Local-Regional News June 17

 

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held yesterday to celebrate the improvements at the Holden Park Campground. The improvements include new picnic tables, fire rings, showers, new campsites and trails. Jess McMahon, Director of Land Conservation and Planning with Pepin County, says ARPA Funds and DNR Grants helps get the project done.  The county has also implemented an online reservation form to reserve campsites. Visit the Pepin County website for more information.

The Buffalo County Highway Department is reporting that a road construction project on Baertsch Valley Road will require the road to be closed from the intersection of Hwy 95 to the Rod and Gun Club for the next month. The road may be opened up intermittently during the project. The road is also used for the ATV trail, and the road may be open at times on weekends for ATV-UTV Traffic.

The Wabasha County Board is meeting today. Items on the agenda include approval of a donation to purchase a drone for the sheriff’s department, approval of the Southeast Minnesota Homeland Security and Emergency Management Joint Powers Agreement and reports from committee chairs and department heads. Todays meeting begins at 4pm in the board room at the Old Courthouse Annex in Wabasha.

Lake City Police are reminding parents to be extra careful when their children have realistic-looking toy guns in public after an incident this weekend. On Saturday, officers responded to a report of a child with a gun at a playground on West Chestnut Street. When Officers arrived, they found a 9-year-old  with a toy airsoft gun, not a real firearm. The department is reminding parents that realistic toy guns can cause unnecessary alarm and carry risks when mistaken for firearms.

The Northern Wisconsin State Fair is hiring a new executive director. The fair association's board of directors on Monday announced the hiring of Brian Maki. Maki will take the place of outgoing director Rusty Volk who is stepping down at the end of this year. This year's fair will take place July 9th through 13th in Chippewa Falls.

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers visited the western part of the state Monday to talk home ownership and affordable housing. In comments made after Evers toured a new affordable housing project in La Crosse, the governor said that the key to affordable housing is bringing partnerships together including the state, organizations and nonprofits. Evers says that housing is something that everyone has to have and that it is critical to having a good life here in Wisconsin.

Enhanced security is in place at the Wisconsin Capitol this week following the politically-motivated killings in Minnesota this past weekend. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos asked that additional safety measures be established as lawmakers prepare to meet tomorrow. Investigators say the names of roughly a dozen Democrat officials from Wisconsin are included in the documents left behind in a vehicle used by alleged shooter Vance Boelter. He is in custody and accused of killing Minnesota state Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband. Boelter also shot and seriously injured Minnesota state Senator John Hoffman and is wife.

Vance Boelter is being charged with multiple state and federal counts in connection with the murder of state lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband. Boelter appeared in federal court on Monday, charged with multiple crimes, including stalking, murder with a firearm and firearms offenses. He also faces multiple counts of second-degree intentional murder and attempted murder in state court, where a Minnesota judge ordered Boelter's bail be set at five-million dollars. State lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed in the attacks, while Boelter is also charged with shooting Democratic state senator John Hoffman and his wife. Over 45 state and federal officials were listed in Boelter's notebook as potential targets.

The Democratic Party of Wisconsin elects Devin Remiker as its chair. Remiker won out over Third Congressional District Chair William Garcia and Joe Zepecki from Milwaukee. Remicker was the party's executive director, and he takes over for Ben Wikler effective July first. Remiker says Dems needs to work on messaging to connect with voters, plus win back union organizers and the working class.

Seven dairy companies across Wisconsin are receiving grant funding. June is Dairy Month and Governor Tony Evers and the Department of Ag, Trade and Consumer Protection awarded grants to assist local dairy processors to modernize and grow their businesses. The funding can also help produce new products, expand markets, improve profitability and sustain long-term viability. Evers is proposing to increase funding for the Dairy Processor Grant Program by an additional $1.2 million in his 2025-27 executive budget.

