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DOD Confirms Death of Mayville Soldier
1/27/12 - The U.S. Department of Defense says the 24-year-old Mayville soldier, who was killed on Wednesday in Afghanistan, died after encountering an improvised explosive device (IED) while on patrol. First Lieutenant David Johnson became the second state resident this year to be killed in Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. Johnson was the son of Dodge County Pioneer publisher Andrew Johnson, and is survived by his mother, Laura, and three siblings. The family issued a statement on the paper's website, which called David Johnson an American hero, a man of God first, and a strong leader at school and in his Army unit. After graduating from Mayville High School, Johnson went on to Evangel University in Springfield, Missouri where he earned his degree in 2010. He had been deployed since last December and led the Army's Third Brigade Combat Team. Campus pastor John Plake said Johnson was a well-respected student leader, and he headed the school's R-O-T-C military program. He kept ties with the university after he graduated, and he attended a special Veterans Day service there last November. Johnson's family was to fly to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware where David's body is expected to arrive shortly.
Columbus Woman Charged In Walker Probe
1/27/12 - Two more of Governor Scott Walker's former Milwaukee County aides were charged Thursday as part of an ongoing John Doe investigation. 43-year-old Kelly Rindfleisch of Columbus has four felony charges of misconduct in public office. And 61-year-old Darlene Wink is charged with two misdemeanor counts of internal political solicitation by public employees. Rindfleisch is due in court February 22nd. Prosecutors said she was Walker's deputy chief-of-staff in the Milwaukee County Executive's office when she did extensive campaign work on county time for Brett Davis through a private e-mail network. Davis is a former Assembly Republican who ran and lost for lieutenant governor in 2010. He's now the state's Medicaid director. Wink resigned in May of 2010 as Walker's constituent services director. She was accused of spending part of her workdays doing campaign work for Walker's G-O-P bid for governor. Ciara Matthews of the Walker campaign said his office made it clear that county employees were not allowed to use tax-funded time and resources to conduct any political activity - and Walker expected everyone to follow that law. There are now four ex-Walker aides charged as a result of the John Doe probe. Former county aides Tim Russell and Kevin Kavanaugh are both accused of embezzling over 63-thousand-dollars from an annual event that benefits veterans and their families.
Hartford Man Gets Probation In BD Pistol-Whipping
1/27/12 - A Hartford man was placed on probation for pistol-whipping in Beaver Dam last summer. It happened in the 600 block of Madison Street on August 4 around 2am. Mark Patterson pleaded "no contest" to Disorderly Conduct and Operating a Firearm While Intoxicated had fou r other misdemeanors and a felony dismissed but read into the record. According to the criminal complaint, the 46-year-old met up with a group of people at a Madison Street bar and they went to a nearby residence for an "after hours" party. A woman in the group says Patterson attempted to kiss her while the two were alone outside and then he became enraged and made up a story about her owing him $70. Patterson says he loaned her $70 so that she could purchase cocaine for herself then she lied about his advances and had the group kick him out so that she didn't have to pay him back. Authorities say he pulled a gun and everyone ran into the house except a 23-year-old Beaver Dam man who apparently did not want Patterson messing with his car which was parked outside. Patterson says he approached the house looking for his money, was confronted by two men and acted in self-defense. His blood alcohol level was said to be point-one-four. The victim sustained a closed head injury, eye contusion and concussion.
Lodi Man Indicted For Pharmacy Robbery
1/27/12 - A Columbia County man has been indicted on federal charges for allegedly robbing a pharmacy at gunpoint. Officials with the US Justice Department say Anthony Carriola of Lodi walked into Eannelli's Pharmacy in Prairie Du Dac on January 10 and stole morphine pills. The 28-year-old reportedly brandished a .44 caliber revolver. If convicted, Carriola faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on the robbery count, and a mandatory minimum penalty of seven years for using a firearm, which would be served consecutively to any other prison term imposed.
