Wisconsin’s partisan primary is Tuesday, August 11. The four Democratic candidates include Joel Brennan, David Crowley, Francesca Hong and Kelda Roys.

The two Republican candidates include Tom Tiffany and Andy Manske.

Republican candidates Will Martin and David Varnam face off in the primary for Wisconsin lieutenant governor.

The August 11 primary will determine who will be on the November ballot. Republicans took control of the House in 2022 and currently hold six of Wisconsin’s eight seats. 

The partisan primary in August will cover races for seats in Congress, the state Legislature and any contested statewide office in which there is more than one candidate from a political party. The general election in November will cover the state’s eight seats in Congress, 17 seats in the state Senate, all 99 seats in the Assembly, and the state’s five executive offices of governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state and state treasurer.

Incumbent Mark Born and Steve Rydzewski are running in the Republican primary for State Assembly District 37. Wisconsin State Assembly District 37 covers parts of Dodge and Fond du Lac counties and includes the cities of Beaver Dam, Waupun, Mayville, and Fox Lake.

Dodge County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to an injury crash Friday afternoon, July 31 at 3:07 p.m. which involved a single vehicle on County Highway C, near County Highway FW in  Westford.  

The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office says a car, driven by an 84-year-old woman from Randolph, was northbound on County Highway C, when it ran off the road to the right and continued traveling in the ditch until it struck a utility pole.

The driver sustained injuries and was transported to a medical center in Beaver Dam.

Assisting at the scene were the Fox Lake Fire Department, Fox Lake EMS, and Beaver Dam Paramedics.

Residents and businesses continue to pick up the pieces in Menasha, Neenah and Appleton after severe storms and tornadoes on Monday, July 27.

There were no reported fatalities and 68 people have been treated for non-serious injuries, according to officials from Winnebago County.

Iron Ridge Fire Chief Jason Keller told WTKM that departments from Dodge County recently assisted in the area.

"There were multiple departments from Dodge County that responded up to the Neenah and Menasha area. It was from a request for a strike team of tenders, which are water hauling vehicles. The reason that's significant, is because the water system was damaged in those communities and if there were to be a fire, they would need water. They were trying to get their water system reestablished. The same water that comes out of your faucets is the same water that comes out of the hydrants. We had six departments represented from Dodge County."                                             

The damage is being assessed.

 It was an EF-3 tornado.

The damage assessment started last Thursday, July 30 for Winnebago and Outagamie counties. The Wisconsin Emergency Management is leading teams of damage assessors who will get a rough estimate of the number of houses with damage.

It all happened so fast on Friday, July 31. Yes, there was a lot of Christmas spirit in downtown Hartford. Even Santa was in town, standing by The Exchange Building entrance at 10 a.m. The Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kate Carroll and Event and Program Manager Barb Bielmeier were looking for one person, Gerry Schnorenberg. And they had a question for him.

"We would be honored if you would represent both the museum and Schnorenberg's Floor Covering to be our grand marshal of this year's annual Christmas Parade," said Bielmeier to a smiling Gerry Schnorenberg.

The Schnorenberg's Floor Covering President and Hartford's Museum 53027 President took a few steps back and was obviously honored.

"Wow, I guess I will accept but I'm going to accept it for all of the small business owners and all of the volunteers, organizations and community."

Schnorenberg followed-up with a practice wave, preparing for his role in Hartford's Christmas Parade. 

It was a wonderful moment, spreading some Christmas cheer on a summer day and honoring Gerry Schnorenberg, who reminded us what it's really about - community. He is Hartford's real Santa Claus and he makes our city a great place to live.

The 40th Hartford Christmas Parade is Saturday, November 14 at 3 p.m.  

The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office received a request from the Watertown Police Department to check on the welfare of a woman who called 911 from a location in their city. Information obtained during that 911 call indicated the woman was possibly in need of medical help, was with a male individual. Watertown officers were not able to find the caller at the location.

Fox Lake Police located a vehicle shortly after 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 30 near the city of Fox Lake, and the sheriff’s office requested mutual aid to stop the car to check the woman's welfare. The vehicle failed to yield to the officer and fled at high speeds along State Highway 33, and other various roads between, into the city of Beaver Dam. Officers from the Beaver Dam Police Department and Dodge County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the pursuit.

A sheriff’s lieutenant performed two Pursuit Immobilization Techniques on the vehicle in Beaver Dam, the second of which successfully ended the chase.

