Texas shooting suspect who gunned down 5 neighbors — including 8-year-old — ‘armed and dangerous’ and on the run

The drunk suspect who gunned down five Texas neighbors — including an 8-year-old boy — after he was asked to stop shooting his rifle outside to avoid waking a sleeping baby managed to slip away from law enforcement, who consider him “armed and dangerous.”

Authorities initially tracked Francisco Oropeza, 38, to a wooded area about a mile or so from the crime scene in the hours after the bloodshed, but as of 7 p.m. Saturday he was no longer “cornered,” said San Jacinto County Sheriff Greg Capers.

“An extensive manhunt for Oropeza has not yielded his location. If you have any tips or information, please call our office immediately at 936-653-4367. You can remain anonymous,” the sheriff’s office posted on its Facebook page.

“Oropeza is considered armed and dangerous, do not approach or attempt to apprehend.

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Teens put their skills to the test at Teens' Car Control Clinic

Teen drivers got some new additions to their driving skills to the test on Saturday. 

At the Gundersen Health System's Teen Car Control Clinic, 24 young drivers aged 16 to 19 learned behind-the-wheel exercises and increased awareness.

The lessons ranged from weight transfer to learning what to do when your car skids.

Injury Prevention Coordinator Carly Severson say the kids were nervous at first but that changed as the day went on.

"As the day goes on and they get that experience, and they get more comfortable with what they're doing and what we're showing them," said Severson "By the end of the day they're all really excited and really happy they took the course." 

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Onalaska Fire warns of improper cigarette disposal after grass fires pop up

The Onalaska Fire Department is asking the public to be careful about discarding cigarettes and charcoal grills.

Chief Troy Gudie said Friday the department has responded to two grassfires in the last two days. He says Friday afternoon the department quickly contained a small grassfire on Highway 157 and I-90, while Thursday's fire elsewhere burned about a quarter-acre.

While no one was hurt, Gudie said these fires are a reminder for everyone that even with high water throughout the region, there is still a risk of fires developing.

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7th Grade Boy In Michigan A Hero

 

Scammers pretending to be Wisconsin Capitol Police demanding payment over phone, state officials say

Wisconsin government officials warn there's a new scam out there trying to get your financial info over the phone.

The state's Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection say some scammers are using the state capitol police dispatch number to impersonate law enforcement.

The scammers tell you there's a warrant out for your arrest and demand payment over the phone, per an official DATCP release.

State Capitol Police are reminding the community that they will never threaten or demand your financial info over the phone. They say if you get a call like this, just hang up.

Five Guys slated for grand opening in Onalaska Monday

 

For area fans of Five Guys Burgers and Fries, the wait is almost over!

The restaurant -- located at 3025 South Kinney Coulee Road -- opens its doors on Monday, April 17. Five Guys is known for its burgers, fresh-cut fries, and milkshakes.

"We are thrilled to be opening our newest location in Onalaska," said William Humphries, co-owner of the new Five Guys with his son, former NBA player Kris Humphries. "Our team is looking forward to bringing the classic Five Guys experience to this community, and we are excited to serve our customers with the highest quality ingredients and unparalleled customer service."

The restaurant will be open 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. daily and is now hiring for various positions, including crew members and shift supervisors.

UPDATE: Arcadia Fire 99% contained, roads opened

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According to Wisconsin's Department of Natural Resources, the Arcadia Fire in Monroe County is 99% contained.

The fire burned through 3,092 acres. The acreage affected was reduced after more accurate maps were available to the DNR.

Officials say three structures were damaged by the fire and one shed was destroyed.

There are no reports of any injuries.

The DNR says crews will work overnight to continue containing the fire and watch for any flare-ups.

Evacuation notices have been lifted.

US Highway 12 is now open.

Multiple fire departments respond to house fire in La Crosse

Multiple fire departments responded to a house fire in La Crosse on Friday.

Fire crews were called to a house on Brackenwood Court, off County Road B just before 3 p.m.

According to a release from Battalion Chief Bee Xiong, firefighters saw fire and heavy smoke once they got to the house.

Everyone that was in the house got was out before crews started working to put the fire out.

The home has major damage, and the family is not able to stay in the home.

