News
Adams Woman Arrested for 7th Offense OWI
ANN M HOFFMAN, 43 years of age, from ADAMS has been arrested by the Wisconsin State Patrol
Tomah Post for operating a motor vehicle under the influence, 7th offense.
A Wisconsin State Patrol Southwest Region Trooper stopped a vehicle on HWY 82 in Juneau
County after receiving multiple reports of a vehicle unable to maintain its lane while traveling on
Interstate 90/94.
The trooper stopped the suspect vehicle and observed signs of impairment upon making contact
with the driver. Standardized Field Sobriety Testing was completed as well as an evidentiary blood
draw. The subject was booked without incident. The subject will be charged with Felony OWI 7th
offense.
“Pursuant to the direction of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, as found in Supreme Court Rule 20:3.6,
Trial Publicly, you are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is
presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.”
Mile Bluff Holiday Hours
Holiday Hours
In observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, all Mile Bluff clinic locations will be closed on Thursday, November 28. If you need healthcare services during this time, Mile Bluff’s Emergency Care services are always available, and Urgent Care services will be available from 9 am to 9 pm.
Additionally, the Delton Family Medical Center will be closed on Friday, November 29. To check availability at other Mile Bluff clinic locations, call 608-847-5000. As always, Mile Bluff’s Emergency Care Services are available 24 hours a day, and Urgent Care is available its regular weekday hours from 3 pm to 10 pm on that day.
Free, low-cost health screenings at Mile Bluff Medical Center in Mauston
In order to lead a healthy lifestyle, it’s important to take control of your health. Knowing your specific risks for developing heart disease and diabetes can help you be proactive in making healthier life choices.
Attend the health fair at Mile Bluff Medical Center, Thursday, December 12 from 7 to 11 am. Free blood pressure and blood sugar screenings will be available. Lipid profile tests will also be available for only $20. This test measures your good cholesterol, bad cholesterol, and triglycerides. Fasting is optional.
Once your tests are completed, Mile Bluff’s healthcare professionals will review your results with you, and tell you what they mean. You may also be given tips and resources to help reduce your risk for developing diabetes and heart disease. Results will be sent to your primary care provider.
The information you receive from these tests, along with the educational tools you will be given, are important steps in positively impacting your health.
Appointments are required for all services, so call 608-847-1845 to reserve your spot today!
Mile Bluff Medical Center is located at 1050 Division Street in Mauston.
To see more events like this, check out the upcoming events page at milebluff.com.
Rural Tomah Man Arrested Sexual Assault of Minor
On November 19th, 2024 shortly after 9:00 a.m., the Monroe County Combined Tactical Unit executed a
search warrant and arrested 56 year old James Ossinger of rural Tomah. The arrest of Ossinger came after months of investigation that was first reported to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office by NCMEC (National Center for Missing and Exploited Children). The investigation uncovered that Ossinger was in possession of hundreds of images and videos of child sexual abuse material. The investigation also uncovered that Ossinger was involved in the creation of the material.
Ossinger was booked into the Monroe County Jail on multiple counts each of 1st Degree Sexual Assault of a child under the age of 13, Child Enticement, and possession of child pornography, however additional charges will likely be forthcoming as the investigation continues.
Ossinger will have his Bond hearing on Wednesday, November 20th, at 1:00pm. Bond Hearing can be viewed online by following the link on the Monroe County Clerk of Courts Website at
https://www.co.monroe.wi.us/departments/clerk-of-courts/ .
Due to the sensitive nature of this case, no additional details are available.
Man Arrested Near Oakdale After Leading Authorities on Chase
An Illinois man was arrested on Saturday night for possessing a large amount of drugs and attempting to flee from deputies, K-9.
On November 16 the 2024 just before 10pm, a Monroe County Sergeant observed a 2021 Audi traveling 100mph on I-94 west of Oakdale. The vehicle, being driven by Ivran Gilmore (43), was stopped for the speeding violation. While speaking to the Ivran and passenger, the Sergeant observed indicators of drug use. After speaking further with Ivran outside of the vehicle, Ivran ran from the Sergeant and another Deputy and was able to get back into his vehicle and flee. A pursuit ensued for over 2 miles before the vehicle crashed and Ivran fled on foot. Monroe County K-9 Rebel was deployed during the foot pursuit and assisted in taking Ivran into custody. The crash caused injuries to the passenger of the vehicle, who later told authorities he forced Ivran to crash by grabbing the steering wheel as he did not want to be involved in the pursuit.
A search of the vehicle and area Ivran had run, uncovered 3 Kilograms (about 8.5 pounds) of Cocaine, and over 30 grams of marijuana, which in total, street values at over $300,000.
After being taken to the hospital due to injuries sustained by K-9 Rebel, Ivran was taken to the Monroe County jail where is was charged with possession with intent to deliver cocaine, possession of THC, possession of drug paraphernalia, fleeing an officer (causing bodily harm), 2 nd degree reckless endangerment, reckless driving, and two separate counts of speeding.
