Top Stories, December 31st

New Years Eve Snowfall

12/31/09 - About an inch of snow fell over night and area plows and salt trucks are out on the roads this morning. Dodge County Highway Supervisor Ken Stock says he started calling people in around 2:30am this morning and crews were out by 4am. There are scattered flurries in the forecast through mid-morning, then turning partly sunny and breezy in the afternoon. There is a chance of more flurries tonight as the low temperature drops into single digits overnight tonight and below zero by the weekend. The Dodge County Sheriffs Department meanwhile received several reports of runoffs, especially on Highway’s 151, 33 and 41. There were three rollover accidents between 6:30pm and 7:15pm last night; two in the Town of Calamus and one in the Town of Chester. No injuries were reported.

Nehls on War College: ‘Stressful’

12/31/09 - Dodge County Sheriff Todd Nehls says his first semester in War College was more stressful than his stint in Afghanistan. The Sheriff left for Washington DC in August after being recommended for the opening by Wisconsin Adjunct General Donald Dunbar. Nehls says less that half the class is military, the rest are a cross-section of the federal government; employees from the CIA, FBI, State Department and Homeland Security brought together as strategic thinkers to examine big picture issues at home and abroad. He says he has taken away a lot of useful strategy that can be applied right here in Dodge County. He says the leadership of the county – the county board, county administrator and supervisors -- should develop a strategic plan for services and programs that department heads can use in developing their own strategy to fund activities that need to be fulfilled. He says, for example, his department has been so successful in apprehending criminals that it has put a strain on the county clerk’s department and the district attorney’s office. He says an inter-department strategy needs to be implemented from the top down Nehls says some of the guest speakers this semester included General David Patreaus and Senator John McCain. As far as the Sheriffs Department, Nehls has maintained regular contact with the senior management and says he will visit more frequently over the next six months before graduation in June.

BD Considering Online Payment Options For Utility Bills

12/31/09 - Beaver Dam Utility customers might be able to pay their bills online in the upcoming year. The Administrative Committee held initial discussion on the issue at a recent meeting. Director of Administration John Somers told the committee that there have been numerous requests from city residents to provide the option. Cost has been the primary issue to far. He says after a one time set-up fee of $200 the city could provide the service for roughly $2.65 per transaction. The utility would bear the cost which would be built into the rate structure. Somers says that research has indicated that if the individual customer had to pay the entire charge, the service would simply not be used. Alderwoman Mary Flaherty said the public is strapped for cash right now and she would be reluctant to vote for anything that would add that burden. If one third of the city’s utility customers were to use the service, by our estimates, the cost per customer would be roughly $1 per quarter, assuming there would be some savings in postage and a reduction of paper transactions. Alderman Glen Link suggested the feature might also free up staff time for other responsibilities but Alderman John Litscher said that labor cost savings would be difficult to quantify. The current city of Beaver Dam website was designed to integrate with online bill pay and there is also the possibility that property taxes would also be added. City leaders still have many questions and the matter was tabled until a future agenda so that Somers can get more information.

Appeals Court Refuses To Overturn Anderson Conviction

12/31/09 - A state appeals court refused to overturn a conviction Wednesday for a Jefferson County man found guilty of slaying his father and dumping his remains in North Carolina. Derek Anderson of rural Helenville wanted a new trial. But instead, his life prison term will continue. He appealed on a number of issues, and they were all turned down by the Fourth District Appellate Court in Madison. Anderson changed his name from Andrew Krnak (car-nack) soon after his parents, a brother, and the family dog vanished on a Fourth-of-July weekend trip in 1998. The remains of his father Allen Krnak were discovered in North Carolina in ’99, and his brother and mother were never found. Anderson was convicted in 2006 of first-degree intentional homicide.

Washington County Church Burglarized

12/31/09 - A church in Washington County has lost its historical records in a burglary. Saint John’s Lutheran Church in the town of Jackson had its safe stolen the day after Christmas. And the safe contained numerous records about baptisms, marriages, and burials. Pastor Paul Mittermaier says the records don’t have much financial value, but they’re extremely important to the church. He’s asking for the records back. And he says the congregation is praying for the thief and whatever caused the person to steal the items. The church did not lose any offerings, since they’re deposited quickly. Only a small amount of cash was taken in the break-in.

St. Anna FD Out of Service

The Saint Anna Fire Department in Calumet County will be out of service until early next week. A lot of its equipment was damaged Tuesday night in a Dumpster explosion at Bremer Manufacturing’s foundry. Fire-fighter Steven Koeser was killed in the blast, and eight others suffered injuries from ear-ringing to burns. They were all treated at hospitals in Chilton and Neenah, and were later released. Authorities said the fire department was putting out a small fire in the dumpster when water from a hose caused a burning container with metal by-products to explode. Sheriff’s officials, the state fire marshal, and federal agents are still investigating. Saint Anna fire captain Adam Schuh said his small department received numerous offers of support and counseling from throughout Wisconsin. The fire department from nearby Mount Calvary has loaned them equipment. Schuh says about 20 fire-fighters were at the scene just before the explosion. The 33-year-old Koeser died at the scene. He was on the volunteer force for 15 years. The foundry was not open at the time of the fire, and no employees were there. Bremer makes aluminum sand castings for other industries. The fire department’s flag was at half-staff yesterday – and Schuh said it would take awhile before his fire-fighters recover emotionally.

Kohl Continues To Support Butler

12/31/09 - U-S Senate Democrat Herb Kohl says he’ll urge President Obama to re-appoint Louis Butler as a new federal judge for the western half of Wisconsin, which includes Columbia and Jefferson Counties. Senate Republicans used a procedural maneuver last week to return seven federal appointments – including Butler’s – to the White House without a confirmation vote. Kohl spokeswoman Lynn Becker said those end-of-the-year actions are not unusual, and that Kohl still supports Butler for a lifetime judicial appointment. The White House is not saying whether it will reappoint Butler when it has a chance to do so next month. Butler was appointed in October to replace retired Federal Judge John Shabaz (shuh-bahz’) of Madison. Butler is now a lecturer and a jurist-in-residence at the U-W Law School, after he lost an election in 2008 to keep his former seat on the State Supreme Court.

Felon DNA Sample Backlog Grows

12/31/09 - The state Justice Department now says there are almost 13-thousand convicted felons who have not given D-N-A samples to authorities as required by law. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel obtained the latest figure, which is a little bigger than what was first reported this summer. Officials said the list had grown by one-third since then. The Corrections Department obtained D-N-A from 52-hundred offenders in recent months. And a task force continues to round up others. That’s not as easy as it sounds. The Journal Sentinel says 87-percent of those not providing samples are no longer under state supervision. And the Justice Department is still trying to determine whether those who’ve served all their time can be compelled to provide their D-N-A. A law passed in 2000 required convicted felons to submit their D-N-A for a data-base which law enforcement uses to investigate past-and-present crimes. But lots of offenders escaped the requirement soon after it was imposed. Officials have improved their collections since then – and the task force will issue a report next spring on ways to improve it even more. Meanwhile, there’s a bill in the Legislature to require those arrested for felonies – not just those convicted – to submit D-N-A samples. Supporters say it would be much easier for police to collect them. But unlike fingerprints, D-N-A contains a person’s family health history. And civil rights groups question the government’s power to get that data from those the courts don’t find guilty. The corrections agency supports the bill. Attorney General J-B Van Hollen has not endorsed it.

Wisconsin Enters Asian Carp Battle

12/31/09 - Wisconsin has joined the legal battle against the invasive Asian carp. Attorney General J-B Van Hollen filed a brief yesterday with the U-S Supreme Court, in an effort to keep the dangerous carp out of the Great Lakes. The brief supports Michigan’s request to close two navigational locks at Chicago, on a canal which links Lake Michigan with the Mississippi River – where the Asian carp has eaten away at the food supply for native fish-and-plants. Minnesota and Ohio have also asked the Supreme Court to close the locks. The barge industry objects to the proposed closings, saying it uses the canal to send a billion-dollars worth of petroleum into Chicago each year. Other industries use the canal as well, and they say 400 jobs would be lost by even a brief shut-down. Also, Chicago would have to find another way to dump its waste-water – which now goes down the canal to keep sewage out of Lake Michigan. But Michigan and the other states say the Asian carp threatens the Great Lakes’ multi-million-dollar fishing industry. Van Hollen’s legal brief says the industry supports five-thousand Wisconsin jobs, and creates 400-million-dollars a year in economic activity for the state.

Republican Candidate For Treasurer Withdraws

12/31/09 - One of two Republican candidates for state treasurer has pulled out of the race. Jason Punzel, the head of a Madison real estate firm, says the campaign would take too much time away from his family. Democratic Treasurer Dawn Marie Sass is seeking her second four-year term next year. Kurt Schuller of Eden is running as a Republican, and Madison budget analyst Dan Bohrod plans to challenge Sass in the Democratic primary. Sass was under fire this year for having a niece on her payroll, and for creating a backlog of claims for unclaimed property. She was also criticized for not reporting travel costs to conventions that were paid by her national association – but the Government Accountability Board said she did not have to report those costs.

Wisconsin Whooping Cranes Stalled in Alabama

12/31/09 - Twenty Wisconsin whooping cranes are still stuck in Alabama as they try to get to Florida to begin their winter migration. They were supposed to leave Russellville on Tuesday after a holiday break, but there was too much wind for the birds to reach the required altitude. Over 70 gathered at an airport to watch a take-off that never took place. They’ll try again today. But observer Liz Condie wrote on the project’s Web site that the forecast is for more rain and strong winds, and the chance of a takeoff today is quote, “somewhere between zero and zilch.” The baby cranes left Necedah a few weeks ago with the help of an ultra-light pilot. They’ll join dozens of other cranes at two nesting places in Florida, with the goal of growing the whooping crane population in the eastern U-S. It’s the ninth year of the effort, known as “Operation Migration.” The baby cranes fly back to Wisconsin on their own each spring – and many return on their own each winter.

World Champion Liar From Beaver Dam (OK, Sun Prairie)

12/31/09 - A state health inspector from Sun Prairie is this year’s World Champion Liar. Larry Legro won the annual award from the Burlington Liars Club, which announces the winner every New Year’s Eve. The 58-year-old Legro poked fun at the nation’s banking crisis with this line: “I just realized how bad the economy really is. I recently bought a new toaster oven – and as a complimentary gift, I was given a bank.” He was referring to the government’s 700-billion-dollar bailout of the banking industry. Over 100 people submitted entries for this year’s World Champion Lie. Joel Weis, the president of the Burlington Liars Club, said three judges chose Legro’s lie because it’s so relevant. Legro said he’s been submitting entries for about five years – and he told people all year he planned to win the contest.

