Today is October 12th.
These are today's vital statistics.
Lester Bud Gudgeon, 95 of Richland Center, died Thursday, October 8th.
Visitation will be held today from 5 until 7 p.m.
at Vasateg Funeral Home in Lafarge.
Additional visitation will be held Tuesday at the church from 10 a.m.
until the time of service.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m.
Tuesday, October 13th at the Lafarge Free Methodist Church.
Burial with full military honors will follow the service at Bear Creek Cemetery.
Vasateg Funeral Home and Crematory in Lafarge is serving the family.
Lester Bud Gudgeon, 95, of Rich Lund Center.
Carol.
Ann Michaelsberger, 95 of Plain, died October 4th.
A funeral mass will be held today at St.
Luke's Catholic Church in Plain.
Visitation begins at 9 a.m.
with service at 11.30.
Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
The Richardson Stafford Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Memorials are appreciated in Carol's name to St.
Luke's School or a local nonprofit of your choice.
Carol.
Ann Michaelsberger, 95 of Plain.
Estella M. Rowan, 86 of Muscaday, formerly of Ridgeway, died Sunday, October 4th at St.
Mary's Hospital in Madison.
Visitation for Estella will be held Thursday, October 15th from 4 p.m.
until 8 p.m.
at the Gorgon, McGinley and Ayers funeral home in Dodgeville.
Private Family Inearnment will be held at Eastside Ebenezer Cemetery in Ridgway at a later date.
The Gorgon, McGinley, and Ayers funeral home in Dodgeville is assisting the family.
Estella M. Rowan, 86 of Muscaday, formerly of Ridgway.
Jesse James Jansky, born March 6, 1993.
A celebration of life will be held for Jesse Jansky, formerly of Avoka and Richland Center.
Jesse has been missing since April 17th, 2025 and is still considered a missing person.
His family has decided to hold a celebration of life Saturday, October 24th at 1 p.m.
at the village of Avoka, municipal building in Avoka.
Bring fun stories and a snack to share.
Refreshments will be provided.
This is a casual affair, and if you have Jurassic Park attire, please feel free to wear it.
If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of Jesse Yansky, please contact law enforcement immediately.
Jesse James Yansky, born March 6, 1993.
Good morning, everyone.
For WRCO News, I'm Todd Copernall, 64 sunny degrees.
Forecast says high of 83.
We might break the all-time record high for today's date today.
In the news this morning, the City of Richland Center has announced its annual fall leaf collection program set to begin today and run through November 13, weather permitting.
City crews will vacuum leaves daily by designated sections across the community
to clear streets and maintain safe conditions.
Leaf pickup will rotate continuously throughout different parts of the city.
Sections will be serviced multiple times during the designated collection period, though pickup will not necessarily occur on the same day of the week for any given neighborhood.
Because routing adjusts dynamically, not every section will receive daily or weekly service.
If the vacuum truck passes through an area, it will return after completing scheduled work in other sections.
To ensure efficient operation and prevent equipment damage, residents are asked to rake leaves directly into the street gutter, stretching them out along the curb.
It is critical that leaf piles remain free.
of sticks, branches, and other debris as these cause severe blockages and damage to the vacuum machinery.
Residents should also avoid parking vehicles on or directly in front of leaf piles to maintain full access for the collection sweeper.
City officials advised that frozen leaves can also clog equipment, potentially delaying collection efforts.
The city thanks all residents for their cooperation in keeping Richland Center clean, safe, and beautiful throughout the fall season.
The Richland County Executive and Finance Standing Committee will convene for a meeting Thursday, October 15 at 5 p.m.
in the Richland County Boardroom of the Courthouse.
The committee will address a wide range of county business starting with reports on the 765 kilovolt transmission line, followed by updates from the County Administrator and County Board Chair.
Financial resolutions will feature prominently on the agenda, including discussion and possible action regarding the sale of $3,500,000 in general obligation promissory notes, as well as $2 million in taxable general obligation promissory notes.
Additionally, members will consider Richland County hiring and employment matters.
the allocation of capital funds to cover the remaining roof project balance, and the award for the plow truck body build.
The meeting will also feature a closed session to discuss competitive and legal matters.
Items slated for closed session include deliberations regarding the SEIU contract, potential contracts for providing EMS services to certain municipalities, and strategy relating to pending litigation in court case 26CV98.
regarding a writ of mandamus.
Music enthusiasts and community members are invited to a fun and entertaining evening as Richland Center High School presents its Fall Choir concert Monday, October 19th at 7.30 p.m.
Held in the school's newly upgraded RCHS auditorium, the event offers attendees a chance to experience the sound and talent of both high school choirs in a newly enhanced venue.
Admission for the evening is $5 at the door.
This year's choirs feature a robust roster of talented student vocalists delivering a powerful and impressive collective sound.
The performance will highlight a challenging and varied repertoire that spans dynamic ensemble numbers alongside individual soloist performances.
With a thoughtfully curated selection of entertaining songs and exceptional vocal talent on display,
the Fall Choir Concert promises an engaging experience for audiences of all ages.
The students and faculty look forward to welcoming the public and sharing their dedication to musical excellence.
A single vehicle crash on I-9094 eastbound near Linden Station resulted in one fatality late Sunday night, according to the Wisconsin State Patrol, TOMA Post.
The incident occurred at approximately 9.22 p.m.
October 11, near Myo-Miker marker 81 in Juneau County.
Responding units from the Wisconsin State Patrol in the Juneau County Sheriff's Office arrived at the scene to find a Toyota RAV4 had struck the overpass bridge deck.
The driver, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle, sustained fatal injuries in the collision.
First responders and assisting agencies at the site included the Juneau County Sheriff's Office, Lyndon Station Fire Department, Juneau County Medical Examiner's Office, and Zeeman's Towing, the crash remains under investigation by the Wisconsin State Patrol.
Authorities in Iowa County responded to two separate major incidents involving felony arrests according to official reports.
Early on Sunday, an Iowa County Sheriff's Deputy performed a traffic stop on US Highway 151 near Mile Marker 43 in the town of Mineral Point.
Around 1 0 8 a.m.
Following an investigation 40 year old Christopher M. Dugan of Cleveland, Wisconsin was taken into custody Dugan faces multiple felony charges including possession with intent to deliver designer drugs three grams or less possession with intent to deliver narcotics second or subsequent offense possession of a controlled substance and Maintaining a drug trafficking place.
He was transported to the Iowa Coney Jail and booked on the charges
Later that evening around 11.28 p.m.
the Iowa County Communication Center received a report of a sport bike traveling at high speeds on U.S.
Highway 151 near mile marker 39.
The Dodgeville Police Department initiated a pursuit which was later discontinued.
Iowa County Sheriff's deputies assisted in tracking the fleeing vehicle.
The pursuit ended when the sport bike crashed near the intersection of State Road 39 and Sunny Slope Road in the town of Linden.
Emergency responders from the Mineral Point Fire Department, Mineral Point EMS and Linden first response.
The operator, 19-year-old Blake R. Horsfield of Fenimore was arrested for vehicle operator fleeing or eluding an officer and second degree.
recklessly endangering safety, both felony charges.
Horsefield was transported to the Iowa County Jail for booking.
The Richland Area Retired Educators Association will hold its upcoming October event Thursday morning, October 15th at the Phoenix Center in Richland Center.
The event kicks off with registration beginning at 9 a.m.
followed by the main program starting at 9.30.
This once guest speaker is Stacy Pilla, Director of the Brewer Library, who will present on the topic Brewer Library, Curiosity, Community and Connection.
Attendees will have the opportunity
opportunity to learn more about the library's local initiatives, community engagement efforts, and educational resources.
The cost to attend the event is $16 per person.
Members of RAREA and their gas planning to attend must register no later than the end of the day, Monday, October 12.
Reservations can be made by calling 608-647-6542.
The American Red Cross urges donors to give blood or platelets now to help hospitals and transfusion centers stay prepared to help all patients.
Area blood drive that will be held this week include Wednesday, October 14th from 9 until 3 at Hillsborough High School and Friday, October 16th from 12.30 until 5 at the Blaine Gym.
in Boscomel.
Appointments may be made by calling 800 Red Cross visiting RedCrossBlood.org or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor app.
Walk-ins are always welcome.
A new report from the Wisconsin anti-violence effort finds gun violence remains a significant public health issue across the state.
The group's latest data shows 735 firearm deaths in Wisconsin in 2024, including 507 suicides.
Executive Director Nick Matuski says firearm suicides continue to account for the majority of gun deaths and are especially prevalent in rural communities.
The report also notes that young black men are disproportionately affected by gun homicides, while middle-aged and older white men face the highest rates of firearm suicide.
The organization is calling on lawmakers to make gun violence prevention a priority during the next legislative session.
Madison and Dane County lead Wisconsin's population growth.
Numbers released by the State Department of Administration show Wisconsin's population increased by nearly 2.9% as of January 1st compared to the 2020 census.
Dane County saw the largest increase of 59,861 residents compared to six years earlier to 621,000.
365 residents for an increase of 10.7%.
Madison now has 300,153 residents, an increase of 9.3% compared to 2020.
Kelly and Matt Coney grew by 4,801 residents, which is a 9.15% increase.
St.
Croix County added 7,446 residents up nearly 8% and Eau Claire County.
added 7,365 residents of nearly 7%.
The Friends of the Lower Wisconsin Riverway recently released their fall 2026 E-News, outlining a busy season of environmental stewardship, education, and community advocacy across the region.
Following an active summer spent meeting school groups and hosting educational outreach with Flow the Paddlefish,
Flow board members and volunteers continue to work toward protecting the ecosystem and local wildlife.
A primary focus for flow remains biodiversity conservation board member and retired water quality biologist Dave Marshall along with board members Tim Zum, Darlene Stanek and Emma Walker.
Recently spearheaded a release of native starhead top minnows and lake chubb suckers
at Singing Bird Pond, a backwater slough along the Wisconsin River.
Alongside native species, stocking flow is conducting reconnaissance to eradicate invasive purple loose strife and aggressive plant species that threatens local plant diversity by dominating native flora.
Water safety also remains an active priority into the seasonal transition.
The kids don't float lifejacket kiosks remain fully stocked and life vests of various sizes.
with life vests on various sizes to ensure safe recreation for river goers.
The life jackets will remain available until later in the fall when boating traffic decreases and vessels are put into storage for the winter season.
Community members looking to get involved or report local events can contact Flo directly via email.
