Mauston, WI
WRJC WebMaster
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Posts by WRJC WebMaster
Village of Lake Delton Retailers Pass Compliance Checks
3 weeks
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
An underage customer walks into a local bar or store and tries to buy alcohol with their identification or no identification (ID) at all. Do local retailers sell to youth? This test is called an alcohol age compliance check, and these checks are a proven way to prevent alcohol sales to minors and keep our communities safe.
In coordination with the Lake Delton Police Department, the Sauk County Partnership for Prevention coalition conducted compliance checks at local businesses in August 2025. Before the checks, establishments were reminded that checks were coming and received information on how to properly check IDs.
During the checks, trained buyers under 21 years old attempted to purchase alcohol with their own ID. Out of 28 checks, seven establishments sold alcohol to youth. This means 75% of Lake Delton retailers refused the sale and followed the law.
“Unfortunately, we fell short of 100% compliance and those employees who sold to youth received additional training and education to help them be successful,” said Eric Thunberg, Chief of Police for Lake Delton. “Our goal is to have 100% compliance, and we’ll continue to partner with Sauk County Partnership for Prevention coalition to provide guidance and educational resources to alcohol retailers in Lake Delton. Compliance checks are about enhancing safety through awareness and education. Thank you to all Lake Delton alcohol retailers for your commitment to public safety.”
Public Health Sauk County Health Educator Kate Hansen, who facilitates the coalition, expressed thanks. “On behalf of the Sauk County Partnership for Prevention coalition, we thank alcohol retailers for their commitment to the safe sale of alcohol in Lake Delton. The compliance rate shows that most retailers are taking steps to protect youth and strengthen our community.”
Hansen explained that strong complianceenefits both businesses and the community. When businesses check IDs and refuse underage sales, they reduce their own risk of fines or lawsuits. Importantly, they help prevent both the short-term harms linked to underage drinking– such as car crashes, vandalism, and violence— and long-term harms like addiction and problems with memory and learning. “Retailers and their employees have the power to protect young people from the impact alcohol has on their brains, which are still developing,” Hansen said.
Alcohol compliance checks are just one tool used to reduce youth access to alcohol. The Sauk County Partnership for Prevention coalition also focuses on youth vaping/youth nicotine use prevention and other strategies to keep families healthy. The coalition meets every other month, and all community members are welcome to attend. For more information about the Sauk County Partnership for Prevention coalition, please visit www.P4PSauk.org.
Emplify Health by Gundersen encourages women to get their annual mammograms
3 weeks
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
Emplify Health by Gundersen is expanding access to mammography screenings during the month of October with extended hours, including early evening appointments, at their Hillsboro Hospital on October 13 & 27 from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and Emplify Health by Gundersen is encouraging women to schedule their mammograms. “Mammograms are recommended for women ages 40 and over on a yearly basis,” says Dee Olson, Manager of Medical Imaging at Hillsboro Hospital.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women and early detection is the best protection.
Patients should call the imaging department at (608) 489-8232 to schedule their mammogram or if they have questions.
Strand, Jerry Allen Age 81 of East Troy
3 weeks
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
Jerry Allen Strand, 81, (April 11, 1944 – September 29, 2025) of East Troy, passed away peacefully on September 29th, 2025.
Jerry was a devoted dad to David (Andrea) Strand, Kurt (Cindy) Strand, and Sheri (Mathew) Polczynski. He was a proud grandpa to Ryan, Troy, Catelynn, Amanda, Josh, Ava, Chloe, Peyton, and Julia.
He was preceded in death by his siblings Wayne, Gordon, and Janet. He’s survived by his sisters Dianne (Tom) Marini and Carol (Mike) Ianneli, along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss him dearly.
Jerry made his home in East Troy, where he worked at Trent Tube Manufacturing and built a long, steady career, retiring after 32 years. In 1971, he and his family put down roots in the community he loved. Jerry was a lifelong Green Bay Packers fan and an avid dart ball player. During his years playing dart ball, his buddies nicknamed him “Boss Hog”, a title he wore with pride.
A celebration of life will be held on Friday, October 3rd at The Venue in East Troy. Visitation is from 3–5 PM, service from 5:00-5:30PM with dinner to follow.
The family would like to thank St. Croix Hospice for their kind and compassionate care during Jerry’s final days.
Roseberry’s Funeral Home is assisting the family. Visit www.roseberrys.com for online codolences.
