WRCO News at Noon

Today is Saturday, November 14th.

Good afternoon for WRCON News.

I'm Katelyn O'Connell.

The Grand County Sheriff's Office has released final autopsy results following an investigation into the off-duty death of Muscaday police officer Kate Flechauer last month.

According to the Grand County Coroner, who received the final report from the UW Forensic Pathology on Friday,

Officer Fleshauer's death has been ruled an accident.

The official cause of death was determined to be freshwater drowning in an indoor pool with acute alcohol and diphylhydrodrimine intoxication listed as contributing factors.

The incident began on October 18th when the Muscaday Police Department requested assistance from the Grant County Sheriff's Office to investigate Officer Fleshauer's death at a private residence.

Following the coroner's request, a forensic pathologist conducted an autopsy at UW Hospital in Madison.

The completion of the final report was held pending toxicology results and a comprehensive review of medical and investigative data.

In a statement released alongside the findings, the Grand County Sheriff's Office expressed gratitude to the public for their patience while the investigation was finalized, emphasizing Officer Fleschauer's meaningful contribution to local law enforcement.

Officer Fleschauer was a valued and respected member of the Muscaday Police Department, and the Grand County law enforcement community said the Sheriff, our thoughts remain with Officer Fleschauer's family, friends, colleagues, and the Muscaday community.

officials went on to state that the following the conclusion of the investigation and the coroner's official findings, no further details will be released.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services and the Grant County Health Department confirmed Friday a second pediatric measles associated death linked to the ongoing statewide outbreak.

Public Health officials expressed deep condolences while withholding further personal details to protect the family's privacy during this difficult time.

The tragedy underscores the severity of our current surge, which has recorded 649 cases across 20 counties since August of 2026, marking the highest concentration of

concentration of measles cases in Wisconsin in over 35 years.

Officials warn that true case numbers may be higher due to unreported mild illnesses.

In response, state and local health agencies have distributed tens of thousands of the MMR vaccine doses while urging residents to verify their immunization status and stay home if exposed.

State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly has announced that the Wisconsin Department of Public Instructions proposed 2027-2029 by annual budget, introducing approximately $2.75 billion in new funding.

for K-12 public schools and libraries across the state.

The transformative plan aims to overhaul Wisconsin's school funding model, addressing more than 15 years of revenue limits disconnected from inflation that have forced school districts to rely heavily on local operational referendums.

The proposal introduces key financial shifts without raising the statewide property tax levy.

Core provisions include increasing per pupil funding by $366 in the 2027.

In 2027 through 2028 and 374 in 2028 through 2029.

Establishing additional funding ways for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and English language learners and transitioning special education aid to a some sufficient model with reimbursement rates rising to 60%.

Furthermore, the budget targets critical investments in literacy, student mental health, career and technical education, school nutrition, and public library systems.

In a historic move, Governor Tony Evers has become the first Wisconsin governor since Tommy Thompson to grant a sentence commutation.

Earlier this year, Governor Evers signed two executive orders that reinstated the state's commutation process after decades of inactivity.

Throughout his tenure, Governor Evers has made unprecedented use of executive clemency, having granted more than 2,443 official pardons, more than any previous governor in Wisconsin State history.

While a pardon forgives a past offense and restores specific civil rights to individuals who have completed their sentences and remained off paper for at least five years, a commutation operates differently.

and applies to individuals currently serving a sentence and reduces its duration or alters its terms.

However, receiving commutation does not automatically guarantee immediate release.

Instead, it may make an individual eligible for parole or earlier supervised release based on factors such as age, personal growth, and continued positive behavior.

Under Executive Order No.

287, commutations aim to promote rehabilitation by rewarding personal growth and offering individuals a second chance to contribute meaningfully to society.

Governor Emer's Commutation Advisory Board, composed of experts in law enforcement, criminal law and victim advocacy, evaluates each application carefully.

In making recommendations, the Board considers the impact on victims and public safety, the applicants conduct well incarcerated, and their participation in rehabilitative, educational, and work programs.

The City of Richland Center personnel committee is set to convene on Monday at 5.30 in the municipal building conference room.

The committee will tackle a packed agenda featuring administrative reports, ongoing employee conduct procedures, and pivotal decisions regarding employee benefit management.

A primary focus for discussion and possible action is the selection of a flexible spending account administrator.

Members will evaluate proposals and material submitted by several leading administrative service providers, including diversified business services, Employee Benefits Corporation, and TASC.

Finding the right administrative partner remains a crucial step in ensuring smooth employee benefit operations and financial efficiency for municipal staff.

