Submitted by Adam Kastonek, St. Croix County

ST. CROIX COUNTY, WI – The Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of St. Croix County is hosting two open houses in January to help caregivers and their loved ones learn more about the DayAway Social Respite Program. These events offer an opportunity to meet staff, explore the spaces, ask questions, and discover how DayAway provides meaningful engagement for individuals experiencing memory changes while also giving caregivers time to rest and recharge.

DayAway welcomes adults aged 60 and older, along with individuals of any age who are experiencing early to moderate memory or cognitive changes. Participants enjoy a safe, structured, and supportive environment that includes gentle movement, conversation, cognitively stimulating activities, music, and social connection. All activities are tailored to individual abilities.

Open House Dates:

Hudson Open House – Wednesday, January 14, 2026, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Hudson United Methodist Church – 1401 Laurel Ave, Hudson, WI.

New Richmond Open House – Wednesday, January 21, 2026, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., New Richmond United Methodist Church – 209 E 2nd St, New Richmond, WI.

Attendees will enjoy light refreshments, tour the space, meet the DayAway Program Manager and trained volunteers, and learn how the program supports both caregivers and participants.

DayAway helps participants remain active, socially connected, and engaged in their community. Time spent in the program may improve mood, support better sleep, strengthen cognitive and physical functioning, and promote independence. Caregivers benefit through time for rest, errands, appointments, or personal needs—knowing their loved one is in a safe and compassionate environment.

The program is offered three days per week:

• Mondays and Thursdays in Hudson – Hudson United Methodist Church, 1401 Laurel Ave.
• Tuesdays in New Richmond – New Richmond United Methodist Church, 209 E 2nd St.

All sessions run from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm, and pre-registration is required. Contact us at 715-381-4366 to reserve your spot.

There is no cost to participate, and contributions to support the program are optional. Staff and volunteers receive specialized training and complete background checks.

For more information about the DayAway Program or to reserve your spot for the open houses, call the ADRC at: 715-381-4366 or 1-800-372-2333.

Submitted by Tommy Enright, WFU Communications Director

WISCONSIN DELLS, WI – Wisconsin Farmers Union (WFU) members, delegates, and guests gathered December 12–14, 2025, in Wisconsin Dells for the organization’s 95th Annual State Convention. The weekend brought together family farmers and rural advocates for grassroots policymaking, leadership development, member recognition, and a celebration of Wisconsin’s farm and food systems.

Convention programming began on Friday with Groundswell: Building Community and Making Change, a half-day facilitated workshop led by Kitt Healy and Aaron Reser. Members shared lessons from local campaigns and explored strategies for building capacity within chapters and communities. Friday evening concluded with the annual Farmers Union Camp Fundraiser, which filled the Grand Ballroom and raised funds for structural improvements at Kamp Kenwood, WFU’s youth camp on Lake Wissota.

On Saturday morning, Executive Director Danielle Endvick welcomed 150 certified delegates representing 26 chapters. Delegates heard organizational and financial reports, including an update from Farmers Union Industries CEO Dale Bednarek and an address from Executive Director of the Ho-Chunk Department of Agriculture Hinu Smith.

During the State of the Farmers Union address at the awards luncheon, WFU President Darin Von Ruden reflected on agricultural consolidation, shifting federal programs, and organizational transitions within Wisconsin Farmers Union.

“This past year, Wisconsin Farmers Union has faced change head-on—and we are stronger for it,” Von Ruden said. “Change doesn’t just happen to us; change happens because of us.”

Local food was featured throughout the convention, with meals showcasing 70 ingredients from more than 40 Wisconsin farms and food businesses. Saturday night’s banquet was curated by Chef Luke Zahm, host of Wisconsin Foodie, and highlighted seasonal, farm-forward dishes that reflected Wisconsin’s agricultural diversity and culinary heritage.

Members also participated in workshops focused on farmer wellness, agricultural policy, small grains, agritourism, and workers’ rights. The weekend included a screening of “All of America, Am I,” a Farm Aid-supported short documentary narrated by Wisconsin author Michael Perry, featuring four Wisconsin Farmers Union member farms and examining the impacts of corporate consolidation on rural communities.

Youth leadership was highlighted throughout the convention. The Senior Youth Advisory Council presented its work developing camp education themes, and Ruby Sheaffer of the South Central Chapter was recognized for her election to the National Farmers Union Youth Advisory Council. Wisconsin Farmers Union’s highest youth honor, the Torchbearer Award, was presented to Laura Wegerer and Austin Tischendorf, both from the Taylor-Price chapter.

Elections and Leadership
Deb Jakubek of New Auburn (Region 1) and LaToya Bates of Mayville (Region 2) were elected to serve as Wisconsin delegates to the National Farmers Union’s 124th Anniversary Convention, scheduled for March 7–9, 2026, in New Orleans, Louisiana.

WFU District Directors elected include Linda Ceylor of Catawba for District 1 (Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Burnett, Douglas, Iron, Lincoln, Oneida, Polk, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, Taylor, Vilas, and Washburn counties); Darin Von Ruden of Westby for District 4 (Buffalo, Crawford, Jackson, La Crosse, Monroe, Trempealeau, and Vernon counties); Kriss Marion of Blanchardville for District 5 (Grant, Iowa, Rock, Green, Lafayette, and Richland counties); and Brad Goplin of Osseo as At-Large Director.

