Thursday News Roundup

100.9 and 107.7 country and community in Richland Center.

Here's your Daily News Roundup.

For Civic Media News, I'm Connie Feldman.

Investigators are looking into the death of an inmate at the Columbia County Jail.

Authorities say the 56-year-old man was taken into custody for suspected OWI in Columbus last week.

Officials report the man was placed in a restraint chair after becoming uncooperative during the booking process.

Although a jail doctor initially cleared him, staff found the man unresponsive just minutes later.

County officials say a review of surveillance video showed no one else entered the cell before the man was discovered.

State officials have announced more than one million dollars in tax credits for six Wisconsin-based film productions.

Authorities expect the grants to stimulate local economies by generating crew jobs and increasing revenue for area businesses and hotels.

The recipients include several feature films, a documentary on broadcasting legend Bob Euker, and a project exploring an unfinished Frank Lloyd Wright design in Richland Center.

The state's film tax credit program has an annual cap of five million, providing a max

of $1 million per project.

Questions are being raised about the residency status of a Republican challenger ahead of the November election.

Michelle Megadance Skinner is running against incumbent Democrat Senator Jeff Smith in the 31st Senate District, a race considered crucial for GOP pickups in Western Wisconsin.

A lawsuit claims Skinner and her husband filed for primary tax exemptions in both Wisconsin and Georgia and held active voter registrations in both states.

Skinner says she is a Wisconsin resident and notes that her husband lives in Georgia.

Emergency dispatchers in Dane County are getting help from Artificial Intelligence.

The Public Safety Communications Department has introduced AI dispatchers to the force in order to assist with non-emergency calls to 911.

Officials explain the system will transfer non-emergencies to a different line and the virtual assistant will handle calls such as noise complaints and animal control inquiries.

Data centers are now a major issue in the race for governor.

David Crowley and Tom Tiffany are both pushing guardrails while taking different approaches to tax breaks and environmental concerns.

Tiffany has emphasized protecting farmland and ending the state tax credit for data center equipment.

Crowley is stressed protecting natural resources, requiring companies to provide clean energy, and making sure Wisconsin gets value from any incentives.

Neither candidate supports a statewide moratorium.

The two candidates for Wisconsin governor are also talking about names that may or may not join them on the campaign trail.

According to Wisp politics, Democratic nominee David Crowley says he will not campaign with streamer Hassan Piker, saying he does not want to support those he believes can deepen political divisions.

Republican nominee Tom Tiffany says turnout will be key after unofficial results show Democrats cast more votes in their primary than Republicans.

Tiffany also would not say whether he wants President Trump to campaign.

in Wisconsin, saying that decision is up to the president.

The Wisconsin State Patrol and local police are stepping up efforts to catch impaired drivers ahead of Labor Day.

The drive sober or get pulled over campaign runs from August 19th through September 7th.

State Patrol says nearly 7,000 Wisconsin crashes last year involved alcohol or drugs, making up about one-third of all traffic deaths.

Officers are urging people to plan a sober ride before they start celebrating.

The DOT is asking people across Wisconsin to weigh in on a plan to make transportation easier to use for people with disabilities.

The annual ADA transition plan looks at barriers in place, like sidewalks, curb ramps, pedestrian signals, rest areas, and DOT buildings.

The agency says it installed about 2,500 curb ramps on state highways in 2025 and recently opened two accessible rest areas along I-43 in Manitowoc County.

You can offer your input online through September 17th at Wisconsin.gov-ADA.

And that's your state news update.

I'm Connie Feldman for Civic Media News.

The Packers head to Denver.

Hi, I'm Mike Clemens with sports.

The Packers on their way to play the Broncos tomorrow night at Mile High Stadium.

We learned why rookie defensive end denied Dennis Sutton has missed the last nine days of practice.

Matt LaFleur.

I wouldn't say it was conditioning.

No, it's just he overheated at practice.

So obviously you take that very seriously and he's kind of working through the protocol to come back.

I asked Dennis Sutton, how frustrating was it to miss the Steelers game last week while recovering from heat exhaustion?

Yeah, it's just frustrating, like you said, but came with the controller now.

But yeah, I've gotten a lot more comfortable.

All the coaches have been helpful.

Now that I'm watching, just pretty much get on the middle of earth.

I can't get back up there.

Baseball, the Brewers opening a weekend series tomorrow against the Atlanta Braves.

First pitch at 310, the Brewers losing to the Mariners last night, 7-5.

Golf, Kaler Stieger wins the Wisconsin State Open.

Over Mike Van Sickle, in sudden death, had took away in Franklin, Wisconsin with sports on Mike Clemens.

Mostly sunny today, we'll get to around 81 for a high this afternoon.

Tonight, mostly cloudy with a few scattered thunderstorms possible, low in the upper 50s to low 60s.

Tomorrow, mostly sunny, a few scattered thunderstorms with a high in the upper 70s to low 80s.

I'm gonna get around with you, 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.

Good morning, everyone.

For WRCO News, I'm Todd Copernall, 57 degrees in Richland Center right now, fog hanging in there under cloudy skies.

High today will be 82 in the news this morning.

On August 19, law enforcement agencies executed a search warrant at a residence located at 301 West Main Street in the village of Modford.

The operation was a collaborative effort involving deputies from the Grant County Sheriff's Office, Iowa County Sheriff's Office, the Southwest Wisconsin Emergency Response Team, and the Richland Iowa Grant Drug Task Force.

The multi-agency operation stemmed from two distinct investigations.

The primary inquiry led by the Iowa County Investigations Team focused on 21-year-old Christian Jarrett.

