News – July 16, 2022

(Beaver Dam) A Randolph teen who took thousands of dollars from their employer was placed on probation for three years yesterday (Friday). Robert Nelson entered a no contest plea to a felony count of Theft of a Business Setting. The 17-year-old was also ordered to pay over $20-thousand-dollars in restitution to the business. He could have his record expunged following payment. A Beaver Dam police officer was dispatched to the business, not named in the criminal complaint, last July. There they met with staff as well as Nelson in the loss prevention office. Employees told police that Nelson took cash out of the register on 28 separate occasions between last April and June. The total amount taken was reported to be just over $20-thousand-dollars. Some of the larger withdrawals were $2,350 and $1,800. Nelson admitted to his action and said he needed to pay back a drug dealer.  (Green Lake County) Green Lake County authorities have received reports of thefts from boats on Big Green Lake in recent weeks. Included in the stolen items were custom fishing roads and fish locators. Sheriff’s officials believe the thefts have occurred during the overnight hours. Thefts have been reported at various locations around the lake. Anyone with information about those crimes or any others can report them anonymously to the Green Lake County Stoppers (at 1-800-438-8436 or text them to GETTHEM at 847411). You can also email tips into the authorities (at getthem@co.green-lake.wi.us). Tips may be eligible for a cash reward for information leading to the arrest of any suspects.  (Wisconsin) The Wisconsin Legislature’s top Republican is pushing back against former president Donald Trump’s latest effort to overturn the 2020 election. Trump is criticizing Assembly Speaker Robin Vos for doing “nothing” about the 2020 election. That’s despite the fact he hired a special counsel to perform a lengthy review of the vote. In a statement, Vos maintains no one can legally decertify the 2020 election outcome. Instead, Vos says he’s keeping an eye on the upcoming fall elections and working to pass new election laws next year. – WRN (Dodge County) Dodge County’s COVID community level is low, meaning masks are not required. So far, 52.8-percent of the county have received at least one dose of the vaccine while 50.7-percent have completed the vaccination series. Twenty-eight-percent have had an additional booster dose. (Beaver Dam) Beaver Dam’s free COVID community testing site will be ceasing operations after tomorrow (Saturday). The Dodge County Health Department says the test site, located at 1701 North Spring Street, will close its doors after testing is completed tomorrow (July 16th). Health officials say it continues to be important to get tested if you are unvaccinated or vaccinated and have symptoms of the virus. (Beaver Dam) Eligible Wisconsin customers can now enroll in the Alliant Energy Smart Hours program to save on energy bills and earn rewards. This new program helps customers with a smart thermostat lower their energy usage when demand spikes, and rewards participants with seasonal benefits for participating. By enrolling in the program, participants allow Alliant Energy to adjust their smart thermostat a few degrees – based on the customers’ preferred comfort levels – during occasional periods of extreme temperatures. Alliant Energy officials say while customers can always control their thermostats, they find the best times to shift some energy use to periods when energy demand is lower. By cooling or heating the home at different times of the day, customers stay comfortable and reduce the overall energy demand. Customers can reduce their bills an average of 10-percent by installing a smart thermostat. If customers do not have a smart thermostat, they can purchase one through the Focus on Energy Marketplace and get an instant $50 discount. Every customer who enrolls in Smart Hours will receive a $25 signup reward and an additional $25 incentive each summer and each winter season they are eligible to participate in. The program helps Alliant Energy use more environmentally friendly energy sources to meet electricity demand on extremely hot and cold days. By relying on cleaner, more energy-efficient sources, Alliant Energy can keep electricity costs lower for all customers. To learn more about Smart Hours and to enroll, visit alliantenergysmarthours.com.   (Beaver Dam) The Fair Food Festival returns to the Dodge County Fairgrounds today (Saturday). The festival will feature a wide variety of food options and vendors including Charlie’s, Mr. P’s Grilled Cheese, Lily Bell’s Fine Dining, and Po’ Manz Food. There will be musical performances by Crown, 26z, My Next Ex, Blue Suede Cadillacs, and Secondhand Souls. There will also be a bounce house, a hands-on petting zoo, and face painting. The inaugural Dodge County 4-H Fun Run/Walk will also be held. Organizers say this “GO GREEN” event is perfect for both seasoned athletes and recreational runners and walkers. Families and large groups are welcome. Participants who best represent the GO GREEN 4-H spirit will be awarded prizes. Five prizes will be awarded. The registration fee is $10 for enrolled members of the 4-H club and $15 for non 4-H youth and $20 for adults. Registered participants will receive a race t-shirt, water, sports drink, and snacks. The run/walk will be held rain or shine, with registration beginning at 8am in the Commercial Building. The race starts at 9:15am. The Fair Food Festival runs from 11am to 7pm.   (Milwaukee) Summerfest crowds were bigger this year, but not as big as in the past. Organizers say more than 445-thousand people attended this year’s three weekends of Summerfest. That’s almost nine-percent more than last year. But before the coronavirus pandemic, crowds were bigger. 718-thousand people came to Milwaukee’s Big Gig in 2019. Summerfest also used to be held over eleven consecutive days. – WRN (Wisconsin) Amazon’s Prime Day sales may be over, but scammers are not calling it quits yet. Bao Vang with the Better Business Bureau says con artists have been known to send phony emails and texts that look like messages from major retailers, instructing you to redeem the reward points accrued during your shopping days. Vang says you should never click on links or download attachments from unknown emails. And if you have any doubt, go directly to the company’s website and look for customer service. – WRN