EXTRA
Your Right to Know: A FOIA fight over immigration records
By Elisabeth Lambert The headlines are full of stories about the Trump administration’s aggressive new approach to immigration enforcement. We hear about ICE raids and mass deportations. But there’s another, less publicized policy change that’s making it difficult for...
Guns and protests: What are Wisconsin’s laws on open and concealed carry?
By Paul KieferWisconsin Watch This story was produced and originally published by Wisconsin Watch, a nonprofit, nonpartisan newsroom. It was made possible by donors like you. Last week we asked for your questions about immigration enforcement in Wisconsin,...
St. Paul’s Week of Prayer for Christian Unity program canceled
Due to forecasted weather conditions, St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Wilton has canceled its Week of Prayer for Christian Unity program, which had been set for Jan. 24.
Monroe County Health Department: Protect against respiratory illnesses
Contributed by the Monroe County Health Department Respiratory illnesses levels are reaching record highs at a national, state, and local level. In Monroe County, 12 residents have been hospitalized with respiratory illnesses since the beginning of 2026. It’s not too...
DNR’s Winter Free Fishing Weekend is Jan. 17–18
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources will offer its annual Winter Free Fishing Weekend from Jan. 17–18. Winter Free Fishing Weekend gives families, friends and newcomers an opportunity to give fishing a try or introduce another to the sport. During...
Wilton man injured in logging accident
The Vernon County Sheriff’s Office 911 Dispatch Center was notified of a logging incident that occurred at about 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7, on private property located on Brush Hollow Road in rural Viroqua, in the town of Webster, according to Vernon County Sheriff...
DNR confirms CWD in wild deer in La Crosse County
Contributed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources confirms the first positive test result for chronic wasting disease in a wild deer in La Crosse County. The deer was a hunter-harvested adult buck and was...
NEWS
Wilton Legion donates to VA
Wilton American Legion Post 508 conducted bingo at the Tomah Veterans Administration for the veterans in February. Pictured are members of the Post and Auxiliary who participated in bingo. The items on the table were collected by the Post and Auxiliary, which were...
Vernon County Sheriff’s Report for Feb. 1–7
Sunday, Feb. 1: A deputy responded to a call regarding a vehicle that had been taken from a residence on County Highway SS and driven without the owner’s consent and returned with damage. The matter is under investigation. Monday, Feb. 2: A deputy, along with the...
Vernon County Sheriff’s Report for Jan. 18–30
Sunday, Jan. 18: A deputy was dispatched to De Soto to investigate complaints of a loose black labrador running at large and biting people near Steele Street. It has been an ongoing issue since summer, when the dog might have also been seen with a large, white dog...
Ontario Legion donates to N-O-W
Members of the Ontario American Legion recently donated a new American flag that will be displayed in the new Brookwood Fieldhouse. Pictured from left to right: Travis Anderson, Norwalk-Ontario-Wilton School District Superintendent, and Mark Williams and Tony...
LEGO exhibit extended until Feb. 28
Contributed by the Monroe County Local History Room & Museum The Monroe County Local History Room & Museum is excited to announce that the “For the Love of LEGO” exhibit has been extended through Saturday, Feb. 28. A record number of visitors...
Vernon County Sheriff’s Report for Jan. 11–17
Monday, Jan. 12: Deputies were dispatched to Sugar Grove Road in the town of Kickapoo for report of a male with an active probation warrant at a residence. The warrant was confirmed, and the male was found in the basement and taken into custody. Monday, Jan. 12: A...
VSN program to focus on bumblebees
The Valley Stewardship Network Conservation on Tap February presentation, set for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3, is entitled “Bumblebees and Controlled Burns in Wisconsin Tallgrass Prairie” There are nearly 500 species of bees in Wisconsin, about 20 of which are...
Ontario moves forward on clerk’s replacement
The Ontario Village Board on Monday got the ball rolling on replacing clerk/treasurer Terri Taylor, who is set to retire … Read the rest
N-O-W to shelve adding soccer program for time being
For those hoping for a Brookwood soccer team, you may have to wait a few more years.
Royall gets AP Pacesetter Award
The Royall School District recently received the Advanced Placement Pacesetter award from the state Department of Public Instruction, Superintendent Scott … Read the rest
Sponsorship, memorial donations sought for Norwalk’s flower baskets
One of the highlights of driving through Norwalk in the summer are the flower baskets hanging from the light poles … Read the rest
Monroe County has hearing on Barton’s plea withdrawal
Representing the State of Wisconsin, Monroe County District Attorney Kevin Croninger asked Judge Todd Ziegler at a hearing Jan. 16 … Read the rest
Barton trial scheduled for April
A jury trial is slated for Leigha Barton, Wilton’s former clerk/treasurer, who is accused of stealing roughly $138,000 from the … Read the rest
Wilton will attempt to recoup unpaid water/sewer bills
The Wilton Village Board considered ways to recover substantial amounts associated with unpaid water and sewer bills.
