Today is October 2nd.
These are today's vital statistics.
Margaret Peggy Ryan, 78 of Richland Center, died Sunday, September 27th.
Services will be held at a later date.
Syme Funeral Home in Reedstown is serving the family.
Margaret Peggy Ryan, 78 of Richland Center.
Carolyn Josephine Janney Freeman 102 of Richland Center died Wednesday, September 2nd at Schmidt Woodland Hills.
A celebration of life 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, visitation will be held Saturday at the Pratt Memorial Chapel from 9.30 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.
Carolyn Josephine Janney Freeman 102 of Richland Center.
Joseph, Joe, B. McEvec, 92 of Muscadade Friday, September 25th, peacefully in his sleep.
Funeral services will be held at 12 noon Saturday, October 10th at St.
John the Baptist Catholic Church in Muscadade.
Visitation will be held Friday, October 9th at the Pratt Funeral Home in Muscadade from 6 p.m.
until 8.30 p.m.
and again Saturday
October 10th from 11 a.m.
until 11 45 a.m.
Also at the Pratt Funeral Home in Muscaday.
Burial immediately following the funeral mass will be held at St.
John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery in Muscaday.
A luncheon will be served after the burial at St.
John the Baptist Catholic School Gymnasium next to the church.
Joseph Joe B. McEvec, 92 of Muscaday.
Friday's roundup.
Richland Hospital, Badgerland, Florine, Cardinal Glass CG, Crystal Clean Storage, and Reedsburg Farmers Cooperative.
Join Hank and Phil for Friday laughter bigger than a raccoon in a snack aisle.
We've got cooking with Hank, where recipes are more of a suggestion and the smoke alarm is basically a sous chef.
That's just a bad choice.
And don't miss the word of the day.
Freshly invented on the spot by Hank with zero approval process.
Wrap up your week with chaos and just enough nonsense to make Monday nervous.
Good morning young man.
How are you doing huge weekend?
Oh, there he is awesome weather Yes, oh much much better than a
couple of weeks ago, and
we're gonna be woods kicked off already.
Well this morning they will be wheels of time my goodness rocking him ranch Salt Weeders salt was that's gonna hurt me
the store in Salt Weedle Store.
Salt Weedle Store.
Isn't that amazing?
That is absolutely amazing.
Yeah, that's awesome.
What else is there?
There's all kinds of stuff going on.
The 40th anniversary of those were the days going on.
Oh, that's right.
The Canyon.
Yeah.
The Canyon of lights going on.
Just amazing.
Big Duens and Boas.
Boa.
Yes.
Yes.
It's absolutely amazing.
What's going on?
What else have I missed?
I probably lots, but
you know,
every, every direction there's something
going on.
this weekend.
I didn't get invited to any of them.
No,
no.
Well, you're supposed to come tomorrow
night, but you want me behind stage and not seen.
Right.
Exactly.
Stay, stay back there.
Henry, uh, uh, hold this curtain
rope for six hours.
Right.
Yes, sir.
Don't, don't drop it.
I won't drop it.
Anyway.
Uh, did, and you were, where were you at last night?
Rachel center
volleyball.
How did that
go?
Good.
Yeah.
It was nice.
All three sets were really close.
Rachel center one of them.
All right.
They were very right down to the wire.
What times you get home?
Um, about nine, 15, nine,
20, somewhere in that area.
So good for you.
You got, you got your regular nights.
Better, better than some.
Better than most.
Yeah.
Yeah.
So remember last year, it was all five sets every, almost every time you went out.
I was the five set king.
Yes, you were.
Yeah.
Hey, and.
I found your WRCO flag.
Did you?
Yes.
Did you display that last night?
No, I did not, but
we
have it.
We'll have it displayed tomorrow night.
So it's a flag we bought
a couple of years
ago.
It's a really nice
one.
And I was blaming myself because, and I, you know, we hang it out at, at the ball games and offense that we do.
And I thought, man, where did, how could I be so absent minded to leave that?
Right.
And you, you beat yourself up all spring.
I thought it was river valley.
And I, I talked to Lauren Glassbringer there and I talked to the custodial staff.
No, oh, you haven't seen it.
What?
And then you come in yesterday and, oh yeah, it was in this bag.
from wrestling from wrestling.
I had a year and a
half ago.
It was, it was, it was from February.
Last year of this year.
I think it was last year.
No, because we brought, we took the printer down now with Kirk.
Remember, I was printing, uh, member of printer that we do from our phone.
Oh, maybe.
And, uh, it was in the very bottom of the bag, which I finally cleaned out,
finally cleaned out,
found some nuts and some granola bars, had some yogurt.
I blame myself for that peanut butter and sandwich, peanut butter sandwich, peanut butter and jelly sandwich was still in there.
Yeah.
And a jelly and peanut butter sandwich.
So right.
So was it good?
It was alright.
You know,
I could make some penicillin sandwiches.
I don't have to worry about getting sick for a while.
Well, exactly.
So anyway, speaking of which, wow, it's cooking with Hank, buddy.
What do you got?
What's your question of the day, though?
Do you read instructions before assembling something or only after?
Usually after things go wrong.
You know what?
I think a lot of people do.
Now it's not a man thing.
I think it's a woman thing too.
And the instructions are about the size of the Kleenex, you know, and you're like, yes,
you have to take a picture of it.
Yeah.
And then
three different languages again with English.
Yes.
Okay.
What is this?
And
then,
yeah.
I don't like it.
You know, I don't like it where they have English and then.
Arabic, aerobic, aerobic, aerobic, aerobic, aerobic, aerobic, aerobic, aerobic, aerobic, aerobic, aerobic, aerobic,
aerobic, aerobic, aerobic, aerobic, aerobic, aerobic, aerobic, aerobic, aerobic, aerobic, aerobic, aerobic, aerobic, aerobic, aerobic, aerobic, aerobic,
aerobic, aerobic, aerobic, aerobic,
aerobic, aerobic, aerobic, aerobic,
aerobic, aerobic, aerobic, aerobic, aerobic, aerobic, aerobic, aerobic, aerobic, aerobic, aerobic, aerobic,
aerobic, aerobic, aerobic, aerobic,
aerobic, aerobic, aerobic, aerobic, aerobic, aerobic, aerobic, aerobic, aerobic, aerobic, aerobic,
aerobic, aerobic, aerobic, aerobic, aerobic,
aerobic, aerobic, aerobic, aerobic, aer
It
wasn't
I wasn't probably gonna put it together.
So
you wouldn't I'm glad you did.
Yeah.
All right.
Here we go, buddy Oh here you might be from peerage Philip and remember the mule jumps coming up on October 16 can't wait Yeah, you might be from peerage if mule jump weekend the circuit circled on the calendar before your anniversary.
