WRCO Morning Obituaries

100.9 and 107.7 country and community in Richland Center.

Here's your Daily News

Roundup.

The NFL is asking for video evidence in the case involving Packers running back Josh Jacobs.

The league said it submitted a records request after a judge denied a motion to permanently seal video and other evidence in the case.

Jacobs pleaded no contest in two misdemeanor charges.

The NFL said the matter remains under review through its personal conduct policy.

The league has provided no timeline for a decision on Jacob's status.

He remains on the commissioner's exempt list, meaning he cannot practice or play with the Packers.

Three people have been hospitalized after a small plane crashed in the town of East Troy, southwest of Milwaukee yesterday.

East Troy police say all four people in the plane were injured, but one was treated and released at the scene.

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the crash.

Wisconsin Rapids District 7 older person Michael Tim said he won't resign ahead of a scheduled recall election.

Petitioners alleged Tim abused his power and infringed on First Amendment rights by pressuring Hotel Mead Resorts and Conference Center management to stop selling no data center signs in July.

In a statement, Tim said he won't accept the idea that, quote, the only acceptable response to opposition is to step aside, unquote.

The recall election is set for October 27th.

The winner will serve the remainder of the term through April 2027.

The Madison Common Council is approving the city's 2027 capital budget, including funding to launch a body-worn camera program for local police officers.

Police Chief John Patterson made the technology his top priority following the deadly officer-involved shooting of Corey Ruiz earlier this summer.

Council members also debated a proposal requiring Chief Patterson to formally report on more than 300 past departmental policy recommendations dating back to 2017.

Oversight board members

Defenders defended the chief, noting he already provides regular updates on strategic progress.

And that's your state news update.

I'm Connie Feldman for Civic Media News.

The Brewers sweep the cards.

Hi, I'm Mike Clemens with Sports Baseball.

The Milwaukee Brewers closed out the regular season with a six to four victory to complete a three game sweep of the St.

Louis Cardinals over the weekend.

Manager Pat Murphy named Christian Yelich, the team's captain.

It's not about rewarding him for something.

It's just making an official recognizing, you know, that he is the guy that helps enforce in the locker room the standards.

Yelich, the first brewer ever to be named team captain, asked Murphy to call Robin Yelich.

first before it was announced.

You know, I really wanted to run it by Robin first.

What he means here, what his career was, you know, I kind of see him as the captain of the Brewers.

So him and Murph talk Robin gave his blessing and after that I told Murph I'd be honored and kind of hard to put into words.

Up next, the Brewers are either going to face the Cubs or the Padres in the playoffs.

College football, the Badgers celebrating their 24 to 20 victory over Penn State, Wisconsin will host Michigan State on Saturday with sports on Mike Clemens.

It is going to be mostly sunny today with a high in the low to mid 70s this afternoon tonight partly cloudy with a low dropping into the low to mid 50s tomorrow partly cloudy becoming mostly cloudy with a high in the low to mid 70s.

I'm meteorologist Sean Cable.

That's your news roundup for Richland Center from WRCE and WRCO.

Find more news anytime at wrco.com and wrce.fm.

Subscribe to this podcast on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you find your podcasts.

Today is September 28th.

These are today's vital statistics.

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

Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 3 p.m.

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

Visitation will be held Wednesday 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.

This concludes today's vital statistics.

Good evening, everyone, for WRC-O News.

I'm Todd Copernall.

The Richland Center City Council will meet in a special session Tuesday at 5.30 p.m.

at the City Municipal Building.

Major agenda highlights include the personnel committee's recommendations regarding 2027 health insurance policies.

Additionally, the General Government Committee will bring forward recommendations for the Connect Communities grant application alongside a request

for municipal accounting and bookkeeping services.

The meeting will conclude following the consideration of these items.

Community members are invited to participate in a day of power at the Wisconsin State Capitol Tuesday, October 13th.

The event offers constituents an opportunity to engage directly with state lawmakers, including scheduled meetings with the offices of Senator Sarah Kieske,

and Representative Tony Kurtz.

Local participation is strongly encouraged as legislative offices prioritize meeting with people from their own districts.

The day begins with a briefing at 10 a.m.

followed by small-team office visits with neighbors starting at 1 p.m.

The event will conclude at 4 30 p.m.

with the state of the campaign address.

Participation in the event is completely free of charge.

Complimentary coach transportation is available for attendees leaving Verroqua at 7 a.m.

and Richland Center at 7 45 a.m.

Seats for the coach must be reserved by Thursday, October 1st.

For those who cannot attend the full day, registration is available for just the 4.30pm address.

Whole day registration closes Wednesday, October 7th.

To register or find more detailed information, visit no765line.org or contact Richland County organizer Janet Johnson at wiponygirl at gmail.com.

WRCO's Phil Knee will celebrate 40 years of his Saturday Night Rock and Roll Request Show Those Were the Days with a live broadcast of the show from the Richland Center City Auditorium Saturday, October 3rd.

The night will feature great music, special guests and lots of fun.

The Richland Center FFA will be offering brats and hot dogs and Phil will have Ski Soda Pop available for a free will donation with all proceeds going to the auditorium restoration.

come on out to celebrate Phil's 40 years of those were the days have some laughs and enjoy some great memories October 3rd Saturday night at the auditorium in Richland Center doors open at 5 30 the show starts at 6 p.m.

The Richland County Unit of the Wisconsin Towns Association is convening tonight at 6 p.m.

at the Municipal Building and Richland Center to address the ongoing transition of emergency medical services.

The meeting comes as 12 local municipalities face the discontinuation of county-provided EMS operations by December 31st of 2028.

Representatives from the affected municipalities, including the towns of Aiken, Dayton, Eagle, Henrietta, Ithaca, Marshall, Orian, Rockbridge, Richland and Willow, alongside the village of Boaz and the City of Richland Center, are gathering to evaluate long-term options.

The primary objective of the unit is to explore sustainable, cost-effective models to deliver quality emergency response services and present recommended plans to their respective local boards and councils.

The discussion follows recent administrative developments across the county regarding EMS funding models, service contracts and district formation efforts as local leadership works to secure continuous coverage for area residents.

The Richland County ad hoc EMS district formation committee will meet Wednesday, September 30th at 2 p.m.

in the Richland County boardroom of the courthouse.

The agenda for the upcoming session focuses on several critical discussion and action items committee members will review the September 28 municipalities meeting and discuss ongoing township resolutions.

Additionally, the committee is scheduled to work on updating the Frequently Asked Questions document, review a press release, and outline next steps for the district formation process.

This October, the Richland Hospital and Clinics is taking significant steps to prioritize women's breast health during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

As part of their annual Who Is Your Pink For?

Get Screened For You For Them campaign, the healthcare provider will offer accessible walk-in screening mammograms every Thursday throughout the month from 10 a.m.

to 6 p.m.

The initiative is designed to remove barriers to routine health checks.

Women aged 40 and older who are at least 12 months past their previous screening are eligible to participate without needing an advance appointment or pre-authorization.

