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Xcel Energy urges safety near dams before start of 2026 fishing season

With Wisconsin’s fishing season opening Saturday, Xcel Energy is reminding anglers, boaters and other outdoor enthusiasts to use caution around dams and hydroelectric facilities.

Boating, c...

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Shooting victim name, charges sought

05/01/2026 Updated Press Release Regarding the recent death investigation, which was reported on April 28, 2026, at approximately 8:49 P.M. in the Township of Little Black in Taylor County, the male victim has been identified as 21-year-old Austin D. Olson of Medford, Wisconsin. The adult male who was taken into custody on 04/29/26 has been identified as 19-year-old Brent M. Porter of Marshfiel...

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Marshfield Clinic accepting behavioral health grant applications from school districts

Marshfield Clinic is now accepting applications for two school-based youth mental health programs open to eligible schools across the Marshfield Clinic service area. “b.e.s.t. Universal Screening” is an innovative online screening tool designed to assist educators in fostering the emotional health of students while identifying those who may require additional behavioral support. Developed b...

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US Agriculture Department invested $330 million in Wisconsin

In the last year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development made $330 million in investments in rural communities across Wisconsin. These investments helped to boost Wisconsin’s economy, invest in agricultural opportunities, develop rural infrastructure, and encourage private investment in rural America. “Rural communities across America are the backbone of our nation and ...

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Nationwide smoking rate at record low

The federal rate of Americans smoking cigarettes is 9.9%, according to a report in the New England Journal of Medicine. This rate, down from 42.4% in 1965, is the lowest since federal officials began recording it. 'This is a major win for public health,' said The University of Wisconsin Center for Tobacco Research and Intervention (UW-CTRI) director Dr. Hasmeena Kathuria. 'This is thanks to public...

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AbbyBank awarded housing and economic development grant
Allan Schneider of Ogema bet that the Medford Kiwanis’ Ice Out Barrel would sink on the Medford Millpond on March 23 at 2:32 p.m., which was also his birthday. Schneider was only an hour and 15 minutes ahead of the barrel’s actual sinking, and his winning entry brought him a grand prize of $300. On Friday, April 24, Schneider accepted a check on behalf of Royal Credit Union (RCU) and the Medford Kiwanis Club. Pictured (from l. to r.) is Pat Willis, of RCU; Allan Schneider; Autumn Kuske, Medford Kiwanis president; and Stan Carbaugh of Medford Kiwanis. MANDEE ELLIS/THE STAR NEWS
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AbbyBank awarded housing and economic development grant

The Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) is pleased to announce that AbbyBank has been selected to re...

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Xcel Energy urges safety near dams before start of 2026 fishing season

With Wisconsin’s fishing season opening Saturday, Xcel Energy is reminding anglers, boaters and other outdoor enthusiasts to use caution around dams and hydroelectric facilities.Boating, canoeing or recreating above or below a dam can be dangerous—especially during periods of high or rapidly changing river flows. On Lake Wissota in Chippewa Falls for example, high water levels have delayed ins...

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