The agenda also includes a planned closed session pursuant to Wisconsin statutes to review procedures and responses regarding an employee conduct complaint.

Following the closed session deliberations, the committee will reconvene to open session to vote on any necessary actions.

Approval of previous meeting minutes from September and the regular city administrators report round out the evening's scheduled business.

Paws for the holidays is being held until 2 o'clock this afternoon at the Richland Center, Community Center, Community Center, and Senior Center.

This annual Akuch Mountain Humane Society fundraiser will feature a sweet walk, kid-friendly games, silent auction, bucket raffle, Santa Paws giving tree, informational tablets, and booths, membership table, sales tables, and a food stand.

There also might be a visit from Santa.

Admission is free.

More information can be found on the Pause for the Holidays Facebook page that's at the Pause for the Holidays going on this afternoon until 2 o'clock at the Richland Center Community and Senior Center.

The Ithaca School Foundation will have their annual Trivia Night Fundraiser tonight at the Ithaca School Commons.

Doors will open to the Ithaca School Commons at 5.30 with the event starting at 6 o'clock.

Cost per person is $10 with a limit of 8 people per team and a 20 team limit.

Trivia teams are allowed to bring their own snacks and the Ithaca Class of 2030 will be selling concessions.

Proceeds from Traveenite will go towards a wall-mounted senior-class photo display.

You can contact Ron Deboe at B-R-I-S-B-O-I-S-1998 at gmail.com or by calling 608-732-0322.

To register your team, walk-in teams will be allowed to register on a first come, first serve basis.

And today's $50 winner in the Ithaca Western Football Raffle is Lauren Ray with ticket number 0947.

Today is Saturday, November 14th.

Shirley Ann Lingard, 91 of Spring Green, dead October 24th at the Sock Prairie Health Hospital.

A celebration of life will be held today at 1130 at the Clary Memorial Funeral Home, with the visitation starting at 10 until the time of the service at 1130.

A private family burial service will be held at St.

Killian Cemetery in Bear Valley.

for Shirley Ann Lingard, 91 of Bear Valley and Spring Green.

Martin Robert Marty Kramer, 77 of Plain, died on Sunday.

Visitation will be held on Sunday from 2 until 5 and Monday from 9.30 until the time of the service at 11 at Christ Lutheran Church in Spring Green.

A military burial will be held at Big Hollow Cemetery.

A luncheon at the church will follow the burial.

In Louis Flowers, memorials may be made to Christ Lutheran Church in Spring-Green, a Reveille Athletic or music boosters, or a charity that is important to you.

Marty believed in paying it forward.

The Richardson Stafford Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

For Martin Robert Marty Kramer, 77.

of Plain.

Thomas O. Geiss, 81 of Boaz, died suddenly on Tuesday at Pine Valley Community Village.

A celebration of life visitation will be held on Sunday from 1 until 3 o'clock at the Clary Memorial Funeral Home.

The Local Military Honors Unit will provide military honors at 3 o'clock at the Clary Memorial Funeral Home.

In the Flowers, memorials may be given to a charity of your choice.

For Thomas O. Geiss, 81 of Boaz.

Carol Hamilton, 77 of LeFarge, died on November 5th at the Evergreens assisted living in La Crosse.

A celebration of life will be held on Monday from 9 until 11 at the LeFarge Free Methodist Church.

A graveside service will follow at Dell Cemetery.

A luncheon will be held at the church following the burial.

The Vasateg funeral home and crematory is assisting the family with the arrangements.

For Carol Hamilton, 77 of LaFarge.

Virginia Elaine McCauley, 94 of rural Gillingham, died on Monday.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 11 o'clock at the Pratt Memorial Chapel in Richland Center.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday at the Pratt Memorial Chapel from 9.30 until the time of the service at 11.

Burial will be held at the Fancy Creek Cemetery.

In Louis-Flower's memorials can be made to the First Baptist Church in Richland Center or the Pine Valley Community Village Activity Fund.

The Proud Funeral Inc.

Service is assisting the family of Virginia Elaine McCauley, 94 of rural Gillingham.

Gregory Jerome Gaviz, 69 of Blue River,

died on Thursday.

A private family burial will be held in the Blue River Cemetery at a later date.

The Proud Funeral Information Service assisted the family with their arrangements.

For Gregory Jerome Caves, 69 of Blue River.

Gail Ann Ramston, 64 of Clyde, died on Tuesday at UW Hospital.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In Louis Flowers, memorials and donations may be made in Gale's memory to the Iowa County Humane Society.

The Clary Memorial Funeral Home assisted the family with the arrangements.

For Gale and Ramsden, 64 of Clyde.