Participants are simply asked to present their insurance card and the name of their primary care provider.

Early detection remains critical in successfully combating breast cancer at the heart of this local effort is Marcia Jones, radiologic technologist who has served patients at the Richland Hospital and Clinics for four decades.

Throughout her career, Jones has observed major advancements in imaging technology, guiding patients through the transition from traditional film to modern 3D mammography while providing compassionate, personalized care.

The Richland County Public Safety and Judiciary Standing Committee is scheduled to convene on Friday, October 2nd at 8.30 a.m.

The meeting will take place in the Richland County boardroom located on the third floor of the Richland County Courthouse.

The committee's amended agenda features departmental reports covering a broad range of county operations and public safety functions.

Scheduled updates include reports from the sheriff regarding departmental activities and monthly bills, as well as activity reports from the coroner, circuit court judge, clerk of court, register in probate, and district attorney.

Additional reports are set to cover courthouse security, ambulance service, emergency management, multiple grants, and an update from the ad hoc jail committee.

On Saturday, October 10th, the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin will be flown at half staff in honor of fallen firefighters.

The flag observances were established by Governor Tony Evers through Executive Order 290, signed in May of this year.

The order designated October 10th as Wisconsin Firefighter Memorial Day during Wisconsin Fire Prevention Week, which runs from October 4th through October 10th.

The order previously lowered flags May 3rd for the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service.

Although the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend was relocated from October to May starting in 2023, Wisconsin State Law continues to designate the week containing October 9th as Fire Prevention Week, ending with Wisconsin Firefighters Memorial Day

On Saturday, Executive Order 290 remains in effect from sunrise to sunset to recognize the service and sacrifice of the state's firefighters.

The Richland County Community and Health Services Standing Committee has posted a notice for its upcoming meeting scheduled for Thursday, October 1st at 10.30 a.m.

The meeting will be held in the Richland County boardroom on the third floor of the courthouse in Richland Center.

The agenda for the session includes several key administrative and business items.

Early in the meeting, the committee will conduct an election for committee vice chair.

Following the election, members will review a comprehensive series of administrative and financial reports from Health and Human Services covering director updates, expenditures, and vouchers over $2,000.

The 2026 budget summary, placement reports, and details concerning the HHS opioid grant application and settlement recipient reporting.

In addition to HHS updates, the committee will receive administrative and financial reports from Pine Valley Community Village alongside its organizational chart and employee retention report.

The meeting will conclude with discussion and potential action regarding the Pine Valley Community Village Roof Project.

The Richland Hospital and Clinics Birth Center has been chosen as one of just three rural health care facilities in the entire United States to participate in a groundbreaking pilot program for maternal and newborn simulation training.

developed through a high-profile collaborative partnership between the American Hospital Association and Lairdall Medical.

The initiative equips rural medical teams with advanced realistic emergency response training designed to safeguard mothers and infants during delivery.

The high-fidelity simulation training stems from Lairdall Medical's Global One Million Lives Initiative, which focuses on elevating health care outcomes worldwide.

Built around realistic scenario-based learning, the program emphasizes team coordination, continuous education, and emergency preparedness.

By immersing birth center staff in hands-on clinical challenges, the curriculum reinforces rapid decision-making and optimal patient safety standards in critical care moments.

Throughout the pilot, birth center nurses and family practice physicians engage with state-of-the-art birthing simulators in a controlled, safe environment.

The drills cover both routine obstetrical care and urgent life-saving interventions, including neonatal resuscitation, severe maternal hemorrhage response, multidisciplinary team communication, and sudden labor communications.

Research provided by Lerdahl underscores that immersive simulation directly correlates with improved clinical performance and enhanced patient survival and health outcomes.

The Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation is marking a major milestone this month as it celebrates the 50th anniversary of its renowned Death Investigation School.

Established in the spring of 1976, the annual two-week program was created to address a critical need for advanced, specialized death investigation training among local law enforcement agencies

across the state.

Over the past half century, the school has equipped thousands of detectives, investigators, and law enforcement professionals with essential skills.

fostering rigorous investigative standards and building strong multi-agency networks across Wisconsin.

Each September, approximately 75 participants gather for intensive instruction, combining hands-on simulated death scene analysis with classroom expertise provided by DCI agents, forensic scientists, pathologists, odontologists, and legal experts.

While fundamental core principles such as meticulous scene examination, evidence preservation, and witness interviews remain paramount, the curriculum continuously adapts to modern technological and legal developments.

Today's training incorporates advanced tools like digital forensics, DNA analysis, and investigative genetic genealogy to keep investigators at the forefront of modern law enforcement.

Leaders across the state, including local sheriffs, highlight both the practical rigor of the course and the lasting professional network it creates as invaluable assets for thorough and consistent death investigations statewide.

We have two more winners to announce in the St.

Anthony's Raffle.

These are $50 winners.

Today's winners on ticket 155 Dakota Smith from Wisconsin Rapids and on ticket 61, Mary Honer.

Congratulations to both winners.

Vital statistics right after this.

Mondays Roundup.

Brought to you by Chets, Feed, Seed and Such, Richland Hospital, Cardinal Glass CG, and by New Tech Cards.

It's joke day with Phil and Hank, so brace yourself.

These jokes aren't just corny, they're full-on field-tested.

If you're groaning, laughing, or questioning your life choices, you're doing it right.

It's Mondays Roundup.

Making Mondays just a little less Monday-y.

It's time for the roundup!

There he is!

Good morning young man, how are you doing?

What's happening?

How was your weekend?

It was good.

Good.

You getting any trouble?

No, not really.

I was the CEO and supervisor of the fall projects too, you know.

How are you?

So you didn't have to do anything.

You missed a spot over there.

Hey,

you know,

was that June?

Yeah.

Yeah, right.

Yeah.

Do you have a whole, no wonder you're a whole John Denver album, your collection.

Yeah, it's over here.

Yeah.

Anyway, so you mowed yesterday, huh?

I did mow.

Really?

Yeah.

Maybe the final time we will see.

Yeah, and if my fertilizer gets on there the way it's supposed to be, you should be mowing until December.

I don't know.

I'm just trying to help, Phil.

We could be, it looks like maybe a light frost by the weekend, Saturday

or something, but it will be October.

A big weekend coming up, Phil.

Lots of things going on.

A big one starting Friday.

I guess I can say Friday is the Oakwood's customer appreciation days that's coming this weekend.

always look forward to that.

Something else going on Saturday.

Wheels of time this weekend.

Trackers and trucks.

Saturday night.

There are quite a

few things

going

on.

Saturday night.

Must have slipped my mind.

Must be getting older.

It's your 40th.

Yeah, we're officially, we're

officially marking it live.

We've wanted to do that for a while.

This isn't big enough to have a live show here.

No, no, we're barely can hold you in here.

Exactly.

Well, with my head,

I'm not going to say

anything else.

But anyway, yeah, we look forward to

those

extra one of my jokes for Saturday night, six to nine.

