of Juneau County
The Messenger BUCKHORN/ ROCHE-A-CRI PHOTOGRAPHY VOL 15, NO. 22
LOOK INSIDE FOR YOUR LOCAL NEWS:
Elroy: Page 6 Mauston: Page 4 Obituaries: Page 2
County: Page 3 Wonewoc: Page 11 Hillsboro: Page 10
Classifieds: Page 12 Legals: Page 3, 7, & 13
THE AWARD WINNING OFFICIAL LEGAL NEWSPAPER OF JUNEAU COUNTY THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014
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Arkdale man to be charged in attempted kidnapping The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is reporting new information to the press release that was sent out on 09-09-13. The press release was in reference to a hit and run crash between two vehicles and an attempted kidnapping. Several allegations were made during that time as well to similar incidents in Juneau and Sauk Counties that proved to be false. As a result of the investigation for the attempted kidnapping and some stolen vehicles in Monroe County, a suspect has been identified. The suspect is Daniel P. Pickett, age 20, of Arkdale. Daniel is in custody in another jail facility at this time for another matter. The charges for Daniel that are being referred to the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office are Attempted Homicide, Battery, Hit & Run, Disorderly Conduct, Strangulation / Suffocation, Reckless Endangering Safety, False Imprisonment, and Attempting Kidnapping. The initial incident occurred on 09-09-13. The Sheriff’s Department wants to update the public as to the resolve of this case as well as inform them that a suspect has been identified and is in custody. Formal charges are pending the District Attorney’s Office review of the matter. The matter was investigated by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. Other agencies have pending matters as well.
Former Necedah man charged with assault BY EVA MARIE WOYWOD The first felony case filed in Juneau County Circuit Court for 2014 charges a former Village of Necedah resident 37 year old Charles N. Nichols with one count of first degree child sexual assault-contact with a child under age 13. Nichols currently lives in Round Lake Park, IL. According to the criminal complaint, Juneau County Detective Tim Andres received a call from the alleged victim's mother on December 4, 2013. The mother reported that her daughter relayed details of an incident occurring five to six years ago that involved Nichols having sexual contact with the victim. On December 5, 2013 Juneau County Sheriff's Department arranged an interview with the young woman at Safe Harbor, a child advocacy center which specializes in all forms of abuse against children. The criminal complaint states that the victim stated she waited to speak of the occurrence because she had been afraid to tell anyone. The following day, December 6, Detective Andres met with Nichols and interviewed him. The complaint states that Nichols admitted to the sexual assault, stating that it only happened once and he didn't know why he did it. Nichols is scheduled for an initial appearance on February 5, 2014 in front of Juneau County Circuit Court Judge John Roemer.
A WINTER WONDERLAND OF LIGHTS
A home that has had many slowly driving by ever since the day after Thanksgiving, has given viewers the chance to be amazed by a winter wonderland of lights. Scattered ever so cleverly around their home, the Rittenhouse residence on Snyder Road in rural Elroy, attracted Christmas light gawkers from all around as the home can be seen commuting from Union Center to Elroy on Hwy 80 and 82. Homeowners Phillip and LuAnn began the process of unpacking the inflatable lawn ornaments, countless strands of lights, and handmade holiday signs on October 1 and has all of the items out for viewing the week of Thanksgiving. After losing count of exactly how many items are scattered throughout the yard, or even on top of the hill above the home with a star, the decorations are quite the site for people to see. “It’s tradition to see these lights the day after Thanksgiving with my family,” stated one couple from Platteville visiting family. “When we come back for Christmas, we also make our way to this home and see all of the lights with snow on the ground. It’s a pleasure seeing how much time and effort goes into making this happen for everyone to see.” If you were able to view the home during the holidays, it might be no surprise not to notice a new ornament or two in the lawn that Phil adds every year. With finding many items shopping around garage sales throughout the year, it really doesn’t add up to a lot of spending on the items lit up. On Christmas Eve, the line to view the home was continuous. Being able to chat with a few of the people driving by, an onlooker commented on the display, saying, “It doesn’t look like there’s too many items – there’s just enough!” Another that loves the Christmas season wishes it could be up for the entire year! By wanting to be even greater in size and spectacular, Phil was able to make the “Happy Holidays” sign above the driveway, a “Winter Wonderland” sign in the middle of the yard, and a “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” light display above the home all by hand, welding together the signs and putting the lights in tact of the beautiful home. Other signs are also scattered throughout. If you look closely towards the home, the windows have a little something in them and are lined with lights as well. Even though the holiday season is now past, the Rittenhouse residence will continue to bring cheer to everyone stopping by and viewing the lights. The light bill might go up during the season, but the gift of viewing the lights is what matters in the end. TASHA MUELLER PHOTO