News – November 27, 2019

(Horicon) The Horicon City Council failed to adopt their 2020 budget Tuesday night. Alderpersons were deadlocked at three votes apiece and, when voting on the budget, state statute apparently prohibits the mayor from casting the tie-breaking vote. There were some comments from residents made during the public hearing but little discussion from the council on their reasoning for the rejection. As published, the $3.9-million-dollar budget is roughly $100-thousand dollars higher than the current budget; the $2.4-million-dollar levy up $60-thousand dollars. A special council meeting is tentatively planned for December 3rd. The city has until midmonth to have the document finalized.

(Dodge County) The later start of the gun-deer season had an impact on harvest numbers for opening weekend. Hunters took more than 90-thousand deer, far less than the over 123-thousand registered during the opening weekend in 2018. Around 1100 deer were harvested in Dodge, Fond du Lac and Green Lake counties while over 1,800 were taken in Columbia County. Harvest numbers were down in part due to less rutting activity given the lateness of the season.

(Montello) A Montello woman accused of starting a fire that killed her boyfriend was arraigned yesterday. Frances Rittmann stood mute and the court entered a not guilty plea on her behalf to Homicide and Arson charges in connection with the April blaze in Montello. Daniel Gilmartin died; DNA was used to confirm the 43-year-old’s identity. Rittmann reportedly told investigators that she knew Gilmartin was sleeping and started the fire with the intention of killing both of them. She changed her mind and allegedly left the residence without getting help. The judge denied a request to lower her bond.

(Horicon) A two-day jury trial has been added to the court calendar for Horicon man facing felony child abuse charges. Jesse Crouse allegedly inflicted what the district attorney referred to as “profound” injuries to a four-year-old child who is expected to have lifelong impairments. When his girlfriend got home, she discovered her child was acting totally different, had trouble walking, lost his balance, slept more than usual and was vomiting. The 38-year-old Crouse contends the child fell out of a bunk bed. Crouse faces up to 46 years in prison, if he is convicted. The jury trial is now slated to begin August 11.

(Beaver Dam) A Beaver Dam man was sentenced to 18 months in prison and three years of extended supervision on Tuesday for threatening police. Dale Lengling pled no contest in September to felony charges. The 41-year-old was taken into custody after shouting profanities at a neighbor at the Lakecrest Apartments in May. Lengling intentionally banged his head against the rear seat of a squad car. After being taken to the hospital, he made multiple threats towards police. D-A Kurt Klomberg says police have a hard enough job without having to worry if a suspect is going to try to make good on their threats.

(Neosho) The Dodge County Drug Task Force, along with detectives from the Sheriff’s Office, seized over 46 pounds of illicit drugs following the executing a search warrant in Neosho. 26-year-old Spencer Lokken is being held on a $10-thousand dollar cash bond in connection with the November 14th bust at his residence on Schuyler Street. Authorities recovered a large amount of cash and over 46 pounds of illicit drugs including LSD, cocaine, ecstasy, mushrooms, prescription pills and a marijuana growing operation.

(Beaver Dam) The Beaver Dam Chamber of Commerce Annual Economic Development Luncheon was held yesterday. Among the speakers this year providing an update on local government were Beaver Dam Mayor Becky Glewen, Beaver Dam School Superintendent Mark DiStefano and County Board Chairman Russ Kottke. The keynote speaker was Caleb Frostman, the secretary of the state Department of Workforce Development. You can hear full audio from each speech on our website DailyDodge.com.

(Appleton) Norbert Schemm died last Tuesday evening, but not before the 87-year-old Appleton man enjoyed a beer in his hospital room with his family by his side. Grandson Adam Schemm tweeted out a photo of the moment on Wednesday morning, and by noon that same day it had had more than 30,000 retweets, more than 320,000 likes and more than 4,000 replies, including many who shared similar moments with their own loved ones.

(Beaver Dam) Starting tomorrow, garbage pick-up in Beaver Dam will be delayed by one day for the rest of the week because of the Thanksgiving holiday.  The DPW Garage is closed until Monday.