Fourth candidate to attend Vernon Candidate Forum

March 30, 2010 1:56 p.m. | Candidate for Town of Vernon's Supervisor No. 1 seat Rodell Singert has decided to attend tonight's Town of Vernon Candidate Forum.

After being asked by several residents and supporters, along with members of the Vernon Residents for Sensible Government group, Singert said he has reconsidered his original decision to decline attending the forum.

The Forum will be held tonight from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Vernon Town Hall.

Oconomowoc cop killer seeks out-of-county jury

March 30, 2010 1:36 p.m. | Jefferson – The attorney for suspected cop killer Andrew Wirth is seeking a jury brought in from another county due to the publicity the case has generated.

Samuel Benedict informed Jefferson County Circuit Court Judge Jennifer L. Weston this morning he will be filing a motion asking for an out-of-county jury for the trial of his client Andrew Wirth.
Wirth, 24, is charged with two counts of intentional homicide for the death of Town of Oconomowoc officer Jennifer Luick, 37, and her boyfriend Gregg Peters, 40. Wirth is also charged with three counts of first-degree reckless endangering safety.

Luick and Peters were at Vinnie’s Rock Bottom in Jefferson Dec. 6, when Luick supposedly grabbed Wirth’s buttocks as he walked back. A confrontation ensued later in the parking lot and Wirth allegedly shot the couple.

A hearing will be held on May 20 regarding the jury issue.

Also, Weston denied a motion by Benedict seeking to dismiss the reckless endangering safety charges.
 

Mukwonago Cousins Evacuated

March 30, 2010 1:27 p.m. | Cousins Subs in Mukwonago has been evacuated, as the Mukwonago Fire Department investigates an electrical smell coming from the inside of the building.

The smell can also be detected outside of the Cousins building.

Mukwonago Police and Fire are currently on scene.

Vernon to consider televising candidate forum

March 30, 2010 8:10 a.m. | The Town of Vernon will hold a special meeting tonight at 6:30 p.m. - just before a candidate forum is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. - in order to discuss whether or not to televise the forum.

The board will review its Community Access Policy before deciding whether telecasting the forum is appropriate.

The board typically televises town meetings on Cable Channel 25; however concerns that telecasting the forum will open the door to other outside groups have been raised.

The forum, scheduled from 7 to 8:30 p.m. will allow candidates to address questions from the community.

Supervisor Joe Reilly, who is running for re-election, will be present.  His opponent, Rodell Singert, said he respectfully declined to participate.

Town of Vernon candidate forum tomorrow night

March 29, 2010 1:04 p.m. | A Town of Vernon candidate forum will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. March 30 at the Vernon Town Hall, W249 S8910 Center Drive.  Ernest-Ulrich Franzen, associate editorial page editor of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, will act as moderator.

Town Supervisor Tom Bird explained that each of the candidates will be given the opportunity to provide a two-minute opening statement, followed by a 60-minute question and answer period and a one-minute closing statement.

State says Summit can be a village

March 29, 2010 12:43 p.m. | Town of Summit - It will be up to the voters to make the final decision after state officials announced today that the Town of Summit has met the qualifications to become a village.

The state Incorporation Review Board notified Waukesha County Circuit Judge Kathryn Foster today that based on testimony presented at a public hearing, and other materials presented to the board, the Town has met the criteria to become a village.

Incorporation Review Board Chairman Brian Vigue recommended Foster set a date for an incorporation referendum.

Arrowhead boys to hold state-title ceremony

March 27, 2010 12:13 p.m. | The Arrowhead boys basketball team, fresh off the first state title in program history, will hold a Fan Appreciation and trophy ceremony at 6:30 p.m. Monday in the North Campus East Gym.

Community members are invited to witness team members cut down the nets and present the school with the title trophy.

The team will give away T-shirts (state-championship shirts and "No. 1 fan" shirts), and players will be available for pictures and autographs.

Report: Mills asks to be released from Boise State

March 25, 2010 1:28 p.m. | According to Mark Miller of WisSports.com, Arrowhead basketball center Ben Mills has asked to be released from his National Letter of Intent at Boise State University, a request that has been at least temporarily denied.

The 7-foot-1 big man helped the Warhawks win the Division 1 state title last weekend and signed to attend BSU earlier this year, before the Broncos fired head coach Greg Graham after his team went 15-17 this season.

Once an LOI is signed, a university is not required to honor the request in light of a coaching change. According to Mills' parents, the school wants to wait until a new coach is installed before making a final decision. Without a release, other schools are barred from officially recruiting Mills, and he would be subject to transferring penalties -- forced to sit out a season by the NCAA -- should he wish to participate with another institution.

Mills is only the second-ever Arrowhead boys basketball player to receive a scholarship from a Division 1 university.

State legislators set to visit Mukwonago School District on Monday

March 25, 2010 12:50 p.m. | A number of state legislators are scheduled to attend a Mukwonago School Board Meeting on Monday, March 29 to discuss school funding with the Mukwonago Area School District Board of Education.

Senator Mary Lazich, Senator Neal Kedzie, Representative Steve Nass, Representative Scott Gunderson and Representative Scott Newcomer are slated to attend the meeting at 7 p.m. in the Mukwonago High School library.

