Recent Dane County Press Releases

Deputy Performs Heimlich on Inmate

5/14/2008 12:00:00 AM

Sheriff press release issued on Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Abstract: For the second time this week, a Dane County Sheriff’s Deputy working in the jail has performed life saving efforts on an inmate.

This morning while supervising the breakfast service in the Public Safety Building portion of the Dane County Jail, a deputy observed an inmate gasping for air. The deputy quickly assessed that the inmate was choking on a piece of bread and performed the Heimlich maneuver, dislodging the food. A jail nurse examined the 29 year-old man after the incident and determined there was no need for further medical attention.

The Public Safety Building jail houses inmates in pods that are supervised by one deputy. In this case, the pod can hold up to 48 inmates at any given time.

Aerial Spraying for Suppression of Gypsy Moth to Begin in Dane County

5/14/2008 12:00:00 AM

Land & Water Resources Department press release issued on Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Abstract: MADISON, May 14, 2008 – Aerial spraying to combat the potentially defoliating effects of the gypsy moth could begin in Dane County as early as Saturday May 17th according to Darren Marsh, Parks Director for Dane County and the county coordinator for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Gypsy Moth Suppression Program. This is the second year Dane County has participated in the state suppression program; however, Madison area had similar treatments from 1998-2003 as part of the federal “Slow the Spread Program”.

There are 23 treatment areas in Dane County scheduled for an aerial spray treatment this spring. Exactly when those sites will be sprayed can only be estimated right now, according to Marsh.
The areas include twenty-three locations throughout Dane County, including (12) City of Madison, (1) City of Monona, (1) City of Middleton, (1) Town of Middleton, (2) City of Sun Prairie, (1) Lake Kegonsa State Park, (2) University of Wisconsin-Campus, (2) University of Wisconsin-Arboretum and (1) Village of Shorewood Hills.

Mark Guthmiller, Regional Coordinator for the Department of Natural Resources’ gypsy moth program says, “It all comes down to the weather.” The caterpillars must be of a certain size and the leaves on which they feed must also be large enough so that there’s a good cover to ‘catch’ the spray when it comes down. Both of those factors are influenced by the weather. “Then, when the caterpillars are the right size and the leaves are big enough, we have to have the right weather conditions just to get the planes in the air,” Guthmiller added. “This week, we’ll start looking at the possibility of spraying on a day-to-day basis.”

“People living near those areas who want to know when the spraying will happen have two options,” Guthmiller advised. “They can call our toll-free information line 1-800-642-MOTH (6684) for daily updates as we get closer to our anticipated treatment dates, or they can receive updates via an electronic e-mail list.” Site specific maps of the spray blocks can be accessed by going to the
gypsy moth web portal at http://gypsymoth.wi.gov/ and clicking on Dane County on the 2008 WI Cooperative Gypsy Moth Program Treatment Areas link (yellow and blue map on right side of the page). To subscribe for e-mail notification, visit the same link as the treatment maps. Fill out the fields on that page under “subscribe to email notification list” and submit.

Low flying planes with experienced pilots will conduct the spray treatment. The spraying typically begins in the early morning when weather conditions are generally most favorable, but it can happen at any time of the day if the wind is light and there’s no rain in the immediate forecast. The spray treatment uses a biological insecticide with the active ingredient Btk. Btk is a naturally-occurring soil bacteria that, when eaten by gypsy moth caterpillars, causes them to stop feeding and die. Btk is generally not harmful to people, pets or other wild species. In fact, the Btk formulation to be used this year has been listed as acceptable for use in organic production by the Organic Materials Review Institute. However, people who are concerned may wish to avoid areas to be sprayed on the day that spraying occurs or stay indoors during and for 30 minutes following the spray.

Dane County Deputy Stops Suicide in the Jail

5/13/2008 12:00:00 AM

Sheriff press release issued on Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Abstract: At approximately 11:00 pm last night, a Dane County Sheriff’s Deputy working in the City County Building of the Dane County Jail found an inmate attempting to strangle himself by tying a sheet around his neck. The deputy was able to untie the sheet from around the man’s neck, enabling him to get oxygen. At the time the deputy found the inmate he was still conscious but was turning blue and gasping for air. Jail medical staff also responded to the incident and assisted in stabilizing the man until EMS arrived.

The inmate, a 20 year-old man from Oxford, WI, was transported to UW Hospital by Madison Fire Rescue with the assistance of two other deputies. While at the hospital the inmate was combative and had to be shackled and secured to the Gurnee. No hospital staff or deputies were injured.

