Johnson Honored In Hometown Ceremony
1/28/12 - Several hundred people turned out in Mayville Friday for a wreath laying ceremony to honor First Lieutenant David Johnson. The 24-year-old was killed in Afghanistan on Wednesday by an Improvised Explosive Device. Mayor Jerry Moede told the crowd that a soldier giving his life for his country is the greatest gift one can give.
Walker Says He Is Not Target Of Probe
1/28/12 - Governor Scott Walker does not believe he’s a subject of the ongoing John Doe probe into the staff he had when he was the Milwaukee County Executive. At a news conference Friday in Wauwatosa, the Republican Walker said his campaign has been cooperating for over a year with Milwaukee prosecutors. And when all the smoke clears, Walker says he has every confidence that quote, “our integrity remains intact.” Two former aides were charged yesterday with creating a secret e-mail network within the Walker staff to quietly handle county-and-campaign business. Ex-staffer Darlene Wink agreed to plead guilty to lesser charges, after prosecutors said she would provide information that includes the destruction of undisclosed digital evidence. Walker said he asked Wink to resign after it was learned that she used part of her tax-funded work days to write glowing things about Walker in on-line comments about campaign news stories. Walker said the resignation proved that his staff knew that he didn’t want any political or campaign work performed on the county dime. And Walker said quote, “If we had known about anyone else, we would have taken the same action.” Meanwhile, state Medicaid director Brett Davis refused comment today on his apparent role in a misconduct probe. Kelly Rindfleisch of Columbus, a former deputy chief-of-staff to Walker, is charged with working on county time to try and get Davis nominated as Walker’s running mate for lieutenant governor last year. Davis lost to Rebecca Kleefisch.
Walker Staff to Begin Looking Through Recall Signatures
1/28/12 - The 30-day window for Governor Scott Walker to file challenges against the thousands of signatures on recall petitions begins today. The Government Accountability Board says it delivered electronic copies of more than 152 thousand petitions to Walker’s campaign staff yesterday. Recall organizers say those petitions include more than a million signatures. A link to the petitions will be posted on the GAB website next Monday. Some of them were inadvertently posted for a few minutes Friday afternoon, but that were taken down quickly. And, the board says it hopes to complete its work on the petitions challenging Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch by the end of next week.
Senate Doesn’t Have Votes to Pass Mining Bill
1/28/12 - Leaders in the Wisconsin Senate say they wouldn’t be able to get the votes they need to pass the Assembly version of a mining bill. Senator Neal Kedzie of Elkhorn chairs a select committee on mining. He says that group will work to balance the economic and environmental interests. Supporters say an iron ore mine planned for northern Wisconsin would mean hundreds of jobs for an area in need of work. Opponents warn of damage to the pristine area of the state and its many rivers and streams. Kedzie says he hopes his committee will approve a version of the mining bill by early March, with the legislation coming before the entire senate by the middle of that month.
Another Fight Breaks Out at a Milwaukee High School
1/28/12 - For a second day in a row, a fight at a Milwaukee high school brings police to campus and results in arrests. Eight people were taken into custody at James Madison Academic Campus high school Friday. Another dozen people had been arrested at Washington High School the day before. At Madison, a police officer was kicked in the face by one of the students. Police say they used a stun gun to stop the 18 year old student after she kicked the officer. Charges filed were disorderly conduct, with three of the eight also charged with resisting or obstructing an officer. Milwaukee superintendent of schools Gregory Thornton says disciplinary action will be taken against the students immediately.
Why Shopko Chose Columbus
1/28/12 - Many Columbus area residents are asking “Why did Shopko choose Columbus as the site for a store?” The answer from developers and Shopko market studies is that the area population is the right size for a “Hometown” type retail store. Mike Herl of Inland Companies said the Commerce Center land along highway 151 seemed to be a good spot for retail development. Herl said that studies by Shopko concluded that the area population could support a Hometown Store. Construction of the Columbus Shopko is scheduled to begin in March.
Western WI School District Looking at 4-day Week
1/28/12 - A small school district in western Wisconsin may become the first in the state to switch to a four-day school week. The Department of Public Instruction has given the Blair-Taylor district the okay to explore a four-day week for the next school year. Superintendent Dennis Dervetski says administrators came up with the plan, with input from staff members and teachers who are still under a union contract. The purpose is not necessarily to save money. Dervetski says the idea is to use school facilities and tax dollars more efficiently, while giving staff members more time to prepare for their classes. It would not involve year-round school. Dervetski says it’s possible the state would grant a waiver from the normal 180-days of classes — although the district would still need to hold the state’s minimum numbers of classroom hours. The Blair-Taylor School Board has yet to vote on the change, but Dervetski says five members have told him they support it. Dervetski says a four-day school week has been adopted by other districts in Minnesota, the Dakotas, Idaho, and Oregon with great success. The next step is for the board to hold public hearings. Then, the superintendent said the board would act on it. And if it passes, the DPI would review the details and then make a final decision. The Blair-Taylor School District has just over 700 students.
