Friday's roundup.
Brought to you by Richland Hospital, Badgerland, Florine, Cardinal Glass CG, Crystal Clean Storage, and Reedsburg Farmers Cooperative.
Join Hank and Phil for Friday laughter bigger than a raccoon in a snack aisle.
And twice as unpredictable.
We've got cooking with Hank, where recipes are more of a suggestion, and the smoke alarm is basically a sous chef.
And medium heat?
That's just a bad choice.
And don't miss the word of the day.
Freshly invented on the spot by Hank with zero approval process.
Wrap up your week with chaos and just enough nonsense to make Monday nervous.
It's time for the
roundup.
It's a very special roundup.
It's live on location.
You know where, you know why.
Here's Phil Knee, live in Green Bay with Skeeter Bray.
Thank you very much Adam.
Hi Adam, how you doing?
There
he is.
Hey Bray.
I just woke up buddy.
We brought him out of the sticks to the big town of Green Bay here at
the Red
Center and I want to tell you what folks we just
Got in here.
I mean, I'm not making it up.
They don't make it real easy for poor old radio guys.
We're in the second level.
Especially the Pac Newell.
Yeah, Hank Bray was the Pac Newell.
We had to carry up our stuff about 15 flights because the elevator gets off at this floor, but then it doesn't actually
access where the radio goes.
There's
still like a lot of people I know that go all
the way
down the floor.
So in this day and age where video is the king, the poor old radio guys are up in the rafters.
But we can sure see them.
It's amazing sight from up here.
Oh, isn't it?
Oh, yeah.
It's really, really cool.
Anyway, how was how was your trip up?
It was good.
It was fast.
Wasn't it?
It was really good.
Yeah, I woke up and all of a sudden we're here.
Yeah, it
was amazing.
You might want to check out Facebook if everybody hadn't seen that photo sleeping.
Oh,
is that right?
Thank you.
I appreciate
it.
You know what, Phil?
I got to tell you, I'm gonna jump in here and tell you that Adam and the social media director had nothing to do with that picture on Facebook.
We do not know how it got on there.
Really?
Okay, yeah, that's very very nice.
We'll have to have a meeting on Monday about
that.
Oh shoot.
I'm gonna be busy then.
Yeah, I'll be asleep on that.
Anyway, so yeah today today's the day River Valley.
Go Blackhawks.
Yeah, right.
Well, I think they got a good shot here, Hank.
I really do.
I do too.
I think they played a tough schedule and and I would never count them out.
I think they played toe-to-toe with
the teams in the
state.
Stanley Boyd is a good ball club as well and we'll just see.
My prediction is, it won't go in three.
No, I don't think it will.
It may be four.
It may be five.
If so far, the last two matches for River Valley are any indication.
Well, for sure, it's going to go three, four, or five.
Well, yeah.
What a way to get out of the lim.
That's the color man of the business right there.
So what's cooking today?
Well, what's cooking today?
I got a quick recipe, but it involves ice cream.
Everybody loves, I like vanilla ice cream because you can add anything to it.
Yeah.
So what you do is about, I don't know, say, 330.
for the second bowl.
Anyway, you get up at 3.30, you get this ice cream, right?
You scoop this ice cream out, and you put it in the microwave for about 15 seconds, okay?
You want it soft, and then you take animal crackers, chocolate or just the regular ones, and you crush them up, sprinkle those animal crackers in there after you get the ice cream out of the microwave, kind of stir it all in, and then you pour cinnamon on top of that.
Oh boy, so it is really
It's really, really fattening.
What are you talking about?
I don't know, but it's good.
That sounds good.
Yeah.
It's
more for dessert today, it sounds like.
Yeah, it's more dessert.
And it's a quick one.
No, I eat that probably at least eight out of seven.
Really?
Yeah.
That's good.
I still watch your figure, too.
Yeah.
Figure eight.
Oh, boy.
Yeah.
Well, we're looking forward to bringing it your way.
We'll have it for you live.
We're going to get more of our stuff set up here.
Well, hold on here.
Do you have any grandpa still logic but drill?
Um, they'll, we should arrange chicken.
I don't know that I do today.
Yeah, just keep my eyes on the road and you're
driving
straight up and don't be a captain.
You
know, don't
be a
captain and what those features must think of me.
What kind of a mother would raise a kid like that?
We're still trying to.
Oh, well, here's the word of the day the word of the week brought you by over this Disappoint bill disappoint disappoint.
Yeah, here we go.
This is the point where I told you where you're wrong Disappoint disappoint and folks I got to put up with him another three and a half hours No, no, no, no, no all night buddy.
Where is it tonight?
Tonight and then River Valley winds were back tomorrow.
I'm staying the night.
Yeah.
All right
I think
that's a long time to put up with Skeeter Bray
Oh, I'm busy that night Yeah, that's it
You know what Gilbert would love the company
Yeah, yeah, you know the ghost probably concerned about the smell
Sounds
great.
That is the roundup live from Green Bay for the first time and more than likely if the FCC has anything to do with it the last time.
Good morning everyone for WRCO News.
I'm Todd Copernall, 34.
Sunny degrees in Richland Center right now headed to a high of 48 in the news.
