Local News
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.
ATTEMPTED HOMICIDE IN TOMAH
Mile Bluff Medical Center improves access with waitlist, online scheduling
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.
Wisconsin State Trooper Hit From Behind Near Tomah
Mauston Board of Education Approves Operational Referendum Question for February 18 Ballot
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.
2 Facing Charges in Adams County
Crash Near Tomah Leave 2 Dead
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.
Donate blood and save a life with Mile Bluff Medical Center!
Giving warms the heart, and there’s no greater gift than the lifesaving gift of blood. Precious and perishable, it’s in constant demand in our communities.
Do your part to help save lives by joining the Blood Center of Wisconsin at a two-day blood drive being held on Thursday, December 19 and Friday, December 20 from 9 am to 2 pm at Mile Bluff Medical Center in Mauston.
Appointments are strongly encouraged for anyone who would like to donate, but walk-ins will be welcomed.
To reserve your spot, call the Blood Center of Wisconsin at 1-877-232-4376 or visit donate.wisconsin.versiti.org and search for Mile Bluff Medical Center in the mobile drives.
For more information or to see more events like this, check out the upcoming events page at milebluff.com.
