Regional

Wisconsin State Patrol troopers will be riding alongside semi-truck drivers this week in the annual Trooper in a Truck enforcement and education campaign.

The Sauk County Institute of Leadership (SCIL) celebrated the conclusion of its nine-month program on May 19 with a presentation to the Sauk County Board of Supervisors before heading over to Mike’s Italian Restaurant for further remarks.

The 2026 Great Wisconsin Quilt Show has a special contest for kids 15 and under who are actively quilting or sewing.

Entries for the Kids’ Quilt Challenge must be received by Aug. 9.

Gift cards will be awarded to the top three quilts. The prizes are $200 for first place, $100 for second place, and $50 for third place.

The ladies seen in the accompanying picture were switchboard operators in the Baraboo telephone exchange in 1916.

Often called “hello girls,” it was their job to intercept incoming calls and redirect them to the party being called, whether locally or long distance.

Wisconsin is observing Invasive Species Action Month, and J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue is warning the public of the risks of releasing goldfish into local waterways.

A record number of volunteers are taking part in the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Adopt-A-Highway program to help keep roadsides clean across Wisconsin. Cleanup efforts have begun along state highways with the seasonal change and spring weather.

Necedah National Wildlife Refuge is hosting its fourth annual Birds, Bees and Butterflies Event.

It is free to the public and open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 13. There’s something for all ages both inside and outside of the Visitor Center, N11385 Headquarters Road, Necedah.

The Democratic Party of Sauk County will hold an open house to celebrate its new office.

The gathering will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. May 30 at 502 Oak St., Baraboo. There will be tours, music, food, guest speakers, and elected officials visits.

There is no charge to attend, and everyone is welcome.

Consumers planning their spring travels are likely considering their transportation, lodging, food, recreational activities, and more. But the planning doesn’t stop there. Travelers should also be preparing for scam prevention before, during, and after their trip.