A 48-year-old Oconomowoc man died while hunting this morning in the Kettle Moraine State Forest. Waukesha County Sheriff's deputies and emergency crews from North Prairie Fire Department and Dousman Fire District responded to Highway ZZ east of Watertown Road for a report of a hunter not breathing in the Southern Kettle Moraine State Forest. 

According to Waukesha County Sheriff's Department Captain Karen Ruff, two Oconomowoc men started hunting with the victim this morning at about 8:20 a.m. The men later separated and the two men became concerned when they could not contact the victim. They later found the man collapsed on the trails and called 911 at about 11:40 a.m. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. 

Cause of death has not been determined, according to Ruff. The name of the victim is available at this time.

Deputies and emergency personnel were on scene for more than two hours. 

 The Town of Mukwonago board will be discussing an offer they received to purchase property that may be used to carry out a pipeline project that would alleviate flooding in the Country Bliss subdivision during a Special Town Board meeting tonight at 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall, W320 S8315 Beulah Road, Mukwonago.

The special board meeting will begin in closed session where board members will deliberate or negotiate the purchasing of the property. Back in open session, further agenda items include discussion and possible action: regarding offer received regarding sale of property to the town for Country Bliss project, to proceed with Country Bliss drainage project, and to create a utility district for the Country Bliss drainage project. 

The pipeline project was the last plan the town considered to create a permanent solution to the subdivision's flooding problems. The project called for a pipeline to divert water from Memory Lane-Paradise Lane in Country Bliss and send it west along Memory Lane to South Oak Tree Drive. 

Town of Oconomowoc – Police Tuesday released the name of the man killed in a head-on collision on the Highway 16/67 bypass Dec. 29.

Timothy Weber, 43, of Watertown was pronounced dead at the scene, according to a police spokesperson.

Weber’s vehicle collided with a vehicle driven by Dean Rupnow, 66, of Ixonia, at about 7:47 a.m. just north of Highway Z. Rupnow was not injured. No other details were being released Tuesday. The crash remains under investigation.

Icy conditions led to more than 100 crashes in Waukesha County that morning

Knights of Columbus, 7048 in Mukwonago will be hosting their annual Free Throw Championship beginning at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 15 at the St. James Gym, 830 Highway NN East. 

Registration starts at 1 p.m. with the competition beginning at 1:30 p.m. 

The event is open to boys and girls ages 10 to 14. Age eligibility is determined by the age of the contestant as of Jan. 1. 

Parental permission and proof of age is required for everyone. Entry forms are available at local schools and at the event. 

Winners will advance to the next level of competition.

For more information call Pete Giersch at (262) 363-9419. 

Pewaukee High School will cut the ribbon on a brand new, 22,000 sq. ft gymnasium tonight at the girl's varsity basketball game against New Berlin West. The game begins at 7 p.m.

The school recently completed the addition, which replaces its predecessor, an 11,000 sq. ft gymnasium that will eventually become the school's new auditorium. The three-station gym seats more than 1,500 people and includes a state of the art sound system, wireless scoreboards, and Wi-Fi access.

Students also returned from Christmas break and moved into eight new classrooms added on to the building's west side.

Phase one of the high school's construction projects began in April 2011 after voters approved a $16.5 million referendum project to make improvements at the school.

Pewaukee's varsity girls basketball team played the first game ever in the new PHS gymnasium Tuesday night and defeated visiting New Berlin West, 49-43 in a Woodland Conference game. PHS improved to 6-2 overall and 5-1 in league play.

PHS trailed 26-24 before going on an 8-0 run late in the third quarter and into the final period to take the lead for the final time. Five points by Emily Wirth and three more by Natalie Wood triggered that surge.

Wirth finished with 15 points and Jordyn Swan had 12, Brittany Groer 12 and Natalie Wood 9.

New Berlin West outscored Pewaukee in the fourth quarter, 18-11, accounting for the difference in a 48-45 win in Woodland Conference boys basketball action at West on Tuesday.

The Pirates shot 29 percent from the field (17 for 58) in a turnover-heavy contest for both sides, and West built its biggest lead of the night when it took a 44-37 lead with 2:40 to play. Austin Hansen's 3-point play, John Czerwinski's 23-foot basket and Jordan Edgerson's rebound bucket with 14.8 seconds left gave the Pirates a chance.

West, which missed two front end bonus free throws down the stretch, picked up two more points from Jordan McKeon at the free-throw line with under 10 seconds to go, and a final 3-pointer by Pewaukee was off the mark. PHS fell to 5-4 overall and 4-2 in league play.

City of Oconomowoc-  As the long days of winter start to take hold, parents may want to check out the offerings at the Oconomowoc Public Library to help keep the winter duldrums at bay.

