Mauston, WI
Local News
2 Years Later Leya Stewart Still Missing
1 month
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
The Juneau County Sheriff’s Office and the Wisconsin Department of Criminal Investigations continue to locate Leya Stewart, who went missing on July 5th of 2023, in Germantown Township, Juneau County, WI. As we mark the two years since her disappearance, Leya’s whereabouts tragically remain unkown.
Leya Stewart vanished under mysterious circumstances, prompting an extensive and ongoing investigation. Over the past two years, the Juneau County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Criminal Investigations, has conducted multiple search operations and followed numerous leads, but despite these efforts, Leya has not been found.
The Sheriff’s Department continues to appeal to the public for any information that could assist in locating Leya. Even the smallest detail may prove vital in helping us bring her home. They urge anyone with any information, now matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward. Leya’s family and friends continue to wait for answers, and your help could make all the difference in this ongoing investigation.
Contact information
Juneau County Sheriff’s Office: 608-847-5649
CITY OF TOMAH’S NEW INTERIM DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS AND UTILITIES MAKES IMMEDIATE IMPACT
1 month
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
The City of Tomah’s new Interim Director of Public Works and Utilities, Brandy Leis, has hit the ground running. Since being appointed to the position he has helped the City navigate the development of a corrective action plan for Well 14 in coordination with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and supervised the City’s support of Downtown Thursday Nights’ Military Appreciation Night on 3 July 2025. Interim Director Leis was appointed to the position after a unanimous vote of the City Council on 16 June 2025. He has been a City employee since 1995 and will celebrate his 30th anniversary with the City in November. Brandy started his career with the City of Tomah at City Hall with facilities maintenance, and then transferred to the Wastewater Treatment Facility a year and a half later. He was promoted to be the Supervisor of the WWTF in 2016. He has received all 10 certifications required to be fully licensed to run the treatment facility, additional electrical certifications, and is a member of the Wisconsin Rural Water Association, and the Wisconsin Wastewater Association. Brandy is also a 40-year resident of Tomah and is an active member of the North American Squirrel Association. Their mission is to help the physically and cognitively challenged enjoy outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing, and to educate young people interested in outdoor recreation. Interim Director Leis will remain in this role until the City Council exercises their legislative authority to select a permanent replacement. The first of three rounds of interviews has been completed, with the final round scheduled for August.
Citizen in Adams County Helps Save Life
1 month
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
On July 5, 2025, the Adams County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a concerned citizen reporting a paddle boarder in distress on Castle Rock Lake. Upon arrival, Deputies observed the paddle boarder approximately 300 yards from shore, struggling against strong 1–3 foot waves.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Deputies sought the assistance of a nearby citizen who indicated they had access to a boat and were willing to help. Without hesitation, the citizen volunteered his vessel and skill to aid in the response.
Braving the challenging water conditions, the Deputies and citizen skillfully navigated through the rough waves to the get close to the paddle boarder. The paddle boarder was provided a personal flotation device, and assisted back to shore safely.
The citizens quick thinking, seamanship, and courage directly contributed to a successful and safe resolution. The citizens actions exemplify the spirit of community partnership, dedication to public safety and stand as a shining example of citizen support for law enforcement.
As a reminder a personal flotation device is required on paddle boards, kayaks, and canoes.
Tomah Man Arrested for 5th Offense OWI
1 month
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
Location: I-90 WB AT MILEPOST 24
County: MONROE
Date and Time: July 05, 2025 at 12:48 AM
Michael Mclamb, 33 years of age, from Tomah, Wisconsin has been arrested by the Wisconsin
State Patrol Tomah Post for operating a motor vehicle under the influence, 5th offense.
Troopers with the Wisconsin State Patrol responded to a single vehicle crash. During the
investigation signs of impairment were observed. Standardized field sobriety tests were conducted,
and the driver was subsequently arrested for Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) 5th offense.
“Pursuant to the direction of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, as found in Supreme Court Rule 20:3.6,
Trial Publicly, you are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is
presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.”
Fatal UTV Crash in Rural Hillsboro
1 month
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
Vernon County Sheriff Roy Torgerson and Coroner Betty Nigh report on Wednesday, July 2nd, 2025, at approximately 2:30 PM, the Sheriff’s Office 911 Communications Center received a report of a farm utility terrain vehicle crash. The incident occurred on private property near Kouba Valley Road, rural Hillsboro, WI, in the Town of Greenwood.
A 2014 Kubota RTV500 was being operated on a gravel surface, traveling down a slight incline when the operator lost control in a curve to the right. The UTV overturned.
There were two occupants including the operator, ages 12 and 11, that were both transported to Emplify Health by Gundersen (St. Joseph’s) in Hillsboro, one by private vehicle and one by Hillsboro Area Ambulance. The twelve-year-old sustained critical injuries and died at the hospital. The eleven-year-old was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
Our hearts go out to the family and friends aching and grieving such a tremendous loss in our community. I appreciate everyone who answered the call and put forth extensive life-saving efforts with the highest level of compassion.
Responding the scene were the Hillsboro Area Ambulance, Hillsboro Fire Department, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and later the Coroner’s Office.
The incident remains under investigation by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Vernon County Sheriff’s Office, and Vernon County Coroner’s Office.
Notice of Public Hearing for ADRC Transportation Grant
2 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
There will be a public hearing on Monday July 21st at 9:15am in the community services room 207 of the Juneau County Health & Human Services building located at 200 Hickory Street in Mauston. The hearing will receive comment on the 2026 section 5310 Grant Application.
The federal funding is authorized under Section 5310 and supports the Juneau County Aging Transportation Program. The 5310 application is available for public review prior to the hearing at the Aging and Disabilities Resource Center Office at 200 Hickory Street in Mauston. Persons unable to attend the hearing and wishing to submit comments may do so by mail. Mail comments prior to the hearing to the attention of Gina Laak, ADRC of Eagle Country Juneau County Office, 200 Hickory Street Mauston, WI 53948.
Persons needing transportation or persons with disabilities requiring special accommodations wishing to attend the hearing should contact the ADRC office at 608-847-9371. All requests are kept confidential.
Tomah Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Thanksgiving Day Stabbing
2 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
A man accused of a Tomah Thanksgiving Day stabbing incident last year has been sentenced to 15 years in prison.
Justin Novak age 33 pleaded no contest Tuesday in Monroe County Court to four felony counts, including attempted first degree attempted homicide. One felony count of bail jumping was dismissed but read in.
Judge Richard Radcliffe sentenced Novak to 15 years in prison plus 30 years of extended supervision.
Another man allegedly involved in the incident, 31-year-old David Hintz Jr., is also facing multiple felony counts including attempted first degree attempted intentional homicide. He is currently serving a prison sentence at Dodge Correctional on separate charges.
