WRCO Afternoon Obituaries

Transcript

WRCO Afternoon Obituaries

News from the Center · Tue Sep 15, 2026

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.

A big jump in gas prices this week all around our state, Civic Media's Melissa Kay explains how tensions in the Middle East are fueling price hikes right here at home.

Average gas prices rose $0.28.8 over the last week, the average across Wisconsin on Monday, leaping to $4.09 per gallon.

This is $0.18.5 higher than a month ago and $1.21 per gallon higher than this time last year.

The national average price of diesel increased $0.31.6 compared to last week, with the average price at $6.18 per gallon.

Officials at GasBuddy say escalating geopolitical tensions on multiple fronts caused these drastic jumps at the pump.

Quote, friction between the U.S.

and Iran, new hostilities in the Red Sea, and the shutdown of Saudi Arabia's east-west pipeline, all combining to jolt prices sharply higher, said Patrick Dahan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy.

He continued that diesel prices could climb even faster after weekend attacks on two additional Russian refineries took them offline.

even with most of the country transitioning to cheaper winter blend gasoline this week.

Ongoing geopolitical escalations will likely offset any seasonal relief.

I'm Melissa Kaye, Civic Media News.

And you might want to buckle up because gas buddy officials say it's going to be a bumpy ride with continued volatility going forward.

The NFL wants to take a look at Josh Jacobs' home surveillance video before deciding the fate of the Packers star running back.

That's the latest, according to a report by Ian Rappaport with the NFL Network.

A judge recently sealed that video in Jacobs' criminal case.

The order came the same day.

Jacobs accepted a plea deal and pleaded no contest in court.

Prosecutors previously said home surveillance video corroborated relevant portions of the alleged victim's account and showed Jacobs taking her phone and later appearing to damage it.

The Wisconsin DNR is asking energy company Enbridge to stop work on a temporary line by bypass near the site of last month's natural gas liquids leak in Iron County.

Civic media's Maddie Schaefer has the story.

The DNR says Enbridge started work on the bypass without the necessary state approvals after the agency told the company permits would be required.

Enbridge says the roughly 1,500-foot bypass would allow Line 5 to return to service while cleanup and repairs continue near Saxon.

The company has set an unoccupied subcontractor truck rolled into an open excavation on August 25th and struck the pipeline, releasing about 1.3 million gallons of natural gas liquids into the atmosphere.

In a letter sent

On September 9, DNR Secretary Karen Hyun asked Enbridge to stop construction of the bypass and prioritize work at the spill site.

The DNR also issued a notice of noncompliance, saying Enbridge does not have the state approvals needed for the bypass work.

In an email to civic media, Enbridge spokesperson Julie Kellner said the company is working on the spill site and the bypass at the same time.

She added that the company will continue to work with the DNR on relevant permitting.

For Civic Media

News, I'm Maddie Schaefer.

The DNR says it will continue monitoring the site and may consider enforcement action.

A major power line project is facing opposition in the southern part of our state, too.

City leaders in Whitewater say the proposed route could interfere with planned neighborhoods, a high school, and technology park.

The $1.2 billion project would carry electricity across southern Wisconsin and into Illinois on towers about 175 feet high.

MGS, the company developing the line, says the routes are preliminary and that Whitewater's concerns will be considered.

More public meetings are planned for late fall, with construction possible through 2033 if state regulators approve the project.

And that's your state news update.

I'm Connie Feldman for Civic Media News.

The Brewers battle the Pirates.

Hi, I'm Mike Clemens with Sports Baseball.

The Brewers in Pittsburgh tonight to begin a three game series against the Pirates.

Jacob Mizorowski is on the mound tonight, although he has struggled on the road in games as of late trying to adjust to their pitchers mound.

Pat Murphy on his 24 year old ace pitcher.

He can be,

he's just scratching the surface.

This kid can be really, really good, you know, like he's worn out.

We all know that, but this kid can be really, really special.

I mean, he's just learning how to pitch.

He's got electric stuff.

Mizorowski on meeting with manager Pat Murphy.

You know, I think it was just, it was all positive.

It was just like, hey, yeah, you're figuring it out and figuring out how to throw the righties and, you know, get out.

And so, you know, it was all positive.

NFL, the Packers in meetings today, working on a game plan for the New York Jets kickoff Sunday from MetLife Stadium at noon with sports.

I'm Mike Clemens.

Scattered showers and thundershowers will end but it will stay mostly cloudy through this afternoon our high today in the low to mid 70s tonight Mostly cloudy.

We're gonna drop into the low 50s tomorrow Mostly cloudy maybe a shower or two later in the day with a high in the upper 60s to near 70.

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 September 15th.

These are today's vital statistics.

Levan E. Grunert, 82 of Reedsburg, died September 6th.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m.

today at the Farber Funeral Home in Reedsburg.

Visitation will be held from 10 a.m.

until the time of service.

Burial will follow in Vulton Cemetery.

Levan E. Grunert, 82 of Reedsburg.

Deborah Lynn Walling, 71 of Richland Center, died unexpectedly Monday, September 7.

A funeral service will be held at the Richland Center United Methodist Church at 11 a.m.

Thursday, September 17, with a luncheon to follow at the Phoenix Center.

Burial will take place at the Richland Center Cemetery at a later date.

Visitation will be held at the church from 4 p.m.

until 7 p.m.

Wednesday, September 16th and also from 10 a.m.

until the time of service Thursday.

Deborah Lynn Walling, 71 of Richland Center.

Carol R. Mindum, 83 of Bosquebell died Tuesday, September 8th at Gunderson Amplify Hospital in La Crosse after a brief illness.

A memorial service celebrating Carol's life will be held Friday, September 18th at 12 noon at Backroads Methodist Church in Mount Zion, burial at a later date in the Bosquebell Cemetery.

Friends may call Friday, September 18th from 10 a.m.

until the time of service at Backroads Methodist Church in Mount Zion.

Carol R. Mindum, 83 of Bosquebell.

Philip Schultz, 91 of Muscaday, died Monday, September 7 at Amplify Health, Boscabell.

Funeral services will be held at 12 noon Friday, September 18 at the St.

Peter's Lutheran Church in Muscaday.

Visitation will be held Friday from 10 am until the time of service at 12 noon.

Burial will be held at Wisconsin Memorial Park in Brookfield Saturday, September 19th, with a service to be held at 1.30 p.m.

at the Chapel of Flowers Wisconsin Memorial Park in Brookfield.

The Pratt funeral and cremation service is assisting the family.

Phillip Schultz, 91 of Muscaday.

Lois May Miller, 76 of Richland Center, died Tuesday, September 8th.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 19th at 12 noon at the Pratt Memorial Chapel with burial to follow in the Bowen Mills Cemetery.

Visitation will be held Saturday at the Pratt Memorial Chapel from 10 a.m.

until the time of service at noon.

The Pratt funeral and cremation service is assisting the family.

Lois May Miller, 76 of Richland Center.

Bradley Sandmire, 83 of Milwaukee, formerly of Richland Center, died Saturday, September 5th.

Graveside services will be held Wednesday, September 23rd, at 12 noon at the Ash Ridge Cemetery.

The Pratt Funeral and Cremation Service is assisting the family.

Bradley Sandmire, 83 of Milwaukee, formerly of Richland Center.

David Virgil Delcamp, 86 of Muscaday, died Tuesday, September 8th at the Richland Hospital.

A private family mass will be held, burial will be held in St.

John's Catholic Cemetery.

The family request memorials in David's name be directed to O-L-M-B-S St.

John's Catholic Church or the Riverdale Education Foundation.

The Pratt Funeral Incrimination Service is assisting the family.

David Virgil Delcamp, 86 of Muscatay.

And in birth news from the Richland Hospital, Cassie and Matthew Melby have welcomed a son.

Please say hello to Miles John Melby.

Congratulations to the family.

Today's Vital Statistics are sponsored by Krause Monument.

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

Today is September 15th.

