Pewaukee Teen Injured In Town of Herman Wreck
9/15/11 - A 19-year-old from Pewaukee was seriously injured in a two-vehicle accident yesterday in the Town of Herman. Both lanes of traffic on Highway 33 were closed for over four hours at County A-Y starting around 2:30pm. Dodge County Sheriff Todd Nehls says the teen was westbound on Highway 33 when he attempted to pass another westbound vehicle, failed to notice the oncoming semi and the two collided head-on. The teen was flown from the scene to Froedtert Hospital with serious injuries. The driver of the semi was not injured. The Iron Ridge Fire Department First Responders and Horicon EMS assisted at the scene. The Wisconsin State Patrol Technical Crash Investigation Team is conducting the investigation.
Fox Lake Man Arraigned On Ten Felony OWI Injury Charges
9/15/11 – A Fox Lake man entered a “not guilty” plea at arraignment Wednesday to charges that he caused a drunken, head-on collision that injured a carload of people. Brandon M. Smith faces ten felony counts of second-offense OWI Causing Injury for the accident on Highway 33 in the Town of Beaver Dam on August 20. 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 is being held on a $20,000 cash bond.
Air Quality Better Today
9/15/11 - Officials say the air quality in southeast Wisconsin should be much better today, as smoke from a massive Minnesota wildfire is pulled away from the region. Yesterday, the D-N-R issued its first “red alert” for the Milwaukee area since December of 2007 – which meant the air quality was unhealthy for everyone. But advisories in Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine, and Kenosha counties were allowed to expire at 11 last night. The Pagami Creek fire at Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area expanded to over 100-thousand acres. Officials said a break in the weather caused the blaze to expand very little yesterday. Stronger winds and warmer temperatures are expected for the weekend – which means Wisconsinites might not be out of the woods yet. But for now, the D-N-R expects the plume to be pushed away from the Badger State as it moves higher in the atmosphere. Racine schools canceled all their outdoor events yesterday afternoon due to the pollution alert. Milwaukee schools canceled outdoor recess – and they told parents and bus drivers not to idle their vehicle engines while waiting to pick up kids. But after checking the D-N-R’s hourly pollution data, Milwaukee did allow after-school sporting activities to proceed.
Omro Man Charged In Baseball Bat Beating of Puppy
9/15/11 - A Winnebago County man is due back in court next Monday on a charge of beating a Rottweiler puppy to death with a baseball bat. A $2500 cash bond has been set for 18-year-old James Albright III of Omro. Prosecutors say Albright and his roommate were given 10 days to get rid of two dogs because of poor conditions in their apartment. And Albright was quoted as telling his roommate, “If I can’t have Harley, nobody can.” Prosecutors said the roommate tried to talk Albright out of beating Harley-the-Rottweiler to death but Albright reportedly said quote, “This is what all rednecks do with their dogs.” Albright is charged with a felony count of mistreating animals in causing death. A judge is scheduled to decide September 22nd if there’s enough evidence to order a trial.
Local Law Enforcement To Be Paid For Protest Security
9/15/11 - The check’s in the mail to Wisconsin police departments which helped provide security at the State Capitol during the massive pro-union protests in February and March. The Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee voted unanimously yesterday (Wed) to pay just over eight-million-dollars in expenses for almost 200 local police and sheriff’s departments, four state police forces, and three U-W police departments. The Beaver Dam Police Department is anticipating around $40,000 while the Dodge County Sheriffs Department is expecting around $70,000. Sheriff Todd Nehls says he never doubted that he’d get his money; he just hopes the check comes before the end of the year. Thirteen G-O-P lawmakers, led by Assembly Republican Steve Nass of Whitewater, wanted the panel to delay reimbursements to Madison and Dane County officers. In a letter, Nass and the others said the Madison leaders encouraged the protestors with their actions and political comments. But during the finance meeting, Milwaukee Assembly Democrat Tamara Grigsby said the Republicans were insulting quote, “the very individuals who protected you.” She said police escorted the G-O-P lawmakers when they voted in favor of the law which limits public union bargaining – and they did not escort the Democrats who opposed the bill. Deputy Administration Secretary Chris Schoenherr said the state asked for the extra police help, and the state will pay for it as promised.
Cell Phone Use in Schools Discussed in Columbus
The Columbus School Board discussed student cell phone use in school this week. High School Principle Jeff Mastin told Board members that current policies and the number of incidents of classroom disruption were not a problem. Board member Don Nelson suggested that a policy of teaching students when and how to use cell phones and other portable electronic devices would be preferable to amending the current rules. The School Board is monitoring student cell phone use in the District to determine whether changes should be made.
FFRF Wants Tax Break for Ministers Housing Ended
9/15/11 - Madison’s Freedom from Religion Foundation is trying to end the federal tax break that church ministers get for their housing. The group has filed a lawsuit in federal court in Madison, which claims the tax break violates the separation of church-and-state, and is therefore unconstitutional. The foundation wants to strike down an I-R-S provision that allows ministers to exempt the costs of home ownership or rent from their income. The Madison group says nobody else gets that kind of deal – and it wants the courts to stop the I-R-S from granting the tax break. But religious legal expert John Witte of Emory University in Atlanta says it’s not the first time the issue has come up in the courts. He tells the Wisconsin State Journal the lawsuit has little chance of succeeding. Witte said the Supreme Court makes it clear that tax exemption cases are for politicians to decide – and not judges.
Wisconsin SAT Scores Above National Average
9/15/11 - Last spring’s high school graduates in Wisconsin scored well above the national average on the S-A-T college entrance exam. State officials said only about five-percent of students took the S-A-T – which is the preferred test for college admissions on both coasts. Most Midwest colleges want students to take the A-C-T exam – and 71-percent of Wisconsin graduates did so this year. But those taking the S-A-T scored at least 86 points above the national average in math, writing, and critical reading. And there continues to be a racial gap in student performance. White students averaged 17-hundred-89 points on the S-A-T, while African-American youngsters averaged 15-hundred-three.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Top Stories September 14th
Pick-Up Driver Flighted From Highway 33 Wreck
9/14/11 - Motorists are advised to avoid Highway 33 between Horicon and Allenton as both lanes of traffic are closed near County A-Y due to an accident involving a pick-up truck and a semi. The driver of a westbound pick-up was apparently trying to pass another car when it struck the eastbound semi tractor trailer. The driver of the pick-up was flighted from the scene to Froedtert Hospital. The roadway is expected to be closed until at least 5pm.
Smoke Advisory Cancelled For Dodge, Extended Elsewhere
9/14/11 - The smoke that’s blowing into southeast Wisconsin from the Minnesota wildfire is worse than expected today but it’s affect on Dodge County has lessened. A D-N-R advisory that was supposed to expire at 11 a-m will continue until 11 p-m in Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha, and Waukesha counties. And it’s been upgraded to the “red” category, which means the fine particles in the air are unhealthy for everyone – and not just those most likely to have breathing problems. D-N-R spokesman Bill Cosh said the “red” index is rare. The federal government says the index must be placed at a certain level for at least 24 hours before it’s changed – but Cosh says the weather conditions were improving today. An advisory for Dodge County was allowed to expire at 11. Forecasters say other parts of Wisconsin would see occasional soot or smell the Minnesota blaze at times today. The impact could be felt in most of the Badger State yesterday. The wildfire at the Boundary Waters Canoe Area has damaged over 160 square miles of wilderness. No buildings have been burned, and no one’s been injured at the site of the blaze. A lightning strike started the fire on August 18th, but it didn’t expand rapidly until the past couple days.
BD Applying for Grant to Upgrade Dam
9/14/11 - The city of Beaver Dam has filed a grant application with the Department of Natural Resources to help pay for cosmetic and structural upgrades to the dam. The DNR conducted a safety inspection of the dam last October and is mandating a several improvements including the replacement of the deck -- or walkway, concrete repair on abutments and replacement of the corrugated metal pipe that runs between the lake and the river. The cost of the upgrades is estimated at $400,000 and Beaver Dam is applying for $225,000 in grant money, or up to $50% of the costs. Beaver Dam’s Director of Facilities David Stoiser says the dam itself is structurally sound. These mandated upgrades are not related to the work underway right now on the dam gate. That project cost the city $137,000 and will allow for electronic control of the gate, eliminating the need to manually remove boards from the dam to control water levels. The city will hear back on the status of the DNR grant in late November or early December. The upgrades are required to be completed by December of 2013.
Lawsuit Against BDUSD Will Proceed to Trial
9/14/11 - A lawsuit against the Beaver Dam School District will proceed to trial after a judge denied the district's motion for summary judgment yesterday. Cheryl Grulke, who is a secretary in the district, filed a lawsuit late last year seeking punitive damages to, in her attorney's words, deter Superintendent Steve Vessey and the district from anymore violations of the states open records law. Last year the district settled another open records lawsuit that was filed by Grulke's husband. The decision yesterday means the case will proceed to a jury trial next month. Had the court granted the motion, the district would have been responsible for $100 in court fees, as well as a reasonable amount of Grulke's attorney fees.
Progress Continues for Columbus School District
9/14/11 - The Columbus School Board and Administration continue to progress toward a “facilities assessment.” The UW Population Lab will be doing a study of student trends. The district has also asked consultant Carol Wirth to complete a review of school financial picture over the past 10 years. As a third part of their plan the Board reviewed six Architectural proposals this past week. The Architects were asked to assess future needs for school buildings and properties. One Architect will be selected to do the “assessment” at the Sept. 26th Board meeting.
Man Injured After Hitting Semi
9/14/11 - One injury was reported after a pick-up truck driving the wrong way on Highway 151 early Tuesday struck a semi. The accident happened in Columbia County near Columbus just after 2am. Authorities say a 33-year-old Cottage Grove man was driving northbound in the southbound lanes and hit the back wheels of the semi’s trailer. The pick-up then left the highway and struck a fence. The driver of the pick-up was transported to Columbus Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Concern Over High Poverty Rates
9/14/11 - “Welcome to the frustrated Middle America.” That’s what Timothy Smeeding of the U-W Madison Poverty Research Institute said after the Census Bureau found that 15-percent of Americans lived in poverty last year. That’s the most since 1993. Wisconsin’s doing a bit better, with a poverty rate of 10-point-three percent – about the same as in 2009. But Ken Taylor of the Wisconsin Council on Children-and-Families said far too many families are struggling economically – and our response will be a test of our values. Smeeding called the new poverty report the worst he’s seen in 30 years – and things are still slipping a year after our last recession. Both he and Taylor blame a drop in middle-class incomes. In an analysis of census data, the Families’ Council said Wisconsin’s median household income of 51-thousand-dollars a year is 71-hundred-dollars less than in 2000. Nationally, the median family income is about 49-thousand-dollars – down two-point-three percent from the last report. The new report also said 16-percent of Americans are without health insurance, same as in 2009. The Council on Children-and-Families said Wisconsin’s uninsured rose above 10-percent last year – and just over a half-million state residents under 65 are not covered.
Governor’s Office Cautiously Optimistic About Presidents Plan
9/14/11 - Republican Governor Scott Walker’s office expresses cautious support for President Obama’s latest plan to boost the economy. The White House said yesterday that the Badger State would get over one-and-a-half billion dollars for school, transportation, and neighborhood improvements if Congress goes along. And the administration said the plan would create or save at least 20-thousand jobs in Wisconsin. Walker spokesman Cullen Werwie told the State Journal of Madison that the governor is quote, “encouraged that President Obama is focusing on growing the economy and helping the private sector create jobs.” Republicans in Congress are wary about the package, saying it goes against their efforts to cut spending and avoid tax hikes. The White House says Obama’s plan would cut Social Security payroll taxes for 110-thousand Wisconsin firms – and the average family in the state would pay almost 16-hundred-dollars less in Social Security taxes. Wisconsin schools would get almost 370-million dollars to renovate buildings, with Milwaukee getting half the total. Local governments would get an extra 536-million to hire or keep up to 74-hundred teachers, fire-fighters, and police officers. Kurt Bauer of the Wisconsin Manufacturers-and-Commerce group says the best way to boost the economy is to reduce unemployment. He wonders if the Obama package addresses what he calls the “root cause” of economic uncertainty.
