Local News

City of Elroy Issues Notice Regarding Outdoor Warning Siren- North End

The City of Elroy would like to inform residents that the emergency warning siren located on the north end of the city is currently not operational. The siren on the south end of town remains fully functional.

 

City officials have contacted service technicians; however, they are not able to immediately assess or repair the issue. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

 

The City strongly encourages all residents to maintain multiple methods of receiving emergency notifications, especially during severe weather. Outdoor warning sirens are designed primarily to alert individuals who are outside and should not be relied upon as the sole source of notification. Residents are urged to use additional alert systems such as weather radios, mobile alerts, and local media. The City of Elroy appreciates the community’s understanding and will continue working to restore full siren functionality as quickly as possible.

Juneau County Arrest Report 4-15-26

Following Storm Damage, Wisconsin Consumers Should Use Caution When Seeking Repairs

This week, thunderstorms, high winds, tornadoes, flooding, and hail have
struck communities across Wisconsin. Homes and vehicles may be damaged and in need of
repair work. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
(DATCP) reminds consumers that they should practice caution when seeking repairs.
Consumers with homes damaged during the recent storms should avoid hiring a door-to-door
home repair crew. These transient crews are known as “storm chasers” because they travel to
communities struck by severe weather and solicit business at consumer homes. Despite their
tempting promises of quick, cheap fixes, transient repair crews often provide poor quality work
or ask for up-front payments, then perform no work at all. They are often not from Wisconsin,
so if something goes wrong, it may be impossible for a consumer to get their money back.
Tips for Homeowners Seeking Repair Contractors
• Hire established local contractors.
• Ask for recommendations from trusted sources like friends, neighbors, and insurance
agents.
• Check with a local building inspector if permits are needed for the repair job, then
have them inspect the completed work before making final payments to the contractor.
• Make sure there is a written contract which specifies what work will be done, what
materials will be used, a start and completion date, and warranty details.
• Receive lien waivers for every payment made for home repairs to any hired
contractors.
• Keep copies of all contracts, receipts, communications, warranties, and written
materials.
Homes are not the only property that may have sustained severe weather damage. Many
consumers rely on their motor vehicles for everyday transportation, and seeking repairs can be
a stressful experience. Consumers can protect themselves by knowing their rights, resources,
and these auto repair tips:
Tips for Vehicle Owners Seeking Auto Body Work
• Ask for shop recommendations from friends, family, and other local sources they
trust. If the work will be covered by insurance, select a shop with the insurance
provider.
• Search for online reviews of the company and contact the DATCP Bureau of
Consumer Protection to check if a specific shop has a record of complaints.
• Document all transactions and communications, including specific dates, times,
expenses, promises made, and the names of shop employees.
Auto body repair shops cannot make repairs that the owner did not authorize or increase the
price of those repairs without authorization after the consumer received an estimate or quote. A
shop may hold a vehicle until the consumer pays for authorized repairs but cannot hold the
vehicle if they refuse to pay for unauthorized repairs. After work is complete, the shop must
provide an invoice describing and listing the cost for all repairs, replaced parts, and labor.
Insurance Tips
The Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) published an After a Storm Hits Fact
Sheet which can help consumers understand their policy options and coverage. After severe
weather strikes, consumers should:
• Notify their insurance agent or company right away to begin the insurance claim
process.
• Make a list of damaged items, including any damage to the home’s structure.
• Take photos of damages, including dented siding, damaged shingles, broken
windshields, etc.
• Keep swatches of damaged material like shingles and siding.
• Keep damaged items – they should not be thrown out without the claim adjuster’s
agreement.
• Retain all receipts for repairs or replacement of damaged property.
State law protects consumers and businesses against insurance fraud. In Wisconsin,
contractors:
• Cannot promise to pay any portion of an owner’s property insurance deductible.
• Cannot negotiate with an insurance company on behalf of a customer. Contractors can
only discuss damages and costs with insurers with the customer’s permission.
• Must ask if the work is related to an insurance claim before they enter into a contract.
• Must notify customers of their right to cancel the contract within three business days if
their insurer denies any portion of the claim for work.
Contact the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance of Wisconsin at oci.wi.gov or (800) 236-
8517 with questions about insurance agents, adjusters, or companies.
For more information and consumer protection resources or to file a complaint, visit DATCP’s
Consumer Protection webpage at ConsumerProtection.wi.gov or contact the Consumer
Protection Hotline at (800) 422-7128 or DATCPHotline@wisconsin.gov.

