Tempers Still Hot as Labor Day Approaches
9/4/11 - Months later, tempers are still running high, leading many Republican politicians to break with tradition and stay away from Labor Day holiday events like parades. Governor Scott Walker's spokesman says Walker will spend the day with his family, as he always does. Labor groups remain angry about Wisconsin's new law ending most collective bargaining rights for public employees. Two Republican state senators lost their jobs in recall elections due to the backlash. The Marathon County Labor Council originally tried to ban Republican lawmakers from Monday's parade, but it backed down when the Wausau mayor threatened to refuse to pay insurance costs and other expenses for the public event.
Trash Pick Up Delayed in BD
9/4/11 - Trash pick-up in Beaver Dam will be delayed by one day all week because of the Labor Day holiday. Director of Facilities David Stoiser says Veolia Environmental will collect Monday’s route on Tuesday, Tuesday’s route on Wednesday and that delay will continue throughout the week with Friday’s route being collected on Saturday. Brush collection, which takes place on the first trash collection day of the month, will also be delayed for those residents who did not already have brush collected at the beginning of the month last week. Monday’s brush will be collected on Tuesday and brush collection concludes with Wednesday’s brush route collected on Thursday. In addition, the Department of Public Works garage will be closed on Labor Day Monday.
Bicyclist Deaths Up from ‘10
9/4/11 - The number of bicyclists killed in Wisconsin in the first eight months of this year is the same the number who died in all of 2010. Officials said nine cyclists have died in crashes this year. Five were struck in the rear by motor vehicles. And four bicyclists died when they rode into the paths of cars-and-trucks. The most recently reported cycling death happened on August 19th in Kenosha. Police said 50-year-old Wayne Bricco was crossing a street in the path of a westbound car that hit him. Bricco died the day after the mishap. The nine cycling deaths in Wisconsin this year is more four more than in the first eight months of last year.
WEDC Still in Startup Process
9/4/11 - Wisconsin’s new Economic Development Corporation has been in place for almost two months. And it’s still in the process of getting started. The group is a public-and-private organization that replaced the state government’s Commerce Department. The agency’s director, Paul Jadin, tells the Wisconsin State Journal it’s more complicated than many people think. Four vice-president posts still need to be filled, along with top spots on the corporation’s new board. In the meantime, Jadin says the group is starting to do what the governor and Legislature wants it to do – attract new jobs, by being more flexible than the old bureaucratic system. So far, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation has given out 34-million-dollars in grants for business projects that are supposed to create over 900 jobs. Jadin also says there’s plenty of oversight to help make the new office accountable to taxpayers. He says the agency should avoid pitfalls from similar efforts in other states. Michigan’s corporation awarded nine-million-dollars to a convicted embezzler last year. The agency in Texas was accused of a conflict, after giving 16-million-dollars to firms connected with supporters of Governor Rick Perry. And Indiana’s group was caught inflating its job numbers, and fighting efforts to open its records to taxpayers.
No Council Meeting, But BD Mayor Listening Sessions Will Go On
9/4/11 - Beaver Dam Mayor Tom Kennedy has listening sessions scheduled on Tuesday. Kennedy says city residents are invited to meet with him, one-on-one, without appointment on the first and third Tuesday of every month. He says it is important that constituents have the opportunity to speak with him the day after each regular meeting of the common council. The sessions will be held this week even though the council is taking a break for the Labor Day holiday. The meetings are held in Room 109 on the first floor of City Hall from 10am until noon and again from 5pm to 6pm. Kennedy also makes himself available for private meetings by appointment by contacting the mayor office.
Regents Plan to Meet to Discuss Cutting 51 Jobs
9/4/11 - The Board of Regents for the University of Wisconsin system will consider a plan to cut 51 jobs at its meeting this coming week. Actually, only eight system workers would be laid off. The other positions are already vacant. The plan would meet a requirement of the recently passed state budget to cut almost two and a half million dollars in administrative costs at the university system. Anyone displaced would be given the opportunity to find new positions within the university system. Most of the eliminated positions would be in the IT department.
Western WI Man Facing Charges for Threatening to Blow Up IRS Office
9/4/11 - A La Crosse man is scheduled to make a court appearance next Wednesday to face charges he threatened to blow up the IRS office. Witnesses say 48 year old Paul Weber was pacing in the Internal Revenue Service office that afternoon, demanding to speak to an agent, while threatening to blow the building up. After Weber said that, he evidently went to Congressman Ron Kind's office and demand to see him. A staff member reportedly blocked Weber from Kind's office and pushed him out the door -- leading to more threats from Weber. He has been charged with one felony and one misdemeanor over the alleged threats.
Woman With History of Child Abuse Back in Court
9/4/11 - A western Wisconsin woman is free on a signature bond, after being charged with neglecting the same daughter she was convicted of abusing 13 years ago. 36-year-old Elise Will and her 37-year-old husband Jeremee of Hammond both appeared in Saint Croix County Circuit Court Friday afternoon. They’re charged with felony child abandonment and misdemeanor child neglect, and both are due back in court Wednesday when the status of the case will be reviewed. Prosecutors said the teen was abused as a baby. She’s now 14 – and police said the couple locked her out of her house, made her sleep in an outdoor tent, and starved her for four days. Authorities didn’t learn about the alleged abuse until they were investigating the death of another child – the mother’s new baby daughter. That girl was six weeks old when she died July 23rd. Police are still waiting for medical reports in that case. The first autopsy reports did not turn up any trauma on the infant – but sheriff’s deputies are still investigating.
Man Gets 3-years for Selling Driver’s License
9/4/11 - A former Wisconsin DMV worker has been sentenced to three years in prison for selling drivers licenses to illegal immigrants. Khue Xiong of Stevens Point allegedly worked with Eric Silva, finding illegal immigrants and offering them fraudulent licenses for a thousand dollars. Xiong entered the DMV database to change their residency status. Court records indicate more than 70 licenses were sold during a six month period in 2009 and 2010. Six men were charged in the case. Two of the suspects are still being sought.
Walker Orders Special Election
9/4/11 - Governor Scott Walker has ordered a special election for the state Assembly seat vacated by La Crosse Democrat Jennifer Shilling. If more than two candidates run from either party, a primary would take place October 11th. One finalist from each party will then square off in a general election on November eighth. Shilling held the Assembly seat for over a decade until she was elected to the Senate last month. Shilling unseated Republican Dan Kapanke in a recall vote. As of last week, three Democrats and no Republicans had filed preliminary paperwork with state officials to run for the vacant Assembly post – La Crosse School Board president Christine Clair, La Crosse County Board member Jill Billings, and arts center administrator David Krump. Other candidates were expected. But former representative and La Crosse Mayor John Medinger said he would not run for the seat – and neither would the city’s current mayor, Matt Harter.
Obama Administration Backs Off Tougher Ozone Standards
9/4/11 - The Obama White House is backing off from imposing tougher standards for ozone – an air pollutant that’s been a problem for years in southeast Wisconsin. The E-P-A announced the new standards in January of last year. The government said the new limits would down on hospitalizations and lost sick time at work. But businesses said it would put unnecessary costs on utility and factory smokestacks at a time when air quality was getting better. President Obama said today the administration would continue protecting the environment – but he also said it was important to cut regulatory burdens to help the economy recover. Most of Wisconsin’s lakeshore areas along Lake Michigan are in federal non-attainment zones, where development is restricted due to heavy ozone.
Black Bear Hunting Season Opens Wednesday
9/4/11 - Wisconsin’s hunting season for black bears opens on Wednesday. The D-N-R said just over nine-thousand permits were issued – and the harvest limit is the same as last year, at just over 52-hundred. The bear season runs through October 11th. This year, a hunter must leave a bear tooth and part of a rib when registering the animal. Officials say it will help with a two-year study of Wisconsin’s bear population, to determine if the state is setting appropriate quotas.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Top Stories, September 3rd
Nehls In Line For Promotion To Brigadier General
9/3/11 - Dodge County Sheriff Todd Nehls is in line for a promotion to Brigadier General of the Army National Guard. Nehls, who is currently a Colonel, was nominated for the position by Major General Donald Dunbar. President Obama then forwarded the nomination to the Senate and Nehls was confirmed for the promotion on July 25. That action does not officially give him the rank of a Brigadier General. Nehls says now is when the hard work begins and for the next year or two he will aggressively pursue available opportunities – either inside the state or outside Wisconsin – to be accepted into a position that demands the rank of a Brigadier General. Nehls says he will be selective with those opportunities but he is optimistic it will happen. He says he does not expect a possible promotion to affect his position as sheriff. Nehls says the possible elevation to that rank will do nothing but bring great things to the people of Dodge County and enhance his opportunity to serve his constituents. Governor Scott Walker this week promoted General Dunbar, adjutant general of Wisconsin, to the rank of two-star major general. Nehls says that promotion has no effect on his prospects to find a position as Brigadier General.
GOP Lawmakers Mull Appearances At Labor Day Parades
9/3/11 - Some of Wisconsin’s top Republicans plan to march in Labor Day parades on Monday – even though Wausau labor leader Randy Radtke said they should be quote, “ashamed to show their faces.” The Marathon County Labor Council’s effort to ban Republicans from its Labor Day parade shows how resentful organized labor remains to the G-O-P’s approval of the state law that virtually eliminates collective bargaining for most public unions. Republican Governor Scott Walker – who triggered massive protests when he first proposed the law in February – plans to spend Labor Day with his family. But the G-O-P leaders of both houses will be out among the crowds. Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald of Juneau and his brother, Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald of Horicon, both plan to be in Randolph’s Labor Day parade – just like they were last year. G-O-P Congressman Sean Duffy says he’ll be in Wausau’s parade, after the labor council changed his mind about not letting him and other Republicans march. Wausau Senate Republican Pam Galloway says she’ll be there, too, but she admits some folks won’t be happy to see her. Wausau’s mayor said the city would have refused to pay expenses for the parade there unless the Labor Council let both parties in. Jim Tipple says Labor Day should not be a politically-partisan holiday, and it should honor workers of all political leanings. Assembly G-O-P finance chair Robin Vos of Racine County plans to stay away from Racine’s labor festival. He says it normally attracts hard-core Democrats.
Labor Day Travel Projected To Be Lower This Year
9/3/11 - If you’re traveling this Labor Day weekend, you’re not seeing as much traffic on the roads as a year ago. The Triple-“A” says about 660-thousand Wisconsinites are traveling this weekend, down three-percent from last year. But the Triple-“A’s” Pam Moen says it’s a small decline considering new fears about the economy and a big jump in gas prices over the last year. Moen says people have adjusted somewhat to the high fuel prices, but many won’t be traveling as far this weekend. She said the average trip will be around 600 miles, 30 miles fewer than last Labor Day. Meanwhile, the state D-O-T has suspended the work of highway crews for the weekend. There are almost two dozen major construction zones, and officials say there are some lane restrictions where drivers will have to be careful. That includes on Highway 151 near Beaver Dam which remains a two-lane highway, one lane in each direction, from County Highway D-E to County Highway G. The heaviest traffic is expected between noon-and-8 p-m on Monday. And the State Patrol says the current “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign continues through the holiday. Eight people were killed in Wisconsin highway crashes last Labor Day weekend.
Mauston Man Pleads Out In Tavern Break-Ins
9/3/11 - A Mauston man has entered into a plea agreement with prosecutors yesterday in a series of Dodge County tavern break-ins. Thomas Dahlgren pleaded to a pair of felony Burglary charges and had another felony and three misdemeanors dismissed but read into the record. The 45-year-old and two others are accused of breaking into the Dockside Pub and Grille in the Town of Westford in January, Jumpers Bar in the Town of Beaver Dam in February and Chances Bar in the Town of Burnett in March. Thousands of dollars was stolen from poker machines, ATM’s and safes. 32-year-old Nicholas J. Etter of West Salem and 32-year-old Michelle L. Novak of Mayville were the first to be charged in the case. According to the criminal complaint, Novak reportedly admitted to being the getaway driver and lookout; she has a jury trial on the calendar next month. Etter admitted that he was involved but blamed Dahlgren for orchestrating the break-ins. Etter entered a “no contest” plea in June and will be sentenced later this month. Dahlgren, meanwhile, was on probation for Attempted Homicide at the time of his arrest and is currently incarcerated at the Waupun Correctional Institution. The judge ordered a pre-sentencing investigation yesterday and a sentencing hearing is scheduled in November.
