Anti-Walmart protesters pack Oconomowoc City Council meeting

June 18, 2013 10:58 p.m. | Approximately 80 to 90 people packed into the Oconomowoc Common Council chambers Tuesday night to express their dissatisfaction with a plan to build a Walmart Super Center and Sam’s Club at Pabst Farms Town Centre.

Several community members spoke during the public comments segment of the meeting, raising concerns about Walmart’s labor practices, the impact the retail giant could have on local businesses, and public safety.

Resident Jack Melvin said that Walmart would be “the final nail in the coffin” for retailers already in Oconomowoc, such as K-Mart and Aldi’s.

“There is a Walmart in Watertown. There is a Walmart in Delafield. So where are they drawing [business] from?” he asked.

Scott Chapman said he moved to Oconomowoc in 2008 because of the city’s small-town feel.

Kettle Moraine moves to 12-0

June 18, 2013 8:03 p.m. | Thanks to narrow 9-8 victory over visiting Catholic Memorial Tuesday night, Kettle Moraine's baseball team moved to 12-0 in Classic 8 Conference play and 14-2 overall. Those are the best two starts in school history.

KM scored nine runs in the bottom of the first  inning and never scored again. CMH chipped away at that deficit and had the tying run on third base in the bottom of the sixth. Jake Pohlman then came on and pitched a 1-2-3 seventh inning to preserve his team's undefeated conference record and its one-run lead.

Keith Koehn, Robbie Dombrowski and Dom Nabak all had two hits each for the Lasers.

Dousman teen charged with hit-and-run after underage drinking party

June 18, 2013 5:52 p.m. | A 19-year-old Dousman teenager was charged with two counts second-degree reckless endangerment and two counts hit-and-run, allegedly striking another teenager with his truck Saturday during a dispute at an underage drinking party.

Austin D. Loper was charged on June 17 in Waukesha County Circuit Court and could face more than 21 years in prison, $60,000 in fines, or both, if convicted.

According to the criminal complaint, Waukesha County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched Saturday, June 15 to 280 Arlington Avenue, Village of North Prairie, after receiving reports of a drunken driver.

Two teenagers, Thomas Wolf, and Joshua Pederson, told police that Loper had left after getting into a fight with another partygoer over the use of a racial epithet, according to the complaint.

Pederson told Loper he had to leave and he initially refused, Pederson told police. He said the argument was only verbal until Loper allegedly struck him with his truck as he was leaving, according to the complaint.

Early meeting, full agenda for Village of Mukwonago

June 18, 2013 4:50 p.m. |  Don't forget, the Village of Mukwonago has changed it's meeting time. The board will meet at 6:30 p.m. tonight for the first time. 

The agenda includes the final ordinance of the floodplan zoning districts and an ordinance clarifying the duties of the Village Administrator.

The board will also look at a request to recind property taxes for the YMCA after a late filing for tax-excempt status caused confusion in this year's taxes.

Updates on Washington Park playground, Highway 83, and Honeywell Road repair are also expected.

Can't make it tonight? You can read more about these issues in next week's Mukwonago Chief.

Pewaukee fireworks officially "reignited"

June 18, 2013 2:25 p.m. | The Fireworks Fundraising Committee in Pewaukee just issued their press release, officially announcing that the fireworks will go on. 

The release says it was it was devastating to have to cancel the 4th of July fireworks due to a lack of funding but thanks to the help of North Shore Bank, Pick ‘n Save and several other private donations, the fireworks are on.

Volunteers Jennie Stoltz and Kelley Woldanski had originally hoped to raise at least $11,000 for this year’s show and announced the cancellation of the show when they fell short a couple weeks ago.

Once this announcement was made, donations were reignited and with the help of North Shore Bank’s matching fundraiser and Pick ‘n Saves’ checkout fundraiser, they not only met the $11,000 minimum, but say they have surpassed it.

They estimate having somewhere between $13,000-15,000, their original goal.

Last stand for Indian mascot in Mukwonago

June 17, 2013 4:57 p.m. |  With the Wisconsin Supreme Court issuing an order declining to hear the appeal challenging the constitutionality of the state mascot law late last week, Mukwonago High School now faces the finality of changing its logo. 

Mukwonago residents Rusty Schoolcraft and Craig Vertz challenged the constitutionality of the law that was used by the Department of Public Instruction to force MHS to change its Indians nickname and logo. 

Attorney Samuel Hall Jr. of Crivellow Carlson represented Schoolcraft and Vertz in challenging the law.

“We’re certainly disappointed that the Supreme Court decided not to hear our appeal,” said Hall. “The only judicial opinion that actually addressed the substance of our claims agreed with our clients and ruled that the taxpayers and the schools were denied due process.

“However, we respect the courts’ rulings, and it is fitting that perhaps the final chance to remedy the inequities and bias of this law rests in the hands of the Legislature — the same branch of government that created it,” Hall added. 

