WRCO Morning Obituaries

Today is October 15th.

These are today's vital statistics.

Estella M. Rowan, 86 of Muscaday, formerly of Ridgway, died Sunday, October 4 at St.

Mary's Hospital in Madison.

Visitation for Estella will be held today from 4 p.m.

until 8 p.m.

at the Gorgon, McGinley, and Ayers Funeral Home in Dodgeville.

Private family internment will be held in Eastside Ebenezer Cemetery in Ridgway at a later date.

Estella

M. Rowan, 86 of Muscaday, formerly of Ridgway.

Loretta Grace Delagrave, 90 of Richland Center died Sunday, October 11th, after battling cancer.

A funeral mass will be held Friday, October 16th at 11 a.m.

at St.

Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Richland Center with burial in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be held Friday at the church from 9.30 a.m.

until the time of mass at 11.

The Stafford Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Loretta Grace Delagrave 90 of Richland Center Kenneth

Ken Scott Ledman, 65 of Fond du Lac, formerly of Richland Center, died Tuesday, September 22nd at Aurora Medical Center in Fond du Lac, after a battle with cancer.

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 in Richland Center.

Food will be provided eulogy at 1 p.m.

Kenneth Ken Scott Ledman 65 and Lawrence Larry Ledman 91 both of Fond du Lac and formerly of Richland Center.

Rita Nelson, 87 of Richland Center, died Sunday, October 11th at SSM Health in Madison.

A celebration of Rita's life will be held Monday, October 19th from 3 p.m.

until 6 p.m.

with a time of sharing at 4 30 p.m.

at the Nazarene Outreach Center in Richland Center.

The Pratt Funeral Anchormation Service is assisting the family with arrangements.

Rita.

Nelson, 87 of Richland Center.

Mark Edwin Ewing, 68 of Richland Center, died Monday, October 12 at home.

A celebration of life will be held Sunday, November 1 at the Phoenix Center from 11 a.m.

until 2 p.m.

with a short prayer service and food to follow at 12 noon.

The Pratt Funeral Anchorimation Service is assisting the family with arrangements.

Mark Edwin Ewing, 68 of Richland Center.

Diane Baumkamp, 85 of Muscaday, died Sunday, October 11th.

Graveside services will be held Friday, October 23rd at 1 p.m.

at St.

John's Catholic Cemetery.

The Pratt

Funeral and Cremation Service is assisting the family with their arrangements.

Diane Baumkamp, 85 of Muscaday.

Law enforcement authorities are asking for the public's help in locating Jesse Yanski, formerly of Richland Center and Evoca, who went missing April 17, 2025 in Taylor County.

Yanski had recently moved to the village of Old Gemma, 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.

Yanski 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 Brianna Yansky 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 PM 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 6, 1993.

Good morning, everyone, for WRCO News.

I'm Todd Copernall, 54 degrees right now.

Forecast dreary with rain moving in during the late morning may be heavy at times this afternoon, high of 59.

In the news this morning, as reported by Civic Media, six people, including five adults and one child, lost their lives Tuesday night when a single engine plane crashed in a wooded area in the town of Delona.

according to the Sauk County Sheriff's Office.

The Sauk County Dispatch Center received initial reports of a downed aircraft at approximately 931 p.m.

near Mirror Lake State Park.

According to the National Transportation Safety Board, the aircraft was en route from Kenosha to Menominee.

flying through a thunderstorm at 24,000 feet when the pilot reported severe ice buildup on the wings and requested clearance to descend.

Shortly after receiving permission from air traffic control, data shows the plane entered a sharp right descending turn at rates reaching speeds up to 4,000 feet per minute.

before radar contact and radio communications were lost.

The investigation is currently being led by the NTSB alongside the Federal Aviation Administration to determine the precise circumstances surrounding the loss of control.

Emergency services responded to a fatal incident Sunday following reports of a severe explosion in the town of Knapp in Jackson County.

Authorities received a call at approximately 9.38 a.m.

indicating that a large explosion had occurred in an outbuilding on Arrow Road with at least one person trapped inside the structure.

Upon arrival, first responders found the outbuilding engulfed in flames which had begun spreading to the nearby woods.

A male subject was located inside the building and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Firefighters worked to contain the blaze and prevent further spread into the surrounding forest area.

The cause of the explosion remains under investigation by local officials.

The identity of the deceased man has not been released pending notification of next of kin and further investigation into the incident.

Hornets in Paradise is the theme for this year's Richland School District Homecoming Celebration.

Tomorrow, the parade will be held starting at 2.55 p.m.

in downtown Richland Center.

This year's Grand Marshal will be Police Chief Billy Jones.

Following the parade, the traditional duck races will be held in the evening.

Richland Center will face Dodgeville in the homecoming football game at 7 o'clock.

More information about this week's homecoming celebration can be found on the Richland School District website.

West End Schools, 70th homecoming celebration continues this week in Casanova.

Tonight, there will be an FFA pork feed from 5 until 7, cost is $10 for adults and $6 for students.

At 7 o'clock, there will be a distinguished alumni plaque presentation

before the varsity volleyball match against Ithaca.

Tomorrow, the homecoming parade will be at 2.30.

The Weston Silver Eagle Foundation induction ceremony will be held in the cafeteria at 4.45.

And Jacob featuring basic age, Weston alumni Jacob McCluskey, Cody Bell and Tucker Arneson will also perform starting at 4.45.

There will be food trucks, face painting and bounce houses before Friday's 6 p.m.

homecoming game,

and the West End Silver Eagle Foundation Alumni Social at Hill Point Hideaway will follow the game at 8 o'clock.

Saturday, back to the Nest, West End Retired Staff Social will be from 1pm until 5 o'clock.

The community is invited to help West End School District celebrate.

State Representative Travis Trannell expressed gratitude to landowners, local officials, and members of the No.

