News
Car V Buggy Accident in Hillsboro
On Saturday afternoon, March 9, 2024, at approximately 2:30 p.m., the Sheriff’s Office 911 Dispatch Center received a report that a vehicle struck a horse-drawn vehicle in the town of Union. A passenger vehicle driven by Maysa Larson, age 26, of Hillsboro, WI was traveling east on State Highway 82 near the intersection of County Road V, in rural Hillsboro, WI. As Larson crested a knoll, she saw the horse-drawn vehicle that was also traveling east. Larson braked and attempted to avoid a collision by steering right but struck the rear of the horse drawn vehicle. Larson was unable to pass on the left due to oncoming traffic. The horse-drawn vehicle was occupied by Pete Troyer, Levi Troyer, Susie Troyer, and Barbra Yoder. All the people involved declined medical attention at the scene.
Assisting at the scene were the Hillsboro Fire Department, La Farge Area Ambulance, and the Hillsboro
Police Department.
Threat to Tomah School District
Colonoscopies essential in detecting possible cancer diagnosis
It’s not a widely known fact, but colon cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer death in both men and women. Because of this, officials at Gundersen Health System are emphasizing the importance of regular screening to make sure any sign of the disease is addressed immediately.
March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month, and Gundersen gastroenterologist Dr. Steve Schlack-Haerer says it’s a good time to schedule a colonoscopy if you’re due. He says this screening method is the most effective option when it comes to detecting a polyp before it turns into a tumorous cancer. And just recently, the average age for a person to get their first colonoscopy dropped from 50 to 45.
“The screening recommendations have changed because we’re seeing an increase in colon cancer in that 45- to 49-year-old range,” Dr. Schlack-Haerer says. “Now 45 is the new 50.”
Having the screening done every 10 years is the recommendation, regardless of if you have symptoms or not. Obvious signs that you should pay attention to include abdominal pain, blood in the stool or a change in bowel pattern.
Family history plays a large role in determining risk factors, and it could move up the age at which testing begins, especially for those with close relatives who’ve had colon cancer. But most cases, Dr. Schlack-Haerer says, are what’s known as “sporadic colon cancer,” which affects people without a family history or other risk factors for the disease.
“The reality is, it’s a risk for males and females and can happen at any age,” he says. “We’ll occasionally, unfortunately, find colon cancer in people with no risk factors whatsoever and as early as 20s and 30s.”
Luckily if the disease is caught early, meaning is hasn’t spread outside the wall of the colon, the five-year mortality rate is better than 90 percent. If it’s progressed further and spreads locally, chemotherapy may follow a surgical procedure to move the lesions. Should the cancer spread more widely, Dr. Schlack-Haerer says, the prognosis is much poorer.
“We have such a long screening window, longer than any other malignancy out there, and so we really have an opportunity to make a major difference on this,” he says. “We owe this to screening.”
And a colonoscopy, he assures, is not as unpleasant as popular opinion might suggest. Patients are sedated and the process is more comfortable than presumed.
“Don’t fear the test,” he says. “We do a lot of good with this test, and it’s the best way to keep you from getting colon cancer.”
To schedule a colonoscopy, talk to your primary care provider or call Gundersen’s Gastroenterology Department at (608) 775-2702.
Castle Rock Realty pledges $15,000 to Mile Bluff Building Campaign
Recently, Castle Rock Realty made a $15,000 commitment to Mile Bluff Medical Center Foundation’s For You. With You. capital fundraising campaign. The campaign is raising funds to support the medical center’s two-phased expansion project that begins with transforming the former Mauston Shopko building into a healthcare facility.
“At Castle Rock Realty, we firmly believe that every community deserves access to top-notch healthcare, no matter its size,” said owner and broker, Bobbi Brandt. “Supporting Mile Bluff Medical Center’s initiative aligns perfectly with our values of community growth and accessible healthcare for all. Knowing that our support directly impacts our loved ones and neighbors, makes this endeavor even more meaningful.”
Currently referred to as the Gateway Building, the former Mauston Shopko will be the new home to Mile Bluff’s urgent care, retail pharmacy, and dialysis services. Also included in the expansion project, is the remodeling of Mile Bluff’s Emergency Department. These new spaces will improve efficiency, privacy, safety and the overall experience for both patients and staff members.
With its location in one of Mauston’s busiest areas, the Gateway building will increase access to healthcare services for both residents and tourists alike. “Seeing a vacant building transformed into a vital healthcare hub is incredibly rewarding, and we’re thrilled to play a part in it,” said Brandt. “The project improves healthcare outcomes and has a positive economic impact by keeping vital services within our community. It’s a win-win situation that strengthens our town’s foundation and enhances quality of life.”
Including the purchase of the building, the estimated cost to remodel Gateway and the Emergency Department is $17 million. To help offset costs, Mile Bluff Medical Center Foundation has launched a fundraising campaign – For You. With You – with the goal of raising $5 million to support this project.
