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WRCO Morning News

News from the Center · Tue Sep 22, 2026

100.9 and 107.7 country and community in Richland Center.

Here's your Daily News Roundup.

For Civic Media News, I'm Connie Thelman.

We're all feeling the pain in the pump right now just filling up our cars.

But the record-breaking diesel prices are hitting Wisconsin farmers with a double dose of high costs.

Not only is it costing farmers more to produce the food for our tables, now, as the Journal Sentinel reports, transport companies are adding new surcharges to move harvests.

Some farmers say their usual transport rates have nearly doubled just as the diesel price has.

Unlike other industries, farmers don't have the option of adjusting their selling price around cost increases.

Local farmers explain their only way to make ends meet is by making cuts, impacting their farms' future.

As of September 18, Wisconsin has broken its all-time diesel price record every day for seven days in a row.

Yesterday's record diesel price of $6.57 for our state's average continues that trend.

The White House is giving a nod to Wisconsin growers.

Silent Night Evergreens in Central Wisconsin will be providing the official Christmas tree for the White House this year.

The Endeavour Tree Farm welcomed the White House Superintendent of Groundsdale, Haney, yesterday morning, who came to select the tree.

Haney says the perfect tree needs to be the right height.

and full all the way around.

Silent Night Evergreens is the 2026 winner of the National Christmas Tree Association's nationwide contest.

The treat selected is a 30-foot-tall, con-color fur.

It'll be trimmed down and displayed in the blue room for more than 100,000 White House visitors to enjoy this Christmas season.

Don't be alarmed if you hear fighter jets in the sky overnight this week.

The 115th Fighter Wing of the Wisconsin Air National Guard is holding training sessions.

While most exercises take place during the day, pilots and maintenance crews are required to complete night flights to maintain overall readiness.

Flight paths have been designed to minimize noise and disruptions, though local residents may still hear F-35 fighter jets overhead during training hours.

Gas analysts say prices in the Great Lakes area are surging faster than anywhere else in the nation right now.

Civic media's Melissa Kay tells us why.

Average gas prices rose 34.2 cents over the last week, the state average at 4.43 on Monday.

This is 49.7 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and $1.55 higher than this time last year.

Officials at GasBuddy say gasoline prices rose in virtually every state over the past week.

the Great Lakes region experiencing refinery issues, which drove prices up even further.

The national average price of diesel jumped 30.7 cents for an average of $6.49 across the country.

Patrick Dahan is head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy.

He said continued strikes on Russian oil refineries tightened global diesel supply, driving diesel prices up in every state.

The refinery issues in the Great Lakes region amplified pressure on diesel prices locally.

GasBuddy officials say any broad directional change in prices will depend heavily on overseas developments.

New attacks and escalations make the outlook deeply uncertain.

For Civic Media News, I'm Melissa Kay.

But there is relief in sight.

Dahan says with the refinery now coming back online, wholesale gas prices should drop significantly.

That means our price at the pump should also come down in a few days.

Brewers baseball tonight.

Hi, I'm Mike Clemens with sports the Brewers in Philadelphia against the Phillies a team They could face later in the playoffs right-hander Dustin May gets the start and was asked What was it like when he was told the Cardinals had just traded him to Milwaukee?

I was stoked

I mean, being able to come to a team that's leading the division by a lot, very good ball club and got a really good chance to go to the playoffs and make a run.

I'm very, very thrilled to be a part of it.

NFL, the Packers relieved to have beaten the Jets on Sunday.

Green Bay had not won a game since December 7th when they beat the Bears at Lambeau Field, safety Evan Williams.

We put so much into this.

This is our whole life showing up every day trying to be the best version of yourself for it to not, you know, go the way we want it consistently is, yeah, it sucks.

You don't come here to lose games.

It's going to be a competitive league.

Every game is going to be competitive and we have to understand that.

But to end up on the right side of things is definitely what we're looking forward to keep doing.

The Packers host the Falcons this Thursday night kickoff at 7 15 with sports.

I'm Mike Clemens.

He's going to be partly cloudy today with a high in the low to mid 60s here this afternoon.

Tonight mostly clear.

We're going to drop into the upper 30s to low 40s for an overnight low tomorrow.

Mostly sunny with a high in the mid 60s.

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, 52 degrees in Richland Center right now.

The forecast window outside the studio here shows me mostly cloudy skies.

The forecast today says the high temperature will reach 62.

In the news this morning, the Richland School District Board of Education will hold its regular monthly meeting Wednesday, beginning at 7 p.m.

The meeting will take place in the Richland Center Intermediate School, IMC.

A headline feature of the evening will be a presentation on Wisconsin Education, delivered by State Senator Sarah Kieske.

Trustees are set to review several vital district operations and strategic initiatives.

Key information and discussion items include preliminary student enrollment figures, district staffing and vacancy reports and updates regarding ongoing referendum construction projects and associated budget change events.

On the action agenda, the board will vote on the proposed purchasing of a new video scoreboard, as well as the second reading and adoption of policies covering operational expectations.

Financial matters and community support feature prominently in this month's consent agenda,

highlighted by significant financial contributions and resource gifts.

Notable donations slated for formal board acceptance include a generous gift from Scott Industries, $3,000 from the Richland County Campus Foundation, $2,000 to the RCHS Choir Department from Ursula Sapczyk,

$1,850 from the Peter R. Marsh Foundation and additional contributions from the Richland School District Foundation, local businesses and community organizations.

Following open business, the board plans to convene in closed session to discuss administrative performance evaluations before adjourning.

The Richland Center General Government Committee will convene for its regular meeting today at 5.30 p.m.

in the council room at the municipal building located at 450 South Main Street.

Following routine business, including the approval of the July 28 meeting minutes, review and approval of bills, department reports from administration, economic development, zoning and legal, and a budget versus actual review, the committee will evaluate several key action items.

Major topics on the agenda include a review of title search results and next steps for the property at 929 West Seminary Street.