These are today's Vital Statistics.

Deborah Lynn Walling, 71 of Richland Center, died unexpectedly Monday, September 7th.

A funeral service will be held at the Richland Center United Methodist Church at 11 a.m.

on Thursday with a luncheon to follow at the Phoenix Center.

Burial will take place at the Richland Center Cemetery at a later date.

Visitation will be held at the church from 4 p.m.

until 7 p.m.

Wednesday and also from 10 a.m.

until the time of service.

on Thursday.

Deborah Lynn Walling, 71 of Richland Center.

Carol

Our Mindum, 83 of Boscobel, died Tuesday, September 8th at Gunderson Amplify Hospital in La Crosse after a brief illness.

A memorial service celebrating Carol's life will be held Friday at 12 noon at Backroads Methodist Church in Mount Zion.

Burial.

at a later date in the Boscobel Cemetery.

Friends may call on Friday from 10 a.m.

until the time of service at Backroads Methodist Church in Mount Zion.

Carol R. Mindum, 83 of Boscobel.

Philip Schultz, 91 of Muscaday, died Monday, September 7 at Amplify Health in Boscobel.

Funeral services will be held at 12 noon Friday at the St.

Peter's Lutheran Church in Muscaday.

Visitation will be held on Friday from 10 a.m.

until the time of service at 12 noon.

Burial will be held at Wisconsin Memorial Park in Brookfield Saturday with a service to be held at 1 30 p.m.

at the Chapel of Flowers Wisconsin Memorial Park in Brookfield.

The Pratt funeral and cremation service is assisting the family.

Philip Schultz, 91 of Muscaday.

Lois May Miller, 76 of Richland Center, died Tuesday, September 8.

Funeral services will be held Saturday at 12 noon at the Pratt Memorial Chapel with burial to follow in the Bowen Mills Cemetery.

Visitation will be held Saturday at the Pratt Memorial Chapel from 10 a.m.

until the time of service at noon.

The Pratt Funeral Antrimation Service is assisting the family with their arrangements.

Lois May Miller, 76 of Richland Center.

Bradley Sandmeyer, 83 of Milwaukee, formerly of Richland Center, died Saturday, September 5th.

Graveside services will be held Wednesday, September 23, at 12 noon at the Ash Ridge Cemetery.

The Pratt Funeral Anchrymation Service is assisting the family with their arrangements.

Bradley Sandmire, 83 of Milwaukee, formerly of Richland Center.

David Virgil Del Camp.

86 of Muscaday died Tuesday, September 8th at the Richland Hospital.

A private family mass will be held, burial will be held in St.

John's Catholic Cemetery.

The family request memorials in David's name be directed to O-L-M-B-S St.

John's Catholic Church or the Riverdale Education Foundation.

The Pratt funeral and cremation service is assisting the family.

Del Camp, 86 of Muscaday.

And in birth news from the Richland Hospital, Cassie and Matthew Melby have welcomed a son, Miles John Melby.

Congratulations to the family.

This concludes today's vital statistics.

It's Tuesday's Roundup!

Hanks got the answers, Phil's got the guesses, and somehow we've got a show.

Play along and see if you can beat Phil, which, statistically speaking, you probably can.

Tuesday's Roundup, where the questions are tough and Phil makes them tougher.

Good morning, Phillip.

There he is.

I had to kick Mr. Coppano out of my seat.

Yeah, that's right.

He's always in here.

It is

what it

is.

The

court was in session

there.

How did it come out?

Oh, pretty good.

Yeah.

He's pleaded no contest.

Oh, he did.

Yeah, right.

Anyway, I saw this picture.

And on the bottom of this picture, it says, this picture has like garlic bread, cheesy garlic bread.

pasta with spaghetti, spaghetti sauce, and like some, I don't know what the other side.

Anyway, it was a gorgeous plate of dinner.

And it says, what would you do after you worked a 16 hour shift and saw this when you come home?

What would you do?

What would I do?

I'd eat it and then fall asleep about two minutes later.

My answer was to this, and apparently it was not the right answer.

Uh, make sure I'm at the right house.

Wait a minute.

Yeah.

This is, this ain't right here.

I didn't say that.

So no, you did not.

Henry said that field did not

know more John Denver this

morning.

Yeah.

Is your place on?

No.

Oh,

not

yet.

You got a, you got love songs already in the whole bank.

How was your night, my man?

Good.

Yep.

You do anything fun?

Oh, no, I worked in

my man cave a little bit.

Did you get anything cleaned out?

Well, I got snow shoveling there and started shoveling.

Oh, that a boy.

That

a

boy.

Yes.

Got to

the bottom.

There is carpet down there.

So still.

Yeah.

I didn't know

that.

But

it's nice.

It's been protected for a while.

It's raining still.

Yeah.

It's kind of a rainy morning, isn't

it?

Yeah, we need the rain.

But yeah, I thought it stopped too.

But anyway.

Big plans for the night.

Big plans, big plans.

Go on to River Valley, Risen Center River Valley, volleyball.

I'm going to get my nap because traditionally they have been long late nights when the two teams play,

but you never know.

They usually go five.

Yep.

Yeah.

Volleyball of all the sports is the most, um, I would say like emotional up and down.

Yes.

You know, because I've said this before, a team can come out and they can score nine straight points.

It looks like they're unbeatable.

And that's time out.

And then they come out and they can't do anything, right?

It's like,

where'd my other team go?

It's like you break that mojo, you know, it's

so much, so much.

And a lot of these coaches, you know, Laura Salkaby was, was really good at this.

She would, she would call a timeout of a team's on a run.

She was really good at breaking that, that pop.

You know what I mean?

Um, just to, just to let's get composed.

She was really good.

Most of the time it works.

Oh yes, it does.

It does.

She was really smart with that kind of stuff.

So.

Henry, not so much.

No, what do you do?

What do you do?

Today's quiz day.

Are you ready?

I don't think so.

I've got my paper.

Oh yeah.

You're going to see, you're going to see John John today.

Uh, maybe, I don't know.

Did you ever say anything?

You know, cause he's mad at me about something.

I don't know what I've done, but I don't know.

I don't know

you and him,

but the picture.

I'm gonna hold a hostage.

I'm gonna blackmail him.

You got a picture?

Remember, you took it.

Oh, that's right.

Yeah, we were at Belleville.

You and your twin brother?

Yes.

Yep.

Your question today.

All right.

This is all right.

Go around the room and say one positive and one negative thing about each person.

Looks like it's just me.

Go around the room.

Yeah.

All right.

So one positive thing about me.

About you?

Yeah.

You're a hard worker.

All right.

What a negative thing.

negative thing.

I know you couldn't come up with it either.

It's really hard.

Especially on the air.

It's really hard.

We'll leave it alone.

Oh boy.

You put long hours in work hard.

You have good product coming up.

That's my positive thing about you.

Thanks.

And you're a great, great family man.

Thank you.

And people don't know that about you with your kids and your wife and your grandkids.

You're a great family

man.

Oh, could be better.

You could be.

But everybody else could be as well.

But I'm just saying for what I know, you're a great, great family man.

And you, and you dedicated anything that you dedicate yourself to them.

So,

well, thank you.

What

about, what about the improvement thing?

The improvement thing?

Yeah.

Phil, I look at the, I wrote a book on that.

All right.

It's a, it's a pleasure working with you.

Thank you.

Most of the time.

Anyway.

All right, buddy.

10 questions.

And it's, uh, basically on a lot of stuff.

so remember I've been on vacation so yeah I didn't have time to think about this scary what me on vacation or me out of the state idle mind oh here we go college football go-posts are wider than NFL go-posts true or false all right number two which Wisconsin city is known as the toilet paper capital of the world because of its paper making history is it Green Bay

Appleton, Wisconsin Rapids, or New Lisbon?

Is it Green Bay, Appleton, Wisconsin Rapids, or New Lisbon?

All right.

All right.

Number three.

Which college has the nickname Wander Boys?

Wander Boys.

Wander.

Wander.

W-O-N-D-E-R.

Wander Boys.

Wander Boys.

Okay.

Is it A, Arkansas Tech?

Is it B, Texas Tech, C, Georgia Tech, or D, Louisiana Tech?

And here's a clue.

The field is gray.

Okay.

Number four.

According to a poll of more than 2,500 people, fellow,

Approximately what percentage put their socks on before their pants?

Who does these surveys because I've I've done asked I surveyed three people really okay all right do you put your socks on before your pants no you put your pants on before yes see I always put my socks on there I don't want my toenails snagging on my pants oh too much information

sure

Well, if we can get like maybe some sort of a mitre saw or something, you could fix those.

Maybe a chainsaw

chainsaw

and talk to the Walsh's down.

Yeah, probably.

All right.

According to a poll of more than 2,500 people, approximately what percentage put their socks on before their pants is a 16% B 31% C 46% are D 72%.

All right.

Number five.

Why did early football fields earn the nickname grid iron?

Is it the goalposts were made of iron?

B, the yard markers were placed on the field to play.

C, the field was marked in a grid iron pattern.

Or D, players wore no helmets.

All right.

Number six, which was a real product, Phillip?

Was it a horse head squirrel feeder mask?

Let me try that again.

Was it a horse head squirrel feeder mask?

A portable bathtub hats are glow in the dark meatloaf pan.

Boy, oh

boy.

Okay.

All right.

Here's the thing about this.

Okay.

I come up with these other ones that are not true.

And you know where my mind's at?

I have no idea.

I don't either.

Wow.

Okay.

Number seven, which US president was once arrested while serving as president?

I'll give you a clue.

He had a drinking problem as well.

Okay.

Is it a Andrew Jackson and we, before I go on, we, we talked about this guy before.

Okay.

A Andrew Jackson, B Ulysses S Grant, C Theodore Roosevelt, or D Grover Cleveland.

All right, all right

See if you're as tough on me as a gook and it was how tough was he very tough.

It

was like

I was back in school What'd you get?

I think I had five or six right really?

Yeah.

Hmm number eight what percentage of co-consumers

are willing to add more items to their shopping cart to qualify for free shipping while online.

Are you one of those guys?

Well, I don't do that very often.

Is June one of those?

No, but I would guess I would be.

Yeah, so $20 is $20.

Sure.

All right, here we go.

Is it A, 41%, B, 62%, C, 81%, or D, 96%?

All right.

Number nine, approximately what percentage of Americans fold their toilet paper instead of wadding it into a ball when using it.

Again, who

does the surveys and

why?

Well, that was me, Phillip.

Why was that and about?

These are the surveys that I conducted.

All right.

Alright, so is it a 22% B 44% C 66% or D 88%

So you're in you're in one of the stalls.

I'd rather not say Hey, do you by the way or

what?

Yeah, exactly.

I'm just doing a survey

Here check this out, please.

Oh boy number 10 what percentage of

of survey dog owners.

Okay.

And remember squirt.

So what percentage of survey dog owners admit having a full conversations with their dogs?

Oh

boy.

Did you do that with squirt?

Oh, sure.

Oh, I do it all the time.

Yeah.

He and I were the only ones home lots of times, you know, so it was just

like,

he and I,

he's great.

Yeah.

He was

kind of nervous, so he wouldn't make eye contact with me.

He wouldn't.

No, you look at him.

He'd be like, look away.

Look,

what did I do wrong?

Okay.

Anyway,

Is it A 25% B 50% C 75% or D 100% Wow.

Okay.

This is what I do with my dog.

I like Winnie.

Okay.

If Winnie does something, I'll go, did you do that?

And I'll point and he'll go, then turn around and go away.

It's like, even if he didn't do it, he's guilty no matter what.

Wow.

Poor dog

traumatizing the poor little fella.

Oh, he's a dandy boy.

Oh, Winnie Winnie Winnie and Hank and Clemmie Clemmie is one of those dogs.

I'll sit there and look at your side-eyed.

Oh,

don't really care about

you.

Oh

Listen, all right number one college football go-post are wider than NFL go-pays

true or false

true.

Nope.

It's false.

Is it

really?

I thought it was

both are 18 feet six inches wide Here's why it looks wider because the hash marks are wider in the college

apparently college kickers don't get a wider target, just louder student sections.

Well, they have funnier angles in college.

Yes, they do, because the hash marks are wider.

Right.

So the ball is never placed outside the hash marks.

So when college and high school hash marks are the

same.

Yeah,

that's why I assumed it was a little wider.

Oh well.

Which Wisconsin city is known as the Tollet Papal Capital of the World because of its toilet paper making history?

Green Bay.

Yes, sir.

Finally, something the Packers and Bear fans can't

Can't agree.

Green Bay has contributed to civil civil license.

That Roy Bunder was.

Wow.

Which college has the nickname wonder boys?

Is it Arkansas Tech, Texas Tech, Georgia Tech or Louisiana Tech?

Louisiana Tech.

Nope.

Arkansas Tech.

The wonder boys and they actually have a gray field.

That's one of the first, actually the second one in the country besides Boise State who has a blue field.

The Wonder Boys sound less like a football team and more like four teenagers solving mysteries in a rusty van.

Do they eat Wonder Bread?

I'm not going to say anymore at this point.

According to a poll of more than 2,500 people, approximately what percentage put their socks on before their pants?

46%.

It is absolutely correct.

The other 54% put their pants on first and had no idea that was something they needed to do to defend.

Put your socks on first and then walk around.

Yeah, I always had my socks on.

I lost some weight, so I'm always cold.

I always have my socks on.

Have your socks on all the time.

Back in the day and on the locker room, you know, I was always like, you got to get done and get out of there.

But there was a teammate who used to put on black socks and then walk around.

That's all he had on.

He'd be like, hey, how'd you do in that civic center?

Come on.

Put your clothes on here, guy.

Nice

socks.

Do

you

have anything to match that thing?

Exactly, right.

All right.

According to what we've already done, that one, number five, why did the early football fields earn the nickname Gridiron?

It's the pattern

on

the field it is and they actually had a pattern on the field.

Did you know that?

Yeah, yeah, basically football played

played on the world's largest sheet of graph paper.

But it actually had graph.

It was a gridiron.

Yeah, it was kind of cool.

I hate to be the painter, but back then you had to brush it on.

I suppose.

Number six, which was a real product?

Was it a horse head squirrel feeder mask, a portable bathtub hat, or glow-in-the-dark meatloaf pan?

I went with a meatloaf pan.

Nope, it's a horse head squirrel feeder mask.

Again,

why?

Why?

Oh boy.

Number seven, which US president was once arrested while serving as presidents?

I have Ulysses S Grant.

That

is absolutely correct.

Grant was reportedly stopped for speeding the horse-drawn carriage.

Sir, do you know how fast that horse was trotting?

Number eight, what percentage of consumers are willing to add more items in their shopping cart to qualify for free shipping?

I

went high on this one.

I say 81.

That is absolutely correct.

And I am one of those.

Yeah.

Yeah.

If it's close to free shipping, I'm buying another one.

According to the FedEx and Morton Consult Survey, nothing saves money quite like buying another $20 worth of stuff to avoid a $6 shipping charge.

There you go.

How are you going to make money if you don't spend it?

That's exactly right.

Number nine, approximate what percentage of Americans fold their toilet paper instead of widening it to a ball?

44 percent.

It is 44 percent.

Folders believe in organizations even during an emergency.

Right.

I can't go.

I don't I know the zombies are coming but I gotta fold this right here.

Boy.

Number 10 what percentage of survey dog owners admit having full conversations with their

beloved pets.

Well, I don't think it's a hundred.

I'm

going to say 75.

It is 75 percent.

And that was my first guess when I saw the question.

It's got to be high.

Yeah.

The strange part isn't talking to the dog.

It's waiting for the dog to answer.

Right.

Right.

That's a good question.

