Good morning with news on wrcofmwrco.com.
I'm Adam Hass.
If you have a private well in Richland County, there's an effort underway to truly understand what's in your water and how safe it is.
Logan Gulette is a graduate student at University of Wisconsin.
Logan is currently studying groundwater quality around the state.
I came in to study water quality.
Mainly I research arsenic.
which is a problem in Wisconsin as well but basically my advisor and I also inputted some grants to do community type work and I've been doing that over the last couple years and it's a little more rewarding than just strict research I think but yeah generally my interests are just kind of stuff that's bad for people and how it moves in water systems specifically.
Groundwater
arsenic is a persistent problem in some parts of Wisconsin if you've ever heard of the term fools gold Often times that is the culprit.
Some people may be more or less familiar, but in counties like Winnebago out of gamey There's this well-known arsenic problem and some people are basically unlucky you where they're well Intersects with these rocks and there's this shiny gold
mineral called pyrite looks like these little cubes also called fool's gold and inside that mineral sometimes there's a lot of arsenic and if you're well intersex into like a really unlucky spot the water mixes with those minerals dissolves them and
you could end up with some
really nasty water.
Logan heard an interview on WRCO with the Richland Resilience Group, which got him interested in Richland County.
Logan has been testing private wells in the area over the last year.
So Athena and
I connected with this group called the Richland Resilience Group, which I listened to a radio show of yours kind of interviewing them a while back.
And they're a group of community people who
are interested in water and just interested in helping Richland County be resilient to natural disasters and just natural resources and stuff like that.
So we connected with them and we kind of made this program where my lab offers free well testing to Richland County well owners, private well owners specifically.
And over the past year, I've actually been traveling out pretty much
every weekend during the spring and fall.
And I would go and sample people's water from like a hose on the side of their house.
And we've actually made a map of groundwater quality throughout Richland County.
And we give people reports and it's just like a free comprehensive well test.
We test for stuff like arsenic, nitrate, lead, lots of heavy metals.
And then I also tested for bacteria like E. coli
back then.
Free well testing is available to Richland County residents.
Here's how to get your free test kit and results.
We hope to just give people a free well test and then also to allow general Richland County people to kind of look at a map and get an idea of what the local groundwater quality is like.
So first of all, how do people get the test kits if they'd like them?
Yes.
So what we're planning to do is from October 26th,
October 30th, the Richland County Land Conservation is going to host all our test kits.
So there's a couple cool people there, Connie and Corey, and basically you can go to the Richland County Courthouse on the first floor and just walk into the Land Conservation Office, ask for a test kit, and receive one.
And for anybody who doesn't know let me see if I have the address.
That's the Richland County Courthouse first floor 181 West Seminary Street and they're open 8 30 to 4 o'clock
And you mentioned you'd be retrieving those samples and how do they get them back to you?
Yeah, so people can come October 26th to the 30th and grab kids and then
What we're asking is that people basically collect their water and return it on the same day.
Now, because we're testing water, it's very sensitive to basically light and air.
If we think about where your well water is coming from, it's sometimes hundreds of feet below ground.
And we want to try to understand what's going on below ground, chemistry-wise.
So if you take a sample and get it to me as soon as possible and keep it cold, that basically makes sure that all the nitrate tests are as accurate as possible.
So we ask that people collect their sample on November 2nd and then come and return it to me at the Richland Center Community Center.
I'm going to be basically posted there with a truck from like 9am to 8pm on November 2nd, just collecting sample kits.
Free water testing in Richland County with Logan Golette.
Kits are available for free October 26th through the 30th.
Collect and return your water sample by November 2nd.
Simon's Recreation Complex in Richland Center will be holding an open house today.
It runs from 8 a.m.
until 12 30 and tomorrow from 1 until 4 30.
Be free admission all weekend to Simon's.
If you need more information you can visit their website Simon's Rec.
A drug take-back event is being held today from 10 until 2 at the Richland Center Police Station.
Partners for prevention and the Richland Center Police Department encourage community members to gather unused or expired prescription medications and bring them to the event.