OPEN BOOK AND BOARD OF REVIEW CITY OF MAUSTON, JUNEAU COUNTY

Notice of Open Book-May 8, 2026

                Pursuant to s. 70.45, Wis. Stats, the assessment roll for the year 2026 assessment will be open for examination on May 8, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Open Book will be conducted by telephone. To make an appointment for Open Book, property owners should call Associated Appraisal Consultants at 920-749-1995. The assessment roll will be available for review at Mauston City Hall, 303 Mansion Street, Mauston, WI during regular business hours and online at www.apraz.com.  

Notice of Board of Review Meeting- June 9, 2026

                Notice is hereby given that the Board of Review for the City of Mauston, Juneau County, Wisconsin, shall hold its first meeting on June 9, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Mauston City Hall, 303 Mansion Street, Council Chambers.  Please be advised of the following requirements to appear before the Board of Review:

  1. After the first meeting of the Board of Review and before final adjournment, no person may contact a Board member regarding an objection, except during a Board session. Open book shall occur no less than 7 days prior to the Board of Review.
  2. The Board of Review may not hear an objection to the amount or valuation of property unless, at least 48 hours before the Board’s first scheduled meeting, the objector provides to the Board’s Clerk written or oral notice of an intent to file an objection, except that upon a showing of good cause and the submission of a written objection, the Board shall waive that requirement during the first 2 hours of the Board’s first scheduled meeting, and the Board may waive that requirement up to the end of the 5th day of the session or up to the end of the final day of the session if the session is less than 5 days with proof of extraordinary circumstances for failure to meet the 48-hour notice requirement and failure to appear before the board of review during the first 2 hours of the first scheduled meeting.
  3. Objections to the amount or valuation of property shall first be made in writing and filed with the Clerk of the Board of Review within the first 2 hours of the Board’s first scheduled meeting, except that, upon evidence of extraordinary circumstances, the Board may waive that requirement up to the end of the 5th day of the session or up to the end of the final day of the session if the session is less than 5 days. The Board may require objections to the amount or valuation of property to be submitted on forms approved by the Department of Revenue, and the Board shall require that any forms include stated valuations of the property in question. Persons who own land and improvements to that land may object to the aggregate valuation of that land and improvements to that land, but no person who owns land and improvements to that land may object only to the valuation of that land or only to the valuation of improvements to that land. No person may be allowed in any action or proceedings to question the amount or valuation of property unless the written objection has been filed and that person in good faith presented evidence to the board in support of the objections and made full disclosure before the Board, under oath, of all of that person’s property liable to assessment in the district and the value of that property. The requirement that objections be in writing may be waived by express action of the board.
  4. When appearing before the Board of Review, the objecting person shall specify in writing the person’s estimate of the value of the land and of the improvements that are the subject of the person’s objection and specify the information that the person used to arrive at that estimate

 

  1. No person may appear before the Board of Review, testify to the board by telephone, or object to a valuation if that valuation was made by the assessor or the objector using the income method of valuation, unless the person supplies the assessor with all the information about income and expenses, as specified in the assessor’s manual under s. 73.03 (2a), Wis. stats., that the assessor requests. The City of Mauston has an ordinance for the confidentiality of information about income and expenses that is provided to the assessor under this paragraph that provides exceptions for persons using the information in the discharge of duties imposed by law or the duties of their officer or by order of a court.* The information that is provided under this paragraph, unless a court determined that it is inaccurate, is not subject to the right of inspection and copying under s. 19.35 (1), Wis. stats.
  2. The Board shall hear upon oath, by telephone, all ill or disabled persons who present to the board a letter from a physician, surgeon, or osteopath that confirms their illness or disability. No other persons may testify by telephone unless the Board, in its discretion, has determined to grant a property owner’s or their representative’s request to testify under oath by telephone or written statement.
  3. No person may appear before the Board of Review, testify to the Board by telephone, or contest the amount of any assessment unless, at least 48 hours before the first meeting of the Board, or at least 48 hours before the objection is heard if the objection is allowed under s.70.47 (3) (a), Wis. stats., that person provides to the Clerk of the Board of Review notice as to whether the person will ask for the removal of a member of the Board of Review and, if so, which member, and provides a reasonable estimate of the length of time the hearing will take.

Bad Weather Interview – Keyeski-Kurtz-Bonikowski

Tornado Rips Through Union Center

Undersheriff Zac Board Announces Candidacy for Juneau County Sheriff Following Retirement Announcement of Sheriff Andrew Zobal

Juneau County Sheriff Andrew Zobal has officially filed his notice of non-candidacy and announced his retirement at the end of his term, concluding a 33 year career of service to Juneau County.

Following this announcement, Undersheriff Zac Board has formally filed his declaration of candidacy for Juneau County Sheriff.

Board brings over 21 years of law enforcement experience and a lifelong commitment to the community he calls home. From starting as a jail deputy to serving as Undersheriff, Board has built the experience, leadership, and trust needed to lead the Juneau County Sheriff’s Office. Board will lead with integrity, accountability, and strength. Board will continue working to keep Juneau County safe through strong leadership, dependable service, and a commitment to our community.