Um, and somebody asked me about tickets.

Tickets.

You don't need no stinking tickets.

No, no, just, no, just pay Hank at the door.

Yeah.

Don't, don't take any, but anyway, uh, we, we will actually have some cold cans of ski soda pop in there too for a donation for the

auditorium.

All proceeds go to the, go to the auditorium.

Well, all the proceeds go to the

doctor.

So kind of cool.

Fuzz McCauley is going

to be out with the FFA

cooking some wieners and we'll have those.

So be a good time and you can go to the parade and you can do both.

You can.

Oh

yeah.

Go to

the parade and come by

and see Phil live for a couple hours

before, after

the parade, whatever you want to do or during or just avoid him altogether.

Like we would just stay away.

Right.

Free choice, baby.

Are you doing anything tonight or are you off

tonight?

I'm trying to think.

Well, you know what?

So June will probably be watching Monday Night Football.

The Bears are money on football.

So I might be able to get away with a lot because she'll be focused on the TV.

I doubt that.

But anyway, congratulations to the Brewers.

103 wins.

Isn't that amazing?

I just never thought I'd see the day.

It's amazing.

103

wins.

And we were discussing, in fact, Todd and I were discussing a little bit ago about pitching Jacob Mizorowski.

And I heard it yesterday.

I'm like, I realize he's going to have time off, a lot of time off.

And they want to keep him.

But I'm like, boy, about the time somebody line drives on his leg or something.

But luckily it didn't happen.

actually played everybody.

You know, it wasn't like some minor league, but here's the thing with,

with lineup with their coach.

Okay.

He is focused driven.

Yes.

So the other day, what did, I don't know if you had this on the sports, but they're catcher.

What is their catcher?

Oh

yeah.

They, he, he sat

converse because he did run out because he did not run, finished the run out.

Yeah.

Yeah.

And the eight

inning, I think it was Thursday night.

Yeah.

It is when you're here,

Yeah.

Let's be focused.

So

it

should be.

Yeah.

100%.

So, but yeah, I thought that it was a

great thing.

Can't argue with the success.

Yeah.

No, 103 wins.

A lot of things I never thought I'd see in my life.

You know, you go back.

I never saw it.

I thought I'd see the Packers win a Super Bowl.

I've

seen that twice.

I mean,

I was too young the first two times and then, um,

Badgers getting to the finals

for the championship game

in basketball.

That was one.

And of course the Bucks winning a championship.

I never

thought I'd see that.

So I'm very blessed in Wisconsin and the Badgers.

What a big win Saturday for the Badgers.

I would have went especially when they're down 17 and nothing.

Yes.

I think I had to bet the vibe that they weren't going to win.

You don't want to bet the vibe.

Well, I would have probably is like, I'll take that bet.

Kind of reminds you the

Packers in the fourth quarter.

Yeah.

Well, you know, yeah.

Take that.

I don't know.

I looked for the Packers yesterday.

They didn't play yesterday.

No, they didn't.

Oh, they didn't play Thursday night either.

That's right.

They didn't.

But anyway, one final note.

I did probably one of the best high school football games in probably 20 years on Friday night.

That was a great one.

Oh, Caston and Ithaca

Western.

What a great, great coaches, great sportsmanship, great fans.

Just what a great ballgame and great atmosphere.

I mean, it was absolutely amazing.

I think a Western wins in overtime and that one

and we were done at 903.

Yeah.

And overtime and overtime and overtime.

So yeah, it was, um, what a pleasure to do a game like that.

Yeah.

Anyway, wonderful.

Yeah.

Your question of the day, young man, if you had to come up with a new class that everyone is required to take in school, what would it be, Phillip?

Oh

boy.

I don't know.

Um, you know, maybe old music one on one or something like that, you know, teach him about Bo Diddley.

Bo Diddley knows nothing.

Bo knows, you know, whatever.

That was a takeoff on Bo Jackson.

He played baseball and football at the same time.

I would probably teach courtesy and manners.

There you go.

Proper handshake.

Yeah.

You know, look somebody in the eye and look up from your phone.

Speaking of handshaking, Phil, you might be from Peerage.

If you ever said, we better hurry.

We better leave early and hurry because a mule jump traffic is going to be horrible.

That's coming up, right?

16th or 15th or 16th of October.

What's a cat's favorite color,

Phillip?

Purple.

That was no

fun.

Thank you.

Sixth grade comedy club.

Did you hear about the clown who held doors for people?

No.

It was a nice gesture.

Wow, is that

the only one you have today?

You worked all weekend on that

one.

What do you call two birds in love, Phillip?

Love birds.

Tweet.

Hearts.

Tweet.

Hearts.

Tweet.

Tweet.

Hearts.

Nowhere to

go but up.

Coming up after these words from our sponsor Chets, Feed, Seed and Such from right here in Richland Center.

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Keep your birds happy and staffed on to Chets for all your birdseed

needs.

The moles in Ithaca.

What was your band name

Marty in the

corner?

Yeah, I'm already

in the

corner.

Yeah, the moles Marty and the corn dogs.

Yeah,

well, I mean we were kind of an underground group, but

you could definitely say underhanded people

Hey, hey, hey.

Anyway, it looks like we've got

a guest lecture

today

again So a man wakes up in the hospital and the phone rings and the doctor says to the guy I have really bad news.

You are very sick

After your collapse yesterday, we've ordered several tests.

You have avian flu, Ebola, your HIV positive and have hepatitis.

The man asks, well, what are you going to do?

The doctor says, well, for starters, we're putting you on a strict diet of only pizza.

Will that really help me?

No, but it's all we can fit under the door.

Pizza diet.

That's Simonson Boy.

I don't know.

That's a long setup for a pepperoni.

What's one animal you would always find at a baseball game?

I don't know.

A bat.

A bat.

Oh boy.

Mine's not getting any better.

No, nor are mine.

What do you call a magic cow that keeps escaping?

Oh,

I know this one.

Moodini.

Moodini.

Well

what do you call a cow that who gives advice Phillip?

I don't know.

Beef tips.

Oh

boy.

I

think the barber's kid has

something.

Oh, does he

have something?

I think so.

One time when he was a kid, Henry got lost at the beach.

He went up to the lifeguard said, Mr. Can you help me find my parents?

The guy said, I don't know kid.

There's so many places they could hide.

Wow.

Wow.

He's been in the barbershop way

too

long.

Yes, he has.

What has ears but can't hear Philip?

Corn.

Yes.

Cornfield.

Yes, sir.

Cornfield.

Thank you.

Such great comedy.

Yes,

sir.

What else do you have?

Well, what?

I was tough weekend for me this fall.

Was it?

Yeah.

I was told this weekend that they had zero ex-expectations from me and I still let them down.

And nothing brightens, they go, Henry, nothing brightens a room like you leaving it.

It's

not funny.

Well, I thought it was.

Okay.

Why did the robber give the monkey back his wallet?

Why is that?

He wasn't in it for chimp change.

Oh my gosh.

Well, I thought you've worked really hard on

this.

