Wednesday News Roundup

Today is October 7th.

These are today's vital statistics.

Mary Waslik, 76 of Casanovia, died Wednesday, September 30th at the Salk County Health Care Center in Reedsburg.

A visitation will be held Friday, October 9th from 4 o'clock until 7 p.m.

at the Casanovia Chapel.

The Farmer Funeral Home in Reedsburg is assisting the family.

Mary Waslik, 76 of Casanovia.

Connie Jean McHelry 77 formerly of Richland Center died Sunday, October 4th.

A funeral mass will be held Saturday, October 24th at 11 a.m.

at St.

Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Richland Center with visitation from 10 a.m.

until the time of mass at 11.

Friends and family are invited to join the family.

for a time of gathering and a meal immediately following mass.

The family asked that memorials be directed in Connie's memory to continue the movement to end Alzheimer's.

The Clary Memorial Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Connie Jean McKellery, 77, formerly of Richland Center.

Margaret J. Peggy Ryan,

78 of Richland Center died Sunday, September 27 at Schmidt Woodland Hills following an extended illness.

Services will be held at a later date.

Margaret J. Peggy Ryan, 78 of Richland Center.

Julie Ann Ripley, 69 of Bear Valley died Wednesday, September 30 at Schmidt Woodland Hills.

Upon Julie's wishes, no formal funeral services will be held.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

The Clary Memorial Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.

Julie Ann Ripley, 69 of Bear Valley.

Victor Edward Jelenik, 75 of Webster City, Iowa, formerly of Richland Center, died Thursday, September 17.

Private family graveside services were held at the Calvary Cemetery in Webster City.

Victor Edward Jelenik, 75 of Webster City, Iowa, formerly of Richlander.

This concludes today's vital statistics.

It's the Midweek Roundup.

Wednesday's Roundup brought to you by Richland Hospital, Cardinal Glass EG, Badgerland Flooring, and by Julie Kieran State Farm.

Today, it's Henko or facto.

Hank's got the questions, and Phil, he's got the final say on whether it's fact or something cooked up over a cup of bad coffee.

Confidence?

Absolutely.

Accuracy?

That's where things get adventurous.

Play along and see if you can out-guess Phil, because the truth is out there, and Phil is doing his best to find it.

Wednesday's roundup, where factos, Hankos, and Phil, oh, collide.

It's time for the roundup Hey,

good morning young man, what's happening nothing much buddy nothing much

you yeah doing fine

I think I have a low chair here for you.

I gotta pump up the old

The old chair here.

Yeah.

Yeah, it's about time.

You got a raise.

Yeah, that's about

all

I'm gonna get lovers there on the left side.

So

there you are

right side here.

Oh, is it?

Okay.

I think they're different.

Anyway, how are you good?

You had a game last night?

Yeah, volleyball.

Did you

get some sleep?

Not as much

not as much.

Okay.

No went for last night.

Okay.

I last year I was the king of five.

Yes, you were.

I'm the king of four.

The

king of four.

Yeah, that's better than five.

Yeah, it is.

Yeah,

first sleep time.

Yeah, for sleep time.

Yeah, I know it was good.

It was close, competitive all the way.

So, Sir Valley gets the win.

Brewers, finally, the game finally ended after midnight.

So, there might be a few people groggy today that were up watching that, particularly.

Not me.

Or listening.

No, I didn't.

I went to bed.

I did some elementary football last night.

So, got to see Luke Fickle and his wife and kids.

Yeah, I heard that Luke Fickle was in basketball last night.

He was, huh?

Son's playing for Edgewood.

Edgewood, yeah.

In youth football.

So, yeah, cool.

Very nice.

He's really a tall man.

Yes.

So, and you can't really, yeah, but he's a really tall guy.

So, anyway, he didn't want nothing to do with me.

I don't know why that is.

Can't believe that.

I didn't.

Heard my feelings.

Yeah.

What

were you thinking you were going to get recruited?

Well, maybe, you know.

For the staff or something?

Yeah.

Maybe or probably not a player.

You know.

Not even a tackle on dumb and

probably not.

Oh, can talk to Mr. Ewing.

Maybe he can get me on.

Maybe.

Yeah, you got, we got connections

or connection.

Yeah.

So anyway, uh, any plans for the big night tonight?

Well, let me see.

I don't know.

I kind of wait for my, my agent to tell me what's going on.

Oh, but nothing yet.

Quite a few things going on here

today.

Oh

my goodness.

You are absolutely

swamp busy day.

Yes, you

are.

Well, let's guess.

Bella Lamb

is coming in, yeah, country music artist at 10 this morning.

And then you have interviews all day.

I

mean, yeah,

for upcoming shows and such.

So good luck to you,

buddy.

Absolutely.

Well, no, it keeps, keeps us hopping.

Well, it

keeps you busy.

So you don't have any time for like play or anything like

that.

No,

no.

And, you know, I mean, today would be a great day for lawn darts.

It would be a good day for that.

Chris Simons and I, you know, thinking about taking our show on the road, you know, he's the conductor and I'm the player.

Yeah, you, yeah, you might, um, yeah, find an agent for that one.

So you could sell out some places.

You think so?

Maybe.

Now that we have the PhD Latrine at the auditorium, you know, I mean, it's right where you need to be.

What kind of honors, where do you go with from there?

You can

only go down.

Your question of the day, if you could switch lives with a vegetable for a day, Phil,

Which one and why would it be?

You know, that's

a tough, tough question.

If you're

going to be a vegetable

for a day, what, which one would it be?

That'd be something in the sun, you know, maybe, maybe a tomato or, you know, which consider to bury.

Yeah, exactly.

Yeah.

We learned that, didn't we?

Yeah, so that's not a vegetable.

A potato would be underground, so probably.

I know, but you

can get the nap though.

Well, that's true too.

So if you're a tater, you can nap all day.

You have several eyes, but you couldn't see much because you're underground.

But you know, you can see those moles go by you.

Oh, that's true.

Yeah, how are the moles?

I haven't heard lately.

I haven't seen them lately.

Maybe they're out of the neighbors.

I've had I've sent them invite letters and stuff, but you know what?

There's just no grubs around things to just feed and

see okay?

Moles are going elsewhere as they

are buffet.

Yes as at this point Mm-hmm.

I have to put another application I gotta go see gotta go see Jeff and the gang down there.

So, huh?

Anyway, you might be from Arkansas, Phillip.

If your morning walks are just to the fridge.

I don't know if you have to be from Arkansas just for that.

Oh boy.

And probably your special fridge in the garage.

I don't have one anymore.

Don't you?

Do you have one in the years?

I do.

It's not plugged in.

Yeah.

Got to the point where it's like, you know, really, I'm not really using it.

Things that are in there get kind of rotten and moldy.

So just will unplug it.

Might as well

unplug

it.

Yeah.

Kind of like me rotting and molding.

Just unplugging.

Exactly.

Things, Phillip, that make older people happy.

You know, like filling the ice tray without spilling any water.

That's true.

It is true.

or do you have the old style of ice tray where you pull the lever?

No, I

don't.

Oh, the old metal one?

Yeah.

But those worked.

They did work.

Yeah.

They pinched your finger, too.

Yeah, it would crush the ice, too.

Yes, it would.

Hard to get a perfect cube.

Yeah, but I like crushed ice.

Do you?

Do you have ice maker home?

I'm trying to think.

Well, yes.

Yes, we do.

Don't say it's June.

It's not on the door.

It's up top.

No, we have it down.

Oh, down below.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Which we like that.

We like the freezer down the bottom

shelf.

Okay.

Yes.

So I have a side by side.

It's a little bit bigger.

Got it from town and country, but I love it.

The ice and water is in the door and it's usually set on crushed ice.

Right.

So we had water and crushed ice in the door for the previous refrigerator, and it didn't last that long.

All of a sudden the parts were quite expensive to fix it, so we didn't.

So the next refrigerator is like, yep, don't want one of those.

So

yeah, it's ice.

And they're a little, and they're kind of smaller ice

cubes, aren't they?

Yeah.

It makes

a lot

of ice.

Yeah, okay, yeah.

Or what about hearing the road construction is finally finished?

Oh!

Oh, now that we're going to have a party in November.

All this is done.

Yeah.

But those little small things that make our generations happy.

Right.

Right.

And you lose driveway.

So I was at quick trip, but I'm like, I'm going to go out this way over toward Darcy Tacos.

Well, I've been doing that for quite a while and I guess I can't.

You can't do that today.

Changes daily.

Yeah.

Oh, well, what else is going on?

Well, nothing.

I'm trying to find someone else.

when you, oh, I see, you know, little mini victories as you go.

I'm saying discovering the restaurant is not crowded.

Yes.

You know,

especially you don't have to wait in line.

Exactly.

That is a huge win for me because that is actually a deterrent for me.

Me too.

Me too.

But there's give and take.

If the restaurant is crowded, that means it's a good restaurant,

right?

People.

Yeah.

But there's good restaurants that you can catch in time or before the dinner rush or.

So

you got to be

an old person and you got to go like

at 430.

Correct.

Yeah.

But then he's the other old people.

They're like the same thing, you know, yeah, the same thought.

Right.

What do you do, Hank?

What exactly?

What do you do?

Um, here's one that I enjoy is seeing rain arrive when the garden or your grass needs it.

It's a huge like,

oh, that's

true.

Yeah.

I like, I enjoy that.

And the smell of rain coming in is good

too.

Oh, it, oh, it not, it not the best smell that fresh rain and

how about finding money in the

pocket of a coat.

Yes.

I was thinking about that this morning because I was, I had a little, I'm going to wonder if I left out, even a dollar, you're

going.

Yes.

Even a dollar.

Yes.

You know, that's a great win.

Right.

It is.

And this time of year when you're putting on your coat for the first time, maybe in a while.

Yes.

Yeah.

Um, putting a new sponge at the kitchen sink.

Oh, I

do.

Yeah, I like that.

That's a perfect thing.

Finding the perfect storage container.

Yes.

Or, or the lid.

I was going to say.

moreover, the lid.

Now, June has kind of learned to kind of keep them together, but it was always like every morning I'd be like, I got the container.

Okay.

This doesn't quite fit.

This one doesn't.

What the, so then I just take cellophane and put it over the top and go and go.

Yeah.

And she blames you cause there's no lid for it.

Right.

We just can't win.

What do you

do?

What do you do?

Yeah.

Just keep going.

So, um,

All snowflakes have six sides.

Is that Henko or

facto?

I think we've had that on the quizzes before.

I

think they do.

They do.

Their structure is a hexagonal due to water molecules.

Science is kind of stylish, Phil.

Hmm, did you know that?

No, I did not.

The moon smells like burnt gun powder.

Huh.

Henko, the moon smells like burnt gun powder.

Really?

It sounds wacky.

I'm going to say it's true.

It is true.

Astronauts supported this smell after returning to the lunar monogamy.

Yeah, I didn't know that.

That first time I've heard of that.

All right, here you go.

Here's your five questions.

Uh-oh.

All right, here.

Don't think you just have to answer.

You ready?

All right.

Window, seat, or aisle?

Oh, you mean on a plane?

Doesn't matter.

Oh.

Okay, on a plane, I'm gonna say aisle because I'm I'm not a real fan of flying.

I don't like to look out the window.