A Jewish temple in Milwaukee is vandalized over the weekend. The Milwaukee Jewish Federation said in a statement a suspect is in custody for the Sunday morning vandalism at Temple Menorah on the city’s northwest side. Rabbi Gil-Ezer Lerer called the incident "an act of hatred.” Damage to the building was extensive, with windows and doors broken. The temple’s Israeli flag was also stolen, and signs supporting Israel were torn up. Officials say the perpetrator acted alone, and the Jewish Federation calls it an isolated incident.

Milwaukee is among the top 30 cities in the U.S. for dogs biting postal workers. Twenty bitten mail carriers last year ties Milwaukee with San Francisco, Oklahoma City and Albuquerque for 17th place nationwide. Los Angeles came in first with 77 bites, followed by Houston and Chicago. The U.S. Postal Service began its National Dog Bite Awareness campaign earlier this month to inform dog owners on how to be good stewards for safe mail delivery. An injury of a postal worker from a dog attack could leave the dog owner responsible for medical bills, lost wages and other costs amounting to thousands of dollars.

Minnesota's two-year state budget is official. Governor Tim Walz's office says the governor signed off on the bills linked to the spending plan on Saturday. Among the legislation Walz signed off on legislation includes a measure that denies adult undocumented immigrants access to the state's public health insurance program. The bill will also phase out immigrants enrolled in the program by the end of the calendar year. Also signed was a 700 million dollar bonding bill, which addresses infrastructure projects.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is seeking landowners to host the Gun Deer Hunt for Hunters with Disabilities this fall. Assistant Deer and Elk Specialist Brooke VanHandel says the program helps remove barriers. Interested landowners must have at least sixty acres of land available and be able to host at least three hunters. Landowners have through July 3rd to submit an application. The hunt runs October 4th through the 12th. More information is available on the DNR's website. 

Local-Regional News June 16

 

The Tarrant Park Pool is nearing completion. Last week, the pool was filled, and according to Durand Mayor Patrick Millien, some final things need to be done before the state inspector arrives. Sign ups for July Swimming Lessons are expected soon. Contact Durand City Hall for more information.

Durand residents are facing a rate increase for the water rate. Durand Public Works Superintendent Matt Gills reminds residents its just the water portion of the utility bill that is going up. A Public Hearing on the water rate increase is scheduled for June 30^th.

A grand re-opening and ribbon cutting ceremony will be held today at the Holden Park Campground. The Pepin County Land Conservation Department has completed many improvements to the campground including flush toilets and showers, drinking water stations, new camping pads, fire rings and more. The events begin today at 4pm at the Holden Park Campground.

An Eau Claire man is facing charges that he was driving under the influence with an unrestrained infant in his vehicle. Travinski Stephen was pulled over Saturday night by a state trooper in Eau Claire after the officer reportedly observed the suspect driving at a high rate of speed. State Police say Stephen failed a field sobriety test and was arrested on charges including OWI and child endangerment.

The former Eau Claire County Treasure convicted of stealing more than $1 million has been released from prison. 78Yr old Larry Lokken was released last Tuesday from the Thompson Correction Center and is living at a temporary residence in Eau Claire. Lokken served a 9.5yr sentence after being convicted in March of 2016.

The BNSF Railroad will be working on the railroad crossing in Bay City starting on Monday. Pierce County Emergency Management says the railroad crossing will be closed to the public all week for planned maintenance work. During daytime hours, a temporary single lane crossing with flaggers will be used, while a single lane will be open at the normal crossing after hours. That work is expected to be completed by June 20^th.

It appears that the names of some Wisconsin lawmakers are included in writings put together by politically-motivated murder suspect Vance Boelter. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that eleven Badger State Democrats are mentioned in the manifesto that was found in a vehicle used by Boelter outside the Minneapolis-area of home of State Representative Melissa Hortman early Saturday morning. Hortman and her husband were found fatally shot inside the house shortly after State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were shot at their home roughly ten miles away. The Hoffmans survived. Authorities have confirmed that Boelter was found last night in a wooded area near his property in Green Isle, Minnesota and was arrested without further incident.

