Local-Regional News March 31

 ­­The Durand Fire Department responded to a grass fire just north of the Sportsmans Club on Hwy 25 yesterday morning.  The fire was about 20 acres in size and the department was able to put the blaze out quickly.  The strong winds should be lighter today, but there is still plenty of dry grass that could cause a fire risk.

A Menomonie man has been charged in Eau Claire County Court with stalking, and 2nd-degree sexual assault after an incident on St. Patricks Day.  According to court records, authorities alleged that 28yr old Larry Young drove up to the victim on Water Street and told her that her friends had called him to pick her up.  She got into the car and Young drove her to a storage unit where he attempted to assault her.  The woman got away and police were able to arrest Young on Friday when they found him driving downtown and he tried to lure an undercover female officer into his vehicle.  If convicted he faces over 39yrs in prison.

An area farm group is looking for farmers to participate in conservation programs on their farms.  The group Farmers for Health has grant money available from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture to help with the programs in the Bear Creek and Chippewa River Watersheds.   Farmers for Health Co-Chairman Don Weiss says the group has incentive programs from cover crops to no-till programs. For more information, contact Mike Travis at Pepin County Ag Extension.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz says the three proposed State Veterans Homes in Minnesota are getting more than 80-million dollars in federal grant funding.  Construction could begin as soon as this fall on the projects including a veterans home in Preston.   The Minnesota Legislature invested 33-million dollars in state money for the new veterans' homes in 2018.  The U-S Department of Veterans Affairs is covering 65 percent of the costs.   Minnesota V-A Commissioner Larry Herke (HUR'-kee) said the planning and design process is nearly complete and this grant will allow the final touches to be made.

The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development says its new user interface should be easier to use than the old one.  The new unemployment claims portal went online Tuesday night.  It offers a way to securely upload documents and a message center where applicants can talk directly with claims specialists and adjudicators. The new design will be easier to use on cell phones and applicants can sign up for notifications by text.  D-W-D Secretary-designee Amy Pechacek calls the upgrades “critical,” saying they will make the process easier.  It has been a year of frustration as the Wisconsin unemployment system was overwhelmed by the rush of claims during the coronavirus pandemic.

 Assembly Republicans are giving Governor Tony Evers’ plans for more than three-billion dollars in federal COVID relief mixed reviews.  They held a news conference at the Resch Expo Center Tuesday explaining what they liked and didn’t like.  State Representative David Steffen agrees with Evers' plans to invest in broadband for rural areas but says 200-million dollars isn’t enough.  Steffen thinks a half-billion dollars should be spent to get everyone online.  Republicans also like investing in tourism and small businesses, but Republican Representative Kevin Petersen says relief for homeowners and investment in long-term care facilities doesn’t go far enough.  Even though Evers vetoed a bill giving the Legislature control of the money, the lawmakers say they think they can work with the governor and help him prioritize how it should be spent.

 Governor Tony Evers says all Wisconsin residents age 16 and over will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine next Monday.  The eligibility date was moved up four weeks due to increased vaccine supply and an accelerated pace in vaccinations.  Evers said in a statement, "this marks a major milestone in our state’s fight against this virus and gets us closer to overcoming this pandemic and bouncing back together."  Not everyone will be able to get the shot April 5th as some areas of Wisconsin have higher demand and may have waitlists.  May 1st was the initial deadline to have the general public eligible for the vaccine.  State health officials also announced Tuesday that seven more pharmacies will begin receiving  COVID vaccines this week.

Wisconsin 3rd District Congressman Ron Kind has announced the annual Congressional Art Competition is now open for all high school students in the 3rd District.  The Congressional Art Competition began in 1982 as an opportunity for Members of Congress to recognize and encourage students’ artistic talent. Since then, more than 650,000 high school students have participated.    The first-place entry will hang for a year in the U.S. Capitol along with the works of other student artists from across the country. The second-place entry will be displayed in Rep. Kind’s Washington, D.C. office, and the third and fourth place pieces will be displayed in Rep. Kind’s La Crosse and Eau Claire offices.   The submission deadline is April 16, 2021, and only one entry is allowed per student.  For more information, contact Kinds office in Eau Claire or La Crosse.

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The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay is working with local and national organizations in an effort to have the Bay of Green Bay recognized as a national reserve.  For 30 years, the university and local officials have been working to clean up, restore and protect the bay, which is the world’s largest freshwater estuary.  If the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration grants the designation it would mean more than one million dollars in federal and state funding each year for water research, education, stewardship, and training.  The funding would start in 2024.  A virtual public kick-off event is set for April 12th – with U-S Senator Tammy Baldwin and Congressman Mike Gallagher featured.

Rochester police say a man from Owatonna was found passed out behind the wheel at an intersection with a child in his vehicle.  Thirty-seven-year-old Wyatt Jackson was found in the left turn lane Saturday night and stayed at the light through three cycles before people started knocking on his window.   Officers say Jackson failed a sobriety test and an open beer can and a small amount of cocaine were found in the car.  His five-year-old daughter was in the backseat.  Jackson told police they had been at a birthday party.

National Guard troops based in Waukesha are heading to the Middle East.  50 members of the 135th Medical Company will help with the medical mission for U-S and coalition forces. Many of these soldiers spent much of the past year administering Wisconsin's coronavirus testing effort. 

 A Stevens Point firefighter who has been on leave without pay since last September won’t be coming back to the job.  Casey Bielen was the focus of a series of investigations and hearings by the city’s Police and Fire Commission.  Bielen had been accused of failing to report to work on time, trying to report to work while under the influence of alcohol, and misconduct over his alleged social media activity.  The Commission's decision to terminate his employment was announced Monday.  Bielen was reportedly given a “last chance” letter in January of last year.  At least two women have said they received lewd and unwanted messages from the former firefighter, while he was both on-duty and off-duty.  No criminal charges have been filed against him.

Now that snowmobile trails are closed for the season, it's time to find a good, reliable place to store your sled. State consumer protection administrator Lara Sutherlin says that if you don't have your own storage, you should find a facility that's registered and properly insured.   You can find out more about Public Warehouse Keepers and find a list of nearby locations online at D A T C P dot W I dot Gov.

 With more space at the Kalahari Resort, organizers of the Sportsman’s Expo say they were able to attract crowds comparable to 2019 while maintaining social distancing.  Outdoor Season moves its annual event to the resort from Madison’s Alliant Energy Center last weekend.  The convention had been canceled last year.  This time the expo included more than 200 vendors selling products for all outdoor activities, including deer hunting equipment, fishing boats, and even turkey calls.

Local-Regional News March 30

 ­­Three people in Durand were arrested Friday after the Pepin County Sheriffs Department executed a search warrant at 170 Country Lane Apt 2.  The search warrant came after an investigation suggested members of the household were stealing mail and using the information from that mail to engage in fraud and identity theft.  Arrested were 40yr old Yer Phengduangdeth, 51yr old Tam Phengduangdeth and 51yr old Blong Yang of St. Paul.  All three are facing drug charges along with theft and fraud charges.  The investigation continues to be open and on-going. Assisting in the investigation is the US Postal Service and multiple law enforcement agencies in other counties and states.

Four people were injured in a two-vehicle accident yesterday in Oak Grove Township.  According to the Pierce County Sheriffs Department, 41yr old Nicole McCorison of Ellsworth was traveling westbound on Hwy 10 when 24yr old Stephanie Ryman of Prescott attempted a left turn in front of the Mccorison vehicle cause the two vehicles to collide.    Ryman along with two juveniles was transported to the hospital, while McCorison was taken by private vehicle to River Falls Hospital.  

Chippewa County Authorities are warning residents of another phone scam.  On the department's Facebook page, the department reports that scammers are contacting residents claiming to be a lieutenant with the office and telling the person they can take care of outstanding warrants by paying over the phone.  The scammers are spoofing local phone numbers to make it appear it is the sheriff's department calling on your caller id.  A reminder that the sheriff's department will not call you over the phone to collect payment on a warrant.

A $1000 reward is now being offered for information on or the return of a giant chicken statue that was stolen last week outside an Osseo Restaurant.  Owner Artan Shabani is offering the reward and a free meal to whoever returns the chicken.  According to witnesses, two men were seen with a truck and enclosed trailer near the statue before it went missing last week.  The statue is 8ft tall and cemented into the ground.  

Wisconsin state parks are on track for another record number of visitors.  During the coronavirus pandemic, visiting a state park has become a good way for people to get out of the house and enjoy mother nature, without dealing with inside crowds.  The Department of Natural Resources reports a 22-percent increase in the number of state park visitors during 2020.  That trend has continued this year even during the colder months.  State officials say updated information on state parks can help you plan your visit and it can be found online at dnr-dot-wisconsin-dot-gov.

 A federal moratorium on the eviction of tenants who have fallen behind on their rent has been extended through the end of June.  The pandemic-related protection was scheduled to expire Wednesday.  The ban provides protection for renters to keep them from being forced into living in shelters or share crowded conditions with relatives or friends.  An estimated 18-percent of all tenants owe some back rent. 

 Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers says he hasn't made a decision yet on whether to extend the state's mask mandate beyond April 5th. Evers says he's "waiting for the science on that" and it's a decision that will be made at the last moment. Evers made his comments Monday and says if it looks like there's reason to extend the mask mandate he will do it. President Joe Biden Monday asked states that have lifted their mask mandates to reinstate them -- citing what he says are rising coronavirus case counts and the spread of new variants.

Wisconsin voters choose a new state school superintendent one week from today.  The office of State Superintendent of Public Instruction is officially nonpartisan, but Republicans including former Governor Scott Walker, are supportive of former Brown Deer Superintendent Deb Kerr. Pecatonica Superintendent Jill Underly has the backing of Democrats, including former Governor Jim Doyle. The winner succeeds Carolyn Stanford Taylor. She took the post in 2019 when former superintendent Tony Evers was elected governor, but declined to run for a full term.

