Sunday Summary: Local stories carried on VernonReporter.Com this week

Feb. 8, 2026

VERNON COUNTY, Wis. (AP) — A week defined by forward-looking initiatives and critical infrastructure decisions saw Vernon County and the surrounding Driftless Region tackling issues ranging from groundwater safety and agricultural innovation to major federal funding announcements and public safety testing.

Since the beginning of February, our local news coverage has highlighted the region’s efforts to balance economic development with environmental stewardship and public health. We reported on significant legislative moves, including secured federal funds for local healthcare and state-level support for cannabis legalization, alongside community-level efforts to improve lung health, expand transit access, and foster new agricultural industries like hazelnut production.

Vernon County Sheriff’s Report for the week ending Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026

The Vernon County Sheriff’s Office reported a series of vandalism and disturbance incidents during the final week of January. Notably, a deputy investigated a case in the Town of Greenwood where a flammable object was thrown at a residence’s door, though no entry was gained. The report also detailed multiple incidents involving BB guns, including vehicle windows shot out in Hillsboro and a neighboring county’s squad car being struck while traveling through the city.

Other activity included responding to a domestic incident in Viola, a burglary in Stoddard where jewelry and cash were taken, and a report of nearly 30 head of cattle loose on a road in the Town of Forest. Law enforcement also addressed reports of erratic driving by a semi-truck near Coon Valley, which the driver attributed to strong winds affecting an empty trailer.

Crawford County Health Department targets lung health improvements

The Crawford County Health Department has initiated the “Let’s Talk Lungs” campaign to address data showing that while local lung cancer diagnosis rates track with the state average, the mortality rate is significantly higher. The initiative focuses on three key areas: promoting early detection through screenings, providing resources to reduce smoking and vaping, and encouraging radon testing in homes.

This campaign is vital for residents as it seeks to close the mortality gap by addressing root causes. The department is offering free radon test kits during peak testing season to help homeowners identify the odorless gas, which is the second leading cause of lung cancer, and is connecting residents with evidence-based support programs like Freedom From Smoking.

Driftless Area Water Study to offer well testing for up to 400 wells in three counties

Conservation and Health Departments in Crawford, Richland, and Vernon counties launched the 2026 phase of the Driftless Area Water Study (DAWS), offering free comprehensive groundwater testing to 400 selected households. The study, conducted in partnership with the UW-Stevens Point Water and Environmental Analysis Lab, aims to establish a scientific baseline for regional drinking water health in the area’s complex fractured karst geology.

Selected participants will receive testing packages valued at $128 that screen for bacteria, nitrates, metals like arsenic and lead, and other water quality indicators. This effort is critical for establishing a clearer picture of the safety of the shared groundwater source that serves nearly all residents in the Driftless Area.

Vernon County to test emergency alert system April 8

Vernon County Emergency Management announced a system-wide test of the Everbridge Mass Notification System scheduled for Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at 6 p.m. The test will send alerts via phone calls, texts, and emails to ensure the system is reliable for delivering urgent information during severe weather or public safety incidents.

Officials noted that phone alerts will come from the number 608-637-5399 and encouraged residents to save this contact. This testing ensures that in a true emergency, the community can be reached quickly and effectively.

Sen. Baldwin secures over $5 million for 5 projects including Vernon Health, Family & Children’s Center

U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin voted to pass a government funding bill that earmarks over $5 million for projects in Western Wisconsin, including substantial investments in local healthcare infrastructure. Specifically, the Vernon Memorial Healthcare Foundation Inc. is set to receive $2,213,000 for the construction of a new clinic, and the Family and Children’s Center of Wisconsin will receive $1,000,000 for a mental health diagnostic center.

This funding is a major development for Vernon County residents, directly supporting the expansion of accessible, high-quality medical and mental health services within the community. The package also includes funding for addiction services at Gundersen La Crosse and educational programs at the Pablo Center.

Sen. Pfaff supports cannabis legalization in Wisconsin

State Senator Brad Pfaff (D-Onalaska) publicly announced his support for legislation to fully legalize cannabis in Wisconsin, arguing that the state is missing out on economic benefits currently enjoyed by neighboring states. Pfaff cited the potential for creating jobs, supporting farmers, and generating estimated tax revenues of up to $300 million annually within five years.

