Over the last couple of weeks, the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office has taken numerous calls from victims who report being contacted by a local law enforcement agency via phone. Throughout the conversation, the scammer claims to be an officer with a law enforcement agency. The scammer claims the victim needs to pay them bond money or the victim will be arrested. The scammer in these situations has been able to “spoof” a phone number that matches a phone number from the local law enforcement agency they claim they’re from. The scammer will often request the victim to stay on the phone with them and tell them to go to a Bitcoin machine. Once there, the scammer will direct the victim to what wallet number to send the money to. The sheriff's office has been informed that the scammer sounds professional and also had specific personal information about their victim, which has included their prior home addresses.

Everyone needs to be reminded that a law enforcement or a government agency will never call you and demand that you send them cryptocurrency or gift cards numbers. It is our job to try and educate as many people as we can on this matter.

Please help in spreading this information to your loved ones as well so they don’t risk becoming victims of these scams. By being proactive and educating your grandparents, parents, children, and friends about these common scams you may have prevented them from falling victim and losing a life-altering amount of money.

The last day of school for Hartford Union High School is May 31.

Graduation is Sunday, June 2 at 10:30 a.m.

HUHS Superintendent Jeff Walters told WTKM News about this year's adjustment with the annual ceremony.

"The change we made this year was due to graduation falling on the weekend of state track. We regularly will have kids qualify for the state track meet. Our goal as educators is to never put kids in the middle. We decided to hold graduation indoors on a Sunday. We don't want our kids to choose between graduation and the track meet."  

Hartford Union High School’s Prom is Saturday, May 11 at the Chandelier Ballroom.

May 22 is the Day of Service. Over 1,300 students from Hartford Union High School are out in the community, giving back through this volunteer program.

The latest crop progress and condition report from USDA says nearly a quarter of Wisconsin farmers are done planting corn and soybeans.

Some growers are seeing the crop come out of the ground already, in southern parts of the state.

Not only are eyes on the field this time of year, but they are also on the strawberry patch. Danielle Clark of Mayberry Farms in Mayville says her strawberry plants will flower soon. 

"We are set to flower sometime this week. We are really preparing for that mid-June target, is what we typically say. June is berry month here at Mayberry Farms, and of course all over the state. We are bracing for whatever Mother Nature is going to throw at us, and we never know. Hopefully, it's going to be the best season yet."  

Mayberry Farms grows 12 acres of strawberries.

In March 2023, a Hartford Police Department officer responded to a fraud complaint in which the victim stated he was scammed by a suspect claiming to be from the United States Social Security Administration. The suspect explained to the victim that his financial accounts had been compromised and that he needed to move the money in those accounts to a “safe account” that would be protected because it was a government account. The suspect provided the victim with a photo of a Social Security Administration identification badge as “proof” of his identity.

Ultimately, the victim wired approximately $98,000 to a bank account provided by the suspect. The suspect also attempted to have the victim wire an additional $200,000, which the victim attempted to do but was stopped by staff at the victim's financial institution. The suspect provided a “receipt” to the victim that identified the banking information where the victim was to wire the funds. Additionally, this “receipt” showed that a business was associated with this banking information.

A Hartford Police Department detective was assigned to investigate the matter further. The detective was able to learn that the business associated with the banking information was a registered business through the state of New York, and the listed president of the company was identified as FEI LIANG, of Flushing, NY. Banking records were obtained for this business which identified LIANG as the holder of the account and showed the $98,000 from the victim being deposited into that account. There were also numerous ATM withdrawals from the New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut areas. Additionally, several other large dollar deposits from other states were shown being deposited into the account around the same time frame. The detective observed that several days after these large dollar deposits were made, wire transfers were made from the suspect account to financial institutions in Hong Kong.

Based on the information learned by the detective, the United States Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General was contacted and agreed to assist in the investigation of the suspect. Also assisting in the investigation were members of the Financial Crimes Task Force of the New York Police Department.

