Oconomowoc stuns Menomonee Falls

Aug. 27, 2010 10:54 p.m. | Oconomowoc's football team staged one of the state's biggest upsets in Friday's season opener, shocking returning state runner-up Menomonee Falls on the road Friday, 22-6.

The Raccoons fell last year to the Indians in the season opener, 42-7, but never allowed another score after Falls returned the opening kickoff for touchdown.. Brady Nold racked up 184 yards rushing with two touchdowns, including a 94-yard scamper in the second quarter.

It was a landmark win for the building Oconomowoc program under second-year coach Ryan McMillen. Falls scored its only points of the game on a 98-yard return by Matt Christenson to open the game, but a missed PAT opened the door for the Raccoons.

Cooney quarterback Alex Levine completed 8 of 14 passes for 114 yards and also ran for a touchdown in the third quarter.

Watt dazzles, Pewaukee hangs on

Aug. 27, 2010 10:08 p.m. | Pewaukee running back Derek Watt entered Friday's season opener against New Berlin Eisenhower considered among the best players in the state. He didn't disappoint.

The senior running back rolled up 194 all-purpose yards, three touchdowns, a field goal and 2-point conversion pass to younger brother TJ Watt as Pewaukee defeated host Ike in a clash of Woodland heavyweights, 25-15.

Watt's rushes -- aided by the services of an entirely new offensive line -- included a 1-yard plunge on the last play of the first half, giving the Pirates a 15-8 lead at halftime. His 27-yard run in the final four minutes of the fourth quarter proved to be the dagger after the Lions had inched within 18-15.

Watt also kicked two PATs and a 32-yard field goal. He took a direct snap and lobbed the ball to TJ for a 2-point conversion after his first score -- a 56-yard scamper.

Pewaukee (1-0) will host Greendale next week in a battle of two teams favored to win their divisions in the Woodland.

Warhawks roll in opener

Aug. 27, 2010 9:47 p.m. | Arrowhead's varsity football team scored on the first play from scrimmage when senior running back Colton Sweitzer exploded on an 80-yard touchdown run and the Warhawks went on to destroy visiting West Allis Hale in a nonconference game, 31-7 Friday night.

Hale had just 51 yards of offense before scoring a touchdown with 1:19 remaining in the game.

Arrowhead's second touchdown came on a 40-yard pass on a fake punt. Punter Drew Meyer hit Derek Landisch on the play for the score.  Meyer added a 24-yard field goal, Landisch scored on a 5-yard run and Nick Abresch scored on an 18-yard run.

In coach TomTaraska's 29 years as head coach, the win marked the 28th time the Warhawks have won the season-opener.

Bulldogs ground KM in football opener

Aug. 27, 2010 9:47 p.m. | Cedarburg had its way with host Kettle Moraine on Friday in a nonconference season-opening football game.

The Bulldogs won the game 35-7.

Kettle Moraine's lone touchdown came in the third quarter on a 1-yard run by quarterback Nic Cieslak. Kyle Kita kicked the extra point for Kettle Moraine.

Follow Pewaukee-Eisenhower football LIVE

Aug. 27, 2010 2:58 p.m. | Follow Friday's season-opening clash between Pewaukee and New Berlin Eisenhower at the Preps Alcove with a live blog from sports director JR Radcliffe. Check out a host of links already available, with more to come starting just before kickoff.

Oakbrook Esser Studios collection on exhibit

Aug. 27, 2010 1:01 p.m. | The grand opening of an exhibit that focuses on Oconomowoc’s own Oakbrook Esser Studios will take place  Wednesday at the Haggerty Museum at Marquette University.

   ‘Let There Be Light: Stained Glass and Drawings from the Collection of Oakbrook Esser Studios’ will run through Jan. 2, 2111.   

“It’s a great honor to do this,” said studio owner Paul Phelps. For more information on the exhibit, read the Tuesday edition of the Oconomowoc Focus.

Equalized value goes down in county

Aug. 27, 2010 12:57 p.m. | Waukesha County, long regarded as a bastion of property wealth, has posted its greatest decline in equalized values in the last three decades, according to information recently released from the state department of Revenue (DOR).

“Overall the reduction was 3.2 percent. That was higher than expected," said Norm Cummings, the county director of administration.

For more information on this story, read pick up a copy of the newspaper at an outlet near you.

Mukwonago presents case for 'Indians'

Aug. 27, 2010 11:24 a.m. | Officials from the Mukwonago School District defended their use of the "Indians" name and logo at a hearing today before the state Department of Public Instruction.

Mukwonago High School graduate Rain Koepke filed a complaint with the state, asserting that the use of the name and logo contributed to his harassment as a Native American.

School Attorney Mark Olson defended the school's use, saying the mascot and logo were the targets of "unfair, unjust and unfounded assertions." He said the logo, which depicts an Native American man with a feathered headdress, has been used for decades and has a "profound and very deep meaning" to students and community members.