On Saturday, Jan. 21, at 10 a.m., there will be a Saturday Special American Girl Tea. Kathleen Ernst, author of many American Girl Mysterybooks, will host a tea party at the library. This is a free event for any American Girl fan who is elementary school age or older. Attendees are welcome to bring their American Girl doll with them. Please register at http://authorvisit.eventbrite.com

New members are welcome at the 7th and 8th Grade book Club. On Wednesday, Jan. 18 from 4-5 p.m., students ill discuss the book "Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment" by James Patterson. Read the book and come ready to enjoy a great discussion. Free snacks too! You can place a hold on the book at the library or at www.oconomowoc.lib.wi.us

On Monday, Jan, 23 at 2 p.m., the library will host a Teen Talent Show. Calling all singers, guitarists, poets, dancers, jugglers and anyone with a talent to share. The free event will provide snacks, a carpeted performance area, a piano, microphone and CD player. No registration required. Non-performers, aka 'audience members' are welcome, too.

Watch the Native American Drum Circle video under Recent Lake Country videos to see the benefits of drumming at the Masonic Health and Rehabilitation Center in Dousman.

Waukesha – Wells Fargo bank has initiated a foreclosure action on Waukesha alderman Christopher R. Hernandez’s home.

The lawsuit states Hernandez took out a loan in 2007 for $144,689 to purchase the house at 1941 Jefferson Avenue and stopped making payments in May. Hernandez owes $143,563, according to the suit, which was filed Tuesday in Waukesha County Circuit Court. Hernandez is the alderman for the third district.

Packers hype is in the air and with the post season around the corner, the fun doesn't have to stop yet.

Lake Country Publications is looking to highlight anything Packers, and we want your input! 

What is it that gets you most excited about the Packers? Is it a player, a favorite game superstition, spending time with friends at your local Lake Country bar?

What goes into planning the perfect Packers party? Is it the decorations, game day garb, or that green and gold snack you just can't get enough of? 

Are you or is someone you know an ultimtae Packers fan? Is your basement decked out with everything Green Bay?  Is your neighbor's yard lit up like Christmas with Packers decor each Sunday?

What is the craziest thing you've done in the name of the Packers? Did you wait outside in the blustery Wisconsin winter just to catch a glimpse of your favorite player? Did you change your physical appearance Packers related to show your enthusiasm?

Tell us your story. We're open to ideas, so send 'em over! Email lakenews@jcpgroup.com. 

 The Mukwonago Chief is still looking for nominations for their annual Five Who Give campaign. No nominations have been submitted so far, but we're still hopeful to find five people in the Mukwonago community who give back. Don't let the good deeds of others go unnoticed! 

Nominations are welcome from anyone who lives in the Mukwonago, Big Bend, Vernon, East Troy, Eagle, Palmyra, or North Prairie area who feels a particular person is deserving of recognition for their dedication to making the community a better place. 

To nominate someone, simply send the individual's name, address, and phone number, along with a description of why you think that person deserves to be recognized as one of the Five Who Give, to Mukwonago Publications, 111 N. Rochester St. Suite 3, Mukwonago, WI, 53149, drop if off at the Chief office, or email your nomination to Andrea Budde at abudde@jcpgroup.com.

Nomination deadline is Jan. 10. 

The Walworth County Fair recognized the first baby of the year with a lifetime pass, according to a news release. Gabriel Ryan Welsh, born on Jan. 3, 2012 at 8:18 a.m., was the first baby of the new year at Mercy Walworth Hospital, located on Highways 50 and 67.   

Gabriel weighed in at six pounds and is approximately 20 inches long. The infant’s mother, Kristen Welsh, was granted the lifetime pass to the Walworth County Fair on behalf of Gabriel. The prize and certificate was given by Walworth County Agricultural Society Board of Directors President, Ed Sokolowski. This is new as of 2012 and will continue every year from here on out. 

 During a special town board meeting tonight at 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall, W320S8315 Beulah Rd., board members will set a date for another special town meeting where residents will vote whether the town should purchase lands to be used as part of a Country Bliss flooding solution project or not. 

The town recieved an offer to purchase the land last month, just as they thought they would need to return a $506,000 Community Development Block Grant they recieved to alleviate the flooding concerns.

The Country Bliss subdivision has been struggling to find a way to prevent massive flooding as had been the case the summer of 2008 when heavy rain filled the subdivision, and basements, with water.

Check the Jan. 11 edition of the Mukwonago Chief and www.livinglakecountry.com for updates. 

Asian dishes, with their many fresh, low-fat ingredients, are tasty and healthful. If your New Year’s resolution is to eat healthier this year, why not stop by the Oconomowoc Winter Farmers Market from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunday to see the many fresh, locally produced items for sale.

At  11 a.m., you’ll also see Chef Brian Shoemake of Taher Inc., the food service provider for the Oconomowoc Area School District, making an aromatic Indian dish called goat tikka masala, using locally grown meat and other ingredients from the market.

The indoor winter market will be held at Oconomowoc Landscape Supply and Garden Center

in its greenhouse at N68 W37850 County Trunk K, Oconomowoc.

Twenty -four producers will be selling everything from hot apple cider to the perfect cure for those cold winter blues. Locally grown and produced products include artisan breads, toffee, honey butter, eggs, cheese, beef, lamb, elk, dips, dressings, sauces, fresh vegetables, crackers, granola, fudge sauce, gourmet enchiladas and salsa.

Organizers say the market brings locally owned small business together under one roof to offer the community the opportunity to buy locally grown food throughout the winter months.

