100.9 and 107.7 country and community in Richland Center.
Here's your Daily News Roundup.
For Civic Media News, I'm Jimmy Cusca.
Before Tuesday's primary, polling head Francesca Hong is a clear favorite in the Democratic primary for governor.
On election night, David Crowley, who had dropped out of the race on July 8th, then re-entered nine days later with the endorsement of current Governor Tony Evers, held narrow leads for most of the night while totals were being reported.
It wasn't until Milwaukee County's delayed reporting of over 24,000 absentee ballots that the race was called in favor of Crowley early Wednesday morning.
In addition to Milwaukee County, server issues in Winnebago and Green County's
also delayed the reporting of final vote tallies well into Wednesday.
Crowley will face Republican Tom Tiffany in this fall's general election.
Plenty of attention was on Northern Wisconsin's two contested primaries in Congressional District 7, which became an open seat when Tom Tiffany decided to run for governor.
Republican Michael Alfonso, the son-in-law of former Wisconsin Congressman and current Trump administration cabinet member Sean Duffy, cleared the field and will face Democrat Fred Clark.
Meanwhile, in Western Wisconsin, it'll be a rematch between Republican Congressman Derek Van Orden and
Democrat Rebecca Cook in the state's third congressional district.
The Madison police officer who shot and killed Corey Ruiz last month is being officially identified.
The Wisconsin Department of Justice says Keele Badinger Peterson was injured by Ruiz with a knife during an attempted arrest on July 22nd and then fired his weapon at Ruiz.
The deadly encounter led to protests at Williamson and Baldwin streets, including an encampment that lasted until last week.
Badinger Peterson has been with the Madison Police Department for more than 10 years and hasn't been involved with use of deadly force
in the past.
The last group of beagles at Ridgland Farms will be out of the facility tomorrow.
Big Dog Ranch Rescue says the final 155 dogs will be released from Blue Mounds, most of which are puppies believed to be just a few months old.
This departure will mark the end of a mission by rescue groups to have all dogs leave Ridgland Farms, a mission that began back in April.
Big Dog Ranch Rescue mentioned it has rescued more than 2,100 beagles from the facility to date.
I'm Jimmy Cuska for Civic Media News.
A bad night for the crew.
I'm Mike Clemens with sports.
Baseball?
The Brewers will try to avoid the sweep in San Diego after getting clobbered last night 11-2.
Kyle Harrison in one of his worst outings giving up eight runs on 10 hits including three home runs.
The Brewers wrapping up the series before heading to LA tomorrow to play the Dodgers.
NFL?
Packers head coach Matt LeFleur says he's thinking about playing Jordan Love some tomorrow night against the Steelers.
It was a year ago that Love played the Jets in a
season game and ended up needing surgery to repair a torn ligament in his thumb.
Obviously, what happened last year sucked.
It was very tough.
You know, I'm glad the timeline was what it was and I was able to be good for week one.
But definitely one of those things you got to take consideration going into preseason area.
So I think the plan is to play some limited role this week.
See how it goes going forward.
But that's always, you know, something that you've got to be smart when you're out there trying to avoid taking hits, things like that.
But you know, it is football.
That's Packers quarterback Jordan Love with Sports on Mike Clemens.
Partly to Mostly Cloudy today, we'll get to 84 for a high this afternoon.
Tonight, Partly Cloudy with a chance of a scattered shower or a thundershower low in the mid-60s.
Tomorrow, Mostly Cloudy, scattered showers and thunderstorms with a high near 80.
I'm meteorologist Sean Cable.
That's your news roundup for Richland Center from WRCE and WRCO.
Find more news anytime at wrco.com and wrce.fm.
Subscribe to this podcast on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you find your podcasts.
It's the Midweek Roundup.
Wednesday's Roundup brought to you by Richland Hospital, Cardinal Glass EG, Badgerland Flooring, and by Julie Kieran State Farm.
Today, it's Hanco or Facto.
Hank's got the questions, and Phil, he's got the final say on whether it's fact or something cooked up over a cup of bad coffee.
Confidence?
Absolutely.
Accuracy?
That's where things get adventurous.
Play along and see if you can out-guess Phil, because the truth is out there, and Phil is doing his best to find it.
Wednesday's Roundup, where factos, Hankos, and Phil, all collide.
Move them on.
It's time for
the Roundup.
That's
enough.
Hey, what's going on?
Hey buddy, how are you?
Yeah, good.
Did you do anything fun last night, Phillip?
Not really.
No, not that I can think of other than, you know, kind of cleaned around in my man cave a little bit.
Still got to get down so I can back in one of these days.
Good luck.
Working on
that.
Still hauling things back and forth.
Yeah.
Yeah.
Have you opened up another storage shed yet?
Just one so far.
Just one.
Yeah.
Yeah.
So anyway, uh, very sad day yesterday.
Why was
that?
Well, the firestone was, uh, Oh, the blackstone.
I'm sorry.
Somebody picked up the grill.
Yes.
So we can't use that.
Too bad.
Yeah.
That was one of the grace items.
It's somebody bought and it was still sitting here yesterday.
And I know you were hopeful that they were going to forget it was here and you were going to use it.
But it's very sad
day.
So that was the last of our items that we had here.
Took away your temptations.
It did.
It did.
So very well deserved though.
Anyway, but that's my sadness.
The hamburgers that I have apparently are not going to get cooked.
Well, you can
put them in the air fryer.
You can make your own grill.
Yeah, I appreciate it.
All you needed some blocks and an old refrigerator.
Great.
Throw some coals down.
Bang.
There you go.
I like just like regular old oak wood underneath there.
Oak wood.
Oh, yes.
Chunk wood instead of charcoal.
We don't
have that around
here.
Well, we can
maybe Simpsons can let us go there and chop a tree down or something.
Prickly ash.
Yeah, prickly ash.
A little bit of poison oak
as well.
Yeah,
absolutely.
Who knows?
Maybe that'll flavor your steak even more.
Yeah, maybe.
Maybe.
Your question of the day.
Who would you hate to see naked, Phil?
Oh my
goodness.
Why do you do
that to me?
That's the question.
Jabba the hut.
Jabba the
hut,
yeah.
Oh boy, I don't know.
That's not good.
I know mine.
The other one would be you.
That was
mine.
I hate to see myself
naked.
Not good, Phil.
Not good.
You might be from Arkansas, Phil.
If you own more extension cords, then you do it kitchen extensiles, utensils.
Word blunder.
Speaking of word blunders,
Phil, we've added a kitchen extensiles.
Yeah, that's
good.
