This Underrated Wisconsin Town Is So Cheap Your Social Security Check Feels Like A Fortune

There’s a town in Wisconsin where your money doesn’t just go further, it practically throws on a pair of running shoes and sprints ahead of you. Marshfield, Wisconsin is that town, and it’s been quietly making believers out of skeptics for longer than most people realize. Here’s...

CRIME: Marathon County Felony Gallery for Nov. 5, 2026

Editor’s note: This weekly feature of Wausau Pilot & Review is being published in response to reader concerns about crime and safety in the Wausau area and to keep readers informed about their neighborhoods. Wausau Pilot & Review does not publish photos of minors, except in extreme circumstances, determined...

Live music performance venue proposed for former downtown Micon theater

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (WEAU) - A live music performance venue is planning to open at the former downtown Micon Cinemas location. As WEAU 13 News reported in October, Micon Cinemas announced they were selling their downtown location. They cited extensive smoke damage and ongoing challenges related to parking as the reasons.

Ten of Barron County’s centenarians share longevity tips

Ten of Barron County’s oldest residents shared some of their tips for longevity at the annual Centenarian Celebration put on by the county Aging and Disability Resource Center on Wednesday, Nov. 4, at Lehman’s. After a welcome by ADRC Director Jennifer Jako, three other county officials greeted the centenarians and their families. County Board Chairman Louie Okey thanked them for “your wisdom and century’s worth of contributions to our Barron County area.” County Administrator Jeff French shared some of the notable happenings from a century ago, such as the invention of the television, followed soon after by the invention of TV dinners. He said AT&T put through its first transatlantic phone call. Winnie the Poo was first introduced, and Babe Ruth hit three home runs in a World Series game as a New York Yankee. County Supervisor Patti Anderson, who also chairs the Commission on Aging and said she hopes to reach the century mark some day, told them “age is not a number,” and that “health is about balance, not perfection,” and that “staying active is the key.”

Local school districts weigh in on school funding outcomes

WINTER, Wis., (WLAX, WEUX)- Local school districts are weighing in on the current state of school funding following Tuesdays’ election. We previously shared voters rejected 34 Wisconsin school referendums and approved 45. The Winter School District is celebrating. Their doors will now remain open. Their operational referendum passed. Taxpayers voting to approve an additional $1.5 […]

Main Street Mercantile opens in downtown Rice Lake

Main Street Mercantile officially opened in downtown Rice Lake on Tuesday, Nov. 3, with a Chamber ribbon-cutting. It is located at 10 N. Main St., next to Moon Gate. Owners Pete Brunette and Susan Rich-Brunette had P & J Pawn at 1664 20½ St. (Highway SS) between Rice Lake and Cameron for the past several years. When the building they were leasing was put up for sale, they not only relocated but changed their business name. “I am excited to bring something unique, affordable and fun to our downtown community,” said Rich-Brunette, a lifelong resident of Rice Lake. She explained how their business got its start. “My husband and I purchased an online business in 2018,” she said. “After operating it online for a couple of years, we decided to take our business in a new direction and opened a used merchandise, pawn, coin and purchased-goods store.” Rich-Brunette added, “Our goal is to provide a unique shopping experience that is different from the ordinary. We want our store to be a place where people can come in, browse, find great bargains, sell or pawn items, and simply enjoy themselves. Most importantly, we want to be part of the Rice Lake

Chippewa Valley community leaders, students react to historic diversity wave in 2026 midterms

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (WEAU) - Following the Nov. 3 midterm elections, voters across the country and right here in western Wisconsin witnessed a historic wave of barrier-breaking victories. In Wisconsin, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley won the gubernatorial race, becoming the first Black governor in the state’s history. Closer to...

Western Wisconsin school districts face budget gaps after voters reject funding referendums

BLACK RIVER FALLS, Wis. (WKBT) — Voters in several local school districts rejected requests for more funding Tuesday, leaving districts with budget problems to solve.

Wisconsin Deflection Initiative aims to keep people out of  the criminal justice system

School districts often identify students they call “at-risk” who might have a learning disability or low reading or math scores in order to  provide them additional resources and attention to help them keep pace with their classmates and avoid dropping out. In the Wisconsin Deflection Initiative, the “at-risk” people are in the community at large. […]

8 County Outdoor Recreation Project Event - November 9th

Join us as we celebrate the completion of two major outdoor recreation plans, reconnect with partners across the region, and look ahead to what's next for the 8-County Outdoor Recreation Project!. Monday, November 9, 2026. 2:00 - 4:00 PM. Roger Marten Center. 120 S Franklin St. Mondovi, WI 54755. Who...