Waukesha man arrested in Chicago “high drug area,” charged with Vernon home burglary

June 17, 2013 12:24 p.m. |  A 24-year-old Waukesha man was charged Friday with allegedly breaking into his parent’s Town of Vernon home last year, stealing electronics, jewelry, credit cards, and ammunition. Some of the items, including 200 rounds of .22 caliber rifle ammunition, were eventually recovered in one of Chicago’s “high drug areas.”

Andrew A. Kedzierski was charged on June 14 in Waukesha County Circuit Court with party to the crime of burglary (repeater), which carries a maximum sentence of more than 18 years in prison, $25,000 in fines, or both.

Kedzierski pleaded guilty in 2011 to possession of narcotics drugs, a felony for which he was sentenced to three years probation.

According to the criminal complaint:

Waukesha County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched August 12 to the residence of Richard and Judy Kedzierski, W252 S6480 Lucille Court, Town of Vernon, after receiving reports of a burglary.

Fireworks saved in Pewaukee

June 17, 2013 11:49 a.m. | The Fireworks Fundraising Committee in Pewaukee will be issuing a press release later today, officially announcing that they've raised enough funds for the Fourth of July.

North Shore Bank matched donations made at the bank by individuals or non‐profit organizations to the Pewaukee Fireworks Fund, up to $3,500. 

Firework organizers had hoped to raise $11,000 for this year’s show, and were forced to cancel the event when donations only amounted to $4,000. They had to raise at least $8,000 for the show to go on.

Follow the Lake Country Reporter to see the release and learn how much was raised through community donations at North Shore Bank.

Supreme Court won't hear Mukwonago mascot and nickname appeal

June 17, 2013 11:05 a.m. | Wisconsin's Supreme Court has denied an appeal from two Mukwonago residents who challenged the process by which the state ordered the town's school district to drop its team name and mascot, the Indians.

Samuel Hall, attorney for the residents, said they were disappointed by the court's decision not to hear the appeal.

"The only judicial opionion that actually addressed the substance of our claims  agreed with our clients and ruled that the taxpayers and the schools were denied due process," Hall said.

"However, we respect the courts' rulngs and it is fitting that perhaps the final chance to remedy the inequities and bias of this law rests in the hands of the Legislature, the same branch of government that created it."

A Waukesha County judge last year ruled in favor of the challengers. But the state Court of Appeals in January reversed the decision, on the grounds that the two plaintiffs lacked standing to challenge the administrative process that led to the order that Mukwonago drop the Indians nickname.

Todarello commits to Arkansas

June 17, 2013 10:55 a.m. | Arrowhead senior Dom Todarello verbally committed Monday morning to play NCAA Division 1 baseball at the University of Arkansas. Arkansas offered the multi-talented Todarello a scholarship Sunday night and he accepted Monday.

Todarello will travel to Arkansas and spend two days at the school. He could play infield or outfielder for the Razorbacks.

Todarello originally commited to UW-Oshkosh but when the coach of the Titans was let go, he opted out. Nebraska then started recruiting the AHS shortstop but a deal couldn't be reached.

Last week Arkansas became interested and the deal got done Monday morning. It will be finalized on Thursday at the campus.

Victim identified in fatal motorcycle crash

June 17, 2013 10:19 a.m. | The Genesee woman killed in a motorcycle crash in Eagle on Saturday has been identified as Darlene Broberg.

According to the Waukesha County Sheriff's Department, Broberg was driving east on CI and did not negotiate the curve at Highway Z. She collided with a guardrail and was thrown from the cycle. She was not wearing a helmet, according to the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department. 

The Sheriff's Department and Eagle Fire Department responded to the crash at about 8:15 p.m. Broberg was not breathing and was unresponsive when emergency crews reached her. She was taken to Aurora Hospital in Oconomowoc, but was pronounced dead there from injuries suffered in the accident.

Merton Avenue ramp closed

June 17, 2013 9:39 a.m. |  Village of Hartland - The west bound Highway 16 interchange with Merton Avenue will be closed todayuntil 4 p.m. according to electronic signs at the construction site.

Genesee woman killed in eagle cycle crash

June 17, 2013 7:17 a.m. | A 43-year-old Genesee woman died after a motorcycle crash on Highway CI east of Highway Z in the Town of Eagle on Saturday.

The Waukesha County Sheriff's Department and Eagle Fire Department responded to the crash at about 8:15 p.m. The woman was not breathing and was unresponsive when emergency crews reached her. She was taken to Aurora Hospital in Oconomowoc, but was pronounced dead there from injuries suffered in the accident.

The Sheriff's Department's report indicates that the woman was driving the motorcycle east on CI and did not negotiate the curve. She collided with a guardrail and was thrown from the cycle. She was not wearing a helmet.

The Sheriff's Department has not released her name.

KM basbeall team is 10-0

June 16, 2013 5:51 p.m. | After last Friday night's 5-4, eight inning Classic 8 Conference win over visiting Arrowhead, the Kettle Moraine boys baseball team moved to 10-0 in league play and 12-2 overall. It's one of the best starts in school history.

KM will play at second place Muskego (7-2) on Monday and then host Catholic Memorial on Tuesday. Thursday they play at Arrowhead. All of those games will begin at 5:30 p.m.

Lots of rain in the LC

June 16, 2013 5:48 p.m. | The Lake Country area was hit with more than two inches of rain on just two days last week.

Last Wednesday it rained 1.3 inches in Hartland and on Saturday, both early in the morning and late at night, another eight-tenths of an inch fell locally.

Tight race in LOL West

June 16, 2013 5:44 p.m. | After a 10-game weekend in the Land O' Lakes Western Division baseball league, Pewaukee and Sussex have emerged as the co-leaders as both sport 8-2 records. The Brookfield Blue Sox are third at 6-2. The Brookfield Bulldogs are fourth at 6-3.

Last  Friday night West Bend edged Monches, 3-1. On Saturday, Merton defeated the Bulldogs 6-4, Pewaukee nipped the Blue Sox 3-1, Menomonee Falls edged Hartland 3-2 and Sussex doubled up North Lake, 8-4.

On Sunday, games saw Oconomowoc whip North Lake 10-1, Pewaukee edge Merton 3-2, West Bend blank the Bulldogs 4-0 and Lannon down Hartland 16-6. The Menomonee Falls at the Brookfield Blue Sox was cancelled due to wet grounds.

SummerStage kicks off season

June 14, 2013 1:02 p.m. | SummerStage at Lapham Peak will have two music events for its opening weekend on Friday and Saturday, June 14-15.

The Summer Music Showcase will be at 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 14, featuring area high schools and community theaters, with each group selecting performers and performances to highlight their shows for the upcoming season. Probable groups include Waukesha North, Catholic Memorial and Kettle Moraine high schools, Sunset Playhouse, Waukesha Civic Theatre and the Patio Players. Cost: $10.

The beginning of the year fundraiser, Party in the Park, will begin at 5 p.m. Saturday, June 15. The event will include a 1960s singalong with Nolan and the McAllisters, and performances by 2013 WAMI winner Nora Collins and Ian & The Dream and Funhouse. A variety of food will be available for purchase. Cost: $10.

SummerStage is a nonprofit organization formed in 2006 to showcase the performing arts in the heart of Lake Country. The outdoor performance venue is in Lapham Peak State Park on Highway C, just south of downtown Delafield. For more information, visit www.Summer-Stage.org or send email to info@summerstageofdelafield.org.
 

LCL soccer downed in semifinal

June 14, 2013 11:55 a.m. | The Lake Country Lutheran/University Lake School/Trinity Academy soccer team gave it its best shot -- a number of shots, in fact -- but the defending Division 3 state champion fell Friday in the state semifinal against Ozaukee, 1-0.

An own goal in the 16th minute gave Ozaukee the lead. Though the Lightning dominated in shots, 9-3, and corners, 4-1, including a combined 10-1 advantage in those two departments in the second half, Ozaukee held on.

Abby Carlson led the Lightning two shots on goal, with additional attempts from Kristin Collins, Margaret Tovar and Hannah Rezutek. One day after the LCL baseball team finished as state runner-up in Division 4, the LCL soccer unit finished 15-2-1. Read full story.

Legion band to play Sunday

June 14, 2013 11:48 a.m. | Rain may have canceled your plans Wednesday night to see the Oconomowoc American Legion Band perform at the City Beach bandshell, but you have another chance to see the band in concert this Sunday, as the concert has been rescheduled.

Cap off your Father's Day with the concert, slated for 7:30 p.m. in the Rhodee Memorial Band Shell at City Beach. The concert is free and open to the public.

Military man charged with Lannon house break-in

June 14, 2013 10:29 a.m. | A 20-year-old military man on leave was charged Thursday with allegedly trying to break in to a stranger’s home in the Village of Lannon after a drunken domestic dispute.

Cody D. Tawyea was charged on June 13 in Waukesha County Circuit Court with obstructing an officer, criminal damage to property, disorderly conduct, misdemeanor battery and criminal trespassing.

He could face more than three years in prison, $40,000 in fines, or both, if convicted.

According to the criminal complaint, Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department received reported at 1:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 12 of a burglary in progress at 20179 W. Good Hope Rd., Lot 24, Village of Lannon.

Deputies made contact with resident Ralph Kish who said he heard noises on his deck earlier and decided to investigate, the complaint reads. He peeked out his door and a man in a white shirt forced entry into his home and began punching him. A fight ensued, he said, but he was eventually able to kick the man out. Kish had a bruised upper lip and rug burns on both knees, according to the complaint.

