Top Stories October 31st

Arrests Made in Connection With Daytime Burglary

10/31/08 - Two arrests have been made in connection with the recent string of daytime residential burglaries in Dodge County. Sheriff Todd Nehls says the Dodge County Swat Team, in cooperation with the Beaver Dam Police Department, executed a search warrant at the Grandview Motel at 1501 North Center Street. Two suspects were taken into custody this morning: a male from the Watertown-area and a female from the Milwaukee-area. Nehls says the male suspect had recently been released from prison and was taken into custody on a parole violation and a charge of felon in possession of a firearm. He says the two were found in possession of numerous items related to the daytime burglaries. Earlier this week Dodge County authorities arrested three suspects at the scene of a business burglary. 23-year-old Kurtis W. Billings, 21-year-old Tabatha E. Pellett and 27-year-old Trevor P. Waller were arrested after allegedly trying to break into Beaver Plumbing on County Highway B in the Town of Beaver Dam. Nehls had always believed there were two distinct burglary rings, one that targeted businesses and churches in the overnight hours and another that committed daytime residential burglaries.

Finance Committee Denies Sheriff’s Request

10/31/08 - The Dodge County Board of Supervisors Finance Committee has denied Dodge County Sheriff Todd Nehls request to add an additional $110,000 dollars to his department’s budget. Board Chairman Russ Kottke had asked that every department submit budget requests with a property tax levy no greater than their 2008 levy. All of the departments complied with the request except for the Sheriff’s Department who asked for an increase of $1.13 million. The board accommodated them with an increase of approximately $500,000. Nehls says he countered by asking for the $110,000 additional dollars which the committee denied.

Allenton Arson Suspect Stole Money to See His Kids

10/31/08 - The 35-year-old Allenton man suspected of setting fire to a tavern, stole money from the bar to see his kids in Florida. Scott Friedman was arrested at an Amtrak station in Milwaukee late Monday morning. According to the criminal complaint he worked as a cook at Aidan O’Reilly’s Pub & Grill and lived upstairs. He stole $640 and set fire to some paper in the kitchen early that morning. The resulting blaze caused more than $200,000 in damage. No one was hurt in the fire. He faces a number of charges stemming from the incident and is being held in the County jail on a $25,000 cash bond.

Trick-or-Treating on Halloween

10/31/08 - More people may be celebrating Halloween this year because it falls on a Friday. While many communities celebrated the holiday with trick-or-treating last Sunday a number of others will see kids going door to door tonight. Those places include, Waupun from 4 until 6, Cambria 5 until 7 and in Markesan 5:30 to 7:30pm. The state D-O-T says because the 31st comes on a Friday this year that could also increase the dangers for both pedestrians and motorists. They say with many excited trick-or-treaters out after dark on Friday, drivers will have to be especially alert for young pedestrians, who may be oblivious to traffic hazards. Fall River will be holding their trick-or-treating hours tomorrow from 5 until 7pm.

Set Your Clocks Back this Weekend

10/31/08 - We will all get an extra hour of sleep this weekend. That’s because Sunday at 2 a.m. marks the end of Daylight Savings Time in the U.S. That means it's time to set clocks BACK one hour before going to sleep on Saturday night. It also means that while sunrise will occur an hour earlier, so does sunset, so evening commutes will likely require putting on headlights. Drivers will also need to be alert at crosswalks and along roadsides for pedestrians and bicyclists during the evening commute. Walkers and bikers should wear retro-reflective clothing or carry lights when out after dark.

A look at the 39th Assembly District Race

10/31/08 - We wrapped up our coverage of local legislative races on Community Comment yesterday with a look at the 39th Assembly District race between incumbent Republican Jeff Fitzgerald and Aaron Onsrud, the democratic challenger. Onsrud, a current Beaver Dam city alderman, says he will bring a common sense approach to Madison with fairer taxes, and investments in schools, healthcare and green power. Fitzgerald, the current Assembly Majority Leader, says it’s vital the Republicans retain their seats in the Assembly to ensure lower taxes and a smaller government that live within its means.

Three Running for Assembly Seat in District 47

10/31/08 - In the 47th Assembly District, there are three candidates vying for the open seat being vacated by Republican Eugene Hahn. Democrat Trish O’Neill of Columbus is a registered nurse and owner of a private family practice clinic who has previously served as President of the Columbus School Board. O’Neill says the state needs to take a new approach to education funding and allow energy costs to be taken out of the revenue cap. Republican Keith Ripp is a longtime family farmer, a Supervisor in the Town of Dane and president of the Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board. Ripp says the system as it stands does work but it is getting outdated and the funding formula needs to be revisited. Independent candidate Dennis Hruby lives on a small farm in the Town of Dane. Hruby says extra money for education funding can be freed up with a 33% pay cut for the legislature and the governor.

Absentee Voting Up Throughout the Area

10/31/08 - Absentee voting in Beaver Dam has exceeded the total from four years ago. That’s according to City Clerk Linda Carney who says 675 Beaver Dam residents have cast absentee ballots as close of business Wednesday. In 2004, there were a total of 650 absentee ballots cast in the city of Beaver Dam. In Mayville, 326 absentee ballots have been cast as of yesterday, four less than in the last presidential election. In Columbus, there have already been over 300 ballots cast, compared to 267. There have been 120 absentee ballots cast in Horicon and 50 in Fox Lake… both higher than the last general election. Registered voters can cast ballots at their local municipal clerk’s office through Monday, November 3 – but you must be registered to vote. Registration can also be done at your local municipal clerk’s office through November 3. Proof of residency is required. You can also register to vote at the polls on Election Day but officials are urging voters to pre-register to avoid long lines.

Horicon Seeking Brownfield Site Assessment Grant

10/31/08 - Horicon is applying for a Brownfield site assessment grant through the D-N-R to deal with possible hazardous materials at a property on Kansas St. Clerk Treasurer Dave Pasewald says if the grant is awarded they will perform a Phase 1 environmental study of the property and if need be a Phase 2. The grant would also cover the removal of some abandoned containers on the site as well as the demolition of the two tin sheds on the property. Pasewald says the site currently has delinquent taxes and is essentially abandoned by the owners who ignored the city’s requests for maintenance on the property. He says the city’s long range goal for the property is to raze all of the structures and provide a place for future development.

“Web of Murder” Play Opens Tonight

10/31/08 - A Mayville acting troupe unleashes a gruesome who-done-it tonight. The Morais Players present “Web of Murder” at the Mayville Golf Course. Director Tim Bachhuber says Halloween serves as the perfect opening night, given the subject material. The six-show run “Web of Murder” premiers tonight and runs this weekend and next weekend with matinees each Sunday.

Top Stories October 30th

B&E in the Town of Shields

10/30/08 - There was another daytime burglary in Dodge County yesterday, this time in the Town of Shields. Sheriff’s Department records show that a property owner in the 1200 block of Highway K reported his front door had been kicked in between 9:30 and 11:30 yesterday morning. The owner reported objects taken included tools, a generator and a number of other items. Earlier this week Dodge County authorities arrested three people after they allegedly burglarized Beaver Plumbing on Highway B in the Town of Beaver Dam. At the time Sheriff Todd Nehls said he believed they were still dealing with at least two separate groups of thieves.

Meeker in Court

10/30/08 - A Columbus woman accused of embezzling money from her employer and burning her house down to pay off debts, entered a “not guilty” plea yesterday (Wed) in Dodge County court. Krista Meeker is charged with one felony count each of Theft in a Business Setting and Arson of Building. According to the criminal complaint, the 34-year-old Meeker worked as a bookkeeper at All-Phase Electric in Beaver Dam and wrote 17 company checks to herself totaling $83,000. Meeker told authorities she had cashed the checks and gave all the money to the owner of the company, the late Wendell Vander Galien. Authorities say Meeker deposited most of the money into her bank account. Meeker is also charged in connection with an April 12th fire that destroyed her Town of Calamus home. She says a fire left burning in a kitchen is to blame but samples of wood from a cabinet in the kitchen reportedly tested positive for a fire accelerant.

3rd Offense Drunk Driver Injures Two

10/30/08 - A 24-year-old Watertown man was taken to jail Tuesday night for allegedly causing an accident that left two people hospitalized. Christopher J. Gilbertson was said to be intoxicated when blew through a stop sign at the intersection of Silver Creek Road and Highway 26 striking a southbound vehicle. Authorities say the two occupants of the vehicle were taken to Watertown Memorial Hospital for treatment of their injuries. Gilbertson was treated for a few scrapes at the scene. His blood alcohol level was (point) .2-0, more than twice the legal limit. Charges of O-W-I Third Offense, Causing Great Bodily Harm, have been forwarded to the District Attorney.

