Good evening, everyone, for WRCO News.
I'm Todd Copernall.
Sarah Rodriguez has ended her campaign for Wisconsin governor.
Earlier this week, Rodriguez terminated her campaign manager, Kara Spencer, citing serious mismanagement and inaccuracies in campaign finance reports, including missed deadlines and duplicate contribution listings.
The campaign is currently working with the Wisconsin Ethics Commission to perform a full audit and correct the filings.
Today, Rodriguez withdrew from the race with the following statement.
I want to start by thanking my family and every single person who showed up for this campaign over the past week.
Your support has meant more than I can put into words.
As we have continued to dig into our financial reports, it has become clear that there are issues that would be an ongoing distraction, not just for this campaign, but for the primary and for Wisconsin.
This race is too important to Wisconsin to let that happen.
I am deeply hurt and betrayed by what happened.
As I said on Monday, part of being a leader is taking swift action, doing the right thing, and being as honest as possible when there's a problem.
I got into this race because I wanted what was best for Wisconsin.
That hasn't changed.
And because I believe that, I cannot end good conscience, allow these questions to become a cloud over an election that Democrats need to win.
Wisconsin deserves better than that.
This was never just about any one race or any one candidate.
This is about protecting Wisconsin from a legislature hell-bent on putting corporations over schools and insurance companies over patients.
It's about showing the rest of the country that we can win here, govern here, and fight for the middle class, and that Wisconsin will lead the way.
To everyone who showed up, knocked on doors, made calls and believed in what we were building, don't stop.
Wisconsin has always been a place of resilience where everyday citizens show up and accomplish extraordinary things.
Better days are ahead because of people like you.
Let's keep fighting.
I'll be right there with you.
The Richland County Board of Supervisors is scheduled to meet for its regular monthly session Tuesday, July 21st at 6 p.m.
The meeting will take place in the county boardroom on the third floor of the Richland County Courthouse.
One of the primary items of business involves a resolution to create a specialized committee tasked with assisting in the formation of an emergency medical service or EMS district.
This initiative follows ongoing discussions regarding regional emergency response medical systems and efforts to ensure sustainable coverage for the area.
In addition to public safety infrastructure, the Board will consider a resolution to officially change the name of the Public Safety Standing Committee.
Administrative updates are also central to the meeting with supervisors set to vote on the creation of a new economic support lead position.
The board is further tasked with confirming several key appointments including a new ambulance service director and appointments for county supervisory districts and various boards and commissions.
These leadership roles are vital for maintaining the continuity of county operations and public services.
Legislative actions regarding county property and financial grants round out the agenda.
Supervisors will review a resolution to transfer land and water conservation fund grants and property to the Richland School District.
Other resolutions concern the 2026 Computer and Hazmat Equipment Grant, repairs to the Tri-County Airport Roof, and the cancellation of stale tax certificates and county checks.
Finally, the board will deliberate on several ordinances related to specific land parcels throughout the county, including parcels in the towns of Buna Vista, Ithaca and Orian.
This meeting is open to the public.
The Village of Spring Green will hold the Village Board meeting on Wednesday, July 22nd at 7 p.m.
The meeting will take place at the Spring Green Village office.
Community members have the option to attend the proceedings in person or participate virtually through the provided digital link.
The agenda features several significant items for consideration beginning with a consent agenda for routine matters such as the financial report and operator licenses.
Under old business, the Board
will discuss and potentially take action on an update regarding the abatement of the property at 433 West Madison Street.
New business items include a resolution authorizing the issuance and sale of up to $3,050,154 in Water System Revenue Bonds Series 2026 and the approval of the Related Financial Assistance Agreement.
Additionally, the Board will address land acquisition matters for the WISDOT US Highway 14 construction project and consider amendments to Section 3.10.02 of the SR-1
Village Special Design Review District overlay.
Boaz Fundays is being held tonight through Sunday at Boaz Community Park.
The Boaz Lions Club Fish Fry is currently underway.
Other activities will be held this evening, including music.
Gene Nix is president of the Village of Boaz.
We changed things up a little bit this year.
We do have a poll Friday night, and that's our American mini-polars, but we'll also have a newcomer singer.
And I can't wait to hear him.
It's Mark Zelenskic.
I talked to him, and he does a great job.
He brings a little of the soft rock music in country.
So that's going to be entertainment starting at 9 o'clock Friday night.
So it should be really good to hear him.
Tomorrow there will be a full slate of activities starting at 7 o'clock with a great meal hosted by the Boaz Lions Club.
The Lions, they put on a pancake breakfast.
Then after that we go to the antique tractor pole.