Former Olympian to discuss college field hockey at University Lake School

June 14, 2013 9:12 a.m. | University of Michigan field hockey coach Marcia Pankratz will be speaking to players and parents about college recruitment from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Friday night at University Lake School.

Pankratz was a two-time All-American selection at the University of Iowa in 1984 and 1985 and was the recipient of a Big Ten Medal of Honor in 1985-86, according to her GoBlue.com profile. She competed with Team USA in the Summer Olympics in 1988, finishing in the eighth position, and in 1996, finishing in the fifth spot. She is currently in her 13th season as the University of Michigan's head coach.

Pankratz will talk to parents and field hockey players about the process for continuing play beyond high school, including rules for college coach contact and how to get recognized as a potential collegiate player.

University Lake School is located at 4024 Nagawicka Rd. in Hartland.

Get out for food and fun this weekend

June 14, 2013 12:00 a.m. | It’s the time of year for outdoor fun and great-tasting grilled foods.

And that means Okauchee Lions Days this weekend. Besides great food the festival includes a carnival, bands and music. Festival hours are 5 p.m. to midnight Friday, 8 a.m. to midnight Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday at  Okauchee Lions Park, Wisconsin Avenue on Okauchee Lake.

At the SummerStage Party in the Park there will be lots of food, live music and a 60s sing-along. The party is at Lapham Peak State Park, Highway C, south of downtown Delafield.  Cost is $10.

For art lovers, several area artists will gather for the opening reception for the Birds, Breezes and Blossoms exhibit from 5 to 8 p.m. tonight at Lake Country Gallery, W240 N3485 Pewaukee Road, Pewaukee. Featured artists are Susan Hale, Scott Hefti, Jim Meissner, Lynn Rix, Claudette Lee-Roseland, Marie Siegrist, Janet Tenneson-McCarty and Susan Willets.

Antique and collectible collectors won’t want to miss the Antique, Collectible Sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday on the grounds of the Betty Mindemann home on Main Street, east of the library. The Depot Museum, across from the sale, will be open from 2 to 4 p.m. For more information visit http://www.phplonline.org/.

WCTC completes Transportation Building

June 13, 2013 3:43 p.m. | PEWAUKEE – Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) recently completed its new Transportation Building, a 5,300-square-foot facility to be used for the college’s Truck Driving technical diploma program. The building’s completion was commemorated with a ribbon cutting and open house held June 11.

“The Transportation Building provides our Truck Driving students with ample room to practice the skills needed to become safe and confident drivers,” said Mike Shiels, WCTC’s dean of the School of Applied Technologies.

The building features two classrooms, a break room and maintenance storage, and will be used primarily for truck driving classes, but also motorcycle classes. The facility houses three truck-driving simulators and has space for two trucks so students can conduct pre-trip inspections, which is a component of the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) test. The bay can also fit a pick-up truck that hauls cones and other props used during training on the Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC) track. The Transportation Building is located near the EVOC track on the south end of campus for continuity of training.

WCTC’s Truck Driving program began in 1993 as a three-week program. In 2004, it became the 10-week program it is today. In the last year and a half, more than 100 students have received their technical diploma in Truck Driving.

The success of the program is due in part to the quality of the college’s Truck Driving instructors. Instructor Charles Miller recently won the national Compliance Safety Accountability (CSA) Truck Driving Competition sponsored by AT&T and Big Truck TV. The challenge celebrates excellence in both the knowledge and practice of safe trucking. 

Big Bend man accused of child sex assault, claims he was sleepwalking

June 13, 2013 1:42 p.m. | A 44-year-old Big Bend man was charged Tuesday with first-degree sexual assault of a child, allegedly groping his 10-year-old daughter. He told police that he was drunkenly sleepwalking and thought the girl was her mother, with whom she shared a bed.

The man, who will not be named to protect the victim's identity, was charged on June 11 in Waukesha County Circuit Court with first-degree sexual assault and misdemeanor bail jumping. 

He was previously charged in March with disorderly conduct, and was released on a $500 cash bail on the condition that he was not to consume alcohol.

According to the criminal complaint, the man’s daughter told her principal on June 10 that her father had touched her inappropriately the night before. The girl’s principal informed police, who then arranged to have the girl interviewed by specialists.

She told them that her father had consumed, “four boxes of beer,” before the incident occured. She said she was asleep in her mother’s bed when her father came in and stuck his hand down her pants, outside of her underwear, according to the complaint.

Sussex man charged with heroin possession, operating while intoxicated

June 13, 2013 12:47 p.m. | A 28-year-old Sussex man was charged Monday in Waukesha County Circuit Court with allegedly driving while under the influence of heroin, having been found passed out on the road by paramedics.

