City Moves Forward With YMCA Offer to Purchase
6/2/09 - The city of Beaver Dam will make an offer-to-purchase on the former YMCA building. The council voted 9-3 yesterday to move forward with negotiations. The price tag dropped late last month from $395,000 to $75,000. It was originally listed at just under a half million dollars. Mayor Tom Kennedy says for the price, the property would be of great value to the city for a number of reasons, from city administrative offices to the Senior Center, or possibly even a police station. In voting against the resolution, aldermen John Litscher questioned the city’s objective in purchasing a property without a specific purpose. Alderman Don Neuert said the “opportunity was the objective” in voting in favor of the possible purchase. The motion called for a $75,000 offer contingent on inspection and testing, approval by the common council of the final purchase price and deed restrictions. Aldermen are concerned with restrictions by the YMCA that would prevent the city from using the structure for something that would compete with Y programs. Beaver Dam is currently one of three parties interested in the property. The YMCA board of trustees is slated to vote on their offers tomorrow.
Seeing Double - Demerit Point System Reintroduced
6/2/09 - The Beaver Dam Common Council will be reconsidering the demerit point system that was voted down last month. Alderwoman Mary Flaherty last night made the motion to reintroduce the ordinance at the council’s next meeting. At the council May 18 meeting, Flaherty was one of seven to vote against the demerit point system. An ordinance can only be brought back at the next consecutive meeting by a member of the majority party. Under the plan, demerits could be given to bars for such violations as serving minors, excessive noise or failing to notify the police of a fight. Taverns in violation could have their license suspended or revoked. Several local tavern owners voiced their opposition to the plan prior to the vote.
MVP’s Revocation Vote Tabled Until Monday
6/2/09 - The Beaver Dam Common Council tabled a vote on a liquor license revocation for MVP’s Sports Bar. Attorneys for the downtown tavern requested a continuance so that they could have adequate time to prepare objections to the city’s findings of fact. There were nine findings detailed in a report by the Administrative Committee prepared following their unanimous committee-level vote to revoke MVP’s license. MVP’s GM Jim LeBeau refutes claims by the city that there were 150 police contacts over a two-year period and also that a fight last month involved 50 patrons outside the club. The objections will be given to city officials in written form by Friday. The license revocation hearing will be held next Monday at 7pm.
Rubble Cleared
6/2/09 - Demolition crews in downtown Beaver Dam spent the day yesterday removing the rubble from the two most recently razed structures on the 100 block of Front Street. Work today will focus on Doc’s Corner Tavern and 151 Front Street, which should be cleared by weeks end.
Suspected Outhouse Bombers In Court
6/2/09 - The three Beaver Dam men suspected in a pair of mailbox and outhouse explosions made their initial court appearance yesterday. 20-year-olds Michael K Peters and Kyle Livingston, along with 19-year-old Stephen Peterson, had signature bonds set at $1000. The three were identified with the use of in-store video surveillance after allegedly purchasing the explosive components at a Beaver Dam retailer. One of the suspects also returned to the scene of the crime to survey the damage. The men are accused of blowing up a mailbox in Burnett and a port-a-potty at Lost Lake Park in April. Investigators say they used a pipe bomb and, in the case of the porta-potty, also used liquefied gas. Livingston and Peters face up to 25 years in prison while Peterson, the purported ringleader, faces a total of 105 years in prison, if convicted. The trio has preliminary hearings scheduled for July 16.
Districts Waiting for State Budget to Pass
6/2/09 - Beaver Dam and other school districts in the area are playing the waiting game in regards to how much state aid they will get this year. Director of Business Services Andrew Sarnow presented his initial 2009-2010 budget to the school board last night and informed them that as of right now the district would have a $445,000 deficit. Sarnow says the reason for that is they projected an increase in their revenue limit per student of $281, but as a result of Governor Jim Doyle’s decision to cut state aid that number has been cut to $200. Sarnow says if that ends up being the final number they can use money from their fund balance to cover the deficit for this year. The state budget is expected to be acted on in the Assembly in the next week and the Senate soon after. Leaders hope to have it passed by the end of the month as the new fiscal year begins July 1st.
