County gym for not following the governor's latest COVID order.  Ellison filed a temporary restraining order to prohibit Plainview Wellness Center from remaining open to the public during the four-week "pause" of activities to stop the spread of COVID.   The A-G's office says it reached out to Plainview Wellness and its management threatened to continue operating and stay open in violation of the order.

 A southeast Minnesota man is accused of stealing more than 15-thousand dollars from a Lakeville sports booster club.  The Dakota County Attorney's Office says 65-year-old Eric Heflin of Rosemount is charged with three felony counts of theft by swindle.  Prosecutors say Heflin was the varsity softball coach at Lakeville South High School when the alleged thefts occurred between December 2018 and this July. Heflin is expected to make his first court in the next several weeks.

 A 30-year-old conservation warden with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has been taken into custody after a domestic incident.  Authorities say it wasn’t a case of domestic violence.  Warden Michael R. Weber is accused of being armed while intoxicated.  The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is handling the case after it was handed off by Juneau County due to a conflict of interest.  Authorities got involved after a 9-1-1 hangup call while a husband and wife were arguing.  A disorderly conduct complaint has been referred to the Monroe County District Attorney for possible charges.

 As the coronavirus pandemic overwhelms Wisconsin hospitals and the people who work there, the state is starting a campaign to recruit more health care workers.  The Department of Health Services has created several emergency training options so interested people can quickly join the effort.  Needed are health care, long-term care and residential staff care workers.  Information is available online.

 Nursing students in the University of Wisconsin System can help in the fight against COVID-19 while gaining hands-on experience and picking up a 500-dollar tuition credit.  System President Tommy Thompson made the announcement Tuesday.  The four-thousand nursing students eligible will get the credit for working in hospitals and other health care facilities over the winter break.  They could also earn the tuition credit by helping administer COVID-19 vaccines when they become available.  Thompson says the system continues to look for ways to help Wisconsin during the pandemic.

Democratic legislative leaders are calling for an extension of federal funding to support the work of the Wisconsin National Guard in the state's COVID-19 response.  Senate Democratic Leader Janet Bewley and Assembly Leader Gordon Hintz sent a letter to the Trump Administration Tuesday.  Bewley said,"the dedicated and highly-skilled members of the Wisconsin National Guard are working hard every day to save lives and help our communities battle this virus."  Hintz wrote, "the services the National Guard are providing in Wisconsin are key components in our efforts to the slow the spread of COVID-19. Testing and contact tracing are tried and true elements in any public health effort."

Wisconsin Department of Tourism Secretary-designee Sara Meaney is leaving the Evers Administration.  Governor Tony Evers appointed Secretary-designee Meaney in December 2018, among the first appointment to the Democratic governor's cabinet.  But Meaney is one of four members of the administration never confirmed by the Republican-controlled Senate.  She's leaving the post later this month to take a career opportunity outside of state government.  Evers described Meaney as "a relentless advocate for the tourism industry even before the pandemic, but especially as it has faced unprecedented challenges this past year."  Deputy Secretary Anne Sayers will serve as interim Tourism secretary.

La Crosse residents will soon have to dig deeper in their pockets to pay for flood insurance.  The Federal Emergency Management Agency says La Crosse is no longer considered to be in compliance with its flood insurance program.  That means flood insurance rates could be jumping up by 10-percent.  FEMA says La Crosse city officials failed to remain up-to-date on some of their data, information and processes.  La Crosse had until the middle of next month to fix the problems, but it isn’t clear if that will keep the rates from going up.

The Wisconsin Department of Revenue accuses the owner of a Columbus construction company of withholding more than 103-thousand dollars of state income taxes out of his employees’ paychecks, but not passing the money on to the state.  Fifty-nine-year-old Norman D. Vick Junior is charged with one count of withholding tax theft.  The money was deducted from the checks of 57 employees over a nine-year time period.  If he is convicted, Vick could face seven-and-a-half years in prison, a 25-thousand-dollar fine and five years of extended supervision.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court decided not to block Dane County’s order on the size of gatherings before Thanksgiving.  The ruling was issued Tuesday, the day after the lawsuit was filed.  The county order bans indoor gatherings of any size other than those involving members of the household.  That means extended family and loved ones can’t get together for the holiday Thursday.  The restrictions also apply to meetings, conferences, movies, group exercises and sporting events.  The court has asked the county to respond to the motion for a temporary injunction by Friday.

There is extra law enforcement on Minnesota roads looking for impaired drivers.  Mike Hanson with the Department of Public Safety says the pandemic has stressed out of our hospitals and clinics like never before.  He said "our healthcare system is in critical condition and one motor vehicle crash eats up so much of that valuable P-P-E, but more importantly it takes away those medical personnel resources for people who are ill through no fault of their own fighting the COVID thing."  Hanson is urging drivers to plan ahead for a sober ride.  The campaign runs through December 31st.

A week-and-a-half after Minneapolis approved a half-million dollars in funding to bring on contract help from other law enforcement agencies – no help has arrived.  The city’s death toll from gunfire is approaching 80 and getting near the highest number of murders in Minneapolis history.  Police Chief Medaira Arradondo petitioned the City Council for the money two weeks ago.  The goal was to put additional officers from other agencies on the street starting November 15th.  So far, that hasn’t happened.  Minneapolis police say they have sent contracts to potential partner agencies and those contracts are being evaluated.  No response yet.

