Interstate 94 Accident Claims One Life
12/14/08 - A two-car accident in Waukesha County killed one person and closed the westbound lanes of Interstate 94 and one eastbound lane for hours Saturday evening. Waukesha County authorities said the accident in the Delafield area just after 6 p.m. caused traffic backups in both directions while investigators did their survey of how the crash happened. It was several hours before traffic was back to normal. Two others were reported injured with no word on their condition. Names of those involved have not been released at this time.
FDL Man Being Charged with Homicide Five Years Later
12/14/08 - The case was evidently overlooked. Five and a half years ago William Schroeder of Fond du Lac was driving a car that slammed into a tree. A passenger in that car, Benjamin Westerman, was killed. Schroeder was never arrested and never charged. Sheboygan County District Attorney Joe DeCecco says the case was overlooked but after reviewing it he charged Schroeder with Homicide by Negligent Use of a Vehicle. He did so even though the teenage victim's father said he doesn't want Schroeder to be prosecuted. Schroeder is due in court tomorrow for his initial appearance.
GM Plant Closure will hit Janesville Hard
12/14/08 - Experts on the economy say the closing of Janesville's GM plant could cost Rock County up to nine-thousand jobs. Not just assembly line jobs, the lost positions are in construction, night clubs, doctors' offices -- even day care centers. For years General Motors was Janesville. If you didn't work at the plant, you knew someone who did. In nine days the last sport utility vehicle is scheduled to roll off that assembly line. The impact is expected to create a situation Janesville hasn't seen since the Great Depression.
Man Extradited to Face Sexual Assault and Homicide Charges
12/14/08 - Wisconsin authorities say the return of Salvador Ochoa, to face sexual assault and homicide charges, sends a message that criminals shouldn't assume they can break the law, then escape punishment by crossing the border into Mexico. Ochoa is accused of killing his two-month-old daughter three years ago. He then took off for Mexico. It took years of negotiation, but he was finally extradited. Milwaukee police report 13 of the 17 fugitives wanted on homicide warrants in the city are believed to be in Mexico. For years that country refused to return its citizens if they might face the death penalty or a sentence of life-without-parole.
Barn Built in 1902 Destroyed
12/14/08 - A barn built more than 100-years ago was destroyed by fire last week. The Dane County Sheriff’s Department says a call reporting the fire came in around 3pm Wednesday. Two fire departments along with the sheriff’s department responded to the barn on Highway 134 but when they got there the structure was already fully engulfed in flames. The building an property inside were destroyed by the blaze and damage is estimated at around $60,000. The exact cause of the fire is not known but officials say it does not appear suspicious. The barn was built in 1902.
Local State Troopers Graduate
12/14/08 - Nineteen new state troopers recently graduated from the Wisconsin State Patrol Academy. Among the graduates were Jamie La Brec of Rosendale and Joshua Maurer of Watertown. To graduate from the academy officers have to complete 21 weeks of intense training. Graduation ceremonies were held at the State Capitol in Madison this past Thursday. (KFIZ)
Waupun Schools Asking Parents to Register their Kids for Kindergarten
12/14/08 - The Waupun Area School District is asking parents with children whose birthday is on or before September 1st 2004 to contact the Education Service Center to register their child for kindergarten for the 2009-2010 school year. Officials say they need to know how many students will be entering so as to determine class size, building placement, and to allow enough time to order class material for the students. For more information contact Linda Meagher at the ESC
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Top Stories November 13th
Lotz Gets Six Years For Bar Fight Fatality
12/13/08 - A six-year prison sentence was handed down to a West Bend man who fatally punching a person outside a Rubicon tavern. Tyson Lotz had previously pleaded “no contest” to a reduced charge of felony Aggravated Battery related to the November 24th incident. 46-year-old Ronald Schellinger left Hauser’s Hideaway just after midnight when he exchanged profanities with Lotz and was punched in the nose. According to the criminal complaint, the 30-year-old Lotz considers himself a “street fighter” and he says Schellinger got in his “bubble.” Schellinger died the next day at a Milwaukee Hospital after slipping into a coma. In addition to six years in prison, Lotz must serve three years of extended supervision and maintain absolute sobriety.
Common Council Plans For Long Night
12/13/08 - Beaver Dam city officials are expecting a long night on Monday, and will even start their common council meeting one hour earlier than normal. The proposed downtown redevelopment plan is expected to take up a large portion of the regularly scheduled meeting. The city is proposing to purchase nine of eleven downtown buildings located in the floodway at 100% of the assessed value. State law prohibits buildings from being constructed over a floodway – in this case the Beaver Dam River -- and the DNR says they will eventually have to be torn down. City officials have been unable to contact the owner of one of the buildings – believed abandoned – at 151 Front Street; the city plans to undertake legal proceedings to acquire the property. And owner Jay Hoeft (hayft) of Emotional Rescue says he plans to stay in business. The DNR has, however, shown support of the plan as a comprehensive whole, and indicated that they will act “expeditiously” if the entire plan is not carried out in ordering the removal of any remaining buildings. The city council meets at 7pm Monday night in City Hall.
Brandon Woman Injured in Accident
12/13/08 - One person was injured in a two-vehicle accident in downtown Beaver Dam Friday morning. Authorities responded to the intersection of North Spring Street and Front Street at 10:34am. Fire Department Captain Don Wellnitz says responders used the jaws-of-life to extricate a 36-year-old Brandon woman. She was transported to the beaver Dam Community Hospital, for treatment of minor injuries. According to the Beaver Dam Police Department, a 36-year-old Beaver Dam man pulled into the path of her vehicle; he was cited for inattentive driving.
Fire Lingers In St Croix
12/13/08 - Firefighters aren't expected to leave the scene until sometime this morning in North Hudson. At one time, nearly 200 were battling the fire at St. Croix Storage and Transfer. Firefighters from nearly three dozen Wisconsin and Minnesota departments responded to North Hudson when the fire broke out Thursday night. Cold weather complicated the effort. The temperature was five degrees when the first crews arrived. The 150-thousand square foot warehouse held materials for Andersen Windows. One firefighter suffered minor injuries and was treated at the scene. The cause of the big fire is still not known.
Sheridan Blasts Anti-Union Republicans
12/13/08 - A Wisconsin lawmaker with close ties to the auto industry and its union is accusing many Republicans in the U.S. Senate of being shortsighted, and of having a goal of eliminating the middle class. The statements from Assembly Speaker-elect Mike Sheridan of Janesville come on the heels of the Senate's failure to pass the $14 billion auto industry bridge loan package. The former Janesville GM Assembly Plant worker and United Auto Workers Local 95 president says it's ironic: the auto industry now has to depend on the Bush White House to do the right thing. The Democratic legislator says he plans to work with Governor Jim Doyle in crafting a message for the White House, to illustrate the continued importance of the domestic auto industry. Responding to calls from some senators to bring wages in-line with those paid by foreign auto makers to their U.S. employees, Sheridan insisted that many concessions have already been made. As part of the 2007 contract with auto makers, the UAW had already agreed to a two-tier wage system with new hires starting at $14 an hour.
Cars Sales Down In Milwaukee
12/13/08 - Dealers say car buyers in the Milwaukee area aren't buying. The Automobile Dealers Association of Mega-Milwaukee reports sales of new cars and trucks were off 38-percent in November. That reflects the national rate of a 37-percent drop. November was the worst month for car sales nationwide in more than 26 years. These are bad days for car salesmen. Year-to-date sales in Milwaukee are down 12 and a half percent. There is no apparent improvement in December yet.
DNR Investigates Dead Wolves
12/13/08 - DNR officials are trying to get to the bottom of the deaths of six wolves. Dead wolves were found in Ashland, Monroe, Vilas, Rusk, Juneau, and Adams Counties right around the time of the November gun deer hunt. Gunshots were obvious on several of the animals. DNR wolf expert Adrian Wydeven says there are concerns that some hunters may be taking matters into their own hands. He says there were many complaints this year from hunters who didn't see many deer, but saw evidence of wolves all over the place. A lawsuit put the wolf back on the federal endangered species list earlier this year. Wydeven says there can be substantial penalties for killing an endangered species, with fines of up to 100-thousand dollars.
Congress Questions Corps on Barrier
12/13/08 - More than two dozen members of Congress are asking the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers why it isn't using its new electrical fish barrier. The nine-million dollar barrier in the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal is in place to keep Asian carp out of Lake Michigan. It was finished more than two years ago -- but hasn't been turned on. The congressional coalition members say they understand the need for testing to make sure the barrier safe. They don't understand why the testing has gone on for months. Scientists say the carp are now just 45 miles from Lake Michigan. Their arrival could devastate the big lake's fish population.
BDFD Holds Food Drive
12/13/08 - The Beaver Dam Fire Department is holding their 5th Annual Food Drive Saturday. Firefighters and members of their auxiliary will have their fire truck outside of three area businesses: Rechek’s Food Pride, Beaver Dam Piggly Wiggly and Wal-Mart. The Food Drive will be held from 9am until 1pm. Donations of non-perishable food items can also be dropped off at the Fire Department, off Henry Street. The collected food items will be donated to the Dodge County Food Pantry.
12/13/08 - A six-year prison sentence was handed down to a West Bend man who fatally punching a person outside a Rubicon tavern. Tyson Lotz had previously pleaded “no contest” to a reduced charge of felony Aggravated Battery related to the November 24th incident. 46-year-old Ronald Schellinger left Hauser’s Hideaway just after midnight when he exchanged profanities with Lotz and was punched in the nose. According to the criminal complaint, the 30-year-old Lotz considers himself a “street fighter” and he says Schellinger got in his “bubble.” Schellinger died the next day at a Milwaukee Hospital after slipping into a coma. In addition to six years in prison, Lotz must serve three years of extended supervision and maintain absolute sobriety.
