March 29, 2026
VERNON COUNTY, Wis. — Over the past week, the Driftless Region saw major community transitions, environmental enforcement updates, and intense civic engagement. Our local coverage highlighted significant developments in local healthcare and business leadership, the unveiling of public arts and park projects, and ongoing efforts to manage city facilities, including the old landfill and a proposed relocation of the yard waste site. We also covered the final pitches from Viroqua’s mayoral candidates, nationwide protests, a new branding identity for Vernon County, and the celebration of local law enforcement.
Here is a look back at the local stories we covered this week, starting with the most recent:
City of Viroqua releases details of community build project for Eckhart Park playground
The City of Viroqua Parks & Recreation Department released the details of an upcoming community build project to replace and revitalize the playground located at Eckhart Park. The city is asking for volunteers and financial contributions to help construct the new play area during community build days scheduled for late September through early October.
For more than a decade, the Prairie du Chien Project Crew has partnered with the Mississippi Valley Conservancy to restore local land while simultaneously rebuilding lives. Each day spent working in the field—performing tasks like clearing fire breaks and invasive species control—serves as an investment in the crew members’ futures and a step toward restoring the region’s ecosystems for both wildlife and residents.
Viroqua and Vernon County join the No Kings protest across the country
Viroqua residents gathered to participate in the “No Kings” protest movement that has drawn crowds across the United States and Europe. The local demonstration joined the nationwide pushback against what organizers describe as authoritarianism.
After building a $12.2 million community anchor, Viroqua Food Co-op manager steps down
Jan Rasikas, the general manager of the Viroqua Food Co-op, is stepping down in October 2026 after successfully leading the development and expansion of a $12.2 million community anchor over her 27-year tenure. She is widely credited with professionalizing the operation, overseeing major multi-million dollar expansions, and introducing industry innovations to the cooperative.
Vernon Health and Emplify Health announce they are exploring a regional affiliation
Vernon Health announced it has signed a letter of intent to explore a closer partnership with Emplify Health by Gundersen. The move to open discussions on a potential regional affiliation is a significant step that could heavily shape the future of medical care throughout Vernon County.
Viroqua Community Theatre announces 2026-2027 performance season lineup
The Viroqua Community Theatre unveiled its 2026-2027 performance season, promising a mix of musical comedy, family-friendly shows, and a showcase of local talent. The organization stated the upcoming season will offer something for “every age, every family, and every theatre-lover”.
Design for methane extraction system for leaking city dump moves forward
The Viroqua Public Works Committee reviewed preliminary designs for a multi-million dollar active methane extraction system to address dangerous gas migrating from the old city dump at the end of Sands Road. The discussion focused heavily on the placement of industrial blowers and a gas flare, and the committee opted to forward the design to the full city council without a specific recommendation to allow for more deliberation.
Viroqua proposes changing location of yard waste site to stop illegal dumping
The City of Viroqua is proposing a change to the location of its municipal yard waste site. The proposal is being brought forward as a measure to put a stop to ongoing issues with illegal dumping at the facility.
Vernon County staff reports numerous mines or quarries may be out of compliance with regulations
Modernized mapping of non-metallic mining across Vernon County by the Land and Water Conservation Department revealed that several operations are extracting beyond their permitted limits. The county currently has 47 such quarries and pits, encompassing 538.5 acres of disturbed land, and the department is asking out-of-compliance operations to update their reclamation plans.
De Soto Schools ensure special education needs are met with renewed speech therapy contract
The De Soto Area School District is evaluating economical ways to help students with extra challenges learn and communicate. The district recently renewed its speech therapy contract to ensure special education needs are continuously met for its students.
Viroqua mayoral candidates share detailed visions at local forum
Viroqua mayoral candidates Krista Browne and Roger Call shared their platforms at a community forum hosted by Threefold Driftless at the Viroqua VFW. The nonpartisan race will determine who succeeds incumbent Mayor Justin Running, with Browne focusing on community engagement and flexible housing, and Call emphasizing tax control, business attraction, and completing local construction projects.
De Soto Schools strengthen community relationships through outreach effort
De Soto High School art teacher Carissa Brudos led a community outreach initiative by teaching an evening book-making class for local mothers, grandmothers, and other community members. The effort aims to strengthen the district’s ties with area residents as part of the De Soto Area School District’s Community Engagement Plan.
La Farge Police ramp up property cleanup efforts, outline options for residents
As spring cleanup season gets underway, the La Farge Police Department is reminding property owners to clear their yards of junked vehicles, appliances, and other debris or face potential enforcement actions. The systematic, sector-by-sector initiative aims to improve neighborhood appearance, deter crime, and protect public health by enforcing village ordinances regarding motor vehicles and sanitation. Property owners found in violation will receive a notice and a grace period to repair, relocate, screen, or remove the non-compliant items, with an option to apply for a $50 Temporary Storage Permit for a single vehicle. To assist residents with disposal, the Village of La Farge is also hosting a Clean Up Day on April 18 at the Quonset Hut on South Mill Street.
Vernon County rolls out new brand identity highlighting Driftless landscape
Vernon County officials received a first look at the county’s new unified brand identity during the March 19 Board of Supervisors meeting, marking the culmination of a months-long strategic planning effort. Community Development Director Amy Oliver presented the final designs, which feature a new logo with rolling hills to reflect the Driftless landscape, a rising sun representing optimism, and the tagline “A great place to grow”.
Sheriff Torgerson recognizes detective JoEllen Egge for dual American Legion honors
Vernon County Sheriff Roy Torgerson announced that Detective JoEllen Egge was recently recognized for her dedicated work with two distinguished American Legion awards.
Vernon County Sheriff’s Office to host local sites for 2026 National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
To help combat the opioid epidemic and prevent prescription drug abuse, the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office announced it will host two local collection sites in Stoddard and Readstown on Saturday, April 25, as part of the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
Vernon County Sheriff’s Report for the week ending Saturday, March 21, 2026
The weekly Vernon County Sheriff’s Report detailed local law enforcement’s ongoing activities, investigations, and incident responses for the week ending Saturday, March 21, which included multiple traffic citations and arrests for Operating While Under the Influence and Possession of THC.
Grouse Hollow Journal for Friday, March 13, 2026 (These are the good old days)
In the latest installment of the Grouse Hollow Journal, author Greg Koelker shares his preparations for a looming winter storm, detailing how he moved his tractor and side-by-side into the garage, stored emergency drinking water, and stocked up on birdseed for “The Cardinal Cafe”. Koelker also shares a humorous story about a friend managing a Colorado estate who had to use an ATV and a pool skimmer pole to extract a dead elk from a swimming pool. On a more practical note, he observes a recent 60-cent spike in local gas prices, taking it to $3.60 a gallon, and notes a family fishing gathering relocated to Genoa due to lack of ice up north.
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