Local-Regional News May 27

 The City of Durand is selling a vacant lot on Auth Street.  Last night the council approved selling the corner lot across from Caddie Woodlawn School through a sealed bid.  The minimum bid will be $10,000 and the auction will be 3weeks in length after the auction is published in the Courrier Wedge.  

Mayo Clinic Health System says it is closing six clinics in Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin.  The locations include  Elmwood, WI.  All of the sites temporarily closed in March of 2020 due to the COVID.  Mayo says that the clinic had limited services and low patient volume before the pandemic.  Regional vice president Doctor James Hebl said, "given the fact that we have so many new ways to connect with patients that came about because of the pandemic, we felt as though this was the right decision in terms of long-term sustainability."

The Pepin County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help in locating  Joel Kraft.  Kraft is believed to be a witness to a serious crime and is not a suspect in this or any other crime.  In a social media post, the department says they exhausted all family and technological options for searching and contacting him.  If you have any idea about his whereabouts, please send contact the Sheriff's Department via private message on social media or call the non-emergency number at 715-672-5944.

 One of three people hurt in a crash involving a Wisconsin State Patrol vehicle in Eau Claire County did not survive.  Sheriff's officers say 66-year-old Charles Mills, Junior from Virginia died of injuries suffered in Monday's accident.  Deputies say State Trooper Ashley Morales was in her squad car on Interstate 94 when she was rear-ended by Mills.  The impact caused the patrol vehicle to hit the car Morales had pulled over.  Mills' passenger, Janice O'Brien of Virginia, was hospitalized and Morales was treated and released for non-life-threatening injuries.  The crash is still under investigation.

Wisconsin's unemployment rate inched up a tenth to three-point-nine percent in April.  The Department of Workforce Development reports total non-farm jobs rose by 93-hundred last month and private sector jobs increased by 82-hundred.  The state's jobless rate peaked at 14-point-eight percent last April as the COVID pandemic forced business shutdowns and layoffs.  The national unemployment rate was six-point-one percent for April.

Republican leadership will have to contend with a new wrinkle in their plans to cut the Governor's budget: they might lose federal COVID-19 funds if they do.   The Legislative Fiscal Bureau said on Thursday that Wisconsin might not qualify for over 1 point 5 billion dollars in federal funds if Republicans decide to not maintain the budget for schools. Republicans had been planning to cut the state school spending to reflect the incoming federal funding, but this puts those plans in jeopardy. JFC Co-chair Mark Born says that the Governor shouldn't be accepting funding that prevents the Legislature from adjusting the budget. Evers spokeswoman Britt Cudaback says lawmakers wouldn't have a problem if they simply pass the Governor's budget as written.

Republican lawmakers are explaining their objections to Expanding BadgerCare. In a letter to Governor Tony Evers, they said broadening eligibility for the program would be too expensive. Republicans also argue there’s no coverage gap in Wisconsin because the federal exchanges allow people between 100-percent and 400-percent of the poverty level to get subsidized health coverage. Republicans Tuesday quickly gaveled in and out of a special session on BadgerCare expansion called by Evers.

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos is hiring investigators to review the November presidential election in Wisconsin.   Vos said he recognizes President Joe Biden narrowly won Wisconsin and is not trying to change election results. In an interview with the Journal Sentinel, Vos said he is hiring - at taxpayer expense - three former cops and an attorney to oversee them. He said that, as contractors with the Legislature, the investigators will have subpoena power. Vos said he wants to identify laws that should be changed, as opposed to people the investigators believe have broken the law but did not rule out the possibility some matters would be referred to prosecutors.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz says the state plans to offer up swag in an attempt to get more people vaccinated for the coronavirus.   Walz is planning a trip to a Minnesota state park Thursday to announce incentives that include state park passes, fishing licenses, and tickets to fairs and amusement parks.  The first 100,000 people to get vaccinated between Memorial Day and the end of June will be eligible to pick prizes.   Walz spokesman Teddy Tschann said the giveaways are meant “to ensure Minnesotans can enjoy the summer while staying safe and healthy.”

State health officials say nearly two-point-four-million Wisconsinites -or 41-point-one percent of residents - are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.  The latest data show more than two-million-735-thousand people in the state have received at least one dose of the vaccine.  The Department of Health Services reports just over five million shots have been administered in Wisconsin.  The state has had 609-thousand coronavirus cases and almost seven thousand deaths.

The latest numbers show about 21 percent of Minnesota kids ages 12 to 15 have received at least one shot of the COVID vaccine.  The state Department of Health says just under 61-thousand Minnesotans in that age group have gotten the Pfizer shot.  Moderna is now seeking F-D-A approval for emergency use of its COVID vaccine for middle school-aged children.  The figures will now be included in Minnesota's vaccination dashboard online.

The field of Wisconsin Democrats running for U-S Senate next year continues to grow.  State Senator Chris Larson of Milwaukee filed paperwork Tuesday with the Federal Elections Commission for a 2022 Senate campaign.  Larson is a former Senate minority leader and member of the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors.  Millennial Action Project co-founder Steven Olikara said this week that he's forming a Senate exploratory committee.  Other Democrats vying for the nomination are Wausau radiologist Gillian Battino, state Treasurer Sarah Godlewski, former Milwaukee Bucks executive Alex Lasry and Outagamie County Executive Tom Nelson.  Republican Senator Ron Johnson hasn't confirmed whether he's running for re-election in 2022.

A building at the idled Verso paper mill in Wisconsin Rapids went up in flames Tuesday evening.   Fire officials in the city say it started in a fiberglass stack that was part of a hardwood digester, and eventually spread to one of the smokestacks, causing it to collapse. Crews were able to contain the fire to one building, but the extent of the damage is unowned at this time. One firefighter was treated for heat exhaustion.   A few dozen employees have remained on the plant's payroll to perform maintenance and fill some small orders- A cooperative has been working on an offer to purchase the plant from Verso, but the company has remained hot and cold to selling the plant over the last year.

Republican lawmakers want to declare Wisconsin a “Second Amendment Sanctuary.”  The bill would stop enforcement of certain federal gun laws in Wisconsin, and publicly push back against any federal gun registry or gun seizures. Democrats say the proposal is likely unconstitutional. Even if it gets enough votes to pass, Governor Evers will almost certainly veto it. 

Minnesotans are ready to hit the road this Memorial weekend and put 2020 in the rearview mirror.  The Minnesota D-N-R's Rachel Hopper says 93-percent of their campsites and cabin facilities are already booked for this weekend.  Hopper says everybody kind of looks forward to Memorial Day weekend and to start the summertime outdoor fun.  Last year Minnesota State Parks were closed over the long holiday weekend due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A ten-year-old boy in Eau Claire has a whale of a fish story to tell his friends.  Christian Severud was fishing with his grandparents in Phoenix Park Monday night when he reeled in a five- to six-foot sturgeon.  His mother, Shannon, said Christian spent about 45 minutes trying to get the monster fish to shore.  She says his dad had to come to the park and help and went into the water to grab the sturgeon.  They took some pictures and then released it back into the river.  Christian says he'd been trying to catch a sturgeon since his family moved to Eau Claire a couple years ago.

Local-Regional News May 26

 Severe Storms moved through Western Wisconsin and Eastern Minnesota yesterday afternoon.  Reports of an inch and a half hail were reported in Wabasha, Buffalo, Trempealeau, and Pepin Counites.  Nelson received over an inch of rain from the storms, while Arcadia had flooded streets and trees down from the high winds.  The weather will cool down and be quiet today before another chance of rain arrives for Thursday night.

The Mondovi City Council has agreed to form a committee to interview candidates for the city administrator position.  During last night's council meeting, it was decided to have the committee interview qualified candidates and then submit their recommendations to the council for final approval.  So far 5 people have applied for the city administrator position.

The Durand City Council is meeting tonight.  Items on the agenda include discussion and possible action on the purchase of 4 ICX Dominion Voting Machines, a presentation on funding options for the 3rd Avenue East project, and discussion and possible action on selling city-owned lots on Auth Street.  Tonight's meeting begins at 6:30 at Durand City Hall.  That meeting will also be live-streamed on the WRDN YouTube Channel at Durand Broadcasting WRDN.

An Elk Mound homeowner had a surprise early Tuesday when a large chunk of ice fell into their home.  According to the homeowner, the ice chunk was the size of a basketball and it went through the roof of the home landing in a bedroom.  According to the National Weather Service, there were no severe storms in the area at the time of the incident.  No one was injured.

One person was injured in a motorcycle accident in Trimbelle Township on Saturday.  According to the Pierce County Sheriffs Department, 36yr old Daniel Tousignant of Ellsworth was traveling southbound on Hwy O when he lost control of the bike and overturned it.  Tousignant was med flighted to Regions Hospital.

One person was injured in a motorcycle accident in Clifton Township Tuesday.  According to the Pierce County Sheriffs Department, 50yr old Erik Gladden of Minneapolis was traveling southbound on Hwy F when a deer ran into the roadway striking Gladden's motorcycle.  The motorcycle overturned and Gladden was ejected.  He was transported by ambulance to Regions Hospital.

The Federal Trade Commission has filed a complaint against Frontier Communications for not providing many consumers with internet services and the promised speeds and charged for higher speed internet that was not provided.  Wisconsin Congressman Ron Kind says that more oversite is needed so companies don't take federal money to provide high-speed internet but don't deliver.  In early 2020, Frontier filed for bankruptcy before receiving approximately $37 million from the FCC's Rural Digital Opportunity Fund auction for broadband projects across the country.