Monday's Roundup.
Brought to you by Chets, Feed, Seed and Such, Richland Hospital, Cardinal Glass CG, and by New Tech Carts.
It's joke day with Phil and Hank, so brace yourself.
These jokes aren't just corny, they're full-on field-tested.
If you're groaning, laughing, or questioning your life choices, you're doing it right.
It's Monday's Roundup.
Making Mondays just a little less Monday-y.
It's time for the roundup
Morning hey good morning young man.
How are you doing?
I'm doing fine.
Yeah, how are you doing?
How was your weekend?
It was good.
I had a wedding.
Did you
we were in congratulation?
Thank you.
Thank you.
No, I wasn't she say yes again.
No, I don't know she was But
We were in Devonport, Iowa, had to pick up June's aunts in Clinton, Iowa, and head on down there.
I always have experiences when I head out and about.
I'm
sure you do.
So we stopped to pick up her aunts, and one of her aunts said, I need some nylons.
And I said, well, I'm going to the, I'm only going to Dollar General, I gotta get a card.
Well, get me some nylons, and they have them there.
I said, they do.
Okay, I don't know.
So I go in there and I was with,
This lady's grandson who we're walking around.
I don't see him.
So
I
asked this young woman probably high school age or maybe early college and I said I'm looking for some nylons for our aunt and she stood there with about five seconds with her mouth open like and Then she goes.
I don't know what you're talking about and I said Nylons, you know, like you're wearing your legs like I don't know pantyhose
I don't know what you're talking about.
We don't have those here.
Okay.
I got home and they were mad.
I mean, June said, you should have said tights.
Well, how do I know?
Exactly.
Nice job, Phil.
Oh, well, what do you do?
But I guess, I guess that's not a common thing anymore, I guess.
I
don't, I don't wear them
anymore.
Well, I don't wear them.
I used to wear them in football.
I suppose.
Yeah.
No,
you did that way.
Yeah.
Make his hand slide off here.
Well, Joe Namath did.
Yeah.
Yeah.
Right.
Right.
He was the first one.
So, so he learned something every day.
I guess that's an antiquated term.
Yeah, it probably is.
It must be.
Do you have
any tights?
Huh?
No, I don't.
Also known as
nylon.
Well, if I had to start with that, maybe he should have known, but I don't think they, I mean, I don't know.
We looked around in the socks and everything.
I didn't see any.
Really?
No.
That's
my
goal today is find nylon.
Well, I don't know about that.
You don't need them now?
No, I mean, I mean, what do people use when they rob banks?
I mean, that used to be.
Yeah, right.
Right.
So
who
knows?
Well,
there's poor bank robbers running out of things.
Learn something every
day.
Hey, anyway, um, congratulations to the Packers, to the Brewers.
Yeah.
The Badger basketball team won on Saturday.
Yes, they did.
So
good weekend for Wisconsin sports.
Not for Arkansas, but
no, no, no.
Hey, how about that?
Jordan Love.
He had a great game yesterday.
It's about time.
Wow.
Come on, Hank.
You just gotta give him some kudos there.
Well, he had time.
He had, he had the blocking there too.
So
where was the Chicago defense?
Well, that's a good question.
I'm not saying it because, you know, with, with their quarterback being hurt, I understand they're a different team, but.
They just got romped.
The other defense has been pretty good up at this point.
That was a surprise to the weekend.
That was 100%.
I would have not predicted that.
No,
I wouldn't either.
Me either.
And how the Eagles
lost.
Oh my goodness.
How can you lose with eight seconds left to kick off?
I
don't know, but they also lost the game plus their
coach.
Their coach, Nick Seriani is gone.
Wow.
How about the Brewer win last night?
Two to one.
And
that amazing,
two to one.
Terang's home.
I was looking kind of like, you know, but I should not have those thoughts and thinking, boy, I don't know if they're going to do it against the Dodgers.
And then as soon as he hit that home run, it kind of changed things.
That was it.
But we were going over some numbers and Todd said he's been keeping track.
23 and two thirds innings of their bullpen has pitched in the postseason.
They've given up one earned run.
That's impressive.
Very impressive.
Yeah.
That's very impressive.
Their bullpen is pretty good.
Yes, it is.
That's sometimes overlooked, but they're, they're pretty good.
Yeah, they're pretty good.
Yeah.
And they're just a gritty bunch of guys, aren't they?
Yeah, they
are.
Just, just ground it out.
Fun stuff.
Yeah, they have the, what is it, the most, um, bunts for a hit this year?
I
think that's
right.
Are they, are the second most?
I can't remember.
And the first time in like over 50 years at two 100 win,
teams have met.
Yeah.
Isn't that amazing?
Championship
series.
Yeah.
So yeah.
Pretty
cool.
I think tonight's the biggest game of the series.
I really do because
it could
be because if the Brewers can go up to nothing going to LA and manage to steal one from out there, that's huge.
Yup.
It's a
four o'clock game today by the way.
I know it is.
Yeah.
So everybody be aware that don't don't at seven o'clock call us and say, how come you don't have the Brewers?
Well, they're over.
Yeah.
They won.
That's what we
hope
will see.
They won 22 to 23.
Yeah, right.
I'm
afraid.
So
anyway, today's Chet's Chuckle Spongebob life.
