WRCO Morning News

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.

Health officials say they've confirmed the first case of West Nile virus this year in our state in a human and a horse.

Both cases are in Brown County, though West Nile has been detected in other parts of Wisconsin in birds.

Even as we head into autumn, mosquito bites are still a risk.

West Nile virus can lead to mild flu-like symptoms, but health officials say most people infected with West Nile don't have any symptoms at all.

People who are older or who have chronic health conditions are at higher risk of severe illness.

There are things you can do to protect yourself.

They say to use insect repellent, wear long sleeve loose fitting shirts and pants,

use screens on doors and windows to keep mosquitoes out, and drain any standing water in your yard that may have collected in things like bird baths, flower pots, clogged gutters, or tire swings.

Meanwhile, measles has made its way to Marathon County near Wasaw.

Health workers there have confirmed a case of measles in a Marathon County resident.

They say the person contracted measles while traveling outside Wisconsin, and this case is not linked to the measles outbreak in southwestern Wisconsin.

That's where the majority of our states' measles cases have been confirmed, though in addition to the case in Marathon County, there have been single cases confirmed in Dane and Waukesha counties.

According to the DHS's website, Wisconsin has had 164 confirmed cases of measles this year.

163 of those cases were in people who were not vaccinated against the disease.

Federal investigators are now trying to figure out why a small plane carrying Republican candidate for Governor Tom Tiffany lost power and landed in Lake Wasaw.

Recovery crews pulled the Beechcraft K-35 from the water Monday, giving the Federal Aviation Administration a chance to inspect it.

Tiffany and his pilot were hurt but suffered only minor injuries after the emergency landing Saturday night.

The FAA says its investigation could take months.

A Green Bay man arrested for driving into a crowd and injuring four police officers last weekend appeared in court yesterday.

61-year-old Craig Buford is charged with three drunk driving offenses, recklessly endangering safety and fleeing or eluding an officer.

Green Bay police say they were responding to another disturbance at a food truck in downtown Green Bay around 2.30 in the morning Saturday when Buford blocked a car from leaving a parking lot, causing another disturbance.

The criminal complaint says Buford ignored police ordering him to stop and accelerated through the parking lot, hitting a woman in the knee and an officer before turning toward another group of people.

When another officer ran toward Buford, he reportedly squealed his tires and headed toward that officer.

The officer moved out of the way and fired four shots at Buford.

No one was injured by the gunfire.

Buford was arrested a few blocks away.

Police say four officers were treated for injuries and the Green Bay downtown farmers market scheduled for the following morning was canceled.

A new report estimates tariffs have cost Wisconsin $5.5 billion since the start of 2025.

The National Taxpayers Union Foundation put the cost at about $2,100 per Wisconsin household.

The report says machinery and parts account for the biggest share, with an estimated $525 million in added tariffs.

A recent cancellation leaves Wisconsin voters with just one gubernatorial debate this October.

WTMJ-TV, the Milwaukee County Intergovernment Council, and UW-Milwaukee pulled the plug after Tiffany's campaign declined and Crowley couldn't confirm the original date.

The October 21st debate on WISN-TV and WIS Politics remained the only scheduled meeting between Crowley and Tiffany.

It will be aired on stations across the state.

And that's your state news update.

I'm Connie Feldman for Civic Media News.

A big win for the Brewers.

Hi, I'm Mike Clemens with Sports Baseball.

The Brewers beat the Pirates 5-1 and with that they clinched the National League Central Division.

Manager Pat Murphy on the growth of winning pitcher Jacob Mizorowski this season.

He's just matured so much and that's another thing that's just so gratifying to see these young people step into a new way of doing things and he got stronger.

He's way more mature.

He got really consistent and he's still learning and that's what we're looking for.

The crew faces the Pirates again.

again tonight.

NFL, there may be changes on the Packers offensive line after Sunday's loss to the Vikings.

Quarterback Jordan Love was hit 18 times during that game in Minnesota.

One of the things that makes him so impressive is his ability to get the ball out accurately with pressure in his face.

Obviously up front, we got to make sure we keep him out of those situations as much as possible, but.

As you know, in the NFL, the quarterback's got to be able to make plays no matter what.

That's the Packers offensive coordinator, Adam Stenevich, with sports on Mike Clemens.

It is going to be partly cloudy today with a high in the low 70s this afternoon.

A really, really nice day coming up here today.

Tonight, a few scattered showers.

We're going to drop down into the mid 50s tomorrow, mostly cloudy with highs in the mid to upper 70s.

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.

Good morning, everyone.

For WRCO News, I'm Todd Copernall.

In the news this morning, the Richland County Board of Supervisors met last night at the Phoenix Center in Richland Center, taking key legislative actions on regional infrastructure, approving financial resolutions, and grappling with upcoming fiscal pressures for the 2027 budget year.

Highlighting the evening's proceedings was a unified stance against the proposed massive high-voltage transmission line, alongside crucial discussions regarding departmental budget constraints and ongoing adjustments to county revenue and expense projections.

Central to the meeting was a unanimous passage of Resolution 26-52, formalizing the Board's strong opposition to the Bell Center, Columbia,

Sugar Creek, Illinois, Wisconsin State Line, Becky Project, proposed by Mid-Continent Grid Solutions.

The contested 190 mile, 765 kilovolt alternating current high voltage transmission line is planned to span the Driflus region, raising significant local concern.

Community members spoke out during public comment with all speakers voicing firm opposition to the power line due to environmental risks, potential property value declines, stray voltage

concerns and visual impacts on the landscape.

Adding federal weight to the pushback, Molly Bone, federal representative for Congressman Derrick Van Orden, read a letter submitted by Mr. Van Orden to Mid-Continent Grid Solutions, expressing opposition to the project.

Fiscal matters also dominated the agenda as county officials reviewed the proposed 2027 budget, which balances total revenues and expenditures at $50,883,976.

Multiple department heads addressed the Board to share deep concerns over projected budget cuts, emphasizing that years of previous trims leave little room to absorb further reductions without impacting services.

Major revenue drivers for the proposed budget include more than $13 million in public charges for services, nearly $12,300,000 from intergovernmental state aid, and a tax levy of $12,314,101.