Audition to perform in a Pewaukee talent show

March 24, 2010 10:56 a.m. | Pewaukee residents and students can audition later this month for a chance to perform in a Pewaukee talent competition scheduled in April. 

"Pewaukee’s Got Talent" will be held April 24 showcasing locals’ talents.

Kitchen fire closes Mukwonago restaurant

March 23, 2010 2:56 p.m. | The Fork in the Road restaurant, 215 N. Rochester, Mukwonago, is temporarily closed after a fire broke out in the kitchen after 10 p.m. on Monday night. According to restaurant employees, no one was injured in the incident.

Nashotah candidates at forum March 24

March 23, 2010 12:14 p.m. | The Friends of Nashotah group is sponsoring a forum for candidates for village trustee at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 24, at the Red Circle Inn, at Watertown Plank Road and Highway C in the village.

Three of the four candidates seeking election are expected to attend and field questions from a moderator. They are incumbents Rick Johnson and Julie Swenson, who are seeking re-election, and challenger Louisa Self. Another challenger, Henry Nemer, is unable to attend because of business travel committments, according to Village President Rich Lartz.

Their names will be on the April 6 ballot.

Mukwonago School Board to look into policy on child care programs

March 23, 2010 10:55 a.m. | The Mukwonago Area School District Board of Education will look at creating a policy regarding childcare providers who want to offer before and after school programs in elementary school buildings within the district.

After a number of years of working with Kids Connection Childcare Center, which provides programs in three Mukwonago elementary schools, the district was approached by a second childcare provider requesting the opportunity to offer a program in the schools, thus prompting a review of how the district will handle multiple requests for child care programs in the same buildings.

At Monday's school board meeting, the board decided to maintain current relations with Kids Connection while it explores the possibility of a policy for dealing with future requests.

PHS musicians perform free concert tonight

March 23, 2010 8:13 a.m. | Enjoy classical and jazz musicians as they put on a show perfect for a spring celebration Tuesday, March 23 in the Pewaukee High School auditorium, 510 Lake St., at 7 p.m.  Six choirs will be singing some of the most respected choral music of the past 300 years, including pieces by Telemann, Pergolesi, and Haydn.  A professional string quartet will join the choirs in presenting this historic music.  In addition, the PHS Jazz Choir will wrap up their inaugural year with favorites like "Over the Rainbow" and the "Pink Panther," joined by a combo of jazz instrumentalists from the Pewaukee High School bands.  Community members are welcome to attend this free event to hear the students perform this challenging and beautiful music.

Ex-Butler cop enters guilty plea to possessing drugs

March 22, 2010 4:05 p.m. | Waukesha – An ex-Butler police officer entered a guilty plea Monday for taking narcotic drugs from a Butler residence.

Phillip J. Grabski, 36, of N26 W27517 Wildflower Road, City of Pewaukee, entered the plea about two months after he was charged in Waukesha County Circuit Court with one count of possession of narcotic drugs. Grabski faces a maximum sentence of 1-1/2 years in prison and 2-1/2 years of extended supervision.

According to the criminal complaint, Grabski took Oxycodone pills from the residence of a 68-year-old woman on N. 127th St. in October 2009.

Authorities questioned Grabski and he admitted he had some of the pills in a file cabinet in his office. Sheriff’s Department authorities located 15 Oxycodone pills in the cabinet, the complaint said. Grabski will be sentenced May 10.

Man rescued on Pewaukee Lake

March 22, 2010 8:40 a.m. | City of Pewaukee – Rescue workers pulled a man off  the thin ice of Pewaukee Lake after the man had attempted to rescue his dog than ran out onto the lake Sunday afternoon.

The Pewaukee Fire Department was called out at 1:11 p.m. and responded within two minutes to Peninsula Drive where they were able to pull the man onto shore, according to Fire Chief Kevin Bierce.
 

The man’s dog had run out onto the lake chasing ducks leading to the man to go out onto the lake, twice falling into the icy water, Bierce said. The man and dog were rescued and the man was treated by emergency medical technicians. The man was not taken to a hospital.

The Town of Delafield Fire Department also responded to the scene. No other details are available.
 

Arrowhead wins state title

March 20, 2010 10:06 p.m. | Arrowhead joined Classic 8 Conference running mate Catholic Memorial with a gold ball by winning the Division 1 state boys basketball title against Madison Memorial on Saturday, 72-51.

The defending-champion Spartans held a 31-23 lead at halftime, but Arrowhead stunned Memorial in the second half, closing the third quarter with a 16-2 run to take command of the contest after three quarters, 49-38. It marked the first title in boys basketball for Arrowhead and the first visit to the final game of the season.

Big man Ben Mills scored just 7 points in the first half for AHS, but a renewed emphasis on the inside game in the second half allowed the senior to finish with 18 points and 10 rebounds. The Boise State recruit contributed a double-double in each of the three state-tournament games. Andy Fox added 15 points, and Charles Rushman hit four 3-pointers to finish with 14 points.

See the full story here.

Season ends for MHS girls

March 20, 2010 9:10 p.m. | The Milwaukee Vincent Vikings will have a chance to win a fourth straight WIAA Division 1 girls basketball championship.

On Saturday at Waukesha North the Vikings defeated Mukwonago 50-36 in a WIAA Division 1 Sectional final contest.

