News
Mile Bluff Blood Drive
You can help someone in need by donating blood. Join the Blood Center of Wisconsin at a two-day blood drive being held at Mile Bluff Medical Center in Mauston on Wednesday, June 26 and Thursday, June 27 from 9 am to 2 pm.
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.
Join Mile Bluff Medical Center Foundation for 13th Annual Golf Outing
Golfers are always looking for a good excuse to break out the clubs. Mile Bluff Medical Center Foundation is providing the perfect reason to hit the greens this summer by inviting all golfers to attend the 14th annual golf outing on Thursday, August 8.
Held at Castle Rock Golf Course, this four-person scramble is a fun day that supports local healthcare. Throughout the day, golfers can participate in course games and raffles, and end the day with a delicious meal at the awards banquet.
Proceeds from the outing are just one of the many ways the foundation strives to impact the health of the community. When golfers join the foundation on the course, they are assisting Mile Bluff in bringing the latest technology, advanced services, and best care possible to the community.
If you like to golf, plan on heading to Castle Rock Golf Course on August 8 for a great event that supports local healthcare. Golfers and sponsors can learn more about the event by visiting www.milebluff.com/golf-outing. For more information about golf registration or sponsorship opportunities, call Katie at 608-847-2735.
We hope to see you on the greens!
Hatch Library to Host Strong Bodies
Strong Bodies is a FREE strength training program for adults of all ages. 
Classes will be held at HPL with an online instructor on Mondays and Fridays June 17th-August 9th at 8:00 AM. Registration is required. You do not have to be able to attend every class to participate. Register online at: https://uwmadison.co1.qualtrics.com/…/SV_bBMv2P8DYBH0Tc2. Strong Bodies is offered in part through Juneau County UW-Extension with instructor Angela (angela.desmith@wisc.edu).
Mauston FFA Well Represented at State Convention
MBMC To Host Craft & Vendor Fair in August
DATCP announces new cattle testing requirement for Avian influenza
A new requirement is aimed at checking the spread of avian influenza in dairy cattle. Acting on a recommendation
from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Wisconsin’s Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection is
requiring Influenza A testing prior to the movement of lactating dairy cattle to fairs or exhibitions. This will be effective
June 19th, and producers must receive a negative test for Influenza A at an approved laboratory with samples
collected no more than 7 days prior to movement. USDA already requires Influenza A testing for interstate movement
of dairy cattle, and this latest announcement will limit the risk of commingling infected animals. Avian influenza has
been detected in dairy cattle in 12 states including neighboring Iowa, Minnesota and Michigan.
Fatal Accident in Monroe County Involves Dump Truck
On June 11, 2024 just before 3:30pm the Monroe County Communications Center was informed of a crash on State Highway 21 near Flagpole Rd in the Town of Greenfield. It was reported that the crash involved a dump truck and a passenger vehicle. As a result of the crash the driver of the vehicle died and the dump truck caught fire.
During the initial investigation it was determined that a 2023 Hyundai Sonata was traveling east on Highway 21 when it crossed the center line and collided with a 2020 Kenworth dump truck that was traveling west. The driver of the Sonata was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the dump truck was not injured. The names of the drivers are not being released at this time.
Highway 21 was closed for approximately 7 hours to allow for investigation of the scene, removal of the vehicles involved and cleanup of the scene.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Oakdale Fire Department, Tomah Fire Department, Tomah Ambulance, Tomah Area Medical Responders, Wisconsin State Patrol, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, PER Towing, Arnolds Towing and the Monroe County Highway Department.
The crash remains under investigation by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and Wisconsin State Patrol.
Oxford Man Arrested After Pointing Gun at Adams County Deputy
Gundersen Oncology Services now available at St. Joe’s.
Gundersen St. Joseph’s is excited to announce the expansion of services for cancer patients in our area.
St. Joe’s has been providing limited oncology services out of its specialty clinic in Hillsboro for several years but expanded further in the fall of 2023. “Oncology has a wide spectrum of cases, and every case is different,” says Layne Hammer, manager of surgery and specialty services at Gundersen St. Joseph’s. “It is complex, has higher risks, and involves many departments both at St. Joseph’s and at Gundersen’s La Crosse hospital. We needed to take our time scaling this service to ensure we could confidently and safely provide care to our patients.”
Oncology services are under the direction of Kurt Oettel, MD, medical oncologist and department chair at Gundersen Health System who sees patients in Hillsboro. “It’s been very rewarding to be able to bring this service to this community,” says Oettel. “The team at St. Joe’s has been excellent to work with.”
However, due to the complex nature of oncology, Dr. Oettel stresses the importance of patient-centered care, “Each case is different and, based on potential side effects and complications, St. Joe’s may not be the best place for a patient to receive care. This is why it’s important for us to work side-by-side with the patient and their family and consider all the factors in play.”
Patients who are receiving cancer treatments within the Gundersen and Bellin Health System, soon to become Emplify health, can speak with their oncologist about receiving care at St. Joseph’s.
Patients who are receiving treatment under the direction of a non-Gundersen/Bellin physician could still obtain care at St. Joseph’s, but coordination with a Gundersen/Bellin oncologist, like Dr. Oettel, would be necessary. This is to ensure patient-specific care plans and safety protocols are communicated.
For more information on oncology services at Gundersen St. Joseph’s, please call (608) 489-8149.
