Clyman Fire Department Under Municipal Control
8/27/09 - Any possible attempts by Clyman firefighters to remove Chief John Haase have been thwarted. At an emergency joint meeting of the Clyman village and town boards last night, officials approved a freeze in the current structure of the department until a Fire Commission can be established. The governing bodies of both municipalities are now in control of the department. Village President Jeff Wagner says it will allow for a cooling off period on both sides and prohibit an emergency vote to remove the chief. The issue was sparked by a dent in the door of a station vehicle; the two firefighters using the pick-up were not on official business and the Chief had not approved its use. Captain Dave DeCono, who was placed on probation because of the incident, says using the vehicle was a common practice and such requests are not written in the bylaws. While he never directly called for the Chiefs removal, DeCono handed the Chief and the Town Chair a letter during Monday night’s special meeting that would have brought the department together for a vote. At Monday’s meeting, the joint board decided for a second time that they would leave the reprimand up to the chief. DeCono says the joint board should have allowed the department to handle the matter internally. Town Chair Dave Blank says its matters like this that illustrate the need for a Fire Commission. The department freeze will remain in effect until a Commission is established, at which time new and updated bylaws would be put in place that would address issues like command structure and reprimands. Meanwhile, the issue of the dented door has been resolved. An anonymous $1300 donation was left on the steps of the Village Hall in the hours before yesterday’s meeting.
8/27/09 - Any possible attempts by Clyman firefighters to remove Chief John Haase have been thwarted. At an emergency joint meeting of the Clyman village and town boards last night, officials approved a freeze in the current structure of the department until a Fire Commission can be established. The governing bodies of both municipalities are now in control of the department. Village President Jeff Wagner says it will allow for a cooling off period on both sides and prohibit an emergency vote to remove the chief. The issue was sparked by a dent in the door of a station vehicle; the two firefighters using the pick-up were not on official business and the Chief had not approved its use. Captain Dave DeCono, who was placed on probation because of the incident, says using the vehicle was a common practice and such requests are not written in the bylaws. While he never directly called for the Chiefs removal, DeCono handed the Chief and the Town Chair a letter during Monday night’s special meeting that would have brought the department together for a vote. At Monday’s meeting, the joint board decided for a second time that they would leave the reprimand up to the chief. DeCono says the joint board should have allowed the department to handle the matter internally. Town Chair Dave Blank says its matters like this that illustrate the need for a Fire Commission. The department freeze will remain in effect until a Commission is established, at which time new and updated bylaws would be put in place that would address issues like command structure and reprimands. Meanwhile, the issue of the dented door has been resolved. An anonymous $1300 donation was left on the steps of the Village Hall in the hours before yesterday’s meeting.
FDL Still Hopeful of Keeping Merc Headquarters
8/27/09 - Fond du Lac City Council members are doing their part to keep Mercury Marine's corporate headquarters in the city. They worked on an incentive package last night. Veteran City Councilman Jim Nintzel says if Mercury leaves Fond du Lac it will have devastating financial impacts on taxes, water bills and more. Meanwhile union officials are checking with their national headquarters to see if a second vote can be taken on the company's proposed contract changes. After last Sunday's contract rejection company officials said they would soon begin moving manufacturing jobs to Stillwater, Oklahoma. (KFIZ, FDL)
Huge Turnout for Health Care Reform Meetings Last Night
8/27/09 - The debate on national health care reform was heard loud-and-clear at two large events in Wisconsin last night. Over 17-hundred opponents of the current House reform package attended a discussion in Middleton. And around 450 supporters of the legislation joined House Democrat Steve Kagen at a rally in Green Bay. John Stossel, co-anchor of A-B-C’s “20-20” news-magazine, told the Middleton crowd that President Obama’s health plans would lead to higher costs and fewer choices for patients. Stossel and other speakers advocated a free-market approach with higher deductibles that encourage people to compare prices and take better care of themselves. Similar sessions are planned today in La Crosse and Wausau. In Green Bay, Congressman Kagen told supporters he would not vote for a bill that lets insurers deny coverage due to pre-existing conditions. And he said the final package would create an open and competitive market-place.
