Home

KEYS IN HAND FOR FOXCONN

By Morgan McCarthy | February 26, 2019

Foxconn finally has the keys to its hub headquarters in Racine.  The company yesterday closed on the purchase of a building in downtown Racine that leaders say will become one of their first innovation centers.  Foxconn critics say the purchase is a sign that the company is still serious about opening a facility in Racine, but whether that will be a factory remains to be seen.  

Read More

EVERS WITHDRAWING WI NATIONAL GUARD TROOPS FROM BORDER

By Morgan McCarthy | February 26, 2019

Governor Tony Evers is withdrawing Wisconsin National Guard troops from the Southwest border.  Evers issued an executive order yesterday bringing about 110 Wisconsin National Guardsmen home from assisting with border security.  The Democratic governor says the responsibility for keeping the borders safe belongs to the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.  Evers’ order immediately drew criticism from Republicans, who say securing the borders is a top priority for the nation. 

Read More

PRICE TAG…YOU’RE IT!

By Morgan McCarthy | February 26, 2019

A task force is tackling the issue of access to affordable housing in the Chippewa Valley.  The group presented its findings to the Eau Claire City Council during its public hearing last night. The Regional Task Force is a partnership between the Cities of Altoona and Eau Claire and found just over 15 percent of people in Eau Claire County are living in poverty, and that the cost of renting and owning are rapidly increasing. 

Read More

TEACHER KILLED IN MASSIVE PILE UP

By Morgan McCarthy | February 26, 2019

A 30-year-old Iola-Scandinavia middle and high school science teacher is dead after a massive chain-reaction crash in Neenah, Wisconsin.  Andrew Schefelker was the only person who suffered deadly injuries Sunday in the 131 vehicle pileup in whiteout conditions.  Officials say Schefelker was in his first year of teaching for the district, and that he supervised activities as well as being involved with Scouts BSA. 

Read More

STATE OF EMERGENCY CONTINUES

By Morgan McCarthy | February 26, 2019

Eau Claire County is still under a state of emergency after a blizzard hit the area.  The declaration was made by Eau Claire County emergency management coordinator Tyler Esh Sunday night.  The state of emergency expires today at 5 p.m. and motorists are advised not to travel because of snow and ice-covered roads.

Read More

SNOW FALL FALLOUT; LOCAL EFFECTS OF RECORD AMOUNTS

By Morgan McCarthy | February 26, 2019

The repeated snow storms hitting the area are affecting small businesses in Eau Claire.  Several stores have been forced to close early or not open at all over the past few weeks during heavy snows.  Slow foot traffic at businesses has made it difficult for owners to meet financial obligations.  Retailers are hoping the snow lets up enough to allow for patrons to visit local shops soon. Snow blowers are getting a lot of use in western Wisconsin, which has the

Read More

TAYLOR CO. SEEKS PUBLIC HELP IN FINDING MISSING MAN

By Morgan McCarthy | February 25, 2019

The Taylor County Sheriff’s Office is still in need of assistance locating John R. Shest. Shest walked away from the Phoenix House located in the village of Gilman yesterday February 24,2019 at approximately 1:36 p.m. He was last seen at 2:00 p.m. leaving the Corner Store in the village of Gilman after purchasing alcohol. Shest was wearing blue jeans and blue hoodie , he left the Corner Store on foot in an unknown direction. Anybody with information is asked to

Read More

JUST LOCAL HIRES NEW GM; LOOKS AHEAD TO MOVE

By Morgan McCarthy | February 25, 2019

Just Local Food announces that as of February 18, Scott Zellmer is the new General Manager of Just Local Food Coop located at 1117 South Farwell Street.  “The Board is extremely pleased to find such a qualified person,” said Rachel Hart-Brinson, President of the Just Local Food Board of Directors. GM Background Scott Zellmer brings over 20 years of retail food experience to Just Local Food. He previously served as buyer and GM for The Coffee Grounds and Hahn’s Market,

Read More

EVERS VS. PRIVATE VOUCHER AND CHARTER SCHOOLS

By Morgan McCarthy | February 25, 2019

Governor Tony Evers wants to stop expansion in private voucher and charter schools.  Aides tell the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel the governor wants to freeze the number of students who may enroll in private voucher schools and suspend new, independent charter schools until 2023.  Evers is the former state superintendent of schools who has argued the state could not properly fund its public schools while also expanding taxpayer-funded private voucher and charter school options. 

Read More

THE HIGH COST OF HIGH SECURITY PRISON

By Morgan McCarthy | February 25, 2019

Taxpayers could be on the hook for millions of dollars more than first expected to replace the maximum-security prison in Green Bay.  The Press-Gazette says today a draft report from two consulting firms estimate the replacement cost for the prison to be between 450-and-500 million dollars.  There are numerous issues with the current facility including 100-year-old infrastructure that can’t handle the eleven-hundred inmates, which is hundreds more than it was built to house.  

Read More