Top Stories, June 30th

Scam Targets Columbus Restaurants

6/30/10 - The Columbus Police Department is investigating a scam targeting local businesses. Lt. Dennis Weiner says two separate Columbus restaurants were targeted on Monday but only one fell victim. In both incidents a male caller identified himself as a representative of a local sheriffs department and advised management that an employee was in custody for Operating While Intoxicated and needed to be bailed out. Weiner says to gain trust and appear legitimate the caller gave the name of an actual employee. The caller also said he was a deputy who frequents the restaurant and would be easily identified if seen. In one case, the caller used the last name “Davis.” The caller told the restaurant manager to wire an $800 MoneyGram to a “contracted bail bondsmen” in Georgia. Once received the managers would be able to pick-up their employee at the jail. While one of the restaurant managers became suspicious the other sent the money and realized it was a scam after going to the jail to pick-up the employee.

State Patrol Investigating Head-On Collision

6/30/10 - The Wisconsin State Patrol is investigating a head-on collision that occurred Monday afternoon in Jefferson County. Authorities say 39-year-old Priscilla Weihert of Watertown was traveling eastbound on County Road B near Lake Mills when she crossed the centerline and crashed into a westbound vehicle driven by 23-year-old Samantha Jaycna of Watertown. Both drivers sustained life-threatening injuries.

$90K In Jewelry Stolen From Van

6/30/10 - Around $90,000 worth of jewelry was stolen in a smash and grab in Washington County. It happened in the parking lot of a Burger King restaurant in Slinger Sunday night. Witness say they saw the suspect break the window of a cargo van with his elbow, then grab a large duffel bag and drive away in a minivan with out-of-state license plates. The minivan was last seen heading east on State Highway 60. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Slinger Police Department.

Stojetz Sentenced For Back-To-Back OWI’s

6/30/10 - A Beaver Dam man who picked up a child at daycare while drunk will spend two-and-a-half years behind bars. Kevin R. Stojetz was arrested on December 14 for his fourth OWI after staff with the child care facility told authorities that Stojetz was stumbling and smelled of alcohol when he picked-up the child. His blood alcohol level was over three times the legal limit. The 45-year-old was arrested again the next day for his fifth OWI, and again had a child under the age if 16 in his vehicle. In addition to 30 months in prison, Stojetz was sentenced to four years of extended supervision and will have his license revoked for five years followed by a the use of an ignition interlock device on his vehicle for another five years.

One Car, Two OWI’s

Two people in Oshkosh have been arrested for driving drunk in the same car in connection with a hit-and-run crash. It happened just before 1:15am Monday morning. Police said the driver of the car that was hit gave officers the license plate number of the offending vehicle. As officers arrived at the alleged hit-and-run driver’s home, they said they saw two people switching places in the vehicle. The woman who allegedly switched into the driver’s seat was cited for breaking the state’s absolute sobriety law for drivers under 21. The man who was originally driving the vehicle was cited for first time O-W-I. Police are still investigating the hit-and-run crash.

Road Projects On Hold For Holiday

6/30/10 - Wisconsin drivers will have to deal with 21 major road construction projects during the July Fourth weekend, including one in Dodge County. Work crews will be gone, though, since most activity will stop at noon on Friday and resume at 6am next Tuesday. The biggest projects are the re-building of Interstate-94 south of Milwaukee, I-94 east of Madison, Highway 41 at Oshkosh, and Highway 172 in Green Bay. In Dodge County, Highway 33 is closed at County Road A and Trenton Street in Fox Lake. The detour takes travelers up Highway 151 to County A. In Green Lake County, two miles of Highway 44 is closed between Kingston and County H. A 5-mile stretch of US 12 between Lake Delton and Baraboo is also closed. The D-O-T says the heaviest holiday traffic is expected between noon and 8pm both on Friday and Monday. More detailed travel information is available by calling the state’s travel hotline at 5-1-1.

Clearview Groundbreaking Today

6/30/10 - A groundbreaking ceremony will be held Wednesday morning for the new 44.5-million-dollar Clearview Long Term Care and Rehabilitation Facility. Clearview serves the county’s aging population as well as those with behavioral and mental health issues and also has one of only three brain injury rehabilitation centers in the state. The new structure will house 236 beds. The public is invited to the groundbreaking on the Clearview Grounds at 198 Hope Road in Juneau at 10am.

Fort Atkinson Man Honored At All-Star Game

6/30/10 - A Jefferson County man who helps organize soccer programs for disadvantaged kids around the world will be honored at the Major League Baseball All-Star Game. Fans throughout the country chose Mitch Arnold of Fort Atkinson to be one of thirty “All Stars Among Us.” They’re being honored for serving their communities in extraordinary ways – and there’s one honoree for each of the thirty Major League clubs. Arnold was one of three Milwaukee Brewer nominees. He and the others will be recognized in a pre-game ceremony at the July 13 All-Star Game in Anaheim. Arnold is the founder of the “Peace Is The Goal Foundation,” which puts together soccer programs for needy boys-and-girls and ships soccer equipment worldwide. Fans cast a total of one-point-seven million votes – over twice as many as a year ago.

Concert Series Features “Dang-Its”

6/30/10 - The Beaver Dam Concert In The Park series continues tonight with the Madison-based quintet “The Dang-Its” on the Swan Park band shell stage. Founding member Tom Waselchuk says “The Dang-Its” play modern country, western swing and Americana but will be treating the Beaver Dam crowd to a special tribute to the “golden age of country music.” Waselchuk says the audience can expect a health dose of Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, George Jones and Patsy Klein. Summer may have just started but the series is almost halfway over. Still to come: Dangerous Folk, Dante’s Bop and a pair of performances by the Beaver Dam Community Band before the Beaver Dam Community Theater closes out the schedule on August 4. The Concerts In The Park are free and there is plenty of seating. Picnics and dancing are encouraged. The 90 minute performances start at 7pm.

Top Stories, June 29th

Girl Found Safe after Being Kidnapped

6/29/10 - A 17-year-old boy is in custody after allegedly kidnapping a 16-year-old girl early this morning from her home just outside of Hartford. Dodge County Sheriff Todd Nehls says the boy, who had recently met the girl, was able to get her to come out of her home late last night after threatening to wake her parents up if she did not. Once the girl was in the car the boy took off traveling to Hartford and West Bend. Nehls says the girl asked to be taken home or to be set free, but the boy allegedly would not let her go. She was eventually able to text a friend and authorities were notified a short time later. Nehls says at 4:30 this morning they located the boy at his home, gained entry, and rescued the girl, who was unharmed. The boy was taken into custody and faces a charge of kidnapping. Officials say the investigation into the incident continues.

Man Killed in Columbia County Named

6/29/10 - A man shot-to-death by a Columbia County sheriff’s deputy was identified yesterday as 29-year-old Shaun Bollig. He was killed early Sunday in North Leeds. Deputies responded to a report that Bollig was threatening to hurt himself. Officials said he approached a deputy and fired a shot – and he was killed by return fire. The shooter’s name has not been released. The sheriff’s department asked state Justice officials to investigate. The Portage Daily Register said Bollig believed his fiancée was cheating on him. But Robin Laird of Barnwell South Carolina said the two had been working their problems out. She said they were engaged for a year, but their wedding plans were temporarily suspended a week ago. Laird told the paper the shooting might have resulted from Bollig drinking too much and not taking his anti-depressant medication – which he had to be reminded to take.

PSC Holds Public Hearings on Wind Farm Regulations

6/29/10 - Two public hearings on uniform wind siting regulations brought out residents from across the state in Fond du Lac yesterday. An administrative law judge took testimony on behalf of the state’s Public Service Commission, which will make the final determination on regulations. Michael Hutter of Michels Corporation of Brownsville says the uniform regulations would be a good thing for the state. Meanwhile rural landowner Barbara Vanden Boogart (BOH-gart) says it’s not right to use the process of eminent domain on unwilling landowners to build a wind farm. The PSC public hearings continue today in Tomah and tomorrow in Madison. (KFIZ, Fond du Lac)

Cambria FD on the Move

6/29/10 - The Cambria Fire Department is moving closer to getting what will be a pretty big upgrade in facilities. Last night the Village Board approved the purchase of the former Enerson and Eggen building just north of the village at a cost of $398,500. The department has been in its current digs on West Edgewater Street for more than 60-years and is no longer able to accommodate their space needs. Fire Chief Vance Haney says the building will serve the space needs of the department and even allow for some more equipment. The 12-acre property also has another building on it that Haney says they plan to use as a training center. There are still some financial hoops to jump through. The village expects to get $76,000 in grant money and an additional $435,000 in the form of a Rural Development Loan. That money is expected in the next two months after which some modifications will be made to the site. The move into the new facility would follow.

