Local-Regional News May 21

 

The Durand-Arkansaw School Board is meeting tonight. Items on the agenda include Board Reorganization, renewal of student accident insurance, approval of the fall 2025 dual credit courses and reports from the district and building administrators. Tonight's meeting begins at 6 in the board room at Durand-Arkansaw High School.

The Pepin County Board is meeting tonight. Items on the agenda include discussion and possible action on approving the Judicial Privacy Protection Policy and Procedure, allowing the corporation council to add defendants to the Opioid Litigation, and reports from county committees. Tonight's meeting begins at 7 in the board room at the Government Center in Durand.

The City of Durand has been approved into the Connect Communities Program. Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren says the program will allow the city to connect with other communities on idea for increased economic development and tourism.  The cost to the city to join was $100. The Connect Communities Program is part of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.

Former Eau Claire County Treasurer Larry Lokken is being ordered not to leave the state. Lokken was sentenced in 2015 after being convicted on charges that he and his assistant took part in the theft of one-point-three-million dollars from the county. Lokken is due to be released from custody next month and had hoped to move out of state. He was told yesterday that he does not have permission to leave Wisconsin but can petition again for permission at a later date.

The Chippewa County Sheriff's Office reports that road signs are being stolen. The latest report came in Tuesday morning, stating that a stop sign had been cut down during the overnight hours. Authorities say that is just one of a number of similar reports that have come in in the last number of months. Authorities remind would-be perpetrators that they can be held liable for any accident or injury that occurs due to their unauthorized removal of a traffic sign.

A Rice Lake man is learning his fate after being convicted on federal drug charges. David Anderson Jr was busted after selling methamphetamine to a confidential informant twice in April of last year. Anderson pleaded guilty Tuesday to charges of possessing methamphetamine intended for distribution and was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years in prison.

Two students are dead following a reported murder-suicide at UW-Platteville this week. Campus officials have confirmed Kelsie Martin and Hallie Helms were both found with gunshot wounds in a residence hall on Monday afternoon. Martin was flown to UW Hospital, where she ultimately died, and Helms was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the university. Both students were 22 years old and listed as graduates in the commencement program from last weekend. Police are still investigating what led up to the shooting. Counseling services are being made available to students.

The St. Croix County Sheriff's Office is investigating after two people were found dead in Springfield Township. Officers performing a welfare check Monday night found the bodies of an adult male and an adult female. A firearm was also discovered at the scene. Reports say the victims knew each other.

Olmsted County Commissioners unanimously passed an ordinance for the future sale of recreational marijuana on Tuesday. 14 businesses will soon be able to set up shop in Olmsted County after two county lotteries. Olmsted County will begin taking applications for a local lottery in late June and another in late July. The new businesses will have to win the county and the upcoming state lottery before they can open.

Wisconsin Court of Appeals Judge Chris Taylor is running for state Supreme Court. It appears the liberal former state lawmaker will face conservative Justice Rebecca Grassi Bradley in the April 2026 election. Taylor announced her bid yesterday, saying she believes everyone who comes before the court "deserves to be heard, respected, and treated equally". Bradley was first appointed by former Governor Scott Walker in 2015. She is seeking another ten-year term.

Wisconsin is seeing a very active start to the severe weather season this spring. The National Weather Service has already confirmed a total of 19 tornadoes in April and May, including the outbreak that spawned twisters in several different counties last week. The Badger State averages 23 tornadoes per year and we are already nearing that number with roughly a week and a half left in May. The peak of the storm season usually comes in June and July.

Some Republican state lawmakers are introducing a measure that would expand the early voting hours in Wisconsin. The proposal would set a 20-hour minimum for in-person absentee voting without an appointment. Officials say they will also come up with a funding system to help local governments cover the cost of offering additional early voting.

Wisconsin Republicans held their annual state convention over the weekend. According to a WisPolitics straw poll, attendees supported Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann over state Congressman Tom Tiffany for governor next year. Schoemann is the only candidate to emerge so far, while Tiffany says he's considering a run for governor. In presidential politics, attendees overwhelmingly back JD Vance in 2028.

The northern zone musky fishing season will start Saturday in Wisconsin. Anglers will be allowed to target musky fish on open water starting May 24 until the end of 2025. Anglers can expect fish in most waters to be done spawning and ready to feed at the start of the season due to the warmer weather. Musky will likely be active in shallow vegetated bays, channels and on points just adjacent to shallow bays during the early part of the season. Fishing licenses are available for purchase on the GoWild-dot-WI-dot-gov.

The Minnesota legislative session is over without reaching a budget deal. The state House and Senate convened early Tuesday morning while still deadlocked on several key budget bills. A special session is needed to finish the biggest parts of the spending plan. Some of the proposed bills that need to be considered include healthcare for undocumented immigrants, paid family leave, and a transportation bill.

Some items that were used during the NFL Draft in Green Bay last month are being auctioned off for charity. Titletown Auction Company is hosting online listings of things like signs and banners and stage decor. Each piece will sell with no reserve and a minimum two-dollar bid, with the proceeds to be donated to the Northeast Wisconsin Chapter of the Red Cross. The items are listed on the Titletown Auctions webpage. Bidding is closing tomorrow at 6:00 p.m.

Local-Regional News May 20

 

Property owners in Durand will see a reassessment of their property in 2026. Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren says the city was notified of the reassessment requirement recently.  Mondovi went through a reassessment of the city last year.

Residents in the city of Mondovi are being reminded to keep their yards mowed. The City has an ordinance requiring property owners to mow their lawns. The city is now hanging 24-hour notices for residents in violation of this ordinance. Property owners who do not mow their yards will have the city mow their yard, and the property owner will be responsible for the cost of mowing.

The Dunn County Sheriff’s Department is seeking the public’s help in identifying those responsible for damaging the restrooms a Ridgeland Park. In a social media post, the department shows pictures of a sink filled with rocks and damage to a urinal. Anyone with information is to contact the Sheriff’s Department or Dunn County Crimestoppers.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources announced Monday that the Tank Creek Bridge on the Great River State Trail is currently closed until further notice due to damage from a fire on Thursday evening. There were no injuries reported, but the bridge is a total loss. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Due to the location of the bridge, there is no current reroute in place. A timeline and budget for replacement have not yet been established. The bridge was originally built in 1957 as a railroad bridge for the abandoned Chicago-Northwestern railroad line and is over 200 feet long and located approximately three miles east of Trempealeau.

A Hudson man charged in connection with the killing of his wife has been found competent to stand trial. Police performing a welfare check at a home on Namekagon Street back in March found the victim dead at the scene. Fifty-four-year-old Chad Haworth has been charged with intentional homicide in the case. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for later this week.

Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul is looking into the challenges that are coming as a result of federal funding cuts for victim services. The AG visited Eau Claire yesterday to hear from victim advocates and others who have been impacted by crime. Kaul says the Trump Administration has slashed funding related to Wisconsin's Victims of Crime Act from 44-million dollars per year down to 13-million. A number of state programs have been reduced and staff members have been laid off because of the cutbacks, according to the attorney general.

Authorities in Altoona are reminding folks about ordinances pertaining to the placement of signs in the community. City leaders say they have seen a number of signs show up recently promoting businesses that engage in hail damage repair. The activity coincides with a recent hailstorm that impacted a number of residents and businesses. The City of Altoona and Altoona Police remind folks that those sorts of temporary signs can only be placed at locations where such work is currently being performed. Police say that signs that do not abide by the law will be removed.

Details are limited on an incident that led to a shelter-in-place order at UW-Platteville yesterday afternoon. Campus safety officials sent out the alert shortly before 4:30 p.m. The order was lifted a short time later and the Grant County coroner was called to a student residence hall. Since then, university leaders have cancelled final exams for the week and have offered counseling services for students. Campus Police Chief Joe Hallman has said one person was transported from a residence hall to a nearby hospital and no one is in custody but no other information has been made available so far.

A Rochester man is in custody after he was accused of leading police on a pursuit through Olmsted County. The incident happened Saturday afternoon when officers attempted to stop the suspect for allegedly speeding. The man then sped off and attempted to flee from deputies on his motorcycle. He reportedly was going 90 miles per hour in a 55-mph zone. The man was later arrested on suspicion of fleeing from police, reckless driving, and speeding.

