Friday, November 18, 2022

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.    

-

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.

No comments:

Post a Comment