Fox Lake Budget Affected by Flooding

10/30/08 - Fox Lake City Administrator Bill Petracek presented his proposed budget last night to the city council. He says as it’s proposed the mill rate for the city would increase by 14-cents over this year to $7.29 per $1,000 of assessed value. That means if a property were valued at $150,000 the owner would pay a shade under $1100 for the city portion of their tax bill. The city will be holding their public hearing following the normal committee of the whole meeting next month.

Canine Unit Coming to Horicon

10/30/08 - The Horicon police department is starting a canine unit. The city council approved the implementation of the unit earlier this week. The new program will be funded initially by the more than $12,000 earned through a number of fund raisers over the past year. Police Chief Joe Adamson says they began researching the possibility last year and decided to get a dual-purpose dog meaning it can be used in rescue situations as well as drug dog. Adamson says while the dogs main purpose will be to serve the Horicon area, per request the dog will be available to other communities in Dodge County. He hopes to have the program up and running before Christmas.

Race for the 38th Assembly District

10/30/08 - Incumbent Republican Joel Kleefisch faces opposition for his 38th Assembly District seat from democratic challenger Dick Pas. Kleefisch, who is seeking a third term in the legislature, serves on the Committee of Children and Family Law and chairs the Committee on Criminal Justice. If reelected, Kleefisch says he will continue to strengthen child sex offender laws, work to make a third OWI a felony and free-up state money by trimming the budget to the Department of Natural Resources. Pas owns a mortgage banking firm in Oconomowoc. He is a graduate of UW Law School and previously served as counsel with the US Small Business Administration. Pas says he is dedicated to complete fiscal responsibility but would like to see more tourism dollars spend in promoting the state.

Last Yard Waste and Bulk Garbage Pick-Up Next Week in BD

10/30/08 - Beaver Dam residents have until next week to gather their yard waste and bulk garbage. The final bulk pick-up of the year begins Monday, November 3 and continues through Friday, November 7. The collection regulations are the same as in the past. Bulk waste can be placed on the curb no sooner than 24 hours prior to each collection and by 7am on the day of pick-up. Bulk waste is defined as, but no limited to, furniture, wooden doors and windows and rolled carpet, not exceeding 4’ to 6’ in length. No metal items like bed springs, doors, windows and pipes will be collected. No bundled or loose piles of building materials will be collected. Building materials like lumber must be broken down and placed in the weekly collection cart. The next bulk garbage pick-up will be the first waste collection day of May. Brush and shrubbery cuttings, meanwhile, will also be accepted for the last time this year during the same period. Loose tree limbs and shrubbery cuttings up to 7 inches in thickness and 8 feet in length should be placed at the street edge by 7am on the day of solid waste collection. Yard waste also cannot be placed out sooner than 24 hours prior to the scheduled pick-up. Both yard waste and bulk garbage can also be dropped off at the public works garage year round.

Top Stories October 29th

McDonalds in Watertown Burns Down

10/29/08 - It took 52 firefighters from five fire departments to extinguish a blaze at the Watertown McDonalds on Highway 26 last night. According to Watertown Fire Chief Henry Butts the call came in just after 6 o’clock. When they arrived on scene smoke was billowing out of the backside of the building near the roof. Everyone was able to escape the building without injury though one person did have to be taken to the Watertown hospital after the fire exacerbated a medical condition. It took more than three hours to extinguish the blaze. Butts says the building was a complete loss. The Watertown police department is handling the investigation but there is no word on a cause of the blaze.

Authorities Questioning Suspects in BD Burglaries

10/29/08 - Dodge County authorities have been busy questioning the three suspects arrested yesterday morning at the scene of a business burglary. 23-year-old Kurtis W. Billings, 21-year-old Tabatha E. Pellett and 27-year-old Trevor P. Waller were arrested after allegedly trying to break into Beaver Plumbing on County Highway B in the Town of Beaver Dam. Sheriff Todd Nehls says they are likely connected to another burglary yesterday at Kelm Painting on County Highway D in South Beaver Dam. Nehls says he is still operating under the belief that there are two distinct groups involved in the recent string of business, residential and church burglaries.

3 Saved after Boat Overturns on Fox Lake

10/29/08 - Three men were rescued after their boat sank on Fox Lake yesterday afternoon. According to Fire Chief Bill Frank, rescue crews responded around 12:30pm. The three men worked for a company that removes piers and docks. Frank says the boat tipped after the weight on the boat shifted. The three men stayed afloat on a swimming raft. They were not injured.

Man Admits to Starting Allenton Fire

10/29/08 - Washington County authorities have arrested a 35-year-old man in connection with the fire at Aidan O’Reilly’s Pub early Monday morning in Allenton. He’s being held in the County jail on burglary, arson and endangering safety charges. The man is employed by the tavern and lives upstairs from it. Investigators learned he was fleeing to an Amtrak station in Milwaukee and he was arrested there just before noon Tuesday. He admitted to breaking into the tavern, stealing money and receipts and setting fire to some paper materials. (KFIZ)

Wind Farm in Randolph?

10/29/08 - State regulators are expected to decide within a year whether they’ll approve what could be Wisconsin’s largest wind-energy farm. We Energies wants to put up to 90 turbines near Randolph in eastern Columbia County. The cost would be 340-million-dollars to 530-million, depending on the size of the high-tech windmills the utility chooses. Price will be a determining factor – and it’s still a seller’s market, as utilities meet various government mandates for alternative energy. Todd Stuart of the Wisconsin Industrial Energy Group says the requirement to produce 10-percent of electricity from renewable sources is costing billions in extra infra-structure – and that will drive up electric rates eventually. We Energies says customers should see the new project reflected in their rates in 2012 when the turbines go fully on-line.

Horicon Seeking New District Three Alderperson

10/29/08 - Two-term Horicon alderman Don Butler’s resignation became official last night. Mayor Jim Grigg read Butler’s letter to city officials which stated he would be giving up his seat for personal reasons. After thanking Butler for his service Grigg set about the task of finding a replacement in the Third District. He says anyone interested in being the alderperson for the Third District should send a letter of intent to City Hall. If there is more than one applicant the Mayor will decide which name will get forwarded to the full council for approval. The person who is appointed will serve until April of next year at which point an election will be held to elect a new alderperson.

Horicon to Look at Raising Water Rates

10/29/08 - The Horicon City Council authorized Virchow Krause to put together a water and wastewater rate study proposal at last night’s meeting. Alderman Steve Neitzel says the study will cost between $15,000 and $17,000. Once completed, the council will then have to approve Virchow Krause to apply for the increase through the Public Service Commission. Neitzel says the entire process could take six months to complete.

BDCH Given National Award

10/29/08 - The Beaver Dam Community Hospital has been nationally recognized for making a positive change in the healthcare industry. The non-profit hospital has been named the recipient of the Studer Groups October Fire Starter of the Month Award. According to the Studer Group, a Fire Starter hospital ignites the flame of service and caring for others that guides and supports the organization and results in measurable outcomes.

Top Stories October 28th

Authorities Catch Burglars in the Act

10/28/08 - Authorities have three people in custody this morning for allegedly breaking and entering into a business on Highway B in the Town of Beaver Dam. Sheriff Todd Nehls says that just after two this morning his department was alerted to a burglary in progress at Beaver Plumbing. When they arrived they apprehended 23-year-old Kurtis W. Billings, 21-year-old Tabatha E. Pellett and 27-year-old Trevor P. Waller. Nehls says it is too early to tell if the three were responsible for the multiple break-ins in the area.

Beaver Dam Balances Budget

10/28/08 - The numbers in the 2009 Beaver Dam city budget are balanced, with over $2800 to spare. The 181-page, $13 million dollar document had just over $18,000 in red ink before the meeting began last night. Director of Finances John Somers (right) says they had projected a 15% estimate for health insurance increases for next year, and the actual total came out to be 13%, which translated to a $21,000 reduction. Debate last night centered on the inclusion of $149,000 in storm water utility costs in the 2009 budget, for projects that had traditionally been paid for through the levy but will now be paid through utility fees. The storm water utility sets aside dedicated revenue for dealing with storm water problems, like drainage, flooding and erosion controls that will bring the city in compliance with state and federal discharge mandates once its fully implemented on December 1. The city is expected to approve an annual $48 fee for all utility customers, meaning all residents will see a $12 increase on the quarterly water bills come March 2009. Some aldermen are calling that “double-taxation.” Administration Committee Chair Don Neuert says he feels the consensus is to remove the utility from the tax levy. That will be debated during next Monday’s meeting.