The market is held the second and fourth Sunday throughout the winter months.

For more information about the Oconomowoc Winter Farmers Market call (262) 567-2666. For a complete list of all producers and market products go to http://www.oconomowoc.org/farmers-market-winter.php.

Pewaukee senior guard Kray Bradley scored 13 points to go along with six rebounds and six assists as the Pewaukee Pirates varsity boys basketball team won at home against Wauwatosa West on Friday 77-58.

Seniors John Czerwinski and Ben Steker scored 12 points each.

"We played some pretty good team ball tonight," PHS head boys basketball coach Tim Reuter said.

In a battle of two teams unbeaten in the Greater Metro Conference, Menomonee Falls had no answer for the Sussex Hamilton zone defense and struggled shooting, allowing the Chargers to take a 36-19 victory Friday night.

Falls hit just one field goal in the second half, and despite forcing Hamilton into a slew of turnovers, the Indians never led after taking a 2-0 advantage.

The Chargers committed five turnovers before taking their first shot and committed eight in the first quarter alone but still emerged from that period with an 11-6 lead. The lead swelled to as large as 35-15 after a 10-0 run that stretched into the fourth quarter.

Falls (10-2, 3-1 in GMC) shot 1 of 15 in the second half and 6 of 40 (15 percent) for the game. The Chargers (8-0, 4-0) committed 26 turnovers and forced only 12 but shot 14 of 38 (37 percent). Mackenzie Latt scored 13 points, and Jenny Shernell and Hannah Menzia both added eight.

 The deadline for the Mukwonago Chief's annual Five Who Give campaignhas been expanded in the hopes to get just a few more submissions! 

Nominations are welcome from anyone who lives in the Mukwonago, Big Bend, Vernon, East Troy, Eagle, Palmyra, or North Prairie area who feels a particular person is deserving of recognition for their dedication to making the community a better place. 

To nominate someone, simply send the individual's name, address, and phone number, along with a description of why you think that person deserves to be recognized as one of the Five Who Give, to Mukwonago Publications, 111 N. Rochester St. Suite 3, Mukwonago, WI, 53149, drop if off at the Chief office, or email your nomination to Andrea Budde at abudde@jcpgroup.com.

Nomination deadline is end of the day Friday, Jan. 13.  

 University Lake School senior Molly Seidel, one of the top cross country runners in WIAA state history, took part for Team USA last Saturday at the Great Edinburgh Cross Country International Challenge in Scotland and finished in third place over the 4K course. Seidel had a time of 15:11.

Seidel, 17, who will run for Notre Dame next season , was one of six members of the United States team. The course was very muddy, hilly and all the runners had to run through two streams. 

Seidel lives in Hartland. Team USA competed against teams from Scotland and Ukraine.

Seidel also was named the Wisconsin Cross Country Coaches Association's female runner of the year last Saturday. It marked the second straight year that Seidel won the award.

The Hartland-Lakeside School District will pursue legal action against WEA Trust, Superintendent Glenn Schilling announced Monday afternoon.

Their decision comes after WEA's decision last week to file a lawsuit against Hartland-Lakeside and 13 other school districts. The health insurer hopes to certify in federal court that its distribution of federal funds complied with federal law.

Schilling indicated that more than 30 state school districts have expressed interest in joining them in their fight against the insurer.

The School District is at odds with WEA over money designated for school districts through the federal Early Retiree Reinsurance Program (ERRP). Intended to help employers offset the cost of health insurance for early retirees, WEA applied for an received ERRP funding for its plan participants last school year. WEA originally informed Hartland-Lakeside that it would receive a $46,000 credit, but after the School District dropped its coverage in favor of another insurer, WEA refused to pay the district any of the money.

Instead, the insurer distributed the funds from Hartland-Lakeside and other school districts that dropped WEA, to other school districts that remained their customers.

Many of those school districts now contend that they are still entitled to that money because it covers districts that were members in 2010-11, when WEA applied for and received the funds from the government. WEA contends that it followed federal law and that the money can only be paid out to plan participants.

A March 2011 letter from WEA to Hartland-Lakeside indicated that the funds in question would be applied as insurance premium credits for the 2011-12 plan year.

The School District instead chose to use United Health Care as its provider for 2011-12 and requested that the $46,000 be paid directly to the district.

WEA filed a lawsuit Dec. 30 against Hartland-Lakeside and 13 other school districts that have publicly said they would pursue legal action against the carrier over the issue. The non-profit insurer hopes that the federal court will assert the legality of its actions and effectively pre-empt any lawsuits from the school districts. WEA spokesman Steve Lyons told the Associated Press last week that any of the 14 school districts that choose not to litigate against WEA could be dropped from the lawsuit.

Hartland-Lakeside, it appears, plans to continue its fight, hiring Foley and Lardner, LLP to handle its case.

Village of Sussex - Village officials have been notified that Police Services Director Lt. James Gumm will be assuming new duties with the Waukesha County Sheriff's office as a result of his recent promotion to captain.

Since 2008, Gumm has been the county sheriff's officer in charge of the police service contract in which the county sheriff' provides around the clock protection for the village. Gumm has also been in charge of the day to day operations of the county sheriff's substation that was built in Sussex in 2010.

