Mauston, WI
WRJC WebMaster
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Posts by WRJC WebMaster
Tomah Structure Fire at 621 East Clifton Street – No Injuries Reported
4 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
Tomah, WI — 01/25/2026— At approximately 2:19 PM today, the Tomah Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 621 East Clifton Street.
Upon arrival, crews found the structure heavily involved. The occupants who reside at the address reported they were not inside the residence at the time of the fire, and no civilian injuries were reported. A total of 24 firefighters were on scene working to suppress the fire.
Due to significant fire damage and concerns for structural stability, the building was determined to be structurally compromised. As a result, an excavator from the City of Tomah Department of Public Works was requested to assist with demolition to ensure scene safety and allow for complete extinguishment of remaining hot spots.
Assisting agencies on scene included the Tomah Area Ambulance Service, Tomah Police Department, Fort McCoy Fire Department, Alliant Energy, Monroe County 911 Communications Center and the City of Tomah Department of Public Works.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation at this time.
Juneau County Arrest Report 1-26-26
4 months
Hillsboro Residents Involved in Weekend Crash
4 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
Vernon County Sheriff Roy Torgerson reports on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at approximately 7:15 PM, the Sheriff’s Office 911 Dispatch Center was notified of a single-vehicle crash on State Highway 131, near West River Road, rural Viola, WI, in the Town of Kickapoo.
Kierdan C. Koster, age 21, of Hillsboro was operating a 2007 Honda Accord and lost control while negotiating a curve. The vehicle went off the roadway, struck an embankment and overturned.
The operator and two passengers, an 18-year-old, and a 5-year-old, also of Hillsboro, were able to exit the vehicle on their own. Both passengers sustained minor injuries. All three occupants were transported to Readstown to keep warm and wait for a ride home.
Seatbelts were used. There was no airbag deployment.
Due to weather conditions, the roadway was slippery at the time of the crash.
Responding to the scene with the Sheriff’s Office were the Readstown Fire Department and Readstown Emergency Medical Service.
The crash remains under investigation by the Sheriff’s Office.
Heitman, Don (Donnie) Age 64
4 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
With heavy hearts, we share the passing of a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Don (Donnie) Heitman, whose life was rooted in family, hard work, and a deep love of the land. Don passed away on December 10, 2025.
A celebration of life will be from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, February 15th, 2026 at Roseberry’s Funeral Home.
Don was born March 14, 1961, to Edward and June Heitman. A farmer at heart, he found joy in the simple, meaningful things — working the land, tending to cows, and spending long days outdoors. His tractor was more than a tool; it was a source of pride, whether it was part of his toy collection or the real thing under open skies. Farming wasn’t just what he did — it was who he was — and his strong work ethic and love for nature were passed down through generations, connecting him closely to his own father and family roots.
Don worked for Wil-Kil/Rentokil for 26 years. He took great pride in showing up every day with honesty and dedication. Over the years, his customers became familiar faces and friends. On February 28, 1981, Don married Annette Guite. They spent 45 years loving each other and their family.
As a dad and grandpa, he was present, thoughtful, and endlessly loving. He delighted in time spent with his grandchildren — sharing ice cream and donuts, taking tractor and gator rides, going on adventures, and enjoying Disney vacations. He cherished watching sports, celebrating Christmas, and creating memories that will be treasured forever. He had a special way of surprising his family with small, silly gifts that brought big smiles and laughter.
He enjoyed simple pleasures like fish fries, hamburgers, and time with his dogs — especially his beloved corgis. Known for his good sense of humor, he could always bring lightness into a room and make those around him feel at ease.
Above all, he was a loving husband and a devoted family man. His love for his family was steady, genuine, and unwavering, and it showed in everything he did.
Though he will be deeply missed, his legacy lives on in the values he taught, the land he loved, and the countless memories shared with those closest to him.
Don is preceded in death by his parents, Edward and June Heitman; and his son, Alexander.
He is survived by his loving wife, Annette; his children: Nicolas (Jenny) Heitman, and Sara (Brandon) Lukowski; beloved grandchildren, Madeline and Henry; his sister, Jean (Rich) Kleinfeldt; and his brothers, Lloyd (Roberta) Heitman and Larry Heitman. Further survived by nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.
The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the Life Star ambulance crew, the Quincy Fire Department, and the neighbors who stopped by for their kindness, care, and compassion during this difficult time.
Marin, Carol Ann Draudt Age 88
4 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
Carol Ann Draudt Marin was born September 10, 1937, and departed this life to be with her Lord and Savior. Carol was a devoted mother, grandma honey, and great grandma honey. Carol cherished every moment spent with her children and grandchildren, sharing her boundless love and wisdom.
A passionate pediatric nurse, Carol dedicated her life to caring for others, embodying compassion, and empathy in all she did. Her nurturing spirit extended beyond her professional life into her hobbies, where she found joy in sailing, gardening, and cultivating a vibrant indoor flower sanctuary. Her casino visits were her fun pastime. Cooking was another outlet for her creativity, as she delighted in preparing meals that brought family and friends together.
Carol had a deep appreciation for nature, retreating in her home in Mauston, Wisconsin where she found solace and inspiration. Educated in geography, history, and politics, she engaged in meaningful conversations and lived her life without prejudice, advocating fiercely for those less fortunate.
