Local-Regional News May 2

 

The man who was killed in a motorcycle crash in Dunn County is now identified. 55-year-old Joseph Kadinger was the victim killed, and he was from Eau Claire. Kadinger was driving his motorcycle near the 1500 Block of 420th Street when he swerved to avoid a deer. Unfortunately, his bike gave out and he was thrown off and later died.

The Buffalo County Highway Department will be closing a portion of Hwy K next Wednesday for Culvert Replacement. Hwy K will be closed between Little Bear Creek and Lindstrom Valley Road for the project. The road will be closed from 7am-3pm on Wednesday.

Caddie Woodlawn Elementary School was recently named one of the top elementary schools in Wisconsin by US News and World Report. One of the criteria measured was the increase in proficiency of reading and math skills by students. Durand-Arkansaw School Superintendent Ryan Nelson says it appears the students are rebounding from the pandemic.  US News is set to release its high school rankings in the coming weeks.

With summer just around the corner, the City of Mondovi is seeing an increase in the use of Mirror Lake. Mondovi Mayor Brady Weiss says the lake's dredging a few years ago and the installation of the new boat launch are making it a popular spot.  The lake is expected to be busy this weekend for the fishing opener.

Governor Evers kicked off Mental Health Awareness Month with Chippewa Falls Students. Evers was highlighting his 300-million-dollar plan at combating youth mental health that has seen a rise in numbers over the last 10 years. While at the school he also toured the Fabrication laboratory the school has and declared it "Fab Lab Day." Fab Labs provide students hands-on experience using advanced manufacturing equipment and technology.

A Republican authored bill would bar schools from joining the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletics Association unless the W I A A submits to open records requests. Bill author Representative Cindi Duchow of Delafield says the W I A A wields too much power. Madison Democrat Francesca Hong notes that there is no direct taxpayer funding for the W I A A and opening it up to open records could open up other groups like the Counties Association to the same treatment. The bill comes after several high profile decisions by the W I A A stopped students or schools from participating in playoffs and tournaments over the past several years. A similar bill was proposed a decade ago.

Wisconsin's general fishing season opens Saturday. Wisconsin residents and nonresidents age 16 or older are required to purchase a fishing license. If you head out, the Department of Natural Resources is asking you to help minimize the spread of invasive species, follow proper catch and release protocols, know rules and regulations, and stay safe. You can also use the DNR's new Fishing Finder tool to find access points, stocking information, and regulations. An annual resident fishing license costs $20. More information can be found on the DNR's website.

A Wisconsin man is sentenced to federal prison for his role in a nationwide “swatting” spree. On Thursday, a U.S. District Court judge in Los Angeles sentenced 23-year-old Kya Christian Nelson of Racine to three-and-a-half years in federal prison. Nelson and his co-conspirators gained access to Ring home security door cameras. Over a one week period in November 2020, they placed bogus emergency phone calls designed to elicit an armed police response, then livestreamed the events on social media, sometimes while taunting responding police officers. Nelson pleaded guilty in January. He has been in federal custody since August 2024 and previously was serving a prison sentence in Kentucky after being convicted in state court there in an unrelated case.

At the Capitol, Republican lawmakers want to reset regulatory red tape in Wisconsin. A package of four bills are designed to address a regulatory climate which state Representative Dan Knodl said is not friendly to business. Knodl said he hears about "businesses that are considering coming to Wisconsin are just frightened about the maze of regulations and all the hurdles that are in front of them.” Representative Adam Neylon said the red tape burden on businesses has worsened under Democratic Governor Tony Evers – who would likely veto the bills if they reach his desk. The conservative Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty provided research used in drafting the bills.

There are changes in leadership coming to Kohl's after the company found its newly installed CEO engaged in unethical behavior. Ashley Buchanan, a former chief executive of arts and crafts chain Michaels, began as Kohl's CEO on January 15th with the hopes of turning around the struggling retailer. However, the company says his tenure has been cut short after an investigation from an outside counsel found that he "violated company policies by directing the company to engage in vendor transactions that involved undisclosed conflicts of interest." Michael Bender, the current chairman of the Kohl's board, will become interim CEO until a replacement is found.

An early Republican entrant into the race for governor. Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann  has filed papers to run for governor in the 2026 fall election. Incumbent Democrat, Governor Tony Evers, has yet to indicate whether or not he’ll seek a third term, saying he’ll wait to make an announcement once work is complete on the state budget. The 43-year-old Schoemann was elected as executive of conservative Washington County in 2020, after six years as county administrator and administrative coordinator, and elected to a second term in 2024. Schoemann will make a formal campaign announcement this weekend. Other potential Republican candidates for governor are Congressman Tom Tiffany, former U.S. Senate candidate and Madison businessman Eric Hovde, and Whitefish Bay businessman Bill Berrien.

The majority of Wisconsinites already have REAL IDs. The Transportation Security Administration will start requiring a REAL ID to board domestic flights or visit federal buildings starting on May 7. A REAL ID meets higher federal security standards and requires multiple documents like a birth certificate, social security card, or passport. REAL IDs are marked with a gold star. According to the Wisconsin DOT, 64 percent of Wisconsinites have the gold star on their license. More information on getting a REAL ID is available on WisconsinDOT-dot-gov.

More details are being released about a deadly house fire in Rochester. Fire officials say the cause of the March 31st blaze has not been determined because of the extensive damage to the home. Investigators don't believe there was any foul play involved. Officials say the explosion reported before the fire was from medical-grade oxygen cylinders. They say they did not cause the blaze but did contribute to the heavy damage to the home. The victim, 69-year-old Patricia Spitzack-Havlish, was able to evacuate from the house but was eventually pronounced dead on the scene.

The Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison is welcoming two new river otter pups. The zoo announced the North American river otter pups, male Wasabi and female Ginger, were born in February and have been bonding with their mother Elva behind the scenes. Zoo Executive Director Ronda Schwetz says Elva is proving to be an attentive parent and they've been able to keep on eye on the pups over the last few months. Wasabi and Ginger will make their debut on Saturday at the zoo's annual Party for the Planet and money raised during the event will support wildlife conservation.