News
Western Technical College to host annual open house Oct. 8
Western Technical College will host its annual, college-wide open house event on Wednesday, Oct. 8, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the La Crosse, Black River Falls, Independence, Mauston, Tomah, and Viroqua locations.
The event offers an opportunity for future students and their families to explore Western programs, tour facilities, and connect with faculty and staff. Program and admissions information, facility tours, and refreshments will be available at each location. Attendees can also enter into a drawing for a $500 scholarship.
Western will waive the $30 application fee for those who apply during the event. The offer is open to high school seniors and older who plan to attend Western in spring, summer, or fall 2026.
At Western’s La Crosse main campus, all activities will take place at the Lunda Center, 333 7th St. N. Visitors will find representatives from student services, clubs and organizations, and several four-year universities that accept Western credits. Financial Aid and Resource Planning Services staff will be available at the La Crosse main campus to assist in filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The college’s residence hall will also be open for tours and waitlist sign-ups.
The Open House is free and open to the public. Guests are welcome to attend anytime during the event. For a full list of activities, visit www.westerntc.edu/openhouse. For details on Western programs and services, call 608.785.9200 or visit the website at www.westerntc.edu.
2 Vehicle Crash on HWY 58 Outside of Mauston
On September 22nd, 2025, at approximately 7:33am the Juneau County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a two-vehicle head on collision on State highway 58, north of Meredith Road. The crash involved entrapment.
One occupant sustained minor injuries. A second occupant sustained life-threatening injuries and was transported to Mile Bluff Medical Center in Critical Condition. No names are being released at this time.
The roadway was closed during the investigation and emergency response and was reopened at 9:15am.
The Juneau County Sheriff’s Office extends appreciation to Mauston EMS, the Juneau County Highway Department, New Lisbon 1st Responders, and the New Lisbon Fire Department for their assistance.
Sheriff Zobal, on behalf of the Juneau County Sheriff’s Office, thanks all responding personnel for the professionalism and dedication to the safety of our community.
Juneau County Arrest Report 9-23-25
Juneau County Arrest Report 9-22-25
Fatality and Injuries Reported in Town of Easton House Fire
On September 18, 2025, at approximately 1:40 a.m., the Adams County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center received a 911 call reporting a house fire with possible entrapment in the 1000 block of Edgewood Avenue, Town of Easton, Adams County.
The first arriving agencies discovered a single-family residence fully engulfed in flames. One individual was able to escape but sustained significant injuries. This individual was airlifted to UW Health University Hospital, where they remain in critical condition.
Suppression efforts were initiated, but tragically one individual was discovered deceased within the structure. The identities of all involved are being withheld pending family notification.
The cause and origin of the fire remain under investigation. The residence has been deemed a total loss.
The Adams County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Adams County Fire District, New Chester Fire Dept., Big Flats Fire Dept., Quincy Fire Dept., Rome Fire Dept., Kilbourn Fire Dept., Oxford Fire Dept., Westfield Fire Dept., Lyndon Station Fire Dept., Bancroft Fire Dept., Lifestar Ambulance, Marquette County EMS, UW Health Med Flight, Wisconsin Department of Justice State Fire Marshals’ Office and the Adams County Medical Examiner’s Office.
School District of Mauston Honors Local Businesses for Their Support
The School District of Mauston Board of Education recognized four businesses at its board meeting Monday, September 15, 2025.
Castle Rock Realty, WRJC, Kudick Chevrolet, and Brandon Luehman – ReMax Realty were honored as part of the Wisconsin Association of School Boards’ 2025 Business Honor Roll Program. The program recognizes local school district business partners that support area schools by providing resources or additional learning opportunities for students and staff.
“These businesses and individuals are strong supporters of the School District of Mauston,” said Board President Mike Zilisch. “In the past year, they have helped with our referendum messaging, being advocates of educational needs for staff and students.”
“Our district is incredibly grateful for the support of Brandon Luehman, Castle Rock Realty, Kudick Chevrolet, and WRJC,” said Superintendent Joel Heesch. “Each of them has given their time, talents, and resources in ways that truly make a difference for our students and staff. From volunteering in classrooms, to welcoming new teachers, to lending their voices in support of our schools, to keeping our community informed, they’ve all gone above and beyond.”
