News

Reminder to Take Care of Your Trash Cans

The City of Mauston wants to give a quick heads-up: when setting out your garbage cans on pick-up day, please try to place them on the boulevard or right of way instead of in the street. We totally get that sometimes the garbage company might set them back down in the road after collection—that’s not something we can control. But if we all start by putting them in the right spot, it really helps.

Keeping the cans out of the street makes things easier for the street sweeper and brush pick-up crews, and helps keep our streets safer for everyone. It’s especially important in winter, when snow cleanup gets underway—having clear streets makes a big difference for the plows.

Little things like this add up and truly help our whole community. Thanks again for your cooperation and for being such a great part of this neighborhood!

Criminal Charges Recommended in Motor Vehicle Accident That Left Multiple Teens Injured

On May 16, 2025, at approximately 11:00 p.m., the Adams County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center received a 911 call reporting a two-vehicle accident with multiple critical injuries on Highway 13 near 13th Drive in the Town of Dell Prairie. Deputies, along with multiple other first responder units, arrived on scene and began administering life-saving measures. Several patients were transported to various medical facilities for treatment.

An in-depth investigation into the cause of the crash has been ongoing. The investigation revealed that a Dodge Durango driven by Denver Joseph, age 38, of New York, NY, was traveling southbound on Highway 13 crossed the centerline and struck a Chevy Silverado that was traveling northbound. Alcohol was not a contributing factor in this crash. A criminal charge has been referred to the Adams County District Attorney’s Office against Mr. Denver for Reckless Driving Causing Great Bodily Harm.

The operator of the Chevy Silverado, along with two passengers—all under the age of 18—will not be identified due to their ages.

No further information will be released at this time.

The Adams County Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Wisconsin State Patrol, Kilbourn Fire Department, Dells-Delton EMS, Lifestar EMS, UW-Health Med Flight, and Murray’s Transport and Recovery.

Vernon County Dispatchers Honored

On Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at 11:00 AM, representatives from Emplify/Gundersen Tri-State Ambulance recognized the lifesaving efforts of Sheriff’s Office 911 Dispatchers Cyndal Johannes and Dylan Krause.  The presentation took place within the Sheriff’s Office 911 Communications Center.  Johannes and Krause were presented with Emplify EMS coins and certificates illustrating their vital role in the success of a medical incident on February 3, 2025.  In an amazing display of teamwork, Johannes and Krause kept the links of the survival chain tight and intact, resulting in achieving an incredible outcome for the patient.  I so greatly appreciate the amazing work of all our dedicated 911 communications professionals.  Today was a special day for 911 Dispatchers Johannes and Krause and I ask the community who support them to join in this celebration of success.  Thank you, Emplify/Gundersen, for bestowing this great honor to a group that at times can be overlooked.

Juneau County Arrest Report 7-23-25

Pfaff Headed to State Patrol

Today, The Juneau County Sheriff’s Department says farewell—but not goodbye—to Deputy Rob Pfaff on his last day with the Juneau County Sheriff’s Office after 17 years of dedicated service to our department and the community.
A proud Mauston High School graduate (Class of 2001), Deputy Pfaff continued his education at Winona State University, graduating in 2006, and completed the Police Academy at Fox Valley Technical College in 2007. He began his career with JCSO on June 24, 2008, assigned to the jail, and was promoted to patrol deputy in March 2013. Over nearly two decades, he served our community with professionalism, compassion, and unwavering dedication.
Reflecting on his time here, Deputy Pfaff shared:
“Having Senior Deputies to learn from—their guidance and leadership were vital to my career. Having an Administration with an open-door policy. The lifelong friendships created over 17 years, no matter the time that has passed since working with those who have left or arrived.”
But what meant the most to him were the moments with our youngest residents:
“The smiles, waves, high fives, and hugs I’ve received from children who were so happy to see a law enforcement officer. Comforting them in their most difficult moments. Being the calming presence they needed. Those memories will remain closest to my heart.”
While we’re sad to see him leave our ranks, we are proud to share that Deputy Pfaff will continue his public service with the Wisconsin State Patrol, where he’ll remain assigned to Juneau County—continuing to serve the community he has always called home.
Please join us in thanking Deputy Pfaff for his years of service, mentorship, and heart. We wish him nothing but the best in this next chapter of his career.
-From the Juneau County Sheriff’s Dept. 

Juneau County Road Construction Update – Plan Ahead!

