Family pizza business opens in Oconomowoc

May 17, 2013 1:57 p.m. | Eric's Hand Tossed Pizza & Subs recently opened at 1280 Brown St. Owner Eric Hasler, 25, makes it all fresh at his business where you can find him and his brother, mom and even grandfather cooking up fresh pizza and subs on Friday night.
He delivers, too. Hasler said he'll deliver within a 10-mile radius from his Oconomowoc location.

Here's a fresh pizza he made for some hungry reporters who visited his business Friday.

Watch for more in Tuesday's Oconomowoc Focus.

Walmart, Sam's Club stores proposed for Pabst Farms in Oconomowoc

May 17, 2013 1:45 p.m. | A Walmart supermarket and discount store and Sam's Club store are being proposed for Oconomowoc's Pabst Farms site, where city officials had once hoped to see a regional mall developed.

The 151,000 square-foot Walmart supercenter and 136,000 square-foot Sam’s Club would anchor the western portion of the Pabst Farms Town Centre site, north of I-94 and east of Highway 67. That plan was announced Friday by Walmart, property owner and developer Pabst Farms Development Inc., and city officials.

Pabst Farms Town Centre would have approximately 1 million square feet of stores, restaurants and a cinema in an open-air retail center, according to the developer.

Preliminary construction on the Town Centre is expected to begin later this year. No date has been set yet for the construction of the new Walmart and Sam’s Club.

The Town Centre site is already zoned for retail use that includes large-format stores, said Jason Gallo, city planner.

Walk or run for good on Saturday

May 17, 2013 12:00 a.m. | May is filled with so many ways to enjoy the outdoors.

One of the best ways is to get in some exercise and at the same time contribute to a worthy cause.

This Saturday there are lots of runs and walks in Lake Country.

Only the quick and strong will survive the Wisconsin Zombie Mud Run at the Waukesha County Expo Center Grounds. Registration starts at 7 a.m. Go to www.wisconsinzombiemudrun.com for more information.

Habitat for Humanity of Waukesha County is having its first 5K Home Run/Walk at Frame Park in Waukesha. The event will help raise funds for building efforts and spread awareness of organization’s mission. Go to www.hfhwaukesha.org for more information.

Waukesha County surgeon indicted; health care fraud alleged

May 16, 2013 6:02 p.m. | A Waukesha County surgeon has been indicted on 13 counts of federal health care fraud.

Cully White, 44, of Pewaukee faces up to 10 years in prison and $250,000 in fines on each count if convicted.

According to the U.S. attorney's office, from November 2010 to October 2011, White recruited another doctor to dictate reports that made it appear the second doctor had conducted "inner-operative nerve monitoring" while White performed surgeries, and paid the second physician $150 for each report. The other physician did not conduct the monitoring, or even have the required training to do so, according to prosecutors.

White then used the reports to submit claims of $265,000 to insurance companies for the nerve monitoring services. White only collected $82,000 on those claims, and paid a total of nearly $15,000 to the second physician, who is not identified in a U.S. attorney's office news release.

White is a doctor of osteopathic medicine. He operates Cully White, Neurosurgery and Spine, S.C., in Milwaukee.

Hartland motorcyclist killed in Tuesday accident

May 16, 2013 11:12 a.m. | A motorcyclist involved in a crash with a Pewaukee squad car Tuesday has died.

Joshua Lang, 27, of Hartland was pronounced dead later that day of injuries sustained in the crash.

At about 9:58 a.m. Tuesday, a Village of Pewaukee police officer was positioning his marked squad car along the side of Highway 16 near Capitol Drive to remove debris (about 10 paver bricks) from the roadway. The squad's emergency lights were activated.

Lang struck the right rear quarter panel of the squad car, which was along the median, and was taken to Froedtert Hospital by Flight for Life.

Village police had previously reported Lang was not wearing a helmet.

Oconomowoc ski hill won't open this season

May 16, 2013 10:15 a.m. | Highlands of Olympia ski hill is not anticipated to open this winter after the managers of the hill said the lifts need $50,000 to $60,000 worth of repairs and upgrades.

The ski hill managers told the property's new owners, Magna LLC, they were willing to make the investment if they could have a 10-year or longer, lease. A Magna spokeswoman said they could not grant that long of a lease.

Read more here.

