Top Stories August 5th

Nehls On Military Leave

8/4/09 - Dodge County Sheriff Todd Nehls is going on military leave until next spring. Nehls has been accepted into the 2010 class of the National War College, a prestigious honor bestowed only on a select few. 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 must report by Friday. He says although he was close to the end of his military career, it is an important opportunity and his role as both soldier and sheriff will continue together. The sheriff says he will stay connected to the department while shuffling minor responsibilities around. In his absence, Chief Deputy Blain Lauersdorf will head the staff. Nehls says his plan is to return next spring and aggressively pursue a re-election to a third term.

Investigation Continues Into School Bus Wreck

8/5/09 - The investigation into yesterday morning’s school bus accident on Highway 151 near Waupun continues. Twenty-two Special Olympians were traveling back home to the Fox Valley when the driver, 47-year-old Allen Feauel of Menasha, lost control and the bus struck a sign and rolled onto its side. Patrol Captain Molly Soblewski says State Patrol investigators are examining the bus but it’s too early to determine cause at this point. At last word, everyone has been released from the hospital with the exception of one athlete who was flighted to Theda Clark Regional Medical Center as a precautionary measure. Those on the bus, owned by Lorvel Tours LLC, ranged in age from 14 to 58. While law enforcement was dealing with that accident another collision occurred on the off-ramp of Highway 49 which was being used as a detour. Soblewski says a vehicle rear-ended a school bus but no one was injured.

Large Draw For Night Out

8/5/09 - Organizers are calling this year’s National Night Out in Beaver Dam a success. The second annual event saw beautiful weather and a large turnout, over 350 people says Chuck Stangl with the Beaver Dam Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association. The Beaver Dam Police Department sponsored the event and Chief Dale Boldt says the healthy turnout tells him they met their goals. Organizers are already planning on a Third Annual National Night Out.

Two Teens Arrested in Waupun

8/5/09 - Waupun authorities have arrested two teens they believe are responsible for a number of pool vandalism incidents and vehicle break-ins. Police say the two allegedly slashed and deflated four above-ground pools last week and also broke into a number of vehicles in the Waupun area recently. Officials say that some of the items stolen are being returned to the rightful owners. The two 17-year-olds have had charges forwarded to the Fond du Lac County District Attorneys office.

Man Admits to Stealing Money from American Legion

8/5/09 - A Watertown man has admitted to stealing more than 600-dollars from the Waupun American Legion Bar. The 34-year-old was making a delivery at Caroline’s American Legion Bar when he stole the money from a safe and used it to pay off some bills he was late on. A theft charge has been forwarded to the Fond du Lac District Attorney’s Office.

State Purchases High-Speed Trains from Spain

8/5/09 - State lawmakers have approved a controversial purchase of two high-speed trains from a company in Spain. Eleven Democrats voted yes, and four Republicans voted no when the Joint Finance Committee approved a deal yesterday with a business in Spain that plans to open a plant in Wisconsin to build the trains and create 80 jobs. It’s all part of the proposed high-speed passenger line from Chicago through Wisconsin to the Twin Cities. Republicans blasted the deal, saying the Doyle administration wasted money by not seeking competitive bids. The deal includes an option for the state to buy two more trains if it receives part of the eight-billion dollars in federal stimulus money for high-speed rail projects.

Lawmakers Looking to Pass Bill to Define Renewable Energy

8/5/09 - Wisconsin lawmakers may be asked to expand their definition of renewable energy, so utilities can be more flexible in providing it. Utilities are required to make a certain percentage of their electricity from things like wind-mills and hydro-power. Now, Assembly Democrat Ted Zigmunt of Manitowoc is working on a bill to include solar water-heaters, geo-thermal systems, and the “light pipe.” That’s a passive solar tube that goes through a roof which allows light to shine down into a room. Orion Energy Systems of Manitowoc has developed that product. Zigmunt says utilities can save money for their customers by offering those devices, if they’re allowed to use them to meet their renewable energy goals. He says it could also create hundreds of construction jobs, while improving the environment. Several Republicans are among those signing onto the bill. `

Columbus Council Approves Waste Water Facilities Plan

8/5/09 - The Waste Water Facilities Plan for Columbus was approved by the Council last night. The proposal outlines a five year plan of Waste Water system improvements to the City’s collection facilities and treatment plant. The plan will provide a DNR approved Waste Water system to Columbus for the next twenty years. Columbus and Fall River officials are considering “regionalization” of facilities. A joint Waste Water meeting between City and Village officials has been rescheduled to Thursday, August 13th at the Cardinal Ale House.

Contract With Lifestar Approved in Columbus

8/5/09 - The Columbus Council voted unanimously last night approving a two year contract with Lifestar Emergency Medical Services. The $311 thousand dollar per year contract will cover a larger service area than the current Columbus contract which runs out Dec. 31st Lifestar will also provide a 24 / 7 Paramedic level of service. The Council welcomed the new Emergency Ambulance provider who was selected after an 18 month search. Lifestar President Mike Krueger said he’s anxious to become part of the Columbus community and he hopes to hire area residents to be part of Lifestar operations.