Local-Regional News April 30

One person is dead after a motorcycle accident in Dunn Township on Tuesday. According to the Dunn County Sheriff’s Department, a 55yr old male was traveling southbound on 420^th Street when he put the bike down while trying to avoid deer that were in the roadway. The driver of the motorcycle was med-flighted to Mayo Hospital in Eau Claire where he died of his injuries. The name of the victim has not been released pending notification of the family.

 The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is sharing a summary of the year’s Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) sampling efforts. Here in Western Wisconsin, Pepin County had no samples return positive for CWD, Pierce County had 2 positive samples, Dunn County 8, Trempealeau County 10 and Buffalo County had 17 samples return positive for CWD. In total, 17,399 deer were sampled throughout the state during the 2024 CWD year, with 1,786 samples testing positive. Most (89%) of these detections were in the Southern Farmland Zone. 

Caddie-Woodlawn Elementary School has been recognized as one of the best Elementary Schools in the State. According to a report by US News and World Report, the school was ranked 391 out of 1,931 schools. Schools were assessed on their share of students who were proficient or above proficient in mathematics and reading/language arts.

The body of a Chippewa Falls woman missing for nine years has been found. A post on the Help Find Shannah Boiteau Facebook page doesn't give details on how or where she was found. Boiteau left her Chippewa Falls home in June of 2016, and was last seen the next day running from her vehicle on a county road in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Both St. Cloud and Chippewa Falls Police will have more updates as they become available.

The National Weather Service is confirming that four tornados touched down in Eau Claire County. The EF-1 tornados were just northeast of Mondovi, south of the town of Allen, near Augusta and and EF-0 tornado was near Hale Corner. Officials are looking at the damage in the areas that they hit. Some structures were hit and damaged, but a full report should be made available later this week. No injuries have been reported from the storms.

The National Weather Service has confirmed that a tornado touched down near Faribault. The tornado were part of the severe storms that moved through southeastern Minnesota. The NWS confirmed it was an EF-1 tornado that hit. Crews are still surveying the damage, but no injuries have been reported from the storms.

Dunn County senior citizens can now register for a free companion robot from the Dunn County ADRC. The robot is called ElliQ and can engage in conversations, remind users of appointments or the need to take medications, play games and even offer wellness exercises. The robot is free, and the Dunn County ADRC has 250 of the robots available. Eligible participants need to be over 60, living alone, struggling with isolation, not facing any dementia-related issues and have Wi-Fi access. For more information on the program, call Dunn County ADRC.

One person is dead after a fire broke out in Eau Claire. The fire took place yesterday off Cameron Street. When firefighters arrived, the house was fully engulfed with thick smoke and flames. One person was pronounced dead at the scene. Fire investigators are investigating how the fire started.

Judge Hannah Dugan has now been suspended by the Wisconsin State Supreme Court for her role in aiding an undocumented immigrant to escape ICE agents from The Milwaukee County Courthouse. Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan was charged last week with obstructing a U.S. agency and concealing an individual to prevent an arrest. The Supreme Court's order puts Dugan on administrative leave while court proceedings play out. Officials say this isn't a disciplinary action, but an administrative one.

Wednesday is UW Madison Day at the Wisconsin State Capitol. According to a statement from the university, a record-breaking number of alumni, donors, and friends have signed up to participate in the lobbying effort. A wave of red clad Badgers will descend on the Capitol as the UW faces federal funding cuts by the Trump administration, and scrutiny by state lawmakers of DEI spending on the Madison campus. Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin will be keynote speaker for a panel discussion on housing challenges facing the university and the Madison community. The largest Universities of Wisconsin campus has a total of some 48,000 graduate and undergraduate students and employs more than 24,000 people.

A former prison warden at the center of a prisoner suicide scandal has reached a plea deal with prosecutors. Online court records show former Waupun Correctional warden Randall Hepp pleaded no contest on Monday to one count of violation of state - county institution laws. Hepp had been facing felony charges in connection with the deaths by suicide of inmates Cameron Williams and Donald Maier. Four inmates died in total during a series of extended lockdowns at Waupun between 2022 and 2024. Hepp paid a 500 dollar fine and court costs, and was released.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is highlighting the impact of federal budget cuts on Medicaid recipients. State Medicaid Director Bill Hanna says they could have to change who is eligible should cuts happen, and hospitals and other healthcare consumers will have to pick up the costs. Hanna says they could also have to get rid of certain services they provide. Estimates show if cuts went into effect, Wisconsin could lose up to $16.8 billion in federal funding over a ten year period.

