Mauston, WI
Local News
Fatal Accident in Monroe County Involves Dump Truck
1 year
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
1 year
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.
1 year
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
1 year
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
1 year
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.
Donate blood and save a life with Mile Bluff Medical Center!
1 year
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
You can help someone in need by donating during the two-day blood drive at Mile Bluff Medical Center in Mauston.
Do your part to save lives by joining the Blood Center of Wisconsin blood drive being held on Wednesday, June 26 and Thursday, June 27 from 9 am to 2 pm. Appointments are strongly encouraged, but walk-ins will be welcomed.
Requirements for being a blood donor:
- Be at least 17 years old (16-year-olds may donate with parental consent)
- Weigh at least 110 pounds
- Feel well and in good health
- Not have had hepatitis after age 11 years
- Not have had any risk factors/behaviors associated with HIV/AIDS
Tips to remember the day you donate:
- Eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of fluids prior to and following your donation.
- Bring along a photo ID such as a driver’s license.
- Avoid strenuous physical exercise until the day following your donation.
To reserve your spot, call the Blood Center of Wisconsin at 1-877-232-4376 or visit donate.wisconsin.versiti.org and search for Mile Bluff in the mobile drives.
Juneau County Sheriff’s Office Victim of “Swatting Call”
1 year
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
On Saturday, June 1, 2024, at approximately 11:00 pm, the Juneau County
Communications Center received a call from a male who identified himself as Jesse. Jesse stated that he had killed his mother and was leaving the residence. He also provided us with the address, which came back to a residence located in Clearfield Township.
Law Enforcement Officers from the Juneau County Sheriff’s Office, New Lisbon Police Department and the Wisconsin State Patrol responded to the residence. Ultimately, law enforcement was able to make contact with the residence in the home and determined the call was a hoax.
It was determined this was a “swatting” call. “Swatting” is a criminal harassment tactic of sending law enforcement and other emergency personnel to another person’s address. Typically, this type of call will elicit a major tactical response from first responders. The “swatting” call remains under investigation by the Juneau County Sheriff’s Office. While responding to this call, a Juneau County Deputy was involved in a one vehicle crash in the City of Mauston. The deputy sustained bumps and bruises, and was treated and released from Mile Bluff Medical Center. The deputy will return to work later this week. The crash is being investigated by the Wisconsin State Patrol. The Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the New Lisbon Police Department, Wisconsin State Patrol, Mauston Area Ambulance and Mile Bluff Medical Center.
2 Kendall Residents Arrested Aftery Trying to Steal Copper from Communications Tower
1 year
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
Vernon County Sheriff Roy Torgerson reports the arrests of Stephen Joseph Nofsinger, age 39, and Joshua Reed Quario, age 34, both of rural Kendall, WI. Nofsinger and Quario were taken into custody Saturday night, June 1, 2024, at approximately 11:30 PM, after being caught attempting to steal copper from a communications tower site, located in rural Westby, WI, in the town of Coon. Nofsinger and Quario both appeared in Vernon County Circuit Court on Monday, June 3 rd
. Nofsinger is currently being held on a $500.00 Cash Bond and is due back in court on June 10th, at 11:30 AM. Quario was released on a $2,000.00 Signature Bond and is due back in court July 3 rd, at 8:30 AM.
Potential charges of Criminal Damage to Property, Trespassing, Attempted Theft, Conspiracy to commit these crimes, and Party To the crimes on both Nofsinger and Quario are being sought through Vernon County District Attorney Angela Palmer-Fisher.
Nofsinger is also expected to be charged with Bail Jumping.
Sheriff Torgerson would like to thank the Westby Police Department for assisting the Sheriff’s Office.
The investigation continues and more arrests could be forthcoming.
