Forbes Gets Bond Reduction
6/7/09 - Accused murdered Curtis Forbes had his bond reduced during a motion hearing on Friday. The Randolph man is accused of killing 18-year-old Marilyn McIntyre at her Columbus residence on March 11, 1980. The 51-year-old Forbes had his bond reduced from $750,000 to $450,000 though his attorneys indicated that he would still be unable to pay it. Columbia County Circuit Court Judge Alan White did not explain the reason for the change but did say that a high bond is necessary for a defendant facing life in prison because they are a flight risk. McIntyre was discovered by her husband after he returned home from work; their three-month old son was asleep at the time. She was beaten, stabbed and strangled. Forbes, who was a close personal friend of the victim’s husband, was initially a person of interest but he fled the state shortly after the murder. The case had gone cold for several years but was reopened in late 2007 at the request of the family. According to the criminal complaint, Forbes was overheard in 2002 saying he took a friend’s wife home from a bar, and she didn’t breathe any more after that night. Authorities used D-N-A to link Forbes to the crime. A preliminary hearing is slated for mid-July.
Trailer Park Offices Burglarized
6/7/09 - Authorities are investigating a burglary at the North Hills Trailer Court offices on Kellom Road in the Town of Beaver Dam. According to Dodge County Sheriffs Department records, the break-in was reported yesterday morning and occurred during the overnight hours. Over $10,000 in cash and checks were taken. There was forced entry to the offices. Anyone with information should contact the Dodge County Sheriffs Department or the anonymous We-Tip hotline at 800-78-CRIME.
Buchholz Brothers Bound Over
6/7/09 - Probable cause was found to bind two brothers over for trial on charges that they mistreated animals on their farm. Authorities say they found an “appalling” and “abusive situation” at their seven acre property in Lomira. 40-year-old Harvey Buchholz and 35-year-old Heath Buchholz are each charged with four felony counts of Mistreatment of Animals Causing Death. The mistreated animals include dairy cows, calves, steer and sheep, all reportedly sick – bellowing with hunger -- with inadequate food, water and bedding. According to the criminal complaint, there were dead animal carcasses strewn all over the barnyard. The remaining animals were covered in mange, with open sores and visible bones and ribs. A veterinarian brought in to assess the conditions said he was “appalled by the total lack of husbandry… and disregard for the welfare of the animals.” The brothers were given several weeks to address the situation this January. They denied that financial troubles lead to the conditions. They now each face up to 14 years in prison, if convicted. The Buchholz brothers have an arraignment hearing scheduled for June 24.
Student Bound Over for BDHS Bomb Scare
6/7/09 - A Beaver Dam High School student accused of sparking a bomb threat, waived his right to a preliminary hearing in Dodge County court. Colton C. Haase faces over three years in prison if convicted on the felony Bomb Scare charge. The 18-year-old is accused of using a yellow marker to scribble “there’s a bomb tomorrow” in a school hallway that leads to a staff parking lot in January. Arraignment is scheduled for July 1.
Gas To Break $3
6/7/09 - Triple-A Wisconsin now predicts the cost of a gallon of gas in the state could top three dollars soon. The average price is $2.77 a gallon now. Last spring Triple-A predicted a peak price of $2.75 a gallon, but the organization has adjusted that. It says the world supply and the improving American economy have changed things. More people are driving and the summer travel season is just starting. That means even more demand for gas. The price of regular unleaded in Beaver Dam, Watertown, Johnson Creek and Mayville is at $2.79. Fond du Lac and Ripon are at $2.84. Oshkosh is at $2.89. The cheapest gas in Wisconsin is in Superior at $2.67 a gallon. Eagle River is paying the most at $3.03. Gas was over 50 cents cheaper last month at this time, but last year at this time it was nearly $4 a gallon.
Kleinhans Remembered
6/7/09 - Tina Kleinhans says her 9-year-old daughter played at the park in the village of St. Nazianz nearly every day. She says it's an ideal place for the memorial for Savannah. She died there last February when her father drove his truck through the ice on Lake Winnebago. Dan Kleinhans died in the accident, too. The lone survivor, Tiffany Dombrowski, spent five weeks in the hospital recovering. The memorial bench honoring Savannah includes a poem written by her fourth grade teacher. Officials at St. Gregory's School say a scholarship has been set up in Savannah's name.
Fundraising During Budget Talks Criticized
6/7/09 - Critics say holding fundraisers while lawmakers are still working on the budget makes it look like you can buy special consideration. Even though Assembly leaders passed a rule banning the practice last winter, Democrats are still planning an event to raise money a week from tomorrow. The thousand-dollar-a-person golf outing at the Wilderness Resort in Wisconsin Dells comes just days after the two-year spending plan has been worked out. It won't go to the Wisconsin Senate until later this month. The group Common Cause in Wisconsin has some harsh criticism for the violation of the rule just four months after it was put in place. Leader Jay Heck says that's why people feel cynical about politicians.
Pregnant Bussing Plan Under Fire
6/7/09 - There's opposition to a plan to help pregnant Wisconsin girls get to school. Current state law says school districts only have to provide taxpayer-funded transportation when a student lives more than two miles from school. A provision in the state budget provides an exception for girls who are pregnant and live less than two miles from their education destination. Republican Representative Steve Nass isn't happy about the proposal, saying there is no reason for the change and it makes no sense whatsoever. Nass says it's like the state is rewarding pregnant girls with a ride to school for sexual indiscretions. Some Democrats are also raising questions about the budget item.
I-94 Interchange Moves Forward
6/7/09 - A road project in Racine County will be completed three years sooner with the help of some federal stimulus funding. Ground was broken at the Interstate 94 interchange with County Highway "G" in the town of Raymond last Friday. Governor Jim Doyle and a federal transportation official say 529 million dollars in stimulus funding will help pay for nearly two billion dollars in Wisconsin highway construction work. The governor says that could mean an estimated 23 hundred jobs for the state. It will cost about 20 million dollars to replace the bridge over the interstate, while rebuilding the entrance and exit ramps.
Wisconsin Mountain Climber To Be Honored
6/7/09 - Bayfield honors one of its most tenacious residents with a parade, a potluck party and music Tuesday night. Lori Schneider is a mountain climber. She reached the summit of Mount Everest May 23 -- and has now climbed the tallest peak in each of the seven continents. What makes the accomplishment even more impressive is the fact the 52 year old retired school teacher has multiple sclerosis. Bayfield Mayor Larry MacDonald says Schneider is inspiring to everyone who hears about her accomplishments. Friends and neighbors at Tuesday's event will also see pictures taken from the summit of the world's highest mountain.
Recount Underway in Edgerton Building Referendum
6/7/09 - A recount of votes in Edgerton could be completed today after a formal challenge. Voters approved a plan to spend more than a million dollars on a new city hall last week. The approval came by a narrow 17-vote margin. The current city hall building was constructed in the early 1900s and has been used as city hall for more than 50 years. A city ordinance requires voter approval of any spending plan costing more than seven percent of the operating budget in Edgerton. The 1-point-2 million dollar construction project is expected to take about two years to complete.
Students Punished Following Food Fight
6/7/09 - Nearly 40 students at Marinette Middle School wound up with egg on their faces -- or, at least, some kind of food. The students were shut out of the school's recognition ceremony Friday after a big food fight the day before. Middle school officials say the cafeteria was trashed, with trays, food and other stuff spread around. Quick response by teachers is credited with calming the situation and making it unnecessary to call police. The punishment? The kids involved had to clean up the mess and, even worse, call their parents and tell them what happened. About 150 students were in the cafeteria when the food fight started.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Top Stories, June 6th
Columbus PD To Relocate
6/6/09 - The Columbus Police Department will soon have a new home. The City Council this week approved the purchase of the Strohschein and Green law offices on South Ludington Street to house not only the police department, but also the Eastern Columbia County Joint Municipal Court and the Columbia County Probation and Parole Departments. The city will pay $270,000 for the nearly 6000 square-foot building, which also includes a four-car garage. In a press release, Mayor Bob Link said the building was a “very reasonable, long-term solution for the city’s space needs” adding it is “perfectly suited for the police department and is a relatively inexpensive burden for the taxpayer.” Al Strohschein says the law practice must vacate the building by mid-September so that the city can complete its renovation by the first of the year. The city plans to add an elevator and a video surveillance system. The office of the Director of Economic Development and Energy Sustainability will move to the former Anchor Bank Building just south of city hall. That building will be called the Columbus Collaborative Center and will also include office space for the recreation department as well as a city business center. That move is also expected by September.
BD To Consider Two YMCA Property Options
6/6/09 - The YMCA Board of Trustees has countered the city of Beaver Dam’s offer to purchase the former Y property. On Monday, the common council voted 9 to 3 to allow the city to make a $75,000 offer-to-purchase the Park Avenue property that was once listed at just under a half million dollars. On Thursday, the city attorney received a counter-offer with a second option. In addition to the $75,000 cash offer, the city also has the option to trade for two-acres of city-owned land that is adjacent to the new YMCA. The offers are being drafted into separate resolutions that will be considered during a special meeting of the common council Monday evening.
No Shots Fired in Stand-Off
6/6/09 - The sounds coming from Thursday night’s standoff in Fox Lake led many to believe a shootout was taking place between police and 50-year-old Richard Shurpit, who had barricaded himself inside his home with a loaded gun. However, Acting Fox Lake Police Chief Randy Martin says that wasn’t the case as the gunshot noises were actually police shooting more than 80 canisters of tear gas into the home. Shurpit never fired his weapon. The seven-hour standoff began when a Fox Lake police officer attempted to serve a warrant on Shurpit. That’s when authorities say Shurpit attempted to hit the officer with a lawn mower and also pointed a rifle at him before retreating into the home. Martin says the tense situation came to a less than dramatic ending around 12:45am yesterday. Shurpit saw officers clearing some broken glass on his property and went outside without his weapon to argue. The SWAT team then pounced and took Shurpit into custody. No one was seriously hurt in the incident. Martin says Shurpit can expect to face a number of felony charges related to the incident.
Sutter Sentenced on Drug Charges
6/6/09 - A Horicon woman will spend four and a half years in prison for dealing drugs. Angela Sutter was arrested in December after authorities executed a search warrant at her residence and recovered 11 grams of heroin, 37 grams of cocaine and over 200 grams of marijuana. Numerous scales, needles, pipes and other paraphernalia were also located. The 42-year-old Sutter was also sentenced to 14 and a half years of extended supervision. At sentencing, Judge Bissonnette Agreed with Assistant District Attorney Kurt F. Klomberg that it was rare to find a person dealing so many different drugs and also rare to find heroin in Dodge County. The Judge further noted that this type of offense needs to be punished to deter other people from selling these destructive drugs, which fuels additional criminal behavior.
BD Man Bound Over in Teen Pregnancy
6/6/09 - A Beaver Dam man, accused of getting a 14-year-old girl pregnant, has been bound over for trial. 22-year-old Cristobel Ordonez is charged with Second Degree Sexual Assault of a Child in connection with a two-year relationship he had with the girl. Ordonez faces 40 years in prison. Arraignment is scheduled for June 16.
Garage Burglaries in BD
6/6/09 - Two garages in Beaver Dam have been broken into in the past couple days. The Beaver Dam Police Department is investigating one break-in on the 300 block of Mary Street. The subject gained access Thursday to both a locked garage and vehicle and made off with over $1500 in items. On Wednesday evening, officers responded to a residence on the 1200 block of Lake Shore Drive just before midnight. In that case, the homeowner left his garage door open and caught someone rifling through his car. The subject fled on foot, got into a vehicle and fled in an unknown direction. There was no description. Authorities are urging the public to lock their doors. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Beaver Dam Police Department or the anonymous We-Tip hotline at 800-78-CRIME.
Tornado Season Off To A Slow Start
6/6/09 - The tornado season in Wisconsin is off to a slow start, but it may not stay that way. Jonathan Martin, Chair of the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences at UW Madison calls the atmosphere "a mystery" and he doubts there is any way to predict the activity we’ll see in a tornado season. Martin say forecasting regular weather is only possible about 10 days out. Another difficulty is the nature of twisters which are spontaneous when they appear. Cooler Wisconsin temperatures may have curbed severe storms so far. Martin says the state's peak tornado season threat is late June to mid August.
Diesel Prices Running Lower Than Unleaded
6/6/09 - While most of us are starting to feel the pain at the pump again, truck drivers and other diesel unions are actually seeing some relief. Diesel prices are running about 30 cents a gallon less than regular gas. Last year diesel average a dollar-40 a gallon more than regular unleaded. Tom Howells of the Wisconsin Motor Carriers Association says it's taking some of the burden off truck drivers He says many are already struggling to keep up with lower levels of freight that need to be hauled right now. The statewide average for diesel is around two dollars, 42 cents a gallon.
Unemployment Figures Still High
6/6/09 - Unemployment is still high, but more people are finding jobs both in Wisconsin and throughout the country. U-S employers cut about 345-thousand jobs last month – almost half the number of job reductions from April. Still, the nation’s seasonally-adjusted jobless rate rose by one-half percent to nine-point-four. That’s highest since August of 1983. Here in Wisconsin, unemployment dropped slightly in April to eight-point-six percent. The statewide figures for May won’t come out until June 18th. Mark Immekus of the Q-P-S job placement firm in Brookfield says he’s never seen unemployment as broad and deep in the 25 years he’s been in his profession. But his firm has been placing more workers over the last month – and he says things are starting to pick up.
Traffic Deaths Lower
6/6/09 - Wisconsin traffic deaths in May were the second-lowest for the month since World War Two. Forty-eight people died in state crashes last month – one more than the record low for May of 47 set last year. But not all the news is good. Motorcycle deaths are up sharply this year. Transportation officials said 28 bikers have been killed in the Badger State from January through May. That’s almost double the 15 motorcycle deaths from last year at this time. Dennis Hughes, the D-O-T’s chief of safety, urged car-and-truck drivers to watch more carefully for motorcyclists as the weather gets better – because more bikes will surely be out on the road.
6/6/09 - The Columbus Police Department will soon have a new home. The City Council this week approved the purchase of the Strohschein and Green law offices on South Ludington Street to house not only the police department, but also the Eastern Columbia County Joint Municipal Court and the Columbia County Probation and Parole Departments. The city will pay $270,000 for the nearly 6000 square-foot building, which also includes a four-car garage. In a press release, Mayor Bob Link said the building was a “very reasonable, long-term solution for the city’s space needs” adding it is “perfectly suited for the police department and is a relatively inexpensive burden for the taxpayer.” Al Strohschein says the law practice must vacate the building by mid-September so that the city can complete its renovation by the first of the year. The city plans to add an elevator and a video surveillance system. The office of the Director of Economic Development and Energy Sustainability will move to the former Anchor Bank Building just south of city hall. That building will be called the Columbus Collaborative Center and will also include office space for the recreation department as well as a city business center. That move is also expected by September.
BD To Consider Two YMCA Property Options
6/6/09 - The YMCA Board of Trustees has countered the city of Beaver Dam’s offer to purchase the former Y property. On Monday, the common council voted 9 to 3 to allow the city to make a $75,000 offer-to-purchase the Park Avenue property that was once listed at just under a half million dollars. On Thursday, the city attorney received a counter-offer with a second option. In addition to the $75,000 cash offer, the city also has the option to trade for two-acres of city-owned land that is adjacent to the new YMCA. The offers are being drafted into separate resolutions that will be considered during a special meeting of the common council Monday evening.
No Shots Fired in Stand-Off
6/6/09 - The sounds coming from Thursday night’s standoff in Fox Lake led many to believe a shootout was taking place between police and 50-year-old Richard Shurpit, who had barricaded himself inside his home with a loaded gun. However, Acting Fox Lake Police Chief Randy Martin says that wasn’t the case as the gunshot noises were actually police shooting more than 80 canisters of tear gas into the home. Shurpit never fired his weapon. The seven-hour standoff began when a Fox Lake police officer attempted to serve a warrant on Shurpit. That’s when authorities say Shurpit attempted to hit the officer with a lawn mower and also pointed a rifle at him before retreating into the home. Martin says the tense situation came to a less than dramatic ending around 12:45am yesterday. Shurpit saw officers clearing some broken glass on his property and went outside without his weapon to argue. The SWAT team then pounced and took Shurpit into custody. No one was seriously hurt in the incident. Martin says Shurpit can expect to face a number of felony charges related to the incident.
Sutter Sentenced on Drug Charges
6/6/09 - A Horicon woman will spend four and a half years in prison for dealing drugs. Angela Sutter was arrested in December after authorities executed a search warrant at her residence and recovered 11 grams of heroin, 37 grams of cocaine and over 200 grams of marijuana. Numerous scales, needles, pipes and other paraphernalia were also located. The 42-year-old Sutter was also sentenced to 14 and a half years of extended supervision. At sentencing, Judge Bissonnette Agreed with Assistant District Attorney Kurt F. Klomberg that it was rare to find a person dealing so many different drugs and also rare to find heroin in Dodge County. The Judge further noted that this type of offense needs to be punished to deter other people from selling these destructive drugs, which fuels additional criminal behavior.
BD Man Bound Over in Teen Pregnancy
6/6/09 - A Beaver Dam man, accused of getting a 14-year-old girl pregnant, has been bound over for trial. 22-year-old Cristobel Ordonez is charged with Second Degree Sexual Assault of a Child in connection with a two-year relationship he had with the girl. Ordonez faces 40 years in prison. Arraignment is scheduled for June 16.
Garage Burglaries in BD
6/6/09 - Two garages in Beaver Dam have been broken into in the past couple days. The Beaver Dam Police Department is investigating one break-in on the 300 block of Mary Street. The subject gained access Thursday to both a locked garage and vehicle and made off with over $1500 in items. On Wednesday evening, officers responded to a residence on the 1200 block of Lake Shore Drive just before midnight. In that case, the homeowner left his garage door open and caught someone rifling through his car. The subject fled on foot, got into a vehicle and fled in an unknown direction. There was no description. Authorities are urging the public to lock their doors. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Beaver Dam Police Department or the anonymous We-Tip hotline at 800-78-CRIME.
Tornado Season Off To A Slow Start
6/6/09 - The tornado season in Wisconsin is off to a slow start, but it may not stay that way. Jonathan Martin, Chair of the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences at UW Madison calls the atmosphere "a mystery" and he doubts there is any way to predict the activity we’ll see in a tornado season. Martin say forecasting regular weather is only possible about 10 days out. Another difficulty is the nature of twisters which are spontaneous when they appear. Cooler Wisconsin temperatures may have curbed severe storms so far. Martin says the state's peak tornado season threat is late June to mid August.
Diesel Prices Running Lower Than Unleaded
6/6/09 - While most of us are starting to feel the pain at the pump again, truck drivers and other diesel unions are actually seeing some relief. Diesel prices are running about 30 cents a gallon less than regular gas. Last year diesel average a dollar-40 a gallon more than regular unleaded. Tom Howells of the Wisconsin Motor Carriers Association says it's taking some of the burden off truck drivers He says many are already struggling to keep up with lower levels of freight that need to be hauled right now. The statewide average for diesel is around two dollars, 42 cents a gallon.
Unemployment Figures Still High
6/6/09 - Unemployment is still high, but more people are finding jobs both in Wisconsin and throughout the country. U-S employers cut about 345-thousand jobs last month – almost half the number of job reductions from April. Still, the nation’s seasonally-adjusted jobless rate rose by one-half percent to nine-point-four. That’s highest since August of 1983. Here in Wisconsin, unemployment dropped slightly in April to eight-point-six percent. The statewide figures for May won’t come out until June 18th. Mark Immekus of the Q-P-S job placement firm in Brookfield says he’s never seen unemployment as broad and deep in the 25 years he’s been in his profession. But his firm has been placing more workers over the last month – and he says things are starting to pick up.
Traffic Deaths Lower
6/6/09 - Wisconsin traffic deaths in May were the second-lowest for the month since World War Two. Forty-eight people died in state crashes last month – one more than the record low for May of 47 set last year. But not all the news is good. Motorcycle deaths are up sharply this year. Transportation officials said 28 bikers have been killed in the Badger State from January through May. That’s almost double the 15 motorcycle deaths from last year at this time. Dennis Hughes, the D-O-T’s chief of safety, urged car-and-truck drivers to watch more carefully for motorcyclists as the weather gets better – because more bikes will surely be out on the road.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Top Stories June 5th
Standoff in Fox Lake Ends Peacefully
6/5/09 - A standoff between authorities and a lone gunman at a residence in Fox Lake ended peacefully early this morning. Dodge County’s Director of Communications Pat Ninmann says the incident began just before six pm at a home on 103 West State Street last night. A Fox Lake officer was attempting to serve a Washington County warrant on 50-year-old Richard Shurpit (left) when things became physical. Ninmann says Shurpit attempted to hit the officer with a lawn mower and, at one point, had pointed a rifle at him as well before retreating into the home. During the struggle the officer was also attacked by the subject’s girlfriend. She was treated for minor injuries and taken to jail. The Dodge County and Green Lake County SWAT Teams were both called in and after lengthy negotiations and dozens of rounds of gas shot into the home Shurpit was taken into custody around 1 a.m. Ninmann says a vast perimeter was set up and area homes were evacuated during the incident. State Highway 33 was also detoured during the event.
6/5/09 - A standoff between authorities and a lone gunman at a residence in Fox Lake ended peacefully early this morning. Dodge County’s Director of Communications Pat Ninmann says the incident began just before six pm at a home on 103 West State Street last night. A Fox Lake officer was attempting to serve a Washington County warrant on 50-year-old Richard Shurpit (left) when things became physical. Ninmann says Shurpit attempted to hit the officer with a lawn mower and, at one point, had pointed a rifle at him as well before retreating into the home. During the struggle the officer was also attacked by the subject’s girlfriend. She was treated for minor injuries and taken to jail. The Dodge County and Green Lake County SWAT Teams were both called in and after lengthy negotiations and dozens of rounds of gas shot into the home Shurpit was taken into custody around 1 a.m. Ninmann says a vast perimeter was set up and area homes were evacuated during the incident. State Highway 33 was also detoured during the event.Five Down, Five To Go
6/5/09 - Demolition of ten buildings in downtown Beaver Dam has reached the half-way point as the final building on the 100 block of Front Street was razed Thursday. Crews also continue to dismantle the Celestial Building on the 200 block by hand. The roof was removed in small sections earlier this week. Guide wires are being used to hold the walls of the structure together. The concern being that if one wall were to fall, it would produce a domino effect that would damage the common walls between Expedition Supply and the Fountain Inn Tavern. As the rubble is removed on the 100 block of Front Street the focus will turn to the 200 block, where the final five buildings will be demolished.
Highway Employee Killed at Construction Site in Dane County
Highway Employee Killed at Construction Site in Dane County
6/5/09 - A Dane County highway employee was killed yesterday while doing maintenance work on the Highway 151 expressway near Sun Prairie. The victim was 61-year-old James Porter of Monona, who spent almost 20 years with the highway department. Sheriff’s officials said a pick-up truck was going north about 2:30 in the afternoon when it rear-ended a county highway truck and hit Porter, who had just left his vehicle. The pick-up driver was taken to U-W Hospital in Madison with non-life-threatening injuries. Sheriff’s spokesman Elise Schaeffer said the driver did not obey signs which told vehicles to move to the right lane of the expressway because of the maintenance work. She said the driver was apparently not paying attention. A state law requires drivers to move over to avoid highway personnel and police officers who are stopped on the roads. And in this case, Schaeffer said the driver didn’t do that. The incident remains under investigation.
Wisconsin Records First H1N1 Virus Death
6/5/09 - State health officer Seth Foldy says the death-and-illness rates from the current swine flu outbreak are not all that different from other strains each winter. But what’s unusual is that the H-1-N-1 virus is spreading much later in the year than the others. Wisconsin reported its first death from Influenza-“A” yesterday – and the nation has had at least 17 others. The state’s victim was an adult from Milwaukee who had a common underlying medical condition which made the flu deadly. They would not describe the person beyond that. Wisconsin has almost 21-hundred confirmed cases of swine flu – about one-fifth of the nation’s total.
YMCA and BD Negotiate on Property Purchase
6/5/09 - The YMCA Board of Trustees has entered into negotiations with the city of Beaver Dam regarding the sale of the old Y property. Board President Bev Beal-Loeck tells us that the board Wednesday approved plans to have attorneys on both sides discuss the offer. She also says the door has been left open to continue negotiations with the other two parties that are interested in the property. On Monday, the common council voted 9 to 3 to allow the city to make an offer-to-purchase the Park Avenue parcel. The price tag dropped late last month from $395,000 to $75,000. It was originally listed at just under a half million dollars. Mayor Tom Kennedy says for the price, the property would be of great value to the city for a number of reasons, from city administrative offices to the Senior Center, or possibly even a police station. Opponents questioned why the city would purchase a building without a specific objective while supporters said cited the need for additional space and said the “opportunity was the objective.” The council motion called for a $75,000 offer contingent on inspection and testing, and final approval by the common council of the purchase price and deed restrictions.
Organic Materials Leak At Didion
6/5/09 - Officials with Didion Ethanol are cleaning-up today after several thousand gallons of organic materials leaked into the wetlands surrounding their facility. Didion Vice President Dale Drachenberg says 30 to 40 thousand gallons of corn, yeast, enzymes and water leaked out of a fermentation tank Thursday morning between 5am and 7am. The company contacted the DNR and also brought in Northern Environmental of Waupun for clean-up. Drachenberg says it was not a chemical spill and there are no health concerns related to the leak. The leak started after a safety inspection because someone either didn’t close the door to a fermenter, or didn’t close it all the way. Plant operations resumed soon after the discovery was made and Drachenberg says the clean-up process will be evaluated later today.
Dead Murder Suspects Cellmate Bound Over For Assisted Suicide
6/5/09 - The cellmate of convicted killer Adam Peterson, who is accused of assisting in his suicide, was bound over for trial during a preliminary hearing Wednesday in Dodge County court. Joshua Walters was Peterson’s cellmate when the 20-year-old was found hanging from a bunk bed at the Dodge Correctional Institution on January 10. The Dodge County Sheriff’s Department led the investigation and says another inmate at the prison told them Walters admitted to having the suicide “all planned out” with Peterson. The inmate says Walters told him he tied the noose, pulled Peterson’s legs to the ground, and moved the chair when he started making too much noise. However, Walters maintains he was asleep during the suicide and woke up to see Peterson hanging from the bunk at which point he called officers to the cell. Peterson was convicted of killing Joel Marino in Madison last year and had previously attempted suicide at the Dane County jail. Investigators did find a suicide note on Peterson. If convicted of the assisting charge, Walters could have as much as 10-years added to his current sentence. Arraignment is scheduled for August 4.
Citations Issued in Food Fight
6/5/09 - Some parents in Portage are steamed that police gave their teens citations for getting into a food fight at school. A senior and four sophomores were hauled away in handcuffs on Tuesday, after taco salad and yogurt were tossed around in the cafeteria. 16-year-old Dylan Mitchell told the Portage Daily Register he brought 20 cans of yogurt to the cafeteria to get the fight started. He said he doesn’t regret it – and it was quote, “pretty sweet” that the other students gave those arrested a standing ovation as they were escorted away. Mitchell’s mother Wendy said the school over-reacted by calling police. But principal Karin Exo said the cafeteria was chaotic – and she has no regrets getting the police involved. The mother of senior Ryan Hayes said there was no need to hand out 172-dollar citations. The students might also have to pay a clean-up bill if there any damages. Hayes was kept out of yesterday’s classes and today’s graduation rehearsal – but he will be able to graduate with his class tomorrow. School officials said the food fight lasted about 30 seconds, and students scrambled to get away from the mess. But police lieutenant Mark Hahn said some kids were upset to get food splattered on them – and officers had to remove the students to settle things down.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Top Stories June 4th
The Dismantling of Celestial6/4/09 - The roof and most of the top floor of the Celestial Building in downtown Beaver Dam has been removed as demolition crews continue to dismantle the structure by hand. Officials say deliberate action is needed because Celestial shares common walls with two structures that are not being demolished. That includes the Fountain Inn Tavern. Its owner Jay Hoeft did not participate in the municipal buy-out and he may face demolition orders from the DNR because his century-old building was constructed over the Beaver Dam River which violates modern state statutes. Demolition work is wrapping up on the 100 block of Front Street where one building remains. The focus will then be on the 200 block, where five buildings will be razed.
DNR Seeks Comments on BD Sewer Project
6/4/09 - The state DNR is accepting public comments on improvements to the Beaver Dam Wastewater Treatment Facility. The plant has exceeded its intended 20-year design life and sewage flows currently surpass the plant’s design capacity. The proposed project will include capacity upgrade of the influent wastewater pumping station, aeration treatment system, and waste sludge digestion system along with minor improvements to existing equipment. The treated effluent will continue to be discharged to the Beaver Dam River through the existing outfall structure at the site. In addition, a new pretreatment system will be installed at the treatment facility to treat the industrial wastewater from the Kraft Foods before sending to the upgraded treatment facility. The waste gas produced from the pretreatment system will be used to generate electricity for operation of the upgraded treatment facility. The estimated construction cost for the proposed project is $18.6 million with an annual operation and maintenance cost of $1.9 million. Residential utility customers will see a average increase of $1.70 from the current $12.30 per month. The city is applying for a low interest loan through the Clean Water Fund. DNR officials say this type of action normally does not have significant environmental effects, but they are asking for public comments before proceeding with approval or denial of the proposal.
DNR Seeks Comments on BD Sewer Project
6/4/09 - The state DNR is accepting public comments on improvements to the Beaver Dam Wastewater Treatment Facility. The plant has exceeded its intended 20-year design life and sewage flows currently surpass the plant’s design capacity. The proposed project will include capacity upgrade of the influent wastewater pumping station, aeration treatment system, and waste sludge digestion system along with minor improvements to existing equipment. The treated effluent will continue to be discharged to the Beaver Dam River through the existing outfall structure at the site. In addition, a new pretreatment system will be installed at the treatment facility to treat the industrial wastewater from the Kraft Foods before sending to the upgraded treatment facility. The waste gas produced from the pretreatment system will be used to generate electricity for operation of the upgraded treatment facility. The estimated construction cost for the proposed project is $18.6 million with an annual operation and maintenance cost of $1.9 million. Residential utility customers will see a average increase of $1.70 from the current $12.30 per month. The city is applying for a low interest loan through the Clean Water Fund. DNR officials say this type of action normally does not have significant environmental effects, but they are asking for public comments before proceeding with approval or denial of the proposal.
Interested parties are asked to provide written or oral comments to Steve Smith, Bureau of Watershed Management, Department of Natural Resources, P.O. Box 7921, Madison, Wisconsin 53707, email at Stephen.smith@wisconsin.gov or call 608-266-7580 by June 18, 2009.
Public Comments Sought on Horicon Sewer Pumping Station
6/4/09 - The DNR is seeking public comments on sewage pumping station improvements in Horicon. The city is proposing to reconstruct the sanitary sewer located in Maple Street, between Vine and Clark Streets. In addition, an existing pumping station at the intersection of Rose and Rice Streets will be relocated and replaced. New sewer lines will also be constructed in Rose and Gray Streets. The new pumping station will discharge through a sewer line extending south along Finch Street, and ending at an existing sewer just north of Jassen Street. The projects will replace an aging sewer line and redirect sewage flow from an area that is currently a ‘bottleneck,’ eliminating the potential for sanitary sewer overflows during wet weather. The pumping station discharge will cross a wetland area, but officials say no adverse impacts to the wetland are anticipated. The projects have an estimated cost of $756,000. If Clean Water Fund loans are approved, residential user rates would increase by approximately 8 percent. DNR officials say this type of action normally does not involve significant adverse environmental effects, but they are soliciting public comments on the proposal.
For more information, contact Tom Gilbert, wastewater facility planning coordinator, at (608) 267-7628. People have until 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 18, 2009, to submit written or oral public comments on the project. Send comments to Mr. Gilbert at 101 S. Webster Street, Madison, WI 53702 or tom.gilbert@wisconsin.gov. Based on the comments received, the DNR may prepare an environmental analysis before proceeding with approval or denial of the proposal. The analysis would summarize the DNR’s consideration of the impacts of the proposal and reasonable alternatives.
Columbus Considers Smart Meters
6/4/09 - The City of Columbus is looking to save money on energy costs by being better able to measure how much electricity is being used. Steve Sobiek, Director of Economic Development and Energy Sustainability recently announced the City’s plan to go before the Public Service Commission to request that Columbus be the first City in the state to have a “smart meter / smart grid” pilot program. Sobiek said “smart meter” technology is available to measure and analyze electricity usage every 50 minutes during the day. The meters can provide a more accurate way to find out how much energy is being used in day-to-day home living and worksite activities. Electrical engineers are actually developing “meters” that can automatically turn appliances such as air conditioners on and off at designated times.
Public Comments Sought on Horicon Sewer Pumping Station
6/4/09 - The DNR is seeking public comments on sewage pumping station improvements in Horicon. The city is proposing to reconstruct the sanitary sewer located in Maple Street, between Vine and Clark Streets. In addition, an existing pumping station at the intersection of Rose and Rice Streets will be relocated and replaced. New sewer lines will also be constructed in Rose and Gray Streets. The new pumping station will discharge through a sewer line extending south along Finch Street, and ending at an existing sewer just north of Jassen Street. The projects will replace an aging sewer line and redirect sewage flow from an area that is currently a ‘bottleneck,’ eliminating the potential for sanitary sewer overflows during wet weather. The pumping station discharge will cross a wetland area, but officials say no adverse impacts to the wetland are anticipated. The projects have an estimated cost of $756,000. If Clean Water Fund loans are approved, residential user rates would increase by approximately 8 percent. DNR officials say this type of action normally does not involve significant adverse environmental effects, but they are soliciting public comments on the proposal.
For more information, contact Tom Gilbert, wastewater facility planning coordinator, at (608) 267-7628. People have until 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 18, 2009, to submit written or oral public comments on the project. Send comments to Mr. Gilbert at 101 S. Webster Street, Madison, WI 53702 or tom.gilbert@wisconsin.gov. Based on the comments received, the DNR may prepare an environmental analysis before proceeding with approval or denial of the proposal. The analysis would summarize the DNR’s consideration of the impacts of the proposal and reasonable alternatives.
Columbus Considers Smart Meters
6/4/09 - The City of Columbus is looking to save money on energy costs by being better able to measure how much electricity is being used. Steve Sobiek, Director of Economic Development and Energy Sustainability recently announced the City’s plan to go before the Public Service Commission to request that Columbus be the first City in the state to have a “smart meter / smart grid” pilot program. Sobiek said “smart meter” technology is available to measure and analyze electricity usage every 50 minutes during the day. The meters can provide a more accurate way to find out how much energy is being used in day-to-day home living and worksite activities. Electrical engineers are actually developing “meters” that can automatically turn appliances such as air conditioners on and off at designated times.
Dodge Farm Tech Nearing
6/4/09 - There is only about a month and half left before Dodge County hosts Wisconsin’s Farm Technology Days. Around 70 media members got a first hand look yesterday at what will be offered at the event scheduled to run July 21st through 23rd. Executive Committee Chairman Dave Frohling says everything is falling into place as nearly ever vendor booth has been snapped up. Not everything has gone smoothly as a lack of cell towers and internet availability at the rural farm has required some extra work to overcome. Chuck Crave, one of four brothers that owns and operates the facility, says it’s pretty simple to determine what would make the event a success in his mind, attendance. More than 70,000 people are expected at the three day event. For more information you can visit dodgefarmtech.com.
CARE Finishes Petition Circulation
6/4/09 - A Fox Lake-area citizens group has finished circulating its petition to detach from the Waupun School District and join the Randolph district instead. The Chairperson for CARE, Kim Derleth, says they started going door to door in the town and city of Fox Lake two weeks ago and finished the project earlier this week. Derleth says for the most part the response was positive. The petition came in response to the Waupun School District closing three elementary schools, including Fox Lake. The group needed signatures from a majority of those eligible to vote in the city and town. Derleth says they will go over to the signatures today and check them against addresses. If the group is allowed to detach, it would not be until the 2010-2011 schools year. The school boards for Waupun and Randolph both need to approve the detachment. Derleth says if a resident in the city or town did not get to sign the petition they can still do so at Sam’s Gas Station in Fox Lake until next Monday.
FDL Woman Charged for Stealing Drugs from Patient
6/4/09 - A 23-year-old Fond du Lac woman who allegedly stole drugs from an Alzheimer's patient has been charged in Dodge County Court. April Lindvall allegedly took 28 methadone pills from a patient while she was working at the Prairie Ridge Assisted Living Center in Waupun this past February. Lindvall first told investigators she suspected two employees who were let go from the facility on the day of the theft. However she later admitted she took the pills herself. According to the criminal complaint police found a number of narcotic tablets in Lindvall's vehicle. She's free on a signature bond and has a preliminary hearing on June 18th. (KFIZ)
Wisconsin JD Fighting Budget Cuts
6/4/09 - The State Justice Department is going all-out to try-and-reverse what it calls a politically-partisan move to cut its budget. Attorney General J-B Van Hollen held a news conference yesterday, to say his agency is being told to absorb a five-percent cut that other departments are not getting. And according to the Wisconsin State Journal, the Justice Department has given its employees talking points to use in lobbying legislators. Jonathan Becker of the Government Accountability Board says it’s okay for state employees to lobby lawmakers on state time. He said the Justice Department asked if it’s legal – and he can never remember an agency doing that before. Van Hollen says the latest version of the budget would lay off 80 people, and reduce enforcement of environmental and consumer laws. But Democratic finance co-chair Mark Pocan says there needs to be a shared sacrifice in cutting the state’s deficit – and everybody seems to understand it except the attorney general. Pocan said the justice budget has risen 17-percent in the last two-and-a-half years. Justice spokesman Bill Cosh said the employee lobbying is purely voluntary, and a number of workers are doing it. Carrie Lynch of Senate Majority Leader Russ Decker’s office said they were given a script and told to read it.
Public Could Get a Break with New State Budget Measure
6/4/09 - Wisconsin public schools could save over a million-dollars a year under a transportation measure that was just put into the new state budget. The Joint Finance Committee agreed to end the requirement that schools pay parents for each of the children they drive to the same private school, if they send more than one. In other words, they’d get reimbursed for one child, and that’s it. Public schools are required to bus private school youngsters – but if the busing of a private student is over one-and-a-half times the average distance for the public students, a district can pay parents to drive the kids themselves. The amount of the payment varies, but it’s about 400-to-500-dollars a year per child in Madison. The total payments statewide are about three-and-a-half million dollars a year. School officials say it would help their strapped budgets if they could pay parents by the trip instead of by the child. But John Huebscher of the Wisconsin Catholic Conference says districts get state transportation aid for each child, and they should be passing it on. He calls the new measure an added fee for parents who already struggle to pay public school taxes plus private school tuition. Assembly Republican Robin Vos of Caledonia says he’ll try to amend the measure once the budget reaches his house next week.
6/4/09 - There is only about a month and half left before Dodge County hosts Wisconsin’s Farm Technology Days. Around 70 media members got a first hand look yesterday at what will be offered at the event scheduled to run July 21st through 23rd. Executive Committee Chairman Dave Frohling says everything is falling into place as nearly ever vendor booth has been snapped up. Not everything has gone smoothly as a lack of cell towers and internet availability at the rural farm has required some extra work to overcome. Chuck Crave, one of four brothers that owns and operates the facility, says it’s pretty simple to determine what would make the event a success in his mind, attendance. More than 70,000 people are expected at the three day event. For more information you can visit dodgefarmtech.com.CARE Finishes Petition Circulation
6/4/09 - A Fox Lake-area citizens group has finished circulating its petition to detach from the Waupun School District and join the Randolph district instead. The Chairperson for CARE, Kim Derleth, says they started going door to door in the town and city of Fox Lake two weeks ago and finished the project earlier this week. Derleth says for the most part the response was positive. The petition came in response to the Waupun School District closing three elementary schools, including Fox Lake. The group needed signatures from a majority of those eligible to vote in the city and town. Derleth says they will go over to the signatures today and check them against addresses. If the group is allowed to detach, it would not be until the 2010-2011 schools year. The school boards for Waupun and Randolph both need to approve the detachment. Derleth says if a resident in the city or town did not get to sign the petition they can still do so at Sam’s Gas Station in Fox Lake until next Monday.
FDL Woman Charged for Stealing Drugs from Patient
6/4/09 - A 23-year-old Fond du Lac woman who allegedly stole drugs from an Alzheimer's patient has been charged in Dodge County Court. April Lindvall allegedly took 28 methadone pills from a patient while she was working at the Prairie Ridge Assisted Living Center in Waupun this past February. Lindvall first told investigators she suspected two employees who were let go from the facility on the day of the theft. However she later admitted she took the pills herself. According to the criminal complaint police found a number of narcotic tablets in Lindvall's vehicle. She's free on a signature bond and has a preliminary hearing on June 18th. (KFIZ)
Wisconsin JD Fighting Budget Cuts
6/4/09 - The State Justice Department is going all-out to try-and-reverse what it calls a politically-partisan move to cut its budget. Attorney General J-B Van Hollen held a news conference yesterday, to say his agency is being told to absorb a five-percent cut that other departments are not getting. And according to the Wisconsin State Journal, the Justice Department has given its employees talking points to use in lobbying legislators. Jonathan Becker of the Government Accountability Board says it’s okay for state employees to lobby lawmakers on state time. He said the Justice Department asked if it’s legal – and he can never remember an agency doing that before. Van Hollen says the latest version of the budget would lay off 80 people, and reduce enforcement of environmental and consumer laws. But Democratic finance co-chair Mark Pocan says there needs to be a shared sacrifice in cutting the state’s deficit – and everybody seems to understand it except the attorney general. Pocan said the justice budget has risen 17-percent in the last two-and-a-half years. Justice spokesman Bill Cosh said the employee lobbying is purely voluntary, and a number of workers are doing it. Carrie Lynch of Senate Majority Leader Russ Decker’s office said they were given a script and told to read it.
Public Could Get a Break with New State Budget Measure
6/4/09 - Wisconsin public schools could save over a million-dollars a year under a transportation measure that was just put into the new state budget. The Joint Finance Committee agreed to end the requirement that schools pay parents for each of the children they drive to the same private school, if they send more than one. In other words, they’d get reimbursed for one child, and that’s it. Public schools are required to bus private school youngsters – but if the busing of a private student is over one-and-a-half times the average distance for the public students, a district can pay parents to drive the kids themselves. The amount of the payment varies, but it’s about 400-to-500-dollars a year per child in Madison. The total payments statewide are about three-and-a-half million dollars a year. School officials say it would help their strapped budgets if they could pay parents by the trip instead of by the child. But John Huebscher of the Wisconsin Catholic Conference says districts get state transportation aid for each child, and they should be passing it on. He calls the new measure an added fee for parents who already struggle to pay public school taxes plus private school tuition. Assembly Republican Robin Vos of Caledonia says he’ll try to amend the measure once the budget reaches his house next week.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Top Stories June 3rd
Local Bank Scam Reported
6/3/09 - The city of Beaver Dam has a new Deputy Fire Chief. The Police and Fire Commission last night unanimously approved the promotion of Matt Christian from Captain to second in command. PFC Chair Nancy Conley says she was happy to see Christian move into the administrative position given his qualifications and time with the department. The PFC has debated the issue of creating a fourth captains position since before George Sheets department and wanted to speak with the new chief before making any decisions. Conley says Chief Alan Mannel was “on-board” with the decision to continue with the deputy chief’s position. Christian replaces Randy Koehn who retired last month after three decades as a firefighter. Koehn might not stay retired long as he is one of the candidates for the Fire Chief’s position in Columbus. The contract for Christian is effective beginning July 1.
Pictured from left: Coordinator Bill Linzenmeyer, Jordan Matuseski, Jason Achuff, Steven Mindt, Brett Uttech, Jane Mulligan, Deborah Janz, Deb Lins, Edith Bolstad, Nate Soto, Terri Heiling, Jennie Carter, Bill Dorn, Sandra Hoehne, and Chief Dale Boldt.
6/3/09 - Authorities are alerting the public of a scam involving a local bank. Officials with the American National Bank in Beaver Dam say that area residents received phone calls from an automated message system Tuesday night. The message indicated that their American National Bank account had been frozen and prompted the recipient to provide account information. Bank officials say the call is a scam and the bank did not generate the calls nor authorize them to be made. In addition, they say no account information has been compromised. American National Bank is urging anyone who may have provided account information to immediately contact their offices at 885-2700.
New Deputy Chief in Beaver Dam
6/3/09 - The city of Beaver Dam has a new Deputy Fire Chief. The Police and Fire Commission last night unanimously approved the promotion of Matt Christian from Captain to second in command. PFC Chair Nancy Conley says she was happy to see Christian move into the administrative position given his qualifications and time with the department. The PFC has debated the issue of creating a fourth captains position since before George Sheets department and wanted to speak with the new chief before making any decisions. Conley says Chief Alan Mannel was “on-board” with the decision to continue with the deputy chief’s position. Christian replaces Randy Koehn who retired last month after three decades as a firefighter. Koehn might not stay retired long as he is one of the candidates for the Fire Chief’s position in Columbus. The contract for Christian is effective beginning July 1.Beaver Dam Citizens Police Academy Graduates
6/3/09 - The Beaver Dam Citizens Police Academy recently wrapped up their 10-week course with a graduation banquet. The annual program is coordinated by Officer Bill Linzenmeyer, who says they received 35 applications this year and while they usually select only a dozen cadets they accepted 14 cadets this time. Chief Dale Boldt says the Academy builds an important bridge between his officers and the public. Organizers say they hope the city is able to fund a sixth annual Citizens Police Academy in 2010.
One of the Beaver Dam Citizens Police Academy cadets recently had an interesting experience while on a ride along. In the course of 10 weeks, Jason Achuff was able to use a police issue firearm, test substances for narcotics and even get shot with a Tazer gun. But the thing he looked forward to most was his chance to spend 8-hours on patrol with an officer in a squad car. Half way through the ride along, a suspect fled and before engaging in a high speed chase, the officer followed department policy and ordered Achuff out of the squad car, onto the side of Highway 151, and into the pouring rain. Regardless of his mile-long hike back to the station, Achuff said the academy was a rewarding experience.
Pictured from left: Coordinator Bill Linzenmeyer, Jordan Matuseski, Jason Achuff, Steven Mindt, Brett Uttech, Jane Mulligan, Deborah Janz, Deb Lins, Edith Bolstad, Nate Soto, Terri Heiling, Jennie Carter, Bill Dorn, Sandra Hoehne, and Chief Dale Boldt.Child Molester Ordered to Pay $10K in Restitution
6/3/09 - A Beaver Dam man child molester was ordered to pay $10,000 to his victim. During a restitution hearing yesterday, Judge John Storck ordered Marvin Kienast to pay the costs of future counseling for his young victim. Kienast was sentenced to 14 years in prison in January on charges of Repeated Sexual Assault of the Same Child. The 62-year-old Kienast assaulted the girl on four occasions between January of 2007 and January of 2008. In addition to 14 years in prison, Kienast was sentenced to 10 years of extended supervision. He has 60 days to come up with the money.
Doc’s Is Down
6/3/09 - Doc’s Corner is gone. Demolition in downtown Beaver Dam continued yesterday with crews removing the longtime corner tavern at 153 Front Street. One more building must be removed from the 100 block before demolition moves to the 200 block.
State Appealing Ruling on Prisoner Hunger Strike
6/3/09 - The state Corrections Department is appealing a judge’s order to stop force-feeding a prisoner who’s on a hunger strike. Warren Lilly of Milwaukee was convicted of beating his wife in 2002. He started his hunger strike in 2004, and he has been routinely strapped to a chair and force-fed. But last month, Dodge County Circuit Judge Andrew Bissonnette ordered the state to stop doing that. Corrections’ spokesman John Dipko said the state is responsible for maintaining the health-and-safety of its prisoners. Lilly started eating again in March, but he vows to re-start the hunger strike. Dipko said an appeals court granted an emergency stay of the judge’s order, but it told the state to return to the circuit court with its appeal. A hearing is set for June 15th. Frank Van den Bosch of Wisconsin Prison Watch-Dot-Org praised the judge’s ruling. He said Lilly is using his hunger strike to raise political concerns, and he has no desire to die or reduce his prison sentence – which has another nine years to go. Van den Bosch said Lilly has protesting the over-incarceration of minorities, the mentally ill, and those with drug problems.
Parents Who Sold Baby Make Court Appearance
6/3/09 - A Kewaskum mother and father accused of selling their newborn made an initial appearance in Washington County Circuit Court and have been released on a signature bond. Thirty-eight-year-old David Schmidt and 33-year-old Angela Schmidt are charged with party to unauthorized placement for adoption. Prosecutors say they sold their infant girl to a Missouri woman for about $5,500 shortly after Angela Schmidt gave birth at Aurora Medical Center in Hartford Dec. 20, 2004. After learning of the alleged sale, a Hartford police detective spoke to the Schmidts in December of 2008. Detective Randy Abbott says the Schmidts told him the baby was their birth child. The couple waived their right to a timely preliminary hearing. They're due back in court June 24.
No “Swine Flu” in Columbus
6/3/09 - It turns out the two students who were thought to have the H1N1 virus in the Columbus School District do not. That news came yesterday when Superintendent Mark Jansen received word that the tests on an elementary student and a high school student were negative for the virus, best known as the “Swine Flu”. The students developed “flu like” symptoms last week but the two are already back in class.
Resident Foils Burglary Attempt
6/3/09 - Burglary, theft and a weapons charge was brought yesterday against a 23-year-old Berlin man who was caught red-handed trying to burglarize a Town of Ripon residence last week. The homeowner held Michael Roehling at gunpoint until Fond du LacCounty Sheriff's deputies arrived last Friday. It was the second time in a little over a week the home had been burglarized. According to the criminal complaint Roehling allegedly took three lawn mowers, $4,100 in cash and coins during the first burglary on May 20th and tried stealing more coins and a handgun last Friday. He's free on a $1,000 cash bond and has a preliminary hearing on June 12th. (KFIZ)
Lawmakers Get Earful at Hearing on Tougher Drunk Driving Laws
6/3/09 - State lawmakers spent several hours yesterday listening mainly to people who demanded tougher drunk driving laws. The Assembly’s Public Safety Committee held a hearing at State Fair Park near Milwaukee on a package of nine O-W-I reforms. They include mandatory ignition interlocks for all repeat offenders and many first-timers, and making four-time O-W-I a felony if the most recent offense is within five years of the last one. Laurie Wroblewski, who lost her daughter to a five-time drunk driver 20 years ago, said the crackdowns should be stronger. Many agreed. But Democrat Tony Staskunas of West Allis says there are things the Legislature will probably never pass – like making a first-time offense a crime. Also, he said it would cost an extra 375-million-dollars a year in prison costs to make three-time drunk driving a felony – and that’s not practical with the state’s massive deficit. West Allis tavern owner Joe Janz said tougher punishment won’t stop drunk drivers, many who drive over point-oh-eight are having “innocent fun,” and lawmakers should focus on safe-ride programs instead. That rankled Republican Jim Ott of Mequon – who said bartenders should not over-serve drinkers, and other motorists should not have to pay for their mistakes.
Lake Delton Residents Looking for More Aid
6/3/09 - People whose homes were swept away on Lake Delton last year are now asking for another one-point-three million dollars from the village. The state gave them two-point-three million for condemnation rights, as the lakeshore was re-built following last June’s dramatic washouts from heavy rains. Now, a claim to the village asks for the difference between what the state paid, and what the owners called their fair market values. Five homes and nine lots were destroyed a year ago next Tuesday, when a breach in an earthen bank created a channel – and the homes floated away down the Wisconsin River. The Village of Lake Delton denies negligence. If it denies the new damage claim, the landowners can file a lawsuit.
Oil Tax May Be Passed onto Consumer
6/3/09 - Wisconsin’s proposed tax on oil revenues might be passed on to consumers after all. State Assembly Democrats are thinking about dropping the idea of making the oil companies cut into their profits, and not raise prices to cover the new tax. Madison Democrat Mark Pocan, who co-chairs the Joint Finance Committee, is still not sure that’s constitutional – even though his panel endorsed it last Friday. He said yesterday he wants to make sure the oil tax stays, and provides the money for new roads that it needs to. There’s been talk of a lawsuit by big oil if the tax passes and they can’t pass it on – and the state could end up spending hundreds of millions in legal fees to defend it.
Possible Cougar in Durand
6/3/09 - A rare cougar might have been roaming on a large dairy farm near Durand. Marty Weiss said his son found foot-prints in wet, muddy soil on their farm last Wednesday – and those tracks appeared to be from a cougar. State D-N-R biologist Jess Carstens said the prints appeared to be those from a cat with the size of a cougar. Mountain lions were not seen for over a century in Wisconsin until two recent incidents over the past year-and-a-half. One cougar left tracks near Milton early last year, and was later killed by police in Chicago. The second cougar was photographed in March in a tree in Washburn County near Spooner. The D-N-R attempted to tranquilize the animal to put a tracking device on it – but the cougar ran off, and was never seen after that. Young male cougars are said to be migrating eastward in the Upper Midwest from a population in South Dakota’s Black Hills.
6/3/09 - The state Corrections Department is appealing a judge’s order to stop force-feeding a prisoner who’s on a hunger strike. Warren Lilly of Milwaukee was convicted of beating his wife in 2002. He started his hunger strike in 2004, and he has been routinely strapped to a chair and force-fed. But last month, Dodge County Circuit Judge Andrew Bissonnette ordered the state to stop doing that. Corrections’ spokesman John Dipko said the state is responsible for maintaining the health-and-safety of its prisoners. Lilly started eating again in March, but he vows to re-start the hunger strike. Dipko said an appeals court granted an emergency stay of the judge’s order, but it told the state to return to the circuit court with its appeal. A hearing is set for June 15th. Frank Van den Bosch of Wisconsin Prison Watch-Dot-Org praised the judge’s ruling. He said Lilly is using his hunger strike to raise political concerns, and he has no desire to die or reduce his prison sentence – which has another nine years to go. Van den Bosch said Lilly has protesting the over-incarceration of minorities, the mentally ill, and those with drug problems.
Parents Who Sold Baby Make Court Appearance
6/3/09 - A Kewaskum mother and father accused of selling their newborn made an initial appearance in Washington County Circuit Court and have been released on a signature bond. Thirty-eight-year-old David Schmidt and 33-year-old Angela Schmidt are charged with party to unauthorized placement for adoption. Prosecutors say they sold their infant girl to a Missouri woman for about $5,500 shortly after Angela Schmidt gave birth at Aurora Medical Center in Hartford Dec. 20, 2004. After learning of the alleged sale, a Hartford police detective spoke to the Schmidts in December of 2008. Detective Randy Abbott says the Schmidts told him the baby was their birth child. The couple waived their right to a timely preliminary hearing. They're due back in court June 24.
No “Swine Flu” in Columbus
6/3/09 - It turns out the two students who were thought to have the H1N1 virus in the Columbus School District do not. That news came yesterday when Superintendent Mark Jansen received word that the tests on an elementary student and a high school student were negative for the virus, best known as the “Swine Flu”. The students developed “flu like” symptoms last week but the two are already back in class.