A delay in the release of the “Slender Man” stabber from a mental health institution. In Waukesha County Court Monday, prosecutors objected to the transfer of Morgan Geyser to a group home located eight miles from the victim of the stabbing, Payton Leutner. Geyser was 12 years old when she stabbed Leutner 19 times to please the fictional character “Slender Man.” The now-22-year-old Geyser was sentenced to a mental health facility but was granted her release last month. The judge in the case ordered officials to find a new group home for Geyser. A hearing on the new release plan is scheduled for June.

A Milwaukee man accused of driving the wrong way toward a vice-presidential motorcade last fall reaches a plea deal. Wayne Wacker was sentenced to two years of probation after pleading guilty Monday to negligent operation of a motor vehicle and disorderly conduct. Last October, Wacker drove an SUV westbound in the eastbound lanes of I-94 as then-Vice-President Kamala Harris’ motorcade passed following a presidential campaign stop in Brookfield. Wacker had an open container of alcohol in his vehicle when he was pulled over and taken into custody by Milwaukee County sheriff's deputies.

There could be a mad scramble for Minnesota Congresswoman Angie Craig's House seat after she announced her run for U. S. Senate today. National Republican Campaign Committee spokesman Zach Bannon recently released a statement claiming the writing is on the wall for House Democrats. He added that their vulnerable members, like Craig, are racing for the exits. Meanwhile, there are reports that Democratic state Senator Matt Klein from Mendota Heights is planning to run for the Second Congressional District seat in the coming weeks. Other names that could surface are former state senator Matt Little, ex-Minneapolis DFL Vice Chair Mike Norton, and Republican Tyler Kistner, who ran against Craig twice.

Culvers has its first female C E O. The iconic Wisconsin fast food chain announced Monday that Julie Fussner is taking over operations. She's the company's fifth C E O and was previously Culver's chief marketing officer. Fussner takes over with the endorsement of company chairperson Craig Culver, who said Fussner was picked through an extensive search. Founded by Craig Culver 40 years ago in Sauk City, Culver’s has grown to 1000 locations in 26 states, primarily in the Midwest. 

Local-Regional News April 29

 

One person was injured in a motorcycle accident in Maiden Rock Township on Friday. According to the Pierce County Sheriffs Department, 28yr old Kolten Bongard of Pepin was traveling northbound on Hwy S when he lost control and entered the ditch. Bongard was not injured, but passenger 30yr old Tabitha Breland of Boyceville was taken to Mayo Hospital in Red Wing.

Two people were injured and one was arrested after a two vehicle accident in Arcadia on Saturday Afternoon. According to the Trempealeau County Sheriff’s Department, 34yr old Elmer Barreda of Arcadia was traveling westbound on Saddle Drive, crossed the center line and struck an eastbound Jeep head on. The occupants of the Jeep were taken to Tri-County Hospital, while Barreda was arrested for operating while intoxicated, first offense, causing injury.

Strong to severe storms moved through Western Wisconsin yesterday evening. The National Weather Service says a possible tornado moved through portions of Central Eau Claire County after developing just Northeast of Mondovi. Eau Claire County Emergency Management said crews responded to the damage last night and will coordinate with the National Weather Service on a damage assessment this week.

Fire crews responded to a fire that took place at an Eau Claire home that took the life of one person. Crews responded yesterday to 1707 8th Street. When fire authorities arrived, heavy smoke was coming out from all areas of the house. Firefighters were able to get one person out of the house safely; however another person was found dead inside. It took around an hour to get the fire out and the home is a total loss.

A Tomah man is in custody and facing attempted homicide charges. According to Tomah Police, officers responded to a disturbance in the 800 block of Dogwood Lane on Saturday night. Officers found one male with injuries to his face and a stab wound to his chest. The other male involved, 51yr old Edwin Ross fled the scene and was later arrested in Black River Falls. He has been charged with 1^st Degree attempted homicide, reckless injury, battery and disorderly conduct. The victim was treated at Tomah Memorial Hospital and released.