More than 200-thousand registered voters in the state are receiving notices to maintain their voting rights. The announcement comes from the Wisconsin Elections Commission, who said yesterday that they are sending postcards to anyone who hasn't voted in the past four years. The cards are titled "Official Voter Registration Notice" and have an "Official Election Mail" logo near the postage mark. To stay registered, the postcard must be signed and returned to their municipal clerk. Postcards must be submitted by July 15th for voters to stay registered.

A mining company says it plans to start drilling for gold and copper near Medford this week. The company -- Green Light Wisconsin -- plans to drill on the so-called Bend deposit on U.S. Forest Service land. The deposit reportedly contains more than four million tons of copper and gold. The action comes after a judge denied a request by the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa to halt state approval of the drilling. The tribe says it's concerned over the impact of the drilling on environmental and historic sites.

A Twin Cities couple is accused of submitting hundreds of voter registration forms they completed with fake identities. Lorraine Combs and Ronnie Williams are charged with conspiracy to engage in voter registration fraud. The scam was reportedly done in 2021 and 2022. Minnesota Secretary of State Cassondra Knudson says there were no ballots cast in connection with the crime. An unnamed foundation reportedly paid both defendants for filling out close to 500 voter registration applications.

Several University of Minnesota students aren't too happy with a proposed budget that calls for significant tuition increases. President Rebecca Cuningham announced yesterday that the university had to make some tough financial decisions brought on by federal research funding cuts. The planned hike would be six-point-five percent and seven-point-five percent for out-of-state students. The spending plan also includes reductions to academic programs. The Board of Regents is scheduled to vote on the budget proposal on June 18th.

Local-Regional News June 13

 

City fees are on the rise. The Durand City Council approved the new fee schedule this week. Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren says 12 fees will be increased for a new online payment system.  New fees include a $250 application fee for a new building project that has to go before the planning commission.

Last week, before Fun Fest, the city of Durand sprayed for mosquitoes. Durand Public Works Superintendent Matt Gillis says the product the city uses lasts for about 24-48 hours.  Gillis says to use something that lasts longer would require pesticide applicator licensing, and there are other health and environmental concerns that would have to be considered. The cost of each application is approximately $1500 and the city budgets for 4 applications each summer around major events like Fun Fest and Blues on the Chippewa.

One person was injured in a single vehicle accident in Martell Township on June 4^th. According to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department, 81yr old Patricia Schmoller of River Falls was traveling westbound on Hwy 29 when she lost control of the vehicle and entered the ditch. Schmoller was transported to Western Wisconsin Health in Baldwin with undetermined injuries.

The BNSF Railroad will be working on the railroad crossing in Bay City starting on Monday. Pierce County Emergency Management says the railroad crossing will be closed to the public all week for planned maintenance work. During daytime hours, a temporary single lane crossing with flaggers will be used, while a single lane will be open at the normal crossing after hours. That work is expected to be completed by June 20^th.

The Buffalo County Highway Department will be closing part of Hwy J next week for paving operations. Hwy J will be closed between Hwy JJ and Johnson Road in the Town of Canton on June 17^th and 18^th from 7-5pm. Crews are repaving Hwy J both days.

Residents in Dunn and Buffalo counties will soon notice low-flying planes as the state works to prevent the spread of the spongy moth. Small Yellow planes will be spraying a mating disruptor into the tress to stop the spread of the spongy moth. The disruptor is organic and will not hurt people or pets. The spraying will start in the early mornings weather permitting. For more information on the program call the Wisconsin Department of Ag at 800-642-MOTH.

The UWEC faculty member who flipped over the College Republicans' table is pleading no contest to disorderly conduct. Jose Alvergue entered the plea in court Wednesday and paid a 295-dollar fine. The College Republicans had a table set up on campus to support Supreme Court Justice Nominee Brad Schimel. The group's chair says on April 1st, Alvergue flipped the table over as he walked past it. The Republican Party of Eau Claire County is calling for him to be fired.

