Mauston, WI
WRJC WebMaster
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HS Football Preview –2024 Ripon Tigers
2 years
Ripon Tigers
2023 Record: 0-9 (0-7 East Central Conference)
Head Coach: Andrew Selgrad
Mike’s 2024 Projected Record 4-5 (2-5 South Central Conference)
Players to Watch: QB/LB Parker Webb RB/DB Parker Stellmacher RB/LB Jordan Perkins WR/DB Declan Dudzinski
Team Preview: Everything that could go wrong did go wrong a season ago for the Ripon Tigers. They had a coaching change a week into practices and everything went down from there. There is plenty of optimism for this team however as they turn to State Championship head coach Andrew Selgrad. Selgrad comes over from Columbus where he led the Cardinals to a State Championship. Most of last year’s team returns as well led by quarterback Parker Webb who threw for 450 yards and 5 touchdowns last year. Webb will have his favorite target Declan Dudzinski (11-239 2tds) to throw to. The running game was a struggle for the Tigers last year but they welcome back its top two runners Parker Stellmacher and Jordan Perkins from last season.
Key to Success: Adjusting to Selgrad. Selgrad has a great pedigree coming in. It will take some time for the team to learn Selgrads system and adjusting to his coaching style but this team has a chance to succeed sooner than later with him at the helm.
Game to watch: Week 3 Friday September 6th home vs Adams-Friendship 7pm
South Central newcomer Ripon vs last year’s South Central Conference champion Green Devils will be an interesting matchup and I see Ripon pulling off an upset.
Ripon Tiger games on WRJC Radio: Week 7 Friday October 4th home vs Mauston 7pm
Next Preview: Waupun & Wautoma
Thanks to Wissports.net for statistics and player information.
HS Football Preview –2024 Berlin Indians
2 years
Berlin Indians
2023 Record: 7-3 (5-2 East Central Conference)
Head Coach: Joe Stellmacher
Mike’s 2024 Projected Record 8-1 (7-0 South Central Conference)
Players to Watch: RB/DB Carter Hess OL/DL/RB Jakob Martin RB/LB Luke Budde TE/LB Aaron Bartol TE/DE Hayden Redington RB/LB Max Sonnentag
Team Preview: Led by former Wisconsin Badger defensive back Joe Stellmacher the Berlin Indians bring a proud tradition into the South Central Conference. They finished 3rd a season ago in a very tough East Central Conference. Berlin does lose a good amount from that team including their quarterback and top running back. They do welcome back Carter Hess who ran for 663 yards and 7 touchdowns last year. Jacob Martin who served time as both an offensive linemen and running back also returns after scoring 7 touchdowns last year. 6’4 TE Aaron Bartol is also back after leading the team in receiving (29-446 6tds) last year. Berlin also has a lot of size in the trenches. Martin led the team in sacks with 4 last year is back to anchor a good defense. Luke Budde is the top returning tackler (57tackles) from last year for the Indians. Moving into a new conference I believe will help Berlin in a big way and I see them winning the SCC in their inaugural year.
Key to Success: Replacing the QB. Parker Hess threw for nearly 1,000 yards a season ago has departed due to graduation. Kannon Belter is the only other player listed at QB from last year. They have size and a good running back in Carter Hess if they can find a quarterback to player stellar for Stellmacher this team could be incredibly dangerous this season.
Game to watch: Week 2 Friday August 30th at Kiel
This is a bigtime non-conference matchup between two playoff teams from last season.
Berlin Indian games on WRJC Radio: Week 5 Friday September 20th home vs Mauston 7pm
Next Preview: SCC Newcomer Ripon
Thanks to Wissports.net for statistics and player information.