Additionally, members will consider options and annual costs for the 2027 Emergency Medical Services Provider as well as a Connect Communities Grant application and a request for municipal accounting and bookkeeping services.

The Richland County Executive and Finance Standing Committee will convene Wednesday at 5 p.m.

in the Richland County Boardroom of the Courthouse.

Key items on the committee's agenda include updates regarding the 765 kilovolt transmission line, reports from the county administrator and county board chair, and discussion and possible action concerning the 2027 county budget.

The following evening, the Richland County Board of Supervisors will hold its meeting Thursday at 6 p.m.

in the County Boardroom at the same courthouse location.

The Board will address the 2027 County budget and consider approval for the Sheriff's Office to apply for and accept a Public Safety Answering Point grant from the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs Office of Emergency Communications for 2027.

A Wisconsin State Patrol trooper was severely injured early Monday morning while responding to a high-speed vehicle pursuit along Interstate 94 in Dunn County, according to law enforcement officials, at approximately 4.55 p.m.

Trooper Brad Ricker joined a pursuit initiated by another trooper who was attempting to stop a vehicle for excessive speed and reckless driving.

The suspect vehicle had previously fled from law enforcement

earlier in the evening.

In an effort to safely terminate the chase, Trooper Rittger positioned himself on a bridge deck west of the Dunn-O'Clair County line to deploy a tire deflation device.

Shortly after successfully deploying the spikes, Trooper Rittger attempted to move into a secure position of cover, but accidentally fell over the edge of the brick deck onto 490th Avenue several feet below.

First responders immediately administered life-saving measures, including CPR at the scene.

Trooper Ricker was rushed to a nearby hospital where he remains under medical treatment for severe injuries.

He is a five-year veteran of the Wisconsin State Patrol.

currently assigned to the northwest region serving Don County.

The fleeing driver struck the tire deflation device and continued driving on flattened tires before pulling over in the median shoulder.

Law enforcement officers executed a high-risk traffic stop.

and took the suspect into custody without further incident.

The westbound lanes of I-94 were shut down for several hours Monday morning as investigators processed the scene.

A multi-agency investigation into the incident is being conducted jointly by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, the Dunn County Sheriff's Office, and the Wisconsin State Patrol.

U.S.

Senator Tammy Baldwin issued a strong call to action on Monday, urging Congress to enact comprehensive safeguards and oversight for artificial intelligence technologies.

Expressing deep concern over the lack of legislative movement prior to the upcoming elections, Senator Baldwin emphasized that everyday Americans deserve a voice

and how AI shapes their workplaces, communities, and daily lives.

In her statement, Senator Baldwin highlighted the growing risks associated with rapid AI deployment, particularly the concentration of decision-making power within a few major tech corporations.

She cautioned against relying solely on industry self-regulation and stressed the necessity of establishing independent oversight to ensure advanced models undergo rigorous safety testing before public deployment.

A central focus of Senator Baldwin's push involves safeguarding the American workforce from displacement.

She outlined priorities aimed at expanding skills training programs, preparing future workers for an evolving economy,

and ensuring labor unions and workers have a seat at the table when AI integration decisions are made across industries such as manufacturing and small business.

Concluding her address, Senator Baldwin called on colleagues from both sides of the aisle to join efforts in establishing meaningful legislative boundaries, reiterating that technological progress must remain under human control and serve the broader interest.

Community members are invited together for an informative evening dedicated to the state and future of local public education.

The upcoming event titled Strong Schools Equal Strong Communities protecting the promise of our public schools.

will feature local public education advocate Christina Reeser-Janes.

The discussion is scheduled for Tuesday, September 29, starting at 6.30 p.m.

at the Phoenix Center Ballroom.

During the session, Reeser-Janes will address critical issues facing Wisconsin's education system, beginning with the state's constitutional obligation to fund and operate

public schools.

Attendees will gain insight into the factors driving the recent surge of school referenda on ballots across the state, as well as how these measures intersect with broader public school finance structures.

The program will also dive into the financial implications of voucher schools, examining their direct impact on public school budgets and tax bill transparency.

Beyond exploring these challenges, the presentation aims to empower residents by highlighting actionable ways individuals and local communities can advocate for and protect public education in Wisconsin.

Good evening, everyone, for WRCO News.

I'm Todd Copernall.

Governor Tony Evers alongside the Wisconsin Department of Transportation has announced nearly $370 million in federal funding designated for 195 local, rural, and urban road and bridge improvement projects across the state.

Distributed through the Surface Transportation Program and the Local Bridge Improvement Assistance Program, the funding aims to modernize transportation infrastructure and bolster safety

and efficiency for communities across Wisconsin.

The funding announcement comes as the federal bipartisan infrastructure law approaches its expiration later this year.

In response, Governor Evers sent a letter to Wisconsin's congressional delegation calling for the swift passage of a surface transportation reauthorization package to maintain steady investment in roads, bridges,

public transit and electric vehicle infrastructure.

Wisconsin Department of Transportation Secretary Christina Boardman highlighted the agency's mission to enhance safety and accessibility across all modes of transportation.

She noted that these programs directly benefit local residents by providing reliable access to schools, workplaces, and local services.

The Surface Transportation Program allocates funding for eligible roadways while the Local Bridge Improvement Assistance Program assists local governments with rehabilitating or replacing severely deficient bridge structures across Wisconsin.

The Richland County Sheriff's Office is accepting bids from qualified parties interested in entering into a three-year contract to provide dog and small animal pound services across Richland County.

The contract term will run from January 1st of 2027 through December 31st of 2029.

Submitted bids must account for the prompt pickup and disposal

of stray dogs, small stray animals, and animals impounded by the Richland County Sheriff.

Contractors are required to provide adequate care and treatment for all impounded animals, maintain detailed records in accordance with Section 173.17 of the Wisconsin Statutes,

and submit monthly reports to the Sheriff's Office.

Additionally, service providers must handle the release or disposal of animals under Wisconsin statutory guidelines or court orders, furnish proof of personal or business liability insurance, and comply with all applicable Richland County ordinances and resolutions.