Wisconsin’s higher ed funding takes another drop. According to the latest analysis from a national organization of state higher education executives, the Universities of Wisconsin ranked 44th out of 50 states in public funding in 2024 — a drop of one spot from 2023. That’s behind Illinois and Michigan, which ranked 1st and 2nd, as well as below neighboring Iowa and Minnesota. Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman said more public investment is urgent. Just 18 percent of the UW System’s current two-year budget of $13.7 billion comes from state taxpayers. Governor Tony Evers’ budget proposal included the largest increase ever for the UW system - $856 million, a number unlikely to survive budget deliberations in the Republican controlled legislature.

“It’s fake.” That’s the message U.S. Senator Ron Johnson delivered to delegates at the weekend’s state Republican Party Convention in Rothschild, regarding the House deficit reduction bill. Johnson said "the big, beautiful bill isn't what it's advertised to be" and will actually be increasing the federal budget deficit by a total of about $4 trillion over the next 10 years. Johnson told delegates he’s “digging his heels in” even as other Senate Republicans oppose the House bill due to its cuts to Medicaid, arguing that will harm working Americans.

Minnesota legislators are defunding the proposed Northern Lights Express project. Both the House and Senate approved a measure to redirect 77 million dollars of approved state funding for the passenger rail service designed to connect the Twin Cities and Duluth. The plan now heads to Governor Tim Walz for his signature. The funds will then go toward covering unemployment insurance costs for seasonal school workers. House Republican Transportation Chair Representative Jon Koznick says the move means the Northern Lights Express train is effectively dead.

The Department of Natural Resources has funding available for organizations to promote ATV/UTV safety. Off-Highway Vehicle Administrator Jacob Holsclaw says it's a great avenue for the DNR to be able to connect with local organizations that will spread the word on how to enjoy ATVs and UTVs safely. Organizations are encouraged to apply for this two-year program by the end of May for up to $316,464 in funding annually. Visit the DNR's website for more information on how to apply for funding.

The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum has released its Pope Leo 14th bobblehead. During its release week two-thousand Pope Leo bobbleheads were sold to customers across 47 states. The museum said the bobbleheads have been popular in Chicago where the Pope was born and raised and in Philadelphia where he went to college. The eight-inch bobblehead is on presale with an anticipated November shipping date. Each costs 30-dollars plus shipping and tax.

Local-Regional News May 19

 

One person is seriously hurt following a tractor accident in Trempealeau County over the weekend. Emergency crews were called to a property on Hunts Valley Road in the town of Burnside around 11:00 a.m. yesterday. First responders were able to pull the unconscious victim from underneath the overturned tractor before that person was flown to a hospital in La Crosse for treatment. Authorities have not released the victim's identity or details on their condition.

The Pepin County Sheriffs Department is joining the Wisconsin State Patrol and law enforcement agencies across the state in launching the Click It or Ticket campaign this week. The initiative runs now through June first. Area Law Enforcement will be enforcing the state's seat belt law, with nighttime safety belt usage a particular focus this year. Drivers are reminded to buckle up and to follow traffic rules to maintain safety and avoid citations.

Western Wisconsin Congressman Derrick Van Orden was a featured speaker over the weekend at the state's Republican Party Convention in Rothschild. Van Orden -- who represents Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District -- spoke to those assembled about the need for party unity. Van Orden says Republicans lost the recent election for a state Supreme Court seat due to internal squabbling.

Local businesses are continuing to deal with the impact of last week's hail storm in the Chippewa Valley. Ken Vance Honda reports their inventory suffered excessive hail damage in the storm. Forecasts call for residents to see a good chance of storms again tomorrow and Wednesday.

Nearly 16-hundred students became graduates of the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire on Saturday. Two commencement ceremonies were held -- one in the morning for those collecting College of Arts and Sciences and Nursing diplomas and one in the afternoon for those graduating from the colleges of Business and Health & Human Sciences.

Two people were killed in a head-on collision in Fremont Township on Friday. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, 83yr old Hadley Thompson was traveling westbound on I-90 when his vehicle crossed into the eastbound lanes and hit a vehicle head-on driven by 70yr old Warren Hacker of Appleton.. Both Thompson and Hacker were killed in the accident, while 71yr old Patricia Hacker was taken to Mayo Clinic Rochester with life-threatening injuries. That accident remains under investigation.