765 line for traveling to the state capitol to speak out against the proposed Maribel and Becky 765 kilowatt transmission project.

Representative Trannell emphasized the urgent need for affected communities to have a stronger voice and requested a public informational hearing on MISO's TRANCH 2.1 plan to assess its impacts on rural Wisconsin.

Highlighting the connection between energy policy and infrastructure expansion, Representative Trannell noted that recent shifts toward industrial wind and solar power

have increased the demand for massive regional transmission lines.

To protect local property rights and restore local oversight, he has authored 2025 Senate Bill 3 and Assembly Substitute Amendment 1 to Assembly Bill 493, calling for bipartisan collaboration, Representative Trannel urged lawmakers to reform Wisconsin energy policy around reliability, affordability, property rights, and local control.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has formally issued a notice of violation to Enbridge Energy Company, citing multiple alleged environmental infractions across Iron and Ashland counties.

According to state officials, the violation spanned permit non-compliance during the ongoing Line 5 reroute construction project, as well as unpermitted construction activities tied to a bypass around the Saxon Line 5 spill site.

The formal document addresses incidents reported between March 30th of this year and September 21st, encompassing alleged breaches of state laws protecting water quality, wetlands, navigable waterways, air quality, storm water, and endangered resources.

While an NOV serves as an initial administrative step outlining potential forfeitures, the DNR plans to review subsequent and ongoing operations for additional potential enforcement actions.

An enforcement conference between the DNR and Enbridge will be scheduled to review the legal and factual details of the alleged noncompliance.

Depending on the outcome of this meeting, the state may pursue further legal measures, including civil citations or referral to the Wisconsin Department of Justice for prosecution and court-ordered remedies.

Officials clarified that this action remains distinct from Enbridge's

obligations under the State Spills Law regarding the August 25th Line 5 release.

The DNR continues to oversee site investigation and remediation efforts related to that incident, while staff noted no further interviews or details are available at this time.

The Wisconsin State Patrol reminds drivers as the autumn season has arrived across the region, agricultural operations have entered their busiest period of the year.

The fall harvest brings a massive increase in heavy equipment moving between fields and along public roadways.

Ensuring safety during this high tempo season requires heightened vigilance from both farm workers and everyday commuters sharing the rural roads.

Agricultural machinery often travels at significantly lower speeds than standard traffic, typically maxing out around 25 miles per hour.

Commuters should maintain safe following distances, avoid high-speed overtaking in hazardous stretches, and remain patient when following wide combines and tractors.

Farmers are similarly urged to conduct daily equipment checks, verify that proper lighting and slow-moving vehicle signs are clearly visible, and utilize pull-off spots when traffic cues build up behind them.

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

A blood drive will be held tomorrow from 12.30 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.

Southwest Wisconsin Technical College will host its open house.

Wednesday, October 21st from 12 noon to 7pm, all faculty administration and staff will be present on campus to showcase the full range of academic programs, student support services and campus offerings available to current and prospective students.

The event comes following Southwest Tech's recognition as the 2025 winner of the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation's highest honor for community colleges awarded every two

years for exceptional student outcomes in learning, completion, transfer, workforce success and economic mobility.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to engage with the college's new president, Dr. Jeremy Picard.

It's time for Thursday's Roundup.

Thursday's Roundup is powered by added touch Floral and Gifts, Schmidt Woodland Hills, Richland Hospital, Cardinal Glass CG, Badgerland Flooring, and by Pratt Funeral Incrimination Service.

It's game day.

We're rolling out dumb cheap games that somehow turn into bragging rights.

No strategy, no practice, just luck, vibes, and questionable choices.

Thanks, Loveline.

the most anticipated moment of the week, especially if you're from Arkansas.

If it comes back quick, that's a green light and you can take a victory lap.

If it drags on, Hank says, step away, stretch like nothing happened, and act like you had better plans all along.

So tune in, play along and let Thursday's roundup turn ordinary into slightly ridiculous in the best way possible.

Grab your skates, yeah, we're calling you.

It's time for

the roundup.

Hey, what's going on?

Good morning, young man.

How are you doing?

I'm doing all right, man.

Good for you.

Good for you.

After that Brewer game, you've got to be doing fine.

Isn't that amazing?

Yes, it is.

It is.

It is

absolutely

amazing.

They're a very likable team because there's so many, you know.

To me, I call them country folks.

Yeah.

And here's why, because they're down to earth, you know, and they're not, yeah, they make, they make great money, but they're just down to earth.

They just, they're just gritty.

They don't stop.

Um, one of the things that came from the post game show last night, this is, this is what struck with me was, uh, they were interviewing, uh, Jake Bowers and, uh, the Hall of Fame guys, you know, where they're, and, uh, they asked him cause he, he almost.

quit.

He almost retired like two years ago.

Oh really?

Um, before he decided to come back.

And, uh, you know, I came back because he and his wife were going to have a child and he needed the insurance.

Really is why he came back.

That's what he said.

You know,

I mean,

how, how common is that?

You know, and you kind of forget that.

Yeah.

You think that all these guys are, you know, millionaires and billionaires and some are, but you know, a lot of them aren't either.

And so he's, yeah, he's been quite the story.

He's

playing for insurance.

Absolutely.

If he pays deductibles like

we did.

Yeah.

That's kind of, it's kind of cool.

So yeah, good, you know, three nothing.

That is three zero.

How can you

still not get a

rest?

I understand.

But did

you ever think that?

No, I didn't either.

No, I really didn't.

No, I honestly expected him to lose last night's game.

I just figured, you know, everything LA had, you know, they're in their home and the fans went nuts when they went ahead to two to one in the sixth inning.

And so I just figured that was,

there is a lot of Brewer fans right now.

Yeah.

Because the ALCS is kind of getting overshadowed by the NLC.

Yeah, across the country, because people would love to see the Bruce sweep them.

It'll be the first time since 82.