Explosion at Sheboygan County Co-Op
9/14/11 - Residents of Adell in Sheboygan County were being evacuated this morning after a fire and a series of explosions at a farm co-op. Sheriff’s captain Dave Adams said the Adell Co-Op started on fire around three o’clock this morning. Evacuated residents were being sent to Random Lake High School. No one was working at the plant when the explosions occurred. Early reports said one fire-fighter was taken to a hospital after hurting an ankle. Fire-fighters from 11 departments responded.
Another Measles Case Confirmed in Milwaukee
9/14/11 - Milwaukee health officials have confirmed a second case of measles – and there are up to four more suspected cases. Paul Biedrzycki of the Health Department said all the cases are connected with a child who got the disease at a refugee camp, and whose family moved to Milwaukee in late August. The exposures are thought to have taken place September second in a south side Milwaukee building with offices for Social Security and Planned Parenthood. Because the measles are highly contagious, officials are trying to reach anyone who was in the building on the second. Biedrzycki said the youngster also visited seven other places where people might have been exposed.
More Change in Veterans’ Affair Department
9/14/11 - A member of a second state veterans’ committee has resigned because the governor gave Veterans’ Affairs Secretary John Scocos his old job back. Anthony Hardie used to be the Number-two official behind Scocos in the vets’ agency. He said Tuesday he’s leaving the Council on Veterans Programs because of Governor Scott Walker’s recent appointment of Scocos – who was criticized the first time around for communication problems and over-spending in his agency. The Board of Veterans’ Affairs fired Scocos in 2009, soon after he returned from a second tour of duty in Iraq. But the board no longer has the power to hire-and-fire its department secretaries, after the Legislature handed that power to the governor. Hardie said he hoped his resignation from the Veterans’ Programs board would draw attention to what he called “a flawed nomination.” Last month, Veterans’ Affairs Board vice-chairman Peter Moran left. He did not officially say why, but media reports said it was because of the Scocos nomination.
9/14/11 - Motorists are advised to avoid Highway 33 between Horicon and Allenton as both lanes of traffic are closed near County A-Y due to an accident involving a pick-up truck and a semi. The driver of a westbound pick-up was apparently trying to pass another car when it struck the eastbound semi tractor trailer. The driver of the pick-up was flighted from the scene to Froedtert Hospital. The roadway is expected to be closed until at least 5pm.
Smoke Advisory Cancelled For Dodge, Extended Elsewhere
9/14/11 - The smoke that’s blowing into southeast Wisconsin from the Minnesota wildfire is worse than expected today but it’s affect on Dodge County has lessened. A D-N-R advisory that was supposed to expire at 11 a-m will continue until 11 p-m in Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha, and Waukesha counties. And it’s been upgraded to the “red” category, which means the fine particles in the air are unhealthy for everyone – and not just those most likely to have breathing problems. D-N-R spokesman Bill Cosh said the “red” index is rare. The federal government says the index must be placed at a certain level for at least 24 hours before it’s changed – but Cosh says the weather conditions were improving today. An advisory for Dodge County was allowed to expire at 11. Forecasters say other parts of Wisconsin would see occasional soot or smell the Minnesota blaze at times today. The impact could be felt in most of the Badger State yesterday. The wildfire at the Boundary Waters Canoe Area has damaged over 160 square miles of wilderness. No buildings have been burned, and no one’s been injured at the site of the blaze. A lightning strike started the fire on August 18th, but it didn’t expand rapidly until the past couple days.
BD Applying for Grant to Upgrade Dam
9/14/11 - The city of Beaver Dam has filed a grant application with the Department of Natural Resources to help pay for cosmetic and structural upgrades to the dam. The DNR conducted a safety inspection of the dam last October and is mandating a several improvements including the replacement of the deck -- or walkway, concrete repair on abutments and replacement of the corrugated metal pipe that runs between the lake and the river. The cost of the upgrades is estimated at $400,000 and Beaver Dam is applying for $225,000 in grant money, or up to $50% of the costs. Beaver Dam’s Director of Facilities David Stoiser says the dam itself is structurally sound. These mandated upgrades are not related to the work underway right now on the dam gate. That project cost the city $137,000 and will allow for electronic control of the gate, eliminating the need to manually remove boards from the dam to control water levels. The city will hear back on the status of the DNR grant in late November or early December. The upgrades are required to be completed by December of 2013.
Lawsuit Against BDUSD Will Proceed to Trial
9/14/11 - A lawsuit against the Beaver Dam School District will proceed to trial after a judge denied the district's motion for summary judgment yesterday. Cheryl Grulke, who is a secretary in the district, filed a lawsuit late last year seeking punitive damages to, in her attorney's words, deter Superintendent Steve Vessey and the district from anymore violations of the states open records law. Last year the district settled another open records lawsuit that was filed by Grulke's husband. The decision yesterday means the case will proceed to a jury trial next month. Had the court granted the motion, the district would have been responsible for $100 in court fees, as well as a reasonable amount of Grulke's attorney fees.
Progress Continues for Columbus School District
9/14/11 - The Columbus School Board and Administration continue to progress toward a “facilities assessment.” The UW Population Lab will be doing a study of student trends. The district has also asked consultant Carol Wirth to complete a review of school financial picture over the past 10 years. As a third part of their plan the Board reviewed six Architectural proposals this past week. The Architects were asked to assess future needs for school buildings and properties. One Architect will be selected to do the “assessment” at the Sept. 26th Board meeting.
Man Injured After Hitting Semi
9/14/11 - One injury was reported after a pick-up truck driving the wrong way on Highway 151 early Tuesday struck a semi. The accident happened in Columbia County near Columbus just after 2am. Authorities say a 33-year-old Cottage Grove man was driving northbound in the southbound lanes and hit the back wheels of the semi’s trailer. The pick-up then left the highway and struck a fence. The driver of the pick-up was transported to Columbus Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Concern Over High Poverty Rates
9/14/11 - “Welcome to the frustrated Middle America.” That’s what Timothy Smeeding of the U-W Madison Poverty Research Institute said after the Census Bureau found that 15-percent of Americans lived in poverty last year. That’s the most since 1993. Wisconsin’s doing a bit better, with a poverty rate of 10-point-three percent – about the same as in 2009. But Ken Taylor of the Wisconsin Council on Children-and-Families said far too many families are struggling economically – and our response will be a test of our values. Smeeding called the new poverty report the worst he’s seen in 30 years – and things are still slipping a year after our last recession. Both he and Taylor blame a drop in middle-class incomes. In an analysis of census data, the Families’ Council said Wisconsin’s median household income of 51-thousand-dollars a year is 71-hundred-dollars less than in 2000. Nationally, the median family income is about 49-thousand-dollars – down two-point-three percent from the last report. The new report also said 16-percent of Americans are without health insurance, same as in 2009. The Council on Children-and-Families said Wisconsin’s uninsured rose above 10-percent last year – and just over a half-million state residents under 65 are not covered.
Governor’s Office Cautiously Optimistic About Presidents Plan
9/14/11 - Republican Governor Scott Walker’s office expresses cautious support for President Obama’s latest plan to boost the economy. The White House said yesterday that the Badger State would get over one-and-a-half billion dollars for school, transportation, and neighborhood improvements if Congress goes along. And the administration said the plan would create or save at least 20-thousand jobs in Wisconsin. Walker spokesman Cullen Werwie told the State Journal of Madison that the governor is quote, “encouraged that President Obama is focusing on growing the economy and helping the private sector create jobs.” Republicans in Congress are wary about the package, saying it goes against their efforts to cut spending and avoid tax hikes. The White House says Obama’s plan would cut Social Security payroll taxes for 110-thousand Wisconsin firms – and the average family in the state would pay almost 16-hundred-dollars less in Social Security taxes. Wisconsin schools would get almost 370-million dollars to renovate buildings, with Milwaukee getting half the total. Local governments would get an extra 536-million to hire or keep up to 74-hundred teachers, fire-fighters, and police officers. Kurt Bauer of the Wisconsin Manufacturers-and-Commerce group says the best way to boost the economy is to reduce unemployment. He wonders if the Obama package addresses what he calls the “root cause” of economic uncertainty.
Explosion at Sheboygan County Co-Op
9/14/11 - Residents of Adell in Sheboygan County were being evacuated this morning after a fire and a series of explosions at a farm co-op. Sheriff’s captain Dave Adams said the Adell Co-Op started on fire around three o’clock this morning. Evacuated residents were being sent to Random Lake High School. No one was working at the plant when the explosions occurred. Early reports said one fire-fighter was taken to a hospital after hurting an ankle. Fire-fighters from 11 departments responded.
Another Measles Case Confirmed in Milwaukee
9/14/11 - Milwaukee health officials have confirmed a second case of measles – and there are up to four more suspected cases. Paul Biedrzycki of the Health Department said all the cases are connected with a child who got the disease at a refugee camp, and whose family moved to Milwaukee in late August. The exposures are thought to have taken place September second in a south side Milwaukee building with offices for Social Security and Planned Parenthood. Because the measles are highly contagious, officials are trying to reach anyone who was in the building on the second. Biedrzycki said the youngster also visited seven other places where people might have been exposed.
More Change in Veterans’ Affair Department
9/14/11 - A member of a second state veterans’ committee has resigned because the governor gave Veterans’ Affairs Secretary John Scocos his old job back. Anthony Hardie used to be the Number-two official behind Scocos in the vets’ agency. He said Tuesday he’s leaving the Council on Veterans Programs because of Governor Scott Walker’s recent appointment of Scocos – who was criticized the first time around for communication problems and over-spending in his agency. The Board of Veterans’ Affairs fired Scocos in 2009, soon after he returned from a second tour of duty in Iraq. But the board no longer has the power to hire-and-fire its department secretaries, after the Legislature handed that power to the governor. Hardie said he hoped his resignation from the Veterans’ Programs board would draw attention to what he called “a flawed nomination.” Last month, Veterans’ Affairs Board vice-chairman Peter Moran left. He did not officially say why, but media reports said it was because of the Scocos nomination.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Top Stories September 13th
BDPD Learning Firsthand About Bath Salt Drug
9/13/11 - The Beaver Dam Police Department last month responded to the areas first known overdose case involving the new legal drug being marketed as “bath salts.” Police Detective Ryan Klavekoske says his department got a call about a man who was hallucinating. The affected individual was not injured but Klavekoske says there have been fatalities connected to bath salts. He says the company’s that are marketing this drug know what it is being used for. At $50 bucks a pop the over the counter chemical is not being dissolved in a bathtub but is instead being ingested for an amphetamine-like high. Over a dozen states have outlawed bath salts and legislators in Wisconsin are starting to look at criminalizing its components much in the same way they did recently with synthetic marijuana.
Hartford Man Charged In BD Pistol Whipping
9/13/11 - A Hartford man has been formally charged in connection with a pistol-whipping last month. It happened in the 600 block of Madison Street just after 2am. Mark Patterson is charged with felony Substantial Battery Intending Bodily Harm and a half dozen misdemeanors including Intentionally Pointing a Firearm, Operating a Firearm While Intoxicated and Disorderly Conduct. According to the criminal complaint, the 46-year-old met up with a group of people at a Madison Street bar and they went to a nearby residence for an “after hours” party. A woman in the group says Patterson attempted to kiss her while the two were alone outside and then he became enraged and made up a story about her owing him $70. Patterson says he loaned her $70 so that she could purchase cocaine for herself then she lied about his advances and had the group kick him out so that she didn’t have to pay him back. Authorities say he pulled a gun and everyone ran into the house except the 23-year-old Beaver Dam man who apparently didn’t want Patterson messing with his car which was parked outside. Patterson says he approached the house looking for his money, was confronted by two men and acted in self-defense. His blood alcohol level was said to be point-one-four. The victim sustained a closed head injury, eye contusion and concussion. A signature bond was set at $1000 yesterday and a preliminary hearing is on the calendar next month. Because Patterson is considered a repeat offender, the charges carry a maximum sentence of just under 25 years in prison upon convicted.