Gumm was also responsible for supervising the deputy patroling the Village of Merton as part of a police service contract between the village and the sheriff's office.

Gumm notified officials in both communities in late November of 2011 that he was seeking the promotion to captain. In the words of one  Sussex village official, Gumm had been considered a "shoo in" for the promotion.

Sussex Village Administrator Jeremy Smith told the Village Board on Tuesday that the Waukesha County sheriff's office announced the promotion last week and that Gumm will assume the duties as second shift patrol captain.

Smith said, however, he anticipates the sheriff's department will allow the village time to make the transistion from Gumm to a lieutenant who wiil assume the duties as the village's new police service director.

Smith said candidates for the position have met with the village staff and Smith anticipated the Village Board would interview some of those candidates and make a recommendation to the sheriff's office regarding who should replace Gumm.

The Merton Village Board is also expected to reevaluate its sheriff's patrol as a result of the Gumm's promotion.

Village Administrator Tom Nelson had previously said that if Gumm was promoted to captain, village trustees would have to evaluate whether they wanted to continue to pay the county an additional'$6,000 to have the lieutenant assigned to the  Sussex sub station supervising the patrol officer assigned to the village.

Nelson said that because of Gumm's high level of leadership skills, village trustees preferred having the patrol officer supervised by someone stationed at the substation in Sussex, about four miles east of the Village of Merton, rather than by captain who was stationed at the sheriff's headquarters in Waukesha.

 Arrowhead's varsity girls basketball team defeated visiting Waukesha South Tuesday night in a Classic 8 Conference game, 40-23.

AHS improved to 8-2 overall and 5-1 in league play.

The Warhawks only trailed once (at 2-0) and led at halftime, 18-14. They led by as many as 20 in the second half.

Senior center Jenny Smith fired in 20 points to lead the Warhawks. She also grabbed 10 rebounds.

Natalie Gottschalk had 10 points for the Blackshirts.

 Pewaukee's varsity boys basketball team lost to seventh-ranked Whitnall Tuesday night in a Woodland Conference game at Whitnall, 70-56.

PHS fell behind 16-4 after the first period and never caught up.

Whitnall improved to 11-1 on the season with the win. Pewaukee fell to 6-5 on the year and 5-3 in league play.

Kray Bradley led the Pirates with 17 points and Jordy Edgerson added 14.

 Arrowhead's varsity boys basketball team rallied from a first-half deficit Tuesday night to defeat host Waukesha South in a Classic 8 Conference game, 58-49.

AHS improved to 7-5 overall and 5-1 in league play. Friday they host Mukwonago.

South led 18-11 after the first quarter and 28-27 at halftime. Arrowhead took the lead for good in the third period.

Kenny Finco had 17 points to lead the Warhawks. Ryan Saeger added 11 points for the winners.

Isaiah Pitchford and Ryan Smith had 12 points apiece for South.

 Pewaukee's varsity girls basketball team got a big first half effort from Jordyn  Swan and Natalie Wood as they whipped visiting Whitnall in a Woodland Conference game, 62-41.

PHS improved to 8-2 overall and 7-1 in league play.

Swan scored 15 of her 17 points in the first half for the Pirates and Natalie Wood had all 9 of her points in the first half. Emily Wirth chipped in with 9 points and 5 rebounds and Danielle Jasinski had 7 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals.

Peter D. Heinemann, 17, of W230 S9085 Clark St., Big Bend and Samuel L. Mork, 18, of W279 S8715 Lookout Circle, Mukwonago, face up to 40 years in jail and $100,000 in fines if they are convicted of armed robbery for allegedly stealing $1,350 in cash and $203 in checks from Cerny's Midway Market, S90 W27545 Highway ES, in the Town of Vernon.

For the complete story, check out today's Mukwonago Chief, or scroll down on the Living Lake Country homepage to find the full story under the Mukwonago Chief heading. 

Watch for the Mukwonago High School version of Chopped in Sunday's Living Kettle Moraine and check out the online photo gallery and video at livinglakecountry.com. 

Waukesha – A 28-year-old Waukesha man was charged Wednesday in Waukesha County Circuit Court for setting a car on fire and attempting to set a house on fire in Waukesha Dec. 31.

Quentin T. Morgan was charged with felony counts of attempted arson of a building, arson of property other than a building, and second-degree reckless endangerment.

According to the criminal complaint, Morgan, who lived with his girlfriend, Brittany Rudolph, at 1080 Whiterock Ave., had an argument during the early morning hours of Dec. 31. Morgan went to a bar and when he returned allegedly hit Rudolph in the face as well as another woman.

During a pushing match between Rudolph and Morgan a friend of Rudolph’s said she was calling the police and Morgan threatened to blow the house up, the complaint said.

Morgan was witnessed leaving the house and Tiffany Pease, who lives in the lower unit of the house saw flames coming from her 1998 Mercury Mountaineer. Morgan and Rudolph lived in the upper unit.

Authorities found the vehicle had been totaled and a small fire had also been started in the basement of the house, the complaint said. Morgan’s wallet was found in the basement, the complaint said.

