Local-Regional News February 26

 Two people were injured in a one-vehicle accident in rural Pepin County Wednesday night.  According to the Pepin County Sheriffs Department, 27yr old Amanda Spindler of Durand was driving west on Hwy T and Brantner Road when the vehicle lost control, and struck a tree at a high rate of speed, narrowly missing an occupied home.  Spindler was med-flighted to an Eau Claire hospital with life-threatening injuries.  Her passenger, 29yr old Jacob R Bauer was transported to an Eau Claire Hospital with serious injuries.    Both Spindler and Bauer were extricated from the vehicle by the Durand Fire Department.  The Sheriff's Department says impaired driving, speed, and no seatbelts appear to be contributing factors to the seriousness of the accident.  

Even with the warmer weather as of late, the Durand Public Works has issued a freeze warning for the city. The warning is issued when the frost depth reaches 5ft or more and there is a risk of water lines freezing.   According to Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren those that are concerned with their water mains freezing can run a trickle of water, but you need to call city hall to let them know.  So far about 20 residences in the city are participating in the program.

Wisconsin 3rd District Congressman Ron Kind and Ohio Congressman Brad Wenstrup have sent a letter to Covid-19 Response Coordinator Jeffery Zients and Acting US Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Norris Cochran urging them to ensure rural communities are not left behind in the federal Covid-19 vaccine information campaign.    DHHS launched the campaign via the internet and larger radio stations, but according to Kind says rural radio needs to play a role in the campaign.  Kind and Wenstrup sent that letter to DHHS yesterday.

Dunn County authorities are asking for the public's help identifying a truck that passed a stopped school bus on Hwy 25 Thursday morning.  The Department posted a video on its Facebook page Thursday showing the white pickup truck passing the stopped school bus that had its red flashing lights operating.  The incident happened near the 7100 block of Hwy 25 and if anyone has any information they are to call the Dunn County Sheriffs Department.

One of the three suspects in a Rusk County double-homicide case has reached a plea agreement with prosecutors.  Seventeen-year-old Tristan Shober is scheduled to be sentenced in May after pleading no contest to two counts of murder, with five other charges dismissed.  Robert and Bonnie Rosolowski were shot to death last year.  Shober and 18-year-old Joseph Falk have told investigators the victims’ grandson – 22-year-old Adam Rosolowski – shot them.  Shober was the getaway driver.  It is possible that he might avoid any prison time.

One of the teens involved in a crash between a buggy and truck in northwestern Wisconsin last week did not survive his injuries.  The Barron County Sheriff's Office say a 17-year-old victim died in the hospital.  The truck rear-ended the horse-drawn buggy last Thursday night near Rice Lake.  The 17-year-old was airlifted to the hospital in serious condition and a 16-year-old had minor injuries.  Deputies say the buggy had operating rear lights.  A funeral is planned this weekend for the teen and authorities expected a large presence of horse and buggies in the area.

An unlicensed Winona therapist and her adult daughter are accused of collecting close to 200-thousand dollars through false claims under the Medicaid program.  Kristine Hollund has been charged with aiding and abetting theft by swindle.  The 53-year-old defendant's 34-year-old daughter, Brittany Lindner, allegedly handled the fraudulent billing and faces the same charge.  Winona County prosecutors say the scheme lasted from April 2016 to January 2019.  Hollund and Lindner are due in court on March 29th.

 A bill awaiting the signature of Governor Tim Walz would allow Minnesota dentists to give the COVID-19 vaccine.  The bipartisan measure passed unanimously in the Minnesota House Thursday and cleared the Senate earlier this month.  Representative Mike Freiberg (FRY'-berg)  of Golden Valley says “while the supply of COVID vaccines has yet to meet its great demand when that moment arrives Minnesota will be better prepared by allowing our dentists to administer this vaccine.”  Dentists can already administer influenza vaccines in Minnesota.

 Help is on the way for Wisconsin’s aging computer system at the Department of Workforce Development.  The 50-year-old infrastructure delayed unemployment benefit payments for months for some applicants during the past year.  Governor Tony Evers blamed lawmakers and previous administrations for failing to take the needed action for more than a decade.  Evers absorbed some harsh criticism while people who lost their jobs due to the coronavirus pandemic waited to be approved, then waited for payments.  The Democratic governor called the bill he signed “a step in the right direction” Thursday.  That bill also waives the one-week waiting period for receiving benefits and extends limited liability from COVID-related lawsuits to state businesses, schools, and governments.

Wisconsin Congresswoman Gwen Moore says she is one of the people whose absentee ballot was lost in the mail last week.  The Milwaukee Democrat has fired off a series of letters to top U-S Postal Service officials demanding answers.  Moore says her office has received many complaints about mail delays and mail not arriving.  Milwaukee television station W-I-S-N reported about a big batch of absentee ballots sent by the city of Wauwatosa that had been lost in the mail.  The postmaster general has told Congress the agency is working on a new 10-year plan that will make fundamental changes in the way the postal service operates.

Public health officials are speculating Johnson and Johnson’s single-dose vaccine for COVID-19 could be available to Wisconsin residents next week.  The F-D-A is scheduled to decide whether to grant the drug emergency use authorization for the public Friday.  Testing shows it is effective at preventing the virus.  Johnson and Johnson are estimating it is capable of producing 100-thousand vaccines by summer.  Wisconsin doctors say it is easy to store and inexpensive to produce.  Scientists say its effectiveness is less than other vaccines, but it stops the worst health outcomes for those who get COVID-19.

Wisconsin election officials are telling lawmakers poll workers are essential employees.  Clerks across the state are asking that they be vaccinated as soon as possible.  The Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled last year that elections wouldn’t stop despite the coronavirus pandemic.  Dane County Clerk Scott McDonell says there’s no way around it, “there has to be in-person voting.”  He has worked four elections during the pandemic – plus November’s recount.  McDonell says he has been in the room with hundreds of people for nine days lasting about 14 hours each.  The Wisconsin Municipal Clerks Association is asking to be considered essential workers before the April 6th vote.

Minnesota Republican lawmakers are expressing concerns about the COVID-19 Vaccine Connector aimed at helping Minnesotans find out where and when to get the shot.  G-O-P Senator Karin Housley of the Stillwater area says the program asks for too much personal information.  Housley asked State Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm to take down some of the questions including those about sexual preference.  Malcolm said the information is necessary to "communicate with people in specific ways that apply to their specific situation."  Malcolm says more than 400-thousand Minnesotans have signed up for the program.

Wisconsinites who have lost income due to the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible for assistance  Governor Tony Evers says more than 322 million dollars in funding will be available, to help with rent, utilities, and other services. Qualified applicants may receive up to 12 months of assistance, with rent and utility payments made directly to the landlord or provider. It's funded through a federal program. The state Department Of Administration will partner with community agencies to accept applications and distribute assistance.

Best Buy says it is giving its hourly employees a "gratitude" bonus for their work during the pandemic.   The Minnesota-based electronics retailer announced that full-time employees will receive a 500-dollar bonus and part-timers are getting 200.   Best Buy has seen a big increase in online sales since the pandemic began last spring.  The company also says it's offering paid time off for workers to get the COVID vaccine.

Local-Regional News February 25

 The Durand City Council has approved the contract with the Durand-Arkansaw School District for the School Resource Officer.  Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren says because the officer has built relationships with the students its helped the school, city, and other law enforcement agencies.  The contract extends the current agreement another three years.

The incoming principal for Durand High School has already spent his first day in the district.  Nick Gillis has been hired to replace Bill Clouse who is retiring at the end of the school year. Durand-Arkansaw School Superintendent Greg Doverspike says Gills was in town on Monday to visit the school.  Gillis will officially take over as principal at the end of this school year.

A western Wisconsin firefighter is in critical condition after a firearm discharged at the scene of a fire.  Cornell Area Fire Chief Dennis Klass says 35-year-old Justin Frederickson was hurt Friday responding to a fire in the Township of Willard.  The chief says Frederickson was operating a hose line outside the structure when a loaded gun discharged inside.  The bullet traveled through a wall and hit Frederickson in the stomach.  He was taken to a local hospital and then airlifted to Mayo Hospital in Eau Claire for surgery.  Frederickson has since undergone a second surgery with a third surgery planned.  Investigators say the heat in the structure caused the gun to fire.

A Rochester man is suspected of criminal vehicular homicide in a crash that left a teenager dead.  Officers say a pickup driven by 34-year-old Sterling Haukom collided with a car driven by 18-year-old Erika Cruz around 10:30 Tuesday night.  The impact sent both vehicles into a power pole and a fence around Lincoln Elementary School.  Police said Wednesday that Cruz died of her injuries in the hospital.   Witnesses said the truck appeared to be speeding.  Haukom was initially jailed on suspicion of criminal vehicular operation and drunken driving.

Eau Claire elementary students will begin to return to the classroom.  During last night's school board meeting, the Eau Claire School Board approved a proposal to move grades K-5 to four days a week starting April 5.   District officials said they plan to keep middle and high school students in a hybrid learning model for the rest of the semester.

The Wisconsin DNR has charged three Eau Claire County men with illegally shooting a deer before the start of the 2020 gun deer season.  Wardens received a complaint that the three men shot a 34 point buck near Fall Creek 30 minutes before opening day from a vehicle using a light on land the hunters had no permission to hunt on.  Alex Laffey, Dion Laffey, and Eugene Heisler have been cited for numerous hunting violations and have all pleaded not guilty.  The three men will be in court in April.

Backers of legislation calling for ranked-choice voting in Wisconsin say they have bipartisan support.  The bill unveiled Wednesday is the first one to get any Republican support.  Under a ranked-choice voting system, people casting ballots would rank the candidates by preference.  If one of the candidates wins a majority of first-preference votes, he or she is declared the winner.  If that doesn’t happen, the candidate with the fewest first-preference votes is eliminated.  More candidates are eliminated until one of them does have a majority.  Supporters say ranked-choice voting would make Wisconsin elections less politically polarized.  Opponents call it too complicated and vulnerable to abuse.

