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Looking Local: CVTC Leader Helps WI Become Inaugural Member of Respiratory Care Interstate Compact

By Morgan McCarthy | March 10, 2026

Wisconsin has become one of the first states in the nation to join the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, helping expand workforce mobility for respiratory therapists and creating new opportunities for students entering the field. The legislation allows licensed respiratory therapists to practice in multiple participating states without obtaining a separate license in each state. The compact is designed to strengthen the respiratory care workforce, improve access to care, and allow clinicians to respond more quickly to workforce shortages. Theresa Meinen,

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Chippewa Valley Museum Brings Adventures this Spring

By Morgan McCarthy | March 10, 2026

Spring is right around the corner, and we have several fun ways you can get out and about in the sunshine. Chippewa Valley Museum Teen Guides Experience A Summer Full of Fun It’s that time of year when we get ready to review the stack of application for our teen guide program. Students from grades 8-12 are encouraged to apply and join the Teen Guide Program this summer at the Chippewa Valley Museum. They will be able to develop their

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Looking Local: Presentation Set to Ruffle Feathers

By Morgan McCarthy | March 10, 2026

University of Wisconsin-River Falls Biology and Ornithology Lecturer Sami Nichols will give a presentation titled “Birds and the Urban Landscape” on Saturday, March 21, from 10:30 to noon in the UWRF North Hall Auditorium at 410 S. 3rd St. in River Falls. The presentation is free and open to the public.   Nichols, who also teaches at Anoka Ramsey Community College, has studied the ecology of birds in urban landscapes since 2010 in collaboration with citizen-science monitoring projects across the Twin Cities metro area. She continues to participate in long-term avian population monitoring efforts.    The presentation is sponsored by

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A Fallen Officer Remembered

By Morgan McCarthy | March 10, 2026

Our small community was shaken 35 years ago by the loss of an officer. Now, current Fairchild Chief of Police, Chad Halverson is reflecting on the 35th anniversary of losing Chief McCready during a barricaded suspect in a domestic disturbance and you can read his message below: As a young police officer, I was introduced to Fairchild Police Chief Pat McCready by a Kevlar vest pierced by a bullet that was passed around at training. The events of 35 years

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Officials Seeking Public’s Help in Search for Missing Woman

By Morgan McCarthy | March 10, 2026

Kimberly Schmidt was last seen leaving her residence in the City of Delavan, WI the morning of 03/07/2026. Later that day, she was traveled through Litchfield, MN. She has not been seen or heard from since, and her destination or current whereabouts are unknown. She was last known to be operating her red 2010 Toyota Corolla with Wisconsin Registration BAF9040. She has family in Montana; however, they have not had contact with her, and are not expecting her arrival. She

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Trial Continues in La Crosse County Murder

By Morgan McCarthy | March 10, 2026

The trial of Zachary Fritz continues in La Crosse County.  Fritz is accused of killing his wife in June 2024 and claims he was mentally ill at the time.  Jurors yesterday heard testimony from the defendant’s parents, describing his history, mental health and substance abuse struggles. 

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Former Library Director Sentenced

By Morgan McCarthy | March 10, 2026

Sentencing is being ordered for former Altoona Library director Arin Wilken.  Wilken was arrested in March of 2024 on charges of sexually assaulting a child but pleaded guilty to a lesser charge earlier this year.  He has been sentenced to one year in prison and five years of probation.

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Chippewa Falls Man to Appear in Court Facing Child Pornography Charges

By Morgan McCarthy | March 10, 2026

A Chippewa Falls man is facing charges with authorities saying they found him to be in possession of child sex abuse material.  Allen Laszinski has been charged with possession of child pornography and possession of virtual child pornography.  Laszinski is scheduled to appear in court today.

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Discrimination Lawsuit Dismissed

By Morgan McCarthy | March 10, 2026

A discrimination lawsuit filed against UW-Eau Claire chancellor James Schmidt has been dismissed.  The federal suit, filed by former UW-Eau Claire vice chancellor of equity, diversity, and inclusion and student affairs Olga Diaz, alleged that Schmidt fired her for supporting someone else’s discrimination claim.  The Western Wisconsin U.S. District Court tossed out the suit on the grounds of sovereign immunity.

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Oh, Ladies….

By Morgan McCarthy | March 10, 2026

Wisconsin women are living in a great state for strong opportunities.  That’s according to a recent study by finance website WalletHub, which ranked the best and worst states for women.  The research looked at more than two dozen indicators of women’s living standards, including median incomes, health care, and more.  Wisconsin ranked 12th overall in the country, and received a top-ten ranking in the economic and social well-being category.   Massachusetts was ranked 1st overall. CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS.

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