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Dunn County officially has a new sheriff.  Kevin Bygd was sworn in yesterday morning by James Peterson after beating Democrat Rodney Dicus by a little over one-thousand votes in the November election.  Bygd is taking over for 18-year veteran Sheriff Dennis Smith who retired from the position last week. 

Tony Evers is pledging to put the people of the state first after being sworn in as Wisconsin’s 46th governor.  Evers promised to seek unity and overcome partisan divisions in his remarks after yesterday’s inauguration ceremony.   Mandela Barnes was also sworn in as the state’s first black lieutenant governor.  Eau Claire party leaders are reacting to the inauguration of Democratic Governor Tony Evers.  Republican Party of Eau Claire County Chair Tara Balts says she hopes the governor will work closely with

Police are investigating after three cars were broken into at an Eau Claire dog park.  Police say the thief broke windows and stole items of value from the cars.  One victim’s purse was stolen and her credit card had been fraudulently used before she got home from the scene.  

The Eau Claire City Council is discussing a proposed beekeeping ordinance.  The council held a study session last night to clarify the impact of the ordinance that would allow beekeeping in public parks.  The measure would require hives to be kept 75 feet from any public amenity and to stay closed to any public access.  A public hearing on the ordinance is set for January 22nd, with a vote scheduled the following day. 

Students at UW-Eau Claire who are parents are set to get some financial help with childcare.  The school’s daycare academy received a four-year, 400-thousand dollar grant from the federal Child Care Means Parents in School program.  The grant will help reduce prices at the center in an effort to help students excel in the classroom.  

Matt LaFleur is being tapped as the new head coach for the Green Bay Packers.  The Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator is an up-and-coming coach who would serve as the franchise’s 15th head coach.  A formal announcement hasn’t been made yet, likely waiting on contract details to be worked out. 

A nine-year-old boy is dead after falling through ice in Sparta.  Fire Chief Mike Arnold says three kids under the age of 12 were walking on the ice on Perch Lake when two of them fell through yesterday.  A young girl was able to run and call for help and a twelve-year-old was rescued from the ice, but the nine-year-old was pulled from the water unconscious.  Authorities want to remind people that recent warmer temperatures have softened the ice in

A Portage County man is starting the new year 350-thousand-dollars richer.  Michael Hamilton claimed the top prize for Super Cash on Friday.  He won using a quick-pick that he bought from The Store in Wisconsin Rapids.  In addition to paying some bills and investing, Hamilton says he may consider retiring early. 

We will be holding a press conference on Tuesday Jan 15th at 10am to give you an update on the Jayme Closs Investigation.  This remains an active case and authorities plan to provide information, without jeopardizing the case.  Barron County authorities as well as any partners working on the case will be at the press conference also.

Tony Hess of Lake Hallie started looking for something better when he realized he was spinning his wheels at age 23.“I was job hopping for a while and was at a mediocre job,” he said. “I wanted to go back to school and look for an apprenticeship or something.” Ray Hardy, 23, of Jim Falls, a 2013 Cadott High School graduate, was in a similar situation. “I had two jobs, farming for a neighbor and working production at the AMPI