Nehls Defends War College Decision, Touts Record 
9/2/10 - Dodge County Sheriff Todd Nehls says he needs a third term in office to continue the hard work he started in the department back in 2002. Nehls joined us on WBEV’s Community Comment yesterday and detailed dozens of programs that he implemented since in office. He says the position is no longer a hobby and the department needs an active leader to keep from moving backwards. Nehls is being challenged by former Sheriff Steve Fitzgerald in the September 14 partisan primary, which will determine the winner since there are no democratic challengers. During Fitzgerald’s appearance on Community Comment this week he criticized Nehls recent nine-month absence to attend War College in Washington DC. Nehls says he acquired skills and contacts that benefited the county while technology allowed him to stay in the loop. Nehls, in-turn, accused Fitzgerald of driving a tour bus for his family’s business while in office. Fitzgerald called Nehls accusations (quote) “a stretch.” He said driving a tour bus for the family business was nothing more than a weekend hobby.
Foreclosures Down in Dodge, Columbia Counties
9/2/10 - Dodge and Columbia Counties both saw a modest decrease in foreclosures over a two-month period this summer. There were 40 foreclosures in Dodge County last month, compared to 45 in July and 43 in August of last year. Columbia County had 31 foreclosures last month, down three from July. Other area counties did not fare as well. There were 46 foreclosures in both Jefferson and Washington Counties in August. That’s an increase of seven foreclosures in Washington County and 19 foreclosures in Jefferson County. There was also a jump of 19 foreclosures over the two-month period in Fond du Lac County, which sa
w the banks take possession of 47 properties last month. There were 43 foreclosures in Fond du Lac County at the same time last year.
Dog Who Killed Girl will be Put Down
9/2/10 - The dog that attacked and killed a young girl last week will be put down this weekend. Officials say that was the wishes of the dog's owner, Steve Beauprey. The dog, a boxer named Rocky, killed 4-year-old Taylor Becker in the backyard of the Beauprey's home last Wednesday. The dog has been in quarantine since the incident and will remain at the Dodge County Humane Society until he is euthanized on Saturday.
FL Approves Honor Flight Donation
9/2/10 - The Fox Lake City Council unanimously approved donating $1,000 to the local Honor Flight fund at their meeting last night. That's a program that helps fly World War II veterans to see their memorial in Washington D.C. Mayor Tom Bednarek says despite the current economic climate the board felt it was very important for them to donate the money, asking the question "where would we be without our veterans?" Bednarek says there are 27-veterans that belong to the Fox Lake VFW post that are eligible to go. There is no cost to veterans so the money donated by the city will go to help cover other costs of making the trip. The next scheduled Badger Honor Flight is October 2nd.
Two BDUSD Schools Recognized By DPI
9/2/10 - The Department of Public Instruction has announced that two Beaver Dam schools are among 154 statewide that are Wisconsin Promise Schools of Recognition. For the second year in a row, Jefferson and South Beaver Dam Elementary schools were acknowledged as schools that help disadvantaged students make academic progress. Criteria for the selection included poverty rates as defined by free and reduced lunch data and the results of standardized tests in reading and math.
Beaver Dam Water Utility Online
9/2/10 - Beaver Dam residents can now pay their water bills on-line. The city can now also take payments in person by credit or debit cards, along with cash or check. Those wishing to pay online can visit the city’s website at cityofbeaverdam.com. Once there you click on the “Willie Water” logo. The first time you pay online you must register and you’ll need your utility bill to do so. The city has also changed the way your bill looks. They are switching from the post cards to an eight-and-a-half by 11-inch bill. They say the format is easier to read and will provide more details for the customer. The Finance Department is also announcing a slight change to their hours. They’ll now be open over the noon hour on business days. Daily hours will continue to be 7:30am to 4:30pm.
