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Guard jets wrap up training over city
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MONROE - The evening sky in Monroe will be quieter after the conclusion of the Air National Guard's nighttime flight exercises Thursday.

F-16 fighter jets from the 115th Fighter Wing of the Air National Guard, stationed at the Truax Field Air National Guard Base in Madison, have engaged in night flying exercises since Monday, said Major Kristin Boustany, public affairs officer for the 115th Wing.

Boustany said the wing typically engages in nighttime exercises shortly after Daylight Savings Time ends each year, as the early darkness allows pilots to train in night conditions earlier in the day.

Boustany said the flight paths of the training exercises are chosen to minimize late-night noise disruptions in residential areas. The planes passed close to Monroe in the early evenings of Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.

Rob Driver, Monroe Airport supervisor, said increased flight traffic in the Eau Claire area, where the 115th typically has its exercises, led the Federal Aviation Administration to recommend a new training region in the airspace of southwest Wisconsin.

Although night training has concluded for November, Boustany said the 115th will have an additional week of night training in December.

Residents can sign up to be notified of planned training exercises at the Department of Military Affairs website at dma.wi.gov.