Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Top Stories December 30th

Field on Salt Supply: ‘So Far, So Good’

12/30/08 - The Dodge County Highway Department got a break on the costs of their second shipment of salt this winter. The county used to profit from operating outside the state contract, but this year had to pay a private contractor 150-dollars-a-ton for their first shipment, which is about three times what other counties paid. Highway Commissioner Brian Field says their most recent contract with Morton Salt was for $82 per ton. Field says they will go before the Finance Committee next month to ask for additional funding to pay for the overage. As far as the county’s stockpile is concerned, Field says “so far so good.” While the county typically used a 50-50 sand and salt mixture on most roadways, this year Field says they are holding the salt to about 33%.

Non-Candidacy Deadline Was Friday

12/30/08 - Mark Born is the only current Beaver Dam alderperson to file non-candidacy papers by last Friday’s deadline. On Monday, Lisa Davidson filed Declaration of Candidacy papers for his Ninth Ward seat. Davidson is associated with the anti-smoking group Breathe Free Beaver Dam. The only candidate to submit nomination papers is 11th Ward Alderman John Litscher, who is currently running unopposed. Incumbent Alderman Clancy Knaup could see opposition for his First Ward seat as Donna Fuhrman has taken out nomination papers. Kenneth Anderson is seeking to challenge Third Ward Alderman Glen Link for his Fifth Ward seat. Alderman Aaron Onsrud hasn’t submitted any paperwork as of yet. Assuming Onsrud does run, he could once again face former Alderman Mic Fischer, who is collecting signatures. And incumbent aldermen Robert Ballweg and Laine Meyer are circulating nomination papers.

In Mayville, all incumbent alderpersons plan on running again. Alderpersons Marge Nitschke, Alan Voss and Dottie Hoy have all submitted their necessary paperwork and currently face no opposition.

In Horicon, Doug Psenicka remains as the only alderperson to file non-candidacy. But no one else has filed for the two-year term in the First Ward. John Forester is running again for the two-year term in the Third Ward while Ted Pyrek is running again for the one-year term in the Third Ward. Jack Flouro has filed his Declaration of Candidacy papers for the two-year term in the Second Ward.

All Fox Lake city alderpersons are seeking re-election. First Ward Alderman John Mund, Second Ward Alderman Tom Bednarek and Third Ward Alderwoman Ann McCarthy currently face no opposition.

And there were no non-candidacy papers filed in Juneau. Second Ward Alderman John Schuster and Third Ward Alderwoman Joann Link could each face opposition but First Ward Alderman Jason Buske is currently running unopposed.

Monday, is the deadline to file paperwork to run in the April election.

CFD Staffing To Be Discussed

12/30/08 - Major questions on a Columbus Fire Chief and Department staffing could be decided at the Council of the Whole meeting tonight. Firefighters have asked the Council to expedite approval of a permanent Fire Chief. In addition, a related problem in staffing is also raising questions. The Mayor and Council are not in agreement on whether the “administrative assistant” position should be continued as full time.

Council Member Jenny Perkins told the Council she believes the Department’s administrative assistant’s duties should be determined by the Fire Chief the City is planning to hire. Due to recent budget decisions the job is scheduled to be reduced to 20 hours per week on January 1st.

Tonight’s decisions could be a long awaited first step toward filling the long-time
vacancy of the Fire Chief’s position with a permanent appointment. Discussion on Fire Department administrative positions and decisions on a “time table” for the Chief’s hiring procedure may also make the final Council session of 2008 a memorable one.

Wisconsin Teacher Salaries 21st Highest in Nation

12/30/08 - The average Wisconsin school teacher got a raise of two-point-four percent in the last school year. That’s according to the National Education Association. The average teacher salary in Wisconsin was just over 49-thousand dollars in the last term. That’s the 21st highest in the country, down one place from the year before. Union officials have said that teachers accepted smaller raises in recent years in exchange for keeping high-quality tax-funded health care. Dustin Beilke of WEAC, the state’s largest teachers’ union, says health care is eating up a lot of pay hikes, simply because it costs so much in the Badger State. But some legislators have said that teachers should accept less costly plans. And Chris Kleismet of the Citizens for Responsible Government says it costs less to live in Wisconsin than many other places – so our teachers are probably in the upper half in terms of real pay-and-benefits. The N-E-A said Wisconsin teacher salaries rose 24-point-six percent in the last decade – and only seven other states had smaller pay hikes. When inflation is taking into account, Wisconsin teachers have taken almost a six-percent pay cut over the decade, compared to a one-and-a-half percent cut nationally.

Minneapolis Is NOT The Capital of Wisconsin

12/30/08 - The capital of Wisconsin is … Minneapolis? A state government Web site that candidates are using to post their financial information has Madison’s Capitol dome on its home page, next to the skyline of Minnesota’s largest city. The Government Accountability Board paid a million dollars to have a Connecticut group develop the Web site. P-C-C vice president Joe Singh said the Minneapolis skyline was only something to start with. They’re looking for an image of Madison’s skyline that doesn’t have a copyright-fee. And Singh promises an update in January. Some candidates used the financial reporting site on a pilot basis this fall. Everyone will have to start using it next year, once some glitches are worked out. State Senate Democrat Jeff Plale of South Milwaukee discovered the Minneapolis skyline goof, and the Journal Sentinel broke the story yesterday. An aide to former Milwaukee Mayor John Norquist joked that Wisconsin does not need to out-source its skyline. You can see it for yourself as CFIS-Dot-Wi-Dot-Gov.

Monday, December 29, 2008

Top Stories December 29th

Winter Returns

12/29/08 - Winter returns to all of Wisconsin today, after a spike of warmth during the weekend. Places that were over 50-degrees on Saturday will have highs today in the upper-30s. And that’s before the mercury begins to plunge in the afternoon. You can thank a cold front for that. The National Weather Service says it will also bring snow to northern Wisconsin later today. The northwest could see some more flakes tonight. And then tomorrow, northern and central areas could get another 2-to-5 inches. Occasional light snow in our area could accumulate up to one inch in the afternoon and evening tomorrow. Saturday’s mild weather brought lots of fog, as well as flooding in some places. The Highway 41 expressway in Fond du Lac was closed Saturday, where melting snow created up to one-and-a-half feet of water at a construction site on 41 at Hickory Street. The road re-opened yesterday, just in time for Packer fans to get to Green Bay to watch the team’s win over Detroit.

Salt Consortium Suggested

12/29/08 - Wisconsin has more than its share of precious road salt among Midwest states. That’s according to officials in Ohio, which is recommending that the Midwest work together in managing the commodity. Ohio says states should cooperate, and not compete in having good winter roads. And Wisconsin agrees. David Vieth of the state D-O-T says there are lots of opportunities to work together, and he’s considering Ohio’s idea of a purchasing alliance. It’s a touchy subject, after record December snow-falls in much of the region. Ohio said its access to road salt was hampered when Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, and Iowa jacked up their purchases after last year’s snows, which also set new records. Vieth said his agency took action when prices went back down to normal – around 40-dollars a ton. The Badger State bought one-point-three million tons for this winter – a half-million more than a year ago.

At the height of last winter, Wisconsin was paying up to 134-dollars a ton. That was enough for Ohio and Illinois to investigate whether salt suppliers were taking unfair advantage. Illinois’ probe is continuing. Ohio Governor Ted Strickland says he’s still reviewing his report and has not decided whether to pursue a Midwest purchasing alliance.

Meanwhile, Dodge County plans to sign-on to the statewide salt contract next year. The county used to profit from operating outside the state system, but not any more, having to pay 150-dollars-a-ton – three times what some neighboring counties paid. Highway Commissioner Brian Field says he’s only got enough salt to make it halfway through a typical winter. Instead, they are adding sand and deicers to stretch their supply this year.

Sisk Sentencing Tuesday

12/29/08 - The book is about to be closed on one of Wisconsin’s most horrific crimes of recent years. 27-year-old Michael Sisk is scheduled to be sentenced tomorrow in Columbia County. He’s the last of a group of drifters to be punished in what’s become known as the Portage “House of Horrors” case. It all started in June of last year, when Portage Police were asked to check on a woman’s two-year-old daughter. What they found was Tammie Garlin buried in the backyard, and her then 11-year-old son beaten, burned, and locked in a closet. Subsequent investigations showed that the two-year-old’s mother improperly took the girl from a foster care facility in Florida. And the group committed identity thefts around the country before settling in at Portage in early 2007. Earlier this month, Sisk tried to withdraw his no contest pleas to a host of criminal charges – saying he didn’t realize he’d face more than life in prison. But the judge refused. And Sisk now faces a total of 136 years on his convictions.

Warrant Issued in Fatal OWI Crash

12/29/08 - Washington County authorities have issued a warrant for a 34-year-old Lomira man suspected of driving drunk and causing the death of another man last month. The District Attorney’s office last Friday filed charges against Jason Jacobs stemming from the November 14th two-car crash that resulted in the death of 25-year-old Timothy McKee of Farmington. Jacobs allegedly went through a stop sign causing the accident. McKee died at the scene. (Bob Nelson, KFIZ)

Jury May Hear Statements From Deceased Neenah Man

12/29/08 - A prosecutor wants to let a jury hear statements made by a Neenah man before his son allegedly killed him. 17-year-old Zach Reid is charged with first-degree intentional homicide in the strangulation death of 53-year-old Brett Reid in early October. The U-S and Wisconsin Supreme Courts have made conflicting rulings on whether to allow testimony from deceased witnesses who cannot be cross-examined. Winnebago County District Attorney Christian Gossett wants to admit statements from Brett Reid that he was afraid of his son. Gossett says it means a lot to the case, and it’s something the jury should know. Defense lawyer Kevin Musolf has filed requests to not allow various statements into evidence, including what the defendant told police. The next hearing in the case is set for January 20th. In June, the U-S Supreme Court said statements made before victims’ deaths cannot be used as evidence unless a crime was committed to prevent such testimony. Last year, the State Supreme Court said such evidence was allowed with certain conditions.

