Beaver Dam Balances Budget With One-Time Fix
11/8/11 - The Beaver Dam Administrative Committee last night found a way to balance the 2012 budget without having to increase health insurance deductibles for the city’s police and fire personnel. Officials went into the meeting having to trim around $127,000. With little support for layoffs, furlough days and delaying payments on debt service, city officials were saying they were out of options. After voting down plans to decrease mayoral and aldermanic salaries, the committee zeroed-in on some one-time accounting maneuvers that would cover the shortfall. Director of Administration John Somers says the city projecting an $80,000 surplus from this year, which can be applied to next years tax levy. Some of the savings comes from unused money in the snow plowing fund but Somers says other savings came as the result of collective bargaining reforms. Another $40,000 is coming from a one-time opportunity from the state that allows municipalities that had not maxed-out their allowable tax levy in previous years to collect additional revenues if approved by resolution. Several firefighters were in the audience at last night’s committee meeting. Committee Chair Don Neuert cautioned that the new found money may have only been a one-time fix and the issue could very well come up again next year. The total proposed budget is $13.7 million dollars, of which the city plans to levy for $8.4 million, that’s an increase of four-and-a-quarter-percent (4.25%) or roughly $342,000 higher than the current budget. The estimated mill rate is $8.26, up 39 cents from this year. The public hearing and consideration of the 2012 budget on the council floor will be on Monday, November 21.
BD Holds First Reading on Concealed Carry
11/8/11 - The Beaver Dam Common Council held first reading last night on an ordinance that would prohibit concealed weapons inside city buildings. City attorney Mary Ann Schacht says it modeled after similar ordinances in other communities that are restricting firearms in public buildings. A public hearing on the ordinance will be held when the ordinance comes up for a second and final reading during the Common Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting in two weeks on Monday, November 21. A copy of the ordinance can be found here:
http://www.wbevradio.com/WBEV.aspx?Page=News&ArticleId=1123
Beaver Dam Extends Contract With Building Inspector
11/8/11 - The Beaver Dam Common Council last night approved a six-year contract extension with its current building inspector. The contract with Wisconsin Building Inspections calls for the company to keep all of the revenue generated from building permit fees up to $100,000. The city would get 10% of revenue generated between $100,000 and $200,000 and split everything 50-50 after that. Under the previous contract, the city did not see any money until $200,000 in fees was collected. The average collected from building permit fees over the past five years is $210,000. The city will continue to keep 100% of the money generated from code violations.
MacNeill Selected as Chief in Mayville
11/8/11 - Captain Chris MacNeill is now the Chief of Police in Mayville. That’s after the Police and Fire Commission unanimously approved his appointment last night. MacNeill has been with the department for about the past 11 years and had been serving as the acting chief since the beginning of this past summer. PFC President Mike Schmidt says MacNeill was the entire commission’s first choice and feels the decision was made even easier after MacNeill took over as acting chief and “galvanized” the department and raised the morale. MacNeill replaces Bill Linzenmeyer who retired earlier this year after 37-years on the job.
DCSO K9 Team On The Beat
11/8/11 - Dodge County Patrol Captain Molly Soblewski says the first month of the Sheriff’s Department new K-9 team has been (quote) “fantastic.” She says the two dogs have been out on numerous calls and in three schools already. There have been seven successful “sniffs” with drugs being found. The dogs also were able to track down a driver who had left the scene of a traffic crash, and the man was arrested. Soblewski says she expects the dogs and their deputy handlers to continue to improve as they get more experience together. The dogs were sworn-in at the Dodge County Fair in August but were not fully certified until last month.
Oconomowoc Woman Accused of Stealing From Ashippun BP
11/8/11 - An Oconomowoc woman faces felony Theft charges for allegedly stealing over $5000 from the gas station where she worked. Jessica Benning is accused of taking cash, cigarettes and other items from the Ashippun BP over a nine-month period ending in September. Management was tipped-off to the theft from an anonymous tip. The 21-year-old reportedly admitted the thefts to investigators and said she leaned a trick with the cash register to cover her tracks from a former employee. The charge carries a maximum six-year prison sentence upon conviction. Benning had a signature bond set at $1000 during an initial hearing yesterday in Dodge County court and will be back in court later this month to see if there is enough evidence for her to proceed to trial.
50 Dogs Rescued From Green Lake County House
11/8/11 - About 50 dogs that suffered ringworm have been removed from a woman’s home near Green Lake. They’re quarantined and housed separately at the Green Lake Area Animal Shelter. Sheriff’s and health officials acted on an anonymous tip when they visited the woman’s home last Thursday. According to shelter manager Janine Ruback, the woman agreed to give up 37 Toy Fox Terriers and Terrier-Chihuahua mixes. Ruback said the woman apparently never intended to have so many dogs. She had done some breeding in the past. And Ruback said she tried to end the process, but could not afford to spay and neuter all those pets. The Green Lake Animal Shelter will be looking for groups to help treat and the dogs and neuter them.
Signs Damaged In Beaver Dam
11/8/11 - There was damage reported to two signs in separate incidents in Beaver Dam over the weekend. The flashing road sign on Madison Street that alerts northbound motorists of a sharp curve over the Beaver Dam River was found to be snapped-off at the base. It was discovered early Sunday morning. There was no evidence left at the scene. In addition, a 33-year-old Mayville man was cited for Inattentive Driving on Friday afternoon after crashing into the Murray Funeral Home sign at the intersection of North Lincoln and East Maple Avenue.
Democratic Party of DC Gearing Up For Recall
11/8/11 - The Democratic Party of Dodge County is getting ready to help an effort to recall Governor Scott Walker and Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch. The organization plans to officially open headquarters in Beaver Dam next Tuesday at 116 Monroe Street. Those wishing to sign the petitions to recall Walker and Kleefisch are being invited to come to the office on November 15th from 9 a-m to 9 p-m. After that, the office will be open Monday through Friday from noon to 8 p-m and from 10 a-m to 6 p-m on the weekend. Walker and Kleefisch are being targeted for their support of the law that virtually ended collective bargaining for local and state employees.
Four-Hour Training Requirement Nixed
11/8/11 - Wisconsin legislators have voted to scrap the four-hour training requirement for those who want to carry concealed weapons. The Legislature’s Rules Committee voted 6-to-2 Monday not to set a minimum time length for the training. All Republicans voted yes, and both Democrats voted no. The weapons’ training is part of the concealed carry law which took effect sevendays ago. But as Assembly Majority Leader Scott Suder pointed out, lawmakers did not specify a minimum time period. He said the Legislature’s intent was to leave it up to the applicants to determine how much training they need. Attorney General J-B Van Hollen angered the National Rifle Association by drafting a four-hour training mandate last month. Van Hollen said yesterday that his department will probably have to accept any training certificate in a request for a concealed carry permit – and some of them might be bogus, and awarded after just a few minutes of instructions. Governor Scott Walker will have the final say. He approved the four-hour training period last month, but only because he didn’t want to hold up the law’s implementation. Walker said he wanted requirement dropped in the permanent rules he’ll act on next year.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Monday, November 7, 2011
Top Stories November 7th
Watertown Man Killed In Wrong-Way Wreck
11/7/11 - A Watertown man was killed in a head-on collision near Milwaukee. Four squad cars tried in vain to stop a woman headed the wrong way on I-94 before she slammed into the vehicle of 41-year-old Brian St. Germaine early Saturday morning in the town of Delafield. The 44-year-old Pewaukee woman driving the wrong-way was also killed. The Waukesha County Sheriff’s office says it got several calls about a car going the wrong way on the interstate shortly after midnight Saturday. The collision between St. Germaine's blue Chevy Impala and the woman's Chrysler Sebring occurred right in front of an eastbound sheriff deputy's squad. Several law enforcement agencies sent squad cars to try to avoid an accident, but they were too late. One deputy rushing to catch the wrong-way car almost wound up involved in the accident. Nicole St. Germaine, an emergency room nurse, told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that her husband coached their daughters in basketball at St. John's Lutheran School on Milwaukee's south side before they moved to Watertown. The girls are now 11, 14 and 15. The Sheriff's Department asked for blood tests on the woman.
Deputies Use Bean Bag Gun To End Watertown Standoff
11/7/11 - Dodge County deputies used a bean-bag gun to disarm a Watertown man who sparked a weekend standoff. Authorities were called to the 1300 block of Douglas Avenue just after 8:30pm Saturday to reports of an armed man who had barricaded himself inside his residence. Sheriff Todd Nehls says his department assisted the Watertown Police Department by providing four deputies and a negotiator. The subject exited the house about one hour after law enforcement arrived on scene armed with either a shotgun or rifle. That’s when a deputy used two rounds of a bean-bag gun to subdue the suspect and take him into custody. Nehls says he was intoxicated and faces a variety of charges.
Nehls: Drunken Teen Rollover ‘Concerning’
11/7/11 - Dodge County Sheriff Todd Nehls says Friday night’s drinking and driving accident that injured six Beaver Dam-area teens is very concerning. The alleged driver, 18-year-old Adam Klodowski, was southbound on Thompson Road when he reportedly lost control and rolled into a ditch. No one was wearing a seatbelt and three of the occupants were ejected. They were all said to be drinking. An 18-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl were transferred to UW Hospital Madison for treatment of head injuries and broken bones. Klodowski was transported to the Beaver Dam Community Hospital, along with two 15-year-old girls and a 16-year-old boy. Nehls says Klodowski is facing some serious charges.
New Beaver Dam Police Station Is Fully Operational
11/7/11 - The Beaver Dam Police Department has completed the bulk of their move into their new $5.1 million dollar facility. Police Chief Ronald Smith says officers started operating out of the Park Avenue police station with the start of third shift, Saturday night. Officers made the move with the help of a Wal-Mart box truck over the weekend and while most of the transition is complete, Smith says the transporting of evidence will take place at another date under close scrutiny of select personnel.
Beaver Dam 2012 Budget Back In Committee Tonight
11/7/11 - The Beaver Dam Administrative Committee is expected to advance the 2012 budget when they meet tonight (Mon). Officials go into the meeting having to trim around $136,000. Committee Chair Don Neuert says options are limited. Layoffs do not appear likely and most purchase requests were approved by his committee late last month. Neuert says the committee is considering pushing off $140,000 in next year’s debt payments but that would cost an additional $88,000 in interest over the long run. The final option would be to save money on health insurance by increasing the deductible on police and fire personnel, something allowed for the first time because of recent changes in Madison. The total proposed budget is $13.7 million dollars, of which the city plans to levy for $8.4 million, that’s an increase of four-and-a-quarter-percent (4.25%) or roughly $342,000 higher than the current budget. The Administrative Committee meets at 6pm tonight in City Hall.
Washington County Approves Budget
11/7/11 - The Washington County Board has cut spending on operating costs by nearly two-and-a-half percent (2.5%). The $113.6 million budget for 2012 was adopted late last week on a 23-6 vote. The budget includes a property tax levy of $36.7 million, which is down one-and-a-half percent (1.5%) from 2011. The mill rate will be $2.85 per $1,000 of equalized value – which is unchanged from this year. The owner of a $200,000 home will pay around $570. Administrative Coordinator Doug Johnson says the levy would have been higher but the board decided to allocate $5.2 million in county sales tax revenue to reduce the property tax burden. The 2012 operating budget includes an average half-percent increase for employee wages.
Kohl Representative In Juneau on November 18
11/7/11 - A representative for Senator Herb Kohl will be in Dodge County later this month. Marlene Mielke, Kohl’s regional representative, will be available to meet with constituents at the Dodge County Administration Building in Juneau on Friday, November 18 from 11am until noon. Kohl says people should meet with Mielke if they are having a problem with a federal program or agency, or have an opinion on an issue before Congress. No appointment is necessary. Mielke can also be contacted at Kohl’s regional office in Appleton. Kohl’s regional office is located at 4321 West College Avenue, Suite 370, in Appleton, WI 54914. The telephone number is (920) 738-1640 and email address is marlene_mielke@kohl.senate.gov.
11/7/11 - A Watertown man was killed in a head-on collision near Milwaukee. Four squad cars tried in vain to stop a woman headed the wrong way on I-94 before she slammed into the vehicle of 41-year-old Brian St. Germaine early Saturday morning in the town of Delafield. The 44-year-old Pewaukee woman driving the wrong-way was also killed. The Waukesha County Sheriff’s office says it got several calls about a car going the wrong way on the interstate shortly after midnight Saturday. The collision between St. Germaine's blue Chevy Impala and the woman's Chrysler Sebring occurred right in front of an eastbound sheriff deputy's squad. Several law enforcement agencies sent squad cars to try to avoid an accident, but they were too late. One deputy rushing to catch the wrong-way car almost wound up involved in the accident. Nicole St. Germaine, an emergency room nurse, told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that her husband coached their daughters in basketball at St. John's Lutheran School on Milwaukee's south side before they moved to Watertown. The girls are now 11, 14 and 15. The Sheriff's Department asked for blood tests on the woman.
Deputies Use Bean Bag Gun To End Watertown Standoff
11/7/11 - Dodge County deputies used a bean-bag gun to disarm a Watertown man who sparked a weekend standoff. Authorities were called to the 1300 block of Douglas Avenue just after 8:30pm Saturday to reports of an armed man who had barricaded himself inside his residence. Sheriff Todd Nehls says his department assisted the Watertown Police Department by providing four deputies and a negotiator. The subject exited the house about one hour after law enforcement arrived on scene armed with either a shotgun or rifle. That’s when a deputy used two rounds of a bean-bag gun to subdue the suspect and take him into custody. Nehls says he was intoxicated and faces a variety of charges.
Nehls: Drunken Teen Rollover ‘Concerning’
11/7/11 - Dodge County Sheriff Todd Nehls says Friday night’s drinking and driving accident that injured six Beaver Dam-area teens is very concerning. The alleged driver, 18-year-old Adam Klodowski, was southbound on Thompson Road when he reportedly lost control and rolled into a ditch. No one was wearing a seatbelt and three of the occupants were ejected. They were all said to be drinking. An 18-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl were transferred to UW Hospital Madison for treatment of head injuries and broken bones. Klodowski was transported to the Beaver Dam Community Hospital, along with two 15-year-old girls and a 16-year-old boy. Nehls says Klodowski is facing some serious charges.
New Beaver Dam Police Station Is Fully Operational
11/7/11 - The Beaver Dam Police Department has completed the bulk of their move into their new $5.1 million dollar facility. Police Chief Ronald Smith says officers started operating out of the Park Avenue police station with the start of third shift, Saturday night. Officers made the move with the help of a Wal-Mart box truck over the weekend and while most of the transition is complete, Smith says the transporting of evidence will take place at another date under close scrutiny of select personnel.
Beaver Dam 2012 Budget Back In Committee Tonight
11/7/11 - The Beaver Dam Administrative Committee is expected to advance the 2012 budget when they meet tonight (Mon). Officials go into the meeting having to trim around $136,000. Committee Chair Don Neuert says options are limited. Layoffs do not appear likely and most purchase requests were approved by his committee late last month. Neuert says the committee is considering pushing off $140,000 in next year’s debt payments but that would cost an additional $88,000 in interest over the long run. The final option would be to save money on health insurance by increasing the deductible on police and fire personnel, something allowed for the first time because of recent changes in Madison. The total proposed budget is $13.7 million dollars, of which the city plans to levy for $8.4 million, that’s an increase of four-and-a-quarter-percent (4.25%) or roughly $342,000 higher than the current budget. The Administrative Committee meets at 6pm tonight in City Hall.
Washington County Approves Budget
11/7/11 - The Washington County Board has cut spending on operating costs by nearly two-and-a-half percent (2.5%). The $113.6 million budget for 2012 was adopted late last week on a 23-6 vote. The budget includes a property tax levy of $36.7 million, which is down one-and-a-half percent (1.5%) from 2011. The mill rate will be $2.85 per $1,000 of equalized value – which is unchanged from this year. The owner of a $200,000 home will pay around $570. Administrative Coordinator Doug Johnson says the levy would have been higher but the board decided to allocate $5.2 million in county sales tax revenue to reduce the property tax burden. The 2012 operating budget includes an average half-percent increase for employee wages.
Kohl Representative In Juneau on November 18
11/7/11 - A representative for Senator Herb Kohl will be in Dodge County later this month. Marlene Mielke, Kohl’s regional representative, will be available to meet with constituents at the Dodge County Administration Building in Juneau on Friday, November 18 from 11am until noon. Kohl says people should meet with Mielke if they are having a problem with a federal program or agency, or have an opinion on an issue before Congress. No appointment is necessary. Mielke can also be contacted at Kohl’s regional office in Appleton. Kohl’s regional office is located at 4321 West College Avenue, Suite 370, in Appleton, WI 54914. The telephone number is (920) 738-1640 and email address is marlene_mielke@kohl.senate.gov.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Top Stories, November 6th
Did You Set Your Clock Back One Hour Yet?
11/6/11 - If you have not done so already, set your clock back by one hour. The official change to standard time occurred at 2am Sunday morning. Residents of Hawaii, most of Arizona and some U.S. territories do not have to change since they did not observe daylight saving time, which resumes again the second Sunday in March. Local fire officials say you should use the extra time to change the batteries in your smoke detectors. If you need 9-volt batteries, Beaver Dam Fire Captain Russ Johnson says they can be obtained at the Beaver Dam Senior Center, Community Library and at the Fire Station. Limited supplies of smoke detectors are also available. Remember, it's fall back one hour.
Six Injured In Town of BD Crash: UPDATED
11/6/11 - Two of the six Beaver Dam-area teens who were injured in a one-vehicle accident Friday night have been transferred to UW Hospital in Madison. That’s according to Sheriff Todd Nehls who says an 18-year-old boy and a 15-year-old are being treated in Madison for head injuries and broken bones. The wreck occurred just before midnight in the Town of Beaver Dam when 18-year-old Adam Klodowski rolled his Chevrolet Tahoe on Thompson Road. No one was wearing a seatbelt and three of the occupants were ejected. Nehls says the teens were drinking while they were driving. Klodowski was among the injured, along with 18-year-old Brandon Hilbrich, three 15-year-old girls and a 16-year-old boy. Charges of OWI Causing Injury with a Minor in the Vehicle are being forwarded to the D-A.
FSA Ballots In The Mail For Dodge County Committee
11/6/11 - The Farm Service Agency (FSA) mailed out ballots this past Friday for the 2011 FSA county committee elections. County FSA Executive Director Susan Blachowiak says the County Committee makes decisions about the local administration of federal farm programs, like disaster and conservation payments, establishment of allotments and yields, producer appeals and other local agricultural issues. Blachowiak is urging all eligible farmers and ranchers, especially minorities and women, to get involved. To be an eligible voter, farmers and ranchers must participate or cooperate in FSA programs. Eligible voters who do not receive a ballot can obtain one at the USDA Service Center. In Dodge County, producers being elected come from the townships of Fox Lake, Trenton, Chester, Westford, Burnett, Calamus, Beaver Dam and Oak Grove. Agricultural producers in each county submitted candidate names during the nomination period held last summer. This year’s candidates are: Dale Macheel, Laura Helmer and Glen Berndt. The deadline for eligible voters to return ballots to their local FSA office is December 5. Newly elected committee members and alternates take office January 1. More information, links and a description of each candidate can be found on our website.
Dale Macheel resides in the town of Randolph. He has enjoyed being the county committee representative for the past 3-years. He has produced corn, soybeans, wheat, alfalfa, peas, sweet corn, and snap beans for over 36-years. Dale and his wife have hosted the Dodge County Dairy Breakfast on their farm. Early in their career, they were selected as Dodge County Farm Bureau’s Outstanding Young Farmer. Dale is a member of Farm Bureau, United Co-op, and was nominated for the board of Landmark Services Co-op. Dale is a UW Madison alumnus, graduating with a BS in Biological Systems Engineering from the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences.
Laura Helmer resides in the town of Fox Lake. Laura and her husband live on a cash grain farm in north western Dodge County. Laura is employed with the State of Wisconsin Department of Corrections located in Waupun. She grew up on a farm in Marquette County where they produced corn, hay and raised a flock of 100 ewes. During Laura’s spare time she enjoys raising calves. Laura is a University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point alumnus.
Glen Berndt resides in the town of Horicon. He has produced cash crop corn, soybeans, and wheat for 11-years and raised beef, hogs, and produced cash grain for 12-years. For 20-years Glen was a co-owner on a dairy farm.
For more information about FSA county committees and FSA programs, visit: http://www.fsa.usda.gov. In Dodge County the FSA office is located at 451 W. North Street, Juneau or can be contacted at 920-386-9999.
WSP: Get ready For Winter Driving
11/6/11 - A major winter storm that recently hit the Northeast U.S. is a reminder of the challenges Wisconsin drivers will face in coming weeks. Inspector David Harvey with the Wisconsin State Patrol says now is the time for drivers to get into their winter driving mindset. "When it comes to winter snow storms, one thing we frequently say is 'first is the worst' as motorists re-adjust to their winter driving habits. One of the most common errors people make in winter weather is driving too fast for conditions. Posted speed limits apply when pavements are dry and driving conditions are normal. When there is snow, frost or ice on the roads, drivers need to slow down accordingly.” Harvey also reminds drivers that no matter the weather conditions, when you see emergency, maintenance vehicles or tow trucks stopped along the road with their lights flashing, Wisconsin’s “Move Over” law requires drivers to shift lanes or slow down.
Peanut Prices Rise Sharply
11/6/11 - An ongoing drought in peanut-producing states is being blamed for a rapid rise in prices. In some cases, people are being warned of a peanut butter shortage. The cost of peanut butter is said to be up by about 35 cents a jar on some store shelves. There has been no relief from the drought in most producing areas, mean the price won’t be going down any time soon.
East Washington Redevelopment Moving Forward
11/6/11 - Madison city officials say they are moving closer on a project to revitalize an area on East Washington Avenue. The city says it expects to finalize land purchases with developers for three blighted sites in the 700 and 800 blocks of the avenue. Construction should start next spring. Until that work starts, the showrooms of a vacant auto dealer site are being converted into a daytime shelter for the homeless.
Wisconsin Students Carrying Above Average Debt
11/6/11 - The Project on Student Debt report shows more than two-thirds of Wisconsin college students graduate while carrying a serious debt burden. That figure ranks ninth in the country. The same study shows the average amount of debt carried by the college students in this state is a little over 24 thousand dollars. That ranks 15th among the 50 states.
Teen Gets $100K For Police Dog Bite
11/6/11 - A 17-year-old boy will get 100-thousand-dollars, after he got bit by a police dog while running from a home in Hudson where shots were being fired. Nate Livermore filed suit. He said one of his arms had permanent damage when a Saint Croix County sheriff's deputy used excessive force in having a K-9 go after him two years ago. Livermore and three other teens were running from the home of Dan Christenson, who was shooting a gun while he was drunk. The teens tried to escape after hiding in the basement, and officers were surrounding the home at the time. A federal judge approved a total settlement of 210-thousand-dollars. Livermore's attorneys will get about 87-thousand of that. His doctors will get around 22-thousand. Sheriff John Shilts said he defends his deputy's actions -- but it's sometimes cheaper to settle a case than to defend the case in a trial.
Garrison Keillor Selling Vacation Retreat
11/6/11 - Got a million dollars to spare? If so, you can be the proud owner of Garrison Keillor’s vacation retreat in far western Wisconsin. The famous host of the public radio show “A Prairie Home Companion” wants to get rid of his 11-acre property along the Saint Croix River in the Pierce County town of Clifton. He has not said why he wants to sell it – and his real estate agent, Joyce Peterson of Coldwell Banker, says she doesn’t know why. The property has a detached office where Keillor wrote his novel “Wobegon Boy.” There’s also a log house, a guest house, a studio, clay tennis courts, and 460-feet of shoreline along the river. The Keillor retreat is less than an hour from his main house in Saint Paul Minnesota – where he’s spent 38 years hosting “A Prairie Home Companion” on almost 600 U-S public radio stations.
Kennedy Holds Regular Office Hours on Tuesday
11/6/11 - Beaver Dam Mayor Tom Kennedy has listening sessions scheduled for Tuesday. Kennedy says city residents are invited to meet with him, one-on-one, without appointment on the first and third Tuesday of every month. He says it is important that constituents have the opportunity to speak with him the day after each regular meeting of the common council. The meetings are held in Room 109 on the first floor of City Hall from 10am until noon and again from 5pm to 6pm. Kennedy also makes himself available for private meetings by appointment by contacting the mayor office.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Top Stories November 4th
Juneau, Columbus Factories Cited By OSHA
11/4/11 - Two local factories have been cited for 22 federal safety violations. The Occupational Safety-and-Health Administration is recommending 126-thousand-dollars in fines for the Gardner Equipment Company. OSHA said it found the violations at Gardner's plants in Columbus and Juneau. The government said 16 of the health and safety violations were found at the Columbus facility, where some employees had rashes on their arms and hands, because they were not given protective clothing when dealing with materials that irritated their skin. The Juneau facility was cited for three serious safety violations involving their energy control program. Three other non-serious violations were also given. OSHA’s Madison Area Director Kim Stille said in a statement that “Failing to ensure workers use protective clothing and respiratory protection demonstrates a lack of regard for workers’ safety and health.” Gardner Equipment has not commented on the violations. It has 15 days to pay either the fines, challenge the citations, or ask for a meeting with OSHA. The company, which manufactures and paints metal birdhouses, employs about 56-workers.
Roofing Contractor Enters Plea To Theft Charge
11/4/11 - A contractor from St. Croix Falls pleaded “no contest” yesterday to charges to felony Theft for allegedly ripping-off a Mayville woman on a roofing job. 38-year-old Chad Jones, who operates No Worries Construction out of Spooner, failed to return a $4100 deposit for roofing work that was supposed to take place in 2008. Jones faces up to three and-a-half years in prison when he is sentenced on November 18.
A-G: Lt Governor Needs Separate Recall
11/4/11 - Wisconsin's governor and lieutenant governor would have to be recalled separately -- even though they were elected as a team a year ago. Attorney General J-B Van Hollen issued that legal opinion Thursday. The Government Accountability Board asked for the opinion, as Democrats and their supporters prepare to begin petition drives later this month to recall the Republican Walker. The board said earlier that the law appears to require that each elected official be recalled separately, but it wanted Van Hollen's advice to be sure -- and he agreed with the panel. The governor and lieutenant governor are the only pair of state officials that people choose with one vote. The opinion means that those who petition to recall Walker would have to duplicate their efforts in order to seek a recall vote against Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch. State Democratic Party chairman Mike Tate says his group will try to recall both. And they won't let Van Hollen's ruling stop the effort -- even though Tate said the opinion favors Van Hollen's fellow Republicans.
Bill To Move Primary Passes Through Senate
11/4/11 - Wisconsin senators gave final legislative approval Thursday to a bill that moves the fall partisan primaries from September to August every two years. The measure also prohibits absentee ballots from being e-mailed, except to voters overseas. The bill was carried on a voice vote. It now goes to Governor Scott Walker for his signature. The primaries are being moved because of a new federal law which requires that states send their post-primary November ballots to military troops and other overseas residents within 45 days of the election. An earlier version of the bill would have allowed absentee ballots to be e-mailed to those who requested it, both in-state and out. But Senate Republicans struck down that provision. Senate Democrats asked yesterday that it be restored, but the G-O-P said no. They were concerned about the security of e-mailed ballots, and they said they didn't want to burden local election clerks any more than they already are. Middleton Democrat Jon Erpenbach said the e-mailed ballots would be just as secure as others in fighting fraud -- and he said Republicans had already placed too many barriers to voting with the approval of the photo I-D law.
Senator Approves Killing Intruders
11/4/11 - Wisconsin senators voted 26-to-7 Thursday to let homeowners avoid criminal or civil punishment for killing burglars and other unwanted intruders. The Assembly approved the so-called “castle doctrine” on Tuesday – and the bill’s going back to the lower house for approval of a Democratic amendment which was added yesterday. It would make homeowners liable for hurting-or-killing people they should have known were fire-fighters or ambulance personnel. The original bill gave that protection only to police officers. Nine Democrats joined all Republicans in supporting the bill. Seven Democrats voted no. Racine Republican Van Wangaard, a former police officer, said he drafted the bill to make sure families are safe in their own homes. But Middleton Democrat Jon Erpenbach said the measure was being rammed through to please gun rights supporters – and he said the day was quote, “bought and paid for by the National Rifle Association.” Chief prosecutors in Milwaukee and Sheboygan said Wisconsin doesn’t need a self-defense bill, since homeowners already have plenty of legal protections if they hurt intruders. And the State Bar Association also came out against the measure, saying it protects quote, “irrational people armed with deadly force.”
Assembly Approved Weapons In Gallery
11/4/11 - Wisconsin Assembly leaders agreed Thursday to let members carry concealed weapons during their sessions -- and to let folks in the galleries do the same. Democrats on the Assembly's Organization Committee said the policy made no sense, because the house does not let spectator’s videotape sessions or post signs in the chamber. Dozens of people have been arrested in recent months for doing both those things. The concealed weapons law was approved mostly by Republicans earlier this year. And Assembly G-O-P leaders said those with permits should be able to protect themselves in the Assembly chamber, just like in many other places around the Badger State. The Assembly's policy differs from the Senate -- which decided to let members carry concealed weapons but not those in the galleries. Individual members of both houses have the right to decide whether to allow hidden weapons in their own offices.
Celebrity Line Boosts Kohl’s Sales Despite Divorce
11/4/11 - It's been awhile since Jennifer Lopez and Mark Anthony broke up -- but they're still hot items at the Wisconsin-based Kohl's Department Stores. The Menomonee Falls chain reports strong sales of the former couple's clothing lines. And it helped increase Kohl's sales by three-point-nine percent (3.9%) last month in stores open at least a year. That's two-tenths higher than what outside analysts expected. For the four weeks ending October 29th, Kohl's reports total revenues of one-point-three billion dollars -- over five-and-a-half percent (5.5%) more than at the same time a year ago. C-E-O Kevin Mansell said customers responded favorably to the Lopez and Anthony clothing lines, even though they were introduced after the couple filed for divorce. Kohl's marketing programs were also credited for the strong sales -- and the firm plans especially heavy digital and broadcast advertising through the end of the year.
Snow Removal Season Imminent
11/4/11 - There may be a couple more days of warm weather in the forecast, but snow removal season will soon be here. Beaver Dam Mayor Tom Kennedy says after the first significant snowfall, winter parking rules will be in effect. Once enacted, no parking will be allowed on city streets between 2am and 6am, so that the Department of Public Works can clear the snow. Citations will be issued for violations and begin at $20 if the ticket is paid within 24 hours. Once the enforcement has been initiated, the parking ban will remain in effect unless it is announced that the ban has been temporarily or permanently lifted. Kennedy says residents who need to apply for a $40 on-street parking permit should apply now so ensure they will have it when the snow starts to fall.
Avenue of Angels Entries Being Accepted
11/4/11 - The Waupun Area Chamber of Commerce is looking for entries to this year's Avenue of Angels Parade and Festival of Trees. The parade on November 29 is the kick-off to the four-night event that features free entertainment, refreshments and a special appearance by Santa Claus. There is no specific theme for the parade but the entries should be holiday-related. The parade starts a 6:30 pm in downtown Waupun. The Grand Marshal is Terri Respalje of the Waupun Food Pantry. The Festival of Trees will be on display at City Hall through December 2. Any size tree is acceptable but they must be artificial. The Chamber encourages those submitting to promote their business or organization when decorating. There is no cost to enter the Festival of Trees or the Parade and prizes will be awarded. Entry forms are available on the Chamber's website www.waupunchamber.com or contact Charlene Becker at 920-324-3491.
WBEV Broadcasting Live From New Police Station Today
We’ll be broadcasting WBEV’s Community Comment live from the new Beaver Dam Police Department this afternoon. We’ll be joined by our regular monthly guests, Detective Ryan Klavekoske and Lt. John Kreuzinger. We also plan on asking Police Chief Ronald Smith about this weekends move into the $5.1 million dollar structure. Smith says third shift Saturday night will be the first to use the police stations new briefing room. We’ll also talk to the department’s IT guy Don Rindfliesch about the new technology in the building. John Moser and Bill McCollum are scheduled to take a tour at noon so we might be able to get their take as well, when Community Comment begins at 12:35pm this afternoon.
11/4/11 - Two local factories have been cited for 22 federal safety violations. The Occupational Safety-and-Health Administration is recommending 126-thousand-dollars in fines for the Gardner Equipment Company. OSHA said it found the violations at Gardner's plants in Columbus and Juneau. The government said 16 of the health and safety violations were found at the Columbus facility, where some employees had rashes on their arms and hands, because they were not given protective clothing when dealing with materials that irritated their skin. The Juneau facility was cited for three serious safety violations involving their energy control program. Three other non-serious violations were also given. OSHA’s Madison Area Director Kim Stille said in a statement that “Failing to ensure workers use protective clothing and respiratory protection demonstrates a lack of regard for workers’ safety and health.” Gardner Equipment has not commented on the violations. It has 15 days to pay either the fines, challenge the citations, or ask for a meeting with OSHA. The company, which manufactures and paints metal birdhouses, employs about 56-workers.
Roofing Contractor Enters Plea To Theft Charge
11/4/11 - A contractor from St. Croix Falls pleaded “no contest” yesterday to charges to felony Theft for allegedly ripping-off a Mayville woman on a roofing job. 38-year-old Chad Jones, who operates No Worries Construction out of Spooner, failed to return a $4100 deposit for roofing work that was supposed to take place in 2008. Jones faces up to three and-a-half years in prison when he is sentenced on November 18.
A-G: Lt Governor Needs Separate Recall
11/4/11 - Wisconsin's governor and lieutenant governor would have to be recalled separately -- even though they were elected as a team a year ago. Attorney General J-B Van Hollen issued that legal opinion Thursday. The Government Accountability Board asked for the opinion, as Democrats and their supporters prepare to begin petition drives later this month to recall the Republican Walker. The board said earlier that the law appears to require that each elected official be recalled separately, but it wanted Van Hollen's advice to be sure -- and he agreed with the panel. The governor and lieutenant governor are the only pair of state officials that people choose with one vote. The opinion means that those who petition to recall Walker would have to duplicate their efforts in order to seek a recall vote against Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch. State Democratic Party chairman Mike Tate says his group will try to recall both. And they won't let Van Hollen's ruling stop the effort -- even though Tate said the opinion favors Van Hollen's fellow Republicans.
Bill To Move Primary Passes Through Senate
11/4/11 - Wisconsin senators gave final legislative approval Thursday to a bill that moves the fall partisan primaries from September to August every two years. The measure also prohibits absentee ballots from being e-mailed, except to voters overseas. The bill was carried on a voice vote. It now goes to Governor Scott Walker for his signature. The primaries are being moved because of a new federal law which requires that states send their post-primary November ballots to military troops and other overseas residents within 45 days of the election. An earlier version of the bill would have allowed absentee ballots to be e-mailed to those who requested it, both in-state and out. But Senate Republicans struck down that provision. Senate Democrats asked yesterday that it be restored, but the G-O-P said no. They were concerned about the security of e-mailed ballots, and they said they didn't want to burden local election clerks any more than they already are. Middleton Democrat Jon Erpenbach said the e-mailed ballots would be just as secure as others in fighting fraud -- and he said Republicans had already placed too many barriers to voting with the approval of the photo I-D law.
Senator Approves Killing Intruders
11/4/11 - Wisconsin senators voted 26-to-7 Thursday to let homeowners avoid criminal or civil punishment for killing burglars and other unwanted intruders. The Assembly approved the so-called “castle doctrine” on Tuesday – and the bill’s going back to the lower house for approval of a Democratic amendment which was added yesterday. It would make homeowners liable for hurting-or-killing people they should have known were fire-fighters or ambulance personnel. The original bill gave that protection only to police officers. Nine Democrats joined all Republicans in supporting the bill. Seven Democrats voted no. Racine Republican Van Wangaard, a former police officer, said he drafted the bill to make sure families are safe in their own homes. But Middleton Democrat Jon Erpenbach said the measure was being rammed through to please gun rights supporters – and he said the day was quote, “bought and paid for by the National Rifle Association.” Chief prosecutors in Milwaukee and Sheboygan said Wisconsin doesn’t need a self-defense bill, since homeowners already have plenty of legal protections if they hurt intruders. And the State Bar Association also came out against the measure, saying it protects quote, “irrational people armed with deadly force.”
Assembly Approved Weapons In Gallery
11/4/11 - Wisconsin Assembly leaders agreed Thursday to let members carry concealed weapons during their sessions -- and to let folks in the galleries do the same. Democrats on the Assembly's Organization Committee said the policy made no sense, because the house does not let spectator’s videotape sessions or post signs in the chamber. Dozens of people have been arrested in recent months for doing both those things. The concealed weapons law was approved mostly by Republicans earlier this year. And Assembly G-O-P leaders said those with permits should be able to protect themselves in the Assembly chamber, just like in many other places around the Badger State. The Assembly's policy differs from the Senate -- which decided to let members carry concealed weapons but not those in the galleries. Individual members of both houses have the right to decide whether to allow hidden weapons in their own offices.
Celebrity Line Boosts Kohl’s Sales Despite Divorce
11/4/11 - It's been awhile since Jennifer Lopez and Mark Anthony broke up -- but they're still hot items at the Wisconsin-based Kohl's Department Stores. The Menomonee Falls chain reports strong sales of the former couple's clothing lines. And it helped increase Kohl's sales by three-point-nine percent (3.9%) last month in stores open at least a year. That's two-tenths higher than what outside analysts expected. For the four weeks ending October 29th, Kohl's reports total revenues of one-point-three billion dollars -- over five-and-a-half percent (5.5%) more than at the same time a year ago. C-E-O Kevin Mansell said customers responded favorably to the Lopez and Anthony clothing lines, even though they were introduced after the couple filed for divorce. Kohl's marketing programs were also credited for the strong sales -- and the firm plans especially heavy digital and broadcast advertising through the end of the year.
Snow Removal Season Imminent
11/4/11 - There may be a couple more days of warm weather in the forecast, but snow removal season will soon be here. Beaver Dam Mayor Tom Kennedy says after the first significant snowfall, winter parking rules will be in effect. Once enacted, no parking will be allowed on city streets between 2am and 6am, so that the Department of Public Works can clear the snow. Citations will be issued for violations and begin at $20 if the ticket is paid within 24 hours. Once the enforcement has been initiated, the parking ban will remain in effect unless it is announced that the ban has been temporarily or permanently lifted. Kennedy says residents who need to apply for a $40 on-street parking permit should apply now so ensure they will have it when the snow starts to fall.
Avenue of Angels Entries Being Accepted
11/4/11 - The Waupun Area Chamber of Commerce is looking for entries to this year's Avenue of Angels Parade and Festival of Trees. The parade on November 29 is the kick-off to the four-night event that features free entertainment, refreshments and a special appearance by Santa Claus. There is no specific theme for the parade but the entries should be holiday-related. The parade starts a 6:30 pm in downtown Waupun. The Grand Marshal is Terri Respalje of the Waupun Food Pantry. The Festival of Trees will be on display at City Hall through December 2. Any size tree is acceptable but they must be artificial. The Chamber encourages those submitting to promote their business or organization when decorating. There is no cost to enter the Festival of Trees or the Parade and prizes will be awarded. Entry forms are available on the Chamber's website www.waupunchamber.com or contact Charlene Becker at 920-324-3491.
WBEV Broadcasting Live From New Police Station Today
We’ll be broadcasting WBEV’s Community Comment live from the new Beaver Dam Police Department this afternoon. We’ll be joined by our regular monthly guests, Detective Ryan Klavekoske and Lt. John Kreuzinger. We also plan on asking Police Chief Ronald Smith about this weekends move into the $5.1 million dollar structure. Smith says third shift Saturday night will be the first to use the police stations new briefing room. We’ll also talk to the department’s IT guy Don Rindfliesch about the new technology in the building. John Moser and Bill McCollum are scheduled to take a tour at noon so we might be able to get their take as well, when Community Comment begins at 12:35pm this afternoon.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Top Stories November 3rd
Hoeft Gets One More Chance To Sell Fountain Inn Tavern
11/3/11 - There is a deal on the works to purchase and demolish the former Fountain Inn Tavern in downtown Beaver Dam. The Front Street business formerly known as “Emotional Rescue” was the final building constructed over the Beaver Dam River that remained standing after a city buy-out. The city purchased and demolished ten other century-old buildings in 2009 because their construction in a flood plain violated modern state statutes. Owner Jay Hoeft was the lone hold-out. He had been in negotiations with the DNR until May when the agency walked away from the table. Beaver Dam Mayor Tom Kennedy says the city was recently informed by the state Department of Administration that there are leftover Community Development Block Grant funds from the 2008 floods and they could still be used for acquisition and demolition of flood plain properties. Kennedy says in accordance with the grant award, the city would only be allowed to purchase the property under the terms and conditions that were used to purchase the other ten properties three years ago. The purchase price would be based on the assessed value of the property in 2008, which was $94,000. Razing of the structure is estimated at around $50,000. Relocation fees would not be given to Hoeft because he has since closed his bar. Kennedy says it’s now a matter of Hoeft accepting or rejecting the offer as the process does not allow for negotiations. Hoeft would not comment on the latest offer.
Lively Debate, Resignation Mark Juneau Restructuring Plan
11/3/11 - Juneau Mayor Ron Bosak unveiled his plans to restructure the city’s Utility Commission last night. The proposed change comes after every other elected and appointed city official received an 18% reduction in annual salary and per-meeting stipends. The council voted earlier this year for the pay decreases but chose to exempt the Utility Commission, which is city-owned but self-sustaining using virtually no tax dollars. The exemption drew heavy criticism from Bosak who said commissioners were not being “team players” in these tough economic times. The ordinance he is proposing would reduce the number of citizen commissioners from five to three and they would serve staggered three-year terms. Two alderpersons with voting powers would also sit on the commission in one-year terms along with the mayor who would only vote to break a tie. While alderpersons on the commission would receive per-meeting compensation, they would not get an additional salary. Pay for the three citizen commissioners would be cut by 45%. In addition, the ordinance would change the way utility employees are hired and compensated by consolidating various personnel committee’s into one committee that answers to the common council with recommendations from the Utility Commission.
Citizen comments were divided last night with some residents criticizing the mayor’s restructuring plan saying it would politicize the commission. Those in favor of it said there needs to be more turnover on the commission and some fresh blood. Commissioner Randy Schaefer said the commission should be comprised of elected officials who are accountable to the public. Finance Chair Robert Affeld asked Mayor Bosak why the Commission is now facing 45% in cuts while everyone else saw an 18% decrease. When Affeld asked if the plan would go away if the commissioners accepted the 18% decrease, Bosak said “too late for that buddy.” Alderman Dan Schamberger said he could see both sides but called Bosak’s actions “spiteful.” Commissioner Paul Marose said the mayors actions were retaliatory and announced his immediate resignation. Last night’s meeting was strictly informational and any action would come at future meetings.
Pay Scale For Elected and Appointed Positions in the City of Juneau:
Mayor: The mayor is currently paid a $6000 annual salary. That will be reduced with the next term in April to $5000.
Utility President: The Utility President annual salary is $3000. Under the proposed restructuring plan, that would be reduced to $1800.
Alderperson: All elected or appointed alderpersons are paid $1200. Once new terms begin, that will decrease to $1000.
Utility Commissioner: Utility Commissioners are currently paid $900. Under the proposed restructuring plan, the salary would be reduced to $500.
Meeting Pay: All elected and appointed city officials are paid $25 and as current terms end the new meeting stipend will be $20. Utility commissioners would also be paid $20 under the proposal.
Fox Lake Council Approves Borrowing
11/3/11 - The Fox Lake City Council voted to borrow not more than $300,000 to deal with a mistake by the city assessor. In August, Assessor Art Kind informed the council that the report he filed with the state on the TIF District’s valuation was nearly $16-million less than it should have been. The error wont effect the amount of money they can collect for taxes, but does impact the amount it gets from the TIF District. Kind filed an amended report with the state, meaning they’ll eventually see the money lost. But it will leave them short for 2012. In response, after consulting with their accounting firm in September, the city will borrow at least $242,000 and as much as $300,000 to cover the shortfall in the 2012 budget, which will keep residents tax bills from fluctuating too much. The city is also in the process of finding a new assessor. The council also approved a ban on concealed weapons from any city-owned buildings unless given prior approval by the police chief. They plan to put up signs notifying the public about the ban.
BD School Board Supports Greenhouse Fundraiser
11/3/11 - The Beaver Dam School Board this week gave their vote of support to a group looking to build an Environmental Science Classroom and Greenhouse Lab at the High School. The project titled “Generating a Greener Future” and student organizers need to raise $175,000 to make it become a reality. The hope is to replace the schools current 22-year-old greenhouse with a 1,500 sq ft free standing facility that could handle 35 students and be used by the entire high school in addition to the FFA. The group is holding a series of fundraiser and actively seeking donations. The project has already received financial support from the owner of Culvers and the manager of Kohl’s. The group plans on raising money until next April, breaking ground in May, and cutting the ribbon during homecoming next fall.
Highway Projects Move Forward
11/3/11 - Six Wisconsin highway projects moved a step closer to reality Wednesday. The state Transportation Projects Commission approved environmental studies for all six projects. Results from those studies could help decide whether they get final approval. The projects include a six-mile stretch of Interstate 94 in Saint Croix County near Hudson – and a three-and-a-half-mile segment of 94 in Milwaukee County. The other projects would expand-and-improve 56 miles of Interstate 39-90 in Dane, Columbia, and Sauk counties – 19-miles of Highway 12 in Dane County – nine miles of Highway 51, also in Dane County – and 14 miles of Interstate-43 in Milwaukee and Ozaukee counties.
Foreclosures Dip In Metro Milwaukee
11/3/11 - The number of new home foreclosure cases in Metro Milwaukee dropped 25-percent in October, compared to the same month a year ago. The Journal Sentinel said there were 806 new cases in which homeowners got so far behind on their mortgage payments, they were in the process of losing their homes. The previous October, almost 11-hundred foreclosure cases had been filed in the region – which includes Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Waukesha, Racine, Kenosha, Walworth and Washington, counties. All seven counties had declines of more than 10-percent in new foreclosures compared to a year ago. Racine County had the biggest decline from 122 cases down to 70. In the first 10 months of this year, new filings were down 16-and-a-half percent from the previous year.
Wold and Johnson Found Guilty in Murder for Hire Case
11/3/11 - Two men were found guilty last night of hiring a hit-man to kill the estranged wife of one of the defendants. A Waukesha County jury deliberated for three hours before convicting 43-year-old Darren Wold and 67-year-old Jack Johnson of being parties to first degree intentional homicide. Both face life in prison when they're sentenced next month. Prosecutors said Wold and Johnson paid seven-thousand-dollars to Justin Welch to kill Wold's estranged wife, 39-year-old Kimberly Smith. She was stabbed to death in October of 2009, and authorities said it was because Wold wanted sole custody of the young son he and Smith had. The child was four at the time. The defense said the state could not prove there was a murder-for-hire plot -- and they said Welch lied during their trial when he testified about the scheme. The defendants said Welch was only trying to win a shorter sentence, after he pleaded guilty to killing Smith. Welch will be sentenced to life, but prosecutors had agreed to seek an early release under extended supervision in exchange for his testimony. Johnson will be sentenced December 9th, and Wold on December 20th.
Abstinence Would Be Emphasized Under Senate Bill
11/3/11 - Sex education in Wisconsin public schools would have to go back to emphasizing abstinence under a bill passed by the state Senate last night. The measure now goes to the Assembly. And it nullifies the changes Democrats made last year, when they ran state government. They ordered sex-ed courses to teach ways to use birth control, and explain sexually-transmitted diseases. The G-O-P bill gives schools more leeway -- but they would still have to tell teens that abstinence is the only sure way to avoid pregnancy and sexual diseases. They would also have to teach the benefits of marriage and what's involved in being a parent. The main sponsor, New Berlin Republican Mary Lazich, said her bill emphasizes local control of the curriculum and quote, "small government at its best." But Milwaukee Democrat Chris Larson said the question is whether kids will learn about sex from school or from quote, "a Google search."
Police Investigating Egging of Senator’s Office
11/3/11 - State Capitol Police are investigating the throwing of eggs outside Senator Dale Schultz's office. Staff members called police yesterday after seeing eggs splattered on the exterior marble, and egg-shells on the balcony entrance. Schultz, a Republican from Richland Center, says he has no idea why it happened. He said the Capitol is the people's building, and therefore the damage is quote, "an affront to the people of Wisconsin." Schultz said he was not sure why he was targeted. He took heat from conservatives in his own party this week, when he refused to vote for a bill that could give the G-O-P an advantage in possible Senate recall elections early next year. Also, Schultz and Janesville Senate Democrat Tim Cullen have been on a two-person crusade to restore civility to Wisconsin's polarized political debate.
11/3/11 - There is a deal on the works to purchase and demolish the former Fountain Inn Tavern in downtown Beaver Dam. The Front Street business formerly known as “Emotional Rescue” was the final building constructed over the Beaver Dam River that remained standing after a city buy-out. The city purchased and demolished ten other century-old buildings in 2009 because their construction in a flood plain violated modern state statutes. Owner Jay Hoeft was the lone hold-out. He had been in negotiations with the DNR until May when the agency walked away from the table. Beaver Dam Mayor Tom Kennedy says the city was recently informed by the state Department of Administration that there are leftover Community Development Block Grant funds from the 2008 floods and they could still be used for acquisition and demolition of flood plain properties. Kennedy says in accordance with the grant award, the city would only be allowed to purchase the property under the terms and conditions that were used to purchase the other ten properties three years ago. The purchase price would be based on the assessed value of the property in 2008, which was $94,000. Razing of the structure is estimated at around $50,000. Relocation fees would not be given to Hoeft because he has since closed his bar. Kennedy says it’s now a matter of Hoeft accepting or rejecting the offer as the process does not allow for negotiations. Hoeft would not comment on the latest offer.
Lively Debate, Resignation Mark Juneau Restructuring Plan
11/3/11 - Juneau Mayor Ron Bosak unveiled his plans to restructure the city’s Utility Commission last night. The proposed change comes after every other elected and appointed city official received an 18% reduction in annual salary and per-meeting stipends. The council voted earlier this year for the pay decreases but chose to exempt the Utility Commission, which is city-owned but self-sustaining using virtually no tax dollars. The exemption drew heavy criticism from Bosak who said commissioners were not being “team players” in these tough economic times. The ordinance he is proposing would reduce the number of citizen commissioners from five to three and they would serve staggered three-year terms. Two alderpersons with voting powers would also sit on the commission in one-year terms along with the mayor who would only vote to break a tie. While alderpersons on the commission would receive per-meeting compensation, they would not get an additional salary. Pay for the three citizen commissioners would be cut by 45%. In addition, the ordinance would change the way utility employees are hired and compensated by consolidating various personnel committee’s into one committee that answers to the common council with recommendations from the Utility Commission.
Citizen comments were divided last night with some residents criticizing the mayor’s restructuring plan saying it would politicize the commission. Those in favor of it said there needs to be more turnover on the commission and some fresh blood. Commissioner Randy Schaefer said the commission should be comprised of elected officials who are accountable to the public. Finance Chair Robert Affeld asked Mayor Bosak why the Commission is now facing 45% in cuts while everyone else saw an 18% decrease. When Affeld asked if the plan would go away if the commissioners accepted the 18% decrease, Bosak said “too late for that buddy.” Alderman Dan Schamberger said he could see both sides but called Bosak’s actions “spiteful.” Commissioner Paul Marose said the mayors actions were retaliatory and announced his immediate resignation. Last night’s meeting was strictly informational and any action would come at future meetings.
Pay Scale For Elected and Appointed Positions in the City of Juneau:
Mayor: The mayor is currently paid a $6000 annual salary. That will be reduced with the next term in April to $5000.
Utility President: The Utility President annual salary is $3000. Under the proposed restructuring plan, that would be reduced to $1800.
Alderperson: All elected or appointed alderpersons are paid $1200. Once new terms begin, that will decrease to $1000.
Utility Commissioner: Utility Commissioners are currently paid $900. Under the proposed restructuring plan, the salary would be reduced to $500.
Meeting Pay: All elected and appointed city officials are paid $25 and as current terms end the new meeting stipend will be $20. Utility commissioners would also be paid $20 under the proposal.
Fox Lake Council Approves Borrowing
11/3/11 - The Fox Lake City Council voted to borrow not more than $300,000 to deal with a mistake by the city assessor. In August, Assessor Art Kind informed the council that the report he filed with the state on the TIF District’s valuation was nearly $16-million less than it should have been. The error wont effect the amount of money they can collect for taxes, but does impact the amount it gets from the TIF District. Kind filed an amended report with the state, meaning they’ll eventually see the money lost. But it will leave them short for 2012. In response, after consulting with their accounting firm in September, the city will borrow at least $242,000 and as much as $300,000 to cover the shortfall in the 2012 budget, which will keep residents tax bills from fluctuating too much. The city is also in the process of finding a new assessor. The council also approved a ban on concealed weapons from any city-owned buildings unless given prior approval by the police chief. They plan to put up signs notifying the public about the ban.
BD School Board Supports Greenhouse Fundraiser
11/3/11 - The Beaver Dam School Board this week gave their vote of support to a group looking to build an Environmental Science Classroom and Greenhouse Lab at the High School. The project titled “Generating a Greener Future” and student organizers need to raise $175,000 to make it become a reality. The hope is to replace the schools current 22-year-old greenhouse with a 1,500 sq ft free standing facility that could handle 35 students and be used by the entire high school in addition to the FFA. The group is holding a series of fundraiser and actively seeking donations. The project has already received financial support from the owner of Culvers and the manager of Kohl’s. The group plans on raising money until next April, breaking ground in May, and cutting the ribbon during homecoming next fall.
Highway Projects Move Forward
11/3/11 - Six Wisconsin highway projects moved a step closer to reality Wednesday. The state Transportation Projects Commission approved environmental studies for all six projects. Results from those studies could help decide whether they get final approval. The projects include a six-mile stretch of Interstate 94 in Saint Croix County near Hudson – and a three-and-a-half-mile segment of 94 in Milwaukee County. The other projects would expand-and-improve 56 miles of Interstate 39-90 in Dane, Columbia, and Sauk counties – 19-miles of Highway 12 in Dane County – nine miles of Highway 51, also in Dane County – and 14 miles of Interstate-43 in Milwaukee and Ozaukee counties.
Foreclosures Dip In Metro Milwaukee
11/3/11 - The number of new home foreclosure cases in Metro Milwaukee dropped 25-percent in October, compared to the same month a year ago. The Journal Sentinel said there were 806 new cases in which homeowners got so far behind on their mortgage payments, they were in the process of losing their homes. The previous October, almost 11-hundred foreclosure cases had been filed in the region – which includes Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Waukesha, Racine, Kenosha, Walworth and Washington, counties. All seven counties had declines of more than 10-percent in new foreclosures compared to a year ago. Racine County had the biggest decline from 122 cases down to 70. In the first 10 months of this year, new filings were down 16-and-a-half percent from the previous year.
Wold and Johnson Found Guilty in Murder for Hire Case
11/3/11 - Two men were found guilty last night of hiring a hit-man to kill the estranged wife of one of the defendants. A Waukesha County jury deliberated for three hours before convicting 43-year-old Darren Wold and 67-year-old Jack Johnson of being parties to first degree intentional homicide. Both face life in prison when they're sentenced next month. Prosecutors said Wold and Johnson paid seven-thousand-dollars to Justin Welch to kill Wold's estranged wife, 39-year-old Kimberly Smith. She was stabbed to death in October of 2009, and authorities said it was because Wold wanted sole custody of the young son he and Smith had. The child was four at the time. The defense said the state could not prove there was a murder-for-hire plot -- and they said Welch lied during their trial when he testified about the scheme. The defendants said Welch was only trying to win a shorter sentence, after he pleaded guilty to killing Smith. Welch will be sentenced to life, but prosecutors had agreed to seek an early release under extended supervision in exchange for his testimony. Johnson will be sentenced December 9th, and Wold on December 20th.
Abstinence Would Be Emphasized Under Senate Bill
11/3/11 - Sex education in Wisconsin public schools would have to go back to emphasizing abstinence under a bill passed by the state Senate last night. The measure now goes to the Assembly. And it nullifies the changes Democrats made last year, when they ran state government. They ordered sex-ed courses to teach ways to use birth control, and explain sexually-transmitted diseases. The G-O-P bill gives schools more leeway -- but they would still have to tell teens that abstinence is the only sure way to avoid pregnancy and sexual diseases. They would also have to teach the benefits of marriage and what's involved in being a parent. The main sponsor, New Berlin Republican Mary Lazich, said her bill emphasizes local control of the curriculum and quote, "small government at its best." But Milwaukee Democrat Chris Larson said the question is whether kids will learn about sex from school or from quote, "a Google search."
Police Investigating Egging of Senator’s Office
11/3/11 - State Capitol Police are investigating the throwing of eggs outside Senator Dale Schultz's office. Staff members called police yesterday after seeing eggs splattered on the exterior marble, and egg-shells on the balcony entrance. Schultz, a Republican from Richland Center, says he has no idea why it happened. He said the Capitol is the people's building, and therefore the damage is quote, "an affront to the people of Wisconsin." Schultz said he was not sure why he was targeted. He took heat from conservatives in his own party this week, when he refused to vote for a bill that could give the G-O-P an advantage in possible Senate recall elections early next year. Also, Schultz and Janesville Senate Democrat Tim Cullen have been on a two-person crusade to restore civility to Wisconsin's polarized political debate.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Top Stories November 2nd
Racer Died from Natural Causes
11/2/11 - Columbia County Sheriff’s officials are now saying the racer that died at Columbus 151 Speedway this past weekend did so from natural causes and not from injuries related to the crash. They say 52-year-old Thomas Nevoso of Twin Lakes died during a Gladiator Endurance Auto Racing Series race. According to various media reports, other drivers reported seeing Nevoso’s head go limp prior to the crash but authorities did not elaborate on the exact cause of death.
First Day of Conceal Carry Draws Big Interest
11/2/11 - Wisconsin’s attorney general was the first to receive a state permit to carry a concealed weapon – and by late yesterday afternoon, 85 others had received theirs. It was the first day that law-abiding residents could carry hidden weapons to protect themselves. Republican Attorney General J-B Van Hollen said he deserved to get Permit Number-One, after all the work he put into the new law. Another reason he went first was, “If things went awry, who am I going to complain to?” Almost 150 applications had been received at the State Justice Department office by late in the afternoon – and almost 125 had been approved after the required background checks. By nine a-m yesterday, over 80-thousand people downloaded permit application forms from the Justice Department’s Web site. And by noon, about 800-thousand people had logged onto the Web site – 10 times the activity of a normal day. Deputy law enforcement administrator Dave Zibolski expects up to 200-thousand applicants in the first few months, based on activity in the 48 other states which allow concealed weapons. Permit applicants must be at least 21 and have four hours of approved training for their weapons. At the State Capitol, a few protestors carried signs yesterday against the new law. One read, “Don’t shoot.”
BDPD Fully Operational Saturday
11/2/11 - The new Beaver Dam Police Station is expected to be operational by third shift on Saturday night. That’s what Police Chief Ron Smith told the city’s Police and Fire Commission last night. He says the last of the furniture is being moved into place this week and Wal-Mart has donated a box truck and driver to help move everything else on Friday and Saturday. Meanwhile, Fire Chief Alan Mannel says his employees are eager to “spread their wings” and move into the space being vacated by the police department. Preliminary plans call for renovating the first floor next year for use as office and classroom space.
Fitzgerald Discusses Special Session On Jobs
11/2/11 - State Senator Scott Fitzgerald held a Telephone Town Hall Meeting last night to discuss jobs, the state budget and pending legislation. The Juneau Republican appeared with us earlier in the day on WBEV’s Community Comment. He says the first Telephone Town Hall Meeting he held earlier this year drew up to 40,000 people from across the state. Last night’s teleconference was open to anyone but he says it was geared toward his constituents in his 13th State Senate District to provide an update on legislative happenings. Fitzgerald defended the Special Session on Jobs by saying that some of the legislation may not be targeted to a specific job being created but ultimately they build a business-friendly climate to spur businesses from other states to expand or move to Wisconsin.
Assembly Approves Moving Primaries to August
11/2/11 - Wisconsin’s fall partisan primaries would be moved from September to August, under a change approved by the state Assembly last night. The vote was 67-to-28, as Independent Bob Ziegelbauer joined about two-thirds of Democrats in voting no. The change would give officials more time to print November ballots to reflect the results of the fall primaries, so military troops and overseas voters could receive them earlier. A new federal law requires states to send those overseas ballots at least 45 days before the election. Some Democrats opposed the change, saying students who vote at college could not take part in the primaries, because classes would not have started yet. The measure now goes back to the Senate, after the Assembly decided not to charge people for replacement I-D’s if they lose the ones they get for free under the new law that requires voters to show photo I-D’s at the polls. The Senate would have to ratify that change before the bill can go to the governor for his signature.
BD Man Faces Felonies In Separate Cases
11/2/11 - A Beaver Dam man is facing Burglary and Identity Theft charges. Andrew Rettschlag is accused of stealing tools from a Beaver Dam business in September and selling the items at a Waupun pawn shop for $125. According to the criminal complaint, Rettschlag said he worked at the unnamed Madison Street business and was owed $40. The 26-year-old is also charged with Misappropriating Identity Information to Obtain Money for allegedly stealing a friend’s debit card and spending $360.
Fox Lake Man Accused of OWI Injury
11/2/11 - A Fox Lake man is accused of injuring himself and a passenger in a drunken driving crash. Dean A. Pillsbury is charged with two misdemeanor counts of OWI – Causing Injury for the August accident in the Town of Westford. According to the criminal complaint, the 55-year-old missed a curve and lost control of the vehicle before rolling into the ditch. Both he and his passenger sustained cuts and abrasions to their faces and head. Pillsbury’s blood alcohol level was said to be over the legal limit for driving at point-one-zero-two (0.102).
Veteran Sentenced In Triple OWI Homicide
11/2/11 - An Iraq War veteran from Madison was sentenced to 13 years in prison yesterday (Tue) for a drunk driving crash that killed three Minnesota college students a year ago. 32-year-old Bradley Erickson must also spend 15 years under extended supervision once he gets out. Erickson had a blood alcohol level almost twice the legal limit when his car slammed into a disabled vehicle on Interstate-90-94 just north of Madison last October. 19-year-old Marcus Johnson of Milwaukee and 23-year-old Wilfredo Ugarte of Puerto Rico – both members of the University of Minnesota spirit team – were killed along with 20-year-old Elysia Rapp of Racine, a student at Century College in suburban Saint Paul. Prosecutors wanted a sentence of 25-to-31 years in prison on three convictions of drunken homicide and causing injury to another person. But Dane County Circuit Judge Julie Genovese said no one is served by handing down the sentence the D-A wanted. The judge said prosecutors did not consider Erickson’s circumstances as a Marine with post-traumatic stress syndrome. Genovese said the man’s condition was not treated promptly because the Veterans Administration quote, “let down” veterans like Erickson – and the judge considered Washington’s inaction as a mitigating factor in her sentencing.