HS Football Preview –2024 Tomah Timberwolves
2 years
by WRJC WebMaster
in Sports
Tomah Timberwolves
2023 Record: 5-5 (3-4 Mississippi Valley Conference)
Head Coach: Joe Protz (5th Year 11-24 Record)
Mike’s 2024 Projected Record 4-5 (3-4 Mississippi Valley Conference)
Players to Watch: QB/DB Jackson Steffel RB/LB Bruce Rezin WR/DB Alex Boyko WR/DB Owen Buckendahl RB/DB Tim Budde TE/LB Adam Brieske
Team Preview: Last year I predicted Tomah to finish 0-9, I made a lot of people in my hometown unhappy but they proved me wrong having a solid season of 5-5. Tomah very easily could have been 9-1 having 4 losses in heartbreaking fashion. Last season Tomah was led by its rushing attack but its top 4 rushers from a season ago have graduated. Tomah does return quarterback Jackson Steffel who threw for nearly 1,000 yards and 14 touchdowns last year but will need to find some new targets to throw to this season. One of his top targets is back in the athletic Alex Boyko who caught 9 passes for 193 yards and 4 touchdowns. Look for Owen Buckendahl to have an expanded role he caught 5 passes for 58 yards and a touchdown last year. Bruce Rezin and Tim Budde might be called up on to help the Tomah rushing game. Rezin is the leading returning tackler on defense for Tomah. Adam Brieske is expected to make a massive leap into his sophomore year for Tomah and can play all over the field on both sides of the ball. Tomah will not go 0-9 this year. I see them as a once again borderline playoff .500 football team.
Key to Success: Being Big! Tomah lost its top four rushers from last year but also must replace a lot of linemen. Tomah has always been known for its size and the team still possesses a lot of size if they can regroup their line and running attack Tomah could once again be playoff bound.
Game to watch: Week 9 October 18th at Onalaska 7pm
Tomah vs Sparta is just too easy. I’m going to go with week 9 Tomah at Onalaska. Tomah denied Onalaska an outright conference title and solidified themselves into the playoffs with a week 9 upset thrashing of Onalaska this year. A playoff spot once again could be on the line this year for Tomah and Onalaska likely won’t want history to repeat itself again making this an intriguing matchup.
Tomah Timberwolves games on WRJC Radio: None
Next Preview: SCC Newcomers Berlin & Ripon
Thanks to Wissports.net for statistics and player information.
Crash in Juneau County on Interstate
2 years
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
At 11:46 AM on Monday August 05, 2024 a crash occurred on I-90 WB at Mile Marker 53 in
JUNEAU County near CAMP DOUGLAS.
No assisting agencies were reported.
The crash involved 1 injury. Vehicle and occupant information, if available, is on the last page(s).
The details of the crash are as follows:
The Wisconsin State Patrol is currently on scene with a single vehicle crash involving a semi unit.
This crash currently has all west bound lanes closed, and also the east bound left lane as well. An
alternate route is in effect and delays are expected.
Bank of Mauston Donates to JUCO Sheriffs Department
2 years
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
From the Bank of Mauston:
Bank of Mauston donated $2600 to the Juneau County Sheriff’s Office to purchase First Responder bags for all of their squad cars. We enjoyed a nice visit with them this week when they stopped by to show off the new equipment. We even got to meet the newest K9 Deputy, Zebo! THANK YOU to all of our first responders. We so appreciate all you do!
HS Football Preview –2024 Reedsburg Beavers
2 years
by WRJC WebMaster
in Sports
Reedsburg Beavers
2023 Record: 1-8 (0-7 Mississippi Valley Conference)
Head Coach: Calvin Zenz (4th Year 10-18 Record)
Mike’s 2024 Projected Record 1-8 (0-7 Mississippi Valley Conference)
Players to Watch: QB/RB Jack Fenwick RB Landin Purifoy WR/LB Danny Pickel WR/DB Bo Bestor TE/LB Clint Harms
Team Preview: The Reedsburg Beavers dropped their final 8 games of the season last year and graduated most of their regular from a season ago. You can take a glass half empty glass half full take on this team; the glass half full is there is a fresh foundation to build on. There is no true quarterback on this team from a season ago. Jack Fenwick is the only returner who threw a varsity pass; from watching him play baseball I can tell you he has a strong arm. Landin Purifoy does return as the team’s top rusher from a season ago. Purifoy ran for nearly 5 yards per carry toting the ball 95 times for 444 yards but failed to get into the endzone. WR Bo Bestor and Danny Pickel could help this team in the passing game. They combined for 6 catches 88 yards and a touchdown last year. Linebacker Clint Harms is back to help lead the Beavers defense he is their leading returning players in tackles and tackles for losses from a season ago. I see Reedsburg having some issues once again this year but maybe they can find the magic they had in their first year in the MVC and from 2022 and make a run again.
