Breaking News

The Controlled Burn Of Village Glen

Fatal Explosion In Beaver Dam Apartment Complex

Fatal Explosion In Beaver(Beaver Dam) At least one person is believed to be dead following an explosion inside an apartment unit in Beaver Dam Monday afternoon. The blast happened around 1pm at the Village Glen Apartments which is located just off Knaup Drive, east of Fleet Farm, inside building 109 apartment 11. Beaver Dam Police Chief John Kreuziger says there is a chemical of unknown origin inside the unit and the victim was found near the point of explosion. The State Fire Marshalls Office was called to the scene along with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tabaco and Firearms and a haz-mat crew. Kreuziger says multiple apartments were affected and residents in neighboring units are currently displaced. Dam Apartment Complex

Village Glen Explosion 10am UPDATE: Evacuation Lifted For Some Apartments

(Beaver Dam) Residents have been allowed to return to more of the apartment buildings in Beaver Dam where a suspicious and deadly explosion occurred. One death is being investigated following the blast that happened around 1pm Monday at the Village Glen Apartments, 109 Knaup Drive #11, in the cluster of yellow apartments east of Mill’s Fleet Farm. There were no other injuries reported.

Explosive Chemicals, Not Meth Lab, Tied To Village Glen Explosion

(Beaver Dam) The deadly explosion at a Beaver Dam apartment complex Monday afternoon is being tied to explosive chemicals that are not associated with a meth lab. That’s according to Police Chief John Kreuziger who said at a press conference Tuesday morning that concerns over the explosive chemicals led to the multiple evacuations Monday.

Highly Volatile Homemade Chemicals At Apartment Blast Site To Be Detonated

(Beaver Dam) The highly volatile chemicals found in the remnants of a Beaver Dam apartment where a deadly explosion claimed one life Monday will be detonated this afternoon. One death is being investigated following the blast at the Village Glen Apartments, 109 Knaup Drive #11 just east of Mill’s Fleet Farm. There were no other injuries reported. The victim was apparently removed from the apartment yesterday.

Volatile Homemade Chemicals Successfully Detonated Inside Beaver Dam Apartment

(Beaver Dam) Authorities took plenty of precautions to protect surrounding properties from damage when highly volatile chemicals were detonated at 1:31pm Wednesday inside a Beaver Dam apartment building.

The homemade explosives were found in unit number 11 of 109 Knaup Drive at the Village Glen Apartments following a Monday afternoon blast that killed one person. Residents in that building and 16 other buildings were evacuated Monday evening.

Dodge County Humane Society Helps Retrieve Cats Prior To Explosives Detonation

(Beaver Dam) Approximately 12 cats were removed from the Village Glen Apartments prior to a controlled detonation Wednesday afternoon. Residents who were displaced following a blast that killed one person Monday at 109 Knaup Drive grew concerned for the safety of their pets left behind when they were unexpectedly evacuated. Dodge County Humane Society Executive Director Kenzie Drinkwine says they were contact by authorities before the planned explosion to aid in the removal of the animals.

Village Glen Explosion: 109 Knaup To Be Demolished

(Beaver Dam) The Beaver Dam apartment building where a deadly explosion claimed the life of one person on Monday is going to be demolished. Police Chief John Kreuziger says because of concerns about remnant explosives that may still be inside the entire building, investigative findings and structural concerns, the structure has been determined a complete loss.

Village Glen Update: State of Emergency, Third Explosion, No Re-Entry For Residents

(Beaver Dam) The city of Beaver Dam has declared a State of Emergency for the Village Glen Apartment building where a deadly explosion claimed one life on Monday. Dodge County Emergency Management Director Amy Nehls says the declaration means that the city will be able to more easily obtain state resources, opening channels for state and local agencies to work together.

Informational Meeting Sunday On Village Glen Explosion

(Beaver Dam) Beaver Dam officials will hold an informational meeting Sunday concerning what they are calling the Render Safe Operation at the Village Glen Apartments where a blast killed one person last Monday. Mayor Becky Glewen will address community members and businesses in the City Council Chambers at 4pm.

Controlled Burn Wednesday For Village Glen Apartment Where Explosives Were Found

(Beaver Dam) The Beaver Dam apartment building, where a fatal explosion last Monday led to the discovery of volatile homemade chemicals, will be removed by controlled burn on Wednesday. Mayor Becky Glewen made that announcement Sunday about the fate of the Village Glen apartment building at 109 Knaup Drive. Glewen says it was determined that the safest way to mitigate the risk from the chemicals inside is through “thermal destruction.” She says the heat generated by the fire will render the area

Fire Chief Details Controlled Burn Plan At Village Glen Apartments

(Beaver Dam) Authorities gave a briefing Monday concerning their plans for a controlled burn at Village Glen Apartments were a blast at 109 Knaup Drive killed one person last week. Beaver Dam Fire Chief Alan Mannel says no accelerants will be used during the controlled burn.

Controlled Burn At Village Glen Postponed

(Beaver Dam) The planned controlled burn at Village Glen Apartments has been postponed. The National Weather Service advised officials this morning that conditions on the original burn date, which was Wednesday, were not expected to be favorable. The operation has been moved to Thursday. All the times remain the same with North Spring Street, Industrial Drive and Knaup Drive all closing at 9am.

Several, But Not All, Businesses Closing For Controlled Burn Of Village Glen Apartment

(Beaver Dam) Operating hours will be impacted at many of the stores surrounding the Village Glen Apartment’s during Thursday’s controlled burn. We spoke with several of the businesses affected by the perimeter established to protect the public from the intentional incineration of the building at 109 Knaup Drive, where dangerous explosives were found following a fatal explosion last week.

Air Quality Monitors To Be Placed In Village Glen Evacuation Zone

(Beaver Dam) Officials will be using air quality monitors during Thursday’s controlled burn of the Village Glen apartment building where dangerous chemicals were found following a fatal explosion last week. Dodge County Emergency Management Director Amy Nehls says both pieces of equipment could look suspicious to the public as they go about their business.

How To Help Displaced Residents of Village Glen Apartments

(Beaver Dam) Monetary donations for the victims of the recent Village Glen Apartment explosion, are being accepted at all Horicon Bank locations.

Village Glen Building 109 Controlled Burn Set For 10am Thursday

(Beaver Dam) Village Glen apartment building 109 in Beaver Dam will be burned to the ground Thursday, ten days after highly volatile chemicals were found in the rubble of a fatal explosion. Benjamin Morrow was identified Wednesday as the victim of the blast. Chief John Kreuziger told reporters that the 28-year-old was identified by his DNA.

Village Glen Controlled Burn Underway

(Beaver Dam) Village Glen apartment building 109 in Beaver Dam was ignited by flares in a controlled burn at 10:09am this morning. The building quickly became fully engulfed in flames, shooting plumes of smoke into the air that could reportedly be seen in as far away as Fox Lake and apparently even into Dane County. A

Controlled Burn Of Village Glen Apartment Building 109 ‘A Success’

(Beaver Dam) Authorities say the controlled burn at Village Glen apartment building 109 was successful. The burn was ordered following a fatal March 5th blast that revealed volatile, homemade chemicals so unstable they first had to be detonated, before the entire building was burned to the ground.

Cash, Furniture Donations Still Being Accepted For Displaced Beaver Dam Residents

(Beaver Dam) Two local agencies have been providing support for those affected by the recent apartment fires in Beaver Dam. Representatives from both Saint Vincent DePaul and the Saint Katharine Drexel Conference joined Community Comment to discuss ways the public can get involved.

Beaver Dam Police, Firefighters Recognized For Courageous Efforts, Leadership

(Beaver Dam) The Beaver Dam Police and Fire Commission Tuesday night recognized the emergency officials who responded to the fatal explosion at the Village Glen Apartments in March and the fatal fire at the Executive Apartments in April.

Emergency Officials, Bystanders Commended For Life-Saving Actions

(Beaver Dam) The Beaver Dam Common Council Tuesday night recognized emergency officials and heroic bystanders whose recent actions saved lives. Excellence in Leadership awards were given out to Deputy Fire Chief Matt Christian and Fire Captain Lee Smith for their work at Village Glen Apartments, where in March explosives killed one person; because of the volatility of the chemicals, the entire complex had to be taken down by controlled burn. Captain Smith was also recognized for his leadership r

Building 109 Victims Pen Thank You Letter To Emergency Responders

(Beaver Dam) The Beaver Dam Fire Chief says he was humbled by the way displaced residents of Village Glen Building 109 handled the difficult situation they faced. The 11-day ordeal ended with a controlled burn of the entire 16-unit apartment complex ordered following a March 5th explosion that left one dead.

