Gunpowder Leads To Severe Facial Injury
6/30/11 - A Horicon man suffered severe burns to his face in an accident involving gun powder Wednesday afternoon. According to the Dodge County Sheriffs Department, the mishap occurred at 1pm just outside Horicon on Swan Road near County Trunk E. The 31-year-old had apparently been attempting to ignite a small amount of gun powder that he had placed on the ground. While he was trying to light the gun powder with one hand, he was holding the can of gun powder in his other hand. A spark ignited the can of gun powder which exploded in his face. He sustained third degree burns but was conscious and alert when EMS personnel arrived on scene. He was transported to Beaver Dam Community Hospital and then flown to Madison by Flight For Life.
Nelson to be Sentenced Today
6/30/11 - Former New Holstein school superintendent Christopher Nelson, who also spent time as a school administrator in Beaver Dam and Randolph, will be sentenced this afternoon for trying to arrange sex with a teenager. The 59-year-old Nelson pleaded guilty a month ago to a Milwaukee County charge of using a computer to facilitate a sex crime. He admitted that he arranged sex while chatting with whom he thought was a 15-year-old boy on the Internet. The boy turned out to be a Milwaukee police detective. Nelson was arrested in January while in the city for a convention of school boards. He faces up to 25 years in prison. Meanwhile, Nelson still has five child pornography charges pending in his home county of Calumet. Nelson pleaded innocent in that case last month, and he’s due back in court July 18th. Authorities said he had pornographic images of children on some of his computer flash drives – and he reportedly had one of them in his possession when he was arrested in Milwaukee. His attorney recently said Nelson is seeking psychological treatment, and he’s trying to patch things up with his family. Nelson spent 20 years in the Randolph school district before moving to Beaver Dam in 1994 where he served as Assistant Principal until 2000.
Police Out In Full Force This Weekend
6/30/11 - If you’re hitting the road this Fourth-of-July weekend, you might want to buckle up and watch your speed. Wisconsin is taking part in a national enforcement project called “Summer Heat.” Starting Friday, officers from 150 law enforcement agencies in the Badger State will crack down on speeders and motorists who do not wear their seat belts. The Dodge County Sheriffs Department is among the agencies participating and Patrol Captain Molly Soblewski says the purpose is to reduce injuries and save lives. The D-O-T reminds people that law enforcement no longer needs to find another violation to stop you for not wearing a seat belt. The so-called “primary enforcement” has been in effect for two years. Last year’s Independence Day period was safer than normal. One motorist died in a Wisconsin crash during that time. Dodge County has had eight traffic fatalities this year, which is one less than all of last year.
Nutt Pleads ‘Not Guilty’ To Sexual Assault
6/30/11 - A Waupun man entered a “not guilty” plea at arraignment Wednesday to charges that he molested a pre-teen. Michael M. Nutt is charged with two felony counts of Sexual Assault of a Child Under the Age of 16 and, if convicted, could spend up to 80 years in prison. According to the criminal complaint, the 20-year-old Nutt would pick the victim up in his truck after sneaking out of her house. He first denied the claim to investigators but reportedly admitted to the incidents after further questioning and said he thought she was 15-years-old. Nutt has court activity on the calendar again in August.
Break-In Being Investigated
6/30/11 - Authorities are investigating a break-in at a town of Lomira business. It was reported just before 7pm last night at The Boat Doc on Columbia Drive. An employee told the Dodge County Sheriff’s Department that an unknown number of fish finders had been stolen sometime between Tuesday night and yesterday morning. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Department.
Public Employees Plan to Take Their Case to the Public
6/30/11 - Many of Wisconsin’s public employee groups promise to take their cases to the public instead of the negotiating table, now that they can no longer bargain for anything but wages. The state’s limits on collective bargaining took effect yesterday for all state employees, plus local-and-school workers without contract extensions. Rick Badger of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees says his 600 chapters around the state won’t be silent. He says they’ll express their concerns about working conditions at public meetings of the various government bodies they work for – even if they no longer decide to unionize. The new law requires unions to hold certification votes once-a-year, and a larger majority – 51-percent – will have to agree to keep the unions going. Badger says some of his local groups won’t even try to certify, but he says they’ll still be a strong voice for labor. Badger heads Council 40 of the government employees’ union. He says about four-thousand members are now without contracts – and nine-thousand more will lose their bargaining powers at the end of the year. Other local government and school extensions will expire in the next one-to-two years – and bargaining privileges continue until those contracts expire.
One Wisconsin Now Circulating Prosser Petition
6/30/11 - One Wisconsin Now is circulating a petition asking Supreme Court Justice David Prosser to resign. Another state Supreme Court Justice, Ann Walsh Bradley, has claimed Prosser put what she called a “choke hold” on her earlier this month. One Wisconsin Now says it was able to collect six thousand signatures in less than 24 hours. Prosser has denied the claims as the Wisconsin Judicial Commission investigates the incident.
Dem’s Have No Regrets Over Exodus
6/30/11 - Fourteen Wisconsin Senate Democrats maintain they were right to leave the state earlier this year in an attempt to block Governor Walker’s collective bargaining changes. They stayed in Illinois for nearly three weeks to block a vote on the bill – until Republicans in the Senate found a way to pass it without them being present. Even though Wisconsin Act 10 took effect Wednesday, state Senator Spencer Coggs of Milwaukee says there are no regrets about the decision to leave. He says it gave the public more time to understand what the bill meant and allowed citizens to make their voices heard. Senator Fred Risser says he expects the issue is far from settled.
UW Names Interim Chancellor
6/30/11 - U-W Madison announced Wednesday that its former chancellor will return to the post on an interim basis. David Ward will replace Biddy Martin on July 18th, as she leaves to become the new president of Amherst College in Massachusetts. His term will be for one year. Ward ran the Madison campus from 1993 until 2001, when he became the president of the American Council on Education. He served in that post until 2008. U-W System President Kevin Reilly said Ward will be involved in major budget decisions, as the campus faces a loss in state aid of well over 100-thousand dollars in the next two years. And Reilly said Ward would help implement the school’s new-found flexibility, as granted by lawmakers in the next state budget which takes effect on Friday. Reilly called Ward a “strategic thinker” who can help make the upcoming changes in ways that fit with Madison’s academic traditions. Board of Regents’ president Michael Spector said Ward has demonstrated he can do the job of chancellor well – and he understands the role of the flagship campus within the entire U-W System.
“Boat Landing Blitz” this Weekend
6/30/11 - Wisconsin game wardens will try to make sure that boaters don’t spread invasive species during the July Fourth weekend. This is the fourth straight year of the D-N-R’s “Boat Landing Blitz.” Wardens will join lake association members and aquatic experts to enforce regulations on almost 90 lakes during the holiday weekend. State rules require that boaters-and-anglers remove all aquatic animals-and-plants from their equipment. They must also drain the water from their boats before they leave. They cannot move live fish from one lake to another. And their bait must come from dealers in Wisconsin. Most of the rules were adopted after the fish-killing V-H-S virus was spotted a few years ago in Lakes Michigan and Winnebago. The D-N-R’s Web site has more information.
Columbus 4th of July Celebration Begins Today
6/30/11 - The Columbus Fourth of July Celebration gets underway today with music, rides and games at Fireman’s Park. They will continue through the weekend and then on Monday the 4th of July Parade kicks off at noon and you can listen to it live on WBEV. Alice Schmidt will serve as Parade Marshall as she celebrates her 80th birthday. The famous fireworks display will take place at dusk on Monday. The theme of this year’s event is “Celebrate History in Our Community”. For more information you can visit Columbus4thofjuly.net.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Top Stories June 29th
Report: Prosser Refused Anger Management Therapy
6/29/11 - There’s a report that State Supreme Court Justice David Prosser was asked to get anger management therapy last month, and he refused. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel said Justice Ann Walsh Bradley made the request on June 15th, when all seven justices met with the Capitol police chief to discuss the physical incident two days earlier between Bradley and Prosser. Bradley has said that Prosser placed her in a choke-hold – while other reports said Prosser was just trying step away when Bradley came toward him with her fists up. The incident occurred on June 13th, the day before the Supreme Court issued its ruling that upheld the state’s new limits on public union bargaining. The state’s Judicial Commission and the Dane County sheriff’s department are investigating.
Another Company Interested in BD Business Park
6/29/11 - A new company is poised to move into Beaver Dam’s Lakeside Business Park. The city’s Community Development Committee last night approved the proposed sales terms for Engineered Treatment Systems to acquire 4.4 acres of land at a cost of $20,000 per acre. ETS is owned by Chuck Neuman and provides ultraviolet technology for improving water quality in not only swimming pools and water parks but also drinking water and wastewater. The construction value of the 29,000 square foot facility is estimated at around $2 million. ETS currently has 14 employees and the new facility could add another half dozen jobs. With approval by the CDC last night, the offer to purchase will go before the council at their July 18 meeting. If all goes according to plan, construction is anticipated to begin as early as August 1.
Horicon Approves Lease for Golf Course
6/29/11 - A new lease for the group that runs the Rock River Hills Golf Course was approved last night by the Horicon City Council. The deal runs 2011 through 2013 and Alderman Steve Neitzel says it will have the group paying the city $4,000 per month. The first year of the contract will see all of that money go to the city’s general fund while in later years the money will be split between that fund and a golf course maintenance fund. The economy has taken its toll on the city owned golf course as they’ve been unable to make any payments to the city over the past 18 months. Neitzel says the lease addresses recouping those funds and also a way of avoiding issues in the future. The contract also makes it so the course can’t go into further debt without prior approval from the council.
The council also approved an ordinance that will have city workers contributions to the Wisconsin Retirement System taken pre-tax. The contributions are part of the new law that restricts collective bargaining for public employee unions that will have employees paying about 12-percent for their health insurance and 5.8-percent for their pension.
BDFD Urges Fireworks Safety
6/29/11 - July is Fireworks Safety Awareness Month and local firefighters are urging the public to take precautions and put safety first when using pyrotechnics. Beaver Dam Deputy Fire Chief Matt Christian says fireworks should only be used outside and directed away from spectators, houses, buildings and other flammable materials. Children using fireworks, even sparklers, should be at least 12-years-old and closely supervised. Christian also recommends closely following the lighting recommendations on the package and moving back a safe distance once lit. He says it is very important not to consume alcohol when using fireworks and avoid running or horseplay. It’s also extremely important to keep a fire extinguisher or garden hose nearby in the event of a mishap. More than 75% of people injured during the July 4 holiday in Wisconsin are males, and almost half are under the age of 15 according to Wisconsin Department of Health & Human services. Hands and eyes were the most-injured body parts by the simplest of fireworks – like firecrackers (26%) and sparklers (11%).
Lake Days Seeking Volunteers
6/29/11 - Non-profit organizations can still volunteer at this year’s Beaver Dam Lake Days to raise money for their cause. Organizer Danielle Tesch says volunteers are needed on Friday and Saturday from 6pm to midnight. The pay is $6 per hour until 9pm and $9 per hour until midnight with all the money going to the charity they represent. Beaver Dam Lake Days will be held Thursday, July 7 through Sunday July 10 at Tahoe Park. This year’s event will feature a teen dance, Must-Ski performances and learn-to-ski clinics, children’s activities, a carnival, live music and fireworks. Those interested in volunteering can contact Diane Bell at 318-9034 or any member of the Lake Days Committee. More information is available online at beaverdamlakedays.com.
BDPD Investigating Garage Break-In
6/29/11 - The Beaver Dam Police Department is investigating a breaking and entering that occurred on Bogert Street. It was reported Monday and entry was gained to the garage. A GPS and bicycle were stolen. The bike was later recovered at Lincoln School. Neighbors saw several men tinkering with the victims air conditioner last Thursday and authorities are investigating to determine if there is a connection.
An attempted break-in was reported early Tuesday morning on the 700 block of South Spring Street in Beaver Dam. According to department records, a male subject wearing a white t-shirt and khaki shorts attempted to break into the unit. He fled eastbound through backyards as the homeowner approached the door. Anyone with information on either incident is asked to contact the Beaver Dam Police Department.
State Calls Union Lawsuit ‘Baseless’
6/29/11 - Attorneys for the state said a lawsuit by employee unions against the new limits on collective bargaining is quote, “baseless” and “imagined.” The government asked Federal Judge William Conley of Madison Tuesday to throw out the unions’ lawsuit, which seeks to drop the bargaining limits. Secretary of State Doug La Follette had the law published Tuesday, and it’s set to take effect Wednesday. The unions said the law violates the U-S Constitution’s First Amendment right to freely associate. But in replying to the lawsuit Tuesday, the state called the claim “imagined.” And it said the unions made a “baseless” claim by saying the measure unconstitutionally discriminates against certain classes of public employees. The bargaining limits do not apply to fire and police unions. And they don’t apply emergency response teams either, after Governor Scott Walker approved that exemption when he signed the new state budget on Sunday. Lawyers from Michael Best and Friedrich filed the state’s response. They said the unions’ lawsuit was flawed, because it mentions the “right” to collectively bargain when the groups should legally call it a “privilege.” Also, the state said the unions have no grounds for relief, because their potential harm is quote, “greatly outweighed by the harm to the state, municipalities, and the people of Wisconsin.” The state denied the unions’ claim that the new law is political payback, since the Milwaukee police-and-fire unions supported Governor Scott Walker in last year’s election. The state’s response said it was “absurd” that the law was meant to punish unions that supported Walker’s opponent Tom Barrett. No date has been set for arguments in the case.
Budget Restricts County Highway Dept Collaboration
6/29/11 - Starting Friday, Wisconsin counties can no longer work with each other to improve their highways. The new state budget signed by Governor Scott Walker prohibits county highway departments from doing work outside their borders. The La Crosse Tribune says it will have a profound impact on county agencies in western Wisconsin. La Crosse and Monroe counties can no longer rely on Vernon County for road stripes, or Trempealeau County for asphalt. Also, Vernon County is stuck with a quarter-million-dollar painting machine it can use only on its own roads. Meanwhile, county officials wonder if they can work together with municipalities on road projects. The restrictions were left in the budget after the state Assembly scrapped the idea of making private contractors do road projects costing 100-thousand dollars or more. Republicans on the Joint Finance Committee approved that measure, attracting criticism that they were catering to their campaign donors. But Governor Walker said the budget item he approved will save taxpayers money. Pat Gross of the Transportation Builders Association said something needed to be done to level the playing field. He said private firms often have to compete with government highway departments which don’t pay taxes.
Mayville Boy Rescued Waist-Deep In Riverbed
6/29/11 - An 11-year-old boy is just fine, after he got stuck for an hour Monday in muck that was waist-deep. It happened in Mayville on the Rock River. Authorities said the water had been lowered so a dam could be fixed – and they boy ventured out and started sinking about 130-feet from the shore. A trucker who drove by called 9-1-1. Mayville fire-fighters used ladders to reach the boy and pull him up. After he was hosed down, he was good-as-new.
Construction Starting on Highway 151 in Beaver Dam
6/29/11 - Orange construction barrels are greeting motorists on Highway 151 northbound as they enter the Beaver Dam area. The D-O-T says they’re beginning a two-year, $21.7-million rebuilding of a 3.5-miles stretch of the highway. Construction will run from Gunn Road to Highway E, and that portion of the project is expected to last until mid-November. Most of the work will be done with crossovers meaning one side of the highway will be closed while the other side remains open and then vice versa. The project will involve some ramp closures, but officials say signs will be posted seven to 10 days prior to let motorists know. Also, part of this phase is the reconfiguring of the Highway D interchange into a full diamond-shape in an effort to cut down on accidents.
Highway Construction On Hold This Weekend
6/28/11 - Most major highway construction projects in Wisconsin will be on hold through the holiday weekend, but not all of them. The DOT’s Don Greuel says motorists should be prepared for delays, especially during peak travel periods. He says he most frequent crash in a work zone is a rear-end collision. Greuel advises drivers to slow down, pay attention and allow a safety cushion when approaching and traveling through work zones. Most construction and repairs in work zones will cease by noon on Friday and won’t resume until next Tuesday.
1. I-94 from Russell Road to the Wisconsin state line, 1 mile. Lane reductions due to construction.
2. I-43/I-894 between Loomis Road and I-43/I-894/I-94 Mitchell Interchange, 1.6 miles and I-94 between College and Howard avenues, 4 miles. The ramp from I-894 eastbound to I-43/I-94 northbound is closed with a detour via Loomis Road and Howard Avenue. Lane restrictions along I-94 between the Mitchell Interchange and College Avenue, both directions.