The highest departmental allocations by gross levy remain debt service at $4,767,642, the sheriff's department in jail at $4,253,801, and the highway department.

at $1,785,792.

Board members reviewed recent version iterations of the budget, including version 3 adjustments that incorporated changes in allowable levy limits, the removal of certain ambulance operational levies offset by town revenues, health insurance savings, and targeted staffing adjustments.

In addition to the power line opposition, the board demonstrated unified governance by unanimously approving resolutions relating to promissory notes to secure county financing.

In organizational news, the board formally acknowledged a transition in its membership following the resignation of Supervisor Rod Perry from the Richland County Board.

West Bay Area schools were temporarily placed in secure status on Tuesday following a nearby incident

reported by local law enforcement, according to Chief Scott C. Stuber of the Westby Police Department.

The situation has been fully resolved and there is no ongoing danger to the public or the school community.

Details regarding the nature of the incident have not been disclosed at this time.

Police officials thanked the public and school community for their patience and understanding while law enforcement responded to the scene.

The University of Wisconsin-Plattville has temporarily suspended its 2026 men's cross-country season as state officials investigate allegations of hazing and student-athlete conduct violations within the program.

The suspension follows a swift sequence of events earlier this month.

Chancellor Tammy Ivanovich received an initial report detailing the allegations late in the afternoon, September 1st,

After being briefed the following day, Chancellor Ivanovic requested additional information, which was delivered September 3.

On September 4, the Chancellor officially decided to pause all team operations and place head coach James Akita on paid administrative leave.

The Universities of Wisconsin Administration Office of Compliance and Integrity has taken charge of the ongoing investigation into the matter.

Our priority is to support students involved while ensuring this matter is investigated as thoroughly, fairly, and promptly as possible," said Melanie Platt Gibson, spokesperson for UW-Plattville.

University officials noted that support and counseling resources are being actively provided to affected student athletes due to the active nature of the review.

and university commitments to student privacy and applicable laws.

UW Platteville declined to offer further details, adding that additional updates will be released as appropriate when the investigation concludes.

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 biannually 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 improvements.

Most paved streets fall in 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 through 4, covering reconstruction, 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 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 dyke in the next 12 months includes exercising and maintaining the dual stormwater discharge pump at the church street sub diversion.

inspecting, lubricating and testing the flap gate and valve at Crosco Park and treating active mole hills at the upper main dike.

Critical repairs and maintenance involve applying concrete epoxy patches to walls at the upper main dike, repairing caulking seams at the lower main dike and adding riprap.

at 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 levy toes and channel crack sealing during dry periods.

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 Revels, 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 8 administration and personnel committee meeting to reallocate $30,000 from the county's contingency fund.

The dismissed complaints submitted primarily by Chad Brown Ellen, 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 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

Institute 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 nonpartisan administration and protect employees from political coercion.

Good evening, everyone.

For WRCO News, I'm Todd Copernall.

The Richland County Board of Supervisors met last night at the Phoenix Center and Richland Center, taking key legislative actions on regional infrastructure, approving financial resolutions, and grappling with upcoming fiscal pressures for the 2027 budget.

Highlighting the evening's proceedings was a unified stance against the proposed massive high-voltage transmission line, alongside crucial discussions regarding departmental budget constraints and ongoing ag...

adjustments to county revenue and expense projections.

Central to the meeting was a unanimous passage of resolution number 26-52, formalizing the Board's strong opposition to the Bell Center, Columbia, Sugar Creek, Illinois, Wisconsin State Line, Becky Project proposed by Midcontinent Grid Solutions.

The contested 190 mile, 765 kilovolt alternating current high voltage transmission line

is planned to span the driftless region, raising significant local concern.

Community members spoke out during public comment with all speakers voicing firm opposition to the power line due to environmental risks, potential property value declines, stray voltage concerns, and visual impacts on the landscape.

Adding federal weight to the pushback, Molly Bonefield, representative for Congressman Derek Van Orden, read a letter submitted by Mr. Van Orden to mid-continent.

grid solutions expressing opposition to the project.

Fiscal matters also dominated the agenda, as county officials reviewed the proposed 2027 budget, which balances total revenues and expenses at $50,883,976.

Multiple department heads addressed the Board to share deep concerns over projected budget cuts, emphasizing that years of previous trims leave little room to absorb further reductions without impact

services.

Major revenue drivers for the proposed budget include more than $13 million in public charges for services, more than $12 million from intergovernmental state aid, and a tax levy of $12,314,101.

The highest departmental allocations by gross levy remain debt service at more than $4.7 million, the sheriff's department and jail at more than $4.2 million, and

and the highway department at $1,785,792.

Board members reviewed recent version iterations of the budget, including version three adjustments that incorporated changes in allowable levy limits.

The removal of certain ambulance operational levies offset by town revenues.

health insurance savings, and targeted staffing adjustments.

In addition to the power line opposition, the board demonstrated unified governance by unanimously approving resolutions related to promissory nodes to secure county financing.

In organizational news, the board formally acknowledged a transition in its membership following the resignation of Supervisor Rod Perry from the Richland County Board.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has updated its measles data dashboard reporting the ongoing outbreak has risen to 162 total cases, comprising 156 confirmed and six probable cases.

This represents an increase of one case since the previous update.

The majority of the outbreak remains concentrated in southwest Wisconsin, where case counts in key counties remain unchanged, including 20 confirmed cases in Grant County.

73 confirmed in six probable cases in Lafayette County and 62 confirmed cases in Iowa County.

In addition to the cases in southwest Wisconsin, state officials announced a new confirmed measles case in Marathon County.

DHS noted that this northern Wisconsin case is not related to the outbreak in the southwestern part of the state.

To safeguard individual privacy, state officials are withholding additional personal identifying details and specific health information regarding the individual.

The 169th Vernon County Fair gets underway tonight and runs through Sunday at the Vernon County Fairgrounds in Verroqua.

Tonight exhibits get checked in.

Mr. Ed's midway opens and at six o'clock will be the Sunflower Project.

