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.