Good morning everyone for WRCO News.
I'm Todd Copernall, 46 cool damp degrees.
In Richland Center this morning, forecast says high today will be 51 mostly cloudy, windy and cool.
I believe that right now.
In the news, the city of Richland Center has formally announced that city administrator Ashley Oliphant submitted her resignation
which will take effect January 1st.
Mayor Karen Templi expressed deep appreciation for Oliphant's dedicated service alongside city staff, elected leaders, and local residents.
During her tenure, Oliphant contributed significantly to municipal operations, leaving a lasting impact across the community.
In the coming months, municipal leaders will concentrate on facilitating an orderly leadership transition
to ensure seamless continuity in municipal services.
City officials remain dedicated to maintaining stable operations and supporting local staff through the upcoming changes.
Community members and local partners can expect steady administration as leadership prepares for future developments.
Governor Tony Evers announced yesterday that Wisconsin has achieved seven consecutive years
of record high checking and account balances during his tenure, wrapping up fiscal year 2026 with a $3.3 billion positive balance in the general fund, exceeding budgeted estimates by roughly $350 million.
Meanwhile, the state's rainy day fund or budget stabilization fund reached a record
$2.1 billion after growing by more than $1.75 billion under Governor Evers leadership representing a six-fold increase since the end of fiscal year 2018.
According to the newly released annual fiscal report for fiscal year 2026, state general fund tax collections grew by 3.4% over the prior year, finishing 2% higher than estimated.
Department of Administration Secretary Kathy Blumenfeld praised the administration's financial management, noting that the prudent fiscal stewardship demonstrated under Governor Evers has provided historic stability and accountability for Wisconsin taxpayers.
A suspicious piece of mail delivered to the Wisconsin Elections Commission
On Wednesday afternoon has been determined to be non-hazardous following a prompt response and field testing by law enforcement agencies.
Staff at the commission identified the envelope shortly before 3 p.m.
October 14th after recognizing characteristics similar to suspicious mail reported by election offices in other states.
Following standard safety protocols, staff isolated the item without opening it.
and immediately notified local and federal authorities.
Subsequent field testing confirmed that no hazardous or dangerous substances were present and officials reported no injuries or health concerns.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, along with partner agencies, has opened an investigation into the origin of the mailing.
WEC administrator Megan Wolfe emphasized that the incident will not disrupt operations or preparations for the upcoming November 3rd general election.
Excuse me, reassuring voters and local clerks of the agency's readiness.
Earlier in the day, the agency had recirculated guidance to municipal and county clerks across Wisconsin detailing safe mail handling practices to ensure local staff remain vigilant and prepared.
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 Camp 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 birthdays for all members of their household to help speed up the check-in process.
The Salk County Sheriff's Department Deputy's Union WPPA Local 241 has 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 Jesperger.
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 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 Sock County.
The Richland School District Board of Education met Wednesday 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 discussed 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 Bridgeland 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.
And the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction did publish state general school aid certifications yesterday, 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 individuals,
districts.
Out of 421 school districts, 261 will see reductions in state aid.
Compared to the previous year, while 151 districts will receive increased funding.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has awarded over $250,000 in E-Cycle Wisconsin Electronics Collection grants to support 39 projects across 35 counties.
Scheduled between October of this year and December of 2027, the funding will help establish two permanent collection sites and support up to 55 one-day collection events.
Enacted in 2010, Wisconsin is
Wisconsin's Electronics Recycling Law banned major electronics from landfills and established E-Cycle Wisconsin, a manufacturer-funded initiative managed by the state.
Since its inception, households and schools have recycled 440 million pounds of equipment.
Building on this momentum, the DNR has provided more than $830,000 since 2022 to rural and underserved areas, resulting in nine permanent
collection sites and 136 single day events.
Local governments and community organizations are also taking a direct role in expansion efforts.
Green Lake County will establish a new permanent collection site and the town of Round Lake will expand operations at its existing site in Sawyer County.
Additional localized collection events will be coordinated by county land conservation and public works departments in many Wisconsin counties.
Financed through
manufacturer fees.
The program ensures responsible recycling for standard items such as computers, monitors, televisions, printers, and cell phones.
Residents can locate nearby collection sites, search by county, or explore free trade-in options via the DNR's interactive online directory.
Vital statistics right after this.
Today is October 16th.