Incumbents uncontested after Ontario caucus
It looks like there will be no change in the makeup of the Ontario Village Board after only the incumbents … Read the rest
Village of Kendall may foreclose on Wildes property
Kendall’s village board agreed Monday to consult with its attorney on the possibility on foreclosing on Dan Wildes’ property at … Read the rest
‘Beauty and the Beast’: Brookwood Theatre begins rehearsals for first production in new auditorium
There is an extra degree of intensity and anticipation in the rehearsals for Brookwood Theatre’s spring production set for March … Read the rest
No decision yet on Barton’s request to withdraw plea
After a Monroe County Circuit Court hearing Dec. 26, no decision was made on former Wilton clerk/treasurer Leigha Barton’s request … Read the rest
Ontario’s ice rink to open
This year’s liner purchase was made possible by a generous donation from GoMacro.
Community
Trepes honored for American Legion service
The Kendall American Legion Post 309 recently honored Francis Trepes for achieving 70 continuous years as an active Kendall Legionaire. Rep. Nancy VanderMeer presented him with an award from the State of Wisconsin. (Contributed photo)
Seeing Stars: Desert night walk
By Susan Cushing | Kickapoo Dark-Sky Initiative I’m visiting Tucson, a metropolitan area of about a million people. Here, walking at night is something many people do, especially on the trails in the surrounding mountain parks. People in the southwest do outdoor...
Ontario to host class on sock knitting in March
By Rachel Conner | Ontario Public Library director Are you interested in learning how to knit a sock? You are in luck! Sign up for a special class that will be taught by Karen Austad this March at the Ontario Public Library on Wednesdays from 4:30 to 6 p.m. There...
Senior menus for Feb. 16–20
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, Feb. 16: Tater tot casserole made with mixed vegetables,...
Wilton to host LEGO club
By Kelly Lupton | Wilton Public Library director Every second and fourth Monday of the month, we have LEGO club. We build based on a theme, and then display the builds until the next club. Come in and see what your imagination can create. The Wilton...
Obituaries
Daryll Amberg
August 18, 1940 — January 19, 2026 Daryll Amberg, 85, passed away on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, at St. Agnes Hospital in Fond du Lac, Wis. Daryll was born on Aug. 18, 1940, the son of Lawrence and Berget (Benson) Amberg. He graduated from Elroy High School and later...
William F. Koopman, Jr.
William F. Koopman, Jr., 85, of Camp Douglas passed away Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026, at the Serenity House, Tomah. He was born Oct. 31, 1940, to William F. Koopman, Sr. and Elsie E. Deutrich in Bells Coulee, La Crosse County. William graduated from Melrose Mindoro...
James “Bummer” K. Palamaruk
James “Bummer” K. Palamaruk, 71, of rural Kendall peacefully passed away in his home with his family on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026. Bummer was born to Elizabeth “Betty” (Magee) and Metro Palamaruk on June 28, 1954, in Fort Williams, Ontario, Canada, where he and his...
Charles D. “Chuck” Huschka
Charles D. “Chuck” Huschka, 88, of Elroy, Wis., passed away Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, at home. He was born on Nov. 4, 1937, in Elroy to Albert and Clara (Miller) Huschka. He grew up in the Elroy area. He attended grade school at Fowler Prairie-Sherman in Elroy. Then he...
Roy William Spohn
Roy William Spohn, 65, of Ontario, Wis., peacefully took his final breath and met Jesus on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his wife and loved ones, after a 20-year battle with cancer. Roy was born Feb. 15, 1960, to Chet and Eleanor (Wagner) Spohn....
Opinion
Will you defend and protect our Constitution?
By Lee D. Van Landuyt | Hillsboro Some remember the years following World War II. The United States rose to prominence as a world leader. Industries were well regulated, everyone was fairly taxed, strong unions contributed to an unrivaled middle class, human rights...
Letter to the editor: Vote for candidates who will protect the unborn
By Michael T. Gjefle | Ontario I cannot go through the month of January without reflecting on what happened within our family 25 years ago on Jan. 21. My wife had a brain aneurysm during the sixth month of her pregnancy. She went from a bad headache to collapsing on...