A soup luncheon and silent auction fundraiser will be held this Sunday from 11 until 2 o'clock at the River Valley High School in Spring Green.
The fundraiser is being held
To help Mrs. Graffwunder, also known as Mrs. G, as she courageously battles breast cancer, Mrs. G is a beloved educator, FFA leader, friend, and community member in the River Valley School District.
The menu includes chili, chicken noodle, cheddar broccoli, and potato soup, plus all the soup, fixings, bread, cheese, assorted desserts,
Milk, water, and coffee cost us $10 per person, $5 for kids ages 5 to 10.
Kids under 5 eat for free.
All proceeds from the event will be given to Mrs. G. Tickets can be purchased at eventbrite.com or at the door.
The Richland County Executive and Finance Standing Committee will convene Tuesday, November 10th at 5 p.m.
in the Richland County Boardroom at the Courthouse and Richland Center.
The meeting will cover a broad spectrum of administrative updates, policy revisions, organizational adjustments, and key financial measures.
Proceedings will begin with standard administrative reports, including updates from the county administrator and the county board chair, followed by a report on the proposed 765 kilovolt transmission line project.
personnel and staffing matters form a major part of the agenda with committee members scheduled to discuss and potentially act on proposed updates to the employee handbook, the reclassification of certain job positions and the formal approval of job descriptions.
In addition to administrative adjustments, the committee will evaluate broader demographic and fiscal policy issues.
Agenda items include a review of Richland County population trends and a discussion regarding the tax
heavy rate limit under Wisconsin Statute 59.605.
Intergovernmental and financial governance topics are also slated for consideration, specifically the Simons Intergovernmental Agreement with the City of Richland Center and a proposal to update bank account numbers at Richland County Bank.
The Crawford County Sheriff's Office in cooperation with the Iowa Department of Transportation announced that the new Lansing Bridge is scheduled to open today.
As motorists prepare to travel across the new bridge, local officials are emphasizing key traffic and safety regulations.
Drivers are reminded that parking on the bridge shoulders is strictly prohibited.
Additionally, ATVs and UTVs are not allowed on Wisconsin Highway 82 and drivers must observe all posted parking restrictions within the city of Lansing.
To ensure a safe transition, motorists are urged to obey posted speed limits, adhere to all traffic
traffic signs avoid distractions and exercise caution while using the new crossing.
Witnesses observed a plume of black smoke emanating from the engine compartment of an amateur-built Monette Sonorai 2LT airplane shortly after takeoff.
leading to a total loss of engine power and an emergency landing in a swamp near Sextonville, October 12.
The pilot, who was the sole occupant on board, sustained serious injuries and the aircraft was substantially damaged during the crash landing.
According to preliminary information released by the National Transportation Safety Board, the accident occurred around 3.13 p.m.
local time during the aircraft's very first test flight.
The engine failure occurred at an altitude of approximately 300 feet above ground level.
The single-engine experimental aircraft suffered significant structural damage to both wings and the fuselage upon impact with the marshy terrain.
Weather conditions at the time of the flight were reported as clear with 10-mile visibility.
The wreckage has been retained by federal authorities for detailed mechanical evaluation as part of the ongoing investigation.
Clean drinking water is essential to everyday life, which is why local water utilities regularly test and monitor municipal supplies to keep communities safe.
State and federal guidelines require routine sampling to check for various minerals and substances, ensuring that potential concerns are caught quickly.
Even with rigorous monitoring, occasional issues can arise such as naturally occurring mineral spikes or elevated copper levels caused by older home plumbing.
When testing identifies higher readings in certain areas, water suppliers take immediate action
to notify the public, adjust treatment processes, and provide simple steps residents can take at home.
After learning that a neighboring community had found copper in its drinking water, WRCO News contacted Steve Kruger, water superintendent for Richland Center City Utilities.
Steve told us the DNR mandates testing for substances including copper in drinking water on a regular basis.
While the state testing is required every three years,
Richland Center has gone above and beyond that threshold with no reportable issues.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is saddened to report the death of an infant associated with the ongoing measles outbreak in southwestern Wisconsin.
This is the first death of this kind reported in Wisconsin since 1990.
The coroner listed the immediate cause of death as measles.
To protect the privacy of the family and the child, DHS will not release any additional information related to the death.
It is with a heavy heart.
We are reporting the first death of an infant connected with a measles outbreak in Wisconsin in many years.
My heart is broken for the family, said DHS Secretary Kirsten Johnson.
Any death of a child is a tragedy and even more so when it is related to vaccine preventable disease.
Measles can cause serious illness and death, and it is important for all Wisconsinites to evaluate their risk and take steps to protect themselves and their family.
The School District Boundary Appeal Board voted unanimously to affirm the dissolution of the Hustisford School District and transfer the entire district to the Dodge Land.
school district.
The independent seven-member board reached its decision following public hearings, public comment, and discussion with all seven members voting in favor.
The decision marks the first dissolution of a Wisconsin school district since 1990.
The Hustisford School District is a casualty of decades of an antiquated broken school funding formula that has failed to keep pace with the costs of educating our children, State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly.
said.
This decision reflects the difficult choices that school districts and communities across Wisconsin are having to make as they are forced to do more with less due to a lack of support from the state.
