WRJC WebMaster
This user hasn't shared any profile information
Posts by WRJC WebMaster
Vernon County Sheriff’s Report 9-7 Thru 9-13
SHERIFF ROY TORGERSON REPORTS THE FOLLOWING ONGOING ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR AND NARRATIVE EXCERPTS FROM THE WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 13, 2025.
9/7 A motorcycle versus deer crash occurred on Pisgah Road in the Town of Whitestown. The operator received minor injuries and was transported for further medical evaluation.
9/7 Dispatch received a call to 911 but were unable to make voice contact with the caller. A sheriff’s deputy and a Wisconsin State Trooper responded to the location of the call on US Highway 14 in the Town of Kickapoo. On arrival a male ran and a foot pursuit ensued. The male was eventually taken into custody and arrested for Resisting or Obstructing an Officer and was later transported to Crawford County for an active warrant.
9/7 A female was reported missing after failing to return to her home in the Town of Bergen after a planned outing in La Crosse. She was later located and assisted back home.
9/8 Deputies responded to a call involving online harassment. A female was later taken into custody and processed for Violate/Harassment Restraining Order and transported to the Sheriff’s Office Detention Center.
9/8 A deputy responded to North Silver Street in the Village of La Farge for a report of illegal substances left at a residence. A suspect left the scene before deputies arrived. Investigation is ongoing.
9/10 Deputies responded to a complaint regarding three trucks racing up and down US Highway 14 near Three Chimney Road in the Town of Viroqua. Citations for Racing on Highway and Reckless Driving – Endanger Safety were issued.
9/10 Two vehicles struck the same deer near the E3000 block of State Highway 56 in the Town of Harmony. No injuries were reported and it appeared both vehicles were still operational.
9/12 Sheriff’s deputies responded to a welfare check on Central Avenue in the Village of Coon Valley.
9/12 Sheriff’s deputies responded to a welfare check at a residence on Mango Lane in the Town of Kickapoo.
9/12 Deputies assisted a local school with possible violations involving vehicles passing illegally when the stop arms were out and children were exiting the bus.
9/12 A deputy responded to a residence on Court Street in the Village of Coon Valley for a civil matter.
Call Type |
This Week |
2025 Year to Date |
Alarm Responses |
13 |
414 |
Animal Related Issues |
30 |
999 |
Assisting Municipalities |
28 |
1207 |
Crimes Against People |
16 |
607 |
Crimes Against Property |
8 |
481 |
Domestic Crimes |
1 |
111 |
Fire Responses |
22 |
1717 |
K9 Calls |
1 |
48 |
Medical Responses |
42 |
1391 |
Mental Health Cases |
5 |
140 |
Missing Person Investigations |
4 |
63 |
Public Talks |
1 |
78 |
Safety Escorts |
16 |
170 |
School Walk Throughs |
14 |
380 |
Search and Rescues |
0 |
13 |
Security Checks |
98 |
4426 |
Serving Legal Documents |
24 |
584 |
Suspicious Activity |
20 |
640 |
Threat Investigations |
2 |
57 |
Traffic Accidents |
15 |
722 |
Traffic Related Investigations |
103 |
4171 |
Vehicle Lockouts |
5 |
233 |
Weapons Investigations |
0 |
9 |
Unclassified Calls for Service |
36 |
2063 |
TOTAL CALLS FOR SERVICE |
544 |
22007 |
COUNTY JAIL ADMISSIONS |
16 |
460 |
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
Local Prep Scores from Tuesday 9/16
Girls Volleyball
Hillsboro 3 New Lisbon 1
Brookwood 3 Wonewoc-Center 2 (Calista Zimmerman 16kills for Brookwood)
Cashton 3 Necedah 0
Royall 3 Bangor 1
Sparta 3 Tomah 0
Waupaca 3 Wisconsin Dells 0
Reedsburg 3 Portage 2 (Aubrey Matthews 37assists for Reedsburg)
Girls Tennis
Wisconsin Rapids Assumption 7 Mauston 0
Tomah 7 Sparta 0
Hillsboro Volleyball Picks Up 1st Bluff Victory
The Hillsboro Tigers Volleyball team picked up their first conference win of the season rallying past New Lisbon 3-1. The Rockets blasted off in set one winning 25-22 but Hillsboro took the next 3 sets 25-12, 25-22, and 25-17.Lauren Woirol and Harper Sullivan each had double digit kills for the Tiers while Kaylee Sake added a few big aces. Heidi Mathes had a strong game for the Rockets with a handful of kills and a few blocks at the net. Hillsboro improves to 1-3 in the conference while New Lisbon falls to 1-3 in the Scenic Bluffs Conference.