The City of Mondovi is considering a rain date for this year's July 4th fireworks display. Mondovi Mayor Brady Weiss says the city needs to make that decision sooner rather than later. If they decide to schedule a rain date, the city would be charged extra for the fireworks.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is introducing some new resources for seniors. Last week, Governor Evers and DHS announced a statewide hotline to connect folks with local Aging and Disability Resource Centers. There is also a new online directory at find-my-A-D-R-C-dot-org. Both the hotline and the website can help older adults and individuals with disabilities find support services.

The state health department is reminding you to check for ticks when you come in from outdoor activities. Epidemiologist Rebecca Osborne says tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease and Alpha-Gal Syndrome can be devastating. Be sure to wear long pants and tuck them in your socks when in wooded areas or scrub to prevent ticks from getting up your legs, and wear E P A approved bug spray when outdoors. Also be sure to check your pets when they come in as well, because ticks can travel on their fur and bite you indoors.

Life jackets are the best way to save your life on the water, but many people still aren't wearing them. D N R warden Darren Kuhn tells W X P R in Rhinelander that every boat is required to have as many life preservers or jackets on board as passengers, but that many people simply stow them away. He says no one is going to rush to open compartments and get out a life jacket when an emergency happens. The D N R issues around 500 citations a year for failure to have life saving devices, and most people who drown on Wisconsin lakes were not wearing a jacket.

Charges are dropped against law enforcement officers in a fatal high-speed chase in Dane County. Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne cleared on Friday Iowa County Sheriff's Deputy Jeffry Okey and Wisconsin State Patrol Trooper Bryan Baumann. They were being accused of the death of Bo Johnson who allegedly did not stop when officers tried to pull him over last March for driving over 140 miles-per-hour.

Wisconsin ranks first in the nation for turning in the most unused medications on Drug Take Back Day. The Department of Justice announced today that almost 57-thousand pounds of prescription medications were turned in during the spring collection day. In total, more than one-point-three-million pounds of drugs have been turned in since Drug Take Back Day started in 2010. The Drug Enforcement Administration organizes two official Take Back Days each year in the spring and fall, but unwanted prescriptions can be returned year-round at law enforcement offices, hospitals, and health clinics.

Wisconsin’s unemployment rate increased slightly last month. Preliminary estimates from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show that the state’s jobless rate bumped up a tenth of a point to 3.3% in April, which is still lower than the 4.2% national average for last month. The federal data also showed a decrease in the state's labor force participation to 65.5%, which is still 2.9 percentage points higher than the national rate. Though Wisconsin’s month-to-month labor force number dropped by 4,900 people from March to April, that total grew by 900 compared to the same time in 2024.

A couple of injuries have been reported after four tornadoes touched down Thursday in Juneau. Emergency management officials say one person was sent to the hospital. A state of emergency is declared by Mayville Mayor Rob Boelk. A National Weather Service spokesperson said on Friday strength levels varied up to EF-2 and lasted around 20 minutes. Severe weather was also reported in Western Wisconsin with 100mph winds and large hail in parts of Dunn, Eau Claire and Rusk Counties and a tornado was reported in New Richmond.

The Ramsey County Fair is once again being canceled. This is the sixth straight year which the fair has been canceled. The fair was first canceled in 2021 and 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and then was cancelled in the years following due to the county board of commissioners instituting a 25-thousand-dollar fee which had to be paid upfront for the fair to be held on the county fairgrounds. Now, the county says the fair cannot be held due to deteriorating property conditions and a lack of accessibility. The Ramsey County Agricultural Society says it is continuing to search for a new location for the fair.

The Minnesota State Fair is unveiling some of the free entertainment available this year. Over 900 free stage shows will take place over the 12 days, lasting from August 21st to September 1st. Bandshell Tonight! at the Bandshell includes artists such as Arrested Development and Los Lobos. Music fans can hear rock, rap, country, cajun, bluegrass and more. Adult tickets will cost 20 dollars, with seniors and kids costing 18. Children under four are free. 

Local-Regional News May 16

 

Clean-up begins after severe weather rolled through western Wisconsin. There are reports of unconfirmed tornadoes hitting the area yesterday. There was also hail damage in the area. There were reports of baseball-sized hail in parts of Western Wisconsin, and a tornado was spotted on the ground in New Richmond. The severe weather downed trees and power lines, causing power outages, and many public schools held students at school before sending them home.