Governor Tony Evers is ordering the U.S. and Wisconsin state flags to be flown at half-staff today. It's to honor former Major General Jerome Bernard, who died in January at age 87. Bernard served more than four decades in the Wisconsin National Guard. Services for Bernard will be held today in Hayward and at the North Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner.

Legislation to require Wisconsin sheriff’s departments to cooperate with federal immigration officials or risk state funding cuts moves out of a state Senate committee. Delafield Republican Senator Chris Kapenga says the law needs to be put in place to make sure that there is compliance with the law. Milwaukee Democratic Senator Chris Larson says local law enforcement agencies already have limited resources, and shouldn't be forced to partner with ICE. Democratic Governor Tony Evers has said he'd likely veto the bill, which passed the Assembly in March.

A Wisconsin congressman wants to restrict federal funding from communities the U.S. Department of Justice deems “anarchist jurisdictions.” Eighth District Republican Tony Wied’s proposed bill – which he dubs the “Stop Anarchists From Endangering Cities” or SAFE Act is a response to immigration enforcement protests in cities like Los Angeles and New York. It would codify a 2020 memorandum issued by President Donald Trump following riots in response to the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers. The memorandum restricts federal funding for any state or local jurisdiction the Department of Justice identifies to be permitting “anarchy, violence, or destruction.” Seventh District Republican Tom Tiffany is a co-sponsor.

A 6th-grade student at a southeast Wisconsin school admits to threatening teachers in an email. Germantown Police say the 12-year-old Kennedy Middle School student was identified as the sender of the June 2nd message signed “Anonymous”. The email read, “…we will show up to Kennedy Middle School with an AK-47 and kill all of the teachers.” A review of electronic devices seized during a search by investigators led to discovery of a Google account used to send the email. The student told police he didn’t intend to act on the threat and his parents confirmed he had no access to firearms at home. Police have referred a charge of "terroristic threats" against the boy to Washington County Juvenile Intake.

A Pine Island man is accused of robbing ATMs at restaurants in the Olmsted County area. Jason Krukow has been charged with several offenses, including damage to property and burglary. The defendant was arrested after several search warrants were executed at his residence. Rochester police officials say Krukow robbed six businesses. The investigation is ongoing.

June is PTSD Awareness Month, and there’s help for Wisconsin veterans dealing with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Lexy Duvall is a clinical coordinator with the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs Veteran Outreach and Recovery Program.    Resources available to assist veterans’ families include QPR training – which stands for Question, Pursuade, Refer. More information is available through County and Tribal Veterans Service Officers and online at DVA.WI.GOV.

Minnesota residents are continuing to show support for Governor Tim Walz. A poll conducted by KSTP/ SurveyUSA shows 58 percent of registered voters in the state approved of his job performance. Thirty-nine percent disapprove of his job. Meanwhile, 43 percent of the participants say he should run for reelection, while another 43 percent say he should not.

Local-Regional News June 12

 

Mavrick Drone Systems has donated a $17,000 drone to Chippewa Valley Technical College’s drone training program. The agricultural drone is intentionally inoperable, and will allow students of the program hands-on experience in repair, programming, piloting, and maintenance of the drone. The drone training certification program started at CVTC in 2019.

The Durand City Council heard a presentation from Ehlers and Associates on how the city could pay for the Madison Street Project. The $4 million project has been delayed after costs came in above expectations. Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren says the city could use funds from the Tax Incremental Finance District to pay for the project.  Even with the price, by using the TIF district, city residents wouldn’t see a rise in taxes.

Residents of Buffalo, Eau Claire, and Trempealeau Counties are invited to participate in a needs assessment survey being conducted by the Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council. The survey will ask residents of the three counties questions about jobs, child care options, health care, affordable housing, and quality of life. Visit the Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council Facebook page to take the survey.

Dunn County residents are encouraged to take an emergency preparedness survey being conducted by Dunn County Emergency Management. The survey will help emergency management set priorities and goals for training, equipment, planning, and emergency response. The survey will also support updates to the county’s hazard mitigation plan. Visit the Dunn County Facebook page to take the survey.