Bear Sighting in Waupun

6/29/10 - There was a bear sighting in Waupun yesterday. Police say about 5:30 a.m. a resident saw a bear going through the parking lot at the Central Wisconsin Christian High School. Authorities say over the past month there have been a few bear sightings in Dodge County, but the bears aren’t a danger to residents because they were simply moving through the area something that happens during summer months. (KFIZ, Fond du Lac)


Cooper Street Project Nixed

6/29/10 - City officials in Beaver Dam have decided they’d rather fix the north side lift station than enlarge the culverts under Cooper Street. Both areas are factors during major flood events, but Director of Utilities Don Quarford recommended to the Operations Committee last night that $350,000 in FEMA grant funding be redirected to the lift station. Cooper Street was originally awarded money by the DNR but it was fourth on a list of flood control projects that the city sought to fund with Community Development Block Grants; they were not awarded their top three choices, which also included replacement of the dam gates at a cost of $600,000. The mayor sent a letter to the DNR requesting the money be used for the lift station and the DNR agreed contingent on committee approval. Both Mayor Tom Kennedy and Quarford said the lift station has to be upgraded anyway while Cooper Street can wait. The upgrade to the north side lift station is estimated to cost around $800,000. The additional costs could come from increased utility rates, though Quarford says there could also be leftover money from the contingency fund of another major construction project: the new $20 million wastewater treatment plant. Quarford says that project – which is about 40% complete – has a contingency fund of $700,000.

Hinkley Arraigned For Sexual Assault

6/29/10 - A Beaver Dam man accused of assaulting a young teen entered a “not guilty” plea at arraignment Monday. Robert Hinkley Jr. is charged with one felony count of Second Degree Sexual Assault of a Child. The 18-year-old Hinkley and another man allegedly assaulted the young teen in April. Christopher Bowers was arraigned in April; the 19-year-old stood mute and had a “not guilty” plea entered on his behalf. The two say they did not know the victim’s age. However, according to the criminal complaint they removed several “missing person’s posters” with the juvenile’s age listed. Hinkley is currently free on bond while Bowers is being held on a $10,000 cash bond.

Oconomowoc Man Dies In California

6/29/10 - An autopsy has been scheduled to determine how a 52-year-old Oconomowoc man died in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego. A medical examiner’s report said Lonnie Gulseth was found floating face-down on Friday morning at Pacific Beach. Surfers pulled his body from the ocean. They used C-P-R to try-and-revive him, but he died about 10 minutes later. Authorities could not immediately say if the death was suspicious or accidental. The investigation is ongoing.

OWI Law Change Takes Effect Thursday

6/29/10 - Wisconsin’s drunken driving reforms that were passed a few months ago will take effect on Thursday. Under the new law, fourth-time O-W-I’s will become a felony – but only if it happens within five years of a third offense. Dennis Hughes with the DOT's Bureau of Transportation Safety says under the new law, courts will order the installation of ignition interlock devices in the vehicles of repeat drunken drivers — and first-offenders convicted of driving with an alcohol level of .15 or higher. The device will also be ordered for drivers who refuse a chemical test at a traffic stop. OWI offenders will cover the costs to install and maintain the ignition interlock devices. Surcharges and license reinstatement fees will also go up. In addition, judges can put second-and-third time offenders on probation and first-time O-W-I’s will become a criminal misdemeanor if there’s a child in the car. In 2009, alcohol-related crashes in Wisconsin killed 238 people and injured nearly 3,800 others.

Charges Follow Break-In, Fire

6/29/10 - A 33-year-old Fox Lake man is facing charges after breaking into a former girlfriend’s apartment. It happened in the early morning hours of last Friday when there was no one home. Fox Lake Police Chief Jim Rohr says the intoxicated suspect apparently gained entry to the residence through a window and fell asleep on a couch while smoking. He awoke to a pillow and cushion on fire, which he eventually was able to put out. He then went to a bedroom where he fell asleep again until his ex-girlfriend came home and called police. Rohr says the man faces charges of felony bail jumping, careless use of smoking materials, and criminal trespassing.

Top Stories June 28th

Authorities Investigate Fatal Shooting


6/28/10 - The state Justice Department is investigating the shooting death of a man by a Columbia County sheriff's deputy. It happened early yesterday morning in the town of North Leeds, near the corner of Highways 60 and 22 southeast of Poynette. Deputies got a report about 3:10 a-m that a man with a gun was threatening to harm himself. Officials said the suspect approached a deputy, other officers saw him fire a shot, and one of them shot back. The suspect was flown to U-W Hospital in Madison where he died. No one else was hurt. The names of those involved were not immediately released. State Justice spokesman Bill Cosh said the deputy who shot the suspect was with the Columbia County Sheriff's Department for over four years - and he had other law enforcement experience before that. Cosh said it might take a week-or-two for his department to investigate, and give a report to the county district attorney's office.

Man Recovering After Being Stabbed

6/28/10 - Fond du Lac police have a 28-year-old man in custody they suspect stabbed another man on 3rd Street across the street from the suspect's residence last night. The suspect took refuge in his upstairs apartment and barricaded his front door with a dresser. Police used a flash bang device to distract him when he raised a two-foot machete as if to strike officers. Armed with a shield they forced their way in and took him into custody. The victim was taken to St. Agnes hospital with non-life threatening injuries. He told investigators he simply asked the suspect for a cigarette. (KFIZ, Fond du Lac)

Real Estate Developer Sentenced

6/28/10 - A Jefferson County real estate developer will spend five years in federal prison for defrauding a bank out of $3.9 million. Brian S. Johnson obtained the loans from Evergreen State Bank to construct or repair properties in Hartford, Oconomowoc and Jefferson. Instead, the 52-year-old used the loans for personal expenses and to repay other loans. A restitution hearing will be held in September.

Relay for Life Beats Their Goal

6/28/10 - Organizers say the 15th Annual Relay for Life held at the Beaver Dam High School raised at least $2,000 more than the goal they set. Event Chair Maria Rognstad says the walk had a preliminary total of $112,000, and she expected that number to grow as money continues to trickle in. All of the funds raised by the 31-teams that participated will go directly to the fight against cancer.

Dodge County Dairy Brunch a Success

6/28/10 - More than a 1,000 plates of food were served at the Dodge County Dairy Brunch yesterday despite it raining for the first time in the events 31-year history. Organizers say they were pleased with the turnout, especially after storms Friday night forced the event to be moved from a farm in Iron Ridge to the county fairgrounds. The proceeds from the brunch are used to promote the local dairy industry.

Teen Sentenced In Fatal Crash

6/28/10 - A Beaver Dam teen charged in connection with a fatal accident in September of 2008 was sentenced in Dodge County Court Friday. 18-year-old Dominick Kaiser pleaded "no contest" to a felony charge of Homicide By Negligent Use of a Vehicle earlier this month and yesterday was sentenced to two-years in prison. Authorities say Kaiser's speed reached between 102mph and 129mph on Shaw Hill Road in the Town of Beaver Dam before the car spun and went airborne, splitting a utility pole in half while overturning. 16-year-old Kristin Baade was killed in the crash. Prior to the sentencing the 18-year-old Kaiser spoke, saying "No matter what I say or do, I can't bring her back, but I wish I could."

Fireworks Shortage Being Blamed on Congress

6/28/10 - Next Sunday is the Fourth-of-July. And Wisconsin fireworks dealers say they have a wide variety of products - even though it's been hard to get some of the newest creations. The federal government has a backlog of 26-hundred applications for explosives' permits. That's because Congress ordered more scrutiny of importers. And since China makes 90-percent of the world's fireworks, many retailers say they've been stymied in getting the latest-and-loudest items as many continue to sit in Chinese warehouses. Outlets in Lomira and Washington County said they were able to get new products for this year, but it wasn't easy. But William Weimer, the president of the American Pyrotechnics Association, calls the federal hold-up an outrageous mess - and the industry has suffered substantially as a result.

Weak Tornado Hits Racine County

6/28/10 - A weak tornado touched down yesterday in Sturtevant in Racine County. Officials said a tree slammed into a house south of Racine's Regency Mall, and two empty semi-trailers were blown over at a small factory. Numerous trees and power lines fell, and about 26-hundred We Energies' customers lost their power yesterday afternoon. The National Weather Service said the tornado was on the ground for about three miles, roughly along Highway 11 in Sturtevant. It was rated a relatively mild "F-Zero," with winds up to 85 miles-an-hour. Meanwhile, June is proving to be one of the wettest ever in Wisconsin. La Crosse has had nine-inches of rain this month, with three days remaining. That's the wettest June since 1993, and the sixth-wettest in La Crosse's history. More showers and thunderstorms are possible statewide today, as a cold front moves across Wisconsin. But forecasters say it will be dry and pleasant for the rest of the week.

