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.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office recently hosted a two-week “At-Scene Traffic Homicide Investigation” course, which was attended by law enforcement officers from the surrounding area. This course was instructed by the Institute of Police Technology & Management (@IPTM) out of Florida and included several “hands on” portions that allowed the officers to put their new skills to the test.

This is the first in a series of three courses, designed to provide traffic crash investigators with the advanced skills necessary to conduct a thorough investigation into serious injury and fatal crashes.

Photo by the Washington County Sheriff's Office.

There is more information regarding a fire that happened on April 24, at 2:45 p.m. The Watertown Fire Department responded to a call from Dodge County Dispatch reporting a fire on County Highway M called in by a neighbor.

Prior to arrival, automatic aid was initiated, elevating the incident to a Working Still Level by 2:47 pm. This action promptly brought additional fire/EMS units and command staff to the scene as well as additional staffing to Watertown Fire Department for additional calls that may occur.

Watertown Engine arrived on scene at 2:52 pm to find an unoccupied mobile home 75% involved in flames and spreading to nearby woodpile. The Engine company swiftly pulled two attack hose lines to initiate extinguishment while the Tender established water supply. Approximately 9,000 gallons of water and 5 gallons of foam were used to extinguish the fire due to the high density woodpile. The cause of the fire remains undetermined at this time.

Estimated fire damage and loss is $15,000 and all responders were clear of the scene at 4:42 pm.

The Watertown Fire Department extends its appreciation for the assistance provided by the Dodge County Sheriff, City of Watertown Police Department, Dodge County and Watertown Dispatch Center, Hustisford Fire, CLR Fire, Johnson Creek Fire, Ixonia Fire, Lebanon Fire, Juneau EMS for their assistance at the scene as well as Western Lakes Fire District and Jefferson Fire for providing stand by in the city.

For further information regarding this incident please reach out to Fire Chief Tanya Reynen at 920- 261-3610 or treynen@watertownwi.gov.

An Agriculture Teacher from Hustisford is one of six Alice in Dairyland finalists.

Cierra Essock is the FFA Advisor and Agriculture Instructor at Hustisford Jr./Sr. High School. She grew up on her grandparent’s dairy farm outside of Fort Atkinson.

"Within the classroom, I'm only able to teach within the four walls. Of course, we go outside and conduct labs and activities. I want to educate consumers on a larger scale. All the way from our fourth graders and young children to the elderly for those consumers buying the products that we produce here in Wisconsin."                                                 

Cierra Essock from Fox Lake, will be at the Alice in Dairyland Finals, which will run from May 2 - 4 in Sturgeon Bay.  

On Monday, April 22, around 5:28 p.m. the Washington County Sheriff's Communication Office received a phone call that someone had shot an arrow at the playground equipment located at Centennial Park. An officer responded and met with the caller, who stated that she heard a "ping" sound. A child who was playing on the playground equipment, stated they found an arrow at the park. The caller showed the officer where she believed the arrow had impacted the equipment. There were no other arrows located in the area. It is believed the arrow was released from an area north of Centennial Park.

An individual contacted the Hartford Police Department regarding the inicident. The individual indicated the arrow accidentally discharged from a bow during target practice. Target practice occurred in proximity of Centennial Park.

This case remains under investigation.

The Hartford Police Department expressed their gratitude that no one was seriously hurt or worse by this incident. 

The individual, who appears to be the owner of the arrow has come forward and is cooperating with the Hartford PD fully. At this point, the incident appears accidental.

This is believed to be an isolated incident and there is no threat to the public. This incident remains under investigation.

Information regarding the City of Hartford Ordinance on this matter is below:

CITY ORDINANCE 41.02 – DISCHARGING AND CARRYING FIREARMS “(a) No person, except a Peace or Law Enforcement Officer or member of the Military in the line of duty as defined in Wisconsin Statutes, shall fire or discharge any firearm, rifle, spring gun, air gun (whether a missile is expelled by compressed air, gas or chemical), electric weapon, bow and arrow, crossbow, sling shot, or blow gun within the City of Hartford except: 1. in areas designated as a shooting range by the Common Council. 2. in areas approved by any school authority or the Recreation Department. 3. when lawfully hunting with a bow and arrow or crossbow at a distance greater than 100 yards, from a building located on another person’s land as described in §29.038(3)(b)1.a. This restriction does not apply if the person who owns the land on which the building is located allows the hunter to hunt within 100 yards of the building. A person who discharges a bow and arrow or crossbow within the City of Hartford is required to discharge the arrow or bolt from the respective weapon toward the ground.”

This city ordinance also applies to "ORBEEZ" style gel blasters.

A deputy with the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office stopped a vehicle in the town of Burnett on Tuesday, April 23. The deputy observed suspicious behaviors from those in the vehicle during the traffic stop. The deputy requested a K9 Unit to respond to the scene. Deputy Anderson and K9 Bak with the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office responded to assist in this investigation.

K9 Bak was deployed, and he positively alerted to the odor of illicit drugs coming from the motor vehicle. Deputies searched the motor vehicle, and they located a significant amount of cocaine, fentanyl, and drug paraphernalia. In total, two adults from Beaver Dam were arrested on the following charges.

Alan Douglas Jr., age 37: Possession with intent to deliver cocaine ( 5 - 15 grams), possession with intent to deliver fentanyl (10 grams), and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Amy Komppa, age 33: Possession with intent to deliver cocaine (5 -15 grams), possession with intent to deliver fentanyl (10 grams), and possession of drug paraphernalia.

This incident highlights our agency’s commitment to traffic safety and reducing drug trafficking. All persons are innocent until proven guilty in court, and additional information is available publicly as part of Wisconsin’s Circuit Court Records.

Questions may be directed to Sheriff Dale J. Schmidt

Wednesday, April 24 around 2:33 p.m. the Hartford Fire and Rescue responded to a reported fire on the roof of a single-family residential home, in the Town of Erin. 

Upon arrival, firefighters encountered flames on the roof of the home, with the home owner and a Deputy from Washington County Sheriff's Office attempting to extinguish the flames. Hartford Fire and Rescue personnel were able to extinguish the fire and bring the situation under control in approximately 15 minutes.

The house sustained minor to moderate fire damage to the roofing material, but did not involve any structural components. No occupants of the home or responding firefighters were injured in this incident. WE Energies responded but was not utilized. 

In addition to the Washington County Sheriff's Office, assistance was requested from Richfield Fire, Ashippun Fire and Lifestar EMS.  The primary residence was not affected, and the home owners were able to remain in the home after the incident. The cause of the fire was found to be hot embers originating from a pile of tree limbs that the home owner was burning on the property, which landed on the roof, igniting the cedar shake roofing material.

The Pike Lake boat launch has been closed while the accessible walkway was updated with new concrete. The boat launch and boat launch gate was back open for use on Friday, April 19 at 9:00am.

The staff at Pike Lake State Park thank everyone for their patients and welcomes them back to enjoy this local treasure.

The Kewaskum Fire Department responded to reports of an accident, which involved three vehicles, located on Highland Dr. just south of Highway 28, with smoke showing.

It occurred around 8:19 a.m.

