Mauston, WI
WRJC WebMaster
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Posts by WRJC WebMaster
Fatal Accident in Juneau County
7 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
On Friday, July 18, 2025, at approximately 2:43 p.m., the Juneau County Communication Center received a report of a reckless driver, initially called in by the Adams County Communication Center. The complaint stated that a Tesla was swerving, passing in a no-passing zone, and possibly leaving the roadway.
The crash occurred on State Highway 82 near the Adams and Juneau County line at County Road HH south. As a result of the crash, State Highway 82 was closed on the Adams County side and west of the crash site by Juneau County authorities. Emergency responders from the Mauston Fire Department and Mauston EMS were dispatched to the scene. Mauston Fire paged out Lyndon Station Fire Department for mutual aid support. Wisconsin State Patrol was also on scene.
The driver of the Tesla, a 39-year-old male, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the second vehicle, a 47-year-old male, was transported by UW Medflight. A juvenile passenger was also involved and was transported to Mile Bluff Medical Center for evaluation and treatment.
The Juneau County Highway Department assisted with cleanup efforts after the vehicles were removed from the roadway.
The incident remains under investigation. No names are being released at this time out of respect for those involved and their families.
Further updates will be provided as appropriate.
Scheppa, Robert “Bob” Alva Age 86 of New Lisbon and Formerly of Camp Douglas
7 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
Robert “Bob” Alva Scheppa, age 86 of New Lisbon, formerly of Camp Douglas, passed away on Sunday, July 6, 2025 at Crest View Nursing Home in New Lisbon. Bob was the son of Alva and Dorothy (Betthauser) Scheppa and was born on May 25, 1939, in Clifton Township. Bob attended Kendall School and would later move to Kenosha for many years while working as a Machinist at Morton’s Factory in Libertyville, IL.
Bob was united in marriage to Joan Wilson on March 3, 1962, and they later divorced. He later married Kathy Benson on August 19, 1976, and they later divorced.
Bob enjoyed working on generators and anything mechanical.
He was known for his big humor and even bigger hugs.
He is survived by his children, Ken (Mary) Scheppa of Friendship, WI., Deb (Brian) Evanson of Mauston, WI., Jeff (Dawn) Scheppa of Sparta, WI., Rob (Kristina) Scheppa of Burlington, WI., a stepson Don Bartels, his sisters, Virginia (Louis) Halbersma of Vesper, WI., Carol (Brad) Long of Gassville, AR., Sharon (George) Livernash of Wisconsin Rapids, WI. and a sister-in-law Carolyn Scheppa of Wonder Lake, IL. He is further survived by his grandchildren, Taran (Hank) Scheppa, Tasha Scheppa, Paige Foreman, Brian Burt, Cassidy (Noah) Schmitz, Nathan Scheppa, Allison Scheppa, Charla (Kevin) Hebl, Dustin O’Bright, his great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Donald Scheppa, Gary Scheppa and Bruce Scheppa, sister and brother-in-law Helen (Art) Vinney, stepdaughter and son-in-law Angie and Earnie O’Bright, step granddaughters, Kayla and Nicole Landowski.
The family would like to express many thanks to the staff and residents at Crest View Nursing Home for the wonderful care and friendships made while he was there.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 26th, 2025, at the New Lisbon Community Center (110 Welch Prairie Rd) in New Lisbon from 10:00 A.M. until 1:00 P.M. The Hare Funeral Home in New Lisbon is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are available at www.harefuneralhome.com
High Speed Chase Leads to Drug Arrest in Adams County
7 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
On Thursday, July 17, 2025, at approximately 12:09 PM a Deputy with the Adams County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop near the 3100 block of CTH Z, Town of Springville, Adams County after observing it pass through the road closed signs on CTH Z between STH 82 & Fern Ave. The Deputy made contact with the female driver, who was identified from prior law enforcement contacts as Samantha S. Borck, age 30 of Adams, WI. During the traffic stop Samantha accelerated rapidly leaving the scene of the traffic stop, which occurred in the closed construction zone area of CTH Z. The Deputy returned to his squad and began to pursue the vehicle with the assistance of several other Deputies.
During the pursuit, Deputies observed several items being thrown from the vehicle at various locations. The vehicle continued to flee law enforcement at speeds upwards of 100 mph. Tire deflation devices were deployed, but were unsuccessful. The vehicle eventually came to a stop in the 3200 block of 4th Ave when a male subject, identified as Dillon T. Sauer, age 29 of Grand Marsh, WI, exited the vehicle and was detained by law enforcement. The driver, Samantha Borck was given several commands to exit the vehicle, again refusing to comply and accelerated away from law enforcement.
The pursuit continued for several miles before the vehicle went down a dead end road, at which time the vehicle stopped. The driver, Samantha Borck and a male passenger, identified as Ryan J. Jolin, Age 22 of Friendship, WI, fled from the vehicle on foot for a short distance before they were apprehended by Deputies. The entire pursuit was approximately 43 miles in length.
K9 Tekla, K9 Ira and K9 Willy with the Juneau County Sheriff’s Office were deployed in the areas where items had been thrown from the vehicle. While searching the ditch line on CTH Z near Fern Ave, K9 Tekla alerted her handler, Sgt Orlowski, to an odor emitting from a plastic bag containing a crystalline like substance. A further search of this area was conducted and multiple plastic resealable baggies, colloquially known as “gem baggies,” containing a white crystalline substance were located. There were eight total gem baggies totaling 28.78 grams that were located and seized. These items were brought to the Sheriff’s Office for testing. The crystalline substance inside the baggies tested positive for the presumptive presence of Methamphetamine.