 Foxconn Technology Group may have yet another plan for its plant in southeastern Wisconsin.  The Taiwan tech giant could start to build electric cars in Mount Pleasant.  Foxconn says it has an agreement with a California start-up company called Fisker.  Though Foxconn hasn’t said anything, Henrik Fisker tells the Wall Street Journal the Wisconsin facility would be an “obvious choice” for producing the vehicles.  A report in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel says a statement from Foxconn doesn’t dismiss that possibility.

Spirit Airlines plans to offer direct flights from Milwaukee International Mitchell Airport to Orlando, Las Vegas, and L-A this summer.  The nonstop flights are scheduled to begin June 24th.  Spirit Airlines vice president John Kirby said, "we've had our eye on Milwaukee for a long time, and we're excited to bring our unique value proposition to the Brew City."  Spirit will be the only airline serving nonstop flights to Los Angeles from Milwaukee.  County officials say the addition of Spirit Airlines will create jobs and bring more economic impact to Milwaukee County.

The Milwaukee Brewers are willing to leave the roof open all year if it means more fans in the stands.   The Brewers say they’re looking at ways to keep fans as safe as possible this season. The team wants to be able to fill American Family Field up to 35-percent of its capacity, but the city of Milwaukee is reportedly leaning toward something closer to ten-percent. Officials with the team and the city will do a walk-through at the ballpark on Friday. 

Older drivers in Wisconsin have some more time to get a new drivers’ license.  The Division of Motor Vehicles is extending the deadline for drivers 60 and older to renew their driver's licenses until May. The extension gives about 62-thousand drivers in the state more time to get to the D-M-V. Those offices were closed to walk-ins throughout the coronavirus outbreak. 

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission is investigating the spike in natural gas prices during the recent cold snap.  The P-U-C voted 5-0 Tuesday to open a formal investigation to examine the impact of the national spike in prices on consumers and the state's gas utilities.  Officials say some utilities had to purchase gas at prices at least 50 times higher than the average between February 12th and 17th.  The unexpected gas costs are not expected to show up on customer bills right away and may be delayed several months.  P-U-C chair Katie Sieben said, "in the midst of this COVID pandemic, the last thing needed are additional bills hitting Minnesota families and businesses."

Authorities are naming the suspect fatally shot by police during a carjacking and chase Sunday in Anoka and Isanti counties.  The Midwest Medical Examiner's Office says 21-year-old Dominic Koch of St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin died of multiple gunshot wounds.  Anoka police dog Bravo was shot during the exchange of gunfire and was treated at the U of M Veterinary Medical Center and is recovering at home.  The B-C-A says Koch and 24-year-old Joseph Heroff from Hammond, Wisconsin carjacked a vehicle in a Kohls parking in lot in Blaine and later carjacked a truck in Isanti County.   The truck was disabled and investigators say shots were exchanged, killing Koch and wounding Bravo the K-9.  Heroff is charged with first-degree robbery and fleeing police.

A 46-year-old Pewaukee man will be sentenced in June for illegally obtaining more than a million dollars from the federal Paycheck Protection Program.  Thomas E. Smith entered a guilty plea to federal bank fraud charges Tuesday in Milwaukee.  Prosecutors say Smith got the money by filing applications on behalf of eight different companies.  Those applications contained numerous false and misleading statements about the companies' operations.  Smith then got kickbacks from his co-conspirators.

Oshkosh Defense will build mail trucks for the U-S Postal Service.    The contract announced this week is part of an effort to make the post office more environmentally-friendly with a new fleet of electric vehicles. Oshkosh will make at least 50-thousand next-generation mail trucks, but the contract could be extended to 165-thousand vehicles. The postal service will pay Oshkosh Defense at least 482-million dollars.

Local-Regional News February 24

 The Durand City Council is meeting tonight.  Items on the agenda include discussion and possible action on the SRO contract with the Durand-Arkansaw School District, the picnic license for the Pepin County Tavern Leagues Putt-Putt fundraiser, and on the Tarrant Park Pool Season Resolution.  Tonight's meeting begins at 6:30 at Durand City Hall and will be live-streamed on the WRDN YouTube Channel at Durand Broadcasting WRDN.  Meanwhile, the Durand Safety Committee will be meeting at 5:45 and the only topic on the agenda is the discussion and possible action on the SRO Contract with the Durand Arkansaw School District.

The Durand-Arkansaw School District is expecting an increase in enrollment for the 2021-22 school year, and while in some cases that could lead to a decrease in state funding, Durand-Arkansaw School Superintendent Greg Doverspike says the district will not be hurt.  The district is projecting a 39 student increase in enrollment for next year.

The Pepin County Health Department is gearing up to increase the number of vaccinations for covid 19 in the coming weeks.    Currently, WI receives approximately 70,000  doses each week. This is expected to increase 115,000 by March 1 and remain stable for at least three weeks.  This information allows the department to plan for the new phase to be released on or around March 1, phase 1B, which includes educators, childcare, long-term care MA recipients, and some public-facing essential workers such as those in utility and communications, food chain supply, and transit. The Health Department continues to utilize their COVID-19 Vaccine Waitlist to offer appointments for the vaccine. The scheduling is done “by appointment only” in groups of 30 people every 30 minutes. The clinic flow and throughput have been very effective and efficient thus far. “We plan to continue using this model as long as appropriate,” commented Jessica Schrauth, Public Health Nurse. “We will be aggressive in ordering and distributing the COVID 19 vaccine until our community members are covered.”   For more information visit the health department's website.

One person is dead after an early morning accident Monday in Dunn County.  According to the Wisconsin State Patrol, troopers responded to the accident in the Westbound lanes of I-94 just east of Hwy 29.  Troopers said that 23yr old Raul Chinman-Acre admitted to being the driver of the vehicle and that he didn't have a driver's license.  A  passenger in that vehicle died at the scene, and Acre was arrested and is being held on a $10,000 cash bond.

 A Wisconsin man is jailed on 500-thousand dollars bail for an Anoka County carjacking and chase that left one suspect dead and a police dog injured.  Twenty-six-year-old Joseph Heroff of Hammond is charged with first-degree aggravated robbery and fleeing police.  Officers say one of the suspects carjacked a vehicle at a Kohls store in Blaine Sunday and they sped off.   The chase continued into Isanti County where investigators say the suspects fled on foot and carjacked another vehicle.  That truck was disabled and officers say shots were exchanged, wounding a police dog and killing one of the suspects.  The man shot to death hasn't been identified.  Heroff has his next court date March 15th.

Wisconsin's wolf hunt has already met its quota, just a few days after it started.  That hunt opened up on Monday with a total of around 120 wolf tags available to regular hunters, and another 80 ceded to the state's tribal nations. The DNR will be closing the hunts by Wednesday afternoon. The wolf hunt was a matter of contention between Republican lawmakers and the Natural Resources Board, with a court ordering the hunt to take place.

Funding to pay for upgrades to the outdated computer system used for unemployment benefits has made it through the Assembly and is headed for the Wisconsin Senate next.  Governor Tony Evers has already said he will sign the legislation.  Tuesday’s vote was unanimous.  Under the nearly 50-year-old system used now, some employees have to navigate through 100 different screens while processing a claim.  They can only fax and use snail mail.  The challenges caused major backups for people filing for unemployment during the coronavirus pandemic.  It could take three-to-five years to replace the current software system.

A bill that would legalize recreational marijuana has now cleared two Minnesota House committees.  Jeremy Sankey with Minnesota Veterans for Cannabis told lawmakers Tuesday it is a quality of life issue.   Sankey said, "to those that say, cannabis doesn't help with P-T--S-D, let me tell you:  the number of 22 veterans a day who commit suicide would be a lot higher -- a lot higher without cannabis."   But Steve Kalina with Minnesota Precision Manufacturing Association warns legalizing recreational marijuana is problematic for the state's numerous high-tech industries.    The measure needs to clear a number of committees before a House floor vote.

A lottery player in Port Edwards had two wins worth thousands of dollars in a very short time. Norman Fuller Junior was one of two players to hit a Badger Five jackpot in late January, then matched four white balls and the Powerball in that drawing twelve days later to win that game's third prize. His winnings totaled 171-thousand dollars in less than two weeks. Fuller says he plans to share that with family after taxes are paid. Lottery officials say the odds of someone winning both of those prizes are one in 155 BILLION.

Josh Kaul is one of several attorneys general who has signed a letter to Congress urging the adoption of resolutions that could call upon the president to cancel up to 50-thousand dollars in federal student loan debt.  A multistate coalition is indicating its support for Senate Resolution 46 and House Resolution 100 through the letter.  It states the existing repayment system for those federal student loans doesn’t offer sufficient opportunity for borrowers to manage their debts.  Impacted by the coronavirus pandemic and the current financial crisis, many need immediate relief.

 A study of COVID-19 in Wood County schools provides some promising results.  The specialist compiled information from 17 schools over a three-month period.  Among more than 48-hundred students and 650 staff members, only seven COVID-19 cases were linked to the schools.  All those testing positive were students.  No cases of the virus among staff members were traced back to being at schools.  Teachers in the schools also reported more than 92-percent of the students were diligent about wearing face masks all semester.  The study was conducted between August 31st and November 29th.

A federal judge has allowed the lawsuit filed by a photojournalist to proceed against the city of Minneapolis.  Police allegedly shot Linda Tirado in the eye with a foam bullet, blinding her, while she was covering the protests following the death of George Floyd.  The police union and the city of Minneapolis had tried to convince U-S District Chief Judge John Tunheim to dismiss the lawsuit, but he refused.  Tirado has had two eye surgeries and has been told she may need more.  She has returned to work and says she would like to come back to Minneapolis, but she fears retaliation or excessive force would be used by police.

A Republican state Senator is proposing changes to absentee voting in Wisconsin.  Senator Duey Stroebel of Saukville released a package of bills Monday that would require absentee voters to provide an ID for every election, limit who can automatically receive absentee ballots for every election, and require additional paperwork for people voting early in clerk's offices. The Journal Sentinel reports Stroebel wants to place new limits on when voters are considered indefinitely confined by age or disability. Current law does not require confined voters to show ID to receive absentee ballots, or to regularly reapply for them.

