Beaver Dam Teen Named Fairest
8/18/11 - Brianna Rhodes was named the Dodge County Fairest of the Fair last night. The 19-year-old from Beaver Dam was chosen from a panel of four contestants. Rhodes says she is very excited about her new role and was shocked that she was selected considering the other talented women she was competing against. She is currently studying to be a medical assistant at Moraine Park Technical College. Rhodes will celebrate her twentieth birthday on the final day of the Dodge County Fair.
Thompson Looking Like a Senate Candidate
8/18/11 - Former Governor Tommy Thompson took another big step toward a return to politics yesterday, when he announced two co-chairs for a possible U-S Senate campaign. The appointments of State Attorney General J-B Van Hollen and former Thompson aide Jim Klauser are the biggest sign yet that Thompson is serious about replacing the retiring Herb Kohl after next year. Klauser said a campaign committee would be formed after Labor Day. Thompson remains one of the state’s most popular Republican figures. But he’s getting criticism in some conservative circles for state spending increases during his 14 years as governor ending in 2000 – and his support for a version of a federal health care reform package that he later opposed. Thompson left public life in 2004 after serving four years as the nation’s health secretary. He’s held a number of business and lobbying posts ever since. A survey released yesterday by the Public Policy Polling firm gives Thompson a 47-to-39 percent lead over another possible G-O-P candidate – former Congressman Mark Neumann. Thompson ran briefly for president in 2008, and he has flirted with running for office several times in recent years. Other possible G-O-P Senate candidates are stat Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald, state Senate Republican Frank Lasee of De Pere, and former state Senator Ted Kanavas of Brookfield. Possible Democratic hopefuls include U-S House members Tammy Baldwin of Madison and Ron Kind of La Crosse, and former House Democrat Steve Kagen of Appleton.
Dodge County Sticking With Shoreland Ordinance
8/18/11 - The Dodge County Board is not expected to delay implementation of the Shoreland Protection Ordinance. In June, the board approved the rule change which caps the amount of clearing allowed near shore and governs the size of buildings built on properties located near a waterway. The state had originally required municipalities to adopt the ordinance by early next year. That was until the Natural Resources Board voted to postpone the changes by two years. The county’s Planning, Development and Parks Committee discussed a date change this week but decided not to forward the matter to the full county board for consideration.
Garbage and Recycling Fees Likely Going Up in Fox Lake
8/18/11 - The Fox Lake Common Council says it can longer subsidize the cost for garbage and recycling pickup. During the Committee of the Whole meeting last night the council discussed increasing the charge that appears on a resident’s utility bill from $5-per month to $10-per month. Veolia Environmental charges the city just less than $10.50 each month per resident for pickup and Mayor Tom Bednarek says the city can no longer afford to pay more than 50-percent. The council is expected to vote on the change at their meeting next month.
Recall Election Turnout Higher Than Supreme Court
8/18/11 - More Wisconsinites voted in the state Senate recall elections than in the hard-fought Supreme Court contest in April. 41-percent of all voting-age adults took part in the recall votes. That was six-percent more than in the April Supreme Court race. The results of all nine Senate elections gave Democrats a slight edge in the total number of votes – 245-thousand to 239-thousand. And according to Milwaukee Journal Sentinel elections’ analyst Craig Gilbert, Republicans in all nine Senate districts had less support than G-O-P candidates did last November in those same locations. That was when Republicans won the governor’s office and both houses of the state Legislature. Fond du Lac Republican Randy Hopper – one of two senators to be recalled – had nine-percent less support than his party did last November in his district. Other drop-offs in the G-O-P districts ranged six-tenths-of-one-percent in Rob Cowles’ Senate territory in the Green Bay to six-point-two-percent in Luther Olsen’s district in south central Wisconsin.
Mayville Teen Jailed For High Speed Chase
8/18/11 - A Mayville teen will spend 90 days in jail for leading authorities on a four-mile, high-speed car chase last month. Matthew Rogahn pleaded “no contest” to reduced misdemeanor charges of Fleeing, Obstructing and Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle. According to the criminal complaint, an officer attempted to stop the 17-year-old for an illegal muffler but he took off. Officers say Rogahn sped down Main Street at speeds in excess of 110-miles per hour. At one point, he passed a vehicle on the left that was about to make a left-hand turn. The officer was eventually able to stop Rogahn on Highway A-Y near McArthur Road. Rogahn told officers that he stopped because he realized that the officer had identified him and even if he had gotten away they’d eventually catch him. He said he fled because he didn’t have a valid license and didn’t want his passenger, who was also the owner of the car, to get in trouble for underage drinking. In addition to three months in jail with Huber privileges, Rogahn was also placed on probation for one year, ordered to perform 20 hours of community service and must write a letter of apology to the arresting officer.
Appeals Court Rejects EAA OWI Argument
8/18/11 - It was okay for a police officer to stop a suspected drunk driver on a roadway at the E-A-A’s Air-Venture Show in Oshkosh last year. A state appeals court Wednesday grounded Matthew Miller’s argument that the police had no business stopping him, because he was on private property. The 40-year-old Miller is from Fredonia. He claimed that he was stopped at a place that was not legally “held out to the public,” because you needed a pass to be there at three in the morning. But the appellate court said the road was sufficiently held out to the public. The judges said the E-A-A opened the facility to thousands who bought passes for the Air-Venture Show – and it did so without discrimination as far as who could buy those passes. Authorities said Miller was driving toward the E-A-A’s Warbirds area at a high rate of speed. He would not take a breath test, and he was later convicted on a traffic charge of refusing to be tested for possible intoxication. Miller was also charged with first-time O-W-I, but a prosecutor later had that charge dismissed.
Wheeler Police Chief Pleads Insanity
8/18/11 - The police chief of Wheeler in far western Wisconsin has pleaded insanity to 14 sex-related felony charges. 55-year-old Gary Wayerski of Menomonie is due back in Dunn County Circuit Court September ninth, when further proceedings will be scheduled. Authorities said Wayerski fondled two teenage boys, ages 16-and-17, after he arrested them in March for breaking into a church in Wheeler. Officials said he was mentoring the boys when he touched them, and showed them pornographic movies and computer images. Wayerski reportedly told investigators that a U-W Stout student entered his computer and viewed pornography – and he claimed the teenagers drank alcohol without his permission. He remained in custody at last word on a 35-thousand-dollar bond. His charges include child enticement, exposure, and sexual assault by a person who works with children, and letting minors view sexual activity.
Kids From Wisconsin Coming To Beaver Dam
8/18/11 - A group of the states finest young musicians will be putting on a show in Beaver Dam next week and the ensemble group of 33 performers features three kids from Dodge County. The Kids from Wisconsin are considered the official musical ambassadors of goodwill for the state. Their performances feature 20 singer and dancers and a 13-piece show band, all chosen from among the State’s most talented young adults. The local members include Mitchell Berg from Beaver Dam, Calvin Franke from Mayville and Daniel Hoeft from Juneau. The show will be held next Friday (8/26) at the Beaver Dam High School Auditorium. Tickets can be purchased at Rechek’s Food Pride or at the door and cost $15 for adults and $8 for students.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Top Stories August 17th
Democrats Keep Senate Seats
You can expect a more moderate agenda from Wisconsin Republicans, after the final recall elections cut the Senate’s G-O-P majority from five members to one. Democratic incumbents Jim Holperin and Bob Wirch survived their recall challenges yesterday, giving the G-O-P a 17-to-16 majority in the state’s upper house. Holperin, of Conover, defeated Tea Party founder Kim Simac by a 10-point margin, 55-to-45 percent. Pleasant Prairie Democrat Bob Wirch had a wider 58-42 margin over Jonathan Steitz. Senate G-O-P leader Scott Fitzgerald says his smaller majority means there will be less contentious measures coming from his chamber. The governor’s office said Republican Scott Walker looks forward to working together to create jobs and quote, “get more Wisconsinites back to work.” State Democratic Party chairman Mike Tate said the nine recall contests gave his party momentum for what he called “big wins” next year. All three Democrats who were targeted this summer won their recall votes, while Republicans lost two-of-six contests. The recalls were spurred by the G-O-P’s approval of strict limits on collective bargaining by most public employee unions – and a move by Senate Democrats to leave the Capitol for three weeks in an failed attempt to block the measure. Fitzgerald called for more bi-partisanship, but he still scolded Democrats for pushing what he called a “permanent campaign cycle.” In his words, “The Democrats need to start working with the other side of the aisle, not just moving on to their next recall target.” Democrats still say they’ll try to recall Walker next year. Wirch said people are quote, “sick and tired of the extremism they’re getting out there.”
Kozlowski Denied Conditional Release
8/17/11 - A Milwaukee man, who was involved in a murder in Horicon 39 years ago, was denied release during a court trial yesterday in a Dodge County courtroom. Gregory Kozlowski is currently incarcerated at the Winnebago Mental Health Institute. The 60-year-old has been committed since 1973 after being found “Not Guilty By Reason of Insanity” for the June 1972 killing of 21-year-old Kenneth Glasse of Milwaukee. Kozlowski is covered under a law that allows him to return to Dodge County on an annual basis to plead his case for release to either a judge or jury. Because the murder took place in Horicon, the Dodge County District Attorneys office has followed the case for decades. Managing Attorney Bob Barrington says Kozlowski’s request for conditional release was granted a couple years ago. He was placed in a group home in January 2008, but it did not work out and he returned to Winnebago four months later. Barrington says Kozlowski was seeking conditional release with hopes of returning to his home in Milwaukee – which he has managed to keep all these years – and start a business.
Friend of Kozlowski Victim Relieved By Decision
8/17/11 - Shortly after his 1972 homicide arrest in Dodge County, Kozlowski reportedly confessed to the murder of a Red Cross volunteer while he was stationed in Vietnam. Ginny Kirsch of Erie, Pennsylvania was what was known as a Donut Dollie. The 21-year-old, who was stationed in the same camp as Gregory Kozlowski, was stabbed repeatedly in August of 1970. Kozlowski had been a suspect in the murder but no one was ever convicted. Kozlowski did confess the murder to former Sheriff Edwin Nehls and a short time later the military closed the case on the killing. Susan McLean trained as a Donut Dollie with Kirsch and tells us she was devastated by the murder. She traveled from her home in Florida to Wisconsin in 2006 and spoke personally with Kozlowski at Winnebago. McLean says Kozlowski admitted to everything and explained in great detail that the voices in his Sergeant’s head commanded the voices in his head to kill an innocent person so that all the children of the world do not wind-up in hell. McLean says Kozlowski thinks he is married to Ginny and she comes down from Heaven every day with their son who was conceived by Immaculate Conception. McLean has worked at three different psychiatric hospitals throughout her career and says she does not frighten easily but when it comes to Kozlowski she fears for her life. When his conditional release was granted in 2008, McLean says she purchased a gun and installed security alarms. If Kozlowski is ever released again, McLean says she believes there will be more victims.
Falkowski Gets Probation For Police Chase
8/17/11 - A Horicon man pleaded “no contest” yesterday to charges that he ran from police with a car full of guns. Officers executed a high-risk traffic stop in February and arrested David J. Falkowski. According to the criminal complaint, the 43-year-old was fighting with his girlfriend and loaded his minivan with an assortment of guns. Falkowski saw police as he exited his driveway and accelerated rapidly. The responding officer says he was forced to drive his squad car backwards at a high rate before “initiating an evasive maneuver” that allowed him to narrowly miss the suspects oncoming vehicle. A brief pursuit followed that ended with Falkowski exiting his minivan near North Palmatory and East Walnut. Officers drew their rifles as Falkowski made a move toward the back of his van but then he quickly complied. He told investigators that he was trying to keep his girlfriend from damaging the firearms left to him by family. And he said that he panicked when he saw police and fled because he didn’t want his neighbors to see. Falkowski was placed on probation for one year yesterday after pleading to a pair of reduced misdemeanor charges and placed on deferred prosecution for a felony count of Reckless Endangerment, so if he stays out of trouble for the next year, he will avoid a felony record.
Teen Murder Suspect Prelim Delayed
8/17/11 - A teenager accused of shooting a Jefferson County man to death, and then dumping the victim’s body in a storage unit, has asked a judge to drop his homicide charge. 19-year-old James Richards made the request in court yesterday before he was supposed to have a preliminary hearing. The dismissal request will be considered August 25th. And the preliminary hearing was moved back to September eighth. Richards’ co-defendant, 51-year-old James Richardson, waived his right to a preliminary hearing – in which the judge was supposed to decide if there’s enough evidence to order a trial. A plea is the next step in Richardson’s case. He and Richards are both charged with homicide, hiding a corpse, and theft in the death of 28-year-old Beau Butschke of Ixonia. Prosecutors said Butschke was shot with a gun the defendants stole from him a couple weeks before the mid-July shooting. His body was found at a storage facility in Ixonia 12 days after he was reported missing. Prosecutors said Richardson and Butschke were neighbors in a duplex – and they had ongoing arguments over Richardson’s refusal to properly maintain his half of the property.
Dodge County Fair Begins Today
The Dodge County Fair officially enters its 124th year today. The five-day event features live music, a carnival midway and, of course, plenty of food. We’ll find out tonight who will be this year’s Fairest of the Fair. Also on the calendar: Open Class Judging in the Farm Progress Arena, Arts and Crafts Building and Under the Main Grandstand; Children’s Story Time is in the Youth Building at 5pm and 6pm. Rodney Atkins is on the main stage beginning at 8pm. The cost to enter the fair before 2pm is $6 and after 2pm its $10. Kids under age 9 are free. There is no additional charge for the grandstand acts or parking.
Fitzgerald Supports Fast Tracking Mining Projects
8/17/11 - The Wisconsin Senate’s majority leader says one of his top priorities this fall is to speed up the process for approving new mining projects. And this time, Republican Scott Fitzgerald of Juneau promises to get minority Democrats involved in shaping the measure. That’s after Republicans failed to ram through a bill this spring that would have reduced the state’s review process from seven years to about 300 days. It could have allowed Gogebic Taconite to build a proposed iron-ore mine in Ashland and Iron counties much quicker. But Senate Democrat Bob Jauch – who represents the area of the proposed mine – said the G-O-P bill was written by the industry with few opportunities for local input. Jauch also said it would have made it easier for mining companies to violate terms of the new Great Lakes water protection act. He says he’s open to speeding up the state’s review process to about 2-to-3 years. Jauch said it would still provide enough time to determine the environmental impacts of new mining projects, and let people have their say. The Gogebic Taconite mine is on hold until the state acts on a faster review process.
EEOC Files Lawsuit Against Aurora Health Care
8/17/11 - The U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment Commission says Wisconsin-based Aurora Health Care did not do enough to investigate claims of harassment and racial discrimination by an African-American employee. The EEOC filed suit against Aurora Tuesday. Investigators say the worker repeatedly complained about the way her white supervisor was treating her. The woman was eventually fired. In its suit, the federal agency is seeking back pay, compensatory and punitive damages and is demanding the health care system create new processes to make sure similar cases don’t happen in the future.
Fall River Schools Budget Talks Underway
8/17/11 - Facilities and football drew more talk than next year’s budget at Monday night’s Fall River Schools’ meeting. The District is facing a list of heating, ventilation, and AC repairs. Technology upgrades and a proposal to establish a new football field are also listed as needs. The Board is considering bringing these needs to a public referendum or referenda. Meanwhile, the proposed budget met with little resistance. Reduced state aid and reductions in spending have led to a projected $2.1 million dollar tax levy. The District mil rate will be going up from $9.56 dollars this year to $10.05 per thousand next year.
Underage Teen Arrested Following High Speed Chase
8/17/11 - Law enforcement officials say the 14 year old driver of a minivan reached speeds of 90 miles per hour while leading officers on a high-speed chase last weekend. The officer pulled the minivan over in Shawano Sunday night because it was driving in the dark without its headlights on. The driver took off and police pursued. The underage driver crashed the minivan shortly after driving onto the Menominee Reservation. She was treated for minor injuries at a Shawano Hospital and released to the custody of a parent.
Drunk Driver Turns Herself In
8/17/11 - Law enforcement normally has to pull teeth to arrest a drunk driver. But in central Wisconsin, sheriff’s deputies had a case fall right into their laps. Officials said 29-year-old Amy Tabaka of Merrill was making the 20-mile trip home from Wausau early Monday when she decided she was too drunk to drive. So she drove up to a Marathon County squad car where a deputy was writing reports in a tavern parking lot – and she turned herself in. Field sobriety tests showed that her blood alcohol level was point-15, almost twice the minimum for intoxication. Sheriff’s Lieutenant Randy Albert quoted Tabaka as saying she was drinking at a home in Wausau – and she decided she shouldn’t be driving. Tabaka was given her second O-W-I arrest.
You can expect a more moderate agenda from Wisconsin Republicans, after the final recall elections cut the Senate’s G-O-P majority from five members to one. Democratic incumbents Jim Holperin and Bob Wirch survived their recall challenges yesterday, giving the G-O-P a 17-to-16 majority in the state’s upper house. Holperin, of Conover, defeated Tea Party founder Kim Simac by a 10-point margin, 55-to-45 percent. Pleasant Prairie Democrat Bob Wirch had a wider 58-42 margin over Jonathan Steitz. Senate G-O-P leader Scott Fitzgerald says his smaller majority means there will be less contentious measures coming from his chamber. The governor’s office said Republican Scott Walker looks forward to working together to create jobs and quote, “get more Wisconsinites back to work.” State Democratic Party chairman Mike Tate said the nine recall contests gave his party momentum for what he called “big wins” next year. All three Democrats who were targeted this summer won their recall votes, while Republicans lost two-of-six contests. The recalls were spurred by the G-O-P’s approval of strict limits on collective bargaining by most public employee unions – and a move by Senate Democrats to leave the Capitol for three weeks in an failed attempt to block the measure. Fitzgerald called for more bi-partisanship, but he still scolded Democrats for pushing what he called a “permanent campaign cycle.” In his words, “The Democrats need to start working with the other side of the aisle, not just moving on to their next recall target.” Democrats still say they’ll try to recall Walker next year. Wirch said people are quote, “sick and tired of the extremism they’re getting out there.”
Kozlowski Denied Conditional Release
8/17/11 - A Milwaukee man, who was involved in a murder in Horicon 39 years ago, was denied release during a court trial yesterday in a Dodge County courtroom. Gregory Kozlowski is currently incarcerated at the Winnebago Mental Health Institute. The 60-year-old has been committed since 1973 after being found “Not Guilty By Reason of Insanity” for the June 1972 killing of 21-year-old Kenneth Glasse of Milwaukee. Kozlowski is covered under a law that allows him to return to Dodge County on an annual basis to plead his case for release to either a judge or jury. Because the murder took place in Horicon, the Dodge County District Attorneys office has followed the case for decades. Managing Attorney Bob Barrington says Kozlowski’s request for conditional release was granted a couple years ago. He was placed in a group home in January 2008, but it did not work out and he returned to Winnebago four months later. Barrington says Kozlowski was seeking conditional release with hopes of returning to his home in Milwaukee – which he has managed to keep all these years – and start a business.
Friend of Kozlowski Victim Relieved By Decision
8/17/11 - Shortly after his 1972 homicide arrest in Dodge County, Kozlowski reportedly confessed to the murder of a Red Cross volunteer while he was stationed in Vietnam. Ginny Kirsch of Erie, Pennsylvania was what was known as a Donut Dollie. The 21-year-old, who was stationed in the same camp as Gregory Kozlowski, was stabbed repeatedly in August of 1970. Kozlowski had been a suspect in the murder but no one was ever convicted. Kozlowski did confess the murder to former Sheriff Edwin Nehls and a short time later the military closed the case on the killing. Susan McLean trained as a Donut Dollie with Kirsch and tells us she was devastated by the murder. She traveled from her home in Florida to Wisconsin in 2006 and spoke personally with Kozlowski at Winnebago. McLean says Kozlowski admitted to everything and explained in great detail that the voices in his Sergeant’s head commanded the voices in his head to kill an innocent person so that all the children of the world do not wind-up in hell. McLean says Kozlowski thinks he is married to Ginny and she comes down from Heaven every day with their son who was conceived by Immaculate Conception. McLean has worked at three different psychiatric hospitals throughout her career and says she does not frighten easily but when it comes to Kozlowski she fears for her life. When his conditional release was granted in 2008, McLean says she purchased a gun and installed security alarms. If Kozlowski is ever released again, McLean says she believes there will be more victims.
Falkowski Gets Probation For Police Chase
8/17/11 - A Horicon man pleaded “no contest” yesterday to charges that he ran from police with a car full of guns. Officers executed a high-risk traffic stop in February and arrested David J. Falkowski. According to the criminal complaint, the 43-year-old was fighting with his girlfriend and loaded his minivan with an assortment of guns. Falkowski saw police as he exited his driveway and accelerated rapidly. The responding officer says he was forced to drive his squad car backwards at a high rate before “initiating an evasive maneuver” that allowed him to narrowly miss the suspects oncoming vehicle. A brief pursuit followed that ended with Falkowski exiting his minivan near North Palmatory and East Walnut. Officers drew their rifles as Falkowski made a move toward the back of his van but then he quickly complied. He told investigators that he was trying to keep his girlfriend from damaging the firearms left to him by family. And he said that he panicked when he saw police and fled because he didn’t want his neighbors to see. Falkowski was placed on probation for one year yesterday after pleading to a pair of reduced misdemeanor charges and placed on deferred prosecution for a felony count of Reckless Endangerment, so if he stays out of trouble for the next year, he will avoid a felony record.
Teen Murder Suspect Prelim Delayed
8/17/11 - A teenager accused of shooting a Jefferson County man to death, and then dumping the victim’s body in a storage unit, has asked a judge to drop his homicide charge. 19-year-old James Richards made the request in court yesterday before he was supposed to have a preliminary hearing. The dismissal request will be considered August 25th. And the preliminary hearing was moved back to September eighth. Richards’ co-defendant, 51-year-old James Richardson, waived his right to a preliminary hearing – in which the judge was supposed to decide if there’s enough evidence to order a trial. A plea is the next step in Richardson’s case. He and Richards are both charged with homicide, hiding a corpse, and theft in the death of 28-year-old Beau Butschke of Ixonia. Prosecutors said Butschke was shot with a gun the defendants stole from him a couple weeks before the mid-July shooting. His body was found at a storage facility in Ixonia 12 days after he was reported missing. Prosecutors said Richardson and Butschke were neighbors in a duplex – and they had ongoing arguments over Richardson’s refusal to properly maintain his half of the property.
Dodge County Fair Begins Today
The Dodge County Fair officially enters its 124th year today. The five-day event features live music, a carnival midway and, of course, plenty of food. We’ll find out tonight who will be this year’s Fairest of the Fair. Also on the calendar: Open Class Judging in the Farm Progress Arena, Arts and Crafts Building and Under the Main Grandstand; Children’s Story Time is in the Youth Building at 5pm and 6pm. Rodney Atkins is on the main stage beginning at 8pm. The cost to enter the fair before 2pm is $6 and after 2pm its $10. Kids under age 9 are free. There is no additional charge for the grandstand acts or parking.
Fitzgerald Supports Fast Tracking Mining Projects
8/17/11 - The Wisconsin Senate’s majority leader says one of his top priorities this fall is to speed up the process for approving new mining projects. And this time, Republican Scott Fitzgerald of Juneau promises to get minority Democrats involved in shaping the measure. That’s after Republicans failed to ram through a bill this spring that would have reduced the state’s review process from seven years to about 300 days. It could have allowed Gogebic Taconite to build a proposed iron-ore mine in Ashland and Iron counties much quicker. But Senate Democrat Bob Jauch – who represents the area of the proposed mine – said the G-O-P bill was written by the industry with few opportunities for local input. Jauch also said it would have made it easier for mining companies to violate terms of the new Great Lakes water protection act. He says he’s open to speeding up the state’s review process to about 2-to-3 years. Jauch said it would still provide enough time to determine the environmental impacts of new mining projects, and let people have their say. The Gogebic Taconite mine is on hold until the state acts on a faster review process.