Authorities Called to Fight at MVP Sports Bar and Grill

12/29/08 - Authorities were called out for a large fight at a Beaver Dam sports bar early Sunday morning. According to the Dodge County Sheriff’s Department, they were called twice to assist Beaver Dam Police with a fight at MVP’s Sports Bar and Grill at 208 Front Street. The first call came in around 1:45 and the second about a half-hour later. No word on what caused the fight or possible arrests.

Former Watertown Students Gets Class Ring Back

12/29/08 - A former Watertown High School student has his senior class ring once again. Adam Jay Paulsen can thank a police property room clerk who went above and beyond her duty. The ring was confiscated during the domestic battery arrest of a 64-year-old suspect two years ago. Police knew it wasn't his. It sat in the property room until Renee Supple spotted it last September. She contacted guidance counselors at Watertown High School. Using the engraved "AJP" initials on the ring, they pointed her toward Paulsen. Supple e-mailed him -- and the University of Wisconsin-Madison student picked it up earlier this month.

Chimney Fires in Fond du Lac and Washington Counties

12/29/08 - Chimney fires that spread to other portions of two homes displaced homeowners in both Fond du Lac and Washington Counties over Christmas. Fire significantly damage a home on County Highway V in the Town of Byron Christmas afternoon. Jeff Lallier had left his residence about a half hour before the fire. A passerby and firemen rescued his two dogs. Early that morning a chimney fire also caused substantial damage to a home on Fairview Drive in Washington County’s Town of Wayne. No one was hurt in either fire. In both fires wood-burning stoves had been used. (Bob Nelson, KFIZ)

Smoking At Record Lows in Wisconsin

12/29/08 - A one-dollar increase in Wisconsin’s cigarette tax has gotten at least some people to quit, but not as many as anti-smoking advocates had hoped. Cigarette tax collections have gone up 87-percent through November of the current fiscal year. They totaled around 200-million dollars, compared to 107-million at same time in 2007. Maureen Busalacchi of Smoke-Free Wisconsin says lots of folks are still smoking, but they’re doing it less. She said many cigarette-makers cut their prices this year, and it negated some of the effects of the tax increase. State officials say the percentage of adults who still smoke – around 20-percent – is the lowest in Wisconsin history. Wisconsin’s Tobacco Quit Line took a record 39-thousand calls this year from those wanting to quit.

The Future of State Property Taxes in Question

12/29/08 - The Wisconsin Assembly’s new Democratic leaders promise to hold local property taxes down, in a spite of a five-point-four billion dollar state deficit. A few years ago, lawmakers partially cut their deficits by pushing state programs onto local budgets. And the state’s current taxing limits on local governments have now expired. Rich Eggleston of the Wisconsin Alliance of Cities says Governor Jim Doyle has hinted at continuing those limits, even though municipal leaders say they’re being squeezed too much. Those limits – plus two state credits – helped limit the increase in the average tax bill by just four-dollars this year. Madison Assembly Democrat Mark Pocan, who will co-chair the Joint Finance Committee, says he’d like the new First Dollar Credit raised – thus giving low-and-middle income homeowners a break. A Doyle spokesman says the governor will do his best to keep property taxes in check. But lawmakers will have to find some way to make up for billions in lost revenues this year – and they’ve already said they’d try to avoid raising the sales and income taxes. Doyle has vowed to lower spending as much as possible, to keep the damage to people’s wallets to a minimum.

Slinger HS Band To Appear on Good Morning America

12/29/08 - Band members with the Slinger High School Marching Band have arrived in London, England. That’s according to the schools Logistics Director, Ron Naab, who says the 121 members of the band along with 18 chaperones and directors will be appearing on Good Morning America tomorrow. Naab says today they will be site-seeing in the greater London area and then doing a practice session to warm up their "chops." Tonight the band will travel to the theater district to see "The Buddy Holly Story.” For tomorrow’s televised performance, the band will travel to Trafalgar Square to perform along with the Cedarburg Band on Good Morning America. Later that night they will have a performance at the Sta. John Smith's Concert Hall.

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Top Stories December 28th

Winter Weather Strikes Again

12/28/08 - First, we're up to our necks in snow. Then, southeastern Wisconsin had to deal with flooding issues yesterday. Now, it’s dangerous icy conditions. Rain and melting snow caused officials to close down traffic on U.S. Highway 41 in Fond du Lac County for several hours starting Saturday afternoon. That water turned to ice overnight and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation says Highway 151 from Waupun to Fond du Lac is “Ice Covered and Hazardous.” Same goes for Highway 41 from Lomira to Oshkosh. Authorities have dealt with a number of runoffs overnight due to the weather conditions. That included one man who was arrested for drunk driving after running his car into the ditch on Highway 60 in the Town of Rubicon. Strong winds are also creating issues for drivers this morning as drifting and blowing snow is covering rural roads. Snowmobile trails were closed in at least four counties yesterday, including Dodge and Jefferson.

Fight at MVP’s in Beaver Dam

12/28/08 - Authorities were called out for a large fight at a Beaver Dam sports bar early this morning. According to the Dodge County Sheriff’s Department, they were called twice to assist Beaver Dam Police with a fight at MVP’s Sports Bar and Grill at 208 Front Street. The first call came in around 1:45 and the second about a half-hour later. No word on what caused the fight or possible arrests.

Former Watertown Students Gets Class Ring Back

12/28/08 - A former Watertown High School student has his senior class ring once again. Adam Jay Paulsen can thank a police property room clerk who went above and beyond her duty. The ring was confiscated during the domestic battery arrest of a 64-year-old suspect two years ago. Police knew it wasn't his. It sat in the property room until Renee Supple spotted it last September. She contacted guidance counselors at Watertown High School. Using the engraved "AJP" initials on the ring, they pointed her toward Paulsen. Supple e-mailed him -- and the University of Wisconsin-Madison student picked it up earlier this month.

State Hires Workers to Process Unemployment Claims

12/28/08 - Get this for irony. Anticipating an increase in unemployment claims, the state of Wisconsin has hired an additional 83 workers to process them. The new short-term employees have already been hired. Preliminary figures show Wisconsin lost more than 32-thousand jobs in November, compared to the same month in 2007. Federal funding will pay for salaries for the new workers. The announcement comes at a time when Governor Jim Doyle is trying to cut 700 state jobs to help deal with a 5-point-4 billion dollar budget shortfall that is expected.

UW Looking to Separate Doctors from Pharmaceutical Companies

12/28/08 - The UW School of Medicine is looking for new ways to prevent potential conflicts of interest between doctors and private companies. When a doctor prescribes a drug, some patients may wonder if it's the best solution for them. It's a common question raised at the UW School of Medicine, where many doctors work with pharmaceutical companies on research or consulting. Dr. Robert Golden, a dean at the UW School of Medicine, says the University is hoping to ease some of those fears with a new task force. The panel is charged with setting up a policy to help prevent conflicts of interest. Golden says many departments and clinics already have their own such policies in place, but the UW wants a uniform approach to the issue. Golden says the goal is to ease the concerns of patients, while still encouraging vital research. The task force is expected to report its findings early next year. However, officials are already planning to implement a policy in January that will help patients understand if a conflict exists. Signs will be posted in UW hospitals and clinics urging patients to ask about any relationships a doctor may have with the private sector.

Anti-Bullying Law Could Be Passed

12/28/08 - It failed twice, but an anti-bullying bill may have a better chance of being passed next year. A survey taken last year showed nearly one-third of Wisconsin public high school students say violence is a problem at their school. One in five students say he or she has been picked-on, harassed or bullied so much that they felt unsafe in the previous year. Most schools are dealing with the issue of bullying, but it's believed more than half of the state's 426 districts do not have a policy in place. Democrats take control of the Assembly in the next session starting in January. That, along with the governor's support, is expected to make passage more likely.

Disappointing Football Seasons Coming to an End

12/28/08 - One disappointing season came to an end yesterday, while another one will finish up today. The Wisconsin football team, which started the season ranked in the top 15, ended their season with a 42-13 loss to Florida State in the Champs Sports Bowl. The Seminoles used two fumble returns for touchdowns and two Christian Ponder passing touchdowns to distance themselves from the Badgers. Wisconsin got 140-yards rushing from junior running back P.J. Hill and a late touchdown pass from quarterback Dustin Scherer. UW finishes the season at 7-6, their most losses in a season since 2003. The Green Bay Packers extremely disappointing season will come to an end today as well. Despite a change at quarterback for the first time in 17-years, the Pack was expected to compete for the division title and possibly a Super Bowl bid. However, that hasn’t happened as 5-10 Green Bay has lost five straight heading into today’s season finale against the winless Detroit Lions. The Packers are 0-7 in games decided by 4-points or less this year compared to their 5-2 record in games decided by 7 points or less a year ago. Kickoff is set for noon at Lambeau Field.

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Top Stories December 27th

House a Total Loss in Town of Calamus Fire

12/27/08 - Firefighters had to fight the elements and fire yesterday morning at a home in the Town of Calamus. According to Jerrad Fox with the Columbus Fire department, as soon as they started putting water on the fire the driveway turned into an ice rink. That combined with strong winds made it more difficult to control the fire at W11523 County Road FW. Fox says the owner of the home noticed a glow coming from outside around 3:15am, and when he went to open the bedroom door he was greeted with a blast of smoke. He was able to get his daughter and her two sons out of the house before going back in to get his wife. All five were taken to the Columbus Hospital for observation. Fox says the house was fully engulfed when authorities arrived and the strong winds further fed the fire. Within 20 minutes the roof collapsed and the house is considered a total loss. The cause, so far, is undetermined. According to property records, the owners of the home are Herbert and Marcella Braker. Four fire departments fought the blaze and firefighters were on the scene for about five hours.

Warm Temps and Rain Lead to Flash Flood Watch

12/27/08 - Our area is under a flash flood watch through later this evening. Combined with rain and a deep snow cover flooding could become a problem, especially if storm drains and rivers clog with snow and ice. A flash flood watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding, which as we all learned this past summer is a very dangerous situation. As of late yesterday the Beaver Dam River was nearly 3-feet below flood stage and more than 5-feet below where it crested in June.

