November 1, 2026 · June Hartley

LADYSMITH — Sunday, November 1 is the last day Rusk County voters may be able to vote absentee in person for the Tuesday, November 3 general election, according to MyVote Wisconsin.

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November 1, 2026 · Elias Brandt

LADYSMITH — Patchy fog before 10 a.m. gives way to mostly cloudy skies in Rusk County on Sunday, with a high near 66, according to the National Weather Service in the Twin Cities. Temperatures are expected to fall to around 61 during the afternoon, and the south-southeast wind will be 0 to 5 mph.

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October 31, 2026 · Wade Kessler

BRUCE — The Bruce Village Board will hold its regular monthly meeting on Monday, November 2, at 5:30 p.m. at Bruce Village Hall, 100 W. River Avenue, according to the village's posted agenda.

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BRIEF · November 1, 2026 · June Hartley

LADYSMITH — Sunday, November 1 is the last day Rusk County voters may be able to vote absentee in person for the Tuesday, November 3 general election, according to MyVote Wisconsin.

The in-person absentee period runs from October 20 possibly through November 1 at municipal clerks' offices, and office hours vary by municipality, so voters should check MyVote Wisconsin or contact their municipal clerk before traveling. A photo ID is required with an absentee ballot request.

Voters who still hold an absentee ballot must return it so their municipal clerk receives it no later than 8 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3. Polls on Election Day are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and eligible voters can register at their polling place that day with proof of residence.

Sources: MyVote Wisconsin / Wisconsin Elections Commission; Rusk Area Chamber of Commerce, read November 1, 2026.

BRIEF · November 1, 2026 · Elias Brandt

LADYSMITH — Patchy fog before 10 a.m. gives way to mostly cloudy skies in Rusk County on Sunday, with a high near 66, according to the National Weather Service in the Twin Cities. Temperatures are expected to fall to around 61 during the afternoon, and the south-southeast wind will be 0 to 5 mph.

Tonight stays mostly cloudy with a low around 53 and a southeast wind around 5 mph. No watches, warnings or advisories are in effect for Rusk County.

Rain arrives Monday after 9 a.m., with cloudy skies, a high near 58 and a southeast wind of 10 to 15 mph, gusting as high as 25 mph. The chance of precipitation is 100 percent, with new rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Sources: National Weather Service, read November 1, 2026.

BRIEF · October 31, 2026 · Wade Kessler

BRUCE — The Bruce Village Board will hold its regular monthly meeting on Monday, November 2, at 5:30 p.m. at Bruce Village Hall, 100 W. River Avenue, according to the village's posted agenda.

The agenda, dated October 31, includes approval of the October 5 meeting minutes, a treasurer's report, and an employee report covering a heater installation in the garbage building and an employee retirement. A library report is also listed under citizen requests, and public comment is limited to three minutes per person.

Committee items include Village Hall water damage and an HVAC bid, a simplified water rate increase application and the sewer rate increase, Main Street repairs, and the Bruce Park splash pad project. The board will also consider several permit applications listed on the agenda.

Sources: Village of Bruce, read October 31, 2026.

BRIEF · October 31, 2026 · June Hartley

LADYSMITH — Town of Grant voters will cast ballots for the Tuesday, November 3 general election at Grant Town Hall, according to the town.

The town lists its polling location as Grant Town Hall, W8494 CTH P, Ladysmith, with poll hours from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day. The town's page links voters to MyVote Wisconsin for voting information.

The Town of Grant is in Rusk County, south of the City of Ladysmith.

Sources: Town of Grant, read October 31, 2026.

BRIEF · October 31, 2026 · Elias Brandt

LADYSMITH — Rain showers are expected on Saturday in Rusk County, with cloudy skies and a high near 54, according to the National Weather Service in the Twin Cities. The east-southeast wind will be around 5 mph, and the chance of precipitation is about 80 percent.

Tonight brings a slight chance of rain showers early, then patchy fog, with a low around 49 and temperatures rising to around 52 overnight. The south-southeast wind will be 0 to 5 mph. No watches, warnings or advisories are in effect for Rusk County.

Sunday starts with areas of fog before 10 a.m., then mostly cloudy skies with a high near 63. Rain is expected on Monday, with a high near 61 and gusts as high as 30 mph possible.

Sources: National Weather Service, read October 31, 2026.

BRIEF · October 29, 2026 · Wade Kessler

LADYSMITH — The City of Ladysmith is seeking sealed bids for a new refuse packer truck, with a deadline of Thursday, November 5, at 4 p.m., according to the Rusk Area Chamber of Commerce's weekly huddle.

Contractors and suppliers should review the city's official bid notice and specifications before submitting. The bid item was listed among the business and government opportunities in the Chamber's October 26 guide to the week ahead.

Sources: Rusk Area Chamber of Commerce; City of Ladysmith, read October 29, 2026.