I have.

I

have.

I watched the Muppet show.

Yeah, you

did.

And he, huh?

Phil, I took Debbie out this past week into a fancy restaurant.

Really?

Yep.

So, so I tried to, so I could impress her.

The radio, the waiter asked if I could, if I'd like to order some wine.

I was struggling with this and the wine list.

Then Debbie finally tells him, bring us a bottom of Chabonnet.

Okay.

And the waiter responds, excellent choice.

What year?

The waiter asked, and Debbie says, well, duh, we'd like it right now.

Oh, yes.

Yeah, it's tough, Phil.

He has great sense, I think, right?

A husband comes home from church, walks straight to his wife, picks her up, and lifts her in the air.

She smiles and goes, ah, church made you romantic.

What did the pastor preach about?

He says, well, he told us to go home and lift our problems up to God.

And that's where I got that.

And that's why Phil.

That's why he's a single guy.

Beautiful.

What's Irish and stays out all night?

I don't know.

Patty Oh furniture.

Patty Oh furniture.

Yeah.

My cousin.

Yeah.

Your cousin.

Yeah.

Yeah.

So yeah.

I

think it's

about time for your kicker.

It's a groan.

It's a groaner.

It's a groaner?

Yeah.

Oh, well,

why would any of the others be?

Here we go, young man.

A wealthy lawyer who had been diagnosed with a deadly disease was determined to take all his worldly possessions into the afterlife.

After much thought and consideration, he'd come up with a plan.

The lawyer instructed his wife to go to the bank and withdraw enough money to fill

two pillowcases.

Then he told her to take the bags of money to the attic and leave them directly above his bed.

As he died he would reach out and grab the bags on his way to heaven.

Several months after his funeral his wife was up in the attic when she came across the pillowcases still completely full of cash.

That old fool she muttered to herself.

I knew we should have put the money in the basement.

On his way out.

Not way up,

but way

out.

Lovely parting gifts.

Yes.

Have a great day my friend and everybody out there.

Be kind and be safe today.

Good morning, everyone, for WRCO News.

I'm Todd Copernall.

It is 61 cloudy degrees in Richland Center.

Forecast says today's high 75.

Nice warm day.

Quick announcement from the township of Aiken this morning.

Townline Road between Copernall Hollow Drive and Gemtown Road is closed for covert repair.

In the news this morning, this October the Richland Hospital and Clinics is taking significant steps

to prioritize women's breast health during Breast Cancer Awareness Month as part of their annual Who Is Your Pink For?

Get Screened For You For Them campaign.

The health care provider will offer accessible walk-in screening mammograms every Thursday throughout the month from 10 a.m.

until 6 p.m.

The initiative is designed to remove barriers to routine health checks

Women aged 40 and older who are at least 12 months past their previous screening are eligible to participate without needing an advance appointment or pre-authorization.

Participants are simply asked to present their insurance card in the name of their primary care provider.

Early detection remains critical in successfully combating breast cancer at the heart of this local effort is Marsha Jones, radiologic technologist who has served patients at the Richland Hospital and clinics

for four decades.

Throughout her career, Jones has observed major advancements in imaging technology, guiding patients through the transition from traditional film to modern 3D mammography while providing compassionate, personalized care.

The Richland County Public Safety and Judiciary Standing Committee

is scheduled to convene on Friday, October 2nd at 8.30 a.m.

The meeting will take place in the Richland County boardroom located on the third floor of the Richland County Courthouse.

The committee's amended agenda features departmental reports covering a broad range of county operations and public safety functions.

Scheduled updates include reports from the sheriff regarding departmental activities and monthly bills, as well as activity reports from the coroner, circuit court judge, clerk of court.

Register and probate and district attorney.

Additional reports are set to cover courthouse security, ambulance service, emergency management, several grants and an update from the ad hoc jail committee.

The Vernon County Sheriff's Office is requesting assistance from the public following a series of property and crop damage incidents involving a UTV operating late at night in the Tainter Hollow Road area.

during the early morning hours of Friday between roughly 12 30 a.m.

and 4 30 a.m.

A UTV equipped with a noticeably loud exhaust was observed and heard driving recklessly across multiple properties landowners and local farmers later discovered significant destruction to several cornfields along a 1.6 mile stretch of Tainter Hollow Road with extensive additional damage found within the fields themselves.

Investigators believe the suspect vehicle began its path near the intersection of State Highway 27 and 82 and Tainter Hollow Road.

Traveling southbound, the UTV repeatedly entered private fields to the east and west, cut through residential yards and traversed a cattle feed road before driving through a sorghum field.

The vehicle eventually ended up on a private grass airstrip where it hit a dead end and backtracked onto Tainter Hollow Road.

Authorities are urging anyone with property damage, witness accounts, or security camera footage from the area to reach out to the Vernon County Sheriff's Office.

The Richland County Community and Health Services Standing Committee has posted a notice for its upcoming meeting scheduled for Thursday, October 1st at 10.30 a.m.

The meeting will be held in the Richland County boardroom.

The agenda for the session includes several key administrative and business items.

Early in the meeting, the committee will conduct an election for committee vice chair.

Following the election, members will review a comprehensive series of administrative and financial reports from Health and Human Services, covering director updates, expenditures and vouchers over $2,000, the 2026 budget summary,

Placement reports and details concerning the Health and Human Services opioid grant application and settlement recipient reporting.

In addition to HHS updates, the committee will receive administrative and financial reports from Pine Valley Community Village alongside its organizational chart and employee retention report.

The meeting will conclude with discussion and potential action regarding the Pine Valley Community Village Roof Project.

On Saturday, October 10th, the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin will be flown at half staff in honor of fallen firefighters.

The flag observances were established by Governor Tony Evers through Executive Order No.

290, signed in May.

The order designated October 10th as Wisconsin Firefighter Memorial Day during Wisconsin Fire Prevention Week, which runs from October 4th through October 10th.

The order previously lowered flags on May 3rd for the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service.

Although the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend was relocated from October to May starting in 2023, Wisconsin State Law continues to designate the week containing October 9th as Fire Prevention Week, ending with Wisconsin Firefighters Memorial Day on Saturday.

Executive Order 290

remains in effect from sunrise to sunset to recognize the service and sacrifice of the state's firefighters.

The Richland Hospital and Clinics Birth Center has been chosen as one of just three rural health care facilities in the entire United States to participate in a groundbreaking pilot program for maternal and newborn simulation training.

developed through a high-profile collaborative partnership between the American Hospital Association and Lairdoll Medical.

The initiative equips rural medical teams with advanced realistic emergency response training designed to safeguard mothers and infants during delivery.

The high-fidelity simulation training stems from Lairdoll Medical's Global One Million Lives Initiative, which focuses on elevating health care outcomes worldwide.

Built around realistic scenario-based learning, the program emphasizes team coordination, continuous education, and emergency preparedness.

By immersing birth center staff in hands-on clinical challenges, the curriculum reinforces rapid decision-making and optimal patient safety standards in critical care moments.