The River Valley players will be performing Neil Simon's comedy, Fars Rumors.
It continues this afternoon at one, tonight at seven, and tomorrow at one p.m.
It's all at the Guard Theatre in Spring Green.
And the fourth annual Pumpkin Fest is going on today in Richland Center.
The theme for this year's event is Pumpkins in the Jungle.
Activities kick off this morning with a Pump Confessed Run Walk at Simon's Recreation Complex, which will feature a chip-timed 5K and 10K run and a 1.5 mile walk.
Check in today between 8 and 8.45.
The Run Walk starts at 9.
Metals go to the top runners and prizes to walkers with the best costumes.
It's time for today's vital statistics for Saturday, October 24th, 2026 from WRCO News.
Martin C. Smiley-Fortune, 84 of Viola, died Saturday, October 17th at Vernon Manor in Viroqua.
A funeral service for Smiley will be held this morning at 11 at the Viola United Methodist Church.
Visitation will be held today at the church from 10 a.m.
until the time of the service at 11.
A luncheon will immediately follow the service at the Viola Community Center.
Smiley will be laid to rest at a later date at the Pleasant Ridge Cemetery.
In memory of Smiley, donations are appreciated for an upcoming kidney surgery for his great-granddaughter.
Donations may be made to her savings account at the Lafarge State Bank.
She is surviving on one-third of her kidney.
The Vossa Tag, Larson Funeral Home, and Crematory of Verroqua is serving the family.
Martin C. Smiley-Fortune, 84 of Viola.
Connie Jean McElrie, 77, formerly of Richland Center, died Sunday.
A funeral mass will be held this morning at 11 at St.
Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Richland Center.
Visitation will run from 10 a.m.
until the time of the mass at 11.
Friends and family are invited to join the family for a time of gathering and a meal immediately following the mass.
The family asks that memorials be directed in Connie's memory to continue the movement to end Alzheimer's.
The Clary Memorial Funeral Home is assisting the family with their arrangements.
Connie Jean McElrie, 77, formerly of Richland Center.
Robert James Bob Goresuch, 79 of Bosquebell died June 8th.
A committal service with military honors will be held this afternoon at 2 p.m.
at the Blue River Cemetery.
Following the Great Side Service, a celebration of life reception will be held from 3 until 7 that the American Banquet Facility in Bosquebell.
Family and friends are invited to attend both the service and the reception to share memory and honor Bob's life.
Robert James Bob Gorsuch, 79 of Voskabel.
Katelyn Elizabeth Fleishauer, 41 of Spring Green and Muscaday died Sunday.
Funeral services will be held Monday morning at 11 at St.
John the Baptist Catholic Church in Muscaday.
Visitation will be held Sunday at St.
John's Gym from noon until 3 p.m.
and again on Monday from 10 a.m.
until the procession to the church at 10.45.
Memorials and Cate's name can be directed to the Muscaday EMS or your local Humane Society.
The Pred Funeral Incrimination Service is assisting the family with their arrangements.
Caitlin Elizabeth Fleshauer, 41 of Spring Green and Muscaday.
John, known as Jack Bauer, 88 of Richland Center, died Monday at the Richland Hospital.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday morning at 11 at St.
Mary's Catholic Church.
Burial will follow in St.
Mary's Catholic Cemetery with military graveside rights to be provided by the Local Military Memorial Honors Unit.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday at St.
Mary's Catholic Church from 9 a.m.
until the time of the Mass at 11.
The family suggests memorials in Jack's name be directed to the Richland County EMS or the Richland Center Police Department canine unit.
The Prad Funeral Incrimination Service is assisting the family with their arrangements.
John Jack Bauer, 88 of Richland Center.
Thomas J. Tommy Nalipinsky, 92 of Muscaday died Wednesday at Dove HealthCare in Fenimore.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday morning at 11 at the Pratt Funeral Home in Muscaday.
Burial will follow in the St.
John's Catholic Cemetery.
The Pratt Funeral Incrimination Service is assisting the family with their arrangements.
