VERNON COUNTY, Wis. — We decided for our Sunday edition of our newsletter we will bring you a summary of the local stories we have covered. Vernon County experienced a week marked by deep discussions on public finances, heartbreaking tragedy, recognition of outstanding community service and resilience, as local governments finalized budget measures and residents responded to critical infrastructure and environmental news.
We will be following up on other local news this week. It is budget season and we brought you the information about the county budget and we are looking into the final budget for the City of Viroqua and Viroqua Schools. We will bring some comments from the Dairyland Power open house that was held in Westby. We will bring an update on the City of Viroqua to abate the excess methane coming from the old city dump, and progress on the infrastructure project starting on the “Hanson Farm” development. And we will gather some deer harvest numbers so far in the nine day gun deer season.
This is the kind of coverage we are working hard to expand so we can bring you even more local content. Thanks to a very solid core of individual donors (you know who you are), and some major sponsors like the Viroqua Food Co-op and the Coon Creek Community Watershed Council we are gathering resources to keep growing. If you want to help us do more hit the donate button on our page or in our newsletter. We need your help to keep this going.
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This week’s major local stories covered a wide spectrum of issues, from tragic farm accidents to municipal policy and local leadership changes:
- 15-year-old Amish girl dies in farm accident near Westby
- Vernon County approves 2026 budget, restores SMRT Bus funding, cuts Historical Society funds, uses borrowing to fund long-term costs
- City of Viroqua continues effort to lower speed limit near golf course after DOT denial
- Detective Matthew Sutton appointed as next Chief Deputy Sheriff at the Vernon County Sheriff’s Department
- Vernon County Sheriff Deputy Jason Crume honored for 37 years of service with special badge
- La Crosse County votes to save SMRT Bus, but points to partners to step up
- Vernon County Sheriff issues warning about failure to respond to jury notice
- Vernon County landowners permanently protect 127 acres near Mississippi River
- Viroqua coffee roaster applauds Trump administration end to tariffs, but continues to pay unnecessary costs
- Emplify Health by Gundersen Hillsboro recognized for quality and patient experience
- Ken and Kay Deaver named 2025 Twinklefest parade marshals
- Vernon County Sheriff’s Report for the week ending Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025
- Dairyland Power to host informational meeting in Westby regarding major transmission line planned for Vernon and Crawford counties
To read the whole article scroll down the newsletter, click the link or go to our page.
15-year-old Amish girl dies in farm accident near Westby
A 15-year-old Amish girl died Friday, Nov. 14, following a tragic farm accident in the Town of Clinton, near Westby. Sheriff Roy Torgerson reported that the girl was riding on a horse-drawn, two-wheel forecart when the horses became startled after an 18-year-old male driver threw a rock from the cart. The girl fell and was run over by a wagon attached to the forecart, which was loaded with ear corn. She was flown to Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, where she died later that afternoon.
This incident serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the inherent dangers within the agricultural community and impacts the tight-knit Amish community near Westby. Vernon County authorities, including the Sheriff’s Office and the Coroner, continue to investigate the farm-related death.
Vernon County approves 2026 budget, restores SMRT Bus funding, cuts Historical Society funds, uses borrowing to fund long-term costs
The Vernon County Board of Supervisors finalized and adopted its 2026 budget this week, which includes authorizing approximately $4.7 million in new debt to finance capital needs like road projects and sheriff squad cars. This borrowing strategy is necessary because strict state levy limits severely restrict the county’s ability to fund rising costs, such as a projected $500,000 increase in the Human Services budget. The board unanimously restored the county’s $15,000 contribution to the Scenic Mississippi Regional Transit (SMRT) Bus service, granting the transportation program a temporary reprieve, though facing concerns over its high operational cost and low ridership.
However, the board maintained a 25% cut ($12,500) to the Vernon County Historical Society, despite appeals that the funding is crucial for paying the salaries of the society’s two part-time employees. The final budget determines the overall $12.7 million tax levy and includes efforts to fund flood mitigation efforts through a new grant application, aiming to address the county’s 47 flood-acquired properties. The budget directly impacts the financial landscape for every taxpayer, dictating which essential county services are funded and how future debt obligations will be met in Vernon County.
