WRCO News at Noon

Good morning, everyone.

For WRCO News, I'm Todd Coprenall.

It's 41 degrees right now in Richland Center, headed to a high of 54.

Another decent day, isn't it?

Today, of course, is Veterans Day.

And there are, of course, some Veterans Day assemblies in the area today in the Richland Center School District.

The Richland Center Primary School Assembly begins at 9 a.m.

and the Richland Center High School Veterans Day Assembly begins at 10 a.m.

with WRCO's Bo Hendricks serving as master of ceremonies.

We will broadcast the audio of that assembly today beginning at one o'clock.

Ithaca High School Veterans Day Assembly is at 1.30 today.

Guest speaker there is Richard Waslik.

And we did just get a phone call in the last two minutes from a local veteran.

Mr. Jim Wachtendog called and he said, hey, when you mentioned Veterans Day on the air, don't forget to honor the war dogs.

He said, my dog's name was Sam and it would make me feel great if you didn't forget that and I won't and I didn't.

So thank you to all of our veterans in the area, anyone who can hear my voice who served, including the war dogs.

Thank you, Mr. Wachtendog for that reminder.

The Richland Center FFA.

will be hosting their second annual After Harvest Breakfast Saturday morning from 7 until 10 o'clock at the Richland Center High School West Commons.

As the harvest season comes to an end, the event will celebrate the hard work of the agricultural community with a delicious breakfast and other activities.

Riley Banker is the Richland Center FFA President.

We've got lots of fun things.

We've got food.

We've got donations rolling in from different businesses.

I mean, our community is definitely helping us out big time with this one.

But we've got fun activities such as a petting zoo that we've got, face painting.

We've got a couple tractors that people can take pictures with.

So there's loads of activities that we're going to be doing with it.

A silent auction will also be held during the event.

Cost of a meal is $10 and tickets can be purchased at the door.

If you would like to donate to help out with the after-harvest breakfast, you can contact various members of the FFA.

Our amazing advisor, Jenna Fetting, so she's always available to text her email.

I'm pretty sure her email is available on our school website.

You can always text me.

I'm a great person that you can talk to.

A lot of our officer members, like if you see them out in the community, you ask them about that they'd be more than willing to help you get pointed in the right direction to donate.

Riley Banker hopes that everyone can come out to the event.

Our community is definitely big time supported us last year.

We had over 150 people that we served last year.

We're hoping to maybe double it this year.

So it's definitely something if you have free time on Saturday morning to come down, we'll serve you some good food and just have a good morning there.

I mean, it's a great opportunity to come out and be with the community.

Celebrate the hard work of our agricultural community and help support the Richland Center FFA at the After Harvest Breakfast Saturday morning from 7 until 10 o'clock at the RCHS West Commons.

A group of senior students at Highland High School began selling cupcakes when they were in fifth grade.

The proceeds of the sales have gone to the VETS Role Program and for a special wall at Highland High School that honors area veterans.

Known as the Cupcake Girls, this amazing group has raised over $30,000 for vets since they started under encouragement from Lisa Bowen, who is a teacher in the district.

Three of these young women will be guests on the double URCO morning show today, along with Mrs. Bowen and Highland District Administrator Josh Terrell.

The Verroqua City Council convened last night amidst heightened public interest and emotion following recent internal disagreements and conflict among city officials.

Numerous community members voiced strong disappointment regarding the discord, urging council members and city leaders to restore professionalism and focus on public service.

A major point of contention during the open session revolved around protocol and legal authority, specifically regarding which city officials hold the right to consult attorneys when personnel issues arise.

The mayor read from a prepared statement, but she was ultimately halted, following a call to order from a council member, after which the body chose to advance to the next agenda item before entering into a lengthy closed session.

Upon reconvening into open session, council members briefly reported that they had reached an understanding to move past recent conflicts and work together constructively.

Additional public comments followed with residents reiterating pleas for unity and expressing concern over how the ongoing friction might damage Verrocco's reputation in surrounding communities.

Attendees noted an unprecedented turnout.

marking one of the largest public gatherings in Verrocco's recent history.

Richland Center High School is excited to host an inspiring evening celebrating global diversity Tuesday, November 17th.

International Night brings together foreign exchange students, families, and community members to share and explore cultures from around the world through storytelling, authentic culinary samples, and engaging conversations.

Starting at 6.30 p.m.

attendees can visit the West Commons and large group instruction room to hear firsthand experiences from international students studying in Richland Center.

Guests will have the opportunity to taste traditional dishes from various countries, ask questions and learn more about foreign exchange programs.

This family-friendly event is free of charge and open to everyone in the public.

Governor Tony Evers announced yesterday that Wisconsin has achieved a top three national ranking for connecting military veterans with successful long-term employment.

Through joint initiatives from the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development and the Department of Veterans Affairs, the state continues to expand dedicated career tools, personalized support and transition services for its roughly 300,000 veterans.

The Federal Uniform National Threshold Entered Employment Rate, or UNTIR, benchmark confirms Wisconsin's sustained performance in veteran placement, marking four consecutive years in the top five nationwide.

Core initiatives driving these results include the Disabled Veteran Outreach Program, Local Veterans Employment Representatives, and the VETS Ready Employer Initiative, which honors employers building strong workplace support systems for veteran staff.

Beyond career placement, the State Administration maintains investments in veteran housing, healthcare access, and technical education.

Key budget measures support state veterans homes, transportation grants, military skill translation frameworks, and emergency career portal resources to help veterans and their families build thriving lives across Wisconsin communities.

In observance of Veterans Day and National Veterans and Military Families Appreciation Month, leadership from the U.S.

Department of Agriculture, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Small Business Administration gathered at USDA headquarters to reaffirm their shared commitment to supporting America's military veterans and their families.

During the event, USDA celebrated exceeding its ambitious 100 Hires in 100 Days initiative, designed to recruit veterans, transitioning service members and military spouses into mission-critical agriculture and security roles.

