Reedsburg High School has canceled its football games while an investigation involving the players is ongoing.

 Reedsburg Area High School has canceled its first two varsity football games this season due to an ongoing investigation involving several players. The school announced the decision last week, providing limited details and stating that the investigation, which concerns a matter within the community, has left the varsity team without enough players to compete.

A statement from the school noted, “Due to confidentiality concerns with any issue involving students, there is nothing further that can be shared with you about this matter.”

In related news, the Sauk County Sheriff’s Department cited nine juveniles for disorderly conduct on August 11 following multiple reports of harassment directed at members of the Amish community. According to a press release from the sheriff’s department on August 25, deputies were conducting extra patrols in rural Reedsburg when they responded to reports of harassment. They made contact with a suspect vehicle, leading to the citations.

Reedsburg High School principal Katie Mathews expressed her disappointment, stating that she is “devastated that many of the student athletes will be missing out on contests.” She particularly empathized with the seniors facing a shortened season, emphasizing the school's commitment to integrity. “While this is undoubtedly a painful learning experience, we will never compromise the integrity of Reedsburg Area High School or its students, staff, and families, and we will not let it define us.”

With the cancellation of the varsity football games scheduled for August 23 and August 30, it remains uncertain whether the students cited for disorderly conduct will face additional disciplinary action from the school. Officials from the Reedsburg school district did not respond to requests for further comments.

Social media speculation indicates that the cited students may have vandalized property owned by the Amish community, including a school and a barn. Reports also allege that students threw firecrackers and shot paintballs at horses belonging to Amish families.

Due to the involvement of juveniles, the Sauk County Sheriff’s Department has not released additional information regarding the incident.

Reedsburg resident Amanda Jean, who visited several vandalized Amish homes, described the residents as “kind and forgiving.” She is organizing a community dinner on September 11 in Reedsburg to raise funds for the Amish community.

Data from the state Department of Justice shows that hate crimes are rare in Sauk County, with only two reported between 2018 and 2022. While the DOJ collects data on hate crimes against various protected groups, it does not specifically categorize incidents involving the Amish community.