Koepke was represented at the hearing by Barbara Munson, said the logo teaches children to become accustomed to stereotyping and discrimination. Munson is a member of the Oneida Nation and is chairwoman of the Wisconsin Indian Education Association's Indian Mascot and Logo Taskforce.

The state will issue a decision on whether to allow the district to keep the Indians name within 45 days.

Lurvey trial set for January

Aug. 26, 2010 2:54 p.m. | Waukesha – The trial for Chad Lurvey, accused of killing two Mukwonago men will not be held until early next year.

Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge Patrick J. Haughney ordered this afternoon the trial to begin Jan. 24. Lurvey, 36, formerly of Town of Ottawa, was charged in July 2009 for murdering Brian Lazzaro and Andrew Long, both 25, in August 2002.

Lurvey’s attorney, Dean Strang, suggested the trial be held in March or April, but Haughney said that would be too far out. The trial is expected to last about two weeks.
 

Highway 16 project to start next week

Aug. 26, 2010 2:02 p.m. | Motorists traveling on Highway 16 between Capitol Drive in Pewaukee and Highway KC (Merton Avenue) in Hartland may want to plan some extra time into their schedule. Beginning the week of Aug. 30, the state Department of Transportation plans to resurface the 3.6 miles of roadway. The project will also include widening the shoulders, installing new beam guard and adding rumble strips.

Gov. Jim Doyle announced today that he approved the $5.7 million project as part of his ongoing "Grow Wisconsin" initiative to invest in Wisconsin's infrastructure and stimulate the state's economy.

Highway 16 will remain open to traffic during the project, though single-lane closures will occur during off-peak hours.

The contractor, Payne and Dolan Inc., is scheduled to complete the project by the end of October, weather permitting.

The project will be funded 80 percent with federal transportation funds and 20 percent with state transportation funds.

Delafield prepares for move to new quarters

Aug. 26, 2010 10:29 a.m. | City officials will begin meeting in the new City Hall Council Chambers on Genesee Street effective Oct. 1, according to a statement from City Clerk Gina Gresch.

Eagle F2 Survivor's Fest Sept. 1

Aug. 25, 2010 1:38 p.m. | If you survived the tornado, come and enjoy a home-cooked meal among friends and neighbors.

The Eagle Lions and Eagle Lioness Clubs are sponsoring a dinner with free food and beverages for anyone who survived the tornado or even helped and volunteered in its aftermath.

RSVP indicating the number of guests and your anticipated arrival time to eaglewisc-lions@yahoo.com or (262) 594-3500 by Sunday, Aug. 29.

The event will take place from 4 to 8 p.m. in the St. Theresa School Hall Wednesday, Sept. 1.

Meet the farmers at Saturday's Ride to the Barns.

Aug. 25, 2010 11:37 a.m. | A bicycle ride in the country will often take cyclists past quaint farms and barns, which can provide sensory overload for eyes, ears and nostrils. During the Ride to the Barns, presented by the Tall Pines Conservancy, riders will get more than a passing glance at farms; they’ll get to stop and rest plus sample food fresh from the farmer’s garden. This weekend’s Ride to the Barns starts at 9 a.m. at Camp/Quad, 6886 County Road Q (highways Q and 83 in Washington County) with a 62-mile route through beautiful, bucolic southeastern Wisconsin. The 30-mile ride starts at 10 a.m. Following the rides, from 1 to 3 p.m., join fellow riders for refreshments and more fresh-from-the-fields food from local farmers. For more information about the Tall Pines Conservancy’s Ride to the Barns, visit www.tallpinesconservancy.org.

Joint department not an option for Big Bend-Vernon fire service

Aug. 24, 2010 9:50 p.m. | Residents in the Town of Vernon who were expecting to hear three recommendations from McGrath Consulting, Inc. regarding the Big Bend-Vernon Fire Department were disappointed tonight when only two options were presented to the town board: either have the Village of Big Bend contract with the Town of Vernon in a Town of Vernon Fire Department or go at it alone with the Town of Vernon Fire Department.

There was no recommendation to remain a joint department.

The board's motives have been questioned after a series of secret meetings took place between board members and the consultant and the town's refusal to turn over a copy of the report they discussed, citing it was a "draft."

The board plans to meet at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 31 to discuss which direction to take.

Find more on this story in next week's Mukwonago Chief.

State Open up for grabs

Aug. 24, 2010 8:39 p.m. | The 36-hole cut was made at the Wisconsin State Open golf tournament Tuesday evening and a strong field of players will take part on Wednesday in the 36-hole final at The Legend at Bristlecone in Hartland. It took a score of 7-over-par to make the final 36 holes.

