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100.9 and 107.7 country and community in Richland Center.

Here's your Daily News

Roundup.

In an interview on Wednesday, Senator Baldwin said the court was right to reject the Trump administration's unconstitutional attempt to change the rules and stop Americans from voting by mail.

She also called the administration's focus on mail ballots a misplaced priority, highlighting the issues she's been hearing most from constituents across the state.

I've had the opportunity over these past few weeks to

be traveling the state of Wisconsin.

And everywhere I went, I heard the same thing.

Families and shop owners and businesses concerned about the cost of health care and housing and groceries and fuel.

And instead of tackling these issues head on, Trump is trying to tip the scales in the midterm elections.

While the decision will protect current mail-in voting access, advocacy groups have also expressed concerns about potential voter intimidation efforts if federal agents are deployed to polling sites in November.

We cannot abide by voter intimidation by federal agents looking around for no reason at all.

Senator Baldwin noted that it is already illegal to send federal agents to election sites and that she's also been in contact with election officials and state attorneys general to protect against that potential voter intimidation.

I'm James Kelly for Civic Media News.

Justice Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas released a public dissent in the wake of the decision this week.

Metallica is coming to Madison and tickets go on sale a week from today.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Famers announced dates for their world tour with 12 shows planned.

The group is set to play at Camp Randall Stadium on June 12th, 2027.

Tickets go on sale to the general public September 25th.

Construction is set to begin this month on a $700 million soybean processing plant in Evansville.

CHS Incorporated says the facility on 300 acres of farmland will be capable of processing 80 million bushels of soybeans a year into livestock feed and oil for products like biodiesel.

Project leaders had briefly paused development in 2024 to wait for federal policies to be more clear, but recent EPA announcements convinced the company to press forward.

The plant marks the most expensive single development project in Evansville's history and is expected to open in the fall of 2028.

Kenosha County District Attorney Xavier Solis is facing an uncertain future after his license to practice law was suspended.

The State Office of Lawyer Regulations said the action stems from his failure to cooperate with one or more ongoing misconduct investigations.

Solis could see his suspension lifted if he fully cooperates within 18 months.

The city and town of Beloit are ending fire and EMS agreements with some communities after finding those jurisdictions were paying less than the actual cost of providing the services.

Officials say the disparity came to light during the consolidation of the city and town's fire and EMS departments with Beloit taxpayers covering much of the difference.

Beloit leaders say future agreements must fairly cover costs and avoid putting financial burden on local taxpayers.

And the horse collars back at Lambeau.

The stadium recently unveiled their lineup of Game Day foods for this season, bringing back a fan favorite called the horse collar.

The equivalent of four or five brats on a horseshoe-shaped Kaiser bun topped with beer cheese sauce, beer mustard, and sauerkraut.

It's one of 15 items added to the Lambo menu for the season.

Others include the bratzilla grilled cheese, onion trio burgers, fried brownie bites, gelato in a chocolate chip cookie cup, fried pickles, and more.

And that's your state news update.

I'm Connie Feldman for Civic Media News.

The Packers head to New York.

Hi, I'm Mike Clemens with Sports NFL.

The Packers play the New York Jets Sunday at noon quarterback Geno Smith in his 13th season and back with the team that originally drafted him Packers safety Evan Williams.

Really savvy.

He knows what we're looking at from the back end perspective.

You know, we're trying to read his eyes and he does a good job of hiding his intentions and stuff like that.

We know that he's going to put the ball in there, which is what we like as a back end.

So, you know, we're looking forward to some of those opportunities coming on the

outside.

Williams facing a fine of nearly $18,000 for unnecessary roughness last week against the Vikings.

College football Wisconsin host Eastern Michigan tomorrow morning at 1130 in Madison baseball.

The Brewers losing to the Pirates 7 of 4.

Another bad performance by pitcher Kyle Harrison.

I'll be straight up.

It's just it's been tough.

You know, first time I've kind of really gone through this like consecutive starts not really going my way.

The Brewers in Baltimore tonight against the Orioles with sports.

I'm Mike Clemens.

It is going to be cloudy with scattered rain, especially this afternoon high in the mid to upper sixties.

Today showers, thunderstorms and heavy rain tonight.

An inch or two inches locally up to three possible tomorrow.

More scattered rain and thunderstorms with highs in the mid to upper sixties.

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.

59 degrees right now in Richland Center.

The forecast says today's high will be 68.

Reminder that Morris Valley Road is closed to through traffic through the 1st of October.

Residents are able to access their homes, but the road is closed to through traffic.

Four children were injured Thursday afternoon after a motor vehicle struck an Amish buggy along County Highway O in the town of Buffalo.

According to authorities, the collision occurred around 3.44 p.m.

yesterday.

Sheriff's deputies reported that two Amish buggies were traveling westbound along County Highway O when the lead buggy attempted to turn onto 12th Avenue.

A motor vehicle traveling in the same direction attempted to pass and struck the turning buggy.

The second buggy was not involved in the crash.

All four children inside the struck buggy sustained injuries.

Emergency responders transported two of the children to area hospitals, one via ground ambulance and another airlifted by UW MedFlight.

Authorities stated that the driver of the motor vehicle initially fled the scene.

However, deputies later made contact with the driver, who was now cooperating with investigators.

The driver was arrested and booked into the Marquette County Jail with charges pending review by the Marquette County District Attorney's Office.

The Marquette County Sheriff's Office was assisted at the scene by Marquette County EMS and Montello Fire and Rescue.

Officials indicated that the investigation remains active and ongoing.

A Lancaster man was transported to the hospital Tuesday morning following a single vehicle crash on the Dubuque Bridge that temporarily backed up traffic along Highway 151.

According to the Grant County Sheriff's Office, emergency crews were dispatched at approximately 5.18 a.m.

on Tuesday to reports of a collision in the southbound lanes of Highway 151.

Investigators report that 50-year-old Gerald Houck of Lancaster was driving southbound in a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu when he attempted to overtake another vehicle.

During the maneuver, Houck lost control of his car

and crashed into a concrete traffic barrier.

Dickieville EMS transported Hauke to a nearby hospital in Dubuque for treatment of possible injuries sustained in the impact.

Authorities later cited Hauke for failure to maintain control of his vehicle.

The accident reduced southbound traffic on Highway 151 to a single lane for a duration while the emergency personnel worked to clear the wreckage and debris.

The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development announced preliminary estimates from the U.S.

Bureau of Labor Statistics for August, highlighting steady gains in employment and non-farm jobs across the state.

