Annual Veterans Day Tribute This Afternoon on WBEV
11/11/09 - WBEV is observing Veterans Day today with an extended Community Comment, broadcast live from the Beaver Dam American Legion Hall. WBEV’s John Moser and the Legion’s Bob Frankenstein will co-host. Veterans from Dodge County are invited to share their stories and experiences in serving and fighting for this country. This special, Veterans Day, extended edition of Community Comment begins at 12:35pm.
Dodge County Board Approves 2010 Budget
11/11/09 - The Dodge County Board approved the 2010 budget Tuesday afternoon. The 3% cap on property tax levy increases means the county was able to raise their total levy by about $930,000 for a total of $31.9 million. The tax rate for 2010 is $5.21 per $1000 of assessed value, up 13 cents or 2.5% from this year. A person whose property is valued at $150,000 will pay about $780 for the county portion of their tax bill.
Board Moves Forward With New Clearview Design
11/11/09 - Design plans are moving forward for the possible upgrade of the Clearview Long Term Care and Rehabilitation Facility. That’s after the county board authorized $750,000 to allow their architectural firms to complete the design process for a new structure on the current site of the Clearview South Building. The new 201,000 square foot building has an intial cost estimate of 44.5-million dollars but with interest the total could exceed 65-million dollars. The preliminary financial plan would be to use about 45-million-dollars in sales tax revenue and cover the interest payments using internal revenue, in an effort to avoid increasing the tax levy. Officials hope to complete the design process by March of next year. At that point the project will be brought back in front of the full county board for possible action.
No Increase Possible For Waupun Tax Rate
11/11/09 - Waupun residents could see a 2010 tax bill that’s lower than the one they got last year. The Common Council last night reviewed the numbers in committee following their public hearing. Because of the tight economy, City Administrator Ed Madere says the council is considering alleviating the tax burden on residents by passing along a zero percent increase over last year, even though state statute would allow them to increase the tax rate by 3%. In order to balance the $7 million budget, the city would be taking just over $200,000 from the general fund. Waupun will levy for just over $2.3 million. If approved without change, the tax rate for Dodge County residents will be $6.19, four cents lower than the 2009 rate. Fond du Lac County residents will see a 14 cent decrease to $6.34. The Common Council will consider adopting the budget at their November 24 meeting. Madere says tax bills should arrive on residents doorsteps on Christmas Eve.
Fort Hood Investigation Continues
11/11/09 - The Pentagon denies missing an opportunity to prevent last week's shooting massacre at Fort Hood. A senior defense official denies another agency's claim that a Pentagon investigator had rejected the need to look into shooting suspect Nidal Hasan. The investigator reportedly discovered that Hasan and Muslim radical Anwar al-Awlaki were merely working on a research paper on the effects of combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. But al-Awlaki was said to use his personal Web site to encourage Muslims to kill U-S troops in the Middle East. The prayer leader had high praise for Hasan on Monday. But by yesterday, al-Awlaki's Web site had been taken down - possibly by computer hackers. Two of the 13 soldiers killed in last week's attack were from Wisconsin, along with four of the 29 injured. And Hasan had been training with a Madison-based medical unit which still plans to go to Afghanistan in January.
At a memorial service at Fort Hood yesterday, President Obama gave personal stories about those killed in last Thursday's shootings. He said Army Sergeant Amy Krueger of Kiel was planning to take on Osama bin Laden by herself - and when her mother said she couldn't do it, Krueger said "Watch me." Obama said Captain Russell Saeger of Mount Pleasant helped veterans overcome post-traumatic stress disorder - and he served so he could help soldiers return to civilian life. Governor Jim Doyle attended yesterday's service along with U-S Senators Herb Kohl and Russ Feingold and House members Tammy Baldwin of Madison and Tom Petri of Fond du Lac.
Man Mugged in Milwaukee, Robbers Return Wallet After Realizing He's a Veteran
11/11/09 - Even criminals know enough to thank veterans for whatever freedom they have. In Milwaukee, a 21-year-old Army reservist was mugged early yesterday -- but when one of the four robbers saw the Army I-D in his wallet, they returned everything but his keys and let him go. The reservist is a student at U-W Milwaukee and was walking home from work about 1:15 in the morning when the four men jumped out from between two houses and started working him over. But when they learned he was a soldier, he told the Associated Press that one of the robbers actually thanked him for his service and apologized - and the group leader gave him a fist bump as they parted ways. The wallet had 16-dollars. Police said the victim's story was credible. They said the four robbers also mugged two other people around that time. They're still on the loose.
MEC Secures Funding
11/11/09 - MEC has secured a $40 million dollar line of credit for its Beaver Dam expansion. Mayville Engineering Company CEO Bob Kamphuis says the company recently secured the credit agreement with JP Morgan Chase and Wells Fargo. MEC’s Phoenix Coaters division is currently constructing a new 300,000 square foot facility in Beaver Dam which will house a state-of-the-art paint line. At a time when many business large and small are having a difficult time securing credit to expand, or even maintain, Kamphuis says MEC will be able to confidently move forward with expanding market opportunities. The expected completion date of the expansion is June 1.
Home Sales Up In County, State
11/11/09 - Wisconsin home sales are going up. The state’s Realtors Association is reporting a five-point-eight percent increase in existing home sales from July-through-September, compared to the same time a year ago. That’s the first quarterly sales gain since the recession started at the end of 2007. Dodge County saw a 38% increase this third quarter with 158 homes sales compared to 114 last quarter. Columbia County is up 6% after 140 homes sold in the third quarter this year compared to 132 last year. Jefferson County is up 14% with 176 homes sold this quarter compared to 154. Chairman John Flor of the Wisconsin Realtors Association says we’re finally seeing signs of recovery in the housing market. It’s due mainly to relatively-low mortgage rates and the federal $8000 stimulus tax credit for first-time home buyers. Congress has extended the tax credit through next April and allowed all home buyers to have it. Flor says it will benefit the economy as well as home buyers in the Badger State. Wisconsin Realtors says they sold almost 16-thousand existing homes from July through September.
Realtors also said the statewide median home price dropped by 6.3% percent over the past year, to an average of 148,000. Dodge County dropped 10% with average home prices at $115,700 this year compared to $129,100 in the third quarter of last year. Jefferson County is down 3.3% to $157,500. Columbia County is down 8.6% to $146,200. Association president William Malkasian said the decrease was not the result of sellers reducing their prices. He says it’s actually due to the fact that more lower-priced homes have been sold.
BDF Calls For Service Up
11/11/09 - Calls for service to the Beaver Dam Fire Department this year are on pace to exceed the number of calls for service they had for 2008. There have been 1334 EMS calls as of Tuesday, which is about two dozen calls less than all of last year. Those numbers do not include revenue-generating interfacility transports, which is the program started by former Fire Chief George Sheets in June of 2007. There have been 457 interfacility transports so far this year, which is on pace with last years numbers that had topped 500 by the end of November. There have been 207 fire calls this year, compared to 272 in all of 2008, and 240 in 2007.
Columbus PFC Reviewing Police Chief Applications
11/11/09 - The five-member Columbus Police and Fire Commission have a big job at hand.The City received over 20 applications for the Police Chief’s job by the October 31st deadline. Better than 40 per cent of the applications were received back from the fifty packets sent out to inquiring prospects. PFC President Ed Schellin said that each commissioner is wading through reams of application materials including resumes, certifications and completed questionnaires. Once the candidates for Chief have been selected they will all have to pass a series of background checks and interviews. Schellin said it will take some time to complete processing the large amount of applications. The impending Holiday season will also slow down the candidate interviews and background checks. It has been almost two years since the last permanent Police Chief, Gerald Sallmann, announced his retirement.
Horicon Considers Officer Fate Tonight
11/11/09 - The Horicon City Council has scheduled a special meeting for Wednesday night that could determine the fate of one of the city’s police officers. Bill Pansier has been suspended with pay since late August. That’s after Acting Police Chief Adrian Bump field a complaint that included 15-charges against him, most of which stem from a conference in Green Bay. Pansier attended the conference on the city’s dime but Bump alleges Pansier never attended any of the seminars and other portions of the conference. The Horicon Police and Fire Commission were expected to continue evidentiary hearings on the matter yesterday but the city attorney instead issued a memo that said the council would consider a negotiated settlement in closed session on Wednesday.
State Economy Still another Year from Recovery
11/11/09 - It might another year before the state's economy fully recovers. That's according to Wisconsin's latest forecast released yesterday by the Revenue Department. Officials say job losses will continue at least through March of next year, with total employment to drop by three-point-eight percent for all of 2009. The growth in personal incomes will also be lower - but revenue officials say it would have been worse without the federal stimulus package. They expect a bigger growth in incomes next year, and even larger growth in 2011.
WI Unemployment Fund Faces Big Debt
11/11/09 - The fund that pays Wisconsin's unemployment benefits will be two-point-eight billion dollars in debt by the end of 2011. And to help avoid that, the state's largest business group suggests making laid-off employees wait a week before getting their first benefits checks. It means those without jobs for less than a week would get nothing - and Jim Buchen of the Wisconsin Manufacturers-and-Commerce said it would save 80-million-dollars a year. Jobless benefits are funded by business taxes. And Buchen told the Assembly's Labor Committee yesterday that up to a quarter-billion-dollars a year in higher unemployment taxes and lower benefits would be needed to bring the fund to solvency. State unemployment compensation administrator Hal Bergen said 36 states have some kind of waiting period before jobless workers get benefits. But Dennis Penkalski of the U-C advisory council says he won't accept a delay - because those out of work are hurting more than any other time.
Innocent Pleases Entered for Rep. Wood
11/11/09 - Innocent pleas were entered yesterday in one of three counties where State Representative Jeff Wood faces O-W-I charges. Wood is currently getting treatment in Saint Cloud Minnesota. His attorney stood mute on the phone, while a judge in Monroe County entered innocent pleas to misdemeanor counts of driving while intoxicated and bail jumping. A hearing is set for November 30th in Sparta to hear pre-trial requests in that case. Wood, an independent from Chippewa Falls, was arrested last month in Tomah. He's also due in court December ninth in Marathon County, where he was arrested in September for driving while intoxicated.
Barret Decision on Governor's Race Expected Soon
11/11/09 - We should know by the end of the week whether Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett is in-or-out of the Wisconsin governor's race. The chairman of Barrett's mayoral campaign, Steve Chernoff, says he knows an announcement will come in the next few days - but he still doesn't believe Barrett has finalized his decision. Democratic Governor Jim Doyle is stepping down after next year - and Congressman Ron Kind and Lieutenant Governor Barbara Lawton have decided not to try replacing Doyle. Democrats from the White House on down have been leaning on Barrett to run. But with four kids in Milwaukee schools, Barrett hesitates to uproot his family. And Chernoff confirms that Barrett is thinking about keeping his home in Milwaukee and working there a few days each week if he chooses to run and he wins.
