Local-Regional News June 13

 

City fees are on the rise. The Durand City Council approved the new fee schedule this week. Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren says 12 fees will be increased for a new online payment system.  New fees include a $250 application fee for a new building project that has to go before the planning commission.

Last week, before Fun Fest, the city of Durand sprayed for mosquitoes. Durand Public Works Superintendent Matt Gillis says the product the city uses lasts for about 24-48 hours.  Gillis says to use something that lasts longer would require pesticide applicator licensing, and there are other health and environmental concerns that would have to be considered. The cost of each application is approximately $1500 and the city budgets for 4 applications each summer around major events like Fun Fest and Blues on the Chippewa.

One person was injured in a single vehicle accident in Martell Township on June 4^th. According to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department, 81yr old Patricia Schmoller of River Falls was traveling westbound on Hwy 29 when she lost control of the vehicle and entered the ditch. Schmoller was transported to Western Wisconsin Health in Baldwin with undetermined injuries.

The BNSF Railroad will be working on the railroad crossing in Bay City starting on Monday. Pierce County Emergency Management says the railroad crossing will be closed to the public all week for planned maintenance work. During daytime hours, a temporary single lane crossing with flaggers will be used, while a single lane will be open at the normal crossing after hours. That work is expected to be completed by June 20^th.

The Buffalo County Highway Department will be closing part of Hwy J next week for paving operations. Hwy J will be closed between Hwy JJ and Johnson Road in the Town of Canton on June 17^th and 18^th from 7-5pm. Crews are repaving Hwy J both days.

Residents in Dunn and Buffalo counties will soon notice low-flying planes as the state works to prevent the spread of the spongy moth. Small Yellow planes will be spraying a mating disruptor into the tress to stop the spread of the spongy moth. The disruptor is organic and will not hurt people or pets. The spraying will start in the early mornings weather permitting. For more information on the program call the Wisconsin Department of Ag at 800-642-MOTH.

The UWEC faculty member who flipped over the College Republicans' table is pleading no contest to disorderly conduct. Jose Alvergue entered the plea in court Wednesday and paid a 295-dollar fine. The College Republicans had a table set up on campus to support Supreme Court Justice Nominee Brad Schimel. The group's chair says on April 1st, Alvergue flipped the table over as he walked past it. The Republican Party of Eau Claire County is calling for him to be fired.

Governor Tony Evers is ordering the U.S. and Wisconsin state flags to be flown at half-staff today. It's to honor former Major General Jerome Bernard, who died in January at age 87. Bernard served more than four decades in the Wisconsin National Guard. Services for Bernard will be held today in Hayward and at the North Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner.

Legislation to require Wisconsin sheriff’s departments to cooperate with federal immigration officials or risk state funding cuts moves out of a state Senate committee. Delafield Republican Senator Chris Kapenga says the law needs to be put in place to make sure that there is compliance with the law. Milwaukee Democratic Senator Chris Larson says local law enforcement agencies already have limited resources, and shouldn't be forced to partner with ICE. Democratic Governor Tony Evers has said he'd likely veto the bill, which passed the Assembly in March.

A Wisconsin congressman wants to restrict federal funding from communities the U.S. Department of Justice deems “anarchist jurisdictions.” Eighth District Republican Tony Wied’s proposed bill – which he dubs the “Stop Anarchists From Endangering Cities” or SAFE Act is a response to immigration enforcement protests in cities like Los Angeles and New York. It would codify a 2020 memorandum issued by President Donald Trump following riots in response to the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers. The memorandum restricts federal funding for any state or local jurisdiction the Department of Justice identifies to be permitting “anarchy, violence, or destruction.” Seventh District Republican Tom Tiffany is a co-sponsor.

A 6th-grade student at a southeast Wisconsin school admits to threatening teachers in an email. Germantown Police say the 12-year-old Kennedy Middle School student was identified as the sender of the June 2nd message signed “Anonymous”. The email read, “…we will show up to Kennedy Middle School with an AK-47 and kill all of the teachers.” A review of electronic devices seized during a search by investigators led to discovery of a Google account used to send the email. The student told police he didn’t intend to act on the threat and his parents confirmed he had no access to firearms at home. Police have referred a charge of "terroristic threats" against the boy to Washington County Juvenile Intake.