BD School Board Approves Tax Levy

10/28/08 - The Beaver Dam School Board approved the tax levy and mill rate for the 2008-2009 school year at last night’s meeting. The District’s total tax levy will be more than $13.9-million, which when broken down, means tax payers will owe $8.41 per $1,000 of assessed value. That means if a property is valued at $150,000 the owner would pay $1261.50 for the school portion of their tax bill.

Charges Filed in Prank Turned Deadly

10/28/08 - A Beaver Dam couple has been charged with stealing and hiding a friend’s motorcycle as a practical joke. That friend, 46-year-old Michael Zuhlke, died accidentally after getting into an altercation with management at the Kinda Country bar, after blaming them for the missing bike. Jeffrey and Ingrid Koch are each charged with one misdemeanor count of Operating a Motor Vehicle Without the Owners Consent / Joyriding related to the April 27 incident at the Town of Trenton tavern. According to the criminal complaint, Zuhlke was engaged in a pushing confrontation in the parking lot with the bar’s manager, Brian Schultz. That’s when Zuhlke’s brother reportedly shoved Shultz. Zuhlke and Shultz got their feet entwined and fell backward with Zuhlke striking his head on the bumper of a pick-up truck. A forensic pathologist later determined that Zuhlke died as a result of a spinal chord fracture. Authorities say the Koch’s were inebriated when they pushed Zuhlke’s Harley Davidson into an unlocked shed on the tavern premises as a prank. Ingrid Koch says she “vaguely remembers” the incident. They face up to nine months in prison if convicted. They will be back in court November 24. There were no other charges filed in connection with the death. Dodge County DA Bill Bedker had previously said that he does not see anything in the criminal report that leads him to believe the injuries were intentional.

Beaver Dam Man Charged With Rape

10/28/08 - A Beaver Dam man is accused of raping a young woman at her apartment last month. 43-year-old David A. Allen is charged with one felony count of Third Degree Sexual Assault for allegedly forcing himself on the adult victim in September after she rebuked his advances. Allen faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted. Bond was set at $1000 and a preliminary hearing scheduled for December 11.

Millard Charged in Connection With High Speed Chase

10/28/08 - A Milwaukee man is charged with leading Dodge County authorities on a high speed chase that reached speeds in excess of 130mph. Eric Millard is charged with one felony count of Eluding an Officer and a variety of traffic citations related to the September 11th incident that began in the Town of Clyman. According to the criminal complaint, the 22-year-old was driving his motorcycle 30mph over the speed limit when deputies initiated the pursuit, which continued 7 miles down Highway 26 into Juneau before it was terminated. The deputy later spotted Millard in a field, disoriented, looking for his bike which was about 50 feet away. Millard told authorities that he fled because he had been stopped the day before and didn’t want another ticket for operating after his license was revoked. Bond was set at $1000 and a preliminary hearing scheduled for December 11.

Teen Accused of Stealing Jeep, Boat and Golf Cart

10/28/08 - Authorities say an Oconomowoc teen wanted to get home so bad after a night of drinking that he stole a Jeep, a boat and a golf cart. James Syvertson reportedly said he didn’t realize the boat was attached to the Jeep. The 18-year-old was arrested while driving the golf cart in the southbound lanes of Highway 67 not far from where he crashed the Jeep into a ditch this past August. If convicted, Syvertson faces up to nine months in prison. Bond was set at $500 and a preliminary hearing scheduled for November 13.

Top Stories October 27th

Fire Damages Allenton Business

10/27/08 - An early morning fire at a business in Allenton is estimated to have caused more than $200,000 worth of damage. According to a press release from the Allenton Fire Department, the blaze at Aidan O’Reilley’s Pub and Grill on Main St began around 3:30 this morning. When firefighters arrived they noticed smoke coming from the rear of the building. Firefighters from four departments fought the fire and were able to keep it from spreading to the attic and roof area. The fire was under control within a ½ hour of firefighter’s arrival and it was completely extinguished before 6:30. The business on the main floor and the three apartments on the second floor suffered damage but none of the occupants were injured as a result of the blaze. The Red Cross was called in to assist those people with housing and clothing needs. Highway 33 was closed for about 3 hours but the road is now back open to traffic.

Two Fires in Beaver Dam

10/27/08 - Beaver Dam firefighters were called out on two fire calls this weekend. The first occurred Saturday morning at Danly Die on Industrial Drive. Workers were cutting material when a spark ignited something within in a dust collector. Firefighters were able to contain the damage to the dust collector and were on the scene for about an hour. The second call came in just after 2pm yesterday for a chimney fire on Stone Ledge Rd. The fire was out before firefighters arrived and there was no damage.

Gas Prices at 18-Month Low

10/27/08 - Gas is at its cheapest price since March of last year. That’s according to WisconsinGasprices.com, which says the state average is $2.61 this morning. That’s 3-cents cheaper than the national average. In Beaver Dam a gallon of regular unleaded is 2.54. In Waupun its 2.59 while in Oconomowoc is 2.65. Fond du Lac and Watertown are both at 2.69. The high price in the state is 2.82 in Wisconsin Dells. Low price is 2.38 in Hudson.

Columbus Alcohol Compliance Check Nets 1 Violator

10/27/08 - Only one of the 11 businesses visited by Columbia County authorities sold alcohol to an underage person. That’s according to a press release from interim Columbus Chief of Police Dennis Weiner. In conjunction with the Columbia County Alcohol and Tobacco coalition, Weiner’s department visited the businesses that are licensed to serve or sell alcohol on Saturday. The lone business in violation was not named, but it did have a history of selling to underage customers in previous compliance checks. Weiner states the owner will be issued a citation and may face further sanctions against their liquor license due to being a repeat violator.

Law Says Employees Can Get of Work to Vote

10/27/08 - Election Day is a week from tomorrow – and Wisconsinites who cannot vote before or after their jobs are entitled to up to three hours off. Employers don’t have to pay for it, and they can choose the hours. But they must provide the time off to any employee who asks in advance. The little-known law has been on the books since 1945, and it’s one of the most generous in the nation. According to the National Federation of Independent Business, 20 states do not require employers to let their people vote during the work-day. Fourteen others allow just one-or-two hours. Neighboring Iowa allows three hours, just like Wisconsin. Kentucky is the only state that offers more, with four. Neighboring Minnesota requires a break for voting, but the time is not specified.

Madison Area Man Suspected in Terrorist Threat at RNC

10/27/08 - A Madison area man is the prime suspect in what’s being called a terrorist threat at last month’s Republican National Convention in Saint Paul. Dane County sheriff’s deputies searched the family home of 22-year-old David Clerkin last week in the town of Blooming Grove – and nothing was seized. Sheriff’s deputies in Saint Paul said Clerkin was one of two hooded men who were spotted dropping two large sandbags off a freeway overpass in Saint Paul on September first. One of them hit a bus taking delegates to the convention. No one was hurt. Clerkin told the Wisconsin State Journal he took part in protests at the convention because of a quote, “general disgust with what’s been going on in the country.” He also admitted being tied to a group that was thought to be planning violent disruptions at the convention. But Clerkin denied throwing the sandbag – which was holding a highway sign in place. Ramsey County sheriff’s officials in Saint Paul say they don’t have enough evidence to charge Clerkin, but they’re still investigating.

Top Stories October 26th

Ten Dodge County Vets Accepted to Honor Flight

10/26/08 - There will be several Dodge County veterans boarding “Honor Flight” next month. The program allows World War II veterans to fly – for free – to Washington DC to visit the Word War II Memorial. The November 19th excursion was open to all veterans within a 120-mile radius of Milwaukee. Dodge County Veterans Service Officer Mark Grams says the flight will include three veterans from Beaver Dam, five from Watertown and two from Mayville. Fundraising is crucial to getting the operation off the ground. The goal was $100,000 for the entire Milwaukee region and Grams says funds are being raised for a spring 2009 flight.

