All three of Buffalo County’s weekly newspapers—the Mondovi Herald-News, Buffalo County Journal and the Cochrane-Fountain City Recorder—will merge into one newspaper, the Buffalo County News, starting Aug. 6.

Trio of Buffalo County newspapers to merge

by Beth Kraft After a 130-year press run as the Mondovi Herald-News, the newspaper will be changing its masthead to the Buffalo County News starting next week to reflect a merger of the county’s...

A facility on N. Eau Claire St. in Mondovi is one of seven area group homes and CBRFs operated by Garlick’s. Owner Mary Jo LaBair says another round of rate cuts handed down by Inclusa on April 1 will make it difficult for the business to make ends meet.

‘It’s a significant hit’—Local care provider faces another rate cut from MCO

by Beth Kraft Frustrations with forced financial realities continue for many who own and operate group homes and community based residential facilities (CBRFs) for people with varying degrees and...

Members of a new group, Hope 4 U, founded in Sept. 2018, are working to raise awareness about suicide and mental health to better connect people to key resources and life-saving information. A Suicide Awareness Walk is set for Sept. 7 in Cochrane.

Hope 4 U represents grassroots effort for suicide prevention resources

by Beth Kraft Members of a Buffalo County group have had enough. They feel there are too many local people wrestling with thoughts of self-harm and mental health issues who can’t get the help or...

A huge feedlot shed just north of Hwy. Z off Hovey Valley Road owned by Scott Werlein was flattened by the storm.

Fourth of July storm downs trees, damages buildings in Bennett Valley

by Beth Kraft A brief, yet strong, storm on the Fourth of July swept down County Road Z in the area southeast of Mondovi known as Bennett Valley, leaving a haphazard path of destruction. Large...

Firefighters sprayed water on the wreckage to knock down dust and douse any hot spots as a backhoe exposed the interior of Leebo’s Bar & Grill in downtown Gilmanton. Due to the nature of the fire early Thursday, June 6, authorities said the building had to be torn down.

Leebo’s Bar torn down following fire

by Beth Kraft In less than 12 hours, Leebo’s Bar and Grill—one of the original buildings in downtown Gilmanton—was gone. An early-morning fire on Thursday, June 6, scrambled multiple fire...

E-Edition

Mondovi Herald-News

Snowy conditions contribute to minor crash in city limits

Two pickup trucks driven by rural Mondovi residents were involved in an accident early last week on snow-covered roads at the intersection of State and Water streets. The impact sent one of the vehicles down a steep embankment where it struck a tree, resulting in minor injuries for the 70-year-old driver.

by Beth Kraft Two Mondovi-area men were involved in an accident on Mondovi’s south side on Monday afternoon, Nov. 24, resulting in a traffic citation for one driver and medical assistance for the...

Local chiropractor opts to fly solo with new private practice

Dr. Andy Van Roo recently began operating his Mondovi chiropractic office as a private practice, making good on a longtime ambition. Van Roo Chiropractic’s staff also includes Rachel Sosalla, left, Dr. Van Roo’s office manager for the past 15 years, and CT Diane Weber, right, who has been with the practice for eight years.

by Beth Kraft There’s a new sign up in front of Dr. Andy Van Roo’s office, but the Mondovi chiropractor plans to continue to offer the same services to his patients that have made him a go-to in...

Former Mondovi resident captures Wisconsin’s hunting tradition in new book

Travis Dewitz, a former Mondovi student who now makes his mark as a professional photographer in the Eau Claire area, recently released a book featuring deer hunting scenes from around the local area.

by Beth Kraft Travis Dewitz has long held an interest in preserving key, fleeting moments in the world around him with his camera. From senior portraits to images showcasing corporate business...

Mondovi, Durand schools honored for new collaborative project with CVTC

Mondovi technology education teacher Shay Lehman gave students pointers last week while they worked in groups to design bridges using 3D CAD software called SolidWorks—new to Mondovi this year. Classes like Lehman’s blueprint reading and problem solving course will soon become part of the new CDM Manufacturing Pathways program available to Mondovi and Durand students.

by Beth Kraft, Mondovi Herald-News, and Christina Lindstrom, The Courier-Wedge Though still in its infancy, a new collaborative program involving two local high schools and a technical college...

Local club stresses snowmobile access on select Mondovi streets will not be a free-for-all

Winter has an early grip on the Mondovi area, no doubt inspiring many local snowmobile enthusiasts to ready their sleds for the season. An approved expansion of city snowmobile routes will allow many more residents to reach the trails from their homes this year provided that they complete the proper paperwork.

by Beth Kraft Snowmobile access will be opened up to include more streets in the City of Mondovi this winter, but residents who wish to reach local trails from their homes will be required to obtain...

Mayor Pronschinske awards Ofc. Smith power of authority as discussion of Mondovi police chief position continues

by Beth Kraft Following tense discussions in recent weeks, city leaders and citizens may be on their way to finding some common ground and a permanent solution to filling the chief of police...

E-S Board reacts to referendum results

by Beth Kraft With the passage of a $700,000-per year referendum to help the Eleva-Strum School District make ends meet for the next two years, the E-S School Board and administrators now have a...

Mondovi home gutted by fast-moving fire

The Monroe St. home’s blackened kitchen sustained the most damage in the fire, which authorities say was sparked by the gas range.

by Beth Kraft It could have been worse, but the damage caused by an early-morning fire at the home of Jim and Kathie Loewenhagen and the losses it handed the couple were still great. “I can’t...