According to the criminal complaint, a witness called after finding Jason R. Wallace passed out in a vehicle near her home in the Town of Ottawa. The engine was revving at a high speed, he said, and Wallace appeared to be snoring.

It took paramedics about three to five minutes to awaken Wallace, who had bloodshot eyes and was drooling. Police found in Wallace’s vehicle a homemade pipe, tourniquet and a small baggie with a grey powdery substance in it, believed to be heroin, the complaint reads.

Wallace appeared to fall asleep and his words were slurred while talking to police, according to the complaint. In a later statement, Wallace admitted to using heroin before driivng and said he passed on on the road. He said the last thing he remembered seeing was four deer crossign the road.

Wallace was previously convicted of operating while intoxicated in 2005 and 2008.

Racing Sausages coming to Oconomowoc

June 13, 2013 11:40 a.m. |  Celebrate Flag Day on June 14 with lunch under the tent in the parking lot of the Lake Terrace Clubhouse, 1380 W. Wisconsin Ave., and watch for an appearance by the famous Racing Sausages.

Enjoy a choice of grilled hamburger or Klement's brat, coleslaw, chips, lemonade and ice cream sandwich for dessert. Lunch is $6 (cash only) and is available from 11 - 1:30 p.m.; carryout orders are available. 

Vernon father charged with providing liquor, marijuana to teens

June 13, 2013 10:51 a.m. | A Vernon father is being held on a $10,000 cash bond, being charged Tuesday with allegedly providing marijuana and alcohol to his 15-year-old daughter and her friends during a May 26 house party.

Brian A. Gumieny was charged on June 11 in Waukesha County Circuit Court with delivering marijuana to minors, felony bail jumping and seven counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Gumieny, 36, was previously charged in October with resisting arrest, battery to law enforcement and battery to emergency workers and was released on a $500 cash bond. The defense has requested in that case that a report be done to determine whether Gumieny is competent to stand trial.

According to the criminal complaint, a Waukesha County Sheriff's detective received on May 28 an anonymous tip that an underage drinking party was held two days prior at Gumieny’s house, S66 W24770 Skyline Ave., Town of Vernon.

The detective interviewed seven Mukwonago High School students, including Gumieny’s daughter. All seven teens, ages 14 to 16, told the detective that Gumieny had brought the alcohol to the house, the complaint reads.

Mukwonago juvenile center employee charged with possessing child porn

June 13, 2013 9:53 a.m. | A 37-year-old employee of a Mukwonago troubled youth center was charged Wednesday with trading child pornography through a fake Facebook account.

Robert R. Turk was charged on June 12 in Waukesha County Circuit Court with five counts of possession of child pornography after a police search warrant allegedly revealed the material on his computer.

According to the criminal complaint, Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department was tipped off by a state agent that a Pewaukee man was using a fake Facebook profile to distribute images of nude prepubescent girls.

The agent told law enforcement that the psuedonym “Charles Carmichael” was used by the Pewaukee resident to send 175 photos via private messaging, the complaint reads.

“Charles Carmichael” revealed in those private messages that he lived in Wisconsin and worked as an alcohol and drug abuse counselor at the Norris Adolescent Center.

Vose, Riorden represent Kettle Moraine School District at State Superintendent press conference

June 13, 2013 9:32 a.m. |  Kettle Moraine School Board President Gary Vose and recent Kettle Moraine High School graduate Kelly Riorden will share concerns about the state biennial budget during State Superintendent Tony Evers' statewide presentation on the impact of the budget at 10 a.m. today at Parkway Elementary School in Glendale. 

Glendale-River Hills School District Superintendent Lawrence Smalley will open the event, according to a news release from the Department of Public Instruction. Pewaukee Superintendent Joann Sternke will join the group, along with a school board member from Whitefish Bay School District. Each will share concerns about the budget, which expanded taxpayer-funded private and religious school vouchers statewide without public hearings and no accountability for results. 

Craig supports reform to the state unemployment insurance program

June 13, 2013 9:20 a.m. | The State Assembly passed common sense legislation to ensure Wisconsin employers are protected while making sure the unemployment insurance program is there for those that need it the most on June 12, according to a news release from Rep. David Craig (R-Town of Vernon). 

“Today I voted in favor of common sense legislation that will save the unemployment trust fund $11.5 million annually and ensure its stability into the future by making changes like prohibiting someone from simultaneously collecting unemployment and disability – claiming they can work to receive checks from one program and cannot work to receive checks from the other," Craig said in response to the legislation. "This legislation not only protects our state’s employers from abuses to the system, but strengthens this important program for workers when they need it the most.”

Senate Bill 200 passed the Wisconsin State Senate on Tuesday, June 11 and being concurred in by the Assembly will now be sent to the Governor’s desk for his signature.

Mukwonago school board revises employee handbook

June 13, 2013 9:09 a.m. |  The Mukwonago Area School District Board of Education personnel committe will act on revisions to the employee handbook at its meeting on Monday, June 17 at 6:30 p.m. in the district office on Highway NN. 