A central Wisconsin hunter got her doe Sunday just an hour after starting her hunt.  It was also less than a week after Hannah Bandura had given birth to her son, Daniel.  Bandura says she was jealous when she watched family members get ready to hunt as the season opened Saturday.  She was feeling pretty good the next day, so she left the newborn and his two-year-old sister with others – and she joined the fun.  Bandura says she’s always been lucky and she had just gone out when the doe walked right up to her.

Local-Regional News November 25

The Wisconsin DNR is reporting hunters had greater success during the opening weekend of the gun deer season. In total just over 95,000 deer were harvested last weekend in the state compared to just over 93,000 in 2019. Here in Western Wisconsin, Pepin County 776 deer were taken, Pierce County 1250, Buffalo County 1616, Trempealeau County 2203, and Dunn County 2487 deer were harvested. The 9 day gun deer season continues until Sunday.

The Durand Improvement Groups Christmas Tree Decorating Contest is going virtual. The organization decided to hold the virtual event after the Holidazzle events were canceled due to the covid-19 pandemic. DIG President Amanda Hurlburt says DIG wanted to give everyone a chance to participate. The event officially starts on Saturday and winners of the contest will receive a prize of Durand Dollars. For more information, visit the Durand Improvement Group Facebook Page or website.

Minnesota Milk Producer Association will hold its annual meeting virtually, December 2, 2020 at 12 p.m. The formal annual meeting will be preceded by an educational webinar presentation by Phil Plourd at 11 a.m. on the COVID-19 pandemic and what dairy farmers should expect moving forward into 2021. Also, earlier in the day, producers may choose to tune in to the Upper Midwest Dairy Industry Association annual meeting and educational speakers including an update from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and a presentation on the most common milk inspection debits. Minnesota Milk and UMDIA meeting registrations can both be found at mnmilk.org/event

The director of Helping Hands For Our Children in the Chippewa Valley was in court via Zoom on Tuesday to face theft charges. Shauana Hanson of Fall Creek is charged with theft by false representation after being accused in October of depositing $63,000 of charity funds into a personal bank account. Hansen was released on a $2500 signature bond and she must keep detailed notes of any interactions or transfers of monies associated with Helping Hands. She returns to court in January.

A homicide trial in Marathon County has been scheduled to start next October for a woman accused of killing her husband.  Kenneth Juedes died in 2006.  Investigators say Cindy Schulz-Juedes didn’t become a suspect until years later.  She now faces a charge of first-degree intentional homicide.  Authorities say she likely killed her husband to get the benefits from a life insurance policy worth almost a million dollars and other family assets.  Handwriting experts challenged the authenticity of the victim’s signature on his will.  The court has scheduled a motion hearing for February.

  The conservative group Wisconsin Voters Alliance is claiming more than 96-thousand votes in the November 3rd election were illegal.  It filed a lawsuit against the Wisconsin Elections Commission Tuesday.  The Alliance is asking the state Supreme Court to prevent the election results from being certified.  They haven’t been certified yet because the recount in Dane and Milwaukee counties is still being conducted.  An effort by the group to block more than six-million dollars in election grant money for five Wisconsin cities was rejected last month.

The State Canvassing Board certified results of the presidential election Tuesday afternoon, despite a citizens group and Republican state lawmakers filing a challenge with the Minnesota Supreme Court.  They claimed absentee voting irregularities in an unsuccessful attempt to block certification.  Secretary of State Steve Simon is not commenting on pending litigation, but he did say "there was a very efficient, a very secure and streamlined process that was uniform throughout the state."  Simon said just under three-point-three million votes were cast in the 2020 election in Minnesota. More than one-point-nine million of the total were absentee ballots or early in-person votes.

 Former Speaker of the House Paul Ryan says attacks on the U-S voting system need to stop.  The Janesville Republican and former Wisconsin congressman called on President Trump to concede while speaking at a European Credit Conference.  Ryan said the president’s attorneys are offering “baseless conspiracy theories.”  The two-day virtual event is being attended by world financial leaders.  Ryan called President-elect Biden “a very nice person,” saying, “He keeps his word.”  Ryan said he and Biden disagree with each other, but the country’s new leader isn’t disagreeable.

A Cedarburg woman reportedly told investigators she didn’t mean to send in her dead partner’s ballot.  Forty-eight-year-old Christine Daikawa now faces a charge of felony voter fraud.  Investigators say she cast the vote for Lizzy Larson despite the fact Larson died in July.  Larson’s ballot was signed and dated September 16th.  Prosecutors aren’t saying who the two women voted for.  Daikawa admitted sending in Larson’s ballot for the November 3rd presidential election.

The first meeting went so well, Democratic Governor Tony Evers plans to meet with top Republican lawmakers a second time.  Evers office called last Friday’s meeting productive.  He’s hoping for a second meeting sometime next week.  The Friday get-together was the first time in six months that the governor sat down with Assembly Speaker Robin Vos or new Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu.

The work to be done at the Foxconn plant in Mount Pleasant has taken a detour for the second time.  Now, a new report from Bloomberg says the Taiwan-based company has agreed to start manufacturing servers for Google in southeastern Wisconsin.  Foxconn was originally going to make iPhone screens, then shifted to larger L-C-D screens.  Bloomberg reports it got the new contract because of its state-of-the-art assembly line at the facility.  Work is expected to start early next year.