EEOC Files Lawsuit Against Aurora Health Care
8/17/11 - The U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment Commission says Wisconsin-based Aurora Health Care did not do enough to investigate claims of harassment and racial discrimination by an African-American employee. The EEOC filed suit against Aurora Tuesday. Investigators say the worker repeatedly complained about the way her white supervisor was treating her. The woman was eventually fired. In its suit, the federal agency is seeking back pay, compensatory and punitive damages and is demanding the health care system create new processes to make sure similar cases don’t happen in the future.
Fall River Schools Budget Talks Underway
8/17/11 - Facilities and football drew more talk than next year’s budget at Monday night’s Fall River Schools’ meeting. The District is facing a list of heating, ventilation, and AC repairs. Technology upgrades and a proposal to establish a new football field are also listed as needs. The Board is considering bringing these needs to a public referendum or referenda. Meanwhile, the proposed budget met with little resistance. Reduced state aid and reductions in spending have led to a projected $2.1 million dollar tax levy. The District mil rate will be going up from $9.56 dollars this year to $10.05 per thousand next year.
Underage Teen Arrested Following High Speed Chase
8/17/11 - Law enforcement officials say the 14 year old driver of a minivan reached speeds of 90 miles per hour while leading officers on a high-speed chase last weekend. The officer pulled the minivan over in Shawano Sunday night because it was driving in the dark without its headlights on. The driver took off and police pursued. The underage driver crashed the minivan shortly after driving onto the Menominee Reservation. She was treated for minor injuries at a Shawano Hospital and released to the custody of a parent.
Drunk Driver Turns Herself In
8/17/11 - Law enforcement normally has to pull teeth to arrest a drunk driver. But in central Wisconsin, sheriff’s deputies had a case fall right into their laps. Officials said 29-year-old Amy Tabaka of Merrill was making the 20-mile trip home from Wausau early Monday when she decided she was too drunk to drive. So she drove up to a Marathon County squad car where a deputy was writing reports in a tavern parking lot – and she turned herself in. Field sobriety tests showed that her blood alcohol level was point-15, almost twice the minimum for intoxication. Sheriff’s Lieutenant Randy Albert quoted Tabaka as saying she was drinking at a home in Wausau – and she decided she shouldn’t be driving. Tabaka was given her second O-W-I arrest.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Top Stories August 16th
BD School District Taxes Likely to be Lower
8/16/11 - Property owners in the Beaver Dam School District could see their tax rate drop by more than a dollar under the 2011-2012 budget presented last night. The school board held their annual budget hearing and were told the total budget is down about $7-million to $46.9-million and the tax levy is nearly $2-million lower at $13.8-million. Those numbers would result in a $1.01 reduction in the tax rate from last year to $8.94 per $1,000 of assessed value. That means a resident whose property is worth $100,000 would pay $894 for the school portion of their tax bill. Officials say the numbers won’t be finalized until property values and enrollment numbers come in later this year.
School Street To Become Jacob Gassen’s Way
8/16/11 - A soldier from Beaver Dam, killed last year while fighting in Afghanistan, will have a street named after him. The council Monday night approved the renaming of School Street, from Prospect Avenue to Gould Street, as Jacob Gassen’s Way. A lone gunman from Afghanistan’s Border Police shot and killed six Army soldiers last November. The 21-year-old Army Private was among the 101st Airborne Division members from Fort Campbell Kentucky who died in the attack. A public dedication ceremony with the family is tentatively scheduled for August 31. Gassen, a 2008 Beaver Dam High School Graduate, is the third person from the city to have died while fighting in the Middle East.
Layoffs Mentioned In Beaver Dam Budget Talks
8/16/11 - City officials in Beaver Dam are only in the early stages of 2012 budget planning and already layoffs are being discussed. Director of Administration John Somers told the Administrative Committee last night that the city already knows the impact of reductions in shared revenues, road aid and recycling grants and the amount that will be offset by changes in collective bargaining. That leaves the city with a $220,000 deficit. However, because of new construction, the city will be able to increase its revenue cap by $106,000. Just the same, Administrative Committee Chair Don Neuert says it’s not good to start the budget process with $114,000 in red ink and if push comes to shove, layoffs will be on the table. The committee will be asking members of AFSCME, the union that represents municipal workers, to re-open the current contract with hopes of reducing pay raises that have already been agreed upon. Neuert says that is unlikely, though, as changing the contract would make city workers immediately subject to recent statewide changes in collective bargaining. City officials, meanwhile, will next outline budgetary guidelines with department heads before putting pencil to paper and starting work in earnest on the 2012 budget.
Council Reviews Municipal Building Renovation
8/16/11 - The Beaver Dam Common Council got its first look at costs and floor plans for the space in the Municipal Building that will soon be vacated by the Police Department. The Fire Department would be utilizing most of the 7100 square feet and plans call for the addition of classrooms, meeting rooms, offices and storage space. The public would find the department’s reception area move into the current city hall lobby. While there would not be much structural change in the existing fire station, the kitchen needs to be updated and living quarters would be modernized to accommodate both male and female personnel. The city hired Bray Architects at a cost of $35,000 draw up the designs. They say the complete two-story interior renovation would cost over $700,000, not counting needed upgrades in heating, cooling and electrical. Renovation of just the first floor could be done for just over $500,000 dollars. A half million dollars in borrowing had been in the city’s Capital Improvements Plan but was eliminated in a cost-saving move earlier this year. City officials asked the planning team to draw up plans with a price tag closer to a quarter million dollars, though that amount is considered a place holder. The architects told the council last night that they could plan the project in phases based solely on a preferred cost or on the renovations that are wanted.
Council Reverses Decision On Secondhand Jewelry License
8/16/11 - Three months after denying the application, the Beaver Dam Common Council Monday night approved a request to renew a Secondhand Jewelry License for an Illinois company that periodically sets up shop in a local hotel. Before the vote in May, Alderman Robert Ballweg suggested there is no way to guarantee that THR & Associates would hold jewelry purchased at the Best Western for 21 days as required by state statute, and eight other alderpersons wound up agreeing with him. This time in filing his application, Jeffrey Parsons provided a copy of a lease from a local storage unit where the second-hand jewelry would be housed in accordance with state statute. In committee, Beaver Dam Police Lt. Joel Kiesow said THR & Associates has had an excellent reputation and has traditionally gone above in beyond in reporting item purchases on a daily basis, something he noted even local bricks-and-mortar businesses did not do. Alderman Ballweg again spoke against the application approval last night on the grounds that THR & Associates is a transient vendor competing with several local and regional businesses. The vote was 8 to 4.
BD School Board Hires Company to do Feasibility Study
8/16/11 - The Beaver Dam School Board approved the hiring of Plunkett and Raysich Architects last night to perform a feasibility on the districts buildings at a cost of not more than $10,500. There has been talk in recent years of possibly closing the two rural elementary schools, Trenton and South Beaver Dam. And officials say the study would delve into that without targeting specific schools. The boards planning committee received 14 proposals from prospective companies for the study and interviewed five of them. Committee Chari Bev Beal-Loeck says Plunkett and Raysich stood out on a number of items, including their experience with school districts. Beal-Loeck says they hope to get the results of the study before the end of the year.
Highway 151 Down To Two Lanes
8/16/11 - Highway 151 is a two-lane highway starting this week (Monday). The Wisconsin Department of Transportation says the highway has one lane going in each direction between County Highway G and County Highway D-E. All ramps for County Highway G will remain open, while all other ramps in the project area, and the south end of County D, are closed. The posted detour has motorists utilizing Highway 73 and County Highway D. Iron Road and Jackson Road are closed with no detour. Single lane closures north of County Highway G to Highway 33 will continue until the median crossovers are completed on or around August 26. The D-O-T says the work is part of a two-year, $21.7-million rebuilding of a 3.5-mile stretch of the highway.
Special Prosecutor Named In Prosser V. Bradley
8/16/11 - The chief prosecutor in Sauk County will decide whether criminal charges will be filed in a reported physical altercation between State Supreme Court Justices David Prosser and Ann Walsh Bradley. Dane County’s chief judge, William Foust, named Sauk County District Attorney Patricia Barrett today as a special prosecutor. Sheriff’s investigators referred the matter to Dane County D-A Ismael Ozanne late last month without recommending charges. Ozanne then asked for the special prosecutor, saying he didn’t want people to assume that politics would play a role in the decision on charges. Bradley has said that fellow justice Prosser put her in a choke-hold in her office on June 13th, but other reports said Bradley merely put up her fists and Prosser moved them aside. The incident was said to happen the night before the Supreme Court announced its decision to uphold the law that limits collective bargaining by most public employee unions. Ozanne had asked a circuit judge to strike down the law, but the Supreme Court later ruled against the D-A in a sharply-divided 4-to-3 decision.
WEAC Hands Out Pink Slips
8/16/11 - Wisconsin’s largest teachers’ union plans to lay off 40-percent of its staff members. Director Dan Burkhalter of the Wisconsin Education Association Council said Monday that 42 people who work for the union had received layoff notices. And he blamed it on what he called Governor Scott Walker’s “union-busting” legislation. The law allows teachers in districts without ongoing contracts to bargain only for salaries at-or-below inflation. Employees no longer have to pay union dues, and most public unions must hold certification votes each year to stay in existence. Burkhalter says WEAC is busy signing up members to stay with the group and voluntarily pay dues. He said the teachers’ union has made quote, “steady progress in signing up members” – and they expect even more progress once the school year begins in a couple weeks. Burkhalter said his union’s goal is to be a “strong and viable” organization that represents the voices of public school employees throughout the state. Local teachers’ unions in about 275 Wisconsin districts had their contracts expire at the end of June – and they’re operating under the new state law. Contracts in about 150 other districts were extended for another year-or-two – and they’ll stay in effect until they expire.
Wisconsin Property Values Down 1.8%
8/16/11 - Property values in Wisconsin fell by an average of one-point-eight percent last year – but the decline was only half of what it was the previous year. State revenue officials say that homes, businesses, and other properties had a total statewide value of 487-billion-dollars in 2010. The decline was about one-point-three percent less than it was in 2009. Last year’s drop in residential values was about the same in Wisconsin as it was nationally – around one-point-six percent. Last year was the third straight time that land values had fallen throughout the Badger State. Before then, property values had risen every year but one since 1959.
State Fair Attendance, Spending Up
8/16/11 - Attendance at the Wisconsin State Fair was up four-percent from a year ago, despite an opening night of violence which sparked fears that people would stay away. The 11-day fair ended Sunday in West Allis. Officials say 911-thousand people attended – and they spent more than last year. An initial review showed that the fair’s revenues were almost six-percent higher than in 2010. Thirty-one people were arrested at the State Fair’s opening night on August fourth, as groups of young people attacked victims both on the grounds and the nearby streets. West Allis Police confirmed that race was a factor in at least some of the attacks – confirming witnesses’ comments that young African-Americans had attacked whites. There were no reports of similar mass violence on the fair’s 10 succeeding nights. The C-E-O of State Fair Park, Rick Frenette, said he appreciated the extra help provided by local police and the State Patrol.
Woman Charged With Smuggling Watch Parts Into WCI
8/16/11 - A Big Bend woman is looking at time for trying to smuggle parts of a wristwatch into the Waupun Correctional Institution. Patricia Kolinski is charged with one felony count of Delivering Illegal Articles to an Inmate, which carries a maximum sentence of three-and-a-half years in prison, upon conviction. Authorities say the 68-year-old brought her inmate son seven wrist-watch links and two batteries. The criminal complaint did not state the inmates exact intentions for the parts. A signature bond was set at $1000 yesterday and a preliminary hearing is on the calendar in October.