Lack of Response to Invocation Offer Surprising
6/2/09 - Dodge County Clerk Karen Gibson says of the 126 letters sent out to religious leaders in the county, inviting them to lead the prayer before the beginning of the Board of Supervisors meetings, only four were returned. The prayer issue surfaced after a county board member filed a complaint with the Freedom from Religion Foundation stating the prayer said after the meeting had been called to order was unconstitutional because of its reference to one religion over another. In response, the board put together a resolution that changed the prayer to before the meeting. The four respondents include Praise Assembly of God, First Evangelical Lutheran and New Life Pentecostal, all of Beaver Dam, and Holy Zion Orthodox Heritage of Watertown.
H1N1 Virus Confirmed in C-F Student
6/2/09 - There is another confirmed case of the H1N1 flu virus in our area. The Columbia County Health and Human Services Office says they’ve been informed a student that attends Cambria-Friesland Elementary has what’s best known as the “Swine Flu”. School closure is NOT being considered at this time because the number of kids absent from the districts schools has not significantly increased. So far Wisconsin has more than 1600 confirmed cases of the H1N1 virus.
State Looking to Give Illegal Immigrants Driver’s Licenses
6/2/09 - Wisconsin could become the second state to give illegal immigrants their own driver’s licenses. And the proposed budget measure would not let police ask those who have the special driver’s cards if they’re in the country legally. Attorney General J-B Van Hollen’s office questioned that provision yesterday. Spokesman Bill Cosh says police should be able to tell federal authorities about an illegal immigrant – and Van Hollen is against measures which limit the ability of law enforcement to communicate with each other. Assembly Democrat Pedro Colon of Milwaukee pushed for the immigrant driver’s cards which were inserted into the current version of the new state budget early last Friday. He says it will make the roads safer, by ensuring that immigrants learn how to drive, get licenses, and get insurance.
Obama to be in Wisconsin Next Week
6/2/09 - President Obama is about to make his first visit to Wisconsin since he was elected last fall. He’ll be in Green Bay on June 11th – the day before state Democrats begin their annual convention in nearby Ashwaubenon. White House spokeswoman Amy Brundage could not say what Obama will talk about. Other details of his visit will be announced soon. Meanwhile, two of the president’s Cabinet members are due in the Badger State later this week. Education Secretary Arne Duncan will join Governor Jim Doyle at Milwaukee Area Technical College on Thursday. They’ll talk about educational opportunities for auto-workers and their families. On Friday, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood will join the governor at the ground-breaking of a project along Interstate-94 in Racine County that’s funded with federal stimulus money.
Wisconsin GM and Chrysler Plants Could Be Reopened
6/2/09 - Governor Jim Doyle says it’s a milestone to have both General Motors and Chrysler at least consider future auto production in Wisconsin. Yesterday, G-M said the now-closed Janesville plant is one of three in the running for a possible new small-car facility. And new language has been put into Chrysler’s sale agreement which gives its new owner Fiat the option of keeping the Kenosha engine plant running. But it only has until July 31st to make an offer. Kenosha Mayor Keith Bosman calls it promising news, but other political and union leaders are warning people not to get their hopes up too much. John Dohner, the shop chairman for the United Auto Workers in Janesville, says the local G-M is up against stiff competition – especially with the plant in Orion Michigan. But he says Janesville has always been a survivor, and has done the right things for G-M.
Three Public Enemies Premiere’s Set in Wisconsin
6/2/09 - Folks in at least three Wisconsin cities will get a sneak preview of “Public Enemies,” the Johnny Depp movie that was filmed in the state last year. The movie opens nationwide July first. The group Film Wisconsin has advance screenings and receptions set for June 30th in Oshkosh, Madison, and Milwaukee – three of the places where scenes were shot. The receptions will feature vintage costumes, classic cars, and other things about “Public Enemies” – in which Depp plays Midwest bank robbing legend John Dillinger. Reception prices will be different in each city, and tickets for just the movie screening will also be available. The proceeds will benefit Film Wisconsin, Arts Wisconsin, the Milwaukee County Historical Center, and a façade renovation program in downtown Oshkosh.