Token Machine Stolen from BD Business
8/27/09 - Authorities are investigating a break-in at a Town of Beaver Dam business during the overnight hours of Tuesday into Wednesday. The Dodge County Sheriff’s Department says someone gained entry into Gophers Golf Center on Ollinger Road. The token machine was reported missing. Authorities have no suspects.
Niesen Trial Continues in FDL
8/27/09 - Retired forensic pathologist Dr. Alan Stormo yesterday testified during the third day of a murder trial for a 53-year-old Ashwaubenon man suspected of killing a 19-year-old woman in Fond du Lac in July of 1976. Stormo did autopsies back then for the County. He says slashes to Kathleen Leichtman's throat indicated her murderer intended to kill her. Thomas Niesen's DNA was matched to semen found in Leichtman's body and he's suspected of killing the young Milwaukee woman who came to Fond du Lac to dance at a strip club. Stormo will continue his testimony today in a trial that could run through next week. (KFIZ)
Bill Would Make Four-Time OWI a Felony
8/27/09 - The speaker of the Wisconsin Assembly promises long-awaited action next month to crack down on drunk driving. Democrat Mike Sheridan says his house will pass a bill in mid-to-late September to make four-time O-W-I a felony in most cases. It would also make repeat offenders be sober when they drive, by making them breathe into ignition interlocks to start their cars. That would also apply to first time offenders with blood alcohol levels of point-15 or more. The Assembly package would also create tougher sentences for drunk drivers who cause injuries, longer license suspensions for those serving jail time, and more treatment. The Assembly has yet to come to agreement on the bill with the Senate.
8/27/09 - Fond du Lac City Council members are doing their part to keep Mercury Marine's corporate headquarters in the city. They worked on an incentive package last night. Veteran City Councilman Jim Nintzel says if Mercury leaves Fond du Lac it will have devastating financial impacts on taxes, water bills and more. Meanwhile union officials are checking with their national headquarters to see if a second vote can be taken on the company's proposed contract changes. After last Sunday's contract rejection company officials said they would soon begin moving manufacturing jobs to Stillwater, Oklahoma. (KFIZ, FDL)
Huge Turnout for Health Care Reform Meetings Last Night
8/27/09 - The debate on national health care reform was heard loud-and-clear at two large events in Wisconsin last night. Over 17-hundred opponents of the current House reform package attended a discussion in Middleton. And around 450 supporters of the legislation joined House Democrat Steve Kagen at a rally in Green Bay. John Stossel, co-anchor of A-B-C’s “20-20” news-magazine, told the Middleton crowd that President Obama’s health plans would lead to higher costs and fewer choices for patients. Stossel and other speakers advocated a free-market approach with higher deductibles that encourage people to compare prices and take better care of themselves. Similar sessions are planned today in La Crosse and Wausau. In Green Bay, Congressman Kagen told supporters he would not vote for a bill that lets insurers deny coverage due to pre-existing conditions. And he said the final package would create an open and competitive market-place.
Token Machine Stolen from BD Business
8/27/09 - Authorities are investigating a break-in at a Town of Beaver Dam business during the overnight hours of Tuesday into Wednesday. The Dodge County Sheriff’s Department says someone gained entry into Gophers Golf Center on Ollinger Road. The token machine was reported missing. Authorities have no suspects.
Niesen Trial Continues in FDL
8/27/09 - Retired forensic pathologist Dr. Alan Stormo yesterday testified during the third day of a murder trial for a 53-year-old Ashwaubenon man suspected of killing a 19-year-old woman in Fond du Lac in July of 1976. Stormo did autopsies back then for the County. He says slashes to Kathleen Leichtman's throat indicated her murderer intended to kill her. Thomas Niesen's DNA was matched to semen found in Leichtman's body and he's suspected of killing the young Milwaukee woman who came to Fond du Lac to dance at a strip club. Stormo will continue his testimony today in a trial that could run through next week. (KFIZ)
Bill Would Make Four-Time OWI a Felony
8/27/09 - The speaker of the Wisconsin Assembly promises long-awaited action next month to crack down on drunk driving. Democrat Mike Sheridan says his house will pass a bill in mid-to-late September to make four-time O-W-I a felony in most cases. It would also make repeat offenders be sober when they drive, by making them breathe into ignition interlocks to start their cars. That would also apply to first time offenders with blood alcohol levels of point-15 or more. The Assembly package would also create tougher sentences for drunk drivers who cause injuries, longer license suspensions for those serving jail time, and more treatment. The Assembly has yet to come to agreement on the bill with the Senate.
