Top Stories February 28th

Outstanding Alumnus Named

2/28/09 - The Beaver Dam School District has announced their 2009 Wall of Fame Inductees. This year’s outstanding Alumnus is 1967 graduate Dr. Robert Ehlenfeldt, who was appointed State Veterinarian in 2003 and is responsible for overseeing the health of Wisconsin farm animals. Dr. Ehlenfeldt is widely regarded as an authority on matters of animal health and veterinary disease treatment. He will take his place on the wall alongside such notables as film star Fred MacMurray who was the first graduate to be recognized. Also, Robert Gartzke will be recognized as a “Friend of Education,” along with the Exchange Club of Beaver Dam. They will all be honored at the 13th Annual Wall of Fame Banquet, which will be held Sunday, April 5 at the Old Hickory Golf Club.

Four Arrested in Columbus

2/28/09 - Four people were arrested Friday morning in Columbus after authorities say they attacked police officers responding to a domestic dispute. According to Columbus Police Lieutenant Dennis Weiner, the officers were dispatched to a residence on South Ludington Street at 11:35am. During the course of their investigation, they were allegedly attacked by 34-year-old Denise Golden at the residence. Weiner says while they were attempting to take her into custody, two other adult males came after the officers. Tazers were used to subdue 25-Daniel Owens of Columbus and 23-year-old Michael Krueger of Beaver Dam, but Weiner says even then they continued to resist. A 15-year-old male also physically resisted and fought with officers. The four face charges of Disorderly Conduct and Resisting Arrest. Golden is additionally charged with Battery to a Police Officer. The tree adults were all booked into the Columbia County jail. One officer received minor injuries but did not seek medical attention. Authorities say all parties, including the 15-year-old, were intoxicated.

Gun Fire Leads Authorities to Finding Growing Operation

2/28/09 - A report of a gun shot being fired led authorities to finding an indoor growing operation at a Town of Rubicon home early this morning. The Dodge County Sheriff’s Department says a woman called reporting that she heard a shotgun blast at her neighbor’s home on Pond Road. When she looked outside she saw a man running inside the home. Upon arrival, deputies made contact with five men ranging in age from 28 to 21 and a 21-year-old woman. While searching the subjects, drug paraphernalia was found on two of the men. After contacting the district attorney and judge a warrant was issued and when searching the home an indoor growing operation was found. There is no word on how big the operation was.

Two for the Price of One

2/28/09 - While arresting one man for driving intoxicated authorities were forced to chase the man’s passenger as well. The Sheriff Department is reporting that while taking a 21-year-old man into custody around 1:45 this morning in the Town of Lowell for OWI, the mans 22-year-old passenger jumped into the drivers seat and took off with the vehicle. Authorities were able to get the man to pullover. He was also arrested for driving under the influence, and while he was being handcuffed the man passed out. Both men were taken the Beaver Dam Hospital before being transported to the Dodge County Detention Facility. The men face a variety of charges stemming from the incident.

Car Stopped after Going 25MPH on Highway 41

2/28/09 - Know when to keep quiet. That’s a lesson a 39-year-old Illinois man possibly learned the hard way. The Sheriff’s Department says Washington County authorities alerted them to a vehicle driving 25-miles-per-hour on Highway 41 northbound just before midnight. Dodge County deputies found the vehicle at a northbound wayside in the Town of Theresa and arrested the 44-year-old female driver on suspicion of drunk driving. Authorities took the woman to jail for a 12-hour hold. The 39-year-old passenger was given a ride to the jail to wait for a ride. On the way there, the man allegedly got into a heated argument with officers and was booked on disorderly conduct charges. The driver of the car was cited for operating under the influence, first offense.

OWI’s Span All Ages

2/28/09 - A 79-year-old Horicon woman picked up her 3rd OWI Thursday. The Dodge County Sheriff’s Department says deputies responded to a one-vehicle runoff around 3:45pm on Square Road in the Town of Hubbard. Suspecting that driver Anna Lee Bauer was impaired, the officers performed field sobriety tests. However, not all the tests could be performed because she requires the use of a walker. A breathalyzer showed Bauer had a blood alcohol level of .154, nearly twice the legal limit.

Walker: Prisoners Shouldn’t Get Early Release

2/28/09 - Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker wants authorities to join him in trying to kill Governor Jim Doyle’s budget measure that would give early release to some prisoners. It would shorten the sentences of up to three-thousand non-violent felons, according to how long they’ve been on good behavior. There is also a possibility that there would be a reduction in the number of prisoners who would be supervised following their release which is something that Dodge County Sheriff Todd Nehls says would concern him. Doyle spokesman Lee Sensenbrenner says prison guards believe inmates need some kind of incentive to behave behind bars.

No Charges Filed Against Panos

2/28/09 - No charges will be filed against former Badger lineman Joe Panos if he behaves himself. Panos was in trouble for using golf clubs to damage a car. That car belonged to the man dating Panos' estranged wife. Waukesha District Attorney Brad Schimel says the case doesn't meet the legal definition of domestic abuse. Panos' wife had filed for divorce three months ago. Panos played on the 1994 Rose Bowl champion Badger team, then played for seven years in the NFL for the Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills.

Art Exhibit Causes Debate on Free Speech

2/28/09 - An art exhibit sparks a lively debate about free speech on the University of Wisconsin-Platteville campus. Student artist Michael Hannigan had lined up 25 stuffed teddy bears in the school's art building, each holding a kitchen knife in its lap. Hannigan said he wanted to juxtapose the innocence of teddy bears against the ferocity of real bears. The school had a problem with the knives being left unattended, especially on weekends. Campus police ordered them removed, but the artist said his display just looked "dumb" then. The knives were removed. Teachers say the situation has started discussion of censorship and the arts on the Platteville campus.

Ryan Warns of “Stag-flation”

2/28/09 - Warnings of "stag-flation" come from Wisconsin Congressman Paul Ryan. The Janesville Republican says all the spending and new taxes could have the effect of keeping economic output down and inflation up. Ryan spoke at Marquette University yesterday. He says unless Washington avoids growth-stopping policies, we're forcing a bad future on the next generation. Ryan points specifically to the president's higher taxes on investment growth and those who make a lot of money as approaches that could slow economic growth. He says President Obama is spending a lot of money in his budget plan. Ryan is the ranking Republican on the House Budget Committee. Ryan will be the one to introduce a Republican alternative to the president's budget. That comes in early April.

Legislators Working on Biking Law

2/28/09 - Madison resident Linda Willsey was riding her bike past a parked car last summer, when the driver of the vehicle threw open their door and knocked the Madison woman off of her bike. Willsey was injured and also received a ticket, due to a little known state law that requires cyclists to pass parked vehicles by at least three feet. However, state lawmakers say that restriction is unrealistic and makes it so someone exiting a vehicle has no responsibility to check their surroundings first. Legislation at the Capitol would repeal that law and require the driver of a vehicle to watch out for passing bikes. State Senator Fred Risser is a sponsor of the measure. He says it would hold cyclists to the same standard currently applied to those driving any other type of vehicle.

DNR Says Lake Delton Ready to Go by Memorial Day

2/28/09 - The Department of Natural Resources expects Lake Delton to be fully restored by Memorial Day. Officials with the DNR say efforts to refill the lake are on schedule and they expect water levels to be back to normal in the coming months. Water has slowly been returning to the lake since December after work to reconstruct the portion of Highway A washed out by flooding last summer was completed. The highway was destroyed when Lake Delton breached its banks, draining the lake. The lake is only partially refilled at this point, but additional work will be done this spring that will allow the water to completely return. After the water is restored, the DNR and local groups plan to restock the lake with fish.

Woman Knits Teddy Bears for Kids Affected by HIV or AIDS

2/28/09 - She's never met these children. She likely never will. Phyllis Schmidt has never even visited the country where they live. Schmidt is 93 years old and she spends five to six hours nearly every day making teddy bears. She knits them. Every teddy bear goes to a child in Africa who is affected by HIV or AIDS. She knits those teddy bears as a participant in the Mother Bear Project based in Minneapolis. The nonprofit group has sent nearly 37 thousand bears to Africa. Schmidt says she hopes her bears bring some happiness to those kids. She says she hopes to knit another 100 bears next year.

Unclaimed Property Tour Coming to Dodge and Jefferson Counties

2/27/09 - The Unclaimed Property Outreach Tour is coming to Dodge and Jefferson County next week. State Treasurer Dawn Marie Sass says the database shows more than 10,000 Dodge County residents and nearly 11,000 Jefferson County residents with unclaimed property. Sass says typical items include the contents of safety deposit boxes, insurance premiums, forgotten paychecks, refund and rebate checks. Sass says there is still $1.38-million of unclaimed property in Dodge County and $1.41-million in Jefferson County. Statewide, over one million people and businesses have unclaimed property in Wisconsin totaling nearly $324-million. The tour will stop at the Beaver Dam Public Library from 12-1pm and at the Watertown Public Library from 2:30-3:30pm on Wednesday March 4th. You can also find out if you have unclaimed property by visiting. www.statetreasury.wisconsin.gov.

Top Stories February 27th

Storm Brings Rain, Ice, and Snow

2/27/09 - Parts of southern Wisconsin are a massive ice rink, thanks to yesterday’s late-winter storm that dumped freezing rain. Despite that area roads were quiet during the overnight hours with the Sheriff’s Department reporting just one accident since 11pm. However, they say there were multiple runoffs during the afternoon commute throughout the county but there are no known injuries at this time. Not everyone was as fortunate as icy conditions caused numerous accidents in other parts of southern Wisconsin. The westbound lanes of Interstate-94 were closed for a time when a semi-truck jackknifed near the Dane-Jefferson County line. About the only remnants of the storm today are strong winds that are gusting to 30-miles-per hour.