The effort has successfully brought more than 240 individuals into the department to date.

In addition to recruitment achievements, USDA announced a new partnership with the Department of War and the U.S.

Forest Service to establish the Gold Star Trails Program.

This joint initiative establishes a formal framework for designating select public forest trails in honor of fallen service members, offering Gold Star families and the public dedicated natural spaces for reflection.

and remembrance, the department also highlighted its expanded involvement in the Department of War's skill bridge program and the spouse works program, expanding career training and recruitment in specialized fields such as cybersecurity, data intelligence and contracting.

To guide these ongoing initiatives, Richard Lopez, an Army veteran and experienced agricultural advocate, was named as USDA's new military veterans agricultural liaison.

It's the Midweek Roundup.

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

Today, it's Henko or facto.

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

Confidence?

Absolutely.

Accuracy?

That's where things get adventurous.

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

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

Move them on!

It's time for the roundup!

Hello

everybody and we have a substitute today for Hanko Brandon Ewing is here.

How you doing buddy?

I'm doing very well on yourself.

I'm wonderful.

The old pinchheader, the old backup all-star right fielder.

That's what I was going to introduce you

as when you were a one-time Ritzel center home talent baseball rocket.

You know what?

And I don't want to toot my own horn, but.

I was in the top five in batting and Thursday night league.

Yeah.

Top five.

Top five.

Not bad.

I'll take it.

I'll take it.

Friend of the program, Mike Hemling, he'll still introduce me to people as, Hey, you know, this guy batted in the top five in the Thursday night league, uh, home talent, home talent.

Was that just original center stand or was it mean the whole league?

Yeah,

it was online.

Honestly, I could not.

Not hit the ball that year.

Oh, yeah, and I have a kind of a goofy swing a kind of lunge at the ball But I everything I made contact with and it would find its way through so you know sometimes a blind squirrel finds another And that was me and you didn't

play high

school

baseball nor nor did your brother Brady No, I love that story because I was there one night when you drug him along to play

You know, he's, he's a track guy.

He's never played baseball.

He steps up there, gets a base hit the first

time.

So, and we played, um, the first game that we played together was a Sunday against, who did Meryl play for?

Meryl Brunson.

Um, why Oda, why Oda, we were playing why Oda big game.

Okay.

We didn't know anything Brady and I, but yeah, they were short guys.

Can you fill in?

Absolutely.

So we get out there and I still remember my first at bat, I hit a double to left center and.

I'm like, what just happened?

This is kind of easy.

Should I be playing baseball my whole life?

Beginners luck.

And then Brady's out in left field.

Okay.

Yeah.

We put him in left field and I can't remember who hit it.

It wasn't Merrill, but deep left center and Brady's tracking it, Brady's tracking it.

And he lays out for it, catches the ball and I'm.

Look, man, athletes are athletes, right?

They are.

I don't believe that was Badger approved.

No, it was not Badger.

I think it

was

supposed to be double secret that he was actually playing.

And it got back to Coach Bielamon.

Oh, yes.

And he said, no more.

Never again.

I don't blame him.

Well, I should have started the program with, thank you.

Thank you to all the veterans out there that have served.

Yeah, that have put in their service.

Um, we have the freedoms that we have because of the things that they, they, they, the sacrifices that they made and because of them, you know, we're able to do what we want to do.

So thank you.

Thank you, veteran.

Yeah.

Thanks for saying that Brandon.

Yeah.

Absolutely.

And it's, it's cool.

I mean.

You guys are going to be up at the high school.

I know actually myself, I'm going to go to St.

Mary's.

Our Catholic school has a veterans program that we're going to go to at 9 o'clock.

So pretty excited to see what the kiddos put together and to honor those that have served.

Many schools will do that.

I know we just got word that Ithaca has one today at 1.30 as well.

So

nice that they're doing that.

It's important for the next

generation to know about.

Very, to understand.

all that goes into why we have the things that we have today.

So yeah, go support if you can.

And you guys are going to be live, right?

We'll present it at one.

So listen, it's a big deal.

You bet.

Otherwise, so good to see you.

Thanks for coming out to my 40th at the auditorium that night.

And thanks for the curveball and bringing me up.

Yeah, absolutely.

Almost everybody that was up there that night was a curveball.

And it was awesome.

the crowd that you had all night, you know, and we popped in a couple of times because of the parade and with the kiddos, but yeah, we loved it.

Having Jacob up there, dancing around.

Oh, I know.

You throwing his shoes on.

I just was able to dance as soon as I did.

It did remind me a little bit of the classic Seinfeld where Kramer finds the Merriffin set, you know?

It's

like, hey, Brandon Ewing's here.

Come on, Brandon.

Come on.

Yeah, no, it was great.

Fall is awesome, isn't it?

Yeah, I like fall.

I don't like what comes after it, but

it's

been one of the best falls weather wise that I remember.

Amazing.

And so I was going to ask you, I thought this was going to be like the last hurrah of good weather, but it sounds like next week's going to be good too.

It's going to be better.

Yeah, 50s.

We'll take it.

Absolutely.

Better than snow flying.

Yeah, it'll be middle November next week.

But you know, air is getting crisp.

You know, football is kind of rounding into shape.

You know, basketball practice started for the girls for the girls.

Yeah.

Yes.

But you know what?

I don't like how dark it is.

Oh,

I don't either.

Yeah.

I mean, it's, it's different this time of day, you know, and I go home in the dark, get up in the dark.

Yeah.

Yeah.

What

do you do?

I don't

know.

It really messes with my kiddos.

Oh, does it?

Yeah.

And then Halloween.

So did you dress up for those of the days when you were here?

No, I had, I had volleyball

that day and then I had to hustle back here.

I

was the gray old radio announcer,

I guess.

It was a great Halloween.

Seriously, the weather was beautiful.

I mean, my kids loved it.

We had, I would say, the prettiest Alice that I've ever seen, Alice in Wonderland.

