Village of Pewaukee - Three women maybe charged today for strong armed robbery after stealing a purse from a woman in a grocery store parking lot last evening.

Police are recommending the Waukesha County District Attorney's Office charge two Waukesha women and a West Allis woman with .one count each of strong armed robbery and recklessly endangering safety.

According to police:

A 27-year-old Village of Pewaukee woman was unloading groceries into her a car at Pick 'n Save, 1401 Capitol Drive at about 5:20 p.m. when another car pulled up and stopped. Greff told police she believed the driver of the car was waiting for her to pull out of the parking stall.

A woman got out of the suspect vehicle and asked the Pewaukee woman if she had change for a dollar. When she replied no, the woman lunged into the cart to grab the woman's purse and then got back into the suspect's car

The Pewaukee woman then reached into the car to retrieve her purse but her arms became trapped when the car window was rolled up. The driver then drove the car back and forth in an attempt to shake the Pewaukee woman off the car. The woman was able to free herself but she fell and hit her head.

The car sped off but a City of Pewaukee police officer saw the car on southbound Pewaukee Road and stopped it. With the assistance of other officers the women were taken into custody.

The Pewaukee woman was not seriously injured, police said..

Village of Pewaukee - The administrative offices in Pewaukee Village Hall will be closing at 3 p.m. Tuesday for carpet cleaning due to the sprinkler head malfunction on September 20.

  The Administrative Offices will reopen at 8 a.m. Wednesday The police department counter will be open until 4:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Village of Pewaukee - Village officials are assessing the damage caused by flooding in the new Village Hall due to a sprinkler head that malfunctioned Saturday.

Village Hall remained closed this morning as loud fans and heaters dried the carpet and walls in the building. The base boards in the offices have been removed and will be replaced said Village Administrator Scott Gosse. Documents stored in boxes in the multipurpose room needed to be dried out, as well.

The culprit was a sprinkler head located near the door to the multi-purpose room located between Gosse and Village Clerk Sue Atherton's offices. The alarm system went off at about noon Saturday and a village officer was quickly on the scene and discovered water pouring out of the sprinkler head.

The Pewaukee Fire Department responded and the water was shut off about 10 minutes after the alarm was triggered, Gosse said. There was about an inch of water in some areas of the office. 

The sprinkler system was installed by Total Comfort which has taken the defective sprinkler head to examine it and determine why it popped off. "We don't know if it is defective," Gosse said. He said there is a one year warranty on the system.

Total Comfort has asked for all the invoices regrading the damage, he said. The village has also forward documentation to the village's insurance company. Gosse said he did not have a damage estimate yet.

The police department was not affected by the flooding.

Village Hall may reopen this afternoon, he said.

A 51-year-old man was killed Monday night after he was struck by a freight train.

Craig A. Petersen of 754 Glacier Drive was struck by a westbound Canadian Pacific train, traveling at 45 mph, shortly after 11 p.m.

Village police said Petersen was sitting on the northern rail behind his house. Peterson was sitting about 750 feet west of a crossing, and the gates, including bells and lights, were operational at the time. The conductor of the train also blew his whistle as it passed through the crossing.

The engineer told police he saw Petersen sitting on the rail and appeared to have been sleeping. As the train approached, Petersen looked at the train and suddenly got up but was hit by the engine, police said.

Petersen had lived in the village since May 2007, was employed and there were no signs he was distraught, police said.

Police were assisted by CP Rail police in the initial investigation. . Police are waiting for toxicology and autopsy reports regarding Petersen.

Village of Pewaukee - A sprinkler head in Village Hall broke Saturday allowing several hundred gallons of water to pour into the new building and forcing the closure of Village Hall Monday.

The sprinkler head broke around noon and water covered much of the Village Hall and the conference room. The water caused possible damage to furniture, carpet and the drywall. The police department is open today.

The building opened in May.

Village of Pewaukee - Dozens of residents in an apartment building on Morris Street were evacuated early Thursday morning due to a fire in an underground storage area.

Police are investigating the cause of the fire that apparently started in a storage area. No one was injured in the fire as everyone was evacuated from the two-story building.