Our schools and communities deserve better and if Wisconsin cannot get that done for our kids, opportunities for a better future will be lost.
I know this decision was not easy for anyone to make and I thank the members serving on the board for their time, work and consideration.
I also want to recognize and thank the Hustisford School Board and Superintendent Todd Bucknacky for their thoughtful leadership, transparency, and willingness to raise these difficult but very real concerns.
These decisions are never easy, and the courage to confront challenging circumstances openly and honestly deserves our respect.
Their commitment to doing what is best for students and their community throughout this process is deeply appreciated.
The SDBAB consists of two representatives, each from small, medium and large districts, and the state superintendents' designee.
In a significant push to bridge the digital divide, Wisconsin has announced nearly $58 million in grant funding aimed at delivering high-speed internet to unserved communities across the state, administered through the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin via the state broadband expansion grant program.
These newly awarded funds target 46 distinct infrastructure projects.
Together, the initiatives will bring new or improved broadband access to more than 18,000 homes, businesses, and essential service locations.
This latest distribution of grant funding marks another milestone in ongoing statewide efforts to upgrade digital infrastructure.
Since 2019, state-level broadband initiatives have extended coverage to over 428,000 locations, prioritizing areas lacking reliable internet connections.
State leaders emphasize that high-speed access has transformed into a fundamental public utility necessary for local economic growth, education, health care, and everyday communication.
across rural and underserved regions.
More than 200 residents, business owners, and local officials gathered at Willow and Oak in Hillsborough on Wednesday for the 4th Annual Vernon County Awards Banquet.
The yearly event honors individuals, organizations, and businesses whose dedication and hard work continue to strengthen the local community.
Embracing this year's theme, stronger together, adapting, innovating, thriving,
The evening showcased the resilience and creative spirit found throughout Vernon County.
Honorees were recognized across 10 distinct categories representing a broad spectrum of industries and community contributions.
Top honors went to Mount Tabor Mill for small business of the year.
Farmers State Bank of Hillsborough for mid-sized business of the year and Westby Cooperative Creamery for large business of the year.
Additional recognition went to the Coon Creek Community Watershed Council for Environmental Stewardship, Russ Cornford for Health Care and Emergency Response, Jed Olson for the Young Leaders Award, Sweet Rides and Sweet Pies for Event of the Year, the Stoddard Food Pantry for Non-profit Excellence, Tyler Fortun for the Community Impact Award, and Tim Hunt of the Vernon Reporter for the People's Choice Award.
Larkin Breckle, Economic Development and Marketing Coordinator for Vernon County, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to spotlight community achievements and foster connections among attendees.
Today's vital statistics are sponsored by Crowsie Monument.
Crowsie Monument Company designs and produces granite headstones, gravestones, grave markers, monuments, and memorials.
Today is November 6th.
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.
The Clary Memorial Funeral Home assisted the family.
Christine is survived by her companion, Rob B., her two sons, Ryan and Jelisa B., and Brandon B., one grandson, Christine 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.
Elmina Rose Fry, 88 of Richland Center, died Tuesday, November 3 at St.
Mary's Hospital in Madison.
Funeral services will be held Monday, November 9 at 1 p.m.
at the Pratt Memorial Chapel with burial to follow in the Richland Center Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Monday, November 9 at the Pratt Memorial Chapel from 12 noon until the time of service at 1 p.m.
The Pratt funeral and cremation service is assisting the family.
Elmina is survived by four children, Sue and Michael Stanichka, Linda and Philip Prohaska, Jim Fry and Ernest Fry.
Ten grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Elmina Rose Fry, 88 of Richland Center.
Larry Don Ewing, 87 of Baraboo, formerly of Rural Lone Rock, died Tuesday, November 3 at St.
Clair Hospital in Baraboo.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, November 12 at 11 a.m.
at the Pratt Memorial Chapel with burial to follow in the Button Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Thursday, November 12 at the Pratt Memorial Chapel from 10 a.m.
until the time of service at 11.
The Pratt Funeral Anchorimation Service is assisting the family.
Larry Don Ewing, 87 of Baraboo, formerly of Lone Rock.
This concludes today's vital statistics.
Welcome back to the news at noon.
City Utilities of Richland Center has earned the Smart Energy Provider designation from the American Public Power Association during its recent Customer Connections Conference.
Recognized on October 26 as one of just 59 recipients nationwide this year, the utility was celebrated for its commitment to responsible energy management, forward-looking programs, and exceptional customer service.
The Smart Energy Provider designation honors public power utilities that demonstrate leading practices across four core areas, energy efficiency, distributed generation, sustainability initiatives, and overall customer experience.
Valid for three years, this recognition places city utilities among an elite group of 118 utilities nationwide holding the title.
City Utilities originally earned the designation in 2020, demonstrating its continued dedication to operational excellence and community service.
We're honored to be one of the designes recognized for responsible energy use, said Scott Gould, utility manager for City Utilities.
Everyone at the utility takes pride in the programs we offer to help customers save and reduce energy.
The Valley View Drive construction project in Richland Center is set to enter its final phases this November, bringing temporary access limits and closures to local residents.