Another Good Year For Legion Baseball
9/27/09 - The Beaver Dam American Legion held a recognition dinner for their baseball teams this week. White Construction/ Post 146 won the East Central American Legion South Division Conference while the Beaver Dam Orthopedic Clinic Junior Legion team won the state championship. Legion Commander Bob Koch says both the Legion and Junior Legion teams should be proud of their accomplishments. Head Coach Joe Loizzo says the winning season reflects well on not only the players and the team but also the Legion. Post 146 has had five state championships dating back to 1982, 19 regional championships in the pas 28 years and has won eleven straight ECAL Championships. Pictured Left to Right: RW Tomashek, MR Tomashek, Terry Kieffer, Legiona Commander Bob Koch, Head Coach Joe Loizzo and Vic Herbst.
Edwards Due In Court Today
8/27/09 - Police in other parts of the country want to know if their unsolved crimes might have been committed by Edward Edwards – the man charged in a 1980 double-murder in Jefferson County. Sheriff’s detective sergeant Lawrence Lee says about a dozen law enforcement agencies have contacted his department, looking for information that might tie the 76-year-old Edwards to their cold cases. Most of the calls are about missing persons, or unsolved murders – some of which involve a boyfriend and a girlfriend. Edwards was recently arrested, after D-N-A evidence apparently linked him to the slayings of high school sweethearts Tim Hack and Kelly Drew 29 years ago. Edwards was once the F-B-I’s most wanted criminal. He spent much of his life drifting across America as he robbed banks, stole cars, and conducted scams. He’s also been named in a couple previous homicides. Lee says it’s not unusual for other police agencies to inquire about cold case arrests. He says his department is giving them a time-line for Edwards’ whereabouts. Meanwhile, he’s due in court Thursday afternoon, when a judge will decide if there’s enough evidence to put Edwards on trial in the slayings of Hack and Drew.
Unemployment Up In Dodge County
8/27/09 - Dodge County was one of only three counties in the state that had an increase in unemployment from June to July. According to the Department of Workforce Development, the jobless rate in Dodge County was up four-tenths over the two-month period to 10.5%. Last year at this time, Dodge County was at 4.8%. Lincoln County also saw a slight increase to 11.5% while Menominee County jumped nearly three full percentage points to 18.2%, giving it the highest rate in the state. Columbia County is at 7.7% and Washington County is at 9.4%, both dropping seven-tenths. Jefferson County is at 9%, down from 9.8%. Fond du Lac County is down three-tenths to 9.2%. In July, unemployment rates decreased in 67 of the state’s 72 counties. The statewide jobless rate is down a half-point to 8.7%, which is a full point below the national rate but nearly double what it was at this time last year.
Union Could Hold Second Vote On Mercury Marine Concessions
8/27/09 - The labor union at Mercury Marine in Fond du Lac is studying the possibility of having a second vote on proposed contract concessions. Chief negotiator Dan Longsine tells the A-P he’s not sure a second vote can be called, since the company has refused to change anything in its original proposal. Last Sunday, members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers rejected concessions Mercury said were needed to keep the current level of outboard motor production in Fond du Lac. Longsine said over 70-percent of those voting rejected the idea of paying less to new employees, and those returning from layoffs. But now, he says the company is willing to provide written clarifications on some of the contract wording. And Longsine says some members are having second thoughts about voting no – and many had simply expected a second vote to take place. Without the concessions, Mercury says it will move hundreds of factory jobs to a non-union plant in Oklahoma.
