Local-Regional News March 6

 

The Pepin County Sheriff’s Office Receives Generous Community Donation. In a social media post, the department announced a local couple who recently donated funds to equip every patrol squad with a Stat-X First Responder aerosol fire suppressant kit. These compact extinguishers give deputies another valuable tool to respond quickly to vehicle fires, small structure fires, and other emergency situations where immediate action can make a difference until the fire department arrives. Having this equipment readily available in each squad can literally save lives and protect property across Pepin County.

Buffalo County has announced the projected date of implementing the Seasonal Weight Restrictions is March 16^th. The restrictions may go into effect earlier due to the warmer weather. The department will be holding a public meeting next Wednesday at 8am to discuss the restrictions.

The Friends of the Durand Public Library has begun the digitization of the local newspapers. The first set of newspaper books was delivered to Indus International in West Salem for scanning. The Friends of the library are hoping to have all of the newspaper books scanned and continue to raise money for the project.

University of Wisconsin-Stout has been awarded $19 million in federal funds  as manager of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program in Wisconsin. This funding will enable UW-Stout’s Manufacturing Outreach Center and the Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership to coordinate efforts that support Wisconsin’s small and mid-side manufacturers. The funds were awarded by the US Department of Commerce.

The City of Altoona is considering joining its fire department with the Chippewa Fire District. Officials say that such a move would enhance service for residents and qualify the department for a state grant. The city will present a full rundown of what is being considered and why at a meeting Tuesday at the Lake Hallie Fire Department.

The Wabasha Port Authority is announcing a new commercial revolving loan fund. The Port Authority applied for, and was awarded, funding from the Rural Business Development Grant program through the United States Department of Agriculture.  This funding, along with a local match, will allow the Port Authority to provide small, low interest gap financing loans to local businesses to help them move their projects forward. The Commercial Revolving Loan Fund can make small low interest loans to businesses within the city limits of Wabasha. Projects must meet eligibility requirements. The application and guidelines for this program are available on the City’s website. Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis.

One person was injured after being struck by a pickup truck in Zumbrota on Wednesday. According to police, pedestrian was walking north in the crosswalk along West Avenue when they were struck by the truck, which was traveling westbound on 2nd Street W. The victim was airlifted to St. Marys Hospital in Rochester, where they were listed in “critical condition.”

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers was in La Crosse on Thursday talking about gerrymandering. Gerrymandering is the process through which officials divide an area into specified districts in order to gain some sort of advantage. Evers says he wants to pass a constitutional amendment against the practice.

Wisconsin cheese fans will have to wait at least two more years for another shot at the world title. The Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association reports no cheeses from the state cracked the top twenty in this year’s World Championship Cheese Contest. Seven of the finalists come from Switzerland, including a Gruyere by three‑time champion Michael Spycher, who’s back again with a nearly perfect score. Two U.S. cheeses made the final cut: Beecher’s Flagship Reserve cheddar from Seattle, and Suncatcher— a washed‑rind hard cheese from Jasper Hill Creamery in Vermont.

One of Wisconsin's senators believes Brad Schimel shouldn't continue as the US Attorney for the Eastern District. Democrat Tammy Baldwin said in a statement she doesn't think Schimel should've been "a top federal prosecutor in our state to begin" and shouldn't get an extension in the role. Schimel's interim post as the US Attorney ends March 16th, 120 days after President Trump appointed him in November. Schimel told the Journal Sentinel he was surprised by Baldwin's comments, claiming he's had a "pleasant working relationship with her over many years."

State Attorney General Josh Kaul is taking legal action against President Trump's latest tariff measures. Kaul is part of a coalition filing a lawsuit to block the administration's attempt to impose tariffs without congressional approval. He says the "unlawful use of tariffs should stop." The coalition says these tariffs violate the law, disrupt constitutional powers and breach the Administrative Procedure Act.

Wisconsin could soon expand access to healthy food as medicine. Democratic Governor Tony Evers and the state Department of Health Services have submitted a letter of intent for the Food is Medicine State Officer Program—a three‑year federal initiative designed to help states develop food‑based health interventions. If selected, Wisconsin would receive funding and support to grow programs like medically tailored meals, produce prescriptions, and other nutrition services aimed at preventing and managing conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. A full‑time state officer would work to expand access, boost enrollment, and better coordinate Medicaid and public‑health programs. Final proposals are due May 1st, and Wisconsin could begin recruiting for the position this summer if selected.

Wisconsin’s U.S. Senators split on a procedural vote on a bipartisan resolution to block the Trump administration from continued hostilities against Iran. Senate Republicans on Wednesday blocked an effort by Kentucky Republican Rand Paul and Virginia Democrat Tim Kaine to force action on the measure. The vote to advance the resolution failed 47-53 with Madison Democrat Tammy Baldwin voting to move it forward, and Oshkosh Republican Ron Johnson joining all Republicans expect Paul to block it. Baldwin in a floor speech Monday called the war, which has led to the death of six American servicemembers in Kuwait, “reckless and illegal.” In an interview on Newsmax, Johnson said “there’s no way we can have 535 commanders in chief,” referring to House and Senate efforts to invoke a provision of the 1973 War Powers Act .

The Wisconsin Public Service Foundation is opening applications for its annual technical college scholarships. This year, the foundation will award $25,000 to high school seniors heading into one‑year technical diplomas or two‑year associate degree programs. Last year, WPS awarded 14 scholarships, helping students pursue careers in fields like automotive and heavy equipment maintenance, electric power distribution, engineering technology, and marketing. Since its founding in 1964, the WPS Foundation has donated more than $6 million to support students pursuing college degrees and technical diplomas. More info can be found on the WPS Foundation website.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is asking the public to prioritize safety when going outdoors. The fluctuating temperatures are affecting lake ice, making it unreliable for vehicles, UTVs, snowmobiles and fishing shelters. The DNR is recommending citizens to carry a cell phone, wear a life jacket, use ice creepers and carry spikes and a rope. They're also telling snowmobilers to check trail conditions as late-season trails can be unpredictable.