Mauston, WI
WRJC WebMaster
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Mauston To Host National Night Out at Fairgrounds
10 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
Join The Mauston Police Department Tuesday August 5th from 4pm-7pm at the Juneau County Fairgrounds for National Night Out! Come down, grab a bite to eat and a craft soda, check out first responder vehicles and gear, watch a fire department and k9 demo, and stay for ice cream! Meet local police and fire department personnel.
Stoughtenger Among Those Honored by Tomah Police Department
10 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
On November 28, 2024, Sergeant Brandon Kuhn, Officer John Reigel, Officer Jayden Olson, Officer Ethan Pedersen, Officer Brad Hoffman, Detective Lieutenant Paul Sloan, Detective Brittnay Westpfahl, and Detective Lindsey Stoughtenger demonstrated exceptional teamwork and investigative skill during an attempted homicide case in the City of Tomah. Their coordinated efforts led to the immediate arrest of a suspect, and through continued determination and persistence, a second suspect was apprehended on January 6, 2025.
In recognition of their professionalism, attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to public safety, these officers have been awarded the Tomah Police Department’s Unit Citation Award.
Please join us in congratulating this outstanding group of dedicated men and women for their exemplary service to our community!
Unit Citation – awarded to a department member who is a member of a unit, team, or shift that, either as an individual or as a unit, perform(s) a highly creditable police accomplishment.
Name Released in SUV vs Semi Crash in Mauston
10 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
Update: The Deceased of this crash has been identified as 90 year old Robert L. Franke of the Mauston area.
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. 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.
Ernsting, Gary George Age 79 of Mauston
10 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
Gary George Ernsting age 79 of Mauston, known to many as “Big Red”, “Russell” and “Turkey” passed away peacefully on July 27, 2025, at his home in Mauston, Wisconsin. Born on Independence Day in 1946, in Elgin, Illinois, Gary’s life was a testament to the enduring spirit of hard work, dedication, and love for his family and community.
Gary’s early years were spent in Elgin, where he attended Dundee Crown High School in Carpentersville, Illinois. After graduation, he would later meet and marry Janet Lortie on July 4,1970. To this union they had two daughters; Lisa and Amy. His strong work ethic took him to working as a department manager for Eagle Foods grocery store until 1994. His entrepreneurial spirit then led him to establish GE Landscaping, a venture that reflected his love for the outdoors and his green thumb.
The journey of his career later took him to the Forge Company in Spring Grove, Illinois, where he continued to apply his skills and industrious nature.
Eventually, Gary and Janet separated, leading Gary’s path back to Mauston, Wisconsin, where he purchased his parents’ house and transitioned into a role as a custodian for the Mauston School system. His dedication to his work was matched only by his devotion to the water.
Gary’s interests extended beyond his professional endeavors. He was an avid outdoorsman, with a passion for fishing and hunting that was only surpassed by his love for “more fishing.” Wherever his travels lead him, his rod and reel were at his side ready to hit the next waterway that came along his path. His enthusiasm for the sport was contagious, and he spent countless hours by the water, always eager to cast a line and enjoy nature’s tranquility. Gary was also a long time member of the winter wanderers snowmobile club.
Family was the cornerstone of Gary’s life. He is survived by his loving daughters, Lisa Redfern of Greenwood, Wisconsin, and Amy Larson Bianchi (Joseph Bianchi) of Wonderlake, Illinois. His former spouse, Janet Lortie of McHenry, Illinois, also remembers him fondly. Gary’s siblings, Kent (Janice) Ernsting of Gloucester, Virginia, Cynthia (Steve) Orsen of Mauston, Wisconsin, and Karen (Jeff) Reynolds of Foster City, Michigan, will miss his presence dearly.
Gary’s legacy continues through his cherished grandchildren: Brandon Redfern of Cadott, Wisconsin; Ashley (Alex) Linkert of Cottage Grove, Minnesota; Melissa Ernsting of Wonderlake, Illinois; Mitchel Redfern of Mauston, Wisconsin; Mason Gureczny, Taylor Gureczny, and Brooklyn Gureczny, all of Wonderlake, Illinois. He was also a proud great-grandfather to four great-grandchildren. His numerous nieces and nephews will carry with them the memories and lessons learned from their beloved uncle.
Gary’s life was a beautiful patchwork of fishing, gardening, and canning. He loved all the moments spent with those he cherished and his faithful companion until the end little Elmer his dog. We can’t forget all his many trips he would take to Canada with his cousin Ed Dollar and family and many friends.
His memory will be held in the hearts of all who knew him as a symbol of a true fisherman, perseverance, and the joy found in life’s simple pleasures.
Gary’s story is one of a life well-lived, and while he will be deeply missed by all who knew him, his spirit will continue to inspire and guide his family and friends.
He is proceeded in death by both his parents Elmer and Elaine (Fish) Ernsting and his little brother David Ernsting.
A Celebration of Life will take place on Tuesday, August 5th, 2025, from 10:00 A.M. until 12:00 P.M. at the Hare Funeral Home (217 W. Pearl St.) in New Lisbon, WI. The Hare Funeral Home in New Lisbon is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are available at www.harefuneralhome.com
Juneau County Arrest Report 8-1
10 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
2025 HS Football Team Preview: Berlin Indians
10 months
Berlin Indians
2024 Record: 9-2 (7-0 South Central Conference)
Head Coach: Joe Stellmacher
Mike’s 2025 Projected Record 9-0 (7-0 South Central Conference)
Players to Watch: RB/DE Jakob Martin RB/DB Carter Hess TE/DE Hayden Reddington TE/LB Ben Green OL/DL Trent Tetting
Team Preview: The Berlin Indians enjoyed their first year in the South Central Conference rolling to a Conference Championship in its first year. Expect much of the same this year from Berlin who brings back a backfield tandem then combined to run for over 2,000yards in Jakob Martin (147-1096 20tds) & Carter Hess (122-980 8tds). They will have to find a quarterback after the graduation of Aaron Bartol. Hess was the only other player to throw a pass last season. at 6’5 Hayden Reddington (26-478 9tds receiving) is a big pass caching and blocking tight end. Trent Tetting is back to lead the offensive line. They must replace bigtime linebacker Max Sonnentag on defense but Martin led the team in sacks with 5 last year and Hess had 5interception to lead the team last year. Ben Green is also back after notching 4sacks and 46tackles last year. Berlin should roll through the South Central again and if they can find a quarterback to manage the offense they could make a deep post season push as well.
