Top Stories October 28th

Authorities Catch Burglars in the Act

10/28/08 - Authorities have three people in custody this morning for allegedly breaking and entering into a business on Highway B in the Town of Beaver Dam. Sheriff Todd Nehls says that just after two this morning his department was alerted to a burglary in progress at Beaver Plumbing. When they arrived they apprehended 23-year-old Kurtis W. Billings, 21-year-old Tabatha E. Pellett and 27-year-old Trevor P. Waller. Nehls says it is too early to tell if the three were responsible for the multiple break-ins in the area.

Beaver Dam Balances Budget

10/28/08 - The numbers in the 2009 Beaver Dam city budget are balanced, with over $2800 to spare. The 181-page, $13 million dollar document had just over $18,000 in red ink before the meeting began last night. Director of Finances John Somers (right) says they had projected a 15% estimate for health insurance increases for next year, and the actual total came out to be 13%, which translated to a $21,000 reduction. Debate last night centered on the inclusion of $149,000 in storm water utility costs in the 2009 budget, for projects that had traditionally been paid for through the levy but will now be paid through utility fees. The storm water utility sets aside dedicated revenue for dealing with storm water problems, like drainage, flooding and erosion controls that will bring the city in compliance with state and federal discharge mandates once its fully implemented on December 1. The city is expected to approve an annual $48 fee for all utility customers, meaning all residents will see a $12 increase on the quarterly water bills come March 2009. Some aldermen are calling that “double-taxation.” Administration Committee Chair Don Neuert says he feels the consensus is to remove the utility from the tax levy. That will be debated during next Monday’s meeting.

BD School Board Approves Tax Levy

10/28/08 - The Beaver Dam School Board approved the tax levy and mill rate for the 2008-2009 school year at last night’s meeting. The District’s total tax levy will be more than $13.9-million, which when broken down, means tax payers will owe $8.41 per $1,000 of assessed value. That means if a property is valued at $150,000 the owner would pay $1261.50 for the school portion of their tax bill.

Charges Filed in Prank Turned Deadly

10/28/08 - A Beaver Dam couple has been charged with stealing and hiding a friend’s motorcycle as a practical joke. That friend, 46-year-old Michael Zuhlke, died accidentally after getting into an altercation with management at the Kinda Country bar, after blaming them for the missing bike. Jeffrey and Ingrid Koch are each charged with one misdemeanor count of Operating a Motor Vehicle Without the Owners Consent / Joyriding related to the April 27 incident at the Town of Trenton tavern. According to the criminal complaint, Zuhlke was engaged in a pushing confrontation in the parking lot with the bar’s manager, Brian Schultz. That’s when Zuhlke’s brother reportedly shoved Shultz. Zuhlke and Shultz got their feet entwined and fell backward with Zuhlke striking his head on the bumper of a pick-up truck. A forensic pathologist later determined that Zuhlke died as a result of a spinal chord fracture. Authorities say the Koch’s were inebriated when they pushed Zuhlke’s Harley Davidson into an unlocked shed on the tavern premises as a prank. Ingrid Koch says she “vaguely remembers” the incident. They face up to nine months in prison if convicted. They will be back in court November 24. There were no other charges filed in connection with the death. Dodge County DA Bill Bedker had previously said that he does not see anything in the criminal report that leads him to believe the injuries were intentional.

Beaver Dam Man Charged With Rape

10/28/08 - A Beaver Dam man is accused of raping a young woman at her apartment last month. 43-year-old David A. Allen is charged with one felony count of Third Degree Sexual Assault for allegedly forcing himself on the adult victim in September after she rebuked his advances. Allen faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted. Bond was set at $1000 and a preliminary hearing scheduled for December 11.

Millard Charged in Connection With High Speed Chase

10/28/08 - A Milwaukee man is charged with leading Dodge County authorities on a high speed chase that reached speeds in excess of 130mph. Eric Millard is charged with one felony count of Eluding an Officer and a variety of traffic citations related to the September 11th incident that began in the Town of Clyman. According to the criminal complaint, the 22-year-old was driving his motorcycle 30mph over the speed limit when deputies initiated the pursuit, which continued 7 miles down Highway 26 into Juneau before it was terminated. The deputy later spotted Millard in a field, disoriented, looking for his bike which was about 50 feet away. Millard told authorities that he fled because he had been stopped the day before and didn’t want another ticket for operating after his license was revoked. Bond was set at $1000 and a preliminary hearing scheduled for December 11.

Teen Accused of Stealing Jeep, Boat and Golf Cart

10/28/08 - Authorities say an Oconomowoc teen wanted to get home so bad after a night of drinking that he stole a Jeep, a boat and a golf cart. James Syvertson reportedly said he didn’t realize the boat was attached to the Jeep. The 18-year-old was arrested while driving the golf cart in the southbound lanes of Highway 67 not far from where he crashed the Jeep into a ditch this past August. If convicted, Syvertson faces up to nine months in prison. Bond was set at $500 and a preliminary hearing scheduled for November 13.