Today is November 3rd.
These are today's vital statistics.
Christine M.B.
58 of Richland Center died at home Friday, September 18th.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, November 7th from 12.30 p.m.
until 3.30 at the Richland Center Community Center.
Clary Memorial Funeral Home assisted the family with the arrangements.
Christine M.B.
58.
of Richland Center.
Susan M. Piperon, 63 of Richland Center, died Thursday, October 29th at SSM Health in Madison.
Per Susan's request, no formal services will be held.
The Pratt Funeral Anchormation Service is assisting the family.
Susan M. Piperon, 63 of Richland Center.
This concludes today's vital statistics.
Ace is the place with the helpful hardware folks!
It's Tuesday's Roundup!
Brought to you by Added Touch Floral and Gifts, Richland Hospital, Cardinal Glass CG, and by Badgerland Flooring.
And today is Quiz Day!
Hank is handing out the questions and Phil bravely, boldly, and often incorrectly taking the quiz!
Confidence?
Sky High!
Accuracy still under review!
Hank's got the answers Phil's got the guesses and somehow
we've
got a show play along and see if you can beat Phil which statistically speaking You probably can't Tuesday's roundup where the questions are tough and Phil makes them tougher
It's time for
the roundup
Good morning, sir.
Hey, what's up, buddy?
How you doing?
I'm good.
I'm good.
It's raining again out there.
Well, according to the WRCO mud puddle,
it's raining.
Finally, to WRCO lake.
Yeah.
Finally got my shower in last night.
It's about, you know, about 1130 when it rained and come down.
Oh, that's nice.
Yeah.
Nice for everybody around me.
Bar of soap.
Yeah, bar of soap.
Open the yard.
Yeah.
Anyway, tea tree oil doesn't come off regular trees, does it?
What?
Tea tree oil.
I use sap.
Oh, tea tree oil.
Yeah.
not good okay yeah so it's not like a big pine tree this morning anyway how you doing yeah good good good did you have fun with the grand kid with
the grand kids last night did
you have to go on plate some tractors
yeah we had to go on a tractor
ride did he want one this morning he wasn't up this morning no
it was it was a little bit sprinkling yesterday
but that
doesn't that doesn't deter him none does it deter you
Well, it should, but it doesn't.
I was helping you the other day, and you had your neighbor boy come over.
And did you play basketball after I was done with you?
It got too dark.
Oh, OK.
Yeah.
And June said I had to come in for supper.
So that's
rules.
I know.
These
rules.
All the other neighborhood kids get to go out and play basketball.
Not
you.
No.
You're kind of saved by the darkness than when you play all the time out there, don't you?
I try, yeah.
Get a little air.
I think I can still throw the football over the mountains.
The mountains over there.
Coach would have put me in 82.
What song is that?
You see them mountains over there, there, there.
Remember, what was that?
Was that
Alabama?
Yeah.
I remember that.
Someday I'm going to climb them.
Someday I'm going to climb them.
Yeah, exactly.
Anyway, any plans for the day?
I'm trying to think what we have today.
Well, going and voting.
Yes.
Want to get that little sticker, say, as I voted.
Joanne probably got number one in the town of, uh-huh.
Yeah.
She is number one.
Yeah, she is.
And a lot of people's minds.
Well, then, you know, sometimes maybe you're the only one that votes in your township.
Maybe.
Every vote counts.
Every one counts.
So well, I'm going to head out to vote.
Yeah.
I probably won't be back for a while.
It's
a long ways to P rich.
Yes.
Yeah.
Yeah.
What's, what's up there today?
Is it a dog catcher race?
Is that kind of the hotly contested one?
Or what is
it?
Um, no, but what about your minnow?
The, you know, like Sextonville, the, you know, the, you're the, you want to be the grand poob
of the Sextonville minnow club.
Yeah.
That's what I'm
running for.
I don't know.
I don't, I don't want to say anything about, you know, my opponent,
right?
You
know, but.
Do
it, do it, do it, do
it.
He's made a fool of himself.
Now it's my turn.
I don't think the men are voting for you.
No, I don't think they are.
Well, your question of the day, what is the luckiest thing that has ever happened to you besides meeting me?
Probably got to go with that
matrimony.
The matrimony.
Yeah, I think so.
Yeah.
Let's go without that.
Let's go without that.
Let's go with something.
You know, not, not the wife or kids cause everybody knows that June's trucker rates with you, but model husband, right?
I'm probably working here all these
years.
It's kind of neat here.
Yeah.
Well, it is.
Little luck involved all these years.
It is, it is, but good quality though too.
You put a lot of time and no one knows that.
Well, you
know, thank you.
Just like with any business, you know, advanced pumping.
Well, you know, they,
treat their customers well, gentlemen, plumbing, and they just, they all treat their customers well.
Right.
So anyway, um, you might be from Arkansas.
If the abstract art on your walls is actually water damage.
Yeah, that could be.
That could very well be.
Well, that's an amazing painting.
Oh, it's just water that
ran leaky
roof.
This leaky roof.
Don't worry about the black mold around it.
Yeah.
No, no.
Your daily dilemma, buddy.