Key to Success: Finding the next QB. Berlin returns a lot but needs to find a QB to lead the offense. Hess was 1/7 passing last year and is most likely to stay at the running back position. They will have to used their last years JV quarterback or find another player to fill that spot.
Game to watch: Week 2 Friday August 29th Kiel (Home)
It’s a non-conference game but Kiel handed Berlin their lone regular season loss a season ago. Berlin will look for redemption on its home field.
Berlin Indian games on WRJC Radio: Week 4 September 12th at Mauston (SmashCountry92.9FM WRJC.com)
Next Preview: Wonewoc-Center/Weston 8-man Football Team
Thanks to Wissports.net for statistics and player information.
Scam Alert: Man Pretending to Be Juneau County Sergeant Johnson
10 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
It has been brought to the Juneau County Sheriff’s Offices attention that residents are receiving scam phone calls from **608-975-8356**, with the caller falsely identifying themselves as **Sergeant Johnson from the Juneau County Sheriff’s Office**.
**THIS IS A SCAM. DO NOT ENGAGE.**
The Juneau County Sheriff’s Office will **never** call and demand payment.
If you receive a call like this:
* **Do not provide any personal information.**
* **Hang up immediately.**
* **Report the incident** to our non-emergency number at 608-847-5649.
Please share this information with friends, family, and neighbors—especially seniors who are often targeted in these types of scams.
Stay safe and alert.
Dells Man Wanted for Attempted Homicide Captured in Chicago
10 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
On July 24th, at approximately 10:00pm, Oscar Perez (34 years old, of the Wisconsin Dells area) was taken into custody by the Chicago Police Department on charges of First Degree Attempted Homicide, for the Dells Police Department. The investigation is still ongoing, but our suspect is in custody. Search warrants were executed, hours of surveillance video were reviewed, and many interviews were conducted to get us to this point.
The victim of this crime is in stable condition, and we wish them a speedy recovery.
They were assisted by the Sauk County Sheriff’s Office, Sauk County Emergency Response Team, Chicago Police Department, and the Lake Delton Police Department in this investigation. Chief Brinker extends his sincerest gratitude to those agencies for their assistance.
Chief Brinker would also like to recognize the staff of the Wisconsin Dells Police Department for their relentless pursuit of the suspect during this investigation. Their effort has been tremendous.
The charges are merely an accusation of criminal conduct where probable cause existed for an arrest. The individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Walston, Juan Mary Age 87 of Tomah
10 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
Juan Mary Walston, fondly known as Jill to her friends and family, passed away peacefully on July 29, 2025, at the age of 87 in Tomah, WI at Tomah Health. Born on September 4, 1937, in Carlton County, Minnesota to her late parents Frank and Anna (Kavitz) Tambornino.
Jill’s life was marked by her dedication to her country, as she proudly served in both the United States Air Force and Army for a combined 19 years. After her military service, Jill enjoyed living in Florida and working at Disney World, where her laughter and sense of humor was felt both by her colleagues and the visitors.
A devout Catholic, Jill lived her faith through enjoying mass with her family and especially looked forward to the family get together Sunday brunch. She found solace in prayer and was a source of spiritual support for many who knew her.
Jill’s passion for plants prompted her to obtain an associate’s degree in Horticulture. She found great pleasure in planting vegetables and tending to her garden (barefoot). Jill enjoyed making fresh baked bread and soups from scratch and sharing with others
Jill and her son, John and all those who knew them knew their bantering and how much they enjoyed convertible rides to their favorite restaurants, library, church and family gatherings. Jill wanted to go EVERYWHERE.
She leaves behind a loving family, including her devoted sons, Mark Wayne Walston (Darlene), John Carl Walston (Beth Holtz), and her beloved grandchildren, Mary, Brenda, and Jon. Jill was a cherished sister to her late brothers Frank (late Shirley) Tambornino and Donald (Rose) Tambornino, late sisters Martha (late Courtney) Lindau and Maryanne (late Glen) Neal and is survived by her siblings John “Jack” (Dorothy) Tambornino, Marcella “Sally” (late Michael) Milano, Cecelia “CeCe” (late Robert) Athearn and Father Jim, She is also survived by many nieces and nephews who will remember her fondly.
The family would like to express great gratitude to the wonderful staff of Greenfield House. To Missy (owner of Greenfield House) you now have a special angel who will continue to shower you with prayers. More gratitude to VA staff and their care esp. Amy Pollack NP who won over Jill’s heart and also the amazing staff at Tomah Health who cared and brought her comfort on her last days.
A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at 10:00 A.M. at St. Paul’s Catholic Church (408 W. River St.) in New Lisbon. Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation on Friday, August 1, 2025, from 5:00 P.M until 7:00 P.M at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, with a rosary at 7:00P.M, and on Saturday from 9:00 A.M. until the time of service. Fr. Peter Raj Mariasamy presiding Burial will be in St. Paul’s Catholic Cemetery. The Hare Funeral Home in New Lisbon is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are available at www.harefuneralhome.com