BDACT Auditions for “Mothers Curtain”
1/28/12 - The founding matriarch of the Beaver Dam Area Community Theater has written a play that addresses the sensitive topic of intergenerational domestic abuse. Annette Kamps is holding open call auditions for her play, “Mothers Curtain” on Sunday. Kamps says she has cast some of the ten roles in the play but would like to audition more individuals. She is looking for a teen age girl between the ages of 14 and 17-years-old in addition to three or four other women in their early 20’s through early 40’s. Kamps cautions that, for the sake of authenticity, there is some language and content that may be considered offensive and not appropriate for a younger audience. Auditions will be held tomorrow (Sunday) at 6:30pm at the community theater building on North Spring Street. Kamps will also make arrangements with interested parties to audition at an alternate time. Contact information is on our website. There are a limited number of scripts available for review. “Mothers Curtain” will be on the stage of the Beaver Dam Area Community Theater for three performances on April 13, 14 and 15.
If you are interested, contact Annette Kamps at 887-2093 or 318-1195 to arrange an audition on Sunday, Jan. 29, 6:30 PM OR to arrange
an alternative time.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Friday, January 27, 2012
Top Stories January 27th
Mayville Soldier Killed by IED
1/27/12 - The U.S. Department of Defense says the 24-year-old Mayville soldier, who was killed on Wednesday in Afghanistan, died after encountering an improvised explosive device (IED) while on patrol. First Lieutenant David Johnson became the second state resident this year to be killed in Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. Johnson was the son of Dodge County Pioneer publisher Andrew Johnson, and is survived by his mother, Laura, and three siblings. The family issued a statement on the paper’s website, which called David Johnson an American hero, a man of God first, and a strong leader at school and in his Army unit. After graduating from Mayville High School, Johnson went on to Evangel University in Springfield, Missouri where he earned his degree in 2010. He had been deployed since last December and led the Army's Third Brigade Combat Team. Campus pastor John Plake said Johnson was a well-respected student leader, and he headed the school's R-O-T-C military program. He kept ties with the university after he graduated, and he attended a special Veterans Day service there last November. Johnson’s family was to fly to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware where David’s body is expected to arrive shortly.
Columbus Woman Charged In Walker Probe
1/27/12 - Two more of Governor Scott Walker's former Milwaukee County aides were charged Thursday as part of an ongoing John Doe investigation. 43-year-old Kelly Rindfleisch of Columbus has four felony charges of misconduct in public office. And 61-year-old Darlene Wink is charged with two misdemeanor counts of internal political solicitation by public employees. Rindfleisch is due in court February 22nd. Prosecutors said she was Walker's deputy chief-of-staff in the Milwaukee County Executive's office when she did extensive campaign work on county time for Brett Davis through a private e-mail network. Davis is a former Assembly Republican who ran and lost for lieutenant governor in 2010. He's now the state's Medicaid director. Wink resigned in May of 2010 as Walker's constituent services director. She was accused of spending part of her workdays doing campaign work for Walker's G-O-P bid for governor. Ciara Matthews of the Walker campaign said his office made it clear that county employees were not allowed to use tax-funded time and resources to conduct any political activity – and Walker expected everyone to follow that law. There are now four ex-Walker aides charged as a result of the John Doe probe. Former county aides Tim Russell and Kevin Kavanaugh are both accused of embezzling over 63-thousand-dollars from an annual event that benefits veterans and their families.
Hartford Man Gets Probation In BD Pistol-Whipping
1/27/12 - A Hartford man was placed on probation for pistol-whipping in Beaver Dam last summer. It happened in the 600 block of Madison Street on August 4 around 2am. Mark Patterson pleaded “no contest” to Disorderly Conduct and Operating a Firearm While Intoxicated had four other misdemeanors and a felony dismissed but read into the record. 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 a 23-year-old Beaver Dam man who apparently did not 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.
Lodi Man Indicted For Pharmacy Robbery
1/27/12 - A Columbia County man has been indicted on federal charges for allegedly robbing a pharmacy at gunpoint. Officials with the US Justice Department say Anthony Carriola of Lodi walked into Eannelli’s Pharmacy in Prairie Du Dac on January 10 and stole morphine pills. The 28-year-old reportedly brandished a .44 caliber revolver. If convicted, Carriola faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on the robbery count, and a mandatory minimum penalty of seven years for using a firearm, which would be served consecutively to any other prison term imposed.