Once In A Blue Moon

12/31/09 - If you're celebrating the end of 2009, and welcoming 2010, tonight, you will do it under a "blue moon." A full moon will be overhead while Wisconsin residents party. A blue moon means we're seeing a full moon for the second time in the same month. We also had a full moon December 2nd. Lots of celebrations are on hand as we end a decade at the same time we end a year -- unless, of course, you're not a traditionalist and are among those who feel the decade ends next year.

New Years Day Garbage Pick-Up Delayed

12/31/09 - Due to the New Years Holiday, Veolia Environmental will be delaying garbage collections by one day after Thursday’s regularly scheduled collection. Beaver Dam Director of Facilities David Stoiser says the Friday route will be collected on Saturday but, once again, there will be no change in pick-up today. In addition, the Beaver Dam Public Works Garage will be closed today and tomorrow.

Top Stories, December 30th

Former Maysteel Facility Sold

12/30/09 - A plant that closed in Columbus has been sold to a local industry which plans to move there and grow. Maysteel has sold its Columbus facility to an investment group headed by Nathan Roberts, which owns Fisk Tank Carrier Incorporated. It’s a company that makes boom units and trailers for businesses that install propane tanks. Fisk has nine employees now. And Roberts says it will have more after it moves into the former Maysteel plant in a couple of months. Maysteel had 89 workers when it announced in April it would close its Columbus building. Maysteel is also closing another of its plants in Menomonee Falls – and that building is also on the market.

Delay in Henry Murder Trial

12/30/09 - There has been a delay in the prosecution of a Waupun man accused of murdering his wife. Larry Henry entered a plea of “not guilty by reason of insanity” during a court appearance in October and two doctors were appointed by the court for evaluation. The doctor who was appointed at the request of the public defender yesterday requested a three week extension as he awaits the delivery of a record from out of state needed to complete his report. In July, the 46-year-old allegedly struck his wife in the head with a metal pipe and then placed plastic wrap over her face. Following the death Larry Henry walked into the Waupun Police Station and told officers that he had “taken his wife’s life.” 42-year-old Tammy Henry was found on a blood-soaked mattress in the couple’s living room. The Dodge County Medical Examiner ruled that she died as the result of blunt force trauma to the head. Henry will be back in court next month. Henry is being held on a quarter million dollar cash bond, a scheduling conference is set for next month.

Fond du Lac Jane Doe Sill Not IDed

12/30/09 - It’s been over 13 months since deer hunters found an unidentified woman partially submerged in a frozen creek in Fond du Lac County. And today, sheriff’s officers are still looking for clues as to who she is – and who killed her. Lieutenant Bill Flood says his detectives can piece together a profile of the victim – if they could only find out her name. Two days before Christmas, detective Cameron McGee checked out a potential match from a Web site that specializes in helping solve cold cases, unidentified victims, and disappearances. But a check of dental records and a phone call to a potential victim’s mother created even more dead ends. Flood says he hopes the holidays will get people to reflect on their lives – and to call detectives if they wonder what happened to the person they call “Jane Doe.” Jane’s information is posted on the Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Department’s Web site. And the victim even has a page on Facebook. The woman was 5-foot-1, 110-to-135 pounds with light brown or dark blond hair. She was wearing Angels blue jeans and a Zoey Beth top when she was found. Experts said she was either pigeon-toed, knock-kneed, or both. And she may have had a distinctive walk which could help identify her.

Taycheedah Guard Under Scrutiny

12/30/09 - A state prison guard who was fired for breaking work rules is now accused of molesting a female inmate. Fond du Lac Police said they were gathering evidence in another case, when they found that a 34-year-old man had sexual contact with a prisoner while working at the Taycheedah women’s prison. He was in jail awaiting charges at last word. Officers say the man is only tied to one victim at the moment – and they’re still investigating to see if anybody else was molested. Fond du Lac Police Major Kevin Lemke said the guard’s involvement was uncovered while officers were preparing evidence in the case of another guard, 37-year-old Jimmie Brown. The other guard had been fired before police started its evidence-gathering. Brown is scheduled to stand trial next June on 17 charges of second-degree sexual assault by a correctional staffer. Brown is accused of having sexual contact with six female inmates at Taycheedah in 2007-and-’08. According to prosecutors, five of the inmates said the sex was consensual – but one victim said she was raped. A state law passed a few years ago made it a specific crime for prison guards to have sexual contact with inmates. The law was passed in the wake of other abuses at Taycheedah.

Columbus Police Respond To Unusual Domestic Incident

12/30/09 - Columbus Police had their hands full during a call Monday night. According to Lt. Dennis Weiner, officers were dispatched to a residence on Hibbard Street just before midnight. A 30-year-old male at the residence was reportedly suicidal and out of control. He fled the residence when police arrived on scene and was later located at a house on South Ludington Street. As officers were speaking to the homeowner outside the residence, the other occupants locked the doors preventing the homeowner and the cops from entering. Entry was eventually gained through another door and the male subject was located. Weiner says after entering the residence, 30-year-old Elisha Reynolds who lived in the house, allegedly became violent and uncooperative with officers. A Tazer gun was used to subdue her and Reynolds was taken into custody and booked into the Columbia County Jail on charges of Battery to a Police Officer and Resisting Arrest. The 30-year-old male was transported to Detox in Madison because he was intoxicated. Charges of Disorderly Conduct, Domestic Abuse are forthcoming.

DCSO Credits Mutual Aid For Arrest

12/30/09 - Dodge County authorities are crediting interagency cooperation for getting a heavily intoxicated driver off the roadways Sunday morning. Deputies were busy with a violent domestic abuse incident when they received reports of an erratic driver in the southbound lanes of Highway 151 around 8am. Columbia County Deputies were contacted but the driver turned around so Beaver Dam Police intercepted the vehicle. The driver, 52-year-old Billy Ray Greenwood of Watertown was arrested for suspicion of his third OWI. Dodge County Sheriffs officials say mutual aid proved invaluable in this case and added that it is also a two-way street.

Butler Nomination Blocked

12/30/09 - U-S Senate Republicans have blocked the president’s nomination of Louis Butler for a federal judgeship in the western half of Wisconsin, which includes Columbia, Dane and Jefferson Counties. Butler, a former State Supreme Court justice, was one of seven federal nominees who failed to win Senate approval before the end of the year. And the G-O-P minority pulled a procedural maneuver and sent the appointments back to President Obama. Butler has been criticized by Republicans for being a liberal activist judge. And some said he doesn’t deserve a lifetime federal post after being rejected twice by Wisconsin voters in losing a pair of Supreme Court elections in the last decade. Butler refused comment and referred all questions to the White House – which also didn’t say anything. Obama can re-submit his nominations next month. But if a single senator objects, they would be put on hold until 60 votes can be rounded up for their approval. Butler was one of two federal judge nominees who were blocked. The other was Edward Chen in northern California. Three Justice Department appointees were also blocked, along with nominees for the National Labor Relations Board and an Army brigadier general’s post.

Inspector: ‘Ski Lift Faulty’

12/30/09 - A state inspector said she found a number of problems with the ski-lift that went backward at Devil’s Head Resort near Merrimac, injuring 14 people on December 17th. Commerce inspector April Hammond said she also found two other ski-lifts at the resort which need new anti-rollback devices, so a similar accident does not happen on those units. The ski-lift that malfunctioned suddenly stopped and moved backward. Hammond said the gear-box failed in three places, knocking out one of two major brakes on the lift. She also said the anti-rollback device was not properly installed – and a safety check of the lift was not done at the beginning of the day the accident happened. The lift cannot be re-opened until the state does another inspection.
Power Outage In BD

12/30/09 - A midday power outage in Beaver Dam yesterday knocked out utility service to around 680 customers. Most of those customers were back online within two hours. Alliant Energy Spokesperson Steve Schultz says the outage occurred at 11:29am because of an equipment malfunction. Crews had to obtain a part from their Fond du Lac facility to get the remaining customers back online.

Oshkosh Temple/ Church Vandalized

12/30/09 - Black swastikas were painted on the marquees of a Jewish temple and a Methodist church in Oshkosh – and police are looking for those who did it. A patrolman found the damage on Christmas Eve at the B’Nai Israel Congregation, and the Algoma Methodist Church. Police say most of the vandalism has been cleaned up – and whoever’s arrested could be charged with a hate crime with higher penalties. Avi Stern, the head of the Jewish temple, does not believe the swastika paintings were anti-Semitic – because a Christian church was also vandalized.

Top Stories, December 29th

Spring Election: Non-Candidacy Update

12/29/09 - A handful of aldermen in Dodge County municipalities submitted non-candidacy papers prior to yesterday’s deadline. In Beaver Dam, Alderman Andrew Westenmeyer submitted the necessary paperwork with one hour to spare. No one is currently circulating papers for the Sixth Ward seat. Westenmeyer was appointed to replace Ron Andrews who left halfway through his term. All other incumbent candidates in even numbered wards are running and currently face no opposition.

In Fox Lake, there are three people interested in the Third Ward seat being vacated by Dan Bednarek, who filed non-candidacy papers earlier this month. Jason Harmson has filed papers while Dennis Link and Russell Gruenberg are circulating. Incumbent Percy Harper and former Alderman Dan Ault are both circulating papers in the Second Ward. First Ward Alderman Tom Jahnke has returned his completed packet and is currently running without opposition. Jan Okrasinski has taken out papers to fill out the remainder of the term held by the late Ann McCarthy in Ward Three.

In Mayville, Bob Smith filed his non-candidacy papers yesterday. Kathleen Sertich is currently running unopposed for that Second Ward Seat. Tom Bellino and Scott Mastalish are circulating nomination papers for the Ward One seat formerly held by Dottie Hoy. Robert Redeker and Bill Linzenmeyer are circulating papers for the Wards Four and Seven seat being vacated by Jerry Moede who is running for mayor and currently has no challengers.

In Horicon, four incumbent alderpersons and the mayor are running again and currently face no opposition. Ted Pyrek and Richard Marschke have returned completed nomination papers while Susan Hady, Steve Neitzel and Mayor James Grigg are circulating papers. All seats are for two-year terms except for the First District seat occupied by Hady who replaced Doug Psenicka halfway through his term.

All incumbent candidates in Columbus are running and currently face no opposition. Tyler Walker has submitted a complete nomination packet while Jenny Perkins and Ed Parpart are circulation papers.

Juneau Alderman Dan Jahnke filed his non-candidacy papers earlier this month.

It’s looking like a three way race for Mayor in Waupun. Incumbent Jodi Steger, current Sixth Ward Alderman Jim Van Buren, and businessman Jay Graff will have a runoff in a February primary to determine the two candidates that will appear on April’s ballot. Steger has been mayor sine 2004 and beat Graff in 2008 to keep her seat. Other seats up for election include the one currently held by Pete Kaczmarksi in the Second Ward, the Third Ward seat of Steve Bastian, and Van Buren’s seat in the Sixth Ward.