Here you go.
Would you, would you get caught?
Would you rather get caught eating shredded cheese straight from the bag?
Or if you get caught eating cheese straight from the bag, shredded cheese, I do this all the time.
I love shredded cheese.
Remind me not to
use
the shredded cheese in your, your keeper
in your fridge.
Do you admit it?
Or do you just say that you're making sure that.
You had enough for the next meal.
Oh, I don't know.
I probably admit it
or would you
like not probably say it.
I was tasting it to make sure it was still good.
Yeah, it's don't worry about the green on it.
Yeah, it's still good.
It's still good.
Anyway, you're quite 10 questions today.
Today's quiz you put a little bit of everything here today, Philip.
Well, yeah,
that's what you
do even even music.
Really?
Yes.
All right.
Are you ready?
You're saying there's a chance you're saying there's a honey bees can flap their wings over 300 times a second true or false All right flamingos that stand on one leg are males They stand on one leg to attract the females true or false
All right number three many debates surround pizza including whether to eat the crust according to a widely excited Pizza Hut survey what percentage of people people eat their pizza crust rather than leaving it behind is it 40% 53% 75% or 83% Number four which you which I
Future of my wood which US president worked as a bartender before becoming president is it's Abraham Lincoln Theodore Roosevelt Harry S Truman or George Washington.
Number five which item did Duncan create with another company?
Here's a here's one of those items that if it was.
You know what product is real well.
Which did which item did Duncan create with another company?
Is it a Duncan shaped spare tire?
Duncan themed running shoes Coffee powered electric slippers a treadmill with a donut conveyor belt Okay, all right number six which football team has the nickname demon deacons You should know this one Wake Forest Liberty
Duke or Boston College.
Number seven, which dance was designated as the official state dance of Wisconsin in 1993?
Is it the waltz?
The polka, square dancing, or the fox troughts?
Number eight, what name did John Denver use before becoming famous?
Is it Henry John
Dutch O'Field, Jr.
Henry Bennett, Henry Callahan, or John Henry?
All right, I messed that name up.
Which band holds the records for the most number one hits overall, Phillip?
Is it the Beatles, the Eagles, Queen or Chicago?
Most number ones, you said?
The most number one hits overall.
Since you know that one, which group reigns second for the most billboard hot number ones?
Is it the Bee Gees, the Supremes, Journey, or the Rolling Stones?
Hmm.
Okay.
All right.
Here we go.
Let's see here.
Let's see here.
All right.
Go ahead.
That's it.
Yep.
I don't have a number 11.
Oh, are you ready?
Go ahead.
Number one.
All right.
Honeybees flapped their wings over 300 times a second.
I'm thinking that's true.
Nope, it's false.
I knew you would say
it was
true.
Oh, it sounded so right.
I know it's 200.
Oh boy.
Flamingos that stand on one leg are males.
They stand on one leg to attract females.
That's false.
It is false.
Flamingos, all flamingos stand on one leg to keep themselves
That's right.
Yeah.
Good for you.
You knew that too, right?
Yeah.
Well, what happened?
I suppose when one leg gets warm and they put the other one.
Yeah.
I don't
know.
I was, I started acting like a flamingo and my wife had to put her foot down.
Yeah.
Anyway, many debates surround pizza, including whether to eat the crust.
According to a widely cited pizza hut survey, what percentage of people eat their pizza crust rather than leaving it behind?
Is it 40?
53, 75 or 83%.
I'm going with a high number.
83%
exactly right.
I mean, some people do that, but you know why sometimes leave it behind, leave it
behind.
Well, if it gets hard, I won't eat it right or burned.
But sometimes you take that pizza crust.
If they have a salad bar, you can dip that pizza crust and like rain stress.
Well, there you go.
Yeah.
Most people consider the crust and an intrigue part of the pizza and happily eat it, even though sometimes dip it in the sauce like myself, which
Which U.S.
president worked as a bartender before becoming president?
Is it Abraham Lincoln, Roosevelt Truman or Washington?
Well, according to my school themes back in the day when I had to write themes, no, for disciplinary action.
I'm going with Abraham Lincoln.
Yes, sir.
It was Lincoln was a part owner of a store in Tavern in New Salem, Illinois.
Four score and seven beers ago.
That's a country song.
I think, you know, when all else fails, just answer Abraham Lincoln because he was like,
he was like a
lawyer.
He was, he's in like the national wrestling hall
of fame
because he was like a wrestler.
I mean, just about everything.
The man could do
it all.
Quite a had a, quite a resume.
Didn't he?
Yeah, he did.
Yeah.
All right.
Which item did Duncan create with another company?
Is it a donut shaped?
spare tire, is it a Duncan themed running shoes, coffee powered electric slippers or a treadmill with a donut conveyor belt.
Got to be running shoes.
It is.
But wouldn't it
be cool to have a spare tire?
Yes.
That was a donut.
Yes.
I
mean,
a regular one you could eat.
Yeah.
I would like,
I would just like the, the, the, the hole, you know.
Oh.
The donut hole.
Yeah.
All of those things.
Yeah.
