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Wishing you all the best in 2019! Here we go….2019? Yeeeeah….we got this. HAPPY NEW YEAR from the 715 Newsroom

2019 is here, and that could mean harsher penalties for drivers convicted of OWI for the first time.   Wisconsin Governor-elect Tony Evers has said he’s open to the stricter penalties, and he has some support from the law enforcement community.  Right now, a first-time OWI is considered a civil offense, not a criminal one.  It already carries hefty fines and the possibility of losing your license, but leaders hope making the offense criminal could discourage repeat offenders. 

People in a rural Wisconsin county are split over a proposed solar farm.  A Chicago developer named Invenergy wants to cover 27-hundred acres in Iowa County with solar panels.  The proposed Badger Hollow Solar Farm could power more than 70-thousand homes.  Some residents support the plan, saying it has a financial benefit for farmers who own land where the solar panels will be placed, in addition to solar power being environmentally friendly.  Critics say they’re concerned the panels will take up valuable

A 27 year old woman was arrested in Sawyer County after a stabbing early Wednesday morning. Jasmine Carrillo was arrested for felony first degree reckless injury after a man was taken to the hospital. The 27 year old victim had multiple stab wounds-including to his head, shoulder, back, chest and his calf. His name is being withheld as the investigation into what happened is still ungoing.

More details are being released about a death investigation in Menomonie.  Police say the body of John Likeness was found at a 15th Street home when officers were responding to a disturbance call.  Richard Seehaver was arrested in connection to the homicide.  Authorities say additional investigation is underway. 

A former Eau Claire firefighter is accused of stealing from a labor union.  A criminal complaint filed against William Drath alleges he stole over 18 thousand dollars.  He was the union treasurer from 2006 to 2016.  If convicted on theft charges, he could face 15 years in prison. 

A drug investigation led to two arrests.  A 38-year-old man and 23-year-old woman are in custody after trying to sell meth to an undercover officer.  The Eau Claire duo are facing charges for outstanding warrants, probation violations, and drug charges.  Fourteen grams of suspected meth and drug paraphernalia were allegedly found in their vehicle. 

The Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office say they’re going to be focusing on seat belt enforcement in the New Year.  A 28 thousand dollar federal grant will pay for extra patrol efforts through September.  Sheriff James Kowalczyk says their goal is to prevent traffic fatalities.  The Sheriff’s Office will team up with other law enforcement agencies as part of the effort. 

Governor Scott Walker ordered flags to half-staff on Friday, January 4, 2019, as a mark of respect for former State Senator Walter John Chilsen of Weston. Chilsen, a World War II veteran and Purple Heart recipient, passed away on Christmas morning at the age of 95.

Lining of the existing sanitary sewer is tentatively scheduled to begin tomorrow (on Wednesday, January 2) on the alley East of Graham Avenue, from Lake Street south 160 feet. All construction will occur within street right-of-way or utility easements, and will consist of accessing manholes, cleaning sanitary sewer mains, and lining sanitary sewer mains. Inconvenience to the residents will be kept to a minimum wherever possible, but there may be times during which you should not run any water in