Top Stories August 14th

Marijuana Found Growing in Lomira

8/14/11 - The Lomira Police Department recently destroyed some marijuana plants that were growing near the villages wastewater treatment plant. An officer found them near a catch basin during one of the departments periodic security checks of the area. After calling in the Dodge County Drug Task Force to confirm it was marijuana they got approval from the village board to dispose of it before it could grow enough to be smoked. The police department doesn’t believe it was part of a growing operation because it was scattered around the area. They say it most likely came from the waste system through a resident flushing some of it down their toilet. They also say the plants did not affect the quality of the village’s water and no one was adversely affected.

River Levels in Mayville Could Soon Return to Normal

8/14/11 - Residents in Mayville could soon see the Rock River back to normal levels. Since June 15th the river has been held up above the dam so repairs could be made to the concrete structure, its retaining wall and the gates. The structure hadn’t gone this extensive of a rehabilitation since 1946 when the original concrete structure was built. That replaced the wood, stone and dirt dam built in 1848. Officials say the project should be completed by September 1st barring any weather issues. The city would begin refilling the river the following day. The total cost of the project is expected to come in around the budgeted amount of $446,000.

Authorities Make Effort to Avoid Future Drownings

8/14/11 - A man's death earlier this summer has led officials to post warning signs along the Chippewa River. Officials want people to be aware of climbing dangers along rocky cliffs. 34-year-old Anthony J. Patacek drowned on June 5 after diving from the cliffs upstream from the Wissota Hydroelectric Power Plant. His was the second drowning death in the area in recent years.

How a Bat Got on Flight Being Investigated

8/14/11 - Federal health investigators will look into a case involving a bat that got onto an airplane during a flight from Madison to Atlanta. The bat escaped before anyone could check to find out if it had rabies. So the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is trying to track down the 50 people who were on board the plane to make sure they haven't contracted rabies, too. Anyone on the plane can call the CDC at 866-613-2683.

Legislator Pushes for Proactive Approach Against Asian Carp

8/14/11 - At least one state lawmaker wants state Wildlife officials to be more proactive in protecting Wisconsin waterways from the Asian carp. One of the fish was found in the Lower Wisconsin River in southwest Wisconsin. Fish experts think the invasive species could cause big problems for the other plants and animals living in Wisconsin's inland waterways. Representative Cory Mason of Racine is the top Democrat on the Assembly Natural Resources Committee. He says he wants Republicans in the Legislature to call a joint hearing to hear the DNR's plan for dealing with the Asian carp threat.

Bank Making a Commitment to Revitalization Efforts

8/14/11 - U.S. Bank becomes the fourth financial institution to make a substantial investment in revitalization efforts for Milwaukee.  U.S. Bank has pledged 16 million dollars to help the city with foreclosures.  Most of the money will come as mortgage offers for a new program that allows for smaller down payments and provides money for repairs.  Previously Bank of America, Deutsche Bank and Wells Fargo have put money into the effort.

Forum Planned to Discuss State Fair Violence

8/14/11 - The Milwaukee Youth Council plans to host a forum next month to discuss violence at the Wisconsin State Fair.  A 16 year old boy has been arrested for his part in the attacks at the fair on opening night.  Ten others were charged as well.  The youth council says violent behavior is unacceptable.  A date for the forum will be announced on the council’s Facebook page.  The State Fair completes its run this weekend.

Boehner Attending Fundraiser on Monday in Brown County

8/14/11 - House Speaker John Boehner will attend a private fundraiser Monday for Representative Reid Ribble. The event will be held in Brown County, but the specific location for the event is not being released. The currently unopposed Ribble has so far raised less money than nearly all of Wisconsin's other representatives. Ribble serves on the budget committee, the agriculture committee and the transportation committee. 

Police Investigating Escape

8/14/11 - Sheboygan police aren’t saying how 40 year old Randall Graham got free, but he managed to leave the police station Thursday morning.  To make his getaway the accused burglar took off in an orange county truck that had been parked next to the station.  Graham was under arrest on a charge from another county at the time.  He had just been interviewed by detectives when he took off at about 10:30 in the morning.

Obama Tours Battery Plant in Michigan

8/14/11 - Promoting the economic value of green-based energy, President Obama toured an advanced battery plant in Holland, Michigan, Thursday.  Wisconsin-based Johnson Controls owns the plant where batteries are made for alternative-fuel vehicles – like hybrid or electric cars and trucks.  Johnson Controls has been given a 300 million dollar federal grant for the work.  It plans to create 150 jobs at plants in Michigan and Wisconsin.

New Lions Born at Milwaukee Zoo

8/14/11 - Three new lion cubs have been born at the Milwaukee County Zoo.  That’s something that hasn’t happened in more than 30 years.  The cubs were born July 24th and 25th.  Zoo staff report they are monitoring the little lions by using a camera and a microphone set up in their den.  It is separated from the one holding the cubs’ father.  The three could be on display for the public in about three months.

Mustski’s to Perform at National Today

8/14/11 - The Beaverland Mustskis Water-ski Team are competing in the Division 1 Nationals in Janesville this afternoon Sunday. There are 14 teams competing from three different national regions in this weekend 37th National Show Ski Association Championships. The Mustskis should take to the water around 3:30 pm– give or take 45 minutes. The public is invited and encouraged to attend and there is no charge at Janesville’s Traxler Park. In competitive show skiing, each club has one hour to present a theatrical performance on water skis. Judges score acts by awarding points based on originality, presentation and execution. Elaborate costumes and staging intermix with music and fast action on the water as an announcer leads the audience through the show. Due to the national competition, there will be no show tonight (Sun) at Tahoe Park in Beaver Dam. The team competitions will be available to view via live Webcast at http://waterski.teamusa.org/live. Links are on our website.