News

Late Tuesday morning, May 6, 2025, at approximately 11:30 AM, the Sheriff’s Office received a 9-1-1 call
reporting a two-vehicle collision on Oneida Road, rural Cashton, Wi, in the Town of Clinton.

Wayne K. Kruizenga, 64 of Rural Viroqua, was driving a 2011 Ford F150 traveling north when he looked
out his passenger window to waive at a farmer. When Kruizenga looked back to the road, he saw a 2024
Jeep operated by Duane W. Meyer Jr., 47 of Holmen, WI. Meyer was pulling away from a mailbox after
completing a postal delivery. Kruizenga braked and steered left while Meyer accelerated and went right.
The Kruizenga vehicle struck the left, rear of the Meyer vehicle.

Kruizenga and Meyer, both wearing seat belts, were seen by first responders, but refused treatment.

The airbag deployed in the Kruizenga vehicle.

Assisting the Sheriff’s Office at the scene were La Farge Area Ambulance, and Cashton Fire & Rescue.

 Beginning in May, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) will treat areas in three western Wisconsin counties for spongy moth (Lymantria dispar) as a part of the national Slow the Spread of the Spongy Moth program. Residents in the affected areas can expect loud, low-flying planes as early as sunrise on select mornings.

During its caterpillar stage, spongy moth can defoliate many kinds of trees and shrubs, leading to plant stress and potential mortality. Possible financial impacts of this invasive pest can include the removal of dead trees and loss of property value in defoliated areas. In addition, spongy moth caterpillars shed their skins as they grow, and these bristly skins can irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory system of humans. 

“Spongy moth spreads easily through movement of egg masses and larvae on firewood, vehicles, and outdoor objects, especially during population outbreaks like those we’ve seen across central and eastern Wisconsin over the last couple of years,” said Michael Falk, Forest Pest Survey and Control Unit Supervisor at DATCP. “Our 2025 treatment plan aims to prevent newly established populations from gaining a foothold in uninfested regions of western Wisconsin and to reduce future negative impact to our timber, nursery, and tourism industries.”

In May and early June, small yellow airplanes will spray Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk) to treetops in select areas in Buffalo, Grant, and Pepin counties. This naturally occurring soil bacteria kills spongy moth caterpillars feeding on treated canopy foliage. Btk is organic; biodegrades within days of application; and does not harm people, bees, pets, or other animals. People with severe allergies may wish to stay indoors during nearby treatment applications.

Treatment timing depends on spongy moth development and favorable weather conditions, so exact treatment dates cannot be predicted far in advance. On treatment days, planes begin spraying as early as sunrise, flying just above treetops over treatment sites. Sprays continue until they are complete or as long as weather conditions remain favorable.  

The national Slow the Spread of the Spongy Moth program has reduced overall spongy moth spread rates in the United States by 87% over the last 20 years. Although Btk treatments are an important component of this program, delays and uncertainty in federal funding have resulted in DATCP reducing Btk treatment acres in 2025 from five counties to three. In addition to Btk treatments, the department will prioritize other spongy moth control activities that align with projected federal funding availability and timelines.

Receive up-to-date information on treatment plans by signing up for email updates, calling the toll-free Spongy Moth Hotline at (800) 642-MOTH, emailing questions to spongymoth@wisconsin.gov, or following DATCP’s social media.

Emplify by Gundersen Hillsboro Hospital, in collaboration with Vernon County Health Department, is excited to announce a Disaster Kit Build Event on May 14 from 4 PM to 7 PM at Hillsboro Firemen’s Memorial Park. Participants will be able to build their own disaster preparedness kit thanks to supplies donated by local business, non-profits and county departments. The event aims to provide kits to the first 100 households.

Kits will include a weather radio, first aid kit, flashlights and batteries, lockboxes and pill containers, and much more. Plus, people can sign up for a free smoke alarm with free installation!

Participants can arrive anytime between 4 PM and 7 PM to go through the line and build their kits. This initiative aims to equip families with the necessary tools to respond effectively in the event of an disaster. Jovita’s Kitchen will also be on site for people to purchase dinner.

Being prepared for a disaster is essential and recent studies of Vernon County found that around 52% of residents self-reported that they are not adequately prepared for such things as flood, power outage or natural disasters. Emergencies can happen at any time and having a well-stocked disaster kit can make a significant difference in ensuring the safety and well-being of families.

General Guidelines for Disaster Preparedness:

• Create a Family Emergency Plan: Discuss with your family how to respond to different types of emergencies.
• Stay Informed: Keep up to date with local news and weather alerts.
• Build a Kit: Ensure your kit includes food, water, medications, and other essential supplies.
• Practice Your Plan: Regularly review and practice your emergency plan with your family.