Barn Destroyed by Fire

2/27/09 - Fire destroyed a Town of Calamus barn yesterday. The Beaver Dam Fire Department received the call just before 3:30pm to the structure located at N5212 Highway 151, near the intersection of County Road S. When firefighters arrived, the barn was fully involved with flames visible through the roofline and smoke was billowing across the highway, making slick driving conditions even more dangerous. The barn was packed full of hay so an excavator was brought in to tear apart what was left of the structure to get to the hotspots. There were no injuries. The barn was owned by Hilda Lentz and was rented out for use as storage. No word yet on the cause of the blaze.

Victim in Motorcycle Crash was Waupun Man

2/27/09 - It's estimated that a 26-year-old Waupun man had his motorcycle going over 100 miles an hour before it hit a mini van killing him Wednesday afternoon. Fond du Lac County Sheriff's Captain Dean Will says it's one of the most horrific accidents he's worked over the years. Eric Brown died at the scene. The elderly Waupun couple in the van, Elmer and Jeanette Decker, were taken to Waupun Memorial Hospital. Jeanette was later transferred to the U-W Hospital with a broken pelvis and other broken bones.

Another Watertown Drug Sentencing

2/27/09 - Another sentence was handed down this week in connection with a two-county cocaine ring. Federal Judge Barbara Crabb sentenced Arturo Pineda-Lopez to 37 months in prison. The 25-year-old Mexican national was one of seven people arrested last June for selling cocaine in the Watertown and Fort Atkinson area. The Department of Justice conducted wiretaps between July of 2006 and last June, monitoring hundreds of calls detailing drug transactions in Dodge and Jefferson Counties. On June 19, authorities executed eleven search warrants and seized over $100,000 in cash, multiple kilograms of cocaine and several automobiles. Four defendants have already been sent to prison and one goes to trial next month. One suspect remains at large. The Department of Justice says all the subjects will be deported after completing their sentences are completed.

Millard Waives Prelim in Chase

2/27/09 - A Milwaukee man, charged with leading Dodge County authorities on a high speed chase that reached speeds in excess of 130mph, waived his right to a preliminary hearing yesterday. Eric Millard entered a “not guilty” plea to 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.

Oasis Burglar Sentenced

2/27/09 - A Hartford man will spend five months in jail for burglarizing the Rubicon Oasis Tavern, twice. Robert Hetzel entered through the backdoor of the establishment late last month and stole about $300 from the safe and an $8 bottle of whiskey. Authorities were able to arrest the 42-year-old Hetzel with the help of video surveillance footage. The owner identified him because he used to be a bartender there, and live upstairs from the bar. He had a key that was later returned but the locks were never changed. At the time of his arrest last month, he was still facing a misdemeanor charge for breaking into the same bar last October. Hetzel was also placed on probation for three years and ordered to pay restitution and maintain absolute sobriety.


Jobs Lost at Record Level

2/27/09 - Wisconsin lost a record number of jobs during the year ending in January. And the state’s unemployment rate jumped almost two full percentage points to seven-point-six – the highest for a January since 1986. The state lost almost 73-thousand jobs over the preceding 12 months – the largest year-to-year loss in the 69 years the state has kept track of it. David Ward of North-star Economics in Madison says he’s surprised at how fast the downturn has snowballed. He said employers react a lot faster to economic conditions today than they did in the 1980’s. Education and health services were the only parts of the private sector not to lose jobs over the last year. Government added 900 people, for gain of two-tenths of one-percent. As of last week, Wisconsin already had the same number of applications for jobless benefits this year, as it did through the first week of April in 2008.

2008 Traffic Crashes Inline with Average

2/27/09 - While last year’s preliminary traffic death toll of 588 will go down in Wisconsin’s record books as the lowest since 1944, total numbers of crashes held fairly steady, compared to the five-year average. According to preliminary data from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, there were about 125-thousand traffic crashes recorded in the state last year. That’s close to the five-year average. Property damage crashes actually increased by about four percent compared to the five-year average, with about 91-thousand property damage crashes reported.

1 in 5 Wisconsin Banks Lost Money in 4th Quarter of ‘08

2/27/09 - Over one-fifth of Wisconsin’s banks lost money in the final quarter of last year, when the nation’s financial crisis started to heat up. The F-D-I-C said the state’s 283 banks had combined losses of 354-million dollars from October-through-December compared to the same time a year ago. Sixty-two banks lost money last quarter, while 221 others showed profits. M-and-I, the state’s largest bank, had the largest loss of over 350-million. Wisconsin banks added over a million dollars to their accounts which cover bad loans – three times as much as the final quarter of 2007. And they wrote off three times as many bad debts. Just under three-percent of the banks’ total loans were delinquent from October-through-December – up from about one-and-a-half percent the previous year. Banking consultant David Donihue said he could never remember a tougher period for Wisconsin’s banks – and it reflects what’s happening nationally.

Top Stories February 26th

Barn Fire Just Off Highway 151

2/26/09 - Firefighters are on the scene of a barn fire in the Town of Calamus. The call was reported just before 3:30 to the structure fire along Highway 151 at East Salem Road. More information will be provided as it becomes available.

Winter Weather Advisory for Dodge County

2/26/09 - We’ll see a mix of rain and snow this afternoon as a storm makes its way through the Midwest. Dodge County is under a winter weather advisory beginning at noon today through midnight. The National Weather Service says rain will start in far southern Wisconsin in the early afternoon before mixing with snow and sleet later this afternoon. It’s expected to change to all snow later on with accumulations of 1 to 3 inches. Ice accumulations are also possible but they are not expected to be more than a tenth of an inch. However, with the storm hitting right around rush hour officials are asking motorists to take it slow during their commute.

New Chief Selected for Beaver Dam Fire Department

2/26/09 - The Beaver Dam Police and Fire Commission has tabbed a Matteson, Illinois man to be the city’s next fire chief. Alan Mannel is a second generation firefighter who has served 30 years with the Matteson department. Mannel is currently a Lieutenant and serves as Arson Inspector and EMS Coordinator and has experience as a water rescue diver. He is also a certified paramedic, and says his background will bring valuable expertise to the city’s fledgling paramedic program. Mannel describes himself as a family man and is married with two kids. He replaces George Sheets who resigned abruptly in the weeks following the June floods last year, after 18 months with the department. Sheets brought a lot of change in that time, implementing not only the paramedic program, but also the interfacility transport program which last year generated over $100,000 in profit for the city. If Mannel passes his physical, he will begin April 1.

Koch’s Guilty of Taking Bike that Led to Fatality

2/26/09 - It took a jury less than three hours yesterday to convict a Beaver Dam couple for taking and hiding a motorcycle. 46-year-old Michael Zuhlke died accidentally after getting into an altercation with management at the Kinda Country bar, after blaming management for the missing bike. Jeffrey and Ingrid Koch were found guilty of one misdemeanor count of Taking A Vehicle Without Consent 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 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. Ingrid Koch says she “vaguely remembers” the incident. They face up to nine months incarceration at sentencing, which will be scheduled at a later date. 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.

20 to 30 Steer Killed by Train

2/26/09 - Around two dozen steer were killed and several others injured after wandering onto railroad tracks just east of Columbus. The incident occurred around 1pm yesterday afternoon on the Canadian Pacific line right near the Highway 60 overpass. Sheriff Todd Nehls says there were 20 to 30 carcasses strewn along the tracks for over a mile and half. The survivors were treated by a veterinarian for injuries. The steer were owned by the Roche family and Nehls says they have been very cooperative did not spare any resources in the clean-up. No one was injured on the eastbound freight train or the passenger train that followed minutes later.

Rural Development Loan

2/26/09 - Home Repair Loans are available for very-low income homeowners in a number of area counties. The United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development recently announced the loans would be available for 15 counties, including Dodge, Jefferson, Fond du Lac, Washington and Green Lake. The loans can be used to improve or modernize a home, make it accessible, or to remove health and safety hazards such as electric or roofing issues. The home repair loans are at one percent interest with a maximum term of 20-years. The loan amount will depend on the ability to make monthly payments based on income levels. For more information on the loans you can visit Rural Development online at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/.

Soldier from Baraboo Killed in Afghanistan

2/26/09 - A National Guard specialist from Madison has been killed in Afghanistan. His family said 24-year-old Daniel Thompson was one of four people who died on Tuesday by a roadside bomb in the southern province of Kandajar. He was the lead driver of a convoy when the bomb went off. Thompson’s family lives in Portage, where he graduated from high school in 2003. His girlfriend is a hospital nurse in Madison, where the two had a house. Thompson was part of Army National Guard’s 32nd Military Police Company in Madison. He was sent to Afghanistan with a unit from Illinois. His family said Thompson’s body was due back in the U-S last night, where the military would officially identify him.

Town of Alto Man Killed in Motorcycle Accident

2/26/09 - One person is dead and two others injured in an accident between a motorcycle and mini van in the Town of Alto yesterday afternoon. Fond du Lac County Sheriff's officials say a 26-year-old Town of Alto man was on his motorcycle when a mini van turned in front of him at Lake Maria and Marsh View Roads. He died at the scene. The 76-year-old man driving the mini van and his wife were taken to Waupun Memorial Hospital for non-life threatening injuries. Authorities say the speed of the motorcycle was a factor in the accident. It's the first fatal traffic accident in the County this year. (KFIZ)

Town of Fox Lake Man Injured in Skid-Loader Accident

2/26/09 - A Town of Fox Lake man was injured by a skid loader yesterday morning. Dodge County Patrol Captain Molly Soblewski says the 41-year-old property owner was moving hay bails in the backyard of a home on Country Trunk F when a bail fell on him, pushing him onto the skid loader. The metal fork of the skid loader was driven up under the skin just above both of his knee-caps. A doctor successfully removed the man’s legs from the machinery. Soblewski says he did not break any bones and was very lucky. The victim was flown from the scene by Med-Flight to Froedert Hospital near Milwaukee.

No Powerball Winner

2/26/09 - Nobody won the Powerball jackpot last night, so it goes up to 173-million-dollars for the next drawing on Saturday. Wisconsin players didn’t have much luck, as nobody won more than 400-dollars. Saturday’s cash option is 92-and-a-half million dollars, for a single winner who takes whole prize now instead of in installments.

