In her annual State of Education address delivered at the Wisconsin State Capitol, State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly issued an urgent call to action emphasizing the essential role public education plays in maintaining American democracy.
Speaking directly to students, educators, and state leaders, Dr. Underly highlighted the historical significance of public schooling while cautioning that current funding models threaten its future stability across the state of Wisconsin.
Addressing the ongoing challenges faced by local communities, Dr. Underly pointed to the state's school funding formula as a primary source of strain.
With over 90% of Wisconsin school districts relying on local referendums over the past nine years to maintain basic operations and retain staff, she urged lawmakers and citizens to unite behind a long-term structural reform rather than continuing to pass financial burdens onto taxpayers and local school boards.
Concluding her speech, Dr. Underly framed the decision ahead as a defining moment for Wisconsin's legacy.
She reminded leaders the past generations invested heavily in public institutions to ensure opportunity for all and called on current decision makers to make the same sustained commitment for future students and communities.
After more than 28 years of dedicated service to Southwest Wisconsin Technical College and a total of 26 years in higher education, Dennis Cooley, Executive Director of Advancement, has announced his retirement.
Throughout his tenure at Southwest Tech, Cooley played a pivotal role in strengthening ties between students
Donors, regional businesses, and local communities, leaving behind a legacy centered on philanthropy, leadership, and regional empowerment.
Cooley's career at Southwest Tech was guided by a profound commitment to the region he calls home.
Having grown up in Southwest Wisconsin, he eventually returned after working in other areas including Madison, driven by a firm belief in the core values of local community.
His work encompassed fundraising, cultivating community partnerships, and launching impact-driven initiatives designed to help students overcome barriers to higher education.
Among his notable achievements is the establishment of the Raising Chargers Fund, which offered essential wraparound support to help single parents complete their degrees.
Beyond student assistance, Cooley helped expand donor support for scholarships, facilities, and workforce training.
He also oversaw the college's Leadership Academy, which delivered over 200 sessions to foster professional growth across the region, successfully adapting the virtual formats during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reflecting on his journey, Cooley emphasized that his work was always about connecting passionate individuals with causes that make a difference.
As he prepares for his next chapter, he plans to remain active in fundraising and leadership training, continuing his lifelong passion for teaching, service, and community advancement.
Wisconsin has officially become the 10th largest exporter of agricultural products in the United States.
According to second quarter reports for 2026, state agricultural exports reached $2.13 billion during the first half of the year, marking the highest first half total on record and a 5.42% increase compared to the same period a year ago.
Governor Tony Evers celebrated the milestone while highlighting state efforts to support agricultural producers and family farms.
Under his administration, initiatives such as the Wisconsin Initiative for Agricultural Exports have helped bolster the state's position, driving national export rankings up from 13th to 10th since the program's inception.
However, state leaders have voiced concerns regarding ongoing federal trade policies and international tariffs.
The trade tensions particularly affecting trade with Canada, Wisconsin's largest export partner, pose ongoing risks to state producers.
Recent retaliatory tariffs increase costs for fuel and border supply chain adjustments present severe economic hurdles for local family farms and processors.
To counter economic pressures and secure the sector's long-term growth, recent state investments have targeted key infrastructure and agricultural resilience programs.
The 2025-27 biennial budget includes $150 million for the Agricultural Roads Improvement Program, with $30 million dedicated to bridge and culvert repairs.
alongside expanded funding for dairy and meat processing grants, producer-led watershed protection, food security initiatives, and farmer mental health resources.
Governor Tony Evers announced that Monday, October 5th will be the final day to submit a pardon application to be eligible for consideration before the conclusion of his second and final term in January 2027.
Anyone seeking a pardon prior to the end of the term must mail their application by 11.59 p.m.
on October 5th.
Application forms, instructions, and frequently asked questions are available on the governor's website, evers.wi.gov, and then go to forward slash pardons.
Applicants unable to meet the deadline are encouraged to wait for the next gubernatorial administration as requirements and procedures may change.