BRIEF · October 29, 2026 · June Hartley

LADYSMITH — Rusk County businesses can register free for a county business directory being collected by Rusk County Economic Development and Tourism, according to the Rusk Area Chamber of Commerce's weekly huddle.

The directory is intended to help residents and visitors find local shops, dining and services. Registration is listed as open through March 1, 2027, and businesses submit their information through the form linked from the Chamber's October 26 huddle.

Sources: Rusk Area Chamber of Commerce, read October 29, 2026.

BRIEF · October 29, 2026 · Elias Brandt

LADYSMITH — After patchy fog before 8 a.m., Thursday turns sunny in Rusk County with a high near 56 and a west-northwest wind of 5 to 10 mph, according to the National Weather Service in the Twin Cities. Temperatures are expected to fall to around 50 during the afternoon, and the chance of precipitation is about 0 percent.

Tonight brings areas of fog after 11 p.m. and mostly clear skies, with a low around 30 and a northwest wind of 0 to 5 mph. No watches, warnings or advisories are in effect for Rusk County.

Friday starts with areas of fog before 9 a.m., then turns mostly sunny with a high near 57.

Sources: National Weather Service, read October 29, 2026.

BRIEF · October 28, 2026 · Wade Kessler

LADYSMITH — Ladysmith voters will decide a five-year, non-recurring operational referendum for the School District of Ladysmith on the Tuesday, November 3 general election ballot, according to the district's back-to-school newsletter.

The Board of Education voted at its July 15, 2026 meeting to place the question on the ballot. If approved, it would authorize the district to exceed the state revenue limit by $950,000 per year for five years, beginning with the 2027-2028 school year and ending with the 2031-2032 school year, for maintaining current educational programs, student services and general maintenance.

The proposal would replace the district's current $600,000 non-recurring operational levy, which expires at the end of the 2026-27 school year. The $950,000 total is the existing $600,000 plus an additional $350,000, and the district estimates the additional amount at $10 per year on a property assessed at $100,000, beginning in 2027-2028.

The district says the funds are for day-to-day operations such as classroom instruction, student services, staffing, safety and building operations, not new buildings or capital debt, and that the $950,000 amount received the most support in a May 2026 community survey.

Sources: School District of Ladysmith, read October 28, 2026.

BRIEF · October 28, 2026 · June Hartley

LADYSMITH — In-person absentee voting for Ladysmith residents runs through Thursday, October 29, ahead of the Tuesday, November 3 general election, according to the Rusk Area Chamber of Commerce's weekly huddle and the county's absentee voting notice.

Voting is available Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and no appointment is required. The county's Type E notice lists Ladysmith Clerk Sara Nelson at 120 W. Miner Ave., with the clerk's office phone at 715-532-0564.

The notice also states that no in-person absentee voting may occur on the day before the election.

Sources: Rusk Area Chamber of Commerce; Rusk County, read October 28, 2026.

BRIEF · October 28, 2026 · June Hartley

LADYSMITH — Rusk County's public hearing on its fiscal 2027 budget is scheduled for Wednesday, November 11, at a County Board meeting, according to the county's FY 2027 budget calendar.

The calendar shows the draft FY 2027 budget was presented to the County Board on October 27, after the Finance Committee recommended a final budget on October 15. The calendar lists November 11 for the public hearing and for the board to adopt a balanced FY 2027 budget.

The calendar also notes that November 11 is Veterans Day and the date may need to change, so residents planning to attend should confirm the hearing date with the county before traveling.

Sources: Rusk County, read October 28, 2026.

BRIEF · October 28, 2026 · Elias Brandt

LADYSMITH — Wednesday brings areas of fog before 10 a.m. in Rusk County, then a chance of rain showers between 2 and 4 p.m., followed by showers and thunderstorms likely, according to the National Weather Service in the Twin Cities. Skies are mostly cloudy with a high near 68, temperatures falling to around 64 during the afternoon, and a south wind of 0 to 10 mph. The chance of precipitation is about 60 percent.

Tonight showers and thunderstorms are expected before midnight, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms and patchy fog, with a low around 40 and temperatures rising to around 45 overnight. The southwest wind is 5 to 10 mph, gusting as high as 25 mph, the chance of precipitation is 100 percent, and new rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch are possible. No watches, warnings or advisories are in effect for Rusk County.

Thursday brings areas of fog before 9 a.m., then sunny skies with a high near 59.

Sources: National Weather Service, read October 28, 2026.

BRIEF · October 27, 2026 · Wade Kessler

BRUCE — The Village of Bruce will hold a public hearing on its proposed 2027 budget on Monday, November 2, at 5 p.m., according to the village.

The hearing is scheduled to run until 5:30 p.m., when the Village Board's regular monthly meeting begins. The village has posted a 2027 Proposed Budget Hearing Notice under its current news.

Residents who want to weigh in on the proposed budget can attend the hearing before the board meeting. The board's regular meeting is scheduled to run until 7 p.m.

Sources: Village of Bruce; Rusk Area Chamber of Commerce, read October 27, 2026.