Mukwonago Community Choir in concert this weekend

May 16, 2013 8:17 a.m. | The Mukwonago Area Community Choir, headed by John Anello III, will present a vocal jazz-pop concert at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 18, at Our Savior's Wesleyan Church, S93 W30580 Highway NN, Mukwonago.

Selections include, among others, "Africa," MoonGlow," "Hawaii Five O," "Take Five," "Moon River," "The Longest Time," "Loves Me Like a Rock," "Over the Rainbow" and more.
There is no admission charge, although donations for the Mukwonago Food Pantry are welcomed and encouraged.

Hirschfeld commits to Wisconsin

May 15, 2013 5:29 p.m. | Arrowhead junior standout defensive end/tackle  Billy Hirschfeld verbally commited to play football at the University of Wisconsin for the 2014 season.

Hirshfeld, 6 foot 6, 266 pounds, was one of the top defensive players in Wisconsin High School football last season when the Warhawks won the WIAA Division 1 state championship.

He was recruited by many prominent Division 1 programs the past year.

Mukwonago holds hazardous waste collection this Saturday

May 15, 2013 3:56 p.m. |  The Village of Mukwonago will be holding a special one-day collection of household hazardous waste open to any Waukesha County resident on Saturday, May 18^th from 8:00 a.m. to noon. The collection will take place at the Village Public Works Garage at 630 Hwy NN.

Old, unusable chemicals, pesticides, wood preservatives, solvents, oil-based paints, and mercury-containing products will be accepted. Latex paint and non-hazardous cleaning materials will not be accepted.

For more information, including a detailed list of acceptable household hazardous waste materials, visitwww.waukeshacounty.gov/hazardouswaste or call 262-896-8300.

This program is funded by Waukesha County and Veolia Environmental Services in partnership with the local municipalities. Proof of residency is required at all locations at all times.

Siergiej resigns at Arrowhead

May 15, 2013 3:21 p.m. | Successful Arrowhead girls hockey caoch Jinelle Siergiej resigned from that position earlier today. She's moving on to coach at Robert Morris University.

Siergiej turned the fortunes of the AHS girls program around in just a couple of seasons.

The school will post an opening for the coaching position today.

Dine out to support disaster relief

May 15, 2013 2:35 p.m. | Two area restaurants are among the eateries participating in the Dine for Disaster throughout Eastern Wisconsin on Thursday, May 16.

They are Emperor's Kitchen, Inc., 3149 Golf Road in Delafield and Hartland Inn, 110 Cottonwood Ave. in Hartland.

Participants will donate a portion of sales to benefit their local American Red Cross disaster relief and community disaster prevention and education.

While the Red Cross responds to big disasters such as floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes each year, the most frequent threat people face is a fire in their own home. Disaster Action Team workers respond to an emergency every nine minutes around the United States. Locally, it was nearly 500 last year.

During a disaster, Red Cross provides a place to sleep, warm meals, clothing, emotional support and hope. Through community support, Red Cross offers individuals and families basic emergency needs to recovery guidance.

Donate at North Prairie blood drive

May 15, 2013 2:18 p.m. | A Red Cross North Prairie Community blood drive will be held at Highview Evangelical Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, S50W33042 Town Rd GE (located on the corner of Highway E and GE, about one mile north of North Prairie) on Thursday, May 30 from 1:30 to 6:30 p.m.  

Donors who donate blood between May 23 and 31 could win one of five $1,000 American Express gift cards. 

For an appointment call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit the website. 

High winds, rain hit Lake Country

May 14, 2013 9:01 p.m. | Wind gusts up to 50 miles per hour and rain hit the Hartland area at 8:51 p.m. Tuesday. There were some power outages in the Hartland area.

The area along I-94 in Delafield got heavier rain than in Hartland. High winds were also reported in Delafield and south of Delafield.

Law office will renovate building in downtown Mukwonago

May 14, 2013 4:03 p.m. | Jeffrey Nichols of downtown-Milwaukee-based Crivello Carlson has purchased 114 Main Street in downtown Mukwonago and is investing in the building in an effort to help revitalize the downtown community.

Nichols is most well-known in the Mukwonago community for his work representing the two people challenging the Mukwonago Indians nickname. 

See more in tomorrow's Chief. 

Highway 16 has been reopened

May 14, 2013 2:55 p.m. | All lanes of traffic have been reopened on Highway 16 in Pewaukee.

The road had been closed because of a serious motorcycle/squad car accident this morning.

