It has grown into a powerful city tradition. Hartford’s Pink Pumpkin Run is Saturday, October 3.

The Pink Pumpkin Run was created with one goal in mind — to support local individuals and families affected by breast cancer in a meaningful, direct way.

Through passion, and dedication this event has grown year after year, bringing people together for something special.

Pink Pumkin Run Board member Leah Nagel is the secretary and event coordinator. She told WTKM that it’s a special day and there will be a lot to do.           

"You come for the run and stay for the fun. There will be a lot to do, we bring in a lot of vendors and a wide array of vendors. We have food vendors, crafting vendors and activities. We are careful with who we invite out as vendors. We want to make it a great experience."

Hartford's Pink Pumpkin Run Board of Directors believe no one should face breast cancer alone. They focus on supporting people in Washington and Dodge counties, offering both financial assistance and emotional encouragement during one of life’s most difficult times.

The scariest haunted house is purely subjective. Hartford's Terror on Rural Street is cutting edge scary. Their dedicated team of actors volunteer every year for the joy of high level fright.

"We are fortunate to have a great group of volunteers every year who really love being a part of a haunted house and scaring people," said Dick Feutz, one of the organizers of Terror on Rural Street and a member of the Hartford Community Service.

The visual effects are mind blowing, with a surprise around every turn. They are anxious to start a new season.

Terror on Rural Street will be open every Friday and Saturday through the month of October, at 147 N. Rural Street in the City of Hartford. Doors open at 7 p.m. with ticket sales running from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Blackout night is Saturday, October 31 with the entire experience in the dark.

Hartford Community Service is a nonprofit organization. The purpose of the haunted house is to raise money for the community. 

The Jackson Police Department investigated an accident which involved a vehicle and pedestrian. It occurred on Jackson Drive, in front of Jackson Elementary School on Wednesday, September 30 at 7:37 a.m.

The investigation determined that a vehicle driven by a 19-year-old Kewaskum woman was traveling northbound, when a 9-year-old pedestrian entered the roadway on the crosswalk and was struck by the vehicle. The child was transported by a parent to a local emergency department for evaluation and was later released.

Officers reviewed available video footage of the incident. The investigation did not reveal evidence that speed, reckless driving, or distracted driving were contributing factors in the crash. The driver's view of the pedestrian was partially obstructed by another vehicle immediately prior to the crash.

The driver initially stopped following the crash, but then left the area without reporting the incident to law enforcement. Officers were able to identify and locate her, and she was cooperative with the investigation. The driver was issued citations for failure to report an accident and operating without insurance.

The Jackson Police Department is thankful that the child involved in this incident was evaluated and released without serious injury.

The Hartford Union High School Student Council is proud to announce the representatives for the 2026 Homecoming Court. This year, exceptional seniors were nominated by their respective fall athletics teams to represent their programs and the school during the upcoming homecoming week.

This year’s Homecoming theme is "Night in Paradise."

The 2026 HUHS Homecoming Court features a standout group of students. Representatives pictured in the court photo include:

Front row (left to right): Rita Kuepper, Shea Perkowski, Lauren Klink, Jaylin Tyner, Maddie Schlitt, Avery Dornfeldt, Alyssa Straus, Jenna Martin, Austyn Brandt, and Madyson Becker.
Back row (left to right): Finn Hill, Jake Otto, Ashton Grulke, Ethan Webb, Cole Schumacher, Patrick Eiring, Magnus Behm, Jaxon Rolsma, Dakota Stamm, and Landon Martin.
The seniors representing their specific fall athletic programs on the 2026 Homecoming Court are:
Girls Golf: Rita Kuepper & Boys Soccer: Finn Hill
Girls Volleyball: Shea Perkowski & Boys Volleyball: Jake Otto
Cheer: Lauren Klink & Football: Ashton Grulke
Cheer: Jaylin Tyner & Football: Ethan Webb
Girls Tennis: Maddie Schlitt & Boys Cross Country: Cole Schumacher
Girls Volleyball: Avery Dornfeldt & Boys Cross Country: Patrick Eiring
Girls Swim: Alyssa Straus & Boys Volleyball: Magnus Behm
Girls Tennis: Jenna Martin & Football: Jaxson Rolsma
Dance: Austyn Brandt & Boys Volleyball: Dakota Stamm
Girls Cross Country: Madyson Becker & Boys Soccer: Landon Martin

Upcoming Community Events The public is invited to attend the Homecoming Parade through downtown Hartford on Friday, October 9th at 1:30 p.m.