Ryan J. Jolin was booked into the Adams County Jail on the following charges:
Resisting or Obstructing Officer-Causing Soft Tissue Injury
Possession of Methamphetamine w/Intent to Distribute
Dillon T. Sauer was booked into the Adams County Jail on the following charge:
Possession of Methamphetamine w/Intent to Distribute
Samantha S. Borck was booked into the Adams County Jail on the following charges:
Fleeing/Eluding
Recklessly Endangering Safety-1st Degree
Possession of Methamphetamine w/Intent to Distribute
Resisting or Obstructing Officer-Causing Soft Tissue Injury
Felony Bail Jumping x2
Samantha was also issued numerous traffic citations for her actions in this matter.
All three subjects had their initial appearances today in Adams County Circuit Court Branch II; Borck was given a $10,000 cash bond, Sauer a $5,000 signature bond, and Jolin a $1,000 cash bond. All three subjects remain incarcerated in the Adams County Jail at the time of this release.
The Adams County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Juneau County Sheriff’s Office, Harper’s Towing and Lifestar EMS.
This case remains under investigation and no further information will be released at this time.
Hillsboro Man Wanted for Tampering with Electric Monitoring Device
7 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
The Wisconsin Department of Corrections has issued a Warrant for Ryan C Hodge a convicted sex offender. Hodge is on active electronic monitoring through the Wisconsin Department of Corrections. On July 18, 2025, Hodge tampered with his electronic monitor while in the City of Hillsboro, prompting a Warrant to be issued for his arrest. If anybody happens to know his current whereabouts, please contact law enforcement immediately.
Juneau County Arrest Report 7-21-25
7 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
A Heart of Caring for Others. Deena Hatch Foundation donates $500,000 to Mile Bluff’s Capital Campaign
7 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
To share the impact one person can have on many lives, the Deena Hatch Foundation has made a $500,000 donation in support of Mile Bluff Medical Center’s Gateway Center and Emergency Department expansion project.
Deena Hatch was known for her beautiful smile and kind, generous spirit. She was a beloved daughter, sister, and friend who loved life and fully embraced each moment. “Deena had a big heart and cared for people in a way that was beyond comprehension,” reflected her parents, Bill and Sandy Hatch. “In her short life, God blessed Deena with the amazing gift to love and have compassion for others. How better to remember Deena then by lifting the spirits and improving the well-being of those in need, then by supporting local medical care.”
In 2024, Mile Bluff Medical Center began a two-phased remodeling project which transformed the former Mauston Shopko building into the ‘Gateway Center.’ Now that construction is complete at Gateway, Mile Bluff is preparing for phase two which will include the remodeling of the current Emergency Department.
To support this expansion initiative, Mile Bluff Medical Center Foundation is leading a capital fundraising campaign – For You. With You. – with the goal of raising $5 million to support this $17 million project. The campaign is an opportunity for individuals, groups and businesses, like the Deena Hatch Foundation, to help strengthen local healthcare for the community.
“Supporting this project was a great opportunity to be involved in caring for the community,” said Bill and Sandy. “From the construction of the Gateway Center and Emergency Department remodeling to the final result of providing care for our area residents, this expansion of services will build value for our tight knit community.”
Juneau County Arrest Report 7-18-25
7 months
Barfknect’s Bat & Arm Lead Tomah/SBC to Regional Opening Victory
7 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Sports
The Tomah 16U American Legion Baseball Team opened up regional play with a 2-1 victory over West Salem. Tomah scored both of their runs in the 4th inning on an RBI fielder’s choice from Drew Thurston and an infield single from Julian Cunitz. Brennan Mack had a strong performance on the mound. The incoming Brookwood junior went 6 2/3 innings giving up just 1 unearned run while scattering 7hits walking none and striking out 3. New Lisbon’s Grady Barfknect had a big game going 2×3. Barfknect also had a big game behind home plate picking off a West Salem baserunner at first in the 5th inning and throwing out a West Salem runner at 2nd base in the 7th. The Tomah/SBC team is looking for their 3rd straight trip to the 16U State Tournament.
Hover, Wanda Mae Age 90 of Mauston
7 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
Wanda Mae Hover, 90 of Mauston passed away Sunday, March 16, 2025 at her home.
Wanda loved to laugh with friends and family. She and her husband Jim often hosted card parties. On one New Year’s Eve, Bruce and Charley remember the assembled friends singing, Oh Johnny Boy into the wee hours of the night.
Wanda was very proud of her two sons and their families. On many Christmases Wanda and Jim drove down to Oklahoma to be with Charley’s family, resting at casinos along the way. They also made many summer trips to visit Bruce’s family in Montana.
Wanda enjoyed creating hand embroidered cards, singing in the choir, bowling, and her flower garden. She was an active member of Mauston Methodist Church and Eastern Star. Her husband Jim drove midget cars in parades with the Shriners, which they both very much enjoyed.
Wanda will be missed by the many who loved her, especially her family. She was preceded in death by her husband Jim and her sister Linda, and is survived by sons Charley and wife Sandra, Bruce and wife Darcy, sister Loretta, granddaughters Lisa and Kayla and grandsons Dustin and Ryan, and three great grand children, Cooper, Avery and Parker.
A memorial service for Wanda will be held later this year and a notice will be announced as to the day and time.
Memorial service 11:00 a.m., Wednesday July 23, 2025, at the Mauston Methodist Church, where friends may call from 10:00 a.m. until time of service
For online condolences please go to www.crandallfuneral.com
