The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office received multiple 911 calls regarding a vehicle traveling the wrong way on I-41, near State Highway 67 in the township of Lomira.

The vehicle was heading northbound in the southbound lanes and deputies responded to attempt to locate, however shortly after, dispatch received calls regarding a two vehicle crash on I-41, just north of State Highway 67.

Deputies arrived on the scene and the initial investigation showed a 2011 Subaru SUV was traveling northbound in the southbound lanes, when it struck a 2008 Honda minivan head-on. The driver of the Subaru was an 82-year-old female from Campbellsport, WI and the driver of the Honda minivan was a 34-year-old male from Oshkosh, WI. Both were pronounced deceased at the scene by the Dodge County Medical Examiner’s Office. There were no other occupants in either vehicle. Southbound lanes of I-41 were shutdown at State Highway 49 for the investigation.

Assisting at the scene were Lomira Fire Department and First Responders, Theresa EMS, Fond du Lac EMS, Wisconsin State Patrol, Fond Du Lac County Sheriff’s Office, Dodge County Medical Examiner’s Office, and the Dodge County Emergency Response Team.

This crash remains under investigation by the Dodge County Crash Investigation Team. Names are being withheld pending family notification.

The City of Hartford's municipal code now allows for the purchase of winter parking permits at the Hartford Police Department, by those vehicle owners who don’t have enough parking for vehicles in their garage or driveway. The cost of each new permit is $120.00 for the season and can be applied for and purchased from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, at the Hartford Police Department. The new permit allows parking on the street, December 1 to March 31, from 3 a.m. to 6 a.m., on alternating sides of the street. The permitted vehicle shall be parked on the even numbered side of the street on those nights which at 3 a.m. bear an even calendar date and on the odd numbered side of the street on those nights which at 3 a.m. bear an odd calendar date.

Permits may be transferred by the permit holder from one vehicle to another within the same household.

This permit does not allow street parking during a declared snow emergency.

Also keep in mind, you cannot park vehicles in your yard (on the grass area) over a sidewalk, or on the area between the road and your sidewalk (apron of the driveway) to avoid parking on the roadway any time of the year. You may receive a citation for doing so.

The permit issued is for one season and shall be hung from the rearview mirror of the vehicle unless such placement is not possible due to the design of the vehicle. The permit shall be placed in the vehicle so that it is visible to people outside of the vehicle.

In addition to the new permits, the city may designate municipally owned parking lots which may be used as overnight winter parking. Vehicles may be parked in designated lots without permits for a period not to exceed 24 hours and in compliance with all other requirements of the Municipal Code. Designating a lot for overnight parking shall not supersede other parking restrictions imposed on the designated lot. A map of these designated lots, along with the winter parking ordinance will be posted on the City of Hartford website. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to see the winter parking information.

The Wisconsin Department of Justice announced that Wisconsin ranked number one throughout the country for the most prescription medications collected during the fall 2023 Drug Take Back. Wisconsin collected 53,122 lbs. of unwanted medications this fall.

“Because of collaboration among many partners around the state and the commitment of Wisconsinites to helping to keep their communities safe, we continue to lead the nation in drug take back,” said Attorney General Josh Kaul. “Thank you to everyone who participated this fall in Drug Take Back Day.”

Wisconsin has collected a total of 1,202,039 lbs. of unwanted medications since Drug Take Back began in 2010 under the leadership of the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Wisconsin ranks third in the nation for the most medications collected since inception, falling only behind Texas with 1,379,669 lbs. and California with 1,372,361 lbs. collected. Nationwide, since inception, 17,900,351 lbs. of unwanted medications have been collected during Drug Take Back events.

The DEA leads two Drug Take Back days a year, one in the spring and one in the fall. DOJ partners with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) to organize and promote Drug Take Back throughout Wisconsin. Drug Take Back provides a safe, convenient and responsible means of disposal, while also educating the community about the potential abuse and consequences of improper storage and disposal of these medications.

Drug Take Back Day would not be possible without the generous support of Fuchs Trucking, Covanta Energy, the Wisconsin State Patrol, Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs, Waukesha County, Waukesha County Sheriff’s Office, and all participating local law enforcement agencies.

While Drug Take Back Day technically only happens twice a year, any day can be Drug Take Back Day at one of Wisconsin’s more than 490 permanent drug disposal boxes. These boxes are accessible year-round at law enforcement agencies, hospitals, pharmacies and health clinics. 

Story by the Wisconsin Department of Justice. 

Hunters killed significantly fewer deer during Wisconsin's nine-day gun season this year than they did last year, according to preliminary data released by the state Department of Natural Resources.

After kicking off with a slow opening weekend, hunters reported a total of 173,942 deer harvested from Nov. 18-26, a 17.6% decrease from the 2022 season and roughly 11% below the state's five-year average. Hunters in northern Wisconsin saw the steepest declines.

“There were probably fewer deer on the landscape than there were last year at this time,” Jeff Pritzl, the DNR's deer specialist, said in a news conference. According to Pritzl, a severe winter last year may have diminished populations in northern forests and across the state.

Last year's gun deer season in Wisconsin was above average thanks to snow cover that made deer stand out and a lack of standing corn for them to hide in. This year, hunters were met with warm temperatures and a lack of snow on opening weekend. Pritzl called the total harvest of 85,390 bucks and 88,552 antlerless deer "on the low end of the five-year average, but certainly not unprecedented.”

The decreased harvest comes despite a negligible change in the number of hunters statewide. As of midnight Sunday, the DNR had sold 553,479 licenses that permit a hunter to kill a deer with a firearm, down only a fraction of a percent from the 554,898 licenses sold in 2022.

The DNR reported three gun-related injuries during the season. On opening weekend, a 53-year-old man in Argonne shot himself in the foot while walking to a tree stand, and a 62-year-old man in Big Flatts shot at a dog on private property that he believed was a deer. His bullet struck a 47-year-old woman who was walking the dog, and she was flown to a nearby hospital for her injuries. On Friday, a hunter in Rib Lake shot a 30-year-old man in the thigh during a deer drive. None of the injuries were fatal.

The DNR has reported an average of roughly six gun-related injuries per deer season over the past 10 years. Four of those years saw fatal incidents. Last year, eight gun-related injuries were reported, including four that were self-inflicted.

Associated Press reporting.

Watertown Police Officer Wehner was recently recognized and received a life saving award. 

On Thursday, September 20, 2023 Officer Wehner was sent to a report of a female subject standing on the railroad bridge that crosses S. Church St. about 30 feet above a busy four lane highway. Officer Riedl responded as well. Officer Wehner stopped and approached the woman from S. Montgomery St. and Officer Riedl walked onto the bridge from S. Washington St.

