The Durand-Arkansaw School Board has approved the parameters for the $1.3 million dollar borrowing for the new early learning center. Durand-Arkansaw School Superintendent Ryan Nelson says the approval is one step in the process. During the presentation of the parameters for the sale, a representative from Baird told board members that the District's Credit Rating has improved to AA-.
The City of Mondovi has announced a public hearing for December 30 to discuss the proposal to purchase the property at 450 Madison Street to serve as a Municipal Fire Hall. With the new, larger equipment and additional firefighters, the current fire hall is too small. The public hearing will be on Tuesday, December 30, starting at 5:30 at the Marten Center in Mondovi.
The Wabasha Port Authority has a vacancy and is taking applications for Board Members. The Port Authority meets the third Tuesday of the month at 5:30PM. This board is focused on economic development in the City of Wabasha. This is a volunteer position and they will provide guidance to staff on business development, business loans, business grants, supporting new housing projects, childcare, and more! To learn more about the Port Authority, check out the Economic Development tab on the City’s website.
Firefighters from River Falls responded to a report of a gas leak at the new Vanguard Renewables Digester last Friday. According to authorities, a membrane on the digester separated from the digester tank structure causing the gas leak. There was no fire, and the gas dissipated quickly, and there were no injuries reported. The new anaerobic digester started operation this month and is using food waste from the River Falls Area to produce renewable natural gas. The digester is located at the Peterson Family Farm just outside of River Falls.
Eau Claire-based Menards is agreeing to terms of a multi-state settlement. The home improvement store chain had been accused of price gouging during the pandemic and misrepresenting their credit check program known as the "Menards 11% Rebate Program." With the settlement announced yesterday, Menards agrees to pay a total of four-point-two-five-million dollars to ten states including Wisconsin and abide by a set of guidelines to improve their business practices.
In St. Croix County, former Glenwood City School District superintendent Timothy Johnson is pleading no contest to charges. Johnson was charged last year on 17 felony counts with accusations that he stole close to three-hundred-thousand dollars from the district. Johnson pleaded no contest this week to charges including forgery and misconduct in office. He will be sentenced at a later date.
Bond is being set for a Western Technical College instructor charged in connection with the death of a pregnant woman whose body was found last month at the scene of a La Crosse house fire. Crews dispatched to a Taylor Street blaze November 13th found the body of 27-year-old Alexis Pickett. Pickett's former romantic partner Matthew Sierra was arrested Tuesday on charges including 1st degree intentional homicide, 1st degree intentional homicide of an unborn child and arson. Sierra appeared in court yesterday where bond was set at one-million dollars.
Wisconsin health officials are worried about the flu season. Data from the Department of Health Services shows a rise in emergency room visits due to flu over the last several weeks. Only 28 percent of state residents have gotten the flu vaccine compared to 35 percent at this time last year. Health officials are also concerned about a new flu strain circulating in Europe which could easily make the jump to the US as travel increases during the next few weeks. DHS advises getting a flu shot as soon as possible. The flu vaccine is covered for most people and you can find a location to get yours at vaccines dot gov.
At the Capitol a pair of Democratic lawmakers want to overhaul how the state delivers public affairs broadcasting. Whitewater Representative Brienne Brown and Beloit Senator Mark Spreitzer want to create a state funded outlet to cover hearings and floor sessions at the Capitol. The bill would provide 2 million dollars a year to run the network to be operated by the state's Educational Communication Board. The move comes after WisconsinEye, an independent network that had been covering those events shut down this week over lack of funding. It's unclear if the measure will be taken up by Republican leadership in Madison.
A new law requires Wisconsin schools to notify parents of sexual misconduct. Democratic Governor Tony Evers signed the Republican-authored legislation into law earlier this month. It requires schools to notify a student's parent or guardian promptly if their child is the alleged victim of a sexual offense by a school employee or volunteer. The new requirements set a timeline for school to notify parents, something the state previously didn't require. Schools will now have to provide a notice by 5pm the same day if a report is received during school hours, or by noon the next calendar day if it's received after school hours.
Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul said his office is pushing back against the Trump administration. In an end-of-year interview with Channel 15, he said the state is involved in 35 different multi-state lawsuits against the administration. Democrat Kaul is running for a third term in 2026. He'll face Eric Toney, the Republican District Attorney in Fond du Lac County.
Snow plow operators are warning drivers after 19 crashes in Minnesota. Darryn Maaninga has been a plow operator for 16 years and has witnessed dangerous driving behaviors firsthand. Maaninga recommends staying back at least ten car lengths and giving plow drivers room to work. He said drivers should remember that plow operators are working to help them travel safely.
President Trump and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz are both receiving subpar approval ratings. A KTSP/Survey USA poll shows the president has the support of 42 percent of registered Minnesota voters, with 55 percent disapproval. Trump keeps the approval of 89 percent of Republican voters. Respondents are most concerned about how he's handling the economy. Meanwhile, Governor Walz doesn't fare much better in the poll. He is at 48 percent approval and 48 percent disapproval. Walz's critics are concerned about his lack of stopping state government fraud.
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