WRCO Morning News

For Civic Media News,

I'm Connie Feldman.

The NFL has sidelined Packers running back Josh Jacobs while criminal charges against him move through the court.

Jacobs is now on the commissioner's exempt list, so he cannot practice or attend games with Green Bay.

He was charged Thursday with misdemeanor battery and criminal damage to property following a May arrest.

Jacobs denies the accusations.

His lawyers say he intends to return to the Packers and the NFL after the review is finished.

Two teenage boys died Saturday when their car went off the road and hit a tree in Marinette County.

Marinette Sheriff's deputies say the crash happened shortly before 11 p.m.

on County Highway G east of Crivitz.

They say the teen driver lost control on a curve, went into a ditch, and hit a tree.

The Sheriff's office identified the driver as 16-year-old Landon England from Menominee, Michigan.

17-year-old Princeton Welty from Crivitz was also killed in the crash.

A nationwide bench warrant has been issued for a nuclear woman who failed to appear at her sentencing hearing on charges of child neglect.

Civic media's James Kelly has more.

According to court documents, 36-year-old Tony Hammons was scheduled to appear in court on August 28 for sentencing after plating no contests to four counts of chronic neglect of a child as party to a crime.

An investigation was launched after school employees reported malnourishment concerns with their four children.

Their step-parent, Mary Bentley Orem, was also sentenced to over four years in prison in October.

I'm James Kelly for Civic Media News.

Online court records show an attorney has had periodic contact with Hammons in the last week.

More state tax money than expected could leave Wisconsin with a nearly $3 billion surplus.

However, there's still no agreement on how to use it.

New figures show tax collections rose 3.4% from the year before and came in about 2% higher than projected.

Republican budget leaders say they want to revisit tax relief and property tax help, along with the support for schools.

75 veterans who served during the global war on terror are back home in Wisconsin after a four-day

Mission of Healing Retreat.

The veterans left the Fox Valley last Thursday to tour the 9-11 Memorial and Museum in New York, along with the Freedom Tower and Statue of Liberty.

Organizers say the trip is a chance for veterans to reflect on their own service, while sharing the bond that comes with those who've lived through some of the same experiences.

The trip is offered at no cost to veterans as a way to celebrate the veterans and their families, organizers say, while helping them find a healthier path forward.

Heavy rain on Saturday brought IndyCar's only double header of the season to a halt at the Milwaukee Mile on Saturday, intensifying rain forced drivers off the track on lap 90.

Race 1 was delayed further by storms yesterday morning, but did eventually resume, and drivers completed both races yesterday.

That Saturday soaker was a precursor to a hot and humid weather pattern setting in across our state.

National Weather Service forecasters say it'll be hot and stormy over the next few days in much of Wisconsin.

Temps are expected to be in the upper 80s and 90s with chances for scattered afternoon and evening storms.

More details coming up in weather.

And that's your state news update.

I'm Connie Feldman for Civic Media News.

It's the Cubs and the Brewers.

Hi, I'm Mike Clemens with Sports, where the Brewers opening a four game series tonight in Wrigley Field against the Cubs.

Milwaukee with an eight game lead over Chicago, heading into tonight's game.

And yet the crew is still not a favorite in the postseason.

Manager Pat Murphy.

People like to say we're the underdogs.

Well, that's fine.

We're just trying to say we have to play a certain way.

The expectation can't be we got a better record than them.

So we're better at this, this and this.

We have to play a certain way.

And yeah, it'll be a great opportunity.

to be a great environment.

The Cubs losing at home last night to the Reds seven of five Cubs manager Craig Council.

Three home runs are going to kill you in the start.

I mean that's just too many.

You're not you're not having a good start if you give up three home runs.

You got to limit that part of the game.

NFL the Packers made some trades at the deadline yesterday to form a 53 man roster.

They added running back Caleb Johnson from the Steelers and tight end Mark Redman from the Rams.

They gave up quarterback Kyle McCord to the Dolphins for a future six round pick with sports.

I'm Mike Clemens.

Partly cloudy today with a high right around 90 this afternoon.

Tonight partly cloudy, a few scattered showers and thunderstorms after midnight tonight with a low dropping to near 70.

Tomorrow partly cloudy, it's going to be warm and muggy again with a high in the upper 80s to near 90.

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.

Today is August 31st.

These are today's vital statistics.

Briggs Nelson Maxwell, 14 of Ithaca, died unexpectedly Thursday due to a farming accident.

Visitation will be held today from 9 a.m.

until the time of service at 11 at the Ithaca High School Gymnasium.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to the family for a scholarship in Briggs's name, the Clary Memorial Funeral Home.

assisted the family with the arrangements.

Briggs Nelson Maxwell, 14 of Ithaca.

Michael Neary, 62 of Laval died August 20.

Funeral services for Michael will be held today at 11 a.m.

at Zion Lutheran Church in Laval.

Visitation will be held today from 9.45 a.m.

until 10.45 a.m.

at the church.

Burial will follow at St.

Bridget's Cemetery in rural Casanova.

The Farber Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Michael Neary, 62 of Laval.

Gwen Baz Updike, 68 of Boscobel.

died Monday, August 24th at Mayo Clinic in La Crosse.

The funeral service for Baz will be held today at the Kendall Funeral Service in Boscobel.

Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10 a.m.

until the time of service.

Burial will be in the Boscobel Cemetery.

Glenn Baz Updike, 68 of Boscobel.

John

H. Deidlhoff, 79 of Casanovia, died Wednesday at Gundersen Lutheran Hospital in La Crosse.

A funeral mass will be held Tuesday at 11 o'clock at Holy Family Catholic Church in Laval.

Burial, with military rights, will be in St.

Bridget's Cemetery, rural Casanovia.

Visitation will be held today from 4 p.m.

until 7 p.m.

at the Farber Funeral Home in Reedsburg and tomorrow from 10 a.m.

until 10.45 at the church.

John H. Dytelhoff, 79 of Casanovia.

Theodore Richard Dick Greenheck, 92 of Lone Rock died Wednesday at Upland Hills Health in Dodgeville.

A funeral mass will be held Thursday, September 3rd at 11 a.m.

at St.

John's Catholic Church in Spring Green with burial at St.

Killian's Catholic Cemetery in Bear Valley at 2.30 p.m.

Visitation will be held Thursday at the church from 9 a.m.

until the time of Mass at 11, following the service they're watching at the church.

In lieu of flowers, we encourage you to honor his love of community and athletics by supporting your local sports team, or please consider supporting local health care providers.

Theodore Richard Dick Greenhack, 92 of Lone Rock.

Joan O.

Allbaugh, 93 of Bloom City, died Friday at her home.

Funeral services are pending with the Pratt Funeral and Cremation Service.

Joan O. Allbaugh, 93 of Bloom City.