So I just can't

sleep pen or pencil Pen cake or pie pie sunrise sunset Sunset Shoes on or off in the

house off

see how mine are on

But I have bad feet so I wear orthotics.

If I go too long without wearing my shoes or orthotics, it hurts.

Is your gas tank usually full or empty?

My gas tank is usually about half full.

Kind of like we are.

A lot of times, yeah.

Do you name your vehicles?

Well, you know, we really have them, but last week, Vinnie the Vibe was suggested.

Oh, that's not a bad name at all.

That might stick.

Vinnie the Vibe.

Vinnie the Vibe.

Yeah.

I actually like Vinnie.

Yeah.

See, my little car is named the Silver Fox.

The Silver Fox.

Yeah.

Which is not silver though, is it?

It's great.

It's okay.

Yeah, the Silver Fox.

Silver

Fox.

Yeah.

Do you use your turn signal and an empty parking lot?

Probably out of habit.

I found myself doing that.

Sometimes, you know, I got a gravel road somewhere.

Turning out your car.

Turning

out your driveway.

Wait a minute.

Oh, yeah.

That's

just

habit.

Do you clean your car before taking it to the mechanic?

Well, somewhat.

I'm going to say I have to do it.

Okay.

Yeah.

In case they have to open the passenger door for something.

They want stuff falling out.

Yeah.

That's sad.

Yeah.

It is sad.

Yeah.

To ask my wife about that.

How long can the check engine lights stay on before you actually worry?

Well, I tell you what, sometimes the vibe has several lights on.

Cause it's got, it's got one, like a, it's got like a seatbelt light that stays on

that.

And I had it checked out and it's like, no, it's some

sensors.

It's a sensor in the seat.

I bet.

Yeah, probably.

So that's on.

And then the, um, somewhere along the line when my tires were replaced, the, uh, valve, we went cheaper.

So the valve stems are not the.

correct one, so it says low tire pressure.

So that one is on.

Well, I tell you what, that car hits you all the time.

And once in a while, the check engine light is on, but it never stays on.

And every time I check it, it's some exhaust

thing or

something stupid.

So, you know, if something ever does drastically occur, I won't, I'll be like, nah, you know, so what do you do?

Just keep

driving.

Just keep on driving.

That's

what you gotta do.

Let's see here, Philip, what else did I want?

Oh, you know, you have too much trash in your car.

Yeah.

Okay.

When your passenger seat belt, when that, when it dings because you have too much weight

in the shape.

That does that all the time.

It's not from that.

It's like putting something.

I put something in there like I'm going to a game and I put it

in there.

You have to buckle your belt.

Yeah,

exactly.

I just have to move the old pop cans out of the way.

Yeah, that was you've witnessed that.

Oh, I have witnessed

that.

Yes, you have in my car.

It makes you feel not so bad about my business, my car when I look at your car.

Believe it or not, today's Wednesday.

I cleaned it out.

It's ready to go.

Really?

At least until tomorrow.

Okay.

So yeah, today's trash day.

Oh, yeah.

So I had to put it all out.

Oh, I

see.

You have a word for hooked on

or hanked on phonics.

Hanked on phonics.

Let's see.

What do we have here?

I'm going with this one right here.

Oh, hmm.

I'm going to say Colonel.

Oh, he got it

right.

Yes.

Yes.

So that was, is it Colonel?

Colonel.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Often mispronounces.

Colonial.

Colonial.

Colonial.

Oh, okay.

But yeah, you passed the hanked

on

phonics today.

I think that's two in a

row.

Colonel, all right.

Because the

last.

Last week, we had rendezvous last

week.

I think so.

And you knew that one because they have them pro-dishing.

Yeah,

right.

Buddy, I hope you have a great day.

Everybody out there, be kind.

And you know what, Phil?

Empty the trash out of your car.

All right, I'll try.

Have a great day, my friend.

I'm going to back it up to the dumpster.

Yes, sir.

Get going.

Good morning, everyone.

For WRCO News, I'm Todd Copernall.

50 sunny degrees in Richland Center right now, headed to a high today of 74.

In the news this morning at the Richland Center City Council meeting last night, Bill Moyline from Johnson Block and Company Incorporated presented the City Audit Report for the year ended December 31st, 2025.

The Independent Auditors Report shows that the city continues to maintain a strong financial position characterized by robust cash liquidity and healthy overall fund balances.

During 2025, the general fund recorded a fund balance increase of $650,035 while the overall governmental fund balance grew by $731,930 to reach a total of $11,431,441.

The city's equalized property value rose significantly

to $468,309,100 in 2025, reflecting a 45% total growth across the six year period from 2021 through 2026.

The city also fully complied with state imposed property tax levy limits.

Intergovernmental revenues represented the largest single share of total funding at 40%.

Regarding debt structure, Richland Center had 82% of its borrowing capacity available.

at year end.

In addition to reviewing the audit, the council addressed resolution number 2006-12 regarding the financing of the Valley View Drive Street project.

The council approved in advance of 191,000

$407.15 from the general fund to the pool for projects fund, replacing a previously planned loan from the water utility.

The city plans to repay the general fund without interest using funds from the debt service levy across three installments.

This change will adjust the total 2027 debt levy, representing an estimated impact of $13 per $1,000 of property value.

The City of Richland Center will not receive county funding for the care of veterans graves this cycle after missing the annual statutory deadline under Wisconsin Statute 45.85 Chapter 2.

Governing bodies must submit grave locations and reports to the county clerk on or before September 1st of each year.

because the city submitted its documentation to the deputy clerk September 14th two weeks past the legal cutoff Richland County has stated it is unable to process the request or issue payments.

Although the statements were certified August 30th using the county's designated worksheet, County Clerk Jeffrey Harrison in an email exchange with the city confirmed that state law allows no extensions or workarounds for missed deadlines.