And, uh, you know, and I was, I had brown hair, a lot of hair and, uh, you're kind of looking forward to this.

I was a big strap.

And what would I have been 18 years old?

The last time it happened.

Still in that same mind front.

Yeah.

Well, 16, 16.

Um, yes, volleyball tonight.

Where are you going?

River Valley, River Valley, conference showdown at Platteville, Platteville.

One up on them.

They gotta win the last one to go.

Oh, you think they can do it?

It'll be a good one.

Who beat River Valley?

Is it Platteville?

Yeah.

That's

the only one.

The only one.

And did anyone beat Platteville?

No, I think they, there's only like five losses between them for the whole season.

So they need to share.

Yep.

Good for them.

They should get it, Nandy.

Tournament starts next week.

Of course, Hornet Homecoming stuff tonight and Weston Homecoming volleyball and football tomorrow.

We'll have to see.

May want to take a garbage bag along if you're watching tonight.

It could be a little bit wet for soccer outside.

Oh,

yes.

Um, and yeah, I'm sure there's football game.

Yeah.

Yeah, I have one.

You

have a

football game?

Yes.

Yes.

You better wear your

waterproof.

I don't know what

shoes,

boots.

I got rubber boots and my uh, speedo should

be there.

That'll be nice.

Yeah.

Shouldn't be there long.

I'm sure the police will come and get you.

All right.

Here's your question.

Yeah.

Describe your perfect day off.

Oh, perfect

day.

Your

perfect day off.

I'm going to, in my, to you, this is what I think.

I think your perfect day off is a Saturday.

Yes, it is.

Okay.

You sleep till.

Don't bother me.

You sleep till whenever.

Right.

Get up.

And there's no honey to do list have a little breakfast go back sit in the recliner does off again and just head down to the record store Yeah, not have somebody say you just got up.

What are you sleeping again?

Who would say that I

don't know who would say that

you're not gonna say it either You're not gonna say the name.

I don't know.

I mean, yeah, that's Like nice to be lazy.

What would you

what would you have on TV?

Well, it would be the Beverly Hillbillies or it'd be green anchors or Andy Griffith.

Oh yeah.

No bonanza

or

gum

smoke.

Those hour shows, I lose my attention

span, you know?

What is your go to show at home then?

If you have, if it's just you and like, you know what, this is what I'm watching.

Is it a movie or

is it a 30 minute show?

No, it's a 30 minute show.

Black and white or color?

Uh, probably.

I would say Seinfeld

maybe.

Yeah.

Cause that's absolute, that's what we do.

Absolutely about nothing here.

Right.

Exactly.

All right.

You might be from Arkansas, Phillip.

If you could shoot before you could spell.

Oh yeah.

I'm sure.

Yeah.

And maybe that's still the case with some adults.

You never know.

I'm not going to say anything at

this point.

Oh,

well, here's your

absurd think fast questions.

If your life had a warning label,

what

would it read?

Wow.

Well, life had a warning

label.

If your life, not your wife, I said life, life had a warning label.

If it was stuck on you, what's the fine print say?

Oh boy, uh, don't get too close to his mouth.

Maybe.

Okay.

I don't

know.

What's something you're confident you could win an Olympic medal in if the Olympics were poorly organized?

Um, armpit noises.

Okay.

If you were legal required to change your name to, to something that sounds fake.

What would you pick?

Flip flash.

Flip

flash.

You know what mine would be?

Nobody knows what a flip flash is anymore.

For a camera.

Yeah.

It goes up and down.

Phones used to have that.

There's a phone that you just take a picture and come up and go

back down.

Oh, that's right.

I can't remember who it was.

Mine would be Skeeter.

Skeeter.

Yeah, I know you call yourself that.

Yeah, Skeeter.

You see it on some of the I do see that that reminds me of a science I wasn't at George's that wanted to be called was a T bone or something like that or he was trying to give himself a cool nickname Yeah, so you're trying to give yourself a cool nickname.

I

don't know if Skeeter school.

I don't know either

Yeah, so the 16th buck.

Yes What food do you eat in a way that would make a chef quietly weep?

Well, I like to put ketchup on things.

So maybe that would be it.

Should you put ketchup on

almost anything?

Well, quite a bit of things.

Yeah, you got to have your sauce.

You eat it like you want to.

Right.

Yeah.

Today's game day, young

man.

Oh, I know.

I'm so

excited.

Are you

excited?

Well, you know, we've played Rock and Sock and Robots before, but I don't know what you call this.

I don't know either, but it's a battle game.

It's a mini battle game.

It's a

mini battle game.

And you have a couple of boxers, but they both have hammers.

Yeah.

they look like my hair because one of them yeah one of them does look like your hair and they they have kind of angry looks on their faces yes and they're not very they're gritting their teeth yes yeah it kind of does look like you and your brother maybe we have two of them filmed yeah

oh yeah so

a

buck

fifty wow that that was money well spent 100 yeah i'm sure they're gonna work well

And if not, I mean, do you go back and get your money?

This, this doesn't work.

Do you go back to the

dollar

store and say, this doesn't

work?

I ordered this stuff online.

Oh, you

did?

Wow.

So that's interesting.

Yeah.

It's, um, but you know, we got to have Thursday's fun.

So this is what I've come up with.

We're playing, uh, baseball today.

Best of seven.

Best of seven.

Yeah.

Whoever pops the head.

That's a lot.

You think it's going to last that long?

We'll try it because, you know, it's a cheap game.

It is achieved.

So they both have hammers.

They both have shields.

Yeah.

Let's, let's hold

it.

See when you hit down like this.

Yeah.

And then

try

to knock their block off.

They're

trying to knock the block.

All right.

Ready?

Yep.

Set.

Go.

Oh, gotcha.

I knocked your block off.

Yeah.

That was, that was really fast.

It was one nothing fill.

All

right.