The 2026 Homecoming King and Queen, voted on by the senior class, will be crowned at the Homecoming Dance on Saturday, October 10th.
 

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources released an update regarding the spread of epizootic hemorrhagic disease.

An ongoing EHD outbreak was confirmed in wild deer in Washington and Waukesha counties, with suspected cases being reported from Dodge, Fond du Lac, Jefferson, Milwaukee and Ozaukee counties.

The DNR continues to catalogue all reports of potentially impacted deer. The estimates are based on reports of sick or deceased deer found with signs consistent with EHD from community members and biologists.

Washington County: just over 1,200

Dodge County: around 80

Waukesha County: just over 400

Jefferson County: less than 10

Fond du Lac: less than 10

Ozaukee County: around 90

Milwaukee County: around 10

Hemorrhagic disease is an acute, infectious, often fatal, viral disease that affects white-tailed deer and other hoofed animals. It is caused by either the bluetongue virus or the epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus.  

A monument dedication ceremony will be held on Sunday, October 4 to honor the services of Civil War Veterans Christian Frensz and Jacob Schmidt. 

Services will include Color Guard and 3 Round Volley, which are scheduled to take place at 1 p.m. at Peace United Church of Christ Cemetery, located between Highway 45 and Highland Drive on the north side of Highway 28, in Kewaskum.

The ceremony is open to the public, all are welcome to attend.

The presented monument will ensure that our Civil War Veterans are never forgotten.

The Watertown Police Department is investigating the theft of a Flock camera.

The investigation is ongoing. The Watertown Police Department is actively working to identify the individual or individuals involved. They will pursue criminal charges and prosecution against those responsible.

Committing a crime is not a valid form of protest, according to the Watertown Police Department.

The theft of the Flock camera occurred on September 24.

Anyone with information regarding this theft is encouraged to contact the Watertown Police Department at 920-261-6660 or Tip411 to remain anonymous.

      

400 community volunteers rolled up their sleeves at Moraine Park Technical College on Tuesday, September 29 to pack more than 17,000 snack packs for distribution to 25+ local nonprofit partners and schools that serve children and seniors. The “Packing for a Purpose” event officially kicks off the United Way of Washington County’s 90^th annual campaign.

Community members were invited to bring canned goods and non-perishable food items to Moraine Park, as United Way and Bob’s Main Street Auto and Towing wrapped up a community-wide food drive. All donations collected during the “Fill the Truck” event will benefit food pantries throughout Washington County.

“Every box we pack and every canned good we collect goes straight to a neighbor in need,” said Sarah Stadler, 2026 Campaign Co-Chair in a press release. “More importantly, these events and the campaign are reflections of the purpose of United Way — uniting community members, businesses and nonprofit agencies around a shared purpose.”

“It’s inspiring to see hundreds of people giving their time and packing food side by side,” said Jim Schwalen, United Way of Washington County Board Chair and 2026 Campaign Co-Chair in a press release. “But the real impact happens throughout the year, as kids and families in every corner of Washington County receive support from our funded partners.”

The campaign kickoff highlights the start of United Way’s most visible fundraising effort of the year.

Funds raised will support more than 25 community initiatives and programs addressing Washington County's most pressing needs in health, financial security and youth opportunity.

United Way of Washington County invites all community members to help power the next 90 years of United Way. The campaign runs through December 31, 2026. 

