May 3, 2026
VERNON COUNTY, Wis. (AP) — Over the past week, the Driftless Region saw a powerful mix of grassroots civic action, community celebrations, and critical public safety updates. Between April 26 and May 3, 2026, our coverage highlighted the Town of Cassville’s striking rejection of a billion-dollar data center, the return of the Coon Creek Confluence in Chaseburg, and the preservation efforts surrounding Viroqua’s VFW land.
We also reported on tragic and serious law enforcement incidents, including a devastating hit-and-run in Crawford County, the discovery of a missing La Crosse man, and a fatal head-on collision near Cashton. And in another major change to Vernon County’s management team, Corporation Counsel Swayne said she served notice to the county that she is terminating her contract as the County’s primary legal advisor.
Through it all, the community’s resilience shone with new mental health services, heritage festivals, and local school planning.
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Here is a summary of the local stories we covered over the past week:
Stonehouse Counseling holds ribbon cutting and open house to kick off services in Vernon County
Stonehouse Counseling held a ribbon-cutting and open house to officially kick off its services in Vernon County. The organization recently transitioned to nonprofit status and will provide dedicated space for group work and support five full-time clinicians.
Vernon County Corporation Counsel Nikki Swayne ends her contract with Vernon County
In another major change to Vernon County’s management team, Corporation Counsel Swayne said she served notice to the county that she is terminating her contract as the County’s primary legal advisor. Swayne provided her notice on April 27, stating that she believes transitioning to other endeavors is in the best interest of both herself and the county.
The Vernon County Health Department distributed free emergency preparedness kits to community members at the Coon Creek Confluence event in Chaseburg. The initiative aimed to improve flood resilience throughout the Driftless Area, with 150 kits handed out on a first-come, first-served basis.
Coon Creek Confluence moves to Chaseburg, celebrates watershed conservation
The Coon Creek Confluence returned for its fourth season on May 2, moving its festivities to Chaseburg. Hosted by the Coon Creek Community Watershed Council, the event celebrated watershed conservation and thanked local producers for their efforts in “making running water walk”. The event featured live music, a donation-based creekside cookout, and giveaways including fishing poles and flood preparedness kits.
Town of Cassville rejects a plan to build a massive $1 billion data center
In a significant local decision, the Town of Cassville rejected a proposal to construct a massive $1 billion data center. The pivotal meeting underscored the grassroots nature of the town’s local government, taking place with an attorney reading from a laptop propped atop a snowplow, flanked by a street grader and a dusty workbench.
The Crawford County Sheriff’s Office arrested 31-year-old Donovan Bruns in connection with a hit-and-run accident on Rhein Hollow Road in the town of Wauzeka. The Sunday incident seriously injured a 68-year-old woman and her dog while they were walking along the road.
Body of missing La Crosse man found in Town of Shelby
The body of 45-year-old Stanley B. Howe, who had been missing since April 19, was discovered in the Town of Shelby near Hillcrest Drive and City View Lane. Howe was reported missing after his vehicle and phone were found at the Paul E. Stry Nature Preserve in La Crosse, bringing a multi-agency search to a close.
Folk Festival brings music and dance to Gays Mills Mother’s Day weekend
The Gays Mills Folk Festival is bringing music and dance to the Kickapoo Valley over Mother’s Day weekend. The event, organized by the Kickapoo Cultural Exchange, includes activities such as dancing around a Maypole and will conclude with a Sunday morning gospel sing overlooking the Kickapoo sloughs.
Viroqua and Vernon Trails make final push to save VFW land from private sale
City officials and Vernon Trails are making a final push to save a cherished 40-acre parcel of green space owned by the Viroqua VFW. The property, which hosts the Veteran Hills Disc Golf Course, has been at risk of a private sale, and Mayor Krista Browne confirmed she is in communication with VFW leadership to find a solution that satisfies all stakeholders.
Boscobel man killed in head‑on crash with military vehicle near Cashton
82-year-old John LeRoy Shimpach of rural Boscobel was killed in a head-on collision after his southbound SUV crossed the centerline on State Highway 27 near Cashton and struck a military vehicle. Shimpach was pronounced dead at the scene by the Vernon County Coroner.
City of Viroqua’s new brush and compost pickup schedule starts this week
The city of Viroqua announced changes to their yard waste and compost pickup procedures. A new schedule is taking effect to help manage community brush and compost disposal.
Viroqua City Council approves hiring outside agency to find next city administrator
The Viroqua City Council approved a measure to hire an outside agency to lead the search for the city’s next administrator. This marks a key step in finding new leadership for the city’s top executive role.
De Soto school board holds organizational meeting, continues discussion on school consolidation
The De Soto Area School District held its organizational meeting to elect leadership and continue ongoing discussions regarding school consolidation. The board is actively navigating the complexities of combining its educational facilities to address the district’s future needs.
Vernon County Sheriff’s Office Report for the week ending Saturday, April 25, 2026
The weekly sheriff’s report highlighted an incident of property damage in the Village of Coon Valley where a property owner reported that someone had intentionally cut the wiring to their garage and exterior lighting. Additionally, a female was arrested for driving a stolen vehicle from Viola to Crawford County.
Vernon County Sheriff’s Report for the week ending Saturday, April 18, 2026
he Vernon County Sheriff’s Office released its weekly report detailing routine patrol activities, emergency responses, and ongoing investigations across the county for the week ending April 18.
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