So, uh,
She here Duncan partnered with Sasone Sasone on running shoes featuring doughnut and coffee designs the first running shoes that understood the finish line should be at a bakery
So Coney,
I think Coney, right?
Everybody know it's that one that starts with an S and ends with a Y All right number six which football team has the nickname of the demon deacons wait for it is
A demon deacon sounds like somebody who gives a fiery sermon and then gets flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Following the
NCAA basket all over the
years, you kind of start to learn some of those names.
Wake Forest's mascot is also known for carrying a plunger, no lie here, because apparently even supernatural church officials officially have plumbing troubles.
dance was designated as the official state dance of Wisconsin in 1993.
It is.
It's a dedicated second grade class from Charles Lindbergh Elementary School in Madison backed by the Wisconsin Polka Boosters Incorporated, made the polka the official state dance in 1993, proving that nothing says Wisconsin pride quite like accordion music, brass instruments, and a quick tempo two
step.
Alright, what name did John Denver use before becoming famous, Phillip?
John Henry Duchen d'Or.
That is, Duchen
d'Or.
Boy, I messed that up, didn't I?
Actually, I never interviewed or talked to John, but I talked to his brother, Ron.
Really?
Ron Duchen d'Or.
If he was kind of his, I don't know, but if he managed, I don't know if he really managed him, but kind of set up his concert dates and things like that.
And so talk to him once got an autographed picture for my wife.
Oh, really?
That's awesome.
Yeah.
Yeah.
Um, number nine, which band holds the record for the number for the most number one hits overall?
Is it the Beatles, the Eagles, the Queen or Chicago?
It's got to be the Beatles.
It is
the Beatles.
You
know how many, how many number ones?
Um, it's got to be in the twenties, 20, 20.
Is it 20?
It's 20.
20?
I was thinking it was 22, but 20.
Okay.
Yeah.
So yeah.
Uh, you and music.
Well, which group ranks second for the most billboard hot number one hits?
Is it the Bee Gees, the Supremes journey or the Rolling Stones?
It's really close.
I originally wrote Bee Gees, but I think, uh, and it all happened in the sixties.
I think we're going with the Supreme.
It
is the
Supremes.
Do you know how many records they had number
one?
Oh boy.
I'm going with 17.
It's lower than
20.
So I
know.
17 is lower than
20,
I guess.
So how many did you do, buddy?
All but one.
Oh, the bees.
The opening one.
I got him on the bees.
Bees knees.
Bees knees, that's right.
Not bad, not a bad quiz.
Not bad, not a bad
quiz.
in terms of difficulty that actually knew some of them.
You did.
You did.
So
then I
think my way on some others.
Yeah, but we used to that.
I put some fake questions in there.
So I have, I have a couple of one question here for you.
Uh-oh.
So do you remember the old books that we used to have is it's exams, pop quiz, F in your exam, pop quiz.
These are students.
Yeah, students.
All knew awesomely wrong.
You know wrong wrong questions or wrong test answers.
What kind of wildlife do you expect to see in Antarctica Phil?
I don't know well one little guy said ants
I didn't have an answer cuz I knew something was coming that was quite deep Antarctic
was that
a little Henry Bray
could have been
P Ridge Elementary
I
like that book and you wonder where those students are today.
Yes, you know, you just really you're looking at one and
I'm
looking at the other one.
Have a great day, my friend and be kind.
Good morning, everyone, for WRCO News.
I'm Todd Copernall, 65 degrees right now in Richland Center.
Henry Bray was just outside trying to determine if that sheen on the WRCO mailbox was actual rain or one of those new AI deals.
Turns out it is raining in Richland Center right now.
In the news this morning, in case you haven't heard, which I would think is statistically impossible, today is election day in Wisconsin.
polls opened at 7 a.m.
on the ballot are a number of statewide races including governor, lieutenant governor, and attorney general.
Your local and federal representatives are also on the ballot as well as a number of state senate seats.
A trio of constitutional questions are also on the ballot after being approved by the Republican-led state legislature earlier this year.
Find your local polling place and see if you're registered to vote online at myvote.wisconsin, myvote.wi.gov.
Polls will remain open until 8pm if you are in line to vote.
At 8pm you will be allowed to vote.
The Richland County Board of Supervisors convened a special meeting to address the proposed Bell Center, Columbia, Sugar Creek, Illinois, or Becky 765 kilovolt transmission line project during the meeting.
The board unanimously adopted resolution 26-69, which authorizes Russell Law Offices serving as corporation counsel.
to sign on and act as an intervener on behalf of Richland County.
The authorization comes in response to the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin opening a formal Class 1 contested case, proceeding to review whether Project Developer Mid-Continent Grid Solutions Wisconsin, LLC.
can operate as an electric public utility in the state and receive exemptions from certain holding company laws by securing formal intervener status prior to the Public Service Commission's deadline.
Richland County gains full legal standing to present evidence, call witnesses.
and question testimony during regulatory hearings.
Supervisor Randy McKee offered the initial motion to adopt the resolution seconded by Supervisor Shirley Welty.
The motion passed on a 15 to zero voice vote with no supervisors opposing.
