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.
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