The cause of the fire is being investigated.

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Arcadia Fire in Monroe Co. burns on as emergency response officials, Fort McCoy leaders give update

As of Thursday evening, the Arcadia Fire in Monroe County has burned roughly 3,000 acres, 70 of which are outside of Fort McCoy's borders.

An evacuation notice is still in place along Arcadia Avenue. Another evacuation order was placed for a short time Thursday night, extending the area down to County Highway E, but the order has since been lifted.

The evacuation center has been moved from the Warrens Community Center to the Lunda Center in Black River Falls.

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources officials held a press conference Thursday night, along with a senior commander from Fort McCoy. 

Senior Commander at Fort McCoy Maj. Gen. Matthew Baker offered condolences for residents who are displaced because of the fire.

When asked how the fire started, Maj. Gen. Baker said they are investigating.

"The exact cause of the fire is still unknown at this time," said Maj. Gen. Baker. "We do know that we were doing prescribed burns, risk assessments were done, evaluations were done ... This has visibility at the highest levels, the secretary of the Army is tracking this, down to all the people at Fort McCoy."

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Joke Of The Day

“Mom, the kids keep making fun of me, they keep laughing that my teeth are too big!”

Answer:

“Oh Jamie, never mind them. And how many times do I have to ask you to try not to speak indoors, look, you’ve scratched the whole floor again!”

This Is Not Local News But I Just Wanted To Share This With You

 There is a new show on Disney Plus that just came out.

Check out the trailer for it!

Let me know what you think in the comments below.

Thank you so much!

Roughly 100 acres burned in wildfire near Necedah, evacuation notice in place

JUNEAU CO., Wis. (WKBT) - Department of Natural Resources officials are releasing more information about a 100-acre wildfire in Juneau County.

DNR officials say the fire started in the Township of Necedah.

An area near 19th St West, 12th Ave North, and 11th Ave are being evacuated. An evacuation center is set up at the Veterans Hall in Necedah.

DNR officials say there are no injuries reported.

The cause of the fire is still under investigated.

Fire crews are still on the scene, and DNR officials say they are making progress with engines and heavy machinery to build containment lines.

The DNR says multiple fire vehicles are at the scene, along with an airplane and two National Guard Blackhawk helicopters. 

A command post is set up at Necedah's Town Hall. 

The Red Cross is responding to the area. Red Cross staff are bringing water, comfort items, and sheltering needs if needed. 

The DNR is being assisted by fire departments from Necedah, Cutler, Armenia, and Tomah. US Fish and Wildlife, along with US Forest Services are also at the scene.

DNR officials want to remind everyone that the state is prohibiting burning anything outdoors due to dry, windy, and warm conditions. The conditions are expected to continue through Thursday. 

JUNEAU CO., Wis. (WKBT) - A large wildfire is burning near Necedah in Juneau County, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

The DNR says the fire has burned roughly 100 acres so far, and has also burned through structures.

Two Wisconsin National Guard Blackhawk helicopters are among the fire response, according to Capt. Keith Peter with the guard.

An evacuation notice is in place by Juneau County Emergency Management. The evacuation site is the Necedah Veterans Memorial Hall.

Earlier Wednesday, Gov. Tony Evers declared a state of emergency to allow for additional support if needed to put out fires.

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Inflation hits the mailbox: Postage stamp prices are rising, again

Stamp prices are set to tick up.

The US Postal Service said Monday that it filed a notice with its regulators to increase prices on first-class mail stamps to 66 cents from 63 cents.

If approved, the change would take effect in July, raising the cost of mailing a first-class letter by about 5.4%. The Postal Service said the hike was necessary to offset a rise in operating expenses.

Surging prices have dented business across the global economy over the past two years, pushing up workers' wages and increasing the costs of doing business. Although inflation has been cooling over the past nine months — prices were up 5% last month on an annual basis — it remains above the central bank's target of around 2%.

"These price adjustments are needed to provide the Postal Service with much needed revenue," the agency said in a statement.

If the latest hike is approved, it would amount to a 32% increase over the past four years.

Domestic postcards will also increase from 48 cents to 51 cents, and international postcards from $1.45 to $1.50.