Columbus TIF ‘On Hold’
9/2/10 - A plan to create a new TIF District in the Columbus industrial area has been put “on hold.” Discussion has been underway for nearly a year and a half over creating TIF District number 4 north of James Street along the railroad corridor. City Administrator Boyd Kraemer reported that plans for redevelopment could not secure enough funding to move ahead. According to Kraemer plans to change the streets and sewer systems for industrial firms in the area will have to be scaled back. Development plans and discussions will continue with the industries in the northwestern part of the City in hopes of discovering new funds for the creation of the proposed TIF 4.
Wisconsin Soldier Killed in Afghanistan
9/2/10 - One of five soldiers killed in an attack in Afghanistan is from northern Wisconsin. 36-year-old Staff Sergeant Matthew West of Conover in Vilas County was among those who died on Monday when insurgents used explosives to attack their unit in the Arghandab River Valley. The Pentagon announced the deaths Wednesday. All five were based at Fort Carson in Colorado. West was a member of the 71st Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group. He graduated from Gaylord High School in Michigan in 1992, and he’s survived by his wife and three children. West is the second Wisconsin killed in Afghanistan in the last five days. 20-year-old Army Private Adam Novak of Prairie du Sac was one of two soldiers killed last Friday in an insurgent attack.
Lawmakers Urged To Increase Justice System Spending
9/2/10 - Wisconsin lawmakers have been asked to spend more tax dollars on the criminal justice system. Offenders have been covering the rising costs with higher fees-and-surcharges on top of their fines. But Chief Supreme Court Justice Shirley Abrahamson told a special legislative committee this week that the current trend is not sustainable. She says the law-breakers don’t have the money to pay – and the state won’t collect it, quote, “especially in this economy.” State Attorney General J-B Van Hollen agrees. He says that when offenders keep paying more for state programs, it often stops them from paying restitution to their victims. Van Hollen says it’s “wonderful” to have offenders pay for enforcement, rehab, and crime prevention efforts. But in some cases, he says it’s not functional. The legislative panel is looking for ways to revamp the funding system for the courts, the Justice Department, and the state Public Defender’s office.
Suspicious Persons Reports At Sunny Side Estates
9/2/10 - Dodge County authorities plan to step up patrols near Sunny Side Estates in the Town of Beaver Dam after receiving multiple reports of a suspicious person lurking in the area. Patrol Captain Molly Soblewski says the latest incident was also the most brazen as someone went into a residence Tuesday night and apparently cooked a pizza before leaving. Soblewski says since August 26 they’ve had other reports of what somebody termed a “peeping tom”. Anyone that may have seen the person or know anymore about the case are asked to contact the Sheriff’s Department or the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME.
Klomberg Tabbed As New D-A
9/1/10 - Dodge County’s Assistant District Attorney Kurt Klomberg has been promoted. Governor Jim Doyle announced yesterday that Kurt Klomberg will fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former District Attorney Bill Bedker. He will begin serving immediately for a term set to expire on January 7, 2013. Klomberg has served as an assistant district attorney in Dodge County since 2006. Prior to that, he served as an assistant D-A in Marathon County and as a special prosecutor in Kenosha County. Doyle says Klomberg has shown that he is a dedicated prosecutor with the experience and commitment to the people of Dodge County that will make him an excellent District Attorney. Klomberg says he will do everything he can to (quote) “keep our children, schools and communities safe.”
Fitzgerald Critical of Nehls Absence
9/1/10 - After an eight year absence, Steve Fitzgerald is seeking to reclaim the post of Dodge County Sheriff. On Community Comment yesterday, the Republican from Hustisford told us that he didn’t initially plan on entering the race, but made the decision after being asked by constituents and employees of the sheriffs department. The former US Marshall says Sheriff Todd Nehls had chosen not to be available for almost one year of his term and specifically cited the two semesters he spent in Washington DC attending War College. Fitzgerald didn’t have a problem with Nehls serving in Afghanistan during his first term, but he says War College was an elective and Nehls chose to leave his post. Fitzgerald says he was always available to the public during his 14-years as Sheriff, and would continue that relationship if elected back to the position. The Dodge County Sheriffs race will be decided during the September 14 primary as there are no democrats running for the office.
