Local-Regional News Nov 18

 It will be a cold first morning of deer season across Wisconsin. Forecasters say temperatures will be well below freezing for tomorrow's first day of gun season. Hundreds of thousands of hunters are expected to hit the woods for a chance to bag a deer. Gun season opens tomorrow and runs until the weekend after Thanksgiving. The DNR is reminding hunters to be safe in the woods once again this year.

 

We're getting some more information about the sex abuse case at Regis High School. Prosecutors yesterday said now-former Regis Athletic Director and teacher 56-year-old Jonathan Jarocki sexually assaulted a then-sixth-grade girl who was in his math class. The D.A. said it happened 'repeatedly' at the school. The girl is now a teenager, and the case dates back to 2018. Regis Schools immediately suspended Jarocki after his arrest this week. He's being held in the Eau Claire County Jail and is facing over 100 years in prison if convicted.

 It's probation for an Eau Claire man who threw punches at some nurses at Mayo Health back in September. A judge yesterday opted not to send 30-year-old Kenneth Willer to jail. Police say he punched and tried to headbutt nurses at Mayo while he was being treated. He pleaded no contest to two felony counts of bodily harm to a health care provider. Prosecutors dismissed two other counts because of his plea. Willer will spend the next two and a half years on probation, and must remain absolutely sober.

Wisconsin has more at-home COVID tests to offer. The state's Department of Health Services yesterday said anyone in the state can now order free tests to be sent to their homes. It's part of the Say Yes! COVID Test program which launched back in September. DHS says with the holiday coming-up, people should test themselves to make sure they don't get guests or family members sick.

There’s a new amenity for people with disabilities to enjoy the outdoors northern Wisconsin The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources announced the opening of an ADA-accessible yurt for hunters in the Flambeau River State Forest in Sawyer County. The Elk Ridge yurt near the Flambeau River was paid for through a grant and is exclusively available to hunters until November 30. It will reopen on May 1 for the spring turkey seasons and then, from June 1 through August 31, is reservable for all recreation purposes. Features include bunkbeds, an ADA-accessible bunk, wood burning stove and bear-proof food storage locker.    

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Some adjustments for a Wisconsin-based retail chain.  Following the release of third quarter-earnings Menominee Falls based Kohl’s withdrew its 2022 sales and profit forecasts on Thursday, citing the volatility of the economy and a CEO transition. Compared to the prior year, the retailer’s third-quarter revenue dropped by 7% to $4.28 billion, while net income declined by 60% for the year to $97 million or 82 cents per share. Amid record inflation and growing costs of living, Americans have cut back on shopping, making it difficult for Kohl's to clear out excess inventory despite prolonged item discounts.

Minnesotans are showing generosity during a statewide fundraiser.  Over 30-million dollars was raised for nonprofits and schools on yesterday's Give to the Max Day.  Minnesota's 14th annual giving holiday fell short of last year's record-breaking 34-million dollars, but far exceeded 2019 and 2020 totals.  GiveMN Executive Director Jake Blumberg says the give-a-thon is "one of the largest grassroots fundraising events of its kind."

The University of Minnesota is partnering with the state Department of Employment and Economic Development to fund more startups in the state.  DEED has designated 34-point-five million dollars to be managed and distributed by the U.  The money will be assigned to programs for direct investment and investments in Minnesota-based venture capital firms.  Venture firms with a presence in the state that are investing in Minnesota companies will also be eligible for funding.

The Wisconsin Policy Forum found cities and counties held more votes to raise property taxes than in any previous year. With local governments facing budget challenges, Researcher Ari Brown expects the trend to continue.   The report found a total of 25 referenda passed this year, many to fund services like police and EMTs. Local voters also approved 133 school funding items across 106 districts, the second highest number ever.  

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has announced that Medicaid cost coverage for nursing homes will increase from 77% for fiscal year 2022 to 91% for fiscal year 2023. The increase implements one of the key recommendations from Governor’s Task Force on Caregiving, tying a significant amount of the increase to direct care nursing and supporting the health care workforce in both wages and benefits.

Minnesota fire departments are getting access to new mapping technology.  The Minnesota Department of Public Safety State Fire Marshall Division launched its Fire Risk Analysis Tool this week.  The tool is being described as "Google maps for fires."  The mapping system has incorporated data collected since 2004.  Minnesota DPS leaders say the information will help fire departments understand the fire risks in their areas and analyze the likelihood of future fires. 

 Close to 15 thousand nurses in the Twin Cities and Duluth will soon take a vote on a possible strike.  The Minnesota Nurses Association announced this morning that the union will cast its vote on November 30th.  Sticking points for the nurses are better pay, increased security, and more staff.   A walkout would affect 15 hospitals.

 A federal indictment is accusing a former Minneapolis CEO in the healthcare industry of fraud.  Prosecutors believe Khemwhattie Singh orchestrated financial schemes that resulted in her gaining millions of dollars that she hid in overseas bank accounts and shell companies under her control.  The defendant is free on a personal recognizance bond of 25 thousand dollars.  Singh was indicted last week by a grand jury on seven counts of wire fraud.  A trial date has been set for January 23rd.