Total employment reached 3,046,200 people, reflecting an increase of 9,300 over the month and a gain of 36,900 over the past year.

Additionally, total non-farm jobs rose by 11,800 over the previous month to stand at 3,057,300.

Wisconsin's labor force participation rate climbed to 64.7%, which remains strong at 3.1 percentage points above the national participation rate.

Meanwhile, the state's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate ticked down to 3.2%, positioning it 0.9 percentage points below the national unemployment rate of 4.1%.

The Greater Richland Tourism Executive Board met Wednesday to discuss current tourism trends in the area and plan for 2027.

During the meeting, a resolution was approved expressing opposition to the placement, construction or routing of any proposed 765 kilovolt electrical transmission line anywhere within the greater Richland area and urging all state regulators, elected officials, public utility commissions and planning bodies to reject any route applications through this region and prioritize the protection of the area's natural heritage, local economy,

and citizen well-being.

Also during the meeting a tourism grant was approved for Hub City dirt drags.

Greater Ritzland tourism is currently seeking an additional member for the board.

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

Tickets for this All Ages show are $25.

The band features Jay Ernest on lead vocals and acoustic guitar, Jonathan Tabiste on drums, Jumpin' Jack Manson 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.

Wisconsin manufacturers and commerce in partnership with BMO has officially kicked off the 11th annual coolest thing made in Wisconsin Contest, revealing a lineup of 108 products nominated from across the state.

The popular annual competition highlights the strength and diversity of Wisconsin's $73.8 billion manufacturing industry, which accounts for nearly 20% of the state's gross domestic product,

and supports high-tech, high-paying careers in communities statewide.

The statewide public voting phase begins Monday, September 21st with a popular vote round.

From there, the top 16 vote-earning products will move on to the tournament-style Manufacturing Madness round.

Products will face off in head-to-head bracket matchups over successive voting periods until a single winner emerges.

WMC President and CEO Kurt R. Bauer emphasized that the primary mission of the competition is to showcase the vast array of items manufactured locally.

Many residents are often surprised to discover the world-class products made right in their own neighborhoods by local workers, spanning a broad variety of industrial sectors.

Public participation is central to determining the winner, with voters allowed to cast one vote per day by email at madeinwis, that's madeinwis.com.

The official 2026 winner will be crowned during WMC's Business Day event in Madison, October 27th.

The United States House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly by a margin of 417 to 3 to pass HR 9340 known as the Ratepayer Protection Act.

Introduced by Representative Gabe Evans of Colorado and Representative Kathy Caster of Florida, the bipartisan legislation amends the public utility

Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to ensure that massive energy consumers, specifically large-scale data centers and computing facilities, bear the full financial responsibility for electrical grid upgrades required to power their operations.

Under the proposed federal standard, electric utilities would be required to structure rates for large load customers to recover the full incremental costs of any generation, transmission or distribution upgrades necessary to meet their demand.

The bill defines a large load customer as a non-residential electric consumer operating information technology infrastructure for data storage and computational services with a peak electric demand of 100 megawatts or more at a single site or campus.

Furthermore, utilities would be required to secure financial assurances or contributions upfront before making system upgrades, preventing energy companies

from shifting infrastructure costs on to residential ratepayers if a large facility reduces power consumption or terminates its agreement.

Representative Derek Van Orden of Wisconsin, one of the bill's key co-sponsors, highlighted the necessity of the legislation for local ratepayers.

stating that Wisconsin families should not be stock paying higher utility bills to subsidize the massive energy demands of big corporations.

The Act mandates that state regulatory authorities and non-regulated utilities begin formal consideration of the standard within one year and complete implementation within two years, establishing robust protections against predatory utility rate hikes across the nation.

With its overwhelming House passage, the bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.

Good evening, everyone, for WRCO News.

I'm Todd Copernall.

Margie Freeman dropped off a note at the studio today, reminding us that the Bauer-Gunnell Dalton VFW Post 2267 invites all veterans to lead with the colors at the Ithaca School Parade Saturday.

You do not need to belong to any one of the military organizations as a veteran in good standing.

Veterans line up near the barn across from the community center parking lot.

not Bluebird Lane.

Parade lineup is from 10 to 10.15 a.m.

and the parade begins at 10.30.

All units travel a short distance towards the village pump.

The Ithaca School District has issued key updates regarding tonight's highly anticipated Bulldog Block Party activities due to unforeseen circumstances.

The volleyball match is scheduled for this year's event have been canceled.

However, all other scheduled festivities will continue as planned with all activities moving inside the high school.

Guests attending the event are asked to park in the high school parking lot and enter through the building's main entrance.

Clear signage will be posted throughout the school.

to guide visitors to each activity location seamlessly.

Tonight's scheduled events feature a wide array of activities for attendees.

A BAGS tournament will be set up throughout the high school hallways, while concessions will be served near the Commons.

Carnival games will take place in the MP room, which can be reached by following hallway signs from the main entrance.

In addition, gym exhibits should be brought to the high school Commons between 2 p.m.

and 7 p.m.

A central highlight of the evening, the Homecoming Coronation will take place at 6 p.m.

in the Commons to crown this year's Homecoming King and Queen.

Additional event updates will be shared on the official Ithaca School Fair Facebook page.

As needed, the district looks forward to welcoming students, families, and community members for an enjoyable evening of Bulldog Spirit.

As the gates closed and the grounds quiet down, the Richland County Fair Board and Fairgrounds and Parks Project Support Coordinator, Lyrica Marks, are expressing heartfelt gratitude to the community for making this year's Richland County Fair a resounding success.

Organizers noted that putting on the annual fair requires a comprehensive community-wide effort, spanning months of advanced preparation, week-long event coordination, and extensive post-fair cleanup.

Countless hours of dedicated

work from volunteers, leaders, and local families made the memorable tradition possible.

Special recognition was extended to volunteers who served in the fair office, prepared the grounds, assisted during scheduled events, and handled vital tasks behind the scenes.

Appreciation was also voiced for the exhibitors and families who showcased their hard work, animals, creative projects and agricultural achievements in the show rings and exhibition halls.

The fair board highlighted the critical contributions of department superintendents and leaders whose organizational work begins long before fairgoers arrive and continues after the final events conclude.

Furthermore, vendors, local sponsors, entertainers and grandstand partners were recognized.

providing the vibrant food, shopping, and entertainment options that draw crowds year after year.

Reflecting on the tradition, organizers emphasize that the Richland County Fair serves as a vital celebration of local agriculture, community spirit, and shared hard work.