Addressing concerns raised by City Administrator Ashley Oliphant regarding the fiscal impact on the municipal budget.

The county clerk clarified that no payment or review will occur for this cycle.

However, the city is eligible to resubmit the grave records for reimbursement next cycle in 2027.

In response, the City of Richland Center has filed a petition for a writ of mandamus

in Richland County Circuit Court against Richland County, also naming Board of Supervisors Chair Kerry Severson and Harrison as respondents.

Severson and Harrison are named strictly based on their official capacities.

The lawsuit filed October 1st seeks to compel the county to reimburse the city $17,859.

83 cents for expenses incurred while caring for eligible veterans graves and tombstones between July 1st, 2025 and June 30th, 2026.

According to the court filing, the city provided maintenance and care for a total of 1,495 veterans grave sites across two local cemeteries.

46 sites at Bowen Cemetery, 1,449 sites at Richland Center Cemetery.

Under Wisconsin statute, municipal common councils are obligated to ensure proper care for veterans' graves, while the financial burden of such care is legally mandated to be borne by the county in which the graves are located, provided that suitable care is not otherwise supplied.

On September 15th, county officials denied the reimbursement request strictly on the grounds that the submission passed the stated deadline.

The city asserts that the late report contained all necessary information to evaluate the claim and cause no prejudice to the county, making a writ of mandamus appropriate to direct full reimbursement and enforce compliance with state law.

In its petition, the city argues that the reporting deadlines established by statute and county ordinance are directory rather than mandatory because the governing laws do not explicitly dictate the forfeiture of underlying reimbursement rights for late filings.

The city contends that a procedural delay should not eliminate the county's statutory obligation to bear the cost of caring for veterans graves.

hub city dirt drags will present the hub city 2026 diesel truck challenge Friday October 9th and Saturday October 10th at the Richland County Fairgrounds.

Lacey Stephens is with hub city dirt drags.

The hub city we call our fall events our diesel truck challenge because it has that big event in it where we limit it to 40 trucks.

They're going to compete for the chance to win $20,000 by drag racing.

They're going to be on the dyno and new for 2026.

They're also going to be competing flood pulling on Friday night.

Before the two day event gets underway Friday, the public is invited to the fairgrounds on Thursday.

Thursday night, we're going to have a meet and greet for the community.

So if you're part of the chamber or the business community or disinterested to see what's happening out at the fairgrounds, we would love to have you come out on Thursday night.

We'll be doing some test passes.

We've got some live music.

So that's kind of like our community welcome.

The Diesel Truck Challenge will feature on Friday at noon the Diesel Truck Challenge class at Dino.

A Friday night lights truck show at 5 o'clock, truck and tractor pulls at 6 and live music at 9 o'clock.

Saturday there will be a show and shine featuring girls only zone at 10 o'clock.

Feature class truck pulls at 11 also at 11.

Fan Dino and Burn Out Road.

The Diesel Truck Challenge and Diesel Truck Tour final dirt drags at three o'clock and truck show awards at five o'clock.

Admission is $30 per day or you can purchase weekend passes in advance at participating local businesses.

We always want to make sure that this event is super attainable to everybody so we are offering $10 off a weekend pass if you purchase your tickets locally so those tickets can be purchased at

It has Nick Powersports, Jones Chevrolet, and Chet Speed & Seeds.

And then that's $30 for the whole weekend.

And you need one of those tickets for anybody who's 12 or older.

So 12 and under is a free admission, but 12 and older will need a ticket.

So that's $30 for admission for both Friday and Saturday.

Camping will also be available.

More information and details about this weekend's exciting event can be found at the Hub City Dirk Drags website.

Community members who've been diagnosed with pre-diabetes, told they're at risk for diabetes or identified with elevated blood sugar levels, now have a direct pathway to improve their health.

The Richland Hospital and Clinics has announced the return of its popular wellness workshop set to begin Wednesday, October 21, designed to provide participants with practical tools, education, and encouragement.

The program focuses on helping individuals make sustainable changes to prevent or reverse.

the onset of type 2 diabetes.

The five-week program meets every other week and is available for a $40 registration fee.

Included in the cost is a TANITA body composition scan, an advanced assessment that provides a comprehensive look at an individual's physical health by measuring muscle mass, body fat percentage, hydration levels, and other key wellness indicators.

To ensure the workshop remains accessible to everyone in the community, financial scholarship assistance is available for those who qualify.

Health care professionals involved with the workshop emphasize the critical importance of early action.

Ty Mulholland registered dietician and certified diabetes care and education specialist.

Noted that pre-diabetes serves as an essential warning sign that the body is struggling to manage blood sugar properly.

However, Mulholland points out that progression to type 2 diabetes is not inevitable.

Modest weight loss, healthier nutritional habits, routine, physical activity, stress reduction, and adequate sleep can dramatically alter health outcomes and reduce long-term risks.

Because prediabetes rarely presents noticeable symptoms, experts stress the necessity of attending annual checkups and paying attention to elevated blood lab results.

Registered dietitians and workshop leaders Kelly Herbert and Lindsay Hatfield highlight that the program aims to build achievable long-term habits rather than temporary fixes.

By focusing on realistic movement and daily dietary adjustments, the workshop guides participants towards steady, meaningful progress in an engaging and supportive classroom setting.

Space in the upcoming session is limited and interested community members are encouraged to enroll early.

For additional information regarding workshop details, scholarship applications, or registration, individuals can contact the Richland Hospital and Clinics directly by calling 608-647-6321 extension 2480.

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 7th.

These are today's vital statistics.

Mary Waslik, 76 of Casanova, died Wednesday, September 30th at the Salk County Health Care Center in Reedsburg.