A conservative group has filed a lawsuit seeking to overturn the Dane County ban on big gatherings and other restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic.  The Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty filed the suit before the state Supreme Court Monday.  That public health order went into effect last week.  The suit alleges it is an overreach of the legal authority held by local health officers and an unlawful delegation of authority by local elected bodies.  The Institute filed the suit on behalf of Gymfinity Limited, Jeffry Becker and Andrea Klein.  It argues that the order shuts down most of its business while letting restaurants, bars and other retail establishments stay open.

 The U-S Army Corps of Engineers says it has determined Enbridge Energy’s Line-3 project is compliant with federal laws and regulations.  The Corps approved the final permit for the upgraded crude oil pipeline replacement across northern Minnesota Monday.  St. Paul District commander Colonel Karl Jansen referred to an “exhaustive review” and extensive work with federal and state regulators, Native American tribes, environmental groups and Enbridge.  The approval process started six years ago.  The only step left is up to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency when it decides whether to issue a stormwater construction permit to protect surface waters from runoff during construction.  The Public Utilities Commission has already given the project several approvals.

Thanksgiving travel will be on the lighter side, according to Triple-A Wisconsin. With health and government officials stressing that staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others, AAA anticipates at least a 10% drop in travel - the largest decrease since the Great Recession of 2008. The actual number of holiday travelers could even be lower. For those who are considering making a trip, the majority will go by car, which provides the flexibility to modify holiday travel plans up until the day of departure. AAA is reminding travelers to be aware of restrictions that might be in place at your destination.

Local-Regional News November 24

A free covid-19 testing site will be open today in Durand at the Pepin County Highway Shop. Pepin County Health Officer Heidi Stewart says for those that pre-registered online, you should have received a bar code in your email to bring along with you to the site. If you did not receive a bar code, Stewart says you will use your name and date of birth.  That free testing will run from 10-6 today.

The Durand City Hall will remain locked during regular business hours due to the covid 19 pandemic. Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren says those that are wanting to pay property taxes in person or have other business with city employees should call ahead.  The city will be sending out the annual property tax bill in December.

The St. Croix County Sheriff’s Department is leading the investigation into a fatal shooting Sunday that involved Eau Claire County deputies, Eau Claire police and the Wisconsin State Patrol.  The incident happened in the Town of Washington a little before 4:00 p-m.  Eau Claire County Sheriff Ron Cramer says less-lethal options were attempted before shots were fired, leaving a man dead.  His name hasn’t been released.  Authorities say he was armed and uncooperative.  He died before he could be rushed to a hospital.

Feed My People Food Bank in Eau Claire is accepting venison donations again this year through the Wisconsin DNR's deer donation program. Hunters can donate any legally harvested deer by dropping it off at a participating processor, who then transports it to the food bank. Feed My People employees said venison donations through the program have significantly decreased over the last ten years, and meat donations are more important than ever this year. For more information on making a donation, visit the Feed My People website.

 President-elect Joe Biden’s choice to be U-S ambassador to the United Nations says she will work to “restore America’s standing in the world.”  Linda Thomas-Greenfield is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison.  She went to work at the U-S Department of State more than 30 years ago.  Her choice is thought to be an indicator of Biden’s intent for this country to return to a more traditional role in the U-N.  Her name was one of several released by Biden’s office Monday as the transition to the White House builds momentum.

Wisconsin doctors are criticizing U-S Senator Ron Johnson for promoting controversial treatments for COVID-19 during a committee hearing last week.  The Wisconsin Republican mentioned hydroxychloroquine during his floor time.  Doctor Robert Freedland is a member of the Committee to Protect Medicare.  He says physicians are extremely concerned that Johnson is using his platform and taxpayer resources to promote “unproven and potentially dangerous treatments for COVID-19.”  Freedland calls Johnson’s comments “extremist views that go against evidence-based science.”

 The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is reminding Minnesotans that cold water can be deadly this time of year.  There have been several cold-water rescues throughout the state already.  The D-N-R's Lisa Dugan says it's very important to wear a life jacket because there are not as many people on the water - and help may be farther away.  She says the "shock of ending up in cold water is really incapacitating, it doesn't matter how strong of a swimmer you are."

Dane County Clerk Scott McDonell said nearly one-quarter of ballots were tabulated as of Monday morning. Milwaukee County hoped to complete it's recount ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, but challenges by Trump campaign observers are leaving that timeline in question. And the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported over the weekend that former Dane County Judge James Troupis, the attorney heading the Trump campaign's effort, sought to throw out the in-person absentee ballots which he and wife cast. Their names were among those Troupis submitted to the Board of Canvassers Sunday as part of an exhibit of people who voted in ways the campaign claims is illegal.

The statistics say Wisconsin has some of the best air quality in the U-S. However, that’s not the perception of everyone. The state’s air quality index ranks 13th, but a survey of three-thousand Americans finds that many think the Badger State is a bit smelly. Wisconsin was ranked second for the stinkiest state – or for having the weirdest smell. The public thinks Wisconsin smells like blue cheese. That makes sense since it is America’s Dairyland. That’s also better than the perception people have of the stinkiest state, New York. They say it smells like chicken wings and garbage.

Wisconsin has spent almost all of its two-billion-dollar coronavirus stimulus. About half of the two billion-dollars went to coronavirus testing, tracing, and state government operations. The rest went either to health care, or to several support efforts that sent money to everything from the University of Wisconsin System -- to local movie theaters. Wisconsin needs to spend all of its coronavirus stimulus money by the end of the year.