Seven

right.

Not right.

Not bad, my man.

Not

bad.

Better than Gukinix quiz.

So I'm going to have to go go back to the drawing board.

Mr. Thede.

gave me some ideas.

He did.

Yeah, he gave me some websites to go to, so I'm looking for this.

That's scary.

Okay.

Yep.

I hope you have a great day.

Oh boy.

That's Professor Bray.

Good morning, everyone.

For WRCO News, I'm Todd Copernall.

69 rainy degrees in Richland Center right now, headed to a high today of 74 in the news this morning.

A coalition of community advocacy groups, including No.

765 Lion Incorporated, the Lake Wisconsin Land and Community Alliance, and CAM 765 Incorporated will host a town hall discussion

focused on Wisconsin's energy policy Friday, September 18th.

The event is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.

with doors opening to the public at 5 p.m.

in the Kilimanjaro Room at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin-Dells.

The upcoming town hall will feature a panel of state and national leaders, including Congressman Tom Tiffany, Senator Sarah Kieske, Representative Tony Kurtz, and Representative Karen DeSanto.

Milwaukee County Board Chair Tim McCumber will serve as the moderator for the evening's discussion.

While several elected officials are slated to participate, organizers confirmed that Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley is unavailable to attend.

The gathering aims to provide a platform for open dialogue surrounding regional and statewide energy policies affecting local communities.

In keeping with its civic mission, host organization No765Line Inc.

reaffirmed that it does not endorse any political candidate or candidate committee.

The Okuch Mountain Humane Society invites all members, as well as the public, to a meeting September 16th, which is tomorrow.

At 6 p.m.

at the Richland Center City Auditorium, the purpose of this meeting is to provide an update on current operations and take an advisory vote on what matters to our community going forward.

It has been a contentious year.

Former staff had focused on providing emergency services for those in need outside of Richland County.

It created a crisis for the organization.

We have worked hard to move forward and would like to hear from all members on September 16th for the future of OMHS.

This really isn't about whether we agree with those who have threatened legal action against us.

It is about what you believe.

Join us September 16th at 6 p.m.

to hear from our progress about our progress and make your views known.

That statement from the OMHS board.

The Richland County Board of Supervisors will convene at 6 p.m.

today at the Phoenix Center banquet room to address several high stakes resolutions.

Key items on the agenda include initial resolutions authorizing up to $7.5 million and $2 million in general obligation promissory nodes to fund upcoming capital improvement projects.

Supervisors are also slated to vote on a resolution declaring the county's formal opposition to the proposed Becky 765 kilovolt high voltage transmission line passing through Richland County.

In addition to infrastructure and land use concerns, the board will review a resolution authorizing the application and acceptance of a treatment alternatives and diversion or TAD grant.

Personnel and health insurance matters will also take center stage as the Board votes on a resolution to leave the State of Wisconsin's Employee Trust Fund's health insurance program and considers a resolution establishing the 2027 contribution and reimbursement schedule.

Finally, the meeting will feature a presentation of the 2027 draft budget alongside updates from the County Administrator and County Board Chair.

After two years of planning, the City of Verroqua Parks and Recreation staff and volunteers are building a new Eckhart Park playground from September 9th to October 4th, replacing the 30-year-old Dragon Park structure.

Designed with play by design, the community-led build requires at least 40 volunteers ages 14-plus

per six-hour shift, 7.30 to 12.30 or 12.30 to 6 p.m.

Meals and tools are provided.

It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

The last build was 30 years ago.

We can complete this project if we all work together, said Chairperson Kim Letow.

Organizers are also seeking borrowed equipment in a closed trailer, two 12 inch sliding saws, eight wheelbarrows, five post hole diggers.

Attendees should park on side streets or at the park bowl or running ink watts.

A celebratory potluck takes place October 4th at 4 p.m.

followed by final fencing and safety inspections.

The playground is expected to open by late October.

Contact Parks and Rec and Verroqua at 608-637-7183 or Kim Letell at 608-606-2037.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court will hear arguments this week on the state's congressional maps.

Two lawsuits claim the state's congressional districts are illegally gerrymandered.

Liberal legal groups argue the maps are unfairly drawn and have helped Republicans maintain a 6-2 advantage in Wisconsin's U.S.

House delegation.

One lawsuit claims the maps amount to a

to partisan gerrymandering, while another argues they're designed to protect incumbents and reduce electoral competition.

Republican lawmakers and congressional representatives oppose the challenges and say lower court panels were right to dismiss them.

For now, the Supreme Court is only deciding whether those dismissals should stand.

Wisconsin's Minority Teacher Loan Program is the target of a new lawsuit.

Wisconsin Public Radio reports that conservative legal group Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty argues the state-funded program unlawfully excludes non-minority students.

The program provides up to $30,000 in loan forgiveness based on race.

The lawsuit filed on behalf of Citizens Defending Liberty

Comes after a Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling striking down minority focused college grants.

Supporters of the teacher loan program say it helps address the lack of diversity in classrooms, with research showing students often benefit from having teachers who share their background.

The state has set aside nearly $260,000 for the program this school year.

American Players Theatre has announced that its visionary artistic director, Brenda DeVita, will retire at the end of the organization's 50th season in December, 2029.

DeVita, who has served on the APT staff since 1995 and as artistic director since 2014, leaves behind a transformative legacy that helped elevate the company into one of the nation's premier classical theater institutions.

DeVita's journey with APT spans nearly

three decades of growth and innovation.

Joining the company in 1995 as company manager, she quickly became an integral part of the artistic staff, serving as associate artistic director from 2004 until her appointment as artistic director in 2014.

Throughout her tenure, DeVita was instrumental in major strategic initiatives, including the development of the core acting company, the voice and text program, the acting apprentice program, and the opening of the Touchstone Theater in 2009.

Her leadership was equally marked by efforts to diversify the acting company, artistic staff, and repertoire, as well as spearheading the successful $8 million renovation of the Hill Theater in 2017.

She also launched the language project to train early career actors in analyzing and performing poetic texts, cumulative work that earned APT the 2026 Regional Theater Tony Award.

Reflecting on her career, DeVita expressed deep appreciation for her time with the theater company.

It's hard to believe it's coming up on 35 years that I've been at APT, David said.

It's been the greatest honor and challenge of my life to work here among all these brilliant, talented and hardworking people.

APT has been my whole career and it has been an incredible gift.

I could not be more grateful to have had the chance to grow inside of this magical and miraculous place.

I love APT and everyone involved in making this place work.

I will miss them very much.

But I truly believe it is a great time for APT to find the next passionate leader to move our community forward.

It's the best job in the world.

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 September 14th.

These are today's vital statistics.

Gloria M. Lowe, 88 of Milwaukee, formerly of Richland Center, died Tuesday, September 8th.

Visitation will be held today from 2 p.m.

until 3 p.m.

at the Pratt Memorial Chapel in Richland Center, with burial to follow at the Richland Center Cemetery.

Gloria Lowe is survived by her children, Rhonda and Keith Kirkka, Laurie and Tom Stouder, and Jeffrey Lowe.

Five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, many other family and friends.

Gloria M. Lowe, 88 of Milwaukee, formerly of Richland Center.

Levan E. Grunert, 82 of Riedsburg, died September 6.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m.

tomorrow at the Farber Funeral Home in Riedsburg.

Visitation will be held later today from 4 p.m.

until 7 p.m.

at the funeral home.

and again tomorrow morning from 10 a.m.

until the time of service.

Burial will follow in Walton Cemetery.

Levan is survived by her children, Lisa and Kevin Rosler, Wendy and Kenneth Grunert, Frederick and Kirstie Grunert, Crystal Grunert, and Doreen Grunert and Kurt Haritz.

Her siblings, Burdell Shrank, Janie and Mark Palmer, Danny Palmer, Beverly Palmer, and Willard and Laurie Palmer.

Seven grandchildren,

One great-grandchild, many other relatives and friends.