3. I-94 at Waukesha County P, 1 mile. Lane shift with two lanes open in each direction on one side of the median.
4. WIS 83 between Waukesha County NN and WIS 59, 6 miles. Reconstruction has closed highway with detour via I-43, WIS 164, and WIS 59.
5. I-43 approximately two miles between Cedar Grove and County AA in Sheboygan County. Traffic will be limited to one lane in each direction.
6. WIS 42 from Howards Grove to US 151, 17.9 miles. Pavement repairs and bridge and culvert replacements have closed WIS 42 with detour via WIS 42, I-43, and US 151.
7. US 41 from one mile south of WIS 26 to Breezewood Lane, 16 miles. Construction requires 11-foot width restriction and has narrowed shoulders. Interchanges at 9th Avenue, US 45, and Breezewood Avenue are closed. Detours are posted. Expect delays during peak travel periods.
8. US 41 at the Scheuring Road Interchange at Green Bay, 1 mile. The interchange is closed for reconstruction.
9. WIS 22 from WIS 29 to Shawano County B, 0.7 mile. Bridge work has closed highway with detour via WIS 29 and WIS 47/55.
10. I-94 from the I-39/90/94 Badger Interchange to Dane County N, 5.2 miles. Traffic is limited to two lanes in each direction on one side of the median with a 55 mile per hour speed limit.
11. WIS 26 between Fort Atkinson and Watertown, 22 miles. Bypass construction may result in reduced lane widths and closed shoulders throughout the corridor.
12. US 12 between I-94 and Baraboo, 7 miles. Construction of new highway on new alignment requires some lane restrictions and lane shifts.
13. WIS 23 east of Princeton, 5.4 miles. Reconstruction of WIS 23 and a short segment of WIS 23/73 has closed the highway. Detour of WIS 23 is via Green Lake County D, WIS 73, County K and County A. Detour of WIS 73 is via Green Lake County D. WIS 23 and WIS 73 are open to local traffic.
14. US 10 between WIS 13/ Wood County BB and Stadt Road, at Marshfield, 3 miles. One lane in each direction.
15. I-39/US 51 at the Foxglove Road overpass, 1 mile. Reconstruction of the northbound bridge over Business 51 and reconstruction of the Foxglove Road overpass has closed on-ramp from Business 51 to northbound I-39. Traffic is detoured via Business 51 and WIS 29.
16. WIS 52 from 18th Avenue to 17th Avenue in the city of Wausau. WIS 52 eastbound traffic is reduced to one lane. WIS 52 westbound traffic is open to two lanes.18th Avenue north of WIS 52 is allowed right turns in and right turns out only. 18th Avenue south of WIS 52 is allowed right turns onto 18th Avenue from eastbound WIS 52 only. One-way southbound traffic will be maintained. An indirect left turn lane is provided for WIS 52 westbound traffic to access Stewart Avenue.
17. WIS 13 at Medford, 2 miles. Reconstruction has closed WIS 13 with detour via Taylor County O, Q, and M.
18. US 53 at Galesville, 1.1 mile. Bridge replacement has closed US 53 requiring detour via Trempealeau County TT and T.
19. US 8 from Glacier Drive in St. Croix Falls to WIS 35, 2.3 miles. Traffic is reduced to one lane in each direction.
20. WIS 77 from Deer Lake Road to the east Burnett County line, 2.5 miles. Reconstruction of WIS 77 and replacement of the bridge at Webb Lake narrows has closed WIS 77. Westbound traffic is detoured via US 53, WIS 70 and WIS 35. Eastbound WIS 77 traffic is detoured via WIS 35, WIS 70, and US 53.
6/29/11 - There’s a report that State Supreme Court Justice David Prosser was asked to get anger management therapy last month, and he refused. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel said Justice Ann Walsh Bradley made the request on June 15th, when all seven justices met with the Capitol police chief to discuss the physical incident two days earlier between Bradley and Prosser. Bradley has said that Prosser placed her in a choke-hold – while other reports said Prosser was just trying step away when Bradley came toward him with her fists up. The incident occurred on June 13th, the day before the Supreme Court issued its ruling that upheld the state’s new limits on public union bargaining. The state’s Judicial Commission and the Dane County sheriff’s department are investigating.
Another Company Interested in BD Business Park
6/29/11 - A new company is poised to move into Beaver Dam’s Lakeside Business Park. The city’s Community Development Committee last night approved the proposed sales terms for Engineered Treatment Systems to acquire 4.4 acres of land at a cost of $20,000 per acre. ETS is owned by Chuck Neuman and provides ultraviolet technology for improving water quality in not only swimming pools and water parks but also drinking water and wastewater. The construction value of the 29,000 square foot facility is estimated at around $2 million. ETS currently has 14 employees and the new facility could add another half dozen jobs. With approval by the CDC last night, the offer to purchase will go before the council at their July 18 meeting. If all goes according to plan, construction is anticipated to begin as early as August 1.
Horicon Approves Lease for Golf Course
6/29/11 - A new lease for the group that runs the Rock River Hills Golf Course was approved last night by the Horicon City Council. The deal runs 2011 through 2013 and Alderman Steve Neitzel says it will have the group paying the city $4,000 per month. The first year of the contract will see all of that money go to the city’s general fund while in later years the money will be split between that fund and a golf course maintenance fund. The economy has taken its toll on the city owned golf course as they’ve been unable to make any payments to the city over the past 18 months. Neitzel says the lease addresses recouping those funds and also a way of avoiding issues in the future. The contract also makes it so the course can’t go into further debt without prior approval from the council.
The council also approved an ordinance that will have city workers contributions to the Wisconsin Retirement System taken pre-tax. The contributions are part of the new law that restricts collective bargaining for public employee unions that will have employees paying about 12-percent for their health insurance and 5.8-percent for their pension.
BDFD Urges Fireworks Safety
6/29/11 - July is Fireworks Safety Awareness Month and local firefighters are urging the public to take precautions and put safety first when using pyrotechnics. Beaver Dam Deputy Fire Chief Matt Christian says fireworks should only be used outside and directed away from spectators, houses, buildings and other flammable materials. Children using fireworks, even sparklers, should be at least 12-years-old and closely supervised. Christian also recommends closely following the lighting recommendations on the package and moving back a safe distance once lit. He says it is very important not to consume alcohol when using fireworks and avoid running or horseplay. It’s also extremely important to keep a fire extinguisher or garden hose nearby in the event of a mishap. More than 75% of people injured during the July 4 holiday in Wisconsin are males, and almost half are under the age of 15 according to Wisconsin Department of Health & Human services. Hands and eyes were the most-injured body parts by the simplest of fireworks – like firecrackers (26%) and sparklers (11%).
Lake Days Seeking Volunteers
6/29/11 - Non-profit organizations can still volunteer at this year’s Beaver Dam Lake Days to raise money for their cause. Organizer Danielle Tesch says volunteers are needed on Friday and Saturday from 6pm to midnight. The pay is $6 per hour until 9pm and $9 per hour until midnight with all the money going to the charity they represent. Beaver Dam Lake Days will be held Thursday, July 7 through Sunday July 10 at Tahoe Park. This year’s event will feature a teen dance, Must-Ski performances and learn-to-ski clinics, children’s activities, a carnival, live music and fireworks. Those interested in volunteering can contact Diane Bell at 318-9034 or any member of the Lake Days Committee. More information is available online at beaverdamlakedays.com.
BDPD Investigating Garage Break-In
6/29/11 - The Beaver Dam Police Department is investigating a breaking and entering that occurred on Bogert Street. It was reported Monday and entry was gained to the garage. A GPS and bicycle were stolen. The bike was later recovered at Lincoln School. Neighbors saw several men tinkering with the victims air conditioner last Thursday and authorities are investigating to determine if there is a connection.
An attempted break-in was reported early Tuesday morning on the 700 block of South Spring Street in Beaver Dam. According to department records, a male subject wearing a white t-shirt and khaki shorts attempted to break into the unit. He fled eastbound through backyards as the homeowner approached the door. Anyone with information on either incident is asked to contact the Beaver Dam Police Department.
State Calls Union Lawsuit ‘Baseless’
6/29/11 - Attorneys for the state said a lawsuit by employee unions against the new limits on collective bargaining is quote, “baseless” and “imagined.” The government asked Federal Judge William Conley of Madison Tuesday to throw out the unions’ lawsuit, which seeks to drop the bargaining limits. Secretary of State Doug La Follette had the law published Tuesday, and it’s set to take effect Wednesday. The unions said the law violates the U-S Constitution’s First Amendment right to freely associate. But in replying to the lawsuit Tuesday, the state called the claim “imagined.” And it said the unions made a “baseless” claim by saying the measure unconstitutionally discriminates against certain classes of public employees. The bargaining limits do not apply to fire and police unions. And they don’t apply emergency response teams either, after Governor Scott Walker approved that exemption when he signed the new state budget on Sunday. Lawyers from Michael Best and Friedrich filed the state’s response. They said the unions’ lawsuit was flawed, because it mentions the “right” to collectively bargain when the groups should legally call it a “privilege.” Also, the state said the unions have no grounds for relief, because their potential harm is quote, “greatly outweighed by the harm to the state, municipalities, and the people of Wisconsin.” The state denied the unions’ claim that the new law is political payback, since the Milwaukee police-and-fire unions supported Governor Scott Walker in last year’s election. The state’s response said it was “absurd” that the law was meant to punish unions that supported Walker’s opponent Tom Barrett. No date has been set for arguments in the case.
Budget Restricts County Highway Dept Collaboration
6/29/11 - Starting Friday, Wisconsin counties can no longer work with each other to improve their highways. The new state budget signed by Governor Scott Walker prohibits county highway departments from doing work outside their borders. The La Crosse Tribune says it will have a profound impact on county agencies in western Wisconsin. La Crosse and Monroe counties can no longer rely on Vernon County for road stripes, or Trempealeau County for asphalt. Also, Vernon County is stuck with a quarter-million-dollar painting machine it can use only on its own roads. Meanwhile, county officials wonder if they can work together with municipalities on road projects. The restrictions were left in the budget after the state Assembly scrapped the idea of making private contractors do road projects costing 100-thousand dollars or more. Republicans on the Joint Finance Committee approved that measure, attracting criticism that they were catering to their campaign donors. But Governor Walker said the budget item he approved will save taxpayers money. Pat Gross of the Transportation Builders Association said something needed to be done to level the playing field. He said private firms often have to compete with government highway departments which don’t pay taxes.
Mayville Boy Rescued Waist-Deep In Riverbed
6/29/11 - An 11-year-old boy is just fine, after he got stuck for an hour Monday in muck that was waist-deep. It happened in Mayville on the Rock River. Authorities said the water had been lowered so a dam could be fixed – and they boy ventured out and started sinking about 130-feet from the shore. A trucker who drove by called 9-1-1. Mayville fire-fighters used ladders to reach the boy and pull him up. After he was hosed down, he was good-as-new.
Construction Starting on Highway 151 in Beaver Dam
6/29/11 - Orange construction barrels are greeting motorists on Highway 151 northbound as they enter the Beaver Dam area. The D-O-T says they’re beginning a two-year, $21.7-million rebuilding of a 3.5-miles stretch of the highway. Construction will run from Gunn Road to Highway E, and that portion of the project is expected to last until mid-November. Most of the work will be done with crossovers meaning one side of the highway will be closed while the other side remains open and then vice versa. The project will involve some ramp closures, but officials say signs will be posted seven to 10 days prior to let motorists know. Also, part of this phase is the reconfiguring of the Highway D interchange into a full diamond-shape in an effort to cut down on accidents.
Highway Construction On Hold This Weekend
6/28/11 - Most major highway construction projects in Wisconsin will be on hold through the holiday weekend, but not all of them. The DOT’s Don Greuel says motorists should be prepared for delays, especially during peak travel periods. He says he most frequent crash in a work zone is a rear-end collision. Greuel advises drivers to slow down, pay attention and allow a safety cushion when approaching and traveling through work zones. Most construction and repairs in work zones will cease by noon on Friday and won’t resume until next Tuesday.
1. I-94 from Russell Road to the Wisconsin state line, 1 mile. Lane reductions due to construction.
2. I-43/I-894 between Loomis Road and I-43/I-894/I-94 Mitchell Interchange, 1.6 miles and I-94 between College and Howard avenues, 4 miles. The ramp from I-894 eastbound to I-43/I-94 northbound is closed with a detour via Loomis Road and Howard Avenue. Lane restrictions along I-94 between the Mitchell Interchange and College Avenue, both directions.
3. I-94 at Waukesha County P, 1 mile. Lane shift with two lanes open in each direction on one side of the median.
4. WIS 83 between Waukesha County NN and WIS 59, 6 miles. Reconstruction has closed highway with detour via I-43, WIS 164, and WIS 59.
5. I-43 approximately two miles between Cedar Grove and County AA in Sheboygan County. Traffic will be limited to one lane in each direction.
6. WIS 42 from Howards Grove to US 151, 17.9 miles. Pavement repairs and bridge and culvert replacements have closed WIS 42 with detour via WIS 42, I-43, and US 151.
7. US 41 from one mile south of WIS 26 to Breezewood Lane, 16 miles. Construction requires 11-foot width restriction and has narrowed shoulders. Interchanges at 9th Avenue, US 45, and Breezewood Avenue are closed. Detours are posted. Expect delays during peak travel periods.
8. US 41 at the Scheuring Road Interchange at Green Bay, 1 mile. The interchange is closed for reconstruction.
9. WIS 22 from WIS 29 to Shawano County B, 0.7 mile. Bridge work has closed highway with detour via WIS 29 and WIS 47/55.
10. I-94 from the I-39/90/94 Badger Interchange to Dane County N, 5.2 miles. Traffic is limited to two lanes in each direction on one side of the median with a 55 mile per hour speed limit.
11. WIS 26 between Fort Atkinson and Watertown, 22 miles. Bypass construction may result in reduced lane widths and closed shoulders throughout the corridor.
12. US 12 between I-94 and Baraboo, 7 miles. Construction of new highway on new alignment requires some lane restrictions and lane shifts.
13. WIS 23 east of Princeton, 5.4 miles. Reconstruction of WIS 23 and a short segment of WIS 23/73 has closed the highway. Detour of WIS 23 is via Green Lake County D, WIS 73, County K and County A. Detour of WIS 73 is via Green Lake County D. WIS 23 and WIS 73 are open to local traffic.
14. US 10 between WIS 13/ Wood County BB and Stadt Road, at Marshfield, 3 miles. One lane in each direction.
15. I-39/US 51 at the Foxglove Road overpass, 1 mile. Reconstruction of the northbound bridge over Business 51 and reconstruction of the Foxglove Road overpass has closed on-ramp from Business 51 to northbound I-39. Traffic is detoured via Business 51 and WIS 29.
16. WIS 52 from 18th Avenue to 17th Avenue in the city of Wausau. WIS 52 eastbound traffic is reduced to one lane. WIS 52 westbound traffic is open to two lanes.18th Avenue north of WIS 52 is allowed right turns in and right turns out only. 18th Avenue south of WIS 52 is allowed right turns onto 18th Avenue from eastbound WIS 52 only. One-way southbound traffic will be maintained. An indirect left turn lane is provided for WIS 52 westbound traffic to access Stewart Avenue.
17. WIS 13 at Medford, 2 miles. Reconstruction has closed WIS 13 with detour via Taylor County O, Q, and M.
18. US 53 at Galesville, 1.1 mile. Bridge replacement has closed US 53 requiring detour via Trempealeau County TT and T.
19. US 8 from Glacier Drive in St. Croix Falls to WIS 35, 2.3 miles. Traffic is reduced to one lane in each direction.
20. WIS 77 from Deer Lake Road to the east Burnett County line, 2.5 miles. Reconstruction of WIS 77 and replacement of the bridge at Webb Lake narrows has closed WIS 77. Westbound traffic is detoured via US 53, WIS 70 and WIS 35. Eastbound WIS 77 traffic is detoured via WIS 35, WIS 70, and US 53.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Top Stories June 28th
Prosser Will Cooperate With Investigators
6/28/11 - State Supreme Court Justice David Prosser says he’ll cooperate fully with two investigations into claims he put a choke-hold on fellow Justice Ann Walsh Bradley. Dane County sheriff’s deputies began one of the probes yesterday at the request of State Capitol Police Chief Charles Tubbs. The state’s Judicial Commission said it’s been looking into the matter since Friday. Spokesman Brian Nemoir said Prosser believes a quote, “thorough and impartial review” is the proper way to get the facts out. Media reports have given differing accounts of the incident, which happened the day before the court’s ruling last month which upheld the state’s new union bargaining limits. Bradley has said publicly that Prosser gave her a choke-hold when she ordered him out of her office. Other reports said Bradley moved toward Prosser with her fists up – and Prosser had just blocked her. All of the other Supreme Court justices except Pat Crooks reportedly saw the incident, but none have commented. Some of Prosser’s critics have called on him to resign. But Governor Scott Walker told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel yesterday he doesn’t want to go down that path yet. The incident is just the latest public disagreement among the current set of justices. In the long run, Walker said it’s worth looking at appointing Supreme Court justices. The constitution would have to be changed first.