A second eaglet hatched in public view of the Department of Natural Resources's "Eagle Cam." It is the second egg hatched since last week after the two eggs were laid just days apart. The eagle nest is located at the National Eagle Center in Wabasha.

Workers at fisheries in Wisconsin and Minnesota plan to meet in La Crosse next month.  They will be there to discuss the so-called modified unified method of removing invasive carp from the Mississippi River.  The method involves using netting and herding techniques to concentrate the fish from a big area into a small zone where they can be removed.  Scientists are focused on removing bighead, grass, and silver carp which have done major ecological damage in rivers in Illinois, Missouri, and Ohio.  The project is scheduled to kick off April 5th.

Wisconsin has topped all 50 states in vaccinating its people.  As of Friday, the state had used more than 90-percent of the vaccines it has received from the federal government.  Right behind the Badger State are New Mexico, North Dakota, and Minnesota.  More than two-point-six-million doses have been administered here.  One in every six Wisconsin residents has received both shots.  The counties with the highest percentage of residents receiving the vaccine are Bayfield, Door, and Menominee.

Governor Tony Evers says he will use two-and-a-half billion dollars in federal stimulus funds for economic recovery in Wisconsin. And the Democratic governor today/Monday vetoed a  bill passed by Republican lawmakers last week to give  Joint Finance Committee control over federal COVID-19 spending.   During a press conference at a Milwaukee small business, Evers said he "doesn't care who gets the credit" for pandemic relief.   The funding announcement includes 50 million dollars for the tourism industry, and 600 million to help support businesses.

Members of the Wisconsin Assembly’s Committee on Campaigns and Elections are going to hold a hearing Wednesday.  Republicans say they have more questions about the November presidential election.  Wisconsin Elections Commission Administrator Meagan Wolfe is scheduled to appear.  Committee members also have questions for election managers from Green Bay, but the city’s mayor and city clerk say they have scheduling conflicts.  Lawmakers say the hearings are held because they want to make sure everyone followed Wisconsin election laws.

 It’s being called one of the biggest mass torts in U-S history.  Minnesota-based 3-M is defending itself against claims in a Florida federal court that its Combat Arms earplugs were knowingly defective.  Nearly 230-thousand claims are pending.  If the court decides against 3-M, the damages could be in the hundreds of millions of dollars.  The company’s legal defense team maintains the Combat Arms earplugs were designed properly and worked as they should.  Thousands of soldiers disagree, saying their hearing was harmed.  The trial starts next month.

 An empty Shopko building in Rothschild will become the new home for the Wausau V-A clinic.  The Veterans Administration just completed the purchase, saying that the location will provide more parking and will be more accessible to veterans with limited mobility.  The new location will offer all the services that have been available at the Wausau V-A clinic in the past, plus things like dental and audiology.  Renovation work is going on right now, with the clinic expected to open early next year.

Local-Regional News March 29

 The city of Durand has competed the re-mapping and annexation of parts of the Forest Hill Cemetary.  Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren says the project started when the city asked Cedar Corp to look into the property lines of the cemetery.  The council approved the certified maps and also annexed a portion of the cemetery into the city.

No one was injured in an apartment fire in Red Wing Friday night.  Firefighters responded to the blaze on the 700 block of Third Street and found the fire on the second floor of the apartment building.  The Fire was quickly put out and crews were able to return residents to two of the three apartments damaged while a third resident had to find temporary housing with the Red Cross.   The Cause of that fire is still under investigation.

Authorities in western Wisconsin report the body of a missing Eau Claire man has been recovered from an area lake.  Officers located the body of 58-year-old Edwin Steinacker Friday in Dell's Pond.  Steinacker went for a walk with his dog last Saturday morning and he was spotted on public cameras in McDonough Park.  Law enforcement and firefighters began searching for him on Sunday.  His death is not believed to be suspicious but remains under investigation.  There is still no sign of Steinacker's dog.

State and federal fisheries officials are planning an invasive carp roundup.  It's scheduled for April 5, in Pool 8 of the Mississippi River near La Crosse, and will use a new combined netting and herding technique to drive and concentrate invasive carp for removal. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources  is leading the operation, with the Wisconsin DNR, U.S. Geological Survey and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. In addition to removing the carp, the goal is to curb the potential for reproduction, and prevent their establishment in the Upper Mississippi River Basin. 

Governor Tony Evers won't be giving a plan to the Wisconsin Legislature requiring state employees to return to in-person work by a specific date.  The Democratic governor vetoed Senate Bill 38 Friday, which would have required to him submit a plan to lawmakers within 21 days.  Evers says he struck down the bill because he objects to interference by the legislature on executive branch employment policy.  The governor said a large section of public employees will begin returning to state facilities April 5th with a goal of resuming normal office operations during the summer.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz gave his State of the State address Sunday, focusing a large portion on where the state is in regard to COVID-19. The governor called this the "thaw" from a dark winter gripped by the reaction to the virus, while still urging caution. Walz also urged state lawmakers to do more to address what he called systemic inequality, help small businesses hurt by COVID-19 restrictions, and bridge the racial achievement gap in Minnesota schools. Walz closed the speech with an oft-repeated metaphor about a goal-line stand and urged everyone to get vaccinated. This year's address was staged in Walz's old classroom from his days as a teacher.

Dane County officials have put the word out – they are seeking proposals for the re-development of Madison’s Alliant Energy Center.  County Executive Joe Parisi says the project offers big opportunities for “economic invigoration” as we emerge from the challenges of the last year.  The county hopes to expand the facilities on the grounds to benefit legacy partners like the Dane County Fair, the CrossFit Games, the World Dairy Expo, Bratfest, and the rest.  Expansion is possible for the Exhibition Hall so it could accommodate large trade shows.  Dane County says more than one million people visit the grounds every year, bringing in more than 80-million dollars to the local economy.  That supports an estimated 17-hundred jobs.

Officials at Mitchell International Airport say Saturday was their busiest day since the coronavirus pandemic started.  The T-S-A reports nine-thousand-150 travelers passed through the airport that day.  Passenger traffic at the time of the year in 2020 was about two-thousand travelers.  Before that, a normal day would have been about 11-thousand.  People last weekend were going to warm-weather destinations like Florida, Arizona, and the Caribbean.  Most told W-I-S-N Television they were heading out for spring break.

Officials at the Mayo Clinic are reporting some positive news in the battle against COVID-19.  Infectious disease specialist Doctor Abinash Virk says they have no COVID patients on ventilators and zero infected patients in the I-C-U.  She says that's an indication that Olmsted County is headed in the right direction.  Doctor Virk says 115-thousand Mayo system employees and patients have been vaccinated.  She says vaccination appointments are at 100-percent capacity this week.

Waupaca County Judge Vicki Clussman says she stayed the four-year sentence for a man who pleaded no contest in a road rage case because the fatality victim played a role.  The judge says the force 24-year-old Tyler Knutson used was excessive.  Knutson and Bradley Trinwith were in separate cars January 25th of last year when they almost collided.  Both drivers accused the other of aggressive driving until they stopped and Trinwith and Knutson got out and started fighting.  At one point, Knutson stabbed the other man, causing his death.  He could have been sentenced to 10 years in prison. 

The Minnesota Supreme Court is upholding the life sentence for a Wisconsin man convicted in the shooting death of his uncle on the Fond du Lac Reservation.   The high court rejected an appeal from James Francis Montano of Bayfield in the premeditated first-degree murder of 56-year-old Andrew Gokee.  It happened in April of 2018.  Gokee was a prominent member of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.   Montano was also sentenced to 15 years for shooting his uncle's son, Hudson Gauthier, at Montano's father's house.  Defense attorneys unsuccessfully argued to the Supreme Court that Gauthier should have been treated as an accomplice to the crime.   Montano is currently at the Minnesota Correctional Facility in Rush City.

Three UW Madison students have been issued fines for destroying a rare pine tree.  UW police report a tip about the November pine tree theft at the UW Arboretum led to the three, all age 19, and identified as Cameron Krahn, Cody Knepprath, and Joshua Michels. They admitted purchasing a chainsaw, renting a U-Haul, and stealing the tree as part of a "pledge" to an unrecognized student organization, formerly known as Chi Phi. That group was terminated by the university in 2015 because of dangerous hazing rituals. The men destroyed and disposed of the tree after learning of the investigation. They'll each be fined 200 dollars.

A southwest Wisconsin man is facing felony drug charges following a traffic stop in Grant County. Sheriff's deputies pulled over Kyle Rich of DeForest Thursday morning near Fennimore and a police dog found 15 pounds of marijuana in his vehicle. They say Rich showed signs of impairment and his car smelled like cannabis. Rich was jailed on suspicion of possession of T-H-C with intent to distribute.

A graduate of Verona Area High School is one of the first members of the U-S Space Force.  Captain Julia Fensterwald will be moving on to Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs from her current post in California.  She officially joined the Space Force in September.  Fensterwald points out that Space Force isn’t NASA.  NASA is focused on exploration and experimentation.  Space Force monitors the country's security by tracking whatever is launched into space that might be a threat – including satellites and missiles.

Local-Regional News March 26

 93rd Assemblyman Warren Petryk will be holding listening sessions today to talk about the proposed state budget.    Petryk will be in Durand at the Veteran's Memorial from 1-2pm and then at the Pleasant Valley Town Hall Parking Lot from 4-5pm.    These sessions are an opportunity for the public to communicate their budget priorities with Representative Petryk before the biannual state budget process begins. 

A Pepin County Sheriff's Deputy has been recognized by the Wisconsin Association of Women Police.  Deputy Amanda Schwennsen was nominated by Sheriff Wener and was awarded the 2020 Merit Award for her exceptional work in Pepin County.  Schwennsen was presented with the award yesterday at the Pepin County Government Center.