BRIEF · October 27, 2026 · June Hartley

LADYSMITH — Downtown Halloween Night Out returns to Miner Avenue on Friday, October 30, from 4 to 6 p.m., according to the Rusk Area Chamber of Commerce.

The evening features downtown trick-or-treating, local businesses and family Halloween activities. A Trunk or Treat Drive-Thru is also listed for the same hours, 4 to 6 p.m., in Ladysmith on the Chamber calendar.

The Friday events come the night before the City of Ladysmith's official trick-or-treat hours on Saturday, October 31.

Sources: Rusk Area Chamber of Commerce, read October 27, 2026.

BRIEF · October 27, 2026 · Elias Brandt

LADYSMITH — Tuesday brings a chance of rain showers in Rusk County, with cloudy skies and a high near 56 and a southeast wind around 10 mph, according to the National Weather Service in the Twin Cities. The chance of precipitation is about 50 percent, with new rainfall amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch possible.

Tonight turns mostly cloudy with a low around 49, with temperatures rising to around 52 overnight, and a south wind of 5 to 10 mph. No watches, warnings or advisories are in effect for Rusk County.

Wednesday is partly sunny with a high near 68 and a chance of rain showers after 3 p.m. Showers and thunderstorms are expected Wednesday night.

Sources: National Weather Service, read October 27, 2026.

BRIEF · October 26, 2026 · Elias Brandt

LADYSMITH — Monday brings a chance of rain after noon in Rusk County, with mostly cloudy skies and a high near 51 and a northeast wind around 5 mph, according to the National Weather Service in the Twin Cities. The chance of precipitation is about 30 percent.

Tonight rain is expected, with cloudy skies and a low around 37 and an east wind of 0 to 10 mph. The chance of precipitation is about 80 percent, with new rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. No watches, warnings or advisories are in effect for Rusk County.

Tuesday brings a chance of rain before 5 p.m., with mostly cloudy skies and a high near 61. Wednesday is partly sunny with a chance of rain showers and a high near 68.

Sources: National Weather Service, read October 26, 2026.

STANDARD STORY · October 25, 2026 · Wade Kessler

Rusk County Now publishes the Rusk County Sheriff's Office — Alphabetic List of Wanted Persons (report rpcrwps.x2) in full on this site. The Warrants page carries 70 names from the county's list dated October 19, 2026, and it is updated whenever the county provides a newer list.

A warrant is a court order, not a conviction, and everyone named is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The county's list does not confirm that any warrant is currently active, and a warrant may have been recalled, quashed, or satisfied since the list was run. If you believe a record on the list is wrong, contact the Rusk County Clerk of Court at 715-532-2108 — only the official record can be corrected. If you have information about someone on the list, call the Rusk County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line at 715-532-2189. In an emergency, call 911.

See the full list in the Warrants section of Rusk County Now.

Sources: Rusk County Sheriff's Office — Alphabetic List of Wanted Persons (report rpcrwps.x2), read October 25, 2026.

BRIEF · October 25, 2026 · Wade Kessler

LADYSMITH — Rusk County voters who want an absentee ballot mailed to them for the November 3 general election face a deadline this week, according to the Wisconsin Elections Commission.

Requests from regular and overseas voters must be received by the voter's municipal clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 29. Voters must be registered before they can request an absentee ballot, and a photo ID is required with the request.

Other deadlines follow on Friday, October 30, at 5:00 p.m.: that is the deadline to register in person in a municipal clerk's office, and the deadline for indefinitely confined and military voters who are not away from home to request an absentee ballot. In-person absentee voting continues at municipal clerks' offices, possibly through November 1, with hours varying by municipality.

Absentee ballots must be received by the municipal clerk by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, to count. Polls on Election Day are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and voters can also register at their polling place that day.

Sources: MyVote Wisconsin / Wisconsin Elections Commission; Rusk County, read October 25, 2026.

BRIEF · October 25, 2026 · Elias Brandt

LADYSMITH — Sunday brings a chance of rain showers in Rusk County, with mostly cloudy skies and a high near 59 and a north wind of 0 to 5 mph, according to the National Weather Service in the Twin Cities. The chance of precipitation is about 30 percent, with new rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Tonight brings a chance of rain showers before 4 a.m., then cloudy skies with a low around 39, with temperatures rising to around 42 overnight, and a north wind of 0 to 5 mph. The chance of precipitation is about 30 percent. No watches, warnings or advisories are in effect for Rusk County.

Monday is mostly cloudy with a high near 52 and a chance of rain showers after noon. Rain showers are likely Monday night, with a low around 36 and a 70 percent chance of precipitation.

Sources: National Weather Service, read October 25, 2026.

BRIEF · October 24, 2026 · Elias Brandt

LADYSMITH — Saturday is mostly sunny in Rusk County with a high near 73 and a south wind of 10 to 15 mph, gusting as high as 30 mph, according to the National Weather Service in the Twin Cities. The chance of precipitation is about 5 percent.

