Wednesday News Roundup

Good morning everyone for WRCONews.

I'm Todd Copper and all it is 43 degrees.

in Richland Center right now headed to a high of 72 degrees today.

In the news this morning, the Richland County Land Conservation Office has announced that all of the free well sample kits have been distributed.

There are no additional kits available for pickup.

Residents who successfully claimed a kit are reminded that samples must be returned Monday, November 2nd, between 9 a.m.

and 6 p.m.

at the Richland Center Community Center.

Anyone with questions or an interest in learning more about the Richland Well Testing Initiative is encouraged to attend the Richland County Groundwater Open House.

The event will take place at the Richland Center Community Center November 2nd from 6 p.m.

until 8 p.m.

The Richland County Board of Supervisors will convene a special meeting Wednesday, October 28th, today at 7 p.m.

in the County Boardroom in Richland Center.

The primary item on the agenda is a resolution authorizing Russell Law Offices serving as corporation counsel to sign and act as an intervener on behalf of Richland County in connection with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin's Certificate of Authority process for the

proposed Becky 765 kilovolt high voltage transmission line.

Mid-continent grid solutions Wisconsin LLC is seeking electric public utility status from the state commission a process classified as a class one contested case that requires formal party intervention by October 29.

participating as an intervener grants the county legal standing to present evidence, call witnesses and question testimony during the regulatory proceedings.

And by the way, if Midcontinent Grid Solutions is granted utility status, utility status carries with it the power of eminent domain.

Click smart privacy glass manufactured by Cardinal IG at its Tomah facility has officially been named the winner of the 2026 coolest thing made in Wisconsin contest.

The announcement was made Tuesday at Wisconsin manufacturers and Commerce's annual business day event.

in Madison.

The State Chamber and Manufacturers Association hosted the 11th annual competition in partnership with BMO.

The contest showcases the strength and diversity of Wisconsin's manufacturing sector, which generates $73.8 billion for the state's economy and accounts for 18.2% of its workforce, the highest per capita manufacturing employment in the nation.

Over 100 products were nominated this year following a popular vote round and the manufacturing madness bracket challenge for finalists competed for the title.

The physical trophy awarded to Cardinal IG was produced locally by manufacturers EK and Fall River and FCO Finishing Corporation in Menominee Falls.

Click smart privacy glass utilizes, polymers stabilized,

Cholesteric, if I said that right, Texture Technology to switch between clear and opaque states in milliseconds without films or haze.

WMC President and CEO Kurt Bauer and BMO Commercial Bank Executive Andrew Roth praised the participants and emphasized the manufacturing industry's key role in driving innovation and economic growth across Wisconsin.

With Halloween falling on a Saturday this year, traffic safety experts are warning of a heightened risk on neighborhood streets.

The combination of trick-or-treaters, weekend drivers traveling to social gatherings and people using e-bikes or e-scooters after dark creates a hazardous environment for pedestrians and motorists alike.

AAA advises everyone to slow down, eliminate distractions and take proactive steps to remain visible.

According to safe kids worldwide, children are more than twice as likely to be struck and killed by a vehicle on Halloween than on any other day of the year.

Peak trick-or-treating hours run from 5.30 p.m.

to 9.30 p.m., placing many young children on neighborhood roads precisely when visibility drops.

Impaired driving further escalates the danger with NHTSA reporting 201.

Alcohol-related crash fatalities on Halloween night between 2020 and 2024.

To keep streets safe, drivers should reduce their speed in residential areas, carefully scan crosswalks and driveways, and put away mobile devices.

Parents and trick-or-treaters can reduce risks by wearing reflective costumes, carrying flashlights, sticking to sidewalks, and using marked crossings.

Meanwhile, e-bike and e-scooter riders should always wear helmets, equip their rides with proper lighting, and travel predictably to protect themselves and pedestrians throughout the evening.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Sciences alongside the Jackson County Public Health Department has confirmed two cases of measles in Jackson County linked to out-of-state travel.

Health officials are actively tracing and directly notifying individuals who may have been exposed to the virus.

These recent confirmations add Jackson County to a growing list of affected areas with cases previously reported in Chippewa Grant,

Iowa, Lafayette, Marathon, Richland, Rock and Vernon counties since August.

Members of the public are encouraged to regularly consult the online DHS Measles dashboard as well as the Outbreaks and Investigations webpage to track current case counts and updates.

Public health authorities advise anyone experiencing symptoms to contact a health care provider immediately, regardless of whether unknown exposure has occurred.

And state health officials will continue releasing public updates as additional cases or significant surges arise.

The Vernon County Sheriff's Department reports a three-vehicle collision occurred Monday evening, October 19th, west of Verroqua, resulting in property damage but no reported injuries, according to Vernon County Sheriff.

Roy Torgerson.

Emergency dispatch received the report around 5 p.m.

for a crash along State Highway 56 near Nottingham Road in the town of Jefferson.

Authorities determined that Jordan Frank Strasser, 35 of rural Verroqua, was pulling onto the highway from a private driveway in a 2023 Chevrolet Silverado when his vehicle struck an eastbound 2024 GMC Sierra Denali driven by Christopher Ray Ames.

