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Xcel Energy Increases Safety Measures and Signage at Cedar Falls Hydro Ahead of Memorial Day Weekend

By Morgan McCarthy | May 19, 2026

Xcel Energy is reminding the public to stay out of restricted areas at the Cedar Falls Hydro facility near Menomonie following a recent increase in trespassing incidents in active construction zones, particularly as Memorial Day weekend approaches. Crews are currently working on a multi-year modernization project at the hydroelectric dam, and unauthorized access to the site—especially along the downstream causeway—has increased in recent weeks. Individuals have been observed bypassing barriers, entering active construction areas and accessing restricted parts of the

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Deadly Skid Steer Accident in New Auburn

By Morgan McCarthy | May 19, 2026

On Saturday, May 16, 2026, the Barron County Sheriff’s Department received a report of a juvenile involved in a skid steer accident in rural New Auburn. Deputies from the Barron County Sheriff’s Department, along with the New Auburn Fire Department, Chetek Ambulance, and New Auburn First Responders, were dispatched to the scene. Despite lifesaving efforts, the juvenile succumbed to their injuries.

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Looking Local: CVTC Student, Lippert Employee Turns Curiosity into Career Growth

By Morgan McCarthy | May 19, 2026

At 36, Josh Bowe knows a thing or two about adapting to change. A 2007 graduate of Chippewa Falls Senior High School, Bowe first attended a technical college straight out of high school, graduating in 2009, before beginning a career in the dairy equipment industry. After several years working on large mechanical projects, he joined Lippert, where he has spent the past 13 years growing from design engineer to senior design engineer. While working at Lippert, Bowe began writing small

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Looking Local: Mathematics Education Graduate Recognized for Teaching Excellence and Commitment to Student Success 

By Morgan McCarthy | May 19, 2026

The Wisconsin Mathematics Council, the Wisconsin Mathematics Education Foundation and the Madison Community Foundation announced that Nicholas Mohrhauser has been awarded the 2026 John Janty Memorial Scholarship.  Mohrhauser, of Hammond, received the third annual John Janty Memorial Scholarship on May 6 at the Wisconsin Mathematics Council Celebration Banquet in Green Lake.  He is a graduate of St. Croix Central High School and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls May 9 with a Bachelor of Science in mathematics education. Mohrhauser served as president of the mathematics

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WI Joins Lawsuit Over Student Loan Limits for Nursing Students

By Morgan McCarthy | May 19, 2026

Wisconsin is joining 24 other states in suing the Trump administration over student loan limits for nursing students. The administration imposed new limits on federal student loans for graduation programs, letting a short list of professional degrees, like medicine and law, borrow more. The new rules exclude nursing, physical therapy and nurse anesthesia programs. Critics say it will price students out of advance practice roles and worsen the healthcare worker shortage. The Trump administration has argued most programs still fit

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Memorial Day Parade Planned, “From 1776 to Today: Remembering the Brave”

By Morgan McCarthy | May 19, 2026

With Memorial Day ahead many of us are planning for the official kick off of summer with a parade, and the Eau Claire parade is among the local favorites. This year the theme for the parade and program is “From 1776 to Today:  Remembering the Brave”.   It is to honor the 250 years of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.   “From 1776 to Today: Remembering the Brave” honors the courage, sacrifice, and service of the men and women

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La Crosse Stabbing Suspect in Custody

By Morgan McCarthy | May 19, 2026

The suspect in a La Crosse stabbing incident is now in custody.  A female victim was found wounded Friday night — shortly before 11:30 p.m. — at a location on 16th Street South.  Police say that 28-year-old Ivan Canchola-Garcia has since been arrested in the State of Indiana and charged with attempted 1st-degree intentional homicide. 

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Bicyclist Injured in La Crosse

By Morgan McCarthy | May 19, 2026

A La Crosse bicyclist is hospitalized after being hit by a vehicle on Monday.  The accident happened near St. Cloud and Avon Streets and left the rider with serious injuries.  Police are investigating.

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No Criminal Charges Filed in Case of AI Images

By Morgan McCarthy | May 19, 2026

A former North High School is facing allegations that they created inappropriate AI images featuring fellow staffers.  Benjamin Gilbert resigned from Eau Claire Area Schools earlier this month and no other details about those images have been made available.  No criminal charges have been filed in the matter.

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Judge Denies Change of Venue

By Morgan McCarthy | May 19, 2026

A judge is denying a change of venue request for the man accused of causing the death of three-year-old Elijah Vue.  An attorney for Jesse Vang made motions to move his trial out of Manitowoc County or select a jury from outside the county; both of which were rejected during a hearing yesterday.  Vang was charged with physical abuse of a child, hiding a corpse, and chronic child neglect after Vue went missing in February of 2024 and was found

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