State Legislators Want Walker Rally Looked Into
11/11/09 - Two Democratic legislators want to know if Republican Scott Walker broke the law, when his campaign for governor held a recent event at U-W Stevens Point. Representatives Marlin Schneider of Wisconsin Rapids and Amy Sue Vruwink of Milladore have asked the Government Accountability Board to look into the matter. The event was held November second by the Walker campaign, and a local news report called it a "fund-raising rally." Schneider and Vruwink want to know if it broke the state law against campaign fund-raising in government buildings.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Top Stories, November 10th
Mayville Man Plunges Into Hollywood Film Starring Shalhoub
11/10/09 - A Mayville man has a speaking part in a motion picture shot this past winter in Door County starring Wisconsin-native Tony Shalhoub. Dan Bell filmed “Feed The Fish” over three weekends in February. The movie follows the story of a children’s book writer in a mid-life crisis who heads to Wisconsin with his buddy to do the Polar Plunge in the icy waters of Lake Michigan, something he says everyone should try once; filming required three takes. Bell appears in a scene inside a local restaurant and later jumps into the water with the films other co-star, Venessa Branch perhaps best known for her work in the Orbitz Gum television commercials. A screening of “Feed The Fish” will be held in Door County later this month with release expected early next year. Bell shot two other films this year. Earlier this month he was in Minnesota wrapping up a movie called “Shy. “ He also co-starred in a short film shot in Oshkosh with director Troy Perkins called “Birthday Girl” that will be turned into a feature length movie next year. Bell can be seen this weekend in the Morais Players of Mayville stage production of “On Golden Pond” at the Mayville American Legion; he stars as Norman Thayer, the role made famous by Henry Fonda.
Operations Committee Supports Space Needs Study Change
11/10/09 - The Beaver Dam Operations Committee threw their support behind a space needs study that recommends a new police department on the former YMCA site. While last nights action does not lock in plans for a new police department, Committee Chair Laine Meyer says it could provide a roadmap for the city to use in moving forward with the project. Marty Sell of MSA Integrated Services says major electrical, plumbing and structural changes would be needed to get the police department to fit into the 50-year-old structure. The cost to renovate the building is estimated at $4.4 million, while the cost of building new would be just shy of $5.4 million. Sell says that does not include operating and maintenance costs, which would be higher for a renovated police station. Last night’s unanimous vote could be seen as an early indication of the position of some council members when it comes to building new or remodeling. The Common Council will consider adding the YMCA findings to the official space needs study at their meeting next Monday.
11/10/09 - A Mayville man has a speaking part in a motion picture shot this past winter in Door County starring Wisconsin-native Tony Shalhoub. Dan Bell filmed “Feed The Fish” over three weekends in February. The movie follows the story of a children’s book writer in a mid-life crisis who heads to Wisconsin with his buddy to do the Polar Plunge in the icy waters of Lake Michigan, something he says everyone should try once; filming required three takes. Bell appears in a scene inside a local restaurant and later jumps into the water with the films other co-star, Venessa Branch perhaps best known for her work in the Orbitz Gum television commercials. A screening of “Feed The Fish” will be held in Door County later this month with release expected early next year. Bell shot two other films this year. Earlier this month he was in Minnesota wrapping up a movie called “Shy. “ He also co-starred in a short film shot in Oshkosh with director Troy Perkins called “Birthday Girl” that will be turned into a feature length movie next year. Bell can be seen this weekend in the Morais Players of Mayville stage production of “On Golden Pond” at the Mayville American Legion; he stars as Norman Thayer, the role made famous by Henry Fonda.
Operations Committee Supports Space Needs Study Change
11/10/09 - The Beaver Dam Operations Committee threw their support behind a space needs study that recommends a new police department on the former YMCA site. While last nights action does not lock in plans for a new police department, Committee Chair Laine Meyer says it could provide a roadmap for the city to use in moving forward with the project. Marty Sell of MSA Integrated Services says major electrical, plumbing and structural changes would be needed to get the police department to fit into the 50-year-old structure. The cost to renovate the building is estimated at $4.4 million, while the cost of building new would be just shy of $5.4 million. Sell says that does not include operating and maintenance costs, which would be higher for a renovated police station. Last night’s unanimous vote could be seen as an early indication of the position of some council members when it comes to building new or remodeling. The Common Council will consider adding the YMCA findings to the official space needs study at their meeting next Monday.
Fort Hood Investigators: Shooter Acted Alone
11/10/09 - Federal investigators believe Nidal Hasan acted alone in last week’s shooting rampage at Fort Hood, despite reported contacts with a Muslim radical. And authorities say Hasan will be tried in a military court, where he could get the death penalty if he’s charged and convicted of premeditated murder. Hasan has arranged a team of civilian and military lawyers, while he remains hospitalized in guarded condition. The Army has not named a lead prosecutor yet. Hasan, an Army psychiatrist, was part of a Madison-based unit training to go to Afghanistan when he allegedly killed 13 people and wounded 29 others. Two of the dead and four of the wounded were from Wisconsin. House Intelligence Committee member Pete Hoekstra of Michigan said he understood that counter-terrorism officials picked up e-mails between Hasan and Muslim radical prayer leader Anwar al-Awlaki. Al-Awlaki was freed from a jail in Yemen last year, and has reportedly used a Web site to encourage Muslims to kill U-S troops in Iraq. Officials in Washington said Hasan communicated up to 20 times with al-Awlaki – but the F-B-I never did a formal investigation. Yesterday, F-B-I Director Robert Mueller ordered a review into his bureau’s handling of the case – including its response to Hasan’s reported contacts.
President Obama will be at a memorial service at Fort Hood today for the fallen soldiers. And Army Private Amber Bahr of Random Lake will meet with him. She helped treat another soldier during the attack without realizing she was shot herself. Bahr told interviewers she’s recovering at the fort, and she still plans to join her unit in Afghanistan in January. She’s the only Wisconsin casualty who’s not a member of the Madison medical unit Hasan was in.
Possible Settlement for Horicon PD Officer
11/10/09 - The Horicon City Council has scheduled a special meeting for Wednesday night that could determine the fate of one of the city’s police officers. Bill Pansier has been suspended with pay since late August. That’s after Acting Police Chief Adrian Bump field a complaint that included 15-charges against him, most of which stem from a conference in Green Bay. Pansier attended the conference on the city’s dime but Bump alleges Pansier never attended any of the seminars and other portions of the conference. The Horicon Police and Fire Commission were expected to continue evidentiary hearings on the matter yesterday but the city attorney instead issued a memo that said the council would consider a negotiated settlement in closed session on Wednesday.
Doyle Signs Bill that Allows Teachers to Evaluated by Test Scores
11/10/09 - Governor Jim Doyle signed a bill yesterday that lets Wisconsin teachers be evaluated according to how their students perform. It’s one of four education bills the governor approved, in the hopes of getting millions in federal stimulus dollars under President Obama’s “Race to the Top” program. The bill repeals a ban on using student test data to evaluate teachers, but they still cannot be disciplined or fired on that basis. And that led G-O-P lawmakers to call it a race for money, and not a race to help kids. But Doyle says the new law will still make teachers perform better, and it will help show what works in the classroom and what doesn’t.
Crop Harvest Still Behind Normal
11/10/09 - Federal investigators believe Nidal Hasan acted alone in last week’s shooting rampage at Fort Hood, despite reported contacts with a Muslim radical. And authorities say Hasan will be tried in a military court, where he could get the death penalty if he’s charged and convicted of premeditated murder. Hasan has arranged a team of civilian and military lawyers, while he remains hospitalized in guarded condition. The Army has not named a lead prosecutor yet. Hasan, an Army psychiatrist, was part of a Madison-based unit training to go to Afghanistan when he allegedly killed 13 people and wounded 29 others. Two of the dead and four of the wounded were from Wisconsin. House Intelligence Committee member Pete Hoekstra of Michigan said he understood that counter-terrorism officials picked up e-mails between Hasan and Muslim radical prayer leader Anwar al-Awlaki. Al-Awlaki was freed from a jail in Yemen last year, and has reportedly used a Web site to encourage Muslims to kill U-S troops in Iraq. Officials in Washington said Hasan communicated up to 20 times with al-Awlaki – but the F-B-I never did a formal investigation. Yesterday, F-B-I Director Robert Mueller ordered a review into his bureau’s handling of the case – including its response to Hasan’s reported contacts.
President Obama will be at a memorial service at Fort Hood today for the fallen soldiers. And Army Private Amber Bahr of Random Lake will meet with him. She helped treat another soldier during the attack without realizing she was shot herself. Bahr told interviewers she’s recovering at the fort, and she still plans to join her unit in Afghanistan in January. She’s the only Wisconsin casualty who’s not a member of the Madison medical unit Hasan was in.
Possible Settlement for Horicon PD Officer
11/10/09 - The Horicon City Council has scheduled a special meeting for Wednesday night that could determine the fate of one of the city’s police officers. Bill Pansier has been suspended with pay since late August. That’s after Acting Police Chief Adrian Bump field a complaint that included 15-charges against him, most of which stem from a conference in Green Bay. Pansier attended the conference on the city’s dime but Bump alleges Pansier never attended any of the seminars and other portions of the conference. The Horicon Police and Fire Commission were expected to continue evidentiary hearings on the matter yesterday but the city attorney instead issued a memo that said the council would consider a negotiated settlement in closed session on Wednesday.
Doyle Signs Bill that Allows Teachers to Evaluated by Test Scores
11/10/09 - Governor Jim Doyle signed a bill yesterday that lets Wisconsin teachers be evaluated according to how their students perform. It’s one of four education bills the governor approved, in the hopes of getting millions in federal stimulus dollars under President Obama’s “Race to the Top” program. The bill repeals a ban on using student test data to evaluate teachers, but they still cannot be disciplined or fired on that basis. And that led G-O-P lawmakers to call it a race for money, and not a race to help kids. But Doyle says the new law will still make teachers perform better, and it will help show what works in the classroom and what doesn’t.
