Kansas Governor Laura Kelly Recognizes First Responders for Actions in Fatal I-70 Crash

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has honored several first responders with the Governor’s Award for Valor for their heroic actions following a fatal car crash on I-70 in Wabaunsee County on June 5. The recipients include Kansas Highway Patrol Lieutenants Lindsey Murphy and Carson Nuss, Kansas State Fire Marshal Mark Engholm, and Kansas City, Missouri, Police Officer Yul Bean. Their combined efforts led to the rescue of a 7-year-old child and 45-year-old Jason Webb of Cheboygan, Wisconsin. The accident involved a semi-truck driven by Webb, which crossed the center line and collided with another vehicle, resulting in both vehicles catching fire. Tragically, 70-year-old Barbara Krier of Great Bend and 50-year-old Steven Reed of Topeka died in the incident. Governor Kelly commended the individuals for their courage, decisive action, and unwavering commitment to public service under extraordinary circumstances.

Buffalo Lake, Wisconsin, Features Special Fishing Regulations

Buffalo Lake in Wisconsin is subject to special fishing regulations that deviate from statewide or border water regulations for specific species. These particular regulations are currently in effect and take precedence over general rules. The onX Fish platform provides a comprehensive fishing map for Buffalo Lake, detailing fishing spots, target species, lake specifics, access information, and weather conditions. Anglers are advised to consult the fishing regulations page for information on current and upcoming regulations pertinent to this lake and its species.

Congressman Tom Tiffany Survives Emergency Plane Landing in Lake Wausau

Wisconsin Republican Congressman and gubernatorial nominee Tom Tiffany survived an emergency plane landing in Lake Wausau. The incident occurred on a Saturday night when the 67-year-old, single-engine plane experienced a mechanical issue and lost power as it approached Wausau Downtown Airport. Tiffany and the pilot, Len Boltz, were the only occupants. They braced for impact just seconds before the plane hit the water. After the plane settled, they stood on its wings for a few minutes before it began to sink, forcing them to swim to shallow water in the dark. Tiffany sustained a cut above his right eye requiring 12 stitches. First responders arrived within minutes of a 911 call, but struggled to locate the partially submerged plane in the dark. Eventually, a rescue boat located and pulled Tiffany and Boltz to safety. Both were reported alert and conscious. The FAA and NTSB are investigating the crash, a standard procedure for such incidents.

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Governor Evers Celebrates Court Ruling Blocking Forced Coal Plant Extension

Governor Tony Evers is commending a federal appeals court decision that found the Trump administration exceeded its emergency authority by mandating that coal plants remain operational beyond their scheduled retirement dates. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit issued the ruling, which aligns with months of opposition from Governor Evers. He had argued that extending the life of aging coal plants would lead to increased energy costs for Wisconsin residents and hinder clean energy initiatives. Governor Evers previously urged the administration to reverse orders concerning coal plants in Michigan and Indiana, which are part of the regional electric grid serving Wisconsin. An analysis cited by the governor's office estimated that these orders could cost Americans between $3.1 billion and $5.9 billion, with approximately $117 million impacting Wisconsin ratepayers. The governor's office reiterated its commitment to expanding clean energy, reducing utility costs, and achieving carbon-...

Heavy Rain Expected Friday Night in Wisconsin

A weather system is set to bring heavy rain to Wisconsin starting Friday night, with locally higher amounts of rainfall possible in some areas. The weather pattern is expected to remain active into next week, with intermittent chances of showers and isolated thunderstorms. Additional rounds of heavy rain may occur during the week. Temperatures are forecasted to stay near seasonal averages, providing some consistency amidst the wet conditions. Humidity levels will remain high, ranging from 67% to 90%, with light winds primarily from the east and southeast at speeds of 5–9 mph.

Another Round of Heavy Rain Targets the Storm-Weary Midwest

A persistent pattern of thunderstorms will keep parts of the Midwest, Plains and Ohio Valley at risk of heavy rain and flash flooding through Monday. The Weather Prediction Center has issued a Level 2 out of 4 flash flood threat for parts of the region, with widespread rainfall of 3 to 5 inches and isolated totals of 5 to 8 inches possible. Friday’s heaviest rain is expected across southern Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and Illinois, including Minneapolis and Milwaukee. Storms will shift south on Saturday before the flood threat moves east toward the Ohio Valley and Northeast.

Heavy Rain and Flood Watch for Midwest Counties

A Flood Watch has been issued for several counties across northeast Iowa, southeast Minnesota, and parts of Wisconsin, effective from Friday evening through Saturday afternoon. The region is expected to experience widespread rainfall, with some areas potentially receiving multiple inches of rain. The heaviest precipitation is forecast along and south of Interstate 90 and north of Highway 18. Southerly winds gusting up to 30-35 MPH will accompany the rain, increasing atmospheric moisture and intensifying rainfall rates. This weather system is associated with a low-pressure center moving closer to the area, creating conditions for efficient and prolonged rainfall.

Beach Hazards Warning Issued for Lake Michigan

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued beach hazard statements for the Lake Michigan shoreline in Wisconsin and Illinois, warning over 5 million people to avoid entering the water due to life-threatening waves and dangerous rip currents. The warnings, issued Thursday afternoon, highlight the risks posed by strong winds creating waves of 3 to 6 feet in Illinois and up to 4 feet in Wisconsin. These conditions are particularly hazardous for inexperienced swimmers. The alerts cover areas including Cook County, Lake County, and Milwaukee, Racine, and Kenosha counties. The warnings are set to expire Friday night, but additional dangerous swimming conditions are expected to persist into early next week. The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project emphasizes the importance of adhering to these warnings, especially as lifeguards are no longer stationed at beaches after Labor Day.

Heavy rain and thunderstorms expected in Wisconsin on Friday night

East-central Wisconsin is set to experience heavy rain and thunderstorms starting Friday afternoon, with the heaviest rainfall expected Friday night. Rainfall amounts of 1-3 inches are projected for the region, while southern Wisconsin could see even heavier rainfall of 3-6 inches, potentially leading to flash flooding. Clouds will thicken tonight, with some late-night showers, especially in northern areas. Thursday will see drizzle in the morning, followed by some sunshine in certain areas. High temperatures on Thursday are expected to range from the low to mid-70s.

Beach Hazard Warning Issued for Lake Michigan

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued beach hazard statements for the Lake Michigan shoreline in Wisconsin and Illinois. The warnings, which affect over 5 million people, caution against entering the water due to life-threatening rip currents and waves reaching 3 to 6 feet (0.9 to 1.8 meters). The Chicago alert is in effect from Thursday night through Friday afternoon, while Milwaukee's warning covers Friday morning to Friday afternoon. Dangerous swimming conditions are expected to persist into early next week. The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project reports that Lake Michigan has accounted for 41 of the 73 drownings in the Great Lakes this year, underscoring the risks posed by these hazardous conditions.