Local, Regional News Nov 30

 A joint meeting between the Pepin and Buffalo County Extension Committees was held last night to discuss options surrounding the Pepin County 4-H and Youth Educator Position.  Due to changes in extension, Pepin County could have a part-time 4-H program educator or a Community Youth Educator but not both.  A proposal was discussed to have a 3/4 time 4-H Educator and full-time Youth Educator that would serve both Buffalo and Pepin Counties.    Area 9 Extension Director Pat Malone says regardless of what the counties decide, 4-H will continue in Pepin County. The committee decided to table the proposal until January so details of how a merger would work are developed.

A jury says a Dunn County killer was sane at the time of his crime. The jury yesterday said there's no evidence that Ryan Steinhoff wasn't in his right mind when he killed Bruce McGuigan back in 2020. Steinhoff is looking at prison time now, and not a stint in a mental hospital. He will be formally sentenced in February.

The City of Menomonie and Menomonie Police are asking for the public's help in identifying the person or persons responsible for vandalizing the Wolske Bay Park holiday light display.    Police say the park was vandalized over the Thanksgiving weekend.   The park experienced similar vandalism in 2021 when the original display was erected.    If anyone has any information, they are asked to contact Menomonie Police or Dunn County Crimestoppers.

A new report says at least 475 thousand dollars in coronavirus grants went to ineligible businesses, but no one really knows how much money was wasted. The Legislative Audit Bureau yesterday released a report into the We're All In and Wisconsin Tomorrow grant programs. Auditors flagged 45 of the 172 grants they reviewed as ineligible. But no one is saying how many of the rest of the grants, nearly 600 million dollars in all, may have gone to other ineligible businesses or scammers. Lawmakers say the state did have some fraud protections, but the report says the state is still trying to figure out just where all that money went.

It was a good deer season for many hunters in Wisconsin. The state's Department of Natural Resources yesterday said the deer harvest was up 14 percent compared to last year. That means hunters bagged just over 203 thousand deer during gun season this year. This year's good weather and healthy deer population are getting some of the credit for the jump in deer taken.

Beginning January 1st, inmates in the La Crosse County Jail will be able to make free phone calls.   The jail will be the first in Wisconsin to allow 30 free minutes of phone calls each day. The La Crosse County Board of Supervisors passed two motions, one to eliminate county revenue from inmate phone calls the second to add $75,000 to the 2023 budget to cover the costs of inmate calls. Both motions passed unanimously. County Board supervisor David Pierce said this will remove barriers from people who need intervention for mental health and substance abuse issues. Individuals in the jail currently paid 21 cents per minute for phone calls making the average 15-minute call about $3.15

Hundreds of travelers are facing delays and cancellations at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport after runway operations were shut down because of a winter storm.  The airport shut down all runway operations yesterday afternoon due to heavy snowfall and poor visibility.  Flights in and out didn't resume for more than two hours.  Metropolitan Airports Commission officials say the shutdown will impact some flights for today as the ripple effect continues.

The remains of a Wisconsin Rapids man missing for decades have been identified in Montana.  Roger Lee Elis left Central Wisconsin in the 1970s, possibly to escape punishment for a charge of marijuana possession, and was never heard from again until 2004 when a hiker found human remains in Carbon County, Montana. It took advanced DNA analysis to link the remains to Elis, which happened earlier this year. Officers say they believe he may have been killed by a person or group of people who picked him up as he was hitchhiking.  Officials in Carbon County have opened a cold-case homicide investigation and are asking anyone with information to reach out.

The story about last week's shooting that left a Milwaukee mom dead is changing. Prosecutors yesterday filed first-degree reckless homicide charges against the ten-year-old boy who police say shot his mother in the head. Investigators originally thought it was an accident, but now say the boy was angry that his mother wouldn't buy him a virtual reality set. Detectives say the boy got his mom's gun, pointed it at her, and pulled the trigger. Family members say the boy then ordered the VR headset online the next day. Prosecutors want the boy tried as an adult.

The man who lost Wisconsin's race for governor says Republicans need to change if they want to win again. Tim Michels yesterday said Democrats in the state have an excellent get-out-the-vote operation and used that to beat him earlier this month. Michels says the Republican Party has to modernize and launch a get-out-the-vote effort of its own. Michels says Republicans simply can't compete by relying on volunteers. As for his loss, Michels says the abortion issue looks to have blunted the expected Red Wave.

Outgoing Minnesota House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler is calling for action on the legalization of recreational marijuana in 2023.  The Golden Valley Democrat wrote in an opinion piece for the Minneapolis Star Tribune that the legislature has elected pro-cannabis DFL majorities in the House and Senate and re-elected a Democratic governor who supports legalization.  Winkler launched his Be Heard on Cannabis tour at the 2019 Minnesota State Fair and held 15 public meetings across the state.  House Democrats passed a legalization bill in May 2021, but the bill wasn't picked up by the then-GOP-controlled Minnesota Senate. 

One of Wisconsin's Republican congressmen says TikTok is 'digital fentanyl' that is addicting our kids. Congressman Mike Gallagher was on Fox News on Sunday, and once again called for a TikTok ban in this country. Gallagher says because TikTok is owned by a Chinese tech company, all of the data used and created by American users is sent back to Beijing. He says TikTok can not only track where users are, it can censor what they see. Gallagher has a piece of legislation that would ban TikTok in the U,S. but it hasn't been called for a vote yet on Capitol Hill.

Portage County authorities have released details on a fatal weekend shooting in the Village of Amherst.   The accused shooter is 78-year-old Miles Bradley. According to investigators he shot 92-year-old Clarence Banks Sunday morning as Banks was visiting on of his relatives, officers haven't disclosed what may have started the argument, Bradley is being held on a one million dollar bond, and faces a possible charge of first-degree intentional homicide. Court action against him is pending.   Bradley, who shared a home with Banks' relative, was arrested without incident.

Madison is named one of the top midsize college cities in America.  WalletHub ranks Madison the eighth-best midsize college city and the 35th-best city overall compared to over 400 cities and towns.  Madison's best category is social environment, ranking 39th.  Milwaukee is also on the list, ranking 229th overall.  WalletHub says the top overall college city is Austin, Texas.

A couple is engaged after being trapped on the ice on Upper Red Lake.  Andy LaBarge proposed to Lydia Thole while they were stuck with many other anglers on breakaway ice Monday.  The Hibbing couple has been together for about three years and they like to go ice fishing on Red Lake early in the season each year.  All the trapped anglers were rescued safely.

Local-Regional News Nov 29

 Western Wisconsin is bracing for a blast of winter weather. There is a Winter Storm Warning and a Winter Weather Advisory in place til 9 p.m. tonight for folks from Eau Claire to the northwestern tip of the state. The worst of the weather will fall between Eau Claire and Minneapolis-St. Paul. Forecasters say those folks will see as much as seven inches of snow. It could be as much as five inches in Eau Claire itself.

Members of the Pepin and Buffalo County Extension Committees are meeting tonight to discuss a possible merger of the Pepin County 4-H program into the Buffalo County program.  UW-Extension is proposing the merger as Pepin County is in need of a new 4-H educator and per Extension rules, the position must be full-time, but Pepin County's position is part-time.  Tonight's meeting begins at 6pm at the Pepin County Government Center in Durand.

It's another day of significantly lower gas prices in Wisconsin.  Triple-A says the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded in Wisconsin is down 20 cents compared to this time last week, three dollars and 16 cents.  That's also 40 cents lower than this time last month.  Here in Western Wisconsin gas was averaging $2.87.  

A jury will decide if a man convicted in a Dunn County killing will go to prison or the state mental hospital. The sentencing phase for Ryan Steinhoff began yesterday. The jury is being asked to decide if Steinhoff was sane when he killed Bruce McGuigan back in 2020. Another woman charged in the case is already in prison, she's serving a 25-year sentence.

The Wisconsin Public Service Commission is asking for public comments on a proposed solar farm in Dunn County.  TED Renewables wants to build a 300-megawatt solar farm on 2000 acres of land between 890th Street and Hwy H north of Hwy C in Dunn County.  Public comments can be submitted by letter, email and through the Public Service Commission website through December 9th.  If the project is approved, construction could begin in the spring of 2024 and be completed by mid-2025.

There are some families who aren't happy about Eau Claire Schools' plans to drop two languages starting next year. The city's school district is looking to drop Hmong and the first-level Japanese next year. Hmong language classes will be rolled into Hmong History and Cultures, and the school district is looking to drop Japanese classes altogether in 2024. Superintendent Mike Johnson says they made the decision after studying language trends and meeting with an outside consultant. But the group Black and Brown Womyn Power Coalition isn't so sure. They say they want more transparency in the decision-making process.

An apartment complex in Chatfield, MN is a total loss.  According to the Chatfield fire department, firefighters were called to the 8-unit complex early Sunday morning and were on the scene for nearly 6 hours.  No one was injured in the blaze, but the complex is a total loss due to fire, smoke, and water damage.  The Red Cross is assisting the families.  The cause of that fire is still under investigation.

There's a warning from the state about charity scams on this Giving Tuesday. Wisconsin's Department of Financial Institutions yesterday said people need to be careful with their donations. DFI says you should never give money to anyone who calls you over the phone and says you need to be careful with giving money to anyone who reaches out to you via email or text. The state also says people should ask to know how their donation will be used. Today is the traditional day for charities and non-profits to raise money. DFI says unfortunately that also means scammers will be trying to steal money as well.

The federal budget will be a big part of the waning days of the current session of Congress. Second District Democrat Mark Pocan told WKOW’s Capitol City Sunday that Senate Republicans and Democrats seem to be working together trying to get something done before the end of the year, but House Republican leadership could be a holdup. Sixth District Republican Glenn Grothman says his colleagues have concerns over a budget bill that includes an eight or nine-percent spending increase. Congress has yet to pass a budget for the 2023 fiscal year which began October 1st, but the government remains funded because of a September resolution maintaining 2022 spending levels through December 16.

