Local-Regional News Jan 23

 

Dangerously cold weather is hitting the Chippewa Valley. The National Weather Service says wind chills as low as 45 below is expected. The cold weather is expected to remain in the area into the weekend. An extreme cold warning is in effect for the region. The dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as ten minutes.

Dunn County Representative Clint Moses is introducing legislation to ensure transparency and accountability in data center development across Wisconsin. The bill would prohibit data center developers from entering into nondisclosure agreements or similar arrangements that conceal material information from local governments or property owners. If a developer violates this transparency requirement, no city, village, town, or county could approve the project. The proposed bill comes in response after a Menomonie put a proposed data center on hold after community concerns.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation will be holding a public meeting on January 29^th from 5-7pm at the Marten Community Center in Mondovi to talk about a pavement replacement project on Hwy 37 from Hwy 88 in the town of Mondovi to Hwy 10 in the city of Mondovi. The pavement is nearing the end of its life and will be replaced, along with widening the shoulders, installing new storm sewers and water mains in the city of Mondovi. The project is scheduled for 2027.

An area lawmaker is pushing an effort to make schools safer. Wisconsin State Senator Jesse James has introduced the Senate version of bills that would update how Wisconsin schools handle safety plans. If approved, the measures would standardize school lockdown announcements for emergencies and require safety plans to include procedures for informing students and families when an incident happens. The Thorp Republican says these bills are in response to the deadly Abundant Life school shooting in Madison in 2024.

Home sales in Wisconsin ended the year with moderate growth. According to the Wisconsin Realtors Association, December home sales in the state rose 4% compared to 2024. In Western Wisconsin, Pepin County reported 7 homes sold, Buffalo County 15, Pierce County 19 and Dunn County had 34 homes sold in December. The median price of a home in Western Wisconsin was $290,000 below the statewide median of $312,750.

People’s Energy Cooperative (PEC) is warning its members of scammers, who are targeting PEC members. PEC says multiple members have been targeted in this scam, where the scammer calls and indicates they have a bill that is past due, and needed to pay immediately or be disconnected. Members are reminded that if they receive a call from someone claiming to represent a utility company, and the caller asks for personal information or threatens disconnection without immediate payment, to hang up and call the customer service number on your bill. PEC adds that staff will never request bank or payment information from its members over the phone.

A Rochester-area man accused of causing a deadly crash while using Snapchat on his cellphone is getting probation. Eric Wittlief was sentenced yesterday in Winona County District Court. The collision involving the Oronoco man's pickup truck and a car happened in 2021. Wittlief's passenger, Christ Brown, died from blunt-force injuries. The defendant agreed to reckless driving and careless driving as part of a plea deal. Wittlief was also ordered to perform 40 hours of community service.

Senator Amy Klobuchar is inching closer to a run for Minnesota governor. Klobuchar has publicly confirmed an interest in running for governor, and she filed paperwork with the Minnesota Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board on Thursday. The move comes after current Governor Tim Walz announced he would be dropping his bid for a third term over recent criticism surrounding a statewide fraud scandal. A Klobuchar governor campaign would be a boost for Democrats who welcome the prospect of her running.

The Wisconsin Conservation Congress is asking residents to submit ideas for new or updated laws affecting the state’s natural resources. Vice‑Chair Paul Reith says the Congress—created nearly 90 years ago—serves as a way for the public to advise the DNR on issues like wildlife, air, and water quality. Citizens can submit resolutions now through February 9th, and those proposals will be reviewed for the 2026 Spring Hearing, held in every county on April 13th and available online through April 15th. Reith notes that major policies, including Wisconsin’s blaze orange requirement, have come from this public process. More information is available on the DNR’s website.

Organizers are revealing several headliners for this summer's Northern Wisconsin State Fair. Country band Sawyer Brown will perform opening night on July 8th. Sugar Ray and Uncle Kracker take the stage on July 10th, while 1980s tribute band Hairball will entertain the crowd on July 9th. The Northern Wisconsin State Fair will be held July 8th through the 12th in Chippewa Falls.

Wisconsin GOP members are asking for mental health services to be expanded across to Wisconsin high schoolers. The two-year pilot program would be launched in the 2026-2027 school year and would provide at least 50-thousand-students help through an online tool. It would provide behavioral health education resources, peer-to-peer support and access to private virtual sessions with licensed mental health professionals. A report by the Wisconsin Office of Children's Mental Health found that only half of the state's high school students felt like they belonged in the classroom.