A Pine Island man is accused of robbing ATMs at restaurants in the Olmsted County area. Jason Krukow has been charged with several offenses, including damage to property and burglary. The defendant was arrested after several search warrants were executed at his residence. Rochester police officials say Krukow robbed six businesses. The investigation is ongoing.

June is PTSD Awareness Month, and there’s help for Wisconsin veterans dealing with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Lexy Duvall is a clinical coordinator with the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs Veteran Outreach and Recovery Program.    Resources available to assist veterans’ families include QPR training – which stands for Question, Pursuade, Refer. More information is available through County and Tribal Veterans Service Officers and online at DVA.WI.GOV.

Minnesota residents are continuing to show support for Governor Tim Walz. A poll conducted by KSTP/ SurveyUSA shows 58 percent of registered voters in the state approved of his job performance. Thirty-nine percent disapprove of his job. Meanwhile, 43 percent of the participants say he should run for reelection, while another 43 percent say he should not.

Local-Regional News June 12

 

Mavrick Drone Systems has donated a $17,000 drone to Chippewa Valley Technical College’s drone training program. The agricultural drone is intentionally inoperable, and will allow students of the program hands-on experience in repair, programming, piloting, and maintenance of the drone. The drone training certification program started at CVTC in 2019.

The Durand City Council heard a presentation from Ehlers and Associates on how the city could pay for the Madison Street Project. The $4 million project has been delayed after costs came in above expectations. Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren says the city could use funds from the Tax Incremental Finance District to pay for the project.  Even with the price, by using the TIF district, city residents wouldn’t see a rise in taxes.

Residents of Buffalo, Eau Claire, and Trempealeau Counties are invited to participate in a needs assessment survey being conducted by the Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council. The survey will ask residents of the three counties questions about jobs, child care options, health care, affordable housing, and quality of life. Visit the Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council Facebook page to take the survey.

Dunn County residents are encouraged to take an emergency preparedness survey being conducted by Dunn County Emergency Management. The survey will help emergency management set priorities and goals for training, equipment, planning, and emergency response. The survey will also support updates to the county’s hazard mitigation plan. Visit the Dunn County Facebook page to take the survey.

Two Chippewa Falls lawmakers are behind legislation that would help fund the reopening of a substance abuse treatment center. State Senator Jesse James and Representative Clint Moses authored a bill that would allocate one-million dollars to help cover re-opening costs of the former Libertas Center. Lutheran Social Services estimates it would cost three-million dollars to buy and renovate the building.

The City of Wabasha has announced that the new Eagles Basin playground is officially open . The park opened on June 5th and was a key project identified in the city’s comprehensive master parks plan, offers families and children play and outdoor activity.  Future enhancements of the park include the installation of a concrete sidewalk directly connecting the park to Wabasha’s popular city bike trail, further improving accessibility. Additionally, two new concrete pads will be poured to accommodate new park benches, offering comfortable seating for visitors.

A judge will announce later this month when the new trial will start for the woman accused of human trafficking in La Crosse County. A mistrial was declared yesterday because the victim in the case had a medical emergency. Shantylle Kibler is accused of working with her boyfriend to force the victim into prostitution. A status conference is scheduled for later this month to determine the date of the new trial.

Wisconsin lawmakers are considering a measure that would ensure continued funding for the state's 9-8-8 crisis hotline. Federal dollars for the service are currently set to expire next year. Legislation introduced in Madison would require the Wisconsin Department of Health Services to keep the hotline running. Officials say the service has received 200-thousand calls and messages from Wisconsin residents seeking help with mental health concerns since launching in July of 2022.

Wisconsin is joining a lawsuit against genealogy company 23andMe. On Tuesday Attorney General Josh Kaul announced the state is joining a coalition of states involved in a lawsuit against the company. The suit aims to stop 23andMe from auctioning off the genetic information of users. The personal information of about 15 million customers could be sold off after the biotechnology company filed for bankruptcy earlier this year. The lawsuit, filed in federal bankruptcy court, challenges the company's attempt to auction off its assets without the consent of its users.