41 of DeSoto.

The force of the impact sent Ames' vehicle off the south side of the road where it struck apart 2001 Ford F-150 on private property.

Despite the chain reaction, seatbelts and airbags protected everyone involved, including an eight-year-old passenger in the GMC Sierra.

Emergency personnel from the Verroqua Fire Department, Verroqua Emergency Medical Responders and Implify Health EMS evaluated everyone at the scene.

The Vernon County Sheriff's Office is continuing to investigate the crash.

It will be a night of laughs with family-friendly comedian Mickey Bell Friday at 6.30 at Grace Community Church in Richland Center.

Mickey Bell is the 2021 country music comedian of the year.

He brings family-friendly comedy to 250 events a year all over the United States.

In rural towns, Mickey performs for free thanks to local sponsors, so families can actually afford to attend his night of laughs.

General admission tickets are free, and VIP tickets, which includes both a meat and Greek and chili dinner, can be purchased for $30.

Reserve all seats at the Mickey Bell.

TheMickeyBell.com.

Doors will open at 5.30 for VIP ticket holders and at 6.15 for general admission.

Any questions or to sponsor please call 608-604-6780.

Vital statistics right after this.

Today is October 28.

These are today's vital statistics.

Thomas J. Tommy Nalapinsky, 92 of Muscaday, died Wednesday, October 21 at Dove Healthcare in Fenimore.

Funeral services will be held today at 10 a.m.

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.

Thomas J. Tommy Nalapinsky, 92.

of Muscaday.

Ellen Grace Klingeman Clock 83 of Rockbridge died Thursday October 22nd in Mandovi.

Funeral services will be held tomorrow at 11 a.m.

at the Pratt Memorial Chapel with burial to follow in the Woodstock Cemetery.

Visitation will be held tomorrow at the Pratt Memorial Chapel from 9 a.m.

until the time of service.

Ellen Grace Klingeman Clock 83

of Rockbridge.

Patricia Joan Harris 90 of Appleton died Sunday October 25th in Appleton.

A graveside service will be held at St.

John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery in Muscaday Friday October 30th at 1 p.m.

The Pratt funeral and cremation service is assisting the family.

Patricia Joan Harris 90 of Appleton.

Lois Ruth

Moe Anderson or seen 88 of Rich Lund Center died peacefully Thursday.

Services will be held.

Friday at 11 o'clock at St.

John's Lutheran Church in Richland Center.

Visitation will be held Thursday from 3 p.m.

till 7 p.m.

with a short service by the Delta Kappa Gamma Society at 7 o'clock at St.

John's.

Visitation will also be held at St.

John's Friday from 10 a.m.

until the time of service at 11.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St.

John's Lutheran Church of Richland Center or to Youth with a Mission, Y-W-A-M.

Lois, Ruth, Moe, Anderson, Ursin, 88 of Richland Center.

Dorothy Elaine Munn's 96 of Bear Valley dies Saturday, October 24 at home.

A mass of Christian burial will be held Friday at 11 a.m.

at St.

Killian's Catholic Church in Bear Valley with visitation from 9.30 a.m.

until the time of service.

Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Memorials may be given to the St.

Killian's Catholic Cemetery Association.

The Clary Memorial Funeral Home assisted the family.

Dorothy Elaine Munns, 96 of Bear Valley.

Randall K. Nimix, 80 of Blue River died Sunday, October 25th at the Richland Hospital.

Funeral services will be held Friday at the Clary Memorial Funeral Home with visitation from 10 a.m.

until the time of service at 11.

There will be a celebration of life lunch at 11.30 a.m.

with burial at the Richland Center Cemetery following the lunch.

Randall K. Nimix, 80 of Blue River.

Thomas Lee.

Marshall, 68 of Richland Center, died Sunday, October 25 at the Richland Hospital after a hard-fought battle with cancer.

A funeral mass will be held Saturday at 11 o'clock at St.

Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Richland Center.

Burial will be in the Fancy Creek Cemetery.

Visitation will be held at the Stafford Funeral Home in Richland Center Friday from 4 p.m.

until 7 p.m.

and Saturday at the church from 9.30

until the time of Mass at 11.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St.

Mary's Catholic School or a charity of your choice.

Thomas Lee Marshall, 68 of Richland Center.

James Robert Jim Allbaugh of Shawnaw, Wisconsin, formerly of Richland Center, died Thursday, October 15th.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday at Hope Church of Shawnaw, beginning with coffee, donuts, and visitation from 9 a.m.

until noon.

The celebration of life will begin at noon, followed by a light luncheon.

Everyone is welcome.

The family is planning a local gathering of remembrance in Richland Center in the coming weeks.

When a date, location, and time are finalized, they will release the information here via WRCO.

Swedberg Funeral Home and Hope Church, both of Shawno, are assisting the family.

James Robert Jim Albaugh of Shawno, Wisconsin, formerly of Richland Center.

Kimberly Ann

Kim Fry, 55 of Richland Center, died Tuesday, October 20th at UW Hospital in Madison.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday at 11 a.m.

at Clary Memorial Funeral Home with visitation beginning at 9 a.m.

and continuing until the time of service.

