The Western Lakes Fire District and the Village of Summit Police Department responded to a utility terrain vehicle accident on Sugar Island, in Summit on Monday, July 13 at 3 p.m.

The UTV flipped over and a young child sustained a severe injury. Initial responding units were advised that bystanders had already applied a tourniquet to a severe arm injury. The child was conscious at the time. Flight for Life was requested and was diverted to land at the Aurora Hospital helipad, from which the patient was transported to Children's Hospital. 

A second child was also injured. Both children received treatment from responding medical personnel. 

The incident is under investigation by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.  

The Washington County Highway Department will be 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 anticipated to begin the week of July 13, 2026, with substantial completion anticipated 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 Dodge County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a serious-injury motorcycle crash which occurred shortly before 8 a.m. on Sunday, July 12 in Elba. A 37-year-old Cedarburg man was flown from the scene.

The investigation shows that the man was eastbound on State Highway 16/60, about a mile and a half east of Columbus, when the motorcycle struck a deer in the roadway. The man was the only one on the motorcycle and was ejected.

He sustained serious injuries and was flown to UW Hospital, in Madison. He was not wearing a helmet.  

Also responding to the crash were the Columbus Police Department, Columbus Fire Department, Lifestar EMS, and UW Med Flight.

The highway was closed for about two hours due to the incident.

The Hartford Electric Utility continues to make a difference.

City of Hartford's Director of Utilities Brian Rhodes.  

"We do a variety of different work, whether it's maintaining street lights or installing services. All the way up to installing new underground facilties in a subdivision. We do a lot of maintenance work on our system, whether it's in our substation or on our distribution line. Probably the bulk of what our customers see us doing is overhead rebuilds. That's something they drive by every day. Our rebuilds take quite a bit of time. They usually take around three to six months. We take a lot of pride in doing all of that work on our own without having to hire a contractor."    

Rhodes told WTKM that the engineering side and design side is done in house.

An example is a project from last year, behind the Mineshaft in downtown Hartford. On Jackson and Mill Street, they converted that project from an overhead system to an underground system. It was part of the City of Hartford's storm sewer improvement project.   

It's the oldest county fair in the state of Wisconsin. The first Waukesha County Fair was held in 1842 in a poplar grove on Carroll Street, in Prairieville. It was a gala 4th of July Celebration, complete with fireworks and a festive dinner. It included a plowing match between the farmers, with about $40 in premiums awarded to the winners. The highest single premium was $3 for the best yield of corn from one acre.

This year's Waukesha County Fair runs from Wednesday, July 15 to Sunday, July 19 at the Waukesha County Fairgrounds.

Waukesha County Fair Executive Director Chrissy Gluege told WTKM that this year's theme couldn't be any more fitting. "Get Your Kicks-Kick Up the Memories and the Fun." 

"We are excited this year. Our partners, we couldn't do it without them. We do have specials, gosh, just about each and every day. Our team works really hard year round to bring in a variety of eclectic opportunities and different things for people to see and experience."

The Main Stage performances include Sebastian Bach on Thursday, July 16 and Hoobastank and Eve 6 on Friday, July 17. 38 Special will highlight Saturday evening, July 18. All of those shows are scheduled to begin at 8 p.m.

The America 250 Tribute Walking Parade steps off at 3 p.m. on Wednesday and will travel around the grounds.  

Friday's County Executive and Fair Marshal's Junior Livestock Auction will open at 5:30 p.m. at the Insight FS Livestock Coliseum. 

Truck and Tractor Pulls start at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 15 and noon on Sunday.

The popular Demolition Derby is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. on Saturday.

An oppressive heat wave is back.

A stagnant upper-level ridge and heat dome have brought mid-90s temperatures and tropical dew points, creating heat indexes pushing into the upper 90s and triple digits. This extreme heat wave is expected to peak between Monday and Wednesday. 

Monday, July 13 is expected to reach 93 degrees, with the heat index as high as 97 with sunshine. 

Sunny, hot and humid again on Tuesday, July 14 with a high temperature of 96.

The National Weather Service is calling for a 20 percent chance of rain in the afternoon on Wednesday, July 15 with a high of 95.  

Sunny skies are expected on Thursday, July 16 with a high of 92 degrees.

The Washington County Sheriff's Office was notified of a house fire on Sunday, July 12 at 12:43 p.m. on Paradise Drive, in Trenton.

Firefighters from West Bend and Newburg quickly extinguished the flames. The fire was mostly contained to the garage but entered the attic causing roof and sofit damage.

The damage estimate is $300,000.

The tenant of the single-family ranch home called 911 to report the fire. A loud explosion was heard before the fire was discovered in the garage.