Watertown Man Waives Prelim In Assault Case
1/27/12 - A Watertown man has waived his right to  preliminary hearing on a variety of charges related to the alleged abuse his girlfriend. Floyd Holcomb Jr. is charged with felony Second Degree Sexual Assault and misdemeanor counts of Battery, Disorderly Conduct and Criminal Damage to Property. According to the criminal complaint, the 25-year-old broke into her apartment earlier this month and the two had a violent exchange. The next day, Holcomb was said to be violent again and reportedly tried to rape the woman with young children nearby. If he is convicted, the charges carry a maximum penalty of 42 years in prison. Holcomb is being held on a $5000 cash bond.
WI Assembly Approves Mining Bill
1/27/12 - Amid heavy debate and protests, the Wisconsin Assembly voted 59-to-36 last night to limit environmental restrictions and public challenges for a new mine near Lake Superior. All Republicans voted yes. All Democrats voted no. The bill creates a one-year time limit for state officials to act on permits for new iron ore mines -- and it's tailored to Gogebic Taconite's plan to open a vast mine in parts of Ashland and Iron counties. The Assembly debate ran for four-and-a-half hours. Republicans called the bill a massive job creator not just for the mine, but for equipment makers and other suppliers as far away as Milwaukee. But Democrats said the bill was written to guarantee profits for Gogebic Taconite, while slashing tax revenues that local communities would otherwise get from a mine. Bad River Indians feared that pollution would hurt pristine lands in the far north for generations. One of their drummers was cited for disorderly conduct during a Rotunda protest. And spectators questioned the legality of the vote, saying it wasn't totally done in public. There were several outbursts in the gallery during the debate. And Speaker Pro Tem Bill Kramer finally removed all the spectators after some people rained down obscenities under covers of throat clearing and group coughing. The package now goes to the Senate, where its prospects are less certain. Senate Mining Committee chairman Neal Kedzie, a Republican from Elkhorn, has questioned whether the Assembly package goes too far.
Ellis Apologizes for Calling High School in GB a "Sewer"
1/27/12 - The president of the Wisconsin Senate has apologized for calling Green Bay Preble High School a "sewer" during a private dinner with some colleagues at a Madison restaurant. Somebody used a cell phone to record Mike Ellis's conversation -- and it ended up on PolitiScoop-Dot-Com. His group was talking about the possibility of expanding private school voucher programs beyond Milwaukee and Racine. The voucher program gives state tax funding to low-income kids to attend private schools, with a goal of escaping poverty. Ellis, of Neenah, brought up the idea of letting just part of a school district be in the program -- and he used Green Bay as an example. In the recording, he said quote, "Green Bay East is fine. West is fine. Preble's a sewer. They have the poverty possum." Ellis said he was only mentioning a hypothetical example. He apologized to a reporter, and said he called the Green Bay superintendent to aplogize as well. Preble students, staff members, and parents went to the school to protest Ellis's remarks and highlight the school's achievements.
Improvised Geocaching Devices Sparking Concern
1/27/12 - There is a new trend sweeping the country and it's got local authorities on a wild goose chase. It's called "geocaching" and it's a real-world outdoor treasure hunting game. Players try to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, using GPS-enabled devices - like smart phones -- and then share their experiences online. If you log into Geocache.com you'll find there are over 15,000 hidden geocache containers in the Beaver Dam zip code alone. It's safe, family-friendly entertainment. There's only one problem. People who are not in on the game think participants are planting random bombs all over the place. Dodge County Sheriff Todd Nehls says his department just got another call on Wednesday from the Town of Theresa reporting that a pill bottle was duct-taped to a road sign. Nehls says whenever somebody is hiding or concealing a container on public or private property many citizens report this activity as suspicious, suspecting either drug or terrorist activity. The Sheriff's Department responds to these calls and quickly uncovers the suspicious items as a "geocache." Nehls says he is hoping to educate the public about the possibility that suspicious activity could be the result of geocaching enthusiast's favorite pastime. He also wants to let geocacher's know that their actions could be misconstrued and lead to a lot of wasted time for law enforcement. For more information you can go to www.geocaching.com
Mayville Soldier Killed in Afghanistan
1/26/12 - An Army lieutenant from Dodge County has been killed in Afghanistan. Reports say 24-year-old First Lieutenant David Johnson of Mayville was killed in action yesterday. Evangel University in Missouri, Johnson's alma mater, was given permission by his family to release the information but so far the U.S. Department of Defense has not confirmed Johnson's death. Johnson headed an infantry platoon based in Fort Lewis Washington, and the President of Evangel, Robert Spence, called him an outstanding young man who distinguished himself as a student and campus leader. Campus pastor John Plake added that Johnson was highly regarded by his peers in the ROTC.