The West Bend Fire Department has been awarded $74,995.45 through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant program.
The grant, which requires a 10 percent local match, will support standardized incident command training and certification for West Bend fire and rescue personnel, as well as training opportunities for the department’s mutual-aid partners. The department plans to use training funds already included in the current budget year to meet the local match requirement.
The award program also includes a Train-the-Trainer component, which will allow West Bend to certify internal employees to continue providing training and professional development beyond the initial grant-funded period.
“This grant represents a meaningful investment in the safety and effectiveness of our fireground operations,” said West Bend Fire Chief Les Norin in a press release. “Standardized incident command training strengthens how we manage complex emergencies, improves coordination among our personnel, and creates greater interoperability with the mutal-aid partners we routinely work alongside. Just as importantly, we can make that investment without placing an additional financial burden on local taxpayers.”
Division Chief Alec Hakes and Battalion Chief Joseph Weinert have begun planning for implementation of the project, which has a two-year period of performance running from Sept. 28, 2026, through Sept. 27, 2028.
Established in 2001, the AFG program provides direct funding to local fire departments and emergency medical services organizations nationwide for critical equipment, training and protective gear. The program made $291.6 million available for Fiscal Year 2025, and, as of late September 2026, $264.8 million has been awarded through nearly 1,400 individual grants.
FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant program provides funding to help fire departments and other eligible emergency-service organizations equip and train emergency personnel, enhance operational efficiency, foster interoperability and strengthen community resilience. The FY 2025 program anticipates approximately $291.6 million in total funding for the program.

Three people were transported to a hospital after an accident, which involved three motorcycles.  All three motorcycles went down on County Trunk T in Watertown, according to the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office.

Deputies responded to County Trunk T on Saturday, September 26 at 10:39 a.m. The motorcycles were part of a larger group on a pre-planned ride through Jefferson County, according to the sheriff's office.

They were heading west when the lead rider lost control, crossed in front of the riders behind him and tipped his motorcycle onto its side. The sheriff's office said he was not wearing a helmet and had a serious head injury.

The second rider avoided the first motorcycle but tipped over and was not hurt. 

The driver and passenger of the third motorcycle hit the second motorcycle and also went down. Neither were wearing a helmet, and both reportedly had head and leg injuries.

 

The Washington County community came together in a wave of purple pride and determination for this year's Walk to End Alzheimer's. Fueled by the energy of over 500 walkers, the event raised over $110,000. These funds will directly support families across the Washington County area with education, care, support services, advocacy efforts and the Alzheimer's Association's 24/7 Helpline, 800-272-3900.

"This year's Walk to End Alzheimer's in West Bend was nothing short of extraordinary. To see hundreds of people come together, each with their own story and reason to walk, was incredibly moving. The joy, the energy, and the determination of this community give us strength and bring us closer to the day when we end Alzheimer's for good. I am so grateful to every walker, volunteer, and supporter who made this celebration of hope and progress possible," said Dave Grams, Executive Director of the Alzheimer's Association Wisconsin Chapter.

In Wisconsin, more than 110,900 people are living with Alzheimer's, and 206,000 caregivers support them every day. In Washington County alone, over 3,539 residents age 65 and older are living with dementia, with that number projected at over 4,030 by 2030.

   

Flock cameras continue to be a topic of discussion.

These cameras are automated license plate readers that are able to record and log the make, model, license plate, color, time and direction of passing vehicles.

Wisconsin's 98th Assembly District State Representative Jim Piwowarczyk told WTKM that flock cameras are causing some concern.

"The reality is, we have had flock cameras and law enforcement has been using them for over ten years now. Flock cameras take photos of cars as they drive by and its stored in a data base. There are multiple uses for flock cameras. I realize, there are privacy concerns and I have those concerns also."  

Residents were encouraged to make their voice heard at a Village Board meeting, in Slinger on Monday, September 28 regarding flock cameras. A number of Slinger residents signed a petition in order to remove the flock cameras and it was turned in.