The male driver of the vehicle exited and fled on foot but was soon apprehended by officers. Both the driver and his female passenger were taken by ambulance to the hospital for medical clearance and later brought to the Dodge County Jail. Neither were injured during the incident.

Charges will be requested by the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office to the Dodge County District Attorney’s Office against the driver, Romeo Hennings, 33, Milwaukee, for felony fleeing/eluding an officer, possession with intent to deliver cocaine.

The Beaver Dam Police Department will be requesting charges against him for resisting or obstructing an officer.

The female passenger, Zhane McPike, 32, Milwaukee, will have charges requested for possession of cocaine, and party to the crime of possession with intent to deliver cocaine.

It’s another big day at the Ozaukee County Fair on Friday, July 31.

Judging continues with poultry, rabbits and horse judging.

Ozaukee County Fair Board President Mark Larson told WTKM that it’s free to get in. 

"We consider ourself kind of a mini version of the state fair, that we don't charge admission to get in. So, people can come and go multiple times to see whatever events they want. We have free music stages all over."

Larson went on to say that they are very proud of the fact they haven't charged admission since World War II. The Ozaukee County Fair doesn't receive any funds from the government. They are self sustaining financially. 

The Demolition Derby will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, July 31 and Saturday night, August 1 at 6 p.m. in the Grandstand.

The Budweiser Clydesdales are making an appearance again on Friday, July 31 from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Clydesdale Tent on the grounds of the Ozaukee County Fair and from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

The Ozaukee County Fair runs through Sunday, August 2.

The Half Pint Showmanship Contest begins at 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 1 along with the pedal tractor pull at 12:30 p.m. The Porch Goose Decorating Contest starts at 2 p.m. on Saturday. 

A short monument dedication ceremony will be held on Saturday, August 1 at 10 a.m. at St. John of God Catholic Cemetery, in Farmington.

The cemetery's address is 1488 Highland Drive, in Kewaskum.

They will be honoring the service of Civil War Veterans Eugene Callaghan, Thomas Callaghan Sr., Thomas Callaghan Jr., James Clark, Edward Dullea, John Keenan, Martin Kenney, Christopher Probst and Mathias Ryan. 

Services will include Color Guard, Civil War Era Cannon and 3-Round Volley. 

The presented monument is held in order to ensure that our Civil War Veterans are not forgotten, even if their headstones are no longer legible.

The dedication ceremony is open to the public and are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. 

The Watertown Riverfest Board of Directors voted to postpone the Watertown Riverfest event for this year, and move forward with a comprehensive effort to refresh and reimagine the festival's format and grounds.

Watertown Mayor Robert Stocks told WTKM that carnival rides will be running on the those dates originally set for Riverfest.

"We are taking a pause but planning on having the carnival part there with vendors around."

Even though Watertown Riverfest will not be held this year, the Riverfest Board announced that carnival rides will be set up on August 6 to August 9, which are the original dates of the festival. The midway will offer wristband specials, with carnival food and beverages.

Heavy rainfall last year exposed a number of structural and electrical issues at Riverside Park, in Watertown. The replacement or temporary staging solutions are being addressed.

The Watertown Riverfest Board is planning on a return of the event next year.

Since 2023, Riverfest exceeded 46,500 visitors from across the country over the four-day weekend, with an economic impact of over $2 million.     

Improvement projects around the City of Hartford continue.

Hartford City Engineer Chris Walter told WTKM about some of the current projects. 

"We call them our capital projects. It's a full reconstruction with the removal of the entire roadway, replace all of the underground utility with the water main, sanitary sewer and storm sewer. This year it's Budd Street, from Grant Street to State Street. And then, Center Street from Rossman to High Street. Those are two projects that are somewhere in the same area of the city."

Walter says those projects are scheduled to begin the week of August 3. Those projects are scheduled to be complete by the end of this year.   

Another project includes the Innovation Way extension at the City of Hartford’s Industrial Park. It will connect the dead end of Industrial Way to Western Avenue. It is scheduled to start in mid to late August of this year.    

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office reported a fatal accident from Wednesday, July 29 at 8:57 a.m. on State Highway 26, near County Highway N. 

The sheriff’s office received a 911 call regarding a single vehicle rollover traffic crash on State Highway 26, near the County Highway N overpass in the southbound lanes. A second caller further advised that the driver of the vehicle involved in the crash appeared to have been ejected from the vehicle.

Deputies at the scene of the crash located a single vehicle that had broken into pieces, after being involved in a possible rollover crash. They also located the driver of the vehicle a short distance away from the vehicle itself, suffering from serious injuries believed to be sustained from the crash.

