EXTRA
Kendall Fest schedule
‘I would never wish it on anyone’: Measles resurgence spurs memories of past toll in Wisconsin
By Janelle Mella | Wisconsin Watch This story was produced and originally published by Wisconsin Watch in collaboration with Door County Knock. It was made possible by donors like you. The measles started like a typical childhood illness for...
Woman substantially injured in motorcycle crash near Ontario
The Vernon County Sheriff's Office 911 Dispatch Center received a report of a motorcycle crash on Highway 33, near Taylor Valley Road, in rural Ontario, at about 4:45 p.m. Saturday, according to Vernon County Sheriff Roy Torgerson. Sabrina Marie Sanderson, 24, of...
Wilton Community Blood Drive set for Aug. 2
The Wilton Community Blood Drive will be from 7–11:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, at the Wilton Community Center, 400 East St. For an appointment, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or register online at redcrossblood.org. The American Red Cross has a critical blood...
Rural homelessness grows in Wisconsin amid state and federal funding gaps
By Janelle Mella and Joe Timmerman Wisconsin Watch This story was produced and originally published by Wisconsin Watch, a nonprofit, nonpartisan newsroom. It was made possible by donors like you. At a recent gathering of social service organizations in Brown...
Your Right to Know: When transparency is disregarded
By Bill Lueders Last month, the Wisconsin town of Hazelhurst postponed discussion of a proposed ordinance due to a typo. The meeting agenda had incorrectly listed “wake board” instead of the intended “wake boat.” Said town chairman Ted Cushing, “I’m not...
Meet the bard at Wildcat: ‘Shakespeare in the Park’ set for July 11
Wildcat Mountain State Park will host Summit Players’ “Shakespeare in the Park” on Friday, July 11, at its amphitheater. The following is the schedule. • 5:30 p.m. workshop — “Playing with Shakespeare: Get Outside with Will” This workshop focuses on helping...
NEWS
Scenic Bluffs’ clinical director named 2025 Immunization Champion
Contributed by Scenic Bluffs Community Health Centers Scenic Bluffs Community Health Centers is proud to announce that Penny Funk, RN, MSN, clinical director for Scenic Bluffs, has been named Wisconsin’s 2025 Immunization Champion Awardee by the Association of...
Vernon County Sheriff’s Report for Aug. 17–23
Sunday, Aug. 17: A deputy responded to a business on Highway 56 after receiving report of battery. Upon the deputy’s arrival, the alleged victim indicated they did not wish to pursue any charges. Sunday, Aug. 17: A burglar alarm went off at a residence on Apple Lane...
Wilton Legion donates toward pool improvements
The Hanson-Stark-Leith-Paeth Wilton American Legion Post 508 recently donated $2,500 to the Village of Wilton for the Wilton Community Swimming Pool to support maintenance and operations. The Wilton Community Swimming Pool was originally constructed in 1967–68 and...
Art Outdoors at Wegner Grotto is Aug. 23
Contributed by the Monroe County Local History Room & Museum Wegner Grotto County Park will host its 11th annual “Art Outdoors” make-and-take art day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23. This family friendly event includes exploring one of...
Vernon County Sheriff’s Report for Aug. 10–16
Sunday, Aug. 10: Deputies were dispatched to a business on N. Main Street in Westby for a burglar alarm. Once on scene, the deputy found no suspicious activity and the building was secure. A short time later, the alarm sounded again. It was determined that the power...
Vernon Economic Development Association receives grant from Compeer Financial
Compeer Financial recently awarded the Vernon Economic Development Association a general-use grant from its Fund for Rural America, the Farm Credit cooperative’s giving program. Funding will be used to purchase commercial kitchen equipment for producing...
Elroy American Legion Auxiliary honors veterans
Left to right: Tim Millner, Brian Schroeder, Bob Schroeder, John Atkinson and Jamie Brock (Contributed photo) In late June, the Elroy American Legion Auxiliary hosted a Quilt of Valor for five Royall High School graduates: Tim Millner, Jamie Brock, John Atkinson and...
Tor Eness and Friends to perform in Kendall
Get ready for some good music and fellowship at Kendall on Saturday, Aug. 30, to kick off this year’s Labor … Read the rest
Barton’s plea hearing is Aug. 28
At a hearing set for 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, former Village of Wilton clerk/treasurer Leigha Barton may take a … Read the rest
Ontario accepts offers on lots in new subdivision
The Village of Ontario accepted offers on three more residential lots in its Woodland Heights Subdivision last week, bringing the … Read the rest
They love a parade in Norwalk
Local children made an appearance in the Norwalk Tractor Pull parade on Friday.