6/2/09 - The city of Beaver Dam will make an offer-to-purchase on the former YMCA building. The council voted 9-3 yesterday to move forward with negotiations. The price tag dropped late last month from $395,000 to $75,000. It was originally listed at just under a half million dollars. Mayor Tom Kennedy says for the price, the property would be of great value to the city for a number of reasons, from city administrative offices to the Senior Center, or possibly even a police station. In voting against the resolution, aldermen John Litscher questioned the city’s objective in purchasing a property without a specific purpose. Alderman Don Neuert said the “opportunity was the objective” in voting in favor of the possible purchase. The motion called for a $75,000 offer contingent on inspection and testing, approval by the common council of the final purchase price and deed restrictions. Aldermen are concerned with restrictions by the YMCA that would prevent the city from using the structure for something that would compete with Y programs. Beaver Dam is currently one of three parties interested in the property. The YMCA board of trustees is slated to vote on their offers tomorrow.Seeing Double - Demerit Point System Reintroduced
6/2/09 - The Beaver Dam Common Council will be reconsidering the demerit point system that was voted down last month. Alderwoman Mary Flaherty last night made the motion to reintroduce the ordinance at the council’s next meeting. At the council May 18 meeting, Flaherty was one of seven to vote against the demerit point system. An ordinance can only be brought back at the next consecutive meeting by a member of the majority party. Under the plan, demerits could be given to bars for such violations as serving minors, excessive noise or failing to notify the police of a fight. Taverns in violation could have their license suspended or revoked. Several local tavern owners voiced their opposition to the plan prior to the vote.
MVP’s Revocation Vote Tabled Until Monday
6/2/09 - The Beaver Dam Common Council tabled a vote on a liquor license revocation for MVP’s Sports Bar. Attorneys for the downtown tavern requested a continuance so that they could have adequate time to prepare objections to the city’s findings of fact. There were nine findings detailed in a report by the Administrative Committee prepared following their unanimous committee-level vote to revoke MVP’s license. MVP’s GM Jim LeBeau refutes claims by the city that there were 150 police contacts over a two-year period and also that a fight last month involved 50 patrons outside the club. The objections will be given to city officials in written form by Friday. The license revocation hearing will be held next Monday at 7pm.
Rubble Cleared
6/2/09 - Demolition crews in downtown Beaver Dam spent the day yesterday removing the rubble from the two most recently razed structures on the 100 block of Front Street. Work today will focus on Doc’s Corner Tavern and 151 Front Street, which should be cleared by weeks end.
Suspected Outhouse Bombers In Court
6/2/09 - The three Beaver Dam men suspected in a pair of mailbox and outhouse explosions made their initial court appearance yesterday. 20-year-olds Michael K Peters and Kyle Livingston, along with 19-year-old Stephen Peterson, had signature bonds set at $1000. The three were identified with the use of in-store video surveillance after allegedly purchasing the explosive components at a Beaver Dam retailer. One of the suspects also returned to the scene of the crime to survey the damage. The men are accused of blowing up a mailbox in Burnett and a port-a-potty at Lost Lake Park in April. Investigators say they used a pipe bomb and, in the case of the porta-potty, also used liquefied gas. Livingston and Peters face up to 25 years in prison while Peterson, the purported ringleader, faces a total of 105 years in prison, if convicted. The trio has preliminary hearings scheduled for July 16.
Districts Waiting for State Budget to Pass
6/2/09 - Beaver Dam and other school districts in the area are playing the waiting game in regards to how much state aid they will get this year. Director of Business Services Andrew Sarnow presented his initial 2009-2010 budget to the school board last night and informed them that as of right now the district would have a $445,000 deficit. Sarnow says the reason for that is they projected an increase in their revenue limit per student of $281, but as a result of Governor Jim Doyle’s decision to cut state aid that number has been cut to $200. Sarnow says if that ends up being the final number they can use money from their fund balance to cover the deficit for this year. The state budget is expected to be acted on in the Assembly in the next week and the Senate soon after. Leaders hope to have it passed by the end of the month as the new fiscal year begins July 1st.
