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Royall Survives Post Season Game vs North Crawford
The Royall Panthers survived 1st half foul trouble to prevail over North Crawford 51-48 in a WIAA Sectional semi-final game Thursday night. Already playing without Trey Wildes due to an injury Royall found themselves down 3 starters as Landon Lipke and Ben Crneckiy picked up 2 quick fouls. Carter Uppena picked up his game and kept Royall afloat in the first half leading to the eventual victory. Uppena finished with 22points and held North Crawfords leading scorer Cullen Jacobus to just 7points. Royall never trailed in the game but unlike the first matchup between these two teams was unable to pull away. Landon Lipke added 12points for Royall. Carter Emler led the Trojans with 14points. Royall improves to 28-0 on the season.
Yaunkee, Delvin F. Age 91 of Friendship
Delvin F. Yaunkee, 91, of Friendship, Wisconsin, passed away on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at the Tomah VA Medical Center in Tomah, Wisconsin.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, March 16, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Adams VFW Hall in Adams, Wisconsin, with military honors presented at 12:00 noon.
Delvin was born on January 16, 1934, in Rockland, Michigan, to Raymond and Exilda Yaunkee. After graduating from high school in Michigan, he honorably served in the United States Marine Corps serving in the Korean War.
On February 23, 1957, Delvin married Annie P. (Bannon) in Waukegan, Illinois. Over the years, he worked at Farnum in Necedah, Villa Pines Living Center, and spent many years with Grande Cheese in Friendship.
Delvin had a passion for fishing, hunting, and, in his younger years, riding his motorcycle. He was also a devoted reverend, officiating numerous weddings and dedicating his time to helping the elderly and those in need.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Exilda Yaunkee; his wife, Annie Yaunkee; his brother, Sonny (Joann) Yaunkee; his sister, Madonna (Kuddy) Barba; and his son-in-law, Leonard E. Pollock Jr.
Delvin is survived by his children: Lori Pollock, Delvin F. Yaunkee II, Valerie (Frank) Tyner, Jennifer Yaunkee, and Ann Marie (Ronald) Denman. He is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Roseberry’s Funeral Home is assisting the family. For online condolences and additional information, please visit [www.roseberrys.com](http://www.roseberrys.com).
Mullens, Patricia E. Age 77 of Friendship
Patricia E. Mullens, 77, of Friendship, Wisconsin, passed away on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.
A funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, March 14, 2025, at Roseberry’s Funeral Home in Friendship, with Chaplain David Borton officiating. Visitation will take place from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service. Patricia will be laid to rest at Mt. Repose Cemetery in Friendship.
Born on June 15, 1947, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Joseph and Lorraine (Meier) Weber Jr., Patricia dedicated her career as a dietitian for over 20 years in Milwaukee before working at ACEC in Friendship until her retirement.
Beyond her professional life, Patricia was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was an exceptional homemaker and a cherished friend to many, always offering warmth and kindness to those around her.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Paul Mullens; her daughter, Patricia Oehlert; her granddaughter, Victoria Clementi; and her sister, Joanne Weber.
Patricia is lovingly remembered by her children, Thomas (Patty) Gessler, Lori (Billy) Armstrong, Paul (Angelic) Mullens, and Chad Mullens, along with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Roseberry’s Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences and further details can be found at www.roseberrys.com.
2024-2025 SCC GBB All Conference Teams
1st Team
Kylie Heller Mauston 12
Haddie Showen Westfield 12
Holly Goodwin Westfield 12
Natalie Backhaus Wisconsin Dells 11
Ashiya Hopkins Wisconsin Dells 11
Piper Moyer Adams-Friendship 9
Bre Heller Mauston 11
Catie Lavold Mauston 11
Halle Drew Westfield 11
Jaz Alwin Wisconsin Dells 9
Bianca Smith Adams-Friendship 9
Hallie Anderson Nekoosa 12
Laura Koehler Nekoosa 12
Dixie Strege Nekoosa 12
Ella Franek Mauston 11
Natalie Grant Westfield 12
Kayden Hockerman Westfield 11
Natalie Field Wisconsin Dells 12
Josie Griffin Wisconsin Dells 11
Player of the year: Haddie Showen, Westfield
Coach of the year: Luke Showen, Westfield
Smith, Wayne Arthur Age 77 of Friendship
Wayne Arthur Smith, 77, of Friendship, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, March 7, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at the Arkdale Trinity Lutheran Church. Pastor Terri Skildum will officiate. Visitation will be on Saturday, March 15th, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the Arkdale Trinity Lutheran Church.
Interment will be at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove at a later date.
Wayne was born on January 10, 1948, in Kenosha, Wisconsin, to Arthur and Viola (née Schlinske) Smith. He grew up in Kenosha and graduated from Bradford High School in 1967. Shortly after, he served in the U.S. Army from 1967 to 1969, including a tour in the Vietnam War. Wayne worked for Chrysler Motors for 30 years before retiring in December 2000. On February 20, 1985, he married Susan Jean Burgess in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Wayne had a passion for hunting, fishing, woodworking, camping, and boating. He also enjoyed trips to the casino and, most of all, spending time with his family. He was a member of Arkdale Trinity Lutheran Church.
Memorial contributions in Wayne’s honor may be made to the American Cancer Society.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Viola, and his siblings, Howard, Lloyd, James, Eleanor, Arlene, and Doris.
Wayne is survived by his loving wife, Susan Smith of Friendship, WI; his sons, Jody (Heidi) Smith and Ryan (Deanna Neumann), both of Kenosha, WI; and Jason Acerbi (Hasha) of Humble, TX; grandchildren, Haley, Jayden, Macie, Beckett, Ethan, and Isabella; and nieces, Christine (Donald) Brooks of Lake Mills, WI, and Jami (Joseph) Styx of Trevor, WI.
Roseberry’s Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences and further information can be found at www.roseberrys.com.
Royall Survives Highland to win 3rd Straight Regional Championship
The Royall Panthers boys basketball survived in overtime to win their third straight regional championship knocking off Highland 60-53 in overtime. It was a back in forth 2nd half that saw Royall up 50-47 with less than 10 seconds to go when Highland Bennet Smith drilled a 3pointer with 1.6 seconds to go to send the game into overtime. Royall controlled the overtime and Carter Uppena scored 8 of Royall’s 10 points and had the assist on the other Royall bucket scored by Landon Lipke. Royall got a game high 22points from Uppena while Lipke added 18points for the Panthers and Ben Crneckiy chipped in with 11. Wes Kraisinger led the Cardinals with 13points. Royall moves on to take North Crawford in a sectional semi-final match on Thursday in Prairie Du Chien, a game that can be heard on NOW92oneFM and WRJC.com.
Camp Douglas Man Convicted of Child Sex Crimes
Thursday, Monroe County District Attorney Kevin D. Croninger announced that
on March 05, 2025, a Monroe County jury convicted 54 year old, of Brian J. Jones of seven
charges related to sexual assault of a child including, Sexual Assault of a Child Under Age
13; Repeated Sexual Assault of a Child; two(2) counts of Incest; three(3) counts of Exposing
Genitals.
The convictions came after a two day jury trial. Jones has previously been convicted of
numerous charges related to sexual assault of different children. Those previous convictions
include three(3) Counts of 1st Degree Sexual Assault of a Child; two(2) counts of Possession
of Child Pornography; one(1) count of 2nd Degree Sexual Assault. The charges in this case
presented to the jury in Monroe County stem from Jones’ conduct that occurred between the
Summer of 1995 and the Spring of 2003, during which time Jones repeatedly sexually
assaulted the victim in the case. The victim was between the ages of 6 and 13 during the
repeated sexual assaults.
After the two(2) days of trial, the jury deliberated for approximately six and a half(6 ½) hours,
over two(2) days, before reaching their verdicts. Monroe County District Attorney Kevin
Croninger stated, “Brian Jones is a serial rapist, pedophile and pervert. While he had
previously been convicted of serious child sex offenses in Juneau County for crimes
committed against other victims, it is extremely important to obtain justice for all victims. The
jury in this case listened closely to the evidence, engaged in thorough deliberations and
delivered justice for the victim in this case. We are extremely grateful to the jury for doing
so. The victim in this case has experienced a significant amount of trauma because of the
conduct of Mr. Jones, despite that she was able to take the stand and testify with incredible
strength and clarity about the perverted, disgusting, and illegal acts Mr. Jones committed
against her.”
The prosecution of this case was handled by Monroe County District Attorney Kevin
Croninger with support and assistance by the staff of the Monroe County District Attorney’s
Office.
The investigation of the case was led by Detective Ben Goehring of the Juneau County
Sheriff’s Office, with the assistance of Detective John Brose of the Monroe County Sheriff’s
Office. Croninger praised the work of Detective Goehring and all officers involved, “The
number of people Mr. Jones has victimized is astounding. Detective Goehring and all law
enforcement officers and agencies involved in this case have demonstrated a tireless
commitment to achieving justice for all of those victims. Their professionalism and skill made
the convictions in this case, and in the Juneau County case(s) possible. We are immensely
grateful to these officers’ and their agencies’ commitment to achieving justice for all the
victims.
Jones is currently serving a prison sentence related to the other child sex offenses. After
conviction, he was returned to the New Lisbon Correctional Facility to await sentencing.
At sentencing, Jones, faces a maximum sentence of 120 years of additional time in
prison. Sentencing date to be scheduled before the Honorable Judge Richard Radcliffe
in Branch III of the Monroe County Circuit Court.
If you have been a victim of Brian J. Jones of Camp Douglas, Wisconsin, please contact law
enforcement so an investigation can be conducted. The Monroe County District Attorney’s
Office is committed to achieving justice for all victims of Brian J. Jones.
Gullo, John Vincent Age 59 Of Lake Delton
John Vincent Gullo, aged 59, passed away peacefully on March 5,2025 after his tough battle with cancer at Mile Bluff Hospital surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on January 19,1966 in Chicago, Illinois to Vincent & Carolyn Gullo. John was a firefighter on Lake Delton Fire Department for 6 years along with being a truck driver. John loved watching his grandkids play sports, and spending time playing with his dogs Luna & Max.
He is survived by his children Mike Gullo (Misty), Christina Gullo and Brittany Waddell (Bobby) also his grandchildren Malachi, Cooper and Zech, Bobby and Nevaeh, Elise and Josslynn, Jared, Michala and his sister Denise D’Anna (Tony) and many loving family members & friends.
He is preceded in death by his grandson Tyler, and his grandmother Mary & grandpa Benjamin also uncle Butch, aunt Mary and uncle Frank.
A Prayer Service will be held on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, 3:45 P.M.. at the Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home, 801 East Monowau Street, Tomah Father Eric Berns will officiate.
Family, and friends are invited to a visitation from 12 Noon until the time of the service. Online condolences may be sent to www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com
Local WIAA Regional Quarterfinal Basketball Scores from Tuesday Night
Division 2
Tomah 74 New London 60
DeForest 84 Reedsburg 66
Division 3
Adams-Friendship 46 Black River Falls 44
Stanley-Boyd 77 Wautoma 50
Dodgeville 69 Mauston 63
Division 4
Bangor 68 Whitehall 62
Parkview 70 Cashton 33
Nekoosa 100 Montello 57
Lomira 95 Necedah 27
Division 5
Wisconsin Rapids Assumption 67 New Lisbon 48
Potosi 85 Wonewoc-Center 47
Seneca 79 Hillsboro 69 (David Johnson Career High 25points)
North Crawford 80 Weston 54
Kickapoo 49 De Soto 41
Royall 91 Brookwood 48
Mile Bluff Gateway Center Open House
Mile Bluff Medical Center is excited to announce an Open House to showcase its newly transformed Gateway Center, located in the former Shopko building in Mauston. The space has been completely renovated to house Mile Bluff’s Urgent Care, Retail Pharmacy, and Dialysis departments.
Visitors are invited to tour the facility, meet the healthcare team, and learn more about the services being provided. This event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be available.
Details for the Open House:
Date: Saturday, March 15, 2025
Time: 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: 406 Gateway Avenue, Mauston, WI