Recovery Continues from Waukesha County Tornadoes

6/28/10 - Village officials in Eagle will hold a meeting tomorrow night to answer people's questions about the recovery from last week's tornado. At least 25 homes were destroyed and 100 others were damaged in the Monday night storm that rumbled through western Waukesha County. The preliminary damage estimate is about 20-million-dollars. And once the final numbers are in, the state is expected to seek federal disaster relief. Folks in Eagle have already shown their resilience. They refused to delay their annual celebration over the weekend. A parade and other activities went on as planned as part of Kettle Moraine Days. But Old World Wisconsin in Eagle remains closed, in the wake of massive tree damage at the state's largest historic site. Its annual Fourth-of-July bash has been canceled. It was to include a barn dance, cannon fire, a parade, and a band concert. Officials are not sure when Old World Wisconsin will re-open - but it won't be until at least next Tuesday.

Top Stories June 27th

Shareholders Approve Quad Graphics and World Color Press Merger

6/27/10 - Quad Graphics and World Color Press are one step closer to finalzing their merger.  Quad obtained their shareholders approval on Thursday and World Press saw 91-percent of their shareholders approve the merger on Friday. Quad – the nation’s largest privately-held commercial printer and one of Dodge County’s biggest employers – will now go public and be traded on the stock market. The combined operation will have 30-thousand employees. World Color C-E-O Mark Angelson said when the merger was first announced in January that there would not be layoffs in areas that do not overlap – unless they were planning to be made anyway. Angelson said the printing industry is consolidating, and the new deal is meant to combine and highlight the best of both firms. Quad C-E-O Joel Quadracci said at the time that he sees the printing industry as a key component of a much bigger world that also includes digital displays. He says marketers want to use every possible medium to reach their audience. The purchase price is said to be around one-point-three billion dollars. The transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions and approval from the Quebec Superior Court, which will hold a hearing June 28. Quadracci is expected to ring The Opening Bell on the New York Stock Exchange July 7th.

Rain Continues Across the State

6/27/10 - Another round of storms dumped more rain on the state this morning and windy conditions caused some damage. Beaver Dam got about a half-inch during an hour stretch this morning bringing its total for the past week to around 2-inches. At Milford in northern Jefferson County they got just less than an inch this morning but in the past seven days they’ve got 7.7-inches which has led to flooding concerns on the Crawfish River.

Dairy Brunch Moved to Fair Grounds

6/27/10 - The Dodge County Dairy brunch has moved. Scheduled to be at a farm in Iron Ridge the storms that came through Friday night forced organizers to move the event to the Dodge County Fairgrounds. Officials say nothing will change other than the location. The menu for today includes scrambled eggs with ham and cheese, pancakes, an assortment of cheeses, milk, juice and ice cream sundaes. They’ll start serving at 9am and won’t quit until 12:30pm or until everyone is fed. The cost for those 12 and older is $7, ages 5 to 11 is $3, and under that is free.

Child Injured After Getting Pinned by Vehicle

6/27/10 - A young child was injured after getting pinned between a vehicle and a wall in the town of Beaver Dam yesterday. It happened on Jackson Road just after 1pm. Authorities say a vehicle slipped out of gear and pinned the 3-year-old boy against a retaining wall. The child was eventually flown to a hospital in Madison. The incident has been determined to be accidental in nature.

Farnham Street Construction Could Be Delayed in Columbus

6/27/10 - There could be a delay in the proposed re-construction of Farnham Street in Columbus. Residents were hoping to see a resurfacing of the busy southeastern gateway street. However, only one bid was received past week …and that bid was $25 thousand dollars over budget. The street rehabilitation and utility repair will be the subject of a July 6th Public Hearing in Columbus. The initial R-F-P estimated July 12th as a starting date. However, with project costs starting nearly $25 thousand dollars over budget, construction could be delayed.

Hennington Gets Warm Sendoff

6/27/10 - St. Jerome’s Catholic Church and the Columbus community will be loosing a spiritual leader next month. An auditorium full of Columbus area folks gave Pastor Bruce Hennington a warm send off last night. With a program that included brats and ballet many parishioners and friends gathered to see the veteran priest celebrate his retirement. The Ballet troupe, made up of male ushers and volunteers from the parish performed a dance in their “tutu outfits” to the delight of Father Bruce and a packed auditorium. During his 42 years in the Priesthood, Father Hennington served in many posts in Madison and Columbus. His work included working in the legal area for the Madison Diocese. He noted in his final remarks that he has felt very much “at home” with his Columbus parish “family” for the past ten years. Hennington also served as Chaplin for the Columbus Fire Department and was active in Ecumenical groups in the area. In fact, he received a certificate naming him an honorary “Associate Minister” from Faith Lutheran Church as one of the many going away gifts at the program. Starting early in July Father Bruce will be traveling around the country in his motor home…something like in the John Steinbeck novel “Travels with Charley.”

Obama Will Visit Racine on Wednesday

6/27/10 - President Barack Obama's Wednesday visit to Wisconsin will be held at Racine Memorial Hall. The President will hold a town hall meeting on the economy. The event is free and open to everyone, but tickets will be required. You can get them at the Festival Hall Tuesday, starting at 10 a.m. and going on until the tickets run out. Each person can pick up two tickets. The president's last visit to the state was last November when he came here to talk about education reform.

Milwaukee Officer Injured in Shooting

6/27/10 - A Milwaukee police officer has been shot and wounded during a traffic stop Friday night. Milwaukee police report the shooting happened as officers responded to a report of gunfire in the area. The wounded officer's partner returned fire, critically wounding the accused shooter. The two officers reportedly pulled over a car that matched the description of a vehicle involved in the gunfire report. The driver of that car jumped carrying an assault rifle and opened fire. The 34 year old officer is recovering at a Milwaukee hospital.

Explosion Injures Two at Foundry in Milwaukee

6/27/10 - Two workers at Appleton Electric foundry in South Milwaukee were injured in an early morning explosion yesterday. The plant and several nearby homes were evacuated. Fire officials report a dozen departments responded to the fire which involved several buildings. They say the situation was very dangerous because putting water in the wrong place at a foundry fire can cause another explosion. Investigators say the blast happened during one of the company's routine processes. The condition of the two injured workers was not released.

Fourth of July Travel Expected to be Up from Last Year

6/27/10 - The number of 4th of July travelers in Wisconsin is expected to jump almost 20-percent from last year, or 695,000 motorists. AAA-Wisconsin spokeswoman Beth Mosher says this is just above the travel group’s national predictions, and says the increase is due to steady gas prices -- which are at roughly two dollars, 80 cents a gallon. Mosher also says the economy is really starting to turn around from last year. AAA expects most of the state’s travelers will visit classic Wisconsin destinations, such as up north, around Lake Michigan, and of course, the Wisconsin Dells.

Supervisor Comment Goes Viral

6/27/10 - Milwaukee County Supervisor Peggy West says she misspoke, but it may be too late. Her loose grasp of geography has gone viral on the Internet. As she was supporting a suggested boycott of doing business with Arizona, West said that state did not share a border with Mexico. It does. The Thursday meeting was taped by Milwaukee's WTMJ-TV Channel 4. West said she would have to look at the question in more detail if supervisors were talking about Texas, a state that also shares a border with Mexico. She then said she supported the boycott because Arizona is, "a ways removed from the border." Talk show hosts like Limbaugh and O'Reilly had a field day Friday, ridiculing her comments.

Top Stories June 26th

Teen Will Serve Time for Fatal Crash

6/26/10 - A Beaver Dam teen charged in connection with a fatal accident in September of 2008 was sentenced in Dodge County Court yesterday. 18-year-old Dominick Kaiser pleaded “no contest” to a felony charge of Homicide By Negligent Use of a Vehicle earlier this month and yesterday was sentenced to two-years in prison. Authorities say Kaiser’s speed reached between 102mph and 129mph on Shaw Hill Road in the Town of Beaver Dam before the car spun and went airborne, splitting a utility pole in half while overturning. 16-year-old Kristin Baade was killed in the crash. Prior to the sentencing the 18-year-old Kaiser spoke, saying “No matter what I say or do, I can’t bring her back, but I wish I could.”