More information regarding the campaign will be released in the coming weeks.

Juneau County Sheriff Sale

Marklein, Kurtz Bill to Protect EMTs and Other Healthcare Providers Signed into Law

On Friday, the Governor signed Assembly Bill (AB) 905, authored by Sen. Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green) and Rep. Tony Kurtz (R-Wonewoc), into law. Act 197 fixes state law to define “health care facility” and “health care provider” in a way that guarantees that all individuals providing critical healthcare are properly protected and able to do their jobs safely, regardless of where they provide care.

Act 197 addresses an unintended problem in current state statute that was brought to lawmakers by Sauk County District Attorney Michael Albrecht. During a recent case, Albrecht found there was ambiguity about whether threats made outside traditional health care settings could be charged. As a result, while prosecutors could charge someone for threatening to cause bodily harm to a nurse in a hospital, they could not charge someone for making the same threat to an EMS provider working in an ambulance.

“This bill ensures our EMS providers and other health care professionals are protected no matter where they serve,” Sen. Marklein said. “EMS providers are often placed in high-stress and unpredictable situations. This bill ensures they have the protections they need while delivering care in the field.”

“We are very grateful that this commonsense, bipartisan bill has been signed into law,” Rep. Kurtz said. “Ensuring that the brave men and women who provide life-saving treatment when responding to an emergency wherever they are needed are guaranteed the same protections as healthcare professionals working inside a healthcare facility is essential.”

Act 197 protects all healthcare professionals working in their official capacity, including EMS personnel, nurses, and other providers. The bill received bipartisan support in both houses of the legislature before being signed by the Governor.

Monroe County Man Sentenced for Killing Interstate Worker

Monroe County District Attorney Kevin D. Croninger announced that on March
31, 2026, Monroe County Circuit Court Judge Richard Radcliffe, sentenced Isaac Morales, 26, to 12
years in prison, for Homicide by Intoxicated Use of a Motor Vehicle. After Morales is released from
prison he will serve an additional 15 years on extended supervision. At the completion of his extended
supervision, Morales, will serve 8.5 additional years on probation in relation to a separate conviction
for Intoxicated Use of Vehicle-Great Bodily Harm. In total Morales will serve 12 years in custody and
an additional 23.5 years on supervision.
Morales entered pleas on December 30, 2025 to Homicide By Intoxicated Use of a Vehicle While
Having a Prior Intoxicant Related Conviction, and Intoxicated Use of Vehicle-Great Bodily Harm. The
convictions stem from conduct Morales engaged in on November 1, 2024. Morales, while having a
blood alcohol concentration of .148 g/100ml, operated his vehicle at a high rate of speed through an
interstate construction zone. Morales struck and killed an interstate worker, Andrew C. Skupniewitz,
35, of Portage, Wisconsin. Mr. Skupniewitz was operating construction equipment as part of a
construction project near the I-90/I-94 Interstate split in Tomah. Morales also severely injured a
passenger in his vehicle. Morales had been convicted of operating while intoxicated as a first offense
on August 21, 2024 in the City of Sparta Municipal Court.
At sentencing, the State requested a total term of 40 years of imprisonment, bifurcated as 23 years of
initial confinement and 17 years of extended supervision. District Attorney Kevin Croninger, who
handled prosecution of the matter, made the recommendation and indicated the behavior of Morales
was particularly egregious and the harm caused was devastating. Croninger stated, “Andrew was
simply doing his job. Constructing and reconstructing our roadways is an incredibly important job as
our roadways our vital to nearly everything we do. For Mr. Morales to kill Andrew, while Andrew was
working to benefit our community, damages our entire community. More importantly than the loss to
our community, is the devastation Andrew’s death causes for the Andrew’s family and his co-workers.
Through his terrible choices, Mr. Morales has forever damaged and changed the lives of those who
loved the Andrew, and stolen Andrew’s bright future. There is no sentence which can adequately
address the harm Mr. Morales has caused.”
The case was investigated by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and the City of Tomah Police
Department. Croninger praised the hard work and collaboration of the agencies. “From the initial
response on scene by Officer Justice Blackhawk of the City of Tomah Police Department and Sergeant
Nathaniel Heffner of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, through the crash reconstruction by Sergeant
Beau Oliver and in depth follow up by Deputy Nicole Ginter, the case was thoroughly and professionally
investigated. Without the hard work, dedication, and high level of professionalism, from these dedicated
officers, a conviction would not have been possible. All officers involved and their departments, should
be commended for their professionalism and high level of competence. We are very fortunate to have
such quality individuals serving our community.”

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