News – Decemeber 21, 2020

(Dodge County) Dodge County reached an unfortunate pandemic milestone over the weekend surpassing 100 deaths and 10-thousand cases. The dozen deaths reported between Friday and Sunday gives the county 107 of the 4,417 reported statewide to date. Washington, Fond du Lac, Jefferson and Columbia counties also posted weekend deaths. The 18 positive tests recorded yesterday brought the Dodge County case total to 10,017. The number of active cases statewide, and in the region, does continue to trend downward with just over 36,700 right now – down nearly 2,200 from Friday.

(Juneau) Law enforcement agencies throughout Wisconsin over the weekend launched an enforcement effort targeting alcohol and drug impaired driving. The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office is among the agencies participating in the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign through January 1. Sergeant Jeremy Wolfe says about every three hours in Wisconsin someone is injured or killed in an alcohol-related crash. In 2019, there were over 6,000 alcohol related crashes that resulted in 140 deaths. Authorities also encourages the public to have a designated driver when going out to drink and to check if bars or taverns have a safe ride home program to help mitigate potential risks.

(Beaver Dam) The Beaver Dam School District is in the process of filling a vacancy on the school board. Laura Lerwick resigned earlier this month as her family is moving out of the district to a different part of the state. She had been on the board since 2012. The school board is in the process of filling her vacancy, which is expected in the coming weeks. Once selected, the appointed replacement will serve through April of 2022.

(Beaver Dam) Marshfield Medical Center – Beaver Dam is coordinating another Truck to Trunk dairy, meat and produce distribution opportunity tomorrow. Pre-packaged boxes include shredded pork, scrambled eggs, potatoes, oranges, peeled carrots, onions and apples. There is a one box per vehicle policy. Distribution will be at the Dodge County Fairgrounds from 2pm to 4pm as supplies last. More information can be found with this news story at DailyDodge.com.

(Wisconsin) Former Wisconsin Supreme Court Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson (aye-bruh-HAM-son) has died. Abrahamson’s 43 years on the court made her the longest-serving justice in state Supreme Court history. She was also the first woman to serve on the court, and its chief justice for a record 19 years. Governor Tony Evers said in a statement that Abrahamson’s legacy is defined through her “life’s work of ensuring she would not be the last, paving and lighting the way for the many women and others who would come after her.” Abrahamson died Saturday after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Shirley Abrahamson was 87. – WRN