After a joint investigation by the Central Wisconsin Drug Taskforce, Wisconsin Department of Justice, and police and sheriff departments from Minnesota and Wisconsin, 11 people from Wisconsin and Minnesota were arrested in Rusk County on drug charges.  During a raid, law enforcement took 18 guns, $17,000 in cash, three pounds of methamphetamine, and two pounds of THC.

Both drivers are dead after two semis collided Tuesday morning on Interstate 90 in Monroe County.  The Wisconsin State Patrol says it took a report of a semi that crashed into another causing one to roll over near Oakdale.  Troopers say a man from Princeton, Illinois died at the scene.  The other driver was trapped in the cab and later airlifted to a La Crosse hospital where he died.  Neither victim has been identified.  The wreck closed the eastbound lanes of I-90 for a few hours.

 A GOP-backed bill that would stop 300-dollar federal payments for unemployed Wisconsin residents was the focus of a Capitol hearing Tuesday.  The measure would both end the federal unemployment benefit and ensure job search requirements on state unemployment.  Senator Howard Marklein claims he's received complaints from constituents unhappy that people are not working.  Marklein said, "And I've heard stories of their neighbor getting up... you know, one neighbor gets up to pack his lunch pail to go to work and the next-door neighbor is packing the tackle box to go fishing all day."  Republicans argue the extra 300 dollars a week in unemployment benefits is to blame for a lack of labor for some businesses.  Governor Evers is unlikely to sign the bill if it passes the Assembly and Senate.

A coalition of agriculture and forestry groups filed court motions in defense of delisting the gray wolf under the Endangered Species Act. Three cases filed by environmental and animal welfare groups in California challenge the final delisting ruling issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service last November. The coalition is defending the delisting because it recognizes the successful recovery of the wolf and enables responsible wildlife management and protection of private property by farmers, ranchers, and forest resource users. The coalition provided the court with personal stories that illustrate the harm inflicted by unchecked wolf populations on livestock ranchers and farmers, natural ecosystems, and other wildlife. A Minnesota farmer stated in the filing that he lost 26 calves in a single year to gray wolves. Groups in the coalition include the American Farm Bureau Federation, the American Forest Resources Council, the American Sheep Industry Association, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, and the Public Lands Council. Since being listed under the ESA in 1974, the gray wolf has exceeded recovery goals by more than 300 percent. This has been a runaway success story, with uncontrolled populations now threatening livestock and rural communities across the country.

You can now see the latest results of several wildlife surveys on the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website.   The D-N-R conducted the surveys throughout last year, addressing five groups: small game, big game, waterfowl, furbearers, and non-game. Results will be used by wildlife program managers to help them make species management decisions. The agency says interpretations of the data are subject to change after a closer look.

A southwest Wisconsin man accused in the stabbing death of his mother in Iowa County claims he was hearing evil voices before killing her.  Twenty-one-year-old Sean Pickett of Avoca is charged with the first-degree homicide intentional homicide of 54-year-old Susan Pickett and mistreatment of animals in the death of his dog.  The criminal complaint says Pickett told police "there were people inside my head saying that once I kill them, that I will go rest."  He called authorities May 10th to report his mom and dog were dead.  Officers found Susan's body in a bedroom and the dog with multiple gunshot wounds to his chest.

The father of a two-year-old boy killed in a Waupaca County farming accident last month is charged in the toddler’s death.   Prosecutors say 39-year-old Caleb Schachtschneider of Ogdensburg is charged with second-degree reckless homicide.  He initially told police his son was on his lap while he was using a skid steer and the boy fell forward and hit his head.  Schachtschneider later admitted the toddler wasn't on his lap or behind the restraint bar.  His first court appearance is next Tuesday.

 America's largest water park plans to open this Memorial Day Weekend at Wisconsin Dells. Noah's Ark says it is on track to welcome back guests on Saturday after closing last August due to COVID concerns. Visitors who have been fully vaccinated will not have to wear masks or practice social distancing this summer. Non-vaccinated guests will have to mask up and keep their distance from others. General manager Roland Reyes said all signs point to a great, bounce-back summer for Noah's Ark and they're excited to welcome guests back.

The search is over for a missing alligator in Shawano County.  The gator went missing over the weekend from a private zoo at Doc’s Harley Davidson in Bonduel.  The owners say they found Rex the alligator in a nearby swampy area on Monday.  Rex is one of four alligators at the zoo, and shares the space with other exotic animals.

Local-Regional News May 25

 One person is dead and another injured after a two-vehicle accident in Clifton Township on Friday.  According to the Pierce County Sheriffs Department,  40yr old Ryan Murphy of Afton, MN was traveling southbound on Hwy F when she crossed the center line and struck a northbound vehicle driven by 61yr old Susan Pierce from River Falls.  Pierce was taken to Regions Hospital while Murphy was pronounced dead at the scene.   That accident remains under investigation.

A Wisconsin State Patrol officer is among three people hurt in a crash Monday in Eau Claire County. Deputies say the state trooper was inside her squad during a traffic stop on Interstate 94 when the car was rear-ended. The collision caused the patrol vehicle to hit the car she had pulled over. All three people were taken to the hospital. Their medical conditions were immediately available. The chain-reaction crash shut down the westbound lanes of I-94 for a couple hours.

The Mondovi City Council is meeting tonight.  Items on the agenda include amending the water and sewer rates for residents and businesses in the city, discussion and possible action on an amendment to the ordinance regarding matching funds for CDBG Grants, and reports from the mayor and department heads.  Tonight's meeting begins at 6:30 at the Marten Center.

 A gypsy moth quarantine is now in place in Eau Claire County. The quarantine restricts the movement of certain items to prevent the spread of the moth. The inspection requirements are now in place in 52 of Wisconsin's 72 counties. The state department of agriculture says items covered by the quarantine include outdoor patio furniture, firewood, logs, nursery stock, Christmas trees, and mobile homes.

The Lake City Police Department is asking for assistance in locating a missing 62-year-old man. John Vater was last seen Saturday morning leaving his residence on foot. There has been no contact with family or friends since then and because of health concerns, authorities are concerned for his welfare. John’s last cell phone activity put him in Winona. John is five-eleven, weighs 159 pounds, and has brown eyes and gray hair. He was last seen wearing a dark jacket, gray shorts, and a baseball cap. Anyone with information is urged to call 9-1-1.

Wisconsin Congressman Ron Kind says President Joe Biden's infrastructure plan includes the broadband expansion critical for rural Wisconsin.  Kind and Labor Secretary Marty Walsh will be in Eau Claire and La Crosse Tuesday promoting broadband expansion and job creation. 

Diocese of La Crosse Bishop William Callahan is asking asked a controversial Catholic priest to resign. Father James Altman announced the news during his Sunday sermon which was posted to YouTube later in the day. Altman stated his lawyer is challenging Callahan’s request. Altman currently serves at St. James the Less Parish in La Crosse. He's made public comments over the past year, including anti-Black and LGBTQ-plus rhetoric, stating that all Democrats are "Godless" hypocrites going to hell, and spreading misinformation on vaccines and COVID-19.

Small businesses can now apply for more than 400-million dollars in grants from the latest federal COVID relief funding. Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation secretary Missy Hughes says the five-thousand-dollar checks will do a lot of work in local communities. The application deadline is June 7th. The grants are expected to help as many as 84-thousand businesses that have gross revenue between ten thousand and seven million dollars.

Governor Tony Evers says he thinks a COVID-19 vaccine lottery is a bad idea. Evers says he’d rather spend Wisconsin’s coronavirus stimulus money on other things. Other states like Ohio have seen huge jumps in vaccinations after setting up lotteries to entice people to get their shots. Ohio offers a one million dollar prize in its vaccine lottery. Evers says the businesses hurt by the pandemic need the money to help them recover.

G-O-P legislation to limit participation in Wisconsin school sports by transgender women and girls have public hearings Wednesday. A pair of bills would require all K-through-12 schools, University of Wisconsin System schools, and state technical colleges to divide all teams by sex and officially bar any students born male from women's teams. Assembly bill sponsor, Representative Barb Dittrich of Oconomowoc, said "if the governor really cares about women, he should absolutely advance this legislation." Governor Evers says he'll veto the legislation if it gets to his desk. He called it "a solution seeking a problem that doesn't exist."

Nearly half of Wisconsin’s voter fraud cases from last November came from La Crosse. Wisconsin election officials are looking into 27 voter fraud cases. 16 of them are from La Crosse, where voters used a U-P-S store as their voting address. The others include four people who voted both in-person and through the mail, one felon who voted, and others who returned other people’s absentee ballots. More than three million people voted in Wisconsin in November. 

People on unemployment in Wisconsin have to start looking for work this week. Lawmakers last week voted to reinstate the state's work-search requirement. That means anyone collecting unemployment benefits must apply for jobs, and show proof to the state, in order to keep their benefits. Republicans at the Capitol and business groups across the state say there is a desperate need for workers. They say overly generous unemployment benefits are paying people too much to stay home.

There will be a debate about guns at the Wisconsin Capitol this week. The Assembly Committee on State Affairs is scheduled to take up a proposal that would limit how some federal gun laws could be enforced in the state. It's similar to what Second Amendment Sanctuary counties have declared. A public hearing on the plan is set for noon tomorrow.

The former Speaker of the House is scheduled to appear Thursday at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley. Paul Ryan will be the first speaker in the "Time for Choosing" series -- which is a new forum for leading voices in the conservative movement to address critical questions facing the future of the Republican Party. The event will be held in-person, outdoors on the library's campus. Due to COVID-19 restrictions -- social distancing protocols will be in place and there will be a limited number of seats available. The Wisconsin Republican served as U-S House speaker from October 2015 to January 2019.