A food service contractor for Monroe County Jail is accused of delivering methamphetamine to an inmate. Authorities say Zechariah Borden [[ ZECK-uh-rye-uh BOR-den ]] was caught on a security camera handing a package to inmate Nicholas Hage [[ HAYG ]] during a food delivery. Corrections deputies intervened and recovered the package, which investigators say contained methamphetamine. Borden was booked into jail on suspicion of delivering contraband and drug charges. The incident remains under investigation by the Monroe County Sheriff's Office.

During a budget hearing on Monday in Hayward, superintendents of small northern Wisconsin school districts asked the Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee to fix the state funding formula. They also asked to be reimbursed for 60 percent of the costs of teaching special education students. The finance committee moves on to Wausau for a budget hearing today/Tuesday.

The Family Resource Center held a ribbon cutting ceremony at its new location in Durand yesterday. Becca Elhbert, Executive Director of the Family Resource Center says it was important for the center to have a consistent location for parents. Because of yesterday severe weather threat, an open house for families was postponed until May 19^th from 4-6pm.

Wisconsin has joined another lawsuit against the Trump administration. Governor Tony Evers says the lawsuit is aimed at preventing Trump from cutting federal funding for Wisconsin's public schools. It looks to protect more than half a billion dollars the state receives each year from the U.S. Department of Education. Evers says the funding cuts would make it harder to keep class sizes small, recruit and retain teachers, and ensure schools stay open. The Trump administration has threatened to cut funding over diversity, equity, and inclusion and transgender athlete policies. The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction has launched a website tracking the impacts of federal cuts.

Twenty-seven Wisconsin student visas that were terminated are now active again. The University of Wisconsin says the students and recent alumni have all been notified of the change. Thousands of visas have been terminated in the past couple of weeks nationwide, and some students have obtained restraining orders against the Department of Homeland Security in response. Several of those students attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

An undercover human trafficking investigation leads to arrests by Oshkosh police. Eight men from around northeast Wisconsin and Florida were arrested last Thursday for pandering. Their ages range from 20 to 48. Police said one of the men had a loaded handgun concealed in his waistband, while another faces a felony bail jumping charge. The arrests were a part of a collaboration between law enforcement and community advocacy groups to raise awareness about human trafficking ahead of last week’s 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay.

Attendance at the NFL Draft in Green Bay beats expectations. ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the final attendance for all three days of the draft in Titletown was 600,000 people. Packers CEO and President Mark Murphy last week said the forecast called for a total attendance of 250,000 people. Green Bay couldn't quite match the record attendance of 775,000 people at last year's draft in Detroit, but it's the second highest total ever since the draft left New York in 2015, matching Nashville in 2019.

Wisconsin is one of the best states for working mothers. A new report from WalletHub compares all 50 states and Washington DC based on metrics like parental leave policies, the average cost of child care, and gender pay gaps. Wisconsin ranks eighth best for working mothers. Massachusetts and Connecticut rank first and second.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is unveiling its new Fishing Finder tool. Fisheries System Biologist Alex Latzka says it'll help new anglers looking for the right place to fish, as well as experienced anglers who might want to explore somewhere new. The tool includes information like fishing regulations, boat launch locations, and lake habitat and fish stocking. The information on the DNR's TROUT tool, including trout streams, regulations and easements, is also available on the new Fishing Finder tool. More info is available on the DNR's website.

Local-Regional News April 28

 

A warm front that will be coming through the area today will bring strong and severe storms. Temperatures will be in the mid to high 70's. With those temps and high dew points, the chances for major storms are highly likely. Western Wisconsin is at a level four for severe weather. Expect gusty winds, with heavy rain and hail threatening the area. The storms are expected to form later this afternoon with the highest threat starting between 3 p.m. today.

The city of Mondovi is looking at contracting out some road repairs of Hwy 10 with Buffalo County. Mondovi Mayor Brady Weiss says that the city will first look at any utilites that may need work before contacting the county.  The State of Wisconsin has delayed the reconstruction of Hwy 10 through Mondovi for 2yrs.

Menomonie police have confirmed that a threat posted to social media that a school shooting was to take place at Menomonie High School is not credible. The threat was posted Saturday morning. The girl that posted the threat was taken into custody after an interview with police. Police said the girl did not have any plans on following through with her threat and that the girl did not have any weapons or access to them. Pending review from the DA's office, the girl will face terrorist threats and unlawful use of a phone.

