Local News
Roll the dice at Mile Bluff’s “Casino Royale: A High Stakes Gala”
Channel your inner Bond. James Bond that is.
Mile Bluff Medical Center Foundation is inviting you to “Casino Royale: A High Stakes Gala” on Saturday, April 12 at Glacier Canyon Conference Center at the Wilderness Resort in Wisconsin Dells.
Step into a world of high-stakes intrigue and timeless sophistication at this James Bond 007-themed fundraising event! Don your finest Bond-inspired attire and join the foundation for an unforgettable evening where elegance meets philanthropy.
With appetizers, a plated dinner, and your own Casino Royale, you can join other MI-6 agents to try your luck at Blackjack, Poker, and Roulette to earn tickets for raffle baskets and other prizes of intrigue.
The foundation’s mission is to raise funds to support local healthcare through the work of Mile Bluff Medical Center. Funds raised through this event will be used to support the areas of greatest need which could include the Gateway Center & Emergency Department Expansion Project, medical equipment, healthcare scholarships, and other community health resources.
Should you choose to accept this mission to attend this exclusive 007, James Bond-inspired event on Saturday, April 12, you will be supporting a worthy cause while enjoying an evening of dinner, entertainment and fun. If you would like to extend your mission, a block of rooms has been reserved at the Wilderness.
General admission, group opportunities, and sponsorships are now available. For purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.milebluff.com/CasinoRoyale or call the foundation office at 608-847-2735.
Mile Bluff Medical Center hosts monthly diabetes discussions
If you are looking for answers and tips on how to live your life to the fullest while managing diabetes, plan to attend this month’s Diabetes Connect. At this informative and engaging discussion, Mile Bluff’s team of experts will be available to cover a variety of key topics, while you’ll also have the opportunity to connect with others and get tips from those on a similar health journey.
This event is free and open to everyone, including individuals with pre-diabetes and diabetes, as well as their loved ones and caregivers. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insight toward living your best, and healthiest, life.
Diabetes Connect will be held on Thursday, February 6 at 1pm at Mile Bluff Medical Center in Mauston.
Registration is not required to attend. A virtual option is also available. Call 1 week in advance for details.
For more information, call 608-847-1848 or visit the upcoming events page at milebluff.com.
Mile Bluff Medical Center donates to the Hatch Public Library in Mauston
Each quarter, employees of Mile Bluff Medical Center select an organization to benefit from their “Casual for a Cause” Fridays.
To generate funds, staff members are invited to wear jeans to work and contribute a donation toward the initiative. Thanks to the generosity of Mile Bluff’s staff, the most recent fundraising drive surpassed expectations, raising more than $1,376.
In January, Mile Bluff proudly donated these funds to Hatch Public Library in Mauston, reinforcing its mission to serve the community and expand valuable resources. “This beautiful building has so much to offer, and we are always looking for ways to enhance what we provide to the community,” said Bridget, Director of Hatch Public Library. “We are humbled and excited to receive this donation and grateful to see support from our community partners,” she added.
The medical center saw this opportunity as an important way to help individuals and families continue to have access to the tools they need to connect, learn, and grow. “By supporting the Hatch Public Library, we are helping to ensure lifelong learning opportunities for our community,” said Dara Bartels, Mile Bluff’s President and CEO. “We are happy to contribute in this small way and proud to support a resource that benefits so many.”
Mile Bluff remains dedicated to supporting the community, extending its impact well beyond the walls of the medical center.
Tom Conrad to entertain at Terrace Heights
Join the residents of Terrace Heights Retirement Community in Mauston for an afternoon of delightful entertainment with Tom Conrad. On Monday, January 6, Tom will charm the audience with his warm personality, captivating vocals, and guitar melodies. The performance begins at 1:30 pm—don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy this uplifting musical experience.
This event is free and open to the public. Call 608-847-2377 for more information or to reserve your spot. 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.
Vehicle vs Buggy Accident near Hillsboro
Vernon County Sheriff Roy Torgerson reports on Wednesday
evening, December 25, 2024, at approximately 6:00 PM, a motor vehicle collided with a
horse-drawn buggy on State Highway 82, near Pine Avenue, rural Hillsboro, in the Town of
Union.
Lydia E. M. Thompson, age 22, of rural Sparta, WI, and Jaydon Alan Shea, age 20, of La
Farge, WI were the occupants of a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze passenger car traveling east on
State Highway 82. The vehicle struck a westbound buggy head-on, in the westbound lane,
on a curve.
Henry F. Bontrager, age 29, and Ruth J. Bontrager, age 29, both of rural Hillsboro, WI,
occupied the horse-drawn vehicle and were both ejected from the buggy which came to
rest in the roadway. The passenger car went off the north side of the roadway and traveled
down an embankment where it came to rest.
Lydia Thompson, Jaydon Shea, and Ruth Bontrager were transported to Gundersen St.
Joseph’s Hospital, in Hillsboro, WI, by La Farge Area Ambulance. Henry Bontrager was
pronounced dead at the scene by Vernon County Coroner Betty Nigh. Ruth Bontrager was
later transferred to Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, WI.
The horse also died because of the crash.