More Rain Hits the State

6/26/10 - About a half-inch of rain fell in Beaver Dam early this morning as another storm passed through the state. Rain pounded Milford in northern Jefferson County again leaving just less than an inch in a 3-hour period, while Waupun was largely spared and received about a quarter-of-an-inch. The National Weather Service did report some wind damage in Fond du Lac and Dane Counties, including some trees being down. In the western part of the state flooding was a major problem, including in Buffalo County, where authorities reported a highway had eight inches of standing water. Flash Flood Watches continue for nearly every county along the Mississippi River in Wisconsin and Minnesota.

Dodge County Dairy Brunch Moved

6/26/10 - It's a change of venue but not a change of menu for the Dodge County Dairy Brunch Sunday morning. Russ Kottke with the Dairy Promotion Committee says due to the storms that came through the area they've been forced to move the brunch from a farm in Iron Ridge to the Dodge County Fair Grounds. The menu for tomorrow's event stays the same though, and includes scrambled eggs with ham and cheese, pancakes, an assortment of cheeses, milk, juice and ice cream sundaes. They'll start serving at 9am and won't quit until 12:30pm or until everyone is fed. The cost for those 12 and older is $7, ages 5 to 11 is $3, and under that is free.

Farmers Air Their Grievances in Madison

6/26/10 - Dairy farmers say they are being squeezed out of the business. They say the system that determines what they get paid for milk is badly broken. The farmers came to the University of Wisconsin-Madison Friday for the U.S. Department of Justice hearing on anti-trust issues in the dairy industry. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says he's hearing a consistent message now -- dairy producers, large and small, are hurting. The number of dairy farms in the United States has dropped from 111 thousand 10 years ago to 65 thousand today. Though some of that is caused by consolidation, much of the atrophy involves small farmers who found they could no longer make a profit.

Wall Calls Out Senate Candidate Johnson

6/26/10 - Republican party leaders call claims from former Senate candidate Terrence Wall a case of sour grapes. Wall went on a Madison radio station and accused his party's nominee, Ron Johnson, buying votes at the state convention by paying for hotel rooms for people. He accused his own Republican party of stealing votes from him and working to make sure Johnson got the nomination. Those who weren't angry were puzzled by the accusations. Even members of Wall's former campaign staff were shocked. The co-chair of his campaign says he found nothing to support the allegations, saying Wall was imagining things and demeaning a good man in the process. Jim Klauser was talking about Johnson. The Johnson campaign has denied the charges and provided travel documents to the media to confirm only six rooms were bought at the state convention for Johnson and the immediate members of his staff.

Ballweg Enters into Deferred Prosecution Agreement

6/26/10 - A Beaver Dam Alderman and County Board Supervisor has entered into a deferred prosecution agreement on a pair of misdemeanor charges stemming from an altercation this past February. 46-year-old Robert Ballweg was charged with misdemeanor charges of Criminal Damage To Property and Disorderly Conduct. Authorities say the incident occurred on February 7 at a repair shop/residence on the 200 block of West State Street. In the days after the incident, Ballweg told us that he went to the garage to talk with the complainant about lewd comments that were allegedly made in reference to one of Ballweg’s relatives. Ballweg says his intention was to pound loudly on the door with his foot, and he says he was “surprised” that his foot went so easily through what he called the “quarter inch plywood door.” Ballweg confronted the man and says there was a minor scuffle and the two tripped over a dog bowl. Marquette County Circuit Judge Richard O. White was assigned to the case and Washington County District Attorney Todd Martens appeared for the state. As part of a deferred prosecution agreement, the defendant avoids the criminal court process but acknowledges responsibility for the conduct. Successful completion results in the charges being dismissed.

Rep. Wood Agrees to Plea Deal

6/26/10 - We won't know the details of State Representative Jeff Wood's plea deal in Monroe County until August. The case will be Wood's fourth conviction for driving under the influence. He still faces a fifth charge. A marijuana possession charge from Columbia County has been dropped. The district attorney's office in Monroe County isn't releasing details of its agreement with Wood. He will be sentenced August 4th. The one case remaining to be resolved is out of Marathon County. Wood was charged with driving under the influence three times last year.

Biden Stumps for Feingold

6/26/10 - Vice President Joe Biden calls U.S. Senator Russ Feingold a man of principle and intellect who is qualified to be vice president -- or, even president. Biden attended two campaign fundraisers for the Wisconsin Democrat yesterday. He complimented Feingold for his courage and bipartisan approach to doing business in Washington. Feingold is running for a fourth term. Biden spoke at a 500 dollar per plate luncheon in Milwaukee, then made a visit to Kopp's Frozen Custard in Glendale where he mingled with the crowd.

Obama to Visit the State Next Week

6/26/10 - President Barack Obama will visit the Badger State next week. The President is scheduled to be in southeastern Wisconsin next Wednesday. The location or time of the visit hasn't been revealed yet. In his return to the Wisconsin Obama is expected to discuss the economy. His last visit to the state was in November when he stopped at a Madison school to talk about education reform. He was in Green Bay last summer to talk about his plans for the health care reform package that passed since then.

Judge Denies Restraining Order Request

6/26/10 - A federal judge rules the Twin Cities Pride Festival can't stop an evangelical Christian from passing out Bibles and discussing his views on homosexuality. Organizers of that gay pride festival in Minnesota had tied to get a temporary restraining order against Brian Johnson of Hayward, Wisconsin. The judge ruled Loring Park is a public forum, so Johnson's free speech rights have to stand. He won't be allowed to be disruptive. A member of the Johnson family says it is about faith, not controversy. She said Johnson only talks about homosexuality if he is asked.

Recall: Drop-Side Cribs

6/26/10 - A Wisconsin company is one of seven manufacturers of drop-side cribs, that are being recalled. Simmons Juvenile Products is listed in the northeastern village of New London. However, its website says the company is no longer in business. This week, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a voluntary, nationwide recall of 2-million drop-side cribs due to suffocation or strangulation risks to infants. The models include the Simmons Easy Side Drop-side Cribs, which were sold between 2002 and 2007. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection says while there have been no deaths attributed to the drop-side cribs, there have been reports of them failing or coming apart.

Ma and Pa’s Might Be Sold

6/26/10 - A fixture on Fond du Lac’s “Miracle Mile” could be changing hands soon. Phil Moses of Ma & Pa’s confirms that a business is actively pursuing financing for the sale, but nothing has been finalized yet. Ma & Pa’s is best known for its history of selling lottery tickets to big winners. It’s estimated that winners who purchased their tickets at the store have won more than $280 million over the years including a group of 100 Sargento Cheese workers who purchased a ticket in 2006 that was worth nearly $209 million. (KFIZ)

Top Stories June 25th

WBEV-WXRO Children’s Radiothon Goes Over $1M


6/25/10 - The 13th annual WBEV / WXRO Children’s Radiothon raised more than $108,000 for seven agencies within the stations’ listening area, and in doing so went over the $1 million mark in the fundraiser’s history. The Radiothon began at 6 a.m. yesterday and finished up this morning at 9 a.m. Money was raised in a variety of ways including an on-air auction and the 2nd Annual Noel’s Angel Walk. With the totals from this year’s event, the Radiothon has now raised nearly $1.04-million.

Metalcraft Employees to Strike

6/25/10 - After two rejected contract proposals earlier this month, workers at Metalcraft in Mayville plan to go on strike beginning July 1st. Members of the International Association of Machinists Local 2053 voted down a contract proposal on June 5th and again on June 22nd, both by healthy margins. Officials say the major issue with the contract is that insurance deductibles would be four times higher than they currently are. They are also concerned with wages, vacation-time language, and the attendance policy. According to the union, the current contract states that an automatic extension will continue until either party gives a five day termination notice, which the company issued yesterday. IAM Local 2053 represents about 1,000 employees at four companies, including more than 250 at Metalcraft.

Lowell Seeks to Build New Wastewater Facility

6/25/10 - A proposed new wastewater treatment facility in Lowell would cost the average customer 30-dollars more per month. That’s according to the Wisconsin DNR, which is asking for comments from the public regarding the impacts of the proposal. The village is seeking approval for the new facility because, while their current one is meeting present standards, it’s well beyond the intended 20-year design life. The DNR says a new treatment facility is further needed to provide sufficient capacity for the current and future sewage flows from the community, and to ensure compliance with current design code and effluent discharge standards. The new facility would be located on land immediately to the east of the current stabilization pond with the treated discharge still flowing into the Beaver Dam River. The estimated cost for the project is just less than 2.5-million-dollars with annual operation and maintenance cost of about 32-thousand-dollars. The village will apply for a federal grant and low interest loan to help finance the project. The DNR says based on comments received, they may prepare an environmental analysis before making a decision on whether to allow the project to go through. For contact information you can visit our website wbevradio.com.