The City of Durand has approved the contracts for the 3rd Avenue East and Lanville Avenue projects.  According to Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren, the City Approved A-1 Excavating and Skid Steer Guy for the projects.  The 3rd Avenue east project will cost just over $1.2 million while the Laneville project will cost just over $1 million.  The Pepin County Highway Department was awarded the contract to repave Drier Street at a cost of $19,000.

Just as the pandemic seems to be slowing down and business owners are hoping to ramp up again, some in downtown Eau Claire are worried about parking.  Construction work is about to start on apartments, building renovations, and a transit center, leading to three parking lots are being shut down.  Deputy city engineer Leah Ness says notices about changes to downtown parking will start going out next month.  Bags will be put over the meters beginning April 1st and signs will explain the new restrictions on where you can leave your car.  The same information can be found on the city engineering parking website and on the Downtown Eau Claire, Inc website.

 A passenger in the car that killed three Girls Scouts and an adult supervisor three years ago is scheduled to be arraigned in Chippewa County Court next month.  John Stender was in the vehicle driven by Colten Treu when it hit the victims as they were cleaning up trash along a highway in Lake Hallie.  A fourth scout was injured.  Stender told investigators he grabbed the steering wheel in an effort to avoid going into a ditch.  He faces charges of harboring and aiding a felon and intentionally abusing a hazardous substance.  He and Treu were accused of “huffing” an aerosol chemical before the incident.

Wisconsin will be providing thousands of bottles of water to some La Crosse residents because of PFAS contamination in their groundwater.  43-hundred residents of French Island near the La Crosse Airport will be getting that water over the next three months because of a contamination advisory. That's because PFAS contaminants from the La Crosse Airport have traveled downstream and gathered in private wells on the island. All but one test conducted by the DNR showed contamination. The move will cost the state around 200-thousand dollars.

A Wisconsin Policy Forum report shows the number of inmates in the state prison system has dropped to levels not seen in more than 20 years.  The adult population declined almost 16-percent from the end of February 2020 to the end of last month.  At a little over 19-thousand-500, the number of inmates in Wisconsin prisons is at its lowest level since 1999.  The Wisconsin Policy Forum report credits state tactics designed to slow the spread of COVID-19 – including the governor’s order to suspend new prison admissions, delays in trials, and increasing use of electronic monitoring.

UW-Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank says campus life will mostly return to normal this fall.  Blank wrote on her blog Thursday, "I feel confident that next semester will look more like Fall 2019 than Fall 2020, with offices occupied and throngs of students changing classes in the middle of the day."  She says some unknowns remain due to the COVID pandemic.  Blank also said, "we want to return to what makes UW-Madison special, and that means safely returning to our classrooms and labs for in-person learning and research."  She is encouraging all students and staff get vaccinated this spring and summer.

Minnesota  Governor Tim Walz will announce today that all Minnesotans age 16 and older will be eligible for the COVID vaccine next Tuesday.  The governor's spokesman says it comes as the federal government has promised an increased supply of vaccines by April.  The State Health Department's Kris Ehresmann says "that would mean for us in terms of new people that could get vaccinated each week, it ends up being about 304 thousand doses coming in, both through our federal retail pharmacy streams as well as the allocation that comes to Minnesota."  The Walz-administration will direct providers to prioritize vaccine appointments for older Minnesotans, those with underlying health conditions, and front-line workers.

An Osseo restaurant owner is asking for the giant rooster statue that was stolen from his restaurant to be returned.  Artan Shabani told WQOW TV the statue is 12ft tall and 4ft wide and was stolen sometime early Thursday.  The massive statue was bolted into the ground with steel beams and was removed without anyone noticing.  Shabani says he just wants the rooster back and will not press charges if it's returned safely.  

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Bail is set at a half-million dollars for a Rochester man accused of shooting his father last Friday night.  Eighteen-year-old Colby Cleveland turned himself in Tuesday and was charged with second-degree attempted murder and second-degree assault.  Police say Cleveland fired two shots from the parking lot of an apartment complex and struck his father in the leg.  His father told officers that Colby threatened to kill him several times before shots were fired.   His next court date is April 7th.

 

A 38-year-old Rice Lake man, already facing a child sex crime charge, is accused of using his computer for another crime.  This time authorities say Eric Keesen went online to try to get somebody to burn down a woman’s house.  Apparently, Keesen pretended he was a woman and promised sex to a person on Facebook if he would burn down the house.  Investigators found out that “Vanessa” was actually Keesen and the house he wanted to be burned down belong to a woman in Rice Lake he had allegedly been abusing.   The person he contacted on Facebook told police.

Justices on the Wisconsin Supreme Court are denying a request from Attorney General Josh Kaul to hear his challenge to a law passed two years ago.  The law passed during a lame-duck session requires his Department of Justice to get approval from the Joint Finance Committee before settling lawsuits.  The state’s highest court upheld that law in another suit last summer, but it hadn’t ruled out more legal challenges.  Kaul is a Democrat and conservative justices have a four-to-three majority on the panel.

Wisconsin businesses say they are experiencing a workforce shortage – quite a difference from the situation during the height of the coronavirus pandemic when thousands were off the job.  Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce says there a “countless openings for good, family-supporting careers” now.  Wisconsin’s unemployment rate was nearly 15-percent in April of last year, but it has fallen to three-point-eight-percent.  That means only eight states have a lower rate of people out of work.  Wisconsin business leaders say finding enough workers tops their list of concerns, followed by the need to reduce regulations.

Minnesota's unemployment rate dropped two-tenths in February to four-point-three percent.  The Department of Employment and Economic Development says employers added 13-thousand-900 jobs last month.  The private sector gained 11-thousand jobs in February.  DEED officials say the decline in the jobless rate is due to more people finding work and a decrease in the number of unemployed people.  The national unemployment rate was six-point-two percent in February.

Organizers of the Winstock Country Music Festival are pushing this year's event back from June to late August.  They're hoping the extra time will allow for a healthier Minnesota.   The delay required many artists to adjust their summer tour plans.  Sam Hunt is replacing Darius Rucker as the headliner on Friday, August 20th.  The August 21st line-up features Phil Vassar, Shenandoah, Big & Rich, Brett Eldredge, and Luke Combs.  Winstock tickets and camping reservations are automatically transferred and valid for the new August dates. V-I-P tickets are sold out, but reserved seats and general admission tickets are still available.

Local-Regional News March 25

 The Durand Swim Club gave an update on their fundraising for the Tarrant Park Pool to the city council during last night's meeting.  The club has been working through the pandemic with different fundraising ideas and has raised just under $60,000.  The City has committed $500,000 and the Durand-Arkansaw School District $275,000 to the project.  The club is also looking at possible grant programs to help with the pool.  It is estimated that the pool project would cost approximately $2.6 million.

The Wisconsin Realtors Association is crediting low mortgage rates for a hot housing market statewide.  Sales were up by five-and-a-half percent in February to almost 44-hundred existing homes.  Here in Western Wisconsin, Pepin County reported 7 homes sold in February, Buffalo County 9, Pierce County 22 and Dunn County had 31 homes sold in February.  High demand and a limited supply of homes for sale moved the needle on the median price for a home in Western Wisconsin to $225,000 a jump of 26 percent.  The state’s median home price was  215-thousand dollars – a jump of about 13-percent.  Experts are saying the winter market may be benefiting from spillover from last year’s peak months of May through August.  February was a record-setting month for Wisconsin sales.

Another area school district will return to in-person learning in April.  The Chippewa Falls School District sent a letter out to parents notifying them of the return to in-person learning 5 days a week starting on April 5th.  The letter stated that over 87% of the staff will be fully vaccinated within the next two weeks.  Parents were reminded that if their child experiences covid symptoms to have them tested and not send them to school.  

A Chippewa Falls Man, arrested in November after the Dunn County Sheriffs Department was tracking a shipment of methamphetamine from Menomonie to Boyceville is facing drug charges.  Justin Barnard is charged with possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.  When Barnard was arrested, authorities seized 74 grams of meth, cocaine, and other drug paraphernalia.   His next court appearance will be May 14th.

Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos says he wants to see Wisconsin workers back in their offices by the Fourth of July to avoid a “pandemic hangover.”  Vos and Republican Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu spoke during a virtual event Wednesday.  Both had words of praise for Democratic Governor Tony Evers’ administration for its efforts to get everyone vaccinated.  Though the leaders of the two political parties have had a rocky relationship, Vos and LeMahieu gave the Evers administration credit for increasing vaccinations in Wisconsin.  They also pushed for a return to work routines as they were before the pandemic.

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos says "free money" is discouraging some Wisconsinites from going back to work.   The Republican leader's comments were made in a question-and-answer session with business owners during a webinar hosted by Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce on Wednesday.  Vos said unemployment benefits and stimulus checks are responsible for issues some companies have reported in trying to hire. Vos said (quote) "I know we have a great work ethic but people are people. If you give them free money, they certainly don't have the same incentive to work as if they have to put food on the table through their own labor."

A 32-year-old Onalaska man has entered a not guilty plea to charges he fired a handgun several times in a bar parking lot 10 days ago.  Taylor Johnson waived his right to a preliminary hearing during a Tuesday court appearance.  He’s accused of firing multiple shots outside the Arterial Bar and Grill in La Crosse.  Police officers say they found shell casings there.  Johnson was arrested a few blocks away after jumping into a car that sped away from the scene.  He faces charges of operating a firearm while intoxicated and first-degree reckless endangerment.  He’s free on bond with a court appearance scheduled for next month.

