A semi struck a stopped maintenance pickup truck on the Interstate near Baraboo Monday morning. The State Patrol said at 4:30am 45-year old Azik Dornam from Sterling Heights, Michigan was traveling west on I-90/94 at mile marker 100 in Sauk County. He failed to move to the left lane to avoid the maintenance truck traveling behind and protecting a paint truck painting the fog line even though the maintenance pickup had an arrow board indicating traffic to move to the left lane. The semi driver took evasive action to avoid the pickup but struck the left rear. Both vehicles were towed and there were no injuries.”
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Interstate crash near Baraboo
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No lights on boats
A Mauston man, 71-year old Donald Fagan, was operating his pontoon boat on Castle Rock Lake east of the Juneau County Park Saturday night at 9:10pm without lights. Fagan was fined $175.30.
A Crystal Lake, Illinois man was cited for operating his boat between sunset and sunrise without the required lights. The deputy said Saturday night about 9pm 56-year old John Stawarz was operating a Lowe boat on Castle Rock Lake near the Buckhorn State Part without lights. He was fined $175.30.
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Stolen IPad sold on Facebook
An IPad allegedly stolen from an Illinois woman while she was visiting Devil’s Lake State park in mid-July was sold on a Mauston buy, sell, and trade Facebook page. The deputy said the person who purchased the IPad for $150.00 found accounts on it that did not belong to the 17-year old teenager whom she had purchased it from. She contacted the Juneau County Sheriff’s Office. Investigation revealed the IPad had been reported stolen and it was returned to the Devil’s Lake staff.
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Battery by prisoner
An inmate at the New Lisbon Correctional Institute has been charged in Juneau County with battery by prisoner. According to the police report, in January 2013 an officer responded to the prison for a fight. Investigation revealed 45-year old Robert Hamilton had been accused of stealing peanut butter. He allegedly started a fight with the inmate who had informed prison staff of the thefts. Hamilton is summoned to appear in court on September 11, 2013.
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West Nile Virus
contributed…….The Juneau County Health Department reports a dead blue jay found in Juneau County on July 23, 2013, has tested positive for West Nile virus. This is the first bird that tested positive for West Nile virus in Juneau County since surveillance for the mosquito-transmitted virus began May 1. “The positive bird means that residents of Juneau County need to be more vigilant in their personal protective measures to prevent mosquito bites,” Barb Theis, Health Officer said. West Nile virus is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes acquire the virus by feeding on infected birds. “Juneau County residents should be aware of West Nile virus and take some simple steps to protect themselves against mosquito bites,” Theis said. “TheWest Nilevirus seems to be here to stay, so the best way to avoid the disease is to reduce exposure to and eliminate breeding grounds for mosquitoes.”
The Juneau County Health Department recommends the following:
- Limit time spent outside at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
- Apply insect repellant to clothing as well as exposed skin since mosquitoes may bite through clothing.
- Make sure window and door screens are in good repair to prevent mosquito entry.
- Properly dispose of items that hold water, such as tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, or discarded tires.
- Clean roof gutters and downspouts for proper drainage.
- Turn over wheelbarrows, wading pools, boats, and canoes when not in use.
- Change the water in birdbaths and pet dishes at least every three days.
- Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas, and hot tubs;drain water from pool covers.
- Trim tall grass, weeds, and vines since mosquitoes use these areas to rest during hot daylight hours.
- Landscape to prevent water from pooling in low-lying areas.
The majority of people (80%) who are infected with West Nile virus do not get sick. Those who do become ill usually experience mild symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle ache, rash, and fatigue. Less than 1% of people infected with the virus get seriously ill with symptoms that include high fever, muscle weakness, stiff neck, disorientation, mental confusion, tremors, confusion, paralysis, and coma. Older adults (age 50+) and those with compromised immune systems are at greater risk of developing central nervous system illness that can be fatal. The Department of Health Services has monitored the spread of West Nile virus since 2001 among wild birds, horses, mosquitoes, and people. During 2002, the state documented its first human infections and 52 cases were reported that year. During 2012, 57 cases of West Nile virus infection were reported among Wisconsin residents, the highest annual number of cases reported since surveillance began in Wisconsin. West Nile virus infections in humans have been reported from June through October; however, most reported becoming ill with West Nile virus in August and September. The Wisconsin Division ofPublic Healthwill continue surveillance for West Nile virus until the end of the mosquito season. To report a sick or dead crow, blue jay, or raven, please call the Dead Bird Reporting Hotline at 1-800-433-1610.
