(Waupun) A seventh inmate has died at Waupun Correctional Institution. The Wisconsin Department of Corrections offender website notes that 23-year-old Damien Evans died on Tuesday at the state’s oldest prison. The site did not provide any details about the case. Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt says his agency is investigating the death and has no information to share at this time.
(Columbia County) A Columbia County Sheriff’s Office K9 has retired. Officials with the agency say K9 Artus completed his last shift and began his well-deserved retirement on Tuesday. Over the past several months, Artus has been experiencing a decline in health and after several thorough conversations with local veterinarians retirement was determined to be the best course of action.
(Columbus)Voters in the Columbus School District will decide on an operational referendum during the upcoming spring election. If approved, the referendum will allow the district to exceed the state’s revenue limit by $1,750,000 for four years, starting in the 2025-2026 school year. The referendum would have a tax impact of approximately $71 annually for a $100,000 home.
(Madison) At the Capitol, new Republican authored legislation aims to reform pharmacy benefit managers. Dodgeville Representative Todd Novak authors the bill alongside Senate President Mary Felzkowski. The “Cole Act” is named after Cole Schmidtknecht, who died from an asthma attack after he couldn’t afford his inhaler when the out-of-pocket price increased nearly $500.
(Waupun) City leaders in Waupun recently traveled to the natin’s capital to speak with legislators about their community’s locally owned utility. Mayor Rohn Bishop along with Utilities General Manager Steve Brooks advocated on behalf of their customers during the American Public Power Association’s 2025 Legislative Rally. The annual event took place February 24th through the 26th in Washington D.C.
