EXTRA
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...
Norwalk spill affects 8 miles of trout waters
At least eight miles of a Southwest-Wisconsin stream were polluted by a manure spill earlier this month. The spill killed hundreds of fish, including many wild brown trout. The affected waterways — Spring Valley Creek, Moore Creek and the Kickapoo River — have long...
Your Right to Know: Want a closed session? Explain yourself!
By Tom Kamenick Probably the most commonly used — and, in my opinion, abused — exemption in our state’s Open Meetings Law is the one that lets governmental bodies meet behind closed doors “whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session." The...
Springtime birding on the Kickapoo
By Charlie Luthin of Lodi, Wis. The month of May brings fresh rains to the Kickapoo Valley, and paddlers ready themselves for their spring float or paddle down this iconic Driftless Area River. May also brings...
NEWS
Scenic Bluffs and Reedsburg Area Medical Center Partner to open new dental clinic
Contributed by Scenic Bluffs Community Health Centers Scenic Bluffs Community Health Centers and Reedsburg Area Medical Center (RAMC) are pleased to announce a new partnership dedicated to increasing access to affordable, high-quality dental care in Reedsburg and...
I&E meeting to focus on digital marketing, e-commerce
Contributed by the Inventors and Entrepreneurs Club The next meeting of the Inventors and Entrepreneurs Club will be Wednesday, Aug. 13, at the Food Enterprise Center, 1201 N. Main St. in Viroqua. Our speaker will be Steve Peterson, who will share his expertise on...
Crash takes out power in Ontario area
A vehicle rolled over at 7:38 a.m. on July 18 on Highway 131 north of Ontario, striking a utility pole on Nicholas Road and causing a power outage in the Ontario area. According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office police report, the vehicle was northbound on Highway...
Two injured in motorcycle crash at Wildcat
The Vernon County Sheriff’s Office 911 Dispatch Center was notified of a motorcycle crash on Highway 33, in Wildcat Mountain State Park, rural Ontario, in the town of Whitestown, at about 11:30 a.m. on July 19, according to Vernon County Sheriff Roy Torgerson. ...
Man seriously injured in town of Hillsboro motorcycle accident
The Vernon County Sheriff’s Office 911 Dispatch Center was notified of a motorcycle crash on County Highway F, in the town of Hillsboro, at about 7:30 p.m. on July 25, according to Sheriff Roy Torgerson. Through investigation, sheriff’s deputies believe that a deer...
Vernon County Sheriff’s Report for July 20–26
Sunday, July 20: A sheriff’s deputy was dispatched to speak with a cyclist regarding a dark-colored SUV that had driven unnecessarily close to a group of cyclists traveling on County Highway SS. The incident was captured on a cyclist’s taillight video camera....
Free family movie event is Aug. 3 at Royall
Contributed by the Juneau County Health Department Beat the heat and join the Juneau County Mental Health Community Action Team for a free family movie event hosted at the Royall School District. Starting at 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 3, will be a showing of the movie...
Transformation
The original 1961 gymnasium at Brookwood High School has been stripped down to its essential framework as contractors work toward … Read the rest
Wilton celebrates Weenie Days
The second-annual Wilton Weenie Days was last weekend.
N-O-W to consider feasibility of adding soccer
Acting on newly elected board member Damian Pasch’s request, the Norwalk-Ontario-Wilton Board of Education agreed to form an exploratory committee … Read the rest
Kendall approves Highway 71 project
Kendall approved a $1,825,555 preliminary agreement Monday with the state Department of Transportation, accepting an arrangement that calls for new … Read the rest
Barton pretrial hearing is Aug. 8
A pretrial hearing for former Wilton clerk/treasurer Leigha Barton is slated for 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8, at the Monroe … Read the rest
Community gathers in Ontario to celebrate Independence Day
The Ontario Community Club hosted its annual July 4 celebration from July 3–6.
Whitestown denies variance for quarry
When the Town of Whitestown Board met Tuesday, it voted to deny Kale Winchel’s request to reopen and operate the … Read the rest
Ontario Public Library going solar in 2025
This spring, the Ontario Public Library Board approved the installation of a solar array, which will be installed at the … Read the rest
Legion Riders visit Kendall
More than 100 American Legion Riders from across the state visited the Kendall Veterans Memorial on Saturday.
