News – August 17, 2022

(Juneau) Several Dodge County supervisors argued that last (Tuesday) night’s closed session to discuss ongoing litigation involving the county was used to censor their opinions. According to the agenda, the closed session was to discuss the status of a federal lawsuit filed by Selepri Amachree against Dodge County law enforcement leaders. Some board members said that the closed session was being used as a “gag-order” to prevent them from discussing the matter with constituents. Supporters noted that it was to protect the county’s interests in ongoing litigation. The board eventually voted 23-to-6 in favor of going into closed session, which lasted roughly an hour and a half. There was no vote or motion made once the meeting reconvened, that’s because the closed session did not include an action item. (Sumner) A Dane County teen is charged with First-Degree Intentional Homicide in Jefferson County. Prosecutors accuse 16-year-old Daiqwaun Lucas of Fitchburg of shooting an unidentified female victim twice in the back of the head at a Town of Sumner home on August 9th. Cash bond was set at $1-million-dollars during Lucas’ initial court appearance. He is due back in court September 29th for a competency hearing. – WRN (Beaver Dam) It’s opening day for the Dodge County Fair. The Badger State Tractor Pullers are slated for opening night tonight at 7pm. Free family-friendly activities throughout the fairgrounds include pig, duck and goat races; the Nick’s Kids Show; and the educational Wild World of Animals show. The admission price is $7 to get in before 12 noon and $10 after that. Kids age nine and under are free. On the carnival midway today, wristbands are $25. (Beaver Dam) With the Dodge County Fair getting underway, the Sheriff’s Office is reminding attendees to stay safe while enjoying the activities. Sheriff Dale Schmidt says they will once again be giving away child ID’s. The cards are small enough to be stored inside a wallet or pocket and can be quickly presented to first responders. It includes the child’s name, birthdate, and identifying information. The ID’s will be available at the sheriff’s office trailer which is located underneath the grandstand at the fairgrounds. (Columbus) An informational meeting in Columbus will discuss planned improvements to Highway 73 in Columbia County. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation says the proposed project would address pavement conditions along 1.3 miles of 73 between Faith Drive and Middleton Street. The meeting will be held at the Columbus Area Senior Center at 125 North Dickason Boulevard today (August 17th) from 4:30pm to 6:30pm. DOT officials say there will be a brief presentation beginning around 5:15pm.