Two nothing fill.

Two nothing fill.

Just call me the brewers, man.

You know, I'm in blue.

Yeah, you are.

I'm in blue like the brewers, right?

Oh, man.

Two to one.

I can't get my head on there.

I can't wrap my head around it.

Boy, I don't know.

This buck 50 might've got ripped off.

Why is that?

Oh, I don't know.

Two one fill.

Ready?

Go.

Oh, three one fill.

My goodness.

Fills one away.

One away.

One away from recess.

Wait, wait, wait.

No, you didn't say ready.

Say go.

Ready?

Set,

go.

Yes.

Wow.

That's a good game.

That was, that was $1.50 well spent.

That was four one.

Yeah.

Four one Hank got beat.

It's the kind of kids can play in the back seat where you're driving down the road.

Yeah.

Well, that would make you go crazy after 12 hours.

Probably.

You're hoping the buttons wear

out.

Yeah.

So for those that can't afford Rockham Sockham robots, buck 50, the battle game.

Yeah, it's pretty cool.

Huh.

It's different.

Interesting toy series.

Wow.

That's interesting.

They actually look like croquet mallets.

Yeah, they do.

See, we actually

have two of them.

See, 150 for two.

So 75 cents a piece.

Are you kidding me?

I would sell this thing for five bucks right now.

You would?

Yep.

Wow.

Well, call Prime Mover on Saturday.

Maybe somebody will buy it.

Oh, man.

That didn't count.

All right, buddy.

We let's see here.

What else do we have in our lucky folder today?

I believe it's your it's a love line, but I have something the 100 I have I've researched the 100 most pointless records ever sent.

Oh, so I'm just going to read you one every week.

Okay.

So most grapes thrown into a fan and caught in the mouth.

So you catch the ricochet?

Yes.

Really?

Yes.

Yes.

Yeah.

So yeah.

Pointless records.

How come the well, there must have been some sort of a shield over there and something.

Yeah.

Cause the old fashioned one, I wouldn't want to slice

it.

Yeah, exactly.

Fruit, fruit salad.

Great.

Yeah.

Great.

All right.

Here we go.

Most selfies taken in an hour by

one or selfies taken in an hour,

1,449.

Now I would think it would be higher.

Well,

Here's, you can take them pretty quickly.

That's, that's, it's, it's one of those.

You have to press your button.

Oh, it's

one of those.

You can't just hold it because you and I could get a thousand.

I was going to say,

oh yeah.

But

that's, but you have to sit there and hold your.

You have to press the button.

That was the selfie zone.

Shoot.

That's somebody who's really, you know, I'm guessing kind of vain if you take that many selfies of yourself, but then again, set by Hank Skeeter.

Yeah.

Skeeter Bray.

Skeeter Bray.

Buck Bray.

Here is your October 15th love line.

This is something that everybody here at WRCO has been wanting to know.

I'm going to use that after she

says, you

just got up.

What do you go back to bed for?

Are you ready?

You could use this one.

All right.

Are you my neighbor's Wi-Fi?

Cause I've been trying to connect with you for years.

Oh boy.

That's not going to get you anywhere.

Oh

well.

Hey my man, I hope you have a great day and be kind my friend.

Sounds

good.

Hey Bray!

Today is October 15th.

These are today's vital statistics.

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 internment will be held in Eastside Ebenezer Cemetery in Ridgeway at a later date.

The Gorgon McKinley and Ayers Funeral Home in Dodgeville is assisting the family.

Estella is survived by her children, Melvin and Marie Rowan Jr., Matthew and Annalyn 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.

Loretta Grace Delagrave, 90.

of Richland Center died Sunday, October 11th after battling cancer.

A funeral mass will be held Friday, October 16th at 11 a.m.

at St.

Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Richland Center with burial in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be held Friday at the church from 9.30 a.m.

until the time of mass at 11.

The Stafford funeral home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Loretta is survived by her children, Daniel

Debbie Delagrave, Elizabeth Delagrave, Jane and David Huth, and Thomas Delagrave, 12 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, her sister Karen Presswood, many other relatives and friends, Loretta Grace Delagrave, 90 of Richland Center, Kenneth

Ken Scott Ledman, 65 of Fond du Lac, formerly of Richland Center, died Tuesday, September 22nd at Aurora Medical Center in Fond du Lac after a battle with cancer.

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 p.m.

until 3 p.m.

at the Phoenix Center Banquet Hall in 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.

Rita Nelson, 87 of Richland Center, died Sunday, October 11th at SSM Health in Madison.

A celebration of Rita's life will be held Monday, October 19th from 3 p.m.

until 6 p.m.

with a time of sharing at 4 30 p.m.

at the Nazarene Outreach Center.

in Richland Center.

The Pratt Funeral and Cremation Service is assisting the family with arrangements.

Rita is survived by her children, Tom and Julie Nelson and Barbara and Leo Swenson.

Her four sisters, Marie Brander, Ruby Bender, Barbara Belson and Joanne Olson.

One grandson, three great-grandchildren.

Rita Nelson, 87, of Richland Center.

Russell L. Bauer, 85 of Springgreen, died October 7th.

A funeral mass will be held Tuesday, October 20th at 11 a.m.

at St.

John's Catholic Church in Springgreen with military honors conducted by the Springgreen American Legion post 253.

Visitation will be held at the church Tuesday from 9 a.m.

until the time of mass.

A private family burial will be held in the Helen Cemetery.

The Richardson Stafford Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Russell is survived by his daughter, Lori Dillman and her husband Chris, one granddaughter, siblings Carol and Jack, Smolowski, Ron and Audrey Bauer, Sharon and Lenny Heiser, Kevin and Barb Bauer,

and Diane and Jean Wilkinson.

Russell L. Bauer, 85 of Spring Green.

Mark Edwin Ewing, 68 of Richland Center, died Monday, October 12 at home.

