News – February 27, 2021

(Juneau) With COVID numbers trending in a positive direction, Dodge County Public Health is loosening restrictions recommended under its Safe Restart Plan. The county has been under Phase One of the three phase plan since July. Citing a decrease in positive cases, Public Health Officer Abby Sauer announced today (Friday) that the county is now in Phase Two. Recommendations now include limiting capacity in non-essential businesses, bars, restaurants and organizations to 50-percent, compared to 25-percent under Phase One. Private indoor social gatherings should be limited to 50 people or less with physical distancing, compared to ten people. Sauer cautions that COVID is still present in Dodge County and she urges the community to continue preventive measures. 

(Dodge County) There were five COVID-19 deaths reported in Wisconsin on Friday, bringing that total to 6,399. The Wisconsin Department of Health website says Dodge County has experienced 155 deaths. In Washington County, the number of deaths is at 134 deaths, one more than on Thursday. There are 93 deaths in Fond du Lac County, 111 deaths in Jefferson County, 51 in Jefferson County and 18 in Green Lake County. Dodge County health officials say they are actively monitoring 113 cases, a decrease of 12 from Thursday. There are 156 active cases in Fond du Lac County and 57 in Columbia County. Statewide, there are 8,209 active cases; a decrease of 221 from Thursday.

(Juneau) There are currently six community options to schedule a COVID-19 vaccine available to Dodge County residents. That according to the Dodge County Health’s weekly update which says Agnesian/SSM Health Care, Beaver Dam Hometown Pharmacy, Marshfield Medical Center – Beaver Dam, Prairie Ridge Health in Columbus, Watertown Regional Medical Center and Walgreens Pharmacy are offering vaccine shots. Health officials remind the public that shots are only available to those eligible under the vaccination rollout plan including frontline healthcare workers, nursing home residents, police and fire personnel and those aged 65-and-older. Due to limited availability of the vaccine, health officials note that those in Group 1B of the rollout plan may be waitlisted. More information about scheduling a COVID-19 vaccine is available at DailyDodge.com.

(Wisconsin) Wisconsin Third District Congressman Ron Kind says there’s a reason why rebate checks in the latest COVID-19 relief bill are not being “means tested” according to household incomes. The 1-point-9 trillion dollar “American Rescue Plan” includes 1400 dollar checks, a 400 million dollar boost to unemployment and billions to boost vaccine distribution. – WRN

(Juneau) The Dodge County Sheriff is highlighting the proper way to notify police of an accident. Sheriff Dale Schmidt says slippery roads and tough conditions come with a lot of vehicles winding up in the ditch. He says it is not uncommon that the driver leaves the vehicle behind and no report is made to authorities. Reporting an accident is important to law enforcement because they can get on scene and determine if anyone is injured. It also allows them to determine if the driver was impaired or did not have a driver’s license at the time of the accident. Schmidt says drivers or occupants of a vehicle are required to notify law enforcement of any accident where a person is injured, there is damage to vehicles or property of $1,000 or more or if there is $200 or more in damage to state or other government property that is not a vehicle. For more information on how or when to report an accident is available at DailyDodge.com.

(Madison) Local leaders are trying again to stop the Air Force from sending new fighter jets to Madison. A committee of the Dane County board is endorsing a plan to delay construction of a new home for F-35 Air Force fighter jets, and try to renegotiate the deal with the Pentagon. Opponents say the jets are too loud and would create too much pollution. The Air Force decided last April that the F-35s will be based in Madison, despite local opposition. – WRN

(Wisconsin) A state Senator whose proposed legislation requiring that the national anthem be played before games at taxpayer funded venues says it is not a means of “forced patriotism.” Stevens Point Republican Patrick Testin unveiled his Star Spangled Banner Act this week. It would apply to pro sports venues like Fiserv Forum and Lambeau Field, as well as youth sports at local park and rec complexes. The bill carries no penalties for failure to play the anthem.

(Beaver Dam) An upcoming series of events will provide a fix for Dodge County residents hungry for fair food. The Dodge County Fairgrounds is hosting the Fair Food Festival which will feature sweet treats, fried fair food and an assortment of food carts. A variety of new vendors will be showcased during each event. Picnic tables and shelters will be available for relaxing and listening to music outdoors while enjoying the carnival foods. Attendees are also encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs. Admission is free and organizers say there will be plenty of parking available, which is also free. Funds raised from the events will help support the non-profit Fair Association and the maintenance of the Dodge County Fairgrounds. Organizers say the communities support will also aid many struggling, local food vendors, who have experienced hardships during the pandemic. Events are scheduled rain or shine for April 24, May 8, June 5, July 17, September 4 and October 2. Attendees may arrive for lunch or dinner anytime between 11am and 8pm. There is a $75 monthly reservation fee for those interested in setting up a food cart at the event. For more information about registering visit DailyDodge.com.

(Juneau) The Dodge County Master Gardener is offering a $1,000 scholarship to a high school senior. The recipient must live in the county, be a graduating senior from any pubic high school, parochial or home school as well as planning a career in horticulture. The student must have applied to a two or four year accredited college or technical school that has a program leading to a degree or certification in horticulture or related area. Careers may include – but are not limited to – plant science, soil science, agriculture, environmental science, landscaping, forestry and science education. Application forms are available in the guidance office of Dodge County high schools and must be submitted by April 1st. The forms are also available online, a link can be found at DailyDodge.com