EXTRA
Your Right to Know: Protect the press against frivolous lawsuits
By Jim Malewitz Shereen Siewert, publisher of the Wausau Pilot and Review, has been breathing easier these days. In September, a Wisconsin appeals court upheld a lower court’s dismissal of state Sen. Cory Tomczyk’s defamation lawsuit against Siewert, the nonprofit...
In Wilton, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office apprehends suspect in Minnesota bank robbery
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office has arrested an individual wanted in connection with a back robbery that occurred in Bloomington, Minn. The arrest was made in Wilton on Tuesday, Jan. 7, as part of a coordinated effort with law enforcement agencies across...
N-O-W Elementary School principal dies
Ken Manning Ken Manning, Norwalk-Ontario-Wilton Elementary School principal, died Dec. 26 at age 68 due to a sudden health condition, according to N-O-W School District superintendent Travis Anderson. Classroom teachers will have a conversation with students...
One dead in motor vehicle/buggy accident
A motor vehicle collided with a horse-drawn buggy at about 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 25, on Highway 82, near Pine Avenue, in rural Hillsboro, in the town of Union, according to Vernon County Sheriff Roy Torgerson Lydia E. M. Thompson, 22, of rural Sparta and Jaydon...
Rural Ontario woman arrested on charges of recklessly endangering safety, resisting or obstructing an officer, bail jumping and throwing or expelling bodily fluids
Vernon County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested Stacie Lynn Welter, 41, of Ontario on Monday, according to a press release by Vernon County Sheriff Roy Torgerson. Shortly after 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 23, the sheriff’s office received a call requesting a welfare...
Two injured in town of Hillsboro crash
A single-vehicle crash occurred on Lovers Lane in the town of Hillsboro at about 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 21, according to Vernon County Sheriff Roy Torgerson. Lewis E. Bontrager, 18, of rural Elroy lost control of his vehicle after negotiating a corner. After...
Your Right to Know: Long waits undercut records law
By Bill Lueders The other day, in my role as an advocate for open government, I heard from a Wisconsin resident who has waited more than five months for records he requested from a local law enforcement agency. He has gently prodded the agency several times,...
NEWS
Ridgeville church to offer pizza fundraiser
The sixth annual pizza fundraiser for St. John’s Lutheran Church in Ridgeville begins this week. Orders will be taken through Sunday, Jan. 26. Pizzas may be picked up at the church on Saturday, Feb. 1. Pizzas for sale are cheese, sausage, pepperoni, or a...
Vernon County Sheriff’s Report for Jan. 6–11
Several calls were received this week reporting possible brush fires in progress that turned out to be controlled burns being conducted by the property owners. Most importantly, if you plan to burn brush, we ask that you to call Vernon County Dispatch at...
AARP, Monroe County to help with tax preparation
Contributed by the Monroe County ADRC AARP tax volunteers and the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Monroe County are pleased to announce the 2025 tax season dates. The free, confidential service is open to low- to moderate-income residents, with a focus given...
Monroe County offering free radon kits
Contributed by the Monroe County Health Department January is National Radon Action Month. Radon is a natural radioactive gas that you can’t see, smell, or taste but could be present at a dangerous level in your home. Radon is dangerous because it can cause lung...
Vernon County Sheriff’s Report for Dec. 29 to Jan. 5
Sunday, Dec. 29: Deputies were dispatched to a two-vehicle fender bender at S1438 Highway 27 in the town of Christiana. The driver of a pickup truck pulled into a parking lot and began backing up and collided with another pickup that had pulled into the lot behind the...
Kickapoo Valley Reserve to celebrate 24th annual Winter Festival on Saturday
Contributed by the Kickapoo Valley Reserve Come to the Kickapoo Valley Reserve and celebrate winter in Wisconsin at the 24th annual Winter Festival. Winter Festival will be Saturday, Jan. 11, with activities beginning at 10 a.m. to delight all ages, including guided...
