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.