Oh Yeah, that's not good.
That could be
yeah, right.
Yeah,
you're in trouble here Hillbilly
Hillbilly cooking today, buddy.
I've got something that you're going to love, and this is really good.
Now, I do say I made this at 2.30 in the morning.
It's actually made the night before, and I just heated it
up.
Oh, leftovers.
Leftovers.
But I'm going to say that I'm making this at 2.30, but this is really, really good.
All right.
So it's Hillbilly Loaded Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole.
Oh.
So here we go.
Because sometimes breakfast needs enough horsepower to pull a hay wagon.
Here's what you need.
A pound of breakfast sausage, a pound of bacon,
Diced up.
Eight to 10 eggs.
Sausage and bacon.
Oh yeah, don't go skimpy on this one.
Eight to 10 eggs or whatever the chicken lays to that week.
Okay.
One two pound bag of frozen taters, thawed.
Oh, taters.
Tater tots.
I forgot the tots, but tater tots, thawed.
A four ounce can of diced green chilies.
Oh,
all right.
I like putting the rotel in here, the mild stuff, because it has a little bit of diced, it is really, it adds an extra spunk.
It's not hot.
use the mild.
Alright two cups of shredded cheese and cream gravy and don't get stingy with it.
Oh the cream gravy now you can make that from your sausage grease and it'd be sausage gravy and it is.
Good.
All right.
Here's what you do, Phil.
Heat the oven to 375 degrees and thaw out your tater tots.
If they're still frozen solid, give them a few minutes.
They've had a rough night, too.
Yeah, they have.
They've been cold all night.
Number two, brown one pound of breakfast sausages and a skillet.
Drain the grease.
Don't pour it down the sink unless you've been wanting a plumber to meet at 315 in the morning, because it will happen.
Fry up a whole pound of diced bacon into a pound of...
bacon dices up till it's crispy, yes a pound, and a pound of sausage.
The recipe wasn't approved by anybody wearing a stethoscope.
I'm worried about your drain and your arteries.
They're all going to be clogged.
Spread your tater tots across the bottom of a bacon dish.
Add the sausage, bacon, and green chilies.
Try to spread the meat evenly.
You don't want Uncle Earl getting one piece of bacon and starting a family argument before sunrise.
I hate
that.
Earl's always argumentative.
Crack the eight to 10 eggs into a bowl, whisk them up and pour them over everything.
How many eggs?
It depends how many survived the trip from the refrigerator to the counter, okay?
Cover the whole operation with two cups of shredded cheese.
Now, you can get fancy with the cheese, all right?
You can put, oh, the pepper jack, if you want shredded pepper jack, or whatever kind of cheese that you want.
You like provolone, but do you not?
Yes.
But you can also shred that as well.
Very, very good.
You can put two or three different kinds of cheese.
That way it makes sure your arteries stay clogged.
Yeah,
right.
Long as something else.
Yeah.
It's a here.
The recipe says two cups, but your heart says just keep going, especially if you live in Wisconsin.
Keep going, all right.
Number seven, bake for about 45 to 60 minutes until the eggs are cooked and the cheese is melted.
This gives you plenty of time to stand in front of the oven, staring through the little window like you're watching the Super Bowl.
the winner number and here is pull it out and cover the top with warm cream gravy how much gravy you ask well until you can no longer identify the individual ingredients and there you have it
Here's your, here's your hillbilly chef's tip, Phillip.
Make sure the sausage and bacon are tucked between the tater tots.
So every scoop gets a little bit of everything.
And if somebody asks whether this casserole is healthy, tell them absolutely it's got green chilies in it.
Yes it does.
And that's a veggie.
Yeah, veggie.
Sounds
pretty good Hank.
It's really, really good.
Yeah, it really does.
This serves eight, six to eight normal people or about three fellows like me.
Yeah, exactly.
Serving sizes, that's debatable, right?
Yeah, but it's really, really good.
It sounds like it.
Full of protein.
Yeah, that gravy,
just good.
Oh, that gravy is good.
And you can make anything good with tater tots.
Yes,
you can.
Right.
So, but it's really, really, and it's just something different besides a hash brown.
Oh yeah,
so.
Oh,
I like hash browns too.
Yeah.
What do you got from you?
You got some logic going on today?
Maybe.
It's time for Poro Grandpa Phil's
Attic Logic.
sponsored by Salt Weedle Store in downtown Casanova since 1946.
Happy 80th to
Salt Weedle
Store!
They'll be celebrating tomorrow in Cas starting at 2.
and bring a dish to pass.
Maybe
you could
take your Hillsborough, what did you, no Hillsborough, your Hillbilly.
Hillbilly casserole.
Your Hillbilly casserole with gravy as a dish to pass.
Just to
let
people know this, this recipe is online.
So go get it.
Wonderful.
Go out there.
Grandpa Phil's logic, you're cruising for a bruise.
Ooh.
That's no good,
Phil.
Mr.
Yes,
Mr. So you're pushing back, you know, and the parent warning, keep doing what you're doing.
And there are going to be consequences,
right?
Yeah, with, right.
Yeah, with,
with everything.
My dear mother used to say, I'm going to crown you.
Yes, that's not good.
Jim, I'm going to crown that kid.
I was, I thought it was royalty.
It's King Philip.
King Philip.
I should have crowned
you.
I should have crowned you.
Where the
other one was, you're going to go sit in the car.
Yes.
And I'd be like, well, can I have the keys,
listen
to the radio?
No.
Oh man.
That's not fun.
I'm looking at working on my future.
I want to listen to the radio.
Yeah.
You know?
They never looked at it like that.
They never
looked at it like that.
We, you, you, we, you spend our hard earning milk check on what?
On that?
Yeah.
That's a great line.
Oh, the word of the week here sponsored by Oakwood Fruit Farm and appreciation days.
Cantaloupe.
Cantaloupe.
Yep, here we go.
Oh, cantaloupe.
Her daddy took the truck keys.
Oh, man.
It's tough being me.
Go sit in the car.
Go sit in the car, Phil.
Cantaloupe.
Should have crowned you.
Cantaloupe feels in there.
Have a great day.
Everybody be kind and get out and enjoy some great activities this weekend.
Good morning, everyone.
For WRCO News, I'm Todd Copernall, 42 degrees and sunny in Richland Center right now.
In the news this morning, Madison police have arrested a 17 year old driver in connection with a traffic accident that caused the death of Peter Crook of Bear Valley, September 24th.
Crook was struck by a vehicle as he was working on Flaum Road in Madison.
The driver left the scene as did a second vehicle.
The two drivers appeared to be racing one another.
One of them was seen driving in the opposing lane of traffic at the time of the crash.