Slinger currently has five flock cameras posted throughout the community. 

  

Construction on the Innovation Way extension project began the week of September 21 with sanitary sewer installation work, in the City of Hartford. The project will extend 2,800 feet of new roadway and curb and gutter along with sanitary sewer, water main, and storm sewer. When complete, the project will connect Western Drive to the existing dead end of Innovation Way in the City of Hartford Industrial Park.

City of Hartford Engineer Chris Walter told WTKM that they work with other departments within the city to determine what projects are planned. 

"We work together with a lot of the city departments. The City of Hartford has a joint water and electric utility, public works department obviously and then there is a separate sanitary sewer utility. Under the engineering department, is a storm sewer utility. All of those groups, staff members and managers get together and look at what the needs are in the area."   

Completion of all utilities and rough grading of the roadway on the Innovation Way extension project will take place this fall, with asphalt paving work planned for the spring.

The West Bend Police Department received a report of a man inside the Pilgrim Lutheran Church, on Meadowbrook Drive, in West Bend attempting to start an object on fire. The man left the church when confronted by church staff members, however, was located a short distance from the church by West Bend Police Officers and taken into custody without incident.

The investigation determined the man had used a lighter to start a crucifix on fire, resulting in minor damage. The fire did not spread beyond the crucifix and no injuries were reported.

The 50-year-old West Bend man was transported to the Washington County Jail for charges of arson and recklessly endangering safety.

The investigation remains ongoing.

 

The Oconomowoc Police are investigating an incident.

Officers were dispatched to Second Street and Franklin Street for a report of an unknown individual walking in the area with an airsoft rifle and a machete.

Officers and detectives are currently investigating the circumstances.

The Oconomowoc Police Department is aware of reports suggesting this incident may be connected to homecoming-related activity. Investigators are working to determine what occurred. 

Anyone with any information is encouraged to call Detective Moss at 262-569-3257.  

   

"All aboard" for a day of steam.

The Steam Locomotive Heritage Association, The Wisconsin Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society and the Soo Line Historical and Technical Society announced the return of the historic Soo Line No. 1003 steam locomotive. It will return to operation on Saturday, September 26 as part of the national celebration commemorating America's 250th Birthday.

Built in 1913, the Soo Line No. 1003 is one of the few operational mainline steam locomotives remaining in North America.

It will travel from Hartford, to Horicon and Burnett. This is a public event and is free to the public, so residents are encouraged to bring the family and your camera to capture living railroad history.

Soo Line No. 1003 operating schedule, according to the Steam Locomotive Heritage Association and is subject to change: 

 

8:30 AM — Depart / Leave museum in Hartford

8:45 AM — Run-by in Horicon

Crossing Rural, Main, Wisconsin and Grand/4th Ave

9:00 AM — Switch cars at West Yard

(Near Lauffer Trucking)

9:15 AM — Run tender First to Horicon

10:15 AM — Arrive in Horicon

10:45–11:00 AM — Run Around Train and Shove to Burnett

11:30 AM — Arrive in Burnett

11:30 AM–12:00 PM — Coaling and Servicing

(Near Peachy Brother Elevator)

12:00–12:45 PM — Photo runbys in Burnett

12:45–1:15 PM — Run to Horicon, WI

1:45 PM — Leave Horicon, WI

2:00 PM — Photo run-by at Noble Road

2:15 PM — Iron Ridge / County Road S or along the route

2:45 PM — Photo runs — Rubicon

3:30 PM — Arrive Back in Hartford

 

Members of the public are reminded to remain at least 25 feet from the railroad tracks at all times. 

The operation of the Soo Line No. 1003 is made possible through the dedication of volunteers and the generous support of donors. 

Photo by the Steam Locomotive Heritage Association.

 

 

 

 

A monument dedication ceremony will be held on Sunday, September 27 at Our Saviours Christ Cemetery, located at W188N12588 Maple Road, in Germantown. 

