SHERIFF ASKS FOR HELP IN LOCATING CRIMINAL SUSPECT

Twenty nine year old Javier Sanchez Granados of West Bend is a wanted man in Washington County. He is wanted for misappropriate ID information in order to obtain money. Officials at the Washington County Sheriff’s Department are asking for your help in locating Granados. He is described as a male Hispanic; five feet six and weighing one hundred fifty five pounds. He has black hair and brown hair. A picture of Granados is on our website.  Residents are reminded do not attempt to approach or apprehend this suspect. Instead if you have any information on his location is asked to contact the Washington County Sheriff’s Department at 262-335-4411 or the Washington County Law Enforcement Tip Line at 800-232-0594. Residents are reminded do not attempt to approach or apprehend this suspect.

HARTFORD MAN BOUND OVER FOR CRIMINAL TRIAL

 22-year-old Joshua Wendt from Hartford has been charged with two counts of criminal damage to religious property at the First Baptist Church in Hartford. Wendt appeared before Washington County Circuit Judge Todd Martens on Wednesday afternoon with his attorney and

 waived his right to a preliminary hearing. According to the criminal complaint, in the early morning hours of March 15^th, a Hartford police officer was sent to the First Baptist Church, because someone was breaking windows inside on the second floor. On the south side exterior of the church the officer saw two fire extinguishers. One was lying on the steps outside the main entrance and one was lying in the road. There was broken glass in front of the church. Inside the church, the officer noticed the conference room and hallway were covered in fire extinguisher dust. The officer also found several pieces of broken glass and remnants of a broken stained-glass window. A few days later, Hartford Police Detectives acting on a tip, located and questioned Joshua Wendt. Wendt told the detective that on the night of March 14^th he went to The Mineshaft and was drinking. He claimed that he couldn’t remember anything from one am until two pm the next day. He said he felt like he had flashback memories of a fire extinguisher, pews and a playroom. Wendt remembered being in

Church, walking in different rooms and turning the lights on

and off.  He told the detective that he had no idea how he got into the church. Wendt will be back in court for an arraignment hearing June fourth at 1:15 p.m. If convicted  on the two counts of criminal damage to religious property,  Wendt faces a maximum sentence of more than six years in prison and $20,000 in fines.

WOMAN STEALS MONEY FROM FRIEND TO BUY DRUGS

A frantic  forty eight year old woman from the Town of Farmington was found by Washington County Sheriff Deputies at about nine thirty Tuesday night along the side of the road at County Highway M and Highway 33. According to Deputy Tim Kemps, Kendra Heilman indicated that her money was stolen by her friend Carla Binsfeld from Cascade. Apparently, the two women were in a car being driven by a man named Darin. Kendra and Carla got into an argument over grocery money when Carla grabbed seventy dollars and hit Kendra. Carla threw Kendra’s cell phone out of the car and had darin pull over to let Kendra out. Kendra told the deputies that Carla needed the money to buy heroin. Carla eventually turned herself into the Plymouth Police and was returned. She admitted to a portion of the robbery, but claimed she was suffering from roving blackouts during the course of the incident. She was arrested and charged with robbery and battery. The investigation will continue as deputies will attempt to locate and question Darin the driver

NEITZKE ADDRESSES ISSUE OF STUDENTS LEAVING THE DISTRICT

Open enrollment is public schools can have both a positive and negative effect on a school district. A recent trend in the West Bend School district has seen more students leaving the schools than those coming in. The district conducted a survey of families who elected to enroll their children outside of West Bend’s district. In a recent interview with WBKV’s Bob Bonnefant, school Superintendent Ted Neitzke highlighted some of the reasons people choose this route. He said the top reason people gave for leaving the district was location and the convenience to be closer to a school where they work or even live. Another reason people gave according to Neitzke is class sizes. Unfortunately, there is a misnomer still alive today that class rooms are overcrowded and parents of kindergarten children are shying away from enrollment. Neitzke noted that the district will continue to keep the public informed on the upcoming restructuring projects. He feels these projects will put to rest any of the old remaining phalicies of overcrowding, especially with the new renovations to Silver Brook and Badger Middle schools.

WEST BEND MEMORIAL DAY PARADE SPEAKER ANNOUNCED

THURSDAY MAY 16, 2013= VERSION 2

A man with over thirty one years of military service and retired at the rank of Colonel has been tapped to be the key note speaker for this year’s West Bend Memorial Day service.  Mr.  John Scocos was appointed the first cabinet secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs by Governor Walker. As Secretary he is the chief advocate for over 407,000 veterans in Wisconsin. In addition to this position, he has a long and distinguished career. Prior to his current position he served as the Deputy Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of safety and professional services. The program featuring Mr. Scocos is scheduled to begin at 11am immediately after the parade in the area of the Memorial Plaza, just to the north of the old Washington County Court House. Seating at the ceremony is limited, people attending are encouraged to bring a  lawn chair.

60 YEAR OLD MAN ARRESTED FOLLOWING HIGH SPEED CHASE

A sixty year old man from Greenfield is in custody at the Washington County Jail after sheriff deputies caught him following a high speed chase. According to the sheriff’s department report, they were notified at about three thirty am Tuesday morning by the Dodge County Sheriff’s office that a car was heading out of Dodge County on Highway 41 traveling at 90 MPH and swerving in and out of traffic. Washington County authorities located the car on Highway 41 near highway 60 at a speed of 105 MPH and he was still all over the road. Deputies attempted to stop him at Pioneer Road but it was not successful. The pursuit continued and eventually ended with the aid speed spikes placed down by Germantown Police on 41 just north of county line. The man, identified as Jeffrey Reichert was arrested for his first offense OWI and for felony eluding law officials. Deputies requested a drug evaluation test on Reichert as it appeared his signs of impairment were a result of him not taking his medications for paranoid schizophrenia. Reichert told deputies that he has been on the meds since 1974 and recently stopped taking them.

April Home Sales in County Continue Strong Trend

April home sales in the Metropolitan Milwaukee market which includes Washington County were up 2.3% compared to a year earlier. In Washington County, the numbers continued yet another month of strong results. In April there were 165 homes sold in the county, compared to 118 in April 2012. That’s an increase of 39.8 percent. Mike Ruzika, the President of the Greater Milwaukee Association of Realtors said, the fact the increase in sales was "only" 2.3%, compared to the large double-digit increases the marketplace saw in past months may be a sign that the market is normalizing and expanding at a sustainable rate. Overall, including the good numbers for Washington County, there were a total of 1,576 homes sold in April, compared to 1,541 in April of 2012. In the four county areas of Washington, Milwaukee, Waukesha and Ozaukee County, Washington saw a huge increase in sales, which according to Ruzika may be a sign of a new business model in the market.  Brokers are reporting that investors are buying suburban homes to rent out for a period of time and plan to re-sell them when prices get back to pre-recession levels. Ruzika said that it took several years for sellers to get over the fact that the market had turned on them during the recession.  However, the switch from a buyers' market to a balanced/sellers' market happened much faster than was anticipated

COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT MEMORIAL CEREMONY SCHEDULED

The annual Washington County Law Enforcement memorial ceremony will be held tomorrow night at seven pm in the Ziegler Pavilion at the Washington County Fair Park. This year’s host agency is the Slinger Police Department. Wreaths will be presented in memory of Washington County officers who have died in the line of duty. The ceremony will include a musical prelude performed by the Hartford city band. Posting of the colors will be done by the West Bend Police honor guard. Slinger village Administrator Jessi Balcom and along with Judge Todd Martens will speak. The ceremony will conclude with a rifle salute by the Washington County Sheriff’s Department Honor Guard along with a candle light vigil, accompanied by the Greater Milwaukee Fire and Police Pipes and Drums. Refreshments will be served following the ceremony.

SMALL FIRE CAUSES DAMAGE AT WEST BEND MOOSE LODGE

We have an update for you regarding a fire that happened on Saturday afternoon, which was initially reported yesterday. The West Bend Fire Department was called into action on Saturday afternoon at about four forty for a building fire at the West Bend Moose Lodge on Chestnut Street.  According to West Bend Fire Chief Jerry Kudek, a small smoldering smoke fire was discovered inside the walk-in cooler. A few card board storage boxes were burning and the walls of the cooler were charred. The source of the fire was determined to have been caused by a contract worker who was doing some work with a heat gun. Members of the lodge were able to put the fire out with fire extinguishers prior to fire official’s arrival. Total estimated dollar damages are one thousand dollars to both property and contents.

WEST BEND POLICE MAKE MULTIPLE MARIJUANA ARRESTS

Patrol officers with the West Bend Police Department were kept busy over the weekend with criminal complaints ranging from OWI’s, disorderly conducts, domestic disputes and two cases on possession of illegal drugs. The first case happened Friday night at ten twenty pm at Main and Deorah. Police stopped a car on a routine traffic violation. The car was occupied by two seventeen year old males from West Bend. The officer noticed a bag of marijuana on the car seat which was estimated to have been twenty one grams. The driver was cited for a red light violation and arrested for possession of marijuana. His seventeen year old friend was cited for a tobacco possession violation and later released into his parent’s custody.The second case occurred Saturday night at seven thirty on the city’s South West side. According to Lieutenant Michael Hartwell of the West Bend Police, a concerned neighbor called police reporting a suspicious car parked in front of their home for an extended time. Police arrived and questioned three young men from West Bend inside the car. During questioning, the officer detected an odor of marijuana coming from the car. The driver of the car, a 22 year old man had one point four grams of marijuana. He was arrested for possession of marijuana. The other two West Bend men were given citations for possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

VILLAGE OF JACKSON BOARD MEETING TONIGHT

Board members for the Village of Jackson will be meeting tonight. Some of the items on the agenda include an updated school district report from Ted Neitzke, West Bend School District Superintendent. Pat Hodgins, a representative from West Shore Pipe Line will provide an update to the board on the continuing clean-up and maintenance procedures from the pipeline break. Two resolutions will be presented to honor John Kruepke and Richard Pecher for their years of service to the Village of Jackson Fire Department. Also included on tonight’s agenda is the budget and finance committee with a review of bids for the construction of the park and ride lot located on Apple Lane. There is also the opportunity for citizens to address the village board towards the end of the agenda. Tonight’s meeting starts at seven thirty at the Jackson Village Hall located on Main Street.

KEWASKUM SCHOOL BOARD MEETING TONIGHT

The 2012-13 academic school year begins to head into the home stretch and the Kewaskum School Board at their meeting tonight will continue addressing timely issues for this year and begin to glance at some items for next year. The board will discuss administrative contracts for Business Manager Julie Thorsen and Principal Scott Mantei. School Board President Tim Ramthum will announce some appointments for district representation as well as appoint two people with the honor of handing out diplomas. Also on the agenda is a first reading of several new school board policies. Those include political activities on school premises and the procedure for access to public records. Under new business, the board will look at approving an insurance plan for 2014-15 as well as setting a graduation date for 2104. Tonight’s meeting will start at six at the Kewaskum District School office. Prior to the school board meeting, the Health and Insurance committee will meet at four thirty, followed by a meeting of the finance committee at five thirty. Both of those committee meetings will also be held at the district office on Reigle Drive.

WEST BEND BIKE-TO-WORK DAY EVENT

The Healthy People Project of Washington County has agreed to facilitate the annual Bike to Work Day event in West Bend following the resignation of event founder, Ori-Anna Ramsey earlier this year. The 2013 West Bend Bike to Work Day event is scheduled to take place this Friday, from 6:00-8:00 am at River Shores in West Bend located at 705 Village Green Way. The annual event is designed to help anyone interested in learning about using biking as a mode of transportation, network current commuters with each other, learn more about the benefits of cycling as a lifestyle and to create awareness of bike commuters in West Bend and surrounding areas.  Christine Glosh a team coordinator for the Healthy People Project says it’s the group’s goal to grow the event throughout Washington County. She also said that they are very excited about this opportunity to be involved with Bike to Work Day. This event is a great way to promote active living and it is a way to bring our mission into action. We’d like to thank Ori-Anna for her dedication and leadership in bringing this event to fruition and growing it over the past 5 years. Her commitment to promoting biking and physical activity in our community is tremendous.  Organizers for the Bike to Work Day event for this Friday are hoping for good weather. If it should rain on Friday, the event will be postponed until Friday May 24^th.

UW-WC Recognizes Top Student Athletes

Top awards to UW-Washington County student athletes were presented by Athletic Director Debbie Butschlick and Faculty Representative Professor Roger Peterson, at the May athletic awards banquet held in their honor.  Top Female Athlete of the Year award winner was Hannah Hovorka from West Bend. Hannah is active on the basketball, volleyball and tennis teams at UW-WC. Top Male Athlete of the Year award was presented to Grant Braunschweig of Neosho.  Grant was named to the Wisconsin Collegiate Conference First Team in tennis for #3 singles and #2 doubles.  WCC Scholar Athlete awards were presented to Mike Chirillo, from Hartford and Blake Luedtke, from Jackson for tennis; soccer player Dan Doyle, from Hartford along with teammate Tom Klahorst, from Colgate. Doyle was also presented with

The Thomas J. Brigham Scholar Athlete Award. Doyle was named to the WCC First Team for soccer. According to UW-WC Athletic Director Debbie Butschlick 58 athletes competed this past school year in the seven sports offered at the college.

KEWASKUM MAN WHO TURNED TEST DRIVE INTO JOY RIDE TO STAND TRIAL

A 39 year old man from Kewaskum who is charged in turning a test drive into a joy ride will stand trial in the case. Scott Kudek, appeared in a Washington County court room on Thursday and waived his preliminary hearing. He has now been bound over for trial.  According to the criminal report, Kudek and 24-year-old Kayla Goemer are facing charges of armed car-jacking, recklessly endangering safety and bail jumping. The couple allegedly stole a pickup truck from the Russ Darrow dealership in West Bend during a test drive. A male sales associate joined them on the test drive. While driving the vehicle in the area of Highway 144 and County Highway A in the Town of Farmington, Kudek took out a knife and held it to the neck of the sales associate. After driving for several more miles Kudek stopped the truck and told the sales associate to exit the vehicle. Following the incident Kudek and Goemer stole gas from a station in the area and then fled the scene. The Washington County Sheriff’s office issued felony arrest warrants against the couple.  In the early morning hours of February 3rd, Kudek and Goemer were arrested at a hotel by the Hillborough County, Florida Sheriff’s deputies. The 2012 Dodge Ram 1500 was recovered. Kudek’s arraignment is set for May 30th.

                POLICE ANNUAL BIKE SALE TOMORROW

An inventory of almost eighty abandoned or recovered bicycles will be sold tomorrow by the West Bend Police Department. The sale takes place at the West Bend Municipal garage located at 251 Municipal Drive, just north of the city municipal water treatment facility. Hours of the sale are eight am until ten thirty. All bicycles will be sold for $15.00 which includes a City of West Bend Bicycle License which is required for all sales. The license is good for the life of the bike. Bicycles will be sold on a “first come, first serve” basis. There is a limit of just one bicycle per person. All sales are cash only and the bikes must be removed from the municipal garage immediately after the sale. All sales are final with a no return policy.

Two Students Will Die in Realistic Program at West Bend High Schools

A simulated tragic event will take place this afternoon at one outside the West Bend High Schools. A mock accident will be staged that will simulate a head-on collision and will have two High School teens  die as a result of a teen drunk driving and texting. Debris and broken glass will litter the roadway. There will be CDs and books scattered on the ground, beer cans and blood. A blood-spattered teenage boy will be lying motionless in the street. Two teens will be trapped in their cars. The student drunk driver will be taken into custody, one student will be critically injured and three students will be treated at the hospital and released.  Parents will come to the crash scene to identify their child, go to the funeral home to make mock funeral arrangements and pick out a casket. Another parent will be notified of her son's mock death at work. Although the event isn't real, the message to West Bend High School students will be. Every 15 Minutes someone dies as the result of an alcohol-related collision. The West Bend School District, in partnership with the Washington County Injury Prevention Coalition, West Bend Fire and Police Departments, and St. Joseph's Hospital will present the "Every 15 Minutes" program, a dramatic program intended to drive home a powerful message about the consequences of drinking and driving. This is the fourth year the program will be held in West Bend, the first in 2006 and again in 2009, 2011.

MAN RESCUED FROM FIRE BY COUPLE

Scott and Kelly Paczesny are being recognized today by the Washington County Sheriff’s Department as a couple of heros. On Sunday afternoon, the couple and their children were arriving at their relative’s home in the Town of Polk. Soon after getting out the car, they heard someone screaming for help. That person was fifty four year old David Lex who lives next door. According to the Washington County Sheriff’s Department report, Lex was burning some wood in an outdoor fire pit near his home Sunday afternoon. Lex has multiple sclerosis; however, he wasn’t experiencing any symptoms that day. According to Deputy Daniel Survis the fire spread and though he tried, Lex couldn’t stop nearby leaves and brush from burning. He collapsed on a  pile of burning leaves and the fire began to burn through him and he screamed for help. That is when the Paczesny’s came running to help. Kelly said that even though it was a very terrifying situation, there was no time to be afraid or think twice. The couple rushed to remove Lex from danger. Kelly Paczesny called 911 as her husband beat out the flames on Lex’s pants and began stomping out the burning leaves. They were forced to remove Lex’s pants to keep them from burning his legs. David Lex did have substantial burns to his body. Deputy Survis reported that his skin was starting to peel off the majority of his burned areas. He did have burns to his right arm, back and right leg. The most severe burns appeared to be on the right side of his back and as well as his right knee. Lex was transported by ambulance to Froedert Hospital and was then rerouted to Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital. He will be hospitalized for several weeks to treat his burn injuries.

 

POLICE BIKE RIDE TO FEATURE TWO LOCAL OFFICERS

The annual Police Unity Bike Tour from New Jersey to Washington D.C. gets underway this morning. The ride concludes at the national memorial where every year the names of law enforcement officers that died in the line of duty are unveiled. A larger than normal group of riders from Wisconsin is participating this year. The purpose is to be on hand as the names of slain Wauwatosa Police Officer Jennifer Sebena and Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Deputy Sergio Aleman are added to the National Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial next week. Locally, West Bend Police Sergeant Matt Rohlinger and Washington County Sheriff Deputy Eric Essinger will be on the ride. Actually, this will be the sixth year, the two officers have participated in the event. The two have been taking the trip from New Jersey to Washington D.C. since 2008.Sergeant Rohlinger says that most of the Wisconsin cyclists flew out to New Jersey for the start of today’s ride. Meanwhile, as he points out, this year all their bikes and equipment were transported in a special trailer that bears the names of Officers Sebena and Aleman along with some other special memorabilia. The Wisconsin group of the police unity tour set a goal this year to raise $40,000. Last year the national tour had about 1600 participants and raised more than one point five million dollars for the national memorial.

CITY MAINTAINS BOND RATING STATUS

The City of West Bend learned this week that its bond rating remains unchanged at Aa2.  Moody’s Investors Service assigns the rating after an analysis of a number of factors including financial strength, revenue trends, reserve funds, city leadership, and debt burden.City officials and its municipal advisors, Ehlers Financial Planning, had concerns about the possibility of a bond rating downgrade due to an above average debt burden and two consecutive years of reserve fund reductions to balance city spending practices.“This is a considerable accomplishment for the city’s new leadership given the hard, financial analysis which already raised questions,” said Mayor Kraig Sadownikow.  The bond rating is issued annually to help determine the viability of exempt and tax-exempt bonds.  The city is obtaining $10 million in financing this year to put towards the police department expansion and other capital investments. “Times are tough at the local government level which caused 16 municipalities in Wisconsin to realize downgrades in their bond ratings last year and 5 more this year but West Bend bucked the trend,” said Interim City Administrator T.J. Justice.The city team which presented its case for this year’s rating call with Moody’s including the mayor, Justice, assistant city administrator Steve Volkert, finance administrator Carrie Winklbauer, deputy finance administrator Mary Kudek and Ehler’s associates

CITY HAS A BRIDGE THAT LEADS TO NOWHERE

For many years in Milwaukee the now well known Hoan Bridge was stalled in its construction process and it became jokingly known as the bridge that leads to nowhere.  And now, unfortunately for the unforeseeable future, the city of West Bend has a similar situation with the proposed construction of a pedestrian bridge that is designed to cross the Milwaukee River and Veterans Avenue linking North Main Street with the public parking lot south of the Museum of Wisconsin Art. Monday night, West Bend Aldermen voted to postpone a decision to start construction of a one hundred eight foot pedestrian bridge in downtown until June. The unfortunate decision will present a further delay to a project that was originally expected to be finished in April. The delay also has the potential to stretch even further while the Common Council struggles over construction bids more than a quarter million dollars higher than expected.  According to City Engineer Judy Neu bids for the bridge construction contract came in thirty percent above the city’s cost estimate. She said at this point the council has three options: Pay the higher price and build the bridge; Reject all current bids and rebid hoping the price would be lower, and reject the bids, pick an alternative design and go through the state permit process again, likely delaying construction until 2014. City official said they want to discuss those options with the Museum of Wisconsin Art, The West Bend Economic Development Corporation and also solicit ideas from the public on what to do next. Originally, the city promised the new art museum that the pedestrian bridge would be finished when the museum opened.

GERMANTOWN POLICE APRIL ACTIVITY REPORT

The month of May began with a very dangerous and frightening incident in Germantown as Police arrested Bodie Witzlib after investigators discovered hundreds of explosive items in the basement of his grandmother’s home. Fortunately for police they did not have any similar incidents in April, but in a monthly status report just released, Germantown Police were kept quite busy with close to forty calls ranging from theft, drug possession, accidents, drunk driving and more.  Area businesses were not immune to thefts last month. The department recorded four.  A 51-year-old Milwaukee man was arrested for shoplifting after he was seen concealing merchandise at Fleet Farm, on County Line Road on April 22. On April 23^rd  two cases were recorded a 68-year-old Grafton man was arrested for shoplifting at Fleet Farm,  and a  62-year-old Sussex man was arrested for shoplifting at Menards, on Appleton Avenue. The most serious offense occurred on April 27^th. Three unknown men passed $130.00 in counterfeit ten and twenty dollar bills at Speedway on Squire Drive. The suspects left in a black Dodge Durango and a gray GM custom van. There was one accident of importance in April. On the 28^th, a man was transported to Froedtert Hospital by Flight For Life after his 1971 Triumph motorcycle crashed on Amy Belle Road and Appleton Avenue at 7:20 p.m. Police did not release the man's name and age from the incident log. Also noted on the monthly report Germantown police assisted with 20 rescue calls and four fire calls between April 22 and April 28.

SHERIFF DEPARTMENT INVESTIGATES GRAFFITI IN ALLENTON

The Washington County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a series of nine graffiti incidents that occurred over the weekend in Allenton. The buildings vandalized included both residences and businesses. According to Lieutenant Martin Schulteis, all the graffiti was done with black spray paint. The first location discovered was the pavilion and a park sign at the Town of Addison Park. When deputies arrived, the paint was still wet and the smell was fresh. Other reported locations were along Main Street and include Allenton Metal, Kamco Inc, and Romies gas station. A residence at 531 New Plat was also vandalized with graffiti and the dollar damage estimate to the bricks is about one thousand dollars. Four other locations were also part of the crime spree and sheriff deputies are working on the details from those locations. If you have any information regarding these graffiti crimes, you are asked to call the Washington County Law Enforcement tip line at (800) 232-0594.Callers can be anonymous.

West Bend Man waives preliminary hearing, bound over for trial

34-year-old Keith Wiedmeyer, from West Bend, was in a Washington County Court room on Monday to answer felony charges against him in connection with the fatal crash that killed Pamela Matenaer. Wiedmeyer waived his preliminary hearing yesterday and is bound over for trial. According to the criminal complaint, Wiedmeyer claims he was driving through the Village of Kewaskum just before 10 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Witnesses indicated to police that Wiedmeyer had been driving between 65 and 80 miles an hour in a 30-mile-an-hour zone on Fond du Lac Ave. Witnesses told police Wiedmeyer crossed the center line and slammed head-on into an oncoming vehicle. A third vehicle was also struck after the initial collision. Pamela Matenaer and two other persons were in the vehicle that was struck head-on by Wiedmeyer. Matenaer was taken to Froedtert Hospital where she was pronounced dead. One of the other persons in the car had a head injury and had difficulty breathing. The third person suffered injuries including a broken nose, a broken ankle and cuts to his face. When interviewed by police, Wiedmeyer said he had been “drinking alcohol and he was texting while driving prior to the accident.” Wiedmeyer refused a breath test and would not comply with any field sobriety tests. Wiedmeyer now faces four criminal counts including homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle, two counts of causing injury while operating intoxicated, and first-degree recklessly endangering safety. Wiedmeyer is due back court for his arraignment Wednesday, June 19th. If convicted of the charges, Wiedmeyer faces up to 25 years in prison and $100,000 in fines.

MONTHLY TRAFFIC FATALITIES NUMBER FEWER THAN 2012

Last month, 28 people died in 25 crashes on Wisconsin roadways, which made it the safest month of April in terms of traffic deaths since the end of World War II, according to preliminary statistics from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. The deadliest April was in 1977 with 113 fatalities. Traffic fatalities last month were 17 fewer than in April 2012 and 16 fewer than the five-year average for the month of April. As of April 30, a total of 134 people have died in Wisconsin traffic crashes this year, including five motorcyclists, 11 pedestrians and one bicyclist. Traffic deaths through April were 22 fewer than the same period in 2012 and seven fewer than the five-year average. In Washington County there have been four deaths so far this year as a result of traffic accidents. In neighboring Dodge County, three people have been killed on roadways this year while two have died in Columbia County, and one in Jefferson County.

Town of Jackson Well Water Contamination Saga Continues

On July 17^th last year, a gasoline pipe line leaked and massive amounts drained into ground water wells throughout the Town of Jackson. According to data from a DNR update released on Friday,  

as of May first , 37 wells on 35 properties have had detections of petroleum compounds above the laboratory limit of detection. Thirty-three wells on 31 properties have had detections of at least one petroleum compound that exceeds a drinking water standard.Recent detections of benzene in a private well along Western Avenue indicate gasoline contamination from last July’s pipeline spill is now spreading west of the initial cluster of polluted wells. State environmental officials also said Friday that recent tests also detected benzene in a private well at a residence on Sherman Road near Maple Road. The Maple Road residence is between Mill Road and Western Ave. According to DNR Southeast Regional Director Eric Nitschke, the latest detections and recent heavy rains prompted the DNR to ask West Shore Pipe Line Company to increase the frequency of testing of wells on the edge of the initial  drinking water advisory area  to once a week. Officials at West Shore Pipe Line said they had already begun to test wells on a weekly basis as of April 15^th.

GROTHMAN SPEAKS OUT ON STATE BUDGET

As a state senator representing our area, Glen Grothman has many issues that he has to deal with including the state budget. The state of Wisconsin operates on a two year budget. Senator Grothman is a republican; however he has some outstanding issues against the current budget backed by Governor Walker. One of those issues that Senator Grothman is not favoring is the rent to own industry.Senator Grothman said that most people can not afford to keep up the weekly payments of an estimated thirty five dollars for up to seventy weeks. Eventually their item gets repossessed and the next person winds up getting a used tv or appliance. Another area of the budget that Senator Grothman is not seeing eye to eye with the governor is the handling of the tuition increase within the UW system. Senator Grothman said he felt very bad for all the students who had been graduating with an average debt of over $25,000 in the past two years from the UW system overcharging them. He hopes that tuition cuts can be implemented beginning in the near future. Senator Grothman made these comments during an interview Friday morning with Bob Bonnefant on News Talk AM 1470 WBKV. You are always to call his office at 800-662-1227 with any questions or concerns.

KEWASKUM VILLAGE BOARD MAY MEETING TONIGHT

The first full week in the month of May gets off to a busy start tonight in the village of Kewaskum with a village board meeting at seven pm. Prior to that at six thirty, the Administrative Committee will meet. At the front end of the meeting department heads will present their monthly reports. Police Chief Tom Bishop will talk about the plans for the law enforcement memorial service scheduled for May 16^th. Village Administrator Matt Heiser will give a report on the village’s five year projection of expenditures versus revenues.  Also presenting reports will be Director of Public works Jerry Gilles, Zoning Administrator Chad Cook and Fire Chief Mark Groeschel. Most chairpersons will present monthly updates including Mike Berger from Public works and services and Craig Garbisch from parks and recreation. Topics under old business will include the discussion and possible action on the village Administrator evaluation form and evaluation process. Under new business John Knepel from a local CPA firm will present the audit prepared for the village of Kewaskum for the year 2012. Following his report, board members will review and discuss on the acceptance of the audit. Also under new business, the board will have a discussion on ATV access within the village limits and also discuss off street parking of vehicles and trailers used to transport snowmobile and ATV’s. Both the Administrative Committee and the full village board meeting will be held in the Council room of the Kewaskum municipal building located at 204 First Street.

33 Year Old Germantown Man Charged in Explosives Case

FRIDAY May 3, 2013VERSION 2

A dangerous and frightening couple of days had some closure on Thursday as 33-year-old Bodie B. Witzlib( see photo) from Germantown appeared in a Washington County Court room and was charged with four felony counts of possessing improvised explosives after police removed more than 1,000 handmade explosive devices from a home on County Line Road. According to police records the owner of the home is actually Ruth Witzlib, the aunt of the arrested suspect. Witzlib admitted to police he had started a business, G.I. Fireworks, and was making M80-style explosives in his aunt’s home. He did not have a federal license to manufacture explosive devices. On Wednesday, members of the Milwaukee County bomb squad, Wisconsin National Guard and federal authorities removed more than 1,000 devices of various sizes; additional explosive powder, cardboard tubing and fuses also were removed from the basement of the home. Investigators  also found  in an outdoor shed 11 containers of military-grade aluminum and three 5-pound packages of potassium perchlorate, a chemical used in manufacturing explosives. At an initial court appearance Thursday, Washington County Circuit Judge James Pouros imposed a $25,000 cash bond as a condition of Witzlib's release from jail. Witzlib could be sentenced up to six years in prison on each of the felony counts. Witzlib is due back in court on Wednesday, May 29th.

BOND MODIFICATION DENIED FOR PIPE BOMB MAKER

A 22 year old man from West Bend who is charged with possession

of  improvised explosives and  for making pipe bombs asked to have

his cash bond modified to a signature bond. Ethan Boettcher appeared before Judge Andrew Gonring in Washington County Circuit Court.

 on Wednesday afternoon and had his request denied. On April 8^th, Judge  Gonring set a $150,000 cash bond and Boettcher asked the court to amend the bond to a signature bond or a reasonable

cash bond. According to the criminal complaint, a Washington County Sheriff’s Department deputy went to Boettcher’s home in the town of Farmington on April 5 after a 911 call. Boettcher, who had fresh burn injuries on his face and singed hair, told the deputy he accidentally called 911. An investigation revealed the deputy findingtwo capped metal pipes, which he identified as pipe bombs. The deputy also found a jar of Hogdon 777, a Black Powder Propellant which, according to the Milwaukee County Bomb Squad, is used to make pipebombs. Boettcher admitted he was making pipe bombs, and that   he was injured when he detonated a pipe bomb in his backyard. The search also turned up two pounds of marijuana, a loaded AR-15 rifle and a semi-automatic handgun. The detective also seized over $10,000 in cash, and 986 grams of marijuana.  Boettcher was charged with four felonies, including possession of improvised explosives, possession of THC with the intent to manufacture and deliver and for maintaining a drug trafficking place.  If convicted, Boettcher faces a maximum sentence of more than 12 years in prison.

ANNUAL PARK CITY WIDE PARK CLEANUP TOMORROW

Organizers with the West Bend Beautification committee are hoping for good weather tomorrow for the annual city wide parks clean up. They have a theme for this year entitled Clean up and Green up. This will be the twenty second year of a Spring Cleanup project. Part of the success is the great volunteer support each year from city residents. PNC Bank is also getting involved this year by providing the grand prize that someone participating will win. Volunteers are asked to arrive at the Regner Park pavilion by nine am. At that point, they will be assigned a park within the city to go to and perform clean up duties. The clean up consists mainly of picking up litter and recyclables. Volunteers will be provided with garbage bags, but if possible you will need to provide your own work gloves. The event runs from nine until noon. As a thank you for volunteers, Dunn Brothers coffee along with other snack items will be provided.  Everyone attending will be eligible to win prizes. The grand prize from PNC Bank for one person will be a one hundred fifty dollar certificate to Timber Ridge Lodge and Water Park at The Grand Geneva. If you would like to volunteer tomorrow to clean up a specific park, you are asked to call 335-5083, or just show up tomorrow morning at nine at the Regner Park pavilion.

Jackson Woman Charged with Felony Child Neglect

A 22-year-old Village of Jackson woman was arrested and charged Tuesday afternoon with child neglect resulting in bodily harm to her 2-year-old son. According to the Jackson Police Department report,  a physicians told police that the boy had suffered injuries over his entire body that included his scrotum and mouth, and a lacerated spleen caused by blunt force trauma. The mother who is being identified as Melissa Feldner told Jackson Police that the injuries occurred over several days when the child fell out of bed, walked into a wall and tripped on a kitchen rug, police said. In a second interview, she said he may have been injured when she kept him from kicking during a diaper change. The Washington County D A’s office has charged Feldner with child neglect resulting in bodily harm. She was released on a $1,000 signature bond Wednesday afternoon.

EXPLOSIVES IN GERMANTOWN HOME UPDATE

All of the explosive devices that were found inside a Germantown home on Tuesday where a 33 year old man lives were very carefully removed over the course of several hours on Wednesday. The explosive devices were then detonated in an area safely away from the neighborhood. Germantown Police Chief Peter Hoell said care was taken during the sweep of the property just in case it had been “booby-trapped,” but that no such devices were found. Chief Hoell was also cautious when he addressed the media for a briefing on Wednesday afternoon just outside of the suspect’s home and said at the time they were not exactly sure what types of explosives were inside the home. Details are becoming clearer as the investigation continues.  Hoell said his department and other law enforcement agencies are familiar with the suspect, noting the man, who lives on the property with his grandmother, has a long criminal history and some mental health issues.  The 33 year old suspect did not indicate he intended to harm anyone or any certain public place. The man is currently being held in the Washington County Jail. Charges of possession of explosive devices could be filed in court today.

APPROVED RENOVATION PLANS AT AREA ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS MOVE ON

As the 2012-2013 academic year heads into its final month and a half in West Bend, Administrators and staff members continue to push ahead with renovation plans to several middle schools. A $22.8 million dollar referendum was approved in the November election to allow the school district to move ahead with its long-range plans to address its facilities needs. Green Tree Elementary was built in 1968 and was originally just over 46,000 square feet in size. Currently, because of its antiquated size the gym at Green Tree doubles as a cafeteria An addition of about 6,500-7,000 square feet will be built on the northeast end of the school and include a new gymnasium and four classrooms. According to school district official Dave Ross, work on that project will likely start later this fall, around September or October.  Ross says, the added space will be necessary as part of the school district’s long-range plan that includes closing Barton Elementary School next year. Green Tree will absorb a fair number of that school’s students. According to Ross Green Tree’s capacity will increase from 560 to about 660 students. Other work that has been progressing since the referendum passage,  has been the work at Silverbrook Middle School, which entails almost doubling the size of that building plus major interior renovations. The Silverbrook project is expected to be completed, by fall 2014. At that time it will become an intermediate school, housing only fifth and sixth grades. Groundbreaking for the Silverbrook addition has tentatively been set for May 17.

EXPLOSIVES INCIDENT AT GERMANTOWN HOME

On Tuesday afternoon at approximately 2pm, the Germantown Police Department was informed to the possible presence of multiple explosives located inside a home in the vicinity of County Line Road and Fond du Lac Avenue.  The Germantown Police Department contacted the ATF and Milwaukee County Bomb Squad for assistance. According to Lieutenant David Huesemann of the Germantown Police department, officers made entry into the home and located numerous explosives.  The occupants of the residence were evacuated, and a 33 year old man who lives there was arrested. The house was cordoned off. Germantown Police have been maintaining a perimeter on the home since last night and will continue for several more hours today until so the explosives can be removed during daylight hours. There is no evacuation order in effect for surrounding residences. No further information including the name of the 33 year old man is being released at this time. Germantown Police anticipate having more details later today  after the explosives are removed from the residence. 

Grothman Unveils Tax Credit for Private School Tuition

On Tuesday  Senator Glenn Grothman and Representative Dean Kaufert introduced legislation to provide a tax credit to parents for private school tuition expenses.  Senator Grothman feels this tax credit will give parents the ability to have an alternative to the public schools. The bill will be phased in beginning taxable year 2014, but will ultimately give $1,500 tax credit to parents of elementary students and $2,500 tax credit for each child attending to high school. This bill has been co-sponsored by 28 members of the legislature and has gained widespread support throughout Wisconsin.  Senator Grothman commented on his bill co-authorization by saying that people talk a lot about diversity. Now is the time to recognize that not all parents want their children educated in schools run by the current public school establishment.  A credit equal to less than a fifth of what we give public schools seems to be a very modest proposal.  I look with anticipation at future revenue estimates to see if this is something that can be placed in this budget,

TEENAGE BOY SAVED FROM LIFE THREATENING SITUATION

A 16 year old town of Hartford male juvenile called a friend on Monday and told her he wanted to die.  The boy went on further and said he was sitting on top of the observation tower at Pike Lake State Park. Washington County Sheriff Deputies responded to the scene and located the teenage boy. They asked him to come down from tower and he did so cooperatively. The boy was transported to Slinger Police Department where his parents and a representative from Acute Care Services also met. The boy admitted that he was planning on killing himself by jumping from the tower, and if he wasn't able to jump he would have used the found knife to cut his wrists. Officers established a Safety plan with his parents. According to the report, a voluntary emergency detention will most likely be taking place with assistance from ACS and his  parents.

MULTIPLE BUILDING FIRES IN WEST BEND OVER WEEKEND

Yesterday we reported to you a fire in the city of West Bend from Saturday morning which caused damages of $145,000. The West Bend Fire Department also dealt with two other fires over the weekend that also caused extensive damages. The first happened on Friday afternoon at around four fifteen at the Country Inn and Suites. West Bend Fire Chief Jerry Kudek provided the details and reported while the fire was contained to just one empty hotel room, its ceiling, drywall, air and heating units will have to be replaced. The hotel was able to remain open. The estimated dollar damages to the building including property and contents are $100,000. Several hours following the fire  Saturday morning on Great Forest Drive that was reported yesterday, fire fighters battled a blaze on Squire Lane at about eleven forty Saturday night. Chief Kudek describes this call as malfunctioning water to blame. The fire started in the area of the hot water heater.
The homeowners were not home at the time, but came home to find smoke on the second floor of the home. Chief Kudek said that for a city the size of West Bend, it is unusual to have three working fires all occurring within a 36 hour time frame as these did over the weekend.

MAN ARRESTED IN JACKSON FOR SIXTH OWI

Jackson Police arrested thirty nine year old Jason Waters from Hartland on Saturday morning for committing his sixth offense OWI. According to Jackson Police Chief Jed Dolnick, at about 10:35am,  a passerby reported that Waters kept falling off his motorcycle near the intersection of Highway 60 and County P. After flying over the handlebars in a convenience store parking lot, he was seen staggering down a hill, where he was found by Jackson Police sitting against a fence. He was too intoxicated to perform field sobriety tests and was held at the Washington County jail until a court appearance yesterday afternoon. The blood test results won’t be available for several weeks.

St. Joseph’s Hospital event to benefit Kraemer Cancer Center

St. Joseph’s Community Foundation will host A Kentucky Derby Evening to benefit local cancer care services Thursday night at the Prairie Center of West Bend Mutual Insurance Company. Proceeds will support the health care needs of patients receiving treatment at the St. Joseph’s Hospital Kraemer Cancer Center. The Kraemer Cancer Center fills a need for patients to be able to stay in their community, near their families, while receiving cancer treatment. Guests attending the event will enjoy an evening with a Kentucky Derby atmosphere, including virtual horse racing, Derby punch, a hat parade, photo finish area as well as food stations, desserts, music, plus live and silent auctions. Auction items include a one-week stay in Denmark, a one-week stay in the Cayman Islands, a trip to Lambert’s Bridge Winery in Sonoma County, Calif., and a two-night stay at The American Club in Kohler that includes golf and round-trip transportation in a Rolls Royce. Event chair Amy Dahlberg says the Kraemer Cancer Center is a tremendous resource for area residents dealing with cancer, and this event helps the hospital continue to serve those in need because of a cancer diagnosis.” Dahlberg reports that in the previous five years of this event they have raised more than $275,000 locally to support the St. Joseph’s Hospital Kraemer Cancer Center. Event tickets for Thursday night are available for $75 each and include food stations, desserts, complimentary beer, wine and soda, Derby punch with souvenir glass and a photo of guests in their Derby attire. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact St. Joseph’s Community Foundation at 262-836-7828.
 

46 YEAR OLD MAN FORCES POLICE INTO TACTICAL SITUATION

On Friday night at 8:15 pm, a citizen called the West Bend Police Department and reported a 46 year old man was bleeding from the head, claimed to have been shot, and locked himself in his apartment. Police responded to the scene of the apartment located at 347 South Main Street, located just above the Northern Lights Tattoo shop. According to the press release, on contact, the man refused any assistance and told responding officers that he was armed and threatened violence if anyone entered his residence. As a precautionary movement, apartments nearby were evacuated while a police negotiator talked to the man. The Special Response Team responded and began negotiations with the man. At 10:55 pm, the man exited the apartment and was taken into custody. There were no additional injuries to the suspect or any officers.  The investigation revealed the man had not been shot and his injury was accidental. The 46 year old male was arrested for Disorderly Conduct, Resisting Arrest, Obstruction of Justice, and a Probation Violation

Arnold Makes Initial Court Appearance

Thirty eight year old Larry Arnold was on the run from local law enforcement officials for six days last week, before he was eventually taken into custody on Thursday. On Friday afternoon, Arnold made his initial court appearance and more details were exposed on how he managed to elude law enforcement agents who had been searching from him for almost a week.  Arnold is now facing five charges, from criminal trespassing to obstructing an officer and bail jumping. Arnold’s perplexing adventure began on Saturday April 20 when, according to the criminal complaint, he decided to kill himself. Arnold told Washington County Sheriff’s deputies that he parked his vehicle on a path in the Kettle Moraine State Forest Northern Unit, then threw his cellphone and car keys away and walked into the woods with a razor blade after he took taking eight Adderall pills, with the intent of killing himself. At some point, Arnold decided against committing suicide but heard sirens and thought the police were after him. The criminal complaint states that Arnold spent that night in the forest, and suffered frostbite to his feet. Arnold later told deputies he was “so terrified” from his night in the woods tried to find a place to warm up and found an “abandoned cabin” in the 2700 block of East Moraine Drive. A few days later, he was forced to find another hiding place.
Arnold was eventually found on Thursday hiding under an old piece of metal in a stand of pine trees and offered no resistance when taken into custody. He was taken to Froedtert St. Joseph’s Hospital in the town of Polk for frostbite to his feet before being taken to the Washington County Jail late Thursday evening. Arnold, formerly of Rudolph, has a lengthy criminal record, including second-degree sexual assault when he was 18 years old. Judge Gonring set bail for Arnold at $30,000 cash, with conditions that he has no contact with the owners of the homes he broke into. Arnold’s next court date is at 2:45 p.m. June 12.

EARLY MORNING FIRE INJURES ONE FIREFIGHTER

The West Bend Fire Department was called into action during the early morning hours of Saturday. According to a press release from the West Bend police a fire broke out at a home located at 2607 Great Forest Drive. A witness called in the report at about 2:06 am. When firefighters and police arrived at the home they found heavy smoke and flames at the rear of the building. The fire was brought under control. One firefighter sustained a minor leg injury while battling the blaze. Two occupants were displaced and are being assisted by the Red Cross. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

MANHUNT FOR LARRY ARNOLD ENDS WITH HIS ARREST

Residents in Washington County can breathe a sigh of relief today with the news that 38 year old Larry James Arnold, who had been at large in the Towns of Kewaskum and Farmington since Saturday April 20^th was found and taken into custody by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office yesterday morning. According to the Sheriff’s Department press release, at about 8:30 a.m. Thursday morning, the Sheriff’s Office was called regarding a burglary in the 2400 block of E. Moraine Dr. in the Town of Farmington. A caretaker for the homeowner was checking the home when he observed a door had been kicked in. He suspected that James Arnold could be hiding inside. The caretaker did not confront Arnold and waited for the Deputy to arrive. This home was approximately one mile east of the residence that was found burglarized on Wednesday. When the Deputy arrived at the residence, Arnold fled on foot and the Deputy ran after him E. Moraine Dr. before he lost sight of him.  Arnold ran to a nearby residence at E. Moraine Dr. at Wescott Rd. where he encountered the homeowner in the garage and asked for a ride into town.  Arnold then ran into a heavily wooded area to the north. Washington County Sheriff’s Deputies conducted a coordinated foot search of the area while Deputies from Sheboygan and Fond du Lac County Sheriff and State Park Rangers assisted in establishing a perimeter around the area. Arnold was eventually located hiding under an old piece of metal in a heavily wooded area about one-half mile northeast of the burglary scene. Deputies took Arnold into custody without any resistance. Arnold was treated at the scene for possible frostbite to his feet and he was transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital West Bend.  Pending his release from the hospital, Arnold will be transported to the Washington County Jail where he will be held on charges stemming from the two residential burglaries this week and the outstanding warrants from Wood County.

CONVICTED SEX OFFENDER TO BE RELEASED FROM JAIL

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is releasing some personal information today in order to inform residents that 27 year old Justin Rathke , a convicted sex offender will be released from jail in the next few days. A picture of Rathke appears on our website under the local news tab. His criminal history places him in a classification level which reflects the potential to re-offend. Rathke will be released from prison on April 30th.  After his release he will live at the Washington County Jail while he attempts to locate a residence and employment.  Rathke was convicted of 1 count 2nd Degree Sexual Assault of a Child in Washington County in January 2008 and 1 count 2nd Degree Sexual Assault of a Child in Washington County on February 25^th 2009.  Rathke will be on Extended Supervision until May 7, 2019 and will be monitored closely by Wisconsin Division of Community Corrections agents. While residing in the Washington County Jail he will be chaperoned at all times when leaving the jail to seek a residence and employment.  Rathke will have numerous rules and restrictions to follow including wearing a live tracking GPS unit. The sheriff’s department reminds everyone that may see him that Rathke has served the prison sentence imposed on him by the courts, and he is NOT wanted by law enforcement at this time.

BUSY WEDNESDAY FOR WEST BEND POLICE

After a fairly quiet week on the streets of West Bend, police are reporting a few incidents from Wednesday. First at about seven am  

someone saw a 17 year old teenage boy smoking outside the West Bend High Schools. The boy ran away when a liaison officer approached him. The liaison officer eventually found him in the school. A search turned up a folding knife and   some cigarettes. He was cited for carrying a concealed weapon and possession of tobacco. No word from school officials if any further actions will be taken against the teenage boy.

West Bend police are also reporting that a 38-year-old West Bend

woman was cited for hit-and run on Wednesday morning  after she pulled out of the lot at the Clothes Clinic on seventh and Washington. According to Lieutenant Michael Hartwell from the West Bend Police, at about eight forty am the woman was seen accelerating her car and then spun it 180 degrees and hitting a retaining wall before fleeing the scene. A witness gave a description of her car and Police found the woman. She was cited her for hit and run, no insurance and driving without a valid driver’s license.