Schneeweis Sr., John A. Age 94 of New Lisbon
John A. Schneeweis Sr., age 94 of New Lisbon, passed away on September 13, 2025, in New Lisbon, WI. With the help of hospice were able to fulfill his wishes, surrounding with family by his side. He was the son of Edward H. and Mary (Treml) Schneeweis and was born on December 2, 1930, in Marshfield, WI.
John’s early years were spent on the family dairy farm, where he learned the virtues of diligence and responsibility. These traits served him well when he enlisted in the United States Navy in 1952. John proudly served his country during the Korean War as a member of a fighter squadron, displaying courage and patriotism. After a distinguished 20-year career, he retired from the Navy, carrying with him the respect and admiration of his peers.
John was united in marriage to Betty D. Dykes on January 15th, in 1957.
Following his military service, John embarked on a second career with Bankers Life and Casualty out of Chicago. His leadership and expertise in management led to another successful 20-year tenure, culminating in his retirement in 1992. Retirement brought John to the New Lisbon area.
John’s interests were as diverse as they were passionate. He was an avid woodworker, creating beautiful pieces that reflected his attention to detail and patience. His garden was a source of pride and joy, a place where he could be found tending to his plants with a gentle hand. A voracious reader, John always had a book close at hand, ready to explore new worlds and ideas. Family was always his pride and joy. Above all, John was a religious man, whose faith guided him through life’s challenges and triumphs.
John’s legacy is carried on by his children, John Schneeweis Jr. of New Lisbon, Mary Pullen of New Lisbon, his cherished grandchildren, Kristy (Eric) Haagenson, Danielle (Bronson) Ramanio, and his adored great-grandchildren, Kylee, Logan, Hayden, Bella, and Grayson. He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Betty, and his sisters Margaret Fischer and Loretta Virnig.
Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. at the Hare Funeral Home (217 W. Pearl St.) in New Lisbon. Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation on Thursday at the Hare Funeral Home from 9:00 A.M. until the time of service. Pastor Russell Wilke presiding. Burial with Military Honors will take place in the New Lisbon City Cemetery. The Hare Funeral Home in New Lisbon is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are available at www.harefuneralhome.com
Barthel, Sandra Alma Age 78 of Portage
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Oxford, Wisconsin, with Pastor Larry Sheppard officiating. Visitation will take place at the church beginning at 9:00 a.m. and continue until the time of service. A luncheon will be served at the church following the service, with interment to follow at 1:30 p.m. at Easton Cemetery in the Town of Easton, Adams County.
Sandra was born on November 9, 1946, in Portage, Wisconsin, to Arnold and Eleanor (DeWitt) Grabarski. She attended Grand Marsh Grade School and graduated from Adams–Friendship High School. Sandra went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point.
In 1968, Sandra married Timothy H. Barthel in Oxford, Wisconsin. She was an avid quilter, a devoted member of several quilting guilds, and participated in many quilting retreats. Sandra also enjoyed knitting and was known for generously sharing her handmade quilts with anyone in need. Above all, she cherished her time with family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Arnold and Eleanor, and her brother, Bill.
Sandra is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Timothy; their children, Matthew (Lori) Barthel, Michael Barthel, and Michelle (Walt) Moe; her brother, Bob (Aletta) Grabarski; and sister-in-law, Cathy Grabarski. Grandchildren: Chase, Colin, Liz, Walter, Emerson, Summer, William, Winter, and Bruce.
Roseberry’s Funeral Home is assisting the family. For online condolences and further information, please visit www.roseberrys.com.
