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The City of Altoona is considering joining its fire department with the Chippewa Fire District. Officials say that such a move when enhance service for residents and qualify the department for a state grant. The city will present a full rundown of what is being considered and why at a meeting Tuesday at the Lake Hallie Fire Department.

In La Crosse, a Valley View Mall retailer has seen their location condemned after reports concerning a leaky room. The mall’s Barnes & Noble store has been ordered closed until such times as it roof is properly repaired or replaced and other repairs are made and the property passes inspection. The bookstore says they are working to quickly resolve the matter.

The Wisconsin State Patrol is encouraging e-bike and e-scooter safety. The department is reminding folks this month to stay alert and share the road safely in the interest of safety for riders and motorists alike. There were 64 e-bikes and e-scooters involved in motor vehicle crashes in the state last year.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is asking the public to prioritize safety when going outdoors.  The fluctuating temperatures are affecting lake ice, making it unreliable for vehicles, UTVs, snowmobiles and fishing shelters.  The DNR is recommending citizens to carry a cell phone, wear a life jacket, use ice creepers and carry spikes and a rope.  They’re also telling snowmobilers to check trail conditions as late-season trails can be unpredictable. 

State Attorney General Josh Kaul is taking legal action against President Trump’s latest tariff measures.  Kaul is part of a coalition filing a lawsuit to block the administration’s attempt to impose tariffs without congressional approval.  He says the “unlawful use of tariffs should stop.”  The coalition says these tariffs violate the law, disrupt constitutional powers and breach the Administrative Procedure Act. 

The Chippewa County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) has opened a new water testing laboratory, expanding access to convenient, local drinking water testing for residents. In recognition of Groundwater Awareness Week (March 8–14), CCDPH is partnering with Chippewa County Land Conservation to offer discounted bundled nitrate and bacteria testing for private well owners. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

The St. Croix Valley Business Innovation Center (SCVBIC) in River Falls has awarded a second and final round of micro-grants supported by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) to help area businesses grow. During this final round, SCVBIC awarded $55,000 to 12 businesses to help with critical growth expenses.   The micro-grants are supported by $100,000 from the WEDC, provided to support businesses in St. Croix, Pierce and Polk counties. Awarded along with the grants was a matching $100,000 worth of in-kind volunteer hours, with the bulk of the hours coming from the committee’s volunteer judges. The funding is part of more than $1.6 million provided by WEDC to 14 Wisconsin

Getting a bachelor’s degree in three years could soon become an option in the Universities of Wisconsin system. The Board of Regents recently reviewed a policy change that would allow campuses to create accelerated degree programs requiring about 90 credits instead of the traditional 120. Three-year degree programs have been growing in popularity nationwide as schools look for ways to reduce costs and shorten time to graduation. The board is expected to vote on the policy at a future meeting.

A portion of the La Crosse Grand Crossing Trail will close Monday as Part One of a two-part construction project gets underway.  Officials say the project is aimed at improving the trail’s long-term resiliency and user experience.  Part One will have the trail closed from East Avenue to the intersection of Cottonwood Trail while the spillway is reconstructed and reinforced. 

La Crosse City Council is considering a measure that would enforce a minimum age of 21-years-old for the purchase or possession of cigarette & tobacco products and electronic vaping devices.  Council’s Judiciary and Administrative Committee gave its approval to the idea this week with a full council vote planned for next week.  If approved, the measure would bring La Crosse in line on the matter with state and federal laws.