Local News
Mile Bluff Mauston to Host 2 Day Blood Drive
Donating blood is a generous act that can save lives. As flu season begins, illnesses often prevent regular donors from giving, leading to shortages at a time when hospitals need blood the most. Please consider donating at our two-day blood drive, held at Mile Bluff Medical Center in Mauston on Wednesday, October 29 and Thursday, October 30 from 9 am to 2 pm.
Appointments are strongly encouraged for anyone who would like to donate, but walk-ins will be welcomed.
To reserve your spot, call the Blood Center of Wisconsin at 1-877-232-4376 or visit donate.wisconsin.versiti.org and search for Mile Bluff Medical Center in the mobile drives.
Booby Trapped Safe Leads to Adams County Fire District to Respond to Business
On Friday afternoon around 4:30pm the Adams County Fire District was requested for a special duty at a local business for a unique HazMat response. The owner of the business had a very old safe that needed a locksmith to open. When the locksmith cracked the safe, a security device that consisted of a glass vial with an unknown substance in it was present. This was done in 1800’s to stop thieves from drilling out the safe. The vial usually would contain a chemical that acted like very powerful tear gas. Our county Emergency Manager was contacted to facilitate the disposal of the vial once it was secured. A team of fire department personnel wearing breathing apparatus placed the vial in a locking poly drum with padding for safekeeping. The responsible party will have the vial disposed of by a HazMat contractor with the Sheriff’s Department following up to confirm the vial makes it to its final destination. This call reminds us that we never know what we will be requested to respond to. Incidents large or small are handled in the same professional manner. This call also shows how collaboration and teamwork by our County’s emergency responders are the key to success.
Juneau County Arrest Report 10-21-25
Drug Take Back Day is October 25
Sauk County, Wis. — National Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, October 25. Local law enforcement and community partners are working together to host 2 drug take-back events in Sauk County:
- Sauk Prairie Police Department from 9am – 12pm
- Ho-Chunk Nation House of Wellness from 10am – 2pm
This is an opportunity to dispose of leftover or unwanted prescription or over-the-counter medications.
“People often have unused or expired medications at home and may not know how to get rid of them safely,” says Hannah Erdman, a Health Educator at Public Health Sauk County. “By dropping off your leftover medications at a drop box location, you protect yourself, family, friends, our community, and the environment.”
All accepted items must be in sealed containers or zip lock bags. For security, people are encouraged to black out their name and other personal information listed on any prescription labels with a marker.
Accepted items:
- Any prescription or over-the-counter medication including capsules, creams, inhalers, non-aerosol sprays, ointments, patches, pills, vials, and liquids in original containers and vapes with removable batteries
Not accepted:
- Aerosol cans, anything containing blood or bodily fluids, batteries, cosmetics, eyeglasses, household hazardous waste (e.g. paint, pesticides, oil, gas), iodine containing medications, thermometers, personal care products (e.g. shampoo, conditioner, soaps, lotions, moisturizer, sunscreens), vapes/e-cigarettes with built in batteries
For residents that cannot attend Drug Take Back Day, medications can be dropped off at year-round drug take back sites at the Ho-Chunk Nation House of Wellness, the Sauk County Sheriff’s Department, and police departments in Lake Delton, Reedsburg, Sauk Prairie, Spring Green, and Wisconsin Dells.
In addition, Public Health Sauk County has other options for disposing of unused medications at home:
- free medication disposal kits and
- special envelopes to mail your medications to a safe disposal site.
“Safe storage and safe disposal saves lives,” says Erdman. “Make a plan today to get rid of medicines you no longer need.”
About Public Health Sauk County
Public Health Sauk County supports the well-being of all people in our community. Through wellness programs, environmental health initiatives, and a focus on creating systemic change, we cultivate healthier places and people so that Sauk County can thrive. For more information on our programs and services, visit https://www.co.sauk.wi.us/publichealth.
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Tomah Health Offers November Childbirth, Breastfeeding Education Classes
Tomah Health has scheduled a childbirth education class for expecting parents Nov. 8 from 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. The hospital-recommended course focuses on planning for the birth experience with information on labor, birth, massage, relaxation, and coping techniques. Pre-Birth planning and a Women’s Health Dept. tour are included in the event.
New moms interested in breastfeeding their newborn can learn more about it during a class hosted by Tomah Health Nov. 12 from 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. This class is designed to prepare moms for the breastfeeding experience such as the advantages of breastfeeding and the partner’s role in breastfeeding.
All classes are free, and class size is limited. Registration is required by calling 608-377-8688. The complete list of childbirth education classes is located at www.tomahhealth.org/services/womens-health.
PBS To Air Documentary on Elroy-Sparta Bike Trail
A PBS documentary called Rails to trails will begin airing online beginning Wednesday. It will first air on TV on PBS Wisconsin channel Sunday at 8pm. The documentary will feature the Elroy-Sparta bike trail and be narrated by well-known actor Edward Norton. First started in 1967 abandoned railroad tracks were converted to a bike trail between Elroy and Sparta, the bike trail would grow as more tracks were abandoned. The example set in our area helped lead to more tracks to trails start up across the country. Elroy native and former Governor Tommy Thompson will be a guest on the documentary.