News – September 24, 2021

(Beaver Dam) The Beaver Dam Police Department is warning residents of a group of people stealing wallets in the area. Authorities say they have responded to multiple incidents involving the group of three to four people that go into local stores, distract shoppers, and proceed to steal wallets out of purses. They then purchase a large amount of gift cards and buy electronics in other states. Photos of the suspects can be found at DailyDodge.com.

(Watertown) A Watertown man made his initial appearance in court Thursday on charges he possessed illicit images of children. Jared Osborn reportedly admitted to searching for the illicit content and attempting to save it in a draft email on his google account. If convicted, the 30-year-old faces up to 200 years in prison. A signature bond was set at $5,000 and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for October 28th.

(Waupun) A communication sent to parents of students in the Waupun Area School District is highlighting a nationwide shortage of staff in schools. The Warrior Family Letter, urges parents to have a plan in place if the district moves to a virtual model of instruction with (quote) “little to no warning.” Speaking with District Administrator Steve Hill, he says this is a problem that existed pre-COVID but that has been made worse by the pandemic. He says the goal of every district in the region is to continue in-person learning, but they have to be prepared if they need to move to virtual. Hill adds some residents have already reached out to offer assistance and welcomes anyone who wants to help to reach out to their local school district for more information.

(Beaver Dam) Beaver Dam school officials are conducting a district-wide search to fill a vacancy on the school board. Tony Klatt recently announced his resignation from the board, citing concerns for his family after voting in favor of a mask mandate for students and staff. Interested residents must submit a written letter of interest and relevant experience to the Board of Education President Chad Prieve by 4pm October 11th. Interviews will be held on November 1st and the new board member will be sworn-in on December 13th. The appointed replacement will serve through April of 2022.

(Wisconsin) Wisconsin’s school districts and teachers will need to put a greater focus on mental health this year, says the head of the Department of Public Instruction. State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly says school districts need to be able to work with kids who are still having trouble processing what’s happened during the pandemic. As part of her State of the Schools Address, Underly praised schools for holding it together over the long period of digital learning and called for more funding for schools to bridge the gap in districts that are able to pass referendums and those who cannot. – WRN

(Ashippun) The 15th annual Harnischfeger Park Fall Fest is being held Saturday near Ashippun. Events include: outdoor musical entertainment, tractor pulled wagon rides, a pancake breakfast, chain saw art demonstrations and the Alaskan Malamute weight pull competitions. Admission and parking are free but certain events cost money. All proceeds are used to fund park projects. Fall Fest runs from 8am to 4pm at Harnischfeger Park which is located west of Ashippun in the Town of Lebanon on Crawfish Road.