The board thanked all community members and attendees who came out to support the fair and indicated that planning and enthusiasm are already building for next year's event.

Community members are invited to make a difference and help save lives by participating in the upcoming Impact Life Blood Drive Thursday, October 1st.

The event will take place from 10 a.m.

until 3 p.m.

in Pippin Hall, located on the lower level of the Richland Hospital and Clinics.

Momentum for local donation efforts continues to grow across the region.

During the previous drive in August, 33 community members stepped forward to donate, including nine individuals giving blood.

to impact life for the first time.

This steady support is crucial as impact life serves as the sole supplier of blood products for the Ritzland Hospital and clinics.

Donated blood plays an essential role in caring for patients facing emergency procedures, traumatic injuries, surgical operations, and ongoing chronic conditions.

According to Jake Hicks, account manager with Impact Life, volunteer blood donors provide vital support for friends, neighbors, and

co-workers across the local community.

Both experienced and first-time donors are strongly encouraged to schedule an appointment.

Appointments can be reserved online at login.bloodcenter.org or by calling 800-747-54.

0-1.

Walk-in donors are also welcome throughout the drive.

In addition to supporting local health care needs, repeat donors can participate in Impact Life's Rewards Program to redeem points for gift cards, merchandise, or charitable contributions.

Hospital staff deeply appreciate the community's dedication to keeping blood supplies well stocked.

Ashley Klingerman, RN, in the Emergency Department, expressed gratitude for the ongoing community support

and noted how impactful it is for health care workers to see full donation stations.

Local residents are encouraged to mark their calendars for October 1st and contribute to this vital community effort.

Four children were injured Thursday afternoon after a motor vehicle struck an Amish buggy along County Highway O in the town of Buffalo, according to authorities.

The collision occurred around 3.44 p.m.

Sheriff's deputies reported that two Amish buggies were traveling westbound along County Highway O when the lead buggy attempted to turn onto 12th Avenue.

A motor vehicle traveling in the same direction attempted to pass and struck the turning buggy.

The second buggy was not involved in the crash.

All four children inside the struck buggy sustained injuries.

Emergency responders transported two of the children to area hospitals, one via ground ambulance and another airlifted by UW MedFlight.

Authorities stated that the driver of the motor vehicle initially fled the scene.

However, deputies later made contact with the driver, who is now cooperating with investigators.

The driver was arrested and booked into the Marquette County Jail with charges pending review by the Marquette County District Attorney's Office.

The Marquette County Sheriff's Office was assisted at the scene by Marquette County EMS and Montello Fire and Rescue.

Officials indicated that the investigation remains active and ongoing.

The Village of Spring Green Board will host a regular meeting Wednesday, September 23 at 7 p.m.

at the Spring Green Village Office.

Members of the public can attend the meeting in person or participate virtually via Zoom and telephone.

Key items under old business include an update on the property abatement at 433 West Madison Street, proposed amendments to Ordinance 180 concerning bicycles and play vehicles, and a review of 2027 preliminary budget figures.

New business topics feature the approval of disbursements, consideration of a certified survey map submitted by Corey Call and Noah Annlicher for a parcel on Spring Street, and a discussion of the 2025 final audit.

Additionally, the Board will convene into a closed session to confer with legal counsel regarding litigation strategies related to the property abatement at 433 West Madison Street and to discuss employee evaluations and compensation.

for 2027.

Following the closed session, the board will reconvene an open session to take potential action on these matters.

In a coordinated effort to improve highway safety and curb aggressive driving, the Wisconsin State Patrol joined forces with the Dane County Sheriff's Office and the Manona Police Department for a high visibility aerial traffic enforcement operation along U.S.

12 and 18, commonly known as the Belt Line.

Conducted on Wednesday, September 16, the initiative targeted high-speed drivers and reckless motorists along one of Dane County's most heavily-traveled thoroughfares.

The Joint Safety Initiative leveraged state patrol aircraft working in direct coordination with ground units stationed along the highway.

Flight crews identified dangerous traffic violations from above and relayed real-time information to officers on the road, enabling rapid intercepts.

By the conclusion of the operation, law enforcement personnel had conducted a total of 65 traffic stops aimed at curbing behaviors that contribute to serious highway crashes.

Speed enforcement data from the operation highlighted significant concerns regarding extreme speeds on the Belt Line where the posted speed limit is 55 mph.

Among drivers cited during the initiative, the average recorded speed reached 85 mph.

hour with the highest violation clocking in at 112 miles per hour.

In addition, officers stopped the commercial motor vehicle driver traveling at 84 miles per hour alongside multiple motorists cited for tailgating within half a vehicle length and cutting off surrounding traffic.

Excessive speeding and aggressive maneuvers remain persistent challenges on the corridor.

In 2025 alone, the Wisconsin State Patrol issued more than 1,100 citations and warnings on the Belt Line, with over 550 issued so far this year.

Officials emphasized that most speeding citations involve drivers traveling at least 20 miles per hour above the speed limit.

Under Wisconsin law, any conviction for

Seeding the legal speed limit by 25 miles per hour or more carries an automatic 15-day driver's license suspension.

The operation aligns with broader statewide highway safety objectives under the Safe System approach, championed by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and the State Patrol.

In 2025, the Belt Line saw 553 traffic crashes, resulting in two fatalities and 225 injuries.

We have two new winners to announce in the St.

Anthony's Raffle.

These are $50 winners and today's winners are on ticket 714 Jace Daniels and on ticket 558 Mark Schmidt.

Vital statistics right after this.

Friday's roundup.

Richland Hospital, Badgerland, Florine, Cardinal Glass CG, Crystal Clean Storage, and Reedsburg Farmers Cooperative.

Join Hank and Phil for Friday laughter bigger than a raccoon in a snack aisle.

We've

got cooking with Hank, where recipes are more of a suggestion and the smoke alarm is basically a sous chef.

That's just a bad choice.

And don't miss the word of the day.

Freshly invented on the spot by Hank with zero approval process.

Wrap up your week with chaos and just enough nonsense to make Monday nervous.

It's time for the roundup.

I was trying to reenact Phil Knee last night on the

radio.

I said that a couple of times.

Say it, say it like it.

Well,

I

didn't, I didn't do that last night.

Is it just a, and a score?

Score.

Is that what it is?

I

think I just said score.

I don't know.

I could probably go find a highlight from last night.

Oh, okay.

River Valley had two goals.

Well,

I hear you're running for office,

Phil.

