Watermark Fundraising Decision Planned
12/11/15 – There has been no decision yet on the future of the woodshop at the Beaver Dam Senior Center. The woodshop is slated to close once the current Senior Center on East Third Street relocates to the new Watermark Community and Senior Center on South Center Street after the New Year. Community Activities and Services Coordinator Evonne Boettge has been exploring alternative sites for a woodshop – including a partnership with the school district. Boettge told the city’s Operations Committee this week that the best long-term solution would be an attached woodshop on the north side of the Watermark. She says to build the woodshop they would have to start fundraising again.
That reference to fundraising drew questions from Alderman Mick McConaghy who pointed out to Boettge that he asked her a few weeks ago if fundraising was still active and she said ‘not at this time.’ “So now you’re going to go out fundraising again?” McConaghy asked. Boettge said “yes” in the next five to six months they will want to find a long-term solution for the woodshop. Operations Chair Robert Ballweg then pointed out that his committee decided last month that all money collected through fundraising would be directed to reducing debt on the Watermark. Taxpayers are paying $200-thousand of the $2.1-million dollar facility. Boettge then noted that a $24-thousand dollar donation requested to be used for furniture was directed to debt service (quote) “so if there is additional fundraising it will not do any good other than putting it toward the debt.” But does the Operations Committee have the authority to direct all donations toward debt?
City Attorney Mark Ann Schacht says that is a responsibility for the Administrative Committee, which is essentially the Finance Committee. Schacht says any donation that is earmarked for a specific item – like furniture or the woodshop – must be approved by the Administrative Committee. Last month, the Operations Committee told Boettge that a $24-thousand dollar donation intended for furniture must go toward debt relief. Schacht says the Administrative Committee is the committee of jurisdiction and Admin will meet a week from Monday to determine if that $24-thousand dollar donation should be used for debt relief or furniture.
New Candidate In Columbus School Board Race
12/11/15 – December is the time of year when school districts are looking for school board candidates for the spring election. This year there will be two seats up for election in Fall River and three in Columbus. The Columbus District will have school board seats currently held by Mary Arnold, Mike O’Brien and Liz O’Donnell up for election on April 5th. Julia Hoffman has submitted board member candidacy papers. No other candidates have submitted the declaration of candidacy forms or campaign registration statements at this time. Fall River will have the seats currently filled by Wendy Corlett and Ember Schultz-Roughen up for election. No candidacy papers have been turned in at this time. However, both candidates have expressed interest in serving another term.
BDPD Looking To Add Second Canine In First Half Of 2016
12/11/15 – The Beaver Dam Police Department is planning to add a second K-9 to its force next year. At a recent Police and Fire Commission meeting, Chief John Kreuziger said Officer Kevin Hall was selected to work with the dog. Officer Brad Konkel also applied. Kreuziger says the department has roughly $12,000 for the program with an additional $1,800 included in the city’s 2016 budget. The department is working to fundraise the remaining $1,200 needed. To save on costs, the plan is to retrofit an old squad car for the new K-9 instead of purchasing a new one. If the Police and Fire Commission gives its approval, the second K-9 could join the force in the spring or summer. Officer Hall and his dog could work alongside the department’s current K-9 team of Blade and Officer Nathan Keener.
Fond du Lac PD Puts K9 Down
12/11/15 – It’s been a tough year for Fond du Lac Police K9s. Thursday Officer Ben Hardgrove had to have his dog Packo put down. Packo had a degenerative spine disease that significantly affected his quality of life. The two had been partners since 2007. Earlier this year former Fond du Lac K9 Grendel had to be put down. Grendel was 12 years old.
Man Accused Of Stealing From Mayville Church
12/11/15 – A Black Creek man is accused of breaking into a Mayville church. Tristan Van Den Eng is facing a felony Theft count along with two misdemeanors. According to the criminal complaint, the 18-year-old used a pipe wrench to break into Christian Life Fellowship Church to steal cash and electronics. Van Den Eng allegedly confessed, stating that he was trying to build a home stereo system. If he is found guilty on all counts, Van Den Eng faces up to 14 years in prison. He will make an initial appearance on January 4.
Reeseville Woman Accused Of Stealing From Father With Dementia
12/11/15 – A Reeseville woman is accused of stealing funds from her elderly father. Joane King is facing a felony Theft count for allegedly taking $24-thousand dollars from her father’s bank account to support drug use, drinking, and gambling. The 53-year-old’s father has advanced dementia, and King is his power of attorney. If convicted, King faces up to six years in prison. An initial appearance is set for January 11.
Beaver Dam Woman Heading To Arraignment On Fleeing Charge
12/11/15 – A Beaver Dam woman will proceed to trial on charges that she ran from police. Samantha Crawford waived her preliminary hearing yesterday to one felony count of Attempting to Flee or Elude a Traffic Officer. According to the criminal complaint, an officer tried to pull the 22-year-old over for having an expired registration and suspended driver’s license. Crawford reportedly fled at speeds up to 50 miles per hour while blowing multiple red lights and stop signs. When she finally stopped, Crawford reportedly moved from the driver’s seat to the passenger seat, claiming that the driver had jumped out of the vehicle. She also admitted to consuming alcohol that night. If she is found guilty, Crawford faces three-and-a-half years in prison. She will be arraigned on January 6.
Arraignment Set For Man Accused Of Stealing From TNT Stack Equipment
12/11/15 – A Hartford man will proceed to trial on charges that he stole two pieces of heavy equipment from a local company. Seth Omernick yesterday waived his right to a preliminary hearing on two felony counts of Theft of Movable Property. According to the criminal complaint, Omernick stole a forklift and boom lift from TNT Stack Equipment in Hartford on two separate days in late May. The 21-year-old allegedly told an officer he was storing the items for a stranger before later admitting to the crime. If he is found guilty on both counts, Omernick faces up to 20 years in prison. He will be arraigned on January 6.
Waupun Sex Offender Accused Of Violating Registraion
12/11/15 – A Waupun sex offender who gave a young girl a ride in his vehicle after the trucker’s parade this past August has been charged in Fond du Lac County Court. Fifty-year-old David Edwards is facing a charge of child sex offender working with children. He made his initial appearance this week and was released on a $500 signature bond. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for December 18th. Edwards had been working on a float in the parade when he offered the girl a ride. Police says there was no contact between them.