Patrick Stolpe is the leader going into Wednesday at 6-under-par 134. Former champions Dan Woltman and Eddie Teresa are next at 5-under-par and Charlie Delsman is fourth at 3-under par.

Stolpe and Delsman both fired rounds of 5-under-par 65 on Tuesday. Those are the lowest two scores of the tournament so far.

Mukwonago Indians hearing Friday

Aug. 24, 2010 1:52 p.m. |

Mukwonago School District officials will defend the district’s use of an American Indian as its mascot and logo at a hearing before the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction on Friday.

Under a recently enacted law, Mukwonago High School Student Rain Koepke filed a formal complaint with the state about the school’s use of the mascot and logo, saying it contributed to his harassment as an American Indian.

A few weeks ago, the state ordered the Osseo-Fairchild School District to drop the use of its Chieftains name and logo. The Kewaunee School District voluntarily agreed to drop its use of the Indians name, saving it from having to go to a hearing with the state.

Mukwonago’s hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. Aug. 27 in Madison. Watch LivingLakeCountry.com for late-breaking news and any decisions.

TONIGHT: Vernon to accept consultant's report

Aug. 24, 2010 10:22 a.m. | The Town of Vernon will listen to a presentation on the fire department report from McGrath Consultant Group, Inc. at a special board meeting called for tonight at 6:30 p.m.  There will be no public comment at this meeting and the board will not take action on the report's recommendations.  They will, however, establish a date to further review the report.

Feder wins golf title

Aug. 23, 2010 9:02 p.m. | Natalie Feder and her Arrowhead varsity girls golf team turned in good performances Monday at the Milwaukee Pius Invite at Washington County golf course in Hartford.

Feder won individual honors by shooting a round of 77, her best ever playing for the Warhawks.

In the team scoring, Arrowhead finished second in the field of nine teams with a score of 341. Divine Savior Holy Angels won the crown with a 337 score.

Three share lead at State Open

Aug. 23, 2010 8:58 p.m. | With the first 18 holes completed, three golfers were tied for first place Monday at the Wisconsin State Open tournament at The Legend at Bristlecone in Hartland.

Greg Fehrman of Rothschild, Eddie Teresa of Waukesha and Jack Gaudion of Wales all fired 3-under-par rounds of 67.

A field of 155 golfers played in the  opening round on Monday. The entire field will play another 18 holes on Tuesday before a cut is made. Those making the cut will play 36 holes on the final day Wednesday.

Lisbon incorporation petition approved

Aug. 23, 2010 3:51 p.m. | Town of Lisbon - Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge Donald J. Hassin Jr. has given a citizens' group permission to petition the state to incorporate the Town of Lisbon into a village.

The hearing in Hassin's court last less than five minutes. Sussex Village Attorney Stanley Riffle told the judge he had no objections to a new petition filed by Lisbon-Inc.org, the citizens' group seeking to upgrade Lisbon's form of government from a town to a village.

Riffle has blocked court approval in two previous hearings when he raised technical objections to the petitions, arguing they did not comply with the requirements of state law. Michael Krill, an attorney for the citizens group, corrected the flaws and distributed the petition to surrounding government units inlcuding the villages of Menomonee Falls and Sussex, which Riffle represents.

Krill said the citizens group is seeking incorporation to prevent surrounding villages from annexing town lands and to protect the town's history and natural resources.

If the petition is approved by a state incorporation review board, the court will set a date for a referendum for voters to decide whether they want the town to become a village. Town officials have endorsed "any effort" to incorporate but, so far, have refused to provide any funds for the effort. A $25,000 filing fee is required  before the incorporation review board conducts its hearings.

State Golf Open at Bristlecone

Aug. 22, 2010 4:56 p.m. | The Legend at Bristlecone in Hartland will host the 2010 Wisconsin State Open golf tournament Monday through Wednesday. Most of the top professional and amateur golfers in the state will be competing.

Two shifts of players, morning and afternoon,  will play on Monday and Tuesday. A cut will be made after the 36 holes are completed on Tuesday. The final 36 holes will be played Wednesday.

Defending champion Dan Woltman of Beaver Dam is in the field.

West Bend wins LOL West championship

Aug. 22, 2010 4:53 p.m. | Regular season champion West Bend got a brilliant one-hit pitching performance from right-hander Andy Hetebrueg Sunday afternoon as the 7-Up defeated  the visiting Brookfield Bulldogs by a 2-0 score to win the 2010 Land O' Lakes Western Division championship.

By winning, West Bend will represent the LOL West in next weekend's LOL Grand Championship playoffs. West Bend will host Cedarburg Saturday at 1:30 p.m. and then play at Kenosha on Sunday at the same time.

Hetebrueg allowed only a bloop single by Josh Lemke in the sixth inning  to break up his no-hit bid. Hetebrueg tossed a no-hitter against Oconomowoc two weeks ago.