Two Chippewa Falls lawmakers are behind legislation that would help fund the reopening of a substance abuse treatment center. State Senator Jesse James and Representative Clint Moses authored a bill that would allocate one-million dollars to help cover re-opening costs of the former Libertas Center. Lutheran Social Services estimates it would cost three-million dollars to buy and renovate the building.

The City of Wabasha has announced that the new Eagles Basin playground is officially open . The park opened on June 5th and was a key project identified in the city’s comprehensive master parks plan, offers families and children play and outdoor activity.  Future enhancements of the park include the installation of a concrete sidewalk directly connecting the park to Wabasha’s popular city bike trail, further improving accessibility. Additionally, two new concrete pads will be poured to accommodate new park benches, offering comfortable seating for visitors.

A judge will announce later this month when the new trial will start for the woman accused of human trafficking in La Crosse County. A mistrial was declared yesterday because the victim in the case had a medical emergency. Shantylle Kibler is accused of working with her boyfriend to force the victim into prostitution. A status conference is scheduled for later this month to determine the date of the new trial.

Wisconsin lawmakers are considering a measure that would ensure continued funding for the state's 9-8-8 crisis hotline. Federal dollars for the service are currently set to expire next year. Legislation introduced in Madison would require the Wisconsin Department of Health Services to keep the hotline running. Officials say the service has received 200-thousand calls and messages from Wisconsin residents seeking help with mental health concerns since launching in July of 2022.

Wisconsin is joining a lawsuit against genealogy company 23andMe. On Tuesday Attorney General Josh Kaul announced the state is joining a coalition of states involved in a lawsuit against the company. The suit aims to stop 23andMe from auctioning off the genetic information of users. The personal information of about 15 million customers could be sold off after the biotechnology company filed for bankruptcy earlier this year. The lawsuit, filed in federal bankruptcy court, challenges the company's attempt to auction off its assets without the consent of its users.

The Wisconsin Department of Tourism has announced a third consecutive record-breaking year. According to a press release from Governor Tony Evers' office, Wisconsin generated $25.8 billion in total economic impact in 2024, surpassing the previous record of $25 billion in 2023. The state also welcomed 114.4 million visits over the course of the year. Governor Evers credited the growth to strategic investments in tourism included in his budget, though he noted that some of those investments were cut by Republican lawmakers.

Officials in Wausau hope DNA science can identify the city’s unknown soldier. The unknown soldier died by suicide in 1930 - leaving behind no identifying information, just a note saying he was a World War One Veteran. Efforts to identify him went nowhere- and officials buried him with full military honors and a headstone marked "unknown Soldier" But last week multiple agencies worked to dig up his remains "with great care and respect"- they now await DNA analysis to see if a living match can be found- which could lead to identification and closer for his story. Officials say the effort could take months, with the University of Wisconsin Missing in Action (MIA) Recovery and Identification Project assisting the effort.

You can play a part in protecting Wisconsin's seniors from scams. Ahead of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15th, the Department of Ag, Trade and Consumer Protection wants families to be aware of how scammers try to take advantage of older adults. The best things you can do to keep seniors safe is to be informed, plan ahead, stop and think, talk to others about possible scams and report them. According to the Federal Trade Commission, of those who lost money to fraud in 2024, the median amount for consumers over age 70 was more than $1,000. Visit DATCP's website for more information on scams and how to avoid them.

A boat made famous after being abandoned for months along Milwaukee’s lakeshore could sail into your life for the right price. Tuesday, the Milwaukee County Parks and Culture Committee discussed putting the vessel named "Deep Thought" up for auction. Parks deputy director James Tarantino says details about the public auction would be made available once legal details are figured out. The boat was abandoned along the lakeshore after running out of gas in mid-October and stayed there until last month when it was towed at the county’s expense. The county hopes to cover a funding shortfall for the $50,000 towing bill through the auction.