Milwaukee Vincent, led by senior Nicole Griffin and junior Tynika Rogers, went 17-for-19 from the free throw line. Griffin had 21 points and seven rebounds. Rogers had 18 points.

Senior Emily Romdenne had 10 points for Mukwonago. Seniors Morgan Lamberg and Shannon Perez each had 7 points for the Indians.

Arrowhead wins stunner in semifinals

March 19, 2010 10:44 p.m. | The Arrowhead boys basketball team won a thriller in the WIAA state semifinals Friday, when Charles Rushman banked in a 3-pointer just before the buzzer to give the Warhawks a 60-58 win. Read the full story here.

Indians to face Milwaukee Vincent for state trip

March 19, 2010 10:03 p.m. | Mukwonago's varsity girls basketball team clamped down on defense on Friday, sending Kettle Moraine home with a 32-23 victory.

The win in the WIAA Division 1 Sectional semifinal  placed the Indians in Saturday's sectional final against Milwaukee Vincent, winners over Waukesha South.

Indians senior Shannon Perez scored 14 points, grabbed five rebounds and guarded Kettle Moraine junior Anna Luterbach extremly well all evening. Luterbach had just four points in the game and six rebounds.

Senior Morgan Lamberg scored 8 points and had nine rebounds for the Indians.

"We felt like we had to come out strong. We were pumped before the game and that helped us," Perez said.

OMH cuts back in response to new Aurora

March 19, 2010 10:55 a.m. |  

ProHealth Care announced Friday that it will be adjusting staff and operations in response to projected reductions in inpatient volume because of Auorora Wilkinson physicians now sending patients to the new Aurora Medical Center.

According to a press release, the changes include not filling open positions, using cross-campus resources with Waukesha Memorial, reducing work hours and eliminating positions.

"Hosptial officials estimate a 20 percent decrease in patient revenue in light of the changing market conditions in the Lake Country area," reads a press release.

OMH anticipates the adjustments will result in less than 3 percent of current positions being eliminated.

Accident on 83

March 19, 2010 7:53 a.m. | Traffic on Highway 83 inorth of I-94 s being diverted onto Nagawicka Road this morning because of an accident, WTMJ radio is reporting. Both lanes of traffic on 83 are blocked.

Pirates eliminated by Lions

March 18, 2010 9:16 p.m. | Pewaukee's varsity girls basketball team lost against New Berlin  Eisenhower on Thursday 65-52 in  the WIAA Division 2 Sectional semifinal. The game was played at Waukesha West High School.

Sophomore Nicole Bauman scored  20 points for New Berlin Eisenhower. Anna Hahn had 15 points and six rebounds.

Pewaukee got 15 points and nine rebounds from sophomore Emily Wirth. Senior Hannah Frett and sophomore Natalie  Wood each scored 10 points and sophomore Jordyn Swan added 7 points.

Oconomowoc Transport to be awarded $1.8 million grant

March 17, 2010 1:12 p.m. | The Governor’s Office of Energy Independence is expected to announce that Oconomowoc Transport will be awarded a $1.84 million grant from the ARRA (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act) Clean Cities FY09 Petroleum Reduction Technologies Projects for the Transportation Sector Grant Program.

OTC will purchase 11 hybrid school buses and a solar fueling infrastructure system.   This will create the greenest fleet of school buses in Wisconsin and help OASD reduce the amount  of diesel gasoline purchased annually for school bus transportation. OASD typically purchases approximately 70,000 gallons of fuel per year. The green buses will also reduce emissions.

Follow Arrowhead at state Thursday

March 17, 2010 11:14 a.m. | Lake Country Publications will be on the scene at the Kohl Center in Madison, providing a live blog when Arrowhead takes on Verona in the quarterfinals of the WIAA state boys basketball tournament. Check back for commentary from courtside when the game tips at 8:15 p.m. Thursday.

Ammunition stockpiled in City of Pewaukee

March 16, 2010 11:00 p.m. | The City of Pewaukee is storing 58,000 rounds of ammunition – more than five times any other Lake Country police department surveyed by Lake Country Publications.

There’s so much ammunition, in fact, that it has overflowed its armory storage and excess is in the city garage.

City Administrator Tammy LaBorde said she does not know who ordered the ammo, who it was ordered from, how much was ordered or when. The city budget does not have a separate line item or a budget code to search or track the history of ammunition orders, she noted.

On Monday, city officials debated what to do with the ammunition and other police equipment, now that the city no longer has its own police department. Since Dec. 31, the city has been contracting with the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department, which has taken custody of the ammunition. Aldermen voted unanimously to determine the value of the ammunition and the legal process for selling much of the supply.

Watch for more on this story in Thursday’s Living Lake Country Reporter.

Silo fire sends two to hospital

March 16, 2010 5:52 p.m. | Two men were taken from the scene of a silo fire on Highway DT near Highway 18 by Flight for Life this afternoon.

The Wales/Genesee Fire Department, along with several other departments, responded to the call around 3:30 p.m.

According to reports, a silo caught fire and two men became embedded in the corn and were trapped.  The two men were just rescued - one was transported to St. Lukes, the other to Froedtert.

Nothing is known of their injuries at this time.