Upon arrival, the Engine crew verified there were no injuries and concluded that the two vehicles that were on their sides in the ditch were being trailered together by the third vehicle. There appeared to be smoke coming from the back of the van. After obtaining entry to the rear of the van with extrication tools crews, it was discovered that  a large nitrogen tank, that was slowly releasing pressure, was causing the "smoke like" plume. The crew then backed off and set up a perimeter until county Haz Mat Crews could arrive to assess the situation.

Tow trucks were able to safely upright the vehicle with the nitrogen tank remaining in stable condition throughout the operation.

Nitrogen is not a toxic or flammable substance, there is no threat to the public or environment as a result of this incident.

Photo by the Kewaskum Police Department.

On Monday, April 22, 2024, at approximately 5:28 p.m. the Washington County Sheriff's Communication Office received a phone call that someone had shot an arrow at the playground equipment located at Centennial Park. An officer responded and met with the caller, who stated that she heard a "ping" sound and a child who was playing on the playground equipment, stated they found an arrow. The caller showed the officer where she believed the arrow had impacted the equipment. There were no other arrows located in the area. It is believed the arrow was released from an area north of Centennial Park.

CITY ORDINANCE 41.02 – DISCHARGING AND CARRYING FIREARMS “(a) No person, except a Peace or Law Enforcement Officer or member of the Military in the line of duty as defined in Wisconsin Statutes, shall fire or discharge any firearm, rifle, spring gun, air gun (whether a missile is expelled by compressed air, gas or chemical), electric weapon, bow and arrow, crossbow, sling shot, or blow gun within the City of Hartford except: 1. in areas designated as a shooting range by the Common Council. 2. in areas approved by any school authority or the Recreation Department. 3. when lawfully hunting with a bow and arrow or crossbow at a distance greater than 100 yards, from a building located on another person’s land as described in §29.038(3)(b)1.a. This restriction does not apply if the person who owns the land on which the building is located allows the hunter to hunt within 100 yards of the building. A person who discharges a bow and arrow or crossbow within the City of Hartford is required to discharge the arrow or bolt from the respective weapon toward the ground.”

This city ordinance also applies to "ORBEEZ" style gel blasters.

If anyone has any information about the owner of the arrow, please contact the Hartford Police Department at 262-673-2600.

This is believed to be an isolated incident and there is no threat to the public. This incident remains under investigation.

Photo by the Hartford Police Department.

There is more information regarding a fatal crash from April 14. Around 1:16 a.m. deputies from the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to Owl Road, in the town of Calamus for an accident which involved a single motorcycle. The driver of the motorcycle has been identified as Thomas Davis, of Beaver Dam and the crash is now being investigated as a fatal crash as Thomas Davis has succumbed to his injuries. The investigation is ongoing.

An individual who lives in the area found the motorcycle in the early morning hours of April 14, and the operator in a field. Once deputies arrived, life-saving measures including CPR  started and continued for about eight minutes by Deputy Dylan Ott. It was performed in order to resuscitate the driver in collaboration with Beaver Dam Fire/Paramedics. The male subject was transported to Marshfield Medical Center in Beaver Dam by Beaver Dam Paramedics. He was then transported to UW-Health in Madison by medical helicopter with life-threatening injuries.

Alcohol is believed to be a factor.

The crash remains under investigation by the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office.

Assisting the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office was the Beaver Dam Fire Department.

Hartford Union High School's student newspaper, the Hartford Chronicle was voted the best student newspaper in the state by the Northeast Wisconsin Scholastic Press Association for the 11th year in a row.

Advisor Jeff Carter was also awarded the Skip Zacher advisor of the year, during the NEWSPA contest.

Congratulations to the advisor, Mr. Carter, Editor in Chief Elena Rettler and reporters Maddy Adams, Savanaha Balicki, Georgie Beltran, Ashley Sullivan, Devin Elsmo, Stuart Gottfried, Peyton Hensly, Izzy Idding, Jack Jensen, Riya Kalluvila, Calvin Kenney, Emma Polanco and Annie Nettesheim.

Photo by Hartford Union High School.

The Theresa Fire Department, Theresa EMS and mutual aid partners were dispatched for a report of a working fire at Confections For Any Occasion by Joel, on Milwaukee Street in Theresa. It happened at 12:29 a.m. on Tuesday, April 23.

The fire was visible within the store on the lower level. A MABAS response was initiated at the working still level. The fire was extinguished by 12:42 a.m.

There were no injuries, and the building is still standing.

The cause of the fire is under investigation, according to the Theresa Fire Department. Joel Bernhard of Confections For Any Occasion told WTKM News that a defective air conditioner caught on fire. Residents living upstairs at the location noticed the fire. The Health Department has been contacted.

No residents were displaced as a result of the incident.

Every year, at least three of nine Alderpersons are sworn into office in what is the reorganization meeting in the City of Hartford held in mid-April. 

Tuesday night, April 16 Alderpersons Joe Koehler (District 1), Dean Kirley (District 2) and Tony Garza (District 3) were all sworn in for three year terms on the Council. Alderperson Kirley is the only new member to the current council replacing Doug Carroll. However, Dean is by no means new to the City Council as he served as Councilman and Mayor in the 1980’s. Since that time, Dean has continued to serve also on the Police and Fire Commission.

Members of the Hartford Streets and Parks Department are working together to prepare a section of the Rotary Park river banks, for a new ADA compliant fishing pier.

The new pier, which is scheduled to be installed on May 1, is a gift to the community from the Hartford Rotary in recognition of their 100th Anniversary. The Rotary will be celebrating their 100th on Wednesday, April 24 at the Chandelier Ballroom.

This gift is yet another way in which the Hartford Rotary Club works hard to raise money to give it all away for great causes.

Sunday, April 21 at 10:38 a.m. the Washington County Sheriff’s Office received a call about a possible shed fire at a residence in the 6900 block of Hillcrest Drive, in the Town of Addison. The caller reported smoke was coming out of the building and there were people removing equipment from the shed. The caller also said the shed was approximately 20 to 30 feet away from the barn on the property. The Allenton Fire Department was paged and the call was upgraded to a MABAS call. Fire Departments from Slinger, Hartford, St. Lawrence, Kohlsville, Iron Ridge and West Bend were paged to assist.
The first responding Deputy arrived at approximately 10:48 a.m. and observed smoke was coming out of the east side of the shed which was approximately 20-feet by 40-feet. Shortly thereafter flames were observed and the structure was fully engulfed. Fire Department personnel were able to get the fire extinguished by approximately 11:26 a.m. There were no injuries to anyone on scene. The skid loader and a majority of the shed contents are a complete loss. Overhaul operations are under way. Traffic on Hillcrest Drive is currently closed to vehicular traffic until overhaul operations are complete.
The preliminary investigation revealed a skid loader was being used this morning and was returned to the shed between 9 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. The person who was operating the skid loader was inside the residence talking with the property owner when they heard some loud popping noises which they thought were gunshots from hunters. A while later they heard these same noises and observed the caller (a local resident who was out for a run) outside and observed the smoke. According to the Allenton Fire Department, it appears the origin of the fire is the area where the skid loader was parked.
At this time there is no damage estimate available and no further information is available.

