May 10, 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. All of our content is free. No subscription. No paywall. But it is not free to produce that content. 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.
VERNON COUNTY, Wis. — Over the past week, the Driftless Region saw community generosity shine alongside escalating local government challenges and forward-thinking environmental planning. We reported on the heartwarming efforts by the Coon Valley American Legion to eliminate student lunch debt and a 4-H club’s initiative to combat food insecurity. At the same time, we covered boiling tensions within the Vernon County General Government Committee and new county initiatives exploring a data center moratorium. We also covered Viroqua’s efforts to manage its housing growth and public parks to a new multi-county collaboration fighting a massive transmission line, our coverage highlights the dynamic issues shaping our area. We also celebrated the region’s vibrant arts scene, honored dedicated foster families and youth educators, and shared resources to help small businesses and seniors thrive.
Here is a look back at all the local stories carried on VernonReporter.Com over the last week:
Coon Valley American Legion leads effort to wipe out all school lunch debt at Westby Schools
Westby Schools Superintendent Steve Michaels recently accepted a generous donation from the Coon Valley American Legion on May 8. The community-driven effort successfully wiped out all outstanding school lunch debt at Westby Schools, providing meaningful financial relief for local students and their families.
In the latest installment of the Grouse Hollow Journal, lifelong Driftless resident and author Greg Koelker shares reflections honoring mothers and the loyal Labrador companions that grace rural life. Koelker’s column continues to celebrate local nature, family heritage, and the traditions that bind the community together.
Tensions boil over during first meeting of reorganized General Government Committee
Tensions boiled over on May 7 during the first meeting of the recently reorganized Vernon County General Government Committee. The meeting, which handles hot-button human resources and county legal policy issues, became highly charged with emotion and open disagreement following recent sweeping changes to the committee’s makeup by County Board leadership.
Vernon County officials are actively exploring a joint legal defense with neighboring counties, including Crawford County, to fight the massive MariBell high-voltage transmission line proposed to cut through the Driftless region. The effort aims to ensure that local concerns regarding the 765-kilovolt transmission project are legally represented.
Mississippi Steamers 4-H Club installs free little food pantry in Genoa
Responding to a call for student leaders to address hunger in their local communities, the Mississippi Steamers 4-H Club took action by installing a free little food pantry in Genoa. The youth-driven initiative aims to combat local food insecurity and provide immediate support to neighbors in need.
Vernon County explores data center moratorium amid transmission line fight and legal uncertainty
As opposition to the proposed high-voltage MariBell transmission line continues to mount, Vernon County officials are exploring a moratorium on data center developments. The potential temporary ban is designed to give the county time to evaluate the massive energy consumption, environmental impact, and legal complexities associated with data centers before allowing them to be built in the region.
Vernon County Sheriff’s Report for the week ending Saturday, May 2, 2026
The weekly Vernon County Sheriff’s Report detailed local law enforcement activities, including a response to a report of a female struck in the head by a male party on Snowflake Curve Road in the Town of Christiana. Deputies were also dispatched to Mt. Tabor Cemetery as part of their ongoing patrol and investigation duties.
Vernon County 4H educator Emery Bork receives statewide honors for youth development
Vernon County 4-H educator Emery Bork recently received statewide honors for her dedication to youth development. For nearly a decade, Bork has been a dedicated leader guiding the community’s efforts to prepare its next generation.
Crawford County encourages community to connect, share, and support mental health resources this May
In recognition of Mental Health Month this May, Crawford County Health & Human Services is working to raise awareness about the important role mental health plays in daily life. The department is actively encouraging community members to connect, share, and support local mental health resources.
10th annual Winding Roads Art Tour features artists and studios in Viroqua and surrounding areas
The 10th annual Winding Roads Art Tour will offer a self-guided experience through the Driftless landscape to showcase local creativity. The upcoming tour will feature the work of 27 artists, including Michael Croatt, across various studios in Viroqua and the surrounding areas.
In honor of National Foster Care Month, the Vernon County Department of Human Services recognized 19 dedicated local foster families. The recognition aims to raise awareness about the needs of the thousands of children and youth currently in the Wisconsin foster care system, while thanking the families and social workers who care for them.
with help from USDA REAP grant funding – Vernon County Energy District photo
Vernon County Energy District hosting inaugural Energy Independence Film Festival in Viroqua
The Vernon County Energy District is hosting its inaugural Energy Independence Film Festival on May 17, 2026, at 401 E. Jefferson Street in Viroqua. The free event will feature films starring local community members and energy experts, offering real-world perspectives on the energy transition and providing information on how residents can utilize Inflation Reduction Act incentives.
Viroqua offers free compost delivery to clear out city dump site
To comply with state environmental regulations and clear out its rural yard waste site, the City of Viroqua is offering free local delivery of excess compost. Public works officials are coordinating the deliveries to help manage the community’s yard waste effectively.
Viroqua Parks and Recreation Committee explores options to clean up wooded area near Washington Park
The Viroqua Parks and Recreation Committee is considering multiple solutions to clean up an overgrown 2.7-acre wooded area adjacent to Washington Park. Neighboring homeowners, dealing with a severe pest problem that included catching over 30 skunks last year, offered the city $10,000 an acre to buy the land and clear the brush themselves. Alternatively, the outdoor recreation group Vernon Trails offered volunteer services to clear the land and build a sustainable hiking trail connecting Washington Park to Prairie Wind Park.
Two-part workshop offers small business owners tools to save time and reduce workload
Local entrepreneurs and freelancers will have the chance to learn how modern software tools can streamline their operations during a free, hands-on workshop hosted at the Food Enterprise Center. The two-part series, “Small Business Shortcuts: Doing More with Less,” will be held on May 13 and May 20 in partnership with Michael Browne of Rise Above Partners.
Housing panel backs changes to guide Viroqua housing growth
As Viroqua rewrites its comprehensive plan, the city’s Housing Advisory Board is urging officials to tighten regulations on short-term rentals and open the door wider to accessory dwelling units. The proposed changes are designed to help the community confront an ongoing housing shortage while carefully protecting neighborhood character.
McIntosh Memorial Library announces four‑part 2026 Medicare education series
The McIntosh Memorial Library in Viroqua has partnered with the Vernon County Aging and Disability Resource Center to offer a comprehensive four‑part Medicare Education Series. Led by Elder Benefit Specialist Katie Skolos, the series is designed to help older adults and caregivers navigate Medicare enrollment, coverage options, and deadlines.
Add comment