Messenger News
Steve Kothlow: The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, to President Johnson’s funeral, to performing for the Queen of England
By LeAnn R. Ralph MENOMONIE — When Steve Kothlow enlisted in the United States Marines in 1971, he had no idea of the experiences that awaited him. Kothlow, who earned the rank of Lance Corporal, went into the Marines in October of 1971 and was honorably discharged in October of 1973. To honor Kothlow’s military…
Read More3 train crashes in 5 years has state considering lighted and gated railroad crossing at Stardust Drive in Elk Mound
By LeAnn R. Ralph ELK MOUND — After three train crashes in five years at Stardust Drive in Elk Mound, the latest of which this past December resulted in the death of the driver, the state Commissioner of Railroads is considering a lighted and gated railroad crossing. Dan Vruwink, state railroad commissioner at the Office…
Read MoreMenomonie sells 29 acres for $1.16 million to develop distribution facility
By LeAnn R. Ralph MENOMONIE — The Menomonie City Council has approved selling 29 acres in the North Industrial Park to SPA Properties, LLC, for $1.16 million to construct a distribution facility. The sale agreement is for $40,000 per acre, or a total of $1,160,000, said David Schofield, director of public works, at the Menomonie…
Read MoreBail set at $25,000 for suspect in Shooters Showgirls arson
By LeAnn R. Ralph MENOMONIE — Bail has been set at $25,000 cash for a 25-year-old Comstock man who is charged in connection with arson in the January 18 fire that destroyed Shooters Showgirls in the Town of Elk Mound. Colton Wayne Jansen appeared in Dunn County Circuit Court by video from the Dunn County…
Read MoreHelp prevent blood shortages this year by donating blood and platelets now
EAU CLAIRE — The American Red Cross urges donors to make an appointment to give lifesaving blood or platelets in the new year to help keep the blood supply strong this winter. Type O negative blood donors and those giving platelets are especially urged to give now to keep critical blood products on the shelves…
Read MoreState Supreme Court extends deadline for briefs concerning conviction of Colfax man
By LeAnn R. Ralph MADISON — The state Supreme Court has extended the deadline to January 13 for briefs to be filed concerning the conviction of a Colfax man sentenced to 25 years in prison for child sexual assault. A three-judge panel in the District 3 Court of Appeals released a 30-page decision dated May…
Read MoreTainter Lake Rehabilitation District planning carp bounty program for this spring, muskie stocking next fall
By LeAnn R. Ralph MENOMONIE — The Tainter Lake Rehabilitation District is planning to run a carp bounty program in May or June and to stock the lake with muskies in September. Kasey Yallaly, a fisheries biologist with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, has made a suggestion regarding an individual to help set up…
Read MoreEau Claire man charged with death of DC correctional officer waives time limits, posts $75,000 cash bail
By LeAnn R. Ralph MENOMONIE — A 40-year-old Eau Claire man charged with homicide following a crash that killed a Dunn County correctional officer on December 24 has waived his right to a speedy preliminary hearing and has posted a cash bail of $75,000. Mark Allen Sokolowski was scheduled for a preliminary hearing in Dunn…
Read MoreColfax High school dropout finds support, path to success at CVTC
By Alyssa Van Duyse Chippewa Valley Technical College At a young age, Jeremiah Coey’s mental health sent him down a path of self-destruction. In middle school, he was diagnosed with ADHD, and by his senior year, he had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, admitted to the hospital twice and attempted suicide. Today, at age 38,…
Read MoreEM school district only has “material weakness” on financial audit
By LeAnn R. Ralph ELK MOUND — Only one “problem” showed up on the audit of the Elk Mound school district’s finances for the 2023-2024 school year, which was a “material weakness” related to segregation of duties. Since the only issue pointed out on the audit was the material weakness related to segregation of duties,…
Read More