Walker Talks About Collective Bargaining Process
6/28/11 - Governor Scott Walker has again admitted he did not build enough of a case for his plan to limit collective bargaining for most public employee unions. But he still thinks we should have seen it coming – even before he ran for governor last year. The Republican told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that he should have done more to prepare the public, before he submitted his plan to the Legislature in February. He made a similar admission at a recent conference in Madison. Still, Walker said he gave plenty of warnings during his election campaign that he would limit public union bargaining – and we should have seen it by the way he treated unions as the Milwaukee County Executive. Walker also said the furor over the issue is subsiding. And as time goes by, he says both the unions and the public will come to accept the changes, which begin to take effect tomorrow. Critics disagree saying they plan to initiate a recall effort against Walker when he’s eligible next year.
First Responder Treasurer Accused of Embezzlement
6/28/11 - The former Treasurer of the Lowell-Reeseville First Responders is accused of stealing money from the organization. 39-year-old Sheri Ritter of Reeseville is charged with a felony count of Theft In A Business Setting, which carries a maximum prison sentence of three-and-a-half years. According to the criminal complaint, a report uncovered irregularities in the group’s financial records and Ritter admitted the thefts on the record during a subsequent meeting. Nearly $3000 from the First Responders business account was allegedly used for Ritter’s personal finances, to pay for car loans, cable bills and phone bills. The offenses date back to last October with the most recent occurring in March of this year. A signature bond was set at $1000 yesterday and preliminary hearing is scheduled in August.
Clyman To Install New Fire Chief
6/28/11 - Clyman will have a new fire chief come Friday. The Clyman Fire Commission last week appointed Eric Howlett as the next chief to succeed John Haase, who is retiring from the 25-member department. The 33-year-old Howlett has been with the department for five years and currently serves as captain. Haase served as chief of the department for six years and was appointed to a five-year term in August. Howlett will fill the remaining 4 1/2-year term beginning on Friday. He says his focus will be on teambuilding and working toward common goals.
Florida Man Accused of Assaulting Sleeping WT Woman
6/28/11 - A Florida man is charged with sexual assault for allegedly trying to grope a sleeping woman in Watertown. 21-year-old Christopher Jensen of Lake Alfred, FL was with a group of people at the victim’s home in March. The victim fell asleep and the rest of the group returned to a local tavern. According to the criminal complaint, Jensen stayed back, entered the woman’s bed and touched her inappropriately. He initially told investigators that it was just “southern hospitality” but later reportedly admitted to his actions. Jensen is charged with misdemeanor Sexual Assault and if he’s convicted that carries a maximum nine month jail sentence. A signature bond was set at $1000 yesterday and Jensen will be back in court next month.
Attempted Burglary At BD Greenhouse
6/28/11 - An attempted burglary was reported at a greenhouse in Beaver Dam. According to police department records, entry was gained to Blooming Acres on the 1500 block of North Spring Street last Thursday night or Friday morning. The perpetrators made a slit in the side of the plastic greenhouse to get in. The cash register was pried open but there was no money kept inside. Employee time cards were reported missing.
Authorities are also investigating an attempt to gain entry at the St. Katherine Drexel School campus on Maple Avenue during the same time frame. A window was broken and a rear door was damaged but entry was not gained. On Saturday night, a resident on the 300 block of Front Street in Beaver Dam reported that a door was damaged and wide open but nothing was apparently missing. Anyone with information on any of the break-ins is asked to contact the Beaver Dam Police Department.
Woman In Jail for Allegedly Neglecting Her Kids
6/28/11 - Three young children are in protective custody in Fond du Lac, after a woman left two of them in a stroller that rolled to a street – and leaving the other one home alone. A caller told police that the 30-year-old woman was falling down and rolling around in a grassy area while two kids sat in a stroller near a roadway. The other child was later found alone in the woman’s home nearby. Police Captain Steve Klein said the woman was drunk at the time. One of the children was 20 months old. The others were four-and-five years old. The woman was in jail yesterday, but had not been charged yet.
Hansen Spared Second Challenger In Recall
6/28/11 - A state Assembly Republican failed Monday to get on the ballot for this summer’s recall election against Senate Democrat Dave Hansen. The Government Accountability Board ruled that Representative John Nygren of Marinette did not have enough valid signatures on his nomination papers. State Democrats challenged 39 of the 424 signatures Nygren received. And the board said Nygren fell two signatures short of the minimum he needed. Nygren would have run in a July primary against David VanderLeest, with the winner to square off against Senator Hansen in August. But now, VanderLeest won’t have a primary challenger – and that means he’ll run directly against Hansen in a vote set for July 19th. Also today, the Accountability Board found that two Republicans for Jim Holperin’s Senate seat had enough valid signatures to run in a July 16th primary. It means that Kim Simac of Eagle River and Robert Lussow of Tomahawk will compete for the right to face the incumbent Democrat Holperin in an August 16th recall vote.
Investigators Assigned To Supreme Court Conflict
6/28/11 - Two investigations were announced Monday to look into a claim that State Supreme Court Justice David Prosser placed Justice Ann Walsh Bradley in a choke-hold last month. The state’s Judicial Commission, which enforces the judicial code, confirmed that it authorized a probe last Friday. And the Dane County Sheriff’s Department, where the court is located, will do its own investigation. Capitol Police Chief Charles Tubbs said he consulted with Supreme Court justices before turning over his investigation to Sheriff Dave Mahoney. The county’s district attorney, Ismael Ozanne, says nobody has referred anything to his office about the alleged choke incident – but he’ll review anything that gets sent to him. The incident was reported over the weekend, and it was said to occur the day before the Supreme Court announced it would uphold the new law which limits collective bargaining by most public unions. The conservative Prosser denied that he put a choke-hold on the liberal Bradley, and the facts will bear it out. But Bradley said it indeed happened, while telling Prosser to leave her office. It’s the latest of a number of instances of public friction on the state’s highest court. Today, Governor Scott Walker said the justices must find a way to get along, in order for the public to have confidence that the court will do its job fairly and rationally.
Clark Pays Child Support
6/28/11 - A state Assembly Democrat who hopes to get elected to the Senate this summer says he’s up-to-date with his child support payments. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel said Baraboo Representative Fred Clark was billed 65-hundred dollars earlier this year, for not immediately bumping up his monthly support payments when he got a raise as a lawmaker two-and-a-half years ago. Clark told columnist Dan Bice he paid it all back, plus interest, in early May. That was about two weeks after announcing he would run against Senate Republican Luther Olsen of Ripon, who’s up for a recall this summer. Clark also denied emphatically that he’s trying to get out of any responsibility involving his 14-year-old son – and the newspaper said he has always made his monthly support payments on time. Clark and his ex-wife got divorced in 1999. He paid 400-dollars a month in child support when he worked as a forester. At the start of 2009, his pay went up. But Clark said his ex-wife waited a year to ask the court to bump up his monthly payment – and neither thought it was a big priority at the time. Clark said he agreed in March of last year to pay 650-a-month, but officials said he should have been paying that much for over a year before that. Bice said he asked Clark if he wished he dealt with the issue earlier. Clark repeated how engaged he is in his son’s life – and he hopes it doesn’t become a campaign issue.
Wisconsin On Hook For $22 Million
6/28/11 - Wisconsin lawmakers are being asked to fork up another 22-million dollars to build-and-maintain a pair of new trains for Amtrak’s Milwaukee-to-Chicago line. The D-O-T is asking the Joint Finance Committee to spend almost 12-million to build-and-equip a temporary maintenance base for train-maker Talgo of Spain. Spare parts would cost another two-and-a-half million. And a consultant from England would get almost seven-million to oversee the building process for the new trains. D-O-T executive assistant Reggie Newsom says the state is required to pay the money under contracts left unpaid by former Governor Jim Doyle and his people. But one of those people takes issue. Ex-D-O-T Secretary Frank Busalacchi said all the proposed expenses would have been covered under the 810-million-dollars that current Governor Scott Walker turned down. Walker rejected funding that Democrats had approved for an extension of the Amtrak line from Milwaukee-to-Madison. Newsom said the federal money could have covered up to 11-million-dollars of that grant. But he said the state would have to pay for the rest anyway – and under Doyle, it didn’t.
FSA County Committee Nominations Sought
6/28/11 - Nominations are being accepted for the Dodge County Farm Service Agency County Committee election. The FSA administers federal agricultural production, farm loan, conservation and emergency programs annually in Wisconsin through a network of 58 local offices. Locally elected committee’s of farmer’s and/ or landowners that serve staggered, three-year terms oversee each office. This fall, the townships of Beaver Dam, Burnett, Calamus, Chester, Fox Lake, Oak Grove, Trenton and Westford will be holding their election for a FSA County committee member representative. Dodge County FSA Director Susan Blachowiak says farmers can nominate themselves or another producer to run for a seat on the county committee. Blachowiak says the locally elected committees help make national farm programs fit the needs of local farmers by bringing local expertise and knowledge to the USDA’s daily programs and services. Eligible voters may circulate or sign nomination petitions for as many candidates as they choose, including themselves. The deadline for submitting nominations to the local FSA office is August 1. Ballots will be mailed to eligible voters in November and must be in by December so newly-elected committee members and alternates can be seated by January 2.
6/28/11 - State Supreme Court Justice David Prosser says he’ll cooperate fully with two investigations into claims he put a choke-hold on fellow Justice Ann Walsh Bradley. Dane County sheriff’s deputies began one of the probes yesterday at the request of State Capitol Police Chief Charles Tubbs. The state’s Judicial Commission said it’s been looking into the matter since Friday. Spokesman Brian Nemoir said Prosser believes a quote, “thorough and impartial review” is the proper way to get the facts out. Media reports have given differing accounts of the incident, which happened the day before the court’s ruling last month which upheld the state’s new union bargaining limits. Bradley has said publicly that Prosser gave her a choke-hold when she ordered him out of her office. Other reports said Bradley moved toward Prosser with her fists up – and Prosser had just blocked her. All of the other Supreme Court justices except Pat Crooks reportedly saw the incident, but none have commented. Some of Prosser’s critics have called on him to resign. But Governor Scott Walker told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel yesterday he doesn’t want to go down that path yet. The incident is just the latest public disagreement among the current set of justices. In the long run, Walker said it’s worth looking at appointing Supreme Court justices. The constitution would have to be changed first.
Walker Talks About Collective Bargaining Process
6/28/11 - Governor Scott Walker has again admitted he did not build enough of a case for his plan to limit collective bargaining for most public employee unions. But he still thinks we should have seen it coming – even before he ran for governor last year. The Republican told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that he should have done more to prepare the public, before he submitted his plan to the Legislature in February. He made a similar admission at a recent conference in Madison. Still, Walker said he gave plenty of warnings during his election campaign that he would limit public union bargaining – and we should have seen it by the way he treated unions as the Milwaukee County Executive. Walker also said the furor over the issue is subsiding. And as time goes by, he says both the unions and the public will come to accept the changes, which begin to take effect tomorrow. Critics disagree saying they plan to initiate a recall effort against Walker when he’s eligible next year.
First Responder Treasurer Accused of Embezzlement
6/28/11 - The former Treasurer of the Lowell-Reeseville First Responders is accused of stealing money from the organization. 39-year-old Sheri Ritter of Reeseville is charged with a felony count of Theft In A Business Setting, which carries a maximum prison sentence of three-and-a-half years. According to the criminal complaint, a report uncovered irregularities in the group’s financial records and Ritter admitted the thefts on the record during a subsequent meeting. Nearly $3000 from the First Responders business account was allegedly used for Ritter’s personal finances, to pay for car loans, cable bills and phone bills. The offenses date back to last October with the most recent occurring in March of this year. A signature bond was set at $1000 yesterday and preliminary hearing is scheduled in August.
Clyman To Install New Fire Chief
6/28/11 - Clyman will have a new fire chief come Friday. The Clyman Fire Commission last week appointed Eric Howlett as the next chief to succeed John Haase, who is retiring from the 25-member department. The 33-year-old Howlett has been with the department for five years and currently serves as captain. Haase served as chief of the department for six years and was appointed to a five-year term in August. Howlett will fill the remaining 4 1/2-year term beginning on Friday. He says his focus will be on teambuilding and working toward common goals.
Florida Man Accused of Assaulting Sleeping WT Woman
6/28/11 - A Florida man is charged with sexual assault for allegedly trying to grope a sleeping woman in Watertown. 21-year-old Christopher Jensen of Lake Alfred, FL was with a group of people at the victim’s home in March. The victim fell asleep and the rest of the group returned to a local tavern. According to the criminal complaint, Jensen stayed back, entered the woman’s bed and touched her inappropriately. He initially told investigators that it was just “southern hospitality” but later reportedly admitted to his actions. Jensen is charged with misdemeanor Sexual Assault and if he’s convicted that carries a maximum nine month jail sentence. A signature bond was set at $1000 yesterday and Jensen will be back in court next month.
Attempted Burglary At BD Greenhouse
6/28/11 - An attempted burglary was reported at a greenhouse in Beaver Dam. According to police department records, entry was gained to Blooming Acres on the 1500 block of North Spring Street last Thursday night or Friday morning. The perpetrators made a slit in the side of the plastic greenhouse to get in. The cash register was pried open but there was no money kept inside. Employee time cards were reported missing.
Authorities are also investigating an attempt to gain entry at the St. Katherine Drexel School campus on Maple Avenue during the same time frame. A window was broken and a rear door was damaged but entry was not gained. On Saturday night, a resident on the 300 block of Front Street in Beaver Dam reported that a door was damaged and wide open but nothing was apparently missing. Anyone with information on any of the break-ins is asked to contact the Beaver Dam Police Department.
Woman In Jail for Allegedly Neglecting Her Kids
6/28/11 - Three young children are in protective custody in Fond du Lac, after a woman left two of them in a stroller that rolled to a street – and leaving the other one home alone. A caller told police that the 30-year-old woman was falling down and rolling around in a grassy area while two kids sat in a stroller near a roadway. The other child was later found alone in the woman’s home nearby. Police Captain Steve Klein said the woman was drunk at the time. One of the children was 20 months old. The others were four-and-five years old. The woman was in jail yesterday, but had not been charged yet.
Hansen Spared Second Challenger In Recall
6/28/11 - A state Assembly Republican failed Monday to get on the ballot for this summer’s recall election against Senate Democrat Dave Hansen. The Government Accountability Board ruled that Representative John Nygren of Marinette did not have enough valid signatures on his nomination papers. State Democrats challenged 39 of the 424 signatures Nygren received. And the board said Nygren fell two signatures short of the minimum he needed. Nygren would have run in a July primary against David VanderLeest, with the winner to square off against Senator Hansen in August. But now, VanderLeest won’t have a primary challenger – and that means he’ll run directly against Hansen in a vote set for July 19th. Also today, the Accountability Board found that two Republicans for Jim Holperin’s Senate seat had enough valid signatures to run in a July 16th primary. It means that Kim Simac of Eagle River and Robert Lussow of Tomahawk will compete for the right to face the incumbent Democrat Holperin in an August 16th recall vote.
Investigators Assigned To Supreme Court Conflict
6/28/11 - Two investigations were announced Monday to look into a claim that State Supreme Court Justice David Prosser placed Justice Ann Walsh Bradley in a choke-hold last month. The state’s Judicial Commission, which enforces the judicial code, confirmed that it authorized a probe last Friday. And the Dane County Sheriff’s Department, where the court is located, will do its own investigation. Capitol Police Chief Charles Tubbs said he consulted with Supreme Court justices before turning over his investigation to Sheriff Dave Mahoney. The county’s district attorney, Ismael Ozanne, says nobody has referred anything to his office about the alleged choke incident – but he’ll review anything that gets sent to him. The incident was reported over the weekend, and it was said to occur the day before the Supreme Court announced it would uphold the new law which limits collective bargaining by most public unions. The conservative Prosser denied that he put a choke-hold on the liberal Bradley, and the facts will bear it out. But Bradley said it indeed happened, while telling Prosser to leave her office. It’s the latest of a number of instances of public friction on the state’s highest court. Today, Governor Scott Walker said the justices must find a way to get along, in order for the public to have confidence that the court will do its job fairly and rationally.