There will be no school for River Valley students on Friday.
The district has called a school closure to give students, staff, and community members the opportunity to travel and support the River Valley Girls Volleyball Team as they compete at the WIAA State Tournament.
Concerns regarding staffing availability and anticipated student attendance also contributed to the decision.
The fourth-seeded Blackhawks, who are 31 and six on the season, earned their trip to the state tournament with a thrilling five-set victory over Cambridge in the martial sectional final.
making their fourth overall state appearance in first since 2005.
River Valley will take on top seeded Stanley Boyd with a record of 35 and 5.
In the Division III semifinals, the match will be held 8 a.m.
on Friday, November 6th at the Resch Center in Green Bay.
The community is encouraged to show their Blackhawk pride.
and make the trip to Green Bay to cheer on the team.
Additional details will be provided regarding a potential fan bus for students and staff interested in attending.
David Grant of Civic Media reports Baraboo Police have arrested a 42-year-old man for charges related to child sex crimes.
On Thursday, October 29, members of the Baraboo Police Department
part of the Salk County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, executed a warrant in the 1000 block of 8th Street in the city of Baraboo.
Donald Deetson, age 42 of Baraboo, was taken into custody after digital evidence and documents were located.
Charges have been referred to the Salk County District Attorney's Office.
Governor Tony Evers has announced a key judicial appointment, elevating out of Gamy County Circuit Court Judge Emily Lonergan to the Wisconsin Court of Appeals District 3.
Judge Lonergan will fill the upcoming vacancy left by presiding judge Lisa K. Stark, following her retirement, serving a term that extends through July 31st of 2029.
Since taking the bench in 2019,
Judge Lonergan has managed a broad range of cases, spanning criminal, civil, family, small claims, traffic, and juvenile matters.
In addition to her judicial duty, she oversaw the Out of Gamy County Drug and Alcohol Treatment Court, focusing on community safety and substance abuse recovery.
Her legal career prior to the judiciary included work as a defense and personal injury attorney with firms in Appleton and Milwaukee.
specializing in complex business litigation, professional licensing, and appellate law.
Outgoing Judge Stark praised the appointment, citing Lonergan's intellect, broad experience, and commitment to fair application of the law.
Lonergan, a graduate of Marquette University Law School, currently resides in Appleton with her family and serves on the Wisconsin Judicial Council and the Wisconsin Civil Jury Instruction Committee.
The American Red Cross urges donors to give blood or platelets now to help hospitals and transfusion centers stay prepared to help all patients.
There will be a blood drive tomorrow from 8 a.m.
until 2 p.m.
at the River Valley High School in Spring Green.
To make an appointment call 800 Red Cross, download the blood donor app or visit redcrossblood.org.
Walk-ins are always welcome.
The Wisconsin Natural Resources Board has proposed administrative rule updates under board order.
to enhance public safety surrounding the operation of all terrain vehicles and utility terrain vehicles across the state.
Following initial scope approval by the governor in June of 2024 and the board in September 2024, the proposed measure introduces revised operational standards, window tinting guidelines, and rules regarding intoxicants for off-road vehicle operators.
A central focus of the rule is mitigating alcohol related incidents on trails and roadways.
Department data indicates that between 2021 and 2025, 43% of fatal ATV and UTV crashes in Wisconsin involved alcohol, contributing to 176 total fatalities and over 1,400 injuries.
to address these statistics, the rule explicitly prohibits the use of intoxicants while operating these vehicles and restricts open containers in passenger accessible areas, bringing Wisconsin standards into closer alignment with neighboring states.
The proposed rule also standardizes operational expectations for operators using public roadways and trails.
Key provisions include allowing hand and arm turn or stop signals in addition to or in place of signal lamps, giving conservation wardens statewide enforcement authority for signal violations.
Additionally, the rule establishes specific exemptions from window tinting requirements.
for vehicles manufactured before March 1st of 2027, as well as medical exemptions supported by written documentation from a physician or practitioner.
The Wisconsin Department of Justice alongside a multi-state coalition has reached a landmark $220 million settlement with General Motors following allegations that the automaker unlawfully collected and sold
drivers, private location and behavioral data to third-party data brokers and insurance companies.
Out of the total settlement amount,
Wisconsin is slated to receive $5.12 million.
Under the agreement, GM is strictly required to obtain affirmative express consent from consumers before gathering or sharing any driving or location information.
Investigative findings revealed that between 2016 and 2024, GM enrolled millions of vehicle owners in its smart driver
feature, often during the vehicle purchase process at dealerships where employees frequently accepted terms without explicit customer consent.
Although pitched as a safety tool, GM provided this sensitive driving data to brokers.
under contracts designed for insurance product integration.
Consequently, insurers used metrics such as speed, braking habits, and trip times to adjust driver premiums frequently without the knowledge or consent of the policy holders.
Systemic errors further compounded the issue as the on-star application incorrectly informed over 370,000 users that they were not enrolled in tracking while their data was actively being gathered and monetized.
Following public exposure of these practices, GM terminated the smart driver program.
