Mauston, WI
News
Tomah Juvenile Killed in Accident
3 weeks
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
A 14-year-old from Tomah has died after being struck by a vehicle Friday night.
At approximately 9:45pm on 5/1/2026, the Monroe County 911 Communications Center received a report of a pedestrian who was struck by a vehicle on County Hwy O, in the Township of La Grange. Upon arrival emergency responders began life savings efforts, however the juvenile succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
During the initial stages of the investigation, deputies determined that the juvenile was walking north on the southbound shoulder with a friend. A truck, being operated by a 38-year-old man from Tomah was headed south at the same time. He passed a northbound vehicle who had slowed down and did not see the juveniles due to the vehicles’ headlights. Only after he passed the vehicle did he observe them and was unable to stop or maneuver the vehicle before striking one of the juveniles. The exact location of the juvenile at the time he was struck is still under investigation.
The driver of the vehicle stopped at the scene and rendered aid until emergency responders arrived. He is further cooperating with the investigation which is continued to be investigated by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
Assisting the Sheriff’s Office on scene were the Monroe County 911 Communications Center, Wisconsin State Patrol, Tomah Ambulance, Tomah Rescue Techs, Oakdale Fire Department, and the Monroe County Medical Examiner’s Office.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office extends its condolences to the families and community affected by this tragic accident
MBMC Mauston Will Host Blood Drive May 13-14
3 weeks
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
Donating blood saves lives—please consider giving at the upcoming blood drive being held at Mile Bluff Medical Center on Wednesday, May 13, and Thursday, May 14, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Appointments are strongly encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. As a thank-you, all donors will receive four free Mount Olympus Waterpark tickets (while supplies last).
To schedule your donation, call the Blood Center of Wisconsin at 1-877-232-4376 or visit donate.wisconsin.versiti.org and search for Mile Bluff Medical Center under mobile drives.
Bartels named as a Rural Hospital and Health System President and CEO to Know
3 weeks
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
Becker’s Hospital Review released its 2026 list of “Rural hospital and health system presidents and CEOs to know.” Mile Bluff Medical Center’s Dara Bartels was once again part of the prestigious list. According to Becker’s, “The featured leaders are responsible for expanding the services their communities rely on, recruiting the talented caregivers who deliver that care, and investing in facilities via thoughtful renovations and ambitious new construction. These executives wield an ability to manage complexity while genuinely investing in the people and places they serve. Their hospitals’ successes are measured in healthier neighbors, stronger communities, and improved overall patient experience.”
To compile its list, the Becker’s Hospital Review team completed editorial research and accepted nominations. The following is an excerpt from Bartels’ nomination.
Ms. Bartels leads Mile Bluff Medical Center, an independent rural health system serving more than 55,000 residents across eight counties in south-central Wisconsin. She has positioned the organization as a forward-thinking competitor against large academic medical centers in Madison. Ms. Bartels piloted and implemented an AI-powered solution integrated directly into the EHR, saving clinicians more than seven minutes per patient encounter and reclaiming hundreds of administrative hours each month, with impact felt across departments including the emergency department, pharmacy, infusion centers and outpatient clinics. She has overseen the transition to a subscription-based software model and capital improvements that support the medical center’s continuum of life mission, ensuring comprehensive care from birth to end-of-life across acute, rehabilitation and specialized service lines. Under her leadership, the organization received the 2024 Chartis Center for Rural Health “Performance Leadership Award.” Ms. Bartels brings more than 20 years of healthcare finance and executive experience, including prior roles as Mile Bluff’s CFO and leadership positions at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, Wis., and UnityPoint Health in West Des Moines, Iowa.
About Becker’s Healthcare
Becker’s Healthcare is the go-to source for healthcare decision-makers and one of the fastest growing media platforms in the industry. Through print, digital and live event platforms, Becker’s Healthcare equips healthcare leaders with information and forums they need to learn, exchange ideas and further conversations about the most critical issues in American healthcare today.
Wonewoc Pair Arrested in Kendall FastTrip Burglary
4 weeks
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Announces Arrest of Two Suspects Related to a Series of Burglaries
In the early morning of May 1, 2026 a Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant conducting extra patrol related to several burglaries that had occurred at the Kendall Fastrip observed a suspicious vehicle in the area. The Sergeant conducted surveillance on the suspect vehicle and coordinated additional resources from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Juneau County Sheriff’s Office and Wisconsin State Patrol to respond to the area.
During a traffic stop on the suspect vehicle additional information was developed that linked the two suspects to the previous burglaries and they were in the process of conducting a burglary to the business this morning.
Arrested:
- Lauren Broadbent (33) of Wonewoc, WI
- Nicholas Schloff (42) of Wonewoc, WI
Broadbent and Schloff were booked at the Monroe County Jail and charges are expected to be filed soon.
Build Your Own Garden Kit: Grow Your Own Fresh Produce This Spring!
1 month
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
Emplify Health by Gundersen Hillsboro, in partnership with the Healthy Foods Community Action Team of Juneau County, is excited to announce a special community event to encourage healthy eating and gardening.
100 free garden kits will be given away to the first 100 community members eager to start their own home gardens at a community garden kit distribution on Wednesday, May 6, at Schultz Park, Elroy. Distribution will start at 4 p.m.
Each garden kit includes everything needed to start growing fresh vegetables and herbs at home: one bag of soil, three grow bags, vegetable seeds, herbs, potatoes, and more. The initiative aims to increase the supply of fresh produce in the community, promote healthy eating habits and provide families with the tools and inspiration to grow their own nutritious food.
Community members are encouraged to arrive early, as kits will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis until all 100 are gone.
Free Health Screenings and breakfast to be held in Hillsboro.
1 month
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
Emplify Health by Gundersen Hillsboro Area is offering free health screenings as part of their commitment to community health. The screenings will take place at Hillsboro Hospital Conference Room on April 29 between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. Appointments are required.
Screenings will consist of a free cholesterol panel and fasting blood glucose test – both of which require a single finger prick of blood and could help indicate unknown health conditions such as high cholesterol or risk of diabetes. Individuals can also have their blood pressure and BMI checked by a nurse, chat one on one with a nurse, and enjoy a free breakfast.
The free health screenings are designed to help individuals learn more about managing their health and reducing their risk of developing chronic conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure – all of which can lead to major conditions such as heart disease, stroke, heart attack, chronic kidney disease and more.
Cholesterol and fasting blood glucose tests require nine hours of fasting prior to taking the test. Appointments last approximately 20 minutes. There are a limited number of appointments available, so participants are encouraged to call early to schedule their appointment. For more information, or to make an appointment, call (608) 489-8280 and press 1.
City of Elroy Issues Notice Regarding Outdoor Warning Siren- North End
1 month
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
The City of Elroy would like to inform residents that the emergency warning siren located on the north end of the city is currently not operational. The siren on the south end of town remains fully functional.
City officials have contacted service technicians; however, they are not able to immediately assess or repair the issue. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
The City strongly encourages all residents to maintain multiple methods of receiving emergency notifications, especially during severe weather. Outdoor warning sirens are designed primarily to alert individuals who are outside and should not be relied upon as the sole source of notification. Residents are urged to use additional alert systems such as weather radios, mobile alerts, and local media. The City of Elroy appreciates the community’s understanding and will continue working to restore full siren functionality as quickly as possible.