Chemical explosion causes injury to employee's hand

March 16, 2010 11:24 a.m. | City of Oconomowoc - More than 30 people sought treatment at  Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital after a small chemical explosion took place just before 9 a.m. in the laundry area of a local resort.

 A female Olympia Resort employee was in the laundry area of the hotel mixing chemicals, including chlorine, to do the laundry. There was a chemical reaction that resulted in an injury to the woman’s hand. She suffered multiple fractures, mild burns and some eye irritation.

 “Obviously, the chemicals were then airborne, so she was taken to the Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital to be treated and to make sure there were no pulmonary issues,” said City of Oconomowoc Police Chief David Beguhn.

 The majority of the other patients were hotel employees, estimated to be about 32 or 33  in total, but did include some first responders. They complained of minor respiratory complaints and were treated and released.

The incident did not affect the guest area of the hotel.

Update: Chlorine likely cause of explosion

March 16, 2010 9:38 a.m. | A chlorine leak is likely the cause of an explosion at Olympia Resort around 9 a.m. Tuesday. Authorities were called to a report of an explosion in the laundry area of the hotel.

Employees were evacuated from this area only; no others were evacuated. One person was transported by ambulance, but no details were available as to the extent of their injury.

A strong smell of chlorine was reported at the scene. Mutual aid was given by Dousman, Stone Bank and Lake Country Fire and Rescue.

More on this story in Thursday's Living Oconomowoc Focus.

County golf courses open today

March 16, 2010 6:24 a.m. | The weather's warm, daylight saving time means it's now light after work. Sounds like the makings of a round of golf, and Waukesha County's links open this week.

Moor Downs opens for the season today, Tuesday. Naga-Waukee and Wanaki open Thursday, March 18.

To view rates or reserve a tee time, visit www.waukeshacountyparks.com

Green building talk Wednesday

March 15, 2010 12:46 p.m. |  

Tickets on sale for Arrowhead state quarterfinal

March 15, 2010 10:00 a.m. | Arrowhead High School will sell tickets for the boys basketball team's state quarterfinal until noon Wednesday.

The Warhawks play Thursday in Madison against Verona in the WIAA Division 1 tournament, and tickets can be purchased in the North Campus activities office until 4:30 p.m. Monday. Tickets will again be sold from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday and from 8 a.m. to noon Wednesday, at which point the school returns all unsold tickets to the WIAA.

Tickets for subsequent games during the weekend can be purchased directly at the Kohl Center in Madison.

Arrowhead tops Falls in epic sectional final

March 13, 2010 9:35 p.m. | The Arrowhead boys basketball team will make its third appearance at the WIAA Division 1 state tournament after surviving a remarkable 50-48 victory over Menomonee Falls before a packed Al McGuire Center on Saturday.

Michael Skarie drove the paint and scored with 3 seconds left to give Arrowhead the lead. Falls (21-4) ran the length of the floor in the time that remained, and John Cording's pull-up 3-pointer from  the top of the key rimmed short.

JP Tokoto scored 23 points for Falls and hauled in 10 rebounds, but the Indians were limited to 28 percent shooting. Still, Falls led by 1 point with 1:04 to play after Adam Rubatt buried a 3-pointer, and Andy Fox hit two free throws to give the lead back to the Warhawks. Tokoto split a pair of freebies with 21 seconds left, leading into the Warhawks' final possession.

Arrowhead (22-3) will face Verona in the WIAA quarterfinals Thursday at the Kohl Center in Madison, with tip scheduled for approximately 8:45 p.m. Replay the live blog here.

KM victory sets up rubber-match against Mukwonago

March 13, 2010 8:51 p.m. | Kettle Moraine's varsity girls basketball team won a WIAA Division 1 Regional Championship on Saturday, winning at home against Cedarburg 41-34.

The win moves Kettle Moraine to Friday's WIAA Division 1 Sectional semifinal against Mukwonago. The Lasers and Indians, which split this season in Classic 8 Conference play, meet at 8 p.m. on Friday at Waukesha North.

Becki Martin scored 11 points for Kettle Moraine (18-6 overall). Anna Luterbach had 9 points and nine rebounds. Melissa Leister had 8 points.

Carly Lythhohan scored 9 points for Cedarburg. Kelly Doedens scored 8 points.

Mukwonago girls roll past Oconomowoc

March 13, 2010 3:53 p.m. | Mukwonago's girls basketball team took a 23-9 lead after the first quarter and eased past Oconomowoc in the second round of the WIAA Division 1 playoffs Saturday afternoon, 62-35.

Three players hit double figures for the second-seeded Indians, led by Emily Romdenne, who scored 12 of her 16 in that first quarter. Shannon Perez added 13, and Morgan Lamberg pitched in with 12. The trio of seniors have been stalwarts all season for MHS (17-6), which will advance to face either Kettle Moraine and Cedarburg next Friday.

Kendra Brooks scored 9 of her 10 points in the first half for Cooney (14-10).

Lightning eliminated in Beaver Dam

March 13, 2010 3:41 p.m. | Lake Country Lutheran's varsity girls basketball team lost in the third round of the WIAA Division 4 Girls Basketball Tournament on Saturday.

Central Wisconsin Christian advanced  to the WIAA Sectional with a 59-47 victory over the Lightning.

