Mauston, WI
Local News
Rep. Tony Kurtz & Sen. Howard Marklein Celebrate Bipartisan Passage of EMS Proposals
1 day
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
Rep. Tony Kurtz (R-Wonewoc) and Sen. Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green)
celebrated the bipartisan passage of Senate Bill 181 and Assembly Bill 905 in the State
Assembly.
Assembly Bill 905 (AB-905) is a technical fix to define “health care facility” and “health care
provider” to guarantee that all individuals providing critical health care are properly protected
and able to do their jobs safely, no matter where they are providing care.
“This issue was brought to our attention by Sauk County District Attorney Michael Albrecht,”
said Rep. Kurtz. “During a recent case, he realized that he could no longer charge someone for
threatening to cause bodily harm to EMS providers, while he could still charge someone with
making the same threats to a nurse in a hospital. Thanks to his diligent work, we’re able to get
this corrected.”
As front-line first responders, EMS providers often deal with combative, disoriented, and upset
patients which can result in threats or battery. Threats and violence against EMS providers are a
growing issue, and giving district attorneys the proper tools and clear laws to ensure all first
responders and health care providers are safe, is in our best interest.
AB-905 will now await final action in the Senate in March.
“At a time when many EMS departments are struggling with limited resources, we must provide
them with the tools and flexibility they need to serve their communities,” said Sen. Marklein.
“Allowing municipalities to collaborate regionally will help reduce duplication, control costs,
and ensure residents across the state continue to receive critical care.
New Lisbon High School To Host Sextortion Presentation Tuesday Evening
2 days
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
Internet Safety Presentation for Parents & Guardians
Tuesday, February 24th
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
New Lisbon High School
Join Detective Goyette from the Juneau County Sheriff’s Office and Sergeant Arenz of the Mauston Police Department for an important session on Internet Safety.
This presentation is designed specifically for parents and guardians in the New Lisbon School District and will focus on Sextortion—what it is, common warning signs, and proactive steps families can take to keep children safe online.
While the presentation will remain family-friendly, the subject matter may not be suitable for young children, and their attendance is discouraged.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to protect your family in the digital age!
MARSHALL REIMAN AND ELI SCHANKE EARN WISCONSIN 4-H KEY AWARD
1 week
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
Marshall Reiman of Orange Mill 4-H Club and Eli Schanke of Blackhawk 4-H Club have been selected as the Juneau County, Wisconsin 4-H Key Award winners for this past year. The Key Award was presented by Kip Weber, Juneau County Farm Bureau, at the Juneau County 4-H Recognition Program held on January 31, 2026 at the Elroy Theater.
The prestigious State 4-H awarded Key Award, one of the highest recognition a 4-H member can receive, honors a select group of 4-H participants annually. The youth receiving this award are ones who have demonstrated consistent growth in their 4-H involvement, developed and applied their leadership skills, and actively participated in their club and community.
According to April Martell, Juneau County Positive Youth Development Educator with UW-Madison Division of Extension, this year’s winners exemplify the goals and values of the Wisconsin 4-H Program.
“Eli Schanke and Marshall Reiman have been life members in Juneau County 4-H. They have participated at every level possible including leadership positions and camp counselors, all while serving as mentors and role models for our younger 4-H members. Their commitment to living out the 4-H motto (To Make the Best Better) is seen in everything they do. The life skills they take with them from their time in 4-H will no doubt shape their future.”
Key Award recipients are high school students with at least three years of experience in 4-H and one year as a youth leader. The Wisconsin Farm Bureau and Rural Mutual Insurance Company sponsor the Wisconsin 4-H Key Award program. They have sponsored these awards for over 30 years, helping 4-H to honor some of Wisconsin’s finest youth.