To me how I say pull it off the field and pull it on the track.
So that's basically what that's going to be.
And then this year, Mickey Randall is actually putting on a cornhole tournament.
So bring a partner and come there.
Sign up is at noon on Saturday and one o'clock starts the tournament.
So that should be pretty exciting.
In the evening, Southwest Polars gets underway at six o'clock.
Donnie Resack will also be performing and fireworks will be shot off.
Sunday morning features the Mill Creek Saddle Club and a delicious chicken barbecue will be served.
Both start at 11 o'clock.
All weekend there will be softball tournaments.
face painting, bounce houses for the kids, a 50-50 raffle, and more.
During Boaz Fundays tonight through Sunday at Boaz Community Park, please no carry-ins at the event.
The 78th annual Casanovia celebration is being held tonight through Sunday at Casanovia Memorial Park.
Tonight, the Casanovia Reds will face the Maisa Mani Mustangs in Home Talent League Baseball, starting at 7.30 and Swing Crew will perform at 8.30.
Tomorrow morning, a pancake breakfast will be served from 7.30 to 10 o'clock, the Tracy O. Jennings Memorial Scholarship, 5K run in One Mile Walk, a free kids fishing contest, and a three-on-three
basketball tournament all get underway at 8 o'clock.
A grass volleyball tournament begins at 10 o'clock.
A luck of the draw bags tournament will be held at noon and pasture golf will begin at 2 o'clock.
In the evening Gem City sideshow takes the stage at 8 o'clock and there will be fireworks at dusk.
Sunday the parade steps off at 11 o'clock.
A flamingo race will be held at noon.
A kimchi pedal pole will begin at 1 o'clock.
and the Casanovia Reds take on Lodi in Home Talent League Baseball at two o'clock.
The weekend also features free bounce houses, a scavenger hunt, a raffle, food, refreshments and more.
Enjoy great fun and entertainment at the Casanovia celebration tonight through Sunday at Casanovia Memorial Park.
Leah Stewart has been missing since July 4, 2023 after she was last seen on 19th Avenue between 43rd and 41st streets near Boston.
According to the Charlie Project, Stewart was visiting a friend's home when she allegedly walked out of the residence at approximately 1.15 p.m.
without her shoes, her mobile phone, or her cigarettes.
These personal items were later returned to her parents' home by the individual she'd been visiting.
raising immediate concerns regarding her sudden departure.
Her family remains steadfast in their belief that Stewart met with foul play.
They argue that she would never have intentionally left behind such essential items or voluntarily ceased all communication with her loved ones.
As the investigation continues, the Juneau County Sheriff's Office has renewed its appeal to the public, seeking any information that might help resolve this endangered missing person case and bring answers to her family.
Please contact the Juneau County Sheriff's Office if you have any information pertaining to the whereabouts of Leah Stewart.
According to Senator Howard Markline, the state has recently undertaken a series of significant initiatives aimed at lowering health care costs and expanding access for all Wisconsinites.
The primary pillar of this effort involves a substantial investment in the state's hospital system with nearly $1 billion in annual resources secured through state programs and federal matching funds.
These funds are designed to bolster the infrastructure that serves as the backbone of the health care system, ensuring that facilities, particularly those in rural districts, remain viable and well-equipped.
To address the financial burden on individuals, the Wisconsin Health Care Stability
plan continues to play a vital role in keeping insurance premiums on the individual marketplace between 10% and 15% lower than they would otherwise be.
By investing an additional $35 million into this program, the state aims to encourage insurer participation and provide consumers with more diverse and affordable choices.
Furthermore, the enactment of the APRN Modernization Act represents a long-awaited milestone in powering qualified registered nurses
to practice to their full scope and significantly improving healthcare availability in underserved and rural communities.
Transparency and consumer protection have also been prioritized through legislation that codifies hospital price transparency requirements into state law, ensuring patients remain informed about service costs regardless of federal regulatory changes.
While some efforts such as the PBM reform known as COLS Act are still in progress,
they underscore a commitment to protect local pharmacies and reduce prescription drug costs.
Combined with expanded Medicaid postpartum coverage and supported screenings for high-risk women, these initiatives form a comprehensive strategy to make healthcare more accessible and more affordable throughout Wisconsin.
We have two new winners in the Muscaday Avoka Blue River Lions Club calendar raffle.
Two new $50 winners.
They are Angie Persinger of Spring Green on ticket number 0 3 9 0 and Deanna Hinderman from Hazel Green on ticket 0 3 4 5.
Congratulations Angie and Deanna.
Vital statistics right after this.
