Top Stories, August 10

BD Seeks To Save $200K on New PD

8/10/10 - City officials in Beaver Dam hope to save roughly a quarter million dollars by not hiring a general contractor in building a new police station. The Operations Committee last night gave their approval to a plan to hire the company that has been involved in the project since the initial stages. Marty Sell with MSA Professional Services says with a “project manager” the city has the rare opportunity to have the designer oversee construction. Sell says hiring MSA as a project manager in lieu of a general contractor could save the city between $200,000 and $285,000. Mayor Tom Kennedy says having the same set of eyes on the project from beginning to end is the most efficient use of time and resources. Hiring of MSA as the project manager for the police station still requires council approval. Sell says they will go out for bids later this month and bring them to the council for consideration in October. Targeted date for occupancy in the new $5.1 million facility in late summer or early fall of next year.

Milwaukee House Demolition Bid Accepted

8/10/10 - The Operations Committee last night approved a bid for demolition of the Milwaukee House in downtown Beaver Dam. The same committee last month rejected bids for the project after they came in $28,000 over engineering estimates. At $53,850 the bids approved last night in committee are $14,000 higher than estimates. The city had split the project into two bids in hopes of getting a lower cost, but discovered that it would not be possible to have two separate contractors perform the work. The building known commonly as the Milwaukee House has fallen into a state of disrepair and a raze order has been issued. James Stricker owns the property located at the intersection of South Center Street and Ryan Cantafio’s Way and will be assessed the costs for the demolition. Stricker has spent the past five years trying to do something with the property but has run into a number of hurdles. He says he still plans on opening a custard stand one day. The bid, which must still be approved by the common council, says demolition would take place before the end of October.

Hustisford Teachers Union Treasurer Charged

8/10/10 - An educator from the Hustisford School District is accused of stealing from the teachers union. Melissa Klein served as treasurer of the Hustisford Education Association for over three years. She tendered her resignation in March after an audit by the Wisconsin Education Association turned up a shortfall of over $6800. The 40-year-old Hustisford woman allegedly removed the money from the account over a 22-month period and spent it on groceries, insurance and other personal items. Klein faces up to six years in prison, if convicted.

BD Man Charged In County Wide Vehicle, Garage Thefts

8/10/10 - A Beaver Dam man faces charges of Theft, Criminal Damage to Property and felony Burglary in connection with a series of vehicle and garage break-ins. Joseph Westphal is accused of stealing loose change, sunglasses, flashlights, fishing tackle and car stereo equipment from Horicon, Mayville and Beaver Dam in late January and early February. The 18-year-old is also accused of breaking motion sensing lights at two houses. Westphal faces up to 29-and-a-half years in prison if convicted. A signature bond was set at $1000 and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for next month.

Charges Follow OWI With Injury

8/10/10 - A Beaver Dam woman charged with OWI Causing Injury had a signature bond set at $500 yesterday (Mon). Nicole A. Smith is accused of rear-ending a vehicle on May 28th in the Town of Oak Grove. According to the criminal complaint, the 35-year-old was traveling westbound on County Trunk W when she failed to slow down for another vehicle that was turning into a driveway in front of her. While the driver of that vehicle was not transported from the scene, he later sought treatment. Smith sustained cuts and bruises. Authorities say her blood alcohol level was over the legal limit for driving at point one-two-four (.124). A return date is scheduled for next month and a jury trial is on the calendar for October 7. If convicted, Smith could spend up to two year’s in jail.

Boat Launch Collection Box Targeted

8/10/10 - Someone broke into the boat-launch fee collection box at Waterworks Park in Beaver Dam over the weekend. The theft was reported Sunday. Authorities say the lock was broken and the money was taken. Patrol has been beefed-up in the area. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Beaver Dam Police Department or the anonymous We-Tip hotline at 800-78-CRIME.