Sussex Man Charged With Dodge County OWI Injury
9/13/11 - A Sussex man is facing charges of OWI Causing Injury in Dodge County. Ryan Pinkert is charged with three felonies including OWI Causing Injury and Causing Injury While Operating On A Controlled Substance. The 28-year-old was allegedly driving drunk after a Christmas Party in Iron Ridge last December. According to the criminal complaint, he thought he was heading toward Milwaukee when he got into a physical confrontation with his passenger and wound up hitting a tree in the Town of Clyman. His passenger sustained head injuries. A preliminary breath test put Pinkert over the legal limit for driving at point-one-one-seven. A blood test allegedly revealed other drugs in his system, including cocaine and Oxycodone. A preliminary hearing was set at $1000 yesterday and a preliminary hearing is on the calendar next month. If convicted, the charges carry a maximum sentence of 18 years in prison and license revocation of over four years.
Dells Resort Arcade Game Credit Card Numbers Hacked
9/13/11 - A Wisconsin Dells company has announced that its credit card processing system was hacked. Vacationland Vendors said people should watch out for unauthorized charges in their accounts, if they used debit-or-credit cards in the arcade at the Wilderness Resort in the Dells from last December 12th to May 25th of this year. A similar processing system was hacked at the Smokies Resort in Sevierville Tennessee around the same time. Vacationland Vendors said up to 40-thousand debit-and-credit cards in the two arcades might have been affected by the breach – which occurred on March 22nd. The company said it shut down its card processing systems at both arcades as soon as they learned about the problem.
Beaver Dam Bike Park Being Discussed
9/13/11 - A Beaver Dam alderman wants to open a bicycle track. Matt O’Brion outlined his preliminary plans to the Operations Committee last night. He says the track would provide a healthy activity to area youth and cost less than the skate park that has been discussed over the years. O’Brion said about two acres would be needed and a lot of dirt. The police chief said lighting would be important for public safety along with access for squad cars. While no site has been chosen, one alderwoman suggested retrofitting the existing Smythe Park on the city’s south side. Other possible locations were suggested near the retention pond along Highway 151 on the city’s north side and the county-owned, former Metal Fab property. O’Brion’s conceptual plan was approved by consensus in committee last night and he plans to work on the specifics and discuss liability issues with the city attorney before bringing a formal recommendation back to the Operations Committee.
League Of Women Voters To Challenge ID Law
9/13/11- A lawsuit that seeks to strike down Wisconsin’s new photo I-D law for voting will be filed in the next couple weeks. That’s what the head of the state’s League of Women Voters, Andrea Kaminski, told the state Government Accountability Board Monday. The league has spent the summer raising money to fight the requirement that Wisconsin voters show photo I-D’s at the polls starting next February. Kaminski told the panel that the law is unconstitutional, saying it creates a class of people who won’t have the proper I-D’s to vote. The law allows people to get free I-D’s if they need them. But a controversy was raised in the last week, after it was learned that motor vehicle employees were told by one of their bosses to provide the free I-D’s only if people ask for them. Kaminski said the league’s lawsuit against the voter law would be filed in state court.
Voter ID Law Clarified For College Students
9/13/11 - The Wisconsin elections panel has clarified the types of college identification cards that students can use to vote under the state’s new photo I-D law. The Government Accountability Board agreed today to let schools place stickers on student I-D’s to show when they were issued, and when they expire. Republicans decided to require students to use school I-D’s for only two years after they’re issued – even though many schools make the cards good for up to five years. Student voters can only use school I-D’s from public-or-private schools that hand out associate degrees and higher. I-D’s from the state’s technical and trade schools will not be accepted at the polls. Also, students must prove they’re enrolled in college when they vote – but the Legislature did not prescribe how that will be enforced. Students can also use their drivers’ licenses from their home towns to vote back there. The I-D requirement takes effect next February. The state’s League of Women Voters says the law is unconstitutional. League president Andrea Kaminski told the board today her group would file a lawsuit in state court in the next week-or-two.
Poor, Elderly Advocates Studying Medicaid Cuts
9/13/11 - It’s been two months since Governor Scott Walker approved a 500-million-dollar spending cut in Wisconsin’s Medicaid programs. And advocates for the poor and the elderly are still waiting to learn what the Republican governor has in mind. Some proposals – like reducing Badger-Care-Plus – need the federal government’s blessing before the end of the year. And the state Legislature’s finance panel must also pass judgment on the Medicaid cuts. In the meantime, a dozen advocacy groups fear that Walker will not give recipients enough time to comment on the changes before they have to be rushed off to Washington. State health services spokeswoman Stephanie Smiley said the plans will be made public before they’re sent to the federal government. Smiley tells the Wisconsin State Journal we should get more details in the next few weeks. The changes could drastically affect one-of-every-five state residents. About one-point-two million Wisconsinites are on some type of Medicaid program. The half-billion dollars in Medicaid cuts would happen over the next two years. In March, Health Services Secretary Dennis Smith said the changes could include higher premiums and co-pays – reimbursing hospitals based on the quality of their services – and not increasing Medicaid payments to doctors who handle complex patients.
9/13/11 - The Beaver Dam Police Department last month responded to the areas first known overdose case involving the new legal drug being marketed as “bath salts.” Police Detective Ryan Klavekoske says his department got a call about a man who was hallucinating. The affected individual was not injured but Klavekoske says there have been fatalities connected to bath salts. He says the company’s that are marketing this drug know what it is being used for. At $50 bucks a pop the over the counter chemical is not being dissolved in a bathtub but is instead being ingested for an amphetamine-like high. Over a dozen states have outlawed bath salts and legislators in Wisconsin are starting to look at criminalizing its components much in the same way they did recently with synthetic marijuana.
Hartford Man Charged In BD Pistol Whipping
9/13/11 - A Hartford man has been formally charged in connection with a pistol-whipping last month. It happened in the 600 block of Madison Street just after 2am. Mark Patterson is charged with felony Substantial Battery Intending Bodily Harm and a half dozen misdemeanors including Intentionally Pointing a Firearm, Operating a Firearm While Intoxicated and Disorderly Conduct. According to the criminal complaint, the 46-year-old met up with a group of people at a Madison Street bar and they went to a nearby residence for an “after hours” party. A woman in the group says Patterson attempted to kiss her while the two were alone outside and then he became enraged and made up a story about her owing him $70. Patterson says he loaned her $70 so that she could purchase cocaine for herself then she lied about his advances and had the group kick him out so that she didn’t have to pay him back. Authorities say he pulled a gun and everyone ran into the house except the 23-year-old Beaver Dam man who apparently didn’t want Patterson messing with his car which was parked outside. Patterson says he approached the house looking for his money, was confronted by two men and acted in self-defense. His blood alcohol level was said to be point-one-four. The victim sustained a closed head injury, eye contusion and concussion. A signature bond was set at $1000 yesterday and a preliminary hearing is on the calendar next month. Because Patterson is considered a repeat offender, the charges carry a maximum sentence of just under 25 years in prison upon convicted.
Sussex Man Charged With Dodge County OWI Injury
9/13/11 - A Sussex man is facing charges of OWI Causing Injury in Dodge County. Ryan Pinkert is charged with three felonies including OWI Causing Injury and Causing Injury While Operating On A Controlled Substance. The 28-year-old was allegedly driving drunk after a Christmas Party in Iron Ridge last December. According to the criminal complaint, he thought he was heading toward Milwaukee when he got into a physical confrontation with his passenger and wound up hitting a tree in the Town of Clyman. His passenger sustained head injuries. A preliminary breath test put Pinkert over the legal limit for driving at point-one-one-seven. A blood test allegedly revealed other drugs in his system, including cocaine and Oxycodone. A preliminary hearing was set at $1000 yesterday and a preliminary hearing is on the calendar next month. If convicted, the charges carry a maximum sentence of 18 years in prison and license revocation of over four years.
Dells Resort Arcade Game Credit Card Numbers Hacked
9/13/11 - A Wisconsin Dells company has announced that its credit card processing system was hacked. Vacationland Vendors said people should watch out for unauthorized charges in their accounts, if they used debit-or-credit cards in the arcade at the Wilderness Resort in the Dells from last December 12th to May 25th of this year. A similar processing system was hacked at the Smokies Resort in Sevierville Tennessee around the same time. Vacationland Vendors said up to 40-thousand debit-and-credit cards in the two arcades might have been affected by the breach – which occurred on March 22nd. The company said it shut down its card processing systems at both arcades as soon as they learned about the problem.
Beaver Dam Bike Park Being Discussed
9/13/11 - A Beaver Dam alderman wants to open a bicycle track. Matt O’Brion outlined his preliminary plans to the Operations Committee last night. He says the track would provide a healthy activity to area youth and cost less than the skate park that has been discussed over the years. O’Brion said about two acres would be needed and a lot of dirt. The police chief said lighting would be important for public safety along with access for squad cars. While no site has been chosen, one alderwoman suggested retrofitting the existing Smythe Park on the city’s south side. Other possible locations were suggested near the retention pond along Highway 151 on the city’s north side and the county-owned, former Metal Fab property. O’Brion’s conceptual plan was approved by consensus in committee last night and he plans to work on the specifics and discuss liability issues with the city attorney before bringing a formal recommendation back to the Operations Committee.
League Of Women Voters To Challenge ID Law
9/13/11- A lawsuit that seeks to strike down Wisconsin’s new photo I-D law for voting will be filed in the next couple weeks. That’s what the head of the state’s League of Women Voters, Andrea Kaminski, told the state Government Accountability Board Monday. The league has spent the summer raising money to fight the requirement that Wisconsin voters show photo I-D’s at the polls starting next February. Kaminski told the panel that the law is unconstitutional, saying it creates a class of people who won’t have the proper I-D’s to vote. The law allows people to get free I-D’s if they need them. But a controversy was raised in the last week, after it was learned that motor vehicle employees were told by one of their bosses to provide the free I-D’s only if people ask for them. Kaminski said the league’s lawsuit against the voter law would be filed in state court.
Voter ID Law Clarified For College Students
9/13/11 - The Wisconsin elections panel has clarified the types of college identification cards that students can use to vote under the state’s new photo I-D law. The Government Accountability Board agreed today to let schools place stickers on student I-D’s to show when they were issued, and when they expire. Republicans decided to require students to use school I-D’s for only two years after they’re issued – even though many schools make the cards good for up to five years. Student voters can only use school I-D’s from public-or-private schools that hand out associate degrees and higher. I-D’s from the state’s technical and trade schools will not be accepted at the polls. Also, students must prove they’re enrolled in college when they vote – but the Legislature did not prescribe how that will be enforced. Students can also use their drivers’ licenses from their home towns to vote back there. The I-D requirement takes effect next February. The state’s League of Women Voters says the law is unconstitutional. League president Andrea Kaminski told the board today her group would file a lawsuit in state court in the next week-or-two.
Poor, Elderly Advocates Studying Medicaid Cuts
9/13/11 - It’s been two months since Governor Scott Walker approved a 500-million-dollar spending cut in Wisconsin’s Medicaid programs. And advocates for the poor and the elderly are still waiting to learn what the Republican governor has in mind. Some proposals – like reducing Badger-Care-Plus – need the federal government’s blessing before the end of the year. And the state Legislature’s finance panel must also pass judgment on the Medicaid cuts. In the meantime, a dozen advocacy groups fear that Walker will not give recipients enough time to comment on the changes before they have to be rushed off to Washington. State health services spokeswoman Stephanie Smiley said the plans will be made public before they’re sent to the federal government. Smiley tells the Wisconsin State Journal we should get more details in the next few weeks. The changes could drastically affect one-of-every-five state residents. About one-point-two million Wisconsinites are on some type of Medicaid program. The half-billion dollars in Medicaid cuts would happen over the next two years. In March, Health Services Secretary Dennis Smith said the changes could include higher premiums and co-pays – reimbursing hospitals based on the quality of their services – and not increasing Medicaid payments to doctors who handle complex patients.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Top Stories September 12th
Wisconsin Remembers 9/11
9/12/11 - Hundreds of people attended Wisconsin's observance of the 10th anniversary of 9-11. The crowd observed a moment of silence at 7:46 a-m, when the first terrorist plane hit New York's World Trade Center of September 11th of 2001. Governor Scott Walker and National Guard Major General Don Dunbar laid a wreath to honor the seven Wisconsinites killed in the 9-11 attacks – and the 153 state residents who died in the war-on-terror that followed. Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch said 32-thousand service members from Wisconsin were sent abroad. Walker thanked the state’s thousands of first responders. And he talked about the Wisconsin’s resilience in the decade after the terrorist attacks. The governor said we see “honor, commitment and pride” instead of “fear and horror.” The Madison ceremony ended when relatives of fallen troops walked around the Capitol Square to honor their loved ones.