A freshman Republican state senator from Franklin proposes changing how the state treats second offenses by some violent criminals.   State Senator Julian Bradley is introducing a bill to stop the state’s prison system from erasing the criminal records of people who commit new crimes while out on parole. Bradley also wants Wisconsin to end early release or parole for anyone convicted of a new crime. Bradley says the state – and convicts – need to take second chances seriously. 

Crews will begin pulling the Harbor Seagull tugboat out of the water this morning at the Port of Milwaukee.  A port discovered the 50-foot tug had sunk when he reported on the job Monday at 5:30 a-m.  It isn’t clear why the boat sank, but the port director says a new tugboat isn’t in the city’s budget.  Repairs are expected to cost about 50-thousand dollars.  Port workers say they have put booms in place underwater to absorb any oil that might be leaking from the 60-year-old boat.  The ice breaker had just been used last weekend.

Local-Regional News February 23

One person was injured in a snowmobile accident in Martell Township on Saturday.  According to the Pierce County Sheriff's Department, 25yr old Conner Poling of Hudson was operating a snowmobile on private property when he struck a field divot and was ejected.  Poling was med-flighted to Regions Hospital in St. Paul with undetermined injuries.

The Mondovi City Council is meeting tonight.  Items on the agenda include approval of the next USDA Rural Development payments for the Wastewater Treatment Plant and approval of using undesignated general fund dollars to cover the remaining costs for the demolition of 147 West Hudson Street.  Tonight's meeting begins at 6:30 at the Marten Center in Mondovi.

Due to extreme weather in the southern US, shipments of Moderna vaccine from the federal distribution centers have been delayed.   The Pierce County Health Department does not have vaccines for this week currently, nor do they know when our shipment will arrive. The Department announced they will not be able to take appointments for first doses online or via phone at this time. Please check the Pierce County Health Department's scheduling website later in the week.   If you are scheduled to receive a second dose this week, the department will contact you if your appointment needs to be rescheduled.

The Red Wing City Council has fired its police chief in what the council calls a “disciplinary action.”  Chief Roger Pohlman had held the position for the last eight years.  Council members sent a letter to the former chief alleging he failed to meet “performance expectations” and they had a “lack of trust” that he supported city initiatives.  Pohlman was accused of portraying council members as “anti-police.”  The Friday firing came on a vote of six-to-one.  Following the vote, Red Wing Mayor Mike Wilson told the Minneapolis Star-Tribune he believes the firing was a mistake.  Just before last week’s vote, several people living in Red Wing wrote an open letter expressing support for the chief, calling him “a true public servant.”

Sheriffs across Wisconsin remind you -- they won't call you about outstanding warrants, or take payments over the phone. Barron County Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald says this is just the latest round of phone scams.   If you get such a call, the best course of action is to hang up immediately. Never provide the caller with any personal information.

For a second straight day, there were no deaths due to COVID-19 reported in Wisconsin.  On Monday, the U.S. as a whole surpassed 500,000 coronavirus deaths since the start of the pandemic.  In Wisconsin though, the state Department of Health Services reported no deaths for a second day on Monday. DHS reported 423 new cases, and as of Monday afternoon, the seven-day average percent positive by the test was to 2-point-6 percent, the lowest in nearly a year.

The capital budget proposal released by Governor Tony Evers Monday includes two-point-four-billion dollars for Wisconsin building projects.  One-billion would go to the University of Wisconsin System for things like a new Engineering Building on the Madison campus.  The Association of General Contractors says for even million dollars spent in construction, 12 jobs are supported.  The governor says that means his proposal would support 29-thousand jobs for the Wisconsin economy.  The State Building Commission will vote on Evers’ plan next month.  If approved, it would move on to the Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee.

Dominion Voting Systems is seeking more than one-point-three-billion dollars in a defamation lawsuit against MyPillow and Mike Lindell, the Minnesota-based company's C-E-O. The lawsuit seeks damages for the voting machine company and claims Lindell made-up claims about the company, blaming it for President Donald Trump's loss in the presidential election and alleging that its systems were easily manipulated.  In its complaint, one of the nation’s largest makers of voting machines cites a number of statements made by Lindell during media appearances, social media posts, and a two-hour film that claimed to prove widespread voter fraud.

 Workers at Minnesota's largest meat-processing plants who filed for worker's compensation after contracting COVID-19 say they haven't been paid yet. The facilities where some of the state's biggest outbreaks have filed 935 claims. Local worker's compensation attorney John Malone with Malone & Atchison says it seems the issue is that meat plant managers are applying a blanket policy, rather than individually judging each case.

Donations for the Special Olympics are still being accepted through the 2021 Polar Plunge in Eau Claire. Saturday people gathered in Pinehurst Park for sledding, snowshoeing, or walking and raised more than nine-thousand-dollars. Events in the past saw participants diving into icy water for donations, but not this year because of the pandemic.

 Officials at the Apostle Island National Lakeshore say poor ice conditions will keep visitors out of the ice caves again.  They say Lake Superior ice near the caves is unstable and rough.  The coronavirus pandemic is another factor.  Lake Superior is only about 50-percent covered as of last weekend.  Climate change is warming the big lake, making access to the caves a rare event.  They were last-opened to the public six winters ago.

Fire investigators in northwestern Wisconsin are trying to determine how a double-fatal house fire got starting early Saturday morning.  Both victims were children, though their ages and names haven’t been released.  The Washburn County Sheriff’s Office was called to the location in Minong at about 4:00 a-m.  A private memorial service for the victims was held Sunday.  The family says it doesn’t have insurance to cover the losses.  A GoFundMePage has a goal of 25-thousand dollars to help with funeral costs and other expenses.  Clothing donations are also be collected for the family.

The Wisconsin State Patrol says two children were riding in a car with a driver suspected of operating while intoxicated Saturday night.  The trooper says he conducted a traffic stop because 34-year-old Jess A. Drost of Medford was speeding.  The trooper says he detected the odor of marijuana and Drost was given a field sobriety test.  He was arrested for O-W-I and possession of T-H-C and drug paraphernalia.  In the car with Drost were a woman and two children, ages six and 12.

Crown Point County in northwestern Indiana wants its money back.  The county is demanding repayment of more than 30-thousand dollars from Green Bay-based REDI Transports after a fugitive escaped while being extradited to Texas.  The money would cover the expenses incurred during a two-week manhunt for fugitive Leon Taylor.  He was finally recaptured in late December in East Chicago.  Taylor managed to get free while the van was stopped in Gary, Indiana December 14th. The 22-year-old Hammond, Indiana man is a suspect in a Chicago murder.

The Wisconsin Court of Appeals has dismissed a request from the D-N-R to stop the wolf hunt scheduled to begin today (Monday).  The Department of Natural Resources was appealing a court order requiring that hunt to be held this month.  The appeals court ruled the order wasn’t a final judgment so it has no jurisdiction over any appeal.  The wolf hunt is scheduled to run through Sunday.  The deadline to apply for permits ended Saturday at midnight.  The guidelines will allow up to 200 animals to be harvested this week.

U-S Senator Amy Klobuchar says misinformation about the coronavirus vaccine is spreading on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter – and it’s creating consequences.  People are deciding not to get the shots based on what they’re reading online.  The Minnesota Democrat urged the public to only follow medical advice from credible sources during a Sunday news conference at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.  Klobuchar says she has urged many online platforms to remove misleading information.  She says about one-billion dollars in the COVID-19 relief package could go to set-up a “misinformation task force” at the Department of Homeland Security.  She says the bad info on social media needs to be dealt with. 

When Canada shut its border to visitors due to the coronavirus pandemic, the 120 or so people living in the Northwest Angle were cut off from the rest of Minnesota.  Now, they’ve done something.  With the Lake of the Woods frozen over, a 22-mile ice road has been built across Big Traverse Bay, connecting Warroad to the south end of the Angle.  Ice roads aren’t unique in Minnesota, but they usually aren’t 22 miles long.  This one cost 75-thousand dollars to build.  The people behind the project have sold 400 round-trip season passes for 120 dollars each.  Owners of resorts on Flag and Oak islands are hoping they can break even by the end of the winter season. 

Local-Regional News February 22

 The Dunn County  Health Department (DCHD) is announcing new updates to the COVID-19 gathering recommendations.  From 2/03/2021 to 2/17/2021 Dunn County met the Wisconsin Department of Health Services definition of high case activity with 108 cases in the two-week period. This is equivalent to approximately 17 cases a day per 100,000 people for the same timeframe. Additionally, our percent positivity for the last seven days is 5.4%. With this data in mind, the DCHD is recommending an increase of maximum mass gathering sizes to 25 individuals indoors and 50 individuals outdoors.

The City of Durand Safety Committee is going to review the snow emergency and snow removal ordinance during this week's meeting.  Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren says the committee will review the ordinance and how the city notifies citizens of snow emergencies. That meeting is Wednesday night at 5pm at Durand City Hall.

You may be noticing gas prices on the rise here in Western Wisconsin.  Nick Jarmusz with Triple-A Wisconsin says refinery shutdowns in the South are not a major factor in pump prices here, which are up about 15 cents around the state.  The largest refineries in North America have been idled this week because the severe cold has cut electricity, water, and fuel supplies across Texas. 

A Barron County woman charged with murdering her boyfriend has been found not guilty.  After the weeklong trial and four hours of deliberation, a Barron County Jury found Melanie Kuula not guilty of second-degree intentional homicide.  Kuula had been charged int the death of Brett Bents in August of 2019.  Kuula claimed self-defense in the incident and the jury agreed.

A Stillwater, MN man is under arrest for OWI with a 9yr old in the vehicle.  According to the Wisconsin State Patrol, 39yr old Jeffrey Curts was traveling westbound on I-94 when he rolled the vehicle just west of Roberts.  When Troopers arrived they said they could smell alcohol on Curtis and conducted a field sobriety test and arrested him for OWI with a minor in the vehicle.  

 Authorities in western Wisconsin are looking for the shooter involved in what was an apparent case of road rage.  Nobody was hit Friday night shortly before 8:00 p-m.  After a driver cut off another vehicle in Holmen, he says the man driving that vehicle started tailgating him and flashing his lights.  The couple decided to get off Highway 157 and when they came to a stop sign on the exit ramp, the other man shot into their vehicle three times, then drove away.  Holmen police say they found nine-millimeter shell casings at the scene.  Authorities are looking for a black Chevy Traverse or Equinox with tinted windows.