Burial will follow at the Basswood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the family.

Kimberly Ann Kim Fry, 55 of Richland Center,

It's the Midweek

Roundup.

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

Today, it's Hanco or Facto.

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

Confidence?

Absolutely.

Accuracy?

That's where things get adventurous.

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

Wednesdays roundup, where Factos, Hankos, and Phil... Oh, collide!

Move them on!

It's time for the roundup.

Hey,

how you doing young man?

All right, buddy.

You stay up late last night?

No, no.

Did you?

I didn't stay up all the way.

That's for sure.

I stayed up till two to two.

Yeah.

Two to two?

You

didn't stay up real late.

No, I did not.

I can't handle

it.

I checked in the middle of the night.

I'm like, oh.

I did too.

I got up like one, three, I was going.

Oh,

yeah.

I was like, I was waiting to see like graffiti pop out on my phone.

It's like,

wow.

Yeah, we've

already got to take this thing out of the race.

We've already dissected it because I'm a worry ward, but we've already dissected it.

I mean, the rays use their starting pitcher for two

innings last

night.

The night

starter was used last night.

So they're, they're hurting a little bit.

They're hurting like the Brewers were.

Todd Copernon made a great point.

They're starting out like the Brewers finished last night.

But it's

just, it's a matter of time.

You cannot make.

Errors

both.

No,

both third baseman

made you cannot make an error.

So

there's two runs right there.

Basically.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Got to keep the mind in it there, baby.

I got a missed call from Pat.

I don't, I hope he's probably, I'm probably going to be going down.

Oh, Pat Murphy.

Yeah.

Okay.

Yeah.

Probably play third base tonight.

Really?

Yeah.

Okay.

Yeah.

So I'm just like, no, if I have to go, you know, what's

going on.

Okay.

If you're gone tomorrow, we'll know.

No, they'll probably, they'll send for me

today.

We watch the game tonight.

We'll see you.

Yeah,

sure.

So, huh?

I'll probably have a different name on the back of the jersey.

Really?

Yeah, just for identity purposes.

Go bro crew.

Keep dreaming.

Keep

dreaming.

Go

bro crew.

Yeah.

Oh, well, yeah, they'll get it

done.

I

wanted to play the beer barrel polka this morning and I can't,

you know, tomorrow.

Tomorrow.

Yeah, we'll see.

Yeah, tomorrow.

I hope they win it tonight.

I do too.

So cause we don't want to have him play a Friday.

I don't mean that the bad way cause you big, big playoff came Friday in Ithaca,

but you don't want to have this team catch any more fire than it already

has.

No, no, no, but it's hard to be down.

It's hard to beat the brewers four in a row.

Right.

I'm because two in a row.

Yeah.

But I'm just saying they're going to have to win three more in a row and it's not going to happen.

That ain't going to happen.

So anyway, go brew crew.

Well your question of the day young man.

Oh, anyway, did you do anything fun last night?

Well, you've kind of watched the game you kind of You were at dance class on Monday night

gymnastics.

Yeah, same thing to me.

Yeah.

Yeah, I

know what I was a special guest a lay out vitamin a gymnastics class Luckily, I didn't have to wear a leotard or anything.

So I was just watching.

Oh, yeah,

you didn't wear the leotards No,

no,

oh with little wings.

No

anyway

You know the Dodgeville program the dodges at Dodgeville our grant program mineral point gymnastics team, okay?

I remember the last couple years.

I know the coach over there and And she was just watch these girls.

It is absolutely amazing what those girls do.

Oh, I know

it's like

I

It is amazing.

It is just like

How do those girls do that?

I don't know.

It is absolutely amazing what the girl's doing.

It's great talent.

It is.

It is an awesome.

They put a lot of time.

Yes, they do.

And another thing that is very, very underrated is swim team.

Like for these high school kids.

Oh, sure.

It is amazing.

They use every muscle in their bodies.

Oh, my goodness.

Kudos to them.

You know, when I went to school, we didn't have gymnastics.

We didn't have golf.

We didn't have softball.

And it is just amazing what these athletes, these young athletes put in the time and it's amazing.

I

remember in FIED class, and they'd be like, okay, this is the gymnastic units.

I mean, no!

Yeah, but.

Because I wasn't very good with even a forward roll.

I wasn't very good at falling down.

I'd be like

flop,

then

go sideways.

Yeah, I

wasn't good at falling down.

No, I don't think that was one of them.

You had to, I think at the end of the unit, you had to do like a,

a few things

like

forward roll to a handstand to a trinca and all this stuff.

All I could do was

a

stand.

What?

I don't know.

The standing crow, I could stand with one leg in balance.

Oh,

like

the flamingo.

That was about all I could do.

But not my favorite unit,

that's for

sure.

But no, kudos to those young athletes.

What an amazing job.

Anyway, your plans for the night?

Plans for the night?

Well, we're going to

Watch the game probably.

We're going to, uh, I believe we have a grandchild overnight.

So, so I'll be, you'll

be doing great.

Yeah.

You're going

on the tractor tonight.

Well, absolutely.

