Local News

At approximately 2:33 a.m. on August 29, 2025, the Tomah Fire Department was dispatched to 321 Butts Avenue, the Windy Ridge Care Facility, for a report of a fire in the cafeteria area.

Upon arrival, firefighters found that an activated sprinkler head had already suppressed the fire. Crews confirmed the fire was fully extinguished and conducted an investigation into the cause. The fire was determined to have originated in a trash can, and the cause is believed to be the careless use of smoking materials.

Thanks to the quick actions of staff members, residents were safely evacuated from the immediate area, and no injuries were reported. After the situation was under control, all residents were allowed to return to the building.

Assisting at the scene were the Monroe County 911 Communications Center, Tomah Area Ambulance Service and the Tomah Police Department.

The Tomah Fire Department commends the facility staff for their swift response and the effectiveness of the building’s fire sprinkler system in preventing further damage.

On Sunday, August 24th, a 41-year-old male was reported to have jumped from a tour boat on the Wisconsin River.

At approximately 12:16 PM today, the male’s body was recovered. At this time, no foul play is suspected, though the investigation remains ongoing.

The Juneau County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the following agencies for their assistance in this search and recovery:

Juneau County Boat Patrol

Wisconsin DNR

Sauk County Sheriff’s Office

Sauk County Dive Team

Wisconsin Dells Police Department

Columbia County Sheriff’s Office

Kilbourn Fire Department

Monroe County authorities are looking for a man who failed to appear for his child sex crimes trial Monday.

Judge Todd Ziegler issued a bench warrant for 53 year old Ruben Tirado, who was due to face a jury trial for five felony counts including child sexual assault, child enticement and soliciting a child for prostitution, per court records.

Tirado was released on GPS monitoring and a $15,000 cash bond while he awaited trial. That GPS device was tampered with and removed on Saturday.

The GPS was later found in a ditch. Tirado’s whereabouts are currently unknown.