BLACK RIVER FALLS, Wis. (WEAU) – Here’s something you may not know: Jackson County is home to Wisconsin’s first established public library. Now, more than 150 years later, the library continues its mission to serve its community.
The library was established in 1872 through Assembly Bill 87, which allowed cities and villages to create free libraries in their community. Black River Falls applied and was the first to be confirmed. Now, more than a century later, it’s still supporting its community.
Works from Stephen King, Agatha Christie and Nicholas Sparks fill the shelves of the Black River Falls Public Library.
“We have over 25,000 items including cake pans and senior connection kits,” Cara Hart, the Black River Falls Public Library Director, said.
It’s a collection bound to grow, with such a long history. The library has been running for 152 years, providing a variety of books for enjoyment and information to learn from.
“We try very hard to meet our community needs, whatever they may be,” Hart said.
One way to do that is through a glimpse into the past.
“People still come and want to look at old newspapers,” Mary Woods, the Black River Falls Public Library Historian, said. “They want to look at those family histories that aren’t available anywhere else.”
Family history is what Jeffrey Jones came looking for.
“I know that my family, my great grandparents moved here in 1868,” Jones said. “I’m here to try to find out more about what happened then where they lived, if their houses are still in existence.”
Jones lives in Sarasota, Florida, and came to Wisconsin to speak in Milwaukee. So, while he’s in the Badger state, he said he had to come to Black River Falls. The public library is no longer in the same building it started, but the impact of its presence and resources persist.
“This connection with my family roots, there’s an emotion involved that I don’t get anywhere else,” Jones said. “I just feel much more connected and that also gives me a greater sense of me.”
Hart said the library provides a variety of other resources to support the community from resume workshops to English language classes and information on the proper ways to clean gravestones. She said feel free to stop in, they’re never overbooked.
Copyright 2024 WEAU. All rights reserved.
Three children died after a boat capsized on Wisconsin’s Geneva Lake during inclement weather on the eve of the US’s semiquincentennial celebrations, and seven other people had to be rescued by emergency responders, according to officials.
A recreational motor boat with 10 passengers, including four children, sank on Friday afternoon as the boat “attempted to navigate to safety as weather conditions deteriorated” amid an intense, sudden storm, the city of Lake Geneva police department said in a statement.
First responders rescued one child and six adults – but three children were reported missing. They were later recovered yet pronounced dead after rescuers administered life-saving measures.
Officials confirmed that all four children were wearing lifejackets at the time of the capsizing, which officials said was a “reminder how quickly severe weather can develop on area waterways”.
“We strongly urge all boaters to closely monitor weather forecasts, remain vigilant of changing atmospheric conditions and seek safe harbor immediately when threatening weather approaches,” the police department said.
Police said the identities of the victims could not immediately be released as an investigation into the capsizing continued.
Lake Geneva officials declared a state of emergency due to Friday’s intense storm conditions.
Storm damage was reported throughout the Lake Geneva area, a popular destination for summer recreation. The small southern Wisconsin town draws tourists annually, particularly during the summer months, due to its proximity to Geneva Lake.
Harsh winds toppled trees and power lines, damaging buildings in the area, the local undersheriff Tom Hausner said during a news conference.
Hausner added that the officials received several 911 calls reporting damage as well as people trapped in buildings and seeking assistance. Hausner noted that deputies were delayed in responding to some calls due to fallen power lines and other debris.
“Power lines are all over the place. We are urging people to stay away,” Hausner said during the press briefing.
At least one person sustained minor injuries after being hit by a toppled trees.
Friday’s storm came as much of the US has otherwise experienced extreme heat heading into Saturday’s Independence Day holiday. An estimated 250 million people were told to expect to encounter dangerous levels of heat as temperatures soar nationwide amid the Fourth of July weekend marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the US Declaration of Independence from the UK.
MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – An inflatable replica of the future USS Wisconsin submarine was on display Friday at the Duck Pond, giving families and children a look at the vessel set to carry the state’s name.
The inflatable model is approximately one-eleventh the size of the actual submarine, which will measure more than 550 feet in length. The USSBN 827 Wisconsin is a Columbia-class submarine that began construction in 2025.
Jeff Davis, a board member of the USSBN 827 Wisconsin Submarine association, said the group is working to raise awareness about the submarine and build a connection between Wisconsin residents and the crew.
“We are currently promoting the building of the USS Wisconsin, the next SSBN in the District of Columbia class,” Davis said. “This is the latest technology; it started being built last year. The point of us is to build the awareness that we have this submarine named after the state of Wisconsin. And build a relationship between the citizens of Wisconsin and the crew that’s going to operate this submarine.”
Davis said the effort extends beyond awareness.
“It’s a great way to get excited about engineering. It’s a great way to get excited about being part of the Navy or any of the armed forces,” Davis said. “And basically, being a part of supporting our nation.”
Construction on the submarine is expected to be completed around 2028. Following completion, the vessel will undergo a christening — when it is placed in the water — followed by approximately two years of testing before being commissioned into service.
Once commissioned, the submarine is expected to remain in service for roughly 42 years. The association said it plans to remain involved with the vessel through its eventual decommissioning.
The inflatable replica is scheduled to make additional stops at parades and outreach events throughout the summer. For more information on where to see the inflatable sub, check out their website USSWisconsinsub.org.
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