Local News
Fatal Accident Near Tomah on Interstate
At 10:10 PM on Monday September 16, 2024 a crash occurred on I-90 EB at mile post 37 in
MONROE County near TOMAH.
Assisting agencies included Monroe County Sheriff Department, Monroe County Medical Examiner,
Monroe County Sheriff Communication, Tomah Ambulance Service, Oakdale Fire , Tomah Area
Medical Responders, Tomah Rescue Tech, Gundersen Air, and Monroe County Highway
Department.
The crash involved 1 fatality and 1 injury. Vehicle and occupant information, if available, is on the
last page(s).
The details of the crash are as follows:
On Monday, September 16, 2024 at approximately 10:10 pm, a crash involving a GMC Savanna
Van and a Chevrolet Silverado was reported on I-90 eastbound at mile marker 37. Wisconsin State
Patrol units first on scene advised both drivers were trapped in their vehicles with significant injuries.
I-90 eastbound was closed and traffic was rerouted at exit 28 for several hours while the crash was
investigated and clean up occurred.
1 driver was airlifted from the scene to LaCrosse with serious injuries. 1 driver died at the scene as
a result of injuries.
The Wisconsin State Patrol is investigating the crash with the assistance from the Monroe County
Sheriff Department and Monroe County Medical Examiner.
PARTIES INVOLVED
Unit 1: Van/SUV (2011 General Motors Savana)
Driver: Name is withheld pending notification of family.
32 Year Old Male
Injuries: Fatal
Unit 2: Pickup Truck (2002 Chevrolet Silverado)
Driver: Name is withheld pending notification of family.
47 Year Old Male
Injuries: Non-Life Threatening
DOT Meeting on Interstate Construction Work
Public Meeting – September 18
Public Meeting – Wisconsin Dept. of Transportation (WisDOT)
September 18 | 5 pm – 7 pm | Parks and Recreation Dept. | 819 Superior Ave., Tomah
The WisDOT is conducting a public involvement meeting to discuss plans to replace two bridges at the I-90/94 interchange in Tomah. The objective of this meeting is to familiarize the public with the purpose and need for the project, and obtain input on the proposed improvements. Adjacent property owners are encouraged to attend. For more information, contact Hannah Punzel at 608-246-7907, or hannah.punzel@dot.wi.gov.
Lake Delton Family Medical Center Health Fair
Take control of your health by reserving your spot at the upcoming health fair hosted by Mile Bluff – Delton Family Medical Center in Lake Delton on Thursday, September 19 from 7 to 10 am. Receive free blood pressure and blood sugar testing, and learn what your risk factors are for developing heart disease and diabetes. In addition to these services, cholesterol screenings will be available for a small fee.
Appointments are required for all services. Call 608-254-5888 to reserve your spot today!
For more information on future events, visit milebluff.com.
Single Vehicle Crash Kills One Teen Seriously Injures Another Near Elroy
Vernon County Sheriff Roy Torgerson reports a single-vehicle crash occurred on Sunday morning, September 8, 2024, at approximately 12:00 AM, in rural Elroy, WI, in the town of Hillsboro.
A 17-year-old male was operating a Ford F-250 pickup truck traveling northwest on County Road WW, northwest of State Highway 33 when the operator lost control while negotiating a curve to the left. The vehicle went off the right side of the roadway, struck an embankment, overturned several times, and came to rest in a field.
Seatbelts did not appear to be in use and a 16-year-old passenger was ejected from the vehicle. The operator was either ejected or exited the vehicle on his own. Both were seriously injured and transported to Gundersen St. Joseph’s Hospital, in Hillsboro, WI, by Hillsboro Area Ambulance. The operator was later flown to the University of Wisconsin, in Madison, WI, by UW Health Med Flight.
At approximately 1:00 AM, the 16-year-old passenger was pronounced dead at Gundersen St. Joseph’s by Vernon County Coroner Betty Nigh.
Assisting the Sheriff’s Office were the Hillsboro Police Department, Hillsboro Fire Department, Hillsboro Area Ambulance, UW Health Med Flight, Gundersen Air, University of Wisconsin Police, Wisconsin State Patrol Technical Reconstruction Unit, and the Juneau County Sheriff’s Office.
Although the investigation is ongoing, speed, alcohol, and vehicle equipment all appear to be contributing factors.
More information may be released on Monday.
The incident remains under investigation by the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office and the Vernon County Coroner’s Office.
My heart goes out to the family and friends of the victim as well as our first responders and everyone involved in this horrific tragedy.
Tanker Truck Ignites on Fire in Median Near Camp Douglas
On Sept. 4th at approximately 3:07am, a lone commercial motor vehicle was traveling westbound
on Interstate 90/94 in the area of milepost 54. The commercial motor vehicle drove into the right
ditch before correcting and striking the concrete barriers in the Juneau County construction zone.
The commercial motor vehicle became disabled in the lane of traffic, lost both fuel tanks, resulting in
a fire in the median. No injuries were reported at the scene. Approximately fifteen barriers were
moved and required resetting. Six barriers had to be replaced. All westbound lanes, and lane 1 of
the eastbound lanes were closed for approximately 5:15 hours. With an alternate route of Highway
12 from the 55-milepost exit was utilized. Queued traffic was further extended in the stopped
eastbound lane due to a disable commercial motor vehicle that had to be towed out of the lane of
traffic.