Authorities are reminding residents to avoid scams if they have damage from Thursday’s storms. Authorities recommend contacting your insurance provider first regarding any storm damage. They may have a list of approved contractors to assist with repairs, said officials. Police suggest using reputable, local contractors known within the community. If you are contacted, scammers may know some personal information, like your name and address, from public records. Don't provide any more information and hang up. Police said if something seems odd, it probably is.

The City of Mondovi is continuing to search for new police officers to fill open positions. Mondovi Mayor Brady Weiss says the city would like to get back to five full-time officers.  The city has also increased officer pay and hopes to fill at least two positions.

The City of Durand has appointed Discover Durand as the Tourism Commission. The commission is a requirement of the new room tax and the city could create its own commission or appoint a group. Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren says Discover Durand will receive 70 percent of the room tax revenue and the appointment is for one year.  Discover Durand will use the money to promote tourism in Durand, The other 30 percent of the room tax will go into the general fund for the city.

Motorists in Pierce County are reminded that Hwy 63 will be closed at times as crews are reconstructing Hwy 63 this summer. Work includes milling and replacing the pavement, replacing the bridge decks over the South Fork of Lost Creek and an branch of the Rush River and replacing culverts and guardrails. Through May 20^th Hwy 63 is closed from Hwy 10 to Hwy 72, then from May 20 through August 4 Hwy 63 will be closed from Hwy 72 to Hwy J.

The cause of a house fire in Chippewa Falls remains under investigation. Firefighters were called early yesterday morning to a burning home along the five-hundred block of South Main Street. Upon arrival, firefighters found heavy smoke and flames coming from the home. All of the occupants made it out of the burning home safely. The fire is said to have caused 50-thousand-dollars worth of damage to the home.

The City of Eau Claire will be embarking on a project to convert 93 acres of land into pollinator-friendly landscapes. The project is scheduled to begin on Monday and will target areas difficult to mow or not regularly used by the public. Locations include land along Hastings Way, Highway 312 ramps, and near the Chippewa River State Trail.

A person of interest is being sought after a shooting in La Crosse. Police have identified that person as 27-year-old Diontae Booth. This comes after one person was shot yesterday morning along the 9-hundred block of Fifth Avenue South. The victim was taken to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Wisconsin sees a substantial drop in fatal drug overdoses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports Wisconsin is among six states and the District of Columbia to see the total number of year-to-year overdose deaths drop by more than 35%. The biggest drop was in West Virginia, which saw a 44% decline. Only Nevada and South Dakota saw increases in fatal overdoses. Overall, total U.S. overdose deaths dropped by 30-thousand, a 27-percent decrease which the CDC says is the largest one-year decline ever recorded.

The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs is launching a redesigned and streamlined website. The overhaul should provide veterans and their families with an improved experience that connects them with all state veteran benefits and services. Veterans Secretary James Bond says it's more than just a visual update and reflects months of collaboration with Wisconsin veterans and their advocates. The site features a streamlined design, simplified navigation, improved search functions, and mobile-friendly responsiveness. To see the updated site, head to WisVets.com.

As people kick off the summer by firing up the grill and serving food at a cookout, the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service shares some tips to keep their celebrations safe. “Food safety is a year-round priority, but it’s especially important during summer months when we are cooking outdoors and handling food in warmer temperatures,’ says Dr. Denise Eblen. Some of the key recommendations include cleaning grill surfaces with soap and water and making sure old residue is scraped off. Preventing cross-contamination is another key recommendation that includes using separate plates, cutting boards, and utensils for raw and cooked foods. Never place cooked food on plates that held any raw meat, poultry, or seafood. It’s important to cook food to a safe temperature. APHIS reminds you that color is not a reliable indication of doneness. Use a food thermometer to ensure food reaches a safe minimum internal temperature. 

Wisconsin Republicans gather in Wausau for the state party convention today and Saturday. UW-La Crosse political scientist Anthony Chergosky says they’ve got lots to talk about, including elections for governor and state Supreme Court, and holding their majority in the state Assembly. Wisconsin Democrats will have the same issues to discuss during their convention in The Dells next month.