The inmate was released from the hospital at approximately 1:45 am and has been placed in a segregation cell in the Public Safety Building where deputies are monitoring him every 15 minutes. He is currently in jail on a probation hold awaiting court on numerous new charges.

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Second Shipment of DC Weather Radios Available

5/13/2008 12:00:00 AM

Emergency Management press release issued on Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Abstract:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 5/13/08
Issuing Department: Emergency Management
For more information contact:
J. McLellan, Dept. of Emergency Management
608/267-2542
Wx Radio Sales
Reference #51308-#1

Available at: www.co.dane.wi.us

Second Shipment of Dane County Weather Radios Available for Sale
Thousands of Additional Radios Ordered Following Fast Sellout of First Supply

Following the sell-out of 6,800 weather radios, Dane County quickly ordered 4,500 more to meet the demands of its citizens. This is the first ever county-wide sale of the weather radios following a limited pilot program last year.

“Due to the overwhelming popularity of this program, Dane County has ordered and now has available for sale thousands more weather radios,” County Executive Kathleen Falk said. “We are the first and only county in the state to offer this innovative program to help people be better prepared.”

NOAA Weather Alert Radios All Hazard provide immediate emergency warning information and possible protective measures directly to persons 24 hours a day. The radios are REECOM Model R-1630 and come with programming instructions and four (4) AA batteries for the battery backup. Each radio will be accompanied by a Dane County specific programming guide. Persons are eligible to purchase up to two (2) radios. The cost is $22.68 per radio.

The second order of radios may be purchased at the following municipalities:

City of Fitchburg,
City of Madison,
City of Stoughton,
City of Sun Prairie,
Town of Blooming Grove,
Town or Burke,
Town of Medina,
Town of Middleton,
Town of Oregon,
Town of Vienna,
Village of Brooklyn,
Village of Cambridge,
Village of Cottage Grove,
Village of Cross Plains,
Village of Dane,
Village of DeForest,
Village of Mount Horeb,
Village of Oregon,
Village of Shorewood Hills, and
Village of Waunakee.

Please contact your local municipality regarding the sale times, dates, and availability of the radios. The City of Madison will be releasing information regarding the sale time and date within the next month.
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Dane County Launches Efforts to Connect Teens with Jobs, Put Former Offenders to Work

5/12/2008 12:00:00 AM

County Executive press release issued on Monday, May 12, 2008

Abstract: New County Initiatives Act on Recommendations of Joint Gang Task Force

(Madison)….Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk announced a pair of new county initiatives today to help middle and high school students find jobs and put people recently released from jail to work, reducing chances they’ll re-offend.

Falk and the county board put $137,000 in the 2008 county budget to fund the new programs that act on recommendations made in late 2007 by the Joint Gang Task Force.

“This new effort will help keep young people who face so many challenges and outside influences on the right track,” Falk said. “It’s important to give kids valuable skills so they steer clear of peer pressures and stay out of trouble.”

Falk was joined at a news conference Monday by Luis Yudice, co-chair of the Joint Gang Task Force and Director of Security for the Madison School District.

Dane County will contract with Commonwealth Development and Operation Fresh Start for the Youth Employment Initiative. They are receiving $87,495 to help low income and at-risk youth ages 14-18 improve their job skills and assist with job placement and mentoring services.

The Madison Area Urban Ministry will work in collaboration with the Madison Apprenticeship Program and the Urban League of Greater Madison on the initiative to help those who spend time in jail find and keep a job once they’re released. They’ll work with individuals recently released from jail to help them increase earned income potential.

“After leaving jail in order to succeed you need a job. Getting a job is not only good for their families but it also makes our communities safer,” Falk said.

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Public Listening Sessions to Provide Input for the Draft Dane County Shoreland and Riparian Management Plan

5/8/2008 12:00:00 AM

Land & Water Resources Department press release issued on Thursday, May 08, 2008

Abstract: Three opportunities are available for citizens to learn about and provide input to the newly drafted plan for Dane County Shoreland and Riparian Management. This plan attempts to create a flexible, yet rigorous, set of recommendations to better protect Dane County’s surface waters from near-shore impacts. The plan’s proposals are based on the principle that any management strategy must take into account the diverse characteristics, constraints and opportunities of the equally diverse waters in Dane County. One size does not fit all. It builds on the sound science and research of the Phase I Waterbody Classification Report, which classifies Dane County Waters into Urban, Developing and Rural categories, based on their physical characteristics and planned level of development.