In New York, Gordy Haberman of West Bend and his family released helium balloons when the name of his daughter was read at Ground Zero. Andrea Haberman was killed in the World Trade Center’s North Tower. In Milwaukee, firefighters climbed the stairs of the U-S Bank building three times to simulate the 110 stories of the trade center where 343 fallen firefighters had climbed on 9-11. Appleton firefighters did something similar. In Green Bay, emergency workers stood guard for 12 hours at the city’s 9-11 Memorial next to the Fox River downtown. When their shifts changed, officers read the names of first responders killed on duty that day. And in churches throughout Wisconsin, special prayers were read at Sunday services for the victims of 9-11 – and for peace.
FDL Authorities to Release Findings on Officer Shootings
9/12/11 - It took almost six months, but Fond du Lac officials have completed their investigation into a March 20th shootout that killed one officer and hurt another. Police and prosecutors will hold a news conference this afternoon to discuss their findings. 30-year-old James Cruckson shot-and-killed city officer Craig Birkholz, as he and other officers were responding to a sexual assault complaint. Officer Ryan Williams and his K-9 partner were wounded – and Cruckson turned the gun himself after he got into a stand-off with police. The state Justice Department investigated, and sent its information to the district attorney for consideration of possible charges. Cruckson’s aunt, 29-year-old Hlee Cruckson, was charged in May with threatening James Cruckson’s girlfriend, Josephine Werner. Prosecutors said she pointed a gun at a relative of Werner, while blaming her for the police standoff. Hlee Cruckson is due back in court September 27th on two charges. And Fond du Lac police officer Jay Salzmann resigned in May, after an investigation showed he had a past relationship with Werner. Officials said there was no indication that Cruckson’s actions had anything to do with the officer’s prior relationship.
Man Cited for Drunk Driving in Motorcycle Accident
9/12/11 - Dodge County authorities responded to a report of a motorcycle accident last night on Fabisch Road. According to Sheriff Todd Nehls, two men were riding their motorcycles in the area just before 8 p-m, when one of them left the road and hit a fence. A witness called 9-1-1 and authorities responded. However, when they got on scene the motorcycle was there, but the two riders were not. Police apparently caught up with them at the Park Avenue McDonalds in Beaver Dam. 32-year-old Shaun Johnson was arrested and cited for first offense drunken driving. The investigation is ongoing.
Relative Call Leads to Brothers Arrest
9/12/11 - A relative’s call led to the arrest of a town of Beaver Dam man for his seventh drunk driving charge and several drug charges yesterday. The Dodge County Sheriff’s Department says a relative called to report that she had found a marijuana pipe in her brother’s bedroom of a home on the 300 block of Sarah Lane. She also told authorities she thought he had been drinking. The brother, a 47-year-old man, was pulled over a short time later near the residence. He was arrested for his 7th OWI, and authorities are expected to request charges for possession of drugs without a prescription, along with possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
Pfitzinger Says Alcohol Court is Hitting Its Stride
9/12/11 - Dodge County Circuit Court Judge Brian Pfitzinger says his one-year-old Alcohol Court is just hitting its stride and has made a lot of progress. A person who pleads guilty to a second or third OWI can choose to enroll in alcohol court as a condition of their probation. While participants may see a lesser jail sentence, the court still has a weekly or twice-a-month review that could result in increases in those penalties if the offender chooses not to remain sober. Some critics have said that alcohol court is a dodge to get out of going to jail and Pfitzinger says that’s true but “asking someone to get sober is a heck of a lot harder than spending a few days in the county jail.” He says if anyone believes that 20 days in the county jail will cure addiction, they are delusional. Pfitzinger says it’s easy to forget about sobriety on simple probation but with regular monitoring and other incentives, it brings to the forefront that fact that there are consequences if you do not stay sober. He admits not everyone has been successful but says the success stories have been inspiring, from in-court stories to promotions at work to rebuilding relationships and whole families coming back together. Alcohol court is not funded with tax dollars. After the county board turned down funding of the program last year, Pfitzinger tapped volunteers to handle administrative duties. Donations from the business community, and some money from Pfitzinger’s own pocket, have been used to buy things like gift cards provide incentives for participants to stay sober.
Slow Start for WI Legislature
9/12/11 - Wisconsin legislators are off to a slow start in their fall session. A number of bills have had public hearings, but both houses only plan to meet once this month. That’s tomorrow, and don’t expect much from it. The Assembly has a light agenda which includes a bill to return Wisconsin’s presidential primary to April from mid-February. The Senate plans to swear-in its two new members who’ve already taken office after defeating incumbents in recall elections last month. But the Senate has no bills on its agenda. And both houses don’t expect to do much until October. Senate G-O-P leader Scott Fitzgerald said his members were busy campaigning for colleagues who faced recall votes. And they had to re-organize after its majority was cut from five members to just one. But Fitzgerald says they’re making progress behind the scenes on measures to create jobs – provide venture capital for new high-tech companies – and to speed up the process of starting a new iron ore mine in Ashland and Iron counties. Meanwhile in the Assembly, Republican Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald said he’ll keep his house on track to pass measures which help the economy. He promised to avoid the social and hot-button issues that sparked partisan battles earlier in the year. But some G-O-P members are pushing for things like limits on abortion – an Arizona-style crackdown on illegal immigrants – and a ban on medical research using fetal tissues.
DOD Will Pay for Cleanup
9/12/11 - The Department of Defense has reversed its ruling of last Thursday, now agreeing to pay for the Wisconsin National Guard to help clean up thousands of downed trees in northwestern Wisconsin. The National Guard Bureau cleared the way for federal training dollars to be used to pay for work by the 724th Engineer Battalion in Burnett and Douglas counties. Then, last week the D-O-D revoked the approval, saying federal training dollars couldn't be used for disaster response. Governor Walker called the battalion to active duty last Friday, using state money to pay for the work. But, the federal funding was restored yesterday. It's expected that 64 National Guard soldiers will be involved in the project which will now be funded by Washington.
Baraboo Police Investigate Fall of Circus Performer
9/12/11 - Baraboo police are investigating the fall of a circus performer Saturday morning. Hannah Crist suffered unspecified injuries when she fell 10-to-15 feet from a swing during a magician's act. Crist was reportedly performing as a magician's assistant at the Circus World Museum. A crowd witnessed the accident. Onlookers say the 23 year old performer was alert and conscious after the fall to a concrete surface, but she was disoriented. Crist was taken to a hospital.
Ash Tree Seeds Being Saved
9/12/11 - Seeds from healthy ash trees in Wisconsin are being saved at three locations in the state. The seeds are being collected and stored now, with the hope they can be replanted at a future date after the devastation from the emerald ash borer has ended. The project starts this fall in Wisconsin. Scientists and trained volunteers are harvesting the seeds from trees at Schlitz, the Riveredge Nature Center in Newburg and a third location in Vernon County which hasn't been chosen yet.
9/12/11 - Hundreds of people attended Wisconsin's observance of the 10th anniversary of 9-11. The crowd observed a moment of silence at 7:46 a-m, when the first terrorist plane hit New York's World Trade Center of September 11th of 2001. Governor Scott Walker and National Guard Major General Don Dunbar laid a wreath to honor the seven Wisconsinites killed in the 9-11 attacks – and the 153 state residents who died in the war-on-terror that followed. Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch said 32-thousand service members from Wisconsin were sent abroad. Walker thanked the state’s thousands of first responders. And he talked about the Wisconsin’s resilience in the decade after the terrorist attacks. The governor said we see “honor, commitment and pride” instead of “fear and horror.” The Madison ceremony ended when relatives of fallen troops walked around the Capitol Square to honor their loved ones.
In New York, Gordy Haberman of West Bend and his family released helium balloons when the name of his daughter was read at Ground Zero. Andrea Haberman was killed in the World Trade Center’s North Tower. In Milwaukee, firefighters climbed the stairs of the U-S Bank building three times to simulate the 110 stories of the trade center where 343 fallen firefighters had climbed on 9-11. Appleton firefighters did something similar. In Green Bay, emergency workers stood guard for 12 hours at the city’s 9-11 Memorial next to the Fox River downtown. When their shifts changed, officers read the names of first responders killed on duty that day. And in churches throughout Wisconsin, special prayers were read at Sunday services for the victims of 9-11 – and for peace.
FDL Authorities to Release Findings on Officer Shootings
9/12/11 - It took almost six months, but Fond du Lac officials have completed their investigation into a March 20th shootout that killed one officer and hurt another. Police and prosecutors will hold a news conference this afternoon to discuss their findings. 30-year-old James Cruckson shot-and-killed city officer Craig Birkholz, as he and other officers were responding to a sexual assault complaint. Officer Ryan Williams and his K-9 partner were wounded – and Cruckson turned the gun himself after he got into a stand-off with police. The state Justice Department investigated, and sent its information to the district attorney for consideration of possible charges. Cruckson’s aunt, 29-year-old Hlee Cruckson, was charged in May with threatening James Cruckson’s girlfriend, Josephine Werner. Prosecutors said she pointed a gun at a relative of Werner, while blaming her for the police standoff. Hlee Cruckson is due back in court September 27th on two charges. And Fond du Lac police officer Jay Salzmann resigned in May, after an investigation showed he had a past relationship with Werner. Officials said there was no indication that Cruckson’s actions had anything to do with the officer’s prior relationship.
Man Cited for Drunk Driving in Motorcycle Accident
9/12/11 - Dodge County authorities responded to a report of a motorcycle accident last night on Fabisch Road. According to Sheriff Todd Nehls, two men were riding their motorcycles in the area just before 8 p-m, when one of them left the road and hit a fence. A witness called 9-1-1 and authorities responded. However, when they got on scene the motorcycle was there, but the two riders were not. Police apparently caught up with them at the Park Avenue McDonalds in Beaver Dam. 32-year-old Shaun Johnson was arrested and cited for first offense drunken driving. The investigation is ongoing.
Relative Call Leads to Brothers Arrest
9/12/11 - A relative’s call led to the arrest of a town of Beaver Dam man for his seventh drunk driving charge and several drug charges yesterday. The Dodge County Sheriff’s Department says a relative called to report that she had found a marijuana pipe in her brother’s bedroom of a home on the 300 block of Sarah Lane. She also told authorities she thought he had been drinking. The brother, a 47-year-old man, was pulled over a short time later near the residence. He was arrested for his 7th OWI, and authorities are expected to request charges for possession of drugs without a prescription, along with possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
Pfitzinger Says Alcohol Court is Hitting Its Stride
9/12/11 - Dodge County Circuit Court Judge Brian Pfitzinger says his one-year-old Alcohol Court is just hitting its stride and has made a lot of progress. A person who pleads guilty to a second or third OWI can choose to enroll in alcohol court as a condition of their probation. While participants may see a lesser jail sentence, the court still has a weekly or twice-a-month review that could result in increases in those penalties if the offender chooses not to remain sober. Some critics have said that alcohol court is a dodge to get out of going to jail and Pfitzinger says that’s true but “asking someone to get sober is a heck of a lot harder than spending a few days in the county jail.” He says if anyone believes that 20 days in the county jail will cure addiction, they are delusional. Pfitzinger says it’s easy to forget about sobriety on simple probation but with regular monitoring and other incentives, it brings to the forefront that fact that there are consequences if you do not stay sober. He admits not everyone has been successful but says the success stories have been inspiring, from in-court stories to promotions at work to rebuilding relationships and whole families coming back together. Alcohol court is not funded with tax dollars. After the county board turned down funding of the program last year, Pfitzinger tapped volunteers to handle administrative duties. Donations from the business community, and some money from Pfitzinger’s own pocket, have been used to buy things like gift cards provide incentives for participants to stay sober.
