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The Wisconsin Department of Tourism released 2024 economic impact data, showing Chippewa County tourism generated a record $193 million, which contributed to Wisconsin tourism’s third consecutive record-breaking year. Statewide, all-time high visitation drove Wisconsin tourism’s record-breaking $25.8 billion in total economic impact last year. The 2024 economic impact surpassed the previous statewide record of $25 billion from 2023. Locally, Chippewa County also surpassed the previous record of $184 million set in 2023 an increase of 4.9%. The boost in visitation,

A pre-trial hearing scheduled for the defendant charged in the killing of ten-year-old Lily Peters is being rescheduled.  Investigators say that Peters was killed in Chippewa Falls on April 24th of 2022 with her body found the next day.  Seventeen-year-old defendant Carson Peters-Berger was just 14 when prosecutors say he took the young girl’s life.  A hearing to consider motions, including a possible change of venue, was to have been held yesterday but the presiding judge was out sick.  The

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. 

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 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 cites a cut in federal funding for the reduction in support they can offer.  More details on available services, as well as volunteer and

The Chippewa County Department of Public Health is extending the opportunity for residents to easily dispose of needles and syringes.  Folks can dispose of such materials at no cost by visiting the department at its North Bridge Street office during normal business hours through the end of this month.   The Chippewa County Department of Public Health says they have helped residents to safely and easily dispose of 250 pounds of sharps in the last month.

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.

The Eau Claire Sheriff’s Office recently commented on a 2023 jail death. Below is the message from Sheriff Dave Riewestahl : Our office was notified that the Wisconsin Department of Justice has concluded their independent review  regarding the in-custody death of Silver Jenkins in 2023 and has declined to bring charges.   On March 12, 2023, Jenkins was found unresponsive in her cell at the Eau Claire County Jail. The St. Croix  County Sheriff’s Office and the Eau Claire County Medical Examiner

A preliminary hearing is set for the father of the Abundant Life Christian School shooter, who is accused of killing two people and herself last December.  Jeffrey Rupnow’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 24th.  He appeared in court Monday afternoon.  Rupnow’s daughter, Natalie Rupnow, opened fire at the school last December, killing two and injuring six other before taking her own life.  Her father is charged with two counts of intentional sale of a dangerous weapon to a person

An Eau Claire man will spend 16 years in prison for sexually assaulting a 12-year-old child.  A judge sentenced Marcel Wiseman this morning. 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.       

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.