The state has expanded the list of who can administer Covid-19 vaccines.   Saying the state wants to maximize vaccination capacity, Governor Tony Evers signed legislation on Friday allowing pharmacy technicians and students to administer the vaccines under certain conditions. Evers signed the bill following a tour of the UW-Oshkosh vaccination clinic being operated in partnership with Advocate Aurora Health of Oshkosh and the Winnebago County Public Health Department.

Authorities in Dane County have arrested a personality at a Madison radio station on a tentative charge of possession of child pornography.  Mount Horeb police took Matthew Bradshaw Jones into custody Wednesday night.  Formal charges haven’t been announced.  Investigators say they were notified about the possible possession of porn at a home in December.  That led to the execution of a search warrant Wednesday.  The 40-year-old Jones was taken into custody.  [NOTE: Radio station reference] Jones goes by the name Jackson Jones on Q-106-point-three.  He is no longer present on the station’s website.

Federal prosecutors say 24-year-old Gerardo Torres Junior is from Chicago, but he has a lengthy criminal record in northwestern Wisconsin.  Torres was sentenced to 20 years in prison Wednesday on charges he produced child pornography.  He was accused of repeatedly sexually assaulting a child in Rusk County.  That case emerged from another case in Taylor County where investigators say Torres was sexually assaulting another child.  U-S District Judge William Conley told Torres he doesn’t grasp the seriousness of his behavior or the damage he has caused his victims while sentencing him.

The Wisconsin Assembly could vote on updates for the state’s unemployment system computers next Tuesday.  The bipartisan bill made it through the state Senate Thursday.  Governor Tony Evers office released a statement saying he would likely sign the legislation if it’s passed.  Members of the Joint Committee on Finance have maintained that the governor already has the authority and resources to request a new system.  The cost of the changeover has been estimated at a little over five million dollars – to get started.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is warning local water systems in the state to upgrade their cybersecurity.  The warnings come after hackers gained access to a Florida water treatment plant and tried to release a dangerous level of lye into the water.  A supervisor in Oldsmar, Florida noticed the mouse pointer moving on a computer screen on its own accord and stopped the cyberattack immediately.  The D-N-R says there have been no attacks on Wisconsin water systems, but a water utility in New Jersey has been breached with no adverse effects.

Former White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus is reportedly considering running for governor of Wisconsin.  Sources say Priebus is having conversations with top Republicans in the state about challenging Democratic Governor Tony Evers next year.  He was ex-President Trump's first chief of staff. Priebus is a former chairman of the Wisconsin and national Republican parties.  Other potential G-O-P candidates are former Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch and state Senate President Chris Kapenga.  Evers has not officially announced if he's running for re-election.

The Minnesota House is rejecting a 35-million-dollar public safety package for the upcoming trials of the ex-officers charged in George Floyd's death.   A few Democrats from the majority joined Republicans Thursday in voting down the measure.  The objection apparently is police reform measures -- already watered down from the original bill, but House Minority Leader Kurt Daudt says it still can't pass as is with barely over two weeks to Derek Chauvin's trial.  Minneapolis Democrat Hodan Hassan contends police reform is essential.  Hassan told members, "what people fail to mention is the reason why all of these events took place was that a Black man was lynched in broad daylight, and all of us watched nine minutes of a video as George Floyd begged for his life and uttered the words, I can't breathe."

Federal prosecutors are charging the former clerk of Vermillion Township in Dakota County with one count of wire fraud.  Seventy-year-old Maryann Stoffel of Hastings is accused of misappropriating more than 650-thousand dollars in township funds from December 2012 through last October.  The charges allege that Stoffel forged the signatures of the township treasurer and chairman of the township board on checks.  Investigators say Stoffel transferred funds to her own bank account and concealed her fraud from the annual township report.

The Milwaukee Brewers have a plan to have fans in the stands on Opening Day.   The Brewers unveiled their plan to local health officials Thursday, asking to allow as many as 16-thousand fans and employees into American Family Field April 1st. The Brewers also have a plan for tailgating, but fans would have to stay in their vehicles. The city of Milwaukee has yet to approve the proposal.

Local-Regional News February 19

The Durand-Arkansaw School Board has approved extending the contract with the City of Durand for a School Resource Officer.  Durand-Arkansaw School Superintendent Greg Doverspike says the City and School District have seen positives from having the officer.  The school board voted unanimously to approve extending the contract.  The city of Durand will also have to approve the extension.

The Construction of the Pepin County Highway Shop is continuing to move forward.  County Board members received an update on the construction.  Crews have installed temporary heat to work on the inside of the building and also are completing other outside work.  The project continues to be on schedule to be completed later this year.

Authorities in Buffalo County say a 62-year-old man died of a medical issue after escaping an apartment fire in Fountain City Wednesday morning.  The victim’s name hasn’t been released.  The Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office says two people who had been in the structure were outside and appeared to be fine as deputies arrived.  A short time later, the man from Kenosha collapsed and died.  The other person who had been inside the burning building – a 25-year-old Fountain City man – wasn’t hurt.  Investigators say the fire doesn’t appear to be suspicious.

People living in Wisconsin will be able to go online to a D-H-S website to find out when and where they can get vaccinated starting next month.  The Department of Health Services is launching the Wisconsin COVID-19 Vaccine Registry.  State health officials say the site won’t be a comprehensive list of all vaccination options, but it will help fill the information gaps.  Health systems, pharmacies like Walgreens, and local health departments may already be using different scheduling software.  Governor Tony Evers says the website will make it easier for people to get vaccinated.  Evers cautions that the vaccine supply from the federal government is still very limited.  You can also sign up on the Pepin County Health Department Website, or through Advent Health and Heike Pharmacy.

Rochester Mayor Kim Norton is officially welcoming Google to her community.  The software giant is opening its first non-virtual office in Minnesota, the result of a year-and-a-half collaboration with Mayo Clinic.   The two organizations are working on artificial intelligence projects they say will improve medical diagnosis, personalize care and speed it up.   Mayo chief information officer Cris Ross said, "this partnership will affirm Rochester as well as Minnesota as a global center for the highest quality medical care and medical innovation."  Google's Chris Mueller says he's "really happy" to be putting down roots in the state.

 A Rochester couple wanted for setting fires during the riots following George Floyd's death is now in custody.  The U-S Attorney's Office says 34-year-old Jose Felan, Junior, and 22-year-old Mena Yousif were detained in Mexico for immigration violations after U-S marshals located them.  Felan faces three counts of arson for fires May 28th at a St. Paul Goodwill store, Gordon Parks High School, and 7 Mile Sportswear.  Yousif is charged with being an accessory after the fact.  The A-T-F was offering a five-thousand-dollar reward for information about their whereabouts in June.  Felan and Yousif made their first court appearances today Thursday in Southern California.

 A bill signed into law by Governor Tony Evers Thursday will provide tax relief to Wisconsin businesses that received Paycheck Protection Program loans.  Evers says the measure will cut taxes by 450-million dollars to businesses and provides 30-million dollars in relief to low-income families.  The governor said in a statement, "we know business and families across Wisconsin need help now, so I’m proud to be able to deliver 480 million dollars in tax relief for folks across our state."  The move will trim 540-million dollars from the state's tax revenue over the next three years.

A judge is throwing out all felony charges against Marshfield Police Chief Rick Gramza.  The visiting Portage County judge handling the case says there’s not enough evidence to bring three counts of misconduct in public office with the use of excessive authority against Gramza.  That leaves a misdemeanor count of fourth-degree sexual assault and disorderly conduct on the docket.  Gramza will return to court on those charges on March 22nd.  He has entered a not guilty plea.  A female member of the Marshfield P-D claims Gramza made unwanted sexual contact dating back six years.  Gramza claims it was consensual.

University of Wisconsin System President Tommy Thompson says the time has come to resume as much of a normal campus experience as possible.  Thompson says he wants 75-percent of all classes in the system to be taught in-person this fall.  He says he has directed all campuses in the system to make sure students will have what he is calling “as classic a U-W campus experience as possible.”  Thompson points out that aggressive testing protocols, social distancing, and masks have effectively kept COVID-19 infection rates low.  UW-Stout, Eau Claire, and River Falls are all planning on being fully back to in-person learning for the fall semester.  

Officials with W-E-C Energy Group say their 310-megawatt solar and battery storage project in Kenosha County would be the biggest in the state when it is completed.  The Paris Solar-Battery Park will feature 200-megawatts of solar generation and 110-megawatts of battery storage.  The news release says that would provide customers with “sunshine after sunset.”  Company officials say they plan to invest two-billion dollars in new solar, wind, and battery storage projects by 2025.  They say building the facilities in Wisconsin will mean "green" jobs that will drive the Badger State economy.

A Wood County man has been sentenced to five years in prison after his conviction on charges he moved, hid, or buried the corpse of his child.  Allen Rice and the child’s mother, Marylinn Feher, were charged in 2019 after their newborn baby was found tied up inside a blanket and plastic bag.  The child was discovered in the parking lot at the Marshfield Medical Center.  Feher was convicted of killing her newborn and was given a life sentence, with the possibility of parole.

The Wisconsin Elections Commission reports the voter turnout for Tuesday’s primary election was seven-point-two-percent.  That’s basically one-tenth of the turnout three months ago for the November presidential election when 72-percent of eligible voters cast ballots.  There was only one statewide race on the ballot this time – the competition between seven candidates for Wisconsin superintendent of schools.  Election officials say they weren’t surprised by the low turnout.  Just under 325-thousand people voted.  More voters are expected to cast their ballots in the April 6th general election, but nothing like the number of voters last fall.

Seventh District Congressman Tom Tiffany wants a go-slow approach, on marijuana legalization.  Governor Evers has proposed the legalization of both recreational and medical marijuana. Tiffany, a former state legislator, said he expects the Biden administration to also make some proposals. He commented during a listening session in Marshfield this week.

