VERNON COUNTY, Wis. — From the City of Viroqua approving an MOU to explore the sale of land to Emplify Health for a new medical facility and the Viroqua Common Council approving a Fire Department plan for a mutual aid ambulance service to the Vernon County Board of Supervisors creating a special committee to evaluate a county farm solar project proposal and De Soto Area School officials pitching their $3.6 million referendum directly to the people, VernonReporter.com highlighted a wide array of specific local issues across Southwest Wisconsin over the past week. Our reporting captured the Driftless Area in motion, detailing Viroqua volunteers beginning the long-awaited Eckhart Park playground rebuild, a Vernon County task force weighing housing solutions and workforce needs, and the Readstown Public Library dedicating a flagpole and trees in memory of John Henry Sime, Helen “Janie” Fortney, and David G. Dregne.
Here is a comprehensive look back at the news we brought you over the past week.
City of Viroqua approves MOU to explore sale of land to Emplify Health for new medical facility
The Viroqua City Council voted on Sept. 29 to approve a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Emplify Health, clearing the way to negotiate the potential purchase of up to 21.6 acres of municipal land in the Viroqua Business Park. The 90-day nonbinding agreement allows Emplify to conduct site research and cost estimates for a proposed 80,000-square-foot standalone outpatient campus in Tax Increment District No. 7 at the south end of Venture Drive. The MOU establishes a $15,000 earnest money deposit and strict development timelines, while guaranteeing minimum property tax increment revenues to protect city finances.
The move follows the July decision by the Vernon Health Board of Directors to reject a system merger and maintain local hospital independence. Emplify Health, which currently owns 26 percent of the shared Viroqua Area Medical Office Building, pledged to maintain a permanent presence in Vernon County. Mayor Krista Browne emphasized that approving the MOU gives the city and developer formal structure to study how operating separate facilities could impact local healthcare access and municipal services before any final development agreement is executed.
Viroqua volunteers begin long awaited Eckhart Park playground rebuild
Volunteers and construction crews gathered under the oak canopy at Eckhart Park on Tuesday, Sept. 29, to begin assembling the new Eckhart Enchantment playground. The six-day community build marks the culmination of a multi-year effort to replace the original 1996 wooden “Dragon Park” structure, which was demolished in July due to decaying support posts. Utilizing a volunteer construction model guided by Play by Design, the city secured a $75,000 labor credit to reduce overall costs.
Funding for the $746,000 project represents a public-private partnership, combining $375,000 in municipal capital improvement funds with approximately $425,000 in private donations raised through the Viroqua Area Foundation. Local civic groups are managing daily build operations, with the Viroqua Lions Club coordinating volunteer shifts, the Eagles Auxiliary managing the food tent, and artist Sarah Peterson creating a hand-painted dragon donor wall. The custom layout preserves mature park trees while incorporating a signature green dragon slide, zip lines, and inclusive play features.
Viroqua Common Council approves Fire Department plan for mutual aid ambulance service
The Viroqua Common Council voted unanimously on Sept. 29 to authorize the Viroqua Fire Department to establish a municipal mutual aid ambulance service. The authorization allows Fire Chief Chad Buros to acquire a 13-year-old used ambulance from the La Farge EMS department for $55,000. Operating out of the city’s new $9.5 million fire station on Nelson Parkway, the service will be funded through state FAP grants, transport billings, and donations without drawing from the city’s general fund.
Chief Buros explained that the backup unit will not replace primary 911 coverage provided by Tri-State Ambulance, but will deploy when commercial crews are tied up on other calls. Medical calls currently account for 60 percent of the fire department’s nearly 700 annual dispatches. The municipal unit will help relieve severe pressure on surrounding rural departments that have frequently been called into Viroqua and Westby for mutual aid calls.
Vernon County Board of Supervisors creates special committee to evaluate county farm solar project proposal
The Vernon County Board of Supervisors voted to create a five-member special committee to study whether a portion of the 200-acre county-owned farm in Viroqua should be leased for a utility-scale solar project. Brought forward by Supervisor Charles Jacobson following inquiries from the UW-Extension RESET program, the proposal evaluates leasing 58 to 90 acres for a ground-mounted solar array.
Supervisors debated the balance between agricultural land preservation and generating revenue. While the county currently receives $318 per acre in agricultural rent, solar leases could yield significantly higher returns. Board Chair Lorn Goede and Supervisor Nathaniel Slack noted that lease revenues could potentially support countywide housing initiatives, incubator programs, or low-income utility assistance through partnerships with agencies like Couleecap.
