News – February 7, 2023

(Beaver Dam) Beaver Dam Police Lieutenant Jeremiah Johnson says there has been a “huge spike” in retail thefts since the end of October. He says it is probably 10-times what they normally see over that timeframe. Johnson adds that there would typically be six or seven retail theft complaints and now its spiked up to 60. He notes that it is not just at the city’s busiest retailers but at grocery stores and gas stations. A retail theft over $500 is a felony but Beaver Dam police can write municipal citations for an infraction under that amount that carries a $313 fine.

(Watertown) The Watertown Police Department recently welcomed an emergency mental health intake worker to their team. Agency officials say Kelly Lueck comes to them as part of a unique collaboration between Jefferson County Human Services and the police department to assist people who may be experiencing a mental health crises. The position was also made possible by a donation from the Greater Watertown Health Foundation. Lueck will be able to respond immediately to calls if needed and can also direct individuals needing assistance to the proper services.

(Dodge County) Homebuilding in Dodge County throughout 2022 saw a slight uptick when compared to the previous year. According to the Wisconsin Builders Association, there were 133 single-family housing permits pulled last year. There were 125 in 2021, a difference of 6.4-percent. Dodge County home construction in quarter four was almost identical to the previous year. There were 17 permits pulled between October and December this year, while there were 18 in 2021.

(Mayville) Mayville officials are happy the direction its TAG Center is heading in under its new leadership. Mayor John Guinn says they hired local Micaela Luehring prior to the last election, and she is doing a fantastic job. The mayor also noted that the facility has successfully dug itself out of a deficit hole that was discovered by the city in 2009.

(Beaver Dam) The Beaver Dam Common Council Monday night approved an agreement that allows the Rotary Club to store items from its Christmas lights display in a city-owned building. The partnership allows the non-profit to utilize a pole barn on Hemlock Road at a cost of $40 per month for utilities.