It started around 5 a.m. on Friday, October 23. Crews made their way down to the City of Hartford's Main Street, in front of The Mineshaft. Usually a quiet and reserved downtown in the early morning was bustling, due to a water main repair. 

Main Street was closed from Highway 60 to Jackson Street until around 11:30 a.m. on Friday. 

A water leak was reported in front of The Mineshaft on Thursday, October 22.  

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.

54-year-old Michael Foeger and 82-year-old Karl Foeger, both from the Town of Cedarburg were injured.

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.

After three long months in the burn unit, Mike was released and transferred to a rehabilitation facility, where he will continue his recovery, according to the Jackson Police Department.

The Jackson Police Department were honored to provide an escort as Mike was transported from one hospital to another. Upon his arrival, he was greeted by an incredible show of support from fellow law enforcement officers, firefighters, medical staff, family, and friends. 

Throughout this ordeal, Mike has demonstrated extraordinary strength, determination, and resilience. His fighting spirit has been nothing short of inspiring, and we could not be prouder of the progress he has made.

Mike's father, Karl, and the entire Foeger family are in our thoughts and prayers as they navigate this difficult journey.

Finally, the Jackson Police Department expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the countless individuals, organizations, and communities who have surrounded the Foeger family with prayers, encouragement, generosity, and unwavering support. The outpouring of compassion has been truly remarkable.

A Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputy located a vehicle traveling southbound on I-41 near Holy Hill Road on Thursday, October 22 around 12 a.m. The vehicle had previously been involved in a pursuit with the Slinger Police Department. Authorities had reason to believe the driver may have been armed and was the subject of an ongoing criminal investigation in the Village of Jackson.

The deputy initiated a low-speed pursuit, and the Germantown Police Department was requested to assist with a pursuit intervention technique maneuver. The vehicle continued southbound on I-41 before turning northbound just south of Lannon Road. The driver continued to operate the vehicle recklessly. The vehicle entered the east side of the roadway and came to a stop.

As deputies and officers prepared to approach the vehicle, a single gunshot rang out. It was determined that the gunshot originated from the vehicle, according to the Washington County Sheriff's Office. Deputies and officers approached the vehicle and located the driver deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Two firearms were located inside the vehicle. The 32-year-old Jackson man was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The investigative team includes members from the Fond du Lac, Manitowoc, Ozaukee, Sheboygan, and Washington County Sheriff’s Offices. The Sheboygan County Sheriff’s Office is the lead investigative agency, working in conjunction with the Washington County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Germantown Fire and Police Departments, Jackson Police Department, Slinger Police Department, and Wisconsin State Patrol assisted.

A busy morning in downtown Hartford, on Friday, October 23.

Main Street is closed in the City of Hartford, at the time of this writing, from Highway 60 to Jackson Street due to a water leak in front of The Mineshaft.

Crews are working hard on the water main repair. Service will be restored as quickly as possible, according to the City of Hartford.

The Hartford Rotary Club and Hartford Union High School are pleased to announce that Nora Dunwiddie and Josie Knapp were recently honored as the Rotary Students of the Month for October during the Hartford Rotary Club’s Thursday noon meetings.

Nora Dunwiddie, daughter of Lisa and Brian Dunwiddie, has been actively involved in a wide variety of activities throughout her high school career. She is a member of the National Honor Society, H-Club, Math Club and participated in the girls tennis program all four years. Dunwiddie also serves as President of the Student Council, President of the Best Buddies Program, Peers for Peers Youth Advisory Board Member, and Foreign Friends Leadership Board Member. She also represented Hartford Union High School at Badger Girls State. Through Student Council, Dunwiddie has helped organize homecoming activities and blood drives at the school. She is also active in the Special Olympics program serving as a coach for basketball, softball and track. After graduation, Dunwiddie plans to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison to study Psychology and pursue a career in mental health either as a Psychiatrist or a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner.

