June 7, 2026
From crucial infrastructure upgrades and shifts in county governance to the crowning of a new Miss Wisconsin USA and visits from national political figures, VernonReporter.com covered a diverse range of issues over the past week. Whether it was the pursuit of millions in grant money for public safety, local fundraising for food security, or a closer look at our aging county buildings, our reporting highlighted the events shaping Southwest Wisconsin. Here is a look back at the stories we brought to you, starting with the latest news.
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Vernon County General Government Committee gives Land Information Office a formal home committee
The Vernon County General Government Committee voted to designate the county’s Infrastructure Committee as the new monthly home committee for the Land Information Office. Previously, the office—which manages the county’s digital mapping and GIS data—reported primarily to the Land Information Council, which meets quarterly. While the Land Information Council will remain in place to meet statutory requirements, the new alignment aims to provide the technical department with a clearer path into the county’s regular policy and budget processes. The full County Board will need to formally amend the committee structure to finalize the change.
Public invited to explore ham radio at Chaseburg field day
The Riverland Amateur Radio Club is preparing to host a 24-hour Field Day event at the Chaseburg Legion Ball Park starting June 27. The event is part of a broader, continent-wide exercise by the National Association for Amateur Radio to test emergency communication preparedness. The public is invited to attend the event, where operators will demonstrate voice, Morse code, and digital modes using portable equipment and temporary antennas. The local club, which has about 40 members, will also host a potluck and offer guidance to anyone interested in obtaining a ham radio license.
VIDEO: Viroqua agriculture teacher crowned Miss Wisconsin USA prepares for national stage
Olivia Lulich, a 24-year-old agriculture teacher and FFA advisor at Viroqua High School, was crowned the 2026 Miss Wisconsin USA. Lulich, who won the state title in Des Moines, Iowa, celebrated the milestone with her students during a school assembly. She plans to use her platform to educate the public about the importance of agriculture and highlight the hard work of American farmers, noting that the industry is rarely discussed in the pageant world. Lulich will compete for the Miss USA title this August in Miami.
Trump appears with Van Orden, Tiffany at Chippewa Falls farm roundtable
Former President Donald Trump visited Custer Farms in Chippewa Falls for an agriculture roundtable, marking his first trip to Wisconsin during the 2026 election season. Trump was joined by U.S. Reps. Derrick Van Orden and Tom Tiffany, signaling the political importance of the region to Republicans. Trump spent over 40 minutes critiquing his political opponents and promising that his policies would lower fertilizer and energy prices for farmers. Meanwhile, Democratic leaders argued that Trump’s previous trade wars and foreign policies had actually driven up costs and harmed Wisconsin’s agricultural economy.
An investment-grade energy audit by Schneider Electric revealed that Vernon County is facing between $5 million and $10 million in necessary upgrades to its aging facilities. Key pieces of heating and cooling equipment at the sheriff’s office and courthouse are past their expected lifespans and at risk of failing. Supervisors and maintenance staff warned that waiting for the equipment to fail would force the county into costly emergency repairs amid long supply-chain delays for custom equipment. Officials are currently working to prioritize the immediate replacement of “critical infrastructure,” such as boilers and chillers, while exploring long-term phasing to budget for the remainder of the projects.
In his latest “Grouse Hollow Journal” column, Greg Koelker shared a humorous but painful account of falling off his eBike, affectionately named Cardio, during a ride near Stoddard. Despite sustaining a few scrapes and surprising his wife with a bloody return to the kitchen, Koelker remained in good spirits and planned to get back in the saddle soon. Koelker also touched on life’s unexpected surprises, noting his sticker shock over the price of recreational gas, and sent birthday wishes to family members.
Following the resignation of long-time Corporation Counsel Nikki Swayne, the Vernon County General Government Committee met to discuss the transition of the county’s legal representation. Swayne, who submitted her 90-day notice in April, attended the meeting virtually, sparking some debate among supervisors regarding the efficiency of virtual versus in-person attendance. The county has received proposals from several law firms to fill the position. The committee scheduled a closed session to thoroughly review the candidates and discuss potential limited extensions for Swayne to wrap up highly sensitive ongoing cases.
Vernon County names Frie as interim solid waste manager while Sanborn is on leave
The Vernon County General Government Committee unanimously appointed former Solid Waste Administrator Gail Frie as the interim part-time manager of the county landfill. Frie steps into the role as current Solid Waste Director Stacie Sanborn takes a health-related leave of absence. Frie, who helped originally site the landfill in the 1990s, was chosen for his vast institutional knowledge. Supervisors noted that his experience is crucial for keeping the facility’s complex, multi-year expansion project on track and maintaining compliance with state regulations during Sanborn’s absence.