It's rare, but not unheard of, for the regulators to decline USPS requests; they did so in 2010. The Postal Regulatory Commission denied a price hike because, according to its statement at the time, USPS "failed both to quantify the impact of the recession on its finances and to show how its rate request relates to the resulting loss of mail volume."

First-class mail is becoming a smaller part of the Postal Service's business because of online communication. The number of individual letters sent each year has fallen by about half in the past decade.

Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, appointed during the Trump administration, has pursued sweeping changes during his tenure to try to bolster the agency's finances. USPS expects to lose $4.5 billion in 2023.

Source: WKBT News8000

Wis. DOT closes I-94, US 12 between Tomah, Black River Falls due to Fort McCoy fire

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation has officially closed US 12 and Interstate 94 beyond I-90/94 to U.S. 12/WIS 27 "because of a fire."

DOT's 511 service confirmed the news just after 6:30 p.m.

The fire is likely the controlled burn that Fort McCoy confirmed it was conducting this afternoon as part of a training session. 

At 8:25 p.m. Wednesday, Fort McCoy issued the following statement:

"We are aware of a wildfire in progress on Fort McCoy’s Northeast border. Installation officials are working with local and regional fire departments to ascertain the extent of the fire. Preventing loss of life and property damage is the main priority at this time. Local residents are encouraged to follow local fire department direction and guidance. No further details are available at this time. More information will come as soon as it is available."

DOT has updated a detour for eastbound traffic to take Highway 27 South to I-90 and then I-90 East back to I-90/94. Westbound drivers would use the reverse of those directions.

Smoke from the fire spread to Warrens. Monroe County law enforcement is telling anyone residing in the area of Arcadia Ave, Archer Rd, Blueberry Rd, Archive Ave, and US Highway 12 in that area, to "evacuate immediately."

Evacuation shelters for the displaced in Warrens are set up at the Warrens Log Cabin Lions Building at 601 Pine St.

 

Tomah Police posted later Wednesday evening that "all northbound traffic on US 12/N. Superior Ave. at State Highway 21 is blocked to aid in the efforts with the fire north of Tomah. Officers are dealing with a considerable amount of traffic. Please avoid this area."

The developments come on the same day Governor Tony Evers issued a state of emergency due to high fire risk statewide. Communities all across the News 8 viewing area had been instituting burn bans this week ahead of the governor's announcement. 

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Fire Danger This Week In Southern Part of Wisconsin Due To The High Winds

Affected Areas

Mitchell; Howard; Winneshiek; Allamakee; Floyd; Chickasaw; Fayette; Clayton; Wabasha; Dodge; Olmsted; Winona; Mower; Fillmore; Houston; Clark; Buffalo; Trempealeau; Jackson; La Crosse; Monroe; Juneau; Adams; Vernon; Crawford; Richland; Grant

What to Expect?

RED FLAG WARNING HAS EXPIRED FOR NORTHEAST IOWA, SOUTHEAST MINNESOTA...AND FROM SOUTHWEST INTO CENTRAL WISCONSIN... * AFFECTED AREA...In Iowa, Mitchell, Howard, Winneshiek, Allamakee, Floyd, Chickasaw, Fayette and Clayton. In Minnesota, Wabasha, Dodge, Olmsted, Winona, Mower, Fillmore and Houston. In Wisconsin, Clark, Buffalo, Trempealeau, Jackson, La Crosse, Monroe, Juneau, Adams, Vernon, Crawford, Richland and Grant. * TIMING...From 11 am through 8 pm Thursday. * WINDS...Southwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph, however not quite as strong across Wisconsin with winds 10 to 20 mph with gusts to 30 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 15 to 25 percent. * TEMPERATURES...In the 80s.

Impacts

Any fires that start will quickly become difficult to control and spread rapidly. Please heed any local burning bans.

Source: WKBT News 8000

Oil prices surge after OPEC+ producers announce surprise cuts

 Oil prices spiked Monday after OPEC+ producers unexpectedly announced that they would cut output.

Brent crude, the global benchmark, jumped 5.31% to $84.13 a barrel, while WTI, the US benchmark, rose 5.48% to $79.83. Both were the sharpest price rises in almost a year.