Today is Saturday, November 14th.

Martin Robert Marty Kramer, 77 of Plain, died on Sunday.

Visitation will be held on Sunday from 2 until 5 and Monday from 9.30 until the time of the service at 11 at the Christ Lutheran Church in Spring Green.

A military burial will be held at Big Hollow Cemetery.

A luncheon at the church will follow the burial.

In Lua Flowers, memorials may be made to Christ Lutheran Church in Spring-Green, River Valley Athletic or Music Boosters, or a charity that is important to you.

Marty Believeden paying it forward.

The Richardson Stafford Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Marty Kramer is survived by his wife, Linda Longseth Kramer, five children, Tara and Patrick Mahoney, Ross and Amy Kramer, Heather and Matthew Brickle,

Mark and Christian Edquist Kramer, and Kyle and Stephanie Kramer.

Along with 12 grandchildren, seven siblings, Patricia Chakansky, Carl and Chris Kramer, Kevin and Diane Kramer, Doug and Stephanie Kramer, Camille and Tim Murphy, Lois and James Schweiss, and Maureen Kramer.

Along with nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

Martin Robert, Marty Kramer.

77 of Plain.

Thomas O. Geiss, 81 of Boaz, died suddenly on Tuesday at Pine Valley Community Village.

A celebration of life visitation will be held on Sunday from 1 until 3 o'clock at the Clary Memorial Funeral Home.

The local military honors unit will provide military honors at three o'clock at the Clary Memorial Funeral Home.

In Louis Flowers, memorials may be given to a charity of your choice.

Tom Geist is survived by his wife, Donna Geist, and his son, Carrie and Jennifer Geist, along with three grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, a sister, Rosie and Robert Fritz, along with other relatives and friends.

Tom Geiss, 81 of Boaz.

Carol Hamilton, 77 of Lafarge, died November 5th at Evergreens Assisted Living in La Crosse.

A celebration of life will be held on Monday from 9 until 11 at the Lafarge Free Methodist Church.

A graveside service will follow at Dell Cemetery.

A lunch will be held at the Church following the burial

The Vasateg Funeral Home in Crematory is assisting the family with their arrangements.

Carol Hamilton has survived by two daughters, Christina Sheldon and Michelle Levy, five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, a brother, Randy and Karen McElhose, a sister Colleen and Kevin Scott, along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Carol Hamilton, 77 of LeVarge.

Virginia Elaine McCauley, 94 of rural Gillingham died on Monday.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 11 o'clock at the Pratt Memorial Chapel in Richland Center.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday at the Pratt Memorial Chapel from 9.30 until the time of the service at 11.

Barrel will be held at the Fancy Creek Cemetery.

In Louis Flowers, memorials may be made to the first Baptist Church in Richland Center,

or the Pine Valley Community Village Activity Fund.

The Pratt Funeral Information Service is assisting the family.

Virginia McCauley is survived by four sons, Fred and Sheila McCauley, Fuzz and Nancy McCauley, Kevin McCauley, and Corey and Katie McCauley.

Along with 11 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, a sister-in-law, Jelaine and Arlen Neuers,

and many nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

Virginia Elaine McCauley, 94 of rural Gillingham.

Gregory Jerome Caves, 69 of Blue River, died on Thursday.

A private family burial will be held in the Blue River Cemetery at a later date.

The Pratt Funeral Information Service assisted the family with their arrangements.

Greg Koviz is survived by his daughter, Samantha, his mother, Lee Koviz, a sister, Becky Koviz, sister-in-law, Deborah Koviz, and several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Gregory Jome Koviz, 69, of Blue River.

Gail Ann Ramsden, 64, of Clyde, died Tuesday at UW Hospital.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date, and Louis Flower's memorial donations may be made in Gale's memory to the Iowa County Humane Society.

The Clary Memorial Funeral Home assisted the family with the arrangements.

Gale Ramston survived by her husband, Mark Ramston, her two children, Erica Ramston and Taylor and Danny Ramston, one grandson, a sister, Lynn Gibson, along with other relatives and friends.

Gail Ann Ramston, 64 of Clyde.

Today is Saturday, November 14th.

Good morning for WRCO News.

I'm Caitlin O'Connell.

The Grant County Sheriff's Office has released final autopsy results following investigation into the off-duty death of Muscaday police officer Kate Flechauer last month.

According to the Grant County Coroner, who received the final report from the UW Forensic Pathology on Friday,

Officer Fleschauer's death has been ruled an accident.

The official cause of death was determined to be freshwater drowning in an indoor pool with acute alcohol and diphenyl hydramine intoxication listed as contributing factors.