Veterans Service Office, PO Box 994, Port Washington WI 53074-0994. Checks should be made out to “Stars and Stripes Honor Flight c/o the Flag Day Foundation. Ozaukee County CVSO Ken Brown is acting as the conduit for funds and applications. Or you can call Mark Grams at 386-3798.

Storm Water Backlash

10/26/08 - More than two dozen Wisconsin communities say new state rules on storm water pollution go too far, too soon. A meeting is going to be held next week between community leaders and the Department of Natural Resources. New rules could cost those communities up to 150-million dollars over the next five years. The state says dirt, oil and bacteria -- which runs off local streets -- is the leading cause of water quality problems in the state. Street sweepers will have to go. They just push debris around. Communities say they will have to buy new vacuum sweepers. They cost 175-thousand dollars each. That's just one of the necessary changes, leading cities to say the mandate is impossible to meet. The Beaver Dam Common Council, meanwhile, recently approved the establishment of a storm-water utility and is set to consider the fee residents will pay. The Operation Committee approved a $48.61 annual fee earlier this month. Once approved at the council level, residents will see an increase of $12.15 on their quarterly utility bill starting in March of 2009 to pay for implementation of the new rules.

Deischel Trial Delayed

10/26/08 - The jury trial has been delayed for a 53-year-old former Oakfield man accused of taking advantage of a mentally challenged woman to have sex with her. Steven Deichsel was in Fond du Lac County court Friday morning. Assistant District Attorney Devra Ayala says the lawyer for the Oshkosh man, John Carroll, has been trying to withdraw from the case. Carroll claims there’ve been communications issues with his client and that Deichsel hasn’t paid him. Deichsel is also seeking new counsel. He’s also withdrawn his motion for a speedy trial. As a result the 3-day trial that was supposed to start a week from Monday is now off. Deichsel is suspected of sexually assaulting a 28-year-old woman. He allegedly threatened to turn off the equipment she needed to breathe if she wouldn’t have sex with him. The woman has the mental equivalency of a 12-14-year-old person. Deichsel will be back in court on Friday, November 7th for a motion hearing.

Madison Couple Does the Right Thing

10/26/08 - The economy is bad and money is scarce, but a Madison couple still has done the right thing. They found a thousand dollars in cash while walking down the street last Wednesday. The money was reportedly most 20-dollar bills which were fairly new. The couple in their 50s turned the money in to Madison police the very next day. They have asked to remain anonymous.

Ryan Critical of GOP Campaign

10/26/08 - Congressman Paul Ryan says he thinks the McCain campaign was doing very well -- until recently. Ryan says his party blew it by letting Barack Obama outspend it on television ads. At one time Ryan was rumored to be a potential running mate for McCain. He has supported the McCain-Pain ticket. But, the Republican from Janesville says McCain's message didn't get to the voters. Ryan says he would have done things differently.

Democrats Eye Legislative Control

10/26/08 - It's possible next month's elections could leave the Democratic party in total control of state government for the first time in 22 years. Be careful what you wish for. The struggling economy means the state of Wisconsin will have to deal with a three-billion dollar deficit in its next two-year budget. Tommy Earl was governor in 1986 -- the last time Democrats had total control. Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle is a Democrat, and the state Senate has been in Democratic control -- but Republicans have controlled the Assembly since 1994. Bitter splits between the Senate and Assembly last year delayed the budget process by four months.

State GOP Hopping Mad

10/26/08 - The Republican Party of Wisconsin has filed a complaint with the state’s Government Accountability Board claiming the AFL-CIO sent out an illegal mailing attacking 18th State Senate candidate Randy Hopper. The complaint charges the union organization with sending out a mail piece without the proper disclaimer. Hopper supporters also say the piece talks about his voting record, when he’s never held public office. Senate Minority Leader Scott Fitzgerald says negative campaigns are nothing new. Senator Fitzgerald says unfortunately those type of ads do have an effect. Hopper supporters say the Fond du Lac businessman has been the victim of several mistruths through the AFL-CIO, a King for Senate mailing, and the political interest group Building a Stronger Wisconsin. Hopper is running against bankruptcy attorney Jessica King, a Democrat.

Spanbauer and Mann Vie for 53rd Assembly Seat

10/26/08 - They literally live just down the road from each other and in some ways aren’t too far apart on the issues, but only one candidate for the 53rd State Assembly seat can emerge victorious from the upcoming election. Jeff Mann is an Oshkosh lawyer and a Democrat. He’s new to politics, but understands that constituents in the 53rd feel they haven’t been adequately represented in the past few years. His opponent is Republican Dick Spanbauer, a realtor by trade who also is the Chairman of the Town of Algoma. Spanbauer says diverting funds from one state account or another can’t solve a $3 billion state budget deficit.

Candidates on Community Comment

10/26/08 - We’ll be looking at several local legislative races this week on WBEV’s Community Comment. On Monday we welcome the candidates in the 38th Assembly District where incumbent Republican Joel Kleefisch is facing opposition from Democrat Dick Pas. On Tuesday, we speak with the three candidates vying for the 47th Assembly District seat left vacant by Eugene Hahn: Republican Keith Ripp, Democrat Trish O’Neill and Independent Dennis Hruby. On Wednesday, we sit down with Democrat Aaron Onsrud, who is challenging Republican incumbent Jeff Fitzgerald for his Assembly District seat. On Thursday, we speak with Fitzgerald. We wrap up our coverage on Monday, November 3 with Dodge County Clerk Karen Gibson, who will cover procedures for voter registration and answer other poll-related questions. Community Comment airs weekdays on WBEV 1430AM beginning after our noon news.

Top Stories October 25th

State Set for Winter Weather

10/25/08 - Officials with the Wisconsin Bureau of Highway Operations say they expect to have all the salt supplies they need ready to go by mid-November. Last winter's record snowfalls led to a bigger effort toward preparation this year. The state ordered about 45-percent more salt than it did last year -- when many areas came close to running out, or actually did exhaust their supply. In Dodge County a lack of available salt has forced the county highway department to buy different types of deicers than they’ve used in the past. The cost for a ton of salt a year ago ran between $40 and $60. This year that number is closer to $160.

Nehls Agrees with Governor on Check-Points

10/25/08 - Dodge County Sheriff Todd Nehls says he’s happy to see Governor Jim Doyle has asked legislators to consider roadside police check-points, to catch drunk drivers. Nehls says the checkpoints wouldn’t be every night, but instead the department would concentrate on times that have a high probability of drunk drivers. Doyle says people are more likely to be hurt by drunk drivers than to have their homes broken into. And he said a limited, appropriate use of sobriety check-points would be useful. The governor said the courts have set criteria for those check-points, and Wisconsin must follow them to avoid discrimination in stopping drivers.

County Forms Child Death Review Team

10/25/08 - Earlier this week the Dodge County Board of Supervisors approved a resolution that will form a Child Death Review Team. Medical Examiner P.J. Schoebel, who will head up the team with Public Health Officer Jody Langfeldt, says the idea behind the team is to have a specialized group to review the deaths of children in the county to identify trends as well as put together prevention strategies to decrease the chances of further incidents. Schoebel and Langfeldt will be joined by staff from the Sheriff’s Department as well as members from various other county offices.

Is Spanking Child Abuse?

10/25/08 - A Columbia County jury will have to decide whether a pastor who paddled his son was committing child abuse. Barry Barnett Junior of Poynette was bound over for trial on the felony charge during a court appearance in Poynette this week. The charge alleges Barnett left bruises on the 12 year old boy when he spanked him twice. The boy told the court both he and his father cried during the spanking. A doctor told the court the paddling didn't amount to abuse. He was testifying for the defense.

Butler Resigns in Horicon

10/25/08 - Two-term Horicon alderman Don Butler has resigned his position. In a letter to city officials Butler stated that effective immediately he would give up his seat for personal reasons. A discussion of how to replace Butler in the Third District will be held at the next city council meeting. It’s possible that Mayor Jim Grigg could appoint someone to Butler’s seat or have a special election.

Dodge County Awarded Grants

10/25/08 - Dodge County has been awarded $500,000 in Community Development Block Grant Program funds and $160,000 from the newly-created Flood Recovery Small Business Loan Program. Both grants were awarded in response to the severe flooding the area experienced in June. Of the 13 counties that received money Dodge got the most. The CDBG will be used to assist low and moderate income residents restore their homes damaged by flooding. The FRSB funds will give accessible, low cost financing to those businesses with less than 50 employees that were structurally and financially affected by the floods.