The vehicle was traveling southbound on Highway 26, near the Highway N overpass, when it began to leave the roadway on the shoulder side of the southbound lane. After leaving the roadway, it appears that the driver attempted to correct the vehicle back onto the road before it struck a mile marker sign. After striking the sign, the vehicle began to roll, at which time the driver was ejected. The vehicle came to rest a short distance away from the driver.

The driver of the vehicle was later pronounced deceased at the scene.

An investigation into the crash is being conducted by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.

The Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Jefferson Fire Department, Jefferson EMS, Jefferson County Emergency Communications, as well as the Jefferson County Medical Examiners Office.

The Ozaukee County Fair begins Wednesday, July 29 and runs through Sunday, August 2.

What’s new? Ozaukee County Fair Executive Director Jamie Nevins told WTKM all about it.

"This new foam zone at the fair, it's for kids to go and play in the foam. It looks like a ton of fun. A new contest will be on Saturday, where everyone brings their porch goose which is all dressed up for the season. They will be judged for their wild costumes. The Beef Show is Thursday and the Rabbit and Horse Show is on Saturday."                              It's the 167^th Ozaukee County Fair.

Fireworks are scheduled for dusk Wednesday evening, July 29.

The world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales will be there at 3 p.m. on Thursday, July 30 for the Downtown Cedarburg Parade, this Friday, July 31 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the Clydesdale Tent and Saturday, August 1 from noon to 2 p.m.

The Truck and Tractor Pull is Thursday night, July 30 at 7 p.m. in the Grandstand.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office Communication Center received a 911 call in which the caller reported that a construction worker was struck by a vehicle at the intersection of Country Aire Drive and Highway 60, in the Town of Jackson. The vehicle then crashed into a house. The driver of the SUV remained on the scene. Washington County Sheriff’s deputies, Jackson Rescue and the WI State Patrol were dispatched to the scene.

The SUV was operated by a 48-year-old woman from Waldo. 

The SUV crossed the centerline and struck a 35-year-old man, who is a construction worker from West Bend. The man was on foot working in the eastbound lane, removing dirt from the roadway and wearing high visibility clothing at the time.  

The driver of the SUV was transported to a hospital. The construction worker sustained potential life-threatening injuries and was transported to a separate hospital.

The house that was struck was occupied by two adults and a dog. There were no injuries reported to anyone in the house.

Highway 60 between Church Road and Strawberry Glen Road was closed for two hours.

The crash remains under investigation.

In-person absentee voting begins in Wisconsin for the August 11 election, which includes the primary for the governor's race. It's scheduled to run through Sunday, August 9.

It's up to each city, village or town clerk with the appointed hours and locations during the early voting period.

You can  request that an absentee ballot be sent to you by mail in Wisconsin. The deadline to request absentee ballots is August 6, by 5 p.m. for regular and overseas voters, but August 7 at 5 p.m. for military voters. For your absentee ballot to count, it must arrive back at the clerk’s office by primary day, Aug. 11.

You may only return your own ballot to the Clerk's office.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a house fire, on Highway 60, in the Town of Hartford on Sunday at 2:47 p.m. Washington County Sheriff’s Deputies, Hartford Police, Town of Hartford Police, and Hartford Fire and Rescue responded to the scene.

The resident called 911 and stated his house was on fire and there was black smoke coming out from under the roof, near the attic. The resident stated he could only see smoke and did not see any active flames. The resident safely evacuated the house with his two dogs.

Hartford fire personnel arrived on scene and began fire suppression efforts and quickly extinguished the flames. The fire was contained to the attic area. The residence is a single-family two-story home. The home sustained minimal fire damage but sustained significant smoke and water damage. Estimated damage to the property is approximately $100,000.

Hartford Fire and Rescue was assisted by area fire departments from Slinger, Jackson, St. Lawrence and Lifestar Rescue.  

There were no injuries.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Severe storms impacted the Fox Valley on Monday, July 27.

A confirmed tornado touched down west of Appleton, with reported winds of 124 miles per hour, creating tornado warnings around the western side of Lake Winnebago from the Appleton to Fond du Lac areas.

Reports of broken trees, downed branches, and downed power lines are coming in throughout Appleton, Menasha, and Neenah.

A National Weather Service storm survey team confirmed damage from a tornado with at least EF-2 wind speeds in Menasha.  

Severe storms packed a punch on Monday, July 27.

A Heat Advisory remains in effect through 9 p.m. as heat index values climb to around 100 degrees, while severe thunderstorms developed with damaging winds, hail and heavy rain.