You own more extension cords than kitchen utensils.
Yeah, that word blunder is brought to you by J&J, salvage and basketball.
Very
good.
Do you have a lot of extension cords?
I do actually.
You just never know.
I bet you I have a thousand feet.
Well, that way if you go camping,
You know you can run the drop cord and you can sell it all the way up TV and got to have the TV Internet and stuff right if you're gonna really rough it Yeah, you
gotta rough that.
Uh-huh.
Not you know, you won't see me in a tent.
I guarantee you
that
anymore Nope, not worth it.
We used to when
I did to when the kids we did a lot of that at every time It was a drought breaker because we put up a tent and there'd be four inches of rain.
Yes
And we'd just be like soaked and you know, you leave your shoes outside the tent and everything's got water and it's like, I'm ready to go home.
What a mess.
After you set the tent, I'm done.
Yeah, right.
Oh, well,
what do you
do,
Hank?
We're starting a new segment today, Phillip.
Oh,
that's right.
It's called Hanked On Phonics.
Hanked On Phonics.
So what you're going to do is that you've, I get a word every Wednesday and I have to try to pronounce it.
Oh, okay.
All right.
So here, here is the first hanged on phonics.
Right there.
Hmm.
Okay.
It is warchester, warchester sire.
We're, we're chesters.
Um, you're close.
What is it?
Yeah.
It's what,
what Worcestershire
Worcestershire Worcestershire Worcestershire Worcestershire.
That's not Worcestershire sauce.
Well, that's what everybody calls it, but it's Worcestershire Worcestershire Worcestershire
Worcestershire
Worcestershire Worcestershire Worcestershire Worcestershire Worcestershire Worcestershire Worcestershire Worcestershire
Worcestershire Worcestershire Worcestershire Worcestershire Worcestershire Worcestershire Worcestershire
Thanks a lot, Bill.
I appreciate that, buddy.
Woohoo!
That little segment needs to be, it has a sponsor.
Now you know.
Now I know.
Maybe we could get Worcestershire to sponsor that.
We'll get that one sauce that's not soy in it.
Give me that sauce that starts with a W. Yeah, how about a Heinz 57?
I love Heinz 57.
I haven't had it for a long
time.
Very, very good sauce.
I like that.
Gotta get me some of that.
My dad gets upset with me when he'll grill these big old steaks.
And my dad's a great griller.
My dad, I mean great.
And I'll ask for a A1 sauce or something like that.
What are you putting sauce on yourself if it's don't don't even eat it if it just you just ruin the steak and I look at him and I say you know what dad how do you like your steak he goes I like to eat it this way and I said I like to eat my steak this way
he doesn't
like it
boy that are putting cream in my coffee he doesn't
like that either no
that's not coffee he might as well just drink some kind of
be a man and have black coffee
exactly
right
exactly
that's too bad no but i i agree with you i i'm a sauce person i like it i like i don't care and that's probably maybe that's not so good for you especially you know if you put a hole
blob on there all the time.
And I
don't put a whole blob on there.
I
just, but I like the
little, I
like to dip things.
Heinz 57 sauce is really, really good on pork and chicken.
Oh, so
there you go.
Really good.
So anyway,
I put soy sauce at everything.
So if you take chicken breast, you have an air fryer.
All right.
So you, so I put a little bit of, it's a sauce that has a little bit of vinegar and stuff in the very bottom.
And on the top of it, you put Heinz 57.
So what the, what the,
Vinegar and stuff does keeps the chicken moist, keeps the taste.
And then the Heinz 57 just, oh, there you go.
My goodness.
Cooking with Hank here on Wednesday.
We're not even cooking with
Hank.
I
don't hear.
U.S.
horses competing in, oh my goodness, and horse events at the 2024.
Equestrian?
Equestrian.
U.S.
horses competing in the equestrian events at the 2024 Paris Olympics were flown there on a plane called Air Horse One.
Air
Horse One.
It sounds crazy enough when I think it might be right.
I say it's true.
It's a bunch of hands.
Oh!
Me!
Well, there's a plane called Air Horse One.
It did not transport any of the Paris Olympic horses.
Oh, OK.
All right.
That'd be a big plane.
In the same decade, Davy Crockett was killed at the Alamo.
The Eiffel Tower was opened to the public in Paris, France.
I don't think that coincides.
Yeah.
You're right.
That's a bunch of Hanco.
David died in 1835 and the Eiffel Tower was completed in 1889.
It's a tall tale.
That is a tall tale.
All
right.
Breathing the air in, what's that word there?
Mambay?
Mambay?
Mambay, I
believe.
Mambay.
Breathing the air in Mambay, India for just one day is equivalent to smoking two and a half packs of cigarettes.
I would say that's probably true.
It is true and very scary.
It is.
Well, you know, we had the wildfire smoke.
Oh my goodness.
When I was at the worst, I heard that from a couple of people were parts of southeastern Wisconsin.
It was smoking six packs or something like that.
Really?
It was horrible.
It was horrible.
The first US official one cent coin in circulation said mind your business instead of God
we trust.
It's crazy enough.
I think it might be true.
And it is.
Mind your business.
Yeah.
The so-called Fugo Cent, FUGIO Fugo Cent was also known as the Franklin's Mind Your Business Cent was first minted by the Congress in 1787.
We can't make heads or tails of it, so Phil.
I bet that's a collectible coin.
I bet it is.
I wonder how much that was because they're out there.
Yeah.
Love to see one of them.
Wow.
The first workplace, hard hats were used by 5th century Romans to protect their 10, their 10 and coal miners.
I don't think they were invented yet.
You're right, Phillip.
It's a bunch of Hanco, the workplace hard hat was invented in 1919 by Edward Bullard, who realized the safety benefits of World War One military helmet could be shared with domestic workers.
Hats off to Edward.
Hats off.
There you
go.
Lightning is five times hotter than the sun.
I think I've heard that before.
It is true.
It is true, Phil.
It is.
Plants grow larger and more quickly when watered with warm water than those watered with
cold water.
I'll say it's facto.
It's a bunch of facto.
It is Phil.
So you're going to, now what I've just done, Phil's going to make you, or June's going to make you go out with warm water and water, water to garden.
Yeah, she probably will.
She probably will.
It's sad enough.
Yeah,
it is.
What I have to go through.
Thanks to, you're so, so beat up.
Jaws was the first movie to earn $100 million.
That is true.
It is true.
It was the first summer blockbuster.
Was it really?
Yes.
And what they, they used to do is summer was kind of, they always looked at it as a wasteland for movies
because
they figured out people are out doing other
things.