It'll cost you more to fly out of Madison than most other places in the country. A report from Smart Asset dot Com shows that Madison's Dane County Regional Airport is now the most expensive place to buy an airline ticket. That's out of a survey of the nation's 100 largest airports. The average price of airfare at MSN is 526 dollars. Officials at the airport tell the Wisconsin State Journal that they have no control over the price of tickets, those are set by the airlines. Nationwide, ticket prices have gone up an average of 21 percent over the past year. 

Stevens Point Mayor Mike Wiza says he and his staff are having discussions at least once every week in preparation for next year's USGA Men's Senior Open at SentryWorld, Wiza says that means thinking of everything including logistics and traffic control. More than 70 thousand spectators, sponsors, and participants will converge on Sentry World for the Senior Open which runs June 29–July 2.

 A lot of packages are showing up on porches with it being the holiday season and Madison Area Crime Stoppers has some tips on deterring porch pirates.  Crime Stoppers says you can request packages be held at the post office if you know you won't be home.  They also say you can ask that a signature be required for delivery, have your packages delivered at work, and have a delivery scheduled when you know you'll be home.

The 2023 state park and state forest admission stickers are now on sale. Wisconsin's Department of Natural Resources launched the sale over the holiday weekend. Admission stickers cost 28 dollars for people from Wisconsin, and 38 dollars for people from out of state. All visitors to state parks and state trails must have an admission sticker, trail pass, and/or parking pass. They are valid from the day you buy them through the end of next year.

VA clinics across the country are now handling coverage for veterans exposed to toxic chemicals during their time in the service, like burn pits and Agent Orange. Dane County Veterans Service director Daniel Connery says that this is a major step in getting vital coverage for veterans.   Illnesses covered by the PACT Act include cancers, respiratory illnesses, Type 2 Diabetes, and more. Veterans will also be getting new screenings for these diseases to see if they're covered.

A Wisconsin woman celebrates her 107th birthday over the weekend.  Born in November of 1915, Lillian Bach grew up on a Wisconsin farm and later raised five children.  Lillian lives in Waunakee and says there isn't a secret to living a long life, she says she filled her life with family, faith, music and dancing....and she says, make sure to eat fruit. In fact, her birthday cake was a cake made of fruit.  Lillian’s family still is top priority as her daughter is going through chemo . For her 107th birthday, Lilian asks for prayers, for her daughter. 

Local-Regional News Nov 28

 Firefighters from Mondovi and Durand responded to a house fire at 526 Fitzgerald Road near Mondovi on Saturday night.  When firefighters arrived the roof was fully engulfed.  All of the occupants of the home were able to get out safely.  The cause of that fire is still under investigation.

Travel may become difficult tomorrow across Western Wisconsin as a large winter storm will impact the area.  Snow with a mix of rain and freezing rain is expected to develop overnight and continue throughout the day on Tuesday.  The heaviest snow is expected well to our north.   Colder weather moves in after the snow with wind chills near zero by Wednesday night.

The young man who ran down the three Lake Hallie Girl Scouts isn't getting a new trial. The Wisconsin Supreme Court this week turned down Colten Treu's request to have his case reviewed. Treu is serving 54 years in prison for killing the three scouts and one of their mothers back in 2018. The girls were picking trash along the side of the road. Treu was high when he ran them down. Treu complained to the court that his original lawyers didn't explain all of his options before he pleaded guilty in the case.

A Hastings woman was arrested on Wednesday for OWI.  According to the Wisconsin State Patrol, troopers pulled over 27yr old Angelique Washington for speeding on I-94 near Milepost 101.  Troopers detected the odor of marijuana and conducted a field sobriety test.  Washington was arrested for OWI first offense, possession of marijuana.  Four children ages 1-6 were passengers in the vehicle.

An Eau Claire man was arrested Saturday for OWI 6th offense.  According to the Wisconsin State Patrol, troopers pulled over 42yr old Keith Fox for speeding on Hwy 53 near milepost 93.  Troopers observed signs of impairment and after a field sobriety test, Fox was arrested.  He is being charged with OWI 6th offense, possession of cocaine, operating a motor vehicle after revocation, and other charges.  He was taken to the Eau Claire County Jail.

 There could be some changes for military voters in Wisconsin. The head of the state's Election Commission says they are looking to make sure that only military voters can request and return military ballots. Service members are not required to register or show voter ID in order to get an absentee ballot in the state. That loophole became a major talking point after a Milwaukee election manager was accused of creating three fake ballots and mailing them to a lawmaker before Election Day. The head of the Elections Commission says federal law stops states from requiring voter ID from service members, but they are looking at other options to verify someone's identity here in Wisconsin.

The 2022 election will be finalized this week. The Wisconsin Elections Commission is set to meet Wednesday morning to certify the vote. County election managers finalized their count last week. There won't be any recounts this year, only the secretary of state's race could have qualified, but the Republican candidate in that race conceded last week. Once the totals are final we will get a number for voter turnout and other pieces of Election Day data.

The Wisconsin Employment Relations Commission says UW Health isn't required to negotiate with a recently created nurses union.  The state commission issued its ruling yesterday.  UW Health said the commission "concluded that Act 10 eliminated UW Health from coverage by the Wisconsin Peace Act."  Both the nurses union and UW Health agreed this is just a "first step."  The nurses union UW Nurses United plans to appeal the ruling and also petition the National Labor Relations Board for a union election.  UW Health will seek clarification from the state's Supreme Court if it's legally required to recognize and negotiate with the union and if not, can it do so voluntarily.

Dozens of people were ejected from Saturday's Badger game against the Golden Gophers.  Minnesota beat Wisconsin 23-16 at Camp Randall Stadium.  During the game, University of Wisconsin Police say they ejected about 50 people, including dozens of students, mostly for intoxication, possession of alcohol, and being disorderly.  Sixteen people were arrested, and one person was given a citation for disposing of human waste.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is proposing to issue a blanket permit for what’s known as “incidental taking” of endangered and threatened species as a result of surveys, removals, and breeding required for “regulatory purposes.” The permit would authorize approved people to handle, possess, propagate, remove and relocate endangered or threatened species. The DNR has determined that by adhering to conservation practices the change will minimize impacts to species and is not likely to jeopardize their existence or the survival of the state population. 

A child is safe after being rescued from a frozen retention pond in southern Wisconsin.  The fire department in Milton says an eight-year-old got stuck out on thin ice about 50 feet from the shore near East High Street Tuesday.  The fire department says a first responder was able to make their way out to the boy and save him.  No one is hurt and the boy is back with his mom. 

The Middleton High School student falsely named in last January's gun-related school lockdown is now suing the school district.  The student was named by Principal Peg Shoemaker in a text that went to teachers and some students.  Shoemaker says she meant to send the text only to parents.  The student was accused of having a gun in his backpack.  Police later said there was no gun.  The student's family is suing, saying the text message made it seem as if he was a dangerous, violent lawbreaker.' 

A man is behind bars for allegedly waving a fake gun at a busy intersection in downtown Minneapolis.  The city's new Police Chief Brian O'Hara witnessed the man driving ""erratically" before getting out of his car and waving a replica assault weapon at drivers.  He was arrested on suspicion of making terroristic threats.  The Minneapolis Police Department issued a statement, saying "this type of behavior will not be tolerated."

Two leaders in cryptocurrency are among the donors to several Minnesota political campaigns.  Then-FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried and co-CEO Ryan Salame made the donations just before the collapse of their company.  The donations were part of a nationwide effort before the midterm elections.  Campaign finance records show Democratic Congresswoman Angie Craig and Democratic Senator Tina Smith received donations from Bankman-Fried. Bankman-Fried and Salame also gave more than 100-thousand dollars to the National Republican Congressional Committee chaired by Minnesota Congressman Tom Emmer.

Young adults in Wisconsin are being warned about so-called "deposit fraud" scams.  UW Credit Union recently released a study that revealed people 30-years-old and under have been targeted for deposit fraud.  The scam is when a person is sent a fake check which they then deposit and spend the money or are instructed to send a portion of the money back to the scammer.  The scammers tend to pose as an employer.

Local-Regional News Nov 25

 More information has been released about a Goodhue County deputy-involved shooting.  The city of Red Wing says an altercation happened after a crash near Bay Point Park yesterday afternoon.  During the scuffle, a deputy fired their weapon, injuring a person.  Officials haven't said what led the deputy to fire their weapon.  The person who was shot was taken to the hospital in unknown condition.  The deputy was also injured and sustained non-life-threating injuries.  Red Wing Police and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension are leading the investigation.

An Eau Claire man who stole a dog and killed it is heading to prison. A judge in Chippewa Falls yesterday sentenced 40-year-old Joshua Erickson to five years in prison. He pleaded guilty in the case. Police say Erickson stole a dog named Kawani back in April. The dog was later found dead at the boat landing in the Town of Wheaton.

Leaders in Lake Hallie are considering a tax hike question for roads. The village board will decide next week whether to put a referendum on the April ballot.  Clerk and Treasurer Kris Fitzsimmons isn't saying how much the village is looking to raise. If leaders decide against a tax increase, they may simply borrow the money.

There aren't a lot of answers about a stabbing in Tomah that sent one man to the hospital and another man to jail. Police say it happened in a mobile home park on the city's west side about 1:15 yesterday morning. The victim was taken to the hospital for a stab wound to the chest. Police say 43-year-old Dennis Balaban was arrested on suspicion of attempted homicide.