UW Allowing Guns On Campus
9/3/11 - The University of Wisconsin has announced it will allow concealed weapons on its campus, but not inside any buildings. Under the new state law legalizing the carrying of concealed weapons, the university will allow them at events like tailgating parties. But, they will not be allowed inside stadiums, classrooms and other UW buildings. They will be okay in any place on campus that is not enclosed. The new law goes into effect November 1. Under its guidelines, signs will have to be posted to show specifically where guns are prohibited. The new law also prohibits guns in certain specific locations -- like police stations, schools and courthouses.
Appleton Hardest Hit By Friday’s Storms
9/3/11 - The city of Appleton was the hardest-hit by Friday's storms, with nearly 20 thousand customers losing their electrical service. In all, at least 60 thousand customers lost their power when strong storms swept through west-central annd east-central Wisconsin in the afternoon. A major transmission line to Appleton was knocked off-line. Emergency management officials say it could take three days to restore power to everyone. Officials in Waushara County report several roads are impassable due to downed powerlines and trees falling onto the pavement. A reception center is being run by the American Red Cross at Kaukauna High School.
Wisconsin Officials Touring Iron Range
9/3/11 - Wisconsin officials from the Department of Natural Resources will join people from other state agencies on a trip to Minnesota next week. They will fly to that state's Iron Range Tuesday to observe how Minnesota regulates its mining. Just last June, a Hurley company announced it was putting plans for a 1-point-5 billion dollar iron ore mine on hold until Wisconsin's review process was more clearly defined. If it moves forward, the mine could mean 700 jobs for a part of the state that badly needs places for its residents to work. Long-term demand for metal is behind the increase in mining exploration. This state hasn't had a complete review of a metal mining permit application in more than 20 years.
West Allis Mayor Critical Of Neo-Nazi Rally
9/3/11 - West Allis Mayor Dan Devine has harsh words of criticism for a neo-Nazi group staging a rally in his city today. The National Socialist Movement says it is staging what it calls a "rally in defense of White America." The movement reports it is anticipating a crowd approaching 100 people at City Hall. The rally comes in response to the reports of young black people attacking white people on the first day of the Wisconsin State Fair. Organizers of a counter-protest say they anticipate a much larger crowd to oppose the neo-Nazi message -- maybe as many as two thousand people. Mayor Devine says the group's views are "repulsive," saying they are "fueled by hatred, fear and divisiveness." The neo-Nazi rally is scheduled to last from 2 to 4 p.m. Opponents say they will start gathering at 1 p.m. Though both sides say they intend to remain peaceful, extra teams of police officers will be on hand to keep things from getting out of control.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Top Stories September 2nd
Dodge County Establishes Veterans Court
9/2/11 - The Dodge County Circuit Court has started a Combat Veterans’ Court and Mentor Program. According to Judge Steven Bauer, the program is designed to assist veterans of the Armed Forces who have served in a combat zone, have been charged with a crime, and who may be suffering from a combat-related adjustment issue. Veterans who are charged with a crime will be directed by their defense counsel to Dodge County Veteran’s Service Officer Mark Grams for an assessment for eligibility of services. Bauer says it won’t be a “get out of jail free card.” He says the goal is to assist veterans who may have behavioral issues related to their service to our country by getting them needed treatment with the ultimate goal of reducing the chance that they commit another crime. A major component of the program is the assignment of a veteran mentor. He says they’ve identified and trained five highly qualified veteran mentors—all with combat experience. The mentors will assist the veterans in obtaining the treatment they require, and provide a sounding board and role model for them. Bauer says the program has the support of Dodge County Sheriff Todd Nehls, District Attorney Kurt Klomberg, Veteran’s Service Officer Grams, and representatives of various veterans’ groups within the county. These types of alternative court programs are taking hold in Dodge County as the Alcohol Court started by Judge Brian Pfitzinger is celebrating its one year anniversary today.
Fox Lake Man Charged With Felony In Head-On Collision
9/2/11 - A Fox Lake man is being held on a $20,000 cash bond for allegedly causing a drunken, head-on collision that injured a carload of people last month. Brandon M. Smith is charged with felony OWI Causing Injury for the accident on Highway 33 in the Town of Beaver Dam. According to the criminal complaint, the 27-year-old told police he drank a 30-pack case of beer before heading out to a friend’s. He reportedly lost control and crossed the centerline, into the path of an oncoming vehicle. The driver of that vehicle was transported to the Beaver Dam Community Hospital and four other passengers complained of back, neck and hip pain. Smith’s blood alcohol level was said to be over three times the legal limit for driving at point-two-six-three (.263). The charges carry a maximum six year prison sentence upon conviction, but because Smith is a repeat offender he could have up to four years added to that sentence. He would also lose his license for at least one year and as much as two years. Smith waived his right to a preliminary hearing yesterday and is scheduled to be back in court later this month.
Lincoln, South BD Named Promise Schools of Recognition
9/2/11 - The Department of Public Instruction has announced that two Beaver Dam schools are among 116 statewide that are Wisconsin Promise Schools of Recognition. For the third year in a row, South Beaver Dam Elementary was acknowledged as a school that helps disadvantaged students achieve academic progress. Lincoln Elementary also earned the honor this year. Superintendent Steve Vessey says it’s a credit to the teachers, staff, students and parents in the schools and he also says it’s a positive reflection of the district as a whole. Criteria for the selection included poverty rates as defined by free and reduced lunch data and the results of standardized tests in reading and math. The district will receive $5000 for the designation and will also be presented with a Promise School award during an October 12 ceremony at the state capital.
Tractors Stolen From Persha Equipment
9/2/11 - Authorities are investigating the theft at Persha Equipment in the town of Hubbard. According to the Dodge County Sheriff’s Department, workers reported Wednesday morning that four Simplicity lawn tractors were stolen during the overnight hours from the business on Highway 33. Three of the units were new and one was used. Officials report they have no suspects at this time.
Trailer Stolen From Banes Auto
9/2/11 - Authorities are investigating the theft of an enclosed car trailer taken from Banes Auto on Madison Street in the town of Beaver Dam. Workers reported the theft Wednesday morning and indicated it had been taken during the overnight hours. It’s described as being a 24-foot dark blue trailer with the license plate B-T 2603. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Dodge County Sheriff’s Department.
Lasee Likely Running For Senate
9/2/11 - He says he’s not ready to make an official announcement, but Republican state Senator Frank Lasee says it’s, quoting here, “quite likely,” he will run for the U.S. Senate. Lasee says he will make a decision soon. At least three prominent Republicans are expected to run for the seat being vacated by the retirement of Democratic Senator Herb Kohl. Only former congressman Mark Neumann has made his candidacy official. But, Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald has said he is “99 percent” sure he will run – and former Wisconsin governor Tommy Thompson is obviously considering a campaign himself.
Mason Seeks To Index Minimum Wage
9/2/11 - A state Assembly Democrat says he’ll try again to let Wisconsin’s minimum wage go up automatically each year according to inflation. Cory Mason of Racine has been trying to five years to eliminate what he calls “political wrangling” to keep low-income workers from getting behind. His proposal would also raise the state’s minimum wage from 7.25-an-hour to 7.60. Mason is now asking colleagues to co-sponsor his measure before he introduces it. Mason says it would benefit 316-thousand employees statewide. But that’s assuming employers keep those jobs in place. The last time Mason proposed indexing the minimum wage, Ed Lump of the Wisconsin Restaurant Association said it could force employers to cut jobs they could no longer afford. And Lump said inflation is often at its worst during rough economic times, when the minimum wage would rise the most under Mason’s bill. The last time Wisconsin increased its minimum was in 2009, when it matched the federal government’s figure of 7.25. Both minors and adults now have the same minimum, after the state did away with a lower wage for minors. And farmers lost an exemption in 2009 to pay as low as 4.25-an-hour to pre-teens and young teens.
Obama Won’t Interrupt Packers Game, Just Concert
9/2/11 - President Obama will speak to Congress and the nation next Thursday night to discuss his economic agenda. But the White House says the speech will be over before the Packers start playing the New Orleans Saints in the N-F-L’s regular season opener in Green Bay. The speech had been planned for Wednesday night, but Republicans cried foul because it would have conflicted with a G-O-P presidential candidate debate. So the White House moved the speech to Thursday night – and that got Cheeseheads concerned. The speech will most likely take place during the league’s “Kick-off Concert” that N-B-C was planning to show. But the concert will also be on the N-F-L Network. N-B-C will show the Packer game, with the kickoff at 7:30. The “Peacock Network” will also broadcast from Lambeau Field during the “Today Show” next Thursday morning. Matt Lauer and Al Roker will be there. “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” is taping a segment in Green Bay with Packer fans. And the Weather Channel, C-N-B-C, the “E” entertainment network, and the Telemundo Spanish language channel are also planning segments from Titletown next Thursday. State deputy tourism secretary Dave Fantle says the promotion and excitement is like a quote, “mini-Super Bowl.” Green Bay expects over 100-thousand people for the free concert and the game. The concert features Kid Rock, Lady Antebellum, and Maroon Five.
Kohl’s, Boston Store Profits Down
9/2/11 - Two of Wisconsin’s largest department store chains reported lower-than-expected sales last month. Kohl’s, which has a store in Beaver Dam, reports a one-point-nine percent decrease in its same-store sales compared to a year ago. And Bon-Ton Stores – which is the parent company of Boston Store, had a four-point-seven percent drop in its same-store sales for August. Outside analysts had expected Kohl’s to have an increase instead of a decrease. And Bon-Ton was projected to have a smaller decline of just over one-percent. Kohl’s chairman Kevin Mansell said his chain would dramatically increase its marketing to reverse its declines. The company had a drop of four-point-six percent in its same-store revenues in July.
Outdoor Fire Pot Recall
9/2/11 - Ten companies have recalled about two-million jugs and bottles of gel fuel that’s used in outdoor fire-pot decorations. Three of the 10 manufacturers are from Wisconsin – Real Flame of Racine, Lamplight Farms of Menomonee Falls, and the Sunjel Company of Milwaukee. The Consumer Product Safety Commission says the gel fuel has caused several dozen injuries, when users pour on too much gel because they’re not sure if a flame is extinguished. Officials say people can get dangerous burns or flares if they pour too much gel on a burning pot.
9/2/11 - The Dodge County Circuit Court has started a Combat Veterans’ Court and Mentor Program. According to Judge Steven Bauer, the program is designed to assist veterans of the Armed Forces who have served in a combat zone, have been charged with a crime, and who may be suffering from a combat-related adjustment issue. Veterans who are charged with a crime will be directed by their defense counsel to Dodge County Veteran’s Service Officer Mark Grams for an assessment for eligibility of services. Bauer says it won’t be a “get out of jail free card.” He says the goal is to assist veterans who may have behavioral issues related to their service to our country by getting them needed treatment with the ultimate goal of reducing the chance that they commit another crime. A major component of the program is the assignment of a veteran mentor. He says they’ve identified and trained five highly qualified veteran mentors—all with combat experience. The mentors will assist the veterans in obtaining the treatment they require, and provide a sounding board and role model for them. Bauer says the program has the support of Dodge County Sheriff Todd Nehls, District Attorney Kurt Klomberg, Veteran’s Service Officer Grams, and representatives of various veterans’ groups within the county. These types of alternative court programs are taking hold in Dodge County as the Alcohol Court started by Judge Brian Pfitzinger is celebrating its one year anniversary today.