Beyond the monetary penalties, the settlement mandates robust privacy protections, including mandatory internal and external privacy assessments, comprehensive data minimization, and mandatory dealership compliance training.
On Friday, October 30th, more than 50 sophomores from Prairie Duchenne High School gathered at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College for the Future Manufacturers Workshop hosted by SWAG Manufacturers, Southwest Wisconsin Alliance for Growth.
The interactive event provided students with a comprehensive hands-on introduction to the wide variety of career opportunities available in modern manufacturing.
The workshop aimed to demonstrate how
core principles such as teamwork, communication, quality control, and efficiency, drive successful industrial operations.
Jason Knapp, a swag board member and plant engineering manager at 3M, highlighted that exposing students to diverse roles, spanning production, quality assurance, engineering, and human resources helps them appreciate how individual contributions unite to deliver a quality final product.
A central feature of the workshop was a hands-on assembly simulation where students worked on in teams to build small boats in organized work cells.
Participants performed specific assembly steps, conducted quality inspections, and refined their procedures over multiple rounds to boost efficiency.
Sophomore Declan Campbell noted that the exercise underscored the importance of team collaboration and role clarity under chaotic conditions.
while Heather Burkholder of Southwest Tech shared that friendly competition added excitement to mastering correct manufacturing processes.
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 November 3rd.
These are today's Vital Statistics.
Christine M. B.
58 of Richland Center died at home.
Friday, September 18th.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, November 7th, from 12.30 p.m.
to 3.30 p.m.
at the Richland Center Community Center.
Clary Memorial Funeral Home.
Assisted the family with arrangements.
Christina survived by her companion, Rob B., her two sons, Ryan and Jelisa B., and Brandon B., one grandson.
Christina is also survived by her mother, Patty.
Pat Kraska, siblings Jason and Summer Rowe, Alisa Rowe and Chad Kraska.
Christine M. B.
58 of Richland Center.
Stephen Henry Whalen Jr.
of Richland Center died Tuesday, October 27th at the Harvest Guest Home in Richland Center.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 21st at 11 a.m.
at St.
Mary's Catholic Church in Richland Center.
Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m.
until the time of Mass at 11.
Lunch will follow at the church.
After lunch concludes, burial will take place at St.
John's Cemetery in Spring Green with military graveside rights to be provided by the Lone Rock American Legion.
The family request memorials in Steve's name be directed to the Peace Corps or to Harvest Guest Home.
The Pratt Funeral and Cremation Service is assisting the family.
Steve is survived by sisters Donna and William O'Donnell and Martha Whalen.
several nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Stephen Henry Whalen Jr.
of Richland Center.
Susan M. Pyphone, 63 of Richland Center, died Thursday, October 29 at SSM Health in Madison.
Per Susan's request, no formal services will be held.
The Pratt funeral and cremation service is assisting the family with arrangements.
Susan is survived by her husband Dave Pifron, her son Daniel Schiehler, and her many friends from Dialysis.
Susan M. Pifron, 63 of Richland Center.
Welcome back to the news at noon in a civil hearing today.
Presiding Judge Daniel G. Wood of Adams County granted Richland County's motion to quash a writ of mandamus previously requested by the city of Richland Center.
The dispute arose after the city missed the annual September 1st statutory deadline for submitting grave care reimbursement reports under Wisconsin Statute 45.85 Chapter 2.
having submitted documentation on September 14th for 1,495 veterans graves across Bowen and Richland Center cemeteries, the city sought $17,859.83
In maintenance costs incurred between July 1st, 2025 and June 30th of this year, county officials including county clerk Jeffrey Harrison denied the reimbursement on September 15th, citing strict statutory compliance and noting that state law allows no extensions.
In response, the city filed a petition October 1st against Richland County, also naming Board of Supervisors Chair Kerry Severson and Harrison as respondents.
arguing that the reporting deadline was directory rather than mandatory and that the delay caused no prejudice to the county.
Although the judge initially signed the requested writ, today's decision officially quashed it, following arguments presented during a video conference hearing.
Analyzing the statutory standards, Judge Wood concluded that the legal criteria favored the respondents.
Elvaro, Adame, Aranya was formally charged in Richland County Circuit Court.
With eight criminal counts, the charges include attempted first degree intentional homicide, stalking and first degree recklessly endangering safety.
The charges stem from an October 18th incident on North Main Street in Richland Center, where law enforcement officers report that Adame, Aranya stabbed a female acquaintance multiple times before fleeing the scene in a vehicle.
The victim was subsequently hospitalized for treatment of two stab wounds.
Judge Lisa McDougal set Adami Rainier's cash bond at $1 million during an initial bail hearing.
Strict release conditions were imposed, requiring no contact with the victim, prohibiting the possession or consumption of alcohol and dangerous weapons, and mandating a 24-hour curfew.
At an adjourned court appearance today, Adam Erena appeared in custody via video link with the certified Spanish interpreter and defense counsel.
The defense waived formal reading and time limits for a preliminary hearing which was subsequently scheduled for November 17th at 11 a.m.
WISPolitics.com reports as we've finally reached election day, political candidates and outside advocacy groups across 14 key legislative races in Wisconsin were on track to spend $21 million on paid media during the final two weeks of the election campaign.
