Mauston, WI
Local News
School Referendums Are Sending a Clear Message to Wisconsin Lawmakers by Anne Chapman
3 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
On February 18th the Mauston School District will once again ask voters to support a school operational referendum. Referendums last spring and November were voted down by voters. Mauston is not the only school district facing challenges. Wisconsin Association of School Business Officials research director Anne Chapman discusses in this article why the school districts are facing these challenges and what it means if things don’t change and if referendums don’t go through.
School referendums are sending a clear message
Terrace Heights annual Valentine’s BINGO
3 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
Back by popular demand, Terrace Heights Retirement Community in Mauston is thrilled to host its annual Valentine’s BINGO event once again!
The public is welcome to come join the tenants at Terrace Heights on Tuesday, February 12, at 2 pm for a heartwarming afternoon of fun, laughter, and BINGO—where everyone’s a winner! Enjoy refreshments, door prizes, and great company while celebrating the holiday of love.
RSVP is required to play. This event fills up fast, so call 608-847-2377 to reserve your spot today!
Kratche, Judith A. 79 of Camp Douglas
3 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
Judith A. Kratche, age 79, of Camp Douglas, WI, passed away on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at Our Town Assisted Living in Tomah, WI.
Funeral Services for Judy will be held on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah. Pastor Daren Deford will officiate. Burial will follow in the Oakdale Cemetery, where Judy will be laid to rest near her parents. Family and friends are invited for visitation from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home on Wednesday. The Torkelson Funeral Home of Tomah is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
Roll the dice at Mile Bluff’s “Casino Royale: A High Stakes Gala”
3 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
Channel your inner Bond. James Bond that is.
Mile Bluff Medical Center Foundation is inviting you to “Casino Royale: A High Stakes Gala” on Saturday, April 12 at Glacier Canyon Conference Center at the Wilderness Resort in Wisconsin Dells.
Step into a world of high-stakes intrigue and timeless sophistication at this James Bond 007-themed fundraising event! Don your finest Bond-inspired attire and join the foundation for an unforgettable evening where elegance meets philanthropy.
With appetizers, a plated dinner, and your own Casino Royale, you can join other MI-6 agents to try your luck at Blackjack, Poker, and Roulette to earn tickets for raffle baskets and other prizes of intrigue.
The foundation’s mission is to raise funds to support local healthcare through the work of Mile Bluff Medical Center. Funds raised through this event will be used to support the areas of greatest need which could include the Gateway Center & Emergency Department Expansion Project, medical equipment, healthcare scholarships, and other community health resources.
Should you choose to accept this mission to attend this exclusive 007, James Bond-inspired event on Saturday, April 12, you will be supporting a worthy cause while enjoying an evening of dinner, entertainment and fun. If you would like to extend your mission, a block of rooms has been reserved at the Wilderness.
General admission, group opportunities, and sponsorships are now available. For purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.milebluff.com/CasinoRoyale or call the foundation office at 608-847-2735.
Mile Bluff Medical Center hosts monthly diabetes discussions
3 months
by WRJC News
in Local News
If you are looking for answers and tips on how to live your life to the fullest while managing diabetes, plan to attend this month’s Diabetes Connect. At this informative and engaging discussion, Mile Bluff’s team of experts will be available to cover a variety of key topics, while you’ll also have the opportunity to connect with others and get tips from those on a similar health journey.
This event is free and open to everyone, including individuals with pre-diabetes and diabetes, as well as their loved ones and caregivers. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insight toward living your best, and healthiest, life.
Diabetes Connect will be held on Thursday, February 6 at 1pm at Mile Bluff Medical Center in Mauston.
Registration is not required to attend. A virtual option is also available. Call 1 week in advance for details.
For more information, call 608-847-1848 or visit the upcoming events page at milebluff.com.
Mile Bluff Medical Center donates to the Hatch Public Library in Mauston
3 months
by WRJC News
in Local News
Each quarter, employees of Mile Bluff Medical Center select an organization to benefit from their “Casual for a Cause” Fridays.
To generate funds, staff members are invited to wear jeans to work and contribute a donation toward the initiative. Thanks to the generosity of Mile Bluff’s staff, the most recent fundraising drive surpassed expectations, raising more than $1,376.