Snowmobile Trails Closed in Dodge County

12/27/08 - Unseasonable warm temps and rain have closed the Dodge County snowmobile trail system and the ATV Trail on the Wild Goose Trail. The closure is to ensure the snow trail surface will be protected. You can call the 24-hour trail status hotline or check dodgeparks.com to see if trails are back open. Colder weather is expected after this weekend which could allow the trail system to reopen. The Jefferson County snowmobile trails are alos closed due to the warm weather.

Horicon Man Charged with Battery

12/27/08 - A 24-year-old man has been charged with substantial battery after he allegedly punched a man in the face and hit him over the head with a bar stool. According to the criminal complaint, Kevin A. Kaiser of Horicon was involved in an argument with his girlfriend and her mother on December 19th, which ended with him pouring a beer over the girlfriends head. Another bar patron insisted that Kaiser apologize which led to him punching the person in the face and knocking him off his bar stool. Kaiser picked the bar stool up and slammed it over the persons head causing a deep cut that required stitches. Kaiser was arrested and faces the felony count of substantial battery. He’s due back in court on January 14th for a review hearing.

Woman Picked Up for Shoplifting While Wearing GPS Bracelet

12/27/08 - Authorities in Winnebago County say 54-year-old Dorothy McIntosh was wearing a GPS bracelet from a previous conviction when she was nailed for shoplifting. She reportedly has a history of retail theft. Investigators say McIntosh paid for some items she picked up at the store, but didn't pay for others which were worth almost 100 dollars. The items she took included beef tenderloin, juice, doughnuts and tissues. The court ordered she can't go into any more stores without adult supervision.

Middleton Legislator will Decline Raise, Fitzgerald Thinking About It

12/27/08 - State Senator Jon Erpenbach says he won’t accept the five-point-three percent pay raise he’s supposed to get next month. The Democrat from Middleton is in the middle of his four-year term – and he says he never accepts mid-term raises. Erpenbach plans to give the 25-hundred-30 dollars back to the Senate’s chief clerk. And if most lawmakers keep the money, he says it will harder to ask other parts of state government to sacrifice. Republican Jeff Fitzgerald of Horicon has also thought publicly about giving back the raise. Governor Jim Doyle has already promised sacrifice within state agencies, to close a five-point-four billion dollar budget deficit. Earlier this week, Assembly Republican Robin Vos of Racine said his colleagues would suffer financial penalties if they give their raises back. He says they still have to pay income taxes on that money, regardless of whether they accept it or not. Erpenbach says there’s got to be a way to prevent the 334-thousand-dollars in legislative pay raises from taking effect. But legislative leaders say it’s virtually impossible at this point.

Winter Allergies

12/27/08 - The cold and snowy weather is forcing many people indoors this time of year, and that can make life miserable for those with allergies. UW School of Medicine Allergist Dr. Robert Bush says allergy sufferers face many common irritants this time of year. Those include dust, mold, pets, and even Christmas trees. Although, he says those allergic to the trees may really just be reacting to the smells they bring in the house. Bush says you can see some allergy relief if you try to keep your home as clean as possible. Taking steps to control humidity levels in your home can also reduce the presence of mold. Still, while you don't want humidity levels to be too high, Bush says you don't want them too low either. He says having about 30-to-40 percent humidity in the house can prevent irritations to respiratory systems.

Happy Birthday Lambeau Leap

12/27/08 - Yesterday was the 15th birthday of the Lambeau Leap – in which a Green Bay Packer jumps into the stands at Lambeau Field after scoring a touchdown. Safety Leroy Butler invented the leap on December 26, 1993, when the Packers were playing the then-Los Angeles Raiders in a 22-below wind-chill. Raiders’ running back Randy Jordan fumbled, and the late Reggie White recovered it. He ran it down the sideline until he was almost out-of-breath. And then he pitched the ball back to Butler – who took it the rest of the way for a touchdown, and jumped over the green wall into the first row of the stands. It was the clinching touchdown in the Packers’ 28-nothing shutout of the Raiders. Butler said his teammates thought the leap was great. So most of them did it, too. One notable exception was Brett Favre. He thought he’d get hurt doing it – and so he didn’t until 2006 when he took the leap after scoring against the Arizona Cardinals. New Packer starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers got his leap out of the way in the season opener after scoring from one yard out against the Minnesota Vikings

Friday, December 26, 2008

Top Stories December 26th

Early Morning Fire Destroys Town of Calamus Home

12/26/08 - Five people are at a Columbus Hospital today after an early morning fire destroyed a home in the Town of Calamus. Jerrad Fox with the Columbus Fire Department says firefighters fought the fire and the elements at the home at W11523 County Road FW. Fox says the owner of the home noticed a glow coming from outside, and when he went to open the bedroom door he was greeted with a blast of smoke. He was able to get his wife, daughter and her two sons out of the house. Fox says the house was fully engulfed when authorities arrived, and the strong winds further fed the fire. Within 20 minutes the roof collapsed, and the house is considered a total loss. The cause, so far, is undetermined. All five people in the home were taken to the hospital and were doing good at last word. Four fire departments fought the blaze, and firefighters were on the scene for about five hours.

Flooding Possible but Not Likely

The National Weather Service says we could get some flooding – but not a lot – from the rain and the above-freezing temperatures expected today. A winter weather advisory was canceled overnight in southern Wisconsin, after a large system of snow, sleet, and freezing rain moved east over Lake Michigan. More rain is predicted for later today, but not as much. There are no flood watches or warnings anywhere in the state. Some streets could flood if their sewer grates are clogged – and smaller streams may rise a bit. But Chris Franks of the Weather Service says the heavy snow-cover will absorb most of the moisture, as temperatures rise to the low-30’s in the north to the low-40’s in the south.

Black Friday II

12/26/08 - Some call it Black Friday Two. Wisconsin department stores open as early as 5:30, as shoppers return unwanted Christmas gifts and look for bargains. J-C Penney has never opened this early. It’s enticing the 5:30 crowd with 100 door-buster specials – twice as many as a year ago. Many shoppers will use the gift cards they received for Christmas. But fewer people bought them, despite a big rush of sales earlier in the week. Retailers are looking for strong after-Christmas sales to make up for the lowest holiday sales in decades. The economy was a factor but not the only one. Record December snow-falls in Wisconsin are blamed as well. And Mary Wenger, the manager of Milwaukee’s Southridge Mall, says the Green Bay Packers’ losing season has hurt sales at her sports memorabilia shops. In spite of all that, big crowds are expected at the stores today. Steve Smith of Mayfair in Wauwatosa says folks will hunt for the next wave of mark-downs. Christian Jaeger of Milwaukee’s Bayshore mall says families are still together – and shopping gives them something to do.

If there is Ice and Snow, Take it Slow

12/26/08 - The month of December has had its share of nasty winter weather, highlighted by record snow fall in many locations. Beaver Dam has received nearly 15 more inches of snow so far this season than it had at this point a year ago. The state DOT says it serves as a reminder that, if there’s ice and snow, take it slow. The Wisconsin State Patrol says it has responded to several thousand slide-offs and roll-over crashes in December caused by people not slowing down. Some of those runoffs and roll-over crashes resulted in deaths, including three in Dodge County, the most recent being a 30-year-old mother and her seven-month old son on Christmas Eve. The Patrol says always stay alert for changing road conditions this time of year and modify your speed to match the conditions. The State Patrol also reminds motorists that the state’s new 511 traveler information system is now operational and they can call 511 at any time to get information on winter road conditions along their intended route.

Kenevan to Stay On as Interim Fire Chief

12/26/08 - The interim fire chief in Columbus will stay in that post, after his predecessor completed a six-month administrative leave for actions related to the June floods. Mayor Nancy Osterhaus says she’s using her executive authority to keep Mark Kenevan in the top spot. The former acting chief, Bill Kluetzman, was put on paid leave in June along with local emergency management director Bob Zapotocny and fire-fighter Doug Landphier. The mayor said there was inappropriate conduct as a result of the massive floods in Columbus. Kluetzman returned as a deputy chief, and he says he’s talking to his lawyer about his possible next course of action. Kluetzman was given a disciplinary warning for his conduct. There was no action against Landphier. Zapotocny resigned after he was put on leave.

Tax Bills Up

12/26/08 - Just because home values are plunging doesn’t mean property taxes are falling. In fact, many Wisconsinites were amazed to see that the assessed values of their homes actually went up this year – and some folks blame that for a bigger-than-expected tax hike. According to state law, homes are assessed according to what they were worth on January first – long before the mortgage meltdown reared its head. In theory, if everybody’s assessments rise by the same amount, their property taxes would not go up as a result. But it doesn’t work that way. Ken Jankowski of Milwaukee saw his home assessment rise by 23-percent, and he got hit with a 27-percent increase in property taxes this month. He had to pay an extra 871-dollars, instead of the 200-or-300 more he was counting on. Jankowski’s home is now valued at 173-thousand dollars, and he says there’s no way he could sell it for that much. Homeowners are supposed to get notices in the spring if their assessments change, and they can appeal the figures if they wish. But Jankowski said he didn’t know about his increase until he got his tax bill.

Bush Administration Nullifies WI Compassionate Care Law

12/26/08 - The Bush administration has kept its promise to let all health care workers refuse to perform abortions or provide information if it goes against their morals. Earlier this year, we learned that the new rule could nullify Wisconsin’s law that requires hospitals to provide emergency contraception to rape victims if they ask for it. Rea Holmes of the state health services department says the Bush rule indeed nullifies the state’s compassionate care law. Madison House Democrat Tammy Baldwin called it an attack on patients’ rights and the doctor-patient relationship. The A-C-L-U called it President Bush’s parting shot at women’s access to basic health care. Opponents of the new rule are already asking President-elect Barack Obama to repeal it next month.

Give the Gift of Life

12/26/08 - Christmas has come and gone but there is still one gift you can give – the gift of life. The Red Cross is asking Wisconsinites to consider giving blood during the holidays. Sarah Stevermer says there’s a big need for platelets right now. The blood product is commonly used for things like organ transplants and cancer treatments. Stevermer says they only have a shelf-life of about five days – so new supplies are constantly needed. The Red Cross uses a process that lets you donate platelets up to 24 times a year, as opposed to eight times for whole blood. It takes longer to donate platelets than blood, about one-and-a-half to two hours. And remember the spirit of giving, because you won’t get paid. Companies do pay for platelets used in making medications, but that’s not the case here. To learn more, you can call the following toll-free number –
1-800-GIVE-LIFE.