In the ensuing months, the investigation determined that LIANG was responsible for defrauding 6 elderly victims nationwide out of approximately $628,000, including the Hartford victim.

On February 25, 2024, LIANG was arrested in Maryland by members of the United States Social Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security. He was extradited to New York and subsequently charged with 6 felonies concerning this investigation. Two co-conspirators were also identified and were being investigated separately by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. They were arrested on March 1, 2024, at JFK Airport in New York after returning to the United States from China, via Brussels, Belgium.

There is a good chance our victim will never see that money again.

These fraud cases often take countless manhours to bring to a conclusion. More often than not, investigators suspend the investigation due to the international nature and the inability to follow up and secure a prosecution. The Hartford Police department remains dedicated to aggressively pursuing justice for the victims. These types of cases are occurring and being investigated more often. We hope that highlighting this case sparks conversation amongst the public such that it brings awareness of how these scams are carried out. It is no coincidence they target some of our most vulnerable residents. Talk with your neighbors, family, and friends, about how to protect yourself from these types of scams.

In 2022, Hartford Union High School area voters rejected a referendum to update facilities. The school's administration acknowledges and respects the community’s decision. Now, they must refine their plans to better reflect the priorities of the taxpayers.

To help accomplish this goal, the Hartford School District formed the Citizens Facilities Advisory Committee. This group, which is made up of parents, staff and community members studied a facility assessment and feedback gathered from stakeholder interviews, which identified more than $180 million in potential projects. They recognize completing all of these projects at one time is not realistic.

They need your feedback to determine which projects, if any, should be part of the first phase of a long-term facility improvement plan. The CFAC will use this input to finalize their recommendation to the School Board. To keep all feedback confidential, survey responses are collected by an independent research firm.

Your survey should be in your mailbox soon.

Hartford Union High School expresses their gratitude for giving them your valuable time and input.

Detective Kasey Young received a Letter of Commendation, for his first case that he was assigned in the detective division.

Dodge County Sheriff's Detective Kasey Young was promoted to detective on April 6, 2023. The first case he was assigned as a new detective was an armed robbery, armed burglary, impersonating a peace officer, and false imprisonment case which occurred in the early morning hours of January 28, 2023, in Hustisford.

The case could have gone unsolved, but due to Detective Young's attention to detail, he recognized that an electronic service provider delivered the wrong information on one of the initial search warrants. Detective Young worked with the company and obtained the correct information. Detective Young furthered the investigation by writing additional search warrants pertaining to the suspects. He also networked with out-of-state law enforcement and developed additional information that led to the arrest of Anthony Smith and Robert Ledbetter.

This complex case was assigned to Detective Young as a newly promoted detective with minimal formal investigative training, but he worked the case with confidence.

On Saturday evening, May 4 at 11:05 p.m. a Washington County Sheriff's Deputy responded to a residence in the Town of Farmington for a loud music complaint. As the deputy arrived, he observed a bonfire in the backyard and heard loud music playing. As the deputy exited his squad and began walking up the driveway, a 23-year-old male resident rounded the corner of the residence and illuminated the deputy with what the deputy initially thought was a flashlight. The fully uniformed deputy identified himself as a law enforcement officer and the individual continued to approach him with the light activated.

The deputy then realized the illumination was coming from a weapon mounted flashlight and drew his service weapon while advising the subject to put the weapon down. The individual complied immediately. The individual justified his actions to the deputy saying he did not know he was a deputy, and it was uncommon for law enforcement to be present in the area.

While speaking with the subject the deputy noticed signs of impairment. The individual failed several field sobriety tests including a preliminary breath test of .179. The subject was arrested for Possession of a Firearm While Intoxicated in accordance with Wisconsin State Statue 941.20(1)(b).

The weapon was determined to be a loaded 10mm handgun.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection has selected Halei Heinzel of Oconomowoc as Wisconsin's 77th Alice in Dairyland.  According to a press release, in this position, Heinzel will work for the contract year as a full-time communications professional for DATCP, educating the public about the importance of agriculture in Wisconsin. 

