Local News

The City of Mauston is currently seeking a dedicated community member to fill an open Alder position for Ward 1 on the City Council.

This is a great opportunity to get involved, represent your neighbors, and help shape the future of our community.

Ward 1 Residents – if you’re interested in serving, please contact Mayor Teske at mayor@mauston.com for more information.

Authorities in Richland County announced that a 22-year-old man died during a Fourth of July celebration.

According to the Richland County Sheriff’s Office, on July 4, around 11:25 p.m., first responders were sent to an address for a report of a man who fell from a truck. The release says the man was unresponsive.

Life saving measures were attempted, but unsuccessful as he was pronounced dead at the scene. The man was identified by authorities as 22-year-old Ethan Peper from Reedsburg.

Law enforcement reportedly tried to speak with witnesses who were there during the incident, but were unwilling to speak with law enforcement and give statements.

The initial investigation reportedly described Peper sitting on the tailgate of a truck when he fell onto the roadway. The Richland County Sheriff’s Office believes there are people who saw the incident who have more information.

The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is asked to call 608-647-2583.

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.

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