Emily Dufek scored 24 points for Lake Country Lutheran. She had 11 rebounds. Brianna Steirer had 10 points.

Jaimie Kok had 27 points for Chentral Wisconsin Christian.

Lake Country Lutheran, winners on Thursday over Fall River at home, finished 22-3 overall this season.

Pewaukee girls win, move to sectional

March 13, 2010 3:34 p.m. | Pewaukee's varsity girls basketball team, ranked No. 8 in the state in the AP Division 2 rankings, moved to the WIAA Division 2 sectional Saturday afternoon by whipping No. 10 ranked Lakeside Lutheran at Waukesha North, 58-43.

The Pirates, 22-2 overall, will play in the opening round of the sectional Thursday at Waukesha West against longtime conference rival New Berlin Eisenhower. Tipoff time is set for 7 p.m.  NBE and Pewaukee split a pair of conference games this season. The winner of that game will play Saturday  at Waukesha South at 1 p.m. for the right to advance to state.

The 22 wins is a new school record.

Pewaukee trailed 11-10 with 20 seconds to play in the first period and then went on a 15-0 run to pull away for good. Pewaukee's biggest lead of the game was 16 points.

Once again the Pirates had  great balance offensively. Sophomores Natalie Wood and Jordyn Swan had 13 points each to lead PHS and Emily Wirth had 9, Shannon Kalamarz 8 and Hannah Frett 7. Brittany Groer chipped in with 5 points.

Follow Arrowhead live in its quest for state

March 13, 2010 11:04 a.m. | The Arrowhead boys basketball team needs one more win to reach the WIAA Division 1 state tournament, and it won't be easy against Menomonee Falls on Saturday, with tip at 7:30 p.m. from the Al McGuire Center in Milwaukee. Both teams enter the meeting with 21-3 records, and you can follow the action live with our courtside blog tonight.

Arrowhead shreds West in sectional semifinal

March 12, 2010 7:46 p.m. | The Arrowhead boys basketball team turned in a dominating performance Friday night at the Al McGuire Center in Milwaukee, overwhelming Waukesha West in the WIAA sectional semifinal, 64-32.

AHS will play in the 7:30 p.m. final with a state berth on the line Saturday night in the same venue. Germantown or Menomonee Falls will oppose.

Ben Mills finished with 18 points and 11 rebounds, while Andrew Reichl and Andy Fox each accumulated 11 points for the Warhawks. Arrowhead closed on the first half on a 23-3 run, and West was never a factor thereafter.

West was held to just 21 percent shooting for the game, while the Warhawks hit 28 of 50 for 56 percent.

Pewaukee girls advance

March 12, 2010 8:49 a.m. | Pewaukee's varsity girls baskebtall team advanced to the WIAA Division 2  regional finals Thursday night by defeating visiting Jefferson in a regional semifinal, 68-58.

The win vaulted the Pirates (21-2) into Saturday's  title game at Waukesha North at 1 p.m. against Lakeside Lutheran (20-3). The winner of that game will move into the sectional, set to begin on Thursday, March 18 at Waukesha West at 7 p.m. The winner of that game will play in the sectional title game on Saturday, March 20 at Waukesha South at 1 p.m.

On Thursday night , Pewaukee led 31-30 at halftime before outscoring Jefferson 22-13 in the third period. The Pirates stayed in front the rest of the game.

Sophomore Jordyn Swan led the winners with 20 points. Shannon Kalamarz chipped in 15 points, Hannah Frett 9 and Emily Wirth 8.

Grenade found on road in Pewaukee

March 11, 2010 4:30 p.m. | According to recent reports, the Milwaukee Bomb Squad was called to Pewaukee for report of a grenade found on the road there.

Authorities found it near Meadowbrook and Silvernail roads. That's just off I-94, near an elementary school.  The school says they haven't heard anything.

Live blog Friday: Arrowhead vs. Waukesha West

March 10, 2010 2:29 p.m. | Arrowhead and Waukesha West will battle Friday in a WIAA Division 1 sectional semifinal at the Al McGuire Center in Milwaukee. Follow the action as sports director JR Radcliffe provides commentary from courtside.

DA to review possible open meetings violations in Vernon

March 10, 2010 7:27 a.m. | Town of Vernon resident and one of the leaders of the Vernon Residents for Sensible Government, Mike Doble, is questioning Supervisor Joe Reilly's use of the "announcements" section of the past two board meetings, citing he is in violation of open meetings laws.

Town Clerk Marie Kumershek told board members last night that County Clerk Kathy Nickolaus had received multiple complaints from citizens regarding politicking during the announcement period of the past two town board meetings. 

Nickolaus forwarded those complaints to the district attorney's office.

The town board discussed whether the March 4 meeting should be looped on television throughout the day, given the investigation.

"We should not pull the tape," Reilly said.  "We're doing a service to the community ... We'll leave it up to the DA to determine if there was electioneering.  To be politicking, a candidate would have had to say 'vote for me.'"

KM girls push on

March 09, 2010 11:30 p.m. | Waukesha North wanted to hold the ball, but Kettle Moraine's varsity girls hoopsters wouldn't allow it, posting a 41-15 victory in the first round of the WIAA Division 1 playoffs on Tuesday.

