News
Tom Conrad to entertain at Terrace Heights
Join the residents of Terrace Heights Retirement Community in Mauston for an afternoon of delightful entertainment with Tom Conrad. On Monday, January 6, Tom will charm the audience with his warm personality, captivating vocals, and guitar melodies. The performance begins at 1:30 pm—don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy this uplifting musical experience.
This event is free and open to the public. Call 608-847-2377 for more information or to reserve your spot. Also, ask about a facility tour; apartments are now available.
To see more events like this, check out the upcoming events page at milebluff.com.
Vehicle vs Buggy Accident near Hillsboro
Vernon County Sheriff Roy Torgerson reports on Wednesday
evening, December 25, 2024, at approximately 6:00 PM, a motor vehicle collided with a
horse-drawn buggy on State Highway 82, near Pine Avenue, rural Hillsboro, in the Town of
Union.
Lydia E. M. Thompson, age 22, of rural Sparta, WI, and Jaydon Alan Shea, age 20, of La
Farge, WI were the occupants of a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze passenger car traveling east on
State Highway 82. The vehicle struck a westbound buggy head-on, in the westbound lane,
on a curve.
Henry F. Bontrager, age 29, and Ruth J. Bontrager, age 29, both of rural Hillsboro, WI,
occupied the horse-drawn vehicle and were both ejected from the buggy which came to
rest in the roadway. The passenger car went off the north side of the roadway and traveled
down an embankment where it came to rest.
Lydia Thompson, Jaydon Shea, and Ruth Bontrager were transported to Gundersen St.
Joseph’s Hospital, in Hillsboro, WI, by La Farge Area Ambulance. Henry Bontrager was
pronounced dead at the scene by Vernon County Coroner Betty Nigh. Ruth Bontrager was
later transferred to Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, WI.
The horse also died because of the crash.
Assisting the Sheriff’s Office at the scene were the La Farge Fire Department, La Farge Area
Ambulance, Wisconsin State Patrol Technical Reconstruction Unit, and the Town of Union,
and the Vernon County Coroner’s Office. Several concerned citizens stopped to render aid
and protect the scene until emergency personnel arrived. Gundersen Air was also
requested but were unable to fly due to weather conditions.
Rural Elroy Citizens Injured in Single Vehicle Crash
Vernon County Sheriff Roy Torgerson reports on Saturday, December 21,
2024, at approximately 11:30 AM, the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office 911 Dispatch Center was notified of a
single-vehicle crash on Lovers Lane in the town of Hillsboro.
A vehicle operated by Lewis E. Bontrager, age 18, of rural Elroy, WI, lost control after negotiating a corner
and left the roadway, striking a tree on the opposite side of the road.
Both vehicle occupants were injured and the passenger, Kailey A. Miller, age 18, of rural Elroy, WI, was
extricated from the vehicle by the Hillsboro Fire Department. Both were transported to Gundersen St.
Joseph’s Hospital by Hillsboro Area Ambulance. Both were treated and released.
In addition to Hillsboro Fire and Hillsboro Area Ambulance, Hillsboro Police also assisted the Sheriff’s
Office at the scene.
Winter road conditions and speed both appeared to be contributing factors; however, the crash remains
under investigation.
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.