Last Friday, April 19 at 8:19 a.m. the Washington County Sheriff's Office responded to a one vehicle crash on Highland Drive, in the Town of Kewaskum. Callers informed their communication officers that the involved vehicle was pulling a trailer loaded with two additional vehicles. The towed vehicles had come off the overturned trailer and were upside down and smoking in the ditch. The uninjured operator remained on the scene.

With the arrival of Sheriff deputies and Kewaskum Fire personnel, one of the upside-down towed vehicles (large work van) was observed to be smoking. Upon further inspection, a pressurized tank (approximately 100 gallons) of liquid nitrogen was in the rear of the van. Based on this, fire personnel requested assistance from the Washington County Hazmat team. Hazmat found the tank was off gassing as designed. The off gassing eliminated built up pressure inside the tank, keeping the tank from rupturing. Once the vehicle was up righted, it was removed. There is no public safety concern because of the liquid nitrogen off gassing.

Crash investigation found the involved vehicle to be traveling north on Highland Drive between CTH H and STH 28. The operator alleges there was a southbound vehicle operating near the center of the roadway, resulting in him moving slightly to the edge of the road. This caused his trailer tires to enter the steep declining ditch line and disconnect from the truck, rolling over onto its side. There is no evidence to support the southbound vehicle being present or if present, violating any road rule.

The operator chose Highland Drive rather than remaining on the designated detour route due to area construction in the Village of Kewaskum. Highland Drive is not a roadway that a vehicle of this type should be operating on, according to the Washington County Sheriff's Office. Vehicle operators should follow detour routes. These routes are chosen with public safety and roadway capacity in mind.

To facilitate scene clean up, Highland drive was closed to traffic for approximately 3 ½ hours. The Wisconsin State Patrol also assisted with inspection of the involved vehicle. Enforcement action is being taken.

Washington County Veterans Services, in coordination and partnership with volunteers from the Hartford and West Bend American Legion Posts, Sons of the American Legion, and the West Bend Music Academy, has launched the West Bend Chapter of Guitars for Vets.

Guitars for Vets (G4V) started in Milwaukee and is now a national organization with over 200 chapters. The program aspires to help Veterans, by providing 10 free guitar lessons and after graduation, a new guitar to continue their musical journey. G4V covers all the costs for this program and all participants, including instructors, are volunteers.

If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering as an instructor or participating as a student or committee member, please have them contact wi.westbend@guitarsforvets.org.

For more information, visit guitars4vets.org. 

On May 3, 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 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. 

The Washington County Board of Supervisors approved Resolution 81, which authorizes the creation of a deputy sheriff’s position assigned to the Town of West Bend. This will be the first of such agreements in Washington County that provides a full-time dedicated deputy sheriff to a town. The dedicated deputy is initially funded for a two-year period with a combined financial commitment between Cedar Community, the Town of West Bend and Washington County. The approved resolution reads that the county’s funding portion is considered a contribution to the town under the Shared Revenue Grant Program.

Washington County Sheriff Martin Schulteis stated, “This is the most economical way for town taxpayers to acquire desired and enhanced levels of public safety that leverages the infrastructure of the sheriff’s office while allowing the township the flexibility to have town ordinance enforcement; especially at the onset with the county’s commitment to pick up half the cost. The sheriff’s office is committed to working closely with local officials and the community to provide services that meet the needs of the individual community.” The sheriff stated there is no statutory requirement mandating that townships create their own police departments. The Town of West Bend recognized the additional financial cost associated with the creation of their own police department and decided not to duplicate what the sheriff’s office already has in place.

Besides the clear cost of sworn personnel, equipment, and other physical infrastructure, some of the subtle costs for a new police department include the duplication of increased insurance liability coverage, the need for additional support people to handle the daily administrative and technological issues, hiring, training and retention of staff and the inability to take advantage of the economies of scale. The town also recognized this agreement would eliminate the need to create a substructure for day-to-day supervision of officers since the sheriff’s office already has around-the-clock supervision in place.

More importantly, according to the sheriff, this partnership provides the highest-level of 24/7 seamless handoffs for town residents needing the enhanced services of our existing Major Crimes Unit, Drug Unit and the many other specialty public safety units the sheriff’s office already has established.

The sheriff’s office is grateful for the private and public partnerships that will enhance the safety of the residents in the Town of West Bend. The Cedar Community has been an integral part of the Town of West Bend for over 70 years, and we are beyond pleased with the commitment and support of Cedar Community and President and CEO Nicole Pretre. The sheriff’s office also wants to thank Town of West Bend Chairman Troy Zagel, County Executive Josh Schoemann and the Washington County Board of Supervisors for supporting this new endeavor.

The sheriff’s office has been contracting with the Village of Richfield since 2007 to provide dedicated law enforcement. Two full-time deputies are currently assigned to Richfield. Villages, under Wisconsin State Statue, are required to provide dedicated law enforcement while towns do not fall under that same mandate.

With the approval of the resolution and forthcoming agreement, Town of West Bend residents will soon see the dedicated deputy in a specially designated squad car patrolling the town.

It's the 26th home built by Hartford Union High School students through the Vision House program. The house has sold and will close on May 17. 

Hartford Rotary Club partners with Hartford Union High School to provide a hands-on building experience for students. In an academic year, the students design a home, help construct, work alongside skilled trades people to build a single-family home in Hartford. Students are also involved in the design of interior finishes and landscape design. The Hartford Rotary Club Foundation provides the financing to purchase many items, as well as secures and services the construction loan for the project. The house is finished and has sold. The proceeds are used to purchase the lot for the next Vision House Project.

The program returned in 2022. The students have completed two homes and plans are in the works for next year.

They celebrated their accomplishments and the support of their many local contractors who help make this possible during a recent Hartford Rotary Club meeting. 

Photo by Hartford Union High School.

Town of Polk, Wis - A 26-year-old Milwaukee man was arrested for OWI first offense after rolling over a fully loaded semi-tractor trailer on I-41 Wednesday afternoon, April 17. The incident occurred around 3:15 p.m. after an off-duty law enforcement officer observed the operator of the semi weaving onto the shoulder and then back across the lanes of traffic near Sherman Road. After crossing both the fog line and center line of southbound I-41 multiple times, according to the Washington County Sheriff's Office the driver began to pull onto the west shoulder of the interstate, and proceeded down the grassy decline where the semi rolled onto the right side of the unit.

Deputies arrived and needed to break the windshield of the semi to extricate the driver. The deputies immediately noticed signs of impairment. A preliminary breath test revealed a level of .297. The driver was arrested. No one was hurt. Traffic on southbound I41 was intermittently stopped or one lane was closed to facilitate clean-up operations and vehicle removal.

Photo by the Washington County Sheriff's Office.

Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann was sworn in for his second four-year term. His wife, Jodi, held his Bible as County Clerk Ashley Reichert administered the Oath of Office.