According to ad impact data, advertising efforts across the state
are primarily centered around healthcare, taxation, and the development of data centers.
Across these target races, democratic campaigns and aligned groups hold the overall spending advantage, committing nearly $11.8 million, compared to almost $9.3 million, allocated by Republican entities.
Despite the overall Democratic financial lead, Republican campaigns hold the spending edge in the two districts expected to draw the heaviest concentration of advertising in these closing days.
In the 17th Senate District, where incumbent Republican Senator Howard Markline of Spring-Green faces Democratic State Representative Jenna Jacobson of Oregon, ad reservations reached nearly $2.7 million.
with almost 1.6 million slated for Republican messaging.
Campaign messaging in the 17th Senate District has had turned contentious in the final stretch, the most frequently aired advertisement in the district.
Came from Democratic-aligned group New Wisconsin Majority, accusing Markline of favoring corporate donors.
In response, Markline ran heavy ad rotations countering claims regarding his health care record
specifically addressing statements about diabetes assistance by highlighting his own personal experience with the condition.
Meanwhile, in Southwestern Wisconsin's 51st Assembly District, paid media spending was projected to reach $1.1 million as Democratic challenger Ben Gruber, a conservation warden from Arena, sought to unseat incumbent Republican Representative Todd Novak of Dodgeville
with $640,000 in targeted support.
Polls, of course, are open and will remain open today.
Until 8 p.m., if you are in line to vote at 8 p.m., you will be allowed to vote.
Of course, we'll have election results throughout the evening tonight.
I expect it to be a late night with so many closed races.
The Richland County Board of Supervisors convened a special meeting to address the proposed Bell Center, Columbia Sugar Creek, Illinois, or Becky,
765 kilovolt transmission line project during the meeting the board unanimously adopted resolution 26-69 which authorized Russell law offices serving as corporation council to sign on an act as an intervener on behalf of Richland County.
The authorization comes in response to the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin opening a formal Class 1 contested case proceeding to review whether Project Developer Mid-Continent Grid Solutions Wisconsin LLC can operate as an electric public utility in the state and receive exemptions from certain holding company laws.
By securing formal interveners status prior to the Public Service Commission's deadline, Richland County gains full legal standing to present evidence, call witnesses, and question testimony during regulatory hearings.
Supervisor Randy McKee offered the initial motion to adopt the resolution seconded by Supervisor Shirley Welty.
The motion passed on a 15 to zero voice vote with no supervisors opposing.
There will be no school for River Valley students Friday, November 6th.
The district has called a school closure to give students, staff and community members the opportunity to travel and support the River Valley Girls Volleyball team as they compete at the WIAA State Tournament.
Concerns regarding staffing availability and anticipated student attendance also contributed to the decision.
The fourth-seeded Blackhawks, who have gone 31-6 on the season, earned their trip to the state tournament with a thrilling five-set victory over Cambridge in the Martial sectional final.
Making their fourth overall state appearance in first since 2005, River Valley will take on top-seeded Stanley Boyd with a record of 35-5 in the Division III semifinals.
The match will be held at 8 a.m.
Friday at the Resch Center in Green Bay.
The community is encouraged to show their Blackhawk pride and make the trip to Green Bay to cheer on the team.
Additional details will be provided regarding a potential fan bus for students and staff interested in attending.
David Grant of Civic Media reports Baraboo police have arrested a 42-year-old man for charges related to child sex crimes.
On Thursday, October 29, members of the Baraboo Police Department, part of the Sock County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, executed a warrant in the 1,000 block of 8th Street in the city of Baraboo, Donald Deetson.
Age 42 of Baraboo was taken into custody after digital evidence and documents were located.
Charges have been referred to the Sock County District Attorney's Office.
The Grant County Sheriff's Office has issued an urgent fraud alert warning to community members about a growing trend in male theft.
and check-washing schemes across the area.
Local authorities report that criminals are actively targeting residential mailboxes and collection boxes to steal physical checks, including routine payments sent for utility bills, credit cards, and household expenses.
Check-washing involves using household chemicals or specialized solvents to erase the written pay-e details and monetary amounts from stolen checks
while leaving the original signature intact.
Once erased, perpetrators rewrite the check for significantly larger amounts and cash or deposit them into fraudulent accounts, often causing severe financial loss before the victim notices the discrepancy.
To prevent becoming a victim of male fraud, law enforcement strongly recommends opting for electronic payment methods, online bill pay, or automatic bank withdrawals whenever possible.
If paying by check remains necessary, residents should drop off their mail directly inside a U.S.
post office facility rather than leaving it in an unsecured home mailbox.
Bank accounts should also be reviewed regularly for any unexpected clearing amounts or unfamiliar payees.
Anyone who suspects a check has been intercepted or altered is urged to report the incident immediately to their bank and local law enforcement.
The U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Multifamily Housing Programs has awarded $7,450,000 to the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority.
to expand affordable housing access for extremely low-income individuals with disabilities.
This funding is part of a nationwide initiative distributing over $150 million across 21 state housing agencies through the Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities Project Rental Assistance Program.
