June 28, 2026
From critical discussions on surveillance data privacy and county legal representation to community celebrations, local political shifts, and school district wage increases, our reporting covered a wide array of issues shaping Southwest Wisconsin. Over the past week, we highlighted everything from significant infrastructure improvements and conservation efforts to public safety updates and the suspension of a high-profile gubernatorial campaign. Here is a look back at the local stories we brought to you, starting with the latest news.
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Who controls the data? Vernon County’s use of surveillance tech raises questions
Across Wisconsin, communities are increasingly pushing back against the use of automated license plate reading cameras following updates to the terms of service from vendor Flock Safety, which removed a clause promising not to sell customer data and asserted a perpetual license to use the data for algorithm training. Vernon County currently operates five Flock cameras to assist in serious investigations, such as Amber or Silver Alerts, and successfully used the system recently to quickly locate a missing woman with dementia. County Board Chair Lorn Goede noted he was previously unaware of the cameras but is open to committee discussions to ensure law enforcement has necessary tools while maintaining guardrails to protect citizens’ personal data from misuse.
Following months of contentious debate over the structure of its legal services, the Vernon County Board of Supervisors approved a three-year contract with the La Crosse-based law firm Johns Flaherty & Collins to serve as corporation counsel. The decision came after the resignation of the county’s former counsel, prompting a compressed timeline to secure new representation. The board heavily amended the contract prior to approval, striking an automatic renewal clause and establishing a 90-day unilateral termination provision. While the contract secures immediate legal counsel, supervisors explicitly stated they want to continue analyzing the costs and benefits of eventually transitioning to a permanent, in-house county attorney.
Driftless Music Festival returns July 11 to Viroqua
The 14th Annual Driftless Music Festival will return to Viroqua’s Eckhart Park on Saturday, July 11, bringing a full day of free live music and community gathering to the Driftless Region. The volunteer-run event will run from noon to 9:30 p.m. and features a diverse lineup including jazz, bluegrass, cosmic funk, and improvisational rock. Attendees can also enjoy local food vendors, beverages, and raffle prizes that help support free live music programming in the city.
Village of Readstown makes playground improvements at Readstown Park
Families in Readstown have a safer and cleaner place to gather following recent playground improvements at Readstown Park. The village’s public works crew installed new borders and fresh wood chips to transform the play area. The upgrades were made possible by a Community Development Grant from Vernon County and material donations from County Line Excavation.
State Sen. Pfaff receives Wisconsin Counties Association’s Outstanding Legislator Award
State Senator Brad Pfaff (D-Onalaska) and Representative Tara Johnson were presented with the Wisconsin Counties Association’s Outstanding Legislator Award during a ceremony at Riverside Park in La Crosse. Pfaff, who represents the 32nd Senate District, accepted the award alongside local county officials and emphasized his ongoing commitment to delivering resources to the Coulee Region and ensuring counties have the tools needed to serve taxpayers.
DNR to demonstrate electrofishing, share fisheries data at next Coon Creek Watershed Council meeting
Recent surveys by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources show the average number of brook trout per mile in Coon Creek’s Bohemian Valley fishery area has risen from 15 to 53 between 2024 and 2025. To share these and other findings from a comprehensive 14-site survey, DNR Senior Fisheries Biologist Kirk Olson will speak and demonstrate electrofishing at the Coon Creek Community Watershed Council’s July 1 meeting.
De Soto School District raises starting salary for teachers
To remain competitive with surrounding rural districts, the De Soto Area School District will raise its base wage for new teachers starting this fall. Administrators noted that the previous $42,600 starting salary lagged behind regional averages, and new educators are increasingly prioritizing base wages over district health benefits. The board’s focus on teacher retention and fiscal responsibility previously led them to implement a 2.5 percent health insurance premium cost-share for employees to help save the district money.
Soldiers Grove Man Arrested on Multiple Drug and Traffic Charges
A traffic stop in the Village of Soldiers Grove led to the arrest of 51-year-old Brent Schaller of Soldiers Grove on multiple serious drug and traffic charges. According to the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, Schaller faces accusations including his 6th offense of operating with a restricted controlled substance, felony eluding, and possession of methamphetamine and THC. A second individual was released from the scene pending related drug possession charges.
The Mississippi Valley Conservancy is hosting a free, guided public tour on July 23 to showcase creative approaches to wildlife habitat improvement at Nature Nooks Retreat. Landowner and Conservancy board member Tom Lukens, who protected his 87-acre Vernon County property with a permanent conservation easement in 2015, will lead a 1.5-mile walk highlighting prairie restoration, native plantings, and a beaver dam analog that supports rich local biodiversity.
Viroqua’s Missy Hughes suspends campaign for Wisconsin governor, endorses Rodriguez
Missy Hughes, the former CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp., has officially suspended her campaign for the Democratic nomination for Wisconsin governor and endorsed Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez. While praising the entire field of Democratic candidates, Hughes stated that Rodriguez is the best-positioned candidate to build an enduring coalition, address the state’s challenges, and win the general election in November.
Vernon County Sheriff’s Department Report for the week ending Saturday, June 20, 2026
The Vernon County Sheriff’s Office reported several varied incidents over the past week, including a traffic stop in the Town of Bergen that resulted in an arrest for narcotic drug possession and an individual in Westby who was arrested on battery and strangulation charges following a domestic disturbance. Deputies also handled multiple reports of loose livestock on roadways and investigated a report of a vehicle throwing beer cans at horse-drawn buggies in the Town of Greenwood.
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