As officer Wehner approached, he radioed that the female “was sitting on the ground”. As he approached her, she stood up on the outside of the railing. Officer Wehner then yelled “Stop!, Hey!” and began running towards her. Officer Wehner then noticed that the woman had secured a noose around her neck and had tied off the other end to the bridge. At this point, the woman was on the outside of the rail, standing and facing towards the tracks, her back to traffic. Officer Wehner slowed to a walk and extended his hands in a non-threatening gesture and continued slowly walking towards her. The woman then yelled: “You’re not going to be able to stop me!” Officer Wehner still slowly approached her, arms out and asked her: “stop, just stop, talk to me.”

At this point, the woman saw Officer Riedl approaching from the other side of the bridge and turned so she now faced the road with her back to the body of the bridge. The woman adjusted the rope so that it was unobstructed from the noose on her neck and the bridge support it was tied to. Officer Wehner kept talking and slowly approached saying: “What’s going on, talk to me”.

The woman appeared to be readying herself to jump, looked down and then straight ahead. Officer Wehner took a few quick steps, grabbed the woman’s arm and dropped his body weight down, essentially pinning her to the rail.

Officer Riedl got to Officer Wehner’s location and together they lifted her over the railing and back to safety.

Photo by the Watertown Police Department.

The Washington County Humane Society's Festival of Trees began in 1999 as one of the first events of its kind. The combination of creativity and animal support really resonated with the community and has grown the event exponentially over the years. They welcomed nearly 2,000 guests in 2022 and raised an impressive $96,000. 

This great annual event is Saturday, December 2 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday,  December 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The event will be held at the Washington County Humane Society.

You will be able to wander through an impressive display of community-decorated trees, wreaths, and other decor. If you see something you can't live without, buy raffle tickets and enter for a chance to win it. 
Live holiday music will be swirling throughout the shelter all weekend.
You can shop at the Boutique, featuring all sorts of gifts and treasures. If you need an "ugly" sweater, dress, or other garment, stroll through the shelter corridors and peruse thrifted holiday sweaters, also available for purchase.
And don't forget to grab some delicious baked goods, located near the main entrance.

The Christmas Parade of Lights in Watertown was a big success again this year.

It was held on Saturday, November 25.

Watertown Mayor Emily McFarland told WTKM News that every year it's a special event in the city.

"I live this sight, it's like magic in this community. To see the streets lined, and then to see the front yard bonfires that happen in our neighborhood area of the parade route...I love it."

61 entries made up this great annual parade, with many creative floats shining bright.

Mayor McFarland says adjustments to the parade route from a few years ago are still in place.

"So we adjusted the route a little bit during COVID to give people a bit more spacing. We've seen such great attendance in the neighborhood areas, we've left it and it's been awesome."

Parade entries were judged again this year. Congratulations to the winners.

1st Place: Flat Fee Shipping

2nd Place: UPS

3rd Place: WYSO Hand-Crafted Plane

4th Place: D & Z Crane and Rigging

Parade Choice Award: WTKM Radio - Hartford.

Photo by Watertown WI Parades Committee. 

Representative Rick Gundrum (R-Slinger) voted on a series of bills to restore confidence
in Wisconsin’s election system during a recent floor session. These bills include requiring identification for indefinitely confined voters; text message notification for voters when absentee ballots are requested and returned; preventing mass closures of polling locations; and ending late-night ballot dumps. The package of legislation also included three amendments to the Wisconsin Constitution.

Representative Gundrum released the following statement: 
“I’ve talked to many constituents in my district who want a strong and consistent election process. There is nothing more important than the constitutional right to vote in American elections. That’s why we must do more to ensure election integrity. My hope is that Governor Evers will sign these bills into law after vetoing election reforms in the past. Complete confidence in elections should be a nonpartisan issue.
“Additionally, some of these improvements to our election process are so crucial that we need to have them in the Wisconsin Constitution. That means giving Wisconsinites a part in the process of putting these reforms into law. We owe it to them to have a say in the protection of our democracy.”

Amendments to the Wisconsin Constitution must be passed in two consecutive sessions before going to the voters in a referendum. The three constitutional amendments that were passed are:

Assembly Joint Resolution 76/Senate Joint Resolution 71 (second consideration) – Ensuring only American citizens vote in Wisconsin’s elections.
Assembly Joint Resolution 77/Senate Joint Resolution 78 (second consideration) – Prohibiting private entities from funding election administration.
Assembly Joint Resolution 78/Senate Joint Resolution 73 (first consideration) – Requiring photo identification to vote in any election.

Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann will join A&N Contracting for a wall raising event on Tuesday, November 28 to celebrate the first Next Generation Housing homes being built in Skyway Park, in Hartford. They broke ground on the development in mid-October, and the project is quickly coming to life as they reach the wall raising stage.

Washington County entered into a public-private partnership with A&N Contractors owners Tony Monfre and Nate Dziatkiewicz. Next Generation Housing funds of $140,000 were allocated for land acquisition of the seven lots in Skyway Park. The seven single family homes will be constructed over the next two years with price points starting at $319,990. The first homes will be ready for occupancy in the spring of 2024.

Local Hartford officials and Next Generation Housing Committee members will also participate in the wall raising, taking place on Tuesday, November 28 at 3 p.m. at Skyway Park, located at 770 Wright Court in Hartford. 

The Hartford Police Department is investigating a hit-and-run accident that occurred on Brault Street, just south of Highway 60 on November 18 at approximately 4:33 a.m.

The suspect vehicle would have passenger-side damage from the accident.

The Hartford Police Department are asking that anyone with knowledge of this incident please call the Hartford Police Department at (262)673-2600.

Video of the accident is available on the Hartford Police Department's Facebook page.

The Hartland Police Department's Superior Police Performance Award was recently presented to Lieutenant Conrad Soboniak.

On October 21, 2022 Lieutenant Soboniak was dispatched to a structure fire at an apartment complex in the Village of Hartland. Lieutenant Soboniak observed an apartment unit fully engulfed in flames. He used the fire suppression device from his squad car, which had minimal effect. 

He then assisted Officer Gurgul in clearing a path for Officer Gurgul's squad car to position underneath a balcony to help rescue occupants on the balcony. He was notified of residents potentially occupying an apartment, who were unaccounted for. 

Lieutenant Soboniak used his baton to break the rear sliding door and called out for people inside. He then notified the fire department. 

Congratulations to Lieutenant Soboniak for going above and beyond the call of duty.  

Photo by the Hartland Police Department.

The Dodge County Sheriff's Office reminds you to drive sober or get pulled over.

Many families have lost loved ones to fatal crashes that have been caused by an impaired driver. They happen every year, right here in Dodge County. Many others have been severely injured by impaired drivers. The goal of the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office is to do everything we can to prevent these crashes from occurring and spare families in the future from tragedy due to the senseless choice made by impaired drivers.

While the Dodge County Sheriff's Office certainly understands that some may be suffering from an addiction, making a conscious choice to get behind the wheel of an automobile while impaired is a choice outside of that addiction. If you make the decision to drive while impaired in Dodge County, your arrest will be made public.

