EXTRA
Crash reported near La Farge
The Vernon County Sheriff’s Office 911 Dispatch Center received an automated crash-detection notification at about 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 28. Nichole Stuber, 43 of rural Westby was driving a 2019 Ram on Highway 82, near County Highway A, rural La Farge, in the town of...
Readstown nurse sentenced to prison for sex with patient
Contributed by the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office Monroe County District Attorney Kevin D. Croninger announced Monday, March 2, that on Feb. 27, Honorable Judge Paul Curran found Melissa R. Knutson of Readstown, Wis., guilty of misconduct in public office...
While plowing snow, truck rolls over in town of Clinton
At about 8:45 a.m. Friday, Feb. 20, the Sheriff's Office 911 Dispatch Center received a report of a motor vehicle crash on Kelbel Road, near the intersection of Knapp Valley Road, in the town of Clinton (rural Cashton), according to Vernon County Sheriff Roy...
Brookwood second-quarter highlights: School has had proud moments over last few months
By Travis Anderson | Norwalk-Ontario-Wilton Superintendent The second quarter at Norwalk-Ontario-Wilton School District and Brookwood Junior and Senior High School was filled with meaningful learning experiences, student accomplishments, and exciting milestones across...
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.
NEWS
‘The Bunco Squad’ opens March 12 at Area Community Theatre
Contributed by ACT Area Community Theatre (ACT) in Tomah will perform the play, “The Bunco Squad,” a once-monthly comedy by Jim Hesselman, with an opening on Thursday, March 12. Directed by Lisa McCormick and assisted by Elaine Reichardt, “The Bunco Squad” is set in...
Royall High School’s showcase concert slated for Monday, March 9
The Royall High School Music Department will present its Concert Festival Showcase Concert on Monday, March 9, at 7 p.m. in the old high school gymnasium. The high school concert band and high school concert choir will perform the selections they prepared for...
Tomah Health schedules two-day blood drive
Tomah Health and Versiti Blood Center officials are asking area residents to help meet a continued need for blood by donating March 18 or March 19 in Tomah. To help meet the need, Tomah Health and Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin are holding a two-day blood drive...
Vernon County Emergency Management to conduct test of mass-notification system
By Vernon County Emergency Management Vernon County Emergency Management will conduct a system-wide test of the Everbridge Mass Notification System on Wednesday, April 8, at 6 p.m. This test is part of our ongoing commitment to ensure that residents receive timely and...
Wilton native receives Women of Influence award
Sharon Hulce, a native of Wilton, was named the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient for Insight Publications’ Women of Influence program in northeast Wisconsin. “This honor recognizes Sharon’s decades-long career marked by visionary leadership, community...
Monroe County to offer private well testing
The Monroe County Land Conservation will offer private well water testing Tuesday, March 17. The cost will be $20 per sample, usually $78. The well must be in Monroe County, and it must be at least four years since the county has tested the water. To...
St. Paul’s to host program on scams, fraud
Contributed by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Wilton is pleased to invite members of the public to attend a presentation by Jeff Kersten, an outreach specialist of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection...
Brookwood is prepared for its first production in new auditorium
The stage floor is painted; the curtains are hung; there is a new sound system to reinforce productions; lights are … Read the rest
Rural Wilton man faces string of charges related to domestic abuse
Arrested Feb. 13, a rural Wilton man faces 34 counts in Monroe County Circuit Court, most of them felonies and … Read the rest
Norwalk approves $955,163 for street work
The Norwalk Village Board approved a $955,163.75 contract Feb. 10 for utility replacement and street reconstruction on North and Church … Read the rest
Barton convicted of misconduct in office
Monroe County Circuit Court Judge Todd Ziegler reinstated former Wilton clerk/treasurer Leigha Barton’s no-contest plea to felony misconduct in office … Read the rest
Wilde: Wilton water is safe to drink
Per the DNR, the Village of Wilton sent a letter to residents last month, asking them for help in identifying … Read the rest
Kendall works on downtown parking problem
Due to increased residential housing on Main Street, the Kendall Village Board grappled at its meeting Monday on how to … Read the rest
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
Community
Wilton craft hour is March 18
By Kelly Lupton | Wilton Public Library director On the third Wednesday of each month, we have our craft hour. Crafts are usually themed around the season, and at this upcoming craft hour, join us as we make some scent stones. It’s fun and creative! The Wilton...