This investigation concerned a juvenile victim who reportedly received sexually explicit photographs via social media.

As a result of this probe, Jarrett has been charged with selling harmful material to a child no age, KNOW.

a felony under Wisconsin statute.

During the execution of the initial warrant, officers observed items that led to the application and execution of a second search warrant, specifically regarding illegal drug activity.

This Grant County investigation resulted in multiple arrests and referrals.

Ashton Johnson 19 of Montfort was arrested for maintaining a drug house possession with intent to deliver THC and bail jumping.

Linda Johnson 72 also of Montfort was arrested for maintaining a drug house.

party to the crime of possession of narcotic drugs, party to the crime of possession of cocaine, and bail jumping.

And Christopher Johnson, 44 of Modfert, will be referred to the Grant County District Attorney's Office with recommendations for charges of possession of narcotic drugs and possession of cocaine.

Persons arrested or referred for charges by the Grant County Sheriff's Office are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.

An arrest only indicates probable cause exists to bring formal charges.

The names of victims and witnesses have been withheld.

A lot has been said about the proposed BECI 765KV Power Lines project and still

Many landowners feel as they have very little information.

Mid-continent grid solutions will be hosting open houses throughout the area to share information and hear from the public.

The first of these will be in Richland Center Monday from 10 a.m.

until 1 p.m.

at the Richland Center High School.

That same day, Monday, August 24, there will be an open house in Gays Mills at the Gays Mills Community Center from 4 p.m.

until 7 p.m.

In Sauk County, there will be an open house in Baraboo Tuesday, August 25th at the former UW-Platteville Baraboo Lang Center from 10 a.m.

until 1 p.m.

A little further west of us, State Representative Travis Trannel, who serves as the Assembly Agriculture Committee Chair,

and is a dairy farmer, joined a group of state and local officials on Monday at the Retreat Sportsmen's Club in Vernon County.

The town hall meeting was dedicated to discussing the proposed Maribel 765KV transmission line, a project that has sparked significant discussion throughout the region.

The event, sponsored by the Coalition Against Maribel 765, served as a forum for elected officials, community leaders, and local residents to examine the potential impact of the 139-mile project.

Attendees focused on how the development might affect southwest Wisconsin and the environmentally sensitive, driftless region.

Current projections indicate that Dairyland Power Cooperative and Grid Lions Heartland will likely submit their application for approval to the Wisconsin Public Service Commission in the fall of this year.

During the meeting, Representative Trannell spoke to the hundreds in attendance, emphasizing his belief that Wisconsin requires comprehensive energy reform to manage such large-scale projects effectively.

He noted that gubernatorial candidate Tom Tiffany has already committed to such reform and challenged the Democratic colleagues on the panel to seek a similar commitment from David Crowley.

Trannel expressed concern that without a structured reform, projects that local communities find illogical will continue to move forward.

The discussion took place within a broader context of concern regarding the scale of regional transmission expansions, including the BECI megatransmission line, which could span 190 to 220 miles.

Critics, including the No.

765 line organization, have raised alarms about a perceived lack of adequate landowner notification and have questioned the experience of out-of-state developers.

There are ongoing questions regarding the planning process with community members seeking more transparent mapping and detailed routing information before applications are finalized.

The City of Richland Center Public Works Committee is scheduled to meet Thursday, August 20th at 5.30 p.m.

in the council chambers of the municipal building.

The committee is set to address several critical discussion and action items.

Key among these is the recommendation for the award of the 2026 Street Maintenance Bid and the consideration of the 2026 Dyke Inspection Contract.

Additional discussion topics include capital improvement planning, a comprehensive review of current snow removal policies, and an informational overview regarding the proposed 765 kilovolt transmission line project.

The Richland County Executive and Finance Standing Committee will convene Monday, August 24th at 5 p.m.

in the Richland County Boardroom of the Courthouse.

The committee will address several significant items, including an update on the wage scale, discussions regarding the 2027 County Health Insurance, and a review

of the preliminary 2027 county draft budget.

Additionally, the committee will deliberate on ATV and UTV usage in the Ash Creek Forest.

The agenda also includes a closed session where members may discuss the employment

compensation or performance evaluation of the county administrator, followed by a potential return to open session to take action on any items from the closed session.

The meeting will conclude after addressing correspondence and future agenda items.

Virtual attendance options are available.

The American Red Cross urges donors to give blood or platelets now to help hospitals and transfusion centers stay prepared to help all patients.

A Red Cross blood drive will be held tomorrow from 11 a.m.

to 4 p.m.

at Cornerstone Church in Spring Green.

There will also be a blood drive Monday from 1 p.m.

to 6 p.m.

at Holy Family Catholic Church in Laval.

Appointments may be made like only 800 Red Cross visiting Red

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has recently verified that the virus causing

Epizodic hemorrhagic disease, commonly known as EHD, has been identified in two wild deer located in Washington County.

These confirmed cases were found specifically near the village of Richfield and the city of West Bend.

The investigation was initiated following multiple reports from local landowners and residents who observed clusters of dead deer, many of which were discovered in or near bodies of water.

While the site of such clusters can be distressing to the local community,

Wildlife experts emphasize that the state's deer herd remains robust and that these localized events typically do not result in long-term negative impacts on the overall population.

EHD is a viral condition transmitted to deer through the bites of small insects known as midges or biting gnats.

The disease follows a seasonal pattern, primarily occurring between August and October, and naturally concludes with the arrival of the first hard frost, which eliminates the midge population.

It is important for the public to understand that EHD does not pose any health risk to humans.