The Dunn County Sheriff’s Department is reporting another scam. According to the department, callers are posing as sheriff’s deputies claiming the victim has an outstanding ticket or missed a court appearance. The caller than pressures you to make a payment over the phone or using a cash app or gift card. Law Enforcement would never call you demanding payment over the phone. If you receive one of these calls, do not give out any personal information and just hang up.

An avid runner killed in a hit-and-run crash was honored at the Eau Claire Marathon this past weekend. Marathon runners received a red bracelet in memory of Ann Seidl, who ran the Eau Claire Marathon for many years. A moment of silence was also held for Seidl before Saturday's event. The race director said more than 51-hundred people took part in this year's run. The Marathon brought five-point-four-million in economic benefits to the region.

At the Capitol, lawmakers are considering "Bradyn's Law," increasing penalties for sextortion, especially if it leads to suicide. The fast-growing cybercrime targets kids to send explicit images and extorts them for money or more content. The bill is named after Bradyn Bohn. The Wausau area 15-year-old died by suicide in March after being victimized by a cybercriminal. The bill was the subject of an emotional public hearing last week before the Assembly Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety. Bradyn’s mom Brittney Bird said her son was targeted by organized crime, and that there needs to be a consequence that at least makes cybercriminals "think twice about it.” The bill would make sextortion perpetrators eligible for felony murder charges if their actions result in a victim's suicide. It has bipartisan support and the backing of Attorney General Josh Kaul.

The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletics Association has approved a name, image, and likeness amendment. The approved Constitutional amendment will allow students to enter into NIL opportunities for activities not associated or identified with their school team, school, conference or the WIAA. Students also can't wear their school team's uniform in any endorsement deal or use the marks and logos of their school, conference or the WIAA. Compensation for NIL deals also can't be based on a student's on-field performance, and the deals cannot be provided as a means of recruiting.

With fans heading out of town and going back home, officials say over 600 thousand fans showed up for the three-day event in and around the NFL draft campus. Officials with the NFL said that the draft in Green Bay was a huge success. Now that it's over, many streets in the area will be closed for some time as teardown from the event has begun. Mike McCarthy Way and parts of Holmgren Way, as well as Brett Favre Pass and Tony Canadeo Run are all open now. South Oneida Street and Armed Forces Drive will be closed until May 6th.

Republicans in the Wisconsin Assembly voted last week to approve changes to Unemployment Insurance. If it passes the state Senate, the bill faces a likely veto from Democratic Governor Tony Evers. During Wednesday's floor debate Kenosha Democrat Tip McGuire said the measure (AB 164) will make it harder for people who've lost work to get benefits they've already earned. Speaker Robin Vos called the bill “common sense.” The bill would add new requirements for those completing required work searches to remain eligible for benefits - including direct contact with potential employers and posting a resume on the Department of Workforce Development job site. Vos said the bill will make it more difficult for people to collect benefits without making legitimate job searches.

A new state law offers an alternative to the traditional bartender’s license in Wisconsin. The Statewide Operator's Permit is a new alternative to traditional operator's licenses, often referred to as "bartender's licenses." Unlike licenses valid only within the issuing municipality, the Statewide Operator's Permit is valid at licensed or permitted premises anywhere in Wisconsin. It provides flexibility for businesses operating in multiple municipalities, eliminating the need to obtain separate licenses for each location. For more details and permit qualifications, visit the Wisconsin Division of Alcohol Beverages website at revenue.wi.gov.

A plea deal for an inmate charged in connection with the death of Lincoln Hills youth prison counselor Corey Proulx. Rian Nyblom pled guilty to a pair of class H felonies for battery by prisoners on Thursday. Investigators say he gave Javairus Hurd a cup of soapy water, which he threw in the face of a correction officer- sparking the chain of events that led to an attack on Proulx- who hit his head on a hard surface and died a few hours later. Nyblom had been facing felony murder charges, but Thursday's deal amends that count. He now faces up to 12 years in prison at an August 8th sentencing.

Dane County officials are seeking partnerships and sponsorships to help complete a renovation of the Alliant Energy Center. W K O W reports Dane County Executive Melissa Agard and other leaders held a listening session on Wednesday to go over the proposed renovations to Veterans Memorial Coliseum. The building hasn't seen any major updates since it was built in the 60s and is sorely in need of better access for both visitors and for anyone wanting to run a show or host an event. The county is set to issue a request for proposals on the renovation later this year.