The day started with the National Weather Service announcing a severe thunderstorm warning for Waukesha, Jefferson, Washington, Walworth, Racine, and Dodge counties until 11 a.m.

The combination of heat and storms presented unique challenges for people working or spending time outdoors.

A severe thunderstorm warning was issued for Dodge, Jefferson, Milwaukee and Waukesha counties until 12:15 p.m. A tornado warning was issued for Dodge, Jefferson and Waukesha counties until 11:30 a.m.

Heavy rainfall could lead to isolated flash flooding. Additional scattered storms will remain possible through Monday evening.

Humidity will drop Tuesday, July 28 after the front moves through, bringing a couple of quieter and more comfortable days with highs in the low to mid-80s.

The Washington County Highway Department is pulverizing and repaving a 1.5-mile stretch of County Trunk Highway S, from State Trunk Highway 28 north to the Fond du Lac County line in the Village and Town of Kewaskum. The project is expected to accomplish substantial completion by August 14, 2026, dependent on weather and other factors.

The road will be closed to through traffic but residents will be able to get to and from their homes or businesses as needed.

The intersection of County Trunk Highway S and State Trunk Highway 28 will not be reconstructed as part of this project, and will be open to east and west traffic on State Highway 28.

A detour route will not be posted.

Curb repairs, manhole and inlet adjustments, new asphalt surface, shouldering, sightline improvements, striping, and signs are all included. Stark Asphalt is the prime contractor.

Project information was released by the Washington County Highway Department, as they continue to improve and maintain Washington County’s roadways.  

The Ozaukee County Dispatch Center received several reports of an explosion on Brandt Drive, in the Town of Cedarburg on Saturday, July 25 at 11:48 a.m. It was reported there was a fire with a large amount of black smoke coming from the area.

Deputies arrived, two victims were identified, a 54-year-old male and an 82-year-old male, both from the Town of Cedarburg. Both victims received critical injuries and were transported to a burn center in Milwaukee. A dog was also injured and was taken to an animal hospital.

The explosion occurred in an outbuilding. The building is described as a metal shed. The building was a total loss.

It is unknown what caused the explosion. The investigation remains active and all possibilities are being investigated. The Wisconsin State Fire Marshall will be assisting with the investigation.

Cedarburg Fire Department assisted, along with the Ozaukee Central Fire Department, and fire departments from Port Washington,  Fredonia, Southern Ozaukee, Jackson, Menomonee Falls, Germantown, West Bend, Hartford, Richfield, Newburg, Grafton Police and WE Energies.

Both victims remain in critical but stable condition at the time of this writing. They have been identified as 54-year-old Michael Foeger and 82-year-old Karl Foeger, both from the Town of Cedarburg.

Officer Mike Foeger has served with the Newburg Police Department for over 15 years, including 10 years as the chief of police. He is also a nearly 30-year veteran of the Jackson Police Department, where he is currently a lieutenant.

Throughout his career, Mike has dedicated his life to serving and protecting others.

Photo by the Ozaukee County Sheriff's Office.

The West Bend Common Council approved updates to the City's regulations governing bicycles, electric bicycles, electric scooters, play vehicles, and in-line skates creating a more streamlined municipal code and refining portions of the recently adopted e-bike ordinance based on community feedback.

Key updates state that Wheeled Recreational Devices are to be:

- Operated in a reasonable and controlled manner – by all, and at all times.

- Permitted for all on most sidewalks and recreational trails – including the Riverwalk and Eisenbahn State Trail.

- Deferential to pedestrians at all times. Pedestrians always have the right-of-way on sidewalks.

- Accounted for by parents (if the user is aged 12 or younger).

Additional provisions are stated specifically for bicycle, e-bike, and e-scooter use. According to the new ordinance, these devices are to be:

- Operated in accordance with state law. The new ordinance maintains the State’s three-class e-bike system, which specifies that riders under the age of 16 may not operate a Class 3 e-bike, though they may ride as a passenger on a Class 3 e-bike designed to accommodate passengers.

- Used appropriately on City streets. Riders have the same rights and responsibilities as other vehicle operators when riding on roadways

- Safe and legally equipped. All bikes, e-bikes, and e-scooters must be maintained in safe mechanical condition and equipped with any required safety equipment. Riders aged 16 and older (or the parent or guardian of a rider under 16) are responsible for ensuring the device is properly used.