Tonight brings a chance of rain showers after 7 p.m., then mostly cloudy skies with a low around 46 and a west-northwest wind of 0 to 5 mph. The chance of precipitation is about 30 percent. No watches, warnings or advisories are in effect for Rusk County.

Sunday starts with a slight chance of rain showers before 8 a.m., then turns mostly cloudy with a high near 58. Monday is cooler, mostly cloudy near 51 with a chance of rain showers.

Sources: National Weather Service, read October 24, 2026.

BRIEF · October 24, 2026 · Wade Kessler

LADYSMITH — Rusk County voters preparing for the general election on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, can check what is on their ballot and where they vote through MyVote Wisconsin, linked from the county's elections page, according to Rusk County and the Wisconsin Elections Commission.

Through MyVote, voters can find their polling place, see what is on their ballot, check their registration, request an absentee ballot, track a ballot they have returned, look up their voting history, and find in-person absentee voting locations. The county's elections page also links Wisconsin information on photo ID, voter registration and voting by mail.

Questions about county election administration go to the County Clerk's Office at the Rusk County Government Center, 311 Miner Ave. E., Suite C150, in Ladysmith, at (715) 532-2100.

Sources: Rusk County; Wisconsin Elections Commission, read October 24, 2026.

BRIEF · October 23, 2026 · June Hartley

LADYSMITH — Wisconsin's next Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, October 24, giving Rusk County residents a chance to drop off unused and expired medications at collection events, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

Participation is simple: stop by a collection event and drop items into a bin, with no questions asked. Prescription and over-the-counter medications are accepted, including capsules, pills, patches, inhalers, vials, ointments and pet medications, along with creams, liquids and non-aerosol sprays in their original packaging. Vape pens are accepted with the batteries removed.

Aerosol cans, sharps and syringes, illegal drugs, mercury thermometers, personal care products and household hazardous waste are not accepted. The Department of Health Services provides a map of October 24 collection events on its Drug Take Back Day page, and notes that many permanent drug drop boxes across Wisconsin are open year-round for anyone who misses Saturday's events.

Sources: Wisconsin Department of Health Services, read October 23, 2026.

BRIEF · October 23, 2026 · Elias Brandt

LADYSMITH — Friday is mostly sunny in Rusk County with a high near 73 and a south-southeast wind of 5 to 10 mph, according to the National Weather Service in the Twin Cities.

Tonight brings a slight chance of rain showers between 9 and 11 p.m., then mostly cloudy skies with a low around 57 and a south-southeast wind of 5 to 10 mph. The chance of precipitation is about 20 percent. No watches, warnings or advisories are in effect for Rusk County.

Saturday is partly sunny with a high near 72 and south winds of 10 to 15 mph, gusting as high as 25 mph, with a chance of rain showers arriving Saturday night. Sunday turns cooler, partly sunny with a high near 60.

Sources: National Weather Service, read October 23, 2026.

BRIEF · October 23, 2026 · June Hartley

LADYSMITH — The full recording of the Rusk County Sheriff's Candidates Forum is now available from the Rusk Area Chamber of Commerce, which hosted the event on Wednesday, October 21, at Firm Foundation Academy in Ladysmith.

Three candidates participated: incumbent Sheriff Phil Grassmann and write-in candidates Marc Egle and Jim Menard. Each discussed professional experience, leadership approach, public safety priorities and a vision for Rusk County, according to the Chamber.

The Chamber organized the forum as a nonpartisan community service and does not endorse any candidate through it. The forum was held ahead of the November 3, 2026 general election, and the Chamber's page links voters to MyVote Wisconsin for voting information.

Sources: Rusk Area Chamber of Commerce, read October 23, 2026.

BRIEF · October 23, 2026 · Wade Kessler

LADYSMITH — Rusk County households can pick up a free winter weatherization kit in Ladysmith or Bruce during the first half of November, according to Wild Rivers Habitat for Humanity.

The organization will distribute up to 1,000 kits at 18 locations across northwestern Wisconsin from November 1 through November 15, during regular business hours and while supplies last. In Rusk County, the distribution sites are the Rusk County Community Library in Ladysmith and the Bruce School District. Kits are limited to one per household, are handed out first come, first served, and require no advance registration or income verification.

The kits contain materials meant to help residents address common sources of drafts and heat loss and prepare their homes for colder months. The program is sponsored in part by Focus on Energy. More information is available from Wild Rivers Habitat for Humanity at 715-939-1390.

Sources: Wild Rivers Habitat for Humanity via DrydenWire, read October 23, 2026.

BRIEF · October 22, 2026 · June Hartley

LADYSMITH — The Rusk County Executive Committee meets today, Thursday, October 22, at 3:00 p.m., according to the county's published calendar.

The committee is one of the County Board's standing committees, and the county posts its meeting calendar, agendas and packets on its website, ruskcounty.org.