Minnesota drivers could pay up to 30 cents more at the pump this summer. Rosemount-based Flint Hills Resources officials say it may be attributed to the state opting into year-round ethanol blends. Minnesota is among six states that have opted to expand to year-round use of E15. A spokesman for the Flint Hills Resources oil refinery said that by adopting a higher blend, those Midwest states will isolate themselves from the rest of the country during the summer months. He said that they will also make themselves susceptible to supply disruptions if refineries have major problems.

Voting is open to name the peregrine falcon chicks soon to hatch in Wisconsin. Voters will be able to choose from names that honor falcons who have nested on Wisconsin Public Service and We Energies power plants in the past. Names with the most votes will be assigned to falcon chicks expected to hatch this spring. Twenty falcons have parented more than 300 chicks at the nests in the last 30 years. Voting will be open online until May 8. 

Local-Regional News April 25

 

The Family Resource Center of Buffalo and Pepin County has a new location in Durand. The Family Resource Center supports the adults in children’s lives. Lindsey Kaufman says the new location in Durand will offer play areas for toddlers and pre-school children.  The new center is located at 309 3^rd Avenue West in Durand and will have an open house on Monday from 10-Noon and 4-6.

Buffalo County is again offering an Ag and Household Hazardous Clean Sweep collection program for residents, businesses and farms. The event will be on May 10^th from 8-1 at the Mondovi Recycling Center. Residents and farmers may bring their materials to the Mondovi site at no cost thanks to a grant from the WI Department of Agriculture. Proof of residency will be required. For more information contact Buffalo County Recycling.

A town of Weaton man suffered serious burns due to a brush fire on Thursday. According to authorities, a septic service driver noticed the fire at 10335 Hwy X and found the elderly man in the fire and quickly removed him before fire crews arrived. The man suffered burns over 40% of his body. The cause of the fire and the circumstances of how the man ended up in the fire are still under investigation.

A Missouri sex offender is reaching a plea deal for child sex crimes in Dunn County. Prosecutors say 56-year-old Joseph Gladstone was seen touching himself in a Walmart parking lot while watching a nine-year-old girl. He is pleading no contest to lewd behavior and possession of an electronic weapon, and two other charges are being dropped as part of the plea deal. Gladstone will spend fifty days in jail and have two years on probation.

A man who trespassed and brought a gun into an Eau Claire elementary school has been arrested. According to a police report, authorities were called out to Putnam Heights Elementary School after a staffer reported a man who was banned from the school was trying to get in. The school was put in "secure" which means no one can enter or leave. The suspect left the area, but police located him and made a traffic stop. Police found a loaded handgun in the car. The man will make his initial court appearance later today.

There has been an arrest in the case of a 2011 death of a baby in Winona. According to the Winona County Sheriff’s Department, 43yr old Jennifer Nichole Baechle was arrested and charged with second-degree manslaughter in connection with the death of the newborn. The baby, named Baby Angel was found in the Mississippi River in 2011. Investigators learned the identity of the mother after receiving a lead from the nonprofit Firebird Forensics Group.

A Tomah man is facing multiple charges after being accused of sexually assaulting a child almost two decades ago. Craig Howard Smith was charged Monday and if he is convicted, could face up to 45 years in prison. Court documents show the victim, who was in seventh grade, came to live with the Smith family after her parents separated. After she moved in, she told police that the assaults began and continued for many years. Smith has been released on a 10-thousand-dollar bond and will be back in court for a preliminary hearing in June.

A $1 million federal grant to promote well water testing in central Wisconsin has been eliminated by The Department of Government Efficiency. The EPA-funded program was awarded to the Wisconsin DNR and aimed to serve rural, Hmong [[ mung ]], and Hispanic communities. It provided education on water safety, fish consumption, and health risks. DOGE canceled the grant in March, leading to six staff cuts at community outreach organizations.

U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin is calling on the Trump administration to halt plans to close Social Security field offices in Wisconsin. The Department of Government Efficiency had proposed closures and staffing cuts but faced public backlash. Baldwin warns rural seniors and veterans could lose access to critical services. She's joined by more than 40 senators demanding the offices remain open.