Josh Schoemann was elected County Executive of Washington County in April of 2020, after serving over six years as County Administrator and Administrative Coordinator (County Manager). During his tenure, he led a variety of countywide initiatives:

• Led efforts in fundraising for the Wisconsin 9/11 Memorial - Forever Honoring Our Washington County Veterans - designated in state law as
  "a facility serving to honor those who perished and as a space of reflection for the state of Wisconsin;"
• Created a perpetual endowment for the Washington County Historical Society and the "Old Courthouse;"
• Implemented the 2050 Transportation Network Sustainability Plan for the Highway Department;
• Created a Parks & Trails Endowment, making the County Parks System operations for parks, trails and golf independent of the property tax levy in perpetuity; 
• Established a micro loan fund through the Economic Development Washington County to aid businesses post-pandemic;
• Created Next Generation Housing Initiative to address critical workforce housing shortages along with an earned down payment incentive program;
• Collaboratively worked to create a multi-county health department with neighboring Ozaukee County;
• Proposed and facilitated an eight-party (State, County, and six local municipalities) jurisdictional roads transfer including over 13 miles of road; and,
• Initiated Priority Based Budgeting in conjunction with Strategic Planning to completely transform organizational culture.

In 2003, he served in Operation Iraqi Freedom, earning an Army Commendation Medal during his tour, and received an honorable discharge in October 2008 from the Army National Guard.

He is a member of the VFW Post 10452, the West Bend Rotary, and volunteers for Casa Guadalupe.

Photo by the office of the Washington County Executive.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is resurfacing over one mile of Highway 60 in the Village of Jackson.

The area was last resurfaced in 2003. The roadway pavement is in poor condition, experiencing cracking and uneven settling between shoulders and travel lanes.

Wis DOT Communications Manager of the Southeast Region Chris Verhyen told WTKM News how long the project will last.

"It's expected, weather permitting of course to continue until around late summer of this year."

Construction has started and will continue along Highway 60 from County Road P, to Eagle Dr. in the Village of Jackson.

The pavement repair and resurfacing involves the removal of three inches of existing asphalt, and then resurfacing of just over three inches of asphalt. The improvements also include highly visible monotube-style traffic signals at County P, Industrial Dr. and Jackson Dr. along with improved signal controls. New sidewalk installation will take place on the northside of Main Street in Jackson, as part of the project along with upgraded pavement markings at Jackson Drive.

"So far everything is going well," said Verhyen. "We are going to maintain traffic heading eastbound. Westbound traffic will see a detour."

Westbound traffic on Highway 60 will be detoured to County G, County PV and US 45 throughout the construction period.

Photo by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. 

Hartford Union High School has introduced this year's Junior Prom Court. This year’s theme is 24K Gold.

Girls seated front row, left to right: Addison Friedl, Ashlen O'Morrow, Ava Lisiecki, Bella Ingram, Brooke Matic, Gracey Wetzel, Julia Pearce, Madalyn Adams, Makena Christian, Mya Nelson and Sarah Robbe.

Boys standing in the back row, left to right: Adam Zuern, Parker Wiedmeyer, Cooper Rolsma, Carter Kutz, Dane Meinerz, Payten Ketelhut, Josiah Luby, Bennett Klages, EJ Brown, Sam Dewar and Joey Lawler.

The King and Queen will be voted on and crowned the night of the Hartford Union High School Prom, May 11. 

This week, April 14-20, is National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week.

Beginning in 1991, Telecommunicators Week was nationally created to raise public awareness of the hard work and dedication of public safety telecommunicators. 

This dedicated group of unseen public safety professionals are often the first point of contact for citizens in crisis and in need of assistance. They are the calm voices behind phones and radio mics who try to make sense out of chaotic situations without the ability of seeing what’s wrong. These men and women provide a backstage role in maintaining peace and order, suppressing fires, and providing medical treatment and transport to the citizens. 

Let's take a moment to appreciate the heroes behind the scenes. Their dedication and skill keep our communities safe every day.

The Dodge County Sheriff's Office would like to highlight Sergeant Grossman's Team, Team A-1. Sergeant Grossman's Team works from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. In total Sergeant Grossman's team has 91 combined years of service. Jeramy Grossman 18 years, Tammy Gebhardt 22 years dispatching (12 years at Dodge County), Thomas Hazelberg 12 years, Michelle Weber 17 years, and Nicole Christensen 22 years. (left to right)

Thank you dispatchers.

Pike Lake State Park continues to be busy. 

The contractors are ready to make planned updates to the KMSF-Pike Lake boat launch area. There is going to be construction at the boat launch and it will be about three weeks of work for asphalt and concrete contractors to be able to install a new accessible walkway to the launch. The launch area will be closed during construction including on the weekends to allow contractors space, safety and time for setting.

Pike Lake officials have talked with Johnny’s Landing, and their pier is planned to go in the week of April 15.

Alternative options include:

Private launch: Johnny’s Landing- 3298 High Rd. Hartford, WI 53027

$4 parking fee and $8 launch fee

Public launch: Town of Hartford- 3354 Lake Dr, Hartford, WI 53027

Free to use but no parking

With two people: after launching, one will drive the boat across to the Pike Lake Unit’s beach/ mooring area, while the other drives the vehicle and trailer back to the Pike Lake Unit’s beach parking lot.

The Hartford Parks and Recreation department announced the City of Hartford’s Centennial Park Grand Opening event on Friday, May 3 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The community will celebrate the generosity of those who made the redevelopment of Centennial Park possible. The Barbecue Company and Brewed Omen will be present for purchases of food and beverages, along with a ribbon cutting ceremony that will be held at 6 p.m. and live music by Wait For Morning.

This event is open to the public and is family friendly.

Grass was planted in the park, along with the installation of new playground equipment which will include a variety of train-themed accessories. The project also included the asphalt paving of the bike path and parking lots.

It's National Telecommunicators Week, from April 14 to April 20. 

Beginning in 1991, Telecommunicators Week was nationally created to raise public awareness of the hard work and dedication of public safety telecommunicators. In 2023, Sheriff’s Office Telecommunicators, or Communications Officers answered 25,390 emergency 911 calls, handled 63,353 administrative phone calls and responded to and/or monitored over 4.3 million radio transmissions.

This dedicated group of unseen public safety professionals are often the first point of contact for citizens in crisis and in need of assistance. They are the calm voices behind phones and radio mics who try to make sense out of chaotic situations without the ability of seeing what’s wrong. To recognize these men and women for their backstage role in maintaining peace and order, suppressing fires, and providing medical treatment and transport to the citizens of Washington County, please join the Washington County Sheriff's Office this week in showing your appreciation by simply saying; thank you.

The Jackson Police Department released a reminder regarding a road project. 

Resurfacing of State Hwy. 60, from Hwy. P to Eagle Drive and the roundabout project at Eagle Drive in Jackson is underway. 

• It involves one lane of traffic (eastbound only) that will be maintained through the project, except for a one-week time period when the railroad crossing replacement will take place.
• Westbound traffic will be detoured along County Rd. G, County Rd NN and County Rd. P. County Rd. P will be closed south of Hwy. 60 beginning June 3. 
• One-way traffic patterns in the eastbound direction with a detour for westbound traffic, full roadway closure with detours and two-way traffic patterns under flagging operations.
• A new hot mix asphalt pavement surface, new pavement markings, and signage.
• Upgrade traffic signals at County P, Industrial? Drive and Jackson Drive
• Improve curb ramps to ADA standards
• Reconstruct Hwy 60 at Eagle Drive intersection to a modern roundabout.
• Installation of retaining wall at the northwest corner of the roundabout.

Road work continues in the City of Hartford, but there is access to local businesses.

