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The statewide jobless rate has risen for the third straight month.  The latest unemployment rate for Wisconsin is three-point-three percent, up from a flat three percent in October.  The number is still historically low but they also continue a trend of higher year-over-year increases that began three months ago.  On the other hand, one local economist says the rate was so low early this year, it could only go up.

A new report from the Wisconsin Policy Forum shows that taxes that residents pay as part of their personal income have dropped over the last 20 years.  The report shows the two percent drop is one of the largest in the nation but the state still ranks 19th highest in state taxes.  That’s according to U.S. Census data for 2017.

With winter bearing down on the state, Governor Tony Evers is asking Republican budget leaders to release funding for homeless programs.  The three-point-seven million dollars would go toward emergency shelters and help low-income people with housing costs.  The funding passed the Assembly but is stalled in the State Senate.

Today, Governor Evers issued an Executive Order, relating to a proclamation that the flag of the United States and the flag of the State of Wisconsin be flown at half-staff as a mark of respect for Army Pfc. Eugene E. Lochowicz. You will see the flags flown at half staff beginning on sunrise Saturday, November 16, 2019 and ending at sunset.

A man is in U.S. Marshals custody after a two-state chase that ended in Saint Croix County.  The county sheriff’s office says it was notified that U.S. Marshals were chasing a sexual assault and kidnapping suspect heading into Wisconsin from Minnesota Wednesday afternoon.  A deputy was able to wreck the suspect’s truck on Highway 35 near Hudson, leading to his arrest.

An Eau Claire man is in custody after being charged with his tenth OWI.  Police say Robert Booth was arrested earlier this week after crashing into two cars on Hastings Way.  Police say they found Booth after he drove away because his left his bumper with his license plate on it at the scene.  He was charged with four counts on Wednesday.

Another Eau Claire County Board member is stepping down.  Sue Miller announced yesterday she’s moving to a new district and will resign on Friday.  Miller has served 25 years on the board at different times since 1991.  Applications to fill the seat are due by the end of the month.

Dunn County is implementing a wheel tax.  The county board voted Tuesday for a 20 dollar tax on every car to pay for road projects.  Reports say farm trucks and vehicles that weigh more than eight-thousand pounds will be exempt.  The tax starts in January and will end in December 2022.

Volunteers will be rolling out the holiday fun this weekend with the first annual Lefse Fest to benefit the L.E. Phillips Senior Center’s “Fit for the Future” building campaign. The family friendly event is set for this Saturday, November 16, from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. or until the lefse runs out. Activities include lefse tasting stations, lefse decorating, lefse making demonstrations, a silent auction, and a 50/50 raffle. There will also be a lefse-filling contest judged by local celebrity

A Dunn County sheriff’s deputy is recovering from minor injuries after a crash at the scene of a previous accident Wednesday.  About 3:30 along I-94 near Menomonie, a deputy was sitting in his SUV when a truck slammed into him.  Both the deputy and driver of the truck were treated for minor injuries.  No word on whether or not the other driver was cited.