Crop Harvest Still Behind Normal
11/10/09 - After one of the wettest Octobers in history, Wisconsin farmers have had a week of dry weather to help harvest their crops. But they’re still way behind schedule – and excess moisture continues to be a problem in the state’s corn. Twenty-three percent of Wisconsin’s corn-for-grain has been harvested. That’s 10-percent more than a week ago but still 42-percent behind the norm. With moisture levels still high, corn mold is increasing – and many producers are letting their corn stand to get their soybeans in. Just over half the state’s soybeans were harvested by last Sunday. That’s up 25-percent from last week but 92-percent of the beans are normally in by now. Almost a third of Wisconsin fields still have surplus moisture, but a dry forecast should bring
Whitewater Couple Charged With Storage Locker Break-Ins
11/10/09 - A Whitewater couple is accused of breaking into several storage units in Dodge County this past May. Sheriffs Deputies visited the home of 22-year-old Bryan DJ Robel and 23-year-old Amanda Bryant to question them about a series of purse snatchings at the Horicon Marsh in the weeks following the thefts. They were tracked down with the help of video surveillance footage from two Beaver Dam businesses. According to the criminal complaint, the couple quickly confessed to using credit cards found in the purses for a shopping spree. When deputies were confiscated the ill-gotten items they came across bolt cutters and a bag full of broken padlocks in their minivan. In addition to a handful of misdemeanor Theft and Identity Theft charges, Bryant and Robel also each face one dozen felony Burglary charges for breaking into 12 units at the Verhage Storage Units in Waupun. Each felony count carries a 12 and-a-half year prison sentence.
Soon-To-Be Ex Turns In Hubby For Trailer Theft
11/10/09 - A Beaver Dam man is accused of stealing a flatbed trailer from the former Pick ‘N Save parking lot two years ago. Brian Klopotek is charged with a felony count of Theft for allegedly taking the 2003 hydraulic lift trailer valued at $8800 in October of 2007. His soon-to-be ex-wife contacted authorities recently to report the theft, which she says he confessed to her while he had been drinking. The 49-year-old stored the stolen item at his parent’s property. Klopotek faces six years in prison if convicted. Bond was set at a $1000 and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for December 23.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Top Stories November 9th
Watertown Man Becomes 12th Traffic Fatality in DC this Year
Dodge County experienced its twelfth traffic fatality of the year on Friday after a 21-year-old Watertown man struck a tree in the Town of Chester. Dustin Griep failed to negotiate a curve on Highway 26 just after 6pm. Griep, who was the only occupant of the vehicle, was pronounced dead on the scene by the Dodge County Medical Examiner. There is still no word on the cause of that accident.
Fort Hood Tragedy: Wisconsin Update
The head of the U-S Senate’s Homeland Security committee wants to know if the Wisconsin-based soldier behind the Fort Hood massacre had a growing extremist view of Islamic ideology. Joe Lieberman said on Fox News Sunday that the Army should have removed 39-year-old Nidal Hasan if what he told people was true. Hasan was training with a Madison Army Reserve unit when he opened fire at Fort Hood last Thursday and killed 13 people and wounded 30 others. Three of the dead and three of the injured were part of Hasan’s unit. Two of those killed were from the Badger State – 29-year-old Staff Sergeant Amy Krueger of Kiel and 51-year-old Captain Russell Seager of Mount Pleasant. About 500 people honored Krueger at a candle-light vigil last night in Kiel.
The family of Army Reserve Specialist Grant Moxon of Lodi says they are “counting their blessings.” The 23-year-old arrived at the army base last Wednesday and was preparing to deploy to Afghanistan before he was shot in the knee. He sent a text message to his family saying the he had been shot. 28-year-old Sgt. John Pagel of the Sauk County community of Denzer was shot in the arm and the bullet lodged into his left breast. Pagel’s wife says she was told by her husband that if the bullet had been an inch lower, he wouldn’t be alive.
Chris Suttinger of Fort Atkinson, the husband of the unit’s commander Laura, says he’d like to know if Hasan targeted his Madison group. They were planning to leave for Afghanistan in a few weeks to help soldiers with combat stress. Hasan is an Army psychiatrist and an American-born Muslim. Fort Hood could not say how long he was with his unit – which had only been at the base for less than a week.
Fall River Man in Court for High Speed Chase
The 24-year-old Fall River man accused of leading authorities on a high-speed chase that at times reached speeds of 130-miles per hour has been charged with one felony count of fleeing an officer. Peter Brockman made his initial appearance in court Friday. The chase began when Mayville police attempted to pull the man over for a broken taillight around 8:30 Thursday night. The chase began on Highway Y and continued to Highway 49 before the suspect lost control of his vehicle on East Main Street in Waupun. The vehicle jumped a curve before coming to rest about 5-feet from a residence. Brockman abandoned the vehicle and took off on foot. He managed to elude officers and a K-9 unit but was taken into custody early Friday morning after being spotted at a gas station using a pay phone. Brockman is currently being held in the Dodge County jail.
Foreclosures Up in October
Dodge County had six more foreclosures in October than were recorded in September. According the foreclosure-alarm.com, there were 42 foreclosures last month up from 36 in September. That trend was seen throughout the area. Columbia County jumped from 28 foreclosures in September to 36 last month, while Jefferson County was up 7 foreclosures from a total of 37 the previous month. Washington County experienced the biggest jump going from 38-foreclosures in September to 47 last month. Fond du Lac saw the smallest increase in the two month period going from 40 to 41.
The 19-year-old Milwaukee woman murdered in Fond du Lac in July of 1976 had dreams of going back to school and pursuing a career in Art. Kathleen Leichtman's niece, Anne Marie Arroyo who was 7-years-old at the time of her Aunt's death, said as much during the sentencing hearing for Thomas Niesen in Fond du Lac County Court last Friday afternoon. The 54-year-old Ashwaubenon man was sentenced to life in prison. Judge Dale English said it wasn't within his power to sentence Niesen to a life term without the possibility of parole.
Health Care Reform to Face Stiff Resistance in Senate
The U-S Senate may not pass health care reform any time soon. Moderates and conservatives say they have the votes to wage a filibuster against the government-run insurance option approved by the House on Saturday night. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is looking for middle ground – including a public option states could opt-out of. Wisconsin Democrat Russ Feingold says he won’t vote for a plan which doesn’t have a public option. But neither Feingold nor Wisconsin Democrat Herb Kohl have said what they might approve in terms of a compromise. The House package was approved by just five votes. All five Wisconsin Democrats voted for it. All three state Republicans voted no.
DNR: Lower Deer Harvest Possible this Year
Wisconsin deer hunters are gearing up for the gun season which starts a week from next Saturday. And the D-N-R is trying to prepare them for the prospect of a lower harvest this year. Ecologist Keith Warnke says the fawn production has been below-average the past two years. And because the Earn-a-Buck program is virtually gone, he says hunters will take fewer antlerless deer – thus resulting in a lower harvest total. Warnke says hunters might take more bucks this time. But he reminds hunters that local deer populations can vary – and less than 40-percent of hunters normally get a deer each year.
Government to Hire 47K for Census Work
The U-S Census Bureau will hire 47-thousand people in Wisconsin to help conduct next year’s Census. Most will visit the homes of people who don’t return the forms they’ll get in the mail next March. The nation’s annual population count takes place every 10 years. To get a job with the Census, you must be 18, pass a basic skills test, and undergo a background check. Regional director Stanley Moore says most Census employees will work in their own neighborhoods or communities, and work for about 2-to-6 weeks on nights and weekends. In Wisconsin, the jobs will pay 11-to-15-dollars an hour. Applicants can apply at Census offices, but some aren’t open yet. Those offices are in Milwaukee, West Allis, Kenosha, Madison, Oshkosh, Green Bay, Eau Claire, and Superior. More information is available at http://www.2010.census.gov/.
Dodge County experienced its twelfth traffic fatality of the year on Friday after a 21-year-old Watertown man struck a tree in the Town of Chester. Dustin Griep failed to negotiate a curve on Highway 26 just after 6pm. Griep, who was the only occupant of the vehicle, was pronounced dead on the scene by the Dodge County Medical Examiner. There is still no word on the cause of that accident.
Fort Hood Tragedy: Wisconsin Update
The head of the U-S Senate’s Homeland Security committee wants to know if the Wisconsin-based soldier behind the Fort Hood massacre had a growing extremist view of Islamic ideology. Joe Lieberman said on Fox News Sunday that the Army should have removed 39-year-old Nidal Hasan if what he told people was true. Hasan was training with a Madison Army Reserve unit when he opened fire at Fort Hood last Thursday and killed 13 people and wounded 30 others. Three of the dead and three of the injured were part of Hasan’s unit. Two of those killed were from the Badger State – 29-year-old Staff Sergeant Amy Krueger of Kiel and 51-year-old Captain Russell Seager of Mount Pleasant. About 500 people honored Krueger at a candle-light vigil last night in Kiel.
The family of Army Reserve Specialist Grant Moxon of Lodi says they are “counting their blessings.” The 23-year-old arrived at the army base last Wednesday and was preparing to deploy to Afghanistan before he was shot in the knee. He sent a text message to his family saying the he had been shot. 28-year-old Sgt. John Pagel of the Sauk County community of Denzer was shot in the arm and the bullet lodged into his left breast. Pagel’s wife says she was told by her husband that if the bullet had been an inch lower, he wouldn’t be alive.
Chris Suttinger of Fort Atkinson, the husband of the unit’s commander Laura, says he’d like to know if Hasan targeted his Madison group. They were planning to leave for Afghanistan in a few weeks to help soldiers with combat stress. Hasan is an Army psychiatrist and an American-born Muslim. Fort Hood could not say how long he was with his unit – which had only been at the base for less than a week.
Fall River Man in Court for High Speed Chase
The 24-year-old Fall River man accused of leading authorities on a high-speed chase that at times reached speeds of 130-miles per hour has been charged with one felony count of fleeing an officer. Peter Brockman made his initial appearance in court Friday. The chase began when Mayville police attempted to pull the man over for a broken taillight around 8:30 Thursday night. The chase began on Highway Y and continued to Highway 49 before the suspect lost control of his vehicle on East Main Street in Waupun. The vehicle jumped a curve before coming to rest about 5-feet from a residence. Brockman abandoned the vehicle and took off on foot. He managed to elude officers and a K-9 unit but was taken into custody early Friday morning after being spotted at a gas station using a pay phone. Brockman is currently being held in the Dodge County jail.
Foreclosures Up in October
Dodge County had six more foreclosures in October than were recorded in September. According the foreclosure-alarm.com, there were 42 foreclosures last month up from 36 in September. That trend was seen throughout the area. Columbia County jumped from 28 foreclosures in September to 36 last month, while Jefferson County was up 7 foreclosures from a total of 37 the previous month. Washington County experienced the biggest jump going from 38-foreclosures in September to 47 last month. Fond du Lac saw the smallest increase in the two month period going from 40 to 41.