A bill to regulate data center projects in Wisconsin passed the state Assembly this week – but Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu says it needs work. Prior to the Senate's Wednesday floor session, the Republican leader said it seems as if often bills are rushed through the Assembly, while the Senate takes its time. Senate. LeMahieu said he likes the intent of the bill, but Senate Republicans haven't had a full caucus discussion on it yet. The Republican authored bill would require the Wisconsin Public Service Commission to make sure that utility ratepayers are insulated from new costs linked to data centers, and that any renewable energy facilities intended to mainly serve a data center to be located on-site. The bill passed the Assembly with few Democrats in support, and Senate Minority Leader Dianne Hesselbein said it would need a lot of changes to get Democratic support in that chamber.

WisconsinEye, the state’s version of C-SPAN, has been offline since December. State Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu provided an update on Wednesday. The Republican leader said that on December 23rd, the co-chairs of the joint Legislative Audit Committee sent WisconsinEye a letter asking them specific questions, with a deadline of January 9th to respond. LeMahieu said there was no response from WisconsinEye until Wednesday morning, which he hadn’t had a chance to review. The Senate’s Wednesday floor session was livestreamed on the Legislature’s website. WisconsinEye is currently fundraising to resume operations. LeMahieu said the outlet has not contacted lawmakers to access $10 million in matching funds.

Another central Wisconsin community has brought a PFAS treatment facility online. WAOW-TV in Wausau reports the village of Rothschild received 7 point 5 million dollars in grants to build the facility to remove PFAS from the city's water supply. Tests in 2022 detected the contaminants in the village wells. The system is similar to one that Wausau installed several years ago. Village Administrator Ryan VanDeWalle says PFAS levels are dropping to near non-detectable levels.

Former broadcaster Michele Tafoya is running for U.S. Senate. On Wednesday, the former "Sunday Night Football" sideline reporter announced her bid for Minnesota's open U.S. Senate seat. Tafoya described herself as a "political outsider and a reformer" who will "clean up the system" by "fighting corruption and ending fraud." Despite getting early backing from the National Republican Senatorial Committee, Tafoya will still need to prevail in a crowded GOP race this fall. If she wins the GOP nomination, Tafoya will still need to defeat either Representative Angie Craig or Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan in November.

The Department of Natural Resources is looking for some seasonal help in state parks. A wide range of position types are available that include opportunities in land management, outdoor recreation and education. The DNR says these seasonal jobs in the State Park System are a great way to spend your summer outside and help the public enjoy Wisconsin's natural resources. Some of the positions available include park rangers, natural resources educators, and campground attendants. Jobs typically start in the spring to early summer and extend through late summer to fall. More info can be found on the DNR's website.

Local-Regional News Jan 22

 

Due to the cold weather, residents of Mondovi who have experienced water freeze-up problems or who expect problems due to recent digging should leave a pencil-sized stream of water running to prevent freezing. Those residents who do run the water should call Mondovi City Hall immediately to let the city know.

The entire state of Wisconsin is bracing for bitterly cold temperatures. The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Cold Warning beginning at 9pm tonight, covering the Badger State from border to border. Overnight temperatures will be well below zero, and tomorrow's high will be in the negative single digits. However, forecasters expect wind chills to be as low as negative 40, causing frostbite on exposed skin in as little as ten minutes.

Residents of the City of Menomonie will see a Mayoral Primary on the ballot in February. Three candidates have filed papers to run for the office of Mayor of Menomonie, triggering a needed Spring Primary. The top two candidates will advance to the spring election. Meanwhile, Residents of the Town of New Haven, Town of Stanton, Town of Tiffany, and Village of Downing will also head to the polls for the February 17, 2026 Spring Primary Election for the Glenwood City School Board election. Five candidates have filed to run for election for two School Board seats, triggering a needed primary.  The top 4 candidates will move on to the April election.

A Hagar City Man has been charged with three felony charges in connection with sexually assaulting two children. William McRoberts was charged yesterday in Pierce County Court after investigators were told by two girls of the assaults. McRoberts is being held on a $100,000 cash bond and will return to court on January 30^th.

A local man is facing accusations that he made threats of violence against judges and the Eau Claire police chief. Reports say that 52-year-old Billy Curran called the Department of Homeland Security this past Saturday calling out two judges and Police Chief Matt Rokus as corrupt and saying that -- if they were not arrested -- he would shoot them dead. Curran was later arrested on charges that include threatening to cause bodily harm to a judge and threatening to cause bodily harm to a law enforcement officer.

