Mauston, WI
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Wagner, Lance Age 66 of Mauston
9 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
Lance Wagner, age 66 of Mauston, Wisconsin passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, August 13, 2024.
A Celebration of Lance’s life will take place on Sunday, August 25, 2024, from 12:00 – 4:00 PM at the American Legion in Mauston, Wisconsin.
Lance was born on April 20, 1958 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The son of Clarence “Bud” and Maryanne “Tiny” (Gradinjan) Wagner. He married his beloved Lynn Pieper on August 9, 1986, and just recently celebrated their 38th year of marriage. Lance was a loving son, brother, husband, father, uncle, grandfather, and mentor. He was known for his compassion, loyalty, persistence, stubborn nature, and honesty (even though he enjoyed spinning tall tales). He never shied away from a challenge, whether in work or play. His energetic and laughter-filled presence was contagious, leaving everyone with a smile. In his younger days, he was an all-around athlete who enjoyed busting moves on the dance floor, spinning records as a DJ, and was an avid hunter and fisherman. Further highlighting his creative side, he participated in choir and numerous plays in his school days. He had a strong passion for the food and beverage industry which left a lasting impact during his 50+ year career and was a recipient of many awards, recognition and accolades. Lance took pride in being involved within his community, providing meals on wheels for seniors and hosting many local fundraising events. His idea of a perfect day involved being with family, cheering on his favorite sports team (GO PACK GO) with his sons and a cold drink, or winning at slots with the love of his life Lynn. He cherished life’s simple pleasures: watching his grandchildren play, bonfires, birdwatching, morning coffee chats, fantasy sports as the 2023 Fantasy Football Reigning Champion, watching movies, tv shows and lately anime. Lance has left us with many unforgettable memories to cherish and will be greatly missed and forever loved, LUM.
Lance leaves behind his wife Lynn, and sons; Jacob (Olivia), Eli (Ally), A.J. (fiancé Kayla), and Quinn; brothers; Kurt (Sharon), David (Colleen) Gary, Kent, Glenn (Tina) and Don (Stacey); sisters Karen (Wayne), Kim (Jeff); and his 5 grandchildren: Reeve, Ryn, Wayklee, Paisley, and Jackson.
He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Mark, sister-in-law Barb Wagner, and nephew Bradley.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Lance’s name can be sent to the family at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-lances-family-and-memorial
The Wagner Family would like to thank the Conway-Picha Funeral Home and Crematory of Lyndon Station, Wisconsin assisting with arrangements.
HS Football Preview –2024 Mauston Golden Eagles
9 months
Mauston Golden Eagles
2023 Record: 5-6 (5-1 South Central Conference)
Head Coach: Dustin Vickerman (3rd Season 9-12 Record)
Mike’s 2024 Projected Record 5-4 (5-2 South Central Conference)
Players to Watch: QB/S Tyler Link RB/LB Hayden Gyllin RB/LB Eli Rader TE/LB Bryan Kastner OL/DL Espyn Sweers
Team Preview: Mauston is another local team that got hit hard by graduation but there is still plenty of talent on this team to compete at a high level in the revamped South Central Conference. Hayden Gyllin ran for over 500yards and 4 touchdowns last year and led the team in tackles on defense with 65. Tyler Link was one of the top passers in the state last year throwing for 2183 yards and 24touchdowns. Espyn Sweers led the team in sacks last year with 5. Bryan Kastner and Eli Rader also are key returners from last year’s team that was one half away from being conference champions. The concern for Mauston as normal is size. Mauston struggled at times in its ground game last year and struggled to stop the run defensively. Link has had some monster passing seasons but must work with a new receiving corp. Cayden Walz and Tyler Hartje will have to step up their game to help this Mauston team. I believe Mauston has enough talent to finish in the upper half of the conference and keep their playoff streak alive.
Key to Success: Development of receivers. Brock Massey, Alex Suhr, Andrey Tougas, Brady Baldwin, and Kyle Dahl made a deep talented receiving group for Mauston a season ago but they all have departed due to graduation. QB Tyler Link will have to find new talent to throw to or hope Mauston can reignite their rushing attack. Cayden Walz and Tyler Hartje hope to take over some of the slack from last years talented group of pass catchers.
Game to watch: Week 8 Friday October 11th home vs Wisconsin Dells 7pm
There is never a lot of love loss in this rivalry, its two team that don’t really care for each other at least while they’re on the football field. I expect both these teams to be in the upper half of the conference and this should be a great clash.
Mauston Games on WRJC Radio: Hopefully all of them
Next Preview: Necedah Cardinals
Thanks to Wissports.net for statistics and player information.