The virus cannot be transmitted to people through midge bites.

The handling of infected

animals or the consumption of venison from deer that were carrying the virus.

In fact, deer often exhibit symptoms such as excessive foaming at the mouth, general weakness, and a lack of fear toward humans.

Because the virus causes a high fever, deer are frequently drawn to water sources to cool themselves, leading to the common occurrence of carcasses being found near lakes and streams.

That information provided by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Good evening, everyone.

For WRCO News, I'm Todd Copernall.

Wisconsin's labor market showed resilience in July as the unemployment rate remained stable.

at 3.3 percent, according to the latest preliminary estimates from the U.S.

Bureau of Labor Statistics.

This figure remains notably stronger than the national unemployment rate of 4.1 percent.

The state reported a total of 3,036,800 employed residents, marking an increase of 6,600 over the month

and 26,500 over the year.

Additionally, the labor force participation rate held steady at 64.5%, continuing to outperform the national rate of 61.4% by 3.1 percentage points.

Total non-farm jobs in Wisconsin reached 3,042,900, reflecting a monthly gain of 1,200 jobs.

Governor Tony Evers recently announced the allocation of more than $19.7 million in Community Development Block Grant CDBG Public Facilities Funding to support critical infrastructure improvements across 20 Wisconsin communities.

These grants are intended to bolster local projects that residents rely on daily, such as repairing roads, upgrading drainage systems and ensuring the integrity of water and sewer networks.

By investing in these essential services, the state aims to enhance the quality of life and safety for individuals in low to moderate-income areas, particularly in smaller towns and cities with populations over 50,000.

However, the future of this long-standing program is now in jeopardy due to President Donald Trump's proposed federal fiscal year 2027 budget.

The administration's fiscal plan calls for the complete elimination of the CDBG program, a move that would halt federal support for local community development and housing efforts nationwide.

Governor Evers has expressed strong opposition to these proposed cuts, characterizing them as an attempt to undermine the ability of local governments to address their most pressing infrastructure and housing needs.

In response, the governor has urged Wisconsin's congressional delegation to take bipartisan action to protect the program and ensure that this vital funding remains a permanent fixture in the next federal budget.

The Wisconsin State Patrol in collaboration with local law enforcement agencies is spearheading the annual Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, which began yesterday and runs through September 7th.

This initiative aims to enhance safety during the Labor Day holiday weekend

by focusing on education and enforcement to prevent impaired driving.

With nearly 7,000 crashes involving alcohol or drugs in Wisconsin during 2025, accounting for one-third of all traffic fatalities, officials emphasize that strong partnerships between motorists and authorities are essential to saving lives.

A primary focus of the campaign is encouraging drivers to plan ahead before celebrations begin.

Responsible choices include designating a sober driver, scheduling rideshares, or utilizing public transportation such as buses or taxis.

Community members are also urged to intervene by taking keys away from impaired individuals and reporting dangerous driving by calling 911.

Planning for a safe ride home is not only a matter of public safety, but also a way to avoid the devastating personal and community impacts of a crash.

Beyond the immediate physical dangers, impaired driving carries severe legal and financial penalties.

An OWI conviction in Wisconsin can cost up to $10,000 when factoring in fines

court costs, insurance increases, and vehicle repairs.

Motorists also face the loss of their driver's license and vehicle.

While specialized enforcement and task forces work year-round to monitor the roads, the campaign serves as a critical reminder that individual responsibility is the most effective tool in preventing the more than 20,000 annual OWI convictions in the state.

On August 19, law enforcement agencies executed a search warrant at a residence located at 301 West Main Street in the village of Montfort.

The operation was a collaborative effort involving deputies from the Grant County Sheriff's Office, the Iowa County Sheriff's Office, the Southwest Wisconsin Emergency Response Team, and the Richland Iowa Grant Drug Task Force.

The multi-agency operation stemmed from two distinct investigations.

The primary inquiry led by the Iowa County Investigations Team focused on 21-year-old Christian Jarrett.

This investigation concerned a juvenile victim who reportedly received sexually explicit photographs via social media.

As a result of this probe, Jarrett has been charged with selling harmful material to a child.

No age, that is KNOW.

A felony under Wisconsin statute.

During the execution of the initial warrant, officers observed items that led to the application and execution of a second search warrant, specifically regarding illegal drug activity.

This Grant County investigation resulted in multiple arrests and referrals.

Ashton Johnson, 19 of Montfort, was arrested for maintaining a drug house possession with intent to deliver THC.

and bail jumping.

Linda Johnson, 72, also of Montfort, was arrested for maintaining a drug house, party to the crime of possession of narcotic drugs, party to the crime of possession of cocaine, and bail jumping.

And Christopher Johnson, 44, of Montfort, will be referred to the Grant County District Attorney's Office with recommendations for charges of possession of narcotic drugs and possession of cocaine.

Persons arrested or referred for charges by the Grant County Sheriff's Office are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.

An arrest only indicates probable cause exists to bring formal charges.

The names of victims and witnesses have been withheld.

A lot has been said about the proposed BECI 765 kilovolt power lines project and still many landowners feel as though they have very little information.

Mid-continent grid solutions will be hosting open houses throughout the area to share information and hear from the public.

The first of these will be in Richland Center Monday, August 24th from 10 a.m.

until 1 p.m.

at the Richland Center High School.

That same day, Monday, August 24th, it will be an open house in Gays Mills

at the Gays Mills Community Center from 4 p.m.

until 7 p.m.

In Sock County, there will be an open house in Baraboo Tuesday, August 25th at the UW-Plattville Baraboo Lang Center from 10 a.m.

until 1 p.m.

The City of Richland Center Public Works Committee is scheduled to meet Thursday, August 20th at 5.30 p.m.

in the council chambers of the municipal building.

The committee is set to address several critical discussion and action items.

Key among these is the recommendation for the award of the 2026 State Maintenance Bid and the consideration of the 2026

Dyke inspection contract.

Additional discussion topics include capital improvement planning, a comprehensive review of current snow removal practices, and an informational overview regarding the proposed 765 kilovolt transmission line project.

Ed Shitwood states the milk into cheese drive begins tomorrow and runs through Labor Day.

This is a fundraiser to deliver cheese to five different food pantries throughout the year.

Donations of any size are gladly accepted, or $170 buys 1000 pounds of milk, which makes 100 pounds of cheese.

100% of the money raised goes to the cause.

Please make checks payable to M-I-C.

as in Milk Into Cheese, M-I-C, sent to 1-6-0-2-5.

Eddie's Lane in Blue River, 5-3-5-1-8.

There will be a hay ride later this year.

WRCO will provide details as soon as they are available.

And we've got two new winners.

In the Grace Callender raffle, today's winner is on ticket 1486 from Springgreen, Jen Copernall, and on ticket 2960, Tom Andrew from Lafarge.

Congratulations to both of you.

Vital statistics right after this.

It's time for Thursday's Roundup.

Thursday's Roundup is powered by Attitouch Floral and Gifts, Schmidt Woodland Hills, Richland Hospital Cardinal Glass CG, Badgerland Flooring, and by Pratt Funeral Incrimination Service.

It's game day.

We're rolling out dumb cheap games that somehow turn into bragging rights.

No strategy, no practice, just luck, vibes, and questionable choices.

Thanks, Loveline.

the most anticipated moment of the week, especially if you're from Arkansas.

If it comes back quick, that's a green light and you can take a victory lap.

If it drags on, Hank says, step away, stretch like nothing happened, and act like you had better plans all along.

So tune in, play along and let Thursday's roundup turn ordinary into slightly ridiculous in the best way possible.

Grab your skates, yeah, we're calling you.

It's time for the roundup.

There he is.

How you doing, young man?

Hey, I'm fine.

Yeah.

Fine.

What happened to your mom?

Siner than frogs here.

What's that?

You said you hit something with your mower?

I did.

What'd you hit?

I love, I love it.

I love it.

So.

Yep.

No, I didn't

tell him about you.

The quickest way to stop mowing.

What was

it?

I don't want to say.

Oh, okay.

Yeah.

the little bit of, you know, like a head in the sand a moment.

Yeah.

Something like that.

I'm sorry to hear

that.

Yeah.

But I didn't see it.

Oh, you said that

it

was

in the tall grass

and

yeah.

And

I think we talked about your mowing on Monday instead of today.

I should

have.

Yeah, I should have.

But when you're in a hurry, yes, that's when things are going to happen.

So yes.

So it ruined the belts on the

board.

Oh, it did.

Yep.

So did you get a new belt yet?

No, no, but I, I called upon my super C farm all finished up with it.

Did you finish the job?

Finish the job

for you.

Absolutely.

That's awesome.

Yep.

Count on that.

Uh, what is it now?

70, 74 year old tractor

still runs like a charm.

Nothing that they make today is going to be running 74 years from now.

I don't mean you.

I predict.

Oh, I doubt you and I'll be running.

We don't even run

now.

We're on extra battery juice.

Right.

Right.

So anyway, uh, any big plans tonight?

Oh, you're going to arena.

Yes, I am.

I am plans tonight.

Sorry to busy, busy run.

Yes, you do.

Football tomorrow night, Saturday.

You got those were the days.

Yes.

June going to be around this weekend.

I think it won't be the weekend of Phil.

It will not be.

Phil's had is enough.

I had one last week.

Exactly.

She don't let you out too much.

Does

she?

Well, no.

And, uh, when she's home, then it's, it gets a little scary because it's usually cleaning day.

You got to really.

You got to be good.

Yeah.

You have to get

out.

Do you have to like make her breakfast and stuff to get on her sweet side?

I don't think she'd eat it.

I'm pretty sure she wouldn't.

You

poor soul.

What

do you do?

What do you do here?

You're just hurt all the way around.

I know.

What do you

do?

Just stay out of the way.

Did you have an imaginary friend growing up besides Specklede Pete?

I had lots of them.

Did you really?

Yeah.

Do you remember one in particular?

Plompeaboo.

Plompeaboo.

Plompeaboo.

Yeah, plompeaboo.

What is that?

What was it?

He was a

friend.

Is he still around?

Uh, yeah, he's still, there he is right over there.

Right.

So had, but I don't know what it says cause I had multiple had Plompeaboo, green baby, blue baby, um, farmer jolly.

He was imaginary farmer, you know, did he ever help you?

Um, sure.

Yeah.

We went out and planted corn in the same.

Did he ever do anything?

Yeah.

Well, in my mind, he did.

He was minding the cows and the corn and all that stuff.

Yeah.

But you had to do all the work.

Yep.

Jimmy Gumbo was another one.

Really?

They had like 10 imaginary friends.

I don't know if I was a lonely child or what the case was.

You still have those friends.

Well, I do.

Yeah.

I tell the daycare kids about them.

They're really, yeah.

And they can see them, I think.

So I can you, I go over and I push an empty swing.

They're like, what are you doing?

I said, I'm pushing plan peaboo.

Wow.

That's pretty good.

They go, oh, oh, next, next.

This guy never gets tired

of me.

Yeah, exactly.