While the state is now working on the stretch of Hwy. 83, from Monroe Avenue south into the Town of Erin, residents are reminded that you can still get to local businesses in the City of Hartford.

All roads are barricaded on one side, and this will entail everyone to take their turn to get around the barricades to get to those businesses on the south end of the City like Hahn’s Ace Hardware, Hartford Animal Clinic and Grand Avenue Dental to name just a few.

Deputies from the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to Owl Road, in the town of Calamus on Sunday, April 14 at 1:16 a.m. for a crash involving a single motorcycle operated by a 37-year-old man from the city of Beaver Dam.

An individual who lives in the area found the motorcycle and the operator in a field, and called 911. Once deputies arrived, life-saving measures including CPR were conducted for around eight minutes by Dodge County Deputy Dylan Ott.

The male subject was transported to Marshfield Medical Center in Beaver Dam by Beaver Dam Paramedics. He was then transported to UW-Health in Madison by medical helicopter with life-threatening injuries.

Alcohol is believed to be a factor.

The crash remains under investigation by the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office.

Assisting the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office was the Beaver Dam Fire Department.

Questions may be directed to Sheriff Dale J. Schmidt

A Dodge County Sheriff’s Office Deputy initiated a high-speed pursuit Saturday night, April 13 around 7:36 p.m. with a white BMW, traveling northbound on U.S. Highway 151 near E. Salem Road in the town of Calamus. The deputy observed a speeding violation. The pursuit continued for around 28 miles into Fond Du Lac County. During the pursuit, the vehicle reached speeds of over 130 mph and almost struck several other motorists. There was a successful deployment of a tire deflation device, but the vehicle continued to flee.

On State Highway 26 in Fond Du Lac County, a trooper with the Wisconsin State Patrol joined the pursuit and stopped the vehicle with a successful Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT) maneuver. The driver, who was identified as Gregory Pauly, age 23 of Middleton, was taken into custody for Fleeing/Eluding an Officer and 2nd Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety.

This pursuit tied up a number of resources and the actions of the driver put the motoring public in harm’s way, for which he is now being held accountable. Assisting the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office in this incident were the Beaver Dam Police Department, Waupun Police Department, Fond Du Lac County Sheriff’s Office and Wisconsin State Patrol.

It is important to note that all persons are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Questions may be directed to Sheriff Dale J. Schmidt.

Spring storms seem to put a damper on the spring election.

Tuesday’s spring election saw a reduced turnout with only 32.56% of eligible voters making their way out, during an unusual snowstorm during the day.

The City of Hartford was hit with 3.5 inches of wet snow on election day, while individuals tried to get out for the spring election. In the past, Hartford's spring election numbers were closer to 39.2%.

The most contested races on this spring ballot were for school board positions. The next election is August 13, which will be the partisan primary followed by the November 5 general election. 

As always, the City of Hartford thanks all of their poll workers who came out to make sure the elections were run extremely well.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is hosting a Flood Risk Open House for property owners regarding Preliminary Floodplain Study Map Amendments. There are over 8,700 parcels within the floodplain study that will receive a postcard from Washington County.

Approximately 71% of the parcels will see a net decrease in the total area of floodplain on their property or a minimal change (+/- .1 acres). An estimated 29% of parcels will see an increase in the floodplain zone on their property. The areas of Washington County that are most impacted are in the north half and southeast part. 

The floodplain maps in the southwest portion of Washington County are being updated due to a required change by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) related to the model used to measure positions on Earth, that results in very little impact on the floodplain zone.

Areas of a studied floodplain that are designated flood fringe or flood storage may provide a property owner with development options that were either not available or required expensive engineering analysis in unstudied floodplains.

Impacted property owners should look for a postcard inviting them to attend the open house on May 2 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Washington County Fair Park – Ziegler Building, 3000 CTH PV., West Bend. The postcards will generally indicate whether a property will have an increase or decrease in floodplain zone but does not indicate the locations of the floodplain changes. Interested property owners can visit https://www.washcowisco.gov/landresources to view the preliminary mapping changes as it relates to the existing floodplain zone through a search by address or tax parcel.

Well-decorated country music veteran, Tracy Byrd will share some of his thirty hit singles with a crowd of fans in Beaver Dam on August 15. Byrd will take the Moraine Park Main Stage on Thursday at 8:00 p.m. Fans should be ready for a really entertaining time.

Of his thirty hit singles, eleven of them were Top Ten hits. Billboard number-one hits included “Holdin’ Heaven” in 1993 and “Ten Rounds with Jose Cuervo”, a popular go-to party song, later in 2002.

The American Music Awards also recognized Byrd in 1994, by welcoming him to the industry with a nomination for Favorite Country New Artist. The year following, TNN and the Music City News Country Awards foreshadowed his successful career with a nomination for the Male Star of Tomorrow award. The Recording Industry Association of America awarded Byrd four gold certifications and one double-platinum certification.

One of Byrd’s most familiar hits is a popular love ballad. It is most recognized for being played at weddings over the decades since its release. “The Keeper of the Stars” is a fan favorite to dance along to at weddings and sing along to at his concerts. The melody and the lyrics received several nods by Byrd’s peers. In 1996, the song won Song of the Year by the Academy of Country Music Awards. It was also nominated by the Country Music Association Awards for single of the year in 1995.

“Keeper of the Stars” was featured on his second album “No Ordinary Man”, which featured several other hit singles. “Watermelon Crawl”, “The First Step” and “Lifestyles of the Not So Rich and Famous” helped the album earn double-platinum status, reaching over two million album sales. Each of these catchy tunes is sure to make the August 15 concert one heck of a party.

Byrd is the second headliner announced in the 2024 series of free evening entertainment at the Dodge County Fair, August 14-18.

On Friday, April 5, the West Bend Police Department worked in collaboration with the West Bend School District Administration to conduct a proactive K-9 drug search at the West Bend High Schools and Badger Middle School. Trained police search dogs from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Ozaukee County Sheriff’s Office, Mequon Police Department, Hartford Police Department, and Grafton Police Department were utilized to conduct the search. As a result of the search, two citations were issued for possession of a vaping device and one citation was issued for underage possession of alcohol. No drug arrests were made.

The West Bend Police Department maintains a zero tolerance approach to violence or threats of violence in any school setting as well as zero tolerance for the presence of illegal drugs. All acts of violence or drug possession will result in an arrest.

If you observe violence, threats of violence or become aware of illegal drug activity, see something - say something, and contact a school official or the police department at (262)335-5000.

It's the first project of the year in the City of Hartford. 

This year's unseasonably warm winter has allowed projects to begin ahead of schedule.

Some of their summer projects have already started. The Pleasant Hill Cemetery gets a new entrance approach, as the first phase of the paving project for Arlington Dr.  Many more projects are scheduled for this year, including the total reconstruction of portions of W. Rossman St. and E. Loos Street.

Hartford's Forte Bank will host two fraud seminars with AARP, which will provide valuable information.  

Learn the Do’s and Don’ts of how to spot and avoid common types of scams, plus information about:

Preventing financial exploitation

Empowering family caregivers

Helping those with dementia

The events will be held April 22 and April 25 from 10 to 11 a.m. in the Community Room of the Forte Bank Hartford branch.

Don't let fraud catch you off guard - arm yourself with knowledge and safeguard your finances. 