Slow Start for WI Legislature
9/12/11 - Wisconsin legislators are off to a slow start in their fall session. A number of bills have had public hearings, but both houses only plan to meet once this month. That’s tomorrow, and don’t expect much from it. The Assembly has a light agenda which includes a bill to return Wisconsin’s presidential primary to April from mid-February. The Senate plans to swear-in its two new members who’ve already taken office after defeating incumbents in recall elections last month. But the Senate has no bills on its agenda. And both houses don’t expect to do much until October. Senate G-O-P leader Scott Fitzgerald said his members were busy campaigning for colleagues who faced recall votes. And they had to re-organize after its majority was cut from five members to just one. But Fitzgerald says they’re making progress behind the scenes on measures to create jobs – provide venture capital for new high-tech companies – and to speed up the process of starting a new iron ore mine in Ashland and Iron counties. Meanwhile in the Assembly, Republican Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald said he’ll keep his house on track to pass measures which help the economy. He promised to avoid the social and hot-button issues that sparked partisan battles earlier in the year. But some G-O-P members are pushing for things like limits on abortion – an Arizona-style crackdown on illegal immigrants – and a ban on medical research using fetal tissues.
DOD Will Pay for Cleanup
9/12/11 - The Department of Defense has reversed its ruling of last Thursday, now agreeing to pay for the Wisconsin National Guard to help clean up thousands of downed trees in northwestern Wisconsin. The National Guard Bureau cleared the way for federal training dollars to be used to pay for work by the 724th Engineer Battalion in Burnett and Douglas counties. Then, last week the D-O-D revoked the approval, saying federal training dollars couldn't be used for disaster response. Governor Walker called the battalion to active duty last Friday, using state money to pay for the work. But, the federal funding was restored yesterday. It's expected that 64 National Guard soldiers will be involved in the project which will now be funded by Washington.
Baraboo Police Investigate Fall of Circus Performer
9/12/11 - Baraboo police are investigating the fall of a circus performer Saturday morning. Hannah Crist suffered unspecified injuries when she fell 10-to-15 feet from a swing during a magician's act. Crist was reportedly performing as a magician's assistant at the Circus World Museum. A crowd witnessed the accident. Onlookers say the 23 year old performer was alert and conscious after the fall to a concrete surface, but she was disoriented. Crist was taken to a hospital.
Ash Tree Seeds Being Saved
9/12/11 - Seeds from healthy ash trees in Wisconsin are being saved at three locations in the state. The seeds are being collected and stored now, with the hope they can be replanted at a future date after the devastation from the emerald ash borer has ended. The project starts this fall in Wisconsin. Scientists and trained volunteers are harvesting the seeds from trees at Schlitz, the Riveredge Nature Center in Newburg and a third location in Vernon County which hasn't been chosen yet.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Top Stories September 8th
Code Red Utilized Twice In One Week
9/8/11 - Dodge County’s Code Red system has been used twice in one week to help in locating two different missing Beaver Dam children. Code Red is a reverse 911-system put in place in the county back in 2009 to alert residents of emergency situations with a round of phone calls covering a pre-determined geographical area. Beaver Dam Police Lt. Brandon Stommel tells us that it is rare to deal with a missing child alert in Beaver Dam, let alone twice in one week. As it turns out, both the children who went missing were friends though they were not together at the time of their disappearances. Stommel says Code Red helped locate a missing boy last Friday. The missing boy from last night was found by his mother, but Stommel said Code Red did generate a lot of valuable leads.
Dodge County Emergency Management Director Joe Meagher is asking residents to register there cell phones with the county so as to receive “Code Red” calls. Meagher says they’ve only used the Code Red system a half dozen times since its implementation. Three times were for missing children. It was also used for a boil water order, a gas leak and following the explosion at Columbus Chemical to alert residents of a potential air-born hazard. Meagher says the county is only able to contact residents who are listed in the phone book, or those who register their cell phones. For more information or to register your cell phone number, Meagher encourages you to visit the county’s website at www.co.dodge.wi.us.
Code Red has presented officials with some problems, most notably the phone calls directed at Dodge County dispatchers from people that just have questions but have no information. Meagher urges the public to contact law enforcement following a Code Red only if you have relevant information related to the emergency.
Cell Phone Donations Encouraged At Hero’s Festival
9/8/11 - The American Hero’s Music Festival will mark its third year this weekend at Beaver Dam’s Swan Park. New this year will be a cell phone collection drive for soldier’s overseas. Kay Appenfeldt with the sponsoring agency The Exchange Club of Beaver Dam says the AT&T Pioneers group is collecting the used phones. For each cell phone, the company will donate a $25 gift card to a soldier stationed overseas. All date will be securely erased and the type of phone does not matter. Exchange Club President Muriel Harper says they are also inviting attendees this year to sign a banner for local troops who will be shipping out later this month as part of the West Bend-based 238th Aviation Regiment. The event this year was expanded to two days, complete with another parade through the downtown to the event site at Swan Park. Music entertainment on the state includes Alexis, Oil Can Harry, Crystal Waters, The Elwood Lee Band and Joe Cantafio and the 101st Rock Division Band. The American Hero’s Music Festival will be held tomorrow from 5pm to 10:30pm and on Saturday from 11am to 10:30pm. The parade kicks things off on Saturday and entries are being accepted. The Exchange Club is looking for patriotically-themed entries, bands, military vehicles. Contact Don Laabs 887-1253 or Kay Appenfeldt 887-1693
Hartford CEO Found Competent In Attempted Homicide Trial
9/8/11 - A retired C-E-O of Wisconsin’s largest electric utility has been ruled mentally competent to stand trial on allegations that he tried killing his wife. Washington County Circuit Judge Todd Martens has ruled that 85-year-old Charles McNeer of Hartford can help prepare his own defense. In late July, the judge said McNeer was incompetent to stand trial. The defendant was getting treatment at the time at the state’s mental health facility in Madison. McNeer is due back in court on October 19th. He’s charged with attempted homicide for allegedly trying to kill his wife Ann in late June. Authorities said he struck the woman several times in the head with a hammer. He told investigators his own health was failing – and he did not think his wife could live without him. McNeer was the chairman of the Wisconsin Energy Corporation from 1975 through 1991.
Columbus Has New City Attorney
9/8/11 - Columbus will be getting a new City Attorney for the first time in 22 years. The City Council this week approved a two year contract with Lathrop and Clark, a Madison-based law firm. Paul A. Johnson of Lathrop and Clark’s Lodi office will be representing the City beginning in January of 2012. Council Member Roger Sneath was quick to commend outgoing City Attorney Randy Lueders. Lueders will continue to work with the new Attorney till July 1, 2012.
Columbus Safe Routes To School Program Criticized
9/8/11 - The first year of the Columbus “Safe Routes to School” program is receiving criticism. The program to promote safe walking and biking to and from school has received complaints about traffic patterns in the elementary and middle school areas. The Safe Routes to School “Committee” has been working on the new traffic pattern plan for over two years. From discussions at this week’s Council meeting it appears that plan tweaking between City Engineering, school officials, police officers and public works employees will be needed.
Separate Election Probably Needed For Gubernatorial Recalls
9/8/11 - The head of Wisconsin’s elections agency says he believes two separate petitions-and-elections would be needed to recall the governor and lieutenant governor. But Kevin Kennedy says he’ll ask the board to seek a legal opinion from the attorney general on that, when the board meets on Monday. Democrats and union supporters are talking about recalling Republican Governor Scott Walker early next year. But Walker and Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch were elected as a team last November. And the state Constitution says nothing about their having to be recalled together. Only the process for calling a single elected official is mentioned. If opponents want to recall both Walker and Kleefisch, Kennedy says they’ll need to get 540-thousand valid signatures statewide to order recall elections for each official – and then the elections would be held separately. Republican Attorney General J-B Van Hollen has not weighed in on the subject. Under Kennedy’s view, voters could replace Governor Walker with a Democrat, while Republicans would still control the lieutenant governor’s office – which is a heartbeat away from the top job.
Dodge Dem’s Chair Discusses Candidate Announcement Timing
9/8/11 - More than a year before next fall’s general election, the Chair of the Dodge County Democratic Party says it is the right time for a local candidate to declare his campaign for Assembly. Peggy Slez says the group has a plan with what they’d like to see happen in the 39th Assembly District and that plan is James Grigg, the current mayor of Horicon. The Assembly seat is currently held by former Beaver Dam councilmen and Horicon resident Jeff Fitzgerald, who heads the Assembly majority. Slez says her group debated the timing and determined with Fitzgerald possibly running for US Senate, it is best to give people a good understanding of the possible future direction of the district sooner rather than later. Grigg – who worked for 35 years in manufacturing – identifies himself as a candidate who supports collective bargaining.
Two Democrats Announce Senate Bids
9/8/11 - As expected, two state Assembly Democrats asked voters today to send them to Washington 14 months from now. Mark Pocan and Kelda Helen Roys, both of Madison, announced their candidacies for the U-S House seat being given up by Madison Democrat Tammy Baldwin, who’s running for the Senate. The 47-year-old Pocan owns a sign company, and has been in the Assembly for 12-and-a-half years. He co-chaired the Legislature’s powerful finance committee when Democrats ran both houses in 2009-and-2010. Roys, who’s 32, is in her second term in the Assembly. She used to be the director of the state’s NARAL abortion rights’ group. Both Democrats said they would protect Wisconsin families if elected. A third possible candidate, state Senate Democrat Jon Erpenbach of Middleton, says he’ll announce in the next few days whether he’ll join the race.
Walker Named To GOP Governors Association Exec Committee
9/8/11 - Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker has been named to the executive committee of the Republican Governors’ Association. He replaces Rick Perry of Texas, who stepped down to run for president next year. The head of the G-O-P governors’ group, Bob McDonnell of Virginia, says Walker is a visionary. Walker said he looked forward to working with the group to try and get more Republicans elected in statehouses throughout the country next fall.
Presidential Election Date Change To Be Debated
9/8/11 - Wisconsin lawmakers return to session next week – and one of the first major bills in the Assembly would change the date of the state’s presidential primaries. The Senate has already approved the change, which would move the primaries from mid-February to the first Tuesday in April – the same day as the spring state-and-local contests. Both national parties asked for the change, as more states have been holding their primaries earlier-and-earlier to try and get more national exposure. Other states are also pushing back their primaries. And officials say Wisconsin’s contests would be in about the middle of the national schedule.
Packers To Grace Wheaties Box
9/8/11 - The Green Bay Packers’ two biggest stars will have their own Wheaties’ boxes. General Mills said it recognized quarterback Aaron Rodgers and linebacker Clay Matthews both for their play, and for their community service. The two cereal boxes will be sold only in Wisconsin, starting in a month. Rodgers said he could never imagine being on a Wheaties’ box as a child – and he called a privilege and an honor. Matthews said last year was special for the Super Bowl champion Packers – and he’s planning to have the same success this year. Green Bay will open its Super Bowl title defense tonight night at Lambeau Field against the champs from the previous season, the New Orleans Saints.
9/8/11 - Dodge County’s Code Red system has been used twice in one week to help in locating two different missing Beaver Dam children. Code Red is a reverse 911-system put in place in the county back in 2009 to alert residents of emergency situations with a round of phone calls covering a pre-determined geographical area. Beaver Dam Police Lt. Brandon Stommel tells us that it is rare to deal with a missing child alert in Beaver Dam, let alone twice in one week. As it turns out, both the children who went missing were friends though they were not together at the time of their disappearances. Stommel says Code Red helped locate a missing boy last Friday. The missing boy from last night was found by his mother, but Stommel said Code Red did generate a lot of valuable leads.
