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.
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