The coronavirus pandemic is being blamed for the lack of information about tech giant Foxconn’s plans for its facility in Mount Pleasant.  The project director for the village says those plans are on hold until next year.  The original plans for a 20-million square-foot plant have already been downsized once.  It isn’t clear how many jobs will be developed, but likely not the 13-thousand originally promised.  The first stage of the building has been completed, but not the plant where the liquid crystal displays would be made.  Local officials say they don’t know what the timeline is right now, saying they’d have a better idea if it was known when the COVID-19 pandemic might end.

 Wauwatosa Mayor Dennis McBride says he wishes a rally for President Trump hadn’t been held outside Mayfair Mall Saturday – the day after a shooting left eight people wounded.  Some people attending the rally were carrying guns.  Mall stores were closed at the time.  McBride says the Trump rally had been planned a week in advance.  Authorities say it's hard to say whether a driver who hit two of the protesters did it intentionally.  Drone video shows the car turn right and swerve into the crowd which was standing on the sidewalk.  Two people suffered minor injuries.  Police are looking for the driver.

 Hundreds of protesters rallied outside Governor Tim Walz’s residence Saturday to let him know they don’t like his decision to pause youth sports.  Walz says he is following the science and doing what’s best for the state.  He admits it’s not necessarily what is popular.  The governor says he and officials with the state Department of Health can use the past week’s numbers to predict what next week will look like.  He says positive test results are followed seven-to-10 days later by hospitalizations, which are then followed by patients in the I-C-U and deaths.  Walz says it will be two weeks before the data is available that shows whether the current restrictions in Minnesota are working.

Students at the University of Minnesota who travel for the Thanksgiving holiday are being told to stay home.  University leaders sent an email to all students asking them not to return to campus.  They say the request is being made in an effort to prevent those students from spreading COVID-19 on the campus when they get back.

City officials in Stillwater hope their holiday plans will draw visitors who help local businesses that are struggling.  The city is spending 50-thousand dollars and it raised another 100-thousand dollars to install lights in the downtown area and – for the first time – on the historic Stillwater Lift Bridge.  Stillwater Mayor Ted Kozlowski says his city has Christmas lights and decorations from one end of town to the other.  Stillwater plans to have the lights turned on by December 5th.

Local-Regional News November 23

One person is dead after a shooting in Eau Claire County overnight. According to the Eau Claire County Sheriffs Department, officers were called to a home in the 2300 block of Corona Avenue in Eau Claire Sunday evening. One person was shot and killed by officers in the incident and the Wisconsin Department of Criminal investigation will take over the investigation.

A death in Dunn County is being called a homicide. According to the Dunn County Sheriffs Department, officers responded to a suspicious death in the town of Dunn. Law enforcement believes that this incident was isolated, the involved individuals were known to each other, and the public is not at risk. The suspects are in custody but no names of the victim or those arrested have been released.

A 20-year-old Ladysmith man is pleading no contest to charges he fired a shot from his gun into the floor of a home, hurting a woman in the basement.  Ethan Channell made an Eau Claire County court appearance by video Thursday.  The court accepted Channell’s plea and found him guilty of second-degree reckless injury by use of a dangerous weapon.  The name of the victim hasn’t been released and the extent of her injuries isn’t known.  Channell will be on probation for five years while sentencing on the charge is withheld.

A man from Bloomer in western Wisconsin faces a long list of charges after a series of incidents last week.  A neighbor called authorities saying 26-year-old Nevin Reit (right) was acting strangely and talking about government conspiracies.  A SWAT team from Eau Claire was among several law enforcement agencies involved in taking Reit into custody.  He’s accused of putting the barrel of a gun down a woman’s throat, pulling a loaded weapon on police officers, and temporarily escaping out of a locked police car.  A 25-thousand-dollar bond was set for Reit during a Monday hearing in Chippewa County Circuit Court.

From now through December 17th Buckets for Hunger Inc., a non-profit charity organization, will match approximately twenty five cents (or more) for every dollar that you donate to the Durand Area Food Pantry. For a $10 donation, you could help purchase about 75 pounds of food for our local families in need through this challenge. Make all donation checks out to Buckets For Hunger (NOT the Food Pantry) and send to Durand Area Food Pantry, 114 E. Main Street, Durand, WI 54736. Buckets for Hunger, Inc. has very generously supported our local pantry in the past

 The Minnesota D-N-R is confirming chronic wasting disease (CWD) in a pair of deer in southern Minnesota.  A wild deer harvested in Dakota County and a deer killed by a vehicle in Olmsted County were the 94th and 95th in the state to test positive for C-W-D.  Conservation officers say the Dakota County wild deer marks the first time the disease has been detected in the new 'south metro' management zone.  A Rochester resident brought the deer hit by a car to the D-N-R for C-W-D testing.  Researchers say that is the farthest northwest that the disease has been found in the 'southeast' zone.

Minnesota officials are expecting another jump in unemployment insurance claims as effects of the four-week shut-down of bar and restaurants begin spreading through the economy.  Employment and Economic Development officials say there is money available in Minnesota's unemployment insurance system, mostly borrowed from the federal government. Officials did not with the expiration of some federal benefits from earlier this spring, there is less of a cushion for impacted workers.

SO you've bagged your deer for the deer season, now what? Now it's time to get that deer turned into tasty venison. DNR wildlife management director Eric Loebner says adding deer meat to your diet is a great way to get lean, healthy protien.  The DNR offers plenty of tips on dressing your deer, and you can even learn how to can your meat for the winter.  Visit the Wisconsin DNR website for more information.