Clark Pays Child Support
6/28/11 - A state Assembly Democrat who hopes to get elected to the Senate this summer says he’s up-to-date with his child support payments. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel said Baraboo Representative Fred Clark was billed 65-hundred dollars earlier this year, for not immediately bumping up his monthly support payments when he got a raise as a lawmaker two-and-a-half years ago. Clark told columnist Dan Bice he paid it all back, plus interest, in early May. That was about two weeks after announcing he would run against Senate Republican Luther Olsen of Ripon, who’s up for a recall this summer. Clark also denied emphatically that he’s trying to get out of any responsibility involving his 14-year-old son – and the newspaper said he has always made his monthly support payments on time. Clark and his ex-wife got divorced in 1999. He paid 400-dollars a month in child support when he worked as a forester. At the start of 2009, his pay went up. But Clark said his ex-wife waited a year to ask the court to bump up his monthly payment – and neither thought it was a big priority at the time. Clark said he agreed in March of last year to pay 650-a-month, but officials said he should have been paying that much for over a year before that. Bice said he asked Clark if he wished he dealt with the issue earlier. Clark repeated how engaged he is in his son’s life – and he hopes it doesn’t become a campaign issue.
Wisconsin On Hook For $22 Million
6/28/11 - Wisconsin lawmakers are being asked to fork up another 22-million dollars to build-and-maintain a pair of new trains for Amtrak’s Milwaukee-to-Chicago line. The D-O-T is asking the Joint Finance Committee to spend almost 12-million to build-and-equip a temporary maintenance base for train-maker Talgo of Spain. Spare parts would cost another two-and-a-half million. And a consultant from England would get almost seven-million to oversee the building process for the new trains. D-O-T executive assistant Reggie Newsom says the state is required to pay the money under contracts left unpaid by former Governor Jim Doyle and his people. But one of those people takes issue. Ex-D-O-T Secretary Frank Busalacchi said all the proposed expenses would have been covered under the 810-million-dollars that current Governor Scott Walker turned down. Walker rejected funding that Democrats had approved for an extension of the Amtrak line from Milwaukee-to-Madison. Newsom said the federal money could have covered up to 11-million-dollars of that grant. But he said the state would have to pay for the rest anyway – and under Doyle, it didn’t.
FSA County Committee Nominations Sought
6/28/11 - Nominations are being accepted for the Dodge County Farm Service Agency County Committee election. The FSA administers federal agricultural production, farm loan, conservation and emergency programs annually in Wisconsin through a network of 58 local offices. Locally elected committee’s of farmer’s and/ or landowners that serve staggered, three-year terms oversee each office. This fall, the townships of Beaver Dam, Burnett, Calamus, Chester, Fox Lake, Oak Grove, Trenton and Westford will be holding their election for a FSA County committee member representative. Dodge County FSA Director Susan Blachowiak says farmers can nominate themselves or another producer to run for a seat on the county committee. Blachowiak says the locally elected committees help make national farm programs fit the needs of local farmers by bringing local expertise and knowledge to the USDA’s daily programs and services. Eligible voters may circulate or sign nomination petitions for as many candidates as they choose, including themselves. The deadline for submitting nominations to the local FSA office is August 1. Ballots will be mailed to eligible voters in November and must be in by December so newly-elected committee members and alternates can be seated by January 2.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Top Stories, June 26th
Conflicting Stories Arise Out Supreme Court Altercation
6/26/11 - A dispute between state Supreme Court Justices became physical earlier this month. That’s according to a joint investigation by Wisconsin Public Radio and the Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism that says an argument took place between Justices David Prosser and Ann Walsh Bradley on June 13, the day before the high court's release of a decision upholding a bill to curtail the collective bargaining rights of most public employee unions. The sources say Prosser and Bradley were among five justices gathered informally in Bradley's office to discuss the decision. The conversation then grew heated as Bradley was reportedly bothered by disparaging remarks Prosser had allegedly made about Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson. According to one account, Prosser grabbed Bradley by the neck. According to another account, Bradley charged Prosser, who raised his hands to defend himself and made contact with her neck. Prosser issued a statement late last night that said: "Once there's a proper review of the matter and the facts surrounding it are made clear, the anonymous claim made to the media will be proven false. Bradley and the other justices present have not commented. The Journal Sentinel is reporting that Capitol Police Chief Charles Tubbs was notified of the incident, and the matter was brought to the attention of the Wisconsin Judicial Commission, which investigates allegations of misconduct involving judges. The executive director of the commission is neither confirming nor denying that the incident is under investigation.
Beaver Dam Relay Exceeds Fundraising Goal
6/26/11 - This weekend’s Relay for Life of Beaver Dam exceeded its fundraising goal. The event, now in its sixteenth year, featured over 30 teams on the track of the Beaver Dam High School with the hopes of raising $125,000. Event Co-Chair Kristin Fabisch says the total gross was $128,154, more than three thousand dollars over target. Former Event Chair Maria Rognstad brought in the most money for an individual, over $1900, while Good Karma Broadcastings own Karen Kuhn was second at $1440. Team Jenny brought in the most for a team at just over $7800 and the Beaver Dam Community Hospital Cancer Kickers were second at $7100. Donations can still be made to an individual, a team or the national organization. A link to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life web page can be found on website, wbevradio.com.
Benefit Held Today For Joplin Victim with Dodge County Ties
6/26/11 - A benefit is being held today for the family of a Watertown-native who died in the recent tornado in Joplin, Missouri. Tami Moldenhauer-Campbell – a former employee of the Beaver Dam Wal-Mart – left behind a husband and three boys; a nine-year old and two five-year-olds. Organizer Jena Schultz says in addition to losing a wife and mother, the family lost their home and all of their possessions. Making matters worse, they did not have homeowners insurance and did not have life insurance. The benefit is being held Old World Pub at 210 Water Street in Watertown beginning at 12:30pm Sunday afternoon. Three bands have volunteered to play; performances begin at 2:30pm and continue until midnight. Freewill donations are being accepted at the door. The benefit will also feature raffles and an auction with donations from local businesses. In addition, ten percent of the gross sales from the bar will be given to the family.
Columbus Council Opposes Assembly Bill
6/26/11 - The Columbus Council has joined the City’s Water and Light Commission in opposing a proposed state Assembly Bill. The Council approved a resolution urging lawmakers to stop passage of Bill 182 that would take away Water and Light’s power to place delinquent bills on the tax roll. The proposed legislation would weaken municipal utilities’ power to collect on unpaid bills. A Public Hearing on Bill 182 will be held during the next few weeks. Columbus has been served by a locally controlled, nonprofit electric & water utility for over 100 years.
SKDS Observing Feast of Corpus Christi
6/26/11 - Members of the St. Katherine Drexel Parish in Beaver Dam will be participating in a procession from their church to Swan Park this morning. It is part of the Feast of Corpus Christi. Fr. Mike Erwin says it is the one time of the year their communion sacrament is brought outside the church into the general public. The procession begins at the Spring Street church at 11am. There are seven stations for prayers for special needs along the route to Swan Park. The Feast of Corpus Christi concludes with noon mass at the church. The public is invited to attend.
Dodge County Dairy Brunch Is Today
6/26/11 - The Dodge County Dairy Brunch is being held today on the Hildebrandt Farm in Hustisford. The menu includes scrambled eggs with ham and cheese, pancakes, an assortment of cheeses, milk, juice and ice cream sundaes. They’ll start serving at 9am and won’t quit until 12:30pm or until everyone is fed. The cost for those 12 and older is $7, ages 5 to 11 is $3, and those under four are free. The Hildebrandt Farm is located at N2963 County Road R.
Construction Begins on Third State Vets Home
6/26/11 - Construction has officially begun on the state government’s third skilled nursing home for veterans. The new, 20-million dollar Wisconsin Veterans Home in Chippewa Falls will have 72 beds, and will provide skilled nursing care for veterans and their spouses. It will be the third vets’ home in Wisconsin, and the first in the northwest part of the state. The others are at King in Waupaca County, and Union Grove in Racine County. State lawmakers authorized funding in 2003 in serve veterans’ in northwest Wisconsin – and the new home has received support from local lawmakers of both parties. The State Building Commission okayed the project nine months ago. The new veterans’ home will be named in honor of John Moses, a World War Two commander and Purple Heart recipient. He ran the state Department of Veterans’ Affairs for 21 years until 1982. He was the agency’s longest-serving secretary ever. Moses died in 2007 at age 88.
Baldwin Opposes Cuts In Medicaid
6/26/11 - Madison House Democrat Tammy Baldwin says businesses will only hurt themselves unless they oppose the G-O-P’s proposed cuts in Medicaid. The health advocacy group Families U-S-A says Wisconsin would lose three-billion-dollars a year in economic activity if the Medicaid cuts go through, with an estimated loss of 31-thousand jobs. The Republican-controlled House has passed a budget blue-print that calls for a 33-percent cut in federal health care for the poor-and-elderly by 2021. One-point-two million Wisconsinites – one-of-every-five of us – get some form of Medicaid health coverage. And Baldwin says the proposed cuts would leave less money for those people to spend on other things, resulting in lost business revenues and a slow-down in the economic recovery. The author of the Medicaid cuts, House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan of Janesville, says the federal budget will choke itself unless the burgeoning federal deficits go away. Baldwin agrees – but she says there are smarter ways to attack the problem, and more people should share in the sacrifices.
Jobless Benefits Extension Likely
6/26/11 - About 10-thousand unemployed Wisconsinites are one step closer to getting an extra 13 weeks of jobless benefits – but it might be awhile before they see the money. The Unemployment Insurance Advisory Council asked the Legislature this past week to make 89-million-dollars in federal benefit funds available. A bill must still be drafted to allocate the money, and it could take at least a few weeks for both houses to approve it. Assembly Democratic Minority Leader Peter Barca called for quick action, saying that thousands of unemployed people are “really hurting.” A spokesman for G-O-P Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald of Juneau had no comment on when the matter might come up. The funding would extend maximum benefits for the long-term unemployed from 73 weeks to 86. The affected recipients lost their benefits in mid-April – and because of a drop in the unemployment rate, the state could not use the extra benefits at that time. But they can now, and state A-F-L C-I-O president Phil Neuenfeldt calls the extension the right thing. He says the extra money would go right back into the economy.
Van Hollen Names President of AG’s Association
6/26/11 - Wisconsin’s attorney general is getting some national stature. J-B Van Hollen has been elected vice president of the National Association of Attorneys General. The 104-year-old group helps the states’ top law enforcement officials deal with a host of emerging state-and-federal issues. Van Hollen will serve a one-year term as vice-president, and will also be on the group’s executive committee. Van Hollen, a Republican, is in his fifth year as Wisconsin’s attorney general.
Schools Can Use Google Apps For Education For Free
6/26/11 - Wisconsin’s public schools can use the Google “Apps for Education” software, under a deal reached between the state and the company. Schools will get it for free, but the state Department of Public Instruction still made it official by signing a contract with Google. The software includes chat and e-mail programs, calendars, a video platform, telephone management, voice-mail, and other services. The D-P-I is also negotiating to get volume discounts from Google for extra items that schools may want to buy. Google has similar contracts with seven other states, including neighboring Iowa and Missouri.
Top Stories, June 25th
Relay For Life of Beaver Dam On Track
6/25/11 - The 16th Annual Relay for Life of Beaver Dam is wrapping up this morning at the high school track. Event Chair Kristin Fabisch says the fundraising goal for the 30 teams participating in this year’s event is $125,000. Before the event even got started, over $50,000 was pledged through ongoing fundraising efforts and online donations. Last year the fundraiser pulled in $112,000 which was $2000 above goal. The theme this year is “Hope Is A Rainbow of Colors.” Donations are still being accepted at: http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?pg=entry&fr_id=30883
Grulke Files Open Meetings Complaint Against BDUSD
6/25/11 - A Beaver Dam man is asking Dodge County District Attorney Kurt Klomberg to consider prosecuting seven members of the Beaver Dam School Board and Superintendent Steve Vessey for allegedly violating the state’s open meetings law. Dan Grulke, who’s been locked in separate legal disputes with the district for about a year, filed the complaint claiming the school board violated the law when they discussed tentative contract agreements with the teachers and support staff unions during the closed session portion of a meeting held on June 6. However, an attorney for the district, Nancy Pirkey, says while the board did discuss the proposals and offered direction to the negotiating team, there was no vote on the agreements. She added that the while the wording of the public notice about the meeting could have been more clear the topics addressed were proper subjects for closed session. Grulke also notes that the district’s meeting minutes from the night say the board held their annual budget hearing in closed session, which would be a violation of the open meetings law. But Pirkey says its appearance on the minutes was a clerical error and that the board plans to correct it when they meet next month.
Dahlgren Arraigned In Tavern Break-Ins
6/25/11 - A Mauston man arrested in connection with a series of Dodge County tavern break-ins entered a “not guilty” plea at arraignment Thursday. Thomas Dahlgren is charged with three felony counts of Burglary and three misdemeanor counts of Theft. The 44-year-old and two others are accused of breaking into the Dockside Pub and Grille in the Town of Westford in January, Jumpers Bar in the Town of Beaver Dam in February and Chances Bar in the Town of Burnett in March. Thousands of dollars was stolen from poker machines, ATM’s and safes. 32-year-old Nicholas J. Etter of West Salem and 32-year-old Michelle L. Novak of Mayville were the first to be charged in the case. According to the criminal complaint, Novak reportedly admitted to being the getaway driver and lookout; she has since waived her right to a preliminary hearing and has court activity on the calendar next month. Etter admitted that he was involved but blamed Dahlgren for orchestrating the break-ins. Etter entered a “no contest” plea earlier this month and will be sentenced in September. Dahlgren, meanwhile, was on probation for Attempted Homicide at the time of his arrest and is currently incarcerated at the Waupun Correctional Institution.
Hankins Enters ‘Not Guilty’ Plea To Child Porn Charges
6/25/11 - A Waupun man entered a “not guilty” plea at arraignment this week to felony charges of possessing child pornography. 36-year-old Jeremy Hankins was arrested in April after a friend borrowed his computer and allegedly discovered sexually explicit videos involving children being downloaded. The friend told police that he was disgusted by what he saw, stopped the downloads and returned the computer. He notified police because he was concerned about the safety of Hankins two children. Six videos were reportedly uncovered resulting in six felony charges; each charge carries a maximum 25 years in prison, upon conviction. Hankins told investigators that he did not know how the videos got onto the computer. He has a motion hearing scheduled in August.
OWI Injury Suspect Waives Prelim
6/25/11 - A Sun Prairie woman has waived her right to a preliminary hearing on felony charges that she injured a passenger in a drunken driving accident in Beaver Dam. Cassandra Dalby could spend as much as 13 years behind bars if convicted on charges of OWI Causing Injury and Operating After Revocation. According to the criminal complaint, the 25-year-old had a blood alcohol level over three times the legal limit when she struck a utility pole and several street signs on Burnett Street in March. Officers followed a blood trail to a nearby residence where they reportedly found Dalby and her passenger inebriated and covered in cuts and bruises. She has an arraignment hearing scheduled for Monday.
Country USA Pedestrian Climbed Barriers Before Fatality
6/25/11 - Authorities said a Washington County man who was killed while trying to walk across an expressway in Oshkosh had to cross three tall barriers before he stepped onto the road. 20-year-old Jacob Wolf of Richfield died when he was hit by a northbound vehicle on Highway 41 near the Country U-S-A music festival. Winnebago County sheriff’s officials said Wolf had just left the festival around 12:30 Thursday morning, and was trying to get to a campground on the other side of the four-lanes. He had to climb a four-foot safety fence and two concrete barriers to reach the pavement, which is under construction at that location. The driver who hit him was a 17-year-old boy from New London. He has not been cited. Authorities are not sure if speed-or-alcohol were factors in the mishap. It’s still under investigation.