Today's vital statistics are sponsored by Krause Monuments.

Krause Monument Company designs and produces granite headstones, gravestones, grave markers, monuments, and memorials.

Today is August 31st.

These are today's vital statistics.

John H. Ditalhoff, 79 of Casanovia, died Wednesday at Gunderson Lutheran Hospital in La Crosse.

A funeral mass will be held Tuesday, September 1st at 11 o'clock at Holy Family Catholic Church in Laval.

Burial with military rights will be in St.

Bridgett Cemetery, rural Casanovia.

Visitation is being held today, began at 4 p.m., concludes at 7 p.m.

at the Farber Funeral Home in Reedsburg and on Tuesday from 10 a.m.

until 10.45 at the church.

John.

Theodore Richard Dick Greenhack 92 of Lone Rock died Wednesday August 26 at Upland Hills Health in Dodgeville.

A funeral mass will be held Thursday September 3 at 11 a.m.

at St.

John's Catholic Church in Spring Green with burial in St.

Killian's Catholic Cemetery in Bear Valley at 2 30 p.m.

Visitation will be held Thursday at the church from 9 a.m.

until the time of Mass at 11.

Following the service, there will be a luncheon at the church.

In lieu of flowers, we encourage you to honor his love of community and athletics by supporting your local sports team, or please consider supporting local health care providers just as they supported Dick and his loved ones.

Theodore Richard Dick Greenhack, 92.

of Lone Rock.

Joan O. Allbaugh, 93 of Bloom City, died Friday at her home.

Funeral services are pending with the Pratt Funeral and Cremation Service.

Joan O. Allbaugh, 93 of Bloom City.

This concludes today's vital statistics.

Mondays Roundup.

Brought to you by Chets, Feed, Seed and Such, Richland Hospital, Cardinal Glass CG, and by New Tech Cards.

It's joke day with Bill and Hank, so brace yourself.

These jokes aren't just corny, they're full on field tested.

If you're groaning, laughing, or questioning your life choices, you're doing it right.

It's Mondays Roundup.

Making Mondays just a little less Monday-y.

It's time for the roundup

Hey good morning Philip, what are you doing?

Nothing.

Yeah, nothing trying to find some jokes

off to a regular week then you're doing nothing

And they've already started right right looking for jokes on look to the mirror boy laugh.

I know I know I know you can't see that on the radio

It's and anyway, you know what it's above 85 today.

You know what that means.

What's that?

The Speedos are back out Lovely.

Yeah, that's not a good thing like we all needed to hear that.

I'm just letting you know I'm letting you know.

How was your weekend?

It was good.

Yeah, you saw

a little the young ins in here

on Oh my goodness.

What a blast they are

When your house is full, it's full.

There's a lot of energy there.

And I saw Everett Hank knee.

Yeah.

My little buddy

doesn't even know it.

Yeah.

No, he doesn't know it.

And hopefully he doesn't.

But anyway,

yeah, he's doing

well and little Kamari Kamari was in your

office.

Oh my

goodness.

Cause you kept giving him candy.

I don't know what you're talking about.

Yeah.

Right.

And one of them suggested we should do a new segment called

things you find in Hank's office.

Boy, do we have the time.

You never know.

You

never know.

So

who keeps a packet of Mr. Bubble bath pop rocks in their office?

That would be me.

Why?

Where did you get that?

I don't even remember.

Yeah, I don't either.

I think it was a gift from Joanne.

and Debbie.

Oh, really?

Yes.

Yeah.

Because you gave them to my granddaughter.

How was that?

And the first thing they said was, we want to take a bath when we get home.

And I said, well, you're going to have to talk to your moms, but I don't think that.

And they both said, no.

And they're like, OK, we're going to end the morning.

So in the morning, they want to take a bath yesterday.

How was it?

Well, they made me go in there first and pour them in the bathtub, the pop rocks.

And it was just as you would expect.

It was like, was it really?

It only lasted about 10 seconds.

And it was just.

Regular bathwater, so.

Oh, minus the pops.

Oh, well, yeah.

Yeah, I'm sure they were expired.

Yeah, probably.

There was no bubble luster.

Hey, your question of the day.

What's one thing, Philip, that you would never let me be in charge of?

Well, I don't know.

One thing.

Trying to think of maybe a dress code, that might be one.

Wow.

I'll take off my speedo.

Yeah, right.

Exactly.

That kind of hurts.

You might be from Arkansas, Phillip.

If you have taped flashlights on a trailer to have tail lights in the dark.

It's a true story.

I'm sure that is a true story.

Have you done it?

Not me.

My cousin has.

Really?

I was with him one day and one night and the cops pulled us over and made us buy two flashlights at a convenience store.

Really?

Yes.

So that remedied it.

Yes.

Okay.

For the night.

Yeah.

We did not have any trailer lights.

You didn't have turn

signal though.

No, but you had, you know, we were delivering dog food.

My uncle, Uncle Rodin had a dog food business.

It was called a country style dog food and delivered to like the local, down there there were, there wasn't seven 11s, but they're like quick marts or whatever.

So yeah.

Yeah.

Big business at that time.

Yeah.

Country.

Did you write

the trailer and then like,

Click the one right

click,

click, click,

click, click.

No, you didn't do that.

No, no, but, uh, what, what a, what a night that was.

Wow.

So we got country style dog food.

So yeah, it was a good time.

Yeah.

But anyway, anything else did you do over the weekend?

Did you mow or

anything?

No, I didn't, didn't mow gave Kamari a ride on the tractor.

Oh, how was, did he like that?

Oh yeah.

He, he's a tractor kid.

Anything that goes, mm, exactly bulldozer.

He was hard to.

Yeah.

Yeah.

He wanted to run over to Simpson tractor and climb on the bulldozers on Saturday night too, but I didn't let him.

You didn't the June.

No, didn't happen.

No, he was tired.

That little guy, he was getting there.

Yes.

Yeah.

What a treat though.

I had to, I had to stay in my office though, because June and Macy were here.

And the last time they bombarded my office, my office with a bear.

signs.

Sure.

So bear down.

Yeah.

Can't can't have

that anymore.

Right.

So anything.

Oh, well, we'll, we'll see.

We'll

see who, who is the smarty pants this

year.

Yeah, exactly.

Right.

Yeah.

Um, when I was a kid, I wanted to be an astronaut, Phillip, but my dad crushed those dreams years ago.

Yeah.

And he says, for you, son, the sky's the limit.

Oh,

You know, it's tough,

but you know, there's nowhere to

go, but up after that.

But he said the sky was the limit.

So,

but you know, school is officially starting this week, especially tomorrow.

So I went to my sixth grade comedy club notebook here.

Oh boy.

Yep.

How was

that?

Not, not good.

What did the pencil say on the first day of school?

Oh, no, I'm looking sharp.