Tomorrow at six o'clock will be an antique tractor pull followed by a modified truck and tractor pull.

Friday will be youth day.

The Little Bridges Dairy Show will be at $12.30 and the Badger State Tractor and Truck Pull will be held at $6.30.

Saturday, a livestock sale will be at $6.00 and at $7.00 will be a demo derby.

Sunday at $1.00 will be harness racing.

Each day, enjoy rides, stage shows, animals, exhibits, food and more.

Daily admission is $10 for adults 16 and older.

$5 for children 6 to 15, children 5 and under are admitted for free.

Friday for youth day children 12 and under are admitted for free.

Saturday there will be free admission to active duty and retired military veterans must have a current active duty or retiree military ID for a full list of events.

See the Vernon County Fair website.

J. Ernest leads the Minneapolis-based Church of Cash, a Johnny Cash tribute band, for a performance at the City Auditorium in Richland Center September 25th at 7 p.m.

Tickets for this all-ages show are $25.

The band features J. Ernest on lead vocals and acoustic guitar, Jonathan Tabiste on drums, Jumpin' Jack Mansk on guitars, and Tony Worth on bass.

Formed in 2009, the group

has released four studio albums, including their 2021 release Flowers for June.

The Church of Cash has toured across the United States, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

They received the Best Tribute Act 2019 Award from the Midwest Country Music Organization and were inducted into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame in 2021.

The Vernon County Clerk of Circuit Court Office has officially commenced the distribution of juror qualification questionnaires for the upcoming term.

Vernon County Clerk of Court Sheila Olson announced that the questionnaires were dispatched to prospective jurors Friday, September 11th in compliance with Wisconsin State Statute.

Under Wisconsin Statute 756.04 Chapter 6B

state law mandates that all individuals receiving a questionnaire must complete and return the form within 10 days of receipt.

Prospective jurors have multiple avenues to submit their completed questionnaires including mailing the physical form or delivering it in person during standard business hours Monday through Friday from 8 30 a.m.

to 4 30 p.m.

to Clerk of Court 400 Courthouse Square, Suite 115, Verroqua, Wisconsin, 54665.

Alternatively, recipients are encouraged to complete the requirement electronically by visiting the official Wisconsin Courts Portal at juror.wi courts.

Those who successfully complete the submission online will immediately receive a confirmation number for their records.

County officials emphasize that prompt and accurate completion of the questionnaire is vital to ensuring efficient judicial administration and minimizing unnecessary administrative follow-up.

Additionally, completing the form allows residents to update key record details such as address changes with the Clerk of Court's Office.

County representatives expressed their sincere appreciation to citizens for their timely cooperation and attention to this civic duty.

The Grant County Holiday Project is preparing to begin distributing holiday gifts December 2nd to support local families and individuals in need this season.

Community members are invited to contribute through a variety of donations, including new, warm children's clothing, pajamas in all sizes, disposable diapers, blankets, sheets, ramping paper, and monetary donations to purchase food cards.

The majority of toys distributed through the project are provided by the Toys for Tots program, based in Dubuque, Iowa.

Monetary donations may be mailed to the Grant County Holiday Project to 35 West Elm Street in Lancaster, Wisconsin, 53813.

That is, Grant County Holiday Project to 35 West Elm Street in Lancaster.

For physical donations, Allegiant Oil is hosting two drop-off sites starting November 1st.

Donations can be dropped off Monday through Friday, 6 a.m.

to 6 p.m.

at

Regent Oil in Platteville or Monday through Friday from 7 a.m.

to 6 p.m.

in Lancaster.

Applicants can use the new online portal at grantcountyholidayproject.org.

From any mobile or internet connected device, general eligibility requires households to have children under 18 living at home or individuals who are age 65 or older or those determined, disabled and receiving government benefits.

In addition, providing an act of kindness to others is required for eligibility.

To ensure no child goes without, the project also highlights the Grant County Holiday Project No Kid Without Toys initiative, which aims to ensure all local children aged 12 and under receive toys for Christmas.

Applicants must reside in Grant County.

hold custody of the children, meet income guidelines, and not be enrolled in or receiving help from other holiday projects.

A single page application for No Kid Without Toys can be requested by calling 608-723-2136.

Extension 1194.

When calling the message only phone line,

Callers are asked to speak slowly and clearly when leaving their name, address, and phone number.

Completed forms should be returned immediately after which eligible families will receive further instructions on when and where to collect their gifts.

We have two more winners to announce.

In the St.

Anthony's Raffle, today's winners of $50 each on Ticket 118, Sharon Verthang from Reedsburg, and on Ticket 517, Shelly Thompson.

Congratulations to both winners.

Vital statistics right after this.

It's the Midweek Roundup.

Wednesday's Roundup brought to you by Richland Hospital, Cardinal Glass AG, Badgerland Flooring, and by Julie Kieran State Farm.

Today, it's Hanco or Facto.

Hanks got the questions, and Phil, he's got the final say on whether it's fact or something cooked up over a cup of bad coffee.

Confidence?

Absolutely.

Accuracy?

That's where things get adventurous.

Play along and see if you can out-guess Phil, because the truth is out there, and Phil is doing his best to find it.

Wednesday's Roundup, where Factos, Hankos, and Phil... Oh, collide!

Move them on!

It's time for the Roundup!

Hey,

this is better than my singing.

It's a step.

It's hard to

be

humble.

Yeah, it's

really hard.

I just want to know, did folks see our Facebook?

I

hope

not.

Were you and I sung that?

Yeah, I don't think, well, I heard it was on there somewhere.

Yeah, yeah.

You did a nice job.

Well, I didn't even know what song it was.

I didn't either until the music started

playing the music.

So I was able to come up with a word somehow without any karaoke screen or anything.

That's pretty good for you.

Well, not bad.

Not

bad.

So

yeah, that one

wasn't on the quiz that violet gave me last week, but, uh, you're right.

Oh, well, you know, the other thing over your vacation, I went to see the coyote versus acme.

Hey, how

was that?

It was good.

Was it

really?

Yes.

It's, I see it's at the outdoor again this weekend.

So, um, it might be better for parents.