Falling Concrete Kills One, Injures Two in Milwaukee

6/25/10 - A concrete slab has fallen off part of a parking garage in Milwaukee, killing one person and injuring two others. Police had not released the names of the victims overnight. The collapse happened Thursday afternoon, and involved about a 30-foot block of concrete. It happened at the William F. O'Donnell parking garage, just a few blocks away from Milwaukee's summerfest, which was beginning its 11-day run yesterday. The two victims who were not killed were taken to separate hospitals, but the extent of their injuries wasn't known.

DPI Looking to Revamp State Funding

6/25/10 - The head of the state Department Public Instruction is calling for a broad restructuring of the funding formula used to determine how much state aid schools receive. The proposal unveiled by DPI Superintendent Tony Evers in Madison Thursday calls for a fair and practical change to the framework of school funding, without relying on massive property tax increases, cutting budgets, or eliminating educational programs. A primary component of Evers’ proposal is shifting a $900 million Levy Tax Credit into general school aids. The fund currently goes to property owners, but Evers says the money could be used to replace levy increases passed by many districts each year. Because of revenue controls, he says schools districts would likely need to reduce the size of their levy. Evers also wants to calculate aid based on student poverty, instead of just using property tax values. He says far too many schools in the state have a high number of students who qualify for free and reduced lunches, an indicator used to measure poverty in schools. However, he says many of those same districts receive little or no state aid because property values are too high. He says there should be a minimum level of state aid provided for every student in the state, regardless of where they live.

Obama to Visit Wisconsin Next Week

6/25/10 - President Barack Obama plans to visits the Badger State next week. The President is scheduled to be in southeastern Wiscosnin next Wednesday. The location or time of the visit hasn't been revealed yet. Obama is expected to return to Wisconsin planning to discuss the economy. His last visit to the state was in November when he stopped at a Madison school to talk about education reform. He was in Green Bay last summer to talk about his plans for the health care reform package that passed since then.

Milwaukee County Board Censures Member

6/25/10 - Members of the Milwaukee County Board say they rely on the privacy of closed-session confidentiality to conduct frank discussions and get things done. That's why some board members say they voted to censure Supervisor Lynne De Bruin for disclosing the closed-session comments of a county official. Behavioral health administrator John Chianelli had made controversial comments about mixed-gender wards at the Mental Health Complex. De Bruin revealed he had said housing female patients with aggressive male patients would result in sexual assaults, but at a lower level of violence than was found on all-male wards. He called that a "trade-off." No member of the board has been censured for decades. Supervisor Peggy West said it would be hard to get anything done if what was said in closed session could be breached for what West called "some political gain."

WI Resident’s Money Remains in Washington Mutual Bank

6/25/10 - When the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation closed Washington Mutual Bank two years ago, it deposited about a half-million dollars in the state's unclaimed property account. It belonged to customers who had held accounts in the bank. Much of that money is still sitting there, unclaimed. The state treasurer's office reports there are about 83 hundred accounts belonging to Wisconsin customers. One account holds more than 58 thousand dollars. Treasurer Dawn Marie Sass says she's trying to spread the word about the unclaimed money -- so its rightful owners can step forward.

Top Stories June 24th

Radiothon 2010


6/24/10 - The 13th Annual WBEV/WXRO Children's Radiothon is here with a full day of activities to benefit seven local charities. It all started with a live on-air auction this morning at 6 a.m., which will continue through 9 a.m. tomorrow morning. The 2nd annual Noel's Angel Walk started at 7 a.m. at Waterworks Park and an Angel Cakes Breakfast will be held at the Girl Scout House following the walk. John Kraft will be traveling around the county to seven different locations this morning as the organizations compete for the 3rd Annual DCS Cup. Other events include a rummage sale from 8 until 12 this morning here at the station, 100 Stoddart Street. We'll also be hosting a dessert auction beginning at 9am through 11 in front of the studio. Later this morning their will be a Car Wash & Brat Fry at Tower Lanes starting at 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. New this year is a basketball shoot-out at Tower Lanes from 3-5pm. Also starting at 6 p.m. will be the annual motorcycle ride. It will leave from Spirits on Highway 26. There will be stops at the Red Rooster in Lowell and Jumpers on G in Beaver Dam. The seven organizations benefiting from the Children's Radiothon are P.A.V.E., The Parent Resource Place, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Dodge County, Green Valley Enterprises, YMCA of Dodge County, Clothes for Kids, and New Beginning's Homeless Shelter of Dodge County.

Kuehl Arraigned

6/24/10 - A Hustisford babysitter pleaded "not guilty" yesterday to homicide charges. Renee Kuehl is accused of inflicting fatal trauma on a 22-month-old boy she was babysitting in November of 2007. The incident was reviewed after another child was allegedly injured while recently in her care. The 47-year-old says the child died from a fall down the stairs. The medical examiner testified at a preliminary hearing last week that it was unlikely that a fractured skull, broken arm and abdominal injuries could result from a fall down the stairs. In the most recent case, Kuehl says she was babysitting a 2-year-old girl fell on concrete while twirling. She sustained two skull fractures and facial brusing. Dr. Lynn Sheets of Children's Hospital testified that the contusions came from "multiple different angles" and it didn't make sense how one fall could cause all of the injuries. Kuehl faces up to 115 years in prison, if convicted. She requested a jury trial and has a scheduling conference in late August.

Unemployment Rates Down

6/24/10 - Local unemployment rates were down across the board for the second straight month. Dodge County dropped to 7.7% down nearly a full percentage point from April. Last year at this time Dodge County was at 9.4%. Columbia County saw a decline of six-tenths of a percent to 7.3%. Fond du Lac County sits at 7.5% down from 8.1%, while Washington County dropped four-tenths of a percent to 7.7%. Jefferson County decreased by a half-percent but still has the area's highest rate at 8.4%. All but one of the state's 72 counties saw a decrease over the two-month period. Grant County held steady at 6.2%. Dane County continues to have the lowest unemployment rate in the state at 5.2%, while Menominee County has the highest rate again at 13.2%. On the state level, the unadjusted jobless rate dropped a half-percent to 7.7%, while the nationwide rate dropped two-tenths of a percent to 9.3%.

Teens IDed In I-94 Triple Fatal

6/24/10 - It appears that the three teens killed on I-94 near Ixonia Tuesday afternoon were not wearing their seatbelts Tuesday when their car collided with a truck. The Sheriff's Department identified the passengers as 17-year-old's Amanda Nowicki of Hartland and Sean White of Oregon, and the driver as 16-year-old Victoria M. Braun of McFarland. Authorities say their eastbound Honda Civic struck a construction barrel, went across the median into the westbound lanes, where it hit a truck and rolled into the ditch. The 24 year-old truck driver was wearing his seat belt and was treated at the scene.

Wind Farm Hearings Set

6/24/10 - A half-dozen public hearings will be held over a three-day period next week as the Public Service Commission works on adopting uniform siting rules for wind power projects. Two hearings each day will be held Monday in Fond du Lac, Tuesday in Tomah and Wednesday in Madison. The process was started when the Legislature passed a uniform siting law last year. Questions to be discussed include how far a wind turbine has to be from a nearby home and what the maximum allowed noise should be. In the past Wisconsin had a patchwork of different rules imposed by counties and towns around the state. With wind power growing in interest, the state statutes became important.

Area Firefighter on Regis & Kelly

6/24/10 - Fond du Lac firefighter Laura Ketelhut is putting her cooking skills on the line in a national competition. She's a semi-finalist for the "Firehouse Cook-off" on "Regis & Kelly" and is in New York City this week to tape a segment for the show that will air tomorrow (Fr). Ketelhut is making a Stuffed Boursin Burger. Boursin is like cream cheese. It's not her first national cooking competition. She entered one on the Food Network and was runner up in a competition for Tobasco Sauce with an entry for Chipotle Mac & Cheese. If she wins the Firehouse Cookoff, which runs over the next six weeks, she will get a check for $10,000. You can see her contest video at the "Regis & Kelly Firehouse Cookoff" website. Ketelhut says she will be the one wearing the Fond du Lac Fire Department logo.