Wisconsin's municipal clerks are asking to be vaccinated for COVID-19 before the spring election.  Wisconsin's Municipal Clerks Association is lobbying to have clerks and poll workers added to the current vaccination group ahead of the April 6th election- saying it makes sense to protect those who may be exposed to a large number of people at once in a public setting. This after clerks navigated as many as five elections last year- oftentimes with inadequate PPE and without many veteran poll workers who chose not to put themselves in harm's way. Clerks were deemed essential last year as part of Governor Ever's Safer at Home order.

Minnesota-based Toro is recalling close to 67-hundred snowblowers.  There have been reports of the auger continuing to spin even after the control lever is deactivated.  The U-S Consumer Product Safety Commission is asking anyone who owns a 2021 Toro Power Max 826 snowblower to stop using the machine.  They should also contact their nearest Toro-authorized dealer for free repairs.  The model number is 3-7-8-0-2. 

Local-Regional News February 18

The Durand-Arkansaw School District has hired Nick Gilles as Principal for the High School starting with the 2021-2022 school year.  Mr. Gilles is currently finishing his sixth year as MS/HS Principal in Clear Lake.  Prior to his current administrative role, Gilles was a Technology Education teacher at Spring Valley MS/HS for 15 years.  Mr. Gilles will be spending a few days in the building over the remainder of the school year to meet students, staff, and work with the administration in preparations for the next school year.   Gilles replaces Bill Clouse who is retiring at the end of the year.

One person is dead after a  fire in Fountain City on Tuesday.  According to the Buffalo County Sheriffs Department, firefighters from Fountain City and 5 other departments responded to a fire at a multi-family structure on the east side of Hwy 35 in Downtown Fountain City.   Two of the occupants of the building were outside without out obvious injuries however a 62yr old male from Kenosha suffered a medical emergency and died.  Firefighters were hampered by the sub-zero temperatures and the building was a total loss.  The fire does not appear to be suspicious in nature.  The Wisconsin State Fire Marshall is assisting in the investigation into the cause of that blaze.

Starting March 1st, additional people will be eligible to receive the covid-19 vaccine.  Pepin County Health Officer Heidi Stewart says from education to farmers and their employees will be eligible.  Stewart is encouraging those that believe they are part of this next phase to sign up on the waiting list through the health department's website or at Advent Health or Heike Pharmacy in Durand.

The Pepin County Government Center will remain closed to the public for another month.  During last night Board meeting members vote 8-4 to keep the center closed through March and re-open on April 1st.  Residents that need to conduct business with county employees are encouraged to do so over the phone or zoom meetings.  If a face-to-face meeting is required, appointments will be needed.  While the board approved re-opening on April 1st, they will review the situation during the March meeting.

 A bill heard in the Minnesota Senate Agriculture committee would require all gas in the state to contain at least 15 percent ethanol.  Minnesota was the first state in the country with E-10 - or a ten-percent ethanol requirement.  Senator Torrey Westrom of Elbow Lake says this legislation "allows us to not only continue to be a leader in homegrown fuels but also creates opportunities for farmers in helping our state and nation become energy independent."  Westrom said ethanol is one of Minnesota's only oil wells.

Officials at the Department of Workforce Development say the one-week waiting period for unemployment benefits could be waived by March 5th.  If lawmakers approve a scope statement published by the D-W-D earlier this week, the state agency can begin drafting the rule.  The old rule expired two weeks ago.  State officials say the temporary rule is intended to stop recipients from having to wait a week for their benefits to start during the coronavirus pandemic.

Milwaukee Bucks senior vice president Alex Lasry is running for the 2022 Democratic nomination for U-S Senate in Wisconsin.  The 33-year-old son of Bucks co-owner Marc Lasry said in a statement, "It’s time to elect leaders with a fresh perspective and a record of delivering real results for the people of Wisconsin."  Lasry says he'll bring a "new way of thinking to the Senate and give Senator Tammy Baldwin a partner in Washington who will work for the people of this state, not the special interests."  Lasry served in the Obama White House and led Milwaukee's bid to host the 2020 D-N-C.  Republican incumbent Senator Ron Johnson has not announced whether he'll run for re-election next year.

Availability of coronavirus vaccine continues to be a concern in rural Wisconsin. State Senator Joan Ballweg brought it up during floor debate on Tuesday, noting providers in her county have been unable to get needed doses.  Data from the state Department of Health Services shows a wide range of vaccination rates in rural Wisconsin counties, with some faring quite well but others ranking at the bottom.  Here in Western Wisconsin, 17% of residents in Pepin County have received at least the first dose of the vaccine, Buffalo County is at 14%, Pierce County 10%, and Dunn County 9%

Veteran Green Bay Police Chief Andrew Smith says his last day on the job will be May 3rd.  Smith made the announcement to members of his department before posting the information on Facebook Tuesday afternoon.  The veteran law enforcement officer has put in more than three decades of service.  The city’s Police and Fire Commission is expected to pick an interim chief while it does a nationwide search.  Smith gave Green Bay a five-year commitment after arriving from Los Angeles in February 2016.  He noted in his Tuesday announcement that Green Bay has been named one of the nation’s safest cities by U-S News and World Report.

Pecatonica Area School District Superintendent Jill Underly and retired Brown Deer superintendent Deborah Kerr are the two finalists for Wisconsin Superintendent of Public Instruction.  Underly and Kerr won the most votes in Tuesday's primary which included a total of seven candidates.  Current State Superintendent Carolyn Stanford Taylor is not seeking another term.  Underly and Kerr will meet in the April 6th election.

Things are finally back to “normal” for Wisconsin elections officials. That’s not necessarily a good thing. Voter turnout for Tuesday’s primary election is expected to be about ten percent.  Madison voters requested 26-thousand absentee ballots, and about half were returned. Local officials say that’s nearly twice the normal seven-to-eight-thousand absentee ballots filed, but it’s also a small minority of the number of voters. Another election is less than two months away. City, village, and town races will be on the April 6th ballot and clerks will be preparing for about a 50-percent turnout, but they say it won’t be anywhere near that high.

An assistant district attorney in northwestern Wisconsin made his first court appearance to face charges he secretly recorded his sex acts with women.  A Polk County judge released Burnett County Assistant D-A Dan Steffen on a 10-thousand-dollar signature bond and ordered Steffen not to have any contact with the two victims.  He is charged in Polk County with three counts of illegally making representations depicting nudity.  Authorities say one of the victims he recorded was being prosecuted by Steffen at the time for several different crimes.  Steffen is scheduled to return to court next month.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is out with an updated plan to allow more middle and high school students to return to the classroom.  It comes in the wake of declining hospitalizations, new COVID-19 cases, and as Minnesota makes progress vaccinating teachers.  Walz says beginning February 22nd, all middle and high school students can return to the classroom for hybrid or in-person learning.  Governor Walz expects all schools to offer their students some form of in-person learning by March 8th.

Minnesota U.S. Senator Tina Smith is co-sponsoring a bill that would allow rural and non-profit critical care hospitals to qualify for Paycheck Protection Program loans.  The P-P-P Access for Rural Hospitals Act would waive Small Business affiliation rules for funding.  Smith said rural hospitals are vital to public health - "they’re economic engines for communities in Minnesota and states across the country.”  She says they need financial support to retain critical staff and focus their resources on providing quality care to patients for the duration of the coronavirus pandemic.  G-O-P Senator Roger Wicker of Mississippi is the co-sponsor.

The National Weather Service reports Milwaukee broke its record for snow depth Tuesday with a measurement of 22 inches deep at Mitchell International Airport.  The record was caused by what the experts call lake-effect snow.  Racine had more than 16 inches on the ground Monday evening.  Northern locations had only a few inches when the storm system finally moved out of the region Tuesday afternoon.  Meteorologists say there is a chance of another snow accumulation with a follow-up storm later this week.

Local-Regional News February 17

Frank Schneider and Audrey Marten will advance to the spring general election for a seat on the Durand-Arkansaw School Board.  Scheider and Marten received the most votes to advance to the general election, while Traci Nelson came in third.

The Durand-Arkansaw School board is meeting tonight.  Items on the agenda include discussion and possible action on an extension of the school resource officer contract with the city of Durand through 2024, discussion with the Pepin County Sheriffs Department regarding a K-9 unit for the county, and discussion on the second covid funding proposal.  The board will also go into a closed session to discuss the hiring of a new high school principal.  Tonight's meeting begins at 6:30 pm at the board room at Durand High School and will also be available via zoom on the district website.

The Pepin County Board is meeting tonight.  Items on the agenda include discussion and possible action on approving a wage increase for part-time sheriff's deputies, a correction to the Pepin County Traffic Code regarding disorderly conduct with a motor vehicle, and a review of the Pepin County Government Center Facility operations during the Covid-19 pandemic.  Tonight's meeting begins at 7pm at the government center and will be available via zoom on the county website.

A homeowner along Silver Lake in Barron County found a wrecked truck on the shoreline of his property Tuesday morning.  Inside that truck, the body of 22-year-old Ben Jacobson of Cumberland was discovered.  Jacobson had been reported missing last week after he failed to show up for work.  His Ford pickup had crashed into an embankment.  An autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of Jacobson’s death.

 

A western Wisconsin man is now charged in a deadly weekend shooting in Eau Claire.  Fifty-five-year-old Selwyn Smith charged with the first-degree reckless homicide of 38-year-old Freddie Flowers.  Officers doing a welfare check Friday found Flowers lying on the ground with a gunshot wound to the head.  A woman and Smith pulled into the driveway a short time later and Smith admitted that he was the shooter.  Smith told investigators that Flowers had tried to kick in his door and punched him and the gun went off.  He claimed he had no intention of shooting Flowers.

93rd Representative Warren Petryk released the following statement following the Governor’s budget request to the legislature.   “Of course, I am cautious about some of the items proposed by the governor, but I agree that we must continue to help our communities recover from the COVID pandemic.   Meanwhile, former Governor and interim President of the UW-System Tommy Thompson said “Governor Evers’ budget for the UW System will allow us to tackle some of Wisconsin’s most pressing challenges: expanding online education to meet market demands, tackling prison recidivism to save taxpayer money, leveraging our freshwater resources for economic and environmental gain, expanding opportunity for our neediest students. Governor Evers released his budget request yesterday.