Residents with questions about county meetings can call the County Clerk's Office at (715) 532-2100. The county's Government Center is at 311 Miner Ave. E. in Ladysmith.

Sources: Rusk County, read October 22, 2026.

BRIEF · October 22, 2026 · Elias Brandt

LADYSMITH — Patchy fog gives way to sunshine in Rusk County on Thursday, with a high near 72 and a southeast wind of 0 to 5 mph, according to the National Weather Service in the Twin Cities. The fog is expected before 10 a.m.

Tonight turns partly cloudy with a low around 49 and a southeast wind of 0 to 5 mph. No watches, warnings or advisories are in effect for Rusk County.

Friday stays mostly sunny with a high near 73. Saturday is partly sunny near 72 with south winds gusting as high as 25 mph, and a chance of rain showers arrives Saturday night.

Sources: National Weather Service, read October 22, 2026.

BRIEF · October 22, 2026 · Wade Kessler

LADYSMITH — Two voter deadlines arrive next week for Rusk County voters in the November 3 general election, according to the Wisconsin Elections Commission.

Requests for an absentee ballot by mail from regular and overseas voters must be received by the voter's municipal clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 29. Voters must be registered before they can request an absentee ballot, and a photo ID is required with the request. Voters can register in person in their municipal clerk's office during business hours until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 30, and can also register at their polling place on Election Day.

In-person absentee voting continues at municipal clerks' offices, possibly through November 1, with hours varying by municipality, so voters should check MyVote Wisconsin or contact their clerk for the local schedule. On Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and absentee ballots must be received by the municipal clerk by 8:00 p.m. that night to count.

Sources: MyVote Wisconsin / Wisconsin Elections Commission, read October 22, 2026.

BRIEF · October 21, 2026 · Wade Kessler

BRUCE — The Bruce Village Board has approved a 3 percent increase in sewer rates, effective January 1, 2027, according to the minutes of its October 5 meeting.

Rates had been scheduled to rise 1 percent a year. The board acted after discussing a loss in the utility in 2025, raised with the village auditor during a USDA audit, and the future cost of rehabilitating the treatment plant. The minutes say the board also planned further discussion, at its October 14 budget workshop and in committee, on whether the 3 percent increase will be enough to cover the deficit.

In other business, the board approved a final payment of $5,235.16 to Monarch Paving for the alley paving project between Main Street and Alvey Street, which the minutes say is now complete. The project was originally approved at $27,250 in July 2024 and came in $6,962.46 under that cost. The board also approved bills totaling $158,440.14 and tabled a proposed Bruce Park splash pad, along with several other items, until its November meeting.

Sources: Village of Bruce, read October 21, 2026.

BRIEF · October 21, 2026 · Wade Kessler

LADYSMITH — Village of Hawkins voters who want to vote absentee in person for the November 3 general election will need an appointment with their municipal clerk, according to the village.

The village says in-person absentee voting can begin no earlier than October 20, 2026, under Wisconsin law, and Hawkins voters should contact the municipal clerk to make an appointment to receive a ballot. The village lists zero scheduled office hours for its designated in-person absentee site, with voting by appointment only and at least 24 hours' notice provided after a voter requests an appointment.

Sunday, November 1, 2026, is the last day a clerk can offer in-person absentee voting, and the deadline to register in person before Election Day for most voters is 5 p.m. on Friday, October 30. Voters must show acceptable photo ID to receive a ballot through in-person absentee voting, and the municipal clerk serves as the witness for the ballot certificate envelope.

Sources: Village of Hawkins, read October 21, 2026.

BRIEF · October 21, 2026 · June Hartley

BRUCE — A Holmen hunter took a bear with a live weight of 540 pounds near the town of Bruce on opening day of the bear season, according to Outdoor News.

Becky Miesen, of Holmen, shot the bear while hunting in Zone D in Rusk County. Outdoor News reports that Miesen, her husband, and a friend's 10-year-old daughter all went to the Rusk County bear camp and each came home with a bear.

About 10 minutes before Miesen's bear, Emma Duerkop, 10, shot her first bear while sitting with her dad, Cory, who called his wife, Tina, to share the news.

Sources: Outdoor News, read October 21, 2026.

BRIEF · October 21, 2026 · Elias Brandt

LADYSMITH — Wednesday is mostly sunny in Rusk County with a high near 69 and a south wind around 0 mph, according to the National Weather Service in the Twin Cities.

Tonight turns mostly clear with a low around 40, with patchy fog possible after 10 p.m. No watches, warnings or advisories are in effect for Rusk County.

Thursday starts with patchy fog before 10 a.m., then turns sunny with a high near 71. Friday stays mostly sunny near 70.

Sources: National Weather Service, read October 21, 2026.

BRIEF · October 20, 2026 · Wade Kessler

LADYSMITH — In-person absentee voting for the November 3 general election opens today, Tuesday, October 20, in Rusk County, according to the Wisconsin Elections Commission.