Letter to the editor: Ontario is a wonderful place
By Carolene Martalock | Ontario After having lived in the Ontario area on a rural dairy farm for over the past 62 years. I’m often asked how I like living in the village of Ontario now. My reply is, it’s okay. But as we all know, time changes...
Letter to the editor: President Trump creates his own reality
By Kent Gallaway | Readstown In the words of Tammy Baldwin, “The president does not have the unilateral authority to invade a country, seize their leader and control their resources.” This president creates his own reality and thinks he can declare his...
Letter to the editor: Snap out of it
By Dena Eakles | rural Ontario People of faith have been used and are now political pawns. If you are a self-identifying Christian National, perhaps it’s time to consider what your allegiance supports. In your name and with your bidding, families are torn apart. This...
Sports
Big win yields 1,000 points for Muehlenkamp
The Brookwood girls basketball team held onto a big conference win traveling to Royall Feb. 6, as Royall's Anna Crneckiy held onto a rebound over Brookwood's Reagan Muehlenkamp in the first half. (Tasha Mueller photo) Kinsley Holmquist celebrates with teammate Ruby...
Royall boys avenge over Hillsboro
It was a battle for the top place in conference Feb. 5, as Royall hosted Hillsboro, looking to avenge its only conference loss of the season against Hillsboro on Dec. 18, 53-54. Royall undoubtedly came out strong within the first half of play as Braxton Board runs...
Panthers snatch 66-22 victory over Hillsboro
The Royall girls basketball squad hosted Hillsboro January 15 and has continued to stay at the top of the conference, marking a 66-22 win over the Tigers. Bria Gruen keeps the possession away from Hillsboro in the opening minutes of play. (Tasha Mueller photo) Kylie...
Brookwood boys dominate Cashton 64-47
The Brookwood boys basketball squad hosted the second varsity event in the new fieldhouse and did not disappoint the crowd versus Cashton on Jan. 30. Within the opening few minutes of play, Owen Waddell comes down with the rebound after a missed Falcons basket....
Brookwood wrestling welcomes new field house | Royall wins conference
Jan. 20 marked the official opening of Brookwod's new field house, welcoming a conference double dual between Cashton, New Lisbon and Royall. Brookwood's Sawyer Stenerson pushes up against Cashton's Jacobi Mlsna at 144 pounds, with Mlsna taking the win 13-2. (Tasha...
E-Edition
Pictures from the Past
Wilton Home Bakery, 1935
In this 1935 photo, Erwin C. “Stub” Mannel and Almeda Tonn work in the Wilton Home Bakery. Mannel was the proprietor. More historic photos are available at the Monroe County Local History Room’s website at www.MCLHR.org.
Norwalk Creamery float, 1935
In this 1935 photo, a float sponsored by the Farmers Co-op Creamery Association of Norwalk makes its way through a parade. More historic photos are available at the Monroe County Local History Room’s website at www.MCLHR.org.
Georgia’s Cafe, 1942
This 1942 photo shows people at Georgia’s Cafe, 114 W. South Railroad St., Kendall. Georgia Matthews and Sylvia Smith are behind the counter. The boys are LeRoy Matthews and Dick Smith, with Charlotte Smith at the right and Elle Matthews sitting. More historic photos...
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.
School
Brookwood to host forensics tournament Monday
The Brookwood forensics program will host the sub-district tournament in classrooms throughout the high school and elementary school Monday, Feb 16. This is the first in a series of three tournaments that are part of the Wisconsin Interscholastic Speech and...
Brookwood students named to honor roll
The following Brookwood Junior/Senior High School students were named to the second-quarter honor roll: SENIORS High Honors: Alivia Brandau, Fernanda Garcia Barr, Rosemary Hegland, Reagan Muehlenkamp and Ruth Wooten Honor Roll: Marianela Alcantar, Mily Alcantar, Keyli...
Brookwood High School students in honors band
Contributed by the Wade Behrens | Brookwood instrumental instructor Cooper Powell and Mason Rex (contributed photos) This past weekend, two of our very own Brookwood High School students were nominated for and selected to be part of the WCBA (Wisconsin Concert Band...
Brookwood names artists of the month
The Brookwood High School artists of the month for November are Yoselin Gonzalez Lopez for her watercolor portrait of a video game character, Fernanda Garcia Barr for her parody of Grant Wood’s “American Gothic,” with characters from the movie “Coraline,” and Betsy...
N-O-W second-graders compose Christmas poems
Reindeer fly magically furry brown antlers black hooves Reindeer — by Cora Reindeer fluffy soft fly high fast pull sleigh Reindeer — by Rosie Gingerbread Man yummy delicious colorful sprinkles frosting sweet chocolate Gingerbread Man — by Keean Santa red suit brings...