No Charges in Necedah Fire That Claimed 6 Lives
On Sunday, June 30, 2024, at around 2:35 AM, the Juneau County Communication’s Center received a 911 call regarding a house fire at W5040 Morros Mile Rd, Necedah, WI.
Unfortunately, six family members perished as a result of the fire.
Upon conclusion of the investigation, all law enforcement reports were forwarded to the Juneau County District Attorney’s Office for review to make a determination on what, if any, criminal charges may be filed against the property owner.
After an extensive review of all said reports, the Juneau County District Attorney’s Office has advised they will not be pursuing criminal charges.
Sheriff Andrew F. Zobal
Juneau County Sheriff’s Office
Kendall Man Involved in Singular Vehicle Crash
Vernon County Sheriff Roy Torgerson reports a single-vehicle crash occurred on Saturday evening, August 31, 2024, at approximately 7:30 PM, in the town of Stark.
Kyle Ray Stout, age 25, of Kendall, WI was operating a 2000 Dodge Dakota pickup westbound on State Highway 82, near Spry Road, east of the village of La Farge. Stout reported experiencing a medical episode that he said caused the vehicle to leave the roadway. The vehicle struck a culvert and came to rest, upright, in a field.
Stout along with a passenger, Hailey Christine Rogers, age 28, of Madison, WI, both reported injuries and were transported to Vernon Memorial Healthcare, in Viroqua, WI, by La Farge Area Ambulance.
Responding with the Sheriff’s Office were the La Farge Fire Department and La Farge Area Ambulance.
The crash remains under investigation.
Mauston School Board Adopts Referendum Question for the November 5 Ballot
At its Monday meeting, the School District of Mauston Board of Education unanimously approved a referendum resolution, which is the official action taken to place a referendum question on the November 5, 2024, General Election ballot.
The question asks voters for approval to exceed the state-imposed revenue limits by $1.75 million for four years. This is a projected tax impact of $59 on each $100,000 of equalized property value.
Due to insufficient state funding and increasing operational costs, the School District of Mauston anticipates a budget deficit of $1.46 million for the 2024-25 school year and an additional $2 million shortfall for the 2025-26 school year. Without a referendum, the district faces the possibility of critical positions remaining unfilled throughout the district in the 2024-25 school year, followed by potential staff reductions and the cancellation of various programs and essential learning opportunities for students in 2025-26.
“In April, our operational referendum was not supported by the community. As a result, we have had to implement a hiring freeze, which has led to larger class sizes, the elimination of certain classes, and an increased burden on our already overstretched staff,” said Superintendent Joel Heesch. “Our staff has been incredible, helping cover big need areas, but it’s not sustainable. I am concerned about the impact on our students.”
This past May, the District conducted a community-wide survey to gather public feedback that focused on the District’s financial needs. The option that received the highest level of support—with 61.9% indicating they would definitely or probably support it—would increase the district’s revenue limit by $1.75 million per year for four years.
Learn more
An informational flyer outlining the question and proposed solution will be mailed to all district residents this fall. In addition, informational meetings are planned for interested families and community members throughout September and October. Specific dates, times and locations for these meetings will be announced in the coming weeks.
More information will be shared on the District’s website at www.maustonschools.org. Questions can be emailed to referendum2024@maustonschools.org or directed to the District Office at 608-847-5451.
Juneau County Residents Sustain Severe Injuries in Crash
Six people, including three children, were injured in a traffic crash Tuesday afternoon on Highway 21 in the Town of Byron.
On August 20th 2024 at 4:22pm., a GMC Acadia traveling eastbound on Hwy 21 struck a Jeep Wrangler that was attempting to turn Westbound onto Hwy 21 from County Hwy N. The crash caused serious damage to both vehicle and caused the Jeep to overturn in the eastbound lane of traffic.
The driver of the Jeep , 32- year old Kory Phillips from Mauston, the driver of the GMC, 31- Year old Tammy Stanley of Camp Douglas, and a 31-year old male passenger in the GMC, all sustained serious injuries in the crash. Three children in the GMC suffered minor injuries and two other children in the GMC were not injured.
The eastbound lane on State Highway 21 was closed for about 45 minutes while emergency crews worked the scene.
The initial investigation showed that Phillips failed to yield the right of way when entering the intersection.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Monroe County 911 Communications Center, Wisconsin State Patrol, Tomah Ambulance, Tomah Rescue Techs, Oakdale Fire Department, and Fort McCoy Ambulance.
MBMC Blood Drive August 28-29th
Donating blood is a generous act that can save lives, especially during the summer months when donations often decline. The need for blood is critical across our state. Please consider donating at a two-day blood drive being held at Mile Bluff Medical Center in Mauston on Wednesday, August 28 and Thursday, August 29 from 9 am to 2 pm.
Appointments are strongly encouraged for anyone who would like to donate, but walk-ins will be welcomed.
Donate at this upcoming blood drive this August and receive a Wilderness Resort $50 off coupon.
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.