The 19-year-old Milwaukee woman murdered in Fond du Lac in July of 1976 had dreams of going back to school and pursuing a career in Art. Kathleen Leichtman's niece, Anne Marie Arroyo who was 7-years-old at the time of her Aunt's death, said as much during the sentencing hearing for Thomas Niesen in Fond du Lac County Court last Friday afternoon. The 54-year-old Ashwaubenon man was sentenced to life in prison. Judge Dale English said it wasn't within his power to sentence Niesen to a life term without the possibility of parole.
Health Care Reform to Face Stiff Resistance in Senate
The U-S Senate may not pass health care reform any time soon. Moderates and conservatives say they have the votes to wage a filibuster against the government-run insurance option approved by the House on Saturday night. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is looking for middle ground – including a public option states could opt-out of. Wisconsin Democrat Russ Feingold says he won’t vote for a plan which doesn’t have a public option. But neither Feingold nor Wisconsin Democrat Herb Kohl have said what they might approve in terms of a compromise. The House package was approved by just five votes. All five Wisconsin Democrats voted for it. All three state Republicans voted no.
DNR: Lower Deer Harvest Possible this Year
Wisconsin deer hunters are gearing up for the gun season which starts a week from next Saturday. And the D-N-R is trying to prepare them for the prospect of a lower harvest this year. Ecologist Keith Warnke says the fawn production has been below-average the past two years. And because the Earn-a-Buck program is virtually gone, he says hunters will take fewer antlerless deer – thus resulting in a lower harvest total. Warnke says hunters might take more bucks this time. But he reminds hunters that local deer populations can vary – and less than 40-percent of hunters normally get a deer each year.
Government to Hire 47K for Census Work
The U-S Census Bureau will hire 47-thousand people in Wisconsin to help conduct next year’s Census. Most will visit the homes of people who don’t return the forms they’ll get in the mail next March. The nation’s annual population count takes place every 10 years. To get a job with the Census, you must be 18, pass a basic skills test, and undergo a background check. Regional director Stanley Moore says most Census employees will work in their own neighborhoods or communities, and work for about 2-to-6 weeks on nights and weekends. In Wisconsin, the jobs will pay 11-to-15-dollars an hour. Applicants can apply at Census offices, but some aren’t open yet. Those offices are in Milwaukee, West Allis, Kenosha, Madison, Oshkosh, Green Bay, Eau Claire, and Superior. More information is available at http://www.2010.census.gov/.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Top Stories, November 8th
Names Released in Town of Chester Fatality
11/8/09 - Authorities have released the name of the 21-year-old Watertown man killed Friday night when his car hit a tree in the Town of Chester. Dodge County officials say Dustin Griep was taking a curve on Highway 26 just north of Highway C-I when his car left the roadway and struck a large tree on the right-hand shoulder. Griep, who was the only occupant of the vehicle, was pronounced dead on the scene by the Dodge County medical Examiner. The Crash Investigation Team is still working to determine a cause of the accident, which occurred just after 6pm Friday. The death was Dodge County’s twelfth traffic fatality of the year.
Columbia County Sheriff Investigating Death
11/8/09 - The Columbia County Sheriffs Department is investigating the death of a 46-year-old male found dead in the Township of Arlington. Sheriff Dennis Richards says deputies responded to N2433 Smokey Hallow Road around 2:30pm Saturday afternoon. Richards says the cause of death appears to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The name of the deceased is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
Foster Teen Charged In Attempted Stabbing
11/8/09 - Investigators say their 14 year old suspect tells them she is fascinated by death. Noa Jensen was charged as an adult. She's accused of trying to stab a 16 year old girl living at the same foster home in Fitchburg where Jensen lives. The suspect didn't stab the other girl because a police officer threatened to use his Taser if she didn't drop the knife. A police detective says she told him she doesn't think when she's angry. She says she has tortured animals on several occasions. The two girls started arguing in the foster home's kitchen. Jensen says she grabbed a knife and tried to stab the other girl, who kicked her in the stomach. When she picked up another knife, the 16 year old ran into a bathroom, locked the door and called 9-1-1.
Health Care Bill Narrowly Passes House
11/8/09 - Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle says the reform bill approved late last night by the U.S. House of Representatives will address concerns of Wisconsin and other so-called “leading edge states,” which have already done a lot to build out their health care systems. Doyle says he’s most interested in the inclusion of state or regional health care exchanges, something Wisconsin has been moving toward. He says that would address Wisconsin’s biggest gap in getting people covered: individuals or small businesses that simply can’t afford to get into the insurance market.
Congressmen Tom Petri voted against the plan, calling the vote “a tragedy.” The Fond du Lac Republcian says, “The bill, when it is finally implemented, will be a killer of jobs and of economic growth. It is going to mean our unemployment will be higher rather than lower, and I think people are going to be shocked when they learn how much more they are going to be paying in premiums for the insurance that they get - especially young people and middle-aged people. There will be real increases in the cost of health care for an awful lot of Americans.” The bill still has several hurdles to overcome before its passage. It now heads to the Senate.
More Seniors Facing Bankruptcy
11/8/09 - More and more seniors being hit by medical expenses are being forced into bankruptcy. The U.S. Bankruptcy Court is reporting filings in Wisconsin are up by around 30 percent compared to this time last year. A spokesperson says more people over the age of 60 are filing -- particularly those trying to cover their medical expenses while living on a fixed income. Experts estimate the numbers are up due to increased job losses and health expenses. In western Wisconsin there were about seven thousand bankruptcy filings all of last year. That part of the state had nearly reached that number by the end of October this year.
Doyle To Veto Bill Changing DNR Secretary Appointment
11/8/09 - Governor Jim Doyle says he is going to veto a bill that would take away a Wisconsin governor's power to appoint the Secretary for the Department of Natural Resources. Doyle says taking away the power would harm the state's strong environmental agenda. The governor says his veto shouldn't surprise anyone. The bill was one of several sent to Doyle as the legislature wrapped up its session last week. He says he will likely call lawmakers back to the Capitol in a few weeks for a special session on reforming education. One of the bills he wants passed would give the Milwaukee mayor's office the power to appoint a superintendent for the public school system in the state's largest city.
Obama Bill Still Being Tallied
11/8/09 - Madison police will have to wait until the overtime hours are turned in before they know how much last week's presidential visit will cost. About 150 city police and another 100 officers from local law enforcement provided security. President Obama made a strong at Wright Middle School to talk about education reform. The first bill to come in is a little over 11 hundred dollars from Metro Transit. That agency spent 22 hours shuttling VIPs to and from the school. Even the Madison Streets Division was involved. Eleven garbage trucks were used to create a security wall at Wright Middle School.
Locksmith Inc Under Scrutiny
11/8/09 - When you called that locksmith to get your keys out of your car, the person who answered might have been in New York state. The Wisconsin Department of Justice has filed a consumer lawsuit against Locksmiths, Incorporated. The Ozaukee County suit accused the company of false, deceptive and misleading business practices. It had a reported 113 different phone numbers going to the same answering service. Locksmiths, Incorporated, was accused of using a phony address, overcharging for its services, sending technicians who couldn't fix the locking problems, and dirty tricks against competitors. Wisconsin is among several states investigating the operation.
Moldy Corn Webinar Online
11/8/09 - The Dodge County UW-Extension office has posted on its website a recent webinar that discusses the mold situation currently affecting corn and soybean farmers. The program features key management decisions, and examines the potential economic impact on farm profitability. The webinar also addressed the challenges that Wisconsin corn and soybean growers are facing. The program is available on the Extensions website.
Columbia County Sheriff Investigating Death
11/8/09 - The Columbia County Sheriffs Department is investigating the death of a 46-year-old male found dead in the Township of Arlington. Sheriff Dennis Richards says deputies responded to N2433 Smokey Hallow Road around 2:30pm Saturday afternoon. Richards says the cause of death appears to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The name of the deceased is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
Foster Teen Charged In Attempted Stabbing
11/8/09 - Investigators say their 14 year old suspect tells them she is fascinated by death. Noa Jensen was charged as an adult. She's accused of trying to stab a 16 year old girl living at the same foster home in Fitchburg where Jensen lives. The suspect didn't stab the other girl because a police officer threatened to use his Taser if she didn't drop the knife. A police detective says she told him she doesn't think when she's angry. She says she has tortured animals on several occasions. The two girls started arguing in the foster home's kitchen. Jensen says she grabbed a knife and tried to stab the other girl, who kicked her in the stomach. When she picked up another knife, the 16 year old ran into a bathroom, locked the door and called 9-1-1.
Health Care Bill Narrowly Passes House
11/8/09 - Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle says the reform bill approved late last night by the U.S. House of Representatives will address concerns of Wisconsin and other so-called “leading edge states,” which have already done a lot to build out their health care systems. Doyle says he’s most interested in the inclusion of state or regional health care exchanges, something Wisconsin has been moving toward. He says that would address Wisconsin’s biggest gap in getting people covered: individuals or small businesses that simply can’t afford to get into the insurance market.
Congressmen Tom Petri voted against the plan, calling the vote “a tragedy.” The Fond du Lac Republcian says, “The bill, when it is finally implemented, will be a killer of jobs and of economic growth. It is going to mean our unemployment will be higher rather than lower, and I think people are going to be shocked when they learn how much more they are going to be paying in premiums for the insurance that they get - especially young people and middle-aged people. There will be real increases in the cost of health care for an awful lot of Americans.” The bill still has several hurdles to overcome before its passage. It now heads to the Senate.
More Seniors Facing Bankruptcy
11/8/09 - More and more seniors being hit by medical expenses are being forced into bankruptcy. The U.S. Bankruptcy Court is reporting filings in Wisconsin are up by around 30 percent compared to this time last year. A spokesperson says more people over the age of 60 are filing -- particularly those trying to cover their medical expenses while living on a fixed income. Experts estimate the numbers are up due to increased job losses and health expenses. In western Wisconsin there were about seven thousand bankruptcy filings all of last year. That part of the state had nearly reached that number by the end of October this year.
Doyle To Veto Bill Changing DNR Secretary Appointment
11/8/09 - Governor Jim Doyle says he is going to veto a bill that would take away a Wisconsin governor's power to appoint the Secretary for the Department of Natural Resources. Doyle says taking away the power would harm the state's strong environmental agenda. The governor says his veto shouldn't surprise anyone. The bill was one of several sent to Doyle as the legislature wrapped up its session last week. He says he will likely call lawmakers back to the Capitol in a few weeks for a special session on reforming education. One of the bills he wants passed would give the Milwaukee mayor's office the power to appoint a superintendent for the public school system in the state's largest city.
Obama Bill Still Being Tallied
11/8/09 - Madison police will have to wait until the overtime hours are turned in before they know how much last week's presidential visit will cost. About 150 city police and another 100 officers from local law enforcement provided security. President Obama made a strong at Wright Middle School to talk about education reform. The first bill to come in is a little over 11 hundred dollars from Metro Transit. That agency spent 22 hours shuttling VIPs to and from the school. Even the Madison Streets Division was involved. Eleven garbage trucks were used to create a security wall at Wright Middle School.