Levan E. Grunert, 82, of Reedsburg.

Deborah Lynn Walling, 71 of Richland Center, died unexpectedly Monday, September 7th.

A funeral service will be held at the Richland Center United Methodist Church at 11 a.m.

Thursday, September 17th, with a luncheon to follow at the Phoenix Center.

Burial will take place at the Richland Center Cemetery at a later date.

Visitation will be held at the church from 4 p.m.

until 7 p.m.

Wednesday, September 16, and also from 10 a.m.

until the time of service on Thursday.

Deb is survived by her husband Alan, sister Diane Christensen, brothers Dick and Jan Reinhardt, Dean and Laurie Reinhardt and John and Mary Reinhardt, brothers-in-law Jim and Chris Walling and Tom Walling, sister-in-law Cheryl Longmeyer, many nieces, nephews and friends.

Deborah Lynn Walling, 71 of Richland Center.

Carol R. Mindum, 83 of Boscobel, died Tuesday, September 8th at Gunderson Amplify Hospital in La Crosse after a brief illness.

A memorial service celebrating Carol's life will be held Friday, September 18th at 12 noon at Backroads Methodist Church in Mount Zion.

Burial at a later date,

in the Boscobel Cemetery.

Friends may call Friday, September 18th from 10 a.m.

until the time of service at Backroads Methodist Church in Mount Zion.

Carol is survived by her husband, John Mindum, their children, Mark Rounds and Carla Hines, Julie and Bob Fry, Andrea and Erin Wells, Michelle and Jeff Eichlandt, Monica and Dean Tainter, 12 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, many other relatives and friends.

Carol R. Mendham, 83 of basketball.

Philip Schultz, 91 of Muscaday, died Monday, September 7th at Amplify Health, Boscabell.

Funeral services will be held at 12 noon Friday, September 18th at the St.

Peter's Lutheran Church in Muscaday.

Visitation will be held Friday, September 18th from 10 a.m.

until the time of service at 12 noon.

Burial will be held at Wisconsin Memorial Park in Brookfield Saturday, September 19th with a service to be held at 1.30 p.m.

at the Chapel of Flowers Wisconsin Memorial Park in Brookfield.

The Pratt funeral and cremation service is assisting the family with their arrangements.

Phillip is survived by his children, Steve and Kerry Schultz, Les and Vicki Schultz, Wayne and Michelle Schultz, Kathy Schultz-Wolfstrom and John and Sally Schultz, 13 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, many nieces, nephews,

other relatives and friends.

Philip Schultz, 91 of Muskenay.

Lois May Miller, 76 of Richland Center, died Tuesday, September 8.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 19 at 12 noon at the Pratt Memorial Chapel with burial to follow in the Bowen Mills Cemetery.

Visitation will be held Saturday, September 19 at the Pratt Memorial Chapel from 10 a.m.

until the time of service at 12 noon.

The Pratt funeral and cremation service is assisting the family with their arrangements.

Lois is survived by her sister, Karen and Wayne Hartley, many other relatives and friends.

Lois May Miller, 76 of Richland Center.

Bradley, Sandmire, 83 of Milwaukee, formerly of Richland Center, died September 5th.

Graveside services will be held Wednesday, September 23rd at the Ash Ridge Cemetery.

The Pratt Funeral Incrimination Service is assisting the family.

Brad is survived by his children, Jeff and Wendy Sandmire, Debbie and Tad Zettelmeyer, five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, many other relatives and friends.

Bradley,

Sandmire, 83 of Milwaukee, formerly of Richland Center.

David Virgil Del Camp, 86 of Muscaday, died

Tuesday, September 8th at the Richland Hospital.

A private family mass will be held.

Burial will be held in St.

John's Catholic Cemetery.

The family request memorials in David's name be directed to O-L-M-B-S, St.

John's Catholic Church or the Riverdale Education Foundation.

The Pratt funeral and cremation service is assisting the family.

David Del Camp is survived by his brother Ken and Dixie Del Camp of Muscaday, sister Sue Ann Baxter, Goot Connect, brother-in-law Dick Palin and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

David Virgil Del Camp, 86 of Muscaday.

Welcome back to the news at noon.

The Richland Center Public Works Committee is scheduled to meet Thursday at 5 30 p.m.

In the council chambers of the municipal building.

During the session, committee members will focus on key infrastructure assessments for the city.

Major agenda items include a review of the 2025 City Dyke Inspection Report and the 2025 City Pavement Rating Study, alongside receiving the Public Works Director's Monthly Report on ongoing municipal operations and projects.

Under state requirements, the city must rate pavement conditions by annually using the PASER scale.

to remain eligible for General Transportation Aid funding.

To assist with this, MSA Professional Services conducted reviews in 2025 and entered data into the Wisconsin Information System for Local Roads.

Caution is advised as unit costs reflect June 2023 averages, which are now estimated to be approximately 50% of current prices.

Consequently, MSA recommends increasing costs by 200% or more for accurate local budgeting.

Regarding overall system condition, 29.86 miles of roadways were rated, with 62% of the roadway network currently requiring maintenance or capital improvements.

Most paved streets fall into the 7-8 rating range, which denotes routine crack-filling or little-to-no maintenance.

Looking at the project breakdown for paved streets, 17.8% require capital projects for ratings 1-4, covering

construction, mill and overlay, or structural overlay.

Maintenance is required for 64.84% of streets with ratings of 5 through 8 for seal coating or crack filling, while 17.86% fall into ratings 9 through 10 and require no action.

Evaluating five-year budget scenarios shows that the current budget of $150,000 per year

results in a $434,558 backlog after five years, though actual backlog costs are expected to be much higher.

Under a plan to improve all streets to a rating of six or higher within five years, a budget of $250,000 per year for years two through five is required.

When accounting for realistic local costs, this plan requires approximately

$518,750 per year for years two through four.

Immediate priority for the dyke in the next 12 months includes exercising and maintaining the dual stormwater discharge pump at the Church Street diversion, inspecting, lubricating, and testing the flap gate and valve at Croskope Park, and treating active mole hills at the upper main dyke.

Critical repairs and maintenance involve applying concrete epoxy patches to walls at the upper main dyke.

Repairing clocking seems at the lower main dike and adding riprap at the lower main dike to prevent channel discharge erosion.

Finally, regarding their early warning system and general upkeep, the committee will address servicing and component replacement for early warning system false alarms with supplier LW Allen.

across Collins Drive, Allison Park and Rockbridge stations, alongside General Vegetation Clearing, along Levy Toes and Channel Crack Sealing during dry periods.

The Richland County Board of Supervisors will convene at 6 p.m.

tonight.

at the Phoenix Center banquet room to address several high stakes resolutions.

Key items on the agenda include initial resolutions authorizing up to $7.5 million and $2 million in general obligation promissory nodes to fund upcoming capital improvement projects.

Supervisors are also slated to vote on a resolution declaring the county's formal opposition to the proposed Becky 765 kilovolt

High Voltage Transmission Line passing through Richland County.

In addition to infrastructure and land use concerns, the Board will review a resolution authorizing the application and acceptance of a Treatment Alternatives and Diversion or TAD grant.

Personnel and health insurance matters will also take center stage as the board votes on a resolution to leave the state of Wisconsin's Employee Trust Funds Health Insurance Program and considers a resolution establishing the 2027 contribution and reimbursement schedule.

Finally, the meeting will feature a presentation of the 2027 draft budget alongside updates from the county administrator and county board chair.

The Monroe County Ethics Board voted to dismiss eight of nine ethics complaints filed against members of the Monroe County Sheriff's Office during its September 3rd meeting.

The complaints targeted several personnel within the department, including Sheriff Wesley Rebels, Chief Deputy Christopher Weaver, Lieutenant Ryan Holman, and Sergeant Ryland Corcoran.

Reviewing and resolving the complaints is estimated to cost Monroe taxpayers approximately $30,000 in outside legal fees, along with substantial staff time.

