Friday, May 16, 2025

Local-Regional News May 16

 

Clean-up begins after severe weather rolled through western Wisconsin. There are reports of unconfirmed tornadoes hitting the area yesterday. There was also hail damage in the area. There were reports of baseball-sized hail in parts of Western Wisconsin, and a tornado was spotted on the ground in New Richmond. The severe weather downed trees and power lines, causing power outages, and many public schools held students at school before sending them home.


Authorities are reminding residents to avoid scams if they have damage from Thursday’s storms. Authorities recommend contacting your insurance provider first regarding any storm damage. They may have a list of approved contractors to assist with repairs, said officials. Police suggest using reputable, local contractors known within the community. If you are contacted, scammers may know some personal information, like your name and address, from public records. Don't provide any more information and hang up. Police said if something seems odd, it probably is.


The City of Mondovi is continuing to search for new police officers to fill open positions. Mondovi Mayor Brady Weiss says the city would like to get back to five full-time officers.  The city has also increased officer pay and hopes to fill at least two positions.


The City of Durand has appointed Discover Durand as the Tourism Commission. The commission is a requirement of the new room tax and the city could create its own commission or appoint a group. Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren says Discover Durand will receive 70 percent of the room tax revenue and the appointment is for one year.  Discover Durand will use the money to promote tourism in Durand, The other 30 percent of the room tax will go into the general fund for the city.


Motorists in Pierce County are reminded that Hwy 63 will be closed at times as crews are reconstructing Hwy 63 this summer. Work includes milling and replacing the pavement, replacing the bridge decks over the South Fork of Lost Creek and an branch of the Rush River and replacing culverts and guardrails. Through May 20th Hwy 63 is closed from Hwy 10 to Hwy 72, then from May 20 through August 4 Hwy 63 will be closed from Hwy 72 to Hwy J.


The cause of a house fire in Chippewa Falls remains under investigation. Firefighters were called early yesterday morning to a burning home along the five-hundred block of South Main Street. Upon arrival, firefighters found heavy smoke and flames coming from the home. All of the occupants made it out of the burning home safely. The fire is said to have caused 50-thousand-dollars worth of damage to the home.


The City of Eau Claire will be embarking on a project to convert 93 acres of land into pollinator-friendly landscapes. The project is scheduled to begin on Monday and will target areas difficult to mow or not regularly used by the public. Locations include land along Hastings Way, Highway 312 ramps, and near the Chippewa River State Trail.


A person of interest is being sought after a shooting in La Crosse. Police have identified that person as 27-year-old Diontae Booth. This comes after one person was shot yesterday morning along the 9-hundred block of Fifth Avenue South. The victim was taken to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.


Wisconsin sees a substantial drop in fatal drug overdoses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports Wisconsin is among six states and the District of Columbia to see the total number of year-to-year overdose deaths drop by more than 35%. The biggest drop was in West Virginia, which saw a 44% decline. Only Nevada and South Dakota saw increases in fatal overdoses. Overall, total U.S. overdose deaths dropped by 30-thousand, a 27-percent decrease which the CDC says is the largest one-year decline ever recorded.

The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs is launching a redesigned and streamlined website. The overhaul should provide veterans and their families with an improved experience that connects them with all state veteran benefits and services. Veterans Secretary James Bond says it's more than just a visual update and reflects months of collaboration with Wisconsin veterans and their advocates. The site features a streamlined design, simplified navigation, improved search functions, and mobile-friendly responsiveness. To see the updated site, head to WisVets.com.


As people kick off the summer by firing up the grill and serving food at a cookout, the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service shares some tips to keep their celebrations safe. “Food safety is a year-round priority, but it’s especially important during summer months when we are cooking outdoors and handling food in warmer temperatures,’ says Dr. Denise Eblen. Some of the key recommendations include cleaning grill surfaces with soap and water and making sure old residue is scraped off. Preventing cross-contamination is another key recommendation that includes using separate plates, cutting boards, and utensils for raw and cooked foods. Never place cooked food on plates that held any raw meat, poultry, or seafood. It’s important to cook food to a safe temperature. APHIS reminds you that color is not a reliable indication of doneness. Use a food thermometer to ensure food reaches a safe minimum internal temperature. 


Wisconsin Republicans gather in Wausau for the state party convention today and Saturday. UW-La Crosse political scientist Anthony Chergosky says they’ve got lots to talk about, including elections for governor and state Supreme Court, and holding their majority in the state Assembly. Wisconsin Democrats will have the same issues to discuss during their convention in The Dells next month.


A Milwaukee judge accused of helping a man evade immigration authorities in a courthouse has pleaded not guilty to federal charges. Judge Hannah Dugan was indicted by a federal grand jury earlier this week. She's charged with concealing a person from arrest and obstruction of a proceeding before departments and agencies. Dugan was arrested last month after she allegedly confronted an ICE task force and told them they needed a warrant. Dugan's trial is set to begin July 21st.


An emu is on the loose in Juneau County. The Sheriff's Office is asking for help finding the bird, who has been spotted wandering around Summit Township. Deputies say they aren't sure who the emu belongs to and are asking the owner or anyone who spots the bird to call the sheriff's office.

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