Thomas J. Tommy Nalipinsky, 92 of Muscaday.
James Robert Jim Olbaugh of Shawno and formerly of Richland Center died Thursday.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, October 31st at Hope Church in Shawno beginning with coffee, donuts, and a visitation from 9am until noon.
A celebration of life will begin at noon followed by a light lunch and everyone is welcome.
The Swedberg Funeral Home and Hope Church both of Shawno are assisting the family with their arrangements.
James Robert Jim Olba of Shawno
and formerly of Richland Center.
Kimberly, Kim and Fry, 55 of Richland Center, died Tuesday at UW Hospital in Madison.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, October 31st at 11 a.m.
at Clary Memorial Funeral Home.
Visitation will run from 9 a.m.
and continue until the time of the service at 11.
Burial will follow at the Basswood Cemetery.
Kimberley, Kim, and Fry, 55 of Richland Center.
Lois Ruth Moe Anderson-Urson, 88 of Richland Center, died October 22nd.
Memorial services are pending that Pratt Funeral Incrimination Service is assisting the family with their arrangements.
Lois Ruth Moe Anderson Erson, 88 of Richland Center.
And in birth news from the Richland Hospital, Maria Aranda and Samuel Sanchez had a daughter, Clarissa Samari.
Today is Saturday, October 24th.
Good afternoon for WRCL News.
I'm Tim Thied.
The Richland Hospital and Clinics recently celebrated extraordinary nursing care by presenting Heather Tom, RN, with the prestigious Daisy Award.
Diana recognizes the nurse.
who demonstrates exceptional compassion skill and dedication in caring for patients and their families.
The award was presented at a ceremony attended by the colleagues, organizational leaders, family members, and fellow nominees, highlighting the impactful work performed by nurses across the facility every day.
Once again, that was...
Heather told me who received that prestigious award.
Ken Nelson, vice president and chief nursing officer at the Richland Hospital and clinics, noted the high quality of all this year's nominations, emphasizing that Heather stood out for the profound impact she made during a particularly difficult moment.
Heather's nomination was submitted by hospice nurse Carrie Long, who detailed how.
Heather provided extraordinary clinical and emotional support to both a patient and their family.
In addition to honoring Heather, the event recognized fellow nominees, Skyla Wanlis, Kailin Hellebrandt, Darren Buchholz, Marie-Jo Kusma, and Amanda Williamson, as well as Dana Falk, Paul Tao, Charlene
Shaw and Lori Cradjot.
A special tribute was also given to retiring nurse Darren Buchholz for his 10 years of dedicated service.
The celebration included with the traditional sharing of sweet rolls honoring the lasting impressions nurses leave on their community.
Now that follows underway, many consumers try to complete outdoor projects before the cold and snowy weather sets in.
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection warns consumers to be cautious of door-to-door home improvement crews.
Michelle Reinen is with DatCap.
It's that time of year when we're faced with those last opportunities to really finish that outdoor home improvement projects and that could mean that we need to practice caution for those door-to-door crews that will come.
We see a great increase and have already received reports this year of the asphalt paving crews visiting consumers at their homes and they're offering to pour the new driveways for a low price.
Sometimes they claim that they have leftover material in their poor truck from another job and they'll lose out of its value unless they pour it soon.
But this is false urgency that they are using to try and convince consumers to make that immediate decision before they have all the facts and get all the chance to do that research.
We really push all the time.
There are several issues that could be encountered when paying for the services of door-to-door asphalt paving crews.
Any consumer who would pay this door-to-door crew for services could encounter problems.
And things we've seen in the past is that the crew might take the money and run, never completing the promise work, and then they're unable to be contacted or tracked down.
The crew could pour some of the asphalt, but then they have demanded more money to finish the job of some individuals.
And then some crews have completed some of the promise work, but it's been really poor quality.
that then requires replacement, which is a larger investment for the consumer than they had anticipated.
And then others, this is rare, but it happens, have offered a free inspection that's given access to the consumer's home, and then you run the risk that there could be damage to consumer's property or that they'll refuse to leave.