These are today's vital statistics.
Loretta Grace Delagrave, 90 of Richland Center, died Sunday, October 11th.
After battling cancer, a funeral mass will be held today 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 today 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 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 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 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 Incrimination Service is assisting the family with 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 arrangements.
Mark Edwin Ewing, 68 of Richland Center.
Diane Baumkamp, 85 of Muscaday, died Sunday, October 11th.
Grave side 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, died 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.
Make your fall drive a little sweeter with a stop at Oakwood Fruit Farm.
Discover a great selection of apples for snacking and baking, plus fresh cranberries, pumpkin squash, and beautiful fall bombs.
Treat yourself to fresh apple cider, some donuts, caramel apples, taken bake pies, and other bakery favorites.
Bring home the flavors of fall from Oakwood Fruit Farm.
Open daily 9 to 5 South of Ithaca on Apple Ridge Road.
Just follow the signs.
Oakwood Fruit Farms, that's a wonderful family farm.
Oakwood Fruit Farms, that's a wonderful family farm.
In Wisconsin, we teach our kids to be honest, hardworking, and collaborate with others to get the job done.
That's why group projects are so important.
But there's always one kid who is just along for the ride, just like Madison politician Jenna Jacobson.
She signs onto bills after they pass and become law, claiming others work as her own.
Not just once or twice, but five times last year alone.
because she can't run on her real record, like when she stood with Big Tech to give away Wisconsin's resources for new data centers, or how she consistently opposes bipartisan legislation.
Nobody likes a free rider on their group project, and we don't need one representing us in the state Senate.
On November 3rd, oppose Jenna Jacobson and her failed agenda.
Paid for by taxpayers for Markline.
The community pharmacy at the Richland Hospital now offers convenient curbside pickup.
Simply park in one of the designated pickup spaces for community pharmacy customers and call the number on the sign.
A member of our pharmacy team will bring your prescription or over-the-counter purchase right to your vehicle.
It's just one more way the Richland Hospital and Clinics is making care more convenient while putting our patients above all
else.
We've got cooking with Hank, where recipes are more of a suggestion, and the smoke alarm is basically a sous chef.
And medium heat?
That's just a bad choice.
And don't miss the word of the day.
You're a coolly moolly.
Freshly invented on the spot by Hank with zero approval process.
But he has 100% confidence.
Wrap up your week with chaos.
Chuckles.
And just enough nonsense to make Monday nervous.
That's Friday's roundup.
It's time for the roundup.
What
are you
doing, man?
I'm trying to... I'm trying to... Mr. Maine was in here yesterday.
Maine Thompson, what a great young man.
He was 14 years old, but
6'5",
so your microphone
had to be lowered there.
It was, it was, yeah.
He's a lot taller than I. He was a good guy.
What a talent.
Yeah, I kept saying, this kid's 14 years old,
guys.
We got a video online of one of his songs and also the archive on the website as well.
Yeah,
it's
kind of neat.
Anyway, how are
you?
Very
well.
How about it?
How about the shorts?
You had a short night last night?
Well, you know, it was a good short night.
Let's go with local first.
Yes.
So playoffs next week for volleyball?
Volleyball starts, playoffs.
I think tracks in their
track cross-country.
Yeah, I'm a G mini Chris.
That's the same thing you run this track.
Well,
I stay away from I walk away from running.
Yeah, I know it was always punishment
for those
people say I run like I don't
good for you And I admire those kids June does you know and
I can't catch her
you when you caught her once that's all you needed That's right.
That's all you need out but
You ask these young men and ladies, do you like to run?
Yeah, I love it.
And it's like, boy, there's something wrong.
Now there's
actually something right with them, really.
They really are, yes.
But anyway, good for them.
Amazing.
Yeah, and then football last
night.
Football table
last night.
Big debut or not debut or the big premiere of the.
Bracket pairing tomorrow 27.2 27.2.
Yeah, or
online.
Yeah, so yeah Takes forever to get them on though after looking for the brackets is horrible after
well, everybody's trying to
what again Again, they switched a lot of things back to arbiter and it's just right drives me nuts.
But anyway Go brew crew.
How about it?
It's amazing.
Yes, it is.
I'm not supposed to say the word gritty.
Is that right?
Yeah, that's what I was
told.
No.
Well, they're down for nothing.
