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A University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire professor and his student researchers are featured in two documentaries spotlighting their work to find forgotten Holocaust history. Dr. Harry Jol and his team appear in BBC and National Geographic documentaries titled “The Hidden Holocaust” and “How he Holocaust Began.” The films show the university’s Holocaust Mapping Program, which uses advanced technology to locate mass burial and execution sites. The research team travels overseas to collect data using ground-penetrating radar, laser leveling and aerial drones.

Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) Secretary Randy Romanski received the Honorary American FFA Degree today during the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis. The Honorary American FFA Degree is given to those who advance agricultural education and FFA through outstanding personal commitment. The award recognizes individuals who have gone beyond valuable, daily contributions to make a long-term difference in the lives of students, and to inspire confidence in a new generation of agriculturists. Members

BOO!  Happy Halloween! It’s here! For this week’s Friday Feel Good we aren’t just trick-or-treating for sweets, we unwrap a sweet story about keeping the spirit of the season alive and well!  A community in North Palm Beach, Florida went big for Halloween this year, and a four-year-old kid made it happen.  A woman named Jill Parker posted a video of her son Reef a few weeks ago, complaining there weren’t enough Halloween decorations.  Reef and his mom talk about the neighborhood

The La Crosse Wastewater Treatment Plant has finished construction of what it calls the largest public works project from the city of La Crosse in its history. The project is designed to meet low-level phosphorous compliance and reduce the biosolid footprint. It will also generate electricity from burning methane gas. La Crosse began planning the 68-million dollar project ten years ago.

Two state Head Start programs are pausing services for November amid the federal government shutdown.  The Southwestern Wisconsin Community Action Program will close on Monday.  Meanwhile, the Sheboygan Human Rights Association will shut down on the 14th.  This comes as the ongoing federal government shutdown enters its 31st day.  Governor Evers says the closures will leave nearly 300 children without early childhood programming.  More than 80 staff members will be without pay until federal grants are issued.

The Trump administration has denied the state’s request for hazard mitigation grant funding for six counties hit by August storms and flooding.  This follows a previous refusal of public-assistance funding for more than 26 million dollars in damage.  The decision leaves communities without federal support for rebuilding infrastructure and preparing for future disasters.  Governor Evers says he plans to appeal both decisions and that the state has 30 days to submit additional justification.

Six cruise ships will be visiting Green Bay next year.  Officials say the visits are expected to bring about 785 passengers into the city and more than 327-thousand dollars in economic impact for the area.  Two of the visits will be from Victory Cruise Lines and the other four from American Cruise Lines’ American Patriot.  This year, Green Bay welcomed two cruise ships. 

Knock, knock… It’s here! Happy Halloween! It’s the night that scream queens count down to and that Linus sleeps in the pumpkin patch waiting for The Great Pumpkin. But, aside from a scheme to get sweets, why do we celebrate this day of all things spooky? First of all, here’s what treats and tricks Mother Nature has up here sleeve. CLICK FOR YOUR FULL WEAU FIRST ALERT FORECAST to see if coats (or umbrellas) will be part of the costume.

If you are heading out to Trick or Treat, the Chippewa County Sheriff’s office is offering a new tool for safety. They’ve partnered with the Department of Corrections to ensure that they had the most current addresses for all the registered sex offenders in Chippewa County. This information is publicly available. For the mapping feature they have removed all juveniles. Due to keeping the information as accurate as possible, this layer feature will be taken down in a few weeks.

A man charged with second-degree intentional homicide and substantial battery in two cases is pleading no contest. Officials say 19-year-old Du’Marion Stogner waived his preliminary hearing and accepted dismissal of other charges that were read in. The homicide charge stems from the January 2025 death of 21-year-old Andre Simmons Junior. Meanwhile, the battery charge involves an October 2024 assault on a footbridge. Stogner is scheduled for sentencing in February 2026.