Ahead of the work, an informational meeting was held to inform neighborhood residents at the intersection of Valley View Drive and Chestnut Street.
From November 9th through November 14th, crews will focus on concrete work, including installing new concrete curb and gutter
as well as reconnecting driveway aprons.
Residents are reminded that vehicles cannot cross the freshly poured concrete for seven days.
Most removed portions of driveways will be restored using the original material type.
Paving and road preparation will follow from November 16th to November 20th.
During daytime work hours, Valley View Drive and a portion of Chestnut Street will be closed to all vehicle traffic.
leaving driveways inaccessible until paving concludes.
On-street parking will open up after work hours but drivers must allow new pavement time to cool on paving day to avoid surface damage.
Throughout the entire construction window from November 9th to November 20th residents should plan to park outside the active zone during work hours.
Equipment and materials will be shifted to accommodate parking on nearby Chestnut Street and Story Drive.
For emergency access or project coordination, residents may contact construction foreman Jack Nowak at 608-425-8339.
City officials thank the public for their ongoing patience as crews work to complete the project.
The Richland Hospital Foundation and partners of the Richland Hospital and Clinics have announced the return of Lights of Reflection, an annual holiday tradition dedicated to remembrance, gratitude, and hope.
Community members are invited to participate by dedicating tribute lights to celebrate special individuals, honor the memory of past loved ones, and recognize local healthcare heroes and military veterans.
This year's theme, Their Names, Their Stories, Their Light, highlights the personal connections that unite the community.
Tributes will be displayed on holiday trees located near the main entrance of the Richland Hospital and clinics by the lobby shop.
Proceeds from the campaign directly benefit the initiatives of both the foundation and partners, supporting essential local health care services, equipment purchases, and student scholarships.
Tribute options include white bulbs honoring deceased loved ones, red bulbs for living honorees, and blue bulbs dedicated to healthcare personnel and veterans.
Individual bulb donations are suggested at $5 with strand sponsorships ranging from $125 for 25 lights up to $500 for 100 lights.
A special live reading of tribute names will take place at 5 p.m.
December 2, accompanied by extended evening hours at the lobby shop.
Tributes and donations will remain open through December 31.
Citizens First Bank is warning customers to remain vigilant following reports of sophisticated scam calls and text messages attempting to compromise personal account information.
Fraudsters are contacting individuals while impersonating bank representatives, alleging that suspicious transactions have occurred on their accounts.
To make the fraudulent activity appear legitimate, scammers are actively referencing the bank's recent online and mobile banking upgrade.
As part of the scheme, targets receive text messages containing malicious links that prompt customers to confirm their identity.
Bank officials stressed that customers should never click on unexpected links, requesting identity or account verification.
Furthermore, legitimate representatives will never ask for sensitive information such as online banking passwords, PINs, or one-time security codes over the phone.
Customers are also reminded that caller ID cannot be trusted blindly as scammers frequently spoof phone numbers to display legitimate business names.
Anyone who receives a suspicious call or message is advised to hang up immediately and contact Citizen First Bank directly using official branch phone numbers.
The Ritzland Hospital and Clinics has earned recognition as a checkpoint top performer from the Wisconsin Hospital Association, placing it among the top 10% of hospitals in the state for key quality and patient safety metrics.
This distinction highlights TRHC's excellence in surgical quality, newborn care, maternal health, and patient safety outcomes, according to recent checkpoint program results, which evaluate hospital performance against statewide benchmarks.
TRHC outperformed state averages across multiple clinical areas.
The hospital achieved a perfect 100% completion rate for newborn screenings within three days of birth, compared to the Wisconsin average of 98.13%.
Additionally, TRHC recorded zero cases of pressure ulcers, pneumothorax, perioperative blood clots, or hemorrhage among patients undergoing medical surgical, and perioperative care.
A soup luncheon and silent auction fundraiser will be held this Sunday from 11 until 2 o'clock at the River Valley High School in Spring Green.
The fundraiser is being held to help support Mrs. Grafunder, also known as Mrs. G, as she courageously battles breast cancer.
Mrs. G is a beloved educator, FFA leader, friend and community member in the River Valley School District.
The menu includes chili,
chicken noodle, cheddar broccoli, and potato soup.
Plus all the soup fixings, bread, cheese, assorted desserts, milk, water, and coffee.
Cost us $10 per person.
$5 for kids ages 5 to 10.
Kids under 5 eat for free.
All proceeds from this event will be given to Mrs. Grafunder.
Tickets can be purchased at eventbrite.com or at the door.
Come out for a great meal and support Mrs. G during her breast cancer journey.
If you can't join the event but would like to support Mrs. Grafunder, there is also an option to make a donation at eventbright.com.
The Crawford County Sheriff's Office in cooperation with the Iowa Department of Transportation announced that the new Lansing Bridge opened today.
As motorists prepare to travel across the new bridge, local officials are emphasizing key traffic and safety regulations.
Drivers are reminded that parking on the bridge shoulders is strictly prohibited.
Additionally, ATVs and UTVs are not allowed on Wisconsin Highway 82, and drivers must observe all posted parking restrictions within the city of Lansing.
