Wisconsin’s school funding crisis: Voters increasingly foot the bill as state aid lags

Iola-Scandinavia School District proposes $7.6 million referendum Across Wisconsin, 17 percent of the state’s school districts (72 of 421) are placing referendums on the April 2026 ballot to exceed the state-imposed revenue limits that cap how much money they can raise from local property taxes. More than 70 districts will have referendums in April: 60 […]

Virginia Ruth Torgerson obituary

Virginia Ruth Torgerson November 23, 1930 – March 16, 2026 Virginia Ruth Torgerson, 95, of Iola, Wisconsin, went to her heavenly home on Monday, March 16, 2026. She was born on Nov. 23, 1930, in Brookfield, Wisconsin, to the late Anton and Caroline (Dersch) Frank. Virginia married Forrest Torgerson on Nov. 11, 1954, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church […]

Friday Iola-Scandinavia news tidbits

Around Town Job Opportunities IOLA-SCANDINAVIA SCHOOL DISTRICT: Iola-Scandinavia currently has the following positions open: Food Service Assistant (dishwasher/prep/server), apply here; Part-Time Special Education Route Driver, apply here; Substitute Teachers, apply here; and Substitute Support Staff, apply here. Around the County Around the State PFAS LEGISLATION: The Wisconsin Senate unanimously passed legislation Tuesday, March 17, that, […]

Iola Historical Society plans 2026 events, screens depot restoration documentary

The Iola Historical Society will hold its monthly membership meeting on Monday, March 30, at the Machine Shed, 222 Depot Street in Iola, where members will review plans for the organization’s 2026 events and projects and watch the award-winning documentary “Back on Track.” The session begins with a 5:30 p.m. board meeting, followed by the […]

Martha L. Cook obituary

Martha L. Cook September 27, 1935 – March 13, 2026 Martha L. Cook, Age 90, passed away on March 13, 2026. She was born on Sept 27, 1935, the daughter of the late Russell and Electa (Jole) Nygaard. Martha is survived by her daughters, Dawn (Cort) Martin of Soquel, California, Lori Gerard of Prineville, Oregon, and Gail […]

Monday Iola-Scandinavia news items

Around Town SHUTDOWN: Most businesses are closed today, the school district is closed, and there is a tow ban throughout the county. NIKE INDOOR NATIONALS: Jensen Rice and Aiden Bowen competed at Nike Indoor Nationals this past weekend. Congratulations on your performance! Job Opportunities IOLA-SCANDINAVIA SCHOOL DISTRICT: Iola-Scandinavia currently has the following positions open: Food […]

Raymond Joseph Peotter Obituary

Raymond Joseph Peotter July 27, 1931 – May 11, 2026 Raymond Joseph Peotter, 94, of Iola, Wisconsin, formerly of Appleton, Wisconsin, passed away on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. He was born on July 27, 1931, in Seymour, Wisconsin, to the late Frank and Margaret (Marnocha) Peotter. Raymond married Dorothy (Langdok) Peotter in 1952 in Michigan. Raymond […]

Tuesday Iola-Scandinavia news briefs

Around Town ALL-CONFERENCE PLAYERS: Basketball players at Iola-Scandinavia High School have been recognized. They are Korz Loken, 1st Team; R.J. Opperman, 2nd Team; Charlie Tappa, Honorable Mention; and Ava Printz, Honorable Mention. Congratulations! HE’S BACK: Iola-Scandinavia native Kristian Welch has signed with the Green Bay Packers. Looking forward to his contributions to the team this […]

Rose Marie Gilbert obituary

Rose Marie Gilbert (née Kucksdorf Morey) January 12, 1932 – March 2, 2026 Rose Marie Gilbert (née Kucksdorf Morey) age 94, passed away on March 2, 2026, peacefully while she slept in the thoughts of her family and loved ones. She was born on Jan. 12, 1932, near Wittenberg, Wisconsin, to Floyd and Lillian Morey. […]

Tuesday Iola-Scandinavia news briefs

Around Town Around the County ROAD WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS: Casey Beyersdorf, Highway Commissioner for Waupaca County Highway Department, has announced that Spring weight limit restrictions will begin Monday, March 9, at 12:01 a.m. When the highways become firm, the Spring weight limit restrictions will be lifted. GROUNDWATER CONTAMINATION: Waupaca County Republican Party chair and ag businessman […]