Legislation that could help identify Wisconsin’s Missing in Action will be reintroduced this session. Tuesday was Veterans Day at the Capitol, and Jordan Tilleson with the Wisconsin VFW spoke about the importance of the University of Wisconsin Missing in Action Recovery and Identification Project, calling it important for MIA families and for the mental health of surviving veterans. The volunteer group generally receives no state or federal funding, and searches for missing personnel as assigned by the Department of Defense. Representative Christine Sinicki said her bill would establish a program to allow the UW team to focus on Wisconsin MIAs. Currently they must search for the MIAs assigned to them by the Department of Defense. There are approximately 81,000 Americans who remain missing from World War 2, Korea and Vietnam. Roughly 1500 of those are from Wisconsin. This will be the fourth session in which the Milwaukee Democrat has introduced the bill to provide annual funding for teams to search specifically for Wisconsin’s Missing in Action.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation has revoked dealer licenses for 35 auto dealers statewide following investigations into illegal activity. Violations included selling directly to consumers, failing to maintain a business facility, and operating without a required security bond. The majority of revocations were finalized on April 5th and 6th following hearings and a 30-day appeal period. Dealers in Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha, Beaver Dam, and Elkhorn were among those cited. WisDOT says security bonds are required by law to protect consumers from fraud and ensure accountability in the auto sales industry.

Underage tobacco and vape sales in Wisconsin decreased in 2024. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services reports that rates dropped from 13.6% in 2023 to 11.8% in 2024. Data shows tobacco and vape shops sold to underage consumers at a 30% rate, higher than gas stations and other types of retail outlets. Wisconsin is one of just eight states that has not changed its state law to match a federal law that raised the legal age for tobacco sales to 21, which DHS says has caused confusion and enforcement challenges statewide.

A federal monitor says more children are being held in Wisconsin's youth prisons than earlier this year. The federal task force that monitors Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake Schools in northern Wisconsin says there are about 30 more residents at the facilities than in January. W J F W TV in Rhinelander reports that agents say the state should be doing more to use administrative justice to handle youth crime. However, staffing levels are up, and the state is meeting 90 percent of the goals the federal government wants in the wake of the 2017 investigation that started the monitoring.

Over 10 million trees were planted in Wisconsin last year. Governor Tony Evers announced the milestone as part of an update on Wisconsin's Trillion Trees Pledge. Evers says the state also conserved over 57,000 acres of forestland in 2024. In 2021, Evers pledged to plant 75 million new trees and conserve 125,000 acres of forest by the end of 2030, but he upped that goal last year to 100 million trees. The recently announced milestone means Wisconsin has reached 40% of its tree planting goal and 60% of its forest conservation goal.

Local-Regional News April 24

 

Expect increased traffic along Hwy 10 over the next few days as the 100 miles of city wide garage sales begin today. Pepin County Sheriff Joel Wener reminds motorists to be patient and allow for extra distance if the vehicle in front of you stops suddenly.  City wide garage sales will be happening in Durand, Mondovi, Plum City, Ellsworth, Eleva and Strum though Saturday.

After some engineering and technical issues, the Mondovi Wastewater Treatment Plant is operating normally. Mondovi Mayor Brady Weiss says some pipes were relocated to prevent freezing in winter and the plant is using a traditional filtration system to lower phosphorus levels. Weiss says the goal is to keep those levels stable.  The city is still exploring its options on what to do with the part of the plant designed by Clearas that is not operational, but the company has declared bankruptcy so the city is not receiving support to get that part of the plant working correctly.

One person was injured in a semi accident in Oak Grove Township on Tuesday. According to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department, 44yr old Segundo Gauman Landi of Fridley, MN was traveling southbound on Hwy 35 when his load shifted causing the trailer to overturn and enter the ditch. Gauman Landi was taken to Regions Hospital in St. Paul.

Another apartment fire in Western Wisconsin to report. The Eau Claire Fire Department responded to the fire at 920 Richard Drive on Wednesday. When firefighters arrived, they found flames coming from a wall inside an apartment that had spread to other apartments. Several apartments had significant fire, smoke and water damage. The Red Cross is helping those displaced by the fire. Damage is estimated at $100,000.

The Dunn County Veterans Service Office is in need of volunteers for the Memorial Day ceremony at Evergreen Cemetery. The office would is looking for two students to read the Gettysburg Address and General Logan’s Memorial Day order, two to four people to hand out flags, and programs, two to four people to place flowers at grave sites and a Veteran to share their story. If you would like to volunteer, contact the Dunn County Veterans Service Office.