Lack of Response to Invocation Offer Surprising
6/2/09 - Dodge County Clerk Karen Gibson says of the 126 letters sent out to religious leaders in the county, inviting them to lead the prayer before the beginning of the Board of Supervisors meetings, only four were returned. The prayer issue surfaced after a county board member filed a complaint with the Freedom from Religion Foundation stating the prayer said after the meeting had been called to order was unconstitutional because of its reference to one religion over another. In response, the board put together a resolution that changed the prayer to before the meeting. The four respondents include Praise Assembly of God, First Evangelical Lutheran and New Life Pentecostal, all of Beaver Dam, and Holy Zion Orthodox Heritage of Watertown.
H1N1 Virus Confirmed in C-F Student
6/2/09 - There is another confirmed case of the H1N1 flu virus in our area. The Columbia County Health and Human Services Office says they’ve been informed a student that attends Cambria-Friesland Elementary has what’s best known as the “Swine Flu”. School closure is NOT being considered at this time because the number of kids absent from the districts schools has not significantly increased. So far Wisconsin has more than 1600 confirmed cases of the H1N1 virus.
State Looking to Give Illegal Immigrants Driver’s Licenses
6/2/09 - Wisconsin could become the second state to give illegal immigrants their own driver’s licenses. And the proposed budget measure would not let police ask those who have the special driver’s cards if they’re in the country legally. Attorney General J-B Van Hollen’s office questioned that provision yesterday. Spokesman Bill Cosh says police should be able to tell federal authorities about an illegal immigrant – and Van Hollen is against measures which limit the ability of law enforcement to communicate with each other. Assembly Democrat Pedro Colon of Milwaukee pushed for the immigrant driver’s cards which were inserted into the current version of the new state budget early last Friday. He says it will make the roads safer, by ensuring that immigrants learn how to drive, get licenses, and get insurance.
Obama to be in Wisconsin Next Week
6/2/09 - President Obama is about to make his first visit to Wisconsin since he was elected last fall. He’ll be in Green Bay on June 11th – the day before state Democrats begin their annual convention in nearby Ashwaubenon. White House spokeswoman Amy Brundage could not say what Obama will talk about. Other details of his visit will be announced soon. Meanwhile, two of the president’s Cabinet members are due in the Badger State later this week. Education Secretary Arne Duncan will join Governor Jim Doyle at Milwaukee Area Technical College on Thursday. They’ll talk about educational opportunities for auto-workers and their families. On Friday, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood will join the governor at the ground-breaking of a project along Interstate-94 in Racine County that’s funded with federal stimulus money.
Wisconsin GM and Chrysler Plants Could Be Reopened
6/2/09 - Governor Jim Doyle says it’s a milestone to have both General Motors and Chrysler at least consider future auto production in Wisconsin. Yesterday, G-M said the now-closed Janesville plant is one of three in the running for a possible new small-car facility. And new language has been put into Chrysler’s sale agreement which gives its new owner Fiat the option of keeping the Kenosha engine plant running. But it only has until July 31st to make an offer. Kenosha Mayor Keith Bosman calls it promising news, but other political and union leaders are warning people not to get their hopes up too much. John Dohner, the shop chairman for the United Auto Workers in Janesville, says the local G-M is up against stiff competition – especially with the plant in Orion Michigan. But he says Janesville has always been a survivor, and has done the right things for G-M.
Three Public Enemies Premiere’s Set in Wisconsin
6/2/09 - Folks in at least three Wisconsin cities will get a sneak preview of “Public Enemies,” the Johnny Depp movie that was filmed in the state last year. The movie opens nationwide July first. The group Film Wisconsin has advance screenings and receptions set for June 30th in Oshkosh, Madison, and Milwaukee – three of the places where scenes were shot. The receptions will feature vintage costumes, classic cars, and other things about “Public Enemies” – in which Depp plays Midwest bank robbing legend John Dillinger. Reception prices will be different in each city, and tickets for just the movie screening will also be available. The proceeds will benefit Film Wisconsin, Arts Wisconsin, the Milwaukee County Historical Center, and a façade renovation program in downtown Oshkosh.
No comments:
Post a Comment