Yes, you

are.

Yes, you are.

There's something dangerous about an active circular saw.

There's something very dangerous.

Yeah, very much.

I just can't put my finger on it

though.

Uh, yeah, better not.

Yeah, better not.

What did the paper say to the pencil?

I don't know.

Right on!

Right

on!

Right on!

Yeah, that's a seven days

term there.

Anyway,

let's see if we can come up with something better after these words from Chet Sweet Seed.

It's such.

Hello friends, Ellie here at Chets.

Remember, it's your bird's most favorite time of the year.

At Chets, we have many choices to feed them, from sunflower seeds, Niger, Finch food, a variety of suet cakes, bird feeders, and the famous Chets special, sold by the pound or bag.

Keep your birds happy and stop down to Chets for all your birdseed needs.

Well, let's check in with our guest lecturers today.

Let's see who we have first here.

What do you call a nervous javelin thrower?

Shake

spear.

Oh my goodness.

Wow.

And you do.

You shake spear.

Young Simonson boy.

I tell you, he's always up to no good.

Yeah,

right.

Yeah.

Always up to no good.

Who else do we have?

Let's see who we got here.

Oh, I think it's the Barbers kid.

Henry, did you see that ugly look she gave you?

Who?

Mother nature.

Oh my gosh.

I forgot that was there.

Oh my goodness.

Thanks, Todd.

That ugly look she

gave me.

Oh boy.

You enjoyed that one.

That one hurts.

That hurts me down deep.

Yeah, yeah.

You know, Phillip, common sense was lard.

Most people wouldn't be able to grieve a pan.

True.

True.

That's

supposed to use lard, are you?

I don't know.

Well,

everybody else did when we were younger.

Oh, I'll tell you what.

There is no better.

Apple pie than the crust made with lard

and and biscuits.

Oh, oh goodness yesterday of Yesterday instead of lace-up sneakers Philip.

I got the ones with Velcro.

Really?

That's good.

I said I figured why not why not?

That comes with getting older

using Velcro instead of

tying your

shoes.

I like the slip-on kinds.

Do you?

Oh yeah, so you don't even have to.

You actually have a nice pair of slip-ons.

I like slip-ons.

They're a nice pair of slip-ons.

So the end of the day, I can just kick them across the room and

be done.

And

find them in the morning.

Yeah, try to find them in the dark in the morning.

Anyway, continuing on with our educational jokes with Back to School tomorrow.

What did the math book say to the history book?

What did he say?

Boy, I'm full of problems.

Oh, I guess you are, fellow sixth grade comedy.

Thank you.

Do you, speaking of, you know, the schools back in session, people are going to be using computers and you got to watch out for cookies and stuff.

Oh, sure.

Right.

Does UK website use biscuits instead of cookies?

Maybe.

I just, I just want to, you never know.

You never know.

Speaking of barbers, what do you call a line of men waiting to get a haircut?

Um, receding hairline.

Barba.

Barber Q. Barber Q. Yeah.

Barber Q. Should

have stopped at the one before.

Um, let's see here.

I used to have a fear of speed bumps, Phillip, but I eventually got, I'm eventually getting over it and it's tough.

Yeah, it is.

Especially with the

construction.

Speed bumps.

Oh, there's a lot

of speed bumps out there.

Yeah.

Yes.

Um, let me see.

Oh yes.

Why was the Roman empire cut in half?

I don't know.

With a pair of Caesars.

Oh, my God.

Oh, thank you.

A man ran home from work, pulled his wife into the bedroom, threw her on the bed and pulled the blankets over them.

She was shocked, Phillip.

He hadn't been like this for 20 years.

Then her husband said, look at my new watch.

It glows in the dark.

Oh, that's why.

That's why.

Yeah, that's why.

Yeah, that's why here.

A boy read a restaurant sign that advertised.

Fat free French fries.

Okay.

Sounds great.

Said the health conscious young man.

He ordered some.

He watched as they cooked pulled a basket of fries from the fryer.

The potatoes were dripping with oil.

And when the cook put them into the container, wait a minute, the boy said, those don't look fat free.

The cook said, sure they are.

We charge for only potatoes.

The fat's free.

Oh, yes.

Ah, yes.

Yes, yes.

Yeah, it was tough, you know.

Do you

have any more?

Well, you know, the back-to-school education ones, they're not going over very well today here.

Oh, they're good.

Uh-huh.

Let me see.

Why do plants hate math?

I don't know.

It gives them square roots.

Oh, it gives them

square roots.

Yes, yes.

Why did the slide get in trouble?

I don't know.

It was going downhill fast.

Yes,

it was, wasn't it?

Well, tough, tough day for Jake.

Yeah, a little Philip first day of school.

Back in the day, we would, they would busses to Ithaca and then we would have to get another bus and go out to.

Neptune, Lloyd, Bear Valley, Sextonville, wherever the destination was.

But there was a little time maybe to play on the playground equipment, so young Phil slid down the slide in his new school pants and didn't catch himself at the bottom of the slide and went right in the mud puddle at

the bottom of the

slide.

First day of school.

First day of school.

Had to sit in muddy new school pants all day.

At least it was back in those days, you went to school in August.

Yeah, right.

So at least you had rain.

Yeah, exactly.

It was possible.

It wasn't a dry August,

yeah.

Yeah.

Dropped my daughter off at daycare one day.

She, and she said, daddy, yesterday, Miss Kitta bit me.

What?

I said, Miss Kitta, Miss Kitta bit me.

Miss Kitta bit

me.

Yeah.

I, I said, like, I was like, who is Miss Kitta?

She said, Miss Kitta, you know her.

Now I'm walking in there like a concerned parent and detective.

Which one of you all is Miss Kitta that bit my child?

Her teacher said, uh, we don't have a Miss Kitta.

A mosquito bit her yesterday.

I looked at Haley and thought, girl, you better pronounce those words right before I end up on the news.

Mosquita.

Mosquita.

Mosquita.

Mosquita.

Mosquita.

Mosquita.

Mosquita.

Bit me.

Bit me.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Yeah.

I should have stopped her earlier.

Yeah, you should

have.

Yeah.

All right.

Got

it.

You got it?

I did.

Are you sure?

Yeah, I did.

it's time for the kicker all right hang on get out

of the way

hang on buddy a man was sitting at the edge of the at the edge of the bed watching his wife who was working herself in the mirror since her birthday was not far off he asked what what she would like to have for her birthday hmm i'd like to be eight again she replied hmm the guy thought well on the morning of her birthday he rose early made a

Made her a nice big bowl of cocoa puffs and then took her to adventure world theme park.

Nice.

Yes.

Um, what a day.

He put her on every ride in the park, the death slide, the wall of fear, the screaming roller coaster.

Everything was, everything, everything was there.

Five hours later, they staggered out of the theme park.