Heinzel will graduate in May of this year from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Life Sciences Communication.

Before starting at UW-Madison, Heinzel was active in her high school’s FFA chapter. She graduated from the Farm and Industry Short Course program with certificates in Agribusiness Management and Dairy Farm Management.

While on campus, Heinzel was involved with the Babcock House Student Cooperative, Science Communication Club, UW Polo Club, and serves on the board of the Wisconsin Agriculture and Life Sciences Alumni Association.

Heinzel has held internships with the Farm and Industry Short Course program, Professional Dairy Producers, and worked with the Wisconsin State Fair Dairy Promotion Board.

"I am so excited and honored to be spending the next year serving as the 77th Alice in Dairyland, the official ambassador of Wisconsin’s diverse and abundant agriculture industry," said Heinzel.

"I am looking forward to connecting Wisconsinites with agriculture, sharing the impact of this vibrant industry both in local communities and across the state, and sharing the stories of the hardworking individuals who dedicate their lives to agriculture every day," she added.

Heinzel was selected at the 77th Alice in Dairyland Finals hosted by Door County. She will begin her term as the 77th Alice in Dairyland on July 8, 2024.

She succeeds the 76th Alice in Dairyland, Ashley Hagenow of Poynette, who will continue her current term until the transition in July.

Hartford Union High School students, who make up their Bio/Health Bundle Course brought their ideas to the World Food Prize Wisconsin Institute in Madison. 

32 students wrote and presented their papers, with a chance to move forward to the World Prize in Iowa, which is like the Nobel Prize for solving food insecurity across the globe.

English Department Teacher and Instructional Lead Bill Schliewe told students, "I hope you were able to take away the importance of the totality of the day and the messages sent by your peers, University staff, and community people working in these fields. Thanks again to all of you for taking advantage of this wonderful opportunity."

Photo by Hartford Union High School.

This week, May 5-11, is National Correctional Officer Week. To the dedicated men and women who uphold safety, order, and rehabilitation within the Dodge County Jail, this week is for you.

Every day, you show unwavering commitment, courage, and professionalism in ensuring the security and well-being of both inmates and staff. Your role is not just about maintaining order; it's about fostering positive change, providing support, and facilitating rehabilitation. Your dedication and sacrifice deserve recognition and gratitude not only this week but every day.

Throughout the week we will be highlighting each of our correctional officer teams. Today we are highlighting Team 1A.

Back Row Left to Right: Sergeant Jason Polsin (23 years), CO Kristin Marwitz (24 years), CO Jerome Doornek (14 years), CO Krista Longseth-Roberts (8 years), CO Gregory Oettinger (4 years), CO Dan Watkins (22 years), CO Kyle Anderson (3 years), CO Don Krueger (24 years), CO Brian Hill (13 years), Sergeant Kevin Kuehl (10 years)

Front Row Left to Right: CO Deyvis Perez Laguna (4 years), CO Nate Hein (11 years), CO Mikayla Klein (2 years), CO Carla Diaz (4 years), CO Jen Welch (23 years), Sergeant Samantha Laughlin (18 years) Not pictured John Pettersen (7 years).

Photo by the Dodge County Sheriff's Office.

Gas relocation work at the intersection of County Trunk Highway P and Sherman Road in the Village of Jackson and Towns of Jackson and Polk, is scheduled to begin on Monday, May 6, 2024 and be substantially completed in two weeks, weather and other factors pending.

The east/west movement on Sherman Road across CTH P at the intersection will be closed to all traffic while this work is occurring. Traffic on CTH P will be restricted during work hours, to one lane, under flagging conditions.

Please follow the posted detour routes utilizing Maple Road, Western Ave, and Mayfield Road. Residents living within the construction zone are asked to use extra caution when driving in the construction zone and to obey all flaggers and construction signs. Alternate routes should be utilized if possible to avoid delays.