Tenants Of Village Glen Building 107 Can Return Safely

(Beaver Dam) Village Glen Apartment building 107 was reopened to residents Friday afternoon. Officials have been monitoring the air quality since the control burn of building 109 Thursday. The Beaver Dam Police Department say data samples show that the air is safe for tenants to return.

Officer Involved Shooting In Beaver Dam

Breaking News • October 2018

One Person Injured During Officer Involved Shooting Incident In Beaver Dam

(Beaver Dam) One person was injured during an officer involved shooting in the city of Beaver Dam Friday night. At around 5:30pm, the Beaver Dam Police Department responded to a domestic disturbance at 510 Walnut Street.

Breaking News • October 2018

Beaver Dam Officer Involved Shooting Press Conference – Dodge County Sheriff’s Office

(Beaver Dam) One person was injured during an officer involved shooting in the city of Beaver Dam Friday night. The Beaver Dam Police Department responded to a domestic disturbance at 510 Walnut Street at 5:36pm. During the investigation officers on scene were involved in a use of force situation and shots were fired by law enforcement. A 35-year-old male was injured and was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Breaking News • October 2018

Identity Of Man Shot By Beaver Dam Police Released

(Beaver Dam) Authorities have released the name of the individual injured and arrested following the officer involved shooting that occurred Friday in the city of Beaver Dam. Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt says 35-year-old Richard Henke II of Beaver Dam was wounded in the “lower extremities” by a police officer who reacted to a situation involving a firearm.

Breaking News • January 2019

Cash Bond Set For Beaver Dam Man Arrested Following Officer Involved Shooting

(Beaver Dam) Cash bond was set at $25,000 Friday for a domestic violence suspect who was shot by Beaver Dam police. Richard Henke of Beaver Dam sustained non-life-threatening injuries after being wounded in the lower extremities in October. Authorities responded to the Henke residence after reports to 9-1-1 from a child. The first officer on scene heard screaming, drew his gun and entered the home.

Breaking News • January 2019

District Attorney Finds Beaver Dam Police Officer Justified In Shooting Incident

(Beaver Dam) The Dodge County District Attorney says the Beaver Dam police officer who shot a domestic violence suspect was justified. In a press release, District Attorney Kurt Klomberg says his office has concluded its review of the incident and determined that Officer Brian Linzenmeyer was warranted in the use of his weapon.

Breaking News • March 2020

Beaver Dam Man In Officer-Involved Shooting Incident Receives Jail Time

(Beaver Dam) A Beaver Dam man shot by police during a domestic incident was sentenced to nine months in jail Monday. In December, a Dodge County jury found Richard Henke guilty of felony Intentionally Pointing A Firearm at Law Enforcement and misdemeanor Disorderly Conduct with Domestic Abuse Assessments.

Murder In Beaver Dam

Beaver Dam Police Investigate Shooting Death

(Beaver Dam) The Beaver Dam Police Department is investigating a shooting death. Authorities responded to a 9-1-1 call on the 300 block of East Third Street Saturday at 2:42pm. Police Chief John Kreuziger says the caller reported that there was a shooting inside the home. When officers arrived, they located a deceased female.

Beaver Dam Shooting Victim Assistant Prosecutor In Illinois

(Effingham, Illinois) The woman killed in an apparent weekend homicide in Beaver Dam was an Assistant State’s Attorney in DeKalb County, Illinois. In a Facebook post, DeKalb County State Attorney Rick Amato wrote Sunday evening that they were “stunned and saddened” to learn of the death of Stacia Hollinshead. The 30-year-old Effingham, Illinois woman was killed in a shooting Saturday in Beaver Dam.

Beaver Dam Police Identify Victim, Suspect In Homicide Investigation

(Beaver Dam) The Beaver Dam Police Department has identified the victim and the suspect in an apparent weekend homicide, the first in the city in decades. Stacia F. Hollinshead of Sycamore, Illinois was apparently shot to death inside a residence on the 300 block of East Third Street Saturday around 2:42pm. The suspect has been identified as Ulisses W Medina Espinoza of Beaver Dam, who is currently in the Dodge County Detention Facility.

