Mauston, WI
Local News
Join Mile Bluff Medical Center Foundation for 13th Annual Golf Outing
11 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
Golfers are always looking for a good excuse to break out the clubs. Mile Bluff Medical Center Foundation is providing the perfect reason to hit the greens this summer by inviting all golfers to attend the 14th annual golf outing on Thursday, August 8.
Held at Castle Rock Golf Course, this four-person scramble is a fun day that supports local healthcare. Throughout the day, golfers can participate in course games and raffles, and end the day with a delicious meal at the awards banquet.
Proceeds from the outing are just one of the many ways the foundation strives to impact the health of the community. When golfers join the foundation on the course, they are assisting Mile Bluff in bringing the latest technology, advanced services, and best care possible to the community.
If you like to golf, plan on heading to Castle Rock Golf Course on August 8 for a great event that supports local healthcare. Golfers and sponsors can learn more about the event by visiting www.milebluff.com/golf-outing. For more information about golf registration or sponsorship opportunities, call Katie at 608-847-2735.
We hope to see you on the greens!
Hatch Library to Host Strong Bodies
11 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
Strong Bodies is a FREE strength training program for adults of all ages. 
Classes will be held at HPL with an online instructor on Mondays and Fridays June 17th-August 9th at 8:00 AM. Registration is required. You do not have to be able to attend every class to participate. Register online at: https://uwmadison.co1.qualtrics.com/…/SV_bBMv2P8DYBH0Tc2. Strong Bodies is offered in part through Juneau County UW-Extension with instructor Angela (angela.desmith@wisc.edu).
Mauston FFA Well Represented at State Convention
11 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
Mauston FFA had a busy week at State FFA Convention. Students competed in events and were recognized for their accomplishments.
Congratulations to the following:
– Morgan Firlus won the Beef Placement Proficiency area and will move on to compete at Nationals.
– Ethan Lulich, Wyatt Luxton, and Nolan Powers were also recognized as a top five finalist in their proficiency areas.
– Middle School Quiz Bowl received 3rd (Todd Day, Sophia Horn, Irelyn Yardley, Ellie Ferguson, and Jason Phillips).
– Morgan Firlus competed in the Extemptoraneous speaking contest.
– Kaylee Schnell received 1st in her Agriscience Project and will move on to Nationals.
-Morgan Firlus and Tyler Schwartz received their State FFA Degrees.
– Morgan was also recognize as a 3 Star Leader.
– And the chapter was recognized as a runner up in the state for membership increase and received a silver rated National Chapter Award.
MBMC To Host Craft & Vendor Fair in August
11 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
Calling all crafters and vendors! On Saturday, August 17, Mile Bluff Medical Center Foundation will be hosting an outdoor craft fair. If you would like to sell your wares and products, register for a booth today! Spots on grass and concrete are available.
To register, visit https://form.jotform.com/MileBluff/simplysummercraft
Whether you’re a craft enthusiast, a vendor, or simply looking to share your passion, this event promises something special for everyone. This is a fundraising event, and all proceeds from registration fees will go to benefit the health of the community
Fatal Accident in Monroe County Involves Dump Truck
11 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
On June 11, 2024 just before 3:30pm the Monroe County Communications Center was informed of a crash on State Highway 21 near Flagpole Rd in the Town of Greenfield. It was reported that the crash involved a dump truck and a passenger vehicle. As a result of the crash the driver of the vehicle died and the dump truck caught fire.
During the initial investigation it was determined that a 2023 Hyundai Sonata was traveling east on Highway 21 when it crossed the center line and collided with a 2020 Kenworth dump truck that was traveling west. The driver of the Sonata was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the dump truck was not injured. The names of the drivers are not being released at this time.
Highway 21 was closed for approximately 7 hours to allow for investigation of the scene, removal of the vehicles involved and cleanup of the scene.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Oakdale Fire Department, Tomah Fire Department, Tomah Ambulance, Tomah Area Medical Responders, Wisconsin State Patrol, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, PER Towing, Arnolds Towing and the Monroe County Highway Department.
The crash remains under investigation by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and Wisconsin State Patrol.
Oxford Man Arrested After Pointing Gun at Adams County Deputy
11 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
On June 7, 2024, at approximately 4:43 PM, the Adams County Sheriff’s Office received a complaint of a Harassment Injunction Violation in the 300 block of CTH A, Town of New Chester, Adams County, Wisconsin. The responding deputy arrived on scene and began his initial investigation. It was determined through the investigation that the offender, Fred Pickens, age 66 of Oxford, WI had violated the conditions of the Harassment Injunction, and was advised he was under arrest. Pickens did not comply with the deputy’s orders, and resisted arrest. An electronic control device (Taser) was deployed in an attempt to take Pickens into custody. Pickens continued to resist efforts to take him into custody. During this time Pickens drew and pointed a small handgun at the deputy who then transitioned from his Taser to his firearm. Pickens then turned away from the deputy and threw the handgun towards another subject on scene. Pickens continued to not comply with verbal commands. Additional deputies arrived on scene and Pickens was ultimately taken into custody without further incident. Pickens received medical treatment on scene, and was later transported to the Adams County Jail. The firearm belonging to Pickens was recovered from the scene as evidence. No firearms were discharged during this incident.