A 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 Nietzsche, Tracy and Larry Fanta, and Kenneth Waslik.

Seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren.

Mary Waslik, 76, of Casanovia.

Connie Jean McHellory, 77, formerly of Richland Center, died Sunday, October 4th.

A funeral mass will be held Saturday, October 24th at 11 a.m.

at St.

Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Richland Center with visitation from 10 a.m.

until the time of mass at 11.

Friends and family are invited to join the family for a time of gathering and a meal immediately following mass.

The family asked that memorials be directed in Connie's memory to continue the movement to end Alzheimer's.

The Clary Memorial Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Connie is survived by her children, Tracy McHelry, Emily and Jason Willoughby and Joel and Laura McHelry.

Six grandchildren, her brother Thomas and Nancy Hawks, one niece and one nephew, Connie Jean McHelry, 77, formerly

of Richland Center.

Margaret J. Peggy Ryan, 78 of Richland Center, died Sunday, September 27 at Schmidt Woodland Hills following an extended illness.

Services will be held at a later date.

Peggy Ryan is survived by her son, Michael and Angie Tillitson, one grandson, three sisters, Kathy and Dwayne Polenski, Ryan of Richland Center, Becky Ryan of Muscaday,

and Dorothy and Jim Walls, special longtime friend Jane Brewer, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends, Margaret J. Peggy Ryan, 78, of Richland Center.

Julie Ann Ripley, 69 of Bear Valley, died Wednesday, September 30 at Schmidt Woodland Hills.

Upon Julie's wishes, no formal funeral services will be held.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

LeClaire Memorial Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.

Julie Ripley is survived by her husband, Alan Bailey, her daughter, Amy Ripley, two stepchildren, Brian and Nikki Bailey and Susie and John Daniels, one grandchild, four step-grandchildren, eight siblings, Lori Roberts, Mike and Julie Fargent, Pat and Jeanette Fargent, Peggy Hall,

Pauline and Chuck Furman, Mary Pad and John Call, Mary and Dean Brickle, Colleen Furman, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends, Julie Ann Ripley, 69 of Bear Valley.

Victor Edward Jelenick, 75 of Webster City, Iowa, formerly of Richland Center, died Thursday, September 17.

Private Family Graveside Services were held at the Calvary Cemetery in Webster City.

Vic is survived by his wife Marilyn, daughter Mary Siders, siblings Michael and Bonnie Jelenick, David and Marcella Jelenick, Jeff and Jane Jelenick, Gretchen Jelenick and Tom and Rose Jelenick, several nieces and nephews.

Victor Edward Jelenick, 75 of Webster City, Iowa, formerly

of Richland Center.

Welcome back to the news at noon.

Richland Center City Utilities is inviting community members to attend its customer appreciation cookout today from 3.30 p.m.

to 6.30 at the Richland Center Community Center.

The event offers local residents an opportunity to meet utility staff, learn more about available energy saving programs, and view live department demonstrations.

The Richland Center City Council met last night

Long closed session.

During the meeting they did approve the lot splits, the changes to the land at the campus for the school district and also for Shriver Foods.

Trying to get more information on what took place after the closed session last night as soon as I do.

I will pass that along.

Hub City dirt drags will present the Hub City 2026 diesel truck challenge.

Friday and Saturday at the Richland County Fairgrounds, Lacey Staffis is with Hub City Dirt Drags.

The Hub City, we call our fall event our diesel truck challenge because it has that big event in it where we limit it to 40 trucks.

They're going to compete for the chance to win $20,000 by drag racing.

They're going to be on the dyno and new for 2026.

They're also going to be competing flood pulling on Friday night.

Before the two-day event gets underway Friday, the public is invited to the fairgrounds on Thursday.

Thursday night, we're going to have a meet and greet for the community.

So if you're part of the chamber or the business community or just interested to see what's happening out at the fairgrounds, we would love to have you come out on Thursday night.

We'll be doing some test passes.

We've got some live music.

So that's kind of like our community welcome.

The

diesel truck challenge will feature on Friday at noon, the diesel truck challenge class dyno.

a Friday night lights truck show at five o'clock truck and tractor poles at six and live music at nine Saturday there will be a show and shine featuring girls only zone at ten o'clock

Feature class truck poles at 11 also at 11 fan dino and burnout road the diesel truck challenge and diesel truck tour final dirt drags at 3 o'clock and truck show awards at 5 Admission is $30 per day or you can purchase weekend passes in advance at participating local businesses

We always want to make sure that this event is super attainable to everybody So we are offering $10 off a weekend pass if you purchase your tickets locally so those tickets can be purchased at

The Tesnik Power Sports, Jones Chevrolet, and Chet Speed and Seeds.

And then that's $30 for the whole weekend.

And you need one of those tickets for anybody who's 12 or older.

So 12 and under is a free admission, but 12 and older will need a ticket.

So that's $30 for admission for both Friday and Saturday.

Camping will also be available.

More information and details about this weekend's exciting event can be found at the Hub City Dirt Drags website.

Medicare Open Enrollment begins nationwide October 15th.

If you're on Medicare, you should have received important information in regards to open enrollment.

Rose Ann Welsh is an Elder Benefit Specialist with Richland County ADRC.

All of our Medicare recipients out there should have received letters from their insurance companies, letting them know of plan changes.

So hopefully people out there have been checking their mail because companies are required to give you notices by the end of September.

So if you haven't checked your mailboxes, please do.

And I know you can have tons of mail this time of year.

It seems like every company out there is sending you stuff, but at least open the mail from your insurance company.

It's very important because there are quite a few changes happening.

If you're not on Medicare, there's a possibility that you may soon be eligible.

Medicare starts when you turn 65.

Anybody three months before their 65th birthday you have to start getting enrolled in the plan.