Throughout the pilot birth, center nurses and family practice physicians engaged with state-of-the-art birthing simulators in a controlled, safe environment.

The drills covered both routine obstetrical care and urgent life-saving interventions, including neonatal resuscitation, severe maternal hemorrhage response, multidisciplinary team communication,

and sudden labor communications.

Research provided by Lairdall underscores that immersive simulation directly correlates with improved clinical performance and enhanced patient survival and health outcomes.

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

Area Blood Drives held this week include today from 1130 to 530 at South Elementary School in Reedsburg.

Tomorrow from 12.30 to 5.30 at the Lone Rock Community Building Gym and Thursday from 9.30 until 2 at the Gaze Mills Community Building.

Appointments may be made by calling 800-RED-CROSS visiting redcrossblood.org or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor app.

Walk-ins are always welcome.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has updated case counts on the measles dashboard.

Additional information about measles cases in the state can be found on the Outbreaks and Investigations webpage.

Since August, confirmed measles cases have been reported in Chippewa, Grant, Iowa, Lafayette, Marathon, and Vernon counties.

As of September 15th, the outbreak had reached 162 total cases.

156 confirmed, six probable, including 20 confirmed cases.

In Grant County, 73 confirmed and six probable cases in Lafayette County.

62 confirmed in Iowa County and a separate case in Marathon County.

Subsequently, two laboratory confirmed cases were also reported in Vernon County.

Measles is a highly contagious disease that can be spread from person to person through the air and can stay in the air for two hours after a sick person coughs or sneezes.

Measles can cause serious health complications, including pneumonia,

brain damage and deafness and can sometimes be deadly.

Wisconsinites should know the symptoms of measles and call a health care provider if they develop those symptoms, even if they are not aware of a specific exposure.

Symptoms of measles typically appear approximately 10 to 21 days after being exposed.

DHS will send additional updated message if there are more counties with confirmed cases of measles or if case counts increase significantly.

The Wisconsin State Patrol reports that during the early evening hours Saturday, Dawn M. Satterley, 57 from Dane, had been arrested by the Wisconsin State Patrol before his post for operating a motor vehicle under the influence fourth offense.

A Wisconsin State Patrol trooper observed a vehicle that was operating in an unsafe manner.

Upon stopping the vehicle and making contact with the driver, the trooper observed signs of impairment.

After administering standardized field sobriety tests,

The trooper arrested the driver for OWI.

Fourth offense.

Madison Police may get body-worn cameras ahead of schedule.

One of the largest departments in the nation not currently equipped with the cameras, Madison Police had planned to introduce them in phases over three years.

Now a $350,000 grant from the Madison Community Foundation could cover operating expenses by the end of 2027.

The city is applying for federal funding to cover about half the cost of purchasing 220 cameras at a price of more than $400,000.

The funding announcement came last Thursday, a day before the Dane County District Attorney's Office received the findings from the Wisconsin Department of Justice investigation into the July shooting death of Corey Ruiz by Madison Police.

Average gasoline prices in Wisconsin have dropped 13.2 cents per gallon over the past week, bringing the current state average to $4.30 cents per gallon according to GasBuddy's survey data from 3,112 stations.

Despite the recent weekly relief, current prices remain 45.7 cents per gallon higher than last month and $1.48 cents per gallon above last year's level.

Meanwhile, the national average price of diesel

decreased 4.1 cents over the last week to $6.45 per gallon.

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 28th.

These are today's Vital Statistics.

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

Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 3 p.m.

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

Visitation will be held Wednesday from 1 p.m.

until the time of service at 3 p.m.

at the Pratt Memorial Chapel.

Dave Higbee is survived by two children, Daniel Higbee and Angela and Ryan Larson.

Four step children, Karina Fish, John Butler,

Rod and Lauren Harris and Simon and Kristen Harris, 12 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, brother Gary and Becky Higbee, aunts and uncle, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, David Daniel Higbee, 65 of Ritzland Center, Peter Pete

Crook 65 of Bear Valley died unexpectedly Thursday, September 24th in a work accident.

A funeral mass will be held Thursday, October 1st at 10.30 a.m.

at St.

Luke's Catholic Church in Plain with burial in the St.

Killian's Catholic Cemetery.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, September 30th from 4 p.m.

until 7 p.m.

at the Richardson Stafford Funeral Home in Spring Green.

Pete is survived by his wife Dolores, four children, Daniel and Brittany Crook, Monica and Isaiah Rickard, Jessica and Jesse Lenz, Brittany and John Killoy, five grandchildren, four siblings, Mary and Alois Clary, Dale and Pat Crook, Dawn and Bruce Reeve and Chris and Jeff Sorg.

Many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Peter, Pete Crook, 65.

of Bear Valley.

Carolyn Josephine Janney Freeman 102 of Richland Center died Wednesday September 2nd at Schmidt Woodland Hills.

A celebration of life for Carolyn will be held Saturday October 3rd at 11 a.m.

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

A live stream of the service can be viewed at the Pratt funeral and cremation service website.

Visitation will be held Saturday, October 3rd at the Pratt Memorial Chapel from 9.30 a.m.

until the time of service at 11 a.m.

Memorials in Carolyn's memory can be made to the Town and Country Presbyterian Church, Schmidt-Woodland Hills Foundation Scholarship Fund, or the Myratoni Pine River School Restoration Handicap Accessible Project.

Caroline is survived by her children Sherry and Larry Kwame, Jean and John Hopkins, and Vicki and Jerry Wisniewski.

Seven grandchildren.

Thirteen great-grandchildren.

Two great-great-grandchildren.

Many nieces and nephews.

Caroline Josephine Janney Freeman.

102 of Richland Center.

Welcome back to the news at noon.

Quick reminder in the township of Aiken.

Townline road is closed between Copernol Hollow Drive and Jim Town Road for covert repairs in the news today.

WRCO's Phil Knee will celebrate 40 years of his Saturday night rock and roll request show, Those Were The Days, with a live broadcast of the show from the Richland Center City Auditorium Saturday, October 3rd.

The night will feature great music, special guests, and lots of fun.

The Richland Center FFA will be offering brats and hot dogs, and Phil will have ski soda pop available for a free will donation.

with all proceeds going to the auditorium restoration.

Come on out to celebrate fills 40 years of those were the days.

Have some laughs and enjoy some great memories.

October 3rd at the auditorium in Richland Center doors open at 5.30.

The show starts at 6 p.m.

The Richland County Unit of the Wisconsin Towns Association is convening tonight at 6 p.m.

at the municipal building in Richland Center to address the ongoing transition of emergency medical services.

The meeting comes as 12 local municipalities face the discontinuation of county-provided EMS operations by December 31st of 2028.

Representatives from the affected municipalities, including the towns of Aiken,

Dayton, Eagle, Henrietta, Ithaca, Marshall, Orion, Rockbridge, Richland, and Willow, alongside the Village of Boaz and the City of Richland Center, are gathering to evaluate long-term options.