Her head was reeling and her stomach felt upside down.

Then he took her to McDonald's, ordered her a happy meal with extra fries and a chocolate shake.

Nice.

Did you dump your french fries and a chocolate shake?

Did you dip them in there?

No.

But some of it did.

Oh, it was good.

Then it was off to movie popcorn and soda pop and her favorite candy, M&Ms.

What a fabulous adventure.

Finally, he wobbled home with her, with her husband and collapsed into bed and exhausted and feeling sick.

He leaned over.

his wife with a big smile and lovingly asked, well, dear, what was it?

What was it like being eight again?

Her eyes slowly opened and her expression suddenly changed.

I meant my dress size, you idiot.

The moral of this story, Philip, even when a man is listening, he is going to get it wrong.

Amen.

I hope you guys have a great day.

My friend, be kind.

That's Hank Bray.

Good morning, everyone, for WRCO News.

I'm Todd Copernall, 75 degrees right now in Richland Center under sunny skies headed to a warm one today, high of 90 hot and humid chance of thunderstorms this afternoon.

In the news this morning, the Richland County Sheriff's Office is investigating a stabbing incident that occurred at the Lone Rock Shell gas station.

The suspect has been identified and taken into custody.

There is no immediate danger or ongoing threat to the public related to this incident.

The investigation remains active and ongoing.

Additional information will be released as it becomes available and can be appropriately shared.

Authorities are investigating a single vehicle rollover crash that occurred Sunday evening.

on I-39 Northbound at Mile Marker 142 near Madison.

The Wisconsin State Patrol responded to the scene at approximately 7.30 p.m.

at the exit ramp for Highway 12 and 18.

The crash involved a 2008 Volvo occupied by two individuals.

A 40-year-old male passenger was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The driver, a 25-year-old female, was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The Wisconsin State Patrol Technical Reconstruction Unit is currently leading the investigation into the cause of the rollover.

In the early hours of Saturday morning, a disturbance at the Goodspeed Family Pier led to the arrest of two individuals for a violent sexual assault.

At approximately 4.10 am, a bystander alerted the University of Wisconsin Madison Police Department after witnessing an incident near Alumni Park.

Responding officers arrived on the scene to find that a sexual assault had taken place and immediately took two suspects into custody.

According to investigators, the victim and the two suspects, none of whom are affiliated with the University,

had met at a local bar earlier in the evening.

The group eventually walked together to the pier where the victim was attacked and assaulted while attempting to leave the area.

The two men arrested in connection with the crime have been identified as 31-year-old your friend H. Marcano Gutierrez and 27-year-old Arturo R. Santos Elbujas, both residents of Fitchburg.

Following their arrest, Gutierrez and Elbujas were booked into the Dane County Jail.

They currently face several tentative charges, including second-degree sexual assault with force, battery, false imprisonment, and strangulation and suffocation.

On Friday, a coordinated effort between the Iowa County Sheriff's Office and the Dodgeville Police Department resulted in the arrest of two individuals following a reported theft at Walmart in Dodgeville.

The incident began at 7.42 p.m.

when Sergeant Nathan Kennecker and his canine partner Sam identified a vehicle matching the description of the suspect's vehicle.

During the ensuing traffic stop, the male driver identified as Jeffrey Raymond Homan, 37, of Granton, Wisconsin, exited the vehicle, ignored commands, and fled on foot.

A significant law enforcement presence, including deputies, the Doddville Police Department and the Iowa County Sheriff's Office drone team, responded to assist.

Sergeant Kennecker deployed Canine Sam, who successfully tracked Holman to a dumpster at a nearby business where he was taken into custody without further incident.

Holman, who was on bond for prior cases, was found to have 10 outstanding warrants.

and numerous open cases in Dane and Columbia counties.

He now faces a long list of charges, including resisting or obstructing an officer, operating while revoked, and multiple counts of bail jumping.

The investigation at the vehicle scene continued with Deputy Benish and K-9 Phoenix, leading to the arrest of 53-year-old Troy W. Clark of McFarland.

Clark was also out on bond, was arrested for felony and misdemeanor bail jumping, as well as possession of drug paraphernalia.

This successful operation highlighted the effectiveness of interagency cooperation.

Sheriff Michael Peterson commended the Dodgeville Police Department, deputies, K-9 teams, the drone team, and the Iowa County Communications Center for their roles in the safe resolution.

The incident also showcased the ongoing dedication of K-9 Sam, who, despite an upcoming retirement, December 31st.

continues to be a vital asset to the department and the community.

The Richland Center City Council is set to convene Tuesday, September 1st at 6.30 p.m.

in the municipal building council chambers.

A primary focus of the meeting will be a public hearing and subsequent deliberation regarding the potential discontinuation of the city's shared ride taxi service.

Additionally, the council will review resolution 2026-11, which outlines the city's formal concerns to the Public Service Commission regarding the proposed BECI 765 kilovolt transmission line project, now called the Becky Project.

Intergovernmental Cooperation and Legal Infrastructure also featured prominently on the agenda.

The council will discuss the operational status and city contributions for the Simons Recreational Complex, alongside the anticipated selection and contract award for the city attorney and legal services.

Administrative modernization is also moving forward with the council slated to consider a contract for the migration of the city's website and agenda management systems.

Several committee-driven recommendations are up for final action.

From the Budget Committee, members will consider the usage of WEC election security sub-grant funds and the adoption of a new purchasing and procurement policy.

The Planning Commission has brought forward a conditional use permit application from Shriver Foods for dairy processing at 926th andville Road.

Meanwhile, Public Works recommendations include the award of the 2026 Street Maintenance Bid and the annual Dyke Inspection Contract.

The evening will conclude with a closed session to negotiate terms and financial incentives related to the Development Agreement with Cobblestone Hotels.

Richland County has scheduled

three key committee meetings for early September to address critical public services and administrative oversight.

The Richland County ad hoc EMS district formation committee will meet Wednesday, September 2nd at 2 p.m.

in the Richland County boardroom of the courthouse.

During this session, the committee is slated to discuss and potentially act on the steering committee charter.

Members will also review key takeaways, feedback, and action items from the recent Towns meeting to determine recommended next steps.

Additionally, the committee will focus on preparations for an upcoming Town Hall meeting intended for broader community engagement regarding emergency medical services.

The following day, Thursday, September 3rd, the Richland County Community and Health Services Standing Committee will convene at 10.30 a.m.

in the same boardroom on the third floor of the courthouse.

The comprehensive agenda includes administrative reports from the Health and Human Services Director and Pine Valley Community Village, alongside detailed expenditures and budget summaries for 2026.

Committee members will examine the Health and Human Services Organizational Chart and Contract Monitoring Reports.

A significant item for discussion and possible action is the approval of the application in acceptance of a Treatment Alternatives and Diversion, or TAD, grant, which aims to support local health and judicial initiatives.