We want to remind residents and those traveling through Juneau County that the following roads are currently under construction. Please plan an alternate route and allow extra time for travel:

County Highway K – Local Traffic Only through October 1, 2025

County Highway O (between County Highway G and Elroy) – Open to Local Traffic, but will have multiple full closures ahead due to bridge work

These projects are essential to improving infrastructure, and we appreciate your patience while the Juneau County Highway Department completes the work.

Be sure to check back for updates as closures and access can change.

Stay safe and drive cautiously near construction zones!

Juneau County Arrest Report 7-22-25

Mauston Common Council Agenda

7-22 Mauston Common Council Agenda

Vernon County Sheriff’s Report 7-13 thru 7-20

7/13     Deputies responded to a call regarding the report of a passenger in a vehicle

pointing a gun at a motorist on US Highway 14 near Three Chimney Road.  The vehicle was

stopped, and the driver and passenger were issued citations for Disorderly Conduct.

 

7/14    Dispatch received a call about suspicious activity in the Town of Sterling.  The caller stated a person drove up to their shed and then took off.  The caller identified the person as a male with medium build wearing a black hat that covered most of his face.  It was reported others in the area have also noticed a male walking around.  A deputy responded and checked out the area but did not locate anyone suspicious.

 

7/15    A deputy responded to a call regarding an individual sleeping in a driveway on South Creek Road in the Town of Genoa.  The individual was located walking with her dogs a short time later.  She was provided with a ride back to her residence.

 

7/16    A downed tree blocked both lanes of traffic on County Road F in the Town of Forest.  Highway Department personnel were called, and the tree was removed from the roadway.

 

7/17    The sheriff’s office received a call about unauthorized entry into an unlocked home in the Town of Viroqua.  The owner stated they had been away from home most of the day and when they returned about five hundred dollars missing from inside the residence. The call remains under active investigation and anyone with information, or whom may have experienced a similar situation are urged to call the Sheriff’s Office or Crimestoppers.

7/18    Dispatch was notified of a vehicle that was swerving into oncoming traffic heading northbound out of Soldiers Grove. A deputy located the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop near on West Kickapoo Street in the Town of Kickapoo and the driver also received a warning for Failure to Stop at a Stop Sign.

7/19    A deputy was sent to speak with campers at Blackhawk Park after report of a disturbance there. The campers were notified of quiet hours within the campground and apologized.

 

Call Type

This Week

2025 Year to Date

Alarm Responses

13

340

Animal Related Issues

43

732

Assisting Municipalities

36

933

Crimes Against People

23

486

Crimes Against Property

14

364

Domestic Crimes

5

90

Fire Responses

51

1490

K9 Calls

1

39

Medical Responses

30

1053

Mental Health Cases

4

122

Missing Person Investigations

1

45

Public Talks

1

75

Safety Escorts

1

123

School Walk Throughs

0

315

Search and Rescues

0

7

Security Checks

93

3565

Serving Legal Documents

17

457

Suspicious Activity

14

469

Threat Investigations

3

43

Traffic Accidents

16

575

Traffic Related Investigations

106

3388

Vehicle Lockouts

6

184

Weapons Investigations

1

8

Unclassified Calls for Service

71

1607

TOTAL CALLS FOR SERVICE

585

17546

COUNTY JAIL ADMISSIONS

9

364

 

 

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 

 

Fatal Accident in Juneau County

On Friday, July 18, 2025, at approximately 2:43 p.m., the Juneau County Communication Center received a report of a reckless driver, initially called in by the Adams County Communication Center. The complaint stated that a Tesla was swerving, passing in a no-passing zone, and possibly leaving the roadway.
The crash occurred on State Highway 82 near the Adams and Juneau County line at County Road HH south. As a result of the crash, State Highway 82 was closed on the Adams County side and west of the crash site by Juneau County authorities. Emergency responders from the Mauston Fire Department and Mauston EMS were dispatched to the scene. Mauston Fire paged out Lyndon Station Fire Department for mutual aid support. Wisconsin State Patrol was also on scene.
The driver of the Tesla, a 39-year-old male, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the second vehicle, a 47-year-old male, was transported by UW Medflight. A juvenile passenger was also involved and was transported to Mile Bluff Medical Center for evaluation and treatment.
The Juneau County Highway Department assisted with cleanup efforts after the vehicles were removed from the roadway.
The incident remains under investigation. No names are being released at this time out of respect for those involved and their families.
Further updates will be provided as appropriate.

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