City of Viroqua continues effort to lower speed limit near golf course after DOT denial
The Viroqua City Council is redoubling its efforts to advocate to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) for a reduced speed limit on a hazardous segment of State Highway 14/61 near the Viroqua golf course. City officials are requesting an immediate, interim speed reduction for safety reasons, noting issues like an abrupt transition from 55 mph to 35 mph, a curve that obscures view, and difficulty for motorists exiting the golf course. Despite advocacy from city staff and State Senator Brad Pfaff’s office, the DOT formally rejected the request, stating existing conditions did not meet the necessary thresholds.
The City Council unanimously approved sending a formal letter to DOT Secretary Christina Boardman and plans to pressure the Vernon County Highway Safety Committee for support. This ongoing effort is paramount to Viroqua residents because it addresses a known, dangerous traffic corridor that has experienced close calls and a near-fatal accident, affecting daily commuter safety on a major roadway.
Detective Matthew Sutton appointed as next Chief Deputy Sheriff at the Vernon County Sheriff’s Department and Vernon County Sheriff Deputy Jason Crume honored for 37 years of service with special badge
The Vernon County Public Safety Committee unanimously approved Detective Matthew Sutton as the new Chief Deputy Sheriff on Nov. 4, marking a significant leadership transition. Sheriff Roy Torgerson praised Sutton for his stability and dependability, noting he has served almost 25 years with the department, including 18 or 19 years as a detective handling complex cases such as white-collar crimes and sexual assaults. Sutton’s appointment comes as the department faces the impending retirement of Chief Deputy Campbell and two others, totaling 98 years of experience leaving the building.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Jason Crume was honored with a surprise badge pinning ceremony recognizing his 37 years of service before his Dec. 19 retirement. Sheriff Torgerson authorized Lt. Crume to temporarily wear badge #54 to pay tribute to his late father, Deputy Jody Crume, who served until 1987. These personnel developments assure residents that experienced and reliable leadership is in place within the Sheriff’s Office during a period of necessary recruitment and retention efforts.
La Crosse County votes to save SMRT Bus, but points to partners to step up
In a dramatic reversal on Nov. 10, the La Crosse County Board of Supervisors voted 18-to-12 to restore $157,000 in transitional funding for the Scenic Mississippi Regional Transit (SMRT) bus service for one year. The vote, which overruled an earlier decision to cut the funding shortfall from the budget, was driven by dozens of personal appeals from riders. Vernon County residents, including Jennifer Morales, testified that the SMRT bus is a crucial lifeline used for essential needs, such as traveling from Viroqua to La Crosse for eye surgery or other medical appointments.
This decision is vital to Vernon County residents, as SMRT includes routes servicing Viroqua and is the most reliable, efficient, and affordable means of transportation for many non-drivers or those with disabling conditions to reach necessary medical and economic services outside of Viroqua. The restored funding provides a year to overhaul the service, as La Crosse supervisors stressed that partner counties, including Vernon County (which contributes 9.60% of the local funding share), must be forced to contribute their fair share to the program.
Vernon County Sheriff issues warning about failure to respond to jury notice
Vernon County Sheriff Roy Torgerson issued a public notice on Nov. 19 warning residents about the mandatory nature of the Juror Qualification Questionnaires for 2026 jury service. The Sheriff’s Office has devoted staff time to assist the Clerk of Circuit Court in addressing the backlog of non-compliant residents after two letters were initially sent out. As of Nov. 20, 68 residents still needed to complete the required paperwork, despite the Sheriff’s team clearing 25 people in a recent 24-hour period.
It is critical for Vernon County residents to comply quickly, as the Sheriff emphasized that completing the questionnaire is “not optional,” and failure to do so will “most likely” result in court-imposed consequences. The names of all individuals who remain non-compliant with the mandatory paperwork obligation will be released publicly on December 15th.
Vernon County landowners permanently protect 127 acres near Mississippi River
Marilyn Adam and Ralph Tauke, landowners driven by stewardship, permanently protected their 127 acres near the Mississippi River by signing a conservation easement with the Mississippi Valley Conservancy. Located southeast of Stoddard, the land features rolling agricultural fields and two forested bluffs. The easement ensures the land will never be subdivided or developed, addressing the high risk for residential development in that area.