Friday, September 4th, the Richland County Public Safety and Judiciary Standing Committee will meet at 8.30 a.m.

in the county boardroom on the third floor of the courthouse.

This meeting will feature extensive departmental activity reports from the sheriff, coroner, circuit court judge, and district attorney, among others.

In addition to administrative updates and monthly bill reviews, the committee will engage in discussion and possible action regarding the 2027 PSAP grant application and updates to the Local Emergency Planning Committee membership.

A primary focus of the session will be the potential approval of a new ambulance purchase, continuing the county's evaluation of emergency service resources.

The Ritzland Hospital and Clinics has reached a significant milestone in its mission to provide comprehensive local health care by officially launching its new vision services clinic.

This expansion addresses a long-standing gap in community care

bringing essential eye health services directly to Richland Center.

Central to this new chapter is the arrival of Dr. Darren Vitz, an experienced optometrist who joins the medical staff to offer dedicated family-centered vision care.

Dr. Vitz brings over three decades of clinical expertise to the Richland Hospital and Clinics, having practiced optometry since 1995.

His professional background is distinguished by a deep commitment to treating patients of all ages from pediatric care to managing complex conditions such as glaucoma and macular degeneration.

Beyond his clinical proficiency, Dr. Vitz is also an accomplished musician with a degree in music, reflecting a diverse set of talents that he brings to the Richland Center community.

Today's vital statistics are sponsored by Crowsie Monument.

Crowsie Monument Company designs and produces granted headstones, gravestones, grave markers, monuments, and memorials.

Today is August 31st.

These are today's vital statistics.

John H. Deidlhoff, 79 of Casanovia, died Wednesday, August 26 at Gunderson Lutheran Hospital in La Crosse.

A funeral mass will be held

Tuesday at 11 o'clock at Holy Family Catholic Church in Laval.

Burial with military rights will be in St.

Bridget's Cemetery, rural Casanovia.

Visitation will be today from 4 p.m.

until 7 p.m.

at the Farber Funeral Home in Reedsburg and tomorrow from 10 a.m.

until 10 45 at the church.

John is survived by his wife Rita, brothers and sister James, Leonard and Susan, Dennis and Rita.

Ruth and Bruce Klang and Bernard and Cindy, many nieces and nephews along with other relatives and friends.

John H. Daitelhoff, 79 of Casanovia.

Theodore Richard Dick Greenhack, 92 of Lone Rock died Wednesday, August 26 at Upland Hills Health in Dodgeville.

A funeral mass will be held Thursday, September 3rd at 11 a.m.

at St.

John's Catholic Church in Spring Green with burial at St.

Killian's Catholic Cemetery in Bear Valley at 2.30 p.m.

Visitation will be held Thursday at the church from 9 a.m.

until the time of mass at 11.

Following the service, there will be a luncheon at the church.

In lieu of flowers, we encourage you to honor his love of community and athletics by supporting your local sports team or

Please consider supporting local health care providers just as they supported Dick and his loved ones.

Dick has survived by his wife, Jean Greenhack, children Ted and Nancy Greenhack, Tracy and Steven Massey, siblings Janice Donatell and Steve and Luann Greenhack, two grandchildren, many other relatives and friends.

Theodore Richard Dick Greenhack, 92 of Lone Rock.

Joan

John O. Albaugh, 93 of Bloom City, died Friday, August 28 at home.

Funeral services are pending with the Pratt Funeral and cremation service.

John O. Albaugh, 93 of Bloom City.

The Ritzland County Sheriff's Office has provided an update regarding the recent stabbing at a lone rock gas station, which occurred at approximately 12.05 p.m.

on Sunday.

Witnesses assisted in keeping the suspect at the scene until deputies arrived upon arrival Joseph Schultz.

35 of Lone Rock was taken into custody.

Shelts was later transported to the Richland County jail and charged with attempted first degree intentional homicide.

The victim of 42 year old male from Madison sustained multiple knife wounds.

Witnesses and Lone Rock EMS provided initial treatment at the scene before the victim was transported to UW Madison for further medical treatment.

The victim is in stable condition, is expected

to make a full recovery.

Investigators later determined that the victim and Schultz were not known to each other.

Today is the Kiwanis backpack pickup in the Richland School District for those who pre-registered.

That's going on at the Phoenix Center from now until 6 p.m.

So if you signed up, get down to the Phoenix Center, get your backpack from the Kiwanis Club.

The Richland Center Common Council is set to convene Tuesday, September 1st at 6.30 p.m.

in the municipal building council chambers.

A primary focus of the meeting will be a public hearing and subsequent deliberation regarding the potential discontinuation of the city's shared ride taxi service.

Additionally, the council will review resolution 2026-11, which outlines the city's formal concerns to the public's

Commission regarding the proposed BECI 765 kilovolt transmission line project.

Intergovernmental cooperation and legal infrastructure also feature prominently on the agenda.

The council will discuss the operational status and city contributions for the Simons recreational complex alongside the anticipated selection and contract award for the city attorney and legal services.

Administrative modernization is also moving forward with the Council slated to consider a contract for the migration of the city's website and agenda management systems.

Several committee-driven recommendations are up for final action.

From the Budget Committee, members will consider the usage of WEC election security sub-grant funds and the adoption of a new purchasing and procurement policy.

The Planning Commission has brought forward a conditional use permit application from Shriver Foods for dairy processing at 920 Sextonville Road.

Meanwhile,

Public Works recommendations include the award of the 2026 Street Maintenance Bid and the annual Dyke Inspection Contract.

The evening will conclude with a closed session to negotiate terms and financial incentives related to the Development Agreement with Cobblestone Hotels.

Richland County has scheduled three committee meetings for early September to address critical public services and administrative oversight.

The Richland County ad hoc EMS district formation committee will meet Wednesday, September 2nd at 2 p.m.

in the Richland County boardroom of the courthouse.

During this session, the committee is slated to discuss and potentially act on the steering committee charter.

Members will also review key takeaways, feedback, and action items from the recent Towns meeting to determine recommended next steps.

Additionally, the committee will focus on preparations for an upcoming Town Hall meeting intended for broader community engagement regarding emergency medical services.

The following day, Thursday, September 3rd, the Richland County Community and Health Services Standing Committee will convene at 10.30 a.m.

in the same boardroom on the third floor of the courthouse.

The comprehensive agenda includes administrative reports from the Health and Human Services Director and Pine Valley Community Village alongside detailed expenditures and budget summaries for 2026.

Committee members will examine the HHS organizational chart and contract monitoring reports.

A significant item for discussion and possible action is the approval of the application and acceptance of a treatment alternatives and diversion or TAD grant, which aims to support local health and judicial initiatives.