Reinstating the pardon process has been one of the administration's primary efforts with over 2,000 pardons granted to date.
Under the Wisconsin Constitution, a pardon restores specific civil rights lost due to a felony conviction, such as serving on a jury or holding public office, though it does not expunge court records.
Eligible applicants must have completed their sentence at least five years ago with no pending criminal charges and cannot be on the sex offender registry.
An expedited review process is available for non-violent offenses with longer periods since sentence completion.
The pardon advisory board will continue processing applications through the end of the governor's term.
The Wisconsin Department of Justice has joined a multi-state coalition in announcing a $2.3 million settlement with Laboratory Corporation of America known as Lab Corp.
The agreement resolves an investigation into a 2019 data breach at Lab Corps' Debt Collector, Retrieval Masters Creditors Bureau doing business as the American Medical Collection Agency AMCA.
The security incident compromised the personal information of over 27.5 million individuals nationwide, including 10.2 million Lab Corps patients and over 16,000 Wisconsin residents.
The multi-state coalition previously reached a settlement with AMCA in 2021 following the dismissal of the company's bankruptcy petition.
Although the breach occurred on AMCA systems, the exposed records contained sensitive patient data belonging to LabCorp.
While businesses frequently contract with third-party vendors and delegate operational tasks, maintaining robust data security remains an essential responsibility that cannot be transferred.
Under the terms of the agreement, LabCorp must enhance several core areas of its information security framework.
These updates include formalizing incident response plans to ensure internal reporting of vendor security events
minimizing data shared with external vendors, and expanding oversight programs with dedicated risk management teams and automated evaluation tools.
Specific requirements have also been established for debt collection partners.
LabCorp must maintain active contract inventories, enforce their strict cybersecurity standards through binding agreements, and mandate data segmentation to prevent the co-mingling of patient records.
Furthermore, debt collection agencies will be subject to regular assessments and compliance audits.
backed by Labcorp's right to terminate contracts for non-compliance.
Labcorp is also required to hire an independent third-party assessor to evaluate its vendor risk management protocols.
Financial terms of the settlement require that Labcorp pay a total of $2,287,455 to participating states.
Wisconsin will receive $17,500 of the settlement funds.
The 2026 of VOCA Fire and EMS Festival will be held today at a VOCA Lakeside Park.
Events include a car show in Vendor Market starting at 11, a bag tournament at noon, kimchi petal pools at 12.30, kids activities at 1, kids water fights and firetruck rides at 3, and a raffle drawing at 7pm.
There will be live music, food,
beverages, and more throughout the day.
For more information about today's event and raffle drawing, head online to the Evoca Fire and EMS Festival website or Facebook Events page.
The 2026 Hill and Valley Fall Exploration Tour continues today and tomorrow.
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 Salk, Richland and Juneau counties.
Over 20 venues will be participating.
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 shiny vent.
For more information about the tour and for detailed information about each venue, you can visit Explore Hill and Valley
The 67th Gaze Mills Apple Festival continues through tomorrow in Gaze Mills.
Today, there will be a run and walk starting at 7.30.
A horseshoe tournament at 10 a.m., a three-on-three basketball tournament at 11.
Tomorrow at 1.30 will be the Apple Festival Parade.
Each day will feature arts and crafts, a mini carnival, music, visit the orchard, food, and more.
More information can be found online at gaysmills.gov or on the Gays Mills Apple Festival Facebook page.
The 95th annual Viola Horse and Cold Show continues today in Viola.
There will be many events to enjoy.
Ashley Baker is vice chair of the horse and colt show board.
We have a horse pulling contest on the 26th, so that's this coming Saturday, starting at 9 a.m.
at the Viola American Legion building, which is across from the truck and tractor pull area.
The Viola American Legion will also be serving charcoal chicken hot dogs and refreshments starting at 10 a.m.
We will have carnival rides and food stands brought to you by the Sunny Hill Attractions.