There's a referee shortage in Minnesota.  The National Federation of State High School Associations estimates that around 50-thousand refs have stopped working since the COVID pandemic began.  Executive director of the Minnesota Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Dan Johnson told KARE 11 schools across the state may have to reduce the number of games play each year due to scheduling issues.

Local-Regional News Nov 17

 Former Durand Fire Department Chief Pit Plummer has passed away at the age of 85.   Plummer joined the fire department in 1966 and served for 56yrs on the department, 32years as chief.  Plummer was also past President of the Wisconsin State Firefighters Association where he was a leader in many changes in the fire service for volunteer and full-time departments.  Funeral services are to be announced at a later date.

The Chippewa Valley is in for a taste of January this weekend.  The National Weather Service says the coldest air of the season will move into western Wisconsin over the next few days.  That will mean highs in the 20s and lows in the teens.  There are a couple of chances for snow, including later today.  Things will stay cold until the middle of next week when Eau Claire could see temperatures near 40 degrees.

Regis High School's athletic director is due in court today after being arrested on sexual assault charges.  Eau Claire Police yesterday said they arrested 56-year-old Jonathon Jarocki on Tuesday.  Police haven't said if the victim in the case is a student.  Jarocki has been suspended by Regis schools, and the diocese sent a letter home to parents yesterday saying they are also waiting for more information.

It's all about the conversation.  Dunn County board member John Calabrese says the plan is to continue to talk about a single payer health insurance system after voters in Dunn County narrowly approved an advisory referendum on the question last week.  Calabrese says he added a question about the federal government creating a single payer system to the ballot to gauge public opinion.  The question passed, 51-49.  Nothing changes, the vote was advisory only, but Calabrese says it is worth talking about.

A Somali-American community in Barron County/Northwest Wisconsin wants to broadcast prayers over public address speakers.  The Barron City Council is creating a nine-member committee to review a request from two mosques to play Islamic calls to prayer on public-facing loudspeakers. At a council meeting Tuesday, 13 people spoke against the request. City attorney Andrew Harrington said the city needed to balance public concerns and the city's loudspeaker noise laws with that of protecting the mosques' right to religious freedom. Council member Isaak Mohamed said the mosques had intended to play the prayers first, but he urged them to bring the matter before the city council to work out the issue with the community.

Thanks to a newly-passed law in Wisconsin, motorists could see green lights added to county and municipal highway snowplows this winter.  Eau Claire officials say they're still studying the new law but plan to have the new lights installed on snowplows within the next couple of months.  Currently, snow equipment such as snowplows sport amber and white lights.  State officials say studies have shown that green lights cut through snow better than white and amber lights.

Assembly Republican Janel Bradtjen may be on the outside looking in for the next session of the Legislature.   Assembly Republicans voted last week to exclude Bradtjen from closed caucus meetings. WisPolitics dot Com reports that Caucus Chair Rob Summerfield sent Brandtjen a letter saying that the rest of the caucus no longer trusts her. The Menominee Falls lawmaker was allegedly helping to campaign for Assembly Speaker Robin Vos's primary opponent and spread election conspiracy theories during her time as head of the Assembly Elections Committee. It is unlikely she will be getting that chair again next session.

 Wisconsin's Republican U.S. Senator is defending his 'No' vote on the Senate's same sex marriage plan.  Senator Ron Johnson voted 'No' yesterday on the Respect for Marriage Act.  He says there is no need to vote on the idea of same sex marriage, he says the Supreme Court already settled the issue.  Johnson says Democrats have used the idea that same sex marriage is in trouble 'to create a state of fear' over what he calls a settled issue, in order to 'further divide Americans for their political benefit.'  Wisconsin's Democratic U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, who voted for the plan, yesterday said the Senate took a step 'to give millions of loving couples the certainty, dignity, and respect.'

Police in Marshfield say a double shooting on Tuesday was a murder-suicide:  Officers say 48-year-old Heath Heck forced his way into the home of his ex-wife, 41-year-old Melissa Wright, and shot her before turning the gun on himself. Police say the two had been married but divorced in 2020. The couple had two children, who were not hurt and are now with other family.   The incident started as a report from one of Wright's co-workers, who asked for a well-being check on her when she didn't show up to work.

UW Health’s Transplant Center marks a milestone.  The Transplant Center in Madison has transplanted more than 12,000 kidneys. The UW Health Kidney Transplant Program performed its first adult kidney transplant in 1966, and its first pediatric kidney transplant a year later.  Patients receiving kidney transplants have ranged from less than a year old to more than 80 years old. In 2015, UW Health patients were part of the longest-living kidney donor “chain,” ever, according to Guinness World Records

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources wants people to report black bear dens.  The DNR says its conducting another Black Bear Litter and Diet Survey.  The goal is to get more information on bear reproduction rates in bear management zones.  You can report black bear dens on the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website.

