Local News
Government Shutdown Leads to Canceled Events at Necedah Wildlife Refuge
Due to a lack of appropriations funding
and government shutdown, the Necedah
National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center is
closed and most staff are furloughed
As a result of this, all activities and
presentations scheduled for October
15-18 are canceled. Even if the budget is
resolved early next week, it is too short of
a notice for our partners, suppliers,
attendees and volunteers. Thanks for
your understanding.
Campfire Kevin to entertain at Terrace Heights Retirement Community
On Tuesday, October 21 at 2 pm, Campfire Kevin will be performing at Terrace Heights Retirement Community in Mauston. Kevin entertains his audience by playing those well-known campfire tunes that have been loved for years. He sings, he plays guitar, and he takes requests!
The event is free and open to the public; however, space is limited. If you would like to attend, call 608-847-2377 to reserve your spot today. Also ask about a facility tour; apartments are now available.
To see more events like this, check out the upcoming events page at milebluff.com.
Man Who Harasses Law Enforcement Nationwide, Convicted of Fifteen Counts
Related to Harassing Monroe County Law Enforcement
This week, Monroe County District Attorney Kevin D. Croninger announced that on October 03, 2025, a Monroe County jury convicted 52 year old, Jacob T. Sell, of fifteen charges, those charges included four counts of Telephone Harassment and eleven counts of Misdemeanor Bail Jumping.
The convictions came after a two day jury trial. The charges stem from Sell making incessant and repeated calls to the Monroe County Communications Dispatch Center and the Village of Cashton Police Departments. The calls from Sell contained a wide range of obscene, profane, and generally abusive language towards the dispatchers and other law enforcement officers/entities. Sell also would routinely conference in law enforcement entities from other states as a means to harass not only Monroe County Law Enforcement but also law enforcement in other places. The entities Sell conferenced onto calls included, Danbury, Connecticut Police; Sacramento County, California Sheriff’s Office; Park City, Utah Police; Pewaukee, Wisconsin Dispatch; Columbia County, Wisconsin Dispatch; and several others.
After the two days of trial, the jury deliberated for just over an hour before reaching their verdicts. Monroe County District Attorney Kevin Croninger stated, “Mr. Sell claims to be a “police auditor” this claim could not be any further from the truth. In reality, Mr. Sell is nothing more than a criminal. We are extremely grateful to the jury on this matter for seeing the truth about Mr. Sell and convicting him.”
The prosecution of the case was handled by Monroe County District Attorney Kevin Croninger with support and assistance by the staff of the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and the Village of Cashton Police Department. Involved officers were Chief Deputy Chrisopher Weaver, Sergeant Rylan Corcoran, Deputy Steven Krueger and Deputy Mihai David, all of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and Chief Brente Knutson and Sergeant Dalton Harrington of the Village of Cashton Police Department.
Croninger praised the professionalism of all involved but particularly praised the professional of the dispatchers who had to deal with Sell’s abusive conduct. Croninger stated, “All the dispatchers in this case displayed exemplary professionalism. Mr. Sell repeatedly demeaned, berated, and insulted them, despite Mr. Sell’s despicable behavior, the dispatchers remained extremely professional. We are grateful for the work they did on this case and the work they do every day to assist in keeping Monroe County safe.”
At sentencing, Sell faces a maximum sentence of 111 months in jail. Sentencing has not yet been scheduled, but will likely occur in December 2025.
Emplify Health by Gundersen Hillsboro Area to open pharmacies in Hillsboro and Elroy
Soon, residents of Hillsboro and Elroy area will have another option for filling their prescription medicines.
Emplify Health by Gundersen Hillsboro Area Hospital is proud to announce plans to add pharmacy locations in both cities. The Hillsboro location will be within the Lakeside building at 300 Water Ave. on the main hospital campus, while Elroy’s pharmacy will be in the new Elroy Clinic. The planned opening for both pharmacies is 2026.
“These new pharmacies and all they bring to our communities demonstrate a significant step forward in our commitment to providing high-quality, accessible healthcare services,” said Kristie McCoic, administrator at Emplify Health by Gundersen Hillsboro Area Hospital. “Patient wellbeing is at the center of all we do, and if we can find ways to provide more care options close to home, then we want to take every opportunity to do so.”
The new pharmacies will integrate seamlessly with other Emplify Health by Gundersen services to provide a cohesive patient experience. For added convenience, the Hillsboro location will include over-the-counter product sales, as well as vaccinations and a drive-thru.
As a system, Emplify Health by Gundersen is focused on making the cost of care as affordable as possible, so by operating as a non-profit entity, the priority is to ensure the community’s healthcare needs are met.
“With a focus on enhancing local care, growing access and ensuring seamless care coordination within Emplify Health, the new pharmacies will be valuable additions to the healthcare landscape in Hillsboro and Elroy area,” McCoic said.
About Emplify Health by Gundersen
Formed in December 2022, Bellin and Gundersen Health System is a not-for-profit, patient-centered, community-focused healthcare network?with headquarters in Green Bay and La Crosse, Wisconsin. Bellin and Gundersen has nearly 15,000 employees, including more than 1,000 clinicians, in 11 hospitals and more than 100 clinic locations in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Upper Michigan, and Iowa. With community partners, Bellin and Gundersen strives to lead local, regional and national healthcare transformation to enrich individuals for their healthiest lives at every stage. Learn more at bellin.org and gundersenhealth.org.
City of Mauston Looking For Someone to Fill Vacant Ward 6 Council Position
City Council Opening – Ward 6
The City of Mauston is currently seeking a dedicated community member to fill an open Alder position for Ward 6 on the City Council.
This is a great opportunity to get involved, represent your neighbors, and help shape the future of our community.
? Ward 6 Residents – if you’re interested in serving, please contact Mayor Teske at mayor@mauston.com for more information.