Josie Knapp, daughter of Ginger and Toby Knapp, has a big passion for agriculture. She is a member of FFA where she is on the Parliamentary Procedure Team, The Veterinary Science Team, and competed in employment skills. Knapp has served as an FFA officer for two years, participated in 4-H, Math Club, Math Team, National Honor Society, Girls Tennis and Girls Lacrosse, serving as captain of the Girls Lacrosse team the past two seasons. Knapp is an avid volunteer for the Richfield Historical Society and participates in most events by bringing her animals for demonstrations. Knapp’s special honors include receiving the West Bend Rush Lacrosse Coaches Award for 2026, National FFA Qualifier for Veterinary Medicine and FFA Top Ten State finalist for employment skills. Following graduation, Knapp hopes to attend UW-Madison to pursue a law degree.

Habitat for Humanity of Washington and Dodge Counties broke ground on their 58th home on South University Avenue, in Beaver Dam on Wednesday, October 21.

It's the beginning of the building process for Habitat for Humanity. 

Director of Development Amber Ruch told WTKM that it's all about providing the opportunity for homeownership.

"It represents hope with owning a home. Families that take part in Habitat’s homeownership program purchase their homes through no-profit, no-interest mortgages. They also contribute sweat equity hours." 

The sweat equity involves helping with the construction of the new home and also includes the chance to volunteer.

Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization that helps families build and improve places to call home. They believe in the power of a community coming together to build dreams into reality.

The pheasant season opened on Saturday, Oct. 17 and runs through Sunday, Jan. 3, 2027 according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources .

The opening weekend had a daily bag limit of one rooster per day. Starting Monday, Oct. 19, the daily bag limit increases to two roosters per day. This limit remains in place for the remainder of the season.

Pre-stocking efforts ensure birds are on the landscape for the season opener. The DNR plans to stock 65,000 pheasants from the state game farm on 82 properties statewide. Stocking for the pheasant season will end on Nov. 19. This is earlier than in years past and is a necessary cost-saving measure due to budget shortfalls.

Hunters are encouraged to double-check the legal shooting hours on the properties they intend to hunt in the online hunting regulations. 

Hunters can use the DNR's Field's and Forest Lands Interactive Gamebird Hunting Tool to locate properties stocked with pheasants. The tool also allows hunters to use aerial maps, topography and measuring tools to identify areas of interest and make their trips more productive and enjoyable.

Hunters are also reminded to please double-check the DNR's Pheasant Stocking Information webpage for a list of the properties that will be stocked with pheasants this fall. 

The City of Watertown and Watertown Professional Firefighters, IAFF Local 877, have reached a new collective bargaining agreement for 2027–2028, reflecting a commitment to the health, safety and long-term well-being of Watertown’s fire and EMS workforce.

Firefighters face elevated occupational risks. Recognizing these risks, the agreement strengthens preventive care through comprehensive medical examinations focused on early detection and annual confidential mental health assessments. The agreement also supports competitive wages for Firefighter/EMTs and Firefighter/Paramedics, helping the City recruit and retain qualified emergency responders.

“Our firefighters and EMS professionals dedicate their careers to protecting others, often at a cost to their own health and well-being,” said Fire Chief Tanya Reynen, in a press release. “This agreement recognizes those risks and reflects a shared commitment to supporting our employees throughout their careers and beyond.”

Reynen also expressed appreciation for the collaborative efforts of Local 877, City administration, Mayor Stocks and the Common Council in reaching a timely agreement that supports employees and the community.

Local 877 President Braunschweig shared the union’s appreciation for the agreement and the collaborative process.

The agreement takes effect January 1, 2027, and continues through December 31, 2028.

Students in Ms. Danay’s Business Strategies class at Hartford Union High School started a Buckle Up Phone Down campaign to tackle distracted driving across the high school and the Hartford community.

Hartford Union High School senior Shea Miller told WTKM that Buckle Up Phone Down was brought to their attention by an area resident who was affected by distracted driving. 