Well, I'm running from office.

Back in school, I always ran from office.

No, but when you're running for, I think it's Richland County, what is it, President of Nonsense Broadcast or Broadcast?

Really?

Yeah.

Well,

I heard

that.

I wonder who my opponent is.

I'm not going to say.

Is it Marty Richards?

It might be.

Who's Marty?

Yeah, I don't know.

But anyway, yeah, um, good luck with that.

Jump into

the political ring.

Yeah.

Yeah.

So,

you

know, I hope, I hope you do well with that.

Thank you.

I hear some, uh, ads may be coming out.

Oh, really?

Some, some negative ads,

some negative ads on, yeah.

What, what would it be?

Issue ads?

Is that right?

Probably it wouldn't be hard to find, dig up dirt.

I've got a lot.

Yeah.

I'm just a campaign manager of nobody.

Oh, you are.

Oh, you're the manager of nobody.

Anyway.

How was your evening though?

Good.

Good ball game.

Yeah,

you bet.

Absolutely.

Nice night.

Yeah, very nice.

Boy, tonight sounds

horrible.

Sounds wet.

Oh boy.

So I was in Veroque last night.

Yeah.

That was the white hat.

It was a pretty good ball game.

It's just, uh, Veroque wood.

Verroca did a nice job.

I mean, I honestly think they probably had more first downs than Westby.

It's just, they just couldn't punch it in the end zone, you know?

They get inside the 20 and they just, and they just, uh, what do you, what do you want to, they just stop, you know?

So good ball game.

It's just,

yeah, Westby one was

26 to six.

The score is, the score was a lot better than that.

So, and actually Westby, uh, returned two.

For a touchdown and both of them were called back.

Oh, yeah at a blindside block on one and blocking it back on the other you refs were Tough fill up control in the game.

Well, you can't let that stuff go especially the blindside.

Yeah, obviously I can't get that Safety's first.

Yeah, so and you are and Lancaster tonight, right?

They're still still saying seven o'clock So if you need to ride home, let me know I'll just get the boat out and come get you

might have to I don't know the vibe You know, there's not a lot of clearance.

So we put some

Mr. Coppano, I'll put some oars in there for you this morning.

Oh, good.

So that'll be

perfect.

So

yeah.

Tomorrow's activities, especially the morning of

sound.

Yeah.

Real

favorable either.

Yeah.

So

I

only, I've only known, and again, this is the 104th Ithaca School Fair in Homecoming.

Only remember one time the parade was canceled and it was back, it was in the 70s where it just rained and rained and rained.

So that might be

I'm, I'm, I'm not saying that it will be or anything, but it could be a little bit iffy.

It could.

And, you know, and, and we drive a, an electric cart through it, Phil.

I don't know if.

Can you get a shock with an electric cart?

Well, we're

going to, I guess

we're going to

try to find out tomorrow.

So, um, what else was I wanting to tell you?

It was really important.

Oh, I'm sure it was.

Yeah.

It was really, really important.

I'm in a oney walk tonight.

Okay.

So that's kind of down in the, you've, you've been there, I'm sure.

Oh, absolutely.

You bet.

Well, I've done football there.

And, uh, that kind of holds water, especially towards, would that be the south end zone?

Right behind the school.

Yes.

Yeah.

Scoreboard's right on the school and the sun hits that scoreboard just right.

You don't know what, what's, what's, what time it is up there.

Oh yes.

Right.

But anyway, we'll have that problem tonight.

No, I don't think you're, you're, here's your question of the day.

Uh-oh.

Are you ready?

Yes.

Would your weather?

Always have wet socks, Phil, or always have a popcorn kernel stuck in your tooth.

Oh boy.

I've been saving that question for a while.

They both would bug me.

They would.

Yes.

And you know what?

I mean, me, give me a wet sock.

I think wet socks too.

Because that kernel just, I mean.

Oh

yeah.

And you can't, your tongue won't leave it alone.

No, your tongue won't leave it alone.

And then once, if you ever do dig it out, it takes two weeks for it to heal.

Oh, sure.

I mean, cause you're, you're in there with a pair of pliers.

Well, hopefully not.

But, uh, Oh, are those, have you seen those little, um, it's like a pick, but it's metal.

It's like for tools.

I have a set for my teeth.

Oh, that's real nice.

I don't want to lose my only tooth.

The reason I only have one tooth is to save on toothbrush and

toothpaste.

Yeah, exactly.

You know what I mean?

Right.

by a tube probably every year or

so.

Dr. Mullen's really proud

of

me.

That's good.

I'm going to save that only two.

Well, how about it about about your cooking sink

your

tooth into some kind of food

here?

What about you might be from Peerage, Phillip?

If you ever watch lightning bugs longer than the TV.

Oh,

yeah.

That's not a bad thing to do, though.

No, no, it's very relaxing.

Actually, I like watching lightning bugs.

It was a pretty good year for

him.

It really was.

234 in the morning, hillbilly recipe, the leftover taco tater.

Oh.

Yeah, here we go.

Sounds good.

Yeah, leftover baked data, a half cup of leftover taco meter hamburger, a big handful of cheese, whatever one you want, Phil.

And you guess what else is going in this?

Chips.

Yep, tortilla chips.

Crumble them up.

Crush the batter.

You should

just go to the grocery store and just say, Hey, if you got some chips that somebody sat

on

or

whatever you

can't sell, I'll take them.

I'll take them.

uh two tablespoons of salsa or whatever or for flavor whatever you like for flavor i really like mustard on it like a southwest mustard it's not hot but it has a it's like a sweet heat very very good sweet heat uh a big spoonful of sour cream if i use the squirty kind that way you don't have to measure a little chopped onion if you haven't and

And if you like some, use some hot sauce, but I use the hot, the warm mustard.

So here's, here's optional.

American slice, American cheese slice for additional poor decision making.

Okay.

Here's your instructions.

Grab that leftover tater out of the fridge.

You know, the one that's been sitting there wrapped in foil waiting for its moment since last Sunday.

Uh, cut it open, fluff up the inside with the fork and microwave for about a minute or until it's hotter than, than what you forgot about it yesterday.

warm up the leftover taco meat and dump it right on top.

No taco meat, leftover hamburger works as well and it's really good.

2.34 in the morning, we're not checking credentials, Phil.

Cover the whole operation with shredded cheese for extra hillbilly horsepower, tarpaula, slice of American cheese, or pepper jack.

Oh, sure.

I'd be even

a

little more spicy.