HS Football Preview –2024 Brookwood Falcons
9 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Sports
Brookwood Falcons
2023 Record: 2-7 (1-5 Scenic Bluffs Conference Conference)
Head Coach: Jeremy Mack
Mike’s 2024 Projected Record 2-7 (1-6 Scenic Bluffs Conference)
Players to Watch: QB/LB Brennan Mack QB/WR/DB Braeden Pasch RB/LB Marshall Doll FB/LB Jackson Cunitz WR/LB Carter Arbuckle WR/LB Hunter Zimmerman
Team Preview: Brookwood has struggled the last few seasons but brings back some solid talent that could help them improve. Mashall Doll, Jackson Cunitz, and Eli John should all see carries in the backfield and should have a chance to be very successful if they can get some good blocking. Brennan Mack and Braden Pasch will battle it out for the quarterback position whoever is not lining up at quarterback should still see plenty of time on offense either running or catching the football. Carter Arbuckle and Hunter Zimmerman are good receivers who should help out the falcons. I still see the Falcons struggling to take off this year but if the right players step up they could prove me wrong.
Key to Success: Blocking! I think Brookwood has the skill players to be competitive. Will they have blocking though is the question. If Brookwood can create room for Doll & John who have a lot of speed and Cunitz who has a lot of power Brookwood might improve on a 2-7 mark.
Game to watch: Week 1 Friday August 23rd home vs Cochrane-Fountain City 7pm
The game itself might not be much of one C-FC was a very strong team a year ago but Brookwood is finally back at home after playing most of last year on the road due to field renovations. It’s a brand new field long overdue for the Falcons to play on and the kids should be excited to get out there.
Brookwood Games on WRJC Radio: none at this time
Next Preview: Mauston Golden Eagles
Thanks to Wissports.net for statistics and player information.
HS Football Preview –2024 Cashton Eagles
9 months
Cashton Eagles
2023 Record: 11-1 (6-0- Scenic Bluffs Conference Conference)
Head Coach: Jered Hemmersbach
Mike’s 2024 Projected Record 6-3 (4-3 Scenic Bluffs Conference)
Players to Watch: QB/LB Rory Mlsna RB/LB Ethan Schmitz RB/LB Drew Butzler K Connor Wilkinson
Team Preview: The biggest turnover from last year to this year in the conference might come from the Cashton Eagles. The Eagles took over Bangor’s reign as the dominant team in the conference the last couple of years. Cashton may struggle some early but there is a lot of familiar family names on this team that should keep Cashton in conference contention. There are still Mlsna’s Schmitz, and Butzlers playing for this team and all should contribute in a big way. Ethan Schmitz and Drew Butzler should see a lot of action out of the backfield and Rory Mlsna might be the favorite to operate the quarterback position. Schmitz is also the top returning tackler from last season for the Eagles. I believe Cashton will take a step back but will still find their way into the post season.
Key to Success: New talent shining. The Hemmersbach’s Ethan Klinkner, and Connor Butzler are all gone from this team due to graduation. It is now time for the young Eagles to soar. If Drew Butzler and Rory Mlsna can step up this Cashton team might be right back where they were the last 3 seasons and lead the Eagles to new heights.
Game to watch: Week 7 Friday October 4th Home vs Bangor 7pm
This won’t be a #1 vs #2 matchup like last year in the state and it won’t be a post season game like the 2nd game of the season between these two rivals last season but it’s still going to be a big time game between the two teams who have dominated the conference over the last 10 plus seasons.
Cashton Games on WRJC Radio: Friday September 13th Cashton at New Lisbon, Friday October 11th Cashton at Hillsboro, and Friday October 18th Royall at Cashton all on NOW92.1FM and WRJC.com
Next Preview: Brookwood
Cowan, Evelynn Pearl Age 86 of Mauston
9 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
Evelynn Pearl (Pfaff) Cowan, age 86 of Mauston passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home, on Friday, August 9, 2024. She was born third of four children, on March 20, 1938 in Mauston to Fredrick W. and Meda P. (St. Claire) Pfaff.
Evelynn was a graduate from Mauston High School. On September 15, 1956, she married John Paul (JP) Cowan. Evelynn and JP enjoyed their time together going fishing, dancing and spending time with their grandkids and family. They also couldn’t turn down a great time of getting together with their friends having a good night of playing cards.
Evelynn spent her early years working at the garment factory in Mauston, but the majority of her working career was spent at the Mile Bluff Nursing Home using her many talents like her gifts of gab, humor, craftiness and her ability to help residents until her retirement.