Teen Pleads Guilty To Burglarizing Uncles House
8/16/11 - A Beaver Dam teen will spend two years in prison for stealing from a family member’s house. Andrew Dutzle pleaded “guilty” to felony Burglary during his initial appearance on the charge yesterday and had a misdemeanor Theft count dismissed but read into the record. According to the criminal complaint, the 19-year-old broke into his uncle’s home in Mayville in June and stole an Xbox 360, games and related accessories. He originally told police he saw three men leaving the residence with a black duffle bag. Investigators were curious why the Beaver Dam teen was in Mayville at the exact time the crime was committed. He later confessed to avoid an innocent friend taking the rap and wrote his uncle an apology letter. Dutzle was on probation for a previous burglary in Mayville at the time of his arrest. He was ordered to serve the new two-year prison sentence concurrent with the previous two-year prison sentence which was imposed after his probation was revoked.
8/16/11 - Property owners in the Beaver Dam School District could see their tax rate drop by more than a dollar under the 2011-2012 budget presented last night. The school board held their annual budget hearing and were told the total budget is down about $7-million to $46.9-million and the tax levy is nearly $2-million lower at $13.8-million. Those numbers would result in a $1.01 reduction in the tax rate from last year to $8.94 per $1,000 of assessed value. That means a resident whose property is worth $100,000 would pay $894 for the school portion of their tax bill. Officials say the numbers won’t be finalized until property values and enrollment numbers come in later this year.
School Street To Become Jacob Gassen’s Way
8/16/11 - A soldier from Beaver Dam, killed last year while fighting in Afghanistan, will have a street named after him. The council Monday night approved the renaming of School Street, from Prospect Avenue to Gould Street, as Jacob Gassen’s Way. A lone gunman from Afghanistan’s Border Police shot and killed six Army soldiers last November. The 21-year-old Army Private was among the 101st Airborne Division members from Fort Campbell Kentucky who died in the attack. A public dedication ceremony with the family is tentatively scheduled for August 31. Gassen, a 2008 Beaver Dam High School Graduate, is the third person from the city to have died while fighting in the Middle East.
Layoffs Mentioned In Beaver Dam Budget Talks
8/16/11 - City officials in Beaver Dam are only in the early stages of 2012 budget planning and already layoffs are being discussed. Director of Administration John Somers told the Administrative Committee last night that the city already knows the impact of reductions in shared revenues, road aid and recycling grants and the amount that will be offset by changes in collective bargaining. That leaves the city with a $220,000 deficit. However, because of new construction, the city will be able to increase its revenue cap by $106,000. Just the same, Administrative Committee Chair Don Neuert says it’s not good to start the budget process with $114,000 in red ink and if push comes to shove, layoffs will be on the table. The committee will be asking members of AFSCME, the union that represents municipal workers, to re-open the current contract with hopes of reducing pay raises that have already been agreed upon. Neuert says that is unlikely, though, as changing the contract would make city workers immediately subject to recent statewide changes in collective bargaining. City officials, meanwhile, will next outline budgetary guidelines with department heads before putting pencil to paper and starting work in earnest on the 2012 budget.
Council Reviews Municipal Building Renovation
8/16/11 - The Beaver Dam Common Council got its first look at costs and floor plans for the space in the Municipal Building that will soon be vacated by the Police Department. The Fire Department would be utilizing most of the 7100 square feet and plans call for the addition of classrooms, meeting rooms, offices and storage space. The public would find the department’s reception area move into the current city hall lobby. While there would not be much structural change in the existing fire station, the kitchen needs to be updated and living quarters would be modernized to accommodate both male and female personnel. The city hired Bray Architects at a cost of $35,000 draw up the designs. They say the complete two-story interior renovation would cost over $700,000, not counting needed upgrades in heating, cooling and electrical. Renovation of just the first floor could be done for just over $500,000 dollars. A half million dollars in borrowing had been in the city’s Capital Improvements Plan but was eliminated in a cost-saving move earlier this year. City officials asked the planning team to draw up plans with a price tag closer to a quarter million dollars, though that amount is considered a place holder. The architects told the council last night that they could plan the project in phases based solely on a preferred cost or on the renovations that are wanted.
Council Reverses Decision On Secondhand Jewelry License
8/16/11 - Three months after denying the application, the Beaver Dam Common Council Monday night approved a request to renew a Secondhand Jewelry License for an Illinois company that periodically sets up shop in a local hotel. Before the vote in May, Alderman Robert Ballweg suggested there is no way to guarantee that THR & Associates would hold jewelry purchased at the Best Western for 21 days as required by state statute, and eight other alderpersons wound up agreeing with him. This time in filing his application, Jeffrey Parsons provided a copy of a lease from a local storage unit where the second-hand jewelry would be housed in accordance with state statute. In committee, Beaver Dam Police Lt. Joel Kiesow said THR & Associates has had an excellent reputation and has traditionally gone above in beyond in reporting item purchases on a daily basis, something he noted even local bricks-and-mortar businesses did not do. Alderman Ballweg again spoke against the application approval last night on the grounds that THR & Associates is a transient vendor competing with several local and regional businesses. The vote was 8 to 4.
BD School Board Hires Company to do Feasibility Study
8/16/11 - The Beaver Dam School Board approved the hiring of Plunkett and Raysich Architects last night to perform a feasibility on the districts buildings at a cost of not more than $10,500. There has been talk in recent years of possibly closing the two rural elementary schools, Trenton and South Beaver Dam. And officials say the study would delve into that without targeting specific schools. The boards planning committee received 14 proposals from prospective companies for the study and interviewed five of them. Committee Chari Bev Beal-Loeck says Plunkett and Raysich stood out on a number of items, including their experience with school districts. Beal-Loeck says they hope to get the results of the study before the end of the year.
Highway 151 Down To Two Lanes
8/16/11 - Highway 151 is a two-lane highway starting this week (Monday). The Wisconsin Department of Transportation says the highway has one lane going in each direction between County Highway G and County Highway D-E. All ramps for County Highway G will remain open, while all other ramps in the project area, and the south end of County D, are closed. The posted detour has motorists utilizing Highway 73 and County Highway D. Iron Road and Jackson Road are closed with no detour. Single lane closures north of County Highway G to Highway 33 will continue until the median crossovers are completed on or around August 26. The D-O-T says the work is part of a two-year, $21.7-million rebuilding of a 3.5-mile stretch of the highway.
Special Prosecutor Named In Prosser V. Bradley
8/16/11 - The chief prosecutor in Sauk County will decide whether criminal charges will be filed in a reported physical altercation between State Supreme Court Justices David Prosser and Ann Walsh Bradley. Dane County’s chief judge, William Foust, named Sauk County District Attorney Patricia Barrett today as a special prosecutor. Sheriff’s investigators referred the matter to Dane County D-A Ismael Ozanne late last month without recommending charges. Ozanne then asked for the special prosecutor, saying he didn’t want people to assume that politics would play a role in the decision on charges. Bradley has said that fellow justice Prosser put her in a choke-hold in her office on June 13th, but other reports said Bradley merely put up her fists and Prosser moved them aside. The incident was said to happen the night before the Supreme Court announced its decision to uphold the law that limits collective bargaining by most public employee unions. Ozanne had asked a circuit judge to strike down the law, but the Supreme Court later ruled against the D-A in a sharply-divided 4-to-3 decision.
WEAC Hands Out Pink Slips
8/16/11 - Wisconsin’s largest teachers’ union plans to lay off 40-percent of its staff members. Director Dan Burkhalter of the Wisconsin Education Association Council said Monday that 42 people who work for the union had received layoff notices. And he blamed it on what he called Governor Scott Walker’s “union-busting” legislation. The law allows teachers in districts without ongoing contracts to bargain only for salaries at-or-below inflation. Employees no longer have to pay union dues, and most public unions must hold certification votes each year to stay in existence. Burkhalter says WEAC is busy signing up members to stay with the group and voluntarily pay dues. He said the teachers’ union has made quote, “steady progress in signing up members” – and they expect even more progress once the school year begins in a couple weeks. Burkhalter said his union’s goal is to be a “strong and viable” organization that represents the voices of public school employees throughout the state. Local teachers’ unions in about 275 Wisconsin districts had their contracts expire at the end of June – and they’re operating under the new state law. Contracts in about 150 other districts were extended for another year-or-two – and they’ll stay in effect until they expire.
Wisconsin Property Values Down 1.8%
8/16/11 - Property values in Wisconsin fell by an average of one-point-eight percent last year – but the decline was only half of what it was the previous year. State revenue officials say that homes, businesses, and other properties had a total statewide value of 487-billion-dollars in 2010. The decline was about one-point-three percent less than it was in 2009. Last year’s drop in residential values was about the same in Wisconsin as it was nationally – around one-point-six percent. Last year was the third straight time that land values had fallen throughout the Badger State. Before then, property values had risen every year but one since 1959.
State Fair Attendance, Spending Up
8/16/11 - Attendance at the Wisconsin State Fair was up four-percent from a year ago, despite an opening night of violence which sparked fears that people would stay away. The 11-day fair ended Sunday in West Allis. Officials say 911-thousand people attended – and they spent more than last year. An initial review showed that the fair’s revenues were almost six-percent higher than in 2010. Thirty-one people were arrested at the State Fair’s opening night on August fourth, as groups of young people attacked victims both on the grounds and the nearby streets. West Allis Police confirmed that race was a factor in at least some of the attacks – confirming witnesses’ comments that young African-Americans had attacked whites. There were no reports of similar mass violence on the fair’s 10 succeeding nights. The C-E-O of State Fair Park, Rick Frenette, said he appreciated the extra help provided by local police and the State Patrol.
Woman Charged With Smuggling Watch Parts Into WCI
8/16/11 - A Big Bend woman is looking at time for trying to smuggle parts of a wristwatch into the Waupun Correctional Institution. Patricia Kolinski is charged with one felony count of Delivering Illegal Articles to an Inmate, which carries a maximum sentence of three-and-a-half years in prison, upon conviction. Authorities say the 68-year-old brought her inmate son seven wrist-watch links and two batteries. The criminal complaint did not state the inmates exact intentions for the parts. A signature bond was set at $1000 yesterday and a preliminary hearing is on the calendar in October.
Teen Pleads Guilty To Burglarizing Uncles House
8/16/11 - A Beaver Dam teen will spend two years in prison for stealing from a family member’s house. Andrew Dutzle pleaded “guilty” to felony Burglary during his initial appearance on the charge yesterday and had a misdemeanor Theft count dismissed but read into the record. According to the criminal complaint, the 19-year-old broke into his uncle’s home in Mayville in June and stole an Xbox 360, games and related accessories. He originally told police he saw three men leaving the residence with a black duffle bag. Investigators were curious why the Beaver Dam teen was in Mayville at the exact time the crime was committed. He later confessed to avoid an innocent friend taking the rap and wrote his uncle an apology letter. Dutzle was on probation for a previous burglary in Mayville at the time of his arrest. He was ordered to serve the new two-year prison sentence concurrent with the previous two-year prison sentence which was imposed after his probation was revoked.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Top Stories August 15th
Gas Prices Falling…For Now
8/15/11 - Wisconsin gas prices are falling – for now, at least. The state’s Triple-“A” says the average price is 3.61 this morning for a gallon of unleaded regular. That’s about the same as yesterday. And it’s eight-cents lower than week ago, and almost 13 cents lower than a month ago. Gas can be had for $3.50 in Beaver Dam this morning. The price of crude oil fell below 80-dollars a barrel last week for the first time in 2011 before rising to 85-dollars by Friday. Pam Moen of the state’s Triple-“A” said gas was running for just 2.78-a-gallon the last time crude oil hit the 80-dollar mark. And if he gets below 80, Moen says it’s possible we could see prices-at-the-pump fall below three-dollars. But analysts don’t agree what will happen next. Some experts say gas prices will soon go up again, because Saudi Arabia’s government apparently wants to drive up fuel prices to support the nation’s budget. But other experts say the European debt crisis and a weak U-S economy could keep gas prices from rising due to a weak demand.