Chet's feedin' seed.
And such.
And such.
And such is our jokes.
Yeah.
Anyway, your question of the day.
Have you ever accidentally hit something with your car?
Um, yeah, I think so.
June's car.
That time he hit that raccoon.
Was I accidental?
Oh yeah.
Did some damage underneath.
I thought you're
looking for some meat.
You know,
the last thing she said was, don't wreck my car.
I'm not going to wreck your car.
And it was a coon the size of a grizzly bear.
Oh,
man.
And there's plastic.
Plastic drag.
And the old coon is just, Hey,
thanks.
I appreciate that.
I know it.
And then I zip tied it back up at about a month later.
She says to me, there's something dragging under my car.
And I'm like, well, what did you do?
My goodness.
You might be from Arkansas, Phillip.
You might be from Arkansas.
If your mom has repeatedly asked you if you were dropped on your head.
well
maybe yeah
yeah
right maybe that was really an emotional wedding over the weekend what how emotional the cake was in tears oh my goodness how many tears uh three three tears yeah it's
tough why why didn't Han Solo like his burger
I don't know.
It was too chewy.
Too chewy.
Oh, yes.
Oh,
boy.
I think we need to take time out and catch our
breath.
Yeah, yeah, maybe, maybe.
Hello, friends.
Ellie here at Chet Speed Seed and Such.
As the weather begins to chill, keep your furry friends calm, cool, and collected too.
Come try our Wolf Pupsicle molds and treat holders to keep your pup busy on these fall days.
Buy our pre-made treat mixes or make your own at home.
With our large selection of cat and dog toys, as well as natural dog treats, you'll be sure to find something you'll both love.
Ask about our different cat and dog foods that will fit any of your pet's health needs.
From our fuzzy family to yours, without you, there wouldn't be us.
Stop in a day at 880 North Orange Street or give us a call at 608-647-8833.
Well, let's see if we have any guest lecturers today.
Yeah, maybe maybe let's see what that little fellow over in the Blue River's got to say
So this announcement has just been made that Abba is going on tour next year with Elvis Costello But that begs the obvious question if you've got a tour with Abba and Costello Who's on first?
Aha
Not bad.
Not bad.
Not bad.
But who is on first?
Yes, that's right.
Who is on first?
Yeah, I don't know.
Police pulled me over coming into work.
Phillip, tough, tough morning.
Yeah.
What happened?
Well, the officer came up to my window and said papers.
And I said scissors.
I went and drove off.
He's been chasing me.
He was chasing me for about 15 minutes.
Really?
Yeah.
Yeah.
You lost him.
Yeah.
Well, until now.
Yeah.
Rock.
Rock.
Yes.
I'm going to the rock over the weekend.
I was talking to a buddy of mine.
He goes, I've seen you've lost weight since you started a new job.
And he goes, did you, uh, did your boss put you on a diet?
And I said, no commission.
Yeah.
Nothing
from the barber's kid this week.
I
guess he's been too
busy.
Well, he used all of his repertoire at our 40th anniversary celebration.
He's trying to, uh, he's, I think he's, he's spent it all, you know, he's
rebanking
that's right.
He should be like me though.
My jokes are eco-friendly.
They're recycled classics.
Yes, they
are like four times recycled.
Yes.
Right.
You got the same old notebook out that you've had two years ago, buddy.
Sixth grade comedy
club.
Yeah.
Last time I dreamed I was a muffler, Phillip.
You did.
I woke up exhausted this morning.
Oh, you did.
Okay.
Oh,
yeah.
He's here.
He's here live.
The Barber's kid is here.
Yeah.
I actually, I did tell Henry that my doctor told me I had to lose weight.
Do you remember that?
I said, why do you think I'm too heavy?
He said, Todd, when you took two steps backwards, you started beeping.
Wow.
Oh,
yeah.
The Barber kid's back.
Yeah, the Barber
kid returns.
Yeah.
Well, another buddy of mine says, well, how did your first day as salesman turn out?
And I said, lousy, I got two orders.
Hmm.
That doesn't sound so bad considering it's your very first day.
Oh no.
The first order was get out.
The second one stay out.
Stop being the
salesman.
Police order.
Yeah.
Yeah.
You can see
that.
Do you?
Yeah.
Yeah.
Man.
Yeah.
Rough crowd.
Rough
crowd.
Yeah.
I tell you what, do you have anything else or?
Well, not much.
What?
Why do hamburgers go south for the winter?
Hmm.
You tell me please.
So they don't freeze their buns.
Oh my
goodness.
Yeah.
Thank you.
I knew a man once that he was so too face-filled.
He could sing a duet.
Wow.
You ever know a man like that?
I gotta be me.
I gotta be me.
I gotta be
me.
I was once to ask over the weekend, what's the secret to a long, happy marriage?
Oh, and you would know.
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Right, right.
My wife would go out, and I told him, I said, my wife and I go out for a romantic dinner at least once a week.
And he goes, that's wonderful.
Why do you go?
And I said, I like Italian.
I don't know where she goes.
Oh,
and that's why.
That's why, buddy.
He ain't married.
My family was so poor, Phillip.
On Halloween, we went trigger treating every other year.
Really?
Yeah, because my brother and I had to share the costume.
Well, one of you could have went out and then came back and then you could have went out and you know what I mean?