And throw it, throw it on that too.

Microwave for another 30 seconds until the cheese looks like it's holding the entire meal together.

Wow.

Add sauce in your sour cream, onion, a few shots of hot sauce or your mustard.

Uh, grab those.

And another thing, the Chick-fil-A sauce on this is amazing.

I

like Chick-fil-A

sauce.

I do too, but it's not chicken, but it's hamburger with, it is absolutely amazing.

So, uh, grab those broken tater chips.

From the bottom of the bag crush them over the top and congratulations.

You officially added a vegetable.

Oh, there you go.

Yeah.

Yeah, here

maybe dietician would be that would be so

I'm not sure we won't tell her

Then you eat it immediately remember it's 2 34 in the morning film cooking rule if you're eating a left over baked potato covered in taco meat and crushed chips Don't dirty another plate

eat it right out of where you microwaved it.

That's not laziness, Phillips.

That's dish management.

And plus, since you cooked, June would have to do the dishes next morning and that's what you say.

You know what?

This is what I did and why I didn't use the plate where you didn't have to do the extra dishes.

But I didn't cook

for her.

I cooked for me.

It didn't ever say that.

Right?

That's a good point.

It says

cook.

That's a good point.

Do you see what I'm saying?

You need to come be my lawyer.

Not with her.

Nope.

I already lost, buddy.

I already lost.

Well, I know I did.

How about some logic today?

You have any today?

Not usually.

Well, at least you tried.

It's time for Poro Grampa Phil's Attic Logic, sponsored by Salt Wheels Store in downtown Casanova since 1946.

Stop and see John there.

He

has an OV.

He'll give you some logic.

Oh, absolutely.

But who's that guy talking boy?

He sounds like he

he's pretty old.

Yeah,

exactly

Grandpa Phil's logic today.

A penny saved is a

penny earned.

You ain't kidding.

But now we can't even find a penny.

Can't even find a penny.

A nickel earned is a nickel saved.

There you go.

Yeah, you could start

that.

Saving money is valuable.

Yeah, 100% mother used to say that.

But then I'd be sitting there watching TV and it would come on there.

Elvis Presley's

greatest hits,

just $4.99, eight track tapes, $3.99.

Sent to, and

I'm like, oh, I gotta have that.

Ordering out on the shipping's free.

Exactly.

Well, I don't remember that.

No, I doubt

that.

Yeah.

And I remember I would put coins in an envelope, you know, I'd, I'd scrape up like $3, then I have like four quarters and then, you know, and put it all in an envelope, mail it away, and then get my Elvis record.

And she would say, huh, you just spend every dime you get, or

We gave a portion of our milk.

Check to you.

And that's what you did.

Yes.

Do you remember real quick question?

Cause do you remember sending bottle caps in the mail, like the Mountain Dew bottle caps for free t-shirts and stuff?

Oh yeah.

They had that.

I mean, I, me and my brother used to say, I think they're Gatorade.

When Gatorade first come out, not well in the eighties, you didn't have Gatorade tops.

You'd send them in a white envelope.

Like, you'd have like three or four white envelopes, just send them all in and they would send you a t-shirt or something.

You got something bad?

Yeah, or a free Gatorade bottle.

Or the Malo Cup.

Yes, too.

Yeah,

you had to send about 500 points and you get like a dollar off of a candy bar or something.

And you spend more on

posters.

You have more logic for it.

You know, another of Mama's old words,

Highfalutin.

Highfalutin.

Highfalutin.

Explain, can you use that with me?

Well, it's being pretentious, which is

a

big word, um, trying to be fancy.

Or another, uh, the synonym is hoity-toity.

Hoity-toity.

Yes.

Guarantee you there, there weren't brittle as well.

Yeah, exactly.

But we're, we're, we're discussing this this morning here and Todd brought up a good point.

Is there such thing as lowfalutin?

That would be me.

If you're highfalutin and then, you know, no, I'm not high.

I'm just lowfalutin.

I'm lowfalutin.

Yeah.

Exactly.

Sounds like you should say, excuse me.

Hey, we're lowfalutin here.

Where's that whoopee cushion ad?

Absolutely.

Hold on here.

We got a, the word of the week fell sponsored sponsored by Oakwood fruit farm.

I'm bracing myself.

Arkansas.

Arkansas.

Yeah.

Arkansas.

Arkansas better days, but it still opens beans.

boy I have one more extra recipe it takes like 30 seconds to read this is a free recipe on a Friday here we go Phil homemade ice cubes empty the ice cube trays that are left over in the trays if there's any left take the trays over the sink and fill them with cold water hot water will freeze faster and more clear place the water filled ice trays back in the freezer replace the ice bin if you had removed it shut the freezer door be sure to leave it four to six hours before you use

Thank you.

That's a very helpful recipe.

Homemade ice.

Our ice gets a little cloudy in there, you know.

Well, that's because everything we put on top of it.

That's probably what it is.

Ice cream, milkshakes, it don't matter.

It don't matter.

It don't matter.

So hey, have a great day and everybody, everybody have a great day.

And stay dry.

Today is September 18th.

These are today's vital statistics.

Carol R. Mindum, 83 of Bosque Bell, 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 today at 12 p.m.

at Backroads Methodist Church in Mount Zion.

Burial will take place at a later date in the Boscobel Cemetery.

Friends may call 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, Boscobel.

Funeral services will be held today at the St.

Peter's Lutheran Church in Muscaday.

Visitation will be held today from 10 a.m.

until the time of service at 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 Encrymation Service is assisting the family with their arrangements.

Philip Schultz, 91 of Muscaday.

Michelle Marie Ault Wilson, best known as Shelly Ault, 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 from 1 p.m.

until 5 p.m.

at the Phoenix Center in Richland Center.

The Stafford Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Shelly Ault 61 of Richland Center.

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 12 p.m.

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

Kui, 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 Haskins Cemetery at a later date.

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

until the time of service at 1 p.m.

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 Anchor Mason Service is assisting the family.

Joyce Biola Kenobyl Cooey, 96th of Blue River.

Mary E. Ciss Degenhardt-Govier, 94 of Fenimore, died Monday, September 14th at Dove Healthcare in Fenimore.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m.

Monday, September 21 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 time of service 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 life with food and fellowship at the Cottonwood Sports Bar and Supper Club.

Mary E. Siss Degenhart-Govier, 94 of Fenimore.

Deatris Coleman, 89 of Richland Center and Muscaday died Saturday, September 12 in Racine.