To ensure a safe transition, motorists are urged to obey posted speed limits, adhere to all traffic signs, avoid distractions and exercise caution while using the new crossing.
Public Health SOC County in partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services has confirmed 10 cases of measles among local residents.
The outbreak has been linked to a laboratory confirmed case with another Wisconsin County from another Wisconsin County.
All individuals affected so far were unvaccinated and current investigations indicate that exposures have been limited to private gatherings with no public exposure locations identified at this time.
Health officials are actively conducting contact tracing to inform individuals who may have been exposed.
Measles spreads rapidly through airborne droplets when an infected person costs or sneezes and can remain in the air for up to two hours.
The virus poses severe health risks, including pneumonia and cephalitis, permanent hearing loss and potentially fatal complications with roughly one in four.
On vaccinated patients requiring hospitalization, symptoms usually surface within 10 to 12 days after exposure, though the onset can range from seven to 21 days.
Key warning signs include a high fever, runny nose, fatigue, cough, red or watery eyes, and a characteristic rash that spreads from the hairline downward to the extremities.
Anyone exhibiting symptoms is strongly advised to isolate immediately
and call their health care provider prior to visiting any medical facility.
Vaccination remains the most effective defense against infection with two doses of the MMR vaccine required for complete protection.
Residents can check their immunization status through their health care provider or via the Wisconsin Immunization Registry online.
Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Call announced Thursday that criminal charges have been filed against 53-year-old Caprice Matthews Hill of Milwaukee for allegedly submitting over $1 million in fraudulent claims to the state's Medicaid program.
Emphasizing the importance of safeguarding public health funds, Attorney General Call stated that Medicaid dollars must directly serve their intended coverage purposes,
and that state authorities take all attempts to defraud the system with complete seriousness.
According to the criminal complaint filed in Milwaukee County Circuit Court, Matthews Hill operates an agency called Abbey's Clubhouse.
Through this organization, she allegedly submitted false claims for prenatal care coordination and child care coordination services between November 2020 and October 2023.
These state programs are designed to connect expectant mothers and families with critical medical, social, and educational services.
Although she submitted more than $1 million in total claims, Matthews Hill allegedly received
over $470,000 in unauthorized payouts before the scheme was uncovered.
Investigative findings indicate that the defendant enticed members to enroll with Abby's clubhouse by providing non-covered promotional items like diapers and baby wipes, which she then billed back to the state.
Furthermore, she's accused of systematically billing Medicaid for hundreds of thousands of dollars
in two-hour care appointments that were never actually conducted.
Consequently, Matthews Hill faces multiple felony counts, including theft by fraud, wire fraud as a party to a crime, and two separate counts related to public assistance fraud involving kickbacks.
The ongoing prosecution is being handled by the Wisconsin Department of Justice.
Following a referral from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services Office of the Inspector General, the state's Medicaid Fraud Control and Elder Abuse Unit led the official investigation.
Authorities reiterate that all charges remain mere accusations at this state and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Kickapoo Middle and High School Choirs will present Royals Full Variety Show tonight at 7 o'clock and tomorrow at 2 o'clock in the Kickapoo High School Auditorium.
Songs that will be performed were chosen by members of both choirs who are well represented.
Katherine Miller is the director of the Choirs and Variety Show.
middle school is really good we have like 50 students in there and high school we're a little bit smaller but I said for our small numbers you know we have what 23 in high school choir but there's 27 events on the program so kids are doing more than one thing and lots of talent very talented group
There will be a wide variety of musical styles and genres performed, enjoy powerful large group numbers, intimate small group performances, and talented soloists as they spotlight the musicians and songs that have earned their place among music's royalty throughout the years, including Queen, Dolly Parton, Wicked, The Beatles, and many more.
Cost of the shows is a free will donation.
If you would like to make a free will donation monetary donation you can feel free to do that and those proceeds will get split between the music department and the food pantry.
The one thing about a musical I don't know that people realize how expensive it is to put something on you have to charge admission to you know at least break even.
This production is a lot less money like put into the show so we can do something nice for our community and also you know support ourselves as well.
Enjoyed great music at the Royals Fall Variety Show tonight at 7 o'clock and tomorrow at 2 o'clock in the Kickapoo High School Auditorium.
More information can be found on the Kickapoo Music Facebook page.
The curtains will rise this evening in the newly remodeled Richland Center High School auditorium for the RCHS Theater Department's production of Mamma Mia.
The musical, written by Catherine Johnson, will be performed tonight and tomorrow at 7 o'clock.
There will also be a Sunday afternoon performance at 2 o'clock.
The musical, set to the hit songs of the Swedish pop group ABBA, is set on a sunny Greek island and follows Sophie, a young woman on the eve of her wedding who seeks to discover the
father she's never known.
Ellie Boyarsky plays the part of Sophie.
So I play Sophie and she is this very naive 20 year old girl who thinks that she will somehow magically find her father just by inviting the guys that her mother was with when she was younger to her wedding which is extremely bold just because she wants her father to give her way and it does not go well.
Riley Banker portrays Sophie's mother Donna, who was a member of a group in the 70s which is where Abba's music comes in.