Governor Tony Evers issued a new public health emergency aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19.  Evers notes "hospitals are operating at or very near full capacity and health care providers are struggling to keep up with the demand for care."  The governor is asking everyone to stay home if possible.  Wisconsin residents will also be required to continuing wearing face masks through the end of January.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz says he's open to a request from Minnesota's hospitality industry for state assistance after another COVID closure of bars and restaurants.  The governor said, "we need to do something. It won't be enough, but we need to do something in the very short run here to provide a bit of a lifeline to get these folks through."  Walz indicates it's too early to commit on specifics but he's talking to top lawmakers. Hospitality industry leaders are asking for 200-million dollars in emergency grants, no-interest loans, sales tax forgiveness, property tax reductions, and a freeze on evictions of commercial hospitality tenants.

The recount process is just starting in Dane and Milwaukee counties and the Trump campaign is filing its first objections.  The Trump campaign objected to the manner in which the state allows absentee voting to take place.  They're calling for absentee ballots requested online, in-person, or through the indefinitely confined process to be tossed for having a lack of paperwork or signatures.  Trump's lawyers also objected to allowing clerks to fill in the witness address on a ballot envelope if the witness can be reached before the cut-off date.  The Elections Commission has stated that all of these processes are legal, and local elections staff have so far rejected the objections.

 Five private schools in Racine are asking the Wisconsin Supreme Court to let them continue holding in-person classes.  The city’s public health officer issued an order last week closing classrooms starting a week from Friday and lasting until January 15th.  Two separate groups are joining the schools behind the petition filed by the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty.  They’re hoping the order by Racine Public Health Administrator Dottie-Kay Bowersox will at least be put on hold temporarily.  Lawyers say there was a similar case in Dane County where the court allowed in-person instruction to continue.

A new Mayo Clinic study suggests more people are drinking and using drugs during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Psychiatrist researcher Doctor Pravesh Sharma found 34 percent of participants reported a shift in substance abuse use and 70 percent increasing their alcohol usage.  Doctor Sharma said, "we think that this could be because of patients staying at home most of the time and other stress around COVID-19."  Sharma also noticed those who have a history of loneliness, anxiety, and depression, are more at risk with a substance abuse change.  He recommends staying connected with others online and taking a break from alcohol this holiday season.

Accused Kenosha killer Kyle Rittenhouse is out of jail The Illinois 17-year-old charged with fatally shooting two men and wounding a third, during August riots over the police shooting of Jacob Blake, posted a two million dollar cash bond on Friday. Rittenhouse’s attorneys claim he was acting in self-defense, something Rittenhouse reiterated in a jailhouse interview with the Washington Post this week.

The 12th annual Give to the Max Day is being called "another success" for non-profits and schools around the state.  The 24-hour online campaign raised a record 30-point-four million dollars Thursday.  Give M-N Executive Director Jake Blumberg says "every year we are just blown away by the generosity of donors not just across every county in the state of Minnesota, but every state and thousands of countries worldwide to support Minnesota causes. "  He says organizations from large to small are doing incredibly important work in our communities and every single dollar makes a difference to them.

Local-Regional News November 20

Pepin County Health has announced there will be free covid-19 testing next week. Pepin County Health Officer Heidi Stewart says the health department is wanting people to register online to make it easier.  The testing will be November 24^th and December 8^th from 10am-6pm at the Pepin County Highway shop.

Durand residents will see an increase in their sewer rates for 2021. The rates are rising due to an unexpected repair to the waste water treatment facility that will cost nearly $250,000. Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren says the cost of the repair will be paid for by the general fund, and then the sewer department will re-pay the general fund.  The council approved going ahead with the waste water treatment facility repair and the 5% increase in the sewer rate.

Two members of the Durand-Arkansaw School District have been recognized. During this weeks board meeting, high school principal Bill Claus was recognized as the Wisconsin Rural School Association Principal of the year, and Bill Yingst was recognized as the Wisconsin Rural Schools Association Board member of the year.

A sheriff in western Wisconsin says he won’t be enforcing the state’s mask mandate, even though it was just extended into late January.  Trempealeau County Sheriff Brett Semingson says the governor’s emergency order doesn’t give his office the power to enforce the mask requirement.  Semingson says he thinks most of the people in Trempealeau County do wear their masks, but he’s apparently not going to write them up if they don’t.  The county health department has issued new rules for face coverings – including a requirement that kids over the age of five wear one.

Wisconsin's unemployment rate inched up to five-point-seven percent in October from five-point-four percent in September.  The Department of Workforce Development reports Wisconsin lost a total of 14-thousand-700 jobs last month.  It's the first time the state has lost more jobs than it gained since April.  Economists say the pandemic continues to weigh on the labor market.  The national unemployment rate in October was six-point-nine percent.

The state Department of Employment and Economic Development reports Minnesota's unemployment rate fell to four-point-six percent in October.  That's a point-and-a-half decline from five-point-nine percent in September.  DEED Commissioner Steve Grove says the drop was largely due to labor force participation declines.  He says the number of unemployed workers in Minnesota fell to 137-thousand-359 in October.  Grove says a lot of companies are hiring right now, especially manufacturing and health care.  The national employment rate was six-point-nine percent last month.