Quad Seeks Billions In Loans
6/25/11 - Wisconsin’s largest printing company apparently wants to borrow one-and-a-half billion dollars to refinance its debt. Bloomberg News says Quad-Graphics will hold a meeting with bankers on Tuesday in New York. The business news service says J-P Morgan Chase is handling the transaction. Quad reportedly wants an 800-million-dollar revolving line of credit and a 400-million-dollar loan that are both due in five years – and a 300-million-dollar loan due in seven years. Quad-Graphics is based in Sussex and is one of Dodge County’s largest employers. It merged with Canada’s largest printing firm a year ago – and it’s been consolidating facilities with the goal of moving more of its work to Wisconsin in several years. Quad recently became a publicly-held company after its merger with Canada’s World Color Press. Last year, Bloomberg said the company received a 700-million-dollar loan that’s due in 2016, and it received 530-million in revolving credit lines which can be tapped more than once.
Regional Unemployment Mixed Bag
6/25/11 - It was a mixed bag for the unemployment rate in the region last month. In Dodge County, the unemployment rate was up one-tenth of a percent to 7.7%. Last year at the same time it was 8.7%. Columbia County was at 7.3%, down one-tenth of a percent from April. Washington County was up two-tenths to 7.1%, while Fond du Lac County was down two-tenths to 6.9%. Jefferson County held steady at 8.1% but that was still more than a full-percentage point lower than last year at the same time. Menominee County has the highest unemployment rate in the state at 18.1%. Dane County continues to have the lowest at 5.1%. 49 of the states 72 counties had lower unemployment rates from the previous month while another six had no change. The state’s unemployment rate was 7.4%, up one-tenth from April.
GOP Recall Candidates Answering Challenges
6/25/11 - Four Republicans running in recall elections against Democratic state senators have until Monday to answer challenges to their nomination papers. The Government Accountability Board says those candidates have to address questions like whether voters who signed their nomination papers actually live in the correct district. Responses are due by 8 a.m. Monday. At that time the board will meet to consider the challenges and approve the final list of candidates for the elections. The four GOP candidates involved are opposing Wisconsin Senators Jim Holperin and Dave Hansen.
Radiothon Raises $112K
6/24/11 - In its 14th year the WBEV/WXRO Children’s Radiothon shot past the $1.1-million mark. The annual event spanned 27-hours, 7-regions and raised just less than $112,000 for seven different organizations. Good Karma Broadcasting President and CEO Craig Karmazin says this years event had some firsts, including steady rain. For a third year in a row Noel’s Angel Walk provided a huge boost to the final total. The event, which was organized by Lori and Scott Smith of Beaver Dam, is dedicated to their late daughter Noel Ann Smith. Nearly 150 people walked the 2.5 mile route Thursday morning, and in its three-years of existence the walk has raised more than $45,000 for the Radiothon. The 4th annual DCS Cup Tour raised nearly $9,800 this year while more than $10,000 was earned through our announcers “Fishing for Donations” from the roof of the station. The money raised will benefit seven Dodge County area agencies including, Green Valley Enterprises, Clothes for Kids, Community Care Preschool and Child Care Inc, Big Brothers Big Sisters, the YMCA of Dodge County, the Parent Resource Place and People Against Violent Environments.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Top Stories June 22nd
Severe Weather Sweeps Through Region
6/22/11 - The first day of summer was a wild one in parts of the Badger State. Authorities in Ripon reported a tornado just before 4pm. Funnel clouds were spotted near Berlin in Green Lake County, and Mondovi in Buffalo County. Wind gusts hit 79-miles-an-hour near Eagle – the Waukesha County community that was heavily damaged by a tornado exactly one year ago. At Hartford, officers reported a “wall cloud” with a 55-to-60-mile-an-hour down-draft. And a tree fell on a house near Holy Hill at Hubertus. In Mukwonago, numerous trees and a power line went down as winds hit 70-miles-an-hour. Trees also fell near Palmyra and Oconomowoc – where the heavy rains cut visibility to less than a quarter-mile. Wauwatosa, just west of Milwaukee, had street flooding after pounding rains for 10 minutes straight. And suburban Brookfield also had 70-mile-an-hour winds. Over 16,000 homes were left without power in the suburban Milwaukee area.
Horicon Man Seriously Injured In Motorcycle Accident
6/22/11 - A 26-year-old Horicon man was seriously injured Tuesday after he crashed his motorcycle into a SUV. Authorities were called to the intersection of Highway’s 33 and 151 in Beaver Dam at 11:12am. According to the Dodge County Sheriffs Department, the SUV was in the westbound lanes of Highway 33 making a left-hand turn onto southbound Highway 151 and was struck by the eastbound motorcycle. Witnesses say the motorcycle was traveling at a high rate of speed. The operator was wearing a helmet and was transported by MedFlight to UW Hospital Madison with serious injuries. Alcohol is not believed to be a factor.
Concealed Carry Law Sent to the Governor
6/22/11 - Wisconsin is just one signature away from becoming the second-to-last state to let people carry concealed weapons. Governor Scott Walker is expected to sign a bill that was sent to his desk late yesterday by the state Assembly on a 68-to-27 vote. Eleven Democrats and Independent Bob Ziegelbauer joined most Republicans in passing the measure. Hartford Republican Don Pridemore said he voted no because he wanted something stronger. Supporters said concealed carry would finally give law-abiding citizens the right to defend themselves. Gun-holders will need state permits and training. But Minority Leader Peter Barca said the training requirements in the bill were too lax, and he tried but failed to pass something tougher. Other Democrats tried and failed to expand the places where hidden weapons would automatically be banned. The bill only exempts police stations, courthouses, jails-and-prisons, airports, and secure mental health facilities. Other government buildings and private businesses can post signs banning weapons. The law is expected to take effect October first or November first, four months after it’s published.
Dems Will Get Another Month to Campaign
6/22/11 - It appears that three Democratic state senators who are up for recalls will get an extra month to defend themselves – just like six Republicans who are targeted. Yesterday was the deadline for challengers to file nomination papers in the Democratic recall elections. And two G-O-P candidates filed for each of the three seats. The papers could be certified by the end of the week, setting the stage for primaries on July 19th. Those winners will go up against incumbent senators Bob Wirch, Jim Holperin, and Dave Hansen on August 16th. Last week, the fields of candidates were set in the Republican recall votes. Primaries were set for July 12th – a week earlier than for the Democrats. Those primary winners will advance to their general elections August 9th. The surviving challengers will face G-O-P Senators Dan Kapanke, Luther Olsen, Randy Hopper, Rob Cowles, Alberta Darling, and Sheila Harsdorf.
Dodge County Board Approves Shoreland Protection Ordinance
6/22/11 - A month after voting it down, the Dodge County Board reconsidered and passed a Shoreland Protection Ordinance that will increase restrictions on property owners that live near waterways. That came after a presentation by county workers that laid out the consequences if they didn’t pass the ordinance. Some of the restrictions in the state mandated NR 115 included rules on the amount of vegetation allowed and where hard surfaces like blacktop could be placed. Had they not passed the ordinance the state would have eventually done it for them. And the state’s ordinance is stricter than the one the county approved. The one change since last month will have the ordinance not go into effect until February 1st of 2012. The vote was 33-2 in favor.
Dodge County Prisons Raise Funds For Jolpin
6/22/11 - Employees from three of Dodge County’s prisons have banded together to collect food and emergency supplies for tornado victims in Joplin, Missouri. The joint relief effort brought together workers from Dodge Correctional, Fox Lake Correctional and Waupun Correctional for a week-long drive that resulted in nearly 2800 pounds of donations being collected; among the items: canned goods, cleaning supplies, sheet sets and blankets. It’s all being loaded onto a truck Wednesday that will leave for Missouri Thursday morning. Waupun Correctional employee Ramona Koch suggested the institution participate in a supply drive to help southwest Missouri after devastating tornados struck the area last month. Staff members then challenged the nearby institutions to see which facility could donate the most items. Fox Lake Correctional won after collecting 1,340 items weighing over 1,500 pounds. The non-profit organization Convoy of Hope has donated a truck, driver and gas to make the 12-hour trip to Joplin.
Knaup Enters Plea in 2007 Burglary
6/22/11 - A former Beaver Dam has entered into a plea agreement with prosecutors to charges he burglarized a home four years ago. Timothy Knaup entered a “no contest” plea to a count of felony Burglary and had two other charges dismissed but read into the record. The 48-year-old broke into a home in Beaver Dam in 2007. The home owner came home and interrupted the burglar, who was armed with a small handgun. Knaup ordered the homeowner at gunpoint to go into a different room, and fled the residence. In a separate case two years later, Knaup was sentenced to five years in prison for pointing a loaded gun at police officers who were called to his residence for a domestic incident. Officers safely removed a child and then located Knaup in the basement, with a beer in one hand and a loaded 22-caliber handgun in the other. After refusing to surrender the weapon, which was cocked, officers deployed their Tazer gun and took him into custody. As of result of that felony conviction, his DNA was collected. The State Crime Lab then connected that DNA to evidence left at the scene of the 2007 burglary. The case had been filed under the name “John Doe” but Timothy Knaup has a sentencing hearing scheduled in September after a pre-sentencing investigation is completed.
Theft Reported At Lomira Country Club
6/22/11 - Authorities are investigating the theft of nearly $2,000 from Camelot Country Club in the town of Lomira. It was reported late Monday morning. According to Dodge County authorities, $1,967 was taken from a locked cash box. Anyone with information is asked to contact the sheriff’s department.
Columbus CDA Hears Survey Results
6/22/11 - The Columbus Community Development Authority heard results of the 2011 Downtown survey of local business owners this week. One survey surprise was the response that being close to Madison was one of the things that works FOR community businesses. Vacant downtown storefronts led the survey answers to the question “What isn’t working?” in downtown Columbus. The CDA will be sharing survey results with the Chamber of Commerce and Main Street.
M&I Acquisition With BMO Gains Fed Approval
6/22/11 - Wisconsin’s largest bank is one step closer to being acquired by a Canadian firm. The Federal Reserve Board has approved the Bank of Montreal’s purchase of M-and-I Banks, owned by the Marshall-and-Ilsley Corporation of Milwaukee. The Fed says the four-point-one billion dollar deal should close in anywhere from two weeks to three months. And when it does, M-and-I Banks will become Harris Banks. Harris, of Chicago, is the Bank of Montreal’s main U-S subsidiary. The Federal Reserve Board says the new owner has enough financial stability to handle the acquisition. And the Fed said the merger would not hurt competing banks, even though M-and-I and Harris now compete in 13 parts of the country.
6/22/11 - The first day of summer was a wild one in parts of the Badger State. Authorities in Ripon reported a tornado just before 4pm. Funnel clouds were spotted near Berlin in Green Lake County, and Mondovi in Buffalo County. Wind gusts hit 79-miles-an-hour near Eagle – the Waukesha County community that was heavily damaged by a tornado exactly one year ago. At Hartford, officers reported a “wall cloud” with a 55-to-60-mile-an-hour down-draft. And a tree fell on a house near Holy Hill at Hubertus. In Mukwonago, numerous trees and a power line went down as winds hit 70-miles-an-hour. Trees also fell near Palmyra and Oconomowoc – where the heavy rains cut visibility to less than a quarter-mile. Wauwatosa, just west of Milwaukee, had street flooding after pounding rains for 10 minutes straight. And suburban Brookfield also had 70-mile-an-hour winds. Over 16,000 homes were left without power in the suburban Milwaukee area.
Horicon Man Seriously Injured In Motorcycle Accident
6/22/11 - A 26-year-old Horicon man was seriously injured Tuesday after he crashed his motorcycle into a SUV. Authorities were called to the intersection of Highway’s 33 and 151 in Beaver Dam at 11:12am. According to the Dodge County Sheriffs Department, the SUV was in the westbound lanes of Highway 33 making a left-hand turn onto southbound Highway 151 and was struck by the eastbound motorcycle. Witnesses say the motorcycle was traveling at a high rate of speed. The operator was wearing a helmet and was transported by MedFlight to UW Hospital Madison with serious injuries. Alcohol is not believed to be a factor.
Concealed Carry Law Sent to the Governor
6/22/11 - Wisconsin is just one signature away from becoming the second-to-last state to let people carry concealed weapons. Governor Scott Walker is expected to sign a bill that was sent to his desk late yesterday by the state Assembly on a 68-to-27 vote. Eleven Democrats and Independent Bob Ziegelbauer joined most Republicans in passing the measure. Hartford Republican Don Pridemore said he voted no because he wanted something stronger. Supporters said concealed carry would finally give law-abiding citizens the right to defend themselves. Gun-holders will need state permits and training. But Minority Leader Peter Barca said the training requirements in the bill were too lax, and he tried but failed to pass something tougher. Other Democrats tried and failed to expand the places where hidden weapons would automatically be banned. The bill only exempts police stations, courthouses, jails-and-prisons, airports, and secure mental health facilities. Other government buildings and private businesses can post signs banning weapons. The law is expected to take effect October first or November first, four months after it’s published.
Dems Will Get Another Month to Campaign
6/22/11 - It appears that three Democratic state senators who are up for recalls will get an extra month to defend themselves – just like six Republicans who are targeted. Yesterday was the deadline for challengers to file nomination papers in the Democratic recall elections. And two G-O-P candidates filed for each of the three seats. The papers could be certified by the end of the week, setting the stage for primaries on July 19th. Those winners will go up against incumbent senators Bob Wirch, Jim Holperin, and Dave Hansen on August 16th. Last week, the fields of candidates were set in the Republican recall votes. Primaries were set for July 12th – a week earlier than for the Democrats. Those primary winners will advance to their general elections August 9th. The surviving challengers will face G-O-P Senators Dan Kapanke, Luther Olsen, Randy Hopper, Rob Cowles, Alberta Darling, and Sheila Harsdorf.
Dodge County Board Approves Shoreland Protection Ordinance
6/22/11 - A month after voting it down, the Dodge County Board reconsidered and passed a Shoreland Protection Ordinance that will increase restrictions on property owners that live near waterways. That came after a presentation by county workers that laid out the consequences if they didn’t pass the ordinance. Some of the restrictions in the state mandated NR 115 included rules on the amount of vegetation allowed and where hard surfaces like blacktop could be placed. Had they not passed the ordinance the state would have eventually done it for them. And the state’s ordinance is stricter than the one the county approved. The one change since last month will have the ordinance not go into effect until February 1st of 2012. The vote was 33-2 in favor.
Dodge County Prisons Raise Funds For Jolpin
6/22/11 - Employees from three of Dodge County’s prisons have banded together to collect food and emergency supplies for tornado victims in Joplin, Missouri. The joint relief effort brought together workers from Dodge Correctional, Fox Lake Correctional and Waupun Correctional for a week-long drive that resulted in nearly 2800 pounds of donations being collected; among the items: canned goods, cleaning supplies, sheet sets and blankets. It’s all being loaded onto a truck Wednesday that will leave for Missouri Thursday morning. Waupun Correctional employee Ramona Koch suggested the institution participate in a supply drive to help southwest Missouri after devastating tornados struck the area last month. Staff members then challenged the nearby institutions to see which facility could donate the most items. Fox Lake Correctional won after collecting 1,340 items weighing over 1,500 pounds. The non-profit organization Convoy of Hope has donated a truck, driver and gas to make the 12-hour trip to Joplin.
Knaup Enters Plea in 2007 Burglary
6/22/11 - A former Beaver Dam has entered into a plea agreement with prosecutors to charges he burglarized a home four years ago. Timothy Knaup entered a “no contest” plea to a count of felony Burglary and had two other charges dismissed but read into the record. The 48-year-old broke into a home in Beaver Dam in 2007. The home owner came home and interrupted the burglar, who was armed with a small handgun. Knaup ordered the homeowner at gunpoint to go into a different room, and fled the residence. In a separate case two years later, Knaup was sentenced to five years in prison for pointing a loaded gun at police officers who were called to his residence for a domestic incident. Officers safely removed a child and then located Knaup in the basement, with a beer in one hand and a loaded 22-caliber handgun in the other. After refusing to surrender the weapon, which was cocked, officers deployed their Tazer gun and took him into custody. As of result of that felony conviction, his DNA was collected. The State Crime Lab then connected that DNA to evidence left at the scene of the 2007 burglary. The case had been filed under the name “John Doe” but Timothy Knaup has a sentencing hearing scheduled in September after a pre-sentencing investigation is completed.
Theft Reported At Lomira Country Club
6/22/11 - Authorities are investigating the theft of nearly $2,000 from Camelot Country Club in the town of Lomira. It was reported late Monday morning. According to Dodge County authorities, $1,967 was taken from a locked cash box. Anyone with information is asked to contact the sheriff’s department.
Columbus CDA Hears Survey Results
6/22/11 - The Columbus Community Development Authority heard results of the 2011 Downtown survey of local business owners this week. One survey surprise was the response that being close to Madison was one of the things that works FOR community businesses. Vacant downtown storefronts led the survey answers to the question “What isn’t working?” in downtown Columbus. The CDA will be sharing survey results with the Chamber of Commerce and Main Street.
