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A large fire leaves over a million dollars in damages. It happened, just before 5 on Thursday evening.  The Rice Lake Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a large structure fully engulfed in flames. While en-route, fire department units were advised that the occupants were not home. A two-story residential structure – approximately 6000 square feet – was fully involved with fire. Shortly after arrival, the roof of the southern section of the structure collapsed and a natural

Trees and power lines are down in the Chippewa Valley after powerful storms rolled through.  Thousands were left without power in the Altoona area last night.  In Spring Valley, the school was damage during the storm.  A volleyball game was happening between Spring Valley and Colfax, and people had to take shelter in the locker rooms.  The Colfax bus was damaged as well.

Three teens are in custody after a school shooting threat at Augusta High School.  Officials say the threat was found on an electronic device yesterday, and said there would be a shooting on September 25th.  The three teens were removed from the school and referred to juvenile authorities for making terroristic threats.  NO guns or bombs were found on school grounds but there will be increased law enforcement presence in upcoming days.

Authorities say 43-year-old Anthony Tong of Madison is the man who shot and injured four people at his Middleton workplace.  Tong walked into WTS Paradigm Wednesday morning with a handgun and extra ammunition and started shooting his co-workers. Police responded quickly, killing Tong before he was able to kill others.  No motive has been identified. 

The deer farming industry is concerned about new emergency rules about chronic wasting disease.  The owner of Autumn Acres Whitetails says the double fencing requirement could put many deer farmers out of business because of the cost and the shrinkage of pens, which would shrink herds.

Head on over to your favorite putt-putt course today for Miniature Golf Day.  It’s believed that mini golf was invented in the late 19th century specifically for women, so they could play golf without having to use a full-sized golf club.  The activity includes windmills, ramps, loop de loops, uneven courses and other obstacles that make for a fun way to score a hole in one.  The holiday is celebrated worldwide. 

Minors will no longer be allowed to vape in Neenah.  The city council passed an ordinance THIS WEEK prohibiting minors from using vaping products or e-cigarettes.  Officials say vaping is becoming an increasing problem and they want to be proactive.  The ordinance takes effect next month. 

California olive oil producers say this year’s low harvest is close to catastrophic.  The California Olive Oil Council says olive harvests plummeted 25 percent this year due to a heat wave in February.  The unexpected warm weather triggered olive trees to begin producing fruit early.  Then, freezing temperatures in March shut that process down, leaving many growers without any fruit on trees.  Despite this year’s shortage, olive oil prices are not expected to go up due to bumper crop in

9.24.2018: The Sheriffs Department confirms that Strong was taken back into custody.    The Barron County Sheriff’s Department is looking for a man who walked away from the jail. 30 year old Michael Strong of Barronett failed to return to the jail last night after being out on Work Release Huber. Strong was in jail on Methamphetamine charges. If anyone has information about his whereabouts, please contact the Barron County Sheriff’s Department. A warrant has been issued for his arrest.

The Cardinals have something to CHIRP about. Chippewa Falls Middle School is being named one of the healthiest schools in the country.  The school made the list of just over 460 schools from 26 states prepared by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation.  Criteria included serving healthier meals and getting students moving more.  Chippewa Falls Middle School is one of 13 schools across the state receive the honor.