Viroqua Mayor Krista Browne has released a formal statement addressing a criminal trespassing case at her residence and continuing conflict with the Viroqua City Council.
The statement follows an Oct. 26 report that 58-year-old Evan Blattner entered the mayor's home without permission during daylight hours. Blattner was arrested Oct. 30 for criminal trespassing after the Vernon County Sheriff's Department investigated, a step taken because of a conflict of interest for local police.
According to Browne, Blattner had earlier been hired for interior painting in March 2026 and was allowed to work in the detached garage, but had not been at the property since Sept. 11.
Browne also raised concerns about how council decisions were reached. After a closed session Oct. 27, the council voted to move the mayor's office to a different floor and limit direct contact between the mayor and City Administrator Julie Emslie. Browne said she remains committed to public safety, transparency and serving residents.
The City Council meets Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall Lower-Level Community Room. The agenda includes a closed session on personnel matters involving the mayor and the city administrator, followed by open session and public comment.
