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Wisconsin’s surge in unemployment is leading to an uptick in fraud. The state’s Department of Workforce Development yesterday said it flagged 342 unsuccessful attempts to use fake social security numbers to collect unemployment benefits. DWD also said it found around 26-thousand-dollars in payments to 171 people that should have never been made. The department’s director says it is sad to see some people trying to take advantage of this economic downturn.

Swimming is off the schedule in Onalaska this summer. The city’s Park Board voted yesterday to close the Onalaska Aquatic Center because of the coronavirus. Park and Rec Director Dan Wick said it was a difficult decision, but it is the right decision.

It’s now officially Congressman Tom Tiffany. Tiffany took his oath of office in Washington D.C. yesterday. He said he hopes to hit the ground running and stand-up for the principles of freedom and liberty. Tiffany will not get much time to rest. He has to run for his seat again in November.

The Eau Claire City-County Health Department continues to follow the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation as it develops and Eau Claire has added 4 cases of positive coronavirus since yesterday. In terms of follow up on the local cases, we know that as of 5/13/20, 40 cases had been released from isolation. People released from isolation are no longer considered infectious. 467 have died from Coronavirus in Wisconsin. FOR MORE LOCAL AND STATE TESTING NUMBERS AND INFORMATION CLICK HERE

Governor Tony Evers office says the state will use much of the one-billion-dollars in federal money it’s receiving to use for coronavirus testing.  The state plans to use about 260-million-dollars for testing and 75-million-dollars for contract tracing with the money received from the coronavirus relief act known as the CARES Act.  The state is receiving another 137-million-dollars from the Paycheck Protection Program and the Healthcare Enhancement Act.  That funding will also be used to trace contacts and analyze COVID-19 tests.

Consumer spending is down over 19-percent in Wisconsin during the COVID crisis.  Data released this month by economic tracker Opportunity Insights shows a 19-point-four-percent decline in the Badger State in all consumer spending including grocery, entertainment, restaurants, apparel and healthcare.  The average decline in all consumer spending in the U.S. was just over 20-percent in April compared to January.

Layoffs are coming to Foremost Farms USA in Chilton.  The company today said it is permanently closing its Chilton cheese plant which will impact 50 employees.  Layoffs are scheduled for mid-July.  Company officials say it is a business decision and not a reflection of the excellent employees in Chilton.

The Wisconsin Department of Tourism has combined some fun with education to learn more about the state.  The department today announced the creation of two virtual games allowing users to learn about state parks, lakes and outdoor activities.  The “Ultimate Fishing Game” allows users to virtually cast in one of four Wisconsin lakes while “Match It! Wisconsin” is a game that challenges the memory with facts about Wisconsin. CLICK HERE FOR A VISIT TO BUCKYLAND

Each year, the Postal Service designates the third full week of May as “Mailbox Improvement Week” to encourage customers on city motorized, rural, or contract delivery service routes to examine and, wherenecessary, improve the appearance of their mailboxes. Mailbox Improvement Week calls attention to the need for providing mailboxes that are: Approved by the Postmaster General. Fully operational. Designed to protect the mail from weather. Safe to use. Conveniently located. Neat in appearance. Large enough within allowable size limits to

Steven Dunn, of Bayfield, Wisconsin, is facing charges after he allegedly stole from his employer and filed fraudulent tax returns. Dunn worked as the maintenance supervisor for the Bayfield School District. Dunn was charged with two counts of theft, one count of misdemeanor theft, and three counts of knowingly make false statement in application for a certificate of title. According to the criminal complaint, Dunn used the school district’s credit card to make personal purchases, mainly diesel fuel for his