Stepped-up seatbelt enforcement is underway on Minnesota roads. The Office of Traffic Safety says 38 unbelted motorists have died already this year in Minnesota, an increase of 13 from the same time last year. Speed has also been a concern, prompting a statewide speed enforcement campaign already this spring. Overall traffic deaths increased by 40 compared to the same time last year. The extra seatbelt emphasis runs through Memorial Day weekend until June 6th.

 If you're planning to spend time outdoors in the coming days be sure to check for ticks once you're back inside. Along with ticks, pest control experts are saying mosquitos are also going to be more prevalent. The warmer temperatures, right on the heels of recent rain, are the ideal conditions for mosquitos to hatch. Long pants and sleeves are recommended as the best protection against both pests, along with an EPA-approved bug spray.

Local-Regional News May 24

 The Pepin County Board was updated on a sale of county property in the town of Peru.  In 2019, the county purchased the property that includes a sandpit the highway department uses.  The county is now selling the remaining property which includes a home and 19 acres of land.  As of last week, the Wisconsin Surplus Auction website listed the leading bid at $140,913.  That auction ends on Wednesday at 10am.  

A proposal currently in Congress would allow schools to serve free meals to all students regardless of income.  Durand-Arkansaw School Superintendent Greg Doverspike says that while student tracking might increase, there would be reduced paperwork for food service staff.  USDA has extended the free school lunch program through the end of June, and families wishing to sign up should contact the Durand-Arkansaw School District. 

A Menomonie man has been bound over for trial on a charge of first-degree reckless homicide.  Twenty-eight-year-old Jonathon Lucas is accused of causing the death of his six-week-old son.  Police say they arrived at his apartment last March and saw a baby lying motionless on the kitchen counter.  The child died later at a hospital.  An autopsy found that Daemyn Lucas died of head injuries caused by a physical assault.  The father is scheduled to be arraigned next month in Dunn County Circuit Court.

While Eau Claire’s city attorney tries to have the courts force a hotel to close, it has been put up for sale.  Described as an “excellent opportunity,” and “located in a high-visibility area of Eau Claire,” the price tag is one-point-six-million dollars.  Criminal activity at the Regency Inn and Suites was why the city wants it shut down.  Officials say efforts to work with the owners of the property to deal with the crime have failed.  Police said it was commonplace for drug trafficking, drug use, human trafficking, assault and other forms of violence to be carried out there.

 A semi-truck driver led police on a chase from Dunn County to Altoona Saturday night.  According to Wisconsin State Patrol, the driver would not pull over for officers in Dunn County, leading police on a chase on backroads to Altoona, ending in a residential neighborhood.  The truck was stopped and the driver was taken into custody in the city of Altoona on Bartlett Avenue with the use of spike strips.  That incident remains under investigation.

Motorists are advised to be on the lookout for painting crews on area highways as the Wisconsin Department of Transportation is replacing the highway paint.  Crews will be working on centerlines and fog lines on Hwy 25 in Pepin and Buffalo Counites, Hwys 10,35,37 and 88 in Buffalo County, and Hwys 25 and 128 in Pierce County.  None of the roads will be closed during painting, and some busier highways will be painted at night.

A lot more people are going to have to get the coronavirus vaccine if Wisconsin is going to hit herd immunity by the Fourth of July. Department of Health Services Deputy Secretary Julie Willems Van Dijk [[ van dike ]] last week said it's unlikely that the state will hit herd immunity this summer. She says it's more likely to be October. As of yesterday, just under 41 percent of people in the state are fully vaccinated. Willems Van Dijk says herd immunity will happen once 70 percent of people are vaccinated.

More people will be allowed into Wisconsin's state parks soon. The Department of Natural Resources announced changes to restrictions on parks put in place in reaction to COVID-19. Officials say large-scale groups as big as 350 people will now be allowed to take part in events. That includes private events and those hosted by the D-N-R. The D-N-R is also opening selected park facilities including drive-up windows, outdoor concession areas, and restrooms. Main facilities and nature centers remain closed to the public.

The owners of tourism businesses across the state are worried that they won't have enough employees this summer because of issues with student visas.   Many businesses like hotels and resorts have traditionally relied on international students who visit the US on what is called J-1 visas to fill their staff in the summer, but those applications were restricted through most of last year and into March because of COVID-19. Now, there's reluctance on the part of many people to travel to the US for work, leaving employers in the lurch. Some hotels and resorts have said they may have to cut availability or hours in order to accommodate.

Turkey growers in Minnesota are reportedly struggling to make money as feed costs climb to multi-year highs. The Minnesota Turkey Growers Association says there is concern feed could cost as much as twenty percent more by the end of the year. Many farmers are trying to find options to diversify their feed supply beyond corn and soybeans, but options are limited. Minnesota is the top turkey-producing state in the U-S.

Seventeen bills passed by the Wisconsin Legislature are now law after a signing Friday by Governor Tony Evers.  Under the new state laws, homeschooled students can act as election inspectors, out-of-state doctors and nurses can serve as medical staff for summer camps, and the State Fair will handle its own alcohol licenses.  There were also changes in child custody laws.  Evers vetoed a bill that would have allowed paddleboard raffles due to violation of gaming compacts with Wisconsin's Tribes.

Dairyland Power Cooperate says the Blaske Boat Landing and its facilities will stay open to the public after the Genoa power plant is shut down.  The access to the Mississippi River and restroom facilities at the boat landing next to the plant aren’t closing.  Dairyland says that site is the most-used boat landing in Pool Nine on the river.  The cooperative says it will support the facility’s upkeep.  The power plant is scheduled to cease operations next Tuesday.  It went online in 1969 and the closing was announced in January of last year.

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development head does not believe the 300-dollar federal unemployment payment is discouraging people from re-entering the workforce.  DEED Commissioner Steve Grove said, "no one is getting rich off of unemployment insurance, it pays half of your normal salary, and even with that 300-dollar plus up, it's still not much." Grove says we know that the folks who are more likely to be on unemployment insurance long-term are the lowest of low-wage workers.  Minnesota gained 11-thousand-300 jobs in April and the unemployment rate dropped a tenth to four-point-one percent.

Wisconsin’s governor says he’d rather direct federal COVID-19 relief funding to the state’s struggling businesses than run another lottery.  Three states are offering the chance to win big if people will simply come in and be vaccinated for COVID-19.  Ohio is offering five prizes of one million dollars.  New York state is telling residents there they could win five million.  Governor Tony Evers says there are businesses all across this state that have suffered during the pandemic and they are owed an opportunity to recover.  Instead of a lottery as an incentive, the governor says Wisconsin just needs to be better at delivering the vaccine to its people.

The mask mandate at most state government buildings is going away soon.  Governor Evers’ administration says people will no longer be required to wear a mask at the state capitol, or other state offices, starting June 1st. The administration says most state workers can return to their offices in July. Many state employees have been working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison will lead the prosecution of former Brooklyn Center police officer Kim Potter in the fatal shooting of Daunte Wright.  Ellison's office is taking over the case at the request of Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman and Washington County Attorney Pete Orput.  Ellison said, "I did not seek this prosecution and do not accept it lightly" and adds "no one... should expect this case will be easy to prosecute."  Governor Tim Walz says he's glad Ellison is taking the case, and the governor says he's heard the Wright family's desire to have the strongest legal team possible.  There were protests outside Orput's Stillwater home when he filed second-degree manslaughter charges against Potter.

The S-S Badger car ferry arrived in Manitowoc at about noon Thursday, then took off across Lake Michigan for the return trip to Ludington three hours later.  It was a big event, with high school band students welcoming the ferry by playing a song dedicated to Manitowoc’s 150th anniversary.  The ferry is under new management this summer.  A one-way ticket on the ferry costs 69 dollars for adults.  Its capacity is 600 passengers and the 62-mile trip takes about four hours.

Local-Regional News May 21

 Two people were arrested Wednesday in Dunn Township after an assault.  According to the Dunn County Sheriffs Department, a Dunn County and Menomonie Police investigator were completing a drive-by of a residence where a homicide had occurred in November of 2020 and was known to have high drug traffic.  Officers observed 50yr old Jeffery Rose retrieving a hatchet from a vehicle and running towards other subjects in the residences with the hatchet raised in a threatening manner.  Officers called for backup, went into the home, and found a victim had been struck several times.  Officers ordered Rose to drop the weapon which he did.  An investigation discovered that Rose and his girlfriend, 44yr old Rebecca Davis had arrived at the home and were attempting to collect past owed drug debts.  Rose has been charged with first-degree recklessly endangering safety use of a dangerous weapon along with other charges and is being held on a $10,000 cash bond.  Davis has been charged with battery, bail jumping and is being held on a Department of Corrections hold.

The Pepin County Board has made some rule changes as covid-19 pandemic restrictions continue to wind down.  While Board members will be allowed to continue to attend board and committee meetings via remote, they will have to attend the Board Organizational Meeting and Annual Meeting in person.  In addition, County Board Chairman Tom Milliren will be allowed to request in-person attendance for board meetings if he feels it's necessary.  Also this week, the board has decided to remove all of the covid-19 mask and social distancing signs from the county government center entrances.  Masks will be recommended but not required to enter the Government Center, and social distancing is still recommended.

The Durand-Arkansaw School District will have a new Agriculture Educator.  During this week's board meeting, members approved the registration of Weston Patnode and approved the hiring of Makenzie Brantner as the new Ag Educator.  Branter is a 2013 graduate of Durand High School and will begin her duties this summer.  The board also approved a summer contract for the Ag Educator and Band Director so they can both attend events and parades with students.  Both contracts are to not exceed 120hrs for the summer.

