May 17, 2026
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VERNON COUNTY, Wis. — Recent coverage highlights a dynamic mix of civic, economic, and safety initiatives being tackled across Vernon County and beyond. At the county and regional levels, officials are prioritizing security and infrastructure by refining employee concealed carry policies, spotlighting deteriorating local bridges through a new website, and securing crucial federal design funding to remove failing flood control dams alongside $250,000 for La Farge’s storm water systems.
Economic development and state-level politics also remain at the forefront, evidenced by $150,000 in local grants awarded through the Elevate Vernon program, and State Rep. Tara Johnson’s active push for a BadgerCare Public Option amid her sharp critiques of a state education and property tax compromise.
Meanwhile, local municipalities are focused on administrative growth and community engagement, with Viroqua seeking a new city administrator, advancing designs for the old City Hall site, and earning a state award for historic preservation, while the De Soto school board approved a new staff paid time off system.
The community’s broader culture and resilience were also reflected in the annual police memorial service, the launch of an energy independence film festival, humorous reflections on graduation season in the Grouse Hollow Journal, and ongoing concerns regarding road crew safety following a severe accident involving a traffic flagger near La Farge.
Here are the local stories we covered this week. Click the link to read the whole story:
Sixteen Vernon County businesses have been selected to receive a total of $150,000 in grant funding through the Elevate Vernon Grant Program. The initiative is designed to help local entrepreneurs start, strengthen, and grow their businesses right here in Vernon County.
2026 Vernon County Police Memorial Service honors fallen officers and those who still serve
Vernon County Sheriff Roy Torgerson invited the public to attend the Annual Vernon County Police Memorial Service on May 16 in front of the sheriff’s office. The ceremony honors fallen law enforcement officers and pays tribute to those who continue to serve and protect the community.
A new website, FixWIBridges.com, has been launched to shed light on the condition of Wisconsin’s local infrastructure. The site highlights the state’s nearly 17,000 small bridges, including several located within Vernon County, drawing attention to the need for local repair and maintenance.
Grouse Hollow Journal for May 2026 – Greg updates his graduation speech he was never asked to give
In the May 2026 edition of the Grouse Hollow Journal, local author Greg Koelker shares a humorous and reflective column. Koelker takes the opportunity to update a graduation speech he was never actually asked to deliver, offering his unique perspective to the Class of 2026.
Emergency responders were called to a construction zone near La Farge after a traffic flagger was struck by a vehicle. The incident left the flagger seriously injured, highlighting the ongoing dangers faced by road crews and the need for driver caution in work areas.
City of Viroqua chooses firm to help design improvements at old city hall site
As the City of Viroqua prepares for the demolition of the old City Hall building at the corner of Main and Decker streets, the city has officially chosen a firm to help design future improvements for the site.
State Representative Tara Johnson spoke out against a recent compromise deal between Governor Tony Evers and Republican lawmakers regarding education and property taxes. She sharply criticized the agreement, labeling it a “short-term scam”.
Viroqua City Council finalizes recruitment firm to find next city administrator
The Viroqua Common Council officially decided to hire a professional recruitment firm to lead the search for the city’s next top executive. The search for a new city administrator comes as newly elected Mayor Krista Browne begins her term.
De Soto Area School Board approves new Paid Time Off system
During recent district business, the De Soto Area School Board moved forward with administrative updates by officially approving a new Paid Time Off (PTO) system for staff members.
Viroqua Historic Preservation Commission receives state award
The Viroqua Historic Preservation Commission was recently honored with a state award. The accolade recognizes their ongoing dedication and outstanding efforts to preserve the historical integrity of the city.
U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin secured $1 million in federal funding for various Wisconsin projects, which notably includes $250,000 specifically designated for storm water infrastructure in La Farge. The funding will assist the village in managing runoff and mitigating future flood risks.
State Rep. Johnson touts BadgerCare Public Option bill at Cashton farm
State Representative Tara Johnson visited a farm in Cashton to promote her newly introduced BadgerCare Public Option bill. Johnson discussed the legislation’s potential to expand healthcare access and lower costs for rural residents and agricultural workers.
Vernon County refines employee concealed carry policy following new firearms ordinance
Following the Vernon County Board of Supervisors’ recent vote to prohibit the general public from carrying firearms inside county buildings, the county has refined its internal security policies. The newly updated guidelines establish the parameters allowing trained county employees to carry concealed weapons at work.
Viroqua Center Avenue reconstruction begins with downtown road closures and asphalt removal
Major summer street projects kicked off in downtown Viroqua as the Center Avenue reconstruction officially resumed. The project, marking the second and final phase of the infrastructure overhaul, initiated with coordinated downtown road closures and heavy asphalt removal.
Vernon County Sheriff’s Report for the week ending Saturday, May 9, 2026
The Vernon County Sheriff’s Office released its weekly report detailing routine patrol activities, ongoing investigations, and emergency responses across the county for the week ending May 9.
A major environmental and infrastructure project advanced as design funding was approved for the removal of failing flood control dams in the Coon Creek and West Fork Kickapoo watersheds. The decision brings the region one step closer to safely decommissioning the aging structures.
Vernon County Energy District hosting inaugural Energy Independence Film Festival in Viroqua
The Vernon County Energy District is gearing up to host its inaugural Energy Independence Film Festival on May 17 at 401 E. Jefferson Street in Viroqua. The free event features films starring local community members and energy experts, offering real-world perspectives on the energy transition and information on utilizing Inflation Reduction Act incentives.
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