Aug 16, 2026
A technical issue kept us from putting out our usual weekly summary last week, so you get two weeks worth of stories in this week’s summary. From major political shifts and crucial municipal infrastructure decisions to public safety reports and community celebrations, VernonReporter.com highlighted a wide array of local issues over the last two weeks. Our reporting captured Southwest Wisconsin in motion, detailing key primary election results, significant city administrative appointments, and long-awaited conclusions to public safety investigations. We also tracked local cultural milestones, agricultural and utility battles, and the everyday stories of our neighbors in the Driftless Region. Here is a comprehensive look back at the news we brought you over the last fortnight.
Free small business clinic returns to Viroqua Aug. 27
Viroqua will host a free small business clinic on August 27, 2026, marking the return of this valuable consulting resource for area entrepreneurs.
Rebecca Cooke defeats Emily Berge in Democratic primary to advance to the November election in the 3rd Congressional District
Rebecca Cooke defeated former Eau Claire City Council President Emily Berge in the Democratic primary on August 11, 2026. With the primary victory secured, Cooke now advances to the November general election to contest the seat for Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District.
Wisconsin’s partisan primary election is today. Learn more about who’s on your ballot.
Wisconsin voters headed to the polls for the state’s partisan primary election. The election finalized key party matchups and decided which candidates would advance to the high-stakes general election ballot this November.
How to spot the Perseid meteor shower, a summer light show that promises to dazzle this week
This science and nature feature shared practical tips on how local stargazers in the Driftless Region could spot the peak of the annual Perseid meteor shower, a summer light show promised to dazzle local night skies.
Minor injuries reported in State Highway 56 crash
First responders and sheriff’s deputies responded to a vehicle collision on State Highway 56 that resulted in minor injuries.
Vernon County Sheriff’s Report for the week ending Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026
The Vernon County Sheriff’s Office released its weekly report of calls, traffic accidents, and citizen complaints for the week ending Saturday, August 8, 2026.
Advice for new teachers, a De Soto farewell, and the legacy of Les Flick: Grouse Hollow Journal for August 7, 2026
In his August 7, 2026, column, Greg Koelker offered heartfelt advice for educators entering the classroom for the fall semester. The column also reflected on a farewell to the De Soto community and honored the enduring local legacy of Les Flick.
81-Year-Old De Soto man dies in UTV rollover accident
An 81-year-old De Soto resident tragically passed away following a utility terrain vehicle (UTV) rollover accident on a private property in the Town of Wheatland.
Nelson-agri Center builds wrestling ring out of 335 gallon buckets for Children’s Miracle Network fundraiser
In a creative community fundraiser, the Nelson Agri-Center in Viroqua constructed a full-scale wrestling ring out of 335 gallon buckets. The initiative was part of a campaign supporting the Children’s Miracle Network, which previously spotlighted local youth Liam Schott.
Viroqua concludes Fourth of July simulated gunfire investigation with no charges filed
The Viroqua Police Department and outside investigators have officially concluded their inquiry into the simulated gunfire incident that occurred during the city’s Fourth of July fireworks celebration, announcing that no criminal charges will be filed. The investigation began after four individuals drove a Jeep equipped with a simulated .50-caliber automatic weapon onto the fairgrounds track, producing loud, rapid-fire sounds and muzzle flashes that caused panic among spectators.
Viroqua names Julie Emslie as new city administrator
Julie Emslie was officially appointed as Viroqua’s new city administrator. Emslie succeeds former City Administrator Nate Torres, who resigned to accept a position with Vernon County. Emslie was selected from a narrowed pool of seven strong candidates following a comprehensive search by city leaders.
Vernon Health earns national gold awards for heart and stroke care
Vernon Health was recognized with prestigious national gold awards for outstanding cardiac and stroke care, highlighting clinical excellence and medical quality in Southwest Wisconsin.
McIntosh Memorial Library to host annual Pet Parade
The McIntosh Memorial Library announced the return of its highly anticipated annual Pet Parade, inviting Viroqua area residents and pet owners to showcase their animals in a community-wide celebration.
Westby police report woman hospitalized with stab wounds, suspect arrested
The Westby Police Department reported that a woman was hospitalized with severe stab wounds following a violent incident. A suspect was successfully apprehended and taken into custody shortly after the attack.
Flock announces changes amid backlash over its license plate reader network
Surveillance technology vendor Flock Safety announced updates to its platform following intense public backlash over privacy concerns and system misuse. The controversy erupted after Flock removed privacy protections from its terms of service and asserted a perpetual license to use customer data, sparking data control and ownership concerns among Wisconsin communities.
Viroqua unveils design plans for historic old City Hall site
Viroqua city officials unveiled initial architectural and design plans aimed at redeveloping and preserving the historic site of Viroqua’s old City Hall.
Three-vehicle crash injures several at highway intersection in Crawford County
Emergency services and Crawford County first responders treated and transported multiple individuals following a three-vehicle collision at a local highway intersection.
Viroqua celebrates grand opening of downtown mural walk
Viroqua hosted a grand opening celebration for its new downtown mural walk, showcasing public art installations that highlight Driftless history and regional culture. The project was developed as a joint collaboration between the library courtyard transformation and city parks departments.
No765 meeting at Viroqua Eagles Club rallies Driftless communities against proposed high voltage transmission corridor
Driftless area residents gathered at the Viroqua Eagles Club for a “No765” rally, organizing opposition to a proposed high-voltage transmission line corridor slated to run through the region. The rally follows a unanimous vote by members of the Scenic Rivers Energy Cooperative demanding more transparency regarding the massive 765 kV transmission project.
Winding Rivers Library System opens summer history hunt for U.S. 250th anniversary
The Winding Rivers Library System officially launched its “summer history hunt,” an educational and interactive program for all ages celebrating the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States.
Vernon County general government committee debates rising energy audit costs
The Vernon County General Government Committee convened to debate rising costs associated with its countywide facilities audit. The investment-grade audit, conducted by Schneider Electric, previously estimated that the county faces between $5 million and $10 million in needed structural and mechanical replacements at county buildings.
How a summer bus ride brought theater back to De Soto after a decade away
This cultural feature story detailed how a simple summer bus ride catalyzed the return of community theater to the De Soto Area Schools, reviving local performing arts programs after a ten-year hiatus.
USDA approves $2.5 million loan for old Viroqua dump methane cleanup project
The United States Department of Agriculture approved a $2.5 million loan to fund remediation at the closed Viroqua city dump. The funding supports an active landfill gas extraction system designed by TRC to stop migrating methane gas, which previously triggered a notice of noncompliance from state environmental regulators.
Public hearing scheduled for Viroqua’s draft comprehensive plan
The City of Viroqua scheduled a formal public hearing for residents to review the draft of the city’s updated comprehensive plan, which is set to replace Viroqua’s existing 2007 plan.
Stoddard’s Terry Russell inducted into Legion Baseball Hall of Fame
Terry Russell of Stoddard was officially inducted into the Wisconsin American Legion Baseball Hall of Fame, recognizing his decades of contribution to local youth sports and baseball programs in Vernon County.
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