Common Council Plans For Long Night
12/13/08 - Beaver Dam city officials are expecting a long night on Monday, and will even start their common council meeting one hour earlier than normal. The proposed downtown redevelopment plan is expected to take up a large portion of the regularly scheduled meeting. The city is proposing to purchase nine of eleven downtown buildings located in the floodway at 100% of the assessed value. State law prohibits buildings from being constructed over a floodway – in this case the Beaver Dam River -- and the DNR says they will eventually have to be torn down. City officials have been unable to contact the owner of one of the buildings – believed abandoned – at 151 Front Street; the city plans to undertake legal proceedings to acquire the property. And owner Jay Hoeft (hayft) of Emotional Rescue says he plans to stay in business. The DNR has, however, shown support of the plan as a comprehensive whole, and indicated that they will act “expeditiously” if the entire plan is not carried out in ordering the removal of any remaining buildings. The city council meets at 7pm Monday night in City Hall.
Brandon Woman Injured in Accident
12/13/08 - One person was injured in a two-vehicle accident in downtown Beaver Dam Friday morning. Authorities responded to the intersection of North Spring Street and Front Street at 10:34am. Fire Department Captain Don Wellnitz says responders used the jaws-of-life to extricate a 36-year-old Brandon woman. She was transported to the beaver Dam Community Hospital, for treatment of minor injuries. According to the Beaver Dam Police Department, a 36-year-old Beaver Dam man pulled into the path of her vehicle; he was cited for inattentive driving.
Fire Lingers In St Croix
12/13/08 - Firefighters aren't expected to leave the scene until sometime this morning in North Hudson. At one time, nearly 200 were battling the fire at St. Croix Storage and Transfer. Firefighters from nearly three dozen Wisconsin and Minnesota departments responded to North Hudson when the fire broke out Thursday night. Cold weather complicated the effort. The temperature was five degrees when the first crews arrived. The 150-thousand square foot warehouse held materials for Andersen Windows. One firefighter suffered minor injuries and was treated at the scene. The cause of the big fire is still not known.
Sheridan Blasts Anti-Union Republicans
12/13/08 - A Wisconsin lawmaker with close ties to the auto industry and its union is accusing many Republicans in the U.S. Senate of being shortsighted, and of having a goal of eliminating the middle class. The statements from Assembly Speaker-elect Mike Sheridan of Janesville come on the heels of the Senate's failure to pass the $14 billion auto industry bridge loan package. The former Janesville GM Assembly Plant worker and United Auto Workers Local 95 president says it's ironic: the auto industry now has to depend on the Bush White House to do the right thing. The Democratic legislator says he plans to work with Governor Jim Doyle in crafting a message for the White House, to illustrate the continued importance of the domestic auto industry. Responding to calls from some senators to bring wages in-line with those paid by foreign auto makers to their U.S. employees, Sheridan insisted that many concessions have already been made. As part of the 2007 contract with auto makers, the UAW had already agreed to a two-tier wage system with new hires starting at $14 an hour.
Cars Sales Down In Milwaukee
12/13/08 - Dealers say car buyers in the Milwaukee area aren't buying. The Automobile Dealers Association of Mega-Milwaukee reports sales of new cars and trucks were off 38-percent in November. That reflects the national rate of a 37-percent drop. November was the worst month for car sales nationwide in more than 26 years. These are bad days for car salesmen. Year-to-date sales in Milwaukee are down 12 and a half percent. There is no apparent improvement in December yet.
DNR Investigates Dead Wolves
12/13/08 - DNR officials are trying to get to the bottom of the deaths of six wolves. Dead wolves were found in Ashland, Monroe, Vilas, Rusk, Juneau, and Adams Counties right around the time of the November gun deer hunt. Gunshots were obvious on several of the animals. DNR wolf expert Adrian Wydeven says there are concerns that some hunters may be taking matters into their own hands. He says there were many complaints this year from hunters who didn't see many deer, but saw evidence of wolves all over the place. A lawsuit put the wolf back on the federal endangered species list earlier this year. Wydeven says there can be substantial penalties for killing an endangered species, with fines of up to 100-thousand dollars.
Congress Questions Corps on Barrier
12/13/08 - More than two dozen members of Congress are asking the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers why it isn't using its new electrical fish barrier. The nine-million dollar barrier in the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal is in place to keep Asian carp out of Lake Michigan. It was finished more than two years ago -- but hasn't been turned on. The congressional coalition members say they understand the need for testing to make sure the barrier safe. They don't understand why the testing has gone on for months. Scientists say the carp are now just 45 miles from Lake Michigan. Their arrival could devastate the big lake's fish population.
BDFD Holds Food Drive
12/13/08 - The Beaver Dam Fire Department is holding their 5th Annual Food Drive Saturday. Firefighters and members of their auxiliary will have their fire truck outside of three area businesses: Rechek’s Food Pride, Beaver Dam Piggly Wiggly and Wal-Mart. The Food Drive will be held from 9am until 1pm. Donations of non-perishable food items can also be dropped off at the Fire Department, off Henry Street. The collected food items will be donated to the Dodge County Food Pantry.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Top Stories December 12th
Food Drive Helps Stock Shelves
12/12/08 - It was a successful year for the WBEV-WXRO Food Drive. Yesterday morning’s 2-hour effort resulted in a record-setting $2016 in cash donations and large quantity of non-perishable food items for the Dodge County Food Pantry. Kathy Wheeler, the Food Pantry’s store manager, says donations received in the food drive will be used to assemble Christmas food baskets for area families in need. On behalf of the Good Karma Broadcasting family, Station Manager John Moser also extended a heartfelt thank-you to sponsors National Exchange Bank and Trust and Countryside GM Auto Group, as well as the listeners who helped stock the shelves of the Dodge County Food Pantry.
Columbus FD Say They Need Permanent Chief
12/12/08 - Columbus Fire Fighters are continuing to express the opinion that the Department needs a permanent Chief as soon as possible. The 36 person, on call, Columbus Fire Department has been without a “permanent” Chief for over three years. The Chief’s job description has been “under review” by the Common Council for over a year. Department officers believe that disputes between the Council and the Police & Fire Commission (PFC) over hiring responsibilities have caused a delay in Council action on getting a Chief in office.
Columbia County Needs FEMA Aid Soon
12/12/08 - Officials in Columbia County say federal aid is arriving too slowly to cover all their repair bills from this summer’s flooding. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has only paid about 10-percent of the four-point-three million dollars in damage claims for things like road-and-bridge wash-outs. Emergency Management Director Pat Beghin tells the county’s judiciary committee that FEMA will pay its claims – but probably not until next year. And by then, the damage figures will have continued to rise. The town of Caledonia, near Portage, said it had the most flood damage to public facilities – just over a million dollars. But the town has received nothing from FEMA so far. Town chairman Steve Pate is not worried that the government will pay its claims. But for now, the town has some big bills for the road repairs it made.
Jury To Be Imported for Benson Trial
12/12/08 - A jury will be chosen from elsewhere to hear the case of Mark Benson – the Waukesha County doctor accused of causing a crash that killed a popular school official and her two children. Yesterday, Circuit Judge Mac Davis approved a defense request to import a jury for a trial that’s scheduled to start April 21st. Authorities said the 55-year-old Benson was on sleep and anxiety medication when his vehicle rear-ended Jennifer Bukosky’s car in Oconomowoc in late April. The 39-year-old assistant principal at Oconomowoc High School was killed, along with her 10-year-old daughter and an unborn child. Benson had his driver’s license revoked two days before the crash, and was just days away from reporting to jail for his third O-W-I conviction. The case stirred impassioned pleas from the victim’s father for tougher drunk driving laws in Wisconsin – and it spurred Governor Jim Doyle to propose making three-time O-W-I’s a felony. Judge Davis said the case created “inflammatory, opinion-laden commentary” that would make it hard for a Waukesha jury to give a fair verdict. He said the jury would come from northern, western, or northwest Wisconsin.
Gilbertson Arraigned
12/12/08 - A Watertown man accused of causing an accident that left two people hospitalized entered a “not guilty” plea yesterday in Dodge County court. Christopher J. Gilbertson of Watertown is charged with a felony count of Injury By Intoxicated Use of a Vehicle related to the October 28th wreck. Authorities say the 24-year-old was intoxicated when blew through a stop sign at the intersection of Silver Creek Road and Highway 26, striking a southbound vehicle on the front left drivers side. The two occupants of the oncoming vehicle were taken to Watertown Memorial Hospital for treatment of their injuries. Gilbertson was treated for a few scrapes at the scene. He was also given a breathalyzer, which showed he had a preliminary blood alcohol content of (point) .2-0, more than twice the legal limit.
Rosendale Woman In Critical Condition
12/12/08 - A 61-year-old Rosendale woman is in critical condition at a Neenah hospital following a two-car accident in Fond du Lac County yesterday morning. Sheriff’s officials say 29-year-old Adam Napieralski of Fond du Lac failed to stop for a stop sign at the intersection of County Highways C and N. He broadsided a van being driven by Sharon Hesterberg. A Flight For Life helicopter flew Hesterberg to Theda Clark Regional Medical Center where she is in critical condition. Napieralski was taken to St. Agnes Hospital in Fond du Lac where he was treated and released.
Deichsel Gets New Lawyer
12/12/08 - The former Oakfield man accused of taking advantage for a mentally challenged woman by having sex with her has gotten a new lawyer in his case. Fifty-three-year-old Steven Deichsel of Oshkosh allegedly threatened to turn off equipment the 28-year-old woman needed to breathe if she refused to have sex with him. The woman has the mental equivalency of a girl half her age. A Milwaukee attorney has taken over Deichsel’s representation in the case.