"Our class is supporting it and talking with the community about it. We are making it known to the community." 

A damaged F-150 truck is also a part of the campaign, according to Miller.

"Bob's Auto delivered a crashed truck in front of our school and that definitely caught the attention of a lot of students. I hear a lot of people talking about it."                              

Students went around to area businesses in Hartford in order to hang flyers which promote the Buckle Up - Phone Down campaign. It turned into businesses sponsoring the campaign, providing items that are given away to students who take the pledge to stop distracted driving.  

Angie Hall has passed away. She was a teacher at Hartford Union High School and an EMT with the Hartford Fire and Rescue Department. 

The news of her passing was released by Hartford Union High School, with a message to Hartford Union High School families. The letter has been posted below.

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of a beloved teacher, Mrs. Angie Hall, early this morning. Since being diagnosed with ALS, Mrs. Hall has tirelessly fought the disease every step of the way and shared her courageous battle with the Hartford community. Even while being out of the classroom, Mrs. Hall continued to teach the students and staff about resilience, leadership, servantship, and the “We Get To” attitude. Mrs. Hall will always be remembered as a warrior who encompassed strength and compassion.

This loss will likely raise many emotions, concerns, and questions throughout our school community. Our Student Services and Leadership Teams will be available to support any students who are having difficulty with this tragic news. We will have additional community supports available on-site as well.

Please reach out should your child need support during this difficult time. We have included some information below that may be useful to you in helping support your child.

Addressing Grief in Children

211 is a central access point for a variety of needs. The free, confidential helpline and online resource directory make it easy for anyone to be connected with information and assistance.

HUHS Mental Health and Well-Being Webpage

If you would like additional information or need assistance, please contact Hartford Union High School at 262-670-3200 and ask to be directed to our Student Services Department. We understand that everyone copes with grief differently, and we are here to support you. Attendance for today will be excused if needed.

Sincerely,

Dr. Stacy Gahan

Superintendent

Ms. Kelly Lam

Principal

Officers with the Germantown Police Department were requested to investigate a criminal incident. During the investigation, officers located the suspect's vehicle and attempted to conduct a traffic stop Tuesday evening, October 20 at 10:57 p.m. The driver accelerated and attempted to flee, resulting in a pursuit. During the chase, the driver operated the vehicle recklessly.

While trying to evade officers, the driver of the vehicle lost control and struck a pole near North 46th Street and West Fairmount Avenue, in Milwaukee.

The 50-year-old driver sustained serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The 58-year-old passenger sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The Milwaukee Police Department was requested to investigate the crash. The investigation remains under review.

“Anytime an incident results in the death of someone, it is a tragedy. Our thoughts go out to everyone involved, including the officers who responded,” said Germantown Police Chief Patrick Merten in a press release. 

The City of Hartford continues to work with Washington County, in particular the highway crew. It provides tools or equipment that the City of Hartford doesn’t have. It makes financial sense, according to Hartford City Administrator Steve Volkert.

"We do work with the county and they bring in their equipment in certain circumstances. In those cases, it works faster. We help them, we assist them but by using their equipment and their guys who run that equipment, it makes for a much quicker solution to the problem."                                    

Volkert says there are many examples of how this helps get the job done safely, quickly and efficiently. Crack filling and sealing of city streets involves cleaning out debris and moisture from pavement cracks and injecting hot rubberized asphalt or liquid asphalt to block water intrusion, stopping potholes and extending road life.

"We don't have the equipment to do that, so they come in and help us with it. It could be street painting. We saw that recently with the county crews and our crews in an area where we don't like to have people painting for a long period of time because of the heavy traffic. Having someone being able to do it quickly and accurately is a huge help for us."

Volkert was referring to the road painting project on Highway 60, in the City of Hartford. 

The relationship between Washington County and the City of Hartford has made an impact for many years. Volkert pointed out that at the end of the day, their jobs are the same. Each of them work to provide a service at the lowest price. The City of Hartford continues to do it, through working with other departments through other communities and the county.

