Top Stories June 8th

2^nd Motorcyclist in FDL Accident Dies

6/8/12 - A second motorcyclist has died from injuries suffered after a car hit 10 oncoming bikers north of Fond du Lac last Thursday. 43-year-old Douglas Yonkers of Muskegon Michigan died yesterday morning at a Neenah hospital. The car driver, 25-year-old Clinton Lovelace of Hilbert, was charged Tuesday with reckless homicide, three counts of reckless injury, a charge of reckless endangerment, and felony bail jumping. Prosecutors said at the time that more charges were possible – and now that Yonkers has died, a second homicide count is possible. 59-year-old Dan Winsemius of Twin Lake Michigan died at the scene of the crash, and officials say two others are on life-support in critical condition. Five other riders were also hurt, and two other bikers escaped injury because they were not hit. Authorities said Lovelace drove his car across a center line, and struck the oncoming bikers who were heading home from Milwaukee. Investigators said they found drug evidence on Lovelace, but he denied taking anything besides his two daily medications. The car driver is due back in Fond du Lac County Circuit Court next Friday for a preliminary hearing on his current charges.

May was Safest on Record Since WWII

6/8/12 - Forty-six (46) people were killed in Wisconsin traffic crashes last month – the lowest for May since World War Two in the mid-1940’s. The state D-O-T says that last month’s traffic deaths were four fewer than the same month a year ago, and nine fewer than the average for the last five years. Six people lost their lives on Wisconsin roads during the Memorial Day Weekend, down from seven last year. There was one motorcycle fatality in Dodge County last month. For the year as a whole, the state’s highway death toll is 14% higher than in the first five months of 2011. Two-hundred-three (203) people were killed in statewide crashes from January-through-May, 25 more than the year before. Five people have died on Dodge County roadways this year. State Patrol Major Sandra Huxtable says officials are trying to reduce fatal crashes with better roads, tighter law enforcement, and education. With summer being the deadliest time on state highways, Huxtable said quote, “We are striving to reverse this tragic trend.”

Boy Who Hit Young Girl With Arrow Could Be Charged as an Adult

6/8/12 - Prosecutors are saying the 16-year-old boy accused of shooting a Campbellsport girl with an arrow should be charged as an adult.  Aryanna Schneeburg was hit in the back May 21st while playing with friends.  The seven-year-old girl had to go through a surgical procedure.  The teenage suspect reportedly told police he and a friend were shooting at squirrels when one of the arrows they were shooting went astray.

Teen Facing Felony Charge for Setting a Car on Fire

6/8/12 - A Juneau teen told police he was “just being stupid” but now he is facing felony charges for allegedly setting a car on fire. Tyler Jung is charged with Arson for the incident on Wednesday in the Town of Lowell. According to the criminal complaint, a friend of Jung’s left his 2000 Chevy Lumina on property Jung was renting after it ran out of gas. Jung and his friends spend the next couple days vandalizing the car, firing a shotgun at it, flipping it over and using lighter fluid to burn the paint off. The 18-year-old told police he thought the fire he set on the hood of the vehicle had burned itself out, so he walked away. A short time later the car was engulfed in flames and the firefighters from Lowell and Reeseville had responded to the scene. When the owner of the car was contacted, he initially told police the two would handle it themselves because he did not want get his friend in trouble. He called police back a short time later and said Jung was not taking it seriously and he wanted to press charges. He had been planning to sell the car for $5000. Jung could spend up to three-and-a-half years in prison if he is convicted. A signature bond was set at $1000 yesterday and a preliminary hearing is scheduled next month.

Johnson Votes Against 2012 Farm Bill Going to Senate Floor

6/8/12 - Wisconsin Republican Ron Johnson was one of only eight U-S senators who tried to stop the Senate’s version of the 2012 Farm Bill from reaching the floor of that chamber for consideration. The Senate voted 90-to-8 yesterday to send the federal farm policy package to the floor for a debate and a consideration of amendments that could take several weeks. Wisconsin Democrat Herb Kohl voted with the majority that let the bill proceed. There was no immediate word on why Johnson tried to block the package. Among other things, it would cut spending on federal farm programs by almost 24-billion-dollars over a decade – mostly in direct payments to farmers. There have been disagreements on various parts of the Farm Bill, mainly by geographic lines. Lawmakers from the South said it hurts the safety net for peanut-and-rice farmers, while favoring Midwest crops like corn and soybeans. And the Brownfield Ag News Service says the dairy industry remains divided on parts of the Dairy Security Act that’s in the Farm Bill. Some say a supply management control would discourage investments in dairy growth, and possibly make the U-S an unreliable supplier on the world market. Others say the plan doesn’t do enough to secure the incomes and futures of dairy farmers.