Probably not once, not twice, maybe three times.

Tractor.

Yep.

Tractor.

He loves the tractor.

Oh, Jeepers.

Yes.

Yep.

I wonder if I should bring my four wheeler over there.

Oh, he loved that.

Side

by side.

Yeah.

He had your golf cart over there and he was sad when you took it.

Yeah.

He was upset with me.

Golf cart.

Right.

Right.

And then he just points at it.

Well, I don't believe that.

He's just like, Gus, can you make me feel any worse?

Yeah, exactly.

Oh, well.

Anyway, what can you do?

It was like it was yours or something.

Yeah, I know.

Yeah.

have you ever ding dong ditch somebody fill up on a door doorbell ditch i don't think so really never in high school or

no i'm just not that speedy because i'd be like you know i

probably were you setting there going do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it so would that be

the same thing?

No, I don't think I ever even do it, do it, do it to it either.

Just the mud in the

film.

Out in the country, it wasn't quite as, I mean, because you can't really sneak up, you know, the,

the

old, the old farm dog at bark, you know, there's no way you can really sneak

up.

Chicken.

Back then, if they knew, they knew Phil Knee was scared of chicken, so they just had to guard chickens.

Speckled Pete, you know, Speckled Pete's cousin.

Yes.

Repeat.

Junior.

Oh, well, anyway, you might be from Arkansas.

Phillip, if all your places, your favorite places end in Mart.

Mart.

Yeah.

Yeah, that's probably true.

The speed mart.

Speed mart.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Lafarge has a zip.

Zippy.

Or is it zip stop?

Zip stop,

yeah.

It's not mart.

Yeah,

zip stop.

Yeah, good places.

They're clean.

Oh boy, absolutely.

And then they have a new one in Viola.

Really?

Yeah, kind of by the high school.

Kind of sitting on the hill right across from Gomacro.

You

frequent all those places, don't you?

You see a lot of those places where when you're out and about with athletic events and stuff.

But you do too.

You see a lot of these places.

Always good to stop unless you see the bus stop there.

Then it's like, uh, no.

If it's the only store in town, you want to beat the bus there.

Right.

Exactly.

So if you don't beat the bus, it's worth just keep going because it's pretty tough.

Number one, there's not going to be any food.

No,

no,

no.

Like in Seneca, it's right across the street.

You know,

so it's hard to beat the bus there.

It's hard to

because

the bus like parks right there.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Oh, well, what do you do, Hank?

What do you do?

What do you

do?

Well, and today, Phillip, what makes us feel better as our older generation?

I'm

still working on it.

You know,

Hmm.

Yeah.

Let's see here.

Having the restaurant bring the check without making you wait for it.

That I really like that.

Yeah.

Instead of ask for it.

Yeah.

Can I get the check?

Right.

Yeah.

Can we get the check here?

June needs to

pay.

A new TV remote is one.

Yes.

Or it really is.

New batteries in the

room.

Yes.

You know, cause

how long can you go with where it says replace batteries?

How many times have you opened up the battery at the back of the battery?

Uh, you know, you open up the case on the battery and just move the batteries to get another button.

It works.

It does.

Yeah.

Absolutely.

Yep.

Yep.

Having a new role of aluminum foil tear properly.

Oh, when you smoke meat and stuff like that, but my dad and my brother, they can go.

I mean, they are excellent at putting, oh my goodness, oh yes.

And they get those big ones.

I usually tear one off and then the other roll pops out.

The other is the old Saran wrap.

They've got a cutter on those now, but still I always wind up with it in a ball.

You know, you cut it and you like try to fold it and it's like, oh

man.

Have you seen the new ones where you just, it's like a rubber band.

You just stretch it, put it right on top of it.

No, I've not seen that.

Oh yeah, perfect.

Wow,

I need that.

I call those my lids.

Well see, yeah, me too, because what it does is it saves me doing dishes.

You know, it's just like,

why would you have to do

this?

Well, the pot is, you know, because June cooked half full of stuff.

It's like, Oh, I can't find the lid.

Just throw it in the fridge.

You don't have to clean it out and put it in another container because you dirty in other containers, but she doesn't understand that.

She probably doesn't want a refrigerator full with pots and pans.

Then she's

like, I'm going to make something.

Where, where are all the pots and pans?

Oh, open the fridge.

Oh, what do you do?

It's tough, Phil.

It's tough being you.

It's tough being married to me.

poor

woman oh well um let me see what else um finding something useful on clearance

yeah another one yeah you know 100% 100% so hearing

that the grandkids want to visit

yes and that's

that's pretty good yep they invite you to gymnastics

yes

and she told me she's like you got to watch me and her mother warned me if you take your eye off her she's going to be mad so she would do like a forward roll and then turn around and look

Oh, yep.

He's still looking, you

know, in my last one, Phil finding a closer parking lot to the front door, closer, closer parking spot to the

front.

There you go.

That was more in line last year before I got to, uh, I became a bio man with a new hip.

When I didn't have the new hip, I looked for close.

Now it doesn't matter.

It doesn't matter.

No, no, no.

Wherever.