Donna, she is a single mother of Sophie who started her own business on a little island in Greece and now all of a sudden she's got three of the possible fathers of her daughter that came back to the island and she's not sure what to do with that.
She was in a group called Donna and the Dynamos and she was one of the lead singers in the group.
Costs to attend this weekend's performance is $10 for ages 7 and up and $5 for ages 6 and under tickets can be purchased at the Richland School District website activities page.
at the Bound Wisconsin website or at the door.
Enjoy the Richland Center High School Theater Department's production of Mamma Mia this weekend at the RCHS Auditorium.
Today's winner in the Ithaca-Weston Football Raffle.
Winner of $100 today is Mike Rabarchek of Norwalk on ticket number 0755.
The Richland County Executive and Finance Standing Committee will convene.
Tuesday, November 10th at 5 p.m.
in the Richland County Boardroom of the Courthouse in Richland Center.
The meeting will cover a broad spectrum of administrative updates, policy revisions, organizational adjustments, and key financial measures.
Proceedings will begin with standard administrative reports, including updates from the county administrator and the county board chair, followed by a report on the proposed 765 kilovolt transmission line project.
personnel and staffing matters form a major part of the agenda with committee members scheduled to discuss and potentially act on proposed updates to the employee handbook, the reclassification of certain job positions, and the formal approval of job descriptions.
In addition to administrative adjustments, the committee will evaluate broader demographic and fiscal policy issues.
Agenda items include a review of Richland County population trends and a discussion regarding the tax levy rate limit under Wisconsin statute 59.605.
Intergovernmental and financial governance topics are also slated for consideration, specifically the Simon's Intergovernmental Agreement with the City of Richland Center and
a proposal to update bank account numbers at Richland County Bank.
The search for the next Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Madison has reached a major milestone with the identification of three finalists recommended by the 23-member Search and Screen Committee and selected by the Special Regent Committee.
The candidates are Dr. Rashid Bashir
Dean of the College of Engineering and Granger Distinguished Chair in Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Dr. John Coleman, Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, as well as Professor of Political Science at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Dr. Radenka Merrick, President and Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor at the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Connecticut.
Each finalist will participate in public forums hosted at Trip Commons in the Memorial Union.
Dr. Rashid Pazir will present Monday, November 9th.
Dr. John Coleman will follow Thursday, November 12th.
And finally, Dr. Radenka Marek will speak Friday, November 13th, these in-person events.
are open to students, staff, faculty, and community members, though they will not be live-streamed.
Attendees and campus stakeholders can provide input using an online feedback form available until 10.30 a.m.
Saturday, November 14.
In addition to the public forums, the candidates will undergo comprehensive interviews with students, staff governance representatives, deans, external partners, and other stakeholders.
following the public forums and remaining interviews.
The special Regent Committee will deliberate and present a recommendation to the full Board of Regents, which will make the final hiring decision in accordance with the universities of Wisconsin policy.
Residents and households impacted by the severe storms and tornadoes of July 27th have one month left to submit applications for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency,
FEMA, or Physical Disaster Loans through the U.S.
Small Business Administration, disaster survivors residing in forests out of Gamey, Vilas, and Winnebago counties are strongly encouraged to complete their applications prior to the December 7 deadline.
Eligible homeowners and renters seeking help through FEMA's Individual Assistance Program can submit an application online at disasterassistance.gov.
or visit a disaster recovery center in person, applicants should submit their FEMA documentation before the deadline, even if they are awaiting an insurance response as missing the cutoff could jeopardize eligibility for federal funding.
There is no need to wait for an insurance settlement to begin the process, although FEMA requires a copy of the settlement or denial letter before final consideration.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has officially confirmed the presence of Oak Wilt in Manitowoc County for the first time.
With this discovery, the disease is now present in all but five Wisconsin counties, including the entire Driftless region.
The fungal disease was identified through DNA testing on an infected tree located in the town of Michicot.
The affected tree planted in the mid-1980s is believed to be a hybrid of burr oak and swamp white oak.
While this marks the first confirmed case in the county, DNR officials note that oak species represent less than 2% of Manitowoc County's forest trees and roughly 1% of its urban trees, which should help limit the overall impact on local forestry.
Oak wilt spreads through root connections between neighboring trees as well as sap-feeding beetles.
attracted to open tree wounds.
To prevent further transmission, forestry experts strongly advise property owners to avoid pruning or injuring oak trees from April through July.
If cutting or damage occurs during this high-risk window, wounds should be sealed immediately with water-based latex paint or pruning sealant.
Additionally, residents are urged to keep firewood local as moving raw oak logs can easily introduce the
to uninfected regions.
In a legal victory for state law enforcement funding, Attorney General Josh Call and a coalition of state officials successfully blocked
federal attempts to impose immigration enforcement conditions on public safety grants.
Chief Judge John J. McConnell Jr.
of the U.S.
District Court for Rhode Island ruled that the conditions were unlawful and issued a permanent injunction against their enforcement.
The dispute began when the federal government sought to tie compliance with specific immigration directives to public safety funding.
including the Victims of Crime Act funds and the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Formula Grants.
These restrictions put millions of dollars in key local funding at risk threatening victim services, juvenile delinquency prevention programs,
and community safety initiatives across Wisconsin.