Assisting the Sheriff’s Office at the scene were the La Farge Fire Department, La Farge Area
Ambulance, Wisconsin State Patrol Technical Reconstruction Unit, and the Town of Union,
and the Vernon County Coroner’s Office. Several concerned citizens stopped to render aid
and protect the scene until emergency personnel arrived. Gundersen Air was also
requested but were unable to fly due to weather conditions.
Rural Elroy Citizens Injured in Single Vehicle Crash
Vernon County Sheriff Roy Torgerson reports on Saturday, December 21,
2024, at approximately 11:30 AM, the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office 911 Dispatch Center was notified of a
single-vehicle crash on Lovers Lane in the town of Hillsboro.
A vehicle operated by Lewis E. Bontrager, age 18, of rural Elroy, WI, lost control after negotiating a corner
and left the roadway, striking a tree on the opposite side of the road.
Both vehicle occupants were injured and the passenger, Kailey A. Miller, age 18, of rural Elroy, WI, was
extricated from the vehicle by the Hillsboro Fire Department. Both were transported to Gundersen St.
Joseph’s Hospital by Hillsboro Area Ambulance. Both were treated and released.
In addition to Hillsboro Fire and Hillsboro Area Ambulance, Hillsboro Police also assisted the Sheriff’s
Office at the scene.
Winter road conditions and speed both appeared to be contributing factors; however, the crash remains
under investigation.
Unoccupied Patrol Vehicle Hit During Necedah Parade
Mile Bluff’s Gateway Project receives grant approved by Gov. Evers, State Building Commission
Mile Bluff Medical Center’s Gateway Center and Emergency Department expansion project in Mauston was among the $50 million in state building projects approved by the Wisconsin State Building Commission (SBC) and Gov. Evers in late October. Mile Bluff received $800,000 from the SBC in support of this growth and accessibility initiative.
Mile Bluff is transforming the former Mauston Shopko building into a new hub of healthcare excellence. Now referred to as the “Gateway Center,” it will serve as the new home to Mile Bluff’s Mauston dialysis unit, urgent care clinic, and retail pharmacy. Slated to be completed in December 2024, the Gateway Center is the first phase in a two-phased $17 million project. Phase two will include the remodeling of Mile Bluff’s Emergency Department which will tentatively begin in March 2025.
This expansion project will enhance and grow healthcare services in Juneau County. Relocating these services will improve the patient experience, allow for more efficient patient care workflows, improve security and privacy, and ultimately allow the organization to meet the growing healthcare needs of the rural community.
Expanding Patient Care and Healthcare Accessibility
Like many of the projects proposed for the Non-State Grant Program, Mile Bluff’s Gateway Center and Emergency Department Expansion project will make a difference in the lives of those who live, work, and visit this area of the state.
“Expanding healthcare services and accessibility is crucial to supporting the families and visitors in our rural community,” said Scott Kniprath, Chief Operating Officer at Mile Bluff. “In some instances, having a healthcare facility located in such a rural area can mean the difference between life or death. Our expansion project reduces barriers to timely medical interventions and preventative care for our current and future patients.”
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About the Non-State Grant Program
Gov. Evers and the SBC approved a total of $160.8 million in key projects around the state, including $50 million for 50 projects in communities across Wisconsin funded through the new Non-State Grant Program, which was created in the 2023-25 biennial budget enacted by Gov. Evers last summer.
These grants are targeted at bolstering critical infrastructure and services across key sectors such as health and wellness, economic and workforce development, arts and culture, and public services. By investing in projects that address pressing community needs—from expanding healthcare facilities to supporting workforce training and preserving cultural institutions—this funding will have a lasting, statewide impact, ensuring resources are distributed fairly across both urban and rural areas.
Last November, Gov. Evers launched the new Non-State Grant Program to support local infrastructure improvement and community development projects in communities across the state. To be eligible, non-state organizations were required to secure funding from non-state revenue sources to cover at least half of the total project cost. The Wisconsin Department of Administration received overwhelming interest in the program, receiving more than 250 applications.
“I was glad to launch the Non-State Grant Program last year because an investment in local capital projects like these is an investment in local jobs and economies and improving public services and the quality of life for Wisconsinites statewide,” said Gov. Evers. “From strengthening hospital and emergency response services to honoring local veterans and supporting our tourism industry, among so much more, I’m looking forward to getting these critical investments out to communities that need them so these good folks can get to work on projects that will help serve our local communities.”
“We are grateful to the State of Wisconsin for supporting the Non-State Grant Program and selecting our project for support,” said Kniprath. “At Mile Bluff, we are committed to serving and improving the overall well-being and safety of our patients. This grant has a profound impact on our ability to help our surrounding communities thrive.”
To learn more about the Gateway Center and Emergency Department expansion project and the ‘For You. With You.’ capital fundraising campaign, visit www.milebluff.com/ForYouWithYou.
MBMC Holiday Hours
Holiday Hours
In observation of the holidays, closings for Mile Bluff clinic locations will be as followed:
- Tuesday, December 24: Mile Bluff Clinic in Mauston will be open till noon. All other clinic locations will be closed for the day.
- Wednesday, December 25: All Mile Bluff clinic locations will be closed for Christmas.
- Wednesday, January 1: All Mile Bluff clinic locations will be closed for the New Year.
If you need healthcare services during these times, Mile Bluff’s Emergency Care Services are always available 24 hours a day. In addition, Urgent Care services will be available on these days from 9 am to 9 pm.