McDonald, Carol Jane Age 93 of New Lisbon
Carol Jane McDonald, age 93, passed away peacefully early on September 14, 2025, at Crestview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
Carol was born August 4, 1932, to Augusta “Gussie” Lily Spors and Hugh James McDonald in Mauston, Wisconsin. Carol graduated from Mauston High School in 1950 and went on to earn her teaching certificate at Juneau County Normal Teachers College in 1952. She taught school for a brief time and ultimately went on to become an insurance underwriter. Carol never had a driver’s license but was very independent. She worked the majority of her years for Wisconsin Mutual Insurance in Madison, Wisconsin and lived directly across the street from her office. Carol took pride in her apartment being located right behind Camp Randall on Monroe Street. She knew the Badger schedule not because she was so much a football fan, but because she knew how to manage the bus schedule during busy home game weekends. Being in tune to the City of Madison bus schedules assisted her in navigating the City. Riding the Greyhound Bus back to New Lisbon to be part of family events and holidays was routine and “Picking up Carol” from the bus was a typical part of a big weekend. She lived an independent and full life traveling, crocheting, cross stitching, reading, shopping, writing letters and spending time with her family. She loved shopping for bargains and regularly made her rounds at the stores in Madison. She was gifted with her skills of crocheting and embroidery. She made countless handmade doilies, potholders, and pillowcases, and she also took the time to teach her nieces and great-nieces these skills. As an avid reader, she passed the love of reading on to many of her nieces and great-nieces and shared books on a regular basis.
She remembered every birthday, every anniversary, every special occasion with a card, signed, “Carol.” It just wasn’t a holiday without Aunt Carol. She enjoyed gifting immensely and wrapping every-single-item. She retired in 1999 and after a couple of years, relocated back to Mauston to be closer to family. She enjoyed her life at Terrace Heights and was proud of the fact she was one of the longest residing residents of that independent living community. The bus service at Terrace Heights was a big selling feature when she chose to make the move there. Carol’s last three years of life were spent at Crest View in New Lisbon. Despite her health issues, she flourished at participating in activities and still found time to slip away and work at her word puzzles. Some of her vocabulary and quips made the staff laugh and some made them take to their dictionaries. Carol was a person of few words, never asked of much from others, but your presence, correspondence, and words mattered and your visits were cherished.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother and sister-in-law, Fred and Alice McDonald, sister and brother-in-law Nancy and Budd Morris, and brother-in-law Harv Sorum.
Carol is survived by her sister Gail Sorum, her nieces and nephews: Kristie (Todd Bunker); Cheryl (Randy) Weiland; Connie (Gene) Gibson; Nancy (Gary) Cowan, Colleen (Greg) Grovesteen; Collette (Dan) Schultz; Jennifer (James Redelsheimer); Alan (Ruthie) Sorum, Roger Sorum, Julie Sorum, Linda Morris, Doug (Sandy) Morris, Donna Morris. Carol’s family wishes to express how grateful they are for the kindness and care she received these last few years at Crestview in New Lisbon.
Per her wishes her burial will be private. Interment will be in the New Lisbon City Cemetery. Hare Funeral home in New Lisbon is assisting the family. Online condolences are available at www.harefuneralhome.com
Mile Bluff Medical Center Honors Service Milestones
It takes a dedicated team to help Mile Bluff Medical Center fulfill its mission. Each year, the organization recognizes members for their milestone years of commitment and service, and this September, the organization proudly recognized 98 staff members — ranging from five years to an extraordinary 45 years. Altogether, more than 1,370 years of combined service were celebrated at the annual employee recognition banquet.
The evening began with a prayer, setting a tone of gratitude and reflection. Dara Bartels, President/CEO, opened the ceremony by expressing deepest appreciation for the honorees and the impact of their compassion and dedication to the organization. Bartels continued by acknowledging the Mile Bluff board members, thanking them for their support in sustaining the center’s independence and helping to foster a positive workplace culture.
Each employee was called to the stage to receive their certificate and pin, including Lisa Sullivan, who was highlighted for her incredible 45-year commitment to nursing. Also being recognized was Dr. Timothy Bjelland, honored for his years of service and his last banquet as he retires from his career after 35 years with the organization. “It’s been a privilege and a blessing to fulfill my dreams here at Mile Bluff, delivering generations of babies and taking care of people for 35 years,” expressed Dr. Bjelland. “We provide wonderful service to our communities… keep up the good work.”