West Bend scored solo runs in the sixth and seventh innings. Dan Mueller singled in the winning run for the 7-Up in the sixth.

Hetebrueg struck out 12, walked one batter and hit another.

Downed tree blocks Valley Road

Aug. 20, 2010 4:37 p.m. | A tree knocked down around 4:30 p.m. by passing thunderstorms has blocked Valley Road closing the road to traffic.

The tree fell in the area of 37127 Valley Road. A tree limb was also reported to have fallen on electrical wires in the area of 37726 Valley Road causing the wires to spark and catch the limb on fire. Fire department authorities had the fire out around 15 minutes later.

According to information broadcast on Waukesha County dispatch, the storm damage also caused a transformer to catch fire for a short time, but the fire was put out after several minutes.

No further information on Valley Road reopening was available at the time of this posting.

Thunderstorm warning in effect

Aug. 20, 2010 3:51 p.m. | The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Waukesha County, effective until 4:30 p.m.

Miller wins auctioneer championship

Aug. 20, 2010 11:59 a.m. | Carol Miller, owner of Bailey’s Honor Auction Service of Oconomowoc,  won the 2010 Auctioneer Champion title recently at the Wisconsin State Fair.

Miller is the first woman auctioneer to ever win the title.

Huzzah! It's vintage baseball at Old World!

Aug. 20, 2010 12:00 a.m. | It was a gentleman’s game back in the 1860s. Base ball (spelled with two words in those days) looked a lot different than it does today. There were no strike zones, umpires were called ‘sir,’ fans were ‘cranks’ and players ‘ballists.’ Cranks cheered with shouts of ‘huzzah!’ You can come and ‘huzzah’ all you want on Saturday, Aug. 21, when the Eagle Diamonds play the Greenbush Dead Citys at 1:30 p.m. at Old World Wisconsin’s Ward School Field in Eagle. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs to relax and watch players in baggy uniforms swinging fat bats at lemon peel-stitched balls. While the sport is from days gone by, the admission price is quite modern: $16 for adults, $14 for students and seniors, $9 for children 5-17, and $43 for a carload of up to nine. Call (262) 594-6300 or visit www.oldworldwisconsin.org for more information.

Learn how to dress for an interview at St. Paul group

Aug. 19, 2010 2:22 p.m. | St. Paul's Catholic Church in Genesee Depot hosts a weekly drop-in employment support group every Monday at 9 a.m. in the Family Room. All are welcome to attend for networking, encouragement and support.

The guest speaker for Monday, Aug. 23 is Kim Koch of Matchless Image will talk on the topic "How to Dress for an Interview."

First impressions count in a competitive job market. Learn the tips and secrets to dressing for success from a professional image consultant. Koch, a color analyst and stylist for over 14 years,  has served a variety of clients, both men and women, from all professions. She has a passion to help people succeed in every area of life where a stellar image is essential. Kim is a member of the AICI (Association Image Consultants International) and speaks frequently to church, business and university groups. 

Pedestrian killed by car in Big Bend

DOT: High-speed rail will not stop in Oconomowoc

Aug. 18, 2010 3:21 p.m. | The state Department of Transportation has eliminated the possibility of a proposed rail stop in Oconomowoc, citing a lack of support from Mayor Jim Daley, staff and community members.

In a letter from DOT Secretary Frank Busalacchi, sent via e-mail to Daley yesterday, he said "None of the proposed immediate station locations are necessary for the project and may be eliminated or modified to meet the needs of the Rail Corridor Project."

Alderwoman Cathleen Slattery said that statement is the No. 1 statement in the letter that stood out to her and she said Brookfield and Watertown should be concerned as well.

Slattery also questioned the wisdom of removing the possibility of the Oconomowoc stop as it sits in the middle of the Milwaukee to Madison rail corridor.

She wonders what the DOT's motivation is.

Pewaukee Village beach opened

Aug. 18, 2010 2:05 p.m. | Village of Pewaukee – The Park and Recreation Department lifted the advisory Tuesday regarding E coli in Pewaukee Lake near the beach.

The beach had been closed since Aug. 7. The department will continue to test the water on a weekly basis or after a heavy rain event until Labor Day weekend.
 

ACT scores jump at OHS

Aug. 18, 2010 1:21 p.m. | The Oconomowoc Area School District  announced today that Oconomowoc High School  students earned an average total composite score of 23, on the ACT test, which exceeds national  score of 21.1 and bests the state result of  22.1.

This year’s performance represents the high school’s largest one-year gain and highest ACT score in at least five years. OHS students realized the greatest increases in English  and reading.

For more on this story, read tomorrow's Oconomowoc Focus.