In-person absentee voting begins on Tuesday, October 20 for the November 3 general election. The hours and locations vary.

The times provided on the lower level of Richfield Village Hall are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. And Thursday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.  

A voter requests a ballot for in-person absentee voting, then completing the ballot and returning it to the local clerk. Voters will need to provide a photo ID to receive their ballots.

Absentee voting in the City of Hartford is for any qualified elector who is unable or unwilling to appear at the polling place on Election Day. They may submit a request to vote an absentee ballot to their municipal clerk. A qualified elector is any U.S. citizen, who will be 18 years of age or older on Election Day, has resided in the ward or municipality where they wish to vote for at least 28 consecutive days before the election. The elector must also be registered to vote to receive an absentee ballot. Proof of identification must be provided before an absentee ballot may be issued.

Contact your municipal clerk and request that an application for an absentee ballot be sent to you for the primary or election or both. You may make written application to your municipal clerk for an absentee ballot in person, by mail, by fax, by email or at MyVote.wi.gov. Your written request, must include your voting address within the municipality where you wish to vote, the address where the absentee ballot should be sent, if different from the address above your signature and a copy of your photo identification.

City of Hartford Clerk Shanna Kreilkamp told WTKM that it's easy to register to vote. 

"You can register any time of the year at the municipal clerk's office. You just bring along your proof of residence and fill out a voter registration application. You can also register by mail. You have to complete and sign a voter registration application and then submit it to us along with your proof of residence. We need to receive it at least twenty days before the election."  

Hours and voting sites can be found at MyVote.wi.gov.

The Washington County Anti-Trafficking Advocates is a nonprofit organization that offers education, advocacy and resources to the community.

A free information lecture series is scheduled for Tuesday, October 20 at The Bend Theater beginning at 7 p.m. The experience will walk audiences through a sextortion scam as it unfolds in real time, helping with warning signs and understand the tactics offenders use.

Washington County Anti-Trafficking Advocates' Founder Wendy Smith told WTKM that it's going to be a bit different.

"This is the first time we will do it this way, and I've been working hard on this presentation to make it more interactive and immersive. The experience is going to take the audience from the first message and then all the way through the initial contact from a perpetrator to the victim. We will be discussing decisions and emotions as we work our way through."

Representatives from the Washington County Sheriff's Office and West Bend Police Department will be in attendance.

The presentation will be appropriate for ages 12-years-old and up, parental discretion is advised.           

Law enforcement impersonation scams are active across Wisconsin.

Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt told WTKM that the use of real names in law enforcement are used on a regular basis during scams.

"Those types of people are making phone calls to the public all the time during a scam call. They are impersonating law enforcement, and it can be from a sheriff's office, police department or fire department. Sometimes they are using real names. They will try and scare potential vicitims with threats of a fine or jail time. We will never demand payment over the phone and would never threaten anyone." 

Sheriff Schmidt encourages area residents to not trust your caller ID.

Scammers use real names of local sheriffs, actual badge numbers, fake caller IDs and personal data to build trust.

Look up the official non-emergency number for your local sheriff's office or police department online and call them directly to check if they actually tried to reach you.

Hartford Fire and Rescue responded to the report of an apartment building on fire on Evergreen Drive, on Saturday, October 17 at 1 a.m. in Hartford. Multiple Hartford Police officers arrived on the scene to find fire pushing out the front window of an apartment unit on the 1st floor. Officers quickly helped residents exit the building and attempted to search the 2nd floor, but were stopped by the thick black smoke. One officer utilized several fire extinguishers, spraying them through the front window in an attempt to slow the fire. Two officers went to the rear of the building, finding three occupants trapped on the 2nd floor balcony. Those occupants jumped from the smoke - filled building and were caught by the officers at the rear of the building.

