Home

There’s a suggestion that anyone who went to the Ho-Chunk casinos in the Dells or in Wittenberg get tested for the coronavirus. The Ho-Chunk nation last week said two workers at the casino in Wittenberg and three workers at the casino in at the Ho-Chunk Gaming in the Wisconsin Dells tested positive for the virus. There’s no word if any customers at the casinos have tested positive as well.

We are waiting to see just how much damage a late night house fire in downtown Eau Claire left behind. Firefighters got a call about 11:30 last night about flames and smoke coming from a home on Jefferson Street. Three adult occupants were home at the time of the fire and were able to evacuate as fire crews arrived. No civilian or firefighter injuries were reported, however several pets perished inside the residence.

Wisconsin’s coronavirus death toll continues to climb, and continues to be centered among older people. The state’s Department of Health Services yesterday reported one new death. That brings the total since March to 948, and of those, 49 are in people under 50-years-old. The vast majority of people who died from the virus in the state are over 70. DHS is reporting zero coronavirus deaths among children and teens.

Eau Claire’s park managers are doing what they can to help people safely swim in local lakes and rivers. The Parks Department on Friday handed-out 150 water safety packs. Those include a life jacket, sun screen, sun glasses, and some other fun beach-related items. Parks and Rec’s Dawn Comte says the idea is to make sure families are as safe as they can be when they head to a natural waterway here in Eau Claire.

Hundreds of people in Wisconsin apparently got some mystery seeds in the mail from China.  Wisconsin’s Department of Agriculture says 500 people have turned-in seeds since they put out a warning last week. The seeds often come unsolicited in the mail. Ag officials say do not plant them and do not throw them away. There is still no word what the seeds are, or why someone is sending them. CLICK HERE TO OPEN MORE DETAILS

The list of hand sanitizer brands the FDA considers a health risk is growing. The agency’s list now tops 100 brands of sanitizer that may contain methanol which can be absorbed through the skin and cause harm, even death.  The FDA reported Friday there are 101 brands that should be avoided.  The new report also clarifies, “certain hand sanitizers have concerningly low levels of ethyl alcohol or isopropyl alcohol”  both of which are safe and effective ingredients regularly used in

 Governor Tony Evers’ mandatory order for everyone to wear a mask is now in force.  The first day the order took effect which was yesterday was met with some protests around the state.  Also some law enforcement agencies say they will not cite anyone for not wearing a mask.  La Crosse Police Sergeant Tom Walsh says his department is expecting voluntary compliance from members of the community.  The state’s mandatory mask rule lasts through September 28.

COVID-19 is being blamed for the shutdown of Noah’s Ark Waterpark at the Dells.  Park officials announced the measure yesterday.  Two employees have tested positive for the disease.  Waterpark vice president Bill Lentz says ever since the park reopened this summer they have adopted strict observance of distancing, sanitizing, disinfection and mask wearing.  Lentz says the health and safety of employees and guests is a top priority.  The park is closed until further notice.

Sunday’s double header between the Brewers and the Cardinals is postponed.  Three players and several staffers with the Cardinals’ organization are positive for COVID-19 which has led to the decision to hold off.  Milwaukee is taking things day to day according to general manager David Stearns.  Yesterday Stearns said, “We are prepared to play each day until we are told otherwise.”  Next up for the Brewers is the club’s home opener at 7:10-p.m. Monday against the White Sox.

Hello, and welcome to your weekend. As we go forward and flip the calendar page into a new month, we go back to see what this day has written in the past pages of history, a fun little trip down memory lane as you scroll and sip your coffee. Today is Saturday, August 1st, the 214th day of the year.  There are 153 days until the end of the year…. On this day: In 1893, Henry Perky and William Ford