News – June 16, 2021

(Town of Trenton) Two people were killed, including an infant, in a three vehicle, chain reaction crash yesterday (Tuesday) in the Town of Trenton that also injured four. A southbound car on Highway 33 stopped to turn left onto Breezy Point Road. A second southbound car also stopped but was rear-ended by a transit van pushing it into the first car. The two people killed were in the middle car, a 68-year-old and a six-month-old. A 36-year-old in the middle car was flown to Madison. The driver of the transit van sustained minor injuries.

(Fort Atkinson) Prosecutors in Jefferson County have formally charged a Fort Atkinson woman with suffocating her grandmother and setting fire to her house to cover up the crime. Elizabeth Durkee is charged with First Degree Intentional Homicide, Strangulation and Suffocation, Arson of Building and Mutilating a Corpse in the June 7th death of the 75-year-old. Durkee reportedly told investigators that the victim asked to end her life because she was in poor health. The 36-year-old is being held on a $1-million dollar cash bond.

(Madison) A field of eight Republican candidates was narrowed to one yesterday (Tuesday) in a partisan primary for a special election in Assembly District 37. Officials report that William Penterman holds a 16 vote lead at 758 votes over the next closest candidate Jennifer Meinhardt at 742.  Results at this time are still unofficial until formally canvassed with a recount remaining a possibility.  The vacancy was created when John Jagler won his own special election in April to the State Senate.  If these numbers are made official, Penterman will go on to face Democrat Pete Adams and Independent candidate Stephen Ratzlaff Jr on July 13.

(Waupun) Waupun will be just one of many communities across the country to benefit from the American Rescue Plan Act.  At last (Tuesday) nights common council meeting, a resolution was passed to establish a separate fund to keep an estimated $1.17-million dollars separate from the city’s other funds until the council can determine how best to spend the money.  Waupun officials have until 2024 to spend the funds, which will be paid out to the city in two installments, one in late June of this year, and the other twelve months later.

(Dodge County) The state DNR announced yesterday (Tuesday) that Dodge County is among the areas of the state under a high fire danger. Officials say the public needs to be extra careful with any outdoor flames, campfires, ash disposal or equipment use. The DNR alone has responded to 765 wildfires burning more than 1,900 acres so far this year. In addition to Dodge County, Columbia, Dane, Green Lake, Jefferson and Waukesha counties also have a high fire danger.

(Madison) The remaining questions before the state legislature’s Joint Finance Committee include what taxes to cut and by how much. The Republican-controlled panel hopes to complete its budget work tomorrow (Thursday). Once passed by the committee, the Senate and Assembly will vote on the budget, likely the last week of June. It will then go to Governor Evers for his signature and line-item vetoes.

(Green Lake County) Three bridges in Green Lake County will have single-lane closures today for maintenance and inspection. Those bridges include the State Highways 23 and 73 bridge over the Fox River in Princeton, the State Highway 23 bridge over the Puchyan (pucky-ann) River near Green Lake, and the State Highway 44 bridge over the Grand River in Kingston. All three bridges will see the single lane closures from 9am to 3pm. Drivers are advised to use caution and remain alert when driving through any work zone.  KILL AFTER 8:30am

(Fairwater) National Exchange Bank and Trust has announced the closure of three bank offices effective Friday, August 27th.  Chief Executive Officer Eric Stone identified the branches closing in Cascade, Fairwater and Glenbeulah. All bankers will be transferred to neighboring locations. The decision follows a sustainability analysis that considered the proximity of other National Exchange Bank and Trust locations.