Walker Delivers State of the State Address
1/26/12 - With non-stop protest chants in the background, Governor Scott Walker told Wisconsinites last night that the state's on the right track for an economic turnaround. The Republican Walker spent much of his second annual State-of-the-State address touting his job creation and budget-balancing efforts. Walker did not mention the recall effort against him, but he asked for civility. And he did not acknowledge the hundreds of screaming protestors gathered in the Capitol Rotunda who were upset about his cuts in spending and public union bargaining. Those gathered in the Assembly chamber for Walker's speech heard them in the background. Five spectators in the gallery interrupted the 35-minute address. One called the governor a "liar" when he said he respected Wisconsinites. Another mentioned vulnerable children when the governor discussed education initiatives. Both were escorted from the chamber, and Capitol Police later said four protestors were arrested. The Rotunda crowd yelled, whistled, and chanted as they drowned out Walker's speech that was piped in to the area. Senate Democratic leader Mark Miller said the protests were not surprising and they illustrate quote, "the sharp divide the governor's policies have created in the state." But G-O-P Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald said Walker and his fellow Republicans did the right thing by trying to get government out of the way, and the letting the private sector boost the economy.
Waupun Prisoner Death Labeled an Overdose
1/26/12 - A convicted killer died from an overdose of methadone while in his state prison cell, and officials are trying to find out how he got the drug. The Dodge County medical examiner's office said yesterday that David Wapp's death was caused by accident. The 31-year-old Wapp was found dead November eighth at the Waupun prison. And the only thing officials knew at the time was that foul play was not involved. Toxicology tests uncovered the overdose. Wapp, of the Mukwonago area, was sentenced in June of 2010 to life in prison with no chance for a supervised release. He stabbed and cut his ex-girlfriend, Samantha Peterson, 37 times while they argued in a car outside the home of Wapp's aunt in Waukesha County. It happened four days after he left prison for another offense.
BD Chamber Honors Award Winners
1/26/12 - The Beaver Dam Chamber of Commerce last night held its annual Recognition night at Old Hickory Country Club. Mary Fitzgerald from the American National Bank was named Chamber Member of the Year for her volunteer work for the Chamber. The Beaver Dam Community hospital won the Non-Profit Organization of the year award. Hospital Board Chairman Jim Kirsch stressed the importance of the hospital remaining independent so that it can deliver the best care to local residents. Hospital CEO Kim Miller said the hospital's non profit status allows it to invest its financial resources back into local health care services. A national organization recently awarded the hospital its Outstanding Patient Experience Award for the 3rd year in a row.
The Richards Insurance Agency is the Chamber's Business of the Year. The local business began with a staff of four under Don Richards in 1965 and has grown to nearly 70 employees. Half of the company is owned by its employees, the other half by its owner - managers. Retired owner manager John Ralston, well known for his community fund raising efforts said the agency stresses the importance of being an active partner in the community. Current owner-manager Dave Pfister said Richards Agency employees volunteer in almost every worthwhile cause in the community.
Richard Zieman was introduced as the Citizen of the Year by his wife Nancy. The couple founded the internationally known Nancy's Notions. Mark Killilngsworth who serves with Richard Zieman on several volunteer organizations said Zieman has donated literally thousands of hours and continues to serve in leadership roles for a large number of community causes. Nancy's Notions has also contributed significant funding and contributions to community projects. Killingsworth said as the company grew so did its commitment to the community.
