Messenger News
Tractor Fest at Colfax fairgrounds August 17
COLFAX — Tractor Fest, sponsored by the Colfax FFA Alumni, will be held at the Colfax fairgrounds on Railroad Avenue in Colfax this Saturday, August 17, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring a tractor of any year, make or size. All tractors, old, new, big or small, are appreciated and welcomed. You do not…
Read MoreMechanical weed harvesting may be the best solution for Tainter Lake
by LeAnn R. Ralph MENOMONIE — Mechanical weed harvesting may be the best solution for controlling weeds in Tainter Lake, although it would not necessarily be the only method used. Nick Johnson of Aquatic Plant Management out of Minocqua spoke to the Tainter Lake Rehabilitation District Board of Commissioners at the July 18 meeting…
Read MoreDunn County jury finds Sims guilty in second child sexual assault case
by LeAnn R. Ralph MENOMONI — A 38-year-old man who has lived in Colfax and Boyceville and is serving a prison sentence for third degree sexual assault has now been found guilty by a jury on four felony counts related to the sexual assault of a child. Following a two-day trial in Dunn County Circuit…
Read MoreDunn County judge finds Minn. man accused of hiding 4 corpses competent to proceed
by LeAnn R. Ralph MENOMONIE — A Dunn County judge has determined that a Minnesota man accused of being a party to the crime of hiding four corpses in northern Dunn County is competent to proceed. Darren L. Osborne, age 59, appeared in Dunn County Circuit Court with his attorney, Shirlene Perrin, before Judge…
Read MoreRural hospitals in states that expanded Medicaid are 60 percent less likely to close
by LeAnn R. Ralph MENOMONIE — With 10 years of data available, statistics show that hospitals serving rural areas, such as Sacred Heart Hospital and St. Joseph’s Hospital, are 60 percent less likely to close in states that have implemented Medicaid expansion. Dr. Alexandra Hall, a member of the Dunn County Health and Human Services…
Read MoreDunn County Board unanimously approves ADU zoning ordinance amendment
by LeAnn R. Ralph MENOMONIE — The Dunn County Board has unanimously approved the zoning ordinance amendment on a second reading that allows Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). Nearly 20 people spoke in favor of ADUs during the public comments portion of the July 31 meeting of the county board. The Dunn County Board has…
Read MoreDunn Energy receives $18 million USDA electric infrastructure loan
by LeAnn R. Ralph MENOMONIE — Dunn Energy Cooperative has secured an $18 million loan from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to build and to upgrade power lines and equipment. Dr. Basil Gooden, under secretary for Rural Development, along with Julie Lassa, state director for Rural Development, and Robyn Jensen, field representative for…
Read MoreWheeler secures loans and grants of $5 million for sewer and water projects
by LeAnn R. Ralph WHEELER — It is all but about 98 percent certain that loans and grants totaling a little more than $5 million are coming to Wheeler for sewer and water projects. The Wheeler Village Board reviewed United States Department of Agriculture loans and grants awarded to the village at the August 7…
Read MoreColfax Red Cedar Preserve and Rec. Area reaches half of funds needed to match fishing pier grant
By LeAnn R. Ralph Editor’s Note: LeAnn R. Ralph serves on the Colfax Red Cedar Preserve and Recreation Area Management Committee COLFAX — With donations made by the Bergeson family in memory of Keith Bergeson, the Colfax Red Cedar Preserve and Recreation Area has raised half of the funds needed to complete the 50-50 match…
Read MoreMan who attempted to cash forged check at Peoples State Bank in Boyceville reaches plea deal
By LeAnn R. Ralph MENOMONIE — A 36 year-old-man charged in connection with allegedly attempting to cash a forged check for $3,500 at Peoples State Bank in Boyceville has reached a plea deal. Dylan J. Corrigan appeared in Dunn County Circuit Court July 1 with his attorney, Daniel James Chapman, before Judge Christina Mayer, for…
Read More