 It took a while, but winter has arrived. Snow is starting to fluff down from the sky. The good news for this noon hour is, however, that conditions seem to be just fine-for now. 

The Village of Mukwonago Department of Public Works has crews out salting streets, but the Village of Mukwonago Police Department reports that there have been no accidents so far. 

Town of Mukwonago Department of Public Works Director Rick Peterson said that road in the town are just fine so far too. Crews are holding off on salting for now to prevent unnecessary salt from ending up in the ditch and local waterways. However, eyes are on the weather and the roads, and crews will be dispatched if conditions get worse. 

To report an accident or slippery areas, contact your local police department. 

 The Waukesha County Sheriff's Department has confirmed that 20 year old Aaron A. Anderson of the Town of Waukesha passed away from injuries suffered during a rollover accident in the Town of Genesee around 12:14 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 10.

Anderson was driving a 2000 Ford Explorer southbound on Highway DT near Parkers Place when his vehicle rolled and ejected him. 

He was transported by Flight for Life to Froedtert Memorial Hospital in Wauwatosa.

The Sheriff's Department reports that road conditions were not a factor and that the crash is still under investigation. 

 The Waukesha County Sheriff's Department is currently working on 10 or so crashes or vehicles in the ditch throughout the county. 

Nothing serious has been reported so far. 

Please use caution while driving today. 

The much ballyhooed first snowstorm of the season is in effect. Blustery winds, slippery roads and snow accumulation are combining to make driving challenging. On westbound Highway 16,  a car is in the ditch just east of the Highway P exit in Oconomowoc. Motorists are urged to use caution as snow totals are expected to rise throughout the day and into Friday.

 Traveling conditions on all roads in the Lake Country area is very dangerous. Slippery conditions exist on all minor and major roads.

Highway 16 from Pewaukee to Hartland was snow covered in both lanes. Most cars were traveling at speeds of 30 miles per hour or less. The same is true for Highway 83 from Chenequa to I-94. I-94 was very slow in both the east and westbound lanes. 

Cars were in the ditch on Highway 83 from Wales to Hartland and squad cars with their lights on could be seen just south of Vettleson Road. Two cars were also in the ditch on Highway 16 just west of Ryan Road.

In the Village of Hartland, conditions were snow-covered and slippery. 

Increased winds were causing blowing snow and slippery conditions on most roads.

Two driveways on Highland Avenue in Hartland had 5.2 inches of snow on them as of 6 p.m. 

 Magee Elementary School in the Kettle Moraine School District is among eight Wisconsin schools nominated for the 2012 national Blue Ribbon Schools program, according to a Department of Public Instruction news release today. 

Nominated schools must complete an application from the U.S. Department of Education that focuses on results and scientifically based instruction. The applications are reviewed and the Blue Ribbon Schools will be announced next September.

Waukesha – Former developer Dennis L. Gritzmacher, who served 14 months in federal prison for tax evasion, was charged Jan. 12 for bilking his former company out of more than $90,000 during a time when he was being investigated for tax evasion.

Gritzmacher, 64, of W310 N6644 Chenequa Dr., Town of Merton, was charged in Waukesha County Circuit Court with five felony counts of theft and one count of identity theft. Gritzmacher allegedly diverted funds into an account he opened at Citizen’s Bank of Mukwonago in New Berlin.

Gritzmacher, formerly of the City of Pewaukee, was the owner of Grandview Development in Waukesha, and was later employed by Grandview Development Group.

According to the criminal complaint filed in Waukesha County Circuit Court Thursday, Gritzmacher made deposits at the New Berlin bank from March 2006 to August 2007 totaling $92,500. All the checks were made payable to Grandview Development Group and Gritzmacher allegedly diverted the funds into his account, the complaint said.

 Mukwonago's varsity boys basketball team outscored host Arrowhead 42-26 in the final 17 minutes of the game Friday night and scored a come-from-behind 58-56 Classic 8 Confernece victory.

Both teams are now 5-2 in league play.

Junior Nate Tanguay, who finished with  24 points, made a twisting layup with 1.9 seconds left for the game-winning points.

AHS led 11-0 early in the game and 19-4 with a minute gone in the second period.

Junior guard Kenny Finco of Arrowhead made his first five shots of the game and finished with 24 points. Finco had 18 of those points in the first half.

Arrowhead will host Brookfield Central Saturday at 3 p.m. 

 Pewaukee's varsity boys basketball team rolled past host St. Francis in a Woodland Conference game Friday night, 76-43.

PHS improved to 7-5 overall and 6-3 in league play.

John Czerwinski and Brock Bateman shared scoring honors for the Pirates with 14 points. Bateman scored all of his points in the fourth quarter. Jordy Edgerson had 11 points and 10 rebounds.

 Pewaukee's varsity girls basketball team won its seventh straight game Friday night as they whipped visiting St. Francis in a Woodland Conference ganme, 66-28.

PHS improved to 9-2 overall and 8-1 in league play. Coupled with Cudahy's loss to New Berlin West, the Pirates are now in sole possession of first place in the Blue Division.

