Local-Regional News Feb 18

 

While the weather is cold, work continues on the new Tarrant Park Pool. Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren says work continues on the inside of the building. Construction of the pool itself will start back up in April depending on the weather. If all goes well the pool is expected to open in June.

Taxpayers with questions on the homestead tax credit are encouraged to attend one of two workshops with the Buffalo-Pepin County ADRC. The workshops are scheduled for February 26^th at the Highland Apartments from 1-1:45 and from 2-2:45 at the Vine/Lincoln Street Apartments in Mondovi. To register for the free workshops, contact the Buffalo-Pepin County ADRC Program.

The National Weather Service is looking for storm spotters. The Weather Service will be holding a spotter Training Class on April 10^th at the Buffalo County Courthouse starting at 6:30pm. Attendees will receive basic weather spotter training, and the class is free and open to everyone. For more information on the class, contact the National Weather Service in La Crosse.

The Chippewa County District Attorney says the shooting of a man in December by police was a justified act of self defense. The incident happened on December 21^st in the Town of Lafaette after officers were called to a domestic incident. 49Yr old Matthew Luke had fled the scene before officers arrived but crashed his vehicle near Hwy K and 50^th avenue. When confronted by officers he fired a gun at them and officers returned fire killing Luke.

Aspirus Health will receive final approval from the Chippewa Falls City Council to build a new hospital in the southeast area of the city. Last week the Plan Commission approved the conditional use permit, and the council will meet tonight to work on the developer's agreement. The hospital will offer both emergency care and clinic-based primary care services. They hope to break ground this spring.

The La Crosse School district announced its new climate action plan Monday night. The district says the effort is intended to reduce environmental effects, provide healthier learning environments, and create a stronger, more resilient future for the community and kids. Short-term targets for 2030 and long-term targets for 2050 are outlined in the Climate Action Plan to reduce energy consumption, switch to renewable energy, cut waste, and include sustainability into the classroom.

Timely, much needed snow is helping preparations for this weekend’s American Birkebeiner cross country ski race in northern Wisconsin. Birkie executive director Ben Popp said melting won’t be an issue, with temperatures remaining bitterly cold the remainder of the week. Popp said they'll be out grooming the 34 mile Birkie trail between Cable and Hayward, and they hope temperatures won’t be too cold for Saturday’s race. Organizers will continue to monitor the weather to make sure it's safe for the racers and hundreds of volunteers. Over 14,000 skiers from across the U.S. and around the world are expected for the Birkie.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is thinking about a 2026 bid for the U.S. Senate. Senator Tina Smith, who stated she would not run for reelection, will leave the seat open. Walz is also thinking about seeking a third term as governor when his second term ends in 2027. Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, along with Congresswoman Ilhan Omar and Congresswoman Angie Craig are other Minnesota Democrats contemplating a run for the open Senate seat.

Wisconsin's spring primary election is today. Jill Underly, Brittany Kinser, and Jeff Wright are on the ballot statewide, all running for the State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Voters could also see local Common Council and court judge elections on their ballots. Winners of primary elections will move on to the spring general election, scheduled for April first.

Scammers are using tax season to try and take your money. I R S spokesman Christopher Miller says one common trick is using scary messages to demand money.  Miller says the I R S or other government agencies will never demand immediate payment over the phone. If you get one of these calls or messages, simply hang up or delete it. If you're concerned about tax payments, visit the I R S website yourself at I R S dot Gov.

The governor unveils his state budget tonight. Governor Tony Evers will deliver his 2025-27 biennial budget from the Assembly Chambers in the Wisconsin State Capitol tonight. Evers’ remarks begin at 7 p.m. and will be livestreamed on the governor’s YouTube channel and Facebook page. Evers has already revealed portions of his budget plan, including an overhaul of Wisconsin’s corrections system, dealing with PFAs contamination of Wisconsin’s water, and investments to support agriculture and reduce the costs of child-care. Republican Legislative leadership and the co-chairs of the Joint Finance Committee will hold a press conference following Evers’ address.

Wisconsin law enforcement helps stop a school shooting in Indiana. The Wisconsin Department of Justice forwarded a tip to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office last week about a school shooting planned for Valentine's Day. Deputies secured a search warrant which led to a home in the town of Addison, where a 19-year-old woman was in chat rooms with the would-be shooter in Mooresville, just outside Indianapolis. They arrested an 18-year-old woman there. Court documents said she’d been planning the shooting for over a year and had access to an AR-15 and a bulletproof vest. Investigators found a collage with pictures of school shooters on the woman’s bedroom wall.

Authorities in southern Minnesota are searching for suspects involved in a deadly weekend shooting. The crime happened Saturday afternoon in Austin. Police say officers found a man who was gunned down. A second man was wounded and was taken by a private vehicle to a nearby hospital. Authorities have yet to identify the victims or provide a motive for the shooting.

There are several ways experienced individuals can help others enjoy safe and ethical hunts. The Mentored Hunting Law program allows novice hunters to hunt within arm’s reach of a qualified mentor without first completing a Hunter Education course. You can also sign up to lead an educational hunt or teach a hunter safety course. Other options include special youth hunts or outdoor skills workshops. More information on the available programs can be found on the DNR's website.