Richland County reserves the right to reject any or all bids or to accept any proposal determined to be most advantageous to the county.

Sheriff Clay Porter noted that the Sheriff's Office will establish and enforce minimum standards of care which the selected contractor must meet or exceed.

Sealed bids must be delivered to the Richland County Sheriff's Office Administrative Office.

no later than Friday, October 30th at 4 p.m.

Parties interested in reviewing past contracts or asking questions can visit the Sheriff's Administration Office Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.

until 4 p.m.

The Richland Center Fire District has released a comprehensive update detailing recent operations, upcoming training initiatives, equipment maintenance, and recruitment efforts.

Operating as a paid-on call fire department with no full-time staff, the district relies on dedicated volunteer members, supportive local employers, and strong community backing.

So far in fiscal year 2026, the department has already responded to 155 emergency calls.

Hands-on training continues to be a central focus for the department.

Firefighters recently completed specialized training at the Cobasin Bus Garage.

training vital knowledge about bus operations, fuel systems, and emergency response procedures for passenger and school buses.

The department is also working to acquire a retired bus to host future hands-on training sessions.

Looking ahead, the crew will undertake a major rural water supply evolution featuring two folding tanks, creek water drafting, fire hydrant operations, aerial pumping, and radio communications.

Fall training opportunities will also

feature an officer class, a ropes class for technical rescue skills, and a driving school hosted in Casanovia.

In addition to training, the department remains actively engaged in community life.

Members volunteered emergency coverage during the Saturday night demolition derby at the Richland County Fair and will provide coverage for the upcoming Hub City drags October 10th and 11th.

The department expressed deep appreciation to Grace Life Church for hosting a first responder picnic in honor of local emergency personnel.

Meanwhile, ongoing fleet maintenance has included tire replacements,

on truck 714 and truck 707, alongside planned turbo repairs for squad 708.

As part of fiscal year 27 budget preparations, Department leadership is currently reviewing its call charges and fee schedule to maintain reasonable and consistent cost coverage.

The Richland Center Fire District is actively seeking new members to join its team.

Perspective firefighters and volunteers can find application details on the department website at rcfdwi.com or on their official Facebook page.

Authorities in Grant County are investigating a fatal murder suicide in the township of Smelzer that has left a Darlington woman and a rural Cuba city man dead following an incident outside a local residence.

According to the Grant County Sheriff's Office, emergency dispatchers received a 911 call at approximately 1.28 p.m.

September 19th, reporting two individuals with gunshot wounds near a vehicle

on Rose Lane just south of Cuba City.

Responding law enforcement officers have identified the female as 35-year-old Katie Kiefer of Darlington, who was found deceased at the scene while 40-year-old Ben Randecker of rural Cuba City was found injured nearby.

First aid was immediately administered to Randecker, who was transported to Southwest Health Center in Platteville, before being transferred to a hospital in Madison, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Investigators determined that Kiefer and Randecker were previously in a relationship and shared a child together, though the relationship had recently ended.

Prior to the incident on August 14, Randecker had been arrested and charged in Lafayette County with domestic battery.

domestic disorderly conduct, criminal damage to property, and stalking, following an incident in Darlington.

The fatal confrontation occurred when Kiefer arrived at the Rose Lane address to drop off their child, as she exited her vehicle.

Rand Decker shot her with a handgun before turning the weapon on himself, according to details released by Sheriff Craig Rukoff.

The Grant County Sheriff's Office and the Grant County Coroner's Office.

continue to investigate the incident.

In a significant boost to local rural emergency capabilities, the Crawford County Sheriff's Office has received approximately $5,000 worth of epinephrine through a generous donation from the Andrew Muller Memorial Fund.

The donation equips every active patrol deputy with immediate access to this critical, life-saving medication during field responses.

The Memorial Fund was established by Mark and Kristen Muller following the tragic death of their son Andrew, who passed away due to severe complications from a peanut allergy.

Determined to honor Andrew's legacy and prevent similar tragedies, the Mueller family created the foundation to raise public awareness about severe allergic reactions and ensure first responders are properly supplied with epinephrine.

In vast rural areas, deputy sheriffs are frequently the very first emergency responders to arrive on the scene of a call.

Equipping deputies directly with epinephrine significantly cuts down crucial response times during severe anaphylactic reactions, allowing law enforcement personnel to administer vital care before advanced medical services arrive.

The Crawford County Sheriff's Office expressed its deepest gratitude to Mark and Kristen Muller and the Andrew Muller Memorial Fund for their dedication.

Their generosity and continued commitment play a vital role in enhancing emergency response safety and protecting lives across Wisconsin communities.

The Richland School District Board of Education will hold its regular meeting

Wednesday, September 23rd, beginning at 7 p.m.

The meeting will take place in the Richland Center Intermediate School, IMC.

A headline feature of the evening will be a presentation on Wisconsin Education, delivered by State Senator Sarah Kieske.

Trustees are set to review several vital district operations and strategic initiatives.

Key information and discussion items include preliminary student enrollment figures, district staffing and vacancy reports, and updates regarding ongoing referendum construction projects and associated budget change events.

On the action agenda, the board will vote on the proposed purchasing of a new video scoreboard, as well as the second reading and adoption of policies covering operational expectations.

Financial matters and community support feature prominently in this month's Consent Agenda, highlighted by significant financial contributions and resource gifts.

Notable donations slated for formal board acceptance include a generous gift from Scott Industries, $3,000 from the Richland County Campus Foundation, $2,000 to the RCHS Choir Department from Ursula

Sajpak, $1,850 from the Peter R. Marsh Foundation and additional contributions from the Richland School District Foundation, local businesses and community organizations.

Following open business, the board plans to convene in closed session to discuss administrative performance evaluations before adjourning.

A 24-year-old West Alice man died Monday night following a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 90-94 in Salk County involving a passenger car and a vehicle towing upon to a boat.

