In a video posted to her social media accounts, Browne said Blattner had been hired to paint at her property in March 2026 but never completed the work. She said she believed he had not been at the residence since Sept. 11, and that he was unresponsive when she tried to contact him about finishing the job.

On Oct. 26, Browne said she was notified that Blattner was at her home "without need, notice nor permission" for between 20 and 70 minutes. She contacted law enforcement immediately. Because of her leadership role within the Viroqua Police Department, the case was referred to the Vernon County Sheriff's Office to avoid a conflict of interest.

Following what Browne described as a thorough investigation, Blattner was arrested on Oct. 30 for criminal trespassing and taken to the Vernon County Jail.

Browne also disclosed details of an Oct. 22 meeting with Birke and Council President Steve Willis. According to Browne, the two made "criminal accusations" against her, called her "unprofessional," and suggested she move her office "privately and voluntarily" to the basement of city hall. Browne said she raised concerns about unclear facts during the meeting and told them she "felt threatened."

On Oct. 27, the Viroqua City Council held a closed session and decided to move Browne's office to a former judge's office in the basement of city hall, effective by Nov. 13. The council also decided that City Administrator Julie Emslie would be allowed to work remotely and would not be required to meet individually with the mayor.

When asked about the mayor's move, Birke told a local news outlet that "our goal continues to be to ensure that everyone at city hall is able to continue to do the work they were hired and elected to do." She did not say whether the move was connected to Blattner's arrest.

Browne declined to comment on the matter at the time of the arrest but later issued her video statement. In it, she thanked residents for their concern and understanding.

"Thank you Viroqua for your concern for our family and thank you for understanding that this is a sensitive topic for all involved and only one piece of a larger ongoing problem," Browne said.

She also made clear that the events would not alter her approach to governing.

"I want to state clearly that I will not allow threatening behavior to change how I lead and how I live in this city," Browne said. "I will also not allow criminal behavior to change how I lead and how I live in this city."

Requests for comment from Birke and Willis were pending at the time of publication.

The incident has raised questions in the community about workplace dynamics at city hall and the handling of a dispute involving two elected officials. Browne's statement suggests the trespassing case is part of a broader, ongoing issue that she did not fully detail.