I had a pet elephant one.

Did

you really?

What was his name?

I

don't remember.

I don't know My parents were very worried though.

They were you're probably a senior in high school, right?

Two years out.

Oh two

years You want to see my elephant?

I can't I can't move it.

There's no room for him That's

a good one imaginary friends.

I think maybe it says something about your

Intellect the more imaginary friends you have, you know, so is it good or bad?

I think it must be bad Look where we're at.

We found we

found each other.

We did.

Yeah Well, you might be from Pirates Philip.

Have you ever heard frogs louder than your television?

Oh That's the true story around here.

Oh 100% so we live right by the swimming pool or I live right by the swimming pool, okay?

There are frogs in there.

No, but some nights it is just so

Loud through there.

It's just like can you guys go to sleep?

Yeah, they say up all night Yeah, so my job in the morning is to wake them up with a lawnmower.

Really?

They're not sleeping today.

They're not gonna sleep.

No.

So yeah, anyway, let's see here What's something you do every morning that makes no logical sense

That's a good question.

Maybe just being on the air

Oh, so that makes good sense.

Yeah, you don't know.

I don't know what it was.

Something unlogical that may have brushed my teeth.

I mean,

oh

yeah, you shouldn't do that.

All right.

What's the most unnecessary thing you've ever set a reminder for?

I don't know.

I

set more than one alarm.

Right.

About three of

them.

I know people that will set it for oven timers, paint drying, all kinds of things.

Uh huh.

Oh, I do that.

I said, I set the oven timer sometimes in the afternoon too, but especially if I'm supposed to go to a game or something.

Oh, I'll break you up.

Yeah.

Well, yeah, or it'll remind me.

Oh yeah, I got to get on the road.

I see.

You can't just use your phone alarm.

No, I know.

Why would you do that?

I don't know.

More fun to use the oven timer.

What's a word that you say funny before seven AM Phil?

Word

that I say funny.

Yeah.

What is a funny word for seven AM?

I don't know aerobic, aerobic polka aerobic polka.

That's two words, man.

What's something you, you're oddly proud of as a kid,

oddly proud of as a kid.

There's a lot of them there, aren't they?

Speckled Pete.

Speckled Pete.

Yeah.

Are your 10

imaginary friends?

Yeah, there you go.

Imaginary friends are my, uh, my collection of gravel, you know, I mean, whatever.

So your gravel.

Yeah.

I used to have a rock.

I used to collect rocks and polish.

I had a rock polisher.

Really?

Yeah.

You talk about noisy there.

My parents, cause it just, you know, you have to run it for like a week.

You put like different little compounds

in there

and then you close it.

But it was just like for a week.

Yeah.

It's almost like a week, I think.

And then so my parents made me move it out to the shed because it was too loud in the house.

Couldn't get any

sleep.

No, no.

Where's in the frogs?

What's the least dramatic thing that still manages to stress you out today?

Least dramatic dramatic thing.

Oh, these are tough questions this morning.

Those are really, they make me think a little bit.

I don't know.

Just getting the garbage out in time for the garbage man, maybe.

You

think?

Probably.

Hmm.

What days?

They come on Friday?

Friday

at my

place.

Friday's your

place?

Hmm.

I guess I know where to drop my garbage

off.

Yeah, there you

go.

Do you mind?

I mean,

Well,

no, that's fine.

Just throw it, throw

it in there.

Throw

it in there.

Yeah, that's

fine.

Do

you,

is your, is your trash can usually full or never full?

Not usually.

No, it's usually about maybe a quarter full.

All right.

Has it ever been full when you clean stuff out?

Oh, once in a while.

Probably.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Or it was a rough week of the day care.

What?

Okay.

I'm just going to ask, what's in the trash at that point?

Well, what do you think?

I'm going to leave it alone.

Today's game day, Phillip.

Ring the game out.

Uh-oh.

What is it?

Yeah.

Yeah.

Here we go.

Look at this.

Ring toss for children to and under.

Oh, I don't know.

Yeah.

Huh.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Ring toss.

What do you think?

See, and we can, we can do these in a different way.

We can even see there's

Oh, you're going to just go with a shorter

and go with a shorter

one.

Or we go with a long one.

I think you probably got to go with the tallest

one.

Yeah.

With the ball.

Yeah.

We like the ball on top.

It's a replica of the radio tower.

Yeah.

So here, here's some rings.

I'm going to set these rings up.

Yeah.

I've done that.

Yeah.

That'd be fun.

What do you think?

Oh, that looks good on your head.

Does it?

Oh, missed it.

It's not good.

No.

Oh, you're killing

me.

Oh.

All right.

Oh well.

So what we're going to do, I'm going to set this up in the chair.

If I can find the other ring that you've

thrown.

So there's different size rings here.

Are there different point totals?

We can

go with the small ones.

Small

ones?

There's the small ones.

All right.

These can be two points, and these little guys can be a point.

Oh.

How's that for you?

All right, that sounds good to me.

So we throw them all at once?

No, you could, no one you.

Let me set up, Phil.

All right,

so you're going to put it on the chair.

Put it on the chair.

All right, that's a tough one.

That chair kind of moves a little bit, so that's going to be hard to hit that, I think.

So I'm going to set the camera up behind you.

All right,

over my shoulder.

OK, so I shouldn't stand up.

Well, you can stand up.

Well, I'll block the camera.

No, I'll move the

camera.

All right.

Ready?

Yeah.

All right.

Here we go.

Pulls up first.

Oh, that went one sideways.

Now Phil's been practicing.

No,

he's found that two hands are better than one.