Three county board supervisors filed non-candidacy papers for the spring election. The most recent is Earl Anderson who represents residents in the second, third and sixth Wards in the city of Mayville. Last week, Supervisor Arnold Bashynski filed his non-candidacy papers with county clerks office. Bashynski currently serves as the supervisor for the first and second wards of Randolph and the first ward in the town of Westford. Earlier this month, Gerald Mullin, announced he would not be running for county board. Mullin represents the second and third wards in Fox Lake. He will also not run for reelection as Mayor in the City of Fox Lake. Anyone wishing to run for a seat on the county board is asked to call County Clerk Karen Gibson’s office. Nomination papers are due on January 5.

Head Of Police Union Apologizes For OWI

12/29/09 - The head of the state police union says he’s “ashamed” he was picked up for drunk driving this month in Columbia County. James Palmer of Sun Prairie, director of the Wisconsin Professional Police Association, issued a statement yesterday in which he apologized and promised not to challenge his first-time O-W-I citation. According to authorities, Palmer and police association finance director Jean Steinhauer had three drinks at a Madison tavern before they each drove away. The 48-year-old Steinhauer lost control on a curve north of Sun Prairie and drove through a large snowbank and into a shed. Palmer then drove there to help her. His blood alcohol level was point-146, and Steinhauer’s level was point-15 – both well above the state’s legal limit of point-zero-eight. Steinhauer was also cited for first-offense drunk driving. The 34-year-old Palmer has been with the state’s police association since 2003 – and he hopes to stay with the group. He said he recognizes how his conduct reflects upon law enforcement. Palmer’s group endorsed the state’s recent crackdown on drunk driving – and he says they’ll continue supporting those efforts.

Officials Review MSOE Designs For New BDPD

12/29/09 - Officials in Beaver Dam have had their first meeting with engineering students who are drawing up blueprints for a new police station as part of a class project. Mayor Tom Kennedy recently told us on WBEV’s Community Comment that he went to the Milwaukee School of Engineering earlier this month with Police Detective Corey Johnson and Operations Committee Chair Laine Meyer. The three are acting as judges of the project. Kennedy says the top design incorporates the historic look of the downtown area by utilizing red bricks that would match the adjacent depot building. In addition, the first four feet of the structure from the ground up would use sand stone identical to the Dodge County Historical Museum. The work of the students is not intended to replace the work of accredited architects but Kennedy says the students design will be taken into consideration and even save the city some money. The students plan on finishing their work in February, which is around the same time city officials will be sitting down with architects hired to draw up the final blueprints.

BDPD Investigates B&E

12/29/09 - The Beaver Dam Police Department is investigating a breaking and entering report on the 900 block of DeClark Street. According to department records, the burglary was reported Sunday afternoon and occurred during the overnight hours. Electronic items were stolen. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Beaver Dam Police Department or the anonymous We-Tip hotline at 800-78 CRIME.

Minor Kitchen Fire At Restaurant

12/29/09 - The Beaver Dam Fire Department responded to a small kitchen fire at the Applebee’s Restaurant Saturday evening. According to department records, firefighters arrived on scene just before 11pm. An employee had already used an extinguisher to put out the fire. Crews were on scene for less than a half hour.

Top Stories, December 28th

Napolitano: ‘Attempted Northwest Bombing Not Part of Larger Plot’

12/28/09 - The nation’s head of Homeland Security says there’s no sign that the attempted Christmas Day bombing of a Northwest Airlines jet was part of a larger plot. On the T-V network news shows yesterday, Homeland Security Chief Janet Napolitano said there would be an investigation, and al-Qaida would be one of the subjects. But she would not speculate further about the group’s possible involvement. The jet was bound from Amsterdam to Detroit, and Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab is in custody on allegations that he tried to bomb the plane – which landed safely after the attempt was foiled. F-B-I sources said they found an explosive and a syringe in clothes worn by the Nigerian man. Napolitano said she had “no suggestion” the alleged bomber was not properly screened at the Amsterdam airport. On that flight, Scotti Keepman of Oconomowoc sang to the two newly-adopted children her family was bringing home from Ethiopia, while chaos reined about 20 rows ahead of them.

Nehls on Community Comment

12/28/09 - Dodge County Sheriff Todd Nehls will be our guest on WBEV’s Community Comment this afternoon. In August, Nehls was accepted into the 2010 class of the National War College, a prestigious honor bestowed only on a select few. He left within days of the notification, maintaining regular contact with the department but delegating its daily operations to top management. The War College is located in Washington DC and is used to educate future leaders of the Armed Forces, State Department and other civilian agencies for high-level policy, command and staff responsibilities. Nehls plans to return in the spring. Community Comment airs weekdays on 1430AM beginning at 12:35pm.

New Mayville Mayor Expected

12/28/09 - Mayville will be looking for a new Mayor this April. That’s after the recent announcement by Tracy Heron that he would not be running for re-election. So far, only current 4th and 7th Ward Alderman Jerry Moede has filed candidacy papers to replace him. Moede’s current seat on the council is up for election as well but he has said he will not run for that position. Other seats on the ballot will be Robert Smith’s in the 2nd Ward and David Pasbrig’s in the 6th. So far, one person, Kathleen Sertich, has filed papers to run against Smith. The other open spot on the council is the Ward 1 seat formerly held by Dottie Hoy. Her seat will be on the ballot as a 1-year term.

Mayoral Race in Waupun Taking Shape

12/28/09 - It’ll be a three way race for Mayor in Waupun. Incumbent Jodi Steger, current 6th Ward Alderman Jim Van Buren, and businessman Jay Graff will have a runoff in a February primary to determine the two candidates that will appear on April’s ballot. Steger has been mayor sine 2004 and beat Graff in 2008 to keep her seat. Other seats up for election include the one currently held by Pete Kaczmarksi in the 2nd Ward, the 3rd Ward seat of Steve Bastian, and Van Buren’s seat in the 6th. Anyone wishing to run must return their nomination papers to the clerk’s office by January 5th.

Hodge Not Running For Waupun School Board

12/28/09 - There will be at least one new member on the Waupun School Board after April’s election. That’s because 2-term board member Angela Hodge will not run for another term as the representative for the city of Waupun. Other seats up for election include the ones currently held by Lori Lemmenes and Roger Schregardus. Lemmenes represents the towns of Alto and Trenton, while Schredgardus serves the towns of Burnett, Springvale, Oakfield, Waupun and Chester. Final nomination papers are due by January 5th for anyone wishing to run in the April 6th election.

Towers Bound Over

12/28/09 - A 70-year-old Waupun man has been bound over for trial on accusations that he tried to strangle his wife. James Towers is charged with a felony count of strangulation and suffocation for the December 1st incident. According to the criminal complaint Towers became upset with his wife when she dropped a framed wedding photo and breaking it. Towers then allegedly kicked the woman before grabbing her by the neck with both hands while saying he was going to kill her. The woman was able to free herself and ran outside The complaint says that Towers had allegedly assaulted the woman a number of times throughout their relationship. Towers posted a $6,500 cash bond and is due back in court for his arraignment next month.

Rollover in Theresa Injures One

12/28/09 - One person was injured in a rollover accident yesterday (Sun) afternoon in the town of Theresa. According to the Dodge County Sheriffs Department, the wreck occurred at 3:34pm on County Highway WT and Highway 28. One person was transported to Hartford Hospital for treatment. The extent of injuries was not immediately available. Emergency responders from Mayville and Theresa responded.

State Gov Employees Signing Up For Domestic Partner Benefits

12/28/09 - Almost 600 state government employees have signed up for the health insurance that’s being offered to their domestic partners for the first time. But those couples face another hurdle that married couples don’t – new taxes. Federal law treats health coverage for domestic partners as income, unlike the benefit for married spouses. And U-S House Democrat Tammy Baldwin of Madison is working to change that. She put a tax exemption for domestic partner health benefits in the House version of the national health care reform bill. But it’s not in the Senate version that passed last week – and a conference committee will decide whether it goes in or out. If it stays out, state corrections’ sergeant Rachael Merry tells the Wisconsin State Journal it will cost her partner and the woman’s daughter an extra 45-hundred dollars a year. The state budget passed this year grants health benefits to domestic partners of state employees, starting on New Year’s Day. Officials say it will cost an extra four-point-eight million dollars next year. Assembly Democrat Mark Pocan of Madison says he’s proud to pass the measure, because U-W Madison is no longer the only Big Ten university that does not offer domestic partner benefits. Almost 180 U-W employees have signed up statewide. Julaine Appling of the Wisconsin Family Action group calls the new benefits improper. But her group did not try to stop them in court – like it did with the domestic partner registry that grants same-sex couples some of the legal benefits of married couples.

DNR Investigates Fatal Snowmobile Crash

12/28/09 - The state D-N-R is investigating a snowmobile crash in north central Wisconsin that killed an Oxford man. 22-year-old William Titschler died at a hospital in Tomahawk. The crash was reported early yesterday morning near Tomahawk in the Lincoln County town of Bradley. Authorities said Titschler’s snowmobile left a roadway and hit a tree. Officials said excessive speed and alcohol might have been factors. Titschler is at least the fourth person to die in a Wisconsin snowmobile crash this winter – the same number as a year ago at this time. As of last Monday, the D-N-R had reported three deaths this season in Oconto, Oneida, and Crawford counties. There were 23 snowmobile deaths statewide last winter.

Top Stories December 27th

Storm Causes Some Delays at Mitchell

12/27/09 - The winter storm has impacted travel at the Milwaukee's Mitchell International Airport. About a dozen flights were delayed yesterday and a few were canceled. Despite the region's snow, most of the flights were on time. Crews at Mitchell are said to be keeping the runways clear, but other ground activities -- like loading and unloading baggage -- may have been slowed. Most of the delays at Mitchell are actually caused by bad weather at other airports.

Meanwhile, snow totals from yesterday were between 2 and 4 inches in our area with Hartford picking up 2.4-inches and Rio with 2.5-inches. Forecasters say freezing fog could pose a hazard for drivers through 9am this morning Combined with the snow the fog could leave some untreated roads with a layer of frost resulting in slippery conditions.

Crash Injures Two

12/27/09 - A Rio man was involved in a three-vehicle accident that injured two people on I-39/90 near Madison early yesterday morning. The Wisconsin State Patrol says an eastbound minivan, driven by a 23-year-old Edgerton woman, spun out of control and came to rest across both lanes of traffic. A 43-year-old Janesville man was able to avoid hitting the minivan but lost control of his semi tractor and rolled over coming to rest on the shoulder of the interstate. Another semi, driven by a 34-year-old Rio man, was unable to avoid the collision and struck the passenger side of the minivan. The 23-year-old minivan driver and her 1-year-old son were taken to UW-Hospital in Madison for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. The state patrol says their investigation is ongoing.

