Mauston, WI
Local News
Illinois Man Leads Adams County Authorities on ATV Chase
5 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
On Friday July 4, 2025, at approximately 7:28 PM, a Deputy with the Adams County Sheriff’s Office observed an ATV with an un-helmeted female juvenile seated in front of the male operator, traveling on STH 82 near 13th Dr, in the Township of Springville, Adams County, WI. No registration plate was observed on the machine.
The Deputy initiated a traffic stop for the several violations observed. The operator of the ATV fled after observing the squad with its emergency lights and siren activated behind the ATV. The ATV fled for approximately 6.5 miles, at speeds ranging between 35-70 mph, operating on the wrong side of the roadway in an attempt to evade law enforcement. The ATV turned onto private property to further evade being stopped. On private property in the 2900 block of 9th Ct. Deputies located the unoccupied ATV, which had crashed into trees on the trails of the property. Multiple Adams County Law Enforcement units and a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Conservation Warden responded to the area.
Deputies learned of an address associated with the crashed ATV and attempted contact with the occupants of the residence and after some time, the operator of the ATV contacted the Sheriff’s Office. The operator was identified as 35-year-old David T. Gialds of Grayslake, Illinois. David stated he and the female juvenile passenger were uninjured and declined needing EMS. David was taken into custody and transported to the Adams County Jail on the charges of Felony Fleeing/Eluding and 2nd Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety, along with being issued multiple citations for both DNR and Wisconsin traffic violations. David had a bail hearing on July 7th in Adams County Circuit Court Branch 1, and was given a $500 cash bond. David has since been released from custody.
The Adams County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind all residents and visitors of Adams County that while most Township roads and all County roads are open to ATV/UTV traffic, the State Highways are mostly closed to ATV/UTV traffic. An approved helmet is required for those under the age of 18 on an ATV.
Juneau County Arrest Report 7-9-25
5 months
2 Years Later Leya Stewart Still Missing
5 months
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
5 months
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.
Mauston Common Council Meeting 7-8
5 months
Juneau County Arrest Report 7-8-25
5 months
Citizen in Adams County Helps Save Life
5 months
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
5 months
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
5 months
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.
Juneau County Arrest Report 7-7-25
5 months