Uh, those of us that grew up watching Looney Tunes, you know, but the kids will like it too, but spoiler alert.

And I don't, I just don't want to hurt you too much, but.

Foghorn Leghorn is kind of a villain in this particular.

What?

Yeah, he's kind of a villain.

Yeah.

He works for the big insurance, uh, or not insurance, but the big, he works for ACME.

Really?

Yeah.

And so he's, yeah.

Seriously?

He's evidently gone to the dark side since we saw him last.

So.

Wow.

That's about 40 years ago.

But, but Miss Prissy, you know, his, uh, his love interest,

you know,

she was the mother of the egghead kid in the, oh.

Is the egghead kid in it?

No, the egghead kid is in it, but Miss Prissy is in the jury because they go to trial against ACME and Miss Prissy is one of the jury members.

Wow.

I love those little cameos, those characters that were not main characters.

That's

pretty good.

So yeah, so did ACME win?

Well, I don't want to say, but of course it has a happy ending.

I'm sure.

The cowardly loses again.

Yep.

But he's back chasing the road runner.

Oh,

really?

Yeah.

And, uh, the, the last star witness is the road runner.

So I've probably given away way too much.

Yep, exactly.

That's

all he says.

That's all he says.

And that coyote just holds up signs.

Oh, it does?

Yeah.

Yeah.

But, you know, there were some cartoons where he talked.

Really?

Yeah.

The ones that he was in with Bugs Bunny, he'd knock on Bugs's door and he'd be like, Wiley Coyote, super genius.

And he would hand the card to Bugs.

I don't remember that.

Yep.

He, he's spoken a few of them, but this one he's, he's not

strictly signs.

Yep.

Just, yep.

Holds up a sign and he only has a few that he can hold up.

Oh, yeah.

Here's your question of the day, Phillip.

Have you ever wanted to be a cheerleader?

Not really,

but

you know, I've, I've, I've done some of that over the years.

Sure.

And you know, sitting on the end of the bench right near the cheerleaders, I picked up a lot of the cheers.

So rah, rah, re

kick them in the knee, rah, rah, row, kick them in the nose.

We never did that one.

Watermelon, watermelon, watermelon, Ryan, look at the scoreboard and see who's behind.

Bad, bad, bad.

Oh yes.

I had one cheerleader I was after all the time.

Is that right?

I'm not surprised.

She was.

S-U-C-C-E-S-S.

That's the way we spell success.

Do that again.

No.

See, you know, you kind of get those stuck in your head.

Yeah, I know.

After a while.

Watermelon, watermelon.

I want to sing

that all day today.

Yep.

Strawberry shortcake, Huckleberry pie, V-I-C-T-O-R-Y.

Are we in it?

Well, I guess, Ithaca High School, yes, yes, yes.

Wow, wow,

wow.

Wow.

There you go.

But if you, if you pay attention, you know, there's some cheerleader competition on ESPN, you ever watched that?

No.

There are some guys in there that are,

built better than some D1 athletes.

They have.

Well, they are absolutely amazing.

What those guys can do.

It is crazy.

Yeah, it's not so

they're strong.

They're strong as they

got

to be.

Yeah.

Yeah.

So

good.

Good for them.

Yeah.

Phillip, um, you might be from Arkansas.

If your best stories start with, we probably shouldn't have done that.

Probably shouldn't have you ever done that?

Oh, sure.

Oh, yes.

Yeah.

Absolutely.

Yeah.

But the, you know, looking back on things, you, you know, the little, you get a little bit older, you're like, well, that was pretty stupid.

Right.

At the time, you don't think of that.

You just think of us having fun.

Hmm.

Right.

Yeah.

So anyway, today is Hanked on phonics.

I am one of my O for three.

I think this is week four.

What

is today's word?

Today's word.

Right there.

All right.

N-I-C-H-E is spelled niche.

It says niche.

Niche.

Is that right?

Niche.

Um, that, yeah, I think you're at it.

You're right.

It's often mispronounced as niche, but it's niche.

It's niche.

Yeah.

Good job, Hank.

Good.

One for four.

That word is not brought to you by...

Hooked.

Hooked.

Hooked.

Hanked on fun.

Hanked on fun.

Yep.

Good to wrap.

I'm impressed.

Yeah, thanks.

Thanks, bud.

I didn't even... Yeah, I got one right.

One out of four.

Anyway, your rapid fire questions for the day all come from Southwest Wisconsin.

Are you ready?

Yeah.

Tractor or pickup?

Tractor.

Okay.

Gravel road or highway?

Ooh, gravel road.

Okay.

Deer hunting or fishing?

Fishing.

Okay.

Cheese curds are beef sticks.

Oh, cheese curds.

How far is just down the road?

Two miles, 10 miles or nobody actually knows.

Two miles.

Two miles.

Yeah.

Cause that's pretty close to where our farm is there.

All right.

Should you recline your seat on an airplane?

Yes or no?

Um, you know, I guess.

I'm always worried about the person, which I shouldn't be, but because they aren't worried about me.

But, uh, so I usually don't put it backwards.

Okay.

And

I can sleep in an upright position.

100%.

Yeah.

I can sleep in a downright position.

Yep.

I take the, the drowsy dromamine because I get motion sickness and I just,

the whole flight.

Is it acceptable to leave one second on the microwave?

Sure.

Absolutely.

Should couples share one blanket?

Oh, yes.

Absolutely.

Is five minutes late actually late?

Yes.

Yes.

Would be for me.

Does the person who cooks have to do the dishes?

Oh,

that's a

good.

Yeah.

You better be very, very careful how you answer this

one.

I think the person that cooks should not have to do

the

person that eats and doesn't help cook should do the dishes.

But on the other hand, if you're out and about and you're doing yard work or, or working, yeah, you know,

and you're trying to make the place better, which you guys both are.

I mean, right,

right.

That was one of the big things when we first got married was, you know, I grew up on the farm.

So, you know, you run in and you have supper, right?

And then you run right back outdoors and do something, you know, but I was told

You don't live on the farm anymore.

So, you know, it didn't get out of dishes by running outside and doing something.