It won't start until the month of your 65th birthday.

So it's very important like a few months beforehand to start looking at that.

We have welcome to Medicare classes at the ADRC that could help educate you on Medicare because there's multiple different pieces.

It gets a little complicated.

Everything is broken out into separate pieces.

Richland County ADRC will have an upcoming presentation about Medicare that will help answer questions about Medicare.

We have a welcome to Medicare on Monday, October 12th at one o'clock that we are offering.

So if you're getting close to the 65 or thinking about retirement, that's a good time.

If you are still working and you have a group health coverage, you don't have to get on to Medicare right away, but it's still good to check and make sure because there are certain health insurance companies that once they know your Medicare eligible, they'll push you to get into Medicare.

So you should always check with your human resources department.

Make sure your insurance is still credible and that you can stay on it until you decide to retire because we're seeing people, of course, work longer and longer.

But when you decide to retire, you should wait around.

You only have a couple months to get into Medicare, so be proactive for sure.

The free Medicare presentation Monday, October 12th at 1 o'clock will be held at the Richland Health and Human Services Building.

The session will also be offered via Microsoft Teams for those interested in attending online.

You are required to sign up in advance to help prepare materials for all participants.

Please call the ADRC at 647.

4 6 1 6 by the end of office hours at 4 30 today to reserve your spot to be part of the free Medicare presentation.

The Partners for Prevention Coalition is excited to launch its monthly e-newsletter dedicated to supporting youth substance use prevention across Richland County.

As part of their ongoing coalition efforts, this monthly update will highlight community events, volunteer opportunities, educational programs, and essential prevention resources.

Drug Free and Community Health Coordinator Sam McEvec invites community involvement to strengthen local prevention efforts.

Research indicates that teens whose parents regularly discuss drug prevention with them are 42% less likely to use drugs, yet only one in 14s report having these critical conversations.

To help initiate these dialogue channels, Partner for Prevention is promoting Red Ribbon Week from October 23rd to October 31st under this year's theme, Make a Difference, Be a Hero,

Stay drug free.

Community members can participate in upcoming events, including Drug Take Back Day, Saturday, October 24th, hosted in partnership with the Richland Center Police Department.

Unused medications can be dropped off at the police department from 10 a.m.

until 2 p.m.

or at year-round drop boxes located at local pharmacies and municipal buildings.

Additionally, Partners for Prevention offers free safety materials to the public, including medication lockboxes, de-terra drug disposal kits, drug test screeners, tamper tape, and fridge locks.

Those looking to get involved are invited to attend the Alcohol and Tobacco Work Group meeting virtually Monday, November 9th, or the annual meeting and recognition lunch in Thursday, November 12th at Los Amigos.

Partners for Prevention is also seeking community representatives for the parent sector and the civic volunteer sector.

Free Substance Use Prevention Skills training is also available November 18th through the 20th in Green Bay with travel and lodging covered by Partners for Prevention.

For more details or to get involved, contact SAMMAC event 647-6321 extension 2449.

Emergency crews and law enforcement in Iowa County had a busy late afternoon yesterday following an agricultural fire and an arrest at the Sheriff's Office at approximately 4.54 p.m.

The Iowa County Communications Center received a report of a combine fire near the intersection of West Brigham Road and McSherry Niles Road in the town of Brigham.

Responding to the scene with the Barnabale Fire Department, Barnabale DMS, Hollandale Fire.

and an Iowa County Sheriff's Deputy.

Firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze quickly and no injuries were reported.

Shortly after at 5.07 p.m.

a deputy was dispatched to the lobby of the Iowa County Sheriff's Office to assist a subject with an outstanding probation violation warrant.

Brittany J. Stoney, 38 of Dodgeville, was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Iowa County Jail.

Governor Tony Evers has officially proclaimed October as FAFSA filing month across Wisconsin, announced jointly by the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions and the Wisconsin Higher Educational AIDS Board.

This initiative aims to encourage students and families throughout the state to complete the free application for federal student aid for the upcoming 2027-28 academic year as early as possible.

Submitting the FAFSA is a critical initial step.

for securing post-secondary financial assistance.

The form evaluates eligibility for various federal, state and institutional financial aid resources, including need-based grants, scholarships, work-study options and federal loans.

Additionally, many private scholarship organizations rely on FAFSA completion when making award decisions.

To assist families through the application process, College Goal, Wisconsin, is organizing a series of free virtual and in-person completion events during October.

State leaders, including D.F.I.

Secretary Wendy K. Baumann and H.E.A.B.

Executive Secretary Tammy Davout Blaney, strongly advise applying early to meet that lines and gain a clear understanding of available financial support for higher education.

Public Health Sock County has officially announced the recipients of the 2026 Public Health Excellence Awards.

This recognition program honors dedicated community champions, individuals, and local organizations whose ongoing efforts significantly enhance the health, safety, and overall well-being of residents across Sock County.

This year's award recipients represent a wide range of impactful service areas throughout the region.

The Public Health Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Gretchen Considine for long-standing dedication to community health.

The Healthy Environments Award went to the Lake Redstone Protection District for efforts in environmental stewardship.

Jennifer Froh received the Prevention in Action Award while the Baraboo Children's Museum was honored with the Strong Starts, Stronger Futures Award.

Additionally, John Peruzzi was recognized with the Public Health Partnership Award.

Public Health work often happens quietly behind the scenes, but its impact is felt by everyone in our community, said Dr. Jennifer Weitzel, Health Officer for Public Health, Salk County.

This year's honorees have gone above and beyond to protect and improve the health of Salk County

and were proud to recognize their contributions.

A special awards ceremony will take place October 21st from 12.30pm to 1.30pm in the auditorium at the Public Library in Baraboo.

