Vernon County Landfill faces uncertain future with legal challenges, local hauler buyout that compounds DNR expansion delays

VIROQUA, Wis.- The Vernon County Infrastructure Committee met recently to confront a major shift in the local waste hauling market that could reshape the long-term future of the Vernon County Landfill. Committee members and county staff discussed the news that Big Hook, one of the only remaining local waste haulers in the county that was still delivering trash to the county owned landfill, was recently bought out by GFL Environmental. GFL is an international corporation and the largest waste hauler operating in the region and sends the majority of its collected waste to a company owned landfill near Eau Claire.

Monroe Co Sheriff unretires to oppose ex-employee he says is unqualified

Sheriff Wes Revels is running a write-in campaign to defeat his former jail sergeant Mike Krause, who won the primary. Krause declared himself independent of the U.S. in 2008. Monroe County Sheriff Wesley Revels was preparing to retire and pass his position to his chief deputy, whom he endorsed in August’s Republican primary. Then came the election results.

Tiffany campaigns near Onalaska for more healthy foods, and more people working on farms

The Republican candidate for governor of Wisconsin is promoting a ‘healthy foods’ agenda, while campaigning in the Onalaska area. Tom Tiffany visited the Morning Star Dairy on Friday, promoting the dairy products the Badger State is famous for, while also wanting to see more people working on farms. “Today, too many young people who want to farm are struggling to get started,” said the GOP Congressman. “Land is expensive, equipment is expensive, and the financial barriers to entering agriculture are enormous.”

Wisconsin measles outbreak spreads to new county

(WFRV) — The Wisconsin measles outbreak, first reported over two months ago, has spread to a previously uninfected county, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS). In a press release, the Wisconsin DHS confirmed that Richland County has a new case of the infectious disease and that it is linked to previous cases […]

Wisconsin DOJ reaches $245K settlement with shuttered CAFO over manure pollution

The Wisconsin Department of Justice has reached a $245,000 settlement with a large livestock farm in Juneau County over allegations of manure polluting groundwater. Central Sands Dairy owned a concentrated animal feeding operation, or CAFO, in Nekoosa in Juneau County. The farm hasn’t been in operation since the end of 2022.

La Farge among recipients of $11.5 million state clean energy grant program

LA FARGE, Wis. — The Village of La Farge is among 36 communities, schools, nonprofits, manufacturers and other organizations across Wisconsin selected to receive funding through the state’s Energy Innovation Grant Program. La Farge was awarded $230,432 under the program’s renewable energy and energy storage category, one of...

What to know about the Rebecca Cooke, Derrick Van Orden rematch

MADISON - Derrick Van Orden and Rebecca Cooke are set to face each other once again in the race for Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District. The district contains much of western Wisconsin, including the cities of La Crosse, Eau Claire, Stevens Point and Platteville. The battleground district is considered one of the key races nationally that could determine which party wins control of the House of Representatives. Incumbent Van Orden is seeking another term as representative, while Cooke is running for the third time in attempt to defeat him. Van Orden carried the district with a narrow victory in 2024. Here's what you should know about the candidates. Incumbent Derrick Van Orden, Republican Van Orden, 57, is running for his third term as the representative of Wisconsin's 3rd District. Van Orden, who is most well-known for his controversial and sometimes combative social media, was first elected in 2022, after defeating Democratic state Sen. Brad Pfaff. Democrat Ron Kind represented the district for 26 years before Van Orden's election. Before running for Congress, Van Orden served 26 years in the United States Navy, including time as a SEAL. He served multiple tours overseas. Following his retirement from the Navy, Van Orden wrote

La Crosse St. intersection with Losey Blvd. closing for a month starting next week

If you’re used to using the intersection of La Crosse Street and Losey Boulevard to get into and out of the city, you’ll have to make other plans for about a month. As part of the Highway 16 Transmission Main project, the city is closing the La Crosse Street intersection to install a new water main.

Salvation Army distributes winter coats in La Crosse County

LA CROSSE (WKBT) -- The Salvation Army distributed winter coats, hats and boots at its warehouse on Nelson Place Wednesday and Thursday after Kwik Trip collected donations at its La Crosse County locations.

Trempealeau, Wisconsin has a free refuge where the river slows down for birds

You can drive, bike, or walk through nearly 6,800 acres of marsh, sand prairie, and forest along the Upper Mississippi River in western Wisconsin, and you won’t pay a cent to get in. Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge opens at daylight and closes at dark, and between those hours, big...

Wisconsin Farmers Union holds candidate forum

GAYS MILLS - On Friday, October 9, the Vernon-Crawford Chapter of the Wisconsin Farmers Union (WFU) hosted a candidate forum at the Gays Mills Community Commerce Center. Though all candidates were invited, only Democratic incumbents seeking re-election or election to another office, or candidates seeking office as Democrats were present.

La Crosse Water Bills to Increase Significantly

La Crosse residents face a significant rise in water bills, necessary for updating the aging water-pipe network. Average bills will jump from $18 to about $30, with increases in sewer and stormwater rates starting November 1 and January 1. ​COPYRIGHT 2026 BY NEWS 8 NOW/NEWS 8000. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS...

Ahead of election, county staff candidates take questions

In two short weeks, voters will decide on the new leadership among Winona County staff. John Hazleton and Charles Rolbiecki are running to replace retiring sheriff Ron Ganrude, and longtime Winona County Recorder Bob Bambenek is facing a new challenger, Annette Deyo. Rebecca Church is running unopposed to replace retiring county attorney Karin Sonneman, and Chelsea Wilbright is running unopposed to maintain her auditor-treasurer position. During a League of Women Voters forum last month, candidates addressed a range of issues including cyber security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and Flock cameras.

La Crosse Street to close at Losey Boulevard intersection for water main installation

LA CROSSE, Wis. (WKBT) — La Crosse Street will close at its intersection with Losey Boulevard for nearly a month starting next week as crews install a new water main, according to the City of La Crosse.

In Wisconsin, a bipartisan revolt is building against a 140-mile transmission line

"It will absolutely destroy the Driftless Region."

15 Vernon County Small Businesses Awarded $10,000 Elevate Vernon Grants

Vernon County, WI — Fifteen Vernon County businesses have been awarded $10,000 each through the 2026 Elevate Vernon Grant Program, helping local entrepreneurs invest in their businesses, strengthen operations, and pursue opportunities for growth. Vernon County allocated a portion of the funds received from the Ho-Chunk Nation to make this year’s program possible.

La Crosse school board delays decision on social media lawsuit

Veterans Expo connects veterans with regional resources

ONALASKA, Wis. (WKBT) -- The Tomah VA and La Crosse County Veterans Service Office hosted a Veterans Expo today, offering resources, support services and connections for veterans of all eras.

Wisconsin AG Kaul talks farm issues just before election at Westby area farm

Wisconsin’s attorney general makes a campaign stop near Westby. Incumbent Democrat Josh Kaul says tariffs on farm supplies and equipment are causing financial problems for farmers around the state. Kaul also is speaking in favor of “right to repair” bills, fighting corporate practices that make it difficult for farmers...