If you don’t want your photo being made public, don't operate while impaired, and you won't be arrested, according to the Dodge County Sheriff's Office. 

The Dodge County Sheriff's Office asks for everyone’s cooperation in keeping our highways safe from impaired driving in hopes that our deputies will no longer have to respond to fatal motor vehicle crashes in which alcohol or drugs is a contributing factor. If the sheriff’s office policy of posting OWI arrests saves just one life on our highway, then we have accomplished our goal.

An arrest which is a public record which the Supreme Court indicates is releasable under Wisconsin law and have been released to the media everyday for the last 20 years. It is important to remember that all persons are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The Holiday Riverwalk in the City of Hartford is a big attraction again this year.

Volunteers for a Beautiful Hartford planned and decorated the free walking trail, which is open to the public and features over 100,000 brigh lights along the way.

The Holiday Riverwalk begins in downtown Hartford, across from City Hall and runs along the Rubicon River.

It's open from dusk to dawn through January.

A lack of snow and warm temperatures that suppressed deer movement led to a lackluster opening weekend of Wisconsin's nine-day gun season, with hunters killing thousands fewer deer than last year.

The state Department of Natural Resources released preliminary data Tuesday that showed hunters registered 92,050 deer compared with 103,623 deer last year. That's a 16% drop-off from 2022 and 10% fewer deer than the five-year average for opening weekend. Hunters also registered 51,870 bucks, down 13% from 56,638 over opening weekend in 2022.

WTKM will be out and about, spreading Christmas Cheer. If you see us, give us a wave and a shout!

There will be plenty of holiday spirit in the City of Watertown this Saturday, November 25th. The parade is scheduled to start at 5:30pm.

The parade will begin at 2nd and Main Street. There will be NO parking on South 2nd street. The parade route includes Main Street, to College Ave to Western Ave, ending on 5th Street. 

Come out and see the creative floats, bands, and Santa Claus!!

The West Bend Christmas Parade starts at 5pm this Sunday, November 26th.

The route begins at Main Street and Silverbrook, and travels south on Main to Cedar Street. The parade travels East on Cedar Street entering downtown West Bend, turning South on Main Street. 

The theme this year for West Bend's Christmas parade is "A Homemade Christmas"

Wisconsin's gun-deer hunting season started last Saturday.

A safety check of your tree stand should be part of your daily routine.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources encourages all hunters to make sure safety is the number one priority.

Be extra careful if planning a deer drive on public lands, where other people could be hunting. 

Consider having walkers keep their firearms unloaded during the drive. 

Always maintain firearm muzzle control, keeping it pointed in a safe direction. 

Leaf pick-up continues this week in the city of Hartford.

Please keep your brush and branches out of the leaf piles, and keep leaf piles off the terrace and push them out to the street. 

Leaf pick up is scheduled to run through the end of November. 

Hartford Fire and Rescue Chief Paul Stephans recently announced his plan to retire.

Chief Stephans will be retiring on May 3, 2024 - which is the tentative date announced by the city of Hartford. The Police and Fire Commission recently met, and the process has started to find a new chief for the Hartford Fire and Rescue Department.

Stephans has served the city of Hartford for over 25 years. 

Hartford City Administrator Steve Volkert told WTKM News that Chief Stephans will be missed.

"Paul did a phenomenal job. He was the first full-time fire chief the City of Hartford ever had, and we are in the process of finding someone new. He will be missed."

One of many great accomplishments for Chief Stephans happened two years ago. It included moving the Hartford Fire and Rescue Department into a Paramedic level of service. The application and operational plan was approved by the Division of Public Health - Office of Preparedness and Emergency Health Care - Emergency Medical Services. This elevated status provides residents with the highest level of service from the operations of an ambulance.

Thanks to Hartford Fire and Rescue Chief Paul Stephans for being a great friend to WTKM.        

The Hartford Police Department Cadet Unit 9910 was host to its second annual Hartford Police Department Youth Challenge. A total of 15 different departments from around the state of Wisconsin and Illinois, brought 24 total teams to compete in 9 different events.

These events were based around different aspects of law enforcement such as active attacker, tactical medicine, dispatch operations, high risk traffic stop, use of force simulator, courtroom testimony, unknown trouble, physical agility, and a law enforcement knowledge test.

The Hartford Police Department cadet Unit 9910 had one Cadet Team bring back second place in the event of tactical medicine.

The Hartford Police Department Cadet Program would like to thank everyone for the help they received, for not only this event, but also for the continued support they receive for this program from the Hartford community.

The Hartland Fire Department is embarking on a strategic planning process. It will develop strategies to meet the challenges facing the department staffing, hiring challenges, and physical space to accommodate a growing department. 

It's expected to be complete by March of 2024.

"Continuing increases in service demands is driving change and growth within the fire department," according to Hartland Fire Chief Dave Jambretz. "We are seeing increases in both the number of and complexity of incidents. We currently staff three full-time firefighter, paramedics that run on a 24 to 48 rotation along with part-time and paid-on-call personnel. The number of part-time firefighters that live in the village has decreased, causing us to rely on firefighters that live outside of the village to respond, or back staff the station."

The Village of Hartland has mutual aid agreements which provide more depth in coverage, but also places a responsibility on the Village of Hartland to assist neighboring communities when they request assistance. There are times, due to staffing availability, that the Village of Hartland is unable to reciprocate to a mutual aid request from a neighboring department.

The goal of the Hartland Fire Department is to improve the services and create a path going forward.       

Hartford Common Council passed the 2024 Budget with no city tax Increase in Washington County.

Tuesday night, November 14 the Hartford Common Council meeting included a vote, with common council members unanimously approving the 2024 Hartford City Budget which will not increase city taxes, but will solidify a lot of services in the City of Hartford. This budget, which will keep the mill rate at $4.67 for the City of Hartford portion of property taxes, will greatly enhance three departments. The Hartford Fire & Rescue will be adding three more full-time paramedics/firefighters to address the rising volume of calls. The City Building Maintenance Department will be adding a ¾ time employee to sure up maintenance to our aging buildings. And the Hartford Police Department will be looking for 2024 approval to add another officer which allows them to once again donate an officer to the Washington County Drug Unit.

Much of the funds, which are being used to offset these additional staff members, is coming from the new State Shared Revenue revision which was given by Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers to improve public safety. Without those funds, the three paramedics and police officer would not have been possible under levy limit restrictions.

Runners provided a spark to Hartford's kickoff of the holiday season.  

Oh what fun their first annual Reindeer Run/Walkers had on Saturday, November 11. 

These runners and walkers got to kick off the parade with a 1 mile run/walk down the Hartford Christmas Parade route. The Hartford Parks & Recreation and Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce, along with many wonderful sponsors including Hartford Community Service Inc., had a great turn out of 45 runner/walkers and raised $1000 for The United Way of Washington County. 

They are thankful to all the sponsors, participants and volunteers --- hope to see you all next year!

An eight-year veteran Washington County sheriff’s deputy on routine patrol observed a van pulling a trailer loaded with an ATV leaving the fenced in area behind Cabela’s around 12:56 a.m. As the van fled the parking lot the squad was struck, causing minor damage. A southbound pursuit lasting six miles on I-41 was initiated by the deputy. The pursuing deputy was aware of an active construction zone on I-41 south of Holy Hill Road and terminated the pursuit prior to entering the work zone. The deputy was able to re-initiate the pursuit after the van exited the construction zone and suspect vehicle speeds then reached 100mph before crashing south of Lannon Road. The van rolled over and the trailer detached causing the unsecured ATV to roll over off the trailer.

The operator then fled on foot and a perimeter was set up. The Germantown Police Department K9 Unit began tracking the suspect and a sheriff’s office drone was also launched.

Officers from the Sheriff’s Office, Germantown Police Department, Menomonee Falls Police Department, and the Wisconsin State Patrol exhaustively searched the area for over two hours but were not able to locate the suspect.

Just over three hours after the incident, a diligent 27-year veteran deputy sheriff located an individual at the Germantown Walmart that he believed to be the suspect. A Germantown Police Officer, who initially saw the suspect flee from the overturned van, confirmed the deputy’s suspicions. The 39-year-old Milwaukee man was arrested at 4:02 a.m. and is currently in custody at the Washington County Jail.

The subsequent investigation revealed the alleged suspect cut the lock on the fenced in area and stole both the ATV and trailer from Cabela’s. The Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes division is investigating if the subject is linked to other recent trailer thefts in southeastern Wisconsin.

Wednesday evening, on November 15 around 10:03 p.m. the Washington County Sheriff’s Office began to receive multiple 911 calls regarding an erratic driver that was northbound on I-41, around Lannon Road in the Village of Germantown. The five different callers described the vehicle as a newer model Camaro with a dealer license plate and the operator was driving terribly and at varying speeds. It was reported at one point the driver even stopped in the middle of the lanes of traffic on I-41. During the call it was reported the vehicle was involved in a hit-and-run accident in Waukesha County and then also struck several barricades after entering Washington County.

A deputy stopped the driver on I-41 at Lovers Lane in the Town of Polk. The operator was identified as a 24-year-old Glendale man. After the deputy obtained the VIN from the vehicle, the driver sped away. The VIN subsequently came back as a stolen vehicle from Milwaukee taken during an armed carjacking with a firearm. The sheriff’s office continued to pursue the vehicle northbound and tire deflation devices were used several times by our agency and the Dodge County Sheriff's Office. The driver continued to drive dangerously until he crashed on I41 near Church Road in Fond du Lac County. Top speeds during the pursuit reached 115mph.

The driver was taken into custody and a firearm and drugs were located inside the vehicle. He was transported to Froedtert Hospital for medical clearance and to obtain legal blood for impaired driving.

Charges of second degree OWI, fleeing and eluding, second degree reckless endangering safety, carrying a concealed weapon, resisting/obstructing, operate without owner’s consent, receiving stolen property, armed while Intoxicated, possession of THC, and possession of schedule II drugs have been requested. He is currently in custody at the Washington County Jail.

Washington County Sheriff Martin Schulteis said of the incident, “I am extremely thankful this criminal’s behavior only resulted in property damage. Pursuits are inherently dangerous for suspects, law enforcement, and especially for unsuspecting innocent citizens that cross into the path.” Schulteis further said, “Philosophically, is a careful balance for law enforcement. We owe the public we serve to be as cautious as possible during these dangerous encounters, but we also are aware that the community expects criminal behavior is held accountable. In this case we needed to immediately apprehend a violent individual who posed a significant danger to our community.”

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office would like to extend our appreciation to our law enforcement partners from the Dodge and Fond du Lac County Sheriffs’ Offices for the assistance in taking this person safely into custody.

Slinger Fire Department held an induction ceremony on Wednesday, November 15 for Jack Reed. 

Reed was a probationary firefighter, until his promotion to active member status after completing his one-year probationary period, and Firefighter 1/Haz-Mat Operations courses.

The Slinger Fire Department welcomed Jack Reed. It was special to share, that Reed is continuing a fourth generation tradition of serving with the Slinger Fire Department.

Jack’s great grandfather Gib Bayer was a firefighter. Both grandfathers, including Chief Hanke and Captain Bayer, as well as his own father Don still serve on the department. In addition, Jack’s uncles, Bill Hanke and Zack Bayer are also members on the department.

The nine-day gun deer hunting season comes with rules and regulations. The annual nine-day hunt begins on Saturday, November 18 and will run through Sunday, November 26.

Don't forget that now is the perfect time to make your deer carcass disposal plans. You can help slow the spread of CWD just by properly disposing of your deer carcass and waste.

Proper disposal removes potentially CWD-positive deer from the landscape, reducing the likelihood of disease transmission. Once you’ve processed your deer, find a designated dumpster, landfill or transfer station that accepts deer carcass waste.

It's also time to do a safety check of your tree stand, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

First question: Has your tree stand been in storage since last season, or has it been outside for months? Whether in storage or in the field, the elements can inflict more damage than you realize. It's always good to regularly check to ensure straps are in good shape and buckles are intact.

You'll also want to check the stand itself for signs of damage from being in storage or exposure – such as rust.

ATVs and UTVs can be great tools for hunters – but safety should be a top priority. Wear your helmet and seatbelt when you hit the woods this season, and ensure a safe return to camp.

The Wisconsin DNR also reminds you to be sure to follow all rules related to ATVs and UTVs and hunting:

– It is illegal to discharge any firearm, including handguns, in or from any moving or stationary ATV/UTV.

– No person may place, possess or transport a firearm, bow or crossbow in or on an ATV/UTV, unless one of the following applies:

> The firearm is unloaded or is a handgun.

> The bow does not have an arrow nocked.

> The crossbow is not cocked or is unloaded.

Ruth Knoll passed away on November 8, 2023 at the age of 87.

She joined the Hartford Union High School staff, where she spent her entire 40-year teaching career, in 1958. Ruth Knoll ran all choral activities including conducting choirs, providing voice lessons, preparing students for Solo and Ensemble events and acting as music director for the high school musicals until her retirement in 1998. During her tenure at Hartford Union High School, Ruth Knoll established a collaboration with the Discalced Carmelite Friars of Holy Hill, in Hubertus in which the high school Concert Choir and alumni perform a carols concert prior to Christmas Eve's midnight mass and serve as the choir for the midnight mass. This tradition continues today, and has continued for more than 50 years.    

Ruth founded the Hartford Community Chorus in 1960-1961 and was its conductor for 55 years. She also shared her talents with the First United Methodist Church, directing its senior choir and all music events, including Bits of Broadway until 2015. 