One of the two young men arrested for this week's bomb threat in Manitowoc is a local high school student, the other is his buddy in Canada.  Manitowoc Police yesterday said they arrested a student at Lincoln High School just hours after someone phoned in a bomb threat to the school.  Officers got a tip from other students.  At about the same time, police in Canada were arresting a young man in Winnipeg who called in the threat.  Investigators say the two knew each other from gaming online.

We're going to get a new snapshot of how voters feel about the Supreme Court and other national issues.  Two new Marquette Law School polls are due out next week.  Pollsters say they're asking voters about the high court, and cases up for argument now.  The new polls will also gauge public opinion after the midterm elections.  The polls are due out next Wednesday and Thursday.

Minnesota schools are struggling to keep their classrooms staffed as respiratory sicknesses are surging statewide.  The Minnesota Department of Health says flu-like outbreaks more than doubled last week compared to the week before.  The outbreak is affecting staff and students alike.  The Hinckley-Finlayson School District held all classes virtually last week after more than 20 percent of its students and staff were sick.

A judge is denying a request by the Minnesota Department of Education to have the organization implicated in a massive pandemic fraud case pay its legal fees.  MDE was sued by Feeding Our Future after it attempted to regulate the nonprofit's operations back in October 2020.  MDE argued the lawsuit was a sham and filed a claim against Feeding Our Future for over 580-thousand dollars in lawyer fees spent defending itself against the nonprofit's claims of racism.  The judge in the case says the MDE hasn't met the state law requirements in its submission and can file it again at a later date.

Authorities in Dodge County say one of their latest drug busts has ties to a Mexican cartel.  The sheriff's office says deputies took four pounds of meth, two pounds of pot, and 50 thousand-dollars cash off of three suspects.  Investigators say the drugs can be traced back to a cartel in Mexico. Two of the three suspects are looking at drug trafficking charges, while the third is accused of allowing them to sell the drugs out of her house.

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One of the longest-serving Republicans in the state legislature is stepping down.  78-year-old River Hills state senator Alberta Darling is retiring after 32 years in the Legislature. Darling was first elected to the state assembly in 1990 as part of a special election and won her senate seat two years later. In a letter sent to Republican leadership, Darling said that she looks forward to "giving family and friends my full attention". Darling spent much of her time in the legislature as a member and co-chair of the powerful Joint Finance Committee.   A special election will have to be called to fill Darling's seat once she steps down on December 1st.

The University of Wisconsin is ending in-person classes at one of its smallest campuses. The school yesterday ordered the chancellor at UW-Platteville to end the degree program at the university's Richland campus. Just 60 students are taking classes at Richland right now, next year they will all be transitioned to the Platteville campus. The UW is not closing the campus, there's some talk about using it to offer enrichment programs or adult education. No one is saying what will happen to the faculty and staff members teaching at the Richland campus.

A utility worker is dead following a collision in Sauk County. The Sauk County Sheriff’s office reported the 25-year-old Edgerton man was unloading equipment as part of a crew working along state Highway 23 in the town of Franklin when he was struck and killed Tuesday at around 7:45 AM. The 17-year-old driver involved in the crash remained on the scene and is cooperating in the investigation. The sheriff’s report stated that her Toyota Highlander rolled over, but it did not indicate whether the driver was injured.

Wisconsin ranked number one in the nation for the most prescription medications collected on the fall 2022 Drug Take Back Day. The state Department of Justice announced Wednesday that a total of 54,040 pounds of unwanted medications were collected this fall. Since the program's start in 2010, Wisconsin has collected more than one million pounds of unwanted medications under the auspices of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Wisconsin ranks third for most medications collected since 2010 behind California and Texas.

 A Minnesota man is getting 20 years in prison for killing a woman after driving his SUV through a crowd of protestors.  A judge sentenced Nicholas Kraus today.  He pled guilty to unintentional second-degree murder for the death of Deona Marie in June of 2021.  At the time, the 31-year-old activist was in Minneapolis to protest the deadly shooting of Winston Smith at the hands of police.  Kraus was also given over three years for second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon, though the sentences will run concurrently. 

Menomonie is once again allowing people to pay their fines with food. The city's Food for Fines program allows people to pay parking tickets with canned goods or non-perishable food items. Each can or box earns you a two-dollar discount. Police say some people bring-in carts full of food. All of the food is donated to the Stepping Stones food pantry. Last year the program brought in 14 thousand pounds of food.

Local-Regional News Nov 23

 Three people were injured in a two-vehicle accident on Hwy 10 near the Hwy 25 intersection last night.  According to the Pepin County Sheriff's Department, 36yr old Juan Vasquez was driving eastbound on Hwy 10 and drove into the westbound lane striking a westbound vehicle head-on driven by 57yr old Scott Blodgett of Columbus, OH.  Both Vaquese and a passenger in the Blodgett vehicle, 71yr old Thomas House of Columbus, OH had to be extricated from the vehicles.  House was med flighted to Mayo Rochester, while Vasquez was taken to an Eau Clair Hospital and Blodgett was treated at the scene.  Inattentive driving appeared to be the main cause of the crash.

Firefighters and emergency personnel from around Wisconsin were in Durand yesterday to pay respects to former Durand Fire Chief Pit Plumer who passed away last week.  Members of the community also came out to show their respects as the funeral procession drove through the city of Durand.   Plumer was a member of the Durand Fire Department for 56yrs with 32yrs as chief.

 

The second of three suspects in a 2020 murder in Downsville is heading to prison. A jury in Dunn County yesterday convicted Ryan Steinhoff in the stabbing death of Bruce McGuigan. Police found him dead in a mobile home in November of 2020. Another woman, Ashley Gunder, is serving a 25--year sentence for her role in the killing. A third suspect was found not guilty. Steinhoff will be sentenced at a later date.

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is investigating a deputy-involved shooting in Red Wing.  The shooting happened yesterday afternoon when the man was shot multiple times before being airlifted to the hospital.  The deputy was treated for injuries and released.  Authorities believe the shooting happened after a deputy struggled with a man believed to be walking away from the scene of a collision.  There was no body camera or squad car footage of the incident. 

Somali-American residents in Barron have withdrawn a request to play an amplified call to prayer from two mosques after facing opposition from some community members.  Isaak Mohamed, a Somali-American who was elected to the city's common council this spring, brought the call-to-prayer request to the council at the request of residents. But during a public comment period at the council's Nov. 15 meeting, all 14 speakers opposed it.  Mohamed said an agreement was made to withdraw the request after speaking with social and religious leaders in the city's Somali community.

Expect lots of traffic out on the road this week for the Thanksgiving Holiday.  Triple-A Wisconsin estimates that 1 million Wisconsinites will be driving to visit friends and family this Thanksgiving. That will meet or exceed pre-pandemic levels. There are still some major construction projects underway on Wisconsin highways, and you could still see lane or road closures, along with less-than-perfect driving conditions. Be sure to check 5-1-1-w-i dot gov before you head out on your trip.

An international student at UW Madison who was reported missing last week but hadn't been heard from in over a month has been located. The Madison Police Department and the University of Wisconsin Madison Police Department asked for the community's help on Monday to locate 19-year-old Enzhe Xuny. Tuesday morning, the agencies reported Xun was found safe. UWPD said he was located after receiving a tip from a community member.   

The top Republicans at the Wisconsin Capitol say they are talking with the governor for the first time in years. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu this week said they've had some conversations with the governor. Republicans spent the past two years saying the governor had frozen them out at the Capitol. No one is saying what they are talking about, but LeMahieu indicated there could be some agreement around spending Wisconsin's record six-and-a-half billion-dollar surplus. Lawmakers will return to the statehouse to craft a new budget and possibly pass some new laws in January.

Six people were shot in hunting accidents in Wisconsin's first weekend of deer season. The state's Department of Natural Resources yesterday said three of those accidents were self-inflicted, the three others were people shot by someone in their own hunting party. One of those hunting accidents left an eleven-year-old boy dead. The DNR says the six hunting accidents this year is double the number from the first weekend of deer season last year.

It was a good start to deer season for hunters in Wisconsin. The state's Department of Natural Resources says the harvest for this year's first weekend is up 14 percent. Hunters bagged just over 103 thousand deer this year, compared to just over 90 thousand deer in last year's first weekend. The DNR says this year's snow likely helped hunters track down the deer. Gun deer season will close after one more weekend of hunting this weekend.

The Sun Prairie teacher who's accused of filming students in a school bathroom has resigned. The school district yesterday accepted Matthew Quaglieri's resignation. He'd been on leave from Prairie View Middle School since early October, that's when police arrested him as part of a child pornography investigation. Quaglieri's resignation means the school won't have to fire him and makes some parts of the investigation into the case a little easier. Quaglieri is facing federal charges in the case, he is free on bond on the condition that he stay off the internet and stay away from his former students.

The Minnesota Medical Association and a half-dozen healthcare systems are speaking out about the staggering increase in pediatric RSV and flu cases.  Officials say the amount of respiratory illnesses is unprecedented this early in the season.  The level of illnesses is leading to packed emergency departments, clinics, and urgent care centers, along with near-capacity pediatric ICUs and shortages of antibiotic amoxicillin.  Healthcare providers are recommending that parents only come to the hospital if their child exhibits severe symptoms.  They say the treatment of runny noses and mild fevers can take place at home in consultation with a pediatrician or family doctor.

Over 40 percent of Minnesota manufacturers surveyed are predicting a recession next year.  The survey was administered in August and September by Enterprise Minnesota.  Less than 20 percent surveyed last year expected a recession.  Since the survey was completed, the Federal Reserve has hiked interest rates twice, increasing recession fears.  The survey has been conducted annually since 2008.

It's the latest snapshot of just how big UW-Madison is getting. The school says 276 students this year accepted either five thousand dollars or a free year's worth of meals to live off campus. University housing leaders say this year's record-breaking freshman class led to a housing crunch. UW-Madison offered either the five thousand dollars, a free spot at the Eagle Heights community, and in some cases a free dining plan for one year. The university said there are over 86 hundred people in the freshman class this year. There are just nine thousand dorm rooms on the entire campus.