Oconomowoc Family on Plane with Alleged Bomber

12/27/09 - Five members of an Oconomowoc family were on the ill-fated Northwest flight that almost didn't make it to Detroit. A 23 year old man from Nigeria is accused of trying to set off a bomb as that plane was about the land Christmas day. Charles and Patricia Keepman were on the flight with their daughter Richelle -- and two new members of their family. The Keepmans were returning from Ethiopia where they had just adopted two children. Richelle Keepman says she could tell something was wrong by the look of fear on the flight attendants' faces. The Keepmans were sitting about 20 rows behind the alleged bomber. She says her new six year old sister and eight year old brother don't speak English, so they didn't really know what was going on. She sang to them to keep them calm.

Authorities Expected to Charge Faria this Week

12/27/09 - Charges are expected to filed this week against the 37-year-old Columbus man suspected of helping his girlfriend tie up her small daughter. Kenneth Faria is facing a number of charges including physical abuse of a child and first degree sexual assault of a child. The mother, 30-year-old Heidi Duesing-Christensen, already faces several charges. She's accused of tying up the five year old girl with rope and covering her mouth with duct tape when the girl was acting up. The tying up was aimed at stopping the child's tantrums. The child told investigators Faria helped tie her up. She was often locked in her bedroom. The girl is currently living with her father in Arizona. Two sisters are living with foster families.

Break-In at FDL’s Kristmas Kringle Under Investigation

12/27/09 - Fond du Lac burglars didn't stop Christmas, but they did hit the Kristmas Kringle Shoppe Christmas Eve. The business sells Christmas ornaments and many other items associated with the holiday. Investigators say the burglary suspects forced their way in through a back door and stole money. The Kristmas Kringle Shoppe is said to be a year-round attraction for holiday shoppers.

Supreme Court to Hear Arguments in Menards Case

12/27/09 - The state Supreme Court considers whether home improvement company Menards has to reinstate Dawn Sands. Oral arguments will be heard a week from Tuesday. Sands says she was fired after complaining about her pay. An arbitration panel awarded Sands 1-point-4 million dollars in back pay and punitive damages. She was fired in 2006 after complaining because her pay was less than male employees with the same job. Sands says she doesn't want her job back. She's asking for two more years of pay instead. An appeals court ruled last year that she has to be reinstated by Menards Incorporated.

32nd Brigade’s Deployment Coming to an End

12/27/09 - The Wisconsin National Guard’s Red Arrow 32nd Brigade Combat Team is marking this Christmas in Iraq. Writing from Iraq, Lieutenant Colonel Tim Donovan, the brigade’s public affairs officer, says the Wisconsin soldiers are upbeat about spending the holidays on deployment in Iraq, in part because everyone knows what the new year will bring – a return home. Donovan says the 32nd is in the midst of handing of its missions all over Iraq to the 72nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the Texas National Guard. Following a formal transfer of authority ceremony, the Red Arrow Brigade is cleared to go home. The brigade will move south into Kuwait and fly into Wisconsin sometime next month.

Dairy Farmers Hit Hard by Lower Milk Prices

12/27/09 - Milk prices have plummeted in the last year and state Senator Kathleen Vinehout says Wisconsin dairy farmers are being hit hard. A new federal assistance program that goes into effect next year is aimed at helping farms weather the economic downturn. It sets aside 290 million dollars for payments to dairy farmers. Vinehout says an average dairy farmer with about 85 cows can expect to get about five thousand dollars. Vinehout chairs the Senate Agriculture Committee. She says most dairy farmers should qualify for help if they’ve already been submitting production data to the Farm Service Administration. Those who need to apply have until January 19th to do so through their local FSA office.

Job Growth Expected but When

12/27/09 - A union leader has some optimism for job growth next year, but the question is how quickly. David Newby is president of the Wisconsin AFL-CIO. He believes the key to jump-starting the economy is investing in the work force with certain policies that won’t “break the bank” -- such as extending unemployment loss benefits and offering job training.

Number of Teens Wearing Seatbelts Increases

12/27/09 - Wisconsin teenagers are buckling up more than they did 16 years ago. A new survey of high school students shows only 15 percent saying they rarely or never buckle up when riding in a car driven by another person. Back in 1993 nearly double that number said they left their seat belt unbuckled. One out of four students say they have ridden in a car with a driver who had been drinking. That figure is also much lower than 1993. The survey of 24 hundred Wisconsin high school students was done last spring. Nine percent of those responding said they had driven a car after drinking alcohol. In 1993, that figure was 15 percent.

Top Stories December 26th

Fire Destroys Barn South of Columbus

12/26/09 - Many Columbus-area firefighters spent most of their Christmas fighting a barn fire in cold, windy and wet conditions. Officials say they responded to the Ronald Lewke farm on Marshall Road south of Columbus around 3:30am. Firefighters from eight departments tried to contain the fire to the barn, which was full of straw. Though the barn was a complete loss they were able to save the house and two other buildings on the farm that received fire damage. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. There were no injuries reported. The cattle were outside of the barn when firefighters arrived.

Bar Fire Under Investigation

12/26/09 - Authorities say no one was hurt in an early evening bar fire just outside of Waterloo yesterday. The Dane County Sheriff’s Department says they were called out to Club 19 on Highway 19 southwest of Waterloo around 6pm. Once on seen, firefighters were able to get the fire out by about 6:20pm. Authorities could not confirm the extent of damage or a cause of the fire as of late last night. The business was closed and there were no people inside.

Pinno Sentenced in FDL County

12/26/09 - The Fond du Lac woman who helped get rid of the body that her son allegedly strangled has been sentenced to more than 8-years in prison. 53-year-old Nancy Pinno was found guilty on charges of being party to the crime of mutilating a corpse and resisting and obstructing an officer. The sentence came down earlier this week. Pinno's son, 36-year-old Brandon Mueller of Brookfield, faces charges that he strangled 28-year-old Renee Redmer in January at his mother's apartment and then hid the corpse inside a cooler in a garage at the complex. Pinno then helped Mueller move the body to property owned by Donald R. Worth on Kinker Road where it was burned and then dumped into Lake Winnebago.

Injuries Lead to Arrest for Possession of Explosive Devices

12/26/09 - Two Sheboygan men are in trouble with the authorities after a third man was dropped off at a local hospital. The suspects were caught with homemade explosive devices and each faces several charges. They were found after the 23 year old man was treated for severe hand injuries. The victim is expected to recover. When investigators followed up on his injuries and how he sustained them, they found the other two men in possession of the illegal devices.

Milwaukee PD Shoot Suspect in the Face

12/26/09 - Milwaukee police say officers were responding to a domestic disturbance call when a suspect was shot last night. The 26 year old man was shot in the face when he allegedly charged at officers while he was holding a knife. A woman called 9-1-1 Friday. While the dispatcher was taking the call she said she could hear a man in the background saying he would kill police when they showed up. The suspect was hit in the cheek. His injury isn't thought to be life-threatening. No one else was injured.

Off-Duty Cop Helps Catch Robbery Suspect

12/26/09 - An off-duty Milwaukee police sergeant is given a lot of credit for helping nab a man suspected of armed robbery. It happened earlier this week at a CVS Pharmacy. The sergeant was in a checkout line when the clerk shouted she had just been robbed. The sergeant called 9-1-1 and chased the suspect in her car. He got away initially, but was caught a few blocks away. Cops say the 22 year old suspect was carrying a gun and a CVS bag filled with cash.

Bashynski Files Non-Candidacy Papers

12/26/09 - Another long-time county supervisor will not be running for reelection in April. Supervisor Arnold Bashynski filed his non-candidacy papers with Dodge County Clerk Karen Gibson earlier this week. Bashynski currently serves as the supervisor for the first and second wards of Randolph and the first ward in the town of Westford. He joins another county board veteran, Gerald Mullin, in ending his political career. It was reported earlier this month that along with not running for supervisor of the second and third wards in Fox Lake, Mullin will also not run for reelection as Mayor in the city. Anyone wishing to fill either spot on the county board is asked to call Gibson’s office at 386-3602. Nomination papers are due on the 5th of January.

Deployment Wrapping Up for WI National Guard Soldiers

12/26/09 - The largest deployment of Wisconsin National Guard soldiers since World War II will be coming to end in the next month. The 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team is in the midst of transferring their mission all over Iraq to their replacement unit. Once that process is complete the 32nd Brigade will move south into Kuwait to process out before flying into Wisconsin sometime in January. It’s expected that the various units in the brigade will spend up to a week at Fort McCoy near Tomah to demobilize. Lieutenant Tim Donovan says the group has made a difference for the people of Iraq. They’ve done so with having lost any soldiers due to hostile action. Donovan says quote “We’re going to give the people of Wisconsin their money’s worth from our deployment by making sure that we left Iraq a better place than we found it.”

BDUSD Tours Rescheduled

12/26/09 - A tour of the Jefferson and South Beaver Dam Elementary Schools has been rescheduled for January 6th at 10am. The tour will begin at Jefferson and then proceed to South Beaver Dam. The school board has been hosting schools tours over the past few months as they prepare for a possible referendum this April. The referendum would pay for maintenance upgrades at all of the buildings across the district. Two other tours, to Washington and Trenton Elementary, are set for January 11th at 6:30pm and again on January 13th at 10am. A discussion among participants will follow at the conclusion of each tour. School officials say the community’s understanding of the districts operations and challenges is critical to the direction and future of education in Beaver Dam. If you intend to come to a tour you are asked to RSVP to the district office by email (posthumam@beaverdam.k12.wi.us) or phone (885-7470 ex 1114).

Suicide Rates Drop

12/26/09 - The percentage of Wisconsin teenagers who have attempted suicide has remained steady over the past decade. But a new survey of the state's high school students shows that those who have seriously considered suicide has dropped in half since 1993. Survey results released by the state Department of Public Instruction show that 6 percent of high school students said they had attempted to commit suicide. That is down slightly from 8 percent who said that in 1999. However, only 13 percent said they seriously considered suicide, down from 27 percent in 1993. The survey of more than 2,400 students in 57 public high schools this spring is part of a larger national effort to study risky behaviors conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Chrysler Looking to Retirees to Teach

12/26/09 - Chrysler wants to re-hire some of its retirees -- to help train temporary workers at the Kenosha engine plant next year. The retirees will teach an estimated 85 new workers how to use the machines they used to operate. They will help give the local economy a boost. Chrysler is reopening the plant to built 2-point-7 and 3-point-5 liter engines. That means help for the local economy which was seriously impacted by the loss of hundreds of jobs when the plant shut down.