"They did a good job, changing things up," JoEllen Dickert-Sturtz, Kettle's Moraine's head girls  coach said. "It took us time to adjust,"

Anna Luterbach and Becki Martin scored 10 points for the Lasers, who meet Cedarburg on Saturday for the right to go forward in the WIAA Division 1 playoffs.

Cooney cruises into regional final

March 09, 2010 9:34 p.m. | Oconomowoc surged out to a 19-5 lead and kept Milwaukee Madison at arm's length all night in a relatively easy 65-37 victory Tuesday in the opening round of the WIAA playoffs.

The Raccoons scored 19 of the game's final 23 points to expand the distance. Mandy Prom finished with 19 points, Kendra Brooks added 16 and Carley Esser added 10.

Seventh-seeded Cooney (14-8) will play second-seeded Mukwonago on Saturday in the WIAA regional final. Mukwonago defeated Oconomowoc in a nonconference game earlier this season, 47-40.

Hamilton girls upset Arrowhead

March 09, 2010 9:09 p.m. | Visiting Sussex Hamilton's varsity girls basketball team upset Arrowhead Tuesday night in the opening round of the WIAA Division 1 state regional, 46-42.

The win vaulted the Chargers (14-9) to Saturday';s regional title game against host Milwaukee Vincent. Vincent is the three-year defending state champions.

The loss ended the AHS season with a 10-13 mark, its second straight losing season.

Arrowhead had defeated Hamilton three weeks ago in a nonconference game, 47-37.

Sussex was led by Courtney Lemon with 12 points, Stephanie Kirchner 11 and Kerry Sullivan 10. The Chargers iced the game by sinking 10 of 12 free throws in the fourth quarter.

Man tries to flee cop, crashes into barn

March 09, 2010 2:28 p.m. | City of Delafield – A 21-year-old Hartland man who wanted to avoid getting a speeding ticket is accused of speeding past a squad car then trying to elude an officer only ending up crashing his car into a barn Sunday afternoon.

Kevin M. Carew of 1198 Forseth Drive, was charged Monday in Waukesha County Circuit Court with one felony count of eluding an officer.

According to the police report, an officer was parked at Westbrook Church, 1100 Highway 83 when he clocked a northbound car traveling 64 mph in a 45 mph zone. The officer noted the car sped up as it drove past him and continued to pull away as the officer pursued him.

The officer saw the car then cross the centerline and travel north in the southbound lanes forcing traffic in that lane to pull over onto the shoulder, the report said.

The officer lost sight of the car as he drove up the steep hill on Highway 83 but later found the car had attempted to turn west onto Nagawicka Road but lost control and went into a yard and hit a former milk house that is attached to an unused barn, the report said.
 

Lannon candidate forum tonight

March 09, 2010 1:04 p.m. | Meet the candidates vying for three open, two-year term Lannon trustee seats during a forum beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Quarry Coffee, 20316 Main St.

Owner Scott Mattfeld said he wanted to do his part by offering a comfortable, neutral atmosphere for residents to get better-aquainted with the candidates.

Mattfeld said he will ask people to write their quesitons on paper and he will organize them and moderate the forum.

"There will be no bashing or heckling," Mattfeld said in reference to recent happenings at a public safety meeting. Being a Menomonee Falls resident, Mattfeld can't vote, but said he wants to provide the opportunity for people who will vote.

Vying for the three spots in the April 6 election are incumbents Diane Daily, Terry Gissal and Ron Dutcher. Challengers are Amy Martin, Howard Hadley and Daryl Fiene.

Town of Vernon calls special meeting

March 09, 2010 10:40 a.m. | A Special Meeting of the Town of Vernon Board was called for tonight at 8:30 p.m.  The board is scheduled to discuss the agreement with McGrath Consulting to evaluate the fire department and the County Clerk's recommendation concerning the video replaying of last week's board meeting.

Blood drive honors Pewaukee district nurse

March 08, 2010 12:53 p.m. | The Pewaukee High School Key Club will hold its 20th annual blood drive in honor of District Nurse Karen Smith who passed away in January.  Smith was passionate about saving lives and this will be the first blood drive without her.  The past 19 drives Pewaukee High School has collected over 1,700 units of blood.  The district will continue the tradition she started with a blood drive held Friday, March 26 from 6:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Community members may sign up to donate by contacting Dominic Bauer at (262) 691-2100 ext. 6108 or bauedom@pewaukee.k12.wi.us.

Big Bend Fire Dept. Exploratory Committee meets Wednesday

March 08, 2010 10:42 a.m. | The Big Bend Fire Department Exploratory Committee will meet again this Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at the Big Bend Village Hall.

Committee spokesperson James Soneberg said the committee is working diligently to come up with the best solution for providing fire service to village residents after the Big Bend-Vernon Fire Department splits Dec. 31.

Fog affects morning commute

March 08, 2010 7:20 a.m. | Motorists should plan extra time into their commute this morning, as thick fog is slowing things down, particularly in our western communities.

The fog gives way at times to clearer conditions, but just as quickly closes in again. Be sure your lights are on, and drive carefully.