The primary objective of the unit is to explore sustainable, cost-effective models to deliver quality emergency response services, and present recommended plans to their respective local boards and councils.

The discussion follows recent administrative developments across the county regarding EMS funding models, service contracts, and district formation efforts as local leadership works to secure continuous coverage for area residents.

The Richland County ad hoc EMS district formation committee will meet Wednesday at 2pm in the Richland County boardroom of the courthouse.

The agenda for the upcoming session focuses on several critical discussion and action items.

Committee members will review tonight's municipalities meeting and discuss ongoing township resolutions.

Additionally, the committee is scheduled to work on updating

The FAQ document frequently asks questions, review a press release, and outline next steps for the district formation process.

This October, the Richland Hospital and Clinics is taking significant steps to prioritize women's breast health during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

as part of their annual Who Is Your Pink For Get Screened For You For Them campaign.

The healthcare provider will offer accessible walk-in screening mammograms every Thursday throughout the month from 10 a.m.

until 6 p.m.

The initiative is designed to remove barriers to routine health checks.

Women aged 40 and older who are at least 12 months past their previous screening are eligible to participate without needing an advanced appointment.

or pre-authorization.

Participants are simply asked to present their insurance card in the name of their primary care provider.

Early detection remains critical in successfully combating breast cancer.

At the heart of this local effort is Marsha Jones, radiologist who has served patients at the Richland Hospital and clinics

for four decades.

Throughout her career, Jones has observed major advancement in imaging technology, guiding patients through the transition from traditional film to modern 3D mammography while providing compassionate, personalized care.

The Ritzland County Public Safety and Judiciary Standing Committee is scheduled to convene on Friday at 8.30 a.m.

The meeting will take place in the Richland County boardroom located on the third floor of the Richland County Courthouse.

The committee's amended agenda features departmental reports covering a broad range of county operations and public safety functions.

Scheduled updates include reports from the sheriff regarding departmental activities and monthly bills, as well as activity reports from the coroner, circuit court judge, clerk of court,

Register in probate and district attorney.

Additional reports are set to cover courthouse security, ambulance service, emergency management, multiple grants and an update from the ad hoc jail committee.

The Vernon County Sheriff's Office is requesting assistance from the public following a series of property and crop damage incidents involving a UTV operating late at night in the Tainter Hollow Road area.

during the early morning hours of Friday between roughly 12 30 a.m.

and 4 30 a.m.

A UTV equipped with a noticeably loud exhaust was observed and heard driving recklessly across multiple properties landowners and local farmers later discovered significant destruction to several cornfields along a 1.6 mile stretch of Tainter Hollow Road with extensive additional damage found within the fields themselves

Investigators believe the suspect vehicle began its path near the intersection of State Highway 27 and 82 and Tainter Hollow Road.

Traveling southbound, the UTV repeatedly entered private fields to the east and west, cut through residential yards and traversed a cattle feed road before driving through a sorghum field.

The vehicle eventually ended up on a private grass airstrip where it hit a dead end and backtracked onto Tainter Hollow Road.

Authorities are urging anyone with property damage, witness accounts, or security camera footage from the area to reach out to the Vernon County Sheriff's Office.

Saturday, October 10th, the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin will be flown at half staff in honor of fallen firefighters.

The flag observances were established by Governor Tony Evers through executive order number 290, signed in May of this year.

The order designated October 10th is Wisconsin Firefighter Memorial Day during Wisconsin Fire Prevention Week, which runs from October 4th through October 10th.

The order previously lowered the flags on May 3rd.

for the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service.

Although the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend was relocated from October to May starting in 2023, Wisconsin State Law continues to designate this week, the week containing October 9th as Fire Prevention Week, ending with Wisconsin Firefighters Memorial Day.

on Saturday.

Executive order number 290 remains in effect from sunrise to sunset to recognize the service and sacrifice of the state's firefighters.

The Richland County Community and Health Service Standing Committee

has posted a notice for its upcoming meeting scheduled for Tuesday, October 1st at 10.30 a.m.

The meeting will be held in the Richland County Boardroom.

The agenda for the session includes several key administrative and business items.

Early in the meeting, the committee will conduct an election for committee vice chair.

Following the election, members will review a comprehensive series of administrative and financial reports from Health and Human Services covering director updates, expenditures and vouchers over $2,000.

The 2026 budget summary, placement reports and details concerning the HHS opioid grant application and settlement recipient reporting.

In addition to HHS updates, the committee will receive administrative and financial reports from Pine Valley Community Village, alongside its organizational chart and employee retention report.

The meeting will conclude with discussion and potential action regarding the Pine Valley Community Village Roof Project.

The Ritzland Hospital and Clinics Birth Center has been chosen as one of just three rural health care facilities in the entire United States to participate in a groundbreaking pilot program for maternal and newborn simulation training developed through a high-profile collaborative partnership between the American Hospital Association and Lairdoll Medical.

The initiative equips rural medical teams with advanced realistic emergency response training designed to safeguard mothers and infants during delivery.

The high-fidelity simulation training stems from Lairdoll Medical's Global One Million Lives Initiative, which focuses on elevating healthcare outcomes worldwide.

Built around realistic scenario-based learning, the program emphasizes team coordination, continuous education, and emergency preparedness.

By immersing birth center staff in hands-on clinical challenges, the curriculum reinforces rapid decision-making and optimal patient safety standards in critical care moments.

Throughout the pilot,

Birth center nurses and family practice physicians engage with state-of-the-art birthing simulators in a controlled, safe environment.

The drills cover both routine obstetrical care and urgent life-saving interventions, including neonatal resuscitation, severe maternal hemorrhage response,

multi-disciplinary team communication and sudden labor complications.

Research provided by Lairdahl underscores that immersive simulation directly correlates with improved clinical performance and enhanced patient survival and health outcomes.

To ensure long-term clinical excellence, their doll supplies, specialized equipment, rich educational materials, and robust data tracking systems to measure clinical readiness.

This unique partnership positions the Richland Hospital and Clinics as a leader in rural maternal health and supports our commitment to safe, high-quality care for the families we serve, stated Ken Nelson, Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer.

Birth Center leaders echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that as one of the region's primary

rural maternity providers participating in this program reinforces their foundational commitment to exceptional top-tier care for every mother and infant.

The policy committee of the River Valley School District Board will convene Monday, October 5th at 5 p.m.

The meeting will take place in the intermediate school library located in Spring Green.

During the session, the committee will review and consider several key administrative matters and policy recommendations.

Members will discuss policies slated for a second reading before being sent to the full board.

Topics under review for second reading include updates to the district organizational chart,

your conduct guidelines, the substitute handbook, staff, student boundaries, and student cell phone usage.

In addition, the committee will examine Wisconsin Association of School Boards

quick check policies regarding board member qualifications, special board meetings, school board elections, advisory committees, and quorum requirements.

The committee will also evaluate policies for a first reading recommendation.

Agenda items in this category include rules surrounding video and audio recording of students,

A newly proposed employee code of conduct and rights regarding access to staff disciplinary records.