Oh, Rosetta dressed up as Alice.

Really?

Yeah.

Violet was Dinah, you know, Alice's cat.

Oh, sure.

Anna was the the Shesher cat.

And what were you?

So here's where I was going with this.

So you have all of these, like just they were beautifully dressed, great outfits.

You had Lee.

with one of those inflatable T-Rexes running around.

And then you had me.

So do you remember the movie Teen Wolf?

Yes.

With Michael J. Fox?

Yes.

Yeah.

Old school.

So you remember the scene?

Well, his basketball scene.

Iconic,

right?

Oh,

yeah.

You had him who transitioned to the Teen Wolf, and he was wearing his basketball jersey.

So I love that movie growing up.

And when I was probably mid-20s, early 20s, I said, hey, mom, Andrea.

Can you, can you make me a wolf costume?

And I tell you what, she did it.

She did it big.

So I was wearing, um, just the wolf costume, no jersey, no shorts, but just, could you imagine all six, five of me lumbering down the road with this and it was warm out this full fursuit on, um, I got a lot of looks.

I didn't wear the jersey though.

No, no, no, not the jersey.

So I just look like a, honestly, I look like a Sasquatch.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Walking around.

That guy needs a shave.

Speaking of.

Yeah, yeah.

Is that a deer hunting growth there?

You know, I would like to say so, but yeah, no, we're doing for Kelly supply where I work.

We're doing a thing called no shave November.

So, um, and for all of the PPE, personal protective equipment that we sell during the month of November, it goes, we donate back to, um, men's, uh, cancer health.

So.

Yeah, I thought I would help promote that a little bit.

I got home the other night though and Rosetta, my youngest daughter looks at me and she goes, Hey dad.

I go, yes, Rosetta.

She's like, what's on your face?

And I'm like, I'm growing it out.

She's like, I like it, but, um, you know, whenever butt comes into play, she's like,

I think you should shave.

She was being very nice.

Very nice.

Oh, well, yeah,

that's, uh, I mean, maybe it'll be a new look for you.

Who knows.

I don't know.

I don't know.

I don't like, I don't like wearing things on my face.

So, you know, I think at some point I will shave it a back off.

Yeah.

Right.

I

don't want to do that

because it confusing with Santa Claus, you know, so I don't want to be, you know, stealing his vibrant.

No, I get it.

So you need another year to recover from vice quiz.

Yeah.

Well, I don't know.

She can come back anytime.

She's already prepping.

She's already got a quiz ready.

Well, she's got so.

She has some favorite songs that she wants to use for name those lyrics.

Oh boy.

But I'm like, you have to understand the genre and the kind of music that Phil listens to.

Right.

If

it's newer than 1995 or something, I'm

probably

going to strike out.

You don't think you

could do K-pop Demon

Hunters?

I doubt

it.

I doubt it.

Country I'm all right, but pop not so much.

And I told her that.

You know, we were listening to those for the days the other night and it's, it's kind of bittersweet because, and it tells me that I'm getting older.

You know, some of the stuff that you're playing, I'm like, man, that's considered, you know, oldies now.

Well, sure.

It's 30.

plus years old.

So what happens when we get to like, you know, some of the rap and I think we're

stopping.

I think we've stopped

draw hard.

Exactly.

Well, the trouble is, you know, you can't play all of the stuff, you know, the fifties.

I mean, that's a long,

that is, that is

to give credit to all the decades.

It's kind of hard to do that when you keep expanding.

Yeah.

You know, but my audience, I think has gotten a little younger as well, because let's face it.

get a little older, you don't stay up as

late.

That and you know, the good Lord, you know, sometimes those, that, that generation will pass and it, and it brings the next years in.

Absolutely.

Yeah.

So

stay real and relevant.

I stay the same age.

That's what I love about that.

Absolutely.

And you've talked at length about the brewers, but.

How awesome was that?

That was

incredible.

I still, it just seems surreal

to me.

It still hasn't sunk in.

And then Pat Murphy winning manager of the year last night for a third time, which

has never happened, which is

very deserving.

Absolutely.

But the guy's talking from his hospital bed.

I don't know if you heard that clip.

He had hip surgery, just like I did a year ago.

And he's talking from his hospital bed, you know, accepting the award.

That was pretty awesome.

You know what?

And you said it, it is, yeah.

for the first time to happen, it is the so deserving.

The guy is, he's hard, but he, and he stands by his non-negotiables.

That guy has non-negotiables, but he is, he has unwavering support for his guys and those that, that team completely bought into him, his demeanor, his mentality.

Um, yeah.

I mean, you look at throughout the years, he sat down, Yelly in, in, in the championship playoff, you know, and he, um,

He benched guys throughout the year and that could derail a team, but no, all of those guys bought in.

Um, yeah, it's a testament to him.

It's a testament to the team.

Absolutely.

Really

exciting.

Some of those younger guys and, you know, we're just hopeful.

I mean, they're still going to be relevant.

You're just hopeful.

Maybe they can do it again.

Absolutely.

Yeah.

And I don't, do you think that there's, yes, we have superstars, you know, we do.

Okay.

But.

Do you think they're a product of what they're trying to do right now, which is bucking the trend, hitting for average, you know, doing all of the things that other teams aren't?

I think they

are.

Right.

And I, you know, the 82 team, what do we have?

Like five eventual Hall of Famers.

I'm not sure if there's a Hall of Famer in this group.

Yeah.

Maybe,

you know, I mean, if, if the men's

puts together a long career, he would certainly be one Cooper Pratt.

And, you know, I mean, they've got a long time and, you know, Jackson, Cheerio and Terrang, they're all, but I, you know, will they be Hall of Famers?

I

don't know.

I mean, do you ever think like, listen to your quiz yesterday, Molliter hitting 354.

Yes.

Will we ever see that

again?

I don't think.

I think pitching has gotten a little better.

I mean, not

taking anything from away from that, but yeah, it's changed.

It's evolved

back in

the day.