One of the teens accused of shooting his BB gun at moving cars got his case settled. Dominic Hepperle was charged last year when he was 17-years-old and had four total counts against him. Two people reported their cars were hit by someone shooting at cars. One of the people hit got some cuts on their face. Yesterday Hepperle was given a deferred agreement as part of a plea deal. As long as he follows the agreement and doesn't commit any crimes, his charges will be dropped.

Unemployment in Eau Claire rose slightly in March, even as jobless rates fell in most parts of the state. The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development says Eau Claire was the only metro area to see an increase last month. Rates declined in eleven of the state's 13 metro areas and held steady in Milwaukee-Waukesha. At the county level, unemployment dropped in 54 counties, with Sawyer County recording a historic low of five-point-two percent. More details can be found at Wisconomy.com.

Drift Cycle, La Crosse's bike share program, is returning for its fifth year. The program kicked off its program yesterday and they are looking to expand throughout the city this year. At the launch, Drift Cycle showed off a new app that will make the program a lot easier from years past. Over a dozen stations will be scattered throughout the city for people to rent bikes. A new station was added for 2025 near Western Technical College's campus.

The Army has suspended Fort McCoy's first female commander after portraits of President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth were found flipped to face the wall. Officials say the suspension of Sheyla Baez Ramirez is not related to misconduct but confirmed an internal investigation is underway. Baez Ramirez assumed command in July 2024 and has held multiple leadership roles in military intelligence.

A Republican bill in the state Legislature would keep appointees to a state position from continuing after their term ends. It would close a loophole that allows an appointee to continue to remain on a state board or commission until a replacement is named and confirmed by the state Senate. The issue first surfaced in 2022 when an appointee of Governor Scott Walker, Fred Prehn, remained on the Natural Resources Board for over a year after his term ended. It happened again a year later when Meagan Wolfe's term as Wisconsin Elections Commission administrator ended, and the commission didn’t nominate her successor. The Wisconsin Supreme Court later decided to allow both Prehn and Wolfe to remain in their positions.

Are Farmers changing what they are planting this year because of the tariffs with China​? A new report from the US Department of Agriculture is suggesting that farmers are looking at the tariffs from the Trump Administration, and expecting to export fewer soybeans. In Wisconsin, 12 percent fewer acres of soybeans are being planted. That's because China makes up the bulk of soybean purchases in the world, and there's no alternative markets to sell those beans. Farmers may be moving to corn or other crops to cover the difference.

A dozen states are suing the Trump administration over the president's sweeping tariffs. Attorneys general from New York, Arizona, Illinois, Colorado and Minnesota are among those who joined the lawsuit filed in the U.S. Court of International Trade in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday. In a statement, New York Attorney General Letitia James said, "The president does not have the power to raise taxes on a whim, but that's exactly what President Trump has been doing with these tariffs." The states are seeking a court order declaring the tariffs illegal. Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes called the tariffs "economically reckless" and "illegal."

An anonymous donor is funding the removal of an abandoned boat on a Milwaukee lakefront. Mayor Cavalier Johnson says he hopes the boat will be removed today. The boat, named Deep Thought, has been stuck on the lakefront south of Bradford Beach since October. The boat's owners are from Mississippi, and left town after the boat ran out of gas and got lodged in the sand. With the donation, the cost of removing the boat won't use taxpayer money.

Local-Regional News April 23

 

The four people who died in a plane crash in Illinois have been identified. Ross Nelson, Raimi Rundle, Courtney Morrow, Michael Morrow, were the four people in the small plane when it crash. All four were from Menomonie. A GoFundMe has been set up to support the children left behind for Courtney and Michael Morrow. According to the GoFundMe "Courtney and Michael are remembered as loving, selfless, and full of life."

Installation of fiber optic internet and phone service is underway in Mondovi. Crews began installing the fiber optic lines earlier this spring. Mondovi Mayor Brady Weiss says the expansion of fiber optic internet is necessary to allow residents to work remotely and businesses to expand.  Work on the fiber installation is expected to continue through the summer and into the fall.

An area high school student has been honored by the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation. Lillian Reck a senior at Anthony Acres School in Mondovi was awarded the Youth Conservationist of the Year earlier this month. According to the school, over the last four years, Reck has led projects enhancing grouse habitats to restoring native prairies. She was recognized for her work on April 12^th.

