Local-Regional News Aug 3

 

The FAA and the NTSB are investigating the Sunday afternoon crash of a small aircraft in Dunn County. Two people were hurt when the plane went down a little past noon in Hay River Township. The aircraft had just departed Boyceville Municipal Airport. The pilot, a 36-year-old woman from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and a passenger, a 51-year-old man from Marshfield, Wisconsin, were both hospitalized with injuries sustained in the crash. There has been no word on the severity of the injuries sustained by the victims.

A Menomonie woman has been charged with attempted 1st-degree intentional homicide and child abuse – intentionally causing great bodily harm after she tried to kill her 7-year-old son. According to authorities, officers were called to 37yr old Emily Spalding’s home on Kausrud Street on July 20^th,due to concerns for her behavior. Officers found no evidence of any unusual behavior from Spalding or her son. Later that night, officers returned to the area on the report of a child running down the street yelling no and covered in blood. The child reported his mom tried to stab him and hit him in the head with a hammer. Spalding was arrested and due to her behavior was transported to the Winnebago Mental Health Institute.

Area Firefighters, EMS, Healthcare professionals, educators, faith leaders and others are encouraged to register for the upcoming Crisis Intervention Partners Training on August 12^th and 13^th in at the Durand Fire Hall. The training is designed to help recognize, respond to and support individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. For more information, contact Pepin County Health and Human Service.

The Wabasha Athletic Complex has opened a new handicapped accessible swing area. The wheelchair friendly surface and four different types of swings are available to those with a variety of sensory needs and motor skills. This project idea was a result of a 2023 Blandin Changemaker Retreat, led by Mayor Emily Durand and facilitated by the University of Minnesota Extension.

In Barron County, rehab work begins today on the County D bridge spanning Lake Chetek. The work will include painting and various repairs along with a replacement of the bridge deck's concrete overlay. The project -- expected to last 10 to 12 weeks -- comes at a cost of just under two-point-four-million dollars.

A suspect has been arrested in connection with recent fires in La Crosse County. Two fires were reported last Tuesday. Separately -- on Wednesday -- an individual's vehicle key was taken from a Planet Fitness gym and their vehicle was entered. Thirty-seven-year-old David P. Sheldon was taken into custody in connection with that incident. He was later identified as a suspect in the fires and was arrested on arson charges Friday.

The verdict is in for a man charged in a La Crosse County fatal shooting. Cody Alland was charged in the 2025 shooting of 42-year-old Justin Betz outside of Newie's Vogue Bar on George Street. Jurors have convicted Alland of second degree intentional homicide. He will be sentenced at a later date.

UW La Crosse political scientist Anthony Chergosky notes the 3rd District seat currently held by Republican congressman Derrick Van Orden is competitive. Competitive U.S. House elections are something of a rarity in the state of Wisconsin. Van Orden will face the winner of the Democratic primary between Rebecca Cooke and Emily Berge. Chergowski says the campaigns of Congressman Van Orden and Rebecca Cook are very well funded. Berge has trailed significantly in the fundraising battle between her and Cook for the Democratic Party primary. Berge is a licensed therapist who served 8 years on the Eau Claire City Council. Cooke is a small business owner, nonprofit founder and waitress who has run for the 3rd CD seat twice before and is endorsed by national Democrats. Van Orden has the endorsement of President Donald Trump, who appeared with him during a June rally in Chippewa Falls.

The Village of Stockholm is receiving a $306,000 grant to repair local roads. The grant is part of $30 million is headed to rural bridge and road projects across Wisconsin. More than 100 Wisconsin communities are sharing the funds to repair aging culverts and small bridges on local roads. Governor Tony Evers and the Department of Transportation say 101 projects were selected through the new Local Small Structures Improvement Program. The funding is aimed at improving rural infrastructure and helping move agricultural and forestry products more efficiently. State officials say the projects build on the Agricultural Roads Improvement Program, which has now funded 221 road improvement projects in 64 Wisconsin counties.

The Wisconsin National Guard is helping with storm cleanup efforts in Winnebago County. County officials say 15 Guard members are assisting with traffic control and clearing roads as brush cleanup begins, with temporary road closures expected. Residents are asked to move vehicles off the street before crews arrive, while volunteers will help move storm debris and bagged household trash to the curb ahead of Sunday's collection. Officials say only household trash in black garbage bags will be accepted, while furniture, appliances, drywall, and construction debris will not. Boaters are also urged to use caution because of submerged debris.

New federal Medicaid work requirements could affect hundreds of thousands of Wisconsinites enrolled in BadgerCare Plus. State Health Services Secretary Kirsten Johnson says about 200,000 members between 19 and 64 could be impacted, with an estimated 63,000 at immediate risk of losing coverage. Under the new federal law, some recipients will need to document at least 80 hours a month of work, education, or volunteer activities to keep benefits. The requirements take effect January first, 2027.

Governor Tony Evers has announced that he's granted another 210 pardons. The move brings his total number of pardons granted during his time in office to two-thousand-237. Evers says "everyone receiving a pardon today has put in the work to earn a second chance and the opportunity to keep growing, doing good and building a better life." He added that he's "proud to offer these pardons today."