If you are approached by a door-to-door home improvement crew, DatCap says that you should resist high-pressure tactics and sales pitches.
Never let them into your home.
Document the make and model of their vehicle.
Get their license plate number and alert law enforcement.
If you are a victim of the scam or any scam, you can also contact DatCap's Consumer Protection Hotline by phone at 1-800-422-7128 or by email at datcphotline.com.
drug take back day event is being held today until two at the Richland Center Police Station.
Partners for prevention and the Richland Center Police Department encourage community members to gather unused or expired prescription medications and bring them to the event.
No appointment is necessary if you're unable to attend permanent.
Permanent Dropboxes are available year round at the Richland Center Police Department, Municipal Building, the Community Pharmacy at the Richland Hospital, and the Richland County Sheriff's Department, also Center Pharmacy and the Viola Village Hall.
Simon's Recreation Complex in Richland Center is holding an open house today.
That's going on until 1230 and then tomorrow from 1 to 430.
There will be free admission all weekend to Simons, including use of the swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, racquetball courts.
gymnasium fitness studio, cardio and weight equipment rooms.
There will also be membership specials, popcorn and prize drawings with chances to win a charcoal grill, gift certificates to local businesses, Simon's membership and more.
Tour the facility, take a swim, or get any workout while you see what's new at Simon's.
You can find more information about Simon's recreation complex on their website at simonsrec.com.
The fourth annual pumpkin fest is being held today in Richland Center.
The theme of this year's event is pumpkins in the jungle.
This afternoon pumpkin fest activities will be held from one to five on the Richland County Courthouse lawn.
During pumpkin fest activities there will be games, food vendors, a bake sale, judging results and pumpkins galore.
There will also be a special presentation.
Suzanne Anderson is the creator and
or key organizer of pumpkin fest.
We have a program coming on the courthouse lawn between one and two on Saturday and it's called Zoo Zort and it's live animals.
So if you have children that want to come and see a program, this particular woman is coming.
And it's going to be an amazing program.
And thank you so much to the Richland Center Chamber of Commerce who sponsored that for us this year, which wasn't cheap, but we really appreciate them.
And it's going to be such a good activity on Saturday.
We're lots of fun things on Saturday going on.
And if you want your pumpkin back, please pick it up by five or today at the courthouse or it will be composted.
In the evening quail run, we'll be hosting a pumpkin fest night golf event at four.
Judging will be at five for the best overall Halloween costume and best group team costumes and the best decorated cart.
The cost is $50 per person or $200 per team.
And there's plenty to enjoy at pumpkin fest in Richland Center.
And the River Valley players will be performing Neil Simon's comedy farce rumors and that continues this afternoon at one tonight at seven and tomorrow at one at the Guard Theater in Spring Green actor Dan Heming who plays a tax guy named Lenny Grant Lenny Gantz I should say talks about the character in the play
I kind of think a lot of the characters in the show are similar or maybe they were crafted at the same time as characters like in the Seinfeld universe or in Julia Louis-Dreyfus' character in Christmas Vacation or some of those types of New York characters that are kind of self-involved, kind of superficial in a way.
And there's just a lot of comedy that can be put out there based on their lives and how they react to things.
It's just funny how they respond and react to things.
Tickets to see rumors are $18 each and can be purchased online at RiverValleyPlayers.org.
You can also purchase tickets at NorthEarth Crystals and Gifts in Spring-Green.
More information about River Valley Players' production of Neil Simon rumors can be found on their Facebook page.
Today is Saturday, October 24.
Robert James Bob Gorsuch, 79 of Bosquebell, died June 8.
A committal service with military honors will be held today at 2 at the Blue River Cemetery.
Following the graveside service, a celebration of life reception will be held from three to seven at the American Banquet facility in Bosqueville.
Family and friends are invited to attend both the service and the reception to share memories and honor Bob's life.
Bob Gorsuch is survived by his wife, Deborah, and their three sons, Casey, James, and Chris.