Top Stories February 25th

Waupun School District Stimulus Funding

2/25/09 - Waupun District Administrator Randy Refsland says he expects the district to get more than $600,000 in federal stimulus money over the next two years. However, none of it will go towards helping them close the $1-million-dollar deficit in next year’s budget. He says the money is constrained to two areas. The first is about $133,000 to Title 1 aid which is for low income schools to help with reading instruction. The other area is more than $500,000 over two years for special education.

“Huffing” Leads to Crash

2/25/09 - Two Beaver Dam teenagers needed medical attention after rolling their truck on North Spring Street and hitting a local restaurant, while allegedly under the influence of drugs. According to Beaver Dam Deputy Chief Dan Shubert, a 19-year-old driver and his 18-year-old female passenger were driving south on North Spring Street around 11pm Monday when the man lost control, jumped a snow bank and rolled his vehicle into the Taco Bell building. Both the driver and passenger were taken to Beaver Dam Community Hospital. Shubert says the two also admitted to “huffing”, which is inhaling a type of aerosol and something Shubert says can kill you. The driver of the vehicle has already been cited for Unreasonable and Imprudent Speed and Reckless Driving. Shubert says they’ll forward those charges to the DA’s office and possibly others.

Petri Participates in Hearing with Flight 1549 Pilots

2/25/09 - At a hearing in Washington D.C. yesterday the Horicon Marsh was a topic of conversation. U.S. Representative Tom Petri of Fond du Lac asked the two pilots of Flight 1549, who orchestrated a river landing after the plane was badly damaged by birds, whether local officials should consider clearing the Canadian geese that don’t migrate off the land so as to avoid a similar issue. Co-Pilot and Wisconsin native Jeffery Skiles told Petri he’d seen an increase in the birds but he still thinks what happened to his flight was an aberration and really nothing anyone can do in the future would guarantee it wouldn’t happen again.

Columbus Discusses Roof Repairs

2/25/09 - Columbus Auditorium Corporation (CAC) spokespersons repeated their City Hall roof renovation recommendations to the City Council at last night’s meeting. The CAC said fixing the City Hall roof, trusses and third floor were the best long term option. The Council recently rejected spending $300 thousand dollars earmarked for roof repair. Council President Ed Parpart said he felt the roof was sound and money spent on an auditorium during a recession was not using money where it was needed. Columbia County Supervisor Jack Sanderson reminded the Council and CAC that Federal Stimulus money could be a source of renovation money for City Hall roof and auditorium needs

Obama: America will Emerge Stronger than Ever

2/25/09 - President Obama says America will emerge stronger than ever from its weak economy and its shaken confidence. In his first speech to Congress last night, the Democrat spelled out the nation’s economic challenges, and called for bold-and-wise action to revive jobs and lending – invest in energy, health care, and education – and bring the deficit down. Wausau House Democrat David Obey said Obama laid out a clear vision, and he called the speech the best he’s heard a president give, while Janesville House Republican Paul Ryan praised Obama for vowing to end what Ryan called a “shrill partisanship” that has led to poor public policy.

Phosphorus-based Lawn Fertilizers Banned

2/25/09 - The Wisconsin Assembly has approved a bill that bans phosphorus from most lawn fertilizers. The house voted 96-to-nothing yesterday to pass the measure on to the Senate. Governor Jim Doyle has said he’ll sign it. Madison Democrat Spencer Black calls it an important step to clean up our lakes, and stop the growth of weeds-and-algae that can hurt fish. Similar bans are in effect in Dane County and over 30 Wisconsin communities. The measure would still allow phosphorus on new lawns, and in rare cases in which soil does not have enough natural phosphorus.

Abrahamson Won’t Give Money Back

2/25/09 - Wisconsin’s chief justice says she will not return over 11-thousand-dollars in campaign donations from lawyers who will argue a medical malpractice in her court next month. At a debate in Madison yesterday, Supreme Court challenger Randy Koschnick told Shirley Abrahamson to either give back the money, or withdraw from the case. But Abrahamson said none of the parties involved have asked her to pull out. Recent reports said Abrahamson’s camp raised 30-thousand dollars from lawyers with cases pending before the state’s highest court. Koschnick, a Jefferson County circuit judge, said those donors expect something in return.

Top Stories February 23rd

Two Arrested after Chase

2/23/09 - More details are coming to light from a car chase early Sunday morning that resulted in two men being arrested and a Hartford police officer needing medical attention. According to Sheriff Todd Nehls, the Hartford officer saw a vehicle go up on a curb in the city around 2:30am and attempted to pull the vehicle. However, the driver of the vehicle, 25-year-old Joshua Neu did not stop and the chase continued into Dodge County eventually ending up on Highway 67. After a few miles the chase went off road just outside of Neosho. However, the subject’s vehicle got stuck, and in an effort to get away, the driver backed up and rammed the squad car repeatedly. The officer was able to get himself out of the car by shooting out the window, but his vehicle was un-drivable. The suspects escaped the scene, but Dodge County deputies found both men within ten minutes and arrested Neu and his 32-year-old passenger. The officer and passenger were taken to Aurora Medical Center in Hartford where they were treated for minor injuries. Nehls says the investigation into the incident continues between his department, the state patrol, and Hartford police. He expects a number of charges to be filed this week against Neu, including a citation for operating while intoxicated and felony fleeing. More charges could be forth coming.

Dolan New Archbishop in New York

2/23/09 - The Vatican confirmed this morning that Milwaukee Catholic Archbishop Tim Dolan is the new archbishop in New York. It’s been speculated for weeks, as Cardinal Edward Egan is about to retire. Numerous sources said yesterday that Pope Benedict had chosen the 59-year-old Dolan. We’re not sure yet when he’ll leave the 10-county Milwaukee archdiocese, where he has led 682-thousand Catholics since 2002. Dolan will join the nation’s best-known Catholic branch. It has two-and-a-half million members in three of New York City’s five boroughs – including Manhattan – and seven counties as far north as the Catskills. The New York Times called Dolan a “towering frame and a gregarious presence,” and “a genial enforcer of Rome’s conservative line.” About a-third of Dolan’s new territory is made up of Spanish-speaking residents. And while Dolan does not speak Spanish, he has received high marks for his service to Milwaukee’s Latinos.

Waupun School Board to Discuss Referendum Results

2/23/09 - The Waupun School Board will hold a special meeting tonight to discuss the failed referendums from last weeks election. All three questions on voters ballots last Tuesday were voted down, including one that would have allowed the district to exceed the revenue cap by a total of about $5-million dollars over three years to keep operating a number of buildings as they currently do. Prior to the election, District Administrator Randy Refsland had said if that question were to fail he would recommend closing Fox Lake and Alto Elementary so as to help the district close a $1-million-dollar budget deficit for the 2009-2010 school year. In an effort to keep their school open, a Fox Lake area citizens group has begun to raise funds to hire an attorney to help them sort out what their options may be going forward. No action is expected at tonight’s meeting.

Garcia Sentenced in Sexual Assault Case

2/23/09 - A Waupun man has been sentenced to 120-days of conditional jail time and five years probation for having sex with a 12-year-old girl. According to Fond du Lac Assistant District Attorney Scott Mortier, 20-year-old Brett Garcia, who was 18 at the time of incidents, did not use threats, force, alcohol or drugs when he had sex with the girl who he thought was 15. Along with the jail time and probation Garcia must register as a sex offender. Garcia had been charged with first-degree sexual assault for having sex with the girl between September and Halloween 2006. The girls mother wrote a statement to the court which said she was not angry with Garcia as he was not the first person the girl had sex with and she had hoped he would be kept of the sex offender registry.

Ban on Feeding Deer in Waupun?

2/23/09 - The city of Waupun will be discussing an ordinance this week that would ban the feeding of white-tailed deer. This will the second straight year the council will attempt to pass the ordinance which is designed to crack down on the deer that are taking their toll on trees and shrubs on the north side of the city. City Administrator Gary Rodgers says there are number of herds running around town and causing extensive amounts of damage. If passed the ordinance would ban residents from setting food plots in their yards. Residents have seen as many as 20 deer together walking down city streets and through yards. During last years discussion the DNR recommended the ban but it failed when voted on. The council will discuss the issue tomorrow night at their Committee of the Whole meeting.

Number of Legislators Giving Back Raise up to 12

2/23/09 - There are now 12-Wisconsin legislators who will be giving back their 5.3-percent raise in the face of a 5.9-billion-dollar state budget deficit. Representative Brett Davis from Oregon became the latest to hand back the raise joining four other Democrats and seven Republicans. He says after looking at the budget released by Governor Doyle last week, and seeing a proposed 0-percent pay increase for state employees, Davis felt it wasn’t right for other state employees to take a raise. None of the legislators that represent our area have given back their raise.

Fire Damages West Bend Home

2/23/09 - Fire caused more than $150,000 in damage to a home in the Town of West Bend early Sunday morning. Washington County Sheriff's officials say the fire began in a first story fireplace and spread to the basement and attic through the chimney chase. Five fires departments fought the blaze and were on scene for about 2 ½ hours. The home's occupants and their pets were able to get out of the house safely. Smoke detectors were activated. Michael and Carrie Leverance own the home at 4783 Jacob Road. (KFIZ)

Girl Rescued from Waters Last Week Still in Critical Condition

2/23/09 - The 7-year-old St. Nazianz girl rescued from a pickup truck that went through the ice of Lake Winnebago more than a week ago remains in critical condition. Tiffany Dombrowski is recovering from that tragic incident at Children's Hospital in Milwaukee. The accident ended up claiming the life of 44-year-old Dan Kleinhans and his 9-year-old daughter Savannah. Fond du LacCounty Sheriff's Sergeant Jeff Bonack works with the dive team that recovered Dan Kleinhans. He says everyone reacted as quickly as they could. (KFIZ)

Walker Not Running for Governor…Yet

2/23/09 - Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker appears to be doing everything but saying he’ll run for governor next year. The Republican has appeared at local G-O-P Lincoln Day dinners around the state. And today, Walker will be in the nation’s capital for a fund-raiser hosted by the state’s three Republican House members and former Governor Tommy Thompson. As of January first, Walker had 360-thousand dollars in campaign fund – about a million less than Democratic Governor Jim Doyle. Walker raised over 413-thousand in campaign donations last year, including 272-thousand late in the year from 128 people who gave a-thousand or more. Walker says he’ll make his official decision on running before the state Republican Convention in early May.