$125M Spent on Recall Elections Over Past Year

6/8/12 - Candidates and special interest groups will have spent well over $125-million dollars on ten Wisconsin recall elections over the past year. And that does not include whatever was spent on this week’s lieutenant governor’s recall vote, plus contests in four state Senate districts. The Wisconsin Democracy Campaign said today that Governor Scott Walker’s recall challenge will cost $75-to-$80-million dollars alone. And last year’s nine Senate recall contests cost an estimated $44-million in campaign ads.

Tuition at UW Campuses Going Up 5.5%

6/8/12 - For the sixth year in a row, tuition at the University of Wisconsin’s four-year campuses will go up by the state’s legal maximum of five-and-a-half (5.5%) percent. The U-W Board of Regents voted 17-to-1 in Milwaukee yesterday (Th) to approve the tuition hike, which System President Kevin Reilly said was necessary to partially make up for cuts in state aid. Regent Charles Pruitt said it’s better than cutting even more U-W spending – which he said would lead to larger class sizes and students needing an extra year to get their diplomas. But Regent John Drew said he could not support a tuition hike, considering that average family incomes in Wisconsin have not been going up. Students at the four-year campuses can plan on budgeting an extra $400 dollars for their tuition during the coming year, with no increase in financial aid. Regent Gerald Whitburn suggested a lower tuition hike of four-percent. But the panel voted it down 15-to-3.

2^nd Annual Civil War Re-enactment in BD

6/8/12 - A Civil War re-enactment will be held in Beaver Dam’s Edgewater Park this weekend. The free, family-friendly event is sponsored by the Beaver Dam Exchange Club and Tenth Tennessee Company D. Organizer Robert Krist says the re-enactment features authentic civilian and soldier encampments, with participants dressed in period-specific uniforms and firing historically-accurate muskets and canons. Krist says there is a general blueprint for the battles that is based on historical fact. The Civil War Re-enactment is free to attend and will be held tomorrow (Saturday) from 9am to 5pm and Sunday from 9am to 4pm, with battles each day at 1pm. Food and refreshments will be available. Edgewater Park is located off Highway 33 on Beaver Dam’s north side. 

BD River Market Returns this Weekend

6/8/12 - The Beaver Dam River Market returns to the downtown Tower Parking lot on Saturday. It’s the second year for the farmer’s market-type event, which is held on the second Saturday morning of the warmer weather months.  The theme this weekend is “Health and Wellness.” The Beaver Dam Community Hospital will be providing blood pressure and blood sugar tests. There are over 20 vendors signed-up for tomorrow – more are welcome – they will be selling everything from food to produce and a variety of craft items. Breakfast will be served and someone will even be serving popcorn from an antique popcorn wagon. Live music will be provided by Beaver Dam-native Elwood Lee. The River Market is held from 8am until noon.

Top Stories June 7th

Vote For Waterworks Park Project $100K Grant

6/7/12 - Beaver Dam’s Waterworks Park Project is in the running to win $100,000. For the third year, Coca-Cola is sponsoring the “America Is Your Park” campaign to and some park some where can win the title of “America’s Favorite Park” and a six-digit recreation grant. The park that secures the most online votes can get the top prize, second place is good for $50,000 and third place earns $25,000. Right now, the Waterworks Park Project is in tenth place nationwide. The Waterworks group is seeking to create Dodge County’s first all-inclusive park that children of all abilities can access. To vote, check out the Waterworks Park Project on Facebook, you can find links on our facebook page or go to www.livepositively.com. You can vote as many times as you want.

New Box Store Coming To Beaver Dam

6/7/12 - A new retail chain is coming to the Heritage Village Mall and Shops in Beaver Dam.  Developer Todd Hedberg announced Wednesday that Jo-Ann Fabrics, a specialty retailer of crafts and fabrics, will be setting up shop next to the Slumberland/Sears store. He says the store will have it’s own entrance and make up 15,000 square feet.  As for employment, the store will have five full-time management positions and another 25 to 30 part-time positions.  Hedberg says the store is just another step in the continued revival of the mall area and says they could add another big box store in the next six months or so.  Jo-Ann Fabrics is expected to open next February or March. 

