News – March 29, 2019

(Green Lake County) Green Lake County experienced its second fatal crash since 2016 yesterday (Thursday) with the most recent occurring just ten days earlier. A Berlin man was killed following a single-vehicle crash just after midnight in the city of Berlin. The 32-year-old apparently struck the side of a building and then a retaining wall before coming to rest. Authorities say alcohol and high speed are potential causes.

(Columbus) Columbus officials are asking the public for their help in planning the next several years. The city kicked off a long-range planning process earlier this year called the “Columbus Road Map to 2050.” City Administrator Patrick Vander Sanden says this initiative it is a result of several years of visions and discussions had within the community. A community survey was made public several weeks ago to provide more insight for residents. The survey taker will answer questions including why they choose to live in Columbus, the challenges facing the city and how to expand services. The survey is available at the Columbus city website; a link is available at DailyDodge.com.

(Waupun) The Waupun Common Council approved a resolution this week that will allow for the sale of general obligation promissory notes not to exceed $2.49-million dollars. The borrowing is for several street and stormwater projects planned for 2019. City Administrator Kathy Schlieve says most of the bonding will cover the Madison Street project which starts at the bridge on North Madison Street and runs through the intersection of Lincoln Street. Schlieve says work is slated to begin on Monday with the goal of having that stretch of road available for the Waupun Truck and Show in August. Phil Cosson with Ehlers Associates says they will bring all submitted bids to the council for approval on April 30th. The bonds life-span is expected to last ten years.

(Neosho) A Mayville man will spend nine months in jail for sparking a slow speed chase with police while high on cocaine. Lynn Davis pled no contest to a pair of felony charges yesterday for running from a Neosho-Rubicon-Ashippun police officer in a vehicle with expired plates. The 35-year-old initially stopped before speeding away…but the falling snow limited his speed to around 30-miles-per-hour. Authorities used a tire deflation device and he was arrested on Highway 60. Davis told authorities (quote), “All I wanted to do was smoke some crack and get high.” Two small bags of cocaine and marijuana were found inside the vehicle.

(Beaver Dam) A Beaver Dam man facing charges of felony Burglary for allegedly stealing flooring materials from a home under renovation is heading to trial. Andrew Rodriguez has waived his right to a preliminary hearing. Police found him walking down the street with a large box under his arm in 2013. Footprints in the fresh snow around the house were reportedly an exact match. If convicted, the 29-year-old faces a maximum of twelve-and-a-half years in prison. An arraignment hearing is scheduled for April 17.

(Waupun) A Reeseville man accused of threatening Waupun police and attempting to flee while driving over the yards of nearby homes is heading to trial after waiving his right to a preliminary hearing. Austin Hernandez allegedly drove over several lawns causing significant rut damage and nearly hit two homes after policing cited him for disturbance. While he was taken was taken into custody made multiple threats to law enforcement. If convicted, the 21-year-old is facing over 12 years in prison. He will be arraigned on May1.

(Beaver Dam) The Beaver Dam Unified School District has announced this year’s Outstanding Alumni. Gary Macheel is a 1970 graduate who had a successful 30-year career in Hollywood in sound design and editing, earning eight Emmy’s and eleven Golden Reel Awards for his work in television and films. Two ‘Friends of Education’ will also be recognized. Tom and Judy Heffron are being singled out for supporting the community various child-centered activities and programs. The other Friend of Education being recognized is the Alpha Xi Chapter of The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, which has been serving children in the Beaver Dam community for 50 years. The organization’s mission is founded in the belief to encourage reading from an early age. The Wall of Fame Banquet will be held on Sunday, June 2.