Theft charge dropped against Solon Spring woman
A theft charge against a Solon Springs woman accused of taking as much as $71,000 from the bank accounts of an elderly couple who granted her power of attorney was dismissed this week in Douglas County Circuit Court.
According to the criminal complaint, Jennifer Lynn Lefler, 31, was accused of siphoning money off through ATM withdrawals and payments to herself, while she failed to pay the couple's bills.
The single felony theft charge against Lefler was dismissed Monday because of evidence concerns and the death of the alleged victim, according to court records. The case had been set to go to trial Thursday.
Lake Superior dropping less than usual
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The level of Lake Superior fell by an inch in February, half the usual 2-inch drop for the month.
The International Lake Superior Board of Control on Thursday said the lake now sits 7 inches below the long-term level but still 4 inches above the March 1 level of 2008.
While the western end of Lake Superior has seen dry conditions in February, other parts of the lake saw above-average moisture. The big lake usually falls from August into April before starting a seasonal upswing as snow melts and summer rains fall.
The level of Lakes Huron-Michigan rose by more than usual -- a full 3 inches compared to the normal half-inch. Those lakes now sit 9 inches below their long-term average but 11 inches higher than one year ago.
Family fun center opens in Lakeside
The Lion and the Lamb Family Fun Center, a place that provides activities for families, will host its grand opening Saturday.
From noon to 5 p.m., the center at 512 45th Ave. E. will show the public the variety of free programs it has to offer. Games and food also will be available.
"We simply encourage parents to come in and participate by interacting with their children," said Shea Carey, the center's director of operations. "Anybody can stay home and play with their children. However, the facility offers families a different place to go for some fun."
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Brunsweiler River gets protected status
The Wisconsin Legislature on Tuesday designated the Brunsweiler River as a state wild river in honor of conservationist Martin Hanson. The 10-mile designated segment of the Brunsweiler River in Ashland County, within the Chequamagon-Nicolet National Forest, becomes the fourth wild river to be given protected status.
Rep. Gary Sherman, D-Port Wing, and Sen. Bob Jauch, D-Poplar, wrote the legislation.
"The purpose of this legislation is to preserve the Brunsweiler River in its free-flowing condition and to protect it from building and expansion so that it can be sustained for many years into the future," Sherman said.
The legislation honors one of Wisconsin's most important environmental leaders. Before he passed away in October 2007, one of Hanson's last requests was to designate the Brunsweiler a State Wild River and on Tuesday both the Assembly and the Senate recognized that request.