Democratic Recall Elections Tomorrow
8/15/11 - The last of nine Wisconsin Senate recall elections will be held tomorrow. And while Democrats can no longer gain control of the chamber, Minority Leader Mark Miller says it’s still vital that his party’s two incumbents win their contests. Miller says it would give Democrats a much better chance to negotiate upcoming proposals in the Senate, because the G-O-P’s majority could be cut from five members to as little as one at 17-to-16. In northern Wisconsin, long-time legislator Jim Holperin of Conover is challenged by local Tea Party founder Kim Simac of Eagle River. In the Kenosha area, Democrat Bob Wirch – who has served at the Capitol for almost two decades – will face attorney Jonathan Steitz. Two Republicans were recalled last week, but Democrats needed to unseat three G-O-P senators to regain the majority it lost last November.
BDUSD Budget Hearing Tonight
8/15/11 - The Beaver Dam School Board will hold their annual budget hearing tonight. When it was presented to the board in June the budget for the 2011-2012 school year was projected at $47-million, which would be a decrease of more than $7-million from this past school year. At the time Business Service Director Andrew Sarnow projected a decrease of more than 7-percent in the district’s mill rate but cautioned that the numbers would likely change significantly when the property values and enrollment numbers are finalized sometime in October. The budget hearing will take place at 6pm at the Educational Service Center with the board’s regular meeting following at 6:30pm.
Recreation Park in Columbus Being Discussed
8/15/11 - A possible Recreation Park on the west side of Highway 151 in Columbus is being discussed by key “user groups.” School District officials from Columbus and Fall River have joined in the discussions of developing an athletic complex and other recreational facilities on the City-owned land. Initial plans for the recreation park were drafted after recent successes in hosting the XPlosion softball tournaments in Columbus. Concept plans include softball and soccer fields, a skate park, a nature area, a pavilion, playground and parking facilities located to the south of Maple Avenue adjacent to Highway 151.
Dam Project on Budget in Mayville
8/15/11 - Officials in Mayville say the Upper Rock River Dam project is expected to come in at budget. Since June 15th the river has been held up above the dam so repairs could be made to the concrete structure, its retaining wall and the gates. The total cost of project is $446,000 and officials believe it will come in around that number when it’s completed at the end of the month. It’s completion will also allow the river to go back to its normal levels. The structure hadn’t gone this extensive of a rehabilitation since 1946 when the original concrete structure was built. That replaced the wood, stone and dirt dam built in 1848.
Police Find Marijuana Growing in Lomira
8/15/11 - The Lomira Police Department says the recent discovery of marijuana plants growing near the villages wastewater treatment plant weren’t part of a growing operation. An officer found them near a catch basin during one of the departments periodic security checks of the area. After calling in the Dodge County Drug Task Force to confirm it was marijuana they got approval from the village board to dispose of it before it could grow enough to be smoked. The police department says the plants most likely came from the waste system through somebody flushing some of it down their toilet. They also say the plants did not affect the quality of the villages water and no one was adversely affected.
K-9 Unit to be Put to Work on Major Highways
8/15/11 - Dodge County Sheriff Todd Nehls says his department’s new K9’s will be used to sniff out drugs along the well-traveled local routes like highways 151, 33 and 41. Ziva and Paige are in training to be the sheriffs departments first-ever K9 unit though Nehls told us on WBEV’s Community Comment that deputies have borrowed K9’s from other departments in the county to conduct drug interdiction stops. That means deputies who conduct traffic stops and encounter suspicious behavior bring the dogs out. One shift earlier this month resulted in five narcotics arrests. Ziva and Paige will be sworn-in during the Dodge County Fair on Friday at the WBEV-WXRO Radio Park Stage.
CDC Still Looking for Passengers
8/15/11 - A spokesperson for the Centers for Disease Control reports there are still 15 passengers from Delta flight 5121 they need to contact. Health officials want to make sure they are protected against rabies. The CDC says it has spoken with 35 of the 50 people who were on the August 5 flight from Madison to Atlanta and none have required any treatment. The plane was in the air when a bat started flying from one end of the cabin to another. It isn't known if the bat had rabies because it got away without being captured. The CDC says it just wants to make sure the passengers didn't have close contact with the bat, putting them at risk of rabies.
Hero Mom in Sheboygan
8/15/11 - Barbara Janke's family members say they aren't surprised by her actions. The 60 year old pushed her daughter and pregnant friend out of the way of a car August 6 and took the main force of the impact on herself. She went into a coma and died last Monday. The two women with Janke suffered relatively minor injuries. The incident happened outside the Brat Days Festival in Sheboygan. Prosecutors have charged the 19 year old driver of the car with five felonies. Kayla Mary Brower has a preliminary hearing scheduled for next Friday. She is accused of homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle. Bower is being held on 100 thousand dollars bail.
BDACT Auditions this Week
8/15/11 - Auditions for the Beaver Dam Area Community Theater’s fall, main-stage production will be taking place tonight and tomorrow (Monday and Tuesday). “Noises Off” is a story about a third-rate theatre troupe’s ill-fated final rehearsal and features a modest cast of colorful characters. In addition to actors, the theater is also looking for backstage help with sound and light, hair and make-up, set building, painting, costumes and props. Those auditioning should be prepared to do a cold read from the script, which is available at the Beaver Dam Library. Actors are also allowed, but not required, to read from a prepared monologue. Auditions tonight and tomorrow are from 6pm to 8pm at the Community Theater building on North Spring Street; enter through the side entrance. “Noises Off” is on the stage for seven performances beginning October 21. Additional contact information is on our website. Director Chris Hughes at 920-219-1103 or e-mail cjhughes87@gmail.com or visit BDACT’s website at www.bdact.org and click on auditions.
Mayor to Hold Listening Sessions
8/15/11 - Beaver Dam Mayor Tom Kennedy has listening sessions scheduled for tomorrow (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.
8/15/11 - Wisconsin gas prices are falling – for now, at least. The state’s Triple-“A” says the average price is 3.61 this morning for a gallon of unleaded regular. That’s about the same as yesterday. And it’s eight-cents lower than week ago, and almost 13 cents lower than a month ago. Gas can be had for $3.50 in Beaver Dam this morning. The price of crude oil fell below 80-dollars a barrel last week for the first time in 2011 before rising to 85-dollars by Friday. Pam Moen of the state’s Triple-“A” said gas was running for just 2.78-a-gallon the last time crude oil hit the 80-dollar mark. And if he gets below 80, Moen says it’s possible we could see prices-at-the-pump fall below three-dollars. But analysts don’t agree what will happen next. Some experts say gas prices will soon go up again, because Saudi Arabia’s government apparently wants to drive up fuel prices to support the nation’s budget. But other experts say the European debt crisis and a weak U-S economy could keep gas prices from rising due to a weak demand.
Democratic Recall Elections Tomorrow
8/15/11 - The last of nine Wisconsin Senate recall elections will be held tomorrow. And while Democrats can no longer gain control of the chamber, Minority Leader Mark Miller says it’s still vital that his party’s two incumbents win their contests. Miller says it would give Democrats a much better chance to negotiate upcoming proposals in the Senate, because the G-O-P’s majority could be cut from five members to as little as one at 17-to-16. In northern Wisconsin, long-time legislator Jim Holperin of Conover is challenged by local Tea Party founder Kim Simac of Eagle River. In the Kenosha area, Democrat Bob Wirch – who has served at the Capitol for almost two decades – will face attorney Jonathan Steitz. Two Republicans were recalled last week, but Democrats needed to unseat three G-O-P senators to regain the majority it lost last November.
BDUSD Budget Hearing Tonight
8/15/11 - The Beaver Dam School Board will hold their annual budget hearing tonight. When it was presented to the board in June the budget for the 2011-2012 school year was projected at $47-million, which would be a decrease of more than $7-million from this past school year. At the time Business Service Director Andrew Sarnow projected a decrease of more than 7-percent in the district’s mill rate but cautioned that the numbers would likely change significantly when the property values and enrollment numbers are finalized sometime in October. The budget hearing will take place at 6pm at the Educational Service Center with the board’s regular meeting following at 6:30pm.
Recreation Park in Columbus Being Discussed
8/15/11 - A possible Recreation Park on the west side of Highway 151 in Columbus is being discussed by key “user groups.” School District officials from Columbus and Fall River have joined in the discussions of developing an athletic complex and other recreational facilities on the City-owned land. Initial plans for the recreation park were drafted after recent successes in hosting the XPlosion softball tournaments in Columbus. Concept plans include softball and soccer fields, a skate park, a nature area, a pavilion, playground and parking facilities located to the south of Maple Avenue adjacent to Highway 151.
Dam Project on Budget in Mayville
8/15/11 - Officials in Mayville say the Upper Rock River Dam project is expected to come in at budget. Since June 15th the river has been held up above the dam so repairs could be made to the concrete structure, its retaining wall and the gates. The total cost of project is $446,000 and officials believe it will come in around that number when it’s completed at the end of the month. It’s completion will also allow the river to go back to its normal levels. The structure hadn’t gone this extensive of a rehabilitation since 1946 when the original concrete structure was built. That replaced the wood, stone and dirt dam built in 1848.
Police Find Marijuana Growing in Lomira
8/15/11 - The Lomira Police Department says the recent discovery of marijuana plants growing near the villages wastewater treatment plant weren’t part of a growing operation. An officer found them near a catch basin during one of the departments periodic security checks of the area. After calling in the Dodge County Drug Task Force to confirm it was marijuana they got approval from the village board to dispose of it before it could grow enough to be smoked. The police department says the plants most likely came from the waste system through somebody flushing some of it down their toilet. They also say the plants did not affect the quality of the villages water and no one was adversely affected.
K-9 Unit to be Put to Work on Major Highways
8/15/11 - Dodge County Sheriff Todd Nehls says his department’s new K9’s will be used to sniff out drugs along the well-traveled local routes like highways 151, 33 and 41. Ziva and Paige are in training to be the sheriffs departments first-ever K9 unit though Nehls told us on WBEV’s Community Comment that deputies have borrowed K9’s from other departments in the county to conduct drug interdiction stops. That means deputies who conduct traffic stops and encounter suspicious behavior bring the dogs out. One shift earlier this month resulted in five narcotics arrests. Ziva and Paige will be sworn-in during the Dodge County Fair on Friday at the WBEV-WXRO Radio Park Stage.
CDC Still Looking for Passengers
8/15/11 - A spokesperson for the Centers for Disease Control reports there are still 15 passengers from Delta flight 5121 they need to contact. Health officials want to make sure they are protected against rabies. The CDC says it has spoken with 35 of the 50 people who were on the August 5 flight from Madison to Atlanta and none have required any treatment. The plane was in the air when a bat started flying from one end of the cabin to another. It isn't known if the bat had rabies because it got away without being captured. The CDC says it just wants to make sure the passengers didn't have close contact with the bat, putting them at risk of rabies.
Hero Mom in Sheboygan
8/15/11 - Barbara Janke's family members say they aren't surprised by her actions. The 60 year old pushed her daughter and pregnant friend out of the way of a car August 6 and took the main force of the impact on herself. She went into a coma and died last Monday. The two women with Janke suffered relatively minor injuries. The incident happened outside the Brat Days Festival in Sheboygan. Prosecutors have charged the 19 year old driver of the car with five felonies. Kayla Mary Brower has a preliminary hearing scheduled for next Friday. She is accused of homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle. Bower is being held on 100 thousand dollars bail.