Additional items on the agenda include revised board policies and the OPEB study.

Mukwonago Optimist Club brings theatrical summer camp

June 12, 2013 4:00 p.m. | School's out for the summer and it's time to start making plans. When are family vacations? What about camps, classes, and events?

While you fill out your calendar here's another even to consider. 

The Mukwonago Optimist Club is again sponsoring a drama camp  for  young people  ages 7 to 18  from the Mukwonago area.  The play is ”Tom Sawyer”.

Auditions are July 1 at 12:20 pm at Mukwonago High School. Two directors from Prairie Fire Theater Group from Barrett, Minnesota  will be  directing the workshop for the week of July 1 through July 6th.    On Friday evening, July 5  and Saturday  afternoon, July 6, 2013,  they will be participating in a musical performance of “Tom Sawyer”

 If you are interested in this activity, then watch for more in an upcoming issue of the Chief or pick up a flyer  at one of the local  schools or libraries or go to the website  mukwonagooptimist.org for more details.  For questions  contact Edie (262)363-7863  or ediesimons@yahoo.com   

Lake Country Lutheran reaches state final

June 12, 2013 12:24 p.m. | Lake Country Lutheran’s BJ Sabol didn’t make it through the first inning when he pitched in the sectional last week, but by the time he took the hill in the bottom of the first at the state tournament, he had a very different set of circumstances to work with.

Sabol went to work after the Lightning batted around for a 5-0 lead in the first inning of the WIAA Division 4 state semifinal in Appleton on Wednesday morning, and he pretty much dominated from there. LCL, making its first appearance in the year-end showcase at Time Warner Cable Field in Appleton, finished off Potosi to reach Thursday’s state final with a 12-0 victory.

Sabol finished with two hits allowed in six innings, striking out a career-best 13.

“It was awesome when we came out in the first inning and just hit the ball like crazy,” Sabol said. “It’s pretty easy to pitch after you put up that many runs.”

Author Jane Hamilton to visit Michael Fields in East Troy

June 12, 2013 12:15 p.m. | Michael Fields Agricultural Institute, East Troy, will hold "Summer Reading in the Garden" on Sunday, June 23 from 3 to 5 p.m. with special guest Jane Hamilton, award-winning author of six novels, including "The Book of Ruth" and "A Map of the World," along with numerous short stories. The event will take place at the Institute’s headquarters located at: W2493 County Road ES, East Troy.

The event is $25 per person to attend and will include tours of the Institute's Stella Gardens. Local, farm fresh, organic food and wine will be served. All proceeds will support Michael Fields research, education and policy work to advance sustainable agriculture.

To register or for more information contact: Anna Aragon at (262) 642.3303 Ext. 124 or by email at aaragon@michaelfields.org.

Delafield town reviews open spaces

June 11, 2013 10:53 p.m. |  Town of Delafield - The Town Board tonight instructed the Plan Commission to review - possibly relax- the stringent open space requirements in the town zoning code.

Some town officials have taken pride during the past decade in having one of the strictest open space requirements in Waukesha County.

They have argued that preservation of so called "green spaces" was essential in a town that describes itself as "The Perfect Environment."

The code requires most residential or farm properties to reserve between 70 and 95 percent, depending on the zoning disrict, of land on the property to open space. The code defines open space as natural or man made landscapes where there are no structures, impervious surfaces, driveways, patios or sidewalks.

However, two town supervisors questioned the wisdom of the strict code after hearing town residents complain during a 55 minute public hearing.

AHS baseball team stops CMH

June 11, 2013 8:26 p.m. | Host Arrowhead's baseball team got just three hits Tuesday night but still defeated Waukesha Catholic Memorial in a Classic 8 Conference game, 3-1.

Branden Frank tossed a 2-hitter for the Warhawks and earned the win.

Benny Serres, Johnny Duranso and Mitchell Dubnicka had the base hits for Arrowhead. Alex Romenesko scored the winning run for AHS on a double-steal in the  fifth inning.

The Warhawks improved to 7-6 overall and 6-4 in league play.

Todarello to Nebraska

June 11, 2013 8:23 p.m. | Arrowhead senior Dom Todarello, a three-sport athlete for the Warhawks, has decided to accept a scholarship offer to play NCAA Division 1 baseball at the University of Nebraska.

He had originally committed to play at UW-Oshkosh.

Todarello, who is out after having shoulder surgery earlier this spring, is expected to make the deal official Tuesday night or Wednesday.

There is still a chance he could play for the Warhawks this summer.

49-year-old man charged with impersonating doctor to obtain pain pills

June 11, 2013 3:37 p.m. | A 49-year-old  man was charged June 7 in Waukesha County Circuit Court with four counts of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud, allegedly pretending to be a doctor to obtain pain medication from a Sussex drug store.

