(Mayville) Officials in Mayville apparently may be cutting ties with a law firm that provides services for the city. In an email dated April 22, obtained by open records request, Mayor Rob Boelk wrote to the city clerk’s office (quote) “going forward we will no longer be using attorney Madden/ Vanderloop. If we have outstanding issue [sic] they are working on have them finish up ASAP and refer everything to attorney Hammes in the future.” For the past three years, Madden Vanderloop S.C. had been tasked with handling municipal court matters for the Mayville Police Department; the firm has had a working relationship with the city for ten years. City officials have not commented on the reasoning behind the decision. We do know however that the legal firm recently changed its name to the Madden Law Group following departure of attorney Jeremy Vanderloop, also on April 22. In a press release, Patrick Madden said his practice has made several new hires. He says the firm has been on an exciting growth trajectory for several years and this is the next step. Madden says their new structure, along with new technology and management systems, puts the firm in the best position to grow while continuing to provide superior representation to their current and future clients. It is unclear if the city will be working with the new firm.
(Marshall) A convicted murder from Dane County plans to challenge the outcome of his trial. Daniel Lieske of Marshall was sentenced to life in prison last month for the murder of Jesse Faber. The 21-year-old Sun Prairie man was shot five times; his body was found in Rio. A photo has surfaced of a relative of Faber giving money to a trial witness. It reportedly happened right after the testimony of Emmanuel Harris in January, which helped Dane County prosecutors convict Lieske of First Degree Intentional Homicide. Lieske’s trial attorney tells WKOW that the 80-dollar deposit in Harris’ jail account was payment-for-perjury. Lieske has filed legal notice of his intention to challenge his conviction.
(Milwaukee) A malware researcher may be headed to prison after pleading guilty to creating and selling a banking virus. Just two years ago Marcus Hutchins was called a hero for finding a “kill switch” that stopped the WannaCry ransomware as it hit computers around the world. He has admitted he previously developed and sold a virus called Kronos which could be used to steal banking information. He faces up to 10 years in federal prison when he is sentenced in July.
(Abbotsford) One person is in custody in Marathon County in connection with an officer involved shooting. The Department of Justice says police tried to stop a suspect outside a motel in Abbotsford, when he fled from the scene and struck an officer his vehicle. An officer fired a shot which struck the suspect. He was eventually arrested after a chase and was taken to the hospital where he’s expected to recover from being shot. State investigators are now handling the case.
(Fox Lake) Fire swept through a Fox Lake home Thursday night, sending one person to the hospital. Crews were called to 208 East Cherry Street around 9pm and arrived to find flames visible from windows on the main level. The downstairs sustained significant damage and the rest of the house has severe smoke damage. The individual transported suffered smoke inhalation; there were no other injuries. No word yet on the cause; the fire remains under investigation.
(Juneau) The Dodge County Sheriff is reminding motorists about proper driving etiquette around school buses. Stopping for school buses who are displaying flashing red lights is being highlighted by Sheriff Dale Schmidt as his May ‘Law of the Month.’ Schmidt says when the operator of a vehicle approaches a school bus with flashing red lights from any direction the driver must stop no less than 20 feet. The driver must remain stopped until the bus resumes motion or turns off the flashing red warning lights. Schmidt points out that if the police are not around to catch someone breaking the law, the bus driver can report the incident. A fine for passing a school bus costs $326 dollars and four points against ones driver’s license. Schmidt says what is more important is the danger that it puts others in and the potential criminal and civil liability you could face if a tragedy happens while violating this law.
(Horicon) A pinning ceremony was held recently for a Horicon patrol officer who was promoted to lieutenant. Amy Yahnke is a 17-year veteran of the police force and is replacing Russ Saunders who is retiring next month. Police Chief Joe Adamson says more than one person applied but Yahnke rose to the occasion and stood out amongst her peers. Yahnke, who has been with the Horicon Police Department for six years, says she is looking forward to the opportunity and loves the community. Yahnke’s husband Dale and daughter Savanah took the honor of pinning the lieutenant badge on her uniform.
(Beaver Dam) Work is progressing on new brewery coming to downtown Beaver Dam. Ooga Brewing Co. is setting up shop at 301 South Spring Street which had been a used car sales lot. Last summer, the city was the recipient of a $126-thousand dollar state grant to help finance the redevelopment of the vacant downtown building. Assistant Ooga Brewer Sarah Ferree says the sites transformation has been amazing thus far. She says all the upgrades have been great and that the contractors have done a wonderful job. Ferree says they are still awaiting delivery of some appliances and their brewing ingredients. She says having a brewery located in the downtown can help spur further revitalization. Ferree says the public can go to www.oogabrewing.com to sign up for their newsletter and be the first to know when the location officially opens.
(Beaver Dam) The Beaver Dam Chamber of Commerce is inviting the public to a luncheon celebrating National Travel and Tourism Week. Executive Director of the Wisconsin Arts Board George Tzougros will be guest speaking. The Wisconsin Arts Board is a state agency that fosters creativity, drives community and economic development and serves as a resource for people of every culture and heritage. Tzougros is also one of the longest serving members of the Governor’s Council on Tourism, a body that advises both the executive and legislative branches of state government. The chamber will also be recognizing individuals who have earned the Hospitality Service Award. The annual award highlights those who work the front line of tourism or retail customer service jobs as well as volunteers from nonprofits that have demonstrated outstanding customer service. The luncheon will be held at the Old Hickory Gold Club at 12 noon on Monday (May 6). The cost is $15 per person.
(Kashyyyk) May the Fourth be with you…