The effort aims to empower individuals with disabilities
to live independently within their communities by granting them improved access to affordable rental housing alongside necessary supportive services.
This new grant elevates total program funding in the state to nearly $23 million, while the program currently supports 141 rental units statewide.
This latest allocation is projected to fund up to 100 additional units, with the potential to scale to more than 450 units.
over the next five years to further extend its reach.
Section 811 has been integrated as an optional point category in the 2027-28 Qualified Allocation Plan, creating even more housing opportunities across Wisconsin.
The U.S.
Department of Agriculture Rural Development alongside Wisconsin State Director Andrew C. Iverson and Congressman Brian Steele.
has announced a $1.07 million investment in four key Wisconsin meat processing projects funded through phase four of the meat and poultry processing expansion program.
These grants aim to strengthen rural communities, open local market opportunities, and bolster the state's agricultural economy.
According to State Director Iverson, small and mid-sized meat processors are vital
to the resilience of local agriculture.
The new funding will assist processors in expanding capacity, creating jobs, accessing new markets, and providing consumers across rural Wisconsin with more options.
The congressman added that expanding processing capacity helps lower costs for Wisconsin families while supporting family farms and local workers.
Four Wisconsin recipients will receive funding under the program, Durand Smokehouse LLC in Durand,
will utilize a grant to purchase equipment aimed at expanding production at its processing plant in Lake Geneva.
Lake Geneva Country Meats was awarded a grant to acquire modern packaging equipment, including an updated clip machine.
Saul Shirt's Market Incorporated, located in St.
Cloud, receives $250,000 for equipment to boost plant production.
Additionally, Wilson Farm Meats in Elkhorn received in excess of $450,000.
to reconfigure the rear portion of its existing facility and install new processing equipment.
The primary purpose of MPPE Phase 4 is to support the Wisconsin beef industry by diversifying the meat and poultry supply chain.
Participating facilities must primarily process cattle to remain eligible for program funding.
Through its loan, grant, and loan guarantee programs, USDA Rural Development continues to foster rural prosperity by expanding infrastructure, supporting business growth, and investing in essential community services.
The American Red Cross urges donors to give blood or platelets now to help hospitals and transfusion centers stay prepared to help all patients.
There will be a blood drive tomorrow from 8 a.m.
until 2 p.m.
at the River Valley High School in Spring-Green.
To make an appointment call 800 Red Cross, download the blood donor app or visit redcrossblood.org.
Walk-ins are always welcome.
With colder temperatures approaching, Wisconsin's annual winter heating disconnection moratorium is currently in effect to help protect consumers unable to pay their utility bills.
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection warns about scammers pretending to be utility company representatives.
Michelle Reinen is with that cap.
Wisconsin still has a moratorium for unpaid heating bills that are residential in nature.
It goes from November 1st to April 15th, and despite this,
Scammers are out there threatening consumers with disconnection.
We've already had a spike to the hotline with consumers reporting scammers calling, representing a utility company, threatening that disconnection because they say that there's been mispayments, incorrectly filed documents, some mistake on your account file.
The scammer's goal is to use high pressure tactics and make their targets act out of fear.
before they can pause and think clearly about the
request.
Here in the last week in October, we already had a spike in phone calls, so we know this is already circulating at our state.
If you're contacted about a disconnection and are unsure of the status of your account, you should not listen to cold callers or click on links received instead.
Reach out to your utility provider to verify the information you receive.
If you're a victim of this scam or any scam, you can contact DATCAP's Consumer Protection Hotline by phone at 800-422-7128 or by email at datcphotline.gov.
Governor Tony Evers has announced a key judicial appointment, elevating out of Gamey County Circuit Court Judge Emily Lonergan to the Wisconsin Court of Appeals District 3.
Judge Lonergan will fill the upcoming vacancy left by presiding Judge Lisa K. Stark, following her retirement, serving a term that extends through July 31st of 2029.
Since taking the bench in 2019, Judge Lonergan has managed a broad range of cases spanning criminal, civil,
family, small claims, traffic, and juvenile matters.
In addition to her judicial duties, she oversaw the Outer Gamy County Drug and Alcohol Treatment Court, focusing on community safety and substance abuse recovery.
Her legal career prior to the judiciary included work as a defense and personal injury attorney with firms in Appleton and Milwaukee, specializing in complex business litigation, professional licensing, and appellate law.
Outgoing Judge Stark praised the appointment, citing Lonergan's intellect, broad experience, and commitment to fair application of the law.
Lonergan, a graduate of Marquette University Law School, currently resides in Appleton with her family and serves on the Wisconsin Judicial Council and the Wisconsin Civil Jury Instruction Committee.
A collaborative conservation effort between the National Wild Turkey Federation, Oneida County Forestry and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has successfully enhanced over 45 acres of critical wildlife habitat in northern Wisconsin, centered in the Lynn Block of the Oneida County Forest.
The project focused on maintaining essential wildlife openings and interconnecting access trails.
Funding support provided through the Wisconsin NWTF State Chapter Superfund helped ensure these openings remained viable sanctuaries for native wildlife species in an otherwise densely forested landscape.
