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Democrats in Madison are upset that their cornerstone issue is essentially dead for the next two years.  Democratic lawmakers yesterday told reporters at the Capitol that Republicans made a mistake by not including a Medicaid expansion in the new state budget.  State Rep. Chris Taylor said the decision is morally bankrupt and fiscally irresponsible.  Republicans say adding more than 80 thousand people to the state’s healthcare rolls would simply cost too much. 

The rules for bow and hand catfishing in Wisconsin are set.  The Department of Natural Resources yesterday approved the regulations for the state’s newest fishing season.  Hand-fishing season will run from June 1st til August 31st each year.  Bow fishing will run all year across the southern two-thirds of the state.  Governor Walker created temporary rules for hand and bow fishing last year, the new rules simply make those seasons permanent. 

OneFest returns to Northern Wisconsin with help from a $24,800 Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) Grant from the Wisconsin Department of Tourism. The second annual festival, taking place July 26-28, invites the whole family to enjoy music, worship and outdoor activities. OneFest will be held at the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds in Chippewa Falls. OneFest features national Christian music performers, including Newsboys, Francesca Battistelli, Building 429, Carrolton, The Young Escape and Tori Harper, along with local and regional bands. The event

The family of slain Firefighter Mitch Lundgaard is receiving some much-needed good news.  The 9/11 Memorial organization honoring New York firefighter Stephen Siller says it will pay off the mortgage of the family’s home.  Lundgaard was shot and killed last month while on a service call at the Valley Transit Center in Appleton.  He is survived by his wife and three children. 

After years of planning and many months of work, the newest public space in Downtown Eau Claire will open on July 2! When you come out to hang in the plaza you will see interactive water fountains, fire features, green space, seating, and river access. All part of the continuing downtown makeover into a favorite space in our city.

Eau Claire Parks & Recreation announces that the Fairfax Swimming Pool will be closed this weekend, June 29 and 30 for the annual YMCA Swim Meet.With temperatures reaching the 90 degree mark on these days, there will be opportunities to splash in Chippewa and Menomonie pools!

The Eau Claire County Parks & Forest Department announces that water testing results by the City County Health Department indicate Coon Fork Lake dayside and campground beaches have unsafe bacteria levels and are closed effective immediately. Lake Eau Claire, Big Falls, and Lake Altoona Park beaches are currently within acceptable standards for swimming and therefore open. The Health Department will retest the areas today and the Parks & Forest Department will inform the public when bacteria levels are within acceptable

The Wisconsin State Patrol is working to reduce the number of car crashes in Chippewa County.  The University of Wisconsin Traffic Operations and Safety Lab has identified the three most accident prone areas in the county so the state patrol can create a safer environment in those areas.  There have been nearly 200 crashes in Chippewa County in the last three years. 

There’s a new starting line for the 2020 Eau Claire Marathon.  Yesterday the city council approved moving the central hub from Carson Park to the Madison Street Bridge in downtown.  The finish line has also been moved to the end of Barstow Street near the Confluence Center. 

Eau Claire’s Owen Park will be getting new restrooms that will accommodate all genders.  Reports say the city council approved the updated bathrooms and a new pavilion yesterday.  There will be a male restroom, female restroom, and a gender inclusive restroom that anyone can use.  The project will cost around 280-thousand dollars and should be done by next spring.