Pickens was booked into the Adams County Jail on the following charges:
Violating a harassment injunction
Resisting/obstructing an officer
Armed while intoxicated
Fail to comply with officer while armed
Threats to law enforcement
Intentionally point firearm at law enforcement
First degree reckless endangering safety
Pickens had his initial appearance this afternoon on the above charges in Adams County Circuit Court Branch II, and was given a $50,000 cash bond. Pickens remains incarcerated in the Adams County Jail at the time of this release.
This incident is a great example of the dangers that law enforcement can face while performing their duties. Fortunately, no injuries were sustained during this incident.
This case remains under investigation and no further information will be released at this time.
Sheriff Brent York
Gundersen Oncology Services now available at St. Joe’s.
11 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
Gundersen St. Joseph’s is excited to announce the expansion of services for cancer patients in our area.
St. Joe’s has been providing limited oncology services out of its specialty clinic in Hillsboro for several years but expanded further in the fall of 2023. “Oncology has a wide spectrum of cases, and every case is different,” says Layne Hammer, manager of surgery and specialty services at Gundersen St. Joseph’s. “It is complex, has higher risks, and involves many departments both at St. Joseph’s and at Gundersen’s La Crosse hospital. We needed to take our time scaling this service to ensure we could confidently and safely provide care to our patients.”
Oncology services are under the direction of Kurt Oettel, MD, medical oncologist and department chair at Gundersen Health System who sees patients in Hillsboro. “It’s been very rewarding to be able to bring this service to this community,” says Oettel. “The team at St. Joe’s has been excellent to work with.”
However, due to the complex nature of oncology, Dr. Oettel stresses the importance of patient-centered care, “Each case is different and, based on potential side effects and complications, St. Joe’s may not be the best place for a patient to receive care. This is why it’s important for us to work side-by-side with the patient and their family and consider all the factors in play.”
Patients who are receiving cancer treatments within the Gundersen and Bellin Health System, soon to become Emplify health, can speak with their oncologist about receiving care at St. Joseph’s.
Patients who are receiving treatment under the direction of a non-Gundersen/Bellin physician could still obtain care at St. Joseph’s, but coordination with a Gundersen/Bellin oncologist, like Dr. Oettel, would be necessary. This is to ensure patient-specific care plans and safety protocols are communicated.
For more information on oncology services at Gundersen St. Joseph’s, please call (608) 489-8149.
Arrest Made in Hillboro Burglary
11 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
Vernon County Sheriff Roy Torgerson reports the arrest of Randy Lee
Harmel, age 43, of rural Ontario, WI, as a result of the ongoing Burglary investigation that began on Thursday morning, June 6th. Harmel was taken into custody just before 5:00 PM Saturday, June 8, 2024, in rural Ontario in Monroe County. Property missing from the building on Kraemer Road, in rural Hillsboro, WI was also recovered on Saturday, in rural Ontario, WI. Harmel was booked into the Vernon County Detention Center for Burglary, Criminal Damage to Property, Theft, and Probation Violation. Formal charges, to include being charged as a Repeater for habitual criminality, are being sought through Vernon County District Attorney Angela Palmer-Fisher.
Sheriff Torgerson credits the arrest and recovery of stolen property to the hard work, diligence, and determination put forth by the amazing staff of the Sheriff’s Office and information and support from the community that resulted in a timely resolution of this case. Sheriff Torgerson would also like to thank Sheriff Andrew Zobal, the Juneau County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Wes Revels, and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office for
their assistance.
The investigation continues by the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office.
SINGLE-VEHICLE CRASH RESULTS IN INJURIES
11 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
Vernon County Sheriff Roy Torgerson reports a single-vehicle crash occurred Sunday evening, June 2, 2024, at approximately 7:30 PM, in rural La Farge, WI, in the town of Stark. Chelsea Lynn Collar, age 37, of La Farge, WI was operating a 2007 Honda Pilot traveling east on State Highway 82, near County Road D, east of the village of La Farge. While negotiating a curve to the left, the vehicle travelled onto the right shoulder. During an apparent overcorrection, Collar lost control. The vehicle traveled across the highway, went off the left side, struck an embankment, overturned, and came to rest upright. Chelsea Collar was not wearing a seatbelt and sustained serious injuries. She was transported to Gundersen St. Joseph’s Hospital in Hillsboro by La Farge Ambulance. The La Farge Fire Department assisted at the scene. The incident remains under investigation.