A man facing charges after a deadly crash 2025 crash in Eau Claire is pleading not guilty. Police began a pursuit of a speeding vehicle just after 2:30 a.m. October 1st that ended near West Clairemont Avenue and Craig Road. Reports say the suspect -- 27-year-old Anthony Reyes -- who had turned off his headlights to try and evade police -- crashed into another vehicle whose driver -- 35-year-old Jack Ritchie -- then died at the scene. Reyes has pleaded not guilty this week to charges including Intoxicated Use of a Vehicle and First-Degree Reckless Homicide.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced it is awarding more than $11 million in grant funding to support dairy businesses and producers through the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives (DBI) grant program. The initiatives support small and mid-sized dairy businesses in the development, production, marketing, and distribution of dairy products. The Universities of Wisconsin is included in the funding program and will use the funding to provide valuable technical assistance and subaward funds to dairy farmers and businesses across the region, supporting them with business plan development, marketing, and branding, as well as increasing access to innovative production and processing techniques to support the development of value-added products.

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office is requesting the public’s help after a woman was assaulted at an I-94 rest stop. On Tuesday evening, deputies responded to the eastbound I-94 rest stop and found an adult female injured after being assaulted while traveling through Jackson County. The suspect's vehicle was described as a white 4-door SUV. The Sheriff’s Department is asking for any witnesses to contact the department.

Probation for a man convicted on charges stemming from a La Crosse home invasion. Investigators say that Braxton Sullivan was one of three men who forced their way into a Redfield Street resident in June of 2024 and demanded cash before leaving. Shots were fired during the incident. Braxton was convicted after pleading no contest to charges of burglary and intimidation and has been sentenced to five years of probation.

Prosecutors are once again filing charges in a Clark County case involving a deadly UTV crash. A passenger died following the crash of a UTV in July of last year in the in the Town of Dewhurst. The vehicle's operator -- 56-year-old Jay Sawasky -- was hit with a homicide charge that was later dismissed as prosecutors were still waiting on medical records and an autopsy report. With that information in, new charges against Sawasky -- including homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle have now been filed.

Legislation to regulate data centers in Wisconsin is advancing at the Capitol. Data centers projects are a source of concern for residents around the state. A Republican authored bill which passed the state Assembly on Tuesday could address those, although Ashland Democrat Angela Stroud argued it doesn’t do enough to protect ratepayers or the environment. Stroud said "the only take away from the Republican bill is they don't actually want to regulate data centers." Democratic Governor Tony Evers has indicated he opposes the bill. Its author, River Falls Republican Shannon Zimmerman, cautions against doing nothing, and that the bill will provide protections for ratepayers and the state's water resources. Zimmerman said he trusts that the state Public Service Commission will be able to implement the provisions of the bill once its passed and signed into law. Democrats failed to amend the bill on the floor or return it to committee. It’s now ready for consideration in the Senate.

A private investor wants to kickstart renovations at Madison's Alliant Energy Center. Dane County executive Melissa Agard announced last week that events company Live Nation wants to invest 100 million dollars to overhaul and renovate the Veterans Memorial Coliseum. The 10,000 seat Coliseum was built in 1967. The investment would match the county's intentions to overhaul the entire site, which has seen income drop since the 2020 pandemic. Live Nation wants to overhaul the lighting, seating, access and amenities to modernize the facility. Any agreement and project would have to be approved by the full Dane County Board.

A Shawano man is heading to federal prison for producing child pornography. 29-year-old Brandon Boogren was sentenced Tuesday to 15 years for sexually assaulting a two-year-old and distributing videos of the abuse. The U.S. Attorney’s office says the FBI’s Milwaukee office began investigating Boogren in June after a phone search of a suspect in Texas revealed videos showing him sexually assaulting the child. Authorities said Boogren made the videos at the request of an “online model” in Houston who was actually a man posing as a woman to “catfish” Boogren. Once his sentence concludes, Boogren will serve five years’ supervised release and be required to register as a sex offender.

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison says he won't run for governor. Ellison was considered a potential candidate after Governor Tim Walz dropped his bid for re-election earlier this month. Ellison says he will instead continue his campaign for a third term, citing the federal ICE surge as the reason to remain in his current role to defend Minnesotans.

Twin Cities police leaders say several off-duty officers have been the target of harassment by ICE agents. Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley says one of his officers was recently pulled over by federal immigration agents, who demanded to see her paperwork with their guns drawn. Meanwhile, St. Paul's top cop, Axel Henry, mentioned that city employees experienced the same treatment during traffic stops. One instance involved a Public Works employee who is legally authorized to work in the United States and now faces deportation. Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt added that she has seen instances of people being stopped, questioned, and harassed due to the color of their skin.