According to the Wisconsin State Patrol, the incident occurred at approximately 10.39 p.m.

on Monday, September 21, in the westbound lanes of I-9094 at Mile Marker 92 near Lake Dalton.

Initial investigations indicate that a 2006 Chrysler town and country driven by a 69-year-old man from Adams, Wisconsin, was traveling westbound while towing a pontoon boat on a trailer.

A 2006 Toyota Highlander traveling in the same direction struck the rear of the Chrysler's trailer.

The severe impact forced the trailer hitch into the back of the Chrysler and dislodged the pontoon boat into the lane of traffic.

Following the collision, the Toyota entered the right hand ditch and overturned multiple times.

The 24-year-old driver of the Toyota who was not wearing a seat belt was partially ejected from the vehicle and sustained fatal injuries.

Authorities reported that the driver of the Chrysler was wearing a seat belt and was not injured.

Names of the individuals involved are currently being withheld pending notification of family.

Multiple emergency agencies responded to the scene.

The crash remains under investigation by law enforcement.

We have two new winners to announce in the St.

Anthony's raffle.

These are $50 winners on ticket 519 Shelly Thompson and on ticket 65 Jake Rockweiler Congratulations to the two winners vital statistics right after this

Today is September 22nd.

These are today's vital statistics.

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

Funeral services will be held today at 12 noon at the Pratt Funeral Home in Muscaday with burial to follow in the Blue River Valley Cemetery.

Visitation will be held today at the Pratt Funeral Home in Muscaday 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 Muscaday.

Marion Buzz Beatty, 94 of Richland Center, died at the Richland Hospital Thursday, September 17 after a fall at his home.

A public celebration of life will be held at the Richland Center American Legion Thursday, September 24.

from 3 p.m.

until 7 p.m.

Everyone is encouraged to wear their favorite team apparel.

A private family burial will precede the celebration.

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

Marianne Buzz Beatty, 94 of Richland Center.

Jane Marie Sharp Pyfron, 77 of Reedsburg, died at home Saturday, September 12.

An open house celebration of life will be held at their home Saturday, September 26th.

Those who wish to express sympathy, share stories, and celebrate Jane's life can come anytime between 11 a.m.

and 6 p.m.

In Louisville Flowers, please share a memory of Jane.

The grassy funeral service in Reedsburg is serving the family.

Jane Marie Sharp-Pyfron, 77 of Reedsburg.

David Daniel Higbee, 65 of Richland Center, died Wednesday, September 16.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, September 30 at 3 p.m.

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

Visitation will be held Wednesday, September 30 from 1 p.m.

until the time of service at 3 p.m.

at the Pratt Memorial Chapel.

David Daniel Higbee, 65.

of Richland Center.

Christine M. B.

58 of Richland Center died at home Friday, September 18th.

A celebration of Christine's life will be held Saturday, November 7th, from 12.30 p.m.

until 3.30 p.m.

at the Richland Center Community Center.

The Clary Memorial Funeral Home assisted the family with the arrangements.

Christine M. B.

of Richland Center.

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

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

The Pratt Funeral and Cremation Service is assisting the family.

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

Todd A. Deckert, 59 of Richland Center, died Wednesday, September 16 at Schmidt Woodland Hills following a battle with a rare disease.

A private family service will be held at a later date.

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

Todd A. Deckert, 59 of Richland Center.

This concludes today's vital statistics.

It's Tuesday's Roundup!

Hanks got the answers, Phil's got the guesses, and somehow,

we've

got a show.

Play along, and see if you can beat Phil.

Which, statistically speaking, you probably can.

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

Move them on.

It's time for the Roundup.

How are you doing, Phil?

Not too bad,

brother.

You told me I was in a hurry because we have extra ads that I sold and I'm sorry.

we need to

jump right

through the quiz.

How are you doing?

Not bad.

I'm good.

had a good night.

How are you doing?

What are you doing tonight?

Anything fun?

I'm going to volleyball.

Good for you.

Anyway, here we go.

Here we go.

Anyway, did you have a good evening?

Yes, I did.

Yes, good for you.

Good for you.

Got to see Everett.

Everett, Hank?

Yep.

Yep, trying to get to... Dude, is the nickname Hank?

No, no, nobody's even thought of that.

So that's, am I the only one?

You're the only one that says that.

So, huh?

I'm not sure.

It doesn't have a nickname yet.

Hank.

No, I know it's not.

Uh, maybe it's EJ or something.

Hey, Jr.

See, no, there's, there you go.

There's already one.

Hey, Jr.

Two.

Yeah.

Hey, Jr.

Jr.

Yeah.

There's already one

those, too.

Anyway.

There's a Hank the third.

You played a whole record of John Denver today.

No.

You in trouble?

Uh, no.

Oh, okay.

Or maybe that was just my John Denver CD.

Must have been your CD.

I didn't play any of this morning.

Oh,

anyway.

Probably should.

Question of the day, young man.

I know.

Were you at tonight?

If I may ask?

Riverdale.

Okay.

Who do they have?

I have a grant.

Okay.

Should be a good one.

Yeah.

Anyway, question of the day.

Would you rather always have a piece of bacon that's too crispy or one that's too floppy?

Oh, I go with floppy all the time.

Do you really?

No crispy, huh?

I don't like crispy, no.

Really?

You gotta have the,

you gotta, it's gotta have a little bend to it.

It's like, slap across

the face or something.

You bet,

yeah.

I like mine crispy.

Yeah.

Not, not, not.

Overcooked, borderline, burnt.

No, no, no, no, I don't, I like my okra burnt, but not my bacon.

Because you and I had a couple of times we've had BLTs, you know, with fresh tomatoes right out of the garden.

Nothing

better.

You know what, I'm gonna add something to that BLT, okay?

So you make your BLT, add some cucumber, just like little pieces of cucumber.

Oh, I'm telling, do you like cucumber though?

Not really.

Okay, so you don't have to add it then.

But it makes it, I don't know, it brings the salt to the bacon comes out on that cucumber.