A Rochester woman is facing charges for the alleged assault of a paramedic last week.  The Olmsted County Sheriff's Office says 51-year-old Tonia Kruger was being taken to the hospital by Chatfield Ambulance after a rollover crash when she spit on the E-M-T.  The paramedic told deputies that Kruger also kicked her and she fell back and hit her head.  She was diagnosed with a moderate concussion at Mayo Clinic.  Kruger is now charged with third- and fourth-degree assault for harming an emergency worker.  D-U-I charges are pending blood test results.

A southeastern Minnesota man has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for repeatedly raping a woman.  The victim knew 32-year-old Zane R. Pederson of Spicer, but he concealed his identity during the attacks.  Spicer entered a guilty plea to one count of first-degree criminal sexual conduct.  Seventeen other counts were dismissed.  Pederson was accused of trying the woman’s hands behind her back at times during the attacks that lasted more than five hours.  In addition to using a mask to hide who he was, he also disguised his voice while threatening to kill her and her child.  The series of rapes happened in the woman’s home in St. Charles more than two years ago.  Her child was in a nearby room at the time.

A bill moving forward in the Republican-controlled Minnesota Senate would require all state agencies to reduce administrative expenses by five percent in each of the next four years.  Majority Leader Paul Gazelka has repeatedly said Democrats' proposed tax hikes are not necessary to plug an expected budget shortfall in future years.  He wants to reduce spending and use reserve funds to balance the budget.  House Ways and Means Committee chair Rena Moran of St. Paul says Republicans are choosing "arbitrary, indiscriminate and harmful cuts" to Minnesotans’ health care, education, and economic security, which will weaken the recovery and set Minnesota backward.

The Wisconsin Assembly is giving the green light to wide-ranging package of tax cuts.  The primary section of bill passed Tuesday would match state law with federal law in exempting businesses from paying taxes on Paycheck Protection Program loans.  The mostly forgivable loans were part of the 2020 COVID-19 stimulus plan, and Republicans say they supported more than one-point-five-million jobs in the state.  The move would trim 540-million dollars from the state's tax revenue over the next three years.

Opposition is building at the Wisconsin Capitol for the effort to legalize marijuana.  Republican State Senator Duey Stroebel warns more pot will lead to more crime.  Stroebel thinks the downsides of legalization would outweigh whatever new money the state could realize from taxing marijuana sales.  Democratic Governor Tony Evers says allowing Wisconsin residents 21 and older to use the drug for recreational purposes could bring in more than 165-million dollars in new tax revenue.  Evers says that money could go toward rural schools.  Residents 18 and older could use marijuana medically with a prescription.  Republican State Representative Scott Allen of Waukesha has said more research is needed before the drug is legalized.

 A special sign-up window for health insurance shoppers is open through May 15th in Wisconsin.  People stuck in a bad plan or unable to find coverage have a new opportunity.  President Joe Biden ordered government health insurance markets that had ended the annual enrollment periods in December to re-open.  The Affordable Care Act – sometimes known as Obamacare – has created state-based insurance markets for people to buy individual coverage, either for themselves or their family.  The president’s order applies to 36 states that run their insurance market through the federal platform, but the rest of the states are offering a similar extended window for signing up.

A Minnesota lawmaker is sponsoring a bill that would allow teens to take driver's education courses online without an instructor.  Senator Jon Jasinski of Faribault says with advances in technology that it's a great option to get a license without having to choose between going to class three times a week or participating in sports.  Under the bill, young drivers seeking a provisional license would have the option to take driver's ed courses in person - but could enroll in a program allowing them to complete the course on their own time starting in June 2022.

Last month's violent riot at the U.S. Capitol by a mob of Trump supporters wasn't an "armed insurrection, according to U.S. Senator Ron Johnson.   The Wisconsin Republican told WISN's Jay Weber that as far as he knows only one shot was fired. He defended the Capitol police officer who took that shot, which killed a woman who was attempting to break through a glass door during the height of the riot.

Minnesota lawmakers are discussing a Constitutional amendment addressing education again.  The so-called Page Amendment would state that children have a fundamental right to quality education.  Members of the Minnesota House Committee on Education Policy are working on legislation that would put the proposed change on the 2022 General Election ballot.  Both the House and Senate would have to approve the wording before it could be ratified by voters.  The Page Amendment was put on hold by the coronavirus pandemic.  It would give parents the right to challenge the quality of the education their students received in court.  So far, the bill has no scheduled committee hearings and no companion bill in the state Senate.

The Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office says it has happened again – a second car has plunged off the Interstate 94 overpass.  Investigators think the 27-year-old woman driving the car was drunk when it hit a snowbank Sunday, jumped over the barrier on I-94, and fell onto the overpass far below on I-794.  Deputies say this fall wasn’t as far as the 70-foot drop for a Pewaukee man last week.  Both drivers survived.  The woman was arrested for operating while intoxicated.

Local-Regional News February 16

 Durand City Council members are reviewing a proposal to re-open the Tarrant Park Pool this year.  Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren says it's something the council does every year due to the age of the pool. As part of the resolution, the city won't spend more than $10,000 in capital expenses beyond the typical annual maintenance this year unless approved by the council.

You may not see them unless there is a snowstorm, but members of the Durand Public Works Department are busy behind the scenes.  Public Works Superintendent Matt Gills says winter is the best time to work on all of the pumps for the sewer and water system. Staff is also working on city equipment getting it ready for the summer.

Red Wing Firefighters were pushed into action in the bitter cold Saturday to put out a house fire. Officials arrived to find what they called heavy fire coming from the roof of a third-story residence. Everyone had gotten out of the home, but crews faced significant difficulties battling the blaze as temperatures dropped as low as minus 17 degrees.

A Barron County Woman accused of killing her boyfriend is in court this week.  The trial of Melanie Kuula is underway and authorities accuse her of stabbing and killing her boyfriend after she found him with another woman in August of 2019.  That trial is expected to continue through the week.

 

A Wisconsin economist says unemployment trends seen this year are not long-term. Wisconsin Workforce Development's Scott Hodek told W-Q-O-W T-V the pandemic has fast-tracked several trends that were already in motion before the pandemic hit. He says people have largely returned to the office with the availability of COVID vaccines, which is slowly returning the unemployment rate to pre-pandemic levels.

Don’t expect today’s (Tuesday’s) turnout for the Wisconsin State Primary Election to be anything like three months ago.  Only one contest is on every ballot – the race for state school superintendent.  Governor Tony Evers held the position for more than 10 years.  Carolyn Stanford Taylor has been state superintendent since she was appointed by Evers in January 2019.  There are seven candidates for the job and the top two finishers will advance to the spring election April 6th.  Issues discussed during the campaign have included voucher programs, inequities and racism in the education system, and how schools should be reopened during a pandemic.  Polls are open from 7:00 a-m to 8:00 p-m.

Wisconsin’s Natural Resources Board has set a quota of 200 wolves for the rapidly-organized winter hunting season.  The board met online Monday, unanimously supporting the Department of Natural Resources recommendations. Division Administrator Keith Warnke says the application for permits will begin at the DNR’s Go Wild website at 12:01 am Tuesday, February 16th, and close Saturday, February 20th at 11:59 pm.  Online applications for the November hunt will open March 1st, and applicants can apply for preference points without seeking a harvest tag.  Permits cost 10 dollars and if applicants are drawn for a license, wolf harvest tags cost 49 dollars.  

Today's event at Milwaukee’s Pabst Theater is the first for the venue since last March.  President Joe Biden will be in the city for a C-N-N Presidential Town Hall.  The 8:00 p-m event will be socially distanced, with Biden answering questions from an invitation-only audience of Democrats, Republicans, and independents.  Anderson Cooper will moderate the hour-long broadcast.  The White House says the president will use the appearance to make his case for passage of the one-point-nine-trillion-dollar coronavirus relief plan.  Last March, comedian Dave Chappelle was completing a two-show, sold-out appearance at the Pabst.  After that, all events were canceled due to the pandemic.

 U-S Senator Tammy Baldwin will chair the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food and Drug Administration. The Wisconsin Democrat said she looks forward to working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support farmers, ranchers, and producers to build a stronger and more secure agriculture economy.  Baldwin says our farmers work hard and we should work just as hard in Washington to support them.

 Governor Tony Evers is announced more COVID-19 aid for small businesses in his proposed state budget. The funding is part of the "Badger Bounceback" program and would increase the amount of grant funding available through W-E-D-C to 200-million dollars. Another 130-million dollars in workforce development and venture capital grants would also be included in the program. The Governor will be rolling out his full budget plan Tuesday.

 Governor Tony Evers says there's a chance his legal marijuana proposal will become law. The governor was a guest on UPFRONT on Channel 12 yesterday. He said he is not pessimistic about his chances for the proposal to become law. Republican lawmakers have said there could be a conversation about medical marijuana, but they are not interested in full legalization. The governor said legal pot could be an economic boom for the state.

 Wisconsin is closing-in on new milestone numbers for coronavirus vaccinations. The state's Department of Health Services says nearly 250-thousand people in the state have been fully vaccinated. Nearly a million people in the state have gotten at least one dose. Most of the people who've gotten a shot are over 65, but most people who've been fully vaccinated are younger. D-H-S says the tight supply of vaccine doses continues to be a problem.

Governor Tim Walz says the state is using a "first-in-the-nation educator testing program" to get kids back in schools. On Friday at Roseville's Parkview Center school, Walz showed off the "key tool" where stations were used to test all school workers using a saliva sample, which is mailed directly from the school with results in about two days. The governor said the state-supplied program that started in early January gives each school a designated day every two weeks to conduct testing. According to Walz's office, 96-percent of school districts, along with 41-percent of nonpublic schools and two out of four tribal schools, have signed up to participate.

 Madison's Air National Guard unit is taking to the skies once again. The 115th Fighter Wing will be running nighttime training flights this week. That means folks in and around Madison could hear the jets at night. It was back in December that a pilot from the 115th died in a nighttime training flight after a crash in Michigan's upper peninsula.

 Ely, Minnesota recorded an actual air temperature of 50 below zero Saturday morning, a daily record low for the city. The entire state is wrapping up more than a week of deep freeze low temperatures. Other spots along the northern edge of the state hit temperatures in the 40 below zero range including Effie, Bigfork, International Falls and Cass Lake.