We
couldn't.
Too much gas.
Yeah, I suppose.
Man took a shot of whiskey every night before bed.
After years of this his wife decided it was time for him to quit so she filled two shot glasses one with water and one with whiskey She pulled out a worm dropped it in the water and it swam around happily hmm She dropped you she dropped another worm into the whiskey and it died instantly
feeling very proud.
She asked what she thought, what he thought of her demonstration.
He smiled and said, well, it looks like if I keep drinking whiskey, I'll never get worms.
Oh
boy.
Yeah.
Yeah.
Was that the kicker?
No,
here's your kicker,
young man.
Are you ready?
Get out of the way.
All right.
Dead penguins.
Okay.
This is what this is dead penguins.
Okay.
That
sounds
like a real jovial joke and
I love penguins.
Oh,
I do.
Yeah Did you ever wonder why there are no bed dead penguins on all on the ice and our Antarctica?
Where do they go Philip?
Hmm.
Do you know?
Hmm.
They don't die wonder no more.
It's a known fact that penguin is very They do ritual things when a bird
lives an extremely and an ordered complex life like penguins do.
The penguins are very committed to its family and will make for life as well maintain a form of compassionate contact with its offspring throughout its life.
If a penguin is found dead on the ice surface other members of the family of social circle have been known to dig holes in the ice using their vesicle wings and beaks until the hole breaks
hole is deep enough for the dead bird to be rolled in and buried.
Did you know that?
No, I did
not know
that.
The male penguins then gather in a circle around the fresh grave and sing, freeze a jolly caffè, love or freeze a jolly caffè, love.
Yeah.
Yeah.
You really didn't believe that I knew anything about penguins,
did you, Phillip?
I know you have been watching the PBS wildlife specials.
You know, it's easy to fool you, Phillip.
So
freeze the jolly caffè.
Have a great day my friend and be kind.
Let's hang brave!
Today's Vital Statistics are sponsored by Krausey Monument.
Krausey Monument Company designs and produces granted headstones, gravestones, grave markers, monuments, and memorials.
Today is October 12th.
These are today's Vital Statistics.
Lester Bud Gudgeon, 95 of Richland Center, died Thursday, October 8th.
Visitation will be held today from 5 until 7 p.m.
at Vasateg Funeral Home in Lafarge.
Additional visitation will be held Tuesday at the church from 10 a.m.
until the time of service.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m.
Tuesday at the Lafarge Free Methodist Church.
Burial with full military honors will follow the service at Bear Creek Cemetery.
Vasateg Funeral Home and Crematory in Lafarge is serving the family.
Bud is survived by one niece, five nephews, many other relatives and friends.
Lester Bud Gudgeon, 95 of Richland Center.
Estella
M. Rowan, 86 of Muscaday, formerly of Ridgeway, died Sunday, October 4th at St.
Mary's Hospital in Madison.
Visitation for Estella will be held Thursday, October 15th from 4 p.m.
until 8 p.m.
at the Gorgon, McGinley and Ayers funeral home in Dodgeville.
Private family in-earnment will be held in Eastside Ebenezer Cemetery in Ridgeway.
at a later date.
The Gorgon, McGinley and Ayers funeral home in Dodgeville is assisting the family.
Estella is survived by her children, Melvin and Marie Rowan Jr., Matthew and Anna Lynn Rowan, Teresa Rowan, Mark and Kelly Rowan, Michael Rowan and Marvel Rowan III.
Many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, other relatives and friends.
Estella M. Rowan, 86 of Muscaday,
formerly of Ridgeway.
Kenneth Ken Scott Ledman, 65 of Fond du Lac, formerly of Richland Center, died Tuesday, September 2nd, at Aurora Medical Center in Fond du Lac after a battle with cancer.
And Lawrence Larry Darwin Ledman, 91 of Fond du Lac, formerly of Richland Center, died September 26th,
in hospice care.
There will be a combined celebration of life for both Ken and Larry Sunday October 18th from 12 noon until 3 p.m.
at the Phoenix Center Bankwood Hall and Richland Center.
Food will be provided eulogy at 1 p.m.
Larry and Ken are survived by Larry's wife, Barbara, Ken's life partner, Betty Delcer, and her son, Nathan and Aaron Delcer, Ken's son, Desian, Larry's other children, Ken's siblings, Kim Slusher, Jay and Roberta Ledman, Stuart, Ledman and Darcy Mason, other relatives and friends, Kenneth, Ken, Scott, Ledman, 65.
and Lawrence Larry Ledman, 91, both of Fond du Lac and formerly of Richland Center.
Law enforcement authorities are asking for the public's help in locating Jesse Yansky, formerly of Richland Center and Avoka, who went missing April 17, 2025 in Taylor County.
Yansky had recently moved to the village of Ogema, Wisconsin, just two weeks prior to his disappearance.
to live with his girlfriend.
According to a family member, the couple went out to a nearby bar that evening and got into an argument on the drive home.
Yansky exited the vehicle to take a walk and cool off, leaving both his phone and wallet inside the car.
Multiple witnesses reported seeing Yansky walking along Highway 13 later that evening.
A call to authorities also reported a man matching his description at the Highway 13 wayside near Westboro.
No one has heard from him since.
Family members say his prolonged absence is highly out of character.