Five families from the 16-unit building at 309 Morris St., are receiving shelter from the American Red Cross, said Kate Heinze, media director of the Red Cross. Twenty one people are receiving shelter, food and comfort kits, she said.

The Red Cross is working with the management of the apartment building to see if those families can be relocated into other apartments.

The building is uninhabitable as there is no electricity and no running water as the solder on the copper water pipes in the underground parking area melted, police said.

Many of the units on the first floor sustained smoke and soot damaged, police said. Such damage to contents in the apartments was not yet known.

As firefighters fought that blaze, another fire broke out at a duplex at 163 Main St., at about 2:40 a.m. Bierce did not have details on that fire as other departments responded.

Police noted the fire was started by a grease fire on a stove. Everyone was evacuated and no one was injured, police said.

Village of Pewaukee - It's been 12 weeks since the Pewaukee Lake Water Ski Club has donned its skis and performed at the lakefront but the popular ski club will perform again Thursday.

"We're excited to be back," said Abby Lorenz, a longtime member of the club, of returning to Pewaukee Lake.

The club has been performing at the lakefront for more than two decades but this season was cut short due to Mother Nature. The club last performed Thursday, June 5. A few days later the start of a deluge would signal the end of any performances until Thursday.

Floods and high waters initially kept the club, and any motorized boat off the lake for weeks. Then the toxic blue-green algae appeared at the end of June and the lake was not deemed safe for swimming until Aug. 15.

The thought of getting back onto Pewaukee Lake before a packed lakefront that excites the club, she said.

"Our reward is the applause," Lorenz said.

Thursday's show is at 6:30 p.m. The club's last show of the season will be on Labor Day at 5:30 p.m.

Village of Pewaukee - After 9-1/2 weeks swimming at Lakefront Park is once again permitted.

Tests have shown the level of the toxic blue-green algae have dropped to a level where the lake is again safe to swim in, according  to a press release from the village. The e-coli levels have been tested and are safe as well.

Swimming in the lake became prohibited June 9 when the lake flooded the downtown. After the waters receded the blue-green algae was discovered and the beach and lake remained closed. The beach was later reopened but swimming continued to be prohibited with the presence of the algae.

According to the Department of Natural Resources, the blue-green algae can produce toxic substances that can cause humans or animals to experience illness or other health effects if there is skin contact with the toxins.

Although the beach will be open for swimming, due to the length of closure, there will be no lifeguards on duty for the remainder of the summer. Therefore swimming will be at the person's own risk, according  to the release.

The beach will close for the season after Labor Day weekend.

Village of Pewaukee - The Village Board is seeking citizen volunteers who would be interested in serving on the Merger Advisory Committee formed last week.

The board would appoint two citizens to the panel, which is anticipated to meeting about 11 hours a month during evening hours.. The exact time uncertain.

The village is looking for individuals who have not formed strong opinions on the subject of consolidating the village and city of Pewaukee and are open to the prospect of either merging or remaining independent/cooperating communities.

The committee will be compirsed of Village President Chuck Nichols, City Mayor Scott Klein, a village trustee, a city council member, two citizens appointed by the Village Board, and two citizens appointed by the council. The Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (SEWRPC) Executive Director Phil Evenson will also serve on the panel but will be a non-voting member.

If interested, please submit your name and letter of interest to Scott Gosse, Village Administrator, 235 Hickory Street, Pewaukee, WI, 53072, or you can send an email stating your interest to sgosse@villageofpewaukee.com. All names will be forwarded to the Village Board for consideration. Please submit names by Aug. 25.

Village of Pewaukee - The village's Water Utility is looking to determine what it can do to reduce lead levels in four houses that exceeded safety levels.

David White, director of the Public Works Department said the high levels of lead are not in the municipal water system but in the specific homes. Due to the high levels, the village was required to publish a notice and is sending out an informational pamphlet to all property owners.

The lead comes from the lead solder used in copper pipes in homes built prior to 1985, White said. In 1984 lead solder was banned and thus not a concern in buildings constructed from 1985 on.

Lead in drinking water comes from corrosion inside the customer's pipes, according to the informational pamphlet that was created by the engineering firm of Ruekert & Mielke.

The remedy for homeowners in houses built prior to 1985 is to let the water run 15 to 20 seconds after the water has been not used for six hours.. 

