Mauston, WI
Local News
Vehicle vs Bear Accident in Rural Hillsboro
12 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
Vernon County Sheriff Roy Torgerson reports a vehicle versus black bear collision occurred Thursday night, May 23, 2024, at approximately 10:00 PM, near Pine Avenue, in the town of Union, rural Hillsboro, WI. Dominic Lee Vesbach, age 27, of rural La Farge, WI was operating a heavy-duty pickup truck, traveling east on State Highway 82, east of Pine Avenue, when the collision occurred. The left side of a loaded trailer attached to the Vesbach vehicle struck the bear.
The approximate 145-pound, male black bear was severely injured and had to be put down. The trailer sustained minor damage.
Assisting the Sheriff’s Office was the La Farge Police Department.
Tomah Health Hospice Touch Named 2024 ‘Hospice Honors’ Recipient
12 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
Tomah Health Hospice Touch has been named to a prestigious national list that recognizes organizations providing quality care.
Hospice Touch is listed as a 2024 ‘Hospice Honors’ recipient by Health Care First… a leading provider of survey programs for home health and hospice agencies.
Tomah Hospice Touch Director Siera (SEE-air-AH) Williams said the recognition is highly valued since it relies on feedback from patients and their caregivers.
Health Care First officials said the award acknowledges the highest performing agencies by analyzing survey satisfaction and quality measures.
Hospice Touch has now received the recognition every year since 2017.
Rudig Jensen Announces Ownership Change
12 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
Rudig Jensen Ford Chrysler Dodge JeepRam and Abra Auto Body of New Lisbon are pleased to announce a slight transition in Ownership within the organization. Derek Nelson and Jordan Schmidt will be the sole partnersas of Today. This strategic move has been a part of the plan from the beginning. We want to thank Bobbi Southworth for her almost 2 decades here and all that she has contributed to helping to build the dealership as we know it today. We are committed to ensuring Rudig Jensen remains the complete automotive campus that we have been dedicated to providing to our Community.
“It has been a privilege to be part of this amazing organization and Community. I will leave here today with a heart full of gratitude, cherished relationships, and great memories. While my role may be changing my support for these businesses remains the same.” Southworth said.
“This decision marks a step forward for our dealership and auto body shop,” said Jordan Schmidt, Owner. “Derek and I are committed to continuous improvement and dedication to our
Customers and the Communities we serve. We are excited about the future and are looking forward to implementing new strategies that align with our core values and Customer
expectations.”
Rudig Jensen Ford Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and Abra Auto Body of New Lisbon have long been integral parts of the New Lisbon and surrounding communities, providing top-tier
automotive services and actively participating in local initiatives. Our commitment will remain a pivotal focus of our dealership.
“We are immensely proud of our roots in Juneau County and aim to continue the same Customer service and Community involvement these companies have always provided” Nelson
added. “Our dedication to the community goes beyond business. We are committed to contributing positively and building lasting relationships with our Customers and their families.”
As we move forward, Rudig Jensen Ford Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and Abra Auto Body of New Lisbon will continue to offer the same high-quality service our customers have come to expect.
For more information, please contact: Jordan Schmidt or Derek Nelson (608) 562-3100 or visit www.rudigjensen.com.
jordan@rudigjensen.com
dnelson@rudigjensen.com
Fatal Vehicular Accident in Monroe County
12 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
One man is dead and one man injured after a vehicle struck a tree early Thursday morning.
On 5/16/2024 at approximately 4:32 AM, Monroe County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a crash involving a vehicle that struck a tree. The vehicle was traveling north on State Highway 71, approaching the roundabout at State Highway 16. The vehicle continued northbound through the roundabout, left the roadway on the west side of the road, and traveled northbound in the ditch. The vehicle re-entered the roadway on Hardwood Road, just north of the State Highway 16/71 round- about. The vehicle then again left the roadway onto the right shoulder and struck a tree head on.
The passenger in the vehicle, 56- year-old Greg Weibel of Norwalk, was injured in the crash. Weibel was transported by ambulance to the hospital where he later died. The driver of the vehicle, whose name is not being released at this time, sustained injuries from the crash but declined medical attention on scene.
The crash remains under investigation by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. No further information will be released at this time.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Sparta Fire Department, Sparta Ambulance, and the Monroe County 911 Communications Center.
Local Grads Awarded St. Joseph’s Memorial Scholarships
12 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
St. Joseph’s Memorial Foundation awards $10,500 in scholarships to local students.
“In rural Wisconsin, we don’t just grow corn and soybeans, we also have to grow our own workforce,” says Dan Howard, foundation director at Gundersen St. Joseph’s Hospital and Clinics. “This has been the philosophy of Gundersen St. Joe’s for many years. We have a variety of programs and initiatives to grow our healthcare workforce, and the foundation is pleased to be able to support this important work.”