On Friday, September 4th, the Richland County Public Safety and Judiciary Standing Committee

will meet at 8.30 a.m.

in the county boardroom.

The meeting will feature extensive departmental activity reports from the sheriff, coroner, circuit judge, circuit court judge, and district attorney, among others.

In addition to administrative updates and monthly bill reviews, the committee will engage in discussion and possible action regarding the 2027 PSAP grant application and updates to the local emergency planning committee membership.

A primary focus of the session will be the potential approval of a new ambulance purchase, continuing the county's evaluation of emergency service resources.

The Richland Hospital and Clinics has reached a significant milestone in its mission to provide comprehensive local health care by officially launching its new Vision Services Clinic.

This expansion addresses a long-standing gap in community care, bringing essential eye health services directly to Richland Center.

Central to this new chapter is the arrival of Dr. Darren Vitz, an experienced optometrist who joins the medical staff to offer dedicated,

family-centered vision care.

Dr. Vitz brings over three decades of clinical expertise to the Richland Hospital, having practiced optometry since 1995.

His professional background is distinguished by a deep commitment to treating patients of all ages, from pediatric care to managing complex conditions such as glaucoma,

and macular degeneration.

Beyond his clinical proficiency, Dr. Vitz is also an accomplished musician with a degree in music, reflecting a diverse set of talents that he brings to the Richland Center community.

The addition of Dr. Vitz complements the advanced surgical capabilities of Dr. Douglas Bull, who has been providing

cataract surgery and complex eye procedures at the Richland Hospital since early 2026.

Together, the two providers offer a full spectrum of eye care ranging from routine exams and medical diagnosis to laser retina surgeries and lens replacements.

Dr. Bull noted that having Dr. Vitz on the team rounds out the services for local residents who previously had to travel to find such specialized care.

For Dr. Vitz, the decision to join the Richland Hospital was motivated by the hospital's collaborative environment and the opportunity to build lasting relationships with families.

He emphasizes that vision health goes far beyond achieving 2020 vision, stressing the vital importance of routine screenings to detect underlying health issues.

As he begins his tenure at the new Vision Services Clinic, Dr. Vitz is actively accepting new patients

further solidifying the Richland Hospital's commitment to high quality care close to home.

On Friday, a coordinated effort between the Iowa County Sheriff's Office and the Dodgeville Police Department resulted in the arrest of two individuals following a reported theft at Walmart in Dodgeville.

The incident began at 7.42 p.m.

when Sergeant Nathan Kennecker and his canine partner Sam identified a vehicle matching the description of the suspect's vehicle.

During the ensuing traffic stop, the male driver identified as Jeffrey Raymond Holman, 37 of Granton, Wisconsin, exited the vehicle, ignored commands, and fled on foot.

A significant law enforcement presence, including deputies, the Dodgeville Police Department and the Iowa County Sheriff's Office drone team responded to assist Sergeant Kennecker deployed K-9 Sam, who successfully tracked Holman to a dumpster at a nearby business where he was taken into custody without further incident.

Holman, who was on bond for prior cases, was found to have 10

outstanding warrants, and numerous open cases in Dane and Columbia counties.

He now faces a long list of charges, including resisting or obstructing an officer, operating while revoked, and multiple counts of bail jumping.

The investigation at the vehicle scene continued with Deputy Benish and Canine Phoenix, leading to the arrest of 53-year-old Troy W. Clark of McFarland.

Clark was also out on bond.

He was arrested for felony and misdemeanor bail jumping as well as possession of drug paraphernalia.

This successful operation highlighted the effectiveness of interagency cooperation.

Sheriff Michael Peterson commended the Dodgeville Police Department, deputies, canine teams,

the drone team and the Iowa County Communication Center for their roles in the safe resolution.

The incident also showcased the ongoing dedication of canine Sam who, despite an upcoming retirement on December 31st, continues to be a vital asset to the department and the community.

In the early hours of Saturday morning, a disturbance at the Goodspeed Family Pier led to the arrest of two individuals for a violent sexual assault.

At approximately 4.10 a.m., a bystander alerted the University of Wisconsin Madison Police Department after witnessing an incident near Alumni Park.

Responding officers arrived on the scene to find that a sexual assault had taken place and immediately took two suspects into custody.

According to investigators, the victim and the two suspects, none of whom were affiliated with the university, had met at a local bar earlier in the evening.

The group eventually walked together to the pier where the victim was attacked and assaulted while attempting to leave the area.

The two men arrested in connection with the crime have been identified as 31-year-old, your Fred H. Marcano Gutierrez, and 27-year-old, Arturo R. Santos Elbujas.

both residents of Fitchburg.

Following their arrest, Gutierrez and El Mujaz were booked into the Dane County Jail.

They currently face several tentative charges, including second-degree sexual assault with force, battery, false imprisonment, and strangulation and suffocation.

Authorities are investigating a single vehicle rollover crash that occurred Sunday evening.

on I-39 northbound at Myo Marker 142 near Madison.

The Wisconsin State Patrol responded to the scene at approximately 7.30 p.m.

at the exit ramp for highways 12 and 18.

The crash involved a 2008 Volvo occupied by two individuals.

A 40-year-old male passenger was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The driver, a 25-year-old female, was transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

The Wisconsin State Patrol technical reconstruction unit is currently leading the investigation into the cause of the rollover.

Gasoline prices in Wisconsin have experienced a significant decrease over the past week, falling 10.2 cents per gallon, to reach an average of $3.81.

This downward trend marks a relief for local motorists with current prices sitting 16 cents lower than they were one month ago.

However, despite this recent cooling, the cost at the pump remains 83 cents higher than a year ago.

Across the state, the cost of fuel varies widely.

Recent reports indicate the cheapest station is priced at $3.49, while the most expensive reached $4.59 per gallon representing a difference of $1.10.

On the national stage, the average price of gasoline is also dipped falling 3.2 cents per gallon over the last week to settle at an average of $4.01 per gallon today.

Similar to the state trend, the national average is down

7.3 cents from a month ago but remains 86.2 cents higher than the previous year.

While the national average price of diesel saw a more modest decrease of 1.4 cents to $5.57 per gallon, the broader market continues to respond to shifting global dynamics.

and oil price movements.

Patrick Dahan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, noted that while oil prices have offered some relief, the market remains complex.

Dahan highlighted a recent major deal between the Trump administration and Venezuela as a sign of concern regarding elevated fuel prices, though he cautioned that the benefits of increased output from Venezuela will take years to materialize.

He pointed to ongoing tensions between the United States and

as well as continued Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries as the primary drivers of global market volatility.

Motorists are advised to expect continued fluctuations in the weeks ahead as these international factors exert influence on the cost of fuel.

As the representative for Wisconsin's 17th Senate District, Senator Howard Markline has worked to utilize his role to bridge the gap between local concerns and state policy to ensure that the unique challenges of southern and southwestern Wisconsin are addressed with practical solutions.