Juneau County authorities are searching for an inmate who failed to return from an authorized work release. The Sheriff's Office says Steven C. Garner did not report back to the Juneau County Jail at his designated return time Saturday. Garner is now facing a charge of escape from custody. Investigators are actively searching for his whereabouts and urge anyone with information to contact authorities.

An Oneida County deputy will not face charges in a fatal officer-involved shooting in June. The Oneida County District Attorney says Deputy Justin Orth was justified in using deadly force after 76-year-old John Krga allegedly resisted arrest, pulled out a firearm, and fired at deputies. The charging decision follows an investigation by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation. Krga was being arrested on child sexual assault charges when he was shot and killed.

Finding happiness may require changing your zip code. A recent WalletHub study ranked 182 of the U.S.'s largest cities based on residents' happiness using factors like income, mental well-being, physical health and social connections. It found the five happiest cities in the U.S. are: Fremont, California; Bismarck, North Dakota; Scottsdale, Arizona; South Burlington, Vermont and Fargo, North Dakota. Other cities that ranked highly are Madison, Wisconsin; Portland, Maine and Columbia, Maryland.

Local-Regional News July 31

 

City of Mondovi officials and members of the Mondovi Business Association met with Wisconsin Department of Transportation representatives to discuss issues surrounding the upcoming Hwy 37 project from Downtown Mondovi to Hwy 88. Mondovi Mayor Brady Weiss says there are a number of issues the city is concerned about.  That project is set to begin next year.

Buffalo County residents impacted by April's severe storms have less than a month to apply for federal assistance. People impacted by the April 13th through 23rd storms and flooding have until August 31st to apply for SBA disaster loans. More than $44 million has already been distributed to over 16,000 people across 19 counties and the Oneida Nation, according to Wisconsin Emergency Management. Administrator Greg Engle urges residents not to miss the deadline for help with home repairs and other disaster-related expenses. Applications can be submitted online at DisasterAssistance.gov, by phone, or at a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center

The Senior Nutrition Program is in search of a new vendor for the Buffalo City/Fountain City area to provide senior meals starting on November 1^st. The Buffalo-Pepin County ADRC is accepting bids now from vendors. For more information, contact the Buffalo-Pepin County ADRC program.

The Chippewa County Planning and Zoning Committee is proposing a 10-month moratorium on large scale data centers to allow officials time to research and establish adequate zoning measures for the rapidly growing industry. If approved, the moratorium would take effect in September and last through July 2027.

A man convicted in connection with an Eau Claire County homicide now knows his fate. The body of 79-year-old Dennis Schattie was found in the river near Rockford, Illinois in April of 2022. Investigators believe Schattie was killed in Altoona. Brandon Gaston was convicted last month of being a party to the crime of first-degree intentional homicide and hiding a corpse. He was sentenced yesterday to life in prison with no chance for parole.

Prison for a man convicted following a stabbing incident in Lake Hallie. Police responding to a 41st Avenue home on July 11th of last year found a man who had been stabbed five times. Orestes Kouris of Eau Claire was later located near the Lake Hallie Golf Course and arrested. Kouris faced charges including attempted first-degree intentional homicide. As part of a deal with prosecutors, he pleaded guilty earlier this year to charges of child abuse by use of a dangerous weapon and first degree recklessly endangering safety. He has now been sentenced to a term of four years in prison.

Fair fun continues this weekend in Western Wisconsin. The Jackson County Fair rolls on through Sunday in Black River Falls. Meanwhile -- in Mondovi -- the Buffalo County Fair continues in affiliation with Pepin County. That fair also ends Sunday.

Former Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes is ending his campaign for governor. Barnes made the announcement yesterday on social media, saying it was clear who the Democratic nominee is going to be. He was 22 points behind state representative Francesca Hong in a Marquette Law School poll released Wednesday. More people in the poll actually said they were undecided on whom to vote for, than said they supported Barnes. Absentee voting is underway in Wisconsin's August 11th primary.

Cyberattacks on over 30 Minnesota water systems may be linked to Iran. Multiple reports cite U.S. officials that say the attacks may be liked to Iran. Officials are also suspicious of hackers tied to Iran because the goal of the attacks appears to be to disrupt services, not to blackmail ransom payments. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency sent out an alert to local water systems that cyber threat actors are trying to modify passwords "to lock out operators." The FBI said in a statement that the agency is aware of the intrusions.

Wisconsin voters who’ve already returned absentee ballots may not get a new one. A Dane County judge’s Wednesday ruling is a setback for voters in the Democratic primary for governor who filed suit seeking to allow ballots already turned in to be “spoiled” and for clerks to reissue them. Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez dropped out of the race two weeks ago. On July 18th Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley got back in the race after earlier dropping out to endorse Rodriguez. With more than 117,000 absentee ballots already returned by Wednesday for the August 11th primary, Judge David Conway’s ruling is likely to be appealed.

More than $2 billion has gone to local governments and property owners this year. Democratic Governor Tony Evers and the Department of Revenue say Wisconsin has distributed about $2.2 billion in shared revenue and property tax credit payments in 2026. The state says the funding includes more than $584 million for local governments and over $1.7 billion in property tax relief. Officials say the money helps communities pay for services like police, fire protection, EMS, road repairs and libraries. The increase follows a bipartisan shared revenue agreement signed by Evers in 2023 that tied future local government funding growth to state sales tax collections.