Top Stories October 24th

AG Says He’ll Appeal Dismissal of Lawsuit

10/24/08 - The state attorney general promises to appeal yesterday’s dismissal of his lawsuit demanding that thousands of voter registrations be double-checked. Dane County Circuit Judge Mary Ann Sumi said the Government Accountability Board did not have to go back as far as 2006, to compare the data of those who registered with what’s on their driver’s licenses and other state records. The judge said she couldn’t prove that a state-or-federal law violation was about to occur. Attorney General J-B Van Hollen (right) said he is disappointed with the decision and respectfully disagrees with the ruling calling it “an erroneous interpretation of the law.” He says “when a lower court gets the law wrong, parties appeal to a higher court.” Van Hollen says “looking the other way is not an option.”

Absentee Voting Increases in Beaver Dam

10/24/08 - Absentee voting in Beaver Dam is on pace to exceed the total from four years ago. That’s according to City Clerk Linda Carney who says 443 Beaver Dam residents have cast absentee ballots as close of business Tuesday. In 2004, there were a total of 650 absentee ballots cast in the city. With over a week to go before the November 4th election, Carney anticipates an even higher number of absentee ballots cast this year. Registered voters can cast ballots at their local municipal clerk’s office through November 3. Carney stresses that people must be registered to vote, to vote absentee. Registration can also be done at your local municipal clerk’s office through November 3. Proof of residency is required. You can also register to vote at the polls on Election Day but officials are urging voters to pre-register to avoid long lines.

Doyle Asks Legislators to Look at Check-Points

10/24/08 - For the first time, Governor Jim Doyle (right) has asked legislators to consider roadside police check-points, to catch drunk drivers. Doyle says people are more likely to be hurt by drunk drivers than to have their homes broken into. And he said a limited, appropriate use of sobriety check-points would be useful. The governor said the courts have set criteria for those check-points, and Wisconsin must follow them to avoid discrimination in stopping drivers. The state is one of 12 which do not allow the check-points. Dodge County Sheriff Todd Nehls has also said he supports the check points.

Pastor Speaks about Church Burglaries

10/24/08 - The senior Pastor at the First Evangelical Church of Beaver Dam says he forgives those who burglarized the church this past weekend. While he does want to see the culprits brought to justice, Pastor Mark Molldrem says more importantly they should repent. He also says it’s disheartening to realize that people have to resort to violating someone’s person and property to follow their own needs and wants. While there has been a series of church break-ins in Dodge County over the past few weeks, Molldrem says it’s nothing new and has been going on for hundreds of years. He says no church would church ever keep money on premises. The pastor commended local law enforcement for their diligence and dedication in not only investigating the break-in, but also in their routine patrol keeping city streets as safe as possible. Sunday services will go on without interruption at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Longtime Musician Passes Away

10/24/08 - Maynard Loehrke passed away on Wednesday at the age of 70. Loehrke was the leader of Maynard and the Playboy Band, a local group and if you ever listened to the Barn Show, you knew Maynard. Host Uncle Bill McCullom says it’s a sad day in Barn Show Land. Maynard himself was forever immortalized in the Friday night Barn Show anthem, “Maynard and the Playboy Band” by Spid Pieper. Piepper tells us he wrote the song for Maynard about five years after first seeing him at the now-defunct Bridge Tap in Mayville in the late 60’s. He says when everyone else was listening to the Beatles and the Doors he was blown away by Maynard. Pieper says Maynard brought a lot of joy to a lot of people and he will be missed.

Teen Faces Obstruction Charges

10/24/08 - A West Bend High School student now faces juvenile charges, for allegedly lying to police about being the victim of racial discrimination. Washington County prosecutors filed a delinquency petition yesterday, charging the 15-year-old girl with two counts of obstructing police. The girl, who is black, claimed she was pushed down a flight of stairs, and had eggs and racial slurs tossed her way. She said the incidents occurred between September 30th and October ninth at West Bend East high, but police said interviews and surveillance video produced no evidence that anything happened.

DC Awarded to Grants for Flood Relief

10/24/08 - Dodge County has been awarded $500,000 in Community Development Block Grant Program funds and $160,000 from the newly-created Flood Recovery Small Business Loan Program. Both grants were awarded in response to the severe flooding the area experienced in June. Of the 13 counties that received money Dodge got the most. The CDBG will be used to assist low and moderate income residents restore their homes damaged by flooding. The FRSB funds will give accessible, low cost financing to those businesses with less than 50 employees that were structurally and financially affected by the floods.

Beaver Dam Gets Waterfront Revitalization Grant

10/24/08 - The city of Beaver Dam has been awarded a $13,000 Waterfront Revitalization Grant. Beaver Dam is one of 15 communities splitting a total of $238,000 in funding to redevelop lakes and streams adjacent to a central business district. Mayor Tom Kennedy says the money will be used for planning purposes related to downtown revitalization.

Top Stories October 23rd

Governor Speaks at Dedication of Wind Farm in Brownsville

10/23/08 - Governor Jim Doyle says wind energy could bring as much as 1-billion dollars into the states economy. Doyle spoke at the dedication of the Forward Energy Center in Brownsville yesterday afternoon. He says wind is something we have an abundance of and is a key energy source to cut our dependence on foreign oil. Congressman Tom Petri agreed saying our ability to find new energy sources in Wisconsin will be important for our economy to grow. The farm, which includes parts of Dodge and Fond du Lac counties, has a total of 86-turbines and can generate enough electricity to power 30,000 homes.

Red Ink Trimmed Down in BD Budget

10/23/08 - The Beaver Dam Administrative Committee conducted a page by page analysis of their 2009 budget last night. The 181-page, $13 million dollar document started off with just over $82,000 in red ink, but after three-and-a-half hours of deliberations, the deficit was reduced to just over $18,000. The deficit was reduced by removing a $45,000 phone system replacement at city hall. Officials decided to wait until a decision is made about renovation of the building. They also removed $17,000 in pier replacements at Edgewater Park. The piers were destroyed by this summer flooding and city officials are hoping FEMA will reimburse most of the replacement costs. The committee will meet again next Wednesday.The 2009 proposed mill rate is up two cents from last year to $6.78, meaning the owner of a $150,000 home will pay $1,017 dollars for the city portion of the tax bill. Officials plan to have the budget before the city council for approval at their November 17 meeting.

Weyco Rezoning Moves Ahead

10/23/08 - The Beaver Dam Plan Commission approved a rezoning request for the former Weyco Shoe Factory. The property at 222 Madison Street is currently zoned as Light Manufacturing. Pending council action, the bulk of the grounds will change to a commercial district with a portion converted to single-family, two-family and multi-family. Wisconsin Redevelopment LLC has plans preliminary plans to convert the factory to 33 loft-style apartments. The current parking lot could possibly be used to build four single-family homes, or 8 to 14 units of row-house style, three-story homes. The Commission also approved an offer-to-purchase for the city to acquire a property at 108 Beltline. The property is needed for additional space for the Water Treatment Plant. The matters will be brought before the city council for consideration at their November 3 meeting.

ER Stabber Sentenced

10/23/08 - Four months in jail for a Beaver Dam man who stabbed two men during a fight in downtown Beaver Dam last March. Arsenio Prudente IV pleaded “no contest” last month two felony counts of Injury by Negligent Use with a Weapon and had felony bail jumping charges dismissed but read into the record. The 33-year-old told authorities he had a bad day and “went out looking for a fight.” He used a box-cutter-type knife to injure the two Beaver Dam men outside the Emotional Rescue tavern around 2:30am. The victims sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Prudente was also sentenced to two-and-a-half years of probation and ordered to pay nearly $3800 in restitution to his victims.

Bankers Speak Out on Local Issues

10/23/08 - We assembled a panel of local bankers yesterday on WBEV’s Community Comment to discuss the country’s recent economic slowdown and its effect on Dodge County financial institutions. Representatives from National Exchange, American National, Farmers and Merchants, Horicon Bank and Dodge Central Credit Union were in agreement that local banks and credit unions remain in good standing and home and business loans are still available to qualified customers. The panel was also in agreement that there has been an increase in foreclosures in Dodge County, and new home mortgages have dipped slightly, but they all said local lending practices have been sound. They also indicated that their deposits were up by as much as 15%, speculating that it was likely because more people were taking money out of the stock market. None of the panelists expect any of the $700 billion in bailout dollars to be injected into the local banking system, though they say it is too early to tell. More information is available at bankrate.com; myfdicinsurance.gov; ncua.gov.