Wisconsin is receiving high marks as a place to raise a family. That's according to a recent study by finance website WalletHub, which ranked all 50 states based on how supportive of an environment it offers to raise a family. The family-friendly conditions include family income, housing affordability, crime rates, and more. Wisconsin was ranked fourth overall on the list, ranking in the top ten in categories such as education and child care and socio-economics. Only North Dakota, Minnesota, and Massachusetts were rated higher.

Local-Regional News Jan 21

 

The Dunn County Board is meeting tonight. Items on the agenda include an introduction of the new Chief Financial Officer, reports from the County Manager and Committee Chairs, and approval of a Budget Amendment for the Health Department. Tonight’s meeting begins at 7pm at the Dunn County Government Center in Menomonie.

Extreme cold weather is expected for the end of the week. The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Cold Watch for the entire WRDN Listening Area from Thursday evening through Saturday Morning. Overnight lows are expected in the teens below zero with wind chills in the 45-50 below zero range. Temperatures should warm back into the teen’s above zero by the beginning of next week.

Two Western Wisconsin farmer-led watershed groups are receiving grants from the state of Wisconsin. Governor Evers announced the grants to 49 farmer-led groups to support producer-led conservation efforts to improve soil and water quality. Here in Western Wisconsin, the Chippewa Valley Watershed Council received an $18,000 grant, while Farmers4Health received a $9000 grant. Grant projects have focused on providing conservation education to farmers, conducting on-farm demonstrations and research, issuing incentive payments for implementing conservation practices, organizing field days, and gathering data on soil health and water quality.

The Pepin, Pierce, Dunn and St Croix County Land Conservation Departments are joining up with the NRCS to create the Eau Galle River Watershed Plan. Landowners and farmers in the watershed are encouraged to schedule a walkover with their land conservation department to learn how conservation can help improve the water.

A Western Wisconsin Democrat is aiming to restore collective bargaining rights for nurses at UW Health. Senator Jeff Smith introduced a bill yesterday that reverses a part of Act 10 that keeps a large group of government workers from collective bargaining. This new measure would restore rights for nurses to collectively bargain under the Wisconsin Employment Peace Act, but also require advanced notice for strikes and lockouts if an agreement isn't reached. Senator Smith said the bill is meant to improve workplace conditions while allowing UW Health to deliver high-quality care.

The Eau Claire County Board has approved retaining a law firm to potentially join a PFAS Lawsuit. The county would look to seek damages of $500,000 from the companies that manufactured the chemicals used in the firefighting foam at the Chippewa Valley Regional Airport. The $500,000 would cover the cost of a required WI DNR investigation into contamination at and around the airport.

A St. Croix County man is being identified as the person who died Monday in a Michigan crash. Police say that 24-year-old Andrew Bjork of Hudson suffered fatal injuries in a multi-vehicle accident on U.S. 45 in Ontonagon County. A second person sustained injuries that have been described as non life-threatening.

Tomah Police responded Tuesday morning to an East McCoy Boulevard Kwik Trip with reports of someone experiencing a mental health crisis. At the scene, officers found someone sitting inside a semi armed with a gun. The area was evacuated and police were able to talk the individual out of the truck at which point they were taken into custody.

A former Sun Prairie West High School administrator is pleading guilty in the federal case against him. Court documents show former dean of students Robert Gilkey - Meisegeier [[ MY-zeh-guy-er ]] has agreed to a plea agreement that includes pleading guilty to production of child pornography, while others were dismissed. He faces a minimum of 15 years in prison, with the maximum being 30 years. Meisegeier also faces charges in Dane County after being accused of having sexual contact with a student and taking photos of people without their consent using school cameras.

Microsoft plans to massively expand its proposed data center projects in Southeast Wisconsin. BizTimes reports the company announced last week that it intends to build a total of 15 new data facilities in Mount Pleasant. That would total 13 billion dollars in investment, and add hundreds of thousands of square feet to the property. The announcement comes as the state legislature wrestles with regulations on data centers amid increasing pushback from some residents. Microsoft will present its new plans to the Mount Pleasant village planning commission on Wednesday.

The FDA is warning consumers about previously recalled tuna that accidentally shipped to stores across several states. According to a new alert from the FDA, a third-party distributor "inadvertently" shipped quarantined canned tuna that Tri-Union Seafoods recalled roughly a year ago over the product's defective "easy open" pull tab lids. The recalled tuna was distributed at stores in, Wisconsin, and eight other states. Cans of the recalled tuna can be returned to the store of purchase for a full refund.