Key to Success: Keeping it Purifoy. If Landin Purifoy can build off his strong sophomore campaign the Beavers have a starting point on their offense. With relative inexperience at quarterback Reedsburg will need to rely on Purifoy and their ground game especially early in its season. Purifoy could take the pressure of the QB position and have defenses gunning to slow him down setting up players like Bestor and Pickel in the passing game.
Game to watch: Week 7 October 4th Baraboo (Home) 7pm
It’s one of the oldest and biggest rivalries in the entire state and regardless of records this should be a great game to begin the month of October.
Reedsburg Beaver games on WRJC Radio: None
Next Preview: Tomah Timberwolves
Thanks to Wissports.net for statistics and player information.
HS Football Preview –2024 Wonewoc-Center/Weston Silver Wolves (8-Man Football)
2 years
by WRJC WebMaster
in Sports
Wonewoc-Center/Weston Silver Wolves
2023 Record: 2-7 (1-4 Ridge & Valley West-8 Conference)
Head Coach: Jake McGlynn (3rd Year 4-13 Record)
Mike’s 2024 Projected Record 3-5 (2-5 Ridge & Valley West-8)
Players to Watch: QB/LB Rylin Miller QB/DB Gavin Olson WR/DB Isaac Jennings WR/DB Garrett Granger TE/LB Jeremy Wollin K Callissa Keller WR/DL Cam Thellefsen
Team Preview: Wonewoc-Center/Weston has been a struggling team for quite a while on the gridiron even after switching from traditional football to 8-man football but things are slowly getting better and there is some optimism for this group in the future. All everything player Danny Roehling has graduated but Rylin Miller played well at quarterback when called upon last season. Miller completed 13-28 passes for 236yards and a pair of touchdowns a season ago. The Silver Wolves will have to find a ground game to have a shot at a decent season and there is no clear player to take over that role at this time. Brock Sprotte who led that the team in rushing last year has graduated. Weston provides Isaac Jennings and Garrett Granger who are good athletes who could fill that position or make for formidable receivers. Gavin Olson should see plenty of action on the offensive end as well for Wonewoc-Center/Weston. Cam Thellefsen and Jeremy Wollin should give the defense a spark. Wollin is the leading returning tackler to this defense. Callissa Keller returns at kicker she hit a big homecoming field goal last season. The Ridge & Valley West Conference is a tough one and I see Wonewoc-Center Weston struggling a bit against good competition but 3 wins are definitely achievable.
Key to Success: The young players growing quickly. Wonewoc-Center/Weston feels like they have a good group of young kids coming into this program. Rylin Miller played well as an underclassmen last season when healthy if he plays well this season it could make replacing Roehling a little easier. This team might be a year or two away but if the youngsters develop quickly this team could surprise.
Game to watch: Week 3 September 14th at Monticello
Wonewoc-Center/Weston will travel down south to take on relative 8-man newcomers the Monticello Ponies on a Saturday at High Noon. A win here could give the Silver Wolves their first conference win of the season and give them some momentum as conference play continues.
Wonewoc-Center/Weston games on WRJC Radio: Week 6 Saturday October 5th vs Kickapoo/La Farge (at Wonewoc)
Next Preview: Reedsburg Beavers
Thanks to Wissports.net for statistics and player information.
Nichols, Elma Jean Age 87 of Friendship
2 years
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
Elma Jean Nichols, 87 of Friendship, Wisconsin passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday, July 19, 2024.
Elma was born October 22, 1936 in Coloma, WI to Arnold and Margaret (Lyon) Sorenson. She attended Adams-Friendship High School graduating in 1954. Elma married the love of her life, Charles Nichols, on December 4, 1954 in Coloma, WI. From this beautiful union the Lord gave them four daughters; Patricia, Peggy, Norma, and Nancy.