A Milwaukee judge accused of helping a man evade immigration authorities in a courthouse has pleaded not guilty to federal charges. Judge Hannah Dugan was indicted by a federal grand jury earlier this week. She's charged with concealing a person from arrest and obstruction of a proceeding before departments and agencies. Dugan was arrested last month after she allegedly confronted an ICE task force and told them they needed a warrant. Dugan's trial is set to begin July 21st.

An emu is on the loose in Juneau County. The Sheriff's Office is asking for help finding the bird, who has been spotted wandering around Summit Township. Deputies say they aren't sure who the emu belongs to and are asking the owner or anyone who spots the bird to call the sheriff's office.

Local-Regional News May 15

 

No one was injured in a semi vs train accident on Hwy 25 in Nelson Wednesday morning. According to the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Department, witnesses said a 65yr old male from Durand was driving a semi fully loaded with fertilizer, crossed the railroad tracks while the crossing arms were down and the trailer was struck by a BNSF Train. The impact caused an estimated 24,000 pounds of fertilizer to spill across the scene. Due to the nature of the material , two separate cleanup crews were dispatched to clear the area and remove the debris from the truck. The semi driver was not injured and the BNSF Train conductor was assessed by EMS on the scene. Hwy 25 was closed for nearly 6 hours.

Construction of the Tarrant Park Pool is moving forward. Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren says residents will notice many changes in the next week.  It is hoped the pool will be open in mid-June.

Severe weather is possible across the WRDN Listening area this afternoon. The National Weather Service says the storms could develop late this afternoon and early evening as a cold front moves through the region. The main threat wold be large hail and damaging winds. Rain is also expected tomorrow with much cooler temperatures for the weekend.

There's a new public boat dock in downtown Menomonie. The newly completed dock opened yesterday along Lake Menomin near the intersection of Crescent Street and Sixth Avenue. The city's Community Services Department repurposed a dock that was at Lakeside Park and cleared an overgrown walking trail for easy access. The dock can accommodate two boats at a time for a maximum of two hours.

The Tainter Lake Rehabilitation District is offering fisherman $2 for every common carp they catch regardless of size. To reduce the population on Tainter Lake, the rehabilitation district is asking people to catch as many as they can in two upcoming weekends: May 30 - June 1, and June 6-8 from 6 p.m. Friday to 10 a.m. Sunday.  People wanting to participate will need to check in at the Elk Point station before competing. There is no entrance fee. Money will not be paid out for any other kind of fish.  The district is hoping anglers catch 1500 fish.

Investigators say no human remains were found in a search of a home in Chippewa Falls. Investigators received a tip through CrimeStoppers that human remains were buried on the property of a home, but police haven't disclosed the location of the home. Yesterday, investigators dug up the yard of the home and used technology in an attempt to locate human remains, but nothing was found.

Surveys for invasive spongy moths are set to begin here in Western Wisconsin. From mid-May through early July, the Department of Ag, Trade and Consumer Protection will be setting approximately 8,000 traps for spongy moths across 36 counties including Pepin, Dunn, Pierce, Buffalo and Eau Claire. Most traps will be set along public roads, but some will require placement on private property. DATCP asks that if you come across a spongy moth trap, which are small green boxes stapled or tied to trees, to leave it be. The data collected from the traps is crucial to helping limit the spread of the invasive species. More info on spongy moth trapping can be found on DATCP's website.

Expect multiple high profile cases before the Wisconsin Supreme Court to get rulings soon. Liberal Justice Ann Walsh Bradley is set to end her 30th year in the court next month and that means the court will have to deliver opinions in a number of cases. That includes a full ruling on Wisconsin's current abortion laws, rulings on Wisconsin Act 10 which restricts collective bargaining for public unions, a ruling on W I A A actions against student athletes, and a ruling on PFAS regulations. There's also a challenge from Governor Tony Evers against the legislative committee that handles how state agencies are allowed to create rules which has consistently blocked actions by Evers' office. Bradley's last day is June 30th.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is reminding ATV/UTV drivers to complete an approved safety course. The DNR said this is an effort to prevent crashes. Forty-five people died in ATV/UTV crashes in Wisconsin last year. More information about safety courses is available online at dnr-dot-wisconsin-dot-gov.

