News – November 22, 2022

(Beaver Dam) The Beaver Dam Common Council approved the 2023 budget Monday night on a 7-to-4. The $9.44 per thousand mill rate is 21-cents lower than last year, but the owner of a median-valued home will pay around $177 more. The majority of the increase is going toward debt service for the new DPW facility. In addition, homeowners will now see a $181 annual fee for garbage pickup after costs were shifted from the tax levy to the utility bill. That increase is somewhat offset by a decrease in the tax levy.

(Columbus) A sunset clause on a proposed ATV-UTV ordinance was the topic for discussion at Tuesday’s Columbus’ Committee of the Whole meeting, which saw debate on both sides of the issue. Columbus voters recently approved a non-binding referendum that would allow the vehicles on public streets. Alderman Ian Gray recommends the ordinance sunset after the spring 2024 election so that voters can weigh in on the matter once again via referendum. The council will vote on the ordinance at their December meeting.

(Cambria) The state justice department has filed a civil environmental enforcement action against Didion Milling and Ethanol for alleged violations of its air pollution control permits. The complaint alleges violations at their Cambria corn milling and ethanol production facilities. Under the federal Clean Air Act, the facilities are considered a major source of emissions for carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and volatile organic compounds. The complaint, which was filed in Columbia County Circuit Court, alleges 30 violations that were discovered during inspections conducted by the DNR.

(Beaver Dam) A member from the Racial Justice Group of Beaver Dam was on a recent panel to discuss the awareness of racism and cultural prejudice in the area at the Beaver Dam Area Community Theater. Danette Macmueller has faced criticism in her own life and says the issue cannot be fixed without talking about it and. In our next story, we will highlight comments made by Betsy Ramsdale, who is part of the Bilingual Family Liaison for the Beaver Dam Area Unified School District. For the full video, please visit our website at dailydodge.com.

(Juneau) Dodge County authorities are warning motorists to keep a watchful eye out for deer. As there will less daylight in the coming weeks and temperatures continue to drop, the local deer population will be more active. Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt the number of car versus deer crashes will go up as we move into harvest season. He says do not swerve if a deer does run out in front of your vehicle, instead try to keep to your own lane or go towards the ditch.

(Madison) Fire damages a popular downtown Madison bar and restaurant. The blaze broke out at Nitty Gritty early Sunday morning as customers were still inside. Everyone was evacuated safely. A car and dumpster fire behind the restaurant spread to the building. Luckily firefighters were able to contain much of the damage to the exterior. The owners say the bar will open later this week. The Nitty Gritty has been known as Madison’s birthday bar since the mid-80s.