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Sparta weighs spring referendum as students and alums urge board to keep ag classes

Students, graduates and local farmers urged the Sparta School Board to keep agriculture in the district's middle and high school curriculum, saying they worry budget cuts could mean fewer classes or …
No lights, fog, black ice, and a curve create hazardous nighttime driving conditions. Internet photo.

Wisconsin Legends and Lore: The Haunted Siren Bridge

Folklore says bridges connect the real world and the spirit world. So it is with the bridge east of the small village of Siren, often called Wisconsin's most haunted bridge.  The structure isn't …
Retired Col. John Gessner receives his JROTC Hall of Fame plaque from Brig. Gen. Sean Crockett, Commanding General of U.S. Army Cadet Command, Col. Lee Evans, U.S. Army Cadet Command JROTC Director and U.S. Army Cadet Command Command Sergeant Major Darrell Walls, on Oct. 21, 2026 at Fort Knox, Kentucky. At the inaugural JROTC Hall of Fame induction ceremony retired inductees Sgt. Maj. Leon McMullen, Col. John Gessner, and Maj. Gen. Alfred Valenzuela were honored for their outstanding contributions to JROTC and their longstanding commitment toward the JROTC mission of “motivating young people to become better citizens.” | Photo by Aaron Selbig, Cadet Command Public Affairs Office

Local Veteran inducted into JROTC Hall of Fame

It was from 1970 to 1974 when a young high school student, John Gessner, enrolled in the Junior ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) at West High School in Rockford, Illinois. Early in his freshman …

Help Shape Deer Season For Your Community

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources encourages members of the public with a passion for conservation and deer management to apply for a seat on a Citizen Deer Advisory Council (CDAC). …

Fort McCoy expecting hundreds of hunters for 2026 gun-deer season Nov. 21-29

Fort McCoy is preparing to host hundreds of hunters for its 2026 nine-day gun-deer season Nov. 21-29, with wildlife surveys showing a slight increase in deer numbers and improved fawn production …

Sparta American Legion Craft Fair

What started as a small fundraiser has grown into a popular fall shopping tradition in Sparta, bringing together local and area vendors while raising money for children’s charities throughout …
Obituaries
William D. Hansen
William D. “Bill” Hansen, 81, of Sparta, Wisconsin, passed away on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at Bluff View Assisted Living in Holmen, Wisconsin. He leaves behind a lifetime of memories, countless …
Ralph John Antone
Ralph “Radar” John Antone, 81 of Tomah passed away on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Tomah.  Ralph was born on May 24, 1945, to …
David A. Olson
SPARTA - David A. Olson, 62, of Sparta passed away on Saturday, November 7, 2026 at his home. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be offered at …
Ronald J. Meyer
SPARTA - Ronald J. Meyer, 79, of Sparta, passed away on November 5th at his home in Sparta, WI surrounded by his family. He was born December 30, 1946 to Edward and Tillie Meyer in La Crosse, WI. He …
Donavon Dean Jessie
Donavon Dean Jessie, 86, passed away November 1, 2026, at Emplify by Gundersen Health in La Crosse. He was born on March 3, 1940, in Sparta, Wis., to Leonard and Evelyn (Parlow) Jessie. Donavon …
Janice Marie Wall
Janice Marie Wall, age 86, of Cashton, WI, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, November 4, 2026. Jan was born on March 9, 1940, to Fred and Rose Yarolimek. Raised on the banks of …
Sports

VOLLEYBALL: Kent, Plueger named to All-MVC first team

Sparta junior Addie Kent found her way onto the All-MVC first team after a breakout campaign in 2026.
Sparta junior Addie Kent was the team’s top all-conference honoree in a season that the Spartans hope was a sign of bright days ahead for the program. Kent was named to the All-MVC first team …
Ithaca struggles to find offensive rhythm against Iowa-Grant
After a close win to Black Hawk/Warren in the second round of the WIAA D7 playoffs, Ithaca-Weston looked to keep their postseason momentum going but struggled to find their offensive rhythm in the …
Bangor junior libero Brenna Dietrich was named the Scenic Bluffs Defensive Player of the Year in addition to landing on the all-conference second team.
VOLLEYBALL: Bangor nets two spots on All-SBC first team
Given that they won this year’s conference championship, it should come as no surprise that the Bangor volleyball team was represented well among the 2026 All-Scenic Bluffs honorees. Senior …
Holmen earns three All-MVC first-team picks
After an impressive 17-4 season, the Holmen Vikings were represented by three seniors on the All-Mississippi Valley Conference first team: forward Brock Needham, midfielder Apollo de la Rosa and …
Huntington lands on All-MVC first team
No player on the Sparta roster made a bigger two-way impact this fall than junior Hunter Huntington. It was only appropriate then that he led the way for the Spartans on the list of all-conference …
Sparta’s Kent named the All-MVC first team
Sparta junior Addie Kent was the team’s top all-conference honoree in a season that the Spartans hope was a sign of bright days ahead for the program. Kent was named to the All-MVC first team …
The Hillsboro Tigers earned a regional title and rolled on into sectionals with a four-set win over rival Wonewoc-Center last Saturday in Wonewoc.
VOLLYBALL: Bangor, Hillsboro stay alive into sectionals
And then there were two. Following the opening week of the high school volleyball playoffs all across Wisconsin, only two Scenic Bluffs Conference teams remain as we head into sectional action. …
Business

A Bigger Pond for Outdoor Enthusiasts: Triggers n Tackle Finds Room to Grow

For outdoor enthusiasts, finding the right equipment can make all the difference. At Triggers n Tackle, located at 819 Front Street in Cashton, customers can find gear for hunting, fishing, and …

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