Further, WASB Quick Checks will cover student teachers, final exams, student drug and alcohol policies, assistive technology, employee drug testing, staff grievances and Section 504 plans.

Finally, the committee plans to conclude the meeting by discussing how their current policy work correlates with the district's broader

strategic plan.

Madison police may get body-worn cameras ahead of schedule.

One of the largest departments in the nation not currently equipped with the cameras.

MPD had planned to introduce them in phases over three years.

Now a $350,000 grant from the Madison Community Foundation could cover operating expenses by the end of 2027.

The city is applying for federal funding to cover about half the cost of purchasing 220 cameras at a price of more than $400,000.

The funding announcement came last Thursday, a day before the Dane County DA's office received the findings from the Wisconsin Department of Justice investigation into the July shooting death of Cory Ruiz by Madison Police.

Average gasoline prices in Wisconsin have dropped 13.2 cents per gallon over the past week, bringing the current state average to $4.30 per gallon, according to GasBuddy's survey data from 3,112 stations.

Despite the recent weekly relief, current prices remain 45.7 cents per gallon higher than last month and $1.48 per gallon above last year's levels.

Across the state, station prices range widely from $3.70

at the cheapest locations to $4.99 per gallon at the most expensive.

Meanwhile, the national average price of diesel decreased 4.1 cents over the last week to $6.45 per gallon.

Nationwide gas prices experienced a slight decline of 1.6 cents per gallon over the week to average $4.42, reflecting data compiled from over 150,000 gas stations.

The Great Lakes region saw some of the most significant price declines.

following the successful restart of a major refinery.

However, industry analysts note that supply disruptions on the West Coast continue to push prices upward in that region and the broader geopolitical environment, along with potential policy decisions, remain key factors that could rapidly impact future fuel costs.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has updated case counts on the measles dashboard.

Additional information about measles cases in the state can be found on the Outbreaks and Investigations webpage since August confirmed measles cases have been reported in Chippewa, Grant, Iowa, Lafayette, Marathon, and Vernon counties.

As of September 15th, the outbreak had reached 162 total cases, 156 confirmed, six probable, including 20 confirmed cases in Grand County, 73 confirmed and six probable in Lafayette County, 62 confirmed in Iowa County and a separate case in Marathon County.

Subsequently, two laboratory confirmed cases

were also reported in Vernon County, September 16th.

Measles is a highly contagious disease that can be spread from person to person through the air and can stay in the air for two hours after a sick person coughs or sneezes.

Measles can cause serious health complications, including pneumonia, brain damage and deafness.

and can sometimes be deadly.

Wisconsinites should know the symptoms of measles and call a health care provider if they develop symptoms, even if they are not aware of a specific exposure.

Symptoms of measles typically appear approximately 10 to 21 days after being exposed to the virus.

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

Area blood drives being held this week include today, from now until 5.30 at South Elementary School in Reedsburg, tomorrow from 12.30 to 5.30 at the Lone Rock Community Building Gym.

And Thursday from 9.30 to 2 o'clock at the Gays Mills Community Building.

appointments may be made by calling 800 Red Cross, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor app.

Walk-ins are always welcome.

The Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation is marking a major milestone this month as it celebrates the 50th anniversary of its renowned death investigation school.

Established in the spring of 1976, the annual two-week program was created to address a critical need for advanced specialized death investigation training among local law enforcement agencies across the state.

Over the past half century, the school has equipped thousands of detainees

investigators and law enforcement professionals with essential skills, fostering rigorous investigative standards and building strong multi-agency networks across Wisconsin.

Each September approximately 75 participants gather for intensive instruction combining hands-on simulated death scene analysis with classroom expertise provided by DCI agents, forensic scientists, pathologists, and legal experts, while fundamental core principles such as meticulous scene examination, evidence preservation, and witness interviews remain paramount.

The curriculum continuously adapts to modern technological and legal developments.

Today's training incorporates advanced tools like digital forensics, DNA analysis, and investigative genetic genealogy to keep investigators at the forefront of modern law enforcement.

Leaders across the state, including local sheriffs, highlight both the practical rigor of the course

and the lasting professional network it creates as invaluable assets for thorough and consistent death investigations statewide.

In a decisive step toward transforming local health care standards, 340 nurses working across 10 SSM Dean Medical Group outpatient clinics in Dane County have voted overwhelmingly to form a union.

Securing a 71% majority, the outpatient nurses have joined forces with their colleagues at SSM St.

Mary's Hospital who secured a similar union victory in June.

Together, the combined nursing staff is calling on health system leadership to respect

the outcome of the vote and join them at the bargaining table to address critical challenges including severe understaffing, staff burnout, and competitive retention.

The vote follows a growing national trend of healthcare professionals organizing in response to increasing corporate consolidation within the medical industry.

Clinic nurses emphasize that having a unified organizational voice will empower them to directly advocate for safer nurse-to-patient staffing ratios, fair professional compensation, and policies designed to protect patient care quality.

With clinical studies consistently demonstrating a direct link between adequate nursing levels and positive patient outcomes, staff members express confidence that union representation will foster long-term stability and improved working conditions throughout Dane County's healthcare facilities.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is marking the end of Suicide Prevention Month by announcing new and expanded partnerships aimed at reducing suicide deaths across the state.

DHS has extended its four-year collaboration with Aspirus Health and entered into a new partnership with Calm America, counseling on access to lethal means.

Together, these initiatives focus on equipping healthcare workers, mental health professionals, and local communities with vital resources and training to save lives.

As part of the expanded effort, community members within their service areas will receive training in the question, persuade, and refer framework.

QPR teaches individuals how to recognize warning signs, ask direct questions, offer hope, and refer those in distress to professional help.

Additionally, the initiative strengthens training for both licensed and pre-licensed mental health practitioners to enhance tele-mental health support.

Across the region, a key goal of these joint efforts is reaching populations at the highest risk, specifically men.

over age 25 living in rural communities.

Both partnerships emphasize delivering support and educational outreach to rural areas where healthcare options are often limited.

Public news service reports with older voters expected to have a big effect on the midterm elections.

Their allies in Wisconsin said lawmakers should pay attention to the most pressing issues facing voters 50 and older.

Wisconsin residents ages 45 to 64, made up the largest percentage of voters in 2024, followed by those older than 65.

Affordability tops the list of concerns, along with retirement security and caregiving support for older residents, according to AARP Wisconsin.

Raj Shukla, State Director of AARP Wisconsin, said the group's 750,000-plus members want people in power to put words into action regarding these quality of life issues.

The issues that older voters care about are issues that all of us care about, and taking action on these issues protects everyone, not just people 50 and over, Shukla explained.

He pointed out older Wisconsinites are also increasingly targeted by sophisticated fraud, an issue he argued affects people of every age, and noted retirement costs are a major concern, including the future of Social Security as one in three.

private sector workers in Wisconsin do not have access to an employer sponsored retirement plan.

