June 14, 2026
VernonReporter.com covered a wide variety of issues over the past week.
This week’s local government news highlighted crucial decisions regarding infrastructure, housing, and public facilities across the region. In Viroqua, the City Council reviewed a proposed short-term rental ordinance designed to protect the local housing inventory from outside investors by capping permits and limiting annual rental days. Progress is also moving forward at Viroqua’s Eckhart Park, where the city finalized plans to tear down the existing playground in mid-July ahead of a community-led rebuild scheduled for late September. At the county level, interim Solid Waste Administrator Gail Frie urged supervisors to either financially support the Vernon County Landfill through its current capacity issues and state expansion delays, or consider selling the operation to a private entity, and the county Conservation Committee decision to gamble on promised federal funding for the design and removal of the Jacobson Dam rather than utilizing a state grant.
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Viroqua library, parks department launch summer photography contest
McIntosh Memorial Library is partnering with Viroqua Parks and Recreation to host a community photography contest this July. Participants of all skill levels are encouraged to submit photos of local scenery, including birds, flowers, and landscapes, which will be printed and displayed on the library’s art wall. The winning image will be featured on the cover of the City of Viroqua’s Fall Guide.
UPDATE: Vernon County sex offender released in Richland County will reside in Vernon County
The Vernon County Sheriff’s Office notified the public that Rick L. Alexander, a registered sex offender, will be residing in Vernon County following his June 9 release from prison. Alexander, 45, was recently convicted of lewd and lascivious behavior in public in 2024, with previous convictions including sexual assault and exposing a child to harmful material. He will be under strict supervision, including electronic monitoring and a prohibition on unsupervised contact with minors.
In his latest column, Greg Koelker reflects on the passing of his longtime friend and former WKBT News Director, Mark Quade. Koelker shared fond memories of their time working together in broadcasting, playing poker, and fishing. The column also touched on everyday life in the Driftless region, including a near-miss with a turkey while riding his eBike and the sticker shock of paying $77 for a tank of gas.
Missing child found safe in La Farge after multi-agency search
A missing child in the Village of La Farge was found safe Thursday following a coordinated, multi-agency search. Police Chief Steven Palmer credited the successful outcome to the rapid response and cooperation of local emergency teams, volunteers, and K-9 units. The Vernon County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management were also instrumental in coordinating the effort and notifying the community.
Protecting what matters: One Monroe County family’s conservation journey
Rick and Susan Case recently placed their 118-acre Monroe County farm into a conservation easement with the Mississippi Valley Conservancy, ensuring the land will never be subdivided or developed. Since purchasing the property in 1980, the couple has implemented numerous conservation practices, such as rotational grazing, manure management, and flood abatement. The farm now serves as a vital sanctuary for more than 50 species of breeding birds and a thriving white-tailed deer population.
It’s the economy, argues Viroqua’s Missy Hughes as she seeks the Democratic nod for governor
Missy Hughes, the former CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. and former executive at Organic Valley, is emphasizing her economic and private sector experience as she campaigns for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination. Hughes argues that strong agriculture and manufacturing are essential to growing the state’s economy, which in turn will help fund priorities like public education. Throughout her campaign, she has sought to balance progressive values with pragmatic economic strategies.
Wonewoc man injured in early morning UTV crash in town of Greenwood
A 59-year-old Wonewoc man was injured early Thursday morning when his utility terrain vehicle struck a deer on County Road EE in the town of Greenwood. The impact caused the UTV to spin, leave the roadway, and roll onto its side before striking a tree. The driver’s cellphone automatically called 911 using a crash detection feature, and he was subsequently transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Vernon County gambles on federal funding for dam removal
Vernon County has decided to withdraw a state grant application for the decommissioning of Jacobson Dam, betting instead that the federal government will fulfill its promise to fund the engineering designs for 23 aging flood control dams in the region. The Natural Resources Conservation Service previously determined that the dams, built on fragile geology, no longer meet cost-benefit standards and should be permanently removed. County officials felt that the federal government, having built the structures, should remain responsible for their decommissioning.
The Viroqua City Council sent a proposed short-term rental ordinance back to the Housing Advisory Board for revisions, seeking to balance tourism with the need to protect the city’s housing stock from outside investors. The original draft suggested capping total permits for short-term rentals at 60 and limiting occupancy to 210 days per year. Following public feedback, the council recommended increasing the occupancy limit to 220 days, exempting owner-occupied rentals from the cap, and reducing fees for local residents.
Viroqua preschool plans shift to cooperative model to preserve local childcare
After 15 years in operation, Viroqua Children’s House Montessori Preschool is transitioning into a cooperative model to ensure the long-term sustainability of the childcare center. Founder Jessica Anderson and her teaching staff are forming the Viroqua Childcare Cooperative to combat industry challenges such as staffing shortages and educator burnout. The cooperative aims to maintain its Montessori-inspired, community-first approach while expanding opportunities for family involvement.
School year ends on high note as Westby High students learn stage combat and Shakespeare
Students at Westby High School finished the academic year with a hands-on stage combat workshop hosted by actors from the Viroqua Shakespeare Festival. Nearly four dozen students learned the basics of fencing etiquette and parrying from the troupe’s resident fight choreographer, giving them a unique perspective on taking classical texts from the page to the stage. The workshop also served to promote the festival’s upcoming production of Romeo and Juliet.
Gail Frie, the interim administrator of the Vernon County Landfill, told the Infrastructure Committee that the county must urgently decide whether to financially support the facility or sell it to a private operator. Frie warned that long delays and rising costs tied to the state Department of Natural Resources’ review of the landfill’s expansion plan have left the county in a tight spot. With rapidly filling airspace, an aging staff, and millions invested, Frie emphasized the need for a clear commitment from the County Board to keep the operation running.
Vernon County Sheriff’s Report for the week ending Saturday, June 6, 2026
The Vernon County Sheriff’s Office detailed several incidents in early June, including the arrest of a Viroqua man following a domestic disturbance that resulted in charges of criminal damage and resisting an officer. Deputies also responded to a report of broken veteran gravesite flags in the Town of Viroqua, and cited a driver for speeding 90 mph in a 55 mph zone in the Town of Hamburg.
Eckhart Park rebuild moves ahead with July teardown and fall community build
The long-awaited rebuild of Viroqua’s Eckhart Park playground is moving forward, with demolition of the current structure scheduled for mid-July. Parks and Recreation Director Kale Proksch confirmed that the new design has been adjusted slightly to protect mature trees and align with safety zones. The city plans to rely on volunteers for a community build week in late September to install the new, updated play structure.
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