Klodowski Pleads ‘Not Guilty’

6/7/12 - A Beaver Dam teen entered a “not guilty” plea at arraignment yesterday to charges that he injured several passengers in a November drunken driving accident. Adam Klodowski was southbound on Thompson Road with five other teenage passengers around 11:30pm when the 18-year-old lost control near Highway 33 and rolled the vehicle into a ditch. Klodowski was one of the three ejected. The victims injuries included punctured lungs, bone fractures, broken backs and snapped vertebrae. Klodowski reportedly admitted to investigators at the scene that he had consumed six beers while driving in the truck. His blood alcohol level was allegedly point-one-two-two (.122). Klodowski is charged with four felonies and six misdemeanors, which – if he is convicted -- carry a combined maximum of 31-years in prison.

Columbus Looking at Demerit Points Ordinance

6/7/12 - The Columbus Council is discussing enforcement of the Demerit Points Ordinance. Some council members feel that an incident between bar patrons at “The Cage” last August was serious enough to consider revoking or suspending their liquor license. Bar owner Chad Purvis and operator Jolyne Meier have already paid fines in Municipal Court related to the incident. Cage attorney Rick Petri questioned the Police Chief Dan Meister’s assessment of 230 demerit points for the incident. The Council will meet again on June 19^th to decide what course of action to take on the licenses.

Democrats Control of the Senate Could Be Short-term

6/7/12 - Democrats say they’ll move ahead with some things but not others, as they plan to assume the majority in the state Senate for at least the next seven months. The Democrats needed to win one-of-four recall contests on Tuesday to take control at least until November, when half the Senate’s up for election. They appear to have defeated Racine Republican Van Wanggaard. But he has not conceded, after losing by just over one-percent to Democrat John Lehman. Wanggaard said his election was rife with voting irregularities and uncounted absentee ballots. And he’ll consider a recount after an official canvass which starts next Tuesday. But Senate G-O-P leader Scott Fitzgerald says Wanggaard’s 779-vote margin is a lot to overcome. He’ll wait and see what happens. But if Lehman wins, Fitzgerald promised full cooperation in handing control to the Democrats. Yesterday, Monona Democrat Mark Miller proclaimed himself as the new majority leader. He said one of his goals is to force a G-O-P minority to disclose records showing how they secretly drafted the new legislative districts to be used for the next decade. Technically, Democrats could claim committee chairmanships, larger offices, bigger staffs, and higher pay for aides with their newfound majority. But Madison Democrat Fred Risser, who could become the Senate’s president, said those things will probably wait until after November. The legislature isn’t expected to meet prior to the election.

Walker Moving Forward After Recall Attempt

6/7/12 - `Governor Scott Walker received a three-minute standing ovation from his Cabinet yesterday afternoon. He and Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch circled the table in the Governor’s Conference Room and hugged the head of every state agency. The Republican Walker survived his recall challenge with a seven-percentage point victory over Democrat Tom Barrett. Walker said he spoke with Democratic legislative leaders and state public school Superintendent Tony Evers – and he offered to work with them to create jobs. Walker said he has a sense that most people want to move on from the politically-divisive recall effort. And he said he would not back down on his promise to create a quarter-million private sector jobs by the time his term is scheduled to end at the start of 2015. Walker said quote, “There’s a lot of work that needs to be done, to get people of the state back to work.” After his initial comments, Walker met in private with the Cabinet.

Petri Coming to Dodge County

6/7/12 - Congressman Tom Petri will be in Dodge County next week as part of a series of Town Meetings. The Republican from Fond du Lac will be at the Horicon City Hall next Wednesday from 2:30pm to 3:30pm. He will then spend an hour at the Dodge County Administration Building beginning at 3:30pm. Later this month, US Senator Herb Kohl will hold office hours in Beaver Dam. No appointment is necessary to speak with Kohl’s Regional Representative on Monday, June 18 at the Beaver Dam Senior Center from 3:30pm to 4:30pm.