The plan is designed to complement other ongoing county and regional programs operating on the site and watershed scales, such as agricultural nutrient, erosion control, urban stormwater and wastewater management programs. It fills in a critical gap by specifically addressing impacts to sensitive areas immediately adjacent to county surface waters. Dane County’s programs to minimize impacts from shoreland development or redevelopment have not kept pace with the county’s other efforts to control watershed-wide runoff or wastewater. This plan also intends to bring Dane County’s shoreland management program up to the same standard as current county urban erosion control, stormwater and agricultural soil and water conservation programs.

To learn about this draft plan and to provide input, attend any of the following public listening sessions held by the Dane County Lakes and Watershed Commission:

Thurs, May 15 - Sun Prairie Community Room, 300 East Main St, Sun Prairie, 7:00-8:30 p.m.

Wed, May 28 - Warner Park Community Center, 2930 Sherman Ave, Madison, 7:00-8:30 p.m.

Thurs, May 29 - Verona Public Library, 500 Silent St, Verona, 7:00-8:30 p.m.

For more detailed information on the draft plan or project, visit the following website: http://www.danewaters.com/management/water_body_classification.aspx
or contact: Brian Standing, Senior Planner, (608) 267-4115, standing@co.dane.wi.us

New Sheriff’s Deputies To Be Sworn-In

5/7/2008 12:00:00 AM

Sheriff press release issued on Wednesday, May 07, 2008

Abstract: On Monday, May 12th at approximately 8:30 am, Dane County Sheriff David Mahoney will swear-in 11 new Dane County Deputies. The ceremony will take place in the Public Safety Building at 115 West Doty Street in Madison. Family members of the new deputies have been invited to attend.

The new deputies bring with them diverse backgrounds and experiences which will make each of them a valued asset to the Dane County Sheriff’s Office. The Deputies are:

· Donald Dudley, age 21 of
Deforest, WI
· Dwight Schuster, age 41 of
Sun Prairie, WI
· Tennita Funmaker, age 24 of Milwaukee, WI
· Kathryn Gove, age 25 of
McFarland, WI
· Haley Collins, age 21 of Lansing, MI
· Joshua LaFevre, age 23 of Alger, MI
· Adam Mattson, age 27 of
Sun Prairie, WI
· Corey Passer, age 22 of Milton, WI
· Jason Rudolph, age 38 of
Madison, WI
· Lance Severson, age 28 of
Cottage Grove, WI
· Brian Williams, age 28 of
Stoughton, WI

This day marks the start of a 23-week training program the new deputies will receive before they fill their first work assignment in the Dane County Jail. The training includes a thirteen-week basic law enforcement academy and a four-week jail officer academy. They will serve a two-year probationary period.

The Dane County Sheriff’s Office continually recruits deputies to fill vacancies as they occur. Applications can be found online at www.danesheriff.com. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

Falk Releases 2009 County Budget Requirements

5/6/2008 12:00:00 AM

County Executive press release issued on Tuesday, May 06, 2008

Abstract: Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk today released her budget requirements for the 2009 Dane County budget. These requirements detail the information and options County department heads must provide to the County Executive as she prepares that budget.

Falk noted that the requirements are different from last year’s because of the severe challenges in the 2009 budget. “The combination of a most severe winter and the worst economic slowdown in my service as County Executive means that the County is already facing rising costs and decreasing revenues. Some of these problems may well worsen for the rest of the year,” Falk said.

In a memorandum containing the requirement and directions to department heads and elected officials (attached), Falk discussed some of the fiscal pressures facing the County, ranging from the projected additional costs of about $1.7 million caused by the heavy snowfall to shortfalls of about $725,000 in the collection of sales tax and other fees. While the County is taking steps to address current budget issues, the County Executive stated that the decreased revenues and the increased demands on the public safety and human service systems which normally occur during an economic downturn will make for an extremely difficult 2009 budget.

Falk’s directions require all county department heads to make comprehensive analyses on:
-- Expenditures and revenues within their departments;
-- The number of positions with recommendations of positions to be considered for elimination (Sheriff’s Department, District Attorney, and 911 Center exempted);
-- A prioritized list of functions with clear distinctions of mandatory and desirable but discretionary programs;
-- The development of new or expanded revenue, especially in achieving energy conservation or reducing waste material; and
-- Recommendations by state or federal law for new services or programs.

These reports will be directed to Falk and the Department of Administration throughout the course of the summer under the normal timeframes for budget proposals.