A bill to legalize recreational marijuana continues to move forward in the Minnesota House.  It cleared another committee Wednesday after a discussion about agriculture-related issues.   Representative Paul Anderson from Starbuck wanted to know how the state would discourage large corporate greenhouse-type operations from getting involved in production.  House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler says there are multiple approaches to help small operators develop this new business and there will be a limit on licenses for large operators.  The measure is expected to pass the House, but Senate Republican leaders oppose recreational cannabis.

 A Rochester man is pleading not guilty to causing a crash that left an 18-year-old woman dead last month.   Thirty-four-year-old Sterling Haukom is charged with criminal vehicular homicide and driving drunk in the February 23rd death of Erica Cruz. Officers say a pickup driven by Haukom collided with Cruz's car, sending both vehicles into a power pole and a fence around Lincoln Elementary School.  Witnesses said the truck appeared to be speeding.   Court records show Haukom's blood was more than three times the legal limit after he had 15 drinks in a bar.    He requested a jury trial in Olmsted County.

A traffic stop in northwest Wisconsin leads to a large meth seizure.    It happened last Sunday in Sawyer County, during an investigation of illegal drug activity. Deputies making a traffic stop arrested 40-year-old Kena Baird of Birchwood after a search of her vehicle located 394 grams, or 14 ounces, of methamphetamine along with other illegal drugs. Street value of the methamphetamine: approximately 39-thousand dollars. Baird faces several drug-related charges and is being held in the Sawyer County Jail on a 50-thousand dollar cash bond.

The entire shoreline of Green Bay and the Lake Michigan coastline from Door County down to Two Rivers will be part of a regional effort to restore thousands of acres of wetlands.  The National Audubon Society says steps have to be taken to respond to declining populations of birds.  Several studies have found up to 80-percent of native bird populations around the Great Lakes are gone.  Audubon Great Lakes Executive Director Michelle Park says human activity has harmed their habitats and water quality.  A dozen high-priority coastal regions have been identified for the effort to restore the health of the eco-system.

Assembly Republicans have given approval to a resolution calling for a second investigation of the presidential election.  A state committee doing the work would have subpoena power over records and individuals.  Elections Committee Vice-Chair Representative Joe Sanfelippo says he hopes that wouldn’t be necessary.  An audit of the November election has already been ordered.  Although state and federal courts have found no legal basis for claims of fraud in Wisconsin, Republicans have recently raised new concerns about the way the election was administered in Green Bay.

Weston School District officials say a referendum question on the April 6th election ballot could determine the district’s future.  Two questions request nearly three-million dollars from taxpayers for renovations to the high school and additional funding for operations for operating over the next four years.  If the referendum fails, the school board could decide to dissolve the district serving students in Sauk and Richland counties.  School officials say the renovations at the high school probably should have been done 10-to-15 years ago, citing loose tiles containing asbestos and a need for a new heating system.

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers is giving the green light to a proposed Ho-Chunk Nation casino in Beloit. Evers said Wednesday that he concurs with the U-S Department of Interior's decision that 32 acres of land should be taken into trust by the federal government for the project. The Beloit Gaming and Entertainment Center is expected to create more than 15-hundred jobs in the casino-resort and two-thousand construction jobs. Evers and the Ho-Chunk Nation need to complete an amendment to the gaming compact and the Department of Interior must issue its final determination on whether to take the land into trust.

Local-Regional News March 24

 The Durand City Council is meeting tonight.  Items on the agenda include discussion and possible action on the Library Contract with the Durand-Arkansaw School District, approval of the bids relating to the reconstruction of 3rd Avenue East and Lanville Road, and approval of the certified survey map of Forest Hills Cemetery and annexation of adjacent land to the cemetery.  Tonight's meeting begins at 6:30 at Durand City Hall and will also be live-streamed on the WRDN YouTube Channel at Durand Broadcasting WRDN.

Members of the Mondovi Library are moving forward with the Beyond Books Capital Campaign to raise money for a new library.  The Library is looking to raise $1.5 million in capital funds to recreate, expand and move the library forward for the 21st century.  For more information on how you can donate, call or visit the Mondovi Public Library.

Family members of a missing Eau Claire man have released a statement thanking authorities for the efforts and that the search has turned to recovery efforts.    The brother-in-law for Ed Steinacker wrote that Eau Clarie Police and Fire have done an extraordinary effort to locate Steinacker and that the efforts have turned to recovery after personal belongings were found in the river.    Steinacker was last seen walking his dog on Saturday.  

A 45-year-old Eau Claire woman has been charged with sex trafficking an underage girl.  The victim was just 15 years old when she was offered money if she would perform sexual acts on a man in 2017.  The man has died since then.  The teenager said Catherine Ottinger and the man would “teach” her how to have sex by showing her.  She said the man put something in the orange juice she was drinking and she got sick.  She said the man was touching her at the time.  Ottinger was arrested two years ago.  If she is convicted on charges of trafficking a child and causing a child to view or listen to sexual activity she could be sentenced to 45 years in prison.

A 45-year-old suspect was arrested in Barron County late last week for threatening a woman.  When she called for help, she told authorities Brett Evenson was drunk and causing problems.  She said he threatened to shoot her and any officers who responded.  When authorities arrived Friday Evenson refused to give up.  He made his own 9-1-1 call at one point, saying he still had knives even after he tossed his guns out.  Officers deployed a chemical irritant to convince Evenson to give up – and he was taken into custody.

The Wisconsin Better Business Bureau is warning of scammers attempting to get your personal information by asking you to click a link to request your stimulus benefit payments.  The link connects you to an application asking for that personal information.  The BBB is warning that scammers are also making phone calls claiming that you must give the caller your banking information to receive your stimulus check.  All of these are scams and your advised to delete the emails or hang up if you receive one of these calls.

Two bills moving through the Legislature would ease restrictions on alcohol-to-go sales.  One is headed for the governor’s desk after the Wisconsin Senate approved it on a 28-to-two vote.  The Assembly gave its approval last week.  The first bill would let bars and restaurants sell mixed drinks and glasses of wine to-go.  The second would let people order alcohol from grocery stores and taverns online or by phone – and pick it up in a designated parking space outside the business.  That one also passed the Senate and is headed to the Assembly for its approval.

Governor Walz says Minnesota ranks first in the nation for the percentage of vaccines distributed administered to patients.  The state has administered 88-and-a-half percent of the vaccine doses it has received which is number-one, according to the C-D-C.   The governor said, "we won't stop until every Minnesotan who wants a shot gets one."  State Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm said Tuesday that  two-million-250-thousand people have been vaccinated.  More than one-point-four million have had the first shot and  854-thousand Minnesotans have had a complete series of vaccinations.

State health officials say one-million residents in Wisconsin might be fully vaccinated against the coronavirus in the next week or so.  The Department of Health Services says more than 860-thousand people in Wisconsin are now fully vaccinated.  More than a million others are halfway there.  Wisconsin administered more than 300-thousand doses last week; many of them were second doses.  Officials expect to give nearly the same number of shots this week.

A southeast Minnesota man is accused of stealing more than 12-hundred dollars worth of Girl Scout cookies over the weekend.  Rochester police responded to a burglary alarm late Saturday night and spotted a vehicle leaving a loading dock.  Officers found a pallet with 20 cases of Girl Scout cookies in the back and a bag containing nine more boxes.  The cookies were valued at one-thousand-250 dollars.  Joel Whitaker of Oronoco was arrested and charged Monday with third-degree burglary and theft and possession of stolen property.

Wisconsin election officials are reminding people they need to bring an acceptable photo I-D with them when they cast an in-person absentee ballot for the April election which started on Tuesday.  COVID-19 precautions are still in force at the absentee voting locations – meaning a person wanting to vote early may have to wait for another person to leave before they can go inside.  If this is your first time to vote, you will need to bring proof of residence so you can register.  The Wisconsin Elections Commission reminds people they can find more information at MyVote.WI.GOV.

Stevens Point city leaders are backing an idea called “No Mow May,” allowing people living there to opt-out of mowing their lawns for a month.  The extra growth is aimed at helping pollinators like bees gain strength after their dormant winter.  Stevens Point Mayor Mike Wiza says bee populations have been declining for a few years.  The city council will vote on “No Mow May” at its April general meeting.  People who join the program would get a sign to post in their yard.  The biggest worry for organizers might be if Stevens Point residents are slow to resume the activity in June – when the grass is so high.

All jurors are now seated for the trial of ex-Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin.  The 15th and final juror was approved Tuesday.  The man said he could be impartial, but also told defense attorney Eric Nelson that the "duration" Chauvin kneeled on George Floyd's neck was unnecessary.  Judge Peter Cahill excused several potential jurors today.  Twelve jurors will deliberate the case.  There are three alternates, one of whom will serve as a temporary alternate in case one juror drops off before opening statements on March 29th.  As it stands now, the jury consists of nine women and six men.

 A nine-year-old Minnesota boy is recovering from injuries he suffered on vacation in Florida Sunday morning.  The boy from Eagan named Jay is expected to make a full recovery.  The family says he should be discharged from Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami Tuesday and they plan to fly back to Minnesota Thursday.  The family was only about 10 minutes into its vacation when the shark attack happened.  His mother says they were walking in water only two feet deep when a grey shark bit a “chunk” out of the boy’s shoulder.

The Milwaukee Brewers start selling tickets on Friday and expect to sell out fast.  Attendance at American Family Field is limited to 25-percent of fans to start the season, due to COVID-19. That means just 12-thousand fans can get into any game. The Brewers are selling tickets to just the first 16 home games, through May 2nd. The Brewers hope Milwaukee city regulators will let them have bigger crowds after that.

Local-Regional News March 23

 Durand Fun Fest will not be held this year.  Yesterday the Fun Fest Committee posted on their Facebook account that while the committee had been working with Pepin County Health to hold the event, it was decided to not hold the event and error on the side of caution.  The committee also cited a lack of manpower and time to plan the event for 2021 as other reasons for canceling Fun Fest.  For 2022, the committee is asking for the public's help in planning the event as in the past few years only 3 people have been involved in planning Fun Fest.  If you would like to volunteer, reach out to Fun Fest on their Facebook Account.