Fox Lake Man Charged With Felony In Head-On Collision
9/2/11 - A Fox Lake man is being held on a $20,000 cash bond for allegedly causing a drunken, head-on collision that injured a carload of people last month. Brandon M. Smith is charged with felony OWI Causing Injury for the accident on Highway 33 in the Town of Beaver Dam. According to the criminal complaint, the 27-year-old told police he drank a 30-pack case of beer before heading out to a friend’s. He reportedly lost control and crossed the centerline, into the path of an oncoming vehicle. The driver of that vehicle was transported to the Beaver Dam Community Hospital and four other passengers complained of back, neck and hip pain. Smith’s blood alcohol level was said to be over three times the legal limit for driving at point-two-six-three (.263). The charges carry a maximum six year prison sentence upon conviction, but because Smith is a repeat offender he could have up to four years added to that sentence. He would also lose his license for at least one year and as much as two years. Smith waived his right to a preliminary hearing yesterday and is scheduled to be back in court later this month.
Lincoln, South BD Named Promise Schools of Recognition
9/2/11 - The Department of Public Instruction has announced that two Beaver Dam schools are among 116 statewide that are Wisconsin Promise Schools of Recognition. For the third year in a row, South Beaver Dam Elementary was acknowledged as a school that helps disadvantaged students achieve academic progress. Lincoln Elementary also earned the honor this year. Superintendent Steve Vessey says it’s a credit to the teachers, staff, students and parents in the schools and he also says it’s a positive reflection of the district as a whole. Criteria for the selection included poverty rates as defined by free and reduced lunch data and the results of standardized tests in reading and math. The district will receive $5000 for the designation and will also be presented with a Promise School award during an October 12 ceremony at the state capital.
Tractors Stolen From Persha Equipment
9/2/11 - Authorities are investigating the theft at Persha Equipment in the town of Hubbard. According to the Dodge County Sheriff’s Department, workers reported Wednesday morning that four Simplicity lawn tractors were stolen during the overnight hours from the business on Highway 33. Three of the units were new and one was used. Officials report they have no suspects at this time.
Trailer Stolen From Banes Auto
9/2/11 - Authorities are investigating the theft of an enclosed car trailer taken from Banes Auto on Madison Street in the town of Beaver Dam. Workers reported the theft Wednesday morning and indicated it had been taken during the overnight hours. It’s described as being a 24-foot dark blue trailer with the license plate B-T 2603. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Dodge County Sheriff’s Department.
Lasee Likely Running For Senate
9/2/11 - He says he’s not ready to make an official announcement, but Republican state Senator Frank Lasee says it’s, quoting here, “quite likely,” he will run for the U.S. Senate. Lasee says he will make a decision soon. At least three prominent Republicans are expected to run for the seat being vacated by the retirement of Democratic Senator Herb Kohl. Only former congressman Mark Neumann has made his candidacy official. But, Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald has said he is “99 percent” sure he will run – and former Wisconsin governor Tommy Thompson is obviously considering a campaign himself.
Mason Seeks To Index Minimum Wage
9/2/11 - A state Assembly Democrat says he’ll try again to let Wisconsin’s minimum wage go up automatically each year according to inflation. Cory Mason of Racine has been trying to five years to eliminate what he calls “political wrangling” to keep low-income workers from getting behind. His proposal would also raise the state’s minimum wage from 7.25-an-hour to 7.60. Mason is now asking colleagues to co-sponsor his measure before he introduces it. Mason says it would benefit 316-thousand employees statewide. But that’s assuming employers keep those jobs in place. The last time Mason proposed indexing the minimum wage, Ed Lump of the Wisconsin Restaurant Association said it could force employers to cut jobs they could no longer afford. And Lump said inflation is often at its worst during rough economic times, when the minimum wage would rise the most under Mason’s bill. The last time Wisconsin increased its minimum was in 2009, when it matched the federal government’s figure of 7.25. Both minors and adults now have the same minimum, after the state did away with a lower wage for minors. And farmers lost an exemption in 2009 to pay as low as 4.25-an-hour to pre-teens and young teens.
Obama Won’t Interrupt Packers Game, Just Concert
9/2/11 - President Obama will speak to Congress and the nation next Thursday night to discuss his economic agenda. But the White House says the speech will be over before the Packers start playing the New Orleans Saints in the N-F-L’s regular season opener in Green Bay. The speech had been planned for Wednesday night, but Republicans cried foul because it would have conflicted with a G-O-P presidential candidate debate. So the White House moved the speech to Thursday night – and that got Cheeseheads concerned. The speech will most likely take place during the league’s “Kick-off Concert” that N-B-C was planning to show. But the concert will also be on the N-F-L Network. N-B-C will show the Packer game, with the kickoff at 7:30. The “Peacock Network” will also broadcast from Lambeau Field during the “Today Show” next Thursday morning. Matt Lauer and Al Roker will be there. “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” is taping a segment in Green Bay with Packer fans. And the Weather Channel, C-N-B-C, the “E” entertainment network, and the Telemundo Spanish language channel are also planning segments from Titletown next Thursday. State deputy tourism secretary Dave Fantle says the promotion and excitement is like a quote, “mini-Super Bowl.” Green Bay expects over 100-thousand people for the free concert and the game. The concert features Kid Rock, Lady Antebellum, and Maroon Five.
Kohl’s, Boston Store Profits Down
9/2/11 - Two of Wisconsin’s largest department store chains reported lower-than-expected sales last month. Kohl’s, which has a store in Beaver Dam, reports a one-point-nine percent decrease in its same-store sales compared to a year ago. And Bon-Ton Stores – which is the parent company of Boston Store, had a four-point-seven percent drop in its same-store sales for August. Outside analysts had expected Kohl’s to have an increase instead of a decrease. And Bon-Ton was projected to have a smaller decline of just over one-percent. Kohl’s chairman Kevin Mansell said his chain would dramatically increase its marketing to reverse its declines. The company had a drop of four-point-six percent in its same-store revenues in July.
Outdoor Fire Pot Recall
9/2/11 - Ten companies have recalled about two-million jugs and bottles of gel fuel that’s used in outdoor fire-pot decorations. Three of the 10 manufacturers are from Wisconsin – Real Flame of Racine, Lamplight Farms of Menomonee Falls, and the Sunjel Company of Milwaukee. The Consumer Product Safety Commission says the gel fuel has caused several dozen injuries, when users pour on too much gel because they’re not sure if a flame is extinguished. Officials say people can get dangerous burns or flares if they pour too much gel on a burning pot.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Top Stories September 1st
Jacob Gassen’s Way Unveiled
9/1/11 - Well over a hundred people turned out yesterday for a street renaming ceremony to honor a fallen Beaver Dam soldier. School Street was renamed Jacob Gassen’s Way during a ceremony yesterday attended by local officials, members of the military and a strong contingent of Freedom Riders who joined family and friends of Gassen. Jacob Gassen’s Way is located across from the Beaver Dam High School, which is where Gassen graduated in 2008. The 21-year-old Army medic died last November during an ambush in Afghanistan, becoming the third Beaver Dam resident to die in the Middle East. Speakers included Mayor Tom Kennedy, two of his former high school teachers and Jacob’s mother Barb Gassen, who thanked her husband Greg and children Chris and Jesse for being so supportive even while they were grieving themselves. The tarp covering the new Jacob Gassen’s Way street sign became tangled during the unveiling, but an Army National Guard Colonel standing nearby sprung into action and hoisted Gassen’s younger brother (pictured) up the pole so he could get a better handle in removing the covering.
Pool-Goers Sickened By Cryptosporidium
9/1/11 - A half-dozen people or more were sickened this summer after swimming in a couple of public pools in Dodge County pools. The county’s Public Health Officer Jody Langfeldt says those who got sick had been infected with the parasite cryptosporidium. Langfeldt says while they could not determine an exact source, all the people who got sick had a history of being in public pools in Beaver Dam and Fox Lake in late July and early August. Langfeldt says they worked with pool operators to rid the water of cryptosporidium, which is a parasite that causes diarrhea among other symptoms. When asked if they ever inform the public of such incidents Langfeldt says this was the first time they’ve dealt with an outbreak of cryptosporidium this size.
Escape Artist Going To Jail
9/1/11 - A Columbus man who managed to elude arrest on domestic abuse charges for most of the month of June was sentenced yesterday to seven months in jail. Michael Lasiewicz was wanted by police in early June following an alleged domestic incident. Officers went door-to-door searching for the 29-year-old but later learned he had fled the scene before they had gotten there. About a week later, a deputy clocked the suspect’s vehicle traveling 80-miles per hour in the Town of Elba. He pulled over but then jumped out of the vehicle and ran into the basement of a nearby residence. The owners of the home were outside at the time and told the deputy the suspect had to be in the basement because there was only one way out. After a short time, Lasiewicz was taken into custody and placed in the back of the patrol car. For safety reasons, the deputy cracked one of the windows before going back into the basement to retrieve the suspect’s driver’s license. When he came back out, Lasiewicz was gone. At the end of June, authorities received a tip about his whereabouts and as they closed in he again fled the scene, sparking a chase that went for a couple of miles before Lasiewicz crashed into a parked car and was taken into custody. Lasiewicz still faces a variety of charges in Columbia County related to the domestic abuse incident.
Former Assemblymen Wood In Trouble Again
9/1/11 - Former state Representative Jeff Wood might be in trouble again. Chippewa County prosecutors are considering possible charges, after the V-A’s medical clinic in Chippewa Falls told police that Wood might have changed the amount of a prescription he received for a controlled substance. Police captain John Liddell told the Chippewa Herald he was not sure what the drug was. He said Wood was detained on Monday for violating probation. He said the former lawmaker has cooperated with police. The 41-year-old Wood is currently on probation for the last of three impaired driving convictions that occurred in Columbia, Marathon, and Monroe counties since late 2008. The first conviction was driving drunk in Columbia County – and the last two were for driving under the influence of excessive prescription drugs. He served in the State Assembly for eight years ending in late 2010. He withdrew his Republican affiliation in 2008, and was an independent in his final term. G-O-P lawmakers tried but failed to remove Wood in his final year – but he ended up being censured by the Assembly. He did not run for re-election last time, and Republican Tom Larson won his old seat.
Feds Asked to Review Photo ID Voting Law
9/1/11 - The U-S Justice Department has been asked to review Wisconsin’s new photo I-D requirement for voting – and to watch how it’s carried out. The request comes from Sally Stix, head of the State Bar Association’s civil rights’ section. In a letter to Attorney General Eric Holder, Stix said the law could suppress the votes of thousands of Wisconsinites without solving problems with voter fraud – which Republicans said was the main reason for the law. Stix asked the Justice Department to review the process used in passing the law, to make sure legislators did not have any unlawful intent. And she wants Washington to make sure the measure does not violate federal voting or civil rights’ laws. The voter law takes effect next February. Besides showing photo I-D’s, voters must sign poll books – and they must have lived 28 days at the current addresses instead of the previous 10 days.
School Starts As Districts Scramble To Fill Vacant Positions
9/1/11 - School begins today for most of Wisconsin’s public school kids. But some won’t see their favorite teachers, and others will be in larger classes thanks to a larger number of retirements than normal. Records reviewed by the Associated Press show that almost five-thousand Wisconsin public school teachers called it quits last spring – almost double the number in each of the last two years. Almost 11-hundred U-W System employees also retired – up from 480 the year before. And in total, almost 10-thousand public workers hung it up by June 30th – a 93-percent jump from the year before.
Green Bay high school German teacher Ginny Fleck blames what she called an eight-thousand-dollar pay cut due to the higher shares public workers are paying for their health insurance and pensions. That’s part of the new law which limits most public union bargaining to salaries at-or-below inflation. The Beloit public schools lost about 10-percent of its teachers – and officials said only 40 of the 60 instructors who retired have been replaced, resulting in larger class sizes. State administration spokeswoman Carla Vigue said decisions have not been made on how many state workers will be replaced. She said each agency is still looking at its needs.
One U-W analyst said a few months ago that the union bargaining limits should not be entirely blamed, because more workers than normal are hitting their retirement ages anyway since they were part of the big Baby Boom generation. Fleck said a lot of experience walked out the door with her. She said all the leadership in her school is gone – and morale is down because some of the younger teachers cannot find experienced mentors. But the Walker administration has touted the money that’s being saved as lower-paid new instructors get hired – and schools find savings from the higher employee contributions.