I was doing the volleyball
match
last night and Tim told me that and I said, oh, you know, I'm thinking maybe tomorrow night and then, you know, here they come back.
But somebody said, well, it would have been nice to have it happen in Milwaukee.
No, because you know what?
The Dodger aces
would have been rotating back around.
We never got that far.
And that's a good thing.
Yes, it is.
But I still don't think.
I don't think the, the brew crew really care who's on the mound.
I really don't think they care.
No, they don't.
And despite what some national pundits say,
it is
very good for baseball,
not bad for baseball.
I don't think it's bad at all.
I
think it's, they're mad because the big markets,
big markets are out.
Yeah.
Exactly.
Cleveland, Tampa Bay and Milwaukee.
Yeah.
And I don't care if TV ratings.
I don't care.
Are good or not.
I
don't care.
I don't care because they always say that well ratings are better if it's a New York or Boston or Los
Angeles.
But
ratings
means money in their pocket.
Exactly.
That's
all they care
about.
And that's why people always want and people always get upset
about the
announcers because it's always like oh they want the you know obviously.
I mean you can tell that with ratings.
Just like the other day with the Packers and the Bears.
It was nothing really good about both of them.
They were just like yeah.
The announcers seem like now we're here.
This is what we got assigned.
That's tuned in the radio.
But do you see what I'm saying?
I mean, but if you had an LA team or a New York team or yeah, or the Dallas, it's just like, who cares?
Yeah.
Right.
And here, here's some good news too, uh, for our radio listeners because they've been very well to sponsors are very loyal to us.
And.
Always all along.
Now, like if the Packers make the Super Bowl, we have to go with Westwood one.
We can't have our local announcers and that's because they own the rights.
Well, baseball changed that.
So this year we will get our Brewer announcers in the World Series.
Otherwise, we would have
had to
switch to ESPN or whatever with our sponsors with our sponsors.
So I'm
amazed.
Yes, starts in a week.
Yeah.
It isn't going to be in a week.
Yeah.
Week from today.
Yep.
Okay.
I think it's a week from today or a week from last.
I know it was last night.
They said it's going to start in a week.
So, okay.
So as a brewer fan, who would you rather play?
I don't know.
I kind of think there's something magical about Cleveland and the whole Bob Uker,
you know,
major league and all of that.
So I think there's
something.
The rays are kind of like the brewers.
They're scrappy bunch.
They'll both be tough.
Oh yeah, 100%.
So it'll be fun
though.
Yeah.
Yeah, that's awesome.
Anyway, uh, where are you at tonight?
Um, Richland center from homecoming.
Oh, I got a roof over my head.
So you won't hear first down.
Oh, that's a nice sound of wind.
Oh boy.
Yeah.
Uh, snow expected tonight.
Where?
I'll ask.
I was going to say,
hopefully not here.
Your question of the day, fellow, what is something you refuse to schedule on a Saturday morning?
You made that for me,
huh?
Right.
Um, I would just say work work.
Yeah.
Although I wind up doing it lots of times, but, uh, um, yeah, I would say that would be the number one word.
You think so?
Yeah.
Well, not bad then.
Um, I may be in a little trouble here, Phillip.
What's, what's going on?
Well, I can't find, I can't find my, uh,
You've got to collect your thoughts.
No, I found it.
Never mind.
Here we go.
You might be from Arkansas, Phillip, especially Peeridge.
If you've driven across town just to watch an animal go over something you could have walked around.
Here's the thing.
Tomorrow is the mule jump in Peeridge.
Is it really?
Yep.
October
16th.
Goodness.
And we were going to try to plan to be there to do play by play,
but I guess we'll get the helicopter.
Really?
That's the only way.
So can I drive?
Yeah.
Well, I don't know about that.
Anyway, yeah.
So big meal jump tomorrow.
Yeah.
And then, Phillip, I'm going to give you a dilemma every day.
Okay.
Ready for this?
Today's Friday's dilemma.
Would you rather have your knees squeak like dog toys or your recliner announce he's done for the day?
He's done for the day.
I like that.
Your recliner every time you step back, he is done for the day.
You just woke up.
You just woke up, yes.
So anyway, cooking with Hank, so that was your Friday Dilemma.
Alright buddy, here we go, let's see here.
Let's see if I can get my old recipe out.