Ruth Knoll's auditioned Concert Choir was selected by audition to perform at conferences, as well as with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. Ruth Knoll served a two-year term as Secretary-Treasurer of the Wisconsin Choral Directors Association and was Registration Co-Chair for a regional, six-state convention in both 1980 and 1990. 

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 18 at First United Methodist Church at 1 p.m.  Visitation will begin at 10 a.m.

The June 16, 2020 double homicide case, which involves a suspect named Kevin P. Anderson, remains active. The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office continues to investigate leads from multiple states and cities across the country.

Kevin P. Anderson faces multiple charges, including two counts of first-degree intentional homicide, one count of attempted intentional first-degree homicide, one count of arson and one count of a felon in possession of a firearm.

Kevin P. Anderson remains at large and a warrant has been issued for his arrest. He is described as 6'0 tall, weighing around 200 pounds. A recent photo is posted on the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office Facebook page.

Do not approach the subject in question. 

Please contact the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office if you have any information on the whereabouts of Kevin P. Anderson at 920-674-7310.

If you see anything suspicious around State Highway 106, and County Highway A in Jefferson County, you are asked to contact the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office.

The Washington County Sheriff's Office has released information regarding an overdose case.

Case: Arrest Made in Probable Fatal Drug Overdose 23-38977

Authority: Lieutenant of Detectives Tim Kemps

Investigators with the Washington County Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Division arrested a 26-year-old City of Racine man on Thursday in connection with a probable fatal fentanyl overdose in the Village of Kewaskum that occurred the prior day.

The Racine man is accused of setting up a drug transaction with the victim late Tuesday evening. He came from Racine to the Village of Kewaskum where the drug deal was conducted. The victim is believed to have died a short time later. The victim's official cause of death is pending autopsy results, but initial findings indicate fentanyl was likely involved.

Investigators with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office were requested to assist by the Village of Kewaskum Police Department early Wednesday morning.

In this case, the fentanyl was sold in the form of counterfeit oxycodone pills. The pills are blue and have the markings: “M” on one side and “30” on the other side. Counterfeit pills often contain lethal amounts of fentanyl or methamphetamine and are extremely dangerous as they often appear identical to legitimate prescription pills at first glance, and the user is likely unaware of how lethal they can be. In this case, the suspect even bragged about the strength of the fake pills to the victim before the sale. Unfortunately, these have become all too common place in our community.

The identity of the Racine man is not being released at this time as he has not officially been charged. He will appear in court Friday for a bond hearing because investigators need more time to investigate this matter before determining what charges will be forwarded to the Washington County District Attorney’s Office. This investigation is only in its infancy, but future charges could include delivery of fentanyl and reckless homicide. Washington County Sheriff Martin Schulteis hopes that this arrest made a day and a half after the death will send a message to those who think about bringing these dangerous drugs into the Washington County community. “In less than 48 hours we were able to identify the suspect, track him down in Racine, and arrest him. This is the type of tenacity that this agency will bring to those who bring fentanyl into our community.” We would also like to thank the Racine County Sheriff's Office and Kewaskum Police Department for their assistance in this investigation.

The 37th Annual Hartford Christmas Parade was a big success on Saturday, November 11. 

The Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce announced the winners, after some thoughtful deliberation. The judges finalized their winners for the 2023 Hartford Christmas Parade!

*drumroll please*

Float "A Salute to Christmas" Theme

1st place: Signicast

2nd place: East Side Lumber

3rd place: Paradise Garden & Nursery

Musical/Marching Band

1st place: Slinger High School Band

2nd place: Hartford City Band

3rd place: Central Middle School Band

Float Religious Theme:

1st place: Faith United Church of Christ

2nd place: First United Methodist Church Hartford

3rd place: Peace Lutheran Church, Hartford WI

Walking

1st place: HUHS Cheer Team

2nd place: Milwaukee Dancing Grannies

3rd place: Jazzercise

Other

1st place: Allenton American Legion Post 483

2nd place: A BTRY 1-121 FA HIMARS WIARNG (U.S. Army)

3rd place: Horizon Outfitters

Saturday, November 11 was busy in the city of Hartford.

A special guest arrived safely, thanks to the mode of transportation that bears his name. The Santa Train caused quite a commotion, as it rolled into town and settled in at Wisconsin and Main Street. A large crowd witnessed Santa and Mrs. Claus' arrival. Children waited patiently between 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. to tell Saint Nick what they want for Christmas this year. It's a fun annual event, leading up to the Hartford Christmas Parade.

This year's main event stepped off at 3 p.m. 90 entries were signed up to be in the parade on November 10, according to the Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce. Area businesses, organizations and clubs were featured with creative floats. Santa and Mrs. Claus were spotted in a beautifully decorated sleigh, waving and laughing to the crowd during the holiday parade which traveled down Main Street, in downtown Hartford. The theme this year was "A Salute to Christmas."

The day started with the Lions Pancake Day event and the 38th annual Great Hartford Craft Expo. Each event took place at Hartford Union High School. 

Saturday, November 11 was Veterans Day. Many Veterans marched in the Hartford Christmas Parade, and the final Witness Tree Ceremony took place at Berndt Park, in the city of Hartford. Another Veterans Day event was a Rifle Salute by the Honor Guard, at Sawyer Park.      

The Slinger Fire Department has released more information regarding an accident. 

PRESS RELEASE - MULTIPLE VEHICLE INJURY CRASH

Incident Commander: Captain Greg Bayer

Published by: Firefighter Dan Croft

On Sunday, November 12 at 3:38 p.m., Slinger Fire Department and Lifestar EMS were dispatched to the area of State Highway 60, at I-41 for a multi-vehicle injury crash. Dispatch advised there were several patients and at least one required extrication from their vehicle. Additional ambulances responded to the scene.

Upon arrival, SFD Engine Companies extricated one patient due to the severe vehicle damage and patient injuries. Crews continued efforts to treat and remove the other injured party from their vehicle. Additionally, crews assessed for vehicle hazards and cleared fluid/debris from the road. All occupants were transported to the appropriate hospital for treatment and the roadway was reopened around 4:30 p.m.

Agencies who assisted on the scene were the Jackson Fire Department, Slinger Police Department and Washington County Sheriff's Office. 

No further information is available at this time. This incident will be investigated by the Slinger Police Department.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is releasing the following information pursuant to WI Statute 301.46(2m) which authorizes law enforcement agencies to inform the public of a sex offender’s release when, in the discretion of the agency, the release of information will enhance public safety, awareness and protection. The individual who appears on this notification has been convicted of a sex offense.

Ellis R. Fields was released from prison on Nov. 9th, 2023. He resides at 1725 Cth NN in the Township of Jackson. In 2001, Ellis Fields was convicted of Child Enticement and 2nd Degree Sexual Assault of Child. Ellis Fields will be on probation until Mar. 20th, 2041, and will be monitored by WI-DOC Division of Community. Ellis Fields will have numerous rules and restrictions to follow including wearing a live tracking GPS unit.