Honor Flight: Pearl Harbor
1/26/12 - Pearl Harbor survivors are being sought for what's billed as a "once-in-a-lifetime Honor Flight to Pearl Harbor, Oahu, Hawaii." The Old Glory Honor Flight hub that departs out of Appleton is asking the approximately 40 Pearl Harbor survivors that live in the state of Wisconsin to contact their office immediately. The non-profit chapter is planning a tropical trip to the Aloha State. They define Pearl Harbor survivor as any veteran stationed on the island of Oahu or within three nautical miles at the time of the attack on December 7, 1941. Honor Flight is a nationwide program with regional chapters that has traditionally flown World War II veterans to their memorial in Washington DC at no cost to them. The Appleton hub says they remain committed to that primary mission, but Honor Flight Pearl Harbor is another way to say thank you to veterans for their service and sacrifice. Organizers are hoping Pearl Harbor survivors will contact them by their February 6 application deadline. They are also actively seeking donations to finance the trip for survivors, their caregivers and support staff. Pearl Harbor Survivors can apply by calling 1-888-635-9838. Old Glory Honor Flight is a registered 501(c)3 organization. Make checks payable to "Old Glory Honor Flight" and write "Return To Pearl" in the memo section of the check. Donate via PayPal at: http://www.oldgloryhonorflight.org/return_to_pearl.html
December Jobless Filings Lower Than Last Year
1/26/12 - Most counties in the region saw a moderate decrease in their December unemployment rate, compared to November. That's according to local estimates released Wednesday by state workforce development officials. In Dodge County, the jobless rate was at 6.8% in December, down one-tenth from November and nearly a full-percentage point lower that December of 2010. Columbia and Jefferson counties both dropped a tenth-of-a-point over the two-month period to 6.9%. Fond du Lac County held steady at 6.2% while the jobless rate ticked-up a tenth in Washington County to 6.1%. Dane County has the states lowest rate at 4.4%. Door County has the states highest number of jobless filings at 11.7% and is one of six counties in double-digits. In total, 44 of the states 72 counties saw an increase in the jobless rate over the two-month period, 20 had decreases and there was no change in 8 counties. In comparing December 2011 to December of 2010, there were only two counties that saw increases in unemployment.
Five of Wisconsin's 12 metro areas lost jobs during December. The Eau Claire and Sheboygan areas lost 800 jobs each on a seasonally-adjusted basis. Metro Milwaukee lost 700, and La Crosse and Madison had smaller losses. Janesville had the highest unadjusted jobless rate among the 12 metros at eight-point-three percent. Madison had the lowest at four-point-seven. All but four Wisconsin counties saw their unadjusted rates go down from November. Manitowoc, Menomonee Falls, and West Allis had slight increases in their municipal unemployment rates.
Growmark Fined By OSHA
1/26/12 - Federal officials said a grain-handling facility in Ixonia has committed five workplace safety violations. The Occupational Safety-and-Health Administration is recommending 84-thousand dollars in fines against Growmark. OSHA said the company knowingly failed to protect employees before they entered grain bins -- and they did not provide harnesses or rescue equipment for those working inside the bins. Growmark is based in Bloomington Illinois. It has 15 days to either pay the fines, challenge the violations, or seek a meeting with OSHA. Company spokeswoman Amy Bradford said Growmark is aware of the violations -- but it's not commenting for now. Growmark does business in 30 states and Canada.
Waupun Hoping to Get Bond Funding
1/26/12 - The Waupun School District approved a plan to secure a $2.5-million bond intended for deferred maintenance and technology upgrades. Interim Superintendent Don Childs says the district is eligible because of the number of students living below the poverty line as determined by free and reduced lunch offerings. Childs says the loan will not impact the tax rate and they will be able to pay back the money over a period of 10 to 20 years at zero-percent interest. The district could find out as early as tomorrow if they'll be getting the Qualified Zone Academy Bond.
Grosenick Has Not Guilty Plea Entered for Him
1/26/12 - An Iron Ridge-area man charged with seventh offense OWI stood mute during an arraignment hearing Wednesday Dodge County court and the judge entered a "not guilty" plea on his behalf. The Dodge County Sheriff's Department says a deputy pulled over Dennis Grosenick in November after allegedly observing him cross the center line and almost put his vehicle into the ditch while making a right hand turn. A preliminary breath test indicated that Grosenick's blood alcohol level was nearly three times legal limit of .08. Grosenick is currently being held at the Dodge County Jail on a $25,000 cash bond. If convicted he faces up to 10-years in prison.