During his bond hearing on Monday afternoon, Monroe County District Attorney Kevin Croninger requested a $100,000 cash bond due to the seriousness of the offense and Ivran’s previous drug dealing history. After hearing arguments from the defense, Monroe County Branch III Judge Rick Radcliffe agreed with the DA and ordered a $100,000 cash bond.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Monroe County 911 Communications Center,
Wisconsin State Patrol, Tomah Police Department, and Tomah Ambulance.
Mauston Board of Education Approves Resolutions on District Dissolution and 2025-26 Budget Cuts
At its November 18 meeting, the School District of Mauston Board of Education
approved resolutions to consider the dissolution of the district and implement significant budget cuts for the 2025-26 school year.
These actions come as the district continues to face financial challenges after two referendums in 2024
did not pass.
The November 5, 2024 referendum, which received 49.3% voter support but did not pass, would have
allowed the district to exceed its state-imposed revenue limit by $1.75 million annually for the next four
years. An earlier referendum on April 2, 2024, received 38.2% voter support. Both measures aimed to
provide the necessary funding to maintain district operations.
With these referendums not passing, the board anticipates that the district will be unable to continue
operations beyond the 2026-2027 school year without additional revenue. The resolution to dissolve the
school district, approved on November 18, states:
“Whereas, the District sought, by referendum held on November 5, 2024, authorizing the District
to exceed the statutory revenue limit by $1.75 million on a four-year recurring basis; this
referendum failed to pass; the District had previously sought, by referendum held on April 2,
2024, to exceed the statutory revenue limit by $2 million on a four-year recurring basis; this prior
referendum also failed to pass,
Whereas, due to the failure of the above-referenced referenda, the District anticipates that it will
be unable to continue to operate after the 2026-2027 school year concludes,
Therefore, be it resolved that the Board of Education of the School District of Mauston will
consider the dissolution of the District, in accordance with Wis. Stat. 117.10.”
Additionally, the board approved a resolution to implement previously proposed budget cuts for the
2025-26 school year. The approved cuts include:
? Closing Lyndon Station Elementary
? Cutting athletics, clubs, and field trips
? Eliminating afternoon summer school
? Eliminating one bus route
? Discontinuing the JEDI (virtual school) program
? Closing the Olson Middle School swimming pool during winter
? Eliminating elementary Family Fun Nights
? Eliminating the school musical
The board has opted not to move forward with cutting an additional 15-18 staff positions as originally
proposed. Instead, the district will pause hiring to balance the budget while minimizing the impact on
current staff and students.
“The board did not make this decision lightly,” said Mike Zilisch, Board Vice President. “Our community
has demonstrated a deep commitment to its schools, and we have explored multiple solutions to keep
our district operating. We are incredibly grateful to our families, students, staff, and community
members who have supported our schools through both challenges and successes. Unfortunately,
without additional funding, these measures are necessary to address our financial challenges
responsibly.”
The board will begin working with state and local officials to determine the next steps under Wisconsin
Statute 117.10, which outlines procedures for the dissolution of school districts. Community members
will be kept informed as the district proceeds with this process
Mile Bluff Necedah Hosting Fair November 21st
Reserve your spot at the upcoming health fair being held at Mile Bluff – Necedah Family Medical Center Thursday, November 21 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.
Appointments are required for all services, so call 608-565-2000 to reserve your spot today!
To see more events like this, check out the upcoming events page at milebluff.com.
Mile Bluff Foundation to host Holiday Auction
Get your Christmas shopping list ready! Mile Bluff Medical Center Foundation’s Holiday Auction is almost here! This online auction will give you the opportunity to bid on and, hopefully, win, one-of-a-kind items and experiences you won’t be able to find anywhere else.
The Holiday Auction will run online from Friday, November 29 through Saturday, December 7. It will feature an exclusive list of items that have been donated by generous businesses and individuals from the community. So far, the auction has a collection of home decor items, gift certificates to local restaurants, photography sessions, 3-month fitness passes, sets of Green Bay Packer tickets, 5-day African Safari Hunt, a Traeger grill, and so much more. New items are being added every day!
To checkout auction items as they are added and to register to bid, you can find links to the online auction page from Mile Bluff Medical Center Foundation’s Facebook page or by visiting the ‘Calendar of Events’ at www.milebluff.com. When you register for the auction, you will receive notifications when the auction is live and ready for your bids!
Proceeds from this auction will support the health of the community through the work of Mile Bluff Medical Center Foundation. It is through the generosity of donors that the foundation can support the medical center in providing new healthcare treatments, the expansion of services, healthcare career scholarships, and programs that benefit our community.
Whether it’s a gift for yourself or for the hard to buy for person on your list, Mile Bluff Medical Center Foundation’s Holiday Auction is the perfect opportunity to find the gifts you are looking for. For more information, call 608-847-2735.