So games, carnival rides, foods.
We also have our annual raffle drawing.
So we will have a ticket booth set up right beside the Viola Community Building.
And that will open on Friday at 6 p.m.
And the drawing winner will be announced 10 p.m.
on that Saturday night.
So stop and pick up your tickets.
We also will have our annual parade, which is at 1 p.m.
on Saturday the 26th.
And who doesn't love a parade?
So there's usually a big crowd and lots of candy and creative floats.
So definitely check that out.
Other events today include an arts and crafts fair starting at 8, at 10 a.m.
there will be a horse show and an antique tractor pool, 3 o'clock will be the truck and tractor pool, and a country western dance with Monty Burger and the country gold band starts at 6 p.m.
You can find more information at the Viola Horse and Colt Show website and on their Facebook events page.
Here is today's vital statistic announcement.
Jane Marie Sharp Pyphorone, 77 of Reedsburg peacefully died at home on September 12th.
An open house celebration of life will be held at their home today.
Those who wish to express sympathy, share stories, celebrate Jane's life can come anytime between now and 6pm.
In lieu of flowers, please share a memory of Jane.
The grass funeral home in Reedsburg is serving the family.
Jane Marie Sharp
Pypherone 77 of Reedsburg.
It's time for today's vital statistics for Saturday, September 26, 2026 from WRCOFM.
Jane Marie Sharp Pyphorone.
77 of Riesburg died peacefully at home on Saturday, September 12.
An open house celebration of life will be held at their home today.
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 lieu of flowers, please share a memory of Jane.
The Grasse Funeral Service in Riesburg is serving the family.
Jane Marie Sharp-Pyferone, 77 of Reedsburg.
Today is Saturday, September 26th.
Good afternoon for WRCONews.
I'm Tim Thied.
As election day approaches on November 3rd, Wisconsin residents are receiving a surge of voter registration and absentee ballot bailings from third party organizations.
In response, the Wisconsin Elections Commission is advising voters to realize 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 Wolf, administrator for the WEC, noted that municipal clerks and the commission frequently receive 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.
Wolf 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 mailings or letters 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.
The United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development has announced an investment of $800,000 aimed at advancing value-added agricultural projects through Wisconsin distributed through the USDA's Value-Added Producers Grant Program.
This funding supports local producers as they develop new revenue opportunities, expand customer bases, and strengthen regional economies.
Wisconsin State Director
Andrew C. Iverson emphasized the significant role local producers play in driving agricultural innovation across the state.
He noted that Wisconsin producers are engaged in creative endeavors ranging from converting maple syrup into natural energy products
to repurposing worm castings as organic soil amendments and expanding the production of pasteurized meats and specialty seeds.
According to Iverson, these investments demonstrate how USDA Rural Development has rural producers establishing new commercial pathways, create and retain jobs, and enhance consumer access to high quality local goods.
The funding spans four major grant recipients across the state in East Troy,
W Organics LLC received $200,000 in grant money to expand the marketing sales and distribution of pasteurized beef and poultry into new geographic regions.
The company expects to add 1,118 new customers, increase revenues by $347,375 and save two jobs.
Meanwhile, New Berlin based Lushed Farms LLC will utilize its $200,000
dollars award to scale up the harvesting and distribution of worm castings as a natural soil amendment project.
$852,111 in additional revenue, nine new customers and creation of one new position.
In Soldiers Grove, Driftless Seeds Company, LLC, was awarded $200,000 to support the processing, marketing, and market expansion of regionally adapted organic vegetable, flower, and prairie seeds.
A project anticipated to create four jobs.
Finally, B&E's Trees, LLC in Barroqua, received $200,000 to broaden the reach of its maple syrup energy beverage pouches.
targeting 7,698 new customers, an increase in revenue of $446,471.
The creation of two jobs and the preservation of two existing jobs.
The value added producer grants program is designed to assist agricultural producers into generating new products from raw commodities, extending market access and increasing producer income.