BD Announces Pickup Dates for Christmas Trees and Boughs

12/26/09 - With Christmas now in the past the city of Beaver Dam is letting residents know how to get rid of their holiday decorations. Starting January 4th through the 29th residents will be allowed to place their Christmas trees and boughs on the street side for pickup. Because they will be chipped, city officials say the trees and boughs must be free of ornaments, lights and stands. If your wreath or bough contains roping or wire they can be placed in the non-recyclable cart for collection as garbage. Residents will also be able to get rid of their holiday decorations at the public works garage Monday through Friday from 7am to 3:30pm. Officials remind residents that the special collection does not include other brush or shrubbery cuttings.

Top Stories Christmas Day

Merry Christmas from Mother Nature

12/25/09 - Christmas travel promises to be wet and messy. Dennis Hughes with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation says rain across much of the state this morning is going to demand caution on the roads and highways. Hughes says Mother Nature is really in charge. He says drivers need to slow, down, buckle up and don’t drink and drive. That last warning is one a Dane County man apparently failed to heed. The sheriff’s department says 47 year old R. Douglas Hill died after striking a bridge shortly after midnight Thursday morning. Weather Central meteorologist Brian Olson says the forecast is for rainy, wet and not too “Christmassy,” with lingering rain showers on Christmas morning, and considerably diminished snow cover, thanks to as much as an inch of rain.

Referendum Coming to Cambria-Friesland School District

12/25/09 - A 1.25-million-dollar referendum will appear on the ballots of Cambria-Friesland School District residents this April. Earlier this week the school board unanimously approved going to referendum. If approved, the funds would be used to perform long overdue building maintenance, including the replacement of a 50-year-old boiler on the high school side of the building. The funds would also help in repairing roof leaks and electrical service. It’s projected the tax rate for residents would actually stay about the same as it currently is, because the debt for the elementary school addition will be retired next year. The next steps in the process include finding someone that can handle the financial and legal aspects of the referendum.

Waupun Hires Real Estate Firm to Sell Former Elementary Schools

12/25/09 - The three former Waupun elementary schools that closed in June will officially go on the market in the near future. That comes after the school board approved the bid of the real estate firm House to Home to handle the sale of the buildings. The Alto, Jefferson, and Fox Lake elementary schools closed at the end of the last school year after voters shot down a referendum that would have provided funds for the operation of the buildings. Earlier this year, the board approved the selling prices for the buildings. The asking price for Fox Lake Elementary and an additional four-acres of land is $311,000. The price for Jefferson Elementary in Waupun is 370,000 and that also includes an additional 4-acres of land. And the Alto building had its price set at 200,000. So far, administrators say no groups or investors have shown a real interest in the buildings.

Lawmaker Looking to Stop the Counting of Prison Inmates as Residents

12/25/09 - A legislator in Wisconsin is trying to push a constitutional amendment that would stop the practice of counting prison inmates as residents in the legislative district where they are imprisoned. Fred Kessler of Milwaukee says in the 53rd Assembly district, an area that includes Waupun, 10-percent of the population is incarcerated and therefore do not have a right to vote and aren’t using local public services. He believes that because inmates aren’t using the services, communities with prisons are allowed a greater impact on a state level than they should. However, Senator Randy Hopper, who represents the 53rd district, says inmates in his district do use local services, including a recently built health clinic in Waupun. He says if Kessler wants to count the inmates from the county they are from he would expect the cost of housing those prisoners be repaid. There are at least five correctional institutions located within Hopper’s district, including Waupun Correctional Institution and Dodge Correction Institution.

Feingold Satisfied with Health Care Reform Package

12/25/09 - Wisconsin Democrat Russ Feingold says he’s generally satisfied with the U.S. Senate health care reform bill which passed early Thursday. Senator Feingold says the bill allows for changes in Medicare reimbursement formulas which, he says, have “ripped off Wisconsin for decades.” Also, the bill does not penalize Wisconsin, which has been a leader in providing health care to low-income residents. Feingold is disappointed that the Senate bill, which passed on a 60-39 vote, does not include a public option – but says that could still be a feature of the final bill that gets hammered out by a House-Senate conference committee. Feingold expects a finished product to be ready for the president’s signature before the end of next month, prior to the State of The Union address.

Doyle Reflects on Rough 2009

12/25/09 - Dealing with declining state revenues and rising unemployment dominated much of Governor Jim Doyle’s agenda in 2009. However, Doyle says Wisconsin has been able to weather the storm better than others. He says agencies have been able to cut spending, while still trying to protect jobs and services. The governor says people have had to do more with less, but they have succeeded. It has still be a tough year. The Governor says things are starting to look up. As he enters his last year in office, Doyle says a major focus will be on preparing the state to take advantage of new economic opportunities -- such as jobs in biotechnology and renewable energy industries. He says the state needs to be ready for long term sustained growth, as the economy starts to improve.

On Average WI Property Taxes Up 4.2%

12/25/09 - Wisconsin’s property owners will pay an average of four-point-two percent more on their local taxes for this year. That’s according to the Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance, which analyzed the bills sent out by local governments this month. Those bills include taxes for public schools, municipalities, counties, and technical colleges. The tax alliance said school taxes rose an average of six-percent. Tech schools are charging three-point-nine percent more, and county tax levies are up three-point-two percent. Complete data is not available yet for city, village, and town governments – but the alliance says those taxes should go up three-point-two percent statewide. These are just averages. Actual rates vary greatly from place-to-place.

Teens Were Drinking Before Killing Farm Animals

12/25/09 - Prosecutors said two teenagers were drinking before they shot-and-killed eight farm animals in Barron and Dunn counties last month. 17-year-old Trenton Hollister of Dallas Wisconsin appeared in Barron County Circuit Court yesterday on two adult felony charges of killing animals by mistreatment. He was freed on a signature bond, and is due back in court next Wednesday. A 17-year-old Wheeler boy is also awaiting court action. On-line court records did not list any charges for him yet – but media reports say he’s due in court next Wednesday. According to prosecutors, Hollister and the other boy each had eight-or-nine beers before they got into Hollister’s car, drove around the countryside, and shot three horses in one location and five cows in another. Officials said their original plan was to poach deer.

Police Help to Recover Money in Scam

12/25/09 - Janesville police have helped an elderly woman recover three thousand dollars. Cops say a con artist, posing as the woman’s grandson, called her and said he needed bail money wired to Canada. She had already wired the money, but the manager who set up the transfer inadvertently wrote down the wrong country code. Thanks to that error, police were able to recover the money. Officer Valerie Southwick said the woman realized it was a scam when the con artists kept calling, saying they hadn’t received the money. When she called her actual grandson, he was in Michigan, not a Canadian jail. The calls came from an untraceable cell phone in Quebec. Southwick said it made her Christmas to be able to help recover the money.

Another Big Contract Awarded to the Oshkosh Corporation

12/25/09 - The Oshkosh Corporation got quite a Christmas present – another big military contract. The truck manufacturer announced a 54-million contract today to provide protective armor for almost a-thousand vehicles. The armor is designed for the mine-resistant trucks which are made by Oshkosh to handle the rough terrain in Afghanistan. The firm says it will make 800 armored kits that protect against rocket-propelled grenade, and 170 kits which will help ward off explosives.

Fire Awareness Important During Holiday Season

12/25/09 - It may be the most wonderful time of the year, but if you’re not careful, your festivities could go up in smoke. One of the main causes of home fires is the use – or misuse – of candles. Sheboygan Chief Fire Inspector Robert Kocmoud says candle use is even more prevalent during this time of year. He says we have to make sure those candles are properly put out when you’re done. Kocmoud says too often it’s the inattentive use of candles that causes the most problems.

Top Stories December 24th

Wintry Mix Hits Wisconsin

12/24/09 – Road conditions throughout the area are better than expected. With temperatures at or above freezing in many areas the rain falling has not frozen to the ground. Road crews were out in force earlier this morning and they say that most of the major roads in the area are clear of ice though secondary roads are most likely slippery and drivers need to take caution when traveling. And after responding to between 15 and 20 runoffs during the overnight hours the Dodge County Sheriff’s Department reports they were pleasantly surprised at the lack of incidents this morning. Lieutenant Trace Frost says there were about 12-runoffs from 6am until late this morning and no serious accidents. He credited the highway department for getting out and taking care of the roadways in addition to the above average temps.

Not all was good throughout the state though. Icicles hung from power lines in Whitewater – and Alliant Energy had 12-thousand customers without electricity this morning in Walworth, Rock, and Green counties. Interstate-43 in Sheboygan County re-opened about eight o’clock. It was closed for several hours when a semi-truck rolled over and another jack-knifed on the ice near Oostburg. In Clark County, two-inches of snow fell on top of a thin coating of ice, leaving drivers to guess how slick the roads were. Forecasters predict heavy rain for southeast Wisconsin this afternoon, with a possibility of river flooding later tonight. And more snow is expected to move in tonight and tomorrow. Almost two-feet are possible in parts of northwest Wisconsin by the time it all ends on Christmas night.

For us, the forecast calls for rain off and on for the rest of the day before turning to a mix of rain and sleet overnight.

Another Person Arrested in Columbus Abuse Case

12/24/09 - Authorities in Columbus have made a second arrest in a disturbing child abuse case. According to a press release, 37-year-old Kenneth Faria was arrested and is expected to be charged with felony physical abuse of a child and three counts of first degree sexual assault of a child. Faria and his girlfriend, 30-year-old Heidi Duesing-Christensen, are accused of abusing her 5-year-old daughter. Duesing Christensen was arrested last month. Police say the two allegedly bound the girl at the ankles and wrists with tape or rope, placed taped across her mouth and placed her in a closet when she would not be quiet. Further investigation reveled the child had been struck in the past by her mother and locked in her bedroom all day without food or adequate bathroom privileges. The charges against Faria follow an investigation completed by police in Arizona where the girl is now living with her father. Duessing-Christensen has been charged with five felonies, including child enticement, abuse, and neglect, reckless endangerment, and bail jumping.

Unemployment Rises Throughout Region

12/24/09 - Most of the counties in our area saw an increase in their unemployment rate for the month of November. The Department of Workforce Development reports between October and November, unemployment rose in 58 of the state's 72 counties, while either staying the same or falling in the remaining 14. Dodge County is up one-tenth of a percent to 8.8%, more than three full percentage points higher than at this same time a year ago. Jefferson County is also up one-tenth to 8.4%. Fond du Lac County is actually down three-tenths to 7.8%. Columbia County is up eight-tenths to 8.1%. Washington County saw an increase of two-tenths to 8.1%. Dane County continued to have the lowest rate at 5.2% while Menominee County suffered with the highest rate of unemployment at 12.2%. The statewide rate is up one-tenth to 7.8%.

