of Juneau County
The Messenger HELEN MILNE RECEIVES JEFFERSON AWARD PAGE 9 VOL 14, NO. 49
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Elroy: Page 6 Mauston: Page 4 New Lisbon: Page 8
County: Page 9 Wonewoc: Page 16 Hillsboro: Page 14
Classifieds: Page 18 Legals: Pages 19–21
THE AWARD WINNING OFFICIAL LEGAL NEWSPAPER OF JUNEAU COUNTY THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013
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Shooting survivor shares her story Treul bound over for trial in shootings BY EVA MARIE WOYWOD On Monday afternoon Cody J. Treul was in Juneau County Court for a preliminary hearing on charges of first-degree intentional homicide, attempted homicide, and first-degree recklessly endangering public safety for the May 31, 2013 shooting behind PJ's Bar in Mauston. The shooting took the life of one Mauston woman, 29 year old Gail Howland, and left 23 year old Ebony Lasher, also of Mauston, critically injured and paralyzed from the chest down. According to testimony from Juneau County Sheriff's Department Detective Shaun Goyette an autopsy revealed that Howland suffered 10 gun shot wounds from varying angles. Goyette also testified to witness statements taken the night of the shooting where two witnesses stated that a man by the name of "Cody" was the shooter. Another witness, reportedly an ex girlfriend of Treul, provided Goyette with the suspect's last name. Sheriff's Deputy Michael Coughlin testified that after apprehending Treul and while transporting him the defendant questioned the deputy, "Who did I kill?" Juneau County Circuit Court Judge Paul Curran heard the testimony from law enforcement and ruled that there was probable cause that the defendant committed the crimes and bound Treul over for trial. Defense attorney David Geraghty alluded that there may be a possible plea of not guilty by mental disease or defect but first he would need to consult with a psychologist and review all police reports. During Monday's hearing Juneau County District Attorney Michael Solovey represented the State of Wisconsin. Treul is scheduled for an August 28, 2013 arraignment. He is currently in the custody of the Juneau County Sheriff's Department and has had bail set at $2 million.
At night Pamela Kissner opens a cot and places it next to her daughter's Madison hospital bed making sure she is as close as possible for when the night terrors come. Those terrors are the direct result from a shooting which took place in Mauston behind PJ's Bar on May 31st and her daughter is 23 year old Ebony Lasher, the lone survivor of the two women who were gunned down. The other victim was Gail Howland, 29 years old, and Ebony's best friend. Visiting Ebony in the hospital you may be surprised by the smile greeting you as you walk into her room. A beautiful girl with a soft voice, she will more than likely want to make sure you are comfortable first. If you walked in unaware you would not notice that she is unable to move from the chest down nor that she has difficulty moving her arm. She will not Ebony Lasher tells her story of what happened the her best friend was killed. Her mother Pam Kissner draw attention to just how, on May 31st, her spine, the other tore That first bullet is the one life changed forever. The bullets that entered through her intestines. that has left her paralyzed. "I had just gotten out the Ebony’s small frame have When she speaks of May left her paralyzed. One 31, 2013 tears well up in words, 'Gail he is here' and ripped through her clavicle her eyes as she explains she replied 'it's okay Sweet and came to rest in her she was the first to be shot. Pea', and then he shot me,"
night she was shot and is shown here with her. Ebony stated. The ‘he’ she speaks of is Cody Treul, 29 years old of Mauston. See SHOOTING, page 5
Police investigate sudden death of 30 year old Mauston male BY EVA MARIE WOYWOD On Wednesday, July 3rd, Mauston Police Chief Mark Messer issued a press release stating that the department was investigating the sudden death of a 30 year old male. According to the release, officers discovered the body of 30 year old Ryan Syverson in his apartment located on the 200 block of West State Street. Prompting the officers discovery was a call for a welfare visit to check on Syverson who had not been
heard from for a couple of days. As of the issuance of the press release the matter remains under investigation as there have been no updates from the Mauston Police Department. A memorial service was held for Syverson on Friday, July 5th, at Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah. According to his obituary, Syverson was a very social person; he had a great sense of humor and loved to joke with his family and friends. In his younger years he enjoyed riding dirt bikes. He loved
listening to music and writing music and poems. He is survived by his parents, Christina and Todd Derkez of Tomah; his siblings, Scott (Nicole) Syverson and their children, Carson and Kendra all of New Lisbon, WI, Leanna Syverson and her children, Malachi, Deidra, and Logan all of Fargo, ND, Deanna Syverson and her children, Marcus Ryan and Lukus Scott all of Tomah; his grandmother, Nancy Duncan; other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Dana Syverson on July 30, 1985.