Watertown School District Referendum

10/23/08 - Watertown school district residents will have two questions on their ballots November 4th asking them to approve more than $22-million for renovating elementary buildings and additional money to pay for teaching and support staff to man the buildings. Watertown Superintendent of Schools Doug Kaiser says if the first question were to pass residents would see an additional 70-cents added to their mill rate for the 2009-2010 school tax year. For the second question, an additional 22-cents would be added at the beginning of the 2010-2011 year.

FDL Adopts Smoking Ban

10/23/08 - Fond du Lac is the latest Wisconsin city to adopt a total public indoor smoking ban. The vote was 4-to-3 last night to add taverns and other work-places to a ban that had already covered restaurants. It’s expected to take effect in early February. The vote followed four hours of debate and public comments. Lyle Huss says the smoking ban will shut down the bowling center he started a few months ago – and the life savings he put into it will go up in smoke. Maggie McCullough of Safe-Free Air for Everyone took issue with a claim that the economic benefit of cigarette sales outweighs the health-related costs of smoking. She said 23-million-dollars worth of cigarettes are sold each year in Fond du Lac County – while the health costs of smoking totaled 38-million. Glenn Miller of the county’s tavern league says his group probably won’t appeal the council’s decision. He says they won’t be able to afford the legal costs, considering the tight economy.

Top Stories October 22nd

Tax Rate Could Be Lower in Dodge County in 2009

10/22/08 - Dodge County’s tax rate is expected to be lower in 2009 than it was this year. That’s according to County Board of Supervisors Chairman Russ Kottke who presented the proposed budget at the board’s monthly meeting last night. The proposed tax rate for 2009 is $5.08 per $1,000 of assessed value, down from 5.20 in ’08. That means a person whose property is valued at $100,000 would pay a little more than $500 in taxes. The 2% cap on property tax levy increases means the county was able to raise their total levy by around $583,000 for a total of $31-million. Kottke calls the budget a good one that we can live with. The budget will now go before the finance committee for review before being brought in front of the full board for approval on November 12th.

Nehls: “More Than One Group Of Burglars”

10/22/08 - Sheriff Todd Nehls says there is likely more than one group responsible for the rash of recentburglaries in the Dodge County area. Nehls says one group targets businesses during the overnight hours and the other targets businesses and residences during the day. We started the week off with two church burglaries a block apart from each other on North Center Street/ Highway 33 in Beaver Dam. In both of those incidents, a window was broken to gain access and a small amount of cash was taken. Mane Stage Hair Salon on South Spring Street was also burglarized. There were four residential burglaries reported in Dodge County this week. Four guns were stolen from a house on East Main Street in Beaver Dam. Two others occurred on Highway 33 in the Town of Hubbard; money was taken in one burglary, a big screen TV was stolen in the other. There was also a breaking and entering report in the Village of Reeseville on South Main Street; an iPod and money were taken. In most cases, a window was broken to gain access. Nehls cautions that daytime burglars are the most dangerous and the most brazen. He says if someone breaks into your home, call 911 immediately and leave the phone line open as long as possible. Nehls says even if you’re unable to speak, authorities will know where you are.

Fox Lake Child Stalker Enters Into Plea Agreement

10/22/08 - A Fox Lake man entered into a plea agreement with prosecutors yesterday to charges that he attempted to abduct two girls. Daniel Stranc pleaded “no contest” to two felony counts of Child Enticement and had charges of Drug Possession and Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor dismissed but read into the record. The 37-year-old made contact twice with two juveniles during an 18-hour period last May in the Town of Fox Lake. According to the criminal complaint, he repeatedly drove by a young juvenile girl on Spring Road asking if she needed a ride. After turning around, he tried to grab her and put her in his van. Stranc also offered preteen girls marijuana at a birthday party before he was asked to leave. Stranc withdrew a “not guilty by reason of insanity” plea. A pre-sentencing investigation was ordered and a Sentencing Hearing will be held at a later date.

Soda Machine Ringleader Gets Five Years

10/22/08 - In Dodge County court yesterday, the ringleader in a series of soda machine break-ins was sentenced to five years in prison. Andrew “Chubbs” Poad is said to have worked with as many as a dozen accomplices in soda machine break-ins that spanned five counties, causing $30,000 worth of damage to 80 soda machines. According to the criminal complaint, the 23-year-old Poad says he “came up with the idea because he needed money” and “admitted he was uncomfortable with anyone doing work” except him. In all instances, a crowbar was used to pry open the front panel and gain entry to the coin box. Poad pleaded “no contest” to two felony charges of Criminal Damage and had two other felonies and 44 misdemeanor counts of Entry Into Locked Coin Box dismissed but read into the record. Poad was the only member of the group to be charged with a felony. His accomplices range in age from 18 to 20-years-old and acted primarily as drivers or lookouts. Five of them have already been sentenced to between two and five months, and sixth is awaiting sentencing. The remaining cases are still making their way through the court system. All those convicted will be responsible for splitting nearly $30,000 in restitution costs.

Two Dodge County Prisons Go Electric

10/22/08 - Two Dodge County prisons are among13 beefing-up security with electrified stun-fences. The State Building Commission allocated four-million-dollars for the project in 2005 with the goal of preventing inmates from escaping. The Dodge Correctional Institution and the Fox Lake Correctional Institution are both slated to “go electric” along with Taycheedah Correctional Institution in Fond du Lac. Construction began in August on the beefed-up fence at the Oshkosh prison – and it’s expected to be completed in the next month. Warden Judy Smith says it will not change her prison’s security practices. Watch-towers will still be manned. Corrections’ spokesman John Dipko says the fences will put out a non-lethal current to knock down an inmate or an intruder before they can get to the fences’ razor-wiring. He says it should prevent inmates who do try to escape from being harmed.

Heating Costs Not as Bad as Originally Predicted

10/22/08 - The price of gasoline is not the only thing plunging these days. Natural gas is down, too. And Steve Schultz with Alliant Energy says he expects customers to pay just 8 to 12% more this winter, down from the 50-percent increase they projected in July. Schultz says the average customer’s bill last year was around $920 for the winter heating season that runs October through March. That means a customer would pay around $90 more dollars if the increase this year is 10-percent. Schultz says the weather will be the determining factor.

Vigil to Honor Murdered UW-M Student

10/22/08 - A vigil will be held tonight at U-W Milwaukee to remember a student who was recently murdered. Haroon Kahn was killed October first by a man who obsessed over Kahn’s rare expensive sports car. The accused killer, Travis Zoellick of Watertown, killed himself two days later. His girlfriend of two weeks – Tammi LaFave of Delafield – has been charged with helping him carry out the murder. She told authorities that if she didn’t, Zoellick might have broken up with her. The U-W-M Student Association says tonight’s vigil will serve as a reminder that the university community is united against violence and hate.

Poll: Double Digit Lead for Obama in Wisconsin

10/22/08 - Another poll gives Democrat Barack Obama a double-digit lead for Wisconsin’s 10 presidential electoral votes. Saint Norbert College of De Pere has Obama up 51-to-38 percent over Republican John McCain. The college interviewed 400 Wisconsin adults from October ninth through last Friday. Sixty-one percent said the economy is the top issue – and 55-percent say Obama is more able to handle it.

Incumbent Congressman Faces Opposition

10/22/08 - Longtime incumbent Republican Tom Petri (left) is facing opposition this year for his Sixth Congressional District seat. Democrat Roger Kittelson (right) of Lomira has an educational background in Political Science and Agricultural Economics and previously served two internships in the state capitol and one in Washington. Kittelson says he is against the war in Iraq, believes all Americans should have affordable health care and says “No Child Left Behind” legislation should be repealed.

Petri, who sits on the House Education Committee, says there are problems with “No Child Left Behind” but they are workable. The Republican from Fond du Lac suggests implementing “interactive testing” a new form of test taking that actively customizes each exam to the skill level of the student. Petri says the “interactive tests” would level the playing field, closing the gaps between students with learning disabilities and advanced skills.

Petri and Kittelson were both against the $700 billion dollar financial bailout plan approved this month. In fact, Kittelson urged Petri to vote against the bill on the same day president Bush called on Petri to support the measure. Petri says he agreed more with Kittelson.