According to the criminal complaint, the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department was contacted in October by the Shopko located at N66 W25201 Main St. about several recent instances of prescription fraud.

An employee told police that on four separate occasions in September the store was contacted by a man who identified himself as Dr. Arlen Delp. “Delp” asked that several prescriptions for hydrocodone, an opiate medication used to treat moderate to severe pain, be filled for patient Dale Kusick. He also asked that a prescription for blood pressure medication be filled.

The prescriptions were filled and picked up by Kusick, the employee said.

The store sent a letter to Delp on Oct. 3, 2012 asking whether the prescriptions were legimitate. Delp said they were not and asked that law enforcement be contacted.

Herro choice as chief for Summit

June 11, 2013 12:06 p.m. | The Village of Summit Police Commission appointed Jeffrey Herro as Summit Police Chief subject to an      employment agreement with the Village Board and pending a successful drug/alcohol test and physical exam.  The board is scheduled to meet with Herro  Wednesday night to review the employment agreement.

Numerous departments respond to Wern Valley fire

June 11, 2013 9:56 a.m. |  

Firefighters continue to douse structures at Wern Valley Sportsman's Club early Tuesday morning. 

Five face charges in Merton vandalism

June 11, 2013 8:22 a.m. | Four Waukesha County teens and a North Lake man are facing charges in connection with a vandalism spree this weekend in the Town of Merton.

Deputies responded to Kilbourne Road on June 9 after receiving reports of shots being fired. Deputies arrested a 16-year-old boy and a 15-year-old boy from the Town of Merton, a 15-year-old Menomonee Falls boy, 15-year-old Hartland boy and 23-year-old North Lake man.

All were at a bonfire at the home of the 15-year-old Town of Merton boy, and had been drinking, according to the Sheriff's Department. Sometime in the early morning hours, four of the individuals began to walk around the area shooting at signs, mailboxes, birdhouses and a residence. The two weapons -- a 20-gauge double-barrel shotgun and a .35 caliber rifle -- were owned by the 15-year-old Merton boy’s parent; both have been recovered.

The subjects face charges that include reckless endangering safety, endangering safety by use of a dangerous weapon, criminal damage to property, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and underage drinking.
 

Chicks killed in barn fire at Wern Valley

June 11, 2013 7:47 a.m. | No people were injured in a five-alarm fire at the Wern Valley game farm in Genesee overnight, but thousands of pheasant chicks died.

Firefighters from numerous departments turned out to battle the fire, which destroyed at least one barn. More details as they become available.

House fire near Lac La Belle

June 11, 2013 7:34 a.m. | Firefighters from multiple departments responded to a house fire in Monastery Hill on the north shore of Lac La Belle at about 10:20 p.m. Monday. More details as they become available.

Waukesha County man helping turtle across road hit by school bus

June 10, 2013 10:50 p.m. | A turtle on Highway 59 in Eagle made it safely across the road with the help of a local man — who, unfortunately, got hit by a school bus in the process.

The driver of the school bus saw the man crossing Highway 59 just west of Antique Lane and slowed down, the Waukesha County Sheriff's Department said in a release.

After the man, who is 70 and from Eagle, picked up the turtle, he didn't see the bus coming and stepped out in front of it. Witnesses said the bus, owned by Illinois Central Truck Leasing, was going about 15 mph when it struck him, the release said. An ambulance took the man to Waukesha Memorial Hospital for injuries that were not life-threatening.

There were 49 children, three teachers and two parents on the bus, none of whom was hurt. The bus was from Lincoln School.

The turtle also survived the accident.

Paint the town purple with Relay for Life

June 10, 2013 4:00 p.m. | Help the American Cancer Society "Paint the Town Purple" on June 16 through 22, in support of Relay for Life. Join the American Cancer Society as it transforms the Village of Mukwonago purple to finish the fight against cancer. Join your local community as businesses and homes across Mukwonago use anything purple to decorate windows, sidewalks, mailboxes, trees, bushes and outdoor lights. 

For a $10 donation participants can receive 3 bows or for a $100 donation a Paint the Town Purple Decoration Kit that includes purple ribbons, bows, balloons and a Relay Yard Sign. You can decorate to “Remember” or “Honor” a friend or loved one who has battled cancer.

To receive a “Paint the Town Purple” decoration kit contact Valerie Tribble at the American Cancer Society at (262) 523-5509 or Dawn Sharon at (262) 349-3995 to receive a three-bow kit.

Join the Relay For Life on Friday on June 21 from 6 p.m. until 8 a.m. on Saturday, June 22. A survivor reception will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday honoring all cancer survivors in the area.

Bus hits man trying to help turtle cross the road in Eagle

June 10, 2013 2:52 p.m. | This morning at approximately 10:08 a.m. Waukesha County Sheriff's Department responded to a 911 call of a bus vs. pedestrian accident in the Town of Eagle.