This week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed a complaint alleging that Frontier Communications did not provide many consumers with internet service at the promised speeds and charged many for more expensive and higher-speed service than Frontier actually provided. The complaint was filed with the attorneys general from Wisconsin, Arizona, Indiana, Michigan, and North Carolina.  In December 2019, Congressman Ron  Kind‘s office held a listening session in Mondovi, WI with a representative from Frontier to discuss issues surrounding internet connectivity and phone service, create an open dialogue with frustrated Frontier customers, and see what steps could be taken to improve services to rural customers, particularly in Buffalo County.  The company had previously returned federal funding designated to expand broadband service in Mondovi, WI, and surrounding areas. In early 2020 Frontier filed for bankruptcy before receiving approximately $37 million from the FCC’s Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) auction for broadband projects across the country. 

Authorities in Wabasha County are releasing the name of a man who drowned in the Mississippi River at Weaver Bottoms in southeast Minnesota.  The body of 89-year-old Victor Grabau was found Monday evening near an unoccupied fishing boat that was going in circles with the motor running.  The Weaver Bottoms marshes are about 120 miles southeast of the Twin Cities on Highway 61.

 An Eau Claire County judge has determined there isn’t sufficient evidence to charge a Fall Creek woman with a felony, but she still faces a misdemeanor charge.  Shauna Hanson made a court appearance Wednesday.  She’s accused of depositing more than 63-thousand dollars intended for a charity she founded to her personal bank account.  The court found there was only a 22-hundred dollar discrepancy.  That wasn’t enough for the felony-level charge.  Hanson is the founder of Helping Hands for Our Children.  A judge denied a motion to dismiss the case last month.

Wisconsin's unemployment rate inched up a tenth to three-point-nine percent in April.  The Department of Workforce Development says total non-farm jobs increased by 93-hundred last month and private sector jobs were up more than 82-hundred.  The state's jobless rate had been three-point-eight percent in February and March.  Wisconsin employers added 267-thousand-300 non-farm jobs from April 2020 to April 2021.   The unemployment rate in Minnesota continues to move toward pre-pandemic levels.  In Minnesota, the jobless rate dropped a tenth to four-point-one percent in April.  Minnesota gained 11-thousand-300 jobs last month.  The private sector added 81-hundred of those jobs in April.   The national unemployment rate was six-point-one percent in April.

 A La Crosse man has been charged with child neglect and several other offenses after a doctor called authorities to report treating an infant with injuries.  Kevin Mulcahy is accused of burning the child with a cigarette.  Mulcahy had told the doctor they were accidental burns when the child rolled over on top of his cigarette.  He was arrested Tuesday during a traffic stop.  A search of his vehicle turned up drug paraphernalia like a meth pipe and several used and capped needles.  Mulcahy has a preliminary hearing scheduled in La Crosse County Circuit Court next Thursday.

The Wisconsin Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee has rejected the governor’s proposal to spend an additional 73-million dollars on initiatives to combat homelessness.  Thursday’s 12-to-four vote came along party lines.  The budget committee increased funding for a housing assistance program by one-point-two-million dollars but turned down the rest of the extra spending.  Governor Tony Evers wanted the spend the 73-million on several initiatives aimed at helping the homeless, including a plan for more affordable housing.  Democrats say the rejection represents a missed opportunity to address a problem that got worse during the coronavirus pandemic.

Senator Amy Klobuchar is part of the latest push in Congress to lift the Cuba trade embargo.  The Freedom to Export to Cuba Act repeals key provisions of previous laws that block Americans from doing business in Cuba but does not repeal portions of the law that address human rights or property claims against the Cuban government.   Klobuchar said, "as we work to rebuild our economy following the pandemic, lifting the trade embargo will open the door to a large export market and create jobs in the U-S."   Klobuchar and Congressman Tom Emmer visited Cuba in 2016 on a trip with President Obama.

A Dakota County landlord will have to pay 35-hundred dollars to settle a case where she was accused of forcing tenants out of their homes in violation of the governor’s executive order.  The state of Minnesota sued Joanna Wentzlaff in February.  The Attorney General’s Office accused her of falsely claiming she or a family member needed to move into the Apple Valley rental property when she had already hired a real estate agent to sell it.  There was an exception in the executive order that would allow a landlord to terminate a lease if that was the case.  Attorney General Keith Ellison says his office has received almost three-thousand consumer complaints and filed eight enforcement actions like this one – settling seven.

The Department of Natural Resources has approved a plan where Tyco Fire Products would extract and treat the groundwater near a former fire training facility in Marinette.  The contaminated water has been linked to the use of firefighting foam that contained substances called PFAS (PEE foss), or “forever chemicals.”  Tyco carried out testing and training using the foam for five decades, ending in 2017.  State scientists warn this will not eliminate the pollution entirely.  Models of the process show 40-percent of the chemicals will remain in the groundwater after it is carried out.

 State lawmakers in the Wisconsin Rapids area are criticizing Democratic Governor Tony Evers for the way he is trying to help the purchase of the closed Verso paper mill.  Republicans like state Senator Patrick Testin of Stevens Point and state Representative Scott Krug of Nekoosa don’t like that Evers has connected millions of dollars in loans for the mill purchase to an expansion of BadgerCare.  Testin says the families impacted when the mill closed aren’t “bargaining chips” and the governor should direct funds from the American Recovery Act directly to the mill purchase.  Krug says the money would be a one-time loan that could save hundreds of jobs.

Former U-S Attorney General Eric Holder says he is “cautiously optimistic” that fair redistricting maps can be established for Wisconsin later this year.  Holder runs the National Democratic Redistricting Committee backed by former President Obama.  Wisconsin is being called a “priority state” for the group.  Holder says he expects the new maps to emerge from lawsuits, and not from a compromise between the Republican-controlled Legislature and Democratic Governor Tony Evers.  Wisconsin Republicans say the state Constitution gives them the responsibility and they will redraw district lines fairly.

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development is launching a digital tool kit to help employers recruit and hire younger workers for internships and entry-level positions.   DEED's Marc Majors say it includes a listing of youth service providers, programs featuring projects for youth, information about how to create a high-quality job description, and a checklist to prepare for an intern.  Majors says they want to help companies hire and train youth workers because that can create long-term stability in the workforce.  State officials hosted a roundtable on the benefits of youth employment Wednesday.

You may soon see billboards advertising jobs in state prisons along Wisconsin roadways.  Current  State law bans the Department of Corrections from advertising on billboards. The agency is trying to fill dozens of jobs, mainly for corrections officers. A bill to end the billboard ban has bipartisan support. A similar bill introduced in the last session did not make it through the Senate before the pandemic cut the session short.

Local-Regional News May 20

 Durand High School is one of the top schools in the state and nation.  According to rankings from U.S. News and World Report, Durand High School was ranked the 115th best school in the state and 3759 in the Nation.     Nearly 18,000 schools were ranked on six factors based on their performance on state assessments and how well they prepare students for college.  Wisconsin, which has 540 high schools, has a graduation rate of close to 90%, assesses high school students' English, reading, mathematics, science, and workforce skills through a number of ACT tests.  Durand was one of 462 High Schools in Wisconsin that made the rankings.

The Pepin County Board has a new supervisor.  Gene Doherty was appointed to take the seat of Michelle Rosenberg Pittman for District 5, City of Durand Ward 2.  Pittman took a job with the Pepin County Highway Department,  and could no longer serve on the County Board.  Doherty is a past member of the Pepin County Board and was the only applicant for the open seat.

Scams are popping up like mushrooms around the state, including one targeting people over the electric bills.  Scammers typically demand customers settle up overdue bills with a prepaid debit card. Chris Ouellette of Xcel energy says Xcell will never request payment that way, over even call customers regarding overdue bills.

Wabasha Police are warning Wabasha Residents and Businesses of a company calling offering to inspect and repair roofs due to last weekend's hail storm.  A business called the department to report that they received a call from a customer that had 3 calls from a roofing company wanting to re-roof due to the recent hail in the area.  Persistent in setting up appointments to inspect roofs.   The police department is asking everyone to be cautious of these storm chasers.  If your property was damaged your insurance agent should be the first person contact to report it. The insurance company will have your property inspected.  They will not have someone call you randomly.  Door-to-door solicitors are not allowed in city limits.

A home health aide in Rochester is accused of giving painkillers to a hospice patient without a license.  Police began investigating after the patient died last year and the medical examiner determined the cause of death was the toxic effects of morphine.  Fifty-six-year-old Josephina Okeke admitted giving the woman doses and is charged with unlawful practice of medicine.    The criminal complaint says the doctor ordered the victim to receive one dose of morphine every three hours,  but Okeke gave her a dose once every hour for five hours.   She told investigators that she was being forced to administer medications and knew she wasn't supposed to.

The La Crosse Diocese is lifting its mask mandates.    The Diocese released new guidelines that were announced yesterday and include the lifting of the mask requirement to attend mass and each parish will individually decide social distancing requirements on a weekly basis.  The diocese is encouraging those parishioners who are not vaccinated to continue to wear a mask.   The sign of peace will still be omitted from the mass and only bread will be given during communion.

Republicans have ended a pandemic-era change in the state's unemployment rules and will force people to do job searches again.  The legislature's Joint Committee for Review of Administrative Rules voted 6 to 4 on Wednesday to end the waiver of those work search requirements. Chairman Steve Nass says people need to get back into the workforce and this will get them there faster by denying them unemployment if they don't make an effort. DWD Secretary-designee Amy Pechacek (pe-HA-check) says people have still been looking for jobs even without the requirements, but Republicans dismissed those comments. Democrats say the move will only hurt people who have been caring for their families while waiting for jobs to reopen.

