WRJC WebMaster
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Almond-Bancroft Stymies Mauston Girls Basketball
The Mauston Golden Eagles Girls basketball struggled offensively in a 49-42 loss to Almond-Bancroft on Thursday night. Mauston trailed 19-16 at halftime but took a 28-27 lead in the 2nd half. Almond-Bancroft went on a 13-1 run after the short lived Mauston lead to pull away for the victory. Mauston was led by Kylie Heller who finished with a team high 15points. Aaliyah Newby led all scorers with 17points for Almond-Bancroft. Mauston drops to 1-1 on the season and will travel to G-E-T Tuesday night for their next game. Almond-Bancroft improves to 1-0 on their season.
Reed, Sally Maureen Age 88 of Lake Arrowhead
Local Girls Basketball Scores from Tuesday 11/19
Mauston 58 Royall 36
Necedah 52 Whitehall 44 (Addisyn Schumer 19points to lead Necedah)
Adams-Friendship 46 Black River Falls 44
Hillsboro 49 Kickapoo 46
Neillsville 60 Bangor 43
Brookwood 53 La Farge 30
Cashton 67 Seneca 11
North Crawford 45 Wonewoc-Center 42
Nekoosa 46 Tri-County 28
Reedsburg 58 Fort Atkinson 54
Lady Golden Eagles Ease By Royall in Basketball Opener
The Mauston Golden Eagles girls basketball team opened up their season with a 58-36 victory over Royall Tuesday night. Caitie Lavold led Mauston with 16points. It was a team effort by the Golden Eagles who also got 13points from Ella Franek and 11 from Bre Heller. Royall was led by Bria Gruens game high 18points while Layla Marty added 14. Mauston led 33-8 at halftime and coasted to the victory in the 2nd half. Mauston will host Almond-Bancroft Thursday night, a game that can be heard on SmashCountry92.9FM and WRJC.com.
Rural Tomah Man Arrested Sexual Assault of Minor
On November 19th, 2024 shortly after 9:00 a.m., the Monroe County Combined Tactical Unit executed a
search warrant and arrested 56 year old James Ossinger of rural Tomah. The arrest of Ossinger came after months of investigation that was first reported to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office by NCMEC (National Center for Missing and Exploited Children). The investigation uncovered that Ossinger was in possession of hundreds of images and videos of child sexual abuse material. The investigation also uncovered that Ossinger was involved in the creation of the material.
Ossinger was booked into the Monroe County Jail on multiple counts each of 1st Degree Sexual Assault of a child under the age of 13, Child Enticement, and possession of child pornography, however additional charges will likely be forthcoming as the investigation continues.
Ossinger will have his Bond hearing on Wednesday, November 20th, at 1:00pm. Bond Hearing can be viewed online by following the link on the Monroe County Clerk of Courts Website at
https://www.co.monroe.wi.us/departments/clerk-of-courts/ .
Due to the sensitive nature of this case, no additional details are available.
Man Arrested Near Oakdale After Leading Authorities on Chase
An Illinois man was arrested on Saturday night for possessing a large amount of drugs and attempting to flee from deputies, K-9.
On November 16 the 2024 just before 10pm, a Monroe County Sergeant observed a 2021 Audi traveling 100mph on I-94 west of Oakdale. The vehicle, being driven by Ivran Gilmore (43), was stopped for the speeding violation. While speaking to the Ivran and passenger, the Sergeant observed indicators of drug use. After speaking further with Ivran outside of the vehicle, Ivran ran from the Sergeant and another Deputy and was able to get back into his vehicle and flee. A pursuit ensued for over 2 miles before the vehicle crashed and Ivran fled on foot. Monroe County K-9 Rebel was deployed during the foot pursuit and assisted in taking Ivran into custody. The crash caused injuries to the passenger of the vehicle, who later told authorities he forced Ivran to crash by grabbing the steering wheel as he did not want to be involved in the pursuit.
A search of the vehicle and area Ivran had run, uncovered 3 Kilograms (about 8.5 pounds) of Cocaine, and over 30 grams of marijuana, which in total, street values at over $300,000.
After being taken to the hospital due to injuries sustained by K-9 Rebel, Ivran was taken to the Monroe County jail where is was charged with possession with intent to deliver cocaine, possession of THC, possession of drug paraphernalia, fleeing an officer (causing bodily harm), 2 nd degree reckless endangerment, reckless driving, and two separate counts of speeding.
During his bond hearing on Monday afternoon, Monroe County District Attorney Kevin Croninger requested a $100,000 cash bond due to the seriousness of the offense and Ivran’s previous drug dealing history. After hearing arguments from the defense, Monroe County Branch III Judge Rick Radcliffe agreed with the DA and ordered a $100,000 cash bond.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Monroe County 911 Communications Center,
Wisconsin State Patrol, Tomah Police Department, and Tomah Ambulance.
Schnurr, Mary Barbara Age 88 of Hillsboro
Mary Barbara Schnurr, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 17, 2024, at the age of 88. She was surrounded by her loving family, who will forever remember her warmth, generosity, and deep love for them.
Mary was born on April 1, 1936, and spent much of her life in the Hillsboro area, where she raised her family and built lasting relationships within the community. For 30 years, she dedicated herself to her work as a cook at the Hillsboro Hospital.
Above all, Mary’s greatest joy in life was her family. She cherished every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, always ready to offer love, support, and guidance. Her home was a gathering place for family celebrations and holiday traditions, and she took immense pride in decorating for each special occasion.