Both drivers later came forward and were interviewed by Madison police.
The teen faces charges of second-degree reckless homicide and hidden run involving death.
The second teen was also arrested and will face a felony charge of recklessly endangering safety.
Following an exciting week of homecoming celebrations across the River Valley School District, local officials and school administrators are reflecting on both the success of student activities and several concerning incidents in the community.
While students participated in dress-up days, a school fair, a pep rally, the Friday night football game and the homecoming dance, joint leadership from the River Valley School District and the Spring Green Police Department,
felt it necessary to address recent safety and property concerns.
During the festivities, the Spring Green Police Department responded to multiple reports of property damage and disruptive behavior throughout the area.
These included damage to and theft of political signs, significant damage to a local resident's custom garage door, reports of individuals using Orbeez or Airsoft guns against participants,
in toilet-papering activities, repeated doorbell ringing of private residences and instances of residences and vehicles being egged.
Officials expressed heightened concern regarding students wearing masks while trespassing on private property, pointing out that homeowners encountering unidentified masked individuals could perceive a threat and react defensively, creating potentially dangerous situations.
Although many of these actions may have been intended as harmless pranks or traditions, community leaders stress that intent does not mitigate the distress, fear, and damage caused to local residents, many of whom have no connection to the school.
In response to the rise in vandalism and disruptive pranks, the River Valley School District and the Spring Green Police Department announced plans to propose a curfew adjustment to the Spring Green Village Board.
The proposed curfew change would apply to individuals aged 17 and under during next year's homecoming celebrations.
Both organizations expressed appreciation to the community for their ongoing support and cooperation in ensuring student safety and community respect.
Legal counsel representing Democratic candidate Rebecca Cook has issued a formal cease and desist letter to incumbent U.S.
Representative Derek Van Orden demanding an immediate halt to the creation and dissemination of artificial intelligence generated deep fake videos targeting her campaign.
The legal notice cites a pattern of deceptive social media posts published by the Van Orden campaign in recent months.
According to Cook's legal team, these synthetic media clips manipulate her likeness to fabricate statements and falsely represent her policy positions on critical issues.
The formal demand highlights a specific video posted to Van Orden's official X account.
On August 4th, the video depicts an AI-generated image of Cook speaking at a campaign event with former President Biden seated behind her, attributing statements to her regarding illegal immigration and healthcare that her team states she never made.
Ms.
Cook never made the statements attributed to her.
She does not support and has never supported the positions described to her in this deep fake Cook's legal counsel wrote in the letter, emphasizing that the posts are intended to deceive voters and damage her reputation for political gain.
Addressing the situation directly, Cook criticized the use of deep-fake technology as an attempt to avoid meaningful debate on the issues impacting Wisconsin residents.
She pointed out the irony of using AI technology generated by data centers, a key policy topic in the district to produce deceptive campaign material.
Wisconsin deserves a member of Congress that tells the truth not only about his own record, but the incredibly difficult time so many families, farms, and working people are going through right now, Cook said in a statement.
We need leaders who are rooted in reality.
The Cook campaign indicated it will continue monitoring Van Orden's social media channels and communications, reserving the right to pursue further legal remedies should the defamatory conduct persists ahead of election day.
Under the Harvest Moon is the theme of this year for Richland Center Color Fest being held this weekend, Friday through Sunday.
A wide variety of events and activities are being held throughout the community, including the 43rd Annual Wheels of Time Truck and Tractor Show, which will be held today and tomorrow from 8 to 5 and Sunday from 8 to 3 at the Richland County Fairgrounds.
Along with classic tractors and trucks that display, there will be a truck drive Friday at 9 o'clock.
Saturday will feature a tractor and ATV drive at 9 o'clock, threshing at 12.30 and a parade at 4 o'clock.
Sunday, Cowboy Church will be held at 8.30 and threshing will be at 12.30.
There will also be food by the 4-H, 8-C-C-P pie stand, youth exhibit for under 16 and silent auction.
Oakwood Fruit Farm will be holding customer appreciation days.
During the event, Wisconsin-Vietnam Vets Chapter 7 will have a food stand today through Sunday from 10 a.m.
until 3 p.m.
each day.
And Oakwood Fruit Farm will be offering special sampling tomorrow and Sunday from 9 to 5.
The Friendship Quilters Guild Annual Quilt Show will be held tomorrow from 10 to 4 and Sunday from 10 to 3 at Schmidt-Willin Hills and Richland Center in the second floor activities room.
Enjoy beautiful quilts on display created by Guild members.
Items created will be available for purchase.
Admission is free.
The UW Richland Alumni Association Fall Brunch honoring five outstanding alumni will be held tomorrow at 11 o'clock at the Phoenix Center.
The Wild Hills Winery Grape Stomp will be tomorrow from noon to seven.
The event will feature a Grape Stomp contest, live music, wood-fired pizzas,
and vendor displays.
The Those Were The Days Live radio show will be tomorrow night from 6 until 9 at the Richland Center City Auditorium.
Come celebrate 40 years with host Phil Knee and be a part of the live broadcast featuring special musical guests and trivia.
Concessions will be available with proceeds from sales going to the Auditorium Restoration Project.
The 2026 Canyon of Lights Parade will be held tomorrow night at 7 o'clock in downtown Richland Center.
The parade will follow the same route as last year.
All veterans of our military organizations along with non-organization members still serving.
or those who have served in good standing are encouraged to join in leading with the colors in the parade.
Line up no later than 6.45, also the Chapter 7 troop carrier will be at American Legion post 13.
For veterans needing a ride who cannot march in the parade, please arrive prior to 6.30 at the American Legion.
The A.D.
German warehouse in Richland Center tours will be held Sunday at 11 o'clock, noon, one,
and two tickets can be purchased at the door.
You can find information about these events online at greaterrichlandtourism.com.
The Wisconsin Department of Administration has officially opened applications for the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program as the state prepares for the upcoming heating season.
Department Secretary Kathy Blumenfeld
highlighted the importance of the program, encouraging residents in need of help with their energy bills to apply promptly to secure support before colder weather arrives.
State officials estimate that approximately 170,000 households will receive financial aid through the program this season.
Program benefits are paid directly to energy utilities and fuel suppliers to help offset home heating and power expenses.
Qualification for the program is determined by household size,
total income and overall energy costs, with eligibility capped and households earning 60% or less of the state median income level.
For example, a single person household can qualify with an annual income up to $39,864, while a family of four can earn up to $76,661 annually.
In addition to regular bill relief, the program offers year-round crisis assistance, emergency furnace and water heater repairs, and home weatherization services based on individual household needs.
Wisconsin residents interested in applying can submit their applications online through the state's Energy Benefit Portal.