A New Jersey telemarketing company is promising not to make any more calls to Wisconsin.  The Wisconsin Department of Justice accuses the company of selling extended vehicle service plans without being registered as a telemarketer and calling people on the "do not call" list.  Today the DOJ announced the company has agreed not to make calls to Wisconsin and try to stop third-party partners from making calls to Wisconsin, as well as pay up to 350-thousand dollars in fines.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is warning people about thin ice.  The agency reports that its currently unsafe to walk across bodies of water, but kids and out-of-state visitors might not understand the danger.  They're urging residents to talk with their loved ones and neighbors about thin ice to prevent a holiday tragedy. 

The Governor of Wisconsin is calling on residents to shop local this holiday season.  In a video message this morning Governor Tony Evers announced Shop Small Wisconsin will take place November 26th through December 31st.  Evers says Wisconsinites will be asked to focus on shopping local during that time.

Local-Regional News Nov 22

 Wisconsin gas prices are down big time to start Thanksgiving week.  Triple-A says the statewide average is three dollars and 36 cents a gallon, down over 30 cents from this time last week.  Here in Western Wisconsin, gas is averaging $3.14 a gallon.    It also looks like the weather will be quiet for the week and cause no travel disruptions.

Pepin County residents will now be able to recycle electronics at all collection sites.  The Land Conservation Department announced that old electronics including old cell phones, jump drives, and even larger tv can be taken to any of the collection sites.  There will be a charge for larger items like TVs and monitors, for more information contact the Pepin County Land Conservation Department.

No one is hurt after a semi-trailer caught on fire on Interstate 94 near Eau Claire Monday morning.   The Wisconsin Department of Transportation said that the right lane of I-94 westbound just south of the exit to Highway 12/County Highway EE on Eau Claire’s west side was closed for over three and a half hours Monday. No word on the cause of that fire.

There's finally a winner of the sheriff's race in La Crosse County.  The county's clerk on Friday declared Democratic Candidate John Siegel as the winner.  He won by 175 votes.  The Republican in the race asked for a limited recount in the race, and only found one new vote.

There's a change coming to the top of Kwik Trip. CEO and President Donald Zietlow yesterday said he will retire at the end of the year. He's been the boss at Kwik Trip for the past 22 years, but has been with the company for over 50 years. Zietlow has been credited with Kwik Trip's growth and with helping the company become a staple across Wisconsin. His son, Scott, will take over as CEO next year.

The Silver Mine Ski Invitational will not be hitting the slopes this coming January.   Organizers canceled the event after an inspection determined the ski-slope to be unsafe for jumpers. Dan Mattoon, tournament director, said they are looking for long-term solutions to fix the tower and continue their winter tradition, which would have been in its 137th year.  Mattoon said their goal is to have the invitational back next year, but it will take a lot of fundraising efforts. 

The November election is all but over. The Wisconsin Elections Commission yesterday said all 72 counties have completed their vote canvasses. That means the local votes have been counted and sent to the state. The Commission says statewide candidates have until Friday to ask for a recount. Only one race, the secretary of state's race, is in the range for a recount. No other race was close enough. After the recount window closes, the Elections Commission has until December 1st to certify the election results.

Wisconsin lawmakers are going to have to decide what to do with another record surplus. The Department of Administrator yesterday said the state's budget surplus is expected to hit six-point-six billion-dollars next summer. The Republicans who will write the state's next budget says the extra money will give them 'flexibility,' and could help pay for tax cuts. Governor Evers' administration is looking to spend some of the money. State agencies have asked for an extra three-and-a-half billion dollars in new spending next year. State Rep Mark Born, who will help craft the budget, says the record surplus is not a 'blank check' for the governor.

The Wisconsin Division of Criminal Investigation is investigating a weekend pursuit that ended in the death of a driver. A DOJ press release said the incident began Sunday around 9 a.m. when a Maple Bluff Police Officer tried to stop a vehicle for traffic violations. The vehicle didn't stop and after a "short pursuit" crashed into a tree. According to a press release  the driver ran while the three passengers remained on the scene. Once the driver was located, all four were taken to the hospital where the driver died. The officer has been placed on administrative assignment. 

McDonald’s is taking a day to show thanks to active Police Officers, EMTs, and Military, and Firefighters today.    Courtesy Corporation restaurants will provide a free Combo Meal all day long to active Police Officers, EMTs, and Military, and Firefighters. The media release from Courtesy Corporation says emergency service personnel only need to present a badge, ID, or uniform when ordering to receive a free meal.   The Durand  McDonalds is owned by Courtesy Corporation.

There is a warning from the state about Christmas decorations.  The state's Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection on Friday issued its warning about invasive bugs that may be hiding in Christmas trees and wreaths.  There's also a worry about certain kinds of fungus.  The state says it tries to inspect the trees and wreaths that come into Wisconsin.  Your best bet is to be careful when picking a tree or a wreath and make sure it comes from a state with pest control regulations.

Minnetonka-based Cargill is welcoming a new CEO.  The global food company has named Brian Sikes to succeed Dave MacLennan, who will become the executive chairman of the board.  The former COO has been with the company since 1991.  Sikes begins his new position on January 1.

The US may be facing a butter shortage, with the USDA reporting the amount of butter in cold storage is the lowest in at least four years, and 18% lower than last year. But  Manitowoc County Agriculture Educator Angie Ulness says that’s not reflected on store shelves.   Butter prices are up: Ulness says butter averages around $2.88 per pound, up from $1.73 per pound this time last year. 

If you're looking for part-time work, be careful not to get scammed. A Muskego woman who thought she was interviewing for a job at Hobby Lobby found herself as part of a scam. The scammers performed the job interview over text messaging and asked her for her driver's license and banking info. She wisely stopped the interview. State consumer protection administrator Lara Sutherlin says that's a red flag.   Sutherlin says anyone asking you to pay money to get a job is also trying to scam you. 

Minnesotans have the highest credit scores in the country.  That's according to a WalletHub report that compared the average credit scores of residents in all 50 states.  Minnesota ranked number one with a statewide average of 724.  According to the report, the nationwide average is 695.  New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and South Dakota rounded out the top five.  Meanwhile, Mississippi ranked dead last. 

Arrests are made in connection with a deer theft in Columbia County.  The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources says a buck was stolen from a property near Portage and Wisconsin Dells Saturday.  The DNR says it used tips from Facebook to track down the deer.  The suspects' charges haven't been announced and they haven't been identified.

Your library card could get you a lot more than just a book. The state's Department of Natural Resources on Friday announced a pilot program that will allow people to 'check-out' a state park pass at their local library. The program is limited to just one thousand people and 20 participating libraries across the state. The DNR says the idea is to encourage people to take advantage of the great state parks that Wisconsin has to offer. You can find out more on the program at the DNR's website.

Local-Regional News Nov 21

 Durand Area residents and businesses will be able to watch the funeral procession for former Durand Fire Chief Pit Plumer on Tuesday morning.  The procession will leave the Rhiel Funeral Home at 11:10AM, travel down Prospect Street, and will turn off of Prospect Street by Durand High School to Washington Street to drive past the Fire Station.  The procession will then travel down 2nd Ave East to Main Street, then to 3rd Avenue West back to Prospect Street, and then to St. Mary's Church for the funeral Services.  Everyone is welcome for Pizza and refreshments at 1pm at the Durand Fire Station.

Congress reconvenes for the lame-duck session as some farm and agriculture groups are pressing lawmakers to finish immigration reform through the Farm Workforce Modernization Act. The legislation passed the House and waits for consideration in the Senate.  Representative Ron Kind, the retiring Democrat from Wisconsin, says it’s a complicated topic, but one that needs to be worked out.  Kind did not seek reelection this year after serving more than 20 years in Congress.

One driver needed to be extracted from their vehicle after a three-vehicle accident on Hwy 93 Friday afternoon.  According to the Eau Claire County Sheriff's Department, the head-on collision occurred on Hwy 93 and the highway had to be shut down for nearly 90 minutes.  The driver that was extricated was taken to the hospital with non life-threatening injuries.  

An Alma Center Woman was arrested on Saturday for OWI.  According to the Wisconsin State Patrol, troopers pulled over 36yr old Heather Buder on Broadway Street in Blair for an equipment violation.  Upon contact with the driver, the trooper observed signs of impairment and a field sobriety test was conducted.  She was arrested for OWI 2nd offense with a minor in the vehicle.  Buder was taken to the Trempealeau County Jail and the 11-month-old child with her was released to an adult family member.

The state Supreme Court has denied Colton Treu’s petition to review his case.    Treu pleaded guilty and no contest in December 2019 and was sentenced in March 2020 to 54 years in prison, for the 2018 hit-and-run deaths of four Girl Scouts and one of the girls’ mothers. They were killed as the Scout troop picked up roadside litter in Chippewa County.  Treu’s lawyer filed a motion in August seeking to reverse a Court of Appeals decision that denied his request to withdraw his pleas in the case. The decision by the Wisconsin Supreme Court was filed last week.

An 11-year-old boy died after being shot in the chest Sunday morning.  In a statement, the Wisconsin  DNR said it responded to the Township of Seneca in Green Lake County alongside the Green Lake County Sheriff’s Office and emergency medical services.  Shortly after 9 a.m., the shooter tried to unload his gun while it was placed in the back seat of a vehicle. The gun discharged and struck the victim, officials said.  The shooter was a 41-year-old man. The shooter and the victim belonged to the same hunting party, according to the DNR.

Wisconsin health officials are concerned about low vaccination rates in our state as we head into the holidays. Tom Haupt, Influenza Surveillance Coordinator with the Department of Health Services, says the influenza vaccination rate right now is about 23%, and DHS was hoping for significantly higher numbers. In addition, only 15% percent of the eligible population has received an updated bivalent COVID-19 booster. These low vaccination rates coincide with an early onset of RSV, a respiratory illness that hits very young children particularly hard and for which there are no vaccines.

Former House Speaker Paul Ryan continues to call for Republicans to move past Donald Trump. In an interview that aired Sunday on ABC News "This Week," the Janesville Republican said that while he was proud of the accomplishments during the Trump administration, he is now “a never-again-Trumper,” because he wants Republicans to win. Ryan told ABC's Jonathon Karl (quote) “What we now know, it's pretty clear, is with Trump we lose,” citing the disappointing mid-terms in which Republicans failed to take back the Senate and gained only a narrow majority in the House.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is planning to ask for a major funding increase when the new legislature is seated.  The DNR requested 300-million dollars last session but received far less.  Senator Scott Dibble is a member of the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Finance Committee and says the new DFL Legislative majority will definitely help with the DNRs one-time funding request.

The Minnesota Nurses Association is considering another strike.  Last week, they announced that union members will vote on November 30th to authorize a possible strike at 15 hospitals in the Twin Cities and Twin Ports areas.  Earlier this fall, MNA held a historic three-day strike in the Twin Cities and Duluth-Superior areas.  Allina Health says they're willing to bargain with MNA but cannot agree to their conditions.  Negotiations are scheduled for December 2nd.

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Secretary Preston Cole is stepping down.  Governor Tony Evers announced on Friday that Cole will retire next Wednesday after a 35-year public service career.  Cole has led the Department of Natural Resources for the past four years.  Before Evers appointed him director in 2018, Cole served on the state's Natural Resources Board, which sets policy for the DNR. 

Madison is getting over 430-thousand dollars in federal funding to improve its air quality.  The grant comes from the EPA's Enhanced Air Quality Monitoring for Communities program.  WKOW says the City of Madison will lead a project to install 68 air quality sensors to monitor air pollution, and to address health disparities caused by air pollution.  Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway said the sensor network "will enable everyone to see for the first time which areas of our city are most impacted" by air pollution. 

Minnesota is launching a new effort to help incarcerated people land a job after release.  The Department of Employment and Economic Development is using ten-million dollars in federal funds to create grants for individuals interested in career pathways training and skills development.  People in federal correctional facilities in Duluth, Sandstone, Rochester, and Waseca will have access to the grants starting this spring.  Officials plan to expand the program over time. 

A former Rochester executive who worked for a snack food company is pleading guilty to fraud.  Thomas Wiechmann agreed to a plea of one felony count of theft by swindle.  The former chief financial officer for Reichel Foods is accused of making hundreds of thousands of dollars in charges on company credit cards for personal use.   Wiechmann is scheduled to be sentenced on February 14.

The DNR is reporting more Cougars sightings this year than in the last five years across southern Wisconsin. According to DNR data so far in 2022 There have been seven verified Cougar sightings across sock Richland grant and Crawford counties for the reports coming from Richland County. Experts say the Cougar scene here are males from South Dakota or Canada who are typically just passing through. But should female Cougars start coming to Wisconsin. It's likely the state could see a large increase in the population. The cougar is native to Wisconsin, but they were all hunted and killed in the early 1900s. 

Wisconsin's Water Park Capital of the World has a role in this week's Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.  Kalahari Resort will join the parade with a float called the Colossal Wave of Wonder.  The float will feature a mother elephant, a baby elephant, a rhinoceros, and an octopus riding a wave.  The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will be televised on streaming platforms beginning at 8 a.m. Central Time.

The word is out on Minnesota's most-hated Thanksgiving food.  Geotagged Twitter data showed that stuffing is the state's least favorite holiday dish.  The data was collected from tweets, hashtags, and direct word phrases mentioning different Thanksgiving foods over the past month.  Cranberries were the most-hated for half of the U.S. 

Local-Regional News Nov 18

 It will be a cold first morning of deer season across Wisconsin. Forecasters say temperatures will be well below freezing for tomorrow's first day of gun season. Hundreds of thousands of hunters are expected to hit the woods for a chance to bag a deer. Gun season opens tomorrow and runs until the weekend after Thanksgiving. The DNR is reminding hunters to be safe in the woods once again this year.

 

We're getting some more information about the sex abuse case at Regis High School. Prosecutors yesterday said now-former Regis Athletic Director and teacher 56-year-old Jonathan Jarocki sexually assaulted a then-sixth-grade girl who was in his math class. The D.A. said it happened 'repeatedly' at the school. The girl is now a teenager, and the case dates back to 2018. Regis Schools immediately suspended Jarocki after his arrest this week. He's being held in the Eau Claire County Jail and is facing over 100 years in prison if convicted.

 It's probation for an Eau Claire man who threw punches at some nurses at Mayo Health back in September. A judge yesterday opted not to send 30-year-old Kenneth Willer to jail. Police say he punched and tried to headbutt nurses at Mayo while he was being treated. He pleaded no contest to two felony counts of bodily harm to a health care provider. Prosecutors dismissed two other counts because of his plea. Willer will spend the next two and a half years on probation, and must remain absolutely sober.

Wisconsin has more at-home COVID tests to offer. The state's Department of Health Services yesterday said anyone in the state can now order free tests to be sent to their homes. It's part of the Say Yes! COVID Test program which launched back in September. DHS says with the holiday coming-up, people should test themselves to make sure they don't get guests or family members sick.

There’s a new amenity for people with disabilities to enjoy the outdoors northern Wisconsin The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources announced the opening of an ADA-accessible yurt for hunters in the Flambeau River State Forest in Sawyer County. The Elk Ridge yurt near the Flambeau River was paid for through a grant and is exclusively available to hunters until November 30. It will reopen on May 1 for the spring turkey seasons and then, from June 1 through August 31, is reservable for all recreation purposes. Features include bunkbeds, an ADA-accessible bunk, wood burning stove and bear-proof food storage locker.    

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Some adjustments for a Wisconsin-based retail chain.  Following the release of third quarter-earnings Menominee Falls based Kohl’s withdrew its 2022 sales and profit forecasts on Thursday, citing the volatility of the economy and a CEO transition. Compared to the prior year, the retailer’s third-quarter revenue dropped by 7% to $4.28 billion, while net income declined by 60% for the year to $97 million or 82 cents per share. Amid record inflation and growing costs of living, Americans have cut back on shopping, making it difficult for Kohl's to clear out excess inventory despite prolonged item discounts.

Minnesotans are showing generosity during a statewide fundraiser.  Over 30-million dollars was raised for nonprofits and schools on yesterday's Give to the Max Day.  Minnesota's 14th annual giving holiday fell short of last year's record-breaking 34-million dollars, but far exceeded 2019 and 2020 totals.  GiveMN Executive Director Jake Blumberg says the give-a-thon is "one of the largest grassroots fundraising events of its kind."

The University of Minnesota is partnering with the state Department of Employment and Economic Development to fund more startups in the state.  DEED has designated 34-point-five million dollars to be managed and distributed by the U.  The money will be assigned to programs for direct investment and investments in Minnesota-based venture capital firms.  Venture firms with a presence in the state that are investing in Minnesota companies will also be eligible for funding.

The Wisconsin Policy Forum found cities and counties held more votes to raise property taxes than in any previous year. With local governments facing budget challenges, Researcher Ari Brown expects the trend to continue.   The report found a total of 25 referenda passed this year, many to fund services like police and EMTs. Local voters also approved 133 school funding items across 106 districts, the second highest number ever.  

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has announced that Medicaid cost coverage for nursing homes will increase from 77% for fiscal year 2022 to 91% for fiscal year 2023. The increase implements one of the key recommendations from Governor’s Task Force on Caregiving, tying a significant amount of the increase to direct care nursing and supporting the health care workforce in both wages and benefits.

Minnesota fire departments are getting access to new mapping technology.  The Minnesota Department of Public Safety State Fire Marshall Division launched its Fire Risk Analysis Tool this week.  The tool is being described as "Google maps for fires."  The mapping system has incorporated data collected since 2004.  Minnesota DPS leaders say the information will help fire departments understand the fire risks in their areas and analyze the likelihood of future fires. 

 Close to 15 thousand nurses in the Twin Cities and Duluth will soon take a vote on a possible strike.  The Minnesota Nurses Association announced this morning that the union will cast its vote on November 30th.  Sticking points for the nurses are better pay, increased security, and more staff.   A walkout would affect 15 hospitals.

 A federal indictment is accusing a former Minneapolis CEO in the healthcare industry of fraud.  Prosecutors believe Khemwhattie Singh orchestrated financial schemes that resulted in her gaining millions of dollars that she hid in overseas bank accounts and shell companies under her control.  The defendant is free on a personal recognizance bond of 25 thousand dollars.  Singh was indicted last week by a grand jury on seven counts of wire fraud.  A trial date has been set for January 23rd.

There's a referee shortage in Minnesota.  The National Federation of State High School Associations estimates that around 50-thousand refs have stopped working since the COVID pandemic began.  Executive director of the Minnesota Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Dan Johnson told KARE 11 schools across the state may have to reduce the number of games play each year due to scheduling issues.

Local-Regional News Nov 17

 Former Durand Fire Department Chief Pit Plummer has passed away at the age of 85.   Plummer joined the fire department in 1966 and served for 56yrs on the department, 32years as chief.  Plummer was also past President of the Wisconsin State Firefighters Association where he was a leader in many changes in the fire service for volunteer and full-time departments.  Funeral services are to be announced at a later date.