More Time Will Be Given to Verify Signatures
1/26/12 - A judge in Madison is giving state officials more time to determine if there are enough valid signatures to order recall elections. Also Wednesday, Dane County Circuit Judge Richard Niess gave the Republican recall targets more time to challenge improper signatures. An estimated one-point-nine million signatures were filed eight days ago, demanding recall votes against Governor Scott Walker, Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch, and Senators Scott Fitzgerald, Pam Galloway, Terry Moulton, and Van Wanggaard. Under state law, the Government Accountability Board has 31 days to certify recall petitions. But due to the sheer numbers, Niess granted an extra 30 days. He also gave the Walker and Kleefisch campaigns 30 days to challenge signatures once they receive copies of all their petitions. Kleefisch had not received any petitions as of Monday, even though the existing law would have given her until Friday to review them all. The four senators have their petitions, and the judge gave them 20 days to file challenges. Their new deadline is February ninth.
Poll: Obama Favored Over Romney
1/26/12 - A new poll gives President Obama an eight-point lead over Republican Mitt Romney in Wisconsin's presidential race. Just over 700 registered voters were surveyed in the first Marquette Law School poll. 48-percent favored the Democrat Obama for a second term, while 40-percent supported former Massachusetts governor Romney. The poll did not list any other head-to-head matchups involving other G-O-P White House hopefuls. Republicans are trying to get Wisconsin to carry their nominee for the first time since Ronald Reagan's second term in 1984. State voters are split on Obama's job performance. Forty-seven percent approved, and 47-percent disapproved. One-third of the Wisconsinites surveyed thought the economy had gotten worse in the last year, and only 22-percent said it got better. But 36-percent expect an improvement in 2012. Seventy-percent of those polled believe the nation's on the wrong track -- but 50-percent said Wisconsin appears to be on the right track, while 46-percent disagree. The poll had a margin-of-error of plus-or-minus three-point-eight percent.
Poll: 51% Approve of the Job Walker is Doing
1/26/12 - Just over half of Wisconsin voters approve of Governor Scott Walker's job performance. That's according to the first poll released today by the Marquette Law School in Milwaukee. Fifty-one percent of the 701 registered voters polled by phone approve of the job the Republican Walker's doing. Forty-six percent disapprove. The poll was taken from last Thursday through Sunday, just days after recall petitions were filed against the governor. The poll has a three-point-eight percent margin of error. It was released just hours before Walker addresses a split electorate in his annual State-of-the-State message. The Marquette poll also shows that Walker leads four potential Democratic challengers in a recall election. The poll has Walker leading his opponent from 2010, Tom Barrett, 50-to-44 percent. And the governor leads former Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk 49-42. Walker would also out-poll Democrats Dave Obey and Tim Cullen. Seventy-four percent agreed that state employees should pay more toward their own pensions and health insurance, but limiting collective bargaining was supported by just 48-to-47 percent, within the margin of error. The Marquette Law School poll was conducted by Charles Franklin, who's on leave from U-W Madison. The school plans to conduct a number of polls in 2012.
WI Legislators React to SOTU
1/25/12 - Wisconsin's congressional Democrats said they appreciated President Obama's vow to revive manufacturing in his State-of-the-Union address last night. But the state's Republicans said Obama's plea for economic fairness wrongly focuses on guaranteeing outcomes through government action, instead of opportunities in a free market. The Democrat Obama called for higher taxes on the rich -- a 30-percent bracket for those making over a million dollars a year. And he took another swipe at the foreclosure problem by offering a new re-financing program. The president also mentioned steps to help students afford college, and tax cuts for manufacturers. Milwaukee House Democrat Gwen Moore said Obama's policies have helped companies like Master Lock bring foreign jobs back to Wisconsin. But Sherwood Republican Reid Ribble said Obama's focus on American-made energy rang hollow when he rejected the Keystone oil pipeline last week. House G-O-P Budget Chairman Paul Ryan of Janesville said Obama quote, "recommitted to the path of debt, doubt, and decline." Menomonee Falls House Republican Jim Sensenbrenner said his chamber has focused on job creation and tax reform with no help from the Senate or White House. But Wisconsin Senate Democrat Herb Kohl said he was encouraged by Obama's focus on education both in the classroom, and with opportunities for job re-training.