Bellows, James “Jim” Age 80 of Lyndon Station
3 weeks
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
James “Jim” Bellows, age 80, of Lyndon Station, Wisconsin passed away on Saturday, September 27, 2025.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Lyndon Station with Rev. Steve Thomas officiating. Visitation will be held at the Church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at Lyndon Station Cemetery.
Jim was born April 16, 1945 in Rice Lake, Wisconsin, the son of Lester and Marie (Thome) Bellows. He graduated from Mauston Highschool Class of 1963; married Carlyn Roegner on July 12, 1965 in Winona, MN; had a used car business for 24 years, Bellows Auto Sales on Highway HH, North of Lyndon Station (’73-’97) and drove Semi for 45 years (1975-2020). Some of Jim‘s favorite past times were taking almost daily drives to check in with family or friends for conversation or news. Friday night fish fry’s with his bride of 60 years, with almost a regular stop to his son Joe‘s garage, but most of all swinging on his front patio to wave at “passer byers”. Jim would have random refurbished small engine items for sale in his driveway, which we all knew wasn’t about the sale he could make but more about a conversation he could have. Jim had a heart of gold and the willingness to help in any way he could. He will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his wife (60 years) Carlyn; sons, Joe (Becky Berkley) Bellows of Mauston, Ron (Sally McDowell) Bellows of Wisc. Dells; sister Margaret Twitchell of Reedsburg; brother John Bellows of California; grandchildren, Amber (Zach) Soltvedt of GreenBay, Tayler (Ben Nachtigal) Bellows of Reedsburg and her son Emmett Pesik, Silas James Bellows of Mauston; step grandchild, Harley McDowell (Matt Rusch); along with nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents, son Nicholas, brother Dave and brother-in-law Larry.
To send a flower arrangement in memory of James “Jim” Bellows, please click here to visit our sympathy store.
Mauston Wins Both Matchup in Home Triangular
3 weeks
The Mauston Golden Eagles Volleyball Team picked up two non-conference wins Monday night before their big conference matchup in the Dells on Thursday. Mauston was able to get by Tri-County 2-0 (25-22 & 25-17). Lilly Wilke and Bre Heller each had 6kills in the victory while Ellie Poullie added 7digs, 4aces and 11 assists. Ella Franek also had a big game blocking at the net. Mauston got a stiffer test in their 2nd game against Portage. Mauston defeated the Warriors 2-1 (25-22, 23-25, and 25-22). Catie Lavold had 6big blocks in the victory. Yvonne Rotzall and Bre Heller each had 5kills. Dylan Walsh added 3 aces for Mauston who improves to 13-6 on their season. Mauston will travel to the Wisconsin Dells on Thursday in a South Central Conference 1st place matchup. A game you can hear live on SmashCountry92.9FM and WRJC.com.
Faith Christian Church Celebrates Pastor Shirek Retirement & 40 Years
3 weeks
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
This past Sunday marked a joyful milestone in the heart of the community, as Faith Christian Church celebrated its 40th anniversary and honored the retirement of their founding pastor, Paul Shirek, who has faithfully served God and the people of Mauston over the last four decades.
The church, which began as a small group of believers meeting in rented spaces, has grown into a thriving community of faith under Pastor Paul’s leadership. Sunday’s special service drew current members, past congregants, community leaders, and family from across the region to reflect on the church’s history and the impact of Pastor Paul’s decades-long ministry.
Pastor Paul has been more than a preacher—he’s been a shepherd, counselor, and friend to generations of families. From baptisms and weddings to hospital visits and Sunday sermons, his unwavering faith and quiet strength have touched countless lives.
This weekend, Faith Christian Church gathered not just to mark 40 years of ministry, but to say a heartfelt thank you to the man who helped build it.
Pastor Paul Shirek retires and leaves behind a legacy that will echo for generations.
From all of us—thank you, Pastor Paul.
Deadly Accident in Town of Dellona
3 weeks
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
Three people died during a crash in the Town of Dellona Sunday morning, the Sauk County Sheriff’s Office reported.
The county’s communication center received a call for a single-vehicle accident on Coon Bluff Road just north of CTH P before 10:35 a.m.
Preliminary investigations indicated that a northbound vehicle caught fire after traveling at high speeds, losing control and entering a wooded area. The vehicle’s three occupants sustained fatal injuries, and their names were withheld as of Monday morning.
The Delton Fire Department, Delton EMS, and the Sauk County Coroner’s Office also assisted at the scene.