A missing child from Iowa is found safe in northern Wisconsin. The child was first reported missing in November and was believed to be living with their father in Rusk County. The Rusk County Sheriff's Office found the child in a trailer in Glen Flora with his grandparents. They were both taken into custody for interfering with parental custody. The child's father, Douglas Roth, was later arrested for felony kidnapping.

A fire at a lumber and steel company is considered to be one of the largest in over a decade. A call was put in just before midnight on Monday by an off-duty officer about a possible shed fire. Crews arrived to AJ Anich Limber - Pal Steel Co. and saw that the facility was in flames. The Palmyra Fire Rescue team requested help from other agencies to help, leading to around 30 fire departments coming out. No firefighters were hurt and no one was inside the building when the fire started.

Two candidates for Wisconsin governor have very differing views on the role of ICE. Republican congressman Tom Tiffany and Democratic Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez spoke to WISN's UPFRONT. Rodriguez wants to ban ICE agents from performing civil detentions in places like churches, schools and courthouses. She wants Wisconsinites to peacefully protest ICE's action in Wisconsin, but not to travel to Minnesota to join in direct action. Tiffany says states like Wisconsin and Minnesota need to stop preventing ICE from doing its job. Tiffany says he doesn't support the Trump Administration's threats to use the Insurrection Act in Minnesota, but that Governor Tim Walz should step aside and stop obstructing federal agents.

The federal government says the Minnesota lawsuit filed against their immigration enforcement operation does not carry any weight. The Department of Justice claims the state's action is legally frivolous. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison along with the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul are suing to end Operation Metro Surge. Meanwhile, the DOJ has launched a separate investigation of possible criminal violations after a protest that was staged in a St. Paul church on Sunday. Demonstrators interrupted a service at Cities Church after learning one of the pastors was a member of ICE in St. Paul

Here are some safe driving tips for this week’s frigid temperatures. Make sure your tires are properly inflated, as tire pressure can drop by about one psi for every 10-degrees the temp drops. You should also keep an emergency kit in your vehicle with extra clothes, food, and a phone charger in case you get stranded. Always make sure your fuel tank is at least half full to prevent the gas lines from freezing. If you do get stranded on the side of the road, it's important to stay in your car when you call for help. More safety tips can be found on the Wisconsin Department of Transportation website.

Local-Regional News Jan 20

 

Firefighters from Nelson, Alma and Wabasha responded to a garage fire on Deer Creek Road in the Town of Nelson on Monday. According to the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Department, the garage was fully engulfed by the time firefighters arrived and is considered a total loss. No injuries were reported in the fire and the cause of that blaze is still under investigation.

New hours for the Buffalo County Courthouse. Starting this week, county offices will be open Monday through Thursday from 8am-4pm and Fridays from 8am-Noon. The court system will continue with regular hours Monday-Friday from 8am-4:30pm and other state and federal offices in the building will not be impacted. Residents are advised to check with those offices for their hours.

Advent Health has donated a $40 gift card to every student in the Durand-Arkansaw School District to purchase a new pair of shoes at Rogans Shoes. Superintendent Ryan Nelson said the district is grateful for the donation and the ongoing partnership with Advent Health. This is the second year Advent Health has made the donation to families in the district.

A Western Wisconsin Woman is facing theft charges after being accused of stealing more than $100,000 from her employer. 54Yr old Jill McCorkel is accused of stealing the money from BOH Electronics in River Falls while Human Resources Manager. According to authorities, McCorkel sent the money to her boyfriend and sister and also put company money into her own bank account and tried to hide the transactions as payments to a contractor. She is to appear in St. Croix County Court in February.

Authorities in Eau Claire County are continuing their search for a missing man. Kenneth Lewis has not been seen since last Tuesday. His vehicle was found Friday on Gilbertson Road. Anyone with information on Lewis' whereabouts is asked to contact police.

A man charged in connection with a fatal vehicle crash in Price County is scheduled to appear in court today. A pickup truck and a semi collided on August 28th of last year at State Hwy 13 and State Highway 111 in the Township of Worcester. Two people from the pickup were killed. Lance Walcisak faces charges including two counts of second-degree reckless homicide.

Authorities say two Rochester police officers on foot were hit by a car Sunday night. The male officers, ages 51 and 22, were both taken to Mayo Clinic with non-life-threatening injuries. Minnesota State Police say an 18-year-old Rochester man was driving an SUV in snowy and icy conditions when he struck another vehicle and the officers. MSP is investigating the crash.