Cash Bond Set At $2-Million For Beaver Dam Murder Suspect

(Beaver Dam) Cash bond was set at $2-million dollars Tuesday afternoon for the suspect in a weekend murder in Beaver Dam. Ulisses W Medina Espinoza of Beaver Dam is charged with one count of First Degree Intentional Homicide with Domestic Abuse Assessments. Stacia F. Hollinshead of Sycamore, Illinois was shot to death Saturday inside a home on the 300 block of East Third Street.

Beaver Dam Police Chief Attends Funeral Of Murder Victim

(Beaver Dam) Beaver Dam Police Chief John Kreuziger provided an update for us on last month’s murder when he was guest Friday on WBEV’s Community Comment. Ulisses Medina Espinoza of Beaver Dam is charged with First Degree Intentional Homicide in the death of his ex-wife Stacia Hollinshead of Sycamore, Illinois. Kreuziger says they have collected a lot of evidence so far, including official documents from Illinois courts. Search warrants have been executed in Wisconsin and Illinois, including the victims home and workplace. He says the evidence is now being analyzed.

Life In Prison For Beaver Dam Man Who Murdered Ex-Wife

(Beaver Dam) A Beaver Dam man was sentenced Monday to life in prison for the murder of his ex-wife. Ulisses Medina Espinosa pled guilty in December to First Degree Intentional Homicide for the 2019 shooting death of his ex-wife, Stacia Hollinshead of Illinois inside a home on East Third Street in Beaver Dam.

Medina Espinosa and Hollinshead – an assistant state’s attorney – divorced two years prior and the 33-year-old had lost custody of their child. The victim made plans to bring the girl to se

Tornados Tears Across Dodge, Fond du Lac County Line

Waupun Declares State Of Emergency, Most Power Restored

(Waupun) The city of Waupun has declared a state of emergency following the severe weather that swept through the area on Tuesday. Nearly all city residents have had their power restored.

City Administrator Kathy Schlieve issued the following press release at 4pm Wednesday:

“The City of Waupun continues to recover after declaring a state of emergency from Tuesday’s strong thunderstorms. Crews from six different electric utilities joined Waupun Public Utilities staff to repair electric distribu

Severe Storms Sweep Through Dodge, Fond du Lac Counties

(Waupun) Storms swept through the area Tuesday afternoon triggering Tornado Warnings in northern Dodge County and southern Fond du Lac County before heading east. The National Weather Service says trained weather spotters confirmed tornados touching down in Oakfield and Lomira.

State of Emergency Declared In Brownsville, Lomira, Theresa and Dodge County

(Madison) The National Weather Service has confirmed three tornadoes blew down trees, flattened a barn and knocked out power to thousands Tuesday. The tornadoes were spotted in Dodge, Fond du Lac and Sheboygan counties. All 72 Wisconsin counties are now included in the State of Emergency declared by Governor Scott Walker. Seven counties were already under the State of Emergency before it was expanded Wednesday.

One Dozen Tornado’s Confirmed In Dodge, Fond du Lac, Green Lake Counties

(Brownsville) The National Weather Service has confirmed that 16 tornadoes touched down in the region on Tuesday, and additional incidents are being investigated. Several trees were uprooted, and many buildings were damaged but no injuries were reported.

Another Tornado Confirmed Near Brandon From Last Tuesday’s Storm

(Beaver Dam) The National Weather Service has confirmed another tornado from last Tuesday’s storms. The newest confirmation brings the total number of confirmed tornados to 17. The weather service says the latest was a EF-0 near Brandon in Fond du Lac County that traveled just over six-tenths of a mile with wind gusts of 70mph.

Dodge County Board Set To Vote On Emergency Declaration

(Dodge County) The Dodge County Board’s Executive Committee Tuesday gave their support to a resolution aimed at relief efforts stemming from last week’s severe weather. So far, the National Weather Service has declared 17 tornados touched down throughout the region last Tuesday that saw wind speeds in excess of 100-miles-per-hour at some areas.

National Weather Service Confirms Two More Tornados

(Eden) The National Weather Service has confirmed two more tornados from last week’s severe weather. That includes an EF-One near Eden in Fond du Lac County and an EF-Zero near Cascade in Sheboygan County. The latest confirmations bring the total number of tornados from the weather event to 19, which includes two in Dodge County.