During her retirement she enjoyed volunteering at West Side Elementary in the cafeteria and for the Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Store. Her retirement also gave her the time to do more of the things she loved, like sewing, doing crafts with her grandkids, feeding and watching the birds and cooking/baking. She loved to collect cookbooks and share recipes with family and friends. She also had a green thumb which she put to good use growing her plants and flowers in her garden. Evelynn always had a love for animals, especially her pets Tippy, Blackie, Tosha, Princess, Dixie and her newest love, her cat, Fluffy.
Evelynn is survived by her daughter Pam (Randy) Hartje and grandchildren,Courtney Hartje, Brittney (Joe) Crowley and daughter-in-law Barb (Craine) Cowan and grandchildren, Jaime (Adam) Pouillie, Patrick (Megan) Cowan, Lisa (Brad) Vinopal and Shannon (Brandon) Feit. Great grandchildren, Makenna and Ellie Pouillie, Ryleigh,Toby and Maylee Vinopal. She is further survived by her many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Evelynn was preceded in death by her parents Fred and Meda Pfaff, sister Delores (Pfaff) Thompson, brothers Alfred and Arthur Pfaff, husband John Paul Cowan and her son Greg Cowan.
A memorial service will be held at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 517Grayside Ave. Mauston, 53948 at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 24, 2024 where friends may call from 9:00 a.m. until time of service.
Inurnment will be at the Evergreen Cemetery.
HS Football Preview –2024 Ithaca Bulldogs
9 months
Ithaca Bulldogs
2023 Record: 4-6 (4-2 Ridge & Valley 11-man Conference)
Head Coach: David Klang/Kyle Kelly (1st Year 0-0 Records)
Mike’s 2024 Projected Record 7-2 (5-2 Scenic Bluffs Conference)
Players to Watch: QB/RB/LB/DB Wesley Nelson QB/DB Keegan Jones WR/DB Channing Brown OL/DL Wyatt Hilby OL/DL Kayden Coleman
Team Preview: Ithaca is the newest team to the Scenic Bluffs Conference after departing from the now defunct Ridge & Valley 11-man football conference. Ithaca went through an identiy crisis last year and changed coach’s midway through the season. They went from a spread passing attack to its tradional wing-T offense. They were able to salvage their season and make the post season. Ithaca has some skill players and a lot of size to make a run this season. Wesley Nelson and Keegan Jones both saw time at quarterback last season whoever is not at quarterback should get a lot of carries out of the backfield. Channing Brown is a big time athlete who had 25 catches for 551yards and 8 touchdowns last season. Wyatt Hilby might be the conference’s top defensive player. Hilby had 17 Tackles for losses last season for the Bulldogs. Kayden Coleman is also back in the trenches for Ithaca, who brings back a lot of size and toughness. I see Ithaca having a lot of success this season in the conference and may contend for a title.
Key to Success: Finding an identity. Last season saw an offense switching styles halfway through the season. Despite have co-coaches in David Klang and Kyle Kelly I believe there will be a lot more consistency with this year’s team which might give the Scenic Bluffs Conference fits if that’s the case.
Game to watch: Week 5 Friday September 20th at Cashton 7pm
These two teams traditionally kicked off the season in a non-conference matchup now they square off as conference foes. Cashton has got the best of Ithaca lately Ithaca will try to swing the momentum to their side this year.
Ithaca Games on WRJC Radio: None Scheduled
Next Preview: Cashton & Brookwood
HS Football Preview –2024 Bangor Cardinals
9 months
Bangor Cardinals
2023 Record: 11-2 (5-1 Scenic Bluffs Conference)
Head Coach: Todd Grant (4th Year 30-7 Record)
Mike’s 2024 Projected Record 8-1 (7-0 Scenic Bluffs Conference)
Players to Watch: RB/LB Bryce Peterson RB/LB Gabriel Cropp QB/DB Hayden Massman TE/DB Landon Phillips RB/LB Eli Tucker
Team Preview: Every year on paper Bangor seems to take a step down but on the field they continue to play at a high level. Bangor loses a ton from last year including a pair of 1,000 yard running backs in Chase Horstman and Samuel Cropp. They also must replace QB Nolan Michek and a host of linemen. Bangor will try to reload and not rebuild once again. Hayden Massman is expected to take over at quarterback and is an athletic kid. Likely we will see a lot of Gabriel Cropp (21-90 2tds) Bryce Peterson (29-209 2tds) and Eli Tucker running the football. They are all 3 athletic kids with lots of potential who just not have got a chance yet in the program. TE Landon Phillips is back he led the team in receiving last year (12-234 4tds) Tucker and Gabriel Cropp will help lead the defense. Tucker had 97 tackles last year while Cropp had 76. They also lose the big leg of Sam Crenshaw do to graduation. Despite the losses I still see Bangor having a good season and winning the Scenic Bluffs Conference but the conference is much more wide open this year than in years past.