WisDOT holding public involvement meeting on WIS 25 project - Nov. 9

Proposed work builds roundabouts at County BB West, County BB East. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is holding a public involvement meeting to share details about a proposed intersection improvement project on WIS 25 at County BB West and County BB East north of the Dunn County city of Menomonie.

Eau Claire council members propose changes to downtown paid parking hours, rates

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (WEAU) - Less than four months after the start of paid parking in downtown Eau Claire, changes in the rates and times are being proposed. Paid parking went into effect in downtown Eau Claire on August 1, 2026. It’s been met with criticism from the community and many business owners.

Sheriff Duane Waldera re-elected after contentious race, says he’s finishing the job he started

JACKSON COUNTY, Wis. (WEAU) - In Jackson County, Sheriff Duane Waldera was re-elected following a contentious race. He defeated Republican challenger Kristin Bills-Garcia with 54.5% of the vote. Waldera, now entering his 6th term, says he’s finishing the job he started. His top priorities for the county include upgrading...

Colfantastic Christmas in the Village - December 4th

Get ready for a magical evening in Colfax filled with Christmas cheer, community fun, and holiday traditions!. Join us for a MEAT RAFFLE, yummy treats, and holiday fun! The meat raffle drawing will take place right before the parade!. HOT COCOA. Warm up with delicious hot cocoa provided by Bethany...

Cooke speaks to media, thanks supporters for her victory

EAU CLAIRE — Rebecca Cooke thanked her supporters Friday after she defeated incumbent Derrick Van Orden (R-Prairie du Chien) in the Third Congressional District race Tuesday. Cooke addressed area media in a Zoom conference call, where she discussed her immediate next steps forward, from setting up her offices to her goals of her first 100 days after she's sworn in. "I'm really excited for our victory. I'm excited to be able to move the ball forward and work on the campaign promises I made," Cooke said. "Right now, people are hanging on by a thread, trying to pay for everyday things. I am focused on delivering felt results for people. We want to show people that when you vote for a Democrat, your life improves." As of Friday morning, Cooke had received 172,757 votes (52.4%), to Van Orden's 150,872 (45.8%). Two other candidates combined for another 1.7% of the vote. An estimated 99% of the vote has been counted. Cooke won only seven of the 19 counties across the district but she carried Eau Claire County, 31,706 (62.2%) to Van Orden's 18,489 (36.3%)."I was surprised by the margin," she said. "To have such a resounding victory is exciting for us,

Northwest Wisconsin Highway Construction Update - Nov. 6, 2026

NORTHWEST WISCONSIN -- This week’s updates from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) on road construction projects for Barron, Burnett, Polk, Rusk, Sawyer, and Washburn counties. Barron County. Highway: County D. Location: Lake Chetek Bridge in Chetek. Schedule: Aug. 3 through late November. Cost: $2.39 million. Description of work:...

City of La Crosse closes nuisance property on city’s North Side

LA CROSSE, Wis. (WEAU) - On Friday, Nov. 6, the City of La Crosse successfully argued for the immediate closure of a nuisance property on the city’s North Side. According to a press release from the City of La Crosse, based on the City’s legal complaint, supporting affidavits and police reports, a Wisconsin Circuit Court judge signed a temporary seizure order to close 1007 Charles St. until further notice. According to the court document, neither the homeowner nor visitors may reside at, occupy, loiter at, or visit the property.

Downtown Mainstreet shutdown brings change in La Crosse Center concessions

The disbanding of La Crosse’s Downtown Mainstreet, Inc. (DMI), may have a ripple effect on a few local businesses. That includes the La Crosse Center. DMI, which voted this week to disband at the end of the year, has provided concessions at Center events, but that will end on Dec. 1.

WisDOT seeks public input on plans to rebuild 5 miles of US 53 in La Crosse County

Freedom Honor Flight discontinues Veterans Day Breakfast

LA CROSSE (WKBT) -- Freedom Honor Flight announced on Thursday that they will be discontinuing the Veterans Day Breakfast hosted with the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Intercollegiate Athletics Department, according to a release .