I said smoke on the river.

smoke on the

river or your valley or smoke, whatever you smoke on the water, smoke on the water.

I can just hear you step out of your car going.

Walk up walk up to the speedy mark right right.

Oh speedy mark.

That's another mark

speedy mark.

Yeah

need to have a

boom

box on your

shoulder All right, buddy your rapid-fire questions for the day.

Oh, all right, which vegetable looks like it's hiding from something

That's a good one.

I don't know potato

maybe what food is too much work for too little

of a reward.

Oh, I

don't know why you didn't mark those off.

I don't know either.

All right.

What store aisle could you spend an hour in?

Oh my goodness.

I already know.

Probably the CDs.

And there aren't too many that have those anymore.

Right.

What's the smallest purchase that you've overthought?

So it was, I don't know if I should get that or not.

And it's like a,

Do I really need 45 inch shoe strings when I only need 30?

That's probably something like

that.

Yeah.

Now it's probably more of a gum or

something that is a search

or

something or everything.

Yeah, I don't really.

Are you buying them and you're sitting your car for a year?

Yes.

Right.

I have that quite often.

Yeah, I bet

you do.

What product needs are you sure button?

What product needs are you sure button?

Are you sure?

Are you sure?

What product needs that

again?

It would probably be some

some candy or food.

Yeah, you know like Lucky Charms cereal, you know

what you need that for for nutrition and your growth, right?

Yeah, what what would you buy with a surprised $17 if you had 17 $17 what surprise?

Oh my

goodness

our June.

What would you buy with $17?

What would I buy June?

Oh, I'd probably buy her something to

you

know

Like right now, she's a fan of the pumpkin shakes.

Oh,

okay,

yeah.

So that'd be a good way

to butter her

up.

That'd be less than 17, but you know.

You know, I have another one, June.

Maybe get her a Snicky's bar too.

Oh, she likes Snickers?

What item should come free with a free assembly with an apology?

What was that again?

What item should come with free assembly and an

apology?

I don't know.

I was never a fan of those bookshelves you got to put together.

Legos.

Oh, Legos.

Yeah.

By the way, did you ever get my bookshelf put together?

Yes, I did.

Okay, good.

Yeah.

Cause

I'm using it, but don't worry about it.

Oh,

you're using it.

You have a book?

No, I'll put tools on it.

Oh, tools on it.

Okay.

Right.

Your, your, your daily dilemma, Phillip.

All right.

Would you rather have a skeleton that rattles when you walk or a ghost that follows you around correcting your grammar?

I'd say skeleton.

Yeah.

Maybe you need the ghost though,

right?

We're going to pick a word.

Oh, Hanked on phonics

today, Hanked on phonics.

Yeah.

Do you not have a word?

We can skip it today.

I don't know.

Um, I think we use that one last week.

Um, what do we have here?

That one, that one's often mispronounced.

Oh, let's catch.

Catch.

Oh, it's cash.

Cash.

Yes.

Most people say cash.

I gotta look at it.

Gotta clear the cash.

It's cash.

It's cash.

Yep.

Wow.

There you go.

So you

sort of passed it

today.

Well, I'm going to go clear my cash.

All right, buddy.

Have a great day and be kind.

Have a good one.

Welcome back to the news at noon Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Tiffany made a campaign stop in Richland Center yesterday Tiffany accompanied by former Wisconsin governor Tommy Thompson spoke on affordability social policies and the need for all 72 of Wisconsin's counties to have equal representation in Madison Tiffany also took the time to praise emergency responders recalling how quickly help had arrived after the small plane he was a passenger and had made an emergency

water landing in Lake Wausau, September 12.

Thompson spoke first, railing against socialism and drawing parallels between Tiffany's campaign and his own successful 1986 campaign that eventually led to four terms as governor.

Tiffany was greeted by a small group of protesters who had also been at his earlier stops at Lancaster and Prairie de Chine.

The group chanted, Wisconsin, not for sale.

as Tiffany arrived after he had concluded his remarks and posed for a group photo.

Tiffany sat down briefly with WRCO News.

During our conversation, Tiffany said this.

I'm here with Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate Tom Tiffany at Mel's Micro and Richland Center.

Candidate Tiffany, welcome to Richland Center.

It is great to be back.

We've made a few trips through here in the last year.

So tell me, right now, we're days away from the election.

What's the message, Tom?

The voters in Richland County and the surrounding area, what do they need to know about you?

Affordability, accountability, and common sense.

That's what I'm going to bring to Madison.

And how do we do it?

How do we do that affordability?

We return all of the budget surplus to the taxpayers.

We end the 400-year property tax increase.

We've got people being taxed out of their homes as a result of these high taxes.

We've got to get them under control.

And we're going to return more shared revenue to local communities, including through the school funding formula.

Madison has plenty of money.

State government has plenty of money.

We should send more of that back to our local communities just like it was 100 years ago.

I'm a lifelong resident of Wisconsin, grew up on a dairy farm in western Wisconsin, and my wife and I owned our own business up in Wisconsin's beautiful north woods, raised our three daughters up there.

They all went to the local public school, got a really good education.