Key to Success: Winning the trenches. Sure Bangor has to replace a lot of skill players but they also have to replace a lot of players that man the front line. Jacob Warsing and Willie Reed will have to step up their roles in the trenches to help Bangor succeed this season.
Game to watch: Week 4 Friday September 13th at Ithaca
I see Ithaca and Bangor possibly being the best two teams in the Scenic Bluffs Conference this year so although an earlier season game this one might be for the conference. Bangor blew out Ithaca in a crossover game last season.
Bangor Cardinal Games on WRJC Radio: Week 6 Friday September 27th Bangor at Royall 92.1FM
Next Preview: Ithaca Bulldogs
Thanks to Wissports.net for statistics and player information.
HS Football Preview –2024 Wisconsin Dells Chiefs
10 months
Wisconsin Dells Chiefs
2023 Record: 7-4 (5-2 South Central Conference)
Head Coach: Michael Janke (5th Season 31-10 Record)
Mike’s 2024 Projected Record 7-2 (6-1 South Central Conference)
Players to Watch: QB/LB Lex Rettinger RB/LB Sam Ersland OL/LB Logan Goodrich WR/S Raphael Berje
Team Preview: The Wisconsin Dells Chiefs were extremely young last year and still managed to finish 7-4 on their season, creating big expectations for this year. Lex Rettinger had a tremendous sophomore campaign at quarterback throwing for nearly 1400 yards and 17 touchdown passes. He loses favorite target Deagen Jensen but brings back Raphael Berje (18-522 5tds). Once again taking a lot of pressure of Rettinger will be running back Sam Ersland who scampered for 1540 yards and 16 touchdowns last year. The defense should be solid as well as they welcome back Logan Goodrich who led the team in sacks and tackles last year. Payne Carroll is also back who led the Dells in tackles for losses last year. The Chiefs have a good combination of speed and size on this years team and should be able to compete for a conference championship.
Key to Success: Complimentary players! The Dells has a very good big 3 in Rettinger, Ersland and Berje on offense but can they get the role players to step up around them. If there is an injury to that core group who will step up for the Dells? If they can develop the role players it will take the Dells up another notch and maybe even to a conference championship.
Game to watch: Week 7 Friday Friday October 4th home vs Berlin 7pm
This game might decide the conference championship. The two teams met in the playoffs in 2021 with the Dells routing Berlin in a level 2 matchup. It should be a good battle on the gridiron in early October!
Wisconsin Dells games on WRJC Radio: Week 8 Friday October 11th at Mauston 7pm 92.9FM
Next Preview: Bangor/Ithaca
Thanks to Wissports.net for statistics and player information.
Webber, Patricia “Pat” J. Age 74 of Reedsburg
10 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
Patricia J. “Pat” Webber, age 74, of Reedsburg, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison. She was born on December 1, 1949, in Mauston, WI, the daughter of Arnold and Miriam (O’Day) Babcock. Pat was a graduate of Mauston High School and attended Juneau County Teacher’s College.
On May 26, 1973, Pat was united in marriage to Roger W. Webber. He preceded her in death on July 23, 2005.
Pat was employed as a Teacher’s Aid for several years. She was also employed at Dumore Corporation and worked in retail sales in Wisconsin Dells for a time. She was a former member of the Mauston Moose Lodge. In her free time, Pat enjoyed crocheting, playing cards, pool and bowling. She cherished the time she spent with her grandchildren, especially family camping trips and exploring while on vacation.
She was also preceded in death by her parents, and brother, Michael Babcock.
Pat is survived by her children, Samantha Webber, Bryan (Darcy) Johnson, Steven (Dawn) Webber; grandchildren, Kyla, Cody, Jordan, Ryan and Eric; great grandson, Aaden; siblings, Rosemary (Ron) Bobeck, Jeanette (Dan) Boehm, Rod (Patti) Babcock, Tony (Colette) Babcock, Harold (Amy) Babcock, Gladys (John) Golden; sister-in-law, Shirley Babcock; several nieces, nephews along with other relatives and friends.
A Celebration of Life for Pat will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Sunday, August 18, 2024 at Brewster’s Lanes.
The Farber Funeral Home, Reedsburg, is assisting the family.
Volden, Bruce E. Age 73 of Westby
10 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
Bruce E. Volden, age 73, passed away June 28, 2024.
Memorial services for Bruce will be held Saturday, August 17, 2024, 11:00 a.m. at Vang Lutheran Church in Westby. Pastor Alyssa Weaver will officiate. Burial with full military honors will follow in the church cemetery. Family and friends are invited for visitation Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. The Torkelson Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are available at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