A proposed wind farm in Columbia County has taken another step forward. Alliant Energy submitted a proposal for the wind farm last week to the Wisconsin Public Service Commission. The project would place more than 40 large turbines on land that is owned by more than 300 residents spread over 48,000 acres in the southeastern portion of the county. The turbines would be 660 feet tall with 260-foot-long blades. Alliant Energy expects the PSC to decide by next year. If approved, the wind farm could start providing power by the end of 2028.

There are arguments over transparency at the Wisconsin Capitol since WisconsinEye, which is similar to C-SPAN, went offline in December, lacking funding to continue operations. Beloit Democrat, Representative Clinton Anderson says he and his colleagues, along with members of the public, are being prohibited from recording committee hearings. Anderson says he doesn't have an issue with members of the public recording meetings, and that the need for legislators to do so is because of WisconsinEye being down. Credentialed members of the media are allowed to record inside the Capitol and Assembly Speaker Robin Vos says that provides transparency. Prior to an Assembly floor session last week, the Republican leader said that WisconsinEye is a valuable part of the work at the Capitol, but that Democrats are trying to say that the media are irrelevant. WisconsinEye is currently undertaking fundraising in an effort to resume its coverage.

A new all-day Preschool program is set to start in the 2026-2027 school year in La Crosse. The La Crosse District's "All-Day 4k Preschool" program will provide students with the necessary time and experiences to build confidence and excitement and learning. Children will participate in school-wide activities such as art, music and physical education. They will also have a full day of play-based, hands-on learning, which strengthens learning and social skills. Enrollment for the program is open now on the La Crosse school website.

A former Waupun Correctional Institution officer pleads guilty to smuggling contraband into the prison. According to court documents referenced by Fox 6 Milwaukee, Luz Naranjo smuggled cellphones, tobacco, drugs and other prohibited items into the prison during the spring of 2023 in exchange for cash bribes. Naranjo allegedly used a supply cart to pass the contraband along to inmates instead of the sanctioned supplies from the cart. She’s accused of receiving $6,000 in cash which she deposited into her bank accounts, Naranjo faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine at her sentencing in April.

A Waupun woman faces felony charges for stealing from a local nonprofit. 47-year-old Teresa Ruch is accused of taking $38,000 from Waupun Downtown Promotions while serving as the organization’s president. Waupun Police received a report in November of possible financial discrepancies. A bank employee noticed a business check had been made out to Ruch and began reviewing the business account and found other suspicious activity. The Dodge County District Attorney’s Office filed charges this month. Ruch is set to make a preliminary court appearance in early February.

Major cuts are coming to the Oshkosh School District. The school board approved a plan Thursday that would cut more than 40 positions in the next school year. The Oshkosh district is facing a 5 point 5 million dollar structural deficit going into the next school year, and another 2 million dollar deficit in 2027. Voters in the district approved a nearly 200 million dollar facilities referendum last year, aimed at improving school buildings.

Minnesota State Fair organizers will not increase admission and parking prices this year. All ticket prices will stay put. The fair's governing body also announced that it has OK'ed funding of improvements to the grounds. The upgrades to the Lee & Rose Warner Coliseum include new seating, wider aisles and railings. Officials are also planning to repair and replace fencing and street and sidewalk pavement along with buying portable drinking fountains and recycling containers.

You can help protect Wisconsin waters by reducing your winter salt use. Although salt keeps roads safer during the winter, harmful chlorides from salt get into lakes, streams, and groundwater. Increased salt levels in the water can corrode bridges, roads, and other infrastructure. Road salt can also harm pets, causing irritated paws or other health concerns if ingested. In the early 2000s, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources measured about 600,000 tons of chlorides annually. By 2018, that increased to nearly 800,000 tons per year. Find more info on the DNR's website.

Local-Regional News Jan 19

 

Residents and business on Madison Street are receiving letters from the city regarding the upcoming Madison Street Project. The city and Cedar Corp will be meeting with the contractor to finalize the plans. We Energies is currently working on moving utilities along Madison street over the next few months. The Madison Street Project is expected to begin in April.

Dangerous wind chills across Wisconsin mean you’ll want to be safe if you must spend any extended time outdoors over the next couple of days. The National Weather Service has Cold Weather Advisories are in effect through mid-day Monday with wind chills as low as to -25 to -40°F for Western Wisconsin. It won’t be appreciably warmer elsewhere in Wisconsin with bitterly cold windchills persisting statewide. We can expect midday windchills on Tuesday in the teens to twenty below in locations from La Crosse to Madison, Milwaukee, Wausau and Green Bay.