For more information on West Nilevirus: http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/communicable/ArboviralDiseases/WestNileVirus/Index.htm
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Vernon County Sheriff John Spears reports
7/30 Kurt Bushinger, Minnesota, lost control of his motorcycle on Lower Ridge Road, Town of Whitestown. The driver was ejected into a hayfield and the bike hit a tree. Bushinger was transported to Vernon Memorial Hospital by La Farge EMS for his injuries.
7/31 Gas was syphoned from the Sidie Hollow Campground tractor.
8/1 Rods, reels and tackle were stolen from a boat at Water’s Edge Motel.
08/05 5 reportable car/deer-other animal crashes this week:
Karine Nelson, Viola, on State Highway 56, Town of Liberty;
Sara Martinez, Viroqua, on State Highway 27, Town of Christiana;
Bonny Fish, Westby, on US Highway 14, Town of Coon;
Robert Dray, Richland Center, on State Highway 56, Town of Liberty;
Shaun Bloedow, Hillsboro, on Tower Road, Town of Hillsboro.
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Mauston School Board sets preliminary budget
During a Special Meeting Monday night, the Mauston School Board approved the Preliminary 2013-14 School District Budget for publication prior to the Annual Meeting scheduled for Monday evening, August 26th, 2013, at 7pm. The 23-million dollar budget includes a tax levy of 8.3-million with an anticipated mil rate of $12.69 per $1000 of equalized property value down slightly from this year. Mauston School District Business Manager, Julie Lankey-Smallwood said, “The mil rate will be determined in October after the 3rd Friday in September student count and after the state has determined the property values district wide. Property values in the District have deceased annually since 2008. The 3-year rolling average for enrollment in the Mauston schools is 1442.”
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Fatal crash investigation complete
Investigation has revealed the Tomah woman who died as a result of injuries received in a three-vehicle accident last week ran a red light. Tomah police say, “29-year old Stevie Jorgenson was traveling south on Highway 12 when she failed to stop for a red traffic light. Jorgensen’s vehicle was struck on the driver’s side by a vehicle traveling west on Veterans Street being operated by 58-year old Dean Pierce of Tomah. The impact of the crash resulted in Jorgensen’s’ vehicle striking a vehicle on West Veterans Street waiting to make a left turn to travel north being driven by 45-year old Deana Brabant of Tomah. Jorgensen was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. The autopsy revealed she died as a result of massive head injuries. Brabant was medically transported to Tomah Memorial Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Pierce was evaluated at the accident scene by EMS and released.”
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Crash near Fort McCoy
A one-vehicle accident Monday night near Fort McCoy injured two people. Monroe County authorities said about 8:45pm 31-year old Curtis Huwald of Sparta was traveling east on Highway 21 near the Main Gate. The 2005 Pontiac Grand Am crossed the center line and traveled in the ditch line for approximately 150-yards. The vehicle struck a concrete culvert and ended up in a creek bed. Both occupants were able to get out of the car and crawl up to the road and flag down help. A military convoy stopped and rendered aid until EMS and law enforcement arrived. Huwald was transported by Fort McCoy ambulance to a Sparta hospital with head injuries. A passenger, 33-year old Amy Johnson of Sparta, was also medically transported with non-life threatening injuries.
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Foot pursuit of bicyclist
contributed....
A Mauston man was arrested after fleeing police Saturday afternoon. The officer said about 3:20pm 49-year old Ricky Lang had reportedly stolen a bottle from J&S Liquor on Mauston’s east side and was traveling on his bicycle towards Walgreens. The officer pursued in his squad car and pulled alongside Lang on Hickory Street. The officer yelled at Lang to stop but instead he threw a bottle of wine at the patrol car. The officer slammed on the brakes and the bottle missed breaking on the pavement. The officer got out-of the car and started running after Lang who was still on the bike. A Juneau County deputy had stopped his squad but Lang had not noticed. The officer yelled at Lang to ‘look out for the car’. As he turned his head, Lang struck the rear fender of the deputy’s car. Lang’s face bounced off the trunk which resulted in a cut to the forehead, a bloody nose, and a swollen upper lip. Investigation revealed a stolen can of beer in his pants. Lang was medically cleared before being booked into the Juneau County Jail. Lang has been charged with retail theft, resisting an officer, and disorderly conduct. The Mauston business is seeking restitution of $17.58.
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Couple hid under blanket
contributed....
Two Mauston individuals were initially arrested for outstanding warrants but then additional charges were added. Police said on Monday, August 5th, 2013, an officer responded to a residence on Genevieve Street on the City’s south side to take 21-year old Aubrey Krowiorz and 21-year old Lee ONeill into custody. Both had Juneau County warrants and Krowiorz had an additional warrant out-of Adams County. Initially the officer and Juneau County deputy were told the two weren’t inside the residence. So law enforcement got permission to search and found the two hiding under a blanket in one of the bedrooms. The two allegedly lied to the deputy by giving him false names, but the Mauston police officer positively identified the two from past, professional police contact. ONeill and Krowiorz were handcuffed and transported to the Juneau County Jail and tentatively charged with obstructing and resisting arrest.
contributed.....