Top Stories, June 23rd

Three Years For Shurpit Standoff

6/23/10 - A Fox Lake man was sentenced Tuesday to three years in prison for sparking a seven-hour stand-off with authorities last June. It took a Dodge County jury three hours last month to convict Ronald Shurpit on three felony counts, including Battery to Law Enforcement and Intentionally Pointing a Firearm at an Officer. According to the criminal complaint, a Fox Lake officer attempted to serve a Washington County warrant on the 51-year-old for Failure to Pay Child Support in excess of $6000. That’s when authorities say Shurpit “forcibly tried to push a running law mower onto the legs and feet of the officers” at least three times. The officer tried unsuccessfully to use a Tazer gun during the struggle before using pepper spray. Shurpit and the officers both wound up with weapons drawn but the officer refrained from shooting because there was a small child in the immediate area. He retreated into his residence, where he stayed for seven hours before walking out unarmed. Over 80 rounds of tear gas were launched into the residence during that time. Shurpit will serve less than two years after banking over a years worth of pre-sentencing credit in the Dodge County Jail. He will serve another three years of extended supervision following his release.

Shurpit’s Girlfriend Also Sentenced

6/23/10 - Ronald Shurpit’s girlfriend will spend 40 days on electronic monitoring. April Amond pleaded “no contest” to reduced misdemeanor charges of Obstructing an Officer. The 42-year-old was involved in the altercation between her boyfriend and police during the stand-off. Shurpit yelled at Amond (quote) “kill him, kill him, kill him.” Amond was holding a small child in her arms and threw something at a police officer before retreating into the house and grabbing a small steak knife. Amond was also placed on probation for two years and ordered to perform 50 hours of community service.

BD Man Gets 2 Years For 5th OWI

6/23/10 - A fifth drunken driving conviction gets a 44-year-old Beaver Dam man two years in prison. John Sobrilsky was sentenced recently in Fond du Lac County Court on a charge that stemmed from a traffic stop in Waupun in July of last year. According to Waupun police reports Sobrilsky was seen pulling out into traffic without his headlights on that evening. He was pulled over when an officer learned Sobrilsky’s license was revoked. In addition to the prison term Sobrilsky will have two years of extended supervision, his license was revoked for 30 months, and he will have to do 100 hours of community service in public school settings.

Burnett Man Charged With Fraud

6/23/10 - A Burnett man is charged with felony insurance fraud. James P. Voit reported an $8000 all-terrain vehicle stolen in February of 2008. It was recovered a few weeks later on his neighbor’s property, heavily damaged. Multiple witnesses say Voit intentionally abandoned the ATV. According to the criminal complaint, he was drunk and driving erratically when he went airborne and entered a ditch. If convicted, Voit faces up to five years in prison. A signature bond was set at $1000 this week and a preliminary hearing is set for next month.

Fall River Supt. Stepping Down

6/23/10 - The Fall River School Board has called a special meeting for tonight (Wed) to accept the resignation of District Administrator Heidi Schmidt. The meeting will be held at 7:30pm in the board room. Schmidt has been with the school system for nine years.

BD Alternative School Name Change

6/23/10 - The Beaver Dam School Board this week approved a name change for the Alternative School. The late Don Smith had served as the district psychologist and Director of Pupil Services and was instrumental in establishing the school for at-risk youth in the mid-1990’s. As of July 1, the name will officially change to the Don Smith Learning Center.

Columbus Senior Expo Is Friday

6/23/10 - Over 30 service providers in the Columbus area have teamed up for another “Prime Time Over Fifty” Resource Exposition at Columbus High School. Representatives from many of the resource providers for the over fifty set will be at the High School from nine till noon on Friday. Reps from Columbus Community Hospital will be on hand to take back expired or unused drugs for safe disposal. There is also free audiology screening. A “Brain Teaser” Workshop from the Alzheimer’s Alliance of WI will be held at 9:15 am. Government representatives will also be on hand with information on the “Affordable Care Act.” There is even a “Car Fit” session on how to get yourself comfortable and safe in your auto before driving off. The Prime Time Expo was well received last year, and Friday’s 2010

Top Stories, June 22nd

BD Reaches Tentative Agreement with AFSCME

6/22/10 - in Beaver Dam have reached a tentative three-year agreement with AFSCME, the union that covers a majority of city workers. Finance Director John Somers says there will be a two-two split for the current year, meaning union employees will receive a two percent increase for the first six-months followed by a two percent increase beginning July 1. There will be no increase in 2011 and a 1 and three-quarter percent increase in 2012. AFSCME covers nearly every city employee except police and fire personnel and record keepers. The council will vote on the contract at their meeting July 19.

City Smoking Ban Approved

6/22/10 - The Beaver Dam Common Council last night adopted a local smoking ban, which closely mirrors the state statute. The ordinance has gone through multiple changes since it was first discussed in committee in April. The city had planned to go above-and-beyond the statewide ban which takes effect July 5. Original wording has been removed that would have prohibited smoking outdoors in places like taverns with patios where food is served or around volleyball courts, as well as in city park. City Attorney Mary Ann Schacht says the state has informed municipalities that they cannot adopt a smoking ban that is more stringent that the state statute. Passage of the city ordinance will allow the city to keep any money collected from fines. Before the vote, Schacht said fine collection is only one component of the ordinance, which was designed to send a message that the city of Beaver Dam does not condone smoking. For that reason, Alderman Laine Meyer changed his vote. Two alderpersons voted against the ordinance, nine were in support and there was one abstention.

Edwards Sentenced In Wisconsin

6/22/10 - Edward Edwards was sentenced to two life terms in Jefferson County Monday for killing a teenage couple 30-years ago. The 77-year-old pled guilty earlier this month to killing Tim Hack and Kelly Drew after they left a wedding reception near Sullivan in 1980. The sentence handed down this morning comes about week and half after he pled guilty to killing another couple near his hometown of Akron, Ohio in 1977. He was given two life terms in that state last week. Edwards also told the Associated Press last week that he killed a fifth person, a 24-year-old man he considered a foster son. He said he confessed because he wanted the death penalty, something Ohio now has and Wisconsin doesn’t. After the ruling Drew’s only sister issued a statement to the media saying about Edwards, “You took my only sister. You are a coward who ran away, and you’re still running away to Ohio. You’re despicable. I wanted you to die instantly. But now, I hope you suffer the way our family has.” Edwards will not serve the jail time in Wisconsin until his Ohio sentence is complete. He’s not eligible for parole in Ohio until age 97.

Outhouse Bomber Gets Prison

6/22/10 - A former Beaver Dam man behind a series of random shootings and explosions was sentenced Monday to three-and-a-half years in prison. Stephen Peterson pleaded “no contest” back in January to charges of First Degree Reckless Endangerment, Causing Damage With Explosives, and Possessing Explosives For An Unlawful Purpose. The 20-year-old had three other charges dismissed but read into the record. Peterson, who now lives in Fitchburg, acted alone when he fired a rifle into two mobile homes in April of 2008, and it was that incident that earned him the prison time. Peterson was also charged -- along with 21-year-old’s Kyle Livingston and Michael Peters – with the bombings of a mailbox in Burnett and a port-a-potty at Lost Lake Park in April of last year. The trio was apprehended with the use of in-store video surveillance after purchasing the explosive components at a Beaver Dam retailer. Investigators say they used pipe bombs and, in the case of the porta-potty, also used liquefied gas. Livingston was previously sentenced to one year in jail while Peters was given a seven-month jail sentence. As part of Judge John’s Storck’ sentence, Peterson is prohibited from possessing weapons, explosives or body armor. Peterson was also sentenced to five years of extended supervision followed by five years of probation, in addition to 200 hours of community service. Former Beaver Dam Alderman Clancy Knaup was arrested for disorderly conduct in May of 2008 for taking guns, ammunition and body armor from Peterson, who was a tenant of his at the time. Knaup said he was looking out for the safety of his other tenants.

Hron Seeks Re-Election

6/22/10 - Clerk of Courts Lynn Hron is seeking re-election. Hron says under her leadership, millions of dollars in past due fines and forfeitures has been collected through the intercept of tax refunds. She also says since first elected, her office has successfully incorporated technology which has made access to court records more easily available to the public and the media. Hron was first elected eight years ago and served two, two year terms before election to a four-year term. She has been an employee of the Clerk of Courts office since 1981.

BD School Board Hears Report on Block Scheduling

6/22/10 - A larger than normal crowd joined the Beaver Dam School Board last night to hear a report on the high school’s block scheduling format. Put in place in 2007, the 4x4 block schedule has students taking four classes per semester, an opportunity for some electives, and an advisory period. Bob Gilpatrick, who conducted the study, laid out the numbers and said the data is not conclusive one way or the other in terms of the effect block scheduling has had on student performance. However, he did add that there are a number of areas the block scheduling format needs to be improved, including more training for teachers, an increase in students taking and passing AP tests and a tweak to the schedule so a kid does not go a year without math or foreign language. Gilpatrick says it’s now up to the district to decide the best way to work on those problems.