DNR Sets Grey Wolf Hunt Quota

6/7/12 - The state D-N-R has set a preliminary quota of 142-to-233 grey wolves for the new hunting-and-trapping season that’s scheduled to begin in October. Wildlife manager Bill Vander Zouwen said his agency is trying to be conservative for the initial hunt, to make sure a long-time recovery of the grey wolf in the Badger State continues. The state had around 800 wolves as of last winter. The D-N-R’s recovery goal was 350 outside of Indian reservations. The Legislature and governor approved the wolf hunt earlier this year, after the animal was removed from the federal endangered species’ list. The season would run from mid-October through February in about the northern quarter of the state, as well as a zone in west central Wisconsin. The D-N-R is establishing seven wolf harvest zones. Public hearings are being held on the new season before it gets final approval from the Natural Resources Board.

Boy Killed While Sitting at Picnic Table

6/7/12 - A seven-year-old boy killed in a freak accident in Madison was identified yesterday as Aiden Mueller. Police said his family was eating dinner at a picnic table on Tuesday evening when a car left a nearby street, hit a tree, went airborne, and landed on the dinner table. It happened behind the First Business Bank Center where Aiden’s father Jonathan Mueller works. Police said the 59-year-old female driver might have suffered a medical condition at the time of the incident. That possibility is still being investigated. The 38-year-old Mueller and his four-year-old daughter Elizabeth both had non-life-threatening injuries. Jonathan’s 36-year-old wife Amy Mueller was critically injured, and was hospitalized in stable condition at last word.

Fake $20 Bill Surfaces in Beaver Dam

6/7/12 - A counterfeit $20 bill was passed at the Beaver Dam Kwik Trip on Tuesday evening. The Beaver Dam Police Department says the phony bill was used to pay for services at the North Spring Street location. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Beaver Dam Police. The bill has been turned over to the Secret Service for investigation.

Powerball Jumps Over $200M

6/7/12 - The Powerball jackpot has gone above 200-million-dollars for the second time this year. Nobody won the top prize last night. And again, players from Wisconsin did not have much luck. Two-hundred-dollars was the most anybody won in the Badger State, and eight tickets did that by getting the Power Play option and matching four regular numbers or three-plus-the-Powerball. Just over 14-thousand-400 Wisconsin players won something. About 75-hundred won four-bucks by matching the Powerball. Last night’s numbers were 19, 30, 33, 48, and 59. The Powerball was 27. Saturday’s jackpot is the biggest since a 325-million-dollar prize was won on February 11th. The cash option for Saturday is just under 140-million dollars. In Mega Millions, the jackpot is at 22-million dollars for tomorrow night.

Top Stories June 4th

Wauwatosa Man Killed In Lowell Motorcycle Wreck

6/4/12 - A Wauwatosa man out on a morning motorcycle ride with his eight-year-old grandson crashed his bike near Lowell just before noon Sunday and died at the scene. According to the Dodge County Sheriffs Department, the 51-year-old was westbound on State Highway 16-60 near County Highway J when, for an unknown reason, the motorcycle veered to the right, onto the shoulder of the road and struck a mailbox. He was pronounced dead by MedFlight personnel. The eight-year-old was transported to Beaver Dam Community Hospital for precautionary reasons. The crash is under investigation and any witnesses are encouraged to contact the Dodge County Sheriffs Department.

Fitzgerald, Compas Clash On Mining Bill

6/4/12 - The Senate Majority Leader says if the GOP retains its edge in the legislature following tomorrow’s historic election, the state’s mining laws would become a top priority. State Senate recall candidate Scott Fitzgerald of Juneau told us on WBEV’s Community Comment last week that he is confident revamping the state’s mining laws will create 2000 well-paying jobs up north, and more work at southeastern Wisconsin companies like Caterpillar and Bucyrus. His opponent, recall organizer Lori Compas of Fort Atkinson, was shocked to hear the Republicans would let industry draft their own regulations. Compas says the mining company would obviously push for the cheapest mining methods possible to maximize profit at the expense of the environment. Fitzgerald says its common practice to invite business or other affected groups into the legislative process because lawmakers are not experts on all the technical aspects of a bill.  Compas says there is already a hearing process in place that would provide lawmakers with the information and insights needed to draft balanced legislation to benefit both industry and the environment.