It's really good.

Yeah, so.

Well, take your word for it.

You might be from Peerage, Philip.

If the biggest celebrity in town is a mule with a good vertical.

Well, the mule jump's coming up.

It's coming up.

Yep.

The big mule jump in P Ridge.

that's his fall, right?

Yeah.

Coming up.

Yeah.

We have t-shirts from, I think it was last year of the year.

We're trying to get some more here.

Oh, yeah.

Well,

I'd love to get an extra and you give it away on those were the

days.

Oh,

that'd be

perfect.

That'd be perfect.

Yeah.

People would be

20, 26 mule jump flocking to get that.

Yeah.

No, people would be jumping to get that.

Right.

You don't have your paper ready.

So that's already a mark against you.

Today is quiz day.

Right here.

September 22nd, Phillip.

Fill

in the blanks.

Now here we go, number one here.

Some of them are true and false.

Some of them are multiple choice.

Number one is true and false, Phil.

Sharks don't use their teeth for chewing.

True or false?

Number two, according to various sleep studies, what approximate percentage of people hit the snooze button on their alarm clock, at least occasionally, is it 26%, 40%, 70% or 57%.

All right.

Number three.

What, three?

Yeah.

Three.

Which?

number three which common household invention was originally marketed under the name baby gaze baby gaze yeah which common household invention was originally marketed under the name baby gaze is a q tips b band aids c clean x or d cotton balls uh-huh you've you've said this one before a long time ago

that one a long time ago you said it was marketed originally other than q-tips oh number four a snail has more than 25 000 teeth true or false my goodness talk about a toothbrush

buddy

yeah i'd hate to go to the dentist with that one make lots of appointments yeah yeah all right a

What was one unusual use for the flower sacks during the Great Depression?

Here we go.

Roofing material, children's clothing, window glass replacement, or shoe soles.

There's not an all of the above.

That's great.

That's true.

And you see a lot of these pictures with a minute.

so number six what major field feature was added when football changed to a hundred yard field in 1912 what major field feature was added when football changed to a hundred yard field in 1912 I will tell you this okay the field a clue used to be 80 yards okay here we go hash marks in zones sidelines are

Coaching boxes.

All right.

What number are we on?

Seven.

Which was a real product, Phil?

Oh, no, I love these.

Was it a desktop screaming goat button?

Pickled alarm clock.

What?

Pickle alarm clock.

Not pickled.

Pickle.

Alarm clock.

Or a heated mailbox.

Wow.

Yeah, they all sound legit desktop screaming goat button Pickle not pickled pickle alarm clock or a heated mailbox All right.

All right number eight.

What is a group of pandas called?

Group of pandas.

Yeah, is it a cuddle an embarrassment a bamboo or a fluff?

Oh boy.

All right.

You ever wonder where I just come up with it?

I do.

think a lot of people, uh, wonder about it, but anyway, go ahead.

You,

but you still have me on.

Right.

Number nine or okay.

Nine or, uh, which college football team is called the Vandals?

I think I've heard this one.

All right.

Give me the choices though.

Idaho, Wyoming, Montana or Nevada?

Nevada.

Nevada is a city in Missouri.

Is it really?

Yeah.

Well, I'll give you a pass then.

All right.

Is it Idaho?

Wyoming, Montana or Nevada?

All right.

Number 10.

What was Wisconsin's first state capital?

Was it Madison, Green Bay, Belmont, or Prairie Duchenne?

Actually, I think I know that one.

Come on.

Let's go.

Oh, yeah.

Come on.

What are you doing?

Sharks don't use their teeth for chewing.

What?

Number one, sharks do not use their teeth for chewing.

True.

It is true.

Sharks don't chew their food.

They use teeth to grab, tear, and rip prey into pieces and swallow them pieces whole.

Number two, according to various sleep studies, what approximate percentage of people hit the snooze button on their alarm clock, at least occasionally?

Is it 26, 40, 70, or 57%?

I have 57.

Studies show that around 57%

people admit hitting the snooze button, making a common habit for those trying to get a few extra minutes of sleep.

I worked on that one.

I thought of it because, um, you know, to me it would be higher, but that I'm thinking maybe maybe not as many as maybe just through that

70% out

there.

Yeah.

That would seem like that was, that seemed high, but then some people forget to shut off the sleep snooze and they go get ready and they come back and it's ringing and their wife is still in bed and the alarms going off.

You know, that's, that's when you have to play more.

John Denver.

I'm not gonna say anything.

I'm just gonna say, you know what Phil, you're probably right about that.

Which common household invention was originally marketed under the name baby gaze?

Is it Q-tips, Band-Aids, Kleenex or Cottonballs?

I said it was A. It is Q-tips.

Let me see.

So that was number three.

Baby gaze.

Yeah.

I don't remember if I was thinking.

You told me at one time that Q-tips were marketed, but this was

couple years

long time ago

and I was thinking it

was because I

think it was q-tip day or you had national

q-tip

day for something

I was thinking it was even another name than that

anyway marketing marketing eventually walked in the room and said folks we need to talk about the name

yeah

number four a snail has more than 25,000 teeth

that seems so odd I'm gonna go with true it

is true some snails have more than 25,000 tiny teeth they're arranged on a tongue like ribbon called a redo a redow

Um, which the snail uses to scrape and grind its food down.

Really?

Yeah.

It's kind of cool.

Fascinating

stuff.

Number five, what was, what it was one unusual use for flower sacks during the Great Depression is roofing material, children, clothing, window glass replacement or shoe soles.

It's not all the above.

Yeah.

I'm thinking they probably considered using it

for sure.

They did, but I went with children's clothing.

That is correct.

Feed companies eventually printed attractive patterns on the sacks.

The, the pressionary recycling was operating at a whole different level.

Yeah.

Think about that.

Yeah.

So pretty sad, but they had to do what they had to do to survive.

Absolutely.

Number six, what major field the feature was added when a football changed to a hundred yard field in 1912.

I'm going with end zones.