Applications are also accepted by phone or mail through local energy assistance agencies which can be located by calling the toll-free hotline at 866-HEAT-WISS or checking the interactive coverage map on the Department of Administration website.
Badger Honor Flight will launch its 68th mission Saturday, October 3, taking off from Dane County Regional Airport in Madison to carry 86 veterans from South Central Wisconsin on a chartered, day-long VIP trip to Washington, D.C.
The flight will honor veterans whose service spans from the Korean War through the global war on terrorism, giving them the opportunity to visit the National Memorial's built-in recognition of their service and sacrifice.
The flight roster includes two Korean war veterans, three who served in both Korea and Vietnam, 71 Vietnam war-era veterans, two spanning Vietnam through Lebanon and Grenada, six serving from Vietnam through Desert Storm, one spanning Vietnam through the global war on terrorism, and one who served during the Lebanon and Grenada conflicts.
Activities begin early.
at the Dane County Regional Airport main terminal ground floor with a public welcome and send-off scheduled for 5 a.m.
Following a full-day touring memorials across the nation's capital, the veterans will return for a community welcome home celebration at 8.30 p.m.
As a 100% volunteer-run organization and Wisconsin hub of the National Honor Flight Network,
Badger Honor Flight operates each mission at an approximate cost of $145,000 funded through community support, donor generosity, media partnerships, and volunteer dedication.
96 cents of every dollar raised directly supports Flight Day activities.
Since its inaugural flight on April 17, 2010, the organization has flown more than 5,800 veterans, and its upcoming November 7 flight will mark a major milestone with the inclusion of its 6,000th veteran.
Badger Honor Flight is currently actively recruiting veterans for flights in 2026 and 2027.
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 October 2nd.
These are today's vital statistics.
Margaret Peggy Ryan, 78 of Richland Center, died Sunday, September 27th.
Services will be held at a later date.
The Sime
Funeral Home in Reeds Town is serving the family of Margaret Peggy Ryan, 78 of Richland Center.
Mary Waslik, 76 of Casanovia died Wednesday, September 30th at the Sock County Health Care Center in Reedsburg.
Visitation for Mary will be held Friday, October 9th from 4 p.m.
until 7 p.m.
at the Casanovia Chapel.
The Farber Funeral Home in Reedsburg is assisting the family.
Mary is survived by her husband Kenneth, her children Terry Waslik and Jenny Meacham, Tracy and Larry Fanta, Kenneth Waslik, seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren.
Mary Waslik, 76 of Casanovia.
Carolyn Josephine Janney Freeman 102 of Richland Center died Wednesday, September 2nd at Schmitwolden 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.
Memorials in Carolyn's Memory can be made to the Town and Country Presbyterian Church, Schmidt-Wilin Hills Foundation Scholarship Fund, or the Myra Tony Pine River School Restoration Handicap Accessible Project.
Carolyn is survived by her children, Sherry and Larry Kwame, Jean and John Hopkins, and Vicki and Jerry Wisniewski.
Seven grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews.
Carolyn Josephine Janney Freeman, 102 of Richland Center.
Joseph
Joe B. McEvec, 92 of Muscaday, died Friday, September 25th, peacefully in his sleep.
Funeral services will be held at 12 noon Saturday, October 10th at St.
John the Baptist Catholic Church in Muscaday.
Visitation will be held Friday, October 9th at the Pratt Funeral Home in Muscaday from 6 p.m.
until 8 30 p.m.
And again, Saturday, October 10th from 11 a.m.
until 11 45 a.m.
Also at the Pratt Funeral Home in Muscaday.
Burial immediately following the funeral mass will be held at St.
John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery in Muscaday.
A luncheon will be served after the burial at St.
John the Baptist Catholic School Gymnasium next to the church.
Joe is survived by his siblings Donald and Sandra McEvec and Anna Marie Fuller, his children Debra and Jose Lucas Nader, Susan and Bill Rogers, Barbara and Terry Pliner, Lisa and Thomas Buell, Nancy and Mark Kramer, and Joseph and Caitlin McEvec.
Fourteen grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, Joseph
Joe B. McEvec, 92 of Muscat A.
State Representative Tony Kurtz of Wonnewock is warning state officials and the public against fast-tracking regulatory approvals for Mid-Continent Grid Solutions Wisconsin LLC's proposed Bell Center, Columbia, Sugar Creek, Illinois, Wisconsin State Line, Becky Transmission Line.
The initiative represents one of the largest transmission line projects ever proposed in Wisconsin, yet MGS is seeking exemptions from historical oversight rules and statutory utility regulations.
in a recent release titled, Don't Short Circuit Oversight on the Becky Project.
Representative Kurtz emphasized that MSG's request to operate under a unique regulatory framework could permanently alter how transmission utilities are regulated in the state.
Existing utility providers have adhered to standard public utility rules for decades, allowing a new entrant to operate under special exemptions, risks establishing a precedent where future developers demand similar relief, effectively making relaxed oversight the new standard.
A central concern raised by CURDS involves MGS's request to be exempt from portions of the Wisconsin Utility Holding Company Act.
Critics note that removing these provisions limits the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin's authority over the ownership structures behind state utilities.
Kurds highlighted that these laws were established specifically to maintain public accountability, safeguard consumer interests, and ensure proper regulation when entities seek to acquire land easements for critical power infrastructure.
Rather than treating the developer's request as a simple legal dispute, Kurtz framed the issue as a broader policy decision over who controls the rules governing Wisconsin's transmission system.
He called on the PSC to hold full, transparent public hearings, complete with expert testimony and community input, to thoroughly evaluate what regulatory authority could be lost before any precedent is set.
According to Kurtz, any company seeking the benefits of public utility status must be held to the same standards of oversight and transparency as every other utility in the state.
The Richland School District Board of Education has officially cancelled the special school board meeting that was originally scheduled for Monday, October 5th.
As a result of this cancellation, no meeting or proceedings will take place on this date.
The agenda items previously scheduled, including the closed session deliberations regarding pupil expulsion hearings, will not take place.
Further announcements regarding any rescheduled dates or future meetings will be provided by the Richland School District as necessary.
In his most recent weekly e-update, Senator Howard Markline discussed what he called missed opportunities in the most recent legislative session.
One major focus was giving municipalities local control over large-scale wind and solar developments through Senate Bill 3, which would require local approval before State Public Service Commission authorization.
Additionally, conservation efforts faced a setback when funding for the long-standing Knowles Nelson Stewardship Program was allowed to expire.
Economic measures also stalled, including a proposed bipartisan surplus agreement aimed at providing tax rebates, eliminating taxes on tips and overtime, cutting property taxes, and boosting K-12 special education funding.
