Top Stories January 30th

Rail Projects May Not Be Fully Funded

1/30/10 - It was announced earlier this week that Wisconsin will get 810-million dollars to build a high-speed rail line from Milwaukee-to-Madison, and to speed up the current trains from Milwaukee-to-Chicago. But it’s possible that money will not cover the entire cost of the project. Watertown would be one of the stops between Madison and Milwaukee and Mayor Ron Krueger says they were originally told the projects would be fully funded but there are now rumblings that the cities along the route may have to put up money as well. Krueger says that will be a problem considering the current economic climate. State officials say the Milwaukee-to-Madison line could be up-and-running by 2013, with stops in Brookfield and Oconomowoc, as well as Watertown.

Columbus School Board Accepts Jansen Retirement

1/30/10 - In a special meeting yesterday morning, the Columbus School Board accepted the retirement of District Superintendent Mark Jansen. The entire Board and even City Administrator Boyd Kraemer praised Jansen and thanked for his hard work and many contributions to both the school district and the community. Jansen has served in the post for the past four years. Jansen says he is looking forward to undertaking some woodworking projects when his contract expires June 30th. The School Board will be announcing plans for the search for Jansen’s replacement at the first meeting in February.

Head-On Crash Leaves Three Hospitalized

1/30/10 - Three people were injured in a head-on crash this afternoon in the Town of Watertown. Jefferson County Sheriff Paul Milbrath says 24-year-old Eleazar Garcia of Watertown was traveling northbound on Highway 26 when she crossed the centerline and struck a southbound vehicle driven by 17-year-old Timothy Brill of Lake Mills. Garcia was taken by Flight For Life to Froedtert Hospital. Brill and his 15-year-old passenger were transported to the Watertown Hospital. The crash is under investigation.

Feder Sentenced to Six Years in Prison

1/30/10 - A Watertown man will spend six years in prison for possessing child pornography. Craig Feder pleaded “no contest” last month to two felony counts for possessing nude pictures of a pre-teen girl he met on the internet. In exchange for the plea, the DA’s office did not pursue four other uncharged counts referred to in the criminal complaint. The victim’s mother contacted police after finding emails with the content. Eight pictures were reportedly found on Feder’s computer. According to the criminal complaint, the 41-year-old requested photo’s from the victim but said he did not ask for nude photos. Feder was also sentenced yesterday to six years of extended supervision.

Tax Deadline Extended to Feb. 1st

1/30/10 - Property tax payments are due on January 31st, which this year falls on a Sunday. Dodge County Clerk Patti Hilker says property owners do not need to rush to the post office before it closes today. When the tax deadline falls on a weekend, Hilker says by state statute the deadline falls to the next business day. Property tax payments can be postmarked by Monday, February 1 or they can be dropped off at your local treasurers office by the close of business. The second installment is due July 31 but Hilker says you can pay either installment before the deadline or all at once.

New Judge for Rep. Wood’s Case

1/30/10 - A new judge will have to be appointed to hear State Representative Jeff Wood's case. Marathon County Judge Gregory Huber recused himself because he served with Wood in the legislature during two sessions. Wood has been arrested on drunken driving charges three times in a 13-month period. Cases in Columbia and Monroe counties are still pending. Marathon County Assistant District Attorney Sidney Brubacher says he is waiting for a new judge to be assigned to the case. A committee in the Wisconsin Assembly is considering an appropriate punishment for Wood.

Suspect Arrested in Oshkosh Apartment Bombing

1/30/10 - No one was hurt when a homemade bomb exploded in the basement of an Oshkosh apartment building. Police have arrested a 25 year old suspect. Officers were called to the apartment Thursday night by people living nearby who said they heard what might have been gunshots. Inside officers found the remnants of a soda bottle. As investigators checked the evidence in the case they were led to the Oshkosh suspect. He doesn't live in that building. Police questioned him and found out that he was the one who made the bomb. No motive has been released and no damage estimate has been revealed. The suspect was taken to the Winnebago County Jail.

13 States to Add Powerball

1/30/10 - We're moving closer to a national lottery with tomorrow's developments. Both Mega Millions and Powerball lottery tickets will be sold in 43 starts starting Sunday. The head of the committee for both lotteries says larger jackpots will build faster. Powerball is played in 31 states, including Wisconsin. Twenty-three of those states will sell tickets for Mega Millions starting with the February 2nd drawing. Observers say the change could end the tradition for some people of driving to a border state when the jackpot for the lottery offered there grows large. Wisconsin is a Powerball state, while Illinois has sold tickets to the Mega Millions drawing.

Forecasters: House Market Will Continue to Slide

1/30/10 - Homes are getting cheaper in the Milwaukee area. Of course, that's not good news if you're trying to sell your home. Forecasters are projecting a continued slide in those prices reaching about 3-point-4 percent this year. The housing market is expected to feel the effects of a lot of distressed properties with for-sale signs out front. Rising interest rates and high unemployment are also factors in holding prices lower. Average prices saw a little bump in the last two quarters of 2009, but that was caused by a tax credit of up to eight thousand dollars for first-time home buyers.

2nd Chance for Turkey Hunters

1/30/10 - Turkey hunters who lost a lottery to get permits for this spring’s season will get a second chance. The state D-N-R says it has almost 77-thousand permits remaining. And they’ll be sold starting March 22nd. Permits will be sold in a different zone in each of the first three days. On the fourth day, March 25th, permits will be sold for the remaining three zones. And if there are any left, turkey permits will be available March 27th for all zones. Meanwhile, the D-N-R says kids 10-to-15 will have their own youth turkey hunt April 10th-and-11th. It’s part of the hunters’ mentoring program that began last fall. Youths must have valid licenses and stamps – and they can hunt if they’re within arm’s reach of an eligible adult mentor.