Mauston, WI
WRJC WebMaster
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Fatal Vehicle Crash in Mauston by Small Kwik Trip
6 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
At approximately 1:36pm on July 29th the Juneau County Communication Center received multiple 911 calls regarding and SUV vs semi traffic crash at the East State Street and North Union Street intersection in downtown Mauston. Dispatch advised responding units that the driver of the SUV was unresponsive.
Upon arrival, law enforcement observed the SUV had struck the side of a semi with full eastbound lane blockage. Numerous bystanders were attempting to assist the driver and sole occupant of the SUV. The driver of the semi was not injured. Law enforcement from the Mauston Police Department and Juneau County Sheriff’s Office, along with Mauston Ambulance and Mauston Fire rendered aid to the driver. Ultimately, the driver of the SUV, and adult male, was pronounced deceased by the Juneau County Medical Examiner’s Office. At this time the crash investigation is oncoming and the name of the deceased will not be released. There was a partial road closure for approximately three hours while the crash was being investigated.
The Mauston Police Department was assisted by the following agencies: Juneau County Sheriff’s Office, Wisconsin State Patrol, Mauston Ambulance, Mauston Fire Department, Juneau County Medical Examiner’s Office, Mauston Public Works, GundersenAIR, and Northside Mobil.
Juneau County Arrest Report 7-30
6 months
DNR Urges UTV Riders To Buckle Up As Fatal Crashes Climb
6 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in State News
As residents and summer visitors alike enjoy Wisconsin’s trails and backroads, state officials remind utility terrain vehicle (UTV) riders to focus on safe operation – starting with the simple step of wearing a seatbelt.
So far in 2025, there have been 25 fatal UTV/ATV crashes in Wisconsin. Only four of those individuals were confirmed to be wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash, with one investigation still pending. UTVs have also been involved in the majority of fatal ATV/UTV incidents this year – accounting for 84% of all fatalities.
“UTVs are designed with key safety features, like roll cages and seatbelts, that are there to protect riders in the event of a crash or rollover,” said Lt. Jacob Holsclaw, Wisconsin DNR off-highway vehicle administrator. “But those features can only help if they’re used.”
Unlike traditional ATVs, UTVs are equipped with seatbelts for all passengers. Proper use of seatbelts significantly reduces the risk of being ejected during a crash, a leading cause of serious injury or death in off-road vehicle accidents. But that’s not all – it’s the law. In Wisconsin, all UTV passengers are required to wear a seatbelt.
“While these numbers are concerning, they also highlight a clear opportunity for prevention,” said Holsclaw. “Wearing a seatbelt is one of the simplest and most effective ways to stay safe while riding.”
Officials also remind parents and guardians that Wisconsin law restricts youth UTV use. Operators must be at least 16 to operate a full-size UTV in public areas. ATV/UTV operators born on or after Jan. 1, 1988, and at least 12 years of age must complete a DNR-approved safety course.
Learn more about ATV/UTV riding in Wisconsin, including how to sign up for a safety class on the DNR’s ATV/UTV webpage.
Juneau County Arrest Report 7-29-25
6 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
2025 HS Football Preview – Tomah Timberwolves
6 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Sports
Tomah Timberwolves
2024 Record: 1-8 (1-6 Mississippi Valley Conference)
Head Coach: Joe Protz (6th Year 12-32 Record)
Mike’s 2025 Projected Record 0-9 (0-7 Mississippi Valley Conference)
Players to Watch: RB/LB Aiden Brieske WR/DL Silas Cram QB/RB/LB Tim Budde RB/LB Shon Abbas WR/DL Michael Zastoupil OL/DL Bo Rewey
Team Preview: I have to do it again; I have to pick Tomah to go 0-9. Two years ago I picked them to go 0-9 and they surprised everyone into a post season berth. I hope this will motivate them again as they finished just 1-8 last season including 1-6 in the MVC conference. The schedule is brutal for Tomah including a tough non-conference schedule against Baldwin-Woodville & West Salem. Tomah has some playmakers on the offensive side. Tim Budde (140-737 5tds rushing) may replace Jackson Steffel at quarterback and has speed to burn; Silas Cram (9-103 3tds receiving) and Michael Zastoupil (1-4 0tds receiving) are two tall wide receivers that could help Budde (14-23-4-181 0tds passing) out and Aiden Brieske (14-122 0tds receiving 64tkls) is a strong tight end and will be a force on the defensive side as well. Shon Abbas (48-306 3tds rushing) had some strong games at running back last season for Tomah. The interior on both sides of the ball is a major concern but should be anchored by Bo Rewey (16tkls).
