Top Stories June 4th

Wauwatosa Man Killed In Lowell Motorcycle Wreck

6/4/12 - A Wauwatosa man out on a morning motorcycle ride with his eight-year-old grandson crashed his bike near Lowell just before noon Sunday and died at the scene. According to the Dodge County Sheriffs Department, the 51-year-old was westbound on State Highway 16-60 near County Highway J when, for an unknown reason, the motorcycle veered to the right, onto the shoulder of the road and struck a mailbox. He was pronounced dead by MedFlight personnel. The eight-year-old was transported to Beaver Dam Community Hospital for precautionary reasons. The crash is under investigation and any witnesses are encouraged to contact the Dodge County Sheriffs Department.

Fitzgerald, Compas Clash On Mining Bill

6/4/12 - The Senate Majority Leader says if the GOP retains its edge in the legislature following tomorrow’s historic election, the state’s mining laws would become a top priority. State Senate recall candidate Scott Fitzgerald of Juneau told us on WBEV’s Community Comment last week that he is confident revamping the state’s mining laws will create 2000 well-paying jobs up north, and more work at southeastern Wisconsin companies like Caterpillar and Bucyrus. His opponent, recall organizer Lori Compas of Fort Atkinson, was shocked to hear the Republicans would let industry draft their own regulations. Compas says the mining company would obviously push for the cheapest mining methods possible to maximize profit at the expense of the environment. Fitzgerald says its common practice to invite business or other affected groups into the legislative process because lawmakers are not experts on all the technical aspects of a bill.  Compas says there is already a hearing process in place that would provide lawmakers with the information and insights needed to draft balanced legislation to benefit both industry and the environment.

Walker, Barrett Campaign at Same Event

6/4/12 - Despite a sign reading, “Please, no political solicitation”, Wisconsin’s biggest politicians descended on one of the biggest Dairy Month breakfasts in Brown County yesterday.  Over five-thousand people chewed on cheese and the state of Wisconsin’s future after tomorrow’s recall elections. Governor Scott Walker and his Democratic opponent Tom Barrett campaigned within a few yards of each other. Barrett was again with retiring U-S Senator Herb Kohl. And one of the men who hope to replace Kohl, Republican Tommy Thompson, was at the breakfast as well. Thompson said Walker would win a “sizable victory” tomorrow, and it would energize Republicans going into the fall contests. Walker said he wondered why President Obama passed on visiting Wisconsin to campaign for Barrett, when he was in neighboring Minnesota last week. Barrett said he was satisfied with the support he got from the national party and former President Bill Clinton. And Barrett said the state’s massive energy would put him over the top. The candidates are criss-crossing the state one final time today.

Newest Assembly Candidate Seek ‘Common Ground’

The latest Republican candidate to throw his hat into the 39^th Assembly District race says he was motivated to run because of the protests in Madison over collective bargaining restrictions. Don Lechner says the protests were “disrespectful” and nothing more than “mob rule.” While he is reluctant to stake a position on the future of collective bargaining for police and fire unions, Lechner does support the general concept of union representation. He says it’s more important though for Americans to set aside party preferences and find common ground.  Lechner will face Tracy Heron and Mark Born in an August primary. The winner is expected to face Democrat Jim Grigg in November for the seat being vacated by US Senate candidate Jeff Fitzgerald of Horicon. 

Fink: ‘Media, Nuns Helped In Campbellsport Arrow Arrest’

6/4/12 - Fond du Lac County Sheriff Mick Fink says he does not believe the amount of tips they received about a seven-year-old Campbellsport girl’s shooting with an arrow increased dramatically after the reward was increased to $10,000. However he says it did put the pressure on leading to the arrest of a 16-year-old Campbellsport boy. The 16-year-old was referred to juvenile authorities on charges of Second Degree Reckless Injury and Obstructing charges. A 17-year-old Campbellsport boy who was with him when he was shooting at squirrels could also face an obstructing charge depending on what the District Attorney decides.

Former Mayville Teacher Arraigned On Assault Charge

6/4/12 - A former Mayville High School teacher accused of having a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old student waived her right to a preliminary hearing on Friday and then entered a “not guilty” plea to 12 felony charges. 43-year-old Shannon Cardinal allegedly struck up a five-month relationship with the student last December.  Cardinal and the teen reportedly had several encounters at her home in Oakfield.  The boy moved out-of-state in March, and his sister discovered the relationship after catching the two at the family’s home in Iowa.

Columbus City, School Officials Talk Athletic Fields

6/4/12 - The future of Columbus ball fields was discussed during a rare meeting between city and school district officials late last week. City-owned fields are currently used by the schools on a regular basis. Discussions are focused on who should own and pay for field maintenance. Results from a recent UW survey of city residents indicated that most people felt that those who use the facilities should pay for them. A four-person Joint Sub-Committee was formed to develop an agreement on future ownership and maintenance of recreational facilities.

Eastwood Baseball Movie Filming In Milwaukee

6/4/12 - For the third time, a major baseball movie will have at least a few scenes shot in Milwaukee. Clint Eastwood will star in a film called “Trouble With the Curve.” It’s due out in September. Eastwood will portray an older baseball scout who takes a road trip with his daughter, played by Amy Adams. Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig will be in a few scenes – and he was filmed at his office in Milwaukee’s downtown U-S Bank building. None of the actors were present for the Milwaukee filming. It’s the first motion picture that Eastwood has starred in – but not directed – since 1993. Milwaukee’s other two baseball movies had extensive scenes of the city and its baseball stadiums – the first “Major League” in 1989, and “Mister Three-Thousand” in 2004.

Large Crowd Enjoys Kids Fish and Fun Day

6/4/12 - Organizers were anticipating around 150, but over 200 kids wound up registering this year to get free fishing poles and tackle buckets at Saturday’s Kids Fish and Fun Day. DNR South Central Regional Director Mark Aquino was at Beaver Dam Lake along with his wife and two kids. Aquino called it a great event that exposes children to nature and the outdoors at a young age allowing them to grow up caring about Wisconsin’s recreational opportunities. It was the tenth year for Kids Fish and Fun Day and over 1200 kids have participated to date. The Beaver Dam Lake Improvement Association, Beaver Dam Bass Anglers and Senior Center Fishing Club sponsored the event.