Nehls & Fitzgerald on Community Comment Next Wednesday
9/1/10 - The candidates for Dodge County Sheriff, incumbent Todd Nehls and former Sheriff Steve Fitzgerald, will join us on WBEV's Community Comment next Wednesday. In addition, the Beaver Dam Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Candidates Forum next Tuesday dedicated solely to the Nehls-Fitzgerald race. The format will include six segments, including questions and answers between local media and the candidates, a structured debate between the candidates and a segment at the end where the public will have the opportunity to ask questions. The forum will be moderated by our own John Moser and will be broadcast live on WBEV 1430AM and WXRO 95.3FM. The public is invited to attend the free event which will be held next Tuesday at the Bayside Supper Club in Beaver Dam from 7pm to 8pm. On election night, make sure you tune into WBEV or WXRO for live updates beginning the minute the polls close at 8pm.
BDUSD Lawsuit Deadline Extended
9/1/10 - A judge has given the Beaver Dam School District and attorney’s for Dan Grulke two more weeks to reach an agreement in an open records lawsuit. About ten days ago the district turned over 300 pages worth of documents requested by Grulke as part of the lawsuit filed in late July. In a letter to the court last week, Grulke’s attorneys wrote they did not believe Superintendent Steve Vessey and the district fully complied with the court order to produce all documents related to an investigation into conduct by former Superintendent Don Childs. The attorneys want to see the results of the investigation into Childs conduct after he was accused of retaliating against a district employee, who came forward with concerns about harassment and discrimination by former high school principal Don Patnode. An attorney for the district, Lori Lubinsky, says the two sides are working toward a resolution. In a press release issued last week, the school board said, “As a board, we are legally responsible to protect the privacy rights of our employees with regard to personal matters and we are striving to do so.” The court gave the two parties until September 13 to come to an agreement.
New PD Should Done in One Year
9/1/10 - The chair of the Beaver Dam Operations Committee says its “amazing” how quick the progress has been in constructing a new $5.1 million police station. Laine Meyer says intensive planning over the past 17 weeks is paying off. There have been setbacks with demolition of the former YMCA, where the new police station will be built, but Meyer says that should not affect the construction portion of the project much at all. Marty Sell with the architectural firm MSA Integrated Services told city officials this week that the initial bid packages are due back by mid-month, allowing preliminary construction to start as planned early next month. Excavation and concrete work is expected to begin in mid-October with the floor slab expected to be in place by the beginning of December. If all goes according to plan, the building is expected to be substantially completed by Friday, September 2, 2011. If the project were to be delayed at this point, the city would incur considerable costs associated with winterization of the work site.
Former Teachers Union Treasurer Sentenced for Embezzlement
9/1/10 - The former treasurer of the Hustisford Education Association will spend 70 days in jail. Melissa Klein was accused of embezzling over $6800 from the teachers union but pleaded to an amended felony charge yesterday that puts the total between $2500 and $5000. Klein served as treasurer of the Association for over three years. She tendered her resignation in March after an audit by the Wisconsin Education Association turned up the shortfall. The 40-year-old Hustisford woman removed the money from the account over a 22-month period and spent it on groceries, insurance and other personal items. Klein was also placed on probation for two years and will have a restitution hearing at a later date.
Downtown Improvement Projects Move Forward
8/31/10 - With the Labor Day holiday forcing the cancellation of their regularly scheduled meeting, the Beaver Dam Common Council met in special session last night to act on several time-sensitive matters. The council unanimously approved the hiring of a construction company for a downtown storm sewer relief plan. Director of Facilities David Stoiser says the project should alleviate downtown flooding at the intersection of Spring and Front Street. S & L Underground & Trucking of Merrimac will perform the work at a cost of $558,000, which is $42,000 below engineering estimates. The council also awarded contracts to a masonry company and a fencing company for the installation of decorative fencing in the portion of the downtown area that saw the elimination of ten buildings last year. The combined cost for the fencing installation is just over $38,000.