Ontario board preparing for clerk’s retirement in late 2026
Ontario board preparing for clerk’s retirement in late 2026
By Pat Mulvaney
For the County Line
The Ontario Village Board … Read the rest
Wilton struggles to get subdivision residents’ approval for safety fence
In Wilton’s Arrowhead Subdivision, a resident and a parent of a child with special needs has received state funding for … Read the rest
Jury trial stems from Kendall resident’s refusal to mow lawn
Village of Kendall employees had to appear at a Monroe County Circuit Court trial last week for a resident who … Read the rest
Norwalk gets $536,800 grant for streetwork
Norwalk recently received a $536,800 Community Development Block Grant, which is issued through the federal Department of Housing and Urban … Read the rest
Former Wilton clerk/treasurer scheduled to take plea deal
Accused of stealing about $135,500 from the Village of Wilton, former clerk/treasurer Leigha Barton plans to take a plea deal … Read the rest
Ontario Legion member honored at Brewers game
Vaughn Downing, a lifetime member of the Ontario American Legion and a 1965 graduate of Brookwood High School, achieved an … Read the rest
Kendall Lions host concert
The Jackpine Wailers performed folk and bluegrass at the Central Park gazebo on July 31 in Kendall. The Kendall Lions … Read the rest
Line dancing in Kendall!
The Lumberyard, an outdoor venue in Kendall, hosted line-dancing lessons Friday.
Community
Wilton women’s basketball, 1925
A black and white postcard shows the 1925 Wilton High School women’s basketball team. Left to right: Dave Hulbert, Hilda Blado, Susan Hillyer, Gertrude Cox, Luella Stark, Viola Boetzel, Agnes Riordan and Luella Wendorf.
Seeing Stars: Noctilucent clouds
By Susan Cushing | Kickapoo Dark-Sky Initiative Clouds float by over our heads almost daily. We think of them as not too far away and know they are several hundred to tens of thousands of feet above, but yet move in the same atmosphere we breathe and feel at the...
Senior menus for Sept. 1–5
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, Sept. 1: Meal site closed Tuesday, Sept. 2: Glazed ham,...
Summer readers may pick up prizes at Ontario Public Library
By Rachel Conner | Ontario Public Library director Congratulations to all of the awesome readers who participated in the “Color Our World” summer reading program this year at the Ontario Public Library! An impressive 19 kids completed the challenge. We are...
Wilton Public Library to offer an assortment of events in August/September
The Wilton Public Library will host the following events: • 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 22: Current-Events Discussion Group • 4:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 25: Lego Club • 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26: Book Club for Adults with Special Needs • 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27:...
Obituaries
James E. Thompson (service information)
James E. Thompson, 90, of Kendall passed away unexpectedly at his home on Thursday, July 31, 2025. A graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at Fountain Lutheran Cemetery, Township of Fountain, with military honors by the William J. Schriver...
Brian W. Thompson
Brian W. Thompson, 81, of Kendall, Wis., died Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025, at Fairview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Mauston. Brian was born on April 1, 1944, in Mauston, Wis., to Laura Eleanor (Ormson) and William Thompson. He grew up in Kendall and attended local...
Barbara Ann Mack
Barbara Ann Mack, 93, of Summit Ridge (Norwalk), passed away peacefully Aug. 13, 2025, in the comfort of her cherished home, surrounded by a lifetime of memories. Born on April 3, 1932, in Sparta, Wis., to George and Anna (Hedrick) Bohn, Barbara’s life was a...
June M. Schendel (nee Lounsbury)
June M. Schendel (nee Lounsbury) went to join her husband Merlin of 75 years on Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025. She had been a resident of Liberty Village in Tomah. She was preceded in death by her husband, Merlin; her parents, Harry E. and Lolan Lounsbury of La...
Alice Faye DeLap
Alice Faye DeLap, 84, of Machesney Park, Ill., passed away on Thursday, July 31, 2025. She was born April 9, 1941, to Dariel and Delphia (Bugbee) Winchel in Ontario, Wis. Alice worked for many years at Amerock Hardware Manufacturing. Alice liked baking and...
Opinion
Perspectives: A glance at the past
By Bob Breidenstein | rural Ontario A glance at the past — 1954. Mother kept a diary. • Wednesday, May 12: Such a beautiful day. Merril dumpy when he came home from school. Coughing a lot. • Tuesday, May 13: Merril has the measles. Linda came home sick —...
Letter to the editor: A note of thanks
By Gerry Miller | rural Ontario To all the friends of mine who took the time to visit at our wonderful Legion Hall in Wilton, I thank you. A surprise to be sure. I had no idea of what plans had been made by my daughter Dana. Originally, we were to go out to supper,...
Letter to the editor: Not hard to see where Trump administration is going
By Kent Gallaway | Readstown It’s not hard to see where the Trump administration is going. The Republican Party has crumbled under his intimidation and vindictiveness for fear of their futures. That fear for their physical welfare is not unreasonable...