The Wisconsin Department of Tourism has announced a third consecutive record-breaking year. According to a press release from Governor Tony Evers' office, Wisconsin generated $25.8 billion in total economic impact in 2024, surpassing the previous record of $25 billion in 2023. The state also welcomed 114.4 million visits over the course of the year. Governor Evers credited the growth to strategic investments in tourism included in his budget, though he noted that some of those investments were cut by Republican lawmakers.

Officials in Wausau hope DNA science can identify the city’s unknown soldier. The unknown soldier died by suicide in 1930 - leaving behind no identifying information, just a note saying he was a World War One Veteran. Efforts to identify him went nowhere- and officials buried him with full military honors and a headstone marked "unknown Soldier" But last week multiple agencies worked to dig up his remains "with great care and respect"- they now await DNA analysis to see if a living match can be found- which could lead to identification and closer for his story. Officials say the effort could take months, with the University of Wisconsin Missing in Action (MIA) Recovery and Identification Project assisting the effort.

You can play a part in protecting Wisconsin's seniors from scams. Ahead of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15th, the Department of Ag, Trade and Consumer Protection wants families to be aware of how scammers try to take advantage of older adults. The best things you can do to keep seniors safe is to be informed, plan ahead, stop and think, talk to others about possible scams and report them. According to the Federal Trade Commission, of those who lost money to fraud in 2024, the median amount for consumers over age 70 was more than $1,000. Visit DATCP's website for more information on scams and how to avoid them.

A boat made famous after being abandoned for months along Milwaukee’s lakeshore could sail into your life for the right price. Tuesday, the Milwaukee County Parks and Culture Committee discussed putting the vessel named "Deep Thought" up for auction. Parks deputy director James Tarantino says details about the public auction would be made available once legal details are figured out. The boat was abandoned along the lakeshore after running out of gas in mid-October and stayed there until last month when it was towed at the county’s expense. The county hopes to cover a funding shortfall for the $50,000 towing bill through the auction.

Republican lawmakers are pushing a new resolution that would limit the governor's power to veto parts of state spending bills. The proposed constitutional change would allow governors to strike entire sections or reduce funding -- but not remove individual words or numbers. The move follows Governor Tony Evers' 2023 veto that secured school funding for 400 years. The Wisconsin Supreme Court upheld that action earlier this year. Supporters of the resolution say governors from both parties have taken the partial veto too far.

A group of Democratic state lawmakers are trying to change the primary voting process in Wisconsin. Several senators and representatives are sponsoring a measure that would allow voters to split tickets in partisan primaries. As it stands now, citizens are only able to cast a ballot for a single party primary. Wisconsin Democrats have also sponsored legislation that would allow voters to use a REAL ID from another state as an acceptable form of identification at the polls.

Local-Regional News June 11

 

The Durand City Council is meeting tonight. Items on the agenda include discussion of financing for the Madison Street Project, and updated fee schedule and reports from the mayor and city department heads. Tonights meeting begins at 6pm at Durand City Hall and will be live streamed on the WRDN Website.

Mondovi City Hall will not be changing office hours. Last month the council had approved a change in office hours that would have had City Hall closed on Friday afternoons. However, Mayor Weiss preferred that City Hall stay open for those residents that need to meet with city staff. Staff will rotate working on Friday afternoons so City Hall can remain open on Friday’s.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is seeking public input on a Western Wisconsin bridge improvement project. The project intends to replace six bridges between the Chippewa River and Nelson on Hwy 35. The bridges were originally built in 1933, and the DOT says they have reached the end of their service lives. The project is expected to take an estimated two years to complete. Public comments are due by July eleventh.

The economic impact of tourism increased in Western Wisconsin in 2024. According to the Wisconsin Department of Tourism, Dunn County saw a $102 Million in Economic impact of tourism, Pierce County $65 million, Buffalo County $29 Million and Pepin County saw a $16 million economic impact from tourism. Tourism statewide had an over $25 Billion economic impact in 2024.

The Pepin County Health Department is reminding residents that think they or their children have the measles to not show up at the ER or doctor’s office unannounced. Because measles is very contagious it is recommended that you call ahead so that the ER or doctor’s office can prepare ahead of time, to help prevent the spread of the disease. Currently there are NO measles cases being reported anywhere in Wisconsin.

