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A former pastor from Sparta has pleaded no contest to sex crimes. Travis Becknell appeared in court yesterday after being accused of sexual exploitation by a therapist and 4th degree sexual assault. The accusations stem back to 2023 when victim said he touched her inappropriately. Since pleading no contest, the former pastor will have to do community service and faces up to 30 months in prison. He will have a hearing later this summer. CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE WITH

A local moving company, Two Men and a Truck is hosting a donation drive to help benefit the Bolton Refuge House. This is to help women and families affected by domestic violence. Throughout the month of April, you can donate personal care items, basic household essentials and canned goods at 12 different participating businesses. Everything donated will go directly to the Bolton Refuge House.

Irvine Park Zoo officials are hoping to make some changes and updates to three large animal exhibits. Right now the zoo has a bear, and hyena exhibits, and the third one sits empty. They want to make the areas as close as possible to the animals natural habitat. The zoo is funded by donations, and it will have to fundraise to fix these areas. If these areas can get fixed, the zoo would love to bring in some new animals.

The Wisconsin Assembly is passing a bill that requires sheriff’s departments to work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.  The bill will make anyone held in county jails provide proof that they’re a U.S. citizen.  If someone’s immigration status can’t be verified, they’ll have to let ICE know.  If they don’t, the sheriff’s department will face a 15-percent penalty on its shared revenue for the following year.

The economic impact of cruises on the Great Lakes is expected to increase by 15-percent this year. Leaders say they expect more than 22-thousand passengers this year, which is also more than last year.  Pearl Seas, Viking, St. Lawrence Lines, and Victory are lines expected to operate on the Great Lakes this year.

A Dane County factory farm could face criminal charges.  Law enforcement is launching a criminal and disciplinary investigation into Ridglan Farms.  The farm houses more than three-thousand dogs which are used in, or sold for, scientific experiments. Ridglan Farms has been operating since 1966, breeding beagles for animal research.  The state veterinary examining board has voted to restrict surgical procedures at the farm while considering a license suspension for Ridglan’s lead vet.

Stevens Point police are looking for a stolen statue that was taken from Bukolt Park.  According to a Facebook post from the Stevens Point Police Department, the statue was stolen on March 14th. The police is looking for any information on how and who stole the statue. They are even looking into giving a cash reward. If you do know any information, please contact the Stevens Point Police. CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS AND TO SEE THE STATUE.

As we navigate the March it can be a time of transitions, especially when it comes to the weahter. We’re used to the roller-coaster ride in Wisconsin this time of year as it can be a flop between open windows one day and heaters back on the next. As far as today and the Winter weather ahead, CLICK HERE for full First Alert Forecast details to help you plan your day and stay on top of closings and delays. Wheeeeee!

Senator Tammy Baldwin visit Eau Claire to talk to community members about Medicaid. Baldwin was in the area yesterday morning. Coming off President Donald Trump signing the budget resolution passed by both the senate and the house, Baldwin is concentrating on saving Medicaid. Details are not specifically out on what will be cut, but Baldwin is certain that some cuts to Medicaid and Medicare will be slashed. This is part of Baldwin’s “Hands Off Medicaid” which she will be on

A new initiative that is underway in La Crosse is aiming at helping people lower their energy bills. Funds from the Inflation Reduction Act are being used for low-income households to save on energy costs. The new initiative is likely to help around 300 households save money.