WRJC WebMaster
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Dells Duck’s Turning 80 Years Old
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
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.
Wisconsin NBA Draft News
The Milwaukee Bucks drafted Serbian big man Bogo-lyoob Markovic with pick number 17 of the 2nd round in the NBA draft. Markovic played in the Serbian league where he averaged 18points and 9rebounds a game. Markovic is 6’11 and won gold medal well part of the 18U Serbian national team in 2023. Markovic will stay overseas this upcoming year leaving an open roster spot for the Bucks this upcoming season.
Wisconsin Badgers John Tonje was drafted by the Utah Jazz with the 53rd overall pick. Tonje scored 41 points against Arizona in a single game this last season for the Badgers.
New Officer Sworn in to Mauston PD
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.
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
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
O’Brien, Frances Kaye Age of Loganville
Frances Kaye O’Brien passed away in Madison on April 30, 2025, following complications from heart surgery.
Memorial service will be 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 12, 20205 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, N3765 CTH-K Mauston, WI 53948. Visitation will be prior to the service at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses from 12 Noon until the time of service.
Frances was born and raised on a farm south of Loganville, Wisconsin. She attended Reedsburg Web High School, and afterward attended MATC, studying business machines. She worked in computer operations. In 1982, Fran married Patrick H. O’Brien, devoting her life to him throughout their long marriage. Since 1989, they served together in the full-time ministry of Jehovah’s Witnesses until Pat’s death in 2023. Fran has had the great joy and privilege of seeing a
number of students dedicate their lives to Jehovah. Together, Fran and Pat relished the great outdoors, taking many camping trips through the years and continually hiking the beautiful parks in Sauk County. Fran was well known for her kindness, selflessness and generosity, becoming an important, loving stepmother to Maureen since age 11. She lived modestly, with humility and grace, treating all with compassion and understanding.
Fran is preceded in death by her parents George C. Schlieckau and Esther (Getschman) Schlieckau, as well as her sister Jean (Donald Haney), brother Dennis Schlieckau and brother-in-law Carl Goetz. Fran is survived by her sisters Judie Goetz and Sylvia Schlieckau (Michael Benesh). She is further survived by her stepdaughter Maureen P. O’Brien Busalacchi (Stephen) and their daughters Olivia and Serena.
Memorials in France’s memory may be given to the Nature Conservancy.
Roseberry’s Funeral Home (www.roseberrys.com ) is assisting the family.
Hazel, Gerald Duane Age 84 of Wisconsin Dells
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 28, 2025 at the Roseberry’s Funeral Home in Friendship, Wisconsin. Interment will be at the White Creek Cemetery, White Creek, Wisconsin. Visitation will be 4 – 7 p.m. on Friday at Roseberry’s Funeral Home and again on Saturday morning from 10 a.m. until the time of service.
Jerry was born November 11, 1940 in Eastman, Wisconsin to Dorance and Lydia (Duha) Hazel . He grew up in White Creek, and graduated from it’s one-room schoolhouse and later from Adams-Friendship High School . He married Lynette Ewald on September 16, 1961 in Bruce, Wisconsin. Jerry worked road construction before starting his own Logging/Pulping business around 1967, in which he still worked in the business until the Fall of 2024.
Jerry enjoyed card parties with family and friends, bowling, horseshoes, hunting, and trap shooting. His greatest love was baseball, he played and also managed for the Easton Baseball team for many years. He also served 25 years as Eastern District Commissioner for the (WSBC) – Wisconsin State Baseball Commission and ran the District Baseball Tournament for many years.
Jerry was a member of JayCee’s and Easton White Creek Lions.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents: Dorance and Lydia; sister, Charlotte Schachtner; brother, Harry; sister-in-law, Wanda; and nieces: Melody and Jackie.
Jerry is survived by his wife: Lynette Hazel of Wisconsin Dells, WI; children: Janine (Bob) Zander, Lori (William) Banovec, Dennis (Rebecca Evers) Hazel, Kathleen (JR) Ems, Jo Ellen (John) Webb, and Royce (Cynthia) Hazel; brother, Arlie (Carol) Hazel; grandchildren: Tiffany Williams, Gregorick Johnson, Megan Zander-Conboy, Jessica Shisler, Monnie Banovec, Michael Banovec, Kayla Hazel, Amanda Chavez, Joshua Meisenheimer, Jessie Fritz, Jena Ems, JJ Ems, Sydney Web, Jacob Webb, Gavin Hazel, Zoe Hazel; and 13 Great-grandchildren. He is further survived by many nieces and nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Roseberry’s Funeral Home is assisting the family. Visit www.roseberrys.com for online condolences and further information.