Eau Claire first responders were called into action Tuesday morning with reports of a man struggling in the Chippewa River. A firefighter went into the water and rescued the man in an area between the Lake Street and Water Street bridges. There has been no word on how the man came to be in that predicament.

A man who was the recent subject of a manhunt in Eau Claire appeared in court via video on Tuesday. Leo Lacey is charged with crimes including hit and run, intentionally pointing a firearm at a person, theft of property and false imprisonment. At a preliminary hearing yesterday, Lacey stated that he has been unable to secure a lawyer. The court is allowing him more time do so and his next appearance is scheduled for later this month.

A Durand Business is expanding in the Upper Midwest. Bauer Built Tire announced yesterday that the company has added 14 new locations from Meekhof Tire Sales and Service in Michigan and Illinois. The purchase includes commercial and retail tire and service centers, two retread plants and two wheel facilities. Bauer Built Tire is now in 10 states in the Upper Midwest.

The verdict is in for a defendant charged in the killing of a man six years ago in La Crosse. Forty-five-year-old Anquin St. Junious has been convicted in the killing of Virgil Stewart. Prosecutors say that St. Junious fatally stabbed Stewart at a location on South 7th Street in January of 2019. Jurors have found the defendant guilty of second-degree reckless homicide.

Federal prosecutors are saying that criminal charges filed against Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan should stand. The U.S. Justice Department submitted the statement Monday in response to a motion filed by Dugan's attorneys arguing the case against her should be dropped. The judge is facing separate misdemeanor and felony counts for allegedly ushering an undocumented man out of a back door in her courtroom to prevent federal immigration agents from taking him into custody. Representatives for Dugan say her actions should fall under judicial immunity. U.S. attorneys claim dismissing the case on those grounds would be unprecedented and would essentially say that judges are above the law.

Wisconsin's Medicaid system is set to see major changes if President Trump's Big, Beautiful Bill is fully passed through Congress and signed into law. State Medicaid Director Bill Hanna says roughly 63-thousand current recipients across Wisconsin would not meet the work requirements included in the version of the bill that was passed in the House last month. The changes would also cost the state's taxpayers eight million dollars to put into place during the first year, according to Hanna.

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos accuses the Evers administration of lying about the budget. Governor Tony Evers said in a statement that Republicans refused to agree to meaningful investments in education, childcare and the UW System as negotiations broke down. Appearing on WISN's UpFront, Vos says Republicans are willing to make investments, just not the amount Evers wants. Vos says Republicans were also willing to give the UW system funding, but less than the governor and system's $800 million request. Budget talks between Evers and Republican lawmakers broke down last week.

A Rochester woman is accused of scamming a man out of his rent for a property that she did not own. Cara Schott has been charged with theft by swindling. Police say the victim met with the defendant and gave her a check for 16 hundred dollars and also wired her 650 dollars for rent and a security deposit. The man found out later from a listing agent that Schott did not own the property. The defendant was released on bail with conditions and is expected back in court on July 29th.

The Minnesota Legislature is approving a 66 billion dollar two-year budget with time to spare. Lawmakers beat a Tuesday morning deadline to avert a July 1st partial government shutdown. The Minnesota House and Senate passed 14 bills that are part of the spending plan. One of the pieces of legislation is a controversial measure that denies adult undocumented immigrants access to the state's public health insurance program. The bill will still allow the children of undocumented immigrants to enroll in MinnesotaCare. The proposal now heads to Governor Tim Walz's desk. He's expected to sign it even though he opposes the legislation. Other legislation that passed includes a 700 million dollar bonding bill that invests in roads, bridges, drinking water, and other infrastructure.

The Kaukauna Goats are back to work this year at the Thousand Islands Environmental Center. The animals are going out daily to munch on invasive plants at the nature area. They will be in action through June 23rd. Thousand Islands is one of the few organizations that has volunteers care for goats year-round so they can be used for invasive plant management.