His sister, Breanna Jansky, fondly described her brother as a complete mama's boy, emphasizing that he would never go more than a few days.
without contacting their mother.
If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of Jesse Yansky, please contact law enforcement immediately.
The family has decided to hold a celebration of life.
Saturday, October 24th at 1 p.m.
at the village of a Volca municipal building in a Volca.
Bring fun stories and a snack to share.
Refreshments will be provided.
This is a casual affair and if you have Jurassic Park attire, please feel free to wear it.
Jesse James Jansky, born March 6th, 1993.
Welcome back to the News at Noon.
The City of Richland Center has wrapped up its monthly scheduled large-item pickup and yard waste collection services for the year.
Both of these programs are now on hiatus and are scheduled to resume next April.
Residents who require large-item removal prior to the spring resumption should contact Republic Services directly at 608-375-5856 to schedule a pickup.
With the conclusion of regular yard waste pickup, municipal crews are transitioning focus to the annual fall leaf collection.
The collection program is set to begin Monday, October 12th today and run through November 13th, weather permitting.
Vacuum trucks will service the city daily by designated sections covering each area multiple times throughout the collection period.
To ensure a smooth collection process, residents are advised to rake leaves directly
into the street gutter.
Leaf piles containing sticks, rocks, grass clippings, or other debris will not be collected, nor will leaves placed in bags or containers.
Additionally, residents are asked to avoid parking vehicles near leaf piles so that collection equipment remains clear, maintains clear access.
The Richland Fire District has scheduled its upcoming board meeting for
today at 7 p.m.
The meeting will take place in person at the fire station in Richland Center.
Key highlights of the session reside in the new business portion of the agenda where discussions will center on reviewing and potentially approving the 2027 proposed annual budget.
Additionally, the Board plans to deliberate on amending Section 15 of the Fire District Contract considering changes to party payments for call response pay as well as establishing interest charges on overdue fire call invoices and year-end account balances.
Before concluding, the meeting will open the floor for citizen input and address any final administrative business.
The Richland Area Retired Educators Association will hold its upcoming October event Thursday morning, October 15th at the Phoenix Center and Richland Center.
The event kicks off with registration beginning at 9 a.m.
followed by the main program starting at 9.30.
This month's guest speaker is Stacy Pilla, Director of the Brewer Library, who will present on the topic Brewer Library Curiosity.
community, and connection.
Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the library's local initiatives, community engagement efforts, and educational resources.
The cost to attend the event is $16 per person.
Members of RAREA and their guests planning to attend must register with President Barry Rogher no later than the end of the day, Monday, today.
Reservations can be made.
by phone at 608-647-6542.
Gasoline prices in Wisconsin experienced a slight decline over the past week
slipping 1.2 cents to average $4.12 per gallon according to recent survey data from GasBuddy.
Despite the slight dip, drivers across the state continue to face elevated fuel costs with current prices standing 2 cents higher than last month and $1.44 per gallon above levels seen at this time last year.
Across Wisconsin's 3,112 surveyed stations, prices ranged dramatically from a low of $3.73 per gallon to a high of $4.79 per gallon.
The local downward trend aligns with broader national movements where the average price of gasoline dropped 0.4 cents over the last week to $4.29 per gallon.
Meanwhile, national diesel prices saw a more significant decrease, dropping 5.9 cents to $6.24 per gallon.
Industry analysts note that while more states are seeing relief at the pump, external factors such as upcoming policy developments, active hurricane seasons affecting refinery operations, and geopolitical instability continue to keep the long-term outlook for fuel prices uncertain.
Authorities in Iowa County responded to two separate major incidents involving felony arrests, according to official reports.
Early on Sunday, an Iowa County Sheriff's deputy performed a traffic stop on US Highway 151 near Milemarker 43 in the town of Mineral Point around 108.
A.M.
Following an investigation, 40-year-old Christopher M. Dugan of Cleveland, Wisconsin was taken into custody.
Dugan faces multiple felony charges, including possession with intent to deliver designer drugs three grams or less.
possession with intent to deliver narcotics, second or subsequent offense possession of a controlled substance, and maintaining a drug trafficking place.
He was transported to the Iowa County Jail and booked on the charges.
Later that evening, around 11.28 p.m., the Iowa County Communication Center received a report of a sport bike traveling at high speeds on US Highway 151 near Mile Marker 39.
The Dodgeville Police Department initiated a pursuit which was later discontinued.
Iowa County Sheriff's deputies assisted in tracking the fleeing vehicle.
The pursuit ended when the sport bike crashed near the intersection of State Road 39 and Sunny Slope Road in the town of Linden.
Emergency responders from the Mineral Point Fire Department, Mineral Point EMS and Linden first responds.
The operator 19-year-old Blake R. Horsfield of Fenimore was arrested for vehicle operator fleeing or eluding an officer.
And second degree, recklessly endangering safety, both fell in each arches.
Horsfield was transported to the Iowa Coney Jail for booking.
A single vehicle crash on I-94 eastbound near Linden station resulted in one fatality late Sunday night.
According to the Wisconsin State Patrol, TOME opposed.
The incident occurred at approximately 9.22 p.m.
on October 11 near mile marker 81 in Juneau County.