It was in zones.

You know what Phil?

Before that, they apparently just kept running until somebody told you to knock it off.

I just like force.

That's what I see.

Force gun just keeps running.

Right down there.

So I've got, I'm on a roll here, six in a row, baby.

Oh, I bet I can stop that.

I bet you can.

I bet I can stop that.

All right,

go ahead.

Which was a real product, Phillip.

Is it a desktop screaming goat button?

Or is it a pickle alarm clock or heated mailbox?

I went with a heated mailbox.

No, no, no, no, you did not.

Desktop screaming goat button.

and I am now in the search of one.

Why?

I don't know, but I want one.

Why would one need one?

That's a sheep though.

Oh boy.

I want a goat button.

I'd be concerned if I heard that coming from your office.

Boy,

if anybody hadn't seen my office, you know, there's a mannequin leg in

there.

Yeah, there is.

It's a little bit of everything you had.

Mr. Bubble, Mr. Grandbabies, something about pop rocks in the back.

Pop rocks in the back.

Your grandbabies took photos.

All right, buddy.

What is a group of painters called Philip?

Is it a cuddle embarrassment, a bamboo or a fluff bamboo?

No, it's an embarrassment.

No!

Yes, it is an embarrassment.

I got it

wrong.

Scientists absolutely had a sense of humor here.

We had the same question back in 2023 of November.

We did.

And you got it right.

And I got

it right

this year.

I don't learn anything, do I?

boy.

Number nine, which college football team is called the Vandals?

I would have accepted Vanderbilt as well, but.

Oh.

It's Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, or Nevada.

Idaho.

It is Idaho.

They just don't, they don't just beat their opponents.

They allegedly leave toilet paper in the trees afterwards.

The nickname developed after sports writer describes Idaho's defense as vandalizing its true, its opponents.

Now you think about it, back in, earlier, Idaho was a really, really tough football team.

Thought they would have thought they would have called them the spuds.

The spuds.

Potatoes or something.

All right, number 10, Phillip, what was Wisconsin's first state capitol?

I know this one.

Yep.

Belmont.

And Madison called Belmont and still waiting on some keys.

I don't

know what that's about.

So anyway, I'm out of here.

I know you have stuff to play,

but you're a nice job.

Well, two, two, eight out

of 10, correct.

You still got recess, maybe a little bit of extra duty.

I sure hope I get recess.

You get recess, buddy.

Yeah.

After you get off work.

Yeah, right.

You'll play with your grandbabies.

I will.

And probably give him a tractor ride.

He always wants to track.

Ain't

nothing wrong with that.

No, have a great

day, my friend.

Everybody have a great day.

That's my old buddy, Hank Bray, Professor Bray.

Welcome back to the News at Noon.

I'll begin segment one with an announcement from Brad Schultz, who is the project manager on the Highway 14 East construction project.

This one came in right at noon and Brad said, just informing you that beginning this Friday at 8 a.m., the northbound State Highway 80 to US 14 East traffic will be detoured for concrete right turn lane replacement.

The closure is expected to last until Wednesday, September 30th.

The posted detour route will be Main Street to 6th Street.

So what he's saying is if you were approaching Richland Center on Highway 80 from the intermediate school, the old middle school, where you could take a left turn there onto 14 and head down to Orange Street toward the park.

Instead, starting Friday morning at eight, you'll go straight up Main Street past the Richland Locker and up through town left turn on 6th Street and then access Highway 14.

East by Crosscut Park.

In the news, the Richland County Sheriff's Office is accepting bids from qualified parties interested in entering into a three-year contract to provide dog and small animal pound services across Richland County.

The contract term will run from January 1st of 2027 through December 31st of 2029.

Submitted bids must account for the prompt pickup and disposal of stray dogs, small stray animals and animals in

by the Richland County Sheriff.

Contractors are required to provide adequate care and treatment for all impounded animals, maintain detailed records in accordance with Section 173.17 of the Wisconsin Statutes, and submit monthly reports

to the sheriff's office.

Additionally, service providers must handle the release or disposal of animals under Wisconsin statutory guidelines or court orders, furnished proof of personal or business liability insurance, and comply with all applicable Richland County ordinances and resolutions.

Richland County reserves the right to reject any or all bids or to accept any proposal determined to be most advantageous to the county.

Sheriff Clay J.

noted that the Sheriff's Office will establish and enforce minimum standards of care, which the selected contractor must meet or exceed.

Sealed bids must be delivered to the Richland County Sheriff's Office Administrative Office no later than Friday, October 30th at 4 p.m.

Parties interested in reviewing past contracts or asking questions can visit the Sheriff's Administration Office Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.

until 4 p.m.

The Richland Center Fire District has released a comprehensive update detailing recent operations, upcoming training initiatives, equipment maintenance and recruiting efforts.

Operating as a paid on-call fire department with no full-time staff, the district relies on dedicated volunteer members, supportive local employers and strong community backing.

So far in fiscal year 2026, the department has already responded to 155 emergency calls.

Hands-on training continues to be a central focus for the department.

Firefighters recently completed specialized training at the Cobasin Bus Garage.

gaining vital knowledge about bus operations, fuel systems, and emergency response procedures for passenger and school buses.

The department is also working to acquire a retired bus to host future hands-on training sessions.

Looking ahead, the crew will undertake a major rural water supply evolution featuring two folding tanks, creek water drafting,

fire hydrant operations, aerial pumping, and radio communications.

Fall training opportunities will also feature an officer class, a ropes class for technical rescue skills, and a driving school hosted in Casanovia.

In addition to training, the department remains actively engaged in community life.

Members volunteered emergency coverage during the Saturday night demolition derby at the Richland County Fair and will provide coverage for the upcoming Hub City drags

October 10th and 11th.

The department expressed deep appreciation to Grace Life Church for hosting a first responder picnic in honor of local emergency personnel.

Meanwhile, ongoing fleet maintenance has included tire replacements on truck 714 and truck 707 alongside planned turbo repairs for squad 708.