Stoughton's City Council has voted to end its contract with Flock Safety following months of public opposition over privacy concerns. The city signed a two-year, 25-thousand dollar surveillance camera agreement just seven months ago, but will now pay a 12-thousand 500-dollar buyout fee and remove the cameras. Police officials say the cameras were intended only as a public safety tool. Stoughton now becomes the seventh entity in Dane County to end or not renew its contract with Flock Safety.

The lead veterinarian at a Dane County beagle breeding facility will never again be allowed to practice in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Veterinary Examining Board votes to permanently revoke Richard Van Domelen's license for engaging in "unprofessional conduct." The board cites numerous occasions where Von Domelen delegated surgeries on the beagles at Ridglan Farms to persons without veterinarian licenses or training. That includes eye surgeries, vocal cord removals and dental extractions. Many surgeries at the facility were also performed without anesthesia. Ridglan Farms was the site of protests and arrests earlier this year, and some protesters have been charged. Hundreds of dogs were removed and adopted, and the facility is scheduled to permanently close by the end of August.

Kalshi pushes back as the Wisconsin Elections Commission warns voters not to bet on elections. Commissioners issued statements this month reminding people that it is illegal in Wisconsin to vote in any election for which you have cast a bet. Kalshi’s attorney posted on "X" that the guidance is "unconstitutional and illegal" and that activity on Kalshi should not be defined as bets. The Wisconsin Department of Justice is currently suing Kalshi and Polymarket, alleging the "prediction markets" are actually online betting which is illegal in Wisconsin.

Local-Regional News July 30

 

A silver alert has been issued for a missing Menomonie Man. 65Yr old Blaine Crawford was last seen in North Menomonie on Friday. He was wearing a black shirt and blue jeans. Crawford may have seen by kayakers near Wilson Creek on Saturday. If you have any information on Crawfords whereabouts you are to contact Menomonie Police.

Today is the first day of the Buffalo-Pepin County Fair in Mondovi. Beacause of the fair there will be some temporary no parking restrictions on some city streets around the fairgrounds. Mondovi Mayor Brady Weiss says there will also be an alley way closed to traffic on Friday and Saturday nights.The fair runs through Sunday.

The Madison Street Project in Durand continues to move forward. Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren says most of the underground work is now done. The project is on tract to be completed by this fall.

The Pepin County Health Department in conducting a community health assessment. Pepin County Health Officer Heidi Stewart says the assessment is a requirement from the state of Wisconsin.The public is invited to take a survey as part of the assessment. Visit the Pepin County Health Department’s Facebook Page or the Health Department office for a survey.

Prison time for a former Cadott Community School District staffer who pleaded guilty to theft charges. The case against Danielle Mittermeyer dates back to her time working for the Alma Center-Humbird-Merrillan School District. Danielle Mittermeyer had been indicted on charges that she mishandled nearly 195-thousand dollars in district funds between March of 2021 and August of 2025 and pleaded guilty to charges in the case back in May. She has now been sentenced to two years in prison and been ordered to make restitution.

A wrong-way crash in Jackson County Tuesday night has left two people dead. The accident happened on I-94 West near the Village of Hixton. Wisconsin State Patrol says a vehicle traveling eastbound on westbound 94 hit one semi head-on and then sideswiped another. Two people in the suspect vehicle were killed. There has been no word of any other injuries.

The Wisconsin Appeals Court is upholding Act 10, a law that effectively ended collective bargaining rights for most public employees. The judges ruled two to one to overturn a Dane County judge's ruling that Act 10 was unconstitutional. The majority ruling argued that concerns raised in this lawsuit have been answered in previous cases. However, the one dissenting judge said it brought new issues to light, saying the law violates the equal protection guarantee in Wisconsin's constitution. The case is now likely headed to the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

A Madison-area lawmaker's lead is growing in the Democratic primary race for governor. State Rep. Francesca Hong earned 38 percent of the vote in a new Marquette University Law poll that was released yesterday, up from 26 percent in the previous survey. Former Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes was in second place with 16 percent of the vote, followed by Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley at seven percent. The latest survey also shows a drop in undecided voters ahead of next month's primary, going from 45 percent to 34 percent.

Funding from the Legislature means Wisconsin Eye will remain in operation for the remainder of the year. A legislative committee on Tuesday released 50-thousand dollars in monthly support for the independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit public affairs network often described as Wisconsin's version of C-SPAN. WisEye said in a statement that the funding is sufficient for the network to maintain operations through December, including Campaign 2026 coverage and streaming of this summer’s Legislative Joint Study Committees on current and emerging issues. WisEye covers public events, legislative committee hearings and floor sessions in the Capitol. A GoFundMe effort has raised just 117-thousand dollars of its 250-thousand dollar goal.

