Senior Center Committee Seeks Site Selection
4/7/11 – The Beaver Dam Senior Center Building Committee is hoping city officials will state a preference for a possible new location for their department. Community Activities and Services Director Evonne Koeppen made the pitch to a city ad hoc committee last night. She says they can’t move forward without a definite location in mind. Koeppen also says while it would be nice to have some financial support from the city, they plan to rely on fundraising and grant money.
The Senior Center Committee previously selected the former Fullerton Lumber building on South Center Street. The city could get it for free but it would cost $3.3 million to renovate. The seniors studied two other sites and both would cost roughly the same amount, once their six-digit price tags are factored in. A recent feasibility study determined that between $500,000 and $800,000 could be raised from private donations. The Senior Center currently has around $300,000 in an endowment fund.
Council President Jon Litscher chairs the city’s ad hoc committee. He called for a joint meeting between the city’s Operations and Administrative Committees for this Monday. Litscher says he understands that site selection is important for the seniors to begin the process of community fundraising and grant application. However, he was quick to note that the city does not have any available money. Litscher was reluctant to comment on the expectations and obligations that the city would have if officials agree to accept the free building.
The Senior Center and Recreation Departments were combined in a cost-saving move in 2007. Planners say a new building would not be intended for general public recreational programs but would continue to house an office space for rec staff to plan programming and for public registration. The preliminary plans also call for a community center, wood shop and greenhouse. The joint meeting is planned for 7pm Monday in council chambers.
Salek Sentenced In Drunken Chase
4/7/11 – A Burnett man who sparked a drunken chase with police will spend two and a half years in prison. Authorities pulled over David Salek in the town of Lomira in January. When the officer went to check his license, the 46-year-old took off, leading police on a five mile pursuit. Top speeds were said to be around 50-miles per hour. Salek finally pulled over near the intersection of County Highways V and W. Deputies say once he was out of the car he became combative so they tased him twice to bring him under control. Salek entered a “no contest” plea to charges of felony Bail Jumping and Operating While Intoxicated – Fourth Offense and had misdemeanor charges of Fleeing, Resisting Arrest and Operating After Revocation dismissed but read into the record. Salek was also ordered to serve over four years of extended supervision and will have his license suspended for three years followed by three years with an ignition interlock device on his vehicle.
Plea Deal Withdrawn For Accused Child Molester
4/7/11 – Dodge County prosecutors have rescinded a plea deal offered to a Beaver Dam accused of stealing thousands of dollars worth of scrap metal. Joseph Evans had a plea and sentencing hearing scheduled for yesterday on felony charges related to the alleged May 2010 theft of stainless steel sheets from Supreme Manufacturing in Beaver Dam. In court yesterday, the state withdrew a sentence agreement in light of recent charges. The 23-year-old now faces a felony count of First Degree Sexual Assault of a Child. Authorities say Evans fondled a pre-school age victim last month. He is being held on a $10,000 cash bond. A telephone scheduling conference on the theft count is scheduled for June. Evans has a preliminary hearing on the molestation charges next month.
Hammond Arraigned On Child Sexual Assault Charges
4/7/11 – A Watertown man accused of molesting a six-year-old entered a “not guilty” plea at arraignment Wednesday. Cory Hammond is charged with First Degree Sexual Assault of a Child Under the Age of 12 for a pair of alleged incidents that are said to have occurred between May and November of last year. According to the criminal complaint, the 19-year-old reportedly promised the girl several presents if she kept their secret. When questioned, Hammond admitted his actions to investigators saying they were isolated incidents. He faces up to 170 years in prison, if convicted. Hammond is being held on a $20,000 cash bond.
Dodge County Declared Disaster Area
4/7/11 – Local governments in 10 Wisconsin counties, including Dodge, will get federal help to pay for their emergency responses to the Groundhog Day Blizzard from two months ago. Governor Scott Walker said disaster funds have been approved for the extra snow-plowing and other emergency efforts. That’s after southern Wisconsin got up to 26-inches of snow from January 31st to February third. Walker said the Federal Emergency Management Agency will pick up 75-percent of eligible clean-up costs. The state will pick up 12-and-a-half percent, and the local governments will cover the rest. They reported nine-and-a-half million dollars in clean-up costs from the storms, in which four people died. The governor said the aid is only for local governments, and not for businesses and individuals. In addition to Dodge County, the money is being granted in Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha, Dane, Grant, Iowa, Lafayette, Walworth, and Washington counties.
Columbus Assumes Management of Aquatic Center
4/7/11 – The City of Columbus is assuming management of the Columbus Area Aquatic Center. Disagreements between the City and the volunteer Board led to the Board’s turning over management to the City. Job descriptions for the Recreation Director and Pool Manager have been updated in anticipation of this summer’s swim season. The Council will also be asked to approve replacement of the sand for the four filters to ready the pool for summer. The City has already approved an agreement with Carrico Aquatic Resources to provide chemicals to protect swimmers and pool equipment at the Center.
