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A Heart of Caring for Others. Deena Hatch Foundation donates $500,000 to Mile Bluff’s Capital Campaign
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
Barfknect’s Bat & Arm Lead Tomah/SBC to Regional Opening Victory
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
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
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.