Oshkosh Corp Profits Falling
11/2/11 - The Oshkosh Corporation reports another big drop in its profits, due to government budget cuts and reduced sales of its military vehicles and fire trucks. Oshkosh reports a net profit of 37-and-a-half million dollars from July-through-September, the final quarter of its fiscal year. That's down 68-percent from the same quarter a year ago. Earnings plunged from 1.28-per-share to 41 cents. But outside analysts had predicted an even bigger drop, to 33 cents. Revenues totaled two-point-one billion dollars, up slightly from a year ago. Oshkosh also reduced its outlook for the next fiscal year which began October first. That's mostly caused by military vehicle tire orders which were moved to another Pentagon contract.
Catholics Not Necessarily Banning Concealed Weapons
11/2/11 - Wisconsin’s Catholic bishops will not order their churches to ban concealed weapons now that the state law that allows them has taken effect. But the five bishops say they want parishioners not to carry hidden weapons into churches as a sign of reverence. The Catholic leaders say they want pastors to remember that the church stresses non-violent resolutions of conflicts – and churches have long traditions of being sanctuaries for those fleeing violence. Like most other public buildings and businesses, Wisconsin church will have to post signs if they ban concealed weapons.
11/2/11 - Columbia County Sheriff’s officials are now saying the racer that died at Columbus 151 Speedway this past weekend did so from natural causes and not from injuries related to the crash. They say 52-year-old Thomas Nevoso of Twin Lakes died during a Gladiator Endurance Auto Racing Series race. According to various media reports, other drivers reported seeing Nevoso’s head go limp prior to the crash but authorities did not elaborate on the exact cause of death.
First Day of Conceal Carry Draws Big Interest
11/2/11 - Wisconsin’s attorney general was the first to receive a state permit to carry a concealed weapon – and by late yesterday afternoon, 85 others had received theirs. It was the first day that law-abiding residents could carry hidden weapons to protect themselves. Republican Attorney General J-B Van Hollen said he deserved to get Permit Number-One, after all the work he put into the new law. Another reason he went first was, “If things went awry, who am I going to complain to?” Almost 150 applications had been received at the State Justice Department office by late in the afternoon – and almost 125 had been approved after the required background checks. By nine a-m yesterday, over 80-thousand people downloaded permit application forms from the Justice Department’s Web site. And by noon, about 800-thousand people had logged onto the Web site – 10 times the activity of a normal day. Deputy law enforcement administrator Dave Zibolski expects up to 200-thousand applicants in the first few months, based on activity in the 48 other states which allow concealed weapons. Permit applicants must be at least 21 and have four hours of approved training for their weapons. At the State Capitol, a few protestors carried signs yesterday against the new law. One read, “Don’t shoot.”
BDPD Fully Operational Saturday
11/2/11 - The new Beaver Dam Police Station is expected to be operational by third shift on Saturday night. That’s what Police Chief Ron Smith told the city’s Police and Fire Commission last night. He says the last of the furniture is being moved into place this week and Wal-Mart has donated a box truck and driver to help move everything else on Friday and Saturday. Meanwhile, Fire Chief Alan Mannel says his employees are eager to “spread their wings” and move into the space being vacated by the police department. Preliminary plans call for renovating the first floor next year for use as office and classroom space.
Fitzgerald Discusses Special Session On Jobs
11/2/11 - State Senator Scott Fitzgerald held a Telephone Town Hall Meeting last night to discuss jobs, the state budget and pending legislation. The Juneau Republican appeared with us earlier in the day on WBEV’s Community Comment. He says the first Telephone Town Hall Meeting he held earlier this year drew up to 40,000 people from across the state. Last night’s teleconference was open to anyone but he says it was geared toward his constituents in his 13th State Senate District to provide an update on legislative happenings. Fitzgerald defended the Special Session on Jobs by saying that some of the legislation may not be targeted to a specific job being created but ultimately they build a business-friendly climate to spur businesses from other states to expand or move to Wisconsin.
Assembly Approves Moving Primaries to August
11/2/11 - Wisconsin’s fall partisan primaries would be moved from September to August, under a change approved by the state Assembly last night. The vote was 67-to-28, as Independent Bob Ziegelbauer joined about two-thirds of Democrats in voting no. The change would give officials more time to print November ballots to reflect the results of the fall primaries, so military troops and overseas voters could receive them earlier. A new federal law requires states to send those overseas ballots at least 45 days before the election. Some Democrats opposed the change, saying students who vote at college could not take part in the primaries, because classes would not have started yet. The measure now goes back to the Senate, after the Assembly decided not to charge people for replacement I-D’s if they lose the ones they get for free under the new law that requires voters to show photo I-D’s at the polls. The Senate would have to ratify that change before the bill can go to the governor for his signature.
BD Man Faces Felonies In Separate Cases
11/2/11 - A Beaver Dam man is facing Burglary and Identity Theft charges. Andrew Rettschlag is accused of stealing tools from a Beaver Dam business in September and selling the items at a Waupun pawn shop for $125. According to the criminal complaint, Rettschlag said he worked at the unnamed Madison Street business and was owed $40. The 26-year-old is also charged with Misappropriating Identity Information to Obtain Money for allegedly stealing a friend’s debit card and spending $360.
Fox Lake Man Accused of OWI Injury
11/2/11 - A Fox Lake man is accused of injuring himself and a passenger in a drunken driving crash. Dean A. Pillsbury is charged with two misdemeanor counts of OWI – Causing Injury for the August accident in the Town of Westford. According to the criminal complaint, the 55-year-old missed a curve and lost control of the vehicle before rolling into the ditch. Both he and his passenger sustained cuts and abrasions to their faces and head. Pillsbury’s blood alcohol level was said to be over the legal limit for driving at point-one-zero-two (0.102).
Veteran Sentenced In Triple OWI Homicide
11/2/11 - An Iraq War veteran from Madison was sentenced to 13 years in prison yesterday (Tue) for a drunk driving crash that killed three Minnesota college students a year ago. 32-year-old Bradley Erickson must also spend 15 years under extended supervision once he gets out. Erickson had a blood alcohol level almost twice the legal limit when his car slammed into a disabled vehicle on Interstate-90-94 just north of Madison last October. 19-year-old Marcus Johnson of Milwaukee and 23-year-old Wilfredo Ugarte of Puerto Rico – both members of the University of Minnesota spirit team – were killed along with 20-year-old Elysia Rapp of Racine, a student at Century College in suburban Saint Paul. Prosecutors wanted a sentence of 25-to-31 years in prison on three convictions of drunken homicide and causing injury to another person. But Dane County Circuit Judge Julie Genovese said no one is served by handing down the sentence the D-A wanted. The judge said prosecutors did not consider Erickson’s circumstances as a Marine with post-traumatic stress syndrome. Genovese said the man’s condition was not treated promptly because the Veterans Administration quote, “let down” veterans like Erickson – and the judge considered Washington’s inaction as a mitigating factor in her sentencing.
Oshkosh Corp Profits Falling
11/2/11 - The Oshkosh Corporation reports another big drop in its profits, due to government budget cuts and reduced sales of its military vehicles and fire trucks. Oshkosh reports a net profit of 37-and-a-half million dollars from July-through-September, the final quarter of its fiscal year. That's down 68-percent from the same quarter a year ago. Earnings plunged from 1.28-per-share to 41 cents. But outside analysts had predicted an even bigger drop, to 33 cents. Revenues totaled two-point-one billion dollars, up slightly from a year ago. Oshkosh also reduced its outlook for the next fiscal year which began October first. That's mostly caused by military vehicle tire orders which were moved to another Pentagon contract.
Catholics Not Necessarily Banning Concealed Weapons
11/2/11 - Wisconsin’s Catholic bishops will not order their churches to ban concealed weapons now that the state law that allows them has taken effect. But the five bishops say they want parishioners not to carry hidden weapons into churches as a sign of reverence. The Catholic leaders say they want pastors to remember that the church stresses non-violent resolutions of conflicts – and churches have long traditions of being sanctuaries for those fleeing violence. Like most other public buildings and businesses, Wisconsin church will have to post signs if they ban concealed weapons.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Top Stories November 1st
Cause of Death Still Unknown in Speedway Crash
11/1/11 - The cause of death for a race car driver over the weekend at Columbus 151 Speedway still hasn’t been determined. Columbia County officials say it’s still unclear if the 52-year-old man died from injuries related to the crash or whether it was from a medical issue before the crash. According to various media reports, other drivers reported seeing the man’s head go limp prior to the crash. Authorities haven’t released the victim’s name and the owner of the racing series told the man’s family he wouldn’t release the name either.
DOJ Meets With Carol’s Tour Victims
11/1/11 - The State Attorney Generals Office held a meeting Monday night on the investigation into fraud complaints surrounding the closure of a defunct Beaver Dam travel agency. Carol’s Tours closed its doors in January of 2008. In the months that followed, over 100 complaints were reported from customers who deposited money for trips they claim were never fulfilled. Assistant Attorney General Richard Defour says the investigation is “essentially complete” and if charges are filed it will happen by the end of next week. Restitution is estimated at around $300,000. Dufour said very little yesterday about the investigation or those involved. He would not confirm the number of people under investigation but did say there have been negotiations with some of the parties involved. Defour said that he has spoken directly with the majority owner of the business, Deb Paul, who he says does not have an attorney. Defour also said that he spoke to the attorney’s who represent employee Lisa Hopper. A member of the audience said that Hopper was a victim and should not be under investigation which drew some applause. Another audience member questioned why some public documents have listed only “Hopper’s” name. In response, Special Agent Kyra Schallhorn with the Division of Criminal Investigation said that she divided her case file into two parts (quote) “merely as a function of the paperwork.” While the allegations are all part of one investigation, Schallhorn says one part of the file was called “Carol’s Tours” which she says related to the business in general. The other part of the file was labeled “Lisa Hopper” which was about the employee. She says, though, the name of the case file (quote) “does not have anything to do with who is the defendant, per se.” As far as charges, Defour says the harshest charge he could file is Class G felony Theft which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison; that breaks down to five years incarceration and five years of extended supervision, on each count. The court would be able to monitor restitution only during supervision. After supervision has ended, any restitution that remains unpaid would have to be sought in civil court and would no longer be exempt from a bankruptcy filing.