Locksmith Inc Under Scrutiny
11/8/09 - When you called that locksmith to get your keys out of your car, the person who answered might have been in New York state. The Wisconsin Department of Justice has filed a consumer lawsuit against Locksmiths, Incorporated. The Ozaukee County suit accused the company of false, deceptive and misleading business practices. It had a reported 113 different phone numbers going to the same answering service. Locksmiths, Incorporated, was accused of using a phony address, overcharging for its services, sending technicians who couldn't fix the locking problems, and dirty tricks against competitors. Wisconsin is among several states investigating the operation.
Moldy Corn Webinar Online
11/8/09 - The Dodge County UW-Extension office has posted on its website a recent webinar that discusses the mold situation currently affecting corn and soybean farmers. The program features key management decisions, and examines the potential economic impact on farm profitability. The webinar also addressed the challenges that Wisconsin corn and soybean growers are facing. The program is available on the Extensions website.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Top Stories November 7th
Watertown Man Killed in Highway 26 Crash
11/7/09 - A 21-year-old Watertown man was killed last night when his car hit a tree in the Town of Chester. Dodge County authorities say the man was taking a curve on Highway 26 just north of Highway C-I when his car left the road a struck a large tree on the right shoulder. The man was pronounced dead on the scene. He was the only one in the vehicle. The Crash Investigation Team is still determining a cause for the accident. The name of the victim is being withheld pending notification of family. The incident happened just after 6pm.
11/7/09 - A 21-year-old Watertown man was killed last night when his car hit a tree in the Town of Chester. Dodge County authorities say the man was taking a curve on Highway 26 just north of Highway C-I when his car left the road a struck a large tree on the right shoulder. The man was pronounced dead on the scene. He was the only one in the vehicle. The Crash Investigation Team is still determining a cause for the accident. The name of the victim is being withheld pending notification of family. The incident happened just after 6pm.
Lodi Man Among the Soldiers Wounded at Fort Hood
11/7/09 - A soldier from Columbia County was among the 30 people injured in Thursday's shooting rampage at Fort Hood Texas. His father said Army Reserve Specialist Grant Moxon of Lodi (pictured) was standing in front of shooting suspect Nidal Hasan – and he amazingly escaped with bullet wound just above one of his knees. The 23-year-old Moxon joined the reserves last year, after graduating from U-W La Crosse as a mental health specialist. His father Dave said Moxon was planning to serve in Afghanistan after making a trip home for Thanksgiving. Army soldier Amy Krueger of Kiel in Manitowoc County and Specialist Russell Seager of Racine were among the 13 people killed in yesterday’s massacre. 19-year-old Army reservist Amber Bahr of Random Lake was shot in the abdomen – and her base commander said she treated and moved another soldier before she even realized she was shot herself.
The gunman was identified as 39-year-old Major Nidal Hasan of Virginia, who's been in the military for eight years. Hasan was first reported to be killed. But he was hospitalized in stable condition at last word under a military guard. Officials said Hasan targeted a ceremony at a base readiness center. A motive has not been disclosed. Hasan was about to be deployed overseas. Media reports said he was transferred to Fort Hood in July after getting a poor performance evaluation while working at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center. A co-worker told Fox News that Hasan opposed U-S involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan. But while he realized that soldiers must follow orders, he hoped President Obama would order a pull-out by now.
Huber Inmate Dies
11/7/09 - A 34-year-old Huber inmate was found unconscious in his cell area at the Dodge County Detention facility around 2:15 yesterday afternoon. Authorities say officers attempted to revive him until the Juneau EMS arrived on scene. The 34-year-old Hartford man was taken to the Beaver Dam hospital where he was later pronounced dead. Officials ay there appears to be no foul play involved at this time but their investigation continues. The name of the inmate has not been released pending notification of family.
High Speed Chase Leads to Arrest
11/7/09 - A 24-year-old Fall River man was taken into custody yesterday morning hours after he led authorities on a nearly 20-mile car chase that reached speeds of 120-miles per hour. Mayville authorities say as an officer was attempting to pull over a car for having a brake light out the driver took off. The subject left Mayville on Highway Y before turning onto Highway 49 towards Waupun. Officials say when the pursuit got into Waupun the man tried passing a car on the right side, jumped the curb and landed in an East Main Street driveway. The driver then ditched the car and took off on foot. An officer along with his K-9 dog started chasing the man but he was able to get away. However, a number of hours later he was spotted at a gas station and taken into custody. The man faces a number of charges, including eluding an officer.
BD PFC to Reconsider Withholding Rape Exam Payments
11/7/09 - The Beaver Dam Police and Fire Commission will be revisiting the idea of withholding some payments to Meriter Hospital. Deputy Chief Dan Schubert told the commission this week that it was his understanding that police departments are billed roughly $280 as part of a rape exam, but that bill is not always paid by police departments. And nurses at Meriter reportedly told Schubert when the bill is not paid, the hospital do not pursue the matter. Since the vote, Schubert says he has been contacted by Meriter officials and the matter will be brought back before the Police and Fire Commission. Schubert says he expects the decision to withhold payments will be changed at the December meeting.
Large Fight Early Friday in BD Results in 1 Arrest
11/7/09 - The Beaver Dam Police Department was called to a Madison Street bar early Friday morning to break up a fight involving as many as 10 people. According to Deputy Chief Dan Schubert, officers responded to Johnny Lounge at 12:48am. A 21-year-old Horicon man ran from the establishment but was apprehended and taken into custody on a probation violation and transported to jail. Two Beaver Dam women were cited for Disorderly Conduct.
BDPD Investigating Breaking and Entering Reports
11/7/09 - The Beaver Dam Police Department is investigating several breaking and entering reports that have occurred over the past couple days. Two garage break-ins were reported Thursday morning. A garage on the 700 block of West Burnett was broken into and then a car window was smashed and a video system was stolen. A second garage break-in was reported yesterday morning on the 200 block of DeClark; a car stereo system was taken. A third garage on the 700 block of North Center was entered and beer and a work light were removed. Yesterday morning, authorities responded to reports of a break-in at the former Cornerstone Baptist Church on the 300 block of East Burnett; an assortment of tools was stolen. Authorities are investigating and they ask anyone with information to contact the Beaver Dam Police Department or the anonymous We-Tip Hotline at 800-78-CRIME.
Niesen Gets Life in Prison
11/7/09 - The crime was committed more than 33 years ago. Now, a man from Ashwaubenon will spend the rest of his life in prison for killing Kathleen Leichtman. A jury found 53 year old Thomas Niesen guilty of slashing the girl's throat in July 1976. He had left her body by the side of the road. Niesen was arrested last February after DNA evidence showed he had sex with the victim before she died. Niesen was sentenced in Fond du Lac County court yesterday.
Palin Speaks in West Allis
11/7/09 - Former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin tells a Wisconsin audience to keep pressing politicians on abortion questions. Palin spoke to an audience of about five thousand in West Allis last night. She didn't mention President Barrack Obama by name, but did touch on health care reform and said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi should make sure all voices are heard on the controversial legislation. Organizers with Wisconsin Right to Life said the media wouldn't be allowed to cover her visit to the Milwaukee area -- which comes 11 days before her book, "Going Rogue," is to be released.
Insurance Companies to Merge
11/7/09 - Two area insurance companies are planning to merge at the start of next year. Regulators have approved the merger of Watertown Mutual and Ixonia Mutual – and policy holders are scheduled to vote on the move at a meeting in about a month. The new company would be called Forward Mutual Insurance. It would be based in Ixonia, where that company’s president Howard Wiedenhoeft would become the new C-E-O for the merged operation. Current employees of both insurers would stay on. The new Forward Mutual would have almost five-thousand policy-holders with over 860-million dollars in total insurance coverage. The two companies have customers in 16 southern Wisconsin counties.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Top Stories November 6th
WI Solider Wounded at Fort Hood
11/6/09 - A Sheboygan County woman was among the 31 injured when an Army psychiatrist opened fire at Fort Hood in Texas yesterday, killing 12 others. Her mother said 19-year-old Amber Bahr (left) of Random Lake was in stable condition at a hospital, after being shot in the abdomen. Lisa Pfund said the only thing she knew what that her daughter was shot in the belly - and she was getting upset because she couldn't get more details. Bahr joined the Army Reserves at age 17, and was saving money for college. The attack is being called the worst mass shooting ever at a U-S military base.
The gunman was identified as 39-year-old Major Nidal Hasan of Virginia, who's been in the military for eight years. Hasan was first reported to be killed. But he was hospitalized in stable condition at last word under a military guard. Officials said Hasan targeted a ceremony at a base readiness center. A motive has not been disclosed. Hasan was about to be deployed overseas. Media reports said he was transferred to Fort Hood in July after getting a poor performance evaluation while working at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center. A co-worker told Fox News that Hasan opposed U-S involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan. But while he realized that soldiers must follow orders, he hoped President Obama would order a pull-out by now.
H1N1 Flu Update
11/6/09 - It is unknown at this time if the Dodge County resident who died as a result of the H1N1 virus had underlying health conditions. Public Health Officer Jody Langfeldt says can't confirm that, but that is what her office currently believes. The only information released was that the adult died this past weekend from the flu.
Meanwhile, there is an H1N1 flu clinic scheduled at the Portage High School this afternoon from 2pm to 6pm. Tomorrow, the Dodgeland School in Juneau will be a host site from 9am until 2pm. Langfeldt says the vaccine will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis to people in high-risk categories because of the limited availability of both the nasal and injectable form.
(Milwaukee) One man has been arrested, and Milwaukee Police are looking for two others who stole a truck carrying 900 doses of the H-1-N-1 flu vaccine. It happened about 7:50 last night. Police said the truck driver was picking up medical supplies at the school, and the vehicle kept running so a refrigeration unit holding the vaccine could stay on. A 38-year-old suspect was later taken into custody. Witnesses said he was one of three people inside the vehicle when it was lifted. The truck was found abandoned about 40 minutes later. The vaccine was still in it, but it cannot be used. Milwaukee health officials said the 900 doses were considered to be compromised because they went out of the city's control. Officials are not sure if the vaccine can be replaced - but they say they have enough for another H1N1 flu clinic scheduled today.
Juneau Tax Rate to Rise
11/6/09 - Juneau residents would see a 10-cent increase to their mill-rate if the city council passes the proposed budget. Earlier this week the city's finance committee voted to forward an $8.6-million budget with a total levy of $1.15-million to the full council. If passed as is, residents would see their rate rise to $7.66-per $1,000 of assessed value. That means the owner of a $150,000 property would pay nearly $1,150 for the city portion of their taxes. Officials say the increase in the tax rate is directly related to needed street improvements to a section of South Hyland Street. The council is expected to vote on the budget following the November 23rd public hearing.