Waterloo Man Indicted on Federal Charges
8/27/09 - A Waterloo man has been indicted on federal charges for allegedly being in possession of a pipe bomb. According to a press release from the US State’s Attorney’s Office, 21-year-old Christopher Hamlin was arrested August 6 following an investigation by the Watertown Police Department, the Dodge County Sheriffs Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
New Leadership at Kohls
8/27/09 - The president and C-E-O of Kohl’s Department Stores will also chair the company’s board of directors. The Menomonee Falls chain announced today that Kevin Mansell will replace the retiring Larry Montgomery as Kohl’s chairman starting next Tuesday. Mansell has been with the company for 27 years, and he’ll keep his current roles. Montgomery will stay on as a board member until January 30th, and he promises to give more help in the transition if-and-when it’s needed. Montgomery called Mansell a “proven executive” with a strong strategic vision. Mansell joined Kohl’s in 1982 as a divisional manager for merchandise.
DNR Tabs Hunters To ID State Animals
8/27/09 - Wisconsin wildlife experts want to learn more about the animals roaming the Badger State. And they’re asking hunters this fall to record what they see, and share it with the D-N-R. The agency has set up a survey where hunters can describe their observations. Experts want to know the types-and-numbers of animals that hunters spot – and they want pictures of endangered-or-rare species. The D-N-R says it will combine the hunters’ observations with historical information, to get a better handle on the state’s animal situation. The study is called the Wisconsin Deer Hunter Wildlife Survey, and it runs from September 12th through January. There’s more information on the D-N-R’s Web site, which is linked at Wisconsin-Dot-Gov.
Wisconsin Health Insurance 13th Highest in Nation
8/27/09 - If you feel like you're paying more for health insurance these days, you probably are. A new report from the Commonwealth Fund shows health insurance premiums have increased dramatically since 2003. Wisconsin reportedly has the 13th-highest cost of health insurance in the country. Massachusetts had the most expensive rate for family coverage last year. The cheapest premiums were found in Idaho.
UW Offering Green Profit Classes
8/27/09 - Profiting while protecting the earth -- that’s what a new degree program offered through UW-Extension teaches. The Dean of Continuing Education, Outreach and E-Learning says the B.S. in Sustainable Management encompasses business systems, social systems and natural systems. David Schejbal says learning how those three areas interact is key for the curriculum. Students can expect to learn about carbon trading, reducing water use to increase bottom line, in addition to creating close ties with the community to have a productive workforce. Schejbal says the market will see a growth in these skills which can be applied in many fields. The Obama administration also predicts a 52-percent increase in green jobs by 2016. The Sustainable Management courses, available online, are available through UW Parkside, Stout, River Falls, and Superior.
9/27/09 - The Beaver Dam American Legion held a recognition dinner for their baseball teams this week. White Construction/ Post 146 won the East Central American Legion South Division Conference while the Beaver Dam Orthopedic Clinic Junior Legion team won the state championship. Legion Commander Bob Koch says both the Legion and Junior Legion teams should be proud of their accomplishments. Head Coach Joe Loizzo says the winning season reflects well on not only the players and the team but also the Legion. Post 146 has had five state championships dating back to 1982, 19 regional championships in the pas 28 years and has won eleven straight ECAL Championships. Pictured Left to Right: RW Tomashek, MR Tomashek, Terry Kieffer, Legiona Commander Bob Koch, Head Coach Joe Loizzo and Vic Herbst.
Edwards Due In Court Today
8/27/09 - Police in other parts of the country want to know if their unsolved crimes might have been committed by Edward Edwards – the man charged in a 1980 double-murder in Jefferson County. Sheriff’s detective sergeant Lawrence Lee says about a dozen law enforcement agencies have contacted his department, looking for information that might tie the 76-year-old Edwards to their cold cases. Most of the calls are about missing persons, or unsolved murders – some of which involve a boyfriend and a girlfriend. Edwards was recently arrested, after D-N-A evidence apparently linked him to the slayings of high school sweethearts Tim Hack and Kelly Drew 29 years ago. Edwards was once the F-B-I’s most wanted criminal. He spent much of his life drifting across America as he robbed banks, stole cars, and conducted scams. He’s also been named in a couple previous homicides. Lee says it’s not unusual for other police agencies to inquire about cold case arrests. He says his department is giving them a time-line for Edwards’ whereabouts. Meanwhile, he’s due in court Thursday afternoon, when a judge will decide if there’s enough evidence to put Edwards on trial in the slayings of Hack and Drew.