Oh, man.

And these are all one-pointers,

right?

We could be here all day.

Man.

No, that was close.

Here's a two-pointer.

Oh!

Man, that should have been, I was robbed.

Oh, that went off the top two.

He's got three

more tosses, two more tosses left, here we go.

No, thought I was gonna get that one in the bounce.

No, all four, sorry Hank.

Man, all you gotta do is make one and then you beat me today in the recess game here on a Thursday.

Yeah, for

two year olds.

I know it, I'm sure the two year olds will probably have them all on there by now.

Huh.

All right.

No, you're probably right.

All right.

Well, we'll let I'll do play by play.

Well, you you try it.

Let's see.

Okay.

Go ahead, Hank.

Let's make sure everything.

All right.

Are you ready?

Yeah.

Okay.

He missed to the right.

He missed to the right.

He missed to the right.

He missed to the right.

He missed way to the right.

He got one on.

He has just beat me.

Oh, missed to the left.

Just a bit outside.

There you go.

Oh, one more Hank.

Oh, I guess two more.

Oh, he got one on

though.

He beat me.

You want to try it again?

You want to see if you can tie

the record?

I don't know.

I guess I can see if I could tie, but it's, it's tough.

It's tough being us.

I threw a couple of practice before we went on the air and I actually made two.

So maybe the pressure of being on the

radio.

it's two points

that's

not

fair wow

okay let me see what we can do here

all

right let me see what we can do ready all right i'm gonna take it more serious this time all

right here we go

we're on oh that should have been that should have been i'm hitting it that should have been what's going on oh man i tell you hang

i

don't know whether

Now why

maybe we're just too far away.

Well exactly now.

Let me get now.

I should Can't even get him on there now.

Oh Oh You beat me by a point didn't you because I got a big ring on there.

That was a big one.

All right.

Well, hey, sorry

yeah congratulations on your amazing victory you're you're a ringer hank you're a

ringer yeah definitely something philip definitely something all right nice job yep thanks buddy well i almost oh we got the love line today philip that's right are you ready for this

yeah that'll save me from playing john denver today

right here we go thursday august 12th love line 12 20th 20th

That blunder was brought to you by everybody knows who if I could arrange the alphabet Philip I'd put you and I between barbecue and pie.

Oh You know what I mean?

That's if I could arrange the alphabet I can put you and I between BBQ and pie Wow That would get somebody doesn't make a lot of sense, but that's all right.

You know I do

Wow.

Again, that's why.

I hope you have a great day, young man and everybody out there.

Be kind.

Let's hang brave.

Today is August 20.

These are today's vital statistics.

Eileen Catherine Hegg-Eberle, 95 of Lone Rock died August 8 in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

A funeral mass will be held today at 11 a.m.

at St.

John's Catholic Church in Spring Green, immediately followed by a luncheon at the Wisconsin Riverside Resort from 12 noon to 2 p.m.

with burial at 2.30 p.m.

in the St.

Killian's Cemetery.

Visitation will be held today at St.

John's Catholic Church from 10 a.m.

until the time of mass.

Eileen Catherine Hegg Eberle, 95 of Lone Rock.

Isabel M. Reimer, 91 of Loganville, died Sunday morning at the Senior Life Center in Ridgeburg.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11.30 a.m.

Friday, August 21st at St.

Peter's Lutheran Church in Loganville.

Internment will be in St.

Peter's Cemetery.

There will be visitation Friday morning from 9.30 a.m.

until 11.15 a.m.

at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to St.

Peter's Lutheran Church would be appreciated.

The Farber funeral home is serving the family.

Isabel M. Reimer, 91 of Loganville.

Gary Lee Hagar, 79 of Madison, formerly of Avoka, died Thursday, June 18 at Sage Meadows in Middleton.

A celebration of life will be held Friday, August 21st at 1.30 p.m.

at the Pratt Memorial Chapel.

Visitation will be held Friday, August 21st at the Pratt Memorial Chapel from 12.30 p.m.

until the time of service at 1.30 p.m.

Military rights will be provided.

Gary Lee Hagar, 79 of Madison, formerly of Avoca.

Richard Arlen Olson, 94 of Avoka, died August 13.

Funeral services will be held Friday, August 21 at 1 p.m.

at St.

Joseph's Catholic Church in Avoka.

Burial will follow in St.

Joseph's Catholic Cemetery with military graveside rights to be conducted by the Avoka American Legion.

post 335.

Visitation will be held at St.

Joseph's Catholic Church Friday, August 21st from 10 a.m.

until the time of mass at 1 p.m.

Memorials may be directed to the Riverdale Food Pantry or a charity of your choice.

Richard Arlen Olson, 94 of Avoka.

Stephen Garrett Shell, 46 of Irving, Texas,

formerly of Richland Center died Wednesday, July 29th.

A visitation will be held at the Pratt Memorial Chapel Saturday, August 22nd from 11 a.m.

until 1 p.m.

Military rights will be held at one o'clock.

A celebration of life lunch will follow at Turbos.

A private family burial will be held in the West Fork Cemetery at a later date.

The Pratt funeral and cremation service is assisting the family.

Stephen Garrett Shell.

46 of Irving, Texas, formerly of Richland Center.

Albert Anthony Grell Jr.

91 of Galtham died Friday, August 14 at home.

Funeral services will be held Sunday at 1 p.m.

at the Pratt Memorial Chapel.

Burial will follow at the Bear Valley Cemetery with military rights to be provided by the local Military Memorial Honors Unit.

Visitation will be held Sunday at the Pratt Memorial Chapel from 12 noon until the time of service at 1 p.m.