Police Search for Felon Larry Arnold Intensifies

A manhunt is currently underway for a man missing from Washington County, where hikers are being warned about a dangerous man. Twenty-eight-year-old Larry Arnold was last spotted at Kettle Moraine State Forest. His vehicle was found on one of the trails.
Wednesday afternoon, a homeowner discovered him inside their home and after a few words were exchanged that included Arnold asking the man not to call police, Arnold fled from the home. The man then called the Sheriff’s office and provided deputies with a description of Arnold and what he was wearing.  A black jacket, black pants, black cap and sunglasses. The man told deputies that he thinks Arnold could have been inside the home for at least a couple of days. Deputies conducted a search of that area, with the assistance of a tracking dog from Great Lakes Search & Rescue. A short time later, a resident in the 2400 block of Scenic Drive in the town of Farmington reported seeing a man dressed all in black running east along the south side of his property in a wooded area.  A search there turned up nothing, but hunters in the area said they saw a man matching Arnold’s description running east in a field in the town of Farmington. The search intensified with a search dog and wardens from the Wisconsin DNR along with air surveillance from TMJ 4’s copter, but they were all unsuccessful in finding Arnold. Deputies then went door to door in the area to notify residents about the search. Arnold is wanted on outstanding felony warrants issued in 2010 by the Wood County Sheriff’s Department for bail jumping and contempt of court after he failed to make court appearances in a disorderly conduct case. Arnold is a registered sex offender in Wisconsin and is wanted on two felony warrants. He is not known to be armed at this time. Because of his criminal history, Arnold should be considered potentially dangerous.
Anyone with information on Arnold or who observes suspicious activity in the Kettle Moraine State Forest area should call the Washington County Sheriff’s Department, 262-335-4411. Or 9-1-1

Bond Set for Hartford Bank Robbery Suspect

Cash bond has been set at a quarter million dollars for a 31 year old Milwaukee man suspected of robbing the Associated Bank in Hartford last Friday afternoon just prior to five pm. Soubanh Seny-manola is also accused of leading police on a high speed chase through Hartford and into Dodge County that reached speeds of more than 80 mph. It all started after a vehicle suspected of being used in the robbery was seen heading south on County Highway K and Hartford police officers chased it through Hartford and into Dodge County. The suspect’s vehicle spun-out into a ditch near Neosho. Hartford police say the 31-year-old man then fled on foot but was arrested a short time later. Police say cash was recovered from the vehicle and officers also found a loaded, semiautomatic handgun on the man. The initial investigation also revealed the car Senymanola was driving was stolen from the Green Bay area earlier in the day Senymanola has a hearing on the calendar at the end of next month.

STRACHOTA TO HOLD LISTENING SESSIONS

 58^th Assembly District State Representative Pat Strachota will be in the district tomorrow and she has scheduled four public listening sessions around the area. The first stop will be at the Richfield Village Hall on Hubertus Road from nine until ten am. Her second session will be at the Slinger Village Hall in the board room from ten thirty until eleven thirty. Over the lunch hour Representative Strachota will meet with constituents in Jackson at the Village Hall. Her final listening session of the day will be held at the West Bend Library from three until four pm.

WEST BEND POLICE INVESTIGATE SUSPICIOUS BLACK CASE

A suspicious black package initially thought to be a bomb was found in the grass area between Glacier Hills Credit Union and Fire station number 3 on South Main Street by members of the fire department Tuesday morning at about 9:15 AM. According to the Police report, it appeared the case was carefully placed in the grass about 30 feet from the Fire Station.  West Bend Police were called to the scene to investigate. They were unable to locate any witnesses that observed the case being placed in the grass. As a pre-cautionary action assistance was requested from the Milwaukee County Bomb Squad.  The homes and businesses in the recommended surrounding area were notified.  Glacier Hills Credit Union temporarily closed until the area was rendered safe.  The Milwaukee County Bomb Squad did not find any explosives and determined the case contained camera equipment.  The case and equipment were inventoried by the West Bend Police Department. The incident is under investigation.

HARTFORD MAN ARRESTED FOR IMPERSONATING SHERIFF DEPUTY

On Thursday night April 18^th at approximately 7:30pm, Hartford officers were dispatched to the 500 block of Sunset Drive  to handle a dispute over the sale of a car.  According to the Hartford Police press release, during the course of this investigation, two of the parties involved reported that the man they had been arguing with was openly carrying a firearm in a holster on his hip. The two men felt uncomfortable about being involved in this confrontation and asked the man if he was a law enforcement officer after seeing the weapon. The man told them that he was a former Navy Seal and an off-duty employee of the Washington County Sheriff’s Department. When Hartford officers initially spoke with the man, he denied having claimed to be a law enforcement officer. The man claimed that he had not been wearing a firearm during the incident, and informed the investigating officers that he did not even own a firearm. However, when officers interviewed the individuals who had reported the matter, they had also produced a video recording they had made during the incident with their camera phone. On the video the other man could be heard identifying himself as an officer with the Washington County Sheriff’s Department, and the holstered weapon was visible on his right hip.  The 39-year-old Hartford man was arrested for Impersonating a Police Officer While Armed and Obstructing an Officer. The man refused to tell the investigating officers what he had done with the firearm, but insisted that it was no longer at his residence. Additional investigations led police to find the gun at a second residence in the City of Hartford on Friday. The man posted bond and was released to await a future court appearance in Washington County Circuit Court.

National Pharmaceutical Take-Back Initiative Set For Saturday

The West Bend Police Department in cooperation with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration will be participating in the National Pharmaceutical Take-Back Initiative being held this Saturday, from 10:00AM to 2:00PM. The Take-Back Initiative is a combined effort to remove potentially dangerous pharmaceutical controlled substances from our nation’s medicine cabinets. This is an opportunity for City residents to dispose of unwanted & unused prescription drugs. The drop off point for this event will be the parking lot of the City Hall/Police Department building complex at 1115 S. Main Street.

Prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications will be collected for disposal. Both solid and liquid medications will be collected. Liquids must be in their original packaging. Inhalers and needles or sharps will not be accepted. There is no fee to dispose of these unwanted / unused prescription drugs. All medications turned in to the Police Department will be transferred to the DEA for disposal. Also participating in the event with locations will be Jackson Police at the rear entrance to the village hall; Hartford Police Department at the Woodlawn Park parking lot, and the Germantown Police Department in the parking lot at the city hall.

RETAIL THEFT AND CHILD NEGLECT HIGHLIGHT WEEKEND POLICE REPORT

A total of five criminal arrests were recorded over the weekend b the West Bend Police Department. Two of the more prolific cases occurred on Sunday afternoon. First at about two thirty, police went to an apartment on the south east side after concerned neighbors reported a four year old boy wondering around the area for about thirty minutes unattended. The boy was identified as the son of a twenty one year old woman.  The little boy was found by a passing motorist about two blocks away.  Police went to the home and questioned the mother, she said she had fallen asleep and her son got out. She was arrested on charges of child neglect.

About an hour later at three thirty, police answered a call of retail theft at the Walmart Store. According to Lieutenant Michael Hartwell of the West Bend Police Department, loss prevention agents at the store noticed a twenty three year old woman from Hartford cutting opening packages and removing the security tags. She attempted to leave the store with an estimated $1100.00 worth of merchandise. When confronted by store agents, she attempted to run away, but in her attempt to escape, she bumped into an arriving police officer. She was arrested for felony retail theft and trespassing as she was banned from all area Wal-Mart stores after she attempted a similar theft from the Germantown Wal-Mart on April 12^th.

MISSING MAN FROM TOWN OF JACKSON TAKES HIS OWN LIFE

The Washington County Sheriff’s Department had to deal with some rather unpleasant circumstances over the weekend. Deputies began working a case of a missing 41 year old man from the Town of Jackson and by the end of the weekend, their search ended when the man’s body was found at a rural storage unit. According to the case report, the man left home for work Friday afternoon. He told his wife he would be working some overtime until three am. He then called into his temp agency saying he would not be at work because his car broke down. At about six am on Saturday, he texted his wife saying his car broke down. The man was known to be a type 2 diabetic and his wife became worried as he was also a recovering hydrocodone addict. At around seven thirty Friday night, deputies located his car at the Highway 41 and K park and ride. The man saw the deputies and left. A high speed chase reaching speeds between 90 and 100 mph followed until the man was able to elude officers by making a sudden evasive turn. Deputies continued the search and updated his wife on the situation.  The case came to a tragic ending on Saturday morning as depuites found the 41 year old man dead behind the storage area at the Storage Place on County Highway P. The man slashed both his wrists while in his car and then walked about 175 feet before he died. Deputies estimated that he took his life shortly after he eluded officers the night before. The Washington County Sheriff’s Department generally does not release names of suicide victims in respect to the families.

WEST HIGH SENIOR KAYLA JANTO NAMED WIAA SCHOLAR ATHLETE

Kayla Janto from West Bend West high school has been selected as one of only 16 senior female athletes in Wisconsin to receive the WIAA 2013 Scholar Athlete Award. Athletically, Kayla has earned 11 varsity letters in cross country, gymnastics and track.  She also earned First team all conference in cross country one year, along with team MVP honors in track and gymnastics. Meanwhile, she also excels in the classroom. She is ranked number one in her class of 315 and carries a four point 0 grade average. But, according to Jim Curler, the principal at West Bend High schools, that is only the tip of the ice berg.Curler says this WIAA Scholar Athlete Award is a great honor not only for Kayla, but also for the school. The 32 scholar athlete finalists were chosen from among 750 seniors nominated by more than 375 high schools in the state. To determine the top 32 finalists, four boys and four girls are selected from each of four WIAA divisions based on both athletic and academic achievement. Seventeen of this year’s 32 WIAA

Scholar Athlete finalists including Kayla have a grade point average of 4.0 to date. The 2013 WIAA Scholar Athlete Finalists, as well as their families and school representatives, will be recognized at an awards ceremony Sunday, May 5 at the Jefferson Street Inn in Wausau

HARTFORD BANK ROBBER IN CUSTODY AFTER HIGH SPEED CHASE

On Friday afternoon just prior to five pm, the Hartford Police Department received a 911 call from the Associated Bank, located at 1594 E. Sumner Street reporting that they were being robbed. The Communications Officer obtained and relayed a thorough description of the suspect and his vehicle to the responding officers. Hartford Officers located a suspect and vehicle matching the description traveling southbound on Highway K. When a high risk traffic stop was attempted the suspect fled and attempted to elude the officers. Hartford Officers pursued the vehicle through the City of Hartford and into Dodge County. The chase reached speeds over 80MPH. The suspect’s vehicle left the road way and became stuck in a roadside ditch on Pond Road just east of the Village of Neosho. When the suspect’s vehicle became disabled, he attempted to flee on foot. After a brief foot pursuit, Hartford Officers were able to take the suspect into custody. No one was injured in this incident. The suspect has been identified as a 31-year-old convicted felon from Milwaukee. A search of the suspect after his arrest revealed that he was in possession of a loaded semiautomatic firearm.  Cash was also recovered from his vehicle. Further investigation revealed that the vehicle used by the suspect had been stolen from the Green Bay area earlier that day. The Hartford Police Department was assisted in this investigation by officers from the Hustisford Police Department, the Dodge County Sheriff’s Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Washington County Sheriff’s Department.

 

MOST TENANTS RETURN TO APARTMENT FOLLOWING COLLAPSE

Following the collapse of a ceiling at an apartment complex in West Bend last week, which forced the evacuation of six apartments, all but two of those six apartments evacuated have now been allowed to return to their homes. The West Bend Fire Department responded to

the apartment complex at 853 Eastern Avenue Thursday after heavy

rain through a leak saturated the insulation and the ceiling collapsed.

West Bend Building Inspection Superintendent Gwenn Soldner said the two tenants who remain displaced can to return home once the ceiling

is fixed, but didn’t know when that would be. Some displaced tenants

are staying with family and friends. The American Red Cross is assisting others with hotel accommodations.

TOWN OF WEST BEND SEARCHES FOR NEW TREASURER

MONDAY APRIL 22, 2013= VERSION 2

There is a changing of the guard in the Town of West Bend. Or, in this case, a changing in the position of town treasurer. After fourteen years on the job as the town treasurer , William Voss was informed following a closed door session on March 13^th   that the town board decided not to renew Voss’s appointment for another two years. Voss’s term was completed last week.  Town of West Bend board chairman Paul Rice said that he felt Voss was a great treasurer. It was just that the board wanted to move in a different direction. A new town treasurer appointment could come at a town board meeting next month. Town and zoning secretary Mary Smith was appointed interim treasurer until a permanent replacement can be hired. The position is advertised as part time, taking ten to fifteen hours a week. However, according to Rice, the hours can vary, especially during tax time. The salary is listed at $12,000, which Rice said is less than Voss earned this past year. The town does not require its treasurer be a town resident. Voss lives in the city of West Bend. Voss says that while he’s not happy with the decision, he holds no animosity toward the town. Voss also said he wanted to make it clear to town residents that there was never any question about how he handled the town’s books and accounts. The town has no debt, and it carries more than $620,000 in assets. The town began advertising for Voss’ replacement last month, and has six to eight applicants so far. Rice said they hope to select someone the second or third week of May.

Collapsed Ceiling at Apartment Forces Evacuation of Residents

Several families in West Bend have been forced to evacuate their homes and find temporary replacement shelters after a portion of the ceiling collapsed Thursday morning at an apartment complex on Eastern venue.  According to the West Bend Fire Department, crews were called to the complex and soon  discovered the living room ceiling of a unit in the apartment complex had collapsed. The collapse was due to a leak in the corner of the complex’s roof, which then seeped onto the ceiling and caused it to collapse. The collapse forced six units in the apartment complex to be evacuated in the 16-unit complex. The complex’s owner says the roof needs to be replaced before tenants are allowed back in. No other details are available as of this time.

Allenton Man Facing Marijuana Trafficking Charges

A 30-year-old Allenton man chose the wrong time to smoke marijuana. A Washington County Sheriff’s deputy noticed the smell of burning marijuana on April 12^th when the deputy showed up to deliver a citation to Justin Straub. Straub would only speak to the Deputy in the hallway and he closed the apartment door, intentionally locking himself out. Straub was nervous and acting suspicious.  The deputy asked him about the marijuana odor and Straub admitted he had some inside, but wouldn’t allow the deputy in.   A search warrant was obtained by the Washington County drug unit. The unit found evidence of marijuana trafficking in the apartment including a half pound of marijuana with a street value of approximately $2,000.00 and nearly $37,000 in cash. Straub’s vehicle was also seized as it was discovered that it contained marijuana and items related to marijuana production. Straub had previously been arrested in 2010 by the Washington County Multijurisdictional Drug Enforcement Group. In that case he was convicted of possession of marijuana with intent to deliver and is still on probation for that offense. He was charged Wednesday with Marijuana trafficking, maintaining a drug place, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was released on a $10,000 signature bond and will be back in court on May 22nd.

HARTFORD TEEN APPEARS IN COURT ON WEAPON CHARGES

FRIDAY APRIL 19, 2013= VERSION 2

A 17-year-old high school student from Hartford who brought a knife to school for protection is now facing criminal charges and huge fines. The male teenager made his initial appearance in a Washington County courtroom on Wednesday in front of Washington County Circuit Court Judge Andrew Gonring without an attorney. Because it was his initial appearance he was advised of the charges, penalties and rights. Judge Gonring set a five hundred dollar signature bond and the hearing was adjourned to allow the boy to consult with an attorney. According to the criminal complaint, a Hartford Police Department officer met with the boy in the Dean of student’s office on January 17^th. The boy denied possessing anything illegal and reached into his pocket and pulled out a knife. He said he brought the knife to school for protection because he was afraid of getting jumped. The officer said the blade of the knife measured four inches in length with a five inch handle. His next court appearance has been set for May 22^nd at 8:15 a.m. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of not more than nine months in jail and ten thousand dollars in fines.

TORNADO DRILL POSTPONED FOR TODAY

Mock tornado exercises scheduled for today have been moved to Friday..The State of Wisconsin Emergency Management Department has postponed the drill due to the threat of severe weather and possible tornadoes in Southeast Wisconsin. The City of West Bend in cooperation with Washington County Office of Emergency Management and the National Weather Service will participate in the Statewide Tornado Drill tomorrow. A statewide tornado watch will be issued at 1:00 p.m. and a statewide tornado warning issued at 1:45 p.m. At that time, the City of West Bend Emergency Sirens will activate for three minutes as if this was an actual TORNADO WARNING.  The drill will conclude at 2:00PM with an “all clear”.

LOCAL MARATHON PLANS TO INCREASE SECURITY MEASURES

Various marathon organizers in West Bend, Green Bay and Milwaukee are all reporting that they are considering stepping up security or already plan to do so in light of the deadly Boston Marathon explosions. The Adrenaline Marathon on the Eisenbahn Trail in West Bend is set for this Sunday. Adrenaline Marathon Organizer Mary Simon said she’s been in touch with local law enforcement and plans to increase security at the start and finish lines. Simon said as of Wednesday they had 250 runners registered and that actually 25 people had registered following Monday’s Boston Marathon. The Adrenaline Marathon is used by many participants as their Boston Marathon qualifying race. According to Simon, the Adrenaline Marathon is generally certified as a qualifying race for the Boston Marathon and despite the fact that they have had to make some course adjustments due to damp ground conditions they hope to still be certified for this Sunday. Today is the last day to register. Besides the full marathon, there is also a quarter and half marathon. If interested in running call 262-335-6892.

Threshold Announces Major Donor

Jeff Miller, President of the Threshold Board of Directors announced Tuesday at the Threshold’s 50^th anniversary dinner celebration that was attended by 350 people the name of the donor of one point four million dollars that will allow The Threshold to purchase a valuable piece of property. The Lawrence and Vivian Stockhausen family of West Bend has donated $1,400,000 for the purchase of the Westwood Mall on West Washington Street in West Bend.  The family has also donated considerable funds, valuable ideas, and substantial time and labor to the renovation of the building.  The Stockhausen family wrote a letter, appearing in a sixty page commemorative book and history of the Threshold that was premiered at the dinner.  The headquarters for the Threshold will remain at 600 Rolfs Avenue. Threshold will move their TTI Industries, manufacturing operations into the mall mid summer.  Their Senior Day Services program will also relocate from Trinity Lutheran Church in West Bend to the mall. The Threshold is celebrating 50 years of serving people with disabilities in Washington County.  Their mission is to create opportunities for individuals with disabilities to live fulfilling lives

Hartford Crash Closes Portion of Highway 60

A collision between a dump truck and a car closed a portion of Highway 60 AT East Sumner Street and Pike Lake Drive in Hartford for several hours Tuesday afternoon. According to the Hartford Police Department,  a passenger car was traveling east on Highway 60 and turned across westbound traffic at Pike Lake Drive and was struck by a westbound dump truck just after twelve noon. Hartford Police Chief David Groves said the car and truck came to rest against a utility pole, and the driver of the car had to be extricated from the vehicle due to the car’s passenger side being pinned closed by the dump truck and the driver’s side being pinned shut by some guide wires from the utility pol. The driver was airlifted by Flight for Life to Froedtert Hospital. The extent of his injuries is not known. The driver of the dump truck was not injured. The westbound lanes of traffic on Highway 60 remained closed for over four hours. The accident is under investigation by the Hartford Police Department with assistance from Washington County Sheriff’s Department and the Wisconsin State Patrol.

LOCAL RUNNER RELATES BOSTON MARATHON BOMB EXPERIENCE

An estimated 450 runners from the state of Wisconsin participated in the Boston Marathon on Monday. Of those 450 runners just over 350 finished the 26-plus-miles course prior to the bomb explosions. That state entry figure included at least seven runners from Washington County including Richard Dodd from Richfield, Jayne Francis a teacher at Hartford Union High School and Colleen Hasse from West Bend. Hasse is a teacher at Green Tree Elementary school and a volleyball coach for West Bend East High School was competing in her sixth Boston Marathon. She had already crossed the finish line and received her medal and had just finished texting her husband and sister, informing them that she was finished and safe. Shortly after that as she re-counts the chaos broke out.  She said that everyone looked up and saw this white smoke. They didn’t know what was going on and all of a sudden, it got chaotic. Hasse weaved her way through the chaos and made it to the subway. She boarded a train but unfortunately she didn’t make it too far. Transportation in Boston was at a standstill following the 26 mile race. Hasse had to walk to her hotel after she exited the subway. She recalls not becoming totally aware of the severity of the incident until she arrived back at her hotel. Despite rumors that the Boston airport was going to be shut down, Hasse was able to get transportation to the airport and her flight back to Milwaukee departed on-time. With the horrifying experience now behind her, Hasse is a bit reluctant into committing in her seventh Boston Marathon. Hasse  went on to say that it was an amazing weekend that sadly came to  such an unforgiving ending. She’s happy she finished, but more saddened that people were killed or injured and that is what she will remember the most from her sixth running in the Boston Marathon.

WEST BEND POLICE ARREST TWO MEN FOR FLASHING FACSIMILE GUNS

Two men that were playing around and pointing play guns with lasers into neighbor’s windows on Monday night found themselves in trouble with police. According West Bend Police Lieutenant Michael Hartwell on Monday night just after eleven pm, residents on the North East side of town called police informing them that two men were walking down the street and pointing a shot gun with a laser into home’s windows. Officers responded to the area and located the two men, a twenty nine year old from Wauwatosa and his thirty year old from West Bend. Upon questioning, it was determined that the shot guns were actually two soft air guns. During the course of questioning, police discovered the man from Wauwatosa had various pieces of drug paraphernalia. One of the items had a strong odor of heroin and contained an undetermined amount. He was arrested and charged with possession of heroin and drug paraphernalia along with possession of a facsimile fire arm. The thirty year old man from West Bend was also cited for possession of a facsimile fire arm.

TORNADO AWARENESS WEEK

This week has been designated Tornado & Severe Weather Awareness Week in Wisconsin.  The City of West Bend has partnered with the Washington County Office of Emergency Management and the National Weather Service to participate in a Statewide Tornado Drill on Thursday.  At one pm the National Weather Service will issue a “mock” TORNADO WATCH.  The drill will continue with a “mock” TORNADO WARNING at 1:45PM.  At that time, the City of West Bend Emergency Sirens will activate for three minutes as if this was an actual TORNADO WARNING.  The drill will conclude at 2:00PM with an “all clear”.  The drill tests the notification procedures that take place during a severe weather event.  Various types of watches and warnings are issued by the National Weather Service and dispatched to local dispatch centers.  If actual severe weather occurs anywhere in the State on Thursday, the drill will be postponed until Friday, April 19^th at the same scheduled time.

WEEKEND ACCIDENT UPDATE

TUESDAY April 16, 2013= VERSION 2

Yesterday we reported to you the initial details from a two vehicle accident that happened on Saturday afternoon. Today, we have a few more details to pass along to you from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. The names of the people involved in the accident on County Highway WW at St. Anthony Rd in the Town of Addison are now being released. The driver of the eastbound pickup truck was 17 year old Sidney Lehman from Theresa.  He was treated and released from an area hospital.   His three passengers were also treated and released. Their names are being withheld based upon their juvenile status.  The driver of the southbound SUV was 35 year old Donald Weeks, from West Bend.  He was treated and released from a local hospital along with was one of his back seat passengers 32 year Kelly Brock, also from West Bend. The two other passengers were 54 year old Wayne Brock and 51 year old Laurie Brock both from the Town of Wayne.  Wayne Brock is being treated for his injuries at Froedtert Hospital and is listed in critical condition.  Laurie  Brock also remains hospitalized with non life threatening injuries.  The Washington County Sheriff’s Office accident reconstruction team continues to investigate the accident.    

CAR ROLL OVER ACCIDENT SATURDAY

Saturday was not the best of days to be driving a car around Washington County. In addition to the two car collision that we reported to you, the Sheriff’s Department is also releasing information about a one car rollover accident on Saturday afternoon at Highway 41 and K. According to the Sheriff’s accident report, the car was being driven by a grandmother and as she attempted to light a cigarette, she lost control of the car, crossed the median and rolled over. Her 14 year old grandson was ejected from his seat and had his leg trapped under the car. Emergency rescue crews assisted and were able to free the young boy. He was transported by ambulance to Children’s Hospital. His grandmother was taken via Flight for Life to Froedert Hospital. Officials are not releasing any updated information on either of the victims. The Wisconsin State Patrol is leading the crash investigation.

West Bend Mother Sentenced to 15 years in Death of 3-year-old Daughter

 26-year-old Leann Leszynski of West Bend was sentenced Friday afternoon to fifteen years in prison plus ten years of state supervision for felony child neglect resulting in the death of her three year-old daughter last May. Washington County Circuit Judge James Pouros sentenced Leszynski  to the maximum penalty allowed under state law. Pouros detailed Leszynski's drug-filled life in comments before he imposed a sentence with five more years of imprisonment than recommended by Washington County District Attorney Mark Bensen. Leszynski was convicted of the crime in January after a plea agreement resulted in the dismissal of seven drug-related charges against her in the incident.  According to the criminal complaint, Haley died May 1, 2012, of a massive streptococcus infection throughout her body after several days of neglect. An autopsy report concluded the bacterial infection was a substantial factor in the death of her. Leszynski refused to seek medical treatment for the girl a few days earlier out of fear that she would be accused of child abuse and lose custody of her three daughters a second time. Before sentencing, Leszynski tearfully read a statement in court that acknowledged making "a bad decision." She did not accept responsibility for her daughter's death in the statement. Leszynski ‘s three daughters were from a previous relationship with Ben Kluwe, At Friday's court hearing, Kluwe urged the judge to impose the maximum sentence.  Justin Streicher , Lysynski’s current boyfriend was also convicted of felony child neglect resulting in death in February and will be sentenced May 22.

Eight injured in traffic accident Saturday Afternoon

The Washington County Sheriff's Office is reporting that eight people were taken to hospitals following a two-vehicle collision in the Town of Addison on Saturday afternoon. According to the department’s press release, a pickup truck driven by a 17-year-old boy from Mayville with three other Mayville teenage passengers was eastbound on St. Anthony Road at about 4:45 p.m. Saturday. The truck failed to observe a stop sign and struck an SUV that was southbound on Highway WW. The four teens sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The SUV was driven by a 35-year-old West Bend man, who sustained minor injuries. He was also transported to an area hospital and treated for non life threatening injuries. The three passengers in the SUV were taken to Froedtert Hospital in Wauwatosa. They included a 32-year-old West Bend woman and a 51-year-old Town of Wayne woman, both of whom suffered non-life-threatening injuries. The other passenger, a 54-year-old Town of Wayne man, is listed in critical condition as of this morning. The initial investigation also reveals that alcohol does not appear to be factor in the crash and all eight people were wearing safety belts.

Paul Sentencing Delayed, Again

There has been another delay in the sentencing for Deb Paul the owner of the former Beaver Dam travel agency known as Carol’s Tours. Paul was found guilty for failing to provide vacations to hundreds of paying customers. Dodge County Judge Andrew Bissonnette has announced Deb Paul will not be sentenced this Thursday as originally scheduled. It is the fourth time her hearing has been delayed. After her last delay, Judge Bissonnette revoked her bail and sent her to the Dodge County Jail, where she remains. Her previous three delays were said to be for health-related reasons. This time, Paul is citing a breakdown of the attorney-client relationship.  Paul and her attorney Todd Snow have mutually agreed that Snow, petition the court to withdraw and Judge Bissonnette indicated that he intends to grant that petition. The judge says it is his understanding that Paul will be seeking an attorney appointed by the State Public Defender. If she does not qualify for an attorney through that office, Bissonnette says the next step is to see if she qualifies for a court-appointed attorney. Bissonnette says he is sure the additional delay will be frustrating to the nearly 200 victims in this case but, given the circumstances, he says there is no other choice. It is unknown how long the process will take but Bissonnette is estimating that the new sentencing date will be early this summer. Paul was around $270,000 in debt when she closed the doors of Carol’s Tours in 2008. The 58-year-old  woman pled “no contest” in October to charges related to her paying personal expenses with company cash.

LESZYNSKI SENTENCING HEARING TODAY

Thirty five year old Leann Lyszynski, the mother of three year old Haley Kluwe who was found dead last May inside the apartment she shared with her boyfriend Justin Streicher is scheduled to appear in a Washington Court room today at one thirty for a sentencing hearing. Leszynski is accused of contributing to the death of her daughter Haley. An autopsy revealed that Haley died as a result of negligence on the part of Lezynski and Justin Streicher. Medical examiners determined that a streptococcus had entered Haley’s body through a cut in her skin that Lezynski failed to take care of. That infection then infected her blood, spleen, right lung, left eye several other body parts and her brain. Both Leszynski and Streicher were found guilty on child neglect charges along with several felony drug charges. Streicher’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 22^nd at one thirty.

CAMPBELLPORT TEEN ORDERED TO PAY $70,000 IN RESTITUTION

Nineteen year old Carly Ottery from Campbellsport was sentenced in November to one year in jail as a punishment for driving a SUV that crashed in 2012, killing three of her friends. . She also was placed on probation for six years and ordered to serve 600 hours of community service.  She has now been ordered to pay more than $70,000 in restitution. The money will be used by the families of the three girls killed in the crash to erect benches in memory of their daughters at the gravesites. A restitution hearing was held Wednesday before Fond du Lac County Circuit Court Judge Dale English. The parents of the girls testified at the restitution hearing Wednesday. They were each seeking between $20,000 and $25,000 in restitution. With the restitution money, each family will be compensated for time taken off work, funeral costs and money to cover memorial benches for each of the three girls. The parents said they wanted the benches to serve as memorials to their daughters. The restitution will also fund burial plots for family members so they can be buried next to their daughters. Judge English awarded more than $70,000 in restitution. Judge English also said restitution is designed to put the victims in the position they would have been in had they not suffered the loss of their daughters. He said that they didn’t ask to be in this situation.

On a separate note, following his restitution ruling, Judge English addressed the many letters that have been written to the court expressing frustration with the lack of time Ottery was spending in confinement for her one-year jail sentence. Ottery was granted Huber education, employment and counseling release. Judge English said that if it were up to him, she would be sitting in jail the entire year.

Mc Donald’s Employee Cited for Stealing Money

It’s been a rather quiet week on the streets of West Bend according to Lieutenant Michael Hartell of the West Bend Police Department. On Wednesday, there is a report of two minor incidents. A West Bend Man was cited for his first offense OWI and  22-year-old female from West Bend who worked at the McDonald’s on West Washington Street was cited for theft after she stole approximately  $192 .00 from the cash register while she was working.. The manager of the McDonald’s called the Police Department AT ABOUT FOUR PM ON Wednesday afternoon, after he discovered that the woman was stealing money while she was working. The woman admitted to police that she had taken the money. She was cited for theft. Officials at Killian Management, the corporate office for the Mc Donalds store refused to comment if any other actions would be taken against the woman.

FORMER WEST BEND FIRE CHIEF PASSES AWAY

Bill Oelhafen the former fire chief of the West Bend Fire Department died at the age of 91 on Sunday April seventh. Bill was a member of the West Bend volunteer Fire Department for many years and served as head of the rescue squad, assistant fire chief and ultimately became full time fire chief from January 1968 until December 1979. Bill’s commitment to public service also included his tenure as an Alderman of the fifth ward for the city of West Bend and as civil defense director for several years. Current Fire Chief Jerry Kudek has a special memory Bill Oelhafen. He went to visit him after he was named Fire Chief and had a picture taken of the two of them representing the current Fire Chief with the former chief. Bill’s commitment to public service also included his tenure as an Alderman of the fifth Ward in West Bend and as Civil Defense Director for several years. Funeral services for Bill Oelhafen will be held tonight at six at St. John’s Evengelical Lutheran Church. Visitation will  also be today from three until the time of the service. Burial will take place tomorrow at ten am in Washington County Memorial Park.

Hartford Man Accused of 7^th OWI Enters Not Guilty Plea

42 year old Kevin Greuel from Hartford charged with his seventh offense OWI entered a “not guilty” plea at his arraignment hearing yesterday in a Dodge County Court room. According to the criminal complaint, Kevin Greuel was pulled over on St. Patrick’s Day for allegedly speeding on Highway 60 near Hustisford. Greuel politely refused the officer’s request to take a breath test and then he answered his phone during ensuing field sobriety tests. Attorneys for Greuel have asked that the proceeding be put on hold to determine if a drunken driving conviction in Texas is compatible with Wisconsin law. However, Judge John Storck ruled that there is probable cause to proceed regardless. Greuel’s attorney is also seeking a change of venue.

Cedar Community names new Director of Ministries

Kathryn Kuhn has been as the new Director of Ministries for Cedar Community. Kuhn succeeds Susan Kolb, who passed away in December from cancer. In her role, Kuhn will direct and provide for the spiritual needs of Cedar Community's total team of residents, families, staff, volunteers and the wider community through worship planning and leadership. Kuhn has been a Cedar Community board member since 2008 and knew Susan Kolb. While she’s still just getting adjusted to her new position, Kuhn says she does have a few small initial goals to address. She will have administrative oversight for paid and volunteer ministries, including the Cedar Chaplains, Chaplain Assistants, Stephen Ministers and Abiders.Kuhn also will assume administrative oversight for Cedar Valley Center, working with manager Rebecca Conde to increase awareness and use of the Kohlsville property’s spa, retreat and educational services, continuing the tradition of encouraging guests’ spiritual growth through programs that represent a variety of spiritual perspectives. Cedar Community is a not-for-profit, church-affiliated leader in creating relationships, services and environments to enhance the well-being of seniors and their families. Its facilities are located on five campuses in Washington and Sheboygan counties.

Structure Fire caused by Lightning

On Tuesday afternoon at approximately two fifteen pm the Washington County Sheriff’s Department responded to a garage fire at 7320 County Highway O in the Town of Erin.  The dispatch center received two 911 calls from separate neighbors who reported hearing thunder and then observed smoke coming from a 2400 square foot garage on the property.  The Hartford Fire Department as well as sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the scene.  Upon the first units arrival the structure was already fully engulfed. The Hartford Fire Department was assisted by the Ashippun, Lebanon, Neosho, Richfield, St. Lawrence, Slinger and Stonebank Fire Departments.  The fire was put out however most of the contents inside the garage are being considered a total loss.  The garage contained numerous antique cars, along with several other vehicles and other tools.  The total loss is estimated at around $125,000 dollars.  The fire was investigated by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office along with the Hartford Fire Department.  It has been determined that lighting was the cause of the fire. There were no injuries as a result of the fire and no one was home at the time of the fire.  Highway O was shut down for approximately 4 hours while firefighters battled the blaze.

Two men struck by lightning near Brownsville

The Dodge County Sheriff’s Department is reporting today that two men were struck by lightning at about one forty Monday afternoon on while working at a quarry on Lomira Drive in Brownsville. According to the Dodge County Sheriff’s report,  One man was transported by Mayville EMS to Froedert Hospital for injuries sustained by the lightning strike.  It is unknown at this time the extent of his injuries.  The other man who was inside machinery at the time, did not sustain any injuries.  Brownsville First Responders, Fond du Lac Paramedics and Dodge County Sheriff’s Department assisted. In response to this accident Sheriff Ninmann wants to remind everyone with the upcoming storm season you should be aware of the possible sudden change in weather and the possibility of lightning that could result from the storm.

GERMANTOWN POLICE HANDLE SUSPICIOUS PACKAGE

On Monday afternoon at about 4:40 pm, a woman contacted the Germantown Police reporting a suspicious package lying at the southeast corner of Mequon Road and River Lane. Upon arrival, Germantown Officers located two suspicious packages wrapped in black garbage bags and duct tape sitting on the ground near the southeast corner of the intersection.  Germantown Police were assisted by the Germantown Fire Department, WI State Patrol, Washington County Sheriff, ATF, and Milwaukee County Sheriff Explosives Ordinance Division Unit. The roadway was shut down for approximately two hours as a safety precaution during the investigation. The Milwaukee County Sheriff EOD Unit determined that the packages contained sand. Preliminary information indicates that these two bags of sand were possibly left at the intersection without permission by a local realty company to hold down signs. Officers are currently investigating this incident, and attempting to verify this information. No foul play or other suspicious circumstances are suspected at this point.

22 YEAR OLD MAN ARRESTED FOR DRUGS AFTER PIPE BOMB INVESTIGATION

Yesterday we reported to you the Washington County Sheriff’s Office arresting a 22 year old man from West Bend at a home in the Town of Farmington for manufacturing pipe bombs. Following his arrest, the Washington County Drug Unit obtained and executed a search warrant at the home in the 1200 block of Lakeview Road and continued an investigation. In addition to the explosives charge, several other charges were developed as a result of the search warrant. On Monday, the man now being identified as Ethan M. Boettcher was charged in Washington County Circuit Court with manufacturing marijuana, possession of marijuana with intent to deliver, possession of drug paraphernalia, maintaining a drug trafficking place, as well as possession of an improvised explosive device. As a result of the investigation the Drug Unit seized 986 grams (approximately 2 pounds) of high grade marijuana, two firearms, almost $11,000 in cash, a 2001 Ford Ranger pickup truck, and a 2006 Yamaha ATV.  Materials for making pipe bombs including pipes with end caps and powder were seized but no live devices were located at the home. The value of the two pounds of marijuana would be approximately $9,000. Additional charges related to the weapons are likely. The 22 year old Boettcher who was arrested is not the owner of the home. The homeowners are not expected to be charged with any crime in relation to this investigation.

Sheriff Deputies Arrest 20 year old Naked Woman for Felony Eluding   

Sheriff Deputies from the Washington County Sheriff’s Department  found themselves involved in a high speed chase late Friday night, and when they finally caught up to the vehicle, they were shocked to find it was occupied by a naked woman. According to the report, patrol deputies attempted to stop a 20 year old West Bend female for speeding on Highway 45 south of County Road PV.  The woman was clocked traveling 86 MPH in the 65 MPH zone. She failed to obey directions to stop and traveled for another eight and half miles at speeds ranging from 86 up to 121 MPH. Sheriff Deputies and Germantown Police were going to attempt laying down tire spikes on the road, but she stopped on her own on Highway 41/45 at Mequon Rd.  The woman exited her vehicle and to the surprise of deputies, she was naked. The woman was taken into custody without any incident.  She was arrested for felony eluding, possession of drug
paraphernalia and cited for the speed violation. According to the arresting officer’s report it appears she may have some physical mental health issues and was not intoxicated at the time.
 

CITY OF WEST BEND BRUSH COLLECTION TO START APRIL 12

The first City wide Brush collection for 2013 will be this Friday. The normal schedule for the remainder of 2013 is the 2^nd and last Fridays of each month through October 25th.  Residents are reminded to place their brush at the curb by 7:00 a.m. on collection days.  The branches may NOT be longer than 4 feet or larger than 6 inches in diameter.  You are asked to place brush at the curb with the cut end facing the street.  DO NOT include stumps or root balls.  Each property is limited to one pile per pick up day. Brush piles must be no larger than 4‘ x 4’ x 4’.  While doing your spring yard cleanup, the department of public works is reminding you to not rake leaves and lawn scraps into the street, because this debris then washes into the storm sewer and may cause blockages.  The City does not collect any organic debris in the spring or summer.  These items must be brought to the City Drop off Yard, located on Municipal Drive.  If you have any questions on brush collections you can call the City of West Bend Department of Public Works at 335-5060.

MUSEUM OF WISCONSIN ART HOLDS GRAND OPENING

Supported by a $750,000 loan from the City of West Bend as a part of its new facility development, the new Museum of Wisconsin Art celebrated its Grand Opening on Saturday. The 31,000 square foot

building housing the Museum and its collections,  is designed to serve as a living showcase for art in Wisconsin, and  will be playing a significant role in the revitalization of West Bend’s downtown and riverfront area. It includes nearly 12,000 square feet of gallery space.  Approximately 7,000 square feet of facility rental space for special events. A unique gift shop with largely Wisconsin made items, also education studios, and an outdoor sculpture garden. The entire new museum is overseen by Laurie Winters the CEO and Executive Director. Winters are quite proud of the entire museum, but particularly for its new entrance fee which differs from other museums. The museum will offer memberships to visitors annually on their first visit for just twelve dollars, which will allow them to return as many times s they wish within a year at no extra charge. Many local and state dignitaries were on hand for Saturday’s ribbon cutting ceremony including Secretary of Tourism Stephanie Klett. Klett says the Art Museum will be a major tourist attraction to both the city of West Bend and Washington County. Klett says the state department of tourism is estimating the museum will attract close to 50,000 visitors on an annual basis. The museum is located at 205 Veterans Avenue in West Bend. It is open ten am to five pm Tuesday thru Sunday. Thursday hours are ten am until eight pm.

22 YEAR OLD MAN FACING FELONY CHARGES FOR PIPE BOMBS

A twenty two year old man from West Bend has been arrested and is now facing felony charges for the manufacturing of explosive devices. According to the Washington County Sheriff’s report, on Friday morning  at about nine fifteen Deputies responded to an initial call from an abandoned 9-1-1 call from the 1200 block of Lakeview Road, in the Town of Farmington. Upon investigating the Deputies learned a 22 year old West Bend man burned his face the previous day while manufacturing pipe bombs. Deputies observed what appeared to be components of explosive devices within the home and evacuated the house and immediate area. The Milwaukee County Bomb Disposal Unit was called for assistance. After obtaining a search warrant for the home pipe bombs were found to be in the process of construction and located in a bedroom. The devices were collected as evidence once they were determined to be safe. An ongoing investigation is now being conducted by member of the Sheriff's Office with assistance from Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) and the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office.

NEITZKE TESTIFIES TO JOINT FINANCE COMMITTEE

West Bend School Superintendent Ted Neitzke testified before a joint state finance committee in Greendale. The purpose of the meeting was to get public input on the proposed state budget. Neitzke went to speak on behalf of low spending school districts like West Bend. Nitzke told the committee that over the past several years, the West Bend School District has reduced its overall spending costs by almost three point six million dollars. He made special note that the district is known for its low spending and high performance output. Neitzke also stressed to the committee that it is unfair that another district similar in size to West Bend was getting and spending more funds than West Bend. Neitzke said the main purpose of his appearance was to speak on behalf of low spending school districts whom he feels deserve a spot in the state budget. Neitke feels that holding such school districts at a zero level could be harmful, because they would have to look at cutting some vital educational programs already in exis

WASHINGTON COUNTY SHERIFF CRIMES UPDATE

The Washington County Sheriff’s Department has had a very busy week. As we reported to you on Tuesday and Wednesday, deputies handled a domestic battery and surrounded a home that was thought to be the scene of a possible suicide. Today, we have a report of two, more cases  they handled earlier this week. The first is a report of a burglary at the Hallman Lindsay Paints store in Richfield across from Cabelas. According to the deputy’s report an employee closed the store on Saturday at noon.  On opening the store Monday they noticed that the money was missing from the till. They also found an overhead service door forced open.  Sheriff Deputies Abbott and Williams are now investigating. There is also a report of a 31 year old male huber inmate from the City of West Bend that failed to return to jail after an appointment at client services.  He texted his mother in New York and told her goodbye and said today was the day. After a few hours, he ended up showing up at St. Joseph’s Hospital looking for voluntary placement due to his suicidal thoughts.  He was taken into custody at the hospital.  Acute Client Services responded and evaluated him.  He was returned to the jail. The Sheriff’s department will be referring the proper charges against the man for the escape.

AREA GROUPS PREPARE FOR EASTER EGG HUNTS TOMORROW

A time honored Easter tradition for children will continue tomorrow throughout Washington County as several communities will conduct their annual Easter egg hunts. The Hartford Jaycees egg hunt starts at eight thirty at Woodlawn Park located just off of North Wisconsin Drive and Abbott Avenue. Children will be separated into five various age groups. If there is a last minute change in venue needed because of inclement weather, it will be posted on the Hartford Jaycees Facebook page.  In Jackson, Living Word Lutheran Church and Child Development Center’s Resurrection will have an Easter Egg Hunt. Registration takes place between eight forty five and nine am. The church is located at 2240 Living Word Lane in Jackson. In the village of Slinger, children have two locations to choose for their Easter Egg hunt. The Slinger Community Group will conduct their 28^th annual egg hunt at Fireman’s Park on Baehring Drive stating at ten. Also in Slinger,  St. Paul Lutheran Church at 799 St. Paul Drive will have an entire Easter for Kids program. Check-in between ten thirty and eleven. A closing program will be at noon. The event is limited to the first 100 children. The Germantown Park and Recreation Department will host an egg hunt starting at twelve fifteen for children ages one thru seven, It will be at Fireman’s Park. In case of inclement weather, the hunt will be at Kennedy Middle School, on Crusader Court in Germantown.

 

MOOSE LODGE OFFERS ANNUAL FREE EASTER DINNER

For the twenty second consecutive year members of the West Bend Moose Family Center will be serving a free Easter dinner to the community. Curt Carter, the Administrator for the Moose Lodge says the special Easter meal will feature turkey and stuffing, gravy, potatoes, vegetables, coffee, milk and dessert. Carter says some generous area businesses and Moose Lodge members help make it possible. The dinner will be served at noon on Sunday at the West Bend Family Moose Center located at 1721 West Chestnut Street. People wishing to attend should make a reservation by calling 262-338-8122. No names are needed; just how many people are coming.

MAN ARRESTED FOR BATTERY AND DISORDERLY CONDUCT

A thirty two year old man from West Bend was arrested earlier this week following an altercation with his girlfriend. According to Lieutenant Michael Hartwell of the West Bend Police Department, the dispute occurred at a residence on the city’s North West side early Monday morning. The woman called police after the man threatened her with a shot gun and kicked her in the face three times. When police arrived on the scene they took the man into custody and charged him with disorderly conduct, battery and a weapons violation of carrying an armed weapon while intoxicated.

FREE SEMINAR TONIGHT ON ROCK GARDEN LANDSCAPING

Greg Berg, a landscape designer from LaRosa Landscape Company in Cedarburg will be the main speaker tonight at a free seminar on designing rock gardens for your home’s landscape. He will be joined by Sarah Anderson, horticulturist and founder of the Wisconsin Cactus / Rock Garden Society as well as Lisa Steinhouse, landscape designer from Lammscapes in Jackson. You will learn about the different types of stone, design and functions for your rock garden. The speakers will also familiarize you with which types of plants will not only look nice, but thrive in your landscape. This free seminar on Rock Gardening tonight starts at seven pm in the Council Chambers at West Bend City Hall, 1115 South Main Street.   If attending you are asked to enter the front of the building through the main doors. Registration for this event are still being accepted. Call West Bend Beautification Committee at 335-5083. 

WEST BEND CITY HALL CLOSED TOMORROW

In observance of the Good Friday holiday tomorrow, offices at West Bend City Hall will be closed. However, because tomorrow is the last day to vote in-person on an absentee ballot for the spring election next Tuesday, the clerk’s office will be open tomorrow from eight am until four thirty. It should also be noted for any citizen that pays their quarterly property taxes in person that your second installment is due by March thirty first. However, because it falls on a weekend and the city finance department will also be closed for Good Friday, your payment can be made as late as Monday April first.

TWO CANDIDATES COMPETE FOR KEWASKUM TOWN CLERK

In less than a week, on Tuesday April second, the 2013 spring elections will take place. One small and contested race will be in the Town of Kewaskum for the position of town clerk. Nancy Boden is the

incumbent and has been the clerk for the past seven years. Boden says she loves her job and strongly feels that she is fiscally responsible by compiling a monthly budget report for the Town Board.