Resident Foils Burglary Attempt
6/3/09 - Burglary, theft and a weapons charge was brought yesterday against a 23-year-old Berlin man who was caught red-handed trying to burglarize a Town of Ripon residence last week. The homeowner held Michael Roehling at gunpoint until Fond du LacCounty Sheriff's deputies arrived last Friday. It was the second time in a little over a week the home had been burglarized. According to the criminal complaint Roehling allegedly took three lawn mowers, $4,100 in cash and coins during the first burglary on May 20th and tried stealing more coins and a handgun last Friday. He's free on a $1,000 cash bond and has a preliminary hearing on June 12th. (KFIZ)
Lawmakers Get Earful at Hearing on Tougher Drunk Driving Laws
6/3/09 - State lawmakers spent several hours yesterday listening mainly to people who demanded tougher drunk driving laws. The Assembly’s Public Safety Committee held a hearing at State Fair Park near Milwaukee on a package of nine O-W-I reforms. They include mandatory ignition interlocks for all repeat offenders and many first-timers, and making four-time O-W-I a felony if the most recent offense is within five years of the last one. Laurie Wroblewski, who lost her daughter to a five-time drunk driver 20 years ago, said the crackdowns should be stronger. Many agreed. But Democrat Tony Staskunas of West Allis says there are things the Legislature will probably never pass – like making a first-time offense a crime. Also, he said it would cost an extra 375-million-dollars a year in prison costs to make three-time drunk driving a felony – and that’s not practical with the state’s massive deficit. West Allis tavern owner Joe Janz said tougher punishment won’t stop drunk drivers, many who drive over point-oh-eight are having “innocent fun,” and lawmakers should focus on safe-ride programs instead. That rankled Republican Jim Ott of Mequon – who said bartenders should not over-serve drinkers, and other motorists should not have to pay for their mistakes.
Lake Delton Residents Looking for More Aid
6/3/09 - People whose homes were swept away on Lake Delton last year are now asking for another one-point-three million dollars from the village. The state gave them two-point-three million for condemnation rights, as the lakeshore was re-built following last June’s dramatic washouts from heavy rains. Now, a claim to the village asks for the difference between what the state paid, and what the owners called their fair market values. Five homes and nine lots were destroyed a year ago next Tuesday, when a breach in an earthen bank created a channel – and the homes floated away down the Wisconsin River. The Village of Lake Delton denies negligence. If it denies the new damage claim, the landowners can file a lawsuit.
Oil Tax May Be Passed onto Consumer
6/3/09 - Wisconsin’s proposed tax on oil revenues might be passed on to consumers after all. State Assembly Democrats are thinking about dropping the idea of making the oil companies cut into their profits, and not raise prices to cover the new tax. Madison Democrat Mark Pocan, who co-chairs the Joint Finance Committee, is still not sure that’s constitutional – even though his panel endorsed it last Friday. He said yesterday he wants to make sure the oil tax stays, and provides the money for new roads that it needs to. There’s been talk of a lawsuit by big oil if the tax passes and they can’t pass it on – and the state could end up spending hundreds of millions in legal fees to defend it.
Possible Cougar in Durand
6/3/09 - A rare cougar might have been roaming on a large dairy farm near Durand. Marty Weiss said his son found foot-prints in wet, muddy soil on their farm last Wednesday – and those tracks appeared to be from a cougar. State D-N-R biologist Jess Carstens said the prints appeared to be those from a cat with the size of a cougar. Mountain lions were not seen for over a century in Wisconsin until two recent incidents over the past year-and-a-half. One cougar left tracks near Milton early last year, and was later killed by police in Chicago. The second cougar was photographed in March in a tree in Washburn County near Spooner. The D-N-R attempted to tranquilize the animal to put a tracking device on it – but the cougar ran off, and was never seen after that. Young male cougars are said to be migrating eastward in the Upper Midwest from a population in South Dakota’s Black Hills.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Top Stories June 2nd
City Moves Forward With YMCA Offer to Purchase
6/2/09 - The city of Beaver Dam will make an offer-to-purchase on the former YMCA building. The council voted 9-3 yesterday to move forward with negotiations. The price tag dropped late last month from $395,000 to $75,000. It was originally listed at just under a half million dollars. Mayor Tom Kennedy says for the price, the property would be of great value to the city for a number of reasons, from city administrative offices to the Senior Center, or possibly even a police station. In voting against the resolution, aldermen John Litscher questioned the city’s objective in purchasing a property without a specific purpose. Alderman Don Neuert said the “opportunity was the objective” in voting in favor of the possible purchase. The motion called for a $75,000 offer contingent on inspection and testing, approval by the common council of the final purchase price and deed restrictions. Aldermen are concerned with restrictions by the YMCA that would prevent the city from using the structure for something that would compete with Y programs. Beaver Dam is currently one of three parties interested in the property. The YMCA board of trustees is slated to vote on their offers tomorrow.
Seeing Double - Demerit Point System Reintroduced
6/2/09 - The Beaver Dam Common Council will be reconsidering the demerit point system that was voted down last month. Alderwoman Mary Flaherty last night made the motion to reintroduce the ordinance at the council’s next meeting. At the council May 18 meeting, Flaherty was one of seven to vote against the demerit point system. An ordinance can only be brought back at the next consecutive meeting by a member of the majority party. Under the plan, demerits could be given to bars for such violations as serving minors, excessive noise or failing to notify the police of a fight. Taverns in violation could have their license suspended or revoked. Several local tavern owners voiced their opposition to the plan prior to the vote.
MVP’s Revocation Vote Tabled Until Monday
6/2/09 - The Beaver Dam Common Council tabled a vote on a liquor license revocation for MVP’s Sports Bar. Attorneys for the downtown tavern requested a continuance so that they could have adequate time to prepare objections to the city’s findings of fact. There were nine findings detailed in a report by the Administrative Committee prepared following their unanimous committee-level vote to revoke MVP’s license. MVP’s GM Jim LeBeau refutes claims by the city that there were 150 police contacts over a two-year period and also that a fight last month involved 50 patrons outside the club. The objections will be given to city officials in written form by Friday. The license revocation hearing will be held next Monday at 7pm.
Rubble Cleared
6/2/09 - Demolition crews in downtown Beaver Dam spent the day yesterday removing the rubble from the two most recently razed structures on the 100 block of Front Street. Work today will focus on Doc’s Corner Tavern and 151 Front Street, which should be cleared by weeks end.
Suspected Outhouse Bombers In Court
6/2/09 - The three Beaver Dam men suspected in a pair of mailbox and outhouse explosions made their initial court appearance yesterday. 20-year-olds Michael K Peters and Kyle Livingston, along with 19-year-old Stephen Peterson, had signature bonds set at $1000. The three were identified with the use of in-store video surveillance after allegedly purchasing the explosive components at a Beaver Dam retailer. One of the suspects also returned to the scene of the crime to survey the damage. The men are accused of blowing up a mailbox in Burnett and a port-a-potty at Lost Lake Park in April. Investigators say they used a pipe bomb and, in the case of the porta-potty, also used liquefied gas. Livingston and Peters face up to 25 years in prison while Peterson, the purported ringleader, faces a total of 105 years in prison, if convicted. The trio has preliminary hearings scheduled for July 16.
Districts Waiting for State Budget to Pass
6/2/09 - Beaver Dam and other school districts in the area are playing the waiting game in regards to how much state aid they will get this year. Director of Business Services Andrew Sarnow presented his initial 2009-2010 budget to the school board last night and informed them that as of right now the district would have a $445,000 deficit. Sarnow says the reason for that is they projected an increase in their revenue limit per student of $281, but as a result of Governor Jim Doyle’s decision to cut state aid that number has been cut to $200. Sarnow says if that ends up being the final number they can use money from their fund balance to cover the deficit for this year. The state budget is expected to be acted on in the Assembly in the next week and the Senate soon after. Leaders hope to have it passed by the end of the month as the new fiscal year begins July 1st.
Lack of Response to Invocation Offer Surprising
6/2/09 - Dodge County Clerk Karen Gibson says of the 126 letters sent out to religious leaders in the county, inviting them to lead the prayer before the beginning of the Board of Supervisors meetings, only four were returned. The prayer issue surfaced after a county board member filed a complaint with the Freedom from Religion Foundation stating the prayer said after the meeting had been called to order was unconstitutional because of its reference to one religion over another. In response, the board put together a resolution that changed the prayer to before the meeting. The four respondents include Praise Assembly of God, First Evangelical Lutheran and New Life Pentecostal, all of Beaver Dam, and Holy Zion Orthodox Heritage of Watertown.
H1N1 Virus Confirmed in C-F Student
6/2/09 - There is another confirmed case of the H1N1 flu virus in our area. The Columbia County Health and Human Services Office says they’ve been informed a student that attends Cambria-Friesland Elementary has what’s best known as the “Swine Flu”. School closure is NOT being considered at this time because the number of kids absent from the districts schools has not significantly increased. So far Wisconsin has more than 1600 confirmed cases of the H1N1 virus.
State Looking to Give Illegal Immigrants Driver’s Licenses
6/2/09 - Wisconsin could become the second state to give illegal immigrants their own driver’s licenses. And the proposed budget measure would not let police ask those who have the special driver’s cards if they’re in the country legally. Attorney General J-B Van Hollen’s office questioned that provision yesterday. Spokesman Bill Cosh says police should be able to tell federal authorities about an illegal immigrant – and Van Hollen is against measures which limit the ability of law enforcement to communicate with each other. Assembly Democrat Pedro Colon of Milwaukee pushed for the immigrant driver’s cards which were inserted into the current version of the new state budget early last Friday. He says it will make the roads safer, by ensuring that immigrants learn how to drive, get licenses, and get insurance.
Obama to be in Wisconsin Next Week
6/2/09 - President Obama is about to make his first visit to Wisconsin since he was elected last fall. He’ll be in Green Bay on June 11th – the day before state Democrats begin their annual convention in nearby Ashwaubenon. White House spokeswoman Amy Brundage could not say what Obama will talk about. Other details of his visit will be announced soon. Meanwhile, two of the president’s Cabinet members are due in the Badger State later this week. Education Secretary Arne Duncan will join Governor Jim Doyle at Milwaukee Area Technical College on Thursday. They’ll talk about educational opportunities for auto-workers and their families. On Friday, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood will join the governor at the ground-breaking of a project along Interstate-94 in Racine County that’s funded with federal stimulus money.
Wisconsin GM and Chrysler Plants Could Be Reopened
6/2/09 - Governor Jim Doyle says it’s a milestone to have both General Motors and Chrysler at least consider future auto production in Wisconsin. Yesterday, G-M said the now-closed Janesville plant is one of three in the running for a possible new small-car facility. And new language has been put into Chrysler’s sale agreement which gives its new owner Fiat the option of keeping the Kenosha engine plant running. But it only has until July 31st to make an offer. Kenosha Mayor Keith Bosman calls it promising news, but other political and union leaders are warning people not to get their hopes up too much. John Dohner, the shop chairman for the United Auto Workers in Janesville, says the local G-M is up against stiff competition – especially with the plant in Orion Michigan. But he says Janesville has always been a survivor, and has done the right things for G-M.
Three Public Enemies Premiere’s Set in Wisconsin
6/2/09 - Folks in at least three Wisconsin cities will get a sneak preview of “Public Enemies,” the Johnny Depp movie that was filmed in the state last year. The movie opens nationwide July first. The group Film Wisconsin has advance screenings and receptions set for June 30th in Oshkosh, Madison, and Milwaukee – three of the places where scenes were shot. The receptions will feature vintage costumes, classic cars, and other things about “Public Enemies” – in which Depp plays Midwest bank robbing legend John Dillinger. Reception prices will be different in each city, and tickets for just the movie screening will also be available. The proceeds will benefit Film Wisconsin, Arts Wisconsin, the Milwaukee County Historical Center, and a façade renovation program in downtown Oshkosh.
