Local-Regional News Jan 29

 

Buffalo County is getting another K-9 officer. Winona, Minnesota-based OZ Lifting Products LLC has funded another police dog, as its OZ canine donation program continues to positively impact local communities and law enforcement. Trace Erickson, a former law enforcement officer, leads 12-week training programs; he even utilizes an out-building on the property of OZ Lifting’s facility. Erickson will tailor the training program to focus on detection and patrol support. Special attention will be given to drug detection in addition to search and rescue. Ozzy, a German shorthair pointer, will be trained with handler, Deputy Joslin Carothers, this spring.

In Trempealeau County, police have arrested a suspect whose actions -- they say --led to the temporary lockdown of a school in Galesville. Reports say the armed man had barricaded himself inside a home not far from Galesville Elementary School on Tuesday. When the man exited the home and tried to drive off, he was taken into custody.

Chronic wasting disease reaches the endemic threshold in southeastern Minnesota. It means that the targeted culling no longer works in three of the deer permit zones at the center of its spread. According to state officials, Minnesota received 121 positive results from nearly 14-thousand samples analyzed from across the state during the 2025 deer seasons. This marks a 26-percent increase in positive cases from the previous year. The number of infected deer in that area has slowly ticked up over the last few years to the five-percent threshold.

The Chippewa Valley Regional Airport is hoping for high passenger numbers from last year to continue. Nearly 52,000 passengers went through the airport in 2025, that’s up 16 percent from 2024 and could mean a big year ahead. In 2025, the airport offered daily United flights to Chicago O’Hare International Airport. It also provided Sun Country seasonal services, which are set to start back up on Friday.

There will be no school today for students in Plainview-Elgin-Millville after a threat agains the district was received..  Superintendent Courtney Frie said a threat against the school district was called into the Plainview Police Department around 7:12 p.m last night. Police say they have spoken with several individuals who heard about the threats but are also seeking witnesses who either saw the specific threat or heard the suspect make the threat in person.

President Trump is making an endorsement in the race for the Republican nomination to be Wisconsin's next governor. Trump this week has announced his backing of 7th Congressional District Representative Tom Tiffany. The move prompted Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann to drop out of the race on Wednesday.

It’s Identity Theft Awareness Week, and Wisconsin’s Department of Trade and Consumer Protection is sharing ways to keep your information safe. Administrator Michelle Reinen says avoid storing sensitive data on your phone or computer, where scammers can get to it. She also recommends securing your mail with a lock or PO box and sending important documents directly at the post office. When you’re done with paperwork containing personal details, shred it. Reinen says never give out personal information in response to unexpected calls, texts, or emails. More tips are on DATCP’s website.

Health officials are warning residents of respiratory viruses active across the state. The Department of Health Services says flu, COVID-19, and RSV are circulating at elevated levels. COVID-19 activity is increasing, showing high levels in wastewater and laboratory results. RSV is rising statewide with the highest rates seen in children ages zero to four. DHS leaders are urging residents to get vaccinated, stay home when sick, and contact a doctor early if flu symptoms develop.

Governor Evers says Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake Schools are in full compliance with court-ordered reforms. The orders follow a lawsuit over child abuse allegations and a 2015 investigation citing excessive force, pepper spray use, and unsafe conditions. State officials say a court-appointed monitor has reviewed operations and confirmed compliance. The Evers administration is now asking a judge to end the federal consent decree, moving closer to closing the juvenile correctional facilities. Evers says a new youth facility opening later this year in Milwaukee will allow the state to transition away from the two schools.

The Wisconsin Court of Appeals closes the appeal process for convicted Waukesha Christmas Parade attacker Darrell Brooks. Tuesday's ruling denied a request from Brooks for an extension to file an appeal for postconviction relief. Brooks drove an SUV into the parade route, killing six people and injuring dozens more. Brooks has continued to seek postconviction relief from the multiple life sentences he received in 2022, submitting his 11th request last November. Court records obtained by Fox 6 Milwaukee show Brooks' filing time was extended to January 7th of this year, and "no further extensions of time will be granted."

One person is dead following a house fire in Shawano. Crews were called to the home at about 2:30 AM. By then the structure was fully engulfed. When they were able to make their way inside, they found one person deceased. Firefighters dealt with sub-zero temperatures in addition to the flames, witnesses also noted that smoke from the fire was visible for miles. investigators haven't determined the cause of the fire.

A Rochester man convicted of being a serial axe murderer is granted parole. The supervised release board voted five-to-two in favor of releasing David Brom. He was released from prison last July on a work release program. The decision to release the inmate came from a Supreme Court ruling that life without parole for individuals under 18 is unconstitutional. Brom was found guilty of murdering his family with an axe back in 1988.

The American Lung Association's annual State of Tobacco Control report has given Wisconsin failing marks. The report cites poor prevention funding, limited access to quitting services, and weak efforts on flavored tobacco products. The state also received a D for tobacco taxes and a B for smokefree workplace laws. Lung Association leaders are urging lawmakers to raise tobacco taxes and increase the legal age to buy tobacco from 18 to 21.