News – February 26, 2021

(Dodge County) Wisconsin health officials are reporting 840 positive coronavirus cases in Thursday’s daily update. State health officials recorded 52 deaths bringing that total to 6,394. Dodge County has experienced 155 deaths and 11,389 cases, a one-day increase of 15 positive tests. 

(Jefferson County) The total number of coronavirus deaths in Wisconsin yesterday was inflated due to a data anomaly. Thirty of the 52 deaths were from Jefferson County, some apparently dating back to November. The county health department reported data was not being transferred correctly to the state health department, so those number were added all at once. Jefferson County health officials say there may be lags in reporting due to assuring COVID-19 contributed to a person’s death. 

(Wisconsin) Department of Health Services Deputy Secretary Julie Willems Van Dijk says Wisconsin school districts will be ranked 1-through-425, as the state allocates COVID-19 vaccines to K-12 educators. She says they are going to use the percentage of students in free and reduced hot lunch, and the percentage of students who are of color as criteria. Willems Van Dijk adds that does not mean urban districts are being prioritized. Teachers will begin getting vaccinated for COVID-19 on Monday (March1), along with people in higher education and child care workers, as part of Phase 1-B of the DHS vaccination effort. -WRN

(Beaver Dam) Green Valley Enterprises has discontinued its Adult Day Program. The service provided the physically, mentally, medically or emotionally challenged opportunities to go on community outings, play games, exercise, or take part in hair care and hygiene services while also giving respite to their caregivers. Executive Director Rob Servais (service) explained on WBEV’s Community Comment yesterday (Thursday) that it was a difficult decision but, primarily because of Covid, the program was no longer fiscally sustainable. Similar programs are available through other organizations and at the county-level.  

(Leeds) Authorities in Columbia County have made an arrest in the 2019 homicide of 35-year-old Keith Wolf. A search warrant was executed yesterday in West Allis and 43-year-old Jason Kijewski was arrested on First-Degree Homicide charges. The handgun used in the homicide was reportedly recovered. 

(Lomira) The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office is looking for a person of interest connected to an attempting vending machine break-in at a wayside in Lomira Sunday. A picture and short video clip of the male suspect has been posted to the sheriff’s office Facebook page. The individual is seen wearing a Milwaukee Brewers winter hat and has a beard. Authorities say there was significant damage done to one of the vending machines. Anyone with information is asked to contact the sheriff’s office [920-386-3726]. The photo and link to the video can be found on DailyDodge.com. 

(Milwaukee) Molson Coors is offering its Milwaukee employees the day off today – one year after the Miller Brewery shootings left six dead, including the shooter. For those who come to work, there will be a moment of silence and a memorial to the five victims of the workplace shooting last year. A company spokesperson says surviving employees have been “incredibly resilient.” On February 26th of last year, a disgruntled co-worker shot and killed the victims, then killed himself.  Survivors say they likely will never know why. -WRN

(Wisconsin) A new $322-million dollar federally funded program announced by Governor Tony Evers provides money to Wisconsin residents who need help paying for rent and utilities due to income loss caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a risk of losing their housing, have lost income due to the pandemic, or have a household income at or below 80% of the county median average. -WRN

(Wisconsin) Governor Evers has signed a bill, to start an overhaul of the state’s aging unemployment system computers. While Republican legislative leaders have said Evers already had authority to proceed with the project, the bill signing gives the Department of Workforce Development authority to look for firms to do the work. Workforce Development will also need to request that the legislature’s budget committee approve the funding, which is expected to be at least $80-million-dollars. -WRN

(Wisconsin) The Department of Natural Resources says Wisconsin hunters took nearly double the number of wolves than they were hoping for during a three day hunt this week. DNR Wildlife Administrator Keith Warkne says the DNR was forced to quickly close the hunt after seeing more harvests than they were expecting. 216 wolves were reported killed during the hunt so far, and pre hunt estimates showed that Wisconsin had roughly 1200 wolves in the state. A court ordered the hunt to take place after an out-of-state group sued to force the hunt to happen. -WRN