ELBA, Wis. – Like wildfire the Norton Township grapevine grew like Jack’s beanstalk: Voting was being closed due to a shortage of election judges. Township officials quelled the rumor: “Untrue.” In fact, they said, there will be a new curbside option. A new rule: Going inside to vote will require a mask and social distancing.

Norton Township

About 180 families live in the township , a 32-square mile rural area, mostly bluffs, in northwest Winona County. Per capita income: $16,200. Nearby towns: Elba on the Whitewater River and  Minnieska on the Mississippi. Commercial connections are mostly Plainview, St. Charles and Winona.