Doyle in FDL Today
11/6/09 - Governor Jim Doyle will be in Fond du Lac today at 10:00 a.m. to thank the community, Mercury Marine and the company's employees for working together and keeping Mercury Marine in Wisconsin. Doyle says that Mercury Marine is a great Wisconsin company and a source of pride for the state and that its 70-year history is an important part of Wisconsin's manufacturing tradition. Doyle went on to say that he wants to use this appearance to thank everyone who helped ensure Mercury's long-term presence in Wisconsin. Mercury president Mark Schwabero says Governor Doyle was instrumental in the process of developing agreements that enabled Mercury to remain in Wisconsin.
Niesen to be Sentenced Today
11/6/09 - It took 33 years and a nine-day jury trial to get justice for a 19-year-old woman killed in Fond du Lac; today her murderer will be sentenced. Fifty-four-year-old Thomas Niesen will be sentenced by Judge Dale English this afternoon (2 p.m.) for the July 1976 murder of Kathleen Leicthman of Milwaukee. Leichtman had traveled to Fond du Lac to dance at The Other Place strip club. Niesen met her there and killed her along Rolling Meadows Drive. DNA evidence linked him to the crime scene and testimony from his ex-wife about remarks he made about the death of a young woman he'd met at The Other Place helped land a conviction. Fond du Lac police detectives who worked the case over the years characterized it as "the one that got away." This afternoon that changes. Niesen faces a maximum penalty of life in prison.
Traffic Deaths Tie Record Low for October
11/6/09 - Traffic deaths in Wisconsin tied a record-low for October. The D-O-T said yesterday that 40 people were killed in 38 highway crashes last month. That’s nine fewer deaths than last October, and 25 less than the average for the past five years. It also tied the record-low for the month dating back to 1944 when there were 40 deaths. That was seven years after the state began keeping statistics. Dodge County did experience one traffic fatality late last month; it was the eleventh of the year. In 2008, there were 17 traffic deaths on Dodge County roadways through the end of October. The highest number of October road deaths occurred in 1971, with 127. The D-O-T hopes the current trend continues. Safety chief Dennis Hughes says drivers will need to adjust to winter conditions this month, and watch out for deer – especially at dawn and dusk when the most car-deer crashes occur. In this first 10 months of this year, 447 people were killed in Wisconsin traffic mishaps. That’s down 54 from a year ago. Hughes cited lower traffic due to the recession, and tighter law enforcement, for the decrease.
Aurora Pharmacy Closes Doors in BD
11/6/09 - The Aurora Pharmacy in Beaver Dam is closing. Pharmacy Manager Pam Williamson says the location is one of ten statewide that were bought-out by Walgreen’s. As a result she says all customers that had prescriptions with Aurora will see that information transferred to Walgreens. Aurora moved to its current location on the 1600 block of North Spring Street from inside the Beaver Dam Mall in January of 2007. The pharmacy will be closed for good as of 1pm Friday afternoon. Eight employees will be affected but most are being offered jobs with Walgreens.
Caregiver Thefts Net Jail Time
11/6/09 - A Hartford man who stole tens of thousands of dollars from his disabled roommate will spend nine months in jail. Michael Beckwith was a paid caregiver and used the elderly man’s checks and ATM card without his consent to pay bills, go on vacation, purchase a car and even make charitable donations. The offenses spanned a period of less than one year beginning in May of 2008 and totaled nearly $40,000. The 57-year-old Beckwith pleaded “no contest” to three of felony Theft charges and had seven other counts dismissed but read into the record. A restitution hearing will be held at a later date.
Ten Years For Molestation
11/6/09 - A Fond du Lac man who molested a 16-year-old girl at a Beaver Dam motel has been sentenced to 10 years in prison. 35-year-old Roderick Lentz pleaded “no contest” to a felony county of Child Enticement and two misdemeanors related to a series of incidents that occurred at the Grandview Motel in early January. Lentz used to date the victims grandmother. The sentence will run concurrent to a 10-year prison sentence out of Outagamie County on similar charges from last October.
Probation for Diaper Smuggler
11/6/09 - A Holmen woman has been placed on probation for smuggling hamburgers, chewing tobacco and pornography into the Fox Lake Correctional Institution inside a baby’s diaper. 30-year-old Shannon Michelle Genz was trying to bring the contraband to her fiancé but was apprehended as she came through the gates. Prison officials had intercepted phone conversations between the two and were able to decipher their code; they used words like “chewy” and “McD” in describing the goods. Prison staff found two clear baggies of the chewing tobacco, an Angus Mushroom & Swiss fast food burger, and eight salacious photographs of Ganz. The baby’s diaper was not confiscated as evidence because they were in use during the course of the investigation.
Teachers to be Evaluated on Student Test Scores
11/6/09 - The Wisconsin Assembly voted overnight to abolish a state law against using student test scores to evaluate teachers. But Republicans called it a weak measure, and accused Democrats of doing the bare minimum to get the federal stimulus money being offered in President Obama's "Race to the Top" education program. Lawmakers worked late because yesterday was the final day of their floor period for this year. The Senate okayed the teacher evaluation bill earlier in the day on an 18-14 vote. Education Secretary Arne Duncan said it was "ridiculous" that Wisconsin refused to evaluate teachers according to how their kids perform. But under the new bill, teachers could still not be disciplined or fired for poor student performance - and any evaluations must be negotiated with the teachers' union.
Senate Approves Similar Drunk Driving Reforms as Assembly
11/6/09 - The Wisconsin Senate has unanimously approved drunk driving reforms similar to what the Assembly passed in September. Senators agreed to pay for the added enforcement with higher fees which the Assembly chose not to ratify last night. Assembly Speaker Mike Sheridan called them "minor differences", and expects a final agreement in the next month or so. The Senate bill includes the same reforms approved by the Assembly. It makes four-time drunk driving a felony if it happens within five years of the previous offense - requires all repeat offenders and the most serious first-timers to breathe into a tube to prove they're sober before they can start their vehicles - reduces jail time for those who finish treatment - and makes first-time O-W-I a crime if a kid's in the car.
Law & Order on Community Comment
11/6/09 - In the municipal justice system, the people are represented by two separate yet equally important groups. The police who cite the criminals and the municipal court judge who hears their story. On Community Comment today, our guests will be Beaver Dam Police Lt. John Kreutzinger and Beaver Dam Municipal Court Judge Ken Peters. Municipal courts in Dodge County are handling more and more petty offenses once prosecuted by the District Attorney’s office. Managing Attorney Bob Barrington says because of decreased staffing levels and increased workloads, municipal courts will handle minor crimes like first time drug possession, operating after revocation and some disorderly conduct cases. The change will remove the threat of jail time for some minor offenses but will likely increase the amount of money offenders pay in fines. Judge Peters told city officials during budget deliberations that he expects a “substantial revenue increase” to come from his department because without the option of jail time, he will be prescribing the “maximum forfeiture penalty.” We’ll talk with the two about the relationship between the cops and the courts and their ever-changing role in the justice system. Community Comment airs weekdays on WBEV1430AM beginning at 12:35pm.
11/6/09 - A Sheboygan County woman was among the 31 injured when an Army psychiatrist opened fire at Fort Hood in Texas yesterday, killing 12 others. Her mother said 19-year-old Amber Bahr (left) of Random Lake was in stable condition at a hospital, after being shot in the abdomen. Lisa Pfund said the only thing she knew what that her daughter was shot in the belly - and she was getting upset because she couldn't get more details. Bahr joined the Army Reserves at age 17, and was saving money for college. The attack is being called the worst mass shooting ever at a U-S military base.
The gunman was identified as 39-year-old Major Nidal Hasan of Virginia, who's been in the military for eight years. Hasan was first reported to be killed. But he was hospitalized in stable condition at last word under a military guard. Officials said Hasan targeted a ceremony at a base readiness center. A motive has not been disclosed. Hasan was about to be deployed overseas. Media reports said he was transferred to Fort Hood in July after getting a poor performance evaluation while working at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center. A co-worker told Fox News that Hasan opposed U-S involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan. But while he realized that soldiers must follow orders, he hoped President Obama would order a pull-out by now.
H1N1 Flu Update
11/6/09 - It is unknown at this time if the Dodge County resident who died as a result of the H1N1 virus had underlying health conditions. Public Health Officer Jody Langfeldt says can't confirm that, but that is what her office currently believes. The only information released was that the adult died this past weekend from the flu.
Meanwhile, there is an H1N1 flu clinic scheduled at the Portage High School this afternoon from 2pm to 6pm. Tomorrow, the Dodgeland School in Juneau will be a host site from 9am until 2pm. Langfeldt says the vaccine will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis to people in high-risk categories because of the limited availability of both the nasal and injectable form.
(Milwaukee) One man has been arrested, and Milwaukee Police are looking for two others who stole a truck carrying 900 doses of the H-1-N-1 flu vaccine. It happened about 7:50 last night. Police said the truck driver was picking up medical supplies at the school, and the vehicle kept running so a refrigeration unit holding the vaccine could stay on. A 38-year-old suspect was later taken into custody. Witnesses said he was one of three people inside the vehicle when it was lifted. The truck was found abandoned about 40 minutes later. The vaccine was still in it, but it cannot be used. Milwaukee health officials said the 900 doses were considered to be compromised because they went out of the city's control. Officials are not sure if the vaccine can be replaced - but they say they have enough for another H1N1 flu clinic scheduled today.
Juneau Tax Rate to Rise
11/6/09 - Juneau residents would see a 10-cent increase to their mill-rate if the city council passes the proposed budget. Earlier this week the city's finance committee voted to forward an $8.6-million budget with a total levy of $1.15-million to the full council. If passed as is, residents would see their rate rise to $7.66-per $1,000 of assessed value. That means the owner of a $150,000 property would pay nearly $1,150 for the city portion of their taxes. Officials say the increase in the tax rate is directly related to needed street improvements to a section of South Hyland Street. The council is expected to vote on the budget following the November 23rd public hearing.
Doyle in FDL Today
11/6/09 - Governor Jim Doyle will be in Fond du Lac today at 10:00 a.m. to thank the community, Mercury Marine and the company's employees for working together and keeping Mercury Marine in Wisconsin. Doyle says that Mercury Marine is a great Wisconsin company and a source of pride for the state and that its 70-year history is an important part of Wisconsin's manufacturing tradition. Doyle went on to say that he wants to use this appearance to thank everyone who helped ensure Mercury's long-term presence in Wisconsin. Mercury president Mark Schwabero says Governor Doyle was instrumental in the process of developing agreements that enabled Mercury to remain in Wisconsin.