Charles built their home in Adams County in 1959 where they enjoyed country living. Elma’s work history included bookkeeper for the Farmers Union Cooperative, sales clerk and bookkeeper at Murph’s Department Store, school bus driver for Adams-Friendship School District, and bookkeeper for Grand Marsh State Bank.
She enjoyed raising her four daughters to know and love the Lord. She delighted in visiting with family and friends and corresponded with many by letters.
Her family knew Elma for her insightful advice and wonderful hugs. She had some notable sayings throughout her years also. The most famous and beloved one of her children and grandchildren is: “Why are there fourteen people in my kitchen?”
Some of her favorite things were car rides with Charles to see the countryside; vegetable and flower gardening; daisies, daffodils, and yellow pansies; quiet times with Charles viewing nature out their large kitchen table window; regularly attending Grace Bible Conferences to strengthen her walk with the Lord; listening to her beloved husband sing classical and gospel songs; reading her variety of books; and listening to gospel music with the dearest one to her heart being: “Complete in Thee.”
Elma was preceded in death by her parents Arnold and Margaret Sorenson; Aunts and Uncles: Bethel (Robert) Hazeltine, Mildred (Marvin) Neuman, Vinetta Hollers; and son-in-law, Dave Dowden.
Survivors include her husband Charles of 69 years. Daughters: Patricia (Leslie) Landon of Friendship, Peggy (Scott) Willis of De Pere, Norma (Rick) Abbott of Whiting, and Nancy Dowden of Adams. Grandchildren: Cynthia (Royce) Hazel of Wisconsin Rapids, Peter (Jessica) Landon of Friendship, Michael Landon of Friendship, David (Megan) Willis of Green Bay, Amy (Nick) Darnick of De Pere, Benjamin (Kate) Abbott of St. Francis, Daniel Abbott of Nekoosa, Emily Abbott of Stevens Point, Ashley (Joe) Noelke of La Crosse, and Amanda (Aaron) Johnson of DeForest. Great grandchildren, Gavin Hazel, Zoe Hazel, Hannah (Aaron) Tully, Riley Landon, Jadyn Landon, Logan Landon, Crispin Landon, Haiden Landon, Desiree Landon, Korbin Landon, Jackson Willis, Sawyer Willis, Breleigh Darnick, Matthew Darnick, Sophie Korbal, Brooklyn Korbal-Abbott, Vincent Noelke, Charles “Charlie” Noelke, Alexia Johnson, and Aiden Johnson.
Donations in memory of Elma can be made to Berean Bible Institute of West Bend, WI; Milwaukee Rescue Mission, Milwaukee, WI; or the Adams County chapter of the Salvation Army.
A private celebration of life will follow at a later date.
The family of Elma thanks the staff of Rosebrooke Assisted Living Center and Heartland Hospice for their wonderful care.
Roseberry’s Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
Werner, Roya Dennis Age 72 of Hancock
2 years
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
Roy Dennis Werner, age 72, of Hancock, Wisconsin passed away Friday, July 26, 2024 at his home following complications from COPD, a-fib and diabetes.
Memorial services will be 3:00 on August 15, 2024 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Big Flats, Wisconsin. Rev. Margo Peterson will officiate. Interment will be at the Niebull Cemetery, Town of Big Flats, Wisconsin. Visitation will be August 15 from 2:00 until the time of service at Zion Lutheran Church.
Roy was born July 31, 1951 in La Crosse, Wisconsin to Roy and Donna (Blank) Werner. He was soon joined by three brothers, Mike, Mark, and Larry, and a sister, Jean. He graduated from Central High School in LaCrosse, WI in 1969 and joined the National Guard where he served for three years. He worked for Bud Hanson of Coon Valley as a farmhand and livestock hauler.He married Peggy L. Peterson on June 6, 1987 in Big Flats, WI, and moved to Adams County. Together they raised Tammy, Peggy’s daughter. He worked as a bus driver for Adams-Friendship Schools before getting a job with Carlson Seed Company as the farm operations manager. He retired from Carlson’s to take over the Peterson (Peggy’s) family farm. He bought a portable bandsaw mill and did custom lumber sawing for people. Werner Woods helped build many cabins and homes in the community. In 2021, he had a farming accident that left him hospitalized for several months followed by more months of rehab. The accident left him with the inability to walk. He continued farming through his son-in-law Nate and wife and with the help of neighbors. Another fall in the spring of 2024 resulted in a broken leg, more rehab ended his farming except in advisory role.