One person was injured in a single-vehicle accident in River Falls Township on March 16th.  According to the Pierce County Sheriffs Department, 37yr old Trevor Rothstein of Spring Valley was traveling eastbound on Hwy 29 near 790th Street when he lost control of his vehicle and struck a guard rail.    Rothstein was taken to River Falls Hospital with undetermined injuries.

The Durand-Arkansaw School Board is looking at starting school in August of this year.  Durand-Arkansaw Superintendent Greg Doverspike says with the early start, Spring Break and Thanksgiving week breaks will happen.  Doverspike is finding out how the State Department of Public Instruction is approving the early starts and hopes to have that information and a possible calendar at the next school board meeting in April.

An Eau Claire man is going to prison for 15 years as the result of a plea agreement connected to accusations he sexually assaulted two young girls.  Dustin Titera was sentenced Friday.  Prosecutors told the court the victims were about five or six years old when the assaults started.  They continued for several years.  The girls told investigators Titera would have them touch him inappropriately.  The assault charges were dismissed and he pleaded guilty to a charge of causing mental harm to a child.

 Wisconsin school libraries will soon be getting a boost in funding from the state.  The Board of Commissioners of Public Lands announced $39 million will be disbursed to public school libraries across Wisconsin to help students, parents, and educators during the COVID-19 pandemic - the largest disbursement ever from its Common School Fund.  Last year the Durand-Arkansaw School Library received $52,000, Mondovi $39,000, Plum City $15,000, Pepin $10,000 and Alma $9,000.

Average gas prices have decreased over the last week according to GasBuddy.  Prices were down just under 2 cents per gallon in the past week, with the highest price 2.99 a gallon and the lowest at 2.44 a gallon.  According to Patrick De Haan from GasBuddy, the spike in Covid cases in Europe has traders concerned that gasoline demand will begin to drop again.    Here in Western Wisconsin gas prices are ranging from 2.74-2.79.

 A Tomah man has been arrested for firing shots outside a tavern in Wilton Saturday.  The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office reports 52-year-old Curtis Goulet had been involved in a minor disturbance at the tavern before he went to his truck, retrieved a pistol, and fired two shots.  About 10 minutes after a 9-1-1 caller told authorities about the incident, a Wisconsin State Patrol trooper tried to stop Goulet’s truck, but he refused – even after tire deflation devices were used.  When he finally stopped, he was taken into custody.  Investigators were able to find the places where bullets had hit the tavern wall and a nearby building.  Goulet will face several charges, including attempted homicide and recklessly endangering safety.

Chippewa tribal officials in three states are criticizing the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for its wolf hunt last month.  The Chippewa view the wolf as sacred and they oppose hunting the predators.  Voigt Intertribal Task Force Chairman John D. Johnson says the D-N-R didn’t consult with the tribes before launching the hunt where nearly double the quota of 119 animals were killed.  Johnson says wolf pelts are in bad shape this time of the year – which means the hunt was all about killing.  The D-N-R was under fierce pressure from Republican lawmakers to go forward with the hunt.

Both the State Assembly and Senate will be taking up bills on Tuesday that seek to wrest control of parts of the COVID-19 relief funding from Governor Tony Evers. The bill would require the Governor's office to submit any plans on how they plan to use Wisconsin's portions of the funding to the state's Legislative Joint Finance Committee for approval before he's allowed to spend them. Republican leadership has said they are just doing their due diligence in providing oversight on how money is being used, and that Democrats were on board with this sort of oversight during the Obama stimulus plan. Governor Evers' office has said that he's perfectly capable of handling how the money is spent and that he was elected to do so. The bill is likely to be vetoed if it's passed.

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 A Q-Anon supporter was arrested Friday for allegedly firing paintball rounds at two soldiers at the Wisconsin Army Reserve Center in Pewaukee.  The incident happened the previous Monday.  Thirty-one-year-old Alan Olson of Nashotah reportedly shouted, “This is for American,” then fired two or three rounds before his rifle jammed.  The reservists weren’t hit.  When he was taken to the Waukesha County Jail for booking Olson reportedly said he would cause “mass casualties” if released.

Authorities in New Orleans say the suspect in a murder there may be returning to Minnesota.  Thirty-nine-year-old Liz Quackenbush was stabbed to death March 3rd.  She is a former science teacher at the Alternative Learning Center in Rochester.  Investigators think her boyfriend, Preston Higgs, is the one who killed Quackenbush.  New Orleans police have issued an arrest warrant in Higgs’ name.  He will be charged with second-degree murder.  Quackenbush was teaching at New Harmony High School in New Orleans at the time she was attacked.

Canadian Pacific Railway is acquiring Kansas City Southern in a 25-billion-dollar deal that creates the first freight rail network connecting the U-S, Mexico, and Canada.  The continental partnership moves the railway’s U-S headquarters from Minneapolis to Kansas City, but the company’s presence won’t be diminished in the Twin Cities.  The agreement still has to be approved by the federal Surface Transportation Board.  The new, combined company is expected to generate eight-point-seven billion dollars in total revenue with almost 20-thousand employees.

Wisconsin dentists may administer COVID-19 vaccinations.  Governor Tony Evers Monday signed legislation into law. The bill allows dentists to administer shots if they complete eight hours of training on vaccine protocols and record keeping. About 3,500 dentists in Wisconsin could be enlisted to help vaccinate, as people age 16 and up with certain pre-existing conditions are now eligible to be vaccinated - about two million people in all.

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin have published a study showing longer-last dead zones in lakes are connected to climate change. Dead zones happen because organisms like algae fall to the bottom of the lake during stratification. While they are decomposing, they use up all the oxygen in the lower layer. That creates the dead zone. Limnology researcher Robert Ladwig and his team looked at 40 years of data from Lake Mendota. Ladwig’s report says a warming climate means stratification will start earlier and algae blooms will be bigger. Dead zones would last longer, damaging many lake ecosystems. The researchers say using less fertilizer and preventing runoff into lakes can help.

Minnesota authorities are continuing to crack down on speeders on state roads. In February, troopers joined forces with county sheriffs and local police to apprehend lead-footed drivers. More than 15 thousand citations for speeding have been issued as of March 11th. That is a 21 percent increase from the previous year.

If you're looking for a unique take on your Friday fish fry for Lent, why not try a... fish fry pizza?   Ian's Pizza in both Madison and Milwaukee has rolled out a special fish fry pizza on Fridays during Lent. The pizza comes with breaded fish, french fries, cheese, and coleslaw, all on top of tartar sauce and the usual crust. Ian's is famous for rather interesting combinations of foods including poutine pizza, crab rangoon, and even a pierogi pizza for Polish Fest. 

Local-Regional News March 22

 The Pepin County Sheriffs Department held a presentation on the proposed K-9 program for the Durand -Arkansaw School District last week.  The board has come out in support of the program and superintendent Greg Doverspike says the K-9 unit is important for more than just drug searches.  The board will discuss a possible donation for the program at next month's meeting.  The Sheriff's Department is looking to raise about $65,000 for the new K-9 unit.

Durand along with other smaller communities are now trying to figure out how to spend the incoming federal funding from the American Recovery Act.  Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren says the city is hoping to use that money to cover expenses related to the pandemic.  Wisconsin is expected to receive about $5.7 Billion in funding from the Federal Government.

Menomonie police say they were worried their suspect would do something dangerous while they were taking him into custody Thursday, so they evacuated all the people living in an apartment building.  Michael Polzin is facing pending charges of fleeing an officer, bail jumping, and obstructing an officer – two of those charges felonies.  The anonymous tipster told authorities Polzin had returned home to his apartment.  The Eau Claire County Regional SWAT team was called in and Polzin was arrested without incident.

The Wisconsin Public Service Commission has announced a second round of broadband expansion grants.   The PSC has 28-point-4 million dollars to 58 projects for expanding high-speed broadband internet access in the state. The grants are part of the Broadband Expansion Grant Program. It is the second round of funding from money approved in the 2019-21 state budget. The WMC Foundation, an arm of the state business lobby, identified rural broadband as a key challenge in a December report. Here in Western Wisconsin, 24-7 Telcom received $1.9 million for 5 different projects in the Menonomine-Eau Claire Area, while Pierce Pepin Co-op received $316000 for projects in the towns of OakGrove, Trenton, and Trimble.

The Department of Natural Resources is listing the fire danger for all Wisconsin counties except for one as “high,” or “very high.”  As of last weekend, Vilas County was the only one not on the list – it has a “moderate” fire danger.  The D-N-R is reporting warm temperatures, low humidity and high winds are combining to create conditions that allow fires to spread quickly.  Below normal winter snowfall and little or no snowpack to melt are additional factors.  People are being advised to avoid burning and to use caution if grilling or using equipment that can spark.  Over the weekend firefighters responded to a brush fire in Mondovi Township on Canton Road.

The state's public land grant program is up for renewal, and one Northwoods lawmaker wants to see some changes. The program is called the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program, and funding from the program pays for the upkeep and purchase of lands for the state. But Irma Republican Representative Maty Felzkowski tells WJFW TV she wants to end the purchase of Northwoods land through the program. Felzkowski would rather see that money spent on buying public lands in southern Wisconsin or to upkeep the land that's already been purchased.

A major retailer is coming to downtown Madison.  Target has announced that it will open a 15,000-square-foot store in a vacant space on State Street. The Minneapolis-based retailer has increasingly been placing stores into urban business districts and neighborhoods. No word on when the State Street store will open, but it comes with a built-in customer base from nearby, large student apartment complexes, and downtown workers.

