Mauston, WI
News
Rare Lizard Could Have Incidental Taking in Adams County
3 weeks
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) proposes to issue a permit for the incidental taking of a rare lizard, which may result from the WRPCO Westwind SCA Trail Relocation Project in Adams County.
Incidental take refers to the unintentional loss of individual endangered or threatened animals or plants that does not put the species’ overall population at risk.
The Wisconsin River Power Company (WRPCO) proposes to relocate approximately 284.2 feet of its Shoreline Commons Area (SCA) trail, which was originally inadvertently placed on private property, onto its own property. Thirty feet of the relocated trail will be an elevated boardwalk connecting the SCA trail to the association’s existing stairway (for dock access). The trail not covered by the elevated boardwalk will have wood chips placed on the trail for easy maintenance.
The presence of the state endangered slender glass lizard is confirmed in the vicinity of the project site. DNR staff determined that the proposed project may result in the incidental taking of one or more lizards.
The DNR concludes that the proposed project is not likely to appreciably reduce the likelihood of the survival or recovery of the species within the state, the whole plant-animal community of which it is a part of or the habitat that is critical to its existence.
Conservation measures to minimize the adverse effects on the endangered species will be incorporated into the proposed Incidental Take Permit. Copies of the jeopardy assessment and background information on the slender glass lizard are available by visiting the DNR Incidental Take Public Notices webpage or upon request from DNR conservation biologist Stacy Rowe at Stacy.Rowe@wisconsin.gov or 608-228-9796.
The public is encouraged to submit written comments regarding project-related impacts to the slender glass lizard by Aug. 26, 2025, to:
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
c/o Stacy Rowe, DNR Conservation Biologist
2514 Morse St.
Janesville, WI 53545
Stacy.Rowe@wisconsin.gov or 608-228-9796
Vernon County Sheriff’s Reports 8-3 thru 8-9
3 weeks
by WRJC WebMaster
in State News
8/3 A business on Kickapoo Street in the Village of Readstown called to report a theft. The suspect entered the store, stole an item and left out a rear entrance without paying. The suspect’s vehicle was later found at a nearby motel. The suspect was booked for Retail Theft.
8/3 A deputy initiated a traffic stop on US Highway 61 in the Village of Readstown. The driver had a revoked license and drug paraphernalia was found in the vehicle. Stolen items from a nearby business were also located. The driver was arrested for Operating While Revoked, Bail Jumping, and Retail Theft and then transported to the Sheriff’s Office Detention Center.
8/3 Deputies were called to a residence on South 6th Street in the Village of Readstown for a domestic disturbance. One arrest was made.
8/6 A deputy was called to a residence on Swenson Road in the Town of Franklin for report of some dogs running at large that had killed some livestock. The owner of the dogs was notified, and property owner’s rights were discussed.
8/6 Deputies responded to a residence on Witcraft Ridge Road in the Town of Genoa for a domestic incident. The suspect left the scene and was later arrested and transported to the Sheriff’s Office Detention Center and booked for Battery, Criminal Damage to Property, Disorderly Conduct and False Imprisonment.
8/6 The Sheriff’s Office conducted an investigation in the Village of Genoa. As a result, a juvenile was taken into custody and turned over to juvenile authorities.
8/7 Sheriff’s deputies assisted Viroqua Police, Viroqua Fire Department, and Vernon County Emergency Management at the location of a damaged gas line along North Main Street, in the City of Viroqua. Traffic was temporarily detoured and a nearby building was evacuated.
8/8 Deputies were sent to assist a driver on Finley Road in the Town of Franklin whose two-year-old locked themselves in a vehicle. Before deputies arrived, the child was able to hit a button to unlock the door. The child sustained no apparent injury in the heat.
8/8 Dispatch received a notification from iPhone Emergency Relay regarding a possible search and rescue needed near a property on Scott Hollow Road in the Town of Liberty. Phone contact could not be made so Viola Fire and Kickapoo Valley Rescue Squad were sent for assistance. Deputies arrived on scene and spoke with property owners who stated someone had been working in the woods but there was no emergency.