Lead can pose a health risk. For children and infants lead can delay in physical or mental development. For adults, exposure to lead can cause high blood pressure or kidney problems.

Anyone with questions is asked to call Village Hall at 262-691-5660.

Village of Pewaukee - Swimming at the public beach at Lakefront Park beach will continue to be banned until mid-August due to the presence of blue-green algae.

Test results of the lake were released Thursday and showed the algae level, tested July 21, remained at a level that is not safe for swimming. According  to a statement released Thursday, the levels ob blue-green algae were double of what they were the previous week.

The Pewaukee Park and Recreation Department is expected to take another water sample to the State Lab of Hygiene during the week of Aug. 11 with results to be released Aug. 14..

Swimming in the lake was effectively ended when a series of storms caused the lake to overflow the beach June 9 and flooded the downtown area.

The Pewaukee Park and Recreation Department first announced June 26 the discovery of the blue-green algae which can contain toxins that can be a health hazard.

According to the Department of Natural Resources, the blue-green algae can produce toxic substances that can cause humans or animals to experience illness or other health effects if there is skin contact with the toxins.
The DNR states that swimming in water with an algal bloom may cause symptoms such as skin rash, hives, runny nose, irritated eyes or throat irritation. Swallowing or ingesting water with an algal bloom may cause symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea or nausea, headache, throat irritation or muscle and joint pain, or seizures or convulsions. Symptoms in pets include seizures, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Despite the warnings, a Village of Pewaukee police officer Thursday found four children swimming in the lake at about 3 p.m. The children were supervised by an adult male who told police he was aware of the closure but allowed the children to swim anyway.

Village of Pewaukee - The Lakefront Park beach continues to remain closed due to the presence of blue-green algae.

Test results of the lake were released this afternoon and showed the algae level, tested July 14, remained at a level that is not safe for swimming. The Pewaukee Park and Recreation Department will take another water sample to the State Lab of Hygiene Monday and results should be ready by Thursday.

Swimming in the lake was effectively ended when a series of storms caused the lake to overflow the beach June 9 and flooded the downtown area.
The Pewaukee Park and Recreation Department first announced June 26 the discovery of the blue-green algae which can contain toxins that can be a health hazard.

According to the Department of Natural Resources, the blue-green algae can produce toxic substances that can cause humans or animals to experience illness or other health effects if there is skin contact with the toxins.

The DNR states that swimming in water with an algal bloom may cause symptoms such as skin rash, hives, runny nose, irritated eyes or throat irritation. Swallowing or ingesting water with an algal bloom may cause symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea or nausea, headache, throat irritation or muscle and joint pain, or seizures or convulsions. Symptoms in pets include seizures, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Village of Pewaukee - The Fourth of July fireworks show is a go. Just where remains to be seen.

The Village Board Tuesday agreed to allow the annual show be held at Village Park if the lakefront is not deemed doable. The show at this time is slated for the lakefront. Village Administrator Scott Gosse said with the lifting of the no engine rule on Pewaukee Lake helps make the possibility of a lakefront show a reality. The fireworks are shot off Bill Brown island, which is located to the west of the downtown area.

If that is not possible, the fireworks would be shot off the northern most outfield in the softball diamonds at Village Park.

Village of Pewaukee - The beach at Lakefront Park in the Village of Pewaukee is closed due to high water levels and the discovery of blue-green algae.

The Pewaukee Park and Recreation Department announced Thursday the discovery of the blue-green algae which can contain toxins.

According to the Department of Natural Resources, the blue-green algae can produce toxic substances that can cause humans or animals to experience illness or other health effects if there is skin contact with the toxins.

The DNR states that swimming in water with an algal bloom may cause symptoms such as skin rash, hives, runny nose, irritated eyes or throat irritation. Swallowing or ingesting water with an algal bloom may cause symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea or nausea, headache, throat irritation or muscle and joint pain, or seizures or convulsions. Symptoms in pets include seizures, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Village of Pewaukee - Rains have taken over most of June but as clear skies and warm temperatures are back in the forecast, many downtown Pewaukee events that were cancelled because of flooding are back on deck. 