His group called on lawmakers to expand private retirement savings options to include work and save programs which allow workers to automatically put part of their paychecks into retirement accounts.

We are seeing conversations around social security and the prospect of scaling back that program and that's

just unacceptable for people who are at their very edge right now in being able to afford their way of life, Shukla emphasized.

New U.S.

census data show Americans older than 65 experienced the highest poverty spike between 2020 and 2025.

More than 15% of older Americans are currently living in poverty.

Shukla stress caregiving is also a top priority as caregivers spend about $7,000 a year out of pocket.

He's calling on the state to consider tax relief and other support to curb the added expenses and to exempt caregivers from Medicaid work requirements.

The Lafayette County Sheriff's Office responded to a variety of calls across the county, ranging from medical emergencies and animal calls to disorderly conduct and motor vehicle accidents.

Emergency medical crews were dispatched to several calls throughout the county, including responses in the city of Darlington, the village of Benton, Belmont Township, and South Wayne.

Deputies also handled reports of livestock on the roadway in Fayette and Blanchard Townships, an injured animal in Grashett Township,

disorderly conduct in Willow Springs Township and a civil dispute in Wayne Township.

Among the reported incidents was a two-vehicle collision on East Platteville Avenue in Belmont Township.

According to Sheriff's officials, 53-year-old Adam C. Ducharm of Lancaster was traveling northbound on State Highway 126 in a 2004 when his vehicle was struck by a 2015 Buick

driven by 43 year old Dustin J. Nunn of Cuba City.

Officials reported that Nunn was westbound on County trunk G and failed to stop at a stop sign.

Nunn and two passengers were transported to the hospital for minor injuries and both vehicles were towed due to disabling damage.

Today's vital statistics are sponsored by Crowsie Monument.

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

Today is September 28.

These are today's vital statistics.

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

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

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

Visitation will be held Wednesday from 1 p.m.

until the time of the service at 3 p.m.

at the Pratt Memorial Chapel.

David Daniel Higbee 65 of Richland Center.

Peter Pete

Crook, 65 of Bear Valley, died unexpectedly Thursday, September 24th in a work accident.

A funeral mass will be held Thursday, October 1st at 10.30 a.m.

at St.

Luke's Catholic Church in Plain with burial in the St.

Killian's Catholic Cemetery.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, September 30th from 4 p.m.

until 7 p.m.

at the Richardson Stafford funeral home.

in Spring Green.

Peter Pete Crook, 65 of Bear Valley.

Carolyn Josephine Janney Freeman, 102 of Richland Center, died Wednesday, September 2nd at Schmidt Woodland Hills.

A celebration of life for Carolyn will be held Saturday, October 3rd at 11am at the Pratt Memorial Chapel with a private family burial to follow in the Richland Center Cemetery.

A live stream of the service can be viewed at the Pratt Funeral and Cremation Service website.

Visitation will be held Saturday, October 3rd at the Pratt Memorial Chapel from 9.30am until the time of service at 11.

Memorials in Carolyn's memory can be made to the Town and Country Presbyterian Church, Schmidt Woodland Hills Foundation Scholarship Fund, or the Myratoni Pine River School Restoration Handicap Accessible Project.

Carolyn Josephine Janney Freeman 102 of Richland Center.

This concludes today's vital statistics.

Good evening, everyone, for WRC-O News.

I'm Todd Copernall.

The Richland Center City Council will meet in a special session Tuesday at 5.30 p.m.

at the City Municipal Building.

Major agenda highlights include the personnel committee's recommendations regarding 2027 health insurance policies.

Additionally, the General Government Committee will bring forward recommendations for the Connect Communities grant application alongside a request

for municipal accounting and bookkeeping services.

The meeting will conclude following the consideration of these items.

Community members are invited to participate in a day of power at the Wisconsin State Capitol Tuesday, October 13th.

The event offers constituents an opportunity to engage directly with state lawmakers, including scheduled meetings with the offices of Senator Sarah Kieske,

and Representative Tony Kurtz.

Local participation is strongly encouraged as legislative offices prioritize meeting with people from their own districts.

The day begins with a briefing at 10 a.m.

followed by small-team office visits with neighbors starting at 1 p.m.

The event will conclude at 4 30 p.m.

with the state of the campaign address.

Participation in the event is completely free of charge.

Complimentary coach transportation is available for attendees leaving Verroqua at 7 a.m.

and Richland Center at 7 45 a.m.

Seats for the coach must be reserved by Thursday, October 1st.

For those who cannot attend the full day, registration is available for just the 4.30pm address.

Whole day registration closes Wednesday, October 7th.

To register or find more detailed information, visit no765line.org or contact Richland County organizer Janet Johnson at wiponygirl at gmail.com.

WRCO's Phil Knee will celebrate 40 years of his Saturday Night Rock and Roll Request Show Those Were the Days with a live broadcast of the show from the Richland Center City Auditorium Saturday, October 3rd.

The night will feature great music, special guests and lots of fun.

The Richland Center FFA will be offering brats and hot dogs and Phil will have Ski Soda Pop available for a free will donation with all proceeds going to the auditorium restoration.

come on out to celebrate Phil's 40 years of those were the days have some laughs and enjoy some great memories October 3rd Saturday night at the auditorium in Richland Center doors open at 5 30 the show starts at 6 p.m.

The Richland County Unit of the Wisconsin Towns Association is convening tonight at 6 p.m.

at the Municipal Building and Richland Center to address the ongoing transition of emergency medical services.

The meeting comes as 12 local municipalities face the discontinuation of county-provided EMS operations by December 31st of 2028.

Representatives from the affected municipalities, including the towns of Aiken, Dayton, Eagle, Henrietta, Ithaca, Marshall, Orian, Rockbridge, Richland and Willow, alongside the village of Boaz and the City of Richland Center, are gathering to evaluate long-term options.

The primary objective of the unit is to explore sustainable, cost-effective models to deliver quality emergency response services and present recommended plans to their respective local boards and councils.

The discussion follows recent administrative developments across the county regarding EMS funding models, service contracts and district formation efforts as local leadership works to secure continuous coverage for area residents.

The Richland County ad hoc EMS district formation committee will meet Wednesday, September 30th at 2 p.m.

in the Richland County boardroom of the courthouse.

The agenda for the upcoming session focuses on several critical discussion and action items committee members will review the September 28 municipalities meeting and discuss ongoing township resolutions.

Additionally, the committee is scheduled to work on updating the Frequently Asked Questions document, review a press release, and outline next steps for the district formation process.

This October, the Richland Hospital and Clinics is taking significant steps to prioritize women's breast health during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

As part of their annual Who Is Your Pink For?

Get Screened For You For Them campaign, the healthcare provider will offer accessible walk-in screening mammograms every Thursday throughout the month from 10 a.m.

to 6 p.m.

The initiative is designed to remove barriers to routine health checks.

Women aged 40 and older who are at least 12 months past their previous screening are eligible to participate without needing an advance appointment or pre-authorization.

Participants are simply asked to present their insurance card and the name of their primary care provider.