Facing rate hikes, De Soto Schools shift portion of healthcare costs to employees
For the first time in over 20 years, employees of the De Soto Area School District will be required to pay a portion of their health insurance premiums. Facing a 9 percent increase for medical coverage and a 13 percent hike for prescriptions, the School Board approved a 2.5 percent employee premium contribution. While some board members argued the cost-share was a fiscal necessity in a tough economy, others expressed concerns that reducing take-home pay could hurt teacher retention, particularly since the district’s wages are already on the lower end.
County committee still struggling with county employee weapons policy
The Vernon County General Government Committee is working to revise the county’s internal employee weapons policy following the recent passage of an ordinance that bans the general public from carrying firearms in county buildings. Officials are trying to close a gap in the decade-old workplace violence policy so that it aligns with the new ordinance, which is intended to allow county employees with concealed carry permits to bring guns onto county property. The committee has directed human resources and legal staff to continue drafting clearer language with guidance from the county’s insurer.
Viroqua’s Public Works Committee approved an updated capital improvement priority list to guide the city’s street and infrastructure projects over the next several years. The committee prioritized projects tied to expiring state grants, including reconstruction work on West South Street and consultant design work for Education Avenue. Additionally, the committee reshuffled downtown parking lot priorities, moving the Mr. G’s lot ahead of the Eagles/Jefferson Street lot, and authorized bidding for the 2026 sealcoat and surface maintenance program.
Dairy Days petting zoo and the return of Snake Discovery Company to Viroqua
To celebrate National Dairy Month, the McIntosh Memorial Library is hosting the “Dairy Days: Barnyard Bash” on June 20 at the Vernon County Courthouse lawn. The event will feature a petting zoo with live farm animals and dairy snacks. In addition, the library is partnering with the Snake Discovery Company for an educational reptile program at the Viroqua High School Gymnasium on June 25. The free event offers attendees the chance to learn about and safely interact with a wide variety of snakes.
Med-Flight called after juvenile struck by truck in Richland County
A juvenile bicyclist suffered serious injuries after a collision with a truck at the intersection of County Highway RC and Raymond Lane in Richland County. According to the Richland County Sheriff’s Office, the truck was attempting to pass the bicyclist when the juvenile veered into the lane of traffic. The child was treated at the scene and eventually transported by medical helicopter to the University of Wisconsin Hospital in Madison.
Local health officials warn disease carrying mosquitoes love discarded un-rimmed tires
The Crawford County Health Department is urging residents to properly dispose of unused, un-rimmed tires to help combat mosquito-borne illnesses. Discarded tires collect rainwater and heat up, creating a perfect, predator-free breeding ground where thousands of mosquitoes can hatch in a matter of days. Health officials warn that these mosquitoes can transmit serious diseases, including the West Nile virus, Zika virus, and dengue fever.
The City of Prairie du Chien was awarded a $4.95 million grant from USDA Rural Development to build a modern, joint facility for its police and fire departments. The new building will feature a shared training and fitness center, apparatus bays, living quarters, and dedicated office spaces. Officials expect the shared roof to streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance collaboration between the departments to improve public safety for over 5,500 local residents.
The Coon Creek Community Watershed Council (CCCWC) focused its June 3 meeting on the benefits of value-added agriculture for local farmers. Held at the Honesty Bar(n) in Rulland’s Coulee, the event featured local producers discussing how diversifying their businesses—from processing farm goods to offering agricultural experiences—builds economic resilience. The meeting also included insights from Vernon County’s Community Development Coordinator and featured a farm-to-table burger truck operated by a Cashton-based couple.
Vernon-Crawford Farmers Union partners with pizza farm for summer fundraising series
The Vernon-Crawford Chapter of the Wisconsin Farmers Union (WFU) is hosting four pizza night fundraisers this summer at Sittin Pretty Farm in Viroqua. Chapter members will volunteer to make and serve wood-fired pizzas, with all profits supporting the Double Up Food Bucks initiative at the Viroqua Farmers Market. The program matches SNAP or EBT spending dollar for dollar, up to $35, to help address local food insecurity and expand access to fresh produce.
Vernon County Sheriff’s Report for the week ending Saturday, May 30, 2026
The Vernon County Sheriff’s Office reported a busy end to May, handling incidents ranging from a physical altercation at a Hillsboro business to a report of mail fraud. Deputies also responded to an unusual call in La Farge where a rogue rooster chased a resident on a lawnmower, and apprehended an individual in Readstown who attempted to flee while authorities confirmed their multiple outstanding warrants.
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