The Mauston Police Department says three of its officers have resigned after being placed on administrative leave for a pair of off-duty incidents.  Officers Mckenna Huffman and Brian Raabe resigned last month after they were found to have been involved in a bar fight while off-duty.  Raabe is facing criminal charges.  The third officer, Michael Sturek, resigned this month.  He faces multiple charges for injuring another person with a gun last August.  A fourth officer who had been on administrative leave has now returned to the job.

 Republican legislative leaders and Democratic Governor Tony Evers will sit down today (Friday) for a discussion of COVID-19.  Spokespersons for Evers and Assembly Speaker Robin Vos confirmed the meeting Thursday.  Vos has said he hopes to pass some form of COVID-19 relief, possibly as early as next month.  The governor and Republican leaders held dueling news conferences earlier this week. Evers, Vos and new Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu are expected to attend the meeting.

Milwaukee Public Schools have pulled the plug on winter sports seasons. The decision has been made to call off the entire winter sports season as new cases of COVID-19 continue to mount up. The decision means no boys or girls basketball, and no boys swimming, wrestling, or diving. The decision wasn’t as much of a surprise in Milwaukee as it might have been in other parts of the state. M-P-S had already canceled the entire fall sports season.

Wisconsin’s largest teachers union wants the state to make decisions about moving classes online. The Wisconsin Education Association Council made the pitch to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services in a letter last week. The union says local decisions about holding classes in-person or online have led to a patchwork of policies. Union leaders say public health experts can and should make those determinations. Schools across Wisconsin have set their own policies since school started in September.  

A recount of ballots in Milwaukee and Dane Counties could end in up court. The Wisconsin Elections Commission spent several hours Wednesday night arguing over how the recount will move forward, and what the rules will be. Democratic and Republican commissioners disagreed over where poll watchers will stand, how to treat ballots without the proposer addresses, and whether Wisconsin’s voting website may violate state law. President Trump has asked for a recount of ballots in Milwaukee and Dane counties, which will start Friday.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on the size of gatherings that will be allowed at a hearing next month.  The court issued an order to that effect Wednesday afternoon.  The Tavern League of Wisconsin is suing the state Department of Health Services.  The October order limits the number of people who can gather in bars, restaurants and other indoor venues to just 25-percent of capacity.  It was issued October 6th by D-H-S Secretary Andrea Palm and it has already expired after being put on hold by an appeals court.

Departing Wauwatosa Police Officer Joseph Mensah isn’t leaving empty-handed.  Details of his termination agreement with the city were released Wednesday.  Mensah’s severance pay, along with benefits, adds up to almost 130-thousand dollars.  Mensah was involved in three fatal shootings on the job in the last five years.  When he wasn’t criminally charged for killing teenager Alvin Cole earlier this year, large protests were held all over the Milwaukee County region.  Mensah’s resignation is effective November 30th.

The C-E-O of Polaris Inc. plans to leave the Minnesota-based company at the of the year.  Scott Wine has been the chief executive officer since 2008.  Wine said in a statement that he was honored to have served in that capacity the past 12 years, adding it is rewarding to reflect on what the company has accomplished during that time.  Wine says he has complete confidence the future for Polaris Industries is bright.  Wine saw the company's revenue grow from one-point-nine billion dollars to six-point-78 billion in 2019.  Wine will be joining C-N-H Industrial based out of London.

Officials with the Duluth Airport Authority told Vice President Mike Pence he couldn’t hold a campaign event there in late October after a rally for President Trump ignored state health guidelines earlier.  The Pence event was moved to Hibbing’s airport with about 650 people showing up.  There were about three-thousand people in the crowd for the September 30th rally featuring the president.  Although the campaign had signed a contract agreeing to follow state rules implemented by the governor, that didn’t happen – leading to the decision to turn Pence away.

Local-Regional News November 19

The Durand City Council has passed a new budget. According to Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren, taxpayers will see a slight decrease in the mill rate for the city.  The total tax levy dropped by 1.3% and the mill rate dropped to $7.22 per $1,000 of assessed value.

The Pepin County Health Department will no longer provide contract tracing to every covid-19 case. Pepin County Health Officer Heidi Stewart says the department was approved to begin crisis standards of practice for health investigation.  As the cases of covid-19 continue to rise, health department workers became overwhelmed in attempting to contact trace those who may have been exposed.

Two school Districts in Northwest Wisconsin have decided to go all virtual until January. The Bloomer school district will go all virtual from November 30^th through January 4^th, while the New Auburn district will continue its virtual learning through January 3^rd. The Bloomer district will re-evalulate the situation on December 23.

A Red Wing man received 15 years in prison for his 21st birthday  Wednesday.   Michael Reyes was sentenced for the June 2019 shooting death of 28-year-old D'andre Hicks of Tampa Bay, Florida.  Reyes pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for shooting Hicks in the head in downtown Red Wing.  Hicks died in a Rochester hospital the next day.  Reyes left town and was later arrested at a Twin Cities hotel.  He will get credit for the 514 days he's already served.

 More than 900 staff members at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester have been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the last two weeks.  Mayo Clinic Practice Doctor Amy Williams says she's concerned with staff shortages as employees get exposed to the virus.  The 905 new infections brings Mayo Clinic's total to two-thousand-981 employees who have tested positive since the beginning of the pandemic.

Wisconsin’s governor says he will re-issue a State of Emergency due to the pandemic effective Saturday.  That’s when the current State of Emergency expires.  Governor Tony Evers is “it’s clear we can’t afford to stop.”  His action will extend the public health emergency until January.  The move also extends the statewide mask mandate.  The Wisconsin Supreme Court heard arguments earlier this week about whether Evers is exceeding his authority with moves like that.  No ruling from the high court is expected for several weeks.