Local Banking Panel on Community Comment

10/22/08 - “What is the financial health of our local banks and credit unions? What has been the impact of bad housing loans on local institutions?” and “Are my savings safe?” We’ll seek to answer these questions and more on WBEV’s Community Comment this afternoon. We’ve assembled a panel of local bankers from National Exchange, American National, Farmers and Merchants, Horicon Bank and Dodge Central Credit Union to offer their insight into our current financial situation. Community Comment airs weekdays immediately following the WBEV noon news.

Top Stories October 21st

Space Needs Study Completed

10/21/08 - The Beaver Dam Common Council heard the final report on the citywide facilities study ordered earlier this year. The report places the space needs of the police department as the number one priority in the city. Marty Sell with MSA Professionals say the recommendation is expansion of the current facility, with a twist. The police department would move to the side of the building where the administrative offices are currently housed, and expand into the parking lot, doubling in size. Conversely, administration would move to where the police department is currently located. The second priority is the Community Services and Senior Center, either a new building on a new site or the renovation of an existing building on a new site. The third priority is a 10,000 square foot expansion of the library. The fourth priority, considered a long term issue, is the establishment of a satellite facility for the fire department to keep up with city growth. The report does not recommend a location, nor does it suggest whether the city should build new or purchase existing property. The fifth priority is the relocation of the Department of Public Works and Park Shop facility to the site of the Wastewater Treatment Plant, along with the construction of new buildings.

Downtown Redevelopment Moves Forward

10/21/08 - The Beaver Dam Common Council last night approved the proposed terms related to the redevelopment of the former Thomas Chevrolet property. Silverstone Partners of Middleton is proposing a 60-unit, multi-story independent senior living center, they are calling Madison Place. CEO Tom Sather says there are still a number of hurdles to clear before the $7 million dollar project becomes a reality, especially the awarding of state tax credits, which he says there is a better than 50% chance of securing. Alderman Clancy Knaup questioned whether a $90,000 city grant should be used for this project. The money comes from a fund that was designated for low-income housing projects as part of the recent Spring Isle settlement with landlord Pete Knaup. Clancy Knaup said there should be a process in place before handing out the money. Beaver Dam Area Development Corporation President Trent Campbell says they tailor incentives to each individual project and projects like this require increased creativity in investment.

If all goes according to plan, ground could be broken next summer with completion in mid-2010. The completed project would add $2.1 million of taxable property value to the city’s tax rolls. The vote was 12 to 1 with Knaup voting “no.” The council only approved the proposed terms last night, the specific terms of a developers agreement will be considered at a later date.

Process Begins in Creation of BD TIF #6

10/21/08 - The Beaver Dam Common Council approved the hiring of MSA Professional Services to assist in the creation of Tax Increment Finance District #6. Last night’s action was the first step in a lengthy approval process for creating the TIF in the downtown redevelopment area. Plans call for combining the proposed developer-funded district with the current TIF #3, which officials say has been very successful. There are currently only two active TIF Districts in Beaver Dam.

Storm Water Utility Established – Rates Set

10/21/08 - The Beaver Dam Common Council last night approved an ordinance establishing a storm water utility. The utility is a funding mechanism that sets aside dedicated revenue for dealing with storm water problems, like drainage, flooding and erosion controls and will bring the city in compliance with state and federal discharge mandates. The ordinance approved last night also established an annual rate for city utility customers of $48.61. Starting in March, residents will see a $12.15 increase on their utility bill.


More Break-Ins in Dodge County

10/21/08 - Dodge County authorities are investigating three more breaking and entering, including two on Highway 33 in the Town of Hubbard. An owner of a home in the 3500 block of Highway 33 reported that someone had been in her home in the last hour and had taken entertainment electronic equipment. A second breaking and entering, this time in the 4300 block of Highway 33, was reported just before 3:30. There a window was pried open and money taken. The village of Reeseville was the site of another reported break-in. According to Sheriff’s Department records, the owner of a home on South Main Street reported that while he and his kids were gone for the night someone broke the kitchen window and stole an ipod and some money. The break-in’s comes on the heels of a number of business break-ins in the town of Beaver Dam late last month.

’09 Budget to be Unveiled Tonight

10/21/08 - Dodge County Board of Supervisors Chairman Russ Kottke is expected to present the 2009 budget at the boards monthly meeting tonight. It’s expected the 2009 tax levy will increase by no more than 2% over last year’s total of $120-million. The board is also scheduled to act on a resolution that will form a Child Death Review Team. The idea behind the team is to have a specialized group to review the deaths of children in the county to identify trends as well as put together prevention strategies to decrease the chances of further incidents. The team would be comprised of members of the Medical Examiner’s office, the Sheriff’s Department, the Human Services and Health Department as well as a number of other agencies. The board meets at 7:30 tonight in the Administration Building in Juneau.

Hunter Found Dead in Woods

10/21/08 - Fifty-five-year-old Richard Hafemeister of West Bend was looking for a deer he’d shot in a wooded area of the Town of Theresa Sunday night when he collapsed and died. Dodge County Sheriff’s officials say a friend of Hafemeister’s and EMS personnel provided CPR, but he did not respond. They got a call about the incident just before 8:30 Sunday evening. Hafemeister was hunting in an area off Highway 28. (KFIZ)

No Sign of Missing Milwaukee Woman

10/21/08 - A grave exhumed in Kenosha yesterday turned up no evidence that a missing Milwaukee woman was buried in it. Karren Kraemer of Oconomowoc wanted to know if the remains of her daughter, Becky Marzo, were buried in Eddie Davis’ grave. Her family believes the 23-year-old Marzo was killed by her boyfriend Carl Rodgers Junior almost five years ago. Rodgers apparently killed himself last year, and his uncle runs a Milwaukee funeral home which handled Davis’s burial. Kraemer said Marzo could have been buried in one of three graves in Kenosha in which Rodgers’ family handled the funerals. Another grave was exhumed two years ago, and there were no signs of Marzo. Kraemer is not sure where the third grave might be. Authorities will test the coffin and soil at Davis’s grave site to see if Marzo’s D-N-A turns up.

A look at the 53rd State Assembly Race

10/21/08 - Today we continue our look at area political races by checking in on the 53rd Assembly District, which includes the city of Waupun. There, Republican Richard Spanbauer and Democrat Jeff Mann are running to assume the seat left vacant by the retiring Carol Owens. Both candidates spoke about their experience being just one of the reason’s they should be elected. Spanbauer has served in local government for more than 30 years while Mann has been a defense attorney for the past 3 years. Our election coverage continues this afternoon on our Community Comment program when 6th District U.S. Congressman Tom Petri joins us.

Obama Cancels Madison Visit

10/21/08 - Democrat Barack Obama has canceled a rally in Madison on Thursday, so he can be with his ailing grandmother in Hawaii. His campaign said last night that 85-year-old Madelyn Dunham’s health has deteriorated to the point in which her situation is very serious. As a result, the Democratic presidential hopeful will cancel appearances Thursday and Friday. He’ll return to the campaign trail on Saturday. He was planning to spend Wednesday night in Madison before holding a noon rally at the State Capitol on Thursday. There’s no word yet if the Wisconsin visit will be re-scheduled. The election is two weeks from today.

Registered Voters Increase by 700 in Dodge County

10/21/08 - More than 700 Dodge County residents have registered to vote since the September primaries. That’s according to County Clerk Karen Gibson, who says there are now around 44,200 registered voters in the county up from about 43,500 early last month. Gibson and her staff have been pushing hard for people to get registered before Election Day in an attempt to avoid the long lines expected for unregistered voters.

Doyle Says Counties will be in Compliance

10/21/08 - Governor Jim Doyle has asked the federal E-P-A to declare six counties in compliance with its new, tougher air quality limits. He says Columbia, Waukesha, Dane and three other counties will all comply with the federal soot limits by the time they take effect in 2014. But the Sierra Club has its doubts. It says Doyle is playing a guessing game with the health of Wisconsinites. In August, the E-P-A said the six counties did not comply with new limits on un-healthy particles from things like smoke-stacks, wood stoves, vehicles, and road dust. As a result, new-and-expanding businesses are forced to install more expensive polluting-fighting equipment. Doyle says a host of new state-and-federal laws will put Wisconsin in compliance with the new soot limits – including the state mandate for utilities to cut mercury pollution by 90-percent.