6/2/09 - The city of Beaver Dam will make an offer-to-purchase on the former YMCA building. The council voted 9-3 yesterday to move forward with negotiations. The price tag dropped late last month from $395,000 to $75,000. It was originally listed at just under a half million dollars. Mayor Tom Kennedy says for the price, the property would be of great value to the city for a number of reasons, from city administrative offices to the Senior Center, or possibly even a police station. In voting against the resolution, aldermen John Litscher questioned the city’s objective in purchasing a property without a specific purpose. Alderman Don Neuert said the “opportunity was the objective” in voting in favor of the possible purchase. The motion called for a $75,000 offer contingent on inspection and testing, approval by the common council of the final purchase price and deed restrictions. Aldermen are concerned with restrictions by the YMCA that would prevent the city from using the structure for something that would compete with Y programs. Beaver Dam is currently one of three parties interested in the property. The YMCA board of trustees is slated to vote on their offers tomorrow.Seeing Double - Demerit Point System Reintroduced
6/2/09 - The Beaver Dam Common Council will be reconsidering the demerit point system that was voted down last month. Alderwoman Mary Flaherty last night made the motion to reintroduce the ordinance at the council’s next meeting. At the council May 18 meeting, Flaherty was one of seven to vote against the demerit point system. An ordinance can only be brought back at the next consecutive meeting by a member of the majority party. Under the plan, demerits could be given to bars for such violations as serving minors, excessive noise or failing to notify the police of a fight. Taverns in violation could have their license suspended or revoked. Several local tavern owners voiced their opposition to the plan prior to the vote.
MVP’s Revocation Vote Tabled Until Monday
6/2/09 - The Beaver Dam Common Council tabled a vote on a liquor license revocation for MVP’s Sports Bar. Attorneys for the downtown tavern requested a continuance so that they could have adequate time to prepare objections to the city’s findings of fact. There were nine findings detailed in a report by the Administrative Committee prepared following their unanimous committee-level vote to revoke MVP’s license. MVP’s GM Jim LeBeau refutes claims by the city that there were 150 police contacts over a two-year period and also that a fight last month involved 50 patrons outside the club. The objections will be given to city officials in written form by Friday. The license revocation hearing will be held next Monday at 7pm.
Rubble Cleared
6/2/09 - Demolition crews in downtown Beaver Dam spent the day yesterday removing the rubble from the two most recently razed structures on the 100 block of Front Street. Work today will focus on Doc’s Corner Tavern and 151 Front Street, which should be cleared by weeks end.
Suspected Outhouse Bombers In Court
6/2/09 - The three Beaver Dam men suspected in a pair of mailbox and outhouse explosions made their initial court appearance yesterday. 20-year-olds Michael K Peters and Kyle Livingston, along with 19-year-old Stephen Peterson, had signature bonds set at $1000. The three were identified with the use of in-store video surveillance after allegedly purchasing the explosive components at a Beaver Dam retailer. One of the suspects also returned to the scene of the crime to survey the damage. The men are accused of blowing up a mailbox in Burnett and a port-a-potty at Lost Lake Park in April. Investigators say they used a pipe bomb and, in the case of the porta-potty, also used liquefied gas. Livingston and Peters face up to 25 years in prison while Peterson, the purported ringleader, faces a total of 105 years in prison, if convicted. The trio has preliminary hearings scheduled for July 16.
Districts Waiting for State Budget to Pass
6/2/09 - Beaver Dam and other school districts in the area are playing the waiting game in regards to how much state aid they will get this year. Director of Business Services Andrew Sarnow presented his initial 2009-2010 budget to the school board last night and informed them that as of right now the district would have a $445,000 deficit. Sarnow says the reason for that is they projected an increase in their revenue limit per student of $281, but as a result of Governor Jim Doyle’s decision to cut state aid that number has been cut to $200. Sarnow says if that ends up being the final number they can use money from their fund balance to cover the deficit for this year. The state budget is expected to be acted on in the Assembly in the next week and the Senate soon after. Leaders hope to have it passed by the end of the month as the new fiscal year begins July 1st.
Lack of Response to Invocation Offer Surprising
6/2/09 - Dodge County Clerk Karen Gibson says of the 126 letters sent out to religious leaders in the county, inviting them to lead the prayer before the beginning of the Board of Supervisors meetings, only four were returned. The prayer issue surfaced after a county board member filed a complaint with the Freedom from Religion Foundation stating the prayer said after the meeting had been called to order was unconstitutional because of its reference to one religion over another. In response, the board put together a resolution that changed the prayer to before the meeting. The four respondents include Praise Assembly of God, First Evangelical Lutheran and New Life Pentecostal, all of Beaver Dam, and Holy Zion Orthodox Heritage of Watertown.
H1N1 Virus Confirmed in C-F Student
6/2/09 - There is another confirmed case of the H1N1 flu virus in our area. The Columbia County Health and Human Services Office says they’ve been informed a student that attends Cambria-Friesland Elementary has what’s best known as the “Swine Flu”. School closure is NOT being considered at this time because the number of kids absent from the districts schools has not significantly increased. So far Wisconsin has more than 1600 confirmed cases of the H1N1 virus.
State Looking to Give Illegal Immigrants Driver’s Licenses
6/2/09 - Wisconsin could become the second state to give illegal immigrants their own driver’s licenses. And the proposed budget measure would not let police ask those who have the special driver’s cards if they’re in the country legally. Attorney General J-B Van Hollen’s office questioned that provision yesterday. Spokesman Bill Cosh says police should be able to tell federal authorities about an illegal immigrant – and Van Hollen is against measures which limit the ability of law enforcement to communicate with each other. Assembly Democrat Pedro Colon of Milwaukee pushed for the immigrant driver’s cards which were inserted into the current version of the new state budget early last Friday. He says it will make the roads safer, by ensuring that immigrants learn how to drive, get licenses, and get insurance.
Obama to be in Wisconsin Next Week
6/2/09 - President Obama is about to make his first visit to Wisconsin since he was elected last fall. He’ll be in Green Bay on June 11th – the day before state Democrats begin their annual convention in nearby Ashwaubenon. White House spokeswoman Amy Brundage could not say what Obama will talk about. Other details of his visit will be announced soon. Meanwhile, two of the president’s Cabinet members are due in the Badger State later this week. Education Secretary Arne Duncan will join Governor Jim Doyle at Milwaukee Area Technical College on Thursday. They’ll talk about educational opportunities for auto-workers and their families. On Friday, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood will join the governor at the ground-breaking of a project along Interstate-94 in Racine County that’s funded with federal stimulus money.
Wisconsin GM and Chrysler Plants Could Be Reopened
6/2/09 - Governor Jim Doyle says it’s a milestone to have both General Motors and Chrysler at least consider future auto production in Wisconsin. Yesterday, G-M said the now-closed Janesville plant is one of three in the running for a possible new small-car facility. And new language has been put into Chrysler’s sale agreement which gives its new owner Fiat the option of keeping the Kenosha engine plant running. But it only has until July 31st to make an offer. Kenosha Mayor Keith Bosman calls it promising news, but other political and union leaders are warning people not to get their hopes up too much. John Dohner, the shop chairman for the United Auto Workers in Janesville, says the local G-M is up against stiff competition – especially with the plant in Orion Michigan. But he says Janesville has always been a survivor, and has done the right things for G-M.
Three Public Enemies Premiere’s Set in Wisconsin
6/2/09 - Folks in at least three Wisconsin cities will get a sneak preview of “Public Enemies,” the Johnny Depp movie that was filmed in the state last year. The movie opens nationwide July first. The group Film Wisconsin has advance screenings and receptions set for June 30th in Oshkosh, Madison, and Milwaukee – three of the places where scenes were shot. The receptions will feature vintage costumes, classic cars, and other things about “Public Enemies” – in which Depp plays Midwest bank robbing legend John Dillinger. Reception prices will be different in each city, and tickets for just the movie screening will also be available. The proceeds will benefit Film Wisconsin, Arts Wisconsin, the Milwaukee County Historical Center, and a façade renovation program in downtown Oshkosh.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Top Stories June 1st
Public Enemies Most Likely to be Shown in Beaver Dam
6/1/09 - It appears likely that the film “Public Enemies” will be shown in Beaver Dam this summer. The movie starring Johnny Depp as Depression-era gangster John Dillinger was shot throughout Wisconsin last spring. Scott Koran with Rogers Cinema says he spoke with his studio rep last Friday and was told, while it’s not 100%, it certainly looks like Public Enemies will be shown on their mega screen in Beaver Dam. Koran says the studio is still in the very early stages of the film print allocation process but because some of the movie was filmed in the city, the studio is “adamant” about getting Beaver Dam a copy. The premier is set for July 1.
BDUSD to Review Facilities Study
6/1/09 - The Beaver Dam School Board is expected to review a district facilities study tonight that projects the elementary schools will need more than $6.6-million-dollars of improvements over the next five years. The board is also expected to discuss the state budget deficit and what effect the proposed 2.5-percent cut in aid to schools would have on the district. The meeting is set for 6:30 at the Educational Service Center.
Downtown Demolition Continues
6/1/09 - Demolition resumes today on the two remaining buildings on the 100 block of Front Street in downtown Beaver Dam. Instead of removing Doc’s Corner first and moving east, as originally planned, crews removed 145 and 149 Front Street late last week. That leaves Doc’s currently standing on the corner and the building at 151 Front Street an island surrounded by rubble. Beaver Dam Mayor Tom Kennedy says the reason for the change in plans was because Doc’s and 151 have concrete floor sand that will be used as a landing zone for the rubble. It will be next Thursday before demolition crews begin to remove the five buildings on the 200 block of Front Street in downtown Beaver Dam. The culvert removal in the Tower Parking lot will begin at mid-month.
Columbus Looking Into Student Illnesses
6/1/09 - Officials at Columbus High School say the possibility of school closure is not being considered at this time. That’s after two students at the high school were kept at home Friday with flu-like symptoms. According to the district’s updated website, medical personnel are involved and the H1N1 virus has neither been confirmed nor ruled out and school closure would only be considered if a large number of students were to be absent. Meanwhile, the state of Wisconsin has more than 14 hundred confirmed cases. Nearly nine thousand confirmed cases have been reported nationwide. A spokesperson for the Department of Health Services says almost all the cases here have been relatively mild.
Man Injured While Riding Motorcycle
6/1/09 - A man trying to avoid a deer crashed his motorcycle yesterday morning. 26-year-old Michael Tetting was riding his motorcycle on Highway 175 near Highway HH in the Town of Lomira when a deer jumped out in front of him. He swerved and crashed the cycle. Tetting was taken to St. Agnes hospital. The accident happened just before 9am.
Outhouse Bombers Due in Court Today
6/1/09 - The three men suspected of using homemade bombs to blow up a mailbox and porta-potty last month are due in court this morning for their initial appearances. 19-year-old’s Stephen Peterson and Kyle Livingston along with 20-year-old Michael Peters all face a variety of felony charges including Possession of Explosives and Damage to Property in connection with the pipe bombings. No one was injured in the blasts.