You're telling me you're raising, uh, moles?

Yeah.

Yeah.

Well, I sure am.

Yeah.

They're

back

again.

They're

back.

They're told

you when it gets wet, but they don't bother me like they bother you.

They don't bother me.

Whatever.

It's the grubs.

Yeah, exactly.

The only thing it affects is my lawnmower blade.

Yeah.

Exactly.

All right.

Factor Henko today, young man, a Canadian man attempting to cross the border between the U.S.

and Canada with 51 live turtles taped to his legs and growing under his sweatpants, was arrested by wildlife service agents who noticed bulges in his bell bottoms.

You know, I remember reading that

story.

Really?

It's gotta be true.

It is true.

The smuggler will have to shell out for his crime.

When the Polytech computer service in Fresno, California puts their customers on hold, they don't hear music.

They hear a parrot repeating the phrase, have you tried turning it off and turning it on again?

I don't think so.

No, that's, that's cracker.

That's kind of wacky.

That's, that's, that's too far whacked.

Starbucks, the coffee shop chain has secret locations and underground tunnels in Los Angeles.

only accessible to most elite members of society.

No.

That's not true.

That's a latte hank.

However, they are underground tunnels in Los Angeles dating back to the prohibition era where patrons could move about under the city, boozing it up.

I would have

bet that there are people that still try to look for those and try to.

Crawl through the city.

They haven't hit the right tunnel.

I'm down there, buddy.

Yeah.

I

don't tunnel.

I believe that you have tunnels in Pea Ridge.

I'm generally not safe.

There's tunnels in Prairie from the French and Indian Ward.

Did you know that?

Yeah.

I guess maybe I've heard that before.

You know, the other town, uh, Scholesburg, I think they're, you know, well mining, obviously there's some

tunnels

there too.

Yeah.

I didn't even think about that.

There you go.

A Polish high school chemistry textbook features the characters

Walter White, Jesse Pinkman from the hit U.S.

television show, Breaking Bad.

Huh.

Okay.

I think it's right.

I don't know.

No, it's not.

We hate Breaking Bad news, but it's a fib.

It's

a fib.

It's a

fib.

No.

My fib to you.

Yeah.

Oh.

That's Hanko.

The British Royal Air Force made one time exception to follow the colorblind next King of England.

Boy, I tell you, I don't know if I'm saying that right.

The British Royal Air Force made one time exception to allow the colorblind next King of England, Prince William, to fly a military helicopter.

That's probably true.

It is true.

You talk about flying blind, Phil.

Well, colorblind, for sure.

Drone dog walkers have been successfully invented, but the problem associated with them is not With using them have not been solved like how to pick up the excrement Well, I would say that's probably true.

It is true fill no figure away or how to keep a dog from dragging a drone into a house or store Think about that.

Well, the

drone had a little scoop shovel on the bottom.

It could you know

scoop it up, right?

Yeah

Well, if you could get the dog to hold still.

Well, that's a, you don't have a plastic bag.

It could deposit it in.

Yep.

They'll figure out a way.

Someone left, left their leftovers from the dog with minus the bag in my yard.

Oh, really?

Yeah.

That's true.

Are you sure it wasn't Winnie?

Yeah, when he stays in the back.

Oh.

Yeah.

Hmm.

When he stays in the back, they stay in the back.

Well.

And the men, and port, and Fort Menpin.

That's what I call my bag.

Okay.

Well, maybe it's a way to fertilize your yard.

Humans can distinguish

over a million different colors.

I think that's true.

It is true, Phil.

It is.

It is.

That is very true.

Ostriches, bury their heads in the sand when scared.

That's not true.

That's Hanko.

All right.

They actually lie lower squat.

They don't bury their heads.

That's all I got today.

I don't know what else am I missing here.

I like to bury my head.

Do you?

Sometimes.

Sure.

with Andy Griffith or Beverly Hillbillies.

I watched a little bit of Andy Griffith last night.

Did you?

Yeah.

Yeah.

On the old Pluto channel.

Did you know that?

Good stuff.

Yeah.

Yeah.

So anyway, tomorrow is game day.

We've been absent last week.

Well, well.

We played Lyric quiz.

So tomorrow we'll have to have a real humdinger.

I know you've been shopping

at the dollar store.

You ought to see the games that I've got.

I'm just telling you, you know, you spent $1.50 on some of these games.

Did you see the game closet?

Oh, we're full of games.

You gave me a shelf.

I'm so excited.

You have your own shelf.

of games of games.

Yeah.

I'm really excited as in we have some

great

contributors like Dynagill Enhams donated a couple of games.

Okay.

So awesome.

Awesome people.

I appreciate you and I hope everybody everybody has a great day.

There you go.

That's Hank Badebrae.

Here are today's vital statistics.

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

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

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

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

Visitation will be held at the church from 4 until 7 today and also 10 a.m.

until the time of the service

on Thursday.

Deborah Lynn Walling, 71 of Richland Center.

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

A memorial service celebrating Carol's life will be held on Friday at 12 p.m.

at Backroads Methodist Church in Mount Zion, burial at a later date in the Boscobel Cemetery.

Friends may call on Friday from 10 until the service time at Backroads Methodist Church in Mount Zion.

Carol R. Mindum.

83 of Boscobel.

Philip Schultz, 91 of Muscatay, died Monday at Amplify Health Boscobel.

Funeral services will be held at 12 p.m.

Friday at the St.

Peter's Lutheran Church in Muscatay.

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

until the service time at 12 p.m.

Burial at Wisconsin Memorial Park in Brookfield, Saturday, September 19th, with a service to be held at 1.30 at the Chapel of Flowers, Wisconsin Memorial Park in Brookfield.

The Pratt Funeral and Cremation Service is assisting the family with their arrangements for Philip Schultz, 91 of Muscatay.

Michelle Marie Alt Wilson, best known as Shelly Alt, 61 of Richland Center, died Thursday, July 30th after a courageous battle with lung and brain cancer.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday afternoon at one until five at the Phoenix Center in Richland Center.

Stafford Funeral Home in Richland Center is assisting the family with the arrangements for Shelly Alt, 61 of Richland Center.

