(Washington County) Washington County officials and the Wisconsin State Patrol say a multi-vehicle crash shutdown Interstate 41 for several hours Thursday. There were 30 involved vehicles, including six semi tractor-trailers. Initial reports came in just before 2pm on I-41 southbound at Highway 28 near the town of Wayne. Three people suffered non-life threatening injuries.
(Juneau) Dodge County authorities say an endangered runaway has been located. Sheriff’s officials say Maya Celeste Cruz is home safe. The 16-year-old had been reported missing from Clyman since January 15th.
(Lake Mills) Area agencies are mourning the unexpected death of a veteran fire chief. Todd Yandre served with distinction as a member of the Lake Mills Fire department for over 40 years, moving up the ranks from volunteer firefighter to chief of the department. Initial reports, pending autopsy confirmation, indicate a cardiac event as the cause of Yandre’s death in the line of duty on Wednesday evening. Todd Yandre was 61 years old. – WRN
(Beaver Dam) The executive director of Dodge County’s only domestic abuse shelter is settling into her new role. PAVE’s Board of Directors recently named Emily Shier to the post. She has been on the job for just over a month, and Shier notes that she appreciated the warm welcome. Shier succeeds Ashely Welak, a 15-year employee of the organization who left to become a grants specialist with the Office of Crime Victim Services at the Wisconsin Department of Justice.
(Beaver Dam) The Beaver Dam Police Department has a new chaplain on staff. Police Lieutenant Jeremiah Johnson says the role has been filled by Father Mike Tess who run’s St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in the city. Johnson says he is always available for a call or will respond in person if an officer or citizen needs him. Chaplains serve a variety of different purposes for a police agency but most notably as a counselor, confidant, or just an open ear to talk through any issues or concerns with.
(Fond du Lac) The chief of police in the city of Fond du Lac is crediting his officer’s use of less lethal impact munitions during a Wednesday incident. Police utilized a sponge grenade to take a Fond du Lac man into custody. The 40-year-old was wanted on a felony First-Degree Reckless Homicide – Party to a Crime probation warrant. He armed himself with chunks of concrete which he threw at an officer, striking them in the leg. Another piece hit a police cruiser. Chief Aaron Goldstein says their goal in any situation is to de-escalate and bring a peaceful resolution so that everyone is safe.
(Beaver Dam) The Dodge County Fair has announced one of its main stage acts for this year’s event. Jameson Rodgers will play the Moraine Park main stage on Friday, headlining an all-ages show that will begin at 8pm. Two additional free concerts will be announced for Thursday and Saturday evenings. The Dodge County Fair returns August 16th and goes through the 20th.
(Wisconsin) Only 19 fish were harvested from Lake Winnebago and the Upriver Lakes Thursday. There is still 1 adult female left until the 90 percent trigger and 9 more adult females left until the 100 percent cap on the Upriver Lakes. The biggest fish was an 83.3 pound female measuring 72 inches in length registered at Wendt’s. DNR officials say ice conditions are getting worse on the Winnebago System. The DNR received reports of off-road vehicles and ice fishing shacks going through the ice, adding winds have blown away hazard markers indicating cracks and shoves. They recommend paying close attention to local spearing and fishing club reports.