M&I Acquisition With BMO Gains Fed Approval
6/22/11 - Wisconsin’s largest bank is one step closer to being acquired by a Canadian firm. The Federal Reserve Board has approved the Bank of Montreal’s purchase of M-and-I Banks, owned by the Marshall-and-Ilsley Corporation of Milwaukee. The Fed says the four-point-one billion dollar deal should close in anywhere from two weeks to three months. And when it does, M-and-I Banks will become Harris Banks. Harris, of Chicago, is the Bank of Montreal’s main U-S subsidiary. The Federal Reserve Board says the new owner has enough financial stability to handle the acquisition. And the Fed said the merger would not hurt competing banks, even though M-and-I and Harris now compete in 13 parts of the country.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Top Stories June 21st
BD Sends Message On Threatening Texting
6/21/11 - An ordinance that targets those sending of threatening emails or text messages was unanimously approved Monday night by the Beaver Dam Common Council. The ordinance prohibits the unlawful use of computers or other electronic equipment for the intent to frighten, intimidate, abuse, harass or threaten to inflict injury with physical harm to any person or property. Violation of the ordinance is a misdemeanor that could result in fines or forfeitures as prescribed by the municipal judge.
Landmark Commission Members Appointed
6/21/11 - Beaver Dam Mayor Tom Kennedy announced his appointments to the newly created Landmark Commission at Monday night’s meeting. Earlier this month, the common council approved the creation of the commission to oversee future renovation to downtown buildings. The commission will not be able to require existing property owners make changes but will regulate signage, façade and other improvements to make sure the alterations are in compliance with a historic, turn-of-the-century century theme. Businessmen and longtime downtown advocate Michael Firchow will chair the Commission. Other voting members include Ken Thomas, Peggy Dandy, Ben Westra and Alderwoman Teresa Hiles Olson. Alderman Glen Link is an alternate along with Josiah Vilmin. The city mayor, building inspector and city attorney will also serve as advisory members.
BDPD Receiving K-9 Donations
6/21/11 - The Beaver Dam Common Council last night approved two separate donations for the police departments K-9 program. The city received a $964 donation from the high school and a $2600 donation from Mischler’s Harley Davidson. There have been several recent donations from private citizens and local businesses toward the K9 program, which was put on hold last year following the death of the city’s previous drug-sniffing dog. In fact, earlier this month during the police department’s regular appearance on WBEV’s Community Comment, American National Bank made a $1000 donation. Chief Ronald Smith says they are over half way to their goal of $12,000 to start the program.
Liquor License Approved For Former Church
6/21/11 - While wine may have been served there for many years, the former St. Michael’s Church in Beaver Dam now as a liquor license. The Common Council last night approved the license for Jimmie Walker with Chapel of the Archangels LLC, for use as a private hall. The church on 800 Madison Street was one of three Catholic churches in the city until its closure in the fall of 2006 and its consolidation into St. Katherine Drexel. Chapel of the Archangels is available by reservation for events like wedding receptions.
BD School Board Approves Contracts
6/21/11 - On a 7-2 vote the Beaver Dam School Board approved two-year contracts extensions for the teacher and support staff unions. Among the major components is a wage freeze, employees paying 5.8-percent for their pension and no increase for health insurance premiums. Those voting against were concerned about the length of the deals because of the uncertainness of what the Governor’s collective bargaining restrictions would mean in year two of the contract. However, a provision in the current contract says that if there isn’t a new deal by June 30th it would automatically be extended for another year. The district’s counsel couldn’t say for sure that the bargaining restrictions would supersede that provision. And with the district facing a $2.9-million deficit for the 2011-2012 school year the board felt they needed to take the sure thing so as to collect the retirement contributions. The two contracts were both overwhelmingly approved by the unions.
Home Sales and Prices Down for the Year
6/21/11 - Wisconsin Realtors sold almost 23-percent fewer homes in May than they did the previous year. The Realtors’ Association reports almost 49-hundred sales of existing homes statewide last month, down from 63-hundred in the same month a year ago. For the first five months of this year, Realtors sold 18-hundred fewer homes than in the same period of 2010. In Dodge County, home sales were down 17-percent from May of last year and 12-percent for the year as a whole. Columbia County saw a 14-percent drop in home sales last month from 2010 and a 15-percent drop so far this year. The biggest decrease in our area was in Washington County where sales for May were down 36-percent from last year and down 26-percent for the year as a whole. Jefferson County was the lone county in the area to see an increase as realtors there sold six-percent more homes last month than they did in 2010. However, sales for the year are still down nearly 11-percent. Those selling were also getting lower prices for the homes as the median price in Dodge County for the year is down 10-percent to $99,900 while Columbia County was down nearly 16-percent to $121,000. Jefferson County sellers were getting 5.7-percent less at $143,300 and in Washington County the median price was down 5.8-percent to $174,250. Association board chairman John Horning said the declines were expected because a big incentive for homebuyers was about to expire – the federal tax credits which totaled in the thousands per customer.
Weak Tornado Spotted in Dodge County
6/21/11 - The weak tornado that apparently touched down southwest of Theresa on Sunday was classified as an F-Zero, the most common form of twister. That’s according to Emergency Management Director Joe Meagher, who says thousands of these go unreported on a yearly basis. And the National Weather Service said no watches or warnings were issued because they are so common. Meagher says they want to avoid issuing watches or warnings because he says it may lead to a “crying wolf” situation, where residents don’t take them seriously because they are issued all the time.
State Doesn’t Get All the Money Possible for Unemployed
6/21/11 - About 10-thousand unemployed Wisconsinites have been without jobless benefits for two months, even though the state could have received federal funding to provide them. The state’s Unemployment Insurance Advisory Council has not considered applying for 89-million federal stimulus dollars to provide a 13-week extension of benefits – although it might do so on Thursday. Meanwhile, some in Madison are saying that the extra aid might be discouraging people from applying for work – especially for jobs that pay less than what they used to get. Republican Assembly Finance chairman Robin Vos feels that way. And Ed Lump of the Wisconsin Restaurant Association says it’s hard for some of his members to hire people they need, because they won’t work until their jobless money runs out. But Phil Neuenfeldt of the state A-F-L C-I-O doesn’t believe that. He says the current benefit of 363-dollars a week isn’t enough to discourage workers from seeking jobs that can support a family. And Jon Peacock of the Wisconsin Council on Children-and-Families says it’s not true that people are choosing to stay unemployed – and he blames low hiring levels. Peacock cites a national study that says almost six qualified people are available for every job opening. And he says it’s crazy that the state is not seeking the extra benefit funds. Governor Scott Walker grudgingly supports the move, but he says it won’t encourage people to join the workforce. Unlike previous funds from Washington, the stimulus money does not have to be paid back. The state owes the federal government one-point-six billion dollars to keep the benefits flowing during the recession.
GOP Lawmakers Could Introduce a Bill Limiting Recalls
6/21/11 - Republican state legislative leaders say they might introduce a bill this fall to make it harder to recall public officials. They spoke to Milwaukee Journal Sentinel editors yesterday about the new state budget that Governor Scott Walker is about to sign. But Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald says the legislative process has slowed down because senators are in quote, “full campaign mode.” Six G-O-P senators face recalls because of their votes in favor of the bill to limit public union bargaining. One of those six, Alberta Darling, says people should have time to see how the measure works before deciding whether to kick out the lawmakers who adopted it. Three Democratic senators also face recalls for skipping out of the Capitol for three weeks to try-and-block the union bill. Assembly G-O-P Finance chair Robin Vos says Wisconsin is becoming a state where campaigns never end – and Governor Scott Walker says most Wisconsinites just want the recall disputes to go away. Fitzgerald said he doesn’t support recalls against either party because of a single vote – and he’ll see if Democrats favor restricting them. But Assembly Democratic leader Peter Barca is against limiting recalls. And he accused Republicans of trying to avoid accountability. But it was someone in Barca’s own party who last brought the limiting of recalls. Former Senate Democrat Kevin Shibilski of Stevens Point tried in the late 1990’s to limit them only to their original purpose – to remove politicians who refused to do their jobs, or couldn’t because of bad health. That measure never went anywhere. Fewer than 20 states allow legislators to be recalled.
Concealed Carry Bill Could Go to the Governor Today
6/21/11 - A bill to end Wisconsin’s 140-year-old ban on concealed weapons could be headed to Governor Scott Walker later today. The state Assembly will be asked to ratify a compromise measure passed by the Senate earlier this month. It’s the only bill on the Assembly’s agenda for today – and it’s expected to attract lots of debate. The Senate approved a measure endorsed by the Joint Finance Committee, which requires state permits and training. Both had been left out of the G-O-P’s original version of the bill. But they were added after Republican Governor Scott Walker said he wanted both the permit system and training in the package. Critics say it still has lots of loopholes. Jeri Bonavia of the Wisconsin Anti-Violence Effort says the training could be nothing more than an Internet read-and-click program. Also, disagreements remain about the places where concealed weapons should automatically be banned. They generally include police stations, airports, and courthouses. Other government buildings and businesses can ban them by putting up signs – but critics say the State Capitol should be automatically banned, considering the emotional protests and debates the building attracts.
Mayville Man Jailed Following Chase
6/21/11 - A Mayville man will spend four months in jail for sparking a police chase. Matthew Rantala pleaded to reduced misdemeanor charges of Fleeing in connection with the pursuit last April. Authorities in Mayville say the 36-year-old was traveling at a high rate of speed on North Main Street with a headlight out and the dome light on when they turned around to initiate a traffic stop. Rantala sped to County Road TW where his eastbound car entered the northbound ditch, struck a culvert and went airborne. The vehicle made it back onto the roadway but then entered the southbound ditch where it got stuck in the snow. Officers executed a high risk traffic stop and the suspect surrendered at gunpoint. Rantala also had his license suspended for six months.
6/21/11 - An ordinance that targets those sending of threatening emails or text messages was unanimously approved Monday night by the Beaver Dam Common Council. The ordinance prohibits the unlawful use of computers or other electronic equipment for the intent to frighten, intimidate, abuse, harass or threaten to inflict injury with physical harm to any person or property. Violation of the ordinance is a misdemeanor that could result in fines or forfeitures as prescribed by the municipal judge.
Landmark Commission Members Appointed
6/21/11 - Beaver Dam Mayor Tom Kennedy announced his appointments to the newly created Landmark Commission at Monday night’s meeting. Earlier this month, the common council approved the creation of the commission to oversee future renovation to downtown buildings. The commission will not be able to require existing property owners make changes but will regulate signage, façade and other improvements to make sure the alterations are in compliance with a historic, turn-of-the-century century theme. Businessmen and longtime downtown advocate Michael Firchow will chair the Commission. Other voting members include Ken Thomas, Peggy Dandy, Ben Westra and Alderwoman Teresa Hiles Olson. Alderman Glen Link is an alternate along with Josiah Vilmin. The city mayor, building inspector and city attorney will also serve as advisory members.
BDPD Receiving K-9 Donations
6/21/11 - The Beaver Dam Common Council last night approved two separate donations for the police departments K-9 program. The city received a $964 donation from the high school and a $2600 donation from Mischler’s Harley Davidson. There have been several recent donations from private citizens and local businesses toward the K9 program, which was put on hold last year following the death of the city’s previous drug-sniffing dog. In fact, earlier this month during the police department’s regular appearance on WBEV’s Community Comment, American National Bank made a $1000 donation. Chief Ronald Smith says they are over half way to their goal of $12,000 to start the program.
Liquor License Approved For Former Church
6/21/11 - While wine may have been served there for many years, the former St. Michael’s Church in Beaver Dam now as a liquor license. The Common Council last night approved the license for Jimmie Walker with Chapel of the Archangels LLC, for use as a private hall. The church on 800 Madison Street was one of three Catholic churches in the city until its closure in the fall of 2006 and its consolidation into St. Katherine Drexel. Chapel of the Archangels is available by reservation for events like wedding receptions.
BD School Board Approves Contracts
6/21/11 - On a 7-2 vote the Beaver Dam School Board approved two-year contracts extensions for the teacher and support staff unions. Among the major components is a wage freeze, employees paying 5.8-percent for their pension and no increase for health insurance premiums. Those voting against were concerned about the length of the deals because of the uncertainness of what the Governor’s collective bargaining restrictions would mean in year two of the contract. However, a provision in the current contract says that if there isn’t a new deal by June 30th it would automatically be extended for another year. The district’s counsel couldn’t say for sure that the bargaining restrictions would supersede that provision. And with the district facing a $2.9-million deficit for the 2011-2012 school year the board felt they needed to take the sure thing so as to collect the retirement contributions. The two contracts were both overwhelmingly approved by the unions.
Home Sales and Prices Down for the Year
6/21/11 - Wisconsin Realtors sold almost 23-percent fewer homes in May than they did the previous year. The Realtors’ Association reports almost 49-hundred sales of existing homes statewide last month, down from 63-hundred in the same month a year ago. For the first five months of this year, Realtors sold 18-hundred fewer homes than in the same period of 2010. In Dodge County, home sales were down 17-percent from May of last year and 12-percent for the year as a whole. Columbia County saw a 14-percent drop in home sales last month from 2010 and a 15-percent drop so far this year. The biggest decrease in our area was in Washington County where sales for May were down 36-percent from last year and down 26-percent for the year as a whole. Jefferson County was the lone county in the area to see an increase as realtors there sold six-percent more homes last month than they did in 2010. However, sales for the year are still down nearly 11-percent. Those selling were also getting lower prices for the homes as the median price in Dodge County for the year is down 10-percent to $99,900 while Columbia County was down nearly 16-percent to $121,000. Jefferson County sellers were getting 5.7-percent less at $143,300 and in Washington County the median price was down 5.8-percent to $174,250. Association board chairman John Horning said the declines were expected because a big incentive for homebuyers was about to expire – the federal tax credits which totaled in the thousands per customer.
Weak Tornado Spotted in Dodge County
6/21/11 - The weak tornado that apparently touched down southwest of Theresa on Sunday was classified as an F-Zero, the most common form of twister. That’s according to Emergency Management Director Joe Meagher, who says thousands of these go unreported on a yearly basis. And the National Weather Service said no watches or warnings were issued because they are so common. Meagher says they want to avoid issuing watches or warnings because he says it may lead to a “crying wolf” situation, where residents don’t take them seriously because they are issued all the time.
State Doesn’t Get All the Money Possible for Unemployed
6/21/11 - About 10-thousand unemployed Wisconsinites have been without jobless benefits for two months, even though the state could have received federal funding to provide them. The state’s Unemployment Insurance Advisory Council has not considered applying for 89-million federal stimulus dollars to provide a 13-week extension of benefits – although it might do so on Thursday. Meanwhile, some in Madison are saying that the extra aid might be discouraging people from applying for work – especially for jobs that pay less than what they used to get. Republican Assembly Finance chairman Robin Vos feels that way. And Ed Lump of the Wisconsin Restaurant Association says it’s hard for some of his members to hire people they need, because they won’t work until their jobless money runs out. But Phil Neuenfeldt of the state A-F-L C-I-O doesn’t believe that. He says the current benefit of 363-dollars a week isn’t enough to discourage workers from seeking jobs that can support a family. And Jon Peacock of the Wisconsin Council on Children-and-Families says it’s not true that people are choosing to stay unemployed – and he blames low hiring levels. Peacock cites a national study that says almost six qualified people are available for every job opening. And he says it’s crazy that the state is not seeking the extra benefit funds. Governor Scott Walker grudgingly supports the move, but he says it won’t encourage people to join the workforce. Unlike previous funds from Washington, the stimulus money does not have to be paid back. The state owes the federal government one-point-six billion dollars to keep the benefits flowing during the recession.