The oil prices sunk as low as $73 and $67 a barrel respectively in the week following the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank in the United States on March 10, as the turmoil spread to the wider banking sector, raising fears of a global recession.

With oil prices now rising, inflation could remain higher for longer, adding pressure to a hot-button issue for consumers around the world.

"The development comes as a blow for inflation," Sophie Lund-Yates, lead equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said in a note Monday. "Markets are aware that if the pressure continues, central banks will need to extend or strengthen their interest rate hiking cycles."

On Sunday, Saudi Arabia said it would start "a voluntary reduction" in its production of crude oil, alongside other members or allies of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

The cuts will start in May and last through the end of the year, an official with the Saudi Ministry of Energy was quoted as saying by Saudi state-run news agency SPA.

The reductions are on top of those announced by OPEC+ in October, according to SPA.

That month, oil producers agreed to slash output by 2 million barrels a day, the largest cut since the start of the pandemic and equivalent to about 2% of global oil demand.

Saudi Arabia now says it will cut oil production by another half a million barrels a day.

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At least 25 cars of a freight train derail in western Montana

A freight train derailed in Paradise, Montana, on Sunday, according to the Sanders County Sheriff's Office.

Approximately 25 cars were derailed around 9:20 a.m. near Highway 135, dispatcher Bill Brown told CNN.

The train derailed on the banks of the Clark Fork River, approximately 200 miles northwest of Bozeman. Images from the scene show some of the cars in the river.

The sheriff's office did not provide information on what the train was hauling. However, Brown said there did not appear to be any hazardous materials onboard.

The Sanders County Fire Department was on the scene responding to the derailment, Brown said. The office of emergency management and the Montana Rail Link have also been notified of the incident.

There have been no injuries reported. The cause of the derailment is under investigation.

News Source: WKBT News8000

LSU beats Iowa to win its first NCAA women's basketball championship

LSU shot a blistering 58% from the field in the first half, including 75% from three-point range.

The Tigers' 59 first half points set a new record for most points scored in a half in a women's championship game and gave LSU a 17-point lead headed to the locker room.

The Tigers' first-half barrage was sparked by Jasmine Carson, who came off the bench to score 21 points for LSU in the opening half, including a perfect five of five on three-pointers. Carson finished with 22 points to lead the Tigers.

After the game, Carson described the game as "surreal."

"Every player dreams of being on a big stage like this and having the game of your life, and for it to come to fruition -- it meant a lot," she said.

LSU's 102 points also set a new record for most points scored by a team in a women's championship game.

Iowa star Caitlin Clark led all scorers with 30 points in the game, setting a new record for most points scored in a women's tournament in the process with 191. The 2023 national player of the year broke the previous women's record of 177 points set by Sheryl Swoopes in 1993 playing for Texas Tech. Swoopes set the record playing in fives games compared to Clark's six game total.

Hall of Fame coach Kim Mulkey was emotional during the game's final seconds as she secured LSU's first women's basketball championship in just her second year at the helm for the Tigers.

"Coaches coach a lifetime and this is the fourth time I've been blessed," an emotional Mulkey, having won her fourth NCAA women's basketball national championship after claiming three during her time at Baylor, told ESPN.

"Never in the history of LSU basketball, men or women, have they ever played for a championship and to win it, I think my tears are tears of joy. I'm so happy for everyone back in Louisiana."

The Tigers became just the third No. 3 seeded team to win the title and the first since 1997.

A crowd of 19,482 was in attendance to watch LSU's victory; according to the NCAA, over 350,000 have turned out to watch the women's March Madness which is a record for the competition.

Story Source: WKBT News8000

American Legion Post 52 hosts All-You-Can-Eat S.O.S. Breakfast

The American Legion Honors Squads in La Crosse hosted its monthly All-You-Can-Eat S.O.S. Breakfast at the Post on Sunday.

Attendees were able to enjoy the same kind of breakfast that you would typically eat at bootcamp.

According to organizers, the breakfast honors a longstanding tradition. 

"S.O.S. is a military tradition which most people experience in boot camp and beyond," said member Neil Duresky. "Which is a good, healthy, filling meal for a soldier, sailor-airmen or Marine."