Coulee Region lawmakers are introducing legislation that would limit insulin prices in the state at 35-dollars. Representative Jill Billings and Senator Brad Pfaff proposed the bill, which caps insulin cost-sharing at that amount under covered health plans. Legislators say the proposal is aimed at preventing people from rationing or skipping their medication due to high prices. Supporters note that more than 25 other states have enacted similar insulin price caps.

The Wabasha County Board is meeting tomorrow. Items on the agenda include approval of capital funds for computer system security projects, approval of the purchase of replacement computer workstations and reports from committee and department heads. Tomorrows meeting begins at 9am at the old courthouse annex in Wabasha.

The City of Wabasha is now accepting application for the Pool Director position for the upcoming 2026 operating season at the Wabasha City Pool. This seasonal position will oversee various employees including lifeguards, water safety instructors, and front desk attendants. Duties will include scheduling mandatory training for lifeguards, water safety instructors, and front desk attendants.  For more information contact Wabasha City Hall.

The FAA and the NTSB are investigating after a small plane crashed Friday in Polk County. The accident happened a little before noon near the Amery Airport. On the ground, the plane came to rest upside down. No injuries were reported.

The Wisconsin State Patrol is soliciting recruits. State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan says that folks who want to serve their community and contribute to the safety of Wisconsin's roadways are encouraged to reach out and connect with a recruiter to learn more about a career with the department. Applications are being accepted through February 15th. More details are available at wsp.wi.gov.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services says flu numbers across the state are easing. The report shows respiratory illness levels are leveling out statewide, but local flu activity remains high. Pediatricians say this flu season has been more severe for kids, with symptoms developing faster and lasting longer. Doctors note a circulating H-3-N-2 strain is contributing to the increased severity and rapid onset. Health leaders say children can still receive a flu shot, with flu season expected to peak in February.

Oshkosh Defense has received a 53-million-dollar contract from the U.S. Army. The contract was placed by the U.S. Army Contracting Command at the Detroit Arsenal. Company officials say the Army ordered Common Bridge Transporters under the Family of Heavy Tactical Vehicle Five program. The vehicles are designed to transport and deploy bridge assets for military units operating in difficult terrain. Oshkosh Defense says the transporters help combat formations maintain mobility across wet gaps.

January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month and the Wisconsin Department of Justice is sharing critical data. In 2024, the National Trafficking Hotline received 277 contacts from Wisconsin, leading to 111 cases involving 181 victims. The state DOJ said most cases involved sex trafficking of adult women. The Wisconsin Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force will host a public webinar on Wednesday, January 21st, from 1 to 3 p.m. Registration is available online for those interested in learning more about trafficking and resources available to survivors in the state.

An investigation is underway after a death at a central Wisconsin meat packing plant. Officials with the Occupational Health and Safety Administration have confirmed to W A O W TV in Wausau that a worker died Wednesday at the Abbyland Foods plant in Abbotsford. OSHA has not confirmed any details of the death, though police in Abbotsford have joined the investigation. The identity of the victim has also not been released. Abbyland has had a string of safety violations with OSHA, with three cases investigated since 2022. The company has been fined over 270-thousand dollars for those violations.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is proposing a 907-million-dollar public works plan for 2026. The money would cover projects involving public safety, transportation, water as well as others. Walz's recommendations would be funded by 700-million dollars in general obligation bonds from the state and 207-million dollars more from other sources. The governor is planning spend 41-million dollars on security upgrades in and around the state Capitol in St. Paul.

Downtown Rochester is preparing for Castle Con later this month. The tabletop gaming convention starts on January 22 through the 25. It will be held in venues like the historic Chateau Theatre and the Kahler Hotel. The convention will feature a Game Developers Panel, a Jigsaw Puzzle Contest and Board Game Tournament. For more information log on at to the officials Castle Con website.

Local-Regional News Jan 16

 

The City of Durand is looking at developing a task force with members of the Durand Improvement Group to find ways to enhance economic development. During this weeks council meeting the task force was discussed along with the comprehensive plan. The council is also looking at updating the vacant building ordinance and the council would like to see more businesses use the facade improvement grants to improve the outside of their buildings that face the river.