They're not going to go to the theaters.
So they would release kind of maybe some of their weaker movies and they released Jaws and it took off.
And then of course lots of them followed.
Star Wars came on a couple of years later.
That was
even bigger.
Yeah.
So, but, uh,
It's kind of amazing because in the summertime, like in the South, you want to go see a movie for a couple hours, get out of the heat.
Yeah, air conditioning.
All right, here's one more here.
All right.
Women apologize on average of 5.2 times a day while men apologize only 3.6 times a day.
I think it's the other way around.
Nope, that's true.
Is it
true?
Yes, it is.
Oh boy.
Yep, yep, yep.
So that's facto.
That's a bunch of fact.
Oh, not Hanko.
It's not Hanko.
All right.
All right interesting Hawaii moves four inches towards Japan every year
I'll say that's true.
Wow.
Wow interesting.
I got one more You're just full of knowledge today.
The a live-action movie of the Simpsons is currently in production featuring Adam Sandler as Homer Simpson Kristen Weig as Marge Simpson and Will Ferrell as Ned
Flanders.
I've not heard about that.
I want to say that's Hanko.
It is.
It takes two to lie.
One to lie and one to listen.
Homer Simpson.
Yeah, absolutely.
I'll tell you, I'll tell you that boy ain't right.
Yeah.
Anyway, I hope you have an awesome day and it's humid out there.
It's still foggy.
It was really foggy on 193 from connecting 80 to 61 or 60.
So be careful, please.
Well, we're glad you made it.
Yeah, yeah.
Are you though?
And
now you
just come out the same door you came in.
I'd like to help you out.
Have a great day,
sir.
The 2026 Wisconsin primary election saw a 34% voter turnout in Richland County, with a total of 3,355 ballots cast, including 902 from the city of Richland Center.
In the Democratic primaries, on her way to securing the nomination for Congress, Rebecca Cook gained 1,419 votes in Richland County to Emily Berge's 581.
While Republicans, Tom Tiffany and Derek Van Orden have emerged as the nominees for governor and Congress respectively, alongside other clear results such as Tony Kurtz for state assembly, where he will be opposed by Democrat Zach Comments,
Clay Porter wins the Republican nomination for sheriff and Stacy Kleis will be the nominee for clerk of circuit court.
The race for Democratic nomination for governor remained too close to call throughout the evening with the Associated Press calling the race for David Crowley at 2.34 a.m.
Crowley defeated Francesca Hong by 3,211 votes despite recent polling showing Hong with a substantial lead.
Hong, who could have called for a recount under Wisconsin law, has conceded the race calling for unity.
In Richland County, David Crowley received 841 votes compared to 678 for Francesca Hong.
Walk with Grace.
Captain's night will be held tonight from 5 p.m.
until 7 p.m.
Captain's can turn in team packets at the Grace office during that time.
There will be no survivors reception this year.
Then on Friday, Greater Richland Area Cancer Elimination, Grace will be holding their Walk with Grace event at Crosscut Park in Richland Center.
The event begins at four o'clock.
At that time, Cancer Survivor Registration will begin and those in attendance can start getting bidder numbers for the Silent Auction and Bucket Raffle.
Silent Auction bidding and Bucket Raffle ticket sales get underway as well.
At six o'clock, the opening ceremony will be held during the ceremony.
This year's ambassadors, Gary Schwartz, Mike Bradford, Leela Babe Kraska, and Nancy Geer.
will share their stories about their courageous fight with cancer.
The opening lap featuring survivors and caretakers will also be held.
At nine o'clock the luminary ceremony will start.
Names on each luminary that includes individuals who are fighting cancer, survived cancer, or who have passed after battling cancer.
will be read.
Following the ceremony, the final lap will be held.
A reminder, if you want to have a name read that is on a luminary, they must be turned into a team captain by the end of day today.
If turned in after today, the luminary will still be displayed on the track, but the name will not be read.
All are welcome to attend the 23rd annual Walk with Grace this Friday, starting at 4 p.m.
at Croskup Park in Richland Center.
More information can be found at walkwithgrace.com.
The Richland School District Board of Education is set to hold a regular governance meeting this evening at 7 p.m.
The session will take place in the Richland Center High School, IMC.
The board will review and consider the approval of meeting minutes from the previous session held June 10th.
Following the minutes, the agenda moves into actionable items, specifically focusing on personnel matters.
The board is expected to take action regarding the hiring of a special education teacher
for the upcoming 2026-27 school year.
Informational and discussion segments will round out the meeting.
Members will review a summary of discussions from the prior meeting and engage in a dialogue regarding draft governance operational expectations policies.
Additionally, the board will hold a discussion focused on governance culture policies as part of their ongoing efforts to refine district leadership framework.
As the U.S.
Highway 14 construction project continues to move forward, motorists should prepare for upcoming intersection closures necessary for grading and brace...
base preparation.
These essential works are required to facilitate the concrete paving of the highways eastbound lanes.
While US-14 itself will remain open to bi-directional traffic, north and south access through two key intersections will be temporarily restricted.
The intersection of US-14 and Bowman Drive is scheduled to close starting Tuesday, August 18.
This will be followed by the closure of the U.S.
14 and County trunk O intersection Wednesday, August 19.
Both locations will remain inaccessible during grading operations and for an additional three to four days after the concrete has been poured to allow for proper curing.
To assist drivers during this period, a detour has been established utilizing County Trunk RC and Wisconsin Highway 80.
Project officials and Wisconsin Department of Transportation workers thank the public for their continued patience and understanding as these critical infrastructure improvements are completed.
Madison Police responded to a reported emergency Tuesday morning after a motorist discovered a two-year-old child wandering alone near a belt line on ramp.
Officers were dispatched to the city's west side around 4.30 a.m.
after the caller reported seeing the toddler on the roadway.
The motorist remained with the child, who was uninjured, until authorities arrived.
Child protective services subsequently took the toddler into custody.
Approximately two hours later, around 6.30 a.m., the child's mother contacted 911 to report him missing.
She told investigators she had last checked on her son late the previous night and discovered he was gone when she woke up.
In a proactive move to strengthen the local safety net for mental health, the Richland Hospital and Clinics recently conducted a safe talk suicide prevention training session
for staff and educators within the Richland School District.
The initiative directly addresses needs identified in the 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment, which highlighted mental health support as a critical priority based on extensive public feedback.
The four-hour workshop hosted in the lower level of the Richland Hospital was facilitated by TRHC's Suicide Prevention Task Force.
