Governor Evers has formally requested a Rapid Disaster Declaration from the U.S. SBA to assist Winnebago County residents and businesses
Sep 17, 2026, 8:37 AM CT
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Governor Tony Evers has formally requested a Rapid Disaster Declaration from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to assist Winnebago County residents and businesses recovering from severe storms and flooding that struck on July 27, 2026. The storm system caused extensive damage across northeastern Wisconsin, generating high winds, hail, power outages, municipal water disruptions, and an EF-3 tornado.
The request follows joint damage assessments conducted by local, state, and federal agencies, including FEMA and the SBA. If approved by the federal government, the declaration will unlock low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, businesses, and non-profit organizations affected throughout the county. Under the program, homeowners can access up to $500,000 for primary residence repairs, renters and homeowners can receive up to $100,000 for personal property losses, and businesses can apply for up to $2 million to cover property and operational damages.
State officials emphasize that federal aid is critical to long-term recovery efforts alongside state emergency responses, which have included declaring a state of emergency, deploying the Wisconsin National Guard, and instituting price-gouging protections. Governor Evers continues to urge the federal administration to act swiftly on the request to support impacted Wisconsin communities.
Todd Coppernoll oversees local news for WRCO and WRCE radio in Richland Center. Having served Richland Center as Mayor for three terms, Todd brings a unique perspective, and a familiar voice to the news. The focus is local, and so is the reporter.
Adam Hess has been involved in radio broadcasting since 1990, with many of those years spent on the air at WRCO FM in Richland Center. Currently, Adam hosts the Weekend Wake-up and Prime Mover Saturdays on WRCO FM, jumps in and helps out with news duties, handles Social Media duties for WRCO and WRCE, and is the Director of Technology at a Southwest Wisconsin School District. Reach him at adam.hess@civicmedia.us.
