Local News
MAGGIE SENZIG AND BRIDGET TOTZKE EARN WISCONSIN 4-H KEY AWARD
Bridget Totzke of Wonewoc Badgers 4-H Club and Maggie Senzig of Blackhawk 4-H Club have
been selected as the Juneau County, Wisconsin 4-H Key Award winners for this past year. The
Key Award was presented by Kelly Green, Juneau County Farm Bureau, at the Juneau County 4-
H Recognition Program held on January 25, 2025 at the Elroy Theater.
The prestigious Key Award, one of the highest recognition a 4-H member can receive, honors a
select group of 4-H participants annually. The youth receiving this award are ones who have
demonstrated consistent growth in their 4-H involvement, developed and applied their leadership
skills, and actively participated in their club and community.
According to April Martell, Juneau County Positive Youth Development Educator with UW-
Madison Division of Extension, this year’s winners exemplify the goals and values of the
Wisconsin 4-H Program.
“Maggie Senzig and Bridget Totzke have been life members in Juneau County 4-H. They
have participated at every level possible including leadership positions plus local and
state competitions, all while serving as mentors and role models for our younger 4-H
members. Their commitment to living out the 4-H motto (To Make the Best Better) is
seen in everything they do. The life skills they take with them from their time in 4-H will
no doubt shape their future.”
Key Award recipients are high school students with at least three years of experience in 4-H and
one year as a youth leader. The Wisconsin Farm Bureau and Rural Mutual Insurance Company
sponsor the Wisconsin 4-H Key Award program. They have sponsored these awards for over 30
years, helping 4-H to honor some of Wisconsin’s finest youth
Learn About History of Mile Bluff Medical Center on February 26th
The public is invited to join the tenants of Terrace Heights Retirement Community in Mauston on Wednesday, February 26, at 2:00 p.m. for an engaging presentation on the rich history of Mile Bluff Medical Center, presented by Natty Kranz and Jill Finley.
This is a wonderful opportunity to explore the fascinating journey and key milestones that have shaped Mile Bluff throughout the years.
The event is free and open to the public, but space is limited. Call 608-847-2377 to reserve your spot today!
Ask about a facility tour; apartments are now available.
Mauston High School to Compete in KidWind Challenge
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Birchwood STEAM and Career Academy, Birchwood WI (2 teams)
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St. Thomas the Apostle School, Crystal Lake IL (2 teams)
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Darlington Community Schools, Darlington WI (4 teams)
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Madinah Academy of Madison, Madison WI (3 teams)
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Mauston High School, Mauston WI (2 teams)
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Pope Farm Elementary, Middleton WI (1 team)
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Onalaska Kid Wind Club, Onalaska WI (1 team)
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Homestead Academy – Homeschool, Pine River WI (1 team)
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Sugar Maple Nature School, Saukville WI (5 teams)
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St. Matthew Lutheran School, Stoddard WI (1 team)
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Mormon Coulee 4-H Club, Stoddard WI (1 team)
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Allison Bender, WEI outreach and events coordinator and Wisconsin KidWind coordinator, agbender@wisc.edu, 608-890-0946
Local Election Results from February 18th Election
Mauston School Referendum
Yes – 2044 (Referendum Passes)
No – 1034
Tomah School Board Primary (Top 4 Advance to general election)
Catey Rice -865
Heidi Hammes – 672
Daniel Crego – 503
James Newlun – 489
Ryan Defreitas – 218 (eliminated)
State DPI Superintendent Primary (top 2 advance)
Jill Underly – 177,397
Brittany Kinser – 161,585
Jeff Wright – 128,253 (Eliminated)
Campfire Kevin to entertain at Terrace Heights Retirement Community
On Tuesday, February 18 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 February 20 performance, call 608-847-2377 to reserve your spot today. Also ask about a facility tour; apartments are now available.
Hillsboro Man Involved in Head on Collision Accident
A two vehicle head on crash on Pierce Hill rd in the town of Viroqua at approximately 7:15am Monday
February 10th. Robert Brand age 21 of Hillsboro, WI was traveling west on Pierce Hill rd and attempted to
pass two vehicles while approaching a knoll. The operator of the other vehicle Kimberly Johnson age 55 of
Viroqua, WI was traveling east coming over the knoll and was unable to avoid the pickup truck in her lane.
The vehicles struck nearly head on and came to rest in the front yard of a private residence.
Johnson was wearing her seatbelt and had to be extricated from the vehicle by the Viroqua Fire
Department. She was then flown by Gundersen Air to Emplify/Gundersen Health System in LaCrosse, WI
with serious injuries.
Brand was not wearing his seatbelt and was able to exit his vehicle under his own power. He also sustained
injuries and was taken by private vehicle to Vernon Memorial Hospital in Viroqua, WI.
Several airbags were deployed in both vehicles.
Reserve your Spot for Upcoming MBMC Health Fair
Reserve your spot at the upcoming health fair hosted by Mile Bluff Medical Center on Thursday, February 20. Receive free blood pressure and blood sugar testing, and learn what your risk factors are for developing heart disease and diabetes. A lipid profile testing is also available for a small fee.
Appointments are required for all services, so call 608-847-1845 to reserve your spot today!
To see more events like this, check out the upcoming events page at milebluff.com.
School Referendums Are Sending a Clear Message to Wisconsin Lawmakers by Anne Chapman
On February 18th the Mauston School District will once again ask voters to support a school operational referendum. Referendums last spring and November were voted down by voters. Mauston is not the only school district facing challenges. Wisconsin Association of School Business Officials research director Anne Chapman discusses in this article why the school districts are facing these challenges and what it means if things don’t change and if referendums don’t go through.
School referendums are sending a clear message
Terrace Heights annual Valentine’s BINGO
Back by popular demand, Terrace Heights Retirement Community in Mauston is thrilled to host its annual Valentine’s BINGO event once again!
The public is welcome to come join the tenants at Terrace Heights on Tuesday, February 12, at 2 pm for a heartwarming afternoon of fun, laughter, and BINGO—where everyone’s a winner! Enjoy refreshments, door prizes, and great company while celebrating the holiday of love.
RSVP is required to play. This event fills up fast, so call 608-847-2377 to reserve your spot today!