Boden says she finds elections to be both challenging and exciting. Last year as the town clerk she was busy with six elections. She

 had to attend training to learn the new laws and train staff. Boden graduated from the Municipal Clerks Institute in Green Bay.  Sandra Pasbrig is challenging her for the position. Pasbrig is the kitchen manager at Allenton Elementary School. She said her job as well

as working for a small business taught her how to be fiscally responsible. Pasbrig wanted to run for town of Kewaskum

clerk because it’s a nonpartisan position and she has aspirations to some day  run for supervisor While Pasbrig doesn’t have any political experience, like Nancy Boden, she feels that  she will bring a fresh perspective and make sure the town is running smoothly.

If elected, Pasbrig said she will use resources in the town, network with other town clerks, and like Boden has done she will take classes and attend seminars to learn the job.

WEST BEND POLICE RESPOND TO FOUR SEPARATE CALLS AT LOCAL BAR

West Bend Police were kept very busy over this past weekend as they responded to four separate incidents at the Washington House

Pub on North Sixth Street. According to West Bend Police Lieutenant Michael Hartwell, the first incident occurred at 11:15pm Friday night.They received a complaint call from a customer in the bar that a 19-year-old female from West Bend whom they knew was at the bar drinking. The investigation revealed the teenage woman had her sister’s identification card. She was cited for underage drinking and for an  I D card violation.

The second incident happened at about ten forty five pm Saturday night. A 32-year-old man from West Bend and a 32-year-old Milwaukee woman were seen “play fighting” by an officer on the Washington House Pub’s porch. As the police officer approached the couple was told to stop by some observers. The woman told police that the man is an old friend and they were only messing around. The investigation revealed the couple was acting the same way inside the bar and they were asked to leave. As the questioning by police continued, the man and woman became belligerent. They were both arrested on charges of disorderly conduct.

The third call to the Washington House Pub occurred about an hour later, and it entailed a group fight. Lieutenant Hartwell states that an officer saw a large group in a fight. A thirty three year old man from South Dakota was fighting another man. Police broke up the fight and took the 33-year-old man to jail for disorderly conduct.  In addition to him, his 23-year-old friend from West Bend became vocal with police after his friend was taken to jail. Police warned him several times to stop interfering and he refused. He was taken to jail on charges of disorderly conduct and obstructing justice.

Finally at about two am Sunday morning, a 22-year-old man from Cedarburg was in a martial arts stance outside the Washington House Pub. He approached a customer and looked threatening. When police arrived he became resistant and threatened police officers. He was taken to jail for disorderly conduct.

SHERIFF DEPUTIES RESPOND TO POSSIBLE SUICIDE THREAT

It was a busy weekend of disturbance calls for the Washington County Sheriff’s Department. Yesterday, we told you the report on the arrest of a thirty two year old man for domestic violence against his wife from Saturday night. Today we have a report from the Sheriff’s Department on an incident that happened Saturday which saw deputies surround a home in the Town of Barton after a forty nine year old man was making suicidal comments. According to the Washington County Sheriff’s Department, 41-year-old Stacey Lynn Pomeroy an ex-girlfriend to forty nine year old Charles Schreier called because he was making suicidal comments to her over the phone. Schreier told her he wouldn’t be seen in the morning and he had a gun sitting next to him.  She said he was drunk when he called her from his home located on County Trunk D and that he had a tendency to do this when he was drunk. The Sheriff’s Department responded and surrounded his

home. After several failed attempts to reach him by phone, Sheriff’s deputies went to the door and there was no response. According to the Sheriff’s Department, it appeared Schreier turned off his phone and wasn’t answering the door. Attempts to then reach Pomeroy to get a statement were also unsuccessful.  Eventually on Sunday afternoon at about two thirty, a Washington County Sheriff’s deputy was able to meet with Schreier. Following an interview, it was determined that there were no grounds for any legal matters.  No charges were issued and the case is considered closed.

FIRE CAUSES $15,000 IN DAMAGE TO RICHFIELD HOME

TUESDAY March 26, 2013= VERSION 2

A smoldering cigarette is thought to be the cause of a fire that severely damaged a home in Richfield on Saturday night. According to the Washington County Sheriff’s department, the Richfield Fire Department responded to a report of smoke just after nine pm coming from the home located on Station Way. Upon arrival, heavy smoke was located coming from the basement. Richfield firefighters located the source of the fire while they were attempting to ventilate the home outside under the porch between a sliding exterior door and an exterior wall of the home. Some questioning of residents revealed that one person is a smoker and it is believed that the fire likely started from a cigarette butt, as it’s believed the fire was smoldering for some time. However, the exact cause of the fire remains under investigation. No one was injured. The estimated smoke and fire damage to the home is estimated at fifteen thousand dollars.

TOWN OF ADDISON MAN ARRESTED FOR BATTERY AGAINST WIFE

A thirty two year old man from the Town of Addison was arrested on Saturday night following a physical confrontation with his wife. According to the Washington County Sheriff’s report, Aaron Radl had a seventy two hour restraining order placed on him against his wife. Radl was driven back to his home on Aurora Road by his parents. A short time later, his wife Kelly arrived home with her father. Aaron saw her and started an intense physical fight, which at one point saw him tackle Kelly to the floor and kneel on her neck. Kelly’s father was able to pull him off his daughter and restrain him until sheriff deputies could arrive. Radl was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct and battery along with violation of a contact prohibition plus some drug charges. At the time of his arrest, deputies seized all his firearms and ammo that were in the house and they issued another 72 hour restraining order.

MPTC Making Veterans Feel Welcome

Unfortunately in our society today too many military veterans are overlooked and under appreciated.  That is not the case at the three campus locations of Moraine Park Technical College. The regional colege is working closely with students who are also veterans returning from deployment. Scott Lieburn is the Dean of Students and an advisor to the new Student Veterans’ Association. He says the UW-Madison recently reported a 200 percent increase in the number of student veterans coming back. He says they’ve seen quite an increase in their own numbers at MPTC. Lieburn says they want to make sure those veterans feel comfortable as they pursue their education. He says they are aware of the student veterans who are getting benefits, but are also trying to identify those who are not. Lieburn also said that another thing they will be doing to make veterans feel more welcome is to hold a Veterans Day ceremony this fall at all three of their campuses; in Beaver Dam, Fond du Lac, and West Bend.

FIRE CAUSES DAMAGE TO SERVICE GARAGE

On Saturday afternoon just prior to four o’clock a structure fire was reported at Dave’s Repair Service, located at 7405 Midland Drive in the township of Wayne.  The caller reported a large amount of smoke coming from the building.  Kohlsville Fire Department was initially dispatched to the scene and they requested assistance from the Allenton, St. Lawrence and Kewaskum Fire Departments. According to the Washington County Sheriff’s report, upon the arrival of the first responding Deputy, smoke was observed coming from the center of the building along the roofline.  Fire fighters were able to extinguish the fire and vent the building.  Fire officials noted that in the center of the building there was an electrical box mounted to the wall which was sheet metal. The sheet metal had significant heat stains leading away from the electrical box up into the rafters. There were numerous extension cords and partial hard-wired extension leads coming from this electrical box.  The fire department determined the cause of the fire was electrical in nature. The only heat source for the building was an external wood burning boiler which was not a contributing factor in this fire. The center area inside the building suffered significant damage.  There were no injuries and the building was not occupied at the time.  A dollar amount for the damage is undetermined at this time.

13 YEAR OLD BOY IN JACKSON HIT BY PICK-UP TRUCK

MONDAY MARCH 25, 2013= VERSION 2

A young teenage boy from Jackson experienced a freighting situation on Friday morning when he was struck by a pick-up truck in the Village of Jackson. According to Chief Jed Dolnick of the Jackson Police Department the thirteen year old boy was hit by the pickup truck at about seven fifteen am as he crossed at Main Street and Highway 60 just east of Western Avenue. The pick-up truck driven was driven by a 57-year-old man from West Bend.  The boy was taken by Jackson Rescue to St. Joseph’s Hospital and later transferred to Children’s Hospital for further treatment. He suffered non-life threatening injuries. Traffic was diverted for about 45 minutes. No citations were immediately issued to the 57 year old driver. The accident remains under investigation

WASHINGTON COUNTY RECORDS FOURTH TRAFFIC FATALITY OF 2013

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office has released some tragic news following an accident that occurred on March 13^th. Thirty year old Dustin Heyn, died Friday morning just after eight thirty at Froedtert Hospital as a result of injuries that he sustained in a motor vehicle crash which occurred at the intersection of State Hwy 33 and County Hwy M, in the Town of Trenton. According to the accident report,  Heyn was driving south on Highway M when he entered the intersection without stopping for the stop sign. His pickup truck was struck by an eastbound semi driven by Ricky Hesselink, from

Sheboygan Falls. Heyn was thrown from the pickup. Hesselink was not injured. Heyn becomes Washington County’s fourth Traffic Fatality of 2013.  The accident remains under investigation by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

WEST BEND MAN ARRESTED FOR 1OTH OWI

On Wednesday night, at approximately 6:15 PM, the West Bend Police Department, received a tip that an intoxicated man was attempting to purchase alcohol and drive away in a car from the Hart Mobil gas station on North Main Street. An investigation determined that the man later identified as fifty three year old Keith Sukowski left the store, he got into his vehicle and attempted to drive away but he was stopped by a citizen. When contacted by a West Bend Police Officer, Sukowski refused the Standardized Field Sobriety Testing but he did consent to Preliminary Breath Test which registered a 0.22%. According to DMVrecords, Sukowski has nine prior offenses for Operating While Intoxicated dating back to 1991.  Sukowski was arrested for his 10th Offense Operating While Intoxicated and taken to the Washington County Jail.  On Thursday, Sukowski was criminally charged in Washington County Circuit Court with a tenth offense Operating While Intoxicated and is being held in the Washington County Jail on a $5,000 cash bail

VICTIM’S NAME RELEASED FROM FATAL CRASH NEAR HARTFORD

The Hartford Police Department confirms today that sixty five year old Anna Kruppe from the town of Lisbon was killed Wednesday morning when her car collided with another car. According to the Hartford Police Department, the accident happened at about seven twenty five am at Highway 60 about one mile West of the Walmart store in Dodge County. Initial investigations have revealed that one vehicle was traveling west on Highway 60 when it collided with the other vehicle that was crossing Highway 60 heading south after it pulled out of the Quad Graphics parking lot on Sumner Street. Both drivers were transported to the hospital in Hartford where Kruppe was pronounced dead.  The surviving driver was later taken by Flight for Life to Aurora Sumit Hospital in Oconomowoc. The crash remains under investigation.

EASTER EGG HUNT LOCATION CHANGED

Unfortunately we have not begun to see our annual spring thaw. Icy patches and piles of snow are still dominating the outdoor scenery. With no site of green grass throughout the area, committee members from the West Bend Lions Club have decided to move the location for their annual Easter Egg hunt scheduled for tomorrow morning. The Easter Egg hunt will be moving from Regner Park to the West Bend West High School parking lot. The annual event will start at 11am. Parents are asked to park in the East high school parking lot, as the West lot will be closed to all vehicles. The hunt will be separated into three different age groups for children ages one to eight. The Lions club is suggesting that you arrive early, as the Easter Egg hunt begins promptly at 11am.

FATAL CAR ACCIDENT NEAR HARTFORD WALMART

On Wednesday morning at approximately 7:25am, Hartford Officers were dispatched to Highway 60, approximately one mile west of the Hartford Wal-Mart, in Dodge County, for a two car accident.  Both drivers were transported from the accident scene to the Aurora Medical Center of Hartford in order to receive immediate medical attention. One driver was pronounced dead at the hospital.  The other driver was transported by Flight for Life to Aurora’s Summit Hospital in Oconomowoc for treatment.  The identities of the drivers are not being released at this time, pending notification of their families.  The cause of this accident remains under investigation by the Hartford Police Department, with the assistance of the Dodge County Sheriff Department’s Accident Reconstruction team.

MAN ACCUSED OF DAMAGING CHURCH FREE ON SIGNATURE BOND

Twenty two year old Joshua Wendt appeared Tuesday in Washington County Circuit Court. Wendt is accused of breaking several windows and causing more than $85,000 worth of damage at the First Baptist Church in Hartford last weekend.  Wendt, has been charged with two felony counts of criminal damage to religious property.  According to the criminal complaint, Wendt told the Hartford Police Department that he had been drinking with friends at a restaurant in the downtown area of Hartford, and that he couldn’t remember anything that had happened. However, Wendt added, when he woke up Friday, he felt like he had had a “crazy dream” and that he had flashback memories of a fire extinguisher, pews and a playroom. The Hartford police officer, who responded to the church, said he found two fire extinguishers that had been discharged over the church’s pews and playroom. The church was scattered with broken glass including five stained glass windows and other debris. Church officials have submitted a request for restitution that totals $80,000 for  all the damages including the stained glass windows. Wendt is free on a signature bond He is due to appear in court for a hearing April third. If convicted, Wendt could face a $10,000 fine, five years in prison or both.
 

FOURTH SENTENCING DATE SET FOR DEB PAUL

Deb Paul, the former owner of Carol’s Tours in Beaver Dam has now had her fourth sentencing date set. The new date is Tuesday April 18^th. Paul, was found guilty of theft in a business setting over $10,000 and theft in a business setting between $5,000 and $10,000 on October 17^th. The 58-year-old Paul pled “no contest to the charges. Paul asked the judge for her third postponement last week saying that she fell in the bathtub the prior evening. Paul had also cited medical conditions in delaying two previous hearings in January. Following her latest request, the judge became quite upset and cleared the courtroom so officials could contact Paul’s doctor to discuss confidential health records but they were unable to reach the doctor. Judge Andrew Bissonnette then revoked Paul’s bond and she was taken immediately   into  custody. The jail staff is now responsible to monitor her and make sure she will be capable of appearing on April 18^th.

KEWASKUM SCHOOL BOARD TO RECOMMEND SUPERINTENDENT CONTRACT EXTENSION

After an extensive search for a new school superintendent in the Kewaskum School District last year, search committee members selected James Smasal. In the short time Smasal has been in the position, he has established a solid reputation for having success in growing a quality education system. In an appearance Tuesday morning on the WBKV morning show with Bob Bonnefant, Kewaskum school board president Tim Ramthum announced that the school board has elected to recommend  extending  Smasal’s current two year contract by an additional two years along with one more roll-over year for a total of five years. Ramthum commented and said the board is very confident on the decision to offer a contract extension as they are excited with all the positive work Smasal has done in his short tenure. Smasal says he had reviewed the academic and social atmospheres of the community prior to his arrival and he will continue building on those fundamentals to improve the quality of education in Kewaskum heading into the future to make it a leader in education.The School District of Kewaskum is a Pre-K-12 public school system, which serves students in the Village of Kewaskum and eight surrounding townships. Almost 2000 students are served by the District and attend school at one of six sites

Pet Pig City Ordinance Close to Approval

Many families have pets like cats, dogs, rabbits even fish. The Ovalle’s in West Bend also have a family pet. However, their pet is not exactly the traditional house pet. They hope to adopt a small pot belly pig named Gary. Allergies in their family prevent them from having traditional pets. However, a city ordinance prohibits having a pig. The Ovalle’s requested the ordinance change at the council’s March fourth

meeting. On Monday night, the West Bend City Common Council voted six to two to amend the city’s ordinance that bans livestock in the city to allow micropigs as house pets. But because the vote was not unanimous, a second vote will be needed to approve the change before Gary the Pig can move into his new home in West Bend.

The family already has paid a deposit for Gary the piglet that they wish to buy from a breeder near Wausau. The ordinance amendment would allow a potbellied pig as a pet in the city as long as it weighs no more than 35 pounds and the pig’s owner purchases a city license for it.

After a brief public hearing on the ordinance change in which no one

from the public addressed the issue, Alderman Roger Kist questioned the need for the amendment. Kist and Alderman Steve Hutchins voted

against the amendment. Because the vote was not unanimous it will be back on the agenda at the next council meeting.

DODGE COUNTY FATAL CRASH VICTIM NAME RELEASED

Dodge County Sheriff’s officials have released the name of the 29 year old man who was killed Monday morning in a car versus semi accident on Highway 26 south of Five Mile Road in the town of Emmet. Ryan Heider of Reeseville died on the scene of the accident when he crossed over the center line in his 2001 Dodge Intrepid and collided with a semi tanker truck that was carrying hydrogen peroxide. The truck driver Michael Gray of Sullivan was uninjured and the crash caused no leaks. The accident lead to the closing of a portion of Highway 26 for almost three hours. Weather is not believed to be a factor in the crash. The crash remains under investigation by the Dodge County Crash Investigation team.

SCHOOL VISITS BY SHERIFF DEPUTIES

 The Washington County Sheriff’s Office began a program earlier this month that is designed to help make the elementary schools in Washington County a little bit safer. In conjunction with the school districts, Deputies are making personal visits to most of the public and private elementary schools in the Sheriff’s primary service area. According to Sheriff Dale Schmidt, the two main goals are to provide deterrence to anyone who may want to commit a crime by increasing the deputy’s presence on school grounds, and to develop a closer relationship between the school staff, students and Patrol Deputies.  Deputies will be making short visits, one or more times per day, at varying times.  The visits include making contact with staff to address any issues, greeting students and checking the facility security.  Deputies may also be seen more often in the school parking lots while doing their administrative work. Sheriff Schmidt advises parents that Deputies have always responded to calls for service at these schools and will continue to do so.  The school visits program is meant to be an additional layer of safety for the schools. Sheriff Schmidt also notes that no additional Deputies or funding has been required.  The program is accomplished by prioritizing the visits over other normal Patrol Deputy duties. Some of the schools included in this program are Addison and Allenton Elementary,  Living Word Lutheran  High School, Richfield and Wayne Elementary.

FATAL MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH IN DODGE COUNTY

The Dodge County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a fatal traffic accident that occurred Monday morning just after six am near Highway 26 and Five Mile Road in the Town of Emmet. According to the  Sheriff’s Department report, a 29-year-old man was traveling south on Highway 26 when he crossed the center line of Five Mile Road and struck a Freightliner tanker semi head-on. The 29-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene.  The semi driver had no injuries. The semi was hauling hydrogen peroxide but no leaks resulted from the crash. The semi driver had no injuries. Crews had to shut down State Highway 26 for almost three hours. Weather is not believed to be a factor in the crash. The name of the deceased driver is not being released until later today. The crash remains under investigation by the Dodge County Crash Investigation team.

GINGERBREAD HOUSE EASTER BASKET NEEDS DONATIONS

Now that St. Patrick’s Day is behind us, the next holiday in just two weeks is Easter. The Ginger Bread House gift giving program aids families in Washington County that are less fortunate for the Christmas holiday also at Easter. The program is requesting your support to aid families with Easter baskets complete with food and small gifts. Linda White the coordinator for the Ginger Bread project says besides food items for a festive Easter dinner, it’s always nice to include candy and small toys for children. For more information or to make a donation to the Ginger Bread House Easter Project call Linda White at 262-338-1661.

Man Arrested in Hartford for Breaking into First Baptist Church

Hartford police are investigating a break in and damage to the First Baptist Church located at 112 Church Street. Police say the incident occurred in the early morning hours of Friday. According to the Hartford Police Department press release, they received a call about the break-in Sunday morning just after seven am. The information indicated that  a male subject had been observed on foot shortly after the incident at First Baptist Church. The information had indicated the male subject had claimed that he was running from the police. The information also indicated that the man had multiple scratches and minor injuries on his hands and arms, consisted with injuries caused by broken glass. Follow up investigation led to the identification of the suspect. The report says the suspect had been living out-of-state until returning to the City of Hartford just two weeks before was wanted for five outstanding municipal warrants through the Hartford Police Department with bonds totaling over $1,700. Police arrested the 21 year old Hartford man just before 10:30 a.m. When interviewed by police, the suspect admitted to being inside the church on the morning of March 15^th, and to also man discharging a fire extinguisher inside the building and smashing the church’s windows with a fire extinguisher. The suspect also admitted to being the owner of several pieces of property that evidence technicians had recovered from the crime scene. Hartford Police say the investigation into this break-in is ongoing. Felony charges for burglary against the man are being referred to the Washington County District Attorney’s Office.

KEWASKUM VILLAGE BOARD MARCH MEETING TONIGHT

The next meeting of the Kewaskum Village Board is scheduled for tonight at seven pm. At the front end of the meeting there will be a public hearing for citizens to give their input regarding the Emergency Medical Service of the Kewaskum Fire Department to advance to the next level of certification for an EMT Intermediate Techician. Police Chief Thomas Bishop will present an update on the public school liaison officer position. Village Administrator Matt Heiser will update on the maintenance at the village fire house along with an update on the workers compensation audit. Also on tonight’s agenda is Committee reports. Most chairpersons will present monthly updates. The board will address a few topics under new business including the review of a request to possibly close Railroad Stret from Main Street to First Street on June 25^th for the annual special Party on the Pavement plus another discussion with possible action on accepting a grant to create an interface for a Homeland Security Program. The meeting for will be held in the Council room of the Kewaskum municipal building located at 204 First Street.

 Regal Ware Announces Recipients of J.O. Reigle Scholarships

 Derek Aupperle and Jennifer Reicher have been named the 2013 recipients of J.O. Reigle Scholarships. The scholarship program was established in 1963 in honor of Regal Ware’s founder, the late J.O. Reigle. The award recognizes the outstanding scholastic achievements of one or more graduating high school seniors in Kewaskum, the site of the corporate headquarters for cookware manufacturer Regal Ware. It is designed to assist the recipients in their pursuit of a college education. Derek, plans to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison this Fall to study Business. He has been active in football, wresting, baseball and track throughout his high school years. Derek is also an active volunteer, devoting time to the Kewaskum Food Pantry, the KEYS Fundraising Walk/Run, and serving as a Gridiron Youth Camp volunteer.  Jennifer plans to attend either Concordia University or the University of Wisconsin this Fall in pursuit of her studies in Accounting, with a goal of becoming a CPA and opening a private accounting firm. Jennifer’s in-school activities have included serving as treasurer for the National Honor Society, along with being a member of the Distinguished Student Program, Key Club, and Peers for Peers. Outside of school Jennifer is active in year-round club softball with the Wisconsin Bandits, Wisconsin Elite, and the Fox Cities Panthers.  To be eligible for the Reigle Scholarship a student must have attended Kewaskum High School for at least the previous 2 years, and maintained at least a “B” average for the first 3½ years of high school. Each student will receive $4,500 per year for each of his or her 4-year college programs.

FIRE DESTROYS BARN IN TOWN OF KEWASKUM

A barn in the town of Kewaskum is completely destroyed by fire on Thursday night. According to the Washington County Sheriff’s Department , Deputies along with firefighters from the Kewaskum Fire Department arrived at the scene located at 8245 Prospect Drive in the Town of Kewaskum at about six fifteen. Upon their arrival, emergency responders found the barn to be partially ablaze with the fire rapidly intensifying. The barn is on the property of Gerald Brugger from the Town of Trenton was on the scene and  he called for the assistance from the following fire departments, Boltonville, Fillmore, Kohlsville, and West Bend to aid in shuttling water to the scene.  The Washington County Highway Department also responded and salted the icy driveway to help with fire apparatus access.  The approximate 60’x30’ wood framed barn only contained a small amount of straw, and no other structures were affected by the fire.  Prospect Drive between Badger Road and Ridge Road was closed for approximately three hours to facilitate firefighting operations.  An investigation into the cause of the blaze revealed that the barn caught fire from a pile of old straw which the property owner was burning a short distance away.  The barn is considered a total loss and was valued at approximately $20,000.    

FEMA AWARDS A GRANT OT WEST BEND FIRE DEPARTMENT

FEMA has awarded the West Bend Fire Department with a generous grant that will allow them to provide free smoke alarms to eligible city residents.  The smoke alarms are state of the art detectors that feature a ten year, life long lithium battery that is sealed inside the device itself, so no battery changes are necessary. The alarms also feature a hush” button so they can be silenced if activated unintentionally. To be eligible for the free devices, you must meet a few requirements that include being resident of the city of West Bend. You must be 55 years of age or older or have a disability. Citizens living alone in single- family homes will be given priority. In addition, the FEMA grant also provides for a strobe-type alarm for hearing impaired individuals. For more information or to find out if you qualify for a free smoke alarm, you are asked to contact Captain Tammy Lamberg, from the  West Bend Fire Department Fire Prevention Bureau, at 335-5055. If you qualify, you will be visited by members of the West Bend Fire Department, who will install up to four devices in your home and they will also conduct a home fire safety evaluation at the time the devices are installed.

HUBER INMATE WALK-AWAY

Twenty two year old Thomas Mertz has a felony arrest warrant issued against him. Mertz is currently serving time as a Huber law inmate and he is missing from the Washington County Huber facility. According to the sheriff’s department report Thomas Mertz left the jail facility on Wednesday to go to the DMV and obtain a drivers license, but he never returned. Sheriff deputies checked all his known addresses in West Bend, Hartford and Saukville but were not successful. Everyone that they spoke with said they no longer approved of Mertz and if they find out where is located, they would immediately notify the Sheriff’s Department. The Sheriff’s department has now issued a tele-type message to other law enforcement agencies and issued a temporary felony warrant with request for charges against Mertz.

TOWN OF TRENTON MAN INJURED IN TRUCK ACCIDENT

A 30 year old Town of Trenton man was critically injured in a two vehicle crash Wednesday morning that occurred at State Highway 33 and County Highway M.  According to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office the accident happened at about nine twenty am.The initial call indicated that a car and a semi truck had collided and one subject had been ejected from a vehicle. Newburg Rescue and Fire Department were paged to respond. The injured man was transported to St. Joseph Hospital by Newburg Rescue and immediately transferred to Froedtert Hospital. The initial investigation indicates that Dustin Heyn from the Town of Trenton man was travelling southbound on County Highway M and entered the intersection at State Highway 33 without stopping for the stop sign. His truck was then hit by a semi truck driven by a 55-year-old Ricky Hesselink from Sheboygan Falls. He was not injured. The crash is under investigation by the Washington County Crash Reconstruction Unit.

MATCHDAY ON-LINE CHARITY EVENT TAKES PLACE TODAY

Match Day 2013 a unique 24 hour online giving opportunity sponsored by the Greater Milwaukee Foundation that benefits 21 agencies around South Eastern Wisconsin is taking place today. One area organization from Washington County that is counting on your contributions today is Family Promise. Family Promise of Washington County is grateful to have been chosen to be a part of Match Day.  Proceeds from today’s on-line vent will help support their mission of rebuilding lives with compassion by providing resources and services to homeless families in Washington County.  Together with the united support of 30 local congregations more than 3,500 nights of shelter and 10,000 meals were provided in 2012 to 30 families around Washington County. Each gift made online today will be proportionately matched.  The Greater Milwaukee Foundation and nearly 30 donors, including the Brewers community Foundation, and United Way of Greater Milwaukee, have already pledged nearly $740.000 toward the match pool. The Greater Milwaukee Foundation, a family of more than 1,100 individual charitable funds, each created by donors to serve the charitable causes of their choice.  Grants from these funds serve people throughout Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee and Washington Counties and Beyond.  Started in 1915, the Foundation is one of the oldest and largest community foundations in the world. To make a donation today and help Family Promise of Washington County visit www dot.MatchDayMKEdot org.

MARK MALEY RETIRES AS WEST GIRLS BASKETBALL COACH

A familiar fixture on the sidelines at West Bend WEST Bend girls basketball  games since 1998 is retiring. Mark Maley who has served as the program’s head coach since 2002 informed Athletic Director Scott Stier on Tuesday of his decision. In an exclusive interview with News Talk AM1470 WBKV, Maley said he felt the timing was right as his wife recently retired and this would give him a chance to spend more time with her, plus he feels the program is in good shape. Over all his years of coaching, Maley built up a good relationship with current and former players.  Maley led the team to its first and only conference title in school history in 2004- 2005. Maley has announced that he and his wife are seting up a special trust fund to help aid his former players in purchasing books they need for their college education. Maley says even though he’s retiring, he will still be a visible and vocal personality at the games. Away from the court, Maley was also very active and influential with his student athletes. He partnered with the National Honor Society and the East Girls basketball team and raked leaves for the elderly each fall. Along with East Coach Gruber he co- founded the Wizards basketball club. He also helped to raise money every year as his teams participated in the Coaches for the Cancer Cure program.

SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES TO HOST MEET AND GREET

Yesterday we brought you a story on State public school Superintendent Tony Evers and his visit to West Bend. It was mentioned in that story that he is running for re-election on April second. On the local school scene, the three candidates that are running for the West Bend School Board also on April second  have scheduled an informal meet and greet session tomorrow night from six until seven at the West Bend Community Memorial Library on Poplar Street. Current school board president and member of the board since 2010, Randy Marquardt said that the candidates were initially invited to appear at the County Democratic party headquarters last week, but they all declined due to the fact that this is a non-partisan race. So, they felt it would be a good idea to hold an open forum for the public to attend. There are two other candidates besides Marquardt competing for the two open seats and they are, Karen Betz a first time candidate and Tim Stepanski who previously served a three year term prior to stepping down last Spring. Marquardt says despite different opinions on a variety of issues, the three candidates do have a few similar goals for the school district. The three candidates are competing for two at large seats that would expire in April 2016. Once again, the informal meet and greet session will be held tomorrow night from six until seven at the west Bend Community Memorial Library on Poplar Street. The three candidates are competing for two at large seats that would expire in April 2016.

SHERIFF DEPUTIES RECOVER STOLEN VEHICLE

Two run away juveniles from the Appleton area were taken into custody by Washington County Sheriff deputies for the theft of a car. According to the deputy’s report, a concerned citizen called in a report with a license plate number of an erratic driver heading south on Highway 41from highway 60. When deputies ran the plate number, it came back through the Appleton Police Department as having been stolen. The car was located and stopped just north of highway 167.  Two juveniles a fifteen year old driver and a sixteen year old passenger refused to obey orders to surrender. The Germantown Police Department assisted by shutting down all thru traffic which allowed deputies to approach the vehicle. The two youths were arrested without any further incident. The two youths were held in custody until juvenile authorities from Appleton could pick them up and return them to face felony charges. The stolen vehicle was towed to a local garage and will be released back to the owner.

West Bend School District Mile of Art

The Museum of Wisconsin Art is set to make its debut next month in West Bend. In advance of this highly anticipated opening, the tenth annual West Bend Mile of Art is on display today through March 22^nd throughout Downtown West Bend. The annual display is sponsored by the West Bend School District. THE WEST BEND MILE OF ART features 2-D and 3-D artwork created by students in kindergarten through 12th grade from West Bend Public Schools. March is Youth Art Month, so this exhibit brings a fresh look to the downtown experience and a healthy way to display the students' work, since it is actually almost a mile to walk the display route.  The students' exhibit celebrates children's creativity in art and the connection to the district's art curriculum.  The downtown West Bend businesses are showing support of students and their hard work by proudly displaying the artworks in their store and business windows.

RICHFIELD MAN ARRESTED FOR THREATENING TO KILL HIS WIFE

Seventy five year old Phillip Middleton from Richfield is facing multiple criminal charges following his arrest over the weekend for a domestic dispute. According to the Washington County Sheriff’s Department, Deputies arrived at the couple’s home on Mayfield Road in Richfield. They were met by sixty one year old Barbara Middleton and forty three year old Dorelle Dee Thompson. The women said that Philip Middleton was acting aggressive towards them and threatening to kill them. He had an approximate thirty inch edged weapon and swung it at the ladies. The women were able to disarm him but Barbara was struck by the blunt edge of the weapon across her thighs. The women fled the house and called 9-1-1. Phillip then approached the front door armed with a thirty gage rifle. Barbara knew it was empty and wrestled it away. Sheriff Deputies brought Phillip under control and determined by the way he was acting and irrationally rambling that he was drunk. He was arrested and charged with domestic disorderly conduct; recklessly endangering safety and intoxicated use of a firearm. Due to his irrational behavior coupled with his current medical state he was taken into protective custody and placed at placed at behavior rehab unit at Community Memorial Hospital.

STATE SUPERINTENDENT EVERS TO VISIT WEST BEND TODAY

West Bend School Superintendent Ted Neitzke will be escorting a special guest around the school district today. State Superintendent Tony Evers will be in town in order to learn about the West Bend School District’s schools and the community that supports them. A full day’s agenda begins at 9:15 a.m. with a welcome at the Education Service Center and then proceed to our studios.Evers and Neitzke will join host Bob Bonenfant for a community update and call-in show starting at nine thirty. After their appearance on the radio, Evers and Neitzke will travel to four district schools for teacher-led building tours. The schools are Fair Park Elementary School, Badger Middle School, and East and West high schools. During his visit, Evers will learn about the district’s use of the ACT suite to provide guidance on students’ college and career readiness. Additionally, he will visit the district’s career and technical education programs to learn about how they contribute to the innovative ways schools engage students.  Following the building tours, Evers will attend a special luncheon that will include representatives from the business community who will engage in a round table discussion.  Superintendent Evers day long visit to West Bend will wrap up on more of a political note rather than an academic one. He will have a meet and greet at the Washington County Democratic headquarters on North Main Street from five thirty until seven. Evers is running for re-election on April second and is being challenged by Republican Don Pridemore from the town of Erin in Washington County.

WEST BEND POLICE RESPOND TO TWO DIFFERENT CAR ACCIDENTS

A twenty year old man from West Bend was arrested over the weekend for operating a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent, which in this case was his mother. According to Lieutenant Michael Hartwell from the West BEND Police Department, a short time after being reported missing, the man  crashed the vehicle into snow a bank at the  Pick ’n Save-North side location on West Washington Street. When police arrived on the scene, the man was uncooperative and disorderly. He was arrested and charged with operating a motor vehicle without owners consent and for driving without a valid driver’s license. A second motor vehicle accident occurred at about noon Saturday in the 1100 block of west Washington when an eleven year-old boy was hit by a car. Apparently, the young boy has a natural fear of dogs and he noticed a couple walking their dog on the sidewalk approaching him. The boy panicked and jumped into the street. He was struck by a car going past him and received minor injuries.

STATE SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT VISITS TOMORROW

West Bend School Superintendent Ted Neitzke will be escorting a VIP around town tomorrow when Dr. Tony E-VERS, the Wisconsin State Superintendent of public instruction will tour three of the district’s schools led by various teachers. The schools are Fair Park Elementary, Badger Middle School and East and West High Schools. During his visit Evers will learn about the district’s use of the ACT suite to [provide guidance on student’s college and career readiness. Following the school tours, a special luncheon with a round table discussion will be held for Superintendent Evers along with representatives from the business community.Superintendent EVERS visit to West Bend will wrap-up later in the day on more of a political note rather than an academic one. He will have a meet and greet at the Washington County Democratic headquarters on north Main Street from five thirty until seven.  Evers is running for re-election on April second. A special programming note from NEWS TALK AM1470 WBKV ,  Tony EVERS will start his busy day along with Ted Neitzke on the morning show with Bob Bonnefant tomorrow at nine thirty.

West Bend Man Arrested For Disorderly Conduct and Child Abuse

A 39-year-old man from West Bend man was taken into police custody and now faces multiple criminal charges including disorderly conduct, physical abuse of a child and strangulation after he tried to strangle his wife’s eleven year old son. According to Lieutenant Michael Hartwell of the West Bend Police Department, on Thursday night at about eight twenty  the man and his thirty year-old wife got into an argument. The man pushed his wife into a set of stairs and her son

tried to intervene. The man then put his hands around the boy’s neck.

The woman and the man’s sixty seven year-old mother tried to

pull the man off the boy. While they tried to intervene, the 67-year-old woman was thrown to the ground. That allowed the woman and her son boy to flee. The man chased them outside and when he caught up to them, he threw the boy down into the snow. He tried once again to strangle the boy, but some nearby citizens intervened. Police arrived and brought the situation under control. The man was taken to jail and booked for disorderly conduct. He is also facing additional charges of

physical abuse of a child and strangulation.

Town of Erin St. Patrick's Day Parade

Milwaukee held their annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday. This Sunday at nine am, the Town of Erin St. Patrick’s Day parade will be held. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office along with the Town of Erin, has made plans to ensure that the parade route and surrounding highways will be safe for everyone attending. Previously, some groups have established large party areas along the parade route and have caused traffic and pedestrian hazards plus significant delays in reopening the highway following the parade. The presence of oversize vehicles, RV’s, campers, trailers, and the temporary structures associated with these groups contribute to the hazards along the highway. To address these concerns and to ensure the safety of everyone attending the parade, steps have been taken to minimize these hazards. Only passenger vehicles and trucks not exceeding one ton in capacity will be allowed to park along the parade route. Vehicles which are prohibited from parking on the parade route include RV’s, towed or pickup campers, motor homes, buses, oversize vehicles and trailers of any kind. No temporary structures or shelters will be permitted on the parade route. This includes pole tents, frame tents, awnings, canopies or similar structures regardless of size. Use of private property along the parade route is at the discretion of the property owners. Unauthorized persons, vehicles, or structures which are located on private property without the permission of the property owner constitute trespassing. Violators will be cited. Vehicles will be permitted to enter the parade route for the purposes of accessing private property or dropping off passengers, however they will not be permitted to remain parked along the route. Once the parade route is deemed full all vehicular traffic will be restricted. All other highways adjacent to the parade route are open highways and all applicable laws will apply.  In addition to the above steps the Sheriff’s Office will be deploying extra Deputies on St. Patrick’s Day dedicated solely to detecting and arresting drivers for OWI violations. This saturation patrol will be made possible by a grant the Sheriff’s Office received from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation Bureau of Transportation Safety.

Man Pleads No Contest to Sexual Assault Charges

 Twenty six year-old Steven Reuter from Milwaukee appeared before Washington County Circuit Judge Andrew Gonring with his attorney Barbara Privat.(Pre-vow) on Wednesday and pleaded no contest to

repeated sexual assault of a child. Reuter was charged with two counts of sexual assault of a child younger than sixteen years of age. The two counts of sexually assaulting a child younger than 16 years

of age were dismissed but will be read-in during the sentencing hearing. According to the criminal complaint, a fourteen year old girl said in 2011 she moved in with her father and Reuter started living

with them because he had no place to live. The sexual assault took place at the home. Reuter pleaded no contest to the charges of repeated sexual assault of a child. His sentencing hearing is May ninth at ten am. If convicted, Reuter faces a maximum sentence of forty years in prison.

             UW-WC Receives Continuing Accreditation

The University of Wisconsin Colleges, the parent organization of UW-Washington County (UW-WC), has received continuing accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. The Higher Learning Commission  is an independent organization which accredits degree-granting post-secondary educational institutions in the North Central region. The accreditation process assures students that the institution meets generally accepted standards. The HLC assesses all member colleges and universities on a regular basis. Dr. Paul Price, CEO/Dean of UW-WC, said the continuing accreditation came after a rigorous examination and is a “strong endorsement of the quality of a UW-WC education.” HLC evaluators visited UW-WC in November, 2012, and met with faculty, staff, students, administrators and other stakeholders.The University of Wisconsin-Washington County is a campus of the University of Wisconsin Colleges, a unit of the University of Wisconsin System comprised of 13 campuses and UW Colleges Online, that offers an Associate of Arts and Science degree and a single Bachelor of Arts and Sciences degree, and prepares students of all ages and backgrounds for baccalaureate and professional programs

LOCAL SNOWMOBILER CITED FOR OWI

 Twenty two year old Matthew Lee Artymeuk from Farmington was riding his snowmobile on Wednesday night and apparently also enjoying a few alcoholic beverages at the same time. As a result, he was issued an OWI citation for recklessly driving his snowmobile and for eluding sheriff deputies. According to the sheriff’s report, the deputy was on patrol near county road H leaving the Village of Kewaskum near Kettle View Drive when he observed a snowmobile traveling East at a speed of 75 MPH.  The deputy turned around and caught-up with Artymeuk. Artymeuk drove thru the lights and continued south on Highway 45 until he approached the area of a BP gas station. At that point, he hit an iced over snow bank and lost control of the sled. Artymeuk went airborne and landed on Highway 45. He got up and ran back to the snowmobile and attempted to re-start it. The sled sustained minor damages, Artymeuk was not injured. The deputy caught up to him and performed a field sobriety test. Artymeuk blew a point one four. He was cited for his first offense OWI along with a few other citations including eluding an officer and for illegal operation of the snowmobile. At this point, sheriff deputies are investigating under what statute the citations will be issued under, either for normal traffic violations or from under separate statutes governing snowmobiles.

Germantown Man Gets Probation for Animal Neglect Case

A Germantown man who had hundreds of dead chickens along with a number of improperly cared for and dead animals on his property,  appeared before Washington County Circuit Judge Andrew Gonring and with  his attorney Gary Schmaus for a sentencing hearing on Wednesday. 51 year-old Jack Krueger was sentenced to two years of probation .According to the criminal complaint, on August second, Germantown police officers along with Washington County Humane Society volunteers executed a search warrant on Krueger’s property after someone reported the smell of decaying flesh. When the detectives entered the home they saw three rat terrier dogs. Two were running free and the other was in a cage with no food or water. The Humane Society took the dogs into protective custody. Police also saw a number of poultry in a room in the home. Several birds were found on the property, as well as the remains of a deer. Police estimated there were at least 100 dead chickens that were strewn around in bags, garbage cans and poultry cages. Krueger was charged with six misdemeanors, including three counts of failing to provide proper drink to confined animals, negligently providing improper animal shelter sanitation standards and two counts of timely disposal of carcasses. At a plea hearing in February, Krueger pleaded guilty to providing improper drink to confined animals and negligently provide improper animal shelter sanitation standards. The remaining charges were dismissed, but read-in during the sentencing hearing. District Attorney Mark Bensen said Krueger was attempting to engage in a poultry business, but he was unable to maintain it when he became ill following a heart attack. As a condition of probation, Krueger can not possess animals other than dogs as long as they are provided proper food, shelter and sanitation and only  without a probation agent’s consent.

DETAILS RELEASED FROM SLINGER BANK ROBERY

On Tuesday February 26, 2013 at 1:58pm the Slinger Police Department responded to a Bank Robbery at the Westbury Bank located at 1195 East Commerce Boulevard.  According to Officer Nick Garro who is leading the investigation,  the lone male white suspect was wearing a dark colored hat, dark colored scarf covering his mouth area, blue jeans and a long leather jacket.  He presented a note demanding money.  The bank teller handed over an undisclosed amount of money.  The suspect left the bank on foot in a southerly direction.  No weapon was displayed during the robbery.  Officer Garro said the robbery on February 26^th at the Slinger location of the Westbury Bank was the first bank robbery in Slinger in fifteen years. The Slinger Police Department is requesting assistance in identifying the suspect in this incident. If you recognize him from the photo on our website WBKV AM DOT COM you are asked to contact the Slinger Police Department at 262/644-6441 or the Washington County Law Enforcement Tip Line at 1-800-232-0594

RICHFIELD MAN LEADS SHERIFF DEPUTIES ON HIGH SPEED CHASE

Two men from the Village of Richfield are spending time in the Washington County detention facility following a high speed chase. According to the Sheriff’s department report, two deputies were in the process of investigating a possible Juvenile alcohol disturbance at 3926 Wooded Ridge Trail, when they observed a truck passing them well above the posted limit. An initial attempt to stop the truck failed and a pursuit began to obtain the plate number, as the truck continued along its speeds increased. The pursuit continued on for close to thirteen miles at a high speed of ninety miles per hour, until the Slinger Police Department deployed speed spikes at the village limits. The spikes worked and the truck came to a rest on Lou’s way just north of highway 60. At that point, the driver being identified as thirty two year old Thomas Patrick Downer and his passenger thirty one year old Mark Olivo fled on foot. Both men were caught several blocks away. Downer was arrested and charged with OWI, felony eluding an officer, reckless endangerment and obstructing / resisting arrest. His friend Mark Olivo was arrested for obstructing and resisting. The only injury being reported was a minor scrape to Downer’s nose as a result of being captured by the deputies.

On February 26, 2013 at 1:58pm the Slinger Police Department responded to a Bank
Robbery at the Westbury Bank located at 1195 East Commerce Boulevard.  The lone
male white suspect was wearing a dark colored hat, dark colored scarf covering
his mouth area, blue jeans and a long leather jacket.  He presented a note
demanding money.  The bank teller handed over an undisclosed amount of money.
The suspect left the bank on foot in a southerly direction.  No weapon was
displayed during the robbery.  Surveillance video continues to be reviewed and
this incident remains under investigation.  The Slinger Police Department is
requesting assistance in identifying the suspect in this incident.   Anyone with
information is urged to contact the Slinger Police Department at 262/644-6441 or
the Washington County  Law Enforcement Tip Line at 1-800-232-0594.

CROSSWALK PROJECTS IN KEWASKUM TEMPORARILY DELAYED

You wouldn’t think a discussion and proposal for adding and improving crosswalks in the Village of Kewaskum would turn into a major issue. But, then again you can never take anything for granted. Village of Public Works Director Jerry Gilles spoke to the Kewaskum Village Board on Monday night, and  led a discussion on several aspects for the new Main Street / Highway 28 project, including a new crosswalk option being offered by WISDOT along with a further discussion on the crosswalk maintenance agreement for the Main Street project.  The Village Board could have taken action on a new crosswalk option that was being offered by the State DOT but a small deletion note on one of the designs put the item on hold. The DOT is scheduled to reconstruct Highway 28 from Fond du Lac Avenue to Highway 144, starting in 2014. The crosswalk in question is located at Parkview Drive and the drawing has a small deletion note next to a crosswalk on the east side. Gilles told the board he was not sure what the deletion note next to the line was all about. That led to considerable discussion with many feeling you can’t eliminate a crosswalk at that street crossing. Police Chief Thomas Bishop said he would leave the crosswalk because there is a lot of foot traffic at the intersection. The Village Board decided to table the item until Gilles can find out why the DOT put the note on the drawing. Gilles also presented two other crosswalks options, including a 24-inch thermoplastic

mid-block crosswalk on Fond du Lac Avenue along with a possible  mid block crosswalk near Holy Trinity Parish in Kewaskum on Main Street.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CASES KEEP POLICE BUSY

Three different people were arrested on Sunday after they were all involved in separate domestic disputes resulting in battery and disorderly conduct. According to Lieutenant Michael Hartwell of the West Bend Police Department one incident turned out to be quite complicated as it wound up involving the arrest of four people. On Sunday morning at 6:18 a.m. on the southeast side of West Bend,  a thirty five year-old West Bend woman and her thirty seven year old boyfriend were in an argument for several hours. The couple’s three year old son was sleeping and was awoken from the argument; the man went to get the young boy and the woman tried to stop him and exchanged blows with the man. The man had a bloody nose and a cut lip and fled prior to police arriving. He was later identified at a hospital in Grafton getting treatment for his injuries. The thirty five year old woman was arrested for disorderly conduct and battery. Meanwhile in a strange twist of events related to the case, West Bend Police report that the altercation between the couple was witnessed by a fifty one year old woman from West Bend. During questioning her, it was determined that she had an outstanding warrant for her arrest, so she was taken in custody. While still at the scene, police also discovered a twenty nine year old man from Campbellsport hiding out inside a storage unit. The man also had an outstanding warrant against him. He too, was taken into custody.

