Sam Fristed

Eau Claire

Reporter at WQOW-TV (Eau Claire, WI)

Reporter for Eau Claire's own WQOW News 18. Prior Lake, MN native/UW-River Falls journalism graduate. All tweets are my own unless otherwise indicated.

Articles

"It's an honor. I'll miss it'; Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald reflects on serving community

1 week ago | wqow.com | Sam Fristed

BARRON COUNTY (WQOW) - Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald is retiring from law enforcement this weekend after 17 years of serving the Barron County community. On Sunday, June 1, Fitzgerald will hang up his uniform for the last time. "It's an honor. I'll miss it. And you don't really know the impact you're making until you go to leave," Fitzgerald told 18 News Thursday. Fitzgerald, a familiar face in the community, said he 'enjoyed every minute' of serving Barron County residents.
Chippewa County Sheriff's building could see remodel through capital improvement plan

1 week ago | wqow.com | Sam Fristed

CHIPPEWA COUNTY, Wis. (WQOW) – The Chippewa County Sheriff's Office may see significant improvements to its facility soon thanks to a proposed capital improvement plan. The project aims to enhance operations for law enforcement officers in the area. Sheriff Travis Hakes shared that the current infrastructure of the building is more than 30 years old and requires remodeling. The proposed updates include new flooring, carpeting, wall finishes, and exterior concrete paths.
Tammy Baldwin visits Chippewa Falls farm to talk agricultural issues in Wisconsin

1 week ago | wqow.com | Sam Fristed

CHIPPEWA FALLS (WQOW) - Senator Tammy Baldwin visited Chippewa Falls Wednesday morning to discuss the critical agricultural sector in Wisconsin. Baldwin toured Peck Farms to hear firsthand from farmers about the challenges they face due to President Trump's tariffs and trade wars. One of the main concerns discussed was the rising prices of imported goods, such as fertilizer from Canada. Additionally, ensuring fair deals for Wisconsin farmers on exports like soybeans and corn was a key topic.
Walk to Defeat ALS set for Saturday

1 week ago | wqow.com | Sam Fristed

EAU CLAIRE (WQOW) - There is still time to register for a community fundraising event this weekend that unites people impacted by a life-altering ailment. Hundreds of people will be gathering this weekend in Chippewa Falls for the annual Walk to Defeat ALS. The event is hosted by the ALS Association. Also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, ALS is a nervous system disease that weakens muscles. The walk creates a sense of community for those impacted by it.
Eau Claire residents observe Memorial Day with parade and ceremony

1 week ago | wqow.com | Sam Fristed

EAU CLAIRE (WQOW) - Eau Claire residents lined 1st Avenue for a Memorial Day parade Monday morning. Over 60 groups, organizations and departments took part in the parade. Different military services were honored as marching bands from North, Memorial and Regis High Schools performed patriotic songs. First responders from the Eau Claire Police and Fire Department got large cheers from the crowd. And some organizations had floats including the Eau Claire Republican and Democratic parties.
Wisconsin Democrats introduce 'Right to Repair Act' for farmers

2 weeks ago | wqow.com | Sam Fristed

WISCONSIN (WQOW) - Democratic state legislators have introduced a new bill that would give more freedom to farmers and strengthen the agricultural industry. It's called the 'Right to Repair Act' and it was authored by State Senator Brad Pfaff and sponsored by Representative Jeff Smith. It gives farmers the right to repair any technology equipment they own including tractors, combines, planters, harvesters and other large equipment.
Nonprofit JONAH meets with legislatures for Mental Heath Day of Action

2 weeks ago | wqow.com | Sam Fristed

EAU CLAIRE (WQOW) - A local nonprofit is raising awareness about mental health by urging Wisconsin legislators to take action. JONAH hosted a Mental Health Day of Action at Hope United Methodist Church, where the community gathered to share personal stories and discuss the importance of supporting mental health treatment programs. State Senator Jesse James and Assembly Member Christian Phelps addressed the funding challenges these programs face at the state level.
'These men will not be forgotten'; headstones dedicated to Wisconsin Civil War soldiers

2 weeks ago | wrex.com | Sam Fristed |Eau Claire

CHIPPEWA FALLS (WQOW) — Memorial Day is about remembering the men and women who gave their lives for our country. For the past year one Chippewa Falls organization has been working to ensure three solders get that recognition. Right now hundreds of headstones line the Forest Hill Cemetery in Chippewa Falls and now, three more.
'These men will not be forgotten'; headstones dedicated to Civil War soldiers

2 weeks ago | wqow.com | Sam Fristed

CHIPPEWA FALLS (WQOW) - Memorial Day is about remembering the men and women who gave their lives for our country. For the past year one Chippewa Falls organization has been working to ensure three solders get that recognition. Right now hundreds of headstones line the Forest Hill Cemetery in Chippewa Falls and now, three more.
Judge orders a $25,000 fine in Six Mile Creek pollution case

2 weeks ago | wqow.com | Sam Fristed

EAU CLAIRE COUNTY (WQOW) - A judge has ordered a local landfill to pay $25,000 for polluting a creek that runs into Lake Altoona. Daniel Burns III from Cedarburg, is the sole member of Riley Fiontar LLC, which owns the former Plainwell Tissue Landfill in Eau Claire County. Last year he pled no contest on behalf of the LLC to two misdemeanors of polluting Six Mile Creek.