The family of five escaped safely along with two cats and a dog.

The Newburg Fire Department was assisted by 13 area fire departments including Hartford Fire and Rescue, West Bend, Kewaskum, Jackson, Slinger, Allenton, Boltonville, Port Washington, Central Ozaukee, Fillmore, Cedarburg, Fredonia and Waubeka.

One firefighter suffered a heat related illness.

The fire remains under investigation by the Washington County Sheriff's Office. 

The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Fox Lake Fire Department responded to a report of a boat on fire on Fox Lake.

Shortly before 11 a.m. on Sunday, July 12 numerous 911 callers reported a boat fully engulfed in the town of Fox Lake. Callers reported the occupants were able to jump from the boat and were picked up by other boaters. The boat was towed to shore by the fire department, where the fire was extinguished and the boat later removed from the lake by a tow company.

The boat had been purchased the previous day and was operated legally.

No injuries were reported.

An onboard fire extinguisher had been used in an attempt to extinguish the fire.  

The Ashippun Firefighter's Picnic will be held at the Ashippun Firefighter's Park, on Highway O at W2665 Oak Street, on July 10 to July 11.

It begins Friday with co-ed volleyball at 7 p.m. with a fireworks show at dusk.

Ashippun Fire Department President Rob Sterr told WTKM that it's an important event for them.

"Our call volume is up this year. We provide aid to Hartford, Western Lakes, Oconomowoc to Ixonia. We are a volunteer organization and we rely on our community support. The money raised from the picnic helps us with training, equipment and to be there for our residents in their time of need."

Saturday's Car Show opens at 8 a.m. and live music will be featured throughout the day. Great Lakes Championship Wrestling begins at 6 p.m. with Rebel Grace performing from 8:30 p.m. to midnight.    

Grab your family, friends, and four-legged companions for an evening of fun at the 6th Annual Hops & Hounds event on Friday, July 10, from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Homestead Hollow County Park, N120W19809 Freistadt Road, in Germantown. 

Hosted by the Washington County Natural Resources Department, this popular community event brings together pet lovers, local businesses, and families for an evening of entertainment, food, and fun while supporting the Washington County Humane Society.

New this year, Old Germantown will host the Hops & Hounds Beer Garden. 

Guests can enjoy a variety of activities throughout the event, including:

• Local Vendor Booths
• Live music by the Rhonda Jean Music Experience
• Beer garden hosted by Old Germantown
• Delicious food from The Smokin' C's Food Truck
• 50/50 Raffle and Raffle Baskets
• Kids' activities including rock painting and bubble stations
• Pup Painting
• Doggie Cool-Down Stations
• Doggie Photo Booth

Whether you're looking to enjoy great food, live music, local brews, shop local vendors, or simply spend a beautiful summer evening with your pup, Hops & Hounds offers something for everyone.

Park Passes are required for vehicles. For more information, visit the Washington County Parks & Trails Facebook page or contact the Washington County Natural Resources Department at 262-335-4445.

The Washington County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved Anti-Crime Plan C, a comprehensive public safety initiative that invests in law enforcement, courtroom security, emergency communications, and narcotics prosecution to keep Washington County one of the safest places to live, work, and raise a family.

The plan builds on Washington County's long-standing commitment to public safety by providing additional resources where they are needed most, while utilizing responsible financial management and dedicated funding sources. Anti-Crime Plan C advances the County's strategic priority of maintaining a safe community.

"Public safety isn't something you fund once. It’s a commitment you make to continually work towards keeping our communities safe," said County Board Chair Jeff Schleif in a press release. "Anti-Crime Plan C ensures we're giving our Sheriff's Office, District Attorney, and emergency communications professionals the tools they need to stay ahead of crime and protect our families."

"Washington County has consistently made public safety our number one priority," County Executive Josh Schoemann said in a press release. "This plan continues that commitment by making smart investments that help prevent crime, support our law enforcement professionals, and keep our communities safe today and into the future."

The plan includes:

• A narcotics prosecutor to aggressively target large-scale drug trafficking organizations and violent drug distributors, funded through opioid settlement dollars.
•  Courthouse security staffing.
• A second-shift Patrol Sergeant to strengthen supervision during the busiest patrol hours.
• Dispatch compensation improvements that will improve recruitment and retention of highly trained 911 dispatch professionals.
• An additional $200,000 for the County Radio Grant Program, ensuring first responders across Washington County continue to receive reliable communications equipment.
• A compensation adjustment for Sheriff's Office staff, recognizing their critical role in evidence management, body camera administration, and daily law enforcement operations and ensuring quality recruitment and retention.

