Mauston, WI
News
Dells Duck’s Turning 80 Years Old
1 week
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
A Legendary Wisconsin Dells attraction is turning 80 years old. The Dells Army Duck started in 1946 when Milwaukee native Melvin Flath bought two amphibious assault vehicles and brought them to the Dells. Since then, Flath family has bought more than 150 of the vintage vehicles. The Ducks tour the Lower Dells and the Wisconsin River, letting visitors see the canyons carved by the river. A special celebration is set for the 4th of July including a cookout and fireworks.
Mauston City Council Meeting Update
1 week
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
At the most recent Mauston City Council Meeting Mayor Darryl Teske presented awards to two of Mauston’s own—Mike Duffy (Utility Operator) and John Flint (Streets Operator)—in recognition of their five amazing years with the City of Mauston. Huge congratulations to both of you!
Also at the meeting City Administrator, Daron Haugh, had the privilege of swearing in three new firefighters: Dylan Huettl, Corbin Czyscon, and Todd Lehr. The City of Mauston is happy to have them on their team.
New Officer Sworn in to Mauston PD
1 week
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
Taylor Rakes Sworn in as new City of Mauston Police Officer. Although Officer Taylor Rakes has already been serving with the Mauston Police Department for a few months, tonight we were able to officially welcome him with a swearing-in ceremony. Joined by the PFC, Police Chief Michael Zilisch, City Administrator Daron Haugh, and other members of the Mauston Police Department, Officer Rakes was recognized in front of friends, family, and our community. Events like this remind us how important it is to come together, celebrate service, and show appreciation for those who keep Mauston safe. The City of Mauston is grateful for Officer Rakes’ dedication—and for the support of everyone who makes moments like this possible.
VERNON COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORT FOR THE YEAR AND NARRATIVE EXCERPTS FROM THE WEEK ENDING JUNE 21, 2025.
1 week
by WRJC WebMaster
in State News
6/15 Deputies responded to an altercation that occurred at a rural De Soto business, in the Town of Wheatland. The caller reported three males had been in the business and pushed an employee and had also put their hands on them. The investigation is ongoing.
6/15 A deputy responded to Wildcat State Mountain Park to assist a driver with gaining entry to their vehicle. The vehicle owner’s dog was locked inside the vehicle.
6/15 Deputies responded to a call reporting that a motorcycle had been stolen from a residence on County Road UU in the Town of Wheatland. The motorcycle was found a short while later in Victory. A male from Onalaska was arrested for Criminal Trespass to Dwelling, Drive or Operate Vehicle w/o Consent as well as other charges.
6/16 Damage to a bathroom on the boat landing side of Sidie Hollow Park was reported by park employees. A sink was ripped from the wall in the men’s bathroom and resulted in an estimated $500 in damage. The investigation continues.
6/16 A Vernon County Detention Center inmate with work-release privileges failed to return to jail after being allowed out for an approved appointment. An arrest warrant was obtained.
6/17 A Stoddard resident called to report a female lying along the roadway near Windwalker Trail off State Highway 35 in the Town of Bergen. A deputy responded to the area but did not locate the female anywhere from Genoa to the county line.
6/18 Dispatch received a call regarding a kitchen fire at a business in the Village of Ontario. The fire was quickly knocked down with the use of a fire extinguisher. It was reported that everyone was safely out of the building and no injuries were reported. Ontario Fire and EMS assisted at the scene.
6/19 Dispatch received a call from a homeowner regarding 5-6 milking cows in their yard. It was reported that the animals had been roaming the area of Runningen Court in the Town of Bergen for about a week. The owner of the cows was identified and stated they would attempt to get the cows back on their property.
6/19 Dispatch received multiple calls regarding a motorcycle crash on County Road T in the Town of Kickapoo. The motorcycle slid on gravel and went into the ditch. The cyclist reported injuries and was transported to Vernon Health. Readstown Fire and EMS assisted at the scene.
