Local News
A Heart of Caring for Others. Deena Hatch Foundation donates $500,000 to Mile Bluff’s Capital Campaign
To share the impact one person can have on many lives, the Deena Hatch Foundation has made a $500,000 donation in support of Mile Bluff Medical Center’s Gateway Center and Emergency Department expansion project.
Deena Hatch was known for her beautiful smile and kind, generous spirit. She was a beloved daughter, sister, and friend who loved life and fully embraced each moment. “Deena had a big heart and cared for people in a way that was beyond comprehension,” reflected her parents, Bill and Sandy Hatch. “In her short life, God blessed Deena with the amazing gift to love and have compassion for others. How better to remember Deena then by lifting the spirits and improving the well-being of those in need, then by supporting local medical care.”
In 2024, Mile Bluff Medical Center began a two-phased remodeling project which transformed the former Mauston Shopko building into the ‘Gateway Center.’ Now that construction is complete at Gateway, Mile Bluff is preparing for phase two which will include the remodeling of the current Emergency Department.
To support this expansion initiative, Mile Bluff Medical Center Foundation is leading a capital fundraising campaign – For You. With You. – with the goal of raising $5 million to support this $17 million project. The campaign is an opportunity for individuals, groups and businesses, like the Deena Hatch Foundation, to help strengthen local healthcare for the community.
“Supporting this project was a great opportunity to be involved in caring for the community,” said Bill and Sandy. “From the construction of the Gateway Center and Emergency Department remodeling to the final result of providing care for our area residents, this expansion of services will build value for our tight knit community.”
Brief Tornado Spotted Near Mauston
Severe storms spawned multiple tornadoes across southern Wisconsin on Wednesday evening. Residents and storm chasers captured dramatic video, as the twisters tore through parts of the state.
One tornado in Sauk City was seen whipping into homes and pushing down trees as it quickly swept through a neighborhood. While the damage was apparent in some areas, there were no immediate reports of injuries.
That twister was among at least five tornado reports across several counties.
The Milwaukee office of the National Weather Service shared that it would be looking into possible tornadoes in 10 areas, including areas near Dodgeville, Mazomanie, Beaver Dam and Hustisford.
Tornado watches were issued for much of southern Wisconsin, including Milwaukee and Madison. Severe thunderstorm warnings were also in effect due to expected wind gusts up to 70 mph. However, by 8 p.m. local time, most of those warnings had expired.
Prior to Wednesday, 26 tornadoes had already been confirmed in Wisconsin so far this year. That’s already more than their yearly average of 23 tornadoes, according to the National Weather Service.
On Wednesday a brief tornado touched down near I-90/94 and the 19th Ave overpass—caught on video and now circulating on social media. Thankfully, no damage has been reported at this time.
This is a strong reminder that when the National Weather Service issues a Tornado Watch, it means conditions are favorable for tornadoes to form, even briefly, just like we saw today.
If you did experience any weather-related damage, please report it to the Juneau County Sheriff’s Office or submit a report through the Sheriff’s App under Emergency Management.
Stay weather aware, follow alerts, and always have a safety plan in place.
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=728667763290021&set=pcb.728670919956372
Adams County Investigating Infant Death
On Saturday, July 5, 2025 the Adams County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from a residence in the City of Adams, Adams County, Wisconsin reporting an unresponsive five-week-old infant.
The City of Adams Police Department responded to the scene, along with LifeStar Ambulance Service. LifeStar Ambulance Service transported the infant to Gunderson Moundview Hospital. The infant was then transported to UW Health American Family Children’s Hospital in Madison.
On July 6, 2025, the City of Adams Police Department requested that the Sheriff’s Office take over the case.
On July 9, 2025, the child died at UW Health American Family Children’s Hospital. Any time an infant death occurs in Adams County a formal investigation takes place.
This is an active investigation and as such, no further information will be released at this time.
Wonewoc Putting Together “Kids Rock Back To School Event”
We are thrilled to invite you to participate in our inaugural “Kids Rock Back to School Event,” a community-focused initiative designed to support children and families as they prepare for the upcoming school year.
Put on by Wonewoc Lion’s Club, Wonewoc Economic Development, Wonewoc Community Art Center & Museum, Wonewoc Chamber of Commerce, Tutti Noi Farmers Market and Roadside Dogs along with community Sponsors, Supporters and Volunteers.
This exciting event will take place in Wonewoc on Saturday, August 16th, from 9am-9pm with information booths from 11 am-5pm with an 80’s theme!
Our goal is to create a vibrant and resourceful environment where children and their families can access valuable information, services, and fun activities. We believe your expertise and services would be an invaluable addition to our event, helping us to empower and uplift the children in our community.
We are specifically inviting professionals and organizations who work with children in the following areas:
-
Anti-Bullying Information
-
Mental Health Providers
-
Health Care Providers
-
Dietary- Healthy eating
-
Fitness Instructors
-
Childcare Providers
-
Afterschool Program Providers
-
Homeschool Organizations
-
Forest Schools
-
Foster Care Resources
-
Literacy Information
-
Private Schools
-
Clubs & Organizations (for children)
-
Internet Safety Resources
-
Suicide Prevention Resources
-
Special Education Resources
-
Beauty Care Providers (offering free haircuts or manicures for children)
-
Pediatric Practitioners
-
Artists, Face Painters, and Rock Painters
-
DJs/EMCEEs
Your participation could involve setting up an informational booth, offering a brief workshop or demonstration, providing free services (like haircuts), or engaging with attendees in a way that aligns with your mission. This is a fantastic opportunity to connect directly with families, raise awareness about your services, and contribute to the well-being of our community’s youth.
If you are interested in being a part of the “Kids Rock Back to School Event,” please reply to this email by [RSVP August 1st] to express your interest and let us know how you envision your participation. We will follow up with more detailed information regarding logistics, setup, and any specific requirements.
Thank you for considering this invitation. We look forward to the possibility of collaborating with you to make this event a resounding success for the children of Wonewoc.
Sincerely,
The Kids Rock Event Organizing Committee
Angie Cain
Tutti Noi Farmers Market Manager
(414) 216-1774
Clark Powersport (Hillsboro) Sold to Vetesnik
From Clark Powersport: Clark Powersport Kawasaki has accepted an offer to sell our dealership entity, inventory, and rights to Vetesnik Power Sports, effective 7-18. This will mean the Hillsboro store will no longer be open for sales/service/parts. We sincerely appreciate all of the customers (and friends) throughout the years, thank you for your patronage and choosing Clark’s… As for existing Kawasaki customers, we encourage you to visit and establish a relationship with the Vetesnik crew in Richland Center, WI, or the V2 Boat Center (and soon to be Kawasaki) in New Lisbon, WI. It has been a pleasure…thank you again, on to the next rodeo.