Funeral services will be held

Tuesday, September 22nd at 12 noon at the Blue River Valley Church with burial to follow in the Blue River Valley Cemetery.

Visitation will be held Tuesday at the Blue River Valley Church from 10 a.m.

until the time of service at 12 p.m.

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

Deatris Coleman, 89 of Richland Center and Muscaday.

Today's vital statistics are sponsored by Crowsie Monument.

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

Michelle Marie Ault Wilson, best known as Shelly Ault, 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, September 19th from 1 p.m.

until 5 p.m.

at the Phoenix Center.

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

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

Daughter, Melissa and Nick Hilesheem, stepbrother, Jim Hein, and stepsister, Lori Hein, Fields.

Sisters, Sheryl and Marty Beringa, Annette Alt, and Chris and Andy Asbell.

Beyoncé, 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 Alt, 61 of Richland Center.

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 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 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.

Joyce Viola, Kenobl, Cooey, 96 of Blue River died September 14.

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

at the Pratt Funeral Home in Muscaday.

Burial will be held at the Haskins Cemetery at a later date.

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

until the time of service at 1 p.m.

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 Incrimination Service is assisting the family with their arrangements.

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

12 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, three

great-great-grandchildren, sister Meredith Strang, sister-in-law, Rosemary Jewel, many other relatives and friends, Joyce Viola Canobal Cooey, 96th of Blue River, Mary

E. Siss Degenhardt-Govier, 94 of Fenimore, died Monday, September 14 at Dove Health Care in Fenimore.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m.

Monday, September 21 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 time of service 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 life with food and fellowship at the Cottonwood Sports Bar and Supper Club.

Diatris Coleman, 89 of Richland Center and Muscaday, died Saturday, September 12 in Racine.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, September 22 at 12 noon at the Blue River Valley Church, with burial to follow in the Blue River Valley Cemetery.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, September 22nd at the Blue River Valley Church from 10 a.m.

until the time of service at noon.

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

Deatras Coleman 89 of Richland Center and Muscatay.

Margie Freeman sent us a message today reminding folks that the Bauer-Gunnell Dalton VFW post 2267 invites all veterans to lead with the colors at the Ithaca School Parade Saturday.

You do not need to belong to any one of the military organizations as a veteran in good standing.

Veterans line up near the barn across from the community center parking lot, not Bluebird Lane.

Parade lineup is from 10 to 10.15 a.m.

and the parade starts at 10.30.

All units travel a short distance towards the village pump.

Four children were injured Thursday afternoon after a motor vehicle struck an Amish buggy along County Highway O in the town of Buffalo, according to authorities.

The collision occurred around 3.44 p.m.

Yesterday, Sheriff's deputies reported that two Amish buggies were traveling westbound along County Highway O when the lead buggy attempted to turn onto 12th Avenue.

A motor vehicle traveling in the same direction attempted to pass and struck the turning buggy.

The second buggy was not involved in the crash.

All four children inside the struck buggy sustained injuries.

Emergency responders transported two of the children to area hospitals.

One via ground ambulance and another airlifted by UW MedFlight.

Authorities stated that the driver of the motor vehicle initially fled the scene.

However, deputies later made contact with the driver, who was now cooperating with investigators.

The driver was arrested and booked into the Marquette County Jail with charges pending review by the Marquette County District Attorney's Office.

The Marquette County Sheriff's Office was assisted at the scene by Marquette County EMS and Montello Fire and Rescue.

Officials indicated that the investigation remains active and ongoing.

A Lancaster man was transported to the hospital Tuesday morning following a single vehicle crash on the Dubuque Bridge that temporarily backed up traffic along Highway 151.

According to the Grant County Sheriff's Office, emergency crews were dispatched at approximately 5.18 a.m.

on Tuesday to reports of a collision in the southbound lanes of Highway 151.

Investigators report that 50-year-old Gerald Houck of Lancaster was driving southbound in a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu when he attempted to overtake another vehicle.

During the maneuver, Houck lost control of his car and crashed into a concrete traffic barrier.

Dickieville EMS transported Hauke to a nearby hospital in Dubuque for treatment of possible injuries sustained in the impact.

Authorities later cited Hauke for failure to maintain control of his vehicle.

The accident reduced southbound traffic on Highway 151 to a single lane for a duration while the emergency personnel worked to clear the wreckage and debris.

The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development announced preliminary estimates from the U.S.

Bureau of Labor Statistics for August, highlighting steady gains in employment and non-farm jobs across the state.

Total employment reached 3,046,200 people, reflecting an increase of 9,300 over the month and a gain of 36,900 over the past year.

Additionally, total non-farm jobs let rose by 11,800 over the previous month to stand at 3,057,300.

Wisconsin's labor force participation rate climbed to 64.7 percent, which remains strong at 3.1 percentage points above the national participation rate.

Meanwhile, the state's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate ticked down to 3.2 percent, positioning at .9 percentage points below the national unemployment rate of 4.1 percent.

Wisconsin manufacturers and commerce in partnership with BMO has officially kicked off the 11th annual coolest thing made in Wisconsin contest, revealing a lineup of 108 products nominated from across the state.

The popular annual competition highlights the strength and diversity of Wisconsin's $73.8 billion manufacturing industry, which accounts for nearly 20% of the state's gross domestic product and supports high-tech, high-paying careers in communities statewide.

The statewide public voting phase begins September 21st with a popular vote round

From there, the top 16 vote-earning products move on to a tournament-style manufacturing madness round.

Products will face off in head-to-head bracket match-ups over successive voting periods until a single winner emerges.

WMC President and CEO Kurt R. Bauer emphasized that the primary mission of the competition is to showcase the vast array of items manufactured locally.

Many residents are often surprised to discover the world-class products made right in their own neighborhoods by local workers, spanning a broad variety of industrial sectors.

Public participation is central to determining the winner with voters allowed to cast one vote per day by email at madeinwis that's madeinwis.com.

The official 2026 winner will be crowned during WMC's business day event in Madison, October 27th.

The Village of Spring Green Board will host a regular meeting Wednesday, September 23 at 7 p.m.

at the Spring Green Village Office.

Members of the public can attend the meeting in person or participate virtually via Zoom and telephone.

Key items under old business include an update on the property abatement at 433 West Madison Street.

proposed amendments to ordinance 180 concerning bicycles and play vehicles, and a review of 2027 preliminary budget figures.

New business topics feature the approval of disbursements, consideration of a certified survey map submitted by Corey Call and Noah Annlicher for a parcel on Spring Street, and a discussion of the 2025 final audit.