Convicts Prepare for a Different Life after Prison

12/26/08 - Starting next summer, 50-to-100 inmates at the federal prison in Oxford will learn how to use mops and computers instead of working toward a college degree. U-W Baraboo-Sauk County will end a 35-year relationship with the prison. Corrections’ officials want more instruction in custodial and computer fields which are not offered at the school. So the school did not submit a bid for a renewed contact that would have taken effect in June. Dean Thomas Pleger says it’s unfortunate that such a beneficial arrangement is about to end. But prison executive assistant Christine Montonna said inmates would benefit more from occupational-oriented programs which would give them marketable skills they can use as soon as they get out.

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Top Stories December 24th

Minor Damage from Apartment Fire

12/24/08 - A Beaver Dam apartment suffered some minor damage as a result of a kitchen fire last night. That’s according to the Beaver Dam Fire Department, who says they received a call reporting a fire at an apartment complex at 209 Seippel Boulevard around 8:50pm. The fire was out by the time the fire department arrived but the apartment sustained some smoke damage. A few residents suffered minor injuries attempting to put the fire out but none were taken to the hospital. The Fire Department says the cause is believed to be some candles on the stove tipping over. Firefighters were on the scene for about an hour.

More Snow Today

12/24/08 - If you’re still looking for that perfect Christmas gift, try a snow shovel. Most of Wisconsin has had three snow storms in the last five days. And we’re expecting another one today, with 3-to-5 inches in our area. Yesterday, much of the Badger State had around 3-to-5 inches of fluffy snow which made the roads especially greasy. The Dodge County Sheriff’s Department reports there were numerous runoffs throughout the day and also a rash of accidents but no one was injured. However, some other areas weren’t as lucky as there were two people killed in snow-related crashes. In Outagamie County, a 42-year-old Green Bay man died yesterday morning after his S-U-V collided head-on with another vehicle in Shiocton on Highway 54. And in Manitowoc County, 47-year-old Lyle Grall of Reedsville was killed in a two-vehicle crash on Highway 10 near Cato.

Alliant Energy to Possibly Ask for Emergency Increase

12/24/08 - Alliant Energy and its subsidiary Wisconsin Power and Light will possibly be asking for an emergency rate increase in light of their current economic situation. The increase would affect all customers that receive service from Alliant or W.P.L. in our area. Scott Reigstad with Alliant says the loss of two of its biggest customers, the General Motors Plant in Janesville and Domtar paper mill in Port Edwards, will cut their revenues by more than six-percent. If the increase is asked for, Reigstad says it will be within the first three months of 2009. The possible increase is not known so Reigstad says the company isn’t sure how much it would affect rates in our area.

2 Open Spots on Beaver Dam School Board


12/24/08 - There will be at least two open spots on the Beaver Dam school board in the upcoming election. That comes as a result of board member Kathie Berkvam’s decision to not run for reelection. Berkvam didn’t give a reason for her decision but stated in an email that it was a difficult decision because she believes quote, “that the need for quality public education must be balanced against the taxpayers’ interests.” Bervkam joins current member Mark Kirst as having filed non-candidacy papers. One other member up for reelection, Marge Jorgenson, hasn’t made her intentions on the possibility of running again known. She has until this Friday to submit non-candidacy papers. Anyone wishing to run for school board must submit their declaration of candidacy papers by January 6th.

Quad Graphics/Windover Foundation Gives $1-Million

12/24/08 - A foundation that’s partially-funded by the Quad-Graphics printing firm Sussex has given a million-dollars to food banks and meal programs. C-E-O Joel Quadracci says that in tough times like these, his company must strengthen the support network in the communities where it does business. About half of the million-dollar gift will go to Milwaukee’s Hunger Task Force. Other money will go to communities where Quad has printing plants. The gift comes from the Windhover Foundation, funded by Quad-Graphics and the Quadracci family. The foundation is headed by Betty Quadracci, the publisher of Milwaukee Magazine and the widow of company founder Harry Quadracci.

Fitzgerald Might Turn Down Raise

12/24/08 - Assembly Republican Minority Leader Jeff Fitzgerald is the only legislator thinking publicly about turning down a five-point-three percent pay raise next year. The pay raises have drawn the ire of some tax payers as the state faces a five-billion dollar budget deficit for next year. Capitol leaders said yesterday they can’t do anything to change to get rid of the raises and incoming Assembly Speaker Mike Sheridan says lawmakers have the option of turning down their raises. Sheridan and Senate Democratic Majority Leader Russ Decker say legislative pay increases have been well below inflation over the last decade. Their salaries will be 49-thousand-943-dollars a year for the next two years. It wasn’t that many years ago when legislators voted on their pay raises. But when they got sick of taking the heat, they passed that duty onto their eight-member Joint Committee on Employment Relations. Jay Heck of Common Cause says that’s wrong. He says if politicians want a raise, they should have the guts to vote for one.

Six Wisconsin Counties Facing Pressure from EPA

12/24/08 - Wisconsin business leaders are not happy about the federal E-P-A’s new mandate to cut soot pollution in six counties. On Monday, the agency said Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine, Brown, and Dane counties – and part of Columbia County – were not in compliance with new, tighter soot emission standards. Scott Manley of the Wisconsin Manufacturers-and-Commerce group says the state is being penalized despite the fact that industrial emissions have steadily gone down. The E-P-A says that may be true, but there’s growing evidence that soot is causing more health problems than previously thought – and so the chemical must be diminished. Wisconsin is not the only new state being targeted. Places like Utah are being singled out, too, mainly because of the soot from wood-burning stoves. Wisconsin’s soot also comes from power-and-industrial plants, vehicles, and off-road equipment. By 2014, businesses in the most polluted areas may have to buy more expensive pollution control equipment, or change their operations to reduce their soot.

Another Deer Season Begins Today

12/24/08 - Another deer hunting season begins today. The D-N-R says hunters can begin to hunt in Chronic Wasting Disease Management Zones. The season runs through January 4th. It’s an unlimited earn-a-buck hunt which means hunters must shoot an antlerless deer before taking one with antlers. For a map of the CWD zones visit the Wisconsin DNR.

Will Janesville Survive?

12/24/08 - Some of the last General Motors’ employees in Janesville wonder if the city of 60-thousand can survive – while others are sure it will. The company’s oldest production facility made its final S-U-V yesterday morning. And then about 11-hundred-50 workers walked out the door for what’s most likely the final time. However, some of those workers are still hopeful a new production line could move into the plant at some point. For the moment, at least, it’s not likely. Governor Jim Doyle recently said there would be no chance of re-opening Janesville without an auto industry bailout. And even with a federal loan package, Doyle said the chances were quote, “very, very remote.”

Trash Pickup a Day Late

12/24/08 - Due to the Christmas Holiday, City of Beaver Dam garbage and recyclables collections will be delayed by one day starting with tomorrow’s collection. Tomorrows rout will be collected on Friday and Friday’s route will be collected on Saturday. There will also be an extra collection of recyclables for next week on Monday through Wednesday routes. On a related note the DPW garage will be closed today and tomorrow.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Top Stories December 23rd

Car Burts into Flames Overnight
12/23/08 - An 85-year-old man was rushed to the hospital this morning after his car burst into flames in the Town of Elba. That’s according to the Dodge County Sheriffs Department who says William A. Nolan was driving south on Breyer Road near County Trunk TT around midnight when he crossed the centerline and entered the ditch before the car caught on fire. Nolan was taken to Columbus Hospital before being transferred to UW-Hospital in Madison. It’s unknown what caused the accident or the fire.

Accident on Highway 28 Cleaned Up

12/23/08 - Traffic was back to normal by 8 this morning after a three-car accident on Highway 28. The Dodge County Sheriff’s Department says the accident occurred around 5:40am near Flyway Hill, which is in between Mayville and Horicon. There were no injuries, but the accident did cause traffic backups as deputies were on the scene attempting to divert traffic.

White Christmas Guarantee

12/23/08 - Going home for Christmas will be a challenge in Wisconsin. Two-to-five inches of new snow are in the forecast through tonight for most parts of the Badger State, with even more predicted for Christmas Eve. By the time Santa arrives tomorrow night, his sleigh could be landing on 8-to-10 inches of fresh snow in our area, where we’ve already had more than 40-inches. The snow this morning is light and fluffy, which Dodge Count Highway Supervisor Ken Stock says is a good thing because it doesn’t stick to the ground as much. Stock asks drivers to keep their distance from the county’s snow plows so they can do their job more easily. He says that’s especially important in the wake of a car striking a plow last weekend.

Columbus Drivers Dealing with Dangerous Roads

12/23/08 - Columbus drivers are being asked to take added caution in their winter trips on snowy City streets. Department of Public Works Director Dan Jensen said that using sand or salt will not always prevent slippery street conditions when temperatures are below 15 degrees. Jensen said recent snows were quickly packed into an icy surface prior to salting or sanding and not all drivers are adjusting. Jensen also complemented his crew for long hours and quick reaction to frequent snow falls and frigid temperatures.

Name Released of Crash Victim

12/23/08 - Authorities have released the name of the 22-year-old Markesan-area man who was killed in a late night crash Sunday. Joshua K. Schulz was killed when he lost control of his vehicle on Highway 73, went into the ditch and rolled over. He was ejected from the car and pronounced dead at the scene. Sheriff’s Captain Molly Soblewski says speed and alcohol may have been a factor in the crash. Schulz is the 18th person killed in a car accident this year in Dodge County.

Drug House Busted in Watertown

12/23/08 - A suspected drug lab has been uncovered in Watertown. According to the State Attorney General’s Office, a Watertown police officer investigating a domestic disturbance came across a number of materials inside of a home at 504 Grey Fox Run that led him to believe that they may be part of a drug lab. Officials with the Wisconsin DCI and U.S. Drug Enforcement agency collaborated with Watertown police in investigating the home and determined the lab was allegedly engaged in the production of Ecstasy. While authorities were investigating at the home, some neighbors were evacuated for several hours due to the explosive potential of the chemicals found within the lab. At least one person who lived at the home was detained as the states investigation continues.

Sprouts Being Recalled

12/23/08 - Wisconsin-made sprouts are being recalled, after routine safety tests turned up salmonella bacteria. Sunrise Farms of Neenah told stores to remove four-ounce packages of Alfalfa Sprouts, Crunchy Sprouts, Onion Sprouts, and Spicy Sprouts. They’re sold in stores throughout Wisconsin and Minnesota. Other Sunrise Farms mixes are not affected. State agriculture spokeswoman Jane Larson says no one has been known to be sick from eating the sprouts – but they recall was still done as a precaution. The company has sanitized its plant, and it’s working with the state to determine the source of the salmonella. Those who bought the recalled sprouts are asked to throw them away. Credits are available with proofs-of-purchase.

Lottery Ticket Sales Down

12/23/08 - If you figured the recession would prompt more people to turn to the Lottery in search of a quick buck, you'd be wrong. As the economy has soured, people have been spending less on Lottery tickets in Wisconsin. Wisconsin Lottery Administrator Mike Edmonds says overall ticket sales have gone down about 7-percent since July. He says there are a few reasons for that. New software cut back on the number of new instant games the Lottery's been able to offer and the multi-state Powerball jackpots have been lower than in recent years. But Edmonds has noticed another trend that he thinks is tied to the recession. Sales of 20-dollar scratch off tickets have dropped while sales of 10-dollar scratch-offs have actually gone up. Wisconsin's Lottery was created in 1987 to generate property tax relief. Because sales are down Edmonds says people will likely get slightly less tax relief this year.

Monday, December 22, 2008

Top Stories December 22nd

Markesan-area Man Killed in Crash

12/22/08 - Snow, ice and speed are being blamed for the death of a 22-year-old Markesan-area man. The Sheriff’s Department tells us the man was driving south on Highway 73 late last night when he lost control of his truck near Highway G in the Town of Westford. The man entered the ditch and rolled over onto the passenger side of the vehicle. He was ejected and pronounced dead at the scene. He was not wearing his seatbelt. The crash remains under investigation by the Dodge County Crash Investigation Team. The death is Dodge County’s 18th of the year.

Wind Chill Advisory Active until Noon, More Snow on the Way

12/22/08 - We remain under a wind chill advisory at this hour and the national weather service has also issued a winter storm watch. The current bone chilling cold will be accompanied with more snow late tonight through tomorrow evening, which snow totals between 3 and 6-inches. More snow is expected on Wednesday with possible accumulations of an additional 4 to 7 inches for southern Wisconsin. All the snow we’ve gotten has put us on pace to top last years record snowfall. In Beaver Dam, officials say we’ve received about 40-inches of snow putting us 10-inches in front of the record pace from last winter.

Accidents Aplenty

12/22/08 - Highway 41 saw its share of weather related accidents yesterday morning. Within a half-hour the State Patrol responded to two rollovers at the same location. Just after 8 a vehicle lost control and rolled their vehicle near 41’s intersection with Highway 67. There were minor injuries. Less than 25-minutes later a second rollover occurred at the same location, injuring two people. The Dodge County Sheriffs Department also dealt with its share of accidents. That includes an accident in which a car and a county plow truck collided. The accident occurred on Highway 41 in the Town of Theresa around 11:15am. The people in the car were taken to the hospital for treatment of their injuries. The Sheriffs Department says they also responded to dozens of runoffs during the day.

Train Strikes Skid Loader in Watertown

12/22/08 - A man was nearly injured when a train struck his skid loader on Friday afternoon in Watertown. The Watertown Police Department tells us the man was using the skid loader to clear snow when it got stuck on the tracks. However, he was able to exit the loader before the eastbound train collided with it. There were no injuries, but there was extensive damage to the loader and crossing sign, as well as the train. The accident took place just after 2:30pm and stalled traffic for a few hours.

Shaky Economy

12/22/08 - Wisconsin enters the holidays with an economy that hasn’t been this shaky in almost three decades. Dennis Winters, the state’s chief labor economist, says our economy will probably keep struggling through the coming year. But we won’t decline as much as other states that had more benefits from the recent economic expansion. Still, U-W Madison economist Menzie Chen says we’re going through quote, “The Great De-leveraging.” Chen says everyone from the typical homeowner to the bigger investment banks feel the after-effects of a borrowing rush that pushed home prices to levels that could not be sustained. Wisconsin had way fewer risky loans than other states – but it couldn’t shake off the problems from the country’s general economic meltdown.

Check the Prices

12/22/08 - As the final three days of Christmas shopping begin, state officials urge consumers to watch the price-scanners – and make sure they reflect those last-minute mark-downs. Judy Cardin of the state’s consumer protection agency says the busiest shopping days of the year also make it more likely for the wrong prices to be rung up. State inspectors check about three-percent of Wisconsin stores each year – and they take action when they find repeated problems. The Pamida department store chain was fined 50-thousand-dollars this year for its price-scanning over-charges. That was the highest fine among six major chains that were caught. Officials say most over-charges are not done on purpose. Mostly, they say stores don’t act fast enough to keep up with all the pricing changes – or take down sale-signs when they’re over. Last year, almost 40-percent of the stores inspected had scanning problems involving about four-percent of the total items checked.

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Top Stories December 20th

Man Uninjured in Train Accident

12/20/08 - A man was able to jump from a skid loader before it was struck by a train at the at the South 10th Street railroad crossing in Watertown yesterday afternoon. According to the Watertown Police Department, the man was using the skid loader to clear snow when it got stuck on the tracks. However, he was able to exit the loader before the eastbound train collided with it. There were no injuries, but there was extensive damage to the loader and crossing sign, as well as the train. The train was stuck across a number of crossings late in the afternoon as Watertown police waited for the train company to come out and investigate the incident. The accident took place just after 2:30pm.

Authorities Perform Drug Raid in Horicon

12/20/08 - A 41-year-old woman was arrested Thursday night after the Horicon Police Department seized about $11,000 worth of drugs during a drug raid of a home at 217 South Hubbard Street. Drugs found included cocaine, heroin, and marijuana. Angela S. Sutter was arrested on three felony charges of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, one felony count of maintaining a drug house, and possession of drug paraphernalia, which is a misdemeanor. Horicon Police Chief Joe Adamson credited the teamwork of his department with their sister agencies saying without it, investigations like this wouldn’t be possible.

Area on Pace to Break Last Years Record for Snowfall

12/20/08 - Beaver Dam is on pace to break last years record for the amount of snowfall. According to Utilities Director Don Quarford, the city has received 35.8 inches of snow since the first of November, while at this point last year we were at 30.5-inches. That puts the city on its way to challenging last winters record snowfall of more than 103-inches. And it’s not just Beaver Dam who will challenge its record snowfall. When Madison set a new record for snow with more than 101 inches last winter, it recorded 25 inches by this date. This year, 31 inches has already blanketed the ground. When Milwaukee got close to its record last year, it had seen about two feet by now. This year? More than two and a half feet. If Wisconsin residents thought the snowy winter of 2007-2008 wouldn't be repeated, well, they may have another think coming. More snow is said to be on the way for southern Wisconsin. It was bad enough Friday that the Wisconsin State Patrol had reported 95 drivers running off the road in its district around DeForest in just half a day Friday. Yesterday’s storm dumped 10.7-inches in Beaver Dam and 12-inches in Fall River. Fond du Lac reported in at 8.5-inches while Sullivan in Jefferson County had 10.5. The most snow fell in Pewaukee where observers measured 13.5-inches.

Sprague Misses Preliminary Hearing

12/20/08 - A 26-year-old Beaver Dam man, charged in connection with two felonies related to a recent string of break-ins, failed to appear for a preliminary hearing in Dodge County court Thursday. Bradley Sprague is facing felony charges of possession of stolen property and possession of a firearm. Authorities say a Horicon police officer pulled a vehicle over for a traffic violation in October. The officer noted the car matched the description of a suspect’s vehicle in several Beaver Dam-area burglaries. A subsequent search of the vehicle reportedly revealed two guns, stereo equipment and ammunition that had been recently stolen from a residence in Beaver Dam. Horicon police say Sprague was hiding the guns until a buyer could be found. As a result of his failure to appear, Sprague forfeited his $1000 signature bond.

Kniess in Court

12/20/08 - A Hustisford man, who allegedly injured two friends in a traffic accident while driving drunk, waived his right to a preliminary hearing Thursday. Cody Kniess was driving two friends home from a graduation party when authorities say he left the roadway while driving at a high rate of speed in June. His vehicle went airborne, struck a culvert and came to rest in a ditch. When officers located his vehicle in the Town of Hustisford, there was no one at the scene. The 21-year-old Kniess was tracked down at Watertown Hospital and later admitted to their being two additional passengers when questioned. Both of his passengers sustained back injuries, and one required spinal surgery. Kniess reportedly had a blood alcohol level twice the legal limit. He faces 27 years in prison if convicted.

WI Residents Contribute to Obama Transition

12/20/08 - About a dozen Wisconsinites have contributed to President-elect Barack Obama’s transition effort. According to a report from the transition team, Wisconsinites have thrown in just over 22-hundred dollars as of November 15th. Nationally, almost 18-hundred donors had given one-point-two-million dollars to the project. Obama has employed a host of policy experts to study various issues so he can hit the ground running on January 20th, when he’s inaugurated. And speaking of the inauguration, just one Wisconsin donation has been made for those festivities. Milwaukee philanthropist Lynde Uihlein gave 25-thousand dollars. About 10-million dollars have been donated nationally for Obama’s inauguration events.