Fond du Lac School Supt Search Underway
12/12/08 - The leadership profile put together by a consulting firm searching for Fond du Lac’s next schools superintendent is now available to the public. Acting Superintendent Jim Gryzwa says they are posting it on the school’s website. He says the search firm was pleased with the information developed from the profile. It talks about the strengths and weaknesses of the district and what people would like to see in their next superintendent. About 12 people have already showed interest in applying for the position.
Ripon Med Center New CEO
12/12/08 - Ripon Medical Center has a new Chief Executive Officer in place. Jim Tavary takes over the reins. Tavary comes to Ripon from Prosser, Washington where he was CEO of Prosser Public Hospital District. Tavary is looking forward to his role in guiding Ripon Medical Center and the building of a new hospital. He succeeds Tommy Hobbs who served as CEO for five years.
Horicon Budget Passage Details
12/12/08 - The City of Horicon passed their 2009 budget earlier this week. Clerk Treasurer Dave Pasewald says there were no public appearances before the council passed the $3.3-million document. The city tax rate is down 4.1% to $9.64 per $1,000 of assessed value. That means if a property is worth $150,000 the owner would owe about $1,450 for the city portion of their tax bill. The total tax levy was also down from $1.82-million in 2008 to $1.78-millon for 2009.
Doyle Optimistic Of Federal Help
12/12/08 - After giving Congress a dire view of the state government’s finances, Governor Jim Doyle said he was “cautiously optimistic” that Washington will provide more help. But he says he will not include such help in his next state budget proposal. In Doyle’s words, “We’ll rely on it if it’s there.” He was one of three governors to tell the House Appropriations Committee yesterday that states need a federal shot-in-the-arm. President-elect Barack Obama and congressional leaders are working on a half-trillion-dollar economic relief plan aimed at building needed public facilities, relieving state deficits, and putting people to work. Without federal help, Doyle said one-of-every-five state jobs could go unfilled – and the most basic of state services would be hurt, including education. Upon returning home late yesterday, Doyle told reporters in Milwaukee he’ll do all he can to avoid layoffs to a state workforce that’s already 10-percent smaller since Doyle took office in 2003. Wisconsin projects it will only have enough revenue to cover 83-percent of its next state budget. That’s a gap of 17-percent, but it’s worse elsewhere. Ohio faces a 25-percent gap, which one congressman calls “unconscionable.” Still, Texas Republican Governor Rick Perry warns that every dollar Washington spends on relief is quote, “a dollar a family could invest in their children’s education or an employer could have used to create more jobs.”
12/12/08 - It was a successful year for the WBEV-WXRO Food Drive. Yesterday morning’s 2-hour effort resulted in a record-setting $2016 in cash donations and large quantity of non-perishable food items for the Dodge County Food Pantry. Kathy Wheeler, the Food Pantry’s store manager, says donations received in the food drive will be used to assemble Christmas food baskets for area families in need. On behalf of the Good Karma Broadcasting family, Station Manager John Moser also extended a heartfelt thank-you to sponsors National Exchange Bank and Trust and Countryside GM Auto Group, as well as the listeners who helped stock the shelves of the Dodge County Food Pantry.
Columbus FD Say They Need Permanent Chief
12/12/08 - Columbus Fire Fighters are continuing to express the opinion that the Department needs a permanent Chief as soon as possible. The 36 person, on call, Columbus Fire Department has been without a “permanent” Chief for over three years. The Chief’s job description has been “under review” by the Common Council for over a year. Department officers believe that disputes between the Council and the Police & Fire Commission (PFC) over hiring responsibilities have caused a delay in Council action on getting a Chief in office.
Columbia County Needs FEMA Aid Soon
12/12/08 - Officials in Columbia County say federal aid is arriving too slowly to cover all their repair bills from this summer’s flooding. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has only paid about 10-percent of the four-point-three million dollars in damage claims for things like road-and-bridge wash-outs. Emergency Management Director Pat Beghin tells the county’s judiciary committee that FEMA will pay its claims – but probably not until next year. And by then, the damage figures will have continued to rise. The town of Caledonia, near Portage, said it had the most flood damage to public facilities – just over a million dollars. But the town has received nothing from FEMA so far. Town chairman Steve Pate is not worried that the government will pay its claims. But for now, the town has some big bills for the road repairs it made.
Jury To Be Imported for Benson Trial
12/12/08 - A jury will be chosen from elsewhere to hear the case of Mark Benson – the Waukesha County doctor accused of causing a crash that killed a popular school official and her two children. Yesterday, Circuit Judge Mac Davis approved a defense request to import a jury for a trial that’s scheduled to start April 21st. Authorities said the 55-year-old Benson was on sleep and anxiety medication when his vehicle rear-ended Jennifer Bukosky’s car in Oconomowoc in late April. The 39-year-old assistant principal at Oconomowoc High School was killed, along with her 10-year-old daughter and an unborn child. Benson had his driver’s license revoked two days before the crash, and was just days away from reporting to jail for his third O-W-I conviction. The case stirred impassioned pleas from the victim’s father for tougher drunk driving laws in Wisconsin – and it spurred Governor Jim Doyle to propose making three-time O-W-I’s a felony. Judge Davis said the case created “inflammatory, opinion-laden commentary” that would make it hard for a Waukesha jury to give a fair verdict. He said the jury would come from northern, western, or northwest Wisconsin.
Gilbertson Arraigned
12/12/08 - A Watertown man accused of causing an accident that left two people hospitalized entered a “not guilty” plea yesterday in Dodge County court. Christopher J. Gilbertson of Watertown is charged with a felony count of Injury By Intoxicated Use of a Vehicle related to the October 28th wreck. Authorities say the 24-year-old was intoxicated when blew through a stop sign at the intersection of Silver Creek Road and Highway 26, striking a southbound vehicle on the front left drivers side. The two occupants of the oncoming vehicle were taken to Watertown Memorial Hospital for treatment of their injuries. Gilbertson was treated for a few scrapes at the scene. He was also given a breathalyzer, which showed he had a preliminary blood alcohol content of (point) .2-0, more than twice the legal limit.
Rosendale Woman In Critical Condition
12/12/08 - A 61-year-old Rosendale woman is in critical condition at a Neenah hospital following a two-car accident in Fond du Lac County yesterday morning. Sheriff’s officials say 29-year-old Adam Napieralski of Fond du Lac failed to stop for a stop sign at the intersection of County Highways C and N. He broadsided a van being driven by Sharon Hesterberg. A Flight For Life helicopter flew Hesterberg to Theda Clark Regional Medical Center where she is in critical condition. Napieralski was taken to St. Agnes Hospital in Fond du Lac where he was treated and released.
Deichsel Gets New Lawyer
12/12/08 - The former Oakfield man accused of taking advantage for a mentally challenged woman by having sex with her has gotten a new lawyer in his case. Fifty-three-year-old Steven Deichsel of Oshkosh allegedly threatened to turn off equipment the 28-year-old woman needed to breathe if she refused to have sex with him. The woman has the mental equivalency of a girl half her age. A Milwaukee attorney has taken over Deichsel’s representation in the case.
Fond du Lac School Supt Search Underway
12/12/08 - The leadership profile put together by a consulting firm searching for Fond du Lac’s next schools superintendent is now available to the public. Acting Superintendent Jim Gryzwa says they are posting it on the school’s website. He says the search firm was pleased with the information developed from the profile. It talks about the strengths and weaknesses of the district and what people would like to see in their next superintendent. About 12 people have already showed interest in applying for the position.
Ripon Med Center New CEO
12/12/08 - Ripon Medical Center has a new Chief Executive Officer in place. Jim Tavary takes over the reins. Tavary comes to Ripon from Prosser, Washington where he was CEO of Prosser Public Hospital District. Tavary is looking forward to his role in guiding Ripon Medical Center and the building of a new hospital. He succeeds Tommy Hobbs who served as CEO for five years.
Horicon Budget Passage Details
12/12/08 - The City of Horicon passed their 2009 budget earlier this week. Clerk Treasurer Dave Pasewald says there were no public appearances before the council passed the $3.3-million document. The city tax rate is down 4.1% to $9.64 per $1,000 of assessed value. That means if a property is worth $150,000 the owner would owe about $1,450 for the city portion of their tax bill. The total tax levy was also down from $1.82-million in 2008 to $1.78-millon for 2009.
Doyle Optimistic Of Federal Help
12/12/08 - After giving Congress a dire view of the state government’s finances, Governor Jim Doyle said he was “cautiously optimistic” that Washington will provide more help. But he says he will not include such help in his next state budget proposal. In Doyle’s words, “We’ll rely on it if it’s there.” He was one of three governors to tell the House Appropriations Committee yesterday that states need a federal shot-in-the-arm. President-elect Barack Obama and congressional leaders are working on a half-trillion-dollar economic relief plan aimed at building needed public facilities, relieving state deficits, and putting people to work. Without federal help, Doyle said one-of-every-five state jobs could go unfilled – and the most basic of state services would be hurt, including education. Upon returning home late yesterday, Doyle told reporters in Milwaukee he’ll do all he can to avoid layoffs to a state workforce that’s already 10-percent smaller since Doyle took office in 2003. Wisconsin projects it will only have enough revenue to cover 83-percent of its next state budget. That’s a gap of 17-percent, but it’s worse elsewhere. Ohio faces a 25-percent gap, which one congressman calls “unconscionable.” Still, Texas Republican Governor Rick Perry warns that every dollar Washington spends on relief is quote, “a dollar a family could invest in their children’s education or an employer could have used to create more jobs.”
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Top Stories December 11th
Union Challenges Deputy Suspension
12/11/08 - The AFSCME union is appealing a decision by the Dodge County Sheriffs Department Grievance Committee to suspend a deputy. 48-year-old Gregory Weihert was pulled over by a Richland County Sheriffs Deputy on August 31 after making a u-turn; he reportedly had an open container of alcohol and blood-alcohol level of point one-zero (.10). The Richland County District Attorney ruled there was “no reasonable suspicion” to initiate a traffic stop. Dodge County Sheriff Todd Nehls nonetheless requested the Grievance Committee suspend Weihert for 20-days without pay. Nehls alleges that Weihert had a documented blood-alcohol content that was in excess of the legal driving limit and also noted that he asked the Richland County deputy for “professional courtesy.” Nehls says the request for professional courtesy violates the department’s mission statement. The Grievance Committee upheld Nehls suspension request following a 6-hour meeting on October 31. Lee Gierke with Wisconsin Council 40 of AFSCME confirmed for us that the union will appeal the Grievance Committee decision, and the matter will go to arbitration at a later date. The findings of the arbitrator – for a 20-day suspension or no disciplinary action – will be final. Weihert has not had any disciplinary action taken against him in the 18 years he has been with the Dodge County Sheriffs Department.
Sheriffs Department Focuses on Booze and Belts
12/11/08 - The Dodge County Sheriffs Department is one of several agencies statewide participating in the “Booze and Belts” traffic crash prevention effort. The mobilization aims to stop preventable traffic deaths and drunken driving. The coordinator of the grant, Lt. Trace Frost with the State Patrol, says participating law enforcement agencies will be patrolling in greater numbers and for longer hours to arrest drunken drivers and enforce safety belt laws. Last year in Wisconsin, there were more than 42,000 drunken driving convictions and nearly 68,000 convictions for failure to fasten safety belts. The enforcement period is underway and continues through December 15.
Fall River Budget Approved
12/11/08 - When the annual local tax bills are sent out this month the total mil rate for tax payers in the Fall River area will be at $20.10 per 1,000. That mil rate includes the Columbia County, M A T C, School District, State and Village portions of the tax bill. That number is $.78 cents above last year’s property taxes. The Village portion of that mil rate will increase from $5.15 to $5.36 per one thousand dollars of assessed evaluation …a hike of $.21 cents per thousand.
PAVE Receives Grant Funding
12/11/08 - Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen announced Wednesday that $35,000 in Sexual Assault Victim Services funding has been awarded to the Dodge County chapter of PAVE, People Against a Violent Environment. With the funding, PAVE anticipates serving 50 sexual assault victims throughout Dodge County. The money will allow PAVE to continue providing services including a 24-hour crisis response phone line, support groups, and community outreach and prevention education services. PAVE is one of 45 agencies selected to share $2-million in grant funding this year.
No Snow On Roads
12/11/08 - Authorities are reminding the public that it is illegal to push snow into the roadway. The Dodge County Sheriff’s Department has fielded several complaints from motorists reporting vehicle damage or loss of control as a result of snow or chunks of ice being left in the roadway. State statute prohibits the placement of such obstacles in the road, and violators face a $186 fine. Deputies on patrol who note the infraction will be making contact with the property owner and giving a verbal warning and ensure the snow is removed.
Clear Snow From Hydrants
12/11/08 - The Beaver Dam Fire Department is asking the public to clear snow from any fire hydrants on their property. Fire Captain Matt Christian says it’s not a bad idea to clear snow from fire hydrants on adjacent properties either, because the build-up can slow efforts to fight a fire. Officials with the Beaver Dam DPW say it is the responsibility of property owners to remove the snow. The department does clear as many hydrants as possible, but they say with all the snow we’ve had so far this fall it takes a while to get to them, and having them snow covered could be a tragedy in the making.
Trash Pick-Up Delayed
12/11/08 - The snow has hampered efforts for area trash collection. Veolia Environmental reports that garbage and recycling collection will be delayed by one day for the rest of this week in the municipalities that contract with them. That includes Beaver Dam and Horicon. Today’s collection will be tomorrow. Friday’s pick-up is on Saturday. The normal pick-up schedule will resume next week. Trash pick-up was also delayed in Juneau; it will happen Friday. Fox Lake will have trash pick-up on Saturday.
Papers Available for BD Aldermanic Race
12/11/08 - Nomination papers for Beaver Dam residents interested in running for a two-year term on common council are available at the city clerk’s office. Odd numbered aldermanic seats are up for election in April 2009. The deadline to file declaration of candidacy and nomination papers is Tuesday, January 6. Incumbents have until Friday, December 26 to file non-candidacy papers. The seats up for election are currently occupied by Clancy Knaup, Glen Link, Aaron Onsrud, Robert Ballweg, Mark Born, Jon Litscher and Laine Meyer. The election will be held April 7, 2009, with a primary date of Tuesday, February 17, if needed.
State Budget Problems Unprecedented
12/11/08 - State Senate President Fred Risser has been in office for 50 years, but he's never seen budget problems like the ones facing the state right now. The Madison Democrat says it will take two million dollars a day in new revenue, or spending cuts, just to balance the budget by the end of the current biennium, next June. Risser says the problems could grow worse, as lawmakers try to figure out how to plug a 5-point-4 billion dollar hole in the budget for the next biennium. He says that could require the state to come up with an extra 7-million dollars a day in revenue for the next two years. Statistically speaking, Risser says it's as bad as he's ever seen the state's financial situation.
Petri Votes Against Bailout Package
12/11/08 - Two Wisconsin House members voted against the 14-billion-dollar auto industry rescue package that was approved last night. Fond du Lac Republican Tom Petri and Appleton Democrat Steve Kagen were among the 170 lawmakers voting no. 237 favored sending the package onto the Senate, including Republican Paul Ryan and Democrats David Obey, Gwen Moore, and Ron Kind. Menomonee Falls Republican Jim Sensenbrenner did not vote. Kagen opposed federal aid for Chrysler – whose parent company also owns the New Page paper mills that closed this year in Kimberly and Niagara. Kagen says Chrysler should get its own money by selling the mills and other assets. He also opposed the appointment of a federal “car czar” to make sure the automakers take steps to avoid bankruptcy. Kagen said it would have Congress running the auto industry. But Kind, a La Crosse Democrat, said the “car czar” would make sure the federal aid is a “bridge loan to somewhere” instead of a bridge to nowhere. Kind said letting the Big Three fail is not an option. A Senate vote could come as early as today. Wisconsin Democrat Russ Feingold said he’s still considering the package. But he criticized a resistance by some senators to help workers, while being eager to help Wall Street.
Doyle Asks for Budget Help
12/11/08 - Governor Jim Doyle says Wisconsin can start up to three-point-seven billion dollars in building-and-environmental projects by next spring – if Congress can approve a stimulus package by then. Doyle responded yesterday to President-elect Barack Obama’s request for projects the various states can do right away, to create jobs and put a jolt into the stagnant economy. But Doyle’s list raised eyebrows when it included 280-million-dollars in school building items that voters rejected in referendums. Assembly Republican Leader Jeff Fitzgerald says Doyle is ignoring the will of the taxpayers. But spokesman Lee Sensenbrenner says the governor is simply listing what can be built now – and a priority list for the various projects is far from being set. Today, Doyle will ask the House Appropriations Committee for federal help in fixing Wisconsin’s five-point-four-billion dollar deficit in its next budget. Wausau Democrat David Obey chairs the panel. Doyle’s wish list includes three-quarter billion dollars for public school projects. There’s also 600-million to clean up more cancer-causing P-C-B’s in the Fox River -- 300-million in highway projects, including the expansion of Interstate 94 from Milwaukee to Illinois – and almost a billion dollars in public-and-private energy conservation projects.
DNR Targets Deer Carcass For Deficit
12/11/08 - You won’t have to pay more for a deer hunting license – but you might have to watch more deer rot along the roadsides. That’s one way the state D-N-R plans to help cut the state’s huge deficit in the next budget. Secretary Matt Frank told the Natural Resources Board yesterday he has no plans to raise any license fees for hunting, fishing, or trapping – especially with the rough economy and so many job losses. That means the agency will cut spending – and one proposal is to stop paying vendors to remove dead deer from the roadways. Over 13-hundred deer were removed this year in Waukesha County alone, and officials there call the proposed cut a poor decision. Meanwhile, D-N-R officials say other spending cuts are possible on programs involving biology, land maintenance, and law enforcement. The final list will go to Governor Jim Doyle, who will decide which cuts to ask legislators to make.
12/11/08 - The AFSCME union is appealing a decision by the Dodge County Sheriffs Department Grievance Committee to suspend a deputy. 48-year-old Gregory Weihert was pulled over by a Richland County Sheriffs Deputy on August 31 after making a u-turn; he reportedly had an open container of alcohol and blood-alcohol level of point one-zero (.10). The Richland County District Attorney ruled there was “no reasonable suspicion” to initiate a traffic stop. Dodge County Sheriff Todd Nehls nonetheless requested the Grievance Committee suspend Weihert for 20-days without pay. Nehls alleges that Weihert had a documented blood-alcohol content that was in excess of the legal driving limit and also noted that he asked the Richland County deputy for “professional courtesy.” Nehls says the request for professional courtesy violates the department’s mission statement. The Grievance Committee upheld Nehls suspension request following a 6-hour meeting on October 31. Lee Gierke with Wisconsin Council 40 of AFSCME confirmed for us that the union will appeal the Grievance Committee decision, and the matter will go to arbitration at a later date. The findings of the arbitrator – for a 20-day suspension or no disciplinary action – will be final. Weihert has not had any disciplinary action taken against him in the 18 years he has been with the Dodge County Sheriffs Department.
Sheriffs Department Focuses on Booze and Belts
12/11/08 - The Dodge County Sheriffs Department is one of several agencies statewide participating in the “Booze and Belts” traffic crash prevention effort. The mobilization aims to stop preventable traffic deaths and drunken driving. The coordinator of the grant, Lt. Trace Frost with the State Patrol, says participating law enforcement agencies will be patrolling in greater numbers and for longer hours to arrest drunken drivers and enforce safety belt laws. Last year in Wisconsin, there were more than 42,000 drunken driving convictions and nearly 68,000 convictions for failure to fasten safety belts. The enforcement period is underway and continues through December 15.
Fall River Budget Approved
12/11/08 - When the annual local tax bills are sent out this month the total mil rate for tax payers in the Fall River area will be at $20.10 per 1,000. That mil rate includes the Columbia County, M A T C, School District, State and Village portions of the tax bill. That number is $.78 cents above last year’s property taxes. The Village portion of that mil rate will increase from $5.15 to $5.36 per one thousand dollars of assessed evaluation …a hike of $.21 cents per thousand.
PAVE Receives Grant Funding
12/11/08 - Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen announced Wednesday that $35,000 in Sexual Assault Victim Services funding has been awarded to the Dodge County chapter of PAVE, People Against a Violent Environment. With the funding, PAVE anticipates serving 50 sexual assault victims throughout Dodge County. The money will allow PAVE to continue providing services including a 24-hour crisis response phone line, support groups, and community outreach and prevention education services. PAVE is one of 45 agencies selected to share $2-million in grant funding this year.
No Snow On Roads
12/11/08 - Authorities are reminding the public that it is illegal to push snow into the roadway. The Dodge County Sheriff’s Department has fielded several complaints from motorists reporting vehicle damage or loss of control as a result of snow or chunks of ice being left in the roadway. State statute prohibits the placement of such obstacles in the road, and violators face a $186 fine. Deputies on patrol who note the infraction will be making contact with the property owner and giving a verbal warning and ensure the snow is removed.
Clear Snow From Hydrants
12/11/08 - The Beaver Dam Fire Department is asking the public to clear snow from any fire hydrants on their property. Fire Captain Matt Christian says it’s not a bad idea to clear snow from fire hydrants on adjacent properties either, because the build-up can slow efforts to fight a fire. Officials with the Beaver Dam DPW say it is the responsibility of property owners to remove the snow. The department does clear as many hydrants as possible, but they say with all the snow we’ve had so far this fall it takes a while to get to them, and having them snow covered could be a tragedy in the making.
Trash Pick-Up Delayed
12/11/08 - The snow has hampered efforts for area trash collection. Veolia Environmental reports that garbage and recycling collection will be delayed by one day for the rest of this week in the municipalities that contract with them. That includes Beaver Dam and Horicon. Today’s collection will be tomorrow. Friday’s pick-up is on Saturday. The normal pick-up schedule will resume next week. Trash pick-up was also delayed in Juneau; it will happen Friday. Fox Lake will have trash pick-up on Saturday.
Papers Available for BD Aldermanic Race
12/11/08 - Nomination papers for Beaver Dam residents interested in running for a two-year term on common council are available at the city clerk’s office. Odd numbered aldermanic seats are up for election in April 2009. The deadline to file declaration of candidacy and nomination papers is Tuesday, January 6. Incumbents have until Friday, December 26 to file non-candidacy papers. The seats up for election are currently occupied by Clancy Knaup, Glen Link, Aaron Onsrud, Robert Ballweg, Mark Born, Jon Litscher and Laine Meyer. The election will be held April 7, 2009, with a primary date of Tuesday, February 17, if needed.
State Budget Problems Unprecedented
12/11/08 - State Senate President Fred Risser has been in office for 50 years, but he's never seen budget problems like the ones facing the state right now. The Madison Democrat says it will take two million dollars a day in new revenue, or spending cuts, just to balance the budget by the end of the current biennium, next June. Risser says the problems could grow worse, as lawmakers try to figure out how to plug a 5-point-4 billion dollar hole in the budget for the next biennium. He says that could require the state to come up with an extra 7-million dollars a day in revenue for the next two years. Statistically speaking, Risser says it's as bad as he's ever seen the state's financial situation.
Petri Votes Against Bailout Package
12/11/08 - Two Wisconsin House members voted against the 14-billion-dollar auto industry rescue package that was approved last night. Fond du Lac Republican Tom Petri and Appleton Democrat Steve Kagen were among the 170 lawmakers voting no. 237 favored sending the package onto the Senate, including Republican Paul Ryan and Democrats David Obey, Gwen Moore, and Ron Kind. Menomonee Falls Republican Jim Sensenbrenner did not vote. Kagen opposed federal aid for Chrysler – whose parent company also owns the New Page paper mills that closed this year in Kimberly and Niagara. Kagen says Chrysler should get its own money by selling the mills and other assets. He also opposed the appointment of a federal “car czar” to make sure the automakers take steps to avoid bankruptcy. Kagen said it would have Congress running the auto industry. But Kind, a La Crosse Democrat, said the “car czar” would make sure the federal aid is a “bridge loan to somewhere” instead of a bridge to nowhere. Kind said letting the Big Three fail is not an option. A Senate vote could come as early as today. Wisconsin Democrat Russ Feingold said he’s still considering the package. But he criticized a resistance by some senators to help workers, while being eager to help Wall Street.
Doyle Asks for Budget Help
12/11/08 - Governor Jim Doyle says Wisconsin can start up to three-point-seven billion dollars in building-and-environmental projects by next spring – if Congress can approve a stimulus package by then. Doyle responded yesterday to President-elect Barack Obama’s request for projects the various states can do right away, to create jobs and put a jolt into the stagnant economy. But Doyle’s list raised eyebrows when it included 280-million-dollars in school building items that voters rejected in referendums. Assembly Republican Leader Jeff Fitzgerald says Doyle is ignoring the will of the taxpayers. But spokesman Lee Sensenbrenner says the governor is simply listing what can be built now – and a priority list for the various projects is far from being set. Today, Doyle will ask the House Appropriations Committee for federal help in fixing Wisconsin’s five-point-four-billion dollar deficit in its next budget. Wausau Democrat David Obey chairs the panel. Doyle’s wish list includes three-quarter billion dollars for public school projects. There’s also 600-million to clean up more cancer-causing P-C-B’s in the Fox River -- 300-million in highway projects, including the expansion of Interstate 94 from Milwaukee to Illinois – and almost a billion dollars in public-and-private energy conservation projects.
DNR Targets Deer Carcass For Deficit
12/11/08 - You won’t have to pay more for a deer hunting license – but you might have to watch more deer rot along the roadsides. That’s one way the state D-N-R plans to help cut the state’s huge deficit in the next budget. Secretary Matt Frank told the Natural Resources Board yesterday he has no plans to raise any license fees for hunting, fishing, or trapping – especially with the rough economy and so many job losses. That means the agency will cut spending – and one proposal is to stop paying vendors to remove dead deer from the roadways. Over 13-hundred deer were removed this year in Waukesha County alone, and officials there call the proposed cut a poor decision. Meanwhile, D-N-R officials say other spending cuts are possible on programs involving biology, land maintenance, and law enforcement. The final list will go to Governor Jim Doyle, who will decide which cuts to ask legislators to make.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Top Stories December 10th
Snow Totals Outpacing Last Years
12/10/08 - Last winter was the snowiest in years – and if you think this one’s snowier so far, you might be right. Milwaukee has just over 14-inches for December – seven-tenths more than a year ago, and two-and-a-half inches more than the average for the last 30 years. Pardeeville had the most snow in the two-day storm that ended last night – 12 inches. Ripon had just over 11, and Watertown had 10. Beaver Dam finished with 9.2-inches, while Juneau checked in with 7.5. In Jefferson County, the city of Jefferson had 6-inches while Berlin in Green Lake County got hit with 7.5. Hartford got 5.8 and Oconomowoc finished with 6.5. Hospital emergency rooms saw folks with chest pains and twisted ankles from shoveling – and severed fingers from people unclogging their snow-blowers.
Slippery Roads Possible This Morning
12/10/08 - With temperatures in the single digits overnight, officials are reminding residents to take it slow this morning. Although some roads may appear clear, black ice is sure to be present in the wake of all the precipitation we got over the past two days. Even those roads that get “straight salt” could possibly be slippery as it loses its effectiveness under 15-degrees.
DC Sheriffs Department Responds to Numerous Runoffs and Accidents
12/10/08 - The Dodge County Sheriffs Department came to the assistance of 31 motorists from midnight through 5pm yesterday. Director of Communications Pat Ninmann says of those 31, three were accidents and 28 were run-offs. One of those accidents happened just before 8 yesterday morning. A woman driving on Highway 151 lost control of her vehicle and rolled over near Redwood Road in the Town of Trenton. She was cited for operating after revocation and “Too Fast For conditions.” There were no weather–related motor vehicle injuries, as of 4pm yesterday afternoon. .
Waupun Issues a Snow Emergency
12/10/08 - The City of Waupun has issued a “Snow Emergency” that will last until 6am Friday. Police Chief Dale Herringa says that means no parking on city streets between the hours of 2am and 6am as well as no parking in city lots during that time as well. Failure to abide by the city ordinance will result in a $20 citation and the possibility of your car being towed at your expense. The Beaver Dam Fire Department is also reminding residents to shovel off the fire hydrants on their property.
Juneau under Snow Emergency
12/10/08 - The City of Juneau Emergency Management has declared a snow emergency is in effect until 6am Thursday morning. Director Dave Beal says there is no parking permitted on any city streets between 2am and 6am. Violators will be ticketed. Juneau residents are also encouraged not to park on city streets during daytime hours to accommodate snow plowing.