Responding units from the Wisconsin State Patrol and the Juneau County Sheriff's Office arrived at the scene to find that a Toyota RAV4 had struck the overpass bridge deck.
the driver who was the sole occupant of the vehicle sustained fatal injuries in the collision.
First responders and assisting agencies at the site included the Juneau County Sheriff's Office, Linden Station, Fire Department, Juneau County Medical Examiner's Office, and Siemens Toeing.
The crash remains under investigation by the Wisconsin State Patrol.
Music enthusiasts and community members are invited to a fun and entertaining evening as Rich Lens Center High School presents its Fall Choir Concert, Monday, October 19th at 7.30 p.m.
Held in the school's newly upgraded RCHS auditorium, the event offers attendees a chance to experience the sound and talent of both high school choirs in a newly enhanced venue.
Admission for the evening is $5 at the door.
This year's choirs feature a robust roster of talented student vocalists delivering a powerful and impressive collective sound.
The performance will highlight a challenging and varied repertoire that spans dynamic ensemble numbers alongside individual soloist performances.
With a thoughtfully curated selection of entertaining songs and exceptional vocal talent on display, the Fall Choir concert promises an engaging experience for audiences of all ages.
The students and faculty look forward to welcoming the public and sharing their dedication to musical excellence.
Eight outstanding schools across the state have been named 2026 Wisconsin Blue Ribbon School winners, including Wazika Elementary School in the Wazika-Steuben School District.
The annual state-level recognition honors schools for overall academic excellence or significant progress in closing student achievement gaps.
It is an honor to recognize these exceptional schools said State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly.
This achievement is made possible by the students, educators, staff, families, and leaders who work every day to create school communities where everyone can learn, grow, and take pride in their success.
Congratulations to each of these schools on this well-deserved recognition.
The Wisconsin Blue Ribbon Schools program recognizes schools across two district distinct categories, exemplary high performing schools and exemplary gap closing schools.
High performing schools rank among the highest in Wisconsin based on aggregate student performance on statewide assessments.
Gap closing schools are recognized for successfully narrowing achievement disparities between specific student subgroups and their peers over time.
Wasika Elementary School was recognized in both categories.
This marks the second year of the Wisconsin Blue Ribbon Schools Program operating at the state level.
The initiative was created after the U.S.
Department of Education ended the long-standing National Blue Ribbon Schools Program in 2025, ensuring that Wisconsin continues to celebrate and elevate the remarkable work of its local educators
and students.
Governor Tony Evers and Department of Administration Secretary Kathy Blumenfeld have released the 2026 Continuous Improvement Program Report.
Prepared by the Strategic Management and Planning Team, the report details how simple, data-driven changes across state agencies improved daily operations for employees and residents while saving a record $7.75 million a year.
Governor Evers commended public workers for finding smart solutions to everyday problems and keeping state government accountable to taxpayers.
Covering fiscal year 2026, the report highlights 104 worker-led projects across various state agencies.
A 22% increase from last year.
Together, these projects delivered $378,000 in one-time savings, saved $7.75 million annually, and freed up more than 18,000 staff hours so employees can focus on essential public services.
Secretary Blumenfeld emphasized that teamwork among state agencies is helping Wisconsin run more efficiently.
Beyond financial savings, the state reached key milestones, including its first continuous improvement forum with 75 state leaders and an inaugural awards ceremony honoring standout teams from the Departments of Agriculture, Revenue, Safety and Professional Services and Transportation.
Training participation also surged, with completions more than doubling and 90% of participants rating the courses favorably.
Over the last three years, steady improvements have helped state agencies cut down on errors, speed up services, and reduce frustration for citizens.
To read the full report, visit the state's continuous improvement website.
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection has opened applications for $1 million in commercial nitrogen optimization pilot program research grants.
These grant opportunities are designed to aid agricultural producers across the state in refining and implementing strategies that maximize nitrogen use efficiency in crop production fields while protecting vital soil and water resources.
To participate, agricultural producers or collaborating agricultural entities must agree to conduct field research over at least a two-year time frame in active partnership with the universities of Wisconsin.
Applicants may submit joint proposals with individual agricultural producers eligible to receive maximum project awards of up to $40,000.
Supplemental funding will also be provided directly to the university system to support technical monitoring, data collection, and outreach assistance throughout the program.
Prospective applicants are required to obtain pre-approval of their proposed research design by submitting an intent to apply to the University of Wisconsin by December 18th.
Official application materials will be available on the DATCAP website starting October 15th and final applications must be submitted electronically
by January 15th.
Grant award recipients are expected to be officially announced in the spring of 2027.
Milwaukee County is limiting features on digital communication tablets at one of two county corrections facilities.
County Executive David Crowley announced Friday his office is suspending use of online messaging on digital tablets at the Community Reintegration Center.
Those tablets are meant for use by jail residents to communicate with family and loved ones, among other features.
But there have been instances of abuse.
Crowley says his order can only extend to the CRC and that the sheriff's department must make a call regarding the use of the tablets at the jail.
The issue has become a flash point in the governor's race where Republican candidate Congressman Tom Tiffany says Democrat Crowley dragged his feet issuing a ruling on the tablets until it became a campaign issue.
Madison and Dane County lead Wisconsin's population growth numbers released by the State Department of Administration show Wisconsin's population increased nearly 2.9% as of January 1st compared to the 2020 census.