Top Stories October 20th

Police Investigating Two Church Break-In’s

10/20/08 - Beaver Dam police are investigating two more break-in’s this morning both at area churches. One occurred at Trinity Church – United Methodist on Oneida Street. Yellow police tape cordoned off a side entryway and detectives were walking the property taking pictures. A break-in is also being investigated at First Lutheran Church on North Center Street. The break-in’s come on the heels of the arrest of two teens last week suspected in a number of other break-in’s in the area.

Teens Injured in Accident Sunday Night

10/20/08 - Six teenagers were injured in a one-vehicle rollover just after 8 p.m. last night. According to Dodge County Sheriff Todd Nehls, the accident occurred just after 8 p.m. in the town of Calamus near the intersection of Highway S and Jay Rd. Nehls says the 15-year-old driver lost control, struck an embankment and rolled over. It’s believed none of the passengers were wearing seatbelts. All were transported to the Beaver Dam Community Hospital with significant injures but none are considered life threatening. Nehls says the teens were between 14 and 18-years-old.

Eauslin Facing More Charges

10/20/08 - A third set of child molestation charges have been filed against a Lowell man. Wayne Eauslin had a preliminary hearing late last week for the repeated sexual assault of a girl in 2001. The victim is now a teenager. The 36-year-old was bound over for trial. Eauslin is now charged with a total of five felonies in three separate cases for allegedly molesting four different girls. In one of the other cases, he is accused of assaulting a preteen girl while she slept this past summer. In the third case, Eauslin entered a “not guilty” plea to charges that assaulted an 8 and 10-year-old girl in a bathroom in the summer of 2007. In both of those cases he entered “not guilty” pleas. He will have an arraignment hearing on the newest charges on October 29. If convicted on all counts, Eauslin faces up to 150-years in prison.

Two Fires Over the Weekend

10/20/08 - A woman was displaced from her apartment following a microwave oven and coffee maker fire in Beaver Dam Saturday afternoon. Firemen were called to the apartment on the first floor of the building at 800 South Lincoln around 4:30pm. The fire was extinguished upon the department’s arrival. The building was evacuated and ventilated because of the smoke. There was minor damage; however, it was enough to call in the Red Cross to assist the occupant who was expected to be back in her apartment by today. Firemen were on the scene for about an hour.

Also on Saturday, firemen were called to 217 York St. to investigate smoke from a chimney. Officials said a fuel oil fired boiler malfunctioned. Firemen were on the scene for about a half hour. The house is owned by an Illinois man.

Gas Down

10/20/08 - We’re starting the work week off with the price of gas 13 cents lower than the end of the work week. The price of gas at some Beaver Dam gas stations is $2.82 cents, down from $2.95 on Friday. Waupun is at $2.84. Mayville is at $2.85. Fond du Lac is averaging $2.89.
Johnson Creek and Watertown are at $2.91. The statewide average is $2.86, four cents below the national average. The low price in the state is $2.60 in Algoma. The high price is $3.09 in Sister Bay.

Lawton Speaks at Wayland

10/20/08 - Lt. Governor Barbara Lawton delivered a speech on “Women in Politics” Friday afternoon at Wayland Academy. Lawton, who is the first woman in the Wisconsin governor’s office, says that gender is still an issue, in Madison and in Washington. She said it is essential that women let their voices be heard if government is going to reflect the needs of all people. Lawton spoke as part of the First Annual "Women of Wayland Conference." On Saturday, the Wayland Board of Trustees seated former network television correspondent and Class of 1963 alum Susan Peterson, who became the first female chair of the board in its 153-year history.

10/19/08

Beaver Dam Council Lays the Groundwork for Future Development

10/19/09 - The city of Beaver Dam might be the newest municipality to go green. A proposed Neighborhood Electric Vehicle ordinance will be considered Monday night that would allow for the use of electric vehicles on city streets where the speed limit is 35mph or less. The Common Council will also consider a resolution tomorrow for a professional services agreement with MSA Professionals for assistance in creating a new Tax Increment Finance District. TIF #6 would be located in the downtown redevelopment area and includes the former Weyco Shoe Factory and Thomas Chevrolet property – both parcels have multi-million dollar redevelopment plans in the works. The council tomorrow must also consider the proposed terms related to the redevelopment of the auto-dealer property. The developers are asking the city for $90,000 in grant funding, money the city has designated for low-income housing developments; it comes from the recent Spring Isle settlement. The Beaver Dam Common Council meets tomorrow at 8pm at City Hall.

Cases Stacking Up For Soda Machine Bandits

10/19/08 - One of the suspects in a recent series of soda machine break-ins entered a guilty plea this past week while another was sentenced five months in jail. 18-year-old Ryan Price of Burnett pleaded guilty to 21 misdemeanor counts of Entry Into A Locked Coin Box and had a variety of bail jumping charges dismissed but read into the record. Price has a sentencing hearing set for November 20. Earlier in the week, 21-year-old Alicia Weissenburger was sentenced to five months in jail and three years probation for her role in the break-ins. The two were among a dozen people arrested for causing more than $35,000 worth of damage to 80 soda machines in five counties. Four other accomplices have already been sentenced to between 2 and five months for their roles in the crime wave. Purported ringleader Andrew “Chubs” Poad - who is the only one in the group facing felony charges - has a plea and sentencing hearing scheduled for next Tuesday. Restitution hearings will be scheduled at a later date.

Jail Smugglers Get Jail Time

10/19/08 - Four months in jail for a Milwaukee woman who tried to smuggle drugs to her fiancé in the Fox Lake Correctional Institution. Analuisa Vazquez pleaded “no contest” this week to a felony count of Possession with Intent to Deliver related to the offenses that occurred in September 2007. Officials learned about the operation through telephone conversations and later arrested her with two balloons containing marijuana. 19-year-old Demetrius Combs of Cudahy was with Vazquez and was sentenced to three months in jail and three years probation for trying to bring one balloon into the jail.

Scam Targets Hustisford Bank Customers

10/19/08 - The Hustisford State Bank is not calling its customers asking for personal information. The Dodge County Sheriffs Department has received several reports from Hustisford residents saying the bank would cancel their credit cards unless they provided the information. The calls were traced back to a Florida phone number. Authorities are reminding the public that they should never supply personal or financial information to anyone, especially in unsolicited phone calls.

School Plays Costs Force Changes

10/19/08 - The cost of putting on school plays and musicals has hit home for the Fond du Lac School District. Those who have been provided with complimentary passes will no longer be getting a free pass to the productions for the pass holder and a guest. In a letter School District Interim Superintendent Jim Gryzwa explains that the cost of putting on the productions have increased to the point where they are operating at a loss. So beginning with next month’s “Thoroughly Modern Millie” pass holders will be able to get one free ticket and will have to purchase the second. By the way the musical at the Fond du Lac High School Performing Arts Center will run November 6th through the 9th.

‘Patience’ Urged in Financial Crisis

10/19/08 - From Joe the Plumber to Johnny Wall Street everyone is worried about the economy and how a bailout program can stabilize it, but a Federal Bank official says growth will take time. Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago President Charles Evans told a gathering at Marian University in Fond du Lac Friday that people will have to have some patience. He says growth will continue to be sluggish the rest of the year and into 2009. Evans says the Treasury’s proposal should be effective and risk prudent. He says the taxpayer money we are injecting into banks will go further toward improving the economy. Evans also remarked about Wisconsin in particular saying innovation in the agricultural industry is promoting increased productivity. He also says manufacturing continues to be a bellwether industry for Wisconsin and for much of the Midwest. We’ll be taking a closer look at the financial crisis with a panel of local bankers on our Community Comment program at 12:35pm this Wednesday.

State/ National Candidates on Community Comment

10/19/08 - We kick-off our local election coverage on Community Comment this week with the candidates vying for the Sixth US Congressional District. On Monday we will be speaking with the Democratic challenger for the seat Roger Kittleson of Lomira. Tuesday, we sit down with incumbent Republican Tom Petri. Among the races we look at next week: the state’s 38th Assembly District, where Republican incumbent Joel Kleefisch squares off against Democratic challenger Dick Pas (poz). We round out our coverage with the candidates in the 39th District: Republican incumbent Jeff Fitzgerald and his Democratic opponent Aaron Onsrud. Community Comment airs weekdays following our noon news block on WBEV 1430AM.