Fire Completely Destroys Burnett Home, Garage
7/8/14 – Fire completely destroyed a home and garage in Burnett Monday morning. The homeowners called 9-1-1 around 6:15am after hearing smoke alarms. Burnett Fire Chief Randy Schwark says when crews arrived on scene the detached garage was already destroyed and flames spread quickly to the home which he says was “25-percent fully-involved.” The property at N8800 Fir Road is owned by Duane Mulvaine and was a total loss. Damage estimates are upwards of $200-thousand dollars. Schwark says the cause of the fire is undetermined but does not appear to be suspicious in nature. Burnett was assisted at the scene by fire departments from Horicon, Juneau, Beaver Dam, Waupun, Clyman, Mayville, Iron Ridge, Fox Lake and Lomira along with Horicon and Fox Lake EMS.
Stoke Murder Book Author In Beaver Dam
7/8/14 – The author and reporter who followed the 2006 Stock murder case will make an appearance in Beaver Dam Tuesday night to promote his new book “Bloody Lies: A CSI Scandal in the Heartland.” John Ferak spent roughly four years on the case. He focused most of his time and energy on this case because the region where this occurred in Nebraska was terrorized by the crime. Ferak’s book covers the double murder that left two Horicon youths to spend the rest of their lives in prison. Gregory Fester II, then 20-years-old and Jessica May Reid, then 18-years-old, were sentenced in the April 2006 shooting deaths of Wayne and Sharmon Stock in rural Murdock Nebraska. Ferak says it took him roughly three years to write the book even though he knew exactly what he wanted to focus on. He says there were three separate aspects of the case that all tied together and from there-on-out he focused on building a narrative flow and strong sequence so people could follow the case in a chronological fashion. Ferak says the Dodge County Sheriff’s Department played a major role in solving the case and the book goes way beyond what was originally known. Ferak made an appearance at the Horicon Public library last week and he says people had a lot of great questions about the case and he encourages the public to attend tonight’s event. Ferak will be at the Beaver Dam Community Library from 6pm to 7:30pm and copies of the book will be available for purchase.
Beaver Dam Approved CIP Borrowing
7/8/14 – The Beaver Dam Common Council Monday night approved the borrowing of $2-million dollars for their Capital Improvements Plan. The CIP, as it’s called, lays out street repairs, infrastructure improvement needs, and major equipment purchases over a five year period while lining-up borrowing for the current year. This year’s CIP includes $660-thousand for complete reconstruction of South Lincoln Avenue; $190-thousand for remodeling of the fire department; $40-thousand for replacement of the City Hall parking lot; mill-and-overlay work for North Spring Street at a cost of $147-thousand dollars; and another $60-thousand for engineering related to the complete reconstruction of North Spring from Maple to Mackie in 2015. Other resurfacing projects being funded this year under the plan include Henry Street from Spring Street to University Avenue and North Crystal Lake Road from Frances Lane to the cul-de-sac. The $70-thousand dollars earmarked for new piers at Crystal Lake Beach remained in the CIP even though a decision on the pier purchase was delayed until city officials formalize a plan on the future of the beach. If the money borrowed is not spent on piers, it could only be used to fund items generally listed in the CIP. Another $420-thousand dollars was borrowed for storm water utility projects; the debt service for those projects is paid through the utility – which is its own taxing entity – and does not come directly from the tax levy.
Most South Lincoln Residents Oppose Sidewalks
7/8/14 – A majority of residents on South Lincoln Avenue are opposed to the installation of sidewalks as part of this summer’s planned reconstruction of the roadway. The $660-thousand project slated to begin next month runs from Judson Drive to East Davis Street. Around one dozen property owners turned out to a public hearing before the city’s Operations Committee Monday night in overwhelming opposition to the installation of new sidewalks along the project route. The affected residents though generally support the rest of the project which also includes curb and gutter and concrete street improvements. Concerns included a lack of need for sidewalks, loss of driveway space, a lack of a safety study tied to the sidewalks, and financial hardship. One resident spoke in favor of installing sidewalks, citing the need for those with strollers and wheelchairs to have safe access to schools, shopping and other residential homes. The Operations Committee last night tabled the matter so that the issue could be further explored over the next two weeks; a final vote to consider the property assessments will be held at the council’s July 21 meeting. In June of 2012, the council adopted a resolution requiring sidewalks with all new construction and all newly reconstructed streets.
