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1 week ago | 
yahoo.com | Chris Vetter |Eau Claire
CHIPPEWA FALLS — A former Chippewa Falls man who was driving drunk and struck another vehicle and fled the scene in March 2023 has been sentenced to serve 2½ years in prison. John R. Kolstad, 34, appeared Monday in Chippewa County Court via video from Oshkosh Correctional Facility, where he entered no contest pleas to OWI-6, possession of drug paraphernalia, criminal trespass to property and bail jumping. All other charges, including hit-and-run, were read-in and dismissed.
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1 week ago | 
yahoo.com | Matthew Baughman |Eau Claire
EAU CLAIRE — Local students placed first and second in this weekend’s National Civics Bee competition. On Friday, students from all over Wisconsin competed in the statewide competition for the National Civics Bee. From regionals to state, middle school students are encouraged to learn about civic responsibilities in their communities and share ideas of how to improve their community. The top three finalists who placed at the 2025 state competition this year were: Leila C.
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1 week ago | 
yahoo.com | Chris Vetter |Eau Claire
CHIPPEWA FALLS — Brian Maki, who has worked in promotions in the Chippewa Valley for more than 20 years, was named Monday as the new executive director of the Northern Wisconsin State Fair. Maki has worked at both the Eau Claire Leader-Telegram and the Chippewa Herald. Rusty Volk, who has served as executive director since 2008, will retire effective Jan. 1.
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2 weeks ago | 
yahoo.com | Chris Vetter |Eau Claire
CHIPPEWA FALLS — Two Chippewa Valley legislators are seeking $1 million in state funding to help reopen the Libertas Treatment Center in Chippewa Falls. Sen. Jesse James (R-Thorp) and Rep. Clint Moses (R-Menomonie) have introduced the legislation, which would provide the dollars to Lutheran Social Services (LSS), of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan, who plan to reopen the 50-bed treatment center. The building would be used for men, while services for women would continue in Eau Claire.
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2 weeks ago | 
yahoo.com | Chris Vetter |Eau Claire
CHIPPEWA FALLS — Tony Liedl began making soap as a hobby in 2020. “It started with a basic recipe, and I tweaked it,” he said. Liedl soon was selling at crafting events, and he eventually opened his own business. Ope! It’s Soap moved into its current storefront at 116 N. Bridge St. last November. Liedl and his husband, Kevin Brylski, welcomed Gov. Tony Evers to their shop on Thursday, showing off their products while also talking about being being gay business owners.
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2 weeks ago | 
yahoo.com | Chris Vetter |Eau Claire
EAU CLAIRE — Nationwide rallies are being planned this weekend to protest against President Donald Trump’s policies, including a rally slated for Eau Claire on Saturday. The “No Kings — Nationwide Day of Defiance” is slated to begin at noon at Owen Park. The plan is for protesters to march over the Lake Street Bridge, down Farwell or Barstow to the Haymarket Square. Then, cross the bridge at Phoenix Park. The Eau Claire Democratic Party lists details of the plans on its website.
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2 weeks ago | 
yahoo.com | Matthew Baughman |Eau Claire
EAU CLAIRE — As the Wisconsin biennial budget discussion continues with a deadline of June 30 for the end of the fiscal year, the Joint Finance Committee is set to talk about taxes and school funding today. Many advocates for school funding and school districts have discussed special education funding as talks on the budget continue. But what is this discussion on special education funding about? For the state, special education is a mandated service at every school district.
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2 weeks ago | 
yahoo.com | Chris Vetter |Eau Claire
CHIPPEWA FALLS — A Chippewa Falls man who attempted to have sex with a 15-year-old girl he was communicating with online has been sentenced to serve 2½ years in prison. It later turned out the person was trying to extort him for money and wasn’t a teen. Brian M. Anderson, 41, 322 W. Central St., pleaded no contest Wednesday in Chippewa County Court to one count of child enticement, as part of a plea bargain. He was originally charged with using a computer to facilitate a sex crime.
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2 weeks ago | 
yahoo.com | Chris Vetter |Eau Claire
CHIPPEWA FALLS — A Hayward man has been sentenced to 18 months in prison after he was convicted Wednesday of his fifth drunk-driving offense. Richard W. Froemel III, 42, pleaded guilty in Chippewa County Court to OWI-5. Charges of possession of cocaine, amphetamines, marijuana and drug paraphernalia were read-in and dismissed. Judge Benjamin Lane ordered 18 months in prison, along with 18 months of extended supervision. Froemel’s driver’s license was permanently revoked, and he must pay a $600 fine.
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2 weeks ago | 
yahoo.com | Chris Vetter |Eau Claire
CHIPPEWA FALLS — A 20-year-old Chippewa Falls man accused of intentionally ramming his car into another vehicle, then fleeing the scene, has now been charged. Jonathin C. Benson McNulty, 4401 Highway P, was charged Tuesday in Chippewa County Court with second-degree recklessly endangering safety, hit-and-run, criminal damage to property and disorderly conduct. Benson McNulty was previously released on a signature bond; he will return to court June 17 before Judge Steve Gibbs.