Through loans, grants, and infrastructure support, USDA Rural Development continues to foster economic growth and community vitality across rural America.
The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development released
New estimates from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics on Thursday detailing employment and unemployment statistics across Wisconsin's metropolitan areas, major cities and counties for the month of August.
According to the non-seasonally adjusted data, local labor market trends across Wisconsin counties varied over the past month.
Preliminary figures indicate that unemployment rates increased in 10 counties in August compared to July.
Conversely, 36 counties experienced a decrease in their unemployment rates over the month, while rates remained unchanged in the remaining 26 counties, I should say.
Looking at year-over-year performance, most of the states saw higher unemployment figures compared to August of 2025.
A total of 64 counties recorded higher unemployment rates than the previous year, whereas four counties saw their rates drop and for maintained steady unemployment levels.
The 2026 Avoka Fire and EMS Festival is being held today at Avoka Lakeside Park.
Events include a car show, vendor market, and a bags tournament, which are currently underway.
There will also be kimchi petal pools at 1230, kids activities at 1, kids water fights and fire truck rides at 3, and a raffle drawing at 7.
The day also features live music, food, beverages, and more.
Information about the event and raffle drawing can be found online at the Evoca Fire and EMS Festival website and Facebook events page.
The 95th Viola Horse and Colt Show continues today in Viola, along with the horse show events include Arts and Crafts Fair, Midway Carnival, Parade will be at one, at three there will be a truck and tractor pole, a country western dance with Monty Burger and the Country Gold Band starts at six, and a raffle drawing will be held at three.
There will also be a couple new features this year at this year's horse and colt show.
Ashley Baker is vice chair of the horse and colt show board.
New this year, we will have a stage coach in town that will be offering some rides.
And we also will have a shoe shining stand, old tool, old fashioned shoe shining set up outside the community building.
So offering free shoe shine.
So definitely bring your boots.
Tonight, after the tractor pulled, there will be a DJ in the pavilion.
There will also be exhibits, food, and more.
You can find more information at the Viola Horse and Colt Show website and on their Facebook events page.
The 67th Gaze Mills Apple Festival continues through tomorrow in Gaze Mills.
Each day will feature arts and crafts, a mini carnival, music, and you can visit the orchards.
There'll be food and more.
Tomorrow at 1.30 will be the Apple Festival Parade.
More information can be found at gazemills.gov or on Gaze Mills Apple Festival Facebook page.
The 2026 Hill and Valley Fall Exploration Tour continues today and tomorrow.
Explore the beautiful hills and valleys, visit 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.
Over 20 venues will be participating.
Don't forget to pack your boots and an extra sweater.
Bring the cooler to fill with all
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.
After more than eight years of dedicated service to Southwest Wisconsin Technical College and a total of 26 years in higher education, Dennis Cooley, Executive Director of Advancement, has announced his retirement.
Throughout his tenure at Southwest Tech, Cooley played a pivotal role in strengthening ties between students, donors, regional businesses, and local communities, leaving behind a legacy centered on philanthropy, leadership, and regional empowerment.
Cooley's career at Southwest Tech was guided by a profound commitment to the region he calls home.
Having grown up in Southwest Wisconsin, he eventually returned after working in other areas including Madison,
driven by a firm belief in the core values of local community.
His work encompassed fundraising.
cultivating community partnerships and launching impact-driven initiatives designed to help students overcome barriers to higher education.
Among his notable achievements is the establishment of the Raising Chargers Fund, which offered essential wraparound support to help single parents complete their degrees.
Beyond student assistance, Cooley helped expand donor support for scholarships, facilities, and workforce training.
He also oversaw the college's Leadership Academy, which
delivered over 200 sessions to foster professional growth across the region, successfully adapting to virtual formats during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reflecting on his journey, Cooley emphasized that his work was always about connecting passionate individuals with causes that make a difference.