Committee Rejects Drive-Thru Liquor Sales
7/8/14 – The Beaver Dam Administrative Committee Monday night voted against allowing drive-through windows for package liquor sales. Finance Director John Somers told the committee that Game On Sports Bar inquired about the possibility of adding a drive through window. He advised the committee that there is no such ordinance in place restricting drive-through liquor stores. Current establishments would not be able to install and use a drive-through because it is not included on their liquor license. However, when liquor licenses are up for renewal the windows could theoretically be added to their site description. The committee vote was unanimous and the city council held their first reading of the ordinance prohibiting drive-through liquor sales last night with the final vote coming in two weeks.
BD Man Accused of Running From Police
7/8/14 – A Beaver Dam man is accused of running from police. Erik Rahn is charged with misdemneaor Fleeing an Officer. Prosecutors say Rahn did not come to a complete stop before proceeding through an intersection. The officer activated emergency lights and siren but Rahn allegedly continued down several streets before stopping. Prosecutors say once the vehicle did stop, the 24-year-old appeared to be in a daze and they could smell a strong odor of intoxicants on his breath. Bond was set at $500 dollars yesterday and Rahn will be back in court again next month.
Mayville Man Appears In Bar Burglary
7/8/14 – A Mayville Man made his initial appearance in Dodge County court Monday on charges that he broke into Wally’s Hideout in Mayville. Brennon Moul is charged with felony Burglary for the October 2012 break-in. Prosecutors say the 22-year-old entered through the side window after using a crow bar to push the window jamb up, breaking the plastic lock. Moul allegedly stole over $300 dollars and a pair of keys. According to the complaint, no liquor was taken and the safe in the back was not tampered with. Bond was set yesterday at $1000 and Moul will be back in court for a preliminary hearing in August.
Fox Lake Man Charged In Assault Over Football
7/8/14 – A Fox Lake man is facing felony charges for allegedly assaulting another man over a football game. Jacob Gubin is charged with Substantial Battery Causing Great Bodily Harm for the alleged incident in April. Prosecutors say the 27-year-old punched and kicked the victim in the face over a disagreement over “grammar” and as well as differences and views between a Viking and Bears fan. According to the criminal complaint, the victim refused medical attention but later found out that he had three retinal tears in his left eye causing him to have surgery. Bond was set at $1000 yesterday and Gubin will be back in a Dodge County courtroom for a preliminary hearing in August.
Mayville Man Appears In Pavilion Break-In
7/8/14 – A Mayville man accused of breaking into the Mayville Park Pavilion late last month made his initial appearance yesterday in Dodge County court. Zachary A. VanAacken is charged with felony Burglary-Building or Dwelling. Prosecutors say the 18-year-old had broken the glass and damaged the wire mesh security feature on the window. According to the criminal complaint, there appeared to be a missing tap and hose from the cooler. About four hours later, a half barrel of beer, a tap and other equipment were recovered from the Rock River. Bond was set at $1000 yesterday and VanAacken will appear back in court for a preliminary hearing later this month.
Fair Board Banquet Held Monday Night
7/8/14 – The Dodge County Fair Board hosted the local media last night at its annual press dinner at the Bayside Supper Club in Beaver Dam. This year’s fair is August 13th through the 17th. Fair Board President Doug Ninmann officially announced that this year’s main grand stand entertainment will again be three country performers with the rock on Friday night. Headliners include Kip Moore on Wednesday, Easton Korbin on Thursday, Cheap Trick on Friday and Cassidy Pope on Saturday night. The Demolition Derby will return on Sunday Admission to the grounds will be the same as last year, be $7 before 2pm and $10 after 2pm with no additional costs for parking or grandstand performances. Four contestants will vie for Fairest of the Fair title. They are Ashley Modaff the daughter of James and Marcia Modaff of Juneau, Laura Schoenike, The daughter of Sally Schoenike and the late Jim Schoenike of Oconomowoc, Amber Stangler, the daughter of Sheldon and Marie Stangler of Watertown and Carrie Warmka, the daughter of Russ and Laura Warmka of Fox Lake. Last year’s winner, Taylor Egnarski will hand the crown to the new Fairest of the Fair on Wednesday night. Improvements at the fair this year will include pavement on the gravel walkways. This year is also the 100th anniversary of 4-H and 4-Hers will fill a time capsule in a special ceremony on August 15th and a parade through the fairgrounds at 1pm on August 16th.