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

Funeral services will be held Saturday at

12 p.m.

at Pratt Memorial Chapel, burial to follow in the Bowen Mills Cemetery.

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

until the service time at noon.

The Pratt Funeral and Cremation Service is assisting a family with their arrangements for Lois May Miller, 76 of Richland Center.

Joyce Viola Kenobyl-Cooey.

96 of Blue River died September 14th.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, September 20th at 1 p.m.

at the Pratt Funeral Home in Muscaday.

Burial will be held in the Hoskins Cemetery at a later date.

Visitation will be held Sunday at Pratt Funeral Home in Muscaday from 11 a.m.

until the time of the service at 1.

The family suggests memorials be directed to the Blue River United Methodist Church, Blue River Fire and Rescue, Muscaday Fire and Rescue,

or a grace.

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

For Joyce Viola Canobal Cooey, 96 of Blue River.

Mary E. Ciss Dagenhart Govier, 94 of Fenimore,

died Monday at Dove Health Care in Fenimore.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m.

Monday afternoon, September 21st at the Larson Family Funeral Home in Fenimore with burial to follow in the Prairie Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 10 a.m.

until the service time at the funeral home on Monday.

In lieu of plants and flowers, a memorial fund is being established in her memory.

Following the committal service at the cemetery, the family invites you to join them for a celebration of

with Food and Fellowship at Cottonwood Sports Bar and Supper Club.

Mary E. Siss Dagenhart Govier, 94 of Fenimore.

In birth news, from the Richland Hospital, Cassie and Matthew Melby had a son, Miles John Melby.

And also, Ellie and Alex Stanek had a son, Thomas Alexander Stanek.

Today's vital statistics are sponsored by Krause Monument.

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

Today is Wednesday, September 16th.

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

A funeral service will be held at the Richland Center United Methodist Church

On Thursday at 11, with a luncheon to follow at the Phoenix Center, burial will be held at the Richland Center Cemetery at a later date.

Friends may call at the church today from 4 until 7, and again again on Thursday from 10 until the time of service at 11.

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 Longmire, many nieces, nephews, and friends, Deborah Lynn Walling, 71 of Richland Center.

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

A memorial service will be held on Friday at noon at Backroads Methodist Church in Mount Zion.

Burial will be held at a later date in the Bosquebell Cemetery.

Friends may call on Friday from 10 until the time of service at noon 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 Frey,

Andrea and Aaron Wells, Michelle and Jeff Eichlund, and Monica and Dean Tainter.

12 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, many other relatives and friends.

Carol R. Mindum, 83, of Boscobel.

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

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

Peter's Lutheran Church in Muscaday.

Friends may call on Friday from 10 until the time of service at noon.

Burial will be held at Wisconsin Memorial Park in Brookfield on Saturday, with a service to be held at 130 at the Chapel of Flowers, Wisconsin Memorial Park in Brookfield.

The Pratt Funeral Information Service is assisting the family with arrangements.

Phillip is survived by his children, Steve and Kerry Schultz, Lesson Vicki Schultz, Wayne and Michelle Schultz, Kathy Schultz, Wolfgram, and John and Sally Schultz.

13 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends, Philip Schultz, 91 of Muscaday.

Michelle Marie Alt Wilson, best known as Shelly Alt, 61 of Richland Center, died July 30th after a courageous battle with lung and brain cancer.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday from one until five at the Phoenix Center in Richland Center.

The Stafford Funeral Home in Richland Center is assisting the family with arrangements.

Shelly is survived by her parents, Judy Alt Hine and stepfather Jerry Hine and father Larry Alt.

Daughter, Melissa and Nick Hillesheim, also stepbrother Jim Hine and stepsister Laurie Hine Fields.

Sisters, Cheryl and Marty Beringa.

Annette Ault and Chris and Andy Asbell.

Fiancé, Kirk Heiser, and children Gavin, Grace, and Gabrielle.

Stepson's Grant and Amber Ernst and David Ernst and Chris Wilson.

Stepdaughter, Martina Kever, Wilson, and children.

Shelley Ault, 61 of Richland Center.

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

Funeral services will be held on Saturday at noon at the Pratt Memorial Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Bow and Mills Cemetery.

Friends may call on Saturday at the Pratt Memorial Chapel from 10 until the time of service at noon.

The Pratt Funeral Incrimination Service is assisting the family with arrangements.

Lois is survived by her sister, Karen and Wayne Hartley.

Many other relatives and friends.

Lois May Miller, 76 of Richland Center.

Joyce Viola.

Noble Cuy.

96 of Blue River died September 14th.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday at 1 at the Pratt Funeral Home in Muscaday.

Burial will be in the Hoskins Cemetery at a later date.

Friends may call on Sunday at the Pratt Funeral Home in Muscaday from 11 until the time of service at 1.

The family suggests memorials be directed to the Blue River United Methodist Church, Blue River Fire and Rescue,

must get a fire and rescue or a grace.

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

Joyce is survived by her children, Pam and Rich Rote, Sharon Bremmer, Carrie and Lisa Cooey, Dale and Gloria Cooey, Judy and Jeff Hackel.

12 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren, sister Meredith Strang, sister-in-law Rosemary Jewel, many other relatives and friends.

Joyce Viola Noble Cooey, 96 of Blue River.

Mary E. Siss Dagenhart Govier.

94 of Fenimore died September 14th at Dove Healthcare in Fenimore.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 21st at 1 at the Larson Family Funeral Home in Fenimore.

Barrio will follow in the Prairie Cemetery.

Friends may call from 10 until the time of service at the funeral home on Monday.

and the funeral service at one.

In lieu of plants and flowers, a memorial fund is being established in her memory.

Following the committal service at the cemetery, the family invites you to join them for a celebration of life with food and fellowship at the Cottonwood Sports Bar and Supper Club.

Mary E. Siss Dagenhart Govier, 94 of Fenimore.

In birth news from the Richland Hospital, Cassie and Matthew Melby had a son, Miles John.

And also in birth news from the Richland Hospital, Ellie and Alex Stannick had a son, Thomas Alexander.