Niesen to be Sentenced Today
11/6/09 - It took 33 years and a nine-day jury trial to get justice for a 19-year-old woman killed in Fond du Lac; today her murderer will be sentenced. Fifty-four-year-old Thomas Niesen will be sentenced by Judge Dale English this afternoon (2 p.m.) for the July 1976 murder of Kathleen Leicthman of Milwaukee. Leichtman had traveled to Fond du Lac to dance at The Other Place strip club. Niesen met her there and killed her along Rolling Meadows Drive. DNA evidence linked him to the crime scene and testimony from his ex-wife about remarks he made about the death of a young woman he'd met at The Other Place helped land a conviction. Fond du Lac police detectives who worked the case over the years characterized it as "the one that got away." This afternoon that changes. Niesen faces a maximum penalty of life in prison.
Traffic Deaths Tie Record Low for October
11/6/09 - Traffic deaths in Wisconsin tied a record-low for October. The D-O-T said yesterday that 40 people were killed in 38 highway crashes last month. That’s nine fewer deaths than last October, and 25 less than the average for the past five years. It also tied the record-low for the month dating back to 1944 when there were 40 deaths. That was seven years after the state began keeping statistics. Dodge County did experience one traffic fatality late last month; it was the eleventh of the year. In 2008, there were 17 traffic deaths on Dodge County roadways through the end of October. The highest number of October road deaths occurred in 1971, with 127. The D-O-T hopes the current trend continues. Safety chief Dennis Hughes says drivers will need to adjust to winter conditions this month, and watch out for deer – especially at dawn and dusk when the most car-deer crashes occur. In this first 10 months of this year, 447 people were killed in Wisconsin traffic mishaps. That’s down 54 from a year ago. Hughes cited lower traffic due to the recession, and tighter law enforcement, for the decrease.
Aurora Pharmacy Closes Doors in BD
11/6/09 - The Aurora Pharmacy in Beaver Dam is closing. Pharmacy Manager Pam Williamson says the location is one of ten statewide that were bought-out by Walgreen’s. As a result she says all customers that had prescriptions with Aurora will see that information transferred to Walgreens. Aurora moved to its current location on the 1600 block of North Spring Street from inside the Beaver Dam Mall in January of 2007. The pharmacy will be closed for good as of 1pm Friday afternoon. Eight employees will be affected but most are being offered jobs with Walgreens.
Caregiver Thefts Net Jail Time
11/6/09 - A Hartford man who stole tens of thousands of dollars from his disabled roommate will spend nine months in jail. Michael Beckwith was a paid caregiver and used the elderly man’s checks and ATM card without his consent to pay bills, go on vacation, purchase a car and even make charitable donations. The offenses spanned a period of less than one year beginning in May of 2008 and totaled nearly $40,000. The 57-year-old Beckwith pleaded “no contest” to three of felony Theft charges and had seven other counts dismissed but read into the record. A restitution hearing will be held at a later date.
Ten Years For Molestation
11/6/09 - A Fond du Lac man who molested a 16-year-old girl at a Beaver Dam motel has been sentenced to 10 years in prison. 35-year-old Roderick Lentz pleaded “no contest” to a felony county of Child Enticement and two misdemeanors related to a series of incidents that occurred at the Grandview Motel in early January. Lentz used to date the victims grandmother. The sentence will run concurrent to a 10-year prison sentence out of Outagamie County on similar charges from last October.
Probation for Diaper Smuggler
11/6/09 - A Holmen woman has been placed on probation for smuggling hamburgers, chewing tobacco and pornography into the Fox Lake Correctional Institution inside a baby’s diaper. 30-year-old Shannon Michelle Genz was trying to bring the contraband to her fiancé but was apprehended as she came through the gates. Prison officials had intercepted phone conversations between the two and were able to decipher their code; they used words like “chewy” and “McD” in describing the goods. Prison staff found two clear baggies of the chewing tobacco, an Angus Mushroom & Swiss fast food burger, and eight salacious photographs of Ganz. The baby’s diaper was not confiscated as evidence because they were in use during the course of the investigation.
Teachers to be Evaluated on Student Test Scores
11/6/09 - The Wisconsin Assembly voted overnight to abolish a state law against using student test scores to evaluate teachers. But Republicans called it a weak measure, and accused Democrats of doing the bare minimum to get the federal stimulus money being offered in President Obama's "Race to the Top" education program. Lawmakers worked late because yesterday was the final day of their floor period for this year. The Senate okayed the teacher evaluation bill earlier in the day on an 18-14 vote. Education Secretary Arne Duncan said it was "ridiculous" that Wisconsin refused to evaluate teachers according to how their kids perform. But under the new bill, teachers could still not be disciplined or fired for poor student performance - and any evaluations must be negotiated with the teachers' union.
Senate Approves Similar Drunk Driving Reforms as Assembly
11/6/09 - The Wisconsin Senate has unanimously approved drunk driving reforms similar to what the Assembly passed in September. Senators agreed to pay for the added enforcement with higher fees which the Assembly chose not to ratify last night. Assembly Speaker Mike Sheridan called them "minor differences", and expects a final agreement in the next month or so. The Senate bill includes the same reforms approved by the Assembly. It makes four-time drunk driving a felony if it happens within five years of the previous offense - requires all repeat offenders and the most serious first-timers to breathe into a tube to prove they're sober before they can start their vehicles - reduces jail time for those who finish treatment - and makes first-time O-W-I a crime if a kid's in the car.
Law & Order on Community Comment
11/6/09 - In the municipal justice system, the people are represented by two separate yet equally important groups. The police who cite the criminals and the municipal court judge who hears their story. On Community Comment today, our guests will be Beaver Dam Police Lt. John Kreutzinger and Beaver Dam Municipal Court Judge Ken Peters. Municipal courts in Dodge County are handling more and more petty offenses once prosecuted by the District Attorney’s office. Managing Attorney Bob Barrington says because of decreased staffing levels and increased workloads, municipal courts will handle minor crimes like first time drug possession, operating after revocation and some disorderly conduct cases. The change will remove the threat of jail time for some minor offenses but will likely increase the amount of money offenders pay in fines. Judge Peters told city officials during budget deliberations that he expects a “substantial revenue increase” to come from his department because without the option of jail time, he will be prescribing the “maximum forfeiture penalty.” We’ll talk with the two about the relationship between the cops and the courts and their ever-changing role in the justice system. Community Comment airs weekdays on WBEV1430AM beginning at 12:35pm.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Top Stories November 5th
DC Health Department Confirms 1st H1N1 Flu Related Death
11/5/09 - Dodge County suffered its first H1N1-flu related death. In a press release Public Health Officer Jody Langfeldt would only confirm the person who passed away was an adult. Langfeldt says for most people the H1N1 flu is not severe but they know the virus can be especially dangerous for children, individuals with compromised immune systems, and those with chronic health illnesses. Nearly all of the deaths in Wisconsin so far have been children or those with an underlying medical condition. There has been a nationwide shortage of the H1N1 vaccine but Langfeldt say they expect more to be available in coming weeks and recommends that those individuals who are at high risk to get vaccinated when it becomes available. Because of patient confidentiality laws, her office will not release any more information about the death. The H1N1-flu related death toll in Wisconsin is now at 18.
Wind Farm Hearings Draw Large Crowds
11/5/09 - It was a capacity crowd yesterday at a pair of public hearings on a proposal by We Energies to construct a 90-turbine wind farm in northeast Columbia County. Supporters of the plan to build the Glacier Hills Wind Park testified that the renewable energy project is good for the environment and good for the economy. One speaker with the Iron Workers union said the jobs created would pull us out of a recession by keeping jobs in Wisconsin that will otherwise go to neighboring states. Opponents cited noise and health concerns and say those issues will lower their property values. A Town of Arlington resident said the construction jobs would be temporary but she’ll have to live across from the turbines for the rest of her life because no one is going to want to buy her house and her property values will plummet. If approved by the Public Service Commission, the turbines would cover over 17,000 acres along the Highway 33 corridor in the Towns of Randolph and Scott. The wind farm would generate 167 megawatts of electricity, enough to power 45,000 homes. Town of Scott resident John Heil (left) testifies next to Administrative Judge Michael Newmark (right).
Registered Sex Offender Moves Back To BD
11/5/09 - A registered sex offender fresh out of prison has moved back into Beaver Dam. Deputy Police Chief Dan Schubert says as of yesterday, Michael H. Fink is residing on the 200 block of West Mill Street. Schubert says state statute requires the Department of Corrections notify the public when a sex offender of Fink’s caliber is released because his classification level reflects a potential to re-offend. Fink has twice been convicted of sexual assault, one involving a 13-year-old girl and the other a 90-year-old woman; his last sexual offense was in 1991. This most recent release from prison comes after Fink served time for writing bad checks.
Obama Talks Education in Madison
11/5/09 - President Obama told a Madison audience yesterday that Wisconsin and other states must reform education to guarantee a strong economic future. The president spoke to 250 students and others at Wright Middle School. On the first anniversary of his election, the Democrat Obama said one of his mandates was to invest in a stronger future. And he said his four-billion-dollar "Race to the Top" education grants are among those investments. States will compete for the money, and not all will get it. Education Secretary Arne Duncan said Obama came to Wisconsin to highlight the state's opportunities, and to lobby for Governor Jim Doyle's education initiatives. The state Legislature is scheduled to vote today to let school administrators use test scores to help evaluate teachers - which the White House requires in order to qualify for some of the "Race to the Top" stimulus money.
Barrett Still Unsure Whether He'll Run for Governor
11/5/09 - Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett met with President Obama for a couple of minutes in Madison yesterday. And Barrett said they did not bring up the question of whether he'll run for governor next year. Barrett has not denied reports that the White House wants him to run - and the state Republican Party said the underlying goal of Obama's visit yesterday was to get Barrett going on a campaign. The mayor received loud applause from the audience when he took his seat for Obama's speech at Wright Middle School, and at least one person shouted "governor." Barrett says he's still working through family and political issues. He was expected to announce this month whether he'll run.
Fox Lake Official Asking for Refsland to be Reprimanded
11/5/09 - An official in Fox Lake is asking the Waupun School Board to reprimand Superintendent Randy Refsland for comments he recently made at a meeting. Council President Tom Bednarek says he believes the school board should take some type of disciplinary action against Refsland, who called a group of Fox Lake residents ignorant during a meeting on October 22nd. For his part Refsland issued an apology in the Fox Lake paper recently and told us he regretted using the term ignorant. He says he's hopeful fences can be mended between Waupun and Fox Lake as it would be the best thing for the district. A referendum that would have allowed the city and town of Fox Lake to detach from the Waupun School District and join the Randolph district failed on Tuesday.