Education remains a top priority for Senator Markline, particularly the financial health of local school districts, recognizing that special education costs often strained local budgets

He helped increase state funding by $550 million, a 47% increase that brings reimbursement rates to their highest levels in decades.

Mark Lyne has consistently argued that while statewide funding increases are historic, the school funding formula must account for the declining enrollment facing many rural districts.

He has actively sought ways to provide school boards with more spendable resources and breathing room advocating for bipartisan agreements

would further increase special education aids to provide property tax relief for his constituents.

In response to the rising cost of living, Senator Mark Line has turned a sharp focus toward utility expenses and energy policy.

To provide immediate relief, he voted to eliminate the state sales tax on residential electricity and natural gas bills, a move that saves taxpayers

5.5% every month.

Beyond direct cost, Markline is a vocal advocate for local control regarding large-scale energy developments.

He authored legislation to give communities a meaningful say in the approval process for wind and solar projects, challenging the current system where the Public Service Commission can override local objections.

Governor Tony Evers has issued a sharp rebuke of President Trump and congressional Republicans highlighting the significant economic strain placed on Wisconsin families as the 2026-27 school year begins.

The governor attributes the, quote, sky-high costs of essential back-to-school items to the federal government's trade wars and tariff policies, which have exacerbated inflation for working households.

A recent analysis indicates that families

families will face an average expenditure of nearly $4,000 per child this school year, marking a double digit percentage increase over the previous year.

These rising expenses are forcing many parents to either accumulate debt or substantially reduce other household spending to accommodate the needs of their students.

The financial burden is particularly evident in the surging prices of basic classroom supplies and daily lunch provisions.

Educational staples such as notebooks have seen dramatic price hikes while the weekly cost of packing school lunches has climbed to approximately $106 per child.

Governor Evers specifically called out members of Wisconsin's own congressional delegation for enabling these economic strategies rather than intervening to protect their constituents.

With families already grappling with higher costs for utilities, gas and groceries, the governor emphasized that these additional school-related price increases represent an avoidable hardship caused by short-sighted federal leadership and a lack of legislative action to curb erratic trade policies.

State Representative Travis Trannell, Chair of the Assembly Agriculture Committee, is highlighting Wisconsin's strong fiscal position as a vital opportunity to deliver meaningful results for rural residents.

With new state fiscal estimates for 2025-26 projecting revenues, $450.8 million above previous forecasts.

The state is currently on track for an estimated $2.8 billion surplus.

Representative Trannell,

emphasized that this financial strength built on responsible spending decisions should directly benefit taxpayers through common sense tax relief, increased support for local schools and property tax reductions.

While a bipartisan $1.8 billion tax relief package was previously rejected in the state Senate, Tranal views these updated figures as a fresh opening for lawmakers to come together and prioritize the needs of Wisconsin families.

A central pillar of Representative Trannell's current advocacy involves comprehensive energy reform, particularly concerning large-scale industrial projects in the Driflus region.

This was underscored by his recent participation in a town hall meeting held August 17th at the Retreat Sportsmen's Club in Vernon County.

The event, sponsored by the Coalition Against Maribel 765, brought together hundreds of residents and a bipartisan panel of officials to discuss the proposed 139-mile Maribel 765 kilovolt transmission line.

Beyond the transmission line, Trannel is calling for legislative action to address broader rural energy concerns, including the siting of industrial wind and solar projects.

He has expressed support for initiatives which aim to restore local control and incorporate reform ideas proposed by colleagues across the aisle.

By linking the state's robust budget surplus to these critical policy areas, Representative Trannel is urging his fellow legislators to find common ground and deliver

results for rural Wisconsin before the upcoming November elections.

J. Co.

is an American retro pop and rock and roll powerhouse widely regarded as an undeniable triple threat.

Fusing classic rockabilly grit with a sophisticated modern sound, he's carved out a unique space in the music industry as a singer, songwriter, and producer.

Often described as a modern-day Elvis with musical influences ranging from Prince to Bruno Mars, Jacob delivers a simple complexity in his music that teleports listeners across generations within a single track.

The artist is best known for his high energy stage presence and high voltage stage show that captivates audiences of all ages.

Fans will have the opportunity to experience this electric performance live

when Jacob takes the stage at the City Auditorium in Richland Center Saturday, September 5th.

The show is scheduled to run from 7 p.m.

to 8 p.m.

tickets for this highly anticipated event, or priced at $20 for general admission, making it an accessible experience for music lovers in a gesture toward his multi-generational fan base.

Children under the age of 10 will be admitted for free.

For more information and to explore his retro-futuristic sound, fans can visit his official website.

U.S.

Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins has introduced the ranchers first initiative, a comprehensive strategy aimed at revitalizing the great American beef herd and reinforcing the central role of American ranchers in the national food supply.

This initiative introduces several critical actions designed to provide economic stability and operational support for producers.

A cornerstone of the plan is the new beef retention and national development or brand endorsement for livestock risk protection.

which allows ranchers to ensure the value of retaining heifers for breeding purposes.

Additionally, the initiative enhances disaster recovery by allowing the use of the Emergency Conservation Program on Grassland Conservation Reserve Program Acres, facilitating the rapid restoration of infrastructure following natural events.

The initiative also focuses heavily on processing infrastructure and market transparency.

The USDA is establishing the Spur Guaranteed Loan Program to bolster regional slaughter facilities and co-ops alongside a regional processor continuity effort intended to improve business resilience and keep processing capacity under American ownership.

To further support domestic producers, the USDA will prioritize the federal procurement of locally processed

American beef across various government institutions.

Finally, the plan includes expanded support for the next generation of producers through the Beginning and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Affairs Initiative, which leverages inter-agency partnerships to recruit and assist new and veteran ranchers in establishing successful operations.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has officially announced that the 2026 early goose season will begin Tuesday, September 1st, running through September 15th.

This statewide opportunity features a daily bag limit of five Canada geese with uniform regulations applied throughout Wisconsin.

This early season serves as a precursor to the regular goose season, which is scheduled to open in the northern and southern goose zones September 16th.

followed by the Mississippi River Goose Zone opening October 3rd.

Recent population data indicates that the estimate for Wisconsin breeding Canada geese is currently slightly lower than the five-year average.

Hunters planning to head a field are reminded of the strict documentation requirements necessary for legal participation.

Essential items that must be carried out all times include a small game license,

Early Canada Goose Permit and Harvest Information Program Registration.

Additionally, hunters must possess proof of purchase for both state and federal waterfowl stamps along with a valid driver's license.

The DNR accepts several forms of documentation, including physical paper copies, DNR-approved PDFs displayed on mobile devices, or a Goal Wild Conservation card.

