Top Stories, September 27th

Movie About Underage Drinking Dangers Screened Tonight

9/27/10 - The public is invited to attend a movie viewing tonight (Monday) about the dangers of underage drinking and driving that features students from the Beaver Dam High School. The 45-minute movie is called “Deceptions.” Deb Lins is the school district’s Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Abuse Coordinator. She says the realistic movie created with actual BDHS students shows the tragedy that can result from some of the unhealthy but not uncommon choices made by teens and their parents. In conjunction with “Deceptions," Lins says the Drug Free Community Coalition has kicked off its fall "Parents Who Host, Lose the Most" campaign to bring awareness to parents about the risks and consequences of underage drinking and hosting youth alcohol parties. Lins encourages students, parents and the great Beaver Dam community to attend tonight’s 7pm showing of “Deceptions” in the High School auditorium. Additional dates are being planned and DVD copies of the movie will be available for purchase in the future.

Hinkley Sentenced In Runaway Assault

9/27/10 - A Beaver Dam man who sexually assaulted a young teen has entered into a plea agreement with prosecutors. Robert Hinkley Jr. pleaded “no contest” Friday to a reduced charge of Third Degree Sexual Assault. Judge Steven Bauer withheld a finding of guilt and Hinkley was placed on deferred prosecution on that count. The 19-year-old also had a misdemeanor charge of Fourth Degree Assault added and was ordered to serve 60 days in jail with Huber privileges and one year on probation. Hinkley and another man assaulted the young runaway in April. 20-year-old Christopher Bowers of Beaver Dam pleaded “no contest” in July to a pair of felony charges of Second Degree Sexual Assault and will be sentenced next week. The two say they did not know the victim’s age but, according to the criminal complaint, removed several “missing person’s posters” with the juvenile’s age listed.

Columbus Light Commission Debate Continues

9/27/10 - The “structure and powers” of municipal utilities is a contentious issue in Columbus. Proposed changes to the make-up of the Columbus Water and Light Commission have been introduced by Mayor Bob Link. Link brought forward an ordinance to amend the section of the Columbus Municipal Code dealing with the Utilities Commission to include the mayor. Water and Light is currently made up of FIVE citizen members, the City Administrator, and one appointed Council member. Citizen member and Commission President Al Strohschein is campaigning for a return when his current term expires October 1. The Council listened to the first reading of the ordinance without bringing forth a motion to pass or defeat the proposed change. Although no “action” can be taken at this week’s Committee of the Whole session, the issue is sure to draw serious discussion. The Council will meet Tuesday night at 6:30 pm at the Senior Center.

DNR Loan Factored Into Columbus Wastewater Plan

9/27/10 - Columbus Utility rate payers will not be footing the entire bill for the $10 million dollar in improvements in the City’s seven year wastewater master plan. When the Council approved the first two construction projects on the plan this week, they also passed resolutions that will allow the city to borrow up to $2 million dollars from the Department of Natural Resources (DNRs) “Clean Water Fund.” City Administrator Boyd Kraemer told the Council that the City would need to apply for the DNR low interest loans to stay on budget for the wastewater system construction being planned. The resolutions declare that Columbus intends to pay back money from the DNR loan and allows the City to borrow funds on a short term basis to pay for the initial costs of the projects until “Clean Water Fund” money becomes available.

Fair Association To Continue Alcohol Wristbands

9/27/10 - The Dodge County Fair Association plans to use a one dollar wristband system for alcohol again next year. Association President Jim Schoenike says there were some initial complaints this year but Schoenike says overall the program was a success, raising over $7000 for a half-dozen local non-profits. The programs benefiting include Shop With A Cop, the Moraine Park Technical College Corrections Club, Dodge County Emergency Response Team, The Wisconsin Troopers Association, the Dodge County Explorers and the Badger Honor Flight Program.

Beaver Dam Intersection Closes Today

9/27/10 - Beginning today, the intersection of South Spring and Washington streets in Beaver Dam will be closed for a month. It’s part of a storm sewer relief project intended to alleviate recurring downtown flooding issues. A "relief" storm sewer is being installed beginning at Park Avenue and extending south to the Beaver Dam River. Also today, North University Avenue will be closed on-and-off for the next two days so that landscaping work can be completed. The stretch of road re-opened last week after a three-month closure as part of a $650,000 reconstruction project. The closure is for the safety of landscaping crews. Both projects are weather permitting.

Watertown Man Flown From Scene of 3-Vehicle Wreck

9/27/10 - A Watertown man was flown from the scene of a three-vehicle accident late Saturday morning in the Town of Emmett. Daniel Zindars crossed the centerline on State Highway 26 near Silver Creek Road and struck a dump truck and another passenger car in the opposite lanes. The 66-year-old was taken by Flight For Life to Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee. The dump truck was operated by 60-year-old Willie Rose of Watertown who was transported to the Watertown Hospital for treatment. The driver of the passenger car was not injured. The accident remains under investigation.