BDACT Auditions this Week
8/15/11 - Auditions for the Beaver Dam Area Community Theater’s fall, main-stage production will be taking place tonight and tomorrow (Monday and Tuesday). “Noises Off” is a story about a third-rate theatre troupe’s ill-fated final rehearsal and features a modest cast of colorful characters. In addition to actors, the theater is also looking for backstage help with sound and light, hair and make-up, set building, painting, costumes and props. Those auditioning should be prepared to do a cold read from the script, which is available at the Beaver Dam Library. Actors are also allowed, but not required, to read from a prepared monologue. Auditions tonight and tomorrow are from 6pm to 8pm at the Community Theater building on North Spring Street; enter through the side entrance. “Noises Off” is on the stage for seven performances beginning October 21. Additional contact information is on our website. Director Chris Hughes at 920-219-1103 or e-mail cjhughes87@gmail.com or visit BDACT’s website at www.bdact.org and click on auditions.
Mayor to Hold Listening Sessions
8/15/11 - Beaver Dam Mayor Tom Kennedy has listening sessions scheduled for tomorrow (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.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Top Stories August 14th
Marijuana Found Growing in Lomira
8/14/11 - The Lomira Police Department recently destroyed some marijuana plants that were growing near the villages wastewater treatment plant. An officer found them near a catch basin during one of the departments periodic security checks of the area. After calling in the Dodge County Drug Task Force to confirm it was marijuana they got approval from the village board to dispose of it before it could grow enough to be smoked. The police department doesn’t believe it was part of a growing operation because it was scattered around the area. They say it most likely came from the waste system through a resident flushing some of it down their toilet. They also say the plants did not affect the quality of the village’s water and no one was adversely affected.
River Levels in Mayville Could Soon Return to Normal
8/14/11 - Residents in Mayville could soon see the Rock River back to normal levels. Since June 15th the river has been held up above the dam so repairs could be made to the concrete structure, its retaining wall and the gates. The structure hadn’t gone this extensive of a rehabilitation since 1946 when the original concrete structure was built. That replaced the wood, stone and dirt dam built in 1848. Officials say the project should be completed by September 1st barring any weather issues. The city would begin refilling the river the following day. The total cost of the project is expected to come in around the budgeted amount of $446,000.
Authorities Make Effort to Avoid Future Drownings
8/14/11 - A man's death earlier this summer has led officials to post warning signs along the Chippewa River. Officials want people to be aware of climbing dangers along rocky cliffs. 34-year-old Anthony J. Patacek drowned on June 5 after diving from the cliffs upstream from the Wissota Hydroelectric Power Plant. His was the second drowning death in the area in recent years.
How a Bat Got on Flight Being Investigated
8/14/11 - Federal health investigators will look into a case involving a bat that got onto an airplane during a flight from Madison to Atlanta. The bat escaped before anyone could check to find out if it had rabies. So the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is trying to track down the 50 people who were on board the plane to make sure they haven't contracted rabies, too. Anyone on the plane can call the CDC at 866-613-2683.
Legislator Pushes for Proactive Approach Against Asian Carp
8/14/11 - At least one state lawmaker wants state Wildlife officials to be more proactive in protecting Wisconsin waterways from the Asian carp. One of the fish was found in the Lower Wisconsin River in southwest Wisconsin. Fish experts think the invasive species could cause big problems for the other plants and animals living in Wisconsin's inland waterways. Representative Cory Mason of Racine is the top Democrat on the Assembly Natural Resources Committee. He says he wants Republicans in the Legislature to call a joint hearing to hear the DNR's plan for dealing with the Asian carp threat.
Bank Making a Commitment to Revitalization Efforts
8/14/11 - U.S. Bank becomes the fourth financial institution to make a substantial investment in revitalization efforts for Milwaukee. U.S. Bank has pledged 16 million dollars to help the city with foreclosures. Most of the money will come as mortgage offers for a new program that allows for smaller down payments and provides money for repairs. Previously Bank of America, Deutsche Bank and Wells Fargo have put money into the effort.
Forum Planned to Discuss State Fair Violence
8/14/11 - The Milwaukee Youth Council plans to host a forum next month to discuss violence at the Wisconsin State Fair. A 16 year old boy has been arrested for his part in the attacks at the fair on opening night. Ten others were charged as well. The youth council says violent behavior is unacceptable. A date for the forum will be announced on the council’s Facebook page. The State Fair completes its run this weekend.
Boehner Attending Fundraiser on Monday in Brown County
8/14/11 - House Speaker John Boehner will attend a private fundraiser Monday for Representative Reid Ribble. The event will be held in Brown County, but the specific location for the event is not being released. The currently unopposed Ribble has so far raised less money than nearly all of Wisconsin's other representatives. Ribble serves on the budget committee, the agriculture committee and the transportation committee.
Police Investigating Escape
8/14/11 - Sheboygan police aren’t saying how 40 year old Randall Graham got free, but he managed to leave the police station Thursday morning. To make his getaway the accused burglar took off in an orange county truck that had been parked next to the station. Graham was under arrest on a charge from another county at the time. He had just been interviewed by detectives when he took off at about 10:30 in the morning.
Obama Tours Battery Plant in Michigan
8/14/11 - Promoting the economic value of green-based energy, President Obama toured an advanced battery plant in Holland, Michigan, Thursday. Wisconsin-based Johnson Controls owns the plant where batteries are made for alternative-fuel vehicles – like hybrid or electric cars and trucks. Johnson Controls has been given a 300 million dollar federal grant for the work. It plans to create 150 jobs at plants in Michigan and Wisconsin.
New Lions Born at Milwaukee Zoo
8/14/11 - Three new lion cubs have been born at the Milwaukee County Zoo. That’s something that hasn’t happened in more than 30 years. The cubs were born July 24th and 25th. Zoo staff report they are monitoring the little lions by using a camera and a microphone set up in their den. It is separated from the one holding the cubs’ father. The three could be on display for the public in about three months.
Mustski’s to Perform at National Today
8/14/11 - The Beaverland Mustskis Water-ski Team are competing in the Division 1 Nationals in Janesville this afternoon Sunday. There are 14 teams competing from three different national regions in this weekend 37th National Show Ski Association Championships. The Mustskis should take to the water around 3:30 pm– give or take 45 minutes. The public is invited and encouraged to attend and there is no charge at Janesville’s Traxler Park. In competitive show skiing, each club has one hour to present a theatrical performance on water skis. Judges score acts by awarding points based on originality, presentation and execution. Elaborate costumes and staging intermix with music and fast action on the water as an announcer leads the audience through the show. Due to the national competition, there will be no show tonight (Sun) at Tahoe Park in Beaver Dam. The team competitions will be available to view via live Webcast at http://waterski.teamusa.org/live. Links are on our website.
8/14/11 - The Lomira Police Department recently destroyed some marijuana plants that were growing near the villages wastewater treatment plant. An officer found them near a catch basin during one of the departments periodic security checks of the area. After calling in the Dodge County Drug Task Force to confirm it was marijuana they got approval from the village board to dispose of it before it could grow enough to be smoked. The police department doesn’t believe it was part of a growing operation because it was scattered around the area. They say it most likely came from the waste system through a resident flushing some of it down their toilet. They also say the plants did not affect the quality of the village’s water and no one was adversely affected.
River Levels in Mayville Could Soon Return to Normal
8/14/11 - Residents in Mayville could soon see the Rock River back to normal levels. Since June 15th the river has been held up above the dam so repairs could be made to the concrete structure, its retaining wall and the gates. The structure hadn’t gone this extensive of a rehabilitation since 1946 when the original concrete structure was built. That replaced the wood, stone and dirt dam built in 1848. Officials say the project should be completed by September 1st barring any weather issues. The city would begin refilling the river the following day. The total cost of the project is expected to come in around the budgeted amount of $446,000.
Authorities Make Effort to Avoid Future Drownings
8/14/11 - A man's death earlier this summer has led officials to post warning signs along the Chippewa River. Officials want people to be aware of climbing dangers along rocky cliffs. 34-year-old Anthony J. Patacek drowned on June 5 after diving from the cliffs upstream from the Wissota Hydroelectric Power Plant. His was the second drowning death in the area in recent years.
How a Bat Got on Flight Being Investigated
8/14/11 - Federal health investigators will look into a case involving a bat that got onto an airplane during a flight from Madison to Atlanta. The bat escaped before anyone could check to find out if it had rabies. So the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is trying to track down the 50 people who were on board the plane to make sure they haven't contracted rabies, too. Anyone on the plane can call the CDC at 866-613-2683.
Legislator Pushes for Proactive Approach Against Asian Carp
8/14/11 - At least one state lawmaker wants state Wildlife officials to be more proactive in protecting Wisconsin waterways from the Asian carp. One of the fish was found in the Lower Wisconsin River in southwest Wisconsin. Fish experts think the invasive species could cause big problems for the other plants and animals living in Wisconsin's inland waterways. Representative Cory Mason of Racine is the top Democrat on the Assembly Natural Resources Committee. He says he wants Republicans in the Legislature to call a joint hearing to hear the DNR's plan for dealing with the Asian carp threat.
Bank Making a Commitment to Revitalization Efforts
8/14/11 - U.S. Bank becomes the fourth financial institution to make a substantial investment in revitalization efforts for Milwaukee. U.S. Bank has pledged 16 million dollars to help the city with foreclosures. Most of the money will come as mortgage offers for a new program that allows for smaller down payments and provides money for repairs. Previously Bank of America, Deutsche Bank and Wells Fargo have put money into the effort.
Forum Planned to Discuss State Fair Violence
8/14/11 - The Milwaukee Youth Council plans to host a forum next month to discuss violence at the Wisconsin State Fair. A 16 year old boy has been arrested for his part in the attacks at the fair on opening night. Ten others were charged as well. The youth council says violent behavior is unacceptable. A date for the forum will be announced on the council’s Facebook page. The State Fair completes its run this weekend.
Boehner Attending Fundraiser on Monday in Brown County
8/14/11 - House Speaker John Boehner will attend a private fundraiser Monday for Representative Reid Ribble. The event will be held in Brown County, but the specific location for the event is not being released. The currently unopposed Ribble has so far raised less money than nearly all of Wisconsin's other representatives. Ribble serves on the budget committee, the agriculture committee and the transportation committee.
Police Investigating Escape
8/14/11 - Sheboygan police aren’t saying how 40 year old Randall Graham got free, but he managed to leave the police station Thursday morning. To make his getaway the accused burglar took off in an orange county truck that had been parked next to the station. Graham was under arrest on a charge from another county at the time. He had just been interviewed by detectives when he took off at about 10:30 in the morning.
Obama Tours Battery Plant in Michigan
8/14/11 - Promoting the economic value of green-based energy, President Obama toured an advanced battery plant in Holland, Michigan, Thursday. Wisconsin-based Johnson Controls owns the plant where batteries are made for alternative-fuel vehicles – like hybrid or electric cars and trucks. Johnson Controls has been given a 300 million dollar federal grant for the work. It plans to create 150 jobs at plants in Michigan and Wisconsin.
New Lions Born at Milwaukee Zoo
8/14/11 - Three new lion cubs have been born at the Milwaukee County Zoo. That’s something that hasn’t happened in more than 30 years. The cubs were born July 24th and 25th. Zoo staff report they are monitoring the little lions by using a camera and a microphone set up in their den. It is separated from the one holding the cubs’ father. The three could be on display for the public in about three months.