To fund these unexpected costs, Monroe County Corporation Council requested a budget adjustment during the September 8th administration and personnel committee meeting to reallocate $30,000 from the county's contingency fund.

The dismissed complaints submitted primarily by Chad Brownell and Michael Krause during July and August were turned down in unanimous five to zero and four to zero votes.

The ethics board found no violations of Wisconsin statute 19.59 or the local ethics code, citing that state statute 19.45 does not apply to non-state officials.

Speech on private social media accounts is constitutionally protected and actions taken under official authority

do not constitute ethics code breaches.

Furthermore, the board determined it lacks jurisdiction over federal Hatch Act claims, personnel grievances, and internal county HR policies.

Only one ethics filing remains pending before the board, a complaint filed by Terry Harrison against Chief Deputy Weaver, for which the board requested additional information before reaching a decision.

A separate federal complaint filed with the U.S.

Office of Special Counsel alleging Hatch Act violations by Weaver during his 2026 campaign was officially closed without action on August 7th after federal authorities concluded he was not covered by the law at the time of the alleged activities.

The Hatch Act passed in 1939 restricts political activities for certain government workers connected to federally funded programs

to ensure nonpartisan administration and protect employees from political coercion.

A coalition of community advocacy groups, including No 765 Line, Inc., the Lake Wisconsin Land and Community Community Alliance, Inc., and CAM 765, Inc.

will host a town hall discussion focused on Wisconsin's energy policy Friday, September 18th.

The event is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.

with doors opening to the public at 5 p.m.

in the Kilimanjaro Room at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells.

The upcoming

Town Hall will feature a panel of state and national leaders, including Congressman Tom Tiffany, Senator Sarah Kieske, Representative Tony Kurtz, and Representative Karen DeSanto.

SOC County Board Chair Tim McCumber will serve as moderator for the evening's discussion.

While several elected officials are slated to participate, organizers confirmed that Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley is unavailable to attend.

The gathering aims to provide a platform for open dialogue surrounding regional and statewide energy policies affecting local communities.

In keeping with its civic mission, host organization No765Line Inc.

reaffirmed that it does not endorse any political candidate or candidate committee.

The Okuch Mountain Humane Society is inviting all members and the general public to attend a pivotal meeting scheduled for September 16th.

which is tomorrow at 6 p.m.

at the Richland Center City Auditorium.

Following a contentious year that created significant operational strain, leadership is looking to re-engage with the local community to chart a path forward.

The Board has stated the crisis stemmed from decisions made by former staff who focused heavily on providing emergency services outside of Richland County.

Since then, hard work has gone into stabilizing operations and leadership is now eager to share an update on current efforts.

During the meeting, attendees will participate in an advisory vote aimed at determining the community's priorities for the future.

Organizers emphasize that the gathering is not about agreeing or disagreeing with individuals who have threatened legal action, but rather about hearing directly from members on what they believe the society's focus should be going forward.

A cottage Grove man was arrested for operating while intoxicated early Sunday morning following a single vehicle crash in the township of Platteville.

According to the Grant County Sheriff's Office, dispatch received an automated crash alert from a cell phone at 1.37 a.m.

Sunday, September 13th.

on Pleasant Valley Road.

Investigators determined that 21-year-old Nolan Farnham of Cottage Grove was traveling southbound on Pleasant Valley Road when he lost control of his 2019 Kia Stinger and collided with an embankment.

Farnham was transported to Southwest Health Center with non-life-threatening injuries.

During the investigation, deputies observed signs of impairment.

Farnham was subsequently arrested for operating while an intoxicated first offense and cited for failure to keep vehicle under control.

After two years of planning, the City of Verrocco Parks and Recreation staff and volunteers are building a new Eckhart Park playground from September 29th through October 4th, replacing the 30-year-old Dragon Park structure.

Designed with play-by-design, the community-led build requires at least 40 volunteers ages 14-plus

per six hour shift, which is 7 30 a.m.

to 12 30 p.m.

or 12 30 p.m.

to 6 p.m.

Meals and tools are provided.

It's a once in a lifetime opportunity.

The last build was 30 years ago.

We can complete this project if we all work together, said chairperson Kim Letell.

Organizers are also seeking borrowed equipment and enclosed trailer, two 12-inch sliding compound saws, eight wheelbarrows, five post hole diggers.

Attendees should park on side streets or at the park bowl or running ink lots.

A celebratory potluck takes place October 4th at 4 p.m.

followed by final fencing and safety inspections.

The playground is expected to open by late October.

American Players Theater has announced that its visionary artistic director, Brenda DeVita, will retire at the end of the organization's 50th season in December, 2029.

DeVita, who has served on the APT staff since 1995 and as artistic director since 2014, leaves behind a transformative legacy that helped elevate the company into one of the nation's premier classical theater institutions.

DeVita's journey with APT spans nearly three decades of growth and innovation.

Joining the company in 1995 as company manager, she quickly became an integral part of the artistic staff, serving as Associate Artistic Director from 2004 until her appointment as Artistic Director in 2014.

Throughout her tenure, DeVita was instrumental in major strategic initiatives, including the development of the core acting company, the voice and text program, the acting apprentice program, and the opening of the Touchstone Theater in 2009.

Her leadership was equally marked by efforts to diversify the acting company, artistic staff and repertoire, as well as spearheading the successful $8 million renovation of the Hill Theater in 2017.

She also launched the Language Project to train early career actors in analyzing and performing poetic texts, cumulative work that earned APT the 2026 Regional Theater Tony Award.

Reflecting on her career, DeVita expressed deep appreciation for her time with the theater company.

It's hard to believe it's coming up on 35 years that I've been at APT, David has said.

It's been the greatest honor and challenge of my life to work here among all these brilliant, talented and hardworking people.

APT has been my whole career and it has been an incredible gift.

I could not be more grateful to have had the chance to grow inside of this magical and miraculous place.

I love APT and everyone involved in making this place work.

I will miss them very much.

But I truly believe it is a great time for APT to find the next passionate leader to move our community forward.

It's the best job in the world.

Board President Robert Zellers commended DeVita's lasting contributions to the institution's artistic standards and culture.

Brenda has been an extraordinary leader for our theater, Zellers said.

She has earned great respect and affection from her actors and other theater artists, from her coworkers and from the APT,

Board of Directors.

Her contributions to the growth and success of APT are numerous and lasting.

We are grateful she has given us time to find a successor who will continue her dedication and commitment to APT's artists, staff and audience while leading us into our next chapter of growth.

We look forward to celebrating her full legacy in 2029, APT's 50th year.

The APT Board of Directors will begin a multi-year search timeline to ensure a smooth leadership transition.

The position will be posted in October with candidate interviews scheduled throughout 2027.

The Board plans to appoint an artistic director-designate in early 2028, allowing for significant overlap with DeVita to facilitate a seamless transfer of institutional knowledge before her official departure at the close.

Welcome back to the news at noon.

The Environmental Protection Agency announced Monday that it is repealing rules limiting planet warming greenhouse gas emissions from coal and natural gas fired.

power plants.

In a separate but related move, the agency is also taking steps to block future administrations from regulating climate pollution from power facilities.

The rule change represents a fundamental departure from climate initiatives enacted under previous Democratic administrations aimed at curbing carbon dioxide emissions.

According to the EPA, revoking the Biden-era power plant rule will save energy companies over $300 billion in compliance costs

and help unleash domestic energy production.

EPA Assistant Administrator Aaron Zabo noted that the decision enables utility providers to make choices based on cost efficiency and rate payer benefits rather than being forced to shut down facilities.

However, environmental organizations strongly condemned the repeal, warning that it will degrade the environment and harm public health.

The new power plant rule set to take effect shortly after its publication in the Federal Register is anticipated to spark immediate legal challenges.

Environmental advocates are also expected to dispute the proposed rule intended to limit future climate regulation, which builds on the EPA's earlier revocation of the foundational scientific finding used to regulate greenhouse gases.