For those seeking further details regarding specific hunting locations or comprehensive regulations, the DNR encourages visiting their official Waterfowl Hunting webpage to ensure a safe and compliant season.

Labor Day travelers are gearing up for end of summer getaways despite facing higher costs and expected traffic congestion.

According to recent data from AAA, there's strong demand for popular destinations across the U.S., Canada, and Europe.

Seattle, Orlando, Rome, and London are among the top choices for holiday travelers this year.

Travelers should prepare for increased expenses across several categories.

Domestic airfares averaging higher than last year with flights to the most popular destinations seeing significant cost increases.

Accommodations also show rising prices with both domestic and international hotel

bookings becoming more expensive compared to the previous year.

However, not all costs are rising as international airfare has seen a slight decline and domestic cruises are more affordable than last year.

Road travel is expected to be busy with significant traffic congestion predicted on the Thursday and Friday before the holiday weekend as well as on the Saturday and Monday of the holiday.

Motorists should anticipate higher gas prices and are encouraged to plan ahead, allow for extra travel time, and consider avoiding afternoon travel to escape the worst of the congestion.

To ensure a smooth trip, travelers are advised to prioritize vehicle maintenance such as checking tire pressure, battery health and fluid levels before departing.

Packing essential supplies like water, snacks and an emergency kit is also recommended

Planning in advance by booking accommodations, transportation, and activities early can help reduce stress and avoid unexpected disruptions.

Those looking for assistance with vacation planning can reach out to AAA Travel Advisors for help with customized travel plans.

Two more winners in the Grace Calendar Raffle Drawing.

Today's winners each receive $50 and they are on ticket number 603.

Carol Wilson of Richland Center and on ticket 1327, Frank Quinn of LeFarge.

Congratulations to both of you.

Good evening, everyone, for WRCO News.

I'm Todd Copernall.

A tragic motorcycle accident on County Road W claimed the life of a 51-year-old rural Elroy man on Saturday evening, according to reports from the Vernon County Sheriff's Office and the County Coroner's Office.

Vernon County Sheriff Roy Torgerson and Coroner Betty Nye identified the victim as Joseph Allen Sugden, 51 of rural Elroy.

The incident occurred at approximately 6 p.m.

August 29 when Sugden was operating a 1996 Harley-Davidson motorcycle heading eastbound.

While navigating a right-hand curve west of Willow Road, the motorcycle veered off the left side of the roadway and struck a perpendicular field road.

The impact caused the motorcycle to become airborne, ejecting Sugden before the vehicle came to rest in a nearby soybean field.

First responders from the Hillsborough Fire Department and Hillsborough Area Ambulance arrived quickly to provide emergency care.

Sugden was transported to Amplify Health by Gunderson Hillsborough Area, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Authorities noted that while Sugden was wearing boots and long pants, he was not wearing a helmet or a coat at the time of the crash.

The circumstances surrounding the accident remain under active investigation by both the sheriff's office and the coroner's office.

In a statement following the tragedy, Sheriff Torgerson expressed deep gratitude to the emergency personnel for their extensive life-saving efforts and quick actions at the scene.

He extended his heartfelt condolences to the Sugden family and all those affected by this tragic event.

The Richland County Sheriff's Office has provided an update regarding the recent stabbing at a Lone Rock gas station, which occurred at approximately 12.05 p.m.

on Sunday.

Witnesses assisted in keeping the suspect at the scene until deputies arrived.

Upon arrival, Joseph Schultz, 35 of Lone Rock, was taken into custody.

Shelts was later transported to the Richland County Jail and charged with attempted first-degree intentional homicide.

The victim, a 42-year-old male from Madison, sustained multiple knife wounds.

Witnesses and Lone Rock EMS provided initial treatment at the scene before the victim was transported to UW Madison for further medical treatment.

The victim is in stable condition and is expected to make a full recovery.

Investigators later determined that the victim and Schultz were not known to each other.

The Richland Center City Council is set to convene Tuesday, September 1st at 6.30 p.m.

in the municipal building council chambers.

A primary focus of the meeting will be a public hearing and subsequent deliberation regarding the potential discontinuation of the city's shared ride taxi service.

Additionally, the Council will review Resolution 2026-11, which outlines the city's formal concerns to the Public Service Commission regarding the proposed BECI 765 kilovolt transmission line project.

Intergovernmental cooperation and legal infrastructure also feature prominently on the agenda.

The council will discuss the operational status and city contributions for the assignments recreational complex, alongside the anticipated selection and contract award for the city attorney and legal services.

Administrative modernization is also moving forward with the Council slated to consider a contract for the migration of the city's website and agenda management systems.

Several committee-driven recommendations are up for final action.

From the Budget Committee, members will consider the usage of WEC election security sub-grant funds and the adoption of a new purchasing and procurement policy.

The Planning Commission has brought forward a conditional use permit application from Shriver Foods for Dairy Processing at 920 Sextonville Road.

Meanwhile, Public Works recommendations include the award of the 2026 Street Maintenance Bid and the annual Dyke Inspection Contract.

The evening will conclude with a closed session to negotiate terms and financial incentives related to the development agreement with Cobblestone Hotels.

Richland County has scheduled three key committee meetings for early September to address critical public services and administrative oversight.

The Richland County ad hoc EMS district formation committee will meet Wednesday, September 2nd at 2 p.m.

in the Richland County boardroom of the courthouse.

During this session, the committee is slated to discuss and potentially act on the steering committee charter.

Members will also review key takeaways, feedback and action items from the recent Towns meeting to determine recommended next steps.

Additionally, the committee will focus on preparations for an upcoming Town Hall meeting intended for broader community engagement regarding emergency medical services.

The following day, Thursday, September 3rd, the Richland County Community and Health Services Standing Committee will convene at 10.30 a.m.

in the same boardroom on the third floor of the courthouse.

The comprehensive agenda includes administrative reports from the Health and Human Services Director and Pine Valley Community Village, alongside detailed expenditures and budget summaries for 2026.

Committee members will examine the HHS organizational chart and contract monitoring reports.

A significant item for discussion and possible action is the approval of the application and acceptance of a treatment alternatives and diversion or TAD grant, which aims to support local health and judicial initiatives.

On Friday, September 4th, the Richland County Public Safety and Judiciary Standing Committee will meet at 8.30 a.m.

in the county boardroom.

The meeting will feature extensive departmental activity reports from the sheriff, coroner, circuit court, judge and district attorney, among others.

In addition to administrative updates and monthly bill reviews, the committee will engage in discussion and possible action regarding the 2027 PSAP grant application and updates to the

local emergency planning committee membership.

A primary focus of the session will be the potential approval of a new ambulance purchase, continuing the county's evaluation of emergency service resources.

The Richland Hospital and Clinics has reached a significant milestone in its mission to provide comprehensive local health care by officially launching its new Vision Services Clinic.