The Chippewa Valley is in for a taste of January this weekend.  The National Weather Service says the coldest air of the season will move into western Wisconsin over the next few days.  That will mean highs in the 20s and lows in the teens.  There are a couple of chances for snow, including later today.  Things will stay cold until the middle of next week when Eau Claire could see temperatures near 40 degrees.

Regis High School's athletic director is due in court today after being arrested on sexual assault charges.  Eau Claire Police yesterday said they arrested 56-year-old Jonathon Jarocki on Tuesday.  Police haven't said if the victim in the case is a student.  Jarocki has been suspended by Regis schools, and the diocese sent a letter home to parents yesterday saying they are also waiting for more information.

It's all about the conversation.  Dunn County board member John Calabrese says the plan is to continue to talk about a single payer health insurance system after voters in Dunn County narrowly approved an advisory referendum on the question last week.  Calabrese says he added a question about the federal government creating a single payer system to the ballot to gauge public opinion.  The question passed, 51-49.  Nothing changes, the vote was advisory only, but Calabrese says it is worth talking about.

A Somali-American community in Barron County/Northwest Wisconsin wants to broadcast prayers over public address speakers.  The Barron City Council is creating a nine-member committee to review a request from two mosques to play Islamic calls to prayer on public-facing loudspeakers. At a council meeting Tuesday, 13 people spoke against the request. City attorney Andrew Harrington said the city needed to balance public concerns and the city's loudspeaker noise laws with that of protecting the mosques' right to religious freedom. Council member Isaak Mohamed said the mosques had intended to play the prayers first, but he urged them to bring the matter before the city council to work out the issue with the community.

Thanks to a newly-passed law in Wisconsin, motorists could see green lights added to county and municipal highway snowplows this winter.  Eau Claire officials say they're still studying the new law but plan to have the new lights installed on snowplows within the next couple of months.  Currently, snow equipment such as snowplows sport amber and white lights.  State officials say studies have shown that green lights cut through snow better than white and amber lights.

Assembly Republican Janel Bradtjen may be on the outside looking in for the next session of the Legislature.   Assembly Republicans voted last week to exclude Bradtjen from closed caucus meetings. WisPolitics dot Com reports that Caucus Chair Rob Summerfield sent Brandtjen a letter saying that the rest of the caucus no longer trusts her. The Menominee Falls lawmaker was allegedly helping to campaign for Assembly Speaker Robin Vos's primary opponent and spread election conspiracy theories during her time as head of the Assembly Elections Committee. It is unlikely she will be getting that chair again next session.

 Wisconsin's Republican U.S. Senator is defending his 'No' vote on the Senate's same sex marriage plan.  Senator Ron Johnson voted 'No' yesterday on the Respect for Marriage Act.  He says there is no need to vote on the idea of same sex marriage, he says the Supreme Court already settled the issue.  Johnson says Democrats have used the idea that same sex marriage is in trouble 'to create a state of fear' over what he calls a settled issue, in order to 'further divide Americans for their political benefit.'  Wisconsin's Democratic U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, who voted for the plan, yesterday said the Senate took a step 'to give millions of loving couples the certainty, dignity, and respect.'

Police in Marshfield say a double shooting on Tuesday was a murder-suicide:  Officers say 48-year-old Heath Heck forced his way into the home of his ex-wife, 41-year-old Melissa Wright, and shot her before turning the gun on himself. Police say the two had been married but divorced in 2020. The couple had two children, who were not hurt and are now with other family.   The incident started as a report from one of Wright's co-workers, who asked for a well-being check on her when she didn't show up to work.

UW Health’s Transplant Center marks a milestone.  The Transplant Center in Madison has transplanted more than 12,000 kidneys. The UW Health Kidney Transplant Program performed its first adult kidney transplant in 1966, and its first pediatric kidney transplant a year later.  Patients receiving kidney transplants have ranged from less than a year old to more than 80 years old. In 2015, UW Health patients were part of the longest-living kidney donor “chain,” ever, according to Guinness World Records

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources wants people to report black bear dens.  The DNR says its conducting another Black Bear Litter and Diet Survey.  The goal is to get more information on bear reproduction rates in bear management zones.  You can report black bear dens on the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website.

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson has indicated he's open to the demolition of Interstate 794 on downtown's southside.  He says the idea is comparable to the removal of Milwaukee's Park East Freeway some 20 years ago that cleared the way for such projects as the Fiserv Forum and the Deer District.  Some environmentalists and urbanists have been pushing for the deconstruction of the highway and they say the mayor's support will be important in pushing the idea forward.  The state Transportation Department is already planning to replace portions of I-794 from North Broadway to the northern end of the Hoan Bridge.  Public comment is being sought on the project. 

Staff at UW Health are seeing long wait times as more patients with respiratory illnesses are seeking care.  Chief Quality Officer Jeff Pothof says triage workers are prioritizing patients based on the most immediate need for treatment.  The flu virus, and, in particular, RSV, have seen an early spread this year, prompting more people to visit doctors.  Pothof recommends scheduling an appointment with a primary care physician if possible and consulting with pharmacists on over-the-counter remedies for most common cold symptoms.

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction is releasing annual school district report cards.  Nearly 95 percent of public school districts in the state met or exceeded education guidelines last year.  Two dozen districts improved from their previous reports, increasing by one accountability rating.  Search D-P-I-dot-W-I-dot-gov for a full listing of how each district performed.

The state of Minnesota is offering a new batch of at-home rapid COVID-19 tests ahead of the holidays.  The move is meant to encourage people to test before they gather for the holidays.  Governor Tim Walz says people can place a third order for four more free tests through the state's online ordering program.  Walz says Minnesota is continuing its free test program even though the federal effort has been suspended. 

Preservationists are hailing a decision to nominate St. Paul's Hamline Midway Library for the National Historic Register.  A state historic review board made the nomination last night.  Preservationists have been fighting an effort by the property owner to demolish the building and replace it with a new, modern library.  The library's nomination will now be in the hands of the Keeper of the National Register of Historic Places and the National Park Service.  A decision on whether to list the library on the national register will be made within 45 days.

An Eau Claire hunter has bagged a ten-point buck that he thinks might be a new record in the county for a vertical bow.  Bobby Pagel says he first spotted the buck on his father's property last month and he has been chasing it ever since.  He finally tracked down the buck November fifth.  The buck had a 22-and-a-half inch antler spread.  Wisconsin's gun deer season starts this weekend. 

Local-Regional News Nov 16

 The Durand City Council is meeting tonight.  Items on the agenda include a public hearing on the 2023 Budget and adoption of the budget, a discussion of renting an apartment for ambulance staff, and reports from the Mayor and City Department heads.  Tonight's meeting begins at 6:30 at Durand City Hall.

The Durand-Arkansaw School Board is meeting tonight.  Items on the agenda include a public hearing on a waiver request to begin school on August 25th, renewal of the library agreement with the city of Durand, and renewal of agreements with Alma, Plum City, and Pepin School Districts.  Tonight's meeting begins at 6pm at the Board Room at Durand-Arkansaw High School.

One person was injured in a single-vehicle accident in El Paso Township on Monday.  According to the Pierce County Sheriff's Department, 33yr old Travis Waters of Eau Claire was traveling eastbound on Hwy 72 near 450th street when he lost control of the vehicle, entered the north ditch, and rolled over.  Waters was taken to River Falls Hospital.

The first grant recipient for the Mondovi Business Associations Energize Mondovi Grant has been announced.  The Energize Mondovi grant was created to allow current business owners and entrepreneurs interested in expanding or opening a new business in the Mondovi area with funding.  Applicants had to submit an application and go through an interview process with former business owners and community members. Big Coffee Company was presented with a $2500 grant to move to a new location and create a drive-up window for more traffic.  This is the first year the Mondovi Business Association has offered this grant opportunity, and they plan to offer it again in the spring.

An Eau Claire man faces up to 110 years in prison after pleading guilty to setting his home on fire in January.  Court records show 42-year-old Thomas Hicks pleaded guilty yesterday in Eau Claire County Circuit Court to one count of setting fire to a building and seven counts of second-degree recklessly endangering safety.  He was charged with setting fire to his home after he accused his wife of cheating.  There were four adults and three children in the home at the time of the fire.  All escaped safely.  Sentencing for Hicks is set for February.     

The City of River Falls has voted to move forward with a partnership with the US Army Corps of Engineers to remove two dams on the Kinnickinnic River.   The Junction Falls and Powell Dam would be removed under the partnership.   The Army Corps of Engineers estimates it would cost up to $12 million to remove both dams, restore the river, and related work. The federal government would pay 65 percent, with 35 percent falling to the city. Representatives of the Corps have told city staff that a $1 million grant already awarded for dam removal by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources could be put toward the city’s share, and the DNR has said another similar grant may be possible.

An Eau Claire man has pleaded no contest to charges that he shot up a neighborhood this past March.  Police arrested 20-year-old Aaron Jones after they say he fired several shots near Boardwalk Circle.  No one was hurt.  Sentencing is set for February. 

 The University of Wisconsin's Eau Claire campus is offering a program on a topic that's become especially timely -- climate change.  Campus officials say the program is designed to complement any degree so students can integrate knowledge about climate change into their career plans.  Dr. James Boulter says he created the program when he realized many people are not aware of efforts to develop solutions to climate change.  Currently, two dozen students are enrolled in the program.   

Democrats in the Wisconsin Senate are selecting Madison's Melissa Agard to serve as Minority Leader.  Members unanimously elected her to take over for retiring state Senator Janet Bewley yesterday.  Last week, Republicans made their leadership selections, choosing state Senator Devin LeMahieu to continue in the role of Majority Leader.  Wisconsin Republicans picked up a senate seat in last week's elections, now holding a 22 to eleven majority.

Now that Governor Tony Evers has been reelected he's asking the Wisconsin Senate to give confirmation votes to his appointees for state positions.  Evers has made over 100 appointments since becoming governor but the Republican-controlled Senate has not taken votes on them.  Wisconsin Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu tells WKOW the senate will consider the appointees in the new legislative session.