Wisconsin Governments to Receive $3.5-Billion from Stimulus

2/23/09 - It will be a long time before we really know how much Wisconsin gets from the federal economic stimulus package. Governor Jim Doyle says state-and-local governments will receive around three-and-a-half billion dollars. But that’s just part of the total. There are also tax cuts for workers, and tax breaks for people who buy homes-and-cars. Companies will compete for business grants under the package – and Wisconsin’s share will depend on how able-and-aggressive its firms are in winning those grants. Steve Baas of the Metro Milwaukee Association of Commerce says Wisconsin companies should do well. He and others cite the growing emphasis by state companies on energy efficiency, and the development of bio-fuels and other green technology. The Center for American Progress expects Wisconsin to get a total of nine-point-two-billion-dollars from the stimulus package when all is said-and-done. That would put the Badger State in the upper half in terms of economic output, but in the lower half in aid per person – at around 16-hundred-25 dollars.

WI Family Action: “Domestic Partner Protections Unconstitutional”

2/23/09 - A family rights’ group says the state can expect a lawsuit if it approves the domestic partner protections in Governor Jim Doyle’s new state budget. Julaine Appling of Wisconsin Family Action believes the courts would rule them unconstitutional, and her group has lawyers looking into it. Under Doyle’s plan, domestic couples would register in their home counties to get legal protections. They could get family-and-medical-leave to care for an ill partner. And they could make end-of-life decisions for their partners, so they’re not legally shut out by their partners’ families. Appling calls it a direct assault on the 2006 constitutional amendment that bans gay marriages and civil unions.

Powerball Jackpot Rises

2/23/09 - The Powerball jackpot is 150-million-dollars for Wednesday night. Nobody won the top prize on Saturday night. And nobody from Wisconsin won the second prize, either. The current jackpot is the second-highest of the year. An Indiana player won 163-million-dollars on January 17th. The cash option for Wednesday is just over 80-million-dollars for a single winner who chooses to take the entire prize now.

Top Stories February 22nd

The Cleanup Begins

2/22/09 - If you’re heading out this morning beware of snow drifting over some area roadways. Dodge County Highway Patrol Supervisor Ken Stock says his crews were out until about midnight last night and back at it again at 4am battle yesterday’s snow. He says the roads are better than he thought they would be but still cautions drivers to take it slow. The Sheriff’s Department is reporting dozen of runoffs throughout the county yesterday but they say only one resulted in injuries. This morning the dispatch center says they’re dealing with a couple runoffs but for the most part it’s been quiet. Snow totals from yesterday’s storm are also starting to filter in. According to the National Weather Service, Oconomowoc got 6.5-inches, West Bend got 8.8-inches, and Ripon picked up 4.2 inches.

Columbus Fire Chief Search Underway

2/22/09 - Columbus City Administrator Boyd Kraemer will give the Council an update this week on where the City is in hiring a new Fire Chief. The Mayor, City Council and Police and Fire Commission have been disputing who has authority in hiring a chief for nearly three years. At recent sessions two City Resolutions limiting the PFC role in the process were reaffirmed by the Council and the Council approved a Chief’s job description. Tuesday night’s Council meeting will hear what action has been taken toward hiring the $26,000 per year permanent Fire Chief position for Columbus.

50 Weeks, 50 States, 50 Jobs?

2/22/09 - As if finding one job weren't tough enough, a man from California is hoping to find 50 jobs in 50 weeks in all 50 states. Daniel Seddiqui is spending this week in Wisconsin working at Widmer's Cheese Cellars in Theresa. The 26-year-old says he embarked on the cross-country trek after getting rejected for dozens of jobs after college. He's hoping the journey will help him find his life's calling. Before he started the project he says he felt there were no opportunities for him. Seddiqui says networking works. And, he says being a cheese maker is the most labor intensive job he's had in the 23 weeks he's been on the road.

Attorney: Hospital Killed Daughter, not her Father

2/22/09 - It wasn't my client, slamming his daughter's head against a table, that killed her. It was the hospital, turning off her life support. That's the argument by a defense attorney in a Washington County case. The West Bend man is facing charges of first-degree reckless homicide in the death of his two month old daughter. The defense lawyer asked the court to consider whether the decision to take the little girl off life support was the cause of her death, rather than any injuries her father might have caused. The judge said no to the argument, but the attorney is appealing that decision.

Lifting of Revenue Limits on Districts Unlikely to Happen

2/22/09 - At least one Republican at the Capitol gives Governor Doyle credit for taking on a controversial idea -- but he's not going to support. Doyle wants to lift state revenue caps for school districts meeting certain requirements. Republican State Representative Brett Davis says that could remove some protections for property taxpayers. In cases where those property taxes haven't kept up with rising costs for operating schools, opponents say taxpayers could be hit hard. Revenue caps have been in place in Wisconsin for more than 15 years. Immediate response to the governor's idea has been mixed.

Man Run-over by Girlfriend Pleads for Leniency at her Sentencing

2/22/09 - Prosecutors say you can blame jealousy, rage and possessiveness. Now, 22 year old Paula Habeck of Two Rivers will spend six months in jail. Habeck pleaded no contest to charges she left the scene after hitting her boyfriend with her SUV. Things could have been much worse. The boyfriend was said to be "lucky" to survive the November 8 incident. He's racked up 70 thousand dollars in medical bills. He's also still seeing Habeck -- and he asked the judge to be lenient in her sentencing. Habeck will be on probation for three years after she gets out and she also loses her driving privileges for a year.

Digital Download Tax Coming

2/22/09 - If you do a lot of buying online -- things like music, games, books or ring tones -- you can expect to pay a little more starting next fall. Effective October 1, the state of Wisconsin is going to collect sales taxes on Internet purchases. They're called digital downloads. Fifteen other states have similar tax laws in place. Governor Jim Doyle has been pushing for the change for years. Wisconsin's general fund could get up to seven million dollars a year from the tax. Since purchases on the Internet are growing by as much as 20 percent some years, that revenue source is expected to grow rapidly.

No Winner in Powerball

2/22/09 - Nobody won the 125-million-dollar Powerball jackpot last night, which means it’ll shoot up to 150-million for Wednesday night’s drawing. That’s the highest its been since an Indiana player won 163-million last month.

Top Stories February 21, 2009

Up To 8 Inches of Snow Expected

2/21/09 - Budget in some extra time if traveling this morning as roads are snow covered and slippery. A couple inches of snow have fallen during the overnight hours, making driving conditions a little more difficult. Snow accumulation totals for our area are higher than originally predicted, the National Weather Service now saying we’ll have a total of 6 to 8 inches of accumulation before snow diminishes to flurries around sunset and that Winter Storm Warning expires around 6pm.


Multi-County Drug Ring Busted

2/21/09 - Federal indictments were handed down this week in connection with a three-county cocaine distribution ring. Dodge County Sheriff Todd Nehls says members of his SWAT Team and the Columbia County Emergency Response Team executed a series of search warrants earlier this month in Dane and Columbia counties. A six-month investigation led to a 17-count federal indictment against 50-year-old Ken Jessick of Columbus, 60-year-old Jerome Worzalla of Sun Prairie and 38-year-old Maciel Nino-Rodriguez of Madison. In addition four Columbus residents face drug possession charges in Columbia County Circuit court related to this investigation. Those arrested include: 45-year-old Thomas Clark, 48-year-old Terry Raether, 43-year-old Kevin Brown and 50-year-old Mary Schreiner. Sheriff Nehls says the arrests have put a huge dent in the local drug world. They are still identifying suspects and more charges are likely.

More Sentences Doles Out in Dodge-Jeff Co Cocaine Ring

2/21/09 - Two more sentences were handed down Friday in connection with a multi-county drug ring. Federal Judge Barbara Crabb sentenced Maximo Pineda-Buenventura to 17 and a-half years in prison while his brother Teodulo Pineda-Buenventura got 5 years. The Mexican nationals were among several people arrested last June for selling cocaine in the Watertown area. The Department of Justice conducted wiretaps between July of 2006 and last June, monitoring hundreds of calls detailing drug transactions in Dodge and Jefferson Counties. On June 19, authorities executed eleven search warrants and seized over $100,000 in cash, multiple kilograms of cocaine and several automobiles. Three defendants have already been sent to prison and one will be sentenced next month. Three suspects remain at large. The Department of Justice says all the subjects will be deported after completing their sentences are completed. Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen says the investigation had a substantial impact on cocaine trafficking in the Watertown area.

Three Injured in Clyman

2/21/09 - Three injuries were reported in a 2-vehicle accident this morning in the Town of Clyman. According to the Dodge County Sheriffs Department, the wreck occurred at 2:19am on Highway 26. A southbound vehicle driven by 26-year-old Neil Krohn of Madison crossed the centerline and struck a northbound vehicle, driven by 21-year-old Bobbie Beyersdorf of Beaver Dam. The two drivers and a passenger in the Beyesdorf vehicle were transported to local hospitals for treatment of injuries, which authorities say do not appear to be life-threatening. Alcohol is believed to be a factor in the accident.

Benson Released on Bond

2/21/09 - Former surgeon Mark Benson has been released from Waukesha County Jail after his bond was reduced. Benson is accused of being high on prescription drugs when he rammed his SUV into a car last April. Jennifer Bukosky and her 10 year old daughter were killed. Benson was driving on a revoked license after his third drunken driving conviction just two days before the wreck in Oconomowoc. Among the charges he faces is homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle. Prosecutors say Benson took a mix of prescription drugs just before he caused the fatal accident.

Appleton Couple Accused of Child Neglect

2/21/09 - A couple from Appleton faces felony charges for waiting a week to seek medical help for their injury baby. The five month old girl was burned while she was being bathed. Thong Thao and Moua Vue say they were afraid they'd get in trouble, so asked a shaman for help. The girl was injured when her father turned on the cold water downstairs, causing the water temperature upstairs -- where she was being bathed -- to rise sharply. The two face charges of child neglect resulting in great bodily harm.

Car Insurance Rates Could Increase

2/21/09 - A provision in the governor's budget could drive up car insurance rates. Wisconsin’s governor wants to increase minimum coverage amounts. Wisconsin Insurance Alliance President Andy Franken says that would make Wisconsin the highest minimum standard state in the country. He says rates would go up 33 to 43 percent for many low and middle income families. The Wisconsin Association of Justice disputes those figures. Madison attorney Keith Clifford says the association’s survey shows premium increase would be almost imperceptible. In one case, rates went down seven percent.

Kay Is Not A Police Officer

2/21/09 - While he was in jail for impersonating an officer, prosecutors say Joshua Kay let his fellow inmates in on a secret. He told them he was an undercover sheriff's deputy investigating jailers at the Dane County Ferris Center. Kay's in trouble again. Kay is a former security guard. He's serving eight months on three misdemeanor counts. One of those counts is a 2007 conviction for impersonating a police officer. Kay apparently used red flashing lights on his Honda Civic, trying to stop a speeding car on Madison's Beltline. Unfortunately for Kay, the car was being driven by an off-duty police officer.

Texting Drug Dealers Is A Bad Idea

2/21/09 - Be careful who you text – or you might end up in jail. Police said a Sheboygan woman learned that lesson the hard way. Apparently, the 20-year-old woman sent a text message to a 20-year-old man that said she wanted to buy the prescription pain-killer oxy-codone. But the text was sent to the wrong person – who just happened to be an off-duty Sheboygan police officer. The woman’s already in jail for forgery, but she was freed last night for a group meeting. The text message asked the man to meet her at the jail about 15 minutes before she was supposed to go back in. He met there – and several officers were on hand, as well. And when they made the transaction, the officers closed in and arrested both. Police have asked the district attorney to charge both with possessing and delivering a narcotic. And there would be a higher penalty because the buy took place within a-thousand feet of the jail.

Top Stories February 20th

Inmate Accused in Claw Hammer Attack in Court

2/20/09 - A former Fox Lake Correctional Institution inmate who attacked two guards with a claw-hammer was in Dodge County court yesterday for an initial appearance. 50-year-old Terrance Davis is charged with two counts of attempted murder for allegedly attacking the guards in the prison’s furniture-making shop last November. A 52-year-old officer sustained head injuries and a broken arm and a 38-year-old guard required surgery for a fractured skull. Yesterday’s hearing had to be continued because Davis was unable to prove that he had retained legal counsel. He told the court that his family hired an attorney from Cincinnati for $3000 but they were paying in installments. However, when the public defenders office called to confirm that, they were told otherwise. Judge Andrew Bissonnette even tried to contact the law office during the hearing, but was unsuccessful. The initial hearing was continued until March 6. Dodge County District Attorney Bill Bedker indicated that he would not be asking the court to set a cash bail since Davis was already incarcerated and will be for some time to come. He has been in prison since he killed two Milwaukee police officers 23 years ago when the officers walked into a drug deal. Davis faces up to 40 years in prison on each count.

Allen Bound Over for Horicon Apartment Arson

2/20/09 - A Horicon woman was bound over for trial yesterday on charges of Arson of Building related to an apartment complex fire last November. Judge Steven Bauer found probable cause to proceed with the case of Jamie R. Allen, who is accused of setting the fire in her unit on the 900 block of Division Street. According to the criminal complaint, the 33-year-old admitted to using a lighter to ignite a curtain in the doorway of her bedroom and clothes in her closet. She then locked the door so that the fire could not be extinguished, but removed her cat and birds. Allen says she has been diagnosed as a Schizoaffective and a Manic Depressant and indicated that her caseworker is trying to brainwash her. When questioned, she told investigators she wanted to (quote) “see what she could get away with and blow up the whole world…go to Iraq and Iran and blow it all up.” When asked about the safety of other people in the building, she reportedly laughed and said that she (quote) “figured they’d get out before their place burned down.” There were no injuries but the fire resulted in a reported $15,000 in damage. Allen has an arraignment hearing set for March 4. If convicted, she faces up to 40 years in prison.

Benson Has Bond Reduced

2/20/09 - A former surgeon charged in a crash that killed a popular educator and two others in Oconomowoc has had his million-dollar bond cut in half. Waukesha County Circuit Judge Mac Davis agreed to a defense request yesterday to reduce Mark Benson’s bail. But defense attorney Dean Strang is still not sure if his client can post it. Authorities said the 55-year-old Benson was under a pain-killer and anxiety drug when his vehicle rear-ended a car last April. Oconomowoc High School assistant principal Jennifer Bukosky was killed, along with her unborn child and her 10-year-old daughter. Benson was just days away from reporting to jail for his third drunk driving conviction. And the crash spurred Governor Jim Doyle to demand that three-time O-W-I be a felony. Doyle did not include the measure in his proposed state budget this week. Lawmakers say they’re still drafting more comprehensive drunk driving reforms which would include the proposal.

Meeker Pleads “No Contest”

2/20/09 - A Columbus woman entered “no contest” pleas this week to charges that she embezzled money from her employer and burned her house down to pay off debts. Krista Meeker was charged in two separate cases with Theft in a Business Setting and Arson of Building. The 34-year-old Meeker worked as a bookkeeper at All-Phase Electric in Beaver Dam and wrote 17 company checks to herself totaling $83,000. Meeker told authorities she had cashed the checks and gave all the money to the owner of the company, the late Wendell Vander Galien. Meeker instead deposited most of the money into her bank account. Meeker also set an April 12th fire that destroyed her Town of Calamus home. She says a fire left burning in a kitchen is to blame but samples of wood from a cabinet in the kitchen tested positive for a fire accelerant. She wanted to collect insurance money to pay off debts. Meeker faces a total maximum prison terms of 50 years at sentencing June 4.

Antique Mall Reports Biggest Day Ever

2/20/09 - A Columbus business has reported the biggest day… and possibly the biggest month… in 25 years of business. Dan Amato of the Columbus Antique Mall reported at Thursday’s Business Roundtable that the first Saturday in February was their most successful day on record. Amato said that the cold January weather kept most people indoors. However, with the warmer temps following the Super Bowl the number of people going through the Mall in February has been at an all time high.

Director Threatens Pullout without Movie Tax Credits

2/20/09 - Governor Doyle says Wisconsin didn’t get enough of an economic benefit last year when Hollywood came to Columbus, Beaver Dam and other state communities to shoot Johnny Depp’s film, “Public Enemies.” The governor’s comments came after another movie producer said she’d pull out of Wisconsin if the legislature approves plans to drop movie industry tax credits. Susan Kay Moses was going to shoot a science fiction thriller in Milwaukee and Green Bay and had been pre approved for $750 thousand dollars in state tax breaks. Moses says if she doesn’t get the breaks, she’ll go to a state with better incentives. That didn’t faze the governor who said it would probably save the taxpayers a lot of money.

Tavern League: Time Not Right for Smoking Ban

2/20/09 - The Wisconsin Tavern League says it's the wrong time to be proposing a statewide smoking ban. The governor included a proposed statewide ban in his budget, but Tavern League lobbyist Scott Stenger says it's the wrong way to implement such a sweeping change. Stenger says it's a comprehensive change in state policy and including it in the budget makes it harder to negotiate. The proposal would require bars and restaurants to go smoke free two months after the budget is passed. Stenger says it's unrealistic to expect taverns to prepare for such a change so quickly. Stenger says they're open to a statewide ban, if it includes a phase-in period for taverns.

GAB Looking to Update Voter Rolls

2/20/09 - If you haven’t voted in a while, you could soon be hearing from the state. The Government Accountability Board will send post-cards today to 313-thousand registered voters who haven’t been the polls in at least four years. Those people must return the cards if they want to keep their active status on the voter rolls. Those who don’t return the cards will be taken off the state’s computerized voter registration list which fully went on-line last year. Elections’ administrator Nat Robinson says the postcard mailings will assure that voters’ names-and-addresses are accurate and up-to-date, as required by law.

Top Stories February 18th

Waupun Referenda Fail

2/18/09 - Voters in the Waupun School District did not support any of the three school funding referenda on yesterday’s ballot. The first question, which carried the highest price tag at $4 million dollars over three years for ongoing operation expenses, failed by 698 votes out of the over 3700 cast. Question two was even closer. It asked for $150,000 each year for three years for capital improvement and maintenance expenses. The vote was 1807 in favor, 1926 against; a difference of 119 votes. Question three lost by only 25 votes. It asked voters to exceed the revenue cap by $150,000 for three years for textbooks and other classroom materials. The vote was 1854-1879.

Refsland: ‘Disappointing’

2/18/09 - Waupun Superintendent Randy Refsland called last nights vote “disappointing.” Refsland says the community has let school officials know which direction they want the district go, and that means cutting one million dollars in next years budget. He says that will include a recommendation he will make to the school board to reduce staff and close Fox Lake and Alto Elementary Schools. Administrators will be meeting this afternoon to compile a list of cuts to bring to the school board at their meeting next Monday.

Columbus Will Have New Mayor

2/18/09 - Columbus Mayor Nancy Osterhaus will only be serving one term. In the four-way race for Columbus mayor: former Mayor Peter Kaland will face former councilmen Bob Link. Kaland and Link secured the overwhelming number of votes at 354 and 448, respectively. Osterhaus received 108 votes while former mayor Art Westergaard Jr picked up 58.

Fleming/ Paul Advance in Fox Lake

2/18/09 - In the three-way race for Fox Lake Town Board, Julie Fleming will face Dale Paul in the April election. Fleming secured 119 votes to Paul’s 98 votes. Rick Morgan received 51 votes. In the Town of Ashippun, James Meyer and Syl Hoerth will advance after beating out Will Oschmann.