No Timetable Set for Possible Community Center

12/24/09 - There has been no time frame set for the development of a new Community Center that may potentially be placed in the former Herberger’s department store. Members of a special ad-hoc committee met last night to discuss design and funding plans for the future Community Center. Dick Hedberg, representative of the mall property, said that there is no set timeline in terms of the design and financial elements of the property. He says that the future of the mall could be dictated by the incorporation of a new Community Center. One of the key things Hedberg mentioned was conducting a fundraising feasibility study. A fundraising feasibility study would answer the question of whether or not enough money could be raised for the project. If the project was to take place, it could cost at much as $4.2 million. Other members of the ad-hoc committee also discussed potential methods of fundraising. Community Activities and Services Department Administrator Evonne Koeppen spoke of the option of a low-interest loan. Koeppen also said that she feels a lot of progress has been made with this project even though representatives of The Renschler Company, who aid in the design and fundraising aspects of the project, were unable to attend. The next meeting for the ad-hoc committee is set for January 13th.

MS/HS Principal in Dodgeland Resigns

12/24/09 - The middle school/high school principal in the Dodgeland School District has resigned. Jeff Braun tendered his letter of resignation on the 15th of this month and the school board accepted it at their meeting on Monday. Superintendent Annette Thompson says Braun was looking to pursue new challenges in both his personal and professional life. Thompson says they will be meeting soon to decide how they plan to replace Braun. His resignation will take effect at the end of the school year and Thompson hopes to have someone in place before that.

Senate Passes Health Care Reform Package

12/24/09 - The U-S Senate voted 60-to-39 this morning to pass landmark health care reform. Wisconsin’s Herb Kohl and Russ Feingold joined 56 other Democrats and two independents in voting yes. Republicans unanimously voted no. It was the Senate’s first Christmas Eve vote since 1895, when they acted on the employment of former Confederate officers. The Senate health package extends coverage to 31-million Americans who don’t have it now. Among other things, it requires virtually everyone to buy insurance. And it bans certain insurance practices like denying benefits based on pre-existing conditions. The Senate bill must now be merged with a House package approved last month. Conference committee talks are expected to continue into February. Both Kohl and Feingold say the Senate package has plenty of good things for Wisconsin – including Medicare and Medicaid adjustments that expand health care in the state, give higher reimbursements to providers, and help taxpayers. Feingold was a strong supporter of the public option which senators scrapped earlier. He says it’s still possible to include it in the final version. Those talks are expected to run into early February. President Obama told P-B-S that he, too, would like a government option to compete with private plans – but he indicated he would sign the bill even if it didn’t have one.

WI Lags Behind in Population Growth

12/24/09 - Wisconsin has five-point-four percent more people than it did in 2000. That’s according to a new estimate released today by the U-S Census Bureau. It puts Wisconsin’s population about five-million, 650-thousand. That’s almost 300-thousand more than in last Census in 2000. Wisconsin’s increase is smaller than the national increase of nine-point-nine percent. Census officials said the U-S population was just over 307-million as of July first. Today’s estimate is the final one before the next official Census in the spring of next year.

Doyle Says 2009 was Toughest Year

12/24/09 - Governor Jim Doyle says the recession undoubtedly made 2009 his most challenging year in office. Doyle made the comment in one of his year-end interviews with the state’s major news media. He tells the A-P the hardest part of his job this year was meeting with those who lost their jobs through no fault of their own. Doyle made deep spending cuts, and raised taxes-and-fees, to help balance the new state budget after tax revenues fell short of spending by over six-billion dollars. The Democrat Doyle will step down next year after eight years in office. He called it a difficult decision – one he regrets on some days. The governor said he was proud of how the state responded to the recession. He highlighted the extensions of unemployment benefits, larger health care programs, and record enrollments in the U-W system.

Gift Cards that Don’t Expire?

12/24/09 - Wisconsin is among a minority of states that don’t protect people who receive this year’s hottest Christmas items – gift cards. Federal protections are due to take effect next August. And a Wisconsin lawmaker wants to cover what Washington doesn’t. Assembly Democrat Peggy Krusick of Milwaukee has tried for years to ban service fees for gift cards, and prohibit expiration dates. Now, the Federal Reserve is drawing up national rules to ban service fees for a year after a gift card is bought – and to wait at least five years before having a card expire. Krusick says she’ll re-introduce her bill, and add to the federal protections.

Top Stories December 23rd

Winter Storm to Make Travel Treacherous Over Next Few Days

12/23/09 - Christmas in Wisconsin will be a wet, icy, snowy, and slippery mess. The southern part of the state got 2-to-5 inches of snow yesterday. Flurries and freezing rain are expected in many of those areas today. And snow will move into most other parts of the Badger State by tonight. The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather adviorsy beginning at 6pm tonight until noon tomorrow. They say precipitation will begin mainly as snow later this afternoon before transitioning into a wintry mix. That mixture is expected to change over to mostly rain and drizzle on Thursday before changing back over to all snow on Christmas day. The storm is expected to make for hazardous travel over the next few days.

Crescio Makes Initial Appearance

12/23/09 - The alleged driver of a vehicle that was involved in a fatal accident early Saturday morning has been charged with Homicide by Intoxicated use of a Vehicle. 22-year-old Anthony Crescio of Randolph made his initial appearance in court yesterday. He’s accused of being drunk when his car left Highway 73 early Saturday morning before rolling over, killing 22-year-old Dustin Vredeveld who was a passenger in the car. According to the criminal complaint, EMS personnel had to extract Crescio from the back window of the vehicle. At that point they attempted to remove the hard packed snow that had filled up the car during the crash. Soon after, they found Vredeveld still strapped into the passenger seat of the vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Crescio told authorities that a third person had been driving the vehicle, but according to the complaint, they were unable to find any evidence to support that claim. After being treated for his injuries, Crescio was arrested. Court records show he has already been convicted twice of OWI and his license is currently revoked. In addition to the homicide charge, Crescio has been charged with Operating a Motor Vehicle after Revocation Causing Death, which is a misdemeanor. If convicted on both charges he faces up to 40-years in prison and more than $100,000 in fines. Crescio had a cash bond of $50,000 set and is scheduled to be back in court in February.

Mayville Man Charged with Sexual Assault

12/23/09 - A 30-year-old Mayville man has been charged with sexual assault of a child under the age of 16 for allegedly touching a 15-year-old girl inappropriately earlier this month. Weston S. Leiberg is accused of grabbing and rubbing a 15-year-old girl at a bowling alley. The complaint says Leiberg approached two girls and reportedly told one of them she was (quote) gorgeous and started to grab and rub her. Police say Leiberg later told them he was drunk and didn’t remember what happened in the incident. Leiberg was in court Tuesday for his initial appearance and was released on a $2,000 signature bond.

Horicon’s Bump on High Speed Pursuits

12/23/09 - It seems like a simple concept. An officer attempts to pull a vehicle over but that person does not stop and a chase ensues. However, as acting Horicon Police Chief Adrian Bump says, a number of factors come into play whether to continue such a chase. Those include the weather, time of day and severity of the offense committed. It was Bump’s department that was involved in a pursuit last Thursday that reached speeds of more than 100-miles-per-hour. He says it that situation the driver, 48-year-old Laura Brown, presented such a danger to the public that despite the time of day the pursuit was not called off. Authorities have forwarded a myriad of charges against Brown, including Fleeing an Officer, OWI 3rd offense and reckless endangering safety.

Randolph Teachers and School Board Headed for Mediation

12/23/09 - The Randolph School Board and the teachers union are at an impasse in negotiations for a new contract. And for that reason they’ve decided to allow a mediator to help in finalizing a new deal. Randolph Superintendent Greg Peyer says the mediator will work with both groups separately to hopefully come to an agreement. Peyer says this is relatively new ground for the unions and districts as the QEO, or Qualified Economic Offer, which guaranteed an increase of 3.8-percent if the two sides couldn’t come to agreement, was dropped this past summer after 16-years. Peyer says the next option would be arbitration, something both sides would like to avoid due to the risk involved.

Columbus PD Closes in on New Chief

12/23/09 - The Columbus Police Department is just two steps away from having a new Chief.
President Ed Schellin told the PFC that top candidate Daniel Meister was getting ready to assume his new duties. Meister was offered the position December 11th when he was chosen over Columbus Acting Chief Dennis Weiner and four other finalists. Meanwhile, an Appleton firm has begun his background check and, when that’s complete, Meister will undergo psychological and physical tests. Installation is not likely to take place before the second week in January.

Council Approves Speed Limit Changes

12/23/09 - The Beaver Dam Common Council this week approved speed limit changes on area roadways. The speed limit on South Center Road from the southerly city limits to Cody Drive will be set at 45mph. The stretch is currently not posted so the speed limit is 55mph. Once posted the Town of Beaver Dam has agreed to post signage with the same speed limit. The council also approved three other speed limit changes resulting from recent annexations where the posted speed limit differs from what’s on the books. City ordinance automatically considers an annexed roadway at 25mph. In all cases the posted signage will remain the same. Another item approved by the full council allows for city speed limits to immediately conform to county speed limits whenever a County Trunk Highway is annexed.

WI Military Officials Warn of Scam Involving Soldiers

12/23/09 - The Wisconsin Army and Air National Guard is warning residents about what they've termed Operation Desert Scam. In a recent scheme a scam artist skimmed details about a deployed National Guard soldier from a news article, and then used information about the soldier to try and sell a vehicle on-line to a potential buyer in Oklahoma. The buyer got suspicious and reported the incident to Wisconsin National Guard officials. Fortunately the soldier whose identity was used didn't suffer any financial losses. Another scam, that's been around for some time, is one where you're contacted about a handful of U.S. Marines who have discovered millions of dollars in cash in the mansion of a militant leader in Iraq. The hook is they need your help to bring the money back to the states. It's a variation on the plethora of "Nigerian" scams found online. (KFIZ)

Delay in Garbage Pickup for Christmas

12/23/09 - Garage pick-up will be delayed because of the Christmas holiday. In Beaver Dam, the Friday garbage and recycling pick-up will be on Saturday. Christmas Eve will be collected as usual on Thursday. As part of the contract the city has with Veolia Environmental, there will be an additional collection of recyclable materials for city residents next week.

Top Stories, December 22nd

BDUSD Looking at Referendum

Beaver Dam School Board members could vote as early as February whether or not to put a referendum question on April’s ballot. That was the word last night, as board members discussed a referendum that would help pay for maintenance upgrades at a number of district buildings. Some board members expressed concern that a vote in February would not give them enough time to make such a big decision but administrators say an earlier decision will allow them a better chance of receiving low-interest funds. Dollar figures for the projects are expected to be available during the board’s next meeting in January.

DNR’s Frank: Baiting and Feeding Needs to Stop Altogether

Baiting and feeding of deer is already restricted in Wisconsin, but it needs to go away altogether in the view of DNR Secretary Matt Frank. He wants a statewide ban on baiting and feeding. Frank says baiting and feeding is a problem on two levels. He says DNR wildlife staff believe it’s changing deer habits and affecting the deer hunt. And then there’s the issue of disease transmission, specifically chronic wasting disease. Frank was called on the carpet last week by legislators to account for a poor November deer hunt. He stressed he’s NOT using baiting and feeding as an excuse for that, but it’s an issue the legislature has to take a look at.

