Local News
New Officer Sworn in to Mauston PD
Taylor Rakes Sworn in as new City of Mauston Police Officer. Although Officer Taylor Rakes has already been serving with the Mauston Police Department for a few months, tonight we were able to officially welcome him with a swearing-in ceremony. Joined by the PFC, Police Chief Michael Zilisch, City Administrator Daron Haugh, and other members of the Mauston Police Department, Officer Rakes was recognized in front of friends, family, and our community. Events like this remind us how important it is to come together, celebrate service, and show appreciation for those who keep Mauston safe. The City of Mauston is grateful for Officer Rakes’ dedication—and for the support of everyone who makes moments like this possible.
June 27th Juneau County Jail Roster
Man Identified in Hillsboro Motorcycle Death
Chief Patrick Clark of the Hillsboro Police Department sadly announces that the operator of the 1996
Harley Davidson motorcycle involved in a crash on Saturday, June 14, 2025, in the City of Hillsboro,
identified now as 46-year-old Vincent Larsen of Iola, Wisconsin, has died from his injuries sustained as a
result of the crash. This remains an ongoing investigation by the Hillsboro Police Department, Vernon
County Corners Office, WI State Patrol, and the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office
Sheriff Sale
Juneau County Sheriff Sales
“Through the Eyes of Our Youth” Photovoice Exhibit Sheds Light on Life in Juneau County
Juneau County, WI – South Central Alliance for Tobacco Prevention (SCA), in partnership with SAFE in Juneau County, invites the community to a powerful and inspiring event: the Juneau County Youth Photovoice Exhibit. The exhibit will be held on Monday, June 30th from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Oh! Arts, located at 215 E State St., Mauston.
The exhibit, titled “Through the Eyes of Our Youth,” showcases original photography from Juneau County youth. These powerful images reflect the unique perspectives of local youth, highlighting both what makes Juneau County a great place to live and areas they believe could improve.
“This is a rare opportunity to see our community through the creative lenses of its youngest members,” said Alysha Basel, Coalition Coordinator for SCA. “Their insights are powerful, and this exhibit gives them a voice in shaping the future of Juneau County.”
Attendees will also have the chance to contribute their own thoughts about the county’s strengths and needs, with a chance to win a $25 gas card for sharing feedback.
Light appetizers will be provided, and all are welcome to attend this free, family-friendly event.
For more information, please contact Alysha Basel at abasel@juneaucountywi.gov or 608-847-9373
Motorcycle Crash in Hillsboro
On Saturday June 14, 2025, the Hillsboro Police Department investigated a motorcycle crash that
occurred near Emplify St. Joseph’s Hospital in the City of Hillsboro.
On June 14, 2025, an Officer with the Hillsboro Police Department was conducting traffic enforcement
while parked in a stationary position near the Hillsboro Fire and EMS garage. At approximately 10:35
pm, the Officer observed a motorcycle travelling at a high rate of speed entering the city limits. As the
motorcycle approached the squad car and entered the city limits, RADAR showed the motorcycle
travelling at 74 miles per hour. The motorcycle passed another motorist travelling westbound,
continuing at a high rate of speed towards the residential and business areas of the city. The Officer
activated their emergency lights and siren and began travelling towards the motorcycle, but ultimately
lost visual of the motorcycle as it passed through the 800-Block of Water Ave. The Officer continued
travelling westbound on Water Ave, ultimately locating a motorcycle that had crashed near the parking
lot of Emplify St. Joseph’s Hospital Emergency Room.
Upon locating the motorcycle, the Officer immediately located an unresponsive male party laying in the
parking lot, believed to be the operator. The Officer quickly retrieved Emergency Room personnel who
came to assist and immediately began life saving measures. The operator was subsequently transported
to Emplify Gundersen in La Crosse via medical helicopter with life threatening injuries.
Due to the nature of the crash, the Hillsboro Police Department requested assistance from the Vernon
County Sheriff’s Office as well as the Wisconsin State Patrol Technical Reconstruction Unit.
This is an ongoing investigation. At this time, the name of the operator is being withheld due to the
seriousness of this crash. More information will be released at a later date.
Mauston School Board
Mile Bluff Medical Center Hosting Health Fair June 18th
Reserve your spot at the upcoming health fair hosted by Mile Bluff Medical Center on Thursday, June 19. Receive free blood pressure and blood sugar testing, and learn what your risk factors are for developing heart disease and diabetes. A lipid profile testing is also available for a small fee.
Appointments are required for all services, and are available from 7 to 11 am. Call 608-847-1845 to reserve your spot today!
To see more events like this, check out the upcoming events page at milebluff.com.
St. Joe’s to Celebrate 5-Year Anniversary in New Facility with Free Community Lunch and Open Archives
St. Joe’s is marking five years in its new facility with a community celebration that offers a taste of the past and a look at its rich history.
On Tuesday, June 17, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., St. Joe’s will serve a free 1950s-inspired lunch featuring a classic burger, fries, and malt ice cream. The retro menu honors 1951, the year the original St. Joe’s hospital was built, and will be served in the hospital café.
To celebrate its long-standing presence in the community, St. Joe’s will open its archives Monday, June 16, through Thursday, June 19, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Hillsboro Hospital Community Room 1. Visitors can explore photo albums, articles, and memorabilia that tell the story of more than 100 years of care by the side of Field Veterans Memorial Lake.
Since moving into the new facility in June 2020—right in the middle of a global pandemic—St. Joe’s has grown significantly. The hospital has added services including oncology, dermatology, audiology, chiropractic, palliative care, urology, and vascular care. It also introduced robotic technology for general and knee surgeries. In addition, St. Joe’s opened a new, 100% energy-independent clinic in Elroy, earned top scores for quality and patient experience across multiple years, and was recognized last year for providing the second highest rate of free and uncompensated care in Wisconsin.