Voters can request and cast an absentee ballot in person at their municipal clerk's office during the in-person absentee period, which runs from today possibly through November 1. Hours vary by municipality, so voters should check MyVote Wisconsin or contact their clerk for their local schedule. A photo ID is required with an absentee ballot request.

Deadlines follow quickly. Requests for an absentee ballot by mail must reach the clerk by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 29, and voters can register in their municipal clerk's office until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 30. On Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and absentee ballots must be received by 8:00 p.m. that night to count.

Sources: MyVote Wisconsin / Wisconsin Elections Commission, read October 20, 2026.

BRIEF · October 20, 2026 · Elias Brandt

LADYSMITH — Patchy fog gives way to sunshine in Rusk County on Tuesday, with a high near 66 and a southeast wind of 0 to 5 mph, according to the National Weather Service in the Twin Cities.

Tonight turns mostly clear with a low around 39, with patchy fog possible after 2 a.m. No watches, warnings or advisories are in effect for Rusk County.

Wednesday starts with patchy fog before 7 a.m., then turns sunny with a high near 68. Thursday stays sunny near 69.

Sources: National Weather Service, read October 20, 2026.

BRIEF · October 20, 2026 · June Hartley

LADYSMITH — Rusk County businesses planning for an ownership change will have new help available under a federal grant announced October 13 by USDA Rural Development.

The Wisconsin Center for Employee Ownership will use a $95,000 grant to provide rural businesses with education and assistance in business succession planning across 10 northern Wisconsin counties, including Rusk, along with Ashland, Bayfield, Burnett, Douglas, Iron, Price, Sawyer, Taylor and Washburn.

The award is part of $1,024,615 in Rural Business Development Grants going to 11 projects across Wisconsin, a program USDA says supports economic development and job creation in rural areas. Businesses and organizations seeking more information about the program can contact USDA Rural Development's Wisconsin Business and Cooperative program staff at [email protected].

Sources: USDA Rural Development, read October 20, 2026.

BRIEF · October 19, 2026 · Wade Kessler

WEYERHAEUSER — The Town of Big Bend has set two budget meetings at Town Hall, according to a town notice dated October 18.

The Town Board Budget Meeting #2 is scheduled for Wednesday, October 28, at 9 a.m. at Town Hall. The Town Budget Levy Meeting follows on Wednesday, November 4, at 6:30 p.m., also at Town Hall.

The same notice reminds residents that the Wilson Brush Site is open Fridays at 8:00 a.m. through Sundays at 5:00 p.m.

Sources: Town of Big Bend, read October 19, 2026.

BRIEF · October 19, 2026 · Wade Kessler

LADYSMITH — Ladysmith Federal's Financial Literacy Committee has been back in area classrooms this fall with lessons on smart and safe banking.

On Friday, October 2, Kat Detloff and Emma Schindler visited students in grades 6 through 10 at Firm Foundation Academy for a presentation on Smart & Safe Banking, covering building smart banking habits early, managing money responsibly, and protecting against fraud and scams. On September 29, the committee visited Ms. Johnson's Middle School Business Education class at Bruce Public School, discussing questions to ask before opening a bank account, common account types, and financial fraud awareness.

Ladysmith Federal says it offers free financial literacy presentations and activities for a variety of ages and topics, and schools or groups can schedule one by calling 715-532-3389.

Sources: Ladysmith Federal, read October 19, 2026.

BRIEF · October 19, 2026 · June Hartley

LADYSMITH — Ladysmith Federal employees have turned jeans days into an $820 donation for Women with Courage, the bank reported October 7.

Through the Jeans Day Fundraiser, employees donate $1 each day they choose to wear jeans to work. The donations add up over a quarter, and the money collected is then donated to a local organization or cause.

On October 7, Ladysmith Federal CEO Bill Dyson presented Leanne Birch with a check for $820 to support Women with Courage.

Sources: Ladysmith Federal, read October 19, 2026.

BRIEF · October 19, 2026 · Elias Brandt

LADYSMITH — Monday is sunny in Rusk County with a high near 65, according to the National Weather Service in the Twin Cities.

Tonight turns clear with a low around 41. No watches, warnings or advisories are in effect for Rusk County.

Tuesday stays sunny with a high near 66, followed by a mostly clear night near 40. Wednesday is sunny near 69.

Sources: National Weather Service, read October 19, 2026.

BRIEF · October 18, 2026 · Wade Kessler

LADYSMITH — Rusk County's draft FY 2027 budget is scheduled to be presented to the County Board on Tuesday, October 27, under the county's published budget calendar.

The calendar shows the Finance Committee was to recommend the final FY 2027 budget on October 15, after the County Coordinator and Finance Director presented preliminary budget documents to the committee on September 17 and to the County Board on September 29, with final revisions prepared in early October.

At the October 27 meeting, the board is scheduled to endorse the draft budget, and notice of the budget public hearing is to be published the same day, giving 15 days' notice. The calendar lists the public hearing and adoption of a balanced FY 2027 budget for the board's November 11 meeting, while noting that date may need to change because it falls on Veterans Day.