Additionally, the Board will convene into a closed session to confer with legal counsel regarding litigation strategies related to the property abatement at 433 West Madison Street and to discuss employee evaluations and compensation for 2027.

Following the closed session, the Board will reconvene in open session to take potential action on these matters.

in a coordinated effort to improve highway safety and curb aggressive driving.

The Wisconsin State Patrol joined forces with the Dane County Sheriff's Office and the Manona Police Department for a high visibility aerial traffic enforcement operation along U.S.

12 and 18, commonly known as the Belt Line.

Conducted on Wednesday, September 16, the initiative targeted high-speed drivers and reckless motorists using one of Dane County's most heavily traveled thoroughfares.

The Joint Safety Initiative leveraged state patrol aircraft working in direct coordination with ground units stationed along the highway.

Flight crews identified dangerous traffic violations from above and relayed real-time information to officers on the road, enabling rapid intercepts.

By the conclusion of the operation, law enforcement personnel had conducted a total of 65 traffic stops aimed at curbing behaviors that contribute to serious highway crashes.

Speed enforcement data from the operation highlighted significant concerns regarding extreme speeds on the belt line, where the posted speed limit is 55 miles per hour.

Among drivers cited during the initiative, the average recorded speed reached 85 miles per hour with the highest violation clocking in at 112 miles per hour.

In addition, officers stopped the commercial motor vehicle driver traveling at 84 miles per hour alongside multiple motorists cited for tailgating within half a vehicle length and cutting off surrounding traffic.

Excessive speeding and aggressive maneuvers remain persistent challenges on the corridor in 2025 alone.

The Wisconsin State Patrol issued more than 1,100 citations and warnings on the Beltline, with over 550 issued so far this year.

Officials emphasize that most speeding citations involve drivers traveling at least 20 miles per hour above the speed limit.

under Wisconsin law, any conviction for exceeding the legal speed limit by 25 miles per hour or more carries an automatic 15-day driver's license suspension.

The operational lines with broader statewide highway safety objectives under the Safe System approach championed by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and the State Patrol.

In 2025, the Belt Line saw 553 traffic crashes, resulting in two fatalities and 225 injuries.

In 1989, Fenimore native Sherri Kane-Johnsrud took a pivotal step toward shaping her future when she enrolled in Southwest Wisconsin Technical College.

Seeking a transition from manufacturing work, she completed the college's word processor specialist program in 1990.

Driven by a commitment to ongoing learning, she later earned an associate degree in marketing in 2005.

Her professional journey with Southwest Tech formally began in 1991 as a partner

Alternative Delivery Secretary in the Campus Media Center, a role she balanced alongside duties with Grant County Economic Development.

Recognizing her keen artistic eye and dedication, the college appointed her as a full-time designer in 1992, launching a dynamic 35-year career focused on elevating Southwest Tech's visual identity.

Over three and one-half decades, Cain John Drude navigated profound shifts in graphic design standards and production workflows.

In her early design days, creating visual materials required painstaking hands-on assembly, including cutting and pasting design components onto physical pasteboards, developing photographs, reviewing film contact sheets, and mailing physical proofs to commercial printing partners.

As digital software transformed the communications landscape, she fluidly mastered new industry standards progressing from early desktop publishing programs like PageMaker to modern digital workflows powered by Adobe InDesign and the Creative Cloud Suite.

Her continuous adaptability ensured that Southwest Tech's marketing and institutional messaging remained vibrant, modern, and effective.

Throughout her tenure, Cain John Drewd consistently found ways to connect her creative talents to the broader student community.

In 2023, she designed...

customized GED, H-S-E-D gift boxes, giving outreach centers across the campus system a standardized, meaningful way to celebrate student achievements.

Equally important to her legacy is her ongoing work with student graphic design interns.

She views these working relationships as mutually beneficial exchanges where classroom instruction meets decades of practical field experience.

For Cain John's Rood, the campus community, inspiring student success stories and the joy of daily

problem-solving remain the true highlights of her remarkable 35-year tenure at Southwest TAC.

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 statute 756.04 chapter 6b.

M. 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 until 4.30 to the following address, Clerk of Court, 400 Courthouse Square, Suite 115 in Verroqua.

Alternatively, recipients are encouraged to complete the requirement electronically by visiting the official Wisconsin Courts portal at juror.wicourts.gov.

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 express their sincere appreciation to citizens for their timely cooperation and

attention to this civic duty.

The 104th Ithaca School Fair and 2026 Homecoming will be held tonight and tomorrow in Ithaca.

The theme for this year's homecoming is Surf's Up.

Tonight the Bulldog Block Party will get underway behind the school at the patio.

Ithaca Senior Ann Beth Sprecher is an organizer of the event.

New this year we're having a block party behind the school.

The FFA is having a BAGS tournament on Friday night.

It's going to go from 5 to 8 or whenever it gets done.

It's going to be $10 per team.

You can sign up ahead of time by letting Ms.

Brecker know or fill out a form on the school website.

The block party will also feature co-ed volleyball, carnival games, and concessions.

Tomorrow morning the school fair kicks off with a Bulldog block challenge run and walk.

Courtney Urban has been an organizer of the Run and Walk for several years.

I have been doing this.

This is my ninth year, which is insane.

But ninth year.

And I took over for Kevin Hauser.

So he had done it, I believe, five years prior.

We took a small break.

And then we came back nine years ago.

We are growing.

We even

pushed through the COVID years.

We did virtual running, so we've never taken a break over the last years, and that's been awesome.

And I think it has become a part of Ithaca Family's schedules of like, hey, it's Ithaca Fair, let's wake up, let's go do the 5K, 6K technically.

But as a family walk run, it's pretty awesome to see families come out.

Pork sandwiches will be served during the fair starting at nine o'clock.

A couple other big events will be taking place in the morning.

Melissa Sprecker, Agricultural.

Education Teacher at Ithaca High School talks about what will be happening.

They want to have everything in place by 7.30.

So for our market animals, we like them to try to be, you know, getting there by 7.

So we can get them off, you know, through the scale and get everything weighed.

So we're ready to break classes.

And then that way, when our buyers are there, they know how many pounds of meat they're purchasing as well.

And then we roll right into the shows at 8.

So Mike Huffer takes care of making sure that everything goes smoothly in the beef ring.

And then I handle the sheep and spine and goat ring.

And then we have other staff members that help with the rabbits and poultry judging.

We have that all done before the parade.

So that way people have time to go and set up for the parade.

