News

Vernon County Sheriff Roy Torgerson and Westby Chief of Police Scott Stuber jointly
report the arrest of Adrian D. L. Thomas, age 42, of Westby, WI.
On Thursday morning, August 14, 2025, a search warrant was executed at a residence located on
Sunflower Street in the City of Westby.
Adrian D. L. Thomas, age 42, was taken into custody and booked into the Sheriff’s Office Detention
Center for drug and weapons-related offenses. Thomas appeared in Vernon County Circuit Court the
following day. The Honorable Timothy J. Gaskell ordered a $50,000.00 Cash Bond.
On August 22, 2025, Vernon County District Attorney Angela Palmer-Fisher filed the following charges
with the Office of Clerk of Court Sheila Olson:
1) §941.29(1m)(a) Possession of a Firearm by Convicted Felon
2) §961.41(1m)(cm)2 Possession of Cocaine (>5-15g) With Intent to Deliver
3) §961.41(1m)(e)3 Possession of Amphetamine/Methamphetamine (>10-50g) with
Intent to Deliver
4) §961.573(1) Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
All charges include a Repeater modifier under §939.62(1)(a). A charge is merely an accusation.
Adrian Thomas is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. A Preliminary Hearing was
scheduled for today, September 3, 2025, in Vernon County Circuit Court.
Assisting the Sheriff’s Office and Westby Police were the La Crosse Police Department, La Farge Police
Department, Cashton Police Department, and the Vernon County Department of Human Services.
The Sheriff’s Office is also a member of the West Central Metropolitan Enforcement Group, a six-
county drug task force.
The investigation continues. If you have any information about these crimes, or any other crimes,
please call Crime Stoppers at 608-637-TIPS (8477) or submit an online tip at www.p

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, home to America’s Largest Indoor Waterparks, is excited to welcome Todd Conrad as National Sales Director. Based in the suburbs of Chicago, Conrad will work remotely to support Kalahari across all markets.

With nearly two decades in sales management in the hospitality industry, Conrad brings deep expertise across marketing and sales. He has served in leadership positions at The Abbey Resort, Grand Geneva Resort and Marriott. With his extensive background, Kalahari is excited to welcome Conrad as he takes on developing long-term group sales strategies and driving revenue growth across new and existing markets.

“Todd’s depth of experience and strategic leadership in marketing and sales make him an outstanding addition to our leadership team,” said Gino Marasco, Corporate Vice President of Sales at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions. “His national perspective, strong industry relationships and passion for delivering results will help elevate our sales efforts and drive continued growth across all markets.”

In his new role, Conrad will bridge regional convenience with national scope, ensuring Midwest clients and large-scale organizations receive top-tier attention and customized solutions. As a key role on Kalahari’s new National Sales Team, launched earlier this year, Conrad joins a team of dedicated leaders positioned to serve clients who book at multiple Kalahari properties as well as those seeking a consistent, streamlined partnership nationwide. The team not only reflects the brand’s commitment to meeting professionals but also represents a strategic investment in relationships that extend far beyond a single contract or event.

Outside of work, Conrad is an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys activities such as hiking, biking and golf. Raised on a dairy farm outside of Cleveland, Ohio, he developed a strong work ethic and community-first mindset that inform his approach to his professional career. Now based in Cary, Illinois, with his wife and their three children, he balances family life with a commitment to a rewarding career. As Kalahari continues to grow, Conrad is also eager to establish a strong presence in the national sales arena

8/24    The sheriff’s office responded to a disorderly conduct call in the Town of Franklin.  The suspect was no longer at the residence but was later contacted and arrested for Disorderly Conduct and Battery.

8/24    A deputy responded to the scene of a vehicle versus dog crash on US Highway 14 south of the roundabout.  The dog died as a result of the accident.

8/24    A traffic stop was initiated on Liberty Street in the Town of Wheatland. The driver was taken into custody and processed for Felony Bail Jumping, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Methamphetamine. The passenger was processed for Carrying a Concealed Weapon and Fail/Label Prescription-Patients Name. Both occupants were transported to the Vernon Couty Detention Center. 

8/25    A call was received reporting that horses were running down Cherry Grove Road in the Town of Viroqua.  A deputy was dispatched to the area, but no horses were observed.

8/26    Kickapoo Kwk Stop in Readstown reported an apparent accidental gas drive-off.  A deputy contacted the driver at their residence, and the matter was resolved.

8/27    A deputy conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the Town of Bergen.  The driver was given a warning for speeding and not having proof of insurance.

8/27    A dog owner on West Street in the Village of Stoddard called to report their dog had been attacked by two neighborhood dogs and needed veterinary attention for its injuries. The owner of the two dogs was located and received a citation due to multiple recent reports regarding the dogs running at large.

8/28    Sheriff’s deputies and the La Farge Police Department responded to a residence on Mill Street in the Village of La Farge for a domestic disturbance.  A female was arrested on a probation hold and transported to the Sheriff’s Office Detention Center.

8/29    A package delivery driver reported being bitten by a dog while on his delivery route on County Road N in the Town of Sterling. The driver sought medical care. Following the rabies control policy and state statutes, the owners were served the Vernon County Animal Bite Order.

8/30    Sheriff’s Office 911 Dispatch received notice from Richland County that a male was found lying in the grass on North Main Street in the Village of Viola and EMS was dispatched. Deputies from both counties also responded. The male was evaluated and declined medical care but was taken into custody for active warrants and drug paraphernalia.

8/30    A sheriff’s deputy was dispatched to County Road SS in the Town of Viroqua for report of a male cashing some stolen checks. The male was taken into custody and transported to the Vernon County Detention Center.