BD Seeks Stimulus for Streets

2/18/09 - Beaver Dam city officials Tuesday submitted a stimulus request to the state. Engineering Coordinator Ritchie Piltz says his department is seeking a total of $2.4 million dollars for nine street repair and reconstruction projects, many of which were pushed off the 2009 Capital Improvements Plan in favor of downtown demolition and redevelopment efforts. Piltz told city officials this week that he doesn’t anticipate all of the projects to get funding from the state DOT, but he is hoping that one or two will get accepted. The state and federal government would pick-up 100% of the costs of the project. The main requirement is that the work be done to primary roadways or connecting streets.

Lynch To Resign As Fox Lake PD Chief

2/18/09 - The Fox Lake Common Council is expected to act on a motion to accept the resignation of Police Chief Pat Lynch during a special meeting Wednesday night. That’s according to a meeting agenda which has the council convening in closed session to confer with their legal counsel before reconvening in open session to act on the resignation motion. No details have been released regarding the reason for the resignation.

Evers, Fernandez Advance after Superintendent Primary

2/18/09 - Tony Evers and Rose Fernandez won yesterday’s primary election for state school superintendent. Evers, the deputy superintendent, got 35-percent of the vote. Fernandez, who used to head a coalition of families with kids in on-line schools, got 31-percent. Three candidates were eliminated. Concordia-Mequon professor and G-O-P activist Van Mobley had 14-percent. National-Louis professor Todd Price of Kenosha had 11-percent. And Beloit Superintendent Lowell Holtz picked up nine-percent. Evers and Fernandez will not face off in the April Election.

Doyle Presents New Budget to Lawmakers

2/18/09 - Governor Jim Doyle asked Wisconsinites last night to pay an extra one-point-four billion dollars in taxes – to make up for a revenue shortfall four times that big in the next state budget. Doyle submitted a two-year budget to the Legislature which cuts general spending by five-percent – increases aid to public schools, but not to the two-thirds level – includes controversial policy issues like the statewide public indoor smoking ban, preserves Medicaid – and closes dozens of motor vehicle centers and D-N-R license counters. In a speech to lawmakers, the Democrat Doyle said his budget stands up for the people who earn “regular paychecks” and others who’ve lost theirs.

A large part of filling the deficit will be with tax dollars, which include a proposed 75-cent jump in the cigarette tax, a new income tax bracket for families making over 300-thousand-dollars a year and a new tax on oil companies. Assembly Minority Leader Jeff Fitzgerald says Governor Doyle’s budget is not the answer to fixing the huge deficit.

Part of the new revenues, including a hospital tax, are in a separate bill to close the shortfall in the current budget. The Joint Finance Committee approved that package yesterday, and both houses will act on it today. The next budget will now weave slowly through the Legislature. It’s scheduled to take effect July first, and majority Democrats promise no delays.

UW System to see Tuition Hike

2/18/09 - U-W officials say tuition will probably go up 5-to-6-percent next fall. But a boost in state financial aid would nullify the tuition hike for Wisconsin families making less than 60-thousand dollars a year. Board of Regents’ president Mark Bradley says Wisconsinites should know that college is within their reach – and the U-W wants students in the Badger State to enroll. Cedric Lawson of the United Council of U-W Students says he’s excited about the tuition freeze for the middle class – and he’s curious to see how it works. At the same time, Governor Jim Doyle’s proposed state budget would cut U-W funding by up to 174-million dollars over the next two years. It’s not clear how much would be covered by the targeted tuition hikes. But system president Kevin Reilly says students would probably get fewer services, larger class sizes, and longer lines. But Reilly says the tuition protection for low-to-middle-income families is something the U-W has never tried before. It would be bolstered by an extra 38-million-dollars in state financial aid funding. The Board of Regents will set tuition rates in June.

Spear Fishing Almost Done on Fox Valley Rivers

2/18/09 - If you still want that big sturgeon, you better hurry. The annual spearing season ends today on the waters up-river from Lake Winnebago. Quota triggers were reached yesterday on Lakes Poygan, Winneconne, and Butte des Morts (beoo’-deh-more). On Lake Winnebago itself, the D-N-R’s Ron Bruch expects the season to last a few more days. 12-hundred-38 sturgeon have been speared since the season began on Valentine’s Day. Ninety-five juvenile females or 81 adult females would have to be caught before the quota trigger takes effect. Otherwise, the season continues until March first.

Milwaukee Man Hopes to Advance on American Idol

2/18/09 - We’ll find out tonight if Wisconsin will be represented in this year’s “American Idol” finals. Danny Gokey of Milwaukee sang live on Fox last night, in his bid to make the Top-12. He sang the Mariah Carey tune “Hero.” And three-of-the-four judges said they loved the performance. Kara DioGuardi said Gokey gave everyone hope, and he was great. The viewers will be the final judges, though. Their votes will determine who moves on to the Final-12. Gokey is a 28-year-old church music director from Milwaukee. He’s among 36 semi-finalists performing in the current round, which will last for the next three weeks. Gokey was the last of 12 singers who performed last night. Three of them will be chosen for the Final-12. Whoever doesn’t get picked could still end up being one of three “Wild Card” selections when the entire round is over.

BD Water Changes Billing Procedure

2/18/09 - The city of Beaver Dam will no longer shut off the water of delinquent utility customers. From now on the city will place any outstanding balance onto the tax bill. Director of Utilities Don Quarford says the change will benefit the utility and the billing department but the downside is that landlords will no longer be able ask the city to shut off the water of delinquent tenants. All late bills are still subject to a one-percent penalty for each month the bill remains unpaid.

Comprehensive Plan Adopted

2/18/09 - The city of Beaver Dam adopted their Comprehensive Plan on Monday night. The plan will be used by city officials to guide future development of everything from zoning matters to residential, commercial and municipal growth for the next decade. The state mandates that cities have the plan in place by January of 2010 with updates every 10 years.

Kaiser Sentenced for Death of Wife in OWI

2/18/09 - A Horicon man, who killed his wife in a drunken driving accident, has been sentenced to a year in jail with Huber Privileges. 51-year-old Kurt K. Kaiser was also placed on probation for 15 years during yesterday’s sentencing hearing. Kaiser pleaded “no contest” last November to a felony count of Homicide by Intoxicated Use of a Vehicle and had a second count dismissed. 47-year-old Karen Kaiser was partially ejected and was pronounced dead at the scene of the November 2007 car accident. Their SUV was traveling southbound on County Highway E when it slid through the intersection at County Highway S and struck a tree. Neither was wearing a seatbelt. Kurt Kaiser was cut from the vehicle and transported from the scene to the Beaver Dam Community Hospital with leg and hip injuries. His blood alcohol level was twice the legal limit.

My Space Chat Leads To Charges

2/18/09 - A 21-year-old Beaver Dam has been formally charged in connection with a series of sexually explicit online conversations with a 15-year-old girl. Onnie Gregory, Jr. is charged with one felony count of Exposing a Child to Harmful Materials. Officers with the Beaver Dam and Fall River police departments made the arrest last week as part of an ongoing investigation. Gregory had allegedly been talking to the Beaver Dam teen on the social networking website “My Space.” The charge carries a maximum prison sentence of three and a half years. Gregory has a preliminary hearing scheduled for April 2.

Top Stories February 17th

Winter Weather Returns

2/17/09 - The National Weather Service now says all of Wisconsin will have at least some snow to shovel this week. Up to six-inches are expected tonight and tomorrow in our area. There is a winter weather advisory for most of the state except the far northwest tonight through tomorrow night. Snow may be mixed with rain in some places this evening. The new storm is the result of a low pressure system that will skirt through northern Illinois tomorrow. Once the snow leaves, cold Canadian air is due in. Wind-chills are expected to hit 25-below by late tomorrow night in the northern half of Wisconsin. Thursday’s highs will rebound into the teens and low-20’s – but it will still be colder than it’s been the past couple days.

Primary Day Arrives

2/17/09 - Wisconsin voters will narrow the field of candidates today for the person who sets the state’s education policies. But unlike last November, folks won’t see party monitors or exit pollsters. And they won’t see a lot of people, either, since nine-of-every-10 registered voters are expected to stay away. Still, it’s an important day for candidates who hope to stay alive in the races for state superintendent and numerous local contests around Wisconsin. In our area, those include three town board primaries, a mayoral primary in Columbus and three referenda questions for Waupun School District voters. Polls are open until 8pm tonight.

Municipal Building Plans on Hold

2/17/09 - The expansion of the Beaver Dam Police Department has been pushed back until at least next year. By a 5 to 7 vote, the Common Council last night voted down a resolution to borrow $330,000 for architectural and engineering services for the city hall renovation project. The expansion was listed as the top priority in a space needs study commissioned last year. It called for city administrative services and the police department to switch places. Council president John Litscher voted against the plan citing the debt service burden that would be shifted to taxpayers in a tough economy. Deputy Chief Dan Schubert says the vote was disappointing but the department will soldier on. Mayor Tom Kennedy was surprised by the vote but he dismissed the implication that a third space needs study in as many years has been shelved by the council. Kennedy says he expects the issue to be addressed again within the next year.

Teen Center Burglar Sentenced

2/17/09 - A teenager who broke into the Beaver Dam Teen Center last April was sentenced to nine years in prison Monday in Dodge County court. Dustin Bruns was arrested following a four-day crime spree that included the Teen Center burglary in addition to escaping from Huber work-release, stealing two cars and burning one of them and threatening students at the Beaver Dam High School, which prompted school officials to place the campus on lockdown. The 18-year-old from Beaver Dam pleaded “no contest” last September to five of eight charges. Dodge County District Attorney Bill Bedker says Bruns said at sentencing that Bruns is at a high risk to re-offend. Bruns frequently interjected commentary and interrupted the proceedings as Judge Brian Pfitzinger attempted to explain to him that his criminal behavior, poor attitude and tendency to blame others made him a threat to society. Bruns has a restitution hearing set for March 9.

