DODGE COUNTY, Wis (Civic Media) – The Associated Press reports that just hours before a press conference in Dodge County regarding prison deaths, the warden of the state lockup was arrested. According to the AP, Randall Hepp, warden of Waupun Correctional Institution, was arrested on Wednesday, hours before a news conference on inmate deaths at the prison.
Reporting from the AP states that Hepp was booked into the Dodge County Jail this morning at 8:20 a.m. It’s not known why he was booked and what are any possible charges.
Four inmates have died at Waupun since June 2023. The AP, using statements from State Senator Van Wangaard, says Hepp and numerous others will be arrested and charged with crimes related to their work at the prison. Wangaard is head of the Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety.
The state Department of Corrections is investigating the prison’s operations, and over 20 people remain under internal investigation, with at least 8 on administrative leave and 9 fired or retired.
A federal lawsuit was filed alleging prison officials failed to provide adequate mental health care to an inmate who died by suicide. Investigations are also underway into a suspected smuggling ring involving prison employees and potential financial crimes.
Pike Lake Annual Fun Day
9/6/2024 | Austin Brumet
The Pike Lake Volunteer Fire Department hosted their annual Fun Day, bringing in crowds of attendees in support of the department.
Lugerville Church Set to Close
9/6/2024 | Austin Brumet
Park Falls, Wis. (WCQM/WPFP) – Our Savior’s Episcopal Church in Lugerville, will be closing. They were the first established church in Lugerville when they were first founded in 1938 and moved locations several times until 1949 when the church acquired the former South Fork School. The building was then moved ten miles to Lugerville, where […]
Governor Tim Walz Discusses Rural America and the 2024 Election on The Chad Holmes Show
9/6/2024 | Teri Barr
The Democratic Vice Presidential Nominee talks about his rural roots, bipartisanship, and what he orders at Culver’s on WXCO Radio.
Wisconsin’s long-term care crisis: Staffing troubles, low Medicaid rates prompt closures
9/6/2024 | Addie Costello / Wisconsin Watch and WPR
Low state reimbursement rates through Medicaid have depressed provider revenue and worker pay at assisted living facilities.
Madison Police Chief Calls for Police Officers to Return to MMSD Schools
9/6/2024 | Savanna Tomei-Olson
MADISON, Wis. – Madison’s police chief has called for resource officers to return to the city’s schools. On Wednesday, a 14-year-old boy shot and killed four people at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia. Nine more were hurt. School resource officers were able to find the shooter within minutes, and he surrendered. Madison Police Chief […]