The Washington County Fair Park and Conference Center in West Bend is excited to announce their Saturday headliner, on July 27 at the Washington County Fair!

Country artist Chris Young, with Tucker Wetmore.

Chris Young will perform at the Silver Lining Amphitheater as part of his Young Love and Saturday Nights Tour.

Tickets will go on sale on Friday, April 12 at 10 a.m.

Visit wcfairpark.com for tickets and more information.

The Washington County Fair runs from Tuesday, July 23 to Sunday, July 28 at the Washington County Fair Park and Conference Center in West Bend.  

A 38-year-old West Bend woman was arrested for second offense OWI after a deputy stopped her for traveling 114 mph on U.S. 45. The incident occurred just after 1 a.m. when the deputy locked radar on the woman’s vehicle south of Badger Road in the town of Kewaskum. While catching up to the driver, the deputy also observed the vehicle deviating from the travel lane, including traveling left of center.

The deputy observed numerous signs of impairment and quickly developed probable cause for arrest. A search of the vehicle resulted in additional cites for possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana. Additional citations are likely forthcoming pending toxicology results from a blood test.

This week, April 8 - 12 is Wisconsin Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week.

Thursday, April 11, 2024, the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office will be participating in the Statewide Tornado Watch/Warning Drill. The sirens will alarm at 1:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. This will just be a test, however, if there is any ongoing weather it could be rescheduled to a later date.

The Dodge County Sheriff's Office recommend that everyone takes some time this week to go over their safety plan so that you can be prepared when severe weather does strike.

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers declared the week of April 8 - 12 as Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week.

It is launched every year to remind people of the dangers associated with tornadoes, thunderstorms, flooding and hail.

Wisconsin's annual statewide tornado drills will take place on Thursday, April 11 at 1:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m.

During the drill times, Wisconsin's National Weather Service offices will conduct NOAA Weather Radio tests that can be heard if you are actively listening to those devices.

RODNEY ATKINS FANS!

You still have time to win a pair of VIP tickets to see Rodney Atkins at the Waukesha County Fair on Thursday, July 18th!

All you have to do is send an email to FunAndGames@WTKM.com and tell us your favorite Rodney Atkins song and why you want to see his show. Include your name, city, and phone number. Each day this week, we will randomly select one winning email and announce the winner at 9:30am after the Trading Post Show this week. 

Congratulations to Our Winners So Far: 

Cody from Lake Mills

Joel from Hartford

Patrick from Sussex

Jeremy from Juneau

Jim from Fort Atkinson

You still have Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday of this week for a chance to win!

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a passerby on Highway 45 last Sunday morning, April 7 around 9:17 a.m. reporting smoke coming from a building in the Town of Barton. The West Bend Fire Department was paged and the call was upgraded to a MABAS call. Fire Departments from Kewaskum, Jackson, Slinger, Allenton, Newburg, Boltonville, Kohlsville, Fillmore and St. Lawrence were paged to assist.

The first responding Washington County Sheriff's Deputy arrived confirming smoke was coming out of the back of the building. The Deputy reported the business was locked and the gate across the entry was closed. Contact was made with the business owner who provided the gate code and responded to the scene.

The fire was fully extinguished by 10:13 a.m. The business suffered some damage, but it was not occupied at the time of the fire. The West Bend Fire Department has requested the assistance of a Fire Investigator from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and this is an active investigation.

A 34-year-old Kewaskum Police Officer has been arrested for his alleged involvement regarding inappropriate conduct toward an 18-year-old female student while the officer was assigned as the School Resource Officer. The female’s parents reported this concern on Friday, April 5th, 2024. After being notified, Police Chief Thomas Bishop immediately initiated an internal investigation. To maintain transparency and impartiality, the Chief requested the West Bend Police Department conduct the independent investigation based upon mutual assistance.

The initial investigation revealed inappropriate conduct towards the female student. The officer was arrested the evening of Friday, April 5th, 2024, and remains in custody at the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. He is being held on felony charges of Sexual Misconduct by School Staff - 948.098(2) and Misconduct in Public Office – 946.12(2).

Police Chief Thomas Bishop said of the incident, “We hold our officers to the highest moral and ethical standards. To say these allegations are a shock would be an understatement. As a parent and your police chief I am saddened and angered. This officer betrayed the trust of the Kewaskum Police Department, the Kewaskum School District, and most importantly, the community our officers take an oath to serve with professionalism, integrity and respect.”

The officer will be placed on administrative leave pending the completion of a formal employment discipline process upon his release from jail. At this time there is no evidence to suspect there are any other victims.

In an effort to maintain the integrity of the investigation, no further details about the case will be released at this time.

The Dodge County Sheriff's Office released information regarding a scam.

There is currently a scam by someone claiming to be from the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office. They are using the actual names of employees from the sheriff’s office, but the phone calls are not legitimate. They are also spoofing the phone number on their caller ID making it seem like the phone number is legitimate.

This makes operations very difficult, as we do need to speak with people in the public via the phone. If you receive a phone call from the sheriff’s office, we will never ask you for legal information over the phone. If you are concerned that a phone call has been received from the sheriff’s office and it is not legitimate, ask for the person’s name and tell the person that you are going to hang up and call our dispatch center. You can then call our dispatch center and they will patch you through to the person that needs to talk to you. This is a sure way to ensure the call you are receiving is legitimate. The non-emergency number for the sheriff’s office is 920-386-3726.

A solar eclipse is happening on Monday, April 8.

The full eclipse is expected when the moon slides right in front of the sun, entirely blocking it. The resulting twilight, with only the sun’s outer atmosphere visible, would be long enough for birds and other animals to fall silent. 

Weatherology Meteorologist Paul Trambley provided some insight on the solar eclipse with WTKM News.

"Today, if you have the proper eye-wear, we should be in line to see it. It appears the sky will remain clear enough to be able to view the eclipse. It will start to happen around 12:53 p.m. and continue to 3:21 p.m. and expected to be 80 to 85 percent of totality with this eclipse."

The out-of-sync darkness lasts up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds. That's almost twice as long as it was during the U.S. coast-to-coast eclipse seven years ago, because the moon is closer to Earth.

It will be another 21 years before the U.S. sees another total solar eclipse on this scale.

Law enforcement, fire departments and EMS professionals encounter individuals every day who struggle with disabilities such as blindness, cognitive impairment, deafness, prone to seizures, and others. They want to be prepared and be able to respond to the needs of the citizens to the best of their ability. Knowing that someone is autistic and also knowing what may upset them or calm them down can be extremely helpful in finding the best solution possible for that person and their family.

If you or someone in your family live in Dodge County and may struggle with a disability having special needs, fill out the form on the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office website at www.co.dodge.wi.gov/special-needs-alert on the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office app available for download from your Android or Apple App Store.

Once we receive the information, it will be maintained in our countywide records management system and available to first responders, as well as our 911 communications professionals. Information will be relayed to responders who need that information quickly so that we can provide the best possible service to our citizens.

Additionally, as part of this request form, you can sign up to be contacted regarding Dodge County’s Project Lifesaver program available to the residents of the county to assist caregivers of loved ones who are prone to wandering, especially those with conditions such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, autism, and down syndrome. The program involves placing an FM transmitter, similar to a wristwatch, on the arm or leg of a person who is prone to wander. If the person wanders away, the caregiver can contact the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office and trained personnel will respond and assist in locating the individual using equipment designed for locating the signal from the transmitter.