All are welcome to attend.

The ceremony will honor the services of veterans from the Civil War. It will include Adam Arnold, Paul Bast, August Boeker, Charles Dallmann, Peter Dix, Melcher Greulich, George Henrich, David Klumb, John Poehlman and Peter Rheingans.   

The ceremony begins at 1 p.m. and will include color guard and three - volley salute.

The presented monument will ensure that veterans of the Civil War will never be forgotten. 

 

 

 

 

The Dodge County Sheriff's Office reported a lost horse on Friday morning, September 25.

Sheriff's deputies discovered the horse northwest of Watertown, as it appeared to be out on a stroll. It was a brown quarter horse, with a white patch on her face.

The owner of the horse was located and was able to pick her up, safe and sound.

Photo by the Dodge County Sheriff's Office.

It's a big celebration, recognizing 100 years and the rich history of Kuhtz General Store Food and Spirits. 

This quaint business was established in 1926. This historic bar, grill, and neighborhood gathering spot in Oconomowoc offers a full bar, delicious food, and a unique selection of Amish candies, along with live music and entertainment that brings the community together. They have been serving Stone Bank, Lake Country, Okauchee, Oconomowoc, Sussex, Watertown and Hartland as a go-to destination for casual dining and good times in a welcoming, small-town atmosphere.  

They are easy to find on Stone Bank Road, in Oconomowoc. Just look for the sign - "Kuhtz Tap."

It all started with a trade in September, of 1926. Paul Kuhtz traded his farm in Waukesha to Arno Degnitz for a small general store, in Stone Bank. Paul ran the store for 34 years until his passing in 1960. Charles "Bud" Kuhtz stepped in and took over the ownership of the business. "Bud" lived above the store with his parents, Harvey and Anna. He began working for his Uncle Paul when he was 18-years-old. Bud took over the ownership of the store in 1960, after Paul Kuhtz passed away. Bud was known for blowing a whistle at closing time. Kuhtz’s third owner, Charles Jr. (Chuck) ran Kuhtz’s from 1979-1991. Chuck grew up down the street from the store and started working for his dad, Bud after graduating from Luther College. Craig is the fourth generation Kuhtz to operate the business.

A big weekend party, celebrating their milestone, begins Friday, September 25 and will feature live music, food and drinks.    

 

The Hartford Rotary Club and Hartford Union High School are pleased to announce that Adeline Glime and Landon Martin were recently honored as the Rotary Students of the Month for September during the Hartford Rotary Club’s Thursday noon meetings.

Adeline Glime, daughter of Eric and Carmen Glime, has been actively involved in a wide variety of activities throughout her high school career. She participated in varsity swimming and girls soccer during her freshman and sophomore years and has been a member of the girls tennis team for the past two years. She has also participated in two HUHS musical productions.
Glime is involved in several school organizations, including National Honor Society, Math Club, DECA and Peers4Peers. Through H-Club and National Honor Society, she has participated in volunteer activities including Operation Christmas Child, the Shamrock Shuffle and events at area middle schools. She also directed a musical at Rossman School.
Glime volunteers at Northbrook Church, where she helps operate the café and participates in mission opportunities. She also works as a lifeguard at the Hartford Recreation Center and Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center.
Her academic accomplishments include receiving the Key Award for ranking second in her class through the National Honor Society and earning the AP Scholar with Distinction Award from the College Board.
Following graduation, Glime plans to attend college, major in English and pursue a pre-law track. She hopes to continue to law school and eventually become a copyright lawyer.

Landon Martin, son of Keven and Melissa Martin, has spent his high school career
demonstrating leadership through athletics, academics and community service. He has been involved with the HUHS boys soccer program for all four years, serving as team captain for three of those years.
Martin is a member of the H-Club, Peers4Peers and is also a member of the executive board of National Honor Society and also serves as Student Council Secretary.
Martin has participated in numerous community service activities through H-Club, Student Council and National Honor Society. He has helped with concessions at sporting events and has assisted with practices for the FC Wisconsin’s youth soccer program.
Academically, Martin has consistently earned High Honor Roll recognition while challenging himself with rigorous coursework. After graduating from HUHS, Martin plans to attend the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he hopes to double major in biology and psychology.
His long-term goal is to pursue research, with interests including cancer research and
neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a house fire at 6268 Arthur Road in the Town of Hartford, Monday night, September 21 around 7:10 p.m.