Roy’s greatest loves were his family and farming. He enjoyed fishing at the cabin in Turtle Lake and his travels to Branson, South Dakota, Ocean City and Alaska. From his childhood and throughout his adulthood, he liked to tinker, constructing everything from go-carts, a harvester for millet seed heads, and reconfiguring his sawmill to include hydraulics. Roy also enjoyed going to antique tractor shows.
Roy was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Donna, brother, Mike, brother-in-law, Scott, and nephew, Andrew.He is survived by his wife, Peggy, daughter, Tammy (Nate) Sunderlage and granddaughter, Kinsey, sister, Jean Holubar, brothers, Mark and Larry (Jan) Werner, sisters-in-law, Kathy Peterson, Sue (Tom) Seegert, brothers-in-law Tom (Bev) Peterson, Pete Peterson and many cousins, nephews and nieces.
Memorials may be directed in Roy’s memory to Zion Lutheran Church.
Whitteberry, John Gilbert Age 91 of Mauston
2 years
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
John Gilbert Whitteberry, age 91, passed from his earthly life to his heavenly life on Monday, July 22, 2024 in Mauston, Wisconsin. He leaves behind a legacy of humor, strength, love, and a creative mindset to his family, community, and all those he encountered.
He was born on March 5, 1933 in Lafayette, Indiana to Lawrence Benjamin and Faye Marie (Fetterhoff) Whitteberry. He married his childhood sweetheart, Mary Almeda Conner of Fort Wayne, Indiana on October 11, 1953 and they enjoyed 65 beautiful years of marriage together. John and Mary had six children: Joan (David) Jarvis of Houston, Texas; John Douglas (Carrie) Whitteberry of Dallas, Texas; Deborah (Jim) Wilson of Graham, North Carolina; Timothy (Joao) Whitteberry of Paraiba, Brazil; David (Ronie) Whitteberry of Cedar City, Utah; and Sandra (Mark) Kallian of Mauston, Wisconsin.
John was active from his youth in the church and was a long time member and an integral part of the leadership at the Mauston Church of the Nazarene. He served many years as Chairman of the Board, Sunday School Superintendent, Trustee, and Adult Sunday School teacher. Faith and time spent with God in the Word every morning was an essential part of his Christian Walk.
John served in the Navy Seabees, Petty Officer 1st Class for six years, primarily stationed in the Philippines during the Korean War. Both international and domestic travel continued to be an important part of his life while raising a family of six children.
As a well-loved 6th grade teacher in the Mauston School District, John taught for 30 years, including time spent as a negotiator with the teacher’s labor union. Previous students often greeted him with affection on the streets right up until the time of his passing.
John was a creative provider for his family, teaching his children a strong work ethic. They remember fondly and not so fondly many daily hours of chores as they helped grow and sell acres of cucumbers, muskmelon, sweet corn, and other crops on his 190-acre farm. His children “enjoyed” chasing pigs, raising chickens, milking cows, riding horses, and a myriad of other animals and chores. John also established and built an efficient firewood business, cutting, drying and delivering 250 facecord to Chicago each year, powered by family muscle and a wood-splitter of his own creation.
After Mary’s passing, and at the age of 89, John sprightly walked down the aisle, to the delight of his children and church community, to join hands in marriage with Karon Jean Smyth of Frankfort, Kentucky. Both John and Karon felt that God was the Architect that brought them together. Their youth-like romantic union of over two years elated everyone around them.
He is survived by his wife, Karon, his six children, eight grandchildren, one great grandchild, and sister-in-law, MaryEllen Whitteberry. He was preceeded in death by his parents, his first wife, Mary and his siblings: Paul Whitteberry, Irene Hasenleder, David Whitteberry, and James Whitteberry.
A Celebration of Life was held on Saturday, July 27 th at 1:00 p.m. at the Church of the Nazarene in Mauston, Wisconsin, officiated by Pastor Michael Postell.