Kendall movie night set for Jan. 24
Contributed by Lynette Vlasak The Kendall Public Library’s January Movie Night will be Friday, Jan. 24, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at St. John’s Church fellowship hall. “Priceless (PG-13),” a movie inspired by true stories, will be...
Brookwood theater to have last performance on the original stage
For over 50 years, theater productions at Brookwood have occurred on the stage in the high school gymnasium, which was … Read the rest
Police looking for information on property damage in Wilton
Police still are seeking information from the public on damage to property that occurred Nov. 30 at Sid’s Concrete, a … Read the rest
Coldren to run unopposed for Wilton Village Board spot
Missy Coldren will return to a role on the Wilton Village Board after the April election, running as the sole … Read the rest
Royall hoops start new year with double wins
The Royall girls and boys basketball teams hosted two games Jan. 3 to start off the new year.
Candlelight event slated for Saturday at Wildcat
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources invites the public to celebrate the outdoors this winter by joining a candlelight event … Read the rest
N-O-W Elementary sings songs of Christmas past and present
Norwalk-Ontario-Wilton Elementary School students presented their annual Christmas concert Dec. 16.
Ontario house likely a total loss after fire
A house appears to be a total loss after a fire Dec. 23 on 24th Court, off County Highway Z, … Read the rest
Winter wonderland in Kendall
The Lumberyard, an outdoor venue in Kendall, put on its Winter Wonderland program on Sunday.
Royall’s winter concert marks the season
Royall Elementary School put on its winter concert Monday.
Brookwood celebrates the season
Brookwood junior high and high school choral and band members presented its annual winter concert Dec. 9.
Norwalk board hears plans for multimillion dollar street project
The Village of Norwalk is looking at a major overhaul of its water and sewer systems that could run into … Read the rest
Ontario celebrates Old-Fashioned Christmas
The Ontario Community Club put on its Old-Fashioned Christmas celebration Saturday at the Ontario Community Center.
Community
On Campus
• The following local students were named to the fall dean’s list at the University of Wisconsin-Madison: Camron Cafferty, Emma Green and Olivia Saemisch, all of Elroy; and Amelia Muellenberg of Ontario. • Jack Mulvaney of...
Wilton Public Library to host events
By Kelly Lupton | Wilton Public Library director The Wilton Public Library will host the following events: • 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 17: Current-Events Discussion Group • 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21: Board-Game Club • 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21: Book Club...
Senior menus for Jan. 20–31
Kendall and Norwalk meal sites Call 463-7622 (Kendall) or 343-3158 (Norwalk) by noon one day before to reserve a meal. Suggested donation is $4 per meal. One-percent milk is served with each meal. Monday, Jan. 20: Chicken sandwiches with cheese on whole-grain buns,...
Ontario Public Library to host First-Friday Homeschool Hangouts
By Rachel Conner | Ontario Public Library director Beginning Feb. 7, the Ontario Public Library will host First-Friday Homeschool Hangouts from 2–4 p.m. on the first Friday of each month. The library is a great place to gather with friends to visit and to find...
Vernon County Museum Notes: The origins of the one-room Foreaker School
By Carol Krogan | Vernon County Museum assistant curator Once in a while, here at the Vernon County Museum & History Center, we run into a mystery. Someone out there knows the answer, but just who? Sometimes we can do a little research and find the answer....
Obituaries
Dale A. Jensen
On Jan. 6, 2025, Dale Allen Jensen of Elroy, Wis., passed away unexpectedly after a short illness at the age of 80 at the Gundersen Lutheran Hospital in La Crosse. Dale was born to Frank and Ruth (Taylor) Jensen on Feb. 21, 1944, in Hillsboro. He married Linda Miller...
Myrna Jean (Berg) Ottum (updated service information)
Myrna Jean (Berg) Ottum, 71, of Kendall died Dec. 15, 2024, at home. She was born Aug. 21, 1953, in Viroqua, Wis., to Lawrence and Leona (Hanson) Berg. She married Elvin Ottum at Brush Creek Lutheran Church on Aug. 21, 1971. Together they farmed for many years...
Beverly Jean Olson
Beverly Jean Olson, 92, of Cashton, Wis., passed away Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024, at Crestview Nursing Home in New Lisbon, Wis. Funeral services will be at 12 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, at Brush Creek Lutheran Church in rural Cashton, Wis. Pastor Patrick Ziems will...
David Kenneth Manning, Jr.
David Kenneth Manning, Jr., known to family and friends as Ken, passed away from an apparent heart attack at his home in La Crosse, Wis., on Friday, Dec. 27, 2024. Born on June 2, 1956, in Fort Mammoth, New Jersey, to David Kenneth, Sr. and...
Lyle L. Smith
Lyle L. Smith, 93, of Hillsboro, Wis., and formerly of the Kendall area passed away Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, at Milestone Senior Living in Hillsboro. He was born Nov. 21, 1931, in Wonewoc, the son of Lester and Lena (Brockman) Smith. Lyle served in the U.S. Army from...
Opinion
Letter to the editor: A retrospective story
By Bob Breidenstein | rural Ontario “Backward turn backward O time in your flight Make me a child again Just for tonight” — Elizabeth Allen The experience was seared into my memory forever and all time. It should not have happened to any child. Perhaps even at this...
Letter to the editor: Keep birthright citizen
By Don Foy | La Farge Donald Trump and conservative Republicans want to end the “birthright citizenship” provision of the 14th Amendment, which basically says if you’re born in the United States, you’re a citizen of the United States. Well, they want to change...
Letter to the editor: Don’t be silent, hold leaders to account
By Lee D. Van Landuyt | Hillsboro In our 248 years as a republic, we have run the gauntlet from true greatness to the committing of unimaginable atrocities. So long as imperfect men are in charge, both good and evil will do battle in our lives, businesses, churches,...
Letter to the editor: Christmas bird count is this week
By Ben Johnston | Wilton ‘Tis that time again... local Christmas Bird Counts are Saturday, Dec. 21, for the Norwalk-Wilton-Ontario area, and Saturday Dec. 28, for La Farge. Please remain calm if you see a slow-moving car of birders with binoculars pointed at your...
Letter to the editor: Thank you for remembering high school English teacher
By Lyda Lanier | rural Norwalk Thank you, Mr. Bob Breidenstein, for acknowledging the impact and the influence Mrs. Woods had on your life as your English teacher in high school. You remember those quotes from Thomas Moore and Shakespeare you had to memorize. You...
Sports
Brookwood boys cap on late surge over Necedah
The Brookwood boys basketball team kept tabs on a late-game scoring drive to take a 44–40 win over Necedah on Jan. 9. Jackson Cunitz banked on three 3-pointers in the win to lead with 16 points and eight rebounds. (Tasha Mueller photo) Brennen Mack additionally...
Royall girls get by Brookwood 47–30
Royall hosted Brookwood on Jan. 7 in a conference contest. Royall started out early with a 6-point lead at halftime. Bria Gruen notched 12 points. (Tasha Mueller photo) Layla Marty was hot on making 3-pointers, which included three for Royall and topped her 9 points...
Brookwood announces athletes of the month
The following Brookwood High School students were named athletes of the month for December. Coaches’ comments follow the students’ names. BOYS BASKETBALL • Brennen Mack: “Brennan has really made a huge jump this year. He is one of our best perimeter...
Falcon basketball falls to Cashton
On Dec. 20, the Brookwood girls basketball team hosted Cashton in conference play. Here, Reagan Muehlenkamp goes straight for the basket in the first half. (Tasha Mueller photo) Cashton took the lead at halftime 17–11. Here, Deanna Wallace attempts to strike the ball...
Royall leads in conference, division
The Royall boys basketball team has a strong lead in the first two weeks of the season. The Panthers opened their conference schedule by traveling to Cashton on Dec. 10. Seth Brandau found a quick open lane to rush the ball as the team led 8–0 in the first opening...