Local-Regional News February 12

 Some answers on why some did not receive a Nixel message about a snow emergency in Durand on January 15th-16.  Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren says there have been some changes to the Nixel System.  The mayor says authorities are trying to clarify what changes are now in place.  The city's safety committee will meet to discuss the snow emergency ordinance on February 24th at 5pm.

With the bitterly cold temperatures, you might believe that the city of Durand Public Works Department would have a freeze warning in effect to allow residents to have a small stream of water running to keep the water mains from freezing.  However according to Durand Public Works Superintendent Matt Gills, the ambient temperature has nothing to do with freezing the water mains, it's the frost depth.  According to Gillis last year the deepest frost depth was 3 feet six inches and no freeze warning was ever issued.  As of Thursday morning, the frost depth was 3 foot one inch.  

Congressman Ron Kind says he's introducing legislation that will protect nursing home residents against COVID and future outbreaks.  The Infection Control Training and Support Act would provide an additional 200-million dollars for quality and infection control support for skilled nursing facilities.  Kind said, "nursing home staff across Wisconsin are working tirelessly to provide high-quality care and keep their residents safe. However, many long-term care facilities, particularly in our rural areas, have limited access to resources.”  The goal is to keep nursing home residents and long-term care workers safe.

 A western Wisconsin man is the winner of a one-million-dollar Mega Millions prize.  The Wisconsin Lottery says Anthony Romanowski of Eau Claire purchased the winning ticket for the January 15th drawing Mega Holiday in Chippewa Falls.  Romanowski claimed his prize last week and plans to use the winnings to pay off his mortgage and car and do more hunting and fishing.  He told lottery officials, "it only took one ticket to win."  Two ten-thousand-dollar tickets were sold in the same drawing last month.

The Barron County Sheriff's Department says the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources flew around Barron County on Thursday looking for Ben Jacobson's truck but it wasn't found.  Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald said his department is following up with those who last saw Jacobson and have received a couple of tips but nothing her been successful at this point.  Jacobson is described as being 5 foot 9 inches tall, 170 pounds with brown hair and hazel eyes.  The 22yr old Cumberland man was last seen on Monday.  If anyone has information on Jacobson's whereabouts, they are to call the Barron County Sheriffs Department.

A Long Lake, MN man will spend five years in federal prison for setting fire to a Dakota County government building last May.  Twenty-five-year-old Garrett Ziegler was sentenced after pleading to guilty to aiding and abetting arson.  The U-S Attorney's Office says Ziegler and a Savage man broke windows on the Western Service Center in Apple Valley, threw Molotov cocktails inside which ignited a fire, and then poured liquids on the flames.  Ziegler said he targeted the building because of past court appearances and was angry at law enforcement over the death of George Floyd.

 Republicans are launching an audit of Wisconsin's election administration.  The Joint Legislative Audit Committee approved the move on a party-line vote Thursday.  G-O-P Representative Samantha Kerkman of Salem Lakes says constituents are "gravely concerned that our elections are being compromised and there are no repercussions for those who bend or break those laws."  Democratic Senator Melissa Agard of Madison said, "my fear is, and I hope it's just a fear, that this audit will provide a vehicle for more distrust and more disinformation."  The nonpartisan Legislative Audit Bureau will review whether the Wisconsin Elections Commission and municipal clerks follow all election laws, how they use electronic voting machines, and how they handle complaints.

 Gov. Tony Evers signed an executive order on Thursday declaring an energy emergency in Wisconsin.  Due to the below-average temperatures, snow, and ice storms throughout the state leading up to February, deliveries of petroleum and propane products shipped by truck, barge, and particularly rail are limited.   The executive order will allow for the swift and efficient delivery of these products throughout the state, according to a news release from the governor's office.  The order will provide a 30-day waiver allowing suppliers to get caught up from the delays associated with rail traffic slowed by nearly 50%.

A new study shows canceling high school sports led to a spike in depression among Wisconsin’s student-athletes.   The University of Wisconsin study finds girls suffered more than boys, and depression rates were highest among athletes in team sports, as opposed to individual sports. Most schools canceled high school sports last spring and fall because of COVID-19. Researchers said they never found a link to high school sports and the coronavirus.

A federal grand jury is indicting a Columbus woman for trying to hire a hitman and promising to pay him with bitcoin.  Thirty-seven-year-old Kelly Harper was taken into custody last Friday and charged by complaint.  Investigators say Harper visited a murder-for-hire website on the dark web between October and December last year. The name of the Sun Prairie man she was targeting hasn’t been released.  Harper will be arraigned next Tuesday.  A conviction carries a maximum sentence of ten years in federal prison.

"The New York Times" reports that three days after George Floyd died, Derek Chauvin believed the case against him was so devastating that he agreed to plead guilty to third-degree murder.  But the Times reports then-U-S Attorney General William Barr rejected the deal just before local officials were to announce it.  An official said Barr was worried a plea deal would be perceived as too lenient by a growing number of protesters across the nation -- and wanted state officials who were about to take over the case from Hennepin County to be able to make their own decisions on how to proceed.  The plea deal, which would have had Chauvin go to prison for more than 10 years, required then-Attorney General Barr's approval because Chauvin wanted assurance he would not face federal civil rights charges.

A Jefferson County judge has ruled that the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources must schedule a gray wolf hunt this month. Circuit Court Judge Bennett J. Brantmeier issued the ruling Thursday. Wisconsin's Natural Resources Board had originally voted 4-3 not to hold the hunt. The conservative Wisconsin Institute of Law and Liberty brought a lawsuit. They based their case on a state statute that said if the gray wolf ever was taken off the endangered species list, the state would allow for the animal to be hunted. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service removed the gray wolf from the endangered species list on Jan. 4.

Wisconsin's two federal prosecutors are stepping down later this month. U-S Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin Scott Blader says his resignation is effective February 26th. U-S Attorney for the Eastern District Matthew D. Krueger will resign his position on February 20th. The Biden Administration is asking federal prosecutors appointed by former President Trump to step down. Blader says serving as the United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin has been the most rewarding experience of his professional career. Krueger called serving as U-S attorney the greatest privilege of his professional life. He plans to join a private law firm.

 Minnesota-based Hormel is buying the Planters nut business from Kraft Heinz.  The deal is reportedly worth three-point-35-billion dollars.  Hormel called it the largest acquisition in company history.  Hormel Foods said the acquisition significantly expands its presence in the growing snacking space.  Hormel C-E-O Jim Snee said, "our competencies in brand stewardship, revenue growth management, e-commerce, innovation, and consumer insights will be key to driving growth for the Planters brand and for our customers."  The deal is expected to close later this year.

Local Regional News February 11

 The Durand City Hall will be re-opening on March 1st.  During last night's council meeting, Mayor Milliren told members he was still planning on having city hall reopen to the public.  Milliren says as we get closer to the end of the month more details on open hours will be determined.  Currently, those residents that have business at city hall are encouraged to call to make an appointment or conduct their business via phone or email.

Chippewa County District Attorney Wade Newell says a convicted killer’s guilty pleas should stand.  Newell filed a motion Tuesday in response to Colten Treu’s request to have his pleas withdrawn.  The 23-year-old Treu contended last month that his attorneys told him he would still be able to appeal the denial of a motion for a change of venue if he pleaded guilty.  Treu told the court he would have gone to trial if he knew pleading guilty would cost him the ability to appeal that decision.  Treu is in prison for being high when he caused the deaths of Autumn Helgeson, Jayna Kelley, Haylee Hickle and Sara Schneider in Lake Hallie in November 2018.  His motion hearing is scheduled for March 3rd.

The Western District of Wisconsin is leading the nation in farm bankruptcies for 2020.   Wisconsin Public Radio reports that  a new report from Federal Bankruptcy court shows that the Western District which includes 44 counties and nearly half of the state had 39 new chapter 12 filings, the most in the nation.   Years of low commodity prices along with the covid-19 pandemic are chief causes of the rise in farm bankruptcies.  Chapter 12 bankruptcy allows farmers to re-organize their debt and hopefully allow the farm to continue.   The Eastern District of Nebraska came in second with 30 chapter 12 filings.  

The Diocese of Winona-Rochester says it is settling clergy sex abuse claims from 145 survivors for 21-and-a-half-million dollars.  The settlement will allow the diocese to file a reorganization plan with a U-S bankruptcy court.  The Diocese said in a statement, "this settlement, mutually agreed to by the Diocese and the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors, includes resolution of claims against the parishes, schools and other Catholic entities within the Diocese."  Bishop John M. Quinn said,”on behalf of the Diocese, I want to express my sincere apology to all those who have been affected by sexual abuse in our Diocese.”  The diocese filed bankruptcy in November 2018.

Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul says the state’s Sexual Assault Kit Initiative has resulted in a conviction from a 2010 case.  Kaul says 37-year-old Hank W. Elmore of La Crosse is a serial sex offender who entered a guilty plea to charges last week.  The sexual assault happened in Jackson County more than 10 years ago.  A sexual assault examination was conducted and the kit was tested in 2018.  D-N-A in the kit was matched to Elmore.  He has previous convictions for similar crimes in 2003 and 2014.  Elmore was sentenced to 10 years in prison, but he will only serve five if he avoids legal trouble while he is on extended supervision.

Another lawsuit is asking the Wisconsin Supreme Court to overturn Governor Tony Evers' public health declaration and mask mandate.  Waukesha businessman Jere Fabick accuses the Democratic governor of having precipitated a constitutional crisis and "has demonstrated that he will not comply with the law until ordered to do so" by the court.  Evers issued a new order last week, immediately after the Republican-controlled Legislature overturned the emergency he issued last month.  Fabick sued last fall after Evers issued his third public health declaration, and Evers issued a fourth shortly after the court heard oral arguments in the suit.

Federal Paycheck Protection Program loans made to help businesses get through the COVID-19 pandemic are tax-deductible at the federal level but not at the state level. The legislature's Joint Finance Committee voted Wednesday, to allow businesses to deduct those payments. Scott Manley with Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce says this is critical for many businesses.  Most of the bill consists of an agreement lawmakers and the Evers administration struck last session to change the tax code to match federal provisions. The 11-to-4 vote clears the way for the Assembly to vote on the bill Tuesday.