 The second case happened a bit earlier in the day on Sunday at about one thirty am. A 37-year-old woman got into a verbal argument with her live in boyfriend on the northwest side of the city. She threatened to call the Police Department and he answered by threatening to kill her. He was arrested on charges of disorderly conduct.

The third incident occurred at about two thirty am on the city’s southeast side. A 35-year-old West Bend woman got into an argument

with her husband over some family issues. She became upset and bit

her husband. Police arrived and she was taken to jail for disorderly conduct and battery.

HARTFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT HOSTS THE 2013 MINI-ACADEMY

All this week the Officers of the Hartford Police Department will be joined by over 600 of their local, county, state, and federal law enforcement peers at the Schauer Performing Arts Center for the 2013 Hartford Police Mini-Academy. This year's Mini-Academy features presentations from the lead investigators from the mass shooting incident's at Virginia Tech, the University of Texas, the Norway National Police Service(Anders Breivik shooting), and the Sikh Temple shooting in Oak Creek. Over the course of the week officers will also hear from retired Carbondale Illinois Police Lieutenant, and author of the book, "In Cold Pursuit," Paul Echol, regarding the investigation and arrest of serial killer Tim Krajcir. Sgt. Jon Matteson, of the King County Sheriff's Department, in Washington State, will give a presentation regarding their Green River Serial Killer investigation.
Previous Hartford Police Mini-Academies have featured forensic scientist Dr. Henry C. Lee, Dr. Murray Marx, of the University of Tennessee's "Body Farm," and presentations on the Casey Anthony investigation, and the B.T.K. serial killer case. Between 2008 and 2012 almost 2,000 officers have come to Hartford's Mini-Academy programs. HPD Officers are scheduled for 332 man-hours of world class training at the Mini-Academy over the next week!

Sheriff's 2012 Budget Results

The Washington County Sheriff's Office has completed the final reconciliation of its budget for 2012.  The budgeted levy for 2012 was $15,505,368.  The final 2012 actual levy cost was $14,733,884 leaving a net surplus of $935,926.  This is $25,895 under the 2011 actual levy cost of $14,759,779.  $305,424 in continuing accounts was carried over into 2013.The surplus amount includes $580,423 in unspent salary and benefit accounts.  That amount includes money budgeted for a possible raise for Deputies in the event a contract was settled.  Currently it is not.  The amount also included savings in health insurance cost due to a lower premium costs realized after the budget was set.  The surplus also includes $181,017 in unspent general expense accounts, and a revenue surplus realized mostly in Juvenile Detention Facility and boarding of Huber inmates.  The surplus will be returned to the County government's general fund.

INFORMATION MEETING FOR HIGHWAY 33 CONSTRUCTION

In the weeks to come as you travel around Washington County besides having to watch out for snowplows, motorists will need to watch out for orange construction barrels on Highway 33, as the Wisconsin DOT begins work on a six point two million dollar resurfacing and reconstruction project.Mike Pyritz, the regional communications manager with the Wisconsin DOT has some details. The four point six mile project will entail two projects at the same time. Resurfacing will start at US 41 and go a half mile west to the intersection of highway 144. The resurfacing segment will include milling the existing pavement, asphaltic overlay and several other details including shoulder widening. The other part is the reconstruction which will expand the roadway to a four land divided segment including curb and gutter. Pyritz says the DOT wants to keep the public throughout Washington County well informed and is inviting everyone to an informational kick-off informational meeting next Wednesday night March sixth. It will be held at the Addison Town Hall on First street in Allenton. The meeting will be an open house format from four until seven. A presentation will be given at six pm detailing the construction schedule and stages. Members of the DOT construction team will be on hand to answer any questions. Pyritz also wants to issues a special note to commuters that use the existing park and ride located at the interchange of Highway 33 and 41. It will be closed and reconstructed as part of the project.

POLICE HANDLE DISORDERLY CONDUCT AND OWI CASES

A man from Slinger is cited for disorderly conduct, while another man from Randolph faces more serious charges after being arrested for his sixth offense OWI. These are just two cases that West Bend Police acted on over the past several days. In the first incident, a twenty one year-old man from Slinger man was cited for disorderly conduct after he was seen looking through some class room windows at Moraine Park Technical College wearing a mask.  According to Lieutenant Michael Hartwell from the West Bend Police Department security officials at Moraine Park called in to report that around nine am last Thursday morning a teacher saw the man who was wearing a mask looking through a window. The teacher confronted the man and he used inappropriate language toward him. The man was captured on surveillance video making a gun gesture. He was located by police a short time later and cited for disorderly conduct.  The man is currently not a student at MPTC.

The second case is more serious as West Bend Police arrested a forty four year old man from Randolph for his sixth offense OWI after he was pulled over for a routine traffic violation. According to the police report the man was stopped for a traffic violation at about twelve forty five am Friday near Highway 45 and  Chestnut Street. Upon initial questioning, the officer detected an odor of intoxicants .The man was given a field sobriety test and failed. He was arrested for prohibited

alcohol concentration, operating a motor vehicle  after revocation

and an ignition interlock device violation. He was further cited for nonregistration of a motor vehicle and unauthorized display

of license plates

FIRE DESTROYS RURAL COUNTY HOME

A fire early Sunday morning, destroyed a two story single family home in the 7900 block of County Trunk W, in the Township of Wayne. The fire was reported at 3:21am by an individual who was grooming snowmobile trails in the area. The Kohlsville Fire Department responded and was assisted by units from Kewaskum, Campbellsport, Allenton, Boltonville, St. Lawrence, Theresa and West Bend Fire Departments. Crews from WE Energies, The Washington County Hwy Department and The Township of Wayne also assisted.The fire was extinguished quickly once units were on scene, however the structure appeared to have suffered extensive interior damage that will likely make it an entire loss. A total dollar amount of damage is not available at this time. No one was home at the time. Efforts to locate the owner or residents of this property are still ongoing.  Traffic along County W was restricted for approximately 3 and half hours, while emergency crews were on scene.   The cause of the fire is not known  at this time and it remains under investigation.

WASHINGTON COUNTY FAIR PARK PROFITABLE IN 2012

The Washington County Agricultural and Industrial Society who are responsible for operating the Washington County Fair Park gave avery positive 2012 year end report last week to the county board’s finance committee. The report was so positive that for the second year in a row, the organization finished with a profit. Sandy Lang, the Executive Director for the Washington County Fair, comments on the positive numbers  and points out that s good as the figures were, they were below the 2011 numbers. In comparison to 2011 the budget was one point fifty six million dollars with net revenues of over $285,000. Lang attributes the lower figures to a lower tax levy subsidy provided by the county in 2012 as compared to 2011. Lang said that while they are still in the early first quarter of 2013, she feels very good about the financial stability for this year.Lang has been the county fair manager since 1992 and the second overall in command at the fair park for the past twelve years. Last year she was promoted to Executive Direct

KEWASKUM VILLAGE BOARD MARCH MEETING TONIGHT

Monday night is meeting night for the Village of Kewaskum. Tonight features the Village Board. A full agenda has been put together in preparation for the meeting. The various department heads will present their monthly reports. Fire Chief Mark Groeschel will give an update on the status of the new ambulance. Police Chief Thomas Bishop is also scheduled to speak. Director of Public Works Jerry Gilles will lead a discussion and the possible actions on several aspects for the new Main Street project, including a new crosswalk option being offered by WISDOT along with a further discussion on the crosswalk maintenance agreement for the Main Street project. Plus a discussion and possible action on the letter requested by WIS DOT for including water and sewer plans along with specifications into the Main Stret project. Village Administrator Matt Heiser will report on cost savings efforts at the Bonnie Bell lift station. Also on tonight’s agenda is Committee reports. Most chairpersons will present monthly updates. The board will re-address a few topics under old business including the introduction of an ordinance to update the municipal code for an ATV entrance to the Bonnie Bell and for loading and accessing the Eienbahn Trail for snowmobiles and ATV’s. There will also be an opportunity for the public to address the board with any comments and concerns at the end of tonight’s agenda.  The meeting for tonight  is at seven pm in the Council room of the Kewaskum municipal building located at 204 First Street.

CHANGES COMING TO PLAYERS GENTLEMAN’S CLUB

Last year under a sea of controversy, the Buzdum family opened Players Gentlemans Club on Highway 33 east of West Bend. The owners even sued the town of Trenton over the town’s former zoning ordinances that essentially banned an adult entertainment business from opening in town. Players claimed the town ordinances violated the 1st and 14th amendments of the U.S. Constitution. The parties have since reached a settlement and the case has been resolved in its entirety. Buzdum closed Players Gentleman’s Club for remodeling on February ninth. However, Zivko Buzdum, confirms that he has a new business partner. It is Spearmint Rhino Consulting Worldwide Inc., headquartered in Norco, California. The company bills itself as “the world’s leader in upscale adult entertainment” with gentlemen’s clubs in the United States, United Kingdom and Australia. This will be Spearmint Rhino’s first gentleman’s club in Wisconsin. Buzdum says he is planning to reopen in mid-March as Spearmint Rhino Gentlemen’s Club. Buzdum will remain the owner. Buzdum opened Players Pub & Grill early in 2011. It became the third business that tried to succeed as a sports bar and banquet hall in what is an otherwise empty retail center built in 2004. In 2011, Players began offering female dancers wearing bikinis or lingerie. The club   then changed its name to Players Gentlemans Club in June, advertising an entertainment venue with nearly nude female dancers and lap dances. Buzdum says  that when  the club re-opens it will be completely remodeled and have a new and improved stage, bar and entryway as well as state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems. The club will have a full kitchen and serve traditional bar fare to more healthy selections. Spearmint Rhino’s other locations are open seven days a week, most from 11 a.m.-2 a.m. No word from Buzdum as to what the exact hours of Spearmint Rhino Gentlemen’s Club will be.

KEWASKUM WOMAN HAS ARMED CARJACKING CASE PUSHED BACK

 24-year old Kayla Goemer from Kewaskum who stole a pick-up truck with her 39-year old boyfriend during a test drive, has had her case pushed back so her attorney can review evidence.  Goemer appeared before Washington County Circuit court Judge James Muehlbauer with her attorney Barbara Privat on Wednesday. Privat told the court she received the discovery for this case and pending cases, but needed a chance to review the material. Goemer has been charged with armed carjacking as a party to a crime, second-degree recklessly endangering safety as a party to a crime and bail jumping. According to the criminal complaint, on January 30^th  the Sheriff’s Department responded to a  call of a truck being stolen during a test drive from the Russ Darrow Chrysler dealership at 3210 West Washington Street. At five p.m., Scott Kudek and Goemer entered the dealership to test drive a 2012 Dodge RAM 1500. A 42-year-old sales associate went along on the test drive. The associate said while on the test drive on Highway 144 near the town of Farmington, Kudek said they were going to take the truck and held a knife to his neck. After driving several more miles, Kudek stopped the truck and told the man to get out while Kudek and Goemer continued driving west on Jay Road. The man, who was not harmed, flagged down a passing car and contacted the Sheriff’s Department. On February first, warrants for their arrest were issued. On February third, the two were arrested in Hillborough County, Florida by sheriff’s deputies at a hotel. The $34,000 truck was recovered. Goemer’s next court appearance is March 27^th at one fifteen pm.. If convicted, Goemer faces a maximum sentence of more than fifty years in prison.

 

WEST BEND BIKE-TO-WORK DAY COORDINATOR RESIGNS

Ori-Anna Ramsey the Event Coordinator for the annual
Bike to Work Day event in West Bend announced on Thursday that she is resigning from her position.. Ramsey has been coordinating the event since it’s founding in 2008. The West Bend Bike to Work Day event is designed to help commuters network with each other, learn more about the benefits of cycling as a lifestyle and to
create awareness of bike commuters in West Bend and surrounding areas. In a prepared statement issued to the media, Ramsey said, “It is with a heavy heart that I share news of my resignation as Event
Coordinator for the annual West Bend Bike to Work Day. My
growing family requires more of my attention which allows me less time to dedicate to the planning and coordination of the event. Ramsey is seeking individuals who might be interested in taking over the coordination of the event for 2013. Any interested parties are encouraged to contact Ori-Anna Ramsey at 262-334-3798. 2013 will be the sixth annual Bike-to-Work Day event for West Bend. This year’s date is Friday, May 17^th.

Grothman Critical of MATC

State Senator Glenn Grothman is taking the Milwaukee Area Technical College to task.  The West Bend Republican says MATC is abusing the exemption for bonding to foil the state’s intended property tax freeze.  Grothman says MATC is using the exemption to fund post-retirement health benefits, not capital projects.  Grothman said he has received complaints from Ozaukee County constituents about the hefty property tax increase from MATC’s Mequon campus and he intends to introduce legislation which he hopes will be added to the state budget to bring the college’s non-operational levy back to what it was last year.  Grothman said he is a proponent of local control but the board’s abuse is unacceptable.  He says it is scandalous that all the work done by the Ozaukee County board, as well as local school districts and municipalities, is being undermined by the uncaring MATC board.  He said that he looks forward to continuing to educate his colleagues on the special problems related to costs of Milwaukee Area Technical College. Grothman concluded his press release by saying that he will not allow his constituents to pay outrageously high tech school taxes on their December 2013 tax bill."

Plans for Renovation of Silver Brook Elementary School Moving Along

Following the successful passing of the school board referendum in November, the West Bend School District was all ready to begin implementing their plans for the transformation of Silverbrook Middle School. A groundbreaking for the Silverbrook project is now being planned for some time in April. The project plans to transform the school into a grades five and six building. Earlier this week at their meeting members of the School Board were given a glimpse of a preliminary floor plan for the project that will entail adding a 75,000-square-foot addition and a major makeover for the remaining 100,000 square feet of the building. The preliminary floor plan shows a new main entrance to the school to be located in an addition to the north that will house a gym and cafeteria. In an interview with WBKV a few weeks ago West Bend School Superintendent Ted Neitzke mentioned that prior to designing the floor plan; they had to deal with some unstable soil issues and that now the plans call for SilverBrook to be a premiere facility in the district. Silverbrook was originally built in 1964, with small additions added in 1976 and 1995. Neitzke has said that the district is projecting a savings of about $800, 00 a year after the first phase of the long-range plan is complete in 2014, thanks to reduced transportation, maintenance and operational costs.


 

TEAM EFFORT AMONG DODGE COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES LEADS TO BURGLARY ARRESTS

Authorities in Dodge County have two men in custody who are suspects in numerous burglaries which occurred over the past 30 days.  Earlier this week members of the Dodge County Sheriffs Department and the Beaver Dam Police Dept. collaborated and implemented a robust plan which included surveillance of multiple buildings and roadways. At around 2:30 a.m. Wednesday morning, a Beaver Dam police officer observed a man acting suspiciously on Beaver Dam’s south side, the man was wearing a ski mask and carrying a large bag. The officer detained the subject, who was then identified as one of the suspects that authorities were looking for. The bag contained burglary tools and numerous other items linking the man to many of the burglaries. The man is the second suspect taken into custody for numerous burglaries and stolen automobiles which occurred on the entire west side of Dodge County over the past few weeks. The first arrest was made Monday by Beaver Dam Police Department. That man was also on the target list of suspects in the investigation. Authorities feel both individuals worked independently and not together.  Dodge County Sheriff Todd Nehls, who recently announced he would be retiring, said that this was a great team effort by both agencies, and he credits the staffs for the amount of time and effort put forth in this investigation. Currently both men are being held in the Dodge County Detention Facility on unrelated charges as authorities examine evidence. Both men are from the Beaver Dam area.

Blinding Snow, High Winds Cause Accidents In Washington County

The February 26th snowstorm began affecting travel on the roads in Washington County around 4 pm Tuesday and continued into the Wednesday morning daylight hours.  Blowing and drifting snow made travel difficult on most major roads, and eventually made most Township roads impassible overnight. The Washington County Sheriff's Office responded to 29 vehicles in the ditch, 11 property damage accidents and 1 minor injury accident.  The most significant event occurred around 8 pm Tuesday night when a semi truck jackknifed on US 41 north of CTH D in the Town of Wayne.  The northbound lanes were completely closed.  Deputies detoured traffic westbound on County Highway D to Highway 175.  Several hundred vehicles were stopped behind the semi truck until Deputies and Troopers were able to turn them around and direct them to a cross over to the southbound lanes. Good coordination between the Deputies, the Washington County Highway Department and the State Patrol cleared the semi truck and backup after approximately two hours and the road was re-opened

INFORMATION MEETING FOR HIGHWAY 33 CONSTRUCTION

In the weeks to come as you travel around Washington County besides having to watch out for snowplows, motorists will need to watch out for orange construction barrels on Highway 33, as the Wisconsin DOT begins work on a six point two million dollar resurfacing and reconstruction project.Mike Pyritz, the regional communications manager with the Wisconsin DOT has some details. The four point six mile project will entail two projects at the same time. Resurfacing will start at US 41 and go a half mile west to the intersection of highway 144. The resurfacing segment will include milling the existing pavement, asphaltic overlay and several other details including shoulder widening. The other part is the reconstruction which will expand the roadway to a four land divided segment including curb and gutter. Pyritz says the DOT wants to keep the public throughout Washington County well informed and is inviting everyone to an informational kick-off informational meeting next Wednesday night March sixth. It will be held at the Addison Town Hall on First street in Allenton. The meeting will be an open house format from four until seven. A presentation will be given at six pm detailing the construction schedule and stages. Members of the DOT construction team will be on hand to answer any questions. Pyritz also wants to issues a special note to commuters that use the existing park and ride located at the interchange of Highway 33 and 41. It will be closed and reconstructed as part of the project.

POLICE HANDLE TWO CASES INVOLVING ALCOHOLIC VIOLATIONS

Two separate cases involving different types of alcoholic violations are being reported from over the weekend by the West Bend Police Department. The first case happened Saturday afternoon. Two West Bend teenagers age fifteen and nineteen years old were cited for alcohol violations. According to Lieutenant Michael Hartwell, the man was driving at 5:30 p.m. Saturday near Fairview Drive and Woodlawn Avenue and was pulled over because he was driving suspiciously. Upon questioning the two teens,  a police officer determined the fifteen year-old boy had been drinking. He was cited for a juvenile alcohol violation. The nineteen year old told the police officer that he had beer inside the trunk. He was cited for minor transportation of intoxicants.

The other alcoholic violation is a bit more serious. It involves a fourth offense OWI. According to West Bend Police Lieutenant Michael

Hartwell, a 29-year-old man from Fredonia struck a sign in a

West Bend parking lot in the 200 block of South Main at about eleven fifteen Saturday night. The incident was witnessed by a police officer across the street. The man was given a field sobriety test which he failed. He was arrested for his fourth offense operating while intoxicated

PHARMACY ROBBERY

The Aurora Pharmacy located at 1330 Highway 175 in the Village of Richfield was robbed on Monday morning.   According to the Sheriff’s report, at approximately 11:15 am yesterday, a single male subject came into the Pharmacy and demanded pain / narcotic medication.  After receiving the medication the suspect fled the Pharmacy on foot.  The suspect was wearing dark clothing and a mask at the time of the Robbery. The suspect is described as a white male 5'6" - 5'7” and being thin build. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Washington County Sheriff’s Office (262)335-4420 or you can remain anonymous by calling the Washington County Tip Line (800)232-0594.

HOME SALES IN WASHINGTON COUNTY REMAIN UP

There is some good news in the home selling and buying market in Washington County for the month of January from the Wisconsin Realtors Association. The report says home sales in Washington County grew by over ten and a half percent compared to January 2012. According to the Wisconsin Realtors Association there were 73 homes sold in Washington County in January 2013 compared to 66 sold in the same month last year. However, the median price of a home

dropped by almost eleven percent from $171,500 in 2012 to $153,000 this year. Similar trends were seen in neighboring

counties. Ozaukee County saw a twenty two percent increase in home

sales from forty one in January of last year to  fifty  this year. The median price also dropped in Ozaukee County. In Dodge County, the home market saw a decline slightly over four percent in home sales but recorded an 82 point six percent jump in the median price from $62,500 to $114,150. Statewide according to the Wisconsin Realtors Association existing home sales grew by a margin of just over eighteen  percent compared to home sales in January 2012.

GERMANTOWN SCHOOL SUPERINTENTENDT RESIGNS

Dr. Susan Borden the Superintendent of the Germantown School District has announced that she is resigning from her position at the end of the school year. Dr. Borden has accepted a position as superintendent of the DeForest Area School District in Madison. Dr. Borden started her position in Germantown in 2010. Her last day in Germantown is June 30, after which she will immediately begin her position in DeForest.  It was expected that the School Board would approve her resignation at its regular meeting last night and then decide what route to take in finding a replacement.  Dr. Borden said she is very proud of all the successes the Germantown School District has had in her three years as its head official. She is grateful for all of the outstanding team work the teachers, colleagues and families have accomplished to make the district one of the top ten percent academically rated ones in the state.

Streicher Pleads No Contest In Death of Three Year Old Girl

A controversial shouting match erupted in a Washington County Court room on Friday afternoon as the outraged grandfather of a three year-old West Bend girl who was found dead in an apartment  began yelling as the man charged in her death, Justin Streicher pleaded no contest.” The body of Leann Leszynski’s 3year-old daughter, Haley Kluwe, was found May first in the northside apartment that Leszynski shared with Streicher. An autopsy revealed the girl had group A streptococcus that entered her system through a cut and infected her blood, spleen, right lung, left eye, left middle ear, left forearm and brain.The court found Streicher guilty and his sentencing hearing is May 22^nd at one thirty. A shouting match broke out as Judge James Pouros went over the plea questionnaire between Stretcher and Gary Kluwe, Haley’s paternal grandfather.  There are seven remaining drug related charges against Streicher, including maintaining a drug trafficking place, two counts of possession of narcotic drugs, possession of cocaine, possession of THC and two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia. They were dismissed but will be read-in during sentencing. Washington County District Attorney Mark Bensen said the agreement is appropriate, because Streicher entered a plea to the main charge of concern.  Benson said while the remaining charges are important, most are misdemeanor charges. Leann Leszynski also pleaded no contest to the same charge back on  November 11^th . Her sentencing hearing is April 12^th at one thirty.

THREE CANDIDATES BEING CONSIDERED FOR LIBRARY DIRECTOR

Three candidates from an initial field of four are now being considered

to fill the vacant director job at the West Bend Community Memorial Library. The West Bend Library Board received four applications

to replace Sue Cantrell, who left in November to become director

of the three-county Mid-Wisconsin Federated Library System, which includes all five Washington County libraries. Cantrell was named

West Bend’s library director in April 2011. Chris Jenkins, Library Board president said that the board is very pleased with the people who applied and that they are all qualified candidates. Jenkins declined to release the names of the candidates to the media or public. Jenkins did say that all three of the current director candidates are

from Wisconsin and none had applied for the directorship in the

2011 search. The candidates will be interviewed early in March, so according to Jenkins there could be a new Director in place by April. The position is an important one as the West Bend library is considered the lead library for the Mid-Wisconsin Federated Library System which provides shared services to 27 libraries in Washington Dodge and Jefferson counties.

MAN TURNS HIMSELF INTO POLICE CUSTODY FOR HOME BURGLARY

Whoever said there’s no such thing as an honest crook??  Lieutenant Michael Hartwell of the West Bend Police Department reports that on Thursday afternoon,  a twenty five year old man from West Bend  came into the department and confessed to stealing some jewelry from his neighbor’s home on February 12^th. .Lieutenant Hartwell said the man was feeling guilty of having committed the crime. He said he stole the jewelry and then sold it at West Bend Coin and Collectables in order to get drug money.  Police arrested the man on charges of burglary and bail jumping.

In a separate case West Bend police are reporting the arrest of a twenty eight year old man from Kewaskum for his third offense OWI. The incident happened at about three thirty on Thursday afternoon. Witnesses called police reporting a disabled vehicle in a ditch at the intersection of Sand Drive and Deorah Road. Upon arriving at the scene, police discovered two people in the vehicle. They were removed from the car and police were able to question them. The driver was given a field sobriety test, which he failed leading to his arrest for an OWI.

EX SCHOOL BUS DRIVER SENTENCED FOR OWI

Terrance Habram the former Johnson School bus driver was in court Thursday and was charged with his third offense OWI with a minor child in the vehicle and possession of a controlled substance. Habram was sentenced to a year in Jail and two years probation for operating his bus while intoxicated with 27 students on board. According to the criminal complaint, on March 26, 2011 a West Bend police officer was sent to West Bend East High School on a report of a bus that was swerving. Habram was driving the bus and the officer said he noticed Habram looked sleepy and his speech was slurred. Habram admitted that he had one beer the night before and that he took a one milligram tablet of lorazepam that morning. Habram later admitted that he took one milligram tablets of lorazepam four different times the night of  March 25^th  and one at 5 a.m. March 26. The officer arrested Hab-ram after speaking to witnesses and giving Habram a sobriety test. A blood test, which Habram agreed to take, showed caffeine, cotinine, an anagram of nicotine, and lorazepam in his system. After Habram was arrested the officer found a bottle in Habram’s coat pocket that contained eight tablets of a-ceta-mino-phen and hydrocodone. During the plea and sentencing hearing, Deputy District Attorney Stephanie Hanson said the second charge was being dismissed after Habram’s guilty plea to the OWI charge. Hanson recommended two years of probation and, as a condition of probation, Habram would serve one year in jail. She said there were 27 children on the bus and it’s an aggravated case because of Habram’s poor driving and the number of people he put at risk. After Judge Martens sentenced Habram, he said anything less than the maximum amount of condition time would depreciate the seriousness of the offense.

TRESPASSING AND DOMESTIC ABUSE CASES KEEP POLICE BUSY

West Bend Police have had an active week with a variety of criminal arrests. On Tuesday afternoon at about three twenty five, officers were called to a residence on the city’s south east side. According to  Lieutenant Michael Hartwell of the West Bend Police Department  a twenty one year old woman notified police that two men from west Bend ages twenty one and nineteen entered her home without permission and caused damage to many of her home’s personal items. The two men were arrested on charges of criminal damages to property, disorderly conduct and trespassing. The case remains under investigation, as police initially believe the two men may have been involved in a liquor shoplifting deal from the Pick N Save store. West Bend police are also releasing information today regarding a domestic dispute complaint that happened Wednesday morning on the city’s North East side. The altercation was between a twenty eight year old man and his thirty one year old girlfriend. The couple had been in a heated argument and the man left. The woman locked the door. The man came back and kicked the door down. The two began to struggle as she attempted to prevent him from re-entering. She fell back and hit her head. When police arrived, they arrested the man on charges of battery and disorderly conduct.

KEWASKUM MAN HAS CASE PUSHED BACK FOR LAWYER REVIEW

Thirty six year-old Paul Merkt from Kewaskum had his burglary case delayed so his new attorney can have some time to review the

case.  Merkt appeared before Washington County Circuit Judge Todd Martens with his attorney Meg O’Marro on Wednesday. O’Marro said it was her first appearance with Merkt and asked for an adjournment. It was granted and Merkt’s preliminary hearing has now been set for eleven am on April third. According to the criminal complaint, Washington County Sheriff’s deputy Eric Essinger heard other deputies report a suspicious car March 26^th at a town of West Bend home after residents reported two strangers stopping and asking for directions.

Just after one pm , Deputy Essinger saw the car in the town of Polk.

He drove up behind it and noticed movement by a driver and a passenger in the car before the driver sped away. Deputy Essinger followed the car through the towns of Hartford, Wayne and Addison with speeds in excess of 110 mph. The car went airborne after the driver attempted to negotiate a curb and crashed. Detective Joel Clausing of the Washington County Sheriff’s Department went to the scene of the crash  to begin an investigation and he found latex gloves, a sliver ring, two face masks or pullover hoods,  along with five necklaces and a GPS unit  outside of the car. If convicted on the burglary charges, Merkt faces up to twelve years in prison and a $25,000 fine

CAR HIJACKING SUSPECTS RETURNED TO WASINGTON COUNTY

The two suspects in the January 30th, armed robbery of a pickup truck from a local car dealership were returned to Washington County on February 17th.  Defendants Scott Kudek and Kayla Goemer appeared in court on Monday.  Both are charged with Operating without Owners Consent while Possessing a Weapon, a Class C Felony, 2nd Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety, a Class G Felony and Bail Jumping as a Felony.  They both are being held in the Washington County Jail on $65,000 bonds. Additionally, three other cases on Goemer were heard in which warrants had been issued: Obtaining Controlled Substance by Fraud; Receiving Stolen Property plus Possession of Controlled Substance and Drug Paraphernalia along with bailjumping from December 18^th , 2012.12/18/2012 . Also from July 30^th  2012, Possession of Controlled Substance and Bailjumping. Goemer is also charged in a case of four counts for  Delivery of Narcotics on May 21^st, 2012. Additionally, one other case on Kudek was heard in which a warrant had been issued: Obtaining a controlled Substance by Fraud and receiving Stolen Property from December 18^th, 2012.

 

LOCAL BUSINESS RUMORED TO BE CLOSING ITS DOORS

Bend Industries in West Bend was rumored to be going out of business. WBKV news investigated this possibility and spoke to an anonymous source at the facility located at 2200 South Main Street. They denied the rumor and led us to the company’s corporate headquarters in Mundelein, Illinois. We spoke directly with the President of the parent company Northfiled . Craig Belasco told us that this rumor is totally untrue. Belasco, said its possible an adjacent building to their property could be for sale and a passerby may have mistaken the sign to be theirs. Belasco assured us that the company’s future financial status is very stable. In 2003, Northfield was purchased by Oldcastle APG Inc. , which is now part of Oldcastle Architectural Products Group. Northfield continues to be family run and managed by the same dedicated staff as in years past. Northfield merged with Bend Industries of Wisconsin  in 2009, and together continue to provide quality masonry products to the Midwest.

POLICE DEAL WITH A PAIR OF DISORDERLY CONDUCT ARRESTS

A rash of disorderly conduct arrests are being reported by the West Bend Police. The first case took place on Sunday afternoon in the 1700 block of West Washington Street. According to Lieutenant Michael Hartwell of the West Bend Police Department, a mother was driving her fifteen year old daughter back to the county juvenile treatment center. The young girl became physically abusive and began hitting and kicking her mother. Police assisted in getting the teenage girl under control. She was returned to the facility and cited for battery, disorderly conduct and a violation of a non-secure custody order. The second case happened  Sunday evening just prior to six thirty on the city’s South East Side. A thirty four year man got into a heated argument with his live-in girlfriend. She became concerned after he had been drinking and started throwing items around the apartment during the course of the argument. She called 9-1-1. When police arrived they arrested the man and charged him with disorderly conduct along with a violation of his existing probation hold which had an absolute sobriety ruling placed on it.

SPRING PRIMARY ELECTION TODAY

In a sort of ironic situation, despite the fact that today is a cold, blustery and snowy winter day, it is also primary election day for the general Spring election. In Washington County, there are several local municipal races including in the town of Hartford where there is one open seat for Town Board Supervisor Number 1. Voters will cast a ballot for one of the following candidates Nicholas Stamatakos, Pat Hoerth and Scott Lofy. The top two will advance to the April general election.  There is also a board supervisor race in the town of Trenton. Voters will cast a ballot for not more than two of the following candidates Jeff J. Esselmann, Charles A. Schmidt, Jim Merkel, Kevin Juech, and Ed Doerr. The top four will advance to the April general election. The city of Hartford also has two offices with primaries today. District 1 Alderperson has Joe Kohler, Tony Adereck and Richard Fehr on the ballot. The top two will advance to the April election. Also in the city of Hartford is Aldermanic District 3. The three candidates running for a three year term are Tony Garza, Kathlee Isleb and Rachel Mixon. Once again in this race, the top two will advance to the April election. On a state wide ballot very low turnout is expected for today’s Supreme Court primary election that will whittle down the number of candidates from 3 to 2 for the April second  election. The states Government Accountability Board is predicting a turnout of less than 10 percent who will vote for either incumbent justice Pat Roggensack, Milwaukee lawyer Vince Megna or Marquette Law School Professor Ed Fallone.

30 Year old Man charged for firing gun while drunk

A 30-year-old man from Watertown man stood mute in Dodge County court Monday afternoon to charges of shooting an AK-47 in a trailer park while drunk on Friday night. Jason R. Twaite, , is charged with misdemeanor possession of a firearm while intoxicated, disorderly conduct with the use of a dangerous weapon and discharging a firearm within 100 yards of a building, all as a repeat offender. The court entered a not guilty plea on his behalf. According to the criminal complaint, deputies were called to Hidden Meadows Trailer Park in the town of Lebanon on Friday night just prior to midnight for a report of a man shooting a gun at a woman. Deputies responded and were able to make contact via phone with the woman. The Dodge SWAT Team was also called out. At about 1:15 a.m., Twaite surrendered and he and the woman were both taken into custody. A preliminary breath test showed Twaite had a blood alcohol concentration of .135. The woman had a blood alcohol concentration of .148. Twaite told officers that he had gone outside to shoot the gun a few times toward the swamp. He said he didn’t think it would be a big deal because he kind of lived in the country and he didn’t think it was illegal to shoot the gun after drinking. According to the criminal complaint, the woman told officers that she was on several medications for PTSD and that she didn’t know what was going on. She told officers that she didn’t know what happened and that maybe she made it up.The complaint also states that Twaite helped officers locate the gun, which had a high-powered scope and laser pointer attached to it, as well as three loaded 30 round magazines. Deputies also recovered multiple spent shell casings from the street and yard of the lot next to Twaite’s residence. As of Monday afternoon, Twaite was in custody on a $1,000 cash bond. Conditions of the bond include no contact with the woman, no violent or abusive contact with anyone, no possession of firearms and absolute sobriety. If convicted, he faces up to six year in jail. His girlfriend was charged with obstruction of justice.

          RELAY FOR LIFE KICK-OFF PARTY SET FOR TONIGHT

Since 1995 the West Bend relay for Life benefitting the American Cancer Society has raised over three million dollars. Organizers are preparing for another exciting event. The 2013 kick-off party will be held on tonight at six in the cafeteria of Moraine Park Technical College. There will one change this year with the sale of luminaries as Julie Weseman the Public Relations chair for West Bend Relay for Life explains the sale of them will count towards a team’s overall fundraising totals. Every year the event has a fundraising goal and 2013 has a pretty large one set, but according to Weseman they feel its attainable. The honory chair and junior chair will be introduced on tonight along with the 2013 Relay for Life theme. The West Bend Relay for Life will be held August second and third at the Badger Middle School track. For more information or to register a team call 262-312-4034.

Computer Security Incident at Froedtert Health

Froedtert Hospital is warning more than 40-thousand patients that their private information may have been accessed online.  The company refused to talk with any media on the air. But in a statement, officials say on December 14th, “a computer virus may have allowed an unauthorized person to access a Froedtert Health employee’s work computer account.”Froedtert officials said in the statement that no financial information or medical records were accessed. But they admit, some of the files, fewer than 3% of them, may have contained Social Security numbers. Kathleen S. Sieja, Media Relations Director did tell WBKV news that, “the risk to these patients is small, but notifying them is the right thing to do. We're very sorry for any concerns this may cause. Unfortunately, such computer attacks are increasingly common, affecting organizations worldwide. We are reviewing our information security practices to help prevent this from happening again. These patients received care at Froedtert Health affiliates Froedtert Hospital, Milwaukee; Community Memorial Hospital, Menomonee Falls; St. Joseph’s Hospital, West Bend; and Froedtert Health Medical Group formerly known as Medical Associates of Menomonee Falls and the West Bend Clinic. Froedtert Health has set up a call center for patients who have questions, and has posted this information on its websites froedtert.com and froedterthealth.org

SLINGER SPEEDWAY OFFICIALLY CHANGES OWNERSHIP

It’s now official. As expected, the Slinger Speedway has new owners.  On Wednesday night, the Slinger Planning Commission unanimously

approved by a vote of nine to nothing the transfer of the conditional use permit to Todd Thelen and  Rodney Erickson from longtime owner Wayne Erickson. Erickson has been the legendary quarter-mile’s owner and operator since buying the track from Rollie Heder in 1976. With the transfer of the conditional use permit to Thelen and Rodney Erickson, Wayne’s son, Wayne Erickson maintains ownership of the property and the track, but the day-to-day operations of the track will be controlled by Thelen and Rodney Erickson. Thelen he and Rodney would continue in similar roles, Thelen would run the business operations, and Erickson would head concessions and maintenance The Slinger Superspeedway, which opened in 1948, has been a staple of both Thelen and Rodney Erickson’s lives. Thelen began to race at Slinger in 1997 and ultimately became the director of public relations and marketing at the track, a position he’s held for eight years. Rodney Erickson has been going to the track for as long as he could remember. According to the terms of the lease, if anything goes wrong with Rodney Erickson and Thelen running the track operations, Wayne Erickson can reclaim the permit. Thelen and Rodney Erickson said major changes are unlikely. Only a few tweaks here and there will take place as the season approaches. The 2013 season will begin with a practice day April 27 and the Miller Lite Opener, featuring a 120-lap super late model feature, will be April 28.

RELAY FOR LIFE KICK-OFF PARTY SET FOR TUESDAY

Since 1995 the West Bend relay for Life benefitting the American Cancer Society has raised over three million dollars. Organizers are preparing for another exciting event. The 2013 kick-off party will be held on Tuesday night at six in the cafeteria of Moraine Park Technical College. There will one change this year with the sale of luminaries as Julie Weseman the Public Relations chair for West Bend Relay for Life explains the sale of them will count towards a team’s overall fundraising totals. Every year the event has a fundraising goal and 2013 has a pretty large one set, but according to Weseman they feel its attainable. The honory chair and junior chair will be introduced on Tuesday night along with the 2013 Relay for Life theme. The West Bend Relay for Life will be held August second and third at the Badger Middle School track. For more information or to register a team call 262-312-4034.

Washington County Commuter Express Celebrates Millionth Ride

Commuter passengers on board the afternoon run of the Washington County Commuter Express on Wednesday afternoon received an unexpected surprise as the commuter shuttle bus service celebrated its millionth ride. All riders received a small gift, and one random rider on the Medical run 17 received a gift package consisting of donated items, including WCCE tickets, Milwaukee Bucks tickets, a round-trip for two on GORiteway’s airport shuttle, and gift certificates to local businesses. This milestone for public transit service comes after twelve years of serving the residents and businesses of Washington County. The monthly rides have gone from 173 in January 2000, to 10,710 in January 2013. The winner of the millionth ride was Stephanie Wirshbinski. She works at the Medical College and has been riding the Washington County Commuter Express for the past five years, two to three times a week depending upon her work schedule. She is really glad to have the WCCE when it snowing and cold. She has three children and lives in Hartford.  Another rider on the bus was Raymond Fairbanks of West Bend.  Raymond is Vietnam veteran. He rides the WCCE usually on Monday, Wednesday and Friday to go the VA Medical Center's adult day care to play cards.The WCCE provides weekday public transit service in a deluxe motor coach between Washington and Milwaukee Counties.  One route takes riders to downtown Milwaukee, along Wisconsin Avenue from Marquette University to Cass Street.  The second route serves the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center, Marquette University High School, Clement Zablocki VA Medical Center and the Milwaukee County Research Park.  There are 26 runs to provide service to riders during the day. 

STABBING SUSPECTS CHARGED FROM WEEKEND PARTY

Two men have been charged in connection with the drinking party in Theresa where a 21-year-old Campbellsport man was stabbed last weekend. The victim was stabbed in the back and ended up in intensive care at St. Agnes Hospital. Twenty-year-old Conrado Garza of Lomira was charged in Dodge County Court for the stabbing. Garza posted a six hundred dollar cash bond. Garza is ordered not to have any contact with 21-year-old Timothy Johnson of Campbellsport, who received stab wounds. Johnson remains at St. Agnes Hospital in Fond du Lac in fair condition, according to hospital officials. Meanwhile, the party host 21-year-old Matthew Hecker of the town of Theresa, also was charged in connection with the stabbing. Hecker was charged with aggravated battery during his initial court appearance. Hecker received a five hundred cash bond, which was posted. According to the police report, Garza, Johnson and Hecker attended a party in the town of Theresa prior to the stabbing. Garza, Johnson, Hecker and another man who has not been charged got into a fight and Johnson received stab wounds while Garza received cuts. Investigators got conflicting stories, Johnson the victim says he was trying to break up a fight. Others say he started it. The investigation continues as police try to determine the exact cause of the fight.

AREA HOME SALES REMAIN HIGH FOR JANAURY

The 2013 housing market in Washington County and the three other counties that make-up the 4-county Metropolitan Milwaukee housing market started the year in the same fashion it ended 2012, increasing sales over the previous year.  Sales in January were 15% above January of 2012. Mike Ruzika, the President of the Greater Milwaukee Board of Realtors offered his thoughts which include good numbers in Washington County.While there is a substantial amount of relief in the continued success of the housing recovery,Ruzika says there is also concern over the low level of inventory the market is carrying as we approach the spring selling season. Ruzika says that now during the winter months is the best suggested time to prepare your home to be sold at a good market value in the spring and summer months.

SLINGER PLANNING COMMISSION TO VOTE ON SALE OF SLINGER TRACK

Last week we reported to you that the long time owner of the Slinger Speedway Wayne Erickson was looking into passing on the ownership of the legendary quarter mile track to Todd Thelen, a former race car driver at the track who had been working at the speedway as the public relations director for the past several years along with his son Rodney Erickson. Tonight, that item will come before the The Slinger planning commission at their regular scheduled meeting. The deal is contingent on the approval of the transfer of the facilities conditional use permit from Wayne Erickson to his son and Thelen. Thelen said he is about 99 percent sure the sale will go through. Thelen said he and Rodney Erickson would own the business and not the land the track sits on. Thelen also said the two would continue in similar roles, Thelen would run the business operations, and Erickson would head concessions and maintenance. The meeting gets underway at six pm in the Slinger Municipal building.

MAN TRAPPED UNDER BRIDGE SAFELY RESCUED

The West Bend Fire Department performed a somewhat unusual rescue on Saturday afternoon. A twenty year old man from Milwaukee became trapped underneath the old railroad trestle bridge that crosses the Milwaukee River near the Eisenbahn State Trail.  Apparently, the man climbed a rock faced embankment to reach an area underneath the old railroad trestle bridge that crosses the Milwaukee River at the 2100 block of the Eisenbahn State Trail near the 7100 block of north River Drive. A person in the area heard the man screaming for help and thought someone broke through the ice on the river. Following a search, the man was found underneath the trestle. The West Bend Fire Department used a ladder to help him climb out. The man was not injured in the mishap.

WOMAN ARRESTED FOR OWI AND DRUG POSSESSION

West Bend Police arrested a nineteen year old woman from Milwaukee on Saturday and charged with a first offense OWI and possession of drugs. According to Lieutenant Michael Hartwell, officers received a report at about eight thirty on Saturday night of an erratic driver going through the city limits. Police pulled her car over in the 2100 block of North Main Street. After initially questioning the young woman, police conducted a field sobriety test and she failed. The woman also admitted to smoking pot after officers found a small amount of marijuana in the car. She was taken into custody and charged with her first offense OWI along with possession of drugs.

KEWASKUM MAN DIES IN SNOWMOBILE ACCIDENT

A twenty two year old man from Kewaskum died over the weekend from injuries he received in a snowmobile accident. Nicholas Giese was on a trip with his snowmobile club at the time of the accident. According to Forest County Sheriff John Dennee , the accident occurred on On Pickerel Road in the Town of Nashville. Giese was a graduate of Kewaskum High School. He loved Pribnow sprint car racing where he was a pit crew member. He was a member of St. Lucas Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kewaskum and the New Fane Kettle Riders Snowmobile Club. Funeral services for Nicholas Giese will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday at St. Lucas Evangelical Lutheran Church, on Parkview Drive in Kewaskum. The Department of Natural Resources is handling the investigation into the cause of the accident resulting in his death.

LOCAL CHURCH HOLDS MASS TO HONOR THE POPE

Catholics in West Bend and around the world were stunned and saddened by Pope Benedict's resignation announcement on Monday. Monday night there was a special mass at St. Frances Cabrini church for the Pope. The church located on south seventh in West Bend had originally scheduled a six thirty Mass to commemorate the World Day for the Sick. However, in light of the news of Pope Benedict’s impending resignation, the parish family adjusted the intention and emphasis of the Mass. The parish family invited everyone to join them in prayer for the Universal Church, as the church prepares for a conclave and conclude the current papacy. The evening began with a rosary at 6:10 p.m. The Mass closed by offering a blessing for Pastoral Care ministers, as originally planned. Then, church officials administered the sacrament of the anointing of the sick to anyone in need, after Mass.

SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT WEEKEND ACTIVITY REPORTS

The Washington County Sheriff’s Department was kept busy over the weekend with a series of disruptive calls. The first incident occurred Friday night at about nine fifteen when they were called by thirty eight year old Jason Knight reporting to them that he was thrown out of a car traveling on Donegal Road near Highway K. He said he was out in the cold for a long time and was losing consciousness. When deputies located him and after some initial questioning, it was determined that his girlfriend was bartending at the Erin Inn. The report states that Knight had a couple of drinks and wanted to smoke in her car, but she refused to give him the keys for fear that he would drive. She made him walk to her father’s home located on Donegal Drive. He apparently passed out for ten minutes prior to calling to 9-1-1. Knight admitted to tripping while walking to the home. He was transported to Aurora Medical Center and given a sobriety test, based on a past intoxicated history. He registered a point 159 , ruled sober and released. Knight admitted to tripping while walking to the home. The second case was reported on Sunday morning after bar hours. According to the Sheriff’s report Michael Wilson and his live-in girlfriend got into an argument about who should drive their vehicle home from Jugs Hitching post. He threw her down to the ground and got the keys away from her. He drove away in the SUV. On his way, he struck three different vehicles and fled the scene. He was eventually located after he drove south on Tower Road from County D and left the vehicle parked on the road. He then flagged down Deputy Vanderheiden as he was walking back to West Bend. He was arrested for his first offense OWI; three counts of hit and run to an unattended vehicle and also for domestic disorderly conduct.

THURSDAY SNOWSTORM SAW MULTIPLE VEHICLES IN DITCHES

The six point two inches of snow that Mother Nature delivered into Washington County on Thursday, kept Washington County Sheriff Deputies very busy. The second shift deputies reported that circumstances were fairly quiet until around five pm and then as the snow picked up roads began to deteriorate and drift over. Thru 9pm there was a reported 38 vehicles in ditches and 15 incidents of those were with vehicle property damages. A total of three personal injuries were recorded from those fender benders. The third shift deputies on Thursday night reported an additional ten more vehicles in ditches between nine pm and midnight. One accident involving two cars was a result of an OWI. According to the sheriff’s log, two vehicles were traveling near the intersection of Highways 144 and 28. 41 year old Chad Kawcynski was southbound when he lost control on the snow covered road and spun into a northbound car driven by Tyler Benz. Both cars slid off the road and into a ditch. Kawcynski suffered lacerations to his head. Tyler Benz was uninjured in the accident. Upon questioning, Kawcynski was ruled drunk. He was arrested and charged with his third offense OWI. He was treated at the hospital for his injuries and then transported to the county jail. Tyler Benz was uninjured in the accident.