Republican lawmakers are pushing a new resolution that would limit the governor's power to veto parts of state spending bills. The proposed constitutional change would allow governors to strike entire sections or reduce funding -- but not remove individual words or numbers. The move follows Governor Tony Evers' 2023 veto that secured school funding for 400 years. The Wisconsin Supreme Court upheld that action earlier this year. Supporters of the resolution say governors from both parties have taken the partial veto too far.

A group of Democratic state lawmakers are trying to change the primary voting process in Wisconsin. Several senators and representatives are sponsoring a measure that would allow voters to split tickets in partisan primaries. As it stands now, citizens are only able to cast a ballot for a single party primary. Wisconsin Democrats have also sponsored legislation that would allow voters to use a REAL ID from another state as an acceptable form of identification at the polls.

Local-Regional News June 11

 

The Durand City Council is meeting tonight. Items on the agenda include discussion of financing for the Madison Street Project, and updated fee schedule and reports from the mayor and city department heads. Tonights meeting begins at 6pm at Durand City Hall and will be live streamed on the WRDN Website.

Mondovi City Hall will not be changing office hours. Last month the council had approved a change in office hours that would have had City Hall closed on Friday afternoons. However, Mayor Weiss preferred that City Hall stay open for those residents that need to meet with city staff. Staff will rotate working on Friday afternoons so City Hall can remain open on Friday’s.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is seeking public input on a Western Wisconsin bridge improvement project. The project intends to replace six bridges between the Chippewa River and Nelson on Hwy 35. The bridges were originally built in 1933, and the DOT says they have reached the end of their service lives. The project is expected to take an estimated two years to complete. Public comments are due by July eleventh.

The economic impact of tourism increased in Western Wisconsin in 2024. According to the Wisconsin Department of Tourism, Dunn County saw a $102 Million in Economic impact of tourism, Pierce County $65 million, Buffalo County $29 Million and Pepin County saw a $16 million economic impact from tourism. Tourism statewide had an over $25 Billion economic impact in 2024.

The Pepin County Health Department is reminding residents that think they or their children have the measles to not show up at the ER or doctor’s office unannounced. Because measles is very contagious it is recommended that you call ahead so that the ER or doctor’s office can prepare ahead of time, to help prevent the spread of the disease. Currently there are NO measles cases being reported anywhere in Wisconsin.

Eau Claire first responders were called into action Tuesday morning with reports of a man struggling in the Chippewa River. A firefighter went into the water and rescued the man in an area between the Lake Street and Water Street bridges. There has been no word on how the man came to be in that predicament.

A man who was the recent subject of a manhunt in Eau Claire appeared in court via video on Tuesday. Leo Lacey is charged with crimes including hit and run, intentionally pointing a firearm at a person, theft of property and false imprisonment. At a preliminary hearing yesterday, Lacey stated that he has been unable to secure a lawyer. The court is allowing him more time do so and his next appearance is scheduled for later this month.

A Durand Business is expanding in the Upper Midwest. Bauer Built Tire announced yesterday that the company has added 14 new locations from Meekhof Tire Sales and Service in Michigan and Illinois. The purchase includes commercial and retail tire and service centers, two retread plants and two wheel facilities. Bauer Built Tire is now in 10 states in the Upper Midwest.

The verdict is in for a defendant charged in the killing of a man six years ago in La Crosse. Forty-five-year-old Anquin St. Junious has been convicted in the killing of Virgil Stewart. Prosecutors say that St. Junious fatally stabbed Stewart at a location on South 7th Street in January of 2019. Jurors have found the defendant guilty of second-degree reckless homicide.

Federal prosecutors are saying that criminal charges filed against Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan should stand. The U.S. Justice Department submitted the statement Monday in response to a motion filed by Dugan's attorneys arguing the case against her should be dropped. The judge is facing separate misdemeanor and felony counts for allegedly ushering an undocumented man out of a back door in her courtroom to prevent federal immigration agents from taking him into custody. Representatives for Dugan say her actions should fall under judicial immunity. U.S. attorneys claim dismissing the case on those grounds would be unprecedented and would essentially say that judges are above the law.