Milk Production Up in Wisconsin

12/20/08 - Wisconsin’s milk production rose one-point-four-percent last month compared to a year ago. Federal officials say it’s about the same increase as the 23 major dairy states combined. Wisconsin added about five-thousand cows last month, reaching a total of about one-and-a-quarter million. The average cow produced 15 more pounds, for a total of almost 16-hundred. California, the nation’s top milk producer, saw its production drop by three-tenths-of-a-percent last month to around three-point-three billion pounds. The Golden State added around 20-thousand cows, but each animal made about 15 pounds less. Wisconsin remains the number-two milk state, followed by Idaho, New York, and Pennsylvania.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Top Stories December 18th

6” to 12” of Snow Expected

12/18/08 - Our area is bracing for another snow storm lasting tonight through tomorrow morning. Predictions have snow totals ranging from 6 to 12-inches around here. Milwaukee expects 9-to-10 inches – Madison 7-to-9 inches. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for tonight and tomorrow morning. And those who don’t get snow will get brutal cold temperatures instead. It was 20-below in Land O’Lakes at five this morning. Wind-chills in Bayfield today could get down to minus-35, and minus-30 in Superior. The weather service says the snow will arrive when a low-pressure system from the Rocky Mountains moves into northern Missouri tonight. A break is expected tomorrow night and Saturday – but forecasters say another major storm could hit the Badger State on Sunday.

Boy Uninjured in Rollover

12/18/08 - A 16-year-old boy was involved in a rollover accident yesterday afternoon. The Dodge County Sheriffs Department tells us the boy was driving on Oakwood Road just after 3 near the roads intersection with Highway 151 when he lost control of the car and rolled it. He was uninjured and was cited for failure to have control of his vehicle.

Suspected Arsonist Deemed Competent to Stand Trial

12/18/08 - The 33-year-old Burnett woman suspected of setting an apartment fire in Horicon last month has been found competent to stand trial. A competency hearing was held for Jamie Allen in Dodge County court yesterday. Judge Steven Bauer found Allen competent enough to stand trial on an arson charge. She is suspected of setting a fire in her apartment unit while she lived in Horicon. According to the criminal complaint, Allen admitted to using a lighter to ignite a curtain in the doorway of her bedroom and clothes in her closet. She then left the apartment locking the door behind her. No one was hurt in the incident, but the blaze caused about $14,000 in damage. (KFIZ)

Major Highway Back Open in Fox Lake

12/18/08 - Highway P in Fox Lake is finally back open to the public. That’s according to Fox Lake City Administrator Bill Petracek, who says the orange barrels were removed Monday afternoon. The road has been closed since the middle of June after flood waters washed out the culvert near the highways intersection with Highway 33. The total bill for the project was just less than $600,000 with the cost being split between the city and township. Its completion was about two weeks late. Petracek says he was told about a month ago that the Federal Emergency Management Agency or FEMA would not be funding the project so he’s currently in contact with the Federal Highway Administration in an attempt to get financial help for the construction.

Garbage Overhaul Coming to Fox Lake

12/18/08 - The city of Fox Lake is planning to overhaul its garbage pick up system. The current system makes residents buy $1 dollar stickers and place them on every bag they want picked up but City Administrator Bill Petracek says it’s an inefficient system that’s way overdue to be replaced. The plan is to present the council with an ordinance that would add a garbage fee to a resident’s monthly utility bill. Though the plan is only in its infancy the monthly fee is expected to be less than $10.

Columbus Mayoral Race Filling Up

12/18/08 - It looks like there’ll be some familiar faces in city of Columbus politics running for mayor. Former Columbus Mayor Art Westergaard Jr., who resigned amid controversy in 2006, is running for his old seat. Columbus officials tell us that Westergaard has submitted his Declaration of Candidacy papers and is currently collecting signatures. Another former mayor, Peter Kaland has also submitted his candidacy papers and is circulating signatures. Former Columbus alderman and school board member Bob Link has filed candidacy papers and signatures. The same goes for Incumbent Mayor Nancy Osterhaus, who is seeking a second term.

Horicon Council Will Change

12/18/08 - There will be at least one new alderperson in Horicon after April’s election. That’s because current 1st Ward Alderman Doug Psenicka has filed his Non-Candidacy Papers. Third Ward Alderman Ted Pyrek, who joined the board after Don Butler resigned, has submitted his Declaration of Candidacy papers. Two other alderpersons, Jack Flouro and John Forester, are up for re-election but have not filed anything as of yet. Candidates have until December 26th to declare their non-candidacy. Anyone wishing to run must have their Declaration of Candidacy papers in by January 6th.


Sisk Denied Plea Change

12/18/08 - The purported ring-leader in the Portage “House-of-Horrors” case cannot back out of a plea deal. That’s what a Columbia County judge said yesterday. The judge found that 26-year-old Michael Sisk knew what he was doing when he struck a plea deal on 10 charges, including second-degree reckless homicide. Sisk thought he would be spared of a life sentence – but he later realized he could still spend the rest of his life behind bars. In court yesterday, Sisk said he was just tired of dealing with the case – and his potential total sentence didn’t register with him until a few days after he pleaded. Sisk won’t know what his actual sentence will be until December 30th. Authorities said he was part of a group of traveling identity thieves who turned on each other after they moved to a house in Portage almost two years ago. A police officer was checking on a toddler’s welfare in June of 2007 when he found Tammie Garlin buried in the back yard, and Garlin’s son burned-and-battered. He was 11 at the time.

Gaugert Going To Jail

12/18/08 - A 47-year-old Juneau man was sentenced to eight months in jail for fleeing from authorities while drunk. Sheriffs Deputies attempted to pull over Dean Gaugert last July but he didn’t stop, and instead fled down a long gravel driveway and around the back of some farm buildings before the deputy was able to take him into custody. The 47-year-old Gaugert, who has not had a valid driver’s license since 1997, was also placed on probation for two years and ordered to maintain absolute sobriety.

GAB Ruled Against Zeigler

12/18/08 - The Government Accountability Board rules Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Annette Ziegler has to dissolve her blind trusts and reveal family assets to the public. State regulators say the way Ziegler set up the trust violates federal rules. One of her trustees is a relative. Ziegler has been reprimanded in the past for violating ethics rules when she had served as a circuit court judge on a case involving a bank where her husband was a paid director. In a letter, Ziegler said a former Ethics Board director had commended her for her plan to create the trusts.

Tobacco Quit Line Sets Record

12/18/08 - A record 39-thousand smokers called the Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line this year, to get help in kicking-the-habit. That’s almost a third of the 122-thousand people who’ve gotten help in the eight years the hotline has existed. Health services secretary Karen Timberlake cites the $1 per pack cigarette tax increase and the growing number of public places that have gone smoke-free this year. The Quit Line has expanded its services to include free, two-week starter kits of medications designed to help kick nicotine addiction. The federal government reports that the percentage of Wisconsin adults who smoke dropped below 20-percent this year for the first time. The Quit Line is available every day from 7am until 11pm at 800-QUIT-NOW.

Deer Donations Up

12/18/08 - Wisconsin hunters have donated over 65-hundred deer to a program that helps feed the hungry. D-N-R secretary Matt Frank says the venison puts high-quality protein on the table. Frank says there’s still a big need to be met – and he encourages those hunting in the late deer seasons through January fourth to consider donating their meat to local food pantries. The donations are made through meat processors. 123 of them are participating this year, from 55 of the state’s 72 counties. All deer from the zones with chronic wasting disease are tested for the condition before processing. In the last nine years, the D-N-R says over 68-thousand deer have been donated – and over three-million pounds of venison have gone to the needy.

Jobless Claims Higher

12/18/08 - New claims for unemployment benefits for 2008 in Wisconsin are 15-percent higher than a year ago. According to the state’s preliminary figures, about 40-thousand more people have filed initial benefit claims in the first 50 weeks of the year, than in the same period in 2007. When the last five weeks are considered separately, new claims were up 41-percent.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Top Stories December 17th

Let it Snow

12/17/08 - The Dodge County Highway Department is reporting roads are in good condition this morning all things considered. Supervisor Ken Stock says the light snow and little to no wind is making their job easier. Though the roads are in ok condition this morning it doesn’t mean they aren’t slippery and officials remind you to take it slow when you head out this morning.

Meanwhile, the Dodge County Sheriff’s Department says there were numerous runoffs overnight as a result of the weather. There were also a number of accidents, including a two-vehicle accident in Horicon that resulted in minor injuries to both parties.

Yesterday’s snow storm dumped varying amounts of snow in our area. Juneau is reporting 4-inches of snow as of 10 last night while Watertown was also right around 4-inches as of midnight. Trained weather spotters in Fond du Lac relayed amounts of about 3-inches. The biggest amounts reported came from Dane County where Sun Prairie picked up 5.5-inches and Madison had 4.2. All of these numbers pale in comparison to what forecasters say we could receive tomorrow night into Friday morning as estimates have totals between 6 to 12-inches.

Wage Increases for some DC Employees Lower than Expected

12/17/08 - Despite a budget that set aside money for a 3-percent increase, the Dodge County Board of Supervisors passed an amended resolution last night that will give the county’s non-union and management employees a raise of around 2.25-percent. When the Human Resources Committee met to discuss the wage increases they felt an across the board raise of 3% was too high and settled on two 1-percent increases for ‘09. However, an amendment by Supervisor Harold Johnson pushed the increase up to 1.5-percent, which was passed overwhelmingly. The reduction of the wage increase affects about 175 people, most notably in the Sheriff’s Department. In the past, the employees affected received the same increase as union members and Sheriff Todd Nehls calls it bad business to not continue that trend. He says it means some union positions are being paid better than supervisory spots and without disparity between management and union positions, the motivation to strive for greater things isn’t there. County Administrator Jim Mielke says making management positions attractive is something the HR committee will need to look at before beginning the 2010 budget process.

Incumbents/ Newcomer Submit Papers

12/17/08 - Beaver Dam Alderman John Litscher will be seeking another term on the Common Council. The longtime Ward 11 alderman has submitted his Declaration of Candidacy papers with the appropriate signatures to the City Clerks Office. Ward 13 Alderman Laine Meyer has also submitted his papers, but has not yet submitted the required signatures. Incumbent Ward 5 Alderman Aaron Onsrud picked up both Declaration of Candidacy and Non-Candidacy papers. If Onsrud decides to run, he could face opposition yet again from former Alderman Mic Fischer, who lost to Onsrud by seven votes in the Spring 2007 election. Fischer submitted his Declaration of Candidacy papers but has not submitted the signatures. Newcomer Kenneth Anderson has filed Declaration of Candidacy papers for Ward 3. The deadline to file declaration of candidacy and nomination papers is Tuesday, January 6. Incumbents have until Friday, December 26 to file non-candidacy papers. The election will be held April 7, 2009, with a primary date of Tuesday, February 17, if needed.