My wife and I have lived the American dream here in Wisconsin, and it's part of the reason that I run Todd, is that I could have easily just stayed as the congressman up in northern Wisconsin, but our state in some respects is headed in the wrong direction.

We're second worst for the brain drain.

We're losing young people out of our state and we're 40th in job creation.

We can turn those things around and how do you do it?

You have moderate to low taxation, reasonable regulation, have a good educational system and you will succeed as a state because that is the pattern that states follow that are successful.

But I want to make Wisconsin one of the shining stars here in America.

That again was Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Tiffany.

WRCO has extended an invitation to Democratic gubernatorial candidate David Crowley.

To this point, we have not heard back from his campaign.

Wisconsin voters will decide the fate of a major constitutional amendment, November 3rd, which seeks to prohibit governmental entities from discriminating against or granting preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin, known as Assembly Joint Resolution 102.

The legislatively referred amendment has ignited a sharp debate over equity, public policy, and the role of government programs across the state.

On the ballot,

A yes vote supports this amendment to prohibit any governmental entity from discriminating against or granting preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin in public employment, public education, public contracting, or public administration, whereas a no vote opposes the amendment and its proposed prohibitions.

If approved by voters, AJR 102 will establish Section 27 in Article 1 of the Wisconsin Constitution.

This new section would apply broadly to state agencies, local municipalities, public school districts, the technical college system, and the universities of Wisconsin.

The measure contains specific exemptions to protect eligibility for federal programs where loss of federal funding would occur, and it allows for bona fide qualifications based on sex when reasonably necessary for normal operations.

The amendment's path to the ballot required approval in two consecutive legislative sessions, first introduced as AJR 109 in the 2023-2024 session.

The proposal passed both chambers with Republican support.

In the subsequent 2025-2026 session, AJR 102

cleared the state assembly in a 54 to 45 vote January 13th of this year and passed the state Senate in an 18 to 15 vote January 21st.

The voting patterns revealed a stark partisan divide with all legislative Republicans voting in favor of the measure and all legislative Democrats voting in opposition.

Proponents of the amendment led by lead author, Representative Dave Murphy and co-sponsor Senator Stephen Nass

argue that government-sponsored preferences are inherently wrong.

Supporters contend that past injustices cannot be corrected through modern discrimination and that public employment, contracting, and education should be administered on a colorblind basis.

Organizations like the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty have also backed the amendment.

Conversely, opponents argue that the amendment will severely undermine efforts to study and address systemic disparities in Wisconsin.

Senator Chris Larson expressed concern that the ban would make addressing unequal life outcomes significantly harder to achieve.

Senator Dora Drake

criticized the measure as an effort to eliminate historically bipartisan programs and guardrails, noting that the authors did not conduct research or on existing programs before proposing the constitutional change.

The Richland County Land Conservation Office has announced that all free well sample kits have been fully distributed and no additional kits will be available for pickup.

Residents who successfully claimed a kit are reminded that samples must be turned in Monday, November 2nd between 9 a.m.

and 6 p.m.

at the Richland Center Community Center.

Anyone with questions or an interest in learning more about the Richland Well Testing Initiative is encouraged to attend the Richland County Groundwater Open House.

The event will take place at the Richland Center Community Center November 2nd.

from 6 p.m.

until 8 p.m.

Click smart privacy glass manufactured by Cardinal IG at its Tomah facility has officially been named the winner of the 2026 coolest thing made in Wisconsin Contest.

The announcement was made Tuesday at Wisconsin manufacturers and Commerce's annual Business Day event.

in Madison.

The State Chamber and Manufacturers Association hosted the 11th annual competition in partnership with BMO.

The contest showcases the strength and diversity of Wisconsin's manufacturing sector, which generates $73.8 billion for the state's economy and accounts for 18.2 percent of its workforce.

The highest per capita manufacturing employment

in the nation.

Over 100 products were nominated this year following a popular vote round and the Manufacturing Madness Bracket Challenge for finalists competed for the title.

The physical trophy awarded to Cardinal IG was produced locally by manufacturers EK and Fall River and FCO Finishing Corporation in Menominee Falls.

Click Smart Privacy Glass utilizes Polymers Stabilized

Colosteric Texture Technology to switch between clear and opaque states in milliseconds without films or haze.

General Manager Aaron Arnsen noted that the product's development spanned over 13 years across multiple company sites prior to commercial launch.

WMC President and CEO Kurt R. Bauer and BMO Commercial Bank Executive Andrew Roth

praised the participants and emphasized the manufacturing industry's key role in driving innovation and economic growth across Wisconsin.

The community food pantry of Spring Green is pleased to invite community members and local supporters to an upcoming open house at its newly constructed facility.

Located at 726 Somerset Road in Spring Green, directly behind Ring Brothers Classic Auto and just west of the new St.

Vincent de Paul building, the open house serves as a heartfelt celebration and expression of gratitude.

The event offers a special opportunity to extend a sincere thank you to all donors and community members.

whose generous contributions of time, funds, and food donations over the years have made this building project a reality.

During the event, attendees can take guided tours and gain a deeper understanding of how monthly food distribution operates.