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson has indicated he's open to the demolition of Interstate 794 on downtown's southside.  He says the idea is comparable to the removal of Milwaukee's Park East Freeway some 20 years ago that cleared the way for such projects as the Fiserv Forum and the Deer District.  Some environmentalists and urbanists have been pushing for the deconstruction of the highway and they say the mayor's support will be important in pushing the idea forward.  The state Transportation Department is already planning to replace portions of I-794 from North Broadway to the northern end of the Hoan Bridge.  Public comment is being sought on the project. 

Staff at UW Health are seeing long wait times as more patients with respiratory illnesses are seeking care.  Chief Quality Officer Jeff Pothof says triage workers are prioritizing patients based on the most immediate need for treatment.  The flu virus, and, in particular, RSV, have seen an early spread this year, prompting more people to visit doctors.  Pothof recommends scheduling an appointment with a primary care physician if possible and consulting with pharmacists on over-the-counter remedies for most common cold symptoms.

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction is releasing annual school district report cards.  Nearly 95 percent of public school districts in the state met or exceeded education guidelines last year.  Two dozen districts improved from their previous reports, increasing by one accountability rating.  Search D-P-I-dot-W-I-dot-gov for a full listing of how each district performed.

The state of Minnesota is offering a new batch of at-home rapid COVID-19 tests ahead of the holidays.  The move is meant to encourage people to test before they gather for the holidays.  Governor Tim Walz says people can place a third order for four more free tests through the state's online ordering program.  Walz says Minnesota is continuing its free test program even though the federal effort has been suspended. 

Preservationists are hailing a decision to nominate St. Paul's Hamline Midway Library for the National Historic Register.  A state historic review board made the nomination last night.  Preservationists have been fighting an effort by the property owner to demolish the building and replace it with a new, modern library.  The library's nomination will now be in the hands of the Keeper of the National Register of Historic Places and the National Park Service.  A decision on whether to list the library on the national register will be made within 45 days.

An Eau Claire hunter has bagged a ten-point buck that he thinks might be a new record in the county for a vertical bow.  Bobby Pagel says he first spotted the buck on his father's property last month and he has been chasing it ever since.  He finally tracked down the buck November fifth.  The buck had a 22-and-a-half inch antler spread.  Wisconsin's gun deer season starts this weekend. 

Local-Regional News Nov 16

 The Durand City Council is meeting tonight.  Items on the agenda include a public hearing on the 2023 Budget and adoption of the budget, a discussion of renting an apartment for ambulance staff, and reports from the Mayor and City Department heads.  Tonight's meeting begins at 6:30 at Durand City Hall.

The Durand-Arkansaw School Board is meeting tonight.  Items on the agenda include a public hearing on a waiver request to begin school on August 25th, renewal of the library agreement with the city of Durand, and renewal of agreements with Alma, Plum City, and Pepin School Districts.  Tonight's meeting begins at 6pm at the Board Room at Durand-Arkansaw High School.

One person was injured in a single-vehicle accident in El Paso Township on Monday.  According to the Pierce County Sheriff's Department, 33yr old Travis Waters of Eau Claire was traveling eastbound on Hwy 72 near 450th street when he lost control of the vehicle, entered the north ditch, and rolled over.  Waters was taken to River Falls Hospital.

The first grant recipient for the Mondovi Business Associations Energize Mondovi Grant has been announced.  The Energize Mondovi grant was created to allow current business owners and entrepreneurs interested in expanding or opening a new business in the Mondovi area with funding.  Applicants had to submit an application and go through an interview process with former business owners and community members. Big Coffee Company was presented with a $2500 grant to move to a new location and create a drive-up window for more traffic.  This is the first year the Mondovi Business Association has offered this grant opportunity, and they plan to offer it again in the spring.

An Eau Claire man faces up to 110 years in prison after pleading guilty to setting his home on fire in January.  Court records show 42-year-old Thomas Hicks pleaded guilty yesterday in Eau Claire County Circuit Court to one count of setting fire to a building and seven counts of second-degree recklessly endangering safety.  He was charged with setting fire to his home after he accused his wife of cheating.  There were four adults and three children in the home at the time of the fire.  All escaped safely.  Sentencing for Hicks is set for February.     

The City of River Falls has voted to move forward with a partnership with the US Army Corps of Engineers to remove two dams on the Kinnickinnic River.   The Junction Falls and Powell Dam would be removed under the partnership.   The Army Corps of Engineers estimates it would cost up to $12 million to remove both dams, restore the river, and related work. The federal government would pay 65 percent, with 35 percent falling to the city. Representatives of the Corps have told city staff that a $1 million grant already awarded for dam removal by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources could be put toward the city’s share, and the DNR has said another similar grant may be possible.

An Eau Claire man has pleaded no contest to charges that he shot up a neighborhood this past March.  Police arrested 20-year-old Aaron Jones after they say he fired several shots near Boardwalk Circle.  No one was hurt.  Sentencing is set for February. 

 The University of Wisconsin's Eau Claire campus is offering a program on a topic that's become especially timely -- climate change.  Campus officials say the program is designed to complement any degree so students can integrate knowledge about climate change into their career plans.  Dr. James Boulter says he created the program when he realized many people are not aware of efforts to develop solutions to climate change.  Currently, two dozen students are enrolled in the program.   