Good afternoon for W. R. C. O. News.

I'm Bo Hendricks.

West Bay Area Schools were temporarily placed in secure status on Tuesday following a nearby incident reported to local law enforcement.

According to Chief Scott S or Scott C. Stuber of the West Bay Police Department, the situation has been fully resolved and there's no ongoing danger to the public or the school community.

Details regarding the nature of the incident have not been disclosed at this time.

Police officials thank the public and school community for their patience and understanding while law enforcement responded to the scene.

The 169th Vernon County Fair gets underway tonight and runs through Sunday at the Vernon County Fairgrounds in Verroqua.

Tonight's exhibits get checked in.

Mr. Ed's Midway opens at 6.

There will be a sunflower project.

Tomorrow at 6 will be an antique tractor pull followed by a modified truck and tractor pull.

Friday will be youth day.

The Little Bridges Dairy Show will be at 1230 and the Badgers State Tractor and Truck Pull will be held at 630.

Saturday, a livestock sale will be at 6 and at 7 will be the demo derby.

Sunday at 1 will be harness racing.

Each day enjoys rides, stage shows, animals, exhibits, food and more.

Daily admission is $10 for adults, 16 and older, $5 for children 6 to 15, and 5 and under are admitted free.

Friday for youth day, children 12 and under are admitted free.

Saturday, there will be free admission to active duty and retired military veterans, must have a current active duty or retiree military ID.

Find a full list of events at the Vernon County Fair website.

With the fall sports season underway and playoff time approaching for summer teams, consumers seek merchandise to support their favorite team.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection warns consumers about scammers selling rip-off merchandise.

Michelle Reinhardt is with DatCap.

This is big because you know it's that season where all the fall sports are starting and some are just college and others are professional level and it's really this revival of the counterfeit sports products plus you have summer teams that might go the distance and have more product out there.

But when consumers shop for their favorite team's merchandise, they could encounter those counterfeits, knockoffs, and scam products.

And when you buy these products, there could be great disappointment.

You could lose money, but you could also expose yourself to providing payment information to scammers.

products consumers find are real, but unsanctioned by the team.

For example, unlicensed jerseys might look nearly identical to the real thing on a webpage or hanging up in a store, and it could have the leaks tags for that sport or a well-known manufacturer's logo, but the consumers might notice poor quality when closely examining it, or it might be easily damaged when wearing it for any length of time or having repeat washings.

When shopping for sports merchandise online, it can be difficult to verify if a product is official and hard to check the quality of the item.

Even if a fan could be comfortable buying unofficial products, some items could contain unsafe materials.

Like in the U.S., it could not meet safety standards for lead or formaldehyde or other chemicals.

And indicators on unofficial products are especially hard to notice when buying these products online.

because it can't be physically inspected until after being purchased.

And what I mean there is you can't examine the product quality.

Fake merchandise could be made cheaply and it could contain visual defects, poor stitching, loose threads or designs that easily peel off.

And you won't know about that low quality or poor quality or even that it's itch when being worn or smelling pleasant until you get it in your hands.

And you can't inspect the tags and labels, you know, to see if they're of high quality, legible, sturdy.

Let's just say it has a holographic tag.

Is it fake?

Is it dull?

Does it peel off?

Is it low quality or is it the real thing and legitimate in a high quality holographic tag?

And that can all be very difficult to examine when shopping online.

Checking for authenticity of memorabilia can be just as difficult, especially when it's not purchased in person from the seller.

You run into the same issues of needing to find trustworthy sellers, whether it be online or in person, and being able to validate what it is that's represented to you and track that history of that product and knowing if they have the rights to be able to sell some of those memorabilia items or autographed items.

It's really important regardless of if it's clothing or other memorabilia that you're doing your research and you truly know who you're doing business with and that you're not spending more than you're willing to lose.

If you're a victim of this scam or any scam, contact DATCAP's Consumer Protection Hotline by phone at 1-800-422-7128 or by email at D-A-T-C-P hotline at w-i-dot-gov.

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

A blood drive is being held from now until 5.30 at the Richland Center Community Senior Center.

Appointments, of course, can always be made by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS, visiting redcrossblood.org, or entering sponsor code Richland Center WI, or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor app.

Walk-ins are also, of course, welcome.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville has temporarily suspended its 2026 men's cross-country season as state officials investigate allegations of hazing and student-athlete conduct violations within the program.

The suspension follows a swift sequence of events earlier this month.

Chancellor Tammy Evochevich received an initial report detailing the allegations late in the afternoon on September 1st after being briefed the following day.

The Chancellor requested additional information, which was delivered on September 3rd.

On September 4th, the Chancellor officially decided to pause all team operations and place head coach James Akita on paid administrative leave.

The Universities of Wisconsin Administration Office of Compliance and Integrity has taken charge of the ongoing investigation into the matter.

Our priority is to support students involved while ensuring this matter is investigated as thoroughly, fairly, and promptly as possible," said Melanie Platt-Gibson, spokesperson for UW-Plattville.

University officials noted that support for and counseling resources are being actively provided to affected student athletes due to the active nature of the review.

and university commitments to student privacy and applicable laws, UW-Platteville declined to offer further details, adding that additional updates will be released as appropriate when the investigation concludes.

The Okuchiman Humane Society is inviting all members and the general public to attend a pivotal meeting scheduled for this evening at the Richland Center City Auditorium.

Following a contentious year that created significant operational strain, leadership is looking to reengage 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.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has updated the measles data dashboard reporting that the ongoing outbreak has risen to 162 total cases, compromising 156 confirmed and six probable cases.

This represents an increase of one case since the previous update.

The majority of the outbreak remains concentrated in Southwest Wisconsin, where case counts in key counties remain unchanged, including 20 confirmed cases in Grant County, 73 confirmed and six probable cases in Lafayette County and 62 confirmed cases in Iowa County.

In addition to the cases in Southwest Wisconsin, state health officials announced a new confirm measles case in Marathon County.

DHS noted that the northern Wisconsin case is not related to the outbreak in the southwest part of the state.

To safeguard individual privacy, state officials are withholding additional personal identifying details and specific health information regarding the individual.