And I remember Rod Carew was right around, you know, they were at one time.

They're like, he, you know, he may be the first one to hit for 400 since what Ted Williams

or

whatever.

He didn't, but I mean, he was in the ballpark toward

400.

Yeah.

I mean, in a game where you're going to fail really, you know,

three out of four times.

Those guys were hitting 400, 300 to 400.

It's just wild.

Yeah, it is almost as good as you on Thursday nights.

You know, not quite.

Oh man.

Different game.

Different game.

Right.

But I never thought I would see a

Brewers championship.

Me either.

No.

So we've seen the bucks, which I don't know.

It's going to be a long time before

that

happens.

I was wearing my bucks gear on Saturday night and we had a big birthday over the weekend.

So it was my father's birthday.

And so we got all the crew together and I was wearing my bucks gear and Andrea looks at me and goes, you're going to support a one in 17.

And I said, passion has no preseason mom.

They need support more now.

That's exactly what I said.

Exactly.

No, it's, um,

I know it was going to be a long stretch, you know, but it's a youth movement.

Right.

And they will move some of the big contract, big names off of the team before the trade deadline, which honestly, I completely support.

I want to see what the young guys have and then they're going to build this the right way.

Right.

Every

sports different, you know, and in that sport, you can't really get somebody that's just going to be a superstar unless you give up, you know, and the Vikings yesterday trade for Kirk Cousins,

a

third rounder

for a

starting quarterback.

How does that work?

I don't know.

You know, I mean, football is totally different.

And I used to get so mad at Ted Thompson because he would hold these third, fourth, fifth round draft choices like they were, you

know, and I guess some of them were, but it's like, come on.

It's football is a different, different animal, but.

I'm telling you, do we need to make a move?

Did we?

I didn't think they were going to.

I didn't think

so either.

And as

somebody pointed out, they gave it quite a bit for Parsons this year.

For sure.

So

that's probably part of it.

And I looked at it, talking with some of my friends.

It's like, okay, you're going to have an addition at the trade den light.

We're going to get Parsons back.

Yes, exactly.

And it's like, that's going to be a breath of fresh air for a defense that's locked in and dialed in right now.

Sure.

The only thing could have been maybe a lineman.

Yeah, I don't

know.

But

we're doing okay.

They're

getting better.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Can't run the ball very well.

But everybody wanted

Taylor, right?

From the

coach.

Badgers.

Yeah.

Yeah.

The Badgers.

The Badgers.

Right.

I mean, that would have been nice, but they stood, they didn't get rid of him.

He's, he's staying with

the coach.

Yeah, which

surprised me.

Me too.

Yeah.

Actually, I thought there could have been a lot of running back movement.

I know that this isn't a sports, but you know, you and I are together.

So we could, we can talk sports all day.

But yeah, I thought a couple of running backs could have moved around and shifted around.

And yeah, everybody kind of stayed pat.

Right.

But.

But

I don't know, it comes down to blocking.

I don't think it's all the running backs right now.

They

figure something out.

Maybe it'll improve.

Yeah, we'll see.

We'll see.

June's Bears are still doing well.

So,

you know, that means she made an apple crisp for me last night.

Whenever

they

went, it's like, whoa.

So we got a big game this weekend.

Do the Bears and Packers finish it out?

No, they play on Christmas Day.

Oh, yeah.

Like peace and love.

And

here we go.

How's divided?

Oh,

boy.

I'll pray for you.

Oh boy.

And I think it's just her and I

that I think

all the kitties aren't coming till later that weekend.

So I'll really

pray for you.

Exactly.

Oh, well, well, thank you, Phil.

Appreciate you coming

in.

Absolutely.

Anytime, brother.

Always good to see your family's doing well.

Doing really well.

Violet's doing well in school.

And she talks about you.

She was a little bum.

She couldn't come in today.

So that.

next round might have to come sooner than later.

Some

other time.

Absolutely.

Hopefully she's doing well in school because I need her to come in when I retire to replace me.

So

be careful what you wish for.

Okay.

Have a good one.

See ya.

Yep.

Brandon Ewing joining us here, filling in for the P Ridge Pride Hank Bray and for the Barber's Kid Todd Copernall today.

Today is November 11th.

These are today's vital statistics.

Arnold Arnie Schunk, 79 of Muscaday died Sunday, November 8th.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, November 12th at 10 a.m.

at St.

John's Lutheran Church in Evoca, with burial to follow in the Evoca Cemetery.

Visitation will be held Thursday at St.

John's Lutheran Church.

from 8 a.m.

until the time of service at 10 a.m.

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

John's Lutheran Church.

The Pratt funeral and cremation service is assisting the family.

Arnold Arnie Schunk, 79 of Muscaday.

Larry Don Ewing, 87 of Baraboo, formerly of Dodgeville, 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 at the Pratt Memorial Chapel from 10 a.m.

until the time of service at 11.

Larry Don Ewing, 87 of Baraboo, formerly of Dodgeville.

Carol Ray Brokopp, 83 of Richland Center, died at home Thursday, November 5th.

A celebration of life will be held at Clary Memorial Funeral Home Friday, November 13th at 1 p.m.

with visitation beginning at 11 a.m.

until the time of service.

Carol Ray Brokopp, 83 of Richland Center.

Shirley

Ann Lingard, 91 of Bear Valley and Spring Green died October 24th at Sock Prairie Health Hospital.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, November 14th at 11.30 a.m.

at Clary Memorial Funeral Home with visitation starting at 10 a.m.

lasting until time of service.

A private family burial service will be held at St.

Killian's Cemetery in Bear Valley.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the UW American Family Children's Hospital in Madison.

Shirley Ann Lingard, 91 of Bear Valley and Springgreen.

Martin Robert Marty Kramer, 77 of Plain, died Sunday, November 8th.

Visitation will be held Sunday, November 15th from 2 until 5 p.m.

and Monday, November 16th from 9.30 a.m.

to the 11 a.m.

time of service at Christ Lutheran Church in Spring Green.