Doyle to Sign Drunken Driving Reform Bill

Governor Jim Doyle will sign the bill this morning that cracks down on drunk driving. Among other things, it makes four-time O-W-I a felony if it takes place within five years of a third offense. First-time offenders will be charged with criminal misdemeanors for the first time, if they’re caught with kids under 16 in their vehicles. More offenders will have to breathe into sobriety tubes to start their vehicles. A Winnebago County program that exchanges jail time for treatment for certain offenders will go statewide. And those caught with levels under point-10 will no longer get lesser penalties than others. The bill is funded by higher court assessments, and higher fees for those seeking their licenses back after their revocation periods.

Tavern Owner Died Trying to Save Others

12/22/09 – The owner of a burned-out tavern in Blanchardville died while trying to save three others who were killed. Authorities said 45-year-old Daniel Hardekopf was found in a stairwell on the lower-level of the three-story building, and he died later at a Monroe hospital. His 44-year-old girlfriend Jelayne Hughes was found on the second-floor apartment level, along with two of the couple’s mutual friends – 34-year-old Brian Monte and 23-year-old Cody Olson. A long time friend of Hardekopf says it was no surprise that he died while trying to save the others – because he’d sacrifice himself to help anyone.

Property Maintenance Ordinance Changes Approved

12/22/09 - The Beaver Dam Common Council last night approved an ordinance change that strengthens their existing property maintenance ordinance. The amended version more specifically defines general maintenance requirements for property owners. The changes state that the “exterior of the structure shall be free of broken glass, loose shingles, excessive paint peeling, crumbling stone, stucco or brick, loose boards.” It also says lots should be kept clean and free of accumulation of debris, cut brush and refuse.” Amendments to the ordinance that eliminate wording like “generally” and “excessive” were approved on a 12 to 2 vote. Warnings are given to property owners for their first offense. The second violation results in a fine of $30; the third fine is $75.

Mullin Not Seeking Re-Election

12/22/09 - County Board Supervisor and Fox Lake Mayor Gerald “Moose” Mullin will not be running for either position in the spring. Mullin is so far the only Supervisor to submit non-candidacy papers. County Clerk Karen Gibson says residents in the City of Fox Lake or in the Second and Third Wards of the Town of Fox Lake interested in running for the position should contact her office. Mullin also turned in his non-candidacy papers to the city. Tom Bednarek is the only candidate currently running for mayor in Fox Lake. His brother, Dan Bednarek, has also filed non-candidacy papers for his Third Ward seat. Nomination packets are due by 5pm on January 5.

BDPD November Stats

12/22/09 - The Beaver Dam Police Department has released crime statistics for the month of November. According to the activity report, there were nine burglaries reported last month; two involved forced entry. Five of the burglaries were residential; the other four were business-related. There were 27 general thefts reported. That resulted in a total of $15,790 in stolen property, of which just over $500 was recovered. Beaver Dam police officers issued ten citations for Operating While Intoxicated, and issued seven citations for liquor law violations. There were17 citations for Disorderly Conduct and seven domestic incidents. Seven reports of identity theft, forgery and fraud were filed. Three sex offenses are being investigated. There were 100 adults arrested in November. Twenty-five (25) minors were referred to the juvenile court or probation department. There were 27 traffic accidents last month resulting in five injuries.

Agnesian Lists H1N1 Guidelines

12/22/09 - Agnesian HealthCare has lifted the temporary guideline modifications it set earlier this fall. In late October, the organization unveiled new visitor guidelines for its buildings, including St. Agnes Hospital and Waupun Memorial Hospital, to prevent the spread of the H1N1 virus among its most vulnerable patients. They are now saying that due to the low prevalence of H1N1 virus cases, the decision was made to lift the guidelines at their facilities and return to rules that are part of their normal operations.

Lake Puckaway Contractor Faces Up To $20K In Fines

12/22/09 - The private contractor believed to be responsible for the killing of thousands of game fish on Lake Puckaway could be facing up to $20,000 in fines plus restitution. That bit of information was passed along as DNR wardens met this past week in Montello with those interested in developments surrounding last month's fish kill. Timothy Smith of Swanton, Ohio was contracted to remove carp from Lake Puckaway, but didn't clear the game fish from his nets. As a result many of them died. Department of Natural Resources fisheries team supervisor Ron Bruch told the gathering Wednesday night that conservative estimates put the number of walleye lost at up to 1,900. Charges haven't been filed against Smith yet.

Top Stories, December 21st

Randolph Man Arrested Following Fatal Rollover

12/21/09 - Alcohol and speed are believed to be factors in a weekend rollover accident that left a Randolph man dead. 22-year-old Dustin E. Vredevelde was a passenger in a car that lost control on a curve on Highway 73 in the Town of Westford early Saturday morning. The driver of the vehicle, 22-year-old Anthony Crescio of Randolph, was partially ejected out the back window and was transported to the Beaver Dam Community Hospital where he was treated and released into police custody. Crescio was convicted of his second OWI in October and is expected to appear in court today.

Rural Cambria Woman Killed While Getting Mail

12/21/09 - A rural Cambria woman was killed Friday afternoon while crossing the street to get her mail. Irene Kuhn was struck by a westbound minivan on Highway 33 in the Township of Randolph just before 5pm. The 80-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene. The Columbia County Sheriffs Office and Medical Examiner are investigating.

BD Women Formally Charged With Chase

12/21/09 - Formal charges were filed on Friday against a Beaver Dam women accused of leading authorities on a high speed chase late last week. Laura M. Brown had a signature bond set at $5000 during an initial appearance on Friday afternoon. The 48-year-old allegedly fled from Horicon police and began a pursuit that reached speeds in excess of 100mph before stop sticks demobilized her car in Beaver Dam.

Pharmacy Burglar Enters Into Plea Agreement

12/21/09 - A Horicon man who stole a duffle bag full of narcotics from the Marshland Pharmacy in September has entered into a plea agreement with prosecutors. Andrew W. Stockwell of Milwaukee pleaded “no contest” late last week to felony burglary and drug delivery charges and had three other counts dismissed but read in. The 22-year-old was arrested at 3am without incident. Stockwell’s alleged accomplice was apprehended after running from the scene with a hammer and has a jury trial scheduled for March. A pre-sentencing investigation was ordered for Stockwell and a sentencing hearing will be held in February.

Alleged Storage Unit Burglar Bound Over

12/21/09 - A former Waupun woman has been bound over for trial on charges that she and her spouse burglarized several storage units. Amanda Bryant was connected to break-ins this past May at Verhage Storage after authorities found a sack of broken padlocks in her car. The 23-year-old Amanda Bryant was being questioned about a series of purse snatchings in the Horicon Marsh area when the padlocks were discovered. The couple used credit cards stolen from the purse for a shopping spree and were tracked down with the help of video surveillance footage from two Beaver Dam businesses.

Name Released in Randolph Car Accident Fatality

12/20/09 - The Randolph man killed in a one-vehicle accident early Saturday morning has been identified as Dustin E. Vredevelde. The 22-year-old was a passenger in a car driven by Anthony Crescio of Randolph. The Sheriff's Department Crescio was southbound on Highway 73 just north of Hyland Road in the Town of Westford when he lost control going around a curve. The vehicle began to spin and entered the east side ditch and rolled onto its passenger side. Crescio was partially ejected out the rear window. The accident is still under investigation but speed and alcohol are believed to being contributing factors in the crash.

Randolph Hit and Run Victim Identified

12/20/09 - A Randolph woman, hit and killed by a vehicle on Highway 33 Friday afternoon, has been identified as 80-year-old Irene Kuhn of rural Cambria. The Columbia County Sheriff's Department says they responded to a vehicle versus pedestrian accident just before 5pm Friday. Their initial investigation shows that Kuhn was crossing the road to her mailbox when she was struck by a westbound minivan. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The accident remains under investigation by the Columbia County Sheriffs Office and the Columbia County Medical Examiner.

Waupun Storage Unit Break-In Suspect Waived Prelim

12/20/09 - A former Waupun woman was bound over for trial this week on charges that she broke into several storage units in Dodge County this past May. 23-year-old Amanda Bryant waived her right to a preliminary hearing late last week and had an arraignment hearing set for next month (1/13). Sheriffs Deputies visited the home of Bryant and 22-year-old Bryan DJ Robel to question them about a series of purse snatchings at the Horicon Marsh in the weeks following the storage unit thefts. They were tracked down with the help of video surveillance footage from two Beaver Dam businesses. According to the criminal complaint, the couple quickly confessed to using credit cards found in the purses for a shopping spree. When deputies were confiscating the ill-gotten items they came across bolt cutters and a bag full of broken padlocks in the couple’s minivan. In addition to a handful of misdemeanor Theft and Identity Theft charges, Bryant and Robel were also charged with one dozen felony Burglary charges for breaking into 12 units at the Verhage Storage Units in Waupun. Each felony count carries a 12 and-a-half year prison sentence.

BDACT Radio Play Rebroadcast Today

12/20/09 - For the past eight years, the Beaver Dam Area Community Theater and WBEV have teamed up to present an Old-Fashioned, Christmas Radio Play. This year, the presentation will feature a trilogy of stories with dozens of actors of all ages. This year, the presentation will feature a trilogy of stories with dozens of actors of all ages. “Kandy Kane” is a story about a teenage girl born on Christmas who hates her name and accidentally dies her into hair red and white stripes right before the church talent show. “Life 101” is a story about the lessons learned by Jesus as he attends school in the days before his birth. “H.A.L.O. Halo on The Air” is a play that is written like a radio broadcast from 2000 years ago, covering the birth of baby Jesus. The rebroadcast will be aired on WBEV beginning at noon today.

Live Nativity In Juneau

12/20/09 - St John’s Lutheran Church in Juneau is hosting their Live Nativity again tonight. The St. John’s Lutheran Girl and Boy Pioneers is presenting the program at the church at 400 South Main Street beginning at 7pm. Organizers say there will be live animals used in the Nativity, which is now in its third year. Fellowship will follow the event in the basement of St. John’s Church.

Kennedy Opens Door Tuesday

12/20/09 - Beaver Dam Mayor Tom Kennedy will hold another one of his regular open door meetings on Tuesday. Kennedy says city residents are invited to meet with him, one-on-one, without appointment on the first and third Tuesday of every month. Kennedy says he feels it is important that constituents have the opportunity to speak with him the day after each regular meeting of the common council. The meetings are held in Room 109 on the first floor of City Hall from 10am until noon. Kennedy says he also make himself available for private meetings by appointment by contacting the mayor office.