 Wisconsin is getting billions of dollars to spend on infrastructure improvements.  The state was recently awarded two-point-eight-billion dollars from the new Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.  Two-point-two-billion dollars of that money will go toward fixing Wisconsin's roads and bridges.  A full breakdown of the spending is available online at D-2-D-dot-G-S-A-dot-gov.

Paul Farrow will not seek a full two-year term as Chair of the Republican Party of Wisconsin at the party's Executive Committee meeting next month. Farrow tells WisPolitics.com he is focusing on his spring reelection bid as Waukesha County executive. Farrow said he informed the Executive Committee in August that he didn't plan to seek a two-year term. Farrow said he couldn't commit the time needed to the chair's role while running for reelection. The former state lawmaker was first elected county exec in 2015 and was unopposed in his 2019 reelection. The state party will now select its fourth chair in less than three years after Brad Courtney had served in the role for eight years. 

A bill authored by US Senator Tammy Baldwin that would codify same-sex marriage at the federal level is set for a vote in the Senate.  The bill already passed the House, but there was a debate in the Senate over the wording of the bill. Republicans wanted protections for nonprofit religious groups so they could refuse to offer marriage services on religious grounds. The bill would also clarify that polygamy is illegal under federal law. A vote on the bill could come as early as Wednesday. It would then be sent back to the House for approval of the amendment. There had been concerns over the continued legality of same sex marriage, after commentary from the Supreme Court that a ruling that made the practice legal could be reviewed.  

It was an unusual Tuesday morning at Western Lakes Golf Club in Pewaukee, where a twin engine plane carrying a crew of three and 53 rescue dogs from Louisiana made an emergency landing on the course.  Authorities said neither the crew or the dogs were seriously injured. The DNR is handling an aviation fuel spill and the cause of the crash is under investigation.  

State natural resources officials say snowy owls are becoming more widely seen across Wisconsin.  They say several snowy owls have already been spotted around the state, including one in Dane County that has been seen since summer.  Another has been spotted as recently as November first in Ashland.  State officials say they're not sure how many will be around this winter but that they should have a better idea by the end of this month.  

Local-Regional News Nov 15

 The Buffalo County Sheriff's office says a woman is hospitalized with life-threatening injuries after she was injured in a single-vehicle crash on Highway 37 in Buffalo County yesterday.  The accident occurred about noon on Highway 37 near County Road B in the Township of Gilmanton.  The county sheriff's office says a van was traveling southbound when it veered off the road and collided with a tree.  The driver -- 41-year-old Tonia Schwanke from Mondovi -- was taken to Mayo in Eau Claire for treatment of her injuries.  

The Pepin Town board has voted to spend $40,000 of the American Rescue Plan money to bring high-speed internet to the township.  Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services SwiftCurrent is expected to begin construction on the project next year and hopes to extend service to Grange Hall.  The approval of the board will allow the Cooperative to apply for grants to complete and expand the project.

UW-Extension service is proposing to merge the Pepin County 4-H program into the Buffalo County Program.  During last week's Pepin County Extension Committee meeting, state extension representatives made the proposal as extension rules say the 4-H educator for the county is not allowed to do multiple jobs.  Pepin County's extension educator retired so the position is still open.  Pepin and Buffalo County Extension committees will have a joint meeting on November 29th at 6pm in Durand to discuss the proposal.

State Representative Rob Summerfield from Bloomer has been named Majority Caucus chairman for the state Republican Party.  The role gives Summerfield a bigger role in setting the state GOP's agenda in the upcoming legislative session.  Summerfield won reelection to a fourth term in representing the 67th Assembly District.   

Hwy 61 was closed between Wabasha and Lake City yesterday after a dump truck rolled over.  According to the Wabasha County Sheriff's Department, the accident happened at about 12:30 and blocked Hwy 61.  The road was re-opened at about 3:30 yesterday.  No word on the cause of the accident or if there were any injuries.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection is warning residents of a recent uptick in gift card fraud.  The agency says consumers have reported finding a zero balance on cards shortly after purchasing them, some within 20 minutes of activation.  Experts believe software bots used by crooks may be to blame, automatically searching card numbers to find available balances.  DATCP recommends purchasing gift cards only from trusted sources and not activating them until shortly before use. 

Gas prices have recently been falling, then rising again. The national average is down slightly to start the week, but that trend is unlikely to continue into Thanksgiving week. According to AAA, Wisconsin is beneath the national average, with motorists averaging about $3.60 for a gallon of gas.  Here in Western Wisconsin, gas is averaging at $3.32 a gallon.  National analysts say the oil market remains volatile, so prices are almost certain to climb again next week.  

Wisconsin is part of a multi-state Google settlement.   Google has agreed to a $391.5 million settlement with 40 states – including Wisconsin and Minnesota - in connection with an investigation into how the company tracked users' locations. State attorneys general announced the settlement on Monday, calling it the largest multistate privacy settlement in U.S history. Attorney General Josh Kaul said Wisconsin’s share will total more than $8,421,000. The attorneys general opened the Google investigation following a 2018 Associated Press article that revealed Google "records your movements even when you explicitly tell it not to."  

Shawano County deputies are requesting charges against two teens in connection with last month’s bonfire explosion.   More than 40 people were injured in the October 14 explosion when a mixture of gas and diesel fuel was poured on a bonfire. A press release from the Sheriff’s Office says charges have been forwarded against a 17-year-old boy from Green Bay. Charges against a 16-year-old boy from Pulaski have been forwarded to Shawano County in juvenile court. There are also charges against the landowner who was present at the time. None of the individuals have been named.

Flu hospitalizations continue to rise in Minnesota. The Minnesota  Department of Health reports 108 people were hospitalized last week, compared to 44 the previous week. They say flu season started early this year and expect it to worsen. The Twin Cities have been hit the hardest, making up 87 percent of hospitalizations so far. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the 2022 flu vaccine has 50-percent efficacy against hospitalization from this year's virus.

One of the victims in a Sunday night's shooting at the University of Virginia was former Badger football player Devin Chandler, was one of three people killed in the shooting. Chandler, a wide receiver entered the transfer portal last October after playing for Wisconsin in 2020 and 2021. The suspect in the shooting is in custody and is a former UVA football player.  Christopher Darnell Jones Jr. has been charged with shooting three members of the UVA football team and two others as students returned on a charter bus from a field trip.

A West Bend man accused of entering a polling place with a knife has been criminally charged.  Thirty-eight-year-old Michael Miecielica was free on a signature bond when he reportedly entered the West Bend Community Memorial Library with a hunting knife to try to “stop the voting” at a polling place. He’s now charged with more than 12 counts in Washington County, including making "terrorist threats" and using threats to discourage voting. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for November 28.

Minnesota Republicans are licking their wounds following a convincing midterm election defeat.  GOP strategist Amy Koch says some of the margins were close, but Republicans should have run away with the election.  Republican governor candidate Scott Jensen says the timing of the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade doomed his and other state GOPer's hopes.  Republicans were shut out of all statewide offices and also became the minority in the Legislature.

Minnesota's largest deer hunting advocacy group is welcoming a new leader.  Jared Mazurek has been selected to operate the Minnesota Deer Hunter's Association.  He replaces Craig Engwall, who recently took a position with the Minnesota Board of Soil and Water Resources in St. Paul.  Mazurek has been leading the Poudre Learning Center in Greeley, Colorado.  It's a nonprofit focused on environmental studies for K-thru-twelve students.

Construction is getting underway at a new outdoor ice rink in Hastings.  A groundbreaking ceremony was held on Veterans Day.  The United Heroes League is sponsoring the project, which will complete plans for a campus for veterans and their kids.  The site is already home to a veterans monument, an archery range and an obstacle course.  The UHL owns the land.

Local-Regional News Nov 14

 An Ellsworth Iraq War Veteran was presented with the Purple Heart during a Veterans Day Ceremony on Friday.  Wisconsin Congressman Ron Kind says a change in the rules for the purple heart recipients. The award was presented at the Ellsworth Middle School Veterans Day Ceremony.

The Mondovi City Council is meeting tonight.  Items on the agenda incude a discussion and approval of the 2023 budget, and reports from the mayor and city department heads.  Tonights meeting begins at 5:30 at the Marten Center.

An Eau Claire man has been charged with providing fentanyl to a man that led to his overdose death.  Police say 36-year-old Edward Wells has been charged with several offenses, including first-degree reckless homicide, possession of fentanyl, and bail jumping.  Wells is charged with the death this past August of a man who was found near Oakwood Mall.  He had no pulse and was not breathing.  Wells is due in court on December first.

A third man has been charged in a September gun homicide in Altoona. WEAU reports online court records show Eau Claire County Judge Emily Long filed a warrant Friday for 26-year-old Kemone Golden of Cadott on charges including 1st-degree intentional homicide. Eau Claire residents, 32-year-old Michael Purnell and 34-year-old Xavier Thompson are charged as co-defendants and remain in custody on $1 million cash bond. All three are charged in the fatal shooting of of 39-year-old Christopher Conner of Altoona on September 17.  

The case against the teen charged in the murder of Lily Peters in Chippewa Falls last spring is moving forward – if slowly.  The judge set a telephone scheduling conference for January 9th at 8:30 AM, meaning the next tangible action could come sooner than previously thought. Until now the next item on the docket for the case was a series of hearings next August. A 14 year old boy, who so far has only been identified by his initials, is accused of killing the girl as she was riding her bike home from her aunt's house last spring. Prosecutors say the slow pace of the case is delaying justice for Peters' family.

