Local News

Mile Bluff Medical Center now offers an automated text waitlist and online scheduling. These enhancements are designed to make it easier and more convenient for you to get the clinic care you need when you need it.

WAITLIST

Key information

If you have a clinic appointment scheduled, and would like to be seen sooner, if possible, you can join the waitlist.

• How do I get added to the waitlist?

Over the phone

• When you call to make a clinic appointment, you will be offered the option to join the waitlist.

Through text

• If you cancel an appointment through text, you will receive a text inviting you to join the waitlist.
• You can add yourself to the waitlist by responding to the message.
• How does the waitlist work?
• If you are on the waitlist, and an appointment becomes available for a time that is sooner than your scheduled appointment, you will receive a text offering you the earlier appointment.
• You will follow the text prompts, and receive confirmation if/when you are able to reschedule for the new time.

ONLINE SCHEDULING

Key information

Online scheduling is available for select clinic appointments in Mauston and Elroy

• Do I have to be a Mile Bluff patient?

Yes. Your name, date of birth and cell phone number must be in the system for the scheduling program to recognize you.

• What types of appointments are available?

Online scheduling is available for acute and same-day issues only, such as:

• Cold or flu
• Sore throat
• Diarrhea or vomiting
• Strains or sprains
• Urinary tract issues
• Pink eye
• Ear infections
• Skin concerns (rash)
• Tick bites

• What providers can I schedule appointments with online?

Shawn Johnson is available at Mile Bluff Clinic in Mauston.

James Lierman is available at Elroy Family Medical Center.

• How can I schedule online?

• Visit milebluff.com/schedule.
• Click the Schedule Online button.
• Fill out the form, choosing the provider, location and time that work best for you.
• Manage your appointment through text messaging.

Same-day care is also often available by calling Mile Bluff’s Patient Access team at 608-847-5000.

At a special meeting on December 4, the School District of Mauston Board of
Education voted to place an operational referendum question on the ballot for Tuesday, February 18,
2025.
The proposed referendum seeks voter approval to exceed the state-imposed revenue limit by $1.75
million annually for the next four years.
Without additional funding, the district projects it will be unable to operate beyond the 2026-27 school
year. More than $1.5 million in cuts have already been implemented for the 2024-25 school year, and
an additional $2.2 million in reductions are planned for 2025-26. If a solution is not found, the district
could be dissolved by the end of the 2026-27 school year, with students redistributed to neighboring
districts.
“While the Board has made significant efforts to reduce costs, the financial challenges we face are
substantial,” said Mike Zilisch, Board Vice President. “This proposed referendum is essential to
maintaining the quality education our students deserve and to preserving the strength of our schools.”
The referendum is necessary due to inadequate state funding for public schools over the past several
years, coupled with an outdated state funding formula. Expenses are also rising due to the increasing
needs of students and the impact of inflation.
The School District of Mauston is not alone in facing these challenges. More than 90% of the school
districts in Wisconsin have asked for voter approval to exceed their revenue limits through an
operational referendum.
This proposed referendum follows two previous attempts in 2024. The April 2 referendum received
38.2% support, and the November 5 referendum received 49.4% but did not pass. Both measures
aimed to provide funding to maintain essential district operations.
If approved, the referendum would allow the district to avoid further cuts to staffing and student
programs. The district would also prioritize preserving small class sizes, a full range of academic
programming, and its experienced staff.
The estimated property tax impact of an approved referendum would be $0.35 per every $1,000 of
assessed property value. The owner of a home assessed at $100,000, for example, would see a
property tax impact of $35 per year.
The district will share more information, including answers to frequently asked questions, leading up to
the February 18 election.

On December 9th, 2024, at approximately 6:50pm a Tan in color SUV traveling eastbound on I-94
near Tomah, WI crossed the median shoulder striking 2 semis’ traveling westbound. Both of the
semi’s that were struck traveled through the median shoulder and into the eastbound lanes of traffic.
I-94 at mile marker 140 was shut down for several hours in both directions. Two occupants in the
SUV were confirmed deceased on scene. The two semi drivers were transported to a local hospital
with non-life-threatening injuries. Wisconsin State Patrol is investigating.

Get ready to Jingle & Mingle! Join Mile Bluff for a festive holiday celebration on Wednesday, December 18 from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm at Mile Bluff Medical Center in Mauston. This will be a fun-filled event for the whole family. There will be cookie decorating, live caroling, photos with Santa, and a spectacular Christmas tree tour featuring trees decorated by Mile Bluff employees.

Pull out your most festive sweater and come celebrate the joy of the season at Jingle & Mingle on December 18.

For more information about this event or others, check out the upcoming events page at milebluff.com.