Wisconsin's Medicaid system is set to see major changes if President Trump's Big, Beautiful Bill is fully passed through Congress and signed into law. State Medicaid Director Bill Hanna says roughly 63-thousand current recipients across Wisconsin would not meet the work requirements included in the version of the bill that was passed in the House last month. The changes would also cost the state's taxpayers eight million dollars to put into place during the first year, according to Hanna.

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos accuses the Evers administration of lying about the budget. Governor Tony Evers said in a statement that Republicans refused to agree to meaningful investments in education, childcare and the UW System as negotiations broke down. Appearing on WISN's UpFront, Vos says Republicans are willing to make investments, just not the amount Evers wants. Vos says Republicans were also willing to give the UW system funding, but less than the governor and system's $800 million request. Budget talks between Evers and Republican lawmakers broke down last week.

A Rochester woman is accused of scamming a man out of his rent for a property that she did not own. Cara Schott has been charged with theft by swindling. Police say the victim met with the defendant and gave her a check for 16 hundred dollars and also wired her 650 dollars for rent and a security deposit. The man found out later from a listing agent that Schott did not own the property. The defendant was released on bail with conditions and is expected back in court on July 29th.

The Minnesota Legislature is approving a 66 billion dollar two-year budget with time to spare. Lawmakers beat a Tuesday morning deadline to avert a July 1st partial government shutdown. The Minnesota House and Senate passed 14 bills that are part of the spending plan. One of the pieces of legislation is a controversial measure that denies adult undocumented immigrants access to the state's public health insurance program. The bill will still allow the children of undocumented immigrants to enroll in MinnesotaCare. The proposal now heads to Governor Tim Walz's desk. He's expected to sign it even though he opposes the legislation. Other legislation that passed includes a 700 million dollar bonding bill that invests in roads, bridges, drinking water, and other infrastructure.

The Kaukauna Goats are back to work this year at the Thousand Islands Environmental Center. The animals are going out daily to munch on invasive plants at the nature area. They will be in action through June 23rd. Thousand Islands is one of the few organizations that has volunteers care for goats year-round so they can be used for invasive plant management.

Local-Regional News June 10

 

A Buffalo County man is dead after an accident in Winona County. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, a 68yr old Fountain City man was driving a semi truck northbound on Hwy 14 at Gilmore Valley Road, when he crossed into the eastbound lanes, and entered the ditch. The semi rolled onto its side. The identity of the victim has not been released pending notification of the family.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has announced construction activities have begun at Sam Gordy’s Backwater Complex. The project will improve fish habitat by restoring flow with the main Mississippi River channel and improving water quality. A rock deflector will be constructed at the river inlet to prevent sand from being deposited in the backwater complex, while still allowing for high-oxygen river water to enter the complex. This design has been used successfully on other Mississippi River habitat projects. Additionally, the downstream riverbank will be armored with rock riprap and the accumulated sand in the aeration channel will be mechanically dredged. Recreational users may need to avoid the direct project area during active construction, but access is not anticipated to be otherwise impacted. Work is expected to be completed by Dec. 1, 2025.

In Dunn County, the Stepping Stones shelter, food pantry and support center is announcing plans to reduce services. Beginning June 30th, Stepping Stones' food pantry will only be available four days each week. Folks who had counted on it for help each week will only be able to access the pantry once every two weeks. Stepping Stones blames a cut in federal funding for the reduction in support they can offer. More details on available services, as well as volunteer and donation opportunities, can be found at steppingstonesdc-dot-org.

The BNSF will be working on the railroad crossing at 290^th Street in Hager City on Thursday. The crossing will be closed to traffic for the entire day. Only emergency vehicles will be allowed to use the crossing. The work on the crossing is expected to be done at the end of the day on Thursday.

An Arcadia man has been arrested on drug charges. According to the Trempealeau County Sheriff’s Department, deputies pulled over 21yr old Rudis Hernandez Flores for a traffic stop and learned Flores was a suspect in distributing a controlled substance to minors in the area. A K-9 alerted officers to the presence of drugs in the vehicle, and after a search, officers found suspected methamphetamine and marijuana. A search of Flores’ home found additional drugs. Flores was arrested and transported to the Trempeleau County Jail.