Following the convention, the Wisconsin Farmers Union Board of Directors re-elected Darin Von Ruden as President, Tina Hinchley as Vice President, Ed Gorell as Treasurer, and Linda Ceylor as Secretary.

Policy Priorities for 2026
Delegates debated and adopted WFU’s policy book and selected Special Orders of Business to guide the organization’s work in 2026. The adopted priorities include: Concentration in the Agriculture Industry. Protection of Immigrant Rights. Family Farming and Dairy Policy Reform. And Quality Healthcare in Wisconsin.

Von Ruden closed the convention by encouraging members to turn momentum into action in the year ahead.

“The policy we set here is only the starting point,” he said. “Now it’s time to take that energy to Madison. Join us at Farm & Rural Lobby Day on January 14, 2026, and help put farmers’ voices front and center where decisions are made.”

The WFU is a member-driven organization committed to enhancing the quality of life for family farmers, rural communities, and all people through education, cooperative development, and civic engagement. More information is available at wisconsinfarmersunion.com.

Submitted by Scott Knudson, Sheriff, St. Croix County Sheriff’s Office

TOWN of RICHMOND, WI – The St. Croix County Emergency Communication Center received a call at about 9:51 a.m. on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, reporting a vehicle crash in the 1500 Block of County Road A in Richmond Township.

Deputies arrived on scene and located a two-vehicle crash. A 2004 Chrysler Pacifica, which had been traveling southbound on CTH A, lost control on the icy curve and collided with a 2018 Subaru Outback, which was traveling northbound on CTH A.

The driver of the southbound vehicle was identified as Alisha M. Hailey, age 27, from New Richmond, Wisconsin. Her passenger, Owen P. Hailey, age 8, was seated in the third row of the van. Owen suffered critical injuries in the crash, and life saving measures were performed. He was transported to Westfields Hospital in New Richmond. He was transferred by ambulance to Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota shortly after.

Alisha suffered serious injuries from the crash and was treated at Regions Hospital. Both were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.

The driver of the Subaru Outback was identified as Linda D. Stefonek, age 71, from New Richmond WI. She was treated for minor injuries at the scene and released. She was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.

Later that evening, Owen Hailey died at Regions Hospital, as a result of the injuries sustained in the crash.

The St. Croix County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the New Richmond Police Department, New Richmond Fire Department, New Richmond Ambulance, Baldwin Ambulance, St. Croix County Highway Department, and the amazing staff at Westfields Hospital.

This incident represents the tenth traffic fatality recorded by St. Croix County in 2025.

This crash remains under investigation.

Submitted by Ryma Lindquist, WWH Community Relations Director

BALDWIN, WI – As part of National Rural Health Day that was on Thursday, November 20, 2025, Western Wisconsin Health (WWH) announced it has earned a 2025 Performance Leadership Award for excellence in Quality and Outcomes. Compiled by The Chartis Center for Rural Health, the Performance Leadership Awards program recognizes rural hospitals performing in the top quartile (75th percentile or above) in Quality, Outcomes, and/or Patient Perspective.

WWH CEO Eilidh Pederson said, “This award reflects the incredible work of our caregivers, providers, and support teams who show up every day with an unwavering commitment to our patients. At Western Wisconsin Health, delivering high-quality care in a rural community is both a responsibility and a privilege. We are grateful to our team and to the community that trusts us with their care.”

The Performance Leadership Awards program is based on the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX®, a comprehensive and objective framework for assessing rural hospital performance. INDEX benchmarks are used by rural hospitals, health systems with rural footprints, hospital associations, and state offices of rural health to measure performance across key areas impacting hospital operations and finance.

“The areas of quality, outcomes, and patient perspective are cornerstones of healthcare delivery across rural America, and this year’s Performance Leadership Award recipients are establishing a standard of excellence for their rural peers to follow,” said Michael Topchik, Executive Director, Chartis Center for Rural Health. “We are delighted to shine a spotlight on such strong performance and honor the achievement of these hospitals on National Rural Health Day.”

For more information about Western Wisconsin Health, please visit wwhealth.org or call 715-684-1111.

Written by Heather Close, Institute for Rural Journalism

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Trump administration announced a $12 billion aid package for U.S. farmers hurt by the president’s “long-reaching tariffs,” report Brian Schwartz, Natalie Andrews and Patrick Thomas for The Wall Street Journal (WSJ). “Much of the aid —$11 billion— will be in the form of one-time payments through the Farmer Bridge Assistance program.”

International tariff wars, particularly those between the U.S. and China, have contributed to a financially challenging year for American farmers, with soybean farmers bearing the largest losses. “Crop prices have remained low, especially after harvesting the largest crop on record this fall,” Schwartz explains. “Through the first nine months of 2025, farm bankruptcies rose by nearly 50% compared with the same period in 2024.”