Democrats in the Wisconsin Senate are selecting Madison's Melissa Agard to serve as Minority Leader.  Members unanimously elected her to take over for retiring state Senator Janet Bewley yesterday.  Last week, Republicans made their leadership selections, choosing state Senator Devin LeMahieu to continue in the role of Majority Leader.  Wisconsin Republicans picked up a senate seat in last week's elections, now holding a 22 to eleven majority.

Now that Governor Tony Evers has been reelected he's asking the Wisconsin Senate to give confirmation votes to his appointees for state positions.  Evers has made over 100 appointments since becoming governor but the Republican-controlled Senate has not taken votes on them.  Wisconsin Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu tells WKOW the senate will consider the appointees in the new legislative session.

 Wisconsin is getting billions of dollars to spend on infrastructure improvements.  The state was recently awarded two-point-eight-billion dollars from the new Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.  Two-point-two-billion dollars of that money will go toward fixing Wisconsin's roads and bridges.  A full breakdown of the spending is available online at D-2-D-dot-G-S-A-dot-gov.

Paul Farrow will not seek a full two-year term as Chair of the Republican Party of Wisconsin at the party's Executive Committee meeting next month. Farrow tells WisPolitics.com he is focusing on his spring reelection bid as Waukesha County executive. Farrow said he informed the Executive Committee in August that he didn't plan to seek a two-year term. Farrow said he couldn't commit the time needed to the chair's role while running for reelection. The former state lawmaker was first elected county exec in 2015 and was unopposed in his 2019 reelection. The state party will now select its fourth chair in less than three years after Brad Courtney had served in the role for eight years. 

A bill authored by US Senator Tammy Baldwin that would codify same-sex marriage at the federal level is set for a vote in the Senate.  The bill already passed the House, but there was a debate in the Senate over the wording of the bill. Republicans wanted protections for nonprofit religious groups so they could refuse to offer marriage services on religious grounds. The bill would also clarify that polygamy is illegal under federal law. A vote on the bill could come as early as Wednesday. It would then be sent back to the House for approval of the amendment. There had been concerns over the continued legality of same sex marriage, after commentary from the Supreme Court that a ruling that made the practice legal could be reviewed.  

It was an unusual Tuesday morning at Western Lakes Golf Club in Pewaukee, where a twin engine plane carrying a crew of three and 53 rescue dogs from Louisiana made an emergency landing on the course.  Authorities said neither the crew or the dogs were seriously injured. The DNR is handling an aviation fuel spill and the cause of the crash is under investigation.  

State natural resources officials say snowy owls are becoming more widely seen across Wisconsin.  They say several snowy owls have already been spotted around the state, including one in Dane County that has been seen since summer.  Another has been spotted as recently as November first in Ashland.  State officials say they're not sure how many will be around this winter but that they should have a better idea by the end of this month.  

Local-Regional News Nov 15

 The Buffalo County Sheriff's office says a woman is hospitalized with life-threatening injuries after she was injured in a single-vehicle crash on Highway 37 in Buffalo County yesterday.  The accident occurred about noon on Highway 37 near County Road B in the Township of Gilmanton.  The county sheriff's office says a van was traveling southbound when it veered off the road and collided with a tree.  The driver -- 41-year-old Tonia Schwanke from Mondovi -- was taken to Mayo in Eau Claire for treatment of her injuries.  

The Pepin Town board has voted to spend $40,000 of the American Rescue Plan money to bring high-speed internet to the township.  Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services SwiftCurrent is expected to begin construction on the project next year and hopes to extend service to Grange Hall.  The approval of the board will allow the Cooperative to apply for grants to complete and expand the project.

UW-Extension service is proposing to merge the Pepin County 4-H program into the Buffalo County Program.  During last week's Pepin County Extension Committee meeting, state extension representatives made the proposal as extension rules say the 4-H educator for the county is not allowed to do multiple jobs.  Pepin County's extension educator retired so the position is still open.  Pepin and Buffalo County Extension committees will have a joint meeting on November 29th at 6pm in Durand to discuss the proposal.

State Representative Rob Summerfield from Bloomer has been named Majority Caucus chairman for the state Republican Party.  The role gives Summerfield a bigger role in setting the state GOP's agenda in the upcoming legislative session.  Summerfield won reelection to a fourth term in representing the 67th Assembly District.   

Hwy 61 was closed between Wabasha and Lake City yesterday after a dump truck rolled over.  According to the Wabasha County Sheriff's Department, the accident happened at about 12:30 and blocked Hwy 61.  The road was re-opened at about 3:30 yesterday.  No word on the cause of the accident or if there were any injuries.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection is warning residents of a recent uptick in gift card fraud.  The agency says consumers have reported finding a zero balance on cards shortly after purchasing them, some within 20 minutes of activation.  Experts believe software bots used by crooks may be to blame, automatically searching card numbers to find available balances.  DATCP recommends purchasing gift cards only from trusted sources and not activating them until shortly before use. 

Gas prices have recently been falling, then rising again. The national average is down slightly to start the week, but that trend is unlikely to continue into Thanksgiving week. According to AAA, Wisconsin is beneath the national average, with motorists averaging about $3.60 for a gallon of gas.  Here in Western Wisconsin, gas is averaging at $3.32 a gallon.  National analysts say the oil market remains volatile, so prices are almost certain to climb again next week.  