Hy. 16 near Pewaukee closed

May 14, 2013 12:38 p.m. | Eastbound Highway 16 at Ryan Road in Pewaukee has been closed since about 11:45 a.m. due to an accident. One motorcyle could be seen laying in the right lane just short of the Ryan Road bridge in Pewaukee.

Westbound lanes were open. The road was still closed as of 12:36 p.m.

Eastbound traffic was being routed off of Highway 16 at Jungbluth Road about one mile west of the crash site. Heavy delays could be seen on Highway JJ going into Pewaukee.

T-shirt sale helps support Special Olympics

May 14, 2013 12:17 p.m. |  Help support Special Olympics.  The 2013 Law Enforcement Torch Run shirts are available for purchase at the Village Hall in Wales. Shirts are $15 and can be purchased by cash or check (payable to Special Olympics) and will be available until May 28. 

Kettle Moraine High School nationally certified for PLTW

May 14, 2013 12:02 p.m. |  Kettle Moraine High School announces that it has received national certification for its Project Lead The Way (PLTW) program.  PLTW, a nonprofit organization and the nation’s leading provider of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education programs, offers a rigorous world-class curriculum that allows students to apply what they are learning in math and science class to real-life biomedical science projects. PLTW also prides itself on high-quality professional development of its teachers and an engaged network of business, community and university partners to give students the fullest experience.

The national PLTW recognition program distinguishes Kettle Moraine High School for successfully demonstrating a commitment to PLTW’s national standards. Additionally, certification as a PLTW school provides students with the opportunity to apply for college credit or receive college-level recognition at PLTW affiliate universities when they successfully complete select PLTW coursework. PLTW has more than 40 affiliate college and university partners.

Read more in this week's Kettle Moraine Index.

Oconomowoc couple charged with home break-in

May 14, 2013 11:54 a.m. | An Oconomowoc man and woman were charged Friday with allegedly breaking into the Brookfield home of a family friend in May 2012 and stealing approximately $3,300 wortth of electronics. The woman told police that her boyfriend had stolen the items without her knowledge and they tried to break back in to return them.

Calvin G. Rolbiecki Dobson, 30, and Natasha Harland, 19, were each charged on May 10 in Waukesha County Circuit Court with burglary of a building or dwelling, a felony that carries a maximum penalty of more than 12 years in prison, $25,000 in fines, or both.

Several bench warrants had been issued for Harland in Waukesha and Jefferson County for failing to appear in court on various misdemeanor and felony charges, including drug-related offenses.

According to the criminal complaint:

City of Brookfield Police officers were dispatched to 17130 West Burleigh Place on May 29, 2012 after receiving reports of a burglary.

Click it or Ticket campaign starts May 20

May 14, 2013 11:07 a.m. | Big Bend Police will be teaming up with other area law enforcement during the state-wide Click it or Ticket it campaign  from May 20 to June 2 .  

Additional patrols will be instituted during this period in an effort to enhance driver safety through the seat belt laws according to Big Bend Police Chief Michael Hartert.

Westbound 16 reopens

May 14, 2013 10:53 a.m. | Westbound Highway 16 in Pewaukee has been reopened now that Flight for Life has left the scene of a motorcycle/squad car crash between Main Street and Capitol Drive.

Eastbound lanes, where the crash took place, remains closed.

Merton celebrates student writers at Concert Night

May 14, 2013 10:48 a.m. | Talented young writers from Merton School were let loose on May 7 at Camp Whitcomb for the 13th annual Writer’s Round-Up, an opportunity for students to let nature inspire them and learn about the publishing business from local artists.

The stories, plays, poems and various other artworks created at Camp Whitcomb will be featured at a “Concert Night” scheduled for 6 p.m. on May 29. The best pieces of writing will be read by students and a book with the collected works will be published and presented to participants.

The Writer’s Round Up was first envisioned by retired gifted and talented curriculum coordinator Roger Thorson in the 2000-01 school year. Sixth grade teacher Mary Susa said each grade K-6 teacher chooses a student who will spend a day finding inspiration in a non-school setting.

“Typically, we are looking at a kid who is strong academically, who could afford a day away, and who has exhibited a strong writing ability,” she said.

Students met with local author JoAnne Kaminski and illustrator Renee Love on May 7 to discuss the process of taking an idea and turning it into a published work. Kaminski is a former Milwaukee Public School teacher who has published several children’s books, as well as books on teaching and student reading. Renee Love is an illustrator for the Love of Books Publishing company.

Flight on way to Pewaukee crash

May 14, 2013 10:13 a.m. | Flight for Life is on the way to a crash on eastbound Highway 16 near Main Street in Pewaukee.

A motorcyclist hit the back of a squad car. Traffic will be diverted for a time while the victim is tended to and the accident scene cleaned up.

Traffic diverted Monday after attempted suicide

May 14, 2013 10:00 a.m. | Traffic was diverted on highway 16 during rush hour Monday evening.

An Oconomowoc woman is currently hospitalized after jumping off the highway 16 bridge and onto traffic over county trunk highway P around 5:13 p.m. yesterday.

Town of Oconomowoc Police Chief James Wallis said the event was witnessed and no foul play was suspected. 

Cleaning lady charged with stealing safe, jewelry

May 14, 2013 9:46 a.m. |  A 33-year-old cleaning lady was charged with allegedly stealing a safe from a Town of Merton home last year, along with several pieces of jewelry that police said were later sold.

Dousman resident Joenelle L. Sawa was charged on May 13 in Waukesha County Circuit Court with felony theft, which carries a maximum sentence of more than three years in prison, $10,000 in fines, or both.

According to the criminal complaint:

Waukesha County deputies were dispatched to the Ceschi residence at N67 W29557 Richter Road in Merton on Nov. 13, 2012 after receiving reports of a theft.

Jeff Ceschi told police that he came that afternoon and found that a safe located in his bedroom was missing and his wife did not know where it had gone. While talking to Ceschi, officers were informed that the safe in question had been found dumped in the middle of an intersection.

Plant swap at Eagle Historical Society

May 13, 2013 4:58 p.m. | The Eagle Historical Society Museum, 217 Main Street, invites friends and neighbors to swap and share perennial plants on Saturday, May 18 from 8 a.m. to noon.

Participants are invited to bring  plants, take  plants and meet Master Gardeners Nancy Manschot and Sandy Schwartz who will be available to answer gardening questions and offer planting suggestions.  

Call Elaine for more information at (262) 594-3301.

Ashippun Lions Club rummage this weekend

May 13, 2013 10:39 a.m. |  The 9th Annual Ashippun Lions sponsored Rummage Days occurs  May 17 -18 this year. 

The main event occurs at Triangle Park (corner of Hwy 67 and Hwy O) in Ashippun.  It  will  feature two large tents  of items  including furniture, clothes, electronics, tools, antiques, toys, power tools, books and more. 

Many other rummage sales will be happening in the township on the same days as we encourage participation from other community members. Pick up map of other rummage sales at Triangle Park.

In conjunction with the rummage sale,  the Lions will be grilling hot dogs and brats so stop in for lunch and a beverage on Friday or Saturday.

All money raised at the Lions sale goes to Ashippun Lions projects in the community.  

Mukwonago man pleads guilty to child sex assault

May 13, 2013 10:24 a.m. | A 33-year-old Mukwonago man pleaded guilty on Friday to one count of second-degree sexual assault of a child, accused in April 2012 of inappropriately touching his 6-year-old stepdaughter. 

Bealhen was originally charged with first-degree sex assault of a child, which carried a maximum sentence of 60 years in prison.

According to the criminal complaint:

The Department of Human Services contacted the Mukwonago Police Department on April 21, 2012 regarding an investigation into the possible sex assault of a 6-year-old Mukwonago girl.

The girl’s father said he was concerned about troubling things the girl had said about her stepfather, Bealhen. The girl was interviewed by investigators and said that Bealhen touched her buttocks, vaginal area and chest on multiple occassions in the past two months. She said she wanted to tell her mom, but Bealhen had told her not to.

Pewaukee leads LOL West standings

May 12, 2013 5:11 p.m. | Thanks to a 9-2 victory over visiting North Lake on Sunday afternoon, Pewaukee's Land O' Lakes Western Division baseball team took over sole possession of first place by improving to 3-0 on the season.

Games on Sunday saw Oconomowoc stop host Hartland 8-4, Lannon drub visiting Monches 12-5, host Brookfield Blue Sox blank Merton 6-0, visiting West Bend defeat Menomonee Falls 10-4 and the Brookfield Bulldogs down host Sussex, 4-3.

Pewaukee leads the way with a 3-0 mark. West Bend and the Blue Sox also are undefeated as both sport 2-0 records.

