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.