Key to Success: Figuring out the interior. Tomah has playmakers and has some speed with Budde but needs the big men to play big and block to open up holes for their offensive playmakers and give the quarterback time to throw to his big receivers. Defensively Tomah has to win in the trenches to give themselves a chance. If Tomah can surprise in the trenches they will surprise overall.
Game to watch: Week 5 Friday September 19th at Sparta
Tomah vs Sparta is a good rivalry game regardless of records and Sparta reclaimed the Golden Ball travelling trophy last season. Tomah will try to bounce back and win for a 2nd straight time on Sparta’s remodeled field like they did in 2023.
Tomah Timberwolves games on WRJC Radio: None
Next Preview: Reedsburg Beavers
Thanks to Wissports.net for statistics and player information.
Fatal Crash in La Valle
6 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
One person is dead, and another is injured after a crash in the Town of La Valle, according to the Sauk County Sheriff’s Office.
At 4:47 p.m., the Sauk County Dispatch Center was notified of a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Schutte Road and State Highway 33 on Monday. Passersby reported an SUV had struck a dump truck and both vehicles were on fire.
Upon arrival, deputies at the scene learned the driver of the SUV was still inside the vehicle. The La Valle Fire Department put out the fire.
Initial investigations showed that the SUV was traveling west on State Highway 33 and crossed the centerline while the dump truck was traveling east. They crashed at the intersection. State Highway 33 at Schuett Road was closed for several hours.
The driver and only occupant of the SUV, a 42-year-old man, died at the scene. The operator of the dump truck was transported to the Reedsburg Area Medical Center for treatment. His condition in unknown at this time. The name of the SUV driver is being withheld pending notification of the family.
The Sauk County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the La Valle Fire Department, Reedsburg Fire Department, Reedsburg Ambulance Service, Wisconsin State Patrol, Sauk County Coroners Office, and the Sauk County Highway Department.
Burch, James “Jim” Douglas Age 78 of Rural Elroy
6 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
James “Jim” Douglas Burch, age 78, of rural Elroy, Wisconsin, passed away on Sunday, July 27, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his family.
He was born in Hillsboro, Wisconsin, on March 8, 1947, to Russell and Audrey Burch. He spent most of his childhood on the family farm in Ontario. Jim attended a one-room country school through the 5th grade. Jim loved fishing and spent most of his time fishing on a small creek on the farm. He moved to Kendall and then attended Royall High School. That’s where he met the love of his life. Monica spotted Jim at a school concert. After Monica made many bike rides to Kendall to see Jim, they officially began dating at the age of 16.
Jim and Monica were married at Waukon, Iowa, on July 15, 1964. They were blessed with four children – Kristi, Kelley, Steffen, and Michael. In 1970, Jim and Monica established their lives on Monica’s home farm, where Jim farmed with his father-in-law and his sons. While farming, Jim was an agent for Wonewoc Mutual Insurance. He was on the town board and a member of the Lions Club.
After leaving farming, Jim worked part-time in maintenance at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Hillsboro. Then he became the buildings and grounds director at the Wonewoc School District and then the Royall School District. Jim was known for his hard work, dedication, willingness to help, and ability to fix anything, which sometimes required duct tape and WD-40.
Jim and Monica enjoyed traveling across the United States along with their son Steff. They also enjoyed spending time at their home in Texas. A favorite pastime for Jim and Monica was their love for dancing. He enjoyed spending time with his grandkids and great-grandchildren, hunting, fishing, and the annual “old-fashioned” Christmas with family and friends.
Jim will be remembered for his sense of humor, Facebook postings (censored by his wife), and his constant smile. He always opened his heart and saw the good in everyone.