Jordyn Swan fired in 19 points to lead the winners. Natalie Wood added 12 tallies for the winners and Shannon Wisniewski had a season-best 11 points.

Join the community to help active Oconomowoc Area School District parent, Jenny Lavine and her family as they battle with Jenny's sudden illness and emergency liver transplant.

The fund raiser is scheduled for Saturday, Jan.  28 from 4 to 11 p.m., with a spaghetti dinner available from 4 to 8 p.m. Music, dancing and raffles will add to the effort which will take place at the Dousman/Ottawa Lions Club Community Center, 235 N. Main Street, Dousman.

Tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for children 12 and under. For tickets or more information, contact Mary or call 262-965-9450.

The UW-Madison Varsity Band will return to the Oconomowoc Field House on Sunday, Jan. 29.

The Oconomowoc High School Marching Band will premier their brand new uniforms at 1:30 p.m. and the Varsity Band will begin their performance at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $10 in advance at the OHS office, Books & Co. and Piggly Wiggly or $12 at the door.

In a recent letter home to parents, St. Charles principal Michael Halstead announced he would step down as the school's leader after this school year.

Halstead said he was leaving due to medical issues that have kept him from working regularly.

"Current medical issues make it very difficult to work on a full-time basis," he told parents in the letter.

Halstead has served as principal at the Catholic school in the Village of Hartland for the last three years, and he indicated that he would play a role in finding the school's next principal. He anticipated the school advertising for the open position beginning late this month and starting the interview process near the end of February.

Of his time at St. Charles, Halstead said, "It was a good time. It's been a very rewarding three years for me, and I think we've accomplished...a lot."

He added, "We've done many many things, and I think the school is in a very good situation from all standpoints at this stage. I think they're going to continue to grow and really move to a new level even though they do remarkable things at this point."

The outgoing principal said he was most proud of steps the school took toward 21st-century learning as well as the school's world languages program. The school now offers curriculum in five different languages including French, German, Spanish, Mandarin-Chinese, and Latin.

"If I had to say a thing I'm most proud of, I would say things that are programmatic in nature that can move a school to another level," he said. "And by that I mean, the introduction of an instructional media center that has all sorts of possibilities for moving much more aggressively into the 21st-century learning skills."

During Halstead's tenure, St. Charles also added a 3K program and expanded its 4K program.

"It clearly isn't just me," he was quick to point out. "We've developed a very good group of parent school leaders that will take this place very far."

Located at 313 Circle Drive in Hartland, St. Charles serves 3L through eighth grade students from Hartland's surrounding communities. 

Atlanta Braves legendary pitcher John Smoltz, Milwaukee Brewers manager Ron Roenicke, and TV announcer Brian Anderson will all be at Delafield's Westbrook Church tonight to talk about how people can help better  their communities.

Anderson, a Hartland resident, started an organization called What's the Point with his friend Greg Marshall, of Milwaukee. Their goal was to bring successful people together in hopes of influencing people to find their purpose in their communities and social circles.

Learn more about What's the Point in a recent article at www.livinglakecountry.com

Tonight's event begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are required, but they are free for the general public. E-mail greg@whatsthepoint.net to get tickets.

To have weekend entertainment events listed in Weekend Happenings, fax (262) 367-1136 or email happenings@jcpgroup.com. Make sure the time, date and place are included. Deadline is noon Monday.

ART

Watercolor Expressions VII: Jean Crane and Friends: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Jan. 19-21; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Jan. 22; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Jan. 23-28 (through Jan. 31), Lake Country Gallery, W240-N3485 Pewaukee Road, Pewaukee. (Through Jan. 31).

Random Color-Unexpected Results: Marilee Shepard and Connie Pelzek: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Jan. 21; 12-4 p.m. Jan. 22; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Jan. 28 (through Feb. 12), Almont Gallery, 342 W. Main St., Waukesha. Opens Jan. 1 (through Feb. 15), http://www.almontgallery.org/.

Milwaukee Area Teachers of Art Exhibition of Drawings, Prints and Photographs, reception: 4-6 p.m. Jan. 21, Carroll University Marceil Pultorak Atrium Gallery, 238 N. East Ave., Waukesha. .

Milwaukee Area Teachers of Art Exhibition of Drawings, Prints and Photographs: 2-4 p.m. Jan. 22, 28 (through Feb. 11), Carroll University Marceil Pultorak Atrium Gallery, 238 N. East Ave., Waukesha. (Through Feb. 11).

DANCES

Square Dancing: 7:30-10 p.m. Jan. 21, Trinity Lutheran Church, 1052 Whiterock Ave., Waukesha.  Hosted by the Spring City Squares with Mike Richard. (262) 938-9687, (262) 938-9687.

ETC.

MPM archaeologist Carter Lupton discusses "Cleopatra, Her Life and Legend": 1 p.m. Jan. 21, Muskego Public Library, S73 W16663 Janesville Road, Muskego. http://www.ci.muskego.wi.us/Default.aspx?alias=www.ci.muskego.wi.us/library.

New Year, New You: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Jan. 24 (through March 27), Ayurveda Wellness, 2331 Silvernail Road, Pewaukee. (262) 389-5835 http://www.ayurvedawellness.org.