Exhibitor             Weight   Price/lb.  Buyer   

David Schultz    1,373    $10.00    Blue Leasing Group

Colton Blank      1,315    $6.250    MCR Servicing

Andrew Schultz  1,424   $6.500    Ram Tool Inc.

Tessa Smith        1,384   $5.000   Gordie Boucher Ford

Charlie Schultz    1,362   $6.750   Deuryter Transport

Zach Oelhafen     1,467   $7.500   Shumway Dental

Emmerson Weber 1,625   $6.500  Gillitzer Electric

Hayden Hughes    1,595   $6.000  Cedar Lake Sales

Charlie Held           1,424   $5.250  West Bend Elevator

Audrey Klink          1,295    $5.500  Cedar Lake Sales

Zachary Butzlaff  1,517    $5.750  Lynch Buick GMC

Kenna Boden         1,548    $7.750  JH Universal Construction

Tyler Rabuck          1,433    $6.000  Christine and Paul Jensen

Joel Maas              1,448    $6.250   MGS MFG Group Inc.

Owen Rabuck        1,200    $5.750   Gehring's Meat Market

Brook Jelen            1,658   $7.500    KD Glass

Makenna Smith     1,420   $7.250   Lannon Stone and Gravel

Alayna Lambrecht  1,668  $6.000   Monarch Cafe and Catering

Adeline Held            1,365  $5.750   Albiero Plumbing and HVAC

Killian Smith           1,343  $5.500    Shicitono

Skylar Messig         1,520  $5.750   MCR Servicing

Aiden Gundrum      1,411  $8.500   Gillitzer Electric

Adam Dornacker    1,445  $7.750   Badger State

Aislin Garrett           1,076  $5.500  West Bend Power Hockey

Ariana Thoma        1,330  $4.500   Ram Tool Inc.

Haley Hughes         1,505  $6.000  West Bend Elevator

Kayson Messig      1,466   $5.250  All Pro Ashalt

Parker Neuy            1,065   $5.000  BCS

Race Stange           1,455   $5.250  Kin-X Construction

Charlotte Wolf        1,615   $4.500  Stellar Motors

Kendal Merten        1,410   $5.750  Lallenmand Specialists

Miles Kedroske       1,565   $6.000  LS Landscape

Sawyer Wolf           1,445   $5.000  Rival Roofing

Kyla Weber             1,424   $4.000  Badger State Waste

Molly Kedroske      1,258   $5.750  Schloemer Law Firm

Lydia Gault             1,624   $5.000  Farmers Feed and Grain

Mackenzie Kelley   1,355  $5.000  Schwai's Meat Market

Aaron Ihlendeld      1,583  $7.500  Johnson Tractor

James Kelley IV      1,265  $5.000  Lochen Equipment

Mason Roskopf      1,433  $4.750  Wilke's Plumbing

Cameron Merten     1,386  $4.750  Homer's Towing and Service

Sawyer Krueger       1,282  $5.000  Roden Echo Valley

Jack Dornacker       1,497  $5.000  Let's Get Roasted

Audrey Weinreich    1,392  $4.500  BMCI Construction

Anna Dornacker      1,510  $4.500  O'Briens

Joshua Weinreich   1,354  $4.500  Badger State Waste       

The 168th Washington County Fair is stronger than ever, thanks to many people who work hard all year long behind the scenes.

"This is going to be the best fair ever," according to Washington County Fair Committee Chair Rob Johnson, who joined WTKM live on the fair grounds on Thursday, July 23. "It's because we have an amazing staff, sponsors and volunteers. The weather helps and we are very excited that people have a safe place to come out to after the smoke last week. The sun is out and it's awesome for families."

Johnson went on to recognize the Washington County Board of Supervisors and Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann.

"They are the ones who made this facility happen. They have a major asset here for the county. They truly want it to be the best fair in the state, and I believe it's going to be. We are very fortunate."

Johnson also serves on the Agricultural Industrial Society Board of Directors. They operate the fair park year-round.  

"We are blessed. We are a nonprofit volunteer board."

It's made up of dedicated board members, according to Johnson. It includes Aaron Jambura, Holly Lemmer, Jamie Ludovic, Randy Strupp, Tammy Mucherheide, Tracy Oestreich, President Jack Rettler, Lucas Simonds, Cindy Zimmer, Alex Sprtel, Gary Heckendorf and Kate Carroll.

Washington County Fair Event and Fair Operations Manager Tanya Becker has done an impressive job in her role. She was excited to tell WTKM about an uptick with the number of exhibit entries.

"We have one hundred more exhibitors than last year and one thousand more exhibitor entries, so more animals as well. It's exciting to see the hard work of the kids in Washington County come to life."

