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Arens, Daniel Hawley Age 67 of Eau Claire
Daniel Hawley Arens. Age 67 of Eau Claire died unexpectantly on February 4, 2025.
Dan was born in Mauston, WI on March 26, 1957 to William and Dianne (nee Boardman) Arens.
Dan graduated in 1975 from Mauston High School. After graduating from CVTC in HVAC, he was employed at Christie’s Heating, Cooling and various HVAC companies throughout the Eau Claire area.
Dan loved hunting and spending time in the woods. He also enjoyed tending his garden, and was an avid Packer fan. Dan will be remembered as the guy who you would call and was always there to help out.
Dan is survived by the love of his life of 35 years, Denise Sinz
Sister Barbara (Duane) Boyle, niece and nephew Kari and Kevin; and Brother Larry (Chris) Arens niece and nephew Allyson and Jake
Denise’s children Danny (Amanda) and Carly Sinz, Denise’s siblings Vicky Nyseth, Jennifer Begley and Craig (Diane) Wenaas; his second mom Joyce Hazen; and his special aunt Carol Arens; and many other friends and relatives.
Dan is proceeded in death by his parents, and his brother Bill.
Dan’s celebration of life will be on Saturday, August 16 Time: 12:30 – 3 PM
Location: The O’Dells Bay Clubhouse – W5240 N Osprey Drive, New Lisbon, WI
Valore, John C. Age 55 of Adams
John C. Valore, age 55, of Adams, Wisconsin, passed away on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
A celebration of John’s life will be on Sunday, August 10th, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the Friendship Village Hall, 507 W. Lake St., Friendship, WI 53934.
John was born on August 21, 1969, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Calvin and Sally Valore. He attended Nathan Hale High School, where he played basketball as a center. John had an adventurous and bold spirit and loved exploring the out-doors—one of his proudest memories was hiking a mountain and canoeing whitewater rapids near Madison, Wisconsin.
Family meant everything to John. He cherished family gatherings, cookouts, and his favorite rap music. During his time with Kathy Jones, John was a devoted stepfather and will always be remembered as “Pops” by Solomon Jones (Sophia Samuels), Walter Jones, and Tony Nesbitt.
He shared a special bond with his nephew and niece, Tim and Andrea Hurns, who cared for him selflessly and lovingly. To John, Andrea was his “Angel,” always looking out for him and ensuring his wishes were honored until his final moments. Despite ongoing health challenges, John remained a fighter to the very end.
Throughout his working years, John held various jobs he took pride in, including as a cook at Rocky Rococo Pizza and Captain’s in Brown Deer, Wisconsin. He also worked as a professional mover for Bellman’s Moving Company and as a sandblaster for Maynard Casting Company.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Calvin and Sally Valore; his sisters, Regina Valore and Lisa Valore; and his best friend, Alex Arista.
He is survived by his children, Jasmine, Felicia, and John Jr.; his brothers, Joseph Campbell and Hakim (Melissa) Valore; and his nephews, Cameron Lee, LeVell (Laura) Washington, Conan Lee, Lontrell Valore, Riyan Hurns, Conner Kirchner, Skylar Valore, and Jacob Farenkrueg. He is further survived by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends.
Roseberry’s Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences and further information can be found at www.roseberrys.com.
Brief Tornado Spotted Near Mauston
Severe storms spawned multiple tornadoes across southern Wisconsin on Wednesday evening. Residents and storm chasers captured dramatic video, as the twisters tore through parts of the state.
One tornado in Sauk City was seen whipping into homes and pushing down trees as it quickly swept through a neighborhood. While the damage was apparent in some areas, there were no immediate reports of injuries.
That twister was among at least five tornado reports across several counties.
The Milwaukee office of the National Weather Service shared that it would be looking into possible tornadoes in 10 areas, including areas near Dodgeville, Mazomanie, Beaver Dam and Hustisford.
Tornado watches were issued for much of southern Wisconsin, including Milwaukee and Madison. Severe thunderstorm warnings were also in effect due to expected wind gusts up to 70 mph. However, by 8 p.m. local time, most of those warnings had expired.