Bunker Pleads in Memorial Day Hold-Up
12/10/08 - One of the two Randolph men accused in connection with the Memorial Day weekend robbery of the Randolph Citgo entered into a plea agreement yesterday in Dodge County court. 19-year-old Jesse Bunker pleaded “no contest” to a felony charge of Armed Robbery with the Use of Force and had a felony count of Theft dismissed on a prosecutors motion.
Alleged co-conspirator Mark Fischer of Randolph entered a “not guilty” plea to similar charges in October and will be back in court next month. The 27-year-old Fischer is accused of driving the getaway car for Bunker who is said to have pulled a gun on the clerk before fleeing the scene with Fisher with a duffle bag containing over $800 in cash. Authorities used in-store video surveillance to track down the suspects. Bunker had a pre-sentencing investigation scheduled for March.
City Rejects BDUSD Offer
12/10/08 - The Beaver Dam Operations Committee this week rejected an offer by the school district to construct a storm water detention basin near Jefferson Elementary, in exchange for a two year waiver in fees. The basin is part of the state-mandated Storm Water Utility and is one of several citywide that would help improve water quality. The city had offered the district a 33% annual discount on their storm water utility fee for that property – roughly $860 per month -- in exchange for an easement on which to build the basin, as city cost. Committee members were surprised at the counter-offer of a $3500 credit, in addition to the annual savings. Negotiations are expected to continue.
Fox Lake Chairman Won’t Seek Reelection
12/10/08 - The Town of Fox Lake Board Chairman will not run for re-election. Butch Wagner made that announcement Monday. He’s served on the board since 1996 and as Chairman since 2004. Wagner’s term expires in April. Other members seeking re-election are Dean Streich, John Lehman, and Clerk Treasurer Ed Benter. To run for any of the positions up for re-election one must be at least 18-years-old and live in the Town of Fox Lake. The candidate must take out nomination papers and obtain the signatures of at least 20 but not more than 100 of eligible voters in the Town of Fox Lake. Nomination papers must be turned into the Clerk-Treasurer by January 6th
Doyle to Testify in Washington
12/10/08 - Governor Jim Doyle will testify tomorrow before the House Appropriations Committee in Washington. And among other things, he’ll tell lawmakers that the troubled auto industry is just one reason Wisconsin needs federal help. President-elect Barack Obama has promised to ease the budget burdens facing states. One thing being considered is a half-trillion-dollar aid package over a two-year period. Wausau House Democrat David Obey chairs the appropriations’ panel, and they’ll hear from several governors. The Obama plan highlights infra-structure projects – and Doyle says he’ll soon release a list of things Wisconsin can do right away if it gets federal aid.
DNR On Deer Numbers
12/10/08 - Last winter was the snowiest in years – and if you think this one’s snowier so far, you might be right. Milwaukee has just over 14-inches for December – seven-tenths more than a year ago, and two-and-a-half inches more than the average for the last 30 years. Pardeeville had the most snow in the two-day storm that ended last night – 12 inches. Ripon had just over 11, and Watertown had 10. Beaver Dam finished with 9.2-inches, while Juneau checked in with 7.5. In Jefferson County, the city of Jefferson had 6-inches while Berlin in Green Lake County got hit with 7.5. Hartford got 5.8 and Oconomowoc finished with 6.5. Hospital emergency rooms saw folks with chest pains and twisted ankles from shoveling – and severed fingers from people unclogging their snow-blowers.
Slippery Roads Possible This Morning
12/10/08 - With temperatures in the single digits overnight, officials are reminding residents to take it slow this morning. Although some roads may appear clear, black ice is sure to be present in the wake of all the precipitation we got over the past two days. Even those roads that get “straight salt” could possibly be slippery as it loses its effectiveness under 15-degrees.
DC Sheriffs Department Responds to Numerous Runoffs and Accidents
12/10/08 - The Dodge County Sheriffs Department came to the assistance of 31 motorists from midnight through 5pm yesterday. Director of Communications Pat Ninmann says of those 31, three were accidents and 28 were run-offs. One of those accidents happened just before 8 yesterday morning. A woman driving on Highway 151 lost control of her vehicle and rolled over near Redwood Road in the Town of Trenton. She was cited for operating after revocation and “Too Fast For conditions.” There were no weather–related motor vehicle injuries, as of 4pm yesterday afternoon. .
Waupun Issues a Snow Emergency
12/10/08 - The City of Waupun has issued a “Snow Emergency” that will last until 6am Friday. Police Chief Dale Herringa says that means no parking on city streets between the hours of 2am and 6am as well as no parking in city lots during that time as well. Failure to abide by the city ordinance will result in a $20 citation and the possibility of your car being towed at your expense. The Beaver Dam Fire Department is also reminding residents to shovel off the fire hydrants on their property.
Juneau under Snow Emergency
12/10/08 - The City of Juneau Emergency Management has declared a snow emergency is in effect until 6am Thursday morning. Director Dave Beal says there is no parking permitted on any city streets between 2am and 6am. Violators will be ticketed. Juneau residents are also encouraged not to park on city streets during daytime hours to accommodate snow plowing.
Bunker Pleads in Memorial Day Hold-Up
12/10/08 - One of the two Randolph men accused in connection with the Memorial Day weekend robbery of the Randolph Citgo entered into a plea agreement yesterday in Dodge County court. 19-year-old Jesse Bunker pleaded “no contest” to a felony charge of Armed Robbery with the Use of Force and had a felony count of Theft dismissed on a prosecutors motion.
Alleged co-conspirator Mark Fischer of Randolph entered a “not guilty” plea to similar charges in October and will be back in court next month. The 27-year-old Fischer is accused of driving the getaway car for Bunker who is said to have pulled a gun on the clerk before fleeing the scene with Fisher with a duffle bag containing over $800 in cash. Authorities used in-store video surveillance to track down the suspects. Bunker had a pre-sentencing investigation scheduled for March.
City Rejects BDUSD Offer
12/10/08 - The Beaver Dam Operations Committee this week rejected an offer by the school district to construct a storm water detention basin near Jefferson Elementary, in exchange for a two year waiver in fees. The basin is part of the state-mandated Storm Water Utility and is one of several citywide that would help improve water quality. The city had offered the district a 33% annual discount on their storm water utility fee for that property – roughly $860 per month -- in exchange for an easement on which to build the basin, as city cost. Committee members were surprised at the counter-offer of a $3500 credit, in addition to the annual savings. Negotiations are expected to continue.
Fox Lake Chairman Won’t Seek Reelection
12/10/08 - The Town of Fox Lake Board Chairman will not run for re-election. Butch Wagner made that announcement Monday. He’s served on the board since 1996 and as Chairman since 2004. Wagner’s term expires in April. Other members seeking re-election are Dean Streich, John Lehman, and Clerk Treasurer Ed Benter. To run for any of the positions up for re-election one must be at least 18-years-old and live in the Town of Fox Lake. The candidate must take out nomination papers and obtain the signatures of at least 20 but not more than 100 of eligible voters in the Town of Fox Lake. Nomination papers must be turned into the Clerk-Treasurer by January 6th
Doyle to Testify in Washington
12/10/08 - Governor Jim Doyle will testify tomorrow before the House Appropriations Committee in Washington. And among other things, he’ll tell lawmakers that the troubled auto industry is just one reason Wisconsin needs federal help. President-elect Barack Obama has promised to ease the budget burdens facing states. One thing being considered is a half-trillion-dollar aid package over a two-year period. Wausau House Democrat David Obey chairs the appropriations’ panel, and they’ll hear from several governors. The Obama plan highlights infra-structure projects – and Doyle says he’ll soon release a list of things Wisconsin can do right away if it gets federal aid.
DNR On Deer Numbers
12/10/08 - The state D-N-R gave another possible reason Tuesday for the 20-percent decline in the deer harvest during the nine-day gun season. Game wardens said hunters only spent 3-to-4 hours in the woods at a time -- and more of them may have only hunted a few of the nine days. The wardens' report said hunting dropped off on the Sunday of the opening weekend, and it didn't pick up for the rest of the season. They also said there were fewer large groups of hunters, fewer people in deer camps, fewer deer drives, and fewer younger hunters than in the past. The number of licenses didn't show that, however. Just over 642-thousand gun deer licenses were sold -- up by almost a-thousand from the year. Hunters took almost 277-thousand deer in the gun season.
Oshkosh Corp Gets Contract
12/10/08 - The U-S Army wants the Oshkosh Corporation to make another 825 combat supply trucks. The firm announced a 250-million-dollar contract Tuesday to build a more modern version of a vehicle it's been making for 23 years. It will include an armor-ready, air-conditioned cab -- a more powerful drive-train -- a better suspension -- and other safety improvements. Oshkosh has been making the Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Trucks since 1985. The Army has used them in the first Gulf War, and in Iraq. Oshkosh officials calls it the backbone of the Army's logistics' fleet.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Top Stories December 9th
Snow Totals Vary
12/9/08 - Snow totals are varying throughout southern Wisconsin this morning. According to the latest National Weather Service numbers, Beaver Dam had 4.5-inches by 11 last night while Juneau reported 5-inches by midnight. Snow was heavier to the west as Portage picked up 6 inches and Pardeeville 9-inches by midnight. Eight-inches fell in Baraboo by two this morning and Sheboygan had seven-inches by one a-m. And much more is on the way. The National Weather Service says totals statewide will range anywhere from 2-to-12 inches or more before the storm clears out late tonight.
Fire Damages Lomira Residence
12/09/08 - Fire destroyed the second floor of a Lomira home yesterday afternoon. The blaze was reported just after 3pm at 475 East Main Street. Chief Brian Riese says flames were visible when firefighters arrived. The second floor of the house was heavily damaged, the roof was destroyed and the first floor sustained smoke damage. Riese cites chimney failure as the cause. The homeowner was displaced. There were no injuries. Firefighters were on the scene for approximately an hour and a half. Lomira received mutual assistance from the Knowles Fire Department and the Brownsville Fire Company.