Walker, Barrett Campaign at Same Event

6/4/12 - Despite a sign reading, “Please, no political solicitation”, Wisconsin’s biggest politicians descended on one of the biggest Dairy Month breakfasts in Brown County yesterday.  Over five-thousand people chewed on cheese and the state of Wisconsin’s future after tomorrow’s recall elections. Governor Scott Walker and his Democratic opponent Tom Barrett campaigned within a few yards of each other. Barrett was again with retiring U-S Senator Herb Kohl. And one of the men who hope to replace Kohl, Republican Tommy Thompson, was at the breakfast as well. Thompson said Walker would win a “sizable victory” tomorrow, and it would energize Republicans going into the fall contests. Walker said he wondered why President Obama passed on visiting Wisconsin to campaign for Barrett, when he was in neighboring Minnesota last week. Barrett said he was satisfied with the support he got from the national party and former President Bill Clinton. And Barrett said the state’s massive energy would put him over the top. The candidates are criss-crossing the state one final time today.

Newest Assembly Candidate Seek ‘Common Ground’

The latest Republican candidate to throw his hat into the 39^th Assembly District race says he was motivated to run because of the protests in Madison over collective bargaining restrictions. Don Lechner says the protests were “disrespectful” and nothing more than “mob rule.” While he is reluctant to stake a position on the future of collective bargaining for police and fire unions, Lechner does support the general concept of union representation. He says it’s more important though for Americans to set aside party preferences and find common ground.  Lechner will face Tracy Heron and Mark Born in an August primary. The winner is expected to face Democrat Jim Grigg in November for the seat being vacated by US Senate candidate Jeff Fitzgerald of Horicon. 

Fink: ‘Media, Nuns Helped In Campbellsport Arrow Arrest’

6/4/12 - Fond du Lac County Sheriff Mick Fink says he does not believe the amount of tips they received about a seven-year-old Campbellsport girl’s shooting with an arrow increased dramatically after the reward was increased to $10,000. However he says it did put the pressure on leading to the arrest of a 16-year-old Campbellsport boy. The 16-year-old was referred to juvenile authorities on charges of Second Degree Reckless Injury and Obstructing charges. A 17-year-old Campbellsport boy who was with him when he was shooting at squirrels could also face an obstructing charge depending on what the District Attorney decides.

Former Mayville Teacher Arraigned On Assault Charge

6/4/12 - A former Mayville High School teacher accused of having a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old student waived her right to a preliminary hearing on Friday and then entered a “not guilty” plea to 12 felony charges. 43-year-old Shannon Cardinal allegedly struck up a five-month relationship with the student last December.  Cardinal and the teen reportedly had several encounters at her home in Oakfield.  The boy moved out-of-state in March, and his sister discovered the relationship after catching the two at the family’s home in Iowa.

Columbus City, School Officials Talk Athletic Fields

6/4/12 - The future of Columbus ball fields was discussed during a rare meeting between city and school district officials late last week. City-owned fields are currently used by the schools on a regular basis. Discussions are focused on who should own and pay for field maintenance. Results from a recent UW survey of city residents indicated that most people felt that those who use the facilities should pay for them. A four-person Joint Sub-Committee was formed to develop an agreement on future ownership and maintenance of recreational facilities.

Eastwood Baseball Movie Filming In Milwaukee

6/4/12 - For the third time, a major baseball movie will have at least a few scenes shot in Milwaukee. Clint Eastwood will star in a film called “Trouble With the Curve.” It’s due out in September. Eastwood will portray an older baseball scout who takes a road trip with his daughter, played by Amy Adams. Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig will be in a few scenes – and he was filmed at his office in Milwaukee’s downtown U-S Bank building. None of the actors were present for the Milwaukee filming. It’s the first motion picture that Eastwood has starred in – but not directed – since 1993. Milwaukee’s other two baseball movies had extensive scenes of the city and its baseball stadiums – the first “Major League” in 1989, and “Mister Three-Thousand” in 2004.

Large Crowd Enjoys Kids Fish and Fun Day

6/4/12 - Organizers were anticipating around 150, but over 200 kids wound up registering this year to get free fishing poles and tackle buckets at Saturday’s Kids Fish and Fun Day. DNR South Central Regional Director Mark Aquino was at Beaver Dam Lake along with his wife and two kids. Aquino called it a great event that exposes children to nature and the outdoors at a young age allowing them to grow up caring about Wisconsin’s recreational opportunities. It was the tenth year for Kids Fish and Fun Day and over 1200 kids have participated to date. The Beaver Dam Lake Improvement Association, Beaver Dam Bass Anglers and Senior Center Fishing Club sponsored the event.