News – March 23, 2023

(Juneau) The Dodge County Board received open meeting law training during their monthly meeting this week. One the areas covered was public comments at county board meetings. Wisconsin Counties Association’s Director of Outreach Sara Diedrick-Kasdorf says there is no right to the public comment period within state statute. The Dodge County Board does allow for public comment following their meetings, and some supervisors said it does not make sense to have someone speak on a topic that has already been voted on. Diedrick-Kasdorf notes that public comments are allowed during the committee process, which is a better place to speak rather than the full county board.

(Beaver Dam) Action by the Beaver Dam Common Council this week will allow city property to be used to accommodate the needs of a new solar energy facility being constructed in the township. The so-called Overhead Electric and Communication Facilities Easement Agreement with Wisconsin Power and Light will allow for new poles and wires to be erected on city-owned parcels that directly abuts the planned facility in the Town of Beaver Dam. The proposed route is located at the southwest and southeast corners of the Gateway Drive/Corporate Drive intersection.

(Mayville) A Mayville man accused of running from police made his initial court appearance Wednesday. Dillon Sokolik allegedly fled authorities in September, reaching speeds of up to 110-miles-per-hour during the 15 mile pursuit. The chase was eventually called off. A passenger in the vehicle called law enforcement the next day and reportedly identified Sokolik as the driver. If convicted, the 30-year-old faces up to three-and-a-half years in prison. Cash bond was set at $1,000 and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 6th.

(West Point) Columbia County authorities arrested a man Wednesday for driving while under the influence. Sheriff’s deputies stopped a vehicle for a speeding violation on Highway 60 in the town of West Point. While talking with the driver, reportedly identified as Daniel Bittner of rural Prairie Du Sac, deputies observed indicators of impairment. Following an OWI investigation, the 61-year-old was arrested and is facing Fourth Offense OWI charges.

(Horicon) The Horicon Police Department has begun the process to earn accreditation. Agency officials say the CORE Accreditation is through the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Accreditation Group. They add that their department is also partnering with the Wisconsin Police Accreditation Coalition, which will play a considerable role in assisting the department by working with Chief Amy Yahnke through the process. The department aims to be CORE Accredited by 2024 with full accreditation by 2025.

(Winnebago County) The son of a Wolf River couple killed over the weekend heads to court. Criminal charges were filed in Winnebago County court against Erik Metzig in the double homicide that took the lives of 72-year-old David Metzig and 71-year-old Jan Metzig. A criminal complaint said the two were found in their home dead with gunshot wounds as authorities conducted a Saturday morning welfare check. Erik Metzig was found later Saturday morning at a YMCA in Kimberly. – WRN