Dodge County Emergency Management Director Joe Meagher is asking residents to register there cell phones with the county so as to receive “Code Red” calls. Meagher says they’ve only used the Code Red system a half dozen times since its implementation. Three times were for missing children. It was also used for a boil water order, a gas leak and following the explosion at Columbus Chemical to alert residents of a potential air-born hazard. Meagher says the county is only able to contact residents who are listed in the phone book, or those who register their cell phones. For more information or to register your cell phone number, Meagher encourages you to visit the county’s website at www.co.dodge.wi.us.
Code Red has presented officials with some problems, most notably the phone calls directed at Dodge County dispatchers from people that just have questions but have no information. Meagher urges the public to contact law enforcement following a Code Red only if you have relevant information related to the emergency.
Cell Phone Donations Encouraged At Hero’s Festival
9/8/11 - The American Hero’s Music Festival will mark its third year this weekend at Beaver Dam’s Swan Park. New this year will be a cell phone collection drive for soldier’s overseas. Kay Appenfeldt with the sponsoring agency The Exchange Club of Beaver Dam says the AT&T Pioneers group is collecting the used phones. For each cell phone, the company will donate a $25 gift card to a soldier stationed overseas. All date will be securely erased and the type of phone does not matter. Exchange Club President Muriel Harper says they are also inviting attendees this year to sign a banner for local troops who will be shipping out later this month as part of the West Bend-based 238th Aviation Regiment. The event this year was expanded to two days, complete with another parade through the downtown to the event site at Swan Park. Music entertainment on the state includes Alexis, Oil Can Harry, Crystal Waters, The Elwood Lee Band and Joe Cantafio and the 101st Rock Division Band. The American Hero’s Music Festival will be held tomorrow from 5pm to 10:30pm and on Saturday from 11am to 10:30pm. The parade kicks things off on Saturday and entries are being accepted. The Exchange Club is looking for patriotically-themed entries, bands, military vehicles. Contact Don Laabs 887-1253 or Kay Appenfeldt 887-1693
Hartford CEO Found Competent In Attempted Homicide Trial
9/8/11 - A retired C-E-O of Wisconsin’s largest electric utility has been ruled mentally competent to stand trial on allegations that he tried killing his wife. Washington County Circuit Judge Todd Martens has ruled that 85-year-old Charles McNeer of Hartford can help prepare his own defense. In late July, the judge said McNeer was incompetent to stand trial. The defendant was getting treatment at the time at the state’s mental health facility in Madison. McNeer is due back in court on October 19th. He’s charged with attempted homicide for allegedly trying to kill his wife Ann in late June. Authorities said he struck the woman several times in the head with a hammer. He told investigators his own health was failing – and he did not think his wife could live without him. McNeer was the chairman of the Wisconsin Energy Corporation from 1975 through 1991.
Columbus Has New City Attorney
9/8/11 - Columbus will be getting a new City Attorney for the first time in 22 years. The City Council this week approved a two year contract with Lathrop and Clark, a Madison-based law firm. Paul A. Johnson of Lathrop and Clark’s Lodi office will be representing the City beginning in January of 2012. Council Member Roger Sneath was quick to commend outgoing City Attorney Randy Lueders. Lueders will continue to work with the new Attorney till July 1, 2012.
Columbus Safe Routes To School Program Criticized
9/8/11 - The first year of the Columbus “Safe Routes to School” program is receiving criticism. The program to promote safe walking and biking to and from school has received complaints about traffic patterns in the elementary and middle school areas. The Safe Routes to School “Committee” has been working on the new traffic pattern plan for over two years. From discussions at this week’s Council meeting it appears that plan tweaking between City Engineering, school officials, police officers and public works employees will be needed.
Separate Election Probably Needed For Gubernatorial Recalls
9/8/11 - The head of Wisconsin’s elections agency says he believes two separate petitions-and-elections would be needed to recall the governor and lieutenant governor. But Kevin Kennedy says he’ll ask the board to seek a legal opinion from the attorney general on that, when the board meets on Monday. Democrats and union supporters are talking about recalling Republican Governor Scott Walker early next year. But Walker and Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch were elected as a team last November. And the state Constitution says nothing about their having to be recalled together. Only the process for calling a single elected official is mentioned. If opponents want to recall both Walker and Kleefisch, Kennedy says they’ll need to get 540-thousand valid signatures statewide to order recall elections for each official – and then the elections would be held separately. Republican Attorney General J-B Van Hollen has not weighed in on the subject. Under Kennedy’s view, voters could replace Governor Walker with a Democrat, while Republicans would still control the lieutenant governor’s office – which is a heartbeat away from the top job.
Dodge Dem’s Chair Discusses Candidate Announcement Timing
9/8/11 - More than a year before next fall’s general election, the Chair of the Dodge County Democratic Party says it is the right time for a local candidate to declare his campaign for Assembly. Peggy Slez says the group has a plan with what they’d like to see happen in the 39th Assembly District and that plan is James Grigg, the current mayor of Horicon. The Assembly seat is currently held by former Beaver Dam councilmen and Horicon resident Jeff Fitzgerald, who heads the Assembly majority. Slez says her group debated the timing and determined with Fitzgerald possibly running for US Senate, it is best to give people a good understanding of the possible future direction of the district sooner rather than later. Grigg – who worked for 35 years in manufacturing – identifies himself as a candidate who supports collective bargaining.
Two Democrats Announce Senate Bids
9/8/11 - As expected, two state Assembly Democrats asked voters today to send them to Washington 14 months from now. Mark Pocan and Kelda Helen Roys, both of Madison, announced their candidacies for the U-S House seat being given up by Madison Democrat Tammy Baldwin, who’s running for the Senate. The 47-year-old Pocan owns a sign company, and has been in the Assembly for 12-and-a-half years. He co-chaired the Legislature’s powerful finance committee when Democrats ran both houses in 2009-and-2010. Roys, who’s 32, is in her second term in the Assembly. She used to be the director of the state’s NARAL abortion rights’ group. Both Democrats said they would protect Wisconsin families if elected. A third possible candidate, state Senate Democrat Jon Erpenbach of Middleton, says he’ll announce in the next few days whether he’ll join the race.
Walker Named To GOP Governors Association Exec Committee
9/8/11 - Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker has been named to the executive committee of the Republican Governors’ Association. He replaces Rick Perry of Texas, who stepped down to run for president next year. The head of the G-O-P governors’ group, Bob McDonnell of Virginia, says Walker is a visionary. Walker said he looked forward to working with the group to try and get more Republicans elected in statehouses throughout the country next fall.
Presidential Election Date Change To Be Debated
9/8/11 - Wisconsin lawmakers return to session next week – and one of the first major bills in the Assembly would change the date of the state’s presidential primaries. The Senate has already approved the change, which would move the primaries from mid-February to the first Tuesday in April – the same day as the spring state-and-local contests. Both national parties asked for the change, as more states have been holding their primaries earlier-and-earlier to try and get more national exposure. Other states are also pushing back their primaries. And officials say Wisconsin’s contests would be in about the middle of the national schedule.
Packers To Grace Wheaties Box
9/8/11 - The Green Bay Packers’ two biggest stars will have their own Wheaties’ boxes. General Mills said it recognized quarterback Aaron Rodgers and linebacker Clay Matthews both for their play, and for their community service. The two cereal boxes will be sold only in Wisconsin, starting in a month. Rodgers said he could never imagine being on a Wheaties’ box as a child – and he called a privilege and an honor. Matthews said last year was special for the Super Bowl champion Packers – and he’s planning to have the same success this year. Green Bay will open its Super Bowl title defense tonight night at Lambeau Field against the champs from the previous season, the New Orleans Saints.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Top Stories September 6th
Grigg Set to Run for Assembly
9/6/11 - Horicon Mayor Jim Grigg is expected to announce tonight that he plans to run for the 39th Assembly District seat currently held by Jeff Fitzgerald. That’s according to the Democratic Party of Dodge County’s website, which indicates Grigg will make his announcement at the Administration Building in Juneau at 5pm. Grigg has been the Mayor in Horicon since 2006 and has strong ties to local unions from his 24-years of working at John Deere Horicon Works. Fitzgerald, who’s held the assembly seat since 2000, is also expected challenge for the Republican bid to run for the U.S. Senate seat to be given up by Democrat Herb Kohl next year.
Baldwin Becomes First Democrat to Declare for Senate
9/6/11 - Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin of Madison has become the first Democrat to declare their candidacy to run for the U-S Senate seat to be given up by Herb Kohl next year. In an online video, the 49-year-old Baldwin vowed to quote, “stand up for you, no matter how tough the odds or how powerful the special interest.” She has been in the House since 1999, and was among the first in Congress to oppose the war in Iraq. In weekend media interviews, Baldwin said she’d work to cut the national debt – put people to work re-building schools and roads – close tax loopholes for sending jobs overseas – and support a repeal of the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy. Baldwin said it’s fair not the lower the debt quote, “merely on the backs of the middle class.” La Crosse House Democrat Ron Kind and former Appleton House Democrat Steve Kagen are also contemplating a run for Kohls seat. On the Republican side, Mark Neumann, a former congressman, announced his Senate bid last week. Former Governor Tommy Thompson, state Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald of Horicon, and state Senator Frank Lasee of De Pere are also lining up G-O-P candidacies.
Republicans, Democrats Take Part in Labor Day Activities
9/6/11 - Two Republicans took advantage of the Marathon County Labor Council’s change of heart, and marched in yesterday’s Wausau Labor Day parade. Congressman Sean Duffy and state Senator Pam Galloway marched with dozens of supporters at the end of the procession. And they encountered union protestors who yelled “Shame, shame” while some on the other side screamed “Small government, Small government.” Some parade-goers turned their backs on the lawmakers, while chanting for a recall of Governor Scott Walker. The Labor Council originally said it would ban Republican lawmakers from the Wausau parade, mainly because of their support of the state law that virtually eliminates collective bargaining for most public unions. But the group changed its mind after the mayor threatened to pull tax dollars for police and clean-up, and high school bands talked about withdrawing. The governor stayed home on Labor Day, and his office issued a statement which praised Wisconsin’s employees. Walker said the workers are quote, “the single most valuable and important asset we have when attempting to attract and retain employers.” And the governor vowed to press forward with his plan to create a quarter-million new private sector jobs by 2015.
Some Non-Union Employees Being Given Temporary Pay Raises
9/6/11 - Some of Wisconsin’s local governments are giving temporary pay raises to non-union employees, to help them offset their new increase in pension payments. The state requires all public employees not covered by contracts to pay five-point-eight of their salaries toward their pensions. But La Crosse Mayor Matt Harter said a number of employee unions in his city still have contracts. He says those union workers are not required to pay higher pensions for the rest of the year, so non-union workers shouldn’t have to pay them either. Last month, La Crosse aldermen approved five-percent raises for non-union workers for the rest of the year, which will cost taxpayers an extra quarter-million dollars. La Crosse County, Madison, Dane County, Hartland, Fox Point, and the Waukesha County town of Summit have also approved similar raises. They’re often called “temporary pay equity adjustments.” Oconomowoc officials will consider a five-point-one-percent raise for its non-union employees tomorrow night. Mayor James Daley says it’s not about getting around the state laws on the higher pensions. He says it’s about treating non-union and unionized workers the same.
Nehls to be Promoted to Brigadier General
9/6/11 - Sheriff Todd Nehls says when his promotion to Brigadier General is official, it will not affect his role as Dodge County’s top cop and should do nothing but bring great things to the area. Nehls received Senate confirmation for the promotion in July, but the action does not become official until he is accepted into a position that demands the rank of a Brigadier General. He says he will be selective with any opportunities but he is optimistic he will find the right fit. Nehls says it makes more sense to be pre-confirmed for a position, rather than risk finding a job and not gain approval of the Senate.