A celebration of life will be held Sunday, November 1 at the Phoenix Center from 11 a.m.

until 2 p.m.

with a short prayer service and food to follow at 12 noon.

The Pratt Funeral Incremation Service is assisting the family with arrangements.

Mark is survived by his significant other, Jan Schroeder, children Casey Ewing, Mark and Megan Ewing, stepchildren Jesse and Jill Carly Radke, and Ryan Schroeder, two grandchildren, siblings Monty and Mary Ewing, Dan and Laura Ewing, Randy and Brenda Ewing, Cindy and Alan Smith.

and Janet Ewing, many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Mark Edwin Ewing, 68 of Richland Center.

Diane Baumkamp, 85 of Muscaday, died Sunday, October 11th.

Graveside services will be held Friday, October 23rd at 1 p.m.

at St.

John's Catholic Cemetery.

The Pratt Funeral and Cremation Service is assisting the family with their arrangements.

Diane is survived by four children, Rebecca Pafford, Anthony and Sandy Baumkamp, Teresa and Mark Wants, and Roger and Christine Baumkamp.

Nine grandchildren, many great-grandchildren.

Brother Fred Gokenauer, many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Diane Baumkamp, 85 of Muscatay.

Law enforcement authorities are asking for the public's help in locating Jesse Yansky, formerly of Richland Center and Evoca, who went missing April 17, 2025, in Taylor County.

Yansky had recently moved to the village of Old Gemma, 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.

Yanski exited the vehicle to take a walk and cool off, leaving both his phone and wallet inside the car.

Multiple witnesses reported seeing Yanski 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 Brianna 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 Jansky, please contact law enforcement immediately.

The family has decided to hold the 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.

Jesse James Jansky, born March 6th, 1993.

The community is invited to gather at the Phoenix Center tonight from 5.30 until 7.

For the 23rd Walk with Grace annual meeting, while the Brewers game plays in the next room, attendees will come together to celebrate collective impact and support the Grace community.

The evening begins at 5.30 with arrival and social time.

Guests can enjoy light snacks provided by Grace.

Check out the bucket raffle donations and order dinner directly from the Phoenix Center kitchen.

The event will also feature short presentations from representatives of the UW Carbone Cancer Center and Gunter

Sin Amplify who will be proudly presented with donation checks.

All teams are highly encouraged to attend as group photos will be taken with the big check to capture the moment.

Additionally, attendees have a chance to win a $20 gas card by RSVP and view phone or text at 604-8255.

Everyone who RSVPs will be automatically entered into the drawing.

but must be present at the time of the drawing to win.

The Richland School District Board of Education met Wednesday, October 14th and unanimously approved its draft budget amid the ongoing financial planning.

State officials are expected to release updated public school state aid figures today, providing critical clarity for the district's final fiscal numbers.

In addition to budget approval, board members discussed potential steps to increase community transparency regarding state mandated private school vouchers.

funding.

Following discussions from the 2026 WASB State Education Convention on highlighting the financial impact of voucher programs, Board President Unbihan and District Administrator Board have evaluated similar initiatives for Richland and its surrounding municipalities.

The Board is currently considering sending an informational insert with this year's property tax bills to detail the breakdown of local school taxes, specifically illustrating

the portion allocated to the Wisconsin School Voucher Program.

Hornets in Paradise is the theme this year for the Richland School District's homecoming celebration.

Tomorrow, the parade will be held starting at 2.55 in downtown Richland Center.

This year's Grand Marshal will be Police Chief Billy Jones.

Following the parade, the traditional duck races will be held in the evening.

Richland Center will face Dodgeville in the homecoming football game at 7 o'clock.

More information about this week's homecoming celebration can be found on the Richland School District website.

Western School's 70th homecoming celebration continues this week in Casanovia.

Tonight, there will be an FFA pork feed from 5 until 7.

Cost is $10 for adults and $6 for students.

At 7 o'clock, there will be a distinguished alumni plaque presentation before the Varsity Volleyball match against Ithaca.

Tomorrow, the homecoming parade will be at 2.30.

The Western Silver Eagle Foundation induction ceremony will be held in the cafeteria at 4.45 and Jacob.

Featuring basic age, Weston alumni Jacob McCluskey, Cody Bell, and Tucker Arneson will also perform starting at 4.45.

There will be food trucks, face painting, and bounce houses before Friday's 6 o'clock homecoming game versus Nasita and the Weston Silver Eagle Foundation Alumni Social.

At Hill Point Hideaway, we'll follow the game at 8 o'clock.

Saturday, back to the nest, Weston retired staff social will be from one until five.

The community is invited to help Weston School District celebrate.

The Salk County Sheriff's Department, Deputy's Union WPPA Local 241.

As officially endorsed candidate Matthew Birch in the 2026 race for Salk County Sheriff, representing approximately 91 members across the field services and security divisions, the union announced the endorsement following a membership vote.

To determine the endorsement, the union implemented a thorough process aimed at providing equal opportunity to both candidates.

Members held meetings of equal length at a neutral location.

with candidates Matthew Birch and Ryan Jessberger.

Attendance at these meetings was optional for all members.

Following the candidate meetings, the union first voted on whether to issue an endorsement for the sheriff's race.

After the membership voted in favor of making an endorsement, a second anonymous vote was conducted to select the candidate of the cast votes.

Matthew Birch received 72 votes representing 97% of the total.

Union President Deputy Kyle Mueller noted that regardless of the outcome of the upcoming election, the Union looks forward to working in a constructive manner with the next sheriff to serve Sark County.

Southwest Wisconsin Technical College will host its open house Wednesday, October 21 from 12 noon until 7 p.m.

All faculty, administration, and staff will be present on campus to showcase the full range of academic programs, student support services, and campus offerings available to current and prospective students.

The event comes following Southwest Tech's recognition as the 2025 winner of the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence.