The SAFE Talk program, where SAFE stands for Suicide Alertness for Everyone, is designed to empower ordinary citizens with the skills to recognize warning signs and intervene effectively.
Participants are trained in the talk-action steps, tell, ask, listen, and keep safe.
By teaching these practical maneuvers, the program aims to replace the common feelings of helplessness associated with suicide,
with the confidence to initiate life-saving conversations and connect those in distress with professional support.
Organizers and participants alike emphasize that preventing tragedy is a shared responsibility that extends beyond clinical settings.
Representatives from the school district noted that educators are uniquely positioned to notice when a student or colleague is struggling, making this training an invaluable tool for campus safety.
Trainers from the Southwestern Wisconsin Community Action Program praised the engagement of the Richland Center staff, noting that their dedication is a testament to the community's resolve to support its members.
The TRHC Suicide Prevention Task Force remains committed to expanding these educational opportunities, ensuring that mental health remains at the forefront of community wellness efforts.
A high school football player in Wamell High in Arkansas experienced a terrifying close call last week when he discovered a two-foot venomous cottonmouth snake nestled inside his helmet.
The student athlete had already completed warm-ups and wore the gear for nearly an hour before noticing unusual movement against his head.
Upon inspection by an assistant coach, the deadly pit viper was found coiled behind the helmet's padding.
Because the snake was reluctant to leave its dark hiding spot, police officers had to intervene by pouring water into the headgear to flush the reptile into a bag for safe relocation to a wooded area.
Maumel Animal Services Director Chris Davis noted that the player was incredibly fortunate to have avoided a bite, especially considering the cottonmouth is the second most venomous snake in the state.
Experts suggested the snake might have been seeking a dark place to digest a recent meal when it crawled into the helmet while it was left on the ground.
Following the incident, the head coach used the on-reel situation as a serious reminder for the entire team, urging players to meticulously check their equipment for insects or dangerous wildlife before every practice.
The American Red Cross has officially declared a national blood crisis
the second in its history, as summer donations have fallen to a four-year low.
This shortage is particularly severe for Type O blood, placing significant strain on hospitals and patient care.
To address this urgent need, the Muscaday community is coming together for a blood drive Tuesday, August 25th at St.
John's Catholic Church, located at 341 North Wisconsin Avenue.
The event will run from 11.30 a.m.
to 5.30 p.m.
Every donation helps replenish the supply and ensures hospitals can provide life saving care.
As an incentive for your generosity, all donors who come to give blood during the month of August are eligible to receive a $20 Amazon gift card by email.
Additionally, all donors will receive a coupon for a free pint of Culver's Custard as a token of appreciation.
Appointments are strongly encouraged to manage the flow of donors, though walk-ins are always welcome.
You can schedule your visit by calling 800 Red Cross by visiting theRedCrossBlood.org.
Please be sure to use the sponsor code muscadaywi when booking your appointment.
Your contribution is vital to helping our community and the nation overcome this critical shortage.
Todd Richmond at, let's start that again, Todd Richmond at UW Platteville reports, UW Platteville Associate Athletic Director, Cara McCarville has been named the 2026
Dr. Carol Sue Butts Award winner after leading her department through a challenging leadership transition this winter and continuing to serve as a role model for female athletes and staff.
She will accept the honor at an awards reception preceding the annual faculty and staff convocation August 25th.
She is among a group of 10 UW Platteville employees receiving annual university awards at the event.
McCarville is entering her 20th year with the University's Department of Athletics and Recreation.
She currently serves as Associate AD and Chief of Staff, supervising events, facilities and daily operations as well as assisting with the budget, game management and intramurals.
She has been the host tournament director for the NCAA Men's Basketball and Soccer tournaments held at UW-Platteville and is the University's NCAA-appointed Senior Woman Administrator.
She stepped in as interim AD after former AD Michael Knight was terminated in December 2025.
And she guided the athletic department until Sam Koenig was named permanent AD in April.
Macarvo took over in the middle of the winter sports season, guiding men's and women's basketball, wrestling, indoor and outdoor track and field.
baseball, and softball for months until Kanag took over.
Assistant Athletic Director for Communications Lindsey Diepmeyer, who nominated McCarville for the award, noted in a May letter that McCarville performed these extra tasks with a smile, working long days and traveling to support teams, all while maintaining her regular duties.
The award is named in honor of Dr. Carol Sue Butts, who served as provost at UW Platteville from 1998 to 2010 and became the university's first female interim chancellor.
The award recognizes university employees who have an outstanding record of making a difference for women in the campus community.
U.S.
Senator Ron Johnson, acting in his capacity as chairman of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, has officially requested a federal probe into allegations of widespread ballot fraud in Los Angeles.
In a formal letter sent on Monday, Senator Johnson urged Attorney General Todd Blanche, FBI Director Cash Patel and First Assistant U.S.
Attorney Bilal Eseli to launch a comprehensive investigation into the matter.
The request stems from
recent testimony delivered during a Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs hearing.
James O'Keeffe, representing the O'Keeffe Media Group, provided evidence regarding a sophisticated cash for signatures scheme operating within the Skid Row District.
According to the testimony and supporting reports, petition circulators allegedly targeted vulnerable, homeless individuals offering incentives such as cash, cigarettes, or marijuana.
in exchange for their signatures on various ballot measures.
Chairman Johnson specifically highlighted two entities, Urban Signers and one more, that's M-O-O-R-E Petition, LLC, as being central to the suspected misconduct.
In his communication to federal law enforcement, Johnson emphasized the gravity of these findings, stating that the apparent actions of these organizations risk undermining the public's confidence in the integrity of the demonstration.
process.
The senator's call for action underscores an increasing focus on ensuring legal compliance and transparency within local election activities.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services alongside local health departments in Iowa and Lafayette counties has confirmed two new cases of measles following testing at the Wisconsin State Lab of Hygiene.
These latest confirmations mark the third and fourth measles cases identified in Wisconsin during 2026.
Health officials have clarified that these new cases are unrelated to any previously confirmed outbreaks in the state this year.
An investigation is currently underway to identify and notify individuals who may have been exposed to the virus.
While no public exposure sites have been named at this time, the situation suggests that unidentified cases may exist within the community.
Public health experts emphasize that vaccination remains the most effective defense against this highly contagious disease.
noting that two doses of the MMR vaccine are 97% effective at preventing infection.
Residents are urged to be vigilant for symptoms, which typically manifest 10 to 21 days after exposure.
Early signs often include a high fever, running nose, cough, and red, watery eyes.
These symptoms are followed by a characteristic red, bumpy rash that begins at the hairline
and spreads downward.