Walker to Give State of the State Address Tonight
1/25/12 - Governor Scott Walker will give his second State of State address tonight and it comes under much different circumstances than his first 358-days ago. That came right after he and a new Republican legislative majority were swept into office -- and they had already achieved victories by passing a first round of job creation bills. But tonight, Walker will return to a state Assembly chamber that's been by rocked by protests ever since the Republican governor proposed a virtual end to most public union collective bargaining. His signature legislation was introduced 10 days after that first State-of-the-State address. And it divided Wisconsinites so much that it prompted hundreds of thousands of people to sign petitions for an unprecedented gubernatorial recall. Tonight, Walker spokesman Cullen Werwie says the governor will focus on the property tax savings his union law created -- plus his efforts to reduce fraud-and-waste in state government. But there might not be a lot of talk about jobs -- especially after the U-S Bureau of Labor Statistics said yesterday that Wisconsin was the only state in the country to lose private sector jobs in each of the last six months. Werwie says there have been bumps along the way, but the state is heading in the right direction.
BDCDC: Dissolve, Evolve or Revolve?
1/25/12 - The Beaver Dam Community Development Committee met last night for the first time in six months and the main agenda item was whether or not to consider dissolving the committee. The CDC was put in place back when Beaver Dam had a full-time economic development officer on the payroll. In 1997, the city decided to essentially contract out for those services and the Beaver Dam Area Development Corporation was formed. The Development Corp, a public-private partnership with the city, crunches numbers and negotiates with companies looking to set up shop behind closed doors and brings the findings to various city committees for approval. CDC Chair Robert Ballweg called the committee to session yesterday to ask if they're still relevant, and he was met with mixed reactions. Discussion then turned to the possibility of establishing a new role for the CDC, shifting its scope to smaller projects that may not be practical or cost-effective for the Development Corp to focus on, like land purchase negotiations and downtown revitalization. Another possible new area of focus would be for the CDC to coordinate a revolving loan fund with revenues generated from the downtown Tax Increment Finance District #6, where the new Madison Place and the Lake Historic Lofts are located. Ballweg says between $25,000 and $30,000 could be accumulated annually for downtown businesses to use toward remodeling and façade improvements. After reaching consensus in committee, Ballweg agreed to meet with the city attorney, the mayor, the director of finance and officials with the Development Corp to draft a resolution outlining plans for a revolving loan fund. If the resolution is not approved by the committee and council, Ballweg says it would be time to revisit the necessity of the Community Development Committee.
UC Looking to Merge
1/25/12 - United Cooperative is seeking to merge with a company from Denmark, Wisconsin. The Beaver Dam-based company has signed a letter of intent to pursue the merger with Cooperative Services. United Co-Op President and CEO David Kramer says the agriculture industry puts a great deal of effort into improving efficiencies and sustainability so that present and future generations can continue to produce food and fuel efficiently. Kramer says the merger will provide their patron members with the equipment, products, and service needed to maximize production and survive for generations to come. Cooperative Services is projecting revenues for the fiscal year ending Jan. 31, 2012, to be in excess of $29 million. All of Cooperative Services divisions can be found at one location in Denmark; that includes feed, grain, agronomy, a Cenex convenience store, and an automotive shop. Formed in 1936, United Cooperative is a full-service cooperative with feed, grain, agronomy, fuel, lubricant, and propane locations throughout Wisconsin. They documented $525 million in sales in 2011, up $200 million from 2010, and employ about 500 full-time, part-time, and seasonal workers. United Cooperative is expected to finalize mergers with Shawano-based Mid-County Cooperative and Pulaski Chase Cooperative in February. In coming months, there will be a series of meetings with Cooperative Services' employees and patron members about the proposed merger. Ballots will be mailed out next month. If approved, the merger will take effect April 1.
Peyer to Resign
1/25/12 - Randolph School District Superintendent Greg Peyer is resigning effective June 30th. In a letter sent to district staff members last week Peyer said that while he has enjoyed his time in Randolph he realizes that due to the size of the district and the current economic times there needs to be a restructuring of the administration. He said the board had been considering a change for some time and said would not impede the process in anyway. Peyer has been with Randolph for 5-years and says he intends to pursue other positions in education and in the business world.
