April 5, 2026
VERNON COUNTY, Wis. — Over the past week, the Driftless Region experienced a flurry of significant local government debates, unpredictable spring weather, and community-focused initiatives. From emotionally charged meetings over county hiring practices and weapons policies to severe flash flooding and a bizarre, multi-day search for an escaped kangaroo, our coverage reflects the dynamic issues shaping Vernon County and the surrounding area. We also highlighted critical business and leadership transitions, including the preservation of a historic deli, the expansion of the local arts scene, and a new captain for the Viroqua Fire Department.
Here is a look back at the local stories we covered over the past week:
County committee rejects full-time county attorney proposal following tense debate
The Vernon County General Government Committee convened on April 1 to handle a packed slate of hot-button issues, which became charged with emotion at times. Supervisors and staff openly disagreed across a number of complex areas, including the rejection of a full-time county attorney proposal, the process to hire a new county administrative coordinator, and a policy regarding carrying weapons on county grounds.
Vernon County committee advances public weapons ban while allowing employee carry
Prompted by a recent heated moment with a member of the public at a county meeting, the Vernon County General Government Committee tackled new weapons policies for county property during its April 1 meeting. The committee voted to draft a new ordinance that prohibits the public from bringing firearms into county buildings, while simultaneously working on internal policies that would allow trained county employees to carry concealed weapons at work.
Contentious issues continued to flow through the Vernon County General Government Committee, with discussions over the hiring process sparking emotional reactions from supervisors and staff. The committee, which is tasked with overseeing human resources, actively debated the appropriate process to replace the county’s administrative coordinator.
Heavy rain brings flooding to Kickapoo River and Coon Creek
Heavy spring rains brought significant flooding to the Kickapoo River and Coon Creek on April 4, leaving many roads and parts of communities underwater. The rapidly rising waters left lower Chaseburg and much of Highway 162 impassible, and forced the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office and Ontario police to perform a water rescue for a motorist who became trapped after attempting to drive through a flooded roadway.
Future of VFW recreational land uncertain as negotiations continue
The future of the 40-acre property owned by the Viroqua Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) post remains in limbo as lease negotiations continue. The property, which hosts the popular Veteran Hills Disc Golf Course and miles of public trails, has been at risk of a private sale due to the VFW’s financial difficulties, prompting ongoing city and community efforts to preserve public access to the cherished green space.
On March 27, the Hugs from Hunter Foundation generously donated a collection of teddy bears and security blankets to Vernon Health. The foundation, whose mission is to comfort children experiencing anxiety, trauma, or crisis, provided the items to be given to pediatric patients during hospital stays or emergency room visits to offer much-needed emotional support.
McIntosh Memorial Library planning Earth Day celebration
The McIntosh Memorial Library in Viroqua is inviting children to celebrate Earth Day with a special hands-on event scheduled for Wednesday, April 22. The program will teach youth about herbs and allow them to get their hands dirty by planting 10 different types of leafy plants, including chamomile and basil, which they can take home.
Vernon County sets dates for mass notification and siren testing
Vernon County emergency officials are preparing for the spring severe weather season by scheduling a series of system-wide tests for both digital and outdoor warning systems in early April. These tests aim to ensure that the county’s emergency alerts function properly before the heightened threat of severe spring storms arrives.
Campbell Brothers aim to keep the Cheese Corner legacy alive
A historic Viroqua deli is officially under new management, with local brothers Steve and Nate Campbell taking over ownership of The Cheese Corner. The business officially transitioned from the Vernon Area Rehabilitation Center (VARC) to the Campbells on April 1, ensuring the local staple’s legacy continues.
Vernon County unveils new brand identity showcasing shared values and vision
Vernon County services will soon have a new look, thanks to the new county logo making its debut this spring. The new design, which includes a fresh logo and tagline, highlights the mission, vision, and values that the Board of Supervisors and staff established to guide Vernon County’s future.
Fourthstream integrates Winding Roads Art Tour to bolster Viroqua arts scene
Fourthstream, a local nonprofit dedicated to fostering community through live music and the arts, announced it is bringing the Winding Roads Art Tour under its organizational umbrella. This integration is designed to bolster the Viroqua arts scene and expand the impact of the popular local art tour.
Stoddard man arrested in animal cruelty investigation
The Vernon County Sheriff’s Office arrested 60-year-old Thomas J. Keim of Stoddard in connection with an animal cruelty investigation that began in early March. The arrest followed an incident where a 5-year-old Australian Shepherd escaped its home and returned having been castrated without the owner’s consent. Keim was charged with Mistreatment of Animals and Practicing Veterinary Medicine without a License.
Kangaroo scales tall fence and flees Necedah petting zoo for three days on the lam
Chesney, a 16-month-old kangaroo, escaped the Sunshine Farm petting zoo in Necedah after being spooked by stray dogs, scaling an eight-foot fence and sparking a three-day pursuit. The elusive marsupial kept a team of volunteers and a heat-seeking drone operator guessing before finally being safely reunited with his keeper.
Two arrested on drug related charges following Crawford County traffic stop
Two individuals were arrested on drug-related charges following a suspicious vehicle stop by the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office on Dutch Ridge Road in the Town of Wauzeka. A search of the vehicle yielded methamphetamine and unprescribed medication, leading to the arrest of 35-year-old Bryant Nyberg and 38-year-old Holly Polkinghorn.
Vernon County Sheriff’s Report for the week ending Saturday, March 28, 2026
The weekly Vernon County Sheriff’s Report noted multiple incidents, including a domestic disturbance at a residence on South Main Street in the City of Viroqua where a female was taken into custody for Domestic Disorderly Conduct. Deputies also investigated trespassing, theft, a sick raccoon dispatched in Sterling, and a traffic stop resulting in a citation for Operating While Suspended.
McIntosh Memorial Library announces four‑part 2026 Medicare education series
The McIntosh Memorial Library in Viroqua announced a new four-part Medicare education series scheduled for 2026. The program is aimed at helping local residents navigate the complexities of Medicare coverage, changes, and enrollment.
Viroqua names Josh Brown as new full-time fire captain amid department growth
The City of Viroqua has officially named Josh Brown as the new full-time fire captain. The leadership addition comes as the Viroqua Fire Department navigates ongoing growth, new facility developments, and an expanding operational footprint within the community.
Viroqua City Council approves relocation of public yard waste site
To combat ongoing issues with illegal dumping, the Viroqua City Council approved a proposal to relocate its municipal yard waste site. The city will be locking the gates at its previous brush and compost facility and moving drop-off operations to a new collection area adjacent to the downtown public works shop.
Viroqua Schools to hold open house, registration and resource events in April
Viroqua Area Schools is preparing to welcome its next generation of students with a joint 4-Year-Old Kindergarten (4K) registration, open house, and community resource event. The event is scheduled to take place on Thursday, April 23, 2026.
We believe good information helps communities make good decisions. Good decisions help create a community we want to be a part of. We work hard to bring you good information. And you can help us cover even more. If you could hit that donate button, you can help us keep doing what we are doing. $10 or $25 a month helps us add more resources. If you can give more, fantastic. EVERY donation helps.
Add comment