WEAC Wants Walker To Negotiate Pay Raises
9/1/11 - Wisconsin’s largest government employee union wants the Walker administration to negotiate pay raises for its 22-thousand members. The Wisconsin State Employees Union asked the Republican governor’s people to bargain with the group – and after getting no response, the union sent the same request to state legislators. Under the new state bargaining limits, the union can ask for pay raises at-or-below inflation – and nothing else. Union chief Marty Beil (beel) says the law allows unions to seek a total increase of three-point-six percent in the two-year period that ends in mid-2013. Administration spokesman Carla Vigue says the union’s request is being reviewed, and a response will be given soon. Two other unions have made similar requests. They’ve been without contracts since mid-2009. Democratic lawmakers scrambled to approve new deals last December before they lost control of the Legislature. But the Senate’s Democratic leader at the time, Russ Decker, rejected the deals on his way out the door. Walker has not talked with the unions since then. Beil said if Walker remains silent, his union will pressure legislators – and perhaps take legal action.
3 Officials in State Juvenile Corrections Office on Paid Administrative Leave
9/1/11 - Three top officials at the state juvenile corrections’ office in Milwaukee have been put on paid administrative leave. The Journal Sentinel says their bosses want to know why two teens, which were on supervision for previous crimes, were allowed to allegedly kill a pregnant woman last month. The paper said 18-year-old Jimmy Scales had been released from juvenile confinement 11 months earlier than scheduled for being a getaway driver in a 2008 murder. And 16-year-old Mical Thomas was freed three months before his term would have been up for robbery and auto theft. Had they served their full terms, they would have been confined on the day they’re accused of killing a pregnant Sharon Staples in front of her 13-year-old son. That happened August seventh while Scales, Thomas, and another teen reportedly stopped the woman to rob her on a west side Milwaukee street. State corrections’ officials confirm an internal investigation, but they’re not commenting further. The governor’s office said Scott Walker was briefed about it, but they’re not saying anything more, either.
Charges Filed Following YouTube Beating
9/1/11 - The victim’s parents filed a police report when they saw their son’s beating on YouTube. Police in Wauwatosa say they are investigating the beating of the 15-year-old. It happened in June, but was not reported for more than two months. The YouTube video reportedly shows two boys beating the victim so badly he had to go to the hospital. The parents say that his attackers need to be brought to justice. The teen has since recovered from his injuries.
Deal Appears Close for Ryan to Step Down
9/1/11 - A meeting of the Sheboygan City Council was abruptly canceled for last night. And one alderman says some type of resolution might be in the works involving the Council’s effort to remove embattled Mayor Bob Ryan. The Council was expected to name former U-S Attorney Steve Biskupic as a special prosecutor to investigate two formal complaints against Ryan involving his recent drinking binge. But the mayor issued a one-sentence statement yesterday that the meeting was canceled quote, “in light of continuing discussions with Council President Eric Rindfleisch.” Rindfleisch has not commented. Alderman Don Hammond told the Sheboygan Press the Council wants to make sure it considers all its options before it calls a hearing similar to a trial on the question of removing the mayor. The Council ordered the procedure because Ryan rejected a call by the aldermen to resign after he was involved in three high profile alcohol incidents.
9/1/11 - Well over a hundred people turned out yesterday for a street renaming ceremony to honor a fallen Beaver Dam soldier. School Street was renamed Jacob Gassen’s Way during a ceremony yesterday attended by local officials, members of the military and a strong contingent of Freedom Riders who joined family and friends of Gassen. Jacob Gassen’s Way is located across from the Beaver Dam High School, which is where Gassen graduated in 2008. The 21-year-old Army medic died last November during an ambush in Afghanistan, becoming the third Beaver Dam resident to die in the Middle East. Speakers included Mayor Tom Kennedy, two of his former high school teachers and Jacob’s mother Barb Gassen, who thanked her husband Greg and children Chris and Jesse for being so supportive even while they were grieving themselves. The tarp covering the new Jacob Gassen’s Way street sign became tangled during the unveiling, but an Army National Guard Colonel standing nearby sprung into action and hoisted Gassen’s younger brother (pictured) up the pole so he could get a better handle in removing the covering.
Pool-Goers Sickened By Cryptosporidium
9/1/11 - A half-dozen people or more were sickened this summer after swimming in a couple of public pools in Dodge County pools. The county’s Public Health Officer Jody Langfeldt says those who got sick had been infected with the parasite cryptosporidium. Langfeldt says while they could not determine an exact source, all the people who got sick had a history of being in public pools in Beaver Dam and Fox Lake in late July and early August. Langfeldt says they worked with pool operators to rid the water of cryptosporidium, which is a parasite that causes diarrhea among other symptoms. When asked if they ever inform the public of such incidents Langfeldt says this was the first time they’ve dealt with an outbreak of cryptosporidium this size.
Escape Artist Going To Jail
9/1/11 - A Columbus man who managed to elude arrest on domestic abuse charges for most of the month of June was sentenced yesterday to seven months in jail. Michael Lasiewicz was wanted by police in early June following an alleged domestic incident. Officers went door-to-door searching for the 29-year-old but later learned he had fled the scene before they had gotten there. About a week later, a deputy clocked the suspect’s vehicle traveling 80-miles per hour in the Town of Elba. He pulled over but then jumped out of the vehicle and ran into the basement of a nearby residence. The owners of the home were outside at the time and told the deputy the suspect had to be in the basement because there was only one way out. After a short time, Lasiewicz was taken into custody and placed in the back of the patrol car. For safety reasons, the deputy cracked one of the windows before going back into the basement to retrieve the suspect’s driver’s license. When he came back out, Lasiewicz was gone. At the end of June, authorities received a tip about his whereabouts and as they closed in he again fled the scene, sparking a chase that went for a couple of miles before Lasiewicz crashed into a parked car and was taken into custody. Lasiewicz still faces a variety of charges in Columbia County related to the domestic abuse incident.
Former Assemblymen Wood In Trouble Again
9/1/11 - Former state Representative Jeff Wood might be in trouble again. Chippewa County prosecutors are considering possible charges, after the V-A’s medical clinic in Chippewa Falls told police that Wood might have changed the amount of a prescription he received for a controlled substance. Police captain John Liddell told the Chippewa Herald he was not sure what the drug was. He said Wood was detained on Monday for violating probation. He said the former lawmaker has cooperated with police. The 41-year-old Wood is currently on probation for the last of three impaired driving convictions that occurred in Columbia, Marathon, and Monroe counties since late 2008. The first conviction was driving drunk in Columbia County – and the last two were for driving under the influence of excessive prescription drugs. He served in the State Assembly for eight years ending in late 2010. He withdrew his Republican affiliation in 2008, and was an independent in his final term. G-O-P lawmakers tried but failed to remove Wood in his final year – but he ended up being censured by the Assembly. He did not run for re-election last time, and Republican Tom Larson won his old seat.
Feds Asked to Review Photo ID Voting Law
9/1/11 - The U-S Justice Department has been asked to review Wisconsin’s new photo I-D requirement for voting – and to watch how it’s carried out. The request comes from Sally Stix, head of the State Bar Association’s civil rights’ section. In a letter to Attorney General Eric Holder, Stix said the law could suppress the votes of thousands of Wisconsinites without solving problems with voter fraud – which Republicans said was the main reason for the law. Stix asked the Justice Department to review the process used in passing the law, to make sure legislators did not have any unlawful intent. And she wants Washington to make sure the measure does not violate federal voting or civil rights’ laws. The voter law takes effect next February. Besides showing photo I-D’s, voters must sign poll books – and they must have lived 28 days at the current addresses instead of the previous 10 days.
School Starts As Districts Scramble To Fill Vacant Positions
9/1/11 - School begins today for most of Wisconsin’s public school kids. But some won’t see their favorite teachers, and others will be in larger classes thanks to a larger number of retirements than normal. Records reviewed by the Associated Press show that almost five-thousand Wisconsin public school teachers called it quits last spring – almost double the number in each of the last two years. Almost 11-hundred U-W System employees also retired – up from 480 the year before. And in total, almost 10-thousand public workers hung it up by June 30th – a 93-percent jump from the year before.
Green Bay high school German teacher Ginny Fleck blames what she called an eight-thousand-dollar pay cut due to the higher shares public workers are paying for their health insurance and pensions. That’s part of the new law which limits most public union bargaining to salaries at-or-below inflation. The Beloit public schools lost about 10-percent of its teachers – and officials said only 40 of the 60 instructors who retired have been replaced, resulting in larger class sizes. State administration spokeswoman Carla Vigue said decisions have not been made on how many state workers will be replaced. She said each agency is still looking at its needs.
One U-W analyst said a few months ago that the union bargaining limits should not be entirely blamed, because more workers than normal are hitting their retirement ages anyway since they were part of the big Baby Boom generation. Fleck said a lot of experience walked out the door with her. She said all the leadership in her school is gone – and morale is down because some of the younger teachers cannot find experienced mentors. But the Walker administration has touted the money that’s being saved as lower-paid new instructors get hired – and schools find savings from the higher employee contributions.
WEAC Wants Walker To Negotiate Pay Raises
9/1/11 - Wisconsin’s largest government employee union wants the Walker administration to negotiate pay raises for its 22-thousand members. The Wisconsin State Employees Union asked the Republican governor’s people to bargain with the group – and after getting no response, the union sent the same request to state legislators. Under the new state bargaining limits, the union can ask for pay raises at-or-below inflation – and nothing else. Union chief Marty Beil (beel) says the law allows unions to seek a total increase of three-point-six percent in the two-year period that ends in mid-2013. Administration spokesman Carla Vigue says the union’s request is being reviewed, and a response will be given soon. Two other unions have made similar requests. They’ve been without contracts since mid-2009. Democratic lawmakers scrambled to approve new deals last December before they lost control of the Legislature. But the Senate’s Democratic leader at the time, Russ Decker, rejected the deals on his way out the door. Walker has not talked with the unions since then. Beil said if Walker remains silent, his union will pressure legislators – and perhaps take legal action.
3 Officials in State Juvenile Corrections Office on Paid Administrative Leave
9/1/11 - Three top officials at the state juvenile corrections’ office in Milwaukee have been put on paid administrative leave. The Journal Sentinel says their bosses want to know why two teens, which were on supervision for previous crimes, were allowed to allegedly kill a pregnant woman last month. The paper said 18-year-old Jimmy Scales had been released from juvenile confinement 11 months earlier than scheduled for being a getaway driver in a 2008 murder. And 16-year-old Mical Thomas was freed three months before his term would have been up for robbery and auto theft. Had they served their full terms, they would have been confined on the day they’re accused of killing a pregnant Sharon Staples in front of her 13-year-old son. That happened August seventh while Scales, Thomas, and another teen reportedly stopped the woman to rob her on a west side Milwaukee street. State corrections’ officials confirm an internal investigation, but they’re not commenting further. The governor’s office said Scott Walker was briefed about it, but they’re not saying anything more, either.
Charges Filed Following YouTube Beating
9/1/11 - The victim’s parents filed a police report when they saw their son’s beating on YouTube. Police in Wauwatosa say they are investigating the beating of the 15-year-old. It happened in June, but was not reported for more than two months. The YouTube video reportedly shows two boys beating the victim so badly he had to go to the hospital. The parents say that his attackers need to be brought to justice. The teen has since recovered from his injuries.