Permits are revoked for a controversial Wisconsin brewer. The Department of Revenue confirmed in an email to WisPolitics that Minocqua Brewing Company has been issued notice of a brewer’s permit revocation for two company locations and notice of an Alcohol Beverage Warehouse permit revocation for one location. The company has locations in Minocqua and Madison, has until August 4 to appeal and can remain operational during the appeal process. Minocqua Brewing owner Kirk Bangstad’s brief run for governor ended when the Elections Commission found he didn’t turn in enough valid signatures to qualify for the ballot. On the Minocqua Brewing Facebook page, Bangstad said he’d fight the revocations “tooth and nail.”

Early in-person voting is underway across Wisconsin as voters decide who will be their party's nominees for governor this fall. The Democratic hopefuls debated last night and while there were no contentious conflicts over most issues, all candidates agreed on higher taxes for millionaires. The candidates also agreed they would push for a law to require body cameras for all police officers This follows last week's police-involved shooting death of Corey Ruiz. Most polls show Democratic Socialist Francesca Hong with a significant lead.

Minnesota officials say more than 30 water systems across the state were targeted in a cyberattack. The attacks happened Sunday and Monday, but officials say there have been no requests for residents to change their drinking water use. Minnesota IT Services is working with state and federal agencies, including the FBI, as investigators assess the impact and help affected communities restore operations. Officials say the focus now is strengthening defenses against future cyber threats.

The Wisconsin State Patrol is recruiting experienced law enforcement officers. Applications are being accepted through August 30th for the State Patrol's 74th recruit class. Officers with at least a year of recent law enforcement experience can complete an accelerated 18-week academy program before becoming troopers. Recruits have opportunities to work in specialized units including K-9, crash reconstruction, aviation and drug interdiction. Training begins January 25th, with graduation scheduled for April 30th of next year. More information is available through the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.

Minnesotans are failing driving tests at the highest rate in six years. Nearly 40-percent of test takers needed two or more attempts to pass last year. The failure rate reached 45-percent among people ages 18 to 20, and more than 17-hundred drivers failed after four attempts. Driving instructors and examiners say more young adults are waiting until age 18 and skipping driver's education. DVS administered nearly 200-thousand road tests last year, the most since before the pandemic.

Local-Regional News July 29

 

The City of Durand continues to work on a new comprehensive plan for the city. Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren says the city had some public meetings on the plan and hopes to have another meeting in fall.  The plan is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

During a City Council meeting earlier this month, Mondovi residents expressed concerns over the Flock Cameras that have been installed at the entrances to the city. The cameras were installed after an agreement between the city and the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Department was approved over two years ago. Mondovi Mayor Brady Weiss says the council meetings are all recorded and any member of the public can listen to those meetings to hear how the council approved the cameras.  Eau Claire and Eau Claire County are also using the Flock Cameras.

A Menomonie man is being identified as the person who died after a Monday night vehicle crash on I-94 near Eau Claire. Forty-one-year-old Tyler Hartung was driving eastbound on the interstate when his vehicle went off the road near mile-marker 59 and rolled multiple times. Hartung later died at a local hospital. The accident remains under investigation.

Officials credit increased public trust in the Dunn County's Law Enforcement Deflection and Diversion (LEDD) program, a joint effort with the city of Menomonie intended to keep people out of the criminal justice system, for the program's growth in 2025.  According to data presented to the Dunn County Criminal Justice Collaborating Council, interactions between Behavioural Health Officers and case workers with community members increased from 153 in 2024 to 585 in 2025, a 282 percent increase. The 2025 total was more than 10 times higher than the 58 interactions recorded in 2023. Law enforcement referrals increased from 73 in 2024 to 93 in 2025, a 27 percent increase. Referrals to treatment rose from 42 to 61, representing a 45 percent increase.

An Eau Claire man charged with having a gun on school grounds has recently entered pleas in court. A criminal complaint shows Andrew Sichuga went to Putnam Heights Elementary School in April 2025 and would not leave for five minutes after ringing the doorbell. Law enforcement said Sichuga applied for a job and was upset he wasn't hired. He was arrested on multiple charges, including possession of a firearm on school grounds, resisting an officer and disorderly conduct. He has since pleaded not guilty on all counts and remains in custody on a ten-thousand dollar cash bond.

Bond is being set for a former Eau Claire special education teacher charged in a child sex abuse case. Nadia Horn was an educator at North High School and was arrested earlier this year on accusations that she sexually assaulted a child. She had been free on bond, but was taken back into custody with the recent filing of charges related to the discovery of another victim. A 100-thousand-dollar signature bond was set on Tuesday.

A bakery in Plainview is closed following a recent fire. Cakes Etcetera posted on social media that they will be shut down until further notice. The business suffered smoke, water, and fire damage during the recent blaze near the freezers. The fire was contained to the back room, and it did not spread to the main shop. Cakes Etcetera owners say they are working through the insurance process for cleanup and repairs.

Authorities are continuing to investigate after a man was found dead Sunday night near the Jackson County Sheriff's Office. Fifty-two-year-old Bernard Rombalski Jr was found deceased inside a vehicle. Rombalski was a resident of the Village of Merrillan. There has been no word on his cause of death.