Officials advise anyone experiencing these symptoms to stay home and contact their health care provider by phone before visiting a clinic to prevent further transmission.
For those seeking a doctor or vaccination site free and confidential assistance is available by dialing 211.
Governor Tony Evers in partnership with the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority has unveiled a significant $50 million funding package aimed at tackling the state's housing shortage.
This major investment will support 22 new housing developments spanning 10 counties, ultimately creating nearly 1,900 new workforce housing units.
The initiative represents a critical step in the administration's broader strategy
to ensure that Wisconsin residents from young families to seniors have access to safe and affordable places to call home.
The significance of this funding cannot be overstated as it stems from the largest state investment in workforce housing
in Wisconsin history, supported by $525 million from the 2023-25 biennial budget and established through bipartisan legislation, these efforts have already facilitated the creation of nearly 3,500 units statewide.
Governor Evers emphasized that expanding access to stable housing is fundamental to strengthening communities and growing the state's workforce, noting that since 2019, over 35,000 units have been constructed under his administration's watch.
The $50 million is being distributed through three specialized loan programs designed to address unique development challenges.
The Vacancy to Vitality program, which received $41.3 million of this round's funding, focuses on converting vacant commercial buildings into 682 new units of workforce or senior housing.
Meanwhile, the Infrastructure Access Program allocated $6.5 million to help developers cover the essential costs of public infrastructure, supporting the creation of 1,185 units.
Finally, the Restore Main Street Program provided $2.3 million to renovate residential spaces above street-level commercial storefronts
specifically targeting 49 new units in Milwaukee County.
According to Weta Executive Director Elmer Moore Jr., these loans are vital for pushing complex and often underfunded housing projects across the finish line.
By prioritizing small community set-asides and senior-specific housing, the state is working to ensure that resources reach every corner of Wisconsin.
As these 22 developments break ground,
They represent a collective commitment to building a more sustainable and accessible future for workers and families throughout the state.
The Wisconsin Workforce Development Association, WWDA, has secured a significant $5 million grant from the U.S.
Department of Labor's Restart Initiative to launch
building, reentry, integration and development for growth in employment Wisconsin, known as Bridge Wisconsin.
This statewide workforce strategy is specifically designed to prepare justice involved youth and young adults ages 15 to 24 for high demand careers.
By focusing on both urban and rural communities, the program aims to serve approximately 695 participants connecting
to vital career pathways in sectors such as advanced manufacturing, shipbuilding, information technology, and construction trades.
This initiative operates through a collaborative effort involving eight Wisconsin Workforce Development Boards.
Locally, the Southwest Wisconsin Workforce Development Board and Will Spearhead efforts in Grant, Green, Iowa, Lafayette, Richland, and Rock Counties.
CEO Rhonda Suda emphasizes that the project set to kick off in January of next year is designed to move young adults toward full independence by integrating them into the workforce development system.
With a local share of approximately $654,000, the SWWDB will provide essential services
including workforce training, registered apprenticeships, and employment placement assistance.
The broader impact of Bridge Wisconsin addresses the critical workforce shortages currently faced by Wisconsin employers.
By strengthening the talent pipeline through industry-driven training and work-based learning, the initiative creates a win-win scenario.
Employers gain access to a skilled workforce while young people
From underrepresented populations, find pathways to long-term economic mobility.
To ensure success, Bridge Wisconsin leverages an extensive network of partnerships, including educational institutions, the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, and criminal justice system partners.
Participants will have access to industry-recognized credentials, occupational skills training, and comprehensive supportive services intended to facilitate their transition into family-sustaining careers.
This coordinated statewide approach aims to result in stronger employment outcomes, increased credential attainment, and a more robust workforce pipeline all across regions of Wisconsin.
A significant shift is underway in Dane County's healthcare landscape as 380 nurses from SSM Health Dean Medical Group officially petitioned the National Labor Relations Board for a union election.
Spanning 10 outpatient clinic locations, these medical professionals are seeking to secure a stronger voice in their profession and for the patients they serve.
This move is deeply inspired by the recent landmark union victory at SSM St.
Mary's Hospital, and the Dean nurses aim to weave their efforts into a broader regional tapestry of unionized nursing at Meritor and UW Health.
By joining forces, they hope to establish a unified front that can effectively raise patients
care standards across the entire healthcare system.
The drive to unionize is fueled by a series of mounting workplace challenges that have reached a breaking point.
Nurses working in essential services ranging from cancer treatment to urgent care report that they are struggling under the weight of chronic short staffing, significant burnout, and compensation structures they view as unfair.
They argue that current policies fail to adequately support or retain experienced staff, ultimately compromising the quality of care.
This local push mirrors a nationwide trend where doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals are increasingly organizing to counter the perceived corporatization of healthcare, demanding a seat at the table where decisions about patient safety and staffing are made.
Today is August 12th.
These are today's vital statistics.
James R. Jim Hansel, 97 of the town of Henrietta, died June 30th at home.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, August 15th at Mick Memorial Park in Hub City.
Visitation will be from 11 a.m.
until noon.
A memorial service will follow.
There will be a time of Uker playing and karaoke following the service in tribute to Jim.
burial will be in St.
Patrick's Cemetery in Melantha Creek.
Memorials may be directed to Mick Memorial Park.
James R. Jim Hansel, 97 of the town of Henrietta.
Paul J. Roberts, 54 of Soldiers Grove, died unexpectedly July 20th in La Crosse from complications during heart surgery.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, August 15th at the Community of Christ Church in Soldiers Grove at 12 noon.
A visitation will be held from 10 a.m.
until the time of service.
Roth Family Cremation Center and Funeral Services is assisting the family.
Paul J. Roberts, 54.
of Soldiers Grove.
Irma M. Hansen Miller, 91 of Blue River, died Thursday, August 6 at Schmidt Woodland Hills after a short illness.
Funeral services will be held Monday, August 17 at 11 a.m.
at the Pratt Memorial Chapel with burial to follow in the Basswood Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Monday, August 17 at the Pratt Memorial Chapel from 9 a.m.
until the time of service at 11 a.m.
Irma M. Hansen Miller, 91 of Blue River.
Raymond James Ray Bass, 77 of rural Richland County died Monday, August 10 at home.
A celebration of life will be held at 6 p.m.
Tuesday August 18th at the Prep Memorial Chapel with military honors to be provided by the Viola American Legion Post 447.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday August 18th at the Prep Memorial Chapel from 4 p.m.
until the time of service at 6 p.m.
Memorials in Ray's name may be directed to the Viola Fire Department, Kikapu Rescue Squad, or Viola American Legion post 447.