                   Dodge County Sheriff announces Retirement

Dodge County Sheriff Todd Nehls has announced his retirement effective March 8, 2013.  Nehls began his law enforcement career with the Department of Corrections in 1979 and hired by the Dodge County Sheriffs Dept. in 1987.  Nehls worked his way up from Traffic Patrolman, serving as the day shift Corporal, second shift Lieutenant and then elected to the Sheriffs position in 2002.  In 2002 Nehls’ campaign platform included the integration of technology into the department, equipment modernization, traffic safety, consolidated E911, and centralized records.  “I am so proud of the department as we transformed the department to such an effective performance based organization.  The staff and employees are the best of the best.  With the recent approval of the centralized records I can say I delivered on every promise I made,” stated Nehls.  Other significant achievements under Nehls include three volunteer groups, the Posse, the Dodge County Emergency Response Team and the Dodge County Explorers, Inmate Work Programs, Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Unit, as well as the K9 Program.  Over the past ten years, Dodge County has also seen fatalities reduced by 50%, a reduction of both violent and property crimes and an increase in the crime solving rates. Nehls also serves as a Colonel in Wisconsin National Guard and will retire form that assignment sometime this summer after 35 years of service.

Nehls stated he will remain active and expand his work in the Nehls Realty office.

CAMPBELLSPORT MAN STABBED AFTER HOUSE PARTY

The Dodge County Sheriff's Department was notified by St. Agnes Hospital in Fond du Lac just after seven am Saturday morning of two males that had been admitted to the hospital with what was reported as stab wounds. The initial investigation revealed that a physical altercation had occurred at a South Milwaukee Street address in the Village of Theresa involving four males after a drinking party.  A 21 year old Campbellsport man sustained stab wounds and was admitted to St. Agnes hospital for treatment and a 20 year old Lomira man received cuts as a result of the altercation.  The two individuals were taken separately by another person to the hospital for treatment.  The stabbing victim was later listed in stable condition.  The Lomira man was treated and released to the custody of the Dodge County Sheriff's Department for a charge of Felony First Degree Reckless Injury as a result of the investigation.  Two additional males were identified and charged with misdemeanor Battery and Strangulation and misdemeanor Battery respectively for their involvement in the altercation.  The Dodge County District Attorney's office will be reviewing the case for possible additional charges.  This case is under investigation by the Dodge County Sheriff's Department Detective Bureau.

SLINGER SPEEDWAY LOOKS  TO CHANGE OWNERSHIP

If the Slinger Planning Commission approves it next Wednesday night at their meeting, Slinger Speedway Owner Wayne Erickson will pass along ownership to Todd  Thelen, a former race car driver at the track who had been working at the speedway as the public relations director for the past several years. Rodney Erickson, the son of longtime owner Wayne Erickson would also be a part of the new ownership deal. Thelen said he is about 99 percent sure the sale will go through. The deal is contingent on the transfer of the facilities conditional use permit to them. Thelen said he and Rodney Erickson would own the business and not the land the track sits on. Wayne Erickson has owned the track since buying it in 1976 from the track’s first owner, Rollie Heder. The track opened in 1948. The speedway, which has been a training ground for many race car drivers, including two-time Daytona 500 champion and 2003 Sprint Cup Series champion Matt Kenseth, and 1992 NASCAR Winston Cup Series champion Alan Kulwicki.

SLINGER SPEEDWAY LOOKS  TO CHANGE OWNERSHIP

CHARITY WEEK WRAPS UP TODAY

The West Bend Student Council, and the various organizations that played a huge role in the sixth annual Charity Week at the high schools this week have a lot to be proud of as a long dedicated week of raising funds for area charities with the support of local businesses comes to an end. Yesterday, the American Red Cross was the charity of the day with the staff at the West Bend High Schools also contributing up to one thousand dollars. Skip Clark, a co-advisor with the West Bend High School Student Council reported that as of noon on Thursday they were able to collect $851.00 for the American Red Cross. Clark sent a    huge THANK YOU to the over 44 individuals who helped to make this possible. Clark said the director of the local American Red Cross was extremely emotional when I called her and she first heard that we selected their organization.  Clark also stated that even though they were only collecting funds for the American Red Cross on Thursday it would be really nice if they could round the number up to their goal of $1000.  He hopes some staff members will still make a donation since they are not officially presenting the check to the American Red Cross until next week Friday at halftime of the girl’s game. The week’s final charity drive is today as the United Way of Washington County will be benefit from proceeds students raise through various activities. Spaulding Pharmaceutical is today’s community partner and has pledged a matching donation of up to $2500.00. The week long charity event wraps up tomorrow night with the annual charity ball which will benefit the West Bend Public Schools Foundation. Organizers hope to raise $15,000 just from tomorrow’s ball.

FOUR MINOR RELATED ACCIDENTS RESULT IN JUST ONE INJURY

The Washington County Sheriff’s Department found themselves tied up with a series of car accidents on Wednesday morning which are all being attributed to an initial crash which led to a back-up and subsequent drivers not paying attention to road conditions. According to the Washington County Sheriff’s report, the first accident occurred at about 7:40 a.m. on southbound Highway 45 at the highways 45 and 41 spilt near Cabela’s. It was ruled a property damage accident with no injuries, but a back-up occurred as a result of the accident. Shortly after that accident two more rear-end accidents occurred in the slowmoving traffic. One occurred at about 7:50 a.m. on Highway 45 in Richfield and the other accident occurred just after at 8:30 a.m. on Highway 45 near the town of Polk. One person was transported to a hospital with nonlife-threatening injuries as a result of the accident in the town of Polk.  Finally at about 8:40 a.m., a car went into the median to avoid slow-moving traffic in the town of Polk. There were no injuries as a result of this accident. The cause of the first accident has not been determined and an investigation is being conducted by the Washington County Sheriff’s department.

DRIVERS URGED TO PREPARE FOR WINTER CONDITIONS TODAY

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation wants to remind drivers to plan for road conditions as incoming Winter storm approaches on Thursday. The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings and advisories for southeastern and southwestern Wisconsin. through most of the day until midnight tonight.," "Peak snow fall is expected to occur between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Thursday at the rate of one to two inches per hour. Mixed precipitation of snow, sleet and freezing rain can be expected as temperatures rise above freezing." The department wants to remind drivers that visibility and road conditions will be challenging the entire day. WisDOT hopes drivers will check road conditions before leaving home by calling 5-1-1 or visiting Wisconsin 511 online.

However, the want to make sure that If you must drive during the storm please be prepared with the following tips:

- Plan ahead and allow plenty of extra time for travel.
- Drive at a safe and legal speed for conditions (The 55 or 65 mph speed limit is a maximum speed
for times when conditions are good/ideal, not for when roads are slippery and visibility is reduced.)
- Drive alert and sober.
- Do not use cruise control in wintry conditions.
- Always wear seatbelts.
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- Keep a charged cell phone handy. Keep both hands on the wheel while driving.
- Keep at least a half a tank of gas in your vehicle.
- Make sure friends and family members know your travel plans and when you should arrive.

FINAL FOUR CANDIDATES TO INTERVIEW FOR CITY ADMINSTRATOR

NCAA Basketball is well known for the Final Four. In the city of West Bend,  Mayor Kraig Sadownikow and the eight member common council are getting ready for their round of final four candidate interviews for the City Administrator position. The four finalists were selected from seven candidates who were narrowed down from an original 19 applications. West Bend Mayor Kraig Sadownikow offers some insight to the candidates. One is a village administrator from Illinois, another is the assistant county administrator for Ozaukee County. The third is a corporate executive already living in the city while the fourth is a West Bend city employee already filling the role on an interim basis. Benjamin Wehmeier, the current village administrator in Lemont Illinois will be interviewed by the eight member common council on Saturday, while the other three will be interviewed Monday night. Mayor Sadownikow anticipates the new City Administrator will assume his position in late April or early May.

EXTORTION SCAM USING GERMANTOWN POLICE CHIEF’S NAME

Jefferson County Sheriff officials are investigating a scam that used Germantown Police Chief Peter Hoell’s name. Chief Hoell received a call on Tuesday from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, informing him that someone had used his name in order to extort money from a person using a payday loan scam. According to the criminal report, someone called a woman living in Jefferson County telling her that she had an outstanding loan that needed to be paid off otherwise she would be arrested by Chief Hoell. The suspect told the woman to get some money cards to pay off the loan and to forward them to him. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department is not disclosing the exact amount of money, but did say she was out a large sum of money. Chief Hoell is not sure why the suspect used his name and not a name of a local law officer. The Germantown Police Department has posted a warning about this scam on their face book page. Chief Hoell said in the posting there have been similar scams of suspects posing as FBI agents and other law enforcement officials to steal money from unsuspecting victims. He urges citizens to not fall victim to these scams. Call your local law enforcement agency if you receive one of these calls, and do not give them any money. A key indication you are being scammed is if they ask you to pay with a money card.

WEST BEND HIGH SCHOOLS CHARITY WEEK CELEBRATION

A big goal has been set by the West Bend High Schools student council for this week’s sixth annual charity week. The goal for this year’s week long event is $30,000, which is $8000.00 more than the total raised last year. Each day this week, a different charity has been chosen and a community partner has pledged to support it and the students with a one thousand dollar minimum pledge. The daily charities and their community partners include; Monday ALS partner, the Clark Family. Tuesday, Honor Flight partner city of West Bend police and fire. Today, Youth and family project with partner West Bend Mutual, Rotary and Interact. Tomorrow, American Red Cross, partner East / West High School staff. Friday, United Way of Washington County with its partner Spaulding Pharmaceutical.  In addition to all these there is a featured charity as Skip Clark, the co-advisor for the West Bend High Schools student council explains is the West Bend Public School’s foundation. Clark says a charity ball held on Saturday February 9^th  is a very special evening complete with a royalty court.Every class is represented on the court. Last year the charity ball alone raised $10,000. Organizers this year are hoping to raise $15,000.00

MAN MISTAKENLY PUTS GUN INSIDE WRONG CAR

The Washington County Sheriff’s Department is searching for someone

unaware of the fact that they drove out of Cabela’s parking lot with a gun in their car after the gun’s owner accidentally put it in the wrong car. According to the Washington County Sheriff’s Department, a man visited Cabela’s with his friend over the weekend. He was not aware of the store’s policy on carrying a concealed weapon, so he went back to the parking lot to put the gun and its wallet holster under the floor mat of what he thought was his friend’s car. Later, the man discovered

he had put the gun in the wrong car. Cabela’s is assisting the Sheriff’s Department by researching video and transaction history to identify

the person who unknowingly has a gun in the car. The Sheriff’s Department and Cabela’s believe they have the person on video that drove off with the gun. Once that person is located, the Sheriff’s

Department will be able to  recover the gun.

2013 BREAKFAST ON THE FARM LOCATION AND DATE CONFIRMED

Initially as members of the Washington County Dairy Committee began planning the 2013 edition of Breakfast On The Farm it looked like the annual event was going to be held at the Washington County fairgrounds, as no farm was stepping forward to host the event. But, last week a family volunteered to be this year’s host. Bill Hinckley, the President of the Washington County Dairy committee has announced the location of the host farm with the date for this year. It will be at Sunset Farms owned and operated by the Wolf family on Saturday June 8^th.  The farm is located on 6576 Sunset Drive just off Highway 175 and Highway 33 in Allenton.This will be a return engagement for the Wolf family hosting Breakfast on the Farm. They previously hosted the event in 2008. The hours for the farm breakfast are generally six thirty to eleven thirty am. The breakfast menu is quite extensive according to Hinckley. The featured item is all you eat pancakes. That is complimented with eggs, sausage, apple sauce, coffee and milk. In addition to the breakfast, activities in the past have included barn tours, wagon rides, petting zoo even antique tractors. The event is held rain or shine.

SUSPECTS EXTRADITED FROM CAR JACKING CRIME

A Male and female couple  from Kewaskum have been arrested in Florida and are awaiting extradition back to Washington County in connection with felony charges of armed carjacking. According to the sheriff’s department press release, just after five pm. on January 30^th  a male and female entered the Russ Darrow dealership in West Bend and asked to take a truck for a test drive.  A male Sales Associate went along.  During the test drive in the area of Highway 144 and County Road A, in the Township of Farmington, the male suspect took out a knife and held it to the neck of the sales rep.  After driving several more miles to Jay Road, the male who was driving, stopped the truck and told the man to get out.  The suspects left westbound on Jay Road.  The male victim, who was not injured, flagged down a passing vehicle and contacted the Sheriff’s Office for assistance.  The suspects then stole gas from a station in the area, and fled. The victim and others at the dealership were able to identify the suspects as thirty nine year old Scott K. Kudek, and twenty four year old Kayla R. Goemer.  Sheriff’s Deputies then entered an Attempt-to-Locate and temporary felony warrants for the suspects.  On Friday February 1st, official warrants were issued in Washington County Court. In the early morning hours of Sunday, the suspects were arrested by Hillborough County, Florida Sheriff Deputies at a hotel.  They are currently being held for extradition to Washington County on felony charges of Armed Car-jacking, Recklessly Endangering Safety, and Bail-jumping.  The truck, a 2012 Dodge Ram 1500, was also recovered.

POLICE INVESTIGATING SERIES OF DRUG OVER DOSES

The West Bend Police Department is reporting the tragic news of two separate drug over dose cases within the city limits during the past week. According to Lieutenant Michael Hartwell of the West Bend Police Department, the first case involves a thirty four year old female from West Bend who was discovered dead at her south west side apartment on January 30^th. Two men a thirty six year old from West Bend and a thirty five year old from Milwaukee have been arrested on charges of first degree reckless homicide. The second case happened on Sunday and involves a twenty year old man from West Bend. He was found dead in his north east side apartment also of an apparent drug overdose. Police have in custody a twenty two year old man from West Bend and have charged him with first degree reckless homicide. Both cases are being actively investigated and more details could be forthcoming later this week from the West Bend Police Department.

RUSS DARROW WEST BEND HOLDING 3 DAY CAREER EVENT

If you’re looking for a job or to possibly start a new career, Russ Darrow Toyota in West Bend would like to meet with you. The dealership is having a three day career event that runs today thru Thursday. With new car sales expected to raise fifteen percent from January, the resulting business has created multiple sales openings across the two West Bend dealerships. Chris Olson, the Director of training for the Russ Darrow Automotive Group says anyone is encouraged to apply, not just people with car sales experience. Olson says the Russ Darrow Group is looking for competitive, motivated people with outstanding communication skills. The job interviews will be held today, tomorrow and Thursday from nine thirty am until four thirty at Russ Darrow Toyota located at 2700 West Washington Street. Walk in interviews will be accepted, however applicants are encourages to set-up an interview time with Chris Olson at 414-550-1354 or by emailing him at CHRIS DOT OLSON AT RUSS DARROW DOT COM.

WEST BEND POLICE PRESENT CITIZEN APRECIATION AWARDS

Ten citizens will receive a special recognition ceremony tonight at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers. The City of West Bend and the West Bend Police Department will be recognizing them for assisting the West Bend Police Department throughout 2012.  The citizens assisted in clearing crimes, preventing crimes, and helping their fellow citizens in need.  Some of the citizens and their deeds of recognition include: Polly J. Johnson who is a registered nurse was in Wal Mart and observed a one year old child choking and in need of assistance.  She observed the child was not breathing on his own and his lips were turning blue.  She immediately began giving back slaps and abdominal thrusts until the obstruction came out.  Polly’s experience as a nurse and her quick action prevented the child from going unconscious and possibly losing his life. Margaret J. Straub & October Dymond. While shopping, Ms. Straub, a Medical Assistant, heard a crash and observed a male laying on his back bleeding from the mouth. She rolled the male over to help avoid him choking.  Ms. Dymond, a Respiratory Therapist, heard a page over the loudspeaker requesting assistance and responded.  Ms. Dymond gave chest compressions and Ms. Straub gave breaths until EMT’s arrived. Other citizens being commended for their willingness to render aid include Douglas S. Neumann, Juli A. Millikin and Polly J. Johnson.

ELECTIONS IN 2012 PROVE COSTLY TO COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE

The 2012 election campaigns were a bit unusual as in addition there were the added recall elections and the major presidential election. Normally last year there would have been four elections scheduled including February’s primary, April’s non-partisan general election along with the fall primary and general election in November. In the end, when all totaled up it was a very costly election year for Washington County. Washington County Clerk Brenda Jaszewski says her office spent more than their allotted budget for 2012. She said her office ended up spending $132,919 on elections last year, $41,919 more than her original budget of $91,000. Jaszewski said local municipalities and school districts paid their shares of the additional costs, which left her account $16,559 over budget.At this point the county expenses for elections this year should fall within the budget range, as there are not any additional general or recall elections on the horizon, other than the scheduled primary and spring elections.

JACKSON POLICE SPONSORING DRIVER SAFETY COURSE

Last fall the Jackson Police Department presented an AARP Driver Safety Course. It proved to be so popular, that they are offering another course this month. The class will be on Thursday February 14^th from nine am until one pm at the Jackson Community Center on Hickory Lane.  AARP driver safety is intended to provide all drivers, especially those fifty and older with a classroom course that helps them improve their driving skills, drive crash free, sustain mobility and maintain independence. Some of the things participants will learn in the four hour course include: How to manage the effects of aging on driving; proper following distance behind another car; How to safely make turns at busy intersections along with steps for driving through a round a bout. The class will be taught by a volunteer instructor with AARP driver safety of Wisconsin. The cost for the course is twelve dollars for AARP members and fourteen dollars for non members. To register call the Jackson Community Center at 262-67-9665.

SLINGER BOOSTER CLUB RAISING FUNDS FOR FOOTBALL TURF

Last year the new football turf at Carl Pick Memorial Field in West Bend was admired by all the visiting teams that came to play against West Bend East or West. If football boosters in Slinger are successful, there will be two artificial football turfs in Washington County for high school teams to play games on. The Slinger Gridiron Club in partnership with Slinger High School have started a fundraising project for a new artificial turf at the high school football field The organizations have already raised one third of the money, but still need help to reach their goal. Their target is to have the new turf in place by the beginning of this year's season in August. Organizers of the project feel the new turf will positively impact all Slinger football athletes, youth through high school, as well as other athletic and school programs, as well as the community of Slinger and the surrounding area. The fundraising project has been given a name “Operation Field Goal. The group has set-up a web site with complete information including how to contribute at slinger gridironclub dot com. Donors can give at several levels. A special monument is planned to be placed at the entrance to the field recognizing donors because the groups feel that every donation is important, and part of Slinger football and community pride for years to come. There will be a community public forum, at 6 p.m. Wednesday, February sixth in the Slinger High School cafeteria. A rendering of the new turf and monument will be available for viewing.  Operation Field Goal committee members and school

administration will be on hand to answer questions about the project.

NAME OF DECEASED WOMAN RELEASED

Authorities in Washington County have released the name of the 37-year-old Town of Wayne woman who died in a one-vehicle roll over accident Tuesday afternoon. Diane Polsin was driving on Lake Bernice Drive when her vehicle went off the road and hit a power pole. She was dead when rescuers got to her.

Hartford Area Chamber to Host Candidate Forum

The Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce has announced that they will be hosting a Candidate Forum in the Council Chambers at Hartford City Hall next Tuesday night from six to seven thirty pm for candidates running in Hartford Aldermanic Districts 1 and 3. The forum will be broadcast live on the Hartford cable station. Candidates for Aldermanic District 1 are Joe Kohler, Tony Andereck and Richard Fehr. Candidates for Aldermanic District 3 are Tony Garza, Kathee Isleb and Rachel Mixon. Questions for the candidates can be submitted to the Hartford Area Chamber via email to info at Hartford chamber dot org or   by phone at 262- 673-7002  The primary election is February 19^th  and the general election is April 2.

WASHINGTON COUNTY RECORDS THIRD TRAFFIC FATALITY OF 2013

On Tuesday afternoon at about four thirty Washington County suffered its third traffic fatality of 2013.  The single vehicle accident happened on Lake Bernice Drive approximately two tenths of a mile north of Western Lane in the Town of Wayne. Washington County Sheriff Deputies and personnel from the Kewaskum and Kohlsville Fire Departments were dispatched to the scene. The first arriving Deputy located the vehicle overturned in the east shoulder.  The vehicle had struck a nearby electrical pole and was severely damaged.  There was no verbal or physical response from within the vehicle.  Several downed power lines were also observed lying on the vehicle, and We Energies was immediately called to the scene to ensure the wires were de-energized.  After contact could be safely made by rescue personnel, the sole occupant and operator of the vehicle, a 37 year old Town of Wayne Woman, was found dead. A preliminary investigation into the cause of the accident suggests that the vehicle had been northbound on Lake Bernice Drive, when for an unknown reason, it left the road , collided with an electric pole, and subsequently overturned.   Lake Bernice Drive between Western Lane and Highway 28 was closed for almost six hours to facilitate rescue and clean-up efforts. The accident remains under investigation by the Sheriff’s Accident Reconstruction Unit, and the female victim’s name is being temporarily withheld pending family notification.

PIPELINE ATTORNEY’S LOOK FOR LAWSIUT DISMISSAL

Yesterday we reported to you that four more wells in the Town Of Jackson were determined by officials with the DNR to be tainted with Benzene, bringing the total number of contaminated wells to 33. The next chapter in this tragic melodrama is now unfolding as defense attorneys for the companies responsible for the gas spill are asking Washington County Circuit Judge James Muehlbauer to dismiss emotional distress and medical monitoring claims of 150 property owners because none of them have alleged physical injury or exposure to contamination resulting from the spill. The property owners are being represented by Habush, Habush & Rottier in Milwaukee and the Law Offices of Peter G. Angelos in Baltimore. The lawsuit also asks the court to award punitive damages against the companies for failing to prevent the spill and to act as a deterrent against similar conduct in the future. In an answer to the lawsuit filed in circuit court this month, the defense attorneys from Milwaukee Trevor Will and David Lucey  , of Foley & Lardner LLP,  describe the spill as an unavoidable accident that occurred without any intent, recklessness or negligence. The lawyer’s claim worries of loss of property values or risk of ill health in the future don't measure up to the legal standard required to claim severe emotional distress in Wisconsin courts. The defense lawyers also claim none of the property owners and their families participating in the lawsuit claim they "ingested any gasoline-contaminated water, air or food, or actually experienced any physical discomfort or illness. Their brief also states that none of them allege they have received any medical care or incurred any medical expense because of the spill. For those reasons, Will and Lucey argue the families have no claim for medical monitoring. The DNR is requiring West Shore Pipe Line to clean up groundwater contaminated by the gasoline spill and to provide a new water supply for around 36 families within the advisory area.

CROSSING GUARD NEEDED IN JACKSON

If you’re looking for a part time job and like to work with children this posting may be of interest to you. The Jackson Police Department has an immediate opening for a crossing guard near Jackson Elementary School. Hours are from 8-8:45 a.m. and/or from 3:15-3:45 p.m. The job pays ten dollars per hour. Applicants must pass a criminal background check and be capable of working in all weather conditions. For more information, call Sue Herther at the Jackson Police Department from 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily at 262- 677-4949

WEST BEND SCHOOL BOARD APPROVES CHARTER SCHOOL

A historic vote took place last night at the West Bend School Board meeting as members approved a contract for the first charter school to begin operations in the district. The Pathways Charter School will be located in the old Mutual Mall building at 1043 South Main Street. The new charter school has plenty of support behind it. Because the new charter school will operate under the umbrella of the West Bend School district, it will be a public school charter school. Pathways Charter school will be free and open to all children. Initially the school will enroll up to 75 students in seventh thru ninth grade with additional grades added each year until it reaches twelfth grade. It will employ fully licensed and qualified teachers and will also participate in state wide testing. Initial enrollment will be limited and starts February 18^th. For more information on Pathways Charter School you can contact T.C. Motzukus at 262-335-5424.

FOUR MORE JACKSON WELLS FOUND TAINTED

Officials with the state DNR gave an update to residents in The of Jackson on Monday, that nobody wanted to hear. Four more wells have now been detected with Benzene from a gasoline pipeline spill last July. The four wells are adjacent to 29 others where benzene has been detected since a pipeline ruptured July 17^th and spilled close to an estimated 55,000 gallons of gasoline in a farm pasture in the 1800 block of Western Avenue. The total of 33 wells is within a drinking water advisory area designated by the DNR. Residents of the area are advised to use bottled water or water from a known safe source for drinking, cooking, making ice and food preparation. The heart of the area is a square country block. It runs along Western Avenue. and Mill Road, between county Highway G and Maple Road, and along Maple Road and Highway G, between Western Avenue and Mill Road. The area extends into subdivisions on Wildflower Lane, Mockingbird Drive and Hummingbird Drive. A section of Sherman Road, from Maple Road to one-half mile east of Maple Road, is included in the advisory. The DNR has required West Shore Pipe Line Company to provide a new water supply to families within the advisory area. A West Shore consultant has recommended the families be connected to the Village of Jackson municipal water system by the end of this year. Information on the recommendation and other options will be discussed at a public meeting scheduled for February 18^th from six to eight pm  at Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School.

RICHFIELD MAN RULED INCOMPETENT FOR TRIAL IN FATHER’S DEATH

Washington County Circuit Court Judge Andrew Gonring has issued a ruling determining that thirty seven year old Beau J. Musial of Richfield is not mentally competent to stand trial on a charge of first-degree intentional homicide in the December 21^st slaying of his father, Jerome, in the family's Upland Drive home. Judge Gonring had Musial committed to mental health treatment at a state facility based on the findings of a recent evaluation. The evaluation determined Musial was not competent but he likely would regain competency in treatment within one year, according to Washington County District Attorney Mark Bensen. Judge Gonring has a hearing on May eighth to hear a 90-day report on Musial's progress in treatment. According to the criminal complaint, Musial called 911 at about 9:20 p.m. on December 21^st and admitted to killing his 76-year-old father. Musial said he repeatedly punched his father after an argument about his purchase of a tractor-trailer. His father became unconscious from the beating. Musial then grabbed a serrated knife and cut his father's throat using a sawing motion several times.

CAR ACCIDENT IN JACKSON INJURES ONE PERSON

One person is hospitalized for treatment of broken ribs as the results of a two car accident on Friday afternoon. According to Lieutenant Buck of the Washington County Sheriff’s Department, the crash occurred at the intersection of Sherman Road and Highway G just after four pm. The driver of the one vehicle was headed West on Sherman Road and stopped at the intersection. The other driver was North on G, when he pulled out without warning and struck the other car in the side, causing both cars to go into a ditch. Jackson Rescue transported both drivers to St. Joseph’s Hospital for treatments, after which the driver of the West Bound vehicle was taken to Froedtert Hospital for further treatment of some broken ribs. The accident remains under investigation by the Washington County Sheriff’s Department. Alcohol is not believed to be a factor.

FINAL TWO CANDIDATES FOR CITY ADMINISTRATOR TO BE INTERVIEWED

The final two candidates applying for the vacant West Bend City Administrator position will be interviewed tonight. The city’s Administrator Screening Committee headed up by Mayor Kraig Sadownikow has already interviewed five candidates in closed sessions.  Also conducting these preliminary interviews are

Aldermen Tony Turner, Ed Duquaine and Allen Carter, along with interim human resources director, Barb Blumenfield. In an interview last week with WBKV news, the mayor said he has been impressed with the candidates already interviewed and expects it will be a difficult decision to narrow them down to the final three that will be interviewed by the full, eight-aldermen Common Council in

February.The city received 19 applicants from around the country that were  interested in replacing former West Bend City Administrator Dennis Melvin, who retired in December after 28 years in office. Mayor Sadownikow said he was very happy with the range of backgrounds of the seven remaining candidates. Some worked exclusively in government administration, others only in private business fields, while a few have experience in both fields. All seven candidates being interviewed are from the Upper Midwest. Finalists for the job will

be selected after tonight’s two interviews. Mayor Sadownikow remains confident that the city will be able to offer the job to a chosen applicant sometime in March.

TWO WEST BEND MEN RECEIVE MULTIPLE CITATIONS

Two men from West Bend ages nineteen and twenty

are facing several citations after the twenty year-old man  stole some medication from the Walgreens store on South Main Street. According to West Bend Police Lieutenant Michael Hartwell, the police received a call at about midnight Thursday from Walgreens employees about a man concealing medication in his sweatshirt. Following a description an officer caught up with the twenty year-old man and his friend and stopped his car. The man admitted to the theft and he was cited. Meanwhile, the 19 year-old man was drunk and he was cited for first offense operating while intoxicated. Both men also received

citations for open intoxicants inside a car.  In addition, the 20-year old received another citation for underage drinking, while the 19-year old received a citation for  possession of drug paraphernalia

Sussex Teen Sentenced For Molesting a Family Member

18 year old Daniel Koepke from Sussex has been sentenced for molesting a family member, but that’s not enough satisfaction for the young girl’s parents and they are seeking a stiffer sentence. The mother told Washington County judge Andrew Gonring that Koepke murdered her five year old daughter's innocence when he molested her last summer. The mother told Judge Gonring her daughter now colors pictures of herself crying and that she colors raindrops and that her pictures include big black x's over her private parts. Judge Gonring sentenced Koepke to 22 months behind bars. That will make him 20 when he's released. Judge Gonring felt that under the facts of this case to deprive Koepke of the balance of his teenage years is an appropriate sentence. But the victim's mother wants more. She's asking for legislation to be introduced in Madison this session that would mean a five year mandatory minimum for a conviction on child molestation. State Senator Glenn Grothman was in the courtroom to support the family. After Koepke is released, he'll be on extended supervision and probation. He will also have to register as a sex offender.

LOCAL UNEMPLOYMENT RATES SEE SLIGHT INCREASE

Unemployment rates for the month of December have been released by the state department of Workforce development. As a whole the numbers across the state increased. Of the 72 counties in the state all but two had increases in their unemployment numbers. Jeff Sachse, an Economist with the state Department of Workforce Development has the official Washington County numbers from the month of December. The unemployment rate went up to 5.9% as compared to 5.6% from November. In the city of West Bend there was also an increase. December’s rate was 8.2% as compared to 7.6% in November.The five point nine percent county rate for December 2012 is slightly lower than the  five point six percent that was seen in December 2011. For the city of West Bend there was also a slight increase up to five point nine percent as compared to November of 2012.Sachse gives some reasoning as to why there was the slight increase in the state’s unemployment numbers. One is the construction industry tends to slow down or shut down in the winter months and the other being the fall off of seasonal holiday positions. For the month Dane County had the lowest jobless rate at 4.4% and Menominee County the highest at 12.7%.  Only two of the state’s 72 counties had lower unemployment rates last month. Washington County ranked 55 out of the 72 counties in the state in the unemployment figures.

MAN MAKES COURT APPEARANCE REGARDING BURGLARY CHARGES

A twenty six year old man from West Bend was in a Washington County courtroom Wednesday to answer to charges of burglary after he allegedly stole a relative’s medication and overdosed on it. Brandon Mertz appeared in Washington County Circuit Judge Andrew Gonring’s courtroom with his attorney Gary Schmaus. Mertz is charged with felony burglary and misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance. Schmaus said the case has been pre-tried and that he worked out two resolutions with Washington County Assistant District Attorney Peter Cannon. Judge Gonring inquired about the

holdup in the case’s progress because that’s what Schmaus said the last time in court. Schmaus said he needs to verify the amount of jail time Mertz has served because any time he has served will be credited during the sentencing hearing. According to the criminal complaint, on August 20^th,  a West Bend police officer was dispatched to a West Bend home in response to  a possible overdose. The officer found Mertz unconscious in a basement bedroom. The officer met with the homeowners, who said they were related to Mertz. The homeowner thought Mertz stole his medication. He found Mertz unconscious sitting in a computer chair, and noticed his lorazepam prescription was missing. He said he found the lorazepam pill bottle and an unopened pack of cigarettes on Mertz. The homeowner said most of the pills in the bottle were missing. Mertz was questioned by medical staff at St. Joseph’s Hospital. He said he took three small white pills, but he didn’t know what they were. Mertz’s next court appearance is at 2:45 p.m. February thirteenth. If convicted, Mertz faces a maximum sentence of more than 12 years in prison.

STANDOFF CLOSES DOWN HIGHWAY 33 AND FORCES EVACUATIONS

A 26-year-old man from Dodge County caused a 30-minute standoff that shut down Highway 33 in the town of Addison and evacuated

area businesses and homes after he allegedly refused to come out of a

truck he stole in Dodge County and drove  into Washington County.

According to the Washington County Sheriff’s Department, they were called by the Dodge County Sheriff’s Department on Sunday as deputies who were following the truck approached the county line.

The Dodge County Sheriff’s Department told the Washington County

Sheriff’s Department a man took the truck and there were several firearms in the truck. They didn’t believe the man had ammunition.

The man pulled into Romies gas station in the town of Addison, but he

refused to listen to commands made by law enforcement. A standoff ensued and lasted for 30 minutes until the man, being identified as Marc C. Kleiman was forcibly removed from the truck and taken back to Dodge County.

CAR VS. HOUSE ACCIDENT

A twenty four year old Town of West Bend man has been arrested by the Washington County Sheriff’s Department for an OWI after he crashed his car into a neighbor’s home. According to the sheriff’s report they were called by the owner of a home located at 5865 North Lake Drive in the town of West Bend informing them that their home was struck. By the time deputies arrived, the driver had fled the scene. A records check on the license plates listed it to an address two houses north of the collision. Deputies responded to that home after noticing blood inside the crashed car. As they approached the house, they noticed more blood leading up to the lower level as well as on the door. After several attempts to get someone to open the door and attempted phone calls, deputies forced their way into the home. Once inside they found the driver Justin Jeske with a gash in his head. He was conscious, but claimed not remembering the accident. He was transported to an area hospital for treatment and arrested for OWI. The sheriff’s report makes a special notation that the car was only two weeks old with just two thousand miles on it and it was totaled in the collision. The house he struck, remained intact and showed no visible signs of damage.

TEENAGE DRIVER UNIJURED IN ROLL OVER ACCIDENT

A female teenager from Hartford was involved in a rollover accident on Monday in the streets of West Bend. The cause of the accident was not what you would initially think. It was not from high speeds or from driving under the influence or even icy roads. According to the West Bend Fire Department’s daily activity report, the sixteen year old girl tried to make a turn near Third Avenue and Maple Street. She ran into a snow bank, lost control and struck a fire hydrant, which caused the car to rollover. She was able to get herself and her passenger out of the car, both the driver and passenger declined any medical attention.

KATHY HOSPICE READY TO OFFER AT HOME CARE

Officials at Froedtert Health St. Joseph’s Hospital in West Bend have announced the formation of a new program that will ease the life cycle of dying. The Kathy Hospice facility located at the hospital will now provide patients with end-of-life care at home. The “Kathy Hospice at Home” program means the home a patient has lived in for years, ranging from a nursing home, group home, assisted living facility or any residential hospice facility is now available where care-giving can be  tailored to each patient’s and family’s needs. According to Pat

Petry, RN, director of Kathy Hospice, Kathy Hospice at Home uses the same staff and provides the same services that are provided at the existing Kathy Hospice on the St. Joseph’s Hospital campus. Hospice nurses and staffs are available 24 hours a day to provide unique and personal care. Petry says the goal of Kathy Hospice at Home is to enhance the quality of a patient’s life, from the smallest to most significant measures.” Services covered under the hospice benefit and offered by Kathy Hospice at Home include:  Nursing visits by registered hospice nurses skilled in pain management and end-of-life care; 24-hour availability for consultation and emergency care. Pain and symptom control; Medical equipment and supplies; Medications; Visits by home hospice health aides; Social services, counseling support; as well as Chaplains for spiritual support and guidance along with several other services. Kathy Hospice at Home serves patients in

Washington County, Menomonee Falls and the Campbellsport area.

WEST BEND MAN ARRESTED FOR FOURTH OWI

In baseball after three strikes you’re out. Unfortunately the laws for OWI don’t apply the same logic. On Monday night at seven pm West Bend Police arrested a 63 year old West Bend man for his fourth offense OWI. According to Lieutenant Michael Hartwell , police received a call from employees at Jalisco’s in downtown after they refused service to the man because he was acting very suspicious. The man left before police arrived. The man was located about forty minutes later passed out at the wheel of his car at the intersection of Sheppard’s Drive and Washington Street. Officers conducted a field sobriety test on the man and he failed. He was arrested and charged with his fourth offense OWI.

DOG RESCUED FROM ICY WATERS

WEDNESDAY January 23, 2013= VERSION 2

A 13 year old black lab dog and its owner are very grateful today to Washington County Sheriff deputies and West Bend Fire responders for rescuing the dog from the icy waters of a river under the Woodford Bridge earlier this week.  According to the Sheriff’s report, Ann Groll living at 2927 Woodford Drive said she heard a dog barking for over two hours. She thought it was neighbor’s dog, but she became concerned when the dog would not stop barking. She went outside and discovered a 13 year old black lab stuck in the river under the Woodford Bridge. She immediately called the sheriff’s department. Upon arrival, deputies saw  the dog standing with its rear quarters in about two feet of water and the front half on the shelf of the ice running out from the nearby shore. West Bend Fire responded and they were able to rescue the dog. The owner, Janet Mcfarlan was located about 200 yards away from the scene and told sheriff deputies that her dog Odi had been missing since four am and that she had been out looking for Odi and had walked  and driven about 20 miles. Mcfarlan said she even walked under the bridge in her search, but could not see Odi under the edge of the bridge. Following her reunion with Ogi, Mcfarlan took her dog to a vet in Kewaskum for treatment.

WEST BEND MAN JUMPS OFF HYATT BALCONY TO HIS DEATH UPDATE      

Milwaukee police have now released the name of the man from West Bend who fell ten stories to his death at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Milwaukee. Police say 26-year-old Adam Busack from West Bend plunged over a railing on the tenth floor at the Hyatt-Regency early Sunday morning. Busack apparently been drinking the night before, and became combative.  Witnesses say Busack threw himself over the railing, but the coroner has yet to determine his cause of death. The Hyatt, has an inner courtyard surrounded by balconies on each of the upper guest room floors.

WEST BEND POLICE WEEKEND CRIME REPORTS

A twenty six year old man from West Bend has been arrested on multiple criminal charges including forgery. According to the Lieutenant Michael Hartwell of the West Bend Police Department, they were notified at about five forty on Friday afternoon by managers at the Landmark Credit Union on West Washington Street that a check cashed by a man looked very suspicious.  The check appeared to have been altered. An immediate investigation determined that the man had stolen the check out of a neighbor’s mailbox and altered it to his name. The man was tracked down and arrested on charges of forgery, theft, and an outstanding probation warrant.

Lieutenant Hartwell also reports that West Bend Police are searching for a twenty four year old man from Jackson in connection with a domestic violence case. According to the police report, they were called at about twelve thirty am on Monday morning to an apartment on the city’s south east side. Apparently, neighbors called complaining of loud noises and screaming coming from the apartment. Upon arrival, the man ran away, police gave chase, but were not successful in catching the man. The woman confessed that she was a victim of domestic violence on Saturday and Sunday. Multiple criminal charges including battery, domestic violence, disorderly conduct, strangulation, bail jumping and criminal damages to property have been referred to the DA’s office. Police are still searching for the man.

HORICON BANK ROBBERY SUSPECT CAUGHT

The U.S. Bank branch on Washington Street in Horicon was robbed by a lone male on Friday. According to the Horicon Police Department, the man entered the bank and presented a note to a teller, stating he had a gun and that no one would be hurt if the teller gave him the money. As he exited the bank, he drew attention to himself which allowed several witnesses to provide a detailed description. A short time later, Beaver Dam police located the vehicle along highway 151 and a pursuit reaching speeds up to 110 mph began. The driver eventually lost control of his car and rolled over. The suspect was taken to Beaver Dam Hospital and treated for non life threatening injuries. Charges will be filed with the Dodge County District Attorney’s office. Police believe he acted alone in the robbery.

APARTMENT FIRE UPDATE

On Friday, we reported to you an apartment fire at 215 Roosevelt Drive in the City of West Bend that happened on Thursday. The 27 year old male tenant extinguished the fire prior to police and fire personnel arrival. The man sustained burns and was treated and released from St. Mary’s Burn Center in Milwaukee.  The damage from the fire was moderate and contained within the apartment. No other occupants of the apartment complex were injured or displaced by the fire.

The West Bend Police Fire Departments conducted an investigation into the cause of the fire.  The investigation revealed that the 27 year old male was experimenting in manufacturing illegal drugs in the apartment. Following the investigation, the scene was examined and declared safe. The 27 year old man was placed into the Washington County Jail on charges of Possession of Materials to Manufacture Meth-am-phetamine, 1st Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Negligent Handling of Burning Materials

KEWASKUM VILLAGE BOARD MEETING TONIGHT

The next meeting of the Kewaskum Village Board is scheduled for tonight at seven pm in the Council Room of the municipal building located at 204 First Street. Dave Arnott will make a presentation from Ruekert and Mielke on phosphorus regulation compliance alternatives for the waste water treatment plant. Heads of the various village departments will make reports including Fire Chief Mark Groeschel with a discussion and possible action on the fire department advancing to the EMT Intermediate Technician level of service. Police Chief Tom Bishop will present a monthly report from December. Under committee reports, Mike Berger the chairperson for the public works and services will lead a discussion on easement to relocate the gas line for the Main Street / Highway 28 project. Under new business, the board will discuss and possibly act on applications from four residents to obtain liquor operator licenses for their work at local gas convenience stores. There will be an opportunity for the public to address the board with any comments and concerns at the end of tonight’s agenda.

WEST BEND MAN JUMPS OFF HYATT BALCONY TO HIS DEATH

A 26-year-old West Bend man fell to his death from a tenth floor balcony of the Hyatt Regency Milwaukee hotel early Sunday morning. According to Milwaukee Police Captain Michael J. Brunson Senior the accident happened at 12:15 a.m. and no foul play is suspected. The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s office ruled on Sunday that his death is being ruled a suicide. The Hyatt, is located at 333 W. Kilbourn Avenue in Downtown Milwaukee and has an inner courtyard surrounded by balconies on each of the upper guest room floors.

Fillmore FD

The annual Fillmore Volunteer Fire Department awards banquet was held Saturday night and a number of members received special recognition.  Mike Logan was named Firefighter Of The Year with Peter Muth and Eric Spaeth getting honorable mention, Jeff Steinert received First Responder of the Year accolades with DJ Newman attaining an Honorable Mention and John Guttmann was awarded a Distinguished Service plaque. Tammy Webber was named Social member of the year. Stanley Steinert received a 40 yrs of service award. Tracy Steinert and Brad McDonald were recognized for 20 yrs of service.

The Fillmore group responded to 24 fire calls during 2012 along with 41 EMS calls. The Fillmore Fire Department is a total volunteer group and new volunteers are always welcomed.

FIRE CAUSES MINOR DAMAGES TO APARTMENT BUILDING

An apartment fire on Wednesday morning wound up having its residents seeking temporary shelter in the adjacent apartment building. According to West Bend Battalion Chief Van Langen, the fire occurred at 215 Roosevelt Drive in one of the units. The lone male occupant attempted to extinguish the fire using four different fire extinguishers. By the time fire fighters arrived, he had most of the fire under control and fire fighters just had to put out the remaining fire with water pump cans. Residents from the first and second floor were evacuated while fire fighters ventilated the building with pressure fans. They were allowed back into their apartments after carbon monoxide levels were determined to be at safe levels. The man was taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital to be treated for severe burns to his face. He was later transported to St. Mary’s Burn Center in Milwaukee for further treatments. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the West Bend Fire and Police Departments. Total dollar damage estimates are at $1100.00.

HARTFORD MAN IN COURT ON CHILD PORN CHARGES

Forty one year old Wyland Lubbert from Hartford made an appearance in a Washington County courtroom on Thursday for a jury status hearing. Lubbert is charged with 45 counts of possession of child pornography. Lubbert appeared in front of Washington County Circuit Judge James Muehlbauer with his attorney. Expert testimony was discussed at the hearing. Judge Muehlbauer said an expert’s opinions are a moving target. He said an expert could hear a new fact that could change the expert’s opinion. Judge Muehlbauer ordered the defense expert to provide a report by January twenty third with the understanding that any expert can supplement the report. Judge Muehlbauer scheduled another hearing for January 24^th at 3 p.m. where that issue will be discussed. Lubbert has a jury trial scheduled for January 28^th at eight thirty in the morning. According to the criminal complaint, a woman reported to West Bend

Police that Lubbert had pornography on a computer hard drive.

Lubbert was taken into custody April 12, 2010, on an unrelated matter. Another West Bend police officer said Lubbert was in possession of a SimpleTech hard drive. The woman said that the hard drive in Lubbert’s possession was the same one that contained child pornography. Lubbert denied there would be any child

pornography on the hard drive. The hard drive was turned over to the state Department of Criminal Investigations in Madison for forensic examination, and an analyst said she found child pornography on it.

Moraine Park announces expansion in Washington County

In response to requests from Washington County-area employers for job training in welding, fabrication and other advanced manufacturing trade skills beyond the existing offerings at Moraine Park’s West Bend campus, The Moraine Park Technical College District Board has approved leasing a new College facility in Washington County’s Jackson Industrial Park.

 Moraine Park’s  new Jackson facility will bring welding, fabrication and additional, customized Computer Numerical Control training to Washington County with a CNC lab, welding lab, two classrooms, restrooms, a reception area, break room, two offices, and a conference room to complete the space. The welding lab will feature two VRTEX 360 welding simulation stations, purchased from a $647,000 U.S. Department of Labor grant. The facility will offer robotic welding training in the future. Moraine Park will negotiate a lease and start construction and remodeling as soon as possible with the goal of offering classes in September 2013. Moraine Park proposes entering a lease agreement for approximately 9,515 square feet of space, using 22 percent of a manufacturing building located in the industrial park.

Moraine Park was established in 1912 and is one of 16 technical college districts that make up the Wisconsin Technical College System. With campuses in Beaver Dam, Fond du Lac and West Bend, and regional centers in Hartford and Ripon

GOVERNOR WALKER HELPS STEEL CRAFT ANNOUNCE EXPANSION

Governor Scott Walker visited Steel Craft Corporation in Hartford to start a statewide tour and to help them celebrate an announcement of expansion plans as Gary Wendorff, the President and Owner of Steel Craft Corporation proudly spoke about, his company is going to embark on a 70,000 square foot addition and with the plant and equipment the total investment will be seven million dollars. Wendorf believes the expansion will create about fifty more jobs in Harford. As great of an atmosphere it was at Steel Craft, it was hard to avoid the topic of the bomb threat from Tuesday’s night’s State of the State address. When asked about the terrifying situation, Governor Walker said he treats every threat very seriously and is concerned about public safety, but he does not allow it to affect his public schedule. The suspect in the bomb threat, Kvon Smith from Milwaukee was immediately taken into custody as he entered the Capital building and is now facing several federal criminal charges. Following his appearance at Steel Craft in Hartford, Governor Walker headed north to Green Bay on his state tour.

SHERIFF DEPUTIES INVESTIGATE BAR BRAWL

A twenty five year old woman from the Town of Polk is under investigation from the Washington County Sheriff’s department for her involvement  in a bar brawl involving six to seven people. The incident happened early Tuesday morning at Sheryl’s Club 175 located at 3475 Highway 175.. According to Lieutenant Martin Schulteis of the Washington County Sheriff’s Department upon arriving at the bar they noticed a woman identified as Kristin Marie Ziegler bleeding from her head. According to the criminal report, Ziegler noticed her boyfriend Kyle Moenburger having beers with her ex-boyfriend Michael Kraemer. She became upset, and that apparently led to a fight between the two men. Sheriff Deputies believe Ziegler got in the middle and was either pushed down or fell on her own, striking her head. Kyle Moenburger, left the bar for home before deputies arrived, but they were able to question Kraemer. Further investigation to locate Moenburger was unsuccessful but deputies were able to find his car abandoned and crashed in the area of the intersections of Highway 144 and 41. Charges of Battery and disorderly conduct along with hit and run are pending against one or several people. The investigation into both the incident at the bar and the accident scene are continuing with the Washington County Sheriff’s Department.