Deal Appears Close for Ryan to Step Down
9/1/11 - A meeting of the Sheboygan City Council was abruptly canceled for last night. And one alderman says some type of resolution might be in the works involving the Council’s effort to remove embattled Mayor Bob Ryan. The Council was expected to name former U-S Attorney Steve Biskupic as a special prosecutor to investigate two formal complaints against Ryan involving his recent drinking binge. But the mayor issued a one-sentence statement yesterday that the meeting was canceled quote, “in light of continuing discussions with Council President Eric Rindfleisch.” Rindfleisch has not commented. Alderman Don Hammond told the Sheboygan Press the Council wants to make sure it considers all its options before it calls a hearing similar to a trial on the question of removing the mayor. The Council ordered the procedure because Ryan rejected a call by the aldermen to resign after he was involved in three high profile alcohol incidents.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Top Stories August 31st
DCSO K9 Unit Tracking More Than Drugs
8/31/11 - The Dodge County Sheriffs Departments new K9 unit is trained to sniff out more than drugs. Sheriff Todd Nehls told us on WBEV’s Community Comment that the department’s new canines, Ziva and Paige, have been trained to detect three types of the most common drugs: marijuana, cocaine and heroin. The young black Labradors have also been trained to find missing children or adults. It’s the first time the sheriffs department has been able to have a canine tracking resource in-house. Paige is a 9-month-old black lab from River Velvet Retrievers in Horicon. Ziva is a 16-month-old black lab that was discovered at the Dodge County Humane Society…surrendered by owners forced to move from their home to an apartment that doesn’t allow pets. Master trainers call them a perfect fit. There have been some donations from the public for bullet-proof dog vests and veterinary services, but Nehls says the bulk of their $18,000 K9 program is being funded through excess money from his 2010 budget. The Sheriffs Department is holding a golf fundraiser for the new K9 program. The First Annual K9 Scramble will be held on Monday, September 19 at Rock River Hills Gold Course in Horicon. More information can be found at www.dodgecountysheriff.com and click on the link for the K9 Golf Scramble, or by stopping by the Sheriff’s Department. If you’re interested in becoming a hole sponsor or to make a donation, call Capt. Molly Soblewski at 920-386-3836 or Detective Kevin Day at 920-386-3963
Columbus City Attorney Interviews Continue
8/31/11 - Candidate interviews were held again last night in Columbus in a search for a City Attorney. Prior to April the City Attorney was elected. Starting in 2012 the position will be under contract to the city. Current City Attorney Randy Lueders is on the list of finalist candidates. Lueders has been the City Attorney for 22 years. One final set of interviews is scheduled for next week and the Council’s approval of the next City Attorney is expected on September 6.
PAVE Receives Crime Victims Grant
8/31/11 - A local domestic violence shelter is among the agencies splitting nearly $8 million dollars in grant funding to provide services to innocent victims of crime in Wisconsin. People Against Violent Environments, or PAVE, has been tabbed to receive almost $60,000 as part of the Victims of Crime Act. PAVE Executive Director Jamie Kratz-Gullickson says the VOCA grant will help them continue to fund their legal advocacy program and their volunteer coordinator position. She says it hasn’t been easy lately as the need for domestic abuse services has skyrocketed since the recession and they’ve already provided as many “nights of service” so far this year as in all of 2010. The Victims of Crime Act was enacted in 1984 and the annual grant is awarded to the Wisconsin Department of Justice -- Office of Crime Victim Services and then distributed to local government and non-profit agencies. VOCA funding comes from revenue generated by various federal criminal fines, forfeitures, assessments and penalties. No taxpayer money is used.
Gassen Street Dedication Wednesday Afternoon
8/30/11 - School Street in Beaver Dam will be renamed during a ceremony Wednesday afternoon to honor a soldier from Beaver Dam who was killed last year while fighting in Afghanistan. The common council this month approved the renaming of the street between Prospect Avenue and Gould Street as Jacob Gassen’s Way. The public is invited to the ceremony, which will be held at 3pm on Jacob Gassen’s Way, which is across from Moraine Park Technical College and adjacent to the Family Center.
Governors Association 2013 Meeting In Milwaukee
8/30/11 - The nation’s governors have chosen Wisconsin for their largest annual meeting two years from now. Governor Scott Walker said Tuesday that the National Governors’ Association will meet August second-through-fourth of 2013 at the Frontier Airlines Center in downtown Milwaukee. Walker said he was looking forward to hosting state government executives from around the country. He says they’ll focus on ideas to improve state governments, as well as the federal government’s partnership with the states. The group Visit Milwaukee says the convention will attract about 12-hundred people, who will stay for a total of 18-hundred nights in hotel rooms. That’s small, compared to the 12-thousand-500 room nights for the annual sales conference put on by Milwaukee’s Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance. But the annual governors’ meeting normally attracts national publicity. When this year’s meeting was held in Salt Lake City, the Washington Post was among the media interested in talking with Walker about his successful effort to limit collective bargaining by most public employee unions – as well as the state Senate recall elections which resulted from that measure. Next year’s governors’ conference will be held in Williamsburg Virginia.
Child Care In Wisconsin Costs More Than College
8/31/11 - Sending your child to daycare is very expensive in Wisconsin. A new report from the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies ranks this state fourth in the nation in the cost of daycare. Parents will spend about nine thousand dollars a year to put a four year old child in a quality daycare operation. That means it costs more to put a young child in daycare than it does to send an older child to the University of Wisconsin. One daycare operator says state licensing regulations and the high expectations of parents to provide quality care could be driving those costs.
Costs for Recall in Fond du Lac County
8/31/11 - The costs for the recall elections for the 14th and 18th State Senate Districts came to nearly $127,500 for Fond du Lac County. County Clerk Lisa Freiberg says that includes over $37,000 in programming costs, which the County did itself but other counties have professional firms perform. Even without those costs included the price tag for the primaries and general elections for the recalls came to nearly $90,000. That included over $52,000 in wages and Freiberg says didn’t include the time her staff spent on the elections in that figure. She says in a typical election year the County would budget about $50,000. Next year $138,000 is being budgeted because of the presidential elections and a number of others. (KFIZ, Fond du Lac)
Swing Set Recall
8/31/11 - A Madison company is recalling about 55-hundred swing sets. Pacific Cycle says the Play-Safe Dartmouth Swing Set has seats that can premature crack or split, and cause riders to fall. Pacific Cycle said it received five reports of seats breaking – and it caused a few minor scrapes and bruises. The swing sets were sold only at Toys-R-Us stores throughout the country from January through May. They were manufactured in China. Officials said the sets have six metal legs with two swings, a two-person glider, rings, and a lawn swing. More information is available by finding Pacific Cycle online, or by calling the following phone number from 8-to-5 weekdays – 1-877-564-2261.
FMUB Celebrates 150 Years
8/31/11 - Farmers and Merchants Union Bank will celebrate 150 years of service tomorrow with a number of events at their downtown Columbus office. Bank spokesperson Lorraine Kasmiski says there will be a Civil War encampment, free coin appraisals, a brat fry, local vendors including Sassy Cow Creamery and Rhodes Bake ‘N Serve, and Columbus Community Hospital will be doing free blood pressure readings and CPR training. Events get underway at 10-am tomorrow.
Marais Players Wrapping Up Fall Show Auditions
8/31/11 - The theater group in Mayville is holding the second and final night of auditions for their fall production tonight. The Marais Players will be presenting Neil Simon’s “Plaza Suite” in early November. The three-act play features a variety of different characters in each act even though it’s set in the same New York hotel suite. Rehearsal times will be discussed during the auditions. Auditions will be held tonight from 6pm to 8pm at Mayville’s Audubon Inn on Main Street.
8/31/11 - The Dodge County Sheriffs Departments new K9 unit is trained to sniff out more than drugs. Sheriff Todd Nehls told us on WBEV’s Community Comment that the department’s new canines, Ziva and Paige, have been trained to detect three types of the most common drugs: marijuana, cocaine and heroin. The young black Labradors have also been trained to find missing children or adults. It’s the first time the sheriffs department has been able to have a canine tracking resource in-house. Paige is a 9-month-old black lab from River Velvet Retrievers in Horicon. Ziva is a 16-month-old black lab that was discovered at the Dodge County Humane Society…surrendered by owners forced to move from their home to an apartment that doesn’t allow pets. Master trainers call them a perfect fit. There have been some donations from the public for bullet-proof dog vests and veterinary services, but Nehls says the bulk of their $18,000 K9 program is being funded through excess money from his 2010 budget. The Sheriffs Department is holding a golf fundraiser for the new K9 program. The First Annual K9 Scramble will be held on Monday, September 19 at Rock River Hills Gold Course in Horicon. More information can be found at www.dodgecountysheriff.com and click on the link for the K9 Golf Scramble, or by stopping by the Sheriff’s Department. If you’re interested in becoming a hole sponsor or to make a donation, call Capt. Molly Soblewski at 920-386-3836 or Detective Kevin Day at 920-386-3963
Columbus City Attorney Interviews Continue
8/31/11 - Candidate interviews were held again last night in Columbus in a search for a City Attorney. Prior to April the City Attorney was elected. Starting in 2012 the position will be under contract to the city. Current City Attorney Randy Lueders is on the list of finalist candidates. Lueders has been the City Attorney for 22 years. One final set of interviews is scheduled for next week and the Council’s approval of the next City Attorney is expected on September 6.
PAVE Receives Crime Victims Grant
8/31/11 - A local domestic violence shelter is among the agencies splitting nearly $8 million dollars in grant funding to provide services to innocent victims of crime in Wisconsin. People Against Violent Environments, or PAVE, has been tabbed to receive almost $60,000 as part of the Victims of Crime Act. PAVE Executive Director Jamie Kratz-Gullickson says the VOCA grant will help them continue to fund their legal advocacy program and their volunteer coordinator position. She says it hasn’t been easy lately as the need for domestic abuse services has skyrocketed since the recession and they’ve already provided as many “nights of service” so far this year as in all of 2010. The Victims of Crime Act was enacted in 1984 and the annual grant is awarded to the Wisconsin Department of Justice -- Office of Crime Victim Services and then distributed to local government and non-profit agencies. VOCA funding comes from revenue generated by various federal criminal fines, forfeitures, assessments and penalties. No taxpayer money is used.
Gassen Street Dedication Wednesday Afternoon
8/30/11 - School Street in Beaver Dam will be renamed during a ceremony Wednesday afternoon to honor a soldier from Beaver Dam who was killed last year while fighting in Afghanistan. The common council this month approved the renaming of the street between Prospect Avenue and Gould Street as Jacob Gassen’s Way. The public is invited to the ceremony, which will be held at 3pm on Jacob Gassen’s Way, which is across from Moraine Park Technical College and adjacent to the Family Center.
Governors Association 2013 Meeting In Milwaukee
8/30/11 - The nation’s governors have chosen Wisconsin for their largest annual meeting two years from now. Governor Scott Walker said Tuesday that the National Governors’ Association will meet August second-through-fourth of 2013 at the Frontier Airlines Center in downtown Milwaukee. Walker said he was looking forward to hosting state government executives from around the country. He says they’ll focus on ideas to improve state governments, as well as the federal government’s partnership with the states. The group Visit Milwaukee says the convention will attract about 12-hundred people, who will stay for a total of 18-hundred nights in hotel rooms. That’s small, compared to the 12-thousand-500 room nights for the annual sales conference put on by Milwaukee’s Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance. But the annual governors’ meeting normally attracts national publicity. When this year’s meeting was held in Salt Lake City, the Washington Post was among the media interested in talking with Walker about his successful effort to limit collective bargaining by most public employee unions – as well as the state Senate recall elections which resulted from that measure. Next year’s governors’ conference will be held in Williamsburg Virginia.
Child Care In Wisconsin Costs More Than College
8/31/11 - Sending your child to daycare is very expensive in Wisconsin. A new report from the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies ranks this state fourth in the nation in the cost of daycare. Parents will spend about nine thousand dollars a year to put a four year old child in a quality daycare operation. That means it costs more to put a young child in daycare than it does to send an older child to the University of Wisconsin. One daycare operator says state licensing regulations and the high expectations of parents to provide quality care could be driving those costs.
Costs for Recall in Fond du Lac County
8/31/11 - The costs for the recall elections for the 14th and 18th State Senate Districts came to nearly $127,500 for Fond du Lac County. County Clerk Lisa Freiberg says that includes over $37,000 in programming costs, which the County did itself but other counties have professional firms perform. Even without those costs included the price tag for the primaries and general elections for the recalls came to nearly $90,000. That included over $52,000 in wages and Freiberg says didn’t include the time her staff spent on the elections in that figure. She says in a typical election year the County would budget about $50,000. Next year $138,000 is being budgeted because of the presidential elections and a number of others. (KFIZ, Fond du Lac)
Swing Set Recall
8/31/11 - A Madison company is recalling about 55-hundred swing sets. Pacific Cycle says the Play-Safe Dartmouth Swing Set has seats that can premature crack or split, and cause riders to fall. Pacific Cycle said it received five reports of seats breaking – and it caused a few minor scrapes and bruises. The swing sets were sold only at Toys-R-Us stores throughout the country from January through May. They were manufactured in China. Officials said the sets have six metal legs with two swings, a two-person glider, rings, and a lawn swing. More information is available by finding Pacific Cycle online, or by calling the following phone number from 8-to-5 weekdays – 1-877-564-2261.