In January, Mile Bluff proudly donated these funds to Hatch Public Library in Mauston, reinforcing its mission to serve the community and expand valuable resources. “This beautiful building has so much to offer, and we are always looking for ways to enhance what we provide to the community,” said Bridget, Director of Hatch Public Library. “We are humbled and excited to receive this donation and grateful to see support from our community partners,” she added.
The medical center saw this opportunity as an important way to help individuals and families continue to have access to the tools they need to connect, learn, and grow. “By supporting the Hatch Public Library, we are helping to ensure lifelong learning opportunities for our community,” said Dara Bartels, Mile Bluff’s President and CEO. “We are happy to contribute in this small way and proud to support a resource that benefits so many.”
Mile Bluff remains dedicated to supporting the community, extending its impact well beyond the walls of the medical center.
Tom Conrad to entertain at Terrace Heights
4 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
Join the residents of Terrace Heights Retirement Community in Mauston for an afternoon of delightful entertainment with Tom Conrad. On Monday, January 6, Tom will charm the audience with his warm personality, captivating vocals, and guitar melodies. The performance begins at 1:30 pm—don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy this uplifting musical experience.
This event is free and open to the public. Call 608-847-2377 for more information or to reserve your spot. Also, ask about a facility tour; apartments are now available.
To see more events like this, check out the upcoming events page at milebluff.com.
Vehicle vs Buggy Accident near Hillsboro
4 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
Vernon County Sheriff Roy Torgerson reports on Wednesday
evening, December 25, 2024, at approximately 6:00 PM, a motor vehicle collided with a
horse-drawn buggy on State Highway 82, near Pine Avenue, rural Hillsboro, in the Town of
Union.
Lydia E. M. Thompson, age 22, of rural Sparta, WI, and Jaydon Alan Shea, age 20, of La
Farge, WI were the occupants of a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze passenger car traveling east on
State Highway 82. The vehicle struck a westbound buggy head-on, in the westbound lane,
on a curve.
Henry F. Bontrager, age 29, and Ruth J. Bontrager, age 29, both of rural Hillsboro, WI,
occupied the horse-drawn vehicle and were both ejected from the buggy which came to
rest in the roadway. The passenger car went off the north side of the roadway and traveled
down an embankment where it came to rest.
Lydia Thompson, Jaydon Shea, and Ruth Bontrager were transported to Gundersen St.
Joseph’s Hospital, in Hillsboro, WI, by La Farge Area Ambulance. Henry Bontrager was
pronounced dead at the scene by Vernon County Coroner Betty Nigh. Ruth Bontrager was
later transferred to Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, WI.
The horse also died because of the crash.
Assisting the Sheriff’s Office at the scene were the La Farge Fire Department, La Farge Area
Ambulance, Wisconsin State Patrol Technical Reconstruction Unit, and the Town of Union,
and the Vernon County Coroner’s Office. Several concerned citizens stopped to render aid
and protect the scene until emergency personnel arrived. Gundersen Air was also
requested but were unable to fly due to weather conditions.
Rural Elroy Citizens Injured in Single Vehicle Crash
4 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
Vernon County Sheriff Roy Torgerson reports on Saturday, December 21,
2024, at approximately 11:30 AM, the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office 911 Dispatch Center was notified of a
single-vehicle crash on Lovers Lane in the town of Hillsboro.
A vehicle operated by Lewis E. Bontrager, age 18, of rural Elroy, WI, lost control after negotiating a corner
and left the roadway, striking a tree on the opposite side of the road.
Both vehicle occupants were injured and the passenger, Kailey A. Miller, age 18, of rural Elroy, WI, was
extricated from the vehicle by the Hillsboro Fire Department. Both were transported to Gundersen St.
Joseph’s Hospital by Hillsboro Area Ambulance. Both were treated and released.
In addition to Hillsboro Fire and Hillsboro Area Ambulance, Hillsboro Police also assisted the Sheriff’s
Office at the scene.
Winter road conditions and speed both appeared to be contributing factors; however, the crash remains
under investigation.