Mustski’s to Perform at National Today
8/14/11 - The Beaverland Mustskis Water-ski Team are competing in the Division 1 Nationals in Janesville this afternoon Sunday. There are 14 teams competing from three different national regions in this weekend 37th National Show Ski Association Championships. The Mustskis should take to the water around 3:30 pm– give or take 45 minutes. The public is invited and encouraged to attend and there is no charge at Janesville’s Traxler Park. In competitive show skiing, each club has one hour to present a theatrical performance on water skis. Judges score acts by awarding points based on originality, presentation and execution. Elaborate costumes and staging intermix with music and fast action on the water as an announcer leads the audience through the show. Due to the national competition, there will be no show tonight (Sun) at Tahoe Park in Beaver Dam. The team competitions will be available to view via live Webcast at http://waterski.teamusa.org/live. Links are on our website.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Top Stories August 13th
Flynn: State Fair Attacks Not Organized
8/13/11 - Milwaukee police chief Edward Flynn says the violent mob attacks on the opening night of the Wisconsin State Fair were no pre-planned and weren't organized using social media. Flynn says "flash mobs" are getting a lot of attention, but that wasn't what happened in West Allis. Flynn says his officers made good on the promise to make Milwaukee the safest place in Wisconsin the weekend after the State Fair attacks. There were no reports of robberies or assaults the next few nights. In the long run, Flynn said the police department can't solve the underlying problems of race. He says that would have to be a part of a larger community conversation. Flynn acknowledges the assault victims were mostly white, targeted by black assailants because of their race. But, he said he's disturbed by the tone of the conversation following the incidents on talk radio and Internet blogs.
Man Charged with Threatening Fair Communication Director
8/13/11 - A Berlin man pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges he committed a hate crime by writing threatening emails to Wisconsin State Fair Communications Director Patrice Harris. Harris says she received emails from Paul Captain claiming he would bring guns to the fair and shoot African-Americans. The emails were allegedly in response to racially motivated attacks that happened on the opening night of the fair. The criminal complaint against Captain says he referred to himself as "Jared Loughner the second." Loughner is the man behind a mass shooting in Arizona earlier this year.
DC Sheriff’s Deputies Use Taser to Subdue Subject
8/13/11 - Authorities had to use a taser to take an intoxicated 50-year-old man into custody this week. Dodge County Sheriff Todd Nehls says deputies were called to residence on Hickory Point Road in the Town of Westford for a report of a domestic incident just before 7:30 p-m Thursday. However, once on scene they determined it was disturbance among a couple of intoxicated people. Deputies learned that the 50-year-old man was on a no drink order and when they attempted to arrest him he resisted. It was then that they deployed their taser and took the man into custody. A 52-year-old woman was also detained for a short time before being released. Nehls says the use of the taser was justified in his mind. The man in custody faces a number of charges, including felony bail jumping, and resisting arrest.
Man Arrested After Hit and Run Accident
8/13/11 - A man was arrested early this morning near Iron Ridge for drunken driving. It happened around 12:30 a-m just east of Highway 67 near the intersection of Neda and Ore Roads. According to witnesses, a vehicle driven by Michael F. Gorski went airborne, struck an address sign, hit a culvert and was driving the wrong way with its lights off. Gorski was taken into custody for OWI, Hit and Run Failure to Notify of an Accident, and Refusing to Take a Breathalyzer. Authorities say he was taken to jail on a 12-hour hold.
Church Leaders Will Have to Answer Questions
8/13/11 - A judge in federal bankruptcy court rules retired Milwaukee archbishop Rembert Weakland and other church officials will have to answer questions under oath about the way the Catholic Church handled its sex abuse scandal. Former Bishop Richard Sklba and defrocked priest Daniel Budzynski will have to submit to a deposition also. Judge susan Kelley ruled the depositions will be taken in October, but they will be sealed from the public. Victims of abuse by priests have wanted to depose Sklba for a long time. They believe he has extensive knowledge of the history of sex abuse in the archdiocese and played a direct role in reassinging abusers.
Process to Remove Mayor Begins
8/13/11 - Aldermen in Sheboygan vote to start the process to get rid of Mayor Bob Ryan, after he was accused of lewd behavior and public drunkenness. The vote was 12-to-2 to hire up to two outside attorneys and proceed with the removal process. City attorney Steve McLean told council members two of five citizen complaints met the legal standards needed to move on the matter. Ryan was in the audience when the vote was taken, but he made no comment. He has been asked to resign, but he has refused, saying he has never come to work drunk and has never attended a city function while intoxicated.
Police Make Arrest in Shooting Death of Pregnant Woman
8/13/11 - Milwaukee police arrest three teenage suspects in the shooting death of a pregnant woman. Sharon Staples was gunned down in front of her 13 year old son last Sunday morning. Staples was four months pregnant at the time. Police Chief Edward Flynn says two of the suspects have a history of gun crimes and he says he blames what he calls a broken juvenile system for not dealing with violent young people effectively. Staples refused to surrender her purse during the robbery and was killed. In addition to the 13 year old who witnessed her killing, she is survived by six other children aged four to 13.
Fox Valley Man Arrest for Solicitation
8/13/11 - A Green Bay man is arrested for solicitation of prostitution and conspiracy to cmmit pandering after an undercover officer infiltrated his operation. A female Appleton police officer contacted 29 year old Shane Costello on August 1, responding to an ad for a business called "Personal Encounters." Costello explained his business and the undercover officer said she had previously had sex for money. On August 9, male officers called the same business while posing as customers. After that, the female officer received calls arranging meeting. Costello was arrested when the female officer called him, telling him to come to Appleton to get his cut of the money. Costello could be sentenced to more than 28 years in prison if he is convicted on both counts. He has a preliminary hearing scheduled for Monday in Outagamie County court.
Housing Market Sees Some Good News
8/13/11 - The housing market appears to be rebounding in Milwaukee. The Greater Milwaukee Association of Realtors reports sales of existing homes in the Milwaukee metro area is close to 50-percent higher than it was at this time last year. Realtors in Milwaukee, Waukesha, Washington and Ozaukee counties sold almost 400 more properties in July 2011 than in July 2010. Analysts say steadily low mortgage rates and home prices have brought new investors and first time buyers into the market.
BDAAA Summer Exhibit Wraps Up
8/13/11 - The Beaver Dam Area Arts Association’s Summer exhibit wraps up this weekend. Those who attend the Works of Jerry Baskfield Exhibit this afternoon have the opportunity to meet the artist. Baskfield will be at the Seippel Arts Center Saturday from noon until 1 pm. The exhibit ends tomorrow (Sun). You can also stop by Beaver Dam Area Arts Association booth at the Beaver Dam Downtown River Market this morning (Sat) from 8 am until noon in the Tower parking lot to browse a variety of artwork for sale by local artists.
8/13/11 - Milwaukee police chief Edward Flynn says the violent mob attacks on the opening night of the Wisconsin State Fair were no pre-planned and weren't organized using social media. Flynn says "flash mobs" are getting a lot of attention, but that wasn't what happened in West Allis. Flynn says his officers made good on the promise to make Milwaukee the safest place in Wisconsin the weekend after the State Fair attacks. There were no reports of robberies or assaults the next few nights. In the long run, Flynn said the police department can't solve the underlying problems of race. He says that would have to be a part of a larger community conversation. Flynn acknowledges the assault victims were mostly white, targeted by black assailants because of their race. But, he said he's disturbed by the tone of the conversation following the incidents on talk radio and Internet blogs.
Man Charged with Threatening Fair Communication Director
8/13/11 - A Berlin man pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges he committed a hate crime by writing threatening emails to Wisconsin State Fair Communications Director Patrice Harris. Harris says she received emails from Paul Captain claiming he would bring guns to the fair and shoot African-Americans. The emails were allegedly in response to racially motivated attacks that happened on the opening night of the fair. The criminal complaint against Captain says he referred to himself as "Jared Loughner the second." Loughner is the man behind a mass shooting in Arizona earlier this year.
DC Sheriff’s Deputies Use Taser to Subdue Subject
8/13/11 - Authorities had to use a taser to take an intoxicated 50-year-old man into custody this week. Dodge County Sheriff Todd Nehls says deputies were called to residence on Hickory Point Road in the Town of Westford for a report of a domestic incident just before 7:30 p-m Thursday. However, once on scene they determined it was disturbance among a couple of intoxicated people. Deputies learned that the 50-year-old man was on a no drink order and when they attempted to arrest him he resisted. It was then that they deployed their taser and took the man into custody. A 52-year-old woman was also detained for a short time before being released. Nehls says the use of the taser was justified in his mind. The man in custody faces a number of charges, including felony bail jumping, and resisting arrest.
Man Arrested After Hit and Run Accident
8/13/11 - A man was arrested early this morning near Iron Ridge for drunken driving. It happened around 12:30 a-m just east of Highway 67 near the intersection of Neda and Ore Roads. According to witnesses, a vehicle driven by Michael F. Gorski went airborne, struck an address sign, hit a culvert and was driving the wrong way with its lights off. Gorski was taken into custody for OWI, Hit and Run Failure to Notify of an Accident, and Refusing to Take a Breathalyzer. Authorities say he was taken to jail on a 12-hour hold.
Church Leaders Will Have to Answer Questions
8/13/11 - A judge in federal bankruptcy court rules retired Milwaukee archbishop Rembert Weakland and other church officials will have to answer questions under oath about the way the Catholic Church handled its sex abuse scandal. Former Bishop Richard Sklba and defrocked priest Daniel Budzynski will have to submit to a deposition also. Judge susan Kelley ruled the depositions will be taken in October, but they will be sealed from the public. Victims of abuse by priests have wanted to depose Sklba for a long time. They believe he has extensive knowledge of the history of sex abuse in the archdiocese and played a direct role in reassinging abusers.
Process to Remove Mayor Begins
8/13/11 - Aldermen in Sheboygan vote to start the process to get rid of Mayor Bob Ryan, after he was accused of lewd behavior and public drunkenness. The vote was 12-to-2 to hire up to two outside attorneys and proceed with the removal process. City attorney Steve McLean told council members two of five citizen complaints met the legal standards needed to move on the matter. Ryan was in the audience when the vote was taken, but he made no comment. He has been asked to resign, but he has refused, saying he has never come to work drunk and has never attended a city function while intoxicated.
Police Make Arrest in Shooting Death of Pregnant Woman
8/13/11 - Milwaukee police arrest three teenage suspects in the shooting death of a pregnant woman. Sharon Staples was gunned down in front of her 13 year old son last Sunday morning. Staples was four months pregnant at the time. Police Chief Edward Flynn says two of the suspects have a history of gun crimes and he says he blames what he calls a broken juvenile system for not dealing with violent young people effectively. Staples refused to surrender her purse during the robbery and was killed. In addition to the 13 year old who witnessed her killing, she is survived by six other children aged four to 13.
Fox Valley Man Arrest for Solicitation
8/13/11 - A Green Bay man is arrested for solicitation of prostitution and conspiracy to cmmit pandering after an undercover officer infiltrated his operation. A female Appleton police officer contacted 29 year old Shane Costello on August 1, responding to an ad for a business called "Personal Encounters." Costello explained his business and the undercover officer said she had previously had sex for money. On August 9, male officers called the same business while posing as customers. After that, the female officer received calls arranging meeting. Costello was arrested when the female officer called him, telling him to come to Appleton to get his cut of the money. Costello could be sentenced to more than 28 years in prison if he is convicted on both counts. He has a preliminary hearing scheduled for Monday in Outagamie County court.
Housing Market Sees Some Good News
8/13/11 - The housing market appears to be rebounding in Milwaukee. The Greater Milwaukee Association of Realtors reports sales of existing homes in the Milwaukee metro area is close to 50-percent higher than it was at this time last year. Realtors in Milwaukee, Waukesha, Washington and Ozaukee counties sold almost 400 more properties in July 2011 than in July 2010. Analysts say steadily low mortgage rates and home prices have brought new investors and first time buyers into the market.