Money raised helps the Legion Honor Squad fund military funeral ceremonies for U.S. veterans and support community events with its Color Guard.  

Story Source: WKBT News8000

First tornadoes of 2023 confirmed in southern Wisconsin

 

The National Weather Service in Milwaukee has so far confirmed at least three tornadoes that impacted Rock & Walworth Counties on Friday night, March 31 from approximately 7:45 PM to 8:10 PM. Additional storm surveys are scheduled to be done in Green County and Cambridge, where damage was reported from strong winds associated with severe storms.

While North Central Wisconsin was dealing with heavy rain and mostly garden variety storms Friday night north of a warm front, more unstable weather conditions were found in southern and southeast Wisconsin Friday night as a cold front a low pressure tracked through the region. Severe storms produced damaging winds, hail, and at least a few tornadoes to the south of the warm front, which was located near the I-90/94/39 corridor. All the tornadoes were EF-0 with max winds of around 80 mph.

The first tornado was found to have occured in Beloit (Rock County) near in the Merrill Park area just after 7:45 PM Friday. Damage was noted to numerous trees on the east side of the city in the Turtle area, crossing I-39, then dissipating in a field. The twister was on the ground for 3.8 miles and was up to 100 yards wide.

Two additional torndoes were confirmed in Walworth County just to the ENE of Sharon near the Illonis stateline and W of Como, near Lake Como. Both of these tornadoes were EF-0 with max winds of 80 mph. The twister near Sharon took place around 8 PM and was on the ground for 10.4 miles, with a max widith of 150 yards. Damage to a few barns and a number of large trees was reported as the tornado passed near the southern end of Delavan Lake. The tornado near Como occurred at 8:10 PM. It was on the ground for 6.1 miles with a max widith of one and a half football fields. Damage to a storage facility and a few uprooted trees was observed in the impacted area.

Tornado In Southern Wisconsin 2023 Link

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85 Cent Blizzards Back

 

Dairy Queen is gearing up for summer early by offering some cool deals.

In honor of the year the Blizzard debuted, 1985, the ice cream chain announced it is offering its signature frozen treat for 85 cents between April 10-23.

Those interested will have to order online as the deal is only available through the DQ mobile app.

Dairy Queen said the S’mores Blizzard is returning to the menu along with two new flavors: Peanut Butter Puppy Chow and Oreo Brookie blizzards.

Iowa Girls State College Basketball Team Standings And Scores So Far. This is Google Search

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West Salem falls short in state final, finishes as runner-up for second straight year

West Salem took on Brillion in the Division 3 basketball state championship. 

West Salem would find their footing and enter halftime with a 5-point lead.

The Panthers would get into some foul trouble in the second half which opened the door for Brillion, as West Salem falls short, 61-55.

Story Link WKBT News8000

Thousands without power, damage reported following severe storms in southern Wisconsin Last Night

 

A line of severe thunderstorms left damage across parts of southern Wisconsin Friday night.

In Rewey, a building came down at Burnham Lumber and debris was blown into a nearby field, according to the village's fire department. No homes were damaged.

Brodhead also saw storm damage; the city's fire department reported damage on Golf Course Road and bent power poles near Decatur Dairy.

As of 9:15 p.m., Alliant Energy reported more than 11,000 customers across more than 7,000 in Walworth County, more than 1,800 in Iowa County and around 400 in both Lafayette and Dane counties.

MG&E reported around 200 customers without power as of 9:20 p.m., primarily in the southeastern part of Fitchburg and the Dudgeon-Monroe and Williamson Street neighborhoods of Madison.

This report will be updated as more information becomes available.

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Tomah man charged with attempted intentional homicide pleads not guilty

A Tomah man accused of attempted first degree intentional homicide pleaded not guilty in court Friday.

43-year-old Dennis Joseph Balaban also entered the plea for other charges related to the case, including felony aggravated battery and multiple felony t-h-c charges.

Balaban was arrested last November after police say they found a 58-year-old man with a stab wound in his chest. The man survived.

A status hearing is scheduled for May 8.

Story Source: WKBT News8000