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A high threat of fire is prompting Governor Tony Evers to declare a State of Emergency.  The Department of Natural Resources says there have been over 300 wildfires in the state this year.  Warm temperatures, low humidity and dry conditions are a dangerous combination and have put Wisconsin in a very high fire danger range.  Officials are asking people to avoid outdoor burning of any kind including campfires. 

The number of COVID-19 cases confirmed statewide now tops 580-thousand.   Wisconsin health officials reported 307 cases over the last 24 hours.  One additional death raises that toll to 66-hundred-and-40. CLICK HERE FOR MORE FROM WI DHS.

The Wausau Chamber of Commerce announces the closure of the Wausau Center Mall.  The closure is effective immediately.  The mall is scheduled to be demolished in May.  A development plan includes over 400 residential units, retail and office space. 

The family of animals at Henry Vilas Zoo is expanding with the birth of three otter pups.  The pups were born in February and until they learn to swim, zoo officials say they will be raised by their mother.  The baby otters will stay out of public sight until later in the spring.  The zoo is targeting late May to introduce the pups to the public. CLICK HERE FOR MORE FROM THE ZOO.

A new regional COVID-19 mass vaccination clinic at the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire’s Zorn Arena is scheduled to open on Thursday, April 8th. The vaccine clinic at Zorn Arena will provide at least 3,500 and up to 7,000 vaccine doses each week with a maximum daily capacity of 1,400 people. As a reminder, starting today anyone 16 years or older is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. CLICK HERE FOR LOCAL VACCINATION INFO AND APPOINTMENTS.

The 2021 Wisconsin Spring Primary Election is tomorrow. To find your polling place, visit my-vote-w-i-dot-gov WITH AN EASY CLICK HERE. There you can search for your ballot to find information about local elections and how to vote in person.

Eau Claire is a great place for trail-riders, or walkers, or hikers. The city is home to the second longest trail system in Wisconsin. That’s nearly 30 miles of trails around the city alone. It seems like a nice afternoon to get outside. The National Weather Service says highs could reach the low 80s in Western Wisconsin, but it could rain a bit later tonight.

As the weather warms up and spring sets in, ticks and other bugs are likely to come out. The Eau Claire City- County Health Department says you can welcome spring by layering up on sunscreen and bug repellent before going outside. They encourage people to wear layers to protect their skin outdoors. If found, ticks can be removed by pulling firmly upward with a pair of narrow-bladed tweezers.

 It’s another measure of Milwaukee’s violent year. TMJ4 is reporting that Milwaukee’s non-fatal shooting total is nearly double what it was last year at this point. Numbers from the Milwaukee Police Department show there have been 153 shootings where someone didn’t die so far in 2021. Last year’s shooting total on April 1st was just 53 shootings. Milwaukee Police don’t have an explanation for the jump in shootings, but say many of them happen in the same neighborhoods between people

Flags are flying at half-staff today after President Biden issued a Presidential Proclamation to lower the U.S. flag following the attack at the U.S. Capitol on Friday.  One Capitol Police officer died and another was injured after a man rammed his car into a security checkpoint.  The suspect was shot and died moments later.  Flags will remain lowered until sunset on Tuesday.