This sex offender has served the prison sentence imposed on him by the courts. He is not wanted by law enforcement at this time. This notification is not intended to increase fear, but rather it is our belief that an informed public is a safer public.

Sex offenders have always lived in our communities; but it was not until the Sex Offender Registration and Community Notification Law was enacted that law enforcement was able to share this information with the community. 

Questions: Probation/Parole Agent Monica Daniels 262-335-5665, Sex Offender Registration Specialist Gina Carney 262-335-5665 or Sgt. Michael Hennes at 262-365-5054

The theme for this year's Christmas Parade in the city of Hartford is "A Salute to Christmas." It begins at 3 p.m. on Saturday, November 11 in downtown Hartford.

90 entries are registered at the time of this story. It always includes a variety of area organizations, clubs and businesses with creative floats.

This great annual event takes place on Veterans Day. The Hartford Honor Guard will step off the parade, and any Veteran is invited to walk with them. Other Veterans will take part in the parade riding in floats and trucks.

The Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce has selected five proud Veterans that will serve as Hartford Christmas Parade Marshals, representing the five Branches of Service.

Hot and cold beverages will be served at Sawyer Park, in the city of Hartford after the parade for area Veterans. 

A large crowd is expected again this year at Hartford Union High School on Saturday, November 11.

The Hartford Lions Pancake Day begins at 7:30 a.m. and runs until 1:30 p.m. The delicious menu includes all you can eat pancakes and french toast.

The Great Hartford Craft Expo runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is put on once again this year by the Hartford Women's Club. A variety of unique items will be for sale for those starting their Christmas shopping. 

All of the funds raised from each event stay local, and go back into the community in different ways for area projects, or programs.   

The City of Hartford and Village of Slinger will activate the sirens at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month (Saturday, November 11 at 11 a.m.) to honor our Veterans. It marks the anniversary of the end of World War I. Veterans are honored each year by sounding the sirens for 15 seconds.

Veterans Day is an official United States public holiday, observed annually on November 11, that honors military veterans; that is, persons who served in the United States Armed Forces. It coincides with other holidays, including Armistice Day and Remembrance Day, celebrated in other countries that mark the anniversary of the end of World War I; major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 when the Armistice with Germany went into effect. The United States previously observed Armistice Day. The U.S. holiday was renamed Veterans Day in 1954.

Veterans Day is not to be confused with Memorial Day, a U.S. public holiday in May; Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans, while Memorial Day honors those who died while in military service. It is also not to be confused with Armed Forces Day, a minor U.S. remembrance that also occurs in May, which specifically honors those currently serving in the U.S. military.

Ruth Knoll passed away on November 8, 2023 at the age of 87.

She joined the Hartford Union High School staff, where she spent her entire 40-year teaching career, in 1958. Ruth Knoll ran all choral activities including conducting choirs, providing voice lessons, preparing students for Solo and Ensemble events and acting as music director for the high school musicals until her retirement in 1998. During her tenure at Hartford Union High School, Ruth Knoll established a collaboration with the Discalced Carmelite Friars of Holy Hill, in Hubertus in which the high school Concert Choir and alumni perform a carols concert prior to Christmas Eve's midnight mass and serve as the choir for the midnight mass. This tradition continues today, and has continued for more than 50 years.    

Ruth founded the Hartford Community Chorus in 1960-1961 and was its conductor for 55 years. She also shared her talents with the First United Methodist Church, directing its senior choir and all music events, including Bits of Broadway until 2015. 

Ruth Knoll's auditioned Concert Choir was selected by audition to perform at conferences, as well as with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. Ruth Knoll served a two-year term as Secretary-Treasurer of the Wisconsin Choral Directors Association and was Registration Co-Chair for a regional, six-state convention in both 1980 and 1990. 

The City of Hartford proudly recognizes Veterans Day. 

Many special events are planned for Saturday, November 11 including the VFW Post 8834's process of putting up the Avenue of Flags at Sawyer Park. It's made up of 90 Coffin Flags with the Veteran's name embroidered on them. It will proudly fly until around 4:15 p.m. 

The traditional Rifle Salute, Sirens and Taps will be presented at Sawyer Park beginning at 11 a.m.

Many Veterans will march in the Hartford Christmas Parade, scheduled for 3 p.m. in downtown Hartford. The Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce has selected five proud Veterans to serve as the Parade Marshalls representing the five Branches of Service. 

The Veterans Day Dinner will be served at 6 p.m. at the Hartford Town Hall. It's a free meal for all Veterans and their plus ones compliments of The American Legion Post 19, VFW Post 8834 and United Vietnam Vets of Hartford.    

Daily ceremonies at the City of Hartford's Witness Tree draws attention to the issue of suicide by current and former military members.

The Witness Tree is located at Bernd Park, near the Hartford Fire and Rescue Department. A ceremony is held each day, until Veterans Day on Saturday, November 11, at 9 a.m. 22 blank dog tags are added each day, and hang on the tree to represent the average of 22 Veterans who lose their life to suicide during every 24-hour period.

The Witness Tree is an extension of a larger Veteran's support program called Warrior's Journey Home. Their mission is to Listen - Speak - Heal.

Please contact Rev. James Schleif for more information, at 262-384-8124.

A monument dedication will take place on Friday, November 10 at Newburg Union Cemetery.

It is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m.

It is an event to remember Civil War Veterans. Their goal is to place a monument at each of the cemeteries where Civil War Veterans are buried. Many of the headstones or grave markers are deteriorating, or no longer legible. 

There will be a short dedication ceremony including the Color Guard, 21-gun salute and music from the St. John's Lutheran Church and School.

The event is open to the public.

The ceremony will remember the service of John Heiser, John McDonald, Johann Milkee, Robert Salter, Joseph Schaub, Daniel Steuerwald, Henry Trautsch and Ezra Warren.  

The City of Hartford's Kickoff to Christmas is happening Saturday, November 11. Enjoy a day full of holiday festivities: 

Hartford Lions Annual Pancake Day - 7:30am-1:30pm at Hartford Union High School

Hartford Women's Club Great Craft Expo - 9:00am-3:00pm at Hartford Union High School

The Witness Tree - November 1-11th at 9:00am at Bernd Park near the 9/11 Memorial. This ceremony is intended to draw attention to the problem of suicide by current and former military members.

Santa Train - 11:30am-2:30pm

Reindeer Run - 2:15pm-2:45pm

"A Salute to Christmas" Parade - 3:00pm-5:00pm

The Downtown Hartford Holiday Open House begins Friday, November 10 and continues through Saturday, November 11.

An image of Watertown's new fire station was released.

This design will give the Watertown Fire Department the space and infrastructure they need to provide efficient and safe services to the city.

The station will be located between Bernard and Johnson Streets and is currently designed at 37,000 square feet in size. The current design also includes a cold storage building and a training tower.