The strength of the tornado that hit the Fox Valley Monday is upgraded. The National Weather Service says it was an EF 3 tornado that hit Menasha with winds as high as 140 miles per hour. The tornado initially touched down in Appleton around noon, producing EF 2 category winds. But it gained strength before entering Menasha. From there it headed south, dissipating over Lake Winnebago. Videos show blocks and blocks of destroyed homes and businesses. A viral pic shows a pier with a tree line in the distance before the tornado. The after photo shows the line of trees wiped away exposing damaged homes.

Governor Tony Evers has declared a state of emergency following a tornado that touched down in the Fox River Valley. The governor says the declaration for eastern Wisconsin will ensure state agencies work efficiently with local agencies and utilities to handle the damage. Evers is also thanking "neighbors, emergency and first responders, local partners, and volunteers who are already working to help restore essential services, clean up neighborhoods and assess the damages." WEM is already working with counties to assess the storm's damage and determine the resources needed for recovery.

Wisconsin voters are being urged to check their ID before next month's primary election. The Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles is encouraging residents to check now that they have a valid photo ID for the August 11th primary election. Officials say a Wisconsin driver's license or state ID are the most common forms of identification used at polling places. The DMV notes a federally compliant REAL ID is not required to vote, and some military and student IDs may also qualify. Voters who need an ID can get one free of charge for voting purposes through the DMV. More information is available at the Wisconsin Elections Commission and Wisconsin DMV websites.

Wisconsin consumer protection officials are warning families to watch for back-to-school shopping scams online. The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection says scammers often use social media ads, emails and text messages to lure shoppers with steep discounts that never materialize. Officials advise consumers to verify website addresses before entering personal or payment information and to be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true. They also recommend using credit cards for online purchases because they offer added fraud protections if products never arrive or aren't as advertised.

EAA AirVenture 2026 logs another record setting turnout. While the final attendance numbers have yet to be released, EAA CEO and Chairman Jack Pelton says initial signs point to another record year. Already looking to Air Venture 2027, Pelton says plans call for celebrating Kids Venture's new home on the Air Venture grounds, catering to young aspiring aviators and the 100th anniversary of Charles Lindberg's solo transatlantic flight from New York to Paris.

A report finds DOGE delayed an Echo Trail fire-prevention plan near Ely. The Washington Post found DOGE held up ten-million dollars that were intended for the U.S. Forest Service last year. The project would have removed dead trees along the Echo Trail to reduce wildfire fuel and strengthen the road as a firebreak. Some of the same acreage later burned in the Sioux Fire, which prompted evacuation orders north of Ely. This comes as some of those woods off the Echo Trail near Ely are burning.

Pierce-Pepin Electric has announced the co-op will be doing  maintenance at the Ella Substation which will result in a planned power outage this week. The power outage is scheduled to begin at 11pm on Wednesday until approximately 5am on Thursday. This project is expected to affect approximately 800 Pierce-Pepin customer accounts in the Pepin, Ella, Porcupine, Arkansaw, and Durand areas. It may also affect properties in Buffalo County. Residents in the affected areas are encouraged to plan ahead for the outage.

Local-Regional News July 28

 

Pierce-Pepin Electric has announced the co-op will be doing  maintenance at the Ella Substation which will result in a planned power outage this week. The power outage is scheduled to begin at 11pm on Wednesday until approximately 5am on Thursday. This project is expected to affect approximately 800 Pierce-Pepin customer accounts in the Pepin, Ella, Porcupine, Arkansaw, and Durand areas. It may also affect properties in Buffalo County. Residents in the affected areas are encouraged to plan ahead for the outage.

The Mondovi City Council is meeting tonight. Items on the agenda include discussion and possible action on a request to close West Hudson Street from South Franklin to South Eau Claire Street for Oktoberfest, a fee waiver for food trucks attending Oktoberfest and reports from the mayor and department heads. Tonights meeting begins at 5:30 at the Marten Center in Mondovi.

The Durand City Council will be adjusting the lease for the library. Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren says the rental rates are being adjusted due to reduced space being used by the library.  The council is expected to approve that new lease next month.

The Durand Public Library will be closing early today through Thursday due to the warm weather. The Library will be closing at 3pm to help ensure comfort and safety for patrons and staff. Earlier this year the HVAC system failed in the library and is still waiting to be replaced. The library is expected to resume regular hours on Friday as the weather cools.

One person is dead after a one vehicle roll over accident in Eau Claire County. According to the Wisconsin State Patrol, a vehicle traveling eastbound on I-94 near mile marker 59 lost control, left the roadway and went into the right ditch and rolled several times, ending up on its roof. The driver was removed from the vehicle and taken to the hospital where they died from their injuries. The name of the victim has not been released and the cause of that accident is still under investigation.

Prison for a Chippewa County man convicted of sexually assaulting a child. Forty-one-year-old Timothy Klich of Bloomer pleaded guilty in Dunn County Monday to a single count of second-degree child sexual assault. He was then given a five-year prison term.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is advising Eau Claire County dog owners to be mindful of wolves. The department says wolves killed a dog Saturday in the Town of Wilson. Wisconsin DNR says wolves also killed a hunting dog in Bayfield County on Sunday.

Gas prices continue to rise in Western Wisconsin. According to Triple-A, the average price of regular fuel in Western Wisconsin this week is now three-91 per gallon -- up seven-cents-per-gallon from just one week ago. In La Crosse, the average cost of a gallon of regular fuel is three-88 per gallon -- up just one cent from the price last week. The average cost of regular fuel in the State of Wisconsin is now three-87 per gallon.

