Top Stories May 16th

Victim In Weekend Fatality Identified

5/16/11 - A Fox Lake man killed in a two-vehicle accident Saturday night jerked suddenly into the oncoming lane of traffic and authorities are trying to figure out why. 21-year-old Joe Haynes was traveling northbound on Highway 33 just after 6pm when he crossed the centerline near Hickory Lane and struck a southbound minivan near the Beaver Dam Country Club. Dodge County Sheriff Todd Nehls says investigators are talking to witnesses behind the van to determine why the car moved so quickly into the oncoming lane but nothing else is being released at this time. The driver of the minivan, 79-year-old Willard Johnson of Beaver Dam, was taken to Beaver Dam Community Hospital. His passenger, 82-year-old Marjorie Spiel of Beaver Dam, was flighted to UW Hospital Madison.

Downtown Beaver Dam Inc Plans ‘River Market’

5/16/11 - A group focused on revitalizing Beaver Dam’s historic downtown is planning an elaborate farmer’s market-type event in the Tower Parking lot. Michael Firchow of the non-profit group “Downtown Beaver Dam Inc.” says the “River Market” will be held on the second Saturday morning of the warmer weather months. He says the group envisions a family-friendly event that goes beyond a typical farmers market to include crafters, artists, food vendors and a live music stage. City officials recently approved the request to use the Tower Parking lot and also agreed to install an electrical outlet at a cost of $500 for the stage and select vendor spaces. Members of Downtown Beaver Dam Inc. will get into more detail when they join us on WBEV’s Community Comment Monday afternoon beginning at 12:35pm.

Ryan Could Decide on Senate Run this Week

5/16/11 - Wisconsin’s best-known U-S House Republican says he’ll decide as early as this week whether to run for the Senate next year. House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan of Janesville told C-N-N’s “State-of-the-Union” show yesterday that his family and supporters have just started considering the idea. Ryan’s decision could determine whether some of the other G-O-P names mentioned will go ahead and run, or step aside. Possible candidates include former Congressman Mark Neumann of Nashotah, and state legislative leaders Scott-and-Jeff Fitzgerald. Wisconsin will have its first open Senate seat in 28 years, after Democrat Herb Kohl announced on Friday that he would not run for re-election in a year-and-a-half. Kohl’s retirement means there are at least eight open seats which could determine when Republicans can take over the Senate from the Democrats. The G-O-P’s only majority is in the House at the moment.

State Average for Gas Below $4

5/16/11 - The average price of a gallon of gas dropped below the $4 mark over the past day. According to WisconsinGasPrices.com, a gallon of unleaded regular in the state is averaging $3.96 this morning, which is down almost 5-cents from yesterday. It’s $3.91 in Beaver Dam, $3.97 in Watertown and $3.99 in Waupun. The national average is $3.93.

Pilot Pulled from Flight

5/16/11 - A pilot could face legal action after he was pulled from a flight to Milwaukee during the weekend for having a blood-alcohol level higher than the F-A-A allows. A security worker at the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport had police test the Air-Tran pilot. He registered at point-oh-five, which is just above the F-A-A’s limit of point-oh-four. The flight to Milwaukee was delayed on Saturday, while another pilot was in. Air-Tran and Twin Cities’ airport officials are investigating.

“Lombardi” Coming to Wisconsin

5/16/11 - The Broadway hit about the Packers’ legendary coach Vince Lombardi will be performed in Milwaukee this fall. “Lombardi” will be presented October 11th-through-November 13th at the Milwaukee Repertory Theater. Playwright Eric Simonson based the play on the 1999 book “When Pride Still Mattered” by David Maraniss. Producers say the play is about a balance between work, family, and personal endeavors. The show is wrapping up on Broadway, where Dan Lauria played Lombardi. In Milwaukee, the coach will be played by Repertory veteran Lee Ernst.

BDACT Holding Auditions Tonight For Summer Musical

5/16/11 - The Beaver Dam Area Community Theater is holding auditions Monday and Tuesday night for their summer musical “Thoroughly Modern Millie.” Director Kim Orr is looking to cast a variety of parts for men and women age as young as 16 who are experienced singers and dancers. But she says not all the parts call for singing and dancing and back stage help is needed as well for set building, painting, costumes, props, make-up, lights and sound. The auditions are being held in the community theater building for the next two nights from 6:30pm to 9pm. The shows begin July 29.

Kennedy Hears Concerns At Senior Center on Thursday

5/16/11 - Beaver Dam Mayor Tom Kennedy hosts listening sessions at the Beaver Dam Senior Center every third Thursday of the month. Kennedy says the sessions allow him to listen to comments and concerns and address issues of importance to older adults. He will be at the Senior Center from 10am to 11am this Thursday. Kennedy also has listening sessions scheduled for Tuesday at the municipal building, Room 109 on the first floor of City Hall from 10am until noon and again from 5pm to 6pm. Kennedy also makes himself available for private meetings by appointment by contacting the mayor office.