This broader effort follows the elimination of vehicle emission standards.

earlier this year.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is celebrating a historic milestone this week with the grand opening of Irving and Dorothy Levy Hall on September 17th alongside a sweet tribute from the legendary Babcock Dairy to honor the extraordinary generosity of Badger alumni brothers Marv and Jeff Levy.

Babcock Dairy is debuting Levylicious

Salted Turtle, a custom limited edition ice cream flavor.

The new creation features salted caramel ice cream swirled with a rich chocolate fudge ribbon and roasted salted pecans.

Marvin Jeff played a hands-on role in developing the flavor during a tasting session at the dairy plant, selecting ingredients and refining the profile.

The limited edition flavor makes its official debut during the grand opening celebration for Levy Hall and will subsequently be available at the Babcock Dairy Store and participating retail locations.

At Babcock Dairy, we love creating new flavors, but this one is especially meaningful, said Casey White, Babcock Dairy plant manager.

Marvin, Jeff Levy have done so much for UW-Madison.

It was a pleasure to work with them on a flavor that celebrates their family's legacy, generosity, and connection to the university.

Irving and Dorothy Levy Hall.

represents the first new humanities building constructed on the UW-Madison campus in 50 years.

The five-story, 136,000 square foot facility consolidates eight academic departments previously scattered across campus into a single collaborative hub.

University officials anticipate that nearly every incoming undergraduate student will take at least one class in the new $115 million building over the course of four years.

The project was made possible by a landmark $20 million lead gift from Marv and Jeff Levy, who named the building to honor their late parents, Irving and Dorothy.

Their late brother, Philip Levy, was also a proud UW alumnus.

The family's philanthropic impact extends further across campus, anchored by a historic $75 million gift to build the Philip A. Levy Engineering Center in memory of their late brother.

Our hope is that by honoring our family legacy of charitable giving, we can offer future generations some of what the UW has provided us, said Marv Levy.

His brother Jeff added, Wisconsin provided our family with many opportunities, an education, a foundation, and a future.

Levy Hall is our way of giving back and helping students create opportunities of their own.

Both brothers operate Phillips Distribution Corporation, a family enterprise founded nearly a century ago, and continue a long-standing commitment to community leadership, healthcare, research, and student opportunity across Wisconsin.

Senator Howard Markline announced that the Wisconsin State Senate is now accepting applications for the 2027 Senate Scholar Program.

The Senate Scholar Program is an elite educational program for exceptional high school juniors and seniors across the state.

The selection process is competitive, with 33 students, one from each Senate district, chosen to participate in a week-long program at the state capitol.

Interested students must complete an application by November 6 of this year to be considered.

Applications and instructions are available at senatescholar.com.

Many students from the 17th Senate District have participated in the Senate Scholar Program throughout the years, Mark Lyne said.

I strongly believe that this program enhances their understanding of civics and government by providing a hands-on, up-close view that cannot be learned in a classroom or by reading a book.

I encourage all students who have an interest in government or politics to apply.

The Senate Scholar Program includes classroom instruction, round table discussion, and a lab component.

Experts teach scholars about constituent relations, research, bill drafting and development of legislation.

The scholars meet with legislative support agency directors and staff, media and lobbyists.

throughout the week.

Scholars will also have the experience of drafting their own bills and amendments for a mock legislative committee hearing.

Senator Howard Marklein announced that the Wisconsin State Senate is now accepting applications for the 2027 Senate Scholar Program.

Community members looking to manage household expenses are invited to attend a free workshop focused on how to lower your grocery bills, scheduled for September 22nd at 6 p.m.

at the Brewer Public Library.

Presented by Sarah Kubiak, Extension Educator with the UW-Madison Division of Extension in Richland County, this educational session will provide practical strategies and tips on stretching your budget and saving money

on everyday purchases.

Admission to the workshop is free, but pre-registration is required.

Interested attendees can reserve their spot by calling 647-6444.

We have two new winners to announce in the St.

Anthony's Raffle.

They are to $50 winners on ticket 587.

Bobby Worst from Cambria and on ticket 456.

Odelia

Solchenberger, congratulations to the two new winners.

Good evening, everyone.

For WRCO News, I'm Todd Copernall.

The Richland Center Public Works Committee is scheduled to meet Thursday at 5.30 p.m.

in the council chambers of the municipal building.

During the session, committee members will focus on key infrastructure assessments for the city.

Major agenda items include a review of the 2025 City Dyke Inspection Report and the 2025 City Pavement Rating Study, alongside receiving the Public Works Director's Monthly Report on ongoing municipal operations and projects.

Under state requirements, the city must rate pavement conditions biennially using the PASER scale to remain eligible for general transportation aid funding.

To assist with this, MSA Professional Services conducted reviews in 2025 and entered data into the Wisconsin Information System for local roads.

Caution is advised as unit costs reflect June 2023 averages, which are estimated to be approximately 50% of local prices.

Consequently, MSA recommends increasing costs by 200% or more for accurate local budgeting.

Regarding overall system condition, 29.86 miles of roadways were rated with 62% of the roadway network currently requiring maintenance or capital.

Most paved streets fall in the 7 to 8 rating range, which denotes routine crack-filling or little to no maintenance.

Looking at the project breakdown for paved streets, 17.8% require capital projects for ratings 1 through 4, covering reconstruction, mill and overlay, or structural overlay.

Maintenance is required for 64.84% of streets, with ratings 5 through 8 for

seal coding or crack filling, while 17.86% fall into ratings 9 to 10 and require no action.

Evaluating five-year budget scenarios shows that the current budget of $150,000 per year results in a $434,558 backlog after five years, though actual backlog costs will be much higher.

under a plan to improve all streets to a rating of six or higher within five years, a budget of $250,000 per year for years two through five is required.

When accounting for realistic local costs, this plan requires approximately $518,750 per year for years two through four.

Immediate priority for the dike in the next 12 months includes exercising and maintaining the dual stormwater discharge pump at the Church Street Diversion, inspecting, lubricating and testing the flap gate and valve at Crosscut Park and treating active molehills at the upper main dike.

Critical repairs and maintenance involve applying concrete epoxy patches to walls at the upper main dike.

Repairing caulking scenes at the lower main dike.

and adding riprap to the lower main dike to prevent channel discharge erosion.

Finally, regarding the early warning system and general upkeep, the committee will address servicing and component replacement for early warning system false alarms with supplier L.W.

Allen across Collins Drive, Allison Park and Rockbridge locations alongside general vegetation clearing along levee toes and channel crack

during dry periods.

The Richland County Board of Supervisors will convene at 6 p.m.

tonight at the Phoenix Center banquet room to address several high stakes resolutions.

Key items on the agenda include initial resolutions authorizing up to $7.5 million and $2 million in general obligation promissory notes to fund upcoming capital improvement projects.

Supervisors are also slated to vote on a resolution declaring the county's formal opposition.

to the proposed Becky 765 kilovolt high voltage transmission line passing through Richland County.

In addition to infrastructure and land use concerns, the board will review a resolution authorizing the application and acceptance of a treatment alternatives and diversion or TAD grant.

Personnel and health insurance matters will also take center stage as the board votes on a resolution to leave the state of Wisconsin's Employee Trust Funds Health Insurance Program and considers a resolution establishing the 2027 contribution

reimbursement schedule.

Finally, the meeting will feature a presentation of the 2027 draft budget alongside updates from the County Administrator and County Board Chair.

The Monroe County Ethics Board voted to dismiss eight of nine ethics complaints filed against members of the Monroe County Sheriff's Office during its September 3 meeting.

The complaints targeted several personnel within the department, including Sheriff Wesley Revells, Chief Deputy Christopher Weaver, Lieutenant Ryan Holman, and Sergeant Rylan Corcoran.

Reviewing and resolving the complaints is estimated to cost Monroe County taxpayers approximately $30,000 in outside legal fees, along with substantial staff time.