Campbell Convicted

2/17/09 - It took a jury five hours to convict a Beaver Dam man who sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl he met on the internet. Matthew D. Campbell was found guilty on Friday of Second Degree Sexual Assault of a Child, Use of a Computer to Facilitate a Child Sex Crime and Exposing a Child to Sexual Activity. Authorities say the victim invited Campbell to her Waupun home to watch television. That’s when 33-year-old Campbell stripped naked and began to touch her inappropriately. The assault was interrupted by the mother’s boyfriend, who came to check on the girl when he saw a suspicious truck in the driveway. The boyfriend told authorities that Campbell said he was a 21-year-old named Jim who was at the house to fix the girls computer. Campbell fled the scene, but not before backing into the boyfriend’s vehicle and getting stuck in a snow bank. Authorities tracked Campbell down through his license plate. Campbell will return to court on May 19th for a sentencing hearing. The charges carry a total maximum of 53 years of prison and 33 years of extended supervision.

Cops Respond To Prank

2/17/09 - The Beaver Dam Police Department had to be called to the scene of a Friday the 13th prank. According to Deputy Chief Dan Schubert, officers responded to the Wal-Mart parking lot to rescue a man who had locked himself in the trunk of a car. Schubert says a woman told the 19-year-old that she didn’t believe he could fit into his trunk. He proved her wrong… but it wasn’t until after the trunk was closed that he realized the car keys were in his pocket. Officers used a tool to enter the car and remove the backseat so the teenager could get out. He was in the trunk for less than a half hour and was not injured…physically.

Waupun School District Goes to Referendum Today

2/17/09 - Voters in the Waupun School District are being asked today to consider three referenda questions. District Administrator Randy Refsland says the money is needed to address mounting operational and maintenance needs in the district. The questions ask taxpayers to allow the district to exceed the revenue cap for three years by a total of nearly $5-million. Refsland says if the questions do not pass it’s possible that both Fox Lake and Alto Elementary would have to close. As an alternative, a citizens group is asking the school board consider closing Jefferson Elementary in Waupun instead, opening the brand new high school to 8th grade students and putting students age Kindergarten through 7th grade into middle school.
No New Closing Policy for Cold Weather in BD

2/17/09 - There will be no new Emergency School Closing policy in the Beaver Dam School District. A motion to take the decision of closing school during extreme cold out of Superintendent Don Child’s hand and give it to the National Weather Service failed at last nights school board meeting. The policy submitted would have forced Childs to close school when the weather service issued a Wind Chill Warning for Dodge County. With it being voted down 6-3 the policy will remain the same with Childs saying he will close school when the wind chill hits negative 35-degrees.

BD School Board Approves Boy's Swimming Program

2/17/09 - A round of applause from the audience greeted the Beaver Dam School Board after they unanimously approved creating a boy’s swimming program at the high school last night. Proposed as a way to generate confidence in participants, as well as a way to bring more students into the district, the program will be self-sustaining for the first two years. If it’s successful the athletic department would then ask the district to provide the same monetary support as it does for the girls swimming program. The program is slated to begin during the winter portion of the high school sport calendar during the 2009-2010 school year.

Top Stories February 16th

Cambria Girl Killed in Lake Winnebago Accident

2/16/09 - One of those killed when a pick-up truck went through ice on Lake Winnebago Saturday was a 9-year-old girl from Cambria. Savannah Kleinhans and her 44-year-old father, Dan, were killed when the vehicle hit a crack in the ice and sank. A young friend of Savannah’s was taken to a Milwaukee hospital. Her condition was not immediately known. Strong winds and warm temperatures had melted much of the ice last Tuesday. The incident is still being investigated.

Walker Urges Republicans to Stay On Message

2/16/09 - The Dodge County Republican Party held their annual Lincoln Day Dinner last night in Beaver Dam. The guest speaker was former legislator and current Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker, who was chosen for his efforts to pass a balanced county budget while holding the line on the tax levy. Walker told the crowd the current economic crisis cannot be won the backs of taxpayers. He says the best approach to addressing the budget shortfall is shrinking government’s size and costs and suggests taking a closer look at public employees who are looking at three or four percent annual increases at the same time people are worried about lay-offs. Walker says the key to Republican success in upcoming elections is to stay on message remain optimistic.

BD School Board Set to Vote on Boy’s Swimming

2/16/09 - The Beaver Dam School Board is expected to vote tonight on adding boy’s swimming to the high school sports lineup. The program would be self-sustaining in the first two years through fund raising and volunteer efforts. If the new program is successful in attracting students the athletic department would ask that the district provide funding on the same level as the girls program. Among the benefits talked about last month when it was first proposed included the idea that the sport would create confidence and build character in the kids and possibly bring in more students to the district that may not have come to the school without swimming. If passed the program would start during the 2009-2010 school year.

Primary Election Tomorrow

2/16/09 - With just one statewide race on tomorrow’s primary ballot, that for State Superintendent, officials expect turnout to be low throughout Wisconsin. However, referendum questions and a number of primaries in our area will draw some people out to their polls. There are primaries for two Ashippun Town Board seats as well as one for the Fox Lake Town Board. There is also a primary for the multi-jurisdictional judge seat for the mid-Moraine Municipal Court. The biggest primary race comes in Columbus where four Mayoral candidates are fighting for three spots on the general election ballot in April. And in the Waupun School District, residents will find three referenda questions on their ballot, with the most expensive question being the first. It’s asking for $5-million-dollars over three years to keep operating a number of district schools as they currently do. If that were to fail District Administrator Randy Refsland has said he’d recommend closing Fox Lake and Alto Elementary to help close a $1-million-dollar budget shortfall for the next school year. Refsland will be our guest on Community Comment this afternoon beginning at 12:35.

Man Jailed for Spitting on Bartender

2/16/09 - A 27-year-old man was arrested after spitting on a bartender early this morning. The Dodge County Sheriff’s Department says the bartender reported around 1:40 this morning, that while she was bartending at an establishment in Juneau, the man spit on her. Sheriff’s Deputies arrested the man and booked him at the county jail. The man is facing Disorderly Conduct charges for the incident.

Driver Hits Vehicle, Leaves Scene

2/16/09 - A 47-year-old man is possibly facing 2nd degree Reckless Endangering Safety charges after allegedly rear-ending a vehicle and leaving the scene. The Dodge County Sheriff’s Department says a 24-year-old man reported he was rear-ended by a truck near the intersection of Highway 33 and Crystal Lake Road in the Town of Beaver Dam around 3:30 yesterday afternoon. The man says driver of the truck took off northbound but authorities were able to stop the truck at the intersection of Farwell Road and Prospect Road. There was minor damage to the vehicles. The Sheriff’s Department is requesting the reckless endangering charge.

Sendoff Ceremony for WI National Guard Tomorrow

2/16/09 - A noon ceremony is planned tomorrow in Madison for the 32-hundred Wisconsin troops getting ready to go to Iraq. Governor Jim Doyle will be among those at a state National Guard ceremony for members of the Red Arrow Brigade. They’ll report to Fort Bliss in Texas by March first, to get trained for at least a 10-month mission in Iraq. Legislators, mayors, and Guard officials will also take part in tomorrow’s ceremony at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison. The U-W Madison marching band will join an Army band in providing the music.

Powerball Over $100-Million

2/16/09 - The Powerball jackpot is above 100-million-dollars for the first time since January 17th. It's at 105-million for the next drawing on Wednesday. Nobody won the jackpot Saturday night, and nobody from Wisconsin won the 200-thousand-dollar second prize. An Indiana player was the last jackpot winner -- 163-million-dollars almost a month ago. Wednesday night's cash option is just over 58-million-dollars for a single winner who takes the whole prize now, instead of in 30 annual installments.

February Is Prescription Drug Awareness Month

2/16/09 - Authorities in Dodge County are urging the public to properly dispose of their unused prescription drugs and to secure the narcotic drugs. February is prescription drug awareness month. Dodge County Sheriffs Detective Brian Drumm says leaving narcotic drugs like Vicodin, Valium and Codeine in your medicine cabinet can make you a drug supplier without your knowledge. Drumm says unused and expired drugs should no longer be thrown down the drain because they wind up in the water supply. A prescription drug drop-off will be held at the Heritage Village Mall in Beaver Dam on Saturday, February 28 from 9am until 12pm. Pictured: Beaver Dam Mayor Tom Kennedy presents Detective Drumm with a proclaimation stating that February is recognized as "Prescription Drug Awareness Month" in the city.

Top Stories February 15th

February Is Prescription Drug Awareness Month

2/15/09 - Authorities in Dodge County are urging the public to properly dispose of their unused prescription drugs and to secure the narcotic drugs. February is prescription drug awareness month. Dodge County Sheriffs Detective Brian Drumm says leaving narcotic drugs like Vicodin, Valium and Codeine in your medicine cabinet can make you a drug supplier without your knowledge. Drumm says unused and expired drugs should no longer be thrown down the drain because they wind up in the water supply. A prescription drug drop-off will be held at the Heritage Village Mall in Beaver Dam on Saturday, February 28 from 9am until 12pm.

DNA Requirement Paying Off

2/15/09 - Making convicted felons submit DNA samples is really paying off for Wisconsin. The state Department of Justice says comparing those samples to the national database has helped solve hundreds of crimes. There have been nearly 18 hundred hits -- including the one that led detectives to Thomas Niesen. He has been convicted in the murder 33 years ago in Fond du Lac of a teenage dancer in a case that had gone cold. Wisconsin started making its convicted felons give up DNA samples nearly nine years ago. Niesen gave up a sample of his DNA when he was convicted of felony child abuse. Very quickly, his legal troubles got a lot worse.