Today's recipe is actually the redneck chicken coop pizza sub.
It's actually really good.
Really?
Here we go.
Also known as the cluck and pepperoni belly buster.
It's in the morning and welcome back to my kitchen.
We ain't got no fancy culinary degree but we do have an air fryer.
A questionable grocery budget and a smoke detector that doubles as a
as a dinner bell tonight we're making something so fancy my cousin Earl put up put on his good or overalls just to eat it it's called the redneck chicken cope coupe pizza sub now here's the recipe kind of chicken fingers pizza
pepperoni, pepperoni pizza sauce and enough cheese to make Wisconsin dairy farmers stand up and salute.
Eight, eight frozen chicken fingers, four hot dog buns, three ounces of pepperoni, half a cup of pizza sauce, half, one and a half cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Sounds like
you're feeding the threshers or something,
you know, after a hard day's work.
Yes, yes.
A table spoon of melted butter, a half a teaspoon of garlic powder, a half a teaspoon of parsley.
optional hot sauce for your stomach ain't suffered enough, if your stomach hadn't suffered enough this week.
Now hot sauce, not hot, I like the taste of hot sauce so I don't like it hot.
Do you crank it up?
Yes.
Oh.
All right.
Number one, here's step one, grab them frozen chicken fingers out of the freezer, throw them in the air fryer and cook according to the package directions until they're crispy and fully cooked.
Now my cousin, my cousin Earl asked me if chicken fingers actually come from chickens.
I told him Earl,
Have you ever seen a chicken with fingers?
He said, nope, but I ain't never seen one wearing shoes either.
That's why Earl ain't, that's why Earl ain't allowed to operate heavy machinery anymore.
Okay.
Interesting.
Number two, prepare the bread.
Grab those four hot dog buns.
Now these ain't fancy submarine sandwiches or just use regular old hot dog buns.
Um, and, and they're cheaper and quite frankly, they ain't, they ain't got nothing else to do since they ran out of hot, since we ran out of hot dogs last Tuesday.
Open them buns up.
along the lines and and open them buns up and line the insides with pepperoni spread some pizza sauce over that pepperoni now if you got sauce on your shirt don't worry that's called a hillbilly napkin sprinkle number three napkin napkin napkin sprinkle some mozzarella cheese inside the bun then shove two cook uh
two cooked chicken fingers in there.
Add some more pizza sauce.
Now if your buns start splitting open, don't panic.
That's just the sandwich telling you it's reached maximum occupancy.
My uncle Jr.
had had the same problem with his pants at Thanksgiving.
Don't worry
about that.
Give it some fancy treatment.
Mix your melted butter, garlic and parsley together.
Brush the mixture over them buns.
Now sprinkle the rest of your mozzarella on top followed by remaining pepperoni.
That's
Parsley, that parsley is important because it's the only thing green anybody in your family has eaten since Easter.
All right, fire up that air fryer again, fellow.
Put them loaded sandwiches back in there.
four to five minutes at 375 degrees.
You want the cheese melted and the buns just slightly toasted.
Keep an eye on them because that's a fine line between golden brown and calling volunteer fire department.
Right.
Have you had to do that?
No comment at this point.
Time to eat.
Pull them, pull them beauties out.
Let them cool enough just so you don't burn the roof of your mouth and grab yourself a cold drink like a ski.
Ooh.
Yeah.
Now the proper way to eat one of these is standing barefoot in the kitchen wearing your pajamas with the refrigerator door wide open.
And if somebody asks what you're eating, tell them it's an Italian-inspired poultry-based artesian bread crouton.
Crouton?
Yeah.
Crousant.
No, crouton.
Crouton.
Yeah.
OK.
All right.
Because it's crunchy.
OK.
That's fancy talk for chicken fingers shoved in a hot dog bun, Phillip.
Yeah.
Well.
Yeah.
Let me see.
All right.
Only the finest.
And remember here,
And remember, folks here at my kitchen, we don't count calories, we don't measure portions, and if the smoke detector ain't hollering, we ain't figure suppers done yet.
Oh,
lovely.
Yeah, that's good.
It doesn't sound bad.
It doesn't sound bad.
Right.
Yeah, so it's not, it's very fattening though.
I suppose.
Well, there's no calories in there.
You gotta cut down instead of four buns, maybe you only use two.
Yeah.
