Sunday Summary: Local stories carried on VernonReporter.Com over the last week

VIROQUA, Wis. — Reporting on VernonReporter.Com over the past week covered a wide spectrum of news across Southwest Wisconsin. High-profile political and municipal developments led the coverage, including historic election results in Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District, local school referendum votes, and friction within Viroqua municipal governance. Reporting also encompassed regional law enforcement updates, serious traffic accidents, community honors, environmental initiatives, and grassroots public support across the Driftless Region.

UW-L’s Chergosky on Democrats’ moves the next two years, DVO files 2028 run

Former Wisconsin Republican Gov. Tommy Thompson says Wisconsin is a blue state, ICE detains an Onalaska state trooper, and Derek Van Orden is already filing paperwork to run again in 2028. UW-La Crosse political science professor Dr. Anthony Chergosky is the WIZM studio Friday for The Rick Solem Show, helping...

Vernon County Awards ceremony held in Hillsboro

VERNON COUNTY, Wis. — Vernon County celebrated the people, businesses, and organizations helping the community grow and thrive at its Fourth Annual Vernon County Awards Banquet on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, in Hillsboro. More than 200 community members, business leaders, and local officials came together to honor those who have made a lasting impact on our communities.

Election and referendum reactions from local school districts

WESTERN WISCONSIN (WLAX/WEUX) – Results from Tuesday’s election showed that voters rejected 34 Wisconsin School Referendums and approved 45. Among the celebratory districts is Winter. Their doors will now remain open after taxpayers voted to approve an additional $1.5 million dollars for each of the next 4 years beginning next school year. This was their […]

Viroqua celebrates opening of new Eckhart Park playground following multiyear community effort

VIROQUA Wis. – Local children swarmed the new green dragon slide composite climbing towers and zip lines Friday afternoon as city leaders and residents gathered to cut the ribbon on the new Eckhart Park playground marking the end of a long and challenging journey for the community. The formal...

Members of Viroqua City Council address cancellation of special council meeting

VIROQUA Wis. – Alderperson Tanja Birke has issued a written statement clarifying why a special meeting of the Viroqua Common Council scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 4 was canceled, addressing public confusion and contradicting claims made by Mayor Krista Browne regarding the canceled session. According to an agenda that was...

Humbled and honored: VernonReporter receives Vernon County People’s Choice Award

We are filled with deep appreciation and gratitude to share that VernonReporter.Com has been honored with the People’s Choice Award by the residents of Vernon County. Receiving this recognition provides invaluable feedback that our daily work is helping to make our county and local communities stronger by keeping residents informed across a wide range of vital issues, from county government budgets, landfill management, and housing initiatives to school district referendums, local healthcare access, public safety, and environmental conservation.

Downtown Mainstreet shutdown brings change in La Crosse Center concessions

The disbanding of La Crosse’s Downtown Mainstreet, Inc. (DMI), may have a ripple effect on a few local businesses. That includes the La Crosse Center. DMI, which voted this week to disband at the end of the year, has provided concessions at Center events, but that will end on Dec. 1.

Gas prices fall in Wisconsin and La Crosse County

LA CROSSE COUNTY, Wis. (WKBT) -- Gas prices have dropped since the midterm elections, with regular unleaded averaging $4.10 per gallon in Wisconsin and $3.98 in La Crosse County.

Freedom Honor Flight discontinues Veterans Day Breakfast

LA CROSSE (WKBT) -- Freedom Honor Flight announced on Thursday that they will be discontinuing the Veterans Day Breakfast hosted with the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Intercollegiate Athletics Department, according to a release .

A monumental day over the Mississippi

LANSING, Iowa — A red Camaro convertible, top down, led the first vehicles across the new Lansing bridge over the Mississippi River after a ribbon-cutting ceremony. There was special case to celebrate. The $165 million bridge had been completed six months ahead of schedule due mostly to favorable weather. Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers drove three hours to Lansing for the occasion. Normal traffic is expected to be 2,500 vehicles a day between Iowa and Wisconsin — the only bridge for 30 miles either way.

Modular Data Centers bring new community questions

The Brief

Midwest Minutes: Three things to do around Wisconsin (Nov. 8-Nov. 15)

November is here, which means the holiday season is upon us. As the weather starts to cool down, it's a great time to try a new hobby or activity. I've gathered three fun things to do around Wisconsin this week.

14th-annual Veterans Suicide Awareness March held in Green Bay; event in La Crosse planned

The 14th-annual Veterans Suicide Awareness March made its return to Green Bay’s KI Convention Center on Saturday afternoon.

Local school districts weigh in on school funding outcomes

WINTER, Wis., (WLAX, WEUX)- Local school districts are weighing in on the current state of school funding following Tuesdays’ election. We previously shared voters rejected 34 Wisconsin school referendums and approved 45. The Winter School District is celebrating. Their doors will now remain open. Their operational referendum passed. Taxpayers voting to approve an additional $1.5 […]

WisDOT seeks public input on plans to rebuild 5 miles of US 53 in La Crosse County

8 County Outdoor Recreation Project Event - November 9th

Join us as we celebrate the completion of two major outdoor recreation plans, reconnect with partners across the region, and look ahead to what's next for the 8-County Outdoor Recreation Project!. Monday, November 9, 2026. 2:00 - 4:00 PM. Roger Marten Center. 120 S Franklin St. Mondovi, WI 54755. Who...

‘We will not let them down’: De Soto leaders pledge wise use of referendum funds

DE SOTO, Wis. – De Soto Area school officials are taking a breather after the district’s fourth attempt at an operating referendum in three years was approved by voters. School board President Holly Nickelatti said she is “incredibly grateful” for the trust the community placed in the district when voters approved the $3.6 million operating referendum on Nov. 3.