Eau Claire says a man has been charged with leading state troopers on a chase that crossed roads and yards and -- at times -- topped 100 miles an hour.  Police say the chase began early last Tuesday when a pickup truck passed a trooper's car at a high rate of speed.  The chase that followed crossed the backyards of at least two homes before the driver jumped out of the truck as it was moving and escaped into a nearby cornfield, where he was captured.  Charges that include reckless endangerment of safety and drug possession have been filed against 37-year-old Nicholas Fisher.  He's due back in court next month.

The Wisconsin Better Business Bureau is warning residents of an increase in scam attempts.  Officials with the service say they have been notified of individuals posing as Medicare or Health Insurance Marketplace representatives in order to gain access to personal information.  Some warning signs a call might be fraudulent are offers for large discounts on coverage or free gifts in exchange for signing up, according to the BBB.  Those who believe they may have been the victim of a scammer are encouraged to contact the Medicare hotline or the Health Insurance Marketplace call center.

Hospitals across the nation and in Wisconsin are overwhelmed with cases of both RSV and the flu. leading officials to sound the alarm in Wisconsin doctors say there have been 2000 cases of RSV and just the past week cases are also spiking in Madison. Officials at American Family Children's Hospital say they are dealing with a surge in RSV cases three to four times higher than a normal year and a lot earlier in Madison,

Nearly 57 percent of Wisconsin's eligible voters turned out for Tuesday's midterm election.  The Wisconsin Elections Commission said on Friday that unofficial numbers show 56-point-75 percent of eligible voters cast ballots.  That's higher than most previous midterms but not quite as high as turnout in 2018 when midterm turnout hit a record 59-point-43 percent. 

The University of Wisconsin System is making another attempt to survey students about free speech.  On Monday thousands of students will get an email directing them to a survey that asks how much they value free speech and whether they see problems with a lack of diverse viewpoints.  They'll also be asked whether they censor themselves and whether they've ever been sanctioned or punished for exercising their free speech rights.  The first attempt at a free speech survey last spring set off criticism about the possibility of politicizing results ahead of the November election, questions about the research protocol process, and worries about who was paying for the survey.

Federal investigators are moving against a Grant County industrial cleaning company that's accused of illegally employing children as young as 13 on dangerous overnight shifts at meat packing plants.  The Department of Labor requested a temporary injunction Wednesday against Packers Sanitation Services after investigators found at least 31 children employed to clean industrial equipment at meatpacking plants in Nebraska and Minnesota.  A Labor Department complaint said at least two child workers suffered caustic chemical burns and other injuries while working on the floor where cattle are butchered at a plant in Grand Island, Nebraska.  Investigators said they also found child workers at two plants in Minnesota.

Madison gas prices are down sharply compared to last week.  Triple-A says the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded in Madison is three dollars and 75 cents, down 19 cents from last Friday.  Madison gas prices are also down over 25 cents from a month ago.  Some of the cheapest gas in Wisconsin is in Eau Claire where the average is three-46 a gallon.

It's November, but the Wisconsin State Fair is already making plans for next summer.  The Fair yesterday announced a new 11-day pass that they are calling the Fair Fun Pass.  For 99 dollars, people can get into the fair each day.  There are also a few other perks like a limited edition Super Fan lanyard and Super Fan sticker.  The Fair is also offering discounted tickets through the holiday season.  You can find out more at the Fair's website.  The 2023 Wisconsin State Fair runs August 3rd through the 13th.

California is suing a Minnesota-based company over the use of toxic chemicals.  The Golden State's Attorney General Rob Bonta announced charges against 18 chemical companies yesterday, including the St. Paul-based 3M.  The lawsuit claims the companies knowingly used toxic chemicals for decades, which wound up in California's water, wildlife, and the bloodstream of nearly every person in the state.  Three M spokesperson Carolyn LaViolette said the company "acted responsibly" in using the chemicals and "will defend its record of environmental stewardship."

A Minnesota couple is celebrating after finding a nearly two-carat diamond in Arkansas.  Jessica and Seth Erickson of Chatfield were on a road trip for their tenth anniversary when they stopped at the country's only public diamond mine.  Officials with the Crater of Diamonds State Park announced that the couple found the diamond while wet sifting, which is pretty rare. 

Local-Regional News November 11

 Many law enforcement agencies are struggling to find officers for open positions.  Pepin County Sheriff Joel Wener says the Pepin County Sheriff's Department doesn't have a large turnover. Wener says when recruiting officers the department focuses on the quality of life here in Pepin County as a benefit of joining the department.

Voters in Wabasha and Goodhue Counties have re-elected their incumbent sheriffs.  Wabasha County Sheriff Rodney Bartch was re-elected and Goodhue County Sheriff Marty Kelly was re-elected to another term.   Both Sheriff's said they want to focus on community engagement while at the same time bringing value to the citizens due to tight budgets.

Chippewa County is moving to half days on Fridays starting in January.  The county yesterday said it is 'adjusting' the hours at the courthouse starting on the first of the year.  County Administrator Randy Scholz says they can't afford to give county employees more money, so allowing them to work less is the next best thing.  The courthouse will continue to be open til 4:30 for any ongoing court hearings.

Eau Claire's mall will once again have a movie theater.  Micon Cinemas yesterday said they will be moving into the empty theater at the Oakwood Mall.  AMC Theaters moved out this fall.  An opening date is yet to be announced, but the hope is to get movies playing in time for the holiday season.  Micon's owners say they have no plans to close their theater on Mall Drive anytime soon.

A historic building in downtown Eau Claire was demolished on Thursday. The Ottawa House was constructed in 1882 following a fire that destroyed much of the Water Street business district. The city's Landmark Commission approved an application to raze the building after an inspection determined there were major structural deficiencies. The Eau Claire City Council has approved a plan to build an apartment building on the site.

State Attorney Josh Kaul says over 54,000 pounds of unwanted medications were collected across the state during drug take-back day in October.  According to the State DOJ, over 140 law enforcement agencies, including the Pepin and Buffalo County Sheriff's Departments took part in Drug Take Back Day, which is a chance for people to safely have their unwanted medication disposed of.   

The top Republican in the Wisconsin Assembly says he's willing to work with the governor on a new abortion law. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos yesterday said he is willing to compromise with Governor Evers. Vos said he wants to have an abortion law that will 'withstand court challenges,' but he didn't say just what would be included in the new law. Wisconsin's current law dates back to 1849, and doesn't include exceptions for cases of rape of incest. Governor Evers said during the campaign that he wouldn't sign an exemption law because it would still ban most abortions in Wisconsin. Vos said he's willing to see what the governor will do if lawmakers actually hand him something to sign.

There's more talk about more money for local governments in Wisconsin.  The League Of Wisconsin Municipalities yesterday said the flood of local tax hikes on Tuesday's ballot shows the need for 'reform.'  The League isn't saying just what it wants lawmakers to do, or how much more money they want from the state.  The League says that 20 communities asked voters for more money on Election Day shows there is a need.  Republican leaders at the Capitol say tax hike questions are the best ways for local government to ask local voters for more local money.

Farmers from across Minnesota are meeting at the Minnesota Ag and Food Summit.  Agriculture workers gathered yesterday at the Minneapolis Convention Center for AgriGrowth's 2022 event.  The group discussed struggles farmers are facing such as high planting costs and inflation, drought conditions, and supply chain issues.  Senator Tina Smith spoke at the event, saying farmers have the support of the federal government.

A Wisconsin marching band comprising 450 musicians from several northern Wisconsin high schools will participate in the 134th Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California. According to the tournament's website, The Wisconsin Northwoods Marching Band is one of 21 bands that will march in the parade on January 2nd, 2023. High schools participating include Wausau East and West; Antigo; D.C. Everest; Lakeland; Merrill; Mosinee; Northland Pines and Three Lakes.   

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources releases an updated plan to manage the state's wolf population.  The DNR says the plan will ensure Wisconsin's wolf population remains balanced and healthy.  A 60-day public review period is now underway.  You can view the plan on the DNR's website.

Democrats are set to control both chambers of the Minnesota legislature for the first time in nearly a decade.  The DFL party maintained its six-seat majority in the House and secured a one-seat majority in the Senate after midterm elections this week.  January will mark the first time in nine years since Democrats had this advantage.  Senator Erin Murphy of St. Paul said the caucus will meet today to start discussing leadership and priorities for 2023. 

There is a warning from Madison Police about scammers targeting older folks. Officers say they've gotten several calls from people who say a scammer called them pretending to be a relative and convinced them to hand-over money. The scammers usually call in a panic and claim they've been arrested or a victim of a crime. A courier sometimes comes by to collect the money, or police say the scammers ask the older folks to go to a Bitcoin ATM and make a withdrawal. Madison Police say never give money to people who call on the phone, and if you do get a suspicious call, hang-up.

A preliminary hearing for a Green Bay girl accused of killing a passenger in a high speed crash is delayed. The 15-year-old appeared in Brown County Court on Wednesday without an attorney. The girl is charged as an adult with First Degree Reckless Homicide, Hit and Run Involving Death, and Auto Theft. She was allegedly doing more than 100-miles an hour along West Mason Street when she collided with two vehicles last month. Seventeen year old Cruz Beltran of Milwaukee was killed in the crash.

West Bend Police say a man who pulled a knife in a polling place was already out on bond. Prosecutors are filing new charges against 38-year-old Michael Miecielica [meh CELL ee ka]. Police say he demanded that the election be stopped on Tuesday after he drew a knife inside a polling place in the public library. He was arrested and released last week for posting and handing out threatening and racist fliers in downtown West Bend. No one was injured in those incidents. 

Target customers could see much larger stores in the near future.  The Minneapolis-based retailer plans to build businesses covering nearly 150-thousand square feet.  The size of these proposed larger stores is somewhat similar to the Super Target stores which were about 175 thousand square feet.  The much larger locations are expected to be built next year.