Prior to Wednesday, 26 tornadoes had already been confirmed in Wisconsin so far this year. That’s already more than their yearly average of 23 tornadoes, according to the National Weather Service.
On Wednesday a brief tornado touched down near I-90/94 and the 19th Ave overpass—caught on video and now circulating on social media. Thankfully, no damage has been reported at this time.
This is a strong reminder that when the National Weather Service issues a Tornado Watch, it means conditions are favorable for tornadoes to form, even briefly, just like we saw today.
If you did experience any weather-related damage, please report it to the Juneau County Sheriff’s Office or submit a report through the Sheriff’s App under Emergency Management.
Stay weather aware, follow alerts, and always have a safety plan in place.
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=728667763290021&set=pcb.728670919956372
Juneau County Arrest Report 7-17-25
Herlitz, Theresa Ann Age 66 of Hillsboro
Born in Rockford, IL on July 24, 1958. Theresa was a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend whose greatest joy in life was her family. She is survived by her children Wayne (Shanda) Hardy, Chris (Amanda) Herlitz, Andrew Herlitz (Gabi) Angela Herlitz (Micah) and her stepson Scott (April) Herlitz, along with her cherished grandchildren, who brought light and laughter to her days.
Theresa had a warm heart, a generous spirit, and a deep love for her dogs, who were always by her side. She found true happiness in family traditions, especially during the holidays, when she could gather everyone close and create memories filled with laughter, love, and good food. Her home was always open, and her love was always present.
She will be remembered for her kindness, strength, and unwavering love for those around her.
A celebration of Theresa’s life will be held at a Hillsboro Community Center on July 25th 2025 from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., where friends and family will come together to share stories and honor her memory.
Roseberry Funeral Home (www.roseberrys.com) is assisting the family.
Van Natta, Gerald C. “Jerry” Age 84 of New Lisbon
Gerald C. “Jerry” Van Natta, passed away of cancer, surrounded by his family at his home on June 28, 2025, at the age of 84 in New Lisbon, WI. Jerry was the son of Clifford and Nelda (Emler) Van Natta and was born on May 26, 1941, in Lancaster, WI, Jerry’s life was marked by his loving nature, adventurous spirit, and dedication to his family and community.
Jerry grew up on a farm in Janesville, WI, where he attended local schools and developed a strong work ethic that would define his professional life. After high school, he embarked on a lifelong career in the auto industry. Starting with General Motors, Jerry honed his skills as a mechanic and later joined Everhart O’Leary, where he dedicated 31 years of service, retiring in 2003, earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues.
On October 5, 1979, Jerry married Barbara (Wille) Garey, in Janesville. Together, they built a life filled with joy, laughter, and shared passions. The couple enjoyed taking trips on their motorcycle, exploring the open road, and feeling the freedom that comes with it. Jerry’s love for motorsports extended to snowmobiling, where he not only raced but also served as the president of the Juneau County Winter Wanderers snowmobiling club for 11 years, fostering a sense of camaraderie and community among fellow enthusiasts.
Jerry and Barbara’s weekends and vacations often found them at their beloved property in New Lisbon, where they eventually decided to move permanently in 2003. This peaceful retreat was a testament to their adventurous spirit and love for the great outdoors.
Jerry’s legacy is carried on by his devoted wife, Barbara Van Natta of New Lisbon; his loving daughters, Jayne Griffeth of Janesville, Jodi Pingel of Janesville, Jackie (Scott Walker) Van Natta of Massachusetts, and Janel Van Natta of Janesville; his stepsons, Brian (Renee Lyke) Garey and Jeff Garey, both of Janesville; his sisters, Margie Weimer of Lancaster and Kathi Smith of Platteville; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Ken (Grace) Wille of Milton, Kathy (Ron) Sowles of Wyoming, Sherry Wille of Janesville, and Rick (Sue) Wille of Fort Wayne, IN. He was a proud grandfather to 10 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, his sister and brother-in-law Rita (Bob) O’Donnell, a nephew Jeff Mikkelson, his brother-in-law, Robert Wille and son-in-law Mike Griffeth. His departure leaves a void in the hearts of many, but his memory will continue to inspire those who knew him. Jerry’s life was a testament to the values of love, family, and adventure, and he will be remembered for his generous spirit and the joy he brought to every gathering.