Other unpassed legislation addressed workforce and healthcare challenges, Senate Bill 170 sought to alleviate staffing shortages by allowing retired public employees to re-enter the workforce part-time without forfeiting retirement benefits.
Meanwhile, Senate Bill 203 aimed to reform pharmacy benefit manager practices to protect local pharmacies and curb rising prescription drug costs.
proponents plan to reintroduce these initiatives in the upcoming legislative session.
As an aside on that, Senator Mark Lane is the third elected official that has used the term formacy benefit manager in my presence in the last few weeks.
United States Senator Tammy Baldwin said those words when she was in town and assembly, state assembly person
Jenna Jacobson, who of course is Senator Markline's opponent in the upcoming Senate election for Senate District 17.
Also in my presence within the last few days, referred to pharmacy benefit managers, essentially middlemen in the supply chain for pharmaceuticals.
And in my experience, when you hear both major parties at both the state and federal level referencing the same issue,
That's going to go somewhere.
Stick that in your memory bank.
Let's see what that leads to.
The Richland County Executive and Finance Standing Committee and the Richland County Campus Reconfiguration Committee will convene for a joint meeting on Monday, October 5th at 5 p.m.
in the Richland County boardroom at the courthouse in Richland Center.
A central item on the agenda is a presentation by the City of Richland Center detailing plans for the future of the campus property.
Following open deliberations, the committees are scheduled to enter a closed session pursuant to Wisconsin statute to negotiate and deliberate potential terms for the sale of the campus property.
Any formal action resulting from the closed session will be taken after returning to open session.
Legal counsel representing Democratic candidate Rebecca Cook has issued a formal cease and desist letter to incumbent U.S.
Representative Derek Van Orden, demanding an immediate halt to the creation and dissemination of artificial intelligence-generated deep fake videos targeting her campaign.
The legal notice cites a pattern of deceptive social media posts published by the Van Orden campaign in recent months, according to Cook's legal team.
These synthetic media clips manipulate her likeness to fabricate statements and falsely represent her policy positions on critical issues.
The formal demand highlights a specific video posted on Van Orden's official X account on August 4th.
The video depicts an AI-generated image of Cook speaking at a campaign event with former President Biden seated behind her.
Attributed statements, attributing statements to her regarding legal, illegal immigration and healthcare that her team states she never made.
Ms.
Cook never made the statements attributed to her.
She does not support and has never supported the positions ascribed to her in this deep fake Cook's legal counsel wrote in the letter, emphasizing that the polls were intended to deceive voters and damage her reputation for political gain.
Addressing the situation correctly, Cook
criticized the use of deep fake technology as an attempt to avoid meaningful debate on the issues impacting Wisconsin residents.
She pointed out the irony of using AI technology generated by data centers, a key policy topic in the district to produce deceptive campaign material.
Wisconsin deserves a member of Congress that tells the truth not only about his own record, but the incredibly difficult time so many families, farms, and working people are going through right now.
Cook said in a statement, we need leaders who are rooted in reality.
The Cook campaign indicated it will continue monitoring Van Orden's social media channels and communications, reserving the right to pursue further legal remedies should the defamatory conduct persist ahead of election day.
Madison police have arrested a 17 year old driver in connection with a traffic accident that caused the death of Peter Crook of Bear Valley,
September 24th.
Crook was struck by a vehicle as he was working on Flaum Road in Madison.
The driver left the scene as did a second vehicle.
The two drivers appeared to be racing one another.
One of them was seen driving in the opposing lane of traffic at the time of the crash.
Both drivers later came forward and were interviewed by Madison police.
The teen faces charges of second-degree reckless homicide and hit and run involving death.
The second team was also arrested and will face a felony charge of recklessly endangering safety.
Following an exciting week of homecoming celebrations across the River Valley School District, local officials and school administrators are reflecting on both the success of student activities and several concerning incidents in the community.
While students participated in dress-up days,
a school fair, a pep rally, the Friday night football game and the homecoming dance, joint leadership from the River Valley School District and the Spring Green Police Department felt it necessary to address recent safety and property concerns.
During the festivities, the Spring Green Police Department responded to multiple reports of property damage and disruptive behavior throughout the area.
These included damage to and theft of political signs, significant damage to a local resident's custom garage door, reports of individuals using Orbeez or Airsoft guns against participants in toilet papering activities, repeated doorbell ringing at private residences and instances of residences and vehicles being egged.
Officials expressed heightened concern regarding students wearing masks while trespassing on private property, pointing out that homeowners encountering unidentified masked individuals could perceive a threat and react defensively, creating potentially dangerous situations.
Although many of these actions may have been intended as harmless pranks or traditions,
Community leaders stress that intent does not mitigate the distress, fear, and damage caused to local residents, many of whom have no connection to the school.
In response to the rise in vandalism and disruptive pranks, the River Valley School District and the Spring Green Police Department announced plans to propose a curfew adjustment to the Spring Green Village Board.
The proposed curfew change would apply to individuals aged 17 and under during the 2027 homecoming celebrations.
Both organizations expressed appreciation to the community for their ongoing support and cooperation in ensuring student safety and community respect.
The Transportation Coordinating Committee of Richland County has scheduled a public hearing to gather community feedback regarding its application for the 2027 Specialized Transportation Assistance Program grant.
The hearing will take place Wednesday, October 7th at 2.30 p.m.
Attendees can participate in person in conference room A, B at the Community Services Building, or join virtually via Microsoft Teams.
The meeting agenda will commence with calling the public hearing to order, followed by an overview of the program's purpose.
Members of the public will then have the opportunity to share their comments and input before the hearing is officially closed.
Governor Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
have selected 10 local dairy companies to receive funding through the 2027 Dairy Processor Grants Program.
This initiative helps processors modernize operations, introduce new products, and expand into broader markets, supporting the long-term sustainability of Wisconsin's dairy industry.
Since launching in 2014, the Dairy Processor Grant Program has awarded $4.2 million across 158 proposals to meet high demand from state facilities.
To further assist the industry the 2025-27 biennial budget allocated an additional $800,000 to the program bringing its total biennial budget to $1.2 million.
For $2,027,600,000 is available offering up to $50,000 per project with a required 20% match from recipients.
Among the latest round of recipients are foremost farms USA for wastewater modernization, old country farms co-op for a new line of Hispanic cheeses, and upland cheese for a farm store expansion.
Applications for the next cycle of 2027 dairy processor grants are open through November 3rd.
Beyond processor grants, state efforts to bolster the $116 billion agricultural economy, include funding for the Wisconsin Initiative for Agricultural Exports, $150 million for the Agricultural Roads Improvement Program, and investments in food security, meat processing, and soil and water conservation initiatives.
Enjoy a great night of country music when recording artist Wilson Fairchild take the stage tomorrow night at 7 o'clock at the River Arts Center in Prairie du Sac.