Sex Offender Charged With Photographing Kids
12/09/08 - Waupun sex-offender faces felony charges for allegedly taking pictures of young children on Halloween. Edward Lieber is charged with three felony counts of “Registered Sex Offender Intentionally Photographing a Minor Without Consent.” Each charge carries a maximum three and a half year prison sentence on conviction. Several parents complained to authorities after their children entered a makeshift haunted house structure on Lieber’s property and were photographed. At one point, Lieber was overheard by a parent saying “I got a picture of her face.” The 36-year-old has a previous conviction out of Fond du Lac County for Third Degree Sexual Assault. It is illegal for a registered sex offender to photograph a child without their parents consent. Lieber had a signature bond set at $1000 and a preliminary hearing scheduled for Janaury 29.
Iron Ridge Man Charged With $55K In Heavy Equipment Thefts
12/09/08 - An Iron Ridge man is accused stealing $55,000 in heavy machinery. Aaron Pfaff allegedly stole a skid loader from the US Department of Fish and Wildlife headquarters in May and a backhoe and trailer from Anholt Well Drilling in Ashippun in July. Detectives traced the thefts Pfaff through a internet posting on the website www.craigslist.com. Undercover agents arranged a buy for the skid loader with the 33-year-old at his warehouse near Neosho and were then able to connect him to the stolen backhoe and trailer. He faces 20 years in prison if convicted on the two felony counts of Theft Over $10,000. Pfaff had a signature bond set at $1000 and a preliminary hearing scheduled for January 29.
Dog-Friendly Park Proposed for Edgewater
12/09/08 - The Beaver Dam Operations Committee last night signed-off on an ordinance change that would allow for a dog-friendly park. There is currently no city park where dogs can be walked. Dogs would be required to be on a six-foot leash. The council will consider the ordinance change at the meeting next Monday.
PIN Targets Spring
12/09/08 - The Beaver Dam Police Department has announced their first area of enforcement as part of the PIN program. PIN, which stands for Policing in Neighborhoods, allows the police department to focus on a specific area of enforcement for a designated period of time. PIN enforcement will be focused on North Spring Street. Officer Rich Dahl, who administers the PIN program, says there has been an increase of crashed along the stretch of roadway so their enforcement will be focused on speeding, failure to yield, unsafe lane deviation, driving too fast for conditions and inattentive driving.
12/9/08 - Snow totals are varying throughout southern Wisconsin this morning. According to the latest National Weather Service numbers, Beaver Dam had 4.5-inches by 11 last night while Juneau reported 5-inches by midnight. Snow was heavier to the west as Portage picked up 6 inches and Pardeeville 9-inches by midnight. Eight-inches fell in Baraboo by two this morning and Sheboygan had seven-inches by one a-m. And much more is on the way. The National Weather Service says totals statewide will range anywhere from 2-to-12 inches or more before the storm clears out late tonight.
Fire Damages Lomira Residence
12/09/08 - Fire destroyed the second floor of a Lomira home yesterday afternoon. The blaze was reported just after 3pm at 475 East Main Street. Chief Brian Riese says flames were visible when firefighters arrived. The second floor of the house was heavily damaged, the roof was destroyed and the first floor sustained smoke damage. Riese cites chimney failure as the cause. The homeowner was displaced. There were no injuries. Firefighters were on the scene for approximately an hour and a half. Lomira received mutual assistance from the Knowles Fire Department and the Brownsville Fire Company.
Sex Offender Charged With Photographing Kids
12/09/08 - Waupun sex-offender faces felony charges for allegedly taking pictures of young children on Halloween. Edward Lieber is charged with three felony counts of “Registered Sex Offender Intentionally Photographing a Minor Without Consent.” Each charge carries a maximum three and a half year prison sentence on conviction. Several parents complained to authorities after their children entered a makeshift haunted house structure on Lieber’s property and were photographed. At one point, Lieber was overheard by a parent saying “I got a picture of her face.” The 36-year-old has a previous conviction out of Fond du Lac County for Third Degree Sexual Assault. It is illegal for a registered sex offender to photograph a child without their parents consent. Lieber had a signature bond set at $1000 and a preliminary hearing scheduled for Janaury 29.
Iron Ridge Man Charged With $55K In Heavy Equipment Thefts
12/09/08 - An Iron Ridge man is accused stealing $55,000 in heavy machinery. Aaron Pfaff allegedly stole a skid loader from the US Department of Fish and Wildlife headquarters in May and a backhoe and trailer from Anholt Well Drilling in Ashippun in July. Detectives traced the thefts Pfaff through a internet posting on the website www.craigslist.com. Undercover agents arranged a buy for the skid loader with the 33-year-old at his warehouse near Neosho and were then able to connect him to the stolen backhoe and trailer. He faces 20 years in prison if convicted on the two felony counts of Theft Over $10,000. Pfaff had a signature bond set at $1000 and a preliminary hearing scheduled for January 29.
Dog-Friendly Park Proposed for Edgewater
12/09/08 - The Beaver Dam Operations Committee last night signed-off on an ordinance change that would allow for a dog-friendly park. There is currently no city park where dogs can be walked. Dogs would be required to be on a six-foot leash. The council will consider the ordinance change at the meeting next Monday.
PIN Targets Spring
12/09/08 - The Beaver Dam Police Department has announced their first area of enforcement as part of the PIN program. PIN, which stands for Policing in Neighborhoods, allows the police department to focus on a specific area of enforcement for a designated period of time. PIN enforcement will be focused on North Spring Street. Officer Rich Dahl, who administers the PIN program, says there has been an increase of crashed along the stretch of roadway so their enforcement will be focused on speeding, failure to yield, unsafe lane deviation, driving too fast for conditions and inattentive driving.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Top Stories December 8th
DNR Tells Kennedy Floodway Buildings Will Be Removed “Expeditiously”
“If the proposed project does not result in the removal of all of the buildings, the department would take action as necessary to ensure that the remaining buildings are removed as expeditiously as possible…at the expense of the property owners.”
- Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
12/08/08 - The Wisconsin DNR has indicated that they will take action against any downtown Beaver Dam buildings located in the floodway. There are eleven buildings identified as such and they are the target of a redevelopment plan initiated by the city in the wake of the June floods. The 4-page document – which still requires council approval - recommends the city borrow $1.5 million next year to acquire and demolish the floodway structures. The city would pay property owners 100% of their assessed value. There are signed “offers to sell” for nine of the eleven properties. The city plans to undertake legal procedures to acquire the property at 151 Front Street, which is believed to be abandoned.
That leaves only 203 Front Street, where owner Jay Hoeft has indicated he is going to try his best to stay in business because he says his building is a piece of Beaver Dam history. Hoeft, who owns the tavern once known as “Emotional Rescue,” maintains that once the culverts are fixed and the adjacent and attached Celestial Coffee building is removed, his building should have no problem withstanding a 100-year flood. He says the state historic registry is considering his application, which he suggests would prevent demolition efforts by the city and state.
On Community Comment last Friday, Beaver Dam Mayor Tom Kennedy quoted a letter he received that morning from the DNR. It states, “If the proposed project does not result in the removal of all of the buildings, the department would take action as necessary to ensure that the remaining buildings are removed as expeditiously as possible…at the expense of the property owners.” The council will consider the plan next Monday.
Big Storm on its Way
12/8/08 - If you like snow, you’ll love the forecast for the next couple days. The National Weather Service says our area could get 7-to-12 inches in some spots from tonight through early Wednesday. A Winter Storm Watch will be in effect starting at 6pm through 6am Wednesday. You can thank a strong low-pressure system that’s expected to move from the Texas panhandle into Lower Michigan by tomorrow night. Meanwhile, a warm front is moving into the Badger State today, bringing more light snow to some areas – and freezing drizzle in the south. Most of Wisconsin had 1-to-3 inches of fluffy snow yesterday, and forecasters say another two-inches could fall in some spots before the big storm gets here.
A Sunday Full of Accidents
12/8/08 - There were a number of accidents in our area yesterday due to the weather. The Sheriff’s Department tells us that a 27-year-old man rolled his vehicle in the Town of Burnett on Highway E around 2pm. About 3 hours later a 61-year-old woman rolled her vehicle on South Center Street in the Town of Beaver Dam. Also, while the Sheriff’s Department was attending to a runoff in the Town of Lomira around 7pm another vehicle was involved in a rollover accident in the area. A 29-year-old woman was the driver and she was ticketed for OWI 1st and taken jail.
Accident Sends 7 to Hospital
12/8/08 - Snow and ice-covered roads contributed to an accident in Washington County that sent seven people from Waukegan, Illinois to the hospital Saturday morning. Sheriff’s officials say the driver lost control on Highway 41 northbound on the bridge over County Highway K. The SUV went into the median and overturned. All seven people in the Jeep Cherokee were taken to area hospitals with non-life threatening injuries. The victims ranged in age from 3 to 52-years of age. (KFIZ)
Gas Prices Down
12/8/08 - If you watched “The Amazing Race” last night, you might have noticed how high the price of gas was this summer – 3.89 in Portland Oregon. In Wisconsin this morning, 1.71 is the Triple-“A’s” statewide average for unleaded regular. That’s down almost two-cents from yesterday. And it’s way down from a high-water mark of 4.11 on July 17th. It’s even lower in Beaver Dam at 1.61. Mike DiGiovanni of General Motors says it’s like a 200-dollar-a-month pay raise for households, compared to what gas cost us last July. But U-W Madison consumer expert Cynthia Jasper says families are saving most of that extra money -- because they fear what might happen if the recession keeps getting worse. Experts say the recession, and the lack of demand for gasoline, are the only reasons the prices at the pump are so low. The price of crude oil dropped 25-percent last week to about 41-dollars a barrel. The Boston firm of Global Insight expects it to hit 39-dollars early next year, before going up again.