Please visit washcowisco.gov for more information and click on “Road Construction & Projects” or call the Highway Department office at 262-335-4435. Project updates will be posted periodically on Washington County’s website and Facebook page. 

On Friday, May 3, 2024, at 1:25 a.m., an officer with the Watertown Police Department conducted a traffic stop on N. 2nd St. near Jones St. The officer contacted the driver, a 43-year-old male. There were no other people in the vehicle. During the officer’s contact, the driver drove away from the traffic stop and the officer pursued. The driver eventually stopped in the 1000 block of N. 2nd St. The driver exited the vehicle and failed to comply with the officer’s commands. The officer fired their Taser twice at the male and took him into custody. The male was arrested for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, resisting an officer and fleeing.

Paul Stephans Day is Friday, May 3 in the City of Hartford.

The City of Hartford will have a new chief of the fire and rescue department.

Current Chief Paul Stephans will retire after 35 years of service with the City of Hartford. His impressive career started in 1991, as a lieutenant – the first full-time staff member of the department. Paul Stephans became a deputy chief in 1994.

Chief Stephans talked with WTKM and said his decision to retire was not easy.

"It comes with mixed emotions. I love my job and the people I work with, which comes with the opportunity to help people every day. Sometimes, the burden of responsibility wears on you. I'm looking forward to transitioning into trying to be a good grandparent and spend more time with family." 

In 1996, Paul Stephans was appointed assistant chief of the Hartford Fire Department and was promoted to the Hartford Fire and Rescue chief in 2006.

Chief Stephans was instrumental in advancing the department to the advanced EMT Level in 2002, and the Paramedic Level in 2021.

Tony Burgard is the successor, and will step in and take over as the new Hartford Fire and Rescue chief on May 3. Burgard was a member of the Richfield Volunteer Fire Company since 2004 and was promoted to chief over four years ago. 

A special gift was delivered on time in the City of Hartford.

Crews from Cedar Lake Sales of West Bend, with help from the Hartford City staff, put together and installed the new ADA compliant fishing pier in Rotary Park.

This was a gift to the community from the Hartford Rotary, which was celebrating their 100th Anniversary that very same day. It was 100 years to the date that the Hartford Rotary was chartered.

This new pier features railings along with fishing pole holders. The water in the area was dredged in 2022, and measures roughly 12 feet to the bottom at the end of the pier.

The City of Hartford hopes everyone enjoys this expanded fishing option at Rotary Park.

Members and inductees of the Hartford Union High School National Honor Society were introduced.

It includes 36 inductees from the Class of 2025 and 46 members from the Class of 2024.

The members include Savanaha Balicki, Joseph Bieganski, Anah Blazek, Abigail Boxrud, Amiah Brakob, Maxwell Drinan, Kennedy Gruszynski, Elisa Guenther, Isabelle Haeft, Addison Hagen, Sydney Harris, Calvin Kenney, Leenah Klebba, Joshua Knapp, Ella Krueger, Kylie Krueger, Audrey Labuda, Elizabeth Larkin, John Leatherbury, Sarah Lingen, Mason Lipenski, Makenzy Loucks, Trevor Majerus, Sydney Martin, Caitlyn McGraw, Carter Meier, Elisabeth Norman, Brianna Olejnik, Emma Polanco, William Powell, Lindsey Radermacher, Zoe Ramstack, Elena Rettler, Maddison Roell, Kimberly Rosner, Orelle Salentine, Diana Schallock, Brady Senkbeil, Christopher Sheehan, Krista Stoeckmann, Clayton Wagner, Mason Weber, Samuel Williams, Kyra Yang, Jordan Yu and Kyle Zuern.

Photo by Hartford Union High School.  

National Day of Prayer is Thursday, May 2.

The theme this year is, "Lift Up the Word - Light Up the World."

It's a tradition of many years, according to Pastor Jeff Schimp of Glacier Hills Bible Church, of Hartford.

