(Watertown) The Watertown Police Department say there was no immediate threat after they investigated some “concerning messages” on social media. Police were contacted early yesterday (Friday) morning about some concerning Snapchat messages sent to students of the Watertown Unified School District. Officers investigating the messages noted that a reference was made to a possible act of school violence. The agency says after looking into the matter, they determined that there was no immediate threat. The Watertown Unified School District was notified. Officials with the department say out of an abundance of caution, their officers increased their presence in the school district through the day yesterday. The department’s investigation is on-going, and two juveniles have been questioned in this incident. Officials say the initial information indicates charges will be referred to the Jefferson County Human Services and District Attorney’s Office.
(Portage) The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office is notifying the public that a sex offender is residing in rural Portage. Officials say Dale Drinkwater is staying at N6796 Highway 51 in the Pacific Township. They add that the 55-year-old is not under Department of Corrections Division of Community Corrections Supervision. Drinkwater must follow the city of Portage sex offender ordinances. He is not allowed on school property without permission from the school’s superintendent, comply with standard sex offender rules, and cooperate with electronic monitoring. Drinkwater was convicted in 2006 and 2016 for Possession of Child Pornography. He was previously released in Portage in 2011. Sheriff’s officials say citizen abuse of this information to threaten, intimidate or harass registered sex offenders will not be tolerated. A picture of Drinkwater is posted to DailyDodge.com.
(Juneau) The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office is warning area residents of a phone scam that is making the rounds. The agency says they have taken numerous complaints from citizens stating that they had received a phone call from a subject that was identifying himself as one of their deputies. The scammer then told the complainants that they needed to go the sheriff’s office to sign a bond. The caller stated that if they did not do this, there would be serious ramifications. The sheriff’s office says the number that came up for many of these calls was 920-541-7477. They add that if anyone has questions or concerns about the validity of a phone call, you can always call the sheriff’s office. If this does happen to you, authorities ask that you report it to law enforcement.
(Hartford) Washington County Sheriff’s officials are investigating the second traffic fatality of the year after a vehicle crash in the town of Hartford. Authorities received reports of a vehicle possibly in the tree line on the south side of Turtle Road, west of Level Road, around 8:19am Thursday. Prior to arrival, there was a second report of a vehicle with heavy damage in the same area with a deceased male driver. When first responders reached the scene, they determined the driver and sole occupant had died. An initial investigation showed that the vehicle, driven by a 33-year-old man, was west bound on Turtle Road at a high rate of speed when it left the roadway and entered the south ditch line. The vehicle struck several trees before coming to a rest in the ditch, pinning the driver. The crash remains under investigation.
(Fond du Lac) A Fond du Lac teen was arrested following a half-mile pursuit with authorities on an off-highway motorcycle Thursday night. Deputies noticed the bike around 11:50pm on Johnson Street in the city. Law enforcement attempted a traffic stop for illegal operation but the operator failed to stop and increased his speed. The suspect’s vehicle became temporarily immobilized in a snow drift but he was able to navigate through it and continued southbound on Hickory Street. The teen again hit another snow bank while attempting to leave the roadway and a deputy was able to take him in to custody. He is facing felony Fleeing charges and multiple citations. There were no injuries or damage to property during the chase.
(Beaver Dam) The Beaver Dam Police Department’s “Squad Down” fundraiser is back again this year. Officials with the department say they were not sure if they were going to be able to have the fundraiser this year due to the warm temps but the ice has thickened and the car will be going out soon. The fundraiser involves taking an old car, which has its engine or fuel tank and all its fluids removed, and trying to guess when it will hit the bottom of Beaver Dam Lake. Tickets are one for $5-dollars and three for $10. Stop by the police department to fill out the dates that you think all four tires will be at the bottom of the lake. Authorities note that the car will be placed closer to the shore this year for ease of retrieval. All funds raised help the agency support organizations in town that have a positive impact on the community. This year’s car was painted by a Beaver Dam little league baseball team. The police department also thanked Wally’s Auto Inc. for the free car and transport.
(Juneau) The Dodge County Aging and Disability Resource Center of Dodge County is highlighting an upcoming program that helps those with memory loss. Officials say there are four free monthly SPARK! Programs for people with cognitive impairment, people with dementia, and their care partners. They say that they are not trying to solve problems or even talk about dementia, rather they focus on being in the moment and creating engagement opportunities that do not rely on memory. The first session will be held at the Image That Art Studio at 409 East Main Street in Waupun on February 6th from 3:45 to 5pm. The second one will be at the Dodge County Center for the Arts at 130 West Maple Avenue in Beaver Dam on February 16th from 1 to 2:30pm. On February 20th, the SPARK! program will be at the Horicon Marsh Education Center at N7725 Highway 28 in Horicon from 1 to 2:30pm. There will also be a session at UnMasked Expressive Therapies at 207 North Spring Street in Beaver Dam on February 10th from 1 to 2:30pm.
(Wisconsin) The U.S. Department of Agriculture says Conagra Brands is recalling nearly 2.6 million pounds of canned meat and poultry products. The agency’s Food and Safety Inspection Service says the recall was issued due to a “packaging defect that may cause the products to become contaminated without showing any outward signs of contamination.” The recalled meat and poultry products were shipped to stores across the country and produced between December 12th and January 13th. The establishment number “P4247” is listed on the recalled cans. The problem was discovered when Conagra notified the agency after discovering spoiled and/or leaking cans from multiple production dates at a warehouse. There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of the products.