A military burial will be held at Big Hollow Cemetery.

A luncheon at the church will follow the burial.

In Little Flowers, memorials may be made to Christ Lutheran Church.

River Valley Athletic or Musicers

or a charity that is important to you.

Marty believed in paying it forward.

The Richardson Stafford Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Martin Robert Marty Kramer 77 of Plain.

Thomas O. Geiss 81 of Boaz died suddenly Tuesday, November 10th at Pine Valley Community Village.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, November 15th, from 1 until 3 p.m.

at the Clary Memorial Funeral Home.

Local Military Honors Unit will provide military honors at 3 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to a charity of your choice.

Thomas O. Geiss, 81 of Boaz.

Carol Hamilton, 77 of Lafarge, died Thursday, November 5th at the Evergreens Assisted Living in La Crosse.

A celebration of life will be held Monday, November 16th, from 9 a.m.

until 11 a.m.

at the Lafarge Free Methodist Church.

A graveside service will follow at Dell Cemetery.

A lunch will be held at the church following the burial.

The Vasateg Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Carol.

Hamilton, 77 of Lafarge.

Leroy F. Lee Rideo, 89 of Avoca, died Sunday, November 8 at Greenway Manor in Spring Green.

Per Lee's wishes, there will be no formal services.

A private family burial will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the family.

The Pratt Funeral Home and Cremation is assisting the family.

Leroy F. Lee-Ridio 89 of AVOCA.

This concludes today's vital statistics.

Welcome back to the News at Noon.

Badger Corps, a new volunteer-led network dedicated to connecting and supporting military-connected UW Madison alumni, faculty, staff, students, and supporters, has officially launched its inaugural membership drive, founded

In 2026, the organization seeks to foster community, assist student veterans, and honor the university's long-standing military tradition.

Membership is open to anyone passionate about serving military-connected Badgers regardless of whether they have military experience or attended UW-Madison.

Board Chair Keith Baltz, a 1992 UW-Madison graduate and retired U.S.

Air Force Colonel, noted,

that all that is required is a desire to share time, talent, or resources to assist military-connected individuals on campus.

Inspired by Clemson University's 28-year-old Clemson Corps, Baltz and Vision bringing together diverse military and veteran communities under a single umbrella at UW Madison.

following an exploratory year involving conversations with ROTC commanders, University Veteran Services, local alumni, and the Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association.

A founding committee drafted the organization's charter and established its board of directors in June of this year.

With a student-first mission, Badger Corps aims to increase awareness, raise financial support for cadets and student veterans, host campus events and preserve military heritage.

Director of University Veteran Services, Joe Rasmussen emphasized that the network offers student veterans valuable connections and career assistance, including internship opportunities for first-generation students.

The network plans a steady expansion starting with informal social gatherings and

building toward larger events and broader community outreach.

Governor Tony Evers has declared November 16th through the 20th as Winter Weather Awareness Week in Wisconsin, prompting state officials to urge residents to prepare early for hazardous seasonal conditions.

Winter storms, snow-covered roads, and extreme wind chills present severe health and safety risks each year across the state.

Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator Greg Engel emphasized that conditions can turn dangerous within hours, making

active planning essential.

State health officials reported over 100 cold related deaths and hundreds of hospitalizations during the 2025-26 winter season, underscoring the dangers of hypothermia and frostbite.

Residents are advised to dress warmly in layers, limit outdoor exposure, and regularly check on vulnerable family members and neighbors.

Travel hazards also pose a significant concern throughout the winter months

According to preliminary data from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, winter road conditions resulted in nearly 30 deaths and thousands of injuries last season.

Drivers are encouraged to inspect vehicle batteries, tires, and fluid levels, maintain emergency kits in their cars, and adjust driving speeds to safely navigate slippery roads.

To ensure safety throughout the winter, officials recommend stocking emergency supplies at home, checking road conditions via 511 Wisconsin before traveling, and recognizing the early warning signs of cold-induced illnesses.

Detailed guidance and safety resources remain available through the Ready Wisconsin website.

The Platteville Family Resource Center is celebrating the first anniversary of its Richland Center location at 1140 Sextonville Road.

Over the past year, the Center has expressed gratitude for the warm reception, interest, and support provided by the local community as it works to expand mental health access in the area.

PFRC owner, Dr. Mark Rubel, was instrumental in launching the new branch, joining forces with Jennifer Albright Nash, who relocated to Richland Center in 2025 to help establish the facility.

Therapist Josh Gerstner also sees clients at his office, adding to the local care options available.

With 32 years of history, PFRC offers individual

individual, couples, and family counseling alongside psychological evaluations across its locations in Platteville, Dodgeville, Lancaster, Mount Horob, and Richland Center.

Dr. Albright Nash brings over 20 years of experience serving children, adolescents, and adults.

She specializes in trauma-related repair

complex PTSD, addiction, eating disorders, mood issues, depression, and anxiety, using experiential and somatic approaches such as art therapy.

She is the author of Art Therapy as Cumulative Trauma Repair, Expressive Therapies Continuum, Perry's Neurosquential Model in Using Art Therapy Techniques.

to inform perception and imagination.

Josh Gerstner, a licensed professional counselor in training, provides care and rich Lens Center, Dodgeville and Platteville.

He works with diverse age groups treating anxiety, depression, ADHD and other conditions, while emphasizing authentic therapeutic relationships and inclusive care for all backgrounds and LGBTQ plus.

individuals.

Reflecting on the milestone, Dr. Olmbright Nash shared that Richland Center has been incredibly welcoming to the providers and open to the support PFRC aims to offer to the surrounding area.

Perspective clients can learn more, complete an online intake form, and request specific providers or locations by visiting platvillfamily.com.

The Richland Center FFA will be hosting their second annual After Harvest Breakfast Saturday morning from 7 until 10 a.m.

at the Richland Center High School West Commons.