Community members are invited to attend the celebration, which will feature light refreshments and public recognition of the honorees.

Public Health Salk County supports local well-being through wellness programs, environmental health initiatives, and systemic changes designed to build healthier places and people.

For more information regarding programs and services, visit co.salk.wi.us.

At last night's City Council meeting in Richland Center, Bill Moy-Lean from Johnson Block & Company presented the City Audit Report for the year ended December 31,

2025.

The independent auditor's report shows that the city continues to maintain a strong financial position characterized by robust cash liquidity and healthy overall fund balances.

During 2025, the general fund recorded a fund balance increase

of $650,035, while the overall governmental fund balance grew by $731,930 to reach a total of $11,431,441.

The city's equalized property value rose significantly, reflecting a 45% total growth across the six-year period from 2021 through 2026.

The city also fully complied with state-imposed property tax levy limits.

Intergovernmental revenues represented the largest single share of total funding at 40%.

Regarding debt structure, Richland Center had 82% of its borrowing capacity available at year end.

In addition to reviewing the audit, the council addressed resolution number 2026-12 regarding the financing of the Valley View Drive Street project.

The council approved in advance of $191,407.15 from the general fund to the Pool 4 Projects Fund, replacing a previously planned loan from the water utility.

The city plans to repay the general fund without interest using funds from the debt service levy across three installments.

This change will adjust the total 2027 debt levy representing an estimated impact of 13 cents per $1,000 of property value.

Health officials across Wisconsin continue to monitor and respond to measles cases across multiple counties.

The Department of Health Services in coordination with local county health departments is conducting thorough case investigations and managing response efforts to mitigate further spread within impacted communities.

Local health departments emphasize that vaccination remains the single most effective safeguard against measles.

Residents are urged to verify their immunization records through their primary health care providers or official state health registries.

Individuals who are unimmunized or due for a follow-up dose are strongly advised to schedule a measles, mumps and rubella vaccination as soon as possible to protect themselves and their communities.

The My Vote Wisconsin website, myvote.wi.gov will be temporarily offline for scheduled routine maintenance and security updates starting at 5 p.m.

Friday, October 9th.

The outage is expected to last until 10 p.m.

that evening.

The Wisconsin Elections Commission has notified local clerks regarding the brief service disruption.

Officials noted that rapidly evolving security requirements and emerging risks

necessitate more frequent system updates even as election dates approach.

During the maintenance window visitors to the site will be greeted with a notification regarding the temporary outage.

Voters requiring immediate assistance during this time may contact their municipal clerk or the Wisconsin Elections Commission help desk.

No visible functional changes will be present once the website comes back online.

Wisconsin voters can continue to

rely on my vote to register online, track their registration status, request absentee ballots, view sample ballots, look up polling places, and obtain contact details for local election officials.

The Boscobel Mobile Pack for Feed My Starving Children has announced its upcoming main packing event announced for April 8th through the 10th in Boscobel.

Community members and volunteers are coming together to support this crucial effort aiming to pack essential meals for children in need worldwide.

To support their goals for the 2027 PAC, organizers are hosting a harvest dinner and live auction fundraiser Saturday, October 10th.

The event features a meal with a suggested $15 donation, followed by a live auction starting at 6 p.m.

All items available at the auction are generously donated by community members.

Donations of quality goods, as well as homemade pies for the dinner, are welcomed and can be dropped off at Bosco Bell Bowl in Banquet from 4pm until 8pm Thursday or Friday.

Pickup arrangements can also be made for individuals unable to deliver their donations in person.

Event hosts Bruce and Catherine Pitzley encourage everyone to get involved and share information

with friends and family.

Four more details on the event or to make a contribution.

Interested parties can contact Bruce Pitzley at 608-485-2678 or Catherine Pitzley at 608-485-2554.

University of Wisconsin Professor Francis Holsen is awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics by the Royal Swedish Academy of Science.

The prize was awarded for Holsen's contributions to understanding astrophysical particles known as neutrinos.

Holsen is the principal investigator of the Ice Cube Neutrino Observatory, the world's largest telescope.

He credits the UW and his team and says their success was never guaranteed.

According to UW-Madison, the 83-year-old Holson is the sixth physicist connected to the university to win a Nobel Prize and the 23rd Nobel Prize tied to the school overall.

A million-dollar bond remains in place for a Sean O. County man accused of murder.

A Marathon County judge Tuesday denied a request to lower the bond for 76-year-old Brent Hoffman.

Hoffman is accused of killing 67-year-old Rick Roundy and wounding another man in November of 2025.

Judge Rick Svikas ruled the state's evidence was strong, and that the surviving victim and Roundy's widow may be in danger,

If Hoffman was released, no trial date has been sent in the case.

For the week ending October 4th, Wisconsin experienced 4.3 days suitable for field work with rain delays, primarily impacting southern areas.

Overall, top soil moisture was rated at 67% adequate and 13% surplus, while subsoil moisture was rated at 66% adequate and 10% surplus.

Despite weather interruptions, key harvesting and planting activities continued across the state.

The corn crop made steady progress, reaching 72% maturity, slightly ahead of the five-year average of 70%.

Silage harvest advanced significantly to 87% complete well above the historical average of 77% while harvest for grain reached 8%.

Corn condition held firm with 59% of the crop rated in good to excellent condition.

Soybean development saw 88% of crops dropping leaves outpacing the five-year average of 85%.

In other field activities, winter wheat planting reached 48% completion compared to the 58% average.

with 24 percent of the crop emerged.

Meanwhile, pasture and range conditions slipped slightly, with 40 percent rated good to excellent down two percentage points from the previous week.

In September, the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance, OCI, executed a series of enforcement and disciplinary actions against insurance agents, companies, and other related entities

across Wisconsin.