Born Not Seeking Another Term (Yet)

12/17/08 - Beaver Dam Alderman Mark Born will not be seeking reelection in April. The 9th Ward Alderman filed his non-candidacy papers yesterday morning. Born, who will be getting married next May, says it has been “an honor to serve (his constituents) for the past four years.” Born ran unsuccessfully for mayor this past spring and told us on Community Comment yesterday that he is not ruling out any future possibilities of running for municipal office.

Sisk Seeks Plea Change

12/17/08 - One of the convicted ring-leaders in the “Portage House-of-Horrors” case now says he was mentally exhausted when he admitted to some of the crimes – and he wants to plead innocent. A Columbia County judge is expected to decide Wednesday whether 26-year-old Michael Sisk can withdraw his earlier pleas to 10 charges. He struck a plea deal in August for the killing of Tammie Garlin and the torturing of her 12-year-old son. They occurred at a house in Portage where Sisk, Garlin, and others had lived for a few months before the crimes were discovered in June of 2007. According to court records, Sisk thought his pleas would spare him from life in prison – but he now knows he could serve what amounts to be a life term. And he said he was pressured into accepting it. Sisk entered an Alford plea to reckless homicide, and guilty to hiding a corpse, false imprisonment, and mayhem among other things. Sisk is still scheduled to be sentenced on those charges December 30th.

Wondra Sentenced

12/17/08 - A Mayville man, who broke his infant son’s ribs in a fit of anger, will spend two and a half years in prison. Jonathan Wondra pleaded “no contest” to a felony count of child abuse and had a second charge dismissed. Authorities say the 21-year-old was alone with two of his young children when he abused his three-month-old boy – and didn’t seek medical help until the next day. Doctors at U-W Hospital in Madison called police after an examination found the boy had broken ribs, liver damage, and heavy bruises – apparently from being shaken or squeezed. At first, Wondra told police the baby’s two-year-old brother caused the injuries. But officials say he later admitted the abuse. In addition to prison time, Wondra was sentenced to two years of extended supervision.

Wood Facing Third OWI

12/17/08 - State Representative Jeff Wood’s drunk driving arrest was widely reported to be his first. But the independent from Bloomer admits being caught before – and a new report said he was nabbed twice in Eau Claire County in 1990-and-’91. Even though it was so long ago, Columbia County District Attorney Jane Kohlwey says she’ll have no choice but to charge Wood with third-offense O-W-I – which carries a one-year jail term and a fine of up to two-thousand-dollars. Kohlwey says she’s still reviewing the State Patrol’s arrest report from last Friday’s incident. And she expects to charge the 39-year-old Wood with marijuana possession. Troopers said they found four-point-nine grams of pot in his vehicle. Wood is due in court January 26th and says he won’t fight the charges.

Powerball Will Be Tougher to Win after January 1st

12/17/08 - It will be tougher to win the Wisconsin Lottery’s Powerball jackpot in the New Year. But it will be easier to win at least something. Four white regular numbers will be added starting January fourth, for a total of 59. And three red Powerball numbers will be removed, for a total of 39. That will toughen the odds of winning the jackpot from one-in-146-million to one-in-195 million. The idea is to create larger-and-faster-growing jackpots. But the odds of winning any prize will drop from 1-in-37 to 1-in-35. Officials say it will create about three-million more winners. And there should be more millionaires – because the Power Play multiplier will automatically be five for those who match all five regular numbers but not the Powerball.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Top Stories December 16th

Council Approved Downtown Redevelopment Plan

12/16/08 - The Beaver Dam Common Council overwhelmingly approved a large-scale redevelopment plan last night. The city will borrow $1.5 million next year to acquire and demolish nine of 11 downtown buildings at 100% of their current assessed value, totaling $778,200 of taxpayer money. The buildings are located in the floodway over the Beaver Dam River, which is prohibited by state law and will eventually have to be removed. The purchase is contingent on the acceptance of a counter-offer from the city that seeks to make the language consistent in all contracts.

The council also approved the project plan for the new Tax Increment Finance District #6 in the downtown redevelopment area, and the blending of the new district with the current TIF #3. Once finalized, $16.5 million in TIF funds would be allocated to implement the proposed projects outlined in the redevelopment plan, specifically developer incentives but also for acquisition and demolition. The TIF District is expected to generate $30 million is assessed value. The TIF would continue through 2036 with the payout coming in its final three years. The creation of a new TIF District is vital in making the proposed senior living and Weyco factory apartments a reality, and also in funding the downtown redevelopment plan. Pictured: Alderman Robert Ballweg (front) questions property owner Michael Firchow (back) while Beaver Dam Area Development Corporation president Trent Campbell (right) – co-author of the redevelopment plan - awaits questioning.

Collective Bargaining Agreements Approved

12/16/08 - The Beaver Dam Common Council approved collective bargaining agreements with their full-time firefights, paid-on-call firefighters and water treatment plant workers. The firefighters both have three-year contracts ending in 2010 with 3% increases in the first two years, and two 2% increases in the final year. Treatment plant workers have a 2-year contract with a 3% increase for 2009 and two 2% increases in 2010. Mayor Tom Kennedy says the contracts are the same as the three-year contracts approved with the AFSCME union last year. Contracts still have not been finalized with the police union but Kennedy says it is imminent.

DC Sheriff’s Department Investigating Possible B&E

12/16/08 - The Dodge County Sheriff’s Department is looking into a Breaking and Entering at a home in the Town of Portland. Sheriff Todd Nehls says a homeowner reported that his front door had been kicked in and money taken from his home on Highway 19. He says they will be investigating whether there was any correlation between this incident and the rash of burglary’s that happened this past fall, though initially he believes it may be a new person or group.

Referendums to be on February Ballot in Waupun

12/16/08 - Residents in the Waupun School District will see three referendum questions on their ballots in February. That’s after the school board approved their addition at last night’s board meeting. District Administrator Randy Refsland says the questions will ask taxpayers to allow the district to exceed the revenue cap for three years by a total of nearly $5-million. The first question would be the most expensive for residents as the district is asking for $4-million over the three years to keep a number of district buildings operating as they currently do. If that question does not pass it’s possible that both Fox Lake and Alto Elementary would have to close.

BD School Board Approves Easement

12/16/08 - The Beaver Dam School Board voted unanimously to give the city of Beaver Dam permission to construct a stormwater detention basin near Jefferson Elementary to help improve stormwater flow in that area. The basin will be near the corner of Stone Street and Roedl Court in an area that is sometimes used for youth soccer. The stormwater utility will pay for the construction and maintenance and, in return, the school district will receive a 33 percent credit on its stormwater bill for that property, or a savings of about $860 per year.

BDUSD Audit “Clean”

12/16/08 - The accounting firm Virchow Krause presented their findings of an audit of the Beaver Dam School District at last night’s board meeting. According to Business Services Director Andrew Sarnow the report indicated a qualified audit meaning it was clean. Sarnow says the audit did note a few internal controls that could be implemented, including having one person handle cash and another handle the deposit. However, Sarnow says in a district the size of Beaver Dam it may not be possible because of budget concerns. In total the audit figured the district had about $530,000 more revenue than expenditures, which Sarnow says was put into the fund balance account.

It’ll be a White Christmas in Wisconsin


12/16/08 - There’s no doubt that Wisconsin will have a White Christmas. The only question is how deep the snow will be. The National Weather Service says a weak low pressure system in the Ohio Valley will give most of the Badger State a fresh coating of powdery snow today. Four-to-five inches are expected in the southern part of the state, and one-to-four inches elsewhere. Forecasters say a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain could hit Wisconsin Thursday night through Friday – and several more inches are expected from that. And still another round of snow is due in Saturday and Saturday night.

Gehl Company to Lay Off Workers

12/16/08 - A company in West Bend that makes agriculture-and-construction equipment is cutting almost a-fifth of its salaried workforce. The Gehl Company said yesterday it’s letting 62 salaried employees go, as well as 19 hourly workers. The recessionary down-turn in housing and construction was blamed. Most of the affected employees are at Gehl’s corporate offices in West Bend. Officials said most received severance or early retirement packages. Gehl also laid off 19 hourly workers at its manufacturing plant in Madison South Dakota. That followed the cutting of 46 hourly jobs about a month-and-a-half ago.

Smallest Increase in Property Tax Bills Statewide in Nine Years

12/16/08 - Wisconsin home-and-business owners are now getting their local property tax bills. And Governor Jim Doyle’s office says they have their smallest average increase in nine years – just one-tenth of one-percent. The typical bill on a 184-thousand-dollar home is 28-hundred-43-dollars – up four-dollars from a year ago. The governor says the increase would have been higher if it wasn’t for a new state tax credit the Legislature approved a year ago. It exempts the first 41-hundred-35 dollars of a home’s value from the school tax. Doyle said the average homeowner had a reduction of 35-dollars from what’s being called the “first dollar credit.” But that credit – as well as other state aid to local governments – may be in jeopardy next year. That’s when politicians will cover a projected five-point-four billion dollar deficit in the next state budget.

Authorities Release Name of Crash Victim

12/16/08 - An Oconomowoc man killed in a weekend freeway crash in Waukesha County was identified yesterday as 24-year-old Kyle Guerra. Authorities said he was going west on Interstate-94 near Waukesha Saturday night, when a van crossed the median and hit him. The second driver, a 41-year-old Waunakee man, might have suffered from a medical condition that made him lose control. Deputies are still investigating. Waukesha County sheriff’s sergeant Karen Ruff said there are no signs that alcohol was a factor. Five people, including four in the van, were treated at local hospitals for non-life-threatening injuries.

