Election Coverage

(Juneau) The challenger in the race for Dodge County sheriff says a change in leadership is needed. Mark Colker, who is a 24-year law enforcement veteran, notes a high turnover rate at the sheriff’s department in recent years. Colker says, according to the current sheriff’s annual reports, there have been 45 hires made within the last three years. He says that means there were 45 vacancies.

(Juneau) Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt defended his record Friday on WBEV’s Community Comment. His opponent in the August Republican primary claimed the department’s high turnover rate in recent years was evidence of an unhealthy work environment. Schmidt calls the implication a (quote) “farce,” saying 14 agencywide resignations last year were no different than any other workplace or even sheriff’s office. He noted that Winnebago County, where his opponent works, had to close a jail pod because they did not have enough employees.

Craig Warmbold moderates the Dodge County Sheriff's Race candidates debate that was broadcast live from the Beaver Dam Veterans Center on WBEV and video streamed at DailyDodge.com

(Juneau) The challenger in the race for Dodge County Sheriff says a federal lawsuit involving his opponent could be costly for taxpayers. Mark Colker is challenging Dale Schmidt for the Republican nomination on the August 9 ballot. Colker says the lawsuit filed by Selepri Amachree, and currently under appeal, contains “disturbing” details.

(Juneau) Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt is accusing his opponent in the August Republican primary of lying on job applications. Mark Colker applied for a job as a deputy with the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office in 2020. Schmidt says he stayed out of the background investigation because Colker was renting property from him.

(Juneau) Incumbent Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt secured a decisive victory in Tuesday’s Republican primary, defeating challenger Mark Colker by a vote of 75% to 25%. Barring a successful write-in campaign, Schmidt would be sworn in to a third term after the November general election.

(Beaver Dam) Craig Warmbold moderates the debate between candidates in the Beaver Dam mayoral race ahead of the February 2020 primary.

(Beaver Dam) Incumbent Becky Glewen is facing a challenge from Police and Fire Commission Chair Jeff Kohman and veteran Alan Winter in the February primary.

(Beaver Dam) Police and Fire Commission Chair Jeff Kohman is challenging incumbent Mayor Becky Glewen and veteran Alan Winter in the February primary.

(Beaver Dam) Beaver Dam Mayor Becky Glewen secured her second term helming the city after defeating former common council president and Police and Fire Commission Chair Jeff Kohman on the April 7 ballot. Glewen secured 2335 votes while Kohman picked up 1404, for a 62-37-percent split. Meanwhile, Beaver Dam Alderman Ken Anderson has withstood a challenge from Dan Baulch to secure his third term on the council representing Ward Six with a vote of 132-to-74. In Ward 14, incumbent Mary Morgan was unseated by former alderman Mike Wissell on a vote of 101 to 89.