From significant infrastructure decisions and educational milestones to public safety updates and beloved community traditions, VernonReporter.com covered a wide variety of issues over the past week. Whether it was the City of Viroqua addressing environmental concerns at an old landfill, local schools preparing students for the future, or officials strategizing how to fix aging county buildings, our reporting highlighted the events shaping Southwest Wisconsin. Here is a look back at the stories we brought to you, starting with the latest news.
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Kee High School in Lansing, Iowa, recently honored veteran broadcaster Gary Gilbertson by inviting him to throw out the ceremonial first pitch prior to a baseball game,. Gilbertson began his broadcasting career in Viroqua in 1965 and, following his service in the U.S. Army, became the first sports director for WVRQ in 1969. Over his long career, he has called more than 1,500 baseball games and maintained a close connection to the Kee High program since 1973,. Before throwing the pitch, Gilbertson reflected on memorable moments from the program’s history, including a 13-inning state championship victory in 1980, and praised the dedication of longtime coach Gene Schultz,.
Vernon County Sheriff’s Report for the week ending Saturday, June 13, 2026
The Vernon County Sheriff’s Office managed a busy week of calls, most notably participating in a successful multi-agency search that utilized the county drone team to safely locate a missing two-and-a-half-year-old child in the Village of La Farge. Deputies also responded to a UTV collision with a deer in the Town of Greenwood that sent the driver to the hospital, cleared numerous downed trees from roadways, and investigated cut irrigation lines at a business in the Town of Kickapoo,. Additionally, the week included arrests for domestic disturbances and disorderly conduct, reports of stolen prescription medication in Readstown, and the tracking of a vehicle into La Crosse County after juveniles were reported shooting a BB gun from the windows,,.
Vernon Health Foundation to host Films on the Field at Vernon County Fairgrounds
The Vernon Health Foundation will host “Films on the Field,” a free outdoor community movie night, on Tuesday, July 21, at the Vernon County Fairgrounds racetrack field. The family-friendly event will feature a screening of the movie Ratatouille to promote creativity in the kitchen while raising awareness about local food insecurity. Admission is free, and complimentary food will be provided as part of the foundation’s mission to address hunger and support community health.
Crawford County launches 8-week community walking program
Crawford County residents will have a new way to stay active this summer with the return of “Crawford County on the Move,” an eight-week program focused on health, education, and walking. Starting the week of July 12, the free program will hold weekly meetings in Prairie du Chien, Eastman, Seneca, and Gays Mills. Participants will be offered health education sessions, group walks, daily walking logs, and health tips to help build healthier habits.
De Soto adds ‘business world’ experience and campus visits to 2026-27 career plan
The De Soto Area School District is updating its 2026-27 Academic Career Plan to better prepare middle and high school students for their post-graduation futures. Principal Tim Fergot announced changes that include adding a “business world” experience for eighth graders, at least two campus visits for sophomores, a final project for seniors, and increased personal reflection requirements. The state-mandated plan utilizes Xello software to help students explore career options and build portfolios tailored to their individual goals.
Traffic stop in De Soto leads to meth arrest of 67-year-old Ferryville woman
A 67-year-old Ferryville woman, Christine Busalacchi, was arrested on methamphetamine-related charges following a traffic stop in the Village of De Soto on June 13. During the stop, Crawford County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Diego alerted deputies to narcotics, leading to a vehicle search that uncovered approximately 33 grams of methamphetamine packaged in five bags, cash, and ledgers suspected of being tied to drug distribution. Busalacchi was taken to the Crawford County Jail and charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver.
Tackling the Timber. A Memorable Shell Lake Fishing Trip: Grouse Hollow Journal for June 19, 2026
In his latest “Grouse Hollow Journal” column, Greg Koelker shares a nostalgic look back at a June 2003 fishing trip to Shell Lake with his former student and fishing guide, Jake Ekern. The pair navigated the flooded, high-water conditions of the lake, eventually finding a secluded spot in the timber to successfully catch large bluegills. Koelker also touched on the unseasonably cool 47-degree June morning at his home and congratulated his nephew, Potosi/Cassville Chieftains head coach Tony Liebried, on taking his baseball team to the state tournament.
Viroqua wins state FFA middle school quiz bowl leadership development event
The Viroqua FFA Chapter captured first place at the State FFA Middle School Quiz Bowl Leadership Development Event during the 97th State Convention of the Wisconsin Association of FFA in Madison. The winning team, advised by agriculture teacher Olivia Lulich, demonstrated exceptional knowledge of FFA programs, history, and activities. The team advanced to the state finals by winning district and sectional contests, ultimately triumphing over teams from Marshall, Fennimore, and Cadott.
Vernon County Finance Committee backs $3 million for first phase of facilities improvement plan
The Vernon County Finance Committee has signaled its support for up to $3 million in critical heating, cooling, and controls upgrades at the sheriff’s office as part of a broader facilities improvement plan. During an investment-grade energy audit by Schneider Electric, consultants identified failing boilers and chillers at the jail and courthouse that put the county at risk of a heating or cooling emergency. The committee directed Schneider to focus the first phase of design work on replacing the sheriff’s office mechanical equipment and standardizing building automation systems across major county facilities, without immediately committing to a multi-million dollar roof replacement.
City of Viroqua advances engineering plans for active landfill gas extraction system
The Viroqua Public Works Committee unanimously approved a $235,000 engineering services agreement with TRC to move forward with an active landfill gas extraction system. The project is a state-mandated remediation effort by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to address high levels of methane gas migrating from the closed city dump into a nearby church property. The new engineering contract covers project manuals, construction plans, bid assistance, and quality assurance during the construction phase of the multi-million dollar abatement project.
De Soto Schools staff changes announced
The De Soto Area School District has announced several administrative and teaching staff changes for the upcoming fall semester. Prairie View Elementary Principal Scott Kelly will transition to become the principal for De Soto Area Middle and High School, succeeding Tim Fergot, who is stepping into the role of district superintendent. Stoddard Elementary Principal Derek Fuglsang will take on dual principal duties for both Stoddard and Prairie View. Additionally, the district hired recent UW-La Crosse graduates Katelyn McKittrick to teach middle school science and Finley Konrad to teach second grade at Prairie View.
Woman seriously injured after being struck by pickup in Vernon County
A 77-year-old Lone Rock woman, Judith Ann Goldade, sustained serious injuries after being struck by a reversing pickup truck in rural Vernon County on June 15. According to the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred on a private driveway in the Town of Kickapoo when the driver, Donald Frank Goldade, stopped to let Judith exit the vehicle and accidentally struck her while backing up. She was airlifted by GundersenAIR to Gundersen Health System in La Crosse for treatment.
A taste of Italy in Genoa: St. Charles Church prepares for annual risotto feast
St. Charles Church in Genoa is preparing for its 123-year-old Homecoming Picnic on July 5, celebrating community, family, and its famous traditional Italian risotto. The event, which dates back to 1903, was started by Italian settlers who shared freshly butchered chicken and risotto with visitors celebrating Independence Day. While the chicken will be catered by Pogy’s this year, local volunteers—now led by Cora Gianoli and her daughters—will continue the long-standing tradition of stirring the massive pots of risotto for the festival.
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