(Fond du Lac) The Milwaukee Police Officer killed in a shootout with a robbery suspect Tuesday morning had ties to the Fond du Lac area. Thirty-seven-year-old Peter Jerving was attending Marian University. In a statement, Marian University President Michelle Majewski said the life of an officer expresses everything we are or would like to be in the service of others. She adds that Jerving was an energetic and compassionate individual who laid down his life for others. Jerving was working towards a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. He had been with the Milwaukee Police Department for four years. Jerving was mortally wounded during an exchange of gun fire. He was taken to a hospital where he died. The suspect died at the scene, though it is not clear whether that was from being shot by the officer or whether it was a self-inflicted wound.
(Milwaukee) The governor has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff on Monday in honor of Jerving. Tony Evers says Jerving was a devoted officer who proudly served his city, adding that he was a dedicated and distinguished public servant who demonstrated exemplary courage. Jerving received a Milwaukee Police Department Merit Award in 2022 for his life-saving efforts in providing care to a gunshot victim in hazardous conditions.
(Beaver Dam) A Beaver Dam man accused of possessing illicit images of minors is heading to trial after probable cause was found. Anthony Patroelj reportedly uploaded multiple illicit files to a social media platform. When investigators reviewed his phone, they allegedly found several illegal videos and images. If convicted, the 24-year-old faces up to 225 years in prison. An arraignment hearing is scheduled for March 21st.
(Lebanon) A church in Lebanon will host a food pantry distribution event this coming week. The monthly Ruby’s Pantry Food Distribution will be at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church on W4661 County Road MM on Tuesday (February 14th). The cost is $25 per share and those going can purchase more than one. Organizers say each share may not be identical but will contain at least $100 to $150 worth of groceries. Residents are asked to have exact change ready. Each share contains some meat and protein, potatoes, dairy, bread and baked goods, vegetables, as well as a variety of other food products. Paper products will also be handed out. The event gets underway at 3:30pm and continues to 6pm or until all 324 shares are gone. Guests are asked to stay in their vehicle until they are directed to pick up their share.
(Beaver Dam) The Beaver Dam Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1163 has announced its Voice of Democracy contest winners. Ellen Poels and Marisa Solis, both students at Beaver Dam High School, finished in first place. The Voice of Democracy is a worldwide audio-essay competition that requires entrants to write and record a three-to-five minute essay on a patriotic-based theme. The Beaver Dam VFW says they thank all participating high school students, staff, administration, and contest judges for their involvement. The National Association of Broadcasters started the Voice of Democracy Scholarship program in 1947. The VFW became a national sponsor in the late 1950’s and assumed sole responsibility for the program in 1961. The competition was created to provide students grades 9-through-12 the opportunity to express themselves in regard to democratic ideas and principles. Around 40,000 students participate in the competition each year and VFW awards more than $2.1-million-dollars in scholarships every year.
(Watertown) The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is seeking public input on improvements along Highway 16 from Watertown to Oconomowoc. The project will replace the pavement along the highway from East Main Street in Watertown to Rock River Road in Oconomowoc. Additional improvements include installation of a roundabout at 16 and East Main Street, and bridge deck surface repairs along the project corridor. Transportation officials say during construction, Highway 16 will be closed and detoured utilizing Highway 26, Interstate 94, and Highway 67. Work is currently scheduled for 2025.
(Winnebago) The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources will be returning to in-person registration of sturgeon taken during the spearing season. Conservation Warden Bill Hankee says with COVID on the decline the DNR will be requiring successful spearers to register their sturgeon at one of the registration stations around Lake Winnebago or the Upriver Lakes by 2pm the day they take their fish. Hankee says the numbers of sturgeon registered help them keep track of how close they are to the harvest cap which affects the length of the season. The season starts today (Saturday) and could run a maximum of 16 days.