It’s Christmas Time In The City
12/08/08 - The holiday season was ushered in this weekend with a bounty of activities held in and around Beaver Dam. An annual holiday tradition continued as Santa Claus made yet another appearance at the Heffron White House. Tom Heffron says his family has been hosting Santa for the past 24 years, just as his parents did for 40 years prior. Not only did Jolly Ole’ St. Nick make a personal appearance, but he brought along Mrs. Claus, in addition to Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman and a sleigh full of elves. The Dodge County Historical Society continued their own holiday tradition with an open house, live holiday music and a seasonal exhibit.
The Beaver Dam Chamber held their annual Holiday Open House and Downtown Tree Lighting. The evergreen tree in front of the Chamber was lit by Mayor Tom Kennedy. The holiday parade got underway thereafter with nearly 40 entries. The Girl Scouts of Beaver Dam were among the floats entered. The girls assembled on the back of the cold, steel flatbed truck over one hour before the parade began.
Vets Recount Honor Flight Experience
12/08/08 - The Beaver Dam Senior Center hosted a presentation featuring several of the Dodge County veterans who were aboard Honor Flight. The program allows vets to fly – for free – to Washington DC to visit their World War II Memorial. On November 19, ten veterans from Dodge County were part of a Milwaukee-area contingent. Oscar Beale of the Fox Lake American Legion says it was an experience that will last his whole life and something that all veterans of World War II should participate in. Dodge County Veterans Service Officer Mark Grams told the group that there is no shortage of applications, so what’s really needed are guardian volunteers and donations. Del Schultz, Vice President of the Beaver Dam Senior Center Steering Committee presented Grams with a check for $500 for the Honor Flight program. Grams says funds are being raised for a possible spring 2009 flight out of Madison.
Veterans Service Office, PO Box 994, Port Washington WI 53074-0994. Checks should be made out to “Stars and Stripes Honor Flight c/o the Flag Day Foundation. Ozaukee County CVSO Ken Brown is acting as the conduit for funds and applications. Or you can call Mark Grams at 386-3798.
Veterans Honor Pearl Harbor Victims
12/8/08 - Fifty Wisconsinites who died at Pearl Harbor were remembered yesterday, on the 67th anniversary of the attack that started World War Two. A ceremony was held at the State Veterans Home at King in Waupaca County. 81-year-old Ken Schweiger of West Salem said he never heard of Pearl Harbor when the attack occurred – but over the next three years, he and his father Lester both enlisted in the Navy. Ken Schweiger signed up as soon as he graduated from high school, and he was among just three Wisconsin father-and-son tandems to serve during World War Two. Lawrence Boxrucker of Dorchester was among the fallen veterans honored yesterday. He died when the U-S-S Oklahoma sank in Pearl Harbor. But his remains were only recently identified, and they were returned to Dorchester last summer.
“If the proposed project does not result in the removal of all of the buildings, the department would take action as necessary to ensure that the remaining buildings are removed as expeditiously as possible…at the expense of the property owners.”
- Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
12/08/08 - The Wisconsin DNR has indicated that they will take action against any downtown Beaver Dam buildings located in the floodway. There are eleven buildings identified as such and they are the target of a redevelopment plan initiated by the city in the wake of the June floods. The 4-page document – which still requires council approval - recommends the city borrow $1.5 million next year to acquire and demolish the floodway structures. The city would pay property owners 100% of their assessed value. There are signed “offers to sell” for nine of the eleven properties. The city plans to undertake legal procedures to acquire the property at 151 Front Street, which is believed to be abandoned.
That leaves only 203 Front Street, where owner Jay Hoeft has indicated he is going to try his best to stay in business because he says his building is a piece of Beaver Dam history. Hoeft, who owns the tavern once known as “Emotional Rescue,” maintains that once the culverts are fixed and the adjacent and attached Celestial Coffee building is removed, his building should have no problem withstanding a 100-year flood. He says the state historic registry is considering his application, which he suggests would prevent demolition efforts by the city and state.
On Community Comment last Friday, Beaver Dam Mayor Tom Kennedy quoted a letter he received that morning from the DNR. It states, “If the proposed project does not result in the removal of all of the buildings, the department would take action as necessary to ensure that the remaining buildings are removed as expeditiously as possible…at the expense of the property owners.” The council will consider the plan next Monday.
Big Storm on its Way
12/8/08 - If you like snow, you’ll love the forecast for the next couple days. The National Weather Service says our area could get 7-to-12 inches in some spots from tonight through early Wednesday. A Winter Storm Watch will be in effect starting at 6pm through 6am Wednesday. You can thank a strong low-pressure system that’s expected to move from the Texas panhandle into Lower Michigan by tomorrow night. Meanwhile, a warm front is moving into the Badger State today, bringing more light snow to some areas – and freezing drizzle in the south. Most of Wisconsin had 1-to-3 inches of fluffy snow yesterday, and forecasters say another two-inches could fall in some spots before the big storm gets here.
A Sunday Full of Accidents
12/8/08 - There were a number of accidents in our area yesterday due to the weather. The Sheriff’s Department tells us that a 27-year-old man rolled his vehicle in the Town of Burnett on Highway E around 2pm. About 3 hours later a 61-year-old woman rolled her vehicle on South Center Street in the Town of Beaver Dam. Also, while the Sheriff’s Department was attending to a runoff in the Town of Lomira around 7pm another vehicle was involved in a rollover accident in the area. A 29-year-old woman was the driver and she was ticketed for OWI 1st and taken jail.
Accident Sends 7 to Hospital
12/8/08 - Snow and ice-covered roads contributed to an accident in Washington County that sent seven people from Waukegan, Illinois to the hospital Saturday morning. Sheriff’s officials say the driver lost control on Highway 41 northbound on the bridge over County Highway K. The SUV went into the median and overturned. All seven people in the Jeep Cherokee were taken to area hospitals with non-life threatening injuries. The victims ranged in age from 3 to 52-years of age. (KFIZ)
Gas Prices Down
12/8/08 - If you watched “The Amazing Race” last night, you might have noticed how high the price of gas was this summer – 3.89 in Portland Oregon. In Wisconsin this morning, 1.71 is the Triple-“A’s” statewide average for unleaded regular. That’s down almost two-cents from yesterday. And it’s way down from a high-water mark of 4.11 on July 17th. It’s even lower in Beaver Dam at 1.61. Mike DiGiovanni of General Motors says it’s like a 200-dollar-a-month pay raise for households, compared to what gas cost us last July. But U-W Madison consumer expert Cynthia Jasper says families are saving most of that extra money -- because they fear what might happen if the recession keeps getting worse. Experts say the recession, and the lack of demand for gasoline, are the only reasons the prices at the pump are so low. The price of crude oil dropped 25-percent last week to about 41-dollars a barrel. The Boston firm of Global Insight expects it to hit 39-dollars early next year, before going up again.
It’s Christmas Time In The City
12/08/08 - The holiday season was ushered in this weekend with a bounty of activities held in and around Beaver Dam. An annual holiday tradition continued as Santa Claus made yet another appearance at the Heffron White House. Tom Heffron says his family has been hosting Santa for the past 24 years, just as his parents did for 40 years prior. Not only did Jolly Ole’ St. Nick make a personal appearance, but he brought along Mrs. Claus, in addition to Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman and a sleigh full of elves. The Dodge County Historical Society continued their own holiday tradition with an open house, live holiday music and a seasonal exhibit.
The Beaver Dam Chamber held their annual Holiday Open House and Downtown Tree Lighting. The evergreen tree in front of the Chamber was lit by Mayor Tom Kennedy. The holiday parade got underway thereafter with nearly 40 entries. The Girl Scouts of Beaver Dam were among the floats entered. The girls assembled on the back of the cold, steel flatbed truck over one hour before the parade began.
Vets Recount Honor Flight Experience
12/08/08 - The Beaver Dam Senior Center hosted a presentation featuring several of the Dodge County veterans who were aboard Honor Flight. The program allows vets to fly – for free – to Washington DC to visit their World War II Memorial. On November 19, ten veterans from Dodge County were part of a Milwaukee-area contingent. Oscar Beale of the Fox Lake American Legion says it was an experience that will last his whole life and something that all veterans of World War II should participate in. Dodge County Veterans Service Officer Mark Grams told the group that there is no shortage of applications, so what’s really needed are guardian volunteers and donations. Del Schultz, Vice President of the Beaver Dam Senior Center Steering Committee presented Grams with a check for $500 for the Honor Flight program. Grams says funds are being raised for a possible spring 2009 flight out of Madison.
Veterans Service Office, PO Box 994, Port Washington WI 53074-0994. Checks should be made out to “Stars and Stripes Honor Flight c/o the Flag Day Foundation. Ozaukee County CVSO Ken Brown is acting as the conduit for funds and applications. Or you can call Mark Grams at 386-3798.
Veterans Honor Pearl Harbor Victims
12/8/08 - Fifty Wisconsinites who died at Pearl Harbor were remembered yesterday, on the 67th anniversary of the attack that started World War Two. A ceremony was held at the State Veterans Home at King in Waupaca County. 81-year-old Ken Schweiger of West Salem said he never heard of Pearl Harbor when the attack occurred – but over the next three years, he and his father Lester both enlisted in the Navy. Ken Schweiger signed up as soon as he graduated from high school, and he was among just three Wisconsin father-and-son tandems to serve during World War Two. Lawrence Boxrucker of Dorchester was among the fallen veterans honored yesterday. He died when the U-S-S Oklahoma sank in Pearl Harbor. But his remains were only recently identified, and they were returned to Dorchester last summer.
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