News – October 17, 2016

Family: Gudex Suffered From Depression

 

10/17/16 – State Senate Republican Rick Gudex suffered from depression. That’s what his family said, after the Fond du Lac lawmaker died last Wednesday from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. A church service will be held this afternoon in nearby Eden to remember the 48-year-old Gudex, a former Mayville mayor who was elected in 2012 to one of the state’s most politically charged legislative seats — which he decided to leave by not seeking reelection this fall. Governor Scott Walker has ordered flags on state government property to be flown at half-staff today in honor of Gudex.

 

September Home Sales Up Locally, Statewide

 

10/17/16 – September home sales were up in a handful of local counties and statewide compared to last year.  Dodge County saw 112 homes sold last month, 18 more than September 2015.  The median sales price was up over $10,000 to $148,000.  Washington County’s 182 houses sold last month were 14 more than last September with the median sales price jumping nearly $40,000 to $229,000.  In Fond du Lac County, 123 homes exchanged hands last month, five more than the previous September.  The median sales price was up $10,000 to $130,000.  Jefferson County had 117 houses sold each of the last two Septembers.  The median sales price had a year-to-year increase of $15,000 to $186,000.  Home sales were down in a couple local counties.  Columbia County’s 76 sales were four less than the previous September.  However, the median sales price jumped $35,000 to $186,000.  In Green Lake County, the 18 homes sold were 12 less than September 2015.  The median sales price was down over $42,000 to $94,000.  Statewide, 7,564 homes got new owners last month, nearly 500 more than last September.  The median sales price was up over $12,000 to $167,000.

 

Police Chief Praises Beaver Dam Paramedics

 

10/17/16 – The Beaver Dam Police Chief has high praise for the paramedics at the Beaver Dam Fire Department. During the most recent meeting of the city’s Police and Fire Commission, Police Chief John Kreuziger shared a story with Fire Chief Alan Mannel about an incident last month involving someone “near and dear” to him. Kreuziger says he was recently approached with the information at a recent private function and, in front of a lot of people, expressed appreciation for the paramedic’s hard work. He singled our paramedics Paul Hartl and Tony Thomas for the professionalism, kindness and care they afforded the patient. Kreuziger says that is a direct reflection on the fire department. Kreuziger says he also made a point to thank Hartl and Thomas personally.

 

Trump To Hold Wisconsin Rally Tonight

 

10/17/16 – Donald Trump returns to Wisconsin tonight as he seeks to recover from a drop in voter support shown by last week’s Marquette Law School poll. The Republican White House nominee plans a 6 pm address in Green Bay, two hours later than he originally planned after scrapping a rally for this evening in West Allis. Trump was only two points behind Democrat Hillary Clinton in Wisconsin until a video surfaced ten days ago in which he made lewd comments about women — and he’s now seven points behind Clinton among likely voters. The state’s top Republicans say they still support Trump.

 

Sheriff Has Interesting Encounter With Young Citizen

 

10/17/16 – A member of an entirely new age group has voiced concerns over law enforcement.  In his monthly column, Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt described a recent incident.  While at last month’s Beaver Dam Pepper Festival, Schmidt says he tried to have multiple positive interactions with an African American girl who appeared to be four of five years old.  Schmidt says she shied away, admitting it was due to dreams she has had about police officers coming to her house to kill her.  The sheriff says it shocked him to hear this coming from a young child since recent negative perceptions of law enforcement have typically come from adults, college students, or teenagers. Schmidt blames the “vocal minority” who paint a negative picture of law enforcement and says officers need to partner with the “silent majority” to teach children that officers are there to protect them and their communities.  As their conversation progressed, Schmidt says the girl became less guarded and more willing to speak with him.

 

College Recognizing Veterans In Student Body

 

10/17/16 – One local school is recognizing members of its student population who have served their country.  Moraine Park Technical College is celebrating the ‘Year of the Student Veteran.’  During a recent appearance on WBEV’s Community Comment, Student Veteran’s Specialist Steve Pepper said MPTC is holding events throughout the school year tied to the theme.  Last month, the college rededicated a 9/11 tribute area on its Fond du Lac campus.  He says they plan on showing Project 22, a documentary detailing the issue of veterans committing suicide.  Pepper says the documentary will be shown in two one-hour meetings on the nights of November 1 and 8.

 

Theme Announced For State Capitol Christmas Tree

 

10/17/16 – Wisconsin wildlife is the theme for this year’s State Capitol Christmas Tree. As always, Governor Scott Walker has invited school students to make ornaments for the tree, and teachers will soon receive more information about that. The governor is also inviting teachers, parents, and others to make ornaments if they want, reflecting what he calls the “magnificent wildlife” that helps make Wisconsin a popular tourist destination. Ornaments can be sent to Claire Franz at the state Department of Administration by November 23rd.