Suspect arrested in Sussex burglary

Aug. 17, 2010 1:10 p.m. | Village of Sussex - Waukesha County authorities say they are working with Hales Corners police regarding the arrest of a suspect in the August 9 burglary of a home in Woodland Creek where the homeowner was held at gun point, tied up, and his wallet and van stolen.

Steve Pederson, spokesman for the Waukesha County Sheriff's office, declined to confirm reports that the Hales Corners police arrested the suspect over the weekend after an under cover officer purchased from the suspect stolen goods that had been listed for sale on Craig's list. According to broadcast reports, the Hales Corner police found a prescription bottle that was in the home of James Gustafson at the time of the robbery.

Pederson said the investigation and arrest by Hales Corners police had produced information relevant to the Waukesha County Sheriff's Department investigation into the burglary.

Gustafson told police that he had returned his home at about noon on Monday, August 9, when he heard a commotion in a bed room. When he entered the room, he was confronted by an individual behind a closet door who was pointing one of Gustafson's rifles at him. The individual ordered Gustafson to lie on the floor face down, tied his hands, and stole his wallet and cargo van.

Village of Eagle officials to discuss felony charges against clerk

Aug. 16, 2010 4:21 p.m. | The Village of Eagle Board will be holding a special meeting tonight in closed session regarding Village Clerk Shirley Mealy's felony charge for her fourth operating while intoxicated offense.

Village President Richard Spurrell said the board would take all factors into consideration during its discussion on the matter, but could not speculate on what action, if any, the board would take regarding the issue.

Crematories, Culver's, teachers contracts under discussion tonight

Aug. 16, 2010 3:25 p.m. | Meetings scheduled for Monday night promise some hot discussion.

The Hartland Plan Commission will meet at 7 p.m. at Village Hall, and is expected to consider proposals by two funeral homes to build crematories: Evert-Luko in the garage at its downtown location, 170 Warren Ave., and a proposal by The Tribute Companies to operate a crematory at the Village of Hartland Cemetery.

Tonight's agenda also includes an informational item about a proposal by the Harder Funeral Home to put a funeral home on the west side of Highway 83, at 3115 Highway 83.

The commission will also discuss a proposal for a Culver's restaurant at 701 Industrial Court. The commission is expected to set a public hearing on the issue for Sept. 20.

The Hartland-Lakeside School Board will meet at 6:30 tonight for its budget hearing and annual agenda. The meeting is expected to draw interest since the teachers union and school district have not yet reached an agreement and will go to an arbitration hearing in October. The district may face some tough budget decisions.

Village of Eagle clerk charged with OWI

Aug. 16, 2010 3:24 p.m. | Village of Eagle clerk Shirley Mealy was taken to the Waukesha County jail on Aug. 12 after failing field sobriety tests following a traffic stop in the Town of Mukwonago. 

Mealy was stopped after an officer saw her traveling at a high rate of speed and smelled the odor of intoxicants on her breath. When asked if she had been drinking, Mealy said she had one drink. A breath test taken at the scene showed her blood alcohol level at .12 percent. 

She was taken to Waukesha Memorial Hospital for a blood test and then transferred to the Waukesha County jail. She was charged with her fourth operating while intoxicated offense, a felony.

Crash shuts down 16

Aug. 16, 2010 1:10 p.m. | A car crash west of Highway SC on Highway 16 has closed the westbound lanes on Highway 16. The accident is between Ixonia and Watertown.

Kettle Moraine planning grant approved for GOAL

Aug. 16, 2010 11:29 a.m. | Two innovative high school delivery models will begin pilot operation at Kettle Moraine High School this fall. The Global Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) will open its doors with more than 100 students under the direction of Dr. Valerie Schmitz and the Fine Arts Academy welcomes 60 students to its inaugural class under the leadership of Kevin Erickson.

Funding for GOAL was awarded to KMHS through the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) Charter School Planning Grant Funds Program. The Fine Arts Academy pilot is supported through district research and development funds.

Bulldogs, West Bend in LOL finals

Aug. 15, 2010 5:59 p.m. | Only two of the 12 teams in the Land O' Lakes Western Division baseball league are left to battle for the 2010 championship as the Brookfield Bulldogs and West Bend survived playoff action last weekend.

On Sunday in the semifinals, West Bend hammered the Brookfield Blue Sox 14-2. The game was called after seven innings due to the run rule.

In the other game, the Bulldogs scored two runs in the bottom of the 11th inning to stun visiting Oconomowoc, 6-5.

On Saturday, Oconomowoc defeated Pewaukee 4-3 and the Blue Sox downed Sussex, 7-4.

This Saturday the Bulldogs will host West Bend at McCoy Field at 1 p.m. If West Bend wins, they win the LOL West title. If Brookfield wins, the two teams will play again on Sunday at West Bend at the same time. That winner would then represent the West in the Grand Championship playoffs that will begin on Saturday, Aug. 28. The West Division will host the North that day in the opening round.