When the House of Representatives voted to create a bipartisan commission to investigate the January 6th attack on the U-S Capitol, 35 Republicans broke ranks and supported the idea -- none from Wisconsin.  Wednesday’s vote was 252-to-175 and all five Republican members of the Wisconsin congressional delegation voting against the creation of the panel.  It would be modeled after the commission that investigated the September 11th, 2001, terrorist attacks.  The 10 members would include five Democrats and five Republicans.  The measure moves next to the U-S Senate.

 The fence surrounding the Minnesota State Capitol is scheduled to come down on June 1st.  The State Department of Administration says it will take several days to be taken down but should be gone by the time lawmakers return for a special session.  The fence has cost around 200-thousand dollars since the first barriers went up in late May of 2020 during the riots that followed the death of George Floyd.  It remains unclear when the Capitol building itself will be opened to the public.

Governor Evers is calling a special session of the Legislature to address health care and economic recovery.   The special session will be held this upcoming Tuesday. Lawmakers are being asked to consider expanding BadgerCare and address Wisconsin's economic recovery from the coronavirus. The Democratic governor wants the Republican-controlled Legislature to invest millions of dollars in building projects and other areas, including various aspects of the healthcare system. Republican leaders have gaveled out Evers’ past special sessions within minutes of starting.

A Missouri man charged in the murders of two Wisconsin brothers has now been charged in federal court, with mail fraud.  Charges against 27-year-old Garland Joseph Nelson come from the scheme which led to the fatal shooting of Wisconsin brothers Nicholas and Justin Diemel.  Nelson is scheduled to go on trial next year in state court for the killings.  Investigators say he agreed to feed and pasture the Diemel cattle, sell them, then send the profit to Diemel’s Livestock in Shawano County.  Although he did pay the brothers some money, he apparently sold, traded, or killed many of the Wisconsin cattle without paying up.  The Diemels were at the farm in Braymer, Missouri in July 2019 to collect 215-thousand dollars when they were killed.

Around 12-thousand pigs are dead after a weekend fire on a farm near Waseca, MN.  Crews called to Woodville Pork Sunday night found one building completely engulfed in flames. Nine area fire departments battled the flames overnight.  An estimated three thousand sows and nine thousand piglets perished and two buildings were destroyed. Around three thousand pigs in another building survived.  No humans were injured. The Minnesota State Fire Marshal's Office is trying to determine the cause.

 A lawsuit filed in both Milwaukee and Racine County Circuit Courts is said to be the first-of-its-kind in Wisconsin.  Eleven municipalities are suing 20 pharmaceutical manufacturing and distribution companies for their role in the opioid epidemic.  Their attorney says the cities and villages have spent a lot of money dealing with the opioid abuse problem and they are demanding reimbursement for their expenses.  They say the case will move through local courts more quickly than it would at the federal level.  Milwaukee County had a record 545 overdose deaths last year alone.

Target Corporation is reporting a strong first quarter as the COVID pandemic started to slow down.  The Minnesota-based retailer said same-store sales increased 18 percent and online sales rose 50 percent.  Clothing sales were up more than 60 percent and sales of home goods were up 35 percent.  Total sales rose 23-point-three percent to 23-point-88-billion dollars.  Analysts were projecting sales of 21-point-seven billion.  Target has had strong sales throughout the pandemic.

A driver stopped and ticketed for going 82 miles an hour on Interstate 94 in southeastern Wisconsin denies that he was asleep.  A deputy with the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office says the Illinois man was asleep behind the wheel and his Tesla was on autopilot at 8:00 a-m Sunday.  Deputy David Gomez says the driver woke up when he pulled him over.  Thirty-eight-year-old Mitul Patel of Palatine, Illinois initially denied falling asleep, but he admitted he was tired.  He was headed to his job as a FedEx driver in Cudahy.  More than one caller to 9-1-1 had reported Patel was asleep while his car was in motion.  Patel was cited for inattentive driving and released.  The Tesla was towed because deputies say it was unsafe for him to continue driving at the time.

Local-Regional News May 19

 The Buffalo and Pepin County Human Services Boards have agreed to open senior meal sites starting June 1st.  In addition to opening the congregate meal sites, all meal sites will begin offering salads as an alternative to the hot meal.  Those participating in the meal programs are still asked to RSVP your meals to the meal site, and that includes if you want the salad option.  Carryout meals will continue to be an option for those who wish to use them.  If you have questions, contact the Pepin County Human Services Department at 715-672-8941 ext 163.

A missing Saukville teenager is safe after a statewide alert on Monday.  Police in Menomonie say they found 13-year-old Samantha Stephenson Monday night. She went missing with her 19-year-old boyfriend, and family and police were concerned she was in danger. Police aren't saying how they found Stephenson or what she was doing, only that she's safe. There's no word about her boyfriend.

Authorities in Wabasha County are investigating the apparent drowning of an 89-year-old boater in a pool of the Mississippi River.  Deputies responded to a report of an unoccupied fishing boat doing circles Monday night off the main channel in the Weaver Bottoms.  Officials say the Winona County Dive and Rescue Team and Minnesota D-N-R helped find a man's body in the water near the boat.  The victim's name hasn't been released.

The Durand-Arkansaw School Board is meeting tonight.  Items on the agenda include discussion and possible action on the district summer school program and update on the 2021-2022 Budget, and Remote Learning plan, and the council will go into closed session to discuss personnel issues.  Tonight's meeting begins at 6pm at Durand High School.

The Pepin County Board is meeting tonight.  Items on the agenda include the appointment of a county board supervisor for District 5 which includes the City of Durand, Ward 2,  annual reports from the Sheriff's Department and County Judge's office, and discussion and review of the policies surrounding Covid-19 and the Pepin County Government Facility.  Tonight's meeting begins at 7pm in the board room at the Pepin County Government Center.

The Eau Claire City Council and Eau Claire County board have both repealed the local mask ordinances.  In both instances, there were no members of the public that spoke in favor of keeping the ordinances in place.  The County Administrator's office says unvaccinated individuals are still expected to continue to wear a mask and physically distance according to CDC guidelines.  

An Eau Claire Salvage Yard has come up with a unique way to help lower thefts of catalytic converters.  Victory Automotive will partner with the Eau Claire Police Department and hold a free drive-through event Saturday from 10-2 where people can have their catalytic converters painted bright orange.  The paint will tell salvage yards that the converter has been stolen.  According to authorities, there have been 42 thefts of catalytic converters so far this year in Eau Clarie.  That event will be held at the Hamilton Avenue location of Victory Automotive.

Governor Tony Evers says 100-million dollars in federal COVID relief funding will be used to expand broadband across Wisconsin.  The Public Service Commission will be awarding grants for expanding high-speed internet in two weeks.  Evers issued a statement saying, "I declared 2021 the Year of Broadband Access because everyone in this state should have access to reliable internet service."  The governor is also urging the legislature to pass his Badger Bounceback agenda which includes another 200 million dollars for broadband access and provide financial assistance to low-income homes struggling to pay internet bills.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is using 75-million dollars in federal COVID relief funding for summer learning programs.   The money will provide academic enrichment and health support in school districts and charter schools in Minnesota.   The governor said the state is encouraging districts to "see education different" and to help students recover from the challenges of the COVID pandemic. G-O-P Senate Education Committee Chairman Roger Chamberlain of Lino Lakes says there was always plenty of federal money to meet the state's summer school needs, and the governor saying the state needed to fund it was an "unnecessary threat."

A Wisconsin congresswoman wants help for hungry kids in America to be permanent.  The bill would provide breakfast, lunch, a snack, and dinner free to all children, regardless of income. Congresswoman Gwen Moore of Milwaukee says expanding the school-based free meal program would accomplish three goals. Ensure kids get fed, reduce paperwork and bureaucracy, and end any stigma from qualifying for government help. The Congressional Budget Office has not written a formal cost estimate, but the existing school lunch program costs about 14-billion dollars a year, according to the U-S Agriculture Department

A federal judge will sentence a Tomah man to federal prison after he was found guilty of nine counts of child pornography.  Shannon Donoho was accused of using hidden cameras to record young girls while they were in the restroom.  Prosecutors told the court he hid the cameras in the home of a family friend in 2016 and recorded a nine-year-old girl taking a shower.  Two years later he hid another camera where he lived and recorded another victim using the restroom.  The 44-year-old Donoho will be sentenced on July 28th.

A new study finds the University of Wisconsin stopped a major COVID-19 outbreak before it started.   The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention studied samples collected from students in and around two residence halls. They found that efforts to contain students in quarantine likely prevented more spread into Madison and Dane County. Last year, local leaders called on the university to send students home. The C-D-C says testing and quarantines could prevent outbreaks at college move-ins in the future.

 Members of the Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee will consider buying body cameras for Capitol police officers.  A survey of Wisconsin law enforcement agencies finds 63-percent use body cameras.  Governor Tony Evers’ two-year budget called for spending 100-thousand dollars to buy 35-to-50 cameras.  Costs of storing the video footage would vary.  The expenditure is on the agenda for a meeting to be held Thursday.

A Wisconsin Department of Justice administrator says she is paid less and treated poorly just because she is a Black woman.  Tina Virgil filed a complaint with the U-S Equal Employment Opportunity Commission last month.  The Division of Law Enforcement Services administrator says she is the second-lowest paid person at that level in the state agency and her salary is less than her white predecessor was.  Virgil says she’s also had to deal with a hostile work environment.  The department says her salary is the sixth-highest out of 10 at her level and the evidence doesn’t support the claims.