The Clutter Coach Course for Your Garage & Basement: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Jan. 25 (through Feb. 11), Menomonee Falls Community Center, W152 N8645 Margaret Road, Menomonee Falls. Learn how to decide what to keep, discard, or donate and how to organize what’s left, $12 residents, $14 nonresidents. (262) 250-4710 http://www.mfnw.org.

FESTIVALS

Waukesha JanBoree: Jan. 20-22. Three doors of indoor and outdoor family events and activities throughout Waukesha. Visit www.janboree.org  for a complete listing.

Winter Fest: Noon Jan. 21, Monches Ball Park, Highway E and Center Oak Road, Monches. Fourth annual event hosted by North Lake Nomads Snowmobile Club. Come by car or use the snowmobile trail. Vintage snowmobile show, trophies, raffles, snowmobile rides, games, fire pits, food and refreshments. Donations for the food pantry accepted. No snowmobile swapping or carry-ins., (262) 370-5351.

MUSEUMS

JanBoree: Sensational Science: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Jan. 21, Waukesha County Museum, 101 W. Main St., Waukesha. Free Phone (262) 521-2859 http://www.waukeshacountymuseum.org/.

NIGHT LIFE

Don Weast Trio: 9 p.m. Jan. 19, Nice Ash Cigar Bar, 327 W. Main St., Waukesha. http://theniceash.com/.

Open Doors featuring Myles Wangerin: 8 p.m. Jan. 20, Dock of the Bay, Wisconsin Ave, Okauchee Lake. http://www.dockofthebayllc.com.

The Black Saints: 9 p.m. Jan. 20, Rooters, 901 Northview Road, Waukesha. http://www.rooters.com/.

Off tha Hook: 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Jan. 20, SandBar Sports Pub, W278-N2315 Prospect Ave., Pewaukee. http://sandbarsportspub.com.

Winter Warmer Music Fest: 10 p.m. Jan. 20, Olympia Resort, 1350 Royale Mile Rd., Oconomowoc. .

Rosewood & Steel: 9:30 p.m. Jan. 21, Delafield Brewhaus, 3832 Hillside Drive, Delafield. http://www.delafield-brewhaus.com.

PETS

Pedicures for Rabbits & Guinea Pigs: 9:30-10:30 a.m. Jan. 21, Humane Animal Welfare Society, 701 Northview Rd., Waukesha. HAWS volunteers are available for small animal nail trims. Please bring your pet in a carrier. No fee but cash donations to HAWS’ small animal fund are greatly appreciated.

Cool Your Paws at HAWS: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Jan. 21, Humane Animal Welfare Society, 701 Northview Rd., Waukesha. HAWS joins Waukesha County’s Winter festival weekend with free activities at the shelter including adopt-a-thon, refreshments, contests for kids and pets and prizes.

RECREATION

Lapham Peak Ski Race: 10 a.m. Jan. 21, Lapham Peak State Park, W329-N846 County Highway C, Delafield. Hosted by the Friends of Lapham Peak State Park. Two warming shelters with heated facilities will be open. Hot food and snacks will be available to purchase. $5 middle and high schoolers, $25 adults (262) 646-3025 http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/parks/specific/lapham/.

THEATER

Waukesha STEM Academy’s "Into the Woods, Junior": 7 p.m. Jan. 19-21; 2 p.m. Jan. 22, Waukesha Civic Theatre, 264 W. Main St., Waukesha. $12 http://www.waukeshacivictheatre.org.

"Nunsense": 7:30 p.m. Jan. 19; 8 p.m. Jan. 20; 5 p.m., 8 p.m. Jan. 21; 2 p.m. Jan. 22; 7:30 p.m. Jan. 25-26; 8 p.m. Jan. 27; 5 p.m., 8 p.m. Jan. 28 (through Feb. 5), Sunset Playhouse, 800 Elm Grove Road, Elm Grove. $10-22 (262) 782-4430 http://www.sunsetplayhouse.com.

"Main Street Idol 2012": 7:30 p.m. Jan. 20-21, 27-28, Theatre on Main, 25 S. Main St., Oconomowoc. $12-14 (262) 560-0564 http://www.theatreonmain.org.

ACT Live!: 10 a.m., 1 p.m. Jan. 21, Waukesha Civic Theatre, 264 W. Main St., Waukesha. Free http://www.waukeshacivictheatre.org.

"Sylvester & the Magic Pebble": 3 p.m. Jan. 22, Schauer Arts & Activities Center, 147 N. Rural St., Hartford. (262) 670-0560 http://www.schauercenter.org.

Auditions for "God’s Favorite" by Neil Simon: 7 p.m. Jan. 23-24, Mukwonago Community Library, 300 Washington Ave., Mukwonago. Directed by Pat Hitt. Auditions will require a reading from the script. Characters include Benjamin, the dad, 50s; Ben Benjamin, the younger son, 20s; Sarah Benjamin, daughter, 20s; Rose Benjamin, the mom, 40s or 50s; David Benjamin, older son, 20s; Mady, the butler; Morris, the maid; Sydney Lipton, ageless, the messenger from God. Rehearsals are three weekday nights. Performances will be 7:30 p.m. March 30, 31 and 2 p.m. April 1 at the St James Mukwonago Activity Center, 830 County Road NN East, Mukwonago. (262) 470-3940.

