Latest news with #ChippewaValley
Fox News
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
My son's old school board owes me an apology
On May 28, my son did something I didn't think possible just a few years ago. He graduated from high school with honors, and as a member of the school board, I handed him his diploma as he walked across the stage. If you'd told me this would happen five years ago, I would have laughed and then cried. My son, who has a learning disability, had been shut out of school during the pandemic. His grade point average fell from a 3.5 to a 1.5. For the better part of two years, I didn't see how he could get back on track. But while my son is now on a better path, I'm still dealing with the fallout of the school's treatment of him – and me. On June 12, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals will hear arguments in a case I brought. I'm asking that school board to apologize for violating my constitutional right to free speech. I exercised that right in defense of my special-needs son, only for my elected officials to try to get me fired and even investigated by the federal government. I've been fighting this battle since the summer of 2020, when the Chippewa Valley School Board announced that classes would stay virtual for the 2020-21 school year. By then, my son had already spent three months in virtual learning, and every day was worse than the one before. My son's learning disability means that he needs one-on-one time with teachers. I worried that if he didn't get that for a full year, his education and life would be permanently harmed. The school board held public meetings that summer and fall, and out of concern for my son, I showed up to all of them. But the board members showed zero willingness to listen, much less show leadership by reopening school. I got frustrated, no question. But I didn't act inappropriately. I've been a police officer for 27 years, so I know how to handle myself in public. But while I never crossed a line, the school board did. In December, the deputy chief at my police station called me into his office and read an email he'd received from a school board member. It accused me of "veiled racism," and when that kind of language is leveled at a police officer, the meaning is obvious. I should be fired – simply for speaking in defense of my son. How I wish that were the end of it. I kept going to school board meetings, and I kept my cool despite being targeted. The following October, however, the school board president submitted a formal complaint to the Department of Justice. He accused me of "threatening comments," and once again, the subtext was clear. The day before, Attorney General Merrick Garland had written his memo ordering the FBI to go after parents who criticize educators and school board members. The memo was an obvious invitation to those who wanted to silence parents like me, of which there were countless during the pandemic. My son's school board jumped at the chance. I have no idea if the Justice Department took action. But I do know the school board—an elected government body – tried to punish me for daring to use my right to free speech. I also know that while the school board was targeting me, my son's situation deteriorated further. In 2021, I moved him into a school in a neighboring district, and I also ran for an open seat on the board. But I refused to let the old school board get away with its actions. Which brings me to the Sixth Circuit. I got here after a district court ruled that while I was targeted, I didn't suffer any harm. That's true – the school board didn't succeed in getting me fired or otherwise punished. But that's irrelevant. Government officials shouldn't be let off the hook simply because their targeting failed. If the federal courts let that argument stand, government officials across America will go after their opponents like never before. They'll be free to frighten anyone who dares question them, silencing citizens who try to hold them accountable. I refused to be silent, then or now. I'm asking the court to recognize that my constitutional rights were violated. And I want the court to order the school board to give me an apology. I'm astounded that none of the elected officials who targeted me have said those simple words – I'm sorry. Thank God that despite their best efforts, I'm still employed, and my son finished his education with flying colors.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Tourism up in Chippewa County, across the state
CHIPPEWA FALLS — Tourism in the Chippewa Valley, and across the state, saw an increase in the past year, according to the Wisconsin Department of Tourism. The state agency released its 2024 economic impact data Tuesday, showing Chippewa County tourism climbed by nearly 5%, which contributed to Wisconsin's third consecutive record-breaking year. 'Chippewa County's $193 million tourism impact and the 4.9% increase over last year's record highlight the area's growing appeal as a destination,' said Sue Leonard, Chippewa Falls Area Chamber of Commerce tourism director. 'It's clear that more and more people are discovering what we've always known: this is a special place. Visitors are drawn by our natural beauty, our lively festivals and events, and most of all, the warm welcome they get from our communities.' Eau Claire County also announced it had its third straight year of growth in tourism revenue. The county generated a record $461 million, an increase of 0.6% increase over last year's $459 million. 'The continued growth in tourism spending reflects the incredible momentum we are seeing in Eau Claire County as a must-visit destination,' said Kenzi Havlicek, Visit Eau Claire executive director. 