Dane County saw the largest increase up 59,861 residents compared to six years earlier to 621,365 residents, an increase of 10.7%.
Madison now has 300,153 residents, an increase of 9.3% compared to 2020.
Kelley Mac County grew by 4801 residents up 9.15%.
St.
Croix County added 7446 residents up nearly 8% and Eau Claire County added 7365 residents up nearly 7%.
The American Red Cross urges donors to give blood or platelets now to help hospitals and transfusion centers stay prepared to help all patients.
Area blood drives that will be held this week include Wednesday from 9 a.m.
until 3 p.m.
at Hillsborough High School and Friday from 12 30 p.m.
until 5 o'clock at the Blaine Gym in Boscobel.
Appointments may be made by calling 800 Red Cross, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor app.
Walk-ins are always welcome.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has announced a major milestone in the state's environmental conservation efforts, the planting of the 50 millionth tree under Wisconsin's
trillion trees pledge, launched by Governor Evers in 2021.
The ambitious statewide initiative commits Wisconsin to planting 100 million trees by 2030, protecting at least 125,000 acres of forest land and adding 1 million trees in urban communities.
As part of a larger global movement, the pledge seeks to implement nature-based solutions to mitigate the impacts of changing precipitation and temperature patterns in the region.
By the end of 2025, Wisconsin had already reached over 54.7 million planted trees, nearly 55% of its ultimate goal.
This achievement stems from broad collaboration among municipalities, schools, corporations, nonprofits, agency partners, forest landowners, and individual residents across the state.
Tree seedlings serve vital ecological functions by establishing healthy forests that store carbon, filter water supplies, support local wildlife, and bolster the natural economy.
Furthermore, expanding tree canopy helps shield communities from climate challenges like extreme heat and heavy rainfall events.
To maintain this momentum, the DNR's Reforestation Program has open seed ordering for the spring 2027 planting season, allowing residents and organizations to record their contributions on the official Wisconsin tree planting map.
There are many ways for Wisconsin residents to support local forest health and contribute to the pledge.
Individuals can collect and sell tree seeds to state nurseries, care for neighborhood trees, support local and federal tree funding initiatives, or help fourth-grade classrooms participate in seedling giveaway programs.
Additionally, choosing Wisconsin-grown wood products and participating in landowner support networks such as the DNR's Forest Landowners Program
the UW-Madison Division of Extension Forestry Programs, or the Aldo Leopold Foundation's My Wisconsin Woods Initiative, helps ensure the long-term resilience of Wisconsin's natural landscape.
For over a century, manufacturing has served as the backbone of Wisconsin's economy and identity.
The state's long-standing tradition of craftsmanship and industrial innovation continues to drive significant economic growth, contributing nearly $74 billion annually to Wisconsin's gross domestic product.
Beyond the impressive economic metrics, the true reach of the sector lies in the vast array of everyday items
produced within the state.
To illustrate this widespread impact, Wisconsin manufacturers and commerce, the Statewide Chamber of Commerce and Manufacturers Association, launched a new awareness campaign featuring a detailed poster in an insightful column titled, How Wisconsin Manufacturers Make Your Day by WMC President and CEO Kurt Bauer.
The campaign highlights the integral role local manufacturing plays from morning until night.
By following a narrative structure of a typical day, WMC demonstrates how Wisconsin made goods support essential daily activities from morning routines and household upkeep to meal preparation and family leisure.
Products crafted by local workers quietly power the everyday lives of citizens across the state and nation.
A major policy shift by the U.S.
Department of Agriculture is creating friction for local agriculture prompting quick action from lawmakers.
Senator Tammy Baldwin is urging federal officials to dismantle a newly introduced 25% matching funds requirement that targets regional dairy business innovation initiative centers.
Under the revised funding structure announced September 30, the four operating DBII centers, including Wisconsin's Dairy Business Innovation Alliance,
must secure up to $1 million each in local matching dollars to qualify for federal grants.
Industry experts and program operators caution that the centers lack the liquid capital needed to fulfill this obligation, which could effectively shutter direct grant streams to small and medium dairy operations.
The program established under the 2018 Farm Bill through Senator Baldwin's Dairy Business Innovation Act has funneled over $106 million across 911 separate grants to small and medium-sized family dairy businesses since its launch.
These investments back vital operational needs, including marketing, product line diversification, processing technical upgrades, and direct
technical consulting.
Stakeholders emphasized that forcing a cost-share burden during a climate of high fuel expenses, trade tariffs, and ongoing labor constraints places an unsustainable strain on dairy farmers and processors.
In a formal appeal to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, Baldwin requested an immediate reissue of the fiscal year 2026 Notice of Funding Opportunity.
without the new matching mandate, ensuring continuous support for local agricultural supply chains.
Fans of the Beatles are in for an unforgettable evening as the Madison Mystery Tour comes to the City Auditorium in Richland Center Saturday, October 17th from 7pm until 10pm.
This dedicated ensemble will perform a vibrant tribute to the iconic music of the Fab Four.
Known across Wisconsin for their sold-out shows and remarkable attention to musical detail since 2013, the band promises a lively journey through Liverpool's most celebrated catalog of classic hits and hidden gems.
Tickets for general admission are available for $25, offering local music lovers a wonderful chance to gather and celebrate a night of timeless music, friendship, and nostalgia.