(Beaver Dam) At a listening session yesterday, Beaver Dam Mayor Becky Glewen was criticized by Alderman Mick Fischer about downtown revitalization funding he feels should all be spent on roads. Glewen countered that Fischer, after a half-dozen terms on the council, just now realized that roads are a problem. Fischer also complained about the liberals on the council and the “yuppies” infiltrating the city but at one point was reminded by the audience that he can speak to the mayor anytime and this was their listening session. One of Fischer’s constituents pointed out that yuppies spend money and open businesses in Beaver Dam. One citizen commented that Madison Street is an “embarrassment.” Most of the questions focused on attracting new residents and businesses, recreational opportunities, sidewalks, the water utility, crime and the Lakecrest Apartments and citywide revitalization.
(Beaver Dam) A Beaver Dam hotel has closed its doors. The Quality Inn and Suites on Park Avenue, formerly the Best Western Campus Inn, is no longer open. DailyDodge.com has made several attempts to reach management of the franchise and its parent company for comments but as of yet has not been successful. Beaver Dam Police Chief John Kreuziger says the hotel was closed by the state with the help of his department on Friday and, according to the chief, everyone except for maintenance personnel and a manager cleared the building as of 11am Monday.
(Beaver Dam) Cash bond was set at $25,000 yesterday (Monday) for a Sauk City man accused of sparking a police chase after speeding past the Dodge County sheriff. Matthew Hiller allegedly refused to pull over after passing several vehicles on the offramp at highways 151 and 33 in Beaver Dam. During the pursuit, Hiller reportedly struck a pick-up and continued driving. Tire deflation devices eventually disabled the vehicle. The 30-year-old allegedly admitted his actions. If convicted, Hiller is facing no more than three-and-a-half years in prison.
(Herman) A Lowell man was charged yesterday (Monday) with setting fire to his former Town of Herman home. Benjamin Mueller is facing a felony count of Arson of a Building. The property owner allegedly told investigators that if the fire seemed at all suspicious Mueller was (quote) “your suspect” and that the 41-year-old was not allowed at the residence. Following an examination of the scene by a Wisconsin Deputy State Fire Marshall, he determined that the blaze was the caused by (quote) “the application and subsequent ignition, [by] open flame of an ignitable liquid.” If convicted, Mueller faces no more than 40 years in prison. An initial appearance is scheduled next month.
(Dekorra) A Columbia County farmer suffered non-life threatening injures after a haybale fell on top of him. Authorities received a call around 2pm Saturday that there was an accident involving a tractor in the Town of Dekorra. Sheriff Roger Brandner says the 73-year-old was attempting to move a large haybale with a front-end loader when the elevated bale fell backwards. A deputy who arrived on scene was able to sever the twine around the haybale, releasing the weight. Brandner says the male subject then began breathing and was able talk to emergency responders.
(Madison) A Madison storefront billed as a Church of Rastafari is closed once again, this time because of code violations. The building had been open for only a few days after its owners were released from jail following a drug bust in May. Now, city inspectors say the building is not up to code. There’s standing water in the basement with no sump pump, H-VAC work has been done without a permit, and the building is still technically listed as a corner store. The operators of the church say they are interested in bringing the building up to code. The owners of the building have filed for eviction.
