Rural public safety in Western Wisconsin receives a significant boost
Rural public safety in Western Wisconsin receives a significant boost following a major federal funding announcement. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development program has officially awarded a $450,000 grant to the Town of Genoa to replace its aging emergency response equipment.
The award will allow the town’s volunteer fire department to replace its current 30-year-old fire engine with a modern vehicle, ensuring reliable emergency response capabilities for area residents. Wisconsin State Director Andrew C. Iverson highlighted the critical role local volunteers play in protecting small towns, emphasizing that the modern fire engine will provide essential tools to maintain community safety.
Federal leadership reiterated the commitment to investing in local safety infrastructure. Representative Bryan Steil (WI-01) expressed support for the initiative, noting that rural families deserve high-quality emergency services and that federal tax dollars are effectively being reinvested back into Western Wisconsin communities.
Funded through the USDA Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program, this investment forms part of a broader agency mission to foster rural prosperity by updating vital infrastructure, supporting healthcare, expanding business opportunities, and strengthening public safety services across the region.
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.