Federal regulators suspended a permit to allow PolyMet Mining to dredge parts of Northern Minnesota wetlands to make way for the state's first copper mine. The ruling is a win for environmental advocates and the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa who claimed the dredging would violate their rights under the Clean Water Act. This is the fifth major permit for the project that is now stayed or under review.

Governor Tony Evers will be shutting down the state's COVID-19 field hospital at State Fair Park in West Allis. The Alternate Care Facility was built last year in anticipation of a possible need for mass hospitalizations connected to COVID-19. It never saw widespread use -- even during the worst of last fall's surge in virus cases. A total of 170 people were treated for the coronavirus at the facility last year. The hospital will be closed by April.

Wisconsin’s moratorium on disconnecting electrical service ends next month.  The Public Service Commission voted unanimously to end the policy at its Thursday meeting.  It had been put in place to help people financially struggling during the coronavirus pandemic.  The P-S-C says Wisconsin has emerged as a leader in getting its population vaccinated.  There are several options available for residents struggling to pay utility bills.  The P-S-C says more assistance programs are on the way.  The moratorium went into effect March 24th of last year – and it ends April 15th.

 Authorities in Polk County report an explosion and fire Wednesday afternoon destroyed two mobile homes and caused exterior damage to a third.  Emergency responders say the first mobile home was fully engulfed in flames as they drove up.  The fire was contained quickly and a body was found inside the first home.  That person hasn’t been identified pending the notification of next of kin.  No other injuries were reported.  Investigators are trying to determine what caused the blast at the mobile home park in the Village of Dresser.

The Juneau County Sheriff’s Office has released the names of the two people found dead in a home Monday afternoon. Deputies found the bodies of 42-year-old Tina Decorah and 33-year-old Duane Mallory when they made a requested welfare check. Authorities haven’t said how the two died. As part of Thursday’s announcement, the sheriff’s office said two other people who lived in the Town of Lyndon home are considered to be persons of interest - 24-year-old Felix Rivera-Medina and 23-year-old Makaela Decorah. Investigators say charges are expected to be filed against the two “in the near future.” Rivera-Medina and Decorah were arrested earlier this week on unrelated charges.

Animal rights advocates are hoping to end what they call “coyote killing competitions. Activist Julie Dybevik says seven states have banned wildlife killing contests and Wisconsin should be next. People taking part call them coyote hunting competitions and point out that they are legal. Dybevik is hoping to get the attention of Wisconsin lawmakers so legislation will be introduced to ban the practice. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources says you need a small game license, but there are very few regulations on hunting coyotes. They can be hunted year-round, day or night.

First, Target announced it was suspending operations at its City Center located at the end of the current lease. Now, Angel Food Bakery is leaving its downtown location to St. Louis Park. Commercial real estate experts say they are concerned about the future for offices and businesses in downtown Minneapolis. Many are expressing concerns about safety as they consider a move. To this point, the first quarter of 2021 has seen one-and-a-half-million square feet of office space returning to the market by tenants deciding not to renew their leases. Target represents most of that. 

The Pewaukee Historical Society says a 12-pound cannonball donated three years ago may be live. The Milwaukee County Bomb Squad was called this week, saying the cannonball was in immaculate condition with a time fuse, presumed to be live. It says the cannonball will be rendered safe, if possible, or it might have to be destroyed. It had been in storage since it was donated. Village of Pewaukee police were called to the society’s office Tuesday after the donor had called. A person restoring a similar cannonball had been killed while trying to restore it. That led to the volunteer who took the call to searching and finding the one in Pewaukee, then called authorities.

Local-Regional News March 19

 The construction of the softball fields at Tarrant Park will continue this spring.  During this week's Durand-Arkansaw School Board meeting, the board approved having Durand Builders as the general contractor to build the Plaza, Concession Stand, and Dugouts.  Due to some foundation issues, the cost of this part of the project is above budget, but the board is hopeful that those foundation issues can be resolved.

Pepin County has a new highway commissioner.  At this week's county board meeting supervisors voted to confirm the appointment of Chris Bates as the commissioner.  The board also received an update on the highway shop construction and that project is currently on schedule and on budget.

FEMA and the State of Wisconsin are planning on opening a vaccine clinic in Eau Claire starting April 8th.  The clinic will be at the Zorn Arean and will provide 3500 weekly vaccine doses and up to 7000 first doses weekly based on supply.    The Eau Claire County Health Department with help from students and staff from UW-Eau Claire College of Nursing and Health Sciences will be administering the vaccine.  This will be the second mass vaccination clinic site to open in Wisconsin.

Two men from Dunn County have been arrested in connection with a break-in of a Chippewa County home.  According to the Chippewa County Sheriff's Department, deputies were called to a home in the town of Sigel Wednesday morning for a home invasion.  Deputies located 23yr old Quinnten Schug of Knapp and 25yr old Antonio Obrien of Menomonie were arrested and admitted to being responsible for the home invasion.   Deputies also found a loaded gun and facemasks and they believe it was a targeted burglary and illegal drug use was the reason for the home invasion.  

A Rice Lake man is facing two counts of homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle, operating while intoxicated causing injury, and operating with a prohibited alcohol concentration causing injury after he crashed into an Amish Buggy February 18th.   Two people were in the buggy and a 17yr old died a week after the accident while the victim's brother was not injured.   Anderson was taken to the hospital for a blood draw which came back at .085.    Anderson was released on a $10,000 signature bond and is ordered to not have contact with the victim's family and cannot drink or go anywhere that alcohol is sold.  His next court date is April 9th.

 

A 53-million-dollar mixed-use development could become the next step for Eau Claire’s historic Cannery District.  A Duluth company made its pitch to the city redevelopment authority Wednesday.  P-and-R Companies wants to build two five-story structures that would offer 10-thousand square feet of retail space on the lower levels and 240 apartments above.  Details will be negotiated over the next 90 days and Eau Claire Economic Development Manager Aaron White says construction could start in the next year or so.

If you were planning on getting an early start to yard waste burning this weekend, maybe reconsider. National Weather Service meteorologist Josh Sandstrom says the risk for fires is high, especially in northern Wisconsin.  Those winds, combined with dry air across the state will make it very easy for fires to spread and become dangerous.

Don’t circle it on your calendar, but the Department of Health Services deputy secretary says at the pace people are being vaccinated herd immunity is possible for Wisconsin by July.  Julie Willems Van Dijk made that forecast Thursday.  She says there will be enough COVID-19 vaccine in the state by the end of June to immunize 80-percent of the people over the age of 16 in the state.  Starting Monday, two-million Wisconsinites between the ages of 16-and-64 become eligible if they have one of several pre-existing medical conditions.  Willems Van Dijk says everyone will be eligible for a shot no later than May 1st.

 The signing of a one-point-two-million-dollar contract Thursday gets a major upgrade to Wisconsin’s unemployment computer system going.  The Department of Workforce Development had already received a two-point-four-million-dollar federal grant to bring the 50-year-old system up-to-date.  Governor Tony Evers says a new call center will operate 24 hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week.  The governor has blamed the aging system for causing delays of months – in some cases – for Wisconsin residents applying for unemployment benefits.

A fast-growing Twin Cities-based distillery says it is moving a major chunk of its operation to Wisconsin because of restrictive Minnesota liquor laws. Tattersall Distilling will open a second large production facility this fall in River Falls. Owners say the production and sales caps imposed by Minnesota on distilleries do not exist in Wisconsin. Founder Jon Kreidler told the Star Tribune Tattersall continues to grow, but Minnesota's liquor laws aren't growing with them. The new 75-thousand square foot Wisconsin facility will handle the bulk of production once it is up and running and could become the company headquarters, though that decision has not officially been made.

Wisconsin businessman Jere Fabick says he wants a ban on absentee ballot drop boxes and some other election practices.  Fabick says they aren’t authorized under Wisconsin state statutes.  Fabick filed a lawsuit with the Wisconsin Supreme Court Monday.  In addition to getting rid of drop boxes, he wants municipal clerks prohibited from filling in missing witness information on those absentee ballots and he wants to stop ballot harvesting.  Fabick’s suit isn’t seeking to overturn Joe Biden’s presidential election victory in the state last November.  He just wants the practices ended for future elections.

 

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is devoting attention to bringing COVID-19 data available to the public up-to-date.  Public health officials say Wisconsin is “woefully behind” when it comes to offering accurate numbers.  They say they are worried the public won’t understand when the numbers change so dramatically -- overnight in some cases.  Officials at the D-H-S say they fell behind last fall when COVID-19 cases were spiking.  The process to verify all the numbers has sped up in the last two weeks.

 Minnesota is one of just eight states that doesn’t have any of its residents charged in the January 6th insurrection at the U-S Capitol.  U-S-A Today is reporting 304 people in 42 states now face criminal charges.  Some were members of extremist groups.  C-B-S News is reporting 29 Texas residents face federal charges – more than any other state.  Pro-Trump supporters stormed the Capitol Building on the day Congress was to certify Joe Biden’s victory in the November presidential election.

A Washington County Sheriff’s deputy has been cleared of criminal charges for a fatal shooting February 3rd. The District Attorney’s Office determined nine-year veteran Deputy Lee Goodman was justified when he shot 30-year-old Nicholas S. Pingel to death. Pingel had broken into an elderly couple’s home and shot 72-year-old Ray Engelking to death, then went next door, stole a shotgun, and fatally wounded 77-year-old Carl Halvorsen. Goodman has returned to regular service.

 A St. Paul woman is honoring her late husband by making a 60-million-dollar donation to the Mayo Clinic.  The money given by philanthropist Helen Houle will be used to build the newest patient bed tower at Saint Mary’s in Rochester.  John Nasseff died in 2018 at the age of 93.  He had been a regular supporter of St. Mary’s after his son had life-saving surgery there.  Nasseff Tower is the first building on the campus to be named after a former Mayo patient.