The Hartford Union High School Day of Service is May 22 this year. They are looking for nonprofits, businesses, churches and any other groups who could use some helping hands.

Please send an email to DayofService@huhs.org to let them know more about the work their students can do for you.

Service work such as cleaning, organizing, painting, yard work, and anything of the sort would be great sites for us to include in this day. Please include in your email to DayofService@huhs.org the following information:

1. Location/Business

2. Address where work is to be done

3. Point of contact

4. Email and phone for point of contact

5. Type of work to be done

6. Number of students you are requesting (based upon an approximate 9am-2pm work time)

Hartford Union High School sends a thank you for considering and helping in making this another successful event for their staff and students. 

The City of Hartford is doing well financially.

Hartford City Administrator Steve Volkert told WTKM News that the fund balance received a boost.

"We had originally proposed and budgeted to pull around $240,000 out of our fund balance, which is our savings account, to balance the budget. Now, due to how we finished the year, we actually had over $700,000 to the positive, so we were able to put back rather than taking $240,000 out we were able to put over $400,000 back in our savings account. Something like this happens because we make sure our employees are as efficient as possible. They look for every avenue to save tax dollars. Our taxes in the City of Hartford have not gone up in several years."     

The city taxes have a lower tax rate then they’ve had in quite some time, and one of the major reasons is the growth of the community.

A recent call with the rating company Moody’s brought more good news for the City of Hartford. Volkert told WTKM that the city is ranked high, with a AA2 ranking which is rare for a community this size.                                            

The City of Hartford’s finance department has a lot to do with their overall financial picture.

The City of West Bend Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department and Fire Department will conduct a prescribed burn at Riverside Park on the morning of Friday, April 12, 2024. In case of poor weather conditions, Friday, April 19, has been designated as a rain date.

The Riverside burn will target approximately 40 acres of prairie and natural areas located along the Riverwalk from Indiana Avenue east to River Road. Burning is set to begin at 9 a.m. and conclude mid-afternoon.

Prescribed burns are conducted annually throughout the state to assist in the rejuvenation of prairies and native plantings. Specific benefits include the removal of dead plant material that can inhibit the germination of native species, the reduction of invasive species, and the destruction of woody vegetation that may encroach native plantings.

Additionally, the post-burn blackened soil absorbs sunlight, which encourages the germination of seeds. Burning is a best practice and beneficial management tool for prairie maintenance.

Washington County Veterans Services, in coordination and partnership with volunteers from the Hartford and West Bend American Legion Posts, Sons of the American Legion and the West Bend Music Academy, has launched the West Bend Chapter of Guitars for Vets.

Guitars for Vets (G4V) started in Milwaukee and is now a national organization with over 200 chapters. The program aspires to help Veterans, by providing 10 free guitar lessons and after graduation, a new guitar to continue their musical journey. G4V covers all the costs for this program and all participants, including instructors, who are volunteers.

If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering as an instructor or participating as a student or committee member, please have them contact wi.westbend@guitarsforvets.org.

For more information visit guitars4vets.org. 

The Oconomowoc Kiwanis Radio Day on 104.9 WTKM is this Sunday, April 7 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

It’s the 28^th year of this great tradition on WTKM.

Oconomowoc Kiwanis member Jerry Schneider will once again serve as the live host this Sunday afternoon. He told WTKM News that it’s a chance to support local businesses.

"It's a long-standing tradition and a lot of fun. It is a fundraiser for us, but we give back with the advertising during the show on Sunday. We encourage everyone to be good to the businesses you hear during Radio Day...we appreciate their support and we hope everyone else does by shopping local. We appreciate WTKM so much, they have been good to us over the years."                                                

There will be guests from Pagenkopf Funeral Home in Oconomowoc and a chance to win prizes this Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. for the Oconomowoc Kiwanis Radio Day on WTKM.

More information has been released regarding an accident on Monday, April 1 just east of Columbus.

A 20-year-old rural Randolph man was seriously injured, and his 21-year-old male passenger from Randolph received non-life threatening injuries, in a single-vehicle traffic crash on State Highways 16/60. 

Around 3 p.m., Dodge County Sheriff’s Office dispatchers received 911 calls reporting the crash, which was just under a mile east of Columbus in the township of Elba. The early investigation showed a pickup eastbound on State Highways 16/60, and failed to negotiate a left-hand curve, overcorrected and lost control before overturning. The driver was transported by ambulance to a level 1 trauma center with serious injuries. The passenger was taken to a local hospital with injuries believed to not be serious.

The driver of the pickup was identified as Preston Schraufnagel, of rural Randolph. The investigation into the crash revealed probable cause that he was under the influence of an intoxicant at the time of the crash. He was arrested and cited for OWI and was released to family members at the hospital to continue to receive medical care.

Trent Key, of Randolph was the passenger. 

The crash remains under investigation by the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office. Agencies responding to and assisting at the scene included the Columbus Police Department, Columbus Fire Department, Lifestar EMS, Beaver Dam Paramedics, DCERT (Dodge County Emergency Response Team), and the sheriff’s office chaplain. The highway was closed for just under two hours to keep the scene safe for those working and investigating the scene.

Questions may be directed to Sheriff Dale J. Schmidt

Hartford Union High School issued a reminder regarding an adjustment of their bus routes.

Some bus routes changed on Monday, April 1. If you ride an a.m. or p.m. bus route, you need to check your Skyward account to see if your bus routes and pick up and drop off times have changed.

Why is this happening?

HUHS is experiencing a $1.6 million dollar budget deficit and we need to reduce expenses. In a district that spans 225 square miles, transportation costs have a significant impact on our budget. We thank our partners at Riteway for being creative and helping us consolidate and eliminate two morning bus routes which will save our district approximately $100,000 each year. The state funding gap has left many Wisconsin schools struggling to keep up with inflation, and our district is exploring every possible solution to keep the impact as far away from the classroom as possible.

Hartford Union High School issued a thank you for your understanding and, again, please check your Skyward Account to see if this change affects your family.

If you have any questions, please call Riteway at (262) 673-3777.

Photo by Hartford Union High School.

A day covered in slushy snow.

Hartford has six inches, Kewaskum has reported four inches with eight inches in Horicon.

Weatherology Chief Meteorologist Paul Trambley with an update on the weather for Wednesday, April 3.

"This late season winter storm will continue to impact the area today, and wind down gradually tonight and into the early part of the day on Thursday (April 4). Light snow will continue today, with winds out of the north. Blowing snow will be a factor today. This snow shower activity will slow down tonight, with light accumulations in the area."

Look for 40 degrees this Friday, April 5 with sunny skies.  

It was a special presentation.

It happened during the Village of Kewaskum Board meeting on April 1. Washington County Sheriff Martin Schulteis presented Keri Seiler with a citizen commendation for her live-saving actions last month.

Keri, who is a Kewaskum resident, observed a juvenile on an overpass bridge who appeared to be visibly distraught. Rather than continue and drive past, Keri decided to stop. As a caring mother herself, she was able to talk the individual off the edge of the overpass. The tense incident ended in a heartfelt embrace between the two strangers.

