News

JoDee Brooke/Banner Journal

Jackson Correctional Institution staff partnered with Kwik Trip in Black River Falls for a fundraiser that included men in JCI’s care. Kwik Trip cooked the food and JCI kitchen staff coordinated the event so that inmates could purchase items. When it was all over, the event raised $2,400, which was donated to Black River Falls Fire and Emergency Medical Services. The check was presented April 8. Pictured (l-r) are JCI Deputy Warden Kevin Garceau, BRF firefighter Tyler Rush, Kwik Trip’s Carrie Converse, BRFFD/EMS Chief Jody Stoker, JCI rec leader Chad McCune, JCI senior rec leader Bill Binnebose, JCI food service leader Jeff Spaulding, BRF firefighter Zach Good, JCI corrections program supervisor Eric Speckhart and BRF firefighters Kaylee Eversum Kevin Scholze, Andy Whaley, Ryan Whaley and Frank Koresh.

JCI donates to BRF Fire/EMS Department

BRFSD experienced IT security breach

The Black River Falls School District (BRFSD) announced the morning of April 7 the district was experiencing an IT (information technology security breach and that the district would not be able to use laptops or computers on the school network. “We are investigating this as quickly as we...

Incumbents retain seats in school board races

With the forums done, a few political ads now history and votes cast, area residents voted to keep those currently serving on their school boards right where they are. There are a few new faces that will be sworn in on local boards, though, too. In the Black River Falls (BRF) School...

Members of the 2022 Melrose-Mindoro Prom Court are (front, l-r) Maya Sbraggia, Lilly Radcliffe, Marah Banse, Joslyn Polenz, Abigail Miller, Makenna Stair, Jazmin Wagner, (back) Adam Heimdahl, Ty Zeman, Carson Koss, Hayden Fry, Carter Peterson, Noah Hanson and Gerry Vang. Prom will be held Saturday, April 23, from 7 to 11 p.m. with the grand march at 8 p.m. in the high school gymnasium.

Melrose-Mindoro High School Prom Court

ACHM holds public hearing to discuss uses of ESSER III funds and early start waiver

The Alma Center-Hum-bird-Merrillan (ACHM) School Board held a public hearing prior to its March meeting for the public to offer input on how the ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief) III funds might be used. ESSER funds were granted to school districts under the CARES...

The Ho-Chunk Gra Head Start is celebrating the Week of the Young Child this week April 4-7. Week of the Young Child is sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young children, the world’s largest early childhood education association. It is a time to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and to recognize the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs.

Ho-Chunk Gra Head start is taking time this week to remind children and their families how special each of them is. Ice cream sundaes, movie day and special art projects will be enjoyed throughout the week. Monday, April 4, is Goofy Hair Day, Tuesday, April 5, Silly Sock Day, Wednesday, April 6, Hat Day, and Thursday, April 7, is Pajama Day.

Ho-Chunk Gra Headstart celebrates Week of the Young Child

QPR training helps those inside their own personal storm

Kevin Hines was adopted by Pat and Debbie Hines in the San Francisco area when he was nine months old. When he was 10 years old, he was put on Tegretol to help control epileptic seizures. He was taken off the drug when he was 16. It was around then that he began experiencing symptoms of bipolar...

JCCN continues to help with child care struggles, reaching out to school districts

The Jackson County Childcare Network, Inc. (JCCN) has been working for a few years to increase childcare options in Jackson County. Marianne Torkelson and Micaela Conlon-Bue, on behalf of JCCN, shared details of JCCN’s mission March 28 to Alma Center-Humbird-Merrillan School Board members and...

Contributed photo

Jackson County Sheriff’s Office staff stood by fellow officer, Sgt. Lucas Johnson (far right) March 21 at the Wisconsin Jail Association Conference. Johnson was presented the Jail Officer of the Year Award for his performance in jail operations at the JC Jail. Pictured with Johnson are Officer Nick Gray, Chief Deputy Adam Olson, Sheriff Duane Waldera and Cpt. Kaylan Rich.

Sgt. Johnson named Jail Officer of the Year

Jackson County (JC) Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Lucas Johnson was honored March 21 with the Jail Officer of the Year Award at the Wisconsin Jail Association Conference. Johnson was nominated by JC Jail Sgt. Kaylan Rich. In his nomination, Rich stated, “I would like to nominate Sgt. Lucas...

JC continues to work on bringing efficient broadband to all areas of the county

As rural areas continue to struggle with internet access and broadband speeds, Jackson County (JC) is continuing with discussions with a number of providers, working to secure grants from the Public Service Commission (PSC) that will help bring adequate service to all areas of the county...