They are scheduled to move in late 2024, or early in 2025 according to the city of Watertown.

The current fire station does not fit the needs of modern-day firefighting - and it was never built to house both Fire and EMS. When the station was built in 1964, the city did not have EMS services. Now, they have full-time fire and EMS and offer other services like cold/swift water rescue, trench rescue, confined space rescue, hazmat response and much more. The Watertown Fire Department's vehicles are larger, heavier and they have more of them compared to the amount in 1964. That weight has taken its toll on the apparatus bay floor.

Safety practices regarding gear contamination have come a long way since 1964. They need better-designed decontamination facilities.  
There are no designed dorms for female firefighter/paramedics. They do have women on the staff, and they have spaces provided to them for privacy but trends show more women entering the fire service and they need to be prepared to provide equitable conditions.

Friday, November 3, around 2:15 p.m. the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office was requested for emergency assistance by the Wisconsin State Patrol in the Village of Lomira. A trooper had located a vehicle and individuals suspected of a serious crime, that had happened in Appleton, Wisconsin. The suspects had attempted to flee the trooper and entered a business in the village. It was believed at least one of the suspects had been armed with a firearm in the original crime.

As troopers and deputies responded to contain the suspects, one suspect returned to the car and fled the area, nearly striking a trooper. The suspect car was last known to be southbound on I-41, leaving Dodge County. The other suspect fled on foot and after a coordinated search, this suspect was taken into custody near the southern village limits. The suspect was turned over to the Wisconsin State Patrol for transport to the agency investigating the initial crime.

This incident was occurring as school was letting out. The sheriff’s office contacted both schools in Lomira, however a release of students was already occurring. It was recommended that no buses leave the school. The schools were contacted at about 3:39 pm and informed they could finish release.

As deputies were responding, they encountered a vehicle at an extremely high rate of speed southbound in the village of Theresa and a short pursuit was initiated as it was thought that vehicle may have been stolen by the suspect who fled on foot. This pursuit is under investigation, and it’s involvement in the incident is being investigated.

The sheriff’s office worked with the Wisconsin State Patrol, and Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office during this incident. The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office is not requesting any charges as a result of the incident we were responding to. The pursuit of the vehicle in Theresa however, is under investigation. That vehicle was described as a newer Ford Explorer, silver-colored. Anyone with information regarding that vehicle should call LT Brian Loos at 920-386-4117.

The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office

Questions may be directed to Sheriff Dale J. Schmidt

The City of Hartford Public Works Crews addressed two traffic signal lights which were recently knocked down by vehicles in recent rain storms. The first light was on the corner of West Sumner and Liberty Avenue, near Walmart. The cost to replace the lights by the driver was around $8,000.

The second light was hit at the corner of Kettle Moraine Drive. That light was involved in a hit-and-run incident and the Hartford Police are still searching for the driver of that vehicle.

The Hartford Police Department remind you to always slow down during rain or snowy conditions. If you ever witness a vehicle strike public property, please notify the police immediately as hit-and-run incidents end up costing tax dollars to fix.

An impressive group of students from Hartford Union High School rolled up their sleeves and got into the holiday spirit!

The H-Club and Student Council members teamed up to decorate downtown Hartford for the upcoming Christmas season. They provided valuable assistance to the Volunteers for a Beautiful Hartford. HUHS students put up lights and garlands along Main Street, North Johnson Street, Park Avenue, Mill Street and the River Walk.

This is the third year that these groups have worked together to get Hartford ready for the holidays.

Their efforts create a festive atmosphere for the upcoming community Christmas Parade on November 11, Midnight Madness and holiday shopping. This joint venture between the City of Hartford, Volunteers for a Beautiful Hartford, and Hartford Union High School saves the city almost $20,000.

Leaf pick up has started in the city of Hartford. 

Department of Public Works crews have started the annual pick-up of autumn leaves. Crews started this week picking up leaves for those that have placed them along the curb lines in the city.

Hartford Public Works Director Darryl Kranz told WTKM News that it's quite a process every year.

"There's a lot of manpower that goes into it. We need the leaves at the curb to get the work done. We ask that the residents please do not mix brush with the leaves.  We're very fortunate, we have a landscaping company that takes all of our leaves for us. They turn it into mulch. We're very lucky to have this outlet to get rid of the leaves." 

Hartford Public Works remind you to please try to keep those piles away from gutters to prevent flooding and storm water blockages.

This service continues until the end of November. If you don’t want to wait for crews to come around, feel free to bag your leaves and yard waste and bring it down to the recycling center behind the Hartford City Garage during normal operating hours.

The mission of the West Bend Police Department is to Protect and Serve our community. It is imperative to the safety of West Bend that our citizens are engaged in keeping it safe. An informed community is a safer community.

During the week of 10/23/23, the West Bend Police Department provided police services including:

253 CALLS FOR SERVICE

19 MISDIAL 911 INVESTIGATIONS

11 FALSE BURGLARY/FIRE/HOLD-UP ALARMS

12 THEFT INVESTIGATIONS

3 OPERATING WHILE INTOXCIATED INVESTIGATIONS

3 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE INVESTIGATIONS

9 CRISIS/MENTAL HEALTH INVESTIGATIONS

25 TRAFFIC CRASH INVESTIGATIONS

53 TRAFFIC STOPS

209 STORE/LICENSED PREMISE CHECKS

10/26/23 – At 4:20 a.m. officers responded to a domestic disturbance at a residence on Whitewater Drive. A 30-year-old man had been out drinking and when he arrived home his 31-year-old girlfriend confronted him about fidelity concerns. An argument ensued with the man pushing the girlfriend into a countertop. He was placed in jail for battery and disorderly conduct.

10/28/23 – At 9:36 a.m. officers made contact on Roosevelt Drive with a 34-year-old male registered sex offender to remind him of the expectations surrounding trick or treat occurring in the city. Officers detected an odor of marijuana when talking with the man and he was found in possession of marijuana and paraphernalia. He was issued citations for the offenses.

10/28/23 – At 6:53 p.m. officers responded to a frantic 911 call on Decker Drive for the report an unknown individual dressed in a clown costume entered a residence. The investigation determined the homeowner had a family member enter the home dressed as a clown to scare a group of teens at the residence. Officers responded to the 911 call as a home invasion in progress. The 40-year-old male homeowner was cited for disorderly conduct for his actions.

The Washington County Sheriff's Office recently received a donation, which will go towards the K9 Unit. 

Fox Bros. Piggly Wiggly Inc. was gracious enough to have the Washington County Sheriff’s Office as one of the featured organizations to receive donations recently. Through the incredible generosity of their customers, Sheriff Schulteis picked up a check in the amount of $3,339.36 from the Fox Bros. Piggly Wiggly – Richfield/Hubertus. Those funds will be used towards their brand new K9 Razor, that just went into service with her partner Deputy Stephanie Kalish.

