Mauston, WI
WRJC WebMaster
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Schnurr, Mary Barbara Age 88 of Hillsboro
5 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
Mary Barbara Schnurr, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 17, 2024, at the age of 88. She was surrounded by her loving family, who will forever remember her warmth, generosity, and deep love for them.
Mary was born on April 1, 1936, and spent much of her life in the Hillsboro area, where she raised her family and built lasting relationships within the community. For 30 years, she dedicated herself to her work as a cook at the Hillsboro Hospital.
Above all, Mary’s greatest joy in life was her family. She cherished every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, always ready to offer love, support, and guidance. Her home was a gathering place for family celebrations and holiday traditions, and she took immense pride in decorating for each special occasion.
Mary’s culinary talents were legendary, especially her baking. She had a special gift for making breads, rolls, and her signature ?eský Kolá?, which she lovingly prepared and shared with those she loved. Her kitchen was a place of warmth, where her family and friends could always count on a delicious meal and a comforting presence.
Mary is survived by her children: Nancy Schnurr, Steven (Barb) Schnurr, Rick Schnurr, Sue Schnurr, her grandchildren: Christopher (Kelsey) Fatzinger-Schnurr, Kaite (Josh) Dalke, Kim (Olive Kaiser) Schnurr, and her great-grandchildren, all of whom will carry her memory in their hearts forever. She was preceded in death by her Parents: Edward and Emma (Pliner) Novy, and brothers: Raymond Novy, Lester Novy, and sister Ramona (Novy) Raab.
Mary’s legacy of love, kindness, and dedication to her family and community will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be dearly missed but never forgotten.
Private family services will be held at the Picha Funeral Home in Hillsboro.
The Picha Funeral Home in Hillsboro is assisting, for online information go to www.pichafuneralhomes.com
Mauston Board of Education Approves Resolutions on District Dissolution and 2025-26 Budget Cuts
5 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
At its November 18 meeting, the School District of Mauston Board of Education
approved resolutions to consider the dissolution of the district and implement significant budget cuts for the 2025-26 school year.
These actions come as the district continues to face financial challenges after two referendums in 2024
did not pass.
The November 5, 2024 referendum, which received 49.3% voter support but did not pass, would have
allowed the district to exceed its state-imposed revenue limit by $1.75 million annually for the next four
years. An earlier referendum on April 2, 2024, received 38.2% voter support. Both measures aimed to
provide the necessary funding to maintain district operations.
With these referendums not passing, the board anticipates that the district will be unable to continue
operations beyond the 2026-2027 school year without additional revenue. The resolution to dissolve the
school district, approved on November 18, states:
“Whereas, the District sought, by referendum held on November 5, 2024, authorizing the District
to exceed the statutory revenue limit by $1.75 million on a four-year recurring basis; this
referendum failed to pass; the District had previously sought, by referendum held on April 2,
2024, to exceed the statutory revenue limit by $2 million on a four-year recurring basis; this prior
referendum also failed to pass,
Whereas, due to the failure of the above-referenced referenda, the District anticipates that it will
be unable to continue to operate after the 2026-2027 school year concludes,
Therefore, be it resolved that the Board of Education of the School District of Mauston will
consider the dissolution of the District, in accordance with Wis. Stat. 117.10.”
Additionally, the board approved a resolution to implement previously proposed budget cuts for the
2025-26 school year. The approved cuts include:
? Closing Lyndon Station Elementary
? Cutting athletics, clubs, and field trips
? Eliminating afternoon summer school
? Eliminating one bus route
? Discontinuing the JEDI (virtual school) program
? Closing the Olson Middle School swimming pool during winter
? Eliminating elementary Family Fun Nights
? Eliminating the school musical
The board has opted not to move forward with cutting an additional 15-18 staff positions as originally
proposed. Instead, the district will pause hiring to balance the budget while minimizing the impact on
current staff and students.
“The board did not make this decision lightly,” said Mike Zilisch, Board Vice President. “Our community
has demonstrated a deep commitment to its schools, and we have explored multiple solutions to keep
our district operating. We are incredibly grateful to our families, students, staff, and community
members who have supported our schools through both challenges and successes. Unfortunately,
without additional funding, these measures are necessary to address our financial challenges
responsibly.”
The board will begin working with state and local officials to determine the next steps under Wisconsin
Statute 117.10, which outlines procedures for the dissolution of school districts. Community members
will be kept informed as the district proceeds with this process
Baerbock, Evelyn Lucille Age 101 of New Lisbon
5 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
Evelyn Lucille Baerbock, 101, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 in New Lisbon, WI.
She was born on April 9, 1923, in LaGrange Township, WI to Fred and Iva (Mentz) Quass, being an only child. She graduated from College High in Whitewater, WI in 1941.
Evelyn married Donald Baerbock on November 8, 1945, in East Troy, WI. They were married for 58 years until his death
In 1957 they moved to Elkhorn, WI. She was employed at Lakeland Hospital for 10 years and then Doctors Clinic SC in Elkhorn for 20 years. She worked various positions in healthcare.
Evelyn and her husband retired to Adams County, WI in 1987. For 16 years she served on the ACMH (now Moundview Hospital) board, 12 of those years as president. She was also a member of the Hospital Auxiliary. She was a member of the Mauston Methodist Church and also served as local and district president of the United Methodist Women.
She loved spending time with her family and grandchildren. Evelyn and her husband loved to travel. Places visited: Alaska, Hawaii, England, Caribbean, and the continental US. She also loved visiting with friends that she forged lifetime friendships with.
Evelyn loved finding a good deal. Often going to garage sales, thrift stores, and antique shops. She collected antiques throughout her life a lot of them including family heirlooms from glassware to furniture. Evelyn was also an avid gardener.
Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Donald Baerbock (December 2003). She is survived by her children Duane (Linda) Baerbock of Lake Geneva, WI and Eileen (Larry) Williams of Niagara, WI, 5 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be at Mauston Methodist Church on Monday, November 18, 2024 at 10 am, funeral services following at 11 am.
Mile Bluff Necedah Hosting Fair November 21st
5 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
Reserve your spot at the upcoming health fair being held at Mile Bluff – Necedah Family Medical Center Thursday, November 21 from 7 to 10 am. Receive free blood pressure and blood sugar testing, and learn what your risk factors are for developing heart disease and diabetes.
Appointments are required for all services, so call 608-565-2000 to reserve your spot today!
To see more events like this, check out the upcoming events page at milebluff.com.
Mile Bluff Foundation to host Holiday Auction
5 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
Get your Christmas shopping list ready! Mile Bluff Medical Center Foundation’s Holiday Auction is almost here! This online auction will give you the opportunity to bid on and, hopefully, win, one-of-a-kind items and experiences you won’t be able to find anywhere else.
The Holiday Auction will run online from Friday, November 29 through Saturday, December 7. It will feature an exclusive list of items that have been donated by generous businesses and individuals from the community. So far, the auction has a collection of home decor items, gift certificates to local restaurants, photography sessions, 3-month fitness passes, sets of Green Bay Packer tickets, 5-day African Safari Hunt, a Traeger grill, and so much more. New items are being added every day!
To checkout auction items as they are added and to register to bid, you can find links to the online auction page from Mile Bluff Medical Center Foundation’s Facebook page or by visiting the ‘Calendar of Events’ at www.milebluff.com. When you register for the auction, you will receive notifications when the auction is live and ready for your bids!
Proceeds from this auction will support the health of the community through the work of Mile Bluff Medical Center Foundation. It is through the generosity of donors that the foundation can support the medical center in providing new healthcare treatments, the expansion of services, healthcare career scholarships, and programs that benefit our community.
Whether it’s a gift for yourself or for the hard to buy for person on your list, Mile Bluff Medical Center Foundation’s Holiday Auction is the perfect opportunity to find the gifts you are looking for. For more information, call 608-847-2735.
Man Who Fled Authorities Captured in Tomah
5 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
Monroe County Sheriff’s Office arrests wanted subject who fled from Wisconsin State Patrol on I-90/94 outside Tomah.
On Tuesday 11/12/24 at approximately 1:00 PM Wisconsin State Patrol attempted to stop a vehicle on I-90/94 westbound in Juneau County. The vehicle fled at a high rate of speed and Wisconsin State Patrol terminated the pursuit for safety reasons. Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and Wisconsin State Patrol located the vehicle in Monroe County and the vehicle fled again, eventually coming to a rest in the ditch of I-94 between CTH ET and Industrial Avenue.
The driver, Demetrius L. Johnson (39 years old) of Racine, WI, fled on foot into a wooded area west of I-94. Johnson was wanted by the Wisconsin Department of Corrections and was noted to have violent tendencies.
Additional law enforcement resources from Wisconsin State Patrol, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and Tomah Police Department responded to the area and searched for Johnson.
At approximately 5:30 PM a Monroe County Sheriff’s Office sergeant saw Johnson walking on CTH ET at the east city limits of Tomah. Johnson fled northbound on a snowmobile trail.
Additional resources responded and established a perimeter before searching for Johnson again.
At approximately 8:30 PM Johnson was located by an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (drone) team from Fort McCoy Fire Department and was arrested by Monroe County Sheriff’s Office a short time later after being apprehended by a K-9.
Johnson was medically treated on scene before being taken to the Monroe County Jail by Wisconsin State Patrol..
Assisting agencies included Tomah Police Department, Tomah Fire Department, Monroe County Emergency Management, Veterans Affairs Medical Center-Tomah Police, Fort McCoy Fire Department, Holmen Police Department, and Tomah Area Ambulance.
New Lisbon Chamber Taking Farmer Appreciation Donations Through November 21st
5 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
Join us in celebrating our local farmers at the upcoming Farmers’ Appreciation Dinner! Let’s come together to honor our farmers and show our support for the hard work they do every day!
The sponsorship will be $40 per meal/family. The meal includes a 16-20lb frozen turkey, a 5lb bag of potatoes, a bag of stuffing mix, 4 large cans of vegetables, jellied cranberries, gravy, a loaf of bake-and-serve bread, and a large frozen pie all in a reusable grocery bag. This was met with an overwhelming amount of gratitude and surprise by the farmers. Last year we were able to lighten the load of 90 farming families of not only the New Lisbon area but other surrounding towns as well during their busy harvest season.
Please contact Tania Clark via text: at (608) 633-4301 or email: farmerapprecitation@gmail.com. You may also drop any donations off at the New Lisbon Chamber office during hours or use our QR code for a quick and easy donation.
Peters, Lois E. Age 76 of Tomah
5 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
Lois E. Peters, 76, died on Monday, November 11, 2024, at Tomah Health surrounded by her loved ones. She was born on June 14, 1948, to Steven and Edith (Bonsall) Kelly in Elkhorn, Wisconsin. She was a member of the Delavan High School Graduating Class of 1966. Lois was united in marriage to Lewis Peters in 1972 in Delevan, WI. After they were married they lived in Darien, WI and in 1978 they relocated to the Tomah area. Throughout her life, Lois worked at the O’Rustic Inn, Burnstad’s Packporch, and also cleaned homes. She loved crafting, and antiquing. She enjoyed working around the house; making it into a warm and welcoming home, working with her flowers and gardens. Lois loved being a mom, grandmother and great-grandmother and her family camping trips were always special. She will be remembered for her kind and generous heart knowing she loved you more!
She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Lewis Peters; father, Steven Kelly of Monument, CO; step father, Bob Schiller of New Lisbon; daughter, Kim (Aaron) Mockler of Sun Prairie; grandchildren, Cody (Kailyn Schaitel) Peters, Hayden (Alayna) Peters, Brady Mockler, Beau Mockler; great grandchildren, Kyler and Chad; siblings, Linda (Tony) Kaderabek of Appleton, Patrick Kelly of Rochester, Peggy (Allen) Eaves of Grandview, TN, Pamela (Jim) Parco of Monument, CO; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her son, Chad Peters; her mother, Edith; and her father and mother-in-law, Maynard and Marian Peters.
A Prayer Service will be held on Monday, November 18, 2024, 7:00 PM at the Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home, 801 E. Monowau Street, Tomah. Pastor Robert Gerke will officiate. Burial will be at a later date in the Camp Douglas Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited for a time of visitation on Monday at the funeral home from 4:00 PM until the time of the service. Online condolences can be offered by visiting www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.
Lorenzen, Scott Earl Age 62 of Nekoosa
5 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Scott Earl Lorenzen in his home in Nekoosa, November 7, 2024 at the age of 62. Scott was born on September 30, 1962 in Milwaukee to Earl and Georgiana Lorenzen (Janssen).
Scott attended school in Columbus, WI until 5th grade when the family moved to Adams-Friendship. He enjoyed playing volleyball and basketball in High School. Graduating in 1981 he then went to trade school in Wisconsin Rapids. Having his CDL license he moved to Texas working as a surveyor and Vibe Operator for an oil company. After a couple years the company moved him to Montana and Wyoming. He worked out West for 2 ½ years before moving back to Wisconsin. Scott enjoyed traveling and was not a fan of Wisconsin winters so off he went to work in Florida.
In 1987-1988 he moved back home and worked for Rhinehart Building, then for Best Energies as a shipping clerk. When Best downsized Scott joined a tower painting crew then started his own business. When he became ill, and diagnosed with cancer at the age of 59, he took a part time maintenance position for the town of Rome. He was in remission at time of his passing.
Scott had met the love of his life, Sherry Marie Cook. So very kind and good they were to one another.
Scott very much enjoyed strumming away on his guitar, sitting outside watching the wildlife, campfires, spending time with and helping friends. He belonged to The River Rats Camping group.
Scott was preceded in joining the Lord: Mother and Father, Earl Lorenzen and Georgiana Klicko (Lorenzen).
Scott is survived by Sherry Marie Cook (soulmate); Sister Donna Abfall (Lorenzen); Brother-in-law Roger Abfall; Nephew Mac Abfall; Nieces: Jocelyn Feest (Abfall), Georgiana Reichard (Abfall), and Mikkin Budiac (Abfall); and 4 great nieces.
Visitation 11:00 followed by 12 noon service on November 16, 2024 at Roseberry’s Funeral Home in Friendship followed by a gathering and meal at 1:00 at VFW in Adams, WI.