Top Stories December 20th

UPDATE: Name Released in Randolph Car Accident Fatality

12/20/09 - The Randolph man killed in a one-vehicle accident early Saturday morning has been identified as Dustin E. Vredevelde. The 22-year-old was a passenger in a car driven by Anthony Crescio of Randolph. The Sheriff's Department Crescio was southbound on Highway 73 just north of Hyland Road in the Town of Westford when he lost control going around a curve. The vehicle began to spin and entered the east side ditch and rolled onto its passenger side. Crescio was partially ejected out the rear window. The accident is still under investigation but speed and alcohol are believed to being contributing factors in the crash.

UPDATE: Pedestrian Identified

12/20/09 - A Randolph woman, hit and killed by a vehicle on Highway 33 Friday afternoon, has been identified as 80-year-old Irene Kuhn of rural Cambria. The Columbia County Sheriff's Department says they responded to a vehicle versus pedestrian accident just before 5pm Friday. Their initial investigation shows that Kuhn was crossing the road to her mailbox when she was struck by a westbound minivan. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The accident remains under investigation by the Columbia County Sheriffs Office and the Columbia County Medical Examiner.

Waupun Storage Unit Break-In Suspect Waived Prelim

12/20/09 - A former Waupun woman was bound over for trial this week on charges that she broke into several storage units in Dodge County this past May. 23-year-old Amanda Bryant waived her right to a preliminary hearing late last week and had an arraignment hearing set for next month (1/13). Sheriffs Deputies visited the home of Bryant and 22-year-old Bryan DJ Robel to question them about a series of purse snatchings at the Horicon Marsh in the weeks following the storage unit thefts. They were tracked down with the help of video surveillance footage from two Beaver Dam businesses. According to the criminal complaint, the couple quickly confessed to using credit cards found in the purses for a shopping spree. When deputies were confiscating the ill-gotten items they came across bolt cutters and a bag full of broken padlocks in the couple’s minivan. In addition to a handful of misdemeanor Theft and Identity Theft charges, Bryant and Robel were also charged with one dozen felony Burglary charges for breaking into 12 units at the Verhage Storage Units in Waupun. Each felony count carries a 12 and-a-half year prison sentence.

BDACT Radio Play Rebroadcast Today

12/20/09 - For the past eight years, the Beaver Dam Area Community Theater and WBEV have teamed up to present an Old-Fashioned, Christmas Radio Play. This year, the presentation will feature a trilogy of stories with dozens of actors of all ages. This year, the presentation will feature a trilogy of stories with dozens of actors of all ages. “Kandy Kane” is a story about a teenage girl born on Christmas who hates her name and accidentally dies her into hair red and white stripes right before the church talent show. “Life 101” is a story about the lessons learned by Jesus as he attends school in the days before his birth. “H.A.L.O. Halo on The Air” is a play that is written like a radio broadcast from 2000 years ago, covering the birth of baby Jesus. The rebroadcast will be aired on WBEV beginning at noon today.

Live Nativity In Juneau

12/20/09 - St John’s Lutheran Church in Juneau is hosting their Live Nativity again tonight. The St. John’s Lutheran Girl and Boy Pioneers is presenting the program at the church at 400 South Main Street beginning at 7pm. Organizers say there will be live animals used in the Nativity, which is now in its third year. Fellowship will follow the event in the basement of St. John’s Church.

Kennedy Opens Door Tuesday

12/20/09 - Beaver Dam Mayor Tom Kennedy will hold another one of his regular open door meetings on Tuesday. Kennedy says city residents are invited to meet with him, one-on-one, without appointment on the first and third Tuesday of every month. Kennedy says he feels it is important that constituents have the opportunity to speak with him the day after each regular meeting of the common council. The meetings are held in Room 109 on the first floor of City Hall from 10am until noon. Kennedy says he also make himself available for private meetings by appointment by contacting the mayor office.

Top Stories December 19th

Early Morning Traffic Fatality Under Investigation

12/19/09 - Dodge County authorities were on the scene of a fatal accident this morning. The Sheriff’s Department says that around 2:30am a motorist reported a vehicle had rolled over on Highway 73 near Hyland Road in the town of Westford. The witness said one person was trapped inside. Authorities are still trying to determine the identity of the victim. The death is the county’s 17th traffic fatality of the year.

Pedestrian Killed in Randolph

12/19/09 - A Randolph woman was hit and killed by a vehicle on Highway 33 yesterday afternoon. The Columbia County Sheriff’s Department says they responded to a vehicle versus pedestrian accident just before 5pm. Their initial investigation shows that the 80-year-old woman was crossing the road when the accident happened. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the vehicle was uninjured. The name of the victim is being withheld pending notification of family.

Woman Makes Initial Court Appearance for High Speed Chase

12/19/09 - The 48-year-old Beaver Dam woman involved in a high speed chase Thursday afternoon was ordered held on a $5,000 signature bond during her initial appearance yesterday. Laura M. Brown is charged with attempting to elude an officer during the chase that started in Horicon and ended near downtown Beaver Dam. According to the criminal complaint, a Horicon police officer initiated a traffic stop around 4pm after receiving a tip that the car driven by Brown was swerving on and off the road. Brown pulled over but when the officer went to speak with a witness she took off on Highway 33 toward Beaver Dam. Police say the chase reached speeds of 105-miles per hour. Beaver Dam police were able to slow the vehicle down with spike strips near the Highway 151 overpass. With her tires flattened Brown finally stopped at a residence on Vita Street where she was taken into custody. In addition to the eluding an officer charge Brown faces an operating after revocation citation. Authorities are currently unsure as to why Brown fled but alcohol is believed to have been a factor.

Stockwell Enters into Plea Agreement

12/19/09 - One of the men who broke into a Horicon pharmacy in September has entered into a plea agreement with prosecutors. 22-year-old Andrew W. Stockwell of Milwaukee pleaded “no contest” this week to felony charges of Burglary and Possession With intent To Deliver Narcotics. Two felony drug possession counts and a misdemeanor were dismissed but read into the record. Officers responded to an alarm at the Marshland Pharmacy just after 3am on September 23. Stockwell was in possession of a large duffel bag filled with stolen prescription narcotics and was taken into custody without incident. His alleged accomplice, Nathan G. Davis of Beaver Dam was allegedly seen running from the scene with a hammer and was taken into custody after a brief foot chase. The 33-year-old Davis is being held on a $50,000 cash bond and has a jury trial scheduled for March. A pre-sentencing investigation was ordered for Stockwell and a sentencing hearing will be held in February.

Sauer Enters Not Guilty Plea to Theft Charges

12/19/09 - A Cambria man, accused of stealing farm equipment from area farmers and businesses, was in court for an arraignment hearing this week. Gene Sauer is charged in Dodge County court with three felony counts of Theft of Movable Property. The 40-year-old stood mute and had a “not guilty” plea entered on his behalf. Sauer was arrested after one of his alleged victims spotted his stolen hay mower in a Green Lake County farm field that Sauer was renting. The find led to the discovery of several other stolen farm implements, including a John Deere lawn tractor and Gator taken from Ballweg Implement. According to the criminal complaint, Sauer admitted to authorities that he stole the items, which were valued at over $30,000. Sauer faces a maximum of 30 years in prison, if convicted.

Pinno Found Guilty

12/19/09 - A jury finds 53 year old Nancy Pinno guilty of obstructing an officer and being party to the crime of mutilating a corpse. Prosecutors had accused Pinno of helping her son dispose of his girlfriend's body. They say Brandon Mueller strangled Renee Redmer, then burned her body with his mother's help and help from Donald Worth of Fond du Lac. Bone fragments from Redmer were found in a burn pit on Worth's property. The killing took place last January.

Fox Lake Denies Kwik Trip Class A Liquor License

12/19/09 - A small business in Fox Lake will remain the only one in town with a license to sell liquor. That’s after the city council denied Kwik Trip a Class A intoxicating liquor license earlier this week. Citing a need to support small business Council President Tom Bednarek voted to deny the license application. With the denial, Fish Tales Bait and Liquor will remain as the one business with a Class A liquor license. Before the vote was taken owner Tim Nehls stressed the importance of keeping small business in a city that has already lost its elementary school and its grocery store. Kwik Trip was hoping to add liquor when its new store opened on West State Street.

Victim’s Father Wants Even Tougher Drunken Driving Laws

12/19/09 - The father of a Schofield girl killed by a drunken driver in Fond du Lac County wants to see even tougher laws. Steve Meinel says the law passed last week doesn’t go far enough and is disappointed that lawmakers haven’t done more to address the problem. The bill passed Wednesday would make fourth offense drunk driving a felony, increases penalties for first time offenders, and expands treatment programs. One change Meinel says he’d like to see made is legalizing sobriety checkpoints. He also wants to see first time offenders punished substantially, in order to change their behavior in the future. Meinel’s 14-year-old daughter Lacey was killed by a wrong-way drunk driver last January. Her classmates have drafted a petition for lawmakers to pass “Lacey’s Law.” The measure would require a 30-day jail sentence for first-time offenders, a six-month sentence for second offenders and harsher penalties for repeat offenders.

Re-Evaluation Process Coming into Focus for Oshkosh Corp.

12/19/09 - Oshkosh Corporation officials have learned more about the re-evaluation process of a three billion dollar Army contract. The company was awarded the contract to make more than 20-thousand military vehicles and trailers, but earlier this week the Government Accountability Office told the Army to take another look at the awarding process after to losing bidders complained. Oshkosh Spokeswoman Ann Stawski says the GAO informed them Thursday that one of the complaints won’t be considered. However the Army will have to reevaluate Oshkosh’s capability to make the medium duty trucks and trailers and the past performance record for the company that makes them now.

Man Will Need Permission to go on Future Dates

12/19/09 - If 19 year old Jordan Christensen wants to go out on a date, he's going to have to get legal permission. That's part of the probation Christensen will serve after he spends a year in jail. The Appleton teenager got in trouble for stealing a car and driving to Tennessee with his 16 year old girlfriend last May. Christensen pleaded no contest in court. Before he was sentenced he told both families he is guilty and he takes responsibility. After he serves the year in jail he will be on probation for three years. If he wants to go on a date during that time he will have to get permission form his probation officer.

Need Increases but Health Officials are Forced to Cut Costs

12/19/09 - State health officials say they are working to cut costs, despite a growing demand for medical assistance in Wisconsin. With many Wisconsinites still out of work, families are turning to government-assisted programs for medical coverage. Department of Health Services Secretary Karen Timberlake says over 13 thousand remain on waiting lists. The demand comes at a time that state Medical Assistance programs are facing a 150 million dollar shortfall -- and have also been asked to cut 633 million dollars from the budget of DHS. Timberlake says pending federal legislation could also help to close the gap, but officials want to be prepared just in case current efforts in Congress fall through.