Local News

The Adams County Agricultural Society has announced a change to the traditional dates for the Adams County Fair in 2026. The fair will now take place from September 10–13, 2026, instead of its usual dates in August.

The decision was made after careful consideration and was largely driven by limited availability from Spectrum, the fair’s long-time carnival vendor. Due to its smaller scope, the Adams County Fair faces unique challenges in attracting top-tier carnival providers during peak fair season. While other vendors were explored, none were available in August or were considered to meet the standards and expectations of local attendees.

“We’ve seen firsthand how adjoining counties have struggled in recent years when their fairs were held without a carnival,” said Carol Ann Alford, President of the Fair Board. “To preserve the full fair experience that our community values — including rides and games — this date change became the best path forward.”

The decision was discussed with many stakeholders, including vendors, partners, and local leaders, and received majority support. The Adams-Friendship School District has also expressed willingness to work with the new dates, despite the fair taking place during the school year.

“We understand the concerns about holding the fair during the academic year,” Alford added. “We are committed to working with schools, families, and all partners to ensure the event remains accessible and successful for everyone. Other counties hold very successful fairs in September, and we are in communication with our colleagues in those counties to explore how they have overcome the inherent challenges of a late-season fair. It is also important to note that we structured the carnival contract so that we have the option to withdraw after one year. If it turns out that the drawbacks to holding a fair in September outweigh the benefits, we can look at returning to an August fair in 2027.”

The schedule of fair activities has not yet been finalized, and the Fair Board is inviting public input to help shape the 2026 fair experience.

“This wasn’t an easy decision, but it was made with the future of the fair in mind,” Alford said. “We’re confident this change will help us continue the tradition and ensure a vibrant, well-attended fair.”

Emplify Health by Gundersen Hillsboro Area is offering free health screenings as part of their commitment to community health. The screenings will take place at the Wonewoc Public Library between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. Appointments are required.

Screenings will consist of a free cholesterol panel and fasting blood glucose test – both of which require a single finger prick of blood and could help indicate unknown health conditions such as high cholesterol or risk of diabetes. Individuals can also have their blood pressure and BMI checked, chat one on one with a diabetes educator, and enjoy a free healthy breakfast.

The free health screenings are designed to help individuals learn more about managing their health and reducing their risk of developing chronic conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure – all of which can lead to major conditions such as heart disease, stroke, heart attack, chronic kidney disease and more.

Cholesterol and fasting blood glucose tests require nine hours of fasting prior to taking the test. Free health screenings last approximately 20 minutes and are by appointment only. There are a limited number of appointments available, so participants are encouraged to call early to schedule their appointment. For more information, or to make an appointment, call (608) 464-3575.

Chief Patrick Clark of the Hillsboro Police Department reports that on August 29, 2025, the Hillsboro Police Department and Vernon County Sheriff’s Office investigated a single-vehicle crash on the 1200-block of High Ave, in the City of Hillsboro. The vehicle left the road, damaging an unoccupied building.

At 2:43 a.m., Vernon County Dispatch received an automated crash detection, followed by a call from a male party reporting that his friend had crashed a stolen vehicle but was unsure of the crash location or his friend’s identity. At 3:20 a.m., Hillsboro Fire Department members located a white Kia Sorento that had crashed into an unoccupied building near the intersection of High Avenue and Darcy Drive, with significant damage to the vehicle and building.

Dispatch contacted an Officer with the Hillsboro Police Department, who recognized the caller and noted he was with a known juvenile and an unknown male earlier that night. A deputy later stopped two males walking near the crash scene matching their descriptions. One was identified as the juvenile; the other refused to identify himself but would ultimately be identified as Evan D. Harrison, 20, of rural Wonewoc.

Law enforcement gathered evidence linking Harrison to the crash and theft of the Kia Sorento. He was arrested and booked into the Vernon County Detention Center on charges of Criminal Damage to Property, Operating a Vehicle Without Owner’s Consent, Reckless Driving, and Operating While Under the Influence. A Probation Hold was also placed on him through the Wisconsin Department of Corrections.

The investigation is ongoing. Additional charges may be forthcoming through the Vernon County District Attorney’s Office. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

Assistance at the scene was provided by:

• Hillsboro Area Fire Department
• Hillsboro Area Ambulance Service
• Peterson Towing
• Alliant Energy