As the harvest season comes to an end, the event will celebrate the hard work of the agricultural community with a delicious breakfast and other activities.

Riley Banker is the Richland Center FFA President.

We've got lots of fun things.

We've got food.

We've got donations rolling in from different businesses.

I mean, our community is definitely helping us out big time with this one.

But we've got fun activities such as a petting zoo that we've got, face painting.

We've got a couple tractors that people can take pictures with.

So there's loads of activities that we're going to be doing with it.

A silent auction will also be held during the event.

Cost of a meal is $10 and tickets can be purchased at the door.

If you would like to donate to help out with the after-harvest breakfast, you can contact various members of the FFA.

Our amazing advisor, Jenna Fetting, so she's always available to text her email.

I'm pretty sure her email is available on our school website.

You can always text me.

I'm a great person that you can talk to.

A lot of our officer members, like if you see him out in the community, you ask him about that they'd be more than willing to help you get pointed in the right direction to donate.

Riley Baker hopes that everyone can come out to the event.

Our community is definitely big time supported us last year.

We had over 150 people that we served last year.

We're hoping to maybe double it this year.

So it's definitely something if you have free time on Saturday morning to come down, we'll serve you some good food and just have a good morning there.

I mean, it's a great opportunity to come out and be with the community.

Celebrate the hard work of our agricultural community and help support the Richland Center FFA at the After Harvest Breakfast this Saturday morning from 7 until 10 at the RCHS West Commons.

The Verroqua City Council convened Tuesday night amidst heightened public interest and emotion following recent internal disagreements and conflict among city officials.

Numerous community members voiced strong disappointment regarding the discord.

urging council members and city leaders to restore professionalism and focus on public service.

A major point of contention during the open session revolved around protocol and legal authority, specifically regarding which city officials hold the right to consult attorneys when personnel issues arise.

The mayor read from a prepared statement, but she was ultimately halted following a call to order from a council member, after which the body chose to advance to the next agenda item before entering into a lengthy closed session.

Upon reconvening into open session, council members briefly reported that they had reached an understanding to move past recent conflicts and work together constructively.

Additional public comments followed with residents reiterating pleas for unity and expressing concern over how the ongoing friction might damage Verrocco's reputation in surrounding communities.

Attendees noted an unprecedented turnout marking one of the largest public gatherings in Verrocco's recent history.

In observance of Veterans Day and National Veterans and Military Families Appreciation Month, leadership from the U.S.

Department of Agriculture,

the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Small Business Administration gathered at USDA headquarters to reaffirm their shared commitment to supporting America's military veterans and their families.

During the event, USDA celebrated exceeding its ambitious 100 hires and 100 days initiative.

Designed to recruit veterans, transitioning service members and military spouses into mission-critical agricultural and security roles, the effort has successfully brought more than 240 individuals into the department to date.

In addition to recruitment achievements, USDA announced a new partnership with the Department of War and the U.S.

Forest Service to establish the Gold Star Trails Program.

This joint initiative establishes a formal framework for designating select public forest trails in honor of fallen service members offering Gold Star families and the public dedicated natural spaces for reflection and remembrance.

The department also highlighted its expanded involvement in the Department of War's skill bridge program and the spouse works program, expanding career training and recruitment in specialized fields such as cybersecurity, data intelligence and contracting.

To guide these ongoing initiatives, Richard Lopez, an Army veteran and experienced agricultural advocate, was named as USDA's new military veterans agricultural liaison.

The Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs officially marked the completion of its Minuteman Plaza renovation.

During a ribbon-cutting ceremony held November 5 at Joint Force Headquarters, the transformative project updates the facility's main entrance, establishing a modern, professional, and welcoming space for staff, distinguished visitors, and state officials.

Discussions regarding the renovation began in 2021 to address an underutilized main entrance area that was increasingly difficult to maintain.

Following final design approval in 2025, construction commenced the following year under the direction of the department's construction and facilities management office in collaboration with external partners, including KPH Extra.

construction, Strang Incorporated and JSD Professional Services Incorporated.

The upgraded Minuteman Plaza features an expanded ceremonial area, accommodating a podium and seating for up to 60 people.

A dedicated 9-11 memorial space.

A replacement Minuteman statue and relocated flagpoles as the operational hub for the department.

JF HQ regularly hosts key events such as promotion and retirement ceremonies, special commemorations and official visits.

During the ceremony, Major General Matthew Strubb, Wisconsin's Adjutant General and Nathan Olson, Deputy Construction and Facility Management Officer, highlighted the project's role in enhancing organizational pride and improving visitor experience.

as part of a broader statewide initiative to modernize Department of Military Affairs facilities.

Following a recent notification from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection, that cap regarding a farm raised deer in Taylor County testing positive for chronic wasting disease.

State mandated baiting and feeding bands are being established across the region.

Because the positive case occurred within 10 miles of both Chippewa and Clark counties, it triggers mandatory regulations under Wisconsin state law designed to curb the spread of the disease.

Under state regulations, a CWD detection requires a mandatory three-year baiting and feeding ban in the affected county.

along with a two-year ban in adjacent counties located within 10 miles of the site.

Effective December 1, Taylor County will institute a three-year ban, and Chippewa County will renew its existing ban for an additional two years.

Clark County already maintains a baiting and feeding ban due to a recent wild CWD detection, which will remain active as its timeline extends beyond the required two-year period.

With these updates, Taylor County joins 59 other Wisconsin counties, including the entire Driftless region, in restricting these practices.

Baiting and feeding bands serve as a crucial public health measure for the state's deer population.

Baiting refers to placing food, scents, salts, minerals, or grains to attract wild animals for hunting, while feeding involves placing materials for non-hunting purposes, such as recreational or supplemental feeding.

These practices cause deer to congregate unnaturally around shared locations, significantly increasing the likelihood of CWD transmission through direct contact between animals or indirect contact with infectious prions left behind.

The regulations apply to all residents, meaning individuals do not have to be active hunters to be in violation of the ban.