The Professional Women’s Development Network, a group of the Waukesha County Business Alliance, will hold its first event of the year on Jan. 26 at Western Lakes Golf Club at W287 N1963 Oakton Road, Pewaukee. The breakfast topic is “It’s (Not) a Man’s World”, and will feature Marie O’Brien, President of Enterforce, Inc., Judie Taylor, President of DUECO/UELC, Inc., and Susie Feia, President of Feia Construction. 

CITY OF DELAFIELD - City Administrator Tim Schuenke has announced he plans to retire July 15.

"I am retiring for personal reasons, and I want you to know this was a very difficult decision for me. Delafield is a great community and a great place to work. Nevertheless, I feel it is time for me to move on. I have worked in public service for 37 years; 34 of those have been in top management,," Schuenke said in a memo to the Common Council.

Schuenke's memo made no mention of his heart surgery in late 2010 to replace a 35-year-old heart valve. He returned to work in March 2011 after a three-month leave of absence.

Schuenke, 61, described by one city alderman as a "superstar" of municipal government, was appointed Delafield city administrator  in July 2008 after he took advantage of an early-retirement package offered by the City of Park Ridge, Ill., where he had served as city manager.

He recieved a lifetime achievement award from the Illinois City/County Management Association in 2008 and served as president of the association in 1994 and 1995.

Schuenke was hired by the Delafield Common Council to replace City Administrator Matt Carlson, who was fired after a series of controversies with Common Council members.

Elected and appointed city officials have often  praised Schuenke for his laid-back, low-key management style that generally resulted in tranquility and stability in the previously controversial city administrator post.

He was able to direct the city's $12 million dollar civic center building project with no controversy and recently persuaded the city's two employee unions to go along with a deal calling for wage freezes in exchange for no lay offs of city employees in order to balance the city budget.

Mayor Ed McAleer said he anticipates the Common Council will begin discussions in February as to what process it wants to follow in replacing Schuenke.

"We are no hurry. We have until July 15, " he noted.

The Delafield Public Library announced on Facebook that it will offer extended hours for teens trying to study tonight and tomorrow.

According to the Facebook post, teens with a valid student ID can study from 8-10 p.m. Monday, Jan. 16, and Tues., Jan. 17.

The library said it will put out free cookies and other refreshments beginning at 8 p.m.

Waukesha – A Town of Mukwonago man, who has said he is a tax protester, was charged today for filing fraudulent income tax forms for the years 2005 to 2009 two years he was convicted by a jury for tax evasion.

Michael L. Gengler, 37, of S85 W30643 Stonegate Drive, was charged in Waukesha County Circuit Court with five felony counts of fraud/rendering income tax return.

Gengler was convicted of tax evasion in October 2009, and one month later was sentenced to nine months in the work-release jail and two years probation.

Gengler was also ordered to file taxes for the last three years, pay all taxes owed, and file all future taxes.

Gengler earned more than $280,000 from 2005 to 2007 as an electrical engineer but did not pay any taxes, according to the complaint.

In May 2011, Gengler filed tax forms for the years 2005 to 2010 and entered zeros on every line "in effect stating that he had no income and tax liability," the complaint said.

An agent for the state’s Department of Revenue Criminal Investigation Section learned Gengler earned $92,800 for 2008 and in 2009 he received about $93,000 from the firm, according to the complaint. In addition, in 2009 he withdrew nearly $50,000 from his retirement fund, the complaint said. As it was a premature withdrawal the money maybe subject to an additional 10 percent tax, the complaint said. Thus Gengler’s taxable income for 2009 was $143,452, the complaint said.

The total amount of tax Gengler owed for the years 2005 to 2009 was $31,169, not including any interest or penalties, the complaint said.

Gengler faces a maximum sentence of 36 years imprison and 18 years of extended supervision if convicted on all counts. As he is a repeat offender and additional two years may be added for each count.

Gengler is scheduled to make his initial appearance in court Feb. 13.

 The Mukwonago Area School District will be going to a referendum vote for the April election after the School Board approved a referendum question asking for $11.2 million over the next four years. 

Read the complete story in Wednesday's Living Mukwonago Chief.

Join Greener Oconomowoc and the Oconomowoc Chamber of Commerce on Sunday Jan.22, from 9:30 am until 1:30pm for the fifth Oconomowoc Winter Farmers Market of the season at Oconomowoc Landscape Supply and Garden Center’s greenhouses, located at N68 W37850 Hwy. K in Oconomowoc.

 Shoppers will be able to purchase locally grown  apples, garlic, onions, carrots, beets, Brussels sprouts,  and over seven varieties of mushrooms and organic herbs.

 The roads are slick this morning Lake Country residents, so use great caution while commuting.

Two cars are currently in the ditch along I-43 near Big Bend. One vehicle is disabled in the median near Hi-Lo; another off to the right shoulder near Oakdale.