Local-Regional News June 10

 

A Buffalo County man is dead after an accident in Winona County. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, a 68yr old Fountain City man was driving a semi truck northbound on Hwy 14 at Gilmore Valley Road, when he crossed into the eastbound lanes, and entered the ditch. The semi rolled onto its side. The identity of the victim has not been released pending notification of the family.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has announced construction activities have begun at Sam Gordy’s Backwater Complex. The project will improve fish habitat by restoring flow with the main Mississippi River channel and improving water quality. A rock deflector will be constructed at the river inlet to prevent sand from being deposited in the backwater complex, while still allowing for high-oxygen river water to enter the complex. This design has been used successfully on other Mississippi River habitat projects. Additionally, the downstream riverbank will be armored with rock riprap and the accumulated sand in the aeration channel will be mechanically dredged. Recreational users may need to avoid the direct project area during active construction, but access is not anticipated to be otherwise impacted. Work is expected to be completed by Dec. 1, 2025.

In Dunn County, the Stepping Stones shelter, food pantry and support center is announcing plans to reduce services. Beginning June 30th, Stepping Stones' food pantry will only be available four days each week. Folks who had counted on it for help each week will only be able to access the pantry once every two weeks. Stepping Stones blames a cut in federal funding for the reduction in support they can offer. More details on available services, as well as volunteer and donation opportunities, can be found at steppingstonesdc-dot-org.

The BNSF will be working on the railroad crossing at 290^th Street in Hager City on Thursday. The crossing will be closed to traffic for the entire day. Only emergency vehicles will be allowed to use the crossing. The work on the crossing is expected to be done at the end of the day on Thursday.

An Arcadia man has been arrested on drug charges. According to the Trempealeau County Sheriff’s Department, deputies pulled over 21yr old Rudis Hernandez Flores for a traffic stop and learned Flores was a suspect in distributing a controlled substance to minors in the area. A K-9 alerted officers to the presence of drugs in the vehicle, and after a search, officers found suspected methamphetamine and marijuana. A search of Flores’ home found additional drugs. Flores was arrested and transported to the Trempeleau County Jail.

An Eau Claire man will spend 16 years in prison for sexually assaulting a 12-year-old child. A judge sentenced Marcel Wiseman yesterday. He pleaded guilty to one count of first degree child sexual assault in a plea deal. During the sentencing hearing today, Wiseman was given credit for the three years he's already spent in custody. After his release, Wiseman will have to spend ten years of supervision and register as a sex offender for life.

A motion hearing in the Chippewa Falls Lily Peters homicide has been rescheduled. The Chippewa County judge in the case had an illness necessitating the Monday hearing be rescheduled for a later date. That comes just days after the court ruled to seal records on behalf of 17-year-old defendant Carson Peters Burger. Court documents show Judge Stephen Gibbs granted a motion to seal the transcript of the investigators’ interview recording with Peters Burger as well as a flash drive containing a video of the interview. Only attorneys and the defendant can have access. The Wisconsin Court of Appeals previously ruled that Peters Burger will be tried in adult court. He was 15 when 10-year-old Lilly Peters was killed in April 2022.

An investigation into the death of an Eau Claire County Jail inmate is now complete. Twenty-nine-year-old Silver Jenkins was found dead in her cell on March 12th of 2023. Jenkins' cause of death has been determined as dehydration due to voluntary restriction of food and liquids. Authorities will not be filing charges in the matter.

The trial of a defendant accused of killing a man six years ago in La Crosse is now underway. Forty-five-year-old Anquin St. Junious is charged in the death of Virgil Stewart. Prosecutors say that St. Junious fatally stabbed Stewart at a location on South 7th Street in January of 2019. Jurors yesterday heard testimony from the victim's girlfriend. Testimony is expected to continue today.

One person is injured after a crash and car fire in Barron County. Police say a pickup truck driver crossed the center lane north of 17th Avenue near Almena and sideswiped another truck, which was pulling a dump trailer. The pickup flipped onto its roof after hitting the trailer, and then started to catch on fire. Its driver was injured, but escaped by climbing out of the passenger door. He is suspected of possibly drinking before the crash, which is still under investigation.

Following the move in the 2023-24 season at UW Madison, UW Stevens Point will explore sale of alcoholic beverages at hockey and basketball games. Pointers Athletic Director Brad Duckworth says it would mean a new revenue stream and bring a measure of control to consumption during games. The Stevens Point Parks Commission has signed off, but Duckworth emphasizes that more approvals from the university and city are needed. The city operates Community Stadium at Goerke Park and the adjacent KB Willett Ice Arena.