Pfaff emphasized that a regulated market would prioritize public safety while providing funds that could support local schools, roads, and healthcare. He noted that neighboring Illinois generated nearly half a billion dollars in cannabis tax revenue in 2024 alone.

Regional beef direct marketing workshops scheduled for our area

The Wisconsin Beef Council, in conjunction with UW-Madison Extension and state agencies, is hosting workshops to help farmers direct market their beef. A local session is scheduled for March 6 in Viroqua, featuring a classroom portion at the Sheriff’s Office Training Room and a carcass cutting demonstration at Nordik Meats.

These workshops are designed to help local producers navigate licensing, labeling, and consumer expectations, offering a pathway to increase profitability by selling directly to consumers. Topics will include marketing tools, pricing strategies, and building relationships with processors.

McIntosh Memorial Library to host program about local transportation

The McIntosh Memorial Library and Vernon County Over 50 are teaming up to host an informational panel on local transportation options on Feb. 11. The panel will feature representatives from Running Inc. (shared-ride taxi and SMRT bus), the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC), and Bethel Home’s Helping Hands service.

This program addresses a critical need for residents who are non-drivers or require assistance traveling to medical appointments and essential services. It aims to clarify the various transit systems available in the area, from commuter buses to wheelchair-accessible vans.

Viroqua Public Works Committee recommends active methane extraction system

The Viroqua Public Works Committee voted to recommend installing an active gas extraction system at the closed municipal landfill to address dangerous methane migration. Consultants advised against a cheaper passive system, estimating it had only a 30% chance of success, which could lead to higher long-term costs if it failed to meet DNR standards.

City Administrator Nate Torres supported the move, emphasizing that it is not prudent to gamble on a passive system when public safety and regulatory compliance are at stake. The active system, estimated to cost between $2.2 and $2.4 million, would use mechanical blowers to vacuum gas from the site, with a target operational date of late summer 2026.

Viroqua tourism event grant applications now open

The Viroqua Chamber has opened applications for its Tourism Event Grant program, seeking proposals for events taking place between April and December that attract visitors and boost the local economy. The grants are intended to offset costs for festivals, cultural celebrations, and arts experiences that enhance community vibrancy.

This funding opportunity is significant for local organizers and non-profits looking to launch or expand events that showcase Viroqua as a destination. Applications are due by Feb. 28.

McIntosh Memorial Library to host JobPod grand opening

A ribbon-cutting ceremony is set for Feb. 26 to launch “JobPod” at the McIntosh Memorial Library, a self-enclosed space funded by Microsoft and workforce development partners to help job seekers. The soundproof pod provides high-speed internet and privacy for online interviews, training, and connecting with workforce experts.

As Viroqua lacks a dedicated physical Job Center, this resource bridges a vital gap for residents seeking employment, removing barriers related to internet access and transportation.

Driftless area residents to gather for meetings on proposed high-voltage power line

A volunteer group of residents is hosting meetings, including one in Gays Mills, to inform the public about the proposed MariBell Transmission Project, a 765-kilovolt power line planned to cross the Driftless Area. Residents and landowners are organizing to discuss potential impacts on property rights, the environment, and electricity bills.

Opposition groups are raising concerns about the scale of the towers (up to 200 feet tall) and questioning the necessity of the project for local reliability versus regional bulk transfer. The meetings aim to prepare residents for the regulatory process with the Public Service Commission.

Coon Creek producers offered priority access to hazelnut innovations through ‘Early Adopter’ pilot

The Coon Creek Community Watershed Council hosted Jason Fischbach of the Upper Midwest Hazelnut Development Initiative to discuss scaling up hazelnut production as a sustainable crop for the region. Fischbach presented a plan for “Early Adopter Commercial Partners” to pool orders for high-quality, cloned hazelnut cultivars, aiming to establish 20,000 acres in the Midwest by 2030.

This initiative offers local landowners a potential new cash crop that aligns with conservation goals like flood mitigation and water infiltration. By clustering growers, the program hopes to overcome barriers related to harvesting equipment and processing.

Insurance enrollment and resource connections at McIntosh Memorial Library

The McIntosh Memorial Library, in partnership with Scenic Bluffs Community Health Center, is offering walk-in insurance enrollment assistance in February and March. Staff will be available to help residents navigate Medicaid, the Marketplace, and other insurance options on Feb. 12 and March 12.

This service provides essential support for individuals and families needing to secure healthcare coverage, removing the complexity of navigating these systems alone.

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