The nation's highest honor for community colleges awarded every two years for exceptional student outcomes in learning, completion, transfer, workforce success, and economic mobility.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to engage with the college's new president, Dr. Jeremy Picard.

Visitors during the showcase can learn about newly introduced academic options, including the IT software developer and automation systems technology programs, as well as the planned sonography programs set to launch in fall 2027.

In addition, campus tours will highlight student life and support infrastructure, such as student success coaches,

on campus student housing, student success plans, Katie's cupboard food pantry, dual enrollment, Charger Tech 316 mental health counseling services, the campus solar array over 80 acres of crop ground and athletics programs, including golf, trap shooting and women's volleyball.

Media members and attendees are also invited to set up interviews with faculty, staff and Dr. Picard throughout the afternoon and evening.

Community members are encouraged to help spread the word about the upcoming Southwestern Wisconsin Community Action Program pop-up food pantry truck schedule.

All residents from the surrounding areas are welcome to attend and access these essential community resources.

The food pantry distribution is scheduled for Tuesday, October 20th, with stops at two key locations.

The truck will first arrive in Rockbridge from 10.30 a.m.

until 11.30 at the Rockbridge Town Hall.

Later that day, the truck will visit Casanovia from 12.30 p.m.

until 1.30, setting up near Alibis Bar and Grill on East Main Street.

To receive food, Southwest CAP is required to collect basic demographic information, including names, ages, addresses and overall household size.

Attendees are encouraged to prepare a slip of paper ahead of time with the names, addresses and birth dates for all members of the household to help speed up the check-in process.

Richland County is gearing up to host its second annual Career Fair Wednesday, November 18th at the Richland Center High School Campus Gymnasium.

Building on the success of last year's inaugural event, local organizers, schools, employers, and community partners are coming together once again to help area students explore future career, educational, and training opportunities.

Event coordinators have made several key updates based on feedback from previous participants.

The schedule has been streamlined with vendors set up taking place from 8 a.m.

until 9 a.m., followed by the main career fair running from 9 a.m.

until 1.30 p.m.

A working lunch will be provided to maximize engagement while ensuring vendors can conclude their day promptly at 1.30.

To foster deeper connections, organizers have also reduced the number of required questions for students.

placing a stronger emphasis on open, organic dialogue.

With nearly 50 vendors anticipated across various industries and pathways, the FAIR aims to encourage meaningful conversations regarding careers, internships, youth apprenticeships, and college programs.

Vendors and regional organizations interested in participating are encouraged to reserve their spots by contacting Tom Martin with the CESA 3 Career and Life Ready Team.

Emergency services responded to a fatal incident Sunday, October 11th, following reports of a severe explosion in the town of Knapp in Jackson County.

Authorities received a call at approximately 9.38 a.m.

indicating that a large explosion had occurred in an outbuilding on Arrow Road with at least one person trapped inside the structure.

Upon arrival, first responders found the outbuilding engulfed in flames, which had begun spreading to the nearby woods.

A male subject was located inside the building and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Firefighters worked to contain the blaze and prevent further spread into the surrounding forest area.

The cause of the explosion remains under investigation by local officials.

The identity of the deceased man has not been released, pending notification of next of kin and further investigation into the incident.

Welcome back to the news at noon.

Here is Ken Thied.

McGrew is a small ghost town and former community situated in the town of Marshall.

And now for a Richland County Historical Society history moment.

Here's the rest of the story.

McGrew was historically centered around the land owned by J.B.

McGrew.

In this locale, it featured school number eight, a United Brethren Church, and a local post office.

The English Ridge Cemetery is located about 3.5 miles north of US 14 at the county trunk ZZ, continuing northward past the junction of Z and double Z. It's in section 27 of the town of Marshall.

The locale was formerly known as McGrew.

It had a US post office there.

That school, numbered eight, was part of the small one room schools in Richland County.

And of course the United Brethren Church, well that being located there as well.

The original landowner, being J.B.

McGrew, today it's much different.

The community no longer exists as a town, but its historical footprint lies just north of what is the present day unincorporated community of Gillingham on State Highway 56.

Yes, McGrew is listed as a ghost town today, but historically the name being linked to Joseph McGrew as an early 19th century settler who served as the Richland County Sheriff from 1869 through 1870 and then went on to serve in the Wisconsin State Assembly in 1873.

According to U.S.

GenWeb, Richland Books Chapter 27, the Honorable J.B.

McGrew, one of the prominent representatives of the Richland County area, was born near Smithsfield, Jefferson County, Ohio on January 28, 1829.

His education was such as he could have obtained at that time in the district schools.

He had tended and had the opportunity offered to him up until age 15 years old.

Meanwhile, all that time, he was working with his father who had leased a flowering mill.

During the spring of 1855, he removed to Wisconsin and preempted the land on section 30, Town of Richland in Richland County, where he commenced as a pioneer life would have it by building a log house and then making preparations to, as we'll say, open up a farm.

In a short time, he removed to Sextonville, where he was taken sick with a goo.

A goo is a former history moment talking about a illness that was common in that time period.

This had a discouraging effect on him, and after about four weeks, Mr. McGrew was

battling what would be chilling and shaking sensations that only some with the gu could actually have this personal experience that he had with this disease as it was had an effect on him.

Here his experience with his father in working at the flowering mill proved to be an available resource.

He rented what would be Wood's flowering mill in Richland County and consequently in about a year returned to Richland County, bought 80 more acres at this time.

He had previously preempted what was an erected house and went on to work putting the land in preparation for his farming.

In the spring of 1861, he again removed to Sextonville and engaged with George Crossgup's flowering mill there for about four years.

He finally returned to his farm

purchased an additional 80 acres of land adjoining the original 80 he had purchased.

In 1880, having good opportunity, he sold out and again returned to Ohio, this time with the intention of purchasing a large flour mill there in Ohio.