Visitors will learn firsthand how the pantry works to address and alleviate food scarcity for families and individuals residing throughout the River Valley School District.

The open house provides an engaging way for neighbors to connect with the pantries, ongoing mission, and see the direct positive impact of local support on community wellness.

In addition to exploring the new space, guests will have the opportunity to discover various volunteer possibilities.

Representatives will be available to answer questions and help interested individuals sign up for open roles, whether assisting on distribution day, which takes place the third Monday of each month, or helping stock shelves and organized

inventory during regular weekday operations.

Everyone in the community is welcome to attend, celebrate this important milestone and learn how to get involved.

transitioning from high school to adult life represents a major milestone for students and their families to help navigate this important phase local vendors community partners and transition experts are gathering for an informative open house event designed to connect families with vital resources specialized programs and individualized support services tailored

for young adults preparing for life after graduation.

The event, titled High School and Beyond, making the transition takes place today from 4 until 7 p.m.

at the Ritzland Center High School.

Attendees should enter through the West Commons Fine Arts Entrance sponsored by the Ritzland County communities on transitions.

This open house setting provides a welcoming environment for families to ask questions, discover local opportunities, and learn about effective ways to assist students.

facing barriers or disability-related challenges as they transition into post-secondary education, employment, and community living.

The Vernon County Sheriff's Department reports a three-vehicle collision occurred early Monday morning, October 19, west of Verroqua, resulting in property damage but no reported injuries,

according to Vernon County Sheriff Roy Torgerson.

Emergency dispatch received the report around 5 p.m.

for a crash along State Highway 56 near Nottingham Road in the town of Jefferson.

Authorities determined that Jordan Frank Strasser, 35 of rural Verroqua, was pulling onto the highway from a private driveway in his 2023 Chevrolet Silverado.

When his vehicle struck an eastbound 2024 GMC Sierra Denali, driven by Christopher Ray Ames,

41 of DeSoto.

The force of the impact sent the Ames vehicle off the south side of the road, where it struck apart 2001 Ford F-150 on private property.

Despite the chain reaction, seatbelts and airbags protected all involved, including an eight-year-old passenger in the GMC Sierra.

Emergency personnel from the Verroco Fire Department, Verroco Emergency Medical Responders and Amplify Health EMS evaluated everyone at the scene.

The Vernon County Sheriff's Office is continuing to investigate the crash.

The U.S.

Department of Energy's Office of Energy Dominates Financing.

Finalized the $5.1 billion loan package for Alliant Energy to enhance grid reliability and expand power generation across Iowa and Wisconsin.

The project is expected to lower electricity costs projecting to deliver over $1 billion in savings to families and businesses while providing a major boost to new or upgraded generation capacity.

The funded projects focus on supporting new natural gas-fired power plants, energy

storage systems and upgrades to existing facilities.

Together, these infrastructure updates will generate enough electricity to power roughly two million homes and create hundreds of construction jobs across the region.

In conjunction with the financial announcement, U.S.

Secretary of Energy Chris Wright

traveled to Wisconsin to host a press conference at a natural gas facility in Beloit.

Secretary Wright also scheduled a visit to the John P. Maget coal-fired plant in Olma for a roundtable discussion.

The U.S.

Department of Agriculture Rural Development Program has announced a $450,000 grant to help the town of Genoa acquire a new fire engine for its volunteer fire department.

Wisconsin State Director Andrew C. Iverson emphasized that volunteer firefighters play a vital role in protecting rural communities and the funding will ensure the department is equipped with reliable tools to keep residents safe.

Representative Derek Van Orden highlighted the importance of high-quality emergency services for rural residents, noting that local families deserve world-class public safety regardless of where they live.

He expressed pride in securing federal tax dollars to support first responders in western Wisconsin.

The grant will allow the town of Genoa to replace its 30-year-old fire engine through the USDA Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant program.

the agency invests in rural infrastructure, public safety, health care and economic development to promote regional prosperity.

In a remarkable achievement highlighting academic excellence and dedication to Wisconsin High School seniors have been selected as 2026 U.S.

Presidential Scholars by the U.S.

Department of Education.

Joel Michael Janssen of Delavan Darien High School and Elizabeth Jane Matz of Onalaska High School were named among just 161 seniors nationwide to receive one of the nation's highest honors for high school students.

The US Presidential Scholars Program recognizes students for exceptional accomplishments in academics, the arts, and career, and technical education.

Selection is rigorous out of more than 6,700 qualified candidates across the country.

Honorees are chosen by the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars based on exam performance, artistic ability, essays, school recommendations, leadership, and community involvement.

Wisconsin State Superintendent,

Dr. Jill Underly praised Janssen and Matz, noting that the distinction reflects both their personal commitment and the surrounding network of educators, families, and local communities.

She commended their hard work and curiosity, celebrating the accomplishment as a proud moment for Wisconsin schools.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services alongside the Jackson County Public Health Department has confirmed two cases of measles in Jackson County linked to out-of-state travel.

Health officials are actively tracing and directly notifying individuals who may have been exposed to the virus.

These recent confirmations add Jackson County to a growing list of affected areas with cases previously reported in Chippewa Grant.