The court's decision safeguards millions in grant money for Wisconsin, ensuring that critical funding for crime reduction, crisis intervention, and victim services remains intact without extra judicial requirements.
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 6th.
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.
The Clary Memorial Funeral Home assisted the family with the arrangements.
Christine M. B.
58 of Richland Center.
Elmina Rose Frye, 88 of Richland Center, died Tuesday, November 3rd at St.
Mary's Hospital in Madison.
Funeral services will be held Monday, November 9th at 1 p.m.
at the Pratt Memorial Chapel with burial to follow in the Richland Center Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Monday, November 9th at the Pratt Memorial Chapel from 12 noon until the time of service at 1 p.m.
The Pratt funeral and cremation service is assisting the family with their arrangements.
Elmina Rose Fry, 88 of Richland Center.
Larry, Don, Ewing, 87 of Baraboo, formerly of Rural Lone Rock, died Tuesday, November 3rd at St.
Clair Hospital in Baraboo.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, November 12th at 11 a.m.
at the Pratt Memorial Chapel with burial to follow in the Button Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Thursday, November 12th at the Pratt Memorial Chapel from 10 a.m.
until the time of service at 11.
The Pratt funeral and cremation service is assisting the family with their arrangements.
Larry Don Ewing, 87 of Baraboo, formerly of Rural Lone Rock.
This concludes today's vital statistics.
Good evening everyone for WRCO news.
I'm Todd Copernall City Utilities of Richland Center has earned the smart energy provider designation from the American Public Power Association during its recent customer connections conference Recognized on October 26 as one of just 59 recipients nationwide this year the utility was celebrated for its commitment to responsible energy management forward-looking programs and exceptional customers
service.
The smart energy provider designation honors public power utilities that demonstrate leading practices across four core areas.
Energy efficiency, distributed generation, sustainability initiatives, and overall customer experience.
Valid for three years, this recognition places city utilities among an elite group of 118 utilities nationwide holding the title.
City Utilities originally earned the designation in 2020, demonstrating its continued dedication to operational excellence and community service.
We're honored to be one of the designes recognized for responsible energy use, said Scott Gould, utility manager of City Utilities.
Everyone at the utility takes pride in the programs we offer to help customers save and reduce energy.
The Valley View Drive construction project in Richland Center is set to enter its final phases this November, bringing temporary access limits and closures to local residents.
Ahead of the work, an informational meeting was held to inform neighborhood residents at the intersection of Valley View Drive and Chestnut Street.
From November 9th through November 14th, crews will focus on concrete work, including installing new concrete curb and gutter, as well as reconnecting driveway aprons.
Residents are reminded that vehicles cannot cross the freshly poured concrete for seven days.
Most removed portions of driveways will be restored using the original material type.
Paving and road preparation will follow from November 16th to November 20th.
During daytime work hours, Valley View Drive and a portion of Chestnut Street will be closed to all vehicle traffic, leaving driveways inaccessible until paving concludes.
Parking will open up after work hours, but drivers must allow new pavement time to cool on paving day to avoid surface damage.
Throughout the entire construction window from November 9th to November 20th, residents should plan to park outside the active zone during work hours.
equipment and materials will be shifted to accommodate parking on nearby Chestnut Street and Story Drive.
For emergency access or project coordination, residents may contact construction foreman Jack Nowak at 608-425-8339.
City officials thank the public for their ongoing patience as crews work to complete the project.
The Richland Hospital Foundation and partners of the Richland Hospital and Clinics have announced the return of Lights of Reflection, an annual holiday tradition dedicated to remembrance, gratitude, and hope.
Community members are invited to participate by dedicating tribute lights to celebrate special individuals, honor the memory of past loved ones, and recognize local healthcare heroes and military veterans.
This year's theme, Their Names, Their Stories, Their Light, highlights the personal connections that unite the community.
Tributes will be displayed on holiday trees located near the main entrance of the Richland Hospital and clinics by the lobby shop.
Proceeds from the campaign directly benefit the initiatives of both the foundation and partners supporting essential local health care services, equipment purchases, and student scholarships.
Tribute options include white bulbs honoring deceased loved ones, red bulbs for living honorees, and blue bulbs dedicated to health care personnel and veterans.
Individual bulb donations are suggested at $5 with strand sponsorships ranging from $125 for 25 lights,
up to $500 for 100 lights.
A special live reading of tribute names will take place at 5 p.m.
December 2, accompanied by extended evening hours at the lobby shop.
Tributes and donations will remain open through December 31.
Citizens First Bank is warning customers to remain vigilant following reports of sophisticated scam calls and text messages attempting to compromise personal account information.
Fraudsters are contacting individuals while impersonating bank representatives, alleging that suspicious transactions have occurred on their accounts.
To make the fraudulent activity appear legitimate, scammers are actively referencing the bank's recent online and mobile banking upgrade.
As part of the scheme, targets receive text messages containing malicious links that prompt customers to confirm their identity.
Bank officials stressed the customer should never click on unexpected links, requesting identity or account verification.
Furthermore, legitimate representatives will never ask for sensitive information such as online banking passwords, PINs, or one-time security codes over the phone.