Wisconsin is part of a multi-state Google settlement.   Google has agreed to a $391.5 million settlement with 40 states – including Wisconsin and Minnesota - in connection with an investigation into how the company tracked users' locations. State attorneys general announced the settlement on Monday, calling it the largest multistate privacy settlement in U.S history. Attorney General Josh Kaul said Wisconsin’s share will total more than $8,421,000. The attorneys general opened the Google investigation following a 2018 Associated Press article that revealed Google "records your movements even when you explicitly tell it not to."  

Shawano County deputies are requesting charges against two teens in connection with last month’s bonfire explosion.   More than 40 people were injured in the October 14 explosion when a mixture of gas and diesel fuel was poured on a bonfire. A press release from the Sheriff’s Office says charges have been forwarded against a 17-year-old boy from Green Bay. Charges against a 16-year-old boy from Pulaski have been forwarded to Shawano County in juvenile court. There are also charges against the landowner who was present at the time. None of the individuals have been named.

Flu hospitalizations continue to rise in Minnesota. The Minnesota  Department of Health reports 108 people were hospitalized last week, compared to 44 the previous week. They say flu season started early this year and expect it to worsen. The Twin Cities have been hit the hardest, making up 87 percent of hospitalizations so far. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the 2022 flu vaccine has 50-percent efficacy against hospitalization from this year's virus.

One of the victims in a Sunday night's shooting at the University of Virginia was former Badger football player Devin Chandler, was one of three people killed in the shooting. Chandler, a wide receiver entered the transfer portal last October after playing for Wisconsin in 2020 and 2021. The suspect in the shooting is in custody and is a former UVA football player.  Christopher Darnell Jones Jr. has been charged with shooting three members of the UVA football team and two others as students returned on a charter bus from a field trip.

A West Bend man accused of entering a polling place with a knife has been criminally charged.  Thirty-eight-year-old Michael Miecielica was free on a signature bond when he reportedly entered the West Bend Community Memorial Library with a hunting knife to try to “stop the voting” at a polling place. He’s now charged with more than 12 counts in Washington County, including making "terrorist threats" and using threats to discourage voting. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for November 28.

Minnesota Republicans are licking their wounds following a convincing midterm election defeat.  GOP strategist Amy Koch says some of the margins were close, but Republicans should have run away with the election.  Republican governor candidate Scott Jensen says the timing of the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade doomed his and other state GOPer's hopes.  Republicans were shut out of all statewide offices and also became the minority in the Legislature.

Minnesota's largest deer hunting advocacy group is welcoming a new leader.  Jared Mazurek has been selected to operate the Minnesota Deer Hunter's Association.  He replaces Craig Engwall, who recently took a position with the Minnesota Board of Soil and Water Resources in St. Paul.  Mazurek has been leading the Poudre Learning Center in Greeley, Colorado.  It's a nonprofit focused on environmental studies for K-thru-twelve students.

Construction is getting underway at a new outdoor ice rink in Hastings.  A groundbreaking ceremony was held on Veterans Day.  The United Heroes League is sponsoring the project, which will complete plans for a campus for veterans and their kids.  The site is already home to a veterans monument, an archery range and an obstacle course.  The UHL owns the land.

Local-Regional News Nov 14

 An Ellsworth Iraq War Veteran was presented with the Purple Heart during a Veterans Day Ceremony on Friday.  Wisconsin Congressman Ron Kind says a change in the rules for the purple heart recipients. The award was presented at the Ellsworth Middle School Veterans Day Ceremony.

The Mondovi City Council is meeting tonight.  Items on the agenda incude a discussion and approval of the 2023 budget, and reports from the mayor and city department heads.  Tonights meeting begins at 5:30 at the Marten Center.

An Eau Claire man has been charged with providing fentanyl to a man that led to his overdose death.  Police say 36-year-old Edward Wells has been charged with several offenses, including first-degree reckless homicide, possession of fentanyl, and bail jumping.  Wells is charged with the death this past August of a man who was found near Oakwood Mall.  He had no pulse and was not breathing.  Wells is due in court on December first.

A third man has been charged in a September gun homicide in Altoona. WEAU reports online court records show Eau Claire County Judge Emily Long filed a warrant Friday for 26-year-old Kemone Golden of Cadott on charges including 1st-degree intentional homicide. Eau Claire residents, 32-year-old Michael Purnell and 34-year-old Xavier Thompson are charged as co-defendants and remain in custody on $1 million cash bond. All three are charged in the fatal shooting of of 39-year-old Christopher Conner of Altoona on September 17.  

The case against the teen charged in the murder of Lily Peters in Chippewa Falls last spring is moving forward – if slowly.  The judge set a telephone scheduling conference for January 9th at 8:30 AM, meaning the next tangible action could come sooner than previously thought. Until now the next item on the docket for the case was a series of hearings next August. A 14 year old boy, who so far has only been identified by his initials, is accused of killing the girl as she was riding her bike home from her aunt's house last spring. Prosecutors say the slow pace of the case is delaying justice for Peters' family.

