Traffic Resumes Following I-94 Fatality
12/05/08 - Traffic finally returned to normal overnight on Interstate-94 in Jefferson County, nine hours after a semi-truck driver was killed in a crash. The State Patrol said the truck left the westbound lanes, skidded, and was crushed when it hit the abutment of a freeway overpass at Switzke Road near Johnson Creek. It happened just before three yesterday afternoon – and rush hour traffic was backed up for seven miles. Last evening, a single lane of slow-moving traffic was allowed to go by, as crews removed the wrecked semi-truck. The Switzke Road bridge had structural damage, and will be closed indefinitely. Normal traffic flows were restored just after 12:30 this morning. The trucker’s name was not immediately released, pending notification of relatives.
Its Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas
12/05/08 - A holiday tradition in Beaver Dam continues this weekend as Santa Claus will be making yet another appearance at the Heffron White House. Tom Heffron says his family has been hosting Santa for the past 24 years, just as his parents did for 40 years prior. Heffron says not only will Jolly Ole’ St. Nick be making a personal appearance, but he’ll be bringing along Mrs. Claus, in addition to Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman and a sleigh full of elves. Between 200 and 300 children visit Santa Claus at the Heffron House each year. The age range for kids on Santa’s lap last year was 3 month’s old to 88 years-old. Santa will be at the Heffron House, 112 Washington Street in Beaver Dam, from Noon until 2pm Saturday. The event is free and parents are encouraged to bring their camera.
There is a full schedule of Christmas activities planned in Beaver Dam tomorrow, capped off by the annual holiday parade. Santa Claus will be in attendance at a special party at the Beaver Dam American Legion for the families of active military men and women. Organizers are extending a special invitation to those who have mom or dad serving overseas this holiday season. Santa will be at the American Legion from 9am to 11am. The Beaver Dam Area Community Theater presents two performances of “Christmas With Take Note.” The choral show, back for a second holiday performance, is created by the troupes “singing ambassadors. Show times are at 1pm and 4pm. The Beaver Dam Chamber has their annual Holiday Open House and Downtown Tree Lighting. The Chamber will be offering free hot chocolate and cookies from 4:45pm to 5:45pm, which is when the evergreen tree in front of the Chamber will be lit by the mayor. The holiday parade gets underway at 6pm in downtown Beaver Dam.
Also in the region tomorrow, Fox Lake will hold their 4th Annual December to Remember. Activities get underway at the Fox Lake American Legion at noon and continue through 6pm. The event will feature free kids activities including ornament painting, coloring contests and cupcake decorating. Santa Claus will be on hand along with Frosty, Rudolph and even the Grinch. The December to Remember Parade leaves City Hall 5pm, right after the tree lighting and proceeds down State Street and ending at Mill Street. There is a free hot dog supper at the American Legion after the parade. Also tomorrow, the Columbus Chamber of Commerce hosts “Breakfast With Santa” at the Cardinal Ale House and Bowl. Kids will receive a free gift bag, and also have opportunities to take photos with Santa and participate in crafts and face painting. The breakfast is from 8am to 11am.
Home Foreclosures Down
12/05/08 - The number of new foreclosure cases in Wisconsin dropped by 18-percent last month compared to October. But Madison tracking specialist Philip Crawford said it was because there were fewer business days in November in which to file those actions. Four of the five counties in our area were also down, including Dodge where there was a 20% decrease. Jefferson County saw a 50% decrease while Washington County was down 36%. Fond du Lac County was also down 20%. However, in Columbia County there were 27 foreclosures in November a 23% increase. U-W Whitewater professor Russell Kashian says despite the overall decline there’s nothing to celebrate until the monthly drop hits 30-percent. Crawford says foreclosures are still going up slowly, despite the November statistical drop. He says many folks who bought their houses a couple years ago, when prices were high, now have mortgages higher than their homes’ values – and it will probably stay that way for awhile.
Kirst Not Running Again
12/05/08 - There will be at least one new face on the Beaver Dam School Board after April’s election. Current member Mark Kirst filed his notification of non-candidacy on Monday after one term on the board. Kirst served as Board President during the 2007-2008 school years and cited his health as a reason for not running again. The incumbents, Marge Jorgensen and Kathy Berkvam have until December 26th to let the district know if they plan to run for re-election. The deadline to file declaration of candidacy papers by January 6th.
Rio Man Charged With Sexual Assault
12/05/08 - A nursing assistant is free on a signature bond, after being accused of fondling three female residents at a nursing home in Wisconsin Dells. 59-year-old Kurt Johnson of Rio is charged with three counts of second-degree sexual assault. He’s due back in Columbia County Circuit Court on December 29th. According to prosecutors, three co-workers at the Golden Living Center in the Dells saw Johnson fondle the residents between September and December of last year. Two were in the Alzheimer’s treatment unit, and one was not capable of showing a reaction.