Backtalk
It will be a seemingly endless campaign season
By KAREN PARKER County Line Publisher Emerita I would imagine if Eric Hovde has secured any demographic in his campaign for Wisconsin Senate, it would be lonely ladies over 40 swooning over his rugged, Marlboro-man-lookalike appearance. You may have noticed that a...
A vibrant press is essential to democracy
By KAREN PARKER | County Line Publisher Emerita Sadly, there was no obituary in the paper for the Vernon Focus. You likely did not know Vernon, but in his past life, you might have known him as Foxxy Shopper. In my salad days, the Foxxy Shopper was the 800-pound...
America’s bent toward fascism
By KAREN PARKER | County Line Publisher Emerita Imagine living in a country where the simple act of gathering together to lay flowers after the death of a prominent person could result in a two-week jail sentence. Worse yet, two weeks in a Russian prison possibly...
In 2024, remember that politics were ugly 100 years ago, too
By KAREN PARKER | County Line Publisher Emerita Good grief! We are barely into the new year, and I am ready to go back to 2023 or leap ahead to 2025. Are we really in for an entire year of presidential election babble? While they exerted monumental efforts to convince...
Looking back on our 40th year, 1983–2023 (part two)
By KAREN PARKER County Line Publisher Emerita Forty years is a long time. Sadly, it’s long enough for most of our area business to have gone away. It’s hard to believe now, but in 1983 Ontario had two bars, two grocery stores, three gas stations, a variety store, and...
E-Edition
Pictures from the Past
Ontario, 1915
This 1915 photo depicts the road from Hillsboro into Ontario, past the Charles Lord house (a pillared house that's still in place), as the road turns the corner into Ontario. (Photo courtesy of Bob Breidenstein)
Wilton senior quartet, 1955
The following students were members of the senior quartet at Wilton High School in 1955: Orvis Schindler, Roger Pasch, Charles Zellmer and Merlyn Eckelberg. This photo appeared in the Wilton High School yearbook, “Wiltonian.”
Kendall High School class of 1934
Photo courtesy of Dean Hutchens
Ontario High School basketball, 1949–50
The 1949–50 Ontario High School basketball team sits on the Ontario Community Hall stage. Back row (left to right): Roger Budde, Donald Breidenstein, Bob Bassett, Stan White and coach Joe Ott. Front row: Dale Thomas, Bill Calhoun, Dick Olson, Bill Jantz and Bob...
Pictures from the past: Early 20th century Ontario
These undated, early 20th century images depict Ontario. Can you offer more information on the photos and what they portray? Contact the County Line at (608) 337-4232 or countyline@centurytel.net. (Photos courtesy of Aldis Strazdins)
School
Brookwood fifth graders win three
The Brookwood fifth-grade girls basketball team played at Bangor on Jan. 11, defeating DeSoto 16–2, Kickapoo 28–4, and Bangor 23–19. Back row (left to right): Coach Shawn Wallace, Josie Kennedy, Annika Bolton, Mattea Poff, Olivia Doll, Allison Helgren, coach Paul...
Royall third graders learn about thankfulness
Royall third-grade students in guidance sessions learned about thankfulness and gratitude. They made a classroom chain that had specific examples of kind things people have done for them. If you see them, ask them what they're thankful for! — Contributed by the Royall...
‘O’ is for Owl
Royall 4-year-old kindergartners recently had their “'O' is for Owl” lesson (left to right): Roman, Aidan, Aubrey, Grayson, Hattie, Ivy, Carter and Letty. (Contributed photo)
Brookwood students named artists of the month
The November artists of the month from Brookwood High School are (above) Kinsley Holmquist and Alina Vogel for their watercolor landscapes and Julian Cunitz and Deja Jimenez (below) for their foreshortened drawings. (Contributed photos)
N-O-W composes poems for the season
Norwalk-Ontario-Wilton Elementary School second-graders wrote the following poems: Max grinch dog nice little funny cute puppy Max By Kohen Santa nice elves good fat red powers sparkles Santa By Teagan Christmas Tree pine green ornaments lights tall pokey...