Dec, 14, 2025
VIROQUA, Wis. — Local news coverage across Vernon County from Dec. 8 through Dec. 14 highlighted infrastructure challenges, community achievements, public safety incidents and environmental initiatives.
Viroqua OKs more spending as landfill gas tests reveal wider methane plume City officials reported progress on controlling methane gas at the old Viroqua landfill where engineers have discovered buried waste extends beyond the existing fence line. The Public Works Committee approved a $13,400 change order on Dec. 2 to extend the rental of specialized gas monitoring equipment through February. City Engineer Sarah Grainger explained that freezing conditions and unexpected gas readings at the property edge require more robust monitoring and the installation of additional probes to ensure public safety and regulatory compliance.
Emplify Health by Gundersen Hillsboro Area ranks seventh in state for charity care A recent report from the Wisconsin Hospital Association identified Emplify Health by Gundersen Hillsboro Area as a top performer in providing uncompensated care to the community. The facility ranked seventh out of 140 general medical surgical hospitals in Wisconsin for financial assistance provided as a percentage of gross revenue. Hospital leadership emphasized their commitment to serving patients regardless of ability to pay and encouraged those with financial difficulties to utilize their assistance counseling.
Public information meeting for State Highway 131 reconstruction scheduled for Dec. 16 The Wisconsin Department of Transportation announced a public involvement meeting regarding the reconstruction of State Highway 131 in Vernon County. Scheduled for Dec. 16 at the La Farge Community Center, the meeting will outline plans to replace two miles of deteriorating pavement between the Richland and Vernon County line and State Highway 82. Construction for the project is currently anticipated to begin in 2028 and will require road closures and detours.
Open house for proposed high voltage MariBell transmission line draws large crowd, citizen concerns A large number of residents attended an open house in Westby to learn about the proposed MariBell Transmission Project which involves a high voltage line spanning portions of Vernon and Crawford counties. While Dairyland Power Cooperative representatives argued the project is necessary for grid reliability and economic growth, many citizens voiced strong opposition regarding environmental impacts and the disruption of the Driftless Area landscape. Opponents questioned the necessity of the 765 kilovolt line and urged developers to utilize existing infrastructure corridors rather than cutting new paths through the region.
Successful Viroqua daycare partnership featured by national rural health organization A national publication highlighted a collaborative effort between Vernon Health and Viroqua Area Schools that converted a vacant assisted living facility into the VAS Early Learning Center. The project was featured as a successful model for rural communities facing childcare shortages. By repurposing the 12,000 square foot building, the partners created a facility that now serves 75 children and helps retain local workforce talent by addressing critical family needs.
Viroqua council greenlights contract, targets October build for Dragon Park reconstruction, with May still in play The Viroqua City Council authorized a contract with Play By Design for the community led reconstruction of the Eckhart Park playground known as Dragon Park. While officials left the door open for a May 2026 construction date if conditions allow, the council signaled a preference for October 2026 to ensure adequate preparation and funding. The total project budget sits just under $780,000 and relies on a mix of city funds and community fundraising to restore the beloved wooden playground structure.
Vernon Health construction update: Increased noise expected as existing building detachment begins Residents and visitors near the Vernon Health main campus in Viroqua are advised to expect increased noise levels starting this week as construction crews begin detaching an existing building from the main hospital structure,. This phase is part of a major expansion project that broke ground Nov. 5 which aims to create a new in house MRI suite and additional facility space,. The project is supported by a $2 million state grant and is expected to be completed in late 2026
Emplify Health by Gundersen offers steps to preserve health when seasonal blues set in Wellness specialists at Emplify Health offered advice this week for residents struggling with shorter days and colder weather. Experts noted that Seasonal Affective Disorder can disrupt sleep and mood but can often be managed with Vitamin D supplements, regular exercise and exposure to natural light. They encouraged individuals to consult primary care providers if symptoms of depression or isolation persist during the winter months.
WIAA denies Viroqua Schools request to switch athletic conferences The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association rejected a request by the Viroqua Area School District to leave the Coulee Conference for the Southwest Wisconsin Conference. Athletic Director Dan Brown had argued that significant enrollment disparities in the current conference put Viroqua student athletes at a competitive disadvantage. The denial by a 13 to 1 vote halts the administration’s effort to seek a better fit for the district’s sports programs for the time being.
VIDEO: Vernon County Chief Deputy Campbell last call after 26 years of service with the Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Nate Campbell celebrated his retirement on Friday after more than two decades of service with the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office. Friends, family and colleagues gathered to witness his final call for service which marked the end of his 26 year tenure in local law enforcement.
State Rep. Johnson to hold office hours in Viroqua State Representative Tara Johnson announced she will host district office hours at the McIntosh Memorial Library in Viroqua. The sessions offer constituents an opportunity to meet with their representative to discuss state legislative issues and local concerns. Residents can attend open hours or schedule private appointments to speak directly with Johnson.
Crash on State Highway 56 caused by deer A single vehicle crash occurred in the Town of Jefferson on Saturday evening when a driver swerved to avoid a deer on State Highway 56. The vehicle struck a tree near Volden Road but the 18 year old driver was evaluated at the scene and no additional injuries were reported. Authorities confirmed deer tracks were visible at the scene of the accident.
Snow-covered roads blamed in single-vehicle crash near Elroy Slick conditions contributed to a rollover crash in the Town of Hillsboro where a vehicle lost control on a curve along County Road WW. The Vernon County Sheriff’s Office reported that the 19 year old driver was wearing a seatbelt and was not injured despite the vehicle spinning into a ditch. Officials reminded drivers to exercise caution as winter weather continues to impact rural roadways.
Storytime with author Susan Case at McIntosh Memorial Library The McIntosh Memorial Library announced a special event featuring Wisconsin author Susan Case scheduled for Jan. 2. Case will read from her children’s book and engage with young attendees about the creative process of writing and illustration. The program is designed for children from birth to age 10 and aims to inspire a love of reading and storytelling.
Vernon County Sheriff’s Office reports two vehicle crash on State Highway 27 Two people sustained minor injuries in a collision on Saturday near Westby when one driver attempted a U turn on State Highway 27 and was struck by another southbound vehicle. Both drivers declined medical transport after being evaluated by emergency responders at the scene. The crash remains under investigation by the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office.
Gov. Evers appoints Erica Koxlien as Trempealeau County Sheriff Governor Tony Evers appointed Erica Koxlien to serve as the new Sheriff of Trempealeau County filling a vacancy left by retirement. Koxlien has served as a deputy and detective with the department for a decade and will hold the position for the remainder of the unexpired term ending in January 2027. She expressed a commitment to collaborative leadership and public safety in her new role.
Coon Creek Community Watershed Council has funding available for planned, completed conservation projects The Coon Creek Community Watershed Council announced that cost share funding is still available for residents who implement conservation practices such as cover crops and tree planting. The program supports projects for both the 2025 and 2026 seasons to improve soil health and flood resilience. Residents must submit their requests by Dec. 31 to be eligible for the financial assistance.
VernonReporter.com welcomes Greg Koelker and ‘Grouse Hollow Journal’ VernonReporter.Com announced Sunday that it has become the new home for the long running column “Grouse Hollow Journal” by Greg Koelker. Following the discontinuation of the column by Lee Enterprises, Koelker will bring his decades of storytelling about rural life, nature and heritage to the local digital platform. A lifelong resident of the Driftless region and former teacher at De Soto High School, Koelker has chronicled the local outdoors since 1990.
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