Although many farmers need the additional funds to pay down debt and invest in next year’s planting, many see them as a short-term solution. Erin Ailworth, Ilena Peng and Michael Hirtzer of Bloomberg News report, “Growers who have struggled with low crop prices, rising costs, and lost markets, [have called] Trump’s farm aid a temporary fix for deeper economic challenges.”

Missouri farmer Marty Richardson told Bloomberg, “This is kind of a Band-Aid — we need more markets more than we need aid.”

While U.S. soybean farmers suffered from a summer and fall without sales to China, presumably due to Trump’s tariffs, many know the country has been working for years to reduce its dependence on American soybeans. Bloomberg reports, “Trump’s first trade war resulted in China accelerating a diversion of its supply chain away from the U.S. to places like South America. U.S. farmers have lost crucial market share to competitors, particularly Brazil.”

Some American growers don’t think 2026 will be any better than this year. Sam Taylor, a farm inputs analyst, told Bloomberg, “This time next year, we’re going to be having much the same conversation about margins for growers, about the potential need for economic support.”

Farmers can start applying for the aid package next month. WSJ reports, “Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said that the money will start going out at the end of February, 2026.”

Submitted by the Office of the Governor

MADISON, WI – Gov. Tony Evers, together with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), today (December 9, 2025) unveiled the designs of Wisconsin’s newest state license plates, a Blackout design and a Retro butter yellow design, depicted here. The bipartisan 2025-27 Biennial Budget signed by Gov. Evers included $5.5 million in funding to support the introduction of these two new specialty license plates, which are estimated to generate more than $25 million for the state’s transportation fund in the first three years.

The additional revenue for the state transportation fund will help build upon the Evers Administration’s efforts to invest in Wisconsin’s infrastructure to ensure it meets the needs of a 21st-century workforce and economy. Since 2019, the Evers Administration has improved more than 9,600 miles of roads and 2,400 bridges statewide. The two new license plates, which WisDOT fast-tracked development of the plates in order to ensure they would be ready for public distribution, will be available beginning in early January 2026.

“These new specialty plates are a win-win for Wisconsin. They not only meet long-standing demand for new plate designs Wisconsinites can choose from, but will also provide new, ongoing resources so we can continue working to fix the darn roads across our state,” said Gov. Evers. “Bringing back the butter yellow Retro plate offers folks a sense of nostalgia while celebrating Wisconsin’s heritage as America’s Dairyland, and the new Blackout plate provides a contemporary look that folks have been asking for. Both plates embody a special sense of Wisconsin style, and I look forward to seeing them out on our roads.”

The new Blackout plate features an all-black background with white letters, numbers, and outline. WisDOT estimates over half a million Blackout plates could be on the road within three years. An image of the Retro butter yellow and Blackout design side by side is shown. “As the former Wisconsin DMV administrator and now transportation secretary, I’m excited to see these new plates become a reality,” said WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman. “The design of the Blackout plate is simple, clean, and complements many vehicle colors. This style has been very popular in our neighboring states, and anticipation for these plates has been building here in Wisconsin for quite some time.”

The Retro yellow or “butter” license plate harkens back to the 1970s, featuring the familiar black letters on a sharp, yellow background.

“Some call it the butter plate, others call it the Retro plate but if you had one in the 1970s, it was just the Wisconsin license plate,” continued Secretary Boardman. “We put in some effort to get just the right shade of yellow. It’s nostalgic, it’s familiar to many, and I am planning to order one myself.”

According to WisDOT, both license plates will feature the state name on top like all current Wisconsin plates, and the slogan “America’s Dairyland” will display beneath the numbers and letters on the Retro plate. Standard-issued plates will have a sequence of numbers and letters that are also unique. The Blackout plates will begin with ZAA 1001, and the Retro plates will begin with YAA 1001. The simplified design allows for up to seven characters for those wanting to personalize their plates.

FEES AND ORDERING PROCESS – Both plates come with a one-time $15 issuance fee, plus a $25 annual registration fee. The income generated from the registration of these plates will help finance infrastructure improvement projects all across the state.

These plates will be available online, in most DMVs, at participating dealers, and third parties who already stock Wisconsin plates. The plates join dozens of others available to order online through DMV’s new web app wisconsindmv.gov/specialplates.

The app streamlines the ordering process, helps customers select a plate from more than 60 options organized by interest areas, and makes delivery faster. Customers whose order requires no special eligibility, which includes the Blackout and Retro plate, and does not include a personalized message, could receive their plates within a week instead of several weeks via the traditional mail-in process. Approximately 25 percent of plates ordered through the new app are mailed out the next day.

The guided online process allows the customer the option to personalize their plate with a custom message. The plate is then previewed to show the personalized message on the plate as they type it. The message is concurrently verified with the database to check for duplicates or known inappropriate words or phrases.

This convenient process continues by allowing the customer to renew their vehicle registration at the same time. Finally, instead of needing to mail a check or money order, customers can pay online using modern, secure payment methods.

DMV Customer Service Centers (wisconsindmv.gov/centers) that provide license plates/registration will also have stock on hand beginning in early January.

The rest of this Press Release discussing additional efforts by the Evers administration to invest in and support Wisconsin’s transportation infrastructure can be found online at the Governor’s website.