Farmers Union to host candidate town hall and dinner for multiple Southwest Wis. races
The Vernon-Crawford Chapter of the Wisconsin Farmers Union announced it will host a nonpartisan Candidate Townhall and Harvest Dinner on Friday, Oct. 9, at the Gays Mills Community Commerce Center. Running from 5 to 8 p.m., the event features a locally sourced Harvest Dinner catered by Maybe Lately’s Restaurant.
Following dinner, invited candidates across Southwest Wisconsin legislative and regional races will participate in a moderated town hall from 6 to 8 p.m.. Candidates will address key agricultural and rural policy questions submitted by Farmers Union organizers and audience members.
Sweatshirt weather, 103 Brewer wins, and why October beats November; Grouse Hollow Journal for October 3, 2026
In his latest Grouse Hollow Journal column, Greg Koelker reflects on the arrival of autumn across the Driftless Region, celebrating crisp sweatshirt weather and the Milwaukee Brewers reaching 103 regular-season wins.
Koelker writes about his preference for October over November, describing the quiet joy of morning coffee on the porch, changing foliage, and the outdoor traditions that define rural Wisconsin life as summer officially gives way to fall.
State wildlife expert Scott Craven to talk deer in the Driftless at Oct. 7 Coon Creek Watershed meeting
Wildlife biologist and Wisconsin Conservation Hall of Fame inductee Scott Craven will be the featured speaker at the Coon Creek Community Watershed Council meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 7, at the Coon Valley Conservation Club.
Craven, former chair of UW-Madison’s Department of Wildlife Ecology, will present on Driftless deer population trends, ecosystem impacts, Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), and hunter management goals. The free public gathering also includes dinner from Maybe Lately’s, updates on Habitat for Humanity’s solar program, and soil health notes from UW Extension.
De Soto Area School officials pitch referendum directly to the people
De Soto Area School District administrators and board members are bringing information about their proposed $3.6 million operational referendum directly to residents during fall athletic events. Superintendent Tim Fergot and district staff are distributing informational materials at varsity football and volleyball games as part of their communications outreach.
The campaign also features weekly “Tuesdays with Tim” morning coffee sessions across the district. The non-recurring, three-year referendum on the Nov. 3 ballot requests $500,000 in 2026-27, $1.4 million in 2027-28, and $1.7 million in 2028-29 to cover operating deficits, maintain academic and technical education programs, update building security, and prevent short-term borrowing.
Vernon County task force weighs housing solutions, workforce needs
The Vernon County Housing Task Force convened on Sept. 17 to review regional housing affordability strategies, talent recruitment, and workforce expansion. Bayfield County Deputy Administrator Kelly Westlund shared insights on municipal deed restrictions used to preserve long-term affordable housing stock.
Task force members reviewed local initiatives, including Westby Superintendent Steve Michaels’ update on a proposed trades academy and Community Development Director Amy Oliver’s report on the ‘Driftless Bound’ out-of-state worker relocation program. The committee also recommended appointing Larkin Breckel as a voting member and discussed establishing a local revolving loan fund or land trust to assist resident homebuyers.
Readstown Public Library to dedicate flagpole and trees in memory of John Henry Sime, Helen “Janie” Fortney and David G. Dregne
Residents gathered at the Readstown Public Library on Tuesday, Sept. 29, to dedicate fruit-bearing trees, a memorial bench, and a new flagpole honoring three foundational community leaders. The ceremony recognized library founder John Henry Sime, longtime volunteer cataloger Helen “Janie” Fortney, and former board vice president David G. Dregne.
The dedication celebrated the enduring contributions of all three figures in establishing and sustaining the municipal library. The event featured a flag-raising ceremony with fireworks effects provided by Joe Blow’s Fireworks and community refreshments from Kickapoo Corners.
Vernon County Sheriff’s Report for the week ending Saturday, Sept. 27, 2026
The Vernon County Sheriff’s Office released its weekly summary detailing law enforcement activity across the county. Sheriff’s deputies responded to routine citizen calls, traffic collisions, and ongoing investigations during the week ending Saturday, Sept. 27, 2026.
Viroqua announces community Trick-or-Treat events
The City of Viroqua announced dates for its annual Halloween celebrations. The Viroqua Chamber Main Street Trick-or-Treat Event will take place on Friday, Oct. 30, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Vernon County Fairgrounds, providing a centralized location for local businesses and organizations to distribute treats to area children.
Traditional residential neighborhood trick-or-treating throughout the City of Viroqua is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 31, from 5 to 8 p.m..
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