The state Assembly approves a bipartisan bill allowing pharmacists in Wisconsin to prescribe and dispense birth control to those 18 years or older. The bill’s author, Republican Representative Joel Kitchens of Sturgeon Bay, said nearly half of the pregnancies in Wisconsin are unplanned each year, and the highest rate is among young women in poverty. More than two-thirds of unplanned deliveries are paid for by Medicaid. The bill applies to oral hormonal contraceptives and patches. It passed on an 87-10 vote Tuesday – but whether it can pass in the Senate is another matter - Kitchens noted similar legislation has the Assembly three times previously without gaining a Senate vote.

A Former State Supreme Court Justice won't argue misconduct charges but objects to how they were delivered. The state Office of Lawyer Regulation is requesting that Michael Gableman’s law license be suspended for three years. The Wisconsin State Journal reports that O L R called Gableman's failed review of the 2020 presidential election "selfish" and that he held a "personal desire to overturn" the results of the election. Gableman says he cannot defend against the allegations against him, but maintains that "reality is more nuanced" and that O L R's claims he was selfish are overblown. An independent magistrate will make a ruling on the case, and the State Supreme court will have to sign off on any punishment.

State lawmakers are not likely to require sprinkler systems to be retrofitted to older apartment buildings in Wisconsin. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos was asked about that in the wake of a deadly Mother’s Day fire in Milwaukee. The Republican leader who is himself a landlord said any such requirement would make it more expensive to rent an apartment, because landlords would pass costs on to tenants. Sunday’s fire engulfed the four-story Milwaukee apartment building built in 1968. Five people died. Many Wisconsin residential buildings constructed before 1974 are not required to have sprinklers.

There's a change in leadership at Minnetonka-based UnitedHealth Group. In a statement, the company announced on Tuesday that Andrew Witty is stepping down as CEO for "personal reasons." Witty had been with UnitedHealth Group since 2018 and had served as CEO for a little over four years. Former CEO Stephen J. Hemsley was appointed to replace Witty "effective immediately" according to the statement. Hemsley, who will continue to serve as chair of UnitedHealth Group's Board of Directors, was CEO from 2006-to-2017. Witty will remain with United as a "senior adviser." UnitedHealth Group is the largest insurer in the U.S.

An investigation is underway after weekend explosions and fires extensively damaged a manufacturing plant in central Wisconsin. Marshfield firefighters responded to blasts and 30-foot flames at Forte Opening Solutions Sunday morning. A sprinkler system prevented the spread of the fire as crews worked for four hours to extinguish the flames. Many of the fires around the plant were hard to access, with the firefighters slowed due to the risk of further dust explosions. One firefighter was treated at the scene for a heat-related injury. The total damage from the fire, estimated at $75,000, may increase as an investigation proceeds.

Registration is underway for the all-new girls' flag football leagues in Chippewa Valley. Leagues are forming for second through sixth grade girls, along with leagues for middle school and high school girls if there's enough interest. Practices will be on Tuesday and Thursday evenings until the season starts in August. Registration and more information are available online at cvyouthfootball-dot-org

Local-Regional News May 14

 

The City of Mondovi will help some property owners on Mirror Lake with erosion control. Mondovi Mayor Brady Weiss says the city reviewed the dredging project from five years ago and found the city had followed all of the rules and regulations. Even though the city felt it had no liability to the property owners, in the best interests of the lake, the city council approved spending up to $10,000 to help the property owners armor the shoreline to prevent further erosion.

The Durand City Council is meeting tonight. Items on the agenda include discussion and possible action on changing city hall hours, facade grant requests for Bodhi’s Event Center and Waznick Heike Group, and the appointment of a tourism commission. Tonights meeting begins at 6:30 at Durand City Hall and will be live-streamed on the WRDN website.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation will be changing an intersection in Elk Mound. The DOT has decided to install a 4-way stop at the intersection of Hwy H and Hwy 12 in Elk Mound. The intersection has long been considered dangerous, especially for those trying to cross or turn onto Hwy 12 from Hwy H. The installation of the signs for the 4-way stop should be done in the next few weeks.

Due to the dry weather, all burning permits in Dunn County have been suspended. The suspension is in effect until further notice. Fire officials are also recommending no campfires as a single spark can grow rapidly to and out of control wildfire. Rain and cooler temperatures are expected later this week and into the weekend.