Survivors include his wife, Monica (Steffen) Burch; Daughters, Kristi Burch-Zimmerman (Greg), Kelley Burch-Tormoen (Craig); Son, Steffen Burch; Sisters – Cheryl (Wayne) Mattison, Suzie (Ron) Mislevecheck; Brother – Howard (Sadie) Burch; Sister-in-law Judy (Frank) Juresh, and many nieces and nephews. Grandchildren – Garrett Zimmerman (Carrie), Gavin Zimmerman (Kylie), Marlina Kutzke (Kyle), Jade Zimmerman, Grace Zimmerman, Jace Tormoen, Marquette (Dylan) Falk, Kaela Stark (Sunny), and Jimmy Ingold. Great Grandchildren – Graham, Finley, Oliver, Jackson, August, Bennett, Gwendolyn, Trace, Jason, Leon and Cherry and chosen family members, Tony Madden (Barb), Amber (Eric) Bradley, Don and Betty Jefferies, Ryan McCracken, Hannah Lustila and special friends, Marita and Bill Shaker, and the Breakfast Club friends, Terry Sosinsky, Mark and Janet, Mary Housner and Jim’s Boundary Water Buddies.
He was preceded in death by his beloved Son, Michael Burch; Parents – Russell and Audrey Burch; Brother – Ron Burch; special Aunt, Dorothy (Peg) Smith.
The family would like to thank Emplify of La Crosse and Hillsboro, especially his doctors and support team, Hospice, H.O.P.E., and Bill and Marita Shaker for all of your support during Jim’s short fight with cancer.
A time of visitation will be held on Monday, August 4, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Picha Funeral Home in Elroy, followed by a memorial service at noon. A luncheon at the American Legion Hall in Elroy will follow the service. Interment will be at a later date at Millard’s Prairie Cemetery.
In place of flowers, memorials may be provided to the Patient transportation van project at St Joseph’s Hospital – P.O. Box 527, Hillsboro, WI 54634 https://bit.ly/4lH93nd or H.O.P.E. Cancer Walk fund – P.O. Box 274, Hillsboro, WI 54634
The Picha Funeral Home is assisting. For online information, go to www.pichafuneralhomes.com
“Lonely rivers flow, To the sea, to the sea, To the open arms of the sea, yeah, Lonely rivers sigh, Wait for me, wait for me, I’ll be coming home, wait for me.” The Righteous Brothers.
Hillsboro Man Seriously Injured in Deer V Motorcycle Accident
6 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
Vernon County Sheriff Roy Torgerson reports on Friday night, July 25, 2025, at approximately 7:30 PM, the Sheriff’s Office 911 Dispatch Center was notified of a motorcycle crash on County Road F, rural Hillsboro, WI, in the Town of Hillsboro.
Through investigation, sheriff’s deputies believe that a deer entered the roadway from a cornfield while the operator, Michael Jerome Lange, age 63, of Hillsboro, WI was negotiating a curve to the right, near Elm Road.
Lange sustained very serious injuries. He was transported to Emplify by Gundersen St. Joseph’s Hospital by Hillsboro Area Ambulance. Almost immediately thereafter, Lange was flown to Emplify by Gundersen Health in La Crosse, WI, by GundersenAIR. The motorcycle involved in the crash was a 2024, Suzuki DR650 Enduro. A DOT approved helmet and leather gloves were worn at the time of the crash.
At the scene with the Sheriff’s Office were Hillsboro Fire Department and Hillsboro Area Ambulance. Sheriff Torgerson would like to thank the Hillsboro Police Department and Sheriff’s Office Chaplaincy for their support.
The crash remains under investigation by the Sheriff’s Office
Motorcycle Crash Near Ontario
6 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
Vernon County Sheriff Roy Torgerson reports on Saturday morning, July 19, 2025, at approximately 11:30 AM, the Sheriff’s Office 911 Dispatch Center was notified of a motorcycle crash on State Highway 33, in Wildcat Mountain State Park, rural Ontario, WI, in the Town of Whitestown. Patrick John Madigan, age 63, of Vadnais Heights, MN, was operating a 2023 Harley Davidson motorcycle, traveling south, attempting to turn left into the main park entrance. The operator lost control, and the motorcycle overturned.
The operator and a passenger, Barbara Jean Madigan, age 60, also of Vadnais Heights, MN were injured. Both were transported to Gundersen St. Joseph’s Hospital (Emplify), one by Ontario Ambulance and the other by La Farge Area Ambulance. Both were wearing helmets and protective clothing.
Assisting the Sheriff’s Office at the scene were the Kickapoo Valley Reserve Police, Ontario Fire Department, Ontario Ambulance, and LaFarge Area Ambulance.
The crash remains under investigation by the Sheriff’s Office.
Royall School Board Agenda 7-28
6 months