The crew quickly deployed a preconnected hose line, briefly spraying water into the room that was on fire from the outside before entering the building. The growing fire was quickly located in the bedroom of the 1st floor apartment and extinguished. Hartford’s ladder truck arrived and laddered the roof to check for fire. Another crew checked for fire in the apartment unit above. Next arriving mutual aid engine crews provided assistance with extra personnel, searching the building, overhauling fire areas to assure no smoldering embers remained. A total of ten pets were successfully rescued from the apartment building.

A total of twelve occupants were displaced from the 8-unit apartment building due to smoke and fire damage. One occupant had minor injuries. Two Hartford police officers were evaluated at a hospital and released. No fire or EMS personnel were injured during this incident.

Assistance was provided by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, and Hartford Police Department. Mutual Aid was provided by the St. Lawrence Fire Compnay, Slinger Fire Department, Neosho, Richfield, Jackson and Lifestar EMS.

The Red Cross assisted, a temporary warming shelter was established in the City of Hartford’s City Hall.

Hartford Fire units remained on scene until 4 a.m. Fire investigators from Hartford Fire and Hartford Police remained on scene until noon.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Photo by the Hartford Fire and Rescue Department.

An 81-year-old Village of Jackson resident reported losing $49,800, after falling victim to an online scam. The resident had clicked on what appeared to be an antivirus notification on his computer. Unfortunately, it was a scammer who eventually convinced the victim to visit his bank and wire nearly $50,000 to a Bank of America account. Once the money was transferred, the scammer disappeared.

Detective Gerke, of the Jackson Police Department, was assigned the case and went to work trying to track down the stolen money. Her investigation revealed that the bank account had previously been used to transfer funds to China. Investigating financial crimes involving different jurisdictions and international transactions can be extremely challenging, according to the Jackson Police Department.

Through extensive investigative work, subpoenas, and financial records, she discovered that $44,020 of the victim's money remained in the account. She obtained and executed a seizure warrant, resulting in that money being returned. 

Detective Gerke's investigation also led her to identify and assist another fraud victim in New Jersey.

This isn't the first time Detective Gerke has successfully recovered a substantial amount of money for a fraud victim, according to the Jackson Police Department. Earlier this year, she recovered nearly $25,000 for another resident in Jackson who had been scammed.

That's nearly $70,000 recovered for fraud victims in just a few months.

A resolution, which will initiate a grant program for countywide emergency medical services funding was approved by the Washington County Board.

"Washington County has an opportunity to use the tools available to us to address a countywide problem," said Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann, in a press release. "We've developed a responsible solution that maintains our tax rate, strengthens emergency services and keeps local control where it belongs. It puts taxpayers first."

It is scheduled to begin in 2027 and will support local fire and EMS departments throughout Washington County.

It was approved by the board with a vote of 18-2.

The funding system provides fire and EMS departments with consistent funding in order to continue to serve communities in Washington County at a high level, while handling operational costs.

Due to the forecasted weather, the weekend-long closure of westbound Highway 60 originally scheduled from Friday, October 16 to Monday, October 19, in Slinger has been rescheduled to Friday, October 23 to Monday, October 26.

Reported improvements by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation include widening and realigning the right turn lanes at the I-41 southbound offramp to improve visibility. Adding traffic signals at the southbound ramp terminal. Partial deck removal and widening to increase the length of the Highway 60 left-turn lane to the I-41 northbound on-ramp. Pavement resurfacing is also involved, along with new pavement markings and signage.  

Cooler temperatures are expected through southeast Wisconsin, after a stretch of rain.

Winds are expected to reach 25 to 40 mph for Friday, October 16. Scattered light showers may linger.

Low temperatures will dip into the 30s for Saturday morning, October 17. 

According to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, approximately 89% of Wisconsin's corn crop has reached maturity at the time of this writing. For crops that have already hit peak maturity, the impending frost is not a threat and will actually aid farmers by speeding up the natural dry-down process of the grain.

Sunshine returns Saturday afternoon, but temperatures will stay cool, with highs in the mid-50s.

Sunday, October 18 will see temperatures climb to around 60 degrees. Breezy conditions return, with wind gusts around 30 mph.