The Pratt Fume Cremation Service is assisting the family with arrangements.
Raymond James Ray Bass, 77 of rural Richland County.
The 2026 Wisconsin Today's Vital Statistics are sponsored by Krause Monument.
Krause Monument Company designs and produces granite headstones, gravestones, grave markers, monuments, and memorials.
Today is August 12th.
These are today's Vital Statistics.
James R. Jim Hansel, 97 of the town of Henrietta, died June 30 at home.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, August 15 at Mick Memorial Park in Hub City.
Visitation will be from 11 a.m.
until noon.
A memorial service will follow.
There will be a time of Yooker playing and karaoke following the service in tribute to Jim.
burial will be in St.
Patrick's Cemetery in Melantha Creek.
Memorials may be directed to Mick Memorial Park.
Jim is survived by his wife Emily, children Daniel and Lynn Hansel, Louise and Larry Martin, Mary and Dan Ryan and David and Deb Hansel, sister Marge Gleason, brother-in-law Joseph McEvec, seven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, many other relatives and friends.
James R. Hansel, 97, of the town of Henrietta.
Paul J. Roberts, 54, of Soldiers Grove, died unexpectedly July 20 in La Crosse from complications during a heart surgery.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, August 15th, at Community of Christ Church in Soldiers Grove at 12 noon.
A visitation will be held from 10 a.m.
until the time of service.
Roth Family Cremation Center and Funeral Services is assisting the family.
Paul is survived by his mother Kay and Corey Jones, his fathers Bruce Cornwell and Randy Roberts, his children Hunter and Rebecca Roberts, Cassidy and Zachary Reddy, Hogan Roberts,
and Brooklyn Roberts.
Brother Jerry Roberts, half-siblings Isis and Gary Wynos, Oscar Cornwell, Bruce and Amy Cornwell, Connie and Jesse Higgins, Rhonda and Travis Washburn, and Rachel Roberts.
Grandparents Paul and Pat Wallen, many other relatives and friends.
Paul J. Roberts, 54 of Soldiers Grove.
Irma
M. Hansen Miller, 91 of Blue River, died Thursday, August 6 at Schmidt-Woodland Hills after a short illness.
Funeral services will be held Monday, August 17th at 11 a.m.
at the Pratt Memorial Chapel with burial to follow in the Basswood Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Monday, August 17th at the Pratt Memorial Chapel from 9 a.m.
until the time of service at 11.
The Pratt Funeral Anchor Mason Service is assisting the family with their arrangements.
Irma is survived by her husband Donald, children Timothy, Mark and Valerie, Daniel and Brian.
and Doug, three grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, Irma M. Hansen Miller, 91 of Blue River.
Raymond James Ray Bass, 77 of rural Richland County, died Monday, August 10th at home.
A celebration of life will be held at 6 p.m.
Tuesday August 18th at the Pratt Memorial Chapel with military honors to be provided by the Viola American Legion post 447.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday August 18th at the Pratt Memorial Chapel from 4pm until the time of service at 6pm.
Memorials in Ray's name can be directed to the Viola Fire Department, Kikapu Rescue Squad or Viola American Legion,
Post 447.
The Pratt Funeral and Cremation Service is assisting the family with arrangements.
Ray is survived by his wife Susan, daughter Tina Ray Bass Moore, sons Ricky Bass, Steven and Kelly Bass, many other relatives and friends.
Raymond James Ray Bass, 77 of rural Richland County.
The 2026 Wisconsin primary election saw a 34% voter turnout in Richland County, with a total of 3,355 ballots cast, including 902 from the city of Richland Center.
In the Democratic primaries, on her way to securing the nomination for Congress, Rebecca Cook gained 1,419 votes in Richland County to Emily Berge's 581.
While Republicans, Tom Tiffany and Derek Van Orden have emerged as the nominees for governor and Congress respectively, alongside other clear results such as Tony Kurtz for state assembly, where he will be opposed by Democrat Zach Comments,
Clay Porter wins the Republican nomination for sheriff and Stacy Kleis will be the nominee for clerk of circuit court.
The race for Democratic nomination for governor remained too close to call throughout the evening with the Associated Press calling the race for David Crowley at 2.34 a.m.
Crowley defeated Francesca Hong by 3,211 votes despite recent polling showing Hong with a substantial lead.
Hong, who could have called for a recount under Wisconsin law, has conceded the race calling for unity.
In Richland County, David Crowley received 841 votes compared to 678 for Francesca Hong.
Walk with Grace.
Captain's night will be held tonight from 5 p.m.
until 7 p.m.
Captain's can turn in team packets at the Grace office during that time.
There will be no survivors reception this year.
Then on Friday, Greater Richland Area Cancer Elimination, Grace will be holding their Walk with Grace event at Crosscut Park in Richland Center.
The event begins at four o'clock.
At that time, Cancer Survivor Registration will begin and those in attendance can start getting bidder numbers for the Silent Auction and Bucket Raffle.
Silent Auction bidding and Bucket Raffle ticket sales get underway as well.
At six o'clock, the opening ceremony will be held during the ceremony.
This year's ambassadors, Gary Schwartz, Mike Bradford, Leela Babe Kraska, and Nancy Geer.
will share their stories about their courageous fight with cancer.
The opening lap featuring survivors and caretakers will also be held.
At nine o'clock the luminary ceremony will start.
Names on each luminary that includes individuals who are fighting cancer, survived cancer, or who have passed after battling cancer.
will be read.
Following the ceremony, the final lap will be held.
A reminder, if you want to have a name read that is on a luminary, they must be turned into a team captain by the end of day today.
If turned in after today, the luminary will still be displayed on the track, but the name will not be read.
All are welcome to attend the 23rd annual Walk with Grace this Friday, starting at 4 p.m.
at Croskup Park in Richland Center.
More information can be found at walkwithgrace.com.
The Richland School District Board of Education is set to hold a regular governance meeting this evening at 7 p.m.
The session will take place in the Richland Center High School, IMC.
The board will review and consider the approval of meeting minutes from the previous session held June 10th.
Following the minutes, the agenda moves into actionable items, specifically focusing on personnel matters.
The board is expected to take action regarding the hiring of a special education teacher
for the upcoming 2026-27 school year.
Informational and discussion segments will round out the meeting.
Members will review a summary of discussions from the prior meeting and engage in a dialogue regarding draft governance operational expectations policies.
Additionally, the board will hold a discussion focused on governance culture policies as part of their ongoing efforts to refine district leadership framework.
As the U.S.