A letter sent to Congressman Derrick Van Orden asks for his help in ensuring Wisconsin hospitals receive the full allotment of hospital funding. State representatives from the third congressional district write in the letter “the Trump administration is currently moving forward with an unprecedented action to deny Wisconsin’s ability to draw down the additional promised hospital assessment dollars, which will cost our state nearly $800 million every biennium.” The legislators say say hospitals were counting on the funding to keep their doors open. The increased funding is needed to help hospitals sustain and expand access to care for patients across Wisconsin.

The Dunn County Sheriff’s Department is announcing a new inmate communications system. The new system is provided by NCIC Communications of Longview Texas and will allow inmates to have access to wall-mounted phones and secure handheld tablets for phone calls and video visitation. The system comes at no cost to Dunn County Taxpayers as the inmates will have to pay for using the service. The new service is expected to become operational on February 9^th.

Voters in one Western Wisconsin School District will be asked to approve a $15 million construction project. The Altoona School Board approved to have the referendum on the spring election. If passed the money would be used to fund repairs and replace major heating and cooling systems at the intermediate, middle and high schools.

Eau Claire County's Republican Chairman is responding to words this week from Eau Claire City Council President Emily Berge on the presence of ICE agents in the community. Berge released a letter on Tuesday saying -- in part -- that the presence of the agents is creating fear and causing people to feel unsafe. Eau Claire County Republican Party Chairman Fred Kappus has now released a statement of his own saying -- in part -- that Berge's letter failed to mention that she is a Democrat running for Congress and asking if the immigrant neighbors that she say she supports includes those that entered the country illegally.

A Thursday morning accident involving an SUV and a horse-drawn buggy has left one person hospitalized with serious injuries. The crash happened on Highway 33 in Monroe County. Authorities say the SUV was passing the buggy when the buggy turned in front of it. The driver of the buggy was hurt and no other injuries were reported.

A Rochester woman who pleaded guilty to stealing mail is going to prison. Connie Ziemann was sentenced to one year and nine months behind bars. She must also pay 272 thousand dollars in restitution. Ziemann confessed to stealing mail or packages from seven different locations in Rochester. She was caught twice on home security video committing the thefts.

Federal judges are siding with Minnesota to keep the SNAP benefits going. On January 14th, the U.S. District Court for Minnesota announced an injunction against the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This pauses the December 16th USDA demand to interview households to verify their eligibility. Federal officials vowed to cut SNAP funding across Minnesota if state officials failed to meet those demands. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said, "we've won yet another battle in the Trump administration's war on Minnesota."

Thirty-three former federal prosecutors in Minnesota are asking President Trump not to exclude the state from the Renee Nicole Good investigation. Previously, federal officials claimed Minnesota has no jurisdiction in the Good case, which the Federal Bureau of Investigation is handling. Local prosecutors later disputed that assertion, saying they have the power to investigate and bring criminal charges if warranted. On January 13th, Assistant Attorney General Todd Blanche issued a statement saying there is "no basis" for a criminal civil rights investigation in the case of Good's death. Following this, six prosecutors, including former acting U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson, resigned in protest over the decision and other recent moves by the U.S. Department of Justice.

US Senator Tammy Baldwin wants the Trump Administration to restore billions of dollars in opioid addiction recovery grants. The Wisconsin Democrat says the White House cancelled 28-hundred grants on Tuesday. "President Trump is turning his back on struggling families and cutting off support for folks who need it most." Senator Baldwin also blames US Health and Human Services secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr for "kneecapping" recovery programs and said the action was reckless and dangerous.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court says police departments are allowed to investigate child pornography possession in online accounts without getting a warrant. A man on trial for possession of child sexual abuse materials argued last September that police did not have warrants when Snapchat sent along a video from his account to police, who then arrested him. Courthouse News reports the Justices on Wednesday upheld an appeal court ruling that allowed the video into evidence, saying the man's Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable search and seizure were not violated because Snapchat handed over files on its own system and police did not further search his account. The case will now head back to Waukesha County Court to continue to trial.

In posts to social media, Wisconsin Native American tribes are advising their members to have their tribal issued identification and a second form of ID with them and to be aware of their rights if they encounter ICE. Other advice includes remaining calm if approached and requesting officers to identify themselves and show official credentials. Several Native Americans have been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement amid ongoing operations in the Twin Cities. There have been no reports of ICE actions on the lands of any of Wisconsin’s 11 federally recognized tribes.

The City of Menomonie is asking residents to submit name suggestions for one of its snow plows. Folks are encouraged to let their creativity shine when thinking of names but suggestions should be family-friendly and appropriate for a public service vehicle. A link through which those name ideas can be submitted can be found on the City of Menomonie's Facebook page.