Local health authorities, including the Iowa County Health Department, are working in coordination with the DHS to identify cases, trace potential exposures, and ensure impacted individuals receive proper guidance, testing, and vaccination options.

Public health officials emphasize prevention as the critical step in mitigating further spread, advising residents to verify their vaccination status through healthcare providers or online through the Wisconsin Immunization Registry.

Health officials strongly encourage anyone who is unvaccinated to receive the MMR vaccine, which provides high levels of protection and has a proven safety record spanning more than 50 years.

The MMR vaccine is accessible through doctor offices, local health departments and participating pharmacies with financial assistance programs such as vaccines for children and vaccines for adults available for qualifying individuals.

DHS guidelines recommend two MMR doses for children by age four, while individuals born before 1957 are generally presumed immune.

The Richland County Board of Supervisors met last night at the Phoenix Center and Richland Center, taking key legislative actions against regional infrastructure, approving financial resolutions, and grappling with upcoming fiscal pressures for the 2027 budget year.

Highlighting the evening's proceedings was a unified stance against a proposed massive high-voltage transmission line, alongside crucial discussions regarding departmental budget constraints and ongoing adjustments to county revenue and expense projections.

Central to the meeting was a unanimous passage of resolution number 26-52, formalizing the Board's strong opposition to the Bell Center Columbia Sugar Creek, Illinois, Wisconsin state line,

BECI project proposed by Midcontinent Grid Solutions.

The contested 190 mile, 765 kilovolt alternating current high voltage transmission line is planned to span the driftless region, raising significant local concern.

Community members spoke out during public comment with all speakers voicing firm opposition to the power line due to environmental risks, potential property value declines, stray voltage concerns, and visual impacts on the landscape.

Adding federal weight to the pushback, Mary Bone.

Field Representative for Congressman Derek Van Orden read a letter submitted by Mr. Van Orden to Midcontinent Grid Solutions expressing opposition to the project.

Fiscal matters are also dominated the agenda as county officials reviewed the proposed 2027 budget, which balances total revenues and expenditures at 50,883,976.

Multiple department heads address the board to share deep concerns over projected budget cuts, emphasizing that years of previous trims leave little room to absorb further reductions without impacting services.

In addition to the power line opposition, the board demonstrated unified governance by unanimously approving resolutions related to.

Permissory notes to secure county financing.

In organizational news, the board formally acknowledged a transition in its membership following the resignation of Supervisor Rod Perry from the Richland County Board.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has concluded the final application cycle for its Lead Service Line Community Outreach Grant awarding over $3.5 million to 21 municipal water systems across the state.

Established in 2024 with funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the grant program funds education and community engagement critical to replacing lead drinking water pipes.

Although federal funding under the BIL ends later this year, outreach efforts supported by these grants will continue through 2028.

Addressing lead contamination and drinking water is a vital public health priority as there is no safe level of lead exposure.

Ingested lead accumulates in the human body over time causing harm to the brain, nervous system, red blood cells, and kidneys.

While lead service lines replacement is the most effective way to eliminate risk, municipal utilities often face delays due to public mis...

understanding, or homeowner reluctance.

Gaining resident cooperation and property permission is a necessary step that can consume significant time and financial resources if not handled proactively.

To overcome these obstacles, grant recipients are engaging property owners directly using phone calls, letters,

door-to-door visits, social media campaigns, online tools, and local organization partnerships.

For instance, the Cudahay Water Utility Collaboration did with its local health department on public outreach, public health community liaison.

Kayla Lane noted that incorporating a health perspective allows officials to directly address resident concerns and empower families with the information needed to make health conscious choices.

Ultimately, these grant-funded initiatives aim to build public trust, safety, and satisfy regulatory requirements, ensure equity, and control total project costs.

The Wisconsin Department of Justice, alongside a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general, is actively pushing the Federal Communications Commission to implement stricter regulations to prevent illegal robocalls.

The coalition is urging the federal agency to bolster its no-year upstream provider requirements, which require voice service providers to verify that the phone calls they receive come from legitimate and responsible sources.

Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Call emphasized that the necessity of these changes, noting its current network access controls are insufficient to protect Americans from widespread scams.

Last year alone, consumers in the United States were targeted by more than 29

billion scam calls and text messages resulting in nearly $2 billion in financial losses.

Under current routing practices, phone calls pass through multiple telecommunication companies before reaching their final destination.

The coalition highlights that some service providers are failing to adequately vet the upstream providers that route these calls, allowing bad actors to exploit the phone network unchecked.

To address this loophole, the attorney's general are proposing several immediate measures.

First, they recommend mandating five specific baseline vetting procedures that would require providers to collect verified information from their upstream customers.

Regularly monitor compliance and terminate service for non-compliant companies.

Additionally, the coalition wants to establish automatic triggers for ongoing monitoring rather than relying on providers to only check compliance during contract renewals or after a violation has already occurred.

The proposed reforms are also including strengthening the existing STIR, shaken caller ID, authentication framework.

The coalition wants the FCC to ensure that all voice service providers consistently verify that the incoming phone numbers have not been spoofed regardless of where they are situated along the call path.

Along with rapid implementation of these new rules, the attorneys general are calling for strict base penalties

for non-compliance and the mandatory retention of verification data to support future law enforcement investigations.

These federal efforts align with ongoing regional crackdowns led by the Wisconsin DOJ and the Anti-Robocall Multistate Litigation Task Force, which launched Operation Robocall Roundup in 2025.

During the initial phase of the operation, the task force sent warning letters to 37 smaller voice providers for failing to mitigate suspicious traffic.

Recently, the FCC ordered six of those non-compliant companies to address the robocall issue or phase complete.

exclusion from the U.S.

telephone network.

In its second phase, the Task Force expanded its crackdown to four of the nation's largest intermediate voice service providers, while continuing to push the FCC to strengthen its Know Your Customer rules to require phone companies to verify who is making the calls using their networks and what businesses they are conducting.

Today's Vital Statistics are sponsored by Krause Monument.

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

Today is September 16th.

These are today's Vital Statistics.

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