Washington County officials noted that the plan reflects careful financial stewardship. Funding comes from dedicated opioid settlement funds, increased court fee revenue authorized by the state, surplus funds from Washington County's successful radio project, and other existing resources, minimizing impacts on Washington County's General Fund while strengthening critical public safety services.

The Jefferson County Fair is a long-standing community tradition celebrating agriculture, youth achievement and fun for the whole family. It's happening through July 12, at 503 N. Jackson Avenue, in Jefferson.

The circus will be in town at Fun Field for fire tricks, juggling, acrobatics and high energy for three daily performances. They will perform on Saturday, at 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Sunday's performance times include 11:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

A comedy showcase will be held at the Grandstand on Friday, July 10 at 7 p.m.

The Bingo Bash will be held on Sunday, July 12 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.

The Great American Duck Races will also be featured along with the Badger State Tractor Pull. The Badger Truck Pull happens on Thursday, July 9 at 6:30 p.m.

The Wisconsin Horse Puller's Association presents the Horse Pull on Saturday, July 11 at 1 p.m. in the Grandstand and the Demo Derby is crashing into the Jefferson County Fair on Sunday, July 12 at 1 p.m.

Photo by the Jefferson County Fair.

Downtown Hartford was the place to be on Wednesday, July 8 for Maxwell Street Day. Area businesses joined local vendors along Main Street, selling specialty items and services. Large crowds gathered for some serious shopping and bargain hunting.

It was also an opportunity to meet city officials and discuss any concerns or questions about the City of Hartford. "Talk City" segments were held in front of Hartford City Hall during Maxwell Street Day. It has worked out well in the past, according to Hartford City Administrator Steve Volkert.

"It has been a good opportunity for us, talking with Hartford residents. We want to be transparent with the way we run the operations of the city."

Director of Parks and Rec Randy Wojtasiak, City Clerk Shana Kreilkamp, Administrative Assistant Tori Story and City Planner Jacob Maas were available during the morning session.

"It was a good opportunity for me to come to Hartford," said Maas. "This area is growing and there are many exciting projects."

Utility Director Brian Rhodes, Utility Billing Specialist Holly Wentzel and 2nd District Alderman Dean Kirley met with residents during the early afternoon. Sewer Utility Director Dan Dentice, Hartford Fire and Rescue Chief Tony Burgard and Library Director Vanessa Taylir followed.

"We are always available to answer any questions," said Wentzel. "Our department takes a lot of pride in working with the residents and helping them in their time of need."

City representatives listened to ideas and had many casual conversations.

Hartford Mayor Dennis Regan and City Engineer Chris Walter also met with residents along with Hartford Police Chief Richard Thickens.

It's a good example why Hartford is a great place to live, work and play as former Hartford Mayor Tim Michalak often said.       

Maxwell Street Day in downtown Hartford is a tradition. Once again this year, this annual event on Wednesday, July 8 features vendors lined up along Main Street. Some downtown businesses have set up a variety of merchandise out on the sidewalk, encouraging shoppers to check out the deals.

Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kate Carroll told WTKM that it has always been a day for families.

"It's such a neat thing to bring the community out. I see a lot of families and many folks come out after work. It's a fun atmosphere and a chance to support downtown businesses."

It will remain open until 8 p.m.

Area vendors are lined up through the downtown corridor selling specialty products and services. Craft and vintage items are available. Around 116 outside vendors and 29 BID businesses are open for business with unique items. 

The Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce has joined the presenting sponsor, the Hartford Business Improvement District for this year's Maxwell Street Day.

Hartford Business Improvement District President Jason Wix likes all of the activity this summer.

"We just had a great weekend with the Fourth and now we are back. The BID and chamber of commerce collaborate on the event. It's a lot of fun and means a lot to the businesses downtown. The chamber does a great job getting everyone organized."

A wide variety of food is served with live music.

Photo by WTKM's Tom Jeffery of Maxwell Street Day.   

Wednesday, July 8 is International Paramedics Day, and while the day specifically recognizes paramedics, the Hartford Fire and Rescue also want to acknowledge the full EMS team that makes emergency care possible.

At Hartford Fire and Rescue, patient care is not delivered by one certification level alone, according to Hartford Fire and Rescue Chief Tony Burgard. 

"It takes EMTs, AEMTs, and Paramedics working together, assessing patients, providing treatment, supporting families, driving ambulances, managing scenes, and making critical decisions under pressure."

It's a day to recognize and celebrate the impressive work carried out by paramedics and first responders.

This year's theme is "Innovate and Integrate" which highlights the evolution of paramedicine into modern, connected healthcare.