The concert is a benefit for the World Craneo Foundation.
Host and event organizer Jack Akola is a former patient of the
foundation.
scrub nurse for one of the best doctors in the world on craniofacial surgery.
So one thing went to another back there and I ended up getting the six surgeries with the help of the World Craniofacial Foundation in 1986 to 88 and they changed my life.
I still get a little choked up about it.
I was sharing that with a minister not more than an hour ago and I still get choked up a little bit because it turned out to be what I like to call my life's miracle.
So
I'm trying to pay back, not pay back, but pay forward, I guess we use.
So whatever I can raise for the foundation, I have to do it.
I know it'll change someone's life and they definitely change mine.
If you are not familiar with Wilson Fairchild, they are the sons of Don and Harold Reed of the legendary Statler Brothers.
That was just walking a few minutes ago from having seen this minister and I saw a lady walking with a dog and I told her about the concert and she was unaware of it.
She said she liked the old country stuff and this is also what the Statenbrothers do is the older stuff.
They've got their own shares but they do a lot of their dad's songs that they can.
When they were here
six years ago, there was still a legal issue, I guess, between what they could use the Statler Brother name, but now it's been remedied, and I guess Don loosened up on that, and Harold had passed away with some health problems.
They're good guys, and I did have a nice chat with them six years ago.
Wilson Fairchild will deliver an entertaining performance filled with incredible harmonies, heartfelt stories, and timeless music.
Tickets are $50 each and can be purchased at RiverArtsCenter.com.
Under the Harvest Moon is the theme this year for Richland Center Color Fest being held this weekend.
A wide variety of events and activities are being held throughout the community.
including the 43rd annual wheels of time truck and tractor show being held today through Sunday at the Ritzland County Fairgrounds.
Times of the event are today until 5 o'clock, tomorrow from 8 o'clock until 5 and Sunday from 8 until 3.
Along with classic tractors and trucks, there will be a display, there will be a tractor and ATV drive tomorrow morning at 9 o'clock.
Tomorrow will also feature threshing at 12.30 and a parade at 4 o'clock.
Sunday Cowboy Church will be held at 8.30 and threshing will be at 12.30.
There will also be food by the 4-H, an HCCP pie stand, a youth exhibit for under 16, and a silent auction.
Oakwood Fruit Farm will be holding customer appreciation days during the event.
Wisconsin-Vietnam Vets Chapter 7 will have a food stand today through Sunday 10 a.m.
to 3 p.m.
each day and Oakwood Fruit Farm will be offering special sample links tomorrow and Sunday from 9 to 5.
The Friendship Quilters Guild annual quilt show will be held tomorrow from 10 until 4 and Sunday from 10 to 3 at Schmidt-Wilden Hills and Richland Center in the second floor activities room.
Enjoy beautiful quilts on display created by Guild members.
Items created will be available for purchase admission is free.
The UW Richland Alumni Association Fall Brunch honoring five outstanding alumni will be held tomorrow at 11 o'clock at the Phoenix Center.
The Wild Hills Winery Grape Stop will be tomorrow from noon until seven.
The event will feature a grape stop contest, live music, wood-fired pizzas and vendor displays.
Those were the day's live radio show will be tomorrow night from 6 until 9 at the Richland Center City Auditorium.
Come celebrate 40 years with host Phil Neat and be a part of the live broadcast featuring special musical guests and trivia.
Concessions will be available with proceeds from sales going to the Auditorium Restoration Project.
The 2026 Canyon of Lights Parade will be held tomorrow night
at 7 o'clock in downtown Richland Center.
The parade will follow the same route as last year.
All veterans of our military organizations along with non-organization members still serving or those who have served in good standing are encouraged to join in leading with the colors in the parade.
Line up no later than 6.45.
Also, the Chapter 7 troop carrier will be at American Legion post 13.
For veterans needing a ride who cannot march in the parade, please arrive prior to 6.30 at the American Legion.
And the A.D.
German warehouse in Richland Center tours will be held Sunday at 11, noon, one and two.
Tickets can be purchased at the door.
You can find out more information about these events online.
at greaterrichlandtourism.com.
Reedsburg Area Medical Center has once again been recognized as one of the top healthcare employers in the country, securing impressive rankings at the 2026 Modern Health Care's Best Places to Work event on September 16th.
Marking its sixth time receiving a ranking on the prestigious list, RMC climbed to 35th place overall, an improvement from its 38th place position last year.
In addition to the main award, RMC earned top distinctions in two specialty categories, placing fourth for the Healthiest Organization Award and third for the Community Award.
The Healthiest Award celebrates healthcare organizations that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to supporting employee wellness and encouraging a healthy work-life balance.
Meanwhile, the Community Award highlights institutions that show exceptional dedication to public service and community engagement.
Human Resources Director Ryan Bowen emphasized that these awards carry special significance because they directly reflect the experiences, voices, and dedication of our AMC staff.
He noted that these honors highlight our AMC's vibrant workplace culture, strong wellness initiatives, and commitment to serving the surrounding community.
A group of U.S.
senators led by Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin has issued a formal warning to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Mark Wayne Mullen, demanding an immediate halt to actions that threaten to undermine public trust and state authority in the 2026 midterm elections.
The lawmakers expressed grave concerns over unsubstantiated allegations of non-citizen voter registration, threats to deploy federal law enforcement agents to polling places, and pressure placed on states to release sensitive voter roll data through flawed federal databases.
In addition to challenging the administration's rhetoric, the senators criticized new political conditions attached to federal emergency management agency security grants.
arguing that withholding essential funding risks community safety as political leverage.
They also highlighted serious allegations from a federal whistleblower regarding an improper, unlawful voter initiative within U.S.
citizenship and immigration services.
Calling for full transparency, the senators demanded that DHS immediately release withheld funds, provide supporting evidence for its voter claims, and cease all initiatives aimed at improperly
accessing state voter information.
The Wisconsin Department of Justice is officially partnered with a coalition of 25 states, counties, and municipalities to file a lawsuit against the federal government over its rollback of major power plant greenhouse gas restrictions.
The petition submitted to the U.S.
Court of Appeals for the District Court, the District of Columbia Circuit Court, directly challenges the Environmental Protection Agency's decision to dismantle the 2024 carbon pollution standards.
These federal regulations originally required strict operational parameters and carbon emission caps for coal and gas-fired generation plants nationwide.
Fossil fuel power facilities remain one of the nation's largest drivers of climate pollution, accounting for nearly 25% of domestic carbon dioxide emissions.
According to the Petitioning Coalition, rolling back these rules will trigger measurable spikes in harmful air pollutants, intensifying public health risks and severe weather disasters, such as localized flooding and unprecedented heat.
Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Call strongly criticized the EPA's deregulation, arguing that federal agencies must prioritize public safety and environmental health over the commercial interests of fossil fuel producers.
The state has also issued a formal notice of intent to sue the EPA over its ongoing delay in establishing standard performance metrics for existing natural gas-fired infrastructure.
Every educational journey comes in its own unique rhythm, but few examples illustrate the power of perseverance, quite like the story of Jenna Ingvalson.
Returning to Southwest Wisconsin Technical College at age 40, Ingvalson is redefining what it means to balance higher education with the demands of personal and family life.
As a dedicated mother of four, an active participant on the college's new women's club volleyball team and a student in the human services program,
Her everyday schedule demands extraordinary commitment and organization.
Ingval since ties to Southwest Tech run deep, having successfully earned her physical therapist assistant degree in 2021, she knew firsthand the support of culture and comprehensive academic help available on campus.
When she felt called to transition toward a new career path focused on mental health and recovery, returning to the familiar environment of Southwest Tech was a natural choice.
Her past positive experiences gave her the confidence needed to step back into
the classroom, while managing home life with children ranging from toddlers to young adults.
Navigating coursework, team practices, and family responsibilities requires seamless time management, but the rewards extend far beyond individual achievements.
For Ingvilsson, one of the most gratifying aspects of the journey is serving as a living example of dedication for her children.
by observing her study habits and enthusiasm for volleyball.
Her family sees that personal growth is a lifelong pursuit.
Her children take pride in her accomplishments and draw inspiration from watching their mother balance school work alongside her other duties.
Central to her success has been her willingness to embrace the wide array of campus resources.
From academic advising and tutoring at the Knox Learning Center to essential personal assistance provided by Katie's Cupboard, Ingelson actively utilizes the network of support designed to help students thrive.
She strongly advocates for normalizing the act of seeking assistance, emphasizing that taking advantage of available support services reflects strength and wisdom rather than hesitation.
Looking ahead, Ingvilsson plans to continue her studies at the University of Wisconsin-Plattville to earn a bachelor's degree in psychology.
Her ultimate goal is to work as a substance abuse counselor and integrate creative outlets like art therapy into group healing sessions.
Guided by her personal experiences with resilience and recovery, she remains eager to help others overcome life's challenges, demonstrating that with determination and community support, new beginnings are always within reach.
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 October 2nd.
These are today's vital statistics.
Margaret Peggy Ryan, 78 of Richland Center, died Sunday, September 27th.
Services will be held at a later date.
Syme Funeral Home in Reedstown is serving the family.
Margaret Peggy Ryan 78 of Richland Center.
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 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 Myrotony Pine River School Restoration Handicap Accessible Project.
Carolyn Josephine Janney Freeman 102
of Richland Center.
Mary Wastlik, 76 of Casanovia, died Wednesday, September 30th at the Sock County Health Care Center in Reedsburg.
A visitation for Mary will be held Friday, October 9th from 4pm until 7pm at the Casanovia Chapel.
The Farber Funeral Home in Reedsburg is assisting the family.
Mary Wastlik
76 of Casanovia.
Joseph Joe B. McEvac, 92 of Muscaday, died Friday, September 25, peacefully in his sleep.
Funeral services will be held at 12 noon, Saturday, October 10, at St.
John the Baptist Catholic Church in Muscaday.
Visitation will be held Friday, October 9th at the Pratt Funeral Home in Muscaday from 6 p.m.
until 8 30 p.m.
and again Saturday, October 10th from 11 a.m.
until 11 45 a.m.
Also at the Pratt Funeral Home in Muscaday.
Burial immediately following the funeral mass will be held at St.
John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery in Muscaday.
A luncheon will be served after the burial at St.
John the Baptist Catholic School Gymnasium next to the church.
Good evening everyone.
For WRCO News, I'm Todd Copernol.
State Representative Tony Kurtz is warning state officials and the public against fast-tracking regulatory approvals for Mid-Continent Grid Solutions Wisconsin LLC's proposed Bell Center, Columbia, Sugar Creek, Illinois-Wisconsin State Line, Becky Transmission Line.
The initiative represents one of the largest transmission line projects ever proposed in Wisconsin, yet MGS is seeking exemptions from historical oversight rules and statutory utility regulations.
In a recent release titled, Don't Short Circuit Oversight on the Becky Project, Representative Kurtz emphasized that MGS's request to operate under a unique regulatory framework could permanently alter how transmission utilities are regulated in the state.
Existing utility providers have adhered to standard public utility rules for decades.
Allowing a new entrant to operate under special exemptions risks establishing a precedent where future developers demand similar relief, effectively making relaxed oversight the new standard.
A central concern raised by Kurtz involves MGS's request to be exempt from portions of the Wisconsin Utility Holding Company Act.
Critics note that removing these provisions limits the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin's authority over the ownership structures behind state utilities.
Kurtz highlighted that these laws were established specifically to maintain public accountability, safeguard consumer interests, and ensure proper regulation when entities seek to acquire land easements for critical power infrastructure.
Rather than treating the developer's request as a simple legal dispute, Kurtz framed the issue as a broader policy decision over who controls the rules governing Wisconsin's transmission system.
He called on the PSC to hold full, transparent public hearings complete with expert testimony and community input to thoroughly evaluate what regulatory authority could be lost before any precedent is set.
According to Kurtz, any company seeking the benefits of public utility status must be held to the same standards of oversight and transparency as every other utility in the state.
The Richland School District Board of Education has officially canceled the special school board meeting that was originally scheduled for Monday, October 5th.
As a result of this cancellation, no meeting or proceedings will take place on this date.
The agenda items previously scheduled, including the closed session deliberations regarding pupil expulsion hearings, will not take place.
Further announcements regarding any rescheduled dates or future meetings will be provided by the Richland School District as necessary.
In his most recent weekly e-update, Senator Howard Markline discussed what he called missed opportunities in the most recent legislative session.
One major focus was giving municipalities local control over large-scale wind and solar developments through Senate Bill 3, which would require local approval before State Public Service Commission authorization.
Additionally, conservation efforts faced a setback when funding for the long-standing Knowles Nelson Stewardship Program was allowed to expire.
Economic measures also stalled, including a proposed bipartisan surplus agreement aimed at providing tax rebates, eliminating taxes on tips and overtime, cutting property taxes and boosting K-12 special education funding.
Other unpassed legislation addressed workforce and health care challenges.
Senate Bill 170 sought to alleviate staffing shortages by allowing retired public employees to re-enter the workforce part-time without forfeiting retirement benefits.
Meanwhile, Senate Bill 203 aimed to reform pharmacy benefit manager practices to protect local pharmacies and curb rising prescription drug costs.