Hartford Union High School Student Council invites local military Veterans and a guest to pull up a chair, share a warm meal, and spend the morning together at the annual Veterans Day Breakfast on Wednesday, November 11, from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. in the HUHS cafeteria.
The morning is all about celebrating community heroes, sharing stories across generations, and saying a genuine "thank you" to those who have served. Guests will be treated to a delicious, hot breakfast served by HUHS students and staff, complete with great conversation and hospitality.
Alongside breakfast, the program features heartfelt student presentations, an inspiring guest speaker, and the event's most cherished traditions: roll call and mail call, where veterans receive personal, handwritten notes of thanks from the student body.

To ensure plenty of food and seating for everyone, veterans and their guests are asked to RSVP by Friday, October 30. Please reach out to Ms. Marie Hoppe by email at marie.hoppe@huhs.org or by phone at 262-670-3200 ext. 4110 to save your seats.

Fall leaf pick-up for the City of Hartford will begin. 

Hartford city residents can rake leaves into the curb and gutter area of their street.

City of Hartford’s new public works director Nate Wendelborn told WTKM that it is expected to start either Monday, October 19 or Tuesday, October 20.

"Yes, our crews are getting ready. We are hoping to get out either Monday or Tuesday. We have colder temperatures coming, with high winds. We will be ready."   

Leaf pick-up will continue periodically until the end of November. Residents are urged to get their leaves raked curbside.

Raked, loose leaves will be picked up at the curb line this month and next month only.

A special fundraiser will take place on Sunday, October 18 at Hartford Union High School’s Gib Mahr Field, at 1 p.m.

It’s Fall for Hall.

Kristen Helms is a math teacher and H-Club advisor at Hartford Union High School. She told WTKM about her friend Angie Hall, who is battling Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

"I have been spending time with my friend, who has been dealing with ALS the last few years. While the disease is progressing, she is just remarkable. Her attitude and her positive outlook on every day, it's incredible."

Angie Hall was a teacher at Hartford Union High School and an EMT with the Hartford Fire and Rescue Department.

All of the proceeds from the fundraiser on October 18 go to the Hall family.

There will be food, games, bounce houses, music and the treat tunnel.  

The School District Boundary Appeal Board will hear presentations from the Hustisford School District, and the public regarding the Hustisford School Board’s order to dissolve.

On October 20 and 21, they will hold public hearings to gather information before making a decision by January 15, of 2027 to affirm or deny the Hustisford School District's dissolution.

The Hustisford School District will be giving its presentation to the School District Boundary Appeal Board on October 20 from 3:30-5:30 p.m.  at Hustisford High School.

Interim Hustisford Superintendent Todd Bugnacki shared his point of view regarding the students with WTKM.

"When you think about the kids, it's about opportunities. How do we continue to afford great, robust opportunities for our kids when you have shrinking resources, declining enrollment, funding at the state level is not keeping up and there are pressures from increasing prices. Those type of pressure points have hit Hustisford." 

The hearing is open to the public and will allow the School District Boundary Appeal Board to gather facts and information. The hearing is the final step in the dissolution approval process.

On July 20, of this year the Hustisford School District Board of Education voted unanimously to approve a motion to dissolve the school district, pending approval by the state School District Boundary Appeal Board.

The Hartford Police Department has released information regarding an incident that occurred on Friday, October 9 at the Hartford Union High School Homecoming Parade, in downtown Hartford.

A Hartford police officer noticed a vehicle pulling out of an address in the 400 block of N. Main Street and drove directly into the parade route, even though there were road closed signs posted, orange cones, police cars and department of public works vehicles on the roadway. Several participants in the parade had to move to avoid being struck. She was stopped, pulled into a parking lot, continued on and attempted to pull into the parade route a second time.

The officer was able to positively identify her by her driver's license photo. A citation for reckless driving-endangering safety was issued to a 26-year-old Hartford woman.

No injuries were reported.