|
Call Type |
This Week |
2025 Year to Date |
|
Alarm Responses |
16 |
280 |
|
Animal Related Issues |
35 |
574 |
|
Assisting Municipalities |
47 |
771 |
|
Crimes Against People |
14 |
402 |
|
Crimes Against Property |
17 |
304 |
|
Domestic Crimes |
2 |
74 |
|
Fire Responses |
32 |
1347 |
|
K9 Calls |
0 |
37 |
|
Medical Responses |
37 |
908 |
|
Mental Health Cases |
5 |
99 |
|
Missing Person Investigations |
2 |
36 |
|
Public Talks |
4 |
58 |
|
Safety Escorts |
3 |
103 |
|
School Walk Throughs |
0 |
310 |
|
Search and Rescues |
0 |
4 |
|
Security Checks |
135 |
3075 |
|
Serving Legal Documents |
18 |
409 |
|
Suspicious Activity |
15 |
399 |
|
Threat Investigations |
2 |
39 |
|
Traffic Accidents |
15 |
506 |
|
Traffic Related Investigations |
118 |
2909 |
|
Vehicle Lockouts |
8 |
153 |
|
Weapons Investigations |
0 |
4 |
|
Unclassified Calls for Service |
72 |
1347 |
|
TOTAL CALLS FOR SERVICE |
631 |
15064 |
|
COUNTY JAIL ADMISSIONS |
12 |
313 |
IF YOU HAVE INFORMATION ON AN ABOVE CRIME, OR ANY CRIME, CALL THE VERNON COUNTY CRIME STOPPERS AT 608-637-8477 OR 1-800-657-6868 OR SUBMIT AN ONLINE TIP AT WWW.P3TIPS.COM
Man Identified in Hillsboro Motorcycle Death
1 week
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
Chief Patrick Clark of the Hillsboro Police Department sadly announces that the operator of the 1996
Harley Davidson motorcycle involved in a crash on Saturday, June 14, 2025, in the City of Hillsboro,
identified now as 46-year-old Vincent Larsen of Iola, Wisconsin, has died from his injuries sustained as a
result of the crash. This remains an ongoing investigation by the Hillsboro Police Department, Vernon
County Corners Office, WI State Patrol, and the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office
Sheriff Sale
1 week
Juneau County Sheriff Sales
3 weeks
“Through the Eyes of Our Youth” Photovoice Exhibit Sheds Light on Life in Juneau County
3 weeks
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
Juneau County, WI – South Central Alliance for Tobacco Prevention (SCA), in partnership with SAFE in Juneau County, invites the community to a powerful and inspiring event: the Juneau County Youth Photovoice Exhibit. The exhibit will be held on Monday, June 30th from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Oh! Arts, located at 215 E State St., Mauston.
The exhibit, titled “Through the Eyes of Our Youth,” showcases original photography from Juneau County youth. These powerful images reflect the unique perspectives of local youth, highlighting both what makes Juneau County a great place to live and areas they believe could improve.
“This is a rare opportunity to see our community through the creative lenses of its youngest members,” said Alysha Basel, Coalition Coordinator for SCA. “Their insights are powerful, and this exhibit gives them a voice in shaping the future of Juneau County.”
Attendees will also have the chance to contribute their own thoughts about the county’s strengths and needs, with a chance to win a $25 gas card for sharing feedback.
Light appetizers will be provided, and all are welcome to attend this free, family-friendly event.
For more information, please contact Alysha Basel at abasel@juneaucountywi.gov or 608-847-9373
Motorcycle Crash in Hillsboro
3 weeks
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
On Saturday June 14, 2025, the Hillsboro Police Department investigated a motorcycle crash that
occurred near Emplify St. Joseph’s Hospital in the City of Hillsboro.
On June 14, 2025, an Officer with the Hillsboro Police Department was conducting traffic enforcement
while parked in a stationary position near the Hillsboro Fire and EMS garage. At approximately 10:35
pm, the Officer observed a motorcycle travelling at a high rate of speed entering the city limits. As the
motorcycle approached the squad car and entered the city limits, RADAR showed the motorcycle
travelling at 74 miles per hour. The motorcycle passed another motorist travelling westbound,
continuing at a high rate of speed towards the residential and business areas of the city. The Officer
activated their emergency lights and siren and began travelling towards the motorcycle, but ultimately
lost visual of the motorcycle as it passed through the 800-Block of Water Ave. The Officer continued
travelling westbound on Water Ave, ultimately locating a motorcycle that had crashed near the parking
lot of Emplify St. Joseph’s Hospital Emergency Room.
Upon locating the motorcycle, the Officer immediately located an unresponsive male party laying in the
parking lot, believed to be the operator. The Officer quickly retrieved Emergency Room personnel who
came to assist and immediately began life saving measures. The operator was subsequently transported
to Emplify Gundersen in La Crosse via medical helicopter with life threatening injuries.
Due to the nature of the crash, the Hillsboro Police Department requested assistance from the Vernon
County Sheriff’s Office as well as the Wisconsin State Patrol Technical Reconstruction Unit.
This is an ongoing investigation. At this time, the name of the operator is being withheld due to the
seriousness of this crash. More information will be released at a later date.