Letter to the editor: Monroe County National Night Out is Aug. 5
By Eric Prise Director, Marketing & Public Relations, Tomah Health For 22 years, Monroe County law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency services personnel, and various not-for-profit groups have devoted various resources to help residents learn ways to...
Letter to the editor: Bluebells
By Lyda Lanier | Town of Ridgeville In her column “South Ridge News,” Alice Brandau always brought us up to date in the spring when the bluebells were in bloom. This year, Carolene Martalock encouraged readers of the County Line to take a drive in Vernon County...
Sports
Brookwood names athletes of the month
The following Brookwood High School students were named athletes of the month for May/June. Coaches’ comments follow the students’ names. BASEBALL • Julian Cunitz: “Julian led the team in batting with .480 average for May. He also was one of our most reliable...
Local athletes named all-conference
The following local high school athletes were named to the Scenic Bluffs All-Conference Teams: BASEBALL First team — Braeden Pasch, Owen Wang and Jackson Cunitz, Brookwood; and Seth Brandau, Jackson Bender, Trey Wildes and Cole Eberhardt, Royall Second team — Ben...
Falcon softball claims regional title
The Brookwood softball team claimed the WIAA Division 5 regional title with a 15–5 win in six innings over No. 6 Kickapoo on May 29. In the regional semifinal, Brookwood hosted No. 7 Wonewoc-Center on May 27 with a 12–0 wn in five innings. Brookwood traveled to No. 1...
Royall softball runs to regional final
The No. 4 Royall softball team hosted No. 5 Cochrane-Fountain City on May 27 in the regional semifinal WIAA Division 5 tournament game. Kenady Olson catches a quick ground ball and tosses to first for an out in the fourth inning, as Royall led 6–1. (Tasha Mueller...
Falcon baseball flies past CFC
The No. 4 Brookwood baseball team hosted No.13 Cochrane-Fountain City on May 29 in the first round of tournament play in the WIAA Division 4 regional. Braeden Pasch bats a fly out to centerfield in the second inning. Drew Thurston fueled a homerun to bring in four...
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
Wilton women’s basketball, 1925
A black and white postcard shows the 1925 Wilton High School women’s basketball team. Left to right: Dave Hulbert, Hilda Blado, Susan Hillyer, Gertrude Cox, Luella Stark, Viola Boetzel, Agnes Riordan and Luella Wendorf.
Ontario Odd Fellows, 1905
This photo shows the members of the Ontario Odd Fellows Lodge in 1905.
Skaters with a cake, Ontario Community Hall, 1950s
In this 1950s photo, Marge Stoikes, Marlene (Cox) Pfuhl, and Ruth Curtis skate with a cake at the Ontario Community Hall.
Norwalk dray service, 1915
This 1915 photo shows brothers Albert and Frank Weibel, who operated a drayline business called “Dray and Transfer” in Norwalk. They hauled freight from the Norwalk Depot to businesses in the village. Frank Weibel died at age 53 in 1948; and Albert Weibel, at age 80...
Evans Drug and Jewelry in Kendall, circa 1930
This circa 1930 photo shows Evans Drug and Jewelry Store, which was at 118 W. South Railroad St. in Kendall. More historic photos are available at the Monroe County Local History Room’s website at www.MCLHR.org.
School
Royall hosts sixth-grade science fair
The Royall School District recently hosted its sixth-grade science fair. Westly, Ashton, Denaza, Desirae take part in an experiment. Gabe, Liam, Corbin and Dwight also created an experiment. (Contributed photo) THIRD-PLACE TEAM — “Magic Mud,” Drake, Connor, Brian...
Brookwood hosts trap shoot
Before school got out, the Brookwood High School trap club hosted a trap shoot. Bella Brandau (Kathy Nelson photo) Katherine McElhose and Gracin Stebbins (Kathy Nelson photo) Sophie Hyatt. (Kathy Nelson photo) Marshall Dol (Kathy Nelson photo)
Royall seniors receive scholarships
The following 2025 Royall High School graduates received the following scholarships and awards: • Royall Alumni Association Scholarship — CJ Anderson, Tyler Marshall, Maddison Peterson and Piper Pursell • Royall Booster Club Athletic Scholarship — Jackson Bender, Seth...
Brookwood’s night of musical magic
The Brookwood music department put on its pops concert May 13. Jocelyn Pacheco Pastrana and Drew Powell play with the high school band, which performed the main theme from “Mandalorian,” “Defying Gravity” from Broadway’s “Wicked,” and “My Shot” from Broadway’s...
Brookwood students named to honor roll
The following Brookwood Junior/Senior High School students were named to the fourth-quarter honor roll: SENIORS High Honors: Payge A. Clark, Deja S. Jimenez and Hunter A. Zimmerman Honor Roll: Emma J. Baldwin, Camden L. Brueggeman, Marshall C. Doll, Savannah Groom...