Intervention

Monroe County law enforcement leaders signed a letter asking the County Board to review concerns about the county's child protective services response.

Sparta Police Chief Emilee Nottestad and five other Monroe County law enforcement leaders say years of meetings and a revised agreement with Human Services have failed to resolve problems in the …

JACKPOT

Volunteer Kyle Evans deals blackjack at an earlier Casino Night.

The Freedom Honor Flight Coulee Region Committee, in conjunction with the American Legion, is hosting a fundraiser for the Freedom Honor Flight (FHF) on October 3, 2026, at the American Legion Post …

PFAS in Monroe County

FROM QUESTION TO ACTION: Angelo resident Brian Glover stands beside the new PFAS fish-consumption advisory sign at Angelo Pond. Glover raised the lack of signage during the Sept. 10 free public PFAS forum, concerned that children, nearby residents and other visitors could catch fish without knowing an advisory was in place. Follow-up reporting by the Monroe County Herald found that a sign previously requested from the Wisconsin DNR had never arrived, although a post was already waiting beside the pond. After the Herald confirmed with Monroe County Parks that a locally produced replacement could be placed there, a sign was designed and produced locally. Glover paid about $40 for the printing and installed it, with assistance, on the existing post at the county-approved location. Within days of the forum, a resident's question had led to a sign in place.

For nearly an hour after presentations ended at a September 10 PFAS forum at the Sparta American Legion, Monroe County residents kept asking questions. What about private wells near Angelo, and …

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Herald 10-1-26

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Sparta schools seek input on spending, possible referendum.

The Sparta Area School District is asking residents what they want protected in their schools as it considers another operational referendum and further spending cuts. Even with more referendum …

Romeo the elephant in the town Square of Delavan.

Wisconsin Legends and Lore: Juliet the Elephant and the Delavan Circuses

Before Baraboo became a winter quarters for the Ringling Brothers Circus in 1884 and now the modern-day Circus World Museum, there was Delavan, Wisconsin. Widely known as the 19th Century Circus …

Get Ready For Hunting And Trapping Seasons Opening In October

There are six dates throughout October when seasons open, so hunters are encouraged to double-check the hunting season dates and trapping season dates and confirm that they have acquired all …

Sparta Fall Fest Brings Seasonal Family Fun to Downtown Oct. 3

October brings thoughts of colorful leaves, good food, and family time. Those things will come together at the Sparta Fall Fest on Saturday, October 3, when the annual event returns to downtown …

Monroe County Safe Community Coalition Announces Anti-Bullying Poster Contest for Youth

Monroe County, WI – In recognition of October as National Bullying Prevention Month, the Monroe County Safe Community Coalition (MCSCC) is proud to sponsor an Anti-Bullying Poster Contest for …

Monroe County Court News

September 21: Samuel Ambrosini, 39, of Genoa, was charged with 3 counts of forgery (one as PTAC), possession of THC (2nd offense), and drug paraphernalia. Prosecutors requested a $ 1,500 …

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Obituaries

Joan M. Strom

LAKE HALLIE - Joan M. Strom, 92, died Saturday, September 26, 2026 at Lake Hallie Memory Care. She was born August 6, 1934 to Agnes (Jensen) Webster and Lawrence Webster in Sparta, WI. She grew …

LouAnn F. Niebuhr

LouAnn F. Niebuhr, 86 of Tomah passed away on Monday, September 28, 2026, at Emplify Health, LaCrosse. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, October 30, 2026, 11:00 AM at Gloria Dei …

Carolyn L. Mautino

Carolyn L. Mautino, 73 of Tomah, passed away on Friday, September 25, 2026, at her home. She was born on August 25, 1953, to William H. and Ruby I. (Eckelberg) Kobleska in Sparta. Carolyn grew up on …

Evelyn A. Betthauser

Evelyn A. Betthauser, age 88, formerly of Tomah, WI, passed away on Friday, September 25, 2026, at the Country Terrace Assisted Living in Black River Falls, WI. She was born on September 5, …

Robert L. Anderson

BLACK RIVER FALLS - Robert L. Andersen, 90, of Black River Falls, passed away on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at Black River Health Center, in Black River. Services will be …

Carolyn L. Mautino

Carolyn L. Mautino, 73 of Tomah, passed away on Friday, September 25, 2026, at her home. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2026, 11:00 AM at St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church 525 …

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A&E

Zuhlke Farm (Little Blue Ridge Farm) — Original Painting
Oil on canvas, signed “R.R. Kronberg.” Depicts the Zuhlke family homestead in Kendall, Wisconsin — the red-brick farmhouse, 1888 barn, outbuildings, and windmill. The only known original painting currently accounted for. Contributed photo.

The Lost Painter of Monroe County: Rediscovering the Art and Life of Rudy “Ruddie” Kronberg

It began with a painting. While interviewing land steward Kim Zuhlke about his family’s conservation work on Little Blue Ridge, a vivid 1927 farm scene hanging on the wall caught my attention. The …

METAL FEST

What began as an effort to give local heavy metal fans a place to hear live music is growing into a full-scale festival with regional bands, vendors and ambitions of becoming one of Sparta’s …

12th Annual Art Outdoors Event at the Wegner Grotto August 22

On Saturday, August 22nd from 10am – 3pm the Wegner Grotto County Park will host the twelfth annual “Art Outdoors” make-and-take art day. This family-friendly event includes exploring one …

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Sports

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Sparta Gymnastics 2026

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FOOTBALL: Ithaca beats Cashton to take pole position is SBC race

Cashton’s Cutler Brueggen had an interception in the Eagles’ 20-14 OT loss to Ithaca/Weston last Friday.