Yeah,
maybe add a chicken extra finger.
Yeah, maybe maybe six chicken fingers instead of
eight.
Yeah.
Oh,
well,
yeah.
It's time for poor old grandpa Phil's attic logic sponsored by salt wheels store in downtown Casanova since 1946.
That'd be homecoming to everybody in
Western school districts
and everybody at our good friends up there in Casanovia and Salt Weedle store.
More of Grandpa Phil's logic learned from my mama.
I learned from my mama's, at my mama's knee or some other joint.
He couldn't pour water out of a boot if the instructions were printed on the heel.
We should have just raised chickens, Jim.
Jim, that kid don't know enough to get him out of the ring.
Yeah, I know.
He
just does.
Do it, do
it,
do it, do it,
do it.
Oh, well.
Yeah.
What do you do?
What do you do, Hank?
Well, the Word of the Day sponsored by Oakwood Fruit Farm, Phil.
Today is in the window.
In the window.
In.
do window.
In the window?
In the window, yes.
In the window.
In the window, yeah.
All right, all right.
Indicated in the passage of anything through a small opening made of glass that can be opened or closed.
All right.
Here is your sentence.
Hey, dude, I just saw a bird fly in the window.
In the window.
In the window, boy.
Yes, sir.
Ladies and
gentlemen, that's Hank Brady.
Yes, and the thought of the day, the Matrix Code comes from Susie Recipes.
I hope you, everybody has a great day and be kind, my friends.
Interesting.
Today's vital statistics are sponsored by Krause Monument.
Krause Monument Company designs and produces granite headstones, gravestones, grave markers, monuments, and memorials.
Today is October 16th.
These are today's vital statistics.
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.
And Lawrence Larry Darwin Ledman, 91 of Fond du Lac, formerly of Richland Center, died September 26.
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 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, Dacian, 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 Rich Lund Center.
Rita Nelson, 87 of Richland Center, died Sunday, October 11, at SSM Health in Madison.
A celebration of life will be held Monday, October 19, 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 Swenson and Leo.
Her four sisters, Marie Brander, Ruby Bender, Barbara Belsen and Joanne Olson, one grandson, three great-grandchildren.
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 is survived by his daughter, Laura Dillman, and her husband, Chris, one granddaughter.
siblings Carol and Jack Schmolowski, 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 p.m.
The Pratt funeral and cremation 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, 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, 68th 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 Anchorimation 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.
Thomas Price Harvey, 73 of Woodstock, died 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.
The City of Richland Center advises motorists that Mill Street near the Main Street intersection will close beginning Monday for drainage improvements.
The initial closure is expected to last approximately one week.
Mill Street will then reopen with a temporary gravel surface for about two weeks before closing again briefly to complete the final surface work.
Dates are approximate and weather-dependent.
Please use alternate routes during closures and use caution in the work area.
The city appreciates everyone's patience during the project.
The City of Richland Center has formally announced that city administrator Ashley Oliphant submitted her resignation, which will take effect January 1st.
Mayor Karen Teppley expressed deep appreciation for Oliphant's dedicated service alongside city staff, elected leaders, and local residents.
During her tenure, Oliphant contributed significantly to municipal operations, leaving a lasting impact across the community.
In the coming months, municipal leaders will concentrate on facilitating an orderly leadership transition to ensure seamless continuity in municipal services.
City officials remain dedicated to maintaining stable operations and supporting local staff through upcoming changes.
Community members and local partners can expect steady administration as leadership prepares for future developments.
The Richland County Board of Supervisors will convene Tuesday, October 20th at 6 p.m.
in the County Boardroom at the Richland County Courthouse to address a heavy slate of financial, operational, and regulatory business.
Highlighting the evening will be a public hearing on the proposed 2027 Richland County budget, alongside key decisions on significant borrowing resolutions to fund ongoing capital needs.
Financial matters include resolutions awarding the sale of
$3,500,000 in general obligation promissory notes and $2 million in taxable general obligation promissory notes.
In addition to municipal financing, the board will vote on resolutions addressing county hiring and employment considerations, approving the SEIU labor contract and directing capital funds toward the remaining roof project balance at Pine Valley.
Emergency medical services remain a critical focus as the board reviews a resolution to rescind resolutions 26-22 and 26-34 while updating the operational plan for Richland County EMS.