La Crosse County jurors heard opening statements Monday in the homicide trial of Cody Alland. Alland is charged in the 2025 fatal shooting of 42-year-old Justin Betz outside of Newie's Vogue Bar on George Street. Prosecutors also began their presentation of witnesses yesterday. The trial is expected to last through the week.

Severe weather moved through the Fox Valley over the noon hour Monday, leaving behind significant damage. A severe thunderstorm, which was then upgraded to a tornado-warned storm by the National Weather Service impacted areas of Appleton, Menasha and Neenah. As of Monday afternoon officials in all three communities are asking residents to avoid traveling in the affected areas unless absolutely necessary. In the City of Appleton all departments have been fully mobilized in response to the storm. Crews are prioritizing emergency calls and working to restore access to roads wherever possible. Images and video posted to social media showed damage to residences and businesses. There were widespread power outages as a result of downed trees and power lines, Appleton Mayor Mayor Jake Woodford said there were also reports of injuries.

One person was injured in a single vehicle accident just west of Durand on Sunday. According to the Pepin County Sheriff’s Department, 64yr old Mary Brown of Rochester was traveling westbound on Hwy 10 when she lost control of her vehicle in the construction zone at the intersection of Hwy 10-25. Her vehicle tipped onto its side and caught fire. Brown was taken to a local hospital, and preliminary investigation indicates alcohol was a factor in the accident. She has been charged with OWI.

You can watch one-on-one interviews with Wisconsin candidates for governor. WisPolitics of State Affairs has partnered with WisconsinEye on video interviews with candidates. WisPolitics Editor JR Ross sat down with all five Democrats: Joel Brennan, Francesca Hong, Kelda Roys, David Crowley and Mandela Barnes as well as Republican Andy Manske. 7th District Republican Congressman Tom Tiffany declined to participate in the half-hour interviews conducted July 8 to July 22. Candidates answered questions on issues including school funding and achievement gaps, surplus spending, immigration detainers, Act 10, data centers and more. You can watch at the WisPolitics and WisconsinEye websites and on YouTube.

The financial collapse of a Fox Valley community assistance agency is now under federal investigation. That's according to Green Bay Republican Congressman Tony Weid, who says the US Department of Housing and Urban Development is now looking into the bankruptcy of Newcap. The agency shut its doors in March after it was revealed that directors were spending grant money on trips, increased salaries for the board and other unintended purposes. Weid says it's vital that taxpayer funding is spent the way it's been granted and not to enrich executives.

A Madison suburb may already be scrapping a contract with Flock Safety. The Wisconsin State Journal reports the city of Stoughton may be cancelling its contract with the automated license plate reader company just a few months into a two year contract. City officials say they have been flooded with complaints about the cameras since they were installed. The city council will vote on the possible termination Tuesday night.

Republican Senator Ron Johnson says passing a third reconciliation bill through the Senate is "a very small needle to thread." Johnson told Fox News that getting the measure to pass "will not be easy to do" and he took aim at Democrats, accusing them of wanting chaos. His comments come as Senate Majority Leader John Thune faces increased pressure to pass a third reconciliation bill ahead of the upper chamber's August recess. The House passed its own version of a 95-billion-dollar framework for a third budget reconciliation package last week.

The Rochester Salvation Army is welcoming new leaders. Majors Randy and Kathy Hellstrom and Envoy Jennifer Dieterle are now serving as local corps officers. The Hellstroms previously served in Flint, Mich9iganas commanding officers for eight years. Meanwhile, Dieterle also served as a Salvation Army office for about 15 years before working for the Salvation Army in Rochester and then for Mayo Clinic. The local agency serves close to ten thousand people each year.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is seeking recycling standouts. The DNR is accepting nominations for its 2026 Recycling Excellence Awards. The awards recognize communities, tribes, nonprofits, schools and businesses that are making an impact through recycling, waste reduction, and food waste diversion efforts. Categories include overall programs, innovative projects and special events. Nominations, including self-nominations, are accepted through September 14th. Winners will be highlighted on the DNR's website and social media platforms.

Local-Regional News July 27

 

Heat Advisories and Extreme Heat Warnings are now in effect across much of the state as dangerous heat and humidity settles in. Forecasters say temperatures will reach the low-to-mid 90s, with heat index values topping 100 degrees in many areas and nearing 110 degrees in western Wisconsin. Strong-to-severe thunderstorms are possible, with damaging winds, large hail, and an isolated tornado. Forecasters say the exact timing of the storms remains uncertain and urge residents to stay weather aware.

The City of Durand has a new flyer out to raise money for bandshell improvements. The flyer was approved by the city council last week. Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren says the city hopes to have the bandshell improvements done by Fun-Fest next year.  All donations are being matched by an anonymous donation. For more information contact city hall.

The Durand Police Department will be having a new event for the kids for National Night Out. Durand Police Chief Stan Ridgeway says the winner will receive a special gift on National Night Out.  Find Sam will be this weekend and clues will be on the Durand Police Department Facebook Page. National Night Out is August 4.

