All three of Buffalo County’s weekly newspapers—the Mondovi Herald-News, Buffalo County Journal and the Cochrane-Fountain City Recorder—will merge into one newspaper, the Buffalo County News, starting Aug. 6.

Trio of Buffalo County newspapers to merge

by Beth Kraft After a 130-year press run as the Mondovi Herald-News, the newspaper will be changing its masthead to the Buffalo County News starting next week to reflect a merger of the county’s...

A facility on N. Eau Claire St. in Mondovi is one of seven area group homes and CBRFs operated by Garlick’s. Owner Mary Jo LaBair says another round of rate cuts handed down by Inclusa on April 1 will make it difficult for the business to make ends meet.

‘It’s a significant hit’—Local care provider faces another rate cut from MCO

by Beth Kraft Frustrations with forced financial realities continue for many who own and operate group homes and community based residential facilities (CBRFs) for people with varying degrees and...

Members of a new group, Hope 4 U, founded in Sept. 2018, are working to raise awareness about suicide and mental health to better connect people to key resources and life-saving information. A Suicide Awareness Walk is set for Sept. 7 in Cochrane.

Hope 4 U represents grassroots effort for suicide prevention resources

by Beth Kraft Members of a Buffalo County group have had enough. They feel there are too many local people wrestling with thoughts of self-harm and mental health issues who can’t get the help or...

A huge feedlot shed just north of Hwy. Z off Hovey Valley Road owned by Scott Werlein was flattened by the storm.

Fourth of July storm downs trees, damages buildings in Bennett Valley

by Beth Kraft A brief, yet strong, storm on the Fourth of July swept down County Road Z in the area southeast of Mondovi known as Bennett Valley, leaving a haphazard path of destruction. Large...

Firefighters sprayed water on the wreckage to knock down dust and douse any hot spots as a backhoe exposed the interior of Leebo’s Bar & Grill in downtown Gilmanton. Due to the nature of the fire early Thursday, June 6, authorities said the building had to be torn down.

Leebo’s Bar torn down following fire

by Beth Kraft In less than 12 hours, Leebo’s Bar and Grill—one of the original buildings in downtown Gilmanton—was gone. An early-morning fire on Thursday, June 6, scrambled multiple fire...

E-Edition

Mondovi Herald-News

Capitol achievement—Local youth completes goal of visiting all 50 state capitols

The Nelson family received a special tour of the governor’s mansion in Madison from Gov. Scott Walker while Nick recorded a trip to his 50th state capitol in August.

by Beth Kraft At 15 years old, Nick Nelson has visited more U.S. states than most people do in an entire lifetime. Not only that, but the Mondovi High School student has stopped at all 50 state...

E-S Community Support Network honored as one of seven prominent rural schools projects in state

Representatives of the Eleva-Strum School District and community accepted a “Standing up for Rural Wisconsin” award from State Superintendent Tony Evers (center) last month. Accepting the award on behalf of E-S were, pictured, left to right, Marty Kempf, E-S elementary principal; Craig Semingson, E-S superintendent; Ann Kisor, community member; and Talitha Kempf, E-S elementary guidance counselor.

by Beth Kraft A little over a year ago, the Eleva-Strum School District kick-started a new program to reduce student hunger issues and address the needs of the elderly population in the area...

Gilmanton-area woman receives free fuel through ‘Tanks of Thanks’ program

by Beth Kraft A local resident who regularly assists others in need recently received a special thank-you for her contributions to the area community. Diane Ross of rural Mondovi has made regular...

Mondovi’s HomePlace to begin offering assisted living accommodations

Mondovi’s HomePlace facility, located between East Main and Vine streets, recently initiated a change to its license to begin offering assisted living care to supplement the current nursing home. Open houses will be held this Friday and Saturday afternoon to give interested guests a peek at the new CBRF apartments.

by Beth Kraft In response to a rapidly-growing demand for assisted living care in the local area, Mondovi’s HomePlace recently adjusted its licensure to begin a community-based residential...

Annual ‘Christmas from the Heart’ drive receives major funding boost

“Christmas from the Heart” drive organizer Debbie Wright accepted $3,000 in Box Tops for Education funds from Matt the “Gordy’s Guru” and WEAU 13 News anchor Nikki Junewicz on Monday, Dec. 1. Eleva Intermediate is the fourth school to be recognized by the “Schools Rule!” contest, presented by Gordy’s County Market and WEAU. Also pictured are Wright’s student helpers Riley Cegielski, Grace Clark, Nick Higley, Quinn Schiefelbein and Madison Schultz.

by Beth Kraft Debbie Wright has donated her time and efforts to make Christmas a bit brighter for area families in need for the past 12 years. Last week the Eleva Elementary secretary, often...

Mondovi prepping to mark 5th annual ‘Small Town Christmas’

The “Small Town Christmas” electric light parade will hit the streets of Mondovi for the fifth-straight year this Saturday, Dec. 6, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Sponsored by the Mondovi Women’s Business...

Local chiropractor opts to fly solo with new private practice

Dr. Andy Van Roo recently began operating his Mondovi chiropractic office as a private practice, making good on a longtime ambition. Van Roo Chiropractic’s staff also includes Rachel Sosalla, left, Dr. Van Roo’s office manager for the past 15 years, and CT Diane Weber, right, who has been with the practice for eight years.

by Beth Kraft There’s a new sign up in front of Dr. Andy Van Roo’s office, but the Mondovi chiropractor plans to continue to offer the same services to his patients that have made him a go-to in...

Mondovi, Durand schools honored for new collaborative project with CVTC

Mondovi technology education teacher Shay Lehman gave students pointers last week while they worked in groups to design bridges using 3D CAD software called SolidWorks—new to Mondovi this year. Classes like Lehman’s blueprint reading and problem solving course will soon become part of the new CDM Manufacturing Pathways program available to Mondovi and Durand students.

by Beth Kraft, Mondovi Herald-News, and Christina Lindstrom, The Courier-Wedge Though still in its infancy, a new collaborative program involving two local high schools and a technical college...

Local club stresses snowmobile access on select Mondovi streets will not be a free-for-all

Winter has an early grip on the Mondovi area, no doubt inspiring many local snowmobile enthusiasts to ready their sleds for the season. An approved expansion of city snowmobile routes will allow many more residents to reach the trails from their homes this year provided that they complete the proper paperwork.

by Beth Kraft Snowmobile access will be opened up to include more streets in the City of Mondovi this winter, but residents who wish to reach local trails from their homes will be required to obtain...