FMUB Celebrates 150 Years
8/31/11 - Farmers and Merchants Union Bank will celebrate 150 years of service tomorrow with a number of events at their downtown Columbus office. Bank spokesperson Lorraine Kasmiski says there will be a Civil War encampment, free coin appraisals, a brat fry, local vendors including Sassy Cow Creamery and Rhodes Bake ‘N Serve, and Columbus Community Hospital will be doing free blood pressure readings and CPR training. Events get underway at 10-am tomorrow.
Marais Players Wrapping Up Fall Show Auditions
8/31/11 - The theater group in Mayville is holding the second and final night of auditions for their fall production tonight. The Marais Players will be presenting Neil Simon’s “Plaza Suite” in early November. The three-act play features a variety of different characters in each act even though it’s set in the same New York hotel suite. Rehearsal times will be discussed during the auditions. Auditions will be held tonight from 6pm to 8pm at Mayville’s Audubon Inn on Main Street.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Top Stories August 30th
Neumann Announces Senate Bid, Fitzgerald On Verge
8/30/11 - Republican Mark Neumann officially said Monday that he will run for the U-S Senate seat to be vacated by Wisconsin Democrat Herb Kohl next year and the announcement comes at the same time a local legislator appears poised to throw his hat in the ring. Neumann – a former congressman – told a Milwaukee radio station that he would focus his campaign on balancing the federal budget and creating jobs. Meanwhile, Republican Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald of Horicon said this weekend that he was 99% certain he would run. The former Beaver Dam alderman told Mike Gousha on his weekly statewide television program that his accomplishments in Madison over the past year would transfer well should he decide to run for U.S. Senate. While stopping short of officially announcing a bid, Fitzgerald touted the successes of his caucus as well as the role he played. Gousha asked Fitzgerald whether he thinks he could win given the role he played in passing some of the more controversial pieces of Gov. Scott Walker's agenda with such a deeply divided state. Fitzgerald said people are starting to realize why Republicans targeted collective bargaining reform to begin with.
State Senate Republican Frank Lasee of De Pere and former state Senator Ted Kanavas of Brookfield are also being mentioned as possible candidates. On the Democratic side, La Crosse House Democrat Ron Kind and former Appleton House Democrat Steve Kagen of Appleton are being mentioned as possible candidates for Kohl’s seat.
Dean Clinic Says Some May Have Been Exposed to Hepatitis or HIV
8/30/11 - Officials at the Dean Clinic in Madison say the risk is “small” that hundreds of diabetics could get H-I-V or some other blood-borne illness. That’s after a nurse educator re-used the handles of insulin demonstration pens and finger-stick devices over the last five years. Chief medical officer Mark Kaufman said it’s possible that blood from patients contaminated the bases of the demonstration pens and the handles of the finger-stick devices. But he said the risk is small, because the nurse changed the needles for each patient that was trained in using the devices. Still, Kaufman said it’s possible that one person’s blood could come in contact with the next person’s blood – and that creates a small risk of hepatitis, H-I-V, or other blood-borne illnesses. The Dean Clinic is contacting over 23-hundred patients who might have been exposed. A team of nurses will determine whether those people will get tested. The clinic asks people to wait to be notified before contacting them. The educator worked at Dean facilities in Sun Prairie and on Madison’s far east side. Craig Samitt, the clinic’s C-E-O, said it was an isolated incident involving a single nurse educator – who has since been fired. Samitt said the Dean Clinic learned of the potential exposure on August 10th from another employee.
WEAC Leaves Recertification Decision To Affiliates
8/30/11 - The head of the Wisconsin Education Association Council says factors like timing and cost would make recertification an “unrealistic option” for some local affiliates. That’s why WEAC is going to leave it up to those local affiliates whether they hold annual votes to remain in existence – as required by the new Wisconsin law on collective bargaining. School district unions have until the end of September to decide whether they will hold a vote to see if they stay organized as a union. The law requires 51 percent of the membership of the bargaining unit to vote to stay together, not just a majority of those who cast ballots.
Hundreds Attend New Berlin School Board Meeting
8/30/11 - As police looked on, hundreds of people on both sides cheered and booed last night as the New Berlin School Board unanimously approved a new employee handbook for its teachers. Like other throughout Wisconsin, it was developed without teacher input under the new state law which limits most public union bargaining. But New Berlin became a lightening rod after teachers in nearby Greenfield argued with their school board last week over a new employee handbook – and police were called to settle things down. Teachers came from other districts came in support of New Berlin’s union, while some taxpayers held up signs saying “Collective Bullying – Stop Union Bullies Now.” Union president Diane lazewski said she believed the work rules set by the school board are more restrictive than others throughout the state. A school board member said their panel was not trying to be punitive.
Nehls Urges Motorists To Be Caution This Time of Year
8/30/11 - Drivers will have to be more careful on the roads – and not just because kids are going back to school this week. Dodge County Sheriff Todd Nehls says farmers are about to begin their harvest season – and that means you’ll see more implement vehicles along with school buses in the countryside. Nehls asks motorists to be patient when they’re stopped by a school bus or slowed down by a farm tractor. Drivers must stop for crossing guards who guide youngsters across streets – and motorists must also stop at least 20-feet from the front or the back of a school bus with red flashing lights. And if they don’t, they’ll pay fines of 150-to-300-dollars in each instance. Nehls also says the owners of those vehicles could be left on the hook for those fines – even if they’re not the drivers at the time.
Council Would Have to Pick Up Tab if GOP Politicians Aren’t Allowed in Parade
8/30/11 - Wausau’s mayor says taxpayers will not cover some of the costs of Monday’s Labor Day parade, unless the local labor council changes its mind about not letting Republican lawmakers take part. Over the weekend, Marathon County Labor Council president Randy Radtke said G-O-P politicians would not be welcome in Monday’s parade. He said they only support labor causes one day a year, on the Labor Day holiday. And Radtke said some of the proof of that was the law which virtually eliminated collective bargaining by most public employee unions. Wausau Mayor Jim Tipple said taxpayers normally cover insurance, traffic control, and the set-up and removal of a stage for the event. He was not sure what those costs are. But he said the labor council would have pay for them if it doesn’t allow Republicans at Monday’s event. Tipple said he expects to hear from Radtke – who did not immediately comment on the mayor’s statement. U-S House Republican Sean Duffy, state Senate Republican Pam Galloway, and Assembly Republican Jerry Petrowski all said they were disappointed at the labor council’s decision. Galloway said parades are one of her best opportunities to speak directly with constituents. She said it should be a “bi-partisan, fun event.”
Lawn Mower OWI Carries Maximum Six Year Sentence
8/30/11 - A signature bond has been set at $1000 for the 73-year-old Fox Lake man arrested last Tuesday for his fifth OWI for riding his lawn mower on the street while drinking a beer. According to the criminal complaint, neighbors told police that Gordon Curtis continually drives his mower while drinking and harasses them when doing so and his behavior had got more erratic over the course of a week. He was allegedly found with an empty can and nearly full beer on the lawn mower, which he reportedly admitted to for transportation and not for lawn maintenance. His blood alcohol level was over the legal limit for operating a motor vehicle at point one-two (.12). Curtis was convicted of driving conviction in 1991 and 2001 and was convicted twice in 1997. If convicted of the newest charge, he could spend over six years in prison. It is illegal to use any motorized vehicle or implement on a Wisconsin roadway while intoxicated – and that does not include just cars, trucks, and motorcycles.
Woman Walks Away From Weekend Watertown Rollover
8/30/11 - Authorities say a woman, who literally walked away from an accident late Sunday morning, is lucky to be alive. The accident happened sometime before 11:30am on Middle Road, about halfway between Watertown and Waterloo. Dodge County Sheriff’s Patrol Captain Molly Soblewski says they believe the 22-year-old woman lost control of the vehicle and left the road. The car went into the ditch, hit an embankment and vaulted into the air with the passenger side striking a tree. The force of hitting the tree spun the vehicle around 180-degrees before it landed on its roof. It is unknown how long the woman was in the car, but she managed to free herself and began walking down the road. A passerby picked her up and took her home, before a roommate drove her to the hospital. Soblewski says the woman does not remember anything prior to the accident. The investigation continues.
Teen Beer Thief Nabbed By Off-Duty Cop
8/30/11 - A Fond du Lac teen chose the wrong time to try and steal beer from a convenience store yesterday Monday morning. Police Captain Steve Klein says an off-duty Fond du Lac Police captain was gassing-up at a Kwik Trip and was watching as the 17-year-old entered the store and ran out the door with a case of beer. The teen dropped the beer as he tried to get away on foot, but the Police Captain caught up with him. The kid was cited for his second underage drinking offense and theft and arrested on charges of possessing drug paraphernalia, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.
Intruder Who Was Killed Wasn’t Armed
8/30/11 - Waukesha County’s chief prosecutor said a man was not armed when he broke into a house and was killed by the homeowner. But District Attorney Brad Schimel said the shooting could still be considered justified, if the homeowner thought he was in danger of death or bodily harm – and his belief was reasonable. Authorities say 47-year-old Michael Fitzsimmons of Okauchee grabbed a gun when he heard 39-year-old James Babe the Fourth of Waukesha break into his house early Saturday. He said Babe cornered him in the back yard, and that’s when he shot the intruder. Schimel said he’s still waiting for test results from the State Crime Lab before deciding whether or not to charge Fitzsimmons with the shooting.
OWI Wreck Leads To Evacuation
8/30/11 - At least four homes were evacuated on Green Bay’s east side early Monday, after an apparent drunk driver slammed into a house and hit a natural gas meter. Police said they saw the man speeding at 90-miles-an-hour in a 30-mile-an-hour zone. The crash caused a natural gas leak after the driver hit the front porch of the house. It was right across the street from a fire station, and homes nearby were evacuated. Two people in the car – the 33-year-old male driver from Green Bay and a 26-year-old woman – were not hurt. Police said the man tried to break out of a squad car once he was securely put in – and officers had to use pepper spray to settle him down. Officials said the woman was wanted on a warrant, and the man was jailed for violating a previous probation. It was his first O-W-I offense.
Waupun Man Charged With Groping Waitress
8/30/11 - A Waupun man is charged with misdemeanor sexual assault for allegedly groping a fast food waitress last month. Roland E. Buchholz was arrested after the woman complained to her boss. According to the criminal complaint, the waitress was vacuuming and the 68-year-old snuck up behind her, placed both of his hands on her chest and pulled her close. He reportedly laughed when she turned around, slapped him and shared a few choice words. She told police it was not the first time either. Buchholz reportedly admitted to smacking her rear-end on a previous occasion but told police he was just trying to tickle her during the most recent incident. He had a signature bond set at $500 and will be back in court next month.
8/30/11 - Republican Mark Neumann officially said Monday that he will run for the U-S Senate seat to be vacated by Wisconsin Democrat Herb Kohl next year and the announcement comes at the same time a local legislator appears poised to throw his hat in the ring. Neumann – a former congressman – told a Milwaukee radio station that he would focus his campaign on balancing the federal budget and creating jobs. Meanwhile, Republican Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald of Horicon said this weekend that he was 99% certain he would run. The former Beaver Dam alderman told Mike Gousha on his weekly statewide television program that his accomplishments in Madison over the past year would transfer well should he decide to run for U.S. Senate. While stopping short of officially announcing a bid, Fitzgerald touted the successes of his caucus as well as the role he played. Gousha asked Fitzgerald whether he thinks he could win given the role he played in passing some of the more controversial pieces of Gov. Scott Walker's agenda with such a deeply divided state. Fitzgerald said people are starting to realize why Republicans targeted collective bargaining reform to begin with.