Fitzgerald Criticizes Doyle
12/05/08 - Assembly Republicans accuse the governor of appropriating the party's initiatives. State Representative Jeff Fitzgerald was reacting to Governor Jim Doyle's plans to fix the Wisconsin state budget. Fitzgerald is the Assembly Minority Leader. He objects to the governor's version of Social Security tax cuts. Fitzgerald points out that his party repealed that tax. He says completing the budget process will be easy for Democrats -- saying they will just raise taxes. Fitzgerald calls Governor Doyle's spending plans for Wisconsin "irresponsible budgets."
Kohl’s Sales Decline
12/05/08 - Kohl’s Department Stores reported a 17-and-a-half percent decline in its same-store sales for November. The Menomonee Falls company said the calendar caused about 7-to-8 percent of that drop. C-E-O Kevin Mansell said last November had a full week of shopping after Thanksgiving. This year, there was only Black Friday and two days after that. Mansell said Kohl’s November sales were the slowest at the start of the month – and they picked up during the final week. Kohl’s cut its prices during the year, but Mansell does not expect further cuts beyond what’s already being planned.
Harsh Salvation
12/05/08 - The leader of the Salvation Army in Oshkosh has been suspended, because he’s about to marry someone who’s not with the organization. Captain Johnny Harsh has led the Oshkosh chapter for over three years, and he could soon be fired. His wife, Captain Yoley Harsh, died unexpectedly in June – and he says his new fiancée has saved his life and those of his daughters. The two plan to marry next June, against a Salvation Army policy that only lets an officer marry another officer. Harsh said he knew the dispute would come up, but he thinks the policy is wrong. And he hopes folks will put pressure on the Salvation Army to change it, so future officers could benefit. Harsh has also been told his fiancée could not stay at his house, which the group helps pay for. The group’s regional office in Milwaukee is not commenting. A local advisory board member says Harsh will be missed – but the rules are the same all over the world, and they must be followed. Harsh has been with the Salvation Army for 14 years. He said a panel could seal his fate when it meets in Chicago next week.
County P Delayed
12/05/08 - Highway P near Fox Lake has been closed for nearly 6-months and the re-opening that was expected to happen at the end of November was pushed back. City Administrator Bill Petracek was at the site earlier this week and told us (quote) “It looks like it’s going to be awhile”, before it re-opens. He says the project was scheduled to be completed on November 30th and because of the city’s deal with the contractor they are able to fine them $400-per day until they complete the project. The road has been closed since June 14th when a culvert washed out due to the flooding.
12/05/08 - Traffic finally returned to normal overnight on Interstate-94 in Jefferson County, nine hours after a semi-truck driver was killed in a crash. The State Patrol said the truck left the westbound lanes, skidded, and was crushed when it hit the abutment of a freeway overpass at Switzke Road near Johnson Creek. It happened just before three yesterday afternoon – and rush hour traffic was backed up for seven miles. Last evening, a single lane of slow-moving traffic was allowed to go by, as crews removed the wrecked semi-truck. The Switzke Road bridge had structural damage, and will be closed indefinitely. Normal traffic flows were restored just after 12:30 this morning. The trucker’s name was not immediately released, pending notification of relatives.
Its Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas
12/05/08 - A holiday tradition in Beaver Dam continues this weekend as Santa Claus will be making yet another appearance at the Heffron White House. Tom Heffron says his family has been hosting Santa for the past 24 years, just as his parents did for 40 years prior. Heffron says not only will Jolly Ole’ St. Nick be making a personal appearance, but he’ll be bringing along Mrs. Claus, in addition to Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman and a sleigh full of elves. Between 200 and 300 children visit Santa Claus at the Heffron House each year. The age range for kids on Santa’s lap last year was 3 month’s old to 88 years-old. Santa will be at the Heffron House, 112 Washington Street in Beaver Dam, from Noon until 2pm Saturday. The event is free and parents are encouraged to bring their camera.
There is a full schedule of Christmas activities planned in Beaver Dam tomorrow, capped off by the annual holiday parade. Santa Claus will be in attendance at a special party at the Beaver Dam American Legion for the families of active military men and women. Organizers are extending a special invitation to those who have mom or dad serving overseas this holiday season. Santa will be at the American Legion from 9am to 11am. The Beaver Dam Area Community Theater presents two performances of “Christmas With Take Note.” The choral show, back for a second holiday performance, is created by the troupes “singing ambassadors. Show times are at 1pm and 4pm. The Beaver Dam Chamber has their annual Holiday Open House and Downtown Tree Lighting. The Chamber will be offering free hot chocolate and cookies from 4:45pm to 5:45pm, which is when the evergreen tree in front of the Chamber will be lit by the mayor. The holiday parade gets underway at 6pm in downtown Beaver Dam.