Sources: Rusk County, read October 18, 2026.

BRIEF · October 18, 2026 · June Hartley

LADYSMITH — Rusk County is among the counties where electronics collection events will be supported by new state recycling grants, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

The DNR awarded just over $250,000 in E-Cycle Wisconsin Electronics Collection Grants for 39 projects in 35 counties, funding collection sites and one-day events between October 2026 and December 2027. Dynamic Lifecycle Innovations is listed as a recipient for collection events in 18 counties, including Rusk, Polk and Sawyer.

The grants are funded by fees electronics manufacturers pay under E-Cycle Wisconsin, the state program created after Wisconsin's 2010 electronics recycling law banned many electronics from the trash. Devices accepted for recycling include computers, monitors, TVs, printers, cellphones and many accessories. The DNR maintains an interactive list of E-Cycle collection sites and mail-back programs that residents can search by county.

Sources: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, DrydenWire, read October 18, 2026.

BRIEF · October 18, 2026 · June Hartley

LADYSMITH — The new Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program season opened October 1 for Rusk County residents who need help with heating and electric bills, according to Rusk County.

The program provides a one-time annual payment during the heating season, which runs October 1 through May 15. The payment covers a portion of energy costs, with the amount based on household size, income and energy costs, and in most cases it is paid directly to the household's energy supplier. Households with a utility burden and income under 60 percent of the state median may be eligible.

Residents can apply by phone or in person by appointment by calling 715-532-2299, by mail, or online. Qualifying for energy assistance can also open access to furnace repair or replacement, crisis benefits and weatherization. For a no-heat emergency outside business hours, the county directs residents to Rusk County Dispatch at 715-532-2200.

Sources: Rusk County, read October 18, 2026.

BRIEF · October 18, 2026 · Elias Brandt

LADYSMITH — Sunday is sunny in Rusk County with a high near 65 and a south wind of 5 to 15 mph, gusting as high as 30 mph, according to the National Weather Service in the Twin Cities.

Tonight turns mostly clear with a low around 36. No watches, warnings or advisories are in effect for Rusk County.

Monday stays mostly sunny with a high near 63, followed by a mostly clear night near 37. The dry stretch continues Tuesday, sunny near 65, and Wednesday, sunny near 68.

Sources: National Weather Service, read October 18, 2026.

BRIEF · October 17, 2026 · June Hartley

LADYSMITH — The Rusk County Board Chairman has been given authority to assume the duties of the Zoning Administrator, following action by the county's Executive Committee in September.

The committee voted to hand the zoning duties to the chairman after discussing the resignation, transition and duties in the Zoning and Land and Water Department, according to the minutes of the committee's September 14 meeting, included in the packet for its October 1 meeting. The committee also approved a Health and Human Services request to reclassify a Finance Accountant II position to Financial Manager and sent it for grading, and heard a health insurance renewal update.

The October 1 agenda, held at 3:00 p.m. in the Law Enforcement Center Board Room, took the staffing work further, with a health insurance renewal presentation, a resolution to authorize the chairman to hire interim human-resources services, and a closed session to interview candidates for County Administrative Coordinator.

Sources: Rusk County, read October 17, 2026.

BRIEF · October 17, 2026 · Wade Kessler

LADYSMITH — City of Ladysmith residents can start voting in person for the November 3 general election on Tuesday, October 20, when in-person absentee voting opens at the clerk's office.

The city lists the in-person absentee window as running through Thursday, October 29, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, with no appointment necessary. Statewide, the Wisconsin Elections Commission lists the in-person absentee period as October 20, possibly through November 1, and reminds voters that hours vary by municipality, so voters outside the city should check with their own municipal clerk.

Other deadlines are close behind. Requests for an absentee ballot by mail are due October 29 at 5:00 p.m., registration in a municipal clerk's office runs until October 30 at 5:00 p.m., and on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Absentee ballots must be received by 8:00 p.m. that night to count, and the Rusk County Clerk's office handles election administration for county voters.

Sources: City of Ladysmith, MyVote Wisconsin / Wisconsin Elections Commission, Rusk County Clerk, read October 17, 2026.

BRIEF · October 17, 2026 · June Hartley

LADYSMITH — Trick-or-treaters in Ladysmith will make their rounds on Halloween night, Saturday, October 31, during city hours of 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., the city has posted.

Before that, residents have one last chance this year to clear fall yard waste at the curb. The city's curbside brush and yard waste collection runs on the last Monday of each month from May through October, and the final collection on the schedule is Monday, October 26. Leaves and yard waste should be in bags or approved containers, brush stacked neatly at the curb, and everything set out before 7:00 a.m. — once crews have been through a neighborhood, the city says they will not return. The former brush and yard waste collection site is closed.