State Senate Republican Frank Lasee of De Pere and former state Senator Ted Kanavas of Brookfield are also being mentioned as possible candidates. On the Democratic side, La Crosse House Democrat Ron Kind and former Appleton House Democrat Steve Kagen of Appleton are being mentioned as possible candidates for Kohl’s seat.
Dean Clinic Says Some May Have Been Exposed to Hepatitis or HIV
8/30/11 - Officials at the Dean Clinic in Madison say the risk is “small” that hundreds of diabetics could get H-I-V or some other blood-borne illness. That’s after a nurse educator re-used the handles of insulin demonstration pens and finger-stick devices over the last five years. Chief medical officer Mark Kaufman said it’s possible that blood from patients contaminated the bases of the demonstration pens and the handles of the finger-stick devices. But he said the risk is small, because the nurse changed the needles for each patient that was trained in using the devices. Still, Kaufman said it’s possible that one person’s blood could come in contact with the next person’s blood – and that creates a small risk of hepatitis, H-I-V, or other blood-borne illnesses. The Dean Clinic is contacting over 23-hundred patients who might have been exposed. A team of nurses will determine whether those people will get tested. The clinic asks people to wait to be notified before contacting them. The educator worked at Dean facilities in Sun Prairie and on Madison’s far east side. Craig Samitt, the clinic’s C-E-O, said it was an isolated incident involving a single nurse educator – who has since been fired. Samitt said the Dean Clinic learned of the potential exposure on August 10th from another employee.
WEAC Leaves Recertification Decision To Affiliates
8/30/11 - The head of the Wisconsin Education Association Council says factors like timing and cost would make recertification an “unrealistic option” for some local affiliates. That’s why WEAC is going to leave it up to those local affiliates whether they hold annual votes to remain in existence – as required by the new Wisconsin law on collective bargaining. School district unions have until the end of September to decide whether they will hold a vote to see if they stay organized as a union. The law requires 51 percent of the membership of the bargaining unit to vote to stay together, not just a majority of those who cast ballots.
Hundreds Attend New Berlin School Board Meeting
8/30/11 - As police looked on, hundreds of people on both sides cheered and booed last night as the New Berlin School Board unanimously approved a new employee handbook for its teachers. Like other throughout Wisconsin, it was developed without teacher input under the new state law which limits most public union bargaining. But New Berlin became a lightening rod after teachers in nearby Greenfield argued with their school board last week over a new employee handbook – and police were called to settle things down. Teachers came from other districts came in support of New Berlin’s union, while some taxpayers held up signs saying “Collective Bullying – Stop Union Bullies Now.” Union president Diane lazewski said she believed the work rules set by the school board are more restrictive than others throughout the state. A school board member said their panel was not trying to be punitive.
Nehls Urges Motorists To Be Caution This Time of Year
8/30/11 - Drivers will have to be more careful on the roads – and not just because kids are going back to school this week. Dodge County Sheriff Todd Nehls says farmers are about to begin their harvest season – and that means you’ll see more implement vehicles along with school buses in the countryside. Nehls asks motorists to be patient when they’re stopped by a school bus or slowed down by a farm tractor. Drivers must stop for crossing guards who guide youngsters across streets – and motorists must also stop at least 20-feet from the front or the back of a school bus with red flashing lights. And if they don’t, they’ll pay fines of 150-to-300-dollars in each instance. Nehls also says the owners of those vehicles could be left on the hook for those fines – even if they’re not the drivers at the time.
Council Would Have to Pick Up Tab if GOP Politicians Aren’t Allowed in Parade
8/30/11 - Wausau’s mayor says taxpayers will not cover some of the costs of Monday’s Labor Day parade, unless the local labor council changes its mind about not letting Republican lawmakers take part. Over the weekend, Marathon County Labor Council president Randy Radtke said G-O-P politicians would not be welcome in Monday’s parade. He said they only support labor causes one day a year, on the Labor Day holiday. And Radtke said some of the proof of that was the law which virtually eliminated collective bargaining by most public employee unions. Wausau Mayor Jim Tipple said taxpayers normally cover insurance, traffic control, and the set-up and removal of a stage for the event. He was not sure what those costs are. But he said the labor council would have pay for them if it doesn’t allow Republicans at Monday’s event. Tipple said he expects to hear from Radtke – who did not immediately comment on the mayor’s statement. U-S House Republican Sean Duffy, state Senate Republican Pam Galloway, and Assembly Republican Jerry Petrowski all said they were disappointed at the labor council’s decision. Galloway said parades are one of her best opportunities to speak directly with constituents. She said it should be a “bi-partisan, fun event.”
Lawn Mower OWI Carries Maximum Six Year Sentence
8/30/11 - A signature bond has been set at $1000 for the 73-year-old Fox Lake man arrested last Tuesday for his fifth OWI for riding his lawn mower on the street while drinking a beer. According to the criminal complaint, neighbors told police that Gordon Curtis continually drives his mower while drinking and harasses them when doing so and his behavior had got more erratic over the course of a week. He was allegedly found with an empty can and nearly full beer on the lawn mower, which he reportedly admitted to for transportation and not for lawn maintenance. His blood alcohol level was over the legal limit for operating a motor vehicle at point one-two (.12). Curtis was convicted of driving conviction in 1991 and 2001 and was convicted twice in 1997. If convicted of the newest charge, he could spend over six years in prison. It is illegal to use any motorized vehicle or implement on a Wisconsin roadway while intoxicated – and that does not include just cars, trucks, and motorcycles.
Woman Walks Away From Weekend Watertown Rollover
8/30/11 - Authorities say a woman, who literally walked away from an accident late Sunday morning, is lucky to be alive. The accident happened sometime before 11:30am on Middle Road, about halfway between Watertown and Waterloo. Dodge County Sheriff’s Patrol Captain Molly Soblewski says they believe the 22-year-old woman lost control of the vehicle and left the road. The car went into the ditch, hit an embankment and vaulted into the air with the passenger side striking a tree. The force of hitting the tree spun the vehicle around 180-degrees before it landed on its roof. It is unknown how long the woman was in the car, but she managed to free herself and began walking down the road. A passerby picked her up and took her home, before a roommate drove her to the hospital. Soblewski says the woman does not remember anything prior to the accident. The investigation continues.
Teen Beer Thief Nabbed By Off-Duty Cop
8/30/11 - A Fond du Lac teen chose the wrong time to try and steal beer from a convenience store yesterday Monday morning. Police Captain Steve Klein says an off-duty Fond du Lac Police captain was gassing-up at a Kwik Trip and was watching as the 17-year-old entered the store and ran out the door with a case of beer. The teen dropped the beer as he tried to get away on foot, but the Police Captain caught up with him. The kid was cited for his second underage drinking offense and theft and arrested on charges of possessing drug paraphernalia, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.
Intruder Who Was Killed Wasn’t Armed
8/30/11 - Waukesha County’s chief prosecutor said a man was not armed when he broke into a house and was killed by the homeowner. But District Attorney Brad Schimel said the shooting could still be considered justified, if the homeowner thought he was in danger of death or bodily harm – and his belief was reasonable. Authorities say 47-year-old Michael Fitzsimmons of Okauchee grabbed a gun when he heard 39-year-old James Babe the Fourth of Waukesha break into his house early Saturday. He said Babe cornered him in the back yard, and that’s when he shot the intruder. Schimel said he’s still waiting for test results from the State Crime Lab before deciding whether or not to charge Fitzsimmons with the shooting.
OWI Wreck Leads To Evacuation
8/30/11 - At least four homes were evacuated on Green Bay’s east side early Monday, after an apparent drunk driver slammed into a house and hit a natural gas meter. Police said they saw the man speeding at 90-miles-an-hour in a 30-mile-an-hour zone. The crash caused a natural gas leak after the driver hit the front porch of the house. It was right across the street from a fire station, and homes nearby were evacuated. Two people in the car – the 33-year-old male driver from Green Bay and a 26-year-old woman – were not hurt. Police said the man tried to break out of a squad car once he was securely put in – and officers had to use pepper spray to settle him down. Officials said the woman was wanted on a warrant, and the man was jailed for violating a previous probation. It was his first O-W-I offense.
Waupun Man Charged With Groping Waitress
8/30/11 - A Waupun man is charged with misdemeanor sexual assault for allegedly groping a fast food waitress last month. Roland E. Buchholz was arrested after the woman complained to her boss. According to the criminal complaint, the waitress was vacuuming and the 68-year-old snuck up behind her, placed both of his hands on her chest and pulled her close. He reportedly laughed when she turned around, slapped him and shared a few choice words. She told police it was not the first time either. Buchholz reportedly admitted to smacking her rear-end on a previous occasion but told police he was just trying to tickle her during the most recent incident. He had a signature bond set at $500 and will be back in court next month.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Top Stories August 27th
No Charges in Supreme Court Incident
8/27/11 - In interviews with Dane County detectives, Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice David Prosser admitted he touched Justice Ann Walsh Bradley's neck. And, Bradley admits getting face to face with Prosser as they had a confrontation. But, she says she suffered no physical harm. The sheriff's department released 117 pages of records from the investigation yesterday which centered on the June 13th fight between the two. The interviews include many contradictory versions of the events of that day. The interviews revealed serious personal problems the three justices in the minority on the court have had with Prosser going back a decade. Sixteen months before the latest incident Bradley had met with court staff about Prosser's open displays of anger. Prosser had told interviewers that Bradley charged him and he put his hands up in reflex. He says he didn't intend to touch her, but he did. Bradley denies rushing toward Prosser.
Ma and Pa’s Not So Lucky
8/27/11 - The place where the state’s biggest lottery winners buy their tickets had a run of bad luck Thursday. A driver crashed through a set of doors at Ma-and-Pa’s convenience store on Main Street in Fond du Lac. Owner Mike Forsyth said a woman’s accelerator got stuck – but nobody got hurt, and the only major damage was to the doors themselves. He said somebody walked through the doors just moments before – and another customer was using a nearby copy machine when the car hit them both. Believe it or not, Forsyth said it was the third time that Ma-and-Pa’s was hit by a vehicle. So it’s no surprise that they simply boarded up the damage and went back to work. Some of Wisconsin’s biggest lottery jackpots have been claimed by those buying tickets on Fond du Lac’s Miracle Mile over the years. And Ma-and-Pa’s is the capital of that community, selling millions in winners. Players who buy scratch-off tickets there can get detailed explanations of the available games before they buy.
BDLIA to Hold Annual Meeting
8/27/11 - The Beaver Dam Lake Improvement Association will hold their Annual Meeting today at the Conservation Club Clubhouse in Beaver Dam. A free continental breakfast will be served at 8:30 a.m. and the meeting will start at 9:00. Updates on association activities in the past year will be given by committee chairs. There will be an election of BDLIA Board Directors for two year terms. Possible bylaw changes and any other business that may be conducted at this meeting will be addressed. The meeting will conclude with a talk by Laura Stremick-Thompson, a DNR Fish Biologist. She will review the results of the extensive fish survey she conducted last year on Beaver Dam Lake. The meeting is open to the general public. Only members of the BDLIA will be allowed to vote at the meeting. Renewal memberships and new memberships may be purchased at the meeting. Annual membership fees are $20 for a single membership and $30 for a family membership. Doors will open at 7:15 a.m. The meeting will conclude by 11:00 a.m. or before.
Man Claims He Did “Too Good a Job” in Defending Himself
8/27/11 - A 58 year old Milwaukee man tells his neighbor and a police investigator that he defended himself. Wallace Doman reported told the police officer he did "too good a job" of defending himself. Doman has been charged with first-degree reckless homicide by use of a dangerous weapon. He's accused of stabbing Rickie Blaeske 10 times after an argument over flowers. Blaeske bled to death. Doman could get up to 65 years in prison if he is convicted.