Bond is being set for a man charged in connection with the stabbing of a woman in La Crosse. The incident happened outside of a home on 16th Street South back in May. Investigators say that Ivan Canchola-Garcia stabbed the mother of his young daughter and that the victim was holding the child at the time of the attack. Canchola-Garcia appeared in court Friday where his bond was set at a million dollars on a charge of attempted first-degree intentional homicide.

Charges are being filed against a La Crosse man who crashed into the Zumbro River while reportedly trying to flee police. The 31-year-old man was behind the wheel of a pick-up truck Friday night when police say he hit multiple vehicles on Highway 52 and continued on without stopping. He faces charges including hit and run, fleeing from law enforcement and suspicion of DUI.

Governor Tony Evers' administration says Wisconsin ranked in the top five nationally for helping veterans find jobs for a third straight year. Wisconsin placed fourth as measured by a federal employment-services benchmark. The ranking is based on the Uniform National Threshold Entered Employment Rate for veterans and eligible people. The update comes ahead of National Hire a Veteran Day on Saturday. The state is home to about 300-thousand veterans.

Wisconsin leaders say slow mail delivery could stamp out some votes. Governor Tony Evers and U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin are urging the U.S. Postal Service to fix mail delivery issues before Wisconsin's upcoming elections. In a letter to postal officials, they pointed to absentee ballots that arrived too late to be counted in the spring election. The pair also wants the Postal Service to drop a proposed rule they say could further delay mail-in voting. State election officials report many clerks experienced mail problems in April, with some ballots taking more than a week to arrive. Wisconsin's primary is August 11th, with the general election set for November 3rd.

A new online tool can simplify getting a restraining order in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Court System has launched a pilot program for a new mobile-friendly portal that guides users through filing domestic abuse temporary restraining order petitions. The plain-language system helps people complete forms and submit them electronically in one process. Chief Justice Jill Karofsky says the goal is to make court process more accessible and supportive for survivors seeking protection. The pilot is underway in eight counties, with a statewide rollout planned by the end of August.

Wisconsin is joining 25 other states suing the Trump administration over new conditions tied to federal disaster and counterterrorism funding. The lawsuit challenges new funding requirements from FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security. The changes would force states to help enforce federal immigration law and change election procedures to receive federal funding. Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul argues the conditions violate federal law and the Constitution. The state previously joined similar lawsuits that successfully blocked comparable funding conditions in federal court. Wisconsin receives about seven-million-dollars each year through the Homeland Security Grant Program.

Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo was arrested overnight in Milwaukee. The sheriff's office said Romo was pulled over around 8 p.m. Thursday and performed poorly on a field sobriety test. He was arrested on suspicion of operating while under the influence. In Wisconsin, a first-offense OWI is generally a civil offense and not a criminal charge. Romo is not required to appear in court for the citation.

The Trump administration sues Milwaukee over the city’s ordinance prohibiting law enforcement wearing masks on duty. The U.S. Department of Justice argues the ordinance is unconstitutional when applied to federal agents, pointing to the administration’s recent wins in similar legal challenges it launched against California, Virginia and Philadelphia. This spring, Milwaukee joined a growing number of localities that have passed restrictions on how law enforcement, including federal agents, can operate, part of pushback by local Democrats against President Trump’s immigration crackdown. The suit filed Thursday in U.S. District Court calls the Milwaukee ban “blatant unconstitutional regulation of the Federal Government.”

Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul is addressing the ongoing investigation into this week's deadly shooting by a Madison police officer. Kaul urged residents Friday to trust in the independent review as investigators gather evidence after 38-year-old Corey Ruiz was killed Wednesday during a struggle with MPD officers. Police say Ruiz pulled a knife and injured an officer, prompting the officer to open fire after an attempt to tase Ruiz failed. The incident has led to protests. Ruiz's family is demanding accountability and calling for Madison police to adopt body cameras. They're being represented by civil rights attorney Ben Crump. The Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation says it's reviewing all available evidence before forwarding the case to the Dane County District Attorney for a charging decision.

Minnesota voters are not expecting a huge turnout in next month's primary election. A KSTP/SurveyUSA poll shows that more people are likely to vote in the November election than the primary. The survey also shows that campaign issues may be shifting slightly. Over 34 percent of the respondents still say inflation is the most critical issue, but that's down from 40 percent last month. Meanwhile, 16 percent listed fraud as their most important issue. That topic was not on last month's survey.

Local-Regional News July 24

 

Existing homes median price rose in Western Wisconsin in June. According to the Wisconsin Realtors Association, Pepin County had 7 homes sold in June, Buffalo County 19, Pierce County 33 and Dunn County had 50 homes sold. The Median Price of a home in Western Wisconsin rose 4.6% compared to June of 2025 to $340,000, compared to a 5.9% statewide increase.

Record number of kids are participating in this years Durand Youth Fishing Contest. Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren says that the event started 30 yrs ago organized by just two people.  The contest is now drawing kids from around Wisconsin and Minnesota and will wrap on on Sunday with an awards picnic at Memorial Park.