However, exceptions are made for feeding birds and small mammals, provided that the feeding devices are placed within 50 yards of a human dwelling and designed or elevated to prevent access by deer.

For further details on regional regulations and disease management, hunters and residents can consult the DNR's official baiting and feeding and CWD web resources.

Wisconsin ranks 30th nationwide for seasonal airport traffic shifts measured from the Friday prior to Thanksgiving through the Monday after, as well as from the Friday before Christmas through January 2nd.

During the winter holidays, daily passenger traffic at Wisconsin airports experiences

a 3% increase compared to the rest of the year.

As the holiday season approaches, millions of travelers prepare to pack their bags and head to the skies, making this one of the busiest times of the year for air travel.

Airports across the United States experience a significant surge in passenger traffic, with some hubs seeing more dramatic increases than others.

Whether travelers are visiting family, heading for a vacation or flying for business, the peak holiday season creates a challenge for both airports and airlines.

to manage the spike in demand.

In response to rising air travel demand, aging aviation infrastructure and critical funding gaps, the Airport Infrastructure Grant Program has provided $14.5 billion in funding over five years to support terminal expansions, baggage system upgrades, runway enhancements and air traffic infrastructure improvements.

As air travel remains near record highs, including

The TSA's screening nearly 3.1 million passengers in a single day in November of 2025.

These investments will help airports better handle surges in traffic during the busy holiday season.

Sheriff Roy Torgerson has released the most recent report of ongoing law enforcement activities across Vernon County.

The week of November 1st began with an investigation into stolen property after a deputy responded to three chimney and West Smith roads in the town of Verroqua for a reported missing stop sign.

Two unbolted stop signs were later confiscated by Verroqua police during a separate incident.

On November 2nd, deputies assisted in several operations, including executing a court-issued writ of replievin to recover a Skadoo snowmobile in the town of Franklin and assisting Viola police with detaining a mail for parole violation.

Additionally, deputies responded to a single vehicle incident near

Kooli Road in the town of Bergen where a motorist slid into a marsh.

The driver was arrested for operating with a restricted controlled substance in their blood second offense and possession of THC and drug paraphernalia after law enforcement located a leafy green substance, drug paraphernalia, a nine millimeter firearm and ammunition at the scene.

Midweek incidents included a report on November 3rd of a driver illegally passing a cashed-in school bus while its red lights were activated as well as a domestic disturbance response on Shaker Road in the town of Hillsboro where a female suspect fled before deputies arrived.

False alarms and routine community calls were also managed, including a business burglar alarm in Reeds Town, November 5th, and a report of 30 head of loose cattle along County Road SS in the town of Oroca, November 6th, where the owner was successfully notified.

Deputies also assisted Verroqua police with executing a court-ordered emergency mental health detention in the city of Verroqua.

The week concluded with key arrests and welfare checks.

On November 6, a male was taken into custody at a residence on State Highway 35 in the town of Wheatland on charges of making threats to injure or cues of a crime, domestic disorderly conduct and felony bail jumping.

Finally, November 7th, deputies conducted a search along State Highway 35 near County Road UU following a report of a potentially disabled vehicle, though no vehicles or individuals in distress were located.

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 11th.

These are today's vital statistics.

Arnold Arnie Schunk, 79 of Muscaday died Sunday, November 8th.

Funeral services will be held.

Thursday, November 12th at 10 a.m.

at St.

John's Lutheran Church in Evoca with burial to follow in the Evoca Cemetery.

Visitation will be held Thursday at St.

John's Lutheran Church from 8 a.m.

until the time of service at 10 a.m.

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

John's Lutheran Church.

The Pratt funeral and cremation service is assisting the family.

Arnie is survived by his wife, Georgia, his son, David and Amy Schunk.

two grandchildren, and one great-grandson, brothers and sister-in-law Ronnie and Peggy Muller, John and Karen Muller, Roger Spangler, Richard Poppy, Deb and Charlie Johnson, and Lois Kenobyl, other relatives and friends, Arnold Arnie Schunk, 79, of Muscaday.

Larry Don Ewing, 87, of Baraboo, formerly of Dodgeville, 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 at the Pratt Memorial Chapel from 10 a.m.

until the time of service at 11.

Don is survived by his children, Jeff Ewing and Kelly Tomko, Kevin Ewing, Daniel Ewing, Michael Ewing, Travis Ewing, and Tricia Marshall.

12 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, siblings Gary Ewing, Lowell and Marlene Ewing, Arvid Ewing, and Ronnie Ewing, many stepchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Larry Don Ewing, 87 of Baraboo, formerly of Dodgeville.

Carol Ray Brokopp, 83 of Richland Center, died at home Thursday, November 5th.

A celebration of life will be held at the Clary Memorial Funeral Home Friday, November 13th at 1 p.m.

with visitation beginning at 11 a.m.

until the time of service.

Carol is survived by her children, Stephen Wilson, Heather Wilson, Holly and Eddie Wilson and Heidi Wilson, five grandchildren, six

great-grandchildren, and her brother, Roger, William, and Margo Johnson.

Carol Ray Brokopp, 83, of Richland Center.

Shirley Ann Lingard, 91, of Bear Valley and Spring Green, died October 24th at Sock Prairie Health Hospital.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, November 14th at 11.30 a.m.

at the Clary Memorial Funeral Home with visitation starting at 8 a.m.

until time of service.

A private family burial service will be held at St.

Killian Cemetery.

in Bear Valley.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the UW American Family Children's Hospital in Madison.

Shirley is survived by her five children, Janet and Larry Steadley, Janice and Jim Barnhart, Jeanette and Terry Scott, Janelle and Dan Stanitzka, and Lonnie and Mary Lingard.

20 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.

One sister, Karen Goodwin.

Shirley.

Anne Lingard, 91 of Bear Valley and Spring Green.

Martin Robert Marty Kramer, 77 of Plain, died Sunday, November 8.