This environmental action is important to Vernon County residents because the land is managed with strong conservation and organic farming practices, including no-till farming, which helps filter runoff, prevents erosion, and supports water quality for downstream neighbors. The protected property also provides crucial habitat for migratory species, including the state-threatened little brown bat.
Viroqua coffee roaster applauds Trump administration end to tariffs, but continues to pay unnecessary costs
Wonderstate Coffee, a Viroqua-based roaster and major local employer, welcomed the White House decision to repeal tariffs on imported coffee, beef, and tropical fruit. Co-owner TJ Semanchin was a vocal critic of the tariffs, which ranged up to 28 percent on certain countries, arguing they hurt local businesses because the U.S. does not produce coffee domestically at scale.
While the repeal prevents further cost accumulation, Semanchin reported that the business has already absorbed upwards of $100,000 in unexpected tariff costs this year, forcing the use of a line of credit and the delay of planned equipment purchases from a Wisconsin manufacturer. This story is important to Vernon County because it illustrates how complex federal economic policy directly impacts local jobs, investment decisions, and staff compensation at a large local business.
Emplify Health by Gundersen Hillsboro recognized for quality and patient experience
Emplify Health by Gundersen – Hillsboro was recognized for providing high-quality care and an exceptional patient experience. The hospital achieved an unplanned readmission rate of only 4.1%, ranking it in the top 10% of Wisconsin hospitals, significantly better than the state average of 9.65%. For the sixth straight year, the hospital also received the Chartis Performance Leadership Award for 2025 for top quartile performance in quality, outcomes, and patient perspective.
This recognition is crucial for Vernon County residents as it confirms that the local healthcare facility maintains high standards for care and recovery outcomes, demonstrating that quality and exceptional patient service are core values embedded in its operations.
Ken and Kay Deaver named 2025 Twinklefest parade marshals
The Viroqua Area Chamber selected Ken and Kay Deaver as the Parade Marshals for the 2025 Twinklefest Parade, celebrating their decades of extraordinary dedication to the Viroqua community. The couple is especially recognized for directing the Toys for Tots program for between 30 and 40 years, ensuring that thousands of children across the region experience the joy of the holiday season.
The Deavers’ service history also includes Ken teaching and coaching for 38 years, Kay working as a beautician in Viroqua for 61 years, and both serving 24 years on the Vernon County Fair Board and multiple terms on the Viroqua City Council. This honor is important as it spotlights the lifelong commitment of local citizens whose volunteerism and service have profoundly strengthened Viroqua’s communal and family life.
Vernon County Sheriff’s Report for the week ending Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025
The weekly Sheriff’s Report detailed routine law enforcement activity, including an investigation into a citizen reporting suspicion of being an unknowing party in a fraudulent employment/package laundering scam. Deputies responded to animal welfare concerns, investigated reported trespassing at a quarry, and addressed a vehicle fire on US Highway 14. A juvenile driver received a citation for tailgating after a semi driver flagged dangerous driving.
This report offers Vernon County residents important transparency into the day-to-day operations of the Sheriff’s Office, covering everything from criminal investigations to traffic safety and community service, such as assisting a motorist who locked their dog inside their truck in La Farge.
Dairyland Power to host informational meeting in Westby regarding major transmission line planned for Vernon and Crawford counties
Residents of Vernon County are being alerted to upcoming public meetings in Westby regarding the MariBell Transmission Project. This project involves a significant cross-state power transmission line planned for both Vernon and Crawford counties.
Local attention to these informational meetings is critical as the MariBell Transmission Project involves substantial infrastructure development that will directly affect local land use, property, and utility services across Vernon County.
This past week, our local news coverage focused intensely on the decisions and events shaping Vernon County, from critical budgetary constraints and infrastructure funding to public safety and the preservation of our natural and historical assets. We provided detailed insight into the challenging finalization of the 2026 County budget, the ongoing battle for road safety in Viroqua, and the impact of regional policy on essential transit services like the SMRT Bus. Coverage also highlighted the strength of the community through honoring long-serving law enforcement and recognizing local heroes, demonstrating a comprehensive commitment to reporting on the people, places, and policies that matter most to Vernon County residents.
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