Mary’s culinary talents were legendary, especially her baking. She had a special gift for making breads, rolls, and her signature ?eský Kolá?, which she lovingly prepared and shared with those she loved. Her kitchen was a place of warmth, where her family and friends could always count on a delicious meal and a comforting presence.
Mary is survived by her children: Nancy Schnurr, Steven (Barb) Schnurr, Rick Schnurr, Sue Schnurr, her grandchildren: Christopher (Kelsey) Fatzinger-Schnurr, Kaite (Josh) Dalke, Kim (Olive Kaiser) Schnurr, and her great-grandchildren, all of whom will carry her memory in their hearts forever. She was preceded in death by her Parents: Edward and Emma (Pliner) Novy, and brothers: Raymond Novy, Lester Novy, and sister Ramona (Novy) Raab.
Mary’s legacy of love, kindness, and dedication to her family and community will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be dearly missed but never forgotten.
Private family services will be held at the Picha Funeral Home in Hillsboro.
The Picha Funeral Home in Hillsboro is assisting, for online information go to www.pichafuneralhomes.com
Mauston Board of Education Approves Resolutions on District Dissolution and 2025-26 Budget Cuts
At its November 18 meeting, the School District of Mauston Board of Education
approved resolutions to consider the dissolution of the district and implement significant budget cuts for the 2025-26 school year.
These actions come as the district continues to face financial challenges after two referendums in 2024
did not pass.
The November 5, 2024 referendum, which received 49.3% voter support but did not pass, would have
allowed the district to exceed its state-imposed revenue limit by $1.75 million annually for the next four
years. An earlier referendum on April 2, 2024, received 38.2% voter support. Both measures aimed to
provide the necessary funding to maintain district operations.
With these referendums not passing, the board anticipates that the district will be unable to continue
operations beyond the 2026-2027 school year without additional revenue. The resolution to dissolve the
school district, approved on November 18, states:
“Whereas, the District sought, by referendum held on November 5, 2024, authorizing the District
to exceed the statutory revenue limit by $1.75 million on a four-year recurring basis; this
referendum failed to pass; the District had previously sought, by referendum held on April 2,
2024, to exceed the statutory revenue limit by $2 million on a four-year recurring basis; this prior
referendum also failed to pass,
Whereas, due to the failure of the above-referenced referenda, the District anticipates that it will
be unable to continue to operate after the 2026-2027 school year concludes,
Therefore, be it resolved that the Board of Education of the School District of Mauston will
consider the dissolution of the District, in accordance with Wis. Stat. 117.10.”
Additionally, the board approved a resolution to implement previously proposed budget cuts for the
2025-26 school year. The approved cuts include:
? Closing Lyndon Station Elementary
? Cutting athletics, clubs, and field trips
? Eliminating afternoon summer school
? Eliminating one bus route
? Discontinuing the JEDI (virtual school) program
? Closing the Olson Middle School swimming pool during winter
? Eliminating elementary Family Fun Nights
? Eliminating the school musical
The board has opted not to move forward with cutting an additional 15-18 staff positions as originally
proposed. Instead, the district will pause hiring to balance the budget while minimizing the impact on
current staff and students.
“The board did not make this decision lightly,” said Mike Zilisch, Board Vice President. “Our community
has demonstrated a deep commitment to its schools, and we have explored multiple solutions to keep
our district operating. We are incredibly grateful to our families, students, staff, and community
members who have supported our schools through both challenges and successes. Unfortunately,
without additional funding, these measures are necessary to address our financial challenges
responsibly.”
The board will begin working with state and local officials to determine the next steps under Wisconsin
Statute 117.10, which outlines procedures for the dissolution of school districts. Community members
will be kept informed as the district proceeds with this process
Baerbock, Evelyn Lucille Age 101 of New Lisbon
Evelyn Lucille Baerbock, 101, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 in New Lisbon, WI.
She was born on April 9, 1923, in LaGrange Township, WI to Fred and Iva (Mentz) Quass, being an only child. She graduated from College High in Whitewater, WI in 1941.
Evelyn married Donald Baerbock on November 8, 1945, in East Troy, WI. They were married for 58 years until his death
In 1957 they moved to Elkhorn, WI. She was employed at Lakeland Hospital for 10 years and then Doctors Clinic SC in Elkhorn for 20 years. She worked various positions in healthcare.
Evelyn and her husband retired to Adams County, WI in 1987. For 16 years she served on the ACMH (now Moundview Hospital) board, 12 of those years as president. She was also a member of the Hospital Auxiliary. She was a member of the Mauston Methodist Church and also served as local and district president of the United Methodist Women.
She loved spending time with her family and grandchildren. Evelyn and her husband loved to travel. Places visited: Alaska, Hawaii, England, Caribbean, and the continental US. She also loved visiting with friends that she forged lifetime friendships with.
Evelyn loved finding a good deal. Often going to garage sales, thrift stores, and antique shops. She collected antiques throughout her life a lot of them including family heirlooms from glassware to furniture. Evelyn was also an avid gardener.
Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Donald Baerbock (December 2003). She is survived by her children Duane (Linda) Baerbock of Lake Geneva, WI and Eileen (Larry) Williams of Niagara, WI, 5 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be at Mauston Methodist Church on Monday, November 18, 2024 at 10 am, funeral services following at 11 am.