Highway 14 construction project continues to move forward, motorists should prepare for upcoming intersection closures necessary for grading and brace...
base preparation.
These essential works are required to facilitate the concrete paving of the highways eastbound lanes.
While US-14 itself will remain open to bi-directional traffic, north and south access through two key intersections will be temporarily restricted.
The intersection of US-14 and Bowman Drive is scheduled to close starting Tuesday, August 18.
This will be followed by the closure of the U.S.
14 and County trunk O intersection Wednesday, August 19.
Both locations will remain inaccessible during grading operations and for an additional three to four days after the concrete has been poured to allow for proper curing.
To assist drivers during this period, a detour has been established utilizing County Trunk RC and Wisconsin Highway 80.
Project officials and Wisconsin Department of Transportation workers thank the public for their continued patience and understanding as these critical infrastructure improvements are completed.
Madison Police responded to a reported emergency Tuesday morning after a motorist discovered a two-year-old child wandering alone near a belt line on ramp.
Officers were dispatched to the city's west side around 4.30 a.m.
after the caller reported seeing the toddler on the roadway.
The motorist remained with the child, who was uninjured, until authorities arrived.
Child protective services subsequently took the toddler into custody.
Approximately two hours later, around 6.30 a.m., the child's mother contacted 911 to report him missing.
She told investigators she had last checked on her son late the previous night and discovered he was gone when she woke up.
In a proactive move to strengthen the local safety net for mental health, the Richland Hospital and Clinics recently conducted a safe talk suicide prevention training session
for staff and educators within the Richland School District.
The initiative directly addresses needs identified in the 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment, which highlighted mental health support as a critical priority based on extensive public feedback.
The four-hour workshop hosted in the lower level of the Richland Hospital was facilitated by TRHC's Suicide Prevention Task Force.
The SAFE Talk program, where SAFE stands for Suicide Alertness for Everyone, is designed to empower ordinary citizens with the skills to recognize warning signs and intervene effectively.
Participants are trained in the talk-action steps, tell, ask, listen, and keep safe.
By teaching these practical maneuvers, the program aims to replace the common feelings of helplessness associated with suicide,
with the confidence to initiate life-saving conversations and connect those in distress with professional support.
Organizers and participants alike emphasize that preventing tragedy is a shared responsibility that extends beyond clinical settings.
Representatives from the school district noted that educators are uniquely positioned to notice when a student or colleague is struggling, making this training an invaluable tool for campus safety.
Trainers from the Southwestern Wisconsin Community Action Program praised the engagement of the Richland Center staff, noting that their dedication is a testament to the community's resolve to support its members.
The TRHC Suicide Prevention Task Force remains committed to expanding these educational opportunities, ensuring that mental health remains at the forefront of community wellness efforts.
A high school football player in Wamell High in Arkansas experienced a terrifying close call last week when he discovered a two-foot venomous cottonmouth snake nestled inside his helmet.
The student athlete had already completed warm-ups and wore the gear for nearly an hour before noticing unusual movement against his head.
Upon inspection by an assistant coach, the deadly pit viper was found coiled behind the helmet's padding.
Because the snake was reluctant to leave its dark hiding spot, police officers had to intervene by pouring water into the headgear to flush the reptile into a bag for safe relocation to a wooded area.
Maumel Animal Services Director Chris Davis noted that the player was incredibly fortunate to have avoided a bite, especially considering the cottonmouth is the second most venomous snake in the state.
Experts suggested the snake might have been seeking a dark place to digest a recent meal when it crawled into the helmet while it was left on the ground.
Following the incident, the head coach used the on-reel situation as a serious reminder for the entire team, urging players to meticulously check their equipment for insects or dangerous wildlife before every practice.
The American Red Cross has officially declared a national blood crisis
the second in its history, as summer donations have fallen to a four-year low.
This shortage is particularly severe for Type O blood, placing significant strain on hospitals and patient care.
To address this urgent need, the Muscaday community is coming together for a blood drive Tuesday, August 25th at St.
John's Catholic Church, located at 341 North Wisconsin Avenue.
The event will run from 11.30 a.m.
to 5.30 p.m.
Every donation helps replenish the supply and ensures hospitals can provide life saving care.
As an incentive for your generosity, all donors who come to give blood during the month of August are eligible to receive a $20 Amazon gift card by email.
Additionally, all donors will receive a coupon for a free pint of Culver's Custard as a token of appreciation.
Appointments are strongly encouraged to manage the flow of donors, though walk-ins are always welcome.
You can schedule your visit by calling 800 Red Cross by visiting theRedCrossBlood.org.
Please be sure to use the sponsor code muscadaywi when booking your appointment.
Your contribution is vital to helping our community and the nation overcome this critical shortage.
Todd Richmond at, let's start that again, Todd Richmond at UW Platteville reports, UW Platteville Associate Athletic Director, Cara McCarville has been named the 2026
Dr. Carol Sue Butts Award winner after leading her department through a challenging leadership transition this winter and continuing to serve as a role model for female athletes and staff.
She will accept the honor at an awards reception preceding the annual faculty and staff convocation August 25th.
She is among a group of 10 UW Platteville employees receiving annual university awards at the event.
McCarville is entering her 20th year with the University's Department of Athletics and Recreation.
She currently serves as Associate AD and Chief of Staff, supervising events, facilities and daily operations as well as assisting with the budget, game management and intramurals.
She has been the host tournament director for the NCAA Men's Basketball and Soccer tournaments held at UW-Platteville and is the University's NCAA-appointed Senior Woman Administrator.
She stepped in as interim AD after former AD Michael Knight was terminated in December 2025.
And she guided the athletic department until Sam Koenig was named permanent AD in April.
Macarvo took over in the middle of the winter sports season, guiding men's and women's basketball, wrestling, indoor and outdoor track and field.
baseball, and softball for months until Kanag took over.
Assistant Athletic Director for Communications Lindsey Diepmeyer, who nominated McCarville for the award, noted in a May letter that McCarville performed these extra tasks with a smile, working long days and traveling to support teams, all while maintaining her regular duties.
The award is named in honor of Dr. Carol Sue Butts, who served as provost at UW Platteville from 1998 to 2010 and became the university's first female interim chancellor.
The award recognizes university employees who have an outstanding record of making a difference for women in the campus community.
U.S.
Senator Ron Johnson, acting in his capacity as chairman of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, has officially requested a federal probe into allegations of widespread ballot fraud in Los Angeles.
In a formal letter sent on Monday, Senator Johnson urged Attorney General Todd Blanche, FBI Director Cash Patel and First Assistant U.S.