Police and F-B-I agents arrested an airline passenger Sunday after he had disrupted a flight from New York to San Francisco.  The JetBlue plane was diverted to the Twin Cities when the man refused to wear a mask, yelled racial slurs to passengers of color, made inappropriate comments to female passengers, and touched at least one woman.  Witnesses reported seeing the passenger holding a bag of a white substance and snorting something.  The 42-year-old man from Mechanicville, New York was taken into custody for drug possession.

The Department of Natural Resources reports there have been 12 deadly A-T-V, U-T-V accidents in Wisconsin so far this year.  That’s double the number recorded last year at this time.  D-N-R Recreation Warden Jake Holsclaw thinks one of the factors is more people are outside riding, but alcohol is the top issue.  He says “alcohol, speed, and inexperience … can have some bad consequences.”  A majority of the people who suffered fatal injuries weren’t wearing helmets or seatbelts.  Many of the riders were on roadways instead of trails.  Holsclaw says the machines don’t handle as well on roads.

A man accused of burglarizing a Milwaukee bakery was caught after the business put his mugshot on cookies.  Owners of Canfora-Lakeside Bakery printed pictures of the burglar - taken from video footage of him removing the cash drawer from the register - on sugar cookies. Apparently, it worked, because tipsters led investigators to a 45-year-old man who cops arrested earlier this month. He's charged with the April 19th burglary, as well as bail jumping.

Local-Regional News May 18

As a result of a nearly three-month-long distribution of methamphetamine investigation, which included the serving of five search warrants throughout Dunn County, 58yr old Richard Lee Skramstad, was arrested on drug charges.  Authorities found nearly 270 grams of methamphetamine, 3.6 grams of cocaine, and 1.5 grams of psilocybin mushrooms along with a firearm.    Skramstad is facing charges including maintaining a Drug Trafficking Place, manufacture and delivery of cocaine and methamphetamine.  He is being held on a $20,000 cash bond at the Dunn County Jail.

One person was injured in a two-vehicle accident in the Town of Caledonia on Monday morning.  According to the Trempealeau County Sheriff's Department, 22yr old Lauren Jaskowski of Eleva was traveling northbound on Hwy 35 and rear-ended a northbound vehicle driven by 22yr old Shyanne Herman of Trempealeau.  Herman was taken to the hospital with undetermined injuries.  Jaskowski was cited for inattentive driving.

The Durand Lion's Club Matching Fund Challenge for the Durand Area Food Pantry was a success.  The Lions Club matched the maximum amount of the challenge--$1000.  The money will be used to assist the Durand Area Food Pantry in the purchasing of food for those in need in our area.  The Food Pantry wants to thank the Durand Lions and everyone who donated to the April Challenge.

Advocates for non-partisan redistricting rallied at the Capitol on Monday. State Senator Jeff Smith, an Eau Claire Democrat, says the current partisan process gives politicians way too much power over the process.  Republicans who ran the process ten years have little incentive to support non-partisan reform. Redistricting occurs every ten years following the census, and Republicans who hold majorities in the legislature will once again draw the maps.

Following the recent recommendations from the CDC and announcement by Minnesota Governor Walz outlining the scaling back of Covid-19 restrictions in Minnesota, the National Eagle Center will ll no longer require masks or pre-registration by visitors beginning May 28 - the Friday of Memorial Day Weekend. It is also expanding its schedule to a six-day week.  National Eagle Center Marketing Manager Ed Hahn says the center is excited to be returning to business a usual and the staff is looking forward to getting back to a sense of normalcy especially during the busy summer tourist season.  The Center will be open to visitors weekly Tuesday through Sunday. Hours will be 10am to 4pm daily, and 10am to 5pm on Saturday. The Center will be closed on Mondays.  The Center respects the choice of guests to wear masks if they choose for their own health and wellness.

City officials in Albert Lea say 40-thousand gallons of hydrochloric acid spilled in a weekend train derailment.  Twenty-eight cars from a Union Pacific train went off the track Saturday afternoon near Goose Lake.  Investigators said three filled tanker cars were breached and one was completely emptied while the other two were half gone.  The remaining hydrochloric acid has been transferred to a storage tanker.  The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is working to mitigate the spill and contaminated soil and wetlands.

Healthcare providers and public health officers in Western Wisconsin are urging those not vaccinated for covid 19 to get the shot.  The groups issued a joint statement yesterday on the safety of the vaccine and how it can help protect yourself and your family.  Heidi Stewart from the Pepin County Health Department says if you have concerns you should talk to a medical provider you trust.  The current target of  80% of the population vaccinated is in question as many counties in Western Wisconsin have not vaccinated at least 50% of their total population.  The vaccine is now available for anyone 12yrs of age and older.

The Wisconsin Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee will meet Thursday to discuss expanding grant programs to help the homeless.  More than 12-million dollars would be added to the Department of Administration’s Shelter for Homeless and Housing Grants program in the two-year state budget.  About 10-million would pay for housing and services for the homeless – distributed by local governments and organizations.  It’s estimated the additional money would be enough to help another 16-thousand-500 people in Wisconsin.

Members of the Wisconsin Assembly are going to hear four plans for police reform Tuesday.  The suggestions will be coming from the Speaker’s Task Force and they include changes to use-of-force policies and a ban on chokeholds.  Governor Tony Evers hasn’t given his response to the suggestions.  To this point it’s not clear how many proposals will make it through the Assembly – or, how many will become law.

 A Republican budget leader is asking Wisconsin’s governor to support limits on broadband grants to communities where there is a real need. State Senator Howard Marklein would like to focus on places that are ready to start work immediately – at first. Marklein says he wants to refocus Wisconsin’s internet expansion efforts. He’s also asking Governor Tony Evers to share his plans for the state’s two-and-a-half-billion dollars in federal COVID-19 relief fund money. Evers has discussed using some of it for internet projects. Marklein says he wants to know the governor’s plans for the stimulus funding so Wisconsin doesn’t double-up – or leave someone out.

Wood County officials are saying they need to spend 56-million dollars on a new jail to save money. Twenty years ago a new jail would have cost 20-million – now, the price tag has almost tripled. Sheriff Sean Becker points out that lack of space is forcing Wood County to spend one-point-three-million dollars a year to keep 90 of its inmates in other jails. A new corrections facility would be one of the biggest investments the county has made in years. The project would add 87 beds bringing the jail’s capacity to two hundred twenty-five. A public meeting on the issue will be held on May 26th at Wisconsin Rapids Area Middle School. If approved, work could start next year.

About a billion dollars in tax relief, including businesses who got loans under the Paycheck Protection Program, plus federal unemployment benefits. Those are two major features of a Minnesota state budget deal announced today A special session is still needed to finalize the budget, likely coming on June 14th. As a part of the deal, the Governor will decide how to spend 500-million dollars of federal COVID aid, with the remaining two-plus billion used with input from the legislature.

Wisconsin Republicans are joining a multi-state lawsuit over the use of federal COVID-19 relief funds.  A group of attorneys general filed the lawsuit in March.  It asks a federal court to rule the money can be used to pay for tax cuts.  Republican legislative leaders passed a resolution last month directing Democratic Attorney General Josh Kaul to join that suit, but he refused.  A legislative committee voted last week to join the lawsuit and divide the legal costs between the Assembly and Senate.

Nearly 40 percent of Wisconsin is fully vaccinated against COVID-19.  The Department of Health Services says about 39-percent of eligible people in Wisconsin are fully vaccinated as of Sunday. About 45-percent have had at least one dose. While the number of people getting their second dose is going up, the number of people getting the first dose is falling; about 150-thousand doses last week, about 40-thousand fewer than the week before.  

Local-Regional News May 17

 The closure of the bridge on Hwy 85 in Rock Falls begins today.  Crews are removing the dam and replacing the bridge over Rock Creek and Hwy 85 will be closed through the summer.  The marked detour route is to take Hwy 10 to Hwy 37 then to Eau Claire.   Pepin County Sheriff Joel Wener reminds those using Hwy 85, the speed limit is still 55.  The Pepin and Dunn County Sheriffs Departments still plan on patrolling Hwy 85 to ensure all traffic rules continue to be followed.

The City of Durand is reviewing the rules on how the city will be allowed to spend the money received from the federal government as part of the covid-19 aid package.  Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren says the city can use the money to recoup lost revenue and infrastructure.  The city will also explore other ways it can use the money.  As part of the American Rescue Plan, Durand received approximately $178,000 and has until 2024 to use that money.

The Buffalo County Health Department has announced that 80% of Buffalo County Residents aged 65 and older have received at least their first dose of the Covid-19 Vaccine.    The department says that is an important milestone to help protect the highest risk category of individuals.  The department continues to vaccinate residents and if you would like to be vaccinated, call the Buffalo County Health Department.

The City of Elmwood has begun its street projects for the summer.  On Friday work began on Wilson Avenue and will continue through the summer.  Elmwood residents are advised to drive with extra caution in or near the construction zone with all of the heavy equipment and construction equipment traffic.  

The Wabasha County Board is meeting tomorrow.  Items on the agenda included accepting a quote to purchase a replacement truck for the highway department, approve authorization of two federal grants for boating safety patrol and boating safety equipment from the MN DNR.  The board will also go into a closed session to discuss pending litigation with the county attorney.  Tomorrow's meeting begins at 9am at Wabasha County Courthouse.

