Top Stories, September 2nd

Nehls Defends War College Decision, Touts Record

9/2/10 - Dodge County Sheriff Todd Nehls says he needs a third term in office to continue the hard work he started in the department back in 2002. Nehls joined us on WBEV’s Community Comment yesterday and detailed dozens of programs that he implemented since in office. He says the position is no longer a hobby and the department needs an active leader to keep from moving backwards. Nehls is being challenged by former Sheriff Steve Fitzgerald in the September 14 partisan primary, which will determine the winner since there are no democratic challengers. During Fitzgerald’s appearance on Community Comment this week he criticized Nehls recent nine-month absence to attend War College in Washington DC. Nehls says he acquired skills and contacts that benefited the county while technology allowed him to stay in the loop. Nehls, in-turn, accused Fitzgerald of driving a tour bus for his family’s business while in office. Fitzgerald called Nehls accusations (quote) “a stretch.” He said driving a tour bus for the family business was nothing more than a weekend hobby.

The candidates for Dodge County Sheriff, incumbent Todd Nehls and former Sheriff Steve Fitzgerald, will join us on WBEV's Community Comment next Wednesday. In addition, the Beaver Dam Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Candidates Forum next Tuesday dedicated solely to the Nehls-Fitzgerald race. The format will include six segments, including questions and answers between local media and the candidates, a structured debate between the candidates and a segment at the end where the public will have the opportunity to ask questions. The forum will be moderated by our own John Moser and will be broadcast live on WBEV 1430AM and WXRO 95.3FM. The public is invited to attend the free event which will be held next Tuesday at the Bayside Supper Club in Beaver Dam from 7pm to 8pm. On election night, make sure you tune into WBEV or WXRO for live updates beginning the minute the polls close at 8pm.

Foreclosures Down in Dodge, Columbia Counties

9/2/10 - Dodge and Columbia Counties both saw a modest decrease in foreclosures over a two-month period this summer. There were 40 foreclosures in Dodge County last month, compared to 45 in July and 43 in August of last year. Columbia County had 31 foreclosures last month, down three from July. Other area counties did not fare as well. There were 46 foreclosures in both Jefferson and Washington Counties in August. That’s an increase of seven foreclosures in Washington County and 19 foreclosures in Jefferson County. There was also a jump of 19 foreclosures over the two-month period in Fond du Lac County, which saw the banks take possession of 47 properties last month. There were 43 foreclosures in Fond du Lac County at the same time last year.

Two BBUSD Schools Recognized By DPI

9/2/10 - The Department of Public Instruction has announced that two Beaver Dam schools are among 154 statewide that are Wisconsin Promise Schools of Recognition. For the second year in a row, Jefferson and South Beaver Dam Elementary schools were acknowledged as schools that help disadvantaged students make academic progress. Criteria for the selection included poverty rates as defined by free and reduced lunch data and the results of standardized tests in reading and math.

Beaver Dam Water Utility Online

9/2/10 - Beaver Dam residents can now pay their water bills on-line. The city can now also take payments in person by credit or debit cards, along with cash or check. Those wishing to pay online can visit the city’s website at cityofbeaverdam.com. Once there you click on the “Willie Water” logo. The first time you pay online you must register and you’ll need your utility bill to do so. The city has also changed the way your bill looks. They are switching from the post cards to an eight-and-a-half by 11-inch bill. They say the format is easier to read and will provide more details for the customer. The Finance Department is also announcing a slight change to their hours. They’ll now be open over the noon hour on business days. Daily hours will continue to be 7:30am to 4:30pm.

Columbus TIF ‘On Hold’

9/2/10 - A plan to create a new TIF District in the Columbus industrial area has been put “on hold.” Discussion has been underway for nearly a year and a half over creating TIF District number 4 north of James Street along the railroad corridor. City Administrator Boyd Kraemer reported that plans for redevelopment could not secure enough funding to move ahead. According to Kraemer plans to change the streets and sewer systems for industrial firms in the area will have to be scaled back. Development plans and discussions will continue with the industries in the northwestern part of the City in hopes of discovering new funds for the creation of the proposed TIF 4.

Wisconsin Soldier Killed in Afghanistan

9/2/10 - One of five soldiers killed in an attack in Afghanistan is from northern Wisconsin. 36-year-old Staff Sergeant Matthew West of Conover in Vilas County was among those who died on Monday when insurgents used explosives to attack their unit in the Arghandab River Valley. The Pentagon announced the deaths Wednesday. All five were based at Fort Carson in Colorado. West was a member of the 71st Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group. He graduated from Gaylord High School in Michigan in 1992, and he’s survived by his wife and three children. West is the second Wisconsin killed in Afghanistan in the last five days. 20-year-old Army Private Adam Novak of Prairie du Sac was one of two soldiers killed last Friday in an insurgent attack.

Lawmakers Urged To Increase Justice System Spending

9/2/10 - Wisconsin lawmakers have been asked to spend more tax dollars on the criminal justice system. Offenders have been covering the rising costs with higher fees-and-surcharges on top of their fines. But Chief Supreme Court Justice Shirley Abrahamson told a special legislative committee this week that the current trend is not sustainable. She says the law-breakers don’t have the money to pay – and the state won’t collect it, quote, “especially in this economy.” State Attorney General J-B Van Hollen agrees. He says that when offenders keep paying more for state programs, it often stops them from paying restitution to their victims. Van Hollen says it’s “wonderful” to have offenders pay for enforcement, rehab, and crime prevention efforts. But in some cases, he says it’s not functional. The legislative panel is looking for ways to revamp the funding system for the courts, the Justice Department, and the state Public Defender’s office.

Suspicious Persons Reports At Sunny Side Estates

9/2/10 - Dodge County authorities plan to step up patrols near Sunny Side Estates in the Town of Beaver Dam after receiving multiple reports of a suspicious person lurking in the area. Patrol Captain Molly Soblewski says the latest incident was also the most brazen as someone went into a residence Tuesday night and apparently cooked a pizza before leaving. Soblewski says since August 26 they’ve had other reports of what somebody termed a “peeping tom”. Anyone that may have seen the person or know anymore about the case are asked to contact the Sheriff’s Department or the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME.