Mauston, WI
Local News
Hillsboro Man Injured in Truck Accident
1 day
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
Vernon County Sheriff Roy Torgerson reports on Friday afternoon, November 7th, 2025, at approximately 2:00 PM, the Sheriff’s Office 911 Dispatch Center was notified of a single-vehicle crash that occurred at the intersection of State Highway 82 and County Road, in the Town of Forest.
Stephen J. Hynek, age 63, of Hillsboro, WI was operating a 1972 Ford truck travelling southeast on County Road P. The truck was loaded with shelled corn, and the operator reported a mechanical issue with the brakes as he approached the intersection of Highway 82. The vehicle went off the left side of the roadway, struck an embankment, and came to rest crossways of both Highway 82 travel lanes.
Injured, Hynek was flown from the scene by GundersenAIR to Gundersen (Emplify) Health System in La Crosse, WI.
Due to cleanup of the load spillage, Highway 82 was closed until 4:40 PM.
Assisting the Sheriff’s Office were the Hillsboro Police Department, Hillsboro Fire Department, Hillsboro Area Ambulance, GundersenAIR, and the Wisconsin State Patrol. Vernon County Emergency Management assisted with community notifications of the highway closure.
Sheriff Torgerson would like to commend an alert motorist, a 50-year-old female from Hillsboro, who was traveling east on State Highway. She saw what was unfolding and stopped west of the intersection. Another motorist, a 45-year-old male from rural Hillsboro was turning right onto Highway 82, from County Road P and saw the truck quickly approaching from the rear as he made the turn. This should serve as a reminder to always stay alert when operating a motor vehicle and avoid distractions. As always, Sheriff Torgerson would like to thank all our volunteers who faithfully and selflessly serve our communities. A special thanks to everyone who assisted with cleanup.
The crash remains under investigation.
Juneau County Juvenile A Suspect in Melrose-Mindoro School Threat
1 week
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
Hansens IGA Takes Home State Top Grocer Honors
2 weeks
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
Wisconsin Grocers Association closed out the 2025 Innovation Expo on Sept. 30 with an awards banquet to celebrate the WGA Award Winners at the Wilderness in Wisconsin Dells.
The WGA Awards consists of four categories: Community Service, Excellence in Operations, Vendor of the Year and Grocer of the Year. There can be multiple winners for the Community Service and Excellence in Operations categories, but only one winner in the Vendor of the Year and Grocer of the Year categories.
2025 Grocer of the Year
The 2025 Grocer of the Year is Greg, Kari and Nick Hansen of Hansen’s IGA Market. The Grocer of the Year is Wisconsin grocery industry’s highest honor and recognizes an individual for a lifetime achievement within the grocery industry. These honorees exemplify the highest quality of leadership in business and in their community; their influence has positively enhanced the lives of others.
Hansen’s IGA Market operates 16 stores across Wisconsin and employs more than 600 team members. The company has earned national recognition, including being named IGA USA Retailers of the Year and receiving the NRAB Chairman Excellence in Leadership Award in 2025.
Founded in 1968 with a single store in Bangor, Hansen’s has grown into a network of “hometown proud” supermarkets known for quality products, outstanding service and community engagement. This award represents a legacy in Wisconsin’s grocery industry. In 2008, Leo and Rosemary Hansen won the WGA Grocer of the Year award.
“This truly is a team award,” said Kari Hansen. “We are truly honored and humbled. There is no way this could happen without 600 other Hansen’s IGA Market team members.”
Mike Semmann, WGA President and CEO, added, “The Hansen family’s leadership blends tradition with innovation. Their dedication to customers, employees and communities across Wisconsin makes them a model for the grocery industry.”
Reedsburg Man Arrested for Slew of Car Thefts
2 weeks
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
A local man was taken into custody after Reedsburg Police received numerous reports of theft from vehicles in Reedsburg.
Reedsburg Police Dispatch Center received ten (10) separate calls from residents who were victims of theft or attempted theft from a parked vehicle. The reported thefts began on October 8th and continued until officers took Alejandro Leal (45) of Reedsburg into custody on October 21st at around 11:30pm when he was witnessed trying to enter a vehicle. Reedsburg Police Detectives executed a residential search warrant on October 23rd which resulted in the recovery of stolen property and drug related items.
Alejandro Leal has been charged and/or referred to the Sauk County District Attorney’s Office for the following: Theft (9 counts), Obstructing an Officer, Possession of THC (2nd+), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
These charges are merely an accusation of criminal conduct where probable cause existed for an arrest. This individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The investigation is continuing. If you have any information regarding this or other criminal activity, you are encouraged to contact the Reedsburg Police Department (608)524-2376 or Sauk County Crime Stoppers @ 1-888-TIP-SAUK (1-888-847-7285).
Reedsburg Police would like to thank the community for their assistance in providing surveillance video during the investigation. Residents are also encouraged to lock their vehicles while unattended.