Pewaukee wrestlers finish second at state

March 06, 2010 9:19 p.m. | Pewaukee's varsity wrestling team, ranked No. 5 in the state by Crossface Magazine, finished second Saturday night at the historic UW Field House at the WIAA State Team tournament in Division 2. Oconto Falls, ranked No. 1, defeated the Pirates for the 2010 state championship, 38-23.

It was the third straight state tourney appearance for the fast-rising Pirates.

Oconto Falls clinched the championship in the 13th of the 14 matches. PHS trailed 32-20 with two macthes to go and needed pins by Mike Dusel and AJ Olivares to tie. Dusel won by a 6-5 decision, icing the win for the Panthers.

In the semfinals Saturday afternoon, Pewaukee stopped Lodi, 35-20. In that match Travis Decker won by a pin and decision winners were Nathan Knutson, Kent Girmscheid, Alex Owens, Nathan Moore, Max Nonnamaker, Mitch Teeters, Chris Czech, Dusel and Olivares.

In the finals, Pewaukee got a pin from Decker and decision victories from Dusel, Josh Berg, Girmscheid, Nonnamaker and Teeters.

AHS narrowly outranks Cedarburg boys

March 06, 2010 8:55 p.m. | The Arrowhead Warhawks varsity boys basketball team is headed to the WIAA Division 1 Sectional on Friday.

Playing at home in the WIAA Regional championship game on Saturday the Warhawks defeated the Cedarburg Bulldogs 50-48.

Bulldogs' leader Chip Rank attempted a 3-point shot from halfcourt as the final horn sounded. The shot hit the rim but was ruled late. Rank, who scored 47 points in the Bulldogs vvictory over Homestead on Tuesday, finished with 31 points and 14 rebounds.

Charles Rushman scored 16 points for Arrowhead. Ben Mills had 11 rebounds. Russ Finco had 13 points for the winners.

Porticello temporarily closed

March 06, 2010 2:00 a.m. | Club Porticello on Silver Lake is temporarily closed for business according to a sign posted on the door Friday. The sign on the door says the business is closed because the restaurant's furnace is broken, but other merchants in the area have said owner, Tony Pipito, is experiencing financial difficulties.

The City of Oconomowoc said Pipito has not yet paid his property taxes, however city staff said that is not why the restaurant is closed.

Pipito owes the City $25,837.71 in property taxes on the restaurant for 2009 with $775.13 in penalities and fines now attached to it, and $2,359.68 plus $70.79 in fines for personal property in the restaurant. 

According to the Wisconsin Court System Web site, there is also a court judgement of $22,908.50 outstanding on Pipito and Club Porticello. LTD of Wisconsin, a restaurant equipment supplier, filed a suit in July. Milwaukee County Circuit Court ruled in the plantiff's favor in October and filed a transcript of judgement in Waukesha County on Nov. 5

Calls to Pipito were not returned by the time of this posting. 

Porticello restaurant temporarily closed

March 05, 2010 3:43 p.m. | Club Porticello on Silver Lake is temporarily closed for business, according to a sign posted on the door Friday. The sign says the business is closed because the restaurant's furnace is broken, but other merchants in the area have said owner, Tony Pipito is experiencing financial difficulties.

The City of Oconomowoc said Pipito has not yet paid his property taxes; however, city staff said that is not why the restaurant is closed.

Pipito owes the city $25,837.71 in property taxes on the restaurant for 2009 with $775.13 in penalities and fines now attached to it, and $2,359.68 in taxes plus $70.79 in fines for personal property in the restaurant. 

According to the Wisconsin Court System Web site, there is also a court judgement of $22,908.50 outstanding on Pipito and Club Porticello. LTD of Wisconsin, a restaurant equipment supplier, filed a suit in July. Milwaukee County Circuit Court ruled in the plantiff's favor in October and filed a transcript of judgement in Waukesha County on Nov. 5

Calls to Pipito were not returned by the time of this posting. 

Pewaukee falls to East Troy in boys hoops

March 04, 2010 10:20 p.m. | Pewaukee mounted a late threat but fell to East Troy in the second round of the WIAA Division 2 playoffs Thursday, 59-57.

Read the full story here.

AHS girls upset Mukwonago

March 04, 2010 10:13 p.m. | Arrowhead's varsity girls basketball team upset highly touted Mukwonago Thursday night in the final regular season game of the year, 50-43.

AHS used a 17-8 edge in the second period to defeat the Indians.

Senior guard Haley Thiel, thanks to a trio of 3-pointers, finished with a team-high 17 points. Jenny Smith added 10 points, Jessica Goetz 9 and Andie Zeman 7.

Pewaukee girls finish with a win

March 04, 2010 9:06 a.m. | Pewaukee's varsity girls basketball team, ranked No. 8 in the state in this week's state AP Poll in Division 2, finished the 2009-10 regular season Wednesday night by scoring a 44-33 Woodland Conference victory over host Cuhday.

PHS finished the season with a 20-2 overall mark and a 17-1 league record.

The Pirates led 3-0 after the first period and 15-6 at halftime.

Senior Hannah Frett, sophomore Natalie Wood and sophomore Emily Wirth had 9 points each for Pewaukee. Jordyn Swan had 7 points and Shannon Kalamarz 6 for the winners.

PHS will begin WIAA tourney play on Thursday, March 11, when they host either Whitewater or Jefferson at 7 p.m.