The Washington County Fair Committee continues to make an impact. 

"Tanya and I host these meetings, typically once a month," said Johnson. "We are organizing things all year long, I have learned a lot. Tanya is a rock star and she obviously knows all of the details as we get all of the volunteers up to speed."

Johnson also recognized the facilities team and their great office team. 

"People think of the fair being one week long, but truthfully they are working on this all year long. And the great thing is, we are already talking about things we can improve on."

Solid support and many strong sponsors also shine a bright light on the Washington County Fair, which runs through Sunday, July 26.  

The Random Lake Fire Department Picnic begins Friday, July 24 and runs through Sunday, July 26. It's held at the Random Lake fire station which is located at 718 N. Spring Street, in Random Lake.

A fish and shrimp fry will be served at 4:30 p.m. on Friday. A bags tournament starts at 6:30 p.m.

Random Lake Fire Chief Pat Depies told WTKM that many people put a lot of work in to make this fundraiser happen.

"Our members do a lot throughout the year, we are very proud of the group that we have. Many citizens also come out and help with bingo and running the brat stand. It wouldn't be such a successful event without all of the support we receive every year."   

The Garden Tractor Pull is scheduled to start at 11 a.m. on Saturday, with bingo beginning at 1:45 p.m..

Bounce houses will be set up for the kids.

The parade will step off at noon.

Jackson Police Officers responded to a report that three adult females had pushed two carts containing liquor out of a business on Main Street, in Jackson without paying for the merchandise.

The suspect's vehicle was located by the Germantown Police Department at the Lannon Road Park and Ride on Wednesday, July 22 at 6:41 p.m. Three suspects, including a 31-year-old woman from Jackson and two women from Milwaukee, ages 31 and 27 were taken into custody.

The vehicle was towed to the Jackson Police Department, where officers located nearly $1,500 worth of stolen liquor, several items of drug paraphernalia and prescription medications that were not properly labeled.

All three suspects were transported to the Washington County Detention Facility. Charges have been referred to the Washington County District Attorney's Office.

The Germantown Police Department and the Washington County Sheriff's Office assisted with this investigation.

Changes were announced from Madison, which will involve cuts in the amount of funds provided for dairy promotion. 

Mike Strupp of the Washington County Dairy Promotion Committee joined WTKM at the Washington County Fair on Wednesday, July 22. He told us about some changes coming down from the state. He said Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, in this case, is the milk marketing board. Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin takes off 10 cents per 100-weight for every pound of milk produced in Wisconsin. 

"So that money gets pooled and in Madison they run their business and do the promoting for us," according to Strupp, who said they received $4,750 a year for the funding for the last 10 years. "And for some reason, we received an e-mail that said 'you will now only receive forty-five hundred dollars for the county.'"

Those funds go toward running their dairy promotion programs in Washington County. 

"I'm not sure why this happening. The other rule that came into play was when you host Breakfast on the Farm, we will only receive three thousand dollars. They have cut the criteria quite a bit on this."     

Mike Strupp went on to say that they used to receive many materials from Madison to help promote dairy. They do not receive half the items that they used to. 

"It's a shame. You know, we sponsor the Half Pint Show which is going to be here at the Washington County Fair on Sunday. We give out goody bags to all the kids who show their calves. We had to order dairy related products through Amazon to give to these kids. It's kind of a shame that way, they are not doing as much as they used to do. It has to do with budget cuts, according to the state. Whatever got cut in Madison, is now coming down on us in Washington County." 

Mike Strupp said the Breakfast on the Farm, which was held on June 13 at the Iron Ridge Dairy, in Kewaskum received the most sponsorship they have ever had.    

The Livestock Auction begins at 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 23 at the Washington County Fair.

Chairman of the Livestock Sale Steve Yontz says the kids work hard raising those animals.

"Absolutely, those kids take care of those animals before they take care of themselves. It's their pride and joy. Some work over a year on that project to bring it to the fair. They learn how to talk with adults, they learn about money and about a strong work ethic."

Yontz told WTKM about the funds from a sale.

"Almost all of the funds go to the kids themselves. We pull back a little bit to cover expenses to host the event. It goes to their college funds or to whatever they have planned for their future. They are great kids."                                                  

It's quite a sight when the annual auction begins at the Farm Progress Arena. It's filled with people, with the crowd spilling out and surrounding the arena.

All of the feeding, watering, grooming and training that goes into raising and showing a calf comes down to one moment at the Washington County Fair.