Ontario to host St. Patrick’s Day movie matinee for adults
By Rachel Conner | Ontario Public Library director Don’t miss our St. Patrick’s Day March movie matinee for adults on Monday, March 16, at 3 p.m.! We will show “Waking Ned Devine,” a charming comedy full of twists and turns about a lottery winner in a small, scenic...
Genealogy class is Thursday, March 12
By Kristen Parrott | Vernon County Museum curator The next meeting of the genealogy class will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 12, at the Vernon County Museum and History Center. The topic for the day will be finding Wisconsin genealogical information. Teacher Karen...
Seeing Stars: Tucson city nights
By Susan Cushing | Kickapoo Dark-Sky Initiative Recently I looked out the window in the pre-dawn hours where I am staying in Tucson and noticed the night seemed a bit darker than usual. I went outside and walked to where there was an overlook of the city. Yes, it was...
Senior menus for March 9–13
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, March 9: Chicken divan (broccoli cheese sauce) over brown...
Obituaries
Mitchell Thomas Simonson
Mitchell Thomas Simonson, 17, of Cashton, Wis., passed away at home, with his dad by his side, on March 3, 2026. Mitchell suffered a rare, unforeseen, and sudden medical complication, taking him from us far too soon. Born on July 8, 2008, Mitchell was a young man...
Merle Micka
Merle Micka, 85, of Kendall, died on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.A graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 4, at Glendale Cemetery, Kendall. Pastor John Olson will officiate. The Smith-Nelson-Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home is assisting. Online condolences...
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...
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
Brookwood girls land big non-conference season final
The Brookwood girls basketball team gained a large nonconference win over Weston/Ithaca on Feb. 20 in its final regular-season game. Kaja Wolff-Hauschild makes a play in the paint in the opening minute of play. (Tasha Mueller photo) Stella Mack keeps the ball in play...
Royall girls steam past Hillsboro
The Royall girls basketball team scored its final regular win of the season, traveling to Hillsboro on Feb. 17 and earning a score of 57-44. Ella Dahlen leads the run in the first half to look for an easy basket. (Tasha Mueller photo) Kayla Rick eyes an open pass lane...
Royall boys continue season lead
The Royall boys basketball team hosted Brookwood on Feb. 13 with a strong conference game throughout. Brookwood steadied its baskets, marking a steady start in the first minutes of play, as Cullen Brueggeman made a 3-pointer. Jackson Cunitz gets the sneak play around...
Powell heads to state
Brookwood hosted the WIAA Division 3 sectional Feb. 14, when Drew Powell had the home mat celebration in the championship match at 157 pounds. Powell sparred with Boscobel/Wauzeka-Steuben's Job Wetter, who reached the pin at 3:30, marking a second-place finish for...
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...
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
Royall girls race for second place
The Royall girls basketball squad hosted Cashton February 12, as Cashton came out on top, 44-37. Royall's Layla Marty gets through Cashton's defense in the paint at the start of the second half. Marty tallied five points throughout the tilt. (Tasha Mueller photo)...
N-O-W hosts invention fair
Norwalk-Ontario-Wilton Elementary School hosted its annual Third Grade Invention Fair last week. Above: Eleven students displayed their creativity and design by participating in the annual Third Grade Invention Fair. Back row. from left: Violet J., Nolan...
Brookwood forensics advances all entries to district
Contributed by the Brookwood forensics program Brookwood forensics had 27 entries at the sub-district tournament they hosted on Monday, Feb. 16. The team consisting of four sophomores, 16 juniors, and seven seniors advanced all of their entries to district competition...
Brookwood names artists of the month
The Brookwood High School artists of the month for December/January are Marissa Brueggeman (below) and Eileen Bautista Santiago (above, left) for their shaded drawings and Fernanda Garcia Barr (above, right) for her ceramic “hunny” pot based off Winnie the Pooh....
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...