The homeowner called 911 after arriving home to the fire alarms going off, the kitchen engulfed in flames, and the residence filled with black smoke. There were no family members at home when the fire started. Washington County Sheriff’s Deputies and St. Lawrence Fire personnel were the initial responding units to the scene.

St. Lawrence Fire Department was assisted by Hartford, Slinger, Allenton, Richfield, and Jackson Fire Department. Fire personnel arrived on scene and contained the fire to the kitchen area and ventilated the home to clear the smoke from the interior.

The residence is a single-family home. The home sustained moderate fire damage to the kitchen but sustained significant smoke damage throughout the house. Currently there is no estimate of the financial loss.

At this time, Washington County investigators are working on trying to determine the cause of the fire.

There were no injuries.  

 

Hartford Common Council met Tuesday evening, September 22.

A Resolution was presented, requesting participation in the Washington County shared services grant program for countywide fire and EMS. 

Hartford City Administrator Steve Volkert told WTKM that from the beginning, the City of Hartford has had a positive outlook on the program.

"The countywide EMS service, we are not the first county to do so in some sort. This would simply be the fact of, we would continue to have everything exactly the same way as it currently is. However, it would become a part of the levy for the county, not the levy for the city."

The City of Hartford has been focused on a 10-year plan to increase staffing and strengthen a hybrid staffing system to address a growing call volume for EMS services within the areas they serve.

Volkert, Hartford Fire and Rescue Chief Tony Burgard and Hartford Mayor Dennis Regan have been working with Washington County representatives, fire chiefs, administrators and mayors. The discussions seem to center around a differential between the needs versus their abilities.

Mayor Regan and Chief Burgard addressed Hartford's Common Council members on September 8, and provided information regarding various versions of the plan which made its way through the Washington County Public Safety Committee and Washington County Board.

The City of Hartford would receive $245,831 under the current version, with automatic increases annually for the duration of the agreement while the Washington County tax would not see an increase.        

The Harnischfeger Park’s 20^th annual FallFest is Saturday, September 26 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Friends of Dodge County Parks President Glenn Daily told WTKM that the event means a lot. 

"The farmers have worked hard getting the crops this year, making sure that we are going to have plenty of demonstrations, there will be vintage farm equipment demonstrations out in the field and up in the north barn." 

The 100-year-old north barn went through a $60,000 renovation 

Harnischfeger Park is the largest Dodge County Park. 

The park is located in southeastern Dodge County, along the Rock River in Lebanon.

There will be many fun activities, including tractor-pulled wagon rides, kid's activities and entertainment.

A pancake breakfast begins at 8 a.m.

Farmers and consumers have seen costs go up.

What about our food processors?

President of the Midwest Food Products Association Nick Novak says costs are on the rise.

"We have seen costs go up across the board, whether it's cost of labor or whether it's the cost of the goods we need to make with these different food products. The cost of energy also. It's really something that our members are experiencing, just like the consumer. Our members are doing their best to absorb those costs as they can, but there is really nothing you can do when you are seeing costs go up as much as we have."                                       

Food processing and grocery supply chain costs in Wisconsin are increasing due to record-high diesel prices  and compounding inflationary pressures.

An accident shut down eastbound lanes of traffic on State Highway 60, on the bridge over I-41, in Slinger around 8:30 a.m. on Monday, September 21.

The accident reportedly involved a semi. 

The eastbound lanes were open to traffic by 9:30 a.m. on Monday, September 21.

The photo of the accident from the 511 Wisconsin app, of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.