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A new report shows that Eau Claire County crews stand out as some of the best when clearing roads in the winter.  The report was released yesterday by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and compared the 2017-2018 winter performance of highway departments across the state.  Criteria included salt usage, winter severity, and reaction times.  Eau Claire County was ranked as taking action quickly on winter weather, while not responding too soon. 

Recent snow and cold temperatures are leading to volunteer shortages at many Eau Claire organizations.  The kitchen coordinator at the Community Table says that seven volunteers showed up yesterday and only one showed up last week, while ten to 12 are needed to help cook and serve people needing a hot meal.  The American Red Cross is also facing a blood shortage because of canceled blood drives during snow and below freezing temperatures. 

Wisconsin leaders are facing pressure to change the way juvenile suspects are interrogated.  Thousands have signed a petition for change over concerns with the interrogation practices used on teenage killer Brendan Dassey, which were widely seen on the Netflix presentation Making a Murderer.  Dassey was questioned without an attorney or parent present in 2005 in connection with the murder of photographer Teresa Halbach.  His conviction was initially set aside by a federal court magistrate over the interrogation tactics, but was later

Former Republican Governor Scott Walker is now charging up to 25-thousand dollars per speech to discuss politics and his experiences in public office in Wisconsin.  Walker announced yesterday that he is joining Worldwide Speakers Group, which coordinates speaking engagements for such public figures as former White House press secretary Sean Spicer, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, and former Republican presidential candidate Carly Fiorina.  He will be speaking on topics such as leadership, current political insights, crisis management, and the power of

The father of accused killer and kidnapper Jake Patterson says he’s praying for complete healing for Jayme Closs.  The 13-year-old was abducted in October after her parents were allegedly gunned down in their home by Patterson.  He took the teen to his home in Gordon where he held her prisoner for nearly three months before she was able to escape.  Patterson’s father Patrick tells ABC News today that his family is heartbroken for the Closs family and they are very

Flags in Wisconsin are flying at half-staff on the order of Governor Tony Evers.  Flags of the United States and the state have been lowered in honor of Officer Matthew Rittner of the Milwaukee Police Department. Rittner died in the line of duty while helping serve a warrant on Wednesday.   Milwaukee announced last night that a vigil would be held tonight at 6:30 p.m. to honor Rittner at Clement Zablocki School on West Oklahoma Avenue. 

Shopko is closing additional stores as company officials scramble to keep the doors open at remaining locations.  Additional closures announced yesterday include stores in Madison, Monona, Mauston, Beloit, Shawano, Marinette, De Pere and Waupaca.  The department store chain already announced plans to close more than 250 of its stores around the country, which will include over 40 in its home state of Wisconsin. 

Flu levels in Wisconsin are hovering at moderate levels.  The Department of Health Services says today Northeast Wisconsin has the fewest reported cases of influenza.  The flu has claimed the lives of six people in the state.  The season has not yet peaked and many health clinicians think the season could extend into late March. 

Lottery officials are still waiting for a million-dollar winner to step forward to claim their prize.  Saturday’s Powerball drawing produced a big winning ticket bought at a Kwik Trip in Superior.  One lucky player matched all five white ball numbers, but not the Powerball.  The winner has 180 days from the drawing date to claim their prize at the Lottery’s Madison office. 

North central and northwest Wisconsin are bracing for another snow storm today.  Light snow that fell overnight is picking up today as a huge system sweeps across the northern Midwest.  According to the National Weather Service, anywhere from for to eight inches of snow is expected in the Eau Claire area.  Temperatures should also dip below freezing overnight.