"Throughout the years, days of prayer for our country have been called for. In 1952, the National Day of Prayer was established by an act of Congress. It was signed into law by President Harry Truman and since then, every president has proclaimed a National Day of Prayer."

National Day of Prayer is an annual observance.  

The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office assisted the Waupun Police Department and Waupun Fire Department with a mock crash at Waupun High School, with students observing the response and coordination of the first responders. During the scenario, the Dodge County Sheriff’s Deputies assisted the Waupun Police Department by providing a patrol deputy and members from the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office Crash Investigation Team.

The mock crash was presented in order to educate and teach the students what the agencies do during the course of a crash, from first responders providing medical care to the investigation of the crash.

During this scenario, the Waupun Police Department investigated the at-fault driver for operating while impaired and arrested the driver for Homicide by Intoxicated use of a vehicle per Wisconsin State Statute 940.09(1), and Injury by Intoxicated use of a vehicle per Wisconsin State Statute 940.25(1)(am).

The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office assisted the Waupun Police Department, Waupun Fire Department, Lifestar EMS, and the Dodge County Medical Examiner’s Office. Flight For Life medical helicopter also responded to the mock crash to transport a student role-player who was designated “critically injured” during the crash.

Questions may be directed to Sheriff Dale J. Schmidt.

Photo by the Dodge County Sheriff's Office.

National Police Week will take place May 12-18. During this week, we give special recognition to law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.

On Thursday, May 16, at 7:00 p.m. all law enforcement agencies in Washington County will have a ceremony to honor those officers who lost their lives in service to their community. This will be at the Washington County Fair Park and is open to the public. 

The Washington County Law Enforcement Memorial Service will honor Marshal Scherger of the Hartford Police Department, Deputy John Schmitt of the Washington County Sheriff's Department and Robert Backes of the Germantown Police Department. There will be presentations of memorial wreaths in memory of each law enforcement officer.

The Hartford Community Chorus presents "Then Sings My Soul" on Saturday, May 4 at Holy Hill. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. A second show is scheduled for Sunday, May 5 at the Schauer Arts Center at 2:30 p.m.

Admission is free, no tickets are required.

Both concerts will bring back warm memories of the music selections of Ruth Knoll, the founder of the Hartford Community Chorus. The selections include "Thy Will Be Done," "Sunshine In My Soul," and "Precious Lord, Take My Hand."

Ruth spent her entire 40-year teaching career at Hartford Union High School. She ran all of the Choral activities including conducting choirs, providing voice lessons, preparing students for solo and ensemble events and serving as the music director for the high school musicals until her retirement in 1998.

Ruth served as the conductor for the Hartford Community Chorus for 55 years.

Ruth Knoll passed away peacefully on November 8, 2023.    

The Dodge County Sheriff's Office presented a Letter of Commendation. 

Deputy Jackson was presented with this high honor for a child neglect investigation. The incident occurred in February of this year. Deputy Jackson responded to the call, which involved a suspect with two minor children in a car. Jackson began looking for the vehicle, and eventually initiated a traffic stop and immediately recognized that the minor children were showing signs of neglect.

He immediately began his investigation and this resulted in the parent being arrested for two counts of felony child neglect.

Deputy Jackson was able to get the resources necessary to protect these minor children and get them into a safe environment.

The Dodge County Sheriff's Office is thankful for his actions and his commitment to protecting our community, especially the minor children in this case. This is an example of the level of commitment and professionalism of the deputies of the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office. 

Lieutenant Nicholas presented Deputy Jackson with this Letter of Commendation.

Photo by the Dodge County Sheriff's Office.

Jefferson County is thrilled to announce Becky Roberts as its new Fair Park Director. Becky is an experienced leader in the hospitality industry, formerly serving as Executive Vice President at IDM Hospitality Management. She has delivered exceptional results across fall facets of project management, hospitality operations, marketing, and event production, making her a valuable addition to the Jefferson County Fair Park team.