7th OWI for South Milwaukee Man
9/6/11 - A Wisconsin man could face his seventh-offense drunken driving charge from a traffic stop last Friday night. The Wisconsin State Patrol was told a small car had hit the median barrier in the southbound lane of U.S. 41 near Fond du Lac. Witnesses said the car actually hit the barrier twice at about 8:30 p.m. Friday. 39 year old Begoll Azizi of South Milwaukee was arrested on drug charges as well as driving with a revoked drivers license.
Woman Thanks “Angels” for Their Generosity
9/6/11 - Though she faces many challenges, 40 year old Cristina Earls is grateful for the generosity of others today. The Sheboygan woman's car was totaled after vandals flipped it over last week. Earls says she had just spent all her cash getting the car fixed and she is the single mother of four children. She also has lung disease and leukemia, which is in remission. She says her faith was restored when several people stepped in to help. Sheboygan County Budget Auto in Plymouth offered to sell her a car for one dollar. Earls says two anonymous "angels" gave her an envelope containing 150 dollars, too.
Senator Wants to Add Text Message to “Do Not Call” List
9/6/11 - A Wisconsin state senator wants to add text messaging to the state's "Do Not Call" list. Wisconsin residents can sign up to stop telemarketers from calling their phones now, but Senator Van Wanggaard of Racine says he's concerned about companies trying to get around the no call law by sending text messages. Wanggaard says he got two in the middle of the night last week, calling them an annoyance people shouldn't have to put up with. Persons without text messaging on their phones could win up having an additional bill.
Man Arrested After Watching Porn in Hotel Lobby
9/6/11 - Employees at a hotel in Onalaska say they had told a guest to quit watching pornography in the lobby several times when he became angry last week. They say the public computer was visible to guests as they entered the hotel. When he was told to quit watching the objectionable material, witnesses say the guest started to yell and curse at hotel stuff. When police arrived, they found 22 year old James Eisenmann in a nearby store. When officers searched his room, they reportedly found bottles of wine -- which would be a violation of the suspect's probation on a drug charge.
9/11 Victims Father to Speak
9/6/11 - Gordon Haberman will share the story of his daughter's death and his family's search for answers when he speaks at Marquette University today. Andrea Haberman, who graduated from Kewaskum High School, was a victim of the 9-11 terror attacks in New York City. The 25 year old was on a business trip that day. She was on the 92nd floor of the World Trade Center when a hijacked airliner slammed into the building. She and nearly three thousand other Americans died in a series of terrorist attacks that day. A book, “Just a Few Sleeps Away“, documents Haberman’s family both before the attacks and the obvious impact since. Haberman will speak in Eckstein Hall.
Fundraiser Set for Fall River Boy
9/6/11 - A benefit fundraiser for three-year-old Austin Schuetz of Fall River will be held this Saturday at the Fire Station. In May of this year Austin was diagnosed with B – Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia …a form of childhood cancer. To help lessen the financial burden of the Schutz family during this difficult time the Village Fire Department will be holding an 8-hour benefit Saturday afternoon and evening. Activities include a 1 o’clock Bean Bag Tournament, a 1:30 to 3:00 pm High School Band program, fire truck rides, a bounce house, bake sale and Bingo for cash prizes starting at 7:00 pm. Businesses from the Columbus / Fall River area have donated items for the silent auction, the raffle and some of the food and beverages for sale at the Fire House. Austin has been fighting his battle with leukemia courageously, but the family needs additional support to cope with the medical expenses. The fundraiser will be held at the Fire Station at the Johnson Road entrance to the Village.
Powerball Over $100M
9/6/11 - Tomorrow night's Powerball jackpot is above 100-million-dollars for the first time in almost a month. The top prize is 107-million, after nobody won it during the Labor Day weekend. It's the sixth time this year the Powerball jackpot has risen above 100-million. But Wisconsin has not had a jackpot winner since September fifth of 2007, when Steve Peot of Green Bay claimed a 29-million-dollar prize. He chose the cash option of almost 14-million-dollars, taking the whole prize now instead of in 30 annual installments. Tomorrow night's cash option is just over 64-million. Thomas Morris of neighboring Minnesota won the last Powerball jackpot on August 10th. It was worth 220-million-dollars, but Morris chose the cash option of almost 124-million. The next Mega Millions' drawing is tonight, and that jackpot is at 37-million dollars.
9/6/11 - Horicon Mayor Jim Grigg is expected to announce tonight that he plans to run for the 39th Assembly District seat currently held by Jeff Fitzgerald. That’s according to the Democratic Party of Dodge County’s website, which indicates Grigg will make his announcement at the Administration Building in Juneau at 5pm. Grigg has been the Mayor in Horicon since 2006 and has strong ties to local unions from his 24-years of working at John Deere Horicon Works. Fitzgerald, who’s held the assembly seat since 2000, is also expected challenge for the Republican bid to run for the U.S. Senate seat to be given up by Democrat Herb Kohl next year.
Baldwin Becomes First Democrat to Declare for Senate
9/6/11 - Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin of Madison has become the first Democrat to declare their candidacy to run for the U-S Senate seat to be given up by Herb Kohl next year. In an online video, the 49-year-old Baldwin vowed to quote, “stand up for you, no matter how tough the odds or how powerful the special interest.” She has been in the House since 1999, and was among the first in Congress to oppose the war in Iraq. In weekend media interviews, Baldwin said she’d work to cut the national debt – put people to work re-building schools and roads – close tax loopholes for sending jobs overseas – and support a repeal of the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy. Baldwin said it’s fair not the lower the debt quote, “merely on the backs of the middle class.” La Crosse House Democrat Ron Kind and former Appleton House Democrat Steve Kagen are also contemplating a run for Kohls seat. On the Republican side, Mark Neumann, a former congressman, announced his Senate bid last week. Former Governor Tommy Thompson, state Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald of Horicon, and state Senator Frank Lasee of De Pere are also lining up G-O-P candidacies.
Republicans, Democrats Take Part in Labor Day Activities
9/6/11 - Two Republicans took advantage of the Marathon County Labor Council’s change of heart, and marched in yesterday’s Wausau Labor Day parade. Congressman Sean Duffy and state Senator Pam Galloway marched with dozens of supporters at the end of the procession. And they encountered union protestors who yelled “Shame, shame” while some on the other side screamed “Small government, Small government.” Some parade-goers turned their backs on the lawmakers, while chanting for a recall of Governor Scott Walker. The Labor Council originally said it would ban Republican lawmakers from the Wausau parade, mainly because of their support of the state law that virtually eliminates collective bargaining for most public unions. But the group changed its mind after the mayor threatened to pull tax dollars for police and clean-up, and high school bands talked about withdrawing. The governor stayed home on Labor Day, and his office issued a statement which praised Wisconsin’s employees. Walker said the workers are quote, “the single most valuable and important asset we have when attempting to attract and retain employers.” And the governor vowed to press forward with his plan to create a quarter-million new private sector jobs by 2015.
Some Non-Union Employees Being Given Temporary Pay Raises
9/6/11 - Some of Wisconsin’s local governments are giving temporary pay raises to non-union employees, to help them offset their new increase in pension payments. The state requires all public employees not covered by contracts to pay five-point-eight of their salaries toward their pensions. But La Crosse Mayor Matt Harter said a number of employee unions in his city still have contracts. He says those union workers are not required to pay higher pensions for the rest of the year, so non-union workers shouldn’t have to pay them either. Last month, La Crosse aldermen approved five-percent raises for non-union workers for the rest of the year, which will cost taxpayers an extra quarter-million dollars. La Crosse County, Madison, Dane County, Hartland, Fox Point, and the Waukesha County town of Summit have also approved similar raises. They’re often called “temporary pay equity adjustments.” Oconomowoc officials will consider a five-point-one-percent raise for its non-union employees tomorrow night. Mayor James Daley says it’s not about getting around the state laws on the higher pensions. He says it’s about treating non-union and unionized workers the same.
Nehls to be Promoted to Brigadier General
9/6/11 - Sheriff Todd Nehls says when his promotion to Brigadier General is official, it will not affect his role as Dodge County’s top cop and should do nothing but bring great things to the area. Nehls received Senate confirmation for the promotion in July, but the action does not become official until he is accepted into a position that demands the rank of a Brigadier General. He says he will be selective with any opportunities but he is optimistic he will find the right fit. Nehls says it makes more sense to be pre-confirmed for a position, rather than risk finding a job and not gain approval of the Senate.
7th OWI for South Milwaukee Man
9/6/11 - A Wisconsin man could face his seventh-offense drunken driving charge from a traffic stop last Friday night. The Wisconsin State Patrol was told a small car had hit the median barrier in the southbound lane of U.S. 41 near Fond du Lac. Witnesses said the car actually hit the barrier twice at about 8:30 p.m. Friday. 39 year old Begoll Azizi of South Milwaukee was arrested on drug charges as well as driving with a revoked drivers license.
Woman Thanks “Angels” for Their Generosity
9/6/11 - Though she faces many challenges, 40 year old Cristina Earls is grateful for the generosity of others today. The Sheboygan woman's car was totaled after vandals flipped it over last week. Earls says she had just spent all her cash getting the car fixed and she is the single mother of four children. She also has lung disease and leukemia, which is in remission. She says her faith was restored when several people stepped in to help. Sheboygan County Budget Auto in Plymouth offered to sell her a car for one dollar. Earls says two anonymous "angels" gave her an envelope containing 150 dollars, too.
Senator Wants to Add Text Message to “Do Not Call” List
9/6/11 - A Wisconsin state senator wants to add text messaging to the state's "Do Not Call" list. Wisconsin residents can sign up to stop telemarketers from calling their phones now, but Senator Van Wanggaard of Racine says he's concerned about companies trying to get around the no call law by sending text messages. Wanggaard says he got two in the middle of the night last week, calling them an annoyance people shouldn't have to put up with. Persons without text messaging on their phones could win up having an additional bill.
Man Arrested After Watching Porn in Hotel Lobby
9/6/11 - Employees at a hotel in Onalaska say they had told a guest to quit watching pornography in the lobby several times when he became angry last week. They say the public computer was visible to guests as they entered the hotel. When he was told to quit watching the objectionable material, witnesses say the guest started to yell and curse at hotel stuff. When police arrived, they found 22 year old James Eisenmann in a nearby store. When officers searched his room, they reportedly found bottles of wine -- which would be a violation of the suspect's probation on a drug charge.
9/11 Victims Father to Speak
9/6/11 - Gordon Haberman will share the story of his daughter's death and his family's search for answers when he speaks at Marquette University today. Andrea Haberman, who graduated from Kewaskum High School, was a victim of the 9-11 terror attacks in New York City. The 25 year old was on a business trip that day. She was on the 92nd floor of the World Trade Center when a hijacked airliner slammed into the building. She and nearly three thousand other Americans died in a series of terrorist attacks that day. A book, “Just a Few Sleeps Away“, documents Haberman’s family both before the attacks and the obvious impact since. Haberman will speak in Eckstein Hall.
Fundraiser Set for Fall River Boy
9/6/11 - A benefit fundraiser for three-year-old Austin Schuetz of Fall River will be held this Saturday at the Fire Station. In May of this year Austin was diagnosed with B – Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia …a form of childhood cancer. To help lessen the financial burden of the Schutz family during this difficult time the Village Fire Department will be holding an 8-hour benefit Saturday afternoon and evening. Activities include a 1 o’clock Bean Bag Tournament, a 1:30 to 3:00 pm High School Band program, fire truck rides, a bounce house, bake sale and Bingo for cash prizes starting at 7:00 pm. Businesses from the Columbus / Fall River area have donated items for the silent auction, the raffle and some of the food and beverages for sale at the Fire House. Austin has been fighting his battle with leukemia courageously, but the family needs additional support to cope with the medical expenses. The fundraiser will be held at the Fire Station at the Johnson Road entrance to the Village.
