Home

Mega Millions jackpots will grow faster in Wisconsin starting next month. The Wisconsin Lottery says the starting jackpot is increasing to 50-million dollars, and non-jackpot wins can now be as high as ten-million. Other upgrades include automatic multipliers, randomly assigned at the time of purchase. Changes will be effective starting April 5th.

“This recognition is the culmination of years of dedicated support by volunteers, staff, and community members,” says Executive Director Carrie Ronnander. “It reflects as much on Eau Claire and its commitment to arts and culture as it does on the Museum’s desire to by a dynamic gathering space that inspires curiosity.” Chippewa Valley Museum has again achieved accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums, the highest national recognition afforded to the nation’s museums. Accreditation signifies excellence to the museum community,

Whether it was Sue Ann Nivens on the Mary Tyler Moore show, Rose Nyland on Golden Girls, or Elka from Hot in Cleveland there is only one Betty White and now she lives on in a USPS stamp. The U.S. Postal Service will commemorate the warmth, wit and charisma of Betty White by honoring the late actress and comedienne with a new stamp bearing her likeness. CLICK HERE TO SEE THE BETTY STAMP.

Menomonie Police is investigating an armed robbery at a gas station over the weekend.  Authorities say someone entered Bob and Steve’s BP Amoco Saturday night and told the store clerk he had a handgun as he went behind the counter.  The suspect then removed cash from a register and fled the scene on foot.  No arrests have been made. CLICK HERE TO SEE FULL DETAILS AND PHOTOS.

The fate of an elementary school in the School District of the Menomonie Area is up in the air.  The district is considering whether to close Downsville Elementary School due to a decrease in enrollment over the last ten years.   The school board will vote on the matter at a meeting on April 15th.  CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE COVERAGE WITH OUR PARTNERS AT WEAU 13 NEWS.

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is naming Kara Metzger the new director of athletic bands at the university.  Metzger is an alumna and former member of the Blugold Marching Band.  She most recently served as director of bands at Central Methodist University in Fayette, Missouri.  Metzger is replacing Randy Dickerson, who will step down July 1st. 

Wisconsin residents are set to make a decision on the state’s proposed voter ID amendment next week.  If passed, the measure will require voters to present a valid photo ID in order to cast a ballot.  The stipulation will be a part of the state’s constitution if approved.  Election Day is next Tuesday, April 1st.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is encouraging state residents to consider native plants when refreshing landscaping this spring. Wildlife officials say choosing plant varieties that naturally grow in the area can be very beneficial for pollinators like bees and butterflies. Most native plants are also relatively easy to grow in Wisconsin since they have adapted to suit the region. More information on native landscaping is posted on the DNR webpage.

A new beer festival is coming to the Wisconsin Dells. Signature Springtime Sips is being held April 26th at Elm Street Plaza downtown. The event will feature craft breweries showcasing their finest classic and seasonal beers. CLICK HERE TO CRACK OPEN MORE DETAILS.

Despite reports that younger generations are drinking less, an estimated one in six adults are still binge drinkers. That’s according to the latest County Health Rankings and Roadmaps report from the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute. It also shows that in certain states and counties an even larger portion of adults are drinking excessively. Binge drinking is defined by the CDC as four or five drinks in one occasion depending on sex, and heavy drinking as eight or more