Local-Regional News March 18

 The Pepin County Government Center will be reopening starting April 1st.  Last night the county board agreed to allow the center to open.  The board also approved recommending employees or members of the public to wear masks but there would be no requirement of mask-wearing if the governor's mask mandate ends on April 5th.    The Board approved allowing non-essintial business travel to resume starting on June 1st, and allow Essential Business Travel with a maximum of 2 people per vehicle with a mask recommendation to continue.  The board is expected to discuss whether or not to continue holding county board meetings and committee meetings via zoom at its next monthly meeting.

School could be starting in August for the 2021 School year in the Durand-Arkansaw School District.  During last night's board meeting, members discussed the possibility of having school start as early as August 23rd, if allowed by the state.  Superintendent Doverspike told the board that 41% of the staff is fully vaccinated and its hoped the rest of the staff will be vaccinated in the coming weeks.  Spring sports will be held starting in mid-April and because events are outside, there would be no limit on the number of fans allowed to attend the games.  The exception would be for track meets that would have 8-10 teams in attendance.  

A Chippewa Falls man is being held in the Washington County Jail on charges of sexual assault and using a computer to facilitate a child sex crime.  The man’s name hasn’t been released.  He met a 12-year-old girl on social media and drove to West Bend to have sex with her.  He got in trouble when the girl told someone she was “dating” a 20-year-old man.  The investigation was prompted March 10th by a call from the adult the girl had told about it.

No one was injured when an ultralight airplane struck a utility pole near Bloomer on Wednesday.  The crash happened on Hwy Q just north of  Hwy 64 between Bloomer and New Auburn.    The pilot was attempting to land when the plane struck power lines and the utility pole.  The pilot was not hurt and the aircraft sustained light damage.

For the second year in a row, Wisconsin taxpayers are getting a little extra time to filing their federal income taxes.  The Internal Revenue Service says it is delaying the filing deadline from the traditional April 15th to May 17th.  In each of the last two years, people have had to deal with tax situations complicated by the coronavirus pandemic.  Last year, the I-R-S moved the deadline to July 15th, giving tax filers an extra three months.  This time they are getting one extra month.  The I-R-S is extra busy because it currently distributing about 150-millions federal stimulus payments.  As of Wednesday, 90-million had been sent out.

The State Assembly has passed a bill that will make it legal for bars to sell drinks to go.   The law would allow for bars and restaurants to sell single-serve mixed drinks and wine glasses in sealed packages alongside other takeout orders. It's something the business leaders have been asking for, ever since public gathering limits were put into place because of the pandemic. Having those drinks on the road would still be illegal.

Governor Tony Evers accuses legislative Republicans of playing politics with his two-point-four billion-dollar capital budget.  The State Building Commission deadlocked on a four-to-four vote Wednesday, killing plans for projects in 31 counties.  Evers claims the projects would have provided about 29-thousand jobs and had an estimated economic impact of four-point-three billion dollars.  Evers says the decision is only the second time in commission history that it failed to collaborate on a state budget program.

FEMA is going to be reimbursing families of coronavirus victims for funeral expenses. According to the posting, FEMA has $2 Billion for reimbursements. The funds are for individuals and households for COVID-19 related funeral expenses included between January 20th and December 31st of 2020.   The money comes from the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act.    FEMA says it will set up a funeral assistance program and work with various groups to help with outreach to communities and families.

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 Three people are dead following a workplace shooting in Oconomowoc. A union official says a worker at the Roundy’s distribution center shot and killed two co-workers. The shootings happened early Wednesday morning in different locations inside the facility, which is about 30 miles west of Milwaukee. A possible shooter has died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound following a police chase in Milwaukee. The names of the victims and possible shooter have not been released.

  Members of the Wisconsin Senate are working on two bills to codify the processing of sexual assault kits into state law.  Lawmakers say they want to head off another backlog of kits and clear the path forward in the criminal justice system for sexual assault victims.  The legislation would include an anonymous way for victims to track their kits.  The co-author is Republican Senator Bob Cowles who is hoping to avoid what stopped the very same bill two years ago.  It took three years to clear out the backlog of hundreds of sexual assault kits last time.

 The Wisconsin Assembly has passed legislation that would require pharmacy benefit managers to register with the state and submit annual reports.  The bill getting final approval Tuesday is designed to lower prescription drug costs.  The benefit managers would have to reveal the rebates they received from drug makers and show whether those savings were passed on to consumers.  Members of the Assembly are also working on a bipartisan measure to guarantee those with pre-existing conditions can’t be turned away by health insurance companies.

 Under legislation debated Tuesday in a Minnesota House committee, the names of state lottery winners would no longer be made public.  Eden Prairie Democrat Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn  says her bill would let the winner’s name be released if they request it.  She says it allows additional flexibility for the lottery itself.  Kotyza-Witthuhn says some winners might want to be “Instagram-famous,” or participate in marketing opportunities based on their big prize.  Lottery officials still have some concerns about the bill.

Hundreds of former students who were defrauded by the Minnesota School of Business and Globe University may be getting all of their money back.  Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced the tentative agreement Tuesday.  A total of 920 students who lost out at those schools between 2009 and 2015 would be affected.  As a part of the agreement, more than 23-million dollars in federal student loan debt would be forgiven and 15-point-six million dollars in cash compensation would be paid out to students fraudulently enrolled in the criminal justice programs at the two schools.  The courts and the U-S Department of Education still have to approve the agreement.

UW-Stevens Point plans to hold in-person graduation ceremonies. Chancellor Thomas Gibson says it's made possible by several factors including a low COVID-19 infection rate on campus.  Students will be limited to two guests. The ceremonies will be held May 21st and 22nd, with six events in all. 

Several people in central Minnesota will have to get another shot in the arm after their first shot was mistakenly filled with a saline solution instead of the COVID-19 vaccine. Centra Care Health said it happened in Sauk Centre last Friday. Doctors say the saline solution isn't harmful. This is the second reported vaccination mistake of this kind after 62 people were given incorrectly mixed doses at a Mankato HyVee last month.

Local-Regional News March 16

 The Mondovi School Board has announced the three finalists for the superintendent position.  Joshua Isaacson, the superintendent at the Desoto School District, Mondovi High School Principal Jeffery Rykal, and Lori Whelan, superintendent of the Osseo-Fairchild School District were named the three finalists.  Mondovi School District residents are encouraged to submit questions for the finalists by March 16.  A recorded interview with each of the candidates will be aired on Buffalo TV and the school district website on March 24th or 25th.  Mondovi School District residents are also encouraged to fill out the survey after the interviews.  Current superintendent Greg Corning is retiring at the end of the school year.

One person was injured in a one-vehicle rollover accident in Gilman Township Friday.  According to the Pierce County Sheriff's Department, 24yr old Matthew Fesenmaier of Elmwood was traveling northbound on 410th street when his vehicle became uncontrollable, entered a ditch and rolled over.  Fesenmaire was extricated from the vehicle and transported to Baldwin Hospital.  A deficiency with the vehicle's rear suspension was located that may have been a contributing factor in the accident.

One person is dead after a car fire in Otter Creek Township.  According to the Eau Claire County Sheriff's Department, deputies and firefighters were called to Hwy NN near Sieg Road Monday morning.  When they arrived they found the car on fire and a 67yr old Osseo man dead in the driver's seat.  Authorities believe the man had a medical emergency that caused him to leave the road and go into the ditch.  The grass caught fire from the exhaust and the car started on fire.

A Dunn County man charged with second-degree sexual assault in 2018 has been sentenced.  Edward Woodberry was accused of assaulting a woman at Riverside Park after picking her up outside a Menomonie Bar on October 7, 2018.  Dunn County Judge James Patterson sentenced Woodberry to 16yrs in prison with 10yrs of extended supervision.  He will also have to register as a sex offender.

Pierce County Residents are being asked to volunteer to join the National Weather Service Community Collaborative Rain Hail and Snow Network.  The program helps the NWS gather information from observers of rain, snow, flooding, and other weather conditions and is used in the weather service maps and models.  Joining the network requires no prior experience but does require the purchase of a standardized rain gauge.  For more information, visit the national weather service website.

Two Trempealeau County police dogs sniffed out drugs and a gun, leading to five arrests last week over a two-day period. At a March 9th traffic stop in Arcadia, police dog Javy found cocaine, marijuana, and prescription drugs resulting in the arrest of Heidi Nelson of Eau Claire. Later the same day, Javy found a loaded firearm, heroin, and marijuana in a car stopped in Whitehall. Gage Lewallen of Augusta was arrested. Two days later police dog Luke alerted to the presence of meth in a car stopped in the Town of Gale. Thirty-eight-year-old Amanda Matheny of La Crosse was arrested. And, later the same day, Robert Boettiger of Bruce, Travis Trudeau of Conrath, and Dawn Malecki of Holcombe were all taken into custody when Luke found meth and drug paraphernalia in a vehicle.

A federal judge has given his approval to a request for a delay in the child porn trial for former Altoona superintendent Dan Peggs. Attorney Joe Bugni wrote a letter to Judge Stephen Crocker saying the defense is waiting to review new evidence coming from a seizure in North Carolina. Pre-trial motions are now due by June 4th and a hearing is on the court’s calendar for June 10th. Peggs was arrested last year and charged with child pornography and sex trafficking of a minor. The trial for the 33-year-old Peggs was initially scheduled to start last October.

Trial dates have been set for two murder defendants in Eau Claire County.  Joe Moya and Juan Olivarez have entered not guilty pleas to a charge of first-degree intentional homicide.  Moya and Olivarez are accused of shooting Edwin Garcia-Smith of Eau Claire to death last March.  Moya’s trial is on the court calendar to start on December 13th and the trial for Olivarez will start on February 7th.  A third suspect in the murder case, Ian Kerns, died before he could be brought to trial.