Albert Anthony Grell Jr.

91 of Golfham.

Kevin Hoffman 35 of Richland Center died unexpectedly July 27 in North Carolina.

A celebration of life party will be held August 23 at the Lone Rock Community Center from noon until 4 p.m.

Please wear your favorite badger or packer clothing and bring all your happy memories of Kevin to share.

No tears, no sad faces.

Kevin's favorite to remind you that if you or someone you know is struggling and needs someone to talk to, please call 988-SUICIDE AND CRISIS LIFELINE.

Kevin Hoffman

35 of Richland Center.

Carol Ann Randall, 83 of Mesa, Arizona, formerly of Avoka and Mineral Point, died May 31st.

A celebration of life is planned for Sunday from 12 noon until 4 p.m.

at the old Avoka High School.

Gorgon Funeral Home in Dodgeville is assisting with arrangements.

Carol Ann Randall, 83 of Mesa, Arizona, formerly of Avoka.

and mineral point.

Edward L. Nadigal Jr.

89 of Blue River died August 17 at SSM Health St.

Mary's Hospital in Madison.

Funeral services will be held Monday August 24 at 12 noon at the Pratt Memorial Chapel.

Burial will follow at the Czech National Cemetery with military graveside rights to be provided by the local Military Memorial Honors Unit.

Visitation will be held Monday, August 24 at the Pratt Memorial Chapel from 10 a.m.

until the time of service at 12 noon.

Edward L. Nadigal, Jr.

89 of Blue River.

Dennis D. Diedrich, 84, of Montello died Sunday, August 9th.

A family graveside service will be held Friday, August 28th at 12 noon at the Rockbridge Cemetery with military graveside rights provided by the local Military Memorial Honors Unit.

A celebration of life will be held Sunday, August 30th from 1 p.m.

to 4 p.m.

at the Grey Drake in Portage.

Dennis D. Diedrich, 84 of Montello.

Shauna Alexander, 71 of Richland Center died suddenly Monday, August 17th at the Richland Hospital.

Funeral services will be held Friday, August 28th at 12 noon at the Clary Memorial Funeral Home in Richland Center with visitation from 10 a.m.

until the time of service with burial to follow in the Bloom City Cemetery.

Shauna

Alexander, 71 of Richland Center.

Welcome back to the news at noon.

County Road 00 is closed today until 4 p.m.

for covert replacement.

This closure is from State Highway 62 Oak Ridge Drive.

This is an Orient township and includes sections 21, 28, 29 and 32.

Thank you.

Derek Brown from the Richland County Highway Department for that update.

Governor Tony Evers recently announced the allocation of more than $19.7 million in Community Development Block Grant, or CDBG, public facilities funding to support critical infrastructure improvements across 20 Wisconsin communities.

These grants are intended to bolster local projects that residents rely on daily, such as repairing roads, upgrading drainage systems, and ensuring the integrity of water and sewer networks.

By investing in these essential services, the state aims to enhance the quality of life and safety for individuals in low to moderate-income areas, particularly in smaller towns and cities with populations under 50,000.

However, the future of this long-standing program is now in jeopardy due to President Trump's proposed federal fiscal year 2027 budget.

The administration's fiscal plan calls for the complete elimination of the CDBG program, a move that would hold federal support for local community development and housing efforts nationwide.

Governor Evers has expressed strong opposition to these proposed cuts, characterizing them as an attempt to undermine the ability of local governments to address their most pressing infrastructure and housing needs.

In response, the governor has urged Wisconsin's congressional delegation to take bipartisan action to protect the program and ensure that this vital funding remains a permanent fixture in the next federal budget.

The Wisconsin State Patrol in collaboration with local law enforcement agencies is spearheading the annual drive sober or get pulled over campaign August 19 through September 7.

This initiative aims to enhance safety during the Labor Day holiday weekend by focusing on education and enforcement to prevent impaired driving with nearly 7,000 crashes involving alcohol or drugs in Wisconsin last year, accounting for one third of

traffic fatalities.

Officials emphasize that strong partnerships between motorists and authorities are essential to saving lives.

A primary focus of the campaign is encouraging drivers to plan ahead before celebrations begin.

Responsible choices include designating a sober driver, scheduling ride shares, or utilizing public transportation such as buses or taxis.

Community members are also urged to intervene by taking keys away from impaired individuals and reporting dangerous driving by calling 911.

Planning for a safe ride home is not only a matter of public safety, but also a way to avoid the devastating personal and community impacts of a crash.

Beyond the immediate physical dangers,

Impaired driving carries severe legal and financial penalties.

An OWI conviction in Wisconsin can cost up to $10,000 when factoring in fines, court costs, insurance increases and vehicle repairs.

Motorists also face the loss of their driver's license and vehicle.

While specialized enforcement and task forces work year-round to monitor the roads, the campaign serves as a critical reminder that individual responsibility is the most effective tool in preventing the more than 20,000 annual OWI convictions in the state.

On August 19th, law enforcement agencies executed a search warrant at a residence located at 301 West Main Street in the village of Motford.

The operation was a collaborative effort involving deputies from the Grant County Sheriff's Office, the Iowa County Sheriff's Office, the Southwest Wisconsin Emergency Response Team, and the Richland Iowa Grant Drug Task Force.

The multi-agency operation stemmed from two distinct investigations.

The primary inquiry led by the Iowa County Investigations Team focused on 21-year-old Christian Jarrett.

This investigation concerned a juvenile victim who reportedly received sexually explicit photographs via social media.