For those of you who are fans of Ryker, rest assured, he is still part of their team. The Washington County Sheriff's Office just added Razor, who brings a different set of skills.

The Washington County Sheriff's Office are not able to thank the community and Fox Bros. Piggly Wiggly enough for the support for your sheriff’s office.

A Washington County case, which involves a Town of Wayne man who is charged with ten counts, including six counts of intentionally mistreating animals, continues to move forward in Washington County Circuit Court.

It’s the State of Wisconsin versus Russell Quaas.

A hearing took place on Wednesday, November 1. Quaas did not appear in court, but his attorney did appear along with the prosecuting attorney for the State. A meeting was scheduled for November 9, 2023 with the attorneys in order to discuss a resolution. A plea hearing is also scheduled for December 13, 2023 at 1:15 p.m.

A group of animal lovers gathered in front of Washington County Court with signs to show their support of a conviction in the case.

The investigation by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office started when deputies received an anonymous complaint about dogs being tied to trees, and not having proper shelter.

The Washington County Humane Society was called in to assist. Communications Specialist Joe Poczkalski told WTKM News that it's a win for animal welfare.

"This is a massive case in our county and we consider it a massive win for animal welfare in Washington County. All of the 35 dogs taken from the Town of Wayne property have been adopted. We saw a huge response from our community, which we're eternally grateful for. We received donations and we had people sharing our posts on Facebook. And of course, to those who adopted these wonderful dogs. It's a massive win for the animals of our county." 

Quaas also faces one count of failing to provide food, one county for failing to provide water, one count which involves shelter space and one count which involves outside animal shelter.     

Allegedly, Russell Quaas was believed to be operating a non-licensed dog breeding business out of a property in the Town of Wayne. 

The investigation started when Washington County Sheriff's deputies received an anonymous complaint about dogs being tied to trees and not having proper shelter. 

Washington County Sheriff's Office released information regarding an accident from Wednesday morning, November 1.

Traffic on the surrounding roadways was heavier than normal and travel was compounded by icy road conditions.

The Washington County 911 Communications Center received a 911 call at 7:11 a.m. reporting a traffic crash involving two vehicles at the intersection of Pioneer Road and Mayfield Road, on the boarder of the Town of Polk and the Village of Richfield. The caller, a 34-year-old mother from the City of Hartford, reported she was involved in a collision with another vehicle and after the airbags deployed, she was not able to open the doors to the car or roll the windows down due to the damage. She reported she was in the car with her children, ages five, seven and 14. 

The first deputy, a 19-year veteran with the sheriff’s office, was near to the call. When he arrived the engine compartment on the car started on fire. The deputy attempted to extinguish the fire with the squad’s fire extinguisher, but the fire continued to spread. The deputy then used a window breaking tool to break two of the windows. The children were extricated through the back window and the mother was also able to exit. The driver of the other vehicle also helped during the extraction of the kids. The fire spread until extinguished by the Richfield Fire Department.

The investigation revealed that the other driver, a 50-year-old City of Hartford man, was westbound on Pioneer Road in heavy traffic when he made an unsafe U-Turn. The female driver was eastbound on Pioneer Road, and was unable to stop for the other vehicle in her lane of traffic when the collision occurred. The male driver was not hurt and will be cited for unsafe U-turn.

None of the children were hurt in the other car. The mother sustained minor scratches that may have resulted during the extrication.

Investigators are looking into why the doors and windows were not operational.

The Germantown Police Communications Center received a 911 call yesterday morning around 4:53 a.m.which reported a single vehicle roll-over accident. It occurred on I-41 southbound near Holy Hill Road in the Village of Germantown.

The vehicle lost control and struck the center median barriers causing it to roll. It was found on the northbound shoulder. Officers located the driver, an 18-year-old man from Slinger, trapped inside the vehicle. 

The man was extricated from the vehicle and transported to a hospital by Flight for Life with life-threatening injuries.

The Wisconsin State Patrol will be reconstructing the crash scene. The cause of the accident is still under investigation, however, cold temperatures resulting in slick road conditions appear to be a contributing factor.

Get ready to change your clocks.

Daylight saving time for this year will end on Sunday, November 5. It's time to "fall back" for the biannual time change and turn your clock back one hour. 

While daylight saving time shifts an hour of daylight from the morning to the evening in late winter, spring, summer and early fall, that hour of daylight goes back to the morning during standard time when the days are shorter in fall and winter.

Some people struggle with adjusting to the time to wake up. Sleep experts say it's a good idea to soak up some time in the sun during the morning hours. Going outside first thing in the morning can actually help keep your internal clock more consistent.  

The Hartford Fire and Rescue Department have released valuable tips regarding the use of space heaters.

If you are tempted to pull out the space heater, please remember that space heaters need space, and account for nearly 81 percent of fatal house fires. Follow these space heater tips and avoid a heated hazard.

- Keep portable space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can catch on fire, including curtains and furniture.

- Never leave your portable heater on when you leave the room or house, or go to sleep.

- Plug in the space heaters directly into an outlet. Avoid using extension cords or power strips.

 Veterans Day is November 11. Washington County is announcing plans to illuminate county buildings in green lighting from November 6 to November 12 as part of Operation Green Light for Veterans, a nationwide effort uniting counties in a show of support for our military Veterans. The Washington County Government Center, Justice Center, Sheriff’s Office and Public Agency Center will be illuminated with green lighting.

The initiative, led by the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers, raises awareness around the unique challenges faced by many Veterans and the resources available at the county, state, and federal levels to assist veterans and their families.

“The green lights serve as a visual symbol to remind us of the ongoing support we need to provide to the veterans in our community,” said Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann. “They have served selflessly to preserve our democracy and freedom, and we honor their service.”

In addition to lighting county buildings, bridges, and other landmarks, residents, businesses and other organizations are encouraged to participate by simply changing one light bulb to a green bulb. This can be an exterior light that neighbors and passersby see, or an interior light that sparks a conversation with friends. By shining a green light, we let our veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported.

Counties and residents across the country are sharing their participation on social media using the hashtag #OperationGreenLight. 

If you know a local veteran who may need services, please refer them to the Washington County Veterans Service Office at the Public Agency Center, 333 E. Washington Street, Suite 3100, West Bend, or call 262-335-4457.

It's time for winter parking rules to begin in the Village of Slinger.

It starts on Wednesday, November 1 and continues through April 15 for this year. There is no street parking allowed from 3 a.m. to 6 a.m.

Winter parking restrictions start at 12 a.m. on November 1 and as they do every year, Slinger Police Officers are instructed to take the first two weeks to place warnings on vehicles they observe on the streets during these restricted times.

The goal for the winter parking restrictions is to allow the Village's Department of Public Works the ability to clean the streets quickly and efficiently. The DPW staff set their early morning plowing schedules around the parking restrictions hours, so they know the streets will be as vacant as possible.