 Rochester police say a traffic stop late Monday night netted about six-thousand oxycodone pills. The car was stopped for speeding and officers said they could smell marijuana and searched the vehicle. Investigators say the bags of pills appeared to be Oxycontin that could be laced with fentanyl. There have been fatal overdoses in the area linked to pills that looked like Oxycontin. Twenty-five-year-old Dahir Dahir and 25-year-old Abdullahi Islaw were arrested on drug charges. The pills have a street value of up to 180-thousand dollars.

Republicans on the Legislature's joint finance committee are going to be handing 66 million dollars in federal education grants to school districts that were holding in-person classes this school year. Co-Chair Senator Howard Marklein says that schools that had students in the building should be rewarded for it.  But Democrat Senator Jon Erpenbach says this is merely a punishment against local school boards following the wills of their districts. Another 615 million dollars in funding is being sent directly to school districts by the federal government, and the J F C can't change that

With so much focus on the COVID-19 pandemic, Wisconsin is seeing virtually no flu cases this season. U-W Health says it’s treated only one case of influenza all season as of Wednesday. Compare that to a year ago, when U-W Health had seen more than a-thousand positive tests by this time. Health officials credit the precautions people are using to stay safe from COVID-19: such as wearing masks, social distancing, washing hands, and staying home. Some doctors recommend that people wear masks during future flu seasons.

Wisconsin public health officials say the state has reached a milestone by vaccinating one-third of its population that is 65 and older.  That represents about 300-thousand people from the age group.  Wisconsin is ranked 10th nationally in the percentage of people who have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.  Governor Tony Evers says he hopes to increase vaccinations even more with the opening of the state’s first community-based vaccine clinic next week.  The site in Rock County will vaccinate about 250 people each day.  Six-to-10 more sites will be opened throughout Wisconsin based on need.

Another budget proposal preview, from Governor Tony Evers   The Democratic governor proposes investing 150 million dollars in mental health initiatives. And he'll once again seek legislative approval to accept federal Medicaid expansion money. Wisconsin is one of a dozen states that hasn't implemented the federal expansion. The 150 million includes 55 million for student mental health and expanding a program to address child psychiatry shortages. Another 40 million would increase access to outpatient mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and services for adolescents and children. Evers delivers his budget address Tuesday night.

Officials at Fincantieri Marinette Marine say their newest building will be used to construct a new series of frigate-class ships for the U-S Navy.  Ground was broken Tuesday on what is being called Building 34.  A spokesperson says the structure will be big enough to allow for work on two ships at the same time.  Construction should be complete on the northeastern Wisconsin project by the end of the year.  Navy officials say the initial contract for one guided-missile ship is worth almost 800-million dollars.  If all options on the contract are exercised, Marinette Marine will deliver the first 10 F-F-G class ships for more than five-and-a-half-billion dollars.  The project is expected to create more than five-thousand direct and indirect jobs.

Target is announcing it will offer hourly workers extra pay and free rides to get their COVID-19 shots.  The Minnesota-based retailer says it will offer the employees up to four hours of pay for getting the two shots while also covering the cost of a Lyft ride up to 15-dollars each way.  Target officials are also working with C-V-S and other providers to get their workers doses at the pharmacies, inside its stores, or at its distribution centers.  The company has more than 350-thousand employees that would qualify for the benefits.

Local-Regional News February 10

 The Eau Claire County Sheriffs Department has arrested a Durand man for OWI 10th offense.  According to the sheriff's department, a convenience store clerk called police Tuesday morning to report a man was in the store and appeared very intoxicated.  When officers arrived at a second convenience store they took Douglas Van Buskirk into custody and they reported he refused a breath test or field sobriety tests.  Van Buskirk was on probation and was also required to have an ignition interlock device installed in his vehicle but one was not installed.  

The Durand City Council is meeting tonight.  Items on the agenda include discussion on the swimming season schedule at the Tarrent Park Pool, an overview of the special assessment policy for the Laneview avenue project, and reports from the mayor, city administrator, and department heads.  Tonight's meeting begins at 6:30 at Durand City Hall and will be live-streamed on our YouTube Channel at Durand Broadcasting WRDN.

The search for a missing Cumberland man continues.   Barron County authorities are asking for the public's help in locating  22-year-old Benjamin Jacobson. According to the department, Jacobson was last seen Monday  in a 2002 Ford F-150, green in color, and has not shown up for work Monday or Tuesday.  If you have any information you are to contact the Barron County Sheriffs Department.

The University of Wisconsin Extension will be holding two focus groups with farmers to talk about farmer's stress.  Katie Wantoch, Dunn County Extension agent says the effort is all about educating health care providers to understand the aspects of farming.  The focus groups will be held February 16th at 1:30 and February 18th at 8pm.  All information is strictly confidential and for more information contact the Dunn County Extension Service.  

 A former pharmacist in Grafton could face up to 20 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to charges he spoiled 57 vials of COVID-19 vaccine on purpose.  Forty-six-year-old Steven Brandenburg made a virtual court appearance Tuesday during a video conference with U-S District Judge Brett Ludwig in Milwaukee.  Brandenburg pleaded guilty to two counts of attempting to tamper with consumer products.  He had been arrested on New Year’s Eve as part of an investigation into how the vials of Moderna vaccine had been left sitting outside of a refrigerator for hours.  Brandenburg told investigators he believed the Moderna vaccine wasn’t safe and could alter a person’s D-N-A.

The state of Wisconsin is suing a company, alleging it failed to give its employees the required notice that it was shutting down.  A lawsuit against Merrill-based Semling-Menke Company says 140 employees are owed wages totaling nearly 683-thousand dollars.  Attorney General Josh Kaul and Department of Workforce Development Secretary-designee Amy Pechacek want to enforce a lien against all property owned by the company.  SEMCO reportedly told its workers it was ceasing operations December 30th, 2019.  They were terminated effective the next day.  State law requires 60 days' notice.

 Wisconsin lawmakers have been told if they don’t allow first responders to file for workers’ compensation for P-T-S-D they are going to see suicide double and triple over the next 20 years.  Police officers, firefighters, and E-M-S workers spoke during a Senate committee hearing Monday.  They say people who do what they do for a living need to have access to the help that they need.  State Senator Andre Jacque of DePere, the bill’s sponsor, says he is optimistic it will be before the full Wisconsin Senate next week.  The Committee on Labor and Regulatory Reform is expected to vote on it Thursday.

 One of the five victims in Tuesday's mass shooting at an Allina Health clinic in Buffalo did not survive their injuries.    A spokesperson for Hennepin Healthcare in Minneapolis confirmed that a victim transported there has died. The other four were taken to North Memorial in Robbinsdale where three are in critical, but stable condition.  One victim was discharged Tuesday afternoon.   Buffalo police arrested 67-year-old suspect Gregory P. Ulrich and they believe that he acted alone.  A former neighbor of Ulrich tells the Star Tribune that he is addicted to painkillers and was upset that his doctor wouldn't give him high doses.  Wright County authorities say Ulrich will make his first court appearance Thursday morning.

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A federal court will not stop the construction of the Line 3 pipeline replacement project in northern Minnesota.  Native American tribes and environmental groups filed a lawsuit in December seeking a preliminary injunction on a water permit issued by the U-S Army Corps of Engineers.  U-S District Court Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly denied the request, saying the plaintiffs failed “to demonstrate a likelihood of success on the merits and that they will suffer irreparable harm.”   The group Jobs for Minnesotans said, "the U-S District Court decision reinforces the sound scientific record of the Line 3 Replacement Project."  Several protesters have been arrested recently for attempting to block construction of the oil pipeline which ends in Superior.

A California couple is being held in jail after their 11-year-old son died under suspicious circumstances.  Roman Lopez was born in Wisconsin and his biological mother lives in Milwaukee.  Shelly Lopez says her husband had primary custody of the boy while she recovered from injuries she suffered while serving with the U-S Army in Iraq.  The victim was found dead in a storage bin in the family’s California home more than a year ago.  Thirty-six-year-old Jordan Piper and 38-year-old Lindsay Piper are charged with child abuse, poisoning, and torture.  Shelly Lopez says she didn’t know the family had moved to California until a friend pointed out an online news story about her son’s death.

Minnesota House Democratic leader Ryan Winkler says a Republican plan to completely re-open all businesses by May 1st is a "very good goal" - but he doesn't want to create false expectations about the course of the pandemic.  Willmar Republican Dave Baker proposes phased-in re-opening of restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, and other venues.  Baker said, "I would be shocked if we don't get a good group of D-F-L members that want to support this kind of an idea."  Winkler says House Democrats are very open to looking at individual executive orders -- "but what we're not willing to do is immediately terminate all of the governor's emergency powers."  He says he doesn't want to make Minnesota "essentially defenseless against COVID-19 without having anything to replace them."

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is confirming a second case of the United Kingdom coronavirus variant in the state. The new B-1-1-7 case was detected over the weekend in Waukesha County. The state's first case was confirmed January 12. State health officials believe this strain is more contagious than the original form of COVID-19. D-H-S chief medical officer Doctor Ryan Westergaard said, "we are able to sequence a small proportion of tests collected, which means, in reality, there are likely many more cases of this variant in Wisconsin." He's asking Wisconsinites to remain vigilant to stop the spread of COVID by wearing masks, washing hands, staying home, and getting vaccinated.

Former Rhinelader city administrator Daniel Guild could see a final felony charge against him dropped this spring:   The embattled former City Administrator in Rhinelander has reached a Deferred Prosecution Agreement with Oneida County that calls for one count of misconduct in office to be dropped if he goes between now and May without accumulating any additional felony counts. Guild was the subject of an investigation that led to a document raid at Rhinelander city hall in the fall of 2019. Back in December two counts of tampering with public documents were tossed when it was determined that the prosecution's case lacked merit. A review hearing is scheduled for May 6. 

The owners of Sun Country Airlines are filing to take the company public. The Minnesota-based carrier has been privately held for its entire 39-year history. According to Sun Country's filing, they plan to list its common stock on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the ticker symbol S-N-C-Y. The price range and number of shares offered have not yet been