As he prepares for his next chapter, he plans to remain active in fundraising and leadership training, continuing his lifelong passion for teaching service and community advancement.
Today is Saturday, September 26th.
Jane Marie Sharp-Pyfron, 77 of Riedsburg, peacefully died at home, September 12th.
An open house celebration of life will be held at their home today.
Those who wish to express sympathy, share stories, and celebrate Jane's life can come anytime from now until 6.
In Lua Flowers, please share a memory of Jane.
Gracie Funeral Home in Reedsburg is serving the family.
Jane is survived by her husband, Lanny, her children, Jan and David Ewing, Sally Lee and Dale Schwanz, Lanny Jr.
and Melissa Pfeifferon, and Susan and Michael Fuller.
Eight grandchildren,
Thirteen great-grandchildren, siblings, Jeanette Simonson, Doris Crary, Wayne and Kathy Sharp, Melvin and Barb Sharp, Linda and David Tordall, Betty and John Hines, and brother-in-law, Ted Withie, many nieces and nephews and friends, Jane Marie Sharp-Pyphrone, 77,
of Reed Spurg.
I'm Phil Knee with news.
Vernon County Sheriff Roy Torgerson reported a motorcycle crash that resulted in serious injuries late in the afternoon of September 15th.
The Sheriff's Office 911 dispatch center received a report of a motorcycle crash on State Highway 162 north of the village of Coon Valley in the town of Coon.
Jeffrey Scott Kaufman, age 60 of rural La Crosse, was operating a motorcycle traveling south when he struck a deer.
The operator initially maintained
control of the motorcycle after striking the animal, but while navigating a curve, the motorcycle drifted right and appeared to have made glancing contact with the guardrail on the right side of the roadway before the motorcycle came to arrest in the southbound lane.
Kaufman sustained life-threatening injuries.
Other motorists who stopped to help immediately performed critical life-saving measures, providing essential care during these first critical moments.
First responders arrived quickly and worked with those already on the scene.
continued that life-saving care until paramedics arrived to provide advanced medical care.
Jeffrey Kaufman was transported by Amplify Health, Gundersen Health System Ground Ambulance from the scene to an open area along County Road N just inside La Crosse County where an Amplify Health Air Medical Helicopter had landed.
Kaufman was flown to Amplify Health in La Crosse.
Also at the scene with the Sheriff's Office where the Coon Valley First responders and Coon Valley
Fire Department, La Crosse County Sheriff's Office assisted with a full closure of the highway until approximately 6 p.m.
Although he sustained serious injuries, the use of appropriate protective equipment was an important safety measure and likely helped reduce the potential for further injury.
The incident remains under investigation with the Vernon County Sheriff's Office.
Attorney General Josh Call reached a settlement for a medical data breach recently.
The $2.3 million settlement is against Labcorp, a nationwide medical services company.
The company's debt collection vendor exposed over 10 million records in 2019.
Over 16,000 Wisconsin residents were caught in that breach.
While Labcorp did not lose the records itself, the multi-state settlement will require the company to tighten up its security with vendors and limit the amount of data that is available to outside businesses.
Raymond Newpert, Wisconsin Radio Network.
After more than eight years of dedicated service to Southwest Technical College and a total of 26 years in higher education, Dennis Cooley, Executive Director of Advancement, has announced his retirement.
Throughout his tenure at Southwest Tech, Cooley played a pivotal role in strengthening ties between students, donors, regional businesses, and local communities, leaving behind a legacy centered on philanthropy, leadership, and regional empowerment.
Cooley's career at Southwest Tech was guided
by a profound commitment to the region he calls home, having grown up in Southwest Wisconsin.
He eventually returned after working in other areas, including Madison, driven by a firm belief in the core values of the local community.
His work encompassed the fundraising efforts, cultivating community partnerships, and launching impact-driven initiatives designed to help students overcome barriers to higher education.
Reflecting on his journey, Cooley emphasized that his
work was always about connecting passionate individuals with causes that make a difference.