Arrowhead golfers win Kaz title

May 12, 2013 11:17 a.m. | Arrowhead's boys golf team sprung a major upset Saturday at the 24-school Kaz Invite at New Berlin Hills by stunning No. 1 ranked Marquette and winning the meet championship. AHS won its first invite title of the year with 324 strokes. Marquette was second at 327. Kettle Moraine was ninth at 341.

AHS was led by Kyle Tanriverdi with 78.  He placed fourth overall. Other Arrowhead scores were Connor Thiel with 81, Tyler Peterson 82 and Spencer Jepsen 83.

KM was led by Dylan Patscot with 80, tying him for seventh place in trhe field of 120  players.

Seonbuchner commits to Iowa State

May 11, 2013 6:48 p.m. | Arrowhead linebacker Sam Seonbuchner, a 6-2, 200 pound linebacker, has verbally committed to play college football at Iowa State University in the fall. He made his decision today.

Seonbuchner was one of the top defenders this year for the undefeated and WIAA Division 1 state champion Warhawks last fall.

Eagle hosts Community Rummage Sale this weekend

May 10, 2013 2:59 p.m. |  Eagle Business Association is in the middle of it's four-day rummage sale.

There are 71 homes participating in the community rummage sale which starts at 8 a.m. each morning and closes at 5 p.m. each day and runs through Eagle, parts of North Prairie and parts of Palmyra.

Maps are available at several local businesses including gas stations, restaurants, retail locations, Citizen's Bank of Mukwonago in Eagle, Eagle Methodist Church, and Alice Baker Memorial Library.

In addition to rummaging there will be a free wine tasting at the BP gas station both Saturday and Sunday. When you need a break from rummaging, from 9 a.m.-12p.m. the Winterhose Park Icelandic Horse Farmm off of Highway 59 East will be showing their Icelandic horses in competition and spectators are welcome for no cost.

For more information visit the Eagle Business Association website. 

Mark Duchow passes away

May 10, 2013 7:49 a.m. | Mark Duchow of Delafield, in the boat business for many years, died unexpectedly Thursday afternoon after a very brief illness. He is survived by his wife Margaret and his children.

Duchow, a longtime booster of Arrowhead High School sports, was instrumental in numerous fundraising events for the AHS athletic department and scholarship funds.

AHS girls win track title

May 10, 2013 6:43 a.m. | Arrowhead's girls track team captured the Classic 8 Conference outdoor championship Thursday night at wet and cold Waukesha North. AHS won the title with 188 points and Mukwonago was a distant second with 129.5 points.

The Warhawks won 7 events.

Winning for AHS wereTaylor Amann in the pole vault, the 3,200 meter relay team of Kat Kredell, Gretchen Berg, Tayler McCormack and Maggie Dawes, Jackie Dubnicka in the 1,600, Kathlean Wartman in the 300 hurdles,  the 400 relay team of Miranda Winkelman, Jenna Goulet, Caroline Bong and Vanessa Voss, Natalie Burant in the  3,200 and the 1,600 relay of McCormack, Mary Bartelson, Lea Patek and Kate Novacek.

Lots of rain

May 10, 2013 6:34 a.m. | The Lake Country area has been hit with more rain the last 24 hours.

The maintenance department at Chenequa Country Club reported that 1.5 inches of rain has fallen from 10 a.m. on Thursday until 5:30 a.m. on Friday. More rain was expected through 12 noon.

Moms and flowers go together

May 10, 2013 12:00 a.m. | Mother’s Day always coincides with springtime and that means the time for choosing flowers and planning our gardens.

This weekend there are lots of events for mom and for springtime planting.

There are several plant sales in the area offering great opportunities to pick out annuals, perennials, hanging baskets and more.

A Garden Boutique will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday at Three Pillars Senior Living Communities Village on the Square, 375 Highway 67, Dousman. There will be potted perennials, silk flowers, jewelry spring and creative gifts, garden and home decor and Mother’s Day gift ideas.

Retzer Nature Center Annual Spring Sale is 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at S14-W28167 Madison St., Genesee. Find the perfect native plant for your garden, ranging from $4 to $20. Varieties include shooting star, cardinal flower, Virginia bluebell, and prairie blazing star. Add rain barrels and compost bins to your already environmentally friendly garden. Compost bins are $45 and rain barrels with diverter kits starting at $60.