'This progress would not be possible without the collaborative spirit of our community and business partners who help create such a wonderful place to visit. From our thriving arts scene and rich cultural offerings to the scenic beauty of our outdoor spaces, Eau Claire continues to draw thousands of visitors who are discovering all that makes this region so special.' Statewide, all-time high visitation drove Wisconsin tourism's record-breaking $25.8 billion in total economic impact last year. The 2024 economic impact surpassed the previous Wisconsin record of $25 billion from 2023. Locally, Chippewa County also surpassed the previous record of $184 million set in 2023. The boost in visitation, economic contributions from all corners of Wisconsin including Chippewa County, and strategic investments in tourism promotion drove the state's historic year for tourism, Leonard said. 'Our packed calendar of events in 2024, from Wisconsin Farm Technology Days and the Harley Owners Group Rally to the State Dartball Tournament and all kinds of sports tournaments, kept our communities busy,' Leonard said in a press release Tuesday. 'But it's not just about big events. What really makes Chippewa County stand out is the dedication of our tourism partners and the community as a whole. Together, we've created a destination that's vibrant, welcoming, and affordable for everyone.' Leonard noted that the chamber has worked on a social media campaign that stresses the variety of activities available locally, from outdoors options to tours of local breweries and wineries. Wisconsin tourism welcomed 114.4 million visits in 2024, beating the previous record from 2019 by more than a million, and growing the number of part- and full-time jobs the industry supports to 182,000, the press release states. Locally, Chippewa County tourism supported 1,440 jobs (a 2.7% increase from 2023) and generated $11.6 million in state and local tax revenue. At the state level, tourism generated $1.7 billion in state and local tax revenue. Without this revenue, each Wisconsin household would pay an additional $678 to maintain the current level of government services. 'Last year, Wisconsin tourism brought in more money, welcomed more visitors and generated more revenue for state and local governments than any other year,' said Wisconsin Department of Tourism Secretary Anne Sayers. 'Tourism in all corners fueled this hat-trick of records for an accomplishment the entire state can celebrate. The impact of the visitor economy is felt statewide. Tourism sustains livelihoods and local businesses, uplifts communities and powers Wisconsin's economy.'
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
F-35 flyover joins air show
EAU CLAIRE — The Chippewa Valley Air Show has announced a new flyover involving the Wisconsin Air National Guard. The Madison-based 115th Fighter Wing will fly two F-35 Lightning II fighters over the show on Saturday. Among the most advanced fighters anywhere, the F-35 is a supersonic plane with advanced stealth features and a unique profile. It is flown by the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps, along with several allied nations. The announcement of the F-35 visit adds to a show that already includes the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels and the Air Force's F-16 Viper demonstration team. the show takes place June 28 and 29.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New endowment fund started to help homeless shelter's long-term needs
EAU CLAIRE—The Eau Claire Community Foundation (ECCF) has announced the creation of an endowment fund to help address the city's only emergency night-by-night homeless shelter's long-term needs. Sojourner House, operated by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of La Crosse, will be the ongoing recipient of a share of this fund which ECCF plans to grow through a conservative long-term investment approach aimed at growth. 'By investing in a conservative long-term approach, we're able to take those returns [and] build the fund while also distributing a share to a designated agency, which in this case is Sojourner House,' said ECCF President and CEO Wesley Escondo. As the fund grows through donations and investing those donations, the amount within the share given to the shelter should grow. 'If we're shooting for very safe six to eight percent returns on the fund, and we're only granting four percent, there's going to be natural growth intended to make sure that the fund is still around 50 years from now and at a higher fund balance,' Escondo said. The percentage of return will currently be entrusted to Catholic Charities which operates the shelter, but Escondo said 'if, for some reason, Sojourner House were to cease to exist for any reason, this fund could still exist to support a similar organization doing similar work, so it truly is perpetual and that is something very specific to Eau Claire and to the Chippewa Valley.' In addition to the endowment fund, ECCF also awarded Sojourner House a $100,000 grant. This, along with donations from other community organizations and municipalities, closed this year's funding shortfall which had been pushing Sojourner House toward temporarily shutting down for the summer. 'Eau Claire Community Foundation has really helped us work through this funding gap we found ourselves in for this summer,' said Rob Grover, the advancement director for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of La Crosse. 'They brought up the idea of establishing an endowment. We thought that was a wonderful way of trying to engage the community even more. We take in lots of funds through donations and we think this could be another vehicle.' To contribute to the endowment fund, visit or contact the Eau Claire Community Foundation. Information and ways to donate to the Sojourner House can be found at