The city is also looking ahead to an equipment purchase, accepting sealed bids at City Hall, 120 Miner Ave. W., until 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 5, to buy a new refuse packer truck.

Sources: City of Ladysmith, read October 17, 2026.

BRIEF · October 17, 2026 · Wade Kessler

LADYSMITH — Four Rusk County school districts are among 30 across rural Wisconsin that will benefit from a $749,400 federal distance-learning grant announced this month.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development grant went to Cooperative Educational Service Agency 10 in Chippewa Falls, and its list of districts includes Bruce, Flambeau, Ladysmith and Lake Holcombe. In all, the investment is expected to support 14,445 rural students and 1,914 educators across 12 counties, including Rusk.

Through CESA 10's distance-learning consortium, the money will upgrade aging distance-learning infrastructure. USDA says modernizing those systems helps districts work around local teacher shortages and offer a wider curriculum, including advanced placement, post-secondary, career and technical education, and college-preparatory courses.

Sources: USDA Rural Development, read October 17, 2026.

BRIEF · October 17, 2026 · Rusk County Now News Room

LADYSMITH — The Rusk County Board of Supervisors has announced vacancies in Districts 6, 18 and 3, and the county is accepting letters of interest from residents who want to serve, according to the county's announcement.

The announcement says the board is taking letters of interest to fill the District 6 and District 3 seats. Whoever is appointed serves the unexpired term ending the third Tuesday of April 2028. To serve, a candidate must be at least 18 years old and a resident of the supervisory district.

Letters of interest go to County Clerk Connie Meyer, 311 Miner Ave. E., Suite C150, Ladysmith, WI 54848. The Clerk's Office phone is (715) 532-2100.

Sources: Rusk County Board of Supervisors vacancy announcement (ruskcounty.org), read October 17, 2026.

BRIEF · October 17, 2026 · Rusk County Now News Room

LADYSMITH — The Rusk County Board of Supervisors holds its next regular meeting on Tuesday, October 27, at 6 p.m., according to the board's published 2026-2027 meeting schedule. The board meets in the LEC Board Room at the Rusk County Government Center, with video conference access offered.

The board's most recent posted packet, for its September 29 meeting, carried a County Trunk P update and a Highway Shop update, a low-bid item on demolishing the old clinic building, and resolutions on a new county ambulance garage, the use of opioid settlement funds, and appointing a Veteran's Service Officer and a Zoning Administrator.

Agendas and packets are posted on the county website, ruskcounty.org. Residents can also call the County Clerk's Office at (715) 532-2100.

Sources: Rusk County Board of Supervisors meeting schedule and September 29, 2026 meeting packet (ruskcounty.org), read October 17, 2026.

BRIEF · October 17, 2026 · Rusk County Now News Room

LADYSMITH — Saturday is sunny in Rusk County with a high near 57 and south-southwest winds around 15 mph, according to the National Weather Service in the Twin Cities.

Tonight turns clear with a low near 36. Sunday is sunny with a high near 62 and gusts to 25 mph.

The sunny stretch holds into next week, with highs in the mid-60s by Tuesday and near 67 on Wednesday.

No watches, warnings or advisories were in effect for Rusk County on Saturday afternoon.

Sources: National Weather Service forecast and alerts, Twin Cities office, read October 17, 2026.

BRIEF · October 17, 2026 · Rusk County Now News Room

LADYSMITH — The Ladysmith City Council holds its next regular meeting on Monday, October 26, at 5:15 p.m. in the Council Chambers at 107 W. Second Street South, following the council's regular second-and-fourth-Monday schedule.

The council's most recent meeting was Monday, October 12. Meeting notices and agendas are posted on the city website, cityofladysmithwi.com, and at the Rusk County Courthouse and the Rusk County Community Library.

Sources: City of Ladysmith Common Council meeting notices (cityofladysmithwi.com) and the Northwoods Reporter government-events listing for October 11-17, 2026, read October 17, 2026.

BRIEF · October 17, 2026 · Rusk County Now News Room

LADYSMITH — Rusk County voters head to the polls in the general election on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, the last election on the county's 2026 calendar, according to the county's elections page.

Voters can check their registration, find their polling place and see what is on their ballot at MyVote Wisconsin, myvote.wi.gov. The county's elections page also links Wisconsin Elections Commission information on photo ID and voting by mail.

Questions go to the County Clerk's Office at the Rusk County Government Center in Ladysmith, (715) 532-2100.

Sources: Rusk County elections page (ruskcounty.org), read October 17, 2026.

BRIEF · October 17, 2026 · Rusk County Now News Room

LADYSMITH — Ladysmith closed its football regular season Friday night with a 42-0 loss at Grantsburg, according to statewide scoreboards that both list the same final score.

WIAA Level 1 playoff games are scheduled for October 23-24 across the state. No verified Flambeau or Bruce final was listed in the statewide scoreboards read Saturday morning.

Sources: Statewide football scoreboards (SI.com and the Post Crescent) and the WIAA calendar, read October 17, 2026.