“Their dedication shows just how much this community values its kids, and we couldn’t be more thankful for their partnership,” said President Zilisch. “Which is why I am honored to recognize and celebrate these businesses for their generous support.”
For more information about the relationship between Castle Rock Realty, WRJC, Kudick Chevrolet, and Brandon Luehman – ReMax Realty and the School District of Mauston, see the full list of Business Honor Roll recipients at WASB.org.
Juneau County Arrest 9-19-25
Dells Police Investigating Death in Wisconsin River
Juneau County Arrest Report 9-18-25
Vernon County Sheriff’s Report 9-7 Thru 9-13
SHERIFF ROY TORGERSON REPORTS THE FOLLOWING ONGOING ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR AND NARRATIVE EXCERPTS FROM THE WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 13, 2025.
9/7 A motorcycle versus deer crash occurred on Pisgah Road in the Town of Whitestown. The operator received minor injuries and was transported for further medical evaluation.
9/7 Dispatch received a call to 911 but were unable to make voice contact with the caller. A sheriff’s deputy and a Wisconsin State Trooper responded to the location of the call on US Highway 14 in the Town of Kickapoo. On arrival a male ran and a foot pursuit ensued. The male was eventually taken into custody and arrested for Resisting or Obstructing an Officer and was later transported to Crawford County for an active warrant.
9/7 A female was reported missing after failing to return to her home in the Town of Bergen after a planned outing in La Crosse. She was later located and assisted back home.
9/8 Deputies responded to a call involving online harassment. A female was later taken into custody and processed for Violate/Harassment Restraining Order and transported to the Sheriff’s Office Detention Center.
9/8 A deputy responded to North Silver Street in the Village of La Farge for a report of illegal substances left at a residence. A suspect left the scene before deputies arrived. Investigation is ongoing.
9/10 Deputies responded to a complaint regarding three trucks racing up and down US Highway 14 near Three Chimney Road in the Town of Viroqua. Citations for Racing on Highway and Reckless Driving – Endanger Safety were issued.
9/10 Two vehicles struck the same deer near the E3000 block of State Highway 56 in the Town of Harmony. No injuries were reported and it appeared both vehicles were still operational.
9/12 Sheriff’s deputies responded to a welfare check on Central Avenue in the Village of Coon Valley.
9/12 Sheriff’s deputies responded to a welfare check at a residence on Mango Lane in the Town of Kickapoo.
9/12 Deputies assisted a local school with possible violations involving vehicles passing illegally when the stop arms were out and children were exiting the bus.
9/12 A deputy responded to a residence on Court Street in the Village of Coon Valley for a civil matter.
|
Call Type |
This Week |
2025 Year to Date |
|
Alarm Responses |
13 |
414 |
|
Animal Related Issues |
30 |
999 |
|
Assisting Municipalities |
28 |
1207 |
|
Crimes Against People |
16 |
607 |
|
Crimes Against Property |
8 |
481 |
|
Domestic Crimes |
1 |
111 |
|
Fire Responses |
22 |
1717 |
|
K9 Calls |
1 |
48 |
|
Medical Responses |
42 |
1391 |
|
Mental Health Cases |
5 |
140 |
|
Missing Person Investigations |
4 |
63 |
|
Public Talks |
1 |
78 |
|
Safety Escorts |
16 |
170 |
|
School Walk Throughs |
14 |
380 |
|
Search and Rescues |
0 |
13 |
|
Security Checks |
98 |
4426 |
|
Serving Legal Documents |
24 |
584 |
|
Suspicious Activity |
20 |
640 |
|
Threat Investigations |
2 |
57 |
|
Traffic Accidents |
15 |
722 |
|
Traffic Related Investigations |
103 |
4171 |
|
Vehicle Lockouts |
5 |
233 |
|
Weapons Investigations |
0 |
9 |
|
Unclassified Calls for Service |
36 |
2063 |
|
TOTAL CALLS FOR SERVICE |
544 |
22007 |
|
COUNTY JAIL ADMISSIONS |
16 |
460 |
IF YOU HAVE INFORMATION ON AN ABOVE CRIME, OR ANY CRIME, CALL THE VERNON COUNTY CRIME STOPPERS AT 608-637-8477 OR 1-800-657-6868 OR SUBMIT AN ONLINE TIP AT WWW.P3TIPS.COM

