Regional

Consumers planning their spring travels are likely considering their transportation, lodging, food, recreational activities, and more. But the planning doesn’t stop there. Travelers should also be preparing for scam prevention before, during, and after their trip.

A bald eagle pair in Iowa County appears to be beginning a 35-day incubation, suggesting the first of two eggs, usually, hatching about March 28. If there is a second egg, it could hatch before April Fool’s Day. That would put fledglings leaving the nest before Independence Day.

WisTax, Wisconsin's free and secure electronic income tax filing system, is available for the 2026 filing season. The platform has been updated with expanded functionality to better serve Wisconsin residents filing their 2025 state income tax returns.

Poultry shows, exhibitions, and swap meets in this part of the state have been suspended due to the spread of highly pathogenic avian flu. This also applies to any other events that involve the movement of poultry.

“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” ~Audrey Hepburn

During National Consumer Protection Week, March 2-8, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) urges residents to review and enhance the security of their online presence.

Highly pathogenic avian flu has moved closer to Sauk County.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has identified a case a backyard poultry flock in Dane County.

Wisconsin’s Period A spring turkey hunting season opens 30 minutes before sunrise April 15. Five more Wednesday through Tuesday periods follow Period A. Viewing wild turkeys is open year-round, with the best times being between sunrise and sunset; otherwise, gobblers, jakes, hens, and jennies are roosting in trees, mostly oaks.

Maple syrup season is beginning and, provided the weather cooperates, the season is likely to give sugar bush owners, large and tiny, good production. 

Cold nights and sunny days are ideal to keep the sap flowing until bud break.

The Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR) announced the start of the 2026 individual income tax filing season, beginning on Jan. 26. The IRS and DOR will begin accepting and processing 2025 individual income tax returns.

Filing options

Wisconsin taxpayers have several options for filing their taxes: