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A bill looking to ban license plate flippers has passed in the state Senate and Assembly. Flippers are commonly used to conceal plate numbers that may be sought by law enforcement. If the bill is signed by the governor, anyone using or selling the devices could be fined up to a thousand dollars or face 90 days in prison, or both. The bill is authored by Senator Van Wanggaard and Representative Bob Donovan.

On October 16, 2025 at approximately 12:53 PM, the Dunn County Communication Center  received a call from an individual who advised of a structure fire at a residence with a person  still trapped in the residence. The person had mobility issues and was unable to get out. The  Dunn County Sheriff’s Office and the Elk Mound Fire Department responded to scene at E9099  570th Ave in the Township of Elk Mound, Dunn County, Wisconsin.   The Dunn County Communications Center received

The most wanted man in Wisconsin has turned himself in to authorities.  Officials say 35-year-old George Mitchell shot his neighbor in the chest during an argument over cigarettes in Racine in April.  The victim survived, and Mitchell reportedly fled the scene after the shooting.  He was considered armed and dangerous by police, prompting a statewide manhunt.  Authorities found multiple illegal firearms in his possession during a search of his apartment, linked to prior felony convictions.  He surrendered to authorities earlier

Former Democratic Party Chair Ben Wikler is withdrawing from the 2026 governor race.  Wikler announced today that he will instead support the Democratic nominee.  He called the upcoming gubernatorial race a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to reshape state politics.  Wikler said he plans to prioritize time with his family.  The Democratic field includes Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley.

Senator Jesse James is running for the 31st Senate District in 2026.  James’ announcement comes after his home was redrawn out of his current district.  He says he is committed to representing Eau Claire County.  James also noted his accomplishments in the 23rd district despite redistricting.  Democratic opponent Jeff Smith criticizes James’s record and calls for a focus on lowering housing and healthcare costs.

An outside jury will be brought in to hear next year’s trial of the defendant charged in the killing of ten-year-old Lily Peters.  Investigators say that Peters was killed in Chippewa Falls on April 24th of 2022 with her body found the next day.  Seventeen-year-old defendant Carson Peters-Berger was just 14 when prosecutors say he took the young girl’s life.  Jurors from outside of Chippewa County will be brought in to hear testimony and deliver a verdict in the trial

A former staffer at a Fall Creek group home — accused of having sex with a resident — is pleading guilty to charges. Investigators say that Alicia Vogler engaged in sexual activity with a man who was living at the Palmer Place group home under a protective order. Authorities were called after several coworkers said the two were too close, and after managers say they found several sexually explicit text messages. Vogler has pleaded guilty to a single count of

An arraignment hearing for an Eau Claire man charged with killing a woman is being rescheduled.  Shane Helmbrecht is charged with intentional homicide in the fatal shooting of his neighbor Jenn Ward in 2016.  Helmbrecht was to have been arraigned yesterday but the hearing has been moved to January of 2026.

A La Crosse businessman is pleading not guilty to charges stemming from an August vehicle crash.  Don Weber faces charges including OWI and Carrying a Concealed Weapon without a permit after an accident in which La Crosse police say he hit two parked cars before his own vehicle overturned.  Weber is the founder of Logistics Health Incorporated — a company that provides health programs for the Defense Department.

Chippewa Falls Police are reminding folks that dumping trash on city property is a violation of the law.  The department has shared images on line this week of waste found left in a wooded area — waste that includes a sofa, bags of garbage and a large assortment of other trash.  Police say they have identified the culprit who will be cited — as will anyone else who follows their lead with such littering. CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE.