News
Man Arrested in Dells for 4th OWI
on January 10th at 2:22am Geoff John Hlavachek Arnold, 36 years of age, from Brown Deer has been arrested by the Wisconsin State Patrol DeForest Post for operating a motor vehicle under the influence, 4th offense.
Wisconsin State Patrol was advised of a complaint about a possibly impaired subject at the Kwik
Trip in WI Dells. A Trooper arrived on scene and spoke with Hlavachek Arnold who showed signs
of impairment. Hlavachek Arnold refused to complete standardized field sobriety tests. Hlavachek
Arnold was subsequently arrested for operating while intoxicated. Hlavachek Arnold had three prior
OWI convictions making this his 4th offense.
“Pursuant to the direction of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, as found in Supreme Court Rule 20:3.6,
Trial Publicly, you are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is
presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.”
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Virgil Thew in Custody
There’s currently an increased law enforcement presence in the City of Elroy. This is an reference to the investigation of Virgil Thew. The public is not in danger at this time. Virgil Thew has been apprehended and is in custody. An updated Press Release will be released later today.
Olson Middle School Earns Top Rankings
Olson Middle School has been ranked No. 138 in the state among the 2025 Best Elementary and Middle School rankings by U.S. News & World Report. The rankings include more than 79,000 public elementary and middle schools across the country. Schools are ranked at the state and district level.
“We are so proud of the hard work and dedication shown by our amazing staff,
middle school principal, and students. The daily accomplishments we see take on
even more meaning when we are recognized with such a prestigious award.”
— Joel Heesch, Superintendent of Schools
The methodology focuses on state assessments of students who were proficient or
above proficient in mathematics and reading/language arts while accounting for
student backgrounds, achievement in core subjects, and how well schools are
educating their students. Student-teacher ratios are applied to break ties in the
overall score.
The 2025 Best Middle Schools rankings are based on publicly available data from the
U.S. Department of Education.
“The 2025 Best Middle Schools rankings offer a way for parents to get a snapshot of
their child’s school and how well it is doing compared with other schools in their
community,” said LaMont Jones, managing editor for education at U.S. News. “In
addition, U.S. News provides easily accessible data on student-teacher ratios, district
spending, and the number of counselors a school makes available to its students.”
Parents, educators and students can see how Olson Middle School compares to other
institutions and how the rankings are calculated on USNews.
Mauston High School Earns Top Rankings
Mauston High School has been ranked in the top 40% of all high schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. The rankings evaluate nearly 18,000 schools at the national, state and local level.
The school was ranked No. 136 in the state of Wisconsin and is a leader in their geographical region.
“We are incredibly proud of the outstanding efforts of our dedicated staff, high
school administrators, and students. The achievements we witness each day take
on even greater significance when we’re honored with such a prestigious award.”
— Joel Heesch, Superintendent of Schools
The methodology focuses on six factors: college readiness; reading, math and
science proficiency; reading, math and science performance; underserved student
performance; college curriculum breadth; and graduation rates.
“The 2024 Best High Schools rankings highlight schools across the country where
students consistently demonstrate academic excellence,” said LaMont Jones,
managing editor of education at U.S. News. “Having access to our data on the high
schools can empower families as they navigate today’s educational environment and
plan for the future.”
Parents and students can see how Mauston High School compares to other
institutions and how the rankings are calculated on USNews.com
Major Road Work on North Union and Gateway in Mauston to Start Monday
MAJOR ROAD WORK ALERT: N. Union & Gateway Intersection
Starting Monday, January 13: Essential Water Main Repairs
What’s happening?
A significant water main break near the Walgreens at N. Union and Gateway requires immediate attention. Our crews will be on site with heavy equipment to tackle this complex repair.
Where exactly?
The intersection of N. Union and Gateway
Look for the Walgreens – you can’t miss us!
What to expect:
- Full intersection closure
- Heavy equipment on site
- Detours in place
- Work duration: To be determined based on repair complexity
- Plan ahead and choose alternate routes.
We appreciate your patience as we work to fix this critical infrastructure issue.
Stay tuned for updates as work progresses. We’ll keep you posted!
Minnesota Bank Robber Captured in Wilton
Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Apprehends Suspect in Minnesota bank robbery
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office has arrested an individual wanted in connection with a back robbery that occurred in Bloomington, Minnesota. The arrest was made in the Village of Wilton on January 7, 2025 as part of a coordinated effort with law enforcement agencies across state lines.
On January 7, 2025 the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by the Bloomington Police Department for assistance in locating Cory M Billstrom (51) of Janesville, WI, who was wanted in connection with a bank robbery that occurred in Bloomington, Minnesota. There was also an outstanding warrant for Billstrom’s arrest from the Wisconsin Department of Corrections. The Bloomington Police Department had information that Billstrom was located near the Village of Wilton.
The Wilton Police Department and Monroe County Sheriff’s Office responded to the area. After a short
investigation, law enforcement personnel made contact with Billstrom outside of a residence in the Village of Wilton. Billstrom was placed under arrest for the Department of Corrections warrant and charges related to the bank robbery in Bloomington.
Billstrom was transported to the Monroe County Jail, where he is currently being held pending extradition to Minnesota, where he will face charges related to a bank robbery that occurred in Bloomington, Minnesota on January 7, 2025.