Several parents spoke prior to the report about their issues with the format, including the possibility that the district wasn’t taking their concerns to heart. Chuck Sena, who has two kids in the high school, said afterward he was pleased with the response of the school board is hopeful changes can and will be made to the schedule.

Meanwhile, Superintendent Designee Steve Vessey says he and the parents are on the same page in trying to turn things around at the high school and reiterated his goal of making the school one of the best in the state. Vessey starts his job on July 1st and within the first week plans to meet with the board to begin addressing the issues detailed in the report.

Childs Approved as Superintendent, Stellmacher as Business Director

6/22/10 - There is a new Superintendent and Business Director in the Waupun School District. At their meeting last night the school board officially approved the appointment of Dr. Don Childs as interim District Administrator and chose John Stellmacher as a replacement for Bill Zeininger, who is retiring next week. Childs has served as the Superintendent in the Beaver Dam School District for the past four years and will take over for (Randy) Refsland, who took a similar position in a district near Janesville. Stellmacher joins the district after serving as the Business Director of the Barron School District for the past three years. Both men will begin their jobs at the beginning of next month.

Change in Start Times Coming for Waupun Students

6/22/10 - The Waupun School Board believes it will save $43,000 by going to a single loop busing schedule this fall. The board approved the change last night and in doing so forced a change in start times at the districts three schools. Junior/Senior High students will start a half-hour earlier than this year at 8 a.m. At Rock River Intermediate they’ll begin 15-minutes later than before at 8:15 a.m. And kids at Meadowview Primary will also begin 15-minutes later than this year but at 8 a.m.

Buss Resigns as Principal of Rock River Intermediate

6/22/10 - Rock River Intermediate School in Waupun is looking for a new principal. Steve Buss submitted his letter of resignation to the school board recently and will be moving on to the Tomah School District to become the middle school principal there. Administrators in Waupun say the search for his replacement will begin immediately.

Tornado Reported In Waukesha County

6/22/10 - A tornado in Waukesha County destroyed six homes and caused damage to several others. Workers will spend the morning assessing the damage caused by the storms, which hit after dark last night. Several people were injured, and officials in the village of Eagle say the tornado alarms did NOT go off before the twister struck. Dozens of trees were knocked down or damaged by the storm. Strong winds knocked out power to nearly 48-thousand customers of We Energies in and around Waukesha County. Emergency workers from several nearby communities responded to Eagle overnight, searching home-to-home in the dark for victims of the storm. One person ended up in a hospital, but none of the ten or so victims was seriously hurt. In Muskego, several mail delivery trucks suffered heavy damage and were knocked out of commission by the storm. The rest of southern Wisconsin suffered scattered damage.

Oconomowoc Woman Dies In Motorcycle Accident

6/22/10 - An Oconomowoc woman died yesterday from injures sustained in a motorcycle accident on Saturday. According to the Jefferson County Sheriffs Department, Susan Forster was pronounced dead at Froedtert Hospital. The 55-year-old was a passenger on a bike that had swerved to miss a pick-up truck in the Town of Farmington. Forster and the driver of the motorcycle, 57-year-old Gary Broom of Ixonia, were both ejected. Broom sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The crash remains under investigation.

Teen Succumbs To Boating Injuries

6/22/10 - The teenager killed in a boat and Jet Ski collision on Lake Wisconsin has been identified. Columbia County sheriff's officers say the crash happened near Lodi Sunday night at about 8pm. 18-year-old Joseph Pfuhl of Hollandale was a passenger on the boat driver by a 20-year-old relative. There were several other injuries, and another passenger on the boat was also Medflighted from the scene. The Department of Natural Resources is involved in the accident investigation. Authorities say alcohol and drugs do not appear to be a factor in the accident.

Kewaskum Pool Fatality

6/22/10 - A Kewaskum man has died after spending more than a half-hour underwater. Alexander Becker was pronounced dead Monday afternoon at Froedtert Hospital. He was found Sunday afternoon in about 12 to 17 feet of water at the Kewaskum Kiwanis Community Park. He'd jumped off a diving board, surfaced briefly, and then went back under. The search for Becker took rescuers about 38 minutes.

Columbus Pool Still Closed

6/22/10 - The Columbus Outdoor Pool may not reopen to the public until Wednesday. The Aquatic Center Board and Department of Public works are hoping to reopen the facility after a Chlorine Gas incident on Saturday afternoon. However, Investigation and debriefing continue in the incident that sent 25 persons to Columbus Community Hospital and 8 persons to Beaver Dam Community Hospital. There have been NO reports of Chemical Burns or Respiratory problems. Last night’s CAAC Board meeting heard reports that the Pool has been returned to a safe and clean condition for public use. However, the facility manager has been asked to wait for an OK from State Health and Insurance officials before reopening. The Aquatic Center staff will be having a debriefing at noon today and the City Council will be hearing a report on the incident at tonight’s Committee of the Whole. There will also be a meeting Wednesday night for the Fire Department and Ambulance personnel who were credited with a speedy and coordinated evacuation of the affected swimmers.

American Idol Coming To Wisconsin

6/22/10 - Fox TV's American Idol competition is coming to the Badger State. Milwaukee is reported to be among six cities hosting those tryouts for the next edition of Idol. Other cities hosting tryouts are Austin, Texas, East Rutherford, New Jersey, Nashville, New Orleans and San Francisco. Try-outs are at the Bradley Center July 21st.

Top Stories June 21st

Bedker Resigns Over Furloughs

6/21/10 - Dodge County District Attorney Bill Bedker announced his resignation on Friday. Bedker was sworn-in Friday the 13th of June 2008 and will be leaving office Friday the 13th of August 2010. In that short amount of time, Bedker – who points out he was born on Friday the 13th – says he’s lucky to have dished out justice for the victims of child sex offenses and dangerous drunk drivers given the effect that state budget cuts have had on district attorney offices across the state. He says stepping down and focusing on academics is “personally more constructive and healthy than constantly fuming about a systemic problem that’s completely beyond [his] individual control to fix.” Bedker has been criticized by some for a policy change in the DA’s office that halted prosecution of first-time, stand-alone, small-quantity adult drug offenses but he says that played no role in his decision. As far as advice, Bedker says the next D-A should set their priorities early and follow-through. He says if your “core priorities are dealing with the most violent and vile of criminals – the rapists and murders – then you have to evaluate the additional resources you have available for the person driving without a valid license or caught with a joint.” Bedker will become a legal studies professor with Madison College. Gov. Jim Doyle will have to appoint a successor to fill the term which runs through 2012. We’ll air our interview with Bedker during our final segment of Community Comment this afternoon.


Teen in Critical Condition After Drowning


6/21/10 - A Kewaskum teen is in critical condition after being rescued from a public swimming area yesterday. Witnesses say the 19-year-old dove into the pool at Kewaskum Kiwanis Community Park a little before 3 p.m. He apparently surfaced briefly, then went back under water. Lifeguards immediately began searching for the teenager. They say the pool is built in a sandy depression, making it hard to see under the surface of the water. After more than a half-hour the teen was eventually found in about 12-to-17 feet of water and was pulled out unconscious. The man was taken by helicopter to Froedtert Hospital in Wauwatosa.

Campbellsport Man Dies After Being Electrocuted

6/21/10 - Authorities say a group of neighbors were almost done pouring the concrete for a garage floor when 29-year-old Nicholas Klotz was killed. It happened Saturday morning in the Fond du Lac County town of Empire. The Campbellsport man was helping smooth out the concrete with a long pole when he raised it and came in contact with a 7200-volt power line. Klotz was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. A 47-year-old man and his 26-year-old son were also taken to the hospital but were later treated and released.

Mechancial Problem Shuts Down Columbus Pool

6/21/10 - Authorities say a mechanical problem was to blame for the release of undiluted chlorine into the Columbus pool on Saturday. It happened just after 1:30 p.m. Officials say chlorine vapor was visible and staff members quickly evacuated the 275 people in the pool. More than 20-people became sick and many suffered from wheezing and shortness of breath. They were taken to an area outside the aquatic center where they were treated by EMS. All were eventually taken to hospitals for further treatment and none suffered serious injuries. The pool was closed yesterday.

One Dead, Several Injured on Lake Wisconsin

6/21/10 - At least one person was killed in a boating accident on Lake Wisconsin near Lodi last night. The Columbia County Sheriff’s Department says they got a call around 8pm reporting an accident involving a boat and a jet ski. They say one of the passengers on the boat was killed. Several others were taken to area hospitals, including one who was flown to Madison via MedFlight. Officials say alcohol and drugs do NOT appear to be a factor in the incident, which is still under investigation by the Wisconsin DNR.