To fund these unexpected costs, Monroe County Corporation Council requested a budget adjustment during the September 8th administration and personnel committee meeting to reallocate $30,000 from the county's contingency fund.

The dismissed complaints submitted primarily by Chad Brownell and Michael Krause during July and August returned down in unanimous five to nothing and four to nothing votes.

The ethics board found no violations of Wisconsin statute or the local ethics code, citing that state statute 19.45 does not apply to non-state officials.

Speech on private social media accounts is constitutionally protected.

and actions taken under official authority do not constitute ethics code breaches.

Furthermore, the board determined it lacks jurisdiction over federal Hatch Act claims, personnel grievances, and internal county HR policies.

Only one ethics filing remains pending before the board, a complaint filed by Terry Harrison against Chief Deputy Weaver, for which the board requested additional information before reaching a decision.

A separate federal complaint filed with the U.S.

Office of Special Counsel alleging Hatch Act violations by Weaver during his 2026 campaign was officially closed without action August 7th after federal authorities concluded he was not covered by the law at the time of the alleged activities.

The Hatch Act, passed in 1939, restricts political activities for certain government workers connected to federally funded

programs to ensure non-partisan administration and protect employees from political coercion.

A cottage Grove man was arrested for operating while intoxicated early Sunday morning following a single vehicle crash in the township of Platteville.

According to the Grant County Sheriff's Office, dispatch received an automated crash alert from a cell phone at 1.37 a.m.

Sunday, September 13th on Pleasant Valley Road.

Investigators determined that 21-year-old Nolan Farnham of Cottage Grove was traveling southbound on Pleasant Valley Road when he lost control of his 2019 Kia Stinger and collided with an embankment.

Farnham was transported to Southwest Health Center with non-life-threatening injuries.

During the investigation, deputies observed signs of impairment.

Farnham was subsequently arrested for operating while intoxicated first offense and cited for failure to keep the vehicle under control.

The Wisconsin Department of Justice, led by Attorney General Josh Call, has officially joined a multi-state coalition in filing a federal lawsuit aimed at blocking the federal government's newly proposed public charge rule.

Filed in the U.S.

District Court for the Southern District of New York, the lawsuit challenges a Department of Homeland Security policy that significantly broadens the scope of public benefit usage, considered when evaluating green card applications.

Under the expanded rule, immigration officers would gain wide discretion to deny lawful permanent residency based on an applicant's minimal use of public assistance.

or even the lawful utilization of benefits by household members who are U.S.

citizens.

In a public statement regarding the legal action, Attorney General Call criticized the administration's measure, asserting that the rule undermines stability for immigrant communities.

Call stated that the policy promotes fear and uncertainty across families rather than fostering a coherent and consistent immigration system.

He emphasized that the administration

should be prevented from enacting a reinterpretation of long-standing public charge provisions, advocating for the court to declare the rule unlawful and protect state residents from its immediate consequences.

Historically, federal standards defined a public charge as an individual primarily dependent on the government for long-term substance, primarily limited to cash assistance for income maintenance or long-term institution.

The proposed regulation dramatically expands these parameters to encompass non-cash benefits such as Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

Because the rule lacks clear thresholds on benefit amounts or duration, the coalition warns that eligible families will disenroll from essential support services out of fear of jeopardizing their immigration status.

Federal estimates indicate that disenrollment could reduce federal Medicaid and CHIP transfer payments to states by upwards of $4.05 billion annually alongside a $1.02 billion drop in annual SNAP funding.

In a major push to modernize labor standards, Representative Mark Takano, alongside Senator Bernie Sanders, officially introduced HR10323, titled the 32-hour Work Week Act.

Introduced September 8th and referred to the House Committee on Education and the Work Force, the bill seeks to amend the Landmark Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 by gradually lowering the Federal Standard Work Week threshold.

from 40 hours down to 32 hours without reducing worker pay.

Under the proposed framework, overtime protections would trigger significantly earlier for American workers.

Employers would be required to pay overtime compensation at a rate of at least one and one-half times the regular pay rate for any work performed beyond 32 hours in a single work week.

Additionally, the legislation introduces daily overtime safeguards, mandating time and a half pay for workdays lasting between 8 and 12 hours, and double the regular pay rate for any hours worked beyond 12 in a single day.

To prevent economic disruption and provide businesses sufficient time to adjust, the transition for newly covered employees unfolds over a four-year phased schedule, starting 180 days after enactment.

In the first year, the overtime threshold drops to 38 hours per week, followed by 36 hours in the second year, 34 hours in the third year, and ultimately reaching the full 32-hour standard following the third year.

To safeguard employee

paychecks during this transition, the Act explicitly prohibits employers from reducing regular pay rates, overall compensation rates, or employee benefit packages as a result of the newly established hourly thresholds.

We have two new winners to announce in the St.

Anthony's Raffle.

These are $50 winners, and they are on ticket 587, Bobby Worth of Cambria, and on ticket 456, Odelia Solchenberger.

Congratulations to the two winners.

Vital statistics right after this.

Today's Vital Statistics are sponsored by Krause Monument.

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

Today is September 15th.

These are today's Vital Statistics.

Deborah Lynn Walling, 71 of Richland Center, died unexpectedly Monday, September 7th.

A funeral service will be held at the Richland Center United Methodist Church at 11 a.m.

on Thursday with a luncheon to follow at the Phoenix Center.

Burial will take place at the Richland Center Cemetery at a later date.

Visitation will be held at the church from 4 p.m.

until 7 p.m.

Wednesday and also from 10 a.m.

until the time of service.

on Thursday.

Deborah Lynn Walling, 71 of Richland Center.

Carol

Our Mindum, 83 of Boscobel, died Tuesday, September 8th at Gunderson Amplify Hospital in La Crosse after a brief illness.

A memorial service celebrating Carol's life will be held Friday at 12 noon at Backroads Methodist Church in Mount Zion.

Burial.

at a later date in the Boscobel Cemetery.

Friends may call on Friday from 10 a.m.

until the time of service at Backroads Methodist Church in Mount Zion.

Carol R. Mindum, 83 of Boscobel.

Philip Schultz, 91 of Muscaday, died Monday, September 7 at Amplify Health in Boscobel.

Funeral services will be held at 12 noon Friday at the St.

Peter's Lutheran Church in Muscaday.

Visitation will be held on Friday from 10 a.m.

until the time of service at 12 noon.

Burial will be held at Wisconsin Memorial Park in Brookfield Saturday with a service to be held at 1 30 p.m.

at the Chapel of Flowers Wisconsin Memorial Park in Brookfield.

The Pratt funeral and cremation service is assisting the family.

Philip Schultz, 91 of Muscaday.

Lois May Miller, 76 of Richland Center, died Tuesday, September 8.

Funeral services will be held Saturday at 12 noon at the Pratt Memorial Chapel with burial to follow in the Bowen Mills Cemetery.

Visitation will be held Saturday at the Pratt Memorial Chapel from 10 a.m.

until the time of service at noon.

The Pratt Funeral Antrimation Service is assisting the family with their arrangements.

Lois May Miller, 76 of Richland Center.

Bradley Sandmeyer, 83 of Milwaukee, formerly of Richland Center, died Saturday, September 5th.

Graveside services will be held Wednesday, September 23, at 12 noon at the Ash Ridge Cemetery.

The Pratt Funeral Anchrymation Service is assisting the family with their arrangements.

Bradley Sandmire, 83 of Milwaukee, formerly of Richland Center.

David Virgil Del Camp.

86 of Muscaday died Tuesday, September 8th at the Richland Hospital.

A private family mass will be held, burial will be held in St.

John's Catholic Cemetery.

The family request memorials in David's name be directed to O-L-M-B-S St.

John's Catholic Church or the Riverdale Education Foundation.

The Pratt funeral and cremation service is assisting the family.

Del Camp, 86 of Muscaday.

And in birth news from the Richland Hospital, Cassie and Matthew Melby have welcomed a son, Miles John Melby.

Congratulations to the family.

This concludes today's vital statistics.