Jazz Until Dark

Aug. 13, 2010 1:56 p.m. | Enjoy a great way to wrap up your week with Jazz Until Dark from 6 to 9 p.m. tonight on the shore of Lac La Belle at Lake Country Life Enrichment Center, 1306 W. Wisconsin Ave.

The evening will feature live music of the Don Weast Jazz Quartet, appetizers, a picnic dinner and a cash bar. Cost is $25. Bring a blanket!

Join the fun in Oconomowoc on Saturday

Aug. 13, 2010 1:51 p.m. | Plan on spending your day in downtown Oconomowoc Saturday enjoying a number of activities for the whole family.

The Farmer's Market will be held from 7:30 a.m. until noon Saturday, Aug. 14 in St. Paul's Church parking lot.

From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., celebrate the kick off event to Festival Week in Downtown Oconomowoc! The National Operation KidSafe Fingerprint program will be offering free safety records that only you will keep on file. Live entertainment for all ages, food, in-house specials and happenings, fun booths, water activities and much more!

From 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., enjoy yourself at the Chamber of Commerce Street Dance between City Hall and the Village Green with music by Mt. Olive Band.

Slow no-wake on Okauchee to be lifted Saturday

Aug. 13, 2010 12:56 p.m. | Town of Oconomowoc – After about three weeks, the slow no-wake order on Okauchee Lake will be lifted Saturday.

Lake levels dropped sufficiently to allow for the lifting of the order, Police Chief James Wallis said.
 

Mukwonago mascot hearing scheduled

Aug. 13, 2010 8:30 a.m. | The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction has scheduled a hearing to determine whether or not the Mukwonago School District will be allowed to continue to use it's nickname, mascot and logo.

The hearing will take place in Madison at 9 a.m. Aug. 27.

"We will present the facts and provide a vigorous defense in support of the Mukwonago School District and our Mukwonago High School logo," said MHS principal Shawn McNulty. 

Lisbon breakfast comes with battle talk on the side.

Aug. 13, 2010 12:00 a.m. | Between the biscuits and gravy and pancakes and sausage, conversation this Sunday, Aug. 15, at Lisbon Presbyterian Church will veer toward the Battle of Bull Run, The Gettysburg Address and other Civil War topics. The Civil War-themed breakfast at the church, W250 N7095 Hillside Road in Lisbon, will feature Dale Lampton, a friend of the church who will share his knowledge of the era and explain the many artifacts that he will bring. Breakfast will consist of all-you-can-eat pancakes, biscuits and gravy plus eggs and sausage. For all that food – and food for thought – the cost is just $6 for adults and $3 for children. For more information, call (262) 246-3377.

Let's talk about depression

Aug. 12, 2010 9:48 a.m. | Vernon Evangelical Lutheran Church is holding a discussion on teen suicide and depression at 6:30 pm. Aug. 18.

The entire community is invited to attend to participate in the conversation, led by a panel consisting of a doctor, therapist, youth worker, adult and student.

The church is hoping to get student involvement and to provide students with the information they need to help them deal with their feelings.

Help save a life- talk to your teen about suicide and depression.

Call (262) 363-7131 for more information.

Pewaukee beach closed due to E. coli

Aug. 10, 2010 6:00 p.m. | Village of Pewaukee – The downtown beach was closed this morning as a sample of Pewaukee Lake taken Monday showed E. coli bacteria counts above the level that is considered safe.

The high levels come after heavy rains fell Sunday and Monday. A Pewaukee Park and Recreation spokesperson said samples would continue to be taken until the bacteria levels come down.

E-coli bacteria can cause nausea, fever, and stomach cramps. It is recommended that people do not swim in the water until E-coli counts reach a safe level.
 

Lake Country Publications Candidate Forum 33rd Assembly District Live Aug. 10, 2010

Aug. 10, 2010 2:18 p.m. | Click here to watch the Lake Country Publications Candidate Forum 33rd Assembly District. Streaming will start after 6:45 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 10.

Police seek Sussex burgler

Aug. 09, 2010 5:09 p.m. |  

Burglar puts gun to Sussex man's head, ties him up, flees

Aug. 09, 2010 12:46 p.m. | Village of Sussex – Police are searching for a man who broke into a village residence this morning and when interrupted by the homeowner the suspect put a gun to man’s head and tied him up, according to a statement released by the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department.

At 11:21 a.m. Waukesha County Communications dispatch centered received a phone call from the resident who lives on the northeast side of Sussex.

The man told dispatchers that a black male about 40 years old took his 2000 GMC red cargo van which is described as having no windows, black and white small checkered flags on the right and left front fenders, a checkered flag on the rear door and painted silver wheels. The plate on the vehicle may be GQ7686, according to the statement.