Minnesota bars, restaurants, fitness centers, bowling alleys and other establishments will have to close for in-person business at 11:59 p-m Friday.  Governor Tim Walz announced what he calls a "four-week dial back"  to control the spread of COVID-19 last night (Wednesday). The order also calls for a four-week "pause" on youth and adult sports,  wedding receptions and other social gatherings.  Governor Walz said no one thinks these restrictions are "easy" or "fair."  Retail businesses, salons, and places of worship may continue to operate with precautions in place.  The new restrictions are set to run through December 18th.  Minnesota had a record number of COVID deaths and hospitalizations Wednesday.

The Wisconsin man accused of being a part of the plot against Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has been arrested a second time.  Brian Higgins was free on bail when Whitmer and Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers submitted paperwork for his extradition.  Higgins has been charged with providing material support for terrorist acts – a federal felony that could result in a 20-year prison sentence.  He has been accused of traveling to western Michigan to meet with a militia group called the Wolverine Watchmen.  They were reportedly working on a plot to kidnap Whitmer.

The Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles says one of its investigators has uncovered millions of dollars in fraudulent vehicle titles.  The Field Investigation Unit’s Joel Ingebrigston took the case last year to look into counterfeit replacement titles.  He found 16 worth more than a half-million dollars, but he also found 100 more fake documents tied to four-million dollars worth of vehicles.  For his good work, Ingebrigston has won a national award.  His boss says the state investigator’s methods for identifying title and odometer fraud have been picked up by agencies in other states.

 Five police officers in Marinette County have been cleared in the fatal shooting of a suspect in Goodman.  The district attorney’s office says no criminal charges will be filed.  Sixty-two-year-old John Lipski of Milwaukee was shot to death October 23rd.  He had been identified as a suspect in the fatal shooting of 62-year-old Richard Gibbs.  Deputies followed Lipski and when he pointed a gun at pursuing officers he was shot to death.  The Wisconsin Division of Criminal Investigation handled the case.

A western Wisconsin man is now charged in a police chase and exchange of gunfire in central Minnesota.  That state’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension says 20-year-old Bradley Olsen of Dresser is jailed for use of deadly force against an officer, felony discharge of a firearm and fleeing a police officer.   Agents say Olsen refused to pull over Saturday and fired shots at an Anoka County sheriff's deputy, who returned fire.  Olsen wasn't shot but suffered minor injuries when he crashed his car.

 Governor Tony Evers and Wisconsin Republicans say they need to meet to talk about COVID relief.  Nothing is scheduled yet.  Evers released details of a 541-million-dollar package Tuesday and he wants the Legislature to consider the 19 bills this fall.  Assembly Speaker Robin Vos held a news conference shortly after the Democratic governor revealed his plans.  The Republican Vos presented a set of ideas focusing on contact tracers and rapid testing.  He says a meeting with Evers will have to be conducted before a relief package can be finalized.  The governor has suggested meeting Friday.

Governors from states in the Upper Midwest have agreed to start working together to slow the spread of COVID-19.  Minnesota health experts say neighboring states like Iowa and Wisconsin are contributing to the growth of cases here.  Minnesota Governor Tim Walz says new case rates are growing faster in the upper Midwest than any other place on the planet during the pandemic.  He and other governors will coordinator, share information and try to work together to slow the spread.  Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has already issued that state’s first mask mandate.  The executive director of the Iowa Public Health Association calls the situation “a disaster.”

Target corporation is reporting results from a strong third quarter during the COVID pandemic.  The Minnesota-based retailer says comparable sales grew by 20-point-seven percent and online sales rose by 155 percent.  Same-day services such as order pick up, drive up and Shipt rose by 217 percent in August, September and October.  Target's total revenue was up more than 21 percent and operating income increased 93 percent to one-point-nine billion dollars.

Local-Regional News November 18

The Durand City Council is meeting tonight. Items on the agenda include a public hearing on the proposed final budget, and then the council will have discussion and final approval of the budget, the council will also hear reports from the Mayor and Department heads. Tonights meeting begins at 6:30 and will be available on our live stream page of our website and our youtube channel.

The Durand-Arkansaw School Board is meeting tonight. Items on the agenda include discussion and possible action on Winter Sports rules and guidelines, renewal of agreements with Alma, Plum City, Pepin and Mondovi School Districts, and update on the covid-19 pandemic and how it is affecting the district. Tonights meeting begins at 6 at the board room at Durand High School.

Even though COVID-19 put a damper on the 2020 Pierce County Fair, that does not mean the Fair and Fairgrounds has not been busy getting ready for the 2021 Pierce County Fair. Without the 2020 Fair, extra time and attention has been given to multiple building improvements and fund raising for PA system upgrades in various barns. Many individuals and businesses contributed to a much need PA sound system improvement in the Arena, Blue and Silver Barns on the Fairgrounds that will be completed in the spring of 2021. Visit the Fair’s website for details about next year’s Pierce County Fair – August 12th-15th, 2021. “Celebrating 100 Years of the Round Barn and Pierce County 4-H.

Security Financial Services Corporation (SFSC), the parent company of Security Financial Bank (SFB), announced that it completed its acquisition of Jackson County Bank. The transaction became effective following the close of business on November 16, 2020. SFSC plans to operate both banks independently until the financial institutions merge sometime in the second half of 2021. Until that time, customers will continue to use their Jackson County Bank accounts and services. All Jackson County Bank customers will receive direct communication about conversion plans beginning in April.

