July 26, 2026
From inspiring community initiatives and critical school funding discussions to honoring historical figures and addressing ongoing disaster recovery, VernonReporter.com covered a diverse range of issues over the past week. Whether it was the Viroqua Community Theatre preparing for its summer production, a local veteran’s cross-country ride for cancer research, or a heartfelt new memorial in Chaseburg, our reporting highlighted the stories shaping Southwest Wisconsin. Here is a look back at the news we brought you this week.
We believe good information helps communities make good decisions. Good decisions help create a community we want to be a part of. We work hard to bring you good information. And you can help us cover even more. If you could hit that donate button, you can help us keep doing what we are doing. $10 or $25 a month helps us add more resources. If you can give more, fantastic. EVERY donation helps.
Peace Run brings message of unity to Viroqua
The Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run made a stop in Viroqua on July 20, 2026, as part of a four-month, 50-state torch relay honoring America’s 250th anniversary. The international team of runners, who are spreading the message that peace begins with the individual, was warmly greeted at City Hall by Mayor Krista Browne and local residents. The group then ran together to Eckhart Park, where community members wrote personal messages of peace and hope. These messages are planned to be buried beneath the soil of the new Eckhart Park playground, which the community is scheduled to build in September.
A son’s legacy: Foundation donates EpiPens to Vernon County deputies
Vernon County Sheriff’s deputies will now carry life-saving epinephrine auto-injectors thanks to a generous donation from the Andrew Mueller Foundation. Mark and Cristin Mueller started the initiative after the tragic death of their 20-year-old son, Andrew, who suffered a fatal anaphylactic reaction in 2024 to an unknown peanut allergy before paramedics could arrive. Sheriff Roy Torgerson emphasized the critical need for this medication in rural areas where ambulance response times vary, and noted the department has already raised over $1,200 to help sustain the local replacement fund.
In his latest “Grouse Hollow Journal” column, Greg Koelker shares updates on summer bounties, fresh eggs, and his ongoing wait for gravel to fix rutted ridge roads. Koelker also passes along news from his children living out West, noting they have been dealing with drought, extreme heat, and thick wildfire smoke, with his son Ben even undergoing firefighting training at a Fire Camp.
Viroqua Community Theatre’s production of ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ coming to Landmark Center
The Viroqua Community Theatre will present the darkly comedic cult classic musical “Little Shop of Horrors” for two weekends this summer, running July 24-26 and July 31-August 2 at the Landmark Center Theater. Directed by Steven Laurden, the production features a talented local cast and brings the story of Seymour, Audrey, and a man-eating plant to life.
Vernon County resident cycling to help raise millions for cancer research bike-a-thon
Monte Dunnum, a 64-year-old retired local band director, will participate in the Pan-Mass Challenge on August 1-2, embarking on a 100-mile ride to raise money for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Dunnum is riding alongside his son in memory of his future daughter-in-law’s father, David Keegan, who passed away from mesothelioma and was a dedicated participant in the annual event.
Aiming to avoid short-term borrowing, De Soto school leaders zero in on fall referendum strategy
The De Soto Area School Board is fine-tuning its strategy for a potential November operational referendum as it navigates the financial challenges of declining enrollment. Working with Baird Public Finance, the board favors a three-year, non-recurring operational referendum that maintains a 30 percent fund balance, which would allow the district to pay its bills without relying on short-term borrowing before tax payments arrive.
The newly formed nonprofit Friends of Bigley Pool announced tens of thousands of dollars in grants and donations during a presentation to the Viroqua School Board, including a $30,000 grant from the Bigley Foundation for critical maintenance and a $2,000 anonymous donation for new pool deck furniture. The group is also focusing heavily on staffing by working to offer financial assistance to students for the $285 lifeguard certification courses.
After two decades, Chaseburg residents unveil memorial for children lost too soon
Spearheaded by local residents Rick and Sue Williams and Linda DeGarmo, who each experienced the profound loss of a child, the “A Place for Angels” memorial garden was recently unveiled in Chaseburg. The project, discussed for over 15 years and funded by generous community donations, serves as a tribute to children lost too soon and will eventually include a scholarship fund for graduating seniors who have lost a sibling.