Also in the region tomorrow, Fox Lake will hold their 4th Annual December to Remember. Activities get underway at the Fox Lake American Legion at noon and continue through 6pm. The event will feature free kids activities including ornament painting, coloring contests and cupcake decorating. Santa Claus will be on hand along with Frosty, Rudolph and even the Grinch. The December to Remember Parade leaves City Hall 5pm, right after the tree lighting and proceeds down State Street and ending at Mill Street. There is a free hot dog supper at the American Legion after the parade. Also tomorrow, the Columbus Chamber of Commerce hosts “Breakfast With Santa” at the Cardinal Ale House and Bowl. Kids will receive a free gift bag, and also have opportunities to take photos with Santa and participate in crafts and face painting. The breakfast is from 8am to 11am.
Home Foreclosures Down
12/05/08 - The number of new foreclosure cases in Wisconsin dropped by 18-percent last month compared to October. But Madison tracking specialist Philip Crawford said it was because there were fewer business days in November in which to file those actions. Four of the five counties in our area were also down, including Dodge where there was a 20% decrease. Jefferson County saw a 50% decrease while Washington County was down 36%. Fond du Lac County was also down 20%. However, in Columbia County there were 27 foreclosures in November a 23% increase. U-W Whitewater professor Russell Kashian says despite the overall decline there’s nothing to celebrate until the monthly drop hits 30-percent. Crawford says foreclosures are still going up slowly, despite the November statistical drop. He says many folks who bought their houses a couple years ago, when prices were high, now have mortgages higher than their homes’ values – and it will probably stay that way for awhile.
Kirst Not Running Again
12/05/08 - There will be at least one new face on the Beaver Dam School Board after April’s election. Current member Mark Kirst filed his notification of non-candidacy on Monday after one term on the board. Kirst served as Board President during the 2007-2008 school years and cited his health as a reason for not running again. The incumbents, Marge Jorgensen and Kathy Berkvam have until December 26th to let the district know if they plan to run for re-election. The deadline to file declaration of candidacy papers by January 6th.
Rio Man Charged With Sexual Assault
12/05/08 - A nursing assistant is free on a signature bond, after being accused of fondling three female residents at a nursing home in Wisconsin Dells. 59-year-old Kurt Johnson of Rio is charged with three counts of second-degree sexual assault. He’s due back in Columbia County Circuit Court on December 29th. According to prosecutors, three co-workers at the Golden Living Center in the Dells saw Johnson fondle the residents between September and December of last year. Two were in the Alzheimer’s treatment unit, and one was not capable of showing a reaction.
Fitzgerald Criticizes Doyle
12/05/08 - Assembly Republicans accuse the governor of appropriating the party's initiatives. State Representative Jeff Fitzgerald was reacting to Governor Jim Doyle's plans to fix the Wisconsin state budget. Fitzgerald is the Assembly Minority Leader. He objects to the governor's version of Social Security tax cuts. Fitzgerald points out that his party repealed that tax. He says completing the budget process will be easy for Democrats -- saying they will just raise taxes. Fitzgerald calls Governor Doyle's spending plans for Wisconsin "irresponsible budgets."
Kohl’s Sales Decline
12/05/08 - Kohl’s Department Stores reported a 17-and-a-half percent decline in its same-store sales for November. The Menomonee Falls company said the calendar caused about 7-to-8 percent of that drop. C-E-O Kevin Mansell said last November had a full week of shopping after Thanksgiving. This year, there was only Black Friday and two days after that. Mansell said Kohl’s November sales were the slowest at the start of the month – and they picked up during the final week. Kohl’s cut its prices during the year, but Mansell does not expect further cuts beyond what’s already being planned.
Harsh Salvation
12/05/08 - The leader of the Salvation Army in Oshkosh has been suspended, because he’s about to marry someone who’s not with the organization. Captain Johnny Harsh has led the Oshkosh chapter for over three years, and he could soon be fired. His wife, Captain Yoley Harsh, died unexpectedly in June – and he says his new fiancée has saved his life and those of his daughters. The two plan to marry next June, against a Salvation Army policy that only lets an officer marry another officer. Harsh said he knew the dispute would come up, but he thinks the policy is wrong. And he hopes folks will put pressure on the Salvation Army to change it, so future officers could benefit. Harsh has also been told his fiancée could not stay at his house, which the group helps pay for. The group’s regional office in Milwaukee is not commenting. A local advisory board member says Harsh will be missed – but the rules are the same all over the world, and they must be followed. Harsh has been with the Salvation Army for 14 years. He said a panel could seal his fate when it meets in Chicago next week.
County P Delayed
12/05/08 - Highway P near Fox Lake has been closed for nearly 6-months and the re-opening that was expected to happen at the end of November was pushed back. City Administrator Bill Petracek was at the site earlier this week and told us (quote) “It looks like it’s going to be awhile”, before it re-opens. He says the project was scheduled to be completed on November 30th and because of the city’s deal with the contractor they are able to fine them $400-per day until they complete the project. The road has been closed since June 14th when a culvert washed out due to the flooding.
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