A Town of Hartford Planning Commission meeting was held Tuesday night, July 7 at 6 p.m. at Hartford Town Hall.

A public hearing was held in order to consider the application of a conditional use permit application for Glenn and Kristine Huber, owners of One Energy Development LLC. The proposed project includes erecting a six - megawatt solar generation facility on more than 35 acres, located near the northwest corner of State Highway 83 and West Waterford Road in the Town of Hartford.

Notice of Public Hearing Letters were sent to 25 area property owners who live within 1,300 feet of the proposed project.

There was an opportunity for public comment during the public hearing.

Plan Commission members discussed the application and there was no action taken.

The next scheduled meeting of the Town of Hartford Planning Commission is Tuesday, August 4.

It's an annual event in downtown Hartford on Wednesday, July 8 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Maxwell Street Day will once again feature vendors lined up along Main Street in downtown Hartford.

"There is great history with this event," according to Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kate Carroll. "It is neat to bring the community out during the summer. It takes place on a Wednesday and that's the historic part of it. There will be music all day long and a variety of delicious food."

Area vendors will be lining the downtown corridor to sell specialty products and services.

It has long been a family event with many opportunities to shop and find crafts and vintage items.

Hosted by the Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce, the event features local Main Street businesses, outdoor vendors, food, and family-friendly entertainment. 

Monday afternoon, July 6 at 2:07 p.m. the Waukesha County Communications Center received multiple reports of an accident which involved a vehicle and pedestrian. It happened on Highway 164 on Lawnsdale Road, in Waukesha.

The pedestrian suffered fatal injuries as a result and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The Waukesha County Sheriff's Office is conducting the  investigation.

The Waukesha County Sheriff's Office is being assisted by the Wisconsin State Patrol, the Big Bend Police Department, and the Village of Waukesha Fire Department.

Washington County Communications received a report of a garage fire at a residence on East Gate Court, in the Village of Jackson. The Jackson Police Department and Jackson Fire Department responded to the scene on Sunday night, July 5 at 10:28 p.m.

The Jackson Fire Department, with assistance from the West Bend, Germantown, Hartford and Slinger Fire Departments quickly brought the fire under control and prevented it from spreading into the main living area of the home. During firefighting operations, multiple fireworks stored inside the garage ignited and exploded, creating additional hazards for emergency responders.

The investigation determined the fire was caused by spent mortar-style fireworks that had been placed near a garbage can, adjacent to the garage. Although the fireworks had been discharged earlier in the evening, they retained enough heat to ignite nearby combustible materials.

A 27-year-old man was cited for the possession and use of fireworks in violation of a Village of Jackson Ordinance.

The Washington County Sheriff's Office reported that during a traffic stop on I-41 near State Highway 28, a Wisconsin State Patrol Trooper requested assistance from a Washington County Sheriff's Office K9 unit. The deputy handler and K9 Ryder responded to the scene, where K9 Ryder conducted a free-air sniff of the vehicle. Ryder gave a positive alert, which indicated the presence of illegal narcotics.

Based on Ryder's alert, a probable cause search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of more than four ounces of methamphetamine. A 44-year-old Brown County man was taken into custody by the state patrol, and is currently being held at the Washington County Jail on several felony drug-related charges.

K9 Ryder, a two-year-old male German Shepherd, is the third active K9 to join the Washington County Sheriff's Office and the second K9 assigned to patrol.

Washington County Sheriff Martin Schulteis stated in a press release that this case demonstrates the immediate value K9 Ryder has brought to their agency and their law enforcement partners. 

"Within just a short time of entering service, Ryder has already helped remove a significant amount of methamphetamine from our communities. I am especially proud that this investment in public safety was made without relying on local tax dollars. Through drug asset forfeitures and the generosity of our community, we were able to add another highly trained K9 team that will continue to protect the citizens of Washington County and assist agencies throughout Wisconsin."

Ryder entered service in May of this year alongside the deputy handler. The majority of the startup costs were funded through drug asset forfeiture proceeds and supplemented with generous donations from supporters of the K9 program.

The Jefferson County Fair is a long-standing community tradition celebrating agriculture, youth achievement and fun for the whole family. It's happening for five days from July 8 to July 12 at 503 N. Jackson Avenue, in Jefferson.

The circus will be in town at Fun Field for fire tricks, juggling, acrobatics and high energy for three daily performances. They will perform Wednesday through Saturday, at 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Sunday's performance times include 11:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

A comedy showcase will be held at the Grandstand on Friday, at 7 p.m.

The Bingo Bash will be held on Sunday, July 12 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.