Waterfront Wednesdays will return this week from 6 to 9 p.m. at Lakefront Park, 222 West Wisconsin Ave, with a "big thank-you party," said Elaine Kroening, executive director of Positively Pewaukee.  The Dirty Boogie Band is scheduled to perform.

Downtown businesses will offer different specials, she said.

The 10th anniversary Run to the Beach event will also be held this Wednesday and will begin and end at Village Park, 325 Capitol Drive, Kroening said.  Registration is from 5 to 6:45 p.m.  The Kid's Fun Run will begin at 6:30 p.m. and the 5K run/2 mile walk will start at 7 p.m.  The entry fee is $20 for adults and $2 for kids. 

Jim Stevens contributed to this report.

Village of Pewaukee - While the downtown area remains flooded there has been some improvements most notable Capitol Drive being reopened this morning.

With West Wisconsin Avenue under water, in some places as deep as two feet, and Capitol Drive being impassable, the closure of two east-west arteries in the village had left the village split. When West Wisconsin Avenue will reopen is not known, but David White, public works director, said it could take up to two weeks before the lake recedes back into its banks.

The closure means the annual Pewaukee Beach Party, scheduled for this weekend has been cancelled as well as Waterfront Wednesdays and the Pewaukee Lake Water Ski Club show. Softball games at Village Park have been cancelled for tonight and Tuesday's and Wednesday's games may also be cancelled.

Due to the flooding, access to downtown businesses are limited with some businesses being closed.

Village of Pewaukee - In an effort to reduce the energy of waves pounding a wall of sandbags along West Wisconsin Avenue, snowplow blades are being placed in the flooded street.

David White, director of the public works department said today, he ordered the blades be placed in the middle of the street. "I'm hoping the plow blades will take the energy of the waves," he said.

Part of a sandbag wall along West Wisconsin Avenue failed and some water did get into about four of the shops in the Old Main Street mall this morning, White said. the sandbag wall has been reinforced and is :"holding pretty good."

White said the water was about knee deep in West Wisconsin Avenue and about a foot deep near the curb of the street. He said about 4 inches of rain fell on Pewaukee.

Village of Pewaukee - The village is currently seeking volunteers to help fill sand bags to help stem the tide of rising waters in the community.

Volunteers are asked to go to Department of Public Works building at 1000 Hickory St. Access to the building is limited to Forest Grove Drive as the street is closed near the Highway 16 bridge. Sand bag operations are currently ongoing in the downtown area. The sand bags will be made available to those who need them.

Village of Pewaukee - Friday the 13th is an unlucky day as heavy rains Thursday and Friday morning exacerbated the spillover of Pewaukee Lake into the downtown area and once again splitting the village in two.

Rising waters in the downtown continue to keep West Wisconsin Avenue closed and now Park Avenue at the Main Street/West Wisconsin Avenue intersection is closed with police tape. Oakton Avenue at East Wisconsin Avenue is also closed off.

After reopening Wednesday, Capitol Drive is again closed just east of Park Hill Drive at the Pewaukee River bridge. Hickory Street near the Highway 16 bridge is also closed due to rising water.

Village of Pewaukee - The village is no longer split in two by flooding waters as Capitol Drive has been reopened, however West Wisconsin Avenue remains closed to through traffic.

The two main east-west arteries in the village had been closed since Monday due to the heavy storms over the weekend. Hickory Street was also closed in the area of Highway 16 bridge due to flooding. Though there is standing water near the yard waste recycling center the street is open to through traffic. Oakton Avenue remains closed near the bridge over the Pewaukee River.

Village President Chuck Nichols said he had met with Public Works Director David White and Village Administrator Scott Gosse today to discuss the situation.

Nichols said the West Wisconsin Avenue was designed to handle any overflow if the dam, located across from the Piano Blu restaurant, and is currently handling the overflow as the Pewaukee River has receded.

Nichols said White the level of water in the street has dropped and conditions now appear favorable if the situation remains status quo. However, if the heavy rains predicted for Thursday come to pass, "all bets are off," Nichols said.
White has been consulting with engineers and FEMA officials regarding to flooding in the downtown area.

Village residents are being asked to report any damage and they are being referred to the FEMA Website for assistance