“Castle Rock Realty’s decision to support this project, truly embodies the spirit of philanthropy,” said Katie Nuttall, director of Mile Bluff Medical Center Foundation. “It demonstrates the desire to promote the welfare of others and to improve the community overall. We are grateful to Bobbi and the Castle Rock team for making the decision to support this fundraising initiative.”
If you are grateful for the care you have received at Mile Bluff or want to ensure healthcare services continue to be available locally, please consider supporting Mile Bluff’s expansion project. If you would like to learn more about the fundraising campaign or would like to make a gift, please call the foundation at 608-847-2735 or visit www.milebluff.com/ForYouWithYou.
Tom Palmer to entertain at Terrace Heights
The public is invited to join the tenants of Terrace Heights Retirement Community in Mauston on Tuesday, March 26 at 2 pm for an afternoon of entertainment. Tom Palmer will use his talents of combining folk music and storytelling to please the ears of everyone who attends. With his warm personality and singing talent, Tom is always a crowd pleaser.
This event is free and open to the public; however, space is limited. Call 608-847-2377 to reserve your spot today. Also ask about a facility tour; apartments are now available.
Share your ideas at community health assessment key stakeholder meetings at Gundersen Hillsboro
The public is invited to provide input and share ideas about the health of the community at a series of meetings offered through a partnership of Gundersen Health System and Great Rivers United Way.
Every three years, Gundersen, GRUW and other partners collaborate to evaluate the area’s health needs in a process called the Compass Now Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA). The CHNA helps inform the organizations’ 2025 Community Health Implementation Plan (CHIP), which outlines strategies to address identified community health needs.
At these stakeholder meetings, attendees will learn about the health of the community, help set community priorities and share ideas for solutions to identified areas of opportunity. We invite you to participate in these crucial meetings. It is important for us to hear from you, business leaders and members of the community.
Locally, a meeting is being held on Wednesday, April 24, 4–6 p.m., at Gundersen St. Joseph’s Hospital, 400 Water Ave., Hillsboro. Go to form.jotform.com/240173411096146 to register.
Sparta Firefighter Arrested in Relation to Child Enticement
Last week, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office arrested 26 year-old Peter Schneider related to an investigation into child enticement and the solicitation of nude images from a child.
While the investigation is still on-going, evidence showed that on several occasions Schneider requested nude photos from the 17 year old victim. Schneider also asked the victim to go into a private area for the purposes of sexual contact.
Schneider is employed by Ho-Chunk Police Department and is a firefighter with the Sparta Area Fire District (SAFD). The initial information related to the incident was brought to the attention of the Sheriff’s Office by Chief Mike Arnold of the SAFD and when the Sheriff’s Office notified the Ho-Chunk Police Department, they took immediate action to relieve Schneider from his duties. Both agencies showed the utmost professionalism in their cooperation with the Sheriffs Office’s investigation.
During the bond hearing in Monroe County Court, Judge Mark Goodman ordered that Schneider be held on a $1,500 cash bond.
Debbie Richards performs at Terrace Heights
Plan to join the tenants of Terrace Heights Retirement Community in Mauston in welcoming back country vocalist Debbie Richards on Wednesday, March 20 at 2 pm. Her honky-tonk attitude is sure to bring a smile to all who attend as she performs classic songs from George Strait, Merle Haggard, Hank Williams, Nancy Sinatra, Dean Martin, Elvis, and more.
This event is free and open to the public; however, space is limited. Call 608-847-2377 to reserve your spot today. Also ask about a facility tour; apartments are now available.
Kim Strompolis Announces for Mayor
Mile Bluff brings virtual intensive care to Mauston
MAUSTON, Wis. – Mile Bluff Medical Center’s hospital team is excited to announce the addition of an electronic intensive care unit, or eICU, in Mauston.
“We’ve partnered with UW Health to bring this service to Mile Bluff” said the medical center’s Director of Acute Care, Brianna Juszczak. “Using advanced technology, we can connect with critical care experts in real time, 24 hours a day.”
When the need for intensive care arises, it can be challenging for rural hospitals to find available ICU beds in larger centers for patients to be transferred. With an eICU, patients can often remain in their local hospital, and have access to two teams of experts to care for them.
From an office building in Madison, the UW Health eICU team monitors and cares for patients across Wisconsin and northern Illinois. Staffed with board-certified critical care intensivists, experienced critical care nurses and nursing assistants, the eICU provides proactive care with specialized software.
Using confidential, high-speed data lines, a bank of monitors dedicated to each patient displays the same information that is seen by teams at partner hospitals like Mile Bluff. This includes heart rate, blood pressure, test and imaging results and medication lists. The eICU program also features the option of a live video feed that connects the two care teams and patients in real time.
“This two-way connection between us and Madison provides extra support and safety for our critically-ill patients,” expressed Juszczak. “Together, the teams from Mile Bluff and UW Health use all of the information available to collaborate on patient care to ensure the best possible outcomes.”