Environmental Group Seeks Help from EPA
8/27/11 - The environmental group Milwaukee Riverkeeper is calling on the EPA to make the We Energies Valley Power Plant modify its system to protect fish. The water it works now, the group says river water is used to cool the plant's equipment -- and the system that sucks the water into the plant kills fish and their eggs. A spokesman for the utility says it is looking at ways to protect the fish in the process, but says it isn't necessary for the Environmental Protection Agency to mandate any changes. We Energies wants to be able to choose the best technology to protect fish, rather than be handcuffed by government regulation. The EPA is expected to release a list of new rules about power-plant cooling systems by some time next summer.
Mayor Agrees that Mifflin Street Block Party Has to End
8/27/11 - Madison city officials agree with a police report that says the Mifflin Street block party has to end. The problem is, ending the annual event is easier said than done. It's been going on near the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus for more than four decades. Happening near the end of the school year, it has been the scene of violence on too many occasions. Madison police say the alcohol-fueld event also costs the department thousands of dollars. This year's party saw two stabbings, three sexual assaults and 162 people arrested. Mayor Paul Soglin admits it might take years to fully end the annual parties.
West Allis Police Prep for Planned Neo-Nazi Rally
8/27/11 - Fearing violent confrontations, West Allis police are urging local businesses to consider locking their doors next weekend. A neo-Nazi group is planning a rally in reaction to black-on-white violence like that seen at the Wisconsin State Fair. The National Socialist Movement says it wants to have a peacefully rally. However, the group's website talks of a, quoting here, "mobilization of battle-hardened White Men." The website has an almost taunting tone when it says it welcomes any flash mob. Black youths attacked fair-goers on the opening night of this year's state fair, leaving dozens injured. At least one of the suspects admitted he targeted white victims.
Former Beloit Worker’s Vacation Ended Early
8/27/11 - Vacation was cut short for a former supervisor with the city of Beloit. The FBI reports Timothy Kosier was at a vacation rental home in Hawaii when he was arrested. Kosier was to have a detention hearing yesterday in Honolulu. He is accused of stealing at least five thousand dollars worth of Beloit city property. Kosier was a maintenance supervisor in the city's water resources department. City officials are quoted as saying the items stolen and the unauthorized use of city credit lines could be worth 150 thousand dollars or more. Kosier was arrested on the island of Maui, then taken to a facility in Honolulu.
State Representative Calls Immigration Reform Proposal a Political Tool
8/27/11 - State Representative JoCasta Zamarripa says it's just a case of using immigration reform as a political tool. The Milwaukee Democrat says a proposal mandating anyone applying for public assistanc programs in Wisconsin prove they are a legal citizen isn't needed. Zamarripa says the current laws would keep undocumented immigrants from accessing public assistance programs. She says there is no evidence suggesting the guidelines aren't working. Zamarripa says the new would make it harder for those who can enroll in those programs to apply and, at the same time, would make it more difficult for social workers to do their jobs. A public hearing is coming up before a committee which has Zamarripa as a member.
Questions Arise After Another Walker Appointee Leaves
8/27/11 - A state official who worked for Governor Scott Walker when he was the Milwaukee County executive took a sudden personal leave this week. Officials would not say why Deputy Administration Secretary Cindy Archer left – or whether it’s tied to a John Doe investigation involving Walker’s former county assistants. Neither Archer nor administration officials have commented on the move. Earlier this summer, Walker discussed the John Doe probe with the Journal Sentinel. It involves county staffers who allegedly helped Walker’s campaign for governor while at work last year. The governor said Archer was involved in scheduling a number of appearances for the candidate. The 52-year-old Archer had worked with Walker for four years in Milwaukee County before taking her state job in January. Former Walker aide Tom Nardelli also resigned a state job in late July as the head of Environmental-and-Regulatory Services. Nardelli said he had second thoughts about taking the post, because he was planning to leave in September anyway.
Woman Reels in a Big One
8/27/11 - A Wisconsin woman was fishing in Minnesota during the July Fourth weekend when she reeled in somebody’s prosthetic leg. Beth Krohn was at her vacation home on Lake Ida near Alexandria Minnesota. She told K-S-A-X T-V that she was on the lake for about an hour when she reeled in something large – and she knew it wasn’t a fish. Once she saw the prosthetic leg, Krohn said she gasped and hoped it was not a dead body. She later realized it was an artificial leg – so she called some specialists, and found that Pam Riley of Morris Minnesota had owned it. Riley also has a vacation home on Lake Ida – and it turned out that she lost the prosthetic leg three years ago while swimming. Riley never thought it would be recovered. But she met up with Krohn the day it happened, and they exchanged stories and body parts. Krohn said her catch is one for the ages. She said it’s like going deer hunting and getting the biggest buck of all.
8/27/11 - In interviews with Dane County detectives, Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice David Prosser admitted he touched Justice Ann Walsh Bradley's neck. And, Bradley admits getting face to face with Prosser as they had a confrontation. But, she says she suffered no physical harm. The sheriff's department released 117 pages of records from the investigation yesterday which centered on the June 13th fight between the two. The interviews include many contradictory versions of the events of that day. The interviews revealed serious personal problems the three justices in the minority on the court have had with Prosser going back a decade. Sixteen months before the latest incident Bradley had met with court staff about Prosser's open displays of anger. Prosser had told interviewers that Bradley charged him and he put his hands up in reflex. He says he didn't intend to touch her, but he did. Bradley denies rushing toward Prosser.
Ma and Pa’s Not So Lucky
8/27/11 - The place where the state’s biggest lottery winners buy their tickets had a run of bad luck Thursday. A driver crashed through a set of doors at Ma-and-Pa’s convenience store on Main Street in Fond du Lac. Owner Mike Forsyth said a woman’s accelerator got stuck – but nobody got hurt, and the only major damage was to the doors themselves. He said somebody walked through the doors just moments before – and another customer was using a nearby copy machine when the car hit them both. Believe it or not, Forsyth said it was the third time that Ma-and-Pa’s was hit by a vehicle. So it’s no surprise that they simply boarded up the damage and went back to work. Some of Wisconsin’s biggest lottery jackpots have been claimed by those buying tickets on Fond du Lac’s Miracle Mile over the years. And Ma-and-Pa’s is the capital of that community, selling millions in winners. Players who buy scratch-off tickets there can get detailed explanations of the available games before they buy.
BDLIA to Hold Annual Meeting
8/27/11 - The Beaver Dam Lake Improvement Association will hold their Annual Meeting today at the Conservation Club Clubhouse in Beaver Dam. A free continental breakfast will be served at 8:30 a.m. and the meeting will start at 9:00. Updates on association activities in the past year will be given by committee chairs. There will be an election of BDLIA Board Directors for two year terms. Possible bylaw changes and any other business that may be conducted at this meeting will be addressed. The meeting will conclude with a talk by Laura Stremick-Thompson, a DNR Fish Biologist. She will review the results of the extensive fish survey she conducted last year on Beaver Dam Lake. The meeting is open to the general public. Only members of the BDLIA will be allowed to vote at the meeting. Renewal memberships and new memberships may be purchased at the meeting. Annual membership fees are $20 for a single membership and $30 for a family membership. Doors will open at 7:15 a.m. The meeting will conclude by 11:00 a.m. or before.
Man Claims He Did “Too Good a Job” in Defending Himself
8/27/11 - A 58 year old Milwaukee man tells his neighbor and a police investigator that he defended himself. Wallace Doman reported told the police officer he did "too good a job" of defending himself. Doman has been charged with first-degree reckless homicide by use of a dangerous weapon. He's accused of stabbing Rickie Blaeske 10 times after an argument over flowers. Blaeske bled to death. Doman could get up to 65 years in prison if he is convicted.
Environmental Group Seeks Help from EPA
8/27/11 - The environmental group Milwaukee Riverkeeper is calling on the EPA to make the We Energies Valley Power Plant modify its system to protect fish. The water it works now, the group says river water is used to cool the plant's equipment -- and the system that sucks the water into the plant kills fish and their eggs. A spokesman for the utility says it is looking at ways to protect the fish in the process, but says it isn't necessary for the Environmental Protection Agency to mandate any changes. We Energies wants to be able to choose the best technology to protect fish, rather than be handcuffed by government regulation. The EPA is expected to release a list of new rules about power-plant cooling systems by some time next summer.
Mayor Agrees that Mifflin Street Block Party Has to End
8/27/11 - Madison city officials agree with a police report that says the Mifflin Street block party has to end. The problem is, ending the annual event is easier said than done. It's been going on near the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus for more than four decades. Happening near the end of the school year, it has been the scene of violence on too many occasions. Madison police say the alcohol-fueld event also costs the department thousands of dollars. This year's party saw two stabbings, three sexual assaults and 162 people arrested. Mayor Paul Soglin admits it might take years to fully end the annual parties.
West Allis Police Prep for Planned Neo-Nazi Rally
8/27/11 - Fearing violent confrontations, West Allis police are urging local businesses to consider locking their doors next weekend. A neo-Nazi group is planning a rally in reaction to black-on-white violence like that seen at the Wisconsin State Fair. The National Socialist Movement says it wants to have a peacefully rally. However, the group's website talks of a, quoting here, "mobilization of battle-hardened White Men." The website has an almost taunting tone when it says it welcomes any flash mob. Black youths attacked fair-goers on the opening night of this year's state fair, leaving dozens injured. At least one of the suspects admitted he targeted white victims.
Former Beloit Worker’s Vacation Ended Early
8/27/11 - Vacation was cut short for a former supervisor with the city of Beloit. The FBI reports Timothy Kosier was at a vacation rental home in Hawaii when he was arrested. Kosier was to have a detention hearing yesterday in Honolulu. He is accused of stealing at least five thousand dollars worth of Beloit city property. Kosier was a maintenance supervisor in the city's water resources department. City officials are quoted as saying the items stolen and the unauthorized use of city credit lines could be worth 150 thousand dollars or more. Kosier was arrested on the island of Maui, then taken to a facility in Honolulu.
State Representative Calls Immigration Reform Proposal a Political Tool
8/27/11 - State Representative JoCasta Zamarripa says it's just a case of using immigration reform as a political tool. The Milwaukee Democrat says a proposal mandating anyone applying for public assistanc programs in Wisconsin prove they are a legal citizen isn't needed. Zamarripa says the current laws would keep undocumented immigrants from accessing public assistance programs. She says there is no evidence suggesting the guidelines aren't working. Zamarripa says the new would make it harder for those who can enroll in those programs to apply and, at the same time, would make it more difficult for social workers to do their jobs. A public hearing is coming up before a committee which has Zamarripa as a member.
Questions Arise After Another Walker Appointee Leaves
8/27/11 - A state official who worked for Governor Scott Walker when he was the Milwaukee County executive took a sudden personal leave this week. Officials would not say why Deputy Administration Secretary Cindy Archer left – or whether it’s tied to a John Doe investigation involving Walker’s former county assistants. Neither Archer nor administration officials have commented on the move. Earlier this summer, Walker discussed the John Doe probe with the Journal Sentinel. It involves county staffers who allegedly helped Walker’s campaign for governor while at work last year. The governor said Archer was involved in scheduling a number of appearances for the candidate. The 52-year-old Archer had worked with Walker for four years in Milwaukee County before taking her state job in January. Former Walker aide Tom Nardelli also resigned a state job in late July as the head of Environmental-and-Regulatory Services. Nardelli said he had second thoughts about taking the post, because he was planning to leave in September anyway.
Woman Reels in a Big One
8/27/11 - A Wisconsin woman was fishing in Minnesota during the July Fourth weekend when she reeled in somebody’s prosthetic leg. Beth Krohn was at her vacation home on Lake Ida near Alexandria Minnesota. She told K-S-A-X T-V that she was on the lake for about an hour when she reeled in something large – and she knew it wasn’t a fish. Once she saw the prosthetic leg, Krohn said she gasped and hoped it was not a dead body. She later realized it was an artificial leg – so she called some specialists, and found that Pam Riley of Morris Minnesota had owned it. Riley also has a vacation home on Lake Ida – and it turned out that she lost the prosthetic leg three years ago while swimming. Riley never thought it would be recovered. But she met up with Krohn the day it happened, and they exchanged stories and body parts. Krohn said her catch is one for the ages. She said it’s like going deer hunting and getting the biggest buck of all.
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