If you have any information about this crime, or any other crime, contact Crime Stoppers by telephone at 608-637-TIPS (8477), or submit an online tip at
www.p3tips.com
Necedah/Dells Kids To Take Rockonsin State Finals Stage at Summerfest
1 year
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
The 2024 ROCKONSIN State Finals will be conducted on June 28 & June 29 at Summerfest from 12:15pm – 2:45pm each day on the Aurora Pavilion Stage.
Ten statewide garage bands representing Wisconsin high schools and middle schools from Chippewa Falls to Racine and Kewaskum to Madison and in between have been selected, by three music industry judges with 30+ years of experience each, to perform 20 minute showcases at the ROCKONSIN State Finals.
Performance times and band listings are subject to change.
AURORA PAVILION STAGE
June 28
12:15 pm – 12:35pm Extra (Rock)
Mukwonago & Waterford High Schools
12:45pm – 1:05pm No Limit (Rock)
Columbus Middle & High School, Monona Grove High School
1:15pm – 1:35pm Powerhouse (Rock)
Madison Milestone Democratic School, Madison West High School, Madison Community Montessori School, Home School
1:45pm – 2:05pm SACRAMENT (Metal)
Racine Lutheran High School, Muskego High School
2:15pm – 2:35pm The Lightways (Rock)
Germantown Kennedy Middle School, Sussex Hamilton High School, Brookfield East High School, Home School
June 29
12:15pm – 12:35pm Greater Than Human (Metal)
Tony – Flambeau School District
12:45pm – 1:05pm Baker & Boys (Rock) New London High School
1:15pm – 1:35pm The XI Project (Rock)
Kewaskum High School
1:45pm – 2:05pm New Normal (Rock)
Necedah Queen of the Holy Rosary, Wisconsin Dells High School
2:15pm – 2:35pm 30 Minute Difference (Rock)
Chippewa Falls High School
The 2024 winning & runner-up bands will be announced on Saturday June 29 at 8:00pm on Facebook, Instagram & TikTok @rockonsin and on the website www.rockonsin.org.
Each of the 10 bands will perform 20 minute showcases on the Aurora Pavilion Stage and will be evaluated by a different set of three music industry judges, for the State Finals, on expression/creativity/technique, rhythm/vocals, primary beats/blend/time, synergy and a summary of each musician knowing their role and how the band jells as one musical unit. Each band, after their Summerfest performance, will receive a private verbal critique from one of the judges.
“ROCKONSIN State Finals will highlight ten talented 7th – 12th grade Wisconsin garagebands in the spotlight at Summerfest. Join us in cheering on the cool new wave of young hot Badger State bands that will hit the Aurora Pavilion Stage on June 28 & June 29 – next up The World’s Largest Music Festival!” said ROCKONSIN Founder & Producer Dennis Graham.
The 2024 ROCKONSIN winning and runner-up bands will each perform a second prize winning 45 minute showcase gig at The Big Gig on the Aurora Pavilion Stage on July 6th with the runner-up hitting the stage at 12:45pm followed by the winning band at 2:00pm.
The winner and runner-up each win a professional recording session at Madison’s Blast House Studios (Winner: 12 hours; Runner-up: 8 hours). Each of the 10 State Finalist bands receive two (2) Shure microphones (one vocal and one instrument with cords). The winning band will also receive a Shure wireless vocal microphone system.
In addition, one ROCKONSIN State Finalist band will perform a one hour showcase set on August 9th at the Waukesha Rotary BluesFest at Naga-Waukee Park in Delafield.
ROCKONSIN, which is brought to you by the Nicholas Family Foundation, is also made possible with the generous support of these statewide sponsors that have a passion for providing opportunities to recognize and showcase the talents of these young bands: MAMA (Madison Area Music Association),Tilt Media, Shure, and Summerfest. This program is produced by Dennis Graham Associates that founded, in 2005, this statewide competition for 7th – 12th grade Wisconsin students which is still the only alternative statewide music competition of its kind in the nation.
For more information on ROCKONSIN including up to date news, to run off a State Finals poster and more, go to www.ROCKONSIN.org and follow on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok @rockonsin.
