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The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is asking residents to watch out for spongy moths.  The worm-like bug is known to cause drought and defoliation.  Anyone seeing signs of decline in their trees should email a report. Spongy moth outbreaks usually last two to three years, and happen every ten to twelve years. CLICK HERE FOR MORE.

A black bear whose head was stuck in a jar is now free.  A Wildlife Services staff member freed the bear who was sporting the plastic jar since July 26th.  No injuries were found on the bear but it was noted that she was a little skinny.  The animal has been relocated to a safe wooded area with food for recovery.  CLICK HERE TO READ MORE AND SEE A PHOTO OF THE RESCUE.

On Monday, August 4, 2025, a 39-year-old male was found unresponsive in his cell at the Eau Claire  County Jail. The Eau Claire County Sheriff’s Office has requested an outside Sheriff’s Office along  with the Eau Claire County Medical Examiner to conduct an independent investigation into this death.   The Sheriff’s Office will not be releasing the name of the deceased at this time as this is an ongoing  investigation.  

Eau Claire Police are warning residents of a telephone scam.  According to police, folks are receiving contacts from someone posing as a member of law enforcement and telling the call recipient that someone they know will be taken to jail if a payment is not made — usually by cryptocurrency or Bitcoin.  The would-be victim is told that they are not speak to anyone about the call because that would be a violation of a gag order.  Police say these

The La Crosse Fire Department is sharing details about a busy day experienced by first responders last week.  On Thursday at 4:19 p.m., crews were dispatched to Riverside Park with reports that someone had leapt into the Mississippi River.  Rescuers quickly got into the water and located that person.  Eighteen minutes after that call came in, another came in reporting someone was in distress in the water near the 7th Street Boat Landing.  That person was also rescued.

The Eau Claire City-County Health Department is advising of the presence of harmful algae at Lake Altoona Beach.  For now authorities are saying to avoid water activities in the area.  They specifically say not to swim, touch or swallow water that is anywhere near the algae.

An air quality alert active for all of Wisconsin is being extended until noon tomorrow. The Department of Natural Resources says air quality is poor across the state due to lingering Canadian wildfire smoke.  Conditions are fluctuating between Unhealthy and Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, including children, older adults, and outdoor workers.  The DNR recommends shortening the amount of time spent outside.

Vaccinations rates have held steady for children attending Wisconsin schools.  The Department of Health Services says more than 84-percent of students met minimum requirements for immunizations for the 2024-2025 school year.  However, the Centers for Disease Control says Wisconsin kindergarteners are behind other states when it comes to being protected against illnesses that can be prevented through vaccines. 

Law enforcement in Wisconsin will focus on traffic safety near school buses this month.  The Department of Transportation says more than six-hundred crashes in Wisconsin involve school buses annually.  The department encourages drivers to watch for children while school buses are stopped, and reminds them it’s illegal to pass while a bus is stopped with flashing red or amber lights or when it’s stop sign is extended.  

Great ideas are taking root at a local school! Mirabai Rickert, a member of Scouts of America Troop 30 and a student at Memorial High School, has led a group of volunteers in making two brick raised vegetable garden beds at Manz Elementary school. Located on the south side of the building, these beds will be integrated into the school’s curriculum so students can learn about sustainable growing, where their food comes from and healthy eating habits. This project is