The lineup for the parade starts at 10, and the actual parade starts at 10.30.

Our route is short, but our parade is long.

That's great.

And we love to see a lot of the kids that are in multiple places too.

So yeah, that's great.

The school fair will also feature the Little Bridges show at 9.30.

Mascot races at 12.30.

A Kenshi pedal pole will be at 12.30 and the homecoming football game versus Brookwood will kick off at one o'clock.

Also Saturday there will be a potato bar, a silent auction, exhibits on display and more.

A full schedule of all events can be found on the Ethica School District website.

The 2026 Hill and Valley Fall Exploration Tour will be held two weekends tomorrow and Sunday and next Saturday and Sunday.

Explore the beautiful hills and valleys, view the fall colors, shop the fall harvest at rural farms, restaurants and businesses, and learn about the vibrant small farm economy of Northern Sock, Richland and Juneau Counties.

The number of event venues stops during the Exploration Tour has grown over the years, according to board member Dorothy Harms.

Can you believe it?

It's been 10 years.

We kind of started out just going around Loganville and Lime Ridge and that and now we're kind of like everywhere from Bear Valley to Valton to Rock Springs.

So it's really kind of grown.

We've gone from 13 stops to now 21 stops.

Those who take part in the exploration tour will have a great opportunity to visit venues that many may not know existed.

There had been a previous tour in the area, and those of us who were on that original tour felt that, wow, this was really good for our business.

So many of us have these small businesses that were operating from our home, from our farms, out in the middle of the country.

And how do we get people to come out and see us?

And so we kind of, I know Lisa about now and I kind of put our heads together with a few others and said, you know what, we think we can do this too.

And that's what we did.

You know, as the separate businesses, we work together and co-market.

It's certainly too big of an event for any one of us to do ourselves.

But when we can work together, it lifts all boats, right?

So it's an opportunity for all of these businesses to be highlighted.

put the spotlight on them and getting people out into our beautiful countryside to learn more about them.

If you take part in the Hill and Valley Fall Exploration Tour, before you leave home, don't forget to pack your boots and an extra sweater.

Bring the cooler to fill with all the farm fresh goodies you buy along the drive.

This is a rain or shine event.

For more information about the tour and for detailed information about each venue, visit explorehillandvalley.com.

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 to Beast 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 Tribune Act 2019 Award from the Midwest Country Music Organization and were inducted into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame in 2021.

The Senate Agriculture Committee marked a major milestone yesterday in advancing the Agricultural Act of 2026 out of committee on a 12 to 11 party line vote.

The advancement of the bill triggers a conference committee between the Senate's version and the House version, which passed in April.

The next step will be the selection of conference committee members for both the House

and Senate.

Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative is urging timely and bipartisan action to finalize the remaining portions of the long-awaited Farm Bill.

Edge Board President Heidi Fisher emphasized that while the committee's action is an important step toward delivering certainty to dairy farmers and rural communities, Congress still has work to do before a new Farm Bill becomes law.

Key provisions of particular interest to EDGE members include reauthorizing the dairy indemnity payment program through 2031, removing the sunset date to make the dairy forward pricing program permanent, increasing funding for dairy business innovation initiatives,

and codifying mandatory reporting of dairy product processing costs.

EDGE has been actively engaging with lawmakers from both chambers and parties to safeguard these priorities.

Fisher noted that dairy farmers have operated under an outdated farm bill for years, while facing rising costs and market uncertainty, stressing the need for a final bipartisan bill that strengthens safety net programs.

While a large fiscal portion of the Farm Bill was included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act passed earlier this year, final passage of the Agricultural Act of 2026 will solidify important farm and food programs for the next five years.

Wisconsin State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly has announced the initial phase of the Department of Public Instructions' 2027-29 biennial budget request, seeking $28 million in new state funding.

The proposed allocation is aimed at strengthening critical education services and supporting key agency operations across the state, including specialized support for deaf-blind youth, public library investments, technology modernization, cybersecurity and educator

misconduct investigations.

A primary highlight of the budget request includes $500,000 to strengthen outreach, consultation, training, and family support for children who are deaf-blind statewide.

This investment comes after the U.S.

Department of Education terminated grant funding for the Wisconsin Deaf-Blind Technical Assistant Project last September.

Although DPI secured a grant to maintain operations, state funding is required to provide long-term sustained support.

The proposal also designates $7.5 million over the biennium for Wisconsin's public library systems.

This funding will help maintain state aid at or above 8% of prior year expenditures, while sustaining existing service levels for contracts, BadgerLink, and Newsline for the blind.

Additionally, $12.5 million is allocated to modernized major DPI IT systems and $6.7 million is dedicated to cybersecurity initiatives to protect K-12 schools and public libraries.

The request also includes $350,200 for two new positions focused on educator license investigations as well as state support for partner organizations such as Special Olympics of Wisconsin and Arts for All.

Inside radio reports in a decisive move on Tuesday.

The US House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the AM radio for every vehicle act.

via a voice vote.

With more than 300 bipartisan cosponsors, the legislation faced little doubt regarding its support, though bringing the bill to the floor for a full vote had previously been the primary obstacle.

The passage marks a major milestone for broadcast advocates, emergency response organizations, and millions of listeners across the nation.

Under the provisions of the bill, the Secretary of Transportation and Consultation with the Federal Emergency Management Agency

FEMA and the Federal Communications Commission, the FCC, is directed to issue a rule within one year requiring AM broadcast reception as standard equipment in all new passenger vehicles sold in the United States.

The law specifies that AM radio must be easily accessible to drivers without incurring additional fees.

Automakers may meet this requirement using equipment capable of receiving digital audio AM station signals.

Prior to final

the regulation, the Department of Transportation must present a report to Congress analyzing potential impacts of AM signal reception on vehicle innovation and safety, particularly concerning automated driving systems, along with technical solutions to mitigate electromagnetic interference.

Once issued, the rule will generally take effect within two years.

Small volume manufacturers that produced 40,000 or fewer passenger vehicles for U.S.

sale in 2022 will be granted

and extended timeline of at least four years to comply.

Following the House passage, the bill advances to the Senate, where a companion measured previously cleared committee in February 2025, with 61 senators currently signed on as co-sponsors.

The bill holds enough bipartisan support to overcome potential filibuster hurdles when brought to the Senate floor for a final vote.

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 18th.

These are today's vital statistics.

Michelle Marie Ault Wilson best known as Shelly Ault 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 from 1 p.m.

until 5 p.m.