Officers are still at the scene doing the initial investigation. Anyone seeing the van should use extreme caution and contact police.
 

California man nabbed in village for soliciting girl

Aug. 09, 2010 9:22 a.m. | Village of Pewaukee – A 25-year-old man who had been in contact with a village girl for two years was arrested Saturday at the village lakefront after he traveled from California seeking to have sex with the girl.

According to police, the man had been communicating with the girl, now 15, and when the girl’s mother learned of the communication informed police. A village officer received permission from the mother to assume the identity of the daughter and communicated with the man. The man traveled by bus believing he was going to have sex with the girl, police said. Police took the man into custody and are recommending the Waukesha County District Attorney’s Office charge the man for soliciting a child by use of a computer. Police are continuing to investigate the matter.

The man is being held in Waukesha County Jail.
 

West Bend wins LOL West title

Aug. 08, 2010 6:08 p.m. | West Bend won four games last week and ended up winning the Land O' Lakes Western Division regular season championship Sunday afternoon by finishing with a 14--4 record.

The Brookfield Bulldogs, Oconomowoc, Brookfield Blue Sox, Sussex and  Pewaukee are the No. 2 through No. 6 seeded teams respectively.

The LOL West playoffs will begin this Saturday as Pewaukee plays at Oconomowoc and Sussex plays at the Brookfield Blue Sox. Both games will begin ag 1 p.m.

On Sunday, second round games will be played at 1 p.m. at West Bend and the Brookfield Bulldogs.

Quad/Graphics plans to close plants

Aug. 06, 2010 12:37 p.m. | Quad/Graphics, Inc. announced Thursday it will close a number of plants - none locally - as part of its ongoing integration plans. The company said it expects operations to cease at the following plants by the end of 2010: Clarksville, Tenn.; Corinth, Miss.; Lebanon, Ohio; Reno, Nev.; and Dyersburg, Tenn. The Dyersburg plant had been previously announced for closure in the first quarter of 2011 by World Color Press Inc. however, Quad/Graphics will accelerate its closure to this fall reports the release.

Friends of Imagination Station plan meeting

Aug. 06, 2010 11:04 a.m. | "Friends of Imagination Station” will hold an organizational meeting on Tuesday Aug. 10,  at the City of Oconomowoc Parks, Recreation and Forestry building, 324 W. Wisconsin Street. 

The group’s first goal is to raise funds for the building of a restroom pavilion with attention to the special needs of many families visiting the facility. Roosevelt Park’s current restrooms are not wheelchair accessible. First draft plans of the facility include numerous universally accessible stalls for men and women, as well as child and adult-sized changing tables.

 In addition to fundraising volunteers, the group is looking for people to help with publicity and events such as cleanup, landscaping, painting etc.

RSVPs are helpful but not required. Contact Kia LaBracke, KLaBracke@wi.rr.com or 262.569.0074.

Play golf for a good cause

Aug. 06, 2010 11:00 a.m. | Organizers are encouraging people to sign up for the second annual Courtney Bella/Imagine A Day Foundation Golf Outing planned for Aug. 14 at Paganica Golf Course.

The format for the outing is a four-person scramble and interested parties are invited to sign up as foursomes, twosomes or individuals and have an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start.

The cost of the event is $75 per person, $300 per foursome and includes the 18 holes of golf, a cart, prizes and lunch after golf donated by Culvers.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Oconomowoc Area School District.

Interested people can call Jeff Samp at (262) 269-8423 or Brad Bella at (262)490-7746.

Steve Sorenson wins State Junior golf title

Aug. 04, 2010 5:10 p.m. | Steve Sorenson of Hartland, who graduated from Arrowhead in June, won the Wisconsin State Golf Association's State Junior championship Wednesday at Tuckaway Country Club in Franklin.

Sorenson, who will play college golf next year at Colorado State University, won the 54-hole tournament with a score of 8-under-par 208. He had rounds of 66-72-70.

Matt Ross, Sorenson's teammate at Arrowhead, was second with a 5-under-par score of 211. Ross had rounds of 70-70-71.

Sorenson is the third Lake Country junior golfer to win the State Junior since 2003. Charlie Delsman of Hartland won the crown in 2003 with a record score of 201. Mike Sorenson, Steve's older brother, won last year at 204, the second-lowest score in tournament history.

Hetebrueg hurls no-hitter at Five O's

Aug. 04, 2010 4:50 p.m. | West Bend pitcher Andy Hetebrueg tossed a seven-inning no-hitter against visiting Oconomowoc in a Land O' Lakes Western Division baseball gameTuesday  night. Hetebrueg struck out 15 Cooney batters. He also homered in the  game.
 

West Bend won the game, 12-0.

Chris Fischer was the losing picther for Cooney.