No injuries were reported during the arrest, and there is no danger to the public.
Gundersen St. Joseph’s meets mission for patients in need. WHA data ranks hospital second in uncompensated care.
A new report released on Dec. 19 by the Wisconsin Hospital Association (WHA) showed the state’s hospitals provided $2.3 billion in community benefits and charity care in Fiscal Year 2023. The WHA 2024 Community Benefit Report details the many ways Wisconsin’s nonprofit hospitals and health systems care for their communities beyond patient care, often at a financial loss.
Included in the $2.3 billion is around $3.3 million of uncompensated care provided by Gundersen St. Joseph’s Hospital and Clinics. This accounts for 4.5% of St. Joseph’s gross patient revenue — the second highest rate in the state.
WHAT IS UNCOMPENSATED HEALTH CARE?
Hospitals have traditionally used the term “uncompensated health care” to encompass two components: financial assistance and bad debt. Each component represents services for which the hospital does not receive payment. Financial Assistance is care for which a hospital does not expect payment because it has been determined that the patient cannot afford to pay. Bad debt, however, comes from care for which payment is expected, but the hospital is unable to collect.
“What this means is that St. Joe’s is delivering on its mission,” says Kristie McCoic, administrator at Gundersen St. Joseph’s Hospital and Clinics. “We are a nonprofit hospital providing care to those in need regardless of their ability to pay. We have wonderful, caring individuals in our financial services team who are happy to assist patients in determining if they qualify for our financial assistance program.”
For more information on Gundersen St. Joseph’s financial assistance program, visit gundersenhealth.org/patients-visitors/financial-assistance or call (608) 489-8000.
Tomah Man Connected to Thanksgiving Attempted Homicide Placed in Custody
2 High School Students Injured in Single Vehicle Accident
On Friday, January 3rd, 2025, at approximately 5:00 PM, the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office 911 Dispatch
center received an automated crash notification from a smart phone. A second call was received and it was reported to be a single vehicle crash on State Highway 82, 0.5mi West of Urban Rd in the Town of
Hillsboro.
The operator of the vehicle Quinn M. Scheder, age 18 of rural LaFarge fell asleep and lost control of the
vehicle. The vehicle left the roadway and flipped end over end before coming to rest in the ditch. Quinn
Scheder and his passenger age 16 also of rural LaFarge were both evaluated at the scene
and transported by Hillsboro Area Ambulance to Gundersen St. Josephs Hospital in Hillsboro for minor
injuries.
State Highway 82 was closed for approximately 20 min by Hillsboro Fire Department to allow recovery of the vehicle.
All airbags in the vehicle were deployed. Sheriff Torgerson would like to emphasize the importance of
wearing seatbelts.
Apply To Be Next Alice in Dairyland
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
(DATCP) invites individuals with a passion for promoting agriculture to apply for the position
of 78th Alice in Dairyland through January 31, 2025.
As one of the most widely recognized marketing communications professionals in Wisconsin
agriculture, Alice in Dairyland travels extensively, promoting Wisconsin’s agricultural
industry and its impact on the state economy. In this highly visible and fast-paced position,
Alice in Dairyland serves as a full-time spokesperson; cultivates relationships with television,
radio, and print media outlets throughout the state; writes and delivers speeches at events; and
uses social media to tell the stories of Wisconsin agriculture. Additional duties include
developing and executing marketing plans, delivering classroom presentations, and networking
with industry professionals. Alice must also learn and retain information about the diversity of
Wisconsin agriculture and be able to tailor that information to educate both urban and rural
audiences.
“The Alice in Dairyland program may have started as a beauty pageant following World War
II, but the role is now about so much more than wearing a tiara—it’s about being a voice for
Wisconsin’s agriculture, sharing the stories of our agriculturalists, and inspiring the next
generation to continue the legacy,” said 77th Alice in Dairyland Halei Heinzel. “I am excited
to work with the top candidates throughout the next several months as we lead up to the 78th
Alice in Dairyland Finals.”
Alice in Dairyland applicants should have an interest in Wisconsin agriculture, public speaking
experience, and at least three years of experience, education, or training in communications,
marketing, education, or public relations. Applicants must also be female, Wisconsin residents,
and at least 21 years old.
This one-year, full-time contractual position starts July 7, 2025. The chosen candidate will
travel solo extensively throughout the state and be required to have weekly in-person office
time at DATCP’s Madison office. The annual salary for Alice in Dairyland is $45,000 and
includes holiday, vacation, and sick leave, and use of a vehicle while on official business.
Reimbursement is provided for an individual health insurance premium up to $450 a month
and professional travel expenses.
To apply, provide a cover letter, completed application form, resume, and contact information
for three professional references to DATCPAlice@wisconsin.gov by 4:30 p.m. on January 31,
2025. Application materials are available on the Alice in Dairyland website.
Qualified applicants will participate in a preliminary interview on February 22, 2025, at
DATCP’s Madison office or via Microsoft Teams. The resulting Top Candidates will be
required to attend a two-day program briefing and press announcement March 7-8, 2025, and
the three-day final interview process May 15-17, 2025, in Crawford County.
Questions about the position or application process can be directed to
DATCPAlice@wisconsin.gov. For more information about the Alice in Dairyland program,
visit https://www.aliceindairyland.com and follow Alice online on Facebook and Instagram.
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