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A study at the University of Wisconsin-Madison shows the material and the fit of a mask determine how effective it is. An engineering professor says the disposable, surgical-style masks are the most effective because they filter the droplets released when people breathe out. He says a well-fitting cloth mask is also effective, but they aren’t as good at protecting people from breathing in outside particles. The study finds that while masks help prevent the spread of COVID-19, physical distancing is the

A Wisconsin man is looking for a new kidney. Marion resident Dan Grosskompf placed an ad statewide saying if he got a new one, it would save his life. He says he’s in stage four renal failure and undergoes regular dialysis to stay alive. Dan can be reached at 715-754-2997.

There are a lot more questions than answers about a dead body found in Chippewa County last night. Deputies were out in an area south of 29 Pines on County Highway T.  Sheriff Jim Kowalczyk says the body may be connected to a missing persons case. The sheriff says there is a person of interest in the case, but there is no one in custody. We may get some more answers about the case later today.

The legal battle over Governor Evers’ limit on crowds for bars, restaurants, and supper clubs is coming to northwest Wisconsin. A judge in Sawyer County yesterday froze Governor Evers’ order that limits crowds to just 25 percent of a business’s capacity. The state’s Tavern League sued over the order, saying it would essentially close thousands of businesses across the state. The judge wants the governor to tell him next week why the order should be allowed to resume. The governor, for

Eau Claire County’s sheriff is combing through the files of a Minnesota non-profit, looking for answers about missing and misspent money at the county’s Department of Human Services. Sheriff Ron Cramer says investigators served a warrant at a non-profit called Alia Innovations. The group has worked with the county’s DHS since 2017. The sheriff’s office is leading the investigation into how DHS was seven-and-a-half million-dollars over budget for the past three years. He says the next step is a forensic

The top man in Eau Claire County government says the county may approve the new health ordinance that has so many local businesses concerned. Or, he says the county may follow the city’s lead and put everything on-hold. County Board Chair Nick Smiar yesterday said no one is sure just what the county will do. Smair says he has heard from a lot of people who oppose the new health rules. Smair did say, however, that if the county approves

A man who was in Kenosha during its nights of violence is looking at misdemeanor charges for firing a ‘warning shot’ that may have led to Kyle Rittenhouse shooting and killing two people back in August. The D.A. in Kenosha yesterday filed the charges against 35-year-old Joshua Ziminski. Police say he and his wife admitted that he fired a shot into the air just before Rittenhouse opened fire. Rittenhouse’s lawyers say that shot is what made Rittenhouse fear for his

A judge’s ruling blocks the governor’s executive order limiting the size of indoor gatherings.  A lawsuit was filed yesterday by The Tavern League of Wisconsin challenging the order that limits gatherings to 25-percent of a room or building’s capacity.  The judge’s decision today requires the DHS Secretary to defend the order and explain why it should be enforced.  That court date is scheduled for Monday.

Senator Elizabeth Warren will campaign in Wisconsin for the Biden-Harris ticket.  The Massachusetts Democrat will be appearing at get-out-the-vote events in Madison and Milwaukee on Saturday.  Early voting begins October 20th in Wisconsin. On the other side of the ticket, a stretch of Highway 51 in Rock County will be shut down to accommodate President Trump’s visit to Janesville.  The Rock County Sheriff’s Office said today Highway 51 between Highway 11 and B-R Townline Road will be closed between 5 p.m. and 8

The Fairchild Police Department was notified on October 14, 2020 that Sex Offender Jeffrey Bonnin will be relocated into the Fairchild community at E28050 Pond Road in the Town of Fairchild. Since the notification, local police and sheriff’s officials have been working with the State of Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry on community notification and safety planning. An Eau Claire County court ordered Bonnin’s temporary residence stricken, and immediate housing was required. The Pond Road residence was found to meet statutory