During her time at IDM, Becky led the charge in the development and expansion of multiple 3-diamond and 4-diamond full-service hotel properties. This included ensuring that new development projects met stringent feasibility, program, design, and quality specifications. She also oversaw recruitment, orientation, training, and onboarding education for hotel executive teams. Furthermore, Becky implemented best practices in revenue management, budget reporting, customer service standards, and sales & marketing management.

Early in her career, Becky worked as the Special Events Director at Washington County Fair Park, so this new position is a return to her roots. She also held executive positions at the Washington County Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Wisconsin Rapids Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, spearheading the development and implementation of comprehensive marketing plans and organizing large community events.

Getting involved with the agricultural groups that form the backbone of Fair Park operations is a familiar task for Becky, who grew up helping at her grandparent’s dairy farm near Marshfield, Wisconsin. "I am honored to serve as the new Jefferson County Fair Park Director," she said. "I am excited to work collaboratively with the team to continue delivering memorable experiences for our guests and ensuring the economic engine of the Fair Park provides momentum to the communities of Jefferson County for years to come."

Becky holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Hospitality & Tourism Management from the University of Wisconsin-Stout, with a minor in Communications. Jefferson County officials are confident that Becky's strategic vision, operational expertise, and proven leadership capabilities will further elevate the Jefferson County Fair Park as a premier destination for community celebrations and events.

Forte Bank is expanding. Members of the staff and board of directors held a groundbreaking ceremony on Monday, April 29 at their newest location at 555 Wildwood Road, on the west side of West Bend.

Forte Bank President and CEO Tim Perman said it's exciting.

"Yeah, it's very exciting and we are proud to be in the West Bend market now. It's a great opportunity to expand the services that we provide in the banking industry to the citizens and businesses here in West Bend."

The new bank will have a smaller footprint than the traditional banks. It will meet the local demand with more one-on-one opportunities.

West Bend Mayor Joel Ongert spoke during the groundbreaking ceremony, and expressed his excitement with the location of the new bank.

"We are excited to have you here. This site has been empty, it seems like forever. When these plans came before our plan commission, we were so excited. It's going to be such a beautiful facility. We will support this location. Congratulations, welcome to West Bend."

The new Forte Bank location in West Bend will be located at 555 Wildwood Road.      

The Watertown Police Department responded to a report of an elderly female who was walking on the Highway 16 bypass bridge, that crosses Boughton St. The female fell while she was walking and was not able to respond to any questions. She was not carrying any identification. The female subject is likely in her 70s or 80s, has short gray hair, approximately 150 lbs. with blue eyes. She was in possession of a unique looking cane.

Police in Watertown have identified the subject in question. The Watertown Police Department would like to express their gratitude to area citizens who responded, which helped to identify the female subject in question.

The Hartland Police Department has received entry to auto calls in the Four Winds Subdivision area. If you have any footage of the suspects or their vehicle, please contact the Hartland Police Department at 262-446-5070.

The Hartland Police Department was notified of a few entry to auto incidents that occurred in the area of the Mary Hill Subdivision. They are asking anyone with security or surveillance footage of the suspects to please contact the department at 262-367-2323. The Hartland Police Department also would like to remind people to please lock your car and house doors. Please remove any valuables from your vehicles at night. The suspects have also used garage door openers from vehicles left unlocked outside to enter the garages. Please remember to take precautions to keep your residence secure. If you see or hear anything suspicious, don't hesitate to call their dispatch at 262-446-5070.

Hartford Police Officers and members of the Hartford Fire and Rescue Department responded to an accident which involved a truck. It happened on State Street in the City of Hartford. 

The truck lost control, and hit a guardrail. The vehicle was totaled and crews worked at replacing the guardrail. 

While this corner can be a common area of concern during the snowy winter months, according to Hartford City officials, it is very rare that it has issues during the spring and summer months. This guardrail is the first of two lines of defense prior to someone hitting the sub-station at that corner.

Alcohol was a factor in this single-vehicle accident.