“The County Board and I expect to receive lots of good options to reduce expenses and to add non-tax revenue to craft a good budget for next year -- one that maintains or improves public safety, human services, and conservation while controlling property taxes. These budget requirements will insure that we have the information to achieve those goals, Falk said.

The County Executive’s requirements apply to every County department. By law, the County Executive recommends the 2009 budget to the County Board by October 1st. The County Board acts upon the budget and it is sent to the County Executive for approval or veto. In recent years, this process has been completed before Thanksgiving.

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/Attachment

Beltline Arrest

5/5/2008 12:00:00 AM

Sheriff press release issued on Monday, May 05, 2008

Abstract: On Saturday at approximately 9:40 am, a Dane County Sheriff’s Deputy stopped a 2009 Ford Mustang on USH 12 near Monona Drive in the City of Monona. The driver, Robert J. Dorsey, age 27 of Madison, was traveling at 94 mph in a 55 mph zone.

The deputy soon determined Dorsey was wanted on a warrant from Cook County Ill. and placed him under arrest. After further investigation and with the assistance of a Dane County K-9, Robert J. Dorsey was arrested for OWI – 2nd Offense, Possession of Heroin With Intent to Deliver, Possession of THC with Intent to Deliver, Operating After Revocation, and Speeding.

Dorsey remains in the Dane County Jail.

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May is Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month

5/5/2008 12:00:00 AM

Sheriff press release issued on Monday, May 05, 2008

Abstract: As warmer weather is finally here to stay, and high gas prices also appear to be here to stay – the number of motorcycles on our roadways has increased dramatically. May has been proclaimed by the Governor as Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month, a time to call attention to motorcycle awareness by other motorists as well as promoting safety to the motorcyclists.

Car and truck drivers on the roads need to remember two important things about motorcycles. First, they are smaller than other vehicles and, therefore, harder to see. This requires extra diligence to make sure you are looking for them and recognize them. One of the most common factors in vehicle versus motorcycle crashes is the motorist stating, “I didn’t see the motorcycle”.

Second, remember the motorcyclist doesn’t have the same bubble of protection the driver of a four wheeled vehicle does. If there is a crash, a motorcyclist may have only the clothes he or she is wearing to protect them from injury. So, while you might have a “fender bender” crash with another car or truck, which results only in property damage, almost all crashes involving motorcycles result in some injury to the motorcycle rider.

Here are some tips for motor vehicle operators to keep the roads safer for motorcyclists:

· Whenever practical, yield the right of way to a motorcycle.
· Be especially careful to check your “blind spot” when changing lanes.
· Be diligent in looking for motorcycles at intersections.
· Recognize that while a motorcycle only uses a portion of their lane, they are entitled to the same amount of space a normal vehicle is – and they often use all of that space to move back and forth in their lane to avoid debris, road defects, etc.

For the motorcyclist, they need to realize and accept that they are responsible for their safety. While motorcycles can be relatively easy for people to learn how to ride, to be a safe motorcyclist requires a lot more effort than people realize. Motorcycles are a fun means of transportation, get great gas mileage, but are generally more dangerous than other motor vehicles.

Motorcycle riders are encouraged to be aggressive in taking steps to make them safe motorcyclists. Commitment to safety should be the first step when someone decided to ride a motorcycle. This requires recognizing that it takes more skill to ride a motorcycle through traffic than it does a car or truck. Being safe requires the rider to recognize the early affect alcohol or drugs have when someone is on two wheels versus four, and how fatigue or distraction can have dire consequences on a motorcycle.

Here are some tips for motorcyclists to consider in their ongoing efforts to be safe on the road:

· Take a motorcycle safety course. If you haven’t ridden a motorcycle for a long time, take a course even if you already have your license. If you have been riding for years, consider taking an advanced motorcycle safety course to enhance / refresh your safety skills.
· Make sure your motorcycle is in good condition. Check your tires (proper tire pressure is critical), lights, and overall mechanical condition. Mechanical failure on a motorcycle can cause drastically different problems than with a car or truck.
· Take steps to make yourself extra visible to the motorists around you. Wearing reflective or high visibility clothing, lighting, and effective use of lane positioning can go a long ways to make sure car and truck drivers see you.
· Wear and use good motorcycle safety protective gear.
· Ride responsibly! Speeding, loss of control, and impaired riding are the leading causes of motorcycle crashes.
· Avoid drinking and riding. Motorcycling requires balance, judgment, coordination and sensitivity to surroundings, all of which can be negatively effected be even relatively small amounts of alcohol.

Having a safe motorcycling season requires effort from all motorists – let’s all do our part!

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