La Farge man charged in alleged truck theft in Ontario
Charges were filed in Vernon County Circuit Court last week in connection with a May 25 incident in which a … Read the rest
Scenes of summer: Fun at the Elroy Fair
The 128th Elroy Fair was from June 18–22 and had the theme “Racing Into Summer.”
Whitestown takes no action on quarry
The Town of Whitestown Board last week declined to either approve or deny an application to reopen a quarry west … Read the rest
Community
Blessing Box is a blessing: Norwalk church collects nonperishable food items, personal care items
Contributed by Immanuel and Salem United Methodist Churches, Norwalk In these days of expensive everything, we all ask ourselves how we can help those that are struggling to make ends meet. In 2018, the United Methodist Churches in Norwalk had an idea brought...
Kendall’s summer reading programs deemed successful
By Charissa Finn | Kendall Public Library director The Kendall Public Library’s children’s summer reading program was a success. We had a comedy science show, J & R Aquatic Animal Rescue brought animals, and we watched the movie “Charlotte’s Web.” Ann...
Construction continues on Wilton church
Construction remains underway on a new, handicapped accessible entrance at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Wilton.
Ontario to host homeschool family hangouts
By Rachel Conner | Ontario Public Library director Homeschool Family Hangout at the Ontario Public Library is scheduled for the First Friday of every month from 2–4 p.m. We hope to see you on Aug. 1 to gather with friends and share resources. Toys and games...
Wilton Public Library to offer assorted programs
By Kelly Lupton | Wilton Public Library director The Wilton Public Library will host the following events: • 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 1: Current-Events Discussion Group • 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5: Board-Game Club • 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5: Book Club for Adults with...
Obituaries
Louise Marie (Erpenbach) Melby
Louise Marie (Erpenbach) Melby, 101, passed away on July 16, 2025, at Vernon Memorial Hospital in Viroqua. She was born on Sept. 6, 1923, in Cook Creek, near Ontario, on a farm, to Lawrence and Florence (Fuenger) Erpenbach. She was united in marriage to Leo Melby on...
Ruth (Clair) Dopson
July 1, 1950 – July 25, 2025 Ruth Dopson, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2025, at the age of 75. Born on July 1, 1950, Ruth grew up with a strong faith and a caring heart that she carried throughout her...
James “Jim” D. Burch
James “Jim” Douglas Burch, 78, of rural Elroy, Wis., passed away Sunday, July 27, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his family. He was born in Hillsboro, Wis., on March 8, 1947, to Russell and Audrey Burch. He spent most of his childhood on the family farm in Ontario....
Glorine Ellen (Hammon Hunter) Benson
On July 13, 2025, in the early morning hours, Glorine Ellen Benson passed away at her home in Henderson, Nev. Born on March 8, 1936, in a small farmhouse in Valley, Wis., to Margaret Ellen Hammon (Hunter) and Edgar Hammon of Valley, Glorine was the baby of the...
Jeff Jon Muellenberg
Jeff Jon Muellenberg, 49, of Cashton passed away peacefully at home on July 18, 2025, with his wife by his side, after courageously fighting glioblastoma brain cancer for the last 26 months. He lived an honorable life, exemplifying honesty, loyalty and...
Opinion
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...
Letter to the editor: Democracy has been deteriorating
By Kent Gallaway | Readstown Democracy in America has been deteriorating for decades from corruption, inequality, and a flawed campaign election process. The accumulating causes have resulted in a dangerous election of a power-hungry character, Donald Trump....
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
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.
Bert Timmerman, near Ontario, circa 1950
In this circa 1950 photo, Bert Timmerman saws wood near Brush Creek, near Ontario.
Ontario CCC camp, 1930s
This circa 1930s photo depicts the pool hall at the Civilian Conservation Corps camp north of Ontario. It was one of nearly 4,000 camps operated by the federal government through the New Deal program. The program, which employed unmarried men from ages 18–25, ended in...
Norwalk Dry Goods and Groceries, 1901
This 1901 photo depicts the Norwalk Dry Goods and Groceries store, which was located at 203 Main St. It was established in 1900 and incorporated in 1903. Later, it became Norwalk IGA, and then Lehner’s IGA Market. More historic photos are available at the Monroe...
In 1942, Wilton woman joined husband in blacksmith shop
After Fred W. Lueck (right) couldn’t find help for his blacksmith shop in Wilton in 1942, his wife, Anna Lueck (left), joined him in the endeavor. The blacksmith shop was behind the Polstin’s building, which is on Main Street. Herbert Anderson photo (courtesy of Aldis...
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...