Supervisors will also address local infrastructure and governance, evaluating an award for a plow truck body build, a revised recycling ordinance, updating materials management standards, and an ordinance appointing the Public Works Committee as the liaison committee to oversee facility improvements and authorize associated spending.
Furthermore, ordinance updates regarding a land parcel, short-term rental regulations establishing operating guidelines,
and floodplain protection and control measures will be presented for board action again that's Tuesday at 6 p.m.
Residents of Richland County have an opportunity to participate in a free well water testing initiative designed to assess local groundwater quality.
Interested community members can pick up a testing kit at the Richland County Land Conservation Office located on the first floor of the Richland County Courthouse.
Water samples must be collected and returned on the same day Monday, November 2nd between 9 a.m.
and 8 p.m.
at the Richland Center Community Center.
Each returned sample will be analyzed by the UW-Madison Water Lab, testing for nitrate, arsenic, lead, and various other contaminants.
Participants will receive an individualized sample report within one month of submission to help residents better understand their results and learn about county-wide water quality.
An open house will be held Monday, November 2 from 6 p.m.
to 8 p.m.
in the meeting room at the Richland Center Community Center.
Open to the public, the event will feature a presentation at 6.30 p.m.
Light refreshments and opportunities to connect directly with groundwater experts from UW Madison, Richland Public Health, Clean Wisconsin, and local community partners.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their sample reports with any questions.
A skating event is being held this weekend to help a worthy organization.
Rolling for Hope, a fundraiser for passages, will be held Sunday from 1pm to 4pm at the Galaxy Skate Center in Richland Center.
Phil Wallace is the owner of the Galaxy Skate
Center.
Anybody can come.
It's not just for certain people or anything.
It's open doors to everybody.
And we're going to charge $10 to the door.
And 50% of those proceeds from the door go right directly to passages.
The other 50% is going to cover my costs and my staffing and stuff like that.
But we're going to have food available and everything.
So we're going to make a fun day of it and hopefully raise some money towards passages and what they're doing.
For those who are not familiar with passages, they are a free confidential emergency shelter and support service for both women and men who are survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault.
Individuals that passages assist are not only from the immediate area.
Nathaniel Rudersdorf is with passages.
We have people
come from all over the country.
There's a lot of agencies that they just don't have the resources or the space available to accommodate.
at the moment that people need them all the time and they eventually get directed up to us.
We're one of the only shelters that accepts pets.
There's like two maybe three that I know of in Wisconsin at least that accept pets and the rest don't.
People feel supported more like personally if they have their little pet with them.
A lot of the time like they'd save the pet from the situation too.
A lot of times the abuser could
harm that animal to try to get at the victim, you know, to get them to come back or just to hurt them in another way.
With October being Domestic Violence Awareness Month, it's a good time to come out and support passages.
It is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and generally everything we do really pushes the domestic violence sexual assault stuff.
just thought it'd be nice to have something for the community that would benefit us also show kind of a collaboration between us and local business and just have a fun event you know something just to get the kids out there let them see our faces know that we're a safe place if they ever need us.
Phil Wallace encourages everyone to attend you don't even have to skate to be part of the event.
I encourage other people that, you know, if you want to participate, you don't necessarily even have to skate if you don't want to.
Hey, just come up and have some food, you know, or whatever, you know, enjoy the fun and whatnot and help support this great organization that's really going to be needing it here, especially in the coming months.
All are welcome to attend the Rolling for Hope fundraiser this Sunday from one until four at the Galaxy Skate Center in Richland Center.
Admission is $10, which includes skate rental.
Proceeds go towards Passages Shelter in Richland Center.
You can find more information about the event on the Galaxy Skate Center website.
State Representative Travis Trannell celebrated a major investment in technical education with the unveiling of the Future Makers Lab by 3M at Prairie Duchenne High School.
The project represents an investment of roughly $368,000 designed to bolster career options and prepare students for Wisconsin's evolving workforce.
developed through a joint effort between 3M, Heart of America, and the Prairie Duchenne School District, the new facility enhances classroom environments while delivering hands-on training across various skilled trades.
Officials emphasize that early exposure to these career pathways equips students with practical tools for long-term economic success.
U.S.
Senators Tammy Baldwin and Patty Murray have issued a strong call to Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon urging an immediate reversal of the department's expanded practice of front-loading grants.
by paying multi-year grants fully upfront in single lump sums rather than distributing them annually.