GOP Lawmakers Could Introduce a Bill Limiting Recalls
6/21/11 - Republican state legislative leaders say they might introduce a bill this fall to make it harder to recall public officials. They spoke to Milwaukee Journal Sentinel editors yesterday about the new state budget that Governor Scott Walker is about to sign. But Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald says the legislative process has slowed down because senators are in quote, “full campaign mode.” Six G-O-P senators face recalls because of their votes in favor of the bill to limit public union bargaining. One of those six, Alberta Darling, says people should have time to see how the measure works before deciding whether to kick out the lawmakers who adopted it. Three Democratic senators also face recalls for skipping out of the Capitol for three weeks to try-and-block the union bill. Assembly G-O-P Finance chair Robin Vos says Wisconsin is becoming a state where campaigns never end – and Governor Scott Walker says most Wisconsinites just want the recall disputes to go away. Fitzgerald said he doesn’t support recalls against either party because of a single vote – and he’ll see if Democrats favor restricting them. But Assembly Democratic leader Peter Barca is against limiting recalls. And he accused Republicans of trying to avoid accountability. But it was someone in Barca’s own party who last brought the limiting of recalls. Former Senate Democrat Kevin Shibilski of Stevens Point tried in the late 1990’s to limit them only to their original purpose – to remove politicians who refused to do their jobs, or couldn’t because of bad health. That measure never went anywhere. Fewer than 20 states allow legislators to be recalled.
Concealed Carry Bill Could Go to the Governor Today
6/21/11 - A bill to end Wisconsin’s 140-year-old ban on concealed weapons could be headed to Governor Scott Walker later today. The state Assembly will be asked to ratify a compromise measure passed by the Senate earlier this month. It’s the only bill on the Assembly’s agenda for today – and it’s expected to attract lots of debate. The Senate approved a measure endorsed by the Joint Finance Committee, which requires state permits and training. Both had been left out of the G-O-P’s original version of the bill. But they were added after Republican Governor Scott Walker said he wanted both the permit system and training in the package. Critics say it still has lots of loopholes. Jeri Bonavia of the Wisconsin Anti-Violence Effort says the training could be nothing more than an Internet read-and-click program. Also, disagreements remain about the places where concealed weapons should automatically be banned. They generally include police stations, airports, and courthouses. Other government buildings and businesses can ban them by putting up signs – but critics say the State Capitol should be automatically banned, considering the emotional protests and debates the building attracts.
Mayville Man Jailed Following Chase
6/21/11 - A Mayville man will spend four months in jail for sparking a police chase. Matthew Rantala pleaded to reduced misdemeanor charges of Fleeing in connection with the pursuit last April. Authorities in Mayville say the 36-year-old was traveling at a high rate of speed on North Main Street with a headlight out and the dome light on when they turned around to initiate a traffic stop. Rantala sped to County Road TW where his eastbound car entered the northbound ditch, struck a culvert and went airborne. The vehicle made it back onto the roadway but then entered the southbound ditch where it got stuck in the snow. Officers executed a high risk traffic stop and the suspect surrendered at gunpoint. Rantala also had his license suspended for six months.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Top Stories June 20th
Weak Tornado Lands in Dodge County
6/20/11 - A tornado touched down in southeast Wisconsin late yesterday, but the National Weather Service said it only damaged some tall grass. Officials said a weak “F”-zero tornado landed just before five p-m in Dodge County, about five miles southwest of Theresa. Meanwhile, Eau Claire is still drying out after getting four-and-three-quarter-inches of rain in less than two hours on Saturday night. The State Patrol said a mudslide from a hill closed a road near Eau Claire after it caused three traffic crashes. No one was hurt, and the road was re-opened yesterday. Weekend rainstorms also hit northeast Wisconsin. Elcho in Langlade County had the most in that region – three-point-eight inches of rain. Two-and-a-quarter inches fell near Menasha, and Wrightstown near Green Bay had about an-inch-and-a-half. The Weather Service says we could get some more severe weather through tomorrow, as the result of an approaching warm front in southern Wisconsin and a new cold front from the Plains. Morning thunderstorms are likely in the far south – and they’re supposed to be move in statewide by tonight. Heavy rains are possible in central Wisconsin – and stronger storms are in the forecast for tomorrow.
Gas Prices Down
6/20/11 - Gas prices in Wisconsin dropped more than 10-cents on average in the past week. That’s according to WisconsinGasPrices.com, which says the state average is $3.67 this morning. That’s 18-cents less than a month ago but nearly 92-cents higher than a year ago. Gas can be had for $3.53 in Beaver Dam, $3.61 in Waupun and $3.68 in Fond du Lac. The low price in the state is $3.46 in Baraboo while the high price is $3.99 in South Milwaukee. The national average also dropped this week and is average $3.66.
Lomira Break-In Under Investigation
6/20/11 - Authorities are investigating a break-in at the Aurora Pharmacy in Lomira. The alarm company notified the Dodge County Sheriff’s Department just after 4 a-m yesterday morning. Once on scene authorities found the front door broken open and an unknown number of hydrocodone pills missing. Anyone with information about the break-in is asked to contact the sheriff’s department.
Skydiver Injured in Dane County
6/20/11 - A skydiver was seriously injured this weekend after coming in too fast during his landing just south of Columbus. It happened Saturday on Highway 73 in the town of York. Dane County authorities say the man unsuccessfully tried a mid-air maneuver and fell about 60-feet. The man was listed in stable condition with possible facial, leg, and pelvic injuries. Officials say the man’s parachute was open but that he misjudged his landing. Authorities didn’t immediately release the man’s name.
BD School Board Could Vote on Union Contracts
6/20/11 - The Beaver Dam School Board is expected to take action on contracts for the teacher and support staff unions during their meeting tonight. No contract details have been released, but during his radio program two weeks ago, Superintendent Steve Vessey said the only way the district could approve a contract was if it included the unions contributing 5.8-percent of their salaries into their pensions. It’s unclear what impact last week’s Supreme Court decision to reinstate the collective bargaining limits will have on their decision. The law is expected to go into effect June 29th and any contracts approved before then will have to be honored. The district is facing a $2.8-million dollar deficit for the 2011-2012 school year. He said through staffing and efficiency adjustments they were able to fill half of the deficit. The other half would come from the increased contribution. The board meets at 6:30 tonight in the Educational Service Center.
Attorney Asks for Separate Trials in Lynch Case
6/20/11 - The attorney for former Fox Lake Police Chief Pat Lynch asked a judge on Friday for two separate trials for his client. The 55-year-old is charged with the alleged sexual assault of a 7-year-old child in 1989. Lynch is also accused of stalking the victim at her work. His attorney would like those charges as part of one trial and charges that he stalked his ex-wife’s former boyfriend and a former co-worker in another. No ruling was made on that request. The judge did approve a motion for bond reduction. He originally posted a $25,000 cash bond shortly after his arrest in December. Lynch was successful in having his bond reduced to $10,000 in February and received a $15,000 refund. Friday’s action will allow another $5000 to be returned. Currently there is a five-day jury trial is scheduled for October.
Lawmakers Still Pushing to Use Taxpayer Money to Lure Companies
6/20/11 - Wisconsin lawmakers are not giving up on a major effort to invest hundreds-of-millions of dollars of tax money to help new high-potential companies create jobs. At least three alternatives are being proposed to Governor Scott Walker’s original venture capital plan that was scrapped a few weeks ago. Senate Republicans Randy Hopper and Alberta Darling have come up with a plan to provide 200-million dollars – half the original funding – and create a Venture Capital Authority of experts within the state. They would decide which high-potential start-up firms would get the money. A second proposal is similar to the first, with slight modifications. A third plan by three Assembly Republicans would continue to give money to out-of-state certified capital firms called CAPCOs, which would do part of the investing in Wisconsin start-ups. The involvement of the out-of-state firms is partially why Walker’s original plan was thrown out. The other reason is that the state would not have been given back another part of the original program’s funding, which would have gone to insurance companies. Those insurers would have invested in new start-ups, but the state would have only gotten back 20-percent of those firms profits – not its original investment. Darling and Hopper say their bill best addresses the reasons Walker’s original package was thrown out. Both those senators face recalls this summer, and they want their plan passed by then so the money can start flowing by September. Walker’s office would only say it’s working on a new venture capital measure.
More Single-Father Homes
6/20/11 - Wisconsin fathers had their day yesterday -- and a lot more of them are raising kids without the help of a mother. The Appleton Post-Crescent cited Census figures showing that the number of single fathers with children under 18 jumped by 35-percent in the 10 years ending in 2010. That's the largest growth among family households in the Badger State. Homes with single mothers had the second-biggest increase, with 13-percent. Katherine Curtis of U-W Madison's Applied Population Lab says single fathers get hardly any attention from the rest of us. She says attitudes on parental responsibility put more of a focus on single moms. Sixty-eight-and-a-half percent of Wisconsin households have traditional married couples. That's down 10-percent since the 2000 Census.
Trial Begins for Pastor
6/20/11 - The United Methodist Church will start holding a trial in Kaukauna tomorrow for a pastor from northwest Wisconsin accused of violating church rules against homosexuality. 44-year-old Reverend Amy DeLong of Osceola is charged with violating a church ban on the ordination of self-avowed homosexuals, and marrying a lesbian couple. DeLong told her supervisors a number of years ago she was having a lesbian relationship. And she admitted in a required 2009 report that she agreed to marry a lesbian couple. A jury of 13 pastors will decide DeLong's fate over a scheduled three-day proceeding. She told the A-P it's been hard dealing with the charges. But DeLong decided not to suspend her conscience when joining the ministry. She said it was incumbent on her not to perpetuate what she called unjust church laws. DeLong is part of a growing movement by Methodist pastors to marry same-sex couples regardless of church punishment. Hundreds of clergy have signed statements in Illinois, Minnesota, New England, and New York State expressing their willingness to go against the church’s ban on marrying gay couples. Minneapolis pastor Bruce Robbins said he signed it out of urgency, as Minnesota considers a constitutional ban on gay marriage.
Dodge County Participating in REACH Child Initiative
6/20/11 - Dodge County District Attorney Kurt Klomberg has teamed up with a non-profit organization that seeks to help ease the difficult judicial experience for child victims. The program is called the REACH Child Initiative. REACH stands for “Reading Enjoyment Affects Childhood Happiness.” It was started by Paul Gilbertson of Madison after he and his wife visited Ground Zero in 2007 and were struck by the pictures drawn by children affected by the 9-11 disaster. Gilbertson came up with the idea of giving books to kids to shift their focus/thinking to something positive, other than the crisis they were facing. Klomberg says they have a lot of kids coming through his office both as witnesses and victims of sexual and physical abuse. “Child victims between the ages of 3 and 16 are forensically interviewed at the Dodge County District Attorney’s office using the “Stepwise” protocol,” Klomberg said, adding “Not only have these children been traumatized as victims, but they are also often nervous and upset with having to relive the trauma during an interview. We hope that by offering a book of their choice to take home, the child will be comforted.” While DA’s offices are a relatively new area for the program, REACH books can be found in the vehicles of over 15,000 first responders in 12 states. Over a quarter million books have been given to children in various crisis situations. The group has also started the “Literacy Crime Prevention Program” which provides books to children visiting incarcerated parents and family members. For years, Klomberg’s office has given child victim’s stuffed animals when they came to be interviewed. He says the addition of a book may further ease their anxiety and perhaps open the door to a lifetime of reading for children. Dodge County’s participation in the program was made possible thanks to an anonymous donor.
Miss USA Pageant Held
6/20/11 - Wisconsin’s entry in the Miss U-S-A Pageant did not make the Top-16 in last night’s televised finals. 21-year-old Jordan Morkin of Green Bay stepped into the contest just a month ago, after the state’s previous contestant was charged with three felony counts of identity theft. Shaletta Porterfield of Madison stepped down last month as Miss Wisconsin U-S-A. She has pleaded innocent, and is scheduled to go on trial July 19th in Dane County Circuit Court. Her attorney Robert Nagel does not believe Porterfield gained any money from her actions. He has said he expects to resolve the case this summer. Meanwhile, Morkin was featured in the parade-of-states in last night’s pageant – but she didn’t get much T-V time after that. Miss California, Alyssa Campanella, was crowned the new Miss U-S-A. She’ll represent the country in the Miss Universe Pageant in Brazil in September.
6/20/11 - A tornado touched down in southeast Wisconsin late yesterday, but the National Weather Service said it only damaged some tall grass. Officials said a weak “F”-zero tornado landed just before five p-m in Dodge County, about five miles southwest of Theresa. Meanwhile, Eau Claire is still drying out after getting four-and-three-quarter-inches of rain in less than two hours on Saturday night. The State Patrol said a mudslide from a hill closed a road near Eau Claire after it caused three traffic crashes. No one was hurt, and the road was re-opened yesterday. Weekend rainstorms also hit northeast Wisconsin. Elcho in Langlade County had the most in that region – three-point-eight inches of rain. Two-and-a-quarter inches fell near Menasha, and Wrightstown near Green Bay had about an-inch-and-a-half. The Weather Service says we could get some more severe weather through tomorrow, as the result of an approaching warm front in southern Wisconsin and a new cold front from the Plains. Morning thunderstorms are likely in the far south – and they’re supposed to be move in statewide by tonight. Heavy rains are possible in central Wisconsin – and stronger storms are in the forecast for tomorrow.
Gas Prices Down
6/20/11 - Gas prices in Wisconsin dropped more than 10-cents on average in the past week. That’s according to WisconsinGasPrices.com, which says the state average is $3.67 this morning. That’s 18-cents less than a month ago but nearly 92-cents higher than a year ago. Gas can be had for $3.53 in Beaver Dam, $3.61 in Waupun and $3.68 in Fond du Lac. The low price in the state is $3.46 in Baraboo while the high price is $3.99 in South Milwaukee. The national average also dropped this week and is average $3.66.
Lomira Break-In Under Investigation
6/20/11 - Authorities are investigating a break-in at the Aurora Pharmacy in Lomira. The alarm company notified the Dodge County Sheriff’s Department just after 4 a-m yesterday morning. Once on scene authorities found the front door broken open and an unknown number of hydrocodone pills missing. Anyone with information about the break-in is asked to contact the sheriff’s department.
Skydiver Injured in Dane County
6/20/11 - A skydiver was seriously injured this weekend after coming in too fast during his landing just south of Columbus. It happened Saturday on Highway 73 in the town of York. Dane County authorities say the man unsuccessfully tried a mid-air maneuver and fell about 60-feet. The man was listed in stable condition with possible facial, leg, and pelvic injuries. Officials say the man’s parachute was open but that he misjudged his landing. Authorities didn’t immediately release the man’s name.
BD School Board Could Vote on Union Contracts
6/20/11 - The Beaver Dam School Board is expected to take action on contracts for the teacher and support staff unions during their meeting tonight. No contract details have been released, but during his radio program two weeks ago, Superintendent Steve Vessey said the only way the district could approve a contract was if it included the unions contributing 5.8-percent of their salaries into their pensions. It’s unclear what impact last week’s Supreme Court decision to reinstate the collective bargaining limits will have on their decision. The law is expected to go into effect June 29th and any contracts approved before then will have to be honored. The district is facing a $2.8-million dollar deficit for the 2011-2012 school year. He said through staffing and efficiency adjustments they were able to fill half of the deficit. The other half would come from the increased contribution. The board meets at 6:30 tonight in the Educational Service Center.
Attorney Asks for Separate Trials in Lynch Case
6/20/11 - The attorney for former Fox Lake Police Chief Pat Lynch asked a judge on Friday for two separate trials for his client. The 55-year-old is charged with the alleged sexual assault of a 7-year-old child in 1989. Lynch is also accused of stalking the victim at her work. His attorney would like those charges as part of one trial and charges that he stalked his ex-wife’s former boyfriend and a former co-worker in another. No ruling was made on that request. The judge did approve a motion for bond reduction. He originally posted a $25,000 cash bond shortly after his arrest in December. Lynch was successful in having his bond reduced to $10,000 in February and received a $15,000 refund. Friday’s action will allow another $5000 to be returned. Currently there is a five-day jury trial is scheduled for October.
Lawmakers Still Pushing to Use Taxpayer Money to Lure Companies
6/20/11 - Wisconsin lawmakers are not giving up on a major effort to invest hundreds-of-millions of dollars of tax money to help new high-potential companies create jobs. At least three alternatives are being proposed to Governor Scott Walker’s original venture capital plan that was scrapped a few weeks ago. Senate Republicans Randy Hopper and Alberta Darling have come up with a plan to provide 200-million dollars – half the original funding – and create a Venture Capital Authority of experts within the state. They would decide which high-potential start-up firms would get the money. A second proposal is similar to the first, with slight modifications. A third plan by three Assembly Republicans would continue to give money to out-of-state certified capital firms called CAPCOs, which would do part of the investing in Wisconsin start-ups. The involvement of the out-of-state firms is partially why Walker’s original plan was thrown out. The other reason is that the state would not have been given back another part of the original program’s funding, which would have gone to insurance companies. Those insurers would have invested in new start-ups, but the state would have only gotten back 20-percent of those firms profits – not its original investment. Darling and Hopper say their bill best addresses the reasons Walker’s original package was thrown out. Both those senators face recalls this summer, and they want their plan passed by then so the money can start flowing by September. Walker’s office would only say it’s working on a new venture capital measure.