RECORD SETTING YEAR FOR UNITED WAY WASHINGTON COUNTY

The final numbers are in for the 2012 United Way campaign of Washington County. It is an all time high number. The organization raised $1,206,195 .00. Kristen Bradner, the Executive Director of the United Way of Washington County offers her comments on the campaign. The $1,206,195 raised is a 6.6% increase over 2011 results.

• 73 donors qualified for the West Bend Mutual Insurance Leadership Match by giving a new or increased gift of $750 or more or increased their leadership gift to the next leadership level.  This promotion raised over $62,000 in new dollars.
• 968 donors were eligible for the car give-a-way by giving a new or increased gift of $52 or more.  This promotion raised over $139,000 in new dollars.
• Launched a new Live United brand through flash mobs, parades, a new website and impact stories in the newspaper.
• Launched a new campaign model with a $100,000 grant to the Hartford Community to expand United Way’s focus outside of West Bend.

With the success of the 2012 campaign now in the record books,Bradner sets the United Way’s sites towards 2013.Donations raised by the United Way of Washington County’s 2012 campaign will be used to fund over 30 programs offered by 22 United Way partner agencies

GOOD FINANCIAL NEWS FOR THE WEST BEND SCHOOL DISTRICT

The West Bend School Board addressed many issues at their meeting on Monday night including the formation of a charter school along with the acceptance of a new teacher’s contract. The board also redesigned its elementary school summer school program where they will combine the services of several community resources. West Bend School Superintendent Ted Neitzke also updated the board on the plans of the long-range facilities plan that are under way in addition to the two construction projects, which includes the closing of Barton Elementary School, redrawing of attendance boundaries to accommodate the shifting of that building’s students to other schools and the revamping of Badger Middle School into a grade 7-8 building. Neitzke also announced that a groundbreaking for the Silverbrook Middle School project is tentatively scheduled for April 12^th. The construction project is slated to be completed by the fall of 2014.

MAN ARRESTED ON GUNS AND DRUGS VIOLATIONS

Acting on a citizen’s complaint call after a man pointed a gun at them and made threatening remarks, West Bend Police have arrested a thirty nine year old man. According to West Bend Police Lieutenant Michael Hartwell, the West Bend Police Department received a complaint from two people on the southwest side of the city stating that the man pointed a gun at them on New Year’s Eve.   Police officers responded to the complaint after they determined that he is a convicted felon and conducted a search of the man’s home. The investigative search turned up several guns and drugs which then led to his arrest seeing that he was illegally in possession of those items as a convicted felon.

HOSPITAL BLOOD DRIVE TODAY

You can give the gift of life today by donating a pint of blood during a community blood drive that is being co- sponsored by Froedtert Health St. Joseph's Hospital and the Kettle Moraine YMCA. The community blood drive is from 11:30 am to 3:30 p.m. at the hospital lobby. Tim Olsen, the manager of Public Relations for the hospital says due to the timing of the season just after the holidays, all blood types are needed. Anyone at least 17 years old, weighing at least 110 pounds and generally in good health can donate. Donors should bring a photo ID. Olsen says for someone who has never donated blood, it’s a very easy and painless process. According to Olsen, walk-ins are welcome today, but calling in advance is highly suggested.The Blood Center of Wisconsin is the sole supplier of blood and blood products to 55 hospitals in 28 Wisconsin counties, including St. Joseph's Hospital. The hospital is located at 3200 Pleasant Valley Road, across the road from the Washington County Fairgrounds.

WEST BEND MOTHER CONVICTED ON CHARGES OF CHILD NEGLECT

A twenty five year old woman from West Bend was convicted Friday of felony child neglect resulting in the death of her three year-old daughter on May first of last year. According to a criminal complaint the child died as a result of a massive streptococcus infection throughout her body after several days of neglect. Leann Leszynski pleaded no contest to the crime as part of a plea agreement that resulted in the dismissal of seven drug-related charges against her in the incident. The seven drug-related charges had included three additional felonies: maintaining a drug house for delivering illegal drugs; possession of heroin; and possession of oxycodone, a narcotic painkiller. Washington County Circuit Judge James Pouros will sentence Leszynski on April twelfth. She remains in custody in the Washington County Jail. Leszynski could be imprisoned for up to fifteen years plus ten years of state supervision for the felony offense, under state law. Washington County District Attorney Mark Bensen said Friday he would not ask the court for more than a  ten year prison term for the woman as part of the plea bargain. The judge can consider the seven charges at the time of her sentencing for child neglect resulting in death. Leszynski's 25-year-old boyfriend, Justin J. Streicher, also is charged with felony child neglect and the same seven drug-related criminal charges in the death of the toddler. Streicher pleaded not guilty to all charges in September, and a separate jury trial is scheduled to begin March eighteenth . Streicher's defense attorney has not requested a hearing before trial to review a possible plea agreement.

WEST BEND POLICE DISORDERLY CONDUCT ARRESTS

The Packers loss on Saturday night evidentially left a few people in foul moods as West Bend Police were kept busy with a rash of domestic disorderly conduct arrests. The first case happened Saturday night just prior to midnight on the city’s South side. A mutual friend of a couple, called police concerned about the welfare of a twenty year year old woman after he heard the couple arguing quite extensively. Police responded to the residence and discovered that the woman was punched several times in her face and head by her boyfriend. The woman told police that he also hit her with a telephone and threw her down to the ground. Police arrested the 24 year old man and charged him with disorderly conduct and domestic battery. The second incident took place Sunday morning at about five am. According to West Bend Police Lieutenant Michael Hartwell, a twenty seven year old man was in a heated argument with his live-in girlfriend and he threatened her several times. The woman called police to their home and police wound up arresting the man on charges of disorderly conduct.

No Charges In Fatal Campbellsport Area Accident

There will be no charges brought against the 18-year-old Campbellsport man who killed his uncle last fall when he accidentally backed up his vehicle into a garage. Fifty-nine-year-old Robert Stahl was killed in the tragic accident on November 17th. Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Lieutenant Cameron McGee says they thoroughly investigated the accident involving Nicholas Stahl. He says in addition to their office, it was investigated by the State Patrol and Dodge County Crash Investigation Team. He says based on their findings no charges will be filed and the case is closed; he says it simply was a tragic accident. Also injured in the accident were 61-year-old Richard Stahl, 61-year-old Donald Schmitt, and 50-year-old Kevin Stahl.  Nickolas Stahl is the brother of Sabrina Stahl, one of the three girls killed in another tragic accident last February on Beechnut Road.

GARAGE EXPLOSION UPDATE

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call just after nine am on Friday morning reporting an explosion at a Town of Hartford residence. The homeowner, Jacquelyn Weimer called stating her 79 year old husband Gerald was possibly inside the detached 30 by 40 foot workshop at the time. Hartford fire and rescue units were dispatched to 5860 Eagle Point Rd and were later assisted by Slinger, St. Lawrence, Allenton, Richfield, Neosho and Woodland fire departments .Upon deputies’ arrival, they found the man had been evacuated from the destroyed structure by his wife and removed to their home. He sustained burns to his face, arms and hands and was transported to Aurora Medical Center in Hartford by Lifestar Ambulance with non-life threatening injuries. There were no other injuries reported and preliminary damage estimates are around seventy thousand dollars. Sheriff’s investigators and fire officials continue to investigate the cause of the explosion and fire. The structure was heated by a natural gas heater and did have electrical service to the building. A residence across the street was also reported to have sustained interior damage from the blast resulting in cracked drywall to several walls and ceiling areas.

RED CROSS ASKS FOR REAL HEROS NOMINEES

The Golden Globe Awards were last night and the Academy Awards are next month. Washington County has an annual awards presentation in June that the producers are now asking for nominations. The Washington County chapter of the American Red Cross is now accepting nominations for the tenth annual Real Hero’s of Washington County. The recognition is designed to find and honor ordinary people who perform acts of courage and selflessness and compassion every day. Marilynn Gundrum, the Chairperson for the Washington County Real Hero’s provides some insight on the categories that someone can be nominated for as a Real Hero they include… animal hero; education hero; health care hero; military hero and a few more. For more details on the categories contact the American Red Cross at 334-5687. Nominees must live or work in Washington County. The tenth annual celebration of Washington County Real Hero’s will be Tuesday June 19^th at the West Bend Mutual Prairie Center. In addition to looking for real hero nominees, Gundrum says that event organizers from the Red Cross are also still looking or sponsors and prize donations.

JACKSON WOMAN PLEADS NOT GUILTY TO PHARMACY ROBBERY

45 year-old Jenann Bauer from Jackson who allegedly stole fentanyl from the Aurora Pharmacy in Slinger appeared before Washington County Circuit Court Judge Andrew Gonring with her attorney Deborah Strigenz on Wednesday afternoon. Bauer pleaded not guilty to felony charges of robbery with threat of force. Strigenz told Judge Gonring that they have received an offer from the state and Bauer could accept the offer by the next hearing. Bauer’s next appearance will be a jury status hearing at 10:30 a.m. January 30^th. Judge Gonring said the hearing is the drop-dead date for negotiations.   According to the criminal complaint, a Slinger police officer was dispatched to the Aurora Pharmacy in Slinger at about five forty five pm on November seventh. The pharmacy manager said a woman entered wearing black winter gloves, a black jacket and a black hood, walked up to the counter and gave him a note that stated “Do not motion. Large fentanyl patches in a bag. No one gets hurt before holidays.” The manager said he felt threatened by Bauer and gave her eight boxes of fentanyl patches. She left the pharmacy before he could call police. The Slinger Police Department assisted the Jackson department in finding Bauer and stopped her car a short time later. When asked where she was coming from, Bauer said the Aurora Pharmacy in Slinger. A police officer found eight boxes of fentanyl patches, two pairs of black gloves, a black face mask and a black stocking hat in her car.  If convicted, Bauer faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.

WEST SHORE PIPELINE CONSULTANT SUBMITS RECOMMENDATION

The town of Jackson board members have received a 1000-page report

from West Shore Pipe Line Company’s engineering consultant firm, Arcadis.  The detailed report proposes a recommendation for a long-term drinking water solution. The report stems from a July 17 pipeline break that released 1300 barrels of gasoline into the ground throughout the town of Jackson. The state DNR directed West Shore Pipe Line to conduct feasibility studies on three long-term drinking water solutions, including shared private wells, extension of the village of Jackson water distribution system, and a town sanitary district. West Shore Pipe Line had until January fourth to submit the proposal to the DNR. Officials with all parties will examine the report over the next several weeks. A public information meeting will be held in February to allow West Shore Pipe Line, Arcadis, town of Jackson and DNR officials to provide detailed feedback about the proposal.      

TOWN OF JACKSON BOARD MEETING TONIGHT

There will be a regular meeting for the Town of Jackson board tonight at seven. Kelly Valentino the Director of joint parks and recreation is scheduled to give an updated report. Under new business an agenda item that is destined to stir plenty of conversation is an update on the long term drinking water solution. Other items of interest tonight will include reports from various department heads including the highway department, buildings and maintenance committee and a report from town board chairman Raymond Heidtke. The meeting is open to the public and any town citizen will be welcomed to speak regarding any issues on the agenda. The meeting will be held at the Jackson Town Hall.

COUPLE ARRESTED FOR OWI AND THEFT

A 28 year old man from West Bend who took some traffic cones off the street and put them in his car, found himself in jail not on charges of theft, but rather on charges of OWI. According to Lieutenant Michael Hartwell of the West Bend Police Department, on Tuesday morning at about one forty five am officers noticed a car parked at the intersection of Park Avenue and tenth Avenue. As officers approached the car they identified two people, a 28 year old man and a 32 year old woman. The officer noticed several traffic cones in the back seat. Upon questioning, the couple admitted to taking the cones from a water main break just up the street. After further questioning, the officer determined that the man was intoxicated. He was arrested and charged with his first offense OWI. The woman was cited for property theft.

WEST BEND POLICE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES PROMOTIONS

The West Bend Police Department is releasing information regarding promotions and new assignments within the department effective as of Monday’s common council meeting.  Lieutenant Timothy Dehring has been promoted to Captain of police and is assigned as the Captain in charge of the Operations division. Captain Dehring is an eighteen year veteran of the department. He has worked in the Patrol and criminal division throughout his career. His most recent assignment was as the commanding officer of the criminal investigation section. Also being promoted is Detective Robert Lloyd. His promotion is to the Lieutenant of Police and assigned to the Patrol section. Lieutenant Lloyd is a 22 year veteran of the department. He has worked in the criminal investigation section for the past six years. Lieutenant Richard Luka has been transferred from the Administrative aide’s office to the Criminal investigation section. Lieutenant Luka is a 24 year veteran of the force. He spent thirteen years in the criminal investigation section and headed up numerous investigations The past four years he has served as a Lieutenant.

JACKSON BUSINESS ALLIANCE BEGINS OPERATIONS

Today’s business climate demands that area businesses keep a proverbial finger on the pulse of what’s happening around them. With that thought in mind several business leaders in the community have teamed up and formed the Greater Jackson Business Alliance. Scott Mittelsteadt the President of the organization says membership is not limited to just businesses in Jackson.The Greater Jackson Business Alliance will meet quarterly at the Jackson Area Community Center at Noon starting January 16^th. Mittelsteadt says initial feedback from within the area has been positive towards forming a business group and he feels membership will grow rapidly.The group’s first meeting will be Wednesday January 16^th. A representative from the Wisconsin DOT will speak and address any issues business owners may have regarding the reconstruction of Highway 60 linking Jackson and Hartford. For more information on membership contact President Scott Mittelsteadt at 262-674-1062.

GERMANTOWN MAN ARRESTED FOR OWI AND DRUG POSSESSION

The Washington County Sheriff’s Department is reporting that they have arrested a 26 year old man from Germantown man for operating an ATV while intoxicated. According to the arrest report, a deputy on patrol observed the man driving on Appleton Avenue near Meeker Hill Road in the Village of Germantown on Monday morning at about 12:43 am.  The man was crossing the center line at about forty mph.  As the man pulled into the yard of his residence, the Deputy approached him and observed signs of alcohol impairment.  After field sobriety tests, the man was arrested. The investigation also revealed a small amount of marijuana in the man’s possession. The man was booked into the Washington County Jail on the drug charge as he has prior drug convictions.  He is also currently on Probation for Possession of Narcotics.

CITY ALTERS PARK RENTAL REFUND POLICY

If you decide to rent a park facility in the city of West Bend anytime in the future, you had better think twice before you cancel your event. The city’s Park and Recreation Commission have agreed to a new policy redefining refunds when a city park facility reservation is canceled. Under the new policy, if a cancellation is made prior to 30 days before the scheduled rental date, the West Bend Park, Recreation and Forestry Department will retain a forty dollar service charge. If the cancellation is made less than 30 days before the scheduled rental date, the department will retain the entire rental fee. In either event, the one hundred dollar damage deposit will be refunded. Facility rental fees vary from building to building and use, but according to department sources the average building rental fee is $125 plus tax.

Previously, department policy was to refund the entire fee unless the cancellation occurred less than thirty days before the scheduled rental date. Then the department kept a fifty dollar service fee. Records show that last year, the department had 165 park facility rentals with thirty two cancellations. The new city parks cancellation policy matches the Washington County Park System policy.

WEST BEND MAN ARRRESTED FOR DISORDERLY CONDUCT AND PROPERTY DAMAGES

An argument between a 45-year-old man from West Bend and his girlfriend, wound up costing the man more than he probably was bargaining for. According to West Bend Police Lieutenant Michael Hartwell, the man got into a heated argument with his girlfriend at her apartment the girlfriend called police and he was taken into custody.  Once at the Police Department, the man was determined by police to be intoxicated and during questioning he kicked the interview room door several times causing damage. He was taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital for blood draw where he caused another disturbance by damaging some furniture. The man was eventually brought under control and transported back to the city jail, where he was charged with two counts of disorderly conduct, a third offense OWI, criminal damage to property and a probation hold.

TOWN OF POLK BOARD MEETING TONIGHT

There will be a brief but still rather important board meeting tonight for the Town of Polk. At the front end of the agenda, any resident will be welcomed to speak before the board. The only item on the agenda under new business is to have the board examine and take action on the Arthur Road Bridge Inspection invoice from Washington County. Under committee reports a representative from the Sheriff’s Department will speak and then the town board chairman will speak followed by the treasurer’s report on revenue and expenditures for the past month. The meeting starts at seven thirty at the Town Of Polk Town Hall at 3680 State Highway 60.

KEWASKUM VILLAGE BOARD MEETING TONIGHT

The next meeting of the Kewaskum Village Board is scheduled for tonight at seven pm in the Council Room of the municipal building located at 204 First Street. Members of the Kewaskum Village Board have a regular scheduled meeting for tonight. An opportunity for citizens to address the board will be presented at the front end of the agenda. Heads of the various village departments will make reports including Zoning Administrator Matt Heiser on December building permits along with Village Administrator Matt Heiser with an update on banner poles and a report on personnel changes with Grota Appraisals.. Under old business, the board will discuss and possibly act on water and sewer mains and laterals as well as levying a special assessment for the Highway 28 main street project as well as scheduling a possible public hearing on that issue. Prior to the meeting at seven, the administrative committee will meet at six thirty. Both meetings will take place in the Council room of the Kewaskum Municipal building on First Street.

WEST BEND MAN ENTERS A GUILTY PLEA TO BURGLARY CHARGES

Twenty one year old Jonathan Flores Smith from West Bend appeared in a Washington County Court room with his attorney in order to answer to several criminal charges in connection with a burglary at a local amusement games warehouse. Flores Smith was charged with two felonies, two counts of burglary as a party to a crime and three misdemeanors, including two counts of theft of movable property less than or equal to $2,500 along with criminal damage to property.  Flores Smith entered a plea of guilty to burglary as a party to a crime that he committed with two teenagers for stealing CDs, a radio and other merchandise from DJ Amusements located at 5037 Highway D. Washington County Assistant District Attorney Sandra Giernoth said with Flores Smith’s plea to burglary as a party to a crime, the other charges will be dismissed but will be read into the record during sentencing along with another case where he was charged with two counts of bail jumping and theft of movable property less than or equal to $2,500. According to the criminal complaint, a West Bend Police officer was sent to DJ Amusements on November fifth. The owner said sometime between November third thru the fifth someone entered his business taking and damaging property. The gate on the west side of the building was found open and a pallet of vending machine prizes and games were rummaged through. Several boxes including a bag of plush toys were also ripped open and dumped on the floor. A glass front on one of the vending machines was broken. Flores Smith’s sentencing hearing will be February 27^th at 3:30 p.m. If convicted, Flores Smith faces a maximum sentence of twelve years in prison.

HARTFORD MAN SENTENCED TO SIX MONTHS IN JAIL FOR THEFT

 Twenty two year old Shane Wiser from Hartford has been sentenced to six months in the Washington County Jail plus twenty four months on probation in connection for the theft of hunting equipment from a neighbor’s garage and for sending threatening text messages to the victim’s friend. Wiser was charged with a misdemeanor crime of theft of movable property less than or equal to $2500.00.  According to the

criminal complaint, Hartford Police investigated a garage burglary  on March first  last year after the homeowner reported several items missing. Wiser confessed to police at the end of February he went into his neighbor’s garage and took numerous items, including a bow, tent, jacket and video screens. On August sixth, Wiser was charged with two misdemeanors including intimidating a victim and bail jumping for sending text messages to the burglary victim’s friend in March. In a confession to police, Wiser admitted to sending five text messages stating that if the victim didn’t drop the charges against him, then Wiser would press for choking charges. He said the text messages were not an attempt to intimidate the victim, but to resolve the issue. During a court hearing in November, Washington County District Attorney Mark Bensen said the state recommends six months in jail with work-release privileges. At last week’s hearing, Assistant District Attorney Peter Cannon asked the court to accept the recommendation based on the fact that Wiser had paid $1,900 in restitution up front.

3 WASHINGTON COUNTY RESIDENTS CITED FOR UNDERAGE DRINKING

An apparent early New Year’s party last Saturday night at the Hampton Inn and Suites on South 18^th Avenue in West Bend led to the arrests of three minors. According to West Bend Police Lieutenant Michael Hartwell, police responded to the motel just prior to three am to investigate a noise complaint. When police officers entered the room, they found four people that were drinking, three of them underage. A 19-year-old West Bend man, a 20-year-old Jackson man, a 20-year-old West Bend woman were cited for underage drinking. The 20-year-old man was also taken to the Washington County Jail because of outstanding warrants. The 25-year-old Beaver Dam man was too drunk to take care of himself and he was placed into the county detox unit for a twenty four hour hold.

THREE PEOPLE FILE FOR SCHOOL BOARD AVAILABLE SEATS

Three people filed candidacy papers as of Wednesday afternoon’s deadline for the West Bend School Board. That means there will be no need for a primary election for the two open seats on the School Board. It would have taken five declared candidates for the two seats to have triggered a February primary election Current School Board President R a n d y Marquardt, and a  member of the board since 2010, will seek reelection. Tim Stepanski, who served one three-year term on the board before stepping down last spring, has also submitted candidacy papers. A third candidate Karen Betz, filed candidacy papers shortly before the deadline on Wednesday. Dave Weigand, who was elected to the board in 2010, decided not to seek a second term. He filed noncandidacy papers in December.. The election will be held April second to fill the two at-large seats with terms expiring in April 2016

WOMAN ARRESTED FOR SIXTH OWI OFFENSE

A 46 year old woman from Minnesota woman was arrested for her sixth offense of driving while intoxicated. According to the

Jackson police report, the woman being identified as Laura B. Meidl from Thief River Falls, Minnesota is a  former resident of the

Allenton and Slinger areas. She was arrested at about 11:30 p.m.

Sunday night after she was spotted driving erratically on

Main Street. Meidl was preiously convicted of operating a vehicle while intoxicated in 2005, 1998, 1997, 1995 and 1990. According to Village of Jackson Police Chief Jed Dolnick, police first contacted Meidl about ten thirty when they were called to the Latest Edition

Saloon, on Main Street because she was arguing with a male patron.

The police report further stated that she was visibly intoxicated and that she told police she would have her daughter drive her home.

After being stopped on Main Street, police stated, the woman’s pickup truck began to roll backward, forcing the arresting officer to back up his squad car to avoid a collision. Meidl refused to perform field sobriety tests and she was arrested and taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital for a blood test. She was then taken to the Washington County jail.

NAMES OF FATAL ACCIDENT VICTIMS RELEASED

The Washington County Sheriff’s Department has released the names from yesterday’s fatal accidents.  60-year-old Billy Cleveland of the Town of Farmington died after a rollover crash on County Highway C in the Town of Polk on Tuesday evening. The rollover crash happened shortly after eight pm at Hillside Rd. The accident was called in by two individuals who came upon the scene. Investigators say their preliminary investigation shows that Cleveland’s SUV was traveling northbound on Highway C at a speed that did not allow him to safely negotiate a curve at the intersection. The vehicle rolled on its roof, partially ejecting Cleveland who was not wearing a safety belt. It is unknown if alcohol was a factor.  The other accident which  was a head-on collision occurred on State Highway 164 just south of Pioneer Road has claimed the life of 28-year-old Jeffery Hasby of Richfield. Investigators say 21-year-old Tyler Hust of Sussex was traveling south on Highway 164 around 7:45 p.m. While passing another vehicle, his car crashed head-on with the vehicle driven by Jeffery Hasby and his 29-year-old wife Katey Hasby. Hust was wearing a safety belt and was taken to Community Memorial Hospital in Menomonee Falls. Washington county Sheriff Deputies say that the Hasby’s were not wearing safety belts. Katey Hasby was transported by Flight for Life to Froedtert Hospital. Jeffery Hasby was pronounced dead at the scene. It is not known at this time if alcohol and/or drugs were contributing factors in this crash.

West Bend Man Arrested for Beating up Bouncer at Local Restaurant

The New Year’s holiday got off to a bad start for a man from West Bend. Lieutenant Michael Hartwell from the West Bend Police Department reports that at around one am on Saturday morning the man allegedly punched a bouncer in the head at El Tapatio de Jalisco on South Main Street, when the bouncer confronted him for trying to take a beer outside the downtown restaurant. The 26-year-old punched the bouncer in the head three or four times, causing the bouncer to fall down and lose consciousness. The man then left the restaurant. Police were able to track him back to his house. He was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct and substantial battery.

ARMED ROBBERY AT GERMANTOWN GAS STATION

On Monday December 31st at approximately 6:30 a.m. Germantown Police were contacted by an employee of the Germantown BP gas station , located  on Mequon Road, reporting that an armed robbery had just occurred. The suspect was described as a white male in his mid to late twenties. He was about six feet tall  with a slender build, wearing black insulated coveralls and a black baseball cap. He had some facial hair best described as being a couple of days unshaven. The suspect displayed a knife, demanded money and fled the store with an undetermined amount of cash. He fled on foot in an unknown direction.  Anyone with information regarding this robbery is encouraged to contact the Germantown Police Department at 262-253-7780 or Washington County We-Tip at 1-800-232-0594.

2013 STARTS OFF WITH A FATAL ACCIDENT

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is deeply saddened today to release information regarding two fatal traffic accidents that occurred last night. The first crash  happened at about seven forty five pm that involved   two-vehicles with injuries on Highway 164 south of Pioneer Road in the village of Richfield. Slinger Fire Department, Lifestar Rescue, and Richfield Fire and Rescue were also dispatched to the scene.  According to the Sheriff’s department press release, when the first Sheriff’s Deputy arrived he quickly learned there were 3 injured people involved in the accident, one of them possibly fatally.  Rescue units treated the injured and then requested Flight For Life for a passenger in one of the vehicles.  The Medical Examiners was also called to the scene. Preliminary information received indicates a vehicle operated by a 21-year old Sussex man was southbound on Highway 164.  This vehicle passed another southbound vehicle and collided head-on with a northbound vehicle operated by a 28-year old village of Richfield man with his 29-year old wife as a passenger.  The operator of the southbound vehicle indicated he was wearing a seatbelt and he was transported by ambulance to Community Memorial Hospital in Menomonee Falls. The investigation initially shows that neither of the passengers in the northbound vehicle was wearing a seatbelt.  The female passenger was transported via Flight For Life to Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee.  The 28 year old male driver was pronounced dead at the scene by the Medical Examiner’s Office and had to be extricated from the vehicle by Richfield Fire Department personnel. The accident remains under investigation by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and their Accident Reconstruction Team.  It is unknown at this time if alcohol or drugs were a contributing factor.

WASHINGTON COUNTY RECORDS TWO FATAL CRASHES IN SAME NIGHT

It’s tragic enough for rescue crews having to respond to the scene of one fatal traffic accident in a night. It’s even worse, when there are two fatal accidents on the same night. The second fatal accident from last night happened at 8:09pm.The Washington County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a one-vehicle roll-over accident on County Highway C at Hillside Road in the Town of Polk.  The car accident was called in by two people who came upon the scene.  They checked on the lone occupant and found him to be unresponsive in the vehicle.  The Slinger Police and Fire Departments were dispatched as well as Lifestar Ambulance and Jackson Rescue. A 60 year old Town of Farmington man was pronounced dead on the scene by the County Medical Examiner’s Office. The preliminary investigation shows that the SUV was traveling northbound on Highway C at a speed that did not allow him to safely negotiate a curve at the intersection.  The vehicle rolled on its roof partially ejecting the driver who was not wearing his seatbelt.  It is unknown if alcohol was a factor. The accident remains under investigation by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the Accident Reconstruction Team. The names of the deceased people involved in both accidents are being withheld at this time pending notification of the families. The Sheriff’s department expects to release the names by later today. 

NEW ENTRANCE SET FOR CITY HALL

The New Year is bringing about a new look at the combined location for West Bend City Hall and the city Police Department. As of today there is a new entrance to West Bend’s City Hall. For the past twenty years, visitors have been entering on the ground floor through the back of the building off Eder Lane. With the remodel and expansion  project of the West Bend Police Department, that back entrance will now be closed off and the new entrance will be on Main Street.

According to Lieutenant Michael Hartwell of the West Bend Police Department, both City Hall and the West Bend Police Department will share the same front entrance. When a person initially enters, the first

set of windows they see will be for the police department and by continuing  straight down the new hallway, that will lead you  to the second floor of City Hall and the finance/clerk area. Citizens who want to attend a council meeting will also enter from Main Street,

walk through the clerk/ finance area and then continue straight through the atrium to the council chambers at the end of the hall.

As part of the new security at city hall,  pull-down gates have been added outside the offices at the Finance Department.

A new Dutch door has also been added for after-hour security.

In compliance with A.D.A there are no longer any front steps at the new area in the front of the building. Another new addition is sliding glass doors in the entryway that leads to a series of steps.  A wheelchair ramp to the left of the stairs is inside the building and out

of the winter weather elements. The next phase of the remodeling is calling for in about ten months for the police department to vacate the upper portion of the building.  Officers will then have their own, secure entrance off Vine Street.

GERALD KUDEK SWORN IN AS NEW FIRE CHIEF

After being on the job as a fire fighter in the city of West Bend for almost twenty five years, Gerald Kudek was sworn in as the department’s new Fire Chief last Thursday night. Kudak was a Battalion Chief with the department, since 1997. Kudek started his career in 1984 as a Paid On Call fire fighter. He became a full time Fire Fighter in 1989 and served as a Motor Pump Operator, Fire Lieutenant and has worked his way to Battalion Chief. Upon accepting the position, Kudek had some very kind words in regards to his fellow fire fighters within the department.  Kudek is a lifelong West Bend resident; he is married and is the father of three daughters.  Kudek will take over as Chief following the retirement of Chief Jim Vest  Kudek has had a long and distinguished career with the department with over 25 years of dedicated service and a spokesperson for the Commission said they are pleased to be able to promote one of their current Battalion Chief's to the Chief position.

COUNTY OFFICES AND SANITATION ANNOUNCE HOLIDAY HOURS

Washington County’s government offices will be closed today and tomorrow in observance of the New Year’s holiday. County offices will be open for normal business hours starting Wednesday January second. County offices normal business hours are eight am until four thirty pm Monday thru Friday. City of West Bend residents are also being reminded of the special holiday hours for garbage collection. There will not be any garbage collection either today or tomorrow. Also, the City of West Bend Public Works Office and Organic Drop-off site will be closed today and tomorrow. The garbage and recycling collection schedule for the New Year’s Holiday week will be as follows: Wednesday January second Monday and Tuesday routes will be collected. On Thursday, all Wednesday routes will be collected and finally on Friday, both Thursday and Friday routes will be collected. All residents are asked to cooperate by placing their garbage and recycling at the curb by 6:45 a.m., as crews CANNOT be sent back to those locations where garbage and recycling was not placed out early enough for collection.

New Fire Chief in Newburg

The new year will get started with a new fire chief in Newburg.

Paul Fahey was elected Chief of the Newburg Fire Department at the annual meeting on December 17th. Chief Fahey joined the department in Janurary 1994, Chief Fahey was voted in as President of the organization in Januuary of 1998 a position he held until becoming chief. Chief Fahey was promoted to lieutenant of engine operations in Janurary of 1999, and became a 2nd assistant chief in 2006. Fahey suceeds  Fire Chief Dave Geidel  who announced that he would not be seeking reelection for the postion of fire chief.. Chief Geidel joined the department in July of 1975 and held several postions before becoming  chief of the department in 2009 .

West Bend Man Facing Homicide Charges Following Fatal Accident

Criminal charges including homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle will be entered into court records today against thirty four year old Keith Wiedmeyer  of West Bend following his Christmas Eve head-on collision  into another vehicle in Kewaskum that  killed one person. The crash occurred in the 1000 block of Fond du Lac Ave. near the Gateway Café. 56 year old Pamela Rae Matenaer, of West Bend was a passenger in the rear seat of the southbound vehicle. She was taken by Flight for Life to Froedtert Hospital in Wauwatosa, where she died a short time later from her injuries. Chief Thomas Bishop of the Kewaskum Police Department said anytime a person dies in an accident is tragic, but what makes this worse is the fact it happened on Christmas Eve. Chief Bishop also noted, that although its been many years between OWI offenses, this is not the first time for Wiedmeyer. Two other people in the southbound vehicle were also injured in the crash. For that reason, Chief Bishop said that he is seeking two separate counts of causing injury by intoxicated use of a vehicle against Wiedmeyer. He is being held in the Washington County Jail pending his initial appearance before a judge today.

BOYS AND GIRLS CLUBS RECEIVE GIFT FROM Potawatomi Bingo Casino

The   Boys and Girls Clubs of Washington County received a special Christmas gift this year as they were selected to be one of 10 signature charities announced by Potawatomi Bingo Casino for their annual donation through the Miracle on Canal Street holiday program. 

Jay Fisher, the Executive Director for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Washington said the nice thing about being one of the recipients is that they have already been presented their check in the amount of $32,709. The program through Potawatomi raised over $981,000 during 2012 through special bingo games and the generosity of casino guests. The Council on Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse of Washington County and the Family Center of Washington County were among 20 charities randomly selected immediately after the fundraising total was announced that also received a nice donation. The Boys & Girls Club of Washington County serves youth throughout Washington County at its four locations in West Bend, Kewaskum, Jackson and Hartford.

New certificate Program offered at Moraine Park

Moraine Park Technical College offers students a wide range of career developing courses to choose including Digital Marketing, Interactive Media Design, Human Resources, Tool and Die, Welding, Nursing, Culinary Arts, and many more.  Now, the regional college has a new Industrial Wiring certificate class that starts January 21^st  for this exciting career. The certificate class was created due to industry recommendations and demand.  The Industrial Wiring Certificate is a six-credit course that will be offered on Moraine Park’s West Bend campus. The certificate is designed for people with little or no background in industrial wiring. Students will be introduced to the fundamentals of electrical motor control components, circuits, and systems found in industrial and manufacturing settings. Marcia Arndt, Moraine Park dean of Manufacturing Technology said that when the demand in manufacturing grows, so does the need for electrical maintenance in manufacturing equipment.  According to Arndt, the two courses in this certificate are directly transferable to Moraine Park’s Electricity Technical Diploma for students interested in furthering their education in this field. For more information, or to register contact Moraine Park Technical College.

Christmas Eve Fire Damages Home

The West Bend Fire Department was busy on Christmas Eve as they responded to a house fire on south Main Street near Badger Middle School. According to Batallion Chief John Spartz of the West Bend Fire Department the fire started at about 9:30 p.m. and was called into the department by someone walking down the street who noticed smoke coming from the attic..  The exact cause of the fire hasn’t been determined and is still under investigation, although fire fighters initially think faulty electricity may be the source. The homeowners were not at home at the time and there were no injuries. The total cost of the damage has not been determined. The Newburg Fire Department assisted  West Bend in putting out the fire.

ARGUMENT LED TO SON’S MURDER OF HIS FATHER

An argument on Friday night between a 37-year-old son and his 76 year old father apparently over the son’s purchase of a tractor trailer led to the son killing his father.  Beau J. Musial, from Richfield appeared in a Washington County   Court room on Wednesday and was charged with first-degree intentional homicide in the slaying of his father. Judge Andrew Gonring set cash bail of $700,000 and ordered Musial to be given an evaluation to determine if he is mentally competent to stand tri al. According to the criminal complaint, Beau Musial called 911 at about 9:20 p.m. Friday night and admitted to killing his father at their home in Richfield. The two men had argued about the son's purchase of a tractor-trailer moments before the younger Musial repeatedly punched his father and sliced his neck with a serrated knife. The complaint does not specifically indicate whether the two men argued about the cost of the tractor-trailer or if the son had asked his father for money to help pay for the purchase. Beau Musial told a Washington County sheriff's detective that his father became unconscious after the beating. The son said he was angry and "couldn't take it anymore" so he walked into the kitchen and grabbed the knife. After returning to the dining room, Beau Musial cut his father's throat using a sawing motion seven or eight times. When Sheriff’s deputies arrived at the home, they found the elderly Musial's body upright in a chair. A blood-spattered knife was in the kitchen sink. 76 year old Jerome Musial was pronounced dead at the scene. A hearing is scheduled for January 23,  before Washington County Circuit Judge Andrew Gonring. Unfortunately, this was not the first time there was a violent incident between the son and his father, according to a state criminal on-line record, in August 2006, Beau Musial was convicted of misdemeanor battery of his father in a May 2006 incident.

ALCOHOL SUSPECTED IN FATAL CAR ACCIDENT

It was anything but a Merry Christmas on Monday as a traffic accident claimed the life of a fifty six year old woman. According to Kewaskum Police Chief Thomas Bishop, at approximately 9:50pm they responded to a three car accident on Fond du Lac Avenue (Hwy 45) north of County Highway H. A witness reported that a vehicle was traveling northbound on Fond du Lac Avenue at an extremely high rate of speed and crossed the centerline striking a southbound vehicle head-on in the area of Gateway Café.  Inside the car that was struck were three passengers.  The passenger in the rear of the vehicle, fifty six year old Pamela Rae Matenaer, was seriously injured and flown on Flight for Life to Froedert Hospital in Milwaukee.  She died a short time later from her injuries.  The other passengers received non life threatening   injuries. The driver of the first vehicle received some minor injuries.  Alcohol and speed are believed to be the factors of the crash. The suspects name is not being released until formal charges are issued by the Washington County District Attorney’s Office.

The Kewaskum Police Department was assisted on scene by the Washington County Sheriff’s Department’s Accident Reconstruction Unit.

NEW PASSING POLICY TO BE IMPLEMENTED IN WEST BEND HIGH SCHOOLS

Attention students attending high school in West Bend. Starting next fall, you won’t be able to simply pass your way through high school. West Bend high schools will be requiring all students to earn a certain number of credits in each grade before being allowed to  pass on to the next level.  School officials are hoping that this new policy will “catch” students who maybe struggling much earlier in the semester so that help can be provided in order to keep them on track with the rest of their class and graduate on time. Traditionally, students in elementary school have been kept back if not achieving to their grade level, but that has not been true for high school students. Al Pauli Chief Academic Officer for the school district said. “It seems some students do not pay attention to the credit requirements for graduation until they are in the last part of their junior or even into their senior year and then there is a scramble to get them in.  Pauli feels this new policy will be a change, as they will be retaining students who don’t meet the credit requirements to move on their class. In reality that could mean to students,  that even though they have been in high school two years, if they don’t have enough credits, they will still be considered a freshman, and their homeroom and locker assignment will reflect their true academic status. School District Superintendent Ted Neitzke sees this move as a positive step for students. Neitze  said  the  goal of the school district is to prepare all students for college readiness and career success and this is another way to be able to do that. For more information, students or parents are advised to contact their school counselor.

RICHFIELD MAN MAKES COURT APPEARANCE FOR KILLING HIS FATHER

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 26, 2012= VERSION 2

Last Friday night, the Washington County Sheriff’s department, received an unusual phone call. Just after nine pm, a thirty seven year old man from Richfield called and informed the dispatcher that he had killed his father. The man and his 76 year old father lived together in a home on Upland Drive in the Village of Richfield. Deputies responded to the home where the suspect exited the residence and surrendered.  Deputies entered the home where they found the 76 year old homeowner deceased. The man has been charged with first degree intentional homicide. He will be making his initial court appearance today. No one else is in custody in connection with the death. The Washington County Sheriff is not releasing any more information including the suspect’s name.

OLIVE GARDEN LOOKS TO OPEN GERMANTOWN LOCATION

It looks like an Olive Garden restaurant will be coming to Washington County. Village of Germantown Chairman Dean Wolter confirmed prior to the Christmas holiday that an Olive Garden is being proposed

for development on County Line Road and area residents are very excited. Continental Properties is proposing the development in the parking lot of Riversbend Golf Club, Wolter said the property owner is the one that initiated the development. Wolter said that they were looking to do something with their frontage and a deal was cut with the golf course. The developer has already completed preliminary work with the Department of Natural Resources and the Army

Corp of Engineers and they’re ready to present their site plan review to the plan commission. The proposal is expected to be on the Germantown agenda next month. Along with Oliver Garden, a new Buffalo Wild Wings is also expected to be part of the development proposal plans.

RICHFIELD MAN ARRESTED FOR KILLING HIS FATHER

On Friday night at approximately nine twenty pm, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a thirty seven year old man stating he had killed his father.  Deputies responded to an address on Upland Drive in the Village of Richfield where the suspect exited the residence and surrendered.  Deputies entered the residence where they found the 76 year old homeowner deceased. The victim’s 37 year old son who also lived at the residence immediately confessed to the crime and is currently being held in the Washington County Jail on one count of First Degree Intentional Homicide.  There are no other suspects being considered.   The suspect will have his first court appearance on Wednesday. No other information including the suspect’s name are being released by the Sheriff’s Office at this time

FIVE PEOPLE INJURED IN TWO VEHICLE ACCIDENT

On Saturday afternoon at approximately two pm the Washington County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a two vehicle car accident with multiple injuries on Highway 144 at Pine Lane in the Town of Farmington.  Washington County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to the scene along with the Boltonville Fire Department and Kewaskum Rescue.  Upon arrival at scene it was determined that there were five victims and additional assistance was requested from Random Lake Rescue as well as West Bend Rescue and Paramedic Intercept along with  Flight For Life.The investigation revealed that a northbound vehicle driven by a 20 year old Elk Mound man was driving on highway 144 approaching Pine Lane.   A vehicle in front of them was slowing or stopping to wait for a southbound vehicle to pass so they could turn onto Pine Lane.  The car driven by the 20 year old man swerved into the southbound lane of traffic to avoid rear ending the stopped car and was struck by the southbound pickup truck that was driven by a 51 year old man from Plymouth. A total of four passengers were injured in the northbound vehicle.  The driver of the southbound truck was also injured.  Flight For Life transported one 20 year old female to Froedtert Medical Complex with a non life threatening injuries.  The other four patients were transported to St. Josephs Hospital with non life threatening injuries.  The 20 year old Elk Mound man was cited for Operating Left of Center. According to the Sheriff’s report,  all the people involved in the accident were wearing safety belts.  

STORM LEAVES THOUSANDS WITH NO POWER

We Energies crews are reporting that as of one am this morning they have restored power to about 35,000 customers during the snow storm.  As of about 6 this morning, there where still about 5000 customers still waiting for their power back. We Energies spokeswoman Cathy Shultz says its hard because as they get outages restored, more come in.  Shultz also reports that also as of six this morning there are still about 1400 to 1500 customers throughout the greater West Bend area still without power.The weather, including the heavy snow and high winds, is to blame.  Tree limbs are also coming down on wires. Shultz strongly advises you if you see a downed power line do not approach it, as it may still be live. Call any power outages and downed line to WE Energies at 800-662-4797

SHERIFF DEPARTMENT INVESTIGATING HEROIN OVER DOSES

The Washington County Sheriff’s Department was busy Wednesday night prior to the snow storm with two separate cases of heroin overdoses.  The first incident involves a twenty four year old female. According to the sheriff’s report, the woman was found unresponsive by her father in her bedroom shortly after eight pm. He noticed a needle close to his daughter’s body and immediately called 9-1-1. West Bend rescue arrived at the home and upon an initial examination they determined she was dead. The father told authorities that the last time he saw her was at six.  The second over dose case involves a twenty six year old male living on Lusan Drive. His parents found him unconscious in the basement. Sheriff Deputies report that the WEST Bend rescue squad arrived and started CPR and were able to acquire a very weak pulse. The man was transported to the hospital and an ER doctor told deputies and family members that his chances for living were not that good. No further information is available at this time, if he survived. According to records at the sheriff’s department, both the man and woman have prior histories of drug abuse charges, but it is not believed their deaths are related.

Snowstorm impacts West Bend blood donations

Thursday's winter storm has caused the cancellation of several blood drives in the area in which BloodCenter of Wisconsin serves patients in need  and has caused the closing of the West Bend donor center.
Because of the storm, we anticipate an overall shortfall of more than 1,000 units of blood over the next two days in the areas we serve.  Donors are being asked to help ensure there's an adequate blood supply in order to serve all of our hospitals. BloodCenter asks that those who are able to safely keep their scheduled appointments please do so.  If you don't have an appointment, we ask that you take time to schedule an appointment for Saturday, Sunday or Monday.  For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 1-877-BE-A-HERO. In order to ensure we can meet the needs of patients, BloodCenter has extended its donor center hours at several locations this Saturday, Dec. 22.  BloodCenter staff will be on hand until 3:00 p.m. at the West Bend donor center, 130 Valley Avenue.  Because platelets are critically important, our West Bend location will be open BY APPOINTMENT this Sunday, December 23, for platelet donors.
All blood types are needed, but there is a particular need for type O Negative blood, as well as platelets.  O negative is the universal blood type that is used in emergency rooms and on Flight for Life.

THREE PEOPLE ARRESTED AT AREA MOTEL FOR DRUG VIOLATIONS

Three young adults all under the age of twenty one were taken into police custody on Monday night, after an employee at the West Bend Country Inn and Suites notified them of some suspicious forms of identity were used to rent a room. Upon arrival, police questioned the three people and discovered they used false ID’s to acquire the room.  Police also discovered that all three had supplies of drug paraphernalia.  The three people arrested include a nineteen year old female from Allenton on charges of possession of narcotic drugs, possession of a controlled substance without a prescription and possession of drug paraphernalia. A twenty year West Bend man is also charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of narcotic drugs, while the third person, a twenty year old man from Neenah is facing multiple charges including possession of drug paraphernalia and narcotic drugs including marijuana and for carrying a concealed weapon. A knife was found in his pocket upon a search by police.

January deadline for proposed new water supply in Town of Jackson

On December third, one hundred fifty families in the town of Jackson filed a lawsuit against West Shore Pipe Line Company seeking compensation for loss of property value and other damage, as well as health and emotional impacts from the gasoline spill that occurred on July 17^th.  Now just prior to Christmas, The DNR has given another surprise gift to the company. A deadline of January fourth has been set for West Shore Pipe Line to recommend a new water supply for Town of Jackson residents whose wells have been contaminated from the gasoline pipeline spill. According to Eric Nitschke, Southeast Regional Director for the DNR a letter was mailed to town residents last week informing them that West Shore Pipe Line and its engineering consultant, Arcadis U.S. , must submit an analysis of feasible supply options and recommend one new source no later than January fourth. West Shore will be required to provide a new permanent water supply at a minimum to residents in the current state-designated drinking water advisory area. In November, the town board selected three supply options for West Shore and Arcadis to study. They are: extending Village of Jackson municipal water to the advisory area; establishing a town sanitary district to distribute water either purchased from the village or pumped from a deep well to be built by the town; and creating a series of new private wells to be shared by no more than five households After the January fourth deadline, the DNR will take public comments for 60 days and hold at least one public information meeting in early February on the feasibility study. Nitschke said that the two-month comment period will provide additional time for monitoring groundwater in the area around the spill. The town board will be given until March eighth to recommend an option if it does not support the West Shore proposal. Finally, on March 29^th , the DNR will announce its selection of a long-term water supply for the advisory area and order West Shore to implement the plan.

