News – September 13, 2021

(Lowell) The operator of a horse and buggy that was rear-ended Friday by an SUV in the Town of Lowell has died of their injuries. The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office says the horse and buggy was traveling east on State Highway 16-60, near County Highway J around 7:10am, when the eastbound SUV approaching from behind struck the rear of the buggy. The lone occupant in the buggy was ejected, sustained severe injuries and was transported by helicopter to UW Hospital where they later died of their injuries. Eric Schmoldt, the driver and sole occupant of the SUV, suffered minor injuries and was taken to Marshfield Medical Center Beaver Dam.

(Beaver Dam) A mechanical issue is being blamed after a truck drove through the storefront of Cricket Wireless in Beaver Dam Saturday night. The driver’s side also punched out the south wall of the business. Then yesterday afternoon on the 800 block of North Center, a motorist lost control backing out of a driveway, crossed both lanes of the state highway and wound up across the street in a front yard, missing a house by inches. Both lanes were temporarily closed as the vehicle was loaded onto a tow truck. Two blocks away, in a separate incident Saturday afternoon, a motorist drove into a streetlight, knocking it to the ground. No injuries were reported in any of the incidents.

(Lomira) The Lomira Police Department aided Kewaskum authorities in ending a vehicle pursuit Saturday. Around 5:30pm, officers were dispatched to Highway 41 northbound to assist Kewaskum police. A Lomira police officer deployed a tire deflation device on 41, just south of Highway 67. The spike strip successfully deflated the tires, and the vehicle came to a stop where officers and deputies were able to safely take the occupants into custody.

(Beaver Dam) The city of Beaver Dam is carefully plotting its plan to use $1.7-million dollars in pandemic stimulus funding. The city received the first of two payments, totaling $858-thousand dollars each, in June with the second installment coming next June. The funds need to be committed by the end of 2024. Elected officials in Beaver Dam will see an initial list of projects and initiatives for consideration after the 2022 budget process is complete. The money is making $14 in interest per month.

(Beaver Dam) Beaver Dam alderpersons will get their first look at the borrowing plan for next year at a special meeting Monday evening. The 2022 Capital Improvements Plan is expected to be approved next week. Also at tonight’s meeting, a vote that could result in a major restructuring of city government. The change would install a City Administrator while reducing the role of mayor to part time. The common council meets at 7:30pm at City Hall and a virtual option is available.

(Lomira) The Public Service Commission has approved a solar farm project in northeastern Dodge County. The proposed Springfield Solar Project is a 100 mega-watt solar electric generating facility. The project is part of Alliant Energy’s plan to add over 400 megawatts of solar to Wisconsin as well as accelerate their initiative to transition to clean energy. National Grid Renewals is developing the project on 600 acres between Lomira and Brownsville. Alliant Energy is asking regulators to approve the purchase for $124-million dollars.