Openings within vast timber tracks serve a vital role for wild turkeys, particularly by creating indispensable brood rearing and nesting areas.
Young Polts depend heavily on the rich insect populations supported by native grasses and forbs found in these open clearings, while surrounding forest cover offers protection from predators.
Without regular intervention, natural succession allows woody vegetation, shrubs, and young saplings to encroach on these clearings, diminishing their ecological value.
To counteract this, the management teams follow a structured five-year rotation to suppress unwanted brush, ensuring the habitat remains productive for years to come.
Beyond wild turkeys, a diverse array of species reaps the rewards of these maintained clearings, including roughed grouse,
Woodcock and Golden Winged Warblers.
Additionally, keeping the connecting trails clear benefits local hunters and outdoor enthusiasts by maintaining reliable access to deep forest areas within public lands.
This successful partnership underscores the continuing importance of combined agency and non-profit action in preserving healthy ecosystems and supporting public recreational opportunities across Wisconsin.
Vernon County over 50 offers a full schedule of recurring wellness programs, alongside special educational presentations across local venues, including the Bethel Home Fellowship Hall in Verroqua, as well as public libraries in Ontario, Reedstown, and Viola.
Weekly physical activity sessions are hosted regularly throughout the month of November.
Tai Chi exercise sessions take place on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1 to 1.45 p.m.
while Easy Chair yoga classes are held every Tuesday morning from 10.30 to 11.15 a.m.
at Bethelholm Fellowship Hall.
In addition to regular exercise classes, two featured presentations are scheduled for Wednesday afternoons at 2.15 p.m.
On Wednesday, November 4th, Wisconsin DNR wildlife biologist Dan Golds presents on PFAS and other contaminants in Eagles in McIntosh Memorial Library with Zoom availability at partner library locations.
On Wednesday, November 18th, Hillsborough City Administrator Corey Isaacs delivers a Hillsborough update covering local city developments.
hospital events and habitat for humanity initiatives at Bethel Home Fellowship Hall and local libraries.
For additional information or inquiries regarding any scheduled activities, participants can call Vernon County over 50 at 262-384-0082.
The Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions announced today that the Governor's Council on Financial Literacy and Capability is officially accepting nominations for the 2026 Governor's Financial Literacy Awards.
Submissions will be open through November 30th.
These annual awards honor individuals and organizations dedicated to improving financial literacy, capability and inclusion for residents across Wisconsin.
Nominations can be submitted in three distinct categories, individual, organization, business and legacy.
The individual category highlights persons providing exceptional financial literacy education or innovative capability and inclusion practices.
The organization business category honors groups promoting financial literacy education or capability and initiatives.
Lastly, the legacy category recognizes individuals or organizations with a longstanding commitment
to sustained financial literacy and inclusion, offering a lifetime recognition bestowed only once per recipient.
To judge candidates, the council will evaluate several criteria, including innovative implementations over the past two years, emphasis on financial inclusion, measurable results, collaborative partnerships and program scalability.
All nominations must be completed online using the official nomination form
on or before November 30th.
Selected recipients will be chosen in December and formerly honored.
In 2027, earlier this year, Governor Tony Evers and the Council recognized 10 individuals and 11 organizations during a ceremony at the Wisconsin State Capitol for the 2025 Governor's Financial Awards.
The Council serves as a continuous sounding board for the Office of the Governor, DFI, and the Office of Financial Literacy to provide guidance and strategy across the state.
The Wisconsin Broadcasters Association continues its active outreach to support the next generation of media professionals through upcoming student-focused events, headlining the WBA Student Forum on February 27th at Lambeau Field.
Milwaukee Brewer's radio broadcaster Jeff Levering will deliver the keynote address.
Levering brings extensive experience as a play-by-play broadcaster for Fox Sports, the Big Ten Network, and the Brewer's organization.
The event schedule will feature a comprehensive job fair, hands-on learning sessions with veteran broadcasters, and the annual WBA Student Awards presentations.
In addition to the upcoming forum, WBA member stations recently participated in the Communications Career and Resource Fair at UW Madison to connect with prospective talent.
Representatives from radio and television stations met with students across campus to discuss industry career paths, illustrating the Association's ongoing commitment to building strong talent pipelines for Wisconsin Broadcasting.
Todd Richmond of UW-Platteville reports the annual holiday toy hack returns to the Platteville campus for its ninth year, Saturday, November 14 from one to four p.m.
hosted in the Huff Family Innovation Center within Sesquicentennial Hall.
The event brings together students from all disciplines to adapt electronic toys, making them accessible for children with special needs.
through external switches.
Founded by engineering physics professor Hal Evenson, the initiative relies on student volunteers to modify donated toys so children who may lack fine motor skills or dexterity can easily trigger sound or movement using external buttons.
Modified toys are later distributed to families and children's charities throughout southern Wisconsin.
Participation is open to all students regardless of major.
Last year's event drew 80 volunteers across 20 majors, with organizers planning for up to 100 participants this year.
Families interested in requesting a modified toy can sign up online, while community members can support the effort through donations to the Toy Hack Project Fund.