Mauston, WI
News
Double Murder Suspect Commits Suicide in Vernon County
3 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in State News
Vernon County Sheriff Roy Torgerson and Vernon County Coroner Betty Nigh, in
coordination with Dane County Sheriff Kalvin Barrett, are providing an update on the July 8, 2025,
incident and subsequent death investigation.
Late Tuesday afternoon, July 8, 2025, at approximately 4:00 PM, the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office
911 Communications Center received a report that the suspect in a double homicide that occurred
in Dane County was travelling west on US Highway 14, approaching Vernon County. A Wisconsin
State Patrol trooper was following the white 2020 Honda Accord and requested assistance.
Multiple responding officers from the Sheriff’s Office and the Viroqua Police Department and
multiple law enforcement communications professionals worked efficiently with the state patrol in
a highly coordinated response. Once officers were positioned south of Viroqua to prevent entry into
the populated area, a traffic stop was initiated, and the operator immediately complied by pulling
onto the westbound shoulder near Offerdahl Road.
Our team performed how they are trained in high-risk vehicle contacts, using verbal commands for
the operator, or any occupants to obey, but there was no response. After no response to further
verbal commands and observation with no movement inside the vehicle, a tactical approach was
made. At 5:21 PM, contact was made confirming the operator was the lone occupant and there
were no signs of life. It was apparent that the operator, identified as James David Pabst, age 25, of
Middleton, WI sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Paramedics with Gundersen Tri-State
Ambulance responded, but Pabst was ultimately pronounced dead at the scene by Vernon County
Coroner Betty Nigh, at 6:15 PM.
Also responding to the scene was the Dane County Sheriff’s Office.
The senseless loss of a law enforcement colleague is always heartrending. It is even more so when
the victim is someone known and loved by all who had the great good fortune to work with them.
Vernon County joins the Wisconsin State Patrol and the entire law enforcement community in
mourning the loss of Director Pabst and his wife. The world is a sadder place today as we reflect
on the countless contributions that Director Pabst made to the safety and wellbeing of law-
abiding citizens everywhere .
In addition to the Wisconsin State Patrol and Viroqua Police Department, the Vernon County
Highway Department and Vernon County Emergency Management also assisted.
The incident remains under investigation by the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office, Vernon County
Coroner’s Office, and the Dane County Sheriff’s Office.
Be Aware of Caller Scams
3 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
The Juneau County Sheriff’s Office wants to remind everyone to stay vigilant against scams circulating in our community.
If someone asks you to make a payment using gift cards (like Google Play, Apple, or Visa gift cards) — it’s a SCAM.
No legitimate business, government agency, or law enforcement office will ever request payment in the form of gift cards.
Common scam tactics include:
Claiming you owe money for taxes, fines, or fees
Saying a loved one is in trouble and needs bail money
Threatening arrest if payment isn’t made immediately
If you receive a call, message, or email like this:
Hang up or delete the message
Do not provide any personal or financial information
Contact your local law enforcement agency to report it
Let’s work together to keep our community safe from fraud.
If you’re unsure about a situation, give us a call — we’re here to help. 608-847-5649
Mauston Seeking Ward 1 City Council Rep
3 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
The City of Mauston is currently seeking a dedicated community member to fill an open Alder position for Ward 1 on the City Council.
This is a great opportunity to get involved, represent your neighbors, and help shape the future of our community.
Ward 1 Residents – if you’re interested in serving, please contact Mayor Teske at mayor@mauston.com for more information.
Juneau County Arrest Report 7-10-25
3 months
Young Reedsburg Man Dies in 4th Of July Incident
3 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
Authorities in Richland County announced that a 22-year-old man died during a Fourth of July celebration.
According to the Richland County Sheriff’s Office, on July 4, around 11:25 p.m., first responders were sent to an address for a report of a man who fell from a truck. The release says the man was unresponsive.
Life saving measures were attempted, but unsuccessful as he was pronounced dead at the scene. The man was identified by authorities as 22-year-old Ethan Peper from Reedsburg.
Law enforcement reportedly tried to speak with witnesses who were there during the incident, but were unwilling to speak with law enforcement and give statements.
The initial investigation reportedly described Peper sitting on the tailgate of a truck when he fell onto the roadway. The Richland County Sheriff’s Office believes there are people who saw the incident who have more information.
The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is asked to call 608-647-2583.
Lake Delton Man Facing Homicide Charge
3 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
Area authorities arrested a 23 year old male on a homicide charge after a woman was found dead in Lake Delton.
According to a Lake Delton Police Department Facebook post detectives arrested the 23-year-old suspect at 11:30 p.m. Sunday on a first-degree intentional homicide charge.
Police referred the charge to the Sauk County District Attorney’s Office.
Court documents detail that police are holding a vehicle owned by the suspect. A search warrant says a magazine for a handgun and a cell phone, which may have evidence of crimes, were located in the vehicle.
Lake Delton Police Department responded to a home before 11 p.m. on July 4th in the 300 block of Canyon Road for suspicious activity.
Officers located the body of a female in the home. Police have not identified her, nor released her cause of death.
The suspect was also said to reside in the home where the woman was found, according to LDPD’s search warrant.
The home is near resorts used by Wisconsin Dells visitors. Visitors on Monday said they were shocked but relieved that an arrest was made.
Area authorities announced there was no imminent danger to the public.
Illinois Man Leads Adams County Authorities on ATV Chase
3 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
On Friday July 4, 2025, at approximately 7:28 PM, a Deputy with the Adams County Sheriff’s Office observed an ATV with an un-helmeted female juvenile seated in front of the male operator, traveling on STH 82 near 13th Dr, in the Township of Springville, Adams County, WI. No registration plate was observed on the machine.
The Deputy initiated a traffic stop for the several violations observed. The operator of the ATV fled after observing the squad with its emergency lights and siren activated behind the ATV. The ATV fled for approximately 6.5 miles, at speeds ranging between 35-70 mph, operating on the wrong side of the roadway in an attempt to evade law enforcement. The ATV turned onto private property to further evade being stopped. On private property in the 2900 block of 9th Ct. Deputies located the unoccupied ATV, which had crashed into trees on the trails of the property. Multiple Adams County Law Enforcement units and a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Conservation Warden responded to the area.
Deputies learned of an address associated with the crashed ATV and attempted contact with the occupants of the residence and after some time, the operator of the ATV contacted the Sheriff’s Office. The operator was identified as 35-year-old David T. Gialds of Grayslake, Illinois. David stated he and the female juvenile passenger were uninjured and declined needing EMS. David was taken into custody and transported to the Adams County Jail on the charges of Felony Fleeing/Eluding and 2nd Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety, along with being issued multiple citations for both DNR and Wisconsin traffic violations. David had a bail hearing on July 7th in Adams County Circuit Court Branch 1, and was given a $500 cash bond. David has since been released from custody.
The Adams County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind all residents and visitors of Adams County that while most Township roads and all County roads are open to ATV/UTV traffic, the State Highways are mostly closed to ATV/UTV traffic. An approved helmet is required for those under the age of 18 on an ATV.
Juneau County Arrest Report 7-9-25
3 months
2 Years Later Leya Stewart Still Missing
3 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
The Juneau County Sheriff’s Office and the Wisconsin Department of Criminal Investigations continue to locate Leya Stewart, who went missing on July 5th of 2023, in Germantown Township, Juneau County, WI. As we mark the two years since her disappearance, Leya’s whereabouts tragically remain unkown.
Leya Stewart vanished under mysterious circumstances, prompting an extensive and ongoing investigation. Over the past two years, the Juneau County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Criminal Investigations, has conducted multiple search operations and followed numerous leads, but despite these efforts, Leya has not been found.
The Sheriff’s Department continues to appeal to the public for any information that could assist in locating Leya. Even the smallest detail may prove vital in helping us bring her home. They urge anyone with any information, now matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward. Leya’s family and friends continue to wait for answers, and your help could make all the difference in this ongoing investigation.
Contact information
Juneau County Sheriff’s Office: 608-847-5649
CITY OF TOMAH’S NEW INTERIM DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS AND UTILITIES MAKES IMMEDIATE IMPACT
3 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
The City of Tomah’s new Interim Director of Public Works and Utilities, Brandy Leis, has hit the ground running. Since being appointed to the position he has helped the City navigate the development of a corrective action plan for Well 14 in coordination with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and supervised the City’s support of Downtown Thursday Nights’ Military Appreciation Night on 3 July 2025. Interim Director Leis was appointed to the position after a unanimous vote of the City Council on 16 June 2025. He has been a City employee since 1995 and will celebrate his 30th anniversary with the City in November. Brandy started his career with the City of Tomah at City Hall with facilities maintenance, and then transferred to the Wastewater Treatment Facility a year and a half later. He was promoted to be the Supervisor of the WWTF in 2016. He has received all 10 certifications required to be fully licensed to run the treatment facility, additional electrical certifications, and is a member of the Wisconsin Rural Water Association, and the Wisconsin Wastewater Association. Brandy is also a 40-year resident of Tomah and is an active member of the North American Squirrel Association. Their mission is to help the physically and cognitively challenged enjoy outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing, and to educate young people interested in outdoor recreation. Interim Director Leis will remain in this role until the City Council exercises their legislative authority to select a permanent replacement. The first of three rounds of interviews has been completed, with the final round scheduled for August.