According to the release from the Sheriff's Department A Milwaukee County District School Bus from Lincoln School was traveling westbound on Highway 59 just went of Antique Lane when the bus struck a 70-year-old Eagle an that was in the roadway trying to remove a turtle.

The man was taken by ambulance to Waukesha Memorial Hospital with what is believed to be non-life threatening injuries.

The Eagle man had pulled his car onto the shoulder of the road, exited his vehicle and walked into the roadway in the attempt to remove the turtle. The 49 year-old bus driver from Genoa City slowed down when he observed the man crossing the road but as the man returned to his vehicle he did not see the bus and stepped in front of it.

Per independent witnesses, the bus was not traveling more than 15 mph when it struck the man.

North Shore Bank, Pick 'N Save to kick start Pewaukee Fireworks

June 10, 2013 12:08 p.m. | North Shore Bank has announced today that it will match any donations made at the bank by individuals or non‐profit organizations to the Pewaukee Fireworks Fund, up to $3,500. Two Pick 'N Save stores in Pewaukee are also pitching in to save the event.

According to a Village of Pewaukee statement this week, firework organizers had hoped to raise $11,000 for this year’s show, and were forced to cancel the event when donations only amounted to $4,000.

Donations to the Pewaukee Fireworks Fund can be made at North Shore Bank’s Pewaukee branch on 120 W. Wisconsin Ave. beginning today and running through Monday, June 17. If the goal of $3,500 is not reached by that time, North Shore Bank will make a donation of $1,000 to the fund for the 2014 fireworks show.

“One of our primary goals at North Shore Bank is to support community events, such as Pewaukee’s annual Fourth of July fireworks show,” said Patty Muehl, branch manager of North Shore Bank’s Pewaukee location. “The fireworks are one of the traditions that make our community great and we would hate to lose them. I encourage the Pewaukee community to help us keep this great event alive and kicking!” 

Pick 'N Save will also be collecting donations for the Pewaukee Fireworks Fund. Between June 16-29, shoppers can donate right at the register. A few weekends in June, too, Pick N' Save will have water and popcorn for anyone who donates: June 22-23, June 29-30.

State Assembly passes injunction reform bill

June 10, 2013 9:31 a.m. | The Wisconsin State Assembly passed Assembly Bill 161 on June 6, relating to judicial injunctions on state law, authored by Representative David Craig (R-Town of Vernon).

In response to the passage of the bill, Rep. Craig issued the following statement:

“The Wisconsin State Assembly moved our state one step closer to ensuring that state laws that are passed by a statewide elected legislature, and signed by a statewide elected governor, receive fair and expedited review by our state’s courts. Both job creators and residents of our state have grown increasingly confused with the status of our state laws when a single county judge stops the statewide enforcement of statutes without an expedited review by a higher court.

“With the common sense changes this bill makes to the administration of our court system, citizens can be assured that a judge elected by a small portion of this state does not wield more power than a sitting Justice on our state’s Supreme Court. With the strong support this bill has received from key Senators, I look forward to the Wisconsin State Senate sending this legislation to the Governor’s desk.”

Under the legislation, if a circuit court or court of appeals places an injunction, restraining order, or other order that, upon entry, suspends or restrains the implementation of any state statute, it would be immediately appealable to a higher court, according to a news release from Craig. If such an appeal is made to a higher court within 10 days of entry of the lower court’s order, the lower court’s order would be immediately stayed pending an order by a higher court or a final and unappealable order disposing of the entire case. Nothing in this legislation would prevent any court from entering an order that suspends or restrains the implementation of a state statute, or prevents a higher court from removing the stay should the higher court determine the lower court’s order was reached appropriately.

Hispania to open June 21 in Delafield

June 10, 2013 8:40 a.m. | Hispania, billed as a fine-dining restaurant with a Mexican-fusion menu, is set to open June 21, the owners have announced.

The restaurant, at 601 Genesee St., is owned by Natalia Aramoni and Juan Gutierrez.

While the website doesn't include a menu because dishes will change frequently, it shows photos of halibut, tilapia, filet tips, crab cakes, chorizo and potatoes, flan and apple crepes, and mentions the Mexican states of Chiapas and Oaxaca as a focus.

Hours will be 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4:30 to 10 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday.

The restaurant, which is on Facebook and Twitter, will take reservations on Open Table and by phone, (262) 228-8940.

Maxwell Street Days kicks off this weekend in Mukwonago

June 07, 2013 3:00 p.m. | Maxwell Street Days is back in season in Mukwonago!

The 650+ vendor flea market in Field Park will have it's opening weekend June 8 and 9 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Food and refreshments are available as well as resonable parking.

Admission to the park is free, but please note that pets, bicycles and skateboards are prohibited.