The family would like to thank Sara, Tammy and the staff at the Serenity House for their compassionate care.
Adams County Investigating Infant Death
On Saturday, July 5, 2025 the Adams County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from a residence in the City of Adams, Adams County, Wisconsin reporting an unresponsive five-week-old infant.
The City of Adams Police Department responded to the scene, along with LifeStar Ambulance Service. LifeStar Ambulance Service transported the infant to Gunderson Moundview Hospital. The infant was then transported to UW Health American Family Children’s Hospital in Madison.
On July 6, 2025, the City of Adams Police Department requested that the Sheriff’s Office take over the case.
On July 9, 2025, the child died at UW Health American Family Children’s Hospital. Any time an infant death occurs in Adams County a formal investigation takes place.
This is an active investigation and as such, no further information will be released at this time.
Juneau County Arrest Reports 7-16-25
Wetley, Tammala “Tammy” J. Age 60 of Rural Elroy
Tammala “Tammy” J. Wetley, age 60 years, of rural Elroy, Wisconsin, passed away on Monday, July 14, 2025 at her home.
She was born on May 1, 1965 in Madison, Wisconsin, the daughter of Gary and Kathleen (Sands) Leckwee. Tammy graduated from high school in Sun Prairie and furthered her education attending Technical College and obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Science from Kaplan University.
Tammy was united in marriage to Bruce Wetley on August 10, 2013 at East Lemonweir Lutheran Church.
She worked for 20 years at Madison General Hospital as a Lab Technician. Then in 2006, she owned her own business in Mauston, Occupation and Medical Testing Services. She was a Probation and Parole Agent and more recently she was a case worker for Lutheran social services. She had a heart of gold and was ready to take care of anyone in need. Tammy changed so many lives and helped so many.
Tammy was a very spiritual person and spent time with Bible studies. She was an animal lover of all kinds, loved watching the birds, enjoyed traveling and gardening were also things she enjoyed doing. Tammy loved people, taking care of her grandchildren, loved her family. She will forever be in our hearts.
Survivors include her husband, Bruce Wetley; daughter, Sabrina Wetley; grandchildren, Bentley Cooley, Maura Baumgart and Kae Haase; sister, Wendy Leckwee. She was preceded in death by her parents, Gary and Kathleen.
Memorial Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025 at the East Lemonweir Lutheran Church – W8943 County Highway S, Elroy, WI (just off State Highway 80). A time of visitation will be from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm, service at 12:30 pm, with lunch to follow.
The Picha Funeral Home in Elroy is assisting, for online information go to www.pichafuneralhomes.com
Wisconsin Technical College System statement of support for legal action to restore AEFLA funding
MADISON – The Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) supports Wisconsin joining the coalition of states suing the Trump Administration to restore funding under the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA).
Of the 34,000 students enrolled in adult education at Wisconsin’s 16 technical colleges each year, over 17,000 depend on AEFLA funding to access these essential services, delivered through our colleges and community-based organizations. In the 2023–24 academic year alone, over 2,500 of these learners enrolled in postsecondary occupational programs at our colleges – programs that directly lead to career pathways and help meet the workforce needs of Wisconsin employers.
“On May 29, the U.S. Department of Education informed us that Congress had appropriated funding for adult education, with a scheduled release date of July 1,” said Layla Merrifield, president of the Wisconsin Technical College System. “However, on the evening of June 30, just hours before the funds were to be distributed, we were notified the grant was under review by the new administration, with no timeline provided for when the review would conclude.
Our System serves more than 34,000 students through adult education programs. I urge the Department of Education to honor Congress’s directive and release the funds as appropriated, so these vital educational opportunities can continue without disruption.”
More than 354,000 adults in Wisconsin lack a high school degree. WTCS is statutorily required to provide adult education, including English Language Learning and GED/HSED instruction, without charging tuition. The sudden withholding of this previously appropriated and approved federal funding jeopardizes our ability to fulfill this mandate. Without these critical resources, thousands of Wisconsin residents and the communities they live in stand to lose access to the education and training necessary for economic mobility and community vitality.