Visitation will be held Sunday November 15th from 2 until 5 p.m.

and Monday November 16th from 9 30 a.m.

until 11 at time of service at Christ Lutheran Church in Spring Green.

A military burial will be held at Big Hollow Cemetery.

A luncheon at the church will follow the burial.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to

Christ Lutheran Church in Spring Green, River Valley Athletic or Music Boosters, or a charity that is important to you.

Marty believed in paying it forward.

The Richardson Stafford Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Marty is survived by his wife, Linda Longseth Kramer, children Tara and Patrick Mahoney, Ross and Amy, Heather and Matthew Brickle, Mark and Kristen Edquist, and Kyle and Stephanie Kramer.

12 grandchildren, siblings Patricia Shasansky, carry in Chris Kramer, Kevin and Diane Kramer, Doug and Stephanie Kramer, Camille and Tim Murphy, Lois and James Schweiss and Maureen Kramer.

Martin Robert Marty Kramer, 77 of Plain.

Thomas O. Geiss, 81 of Boaz died suddenly Tuesday, November 10th at Pine Valley Community Village.

A celebration of life visitation will be held Sunday, November 15th from 1 p.m.

to 3 p.m.

at the Clary Memorial Funeral Home.

The local military honors unit will provide military honors at 3 p.m.

at the Clary Memorial Funeral Home.

In Lula Flowers, memorials may be given to a charity of your choice.

Thomas survived by his wife Donna Geiss, his son Kerry and Jennifer Geiss, three grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, a sister Rosie and Robert Fritz, other relatives and friends, Thomas O. Geiss, 81 of Boaz.

Carol Hamilton, 77 of Lafarge, died Thursday, November 5th at the Evergreens Assisted Living in La Crosse.

A celebration of life will be held Monday, November 16th from 9 a.m.

until 11 at the Lafarge Free Methodist Church.

A graveside service will follow at Dell Cemetery.

A lunch will be held at the church following the burial.

The Vasateg Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Carol Hamilton is survived by two daughters, Christina Sheldon and Michelle Levy, five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, brother Randy and Karen McElhose, sister Colleen and Kevin Scott, and many nieces and nephews.

Carol Hamilton, 77 of LeFarge.

Leroy F. Lee-Ridio, 89 of Avocav passed away on Sunday, November 8th at Greenway Manor in Spring Green.

Per Lee's wishes, there will be no formal services.

A private family burial will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the family.

The Pratt funeral and cremation, funeral and cremation service is assisting the family.

Lee is survived by his wife, Donna DeWitt Rideo, sons Dennis and Candy Rideo, Dale and Kathy Rideo, daughter Diana and Brent Cole, 10 grandchildren, nine great grandchildren,

one great-great-grandchild, brother Paul Rideo and sister Eldana Creary, many nieces, nephews, other family and friends, Leroy F. Lee Rideo, 89 of Evolka.

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 11th.

These are today's vital statistics.

Arnold...

Arnie Schunk, 79 of Muscaday, died Sunday, November 8th.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 12th at 10 a.m.

at St.

John's Lutheran Church in Evoca with burial to follow in the Evoca Cemetery.

Visitation will be held Thursday at St.

John's Lutheran Church from 8 a.m.

until the time of service at 10.

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

John's Lutheran Church, the Pratt Funeral

and Cremation Service is assisting the family.

Arnold Arnie Schunk, 79 of Muscaday.

Larry Don Ewing, 87 of Baraboo, formerly of Dodgeville, 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 at the Pratt Memorial Chapel from 10 a.m.

until the time of service at 11.

Larry Don Ewing, 87 of Biribu, formerly of Dodgeville.

Carol Ray Brokopp.

83 of Richland Center died at home Thursday, November 5th.

A celebration of life will be held at the Clary Memorial Funeral Home Friday, November 13th at 1 p.m.

with visitation beginning at 11 a.m.

until the time of service.

Carol Ray Brokopp, 83 of Richland Center.

Shirley

and Lingard, 91 of Bear Valley and Spring Green, died October 24th at Sock Prairie Health Hospital.

A celebration of life will be Saturday, November 14th at 11.30 a.m.

at Clary Memorial Funeral Home with visitation starting at 10 a.m.

until the time of service.

A private family burial service will be held at St.

Killian's Cemetery in Bear Valley.

In Lua Flowers, memorials may be given to the UW American Family Children's Hospital in Madison.

Shirley Ann Lingard, 91.

of Bear Valley and Spring Green.

Martin Robert Marty Kramer, 77 of Plain, died Sunday, November 8.

Visitation will be held Sunday, November 15 from 2 until 5 p.m.

and Monday, November 16 from 9.30 until the time of service at 11 at Christ Lutheran Church in Spring Green.

A military burial will be held at Big Hollow Cemetery.

A luncheon at the church will follow the burial.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Christ Lutheran Church, River Valley Athletic or Music Boosters, or a charity that is important to you.

Marty believed in paying it forward.

The Richardson Stafford Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Martin, Robert, Marty Kramer, 77 of Plain.

Thomas O. Geiss, 81 of Boaz, died suddenly Tuesday, November 10th at Pine Valley Community Village.

A celebration of life will be held Sunday, November 15th from 1 until 3 p.m.

at the Clary Memorial Funeral Home.

The local Military Honors Unit will provide military honors at 3 p.m.

at the Clary Memorial Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to a charity of your choice.

Thomas O. Geiss, 81 of Boaz.

Carol Hamilton, 77 of Lafarge, died Thursday, November 5th at the Evergreens Assisted Living in La Crosse.

A celebration of life will be held Monday, November 16th from 9 a.m.

until 11 at the Lafarge Free Methodist Church.

A graveside service will follow at Dell Cemetery.

A lunch will be held at the church following the burial.

The Vasateg funeral home and crematory is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Carol Hamilton, 77 of Lafarge.

Leroy F. Lee-Ridio, 89 of Avoka, died Sunday, November 8 at Greenway Manor in Spring Green.