More Single-Father Homes
6/20/11 - Wisconsin fathers had their day yesterday -- and a lot more of them are raising kids without the help of a mother. The Appleton Post-Crescent cited Census figures showing that the number of single fathers with children under 18 jumped by 35-percent in the 10 years ending in 2010. That's the largest growth among family households in the Badger State. Homes with single mothers had the second-biggest increase, with 13-percent. Katherine Curtis of U-W Madison's Applied Population Lab says single fathers get hardly any attention from the rest of us. She says attitudes on parental responsibility put more of a focus on single moms. Sixty-eight-and-a-half percent of Wisconsin households have traditional married couples. That's down 10-percent since the 2000 Census.
Trial Begins for Pastor
6/20/11 - The United Methodist Church will start holding a trial in Kaukauna tomorrow for a pastor from northwest Wisconsin accused of violating church rules against homosexuality. 44-year-old Reverend Amy DeLong of Osceola is charged with violating a church ban on the ordination of self-avowed homosexuals, and marrying a lesbian couple. DeLong told her supervisors a number of years ago she was having a lesbian relationship. And she admitted in a required 2009 report that she agreed to marry a lesbian couple. A jury of 13 pastors will decide DeLong's fate over a scheduled three-day proceeding. She told the A-P it's been hard dealing with the charges. But DeLong decided not to suspend her conscience when joining the ministry. She said it was incumbent on her not to perpetuate what she called unjust church laws. DeLong is part of a growing movement by Methodist pastors to marry same-sex couples regardless of church punishment. Hundreds of clergy have signed statements in Illinois, Minnesota, New England, and New York State expressing their willingness to go against the church’s ban on marrying gay couples. Minneapolis pastor Bruce Robbins said he signed it out of urgency, as Minnesota considers a constitutional ban on gay marriage.
Dodge County Participating in REACH Child Initiative
6/20/11 - Dodge County District Attorney Kurt Klomberg has teamed up with a non-profit organization that seeks to help ease the difficult judicial experience for child victims. The program is called the REACH Child Initiative. REACH stands for “Reading Enjoyment Affects Childhood Happiness.” It was started by Paul Gilbertson of Madison after he and his wife visited Ground Zero in 2007 and were struck by the pictures drawn by children affected by the 9-11 disaster. Gilbertson came up with the idea of giving books to kids to shift their focus/thinking to something positive, other than the crisis they were facing. Klomberg says they have a lot of kids coming through his office both as witnesses and victims of sexual and physical abuse. “Child victims between the ages of 3 and 16 are forensically interviewed at the Dodge County District Attorney’s office using the “Stepwise” protocol,” Klomberg said, adding “Not only have these children been traumatized as victims, but they are also often nervous and upset with having to relive the trauma during an interview. We hope that by offering a book of their choice to take home, the child will be comforted.” While DA’s offices are a relatively new area for the program, REACH books can be found in the vehicles of over 15,000 first responders in 12 states. Over a quarter million books have been given to children in various crisis situations. The group has also started the “Literacy Crime Prevention Program” which provides books to children visiting incarcerated parents and family members. For years, Klomberg’s office has given child victim’s stuffed animals when they came to be interviewed. He says the addition of a book may further ease their anxiety and perhaps open the door to a lifetime of reading for children. Dodge County’s participation in the program was made possible thanks to an anonymous donor.
Miss USA Pageant Held
6/20/11 - Wisconsin’s entry in the Miss U-S-A Pageant did not make the Top-16 in last night’s televised finals. 21-year-old Jordan Morkin of Green Bay stepped into the contest just a month ago, after the state’s previous contestant was charged with three felony counts of identity theft. Shaletta Porterfield of Madison stepped down last month as Miss Wisconsin U-S-A. She has pleaded innocent, and is scheduled to go on trial July 19th in Dane County Circuit Court. Her attorney Robert Nagel does not believe Porterfield gained any money from her actions. He has said he expects to resolve the case this summer. Meanwhile, Morkin was featured in the parade-of-states in last night’s pageant – but she didn’t get much T-V time after that. Miss California, Alyssa Campanella, was crowned the new Miss U-S-A. She’ll represent the country in the Miss Universe Pageant in Brazil in September.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Top Stories June 19th
Unemployment Rate Remains Steady
6/19/11 - Wisconsin's seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate remained relatively steady from April to May, with the state gaining 900 private sector jobs. State labor officials said Thursday the jobless rate increased 0.1 percent to 7.4 percent in May. That compares with a rate of 8.5 percent in May 2010. Department of Workforce Development Secretary Scott Baumbach says more people are working, and more people are looking for work. The manufacturing sector performed well, gaining 1,600 new jobs in May. Wisconsin is doing better than the overall national picture. The U.S. seasonally-adjusted rate is 9.1 percent, up slightly from 9 percent in April. The Badger State is also below the jobless rates in other heavy manufacturing states in the Midwest, including Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio.
Candidates Finalized for Recall Elections
6/19/11 - State election officials have finalized the list of candidates who are challenging six Republican state senators in recall elections this summer. The Government Accountability Board said Friday it had received the necessary paperwork from 12 challengers. None of the nomination papers was challenged, so the GAB has now locked in the election dates. All six races will start with a Democratic primary on July 12. According to the final paperwork, each primary will include one Democratic candidate and a "fake" Democrat, part of a Republican strategy that forces Democrats to spend more resources per race. The primary winner will face the Republican incumbent in a general election Aug. 9. Three Democratic state senators are also being targeted for recall. If there are primaries in those races they'd be on July 19, with the general election on Aug. 16.
Three Charged in Drug House Operation
6/19/11 - Authorities in Columbus say three residents are facing prison time after one of them was caught selling marijuana to help pay rent. 22-year-old Michael Jesse is charged with felony possession with intent to deliver THC and two counts of manufacture/delivery of THC. According to the criminal complaint, on two separate occasions earlier this year Jesse sold to a police informant. His two roommates, 20-year old Emily Schoenfeldt and 21-year-old Emily Volkmann, face a charge of maintaining a drug trafficking place, which is a felony. They told investigators they had seen Jesse sell marijuana to various people more than 10 times during the short period he had lived there. One of the woman also told police that they allowed him to sell from their home because he needed money to help pay rent. All three have court activity scheduled for next month.
Waupun Man Gets Jail Time
6/19/11 - A Waupun man was sentenced to one year in the Dodge County Jail for a domestic incident last year. 25-year-old Joseph Weckworth was convicted of Substantial Battery, which is a felony. According to the criminal complaint, the victim told police that she had asked Weckworth to leave their house due to his addiction to prescription pain medication. In late December, Weckworth came to the home to pick up some of his belongings, and while the couple was fighting over who would get to keep a computer, he hit her. She told police that Weckworth hit her often but didn’t want to report it for fear of retaliation. Two misdemeanor charges against Weckworth were dropped.
Oakfield Man Sent to Prison
6/19/11 - The 55-year-old former Oakfield man who took advantage of a mentally challenged woman to have sex with her has been sentenced to five years and 9 months in prison. Fond du Lac County Judge Peter Grimm yesterday sentenced Steven Deichsel of Oshkosh to that, three years of probation and five years of extended supervision once he's done serving his sentence. According to the criminal complaint Deichsel sexually assaulted a 28-year-old woman after threatening to turn off the equipment she needed to breathe if she wouldn't have sex with him. (KFIZ, FDL)
Heroin an Issue
6/19/11 - We’re getting another tragic reminder that heroin is no longer just a big city problem. According to the Oshkosh Northwestern, 17 people died from drug overdoses in Winnebago County so far this year – and four similar deaths are still under investigation. Brad Dunlap of the area’s drug enforcement group says it’s clear that heroin is to blame. There were 15 heroin deaths in the group’s four counties last year. And it wasn’t for rescue efforts, the death toll could be a lot worse. The Oshkosh Fire Department has treated 44 people in the last year by using a medicine that counters the effects of a heroin-or-opiate overdose. Oshkosh Fire Chief Tim Franz said he used to throw away supplies of the antidote because they expired before they could be used. Now, he can’t get enough of it. Experts also say heroin is a growing problem because it’s cheaper than prescription painkillers for getting a quality high. Winnebago County District Attorney Christian Gossett says heroin is making a comeback as law enforcement cracks down on the prescription drug abuse. But Dunlap and other police officials say heroin is more dangerous – because it hooks users immediately, and its potency is often underestimated. Dodge County District Attorney Kurt Klomberg has spent this year going around to different city councils and village boards to inform them that heroin is also become a problem here.
Autopsy Expected on Janesville Man
6/19/11 - An autopsy will be performed on the body of a southern Wisconsin man recovered from the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in Minnesota. Authorities said today that 23-year-old Ty Sitter of Janesville was pulled from about 90-feet of water last night on Swan Lake near Grand Marais. The body was located 500-feet from the shore, with the help of a sonar unit and an underwater vehicle. Sitter was last seen alive eight days ago, while fishing on Swan Lake. His father and brother got concerned when he didn’t return to their campsite late that evening. They later found Sitter’s canoe with about four-feet of water in it, plus most of his fishing equipment.
Summit to Study Increase in Suicides for Native Americans
6/19/11 - A national summit will be held this summer to address the growing number of Native American teens who are committing suicide. Assistant U-S Indian Affairs Secretary Larry Echowalk told a conference in Milwaukee this week that his agency is stepping up efforts to address the problem. Indian teens have a higher suicide rate than others – and the National Congress of American Indians held a three-hour workshop on the subject. Some tribes have started their own suicide prevention programs. Angeline Boulley (an-jeh-line boo’-lee) of the Sault (soo) Sainte Marie Chippewa tribe said there are many signs to look for – like mental illness and substance abuse. She also said many tribes need to make sure their young people stay connected to their schools and families. The federal government is helping pay for the Sault tribe’s program.
Bridge Closures
6/19/11 - Starting Monday the Wool Factory Bridge in Mayville will be closed as crews begin replacing it. The bridge, which sits over the Rock River, is expected to be completed in mid-September. Officials say the detour will have drivers on Highway 28/67 to County Highway V to County Highway TW and west to meet up with County Highway Y. The County Highway G bridge over Shaw Brook is also closed until September 1st. That detour has motorists going north on Highway J from Reeseville to Highway 16/60. State Highway 16/60 west to County Highway J. And County Highway J north to County Highway G just south of Leipsig.
6/19/11 - Wisconsin's seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate remained relatively steady from April to May, with the state gaining 900 private sector jobs. State labor officials said Thursday the jobless rate increased 0.1 percent to 7.4 percent in May. That compares with a rate of 8.5 percent in May 2010. Department of Workforce Development Secretary Scott Baumbach says more people are working, and more people are looking for work. The manufacturing sector performed well, gaining 1,600 new jobs in May. Wisconsin is doing better than the overall national picture. The U.S. seasonally-adjusted rate is 9.1 percent, up slightly from 9 percent in April. The Badger State is also below the jobless rates in other heavy manufacturing states in the Midwest, including Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio.
Candidates Finalized for Recall Elections
6/19/11 - State election officials have finalized the list of candidates who are challenging six Republican state senators in recall elections this summer. The Government Accountability Board said Friday it had received the necessary paperwork from 12 challengers. None of the nomination papers was challenged, so the GAB has now locked in the election dates. All six races will start with a Democratic primary on July 12. According to the final paperwork, each primary will include one Democratic candidate and a "fake" Democrat, part of a Republican strategy that forces Democrats to spend more resources per race. The primary winner will face the Republican incumbent in a general election Aug. 9. Three Democratic state senators are also being targeted for recall. If there are primaries in those races they'd be on July 19, with the general election on Aug. 16.
Three Charged in Drug House Operation
6/19/11 - Authorities in Columbus say three residents are facing prison time after one of them was caught selling marijuana to help pay rent. 22-year-old Michael Jesse is charged with felony possession with intent to deliver THC and two counts of manufacture/delivery of THC. According to the criminal complaint, on two separate occasions earlier this year Jesse sold to a police informant. His two roommates, 20-year old Emily Schoenfeldt and 21-year-old Emily Volkmann, face a charge of maintaining a drug trafficking place, which is a felony. They told investigators they had seen Jesse sell marijuana to various people more than 10 times during the short period he had lived there. One of the woman also told police that they allowed him to sell from their home because he needed money to help pay rent. All three have court activity scheduled for next month.
Waupun Man Gets Jail Time
6/19/11 - A Waupun man was sentenced to one year in the Dodge County Jail for a domestic incident last year. 25-year-old Joseph Weckworth was convicted of Substantial Battery, which is a felony. According to the criminal complaint, the victim told police that she had asked Weckworth to leave their house due to his addiction to prescription pain medication. In late December, Weckworth came to the home to pick up some of his belongings, and while the couple was fighting over who would get to keep a computer, he hit her. She told police that Weckworth hit her often but didn’t want to report it for fear of retaliation. Two misdemeanor charges against Weckworth were dropped.
Oakfield Man Sent to Prison
6/19/11 - The 55-year-old former Oakfield man who took advantage of a mentally challenged woman to have sex with her has been sentenced to five years and 9 months in prison. Fond du Lac County Judge Peter Grimm yesterday sentenced Steven Deichsel of Oshkosh to that, three years of probation and five years of extended supervision once he's done serving his sentence. According to the criminal complaint Deichsel sexually assaulted a 28-year-old woman after threatening to turn off the equipment she needed to breathe if she wouldn't have sex with him. (KFIZ, FDL)
Heroin an Issue
6/19/11 - We’re getting another tragic reminder that heroin is no longer just a big city problem. According to the Oshkosh Northwestern, 17 people died from drug overdoses in Winnebago County so far this year – and four similar deaths are still under investigation. Brad Dunlap of the area’s drug enforcement group says it’s clear that heroin is to blame. There were 15 heroin deaths in the group’s four counties last year. And it wasn’t for rescue efforts, the death toll could be a lot worse. The Oshkosh Fire Department has treated 44 people in the last year by using a medicine that counters the effects of a heroin-or-opiate overdose. Oshkosh Fire Chief Tim Franz said he used to throw away supplies of the antidote because they expired before they could be used. Now, he can’t get enough of it. Experts also say heroin is a growing problem because it’s cheaper than prescription painkillers for getting a quality high. Winnebago County District Attorney Christian Gossett says heroin is making a comeback as law enforcement cracks down on the prescription drug abuse. But Dunlap and other police officials say heroin is more dangerous – because it hooks users immediately, and its potency is often underestimated. Dodge County District Attorney Kurt Klomberg has spent this year going around to different city councils and village boards to inform them that heroin is also become a problem here.
Autopsy Expected on Janesville Man
6/19/11 - An autopsy will be performed on the body of a southern Wisconsin man recovered from the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in Minnesota. Authorities said today that 23-year-old Ty Sitter of Janesville was pulled from about 90-feet of water last night on Swan Lake near Grand Marais. The body was located 500-feet from the shore, with the help of a sonar unit and an underwater vehicle. Sitter was last seen alive eight days ago, while fishing on Swan Lake. His father and brother got concerned when he didn’t return to their campsite late that evening. They later found Sitter’s canoe with about four-feet of water in it, plus most of his fishing equipment.
Summit to Study Increase in Suicides for Native Americans
6/19/11 - A national summit will be held this summer to address the growing number of Native American teens who are committing suicide. Assistant U-S Indian Affairs Secretary Larry Echowalk told a conference in Milwaukee this week that his agency is stepping up efforts to address the problem. Indian teens have a higher suicide rate than others – and the National Congress of American Indians held a three-hour workshop on the subject. Some tribes have started their own suicide prevention programs. Angeline Boulley (an-jeh-line boo’-lee) of the Sault (soo) Sainte Marie Chippewa tribe said there are many signs to look for – like mental illness and substance abuse. She also said many tribes need to make sure their young people stay connected to their schools and families. The federal government is helping pay for the Sault tribe’s program.
Bridge Closures
6/19/11 - Starting Monday the Wool Factory Bridge in Mayville will be closed as crews begin replacing it. The bridge, which sits over the Rock River, is expected to be completed in mid-September. Officials say the detour will have drivers on Highway 28/67 to County Highway V to County Highway TW and west to meet up with County Highway Y. The County Highway G bridge over Shaw Brook is also closed until September 1st. That detour has motorists going north on Highway J from Reeseville to Highway 16/60. State Highway 16/60 west to County Highway J. And County Highway J north to County Highway G just south of Leipsig.
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