BDUSD Approves Budget
11/1/11 - The Beaver Dam School Board unanimously approved a tax levy of nearly $13.9-million as a part of the 2011-2012 budget last night. That’s down 12.3-percent from the last budget and results in a 92-cent drop in the mill rate to $9.03 per $1,000 of assessed value. The large drop in the levy and mil rate came as a result of referendum debt from the building of Prairie View Elementary coming off the books. And the drop would have been even greater had property values in the district not decreased by 3.3-percent. However, Business Services Director Andrew Sarnow says the district also had to cut about $3-million from the budget due to state aid cuts as part of the upheaval in Madison last spring. They were able to do that with the employee contributions to health insurance and pensions as well as a record number of retirements. Sarnow says he’ll take about a week off from budget work before starting on next year’s budget, which will likely feature even more cuts. A tax rate of $9.03 means a taxpayer with property valued at $150,000 would pay $1,354 for the school portion of their tax bill.
Conceal Carry Law Goes into Effect
11/1/11 - Today's the day Wisconsin becomes the 49th state to let law-abiding residents carry concealed weapons. But the first state permits won't be issued for a few weeks. And if you're caught carrying a hidden weapon before then, police say you could face a criminal misdemeanor charge. Milwaukee Police say they won't hesitate to arrest those packing hidden heat without permits. Police Chief Ed Flynn wanted that to be a felony, but he couldn't convince lawmakers to go that far. He says criminals already carry concealed weapons without permits, and the new penalties won't stop them. The only ones who can carry hidden weapons legally today are those who live in 26 states who have valid concealed carry permits. Wisconsin residents with permits in other states will have to get a permit here as well. An overflow crowd attended a meeting in Milwaukee last night to get answers about the new law. But District Attorney John Chisholm said many questions won't be answered until the law's in place for awhile. He says it will take time to sort out all the issues involved. Meanwhile, Wisconsin senators will be able to carry hidden guns when they meet -- but those who watch them cannot. The Senate's leadership panel voted 3-to-2 yesterday to ban guns from the gallery of the chamber.
Former Benvenuto’s Manager Accused of Embezzlement
11/1/11 - A Beaver Dam woman is accused of stealing money from the restaurant she managed. Casey Sweetman is charged with Computer Crimes – Modifying Data, a felony that carries a maximum three-and-a-half year prison sentence, upon conviction. The 23-year-old allegedly embezzled $3500 from the Benvenuto’s Restaurant in Beaver Dam in a scheme involving gift cards. According to the criminal complaint, Sweetman would pocket money from bills paid in cash and then search their computer database for random customers with gift cards and zero-out their account to make-up the difference. An audit was performed after several customers complained about having zero balances on what should have been valid gift cards. A signature bond was set at $1000 during an Initial Appearance yesterday and a preliminary hearing is on the calendar for next month.
Assembly to Vote on Teacher Standards Bill
11/1/11 - The Wisconsin Assembly will vote today on a bill to let public schools discipline-or-fire teachers whose students don't score high enough on state tests. Two years ago, Democrats voted to let teachers be evaluated on the basis of their students' performance. But they couldn't be disciplined for it -- and critics said it was one reason Wisconsin was rejected in a request for millions of federal stimulus dollars for public schools. Now, Republicans are pushing the measure to try and make teachers more accountable. G-O-P senators got the bill passed in that house last week. If it passes in the Assembly, it goes to Governor Scott Walker for his signature. Also today, the Assembly is scheduled to vote on a bill to revoke the state licenses of teachers who look at pornography on their work computers. The bill comes after Jeff Nelson was quietly allowed to leave a school post in Madison for looking at porn at work -- only to be arrested a few years later for seeking sex with a teen he met online while serving as New Holstein's superintendent. He got five years in prison for that.
Fitzgerald Hosting Tele-Town Hall, Also On WBEV
11/1/11 - State Senator Scott Fitzgerald is holding a Telephone Town Hall Meeting Tuesday night for residents in his 13th State Senate District. The Juneau Republican is expected to discuss the latest from Madison, including the Special Session on Jobs, pending legislation and the state budget but will also take comments and questions from constituents. Fitzgerald says he is taking advantage of new telephone technology that is being used in other legislative districts. He will continue to host regular in-person office hours as the legislative session progresses. In addition, constituents can contact his office at 888-291-3489 with questions, comments or additional information on specific issues. Fitzgerald will also be out guest on Tuesday’s Community Comment program on 1430AM beginning at 12:35pm. The Telephone Town Hall Meeting will be hosted at 7pm, toll-free, by calling 877-229-8493 and entering ID code 18973 when prompted.
11/1/11 - The cause of death for a race car driver over the weekend at Columbus 151 Speedway still hasn’t been determined. Columbia County officials say it’s still unclear if the 52-year-old man died from injuries related to the crash or whether it was from a medical issue before the crash. According to various media reports, other drivers reported seeing the man’s head go limp prior to the crash. Authorities haven’t released the victim’s name and the owner of the racing series told the man’s family he wouldn’t release the name either.
DOJ Meets With Carol’s Tour Victims
11/1/11 - The State Attorney Generals Office held a meeting Monday night on the investigation into fraud complaints surrounding the closure of a defunct Beaver Dam travel agency. Carol’s Tours closed its doors in January of 2008. In the months that followed, over 100 complaints were reported from customers who deposited money for trips they claim were never fulfilled. Assistant Attorney General Richard Defour says the investigation is “essentially complete” and if charges are filed it will happen by the end of next week. Restitution is estimated at around $300,000. Dufour said very little yesterday about the investigation or those involved. He would not confirm the number of people under investigation but did say there have been negotiations with some of the parties involved. Defour said that he has spoken directly with the majority owner of the business, Deb Paul, who he says does not have an attorney. Defour also said that he spoke to the attorney’s who represent employee Lisa Hopper. A member of the audience said that Hopper was a victim and should not be under investigation which drew some applause. Another audience member questioned why some public documents have listed only “Hopper’s” name. In response, Special Agent Kyra Schallhorn with the Division of Criminal Investigation said that she divided her case file into two parts (quote) “merely as a function of the paperwork.” While the allegations are all part of one investigation, Schallhorn says one part of the file was called “Carol’s Tours” which she says related to the business in general. The other part of the file was labeled “Lisa Hopper” which was about the employee. She says, though, the name of the case file (quote) “does not have anything to do with who is the defendant, per se.” As far as charges, Defour says the harshest charge he could file is Class G felony Theft which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison; that breaks down to five years incarceration and five years of extended supervision, on each count. The court would be able to monitor restitution only during supervision. After supervision has ended, any restitution that remains unpaid would have to be sought in civil court and would no longer be exempt from a bankruptcy filing.
BDUSD Approves Budget
11/1/11 - The Beaver Dam School Board unanimously approved a tax levy of nearly $13.9-million as a part of the 2011-2012 budget last night. That’s down 12.3-percent from the last budget and results in a 92-cent drop in the mill rate to $9.03 per $1,000 of assessed value. The large drop in the levy and mil rate came as a result of referendum debt from the building of Prairie View Elementary coming off the books. And the drop would have been even greater had property values in the district not decreased by 3.3-percent. However, Business Services Director Andrew Sarnow says the district also had to cut about $3-million from the budget due to state aid cuts as part of the upheaval in Madison last spring. They were able to do that with the employee contributions to health insurance and pensions as well as a record number of retirements. Sarnow says he’ll take about a week off from budget work before starting on next year’s budget, which will likely feature even more cuts. A tax rate of $9.03 means a taxpayer with property valued at $150,000 would pay $1,354 for the school portion of their tax bill.
Conceal Carry Law Goes into Effect
11/1/11 - Today's the day Wisconsin becomes the 49th state to let law-abiding residents carry concealed weapons. But the first state permits won't be issued for a few weeks. And if you're caught carrying a hidden weapon before then, police say you could face a criminal misdemeanor charge. Milwaukee Police say they won't hesitate to arrest those packing hidden heat without permits. Police Chief Ed Flynn wanted that to be a felony, but he couldn't convince lawmakers to go that far. He says criminals already carry concealed weapons without permits, and the new penalties won't stop them. The only ones who can carry hidden weapons legally today are those who live in 26 states who have valid concealed carry permits. Wisconsin residents with permits in other states will have to get a permit here as well. An overflow crowd attended a meeting in Milwaukee last night to get answers about the new law. But District Attorney John Chisholm said many questions won't be answered until the law's in place for awhile. He says it will take time to sort out all the issues involved. Meanwhile, Wisconsin senators will be able to carry hidden guns when they meet -- but those who watch them cannot. The Senate's leadership panel voted 3-to-2 yesterday to ban guns from the gallery of the chamber.
Former Benvenuto’s Manager Accused of Embezzlement
11/1/11 - A Beaver Dam woman is accused of stealing money from the restaurant she managed. Casey Sweetman is charged with Computer Crimes – Modifying Data, a felony that carries a maximum three-and-a-half year prison sentence, upon conviction. The 23-year-old allegedly embezzled $3500 from the Benvenuto’s Restaurant in Beaver Dam in a scheme involving gift cards. According to the criminal complaint, Sweetman would pocket money from bills paid in cash and then search their computer database for random customers with gift cards and zero-out their account to make-up the difference. An audit was performed after several customers complained about having zero balances on what should have been valid gift cards. A signature bond was set at $1000 during an Initial Appearance yesterday and a preliminary hearing is on the calendar for next month.
Assembly to Vote on Teacher Standards Bill
11/1/11 - The Wisconsin Assembly will vote today on a bill to let public schools discipline-or-fire teachers whose students don't score high enough on state tests. Two years ago, Democrats voted to let teachers be evaluated on the basis of their students' performance. But they couldn't be disciplined for it -- and critics said it was one reason Wisconsin was rejected in a request for millions of federal stimulus dollars for public schools. Now, Republicans are pushing the measure to try and make teachers more accountable. G-O-P senators got the bill passed in that house last week. If it passes in the Assembly, it goes to Governor Scott Walker for his signature. Also today, the Assembly is scheduled to vote on a bill to revoke the state licenses of teachers who look at pornography on their work computers. The bill comes after Jeff Nelson was quietly allowed to leave a school post in Madison for looking at porn at work -- only to be arrested a few years later for seeking sex with a teen he met online while serving as New Holstein's superintendent. He got five years in prison for that.
Fitzgerald Hosting Tele-Town Hall, Also On WBEV
11/1/11 - State Senator Scott Fitzgerald is holding a Telephone Town Hall Meeting Tuesday night for residents in his 13th State Senate District. The Juneau Republican is expected to discuss the latest from Madison, including the Special Session on Jobs, pending legislation and the state budget but will also take comments and questions from constituents. Fitzgerald says he is taking advantage of new telephone technology that is being used in other legislative districts. He will continue to host regular in-person office hours as the legislative session progresses. In addition, constituents can contact his office at 888-291-3489 with questions, comments or additional information on specific issues. Fitzgerald will also be out guest on Tuesday’s Community Comment program on 1430AM beginning at 12:35pm. The Telephone Town Hall Meeting will be hosted at 7pm, toll-free, by calling 877-229-8493 and entering ID code 18973 when prompted.
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