St. Joseph’s Memorial Foundation recently awarded $10,500 in scholarships to seven local students pursuing further education in a healthcare-related field. The winners, who were awarded at graduation ceremonies across the region were; Peyton Sullivan (Hillsboro School District), Kaitlyn Gorn (Hillsboro School District), Vanessa Anderson (Brookwood School District), Kyle Degner (La Farge School District), Marah Gruen (Royall School District), Kasey Jones (Royall School District), and Chloe Schroeder (Royall School District). Each scholarship is worth $1,500.
For more information on supporting healthcare scholarships through the St. Joseph’s Memorial Foundation, visit: gundersenhealth.org/locations/st-josephs/foundation
Rollover Crash Leads to K9 Chase OWI Arrest Near Warrens
12 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
On 05/15/2024 at approximately 8:36 PM, Monroe County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a reported rollover traffic crash on State Highway 173 near Coyote Ave, Warrens, WI. A passenger car was headed north on State Highway 173 when it left the roadway. The vehicle entered the ditch where it overturned and landed on all four wheels. The driver and passenger fled from the vehicle when a citizen stopped to help. Monroe County Sheriff’s Office K9 Rebel and his handler responded to the scene and started a track of the suspects.
K9 Rebel tracked the suspects for approximately 500 yards through thick brush, heavy timber, and a swamp. K9 Rebel located both suspects hiding under a tree. Both men were taken into custody without further incident. The driver of the vehicle was identified as Todd M. Schaffer (age 55) of Oshkosh WI. Todd was charged with the following:
346.63(1)(a) Operating While under Influence (3rd)
946.41(1) Obstructing an Officer
346.70(1)( Fail to Notify Police of Accident
The crash is still under investigation and no other information will be released at this time. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Wisconsin State Patrol, Warrens First Responders, Tomah Ambulance, and Monroe County 911 Communications Center.
Wa Du Shuda Days Auction looking for donations
12 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
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Deceased Male Discovered in Necedah Township
1 year
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
On 05/10/2024, at about 10:59am, the Juneau County Sheriff’s Office Communication Center received a call at N9553 11th Ave South, Necedah Township, in regards to a male subject not breathing. Upon arrival, responding deputies and Mauston Area Ambulance discovered a deceased adult male. As a result of the discovery, the death is being investigated by the Juneau County Sheriff’s Office.
At this time, no further information will be released as the investigation is ongoing. We will provide updates as more information becomes available.
We ask that the public respect the privacy of those involved and allow the investigation to proceed without interference.
Thank you for your understanding.
Blood Center of Wisconsin and Mile Bluff Medical Center collaborate Blood Drive
1 year
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
Mile Bluff Medical Center partners with Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin to host multiple blood drives throughout the year. In April, the two-day drive was a great success, exceeding Versiti’s goal of collecting 56 blood products. Mile Bluff employees and community members came together to donate over 148 life-saving gifts.
These events are not only about collecting blood, but also about taking responsibility to ensure adequate resources are available to the community. This vital supply helps to support and save many lives, including those of patients with blood disorders who rely on frequent transfusions as part of their treatment.
Please consider giving blood for the well-being of your neighbors and loved ones.
The next opportunity to donate at Mile Bluff will be June 26 and 27. To reserve your spot, call the Blood Center of Wisconsin at 1-877-232-4376 or visit donate.wisconsin.versiti.org and search for Mile Bluff in the mobile drives.
For more events happening at Mile Bluff, check out the upcoming events page at milebluff.com.
38 Year Old Necedah Man Caught Setting Fires
1 year
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
On Sunday, May 5, 2024, at 5:35 pm, the Juneau County Communications Center received a report of a camper on fire, and a possible explosion, at N10311 16th Avenue, Necedah Township. Responding deputies discovered two campers were completely engulfed. The Necedah Fire Department and WI DNR were paged to respond to the fire. The Adams Fire Department was mutual aided to assist. While investigating the cause of the fire, Chad Norton , 38, a resident of the address, was suspected of intentionally setting the fire. At 9:39 pm, the Juneau County Sheriff’s
Office Drone Team located Norton at a property south of where the fire was located. Deputies and officers responded to the location and took Norton into custody. Norton was medically cleared and transported to the Juneau County Jail. As a result of the subsequent investigation, Norton was charged with Felony Arson of Property Other Than Building, Repeater, and Misdemeanor Resisting/Obstructing an Officer, Repeater.
On Tuesday, May 7th, Norton was given a $5,000 cash bond. He has an initial appearance scheduled for Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at 9:00 am.
The Juneau County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the New Lisbon Police Department, Wisconsin State Patrol, Necedah Fire Department, Wisconsin DNR, Adams Fire Department and Mauston Area Ambulance.