Eau Claire says a man has been charged with leading state troopers on a chase that crossed roads and yards and -- at times -- topped 100 miles an hour.  Police say the chase began early last Tuesday when a pickup truck passed a trooper's car at a high rate of speed.  The chase that followed crossed the backyards of at least two homes before the driver jumped out of the truck as it was moving and escaped into a nearby cornfield, where he was captured.  Charges that include reckless endangerment of safety and drug possession have been filed against 37-year-old Nicholas Fisher.  He's due back in court next month.

The Wisconsin Better Business Bureau is warning residents of an increase in scam attempts.  Officials with the service say they have been notified of individuals posing as Medicare or Health Insurance Marketplace representatives in order to gain access to personal information.  Some warning signs a call might be fraudulent are offers for large discounts on coverage or free gifts in exchange for signing up, according to the BBB.  Those who believe they may have been the victim of a scammer are encouraged to contact the Medicare hotline or the Health Insurance Marketplace call center.

Hospitals across the nation and in Wisconsin are overwhelmed with cases of both RSV and the flu. leading officials to sound the alarm in Wisconsin doctors say there have been 2000 cases of RSV and just the past week cases are also spiking in Madison. Officials at American Family Children's Hospital say they are dealing with a surge in RSV cases three to four times higher than a normal year and a lot earlier in Madison,

Nearly 57 percent of Wisconsin's eligible voters turned out for Tuesday's midterm election.  The Wisconsin Elections Commission said on Friday that unofficial numbers show 56-point-75 percent of eligible voters cast ballots.  That's higher than most previous midterms but not quite as high as turnout in 2018 when midterm turnout hit a record 59-point-43 percent. 

The University of Wisconsin System is making another attempt to survey students about free speech.  On Monday thousands of students will get an email directing them to a survey that asks how much they value free speech and whether they see problems with a lack of diverse viewpoints.  They'll also be asked whether they censor themselves and whether they've ever been sanctioned or punished for exercising their free speech rights.  The first attempt at a free speech survey last spring set off criticism about the possibility of politicizing results ahead of the November election, questions about the research protocol process, and worries about who was paying for the survey.

Federal investigators are moving against a Grant County industrial cleaning company that's accused of illegally employing children as young as 13 on dangerous overnight shifts at meat packing plants.  The Department of Labor requested a temporary injunction Wednesday against Packers Sanitation Services after investigators found at least 31 children employed to clean industrial equipment at meatpacking plants in Nebraska and Minnesota.  A Labor Department complaint said at least two child workers suffered caustic chemical burns and other injuries while working on the floor where cattle are butchered at a plant in Grand Island, Nebraska.  Investigators said they also found child workers at two plants in Minnesota.

Madison gas prices are down sharply compared to last week.  Triple-A says the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded in Madison is three dollars and 75 cents, down 19 cents from last Friday.  Madison gas prices are also down over 25 cents from a month ago.  Some of the cheapest gas in Wisconsin is in Eau Claire where the average is three-46 a gallon.

It's November, but the Wisconsin State Fair is already making plans for next summer.  The Fair yesterday announced a new 11-day pass that they are calling the Fair Fun Pass.  For 99 dollars, people can get into the fair each day.  There are also a few other perks like a limited edition Super Fan lanyard and Super Fan sticker.  The Fair is also offering discounted tickets through the holiday season.  You can find out more at the Fair's website.  The 2023 Wisconsin State Fair runs August 3rd through the 13th.

California is suing a Minnesota-based company over the use of toxic chemicals.  The Golden State's Attorney General Rob Bonta announced charges against 18 chemical companies yesterday, including the St. Paul-based 3M.  The lawsuit claims the companies knowingly used toxic chemicals for decades, which wound up in California's water, wildlife, and the bloodstream of nearly every person in the state.  Three M spokesperson Carolyn LaViolette said the company "acted responsibly" in using the chemicals and "will defend its record of environmental stewardship."

A Minnesota couple is celebrating after finding a nearly two-carat diamond in Arkansas.  Jessica and Seth Erickson of Chatfield were on a road trip for their tenth anniversary when they stopped at the country's only public diamond mine.  Officials with the Crater of Diamonds State Park announced that the couple found the diamond while wet sifting, which is pretty rare. 

Local-Regional News November 11

 Many law enforcement agencies are struggling to find officers for open positions.  Pepin County Sheriff Joel Wener says the Pepin County Sheriff's Department doesn't have a large turnover. Wener says when recruiting officers the department focuses on the quality of life here in Pepin County as a benefit of joining the department.

Voters in Wabasha and Goodhue Counties have re-elected their incumbent sheriffs.  Wabasha County Sheriff Rodney Bartch was re-elected and Goodhue County Sheriff Marty Kelly was re-elected to another term.   Both Sheriff's said they want to focus on community engagement while at the same time bringing value to the citizens due to tight budgets.