8/9 Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Volden Lane in the Town of Jefferson for a verbal domestic disturbance. One of the people involved left on foot before deputies arrived.
|
Call Type |
This Week |
2025 Year to Date |
|
Alarm Responses |
7 |
363 |
|
Animal Related Issues |
21 |
818 |
|
Assisting Municipalities |
40 |
1056 |
|
Crimes Against People |
10 |
535 |
|
Crimes Against Property |
10 |
405 |
|
Domestic Crimes |
6 |
101 |
|
Fire Responses |
38 |
1584 |
|
K9 Calls |
2 |
43 |
|
Medical Responses |
46 |
1176 |
|
Mental Health Cases |
1 |
126 |
|
Missing Person Investigations |
1 |
53 |
|
Public Talks |
0 |
75 |
|
Safety Escorts |
2 |
141 |
|
School Walk Throughs |
0 |
315 |
|
Search and Rescues |
2 |
11 |
|
Security Checks |
117 |
3899 |
|
Serving Legal Documents |
11 |
504 |
|
Suspicious Activity |
23 |
535 |
|
Threat Investigations |
1 |
44 |
|
Traffic Accidents |
17 |
638 |
|
Traffic Related Investigations |
107 |
3729 |
|
Vehicle Lockouts |
8 |
203 |
|
Weapons Investigations |
0 |
8 |
|
Unclassified Calls for Service |
59 |
1784 |
|
TOTAL CALLS FOR SERVICE |
560 |
19260 |
|
COUNTY JAIL ADMISSIONS |
16 |
404 |
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
HILLSBORO MAN CHARGED IN FEBRUARY 2025RURAL VIROQUA CRASH THAT RESULTED IN SERIOUS INJURIES
3 weeks
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
Vernon County Sheriff Roy Torgerson reports that criminal charges have been ?led as the result of an ongoing investigation into an early to mid-February 2025 two- vehicle crash in rural Viroqua that resulted in very serious injuries. On behalf of the People of the State of Wisconsin, Vernon County District Attorney Angela Palmer-Fisher ?led four criminal charges, all felonies, with the Office of Vernon County Clerk of Circuit Court Sheila Olson on July 11, 2025.
Robert Joseph Brand, age 22, (21 at the time of the incident) of Hillsboro, Wisconsin is charged with First Degree Reckless Injury, Reckless Driving Causing Great Bodily Harm and two counts of Second Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety.
A charge is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until,
proven guilty. Brand made his ?rst appearance in Vernon County Circuit Court on August 5th. He is due
back in court on September 2 nd at 9:00 AM.
I would like to thank the injured victim in this case for their patience and understanding
throughout this investigation that is taking a great amount of time. All ?rst responders are
to be commended for successfully affecting the extensive rescue and ?awless transfer to
our dedicated medical staff. I would also like to thank the community for your countless
prayers. The investigation continues. If you have any information about these crimes or any other
crimes, call Crime Stoppers at 608–637–TIPS (8477) or submit information online at
www.p3tips.com
Juneau County Arrest Report 8-12
3 weeks
Campfire Kevin to entertain at Terrace Heights Retirement Community
3 weeks
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
On Tuesday, August 19 at 2 pm, Campfire Kevin will be performing at Terrace Heights Retirement Community in Mauston. Kevin entertains his audience by playing those well-known campfire tunes that have been loved for years. He sings, he plays guitar, and he takes requests!
The event is free and open to the public; however, space is limited. If you would like to attend the August 19 performance, call 608-847-2377 to reserve your spot today. 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.
Juneau County Medical Reserves Corps Offering Hands-on Training Course
3 weeks
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
The Juneau County Medical Reserve Corps, in partnership with Mauston EMS and the Juneau County Health Department, is offering a hands-on training course covering:
Introduction to Stop the Bleed
Hands-Only CPR
This will be at Hatch Public Library on Wednesday August 27th at 5pm. Pre-Registration is required. https://forms.gle/BAZND7C9bwsGE7M17
This free course is designed to equip community members with lifesaving skills in the event of an emergency.
Participants will also have the opportunity to learn about volunteer opportunities with the Juneau County Medical Reserve Corps and how you can support your community during emergencies.
Don’t miss this chance to get involved and make a difference! Register at: https://forms.gle/BAZND7C9bwsGE7M17