$100,000 in damages from fire at Bruno

March 04, 2010 7:29 a.m. | City of Oconomowoc - No injuries were reported from a fire that broke out Wednesday night at an Oconomowoc manufacturing company that resulted in an estimated $100,000 in damages.

The fire occurred at Bruno Independent Living Aids, 1088 Executive Drive, about 6:30 p.m. and employees were evacuated from the building.  The company manufactures stair, platform and vehicle lifts and other accessibility products.

End of the year for KM boys

March 02, 2010 10:09 p.m. | Kettle Moraine's varsity boys basketball team had its 2009-10 season come to an end Tuesday night as the visiting Lasers lost to Waukesha West in the opening round of WIAA Division 1 regional, 46-31.

KM finished the season with 11 losses in a row and a 4-19 record.

Patrick Zemanovic fired in14 points to lead KM. Dan Mikesell added 8 to that total.

Waukesha West was led by Matt Jipson with 13 points and Dan Cerroni with 12.

Pewaukee boys win opener

March 02, 2010 10:04 p.m. | Pewaukee's varsity boys basketball team, ranked No. 15 in the state in Division 2, defeated visiting Whitewater Tuesday in the opening round of the WIAA Division 2 regional, 63-45.

By winning, PHS will play at East Troy Thursday at 7 p.m. Both of those teams have 20-3 records. East Troy is ranked No. 8 in Division 2.

Three reserves, Dave Reese, Jordan Daul and Jordan Edgerson combined to make four baskets in a row late in the third period and into the fourth quarter to vault the Pirates to a 45-37 lead. Whitewater never threatened after that surge.

Mike Olewinski and Tyler Hanson had 11 points each to lead Pewaukee. Edgerson and Matt Dabney had 8 points apiece and Dave Reese and Patrick Bacon chipped in with 7 tallies each.

Hamilton outlasts Oconomowoc

March 02, 2010 9:38 p.m. | Brett Meinecke scored 15 points and Sussex Hamilton methodically marched past Oconomowoc in the first round of the WIAA Division 1 playoffs Tuesday night, 47-38.

The Raccoons were lingering close at 36-33 with 3 minutes to go, and the Chargers (13-10) hit 11 of 14 the rest of the way from the free-throw line to account for the rest of the scoring. Paul Williams scored 8 of his 12 points in the second half to pace Oconomowoc, which finished the season 11-12.

Live blog: Cooney and Hamilton hoops

March 02, 2010 2:50 p.m. | Follow sports director JR Radcliffe's live blog from courtside when the Oconomowoc boys basketball team travels to face Sussex Hamilton in the opening round of the WIAA regional tonight, with tip slated for 7 p.m.

Information on Costa Rica trip available at March 9 meeting

March 02, 2010 12:59 p.m. | Science teacher Jodie Pease (Park View Middle School) and Spanish teacher Karen Sperstad (Mukwonago High School) will lead a trip to the Central American country of Costa Rica.                                             

            This opportunity is open to current eighth graders in Spanish I current ninth graders taking Spanish II as freshmen – and their families. The nine-day trip will take place April 21 – 29, 2011, over Easter break. It will offer students insight into science and environmental issues that few ever experience. The chance to practice their new language skills and learn about Spanish culture first hand will be another focus of this adventure for students. 

There will be an informational meeting on Tuesday, March 9 at 6:30 PM in Room 65 at Park View. If you have any questions before the meeting, or cannot attend but are interested in the trip, feel free to contact Pease at (262) 363-6292 extension 27065 or e-mail at peasejo@mukwonago.k12.wi.us. 

The trip itinerary can be viewed at www.eftours.com. Go to the “parent information” page and click on “get started today.” Select “check out a tour” and enter tour number 994879.              Sign up for the trip without delay in order to secure a spot on this Costa Rica adventure and to be able to take full advantage of the fund raiser opportunities. EF is offering a $150 discount per person, to those travelers who sign up before March 31, 2010. 

Summit Aurora names Derrig as Chief of Staff

March 02, 2010 10:00 a.m. |  

Aurora Health Care announced Monday the appointment of Thomas M. Derrig, M.D., MMM, FACS, CPE as the inaugural chief of staff for the new Aurora Medical Clinic in Summit.

Lutheran Association exceeds campaign goal

March 01, 2010 10:27 a.m. | The Lutheran High School Association of Greater Milwaukee has exceeded the $6 million challenge goal by deadline to receive a $3 million matching gift from an anonymous donor. 

The Association, which Lake Country Lutheran in Hartland is part of, was challenged by the donor to collect $6 million in campaign contributions by Feb. 28 to receive the donation. Less than two weeks left they had raised nearly $4.43 million. But as of midnight Feb. 28, the official campaign total was $6.26 million with campaign totals still coming in, the Association reported.

"We have truly been blessed," said Todd Moritz, CEO of the Lutheran High School Association. "Few thought that we could accomplish this objective, especially in a recession. But we know that with God nothing is impossible. We put our faith and trust in Him and made ourselves available to be used by Him to achieve this goal."

The Lutheran High School Association of Greater Milwaukee operates three high schools which include Lake Country Lutheran as well as Milwaukee Lutheran and Greendale’s Martin Luther high schools.