Waupun Adding Fourth Tornado Siren On Southeast Side

(Waupun) The Waupun Common Council agreed Tuesday night to add a fourth emergency siren in the city. Last fall Federal Signal, which is a company that specializes in emergency and communication equipment, installed three sirens around Waupun. Following the project concerns quickly arose around the distribution of sound around the southeast corner of the city.

National Weather Service: Waupun Damage Result Of Straight Line Winds

(Waupun) City crews in Waupun continue their cleanup efforts following the devastating storm that passed through the region on August 28. On that day, sirens were activated and a tornado was confirmed to have landed on Hemp Road near Waupun. According to the National Weather Service, the damage suffered by the city was due to straight line winds.

FEMA Officials Wrapping Up Assessments In Dodge County

(Dodge County) Federal and state officials are wrapping up their assessment of flood and tornado damage in Dodge County. It’s the first part of the process for Wisconsin to get federal disaster funding. Individual Assistance Teams from FEMA, the U-S Small Business Administration joined emergency management officials in tracking damage to private homes in Watertown on Tuesday before moving on to Beaver Dam, Fox Lake, Brownsville, Lomira and Waupun on Wednesday.

Dodge County Public Infrastructure Ineligible For Disaster Funding From Tornados

(Dodge County) Dodge County officials learned today that they county will not be eligible for federal disaster funding for municipal infrastructure. Last week, Public Assistance Teams from FEMA and the state Department of Natural Resources toured the region assessing flood and tornado damage. The decision does not effect individual property owners.

Dodge County Denied Disaster Funding For Individuals From Tornados

(Dodge County) Dodge County has learned that they will not be eligible for federal disaster funding for individual assistance. The denial was based off results from a September damage assessment undertaken by FEMA officials following severe summer storms. Dodge County Emergency Management Director Amy Nehls says while the area had homes that fit the criteria for federal aid, the majority of the destruction was caused by straight line winds and tornados and most of the damage was covered by insurance.

Dodge County Residents Eligible For CDBG From Storm Damage

(Dodge County) Dodge County residents whose homes were damaged during August and September’s severe weather can now apply for relief. The county was recently awarded roughly $800,000 in Community Development Block Grant – Emergency Assistance Program funding to help low-to-moderate-income households affected by the flooding and tornados.

Speeding Car Crashes Into Beaver Dam Middle School

Speeding Car Crashes Into Beaver Dam Middle School

(Beaver Dam) A domestic incident lead to a vehicle crashing into the Beaver Dam Middle School late Wednesday night. Around 11:15pm, officers responded to the 800 block of North Center Street for what was later determined to be a domestic dispute. The female complainant reported a verbal argument with a male co-habitant who broke a window and left the scene in a vehicle.

Cash Bond Set For Suspect In Fiery Crash Into Beaver Dam Middle School

(Beaver Dam) Cash bond was set at $10-thousand dollars Thursday afternoon for the suspect in a police chase that ended with a fiery car crash that knocked a hole in the Beaver Dam Middle School. Roy Cortez is charged with felony Fleeing for the incident that started with a domestic abuse report around 11:15pm Wednesday night.

Six Figure Estimate For Explosive Car Crash Into Beaver Dam Middle School

(Beaver Dam) The Beaver Dam Unified School District says a vehicle that crashed into the middle school is believed to have caused well over $100,000 in damages. Beaver Dam Unified School District Communications Officer Nicole White says prior to making contact, the vehicle struck an electrical transformer that feeds power to a large portion of the building.

Beaver Dam Middle School Speeding Car Crash Repairs Top Half Million

(Beaver Dam) The Beaver Dam Unified School District says updated cost estimates suggest will over $500,000 in damages was caused after a car crashed into the middle school last week. Beaver Dam Unified School District Communications Officer Nicole White says over the last several days there have been over 80 professionals and numerous crews on site.

Beaver Dam Man Sentenced In Fiery Crash Into Middle School

(Beaver Dam) A Beaver Dam man was ordered Monday to pay over $2-million dollars in restitution and serve 32 months in jail for crashing into the Beaver Dam Middle School. In December, Roy Cortez entered a no contest plea to a felony charge of Fleeing. C

Craig Warmbold