In her final days, Carol expressed her desire for us to celebrate her life with laughter, Irish storytelling, and to raise a glass in her honor. She loved sharing her love of Jesus, as well as tales that brought joy to others and reminded us of all the importance of connection and community.
Carol is survived, by her daughters Cheri, Kim (Mark), and Penny. Her sister Linnea (Gene), and brother Larry. She is grandma honey to Corty (Jessie), Cameron (Amber), Vic III (Ashley), Daniel, and great grandma honey to Caden, Chase, Cuyler, Addison, Carson, and Vic IV. She will be missed by her many friends dear to her, especially Deb
She is preceded in death by her parents Anna and Lawerence Draudt, her spouse Dino, brother Fred, her son Lance, and her son-in-law Vic Jr.
We invite you to join us in a celebration of her life, where we will share stories, laughter, and a toast to a remarkable woman who touched countless lives.
Services will be held Saturday February 14, 2026, with visitation from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at North Prairie Methodist church 5000 W. 9th St. Winthrop Harbor, Il 60096 followed by a luncheon at VFW post 7448 1112 Sheridan Road Winthrop Harbor, IL 60096.
Roseberry Funeral Home of Friendship is assisting the family. Visit www.roseberrys.com for online condolences.
Local Prep Scores from Thursday 1/22
4 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Sports
Boys Basketball
Royall 61 Bangor 47 (Braxton Board 24points to Lead Royall)
Hillsboro 91 Cashton 43 (Miles Ravenscroft 29points to lead Hillsboro)
Wonewoc-Center 64 New Lisbon 45
Mauston 82 Nekoosa 52 (Jase Navis 33points to lead Mauston)
Berlin 75 Ripon 64
Wautoma 74 Westfield 64
Wisconsin Dells 72 Adams-Friendship 59
Mount Horeb 57 Reedsburg 42
Onalaska 77 Tomah 68
Girls Basketball
Royall 43 New Lisbon 17 (Elizabeth Klipstein 16points to lead Royall)
Cashton 63 Wonewoc-Center 24
Mauston 74 Nekoosa 45 (Caitie Lavold Bre Heller each with 18 to lead Mauston)
Berlin 62 Ripon 43
Wisconsin Dells 75 Adams-Friendship 51
Sauk Prairie 48 Reedsburg 28
Onalaska 69 Tomah 43
Boys Hockey
RWD/Mauston 7 Beaver Dam 4
Tomah/Sparta 2 West Salem 1
Girls Hockey
Beaver Dam 4 Badger Lightning 2
Wrestling
Mauston wrestling defeated both Ripon and Berlin Thursday night to stay perfect on its season and in conference action!
Hemmersbach, Julie Ann Age 66 of Rural Norwalk
4 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
Julie Ann Hemmersbach, 66 of rural Norwalk, WI, passed away Thursday, January 8, 2026. Julie was born April 29, 1959, to Joe and Ardella (Schreier) Leis.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, January 26, 2026, 11:00 a.m. at the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church on St. Mary’s Ridge, Rural Norwalk. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Father Matthew Bowe will officiate. Family and friends are invited to visitation on Sunday, January 25, 2026. Rosary will begin at 3:30 p.m. followed by visitation until 7:00 p.m. at the church on St. Mary’s Ridge. Visitation will also be held Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.
The Torkelson Funeral Home of Cashton, WI, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
Local Prep Scores from Tuesday 1/20
4 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Sports
Girls Basketball
Mauston 85 G-E-T 36
New Lisbon 73 Wonewoc-Center 50
Bangor 66 Hillsboro 43
Cashton 64 Brookwood 45
Royall 37 Necedah 19 (Bria Gruen 12points to lead Royall)
Nekoosa 54 Port Edwards 28
Waupun 31 Westfield 24
Berlin 65 Montello 18
Poynette 69 Wautoma 17
River Valley 58 Reedsburg 48
Sparta 86 Tomah 47
Boys Basketball
Nekoosa 63 Port Edwards 16
Omro 66 Ripon 64
Sparta 61 Tomah 51
Stoughton 57 Reedsburg 38
Boys Hockey
Waunakee 4 RWD/Mauston 1
Onalaska/La Crosse 2 Tomah/Sparta 1
Girls Hockey
Tomah/BRF 3 Eau Claire 2
Mauston Girls Bury G-E-T
4 months
The Mauston Lady Eagles took on the G.E.T. Red Hawks Tuesday night in a non conference match up with Mauston coming out on top by a score of 85 to 36.
The Eagles had two girls score 18 points each with Bre Heller and Caitlin Lavold both hitting that mark. Heller had 8 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 steals and 5 blocks, while Lavold had, 5 rebounds, 1 assist and 3 steals. Mauston had 4 girls in double figures as Ella Franek threw down 11 points grabbed 4 boards, 3 steals and had 2 assists, Crimson Hansen knocked down 10 points grabbed 6 boards, 5 steals, 2 blocks and 6 assists. Narrowly missing the double digit mark Jordin bates had 9 points, 2 rebounds and assists and a steal.
The Eagles will be back on the home court this week playing another conference game against Nekoosa. Hope to see you all the there.