BDAAA Summer Exhibit Wraps Up
8/13/11 - The Beaver Dam Area Arts Association’s Summer exhibit wraps up this weekend. Those who attend the Works of Jerry Baskfield Exhibit this afternoon have the opportunity to meet the artist. Baskfield will be at the Seippel Arts Center Saturday from noon until 1 pm. The exhibit ends tomorrow (Sun). You can also stop by Beaver Dam Area Arts Association booth at the Beaver Dam Downtown River Market this morning (Sat) from 8 am until noon in the Tower parking lot to browse a variety of artwork for sale by local artists.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Top Stories August 12th
Two Accidents on Highway 41 Backup Traffic
8/12/11 - Traffic on Highway 41 near Lomira was backed up for nearly 2-hours yesterday after an accident involving multiple vehicles. It happened around 5:15 p-m near Highway 67. The Dodge County Sheriff’s Department says a southbound Ford Mustang collided with a semi also going south. The Mustang was then hit by another southbound vehicle. The driver of the Mustang was taken to the hospital and later released. As a result of that crash, a minor second crash occurred in the slowing and stopping traffic near the scene. However, neither driver involved was injured. Authorities say the first crash is still under investigation and any witnesses are asked to contact the Sheriff’s Department.
Reeseville Woman Accused of Two Pharmacy Break-Ins
8/12/11 - A Reeseville woman will proceed to trial on charges that she burglarized the same pharmacy twice in a month. A Dodge County judge found probable cause Thursday during a preliminary hearing for Abigail Newell. The 19-year-old is charged with two counts of felony Burglary and misdemeanor Criminal Damage to Property for allegedly breaking into the Village Pharmacy in the early morning hours of March 24 and then again on April 21. According to the criminal complaint, a witness saw a maroon van after the first break-in and Newell was a suspect. After a vehicle matching the same description was spotted leaving the scene of the second break-in, authorities went to Newell’s home around 2am and noticed that her vehicle was still warm. When questioned, she said she just felt like taking a drive. The description she gave police of her late-night driving route was nowhere the pharmacy. Newell is said to have later admitted that she broke the window to take pain pills and commented that she was surprised how quickly deputies arrived at her house following the burglary. If convicted, the charges carry a maximum prison sentence of over 12 years. Newell has an arraignment hearing scheduled later this month.
Milwaukee Women Accused of Smuggling Drugs Into FLCI
8/12/11 - A Milwaukee woman accused of smuggling tobacco and marijuana into the Fox Lake Correctional Institution was bound over for trial during a preliminary hearing Thursday in Dodge County court. 31-year-old Christina Andrzejewski is accused of visiting the prison with another woman in June and bringing the contraband inside a condom hidden in her bra. Corrections officers say the two had been under investigation and they were monitoring phone conversations and have video of exchange attempts with the inmates. Her friend, 25-year-old Janell Prasalowicz of Milwaukee, has a preliminary hearing on similar charges scheduled for next Thursday. If convicted, the felony charge of Delivering Illegal Articles to an Inmate carries a maximum three-and-a-half year prison sentence. Andrzejewski has an arraignment hearing later this month.
County Committee To Revisit Shoreland Protection
8/12/11 - A decision by the states Natural Resources Board could impact a recent ordinance change approved by the Dodge County Board. In June, the county board passed the Shoreland Protection Ordinance which increases restrictions on property owners who live near waterways. The ordinance was to take effect in early 2012 as required by the state. However, the Natural Resources Board voted 7-0 to postpone the changes for two years with DNR Secretary Cathy Stepp saying many counties are having a difficult time implementing the rules. Now Dodge County Supervisors must decide whether to implement the ordinance as planned or delay it until required by the state. A meeting of the Planning, Development and Park Committee was already scheduled for Monday and Dodge County Administrator James Mielke says the topic is being added to the agenda.
We Energies Submits New Rate Plan
8/12/11 - State regulators appear poised to accept a new rate plan submitted by We Energies. Members of the Public Service Commission Thursday praised the company for not increasing base rates for electricity next year. The cost of power will still go up less than one percent, because of the increased cost of fuel. That amounts to less than a dollar a month for the average residential customer. We Energies serves the southern and eastern portions of Dodge County, along with Washington and Jefferson counties.
State Fair Riot Suspect Admits Racial Targeting
8/12/11 - A teenage suspect arrested in connection with attacks at the Wisconsin State Fair last week has reportedly told police he targeted white people. West Allis police say the 16-year-old African-American was booked on suspicion of attempted robbery and robbery. He could face additional charges for being involved in a hate crime. Police say he told them he chose white victims because he considered them to be easy targets. More than 30 people were arrested on opening night of the fair and at least 11 of the victims were injured. West Allis police say race was a factor in the 11 incidents that department is investigating.
Trunk-N-Show Gearing Up Today
8/12/11 - The Annual Waupun Trunk-N-Show gets underway today and features truck displays, exhibits, food and music. The Lights of the Night Convoy starts at 9pm and the Rides of Pride, billed as the largest truck parade in the nation, begins at 3pm Saturday. Truckers will be competing for plaques and trophies during the parades and will be judged on their general appearance. Bill Shoenike of Shawano will serve as this years parade marshal. Thousands of people are expected to attend with truckers from across the country gathering for the event. Most of the action will be situated around the Waupun Community Center on East Spring Street. For more information, visit www.waupuntrucknshow.com.
Kohl’s Reports Profit Increase
8/12/11 - Wisconsin-based Kohl's corporation reported a big increase in profit in the second quarter. The department store chain, which is based in Menomonee Falls and has a store in Beaver Dam, says profit increased 16-and-a-half percent in the second quarter. That's better than analysts had predicted. Net income rose from 260-million to 303-million dollars in the quarter. Sales were also up 3-point-6 percent.
Columbus Dollar General Sales Booming
8/12/11 - The Columbus Dollar General has reported some good news. The “General” has been steady in the sales income category. Economic Development Director Steve Sobiek announced that the Dollar General was first in sales in a ten-store area – passing the million dollar mark in sales this past year. The Columbus Dollar General is on James Street right next door to the non-profit “Kindred Kids” which moved into the neighboring store space earlier this summer.
Petri Schedules Town Meetings, Community Comment
8/12/11 - Congressman Tom Petri will be holding office hours in Dodge County next week. The Fond du Lac Republican kicks off a series of Town Meetings on Monday that will bring him through a dozen cities to hear constituent concerns and opinions in a group-setting. Petri will be at the Watertown Senior and Community Center next Friday from 10am to 11am. Later that afternoon, he will appear at Beaver Dam City Hall from 3pm to 4pm. In between, the congressman will join us on WBEV’s Community Comment.
8/12/11 - Traffic on Highway 41 near Lomira was backed up for nearly 2-hours yesterday after an accident involving multiple vehicles. It happened around 5:15 p-m near Highway 67. The Dodge County Sheriff’s Department says a southbound Ford Mustang collided with a semi also going south. The Mustang was then hit by another southbound vehicle. The driver of the Mustang was taken to the hospital and later released. As a result of that crash, a minor second crash occurred in the slowing and stopping traffic near the scene. However, neither driver involved was injured. Authorities say the first crash is still under investigation and any witnesses are asked to contact the Sheriff’s Department.
Reeseville Woman Accused of Two Pharmacy Break-Ins
8/12/11 - A Reeseville woman will proceed to trial on charges that she burglarized the same pharmacy twice in a month. A Dodge County judge found probable cause Thursday during a preliminary hearing for Abigail Newell. The 19-year-old is charged with two counts of felony Burglary and misdemeanor Criminal Damage to Property for allegedly breaking into the Village Pharmacy in the early morning hours of March 24 and then again on April 21. According to the criminal complaint, a witness saw a maroon van after the first break-in and Newell was a suspect. After a vehicle matching the same description was spotted leaving the scene of the second break-in, authorities went to Newell’s home around 2am and noticed that her vehicle was still warm. When questioned, she said she just felt like taking a drive. The description she gave police of her late-night driving route was nowhere the pharmacy. Newell is said to have later admitted that she broke the window to take pain pills and commented that she was surprised how quickly deputies arrived at her house following the burglary. If convicted, the charges carry a maximum prison sentence of over 12 years. Newell has an arraignment hearing scheduled later this month.
Milwaukee Women Accused of Smuggling Drugs Into FLCI
8/12/11 - A Milwaukee woman accused of smuggling tobacco and marijuana into the Fox Lake Correctional Institution was bound over for trial during a preliminary hearing Thursday in Dodge County court. 31-year-old Christina Andrzejewski is accused of visiting the prison with another woman in June and bringing the contraband inside a condom hidden in her bra. Corrections officers say the two had been under investigation and they were monitoring phone conversations and have video of exchange attempts with the inmates. Her friend, 25-year-old Janell Prasalowicz of Milwaukee, has a preliminary hearing on similar charges scheduled for next Thursday. If convicted, the felony charge of Delivering Illegal Articles to an Inmate carries a maximum three-and-a-half year prison sentence. Andrzejewski has an arraignment hearing later this month.
County Committee To Revisit Shoreland Protection
8/12/11 - A decision by the states Natural Resources Board could impact a recent ordinance change approved by the Dodge County Board. In June, the county board passed the Shoreland Protection Ordinance which increases restrictions on property owners who live near waterways. The ordinance was to take effect in early 2012 as required by the state. However, the Natural Resources Board voted 7-0 to postpone the changes for two years with DNR Secretary Cathy Stepp saying many counties are having a difficult time implementing the rules. Now Dodge County Supervisors must decide whether to implement the ordinance as planned or delay it until required by the state. A meeting of the Planning, Development and Park Committee was already scheduled for Monday and Dodge County Administrator James Mielke says the topic is being added to the agenda.
We Energies Submits New Rate Plan
8/12/11 - State regulators appear poised to accept a new rate plan submitted by We Energies. Members of the Public Service Commission Thursday praised the company for not increasing base rates for electricity next year. The cost of power will still go up less than one percent, because of the increased cost of fuel. That amounts to less than a dollar a month for the average residential customer. We Energies serves the southern and eastern portions of Dodge County, along with Washington and Jefferson counties.
State Fair Riot Suspect Admits Racial Targeting
8/12/11 - A teenage suspect arrested in connection with attacks at the Wisconsin State Fair last week has reportedly told police he targeted white people. West Allis police say the 16-year-old African-American was booked on suspicion of attempted robbery and robbery. He could face additional charges for being involved in a hate crime. Police say he told them he chose white victims because he considered them to be easy targets. More than 30 people were arrested on opening night of the fair and at least 11 of the victims were injured. West Allis police say race was a factor in the 11 incidents that department is investigating.
Trunk-N-Show Gearing Up Today
8/12/11 - The Annual Waupun Trunk-N-Show gets underway today and features truck displays, exhibits, food and music. The Lights of the Night Convoy starts at 9pm and the Rides of Pride, billed as the largest truck parade in the nation, begins at 3pm Saturday. Truckers will be competing for plaques and trophies during the parades and will be judged on their general appearance. Bill Shoenike of Shawano will serve as this years parade marshal. Thousands of people are expected to attend with truckers from across the country gathering for the event. Most of the action will be situated around the Waupun Community Center on East Spring Street. For more information, visit www.waupuntrucknshow.com.
Kohl’s Reports Profit Increase
8/12/11 - Wisconsin-based Kohl's corporation reported a big increase in profit in the second quarter. The department store chain, which is based in Menomonee Falls and has a store in Beaver Dam, says profit increased 16-and-a-half percent in the second quarter. That's better than analysts had predicted. Net income rose from 260-million to 303-million dollars in the quarter. Sales were also up 3-point-6 percent.
Columbus Dollar General Sales Booming
8/12/11 - The Columbus Dollar General has reported some good news. The “General” has been steady in the sales income category. Economic Development Director Steve Sobiek announced that the Dollar General was first in sales in a ten-store area – passing the million dollar mark in sales this past year. The Columbus Dollar General is on James Street right next door to the non-profit “Kindred Kids” which moved into the neighboring store space earlier this summer.
Petri Schedules Town Meetings, Community Comment
8/12/11 - Congressman Tom Petri will be holding office hours in Dodge County next week. The Fond du Lac Republican kicks off a series of Town Meetings on Monday that will bring him through a dozen cities to hear constituent concerns and opinions in a group-setting. Petri will be at the Watertown Senior and Community Center next Friday from 10am to 11am. Later that afternoon, he will appear at Beaver Dam City Hall from 3pm to 4pm. In between, the congressman will join us on WBEV’s Community Comment.
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