The evening concluded with a heartfelt message as Bartels expressed her gratitude: “Thank you once again for your dedication and hard work—and for the lasting impact you continue to make on the well-being of our community.”
45 Years:
Lisa Sullivan
35 Years:
Dione Davidson, Connie Walsh, Anne Fenwick, Teresa Voltz
Dr. Richard Langen, Dr. Timothy Bjelland
Cindy Rux
30 Years:
Dawn Siekert, Candi Newlun, Randall Brandt, Janie Jones
25 Years:
Laura Jungenberg, Rachel Atkinson, Darcy Gaston, Jean Schurmann
Michelle Schleif, Andrea Thompson, Kathy Behnke
20 Years:
Heather Lee, Bryan Stewart, Stephanie Randall, Vicki Laack,
Mike Austin, Tracey Berry, Amy Cass, Dr. Kimberley Sabey, Renee Spaniol, Carolyn Turner
15 Years:
Tammy Jones, Dr. Ryan Plamann, Dr. Angela Gatzke-Plamann, Katina Ashlin, Alicia Wyss
Deb Zellmer, Julie Talatzko, Laura Radavich
Dr. Kevin Butterfield, Crystal Chamberlain-Hauck, Kali Lenz, Mary Marty, Jill Nielsen, Tasha Ragan
10 Years:
Jo Peterson, Barb Young, Nick Hewitt, Letece Scott, Shelly Stockwell
Dana Beckwith, Scott Crowley, Craig Griffis, Katie Kolonick, Stephanie Lawrence, Alicia Nist, Morgan Randall, Jamie Williams
5 Years:
Ellen Michelle Sneiders, Janice Bowen, Amber Culotta, Tammie DeRemer, Diane Fenske, Deanna Newlun, Brianna Manville, Morgan Place, David Spence, Calista Coller
|Rebecca Bruss, Samantha Moran, Allie Beder, Sarah Grivois, Bethany Heyer, Edna Federico, Raquel Larson, Alexis Hilpertshauser, Amanda Merz, Lorryn Yoss, Mike Anderson, Emma Day, Kendra Filtz, Amanda Giannoni, Kathy Greenwood, Tyler Jacobson, Mikaela Kennedy, Sara Little, Amanda Miller, Abigail Moring, Shirleen Nielsen, Barb Rogers, Jacque Rognstad, Marsha Sand, Raven Schoff, Bonnie Schultz, Donna Thompson, Paige Uksas, Dana Vlasak, Brooke Von Arx
Box Truck vs Truck Loader Accident
Vernon County Sheriff Roy Torgerson reports on Friday, September 12, 2025, at approximately 4:40 PM, the Sheriff’s Office 911 Dispatch Center was notified of a two-vehicle crash on County Road A, near West Lima, rural La Farge, WI, in the Town of Union.
Justin J. Valentine, age 21, of Viola, WI was operating a 2007 Freightliner M2 box truck traveling south, crossed the center line and struck a northbound 2016 Ram 4500 driven by Chad E. Miller, age 51, of La Farge, WI. The Miller vehicle was pulling a trailer loaded with a skid steer loader machine.
The initial collision caused minor damage, but the Valentine vehicle continued across the roadway and struck, almost head-on, another northbound vehicle, a 2023 Dodge Ram 5500, driven by Steven A. Bomkamp, age 65, of Highland, WI. The Bomkamp vehicle was also pulling a trailer, also loaded with a skid steer machine.
Valentine was injured, refused ambulance transport, but was later taken to Vernon Health by private vehicle.
Bomkamp was transported by Hillsboro Area Ambulance to Gundersen St. Joseph’s Hospital in Hillsboro where he was treated and released.
Valentine was later transferred to Emplify Health in La Crosse. Neither Miller nor his passenger reported any injuries.
Valentine was not wearing a seatbelt, but Bomkamp was.
All vehicles and equipment were removed, and the scene was clear just before 9:00 PM.
Assisting the Sheriff’s Office at the scene were the Yuba Fire Department, Yuba First Responders, and Hillsboro Ambulance.