Sheriff Schulteis told the Kewaskum Village Board if it were not for Keri’s empathetic intervention, this incident could have ended with a much different outcome.

Suicide is a serious public health problem that can have lasting harmful effects on individuals, families, and communities. There are many factors that contribute to suicide. If you’re struggling, it’s okay to share your feelings. Please reach out.

Details were intentionally omitted to protect the privacy of the juvenile.

Photo by the Washington County Sheriff's Office.

The Hartford Union High School Board race, four candidates ran for two seats. The top two are Heather Barrie, who had 4,421 votes or 36 percent. Nolan Jackett collected 4,255 votes for 34 percent.

Ian Gronbeck finished third, with 2,181 votes for 18 percent while Damon Morgan had 1,532 votes.

Four candidates also ran for two seats for the Hartford Joint 1 School Board. The two winners include incumbent Ed Behnke with 1,665 votes for 29 percent. Barbara Lindert won the other seat with 1,487 votes, for 26 percent. Ian Gronbeck was third with 1,274 and Terrence Perfect collected 1,246 votes.

The two incumbents were the top vote-getters, running for two seats on the Slinger School Board. Ken Strupp had 2,838 votes for 40 percent and Cherie Rhodes collected 2,324 votes. The challenger, Bill Brewer had 2001 votes.

Four candidates also ran for two seats to represent the West Bend School District on the board. The top vote-getter was Chris Jenkins, with 5,194 or 28 percent. The incumbent Chris Zwygart received 5,139 votes, for 28 percent.

The capital referendum for the Herman Neosho Rubicon School District for the purpose of paying the cost of a school building and facility improvement project was defeated at the polls yesterday. 1,649, or 84 percent voted no while 305 voted yes.

It was close, but the Hustisford School District referendum did not pass. 583 voted no while 515 voted yes.

Pewaukee Schools referendum question was approved at the polls yesterday with 2,391, or 54 percent voting for it and 2,073 voted against it. It involves general obligation bonds not to exceed $28,500,000 for the cost of a school building and facility improvement project.

Four candidates ran for two supervisor seats for the Town of Erin. The incumbent Mike Stapleton collected 559 votes for 28 percent and Ken Priesgen had 541 votes for 27 percent.

The Washington County Supervisor winners include Marietta Bailey, Linda Gurath, Anne Trautner and Robert Hartwig.

West Bend Alderperson winners include incumbent John Butschlick with 545 votes for 76 percent, and Bill Schmidt with 352 votes for 53 percent.     

Dodge County Supervisor winners include Kevin Burnett, Jeffrey Caine and Jody Steger.

Three candidates ran for two seats for the Village of Neosho Trustee race. The winners included incumbent Jennifer Margraf Rodriguez, with 44 percent of the vote with 150. Joe Kelsey finished with 118 votes, or 35 percent.

Lisa Curry Sullivan defeated the incumbent with 62 percent of the vote for the Horicon Alderperson seat.

City of Watertown Alderperson winners include the incumbent Fred Smith, who finished with 265 votes or 56 percent in defeating Cassandra Wagner, who finished with 208 votes for 44 percent.

Other Watertown Alderperson winners at the polls yesterday include two incumbents, Daniel Bartz and Bob Wetzel.

Germantown voters approved a referendum question by 62 percent of the vote. 3,759 voted yes while 2,302 voted no yesterday. It includes an increase in the property tax levy to add ten additional firefighter-paramedics and four additional police officers.    

In the Menomonee Falls President race, the incumbent wins. Jeremy Walz received 5,931 votes, for 57 percent.

Spencer Tabbert collected 837 votes, for 66 percent – winning the City of Pewaukee Alderperson race against the incumbent Ian Clark, who finished with 430 votes.

Both referendums for Hamilton Schools were approved at the polls, for operational and infrastructure needs.

 Johnson Creek School District’s referendum that was presented to maintain ongoing operational expenses, technology, safety, and educational programming was defeated at the polls yesterday. 615 voted no, or 51 percent while 587 voted yes.

Snow is back in the forecast for Tuesday, April 2.

Weatherology Chief Meteorologist Paul Trambley told WTKM News about the amount of snow that is expected.

"A major low pressure system will continue to build its way north out of Illinois today. A change from rain to snow is expected tonight. It's expected to be heavy, wet snow with this system. Two to four inches of snow is expected locally, with a higher amount to the north of Hartford."

Look for rain mixed with snow as part of this system today, April 2 and tomorrow. We'll experience temperatures around 35 degrees.   

Hartford City Clerk Shanna Kreilkamp told WTKM News that the Spring Election is held on April 2, and the following City of Hartford polling place locations will be used:

Hartford Recreation Center, 125 N Rural St Aldermanic District 1

City Hall, 109 N Main St (entrance in back of building) Aldermanic District 2

Jack Russell Memorial Library, 100 Park Ave Aldermanic District 3

All polling place locations open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. 

All polling places are accessible to elderly and disabled voters.

If you have any questions concerning your polling place, contact the municipal clerk.

A 20-year-old rural Randolph man was seriously injured, and his 21-year-old male passenger from Randolph received non-life threatening injuries, in a single-vehicle traffic crash on State Highways 16/60, just east of Columbus on Monday April 1.

It happened around 3 p.m. when Dodge County Sheriff’s Office dispatchers received 911 calls reporting the crash, which was just under a mile east of Columbus in the township of Elba. The early investigation shows a pickup was eastbound on State Highways 16/60, and failed to negotiate a left-hand curve, overcorrected and lost control before overturning. The driver was transported by ambulance to a level 1 trauma center with serious injuries. The passenger was taken to a local hospital with injuries believed to not be serious.

The crash remains under investigation by the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office. Agencies responding to and assisting at the scene included the Columbus Police Department, Columbus Fire Department, Lifestar EMS, Beaver Dam Paramedics, DCERT (Dodge County Emergency Response Team), and the sheriff’s office chaplain. The highway was closed for just under two hours to keep the scene safe for those working and investigating the scene.

Questions may be directed to Sheriff Dale J. Schmidt

Election Day is Tuesday, April 2 with Wisconsin's Presidential Primary Election.

Four candidates are running for the Hartford Union High School Board and two will be selected. The candidates include Nolan Jackett, Damon Morgan, Heather Barrie and Ian Gronbeck.

Four candidates came out of the primary election last month, running for two seats on the Hartford Joint 1 School Board. The names that will appear on the ballot include incumbent Ed Behnke, along with Terrence Perfect, Barbara Lindert and Ian Gronbeck.  

The capital referendum will appear on the ballot on April 2 for the Herman Neosho Rubicon School District.

The district is looking to issue general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $23,000,000 for the purpose of paying the cost of a school building and facility improvement project, consisting of construction of additions, renovations, building infrastructure and site improvements along with acquisition of furnishings, fixtures and equipment to create a single campus at the current intermediate site.

Three candidates are running for the Slinger School Board, to fill two seats. It includes incumbents Cherie Rhodes and Ken Strupp, along with the challenger - Bill Brewer. 

Germantown voters will decide on a referendum question asking village residents if they would approve an increase in the property tax levy to add ten additional firefighter-paramedics and four additional police officers.