Rideshare drivers for companies like Uber, DoorDash, and Instacart could receive new benefits under a bill advancing in the Wisconsin State Senate. The bill, approved by a committee on Sunday, would allow the companies to provide accident insurance and health insurance. Some lawmakers opposed the measure, saying the bill should also include retirement benefits for gig workers. It now heads to the full Senate for consideration.

The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development is distributing more than ten-million-dollars to improve employment opportunities. The money will go to ten Workforce Boards across the state to help more than 14-hundred Wisconsinites through the Worker Advancement Initiative. The program provides paid work experience to improve work skills, and assistance with common barriers to employment, including child care and transportation.

An Austin man is accused of threatening to blow up the Minnesota Capitol and several other buildings. Jonathan Nique has been charged with eight counts of possessing guns without a serial number. The weapons were seized from the defendant's garage late last month. Police say Nique mentioned putting explosives in Mayo's Gonda building in Rochester, the Olmstead Government Center, the State Capitol, and a synagogue. He later said he was joking about blowing up high-profile locations, but regretted making the jokes

A highway in Winnebago County now carries the Purple Heart designation. Community leaders gathered in Oshkosh Saturday to dedicate the portion of Wisconsin Route 21 that runs through the county. The local chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart helped make the new highway sign possible.

Local-Regional News June 9

 

One man and his dog are dead in an alleged train crash in Buffalo County. Buffalo County Chief Deputy Colin Severson said it happened south of Fountain City near the 5A Dam on Friday. He said the man and his dog were on the train tracks when the incident happened. Police are still investigating.

Durand Fun Fest wrapped up yesterday. Good crowds were on hand all three days and there were no reports of any issues. Fun Fest committee members will take a few weeks off before starting planning for next year’s event. The committee would like to thank the community volunteers and sponsors who helped keep fun fest possible.

An improvement project on I-94 is underway. Bridges on the interstate throughout Western Wisconsin including Dunn and Eau Claire Counties are being sealed. That includes bridge decks and columns. Crews began their efforts on Sunday. Work is to take place in the evenings and is expected to be finished near the end of next month.

The city of Wabasha is inviting residents to provide impute on areas of flooding concerns as part of a Flood Resiliency Study. The goal of this study is to identify infrastructure improvement opportunities and solutions that are needed in Wabasha to protect property and support the transportation system to facilitate effective emergency response or evaluation during flooding. The goal is to protect city facilities, homes and businesses, and residents in the community from reoccurring flood concerns. Comments are needed by Friday. Visit the City of Wabasha Website for more information.

A pre-trial hearing is scheduled today for the defendant charged in the killing of ten-year-old Lily Peters. Investigators say that Peters was killed in Chippewa Falls on April 24th of 2022 with her body found the next day. Seventeen-year-old defendant Carson Peters-Berger was just 14 when prosecutors say he took the young girl's life. Today's hearing will be to consider a number of motions filed in the case, including one regarding the possible movement of the upcoming trial to another county.

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire's Board of Regents is approving the addition of three new majors for the fall of 2026. The university will offer College of Business majors in digital marketing analytics and in professional sales. The College of Arts and Sciences will offer a major in philosophy, politics and economics. A spokesperson for the university says these three programs reflect UW-Eau Claire's commitment to renewing and refreshing program offerings to address changing workforce needs and student interests.

A bipartisan bill at the Capitol would create a grant program to help smaller police agencies in Wisconsin address staffing shortages. Beloit Democrat, Representative Clinton Anderson says very few of these smaller departments are able to send someone to the police academy. The proposed grant program would cover costs of academy training and on-the-job training for a recruit if a department has an officer retiring within six months or has more than 20% of officer positions unfilled. Anderson introduced the legislation alongside Democratic Senator Brad Pfaff and Republican Senators Jesse James and Representative Bob Donovan.