As a result of this probe, Jarrett has been charged with selling harmful material to a child

No age, that's KNOW, a felony under Wisconsin statute.

During the execution of the initial warrant, officers observed items that led to the application and execution of the second search warrant, specifically regarding illegal drug activity.

This Grant County investigation resulted in multiple arrests and referrals.

Ashton Johnson, 19 of Modfort, was arrested for maintaining a drug house.

possession with intent to deliver THC and bail jumping.

Linda Johnson, 72.

Also of Montfort was arrested for maintaining a drug house, party to the crime of possession of narcotic drugs, party to the crime of possession of cocaine and bail jumping.

And Christopher Johnson, 44 of Montfort will be referred to the Grant County District Attorney's Office with recommendations for charges of possession of narcotic drugs and possession of cocaine.

Persons arrested or referred for charges by the Grant County Sheriff's Office are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.

An arrest only indicates probable cause exists to bring formal charges.

The names of victims and witnesses have been withheld.

A lot has been said about the proposed BECI 765 kilovolt power lines project and still many landowners feel as though they have very little information.

Mid-continent grid solutions will be hosting open houses throughout the area to share information and hear from the public.

The first of these will be in Richland Center, Monday, August 24th from 10 a.m.

until 1 p.m.

at the Richland Center High School.

That same day, Monday, August 24th, there will be an open house in Gays Mills at the Gays Mills Community Center from 4 p.m.

until 7 p.m.

in Salk County,

There will be an open house in Baraboo Tuesday, August 25th at the UW-Plantville Baraboo Lang Center from 10 a.m.

until 1 p.m.

State Representative Travis Trantle, who serves as the Assembly Agriculture Committee Chair, and is a dairy farmer, joined a group of state and local officials Monday, August 17th at the Retreat Sportsmen's Club in Vernon County.

The town hall meeting was dedicated to discussing the proposed Maribel 765 KV transmission line.

This is a different project, a project that has sparked significant discussion throughout the region.

The event sponsored by the Coalition Against Maribel 765 served as a forum for elected officials, community leaders, and local residents to examine the potential impact of the 139 mile project.

Attendees focused on how the development might affect southwest Wisconsin and the environmentally sensitive Driftless region.

Current projections indicate that Dairyland Power Cooperative and Grid Alliance Heartland will likely submit applications for approval to the Wisconsin Public Service Commission in the fall of this year.

During the meeting, Representative Trannel spoke to the hundreds in attendance, emphasizing his belief that Wisconsin requires comprehensive energy reform to manage such large-scale projects effectively.

He noted that gubernatorial candidate Tom Tiffany has already committed to such reform and challenged the Democratic colleagues on the panel to seek a similar commitment from David Crowley.

Trannel expressed concern that without a structured reform, projects that local communities find illogical,

will continue to move forward.

The discussion took place within a broader context of concern regarding the scale of regional transmission expansions, including the BECI megatransmission line, which could span 190 to 220 miles.

Critics, including the NO-765 line organization, have raised alarms about a perceived lack of adequate landowner notification and have questioned the experience of out-of-state developers.

There are ongoing questions regarding the planning process with community members seeking more transparent mapping and detailed routing information before applications are finalized.

The City of Richland Center Public Works Committee is scheduled to meet Thursday, August 20th at 5.30 p.m.

in the council chambers of the municipal building.

The committee is set to address several critical discussion and action items.

Key among these is the recommendation for the award of the 2026 Street Maintenance Bid and the consideration of the 2026 Dyke Inspection Contract.

Additional discussion topics include capital improvement planning, a comprehensive review of current snow removal practices, and an informational overview regarding the proposed 765 kilovolt transmission line project.

The Richland County Executive and Finance Standing Committee will convene Monday, August 24th at 5 p.m.

in the Richland County Boardroom of the Courthouse.

The committee will address several significant items including an update on the wage scale, discussions regarding the 2027 County Health Insurance and a review of the preliminary 2027 County draft budget.

Additionally, the committee will deliberate on ATV and UTV usage in the Ash Creek Forest.

The agenda also includes a closed session where members may discuss the employment, compensation, or performance evaluation of the county administrator, followed by a potential return to open session to take action on any items from the closed session.

The meeting will conclude after addressing correspondence and future agenda items.

virtual attendance options are available.

The American Red Cross urges donors to give blood or platelets now to help hospitals and transfusion centers stay prepared to help all patients.

A Red Cross blood drive will be held tomorrow from 11 a.m.

to 4 p.m.

at Cornerstone Church in Spring Green.

There will also be a blood drive Monday, August 24th from 1 p.m.

to 6 p.m.

at Holy Family Catholic Church in Laval.

Appointments may be made by calling 800 Red Cross, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or by using the Red Cross Blood donor app.

Walk-ins are always welcome.

Welcome back to the news at noon.

Here is Mr. Ken Feed.

A photograph of the construction crew at Lawton Tunnel.

It was also called Tunnelville on September 6th, 1897.

And now for Richland County Historical Society history moment.

Here's the rest of the story.

According to MPL.org, the digital collection at the Richland County History Room, ID number 5385.

The tunnel of mention was what was called the Kikapu Valley and Northern Railway.

It was also called the Kikapu Stump Dodger and that's according to recollection Wisconsin traveling back in time a Lafarge history.

It was known as the Kikapu Valley and Northern Railroad in Southwest Wisconsin and often referred to very simply as the Stump Dodger or at times the Kikapu Flyer.

This line ran through Wisconsin's Driflus region and it served a logging industry with notable a tunnel being built in 1897.

It was the Kickapoo Valley and Northern Railroad that operated in 1889 with a local account.