As part of fiscal year 27 budget preparations, department leadership is currently reviewing its called Charges and

schedule to maintain reasonable and consistent cost coverage.

The Richland Center Fire District is actively seeking new members to join its team.

Perspective firefighters and volunteers can find application details on the department website at rcfdwi.com or on their official Facebook page.

Authorities in Grant County are investigating a fatal murder suicide in the township of Smelzer that has left a Darlington woman and a rural Cuba city man dead.

after an incident outside a local residence.

According to the Grant County Sheriff's Office, emergency dispatchers received a 911 call at approximately 128 p.m.

September 19th, reporting two individuals with gunshot wounds near a vehicle on Rose Lane, just south of Cuba City.

Responding law enforcement officers have identified the female as 35-year-old Katie Kieffer of Darlington, who was found deceased at the scene while 40-year-old

Ben Randecker of rural Cuba City was found injured nearby.

First Aid was immediately administered to Randecker, who was transported to Southwest Health Center in Platteville before being transferred to a hospital in Madison, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Investigators determined that Kiefer and Randecker were previously in a relationship and shared a child together, though the relationship had recently ended.

Prior to the incident on August 14th, Randecker had been arrested and charged in Lafayette County with domestic battery, domestic disorderly conduct, criminal damage to property, and stalking following an incident in Darlington.

The fatal confrontation occurred when Kiefer arrived at the Rose Lane Address to drop off their child.

As she exited her vehicle, Randecker shot her with a handgun before turning the weapon on himself, according to details released by Sheriff Craig Rukoff.

The Grant County Sheriff's Office and the Grant County Coroner's Office continue to investigate the incident.

In a significant boost to local rural emergency capabilities,

The Crawford County Sheriff's Office has received approximately $5,000 worth of epinephrine through a generous donation from the Andrew Muller Memorial Fund.

The donation equips every active patrol deputy with immediate access to this critical life-saving medication during field responses.

The Memorial Fund was established by Mark and Kristen Muller, following the tragic death of their son, Andrew, who passed away due to severe complications from a peanut allergy.

In vast rural areas, deputy sheriffs are frequently the very first emergency responders to arrive on the scene of a call.

Equipping deputies directly with epinephrine significantly cuts down crucial response times during severe

and eclectic reactions, allowing law enforcement personnel to administer vital care before advanced medical services arrive.

The Crawford County Sheriff's Office expressed its deepest gratitude to Mark and Kristen Muller and the Andrew Muller Memorial Fund for their dedication.

Their generosity and continued commitment play a vital role in enhancing emergency response safety and protecting lives across Wisconsin communities.

The Richland Center General Government Committee will convene for its regular meeting today at 5.30 in the council room at the municipal building on Main Street.

Major topics on the agenda include a review of title search results and next steps for the property at 929 West Seminary Street.

Additionally, members will consider options and annual costs for the 2027 Emergency Medical Services provider, as well as a Connect Communities grant application and a request for municipal accounting and bookkeeping services.

The Richland School District Board of Education will hold its regular monthly meeting Wednesday, beginning at 7 p.m.

The meeting will take place in the Richland Center Intermediate School, IMC.

A headline feature of the evening will be a presentation on Wisconsin education delivered by State Senator Sarah Kieske.

Trustees are set to review several vital district operations and strategic initiatives.

On the action agenda, the Board will vote on the proposed purchasing of a new video scoreboard, as well as the second reading and adoption of policies covering

operational expectations.

Financial matters and community support feature prominently in this month's consent agenda highlighted by significant financial contributions and resource gifts.

$1850 from the Peter R. Marsh Foundation and additional contributions from the Richland School District Foundation, local businesses and community organizations.

Following Open Business, the board plans to convene a closed session to discuss administrative performance evaluations before adjourning.

A 24-year-old West Alice man died Monday night following a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 9094 in Sock County, involving a passenger car and a vehicle towing upon Toon Boat.

According to the Wisconsin State Patrol, the incident occurred at approximately 10.39 p.m.

on Monday in the westbound lanes of I-9094 at Milemarker 92 near Lake Dalton.

Initial investigations indicate that a 2006 Chrysler Town and Country, driven by a 69 year old man from Adams, Wisconsin, was traveling westbound while towing a pontoon boat on a trailer.

A 2006 Toyota Highlander traveling in the same direction struck the rear of the trailer.

The severe impact forced the trailer hitch into the back of the Chrysler and dislodged the pontoon boat into the lane of traffic.

Following the collision, the Toyota entered the right-hand ditch and overturned multiple times.

The 24-year-old driver of the Toyota, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was partially ejected from the vehicle.

and sustained fatal injuries authorities reported that the driver of the Chrysler was

The driver of the other vehicle was wearing a seat belt and was not injured.

Names of the individuals involved are currently being withheld pending notification of family.

Multiple emergency agencies responded to the scene, including the Salk County Sheriff's Office, Lake Dalton Police Department, Dalton Fire Department, Dell's Dalton EMS, the Salk County Coroner's Office, and Platt's Garage, which assisted with clearing the vehicles and pontoon boat from the roadway.

The crash remains under investigation.

community members are invited to gather for an informative evening dedicated to the state and future of local public education.

The upcoming event titled Strong Schools Equal Strong Communities Protecting the Promise of Our Public Schools will feature local public education advocate, Christina Reeser-Janes.

The discussion is scheduled for Tuesday, September 29, starting at 6.30 p.m.

in the Phoenix Center banquet room.

During the session, research agents will address critical issues facing Wisconsin's education system, beginning with the state's constitutional obligation to fund and operate public schools.

The program will also dive into the financial implications of voucher schools examining their direct impact on public school budgets and tax bill transparency.

U.S.

Senator Tammy Baldwin issued a strong call to action Monday urging Congress to enact comprehensive safeguards and oversight for artificial intelligence technologies, expressing deep concern over the lack of legislative movement prior to the upcoming elections.