Common Council approves increase in taxi fares

It is going to cost you a few more cents next year to ride the West Bend Shared Taxi Service as fares will be increasing by fifty cents starting in January. The West Bend Common Council  has approved the 2013 budget for the service, which was hit by a three percent reduction in the available subsidy grants from the federal government. The 2013 budget for the Shared-Ride Taxi is $856,175, which is up almost fourteen thousand dollars from this year.. Fares will increase from three fifty to four dollars for adult riders and from two fifty to three dollars for seniors and disabled adults. City officials are assuring passengers that the city taxi program will maintain the same level of service it had in 2012. The increase can be traced back to the results of the 2010 U.S. Census. Because of population growth, West Bend was re-categorized as an urban area rather than a rural community, which it held for the past 14 years.

Washington County is also raising its taxi service fares by 25 cents for 2013. In 2012, the local taxi service provided 122,000 rides, an annual figure that steadily increased in the service’s first 10 years and leveled off the past five years.” The last rate increase for the shared-ride service was 2009. The elderly and disabled make up the largest percentage of ridership at seventy percent. The good news is youth rates will remain the same at three dollars per trip.

CITY OFFICIALS BEGIN PLANS FOR NEW BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION

Members of the West Bend Common Council Monday night gave their authorization for the city Engineering Department head Judy Neu to begin advertising for bids on a one hundred eighty foot elevated footbridge even though the city  is still waiting for final approval to start the project from the state DOT. The new bridge will replace the abandoned, 90- foot, enclosed pedestrian bridge that once linked North Main Street with the West Bend Outlet Mall. The mall was removed in 2007, leaving the elevated footbridge closed and deteriorating above the Milwaukee River. The new bridge is expected to cross the river at its previous location, plus it also will cross above Veterans Avenue ending with a ramp onto the city’s new parking lot located just south of the new Wisconsin Art Museum. NYE says the bridge project is expected to take 120 days to complete. She is hoping to start construction in mid March and be finished by July, but she says it all depends on the final approval receipt from the DOT. NYE says most of the construction is actually pre-fabricated.The art museum, Downtown West Bend Association and city officials all expect the bridge to provide an economic boost. The museum estimates it will draw 40,000 visitors annually, with the bridge conveniently offering quick access to the shops and restaurants along downtown Main Street.

MAN SOUGHT BY SHERIFF FOR POSSIBLE GIFT CARD FRAUD

The Washington County Sheriff’s office is investigating a case of gift card fraud that occurred over the weekend. According to the sheriff’s department criminal activity report, Matthew Bourke found an ad on Craig’s List for a one hundred dollar Walmart gift card. He answered the ad and negotiated a price of fifty five dollars with twenty three year old Travis J Rose. He agreed to meet Rose at the East Side Mobil gas station.  Bourke saw the actual card and called into Walmart to verify that there was a one hundred dollar amount on the card. At some point during the transaction, Rose switches the card and Bourke finds out that the card actually has a zero balance on it when he attempts to use it. The investigation is active and sheriff deputies are attempting to locate Travis Rose.

PAPER AIRPLANE FUNDRAISER AT SILVERBROOK MIDDLE SCHOOL

Silverbrook Middle School Student Council, National Junior Honor Society, and the Kiwanis sponsored Builders' Club are sponsoring a fundraiser for the Sandy Hook Elementary Community in Newtown, Connecticut at lunch periods throughout this week. For one dollar, students can purchase a specially marked piece of gold paper to make a paper airplane. At halftime of the Staff vs. Student Basketball game on Friday, each student will throw their airplanes from their seat. The 10 airplanes that are the closest to the middle of the Viking emblem will win a 45-minute pizza lunch for themselves and one friend!!! Students can purchase as many planes as they would like or just make a donation. All proceeds will go to support Sandy Hook Elementary School.  The public is also invited to purchase a plane, which you can fly yourself, or designate a student to fly it for you.For more information or to purchase a special gold paper plane  call Silverbrook Middle School at 335-5499

FIRE DESTROYS POLE SHED IN TOWN OF HARTFORD

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the St. Lawrence Fire Department responded to the scene of a structure fire on Clover Road in the Town of Hartford at about one twenty Monday morning. Carl Schwendimann, the property owner advised officials an outbuilding of his was fully engulfed in flames. Upon arriving at the scene, a deputy was able to assist in evacuating one animal from the building while the St. Lawrence Fire Department worked on extinguishing the fire with assistance from the Allenton, Slinger, Hartford and West Bend fire departments. The building was a metal pole shed approximately 50’ x 80’ with a wall in the middle dividing the building into two sections. Authorities say the west section of the pole shed was used for cold storage and animal shelter while the east section was used as a working shop. Officials say the fire originated in the shop area of the shed  in the vicinity of a homemade wood stove which according to the report was last tended to at 11:25 PM Sunday night. The building and its contents are a total loss, with a damage estimate exceeding $100,000. There were no injuries as a result of the fire and the only animal in the building was evacuated safely.

POLICE ARREST TEENAGE GIRL FOR VIOLENT BEHAVIOR

A young fourteen year old girl from West Bend became so violent over the weekend that police were forced to take her into custody. According to West Bend Police Lieutenant Hartwell,on Saturday afternoon at about four thirty,  the girl was in a very heated argument with her father. At one point, it turned physical, as she made some fists and punched him several times. She then grabbed a bottle and hit him on the head causing the bottle to break. The girl then stabbed her father in the hand with a piece of broken glass. Police controlled the young girl and took her the secured detention facility. She is charged with battery, disorderly conduct and recklessly endangering safety.

In a related event from the police files this weekend, a twenty nine year old man from West Bend was arrested on Saturday night on charges of disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. According to the police report, they were called to a residence on the city’s South East Side at about six twenty when a neighbor was disturbed about the man’s threatening attitude. When police arrived, the man initially refused them to enter his apartment. After some discussions, the man came out and lunged at police screaming. Police were forced to tase him in order to bring him under control and arrest him.

PROBATION FOR TEEN IN ARROW SHOOTING CASE

 Seventeen year-old Casey Bennett was sentenced to three years of probation and 300 hours of community service on Monday for shooting an arrow that pierced a seven-year-old girl in the back last May. Bennett was charged with a felony count of second-degree reckless injury and a misdemeanor count of resisting an officer. Bennett told authorities he was shooting at squirrels in May when a stray arrow hit seven year-old Aryanna Schneeberg in the back.  Bennett also said he panicked when he hit the girl with the arrow. Prosecutors say that Bennett initially denied shooting the arrow, and that he didn't come forward because he was scared. Schneeberg was playing outside her Campbellsport home at the time of the incident. Doctors said she was lucky to be alive after the arrow sliced through her spleen, stomach, diaphragm and lung before stopping at her liver. Other conditions of the probation include writing an apology to Schneeberg and her family, an apology to the Sheriff's Department.

FATAL FIRE AT POPULAR TAVERN

A fire during the early morning hours on Saturday claims the life of seventy year old Richard Winter.  According to the Washington County Sheriff’s report a passing motorist called telling them he saw flames coming out of a first story window at Dick’s Club 144, in the Town of Farmington.  Boltonville and West Bend Fire Departments were dispatched to the scene. Fire units from Fillmore, Kewaskum, Newburg, Beechwood, Kohlsville and Silver Creek also responded and assisted at the scene. While emergency units were responding to the scene, they learned that there was a person trapped inside the second story of the building.  The second story is used as an apartment and was occupied by a male and female. The couple was awoken by smoke coming from the first story. Winter’s went down stairs to investigate the fire where he collapsed. Winter’s spouse seventy four year old Dorthy Mae Downs escaped the residence by going to a second story balcony, where she was rescued by West Bend Firefighters.  Boltonville Firefighters immediately entered the engulfed first story and located the seventy year old Winter’s had deceased. It is unknown if there were functioning smoke detectors at the time of the fire, however, Downs indicated that she was alerted to the fire by the smell of smoke. The building and contents are considered to be a total loss; however a dollar estimate is not available at this time. The tavern portion of the building was closed at the time of the fire. The fire remains under investigation by the Boltonville Fire Department and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.  Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) and the State Fire Marshall’s are assisting at the scene.

ROTARY CLUB CANCELLS KETTLE MORAINE JAZZ FESTIVAL

The slow to recover economy has produced another fatality. The West Bend Sunrise Rotary club has announced that after fifteen years they are cancelling the annual Kettle Moraine Jazz Festival. Kirk Emerich, the chairman for the jazz festival committee said through ticket sales, sponsorship, and other revenue generating methods, the jazz festival has returned more than $380,000 in net revenue to the community and an assortment of programs in southeastern Wisconsin, nationally, and
internationally.  However, due to a variety of factors, the last two years of the festival have operated at a loss, with the West Bend Sunrise Rotary Club covering the expenses of producing the festival from its reserves. With a need to produce events and coordinate activities that raise funds to support community programs, the board of the West Bend Sunrise Rotary and Club members made the difficult decision to stop production of the Kettle Moraine Jazz Festival.  This choice was not made lightly, as the event is a labor of love not only for club members, but also for all that are involved in putting on the festival.  A variety of scenarios were evaluated and after much discussion, it was determined that continuing was not fiscally responsible. People that purchased tickets for the 2013 festival will be receiving a refund check in the next week.

SLINGER VILLAGE BOARD MEETING TONIGHT

Twas the week before Christmas and all through the Village of Slinger every creature was stirring including the members of the Village Board. Tonight there is a regularly scheduled meeting which contains a rather light agenda. Residents from the Village of Slinger are welcome to attend the meeting and address the board with any questions or comments. Under new business, board members will react on a few resolutions including amending the 2012 budget of the Village of Slinger and a resolution in support of the preservation of tax exempt financing. The board will also approve or deny the application of bartending licenses for four residents. Only one village staff member is scheduled to give a report. The Slinger Village Engineer will give an update on the Kettle Moraine Drive, Overlook drive reconstruction project with the DOT. Tonight’s meeting begins at six at the Slinger Municipal building located at 300 Slinger Road.

KEWASKUM MAN CHARGED WITH SEVENTH OWI OFFENSE

 Fifty three year old Wayne Sutton from Kewaskum apparently has not learned his lesson following six previous OWI convictions. Sutton is now been charged with his seventh offense operating while intoxicated and for having a prohibited alcohol concentration following a motorcycle accident  that injured a 20-year-old woman on June 25^th. Sutton appeared in Washington County room before Judge James Muehlbauer’s with his attorney on Wednesday. Sutton is charged with six felonies including OWI, OWI causing injury, operating with a prohibited alcohol content, prohibited alcohol content causing  injury by intoxicated use of a vehicle and injury by use of a vehicle with a Prohibited alcohol concentration. According to the criminal complaint, when Washington County Sheriff’s deputy Bryon Vandlen arrived at a town of Wayne home early on June 25^th he found a motorcycle lying in

a driveway along with a woman with head injuries. He also noticed Sutton sitting on a retaining wall near the driveway. Sutton told Deputy Vandlen that he was northbound on Highway W when a vehicle pulled from a stop sign and cut him off, but Vandlen said that was  not possible based on the initial findings of his investigation. Vandlen determined that Sutton was southbound on Highway W north of Main Street when his motorcycle struck a guardrail, went off the road and into the driveway. Vandlen said he could detect a strong odor of alcohol from Sutton, who denied drinking anything. Sutton will have a preliminary hearing at 2:30 p.m. on January tenth. Sutton has six convictions for OWI since Feb. 14, 2002. If convicted, Sutton faces a maximum sentence of fifty years in prison and $120,000 in fines.

HOUSING SALES IN WASHINGTON COUNTY CONTINUE INCREASING

November sales of existing homes in the four county Metropolitan Milwaukee housing market which includes Milwaukee, Washington, Ozaukee and Waukesha were up 24 point two percent compared to November 2011.  1202 homes sold vs. 968 in November 2011. Mike Ruzika, the President of the Greater Milwaukee Realtors Association says the numbers in Washington County helped contribute to that increased figure. In Washington County, 114 homes were sold in November, comprising nine percent of the total homes sold in the Milwaukee metro area. Ruzika says realtors are keeping a close eye on the pending fiscal cliff as its impact on home buying market is not known. At the end of the third quarter, the GMAR predicted that year-end sales would top 15,000 units.  With the strong fall market 15,000 units is all but assured and 16,000 is very possible.  The last time the Milwaukee market sold more than 16,000 units in a year was 2007, the beginning of the real estate recession. Ruzika suggests if you are thinking of selling, you should contact a realtor and get the process started.

SLINGER TEEN FACING MULTIPLE CRIMINAL CHARGES

A shoplifting incident from the West Bend Fleet Farm store on Wednesday afternoon wound up costing a teenager from Slinger more than just a citation. According to West Bend Police Lieutenant Michael Hartwell, police were called to the store just after three o’clock to assist in capturing the teenager. Store authorities informed police that the nineteen year old man was observed cutting open a knife package and placing a knife inside his pants. When confronted by store security, he refused to return to the store and threatened to tase the agent. He ran away. Police were able to track him down a few blocks away. A struggle took place as officers attempted to arrest him, the young man kicked the door of the squad car several times and then spit in the face of one of the officers as he attempted to put a seat belt on him. Once in custody at the city jail he was booked on charges of retail theft, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, carrying a concealed weapon, criminal damage to property,  and discharging bodily fluids at an officer.

Glacier Hills Credit Union to  Close North Branch Location

Glacier Hills Credit Union is closing its north branch on Highway 33 in West Bend. Members received a notification letter in the mail this week. The credit union leases a portion of the building at

18 East  Highway 33. The lobby of the credit union will close December 29 and the drive up will close March second. Glacier Hills marketing Director Travis Livingood said they conducted a year long study on traffic patterns and customer transactions at their three branches. The result of the study led them to decide to close the north branch. All the employees at the north side branch will remain with the company as they will be transferred to the branch on South Main Street in West Bend. Glacier Hills also has another branch located at 1025 East Sumner Street in Hartford.

POWER OUTAGE CANCELS AFTERNOON CLASSES

An equipment malfunction at a utility pole cut power to about 470 West Bend customers at about eleven am on Wednesday morning, which wound up giving students at Decorah Elementary School and West Bend East and West the afternoon off. West Bend School Suprintendent Ted Neitzke, said that just before the power went out at Decorah there was a power surge. Not knowing how long it would take to restore electricity, the decision was made to cancel afternoon classes and after-school activities at both the elementary school and the two high schools. Power was restored shortly after one pm. Classes are expected to resume today.

WEST BEND HIGH SCHOOLS TO OFFER TWO NEW PROGRAMS

Members of the West Bend School Board approved two new programs for the high schools at their meeting earlier this week. One is on the academic level and the other is on a sports level. On an academic level, students will soon be able to credits for making springs. West Bend School Superintendent Ted Neitzke announced that a contract was signed with Spiros Industries in the Town of Wayne. The program should start in the fall. For sports, move over football, basketball, baseball, swimming and other traditional sports, because the board unanimously approved the school’s newest sport…. Trapshooting. 

The idea was born about six months ago when Randy Stark, the team captain of the West Bend Barton Sportsman’s Club Youth Trap Shooting League, approached the athletic department about creating a

trap shooting team associated with the high schools. He wanted to incorporate an existing team with the athletic department so that,

instead of merely recreational or club shooting, students could compete on a varsity level. According to Scott Stier, West Bend West Athletic Director, the students would have to follow the athletic code. The program would not cost the district a penny. Instead, students would be asked to pay an activities fee of twenty five dollars just as they would for bowling or skiing. One of the prerequisites for competing on the team is the completion of a hunter safety class. School Board President Randy Marquardt noted that the state Department of Natural Resources allows students to earn some high school credit for completing the course online.   There is no set date at this point as to when the trapshooting sport would start.

JUVENILE ALCOHOLIC PARTY LEADS TO SUICIDAL THREAT

A young man from Newburg put police and his friends into a scary situation during the early morning hours on Sunday after attending a party in Saukville that featured alcoholic drinks. According to the Washington County Sheriff’s report, Steven Damrow attended the party and became very intoxicated and left the party. A short time later he returned and allegedly pointed a gun at some of the party guests. Saukville police were dispatched to the home. Prior to their arrival, Damrow left again and reportedly returned to his home on Highway 33. At this point, he supposedly began making suicidal posts on facebook aimed at the hosts of the party. It is believed that two other persons were with Damrow and that he took away their cell phones. Saukville police led the investigation and informed Washington County Sheriff Deputies that they spoke with Alex Damrow, Steven’s father and he told them that Steven and his friends were passed out. It was expected that both Saukville Police and the Washington County Sheriff’s office would be following up with the Damrow’s and look into filing charges of disorderly conduct and underage drinking against Steven Damrow along with possible underage drinking citations to the other people from the party.

WEST BEND CERTIFIED SHOVEL READY BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SITE

Some very good news was delivered to elected officials in the City of West Bend on Tuesday. West Bend has been designated as the first community in Wisconsin as having a certified, shovel ready site for new business development. The certification was authorized by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation which contracted with Deloitte Consulting to conduct the site investigations.  The site is the first and only site to be certified in the metropolitan Milwaukee region. The 72-acre site dedicated for this project is located off Paradise Drive on the city's south side with easy access to US-45 only minutes away. West Bend Economic and Community Development Director T.J. Justice said this places West Bend in a unique status with other communities in the region in terms of business attraction. "It saves potential businesses time and money when they know a site exists that already has what they need and they don't need to take my word for it," he explained. The certification was a priority item placed on Justice when he was appointed by the common council in early 2012. Mayor Craig Sadownikow acknowledged Governor Scott Walker and the WEDC for its leadership in creating the certification program which is a statewide effort to place Wisconsin at a stronger level of competition with other states for business attraction.  Justice emphasized that it was a collaborative effort between several departments and state entities that made this project possible. Justice also pointed out that by being the first community to obtain the 'Certified in Wisconsin' status, City of West Bend staff and officials have provided site selectors and growth companies requiring immediate location solutions the confidence that Washington County communities know how to get deals done,

SMALL BRUSH FIRE AT REGNER PARK PAVILION

Careless use from someone’s smoking material is believed to be the source of a leaves fire under the pavilion at Regner Park on Saturday afternoon. According to West Bend fire department Lieutenant Andrew Whitmore, the fire was called into 9-1-1 by some people who were in the park. The leaves were on fire in an area where picnic tables are stored for the winter. The fire was contained and no major damage was reported to the pavilion or the park benches and tables.

Court rejects $125,000 jury award over hair in food

A man from West Bend found it very hard to digest a steak in 2008 from a local restaurant that an angry cook had stuffed with hidden facial or pubic hairs. Now, Kevin Hansen won't be enjoying the $125,000 a jury awarded him over the intentional food tampering either. The state Court of Appeals ruled last week that a Washington County judge erred when he implied a jury finding of causal negligence on the part of Texas Roadhouse restaurant. Without that, there was nothing to support the jury's award of $100,000 in punitive damages, and $25,000 in compensatory damages for Hansen. Ryan Kropp a cook at the restaurant at the time told police he was angry because he believed Hansen was "just trying to get free stuff" and hid a wad of facial hair in a slit he cut into the new steak. A co-worker told police Kropp had claimed he used pubic hairs. Hansen took the steak home and didn't discover the hair until the next day. Kropp pleaded guilty to putting foreign objects in edibles and was sentenced to six months in jail and two years of probation. Hansen wound up suing the restaurant, but the jury's 2010 verdicts seemed to reflect some confusion, awarding the $125,000 while rejecting the idea the restaurant was negligent. Circuit Judge Andrew Gonring upheld the jury’s original award on the theory that the jury clearly wanted to punish the business for not firing the cook Ryan Kropp. Hansen claimed at trial the cook had done similar pranks before.

WEST BEND POLICE DEAL WITH RASH OF DISORDERLY CONDUCTS

Two men from West Bend found themselves sitting in the comforts of the city jail over the weekend after being arrested on separate charges of disorderly conduct. The first arrest happened on Friday night at nine thirty on the city’s north east side. According to Lieutenant Michael Hartwell a twenty seven year old man was in an argument with his girlfriend and another woman. At one point, the man charged at the two women with a can of pepper spray. When police arrived on the scene, they apprehended the man. However, he did not go peacefully, as he spit on officers and kicked the police car several times. He was charged with two counts of disorderly conduct along with three counts of bail jumping. The other case happened Sunday night at nine on the city’s south east side involving a fifty six year old man and his wife. The couple was in an argument over snow that had accumulated on their tv satellite dish. The wife wanted the man to clean it off and he refused. When she attempted to go and clean it, he pushed her down causing her to hit and hurt her head. He was arrested on charges of disorderly conduct and battery.

COUNTY SWAT TEAM DEPLOYED IN GERMANTOWN

A domestic dispute occurring in the early morning hours of Sunday wound up having the Germantown Police asking for assistance from the Washington County Sheriff’s SWAT team. According to Captain Michael Snow of the Germantown Police Department, they responded to a residence on Abbey Court just prior to four am in response to a forty two year old man who had locked himself inside his home after his wife and daughter had run out following a verbal fight between the couple. According to the woman, the man was known to have been in possession of a knife and at one point, threatened to get his shot gun and load it and end it all if police tried to enter the home. Following a tense twenty five minutes of police discussions with the man, he came out of the house and surrendered peacefully without any further incidents. Nobody was injured in the stand-off. As soon as the man was taken into custody, the Germantown Police notified the Sheriff’s Department that the services of the SWAT team would not be needed.

WINTER MAKES ITS FIRST APPEARANCE OF THE SEASON

Many drivers faced snow covered and slippery roads as they hit the highways north of Milwaukee Sunday afternoon. The season's first snowfall made driving tricky, especially for people trying to make it up to Lambeau Field for the game. Snow covered the ground in West Bend. Some homeowners decided to get out the shovels, something they haven't done in nine months.  In Washington County, highway department crews hit the road as rain turned into snow, with thick wet flakes piling up on the roads and highways .According to Lieutenant Stasser of the Washington County Sheriff’s Department it was a busy day. Between seven fifteen Sunday morning and six fifteen Sunday night there was a reported 25 vehicles in ditches with three of those accidents involving personal injury.

FIRE DESTROYS GARAGE AND CHICKEN COOP

Fire destroyed two structures at the residence of Wesley Weinhold and Peggy Cadigan  at 8975 Fillmore Saturday evening, in the Town of Farmington. The Washington County Sheriff’s office was contacted by one of the homeowners around 10:20pm reporting that they returned home and noticed a chicken coop at their residence was on fire. The Fillmore Fire Dept responded. They were assisted by units from the Boltonville Fire Dept.  Prior to emergency crews arriving on scene, the owners reported the fire had spread to a garage on the property as well. The garage was a twenty by twenty foot structure used as a shop and storage area. It was not attached to the residence, but was in close proximity to the chicken coop. No one was injured, but both structures and their contents were a total loss. The buildings were insured but a total dollar amount of the loss was not available.

The cause of the fire does not appear suspicious and is believed possibly related to a heat lamp that was on in the chicken coop at the time. Emergency crews remained on scene for several hours while the fire was extinguished.

Home Owners- Wesley Weinhold and Peggy Cadigan   8975 Fillmore Rd.

KEWASKUM VILLAGE BOARD MEETING TONIGHT

Members of the Kewaskum Village Board have a regular scheduled meeting for tonight. An opportunity for citizens to address the board will be presented at the front end of the agenda. Heads of the various village departments will make reports including fire Chief Mark Groeschel who will discuss and ask the board for possible actions on adopting the revised by-laws of the Kewaskum Fire Department. Chief Groeschel will also seek ratifying the appointment of officers to the fire department. Other department heads scheduled to make reports are Kewaskum police chief Thomas Bishop and Director of Public Works Jerry Gilles. Six different committee chairpersons will also present their reports including Richard Knobel of the Administrative committee with a recommendation on the payment of bills. Others slated to report are Craig Garbisch for the Parks and Recreation committee and Jim Hovland with an update on the plan commission. Under new business, the board will discuss and possibly act on wage rates for non-represented employees including any part-time employees. The meeting starts at seven pm in the Council room of the Kewaskum Municipal building on First Street.

BADGER MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT CAUGHT WITH KNIFE

A potentially ugly and scary situation at Badger Middle School on Tuesday morning was avoided due to the responsible actions of some students. School Principal Kurt Becker reports that school officials have referred a male student to the West Bend Police Department after he brought a pocketknife to school. According to Badger Middle School Principal Kurt Becker there were not any threats made and at no time were any students in any danger. Becker said the student showed the knife to others and was talking about it. A short time later, the students reported it to staff. Becker  is commending those students for immediately reporting the situation and he says it was due to their responsible reactions that the school staff was able to get the situation under control before the start of the school day. Becker said the student’s family had been contacted along with school counselors and he added that an email has been sent out to parents to insure them that the school’s primary focus is the safety of all of their students.

BATTERY CASE DELAYED FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION

A 31-year-old Justin Enders from Hartford who was  charged with substantial battery intending bodily harm, which is a felony along with disorderly conduct  after he allegedly beat a man in front of The Mineshaft in Hartford during the early morning hours of September 16^th,  had his case delayed for further investigation. Enders appeared with his lawyer in Washington County Circuit court before Judge James Pouros’ on Wednesday. His lawyer told Judge Pouros new things have come to light in regard to the case and he requested an adjournment for further investigation. Enders’ next court appearance will be at 2:45 p.m. on January 16th.  According to the criminal complaint, Hartford Police Sergeant Michael Cummings was on foot patrol at 2:30 a.m. Sept. 16 when he saw two men approach The Mineshaft. When officer Cummings looked toward the front door of the Mineshaft, he saw Enders punching a man. Cummings ran toward the fight and Enders continued to punch the man in the head. Enders stepped back and kicked the man in the face. Officer Cummings tased Enders, who then fell and hit his head on the sidewalk. Cummings said it appeared Enders had a broken nose. Both Enders and the victim were taken to Aurora Medical Center in Hartford. The victim sustained a fractured nose and a black eye. . Enders’ next court appearance will be at 2:45 p.m. on January 16th. If convicted, Enders faces a maximum sentence of more than three years in prison and more than ten thousand dollars in fines.

RADIOTHON AUCTION BENEFITS UNITED WAY

For the fourth year in a row WBKV AM and our sister station WBWI 92.5 FM are producing a radio thon to benefit the United Way of Washington County. The event will take place tomorrow from ten am until one pm on our stations. It will feature over forty items for you to bid on. Karin Westerlund, the Community Impact Coordinator of the United Way is quite excited over the many items that will be available to bid on tomorrow. Westerlund says some of the items include autographed Brewer baseballs; a snow tubing party, a six month membership to the Kettle Moraine YMCA and many more. In addition to the Radio Thon a Winterfest event will take place at Spaulding Clinical Research on Silverbrook Drive that will also benefit the United Way of Washington County. For more details on the items for biding you can visit our website link at: Unitedwayofwashingtoncounty.org  In addition to the radio thon auction on Saturday, a Winterfest event will take place at Spaulding Clinical Research located at 525 South Silverbrook Drive in West Bend.

FIRE DAMAGES HOME IN TOWN OF ADDISON

A wood furnace is initially thought to be the cause of a house fire in the Town of Addison early Thursday morning. Authorities report that the fire broke out at just prior to one thirty in the basement of a home located at 5286 Indian Drive. Fire Officials say numerous articles of personal property were within a close proximity of the working wood furnace igniting and spreading flames to other nearby property. Fire officials say the flames were contained to the property in the basement near the wood furnace and floor rafters above the furnace. Authorities say the home suffered smoke damage, but the exterior of the structure was not damaged as a result of the fire. Fire officials also say the home had smoke detector but none were in working condition. There were no injuries sustained as a result of the fire.

Man Threatens Dairy Workers With Gun

A 24-year-old man from Adell who was discovered to be in country illegally is facing federal firearms and immigration charges after he allegedly entered a milking parlor at a dairy farm on Orchard Valley Road in the town of Farmington and threatened workers with a gun. According to the Washington County Sheriff’s Department news release The man entered the barn at two am on the morning of November 27^th . Witnesses in the barn said he was demanding to speak with someone who worked at the farm. When the witnesses stated that subject was not there, the man from Adell displayed a handgun and pointed it at them.  After several minutes, the man left the farm. Deputies developed information and discovered that the suspect lived in the Town of Scott in Sheboygan With the assistance from the Sheboygan County Sheriff’s deputies the man was located and placed under arrest.  During questioning, the man admitted to possessing a firearm, and Sheriff’s deputies suspected he was intoxicated. He also said he was in the United States illegally. He was booked into the Washington County Jail on two charges of endangering safety by reckless use of a weapon and carrying a concealed weapon. Sheriff’s deputies contacted the Immigration and Customs Enforcement and they verified the man’s illegal status. The Washington County District Attorney will not pursue state charges. However, the man who was turned over to federal authorities will be charged with federal firearms and immigration charges.

CAR vs. TREE ACCIDENT

Two elderly women were taken to hospitals to be treated for medical conditions after the car they were traveling in crashed into a tree. According to the Washington County Sheriff’s report,  63 year old Kathleen V Paur and 81 year old  Betty J Miklavzina were driving
around looking at Christmas decorations when Kathleen apparently had a seizure.  She left the roadway, struck a mailbox, crossed over Biramwood Drive and struck a tree in the yard at 3647 Biramwood Drive. Upon arrival and some initial questioning regarding the accident,  Kathleen admitted to having seizures more frequently as of late.  Kathleen was taken to St Joseph’s hospital for non life threatening injuries. Her friend, Betty was taken
to the Milwaukee County Medical Complex for issues related to congestive heart failure.  Both women were talking while at the scene. Sheriff officials do not have further updates on the health conditions of the two women.

SEARCH BEGINS FOR NEW CITY DIRECTOR POSITION

On Monday night, the West Bend Common Council agreed to have Mayor Kraig Sadownikow along with three aldermen and West Bend’s interim human resources director review applicants for the newly created administrative services director post in City Hall. After a consultant’s recommendation to streamline City Hall administration, the Common Council created the administrative services director position to oversee the city’s budgeting process and the offices of Assessor, Clerk, Finance, Human Resources and Information Services, reporting to the city administrator. According to city administrator Dennis Melvin the job was posted two weeks ago,

with Friday the deadline to accept applications. The search committee will complete its duties to recommend an administrative services director then the Common Council will turn its attention to finding a new city administrator. Last month Melvin announced he will retire at the end of this year. The Common Council also is in the process of selecting a director of public works, another new position, who will oversee the city’s departments of Public Works, Engineering, Vehicle Maintenance and both Water and Sewer utilities, reporting directly  to the city administrator.

VILLAGE OF JACKSON TO INCREASE ANNUAL TAX LEVY

The village of Jackson’s tax levy will increase by one point seven percent next year, however village officials are saying that it could have been higher if the Village Board had not modified the proposed Joint Parks and Recreation Department fund from $164,000 to $129,000. By the end of the meeting on Monday night, the Village Board adopted a tax levy in an amount of just over three point six million dollars. The tax levy increases from $7.05 per one thousand dollars to $7.15 per one thousand dollars. Before the Village Board modified the tax levy, it adopted the 2013 general fund budget in the amount of $3,414,940 by a four to three vote. The Village Board could have adopted the 2013 property tax levy in the amount of $3,655,833. In that case, the tax levy would have gone up by two point seven  percent, but the proposed tax levy failed by a five-vote majority.

WEST BEND TEACHER WINS ANNUAL EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR

Cathy Wittmann, a West Bend School District teacher at the Washington County Juvenile Detention Center was recently named Educator of the Year by the Wisconsin Juvenile Detention Education Association.  Catherine has a unique position in the school district that sees her teaching in a jail, instead of a school. She has demonstrated an excellent rapport with her students and is willing to do whatever it takes to ensure these kids are successful while they are in her care. The honor for Witmann well deserved, as she has dedicated a good portion of her career towards educating troubled students. Its definitely a challenging position, but one that she finds very rewarding in that it enables her to work with a troubled student and help them succeed. Wittmann says she looks forward to remaining in this position for many years to come as she enjoys the challenges and the kids as well of the fact that every day presents a new challenge.

150 families sue over Jackson-area pipeline spill

One hundred fifty families who own property in the town of Jackson made it official on Monday and filed a lawsuit in Washington County Circuit Court, in response to a July 17^th gasoline pipe line which released at least 55,000 gallons of gasoline and traveled into the groundwater. The law offices of Habush, Habush & Rottier in Milwaukee and the legal firm of Peter G. Angelos in Baltimore are representing the families. The families are asking for a jury trial. The lawsuit seeks compensation for reduced property values, costs of providing a new safe water supply, lost profits and interference with local businesses, as well as mental anguish and loss of use of properties and reduced quality of life.  The lawsuit is asking West Shore Pipe Line Company of Arlington Heights, Illinois and Buckeye Partners L.P. of Breinigsville, Pennsylvania, and Houston, to establish a medical monitoring fund that would screen area residents for cancer. The lawsuit also asks the circuit court to award punitive damages against the companies for failing to prevent the spill and as a deterrent against similar conduct in the future. At the time of the spill in July the half-century-old pipeline system north of the Granville terminal and pump station in Milwaukee County was pumping gasoline at the established maximum operating pressure. As a condition of reopening the line, federal regulators ordered the companies to reduce operating pressure by twenty percent. According to the lawsuit exposure to gasoline and its toxic ingredients, particularly benzene, can cause illness and increase the risk of cancer. Contaminant levels fluctuate in the wells. As of Monday, West Shore reported tests detected benzene in 17 of the 29 wells. Members of families named in the lawsuit already have suffered nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and other ill health effects. Additional families are expected to join the lawsuit.

Motor Vehicle Collision

A sixty two year old man from West Bend was injured on Monday afternoon following a one car collision involving the vehicle he was driving. According to the West Bend Police report,  at 2:45 PM they were called to the Shopko Store on South Main Street to investigate a motor vehicle collision involving a car that struck the building and multiple vehicles in the parking lot. Preliminary investigation indicates that the sixty two year old man experienced a medical emergency while operating the vehicle. He initially drove across the street from the Pick N save parking lot and collided with the Shopko building and then struck several parked unattended vehicles before his vehicle came to a stop. The man sustained a few injuries. The collision is still under investigation by the West Bend Police Department.

HEARTS FOR THE HUNGRY

The 4th and 5th graders at Farmington, Wayne, and Kewaskum Elementary Schools have been very busy making art for a great cause! Students have been giving their time and talents during art classes to create handmade clay heart pins and magnets to be sold to raise money for the Kewaskum Community Food Pantry. The cost for each heart is $5.00. All of the sales from the pins and magnets will go towards food for the food pantry.  Pins and magnets will be on sale before and after the Christmas concerts starting tonight at all three elementary schools. Today’s concerts are at Kewaskum Elementary with two performances at two thirty and six. On December thirteenth the pins and magnets will be sold at concerts performed at Wayne Elementary at two and six thirty. The final opportunity to support the food pantry in Kewaskum will be December 17^th  at the Farmington Elementary holiday concert performances at two and six thirty. Teachers are impressed with everything the students have learned while creating the hearts. They hope the community will open their hearts and give generously to help those in need this holiday season!

Snap Fitness in West Bend Going out of Business

As the final month of 2012 gets underway, there is some sad news on the local business front to report, as the city of West Bend will be losing a business. The owners of Snap Fitness located at 821 South Main Street in West Bend have announced that they will be closing their doors as of Saturday December fifteenth. A letter issued by owners last month to their clients stated that with all the changes in the market and several competitors coming into the area, they have found it hard to compete. Snap Fitness opened in West Bend five years ago. Since that time other similar fitness clubs have opened in West Bend home including Planet Fitness, Anytime Fitness and SWEAT Health and Fitness. Members will have their dues adjusted and their key cards for building entry terminated as of December 15.

Memberships can be transferred to another location including a new Snap Fitness opening on Sumner Street in Hartford in the same strip mall as Sal’s Pizza and Ruben’s County Market.

BARTON MAN CHARGED WITH BREAKING INFANTS ARM

 21-year-old Jesse Byers of Barton appeared in a Washington County Court Room and was charged with one count of Felony-Child Abuse-Intentionally Causing Harm for allegedly breaking an infant’s arm. According to the Washington County Sheriff’s department the charge is the result of an investigation conducted by Sheriff’s Deputies and Detectives that originated on November 16th.  On that date, Barton and the infant’s mother took her two week old daughter to a local clinic for treatment of an injured arm.  Medical staff suspected the injury was not accidental and contacted the Sheriff’s Office for an investigation. The investigation, which included several interviews and a review of medical records, revealed that Barton had broken the infant’s arm in a moment of frustration with the infant’s behavior.  Barton confessed to Detectives about his actions.  At the Initial Court Appearance, Barton was released on a $2500 signature bond until his next court date of January 2, 2013.  The infant has been placed in a secure location by Washington County Human Services.

           UWWC to Participate in UW System Flexible Option

The University of Wisconsin-Washington County has joined the UW

System’s flexible degree program, through which students will be able to earn college credit for knowledge already gained through work or life experience. According to UW-WC Dean Paul Price, the Flexible Option is primarily designed to serve adults who want to obtain a college degree. Dean Price also stated that increasing the number of college graduates will strengthen our local economy by meeting the needs of employers for qualified employees. Students will be able to complete competencies and assessments in biology, chemistry, mathematics, computer science, engineering, physics, psychology, health, exercise science and athletics. Other areas also included are women’s studies, business, political science, English, Spanish, geography, anthropology and sociology, history, art,

and music. The programs will be available as early as fall 2013. For more information about the UW Flexible Option, visits flex dot Wisconsin dot edu or call UW WC at 262- 335-5201.

Festival of Trees

 One of many Washington County holiday traditions takes place this weekend.  The annual Festival of Trees is a beautiful holiday celebration of lights and unique designs. During the weekend of the event, the training center at the Washington County Humane Society will be turned into a magical Christmas wonderland complete with refreshment cafe, continuous holiday entertainment and gift boutique.
The Festival has become a very popular community event with individuals and businesses sponsoring trees, wreaths, swags, and centerpieces, and then decorating them according to a particular theme. Festival-goers will be delighted while strolling along the "snowy" paths, and choosing their favorites for the People's Choice awards. Attendees can also enjoy refreshments from the cafe, and visit the beautiful holiday boutique filled with crafts from artists throughout southeastern Wisconsin. Hours for Festival of Trees will be   10am-9pm on Saturday and 10am to 6pm on Sunday. All proceeds from the event  go towards the care and treatment of animals in the shelter.

Leszynski and  Streicher to be tried separately

Multiple motions were filed by the defense attorneys for Leann Leszynski and Justin Streicher on Wednesday before Judge James Pouros, but in the end, most were denied and the couple will stand trial separately on eight counts in the death of Leszynski’s 3-year-old daughter. The couple’s lawyers filed motions with the court to suppress an illegal search, suppress statements, change the trial venue, sever the defendants’ cases and sever charges. In a set back to the defense, Judge Pouros denied the motion to suppress illegal search and decided all physical evidence will be received. During the hearing District Attorney Mark Bensen called seven witnesses to the stand. All of them were West Bend Police officers or detectives who had contact with Leszynski and Streicher on May first when the body of Leszynski’s 3-year-old daughter Haley was found in the northside apartment Leszynski shared with Streicher. Before Pouros made his decision, DA Mark Bensen asked to deny any suppression of physical evidence, noting officer Michael Ribble’s testimony. He was the first officer on the scene. Ribble said he contacted Leszynski by telephone and Leszynski invited Ribble into the apartment.  Leszynski also gave police written consent to search the apartment. Leszynski and Streicher are both charged with four felonies, neglecting a child consequence is death, maintain a drug trafficking place and two counts of possession of a narcotic drug. They are both charged with four misdemeanor charges of possession of cocaine, possession of THC and two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia. A trial date was set for both Leszynski and Streicher. Leszynski’s trial will be at 8:30 a.m. Feb. 18 Streicher’s jury trial will be at 8:30 a.m. March 18 If convicted, Streicher and Leszynski could face up to 36 years in prison and $137,000 in fines.

STRACHOTA RECEIVES DAIRY BUSINESS AWARD

State Representative Pat Strachota of West Bend was in Madison on Tuesday night, not for any legislative work, but to receive an award. Strachota received the Dairy Business Association’s Legislative Excellence Award.  Representative Strachota is getting ready to return to Madison for the new legislative session and she is quite excited about her new committee assignment which will be the vice chair of the state joint finance committee. Strachota sees a busy upcoming session. One area of concentration she would like to focus on would be bringing more jobs to the state. Representative Strachota stressed that along with her collogues she intends to look at and re-exam the state income tax reform laws during the session. The next legislative session will begin on January seventh and run thru early June of 2013, before a break and then returns for a fall session.

SHERIFF ARRESTS PORT WASHINGTON MAN FOR BAIL JUMPING

Washington County Sheriff Deputies have arrested thirty four year old Thomas Pointkowski from Port Washington on multiple criminal charges following an argument that started at the Players Pub Gentleman’s Club in the town of Trenton. According to Lieutenant Martin Schulteiss of the sheriff’s department,  on Sunday morning Thomas Pointkowski became unruly during a verbal argument with some of the dancers. He left before deputies arrived. They were given a description of his vehicle and the direction he left. The car was stopped at highway 33 and Stockhausen Lane. Apparently Pointkowski, was trying to sell Adderall to the dancers. The car was being driven by his pregnant girlfriend Ashley Albers. During a consent search, a prescription bottle of Aderall was found with a different name on it. Initially Pointkowski denied being at the tavern, however, surveillance videos showed he was there. After further questioning,  Ashley admitted they were there and had gotten into an argument. She also admitted to having taken the prescription meds from a friend’s home in Saukville. Pointkowski was arrested for obstructing justice along with possession of a schedule two narcotic with intent to deliver as well as bail jumping as he was on parole from a previous robbery conviction. His girlfriend Ashley was cited for Obtruction of Justice.

BARN FIRE

Fire destroys a barn located on Jay Road in Ozaukee County in the town of Fredonia on Wednesday night.. The fire occurred just before nine pm. According to officials when they arrived at the property, they found the barn fully engulfed in flames. The barn’s owner advised he was working in the barn when the fire broke out.  All animals, with the exception of three dogs were safely removed from the barn.  17 fire departments responded to the scene.  The cause of this fire has yet to be determined.

                  IT’S THE TASTE OF WASHINGTON COUNTY

                 
Washington County residents can enjoy food from more than 20 area restaurants while helping kids at the annual Taste Of Washington County event thats raised $1.2 million dollars for the Boys and Girls Club of Washington County.

The 2012 Taste of Washington County will begin at 5:30 p.m. tomorrow with an auction preview at the Washington County Fair Park Pavilion in the town of Polk.

The Taste Of Washington County benefits the Boys and Girls Club of Washington County. Boys and Girls Club Executive Director Jay Fisher said he is expecting about 800 people at this year’s event.

All the money raised stays right here in Washington County and helps the kids of the Boys and Girls Club.

The 2012 Taste of Washington County will feature 24 Washington County restaurants, such as the Poplar Inn, Pizza Hut, Texas Roadhouse, and Riverside Brewery and Restaurant, among other restaurants. Wine and beer vendors will also be featured at the event.

The live auction starts at 8:15 p.m. Thirteen items will be auctioned off, including a Milwaukee Brewers spring training package that includes four tickets to two spring training games, airfare and four Visa check cards.

A silent auction will feature 80 items, including four tickets to the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears game December 16th at Solider Field.

Tickets cost $40 and are being sold at the Boys and Girls Club of Washington County and both Pick ’n Save grocery stores in West Bend. Tickets are also available at the door. Attendees should dress in business casual attire.

FIRE DAMAGES SIGNICAST PLANT

A fire on Tuesday morning caused an estimated $150,000 in damages at the Signicast die cast plant in Hartford. Signicast is an injection mold company that makes molds for use in the plastic and wax injection process. Fire officials were called to the scene at about ten am. According to the report, the fire began in a machine and was also running through the machine’s duct work to a second machine. Two machines and the duct work were damaged. Officials estimate total damage at $150,000. A portion of the plant was evacuated during the fire, but the workers normally assigned to the part of the plant affected were moved to other work stations elsewhere in the plant. Eight people needed treatment for smoke inhalation. The fire was brought under control and completely extinguished by noon.

GERMANTOWN HUBER LAW INMATE MAN FOUND DEAD IN MILWAUKEE

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is confirming that Daniel J. Kleinmann of Germantown, who died on November 24th in the City of Milwaukee was a current Huber Law inmate of the Washington County Jail. Kleinmann was first booked into the jail on November 8th on a Hold for the Wisconsin Department of Corrections.  He remained in jail on that status until November 16th when he began serving an eight month sentence for Identity Theft.  That sentence included the possibility of daily release under the Huber Law. On Nov. 19th consistent with jail policy, Kleinmann was released under the Huber Law for a dentist appointment.  Kleinmann did not return to the jail by his scheduled time and a Southeast Wisconsin area Attempt-to-Locate was entered. Additionally, on November 20th a formal Request for Charge of Escape was completed and a Temporary Felony Warrant was entered for him.  It is believed Kleinmann did not attend the dentist appointment and his whereabouts were unknown until his death.

KEWASKUM RAISES TAX LEVY

             
 In Kewaskum the village tax levy will go up 2.9 percent in 2013, largely because of a $114,000 shortfall in the tax incremental district, has residents and board members concerned.

The 2013 budget was ultimately adopted at the Village Board meeting Monday night by a 5-2 vote. Trustees Craig Garbisch and Kevin Scheunemann voted no.

Village Administrator Matt Heiser said the biggest piece of the 2013 budget is a shortfall in the debt payment for the tax incremental district on the village’s south end.

President Andy Pesch said the village is raising taxes because the tax incremental district didn’t develop. If the tax incremental district was developed, it wouldn’t matter and there wouldn’t be a shortfall. He said the village doesn’t budget according to the county.

Trustee Mike Berger said it’s coming to the point where the village will have to reduce services for the people in the village.

Trustee Richard Knoebel said previous village boards used to cut taxes. He said now it’s coming back to bite the current board because that money was never there. He said it’s compounded over the years.



 

PAT STRACHOTA APPOINTED VICE-CHAIR OF JOINT FINANCE COMMITTEE

On Monday Assembly Speaker-Elect Robin Vos appointed Representative Pat Strachota of West Bend as Assembly Vice-Chair on the Joint Finance Committee.

Strachota says she is honored to be appointed and looks forward to serving the residents of the 58^th Assembly District and the people of Wisconsin.

WALKER SAYS HE’S ABSOLUTELY CONFIDENT

Gov. Scott Walker said Monday in an interview with The Associated Press that he remains "absolutely" confident that he is not a subject of a criminal investigation involving former aides in his Milwaukee County office.

Walker, speaking to the AP at his Capitol office, said none of the emails or other evidence revealed by prosecutors for the first time in court last week during the sentencing of his former deputy chief of staff suggest that he's a target of the investigation.

Walker also said he had no knowledge of anyone in his Milwaukee County executive's office doing illegal campaign work and if he had, he would have stopped it.

He also announced  plans to launch a tour across Wisconsin to gather ideas about what should be prioritized in his next state budget and legislative agenda for next year.

Walker announced his "Talk with Walker Tour" on Monday and also launched a web video discussing it. In an interview with The Associated Press, Walker says the goal is to get people involved in the process of putting together his agenda for next year.

Walker has already said he will be focused on five areas. Those include creating jobs, developing the workforce, education and government reforms and investing in roads, railways and other infrastructure needs.

Walker will introduce the next two-year budget in February

WASHINGTON STREET/ HWY 33 CONSTRUCTION PROJECT

Work to repair a damaged electric conduit begins today.

In order to complete the work, the northern westbound lane will be closed from North Street to the west side of the bridge.

In addition, the southbound to westbound right turn lane from Veterans Avenue. Right turns can be made from the southbound through lane. The work will take approximately one week to complete

Motorists are asked to use caution when driving through this area.

CYBER SHOPPING WARNINGS

While Black Friday brings out the brick and mortar shopping crowds, today is Cyber Monday, the start of the shopping season for internet consumers.

The Wisconsin Department Of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection is asking consumers to use care when shopping online this Christmas season.

Web technology and smartphones have revolutionized the way American consumers shop, but with these new tools comes a need for caution.

Cybercriminals will be on the attack over the holiday season, and it’s important to make sure you don’t put your personal information in the wrong hands.

When you enter your personal information into a website, make sure you’re using a secure site.

Also, have a firewall and anti-virus software to protect your connection from hackers and identity thieves.

While it’s best to shop from your own computer, if you need to use a public computer, be certain it has encryption software to scramble purchase information.

West Bend Christmas Parade Winners

Gene Robrahn in charge of judging the West Bend Christmas Parade has announced the winners:

In the ‘Business’ Category:

First Place goes to the ‘All Above Dance Team’

Second place to ‘Jackson Concrete’

Third to ‘Lifestar Ambulance’

In the Adult Category:

First Place to the ‘Kettle Moraine Sports Writers’

Second to the ‘Kettle Moraine Classic Car Club’

Third to the Faith UCC

In the Youth category:

First place goes to the West Bend East dance team

Second place to the Meer-ranees 4-H group

And third place to the Badger Middle School Dance Team

Congratulations!

         West Bend Common Council to discuss retiree agreement

Today the West Bend Common Council will discuss a collective bargaining agreement with the city about their health insurance policy.
 

Their collective bargaining agreements were in place when they retired and they were required to pay the premium for their health insurance. That insurance was for the time when they retired to when they became Medicare eligible, which is age 65 or 66 depending on their individual circumstances.
 

The city of West Bend is changing its insurance for current employees with two options. The one policy, when all retirees paid for the insurance and retired, is still on the table. Another policy comes with a higher deductible.

The city is now asking the retirees to make a selection of either the policy they retired under or the new policy

If they select to stay under the old policy they’re now required to pay additional premiums, around $93 more a month. Other retired employees that locked into monthly installment payments will see their premiums go up. In some cases up to $200 a month more.

ENCHANTMENT IN THE PARK IS OPEN

The West Bend Rotary Club has once again transformed the Washington County Fairgrounds into a dazzling winter wonderland. Enchantment In the Park starts tonight at the Fairgrounds at 5p.

 It includes more than 500,000 lights, Santa’s Chalet, an Ice Castle and Santa’s Playground.  Enjoy the light show from the comfort of your vehicle.

It runs from 5p to 9pm on the weekends through December 16th, and every night the week before Christmas and four days following.

Other special events include:

A 5k run/walk at 9.15pm on Friday November 30^th. Festive attire and holiday costumes are welcome. The top 15 finishers receive a holiday pie.

On Saturday December 1^st , the Military Veterans Color Guard kick off the evening, and features a performance by the Young Patriots.

On Saturday December 8^th, it’s Star Wars Night Costuming with the 501^st Legion. Star Wars fans join the festivities as members of the 501^st Legion wear their Star Wars costumes.

On Saturday December 15^th it’s Pet Night. Pets are invited and get to take their picture with Santa.

For complete information go to enchantmentpark.org.

Admission is a suggested $10 free-will donation per carload. Visitors can also enter with a donation of non-perishable foods. The Fair Park is located at 3000 Highway PV in West Bend.

KOOKY COOKY HOUSE COMING TO HARTFORD

The Kooky Cooky House, a mechanical motorized bakery whose home was Capital Court in Milwaukee, is coming to Hartford.

Along with the Downtown Business Improvement District, there are plans to recreate Santa’s seasonal chalet in 70s retro style.

Last Saturday the past returned in the form of Hans the Robot who greeted visitors.

And like the original house, every child who visited with Santa left with a gingerbread cookie.

About a decade ago there was talk of bringing the house to the Milwaukee County zoo, but that never happened. And now the Hartford Chamber owns a trademark on the name.

While a fundraising total hasn’t been completed, the Chamber hopes to raise enough money to construct and maintain a permanent structure.

For more information or to make a donation, contact the Hartford Chamber Of Commerce at 673.7002.

The Kooky Cooky House will be open from 6-8p Fridays, and noon til 2 Saturdays from now until December 22^nd.

The house is located in the former Stacia’s at 37 N. Main Street.

                     THRESHOLD’S NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The Threshold Incorporated is a non-profit organization that provides community rehabilitation services to children and adults in Washington County and surrounding areas. Their mission is to create opportunities for individuals with disabilities, to lead fulfilling lives through services that promote employability, independence and full community inclusion.

John Bloor, the new executive director of the Threshold would like to continue that mission.

He spent 19 years at N.E.W. Curative Rehabilitation in Green Bay, but the opportunity to be the executive director of the Threshold was too good to pass up.

One program that intrigued Bloor was the Birth to 3 program. Which will give him a chance to serve the youth.

Another goal is to expand communication with today’s social media through Facebook and electronic newsletters.

The Threshold recently purchased the Westwood Mall which will allow them to expand services and increase revenue.

Bloor looks forward to working here and growing the Threshold in West Bend and Washington County.

                         TEEN DRINKING DURING THE HOLIDAYS

Did you know that the night before Thanksgiving is the most common day teens are consuming alcohol? Why?

-older siblings & college friends are home and often buy or obtain liquor for teens.

-refrigerators are stocked and ready for holiday parties

-school is out and they have unstructured time and

-hunting season often merges the sport with alcohol consumption

Ronna Corliss Washington County Prevention Coordinator suggests being aware of what’s in your refrigerator.

Suggest activities for teens to get involved in over break.

Also, give thought to where your liquor is stocked and locked.

And be a role model, limit your alcohol intake and make sure you have a designated driver.

                           STRANDED HUNTER RESCUED

On Monday night the Dodge County Sheriff's Department received a call from concerned family members regarding a lost hunter.  75 year old Donald Schlegel of Horicon, was out hunting alone on some islands in the Horicon Marsh. 

He became stranded when returning he was unable to locate his boat and had no way of contacting help.  Concerned family members called the Sheriff's Department after going to the boat landing and finding his truck unoccupied.  Schlegel did not have a cell phone or any other basic survival equipment, except a small flashlight.  Conditions were dark, with rain and falling temperatures at the time. 

At about 8:07 PM, a dim light was observed by responders from the boat landing.  Fire Dept. personnel were able to locate the subject from a small access road to the marsh but were unable to reach him without a boat.  They were able to determine he was uninjured.  Schlegel was about a mile and a half from the landing.  The first boat arrived on scene and retrieved Schlegel at about 8:41 PM and took him to the landing.  He was uninjured and taken home by family members.   

                        SLINGER TAX RATES GO DOWN

In the village of Slinger the tax rates have dropped for the second straight year.

The Slinger Village Board unanimously passed both the general and the utilities budget at its Monday evening meeting, which featured some of the lowest rate increases that the village has seen in years, and in some cases, some rate decreases.

The board did approve a .4 percent increase in the levy, which allowed them to keep the tax rate below the 2012 level.

About 29 percent of tax money goes toward maintaining the Slinger Police Department. About 16 percent is used for public works, like snow removal, garbage collection and maintaining village roads.

Almost 11 percent goes to both the general government and debt service. The rest is spread among the parks and recreation department, the library, and the capital projects fund.

There is good news in other areas of Slinger’s budget as well.

The electric, water and storm water utilities all were able to achieve an operational budget without having to depend on a rate increase.

The only section that will see an increase is the sewer utility. The rate is scheduled to go up by 3 percent.

 

WEST BEND THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY GARBAGE COLLECTION

With the Thanksgiving Holiday upon us, the City of West Bend Public Works Department reminds all residents of the special garbage collection schedule. Today, all normal routes will be collected. Tomorrow, both Wednesday and Thursday routes will be collected. All residents are being asked to cooperate by placing their garbage at the curb by 6:45 a.m. as crews CANNOT be sent back to those locations where garbage was not placed out early enough for collection.  There will not be any garbage collections on Thursday or Friday. There will also be special hours for the city drop off yard. Today and tomorrow the yard is open seven am until two pm. Saturday the hours will be eight am until one thirty.

                      Turkey Dinners for the Boys & Girls Club

The Boys & Girls club of Washington County provide programs and services to kids around Washington county throughout the year.

This week they have two special programs at all 4 of their locations.

The first event happened yesterday as 250 Thanksgiving baskets were presented to lucky recipients.

And tonight at 6pm, for the 7^th consecutive year, the First Weber Group of Realtors is sponsoring a Thanksgiving dinner being held at the Boys and Girls Club in West Bend.

The next holiday event for the Boys and Girls club will be the Taste Of Washington County on Thursday November 29^th.

For more information give ‘em a call at 262.334.3732

                                       Man pleads guilty to robbing motel

                                     

21 year-old Derrick Watkins appeared in a Washington County courtroom with his attorney last Wednesday afternoon. Watkins who is from Milwaukee pleaded guilty. He is charged with armed robbery with threat of force for holding up the Super8 Motel in Germantown in June of last year.
According to the criminal complaint, the night manager for the Germantown Super 8 told police he'd been robbed and the suspect displayed a handgun. The manager described a black male wearing a gray sweatshirt who asked to reserve a room. He then pulled out a handgun and demanded money in the register and the safe, leaving with an undetermined amount of cash.The sweatshirt and baseball cap Watkins wore during the hold up were tested, and matched his DNA profile.If convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison and a $100,000 fine.  His sentencing hearing is December 13th.

FATAL CAR ACCIDENT IN CAMPBELLSPORT GARAGE

A fifty nine year old man from Campbellsport was killed and three others were injured in a garage on Rolling Drive in the Town of Ashford on Saturday night while discussing plans for their group’s deer hunting trip. According to the Fon Du Lac County Sheriff’s Department seventeen year old Nicholas Stahl was trying to move a vehicle, when it accidentally struck the garage. Nickolos Stahl is the brother of Sabrina Stahl, one of three Campbellsport High School girls who were killed in a February fourth crash that injured six others near Campbellsport. Killed in the crash was fifty nine year old Robert Stahl, the uncle of Nicholas Stahl. Another uncle, Richard Stahl, was one of the three injured. He was admitted to St. Agnes Hospital and released Sunday. The names of the other two injured people have not been released. The crash is the latest in a line of tragic events to strike the Campbellsport area this year.

ANIMAL ABUSE CHARGES AMENDED

 62-year-old Christine Dixon from Hartford was given a slight pardon last week in her court appearance on four criminal charges of negligently providing improper animal shelter and sanitation

standards . Dixon had three of those counts dismissed and one count amended to disorderly conduct. Washington County District Attorney Mark Bensen said count one of negligently providing improper animal shelter and sanitation standards was amended to disorderly conduct. The other three counts of negligently providing improper animal shelter and sanitation standards will be dismissed but read-in during sentencing. According to the criminal complaint, a Washington County Sheriff’s Department deputy responded to a town of Hartford home to

assist with a house fire. He reported having to take ten dogs to the Washington County Humane Society because there was no one to take care of the animals. Dr. Katrina Smolinski  was able to treat nine of the dogs. One of the dogs had to be euthanized because of

its poor health. According to Smolinski’s report, four dogs had coats

that were matted with feces or urine. Some dogs required an immediate shave-down and baths. The dogs were diseased because

of lack of sanitation, basic hygiene and preventative care.

Dixon was not home at the time of the fire, but officials at the Washington County Humane Society said regardless of the fire the dogs were in a state that was unacceptable to them. Dixon pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct. Dixon’s sentencing hearing will be at

1:15 p.m. November 26^th.

St. Joseph's Hospital Hosting Blood Drive November 21

Now that Thanksgiving week is here, it also marks the traditional start for many as the season of giving. Froedtert Health St. Joseph's Hospital and their community partner Kettle Moraine YMCA are giving you the opportunity this week to give the gift of life. They will be hosting a community blood drive on Wednesday from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the hospital lobby. Anyone at least 17 years old, weighing at least 110 pounds and generally in good health can donate. The entire process takes about an hour and all blood types are needed. Donors should bring a photo ID. The BloodCenter of Wisconsin is the sole supplier of blood and blood products to 55 hospitals in 28 Wisconsin counties, including St. Joseph's Hospital. It is committed to saving patients' lives by providing blood products, medical expertise and scientific discovery. To schedule an appointment to donate blood call 1-877 BE A HERO or register online Walk-ins are also welcome.

NO PROPERTY TAX INCREASE IN HARTFORD FOR 2013

For the ninth consecutive year there will not be any property tax rate hikes in the city of Hartford. On Tuesday night members of the Hartford Common Council unanimously passed their proposed 2013 budget which did not increase property taxes for residents. According to Hartford City Administrator Gary Koppelberger a resident’s property tax bill will be lower in 2013 than it was in 2003.

 The only exception will be if a property owner has recently done

something to improve the property value of their home. According to Koppleberger the budget has something very well going for it, in the fact that it is a balanced budget. Koppelberger  p r a i s e d  department heads for their hard  work in preparing t h e i r pieces of

the budget despite a very challenging economic environment.

 According to documents posted on the city’s website, the total property tax levy for Hartford calls for just over six point two million dollars. That represents a four point seven eight percent increase from last year, but only because the city is artificially raising the levy due to an assessor’s error the year before. Unfortunately, despite the good news that taxes will not be rising, Koppelberger cautioned that the city can’t keep up the trend indefinitely. He said city officials have cut about as much as they dare without jeopardizing the missions the council has charged onto them to fulfill. Hartford City employees have

gone five years with a pay increase. Their one percent raise for this year has been offset by the increased contributions they are making to their pensions and health insurance.

West Bend Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting & Dinner

The West Bend Area Chamber of Commerce held their

annual meeting and dinner on Thursday night at the West Bend Mutual Insurance Company  - Prairie Center. As per usual there was an enthusiastic and capacity crowd. The guest speaker for the evening was Todd A. Berry, the President for the Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance. The highlight of the evening was the annual presentation of chamber business awards. Business of the year honors for a large employer went to the host site West Bend Mutual Insurance. Medium employer winner is Kilian Management Services, the owners and operators of area McDonald’s restaurants. The two honorees for small business of the year are O’Meara Law Firm and American Metal and Paper. The Threshold Incorporated was honored with the community agency award. Also recognized at last night’s event was Calla Lily Gifts as the new member of the year and Nancy Mehring as the volunteer of the year. Besty Guild and Dennis Melvin were honored with the annual Directors award. The West Bend Area Chamber of Commerce is a membership driven; not-for-profit organization founded in 1913 and is the largest business organization in Washington County.

TEENAGER PLEADS NO CONTEST TO SEXUAL CHARGES

 A seventeen year old former student at Hamilton High School pleaded no contest on Thursday in a Washington County Court room to causing a child to view sexually explicit content and incest. Charges of sexual abuse of a child and exposing genitals were dismissed against Daniel Koepke.  Koepke was charged in July in connection with an incident involving a 6-year-old relative he was babysitting. Judge Andrew Gonring found Koepke guilty of the two charges. Koepke is now considered a convicted felon and could face up to $25,000 and 12 and half years in prison under the causing a child to view sexually explicit content charge, and $100,000 and 40 years in prison under the incest charge. Koepke's no-contest plea means a guilty plea cannot be used against him in the event the victim's family pursues civil litigation. Koepke is next scheduled to be in court for his sentencing at 2:30 p.m. January twenty fourth.

MAN SENTENCED TO FOUR YEARS IN PRISON

A 26-year-old Chad Millard from West Bend has been sentenced to four years in prison and eight years on extended supervision after he was found guilty for stealing tools from sheds in Washington County. Millard appeared in court before Judge James Pouros  with his attorney .  Judge Pouros sentenced Millard on two counts of felony burglary for stealing tools from a town of Wayne property on May 28^th and a town of Trenton property between April 16 and 21. Millard was originally charged with eight counts of felony burglary, four counts of theft of moveable property less than $2,500 and theft of movable property greater than $10,000 from a previous case. Six burglary counts and the charges from those two previous cases were dismissed. Washington County Assistant District Attorney Peter Cannon said all of the crimes were driven by an addiction to drugs. He added that Millard is a risk to the community, but he won’t be if he gets his addiction under control. Defense attorney Barbara Privat countered and asked for four years in prison and six years on extended supervision. She said it’s clear by the number of charges the sentence is an appropriate amount of time. Privat said Millard was cooperative with police and he took responsibility. Millard will be eligible for the Challenge Incarceration Program and the Earned Release Program in two years. The Challenge Incarceration Program provides inmates with an opportunity to gain resources needed to return to the community to remain crime and chemical free. The Earned Release Program provides eligible inmates an opportunity to participate in an intensive alcohol and drug treatment program so they are clean upon their release.

2013 Drop Off Yard Stickers Now Available

The City of West Bend Public Works Department is now selling the 2013 Drop Off yard stickers.  Once purchased, these stickers will be valid for the rest of 2012 and the entire calendar year of 2013.  All City of West Bend residents and residential property owners are required to have a permit sticker permanently attached to their vehicle when dropping off items at the City Drop Off Yard located at 251 Municipal Drive.  Permit Stickers for the City Drop Off Yard may be purchased by residential property owners and residents of the City of West Bend for $20 annually for the first vehicle per household.  Replacement stickers or additional stickers for vehicles owned by persons in the same household may be purchased for $5.00. Stickers may be purchased at the Department of Public Works Department during normal business hours of 7am to 3:30pm Monday through Friday or at the City’s Finance Department from 8am to 4pm Monday through Friday.  To receive the permit by mail, residents may download the form from the City’s website and mail a personal check payable to the City of West Bend with a self-addressed stamped return envelope. If you have any questions call the West Bend Public Works Department at 262-335-5079.

SEVERAL PEOPLE CHARGED ON SEPARATE DISORDELY CONDUCTS

West Bend Police are reporting a recent rash of disorderly conduct arrests that have involved both adults and a teenage girl. The incident involving the fourteen year old girl occurred early Sunday morning outside the Country Side Entertainment complex at 1950 North Main Street. According to West Bend Police the girl was involved in an altercation with another fourteen year old girl, when she suddenly punched her in the face. Police released the girl into her mother’s custody and charges of disorderly conduct and battery are now pending. On Monday afternoon, police were called to a residence on the city’s north east side for a domestic dispute. A thirty three year old man was in an altercation with his former girlfriend as he was attempting to reclaim some of his property. As he attempted to leave in his car, she stood in the way and he bumped into her, causing her to fall down. She was not injured. He was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct. The final incident involving the twenty four year old man took place at about one thirty am on Tuesday morning. According to West Bend Police Lieutenant Michael Hartwell, an officer was conducting a routine bar check at the Washington House Pub on North sixth avenue. The officer noticed the man in the bar whom he knew had an outstanding warrant. The officer attempted to arrest him and the man kicked him and ran away. He was eventually caught in the alley and arrested. Charges of battery to an officer, resisting arrest,  and felony bail jumping have been filed.

GERALD KUDEK NAMED NEW FIRE CHIEF

After being on the job as a fire fighter in the city of West Bend for almost twenty five years, Gerald Kudek has been unanimously selected from The West Bend Police and Fire Commission as the new Fire Chief effective December 22, 2012 for the City of West Bend Fire Department.  Gerry is a current Battalion Chief with the department, a position he has held since 1997. Kudek started his career in 1984 as a Paid On Call fire fighter. He became a full time Fire Fighter in 1989 and served as a Motor Pump Operator, Fire Lieutenant and has worked his way to Battalion Chief. Upon accepting the position, Kudek had some very kind words in regards to his fellow fire fighters within the department.  Kudek is a lifelong West Bend resident; he is married and is the father of three daughters.  Kudek will take over as Chief upon the retirement of Chief Jim Vest in December.  Kudek has had a long and distinguished career with the department with over 25 years of dedicated service and a spokesperson for the Commission said they are pleased to be able to promote one of their current Battalion Chief's to the Chief position.

SHERIFF SEEKS SUSPECT IN HIGH SPPED CHASE

Deputy Officers from the Washington County Sheriff’s Department were involved in a high speed chase early Monday morning that reached speeds in excess of one hundred miles per hour and wound up with the car crashing in Dodge County. According to Lieutenant Martin Schulteis , a deputy patrol officer noticed a silver Dodge Charger traveling north on 41, passing other cars at a high rate of speed. The Deputy ran a check on the plates and it came back as a stolen car from Pleasant Prairie on November ninth. The car exited off 41 and headed west on highway 33. Deputy Vanier caught up with the car and then it took off at a high rate of speed. As the chase entered Dodge County, Deputy Vanier requested assistance from Dodge County Sheriff deputies.  Dodge County deputies tried to deploy tire spikes, but the car continued through at a fast pace. The driver lost control near highway 67, traveled through a grassy area eventually striking tree. The suspect fled on foot. A search was conducted, but the suspect was not located. The Dodge County Sheriff’s dispatch took a call at about five fifteen am from a  resident on Madison Road, close to the pursuit crash site and reported his 2004 Chevrolet Impala was stolen. The caller did say that the keys were left in the ignition and it had a full gas tank. It is believed the suspect was not injured in the crash and both the Washington and Dodge County Sheriff’s department are searching for clues that could possibly lead them to the suspect.

FIRE DESTROYS MECHANICAL BODY SHOP IN ADDISON          

Fire destroyed a mechanical shop early Tuesday morning at the Todd Schellinger farm located at 5815 County Highway U in the Town of Addison. The Allenton Fire Department along with the St. Lawerence Fire Company was dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, it was confirmed by the fire commander that a twenty by forty foot metal building was fully engulfed in flames. The Allenton Fire Department was assisted by fire units from the Hartford, Slinger, St. Lawrence, Kohlsville, Woodland and Iron Ridge Fire Departments. The fire took approximately two and half hours to bring under control and it was contained in the one building even though there was another shed nearby. The building was used as a vehicle body repair shop and paint facility and it was destroyed by the fire. The exact cause of the fire has not been determined. Although an initial investigation has determined that there were numerous containers of flammable liquids stored in the building. There is no estimate of damage available. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians.

Vehicle vs. Bicyclist Traffic Crash Update

On Tuesday November sixth at about 5:15pm, the West Bend Police Department received a call of a bicyclist that was struck by a vehicle at the intersection of South Indiana Avenue. & West Kilbourn Avenue.  A 57 year old West Bend female bicyclist was struck by a northbound vehicle.  The vehicle was driven by a 38 year old male from West Bend. The 57 year old female was transported by West Bend Fire Department Ambulance to Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee where she was listed in critical condition since her arrival. In an update, West Bend police sadly report that the woman Marjean C. Boots, died on Sunday night as a result of injuries sustained during the crash.  The preliminary investigation has determined that the victim was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.  It does not appear that alcohol or drugs were a factor in this motor vehicle crash. The accident remains under investigation by the West Bend Police Department with the assistance of Wisconsin State Patrol.

TOWN OF JACKSON PIPELINE SPILL UPDATE

On Thursday November eighth at the regular town board meeting for the Town Of Jackson, the town board took actions related to the long term drinking water solution. Supervisor Paul Huettl made a motion formally requesting the Wisconsin DNR not to require any town action on a long term drinking water solution until sufficient time has passed to evaluate seasonal effects on the underground plume. Supervisor Dan Kufahl seconded the motion which was then passed unanimously. In addition, the request asked that West Shore Pipeline conduct a feasibility study on the three options for a permanent drinking water solution to include three options which are shared private wells consisting of five houses or less per well; the possible extension of the village water distribution system and a study on the town sanitary district. The Jackson Town Board had previously taken actions eliminating impractical solutions connecting to municipal water distribution systems from Slinger, West Bend, Cedarburg, Grafton or Germantown.

MERCURY MARINE HIRING 170 WORKERS

Mercury Marine announced on Monday that they are planning to hire 170 employees this month to work at its factory and headquarters in Fond du Lac.The hiring comes as Mercury plans to increase production of outboard engines in 2013. Depending on the position, new hires can receive a starting wage of up to $14.90 an hour, according to a company spokesperson. Applicants should visit their local Wisconsin Workforce Development Job and Career Center or log onto a Mercury career website to apply. Mercury, a division of Illinois-based Brunswick Corporation has hired about 1,100 employees since September 2009, when the company began consolidating its Stillwater, Oklahoma operations to Fond du Lac.

SHERIFF DEPUTIES ASSIST MISSING ENDANGERED WOMAN

A Chicago woman was lost in Washington County and the Sheriff’s Department discovered she was listed as a missing and endangered person in Chicago. According to a Sheriff’s Department report, a

Deputy Herriges checked out a car parked in the Erin Outdoor Power parking lot in the town of Erin. A 32-year-old woman, who was with her three children, told the deputy she was lost and not sure how she ended up in the parking lot. She was led to the Super 8 Hotel in Germantown. While entering notes into the department’s system,

 Deputy Herriges noticed the woman was listed as a missing

and endangered subject. Deputy Herriges contacted the Chicago Police Department which canceled the alert, but didn’t provide any further information. The deputy tried to make contact with the woman’s mother because she reported the woman missing October tenth. The woman’s 13-year-old daughter told the deputy when the woman returned home, her grandmother didn’t contact the Chicago

Police Department. Deputy Herriges preformed a welfare check on everyone in the car and determined the woman and her children

were in no danger. Officials with the Washington County Sheriff’s department are planning on having additional contact with the Chicago Police Department in regards to the woman’s condition.

KEWASKUM SCHOOL BOARD MEETING TONIGHT

The academic school year continues to progress at a rapid pace in Kewaskum. Tonight, there will be a meeting of the Kewaskum School Board. At the front end of the meeting, any visitors or guests will be given an opportunity to address the board.  The board will discuss the instructional hiring of Brynn Hocking as Middle School Special Education teacher, while on the opposite end of personnel issues, the board will address the resignation of fall cheerleading advisor Melissa Collette.  Under new business the board will address the Regal Ware lease and listen to the first readings of several policies including the Pledge of Allegiance, student’s use of electronic communication devices in school as well as disciplinary procedures for those communication devices. Under committee reports, Dr. Smasal will present the Superintendent’s report.  In addition the finance, policy and health insurance committees will all present their updated reports. Finally under a lighter subject, Grace Mueller will present a report from the school mascot committee. Tonight’s meeting starts at six in the Kewaskum High School Library. The meeting is open to the public and guests are welcome to address the board.

WEST BEND SCHOOL BOARD MEETING

Fresh off the successful outcome of the school district referendum vote members of the West Bend School Board have a regular scheduled meeting tonight. School Superintendent Ted Neitzke will give his report including an update on recent as well as upcoming events. Immediately following his report, members of the public will be given an opportunity to address the board. The board will have a discussion following the second reading of some board policies regarding student conduct on school buses and student conduct regarding alcohol and drug use. Highlighting tonight’s agenda will be the follow-up from the recently passed referendum. Tonight’s meeting starts at six thirty at the Education Service Center located at 735 South Main Street in West Bend.

WOMAN ARRESTED FOR PHARMACY THEFT

A forty five year old woman was arrested on Wednesday night in connection with a drug robbery at the Aurora Pharmacy on Highway 60 in Slinger. According to the Slinger police report, officers were sent to the pharmacy in response to a robbery alarm that was called in at about five forty five. “Washington County Dispatch advised  officers that the subject had obtained Fentanyl patches after displaying a handwritten note. The female suspect was described as wearing black clothing and a mask, the woman fled on foot from the pharmacy. Assisted by the Jackson Police Department and Washington County

Sheriff deputies, Slinger officers stopped a vehicle being driven by the

suspect on Cedar Creek Road a few miles east of Slinger in the town of Polk. The 45-year-old female suspect was taken into custody without incident. The stolen Fentanyl was recovered from the vehicle along with clothing that matched the items worn at the robbery. The woman was taken to the Washington County Jail pending charges. Slinger police say that an investigation is continuing to determine if the woman may have been involved in other Fentanyl robberies.

WEST BEND POLICE MID WEEK ARREST REPORT

West Bend Police are reporting two minor arrest cases from earlier this week, both involving men. First, on Wednesday night at about eight fifteen police were called to a residence on the city’s south east side in response to a domestic dispute. A forty six year old man was in an argument with his wife and he slammed her to the ground a few times. The woman was not seriously injured, but police did arrest the man on charges of disorderly conduct. The second arrest case occurred during the early morning hours of Thursday. According to Police Lieutenant Michael Hartwell, police stopped a car on the city’s southwest side at about 12:45am for routine traffic enforcement. Upon speaking with the driver and his passenger an eighteen year old male from West Bend it was discovered the man had an outstanding warrant against him. Further investigation revealed he was in possession of some marijuana. The man was taken into custody on charges of possession of marijuana.

Veteran's Day Celebration

November 11 is the traditional date set aside as Veterans Day. This year, Veterans Day will fall on a Sunday.  Each year, it has been the tradition of area veterans to gather at 10:45 in the morning at Veterans Plaza on the corner of 5th Ave. and Poplar St. in West Bend. At 10:55, a brief statement will be read followed by a moment of silence. At 11:00, the siren will sound and the West Bend Veterans Color Guard and Firing Squad will fire the traditional three round volley followed by the playing of TAPS. The Washington County Sheriff’s department recognizes the respectful amount of people that attend this brief service every year has increased and they  
hope that this trend continues again this year. All citizens of Washington County are invited to come and remember our veterans at this annual ceremony on Sunday morning.

WEST BEND POLICE ARREST REPORTS

Despite the fact that most people’s attention were focused on yesterday’s election, a few people in the city of West Bend had their attentions and priorities focused in another area. West Bend Police are reporting the arrests of a man and a woman on separate criminal violations. The first case happened on Friday at an apartment on the city’s South East Side. A twenty two year old West Bend man for no apparent reason and with being provoked punched his neighbor in the eye. The man was arrested and charged with battery and disorderly conduct. The second arrest report occurred Sunday afternoon at about five thirty on the city’s South West side. A forty eight year old woman from West Bend had been drinking with some friends and was believed to have been intoxicated when she drove away in her car. A witness called and reported it to police. Police caught up with the woman and questioned her, she freely admitted to have been drinking. She was arrested and charged with her first offense OWI.

HARTFORD POLICE MONTHLY REPORT CARD

The Hartford Police department is releasing details regarding statistical data for the month of October. Some of the categories saw a decrease in actions from October 2011. Hartford police answered a total of 620 calls last month, which was on pace from the 621 calls that were recorded in October 2011. Adult and juvenile arrests both saw decreases in October 2012 as compared to October 2011. Adult arrests last month totaled fifty two compared to seventy four in October 2011. Juvenile arrests decreased by six, down to twenty from twenty six from October 2011. Hartford Police recorded two cases of major interest last month, one of which occurred on October 13^th in which a 50-year-old Hartford woman was arrested after Officers performed a traffic stop on her vehicle for a speeding violation. Officer “Cash” the K-nine dog was walked around the vehicle and

alerted  the officer to the passenger side of the vehicle. Inside a suitcase, the officer discovered a Food Saver vacuum sealer along with vacuum-sealed bags. Individually-packaged quantities of marijuana, with a total weight of 565.3 grams or just over 1 ¼ pounds, were seized from the vehicle. The woman was taken into custody on charges of possession of marijuana with intent to deliver.

STOLEN ITEMS RECOVERED

While the majority of citizens were casting their votes on Tuesday, members of the Dodge County Sheriff’s Department were busy executing several search warrants throughout portions of  Dodge and Dane County’s.  The warrants were related to numerous daytime burglaries that have occurred in Dodge County as well as every surrounding county.  Authorities were very successful and located hundreds of stolen articles including furniture, tools, cosmetics, jewelry, and other household items.  Detective Mike Reissmann of the Dodge County Sheriff’s Department  said they “have been able to identify numerous articles and tie those articles to specific burglaries from within and outside Dodge County. Reissman also said they should be able to clear numerous cases and return thousands of dollars of property to the rightful owners. The department will spend the next several days conducting an inventory, working with investigators from adjacent counties in an effort to sort through the extensive property.  Reissman is asking victims to give Sheriff Deputies a few days to complete the inventory and then they will contact them to come and identify their items. They have the original reports and will contact victims when things are organized to ensure efficiency. Authorities have two people in custody and are seeking several more.

GROTHMAN WINS RE-ELECTION

It was a rough night for Republicans in general, but Republican state Sen. Glenn Grothman still walked away with a victory in the District 20 Senate race to keep his seat. Grothman of West Bend defeated Democratic opponent Tanya Lohr, a West Bend school teacher and the chair of the Washington County Democratic Party, by a wide margin almost 70 percent to 30 in Grothman's f a v o r.  “Seventy to thirty  is a good margin,” Grothman said when he heard the percentages. Grothman has held the Senate seat since 2004 and is set to take on another four-year term. “I was glad the people of the 20th District appreciated my stand on the issues. I have the nicest constituents of this state,” Grothman said. Grothman said he intends to focus on continuing to improve the business climate in Wisconsin. He has previously said that the progress of the 2010-12 Legislatures was impeded by recall efforts and there is more work to be done. Meanwhile Democrat challenger Tanya Lohr had stiff competition in an extremely red county, but she managed to garner a significantly higher percentage of the vote than the last Democrat who challenged Grothman in 2008. In that election, Grothman defeated Clyde Winter of Cedarburg with 80 percent of the vote. Lohr was disappointed but not defeated by the results, and she said that just because Grothman won the election doesn’t mean that the nearly one-third of constituents who voted for her can’t keep voicing their opinion.

 

WEST BEND SCHOOL REFERENDUM PASSES

Over 2600 ballots were cast throughout the West Bend School District and by a close margin of 52 to 48 percent the vote is in favor of the school district referendum which will now allow the school district to move forward on the first phase of the twenty three million dollar long range improvement plan. Barton Elementary will be closed, with most of its students going to Green Tree Elementary, which will receive four new classrooms and a cafeteria to accommodate them. Barton students from outlying areas will be moved to Fair Park Elementary, as new school attendance boundaries will be drawn to allow the shifting of students.All fifth-grade classes will be pulled from the remaining elementary schools, which will then house just kindergarten through fourth grade. Silverbrook Middle School will undergo a major renovation to double its size so it can become a grade 5-6 school. Badger Middle School will become a grade 7-8 building.
The two high schools will not be impacted by the plan and remain as they are. The construction projects at Silverbrook and Green Tree will occur at the same time and take about 18 months to complete.

BICYCLIST CRITICALLY INJURED IN CAR CRASH

A 57-year-old West Bend woman was critically injured Tuesday afternoon when she was struck by a vehicle while riding her bicycle. According to the west Bend Police report, the woman, was struck shortly after 5 p.m. at the intersection of South Indiana and West Kilbourn Avenues  by a vehicle driven by a 38-year-old man, also from West bend. The woman was taken to Froedtert Hospital in Wauwatosa. She is listed today in critical condition. The crash remains under investigation.  Anyone who was in the area of the crash when it occurred is asked to call West Bend police at (262) 335-5000.

2012 ELECTION DAY PREVIEW

All the campaigning and mudslinging is over and now it’s time for Americans to step up to the ballot machine and cast their votes. The 2012 Presidential campaign has been one of the more hotly contested races in many years, and for reasons beyond Congressman Paul Ryan being on the Republican ticket, Wisconsin has been a real battle ground for this election. Both candidates visited many parts of the state numerous times. The Democrats in particular seemed worried about the Badger state, as President Obama made numerous campaign stops including three within the last five days of the campaign. While he does not represent this area, Congressman Ryan from Janesville is also running for re-election today .However, in our congressional district long time Republican incumbent Jim Sensenbrenner is being challenged by Democrat Dave Heaster.  Another hot contested race, which saw the candidates spend millions of dollars in advertising, is for the U.S. Senate seat formerly held by Herb Kohl. Tammy Baldwin is representing the Democrats, while former Governor Tommy Thompson carries the Republican flag. There is also a contested race for State Senator in District 20, where Republican incumbent Glenn Grothman is being challenged by teacher and Washington County Democratic party chairperson Tanya Lohr. There are many other state assembly seats on the ballot today, some with contested races and some uncontested including Pat Strachota for Assembly District 58. In the city of West Bend, next to the Presidential election the biggest item on the ballot is for the School District referendum. Polls are open today from seven am until eight pm.

POLICE INVESTIGATE CHARITY FRAUD COLLECTIONS

The Hartford Police Department is actively investigating allegations of
fraudulent charity collections that have been occurring over the past two years. The known charities involved have been identified as Walk to End Alzheimer's, Brigg's & Al's Run & Walk (Children's Hospital)
and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital / Run & Walk. The Hartford Police department does recognize that these are all noble legitimate charities. Their investigation involves donations being collected in these names but not being delivered to the associations. Suspects, adults and juveniles, are going door to door, mainly businesses but some residential areas also, collecting in person for these events. The suspects are even using Collection and Pledge logs with letterhead and logos. The Hartford Police Department is attempting to identify businesses or persons who have donated to individuals under this scenario. They are especially interested in donations made by check.
If you think you have been a victim or possibly have any information involving this investigation, you are asked to contact Detective Randy Abbott at 262- 670-3606. Once again,the Hartford Police department recognizes  these are legitimate charities in need of support, however the subjects defrauding these associations are under investigation.
It is strongly suggested that when donating to a charity, that the
contribution be made by check and only in the name of the charity and not the name of the person soliciting the donation.

WASHINGTON STREET / HWY 33 RECONSTRUCTION UPDATE

The traditional construction obstruction season has pretty much run its course in Washington County. However, there is still one project that continues at full pace in order to be finished before the heat of winter arrives. The city of West Bend Engineering Department is announcing that phase three of the Washington Street, highway 33 reconstruction project is set to begin either this afternoon or tomorrow morning. At that time, traffic will be switched to the outer lanes of Washington Street so that the median work can begin. This phase is expected to be completed quickly, with the aggressive goal of having the project substantially complete by November twenty first. Veterans Avenue and North Street will remain closed until the project is complete. Washington Street / Highway 33 will remain open during the construction. Motorists are urged to exercise extra caution while traveling through the construction zone and to allow a little extra time. Alternate routes should be selected if possible to avoid congestions.

GROTHMAN EXPOSES OPPONENT’S CAMPAIGN LIES

 Senator Glenn Grothman received documents from an open records request to the West Bend School District showing that his opponent was not honest in a debate when she said she had class sizes of thirty to thirty-two students. According to West Bend School District records, she has twenty-four, twenty-six, twenty-eight, twenty-nine and thirty students respectively in her five sections of classes.

“It is disappointing, but not surprising that Tanya Lohr has, one more time, been less than honest in her efforts to win the 20th Senate District. I hope that voters do not punish the West Bend School District based on Ms. Lohr’s comments. West Bend has a fine school district with reasonable class sizes and it is unfortunate that Ms. Lohr chose to exaggerate class sizes for her own selfish purposes,” Grothman continued. “It would be appropriate at this time to ask Ms. Lohr to publicly apologize to the West Bend School District, the West Bend School Board and her fellow school teachers for inappropriately portraying the West Bend schools in a bad light.”

Senator Grothman added, “I would like to remind voters that the votes I have taken in the last two years have been so financially beneficial to the West Bend School District that they are actually cutting student fees.”  “At this time, I would also like to ask Ms. Lohr for an apology for distributing literature saying that I said most single parents abuse their children. I have never said nor would I ever think that most single parents abuse their children. It is a horrifically mean lie for Ms. Lohr and her campaign team to make up. I would ask her and her campaign team to retrace as many steps as they can and set the record straight with regard to my statements concerning child abuse. I know many great single parents and for her to put into public circulation that most single parents abuse their children was highly inappropriate and not something befitting for someone who purports to represent the Democratic Party,” said Grothman.

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COMMON COUNCIL TO HONOR KOREAN WAR VETERANS

 Mayor Kraig Sadownikow and the West Bend Common Council will be honoring all veterans, with special thanks to the Korean War Veterans tonight at 6:30 p.m. during the regular Monday night meeting at Badger Middle School.  Mayor Sadownikow will issue a proclamation giving thanks to those who risked their lives to serve our country and help maintain our freedoms. A small reception will be held in the area outside of the Badger cafeteria following the reading of the proclamation.  Any Korean War veteran from the West Bend area is asked to attend the meeting. The meeting is open to the public. Family, friends and neighbors of veterans are encouraged to attend. Other items of business on tonight’s agenda include the approval or denial of bartender licenses for twenty citizens. Alderman Tim Turner will present a report regarding the library board meeting in addition to a report by Alderman Carter regarding the park and recreation commission meeting.

2013 COUNTY BUDGET APPROVED

Following a favorable vote margin of 23 to 6, the Washington County Board of supervisors approved a 2013 budget with a property tax levy of one million dollars, or 2.75 percent, less than this year’s The total county budget will be $115.6 million, which is $2.58 million lower than the 2012 budget. The open public forum hearing on the budget was quite short without comments from people in attendance, which was mostly composed of county personnel. County Supervisor Timothy Michalak from Hartford, who voted against the budget emphasized that the property tax rate actually will increase slightly more than two cents. Michalak pointed out that if a home’s assessed value does not change, the property owners’ county tax will go up. Michalak said he wanted to see a “mill rate neutral” budget. Also voting against the

2013 budget were county supervisors Michael Bassill, West Bend;

Slinger’s Rick Gundrum; Mark McCune from the town of Erin; and Thomas Niebler and John Bulawa, both of Hartford. The county’s 2013 property tax rate  will be 2.21 cents higher than 2012’s. That means the owner of a $200,000 home will pay $575.80 in county property taxes which is $4.50 more than this year if the home’s assessed value remains the same. However, on the other side of the coin, the county’s property tax levy, the total amount of property tax that will be collected from local property owners, is being reduced by two point six percent next year to $35.75 million. The levy is $1.2 million below the maximum amount allowed for the county based on state statute

ABSENTEE  VOTING ATTRACTING LARGE NUMBERS

With Election Day just four days away several hundred voters throughout Washington County are not waiting to cast a ballot on Tuesday, instead they are choosing to fill out an absentee ballot early at their local municipal clerk’s office. Absentee voting ends today at five. The window for absentee voting was shortened for this election to just two weeks. Previously a person could request and submit an absentee ballot up to four full weeks before an election. A review around Washington County shows most municipalities reporting a significantly large number of absentee ballots. Richfield leads the way with close to 1900 ballots turned in so far as compared to 1500 absentee ballots for gubernatorial recall election. In the city of West Bend, Amy Reuteman the city clerk reports processing over 400 absentee ballots a day. The numbers are also large in Kewaskum and Slinger. Village officials in each of those communities report having already received over 600 in Slinger and close to 400 absentee ballots in Kewaskum. All absentee ballots that are received by mail or in person are held in a secure location at each municipality and then collected in their sealed envelopes after the polls close at eight pm on Election Day and then run through a tabulation machine. If you miss the five pm deadline today, you will then need to vote in person at your local polling station on Tuesday.

                      WEST BEND MAN STRUCK BY CAR DIES

The West Bend Police Department is reporting the man that was struck by a vehicle on Tuesday evening in the 700 block of South Main Street has died as a result of the injuries he sustained from the crash. The man has been identified as sixty seven year old Gerald R. Maslom from West Bend. Maslom was transported by flight for life following the collision.  The preliminary investigation has determined that Maslom was not in a crosswalk and was crossing the street at mid-block when he was struck by a van driven by a forty one year old woman from Kewaskum. It does not appear that alcohol or drugs were a factor in this motor vehicle crash.  The accident remains under investigation by the West Bend Police Department with the assistance of the Wisconsin State Patrol.

RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY SUSPECT ARRESTED

Washington County Sheriff’s officials are reporting a 47-year-old Milwaukee man has been arrested in connection with two residential burglaries that occurred on October 23^rd. Jeffrey Benson made an initial appearance in court Wednesday. He was charged with two felony burglary counts and will be back in court for a preliminary hearing on November 14^th. Investigators got help from a Town of Addison resident who thought something suspicious was going on when a man stopped to ask for directions. That resident got the license plate of the vehicle and passed it along to the Sheriff’s department.

COUNTY BOARD PROPOSED BUDGET TO BE DECIDED TONIGHT

Tonight members of the Washington County Board of Supervisors will vote on the final proposed county budget for 2013. The board’s finance committee recommended last month bringing the budget down by nearly two point two percent from this year’s budget of just over one hundred eighteen million dollars. While the budget was able to be shrunk, unfortunately the proposed county property tax rate will see a very slight increase of about two point two five cents according to as Herb Tennies, county board of supervisors chairman. In contrast, the county’s property tax levy which is the total amount of property tax that will be collected from local property owners is being reduced by two point six percent for 2013. This will be the third year in a row that the county’s property tax levy will see a decrease. Overall Tennnies is very pleased with the budget and he credits everyone who worked on it. The public is welcome to make comments on the proposed budget at tonight’s meeting which starts at seven in the county board room inside the county court house. The proposed budget can be viewed on line at CO DOT WASHINGTON DOT WI DOT US

WEST BEND  HOUSE FIRE UPDATE

The West Bend Fire Department has released more firm details today following a house fire that occurred early Wednesday morning. According to Battalion Chief Gerald Kudek, West Bend fire and Police Departments responded to a fire at 3316 Mediterranean Avenue at about 12:20 am Wednesday morning. Arriving fire units found an active fire at the rear of the building and in the attic area, with smoke flowing out from the entire structure.  Police units assisted in evacuation of the building and neighboring residences. Two occupants were home at the time of the fire.  Both were able to exit the building without any injuries.  Initial fire attack efforts were concentrated at the rear of the building and the attic area. However extremely high winds from the North hampered firefighting efforts and fanned the flames. The Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) was activated to the box alarm level.  Assistance was received from Newburg Fire & Rescue, Jackson Fire Department, Slinger Fire Department, Kewaskum Fire Department, Allenton Fire Department, and Fillmore Fire Department.  Assistance was also received by the Washington County Red Cross, who helped the two people find temporary shelter since the structural, fire; along with water damage made the building uninhabitable .West Bend’s Police/Fire Investigation Team is conducting an investigation for determining the cause of the fire at this time. Initial estimated damages to the property are at $112,000.

FISH FRY FRENZY

If you love a good fish fry, tonight is your chance to literally attend five fish fries in just one location. It’s the annual Fish Fry Frenzy at UW Washington County with the proceeds benefiting the HOPE Scholarship fund and the Washington County Campus Foundation. Last year’s event was a sell out and close to five hundred people attended. Today’s event will feature five of the area’s more popular restaurants that are known for their fish fries. IVA THELAND from UW Washington County and a member of the event staff provides the line-up of the participants that include Riverside Brewery; MJ Stevens; Jug’s Hitching Post; The Mineshaft / Fox and Hounds and Timmer’s Resort. Of the five competing restaurants, one will be chosen tonight as the overall fan favorite. Theland says there will also be a variety of side dishes and desserts to accompany the fish. There will also be a silent auction and fifty fifty raffles, plus a crowd favorite minnow races. Advance tickets are still available from area sponsors and are strongly recommended. Fish Fry Frenzy runs from four thirty until eight thirty tonight at UW Washington County. The campus is located at 400 University Drive, just off of Highway 33 in West Bend.