The incident began on October 18th when the Muscaday Police Department requested assistance from the Grant County Sheriff's Office to investigate Officer Fleschauer's death at a private residence.

Following the coroner's request, a forensic pathologist conducted an autopsy at UW Hospital in Madison.

The completion of the final report was held pending toxicology results and a comprehensive review of medical and investigative data.

In a statement released alongside the findings, the sheriff expressed gratitude to the public for their patients

while the investigation was finalized, emphasizing Officer Fleschauer's meaningful contribution to local law enforcement.

Officer Fleschauer was a valued and respected member of the Muscaday Police Department and the Grand County law enforcement community, said the sheriff.

Our thoughts remain with Officer Fleschauer's family, friends, colleagues, and the Muscaday community.

Officials went on to state that following the conclusion of the investigation and the coroner's official findings, no further details will be released.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services and the Grant County Health Department confirmed on Friday a second pediatric measles-associated death linked to the ongoing statewide outbreak.

Public health officials expressed deep condolences while withholding further personal details to protect the family's privacy

during this difficult time.

The tragedy underscores the severity of the current surge, which has recorded 649 cases across 20 counties in Wisconsin since August of 2026, marking the highest concentration of measles cases in Wisconsin in over 35 years.

Officials warn that true case numbers may be higher due to unreported mild illnesses.

In response, state and local health agencies have distributed tens of thousands

of the MMR vaccine doses while urging residents to verify their immunization status and stay home if exposed.

A comprehensive study examining adult drinking consumption across the United States reveals that Wisconsin ranks sixth in binge drinking rates, with 20.2% of its adult population reporting excessive alcohol use.

The research conducted by the Valley Spring Recovery Center using Centers of Disease Control and Prevention data from 2011 through 2023 highlights significant regional variation in drinking habits throughout the country.

Iowa leads the nationwide survey with the highest overall binge drinking rate at 22.5%, followed closely by North Dakota at 22.4%, and Montana at 21.9%.

South Dakota and Nebraska round out the top 5 states, while Wisconsin shares its 6th place position with Hawaii.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, Utah recorded the lowest prevalence of excessive drinking in the nation at 11.9%, nearly half the rate observed in Iowa.

The Richland Center FFA is holding an after-harvest community breakfast from now until 11 o'clock at the Richland Center High School West Commons.

All are invited to attend to enjoy a delicious breakfast as harvest season ends to help celebrate the hard work of our agricultural community.

Along with the breakfast, there will be a petting zoo, silent auction and face painting.

Cost is $10.00.

Come hungry and bring your family and friends.

Rotary lights in the park's sponsor tree setup will be held this morning starting at 8.15 at the Crosscut Park Rotary Lights in the Park Trail.

Sponsored trees will be delivered by 8.30.

Volunteers are needed to prep trees for attachment to the steel posts.

Bring gloves, a utility knife for cutting twine, a hand pruning shear, and a plier.

best to write your name on your tools.

You will be taught the technique for this task.

Likely small branches will need to be cut to allow the tree to be attached tightly to the steel post.

Two cable ties will be at the post for each tree.

Completion of the task of setting up the 175 trees will be a milestone point in preparation for the November 26 Thanksgiving night opening of the 2026 Rotary Lights in the park.

The Rotary Club would like to thank those who will be volunteering in advance.

It is a big part of making it the best holiday light show in Southwest Wisconsin.

At the Rotary Lights in the Park, sponsor TreeCept this morning, starting at 8.15 and Crosscut Park.

Pause for the holidays will be held today from 11 until 2 o'clock this afternoon at the Richland Center Community and Senior Center.

The annual Kooch Mountain Humane Society fundraise will feature a sweet walk, kid-friendly games, silent auction, bucket raffle, Santa Paws giving tree, informational tables and booths, membership table, sales tables and a food stand.

There also might be a visit from Santa.

Admission is free for more information.

Can be found on Paws for the Holidays, Facebook events page, going on today from 11 until 2 o'clock at the Richland Center Community.

and Senior Center.

The Ithaca High School Foundation will have their annual Trivia Night fundraiser tonight in the Ithaca School Commons.

Doors will open to the Ithaca School Commons at 5.30 this evening with the event starting at 6 o'clock.

Cost per person is $10 with a limit of 8 people per team and a 20 team limit.

Trivia teams are allowed to bring their own snacks and the Ithaca Class of 2030 will be selling concessions.

Proceeds from Trivia Night will go towards the Wall Mounted Senior Class Photo Display.

You can call Ron at 608-732-0322 to register your team.

Walk-in teams will be allowed to register on a first come, first serve basis.