The department has significantly reduced the overall number of grants awarded, withholding hundreds of millions of dollars in appropriated federal funding from local communities and educational institutions nationwide.
In their detailed letter, the Senators highlight the widespread impact of this policy across essential programs, including literacy initiatives, teacher preparation, research, and support for low-income student parents through the Child Care Access Means Parents in School program.
They express deep concern that this strategy, paired with proposed administrative rule changes, allowing easier termination of multi-year awards, serves as a backdoor mechanism to withhold congressional appropriations and undermine vital educational services across the country.
Governor Tony Evers announced that Wisconsin has achieved seven consecutive years of record high checking account balances during his tenure, wrapping up fiscal year 2026 with a $3.3 billion positive balance in the general fund, exceeding budgeted estimates by roughly $350 million.
Meanwhile, the state's rainy day fund or budget stabilization fund reached a record $2.1 billion after growing by more than $1.75 billion, under Governor Evers' leadership representing a six-fold increase since the end of fiscal year 2018.
According to the newly released annual fiscal report for fiscal year 2026, State General Fund tax collections grew by 3.4% over the prior year, finishing 2% higher than estimated.
Department of Administration Secretary Kathy Blumenfeld praised the administration's financial management, noting that the prudent fiscal stewardship demonstrated under Governor Evers,
has provided historic stability and accountability for Wisconsin taxpayers.
A suspicious piece of mail delivered to the Wisconsin Elections Commission on Wednesday afternoon has been determined to be non-hazardous following a prompt response in field testing by law enforcement agencies.
Staff at the Commission identified the envelope shortly before 3 p.m.
after recognizing characteristics similar to suspicious mail reported by election offices in other states.
Following standard safety protocols, staff isolated the item without opening it and immediately notified local and federal authorities.
Subsequent field testing confirmed that no hazardous or dangerous substances were present and officials reported no injuries or health concerns.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation
Along with partner agencies has opened an investigation into the origin of the mailing.
WEC Administrator Megan Wolfe emphasized that the incident will not disrupt operations or preparations for the upcoming November 3rd general election, reassuring voters and local clerks of the agency's readiness.
Earlier in the day, the agency had recirculated guidance to municipal and county clerks across Wisconsin detailing safe mail handling practices to ensure local staff remain vigilant and prepared.
In a major boost to the region's transportation network and local economy, federal officials have awarded over $218 million to support the expansion of Amtrak's Hiawatha passenger rail line across southern Wisconsin.
Funded through the landmark bipartisan infrastructure law and federal appropriations, the Hiawatha West Project will connect Chicago to communities in Waukesha, Jefferson, and Dane counties, offering a modern, efficient transit alternative for commuters, students, and travelers.
Beyond enhancing intercity passenger travel, the multi-million dollar investment focuses heavily on improving the state's vital freight infrastructure by modernizing tracks, upgrading signaling systems, and reducing bottleneck congestion.
The project aims to significantly improve
freight rail speed, reliability and safety.
These enhancements will directly benefit Wisconsin's core agricultural and manufacturing sectors by ensuring timely supply chain transport.
The initiative is expected to yield substantial economic dividends for the state.
Projections estimate that the creation of 200 permanent jobs alongside $46 million in annual economic benefits derived from increased tourism, enhanced business connectivity, and local workforce mobility.
With final design and construction underway, state leaders view the project as a critical milestone in building a resilient, sustainable infrastructure for Wisconsin's future.
The Ithaca School Foundation is hosting its fourth annual Trivia Night fundraiser Friday, November 6th from 6 p.m.
until 9 p.m.
at the Ithaca High School Commons.
Doors open at 5.30 p.m.
and the main event will feature moderation by Ithaca alumni Adam Hess, Ron Brisbane and some guy named Phil Nee.
Participation costs $10 per person with team sizes limited to a maximum of eight people.
Space is restricted to 20 teams total.
Interested participants can pre-register by contacting Ron at 608-732-0.
3-2-2 prior to the November 2nd deadline.
Walk-in teams will be welcomed on a first come, first served basis if space permits.
Attendees are welcome to bring their own snacks to the event while the Ithaca Class of 2030 will be on site selling concessions.
All proceeds collected throughout the night will support the purchase and installation of a new senior class composite photo display case for the school.