Rohr is New Police Chief in Fox Lake
11/5/09 - A longtime Dodge County Sheriff's employee was sworn in as Police Chief in Fox Lake last night. James Rohr will replace Pat Lynch who retired earlier this year. Rohr had been with the Sheriff's Department for nearly 25 years before retiring in September. Rohr's base salary will be $50,000. The common council also thanked Rio Police Chief Randy Martin, who served as interim chief during the hiring process.
State Supreme Court Won't Hear Same-Sex Couples Case
11/5/09 - A pro-family group says it might start a new challenge to Wisconsin's legal benefits for same-sex couples. The State Supreme Court announced yesterday that it would not be the first to consider the case. The legal benefits took effect in early August. And the Wisconsin Family Action group was hoping to strike them down right away by having the Supreme Court review the case first, instead of dragging it through the lower courts. The justices did not say why they wouldn't take the case. But Family Action lawyers Michael Dean and Richard Esenberg say it probably has nothing to do with the merits. They admitted the Supreme Court rarely takes cases directly, and the group might file a new lawsuit at the circuit court level. The domestic partner benefits were approved in the new state budget.
Students Asking Politicians to Sign OWI Agreements
11/5/09 - Governor Jim Doyle says he never drives under the influence - but he won't sign a pledge to resign if he's caught driving drunk. Students at Schofield D-C Everest High School have asked state officials and legislators to sign agreements saying they'll quit if they're arrested for O-W-I. That came soon after the arrest of a Mosinee School Board member who allegedly drove drunk while causing a crash that killed his wife and daughter. So far, the only legislator to sign the anti-drunk driving pledge is Assembly Democrat Bob Ziegelbauer of Manitowoc. Doyle's office says everyone knows that governor doesn't drink-and-drive - but he believes democracy works best when voters have the say about whether an official stays-or-goes.
WI Widens Gap as Nation's Top Cheese-Maker
11/5/09 - Wisconsin continues to widen its lead as the nation's top cheese-maker. The Badger State was the only one of the top five to exceed the national growth of cheese production in September. Wisconsin made 224-million pounds, five-point-nine percent more than a year ago. The national increase was four-point-four percent. And the number-two cheese state - California - again had a decrease in production of four-tenths-of-one percent. Idaho, New York, and Minnesota are ranked third, fourth, and fifth - and they only made three-to-four percent more cheese in September. All told, U-S producers made 845-million pounds of cheese that month, and it was down a-half percent from August.
BDACT Sets 2010 Performance Schedule
11/5/09 - The Beaver Dam Area Community Theater has finalized its 2010 performance schedule. Managing Director David Saniter says the summer show will be the Rogers and Hammerstein musical "Carousel" with Earl Ritter in the director's chair for the second time in the theaters history. The spring show will be the murder mystery "Wait Until Dark" directed by Kim Doyle. The fall show will be the over-50 comedy "The Cemetery Club" directed by Tina Swain. Still on the schedule for this year: A Dog Hug Me Christmas Carol which runs December 3rd through the 12th and stars WXRO morning show personality Stefani Bishop, among others. On December 18, the annual Christmas Radio Show hits the stage and will also be broadcast live on WBEV, with a rebroadcast that following Sunday on WXRO.
11/5/09 - Dodge County suffered its first H1N1-flu related death. In a press release Public Health Officer Jody Langfeldt would only confirm the person who passed away was an adult. Langfeldt says for most people the H1N1 flu is not severe but they know the virus can be especially dangerous for children, individuals with compromised immune systems, and those with chronic health illnesses. Nearly all of the deaths in Wisconsin so far have been children or those with an underlying medical condition. There has been a nationwide shortage of the H1N1 vaccine but Langfeldt say they expect more to be available in coming weeks and recommends that those individuals who are at high risk to get vaccinated when it becomes available. Because of patient confidentiality laws, her office will not release any more information about the death. The H1N1-flu related death toll in Wisconsin is now at 18.
Wind Farm Hearings Draw Large Crowds
11/5/09 - It was a capacity crowd yesterday at a pair of public hearings on a proposal by We Energies to construct a 90-turbine wind farm in northeast Columbia County. Supporters of the plan to build the Glacier Hills Wind Park testified that the renewable energy project is good for the environment and good for the economy. One speaker with the Iron Workers union said the jobs created would pull us out of a recession by keeping jobs in Wisconsin that will otherwise go to neighboring states. Opponents cited noise and health concerns and say those issues will lower their property values. A Town of Arlington resident said the construction jobs would be temporary but she’ll have to live across from the turbines for the rest of her life because no one is going to want to buy her house and her property values will plummet. If approved by the Public Service Commission, the turbines would cover over 17,000 acres along the Highway 33 corridor in the Towns of Randolph and Scott. The wind farm would generate 167 megawatts of electricity, enough to power 45,000 homes. Town of Scott resident John Heil (left) testifies next to Administrative Judge Michael Newmark (right).
Registered Sex Offender Moves Back To BD
11/5/09 - A registered sex offender fresh out of prison has moved back into Beaver Dam. Deputy Police Chief Dan Schubert says as of yesterday, Michael H. Fink is residing on the 200 block of West Mill Street. Schubert says state statute requires the Department of Corrections notify the public when a sex offender of Fink’s caliber is released because his classification level reflects a potential to re-offend. Fink has twice been convicted of sexual assault, one involving a 13-year-old girl and the other a 90-year-old woman; his last sexual offense was in 1991. This most recent release from prison comes after Fink served time for writing bad checks.
Obama Talks Education in Madison
11/5/09 - President Obama told a Madison audience yesterday that Wisconsin and other states must reform education to guarantee a strong economic future. The president spoke to 250 students and others at Wright Middle School. On the first anniversary of his election, the Democrat Obama said one of his mandates was to invest in a stronger future. And he said his four-billion-dollar "Race to the Top" education grants are among those investments. States will compete for the money, and not all will get it. Education Secretary Arne Duncan said Obama came to Wisconsin to highlight the state's opportunities, and to lobby for Governor Jim Doyle's education initiatives. The state Legislature is scheduled to vote today to let school administrators use test scores to help evaluate teachers - which the White House requires in order to qualify for some of the "Race to the Top" stimulus money.
Barrett Still Unsure Whether He'll Run for Governor
11/5/09 - Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett met with President Obama for a couple of minutes in Madison yesterday. And Barrett said they did not bring up the question of whether he'll run for governor next year. Barrett has not denied reports that the White House wants him to run - and the state Republican Party said the underlying goal of Obama's visit yesterday was to get Barrett going on a campaign. The mayor received loud applause from the audience when he took his seat for Obama's speech at Wright Middle School, and at least one person shouted "governor." Barrett says he's still working through family and political issues. He was expected to announce this month whether he'll run.
Fox Lake Official Asking for Refsland to be Reprimanded
11/5/09 - An official in Fox Lake is asking the Waupun School Board to reprimand Superintendent Randy Refsland for comments he recently made at a meeting. Council President Tom Bednarek says he believes the school board should take some type of disciplinary action against Refsland, who called a group of Fox Lake residents ignorant during a meeting on October 22nd. For his part Refsland issued an apology in the Fox Lake paper recently and told us he regretted using the term ignorant. He says he's hopeful fences can be mended between Waupun and Fox Lake as it would be the best thing for the district. A referendum that would have allowed the city and town of Fox Lake to detach from the Waupun School District and join the Randolph district failed on Tuesday.
Rohr is New Police Chief in Fox Lake
11/5/09 - A longtime Dodge County Sheriff's employee was sworn in as Police Chief in Fox Lake last night. James Rohr will replace Pat Lynch who retired earlier this year. Rohr had been with the Sheriff's Department for nearly 25 years before retiring in September. Rohr's base salary will be $50,000. The common council also thanked Rio Police Chief Randy Martin, who served as interim chief during the hiring process.
State Supreme Court Won't Hear Same-Sex Couples Case
11/5/09 - A pro-family group says it might start a new challenge to Wisconsin's legal benefits for same-sex couples. The State Supreme Court announced yesterday that it would not be the first to consider the case. The legal benefits took effect in early August. And the Wisconsin Family Action group was hoping to strike them down right away by having the Supreme Court review the case first, instead of dragging it through the lower courts. The justices did not say why they wouldn't take the case. But Family Action lawyers Michael Dean and Richard Esenberg say it probably has nothing to do with the merits. They admitted the Supreme Court rarely takes cases directly, and the group might file a new lawsuit at the circuit court level. The domestic partner benefits were approved in the new state budget.
Students Asking Politicians to Sign OWI Agreements
11/5/09 - Governor Jim Doyle says he never drives under the influence - but he won't sign a pledge to resign if he's caught driving drunk. Students at Schofield D-C Everest High School have asked state officials and legislators to sign agreements saying they'll quit if they're arrested for O-W-I. That came soon after the arrest of a Mosinee School Board member who allegedly drove drunk while causing a crash that killed his wife and daughter. So far, the only legislator to sign the anti-drunk driving pledge is Assembly Democrat Bob Ziegelbauer of Manitowoc. Doyle's office says everyone knows that governor doesn't drink-and-drive - but he believes democracy works best when voters have the say about whether an official stays-or-goes.
WI Widens Gap as Nation's Top Cheese-Maker
11/5/09 - Wisconsin continues to widen its lead as the nation's top cheese-maker. The Badger State was the only one of the top five to exceed the national growth of cheese production in September. Wisconsin made 224-million pounds, five-point-nine percent more than a year ago. The national increase was four-point-four percent. And the number-two cheese state - California - again had a decrease in production of four-tenths-of-one percent. Idaho, New York, and Minnesota are ranked third, fourth, and fifth - and they only made three-to-four percent more cheese in September. All told, U-S producers made 845-million pounds of cheese that month, and it was down a-half percent from August.
BDACT Sets 2010 Performance Schedule
11/5/09 - The Beaver Dam Area Community Theater has finalized its 2010 performance schedule. Managing Director David Saniter says the summer show will be the Rogers and Hammerstein musical "Carousel" with Earl Ritter in the director's chair for the second time in the theaters history. The spring show will be the murder mystery "Wait Until Dark" directed by Kim Doyle. The fall show will be the over-50 comedy "The Cemetery Club" directed by Tina Swain. Still on the schedule for this year: A Dog Hug Me Christmas Carol which runs December 3rd through the 12th and stars WXRO morning show personality Stefani Bishop, among others. On December 18, the annual Christmas Radio Show hits the stage and will also be broadcast live on WBEV, with a rebroadcast that following Sunday on WXRO.
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