Top Stories, February 24

BDPD K-9 Cop Retiring

2/24/10 - The Beaver Dam Police Department has had to retire their K-9 officer. Chief Dale Boldt says Ali has been having some health problems. K-9 dogs typically cost around $10,000. A significant portion of the money to purchase Ali was obtained through fundraisers by Middle School students. Boldt says while they haven’t looked at the budget yet, he doesn’t know when or if the department will be able to afford another K-9. Ali came to the department in the summer of 2004 and teamed up with Officer Andy Strachota and has been used for narcotics identification and locating missing people. The last time Ali was on the beat was last week and there are no plans to use her in the future.

Jefferson Man Pleads Guilty To Bank Fraud

2/24/10 - A Jefferson man pleaded guilty yesterday to federal charges that he defrauded a bank of $4.5 million. Brian Johnson admitted that he provided false documentation when taking out loans from the Evergreen State Bank of Stoughton. According to the US Attorney’s office, the 52-year-old indicated that he would use loan proceeds to pay subcontractors and other expenses to repair or construct buildings on Hartford, Jefferson and Oconomowoc. Johnson instead used the money for personal expenses, to repay other loans and to pay subcontractors for work done on other properties. He faces up to 30 years in prison when he is sentences May 6.

Waupun Man Sentenced In Chase

2/24/10 - A Waupun man will spend three months in jail for leading police on a high speed chase that at times reached speeds in excess of 100mph. David A. Johnson entered a “no contest” plea to a felony charge of Fleeing and Eluding an Officer related to the September 27 incident. Waupun Police initiated the pursuit after observing the 21-year-old speeding on his motorcycle. The chase ended when Johnson crashed his bike on Highway 49 and Shamrock Road. The officer came upon the accident scene when there was still a large cloud of dust at the intersection. Johnson attempted to hide at a nearby residence but would up turning himself in without further incident. He was not injured in the crash. Johnson also had his license revoked for six months.

Relay For Life of Beaver Dam Kick-Off Tonight

2/24/10 - The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Beaver Dam committee is holding their kick-off meeting Wednesday night. Chair Maria Rognstad says survivors, committee members and previous team captains will be on hand to provide information to those interested in developing a team or joining a team. The meeting will be held in the Beaver Dam Community Hospital first floor conference room from 6:30 to 7:30pm. The cancer walk will be at the high school track on June 25 and 26.

Yet Another Oshkosh Contract

2/24/10 - The Army wants the Oshkosh Corporation to build another 14-hundred-60 rugged all-terrain vehicles to help fight the war in Afghanistan. The Pentagon likes the new grade of vehicles because they can handle the mountainous terrain in Afghanistan. And they can withstand roadside bombs which the previous Humvees had trouble dealing with. The Army’s latest order is worth 640-million dollars. That brings the total orders so far to more than eight-thousand M-R-A-P vehicles at a total cost of four-and-three-quarter billion dollars – plus work on spare parts and related items. Oshkosh C-E-O Robert Bohn says the Army vehicles will continue to be a top priority for his firm, because they understand the urgent need for them. Yesterday, the firm announced another military contract to build Army Reserve supply vehicles.

Quarter of Wisconsin Banks Lost Money Last Year

2/24/10 - About one-of-every-four Wisconsin banks lost money last year. That’s according to the F-D-I-C, which reports that 71 of the state’s 281 banks failed to turn a profit. That’s just over 25-percent, which is better than the national figure of 29-and-a-half percent. Wisconsin’s largest bank, the M-and-I chain of Milwaukee, lost 735-million dollars in 2009. Anchor Bank of Madison lost 159-million, and Associated Bank lost 118-million. The F-D-I-C also said 83 banks headquartered in the state lost money in the final quarter of last year, compared to the same time in 2008.

Liverseed on Community Comment

2/24/10 - On Community Comment this afternoon our guest is Joe Liverseed, the Wayland Academy senior who fell one valid signature short of having his name appear on the April ballot for Beaver Dam mayor. Liverseed is running as a write-in candidate against incumbent Tom Kennedy. We’ll ask him about his platform when he joins us on Community Comment this afternoon beginning at 12:35pm. Kennedy will join us on Friday.