A 25-year-old Mt. Sterling woman was arrested  April 9 while in the process of manufacturing methamphetamine at Blackhawk Park.

According to the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office in Viroqua, a deputy was patrolling the park, in Wheatland township, when he spotted a suspicious vehicle.

The deputy discovered Ashlyn Dawn Roney using the “shake and bake” method of manufacturing methamphetamine.

“Shake and bake” involves mixing cold pills with common, though noxious, household chemicals in a two-liter soda bottle.

The method is designed to circumvent laws restricting the sale of ingredients used in making methamphetamine. However, it is extremely dangerous. Authorities say the concoction can explode into a fireball if mishandled.

Roney’s automobile was impounded, and the Vernon County Hazmat team and the Sheriff’s Office neutralized the components being used in manufacturing  the drug.

According to the Vernon County Brodcaster of Viroqua, Roney has three previous misdemeanor convictions listed in her Wisconsin Circuit Court record–two for disorderly conduct and one for obstructing an officer.

Charges had not yet been filed against Roney as of  press time.

Vernon County Sheriff John Spears is asking citizens to stay alert and be aware of suspicious activities in their neighborhoods, rural or otherwise.

Anyone with information about this crime should contact the sheriff or Vernon County Crime Stoppers at 608-637-8477.