An Eau Claire man will spend 16 years in prison for sexually assaulting a 12-year-old child. A judge sentenced Marcel Wiseman yesterday. He pleaded guilty to one count of first degree child sexual assault in a plea deal. During the sentencing hearing today, Wiseman was given credit for the three years he's already spent in custody. After his release, Wiseman will have to spend ten years of supervision and register as a sex offender for life.

A motion hearing in the Chippewa Falls Lily Peters homicide has been rescheduled. The Chippewa County judge in the case had an illness necessitating the Monday hearing be rescheduled for a later date. That comes just days after the court ruled to seal records on behalf of 17-year-old defendant Carson Peters Burger. Court documents show Judge Stephen Gibbs granted a motion to seal the transcript of the investigators’ interview recording with Peters Burger as well as a flash drive containing a video of the interview. Only attorneys and the defendant can have access. The Wisconsin Court of Appeals previously ruled that Peters Burger will be tried in adult court. He was 15 when 10-year-old Lilly Peters was killed in April 2022.

An investigation into the death of an Eau Claire County Jail inmate is now complete. Twenty-nine-year-old Silver Jenkins was found dead in her cell on March 12th of 2023. Jenkins' cause of death has been determined as dehydration due to voluntary restriction of food and liquids. Authorities will not be filing charges in the matter.

The trial of a defendant accused of killing a man six years ago in La Crosse is now underway. Forty-five-year-old Anquin St. Junious is charged in the death of Virgil Stewart. Prosecutors say that St. Junious fatally stabbed Stewart at a location on South 7th Street in January of 2019. Jurors yesterday heard testimony from the victim's girlfriend. Testimony is expected to continue today.

One person is injured after a crash and car fire in Barron County. Police say a pickup truck driver crossed the center lane north of 17th Avenue near Almena and sideswiped another truck, which was pulling a dump trailer. The pickup flipped onto its roof after hitting the trailer, and then started to catch on fire. Its driver was injured, but escaped by climbing out of the passenger door. He is suspected of possibly drinking before the crash, which is still under investigation.

Following the move in the 2023-24 season at UW Madison, UW Stevens Point will explore sale of alcoholic beverages at hockey and basketball games. Pointers Athletic Director Brad Duckworth says it would mean a new revenue stream and bring a measure of control to consumption during games. The Stevens Point Parks Commission has signed off, but Duckworth emphasizes that more approvals from the university and city are needed. The city operates Community Stadium at Goerke Park and the adjacent KB Willett Ice Arena.

Rideshare drivers for companies like Uber, DoorDash, and Instacart could receive new benefits under a bill advancing in the Wisconsin State Senate. The bill, approved by a committee on Sunday, would allow the companies to provide accident insurance and health insurance. Some lawmakers opposed the measure, saying the bill should also include retirement benefits for gig workers. It now heads to the full Senate for consideration.

The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development is distributing more than ten-million-dollars to improve employment opportunities. The money will go to ten Workforce Boards across the state to help more than 14-hundred Wisconsinites through the Worker Advancement Initiative. The program provides paid work experience to improve work skills, and assistance with common barriers to employment, including child care and transportation.

An Austin man is accused of threatening to blow up the Minnesota Capitol and several other buildings. Jonathan Nique has been charged with eight counts of possessing guns without a serial number. The weapons were seized from the defendant's garage late last month. Police say Nique mentioned putting explosives in Mayo's Gonda building in Rochester, the Olmstead Government Center, the State Capitol, and a synagogue. He later said he was joking about blowing up high-profile locations, but regretted making the jokes

A highway in Winnebago County now carries the Purple Heart designation. Community leaders gathered in Oshkosh Saturday to dedicate the portion of Wisconsin Route 21 that runs through the county. The local chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart helped make the new highway sign possible.