But for some reason, the owner concluding not to sell, he immediately became a permanent resident, returning to Richland County this time for good.

In purchasing his farm on Section 8, Town of Richland, he later sold it in 1882 to what will become the McKay Farm.

Consisting of now 200 acres, he sold an additional 40, all of which were located in the Town of Marshall, where he resided.

Mr. McGrew is a man of intelligence and sterling qualities.

Listen next week to the history of Richland County about Road Off Stam on Mill Creek near Balmoral.

Today's history moment is a service of the Richland County Historical Society.

Members of the Historical Society enjoy reminiscing with the Ake-Breaking Newsletter.

A strong membership base keeps the historical society viable and active by promoting the study and appreciation of local history, the sponsorship of programs devoted to local history, and the maintenance and access to the Ake School Museum.

Annual memberships are just $10 for an individual or family, $20 for a business, or $100 for a lifetime individual or family membership.

Memberships can be mailed to,

Richland County Historical Society, 213 South Central Avenue, apartment number one, Richland Center, Wisconsin 53581.

You can also learn more at richlandcountyhistoricalsociety.weebly.com.

Thank you, Mr. Feet.

Governor Tony Evers, alongside the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation and Hewlett Packard Enterprise announced a major expansion of HPE's operations in Chippewa Falls.

HPE plans to invest $75 million over the next five years to meet rising global demand for artificial intelligence and high-performance computing solutions.

The project is expected to create 75 new high-skill jobs in the region, adding to the nearly 500 Wisconsinites currently employed at the facility.

To facilitate the expansion, WEDC is authorizing up to $5.1 million in performance-based enterprise zone tax credits.

This builds upon an initial $8 million agreement established in 2021 under which HPE exceeded its original commitments by investing more than $25.9 million, creating 120 jobs and retaining 486 positions.

The new capital investment will expand HPE's testing, warehousing and manufacturing infrastructure in the Chippewa Valley.

Automatic license plate reader technology has become an increasingly prominent tool used by law enforcement agencies across the country.

These high-speed camera networks capture, analyze, and store data on millions of vehicles daily, recording license plates along with location, date, and time information, while proponents argue that ALPR networks assist in criminal investigations and public safety.

Privacy advocates emphasize that unchecked retrospective searching of vast surveillance databases poses significant constitutional issues regarding individual privacy rights and freedom of association.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin and the Electronic Frontier Foundation

have filed the petition directly with the Wisconsin Supreme Court on behalf of the Wisconsin Council of Churches and an individual pastor in Green Bay, asking the court to require the government to obtain a judicial warrant in order to query data collected by automatic license plate reader networks.

The petition asserts that retroactive searches of this kind of ALPR data amounts to a search that must comply with standards mandated by the Wisconsin Constitution.

The petitioners are suing four Wisconsin cities, Green Bay, Milwaukee, Racine, and Kenosha, each of which operate these systems and conduct searches using them.

The WCC represents more than 2,000 congregations in Wisconsin who provide religious services, confidential counseling, and other sensitive community programming including in these jurisdictions.

Petitioners allege that the government's ability to retroactively search these vast AI-assisted networks of ALPR's tramples on

Wisconsinite's expectations of privacy and amounts to a search that can only be legal if performed with a warrant or a lawful exception to the warrant requirements.

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

A blood drive will be held tomorrow from 12.30 until 5 p.m.

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 State Patrol reminds drivers as the autumn season has arrived across the region, agricultural operations enter their busiest period of the year.

The fall harvest brings a massive increase in heavy equipment moving between fields and along public roadways.

Ensuring safety during this high-tempo season requires heightened vigilance from both farm workers and everyday commuters sharing the rural roads.

Agricultural machinery often travels at significantly lower speeds than standard traffic, typically maxing out at around 25 miles per hour.

Commuters should maintain safe following distances.

Avoid high-speed overtaking and hazardous stretches.

and remain patient when following wide combines and tractors.

Farmers are similarly urged to conduct daily equipment checks, verify that proper lighting and slow-moving vehicle signs are clearly visible, and utilize pull-off spots when traffic cues build up behind them.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is preparing for the official launch of the 2026 elk hunting season, Saturday, October 17th, marking the ninth season since elk were successfully reintroduced to the state this year's hunt.

reflects ongoing efforts to balance wildlife conservation with population management.

Interest in the season remains high with more than 34,000 Wisconsin residents entering the random drawing for a total of 16.

State administered hunting licenses.

The applicant pool included 13,970 hopefuls applying for bull elk tags in the Northern Elk Management Zone alongside 20,728 applicants flying for bull and antlerless tags in the Central Elk Management Zone.

Quotas for the northern zone were established at eight bulls split equally between state and tribal hunters.

In the central zone, state hunters received six bull and six antlerless tags.

A notable change for this season is the implementation of unit-specific elk tags, according to DNR biologist Christina Kazewski.

This new framework allows wildlife managers to target harvest pressure in regions experiencing higher levels of human elk interaction, while maintaining lower harvest limits in areas where population expansion remains the primary goal.

Selection through the state's random drawing guaranteed equal opportunity for all applicants within their chosen management zones.

During the application process, prospective hunters selected specific unit groupings and were permitted to apply for bold tags, antlerless tags, or both, though regulations allow a hunter to accept only a single license.

Today's vital statistics are sponsored by Krause Monument.

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

Today is October 15th.

These are today's vital statistics.

Estella M. Rowan, 86 of Muscaday, formerly of Ridgway.

died Sunday, October 4th at St.

Mary's Hospital in Madison.

Visitation for Estella will be held today from 4 p.m.

until 8 p.m.

at the Gorgon, McGinley and Ayers Funeral Home in Dodgeville.

Private family internment will be held in East Side Ebenezer Cemetery in Ridgeway at a later date.

Estella M. Rowan, 86 of Muscaday, formerly.

of Ridgeway.

