News

Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Payments are Once Again Supporting Wisconsin Residents

Today, Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA) Secretary Kathy Blumenfeld announced that the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) has begun making payments, and that benefits are once again available for eligible Wisconsin residents needing help with their energy bills. The heating season officially began on November 1, though the federal shutdown meant that Wisconsin did not immediately receive federal funding to support energy benefits. The State estimates that 185,000 households will receive assistance in paying their energy bills, with the average one-time heating benefit expected to be $440. The average one-time electric benefit is expected to be $244. So far, over $40 million in payments have been made to support over 63,000 Wisconsin households, and applications remain open for assistance. 

“Winter is in full force in Wisconsin, and we know the costs to heat a home increase when temperatures plummet. I’m happy to report that Wisconsin has received its federal energy assistance funding and is taking applications and making payments to benefit Wisconsin families and residents. If you waited to apply for energy assistance due to the federal government shutdown, or if you need help with your energy bill, please apply now,” stated Secretary Blumenfeld.

Eligibility is based on household income, household size, and the home’s energy costs. Residents may be eligible if the gross household income is 60% of the state median income level or less. WHEAP pays benefits directly to utilities and fuel suppliers to offset home energy costs. Crisis energy assistance is also available year-round and, emergency furnace and water heater repair and replacement and home weatherization services for eligible homeowners may also be offered based on household need.

Income Guidelines for 2025-26 Program Year

Household Size One Month Income Annual Income
1 $ 3,201.75 $38,421 
2 $ 4,186.92 $50,243
3 $ 5,172.08 $62,065
4 $ 6,157.33 $73,888
5 $ 7,142.50 $85,710
6 $ 8,127.67 $97,532
7 $ 8,312.33 $99,748
8 $ 8,497.08 $101,965

Residents can apply for energy assistance by phone or mail through their local energy assistance agency. Call toll-free 1-866-HEATWIS (432-8947) for the local agency in your area or visit https://energyandhousing.wi.gov and click on the county or Tribe on the map.

Juneau County Jail Roster 12-16

Juneau County Sheriff Sale

Jan 20 – Village Capital vs Galbrecht

Money Food Raised for Mauston Community Sharing Food Pantry During Holiday Train Festivities

We got the totals in for the Mauston Community Sharing Food Pantry Fundraiser – what a Wonderful Community we live in!!! $2,500 cash donations which were matched by the Brunner Family for a total of $5,000 in cash! $4,500 came from the Canadian Train line and then there was 500 pounds of food to go on the Pantry shelves! Thank you to everyone who contributed and helped our local Community Sharing Food Pantry to help others!

Ontario Woman Involved in Vernon County Accident

Vernon County Sheriff Roy Torgerson reports a two-vehicle collision occurred on Saturday, December 6th, 2025, just after 1:00 PM, near the intersection of State Highway 27 and County Road X, rural Westby, WI, Town of Christiana.

Theresa Jean Coblentz, age 67, of Ontario, WI was operating a 2016 Dodge Caravan, traveling south on State Highway 27.  Coblentz attempted to make a U-turn and was struck by a southbound 2018 Jeep Compass driven by Antonia Maria Rcker, age 53, of Platteville, WI.

 

Seatbelts were worn and airbags deployed in both vehicles.  Coblentz and Rucker sustained apparent minor injuries, but both declined medical transport.

 

At the scene with the Sheriff’s Office were the Westby Police Department, Westby Emergency Medical Service, Westby-Christiana Fire Department, Gundersen Tri-State Ambulance, and the Wisconsin State Patrol.

 

 

 

The crash remains under investigation by the Sheriff’s Office.

Hillsboro Teen Uninjured in Snowy 1 Vehicle Crash

Vernon County Sheriff Roy Torgerson reports on Monday night, December 8th, 2025, at approximately 10:30 PM, the Sheriff’s Office 911 Dispatch Center was notified of a single-vehicle crash on County Road WW north of County Road F, rural Elroy, WI, in the Town of Hillsboro.

Kristianna E. Hardy, age 19, of Hillsboro was operating a 2005 Chevrolet Impala, travelling south on County Road WW and lost control while negotiating a curve to the left.  The vehicle spun around, left the roadway, and came rest in a ditch.  The roadway was snow-covered at the time of the crash.

Hardy was wearing a seatbelt and no injuries were reported.  Property damage was minimal.

 

 

 

Assisting the Sheriff’s Office were the Hillsboro Fire Department and Hillsboro Area Ambulance.  

 

 

 

The crash remains under investigation.

Mauston School Board Meeting 12-15

Juneau County Jail Roster 12-15-25

Health Care Power of Attorney Informational Coming up December 15th

If you’re 18 or older, make sure you have your Health Care Power of Attorney in place — and Mile Bluff can help!

Next week, Mile Bluff’s medical social workers will be at Delton Family Medical Center on Monday, December 15, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. They’ll provide free information, answer your questions, and help you complete and file your paperwork.

 

To reserve your spot or schedule a one-on-one conversation, call us at 608-847-1838.

MBMC Health Fair on December 18th

 

Reserve your spot at the upcoming health fair hosted by Mile Bluff Medical Center on Thursday, December 18.  Receive free blood pressure and blood sugar testing and learn what your risk factors are for developing heart disease and diabetes. Lipid profile testing is also available for a small fee.

 

Appointments are required for all services and are available from 7:00 to 11:00 a.m. Call 608-847-1845 to reserve your spot today!

 

To see more events like this, check out the upcoming events page at milebluff.com.

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