With the way thinks shook out over the first month of the season, last Friday’s clash between Cashton and Ithaca/Weston turned out to be a meeting of the only two remaining unbeatens in Scenic …

VOLLEYBALL: Sparta Spartans sweep after a 5-match losing streak

Looking to bounce back after a tough loss to La Crosse Central on Monday night, the Spartans returned to Mississippi Valley Conference play looking to end their five-match losing streak. Sparta …

Bangor’s Jaycee Michek fired in a team-high 15 kills in the Cardinals’ four-set win over Hillsboro on Tuesday.

VOLLEYBALL: Bangor battles past Hillsboro in key SBC clash

Coming into the week with a three-way tie atop the Scenic Bluffs volleyball standings, every conference match begins to feel like it carries a greater and greater weight — especially those between …

Sparta’s Cailin Puzach returns a shot during her No. 1 singles match against Tomah’s Nora Klouda this past Monday at Green Island Park.

TENNIS: Timberwolves finish fourth in MVC

Anchored by pair of third-place finishes during this year’s conference tournament, the Tomah girls tennis team locked up fourth place in the final MVC standings. The Timberwolves — who sat …

EDITORIAL: Brewers offense key to postseason breakthrough

Here we are once again with the Milwaukee Brewers heading into the playoffs coming off a fabulous regular season. But the one question on every fan’s mind remains the same: Is this the year where …

CROSS COUNTRY: Spartan boys cross country team fourth at Dave "Woody" Meyer Invitational

With two top-10 finishes, the Spartan boys team earned a fourth-place showing at the Dave "Woody" Meyer Invitational The Spartans combined for a score of 100 behind Ellsworth (32) in first, …

EDITORIAL: Fickell finally gets signature win in Penn State comeback

Even if you’re an optimist, I don’t think there was a single Wisconsin fan who was predicting that last Saturday would produce the Luke Fickell era’s first truly signature win when the Badgers …

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From Mexican Market to Mexican Kitchen

Restaurante Guerrero owner Marleni Sandoval holds the restaurant’s first takeout order of tacos while posing with her two young sons following Wednesday’s ribbon cutting. Sandoval operates the new restaurant alongside Supermercado Guerrero, the family’s longtime Mexican market in Sparta.

With her baby on one hip, her older son at her side and Restaurante Guerrero's first order of tacos in her hand, Marleni Sandoval stood inside her new restaurant Wednesday, surrounded by the family, …

Same “Gr8” Service

Never one not to get his hands dirty, Larry Krauss details a vehicle at his new location.

Gr8 Auto Detail and Rental has relocated. Previously located across from Walmart since 2013, the business is now at the former Middleton Auto Shop, 118 W. Wisconsin Street. The name has also been …

Vintage Brings Color, History and a Lifetime of Collecting to Water Street

Patricia Barnes, owner of Vintage at 126 Water Street in Sparta, sits among the colorful vintage clothing, lamps, retro furniture, accessories, and treasures she has collected over decades in the vintage trade. Barnes, 81, is gradually bringing pieces from her extensive collection into the new shop, including South African ostrich feather boas like those pictured. "There's no such thing as too many feathers," Barnes said.

Color and music fill Vintage, the store Patricia Barnes opened at 126 Water Street. Natural light falls across sequins, feathers, formalwear, lamps, and clothing arranged to create an elegant, …

Sparta Culver's Celebrates Community Through Hospitality, Mentorship and Giving Back

Pam Huber, center, poses with members of the Sparta Culver's team. Coworkers describe Huber as a mentor and 'work mom' whose encouragement has helped young employees build confidence while fostering the welcoming atmosphere customers have come to expect.

Before many guests have even found a table at Sparta's Culver's, they are likely to hear a cheerful greeting from Pam Huber. For nearly two decades, Huber has welcomed customers, encouraged coworkers …

Building Community, One Brick at a Time

Jerry and America Fushianes stand outside Brick Sip Haus in downtown Tomah. Since purchasing the business in late 2025, the couple has expanded their downtown vision with Brick Productions, an entertainment venue, and Brick & Bean Coffee, creating gathering spaces centered on community, conversation and local entertainment.

The Brick Sip Haus opened in downtown Tomah in November of 2023. Located at 800 Superior Avenue, it quickly became a popular destination for the community to gather for a social drink, live music, …

Emma Ann’s Boutique: Resale, Reimagined

Dinelle Clay stands inside Emma Ann's Boutique in Tomah, where she offers a mix of new and resale clothing, accessories, and home décor. Clay founded the boutique 12 years ago with the goal of changing perceptions of resale shopping. Contributed photo.

From riding horses to running a retail business, Warren's native Dinelle Clay started her business 12 years ago to change people's perception of resale. Her boutique "Emma Anns" combines …

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