Laura Benjamin, an Eau Claire business owner, has kicked off her campaign for the Third Congressional District. She will run as a democrat as she will challenge incumbent Derrick Van Orden. She is the third democrat to join this race. Benjamin used to be on the Eau Claire City Council.

An Eau Claire Police Officer is not missing. According to Eau Claire Police, a social media post claiming a female Eau Claire Officer named Katie Cunningham has been circulating. The post is nothing more than a scam and Eau Claire Police remind the community that any post regarding a missing person, especially a missing police officer, would come directly from the department.

An apartment fire in Ladysmith on Monday has displaced 35 people. According to the Ladysmith Fire Department, firefighters responded to the blaze at Greenwood Apartments and found fire and smoke on the first floor. The fire spread through the kitchen stove venting system in apartments on the first, second and third floors. Six apartments were damaged and the building sustained water and smoke damage. The cause of the fires is suspected to be unattended cooking pans left on a stove. The American Red Cross is assisting the dispaced tenants.

The Wisconsin Department of Revenue has stopped a major fraud scheme involving unclaimed property. D O R reported Tuesday that an arrest has been made after a suspect in Tennessee tried to cash nearly 900-thousand dollars in checks from the agency. Bank employees cooperated with the Department of Revenue, and directed the suspect to travel to Georgia to cash the checks at the Georgia Department of Revenue, where they were arrested. D O R agents returned the money to the victim in the case, who had been unaware he had an inheritance waiting in unclaimed property.

A former La Crosse Bishop could be named the next pope. Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke is originally from Richland Center and was a former bishop in La Crosse from 1995 to 2004. Cardinal Burke was not appointed by Pope Francis and is one of 100 cardinals that are eligible to be the next pope. If he is appointed to be the next pope, he would be the first American. The cardinals will gather next month to start the selection process

In the state Senate on Tuesday, a bill to extend Medicaid coverage to one year for new moms in Wisconsin passed on a 32-1 vote. A similar measure passed the Senate on an overwhelming vote last session but never reached the Assembly, where Speaker Robin Vos says he remains opposed to “an expansion of welfare.” Arkansas is the only other state not providing a year of Medicaid postpartum coverage.

Wisconsin residents are some of the least gambling addicted in the country. A new report by WalletHub compares all 50 states based on the number of casinos and adults with gambling disorders. Wisconsin ranks the seventh least gambling addicted, due in part to a low number of gambling-related arrests. Utah and Alaska are first and second for low gambling addiction. Nevada and South Dakota are the most addicted to gambling.

Minnesota Congresswoman Betty McCollum is joining a growing group of Democrats calling for the resignation of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The cabinet member is accused of using another Signal chat to share U.S. military operations. McCollum previously called for a congressional investigation last month after it became public that Hegseth shared details of a strike on Yemen in a separate Signal chat with top administration officials. The details of the chat became public after a staffer mistakenly included the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic on the chat. The New York Times recently reported that Hegseth used a second chat to discuss a strike that included his wife and brother, who works at the Defense Department. Minnesota Congresswomen Kelly Morrison and Ilhan Omar also called for Hegseth's resignation, as well as National Security Advisor Mike Waltz's resignation.

Minnesota lawmakers are back at the Capitol after a week-long break for Easter and Passover, diving back into a session marked by political divisions between Republicans and Democrats, as well as between the House and Senate. With a May 19th deadline looming, the path forward promises to be challenging. One of the session's biggest tasks is passing a two-year state budget projected at roughly 66 billion dollars. A significant portion, over 70 percent, is expected to be allocated to health and human services and education, two of the state's top funding priorities.

A Racine man is a million dollars richer after buying a winning scratch-off ticket. The Wisconsin Lottery says Daniel Macemon bought the Million Dollar Diamonds ticket at a Pick 'n Save in Racine. He claimed the ticket at the Lottery office in Madison last Friday. The ticket offers three top prizes of one-million-dollars. Macemon is the first top prize winner.

The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is partnering with multiple groups to expand learning for kids during the summer months. The summer activities include Kids Culinary Academy, Hands-On Science, Art Adventures Camp and many more, will take place on the campus of UWL. Kids Culinary Academy and Art Adventures Camp are all sold out, but others are still open and accepting registrations. Any youth is eligible, and 85 percent of registration fees can be covered by scholarships.