(Waupun) Waupun’s fire chief is resigning. B.J. DeMaa, who also serves as the city’s director of emergency management, is stepping down from the dual posts. DeMaa is leaving to take up a position as the director of communications and emergency management for Fond du Lac County. Waupun will begin the process of searching for a new fire chief and director of emergency management. No timetable was given to have those positions filled. DeMaa’s last day is October 2nd.
(Beaver Dam) The Patriot Tour will return to Beaver Dam this week. Organizers with the Beaver Dam-based nonprofit Nation of Patriots say the city will host a flag transfer ceremony September 9th through the 10th, with events planned for both days. Festivities include food and drink, speakers, raffles, vendors, and a silent auction. The flag will reach Beaver Dam on the 9th at 4pm with a welcome ceremony planned for 5pm. Nearly $2-million-dollars has been raised through this grassroots effort since the Nation of Patriots’ inception in 2009.
(Dodge County) There’s hope that the price of gas may be coming down even further in southeast Wisconsin. Winter blend gasoline can now be sold in southeast Wisconsin, thanks to a fire that knocked a refinery offline in Indiana making summer-blend fuels. Gas Buddy says there’s no telling how this new development may change the price at the pump. According to the Triple A Fuel Gauge, the price of a gallon of gas in Dodge County is $3.53 which is below the statewide average of $3.56.
(Wisconsin) Wisconsin health officials say they are hopeful the newest COVID booster shots will improve the state’s vaccination numbers. Almost 62-percent of Wisconsin residents have received the initial coronavirus vaccine series, but only 35-percent have received at least one booster shot. In Dodge County, 52.9-percent of residents have received at least one dose of the vaccine while 50.8-percent have completed the vaccination series. Just over 28-percent have gotten an additional booster dose.
(Washington County) The bird flu has been found in a backyard flock in Washington County. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection says this is the state’s first confirmed case of avian influenza in a domestic flock since May. This year, 23 flocks in 15 counties – including Jefferson County – have been confirmed to have the virus. Officials with the state Ag department say the fall and winter could be a critical time for virus transmission, and they urge all poultry owners to implement strong biosecurity measures to protect their birds from the disease.
(Lodi) The Highway 60 interchange at Interstate 39/90/94 near Lodi is now closed to traffic. State transportation officials say this is due to interchange and ramp work in the area. The closure also impacts the I-39/90/94 northbound on and off ramps. The interchange is slated to be reopened by October 17th.
