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Governor Tony Evers is requesting the State Building Commission to release 15-million-dollars for prison renovations.  This comes as part of Evers’ plan to close Lincoln Hills, Copper Lake Schools, and Green Bay Correctional Institution.  Funding supports design and planning at six correctional facilities, including upgrades to existing prisons instead of building new ones.  The commission will consider the funding request later this month.

Today, Rep. Jodi Emerson (D–Eau Claire) proudly honored Officer Tony Helstern as the First Responder of the Year for Wisconsin’s 91st Assembly District during a ceremony at the State Capitol, recognizing his extraordinary service, professional dedication, and heroic actions in the line of duty. Officer Helstern was honored in recognition of over 12 years of service to the Chippewa Valley through his work in law enforcement. He has served with both the Altoona and Cadott Police Departments, including 8 years

The Eau Claire County Parks & Forest Department announces that in accordance with state  guidelines, the annual 0.7-foot (8.4 inches) winter draw down of Lake Altoona will begin on Monday  morning, November 3, 2025. The purpose of the draw down is to minimize damage to property from  ice shifting and to also create a larger reservoir capacity in anticipation of spring rains and runoff  from melting snow.   Also, per state guidelines, the draw down will be a maximum of six

Mosey on over to downtown Menomonie to celebrate University of Wisconsin-Stout’s 2025 homecoming, Thursday, Oct. 23, to Saturday, Oct. 25. As students saddle up for a “Way Stout West” homecoming theme, alumni, supporters, and community members anticipate the annual parade and football game on Saturday. The community is also invited to two special events supporting students, in collaboration with Menomonie Culver’s and Brewery Nonic, as well as two open house labs to experience the university’s polytechnic advantage. All events are open to the public. Registration

Sentencing is being ordered for an Eau Claire woman convicted in connection with the shooting death of a man three years ago.  Forty-six-year-old Eddie Banks was fatally shot and found dead in a ditch off of Mallard Road in June of 2022. Three people were charged in the case including Kristina Keppert who pleaded guilty to a charge of felony murder – false imprisonment.  Keppert has been sentenced this week to seven years in prison.

Xcel Energy is advising Wisconsin natural gas customers that they can expect to see higher bills this winter.  Xcel says that monthly bills will be 15 percent higher on average versus last winter.  The increase is being attributed to higher costs for natural has as well as higher infrastructure and other costs.

Eau Claire’s Sustainability Advisory Committee is considering making a recommendation to city council regarding outdoor cats.  At issues are domestic cats who are allowed to run free outside and pose a threat to birds and other small animals.  The American Bird Conservancy reports that outdoor cats kill about two-point-four billion birds every year in the United States.  The advisory committee is considering a recommendation to make it illegal to allow cats outdoors without a leash, to require that cats be

Authorities are sharing the name of a motorcyclist who died after a recent accident in La Crosse.  Thirty-seven-year-old Nicholas Smythe was riding near 33rd Street and Mormon Coulee Road on October 2nd when he side-swiped a truck that was pulling a trailer.  Smythe later died at a local hospital.

Eau Claire City Council is looking for ways to increase revenue.  City officials say that money coming into the city coffers is down compared to the rate of inflation in recent years.  Council is considering possible changes to parking and other fees.  A vote on a new city budget is expected on November 11th.

A Wisconsin farmer won big at a global pumpkin competition in Minnesota.  Jim Ford’s pumpkin had the heaviest pumpkin at the Stillwater Harvest Fest over the weekend.  The pumpkin weighed nearly 25-hundred pounds.  Ford says growing early and keeping it healthy played a big role in keeping the pumpkin huge.