Loretta Grace Delagrave, 90 of Richland Center, died Sunday, October 11th after battling cancer.

A funeral mass will be held Friday, October 16th at 11 a.m.

at St.

Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Richland Center with burial in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be held Friday at the church from 9.30 a.m.

until the time of mass at 11.

The Stafford Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Loretta Grace Delagrave 90 of Richland Center Kenneth

Ken Scott Ledman, 65 of Fond du Lac, formerly of Richland Center, died Tuesday, September 22 at Aurora Medical Center in Fond du Lac after a battle with cancer.

Lawrence Larry Darwin Ledman, 91 of Fond du Lac, formerly of Richland Center, died September 26 and 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 Banquet Hall in Richland Center food will be provided eulogy at 1 p.m.

Kenneth Ken Scott Ledman 65 and Lawrence Larry Ledman 91 both a fonduac and formerly

of Richland Center.

Rita Nelson, 87 of Richland Center, died Sunday, October 11th at SSM Health in Madison.

A celebration of Rita's life will be held Monday, October 19th from 3 p.m.

until 6 p.m.

with a time of sharing at 4 30 p.m.

at the Nazarene Outreach Center in Richland Center.

The Pratt Funeral and Cremation Service is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Rita Nelson, 87 of Richland Center.

Russell L. Bauer, 85 of Spring Green.

died October 7th.

A funeral mass will be held Tuesday October 20th at 11 a.m.

at St.

John's Catholic Church in Spring Green with military honors conducted by the Spring Green American Legion Post 253.

Visitation will be held at the church Tuesday from 9 a.m.

until the time of mass.

A private family burial will be held in the Helen Cemetery.

The Richardson Stafford funeral home is assisting the family Russell L. Bauer 85 of Spring Green Mark Edwin Ewing 68 of Richland Center died Monday October 12th at home

A celebration of life will be held Sunday, November 1st at the Phoenix Center from 11 a.m.

until 2 p.m.

with a short prayer service and food to follow at 12 noon.

The Pratt Funeral and Cremation Service is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Mark Edwin Ewing, 68 of Richland Center.

Diane Baumkamp, 85 of Muscaday, died Sunday, October 11th.

Graveside services will be held Friday, October 23rd at 1 p.m.

at St.

John's Catholic Cemetery.

The Pratt Funeral and Cremation Service is assisting the family with their arrangements.

Diane Baumkamp, 85 of Muscaday.

Thomas Price Harvey, 73 of Woodstock, 9 October 13th.

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

Thomas is survived by his wife Barbara.

Thomas Price Harvey, 73 of Woodstock.

This concludes today's vital statistics.

Good evening, everyone, for WRCO News.

I'm Todd Coppernall.

Community members are encouraged to help spread the word about the upcoming Southwestern Wisconsin Community Action Program pop-up food pantry truck schedule.

All residents from the surrounding areas are welcome to attend and access these essential community resources.

The food pantry distribution is scheduled for Tuesday, October 20th with stops at two key locations.

The truck will first arrive in Rockbridge from 10.30 a.m.

until 11.30 at the Rockbridge Town Hall.

Later that day, the truck will visit Casanovia from 12.30 p.m.

to 1.30, setting up near Alibis Bar and Grill on East Main Street.

To receive food, Southwest CAP is required to collect basic demographic information, including names, ages, addresses, and overall household size.

Attendees are encouraged to prepare a slip of paper ahead of time with the names, addresses, and birth dates for all members of the household to help speed up the check-in process.

The Sock County Sheriff's Department deputies Union WPPA Local 241 has officially endorsed candidate Matthew Birch in the 2026 race for Sock County Sheriff.

Representing approximately 91 members across the field services and security divisions, the Union announced the endorsement following a membership vote.

To determine the endorsement, the union implemented a thorough process aimed at providing equal opportunity to both candidates.

Members held meetings of equal length at a neutral location with candidates Matthew Birch and Ryan Jessberger.

Attendance at these meetings was optional for all members.

Following the candidate meetings, the union first voted on whether to issue an endorsement for the 2026 sheriff's race.

After the membership voted in favor of making an endorsement, a second anonymous vote was conducted to select a candidate.

Of the cast votes, Matthew Birch received 72 votes, representing 97% of the total.

Union President Deputy Kyle Muller noted that regardless of the outcome of the upcoming election, the Union looks forward to working in a constructive manner with the next sheriff to serve Salk County.

The Richland School District Board of Education met Wednesday, October 14th and unanimously approved its draft budget.

Amid the ongoing financial planning, state officials are expected to release updated public school state aid figures, providing critical clarity.

for the district's final fiscal numbers.

In addition to budget approval, board members discuss potential steps to increase community transparency regarding state-mandated private school voucher funding.

Following discussions from the 2026 WASB State Education Convention on highlighting the financial impact of voucher programs, Board President Unbihan and District Administrator Board have evaluated similar initiatives for Richland and its surrounding municipalities.

The Board is currently considering sending an informational insert with this year's property tax bills to detail the breakdown of local school tax

specifically illustrating the portion allocated to the Wisconsin school voucher program.

And the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction did publish state general school aid certifications today, establishing the precise funding amounts school districts across the state will receive for the 2026-27 school year.

Released annually by October 15th in accordance with state law, these final figures update and replace the preliminary estimates issued July 1st.

Total general school aid funding stands at $5.58 billion, marking the third consecutive year that the overall appropriation has remained flat.

General school aides represent the largest single source of state financial support for K-12 public education in Wisconsin.

distributed primarily through the state's equalization aid formula, the funding relies on prior year student enrollment counts, and district financial metrics to calculate distribution.

Because overall state funding remained unchanged, shifts in local property values, spending levels, and enrollment figures have led to notable variations in aid across individual districts.

Out of 421 school districts,

We'll see reductions in state aid compared to the previous year, while 151 districts will receive increased funding.