Local News
Community Invited to Build Disaster Preparedness Kits at Free Event
Emplify by Gundersen Hillsboro Hospital, in collaboration with Vernon County Health Department, is excited to announce a Disaster Kit Build Event on May 14 from 4 PM to 7 PM at Hillsboro Firemen’s Memorial Park. Participants will be able to build their own disaster preparedness kit thanks to supplies donated by local business, non-profits and county departments. The event aims to provide kits to the first 100 households.
Kits will include a weather radio, first aid kit, flashlights and batteries, lockboxes and pill containers, and much more. Plus, people can sign up for a free smoke alarm with free installation!
Participants can arrive anytime between 4 PM and 7 PM to go through the line and build their kits. This initiative aims to equip families with the necessary tools to respond effectively in the event of an disaster. Jovita’s Kitchen will also be on site for people to purchase dinner.
Being prepared for a disaster is essential and recent studies of Vernon County found that around 52% of residents self-reported that they are not adequately prepared for such things as flood, power outage or natural disasters. Emergencies can happen at any time and having a well-stocked disaster kit can make a significant difference in ensuring the safety and well-being of families.
General Guidelines for Disaster Preparedness:
- Create a Family Emergency Plan: Discuss with your family how to respond to different types of emergencies.
- Stay Informed: Keep up to date with local news and weather alerts.
- Build a Kit: Ensure your kit includes food, water, medications, and other essential supplies.
- Practice Your Plan: Regularly review and practice your emergency plan with your family.
Message From Juneau County Sheriff’s Department on New Patrol Captain
It is with great pride that we welcome Matt Bourgeois into the new role as Patrol Captain of the Juneau County Sheriff’s Department. Your promotion is a testament to your dedication, leadership, and commitment to public service.
With 11 years of service to our department – and four years of honorable service in the United States Marine Corps – you bring a wealth of experience, discipline, and integrity that commands respect and sets a strong example for our Deputies. Your academic background with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from UW-Milwaukee further demonstrates your commitment to excellence and professional development.
We are confident that your leadership will strengthen our team, reinforce our values, and guide us through all the challenges and responsibilities we face each day. Your insight and experience will be invaluable to our community.
City of Mauston Looking for Individuals to Serve on Planning Commission Tourism Board


Tomah Hires Interim Public Works & Utilities Director
Planned Power Outage in New Lisbon for Thursday
The New Lisbon Public Works Department would like to inform our citizens of a planned electric outage that will occur tomorrow, Thursday, April 24, 2025, starting at approximately 12:30 pm. This outage will be due to the needed maintenance of a power pole located on South Monroe Street. The outage is expected to last for one hour while service is being done.
The areas, businesses, and residences that will be affected by this outage will be along the following streets:
- 800 Block of South Washington Street
- 800 & 900 Block of South Monroe Street
- 900 Block of Allen Road
- 900 Block of Broadway Street
- Maple Street
- Taylor Road
- Duncan Road
- Truman Street
- Goodland Street
The city does recognize that residents in these areas may be affected by the outage as it pertains to medical equipment within their homes. If this is the case, please take the necessary precautions and feel free to inform New Lisbon Public Works Director Nick Wyss with any questions or concerns. Director Wyss can be contacted directly at 608-548-1666.
News from Mauston City Council Meeting
Wisconsin River Meats Wins for Top Beef Jerky
Campfire Kevin to entertain at Terrace Heights Retirement Community
On Tuesday, April 22 at 2 pm, Campfire Kevin will be performing at Terrace Heights Retirement Community in Mauston. Kevin entertains his audience by playing those well-known campfire tunes that have been loved for years. He sings, he plays guitar, and he takes requests!
The event is free and open to the public; however, space is limited. If you would like to attend the April 22 performance, call 608-847-2377 to reserve your spot today. Also ask about a facility tour; apartments are now available.
To see more events like this, check out the upcoming events page at milebluff.com.
Local Coalition Invites Community to Unite for Youth Substance UsePrevention Summit
The Sauk County Partnership for Prevention Coalition will host the Building a
Healthier Sauk County: Youth Substance Use Prevention Summit on May 15, 2025 in Lake Delton.
Community members, parents, educators, law enforcement, social services, prevention specialists, and
healthcare professionals are invited to attend to develop comprehensive strategies to reduce youth
substance use in Sauk County communities.
The half-day summit will address critical challenges facing local youth, focusing on evidence-based
prevention approaches for alcohol, tobacco, and other substance use. Participants will engage in
discussions of community specific factors, share best practices, and develop actionable community-
wide prevention strategies. A free hot breakfast will be served.
“This summit represents an important opportunity for our Sauk County communities to come
together and make a meaningful difference in youth health,” says Kate Hansen, coalition coordinator
and health educator with Public Health Sauk County. “By sharing knowledge and coordinating our
efforts, we can create more effective prevention programs.”
Summit Takeaways:
• Better understand current trends in youth substance use with local data from focus groups and
surveys.
• Prioritize substances on which to focus prevention efforts.
• Discover shared priorities across organizations and community sectors.
• Develop prevention strategies that work to reduce youth substance use.
For questions, contact Kate Hansen at kate.hansen@saukcountywi.gov or 608-477-3609.
Date: May 15, 2025Time: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM; Doors open at 8:15amLocation: Monk’s Bar & Grill at The Wilderness (33 Hilman Road, Lake Delton)Cost: FreeRegistration Required by April 30th: www.p4psauk.org/prevention-summit-2025