Unemployment Up In Dodge County
8/27/09 - Dodge County was one of only three counties in the state that had an increase in unemployment from June to July. According to the Department of Workforce Development, the jobless rate in Dodge County was up four-tenths over the two-month period to 10.5%. Last year at this time, Dodge County was at 4.8%. Lincoln County also saw a slight increase to 11.5% while Menominee County jumped nearly three full percentage points to 18.2%, giving it the highest rate in the state. Columbia County is at 7.7% and Washington County is at 9.4%, both dropping seven-tenths. Jefferson County is at 9%, down from 9.8%. Fond du Lac County is down three-tenths to 9.2%. In July, unemployment rates decreased in 67 of the state’s 72 counties. The statewide jobless rate is down a half-point to 8.7%, which is a full point below the national rate but nearly double what it was at this time last year.
Union Could Hold Second Vote On Mercury Marine Concessions
8/27/09 - The labor union at Mercury Marine in Fond du Lac is studying the possibility of having a second vote on proposed contract concessions. Chief negotiator Dan Longsine tells the A-P he’s not sure a second vote can be called, since the company has refused to change anything in its original proposal. Last Sunday, members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers rejected concessions Mercury said were needed to keep the current level of outboard motor production in Fond du Lac. Longsine said over 70-percent of those voting rejected the idea of paying less to new employees, and those returning from layoffs. But now, he says the company is willing to provide written clarifications on some of the contract wording. And Longsine says some members are having second thoughts about voting no – and many had simply expected a second vote to take place. Without the concessions, Mercury says it will move hundreds of factory jobs to a non-union plant in Oklahoma.
Waterloo Man Indicted on Federal Charges
8/27/09 - A Waterloo man has been indicted on federal charges for allegedly being in possession of a pipe bomb. According to a press release from the US State’s Attorney’s Office, 21-year-old Christopher Hamlin was arrested August 6 following an investigation by the Watertown Police Department, the Dodge County Sheriffs Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
New Leadership at Kohls
8/27/09 - The president and C-E-O of Kohl’s Department Stores will also chair the company’s board of directors. The Menomonee Falls chain announced today that Kevin Mansell will replace the retiring Larry Montgomery as Kohl’s chairman starting next Tuesday. Mansell has been with the company for 27 years, and he’ll keep his current roles. Montgomery will stay on as a board member until January 30th, and he promises to give more help in the transition if-and-when it’s needed. Montgomery called Mansell a “proven executive” with a strong strategic vision. Mansell joined Kohl’s in 1982 as a divisional manager for merchandise.
DNR Tabs Hunters To ID State Animals
8/27/09 - Wisconsin wildlife experts want to learn more about the animals roaming the Badger State. And they’re asking hunters this fall to record what they see, and share it with the D-N-R. The agency has set up a survey where hunters can describe their observations. Experts want to know the types-and-numbers of animals that hunters spot – and they want pictures of endangered-or-rare species. The D-N-R says it will combine the hunters’ observations with historical information, to get a better handle on the state’s animal situation. The study is called the Wisconsin Deer Hunter Wildlife Survey, and it runs from September 12th through January. There’s more information on the D-N-R’s Web site, which is linked at Wisconsin-Dot-Gov.
Wisconsin Health Insurance 13th Highest in Nation
8/27/09 - If you feel like you're paying more for health insurance these days, you probably are. A new report from the Commonwealth Fund shows health insurance premiums have increased dramatically since 2003. Wisconsin reportedly has the 13th-highest cost of health insurance in the country. Massachusetts had the most expensive rate for family coverage last year. The cheapest premiums were found in Idaho.
UW Offering Green Profit Classes
8/27/09 - Profiting while protecting the earth -- that’s what a new degree program offered through UW-Extension teaches. The Dean of Continuing Education, Outreach and E-Learning says the B.S. in Sustainable Management encompasses business systems, social systems and natural systems. David Schejbal says learning how those three areas interact is key for the curriculum. Students can expect to learn about carbon trading, reducing water use to increase bottom line, in addition to creating close ties with the community to have a productive workforce. Schejbal says the market will see a growth in these skills which can be applied in many fields. The Obama administration also predicts a 52-percent increase in green jobs by 2016. The Sustainable Management courses, available online, are available through UW Parkside, Stout, River Falls, and Superior.
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