The Kickapoo Middle School and High School Choirs are thrilled to announce their upcoming Royals Variety Show, a spectacular concert celebrating iconic songs and legendary musicians throughout the years.
Audiences will be treated to dynamic, large group numbers, intimate small group performances, and impressive soloists taking on timeless hits from music royalties such as Queen.
Dolly Parton, Wicked, The Beatles, and many more.
The variety show will feature two performances in the Kickapoo Auditorium, located at S6520, State Highway 131 in Viola.
The opening performance will take place Friday, November 6th at 7pm, followed by a matinee show Saturday, November 7th at 2pm.
Admission is free with free-will donations, gratefully accepted, to support both the local food pantry and the Kickapoo Music Department.
Fans of the Beatles are in for an unforgettable evening as the Madison
But Mystery Tour comes to the City Auditorium in Richland Center Saturday, October 17.
From 7 p.m.
until 10 p.m., 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.
As the fall mating season gets underway, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation is urging drivers across the state to exercise extra caution on the roads.
With deer activity peaking during dusk and dawn hours, deer vehicle collisions increase significantly throughout autumn.
Drivers are advised to stay attentive, scan shoulders, reduce speed and brake firmly without swerving if an animal enters their lane.
Motorcyclists are at greater risk of injury in a deer crash.
In 2025, 223 deer crashes involved a motorcycle, resulting in four fatalities and 80 serious injuries.
This means 38% of motorcycle deer crashes resulted in a fatality or serious injury.
injury compared to less than 0.1% in auto or light truck deer crashes.
In the event of a crash, drivers should pull over safely, call 911 if injuries occur, stay buckled inside the vehicle and contact local authorities or county services for assistance and carcass disposal.
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction published state general school aid certifications yesterday, establishing the precise funding amounts school districts across the state will receive for the 2026-27 school year.
Released annually by October 15 in accordance with state law, these final figures update and replace the preliminary estimates issued July 1.
Total general school aid funding stands at $5.58 billion, marking the third consecutive year that the overall appropriation has remained flat.
General school aids 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.
261 will see reductions in state aid compared to the previous year, while 151 districts will receive increased funding.
U.S.
Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins recently visited Monroe County, Georgia to announce a record-breaking
$3.3 billion loan to Oglethorpe Power Corporation.
The landmark funding provided through the USDA Rural Development's Rural Utilities Service marks the largest loan in the history of the program.
It will directly finance the construction of the SMAR
combined cycle electric generating facility designed to deliver dependable and affordable energy to keep pace with the nation's rapidly rising electricity demand.
The investment comes at a pivotal moment for the American power grid as technological growth drives increased need for reliable electricity.
Federal leaders highlighted that lower cost financing
for rural electric cooperatives.
Plays an essential role in keeping energy bills manageable for local families while strengthening national energy independence and fueling local economic opportunities.
Oglethorpe Power, a generation cooperative owned by 38 member distribution cooperatives, supplies wholesale energy to nearly 5 million Georgians through a balanced portfolio of natural gas, nuclear, coal, and hydroelectric assets.
Leadership from both the USDA and Oglethorpe Power
praised the long-standing partnership emphasizing that the new facility will secure long-term grid strength, generate jobs, and support rural communities across Georgia for decades to come.
A new AARP poll of competitive U.S.
House districts finds older voters focused on several key issues, Aaron Fabrizius,
and Associate State Director of Advocacy for AARP Wisconsin.
where older voters are the key demographic, voters 50 plus were 75% of the vote in the August primary and are likely to play a similar role November 3rd.
The nationwide poll included Wisconsin's first and third congressional districts, but Fabrizius says voter concerns applied to state races too.
The poll found that one in two 50 plus voters were family caregivers.
Voters said in this poll,
They want candidates to provide a tax credit to help cover costs for unpaid family caregivers.
The Great Lakes are going to be very hazardous this weekend.
It's not even November and the gales have already come early.
The National Weather Service is predicting 50 mile an hour sustained winds Friday night into Saturday, potentially causing 30 foot waves on Lake Michigan.
The high winds and changing temperatures.
could also spawn water spouts over the lake.
Storm force winds over Lake Superior could spawn 25-foot waves.
The Coast Guard is urging all boats to remain in port until the storms pass on Saturday.