Department of Commerce Wants Cap on Film Tax Breaks

12/16/08 - Film industry tax-breaks and incentives have generated over $9.2 million and created a minimum of 850 temporary jobs in the state. That’s according to a new analysis by Film Wisconsin and comes on the heels of efforts by the Department of Commerce to cap the yearly tax breaks offered by the state. Film Wisconsin Executive Director Scott Robbe says the state will pay out an estimated $6.1 million in incentives, while production companies have spent an estimated $15.3 million. $4.6 million went to “Public Enemies,” which spent a day filming in Beaver Dam, but the film only generated $5 million dollars, which the Commerce Department called “a wash.” Robbe, however, says that does not take into account future tourism revenue from those wanting to see where their favorite movies were filmed. Commerce officials are quoted as saying that with all the economic problems facing Wisconsin it is “ludicrous” to think that paying 25% of a film director’s seven-figure salary somehow has a direct economic impact on Wisconsin. Robbe says scaling back tax incentives would be a “business-killer.” The film incentives law provides qualifying production companies a 25% tax credit for wages paid to employees to produce film, video, broadcast advertising or television programming. It also includes sales tax credits for cconstruction, wardrobes, clothing and visual effects.

Wisconsin Election Now Official

12/16/08 - Wisconsin has officially endorsed a winning president for the first time in 12 years. The Electoral College gathered yesterday to conduct the official White House vote. And all 10 of Wisconsin’s electors went with Democrat Barack Obama. It was a formality, since all the electors are supposed to choose the candidate who wins the popular vote. And Governor Jim Doyle, who was among the electors, said Wisconsin made a “strong statement” in choosing Obama. He said 59 of the 72 counties endorsed the president-elect in places both big-and-small. The Badger State has gone Democratic in the last six elections. But until this year, it had not carried a winner into the White House since Bill Clinton’s second term in 1996. The last Republican to win the state was Ronald Reagan in 1984, when he won his second term.

Wood Apologizes for Arrest

12/16/08 - State Representative Jeff Wood apologized Monday for what he called “irresponsible behavior.” The independent from Bloomer was arrested early Friday for first offense drunk driving, and possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. The 39-year-old Wood was picked up early Friday on Interstate-94 in Columbia County, and he spent seven hours in a jail in Portage before posting a 200-dollar bond. Wood said he drank too much, and he exercised poor judgment, and he has cooperated with authorities. Details behind the arrest were not immediately released. District Attorney Jane Kohlwey said she was waiting for State Patrol reports before filing charges. Wood is due in court January 26th. He was elected as a Republican six years ago. But Wood quit the party this past summer, saying G-O-P leaders retaliated against him for not toeing-the-party-line enough. The Republicans responded by putting up Don Moga – whom Wood defeated in the November general election. Majority Democrats reward Wood for his defection by making him the chairman of the Assembly Ways-and-Means Committee in the new session. The arrest comes at a time when the Legislature is about to consider new measures to fight drunk driving.

Wind Farm Active in Fond du Lac County

12/16/08 - A wind farm in Fond du Lac County is now operating in a commercial capacity. That’s according to Wisconsin Power and Light Company President Barbara Swan, who says the Cedar Ridge Wind Farm is providing 68-megawatts of energy for its customers. The farm consists of 41 wind turbines spread out over 12.2 square miles in the townships of Eden and Empire. The 68-megawatts are enough to power about 17,000 homes. In a press release Swan said the company’s investment in Cedar Ridge helps balance the need to provide affordable energy to customers while at the same time making sure they’re utilizing new technologies to reduce the impact on the environment.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Top Stories December 15th

Cold Temps Hit Wisconsin

12/15/08 - Wisconsinites got a rude awakening this Monday morning, as the Badger State plunged into the deep freeze. The temperature in Beaver Dam has dropped more than 40-degrees from yesterdays high of 44 to just one degree this morning. Many other places in Wisconsin were in the low teens overnight, after a strong cold front moved in and made a balmy winter weekend a distant memory. Weekend rains froze on many area roads, so officials are reminding motorists to watch for ice this morning. And far northern Wisconsin was hit with another blast of snow – up to eight-and-a-half inches in Superior. The rest of us will shiver, meanwhile. The National Weather Service says most parts of the state will have gusty west winds, driving wind chills down to 20-to-30 below today. Tonight’s actual readings will drop to minus-20 in the far northwest, and around zero in the southeast. A band of light snow is expected tomorrow, with temperatures to rise a few degrees.

Cold Weather Advisories

12/15/08 - With the extremely cold weather we have this morning the Dodge County Office of Emergency Management is asking residents to take precautions when going outside. A wind chill of minus 15-degrees can cause frostbite in just 15 minutes or less so make sure to keep your skin covered at all times. Officials also say overexertion can be dangerous. Cold weather puts an added strain on the heart, so people unaccustomed to exercise such as shoveling snow or pushing a car are at risk for a heart attack or possibly making an existing medical condition worse. Officials also say pets are at risk in these types of temperatures and should not be left outside for extended amounts of time.

Minimal Damage in Columbus High School Fire

12/15/08 - An electrical fire on the roof of the Columbus High School Saturday night could have been much worse if it wasn’t for a person who lives across the street from the school. That’s according to Columbus Fire Lieutenant Jarod Fox, who says the resident called in the fire at 8:10pm. Upon arriving Fox says a flame could be seen on the roof the building. He says they cut the gas and power to the roof and the fire essentially put itself out. Officials say the cause of the fire was a motor for the ventilation system malfunctioning. There was no structural damage though, because the fire involved the ventilation system, Fox says the building did have a lot of smoke in it. Traffic was shutdown for about an hour and half in front of the high school while the fire department was on the scene.

Portage Man Killed in Weekend Accident

12/15/08 - A 72-year-old Portage man was killed Saturday afternoon in a two-vehicle accident in the Town of Fort Winnebago. The Columbia County Sheriff’s Department says Vilo Bessac was driving on County Highway F around 4pm when he crossed the centerline hitting a vehicle driven by 21-year-old Dylan Hayes. Bessac was taken by Medflight to UW-Hospital in Madison where he was pronounced dead. Hayes was taken to Divine Savior Hospital in Portage for his injuries. The Sheriff’s Department is still investigating but alcohol is believed to be a factor in the crash.

GAB Reveal Election Findings

12/15/08 - About 11-percent of Wisconsin’s voters last month had names or I-D numbers that did not match the state’s computerized voter list. The Government Accountability Board says that’s about half the mis-matches found in August, when 22-percent of voters had discrepancies. Board director Kevin Kennedy said 275-thousand new voters, and those who re-registered, had their records checked against the state list. And about 31-thousand people did not pass those checks. Board officials say most discrepancies are minor. They’ll have typing mistakes, or name variations in which a Rebecca on one form is Becky on another. But Republicans insist that voter fraud is also a possibility. Before the election, state Attorney General J-B Van Hollen tried but failed to make local election clerks double-check all new registrations dating back to 2006, when the federal Help America Vote Act took effect. Last fall, the board said those checks were only required for those signing up since last August – when the computerized voter list went fully on-line. Now, though, the accountability board says clerks will have to check all new sign-ups dating back to ’06. The panel is expected to adopt guidelines when it meets on Wednesday.

DNR on VHS Virus

12/15/08 - As ice fishing begins in Wisconsin, the D-N-R reminds anglers to follow the rules to stop the spread of the fish-killing V-H-S virus. It’s been about a year-and-a-half since the state first banned the transfers of live fish from one waterway to another. But according to a U-W Madison Badger Poll from October, just 42-percent said they obeyed the rule against fish movements. The D-N-R’s Mike Staggs says anglers must do better, to make sure V-H-S does not spread to other state waters. And that’s especially important in the winter, since V-H-S is most active when the water’s cold. The virus has spread from the east. The first Wisconsin discovery was in early 2007 in the Lake Winnebago system. It was found in Lake Michigan a short time later. V-H-S can kill up to three-dozen species of fish. And officials say it poses a serious threat to Wisconsin’s multi-million-dollar fishing industry.

WI Looking at Making Sex-Offenders Pay for Tracking Bracelets

12/15/08 - The state Corrections Department wants to make sex offenders help pay for the G-P-S tracking devices they're supposed to wear. About 145 of the most serious offenders are being tracked now. But officials expect 330 to wear the bracelets by the end of next year, at an extra cost of a million dollars. The corrections' agency is seeking an emergency rule to charge the offenders 4-to-8-dollars a day, which amounts to a maximum of 240-dollars a month. Only two people spoke about the fee at a recent hearing in Madison. Sex offender Grover Maass says there's no way he can afford it -- because when employers learn about the bracelet, they generally refuse to hire him. And even if they did, Maass said he'd have to go outside every half-hour to send his G-P-S signal -- something few employers would tolerate. But Madison attorney and former legislator Peter Bear says he hopes G-P-S bracelets can be cost-effective for non-violent non-sex offenders to wear after an early release from prison. He says it would help those people become productive members of society, at a lower cost for taxpayers. Bear says he's working with lawmakers on a plan to use more bracelets if they're cost-effective.

Brandon Woman Injured in Accident

12/15/08 – The jaws-of-life were used for a two-car accident in downtown Beaver Dam Friday morning. Authorities responded to the intersection of North Spring Street and Front Street at 10:34am. Fire Department Captain Don Wellnitz says a 36-year-old Brandon woman was transported to the Beaver Dam Community Hospital, for treatment of minor injuries. According to the Beaver Dam Police Department, a 36-year-old Beaver Dam man pulled into the path of her vehicle; he was cited for inattentive driving.
Away In A Manger

12/15/08 - The camel couldn’t make it but the First Lutheran Church of Beaver Dam held their annual live nativity scene Saturday night with a sheep, a donkey and a real-life baby Jesus. With temperatures well above freezing, several people bore witness to the 20 minute play, written by Pastor Mark Jensen and his wife, Karla. The scene itself featured adult Jesus recounting the details of his birth, prompting Karla Jensen to jokingly tell us that she “took some poetic license.” Organizer Dorothy Ebert says they have already made plans to have a camel in next years live nativity, adding “who knew there’d be a three month waiting list for a camel?”