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A new case of bird flu is confirmed in Milwaukee County. The Department of Natural Resources says the virus was found in a wild merganser collected last week. The bird flu virus has been found in six Wisconsin counties since mid-December, including Dane, Racine, and Racine Counties. Most fatalities are in swans and Canada geese.

The Wisconsin Police Chiefs Association has a new president. Altoona Police Chief Kelly Bakken was sworn in yesterday. She’s worked for the police department since 2019.

On this Valentine’s Day you might be feeling more blue than red and pink. We aim to cheer you up. So, if you are feeling more like Eeyore than Tigger, we have a Friday Feel Good that is sure to help put a smile on your face.  A sad donkey named Eeyore is doing much better after getting a new home on Vancouver Island in Canada.  A sanctuary called Home for Hooves took him in and gave him a yoga ball for fun. 

The Eau Claire Downtown YMCA, Eau Claire South YMCA, and Chippewa Falls YMCA, in collaboration with the Eau Claire Area School District, have launched an initiative aimed at collecting donations of clothing and hygiene items for students in need. “By collecting these essential items, we are not only promoting their health and hygiene but also enhancing their confidence and dignity. We are fully committed to nurturing the potential of every child, not just at the Y, but throughout our community.

The Eau Claire Police Department is teaming up with animal shelters in the region to promote animals in need of a new home.  Thorough “pawtrol,” the animals will have a better chance of getting adopted.  Each month, the ECPD will highlight a dog from the Eau Claire Community Humane Association, sharing details about the animal.  The program is looking to help every animal find a new home. CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE WITH WEAU 13 NEWS.

The NFL says tickets for the 2025 Draft Experience in Green Bay are going to be available soon.  The league says fans can start claiming the free passes on a first-come, first-served basis starting on March 4th.  Fans can download the NFL OnePass app to get them or visit the NFL website to scan a QR code.  The Draft Experience will run from April 24 through the 26th. CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS.

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire’s shamrock shuffle is back.  On Saturday, March 8th, the university will host their annual five-K race.  It  begins at the top of Garfield Avenue hill and ends at the Mcphee Physical Education Center.  Funds raised from the shamrock shuffle will go toward the university.  For more information on registration deadlines you can visit the UWEC website WITH AN EASY CLICK HERE.

Love is in the air this Valentines Day, but so is some snow and cold. Locally, we can expect accumulating snow that moves in this afternoon with hazardous travel likely for the evening commute. CLICK HERE FOR FULL FIRST ALERT FORECAST DETAILS WITH WEAU 13.

An Eau Claire man is scheduled to be arraigned next month for a murder charge.  Shane Helmbrecht was in court for a motion hearing on Wednesday.  According to online court records, the court is standing on its previous finding that the 53-year-old is competent to proceed.  No new competency examination was ordered. Helmbrecht is charged with intentional homicide for the shooting and killing of his neighbor Jenn Ward in 2016.  He was found incompetent to stand trial and ordered to

The Wisconsin Attorney General’s Office is urging the state Supreme Court to deny an appeal review from Steven Avery.  AG officials filed a legal brief yesterday making the recommendation as attorneys for Avery request a new trial.  The Attorney General argues that there is no issue within the law related to the case that the Supreme Court needs to address.  Avery is serving a life sentence in connection with the 2005 murder of freelance photographer Teresa Halbach.  The case received