Iowa, Lafayette, Marathon, Richland Rock and Vernon Counties.

Since August, members of the public are encouraged to regularly consult the online DHS Measles dashboard.

as well as the Outbreaks and Investigations webpage to track current case counts and updates.

Public health authorities advise anyone experiencing symptoms to contact a health care provider immediately regardless of whether a known exposure has occurred and state health officials will continue releasing public updates as additional cases or significant surges arise.

With Halloween falling on a Saturday this year, traffic safety experts are warning of a heightened risk on neighborhood streets.

The combination of trick-or-treaters, weekend drivers traveling to social gatherings,

People using e-bikes or e-scooters after dark creates a hazardous environment for pedestrians and motorists alike.

AAA advises everyone to slow down, eliminate distractions and take proactive steps to remain visible.

According to SAFE Kids Worldwide, children are more than twice as likely to be struck and killed by a vehicle on Halloween than any other day of the year.

Peak trick-or-treating hours run from 5.30 p.m.

to 9.30 p.m., placing many young children on neighborhood roads precisely when visibility drops.

Impaired driving further escalates the danger, with NHTSA reporting 201 alcohol-related crash fatalities on Halloween night between 2020

in 2024.

To keep streets safe, drivers should reduce their speed in residential areas, carefully scan crosswalks and driveways, and put away mobile devices.

Parents and trick-or-treaters can reduce risks by wearing reflective costumes, carrying flashlights, sticking to sidewalks and using marked crossings.

Meanwhile, e-bike and e-scooter riders should always wear helmets, equip their rides with proper lighting,

and travel predictably to protect themselves and pedestrians throughout the evening.

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 28.

These are today's vital statistics.

Ellen Grace Klingerman Clock 83 of Rockbridge died Thursday, October 22 in Mandovi.

Funeral services will be held Thursday at 11 a.m.

at the Pratt Memorial Chapel with burial to follow in the Woodstock Cemetery.

Visitation will be held Thursday at the Pratt Memorial Chapel from 9 a.m.

until the time of service.

Ellen is survived by her son Richard and Cindy Clock, siblings Marilyn and Carlisle Peckham, Bob and Lorena

a Klingerman, two grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, honorary children and friends, Ellen Grace Klingerman-Clock, 83, of Rockbridge.

Patricia Joan Harris, 90, of Appleton, died Sunday, October 25,

in Appleton.

A graveside service will be held at St.

John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery in Muscaday Friday, October 30th at 1 p.m.

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

Pat is survived by her children, Mark and Deb Harris, Michael and Vicki Harris, Laura and Brian Reynolds, and Teresa.

Teresa and Robert Page and Matthew and Susan Harris, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Patricia Joan Harris, 90 of Appleton.

Lois Ruth Moe Anderson Ersin, 88 of Richland Center, died Thursday, October 22.

Services will be held Friday at 11 o'clock at St.

John's Lutheran Church in Richland Center.

Visitation will be held Thursday from 3 p.m.

until 7 p.m.

with a short service by the Delta Kappa Gamma Society at 7 p.m.

at St.

John's Lutheran Church.

Visitation will also be held at St.

John's Friday from 10 a.m.

until the time of service.

at 11.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St.

John's Lutheran Church of Richland Center or to Youth with a Mission, ywam.org.

The Pratt Funeral and Cremation Service is assisting the family.

with Arrangements.

10 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, many beloved nieces and nephews, and extended family.

Lois, Ruth, Moe, Anderson, Ursin, 88, of Richland Center.

Dorothy Elaine Mons, 96 of Bear Valley, died Saturday, October 24th at home.

A mass of Christian burial will be held Friday, October 30th at 11 a.m.

at St.

Killian's Catholic Church in Bear Valley with visitation from 9.30 a.m.

until the time of service.

Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Memorials may be given to the St.

Killian's Catholic Cemetery Association.

The Clary Memorial Funeral Home assisted the family with the arrangements.

Dorothy is survived by her brother-in-law, Paul Munz.

several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Dorothy Elaine Muns, 96 of Bear Valley.

Randall K. Nimix, 80 of Blue River died Sunday, October 25th at the Richland Hospital.

Funeral services will be held Friday, October 30th at the Clary Memorial Funeral Home with visitation from 10 a.m.

until the time of service at 11.

There will be a celebration of life lunch at 11.30 a.m.

with a burial at the Richland Center Cemetery following the lunch.

Survivors include his wife Jan Nimix, children Nikki and

Dana Daskasil of Stoughton and Kent and Amy Nimix, two stepchildren, Jennifer Tash and John and Benita Mahalan, brother Kenny and Trish Nimix and sister Peggy and Bob Grilinski, four grandchildren, one stepgrandchild, many other relatives and friends.

Randall K. Nimix, 80 of Blue River.

Thomas Lee Marshall, 68 of Richland Center, died Sunday, October 25 at the Richland Hospital after a hard-fought battle with cancer.

A funeral mass will be held Saturday at 11 o'clock at St.

Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Richland Center.

Burial will be in the Fancy Creek Cemetery.

Visitation will be held at the Stafford Funeral Home in Richland Center Friday

from 4 p.m.