You can help stop the spread of invasive species this summer. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources invasive plant specialist Mackenzie Manicki says after you're done recreating outside, clean off things like your clothes, ATV tires, and even dogs to make sure seeds aren't spreading from one area to another. Manicki says if you're going camping, make sure you buy your firewood locally so you're not spreading things like emerald ash borer. More information on invasives species, both aquatic and terrestrial, can be found on the DNR's website.

A Rochester woman accused of attacking a young child with a pizza cutter is being found guilty. An Olmsted County jury convicted Andrianna Newburn Thursday of first-degree assault, child torture, second-degree assault, third-degree assault, terroristic threats, and two counts of fifth-degree assault. Prosecutors say the defendant and another woman got into a fight last June at a KinderCare childcare center. Newburn slashed the other woman's child, leaving the toddler with a cut on the leg and a cut on the face that had to be surgically repaired. A sentencing date is set for August 18.

Trying to curb wrong-way driving in Wisconsin. A newly formed Wisconsin Department of Transportation task force focusing on wrong-way driving is considering adding 10 more locations for wrong-way driver alert systems to the 20 currently in place statewide. The DOT reports 270 wrong-way driving incidents so far this year around Wisconsin, and the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Department said they respond to wrong-way drivers about four times a week. In the meantime, the department has added more signs at intersections and ramps saying, "wrong way" or "do not enter".

Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul has joined a multi-state coalition to secure a court order against the Trump Administration to block the dismantling of AmeriCorps programs. The U.S. District Court of Maryland ordered the Trump Administration to restore AmeriCorps programs in Wisconsin and other states, securing the nationwide restoration of National Civilian Community Corps members. Kaul said, " Congress should also step in and prevent the Trump Administration from doing further damage to AmeriCorps."

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled a Wisconsin charity doesn’t have to pay state unemployment taxes. Thursday’s unanimous ruling involves the Catholic Charities Bureau, which argued the state violated the U.S. Construction’s religious freedom guarantee by requiring payment of the tax while exempting other faith-based groups. Wisconsin argued Catholic Charities has paid the tax for decades and isn’t exempt because day-to-day operations don’t involve religious teachings. Catholic Charities said it’s due to the exemption because its disability services are motivated by religious beliefs. It appealed a Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling, which upheld the state’s position to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Republican lawmakers introduce legislation to increase transparency in hospital pricing. Advocate MD owner Dr. Nicole Hemkes believes some of the complexities of medical costs are designed to keep charges hidden and very difficult for healthcare consumers to understand and navigate. In a release, the Wisconsin Hospitals Association says Wisconsin ranks first in the country in hospital price transparency. The legislation authored by Senators Julian Bradley and Mary Felzkowski and Representative Bob Wittke, would require hospitals to publish clear, accessible pricing information online for both common procedures and the full range of hospital services.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is calling for a Special Session on today. He and the narrowly divided Legislature struck a deal on the state budget. Some of the bills that will be worked on are those that deal with medical care for undocumented residents, consumer protection, and transportation financing. Legislators have a deadline of Tuesday morning to reach a compromise on bills for the two-year spending plan. Budget bills must be signed into law by July 1st, or much of the state government will shut down.

Eau Claire is the best city to live in, in Wisconsin. That's according to U.S. News and World Report's Best Places To Live List, which also ranked Eau Claire at 49th for best places to live in the country. The rankings were based on an analysis of public data and user opinions.

Local-Regional News June 6

The case of a man charged with hiding a corpse, obstruction of an officer, and animal mistreatment has been settled in Buffalo County. Arthur McMullin had been arrested and charged last year after authorities found the decomposing body of his wife and 70 dogs and cats in their home in Fountain City. McMullin was found guilty of obstruction of an officer and not guilty due to mental disease or defect on the other charges and was sentenced to time served. McMullin will remain in jail until the Department of Health conducts a mental health examination to determine if he should be committed to institutional care or have a conditional release.

With the recent announcement of two people in the Twin Cities area infected with measles, health officials are reminding everyone that two doses of the measles vaccine are the best way to prevent the spread of the disease. Jessica Schrauth with the Pepin County Health Department says that your age may determine if you need that second dose.  If you are unsure of your vaccination status, the Pepin County Health Department can help find that information.

