Mauston, WI
WRJC WebMaster
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Van Natta, Gerald C. “Jerry” Age 84 of New Lisbon
10 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
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
10 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
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
10 months
Wetley, Tammala “Tammy” J. Age 60 of Rural Elroy
10 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
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
10 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in State News
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.
Wonewoc Putting Together “Kids Rock Back To School Event”
10 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
We are thrilled to invite you to participate in our inaugural “Kids Rock Back to School Event,” a community-focused initiative designed to support children and families as they prepare for the upcoming school year.
Put on by Wonewoc Lion’s Club, Wonewoc Economic Development, Wonewoc Community Art Center & Museum, Wonewoc Chamber of Commerce, Tutti Noi Farmers Market and Roadside Dogs along with community Sponsors, Supporters and Volunteers.
This exciting event will take place in Wonewoc on Saturday, August 16th, from 9am-9pm with information booths from 11 am-5pm with an 80’s theme!
Our goal is to create a vibrant and resourceful environment where children and their families can access valuable information, services, and fun activities. We believe your expertise and services would be an invaluable addition to our event, helping us to empower and uplift the children in our community.
We are specifically inviting professionals and organizations who work with children in the following areas:
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Anti-Bullying Information
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Mental Health Providers
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Health Care Providers
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Dietary- Healthy eating
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Fitness Instructors
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Childcare Providers
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Afterschool Program Providers
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Homeschool Organizations
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Forest Schools
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Foster Care Resources
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Literacy Information
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Private Schools
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Clubs & Organizations (for children)
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Internet Safety Resources
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Suicide Prevention Resources
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Special Education Resources
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Beauty Care Providers (offering free haircuts or manicures for children)
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Pediatric Practitioners
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Artists, Face Painters, and Rock Painters
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DJs/EMCEEs
Your participation could involve setting up an informational booth, offering a brief workshop or demonstration, providing free services (like haircuts), or engaging with attendees in a way that aligns with your mission. This is a fantastic opportunity to connect directly with families, raise awareness about your services, and contribute to the well-being of our community’s youth.
If you are interested in being a part of the “Kids Rock Back to School Event,” please reply to this email by [RSVP August 1st] to express your interest and let us know how you envision your participation. We will follow up with more detailed information regarding logistics, setup, and any specific requirements.
Thank you for considering this invitation. We look forward to the possibility of collaborating with you to make this event a resounding success for the children of Wonewoc.
Sincerely,
The Kids Rock Event Organizing Committee
Angie Cain
Tutti Noi Farmers Market Manager
(414) 216-1774
Summer Baseball Roundup from Monday 7-14
10 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Sports
The Tomah/SBC 19U baseball team fell to Stoddard/De Soto 11-3 Monday night. Stoddard used a big 8 run 2nd inning to ease by Tomah. Blake Haun had an RBI Double and Kole Trapp went 2×3 with and pitched a scoreless inning on the mound for Tomah. Tomah 19U will have a pair of games on Thursday in Westby before heading to the Eau Claire AAA regional tournament next week.
The Mauston Summer baseball team won a pair of games on Monday defeating Wautoma 11-5 and winning over DeForest via forfeit. Jacob Daniels pitched solid in the first game for Mauston.
Sunday Scores
Bangor 11 West Salem 7
Clark Powersport (Hillsboro) Sold to Vetesnik
10 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
From Clark Powersport: Clark Powersport Kawasaki has accepted an offer to sell our dealership entity, inventory, and rights to Vetesnik Power Sports, effective 7-18. This will mean the Hillsboro store will no longer be open for sales/service/parts. We sincerely appreciate all of the customers (and friends) throughout the years, thank you for your patronage and choosing Clark’s… As for existing Kawasaki customers, we encourage you to visit and establish a relationship with the Vetesnik crew in Richland Center, WI, or the V2 Boat Center (and soon to be Kawasaki) in New Lisbon, WI. It has been a pleasure…thank you again, on to the next rodeo.
Juneau County Arrest Report 7-15-25
10 months
Beeman, Ronald L. Age 83 of Adams
10 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
Ronald L. Beeman Sr., age 83, of Adams, Wisconsin, passed away on Friday, July 11, 2025.
A memorial service will be held at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Roseberry’s Funeral Home in Friendship, Wisconsin, with Gary Beeman officiating. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. until the time of service. Interment will follow at Mt. Repose Cemetery in Friendship.
Ronald was born on February 26, 1942, in Adams, Wisconsin, to Irwin and Ruth (Hyck) Beeman. He was united in marriage to Mary VanSchoyck on April 27, 1962, in Adams. Together they shared 63 years of love and devotion.
Ron led a full and active life. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, trapping, and playing softball with the Old Timers. He also had a passion for racing and was a proud member of the Central Wisconsin Racing Association during his younger years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Irwin and Ruth; his daughter, Janette; three great-grandchildren; and six siblings.
Ron is survived by his beloved wife, Mary; his children, Ronald (Deb) Beeman Jr., Doreen (Jason) Putzkie, Bruce Beeman, and Cindy Gast; grandchildren: Chace, Brett, Sierra, Reva, Kasey, Teara, Devin, Ridge, Keegan, Makinlea, Jacob, and Jenny; 25 great-grandchildren; and sister, Val Simpson. He was deeply loved and cherished by many nieces and nephews.
Roseberry’s Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences may be offered at www.roseberrys.com.