Vernon County Disaster Recovery Center officially opens in Westby for April storm victims
A federal Disaster Recovery Center has officially opened in Westby following a Presidential Disaster Declaration for the severe storms, flooding, and tornadoes that battered the region in April. The center will assist homeowners and renters in applying for FEMA Individual Assistance, which can help cover home repairs, temporary housing, vehicle damage, and other disaster-caused expenses.
Viroqua Fire Department responds to garage fire in Town of Franklin
The Viroqua Fire Department responded to a garage fire in the Town of Franklin. They were assisted at the scene by several area agencies, including the Westby Fire Department, Viola Fire Department, Vernon County Sheriff’s Office, Tri-State Ambulance, and Vernon Electric.
WTA Executive Director (right) – contributed photo
Sen. Brad Pfaff receives Friend of the Towns Award
State Senator Brad Pfaff (D-Onalaska) was awarded the Wisconsin Towns Association’s (WTA) 2025-26 Friend of the Towns Award. The award honors lawmakers who demonstrate a strong commitment to local governance and support the principle that decisions are best made closest to the people they affect. WTA leadership praised Sen. Pfaff for his accessibility, advocacy, and consistent efforts to secure funding for town roads and modernize local laws.
Gov. Evers appoints Monroe County Judge Todd Ziegler to Wisconsin Court of Appeals
Governor Tony Evers has appointed Monroe County Circuit Judge Todd Ziegler to the District IV Court of Appeals. Judge Ziegler will fill the vacancy left by Judge Chris Taylor, who was recently elected to the Wisconsin Supreme Court, and his term will run through July 31, 2027. Ziegler has served on the bench in Monroe County since 2007, where he was instrumental in establishing the county’s first operating-while-intoxicated treatment court.
Readstown Wis. – Front row: Jim Griesel, Timothy Bennish, Dan Chroninger, Kevin Chroninger Back row: Jeff Graf, Brian McManus – contributed photo
Readstown Civil War soldier gets headstone in the Manning Cemetery after 144 years
Richard “Dick” Anderson, a Civil War veteran who served in the 17th Wisconsin Regiment and the 4th U.S. Infantry, was honored with a headstone at Manning Cemetery 144 years after his death. Anderson tragically died in 1882 after being struck by a train in Sparta. His widow, Mary, was controversially denied his military pension because the government ruled his death a suicide—a decision that stood despite local fundraising efforts and a veto by President Grover Cleveland. On July 18, 2026, the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War finally dedicated the headstone next to his wife’s resting place.
Five area Lions Clubs donate record $12,500 to Lions Camp and food pantries
Five regional Lions Clubs—Coon Valley, Viroqua, St. Joseph Ridge, Cashton, and Westby—raised a record-breaking $12,500 during their 19th annual Lions Golf Tournament at the Viroqua Hills Golf Course. The clubs donated $7,850 of the proceeds to the Wisconsin Lions Camp in Rosholt, which provides free summer camp experiences for youth and adults with disabilities. The remaining $4,650 was split evenly between three local food pantries: the Living Faith Food Pantry in Viroqua, Bethel Butikk in Westby, and the Cashton Cupboard and Closet.
Guest Column: Recent food safety news reminds us of the joy of growing our own fruit
In a recent guest column, Jennifer Tubbin of Second Nature at Reads Creek highlighted how recent news regarding Cyclospora illnesses linked to fresh produce serves as a great reminder of the benefits of growing your own fruit. Tubbin encouraged residents to plant berry bushes, grapevines, and fruit trees, pointing out that Wisconsin’s climate is highly suitable for backyard orchards. Cultivating your own fruit not only provides safe, fresh food but also supports local pollinators and creates an opportunity to connect children with nature.
Gov. Evers Appoints Amy Forehand as Richland County District Attorney
Governor Tony Evers appointed Amy Forehand as the new Richland County District Attorney, filling a vacancy left by the resignation of Jennifer Harper. Forehand, whose term will run through January 2029, brings more than two decades of experience to the position. Since 2002, she has served as the county’s assistant district attorney and assistant corporation counsel, successfully prosecuting cases ranging from traffic offenses to violent felonies, and handling child protection and mental commitment matters.
Add comment