Friends of Vernon Marsh needs volunteers

May 08, 2013 2:28 p.m. |  Friends of Vernon Marsh will sponsor its third annual Vernon Marsh Spring Litter Cleanup at 9 a.m. Saturday May 11, rain or shine.

Volunteers will clean up the perimeter parking areas and wildlife viewing areas surrounding the marsh. Wear sturdy shoes, old clothes, and work gloves.

Meet at Frog Alley upper parking area off Highway 83. Volunteers will be assigned an area; when finished volunteers may leave or move on to another area.

Mukwonago Relay for Life looking for 100 cancer survivors

May 08, 2013 12:00 p.m. | With the 100th anniversary of the American Cancer Society taking place this year, the Relay For Life Planning Committee of Mukwonago is hoping to have 100 Cancer Survivors from the Mukwonago and surrounding area attend the Relay Event at Field Park on Friday night, June 21 at 6 p.m.

 A survivor is anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer.  Whether the fight is just beginning or has been completed, all survivors are encouraged to attend.

 A survivor reception and pig roast meal will be available from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. for survivors.  Relay For Life will begin at 6 p.m. with opening comments and a “survivor lap” where all survivors in attendance start the event off after receiving a purple survivor t-shirt.

 If you are a survivor and would like to attend, please contact Valerie Tribble at (262) 523-5509 at the American Cancer Society and provide her your t-shirt size.

Halquist Stone to donate $200K youth sports complex

May 08, 2013 8:06 a.m. | Halquist Stone plans to build a 14-acre complex for youth softball and soccer adjacent to Hamilton High School.

The Sussex company anticipates spending more than $200,000 on materials, equipment and labor.

"Halquist Stone has always felt investment in our community's youth is the best investment we can make," said Tom Halquist, company vice president. "That's why we created Dozer Day in 1996 and grew it into the largest one-day event in Southeast Wisconsin."

Dozer Day ended in 2009 because of increasing insurance and stricter MSHA (mine Safety and Health Administration) regulations. The event raised more than $100,000 annually for the Hamilton School District and nearly $1 million over the course of 10 years.

Plans for the new sports complex call for six 50-yard-long soccer fields, two 40-yard-long soccer fields and one NCAA regulation-size soccer field, as well as two Little League-sized fast-pitch softball fields. The land is owned by the Hamilton School District and is just south of the high school.

Oh, deer! Sharpshooters to take on Pewaukee problem

May 08, 2013 7:54 a.m. | The City of Pewaukee plans to employ sharpshooters to help thin the deer herd in the Rocky Point neighborhood. Read more in Thursday's Lake Country Reporter.

Oconomowoc superintendent announced

May 07, 2013 10:39 p.m. | The School Board announced at its meeting tonight that Dr. Roger Rindo has accepted the superintendent position with the Oconomowoc Area School District. He replaces Dr. Pat Neudecker who is retiring at the end of the school year.

Rindo is currently superintendent of the Tomahawk School District.

For more on this story, read the Thursday edition of the Oconomowoc Focus.

City of Oconomowoc land swap for apartment complex passes, but with opposition

May 07, 2013 10:38 p.m. | City of Oconomowoc - Common Council passed an agreement to swap parcels of land owned by Bob Felker on North Main Street with city owned land on Worthington Avenue Tuesday night, but not without debate.

Last summer the city entered into a developer's agreement to swap the land so it can expand Village Green. In turn Felker will construct a 60-unit apartment complex at Worthington Street and Wisconsin Avenue.

Concerns came from Alderwoman Cathleen Slattery who is nervous about ongoing negotiations for the final piece of land on North Main Street the city wants for the Village Green expansion. The city is in negotiations with Tommy Lin, owner of Fong's, to buy the land his restaurant is on. The parcel is the last piece the city envisions for the expansion which is adjacent to Felker's properties.

Slattery is concerned the city will not be successful in its negotiations and then end up in a similar situation to eminent domain process it has initiated over land across from the community center wanted for parking after two years of failed negotiations.

City Attorney Bill Chapman and Mayor Jim Daley warned not passing the land swap agreement could have repercussions because of a memorandum of understanding Council approved last summer regarding the apartment project.

Decision on Thackeray Trail extension in Oconomowoc delayed

May 07, 2013 10:32 p.m. |

City of Oconomowoc – Mayor Jim Daley put the breaks on a decision to extend Thackeray Trail to Silver Lake Street. After a large group of residents filled City Hall Tuesday night and kicked off with a 15-minute comment from a concerned resident, Daley said now is not the time to make a decision.

