Top Stories August 12th

Two Accidents on Highway 41 Backup Traffic

8/12/11 - Traffic on Highway 41 near Lomira was backed up for nearly 2-hours yesterday after an accident involving multiple vehicles. It happened around 5:15 p-m near Highway 67. The Dodge County Sheriff’s Department says a southbound Ford Mustang collided with a semi also going south. The Mustang was then hit by another southbound vehicle. The driver of the Mustang was taken to the hospital and later released. As a result of that crash, a minor second crash occurred in the slowing and stopping traffic near the scene. However, neither driver involved was injured. Authorities say the first crash is still under investigation and any witnesses are asked to contact the Sheriff’s Department.

Reeseville Woman Accused of Two Pharmacy Break-Ins

8/12/11 - A Reeseville woman will proceed to trial on charges that she burglarized the same pharmacy twice in a month. A Dodge County judge found probable cause Thursday during a preliminary hearing for Abigail Newell. The 19-year-old is charged with two counts of felony Burglary and misdemeanor Criminal Damage to Property for allegedly breaking into the Village Pharmacy in the early morning hours of March 24 and then again on April 21. According to the criminal complaint, a witness saw a maroon van after the first break-in and Newell was a suspect. After a vehicle matching the same description was spotted leaving the scene of the second break-in, authorities went to Newell’s home around 2am and noticed that her vehicle was still warm. When questioned, she said she just felt like taking a drive. The description she gave police of her late-night driving route was nowhere the pharmacy. Newell is said to have later admitted that she broke the window to take pain pills and commented that she was surprised how quickly deputies arrived at her house following the burglary. If convicted, the charges carry a maximum prison sentence of over 12 years. Newell has an arraignment hearing scheduled later this month.

Milwaukee Women Accused of Smuggling Drugs Into FLCI

8/12/11 - A Milwaukee woman accused of smuggling tobacco and marijuana into the Fox Lake Correctional Institution was bound over for trial during a preliminary hearing Thursday in Dodge County court. 31-year-old Christina Andrzejewski is accused of visiting the prison with another woman in June and bringing the contraband inside a condom hidden in her bra. Corrections officers say the two had been under investigation and they were monitoring phone conversations and have video of exchange attempts with the inmates. Her friend, 25-year-old Janell Prasalowicz of Milwaukee, has a preliminary hearing on similar charges scheduled for next Thursday. If convicted, the felony charge of Delivering Illegal Articles to an Inmate carries a maximum three-and-a-half year prison sentence. Andrzejewski has an arraignment hearing later this month.

County Committee To Revisit Shoreland Protection

8/12/11 - A decision by the states Natural Resources Board could impact a recent ordinance change approved by the Dodge County Board. In June, the county board passed the Shoreland Protection Ordinance which increases restrictions on property owners who live near waterways. The ordinance was to take effect in early 2012 as required by the state. However, the Natural Resources Board voted 7-0 to postpone the changes for two years with DNR Secretary Cathy Stepp saying many counties are having a difficult time implementing the rules. Now Dodge County Supervisors must decide whether to implement the ordinance as planned or delay it until required by the state. A meeting of the Planning, Development and Park Committee was already scheduled for Monday and Dodge County Administrator James Mielke says the topic is being added to the agenda.

We Energies Submits New Rate Plan

8/12/11 - State regulators appear poised to accept a new rate plan submitted by We Energies. Members of the Public Service Commission Thursday praised the company for not increasing base rates for electricity next year. The cost of power will still go up less than one percent, because of the increased cost of fuel. That amounts to less than a dollar a month for the average residential customer. We Energies serves the southern and eastern portions of Dodge County, along with Washington and Jefferson counties.

State Fair Riot Suspect Admits Racial Targeting

8/12/11 - A teenage suspect arrested in connection with attacks at the Wisconsin State Fair last week has reportedly told police he targeted white people. West Allis police say the 16-year-old African-American was booked on suspicion of attempted robbery and robbery. He could face additional charges for being involved in a hate crime. Police say he told them he chose white victims because he considered them to be easy targets. More than 30 people were arrested on opening night of the fair and at least 11 of the victims were injured. West Allis police say race was a factor in the 11 incidents that department is investigating.

Trunk-N-Show Gearing Up Today

8/12/11 - The Annual Waupun Trunk-N-Show gets underway today and features truck displays, exhibits, food and music. The Lights of the Night Convoy starts at 9pm and the Rides of Pride, billed as the largest truck parade in the nation, begins at 3pm Saturday. Truckers will be competing for plaques and trophies during the parades and will be judged on their general appearance. Bill Shoenike of Shawano will serve as this years parade marshal. Thousands of people are expected to attend with truckers from across the country gathering for the event. Most of the action will be situated around the Waupun Community Center on East Spring Street. For more information, visit www.waupuntrucknshow.com.

Kohl’s Reports Profit Increase

8/12/11 - Wisconsin-based Kohl's corporation reported a big increase in profit in the second quarter. The department store chain, which is based in Menomonee Falls and has a store in Beaver Dam, says profit increased 16-and-a-half percent in the second quarter. That's better than analysts had predicted. Net income rose from 260-million to 303-million dollars in the quarter. Sales were also up 3-point-6 percent.

Columbus Dollar General Sales Booming

8/12/11 - The Columbus Dollar General has reported some good news. The “General” has been steady in the sales income category. Economic Development Director Steve Sobiek announced that the Dollar General was first in sales in a ten-store area – passing the million dollar mark in sales this past year. The Columbus Dollar General is on James Street right next door to the non-profit “Kindred Kids” which moved into the neighboring store space earlier this summer.

Petri Schedules Town Meetings, Community Comment

8/12/11 - Congressman Tom Petri will be holding office hours in Dodge County next week. The Fond du Lac Republican kicks off a series of Town Meetings on Monday that will bring him through a dozen cities to hear constituent concerns and opinions in a group-setting. Petri will be at the Watertown Senior and Community Center next Friday from 10am to 11am. Later that afternoon, he will appear at Beaver Dam City Hall from 3pm to 4pm. In between, the congressman will join us on WBEV’s Community Comment.