of Juneau County
The Messenger DECORATED COWS IN MAUSTON FOR JUNE DAIRY MONTH VOL 15, NO. 43
LOOK INSIDE FOR YOUR LOCAL NEWS:
Elroy: Page 6 Mauston: Page 4 County: Page 3
New Lisbon: Page 8 Wonewoc: Page 12 Hillsboro: Page 9
Classifieds: Page 14 Legals: Page 6 & 15–17
THE AWARD WINNING OFFICIAL LEGAL NEWSPAPER OF JUNEAU COUNTY THURSDAY, JUNE 5, 2014
Sentencing date set in Treul murder case BY EVA MARIE WOYWOD
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n Tuesday afternoon Judge John Roemer's court room was filled with the victims, family, and friends connected to the May 2013 shooting in Mauston. One of those victims was 24 year old Ebony Lasher who appeared in court for the first time since the bullets shot into her body by then 29 year old Cody Treul left her paralyzed. Gail Howland, 29, also was shot the night of the incident, however, unlike Ebony, who survived, Howland died as a results Cody Treul was escorted into the courtroom by of her wounds. Tuesday. Howland's family and friends were present Tuesday afternoon as were homicide and attempted Tuesday's hearing Judge Roemer scheduled the senthe family and friends of first degree homicide. The hearing was quick tencing hearing for June Lasher. 23, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. That and to the point. It was Earlier this year, and against the advice of his scheduled as a status hear- hearing will not be a short one as two hours have ing to move forward to a counsel, Treul pled no During been scheduled on the calcontest to first degree sentencing.
bailiffs for his hearing endar to allow for statements from the victims and on behalf of the convicted. Treul remains in custody of the Juneau County Sheriff Department Jail.
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Newlun takes plea in abuse case
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t has been nearly two years since Ginger Newlun, 52 of Wonewoc, was charged with abusing a patient at Crest View Nursing Home in New Lisbon. On Tuesday afternoon in Juneau County Circuit Court the case finally came to some closure when Newlun pled no contest to felony neglect of a patient causing bodily harm. A charge that was amended from intentional abuse of a patient. Additionally, an aggravated battery of an elderly person was dismissed on a prosecutor’s motion. Newlun, represented by defense attorney Derek Horkan, appeared before circuit court Judge John Roemer who accepted the plea and scheduled a pre-sentencing investigation. As part of a plea agreement, both sides agreed that Newlun should be barred from any employment from any type of healthcare facility. According to the original criminal complaint on June 5, 2012 New Lisbon Police officer Kevin Weinshrott received a call from an administrator at the Crest View Nursing Home in New Lisbon. The administrator relayed a concern that a staff member had inappropriate contact with a patient and that it may have been an ongoing issue. The criminal complaint went on to state that on the following day Weinshrott met employees at the nursing home who relayed to him that Newlun had been abusing a 86 year old female patient who suffers from dementia. One employee is said to have stated that she had witnessed Newlun pull the patient's hair and at one time saw her spit in the patient's face. There were times, according to the employee, that Newlun would grab the fingers of the patient and "squeeze real hard." The complaint went on to state that Newlun denied spitting on the patient and pulling her hair. She did admit to holding on the back of the head of the patient while assisting her. When placed under arrest Newlun cried and stated that she had not done anything wrong. A status hearing is scheduled for August 6, 2014, at which time a sentencing hearing may be scheduled.
Trepes chosen for Freedom Honor Flight BY TASHA MUELLER
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Kendall veteran got the chance of a lifetime, experiencing things he’ll remember forever. On May 17, William Francis Trepes and son Tom Trepes, traveled to Washington D.C., with the
La Crosse-based organization, Freedom Honor Flight. The organization was founded in April of 2008 with one simple goal: to fly area veterans to Washington D.C. to visit the memorials that stand in their honor. Veterans are chosen for the trip on a first-come, firstserved basis with priority given to WWII veterans and Korean veterans, and veterans with a terminal illness. The trip is all in one day, spending several hours at the World War II Memorial, and visiting other Washington D.C. landmarks such as the Korean War Memorial, Vietnam Wall, Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, Marine Corps Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, plus a few other honorable locations. Francis Trepes was part of the Korean War in 1951 through 1953 and encouraged all other veterans to be a part of this trip. “It’s amazing,” said Trepes. “This is something I’ll never forget.” One thing that struck Trepes the most was the welcome home ceremony at the
La Crosse Regional Airport, which featured color guard, music, fireworks, refreshments, and seeing the faces of the veterans as they deplaned to the cheering crowd. “I never received a welcome home ceremony, so that made me tear up,” shared Trepes on his experience. Trepes was able to share the experience with not only his son, but also 93 area veterans that were a part of the trip. The Honor Flight Network is supported solely through donations and is run by volunteers. The volunteers coordinate fundraising, communication with veterans and volunteers, training, medical supervision, travel to and from Washington D.C. and all transportation, activities, and meals in Washington D.C. The network will continue to organize flights with financial support. In order to be nominated for the once-in-a-lifetime spot, veterans must have a volunteer guardian, paying their own way. Francis’ son Tom said he
would like to go again if the opportunity arose. “It’s life changing,” said Tom. “An experience I’ll forever remember.” Freedom Honor Flight President Bill Hoel said in a La Crosse Tribune article, after the veterans and guardians left on the trip, “The significance of this trip without question is they’re going with fellow veterans – ladies and gentlemen who understand what they’ve been through and share a common bond.” Hoel added, “Strangers see the shirts they’re wearing and they’ll come up and say thank you for their service. They may also meet veterans from other honor flights.” Kendall veteran Don Braund also went on the Freedom Honor Flight a few years ago, and both Kendall veterans will now be able to share their stories with each other and everyone in the area. WKBT - La Crosse Channel 8 will be featuring a June 6th special showcasing the veterans that went on the trip. A reunion for all participants will be held later this month in La Crosse.
Serving in the Korean War in 1951-1953, William Francis Trepes stands by the monument with his name and many others that have served our country. Trepes enjoyed seeing the Korean War Memorial in Washington D.C., sharing that the wall had etched pictures of all the veterans and that it is something to remember forever. Francis shared that he and his son will most definitely go to the welcome home celebration in the fall when another flight is scheduled. “Seeing the veterans reactions during the welcoming home is something life changing. We want to be a part of it again!” shared Francis.
The two shared stories with others during the Memorial Day service held in Kendall. Francis is a member of the Kendall American Legion Post 309 and serves as the chaplain. For more information on the flight, visit www. freedomhonorflight.org.