Daley suggested postponing the vote and scheduling a public meeting to go over technical specifics of the plan and hear residents’ concerns. However, despite his suggestion to hold off and have more discussion, residents still wanted their voice to be heard Tuesday night.

Officials did not disagree with hearing residents. “I want to hear what people have to say. This is a very hot topic and I have received many phone calls on it,” said Alderwoman Cathleen Slattery who lives in District 2 which includes Thackeray Trail.

Finalists announced for Mukwonago Village Administrator

May 07, 2013 5:07 p.m. | The finalists for Village of Mukwonago administrator have been decided.

The hiring committee had narrowed the field of  37 applicants to 10 candidates, and reviewed those videos on Monday. This afternoon, village clerk Steve Braatz released the names of the four finalists. 

In alphabetical order they are:

Barry Dykhuizen, Guttenberg, IA
Ryan McCue, Wautoma, WI
John Weidl, Princeton, WI
Judy Weter, East Troy, WI

The board will have a meet and greet with the candidates on May 16. Interviews will take place on May 17 and the a recommendation is scheduled to be made to the board that day, however Braatz is unsure if that will occur.

Pick up a cake for Mom and help support Mukwonago scouting

May 07, 2013 4:00 p.m. |  The Cub Scouts of Pack 363 in Mukwonago will be hosting a Cake Bake Auction this Saturday May 11th. The auction will run from 11:00am until 1:00pm in the Rolling Hills Elementary Gymnasium, W322S9230, Beulah Road, Mukwonago.  All proceeds will help support Pack 363.

The public is welcome to attend, bid on or donate cakes. For additional information please visit  www.mukwonagopack363.com/

Pewaukee City to hire sharpshooters for deer

May 07, 2013 3:19 p.m. | City of Pewaukee — Misconceptions and murky facts ran the gamut for residents in the Rocky Point subdivision who wanted help controlling the deer population in their neighborhoods. 

The audience was discussing everything from Irish Spring soap to motion sensitive sprinklers, old wives tales for white tails. 

Residents say they have too many deer: Their gardens are demolished, the deer walk right up to their windows, they’re afraid the does could maul onlookers, driving is dangerous and they’re worried about deer ticks. They presented their concerns in a petition to the council Monday.

“I think we’re all concerned about safety. We don’t want bullets coming through the windows but we don’t want deer coming through the windows, either,” one homeowner said.

On the other hand, a handful of residents at the meeting opposed sharpshooting efforts. One man said some of the residents might be feeding the deer and contributing to the problem.

Gas leak in Town of Merton

May 07, 2013 1:47 p.m. |  Town of Merton - Stone Bank Fire Department officials say no one was home at W332 N6429 Highway C when landscaping  crews apparently struck a gas line leading into the home from a gas main.

A We Energies official said the company's crews responded to the emergency and temporarily patched the broken gas line. There were no further incidents, according to a spokesman for the Stone Bank Fire Department.

Fire destroys vending company van

May 06, 2013 11:49 a.m. | A vending company’s work van caught fire on Highway 16 this morning, just west of Highway 83.

Lake Country Fire and Rescue Chief Jack Edwards said the driver immediately coasted into the curb lane and exited the vehicle. No one was injured.

Two engines responded, and nearby police agencies diverted traffic.

“We did close (eastbound) 16 for a while because of the size of the van,” Edwards said.

A specific figure for loss and damages is not available at this time but Edwards said there were food products and paper products in the truck, in addition to some vending company money for transport. The money they were able to save from the fire was secured by the Chenequa Police Department.

Eastbound 16 closed near Highway 83

May 06, 2013 10:59 a.m. | Eastbound Highway 16 is closed near Highway 83 in Hartland. Watch for updates as they become available.

Mukwonago dog exercise area fundraiser coming May 11

May 06, 2013 12:00 a.m. |  A fundraiser to raise money for the proposed dog exercise area at Mukwonago County Park will be held on Saturday, May 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Spa Paw and Tail Premier Pet Resort and Doggie Daycamp, 5055 S. Emmer Drive, New Berlin. 

The fundraiser will include music, food, pet portraits, a silent auction and more providing fun for the whole family, including furry friends. Call Paw and Tail at (262) 784-7292 to make an appointment for pet portraits.