An effort to keep Wisconsin inmates from getting federal stimulus checks is back on track.  Congressional Democrats stopped the idea in Washington last week when Republicans backed an amendment to the one-point-nine-trillion-dollar package signed by the president.  Monday, Republican state Senator Julian Bradley and fellow Republican State Representative Joe Sanfelippo introduced legislation that would require any federal stimulus money received by a prisoner to go toward the restitution he or she owes.

Doctors and U-W Health are urging Wisconsin residents to consider a “staycation” rather than traveling for spring break.  Although the end of the coronavirus pandemic seems to be in sight, they say it’s not here yet.  Health professionals are worried about another large outbreak of COVID-19 cases like the nation saw after Thanksgiving and Christmas.  If you have to travel, U-W Health says you should wear a mask, practice social distancing, and wash your hands – no matter what your vaccination status is.  U-W Health chief quality officer Doctor Jeff Pothof says while things have improved, it is critical not to let our guard down when it comes to protecting against the virus.

Getting the COVID-19 vaccine won't void your life insurance policy.   Recent social media posts have falsely indicated that receiving a vaccine would void a policyholder’s life insurance coverage due to the rapid development of these vaccines. Wisconsin Insurance Commissioner Mark Afable says "getting vaccinated is an important part of keeping our communities safe and every Wisconsinite can be confident that getting their shot will not impact their benefits.” Vaccine status is not currently considered by life insurers when determining coverage or rates for new applicants either. 

A southwestern Wisconsin man will serve one year in federal prison for committing Social Security fraud.  Christopher M. Hynek of Lone Rock also has to pay more than 98-thousand dollars in restitution.  The U-S Attorney’s Office says Hynek filed for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits in 2003.  While he was receiving those benefits, he was working at his parent’s printing business in Richland Center.  Judge William Conley ruled Hynek hid his work activity and was paid “under the table.”  Hynek was sentenced Friday.

Wisconsin families whose kids get free and reduced lunch at school are getting some help with their groceries.   The Department of Health Services says it’s reached a deal with the federal government to provide food stamp benefits to families who may have missed school lunches during the coronavirus lockdown. The new benefits should arrive in late March, or early April. Families who already have benefit cards will see the new money added. Those who do not will need to get a new card. Eligibility rules are listed on the D-H-S website.

The American Civil Liberties Union and an East Coast law firm are suing the city of Minneapolis over the way its police handled last summer’s protests.  Lawyers say tear gas, pepper spray, and hard foam bullets were used against peaceful protesters who were demonstrating after the killing of George Floyd.  They say several protesters were injured and officers fired without giving warning multiple times.  The suit was filed after a federal judge ruled last week that the case couldn’t be dismissed following a 27-million-dollar settlement with Floyd’s family over his death.

 Two Democratic state lawmakers propose ending what they're calling the "sub-minimum wage" that waitstaff are paid at Wisconsin restaurants. Senator Chris Larson says the tipped minimum wage can be as little as two-dollars and 33-cents per hour. Larson says that is just not enough. Seven states, including Minnesota, have all eliminated the tip credit.

U-S Senator Amy Klobuchar is co-sponsor of a bill called the Seniors Fraud Prevention Act.  It’s designed to stop scams targeting older Americans.  The proposal authored by the Minnesota Democrat and Maine Senator Susan Collins would direct the Federal Trade Commission to create an office that would educate seniors about fraud.  It would also increase the federal agency’s monitoring and response in cases of senior fraud.  The proposal already has companion legislation making its way through the U-S House of Representatives.

The Republican-controlled Minnesota Senate has passed a bill making it easier to end Governor Tim Walz's COVID emergency power. Under the bill, instead of allowing the governor's emergency powers to continue until both the House and Senate voted to cancel them, those powers would automatically end after 30 days unless the House and Senate both agreed to continue them. The measure faces long odds in the Minnesota House.

Local-Regional News March 15

 According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, 16% of residents in Pepin County are fully vaccinated against Covid-19.  Buffalo County is reporting 14% of its residents are fully vaccinated, while Pierce County is at 9% and Dunn County 8%. Pepin County Health Officer Heidi Stewart says the county has a goal of vaccinating 80% of the 65 and older population in the county.  So far 65% of residents 65 and older have been vaccinated.  

With summer on the way, what is the status of Fun Fest and Blues on the Chippewa?  Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren says the city has been telling groups to continue to plan for their events this summer and just take covid-19 into consideration.  Pepin County Health is working on a tool to help organizations plan their event and take covid-19 into consideration.  

Three people were arrested on Sunday after Osseo police pulled over a vehicle on I-94.  According to police, an officer stopped a car traveling westbound on I-94.    A passenger admitted they were in possession of marijuana and an investigation led authorities to find that marijuana, drug paraphernalia, cocaine, and a stolen gun from Cass County,MN.  23yr old Christian Berry of Big Lake, MN was arrested along with 36yr old Bobbie Patton of Blaire, MN, and 28yr old Michael Sanchez and charged with possession with intent to sell or distribute cocaine, receiving stolen property, and possession of drug paraphernalia.  

UW-Stout will hold in-person graduation on May 8th.  The University says that because of ongoing covid-19 safety protocols, no family or other guests or spectators will be allowed.  The University will provide a live stream to watch.  Participants will be required to have a negative covid 19 test within 72 hours of the ceremony and to allow for social distancing multiple small ceremonies will be held on May 8th.  The number and times of those ceremonies will be determined after student registration for graduation. There are usually around 1300 students that graduate each spring.

A six-million-dollar restoration project is underway at the St. Joseph the Workman Cathedral in downtown La Crosse.  Scaffolding has surrounded the steeple for about six months. The need for the work was illustrated when crumbling limestone fell from the structure to the ground last summer.  Bishop William Callahan presided over a blessing ceremony Friday afternoon.  The renovation work is funded through private donations and a grant from the diocese.

The Metropolitan Airports Commission released a report detailing the impact of COVID-19 restrictions and cancelations over the last year. The report showed passenger activity was down 65-percent at the end of 2020 compared to the same time in 2019. Usage of parking facilities at the airport was also notably down 66-percent at the end of February. Of the 69 food and beverage locations, 40 remain closed and 29 are operating with reduced hours. Despite the report, officials say there are some encouraging signs for the early part of 2021.

The second week of jury selection in the trial of Derek Chauvin begins today. So far seven jurors have been seated. Attorneys are expected to continue questioning prospective jurors today with a goal of filling 14 spots total. Prospective jurors have been advised to avoid news about Derek Chauvin and George Floyd, including the settlement with the Floyd family announced by the City of Minneapolis last month. Opening arguments in the trial are set for March 29th and Judge Pete Cahill says the trial should take about a month.

Some people are hesitant, about which coronavirus vaccine they should get. Wisconsin's chief medical officer, Dr. Ryan Westergaard, says all three are effective.  Experts say the bottom line is that you should get whichever vaccine is available to you.

A 32-year-old Minnesota man pleaded guilty to a charge of first-degree intentional homicide in La Crosse County Circuit Court Thursday.  Timothy Young’s attorney had announced in January that a plea agreement had been reached.  Nineteen-year-old Anthony Fimple was fatally wounded at a La Crosse bar last summer.  Fimple was a bouncer at the Twister Moose when he refused to let Young re-enter the business last June.  Several eyewitnesses and surveillance video identified Young as the shooter.  He is scheduled to be sentenced May 7th.

Wisconsin restaurant workers are the latest priority group to get the COVID-19 vaccine.  The state Department of Health Services said restaurant employees were added to the eligibility due to the increased supply of vaccine and their public-facing role.  Health officials announced Thursday that 20 new groups of people with medical conditions will be eligible for doses March 29th.  More than 20 percent of Wisconsin residents have received at least one shot and nearly 12 percent have had both.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is loosening COVID restrictions on nursing home visits.  The D-H-S is following C-D-C guidance that says long-term facilities should allow indoor visitation at all times for residents except for when there's a high risk of COVID transmission.  State health officials say in-person visits must be allowed if a facility has no cases in two weeks and its county positivity rate is low or medium.  The update is in response to a reduction of positive cases and high vaccination rates in nursing homes.

Authorities in Wood County confirm that human remains found this week are from a man reported missing last summer.  Deputies say the remains are that of 32-year-old Zachary Vasa who last seen on June 13th, 2020 and his family has been notified.  Sheriff Shawn Becker said the search continues for the rest of Vasa's remains and his death is still an active investigation.  Some of his clothing and personal items were also discovered.

C-V-S is joining the list of pharmacies administering COVID-19 vaccines in Minnesota.  The pharmacy says locations in Hennepin, St. Louis, and Olmsted counties started giving shots yesterday.  Officials say anyone currently eligible, including K through 12 teachers and staff, will be able to receive a vaccine.  Patients can register for appointments through C-V-S  online or by phone.

 Governor Tim Walz is significantly dialing back COVID-19 restrictions on gatherings and Minnesota businesses beginning today.  Bars and restaurants can go up to 75 percent capacity, fitness centers and pools can allow 50 percent capacity, and entertainment venues can have half capacity with up to 250 customers.  Occupancy limits for churches and religious gatherings are removed, but will still require masks and social distancing.  The so-called pod size for youth sports can increase to 50 for outdoor games.  Perhaps the most significant move will allow up to ten-thousand people at seated and unseated outdoor venues on April 1st.  Seated indoor venues like the Xcel Energy Center can have a three-thousand-person limit.

A group of five friends and sandwich lovers have gone together to buy the Madison-based Milio’s chain of restaurants.  Four of the five graduated from Madison West High School and grew up in the area.  All have strong ties to the community.  Milio’s was launched in 1989 as a single sandwich shop on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus.  The company has grown to 21 locations across Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa.  Brian Bergen, Timm Heller, Chris Gentilli and Todd, and Tony Mancusi were announced as the new owners this week.