Customers are also reminded that caller ID cannot be trusted blindly as scammers frequently spoof phone numbers to display legitimate business names.
Anyone who receives a suspicious call or message is advised to hang up immediately and contact Citizens First Bank directly using official branch phone numbers.
The Richland Hospital and Clinics has earned recognition as a checkpoint top performer from the Wisconsin Hospital Association, placing it among the top 10% of hospitals in the state for key quality and patient safety metrics.
This distinction highlights TRHC's excellence in surgical quality, newborn care, maternal health, and patient safety outcomes.
According to recent checkpoint program results, which evaluate hospital performance against statewide benchmarks.
TRHC outperformed state averages across multiple clinical areas.
The hospital achieved a perfect 100% completion rate for newborn screenings within three days of birth compared to the Wisconsin average of 98.13%.
Additionally, TRHC recorded zero cases of pressure ulcers, pneumothorax, perioperative blood clots, or hemorrhage among patients undergoing medical, surgical, or perioperative care.
A soup, luncheon, and silent auction fundraiser will be held this Sunday from 11 a.m.
until 2 p.m.
at the River Valley High School in Spring Green.
The fundraiser is being held to support Mrs. Graffunder, also known as Mrs. G, as she courageously battles breast cancer.
Mrs. G is a beloved educator, FFA leader, friend, and community member in the River Valley School District.
The menu includes chili, chicken noodle, cheddar broccoli, and potato soup, plus all the soup fixings, bread, cheese, assorted desserts, milk, water, and coffee.
Cost is $10 per person, $5 for kids ages 5 to 10, and kids under 5 eat for free.
All proceeds from this event will be given to Mrs. Grafunder.
Tickets can be purchased at eventbrite.com or at the door.
Come out for a great meal and support Mrs. G during her breast cancer journey.
If you can't join the event but would like to support Mrs. Grafunder, there is also an option to make a donation at eventbrite.com.
The Crawford County Sheriff's Office in cooperation with the Iowa Department of Transportation announced that the new Lansing Bridge is scheduled to open today.
As motorists prepare to travel across the new bridge, local officials are emphasizing key traffic and safety regulations.
Drivers are reminded that parking on the bridge shoulders is strictly prohibited.
Additionally, ATVs and UTVs are not allowed on Wisconsin Highway 82, and drivers must observe all posted parking restrictions within the city of Lansing.
To ensure a safe transition, motorists are urged to obey posted speed limits, adhere to all traffic signs, avoid distractions and exercise caution while using the new crossing.
Public Health Sock County in partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services has confirmed 10 cases of measles among local residents.
The outbreak has been linked to a laboratory-confirmed case from another Wisconsin county.
All individuals affected so far were unvaccinated and current investigations indicate that exposures have been limited to private gatherings with no public exposure locations identified at this time.
Health officials are actively conducting contact tracing to inform individuals who may have been exposed.
Measles spreads rapidly through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes and can remain in the air for up to two hours.
The virus poses severe health risks including pneumonia, encephalitis, permanent hearing loss and potentially fatal complications with roughly one in four unvaccinated patients requiring hospitalization.
Symptoms usually surface within 10 to 12 days after exposure, though the onset can range from 7 to 21 days.
Key warning signs include a high fever, runny nose, fatigue, cough, red or watery eyes, and a characteristic rash that spreads from the hairline downward to the extremities.
Anyone exhibiting symptoms is strongly advised to isolate immediately and call their health care provider prior to visiting any medical facility.
Vaccination remains the most effective defense against infection with two doses of the MMR vaccine required for complete protection.
Residents can check their immunization status through their health care provider or via the Wisconsin Immunization Registry online.
Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Call announced Thursday that criminal charges have been filed against 53-year-old Caprice Matthews Hill of Milwaukee for allegedly submitting over $1 million in fraudulent claims to the state's Medicaid program.
Emphasizing the importance of safeguarding public health funds, Attorney General Call stated that Medicaid dollars must directly serve their intended coverage purposes and that state authorities take all attempts to defraud the system with complete seriousness.
According to the criminal complaint filed in Milwaukee County Circuit Court, Matthews Hill operates an agency named Abbey's Clubhouse.
Through this organization, she allegedly submitted false claims for prenatal care coordination and child care coordination services between November 2020 and October 2023.
These state programs are designed to connect expectant mothers and families with critical medical, social, and educational services.
Although she submitted more than $1 million in total claims, Matthews Hill allegedly received over $470,000 in unauthorized payouts before the scheme was uncovered.
Investigative findings indicate that the defendant enticed members to enroll with Abby's clubhouse by providing non-covered promotional items like diapers and baby wipes, which she then billed back to the state.
Furthermore, she's accused of systematically billing Medicaid for hundreds of thousands of dollars in two-hour care appointments that were never actually conducted.
Consequently, Matthews Hill faces multiple felony counts, including theft by fraud, wire fraud as a party to a crime and two separate counts related to public assistance fraud involving kickbacks.
The ongoing prosecutions being handled by the Wisconsin Department of Justice following a referral from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services Office of the Inspector General.
The state's Medicaid Fraud Control and Elder Abuse Unit led the official investigation.
Authorities reiterate that all charges remain accusations at this point and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Vital statistics right after this.