Senator Baldwin emphasized that everyday Americans deserve a voice in how AI shapes their workplaces

communities, and daily lives.

In her statement, Senator Baldwin highlighted the growing risks associated with rapid AI deployment, particularly the concentration of decision-making power within a few major tech corporations.

A central focus of Senator Baldwin's push involves safeguarding the American workforce from displacement.

She outlined priorities aimed at expanding skills training programs, preparing future workers for an evolving economy, and ensuring labor unions and workers have a seat at the table when AI integration decisions are made across industries such as manufacturing and small business.

concluding her address Senator Baldwin called on colleagues from both sides of the aisle to join efforts in establishing meaningful legislative boundaries reiterating that technological progress must remain under human control and serve the broader

public interest.

As Election Day approaches November 3rd, Wisconsin residents are receiving a surge of voter registration and absentee ballot mailings from third-party organizations.

In response, the Wisconsin Elections Commission is advising voters to rely strictly on trusted

official channels, specifically their local municipal clerks and the state's official website, myvote.wi.gov, rather than mailings from third parties, political groups, or advocacy organizations.

Megan Wolfe, administrator of the Wisconsin Elections Commission, noted that municipal clerks and the commission frequently received questions and complaints regarding unsolicited election mailers

ahead of major elections.

These third-party materials, such as recent mailings from Civitec and the voter participation center, often contain errors or confusing messages that lead registered voters to incorrectly believe their registration status is inactive.

Some groups have also begun distributing pre-filled absentee ballot applications.

Wolff clarified that third-party groups do not.

send materials on behalf of the Elections Commission, and the WEC holds no statutory authority over what these external groups distribute.

Any official mailing or letter from the Wisconsin Elections Commission will be clearly identified with the agency's official letterhead, logo, or state seal along with the official U.S.

Postal Service Election Mail logo.

Voters who need to register for the first time, update their address or request an absentee ballot, are strongly encouraged not to wait until Election Day and instead visit myvote.wi.gov as soon as possible.

Wolf emphasized that voters can quickly verify their registration status

and submit ballot requests online in just a few minutes, ensuring they receive accurate and official information directly from state election authorities.

On Tuesday at 6 p.m.

the Reedstown community will gather at the Reedstown Public Library to honor three remarkable individuals who helped shape the library's foundation and enduring legacy.

John Henry Syme, Helen Janie Fortney, and David G. Dregney.

The dedication ceremony will

Celebrate their dedication and lasting contributions to the town with the unveiling of a new flagpole in honor of all three community leaders.

The library's history is deeply intertwined with the efforts of these three individuals.

John Henry Seim founded the Reedstown Public Library by gathering and donating books, meticulously indexing the early collection and serving as the library's first board president.

Helen, Janie, Fortney, who passed away in 2023, spent her retirement years acquiring and cataloging books, relocating the growing collection to a permanent site,

and securing the building where the library operates today.

A commemorative bench in her honor has welcomed library visitors since her passing.

David G. Dregny, who passed away in 2025 along with Syme, served as vice president of the library board and secured vital grants to sustain the library's operations and growth.

In memory of Syme and Dregny, fruit-bearing trees have been planted on the library grounds.

The dedication event is free and open to the public.

It will feature a flag raising ceremony accompanied by special visual effects provided by Joe Blow's fireworks and refreshments served by Kickapoo Corners.

The library extends its sincere gratitude to both local businesses for supporting this community celebration.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is encouraging deer hunters across the state to actively participate in chronic wasting disease surveillance efforts for the 2026 hunting season.

Department officials emphasize that hunter submitted samples are essential for monitoring disease distribution, particularly within the 2026 fall priority areas located near recent detection sites.

Hunters have multiple convenient options for testing harvested deer.

Samples can be dropped off at 24-7 self-service kiosks, submitted through cooperating meat processors and taxidermists, extracted at home using DNR provided kits, or submitted by appointment with local wildlife staff.

Chronic Wasting Disease Test results are generally returned within two weeks.

If a deer tests positive, the DNR automatically issues a replacement harvest authorization to the hunter's Go Wild account within two to four days, valid for both the current and following hunting seasons.

Proper carcass disposal is another key measure for preventing the spread of CWD.

While budget constraints have reduced the overall number of dumpster locations this year, waste dumpsters remain accessible statewide alongside landfills, transfer stations, and local municipal pickup options.

Health authorities, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization, advise against consuming venison from CWD positive animals

though no human cases have been documented.

In addition to CWD monitoring, the DNR is tracking an outbreak of Epizodic Hemorrhagic Disease, EHD in Southeastern Wisconsin, while localized deer mortality may occur.

Overall deer populations remain resilient and the 2026 deer season will proceed under standard regulations without reductions to harvest opportunities.

Hunters are encouraged to check local baiting and feeding bands

and utilize the DNR's online dashboard for sampling locations and disease updates.

The Wisconsin State Patrol and the Wisconsin School Bus Association are joining forces from September 21st through the 25th for the annual Operation Safe Stop Week and Educational and Enforcement Initiative aimed at reducing dangerous driving near school buses.

The joint campaign highlights the critical importance of stopping for school buses and ensures that drivers and vehicles adhere to state safety regulations.

With law enforcement issuing more than 1,300 citations to drivers who failed to stop for school buses across Wisconsin last year, officials stress that driver distraction poses a severe threat to children.

Under Wisconsin law, motorists traveling in both directions must stop at least 20 feet away from a school bus when its red warning lights are flashing, unless traveling on the opposite side of a divided highway separated by a physical barrier.

Flashing amber lights serve as an advance warning for drivers to slow down before the red lights engage.

Throughout the week, officers will patrol targeted bus stops known for frequent violations, follow bus routes, and inspect safety equipment on school buses.

State officials remind motorists that illegal passing carries significant consequences.

Following legislation enacted in March 2024, a citation for failing to stop for a school bus costs $676.50 and adds four demerit points to a driver's record.

Both agencies urge drivers to stay vigilant, obey speed limits, and help guarantee safe transport for students statewide.