A Dresser woman has been arrested by the Wisconsin State Patrol for OWI.  According to the State Patrol, troopers received a call from a father, requesting a welfare check on her 12yr old daughter who was in a vehicle with her friend and her friend's family on their way to WI Dells.  The daughter didn't want to be in the car any longer as the parents were smoking drugs while driving eastbound on I-94.  The daughter was texting her father from the backseat, relaying the mileposts as the vehicle passed them.  Tropper was able to pull the vehicle over near Hixton, and after an investigation arrested 31yr old Michelle Thibodeau and charged her with operating a motor vehicle under the influence, 2nd offense, with 5 children in the vehicle under the age of 16.  

The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin says about a half-million residents will benefit from an F-C-C initiative backing internet service.  The Emergency Broadband Benefit could mean 50-dollars-a-month to people living in the state’s rural areas.  The pandemic amplified broadband issues in underserved areas of Wisconsin.  A commission spokesperson says it gets a lot of calls from people who are struggling to pay their internet bill – or who have run out of data for the month.  People in tribal areas are actually eligible for up to 75-dollars off their bill.  The program is called a step in the right direction, but just a temporary fix to an existing problem.  Funding will stop six months after federal health officials declare the end of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court is rejecting a request to take up a redistricting case before it's filed.  The Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty had asked the court to change its rules to make it the original court for any disputes over how legislative districts would be redrawn once census information comes in later this year.  The state's high court held hearings and public discussion and ultimately decided that it would deny the request.  The court pointed out that once a case is filed, they might consider it, but not before one even makes it into the justice system.

Cleanup continued Sunday after 28 train cars derailed in a wreck in Albert Lea Saturday. Union Pacific says 14 cars carrying mixed commodities had already been removed and heavy machinery was used to work and clear the other cars. It was discovered two cars were leaking hydrochloric acid, but officials say there was no risk to the public. The cause of the wreck near Goose Lake is still under investigation.

--

Supporters are praising the Minnesota House passage of a bill that would legalize the use of recreational cannabis for adults.  The measure was approved late Thursday night on a 72-61 vote after five hours of debate.  G-O-P Representative Nolan West of Blaine says Republicans loved to talk about border security and states that have legalized marijuana have seen border seizures go way because American businesses are profiting instead of drug cartels.  The legislation would expunge the criminal records of non-violent marijuana offenders.  House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler says two-thirds of Minnesotans support cannabis legislation.  But Senate G-O-P Majority Leader Paul Gazelka said the bill is "not going to happen" in the Senate.

Wisconsin could be in line for another large drop in coronavirus vaccine doses.  The Department of Health Services reported about 69-thousand doses have been administered this week as of Thursday. That number will increase as the statewide count comes in over the next few days, but it's clear demand for the coronavirus vaccine is lower. Wisconsin vaccinations peaked in early April, and have fallen since. 

Teenagers in Wisconsin may only have to worry about the written drivers’ test in the future. The Division of Motor Vehicles says it wants to permanently do away with the driving test. The Department of Transportation waived driving tests last year because of the coronavirus pandemic, and now wants to end them for good. Instead, parents would have to sign a waiver that states their teens have had enough time behind the wheel. The D-M-V says about 85-percent of 16- and 17-year-olds typically pass their driving test on the first try. 

Some Minnesota health officials have concerns about Governor Walz ending the statewide mask mandate Friday.  Minnesota Health Commissioner Jan Malcom says she has "really mixed feelings" about lifting the order.  Malcom said, ""My ambivalence about this or my concern about this is that there are still an awful lot of people in Minnesota who are not vaccinated. We're making great progress -- we're at 61 percent... of the 16-plus population -- but 61 percent is not nearly enough to keep this virus suppressed."  Malcolm worries that eliminating the mask mandate gets rid of the sense of urgency, and makes it easier for people to say the pandemic is over and not be vaccinated.

G-O-P members of Wisconsin's congressional delegation are calling on Governor Tony Evers to end federal unemployment benefits.   Laid-off workers currently receive a 300-dollar weekly payment through Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program.  Congressman Bryan Steil said, "we need to get workers back to work by ending inefficient and wasteful incentives. I call on Governor Evers to immediately take action and help Wisconsin workers get back to work."  Sixteen Republican governors are ending federal unemployment benefits for out-of-work residents in their states.

Target will stop selling trading, after a violent dispute outside one of its Milwaukee-area locations.   A spokesman said in a statement that Target will stop selling MLB, NFL, NBA, and Pokémon cards in stores "out of an abundance of caution," although they'll still be available online. The company declined further comment. According to a report on May 7 in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, a disagreement over trading cards led to a fight in the parking lot of a Brookfield Target. The 35-year-old victim had a concealed carry permit and brandished his handgun. Four men were later arrested on battery and other charges.

 The Department of Natural Resources is looking at new regulations that would prohibit hunting wolves at night.  After wolves were removed from the endangered species list in January, a Wisconsin hunt was held the next month after a judge’s order.  When state-licensed hunters killed more than double the quota, the D-N-R decided to rework wolf hunting rules.  A vote will be taken May 26th.  Among the new regulations could be tighter deadlines for registering kills.

Local-Regional News May 14

 Due to a lack of WSI Certified Lifeguards, the city of Durand will have fewer swimming lessons this summer.  The City is conducting a poll of parents on what levels of lessons the city should offer.  Durand Mayor Patrick Miliren says the city will take the results of the poll to determine what swimming lessons will be offered.  There is a link to the poll on the city's Facebook page and the city will view the results on May 21st.

One person was injured in a one-vehicle accident Monday in Spring Lake Township.  According to the Pierce County Sheriffs Department, 61yr old Douglas Anderson of River Falls was traveling on Hwy B when his dump truck left the roadway, struck an embankment, and overturned.  Anderson was transported to River Falls Area Hospital with undetermined injuries.

Kids ages 12 to 15 are now welcome to walk into the Dunn County Health Department's vaccine clinic at UW- Stout to get the Pfizer vaccine.   Children will need a parent or guardian for consent.   The clinic runs from 1p.m. until 6p.m. in the multipurpose room at the university's sports and fitness center on 13th avenue. Parking will be available in lots 4 and 29.  Pepin County Health Department will also begin to offer the Pfizer vaccine to children 12-15 next week.

High-speed internet via SpaceX Starlink low orbit satellite technology is coming to some rural homes and businesses in southeastern Eau Claire County. Participants will be asked to fill out a weekly survey to gauge service and reliability over the year-long period covered by the grant. SpaceX plans to launch additional satellites, which Hayden says should improve service.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is warning residents about the dangers of persistent drought conditions in most of the state.  A half-dozen wildfires were reported Thursday in northern and central parts of Wisconsin.  Dry conditions are also reported in western Wisconsin.  People are being asked to avoid burning and burn permits have been suspended in many counties.  Most of Pepin and Buffalo Counties are listed as in "moderate drought ” conditions according to a map released by Drought Monitor Thursday.

The statewide mask mandate is ending today in Minnesota.  Governor Tim Walz says he'll sign an executive order this morning allowing fully vaccinated Minnesotans to go without face coverings in most indoor settings.  The move comes after the C-D-C released updated guidance on masks.    Walz said, "once you are fully vaccinated you are protected. You can confidently return to the people you love and things that you miss – all without a mask."  The governor says this is possible because vaccines have proven to be effective.   People who have not received the COVID vaccine are strongly encouraged to continuing wearing masks indoors.  Minnesota businesses and local governments can put their own rules in place.  Masks will still be required in schools, hospitals and prisons, and on public transit and airplanes.

Attempted homicide charges have been filed against a 36-year-old Jackson County man accused of shooting at his wife.  Prosecutors say a woman called 9-1-1 last week saying her husband shot at her and she managed to leave, but a young child was still in the home in the Town of Manchester.  When Jackson County Sheriff’s deputies arrived they were met by Johnathan Heller.  He was carrying the child and announcing he was unarmed.  He handed the toddler off to the deputies and put his hands behind his back.  When deputies met the victim at a nearby gas station, they saw holes in the vehicle she was driving.  In addition to attempted homicide, Heller is also charged with recklessly endangering safety, disorderly conduct, and other counts.

A 10-million-dollar emergency fund for Wisconsin veterans' homes will be part of the two-year state budget the Legislature votes on this summer.  Those homes could use the fund for emergencies like a pandemic or a natural disaster.  The Republican-backed plan received unanimous approval Thursday.  It has to be signed into law by Governor Tony Evers before it goes into effect.  The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs will control the fund.  It is in charge of three veterans' homes where about one thousand veterans live.

A veteran Minnesota  Department of Corrections sergeant has lost his job after being videotaped during a clash with protesters last month.  Sergeant Paul Gorder was placed on leave after the video circulated on social media showing him and his wife shouting at protesters outside the home of Washington County Attorney Pete Orput.  The protesters showed up after Orput was appointed as special prosecutor for the case against former Brooklyn Center police officer Kim Potter.  Gorder lives near Orput and he and his wife were heard shouting obscenities at the activists.  At one point, Gorder’s wife used a racial slur.  She has apparently lost her job, too.

Wisconsin’s governor says a smaller stimulus payment will have an impact on the expansion of broadband service to rural areas.  Governor Tony Evers says the reduction “hurts” and could impact what can be done in various areas.  The state still plans to spend 620-million dollars on small business recovery, children’s mental health services, and tourism grants.  The state was expecting to receive three-point-two-billion dollars from the federal government but was notified earlier this week it will get two-and-a-half billion instead.  Many rural areas of the Badger State still lack high-speed internet service.