Local Prep Scores from Over the weekend
1 week
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
Boys Basketball
Royall 79 Brookwood 39
Cashton 67 New Lisbon 57
Hillsboro 61 Necedah 46
Bangor 90 Wonewoc-Center 69
Wisconsin Dells 65 Prairie Du Chein 47
North Crawford 106 Weston 54
La Crosse Central 67 Tomah 64
Mauston 64 Sparta 59 OT (Jase Navis 29points to lead Mauston)
Onalaska Luther 61 Cashton 34
Girls Basketball
Stoughton 45 Reedsburg 42
Weston/Ithaca 56 North Crawford 29
Bangor 93 Wonewoc-Center 23
Adams-Friendship 71 Ripon 28
Wisconsin Dells 90 Berlin 22
Nekoosa 53 Wautoma 40
Onalaska Luther 60 Cashton 25
Girls Hockey
Wildcats Co-op 5 Badger Lightning 1
Local Prep Scores from Monday 2/9
2 weeks
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
Boys Basketball
Fort Atkinson 60 Reedsburg 39
Berlin 60 Adams-Friendship 50
Bangor 99 Black River Falls 70
Sheboygan South 83 Ripon 51
Tomah 80 Viroqua 55
Wonewoc-Center 79 Pittsville 35
De Soto 67 Brookwood 47
Kickapoo 85 Weston 55
Girls
Berlin 49 Marion/Tigerton 42
River Valley 81 New Lisbon 49
Westfield 65 Tomah 54
Juneau County Authorities Looking for Help in Possible Truck Theft
2 weeks
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
The Juneau County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help regarding an incident that occurred in Lisbon Township on 02/01/2026.
We are looking for any information about a 2000–2006 white Chevy truck that picked up and took another white Chevy truck from the area.
The second truck has been entered as stolen at this time.
If you have any leads or know who might own or have been driving this vehicle, or have information about the stolen vehicle, please contact Deputy Bader at 608-847-5649 and reference Case #26J002777.
Your assistance could make a big difference—thank you for helping keep our community safe!
Juneau County HD to Host Community Conversation Sessions Next Week
3 weeks
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
This next week, Juneau County Health Department will be hosting 1-hour community conversations to learn more about access to healthy food needs found in the Community Health Assessment survey.
Your voice can help spark meaningful change. We hope you’ll join us!
Sign up today: https://forms.gle/hF7HooRR6jkiJiE57
Need more information? Call: 608-847-9373
Terrace Heights annual Valentine’s BINGO
3 weeks
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
Back by popular demand, Terrace Heights Retirement Community in Mauston is thrilled to host its annual Valentine’s BINGO event once again!
The public is welcome to come join the tenants at Terrace Heights on Tuesday, February 10, starting at 2 pm for a afternoon of fun, laughter, and BINGO—where everyone’s a winner! Enjoy refreshments, door prizes and great company.
Bring a friend, spread the word, and get ready for an afternoon celebrating the holiday of love.
RSVP is required to play. Call 608-847-2377 to reserve your spot today!
FORMER WARRENS COUPLE SENTENCED TO PRISON FOR CHILD SEX CRIMES
3 weeks
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
Megan M. Schmitz, 40, was sentenced to 1.5 years in prison by
Monroe County Circuit Court Judge Richard Radcliffe, and Justin D. Lake, 45, was
sentenced to 10 years in prison by Judge Todd Ziegler for their perpetration of child sex
crimes, announced District Attorney Kevin Croninger. Following release from prison,
Schmitz will be supervised by the Wisconsin Department of Corrections (DOC) for 4.5
years, and Lake will be supervised for 20 years. Both will be required to register as
sexual offenders.
Court documents indicate Lake was charged with repeatedly sexually assaulting a
child from the time the child was 8 to 10 years old. Schmitz was charged for her actions
during the first assault of the child by Lake. Lake was also charged with sexually
assaulting a 17-year-old child. Lake was convicted of three (3) counts of incest with a
child and one (1) count of child enticement. He faced a sentence of up to 90 years of
confinement. Schmitz was convicted of causing a child to view sexual activity and failure
to protect a child. She faced up to 15 years of confinement.
The DOC recommended a sentence of nine (9) years for Lake and one (1) year for
Schmitz. The District Attorney’s Office argued Lake should be sentenced to 55 years in
prison, an effective life sentence for him, citing the seriousness of Lake’s repeated
conduct and the danger he posed because of that conduct and his criminal history which
included a conviction for manslaughter of a two-year-old child. The prosecution
acknowledged Schmitz’s cooperation with the investigation and prosecution strengthened
the case against Lake and recommended a prison sentence of six (6) years for Schmitz.
The case was investigated by Deputy Jessica Meyer of the Juneau County
Sheriff’s Office and Detective John Brose of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. They
were assisted by the Juneau County Department of Human Services, law enforcement in
the State of Washington, and Stepping Stones Child Advocacy Center in La Crosse. The
case was prosecuted by Chief Assistant District Attorney Sarah Skiles with assistance
from the trial team in the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office. Skiles states, “The
investigators remained committed to pursuing the truth over an extended investigation,
and this case was possible because a victim had the courage to speak up. Our office will
never tolerate sexual abuse of children. We are committed to aggressively prosecuting
anyone that sexually assaults a child in Monroe County.”