Proponents plan to reintroduce these initiatives in the upcoming legislative session.
Legal counsel representing Democratic candidate Rebecca Cook has issued a formal cease and desist letter to incumbent U.S.
Representative Derek Van Orden demanding an immediate halt to the creation and dissemination of artificial intelligence generated deep fake videos targeting her campaign.
The legal notice cites a pattern of deceptive social media posts published by the Van Orden campaign in recent months, according to Cook's legal team.
These synthetic media clips manipulate her likeness to fabricate statements and falsely represent her policy positions on critical issues.
The formal demand highlights a specific video posted to Van Orden's official X account on August 4th.
The video depicts an AI-generated image of Cook speaking at a campaign event with former President Biden seated behind her, attributing statements to her regarding illegal immigration and healthcare that her team states she never made.
Ms.
Cook never made the statements attributed to her.
She does not support and has never supported the positions ascribed to her in this deep fake, Cook's legal counsel wrote in the letter, emphasizing that the posts are intended to deceive voters and damage her reputation for political gain.
Addressing the situation directly could criticize the use of deep-fake technology as an attempt to avoid meaningful debate on the issues impacting Wisconsin residents.
She pointed out the irony of using AI technology generated by data centers, a key policy topic in the district to produce deceptive campaign material.
Wisconsin deserves a member of Congress that tells the truth not only about his own record, but the incredibly difficult time so many families, farms, and working people are going through right now.
Cook sat in a statement.
We need leaders who are rooted in reality.
The Cook campaign indicated it will continue monitoring Van Orden's social media channels and communications, reserving the right to pursue further legal remedies, should the defamatory conduct persist,
ahead of election day.
Madison police have arrested a 17-year-old driver in connection with the traffic accident that caused the death of Peter Crook of Bear Valley, September 24th.
Crook was struck by a vehicle as he was working on Flaum Road in Madison.
The driver left the scene as did a second vehicle.
The two drivers appeared to be racing one another.
One of them was seen driving in the opposing lane of traffic.
at the time of the crash.
Both drivers later came forward and were interviewed by Madison Police.
The team faces charges of second-degree reckless homicide and hit and run involving death.
The second team was also arrested and will face a felony charge of recklessly endangering safety.
The Richland County Executive and Finance Standing Committee and the Richland County Campus Reconfiguration Committee will convene for a joint meeting Monday, October 5th at 5 p.m.
in the Richland County boardroom at the courthouse in Richland Center.
A central item on the agenda is a presentation by the City of Richland Center detailing plans for the future of the campus property.
Following open deliberations, the committees are scheduled to enter a closed session pursuant to Wisconsin statute to negotiate and deliberate potential terms for the sale of the campus property, including the discussion of a memorandum of understanding for the purchase of the property.
Any formal action resulting from the closed session will be taken after returning to open session.
The U.S.
Department of Agriculture is advancing efforts to support American energy and economic growth by streamlining the Rural Energy for America program.
Issued through the Rural Business Cooperative Service, a new final rule with a comment period aims to simplify application procedures, safeguard taxpayer funds, and mitigate administrative risks.
According to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, these updates restore integrity to REAP by ensuring projects deliver on their promised outcomes while focusing on sustainable rural energy development.
To ensure greater efficiency, REAP is transitioning to a single streamlined national competition process alongside an upcoming online application portal designed to reduce review times.
Under the revised guidelines, multi-location projects and certain specific technologies are no longer eligible.
Previously signed Form 1940-1 commitments will continue to be processed under applicable terms, while fiscal year assistance limits per entity remain strictly enforced.
Additional details on application windows will be released in annual program notices.
An interested applicant can consult their state energy coordinator or visit the official USDA Rural Development website for further guidance.
The Wisconsin Department of Justice has joined a multi-state coalition in challenging the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's recent decision to relax corporate average fuel economy standards.
The petition for review argues that the new regulations undermine congressional intent by failing to set standards at the maximum feasible level, effectively allowing fuel efficiency requirements to fall below recent historical baselines.
State officials emphasize that weaker fuel economy guidelines will directly impact consumers through increased costs at the pump while accelerating environmental degradation.
The legal filing contends that the federal government relied on flawed analytical models regarding vehicle affordability, fleet turnover, and safety, while simultaneously ignoring the presence of electric vehicles and current baseline projections and facing out key credit trading programs that support energy innovation.
The Transportation Coordinating Committee of Richland County
has scheduled a public hearing to gather community feedback regarding its application for the 2027 Specialized Transportation Assistance Program grant.
The hearing will take place Wednesday, October 7 at 2.30 p.m.
Attendees can participate in person in Conference Room A, B at the Community Services Building or join virtually via Microsoft Teams.
The meeting agenda will commence with calling the public hearing to order, followed by an overview of the program's purpose.
Members of the public will then have the opportunity to share their comments and input before the hearing is officially closed.
The Board of Directors and Leadership Team of the Richland Hospital and Clinics
Announce President-Chief Executive Officer Bruce Racler has shared plans to retire in April 2027, concluding 12 years of dedicated service to the organization and community.
TRHC Board of Directors Chair Ed Lineweber stated, we are deeply grateful for Bruce's years of service and leadership.
His commitment to rural health care and to the people of this community has left a lasting impact on our organization.
While we will have opportunities in the months ahead to celebrate his contributions, our focus today is on ensuring a smooth transition and maintaining the excellent care and service our community expects and deserves.
Throughout his tenure at the Richland Hospital and Clinics, Bruce has led with vision, collaboration, and a deep commitment to the communities served.
Under his leadership, the organization expanded services, strengthened provider recruitment, navigated the COVID-19 pandemic, and established key partnerships with UW Health, UW School of Medicine, Orient Initiative, and the Wisconsin High Value Network.
He also helped unify operations of the hospital and the former Richland Medical Center to create a more coordinated care experience.
These accomplishments represent just a few of the many lasting improvements achieved during Racler's tenure.
The Board of Directors has initiated a thoughtful and comprehensive process to guide the organization's leadership transition and identify the next Chief Executive Officer.
The Board is committed to selecting a leader who will continue advancing the mission while building upon the strong foundation established over the past decade under Racler's leadership.
Importantly, Racler will continue serving in his role throughout the search and transition process.
Once a successor is selected, he will remain actively engaged to ensure a smooth and thoughtful onboarding process, providing continuity for employees, providers, patients, and community partners.
Serving this organization and community has been one of the greatest privileges of my career.
While retirement will bring a new chapter for my family and me,
I remain fully committed to our employees, medical staff, patients, and community throughout this transition.
I have complete confidence in the future of this organization and look forward to supporting a successful handoff to our next leader.
Bruce Racler, Vital Statistics, right after this.