NASCAR Driver in Beaver Dam Tuesday
6/1/09 - It’s Casey Kahne night at Charter Raceway Park tomorrow night. The driver of the number-nine car on NASCAR’s Sprint Cup Series and the two drivers he employs on the World of Outlaw circuit will take on the local IRA and Bumper to Bumper drivers. Charter Raceways Carolyn Mueller says getting Kahne was a huge undertaking but now that it’s only a day away they are extremely excited for his arrival. The pits open at 2 pm and the gates at 3 p.m. Qualifying is set for 6:30 p.m. with racing following at 7 p.m. For more information you can call the raceway at 887-1600.
BD Losing Longtime Fireman
6/1/09 - The Beaver Dam Fire Department will be saying “so long” today to a longtime firefighter. Captain Don “Ducky” Wellnitz is retiring after 31 years of dedicated service to the community. His colleagues are throwing Wellnitz a Farewell Party at the station. The public is invited to share lunch and a few stories beginning at noon.
Officials Cracking Down on Health Insurance Companies
6/1/09 - It could soon get harder for Wisconsin health insurers to jack up the rates of individual policy-holders for getting sick. State Insurance Commissioner Sean Dilweg has been working on measures which are now pending in the new state budget – as well as in individual bills. According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, officials are going after insurers that create closed blocks of policies which eventually get dominated by sicker people as healthy customers go into their own lower-priced plans. The paper says it’s how those who get sick eventually see their insurance rates go up. Karen Pollitz of the Georgetown University Health Policy Institute says the pricing is allowed to continue because it’s quote, “amazingly invisible.” The Wisconsin Preferred Provider Organization opposes the change. Director Dan Schwartzer said the group does not oppose the elimination of closed blocks of higher-priced policies – but he says there are better ways to fix the system.
High Speed Rail a Possibility in Wisconsin
6/1/09 - As Governor Jim Doyle pushes to get high-speed rail service from Milwaukee to Madison, a new group is making its own push to get trains from Milwaukee to Green Bay. New Rails wants state officials to ask Washington to approve an experimental Amtrak passenger line on the current Canadian National tracks, with a connection to Amtrak’s Hiawatha line from Milwaukee to Chicago. The group says it would provide a more efficient and powerful economic link between the Fox Valley and the Windy City. And if Chicago gets the 2016 Olympics, Paul Linzmeyer of New Rails says northeast Wisconsin could be part of the action. The experimental line could have stops in Fond du Lac, Oshkosh, Menasha, Appleton, and Neenah.
Emu Makes Its Presence Known in FDL
6/1/09 - Motorists are used to seeing wildlife on their travels, but rarely the kind that was trotting down Highway 41 near Van Dyne last Friday morning. An emu was running south in the median. State Patrol Sergeant Mark Abrahamson says the highway had to be closed while a Fond du Lac County Sheriff's deputy shot the bird. He says there was no other choice other to euthanize it. The large bird could have seriously injured a driver had a vehicle hit it. Although there is a farm nearby that raises emus, no one claimed ownership of the flightless fowl. Emus can grow to a height of nearly 7 feet. (KFIZ)
TV’s and Computers Makers Could Be Forced to Recycle Obsolete Products
6/1/09 - A public hearing will be held Wednesday on a Wisconsin bill to force the makers of T-V’s and computers to have their obsolete products recycled. Madison Democrats have tried for years to pass such legislation – and it’s expected to be easier now that their party’s in charge. But Assembly Democrat Spencer Black says the need for such a mandate is bigger than ever, now that people are converting to digital T-V’s. The federal E-P-A says over 80-percent of old electronics go to landfills, where their toxic materials can pollute the ground-water. But the bill’s supporters say more people understand the problem these days.
$1M Powerball Winner in Marshfield
6/1/09 - Somebody in central Wisconsin won a million dollars playing Powerball over the weekend. A ticket sold in Marshfield matched five regular numbers but not the Powerball to win 200-thousand-dollars. The buyer also chose the Power Play multiplier of five to make the prize a million. Ironically, the big win came in the drawing after somebody in South Dakota won a 232-million-dollar jackpot last Wednesday night. Saturday’s top prize was back down to 20-million – and nobody won that, so it goes up to 25-million for the next drawing on Wednesday. Wisconsin players did win just over 17-thousand smaller prizes this past weekend.
6/1/09 - It appears likely that the film “Public Enemies” will be shown in Beaver Dam this summer. The movie starring Johnny Depp as Depression-era gangster John Dillinger was shot throughout Wisconsin last spring. Scott Koran with Rogers Cinema says he spoke with his studio rep last Friday and was told, while it’s not 100%, it certainly looks like Public Enemies will be shown on their mega screen in Beaver Dam. Koran says the studio is still in the very early stages of the film print allocation process but because some of the movie was filmed in the city, the studio is “adamant” about getting Beaver Dam a copy. The premier is set for July 1.
BDUSD to Review Facilities Study
6/1/09 - The Beaver Dam School Board is expected to review a district facilities study tonight that projects the elementary schools will need more than $6.6-million-dollars of improvements over the next five years. The board is also expected to discuss the state budget deficit and what effect the proposed 2.5-percent cut in aid to schools would have on the district. The meeting is set for 6:30 at the Educational Service Center.
Downtown Demolition Continues
6/1/09 - Demolition resumes today on the two remaining buildings on the 100 block of Front Street in downtown Beaver Dam. Instead of removing Doc’s Corner first and moving east, as originally planned, crews removed 145 and 149 Front Street late last week. That leaves Doc’s currently standing on the corner and the building at 151 Front Street an island surrounded by rubble. Beaver Dam Mayor Tom Kennedy says the reason for the change in plans was because Doc’s and 151 have concrete floor sand that will be used as a landing zone for the rubble. It will be next Thursday before demolition crews begin to remove the five buildings on the 200 block of Front Street in downtown Beaver Dam. The culvert removal in the Tower Parking lot will begin at mid-month.
Columbus Looking Into Student Illnesses
6/1/09 - Officials at Columbus High School say the possibility of school closure is not being considered at this time. That’s after two students at the high school were kept at home Friday with flu-like symptoms. According to the district’s updated website, medical personnel are involved and the H1N1 virus has neither been confirmed nor ruled out and school closure would only be considered if a large number of students were to be absent. Meanwhile, the state of Wisconsin has more than 14 hundred confirmed cases. Nearly nine thousand confirmed cases have been reported nationwide. A spokesperson for the Department of Health Services says almost all the cases here have been relatively mild.
Man Injured While Riding Motorcycle
6/1/09 - A man trying to avoid a deer crashed his motorcycle yesterday morning. 26-year-old Michael Tetting was riding his motorcycle on Highway 175 near Highway HH in the Town of Lomira when a deer jumped out in front of him. He swerved and crashed the cycle. Tetting was taken to St. Agnes hospital. The accident happened just before 9am.
Outhouse Bombers Due in Court Today
6/1/09 - The three men suspected of using homemade bombs to blow up a mailbox and porta-potty last month are due in court this morning for their initial appearances. 19-year-old’s Stephen Peterson and Kyle Livingston along with 20-year-old Michael Peters all face a variety of felony charges including Possession of Explosives and Damage to Property in connection with the pipe bombings. No one was injured in the blasts.
NASCAR Driver in Beaver Dam Tuesday
6/1/09 - It’s Casey Kahne night at Charter Raceway Park tomorrow night. The driver of the number-nine car on NASCAR’s Sprint Cup Series and the two drivers he employs on the World of Outlaw circuit will take on the local IRA and Bumper to Bumper drivers. Charter Raceways Carolyn Mueller says getting Kahne was a huge undertaking but now that it’s only a day away they are extremely excited for his arrival. The pits open at 2 pm and the gates at 3 p.m. Qualifying is set for 6:30 p.m. with racing following at 7 p.m. For more information you can call the raceway at 887-1600.
BD Losing Longtime Fireman
6/1/09 - The Beaver Dam Fire Department will be saying “so long” today to a longtime firefighter. Captain Don “Ducky” Wellnitz is retiring after 31 years of dedicated service to the community. His colleagues are throwing Wellnitz a Farewell Party at the station. The public is invited to share lunch and a few stories beginning at noon.
Officials Cracking Down on Health Insurance Companies
6/1/09 - It could soon get harder for Wisconsin health insurers to jack up the rates of individual policy-holders for getting sick. State Insurance Commissioner Sean Dilweg has been working on measures which are now pending in the new state budget – as well as in individual bills. According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, officials are going after insurers that create closed blocks of policies which eventually get dominated by sicker people as healthy customers go into their own lower-priced plans. The paper says it’s how those who get sick eventually see their insurance rates go up. Karen Pollitz of the Georgetown University Health Policy Institute says the pricing is allowed to continue because it’s quote, “amazingly invisible.” The Wisconsin Preferred Provider Organization opposes the change. Director Dan Schwartzer said the group does not oppose the elimination of closed blocks of higher-priced policies – but he says there are better ways to fix the system.
High Speed Rail a Possibility in Wisconsin
6/1/09 - As Governor Jim Doyle pushes to get high-speed rail service from Milwaukee to Madison, a new group is making its own push to get trains from Milwaukee to Green Bay. New Rails wants state officials to ask Washington to approve an experimental Amtrak passenger line on the current Canadian National tracks, with a connection to Amtrak’s Hiawatha line from Milwaukee to Chicago. The group says it would provide a more efficient and powerful economic link between the Fox Valley and the Windy City. And if Chicago gets the 2016 Olympics, Paul Linzmeyer of New Rails says northeast Wisconsin could be part of the action. The experimental line could have stops in Fond du Lac, Oshkosh, Menasha, Appleton, and Neenah.
Emu Makes Its Presence Known in FDL
6/1/09 - Motorists are used to seeing wildlife on their travels, but rarely the kind that was trotting down Highway 41 near Van Dyne last Friday morning. An emu was running south in the median. State Patrol Sergeant Mark Abrahamson says the highway had to be closed while a Fond du Lac County Sheriff's deputy shot the bird. He says there was no other choice other to euthanize it. The large bird could have seriously injured a driver had a vehicle hit it. Although there is a farm nearby that raises emus, no one claimed ownership of the flightless fowl. Emus can grow to a height of nearly 7 feet. (KFIZ)
TV’s and Computers Makers Could Be Forced to Recycle Obsolete Products
6/1/09 - A public hearing will be held Wednesday on a Wisconsin bill to force the makers of T-V’s and computers to have their obsolete products recycled. Madison Democrats have tried for years to pass such legislation – and it’s expected to be easier now that their party’s in charge. But Assembly Democrat Spencer Black says the need for such a mandate is bigger than ever, now that people are converting to digital T-V’s. The federal E-P-A says over 80-percent of old electronics go to landfills, where their toxic materials can pollute the ground-water. But the bill’s supporters say more people understand the problem these days.
$1M Powerball Winner in Marshfield
6/1/09 - Somebody in central Wisconsin won a million dollars playing Powerball over the weekend. A ticket sold in Marshfield matched five regular numbers but not the Powerball to win 200-thousand-dollars. The buyer also chose the Power Play multiplier of five to make the prize a million. Ironically, the big win came in the drawing after somebody in South Dakota won a 232-million-dollar jackpot last Wednesday night. Saturday’s top prize was back down to 20-million – and nobody won that, so it goes up to 25-million for the next drawing on Wednesday. Wisconsin players did win just over 17-thousand smaller prizes this past weekend.
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