Powerball Over $100M
9/6/11 - Tomorrow night's Powerball jackpot is above 100-million-dollars for the first time in almost a month. The top prize is 107-million, after nobody won it during the Labor Day weekend. It's the sixth time this year the Powerball jackpot has risen above 100-million. But Wisconsin has not had a jackpot winner since September fifth of 2007, when Steve Peot of Green Bay claimed a 29-million-dollar prize. He chose the cash option of almost 14-million-dollars, taking the whole prize now instead of in 30 annual installments. Tomorrow night's cash option is just over 64-million. Thomas Morris of neighboring Minnesota won the last Powerball jackpot on August 10th. It was worth 220-million-dollars, but Morris chose the cash option of almost 124-million. The next Mega Millions' drawing is tonight, and that jackpot is at 37-million dollars.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Top Stories September 5th
Vandalism at Lomira High School
9/5/11 - Authorities are investigating a break-in at the Lomira High School early yesterday morning. The Dodge County Sheriff’s Department says a caller reported that lights were flashing inside the school just before 4 a-m. When officials arrived on scene they found that fire extinguishers had been discharged, lockers had been broken into and more damage done to the locks. Authorities say they don’t have any suspects and their investigation is just beginning. Anyone with information is asked to contact the sheriff’s department.
Two Dead after House Fire in Baraboo
9/5/11 - Two people were killed in a house fire Saturday night in Baraboo. Authorities say their investigation is ongoing and have not determined a cause. It’s believed that two people lived in the home. One body was found after the fire was put out, while a second body was discovered on Sunday when officials returned to continue their investigation. The two people found have not been identified. Fire officials said it took a while to put the blaze out because of the remote location and low water supply.
Columbus School Board to Look at Facilities Proposals
9/5/11 - The Columbus School Board continues to prepare for a 2012 recommendation on the state of the District’s facilities. The board will be holding an open review of architectural proposals looking at future needs. The district already asked the UW Population Lab to do a study of student numbers and trends for the area. As a second step in the facilities assessment the board and the public will be looking at architectural proposals September 8th. The Thursday night meeting will be held in the Columbus Middle School Library from 6:00 to 9:00 pm.
Capitol Ceremony to Mark 10th Anniversary of 9/11 Attacks
9/5/11 - A ceremony will be held a week from ysterday at the Wisconsin state Capitol on the 10th anniversary of the 9-11 terror attacks. Wisconsin National Guard commander Major General Don Dunbar will preside. State and federal officials are expected to attend the ceremony that is scheduled to start at 7:30 a.m. The public is invited to attend the ceremony which will be broadcast live on Wisconsin Public Television.
Ryan Not Ruling Out Vice Presidency
9/5/11 - U.S. Representative Paul Ryan won’t be running for president next year, but he’s not ruling out a run for vice president if asked. That’s what the Janesville Republican told a Milwaukee TV station on Sunday. Ryan says he’s not going to focus on the opportunity because it’s someone else decision. He says he’s going to worry about his own job, which he says involves balancing the budget, getting the country’s debt under control, and creating conditions that are favorable to getting jobs created. Ryan has also ruled out any possibility that he would run for the senate seat being vacated by Democrat Herb Kohl next year.
Neo-Nazi Rally Draws Big Crowd of Protestors
9/5/11 - Saturday's anti-Nazi rally had been going on for about an hour when the stars of the show finally appeared. Shortly after the scheduled 2 p.m. start time of the rally by the National Socialist Movement, members found themselves outnumbered by as much as 50-to-one. Police in riot gear were on the scene to keep the two sides apart. The neo-Nazis carried American and Wisconsin flags, a Confederate battle flag and a flag carrying the banner, "white pride worldwide." All businesses near the West Allis City Hall plaza were closed in anticipation of the showdown. There was one sign posted on Papa John's Pizza saying that business doesn’t quote “support hate." Police reportedly arrested two people on weapons charges and three for disorderly conduct.
Manufacturing at Head of Plan to Improve Job Outlook in WI
9/5/11 - The head of the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development says manufacturing is leading the way as the job picture improves. Agency Secretary Scott Bambach kicked off Workforce Development month at a state-of-the-art plastics extrusion company in Baraboo last week. Teel Plastics employs about 170 workers. Baumbach says he hopes the 120 thousand people now getting unemployment checks in Wisconsin will access the department's employment website. Right now there are 34 thousand job listings on the site. Wisconsin's unemployment rate continues to stay between seven and eight percent, but Baumbach says he believes that figure will go lower as communications improve between technical schools, employers and workers.
Edgerton Man Pulled from Rock River
9/5/11 - A Rock County dive team recovered the body of a missing man Friday night, about 45 minutes after he was last seen. Emergency responders were called to the Rock River and were told 45 year old Keith Pierce of Edgerton might be in the water. Pierce was dead at the scene. He had reportedly been fishing near County Road H and Gibbs Lake Road.
Student Facing Felony Battery Charges in Attack
9/5/11 - Kenosha police are recommending a felony battery charge be filed against a 15 year old high school freshmen for launching an unprovoked attack on another teenager. The 14 year old victim suffered a fractured skull. Both teenagers are students at Bradford High School. The suspect was arrested near his home. Investigators say the victim was waiting at a bus stop with his friends last Thursday afternoon when the suspect approached, accompanied by several other teenagers. Witnesses say the older boy suddenly knocked the victim to the ground, punching him in the face several times and kicking him. The 14 year old was hospitalized for a night, then released Friday.
Clerk/Treasurer Facing Charges for Writing Herself Paycheck
9/5/11 - Town officials in St. Joseph, Wisconsin, are asking the court to remove recently-elected clerk-treasurer Mary Stanley. She is accused of writing herself an unauthorized paycheck just days after she took office. Stanley didn't show for a hearing last Friday and the judge has extended a restraining order against her, stopping her pay, ordering her to return anything taken, and banning her from the town's property. A hearing on her removal is set for next month. A week after her April 12th start date, Stanley allegedly wrote herself a check for 23 hundred dollars. The town is accusing her of writing herself two unauthorized checks, forging the town chairman's signature on those checks and making personal purchases with town money. St. Joseph officials say the total for the alleged misappropriations is a little over seven thousand dollars.
Art Museum Receives Largest Donation in its History
9/5/11 - A 7-point-6 million dollar gift is the biggest ever received by the Milwaukee Art Museum. Leonard and Bebe LeVine reportedly donated the money after Leonard LeVine died in 2008. That gift is more than twice as big as the largest bequest received in the past. It will be used to improve the museum collection and the way it is presented. A gallery space will be named for the LeVines.
9/5/11 - Authorities are investigating a break-in at the Lomira High School early yesterday morning. The Dodge County Sheriff’s Department says a caller reported that lights were flashing inside the school just before 4 a-m. When officials arrived on scene they found that fire extinguishers had been discharged, lockers had been broken into and more damage done to the locks. Authorities say they don’t have any suspects and their investigation is just beginning. Anyone with information is asked to contact the sheriff’s department.
Two Dead after House Fire in Baraboo
9/5/11 - Two people were killed in a house fire Saturday night in Baraboo. Authorities say their investigation is ongoing and have not determined a cause. It’s believed that two people lived in the home. One body was found after the fire was put out, while a second body was discovered on Sunday when officials returned to continue their investigation. The two people found have not been identified. Fire officials said it took a while to put the blaze out because of the remote location and low water supply.
Columbus School Board to Look at Facilities Proposals
9/5/11 - The Columbus School Board continues to prepare for a 2012 recommendation on the state of the District’s facilities. The board will be holding an open review of architectural proposals looking at future needs. The district already asked the UW Population Lab to do a study of student numbers and trends for the area. As a second step in the facilities assessment the board and the public will be looking at architectural proposals September 8th. The Thursday night meeting will be held in the Columbus Middle School Library from 6:00 to 9:00 pm.
Capitol Ceremony to Mark 10th Anniversary of 9/11 Attacks
9/5/11 - A ceremony will be held a week from ysterday at the Wisconsin state Capitol on the 10th anniversary of the 9-11 terror attacks. Wisconsin National Guard commander Major General Don Dunbar will preside. State and federal officials are expected to attend the ceremony that is scheduled to start at 7:30 a.m. The public is invited to attend the ceremony which will be broadcast live on Wisconsin Public Television.
Ryan Not Ruling Out Vice Presidency
9/5/11 - U.S. Representative Paul Ryan won’t be running for president next year, but he’s not ruling out a run for vice president if asked. That’s what the Janesville Republican told a Milwaukee TV station on Sunday. Ryan says he’s not going to focus on the opportunity because it’s someone else decision. He says he’s going to worry about his own job, which he says involves balancing the budget, getting the country’s debt under control, and creating conditions that are favorable to getting jobs created. Ryan has also ruled out any possibility that he would run for the senate seat being vacated by Democrat Herb Kohl next year.
Neo-Nazi Rally Draws Big Crowd of Protestors
9/5/11 - Saturday's anti-Nazi rally had been going on for about an hour when the stars of the show finally appeared. Shortly after the scheduled 2 p.m. start time of the rally by the National Socialist Movement, members found themselves outnumbered by as much as 50-to-one. Police in riot gear were on the scene to keep the two sides apart. The neo-Nazis carried American and Wisconsin flags, a Confederate battle flag and a flag carrying the banner, "white pride worldwide." All businesses near the West Allis City Hall plaza were closed in anticipation of the showdown. There was one sign posted on Papa John's Pizza saying that business doesn’t quote “support hate." Police reportedly arrested two people on weapons charges and three for disorderly conduct.
Manufacturing at Head of Plan to Improve Job Outlook in WI
9/5/11 - The head of the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development says manufacturing is leading the way as the job picture improves. Agency Secretary Scott Bambach kicked off Workforce Development month at a state-of-the-art plastics extrusion company in Baraboo last week. Teel Plastics employs about 170 workers. Baumbach says he hopes the 120 thousand people now getting unemployment checks in Wisconsin will access the department's employment website. Right now there are 34 thousand job listings on the site. Wisconsin's unemployment rate continues to stay between seven and eight percent, but Baumbach says he believes that figure will go lower as communications improve between technical schools, employers and workers.
Edgerton Man Pulled from Rock River
9/5/11 - A Rock County dive team recovered the body of a missing man Friday night, about 45 minutes after he was last seen. Emergency responders were called to the Rock River and were told 45 year old Keith Pierce of Edgerton might be in the water. Pierce was dead at the scene. He had reportedly been fishing near County Road H and Gibbs Lake Road.
Student Facing Felony Battery Charges in Attack
9/5/11 - Kenosha police are recommending a felony battery charge be filed against a 15 year old high school freshmen for launching an unprovoked attack on another teenager. The 14 year old victim suffered a fractured skull. Both teenagers are students at Bradford High School. The suspect was arrested near his home. Investigators say the victim was waiting at a bus stop with his friends last Thursday afternoon when the suspect approached, accompanied by several other teenagers. Witnesses say the older boy suddenly knocked the victim to the ground, punching him in the face several times and kicking him. The 14 year old was hospitalized for a night, then released Friday.
Clerk/Treasurer Facing Charges for Writing Herself Paycheck
9/5/11 - Town officials in St. Joseph, Wisconsin, are asking the court to remove recently-elected clerk-treasurer Mary Stanley. She is accused of writing herself an unauthorized paycheck just days after she took office. Stanley didn't show for a hearing last Friday and the judge has extended a restraining order against her, stopping her pay, ordering her to return anything taken, and banning her from the town's property. A hearing on her removal is set for next month. A week after her April 12th start date, Stanley allegedly wrote herself a check for 23 hundred dollars. The town is accusing her of writing herself two unauthorized checks, forging the town chairman's signature on those checks and making personal purchases with town money. St. Joseph officials say the total for the alleged misappropriations is a little over seven thousand dollars.
Art Museum Receives Largest Donation in its History
9/5/11 - A 7-point-6 million dollar gift is the biggest ever received by the Milwaukee Art Museum. Leonard and Bebe LeVine reportedly donated the money after Leonard LeVine died in 2008. That gift is more than twice as big as the largest bequest received in the past. It will be used to improve the museum collection and the way it is presented. A gallery space will be named for the LeVines.
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