An Arcadia man - already out on bond in a 2021 child porn case - is facing new, but similar charges. Thirty-year-old Simon Rose was charged yesterday in Eau Claire County with 14 charges stemming from a child sex abuse material investigation. Authorities acting on a tip began investigating Rose earlier this year and say they found 13 videos and an image of child sexual abuse material on his Snapchat account. Rose had been banned under terms of his release from using the internet for anything but work-related purposes.

The City of Wabasha and the Wabasha Public Library have announced Liesl Knox as the new Library Director. Knox has worked as a librarian with the Wabasha Public Library for six years. Prior to that, she served on the Library Board. She possesses a Master’s of Arts in Human Resource Development from University of St. Thomas and a Bachelor’s degree in communications.

Sexual assault charges are being filed in La Crosse against a candidate for Wisconsin State Assembly. Independent Paul Weber is running in the 95th State Assembly District and is facing allegations that he sexually assaulted one woman back in May and two more in recent weeks. Weber is in custody on two counts of fourth degree sexual assault and a count of second degree sexual assault with an unconscious victim.

A group of Wisconsin voters -- with support by the Wisconsin Democratic Party -- is suing the state elections commission to let them vote again if their preferred candidate drops out of a race. The lawsuit was filed yesterday in Dane County Circuit Court. It asks a judge to force the state elections commission to rescind guidance that says Wisconsin voters cannot request a new ballot if their preferred candidate withdraws from a race. Elections Commission Chair Don Millis has said the panel has no plans to change its guidance it approved earlier this month.

A Rochester woman has been found guilty of disorderly conduct for spouting a racial slur at an autistic child. On Thursday, a jury convicted Shiloh Hendrix on one of two misdemeanor charges after deliberating for more than nine hours. The case stems from an April 2025 confrontation in which Hendrix used a racial slur against an eight-year-old Black autistic child. A judge fined her one-thousand dollars and ordered her to complete 200 hours of community service. Hendrix also received a stayed 90-day jail sentence.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services warns of an increase in invasive ticks that cause serious illnesses. D H S reports an increase in Lone Star ticks this year. The agency has a service where residents can send in ticks to get them identified and so far this year 33 Lone Star ticks have been submitted. There were only six in all of 2025. Lone Star ticks can carry a parasite that causes an allergy to red meat called alpha-gal syndrome. The Department of Natural Resources says Wisconsin winters are still too cold to allow Lone Star ticks to reproduce successfully here.

The US House on Wednesday passed legislation that puts constraints on members of Congress buying stocks. Some Democrats complained it doesn’t include the executive branch. Wisconsin 1st District Congressman Bryan Steil authored the Stop Insider Trading Act and told CNBC that’s a “Goldilocks argument,” and that it's important to tell the American people that members of Congress cannot be day trading stocks and remove even the appearance of impropriety. Thirteen Democrats joined all Republicans in voting for the bill. It would allow members of Congress, spouses and dependent children to hold onto stocks they already own but prevent them from buying new ones. It also requires a public notice be filed with the clerk of the House at least seven days before they sell an existing stock. It’s considered unlikely to pass the US Senate.

The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association is preparing for a leadership change. Communications Director Todd Clark is retiring after 26 years with the WIAA. Clark says one of the biggest challenges of his career was guiding the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic, including the loss of an entire sports season. Clark says the most rewarding part of the job was watching student-athletes learn life lessons through both success and failure and grow into productive adults. Clark officially retires in January. The WIAA has begun a search for his successor.

A Democratic candidate for governor admits having posted to a Twitter account that posted racist and homophobic messages. NBC News reported Wednesday that the account, made in 2010 to promote a social club, had posts that directly referenced Milwaukee County executive David Crowley. Crowley admitted to having posted to the account, but said multiple people had access to the account over the years and he did not make any of the bigoted posts. Quote: "I strongly condemn the language used in these posts from a decade and a half ago." Crowley re-entered the race for Governor last week and was endorsed by Governor Tony Evers.

Republican candidate for governor Mike Lindell is blaming Minnesota officials after registering to vote in the state on Monday. The Republican candidate for governor says he expected the driver's license process to register him automatically. State officials say automatic registration requires proof of citizenship or existing citizenship records. The Secretary of State's office says its voter-registration records were accurate. Records show Lindell registered on Monday after the Minnesota Star Tribune reported he was not registered.

Bipartisan lawmakers are introducing a bill aimed at providing clear regulatory framework for hemp and hemp-derived THC products. The Lawful Hemp Protection Act was introduced today by Minnesota Congresswoman Angie Craig and Kentucky Congressman Andy Barr. It would establish the first comprehensive federal regulatory framework for hemp products, and according to reports from The Hill, Barr's office said the legislation has the White House's approval. The framework will separate industrial hemp from consumable hemp products, and require finished products to undergo testing to ensure that the products comply with synthetic cannabinoid restrictions.

A popular resort was destroyed by a fire in Marquette County this week. The fire on Tuesday afternoon destroyed River's Bend Resort on the Fox River in Montello. Firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke and flames pouring from the building, which had passed its inspection just hours earlier in the day. Fire spread through the ceiling and roof area, causing a partial collapse of the structure. No one was inside the building at the time of the fire, and no injuries were reported. Firefighters are still investigating the cause.