Also Tuesday night, Pewaukee whipped Hartland by a 16-4 score at Lannon. The game was stopped in the seventh inning due to the run rule.

Tim Mertins belted a pair of three-run home runs for the Muskies. He finished with three hits and six RBIs.

New leadership at Summit Aurora

Aug. 04, 2010 1:08 p.m. |  

Sorenson remains in golf lead

Aug. 03, 2010 9:21 p.m. | Steve Sorenson of Hartland, who graduated from Arrowhead in June, has the lead after two rounds at the Wisconsin State Golf Association's State Junior Tournament at Tuckaway Country Club in Franklin.

Sorenson, who played on four straight WIAA Division 1 state championship teams at Arrowhead, fired a first round score of 66 on Monday and added 72 on Tuesday, for a two-day total of 6-under-par 138.

Sorenson leads AHS teammate Matt Ross of Hartland, who stands in second place at 4-under-par 140. Ross fired rounds of 70-70.

Sam Weber of Hartland is 10th at 3-over-par.

The tournament will finish with 18 holes Wednesday.

Village rejects chance to reconsider SUD vote

Aug. 03, 2010 8:16 p.m. | Village of Pewaukee – Any chance for a vote on a merger of the Village and City of Pewaukee appears to be nil as the Village Board tonight rejected the idea of reconsidering its vote last month of not approving a street utility district.

On a 3-3 vote, a motion to reconsider taking up the matter of the SUD failed. Trustee Joe Zompa was absent resulting in a tie vote. Trustees Tom Calder, Cathy Baumann and Paul Evert voted not to reconsider the matter with Trustees John Laimon and Steve Ebling and Village President Jeff Knutson supporting reconsideration.

On a 3-4 vote July 20, the board rejected a motion to create the SUD, which would have paved the way for the two communities to have different tax rates until such time as the rate would be blended into one rate.

Without the SUD there would be little if any tax savings for city residents.

The city’s Common Council Monday approved a consolidation ordinance that included the SUD.

Audition for Old World Wisconsin's "Jekyll and Hyde"

Aug. 03, 2010 4:57 p.m. | Auditions for October performances of "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" at Old World Wisconsin in Eagle will be conducted Friday, Aug. 6, from 7 to 8:30 p.m.  The auditions will take place in the outdoor museum's Clausing Barn Restaurant and will consist primarily of readings from the script. Actors may also perform a two-minute audition piece.

This production calls for eight actors, two of whom will play a wide variety of roles. The parts include the roles of Jekyll/Hyde, Utterson, Lanyon, Enfield, Helen, Cybel, and Maid and Butler. Maid and Butler play numerous roles throughout the play and are major parts.

On Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 15-16, 22-23 and 29-30, Old World Wisconsin will present nine performances of "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" as part of an evening of dinner theater entertainment that includes a themed buffet dinner.

 Rehearsals will begin Aug. 26 and take place primarily from 7 to 9:30 p.m. four evenings a week in the Caldwell Farmers' Club Hall, where the performances will take place. Some weekend rehearsals may be scheduled in early October.

 In addition to the play, actors will be expected to perform a brief introduction to the show at the Clausing Barn Restaurant and to lead the dinner guests on foot to Caldwell Hall. There will be one performance on each Friday evening and two performances on each Saturday evening, with a short break between. All actors will be paid for their performances. This is a non-Equity production.

Kewaunee High School drops Indians

Aug. 03, 2010 3:00 p.m. | One day before a hearing to weigh the merits of the Indians mascot and logo, the Kewaunee School District decided Tuesday to drop Indians as its moniker, according to the Associated Press.

School Board President Brian Vogeltanz told WLUK-TV that while the district and community viewed the name as being complimentary to the area's Indian heritage, "we need to do what's right for the current times."

The case has interest to Mukwonago, who will also have to defend Indians to the Department of Public Instruction in the coming weeks. New legislation, looking to eradicate potentially discriminatory race-based school mascots, stipulates that schools must defend their use of a Native American mascot if a complaint was levied against the school.

A complaint was issued against Mukwonago last week. Kewaunee, outside of Green Bay, was scheduled to become the second school to face a hearing. Osseo-Fairchild was ordered by the DPI to abandon "Chieftans" in late July.

Do you think the Mukwonago High School mascot is racist and offensive? Click here to participate in our forum.

Christmas in August

Aug. 03, 2010 8:50 a.m. | The Eagle Police Department, along with Kohl's Department Store, is sponsoring a special Christmas Party at 1 p.m. Aug. 8 at the Village of Eagle Municipal Building.

This event is for the children of Eagle affected by the tornado.  Please contact Officer Gwen Bruckner at the Eagle Police Department with names, ages, sizes, etc. if you would like to take part.  She can be reached at (262) 594-2400.

Want to donate or bake cookies?  Contact Darlene at the Village Hall - (262) 594-3400.