Local News

Rep. Tony Kurtz (R-Wonewoc) and Sen. Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green)
celebrated the bipartisan passage of Senate Bill 181 and Assembly Bill 905 in the State
Assembly.
Assembly Bill 905 (AB-905) is a technical fix to define “health care facility” and “health care
provider” to guarantee that all individuals providing critical health care are properly protected
and able to do their jobs safely, no matter where they are providing care.
“This issue was brought to our attention by Sauk County District Attorney Michael Albrecht,”
said Rep. Kurtz. “During a recent case, he realized that he could no longer charge someone for
threatening to cause bodily harm to EMS providers, while he could still charge someone with
making the same threats to a nurse in a hospital. Thanks to his diligent work, we’re able to get
this corrected.”
As front-line first responders, EMS providers often deal with combative, disoriented, and upset
patients which can result in threats or battery. Threats and violence against EMS providers are a
growing issue, and giving district attorneys the proper tools and clear laws to ensure all first
responders and health care providers are safe, is in our best interest.
AB-905 will now await final action in the Senate in March.
“At a time when many EMS departments are struggling with limited resources, we must provide
them with the tools and flexibility they need to serve their communities,” said Sen. Marklein.
“Allowing municipalities to collaborate regionally will help reduce duplication, control costs,
and ensure residents across the state continue to receive critical care.

Marshall Reiman of Orange Mill 4-H Club and Eli Schanke of Blackhawk 4-H Club have been selected as the Juneau County, Wisconsin 4-H Key Award winners for this past year. The Key Award was presented by Kip Weber, Juneau County Farm Bureau, at the Juneau County 4-H Recognition Program held on January 31, 2026 at the Elroy Theater.

The prestigious State 4-H awarded Key Award, one of the highest recognition a 4-H member can receive, honors a select group of 4-H participants annually. The youth receiving this award are ones who have demonstrated consistent growth in their 4-H involvement, developed and applied their leadership skills, and actively participated in their club and community.

According to April Martell, Juneau County Positive Youth Development Educator with UW-Madison Division of Extension, this year’s winners exemplify the goals and values of the Wisconsin 4-H Program. 

“Eli Schanke and Marshall Reiman have been life members in Juneau County 4-H. They have participated at every level possible including leadership positions and camp counselors, all while serving as mentors and role models for our younger 4-H members. Their commitment to living out the 4-H motto (To Make the Best Better) is seen in everything they do. The life skills they take with them from their time in 4-H will no doubt shape their future.”

Key Award recipients are high school students with at least three years of experience in 4-H and one year as a youth leader. The Wisconsin Farm Bureau and Rural Mutual Insurance Company sponsor the Wisconsin 4-H Key Award program. They have sponsored these awards for over 30 years, helping 4-H to honor some of Wisconsin’s finest youth.

Boys Basketball

Fort Atkinson 60 Reedsburg 39

Berlin 60 Adams-Friendship 50

Bangor 99 Black River Falls 70

Sheboygan South 83 Ripon 51

Tomah 80 Viroqua 55

Wonewoc-Center 79 Pittsville 35

De Soto 67 Brookwood 47

Kickapoo 85 Weston 55

Girls

Berlin 49 Marion/Tigerton 42

River Valley 81 New Lisbon 49

Westfield 65 Tomah 54