Mayo Clinic will receive thousand doses of a new COVID-19 therapy drug that decreases the need for hospitalizations.  Doctor Amy Williams, executive dean of Mayo Clinic practice, said they are in the process of receiving "monoclonal antibodies."According to the FDA, monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-made proteins that mimic the immune system's ability to fight off harmful antigens such as viruses.The therapy for use only in people who are at high risk for severe disease and not currently hospitalized with COVID.   The drug was just authorized for emergency used by the F-D-A last week and the feds are sending weekly shipments to health care facilities.   Minnesota is expected to receive 24-hundred doses in the first shipment.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Hobbs Ice Arena in Eau Claire is temporarily closing its doors. Hobbs will be closed beginning starting today and will remain closed until at least Tuesday, December 8 at which point they will reevaluate. Services impacted by the closure include hockey practices, figure skating, competitive games and any winter programming.

The Trump campaign has until 5:00 p-m today (Wednesday) to pay eight-million dollars and submit the paperwork for a recount.  All 72 Wisconsin counties have turned in the final vote totals based on their canvassing.  They show that Democrat challenger Joe Biden beat the president by 20-thousand-600 votes in this state.  Trump will have the option to file for a recount only in the specific counties where votes were predominantly for Biden.  That would save money and make the process go faster.  If he moves forward with any recount, the counties would have to start work by Saturday and be finished by December 1st.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is getting strong pushback on what will likely be a "pause" in youth sports when he announces additional COVID restrictions in Minnesota today (Wednesday).   Sarah Winston is the mother of a 17-year-old student-athlete at Wayzata who was in I-C-U for a week with heart and kidney failure.  She said, "as sad as it is for my daughter that can't participate in athletics because of COVID, I really don't want that to be jeopardized for the rest of the kids out there."  The governor says a pause in youth sports is "terrible" on the mental health and the well-being of our children, "but the virus cares about none of those things we like to do."  Walz is also expected to add restrictions on bars, restaurants and gatherings as COVID cases spike.

 Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka says about a COVID outbreak involving at least four senators and a number of staffers that "in hindsight, we could have handled the event and our information sharing differently."  Senate D-F-L Leader Susan Kent demanded Gazelka's resignation, saying he didn't perform his duty to keep members of state Senate safe from COVID during last Thursday's special session.  The Senate G-O-P informed its own members of a positive case, but failed to tell the D-F-L or non-partisan Capitol staff.  Leaders claim no one from the Republican caucus with a known positive COVID test or symptoms attended the special session in person.  But Gazelka said today (Tuesday) he'll personally apply lessons from the episode "to inform future decisions as we prepare for the 2021 legislative session."

The Department of Natural Resources is recommending all hunters download the Go Wild app this year before heading into the woods. DNR wildlife management director Eric Loebner says it's the best way to keep connected with the DNR and be ready for your hunt.  Loebner reminds all hunters to check the hunting rules for their local county units, and to keep COVID-19 in mind while both out in the field and getting to your hunting spot.

Second District Congressman Mark Pocan is in quarantine after being exposed to COVID-19.  The Wisconsin Democrat said he’s been in quarantine since last Tuesday after he found out his mother had tested positive for the virus.  Pocan had driven two hours with his mother last week while moving her to a new nursing facility.  He tested positive last Friday and will be taking another test for the virus later this week.

 Wisconsin school districts and libraries are eligible for part of three-million dollars in federal grants to help with remote teaching efforts.  The money can be used to buy the equipment and services needed to better teach students remotely and in the classroom.  The Wisconsin Department of Administration says access to modern I-T equipment has become critical to the success of all students.  Eligible school districts can get grants of between 30 and 60-thousand dollars.

Engineers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison says their Badger Seal Mask Fitter will make users safer during the coronavirus pandemic.  The prototype was just revealed.  The researchers say it is an adjustable frame that fits over the outer seal of a three-ply disposable face mask.  They say it stops more particles from spreading to nearby people.  The team is sharing how to make a Badger Seal which reportedly costs less than one-dollar to put together.  The information is available online.

The American Lung Association is out with its 2020 "State of Lung Cancer" report.  Minnesota spokeswoman Pat McKone says one highlight is Minnesota's survival rates for lung cancer are improving thanks to early diagnosis.  She says Minnesota is above average and ranks second in the country for lung cancer survival.  McKone says the state continues to see disparities in access to health care, early diagnosis and treatment among the African-American population.  She adds that more Minnesotans are getting screened early for lung cancer.

November is the peak month for vehicle accidents involving deer. According to State Farm, Wisconsin drivers have a 1 in 57 chance of hitting an animal, mostly deer. Those odds rank the state 7th most risky according to a press release from the insurance giant. Drivers are encouraged to eliminate distractions, use extra caution in deer zones, be aware of risky dusk-to-dawn times, don't rely on unproven tools such as deer whistles and if you see deer, slow down, don’t swerve or slam on the brakes and know more are nearby. Your odds of hitting an animal are the highest in West Virginia and the risk is lowest in Hawaii.

 When Wisconsin residents reach for comfort food, they stay with tradition.  Researchers at the online website WalletHub say the state’s most popular comfort food is fried cheese curds.  We love them and we eat tons of them.  There is a price to pay, though.  Wisconsin fried cheese curds will set your diet back – about 12-hundred calories-a-serving.