Voters with disabilities are telling lawmakers they should reconsider changing Wisconsin election laws.   They say two bills passed Tuesday in the state Senate put people with disabilities at a disadvantage. The first bill would prohibit any non-family members or legal guardians from returning a completed absentee ballot for another person. The second bill would stop election officials from filling out missing voter information or making corrections to absentee ballot certificates. Both bills still have to make it through the Assembly and be signed by Governor Evers before becoming law. Evers is expected to veto them.

Tribal leaders are telling Wisconsin lawmakers that Native Americans are struggling with increased drug abuse during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Lac du Flambeau President John Johnson Senior says drugs have claimed those who are most vulnerable.  Johnson says more illegal drugs are being brought into the Northwoods area of Wisconsin.  Johnson gave the annual State of the Tribes address to Assembly members Tuesday afternoon.

Key players are admitting the Minnesota Legislature probably will not finish its work by next Monday's midnight deadline.  Governor Tim Walz said, "I think as a minimum, certainly by Monday we should have a clear understanding of where our principles are around the budget."  Senate Republican Majority Leader Paul Gazelka says "It's the policy issues that could make it go longer."  The D-F-L is calling for significant police reform while the G-O-P is demanding Walz relinquish his COVID emergency powers.  House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler says they also have to determine how to use billions of dollars in federal COVID aid.

Corn planting across Minnesota is barely off last year’s pace and well ahead of normal.  The latest U-S-D-A crop report shows 85 percent of the state’s corn acres are planted.  That compares to 87 percent a year ago, and the five-year average of 53 percent.  For soybeans, planting advanced to 65 percent, five days faster than last year and nearly two weeks faster than average.  Spring wheat is 97 percent planted, while oats and barley are at 89 percent.  Sugar beet planting is essentially complete, and 74 percent of Minnesota’s potato crop is in.

This year's batch of peregrine falcon chicks have been hatching at power plants across Wisconsin, and the people have named one of those chicks after Dr. Anthony Fauci. WE Energies spokesperson Allison Trouy says this year's naming theme was to honor those who helped us through the COVID-19 pandemic.   Trouy says 13 chicks will be hatching this year if all goes well. That brings the total number of falcon chicks hatched to 423 since the mid-90s. 

Local-Regional News May 13

 Durand Fire responded to a gas line leak on 3rd avenue east last night.  Construction crews on the 3rd Ave East project accidentally cut the gas line causing the leak.   The gas was turned off and the line repaired.  No one was injured in that incident.

The City of Durand will be donating to the Pepin County K-9 Program.  Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren says council members decided to do an ongoing donation to help with the yearly expenses of the police dog.  After the 6yrs the city will re-evaluate the donation.  The Pepin County Sheriffs Department has raised enough money to get the program started and will have a handler and dog begin training this summer with both starting duty in the fall.

The Pepin County Health Department will begin giving covid-19 vaccinations for children aged 12-15.  Pepin County Health officer Heidi Stewart says the county is receiving a special allotment of the Phizer Vaccine.  Parents of children 12-15 yrs old should be receiving permission slips next week from the health department that would allow the department to administer the vaccine.

Public works employees in the city of Mondovi have a new union.  During this week's Mondovi City Council meeting, members were told that the employees had approved having Teamsters Union 662 represent them.  The Council approved recognizing the change and Mayor Weiss told members he planned to meet with the Union Steward for the employees to discuss any possible issues.

Voters in southeastern Minnesota are saying "no" to a 41-and-half-million-dollar referendum for Byron Public Schools.  The measure for new facilities and a high school auditorium failed by 60 votes on Tuesday night.  Byron Superintendent Joey Page says the district will continue to engage families, students, and staff about the best solutions for the future.  A 37-point-five-million-dollar referendum failed by 11 votes last night in Becker.  The district was hoping to upgrade school security, add more space at the middle school and create a new transportation facility.

The Trempealeau Count Law Enforcement and Emergency Management Committee have approved a proposal to declare Trempealeau County a second amendment sanctuary county.  During a heated discussion with members of the public, those favoring the amendment said they didn't want to change any laws but protect a right that already exists, while those opposed felt that the proposal if passed would hinder any gun reform efforts.  The proposal passed 4-1 and now moves onto the county board for a special board meeting in June.

 Eau Claire police are searching for a cockatiel thief.  Lily lived at Tropic Waters Pet Center and belongs to the owner.  The exotic bird isn’t for sale. Jim Reiman says he raised Lily from the time she was only a few weeks old.  Reiman describes her as a tame and trusting bird who would be easy to steal.  He says he’s worried about the cockatiel because Lily has nutritional and social interaction needs.  A 200-dollar reward has been posted for information leading to her safe recovery.

A Democratic state senator is criticizing the G-O-P majority for voting against forgiving state taxes on federal unemployment benefits.  Senator Chris Carpenter of Milwaukee says Senate Republicans "turned their backs on the Wisconsinites who had lost work through no fault of their own by refusing to provide a temporary tax break on 10-thousand-200 dollars of unemployment benefits received in 2020 and 2021."  Carpenter notes that the G-O-P wasted very little time in providing a tax break to the businesses who relied upon loans and grants from the federal government to weather the economic effects of COVID.

Legislative Republicans are calling on Governor Tony Evers to send aid and support to help secure the Mexico border.  A resolution was approved Tuesday.  It comes after Assembly Majority Leader Jim Steineke and President Pro Tem Tyler August visited the border in south Texas.  The two Republicans say the situation there is a national crisis that demands Wisconsin take some kind of action – even though it is 13-hundred miles away.  The resolution is non-binding, so the Democratic governor isn’t required to take any action in response.

A Canadian company has bought two central Wisconsin paper mills for an estimated two-point-eight-billion dollars.  Paper Excellence calls itself “a global leader in sustainable pulp and paper.”  A total of 740 people work at Domtar paper mills in Rothschild and Nekoosa.  Officials say Domtar will retain its name, no jobs will be lost, and the current management team will remain in place.  The deal is expected to be finalized in the next four to eight months.  Company officials say there is no downside to the multi-billion-dollar sale.

The T-P-C Twin Cities will welcome fans back to the P-G-A Tour's 3-M Open in Blaine this summer.  There were no spectators on the golf course last year due to the pandemic.  Tournament director Mike Welch said they expect a strong field and a robust schedule of events during the week that fans will get the chance to enjoy.  No word yet on how many fans will be allowed at Minnesota's P-G-A tournament July 19th through 25th. A limited number of tickets for the 3-M Open go on sale next Wednesday.

The Pierce County Fair is having a window repurposing contest to recognize the Round Barn that was built on the fairgrounds 101 yrs ago.  Contestants will be able to purchase one of the old windows from the barn for $25 and find a creative way to repurpose the window.  The windows will then be on display during this year's fair and a people's choice winner will receive a cash prize.  For more information call the fair at 715-273-6874.  This year's Pierce County Fair is August 12-15 in Ellsworth.

The Wisconsin Assembly has approved a resolution calling for a constitutional convention.  The convention would be held to impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, limit its powers, and impose term limits.  Republicans backed and voted for the resolution Tuesday, while Democrats are opposed.  The Wisconsin Legislature approved a more limited resolution four years ago.  That time they were calling for a convention for a balanced budget amendment.  Opponents of the idea say a constitutional convention could go out of control.

A pair of bills from state Representative John Maaco may help provide protections for elderly Wisconsinites who are vulnerable to financial exploitation.   The DePere Republican says his own  mother-in-law, and mother have been "hoodwinked out of tens and tens of thousands of dollars." The bills passed the Assembly Tuesday.

There are some new numbers to back up claims from employers who say they can’t fill their open jobs.   The National Federation of Independent Businesses in Wisconsin says 44-percent of small business owners can’t find people to work. The federation says 92-percent of small business owners say they can’t find qualified people to work. Business groups in Wisconsin and across the country are urging states to roll back enhanced unemployment benefits.

The U-S-D-A is giving federal approval to Minnesota's revised hemp production plan for 2021.   Assistant Agriculture Commissioner Whitney Place says this is a major step forward and the state is pleased that modifications have been made to ensure Minnesota's hemp growers and processors are successful in this fledgling industry.  The changes require a hemp crop to be tested for T-H-C levels less than point-three percent no more than 30 days before harvest, and remediation is allowed if hemp plants exceed point-three percent but are under one percent total.    More than 450 growers have applied for hemp licenses this year.

Wisconsin police departments would have to post their use-of-force policies online under a series of bills passed in the state Senate.  Senators approved the first police reform bills since George Floyd was killed in Minneapolis last year.  Activists have been pushing for change ever since.  The five bills passed Tuesday would require the Wisconsin Department of Justice to collect data on use-of-force incidents and produce an annual report.  It would also require police to share personnel files during the hiring process and have police oversight commissions in Milwaukee and Madison include union representatives.  The package of bills now goes to the Assembly.  Republican Senator Van Wanggaard and Democrat Lena Taylor say more legislation on the topic is coming.

A rainy April wasn’t enough to keep Lake Superior levels from falling.  Although the two-point-six inches of rain in April was above average, precipitation over the last 12 months was actually five inches below average.  A chart from the U-S Army Corps of Engineers shows Lake Superior will remain at above-average levels for the next six months – despite the deficit in rainfall.  The big lake is four inches lower than last year at this time, but almost eight inches above its long-term average.  The other Great Lakes all got below-average precipitation, but their levels remain above the long-term norm.

 After facing cancellation originally this year, the popular Back to the '50s event will be held next month at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. The 47th annual event which features classic cars and more nostalgia is scheduled for Father's Day weekend on June 18th to 20th. The only restriction announced was that masks will still be required on the fairgrounds.