Firefighters from Menomonie, Colfax and Wheeler responded to a fire in the town of Tainter. When Firefighters arrived they found the side of the home and three outbuildings on fire. Due to the dry conditions a grove of pine trees started on fire which ended up burning an acre. Five dogs were rescued from the home and no one was injured in the blaze.

A Chippewa Falls man is accused of sexually assaulting a child. Forty-five-year-old Benjamin Bejin is charged with first-degree sexual assault of a child. According to the criminal complaint, the alleged victim claims Bejin sexually assaulted her in 2017 when she was ten-years-old.

The Eau Claire City-County Health Department is showing strengths and weaknesses with its newly released annual report. Some of the report's positive aspects were the creation of a Child and Youth Data Report, which tracks health trends, increased access for mental health options and promoting physical activity. On the downside, the report showed the need for improvements, such as access to healthcare. This particularly impacts those in rural areas. The full report is available online at eauclairewi-dot-gov

State-funded ATV/UTV trails are about to open in Eau Claire County. The County Parks and Forest Department says the trails will open for the season on Thursday. The trails are typically closed from March 15th through May 15th to minimize erosion during the spring thaw. A map of the trails is available online at eauclairecounty-dot-gov

Immigration enforcement was the focus of a state senate committee hearing yesterday. Lawmakers heard public testimony about a bill that would require local sheriff's offices to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. Democrats oppose the bill, saying they're concerned about ICE detaining and deporting people who are in the country legally.

A new rehabilitation hospital is coming to Eau Claire. ClearSky Health says it's building a new 36-bed facility focusing on treating patients for strokes, brain and spinal injuries, multiple sclerosis, and other injuries or illnesses. ClearSky says the new facility will treat about 650 patients every year and create 100 jobs. It's scheduled to open in mid-2026. A location has not been announced.

The man accused of abducting a pregnant Beaver Dam teenager from her home now faces federal charges. An indictment against 40-year-old Gary Day was filed last week in federal court in the Eastern District of Day’s home state of Arkansas. The indictment’s six counts include having sex with a minor and traveling for the purpose of an unlawful sex act with a minor. In February, the now-17 -year-old girl was reported missing from her home and believed to be with Day, who authorities say is the father of her child. The two were located at an Omaha truck stop last month. Day is also charged in Dodge County with counts of felony child abduction and felony child enticement.

Minnesota's Keith Ellison is among twenty state attorneys general suing over President Donald Trump's attempts to link some federal grants to immigration enforcement. Two lawsuits were filed today to try and block efforts to force the states to cooperate with ICE enforcement or not receive the funds. The grants are for things like disaster relief, cyber security and transportation. Wisconsin is also part of that lawsuit.

A famous music festival that started four decades ago is coming to Minnesota for the first time. "Farm Aid 40" is set for September 20th at Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. The event will be headlined by the three artists who organized the first-ever Farm Aid in 1985 -- Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp and Neil Young. Dave Matthews and Margo Price are also listed as headliners. Farm Aid, which was inspired by global hunger relief efforts such as Live Aid, has raised more than 80-million-dollars for American farmers. Tickets go on sale Friday morning at 10 a.m. and are available through the Farm Aid website.

A Wisconsin man accused of murdering his wife nine years ago is now facing homicide charges. Prosecutors say James Radford of Fairbanks told investigators his wife, Sabrina Radford, shot herself in 2016. After investigators couldn't confirm her cause of death, an investigation was launched. The Sheriff's Office concluded Sabrina Radford did not die of suicide and recommended charges to the Shawano County District Attorney. James Radford is now in custody and is being held on an 800-thousand-dollar bond.

Wisconsin bird lovers have picked their favorite fat bird. May 2-9, people were invited to vote daily for their favorite bulbous bird in the bracket-style elimination tournament. Shelly Torkelson is with the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin says "the pictures are adorable and some of them are kind of hilarious.” The "Spherical White-throated Sparrow" received the most votes this year. Fat Bird Week is an effort to raise awareness about Wisconsin’s endangered birds. Torkelson says there are 68 species in Wisconsin that are endangered, threatened or have declining populations. Find pics of all this year’s fat birds and resources to help Wisconsin’s native birds at www.wisconservation.org.