Monday, October 5, 2026

Local-Regional News Oct 5


The search for a missing man has come to an end in the Mississippi River. Sixty-year-old Brian Daley's pontoon boat was found unattended on the water Thursday. The Buffalo County Sheriff’s Department says his body was found in the water Friday near Lock and Dam Five. There has been no word on Daley's cause of death.


A Wisconsin State Patrol officer injured last month in an incident in Dunn County has died. Trooper Brad Ritger was taking part in an effort to stop a fleeing vehicle on September 21st when he deployed a tire deflation device on a bridge deck west of the Dunn County / Eau Claire County line just before 5 a.m. Moments later, he fell over the bridge deck onto 490th Avenue -- several feet below the bridge -- and sustained serious injuries. Trooper Riter died on Saturday.


The Elk Mound Village Board is holding a special meeting tonight to discuss the Public Safety Committee's proposal to disband the police department and contract with the Dunn County Sheriff’s Department for law enforcement services. The proposal has been met with opposition from village residents. The meeting will start with a citizens’ forum at 6pm tonight at the village hall.


Chippewa County will stage a clean sweep event this Saturday at the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds in Chippewa Falls. The event will provide residents with the opportunity to safely rid themselves of household hazardous materials. Chemicals including oil- and solvent-based paint, varnish, antifreeze, cleaners, pesticides and insecticides will be accepted. The event runs from 8 a.m. until noon with more details available at chippewacountywi-dot-gov.


U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary for Food Safety Mindy Brashears will discuss food safety issues during a public presentation at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls on Tuesday, Oct. 20. Brashears’ research has focused on advancing food safety in meat and poultry production with a focus on public health. Her research has resulted in more than 20 patents and patents pending for food safety innovations. Brashears will speak from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. in the Kinnickinnic River Theater in the University Center, 501 Wild Rose Ave. The event is free and open to the public.


The Wabasha County Board is meeting tomorrow. Items on the agenda include approval of a cooperative agreement with Plainview Township for Bridge Replacement, and the presentation of the Wabasha County Libraries Annual Report and the new Solid Waste Plan. Tomorrow’s meeting begins at 9am at the Old Courthouse Annex.


Victims of domestic abuse and harassment across Wisconsin can now file temporary restraining order petitions online. Launched statewide by the Wisconsin Court System to coincide with Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the user-friendly portal allows individuals to complete and submit emergency paperwork from a smartphone or computer. Chief Justice Jill Karofsky says the system removes major hurdles by eliminating mandatory in-person courthouse visits during urgent situations. The launch comes after a successful trial run across eight counties earlier this summer.


Wisconsin's youth deer hunt returns this weekend. The annual youth deer hunt takes place October 10th and 11th, giving young hunters a chance to gain experience before the traditional gun deer season. The Department of Natural Resources says hunters 15 and younger can participate while accompanied by a mentor. Officials say the hunt helps introduce youth to hunting while deer face less pressure in the field. The DNR is also reminding participants to follow firearm safety rules and wear the required blaze orange or fluorescent pink clothing.


Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Secretary Randy Romanski says DATCP’s Farm Center can provide help for Wisconsin farmers who are feeling stressed. If you are feeling suicidal call 988 immediately. If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, or just need a welcoming ear to talk to, call the 24/7 Wisconsin Farmer Wellness Helpline at (888) 901-2558.


Wisconsin students post modest gains on state exams. According to the Department of Public Instruction, reading scores improved across all grades tested, while math proficiency increased among middle and high school students, though elementary grades saw slight declines. Statewide, about 48 percent of students were proficient in both English language arts and math. Officials say achievement gaps remain, but there was some progress in narrowing disparities between Black and white students.


Federal prison time for a Wisconsin doctor who operated a pill mill from his home. U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman on Thursday sentenced 69-year-old Jerry Jones III to 27 months in prison. The former emergency room physician from Mequon earlier pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances Court records show that between 2021 and 2025 Jones operated a clinic from his residence claiming to provide addiction treatment via telehealth. Jones received more than $294,000 through CashApp and Venmo for providing his customers with pills intended to treat opioid addiction, anxiety and ADHD through the pill mill he disguised as a medical practice. Jones voluntarily surrendered his medical license.


Renee Good's family is suing the U.S. over her death during Operation Metro Surge. Good was shot and killed by ICE agent Jonathan Ross in Minneapolis on January 7th. Her family filed two federal lawsuits on Thursday against the government, Ross, as well as several current and former Trump administration officials. The lawsuits allege federal officials conspired to target immigrant communities and that Ross used excessive force when he shot Good. Her family is seeking damages for her death, with one lawsuit asking for a jury trial


Applications are open for Wisconsin's winter energy assistance program. State officials expect about 170,000 households to receive assistance this heating season. The average heating benefit is projected at $441, while the average electric benefit is expected to be $257. Eligibility is based on household income, size and energy costs. The program pays benefits directly to utilities and fuel suppliers and may also provide emergency furnace repairs, water heater replacements and home weatherization services for qualifying households.


More than 320-thousand Minnesotans are losing their current Medicare Advantage plans for 2027. Blue Cross-Blue Shield of Minnesota is eliminating most of its existing plans, affecting about 250-thousand people. Medica, HealthPartners, UnitedHealthcare and Humana are also cutting plans or leaving some counties. Insurers say rising medical and prescription drug costs are forcing them to scale back coverage. Medicare open enrollment begins October 15th and runs through December 7th. 

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