Chippewa County is moving to half days on Fridays starting in January.  The county yesterday said it is 'adjusting' the hours at the courthouse starting on the first of the year.  County Administrator Randy Scholz says they can't afford to give county employees more money, so allowing them to work less is the next best thing.  The courthouse will continue to be open til 4:30 for any ongoing court hearings.

Eau Claire's mall will once again have a movie theater.  Micon Cinemas yesterday said they will be moving into the empty theater at the Oakwood Mall.  AMC Theaters moved out this fall.  An opening date is yet to be announced, but the hope is to get movies playing in time for the holiday season.  Micon's owners say they have no plans to close their theater on Mall Drive anytime soon.

A historic building in downtown Eau Claire was demolished on Thursday. The Ottawa House was constructed in 1882 following a fire that destroyed much of the Water Street business district. The city's Landmark Commission approved an application to raze the building after an inspection determined there were major structural deficiencies. The Eau Claire City Council has approved a plan to build an apartment building on the site.

State Attorney Josh Kaul says over 54,000 pounds of unwanted medications were collected across the state during drug take-back day in October.  According to the State DOJ, over 140 law enforcement agencies, including the Pepin and Buffalo County Sheriff's Departments took part in Drug Take Back Day, which is a chance for people to safely have their unwanted medication disposed of.   

The top Republican in the Wisconsin Assembly says he's willing to work with the governor on a new abortion law. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos yesterday said he is willing to compromise with Governor Evers. Vos said he wants to have an abortion law that will 'withstand court challenges,' but he didn't say just what would be included in the new law. Wisconsin's current law dates back to 1849, and doesn't include exceptions for cases of rape of incest. Governor Evers said during the campaign that he wouldn't sign an exemption law because it would still ban most abortions in Wisconsin. Vos said he's willing to see what the governor will do if lawmakers actually hand him something to sign.

There's more talk about more money for local governments in Wisconsin.  The League Of Wisconsin Municipalities yesterday said the flood of local tax hikes on Tuesday's ballot shows the need for 'reform.'  The League isn't saying just what it wants lawmakers to do, or how much more money they want from the state.  The League says that 20 communities asked voters for more money on Election Day shows there is a need.  Republican leaders at the Capitol say tax hike questions are the best ways for local government to ask local voters for more local money.

Farmers from across Minnesota are meeting at the Minnesota Ag and Food Summit.  Agriculture workers gathered yesterday at the Minneapolis Convention Center for AgriGrowth's 2022 event.  The group discussed struggles farmers are facing such as high planting costs and inflation, drought conditions, and supply chain issues.  Senator Tina Smith spoke at the event, saying farmers have the support of the federal government.

A Wisconsin marching band comprising 450 musicians from several northern Wisconsin high schools will participate in the 134th Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California. According to the tournament's website, The Wisconsin Northwoods Marching Band is one of 21 bands that will march in the parade on January 2nd, 2023. High schools participating include Wausau East and West; Antigo; D.C. Everest; Lakeland; Merrill; Mosinee; Northland Pines and Three Lakes.   

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources releases an updated plan to manage the state's wolf population.  The DNR says the plan will ensure Wisconsin's wolf population remains balanced and healthy.  A 60-day public review period is now underway.  You can view the plan on the DNR's website.

Democrats are set to control both chambers of the Minnesota legislature for the first time in nearly a decade.  The DFL party maintained its six-seat majority in the House and secured a one-seat majority in the Senate after midterm elections this week.  January will mark the first time in nine years since Democrats had this advantage.  Senator Erin Murphy of St. Paul said the caucus will meet today to start discussing leadership and priorities for 2023. 

There is a warning from Madison Police about scammers targeting older folks. Officers say they've gotten several calls from people who say a scammer called them pretending to be a relative and convinced them to hand-over money. The scammers usually call in a panic and claim they've been arrested or a victim of a crime. A courier sometimes comes by to collect the money, or police say the scammers ask the older folks to go to a Bitcoin ATM and make a withdrawal. Madison Police say never give money to people who call on the phone, and if you do get a suspicious call, hang-up.

A preliminary hearing for a Green Bay girl accused of killing a passenger in a high speed crash is delayed. The 15-year-old appeared in Brown County Court on Wednesday without an attorney. The girl is charged as an adult with First Degree Reckless Homicide, Hit and Run Involving Death, and Auto Theft. She was allegedly doing more than 100-miles an hour along West Mason Street when she collided with two vehicles last month. Seventeen year old Cruz Beltran of Milwaukee was killed in the crash.

West Bend Police say a man who pulled a knife in a polling place was already out on bond. Prosecutors are filing new charges against 38-year-old Michael Miecielica [meh CELL ee ka]. Police say he demanded that the election be stopped on Tuesday after he drew a knife inside a polling place in the public library. He was arrested and released last week for posting and handing out threatening and racist fliers in downtown West Bend. No one was injured in those incidents. 

Target customers could see much larger stores in the near future.  The Minneapolis-based retailer plans to build businesses covering nearly 150-thousand square feet.  The size of these proposed larger stores is somewhat similar to the Super Target stores which were about 175 thousand square feet.  The much larger locations are expected to be built next year.