The Great American Duck Races will also be featured along with the Badger State Tractor Pull on Wednesday, July 8 at 7 p.m. and the Badger Truck Pull on Thursday, July 9 at 6:30 p.m.

The Wisconsin Horse Puller's Association presents the Horse Pull on Saturday, July 11 at 1 p.m. in the Grandstand and the Demo Derby is crashing into the Jefferson County Fair on Sunday, July 12 at 1 p.m.

Photo by the Jefferson County Fair.

Grab your family, friends, and four-legged companions for an evening of fun at the 6th Annual Hops & Hounds on Friday, July 10, from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Homestead Hollow County Park, N120W19809 Freistadt Road, Germantown. 

Hosted by the Washington County Natural Resources Department, this popular community event brings together pet lovers, local businesses, and families for an evening of entertainment, food, and fun while supporting the Washington County Humane Society.

New this year, Old Germantown will host the Hops & Hounds Beer Garden, adding even more excitement to the festivities.

Guests can enjoy a variety of activities throughout the event, including:

• Local Vendor Booths
• Live music by the Rhonda Jean Music Experience
• Beer garden hosted by Old Germantown
• Delicious food from The Smokin' C's Food Truck
• 50/50 Raffle and Raffle Baskets
• Kids' activities including rock painting and bubble stations
• Pup Painting
• Doggie Cool-Down Stations
• Doggie Photo Booth

Whether you're looking to enjoy great food, live music, local brews, shop local vendors, or simply spend a beautiful summer evening with your pup, Hops & Hounds offers something for everyone.

Park Passes are required for vehicles. For more information, visit the Washington County Parks & Trails Facebook page or contact the Washington County Natural Resources Department at 262-335-4445.

AAA projects more than 1.6 million will travel at least 50 miles from home in Wisconsin for the Independence Day holiday travel period, which runs through Sunday, July 5. 

More than 1.4 million will drive to their destinations. Air travel softened slightly, while cruising and other modes of transportation see the strongest growth.

This year’s increase sets a record for Fourth of July travel in Wisconsin, as strong consumer demand continues to offset higher travel costs.

“For many families, traveling for Independence Day isn’t just a trip, it’s a tradition,” said Debbie Haas, Vice President of Travel for AAA – The Auto Club Group in a press release. “Vacations are one category where consumers are still willing to spend, even if that means cutting back on something else. With an extended holiday travel period, we expect busy roads, steady demand for flights, and continued interest in cruises across many parts of the country.”

On the national side, AAA projects 72 million Americans to travel during the Independence Day holiday period, setting another record despite a slower pace of growth. This year’s projection is only a half-percent increase from last year as rising inflationary pressures take a toll.

AAA projects 61 million people will travel by car, nearly the same number as last year. 85% of Americans traveling for Independence Day are expected to drive to their destinations.

Travel by other modes is seeing the biggest year-over-year growth compared to car and air travel. AAA projects 4.93 million Americans will take buses, trains, and cruises over Independence Day week, a 5.3% increase from last year. 

Joel Bernhard will be missed.

The 47-year-old owner and operator of Confections For Any Occasion by Joel, located in Theresa, passed away on Tuesday, June 30.

Russ Koepsell of Koepsell Funeral Home told WTKM that funeral services for Joel will be held on Tuesday, July 7 at 4 p.m. from the Saint Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church, in Theresa. A visitation prior to the service will be held on Tuesday, July 7 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.  

Joel Bernhardt was a good friend of WTKM.

Joel, who was blind since he was four, started making candy back in 1999, selling to friends and neighbors. Word spread about his delicious chocolates and he needed more space, so he rented a local kitchen to make his truffles and other fine candies.

After a few more years he outgrew that space and decided to open his own shop in downtown Theresa. The building he chose was the old general store which is over 100 years old, with original tin ceilings and hardwood floors. The store opened in December of 2002.

Modern Woodmen, of Lomira presented Joel Bernhard with the Hometown Hero Award two years ago. He received the award for pushing through a fire at his business and continuing to have a quaint business, which is loved by so many. 

The Washington County Dispatch Center received many 911 calls reporting a head-on crash in Polk on Wednesday, July 1 around 12:24 p.m.

Deputies from the Washington County Sheriff's Office and members of the Slinger Fire Department responded to the scene. One of the drivers needed to be extricated from a vehicle.

A northbound vehicle driven by a 63-year-old Hartford resident crossed the center line of Highway 175 into the path of a southbound vehicle driven by a 46-year-old resident from Germantown. Both drivers suffered serious, but non-life-threatening injuries.

The accident remains under investigation.