Robert James Bob Gorsuch 79 of Boscobel Caitlyn Elizabeth Fleishauer 41 of Spring Green and Muscaday died Sunday.
Funeral services will be held Monday at 11 at St.
John the Baptist Catholic Church in Muscaday.
Visitation will be held
tomorrow at St.
John's Gym from noon until three, and again on Monday from 10 until the procession to the church at 10.45.
Memorials in Kate's name can be directed to Muscaday EMS 701 North Wisconsin Avenue, Post Office Box 323, Muscaday, or your local Humane Society.
The Pratt funeral and cremation service is assisting the family with their arrangements.
Katelyn Elizabeth Fleishauer 41 of Spring Green and Muscaday John Jack Bauer 88 of Richland Center died Monday at the Richland Hospital.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 11 at St.
Mary's Catholic Church.
Burial will follow in St.
Mary's Catholic Cemetery with military gravesite rights to be provided by the local Military Memorial Honors Unit.
Visitation will be held Tuesday at St.
Mary's Catholic Church from 9 until the time of Mass at 11.
The family suggests memorials in Jack's name be directed to Richland County EMS or the Richland Center Police Department canine unit.
The Pratt funeral and cremation service is assisting the family with their arrangements.
Jack Bauer is survived by his sister Audrey Pletzer, brother Tom Bauer, sister-in-law Donna Bauer, brothers-in-law
Dallas Johnson, Stanley and Mary Anderson, Jerry King, and Donald Flickinger, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.
John Jack Bauer, 88 of Richland Center.
Thomas J. Tommy Nelopensky, 92 of Muscaday, died Wednesday at Dove HealthCare in Fenimore.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 10 at the Pratt Funeral Home in Muscaday with burial to follow in the St.
John's Catholic Cemetery.
The Pratt Funeral and Cremation Service is assisting the family with their arrangements.
Tommy Nalapensky is survived by his sister Betty Azum of Madison, one niece and two nephews.
Thomas J. Tommy Nalapensky 92 of Muscaday James Robert Jim Albaugh of Chano, Wisconsin, formerly of Richland Center, died Thursday.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, October 31, at Hope Church of Chano, beginning with coffee, donuts, and visitation from 9 until noon.
The celebration of life will begin at noon, followed by a light luncheon.
Everyone is welcome.
Swedberg Funeral Home and Hope Church, both of Chano, are assisting the family with arrangements.
Jim Albaugh is survived by his wife, Mary, sons, Todd Albaugh, and Mike and Emily Ulysses.
Daughter, Heather and Michael Galoy,
Sisters Peggy Alba and Mary Alba.
To grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, countless rustlers, runners, assistant coaches, and friends.
James Robert Jim Alba of Shawna, Wisconsin, formerly of Richland Center.
Kimberly Kim Ann Fry, 55 of Richland Center,
died Tuesday at UW Hospital in Madison.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, October 31 at 11 at Clary Memorial Funeral Home with visitation beginning at 9 and continuing until the time of the service.
Burial will follow at the Basswood Cemetery.
Kim Fry is survived by her husband, John Fry.
son, Logan Fry, daughter, Lindsay Fry and A.J.
Bollard, mother, Anne Chittwood, brother, Kevin Chittwood, sister, Sarah and Jeremy Byrd, father-in-law, Robert Fry, brother-in-law, David and Mary Fry and Bobby Fry, sister-in-law, Jan Holloway, Lisa MacGlynn and Chris Fry.
Many other nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Kimberley, Kim, and Fry 55 of Richland Center.
Lois, Ruth, Moe, Anderson, Erson 88 of Richland Center died October 22.
Memorial services are pending.
The Pratt Funeral and Cremation Service is assisting the family with arrangements.
Lois Urson is survived by her sisters Rachel Jackson and Eleanor Moe of Beaverton, brother Curtis and Mary Moe, daughters Anne and Scott Fisher, Joy and Dave Coyne, and Carrie and Bill Pink, stepchildren Chris Urson, Eric and Dee Dee Urson, and Christy Urson.
10 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Lois Ruth Moe Anderson Erson 88 of Richland Center