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Disorderly conduct
A Mauston man was cited for disorderly conduct. Police said Monday morning 36-year old Anthony Mahl had gone to a residence in the 900-block of West State Street in the City of Mauston for a child exchange. Mahl had taunted a man at the residence which was recorded on the victim’s cell phone. Mahl was More >
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Forgery and theft
contributed....
A Mauston couple has been charged with being a party to forgery and theft. Police said last month 23-year old Matthew Talley allegedly stole checks from his mother and along with his girlfriend, 25-year old Brianna Tande, cashed them totaling $905. In addition, Tande is charged similarly for stealing checks from her grandmother and cashing them for a total of $1650.
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Hwy Dept worker injured
A Monroe County Highway Department worker was injured while during maintenance on the Interstate Tuesday morning. The State Patrol said the right lane of Interstate 90 at mile marker 40 near Tomah was closed for maintenance when an oversized load with an overhang on the right side was traveling through the zone and the overhanging load struck a worker, 52-year old Dwight Kuehl of Tomah, in the head. Kuehl was transported to Tomah Memorial Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The driver of the semi, 77-year old Lowell Goss of Houston, Minnesota, was uninjured. Enforcement action is pending.
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Heroin Overdose
contributed…..On June 16, 2013 the Tomah Police Department responded to a home in the City of Tomah on the 1400 block of a Superior Ave. Upon arrival a male Hispanic, later identified as Carlos Torres Villa, was located deceased in the residence. At the time officers were unable to determine a possible cause of death. There were no obvious signs of trauma which may have caused his death. An Autopsy was ordered by the Monroe County Medical Examiner. The Autopsy was performed on June 17th by the University of Wisconsin, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. Pending Toxicology results, a cause of death could not be determined. On August 4, 2013 an Autopsy Report, to include a toxicology report, was received from the UW Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. The cause of death is noted as “heroin overdose/toxicity.” Anyone with information which they feel may be related to this investigation is encouraged to contact Detective Robert Walensky of the Tomah Police Department at 608 374-7410.
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Worthless checks
A Kendall woman was cited for issuing two worthless checks at CJJ’s Auto & Truck Center. Police said 34-year old Jeanne Sanchez wrote two checks to the Mauston business for a total of $454.31. The checks were returned for non-sufficient funds. The business is seeking restitution of $534.62 which includes $80 in service fees. Sanchez’s More >
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Elroy man makes court appearance
An Elroy man made his initial court appearance Wednesday morning. 46-year old James Bendel, Senior was in court without an attorney. Bendel has been charged with substantial battery and disorderly conduct as a result of a fight in the parking lot of Wonderly’s Bar near New Lisbon in June 2013. Bendel’s bail was set at a $5000 signature bond. He’s to have no contact with the victim and maintain absolute sobriety. A pre-trial conference was set for September 17th, 2013 to allow Bendel time to find a lawyer.
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NL man pleads not guilty to OWI
A New Lisbon man made his initial court appearance Wednesday morning. 69-year old David Sprecht is charged with OWI-3rd offense causing injury as a result of a two-vehicle accident in June 2013. Sprecht plead not guilty. The court set bail at a $5000 signature bond and Sprecht is to maintain absolute sobriety. A pre-trial conference More >
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Becerra appointed counsel
contributed....
The initial court appearance for a Necedah man was adjourned Wednesday and rescheduled. 42-year old Neil Becerra has been incarcerated in the Juneau County Jail since March 2013 unable to post the $20,000 cash bond. Becerra was charged with multiple ‘sexual assault of minor’ charges. Last month the District Attorney charged Becerra with additional sexual assault of a minor charges and bail was set at a $100,000 cash bond. Wednesday morning Becerra appeared in court in custody without counsel. Judge Paul Curran appointed an attorney for Becerra. His initial appearance was adjourned and rescheduled for September 3rd, 2013.
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Reduction of furlough days
“The Pentagon found sufficient savings in the last months of the current fiscal year to allow them to reduce the total number of furlough days from 11 to six,” said Congressman Ron Kind. “This will reduce the economic stress being felt by local communities and lessen the overall impact of the sequester on our national security. Since most of the affected civilian employees have already completed their six days, furloughs will end next week.” “Scaling back the furloughs is welcome news, but Congress still needs to act with urgency to replace the sequester with smarter spending cuts,” concluded Kind. Earlier this summer, furloughs for civilian employees began at Fort McCoy, Volk Field, and Camp Williams.
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