These measures were enacted to enforce state insurance laws, ensure ethical conduct and protect consumers from unfair or deceptive business practices.

The regulatory actions against individual agents stemmed from several serious infractions.

Multiple agents face license revocations due to non-payment of delinquent state taxes or non-compliance with Wisconsin insurance regulations.

In other instances, OCI denied license applications or required permanent surrenders when individuals failed to disclose criminal histories or prior administrative actions from other jurisdictions.

Significant financial penalties and suspensions were all also imposed on agents who engaged in misleading communications, misrepresented policy benefits, sold unauthorized health coverage, or submitted fraudulent application details.

In addition to individual agents, insurance companies and non-licensed entities were held accountable for statutory violations.

Penalties were levied against insurers for accepting business transacted by unappropriated agents and for failing to maintain standard reasonable practices during claim investigations.

Other entities received forfeitures and cease and desist mandates for offering unlicensed insurance advice or presenting false claims.

All forfeitures collected from these administrative actions directly benefit Wisconsin Public School Libraries through the state's Common School Fund.

Good evening, everyone, for WRCO News.

I'm Todd Copernall.

At the Richland Center City Council meeting last night, Bill Moyline from Johnson Block & Company presented the City Audit Report for the year-ended December 31, 2025.

The Independent Auditor's Report shows that the City continues to maintain a strong financial position characterized by robust cash liquidity and healthy overall fund balances.

During 2025, the general fund recorded a fund balance increase of $650,035, while the overall governmental fund balance grew by $731,930.

The city's equalized property value rose significantly, reflecting a 45% total growth across the six-year period from 2021 through 2026.

The city also fully complied with state-imposed property tax levy limits.

Intergovernmental revenues represented the largest single share of total funding at 40%.

Regarding debt structure, Richland Center had 82% of its borrowing capacity available at year-end.

In addition to reviewing the audit, the council addressed resolution number 2026-12 regarding the financing of the Valley View Drive Street project.

The council approved in advance of $191,407.15 from the general fund.

to the Pool 4 Projects Fund, replacing a previously planned loan from the water utility.

The city plans to repay the general fund without interest, using funds from the debt service levy across three installments.

This change will adjust the total 2027 debt levy, representing an estimated impact of $13 per $1,000 of property value.

Hub City Dirt Drags will present the Hub City 2026 diesel truck challenge Friday and Saturday at the Richland County Fairgrounds.

Lacey Staffis is with Hub City Dirt Drags.

The Hub City, we call our fall events our diesel truck challenge because it has that big event in it where we limit it to 40 trucks.

They're going to compete for the chance to win $20,000 by drag racing.

They're going to be on the dyno and new for 2026.

They're also going to be competing flood pulling on Friday night.

Before the two day event gets underway Friday, the public is invited to the fairgrounds on Thursday.

Thursday night we're going to have a meet and greet for the community so if you're part of the chamber or the business community or just interested to see what's happening out at the fairgrounds we would love to have you come out on Thursday night we'll be doing some test passes we've got some live music so that's kind of like our community welcome.

The Diesel Truck Challenge will feature on Friday at noon the Diesel Truck Challenge Class Dino, a Friday night lights truck show at 5 o'clock, truck and tractor pulls at 6, and live music at 9 o'clock.

Saturday there will be a show and shine featuring girls only zone at 10 o'clock.

Feature class truck pulls at 11, also at 11, Fan Dino and Burn Out Road.

The Diesel Truck Challenge and Diesel Truck Tour final dirt drags at 3 o'clock and truck show awards at 5.

Admission is $30 per day or you can purchase weekend passes in advance.

at participating local businesses.

We always want to make sure that this event is super obtainable to everybody so we are offering $10 off a weekend pass if you purchase your tickets locally so those tickets can be purchased at

The Tesnik Power Sports, Jones Chevrolet, and Chet feed-in seeds.

And then that's $30 for the whole weekend.

And you need one of those tickets for anybody who's 12 or older.

So 12 and under is a free admission, but 12 and older will need a ticket.

So that's $30 for admission for both Friday and Saturday.

Camping will also be available.

More information and details about this weekend's exciting event can be found at the Hub City Dirt Drags website.

The Partners for Prevention Coalition is excited to launch its monthly e-newsletter dedicated to supporting youth substance use prevention across Richland County.

As part of their ongoing coalition efforts, this monthly update will highlight community events, volunteer opportunities, educational programs, and essential prevention resources.

Drug Free and Community Health Coordinator Sam McEvec invites community involvement to strengthen local prevention efforts.

Research indicates that teens whose parents regularly discuss drug prevention with them are 42% less likely to use drugs, yet only one in four teens report having these critical conversations.

To help initiate these dialogue channels, Partners for Prevention is promoting Red Ribbon Week

from October 23rd to the 31st.

Under this year's theme, make a difference, be a hero, stay drug free.

Community members can participate in upcoming events, including Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 24th, hosted in partnership with the Ritzland Center Police Department.

Unused medications can be dropped off at the police department from 10 a.m.

to 2 p.m.

or at year-round drop boxes located at local pharmacies and municipal buildings.

Additionally, Partners for Prevention offers free safety materials to the public, including medication lock boxes, de-terra drug disposal kits, drug test screeners, tamper tape, and fridge locks.

Those looking to get involved are invited to attend the Alcohol and Tobacco Work Group meeting virtually Monday, November 9th or the Annual Meeting and Recognition Luncheon Thursday, November 12th at Los Amigos Restaurant.

Partners for Prevention is also seeking community representatives for the parent sector and the civic

Volunteer Sector.

Free Substance Use Prevention Skills Training is also available November 18th through the 20th in Green Bay with travel and lodging covered by Partners for Prevention.