Local-Regional News November 10

 One person was injured in a two-vehicle accident in Trenton Township on Tuesday.  According to the Pierce County Sheriff's Department, 67yr old Elizabeth Heywood of Plum City was traveling southbound on Hwy 35 when she entered the intersection of Hwy 35 and 63 and was struck by a vehicle driven by 39yr old Amy Berry of Red Wing that was traveling northbound on Hwy 63.  Heywood was taken to Mayo Hospital in Red Wing.

Some big changes in the weather today.  The warm temperatures from today will give way to much colder weather by late this afternoon.  A strong cold front with temperatures 30-40 degrees colder is expected to move through our region today.  Strong thunderstorms are possible today with the passage of the cold front.

Eau Claire Police say they are already working to hire new officers following Tuesday's tax increase vote. Chief Matt Rokus says they are in the middle of an open recruitment process and will start another one next month. Voters approved a nearly million-and-a-half dollar tax increase Tuesday. The money has been earmarked to hire 15 new police officers. Rokus says it may take some time to get the new officers on board, he says they want to hire the right police officers for the community.

Thirty-First State Senator Jeff Smith has won re-election.  Smith defeated Republican Dave Estenson of Whitehall by a 678 vote margin.  The 31st Senate District covers most of the city of Eau Claire, as well as the southwest portion of Eau Claire County, parts of Dunn, Pierce, and Jackson Counties, and all of Trempealeau, Buffalo, and Pepin Counties.  Other results from Tuesday, Rob Summerfield was re-elected to the 68th assembly seat,  in the Prairie Farm School District, a referendum to exceed the levy limit through 2027-28 passed while a major $194 million, school consolidation referendum for the La Crosse School district was rejected.

There are hardly any details about the underage coronavirus death in Chippewa County.  The county's health department yesterday said someone under 18 died after testing positive for the virus.  Public health managers are calling the victim a child.  But specifics about just how old the child is, when they tested positive, or whether they had any other health concerns haven't been released.  Childhood coronavirus deaths are extremely rare. Wisconsin's Department of Health Services says just 18 people under 19 years old have died from the virus since 2020.  Nearly 70 percent of Wisconsin's 13-hundred-plus coronavirus deaths have been in people 70 years old or older.

Taxes are going up for roads in Boyd because of a single person. Leaders say their tax referendum passed Tuesday 114-113. The one-vote difference is enough to ask for a recount. But because fewer than four thousand people voted, someone in Boyd is going to have to petition for that recount. Chippewa County's clerk says it's not automatic.

Republicans who control the Wisconsin legislature have fallen short of their goal of winning veto-proof majorities in both the State Assembly and Senate.  Republicans would have needed to win two-thirds majorities in each chamber in order to gain the power to override the vetoes of Governor Tony Evers, who was reelected on Tuesday. In the Senate, Republican Romaine Quinn won the seat vacated by Democratic State Senator Janet Bewley, giving them 22 of 33 seats. Republicans are also expected to pick up two northern Wisconsin districts in the Assembly giving them 64 seats - two short of what they'd need for the supermajority in that chamber. Since January of 2021 Evers has vetoed 126 bills passed by the legislature.

We could have to wait a little while longer to get a winner in Wisconsin's Secretary of State's race.  As of yesterday, Democrat and current Secretary of State Doug La Follette, was leading Republican Amy Loudenbeck by about seven thousand votes.  That's three-tenths of a percentage point.  Election managers say 99 percent of votes were counted as of yesterday.  La Follette says he's confident while Loudenbeck says she is waiting until every vote is counted.

Republican Ron Johnson is projected to retain his U.S. Senate seat in Wisconsin.  Johnson held off Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes to win reelection with about 50-and-a-half percent of the vote.  This will be Johnson's third full term in office.

Duluth-based Minnesota Power plans to shut down its two coal-fired powered plants by 2035.  The action is part of a deal with clean energy groups that calls for more renewable power than originally planned.  The facilities are located in Cohasset and are under the name the Boswell Energy Center.  The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission is scheduled to debate Minnesota Power's long-term resource plan tomorrow. 

Police in West Bend took a 38-year-old man into custody Tuesday afternoon after he showed up at a polling place armed with a knife and allegedly demanded that poll workers "stop the voting." The incident took place around 12:35 PM at the West Bend Community Memorial Library. Voting was paused for just over half an hour while the scene was secured. No one was injured.  

The City of Oshkosh is getting a $124,000 grant to cover the cost of installing license plate readers. The Common Council will vote on using that grant Wednesday night. The Oshkosh Police Department wants to install license plate readers are various points in the city. City Manager Mark Rohloff says the readers are used to track where a vehicle may have traveled during a certain time.

Wisconsin Elections Administrator Megan Wolfe says once municipalities around the state have finished canvassing their vote totals, Wisconsin’s 72 counties will complete their canvass.  If there are no recounts requested, the chair of the Wisconsin Elections Commission will certify statewide results. That process must be completed no later than December 1st.

Green Bay is named the best-midsized sports city in America.  That's according to WalletHub, which puts Green Bay ahead of other pro football cities like Buffalo, New York, and Glendale, Arizona.  WalletHub says the top sports city overall is Los Angeles, California.