Discussion Continues for Joint EMS District

2/15/09 - The year-long search for an Ambulance Service provider in the Columbus / Fall River area has taken so long that the original “proposals” received by the City are expiring. Over the past year four commercial EMS providers submitted proposals. The providers have been interviewed by leaders from the City, surrounding Townships, Columbus Community Hospital staff and the Fall River Fire District. Recent interviews yielded enough information from the EMS providers that officials are honing in on what kind of services the community needs. Currently, the City and surrounding Townships are being served by Heartline Medix. The Village of Fall River and surrounding Townships are being served by the Fall River Fire District EMS. Commercial vendors being considered are Lifestar Emergency Medical Services of West Bend, Ryan Brothers of Madison and Curtis Ambulance Service of Milwaukee. Representatives from Columbus, the Townships and the Fall River Fire District will be meeting at 6:00 pm on Wednesday at the Cardinal Ale House and Bowl (in Columbus) to discuss the possibility of a “joint” EMS District.

More Layoffs Announced

2/15/09 - The bad situation just keeps getting worse. Two major Wisconsin companies announce more job losses. Mercury Marine in Fond du Lac has cut 85 permanent jobs. A temporary, two-week shutdown starts tomorrow for more of its workers. The company says this is an effort to put its production capacity into line with the demand for its products. Meanwhile, Ashley Furniture in Arcadia says it will cut about three percent of its work force. That means about 90 people will lose their jobs. Ashley's CEO says the struggling housing market is reducing demand for furniture.

Columbus City Hall Roof Not So Bad After All

2/15/09 - The Columbus Council was told this week that the $300 thousand dollars they had designated to repair a City Hall roof - in danger of collapse - may not be necessary. When bonding for capital improvements last year the Council was told that the roof could possibly “fall in” if money was not budgeted for repair. The Columbus Auditorium Corporation (CAC) and the Historic Landmarks & Preservation Committee (HLPC) had estimated the cost to repair at $300 thousand dollars. This past week the Council received the second of two engineering reports that the roof was NOT in eminent danger. According to City Clerk Anne Donahue says restoration of the classic second and third floor City Hall Auditorium is an ongoing project that is seeking funds to rebuild. However, the Council may not spend the $300 thousand “earmarked for roof repair” at this time due to the engineering findings.

Fond du Lac Hires Lobbyist

2/15/09 - For the first time Fond du Lac County has hired a professional lobbyist in the Nation's Capitol. County supervisors this past week approved spending a little over $5,200 in an effort to secure funding for the children's medical assistance program known as "Save a Smile." CountyExecutive Al Buechel says it's providing dental care for nearly 500 children in the County and could be a national model. He says the lobbyist they hired has a good record of drumming up dollars for clients and if he's successful that could get him more counties as clients. Buechel says the money will be well spent if the lobbyist is successful in securing anywhere from $60,000 to $100,000 for the Fond du LacCounty program.

AG: ‘DA’s Are Shorthanded’

2/15/09 - State Attorney General JB Van Hollen says district attorneys offices are shorthanded. He says most Wisconsin jurisdictions are short, some, quoting here, "woefully short." Van Hollen says arresting people only makes a difference if there is someone to process them through the courts. Van Hollen says he's been lobbying Governor Doyle and lawmakers to address the shortfall as part of the next budget. As the state faces a budget deficit during a severe economic recession, the A-G says that's an even better reason to fully staff cops and courts. He points out that crime rates historically tend to increase during hard economic times.

Three Dead From Thin Ice

2/15/09 - They were visiting friends who were on Lake Winnebago for the sturgeon spearing season. A pickup truck broke through the thin ice near Quinney, leaving two dead and a third person in critical condition. A 44 year old man and a nine year old girl were killed when the ice gave way and the truck plunged into the cold water. A separate accident left a 37 year old man dead near Superior. His vehicle went through the ice on Lake Superior near Kilner Bay early Saturday morning. It took emergency responders an hour to get him out of the chilly water. By then, he couldn't be revived.

Sturgeon Spear Fishing Season Underway

2/15/09 - Thousands of people are hitting Lake Winnebago this weekend for the beginning of the sturgeon spear fishing season. The DNR says conditions are good, although water clarity has been impacted by run off from thawing snow and ice. Don Herman, owner of Sunk Towing, says ice conditions are good on most of the lake, but there are some trouble spots around the shoreline where the ice is thinner. The sturgeon spearing season runs for 16 days or until harvest caps are reached. Bruch says the season will end early if 350 juvenile females, 630 adult females, or one thousand male sturgeon are speared. The first day take was reported to be 506.

State Tax Refund Up Average of $12

2/15/09 - It's not a stimulus check, but who's going to turn his or her nose up at 12 dollars these days? The Wisconsin Department of Revenue reports about 15 percent of us have filed our state income taxes, as of last week. The average refund is about 655 dollars -- and that's up 12 dollars from this time last year. The tax man expects to process a little less than three million tax returns. So far, about 440 thousand have been filed in the first six weeks of this year. The state reminds you: if you have a refund coming, it will get to you a lot quicker if you file electronically.

Top Stories February 14th

Fire at North Hills Mobile Home Park

2/14/09 - A car burst into flames Friday afternoon at the North Hills Mobile Park and started the adjacent residence on fire. The blaze was reported just before 1pm at N8283 Kellom Road lot #85 in the Town of Beaver Dam. The Dodge County Sheriff’s Department was the first on scene and helped clear the mobile home of the resident and his dog. The Beaver Dam Fire Department had the flames under control within 20-minutes. Fire Captain Don Wellnitz says the car ignited as the result of an engine malfunction and quickly spread to the house. The car was a total loss. The exterior of the home sustained moderate damage. No one was injured. Firefighters were on the scene for just over one hour.

Public Enemies Spending Under Scrutiny

2/14/09 - Even if you don’t go to the theater to see “Public Enemies,” you might have paid at least part of the admission price through your taxes. The Associated Press dug up state records showing how much various people were paid, when they filmed the upcoming movie about bank robber John Dillinger at various spots in Wisconsin last year. Director Michael Mann was paid one-point-eight million dollars – and tax credits covered a quarter of that, or about 450-thousand. Among other things, we also paid 100-thousand for Johnny Depp’s crew of stylists, chauffeurs, and assistants. The state Commerce Department said no to covering part of a 36-thousand-dollar wrap party when the crew got done making the film.

“Public Enemies” was the first major movie to get tax credits under a one-year-old state law that encourages films to be made in Wisconsin. Earlier reports said the state paid four-point-six-million dollars in tax credits to the production company – while the total economic benefits were about five million. The Commerce Department’s Zach Brandon said the law needs to be changed to let the state keep more the economic benefits. The governor’s office did not comment. Dave Fantle of the group “Visit Milwaukee” defends the tax credits, and says it’s too early to consider changes.

Snow Returns to Area

2/14/09 - There were a number of runoffs overnight after the area got some measurable snow for the first time in a while. Totals are starting to filter in from last night’s storm. The national weather service is reporting 2-inches in Oconomowoc, 1.6-inches in Sullivan, and 2.1-inches in Holy Hill in Washington County. However, a lot bigger storm could be headed our way for the middle of next week. Several inches of snow are likely across the southern half of the state mainly Tuesday night and Wednesday with the potential for heavier accumulations depending on how the storm tracks across the region.

Stimulus Bill Passes, Republican Not Happy

2/14/09 - A Wisconsin Congressman says the compromise version of the economic stimulus bill passed yesterday in the U.S. House will provide the help that's needed. Congressman Ron Kind supported the measure. He says it strikes the right balance between tax relief and incentives for businesses that will help create new jobs and protect existing ones. Kind says the package will push out funding quickly to states, although it's hard to tell how soon the impact will be felt. Republicans, including Representative Tom Petri of Fond du Lac have been critical of the plan, saying that it does not help the here and now. The vote passed the in the House by a 246 to 183 vote.

Pautsch Enters Into Plea

2/14/09 - A Horicon man who robbed the Best Western – Campus Inn last fall has entered into a plea agreement with prosecutors. 24-year-old Curtis Pautsch pleaded “no contest” yesterday (Fri) to a felony charge of Robbery with the Use of Force and had a count of Threats to Injure dismissed but read into the record. Pautsch entered the hotel on Park Avenue in Beaver Dam just after 4am on October 3 and left with a bag full of cash hidden inside a garbage can. Authorities say the desk clerk identified Pautsch by a tattoo on his hand and other distinguishable facial features. A pre-sentencing investigation was ordered and a sentencing hearing will be held on April 30.

Pellett Prelim

2/14/09 - One of the suspects arrested following burglaries at two area businesses last fall appeared for a preliminary hearing Friday in Dodge County court. 21-year-old Tabatha Pellett of Stoughton was bound over for trial on charges of felony burglary. Pellett, along with 23-year-old Kurtis W. Billings and 27-year-old Trevor P. Waller, are all charged in connection with the October break-ins at Beaver Plumbing and Kelm Painting. Authorities say they are likely connected to other business burglaries in and around Dodge County late last year and additional charges against the trio are possible. The cases are being tried separately. Billings had a bench warrant issued Thursday for failing to appear as a material witness in Waller’s preliminary hearing. Both Billings and Waller have court dates related to this matter scheduled later this month. Pellett has an arraignment hearing on March 3.

Comprehensive Plan Public Hearing Monday

2/14/09 - The city of Beaver Dam will hold a public hearing Monday to gain input on a proposed ordinance to adopt their Comprehensive Plan. Mayor Tom Kennedy says the plan is important to the future growth of the city for the next 25 years. A draft of the plan is available for review at the City Clerks office, the community library or on the city’s website http://www.cityofbeaverdam.com/. The public hearing will be held at 8pm in Council Chambers at City Hall. Alderpersons will vote on the plan later that evening. Written comments will also be accepted prior to the meeting. The state mandates the city have the plan in place by January of 2010.

Co-Pilot of Flight 1549 to be Honored

2/14/09 - The co-pilot who helped safely land a US Airways jet in the Hudson River last month will be honored at halftime of tonight's Wisconsin Badger basketball game. Jeffrey Skiles is a UW graduate from Oregon, Wisconsin. Skiles was at the controls along with pilot Chesley Sullengerger January 15 when Flight 1549 lost both engines shortly after takeoff. The unusual water landing enabled all 155 people on the flight to make it to safety. The Badgers host Ohio State tonight in an 8 p.m. game that will be broadcast on WBEV 1430AM beginning with the pre-game at 7:30.