Report on Block Scheduling Expected Tonight

6/21/10 - The Beaver Dam School Board is expected to hear the results of an independent study on the high school’s block scheduling format at tonight’s meeting. The program has been in place since 2007 and many parents and community members have been critical of the 4 x 4 system. They say its been a failure as evidenced by what they call drastic drops in test scores. Superintendent in Waiting Steve Vessey and new principal Mark DiStefano say while the schedule is important it does not determine outright success or failure. The meeting is slated for 6:30 at the Educational Service Center.

BDFD Recognized by Flight For Life


6/21/10 - Flight For Life will honor the Beaver Dam Fire Department with the “2009 Scene Call of the Year Award.” Jayce Commo says the Fond du Lac Base selected Beaver Dam for its response to an incident on December 3. There were multiple patients who had been ejected from a motor vehicle versus tractor accident and two medical choppers were called to the scene. Commo also noted that three Beaver Dam paramedics returning from an EMS class in Madison happened to be nearby and assisted at the scene. The award will be presented at tonight’s Beaver Dam Common Council meeting, which begins at 8pm in City Hall. In addition, the public is invited to the Beaver Dam Community Hospital, where a Flight For Life helicopter will be landing at 8:30pm, weather permitting.

US Attorney General and Others Expected at Dairy Workshop

6/21/10 - Two federal agencies are organizing a public workshop next week in Madison focusing on the dairy industry. U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder is among the high-ranking officials from Washington who are expected to attend. USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack and U.S. Senators Herb Kohl and Russ Feingold will be there, too. This is the third in a series of hearings done around the country to discuss things like anti-competitive practices and regulatory issues in the agriculture industry.

Lawsuit Challenging Gun Free School Zone Act

6/21/10 - A lawsuit challenges the constitutionality of Wisconsin’s Gun Free School Zone Act. Nik Clark, president of Wisconsin Carry, Incorporated, says the city of Milwaukee is a good illustration of how gun free school zones impact the right to carry. The lawsuit filed in January against Governor Jim Doyle, the Cities of Milwaukee and Racine and police officers from both cities, claims the act “covers such a broad area that it practically forecloses a meaningful right to keep and bear arms in large parts of the state.”

Sisters Go 1, 2 in Miss Wisconsin Pageant

6/21/10 - It had never happened before. Kimberly Brooke Sawyer is the new Miss Wisconsin and her sister Katie Lee Sawyer was first runner-up Saturday. Both women are from Egg Harbor. Seven years ago sisters Julia Anne and JanaLee Sue Kraschnewski finished in the top 10 finalists, but neither won. Kimberly Sawyer will compete in the 2011 Miss America pageant January 15th in Las Vegas.

Flags at Half-Staff Today for Waterloo Solider

6/21/10 - Governor Jim Doyle orders flags be flown at half-staff to honor U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Paul Bartz. Bartz was killed May 18th while serving in Afghanistan. He was 43 years old and from Waterloo. Bartz was among five soldiers killed by a suicide bomber in Kabul.

Top Stories June 20th

Campbellsport Man Dies from Electrocution


A 29-year-old Campbellsport man was killed yesterday morning after being electrocuted. Fond du Lac authorities were called to a home on Pine Road in the town of Empire where are group of people were helping pour a concrete floor in a garage. They say Nicholas Klotz was helping smooth out the concrete with a long pole when he raised it and came in contact with a 7200-volt power line. Klotz was taken to St. Agnes Hospital where he was pronounced dead. A 47-year-old man and his 26-year-old son were also taken to the hospital but were later treated and released. Also on scene were Mt. Calvary EMS, Eden First Responders, Fond du Lac Fire Department Paramedics, Alliant Energy, and Fond du Lac County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Columbus Pool Closes after More than 20 Get Sick from Chlorine

The Columbus Area Aquatic Center was closed yesterday afternoon after more than 20-people became sick due to high-chlorine levels. Authorities were called to the scene just after 1:30 p.m. Columbus officials say a mechanical problem released undiluted chlorine into pool. The chlorine vapor was visible and staff members quickly evacuated the 275 people in the pool. Many of the people affected suffered wheezing and shortness of breath. They were taken to an area outside the aquatic center where they were treated by EMS. All were eventually taken to hospitals for further treatment and none suffered serious injuries. The pool will remain closed until at least tomorrow.

WI and CA Partnering in Stem Cell Research

Wisconsin has signed an agreement with California to help scientists in both states to combine forces on stem cell research. In signing the deal Governor Jim Doyle was joined by two leading UW Madison stem-cell researchers — Dr. Tim Kamp and Dr. James Thomson. Doyle says it’s not a competition in which Wisconsin tries to beat California. Instead, it’s about joining forces to cure people with debilitating diseases. Wisconsin is a leader in stem cell research. UW-Madison scientist James Thomson was the first to derive stem cells from human embryos. California has similar agreements with New York, Maryland, and seven foreign countries. Scientists are working together to find cures for Alzheimer’s, cancer, diabetes, Parkinson’s and other diseases.

Jobless Claims Increase in Wisconsin

When the numbers came out last week, the state of Wisconsin was reporting one of the biggest increases in the number of people making jobless claims. The U.S. Labor Department reports the number of those filing first-time claims jumped by 12 thousand nationwide. Joining Wisconsin at the top of the list were Ohio and Illinois. Another government report showed consumer prices falling sharply in May. That was the biggest decline in nearly a year and a half. Gasoline prices fueled the drop -- they were down five percent.

State Gets Good Ranking for Number of Frivolous Lawsuits

When it comes to the burden imposed by personal injury lawsuits and related litigation, Wisconsin fares well in the latest rankings by the Pacific Research Institute. Lawrence McQuillan is director of business and economic studies. McQuillan says the tort climate is an important factor in the overall business climate of a state. Paul Gagliardi with the trial lawyers group Wisconsin Association for Justice says this state has never been known for frivolous litigation. PRI ranked Wisconsin ninth in the “tort threat.” McQuillan said the state has good caps on non-economic damages in medical malpractice suits, although Gagliardi points out that such punitive damages are not allowed at all in Wisconsin. One note of caution from McQuillan – the legislature has not addressed tort reform in recent years.

H1N1 Victim Lives On

Emily Eaton died a year ago from the H1N1 flu but a charity formed in her honor will help her spirit live on. The IRS has granted the Emily’s Path charity tax exempt status. Dale Eaton, her father, formed the charity with his wife after receiving financial support from relatives, friends and doctors that cared for her. Emily had a form of autism, but instead of being shy and reserved, she was very social. Her father says he wanted to form something that would “continue that spirit with children like her.” Emily’s Path is dedicated to bringing happiness to children who are facing challenges in their lives. Among its donations already made are the purchase of therapeutic toys for a play group of disabled children and paying the summer camp tuition of a child whose father got a job overseas.

Son Who Stabbed Father Expected to Live

A Green Bay man accused of stabbing his father is expected to recover from his own injuries. The 21 year old man allegedly stabbed his dad in the back, then tried to slit his own throat. The incident happened last Wednesday. Police say the two got into a fight in their home on the east side of Green Bay. When police responded to a call, the man with the knife refused to drop his weapon, then cut his own throat. Officers rushed him to the hospital for treatment. He was in the intensive care unit Friday, but is expected to survive.

Manure Digester Approved for Dane County

Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk says the county faces challenges - how to keep the lakes clean while growing the dairy industry and providing a source of good jobs. Falk says the purchase of a manure digester is one of the answers. The county board approved spending 12 million dollars on the project Friday night. Milwaukee-based Clear Horizons will own, operate, and partially finance the digester. The rest of project will be paid for through a federal stimulus program, while the state contributes another 3-point-3 million dollars. Falk says taking the phosphorous out of the manure will keep it out of lakes and rivers. Ground will be broken on the project in a month. Prior to the vote the county extensively studies the manure digester on the Crave Brothers Farm in Waterloo. On the farm the digester is responsible for powering all of their cheese making factories and providing electricity to more than 500-homes around the farm.

False Child Abuse Reports Investigated

Investigators accuse a social worker in Racine of filing false reports of child abuse. Todd O'Brien is accused of filing the reports saying he had visited children who were victims of abuse. When his supervisors followed up, they say they found out that O'Brien had not visited six of the alleged victims. One was reportedly in juvenile lock-up when O'Brien reported he had visited the youth. If convicted, O'Brien could get up to 18 years in prison for making false claims.