Attorney Bilal Eseli to launch a comprehensive investigation into the matter.
The request stems from
recent testimony delivered during a Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs hearing.
James O'Keeffe, representing the O'Keeffe Media Group, provided evidence regarding a sophisticated cash for signatures scheme operating within the Skid Row District.
According to the testimony and supporting reports, petition circulators allegedly targeted vulnerable, homeless individuals offering incentives such as cash, cigarettes, or marijuana.
in exchange for their signatures on various ballot measures.
Chairman Johnson specifically highlighted two entities, Urban Signers and one more, that's M-O-O-R-E Petition, LLC, as being central to the suspected misconduct.
In his communication to federal law enforcement, Johnson emphasized the gravity of these findings, stating that the apparent actions of these organizations risk undermining the public's confidence in the integrity of the demonstration.
process.
The senator's call for action underscores an increasing focus on ensuring legal compliance and transparency within local election activities.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services alongside local health departments in Iowa and Lafayette counties has confirmed two new cases of measles following testing at the Wisconsin State Lab of Hygiene.
These latest confirmations mark the third and fourth measles cases identified in Wisconsin during 2026.
Health officials have clarified that these new cases are unrelated to any previously confirmed outbreaks in the state this year.
An investigation is currently underway to identify and notify individuals who may have been exposed to the virus.
While no public exposure sites have been named at this time, the situation suggests that unidentified cases may exist within the community.
Public health experts emphasize that vaccination remains the most effective defense against this highly contagious disease.
noting that two doses of the MMR vaccine are 97% effective at preventing infection.
Residents are urged to be vigilant for symptoms, which typically manifest 10 to 21 days after exposure.
Early signs often include a high fever, running nose, cough, and red, watery eyes.
These symptoms are followed by a characteristic red, bumpy rash that begins at the hairline
and spreads downward.
Officials advise anyone experiencing these symptoms to stay home and contact their health care provider by phone before visiting a clinic to prevent further transmission.
For those seeking a doctor or vaccination site free and confidential assistance is available by dialing 211.
Governor Tony Evers in partnership with the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority has unveiled a significant $50 million funding package aimed at tackling the state's housing shortage.
This major investment will support 22 new housing developments spanning 10 counties, ultimately creating nearly 1,900 new workforce housing units.
The initiative represents a critical step in the administration's broader strategy
to ensure that Wisconsin residents from young families to seniors have access to safe and affordable places to call home.
The significance of this funding cannot be overstated as it stems from the largest state investment in workforce housing
in Wisconsin history, supported by $525 million from the 2023-25 biennial budget and established through bipartisan legislation, these efforts have already facilitated the creation of nearly 3,500 units statewide.
Governor Evers emphasized that expanding access to stable housing is fundamental to strengthening communities and growing the state's workforce, noting that since 2019, over 35,000 units have been constructed under his administration's watch.
The $50 million is being distributed through three specialized loan programs designed to address unique development challenges.
The Vacancy to Vitality program, which received $41.3 million of this round's funding, focuses on converting vacant commercial buildings into 682 new units of workforce or senior housing.
Meanwhile, the Infrastructure Access Program allocated $6.5 million to help developers cover the essential costs of public infrastructure, supporting the creation of 1,185 units.
Finally, the Restore Main Street Program provided $2.3 million to renovate residential spaces above street-level commercial storefronts
specifically targeting 49 new units in Milwaukee County.
According to Weta Executive Director Elmer Moore Jr., these loans are vital for pushing complex and often underfunded housing projects across the finish line.
By prioritizing small community set-asides and senior-specific housing, the state is working to ensure that resources reach every corner of Wisconsin.
As these 22 developments break ground,
They represent a collective commitment to building a more sustainable and accessible future for workers and families throughout the state.
The Wisconsin Workforce Development Association, WWDA, has secured a significant $5 million grant from the U.S.
Department of Labor's Restart Initiative to launch
building, reentry, integration and development for growth in employment Wisconsin, known as Bridge Wisconsin.
This statewide workforce strategy is specifically designed to prepare justice involved youth and young adults ages 15 to 24 for high demand careers.
By focusing on both urban and rural communities, the program aims to serve approximately 695 participants connecting
to vital career pathways in sectors such as advanced manufacturing, shipbuilding, information technology, and construction trades.
This initiative operates through a collaborative effort involving eight Wisconsin Workforce Development Boards.
Locally, the Southwest Wisconsin Workforce Development Board and Will Spearhead efforts in Grant, Green, Iowa, Lafayette, Richland, and Rock Counties.
CEO Rhonda Suda emphasizes that the project set to kick off in January of next year is designed to move young adults toward full independence by integrating them into the workforce development system.
With a local share of approximately $654,000, the SWWDB will provide essential services
including workforce training, registered apprenticeships, and employment placement assistance.
The broader impact of Bridge Wisconsin addresses the critical workforce shortages currently faced by Wisconsin employers.
By strengthening the talent pipeline through industry-driven training and work-based learning, the initiative creates a win-win scenario.
Employers gain access to a skilled workforce while young people
From underrepresented populations, find pathways to long-term economic mobility.
To ensure success, Bridge Wisconsin leverages an extensive network of partnerships, including educational institutions, the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, and criminal justice system partners.
Participants will have access to industry-recognized credentials, occupational skills training, and comprehensive supportive services intended to facilitate their transition into family-sustaining careers.
This coordinated statewide approach aims to result in stronger employment outcomes, increased credential attainment, and a more robust workforce pipeline all across regions of Wisconsin.
A significant shift is underway in Dane County's healthcare landscape as 380 nurses from SSM Health Dean Medical Group officially petitioned the National Labor Relations Board for a union election.
Spanning 10 outpatient clinic locations, these medical professionals are seeking to secure a stronger voice in their profession and for the patients they serve.
This move is deeply inspired by the recent landmark union victory at SSM St.
Mary's Hospital, and the Dean nurses aim to weave their efforts into a broader regional tapestry of unionized nursing at Meritor and UW Health.
By joining forces, they hope to establish a unified front that can effectively raise patients
care standards across the entire healthcare system.
The drive to unionize is fueled by a series of mounting workplace challenges that have reached a breaking point.
Nurses working in essential services ranging from cancer treatment to urgent care report that they are struggling under the weight of chronic short staffing, significant burnout, and compensation structures they view as unfair.
They argue that current policies fail to adequately support or retain experienced staff, ultimately compromising the quality of care.
This local push mirrors a nationwide trend where doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals are increasingly organizing to counter the perceived corporatization of healthcare, demanding a seat at the table where decisions about patient safety and staffing are made.