As he prepares for his next chapter, he plans to remain active in fundraising and leadership training, continuing his lifelong passion for teaching, service, and community advancement.
Ahead of the U.S.
Senate's recent vote on a war powers resolution aimed at ending the president's war in Iran, U.S.
Senator Tammy Baldwin took to the Senate floor to urge an immediate end to the conflict.
Highlighting the economic toll on Wisconsin, Baldwin recounted her travels across the state where families, manufacturers, small businesses and farmers expressed deep concerns over escalating costs.
Despite her plea, nearly all Senate Republicans voted against the
measure for the 13th time continuing to allow the war to proceed.
Baldwin's address followed estimates from the Pentagon indicating that the war in Iran has already cost American taxpayers over $45 billion.
In Wisconsin, the financial burden is increasingly evident with the average price of diesel recently reaching a record high of more than $6.60 per gallon.
In addition to rising fuel costs, Wisconsin producers are facing a
25% increase in fertilizer prices for their straining operations during crucial agricultural seasons.
Plans to repurpose UW-Waukesha
have been announced this week.
A proposal to sell the campus past the Walker Shaw County Board on Tuesday.
The vote will allow a development process to move forward at the city level where the developers are planning to fill the site with mixed unit housing.
That includes 70 single-family homes and 600 multi-family units.
The campus has been closed since 2024.
Raymond Newpert, Wisconsin Radio Network.
The 67th
Gaze Mills Apple Festival continues through tomorrow in Gaze Mills.
During the event you can enjoy arts and crafts, a mini carnival, music, food, you can visit the orchard and more.
Sunday at 1.30 will be the Apple Festival Parade.
More information can be found at GazeMills.gov or on the Gaze Mills Apple Festival Facebook page.
The 95th Viola Horse and Cult Show concludes tonight in Viola.
Along with a horse shell there is a Midway Carnival, a country western dance with Monty Burger and the Country Gold Band at the Viola Community Building starting at 6 and a raffle drawing will be held at 10.
There will also be a DJ in the pavilion, exhibits, food and more.
You can find more information at the Viola Horse and Cult Show website and on their Facebook events page.
The 2026 Hill and Valley Fall Exploration Tour continues tomorrow.
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 Salk, Richland and Juneau counties.
Over 20 venues will be taking part.
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.
More information about the tour and for detailed information about each venue visit explore hillandvalley.com
As a part of the nation's America 250 celebration, the Wisconsin Veterans Museum Foundation presents the 28th annual Talking Spirits Forest Hill Cemetery Tours, featuring live actors telling the stories of notable Wisconsinites who helped build a more perfect union.
This year, four remarkable historical figures will come to life across distinct areas.
Visitors will meet General George E. Bryant, a Civil War veteran, also
Portrayed by Brian Thomas Royston of Madison, the tour also highlights Lillian Frau-Chi Baker, daughter of a Swiss immigrant and a wife of a World War I soldier who built a vibrant legacy of community devotion played by Mary Wallen of Madison.
Guests will discover the story of double Nobel laureate John Bardeen, whose breakthroughs in transistors and super-conactivity launched the computer age, portrayed by Matt Cordo of Wannakee.
Additionally,
the presentation honors Dr. William S. Middleton, a World War I veteran and UW medical pioneer, whose name graces Madison's VA hospital, portrayed by Doug Reed of Madison, written by Bruce Bradley of Spring Green and directed by Whitney Derringer of Madison.
The production offers an immersive look at local history.
Here is today's vital statistic announcement.
Jane Marie Sharp Pyphorone, 77 of Reedsburg peacefully died at home on September 12th.
An open house celebration of life will be held at their home today.
Those who wish to express sympathy, share stories, celebrate Jane's life can come anytime between now and 6pm.
In lieu of flowers, please share a memory of Jane.
The grass funeral home in Reedsburg is serving the family.
Jane Marie Sharp
Pypherone 77 of Reedsburg.