Durand Fun Fest kicks off this afternoon at Memorial Park. Fun Fest Chair Rhonda Sweeney says there will be music throughout the weekend.  Other events include the car show, golf tournament, carnival and the grand parade is set for Sunday at 2pm.

Governor Tony Evers approved a regionwide I-94 Bridge maintenance work project. Evers signed a contract with prime contractor Thunder Road for sealing decks and pier columns on bridges on or over I-94 in St. Croix, Dunn, Eau Claire, Trempealeau, and Jackson counties. Work is scheduled to start on Sunday.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking the public’s help on the ongoing investigation into the cause of a fire that destroyed the 68-year-old Tank Creek Bridge in Trempealeau County on the Great River State Trail. The fire occurred in the evening on Thursday, May 15. No injuries were reported; however, the bridge was a total loss. The cause of the fire is under investigation, and the public’s help is needed. The DNR asks the public to share any information with the DNR’s confidential Violation Hotline online or by calling 1-800-847-9367.

An area business has been recognized by Pierce County Economic Development. ALCIVIA has been awarded the Pierce County Economic Boost Award at the annual Pierce County Economic Development Awards Ceremony, held on May 15. The award recognizes ALCIVIA’s expansion project in Hager City, Wisconsin, which has generated significant economic benefits for the region. The Hager City grain facility boasts 3.9 million bushels of storage and the ability to handle up to 60,000 bushels per hour along with rail access. The Economic Boost Award is presented to a project, initiative, or collaboration that has driven significant economic advancement in Pierce County through job creation, investment, or business attraction.

The 2025 WIAA State Track and Field Championships will kick off today in La Crosse. Over 22-thousand people are expected to attend the two-day event. The event is anticipated to bring in four-million-dollars to the region according to city officials. Meanwhile, La Crosse Police warn of major traffic congestion due to the event

Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski launches a new database aimed at increasing transparency. The new searchable database is part of the new Secretary of State portal and provides streamlined access to public government documents. Godlewski says for the first time, anyone with internet access can search and download official public records like oaths of office, executive orders, and pardons. In addition to free access, certified copies can be ordered directly through the portal for a small fee. More information can be found on the Secretary of State's website.

The U.S. Department of Justice is accusing the Wisconsin Elections Commission of violating federal law. On Wednesday the DOJ sent a letter to the commission threatening to withhold federal funding. It accuses the commission of not providing a complaint process for state voters. The DOJ says this violates the Help America Vote Act.

Budget negotiations between Governor Tony Evers and legislative Republicans stall. The Democratic Governor accuses Republican lawmakers of walking away from negotiations, while Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu and Joint Finance Committee co-chair Howard Marklein say Evers' spending priorities have extended beyond what taxpayers can afford. An Evers’ statement said he agreed to Republican proposals including a tax cut for certain retirees and the middle class but added that he is “…disappointed that Republican lawmakers aren't willing to reach consensus and common ground." LeMahieu and Marklein stated their confidence that the legislature will pass a 2025-27 budget that the governor will sign.

Minnesota legislators are on course for a weekend special session after exceeding a midweek deadline to finish work on the state budget. After hours of closed-door meetings held yesterday, Governor Tim Walz and legislative leaders say they are discussing plans for a special session on Saturday. The General Assembly adjourned its regular session on May 19th without a completed two-year spending plan. If the state doesn't have a budget by July 1st, it would enter a partial government shutdown, which would cause the layoff of thousands of public employees.

Take advantage of a state park during Free Fun Weekend. State park admission fees, fishing licenses, and trail passes will be waived for all visitors Saturday and Sunday. Wisconsin has 50 state parks, 15 state forests, 44 state trails, and 84,000 miles of rivers and streams for you to check out. Free Fishing clinics will also be held over the course of the weekend at state and municipal properties to instruct beginning anglers. Visit the DNR Events calendar and Wisconsin State Parks webpage for a list of events and more information on state properties.

A Madison Girl Scout has set a new state record for most cookies sold. Badgerland Girl Scouts say Molly Lenius sold 35-thousand-598 boxes over 13 years. Her family also set a record with more than 64-thousand boxes sold by two siblings. Lenius, a Gold Award Girl Scout, plans to study engineering and math at Iowa State University.