BDUSD Presents Data Dashboard
1/25/12 - A rather new analytical tool to track academic progress in the Beaver Dam School District got some statewide recognition this past weekend. Superintendent Steve Vessey and School Board President Marge Jorgensen presented the district's Data Dashboard at a conference in Milwaukee. The "Dashboard" is used to track data and set goals for improvement in a number of different fields including student test scores, attendance rates, and the number of kids going on to college after graduating. Vessey says there were quite a few questions from other administrators after the presentation and they plan to work with at least one other district in helping them implement a dashboard. At the same conference board member Gary Spielman was given an award for his 20-years of service to the community.
Wiard Gets Probation
1/25/12 - A Horicon man who burglarized a Horicon tavern last Fourth of July weekend will spend five years on probation. Police arrested Daniel Wiard on charges of domestic battery during the early morning hours of July 3 and en route to the jail, arresting officers got word that Danny Boy's Irish Pub in Horicon had been burglarized. The next day investigators reviewed video footage from that night and the bartender identified the suspect as a guy named "Dan" who was new to town. Wiard moved to town last June. Police executed a search warrant at his residence and recovered $2600 in small bills and a Brewers Jersey that had been on a wall in the establishment. According to the criminal complaint, the 30-year-old waited in the women's bathroom until everyone left for the night, loaded-up a garbage can full of items from the bar, dragged the garbage can home on his bike, and then dumped the garbage can full of stolen items out in his living room. That sparked a fight with his mother that resulted in his arrest on the domestic abuse charges. Those charges were dismissed but read in last November when Wiard pleaded "no contest" to the felony burglary charge. In addition to probation, Wiard was ordered yesterday (Tu) maintain absolute sobriety but his probation officer will be able to order 30 days in jail for a first violation, 60 days in jail for a second violation and 90 days in jail for a third. A three year prison sentence was imposed and stayed but if his probation is revoked he will get credit for the 142 days he already spent behind bars.
Officials Urge Caution When Using Craigslist
1/25/12 - If you're buying or selling an item through Craigslist, Milwaukee police suggest you only meet the other person in the transaction in a public place. Police say they are seeking a spike in robberies hitting people using the popular online classified ads site. Investigators say there have been at least a half-dozen in the last month, with four of those happening in the last week. They are following up on leads and but don't say if they're close to an arrest or not.
Jobs Committee Favors Mine Bill
1/25/12 - The state Assembly Jobs Committee voted 9-to-5 Tuesday in favor of a bill that tries to make it easier for a new iron ore mine to open in far northern Wisconsin. The package would streamline the process of getting state permits for iron ore mines both now and in the future. And the panel okay-ed several changes suggested by members of both parties. Local communities would get a bigger-than-expected share of tax revenues from the materials that are mined. The limit on application fees would be raised from one-point-one million dollars to two-million. There would be assurances that mining projects would follow the terms of the Great Lakes water protection agreement. And Indian tribes near proposed mines would receive copies of permit applications. But that wasn't enough for Stevens Point Democrat Lou Molepske. He wanted tribes at the table when mining decisions are being made. But Greendale Republican Jeff Stone said it's not the government's responsibility to represent Indian tribes - and they can pursue their own interests on the subject. The 180-plus page bill now goes to the full Assembly for a final vote.
Kohls Expanding Business into the South
1/25/12 - The Kohl's Department Store chain is expanding its online business in the South. The Menomonee Falls-based company announced yesterday (Tu) that it would build a distribution center in DeSoto Texas, near Dallas, to serve buyers on its Web site. The facility is expected to open this summer with about 400 new jobs. Hiring is expected to begin around March first. Kohl's has 84 retail stores in Texas.
Harley Sales Looking Better
1/25/12 - Things are starting to look up for Wisconsin's legendary motorcycle maker. Harley-Davidson of Milwaukee reports a 106-million-dollar profit for October-through-December, compared to a loss of 47-million in the same quarter a year ago. Investors made 46-cents a share in the last quarter, after losing 20-cents at the same time the previous year. Sales of Harley motorcycles jumped almost 11-percent worldwide this past fall, and almost 12-percent in the U-S. Sales revenues exceeded a billion dollars, up from 917-million in the same quarter the previous year. Harley C-E-O Keith Wandell said the higher sales were due to a rise in consumer confidence, plus growth in foreign markets. But he says the company is still cautious in its expectations for the New Year. Harley-Davidson saved about as much as it expected from its re-structuring activities last year - around 217-million dollars.
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