Watertown Man Waives Prelim In Assault Case
1/27/12 - A Watertown man has waived his right to preliminary hearing on a variety of charges related to the alleged abuse his girlfriend. Floyd Holcomb Jr. is charged with felony Second Degree Sexual Assault and misdemeanor counts of Battery, Disorderly Conduct and Criminal Damage to Property. According to the criminal complaint, the 25-year-old broke into her apartment earlier this month and the two had a violent exchange. The next day, Holcomb was said to be violent again and reportedly tried to rape the woman with young children nearby. If he is convicted, the charges carry a maximum penalty of 42 years in prison. Holcomb is being held on a $5000 cash bond.
WI Assembly Approves Mining Bill
1/27/12 - Amid heavy debate and protests, the Wisconsin Assembly voted 59-to-36 last night to limit environmental restrictions and public challenges for a new mine near Lake Superior. All Republicans voted yes. All Democrats voted no. The bill creates a one-year time limit for state officials to act on permits for new iron ore mines -- and it's tailored to Gogebic Taconite's plan to open a vast mine in parts of Ashland and Iron counties. The Assembly debate ran for four-and-a-half hours. Republicans called the bill a massive job creator not just for the mine, but for equipment makers and other suppliers as far away as Milwaukee. But Democrats said the bill was written to guarantee profits for Gogebic Taconite, while slashing tax revenues that local communities would otherwise get from a mine. Bad River Indians feared that pollution would hurt pristine lands in the far north for generations. One of their drummers was cited for disorderly conduct during a Rotunda protest. And spectators questioned the legality of the vote, saying it wasn't totally done in public. There were several outbursts in the gallery during the debate. And Speaker Pro Tem Bill Kramer finally removed all the spectators after some people rained down obscenities under covers of throat clearing and group coughing. The package now goes to the Senate, where its prospects are less certain. Senate Mining Committee chairman Neal Kedzie, a Republican from Elkhorn, has questioned whether the Assembly package goes too far.
Ellis Apologizes for Calling High School in GB a “Sewer”
1/27/12 - The president of the Wisconsin Senate has apologized for calling Green Bay Preble High School a "sewer" during a private dinner with some colleagues at a Madison restaurant. Somebody used a cell phone to record Mike Ellis's conversation -- and it ended up on PolitiScoop-Dot-Com. His group was talking about the possibility of expanding private school voucher programs beyond Milwaukee and Racine. The voucher program gives state tax funding to low-income kids to attend private schools, with a goal of escaping poverty. Ellis, of Neenah, brought up the idea of letting just part of a school district be in the program -- and he used Green Bay as an example. In the recording, he said quote, "Green Bay East is fine. West is fine. Preble's a sewer. They have the poverty possum." Ellis said he was only mentioning a hypothetical example. He apologized to a reporter, and said he called the Green Bay superintendent to aplogize as well. Preble students, staff members, and parents went to the school to protest Ellis's remarks and highlight the school's achievements.
Improvised Geocaching Devices Sparking Concern
1/27/12 - There is a new trend sweeping the country and it’s got local authorities on a wild goose chase. It’s called “geocaching” and it’s a real-world outdoor treasure hunting game. Players try to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, using GPS-enabled devices – like smart phones -- and then share their experiences online. If you log into Geocache.com you’ll find there are over 15,000 hidden geocache containers in the Beaver Dam zip code alone. It’s safe, family-friendly entertainment. There’s only one problem. People who are not in on the game think participants are planting random bombs all over the place. Dodge County Sheriff Todd Nehls says his department just got another call on Wednesday from the Town of Theresa reporting that a pill bottle was duct-taped to a road sign. Nehls says whenever somebody is hiding or concealing a container on public or private property many citizens report this activity as suspicious, suspecting either drug or terrorist activity. The Sheriff’s Department responds to these calls and quickly uncovers the suspicious items as a “geocache.” Nehls says he is hoping to educate the public about the possibility that suspicious activity could be the result of geocaching enthusiast’s favorite pastime. He also wants to let geocacher’s know that their actions could be misconstrued and lead to a lot of wasted time for law enforcement. For more information you can go to www.geocaching.com
1/27/12 - The U.S. Department of Defense says the 24-year-old Mayville soldier, who was killed on Wednesday in Afghanistan, died after encountering an improvised explosive device (IED) while on patrol. First Lieutenant David Johnson became the second state resident this year to be killed in Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. Johnson was the son of Dodge County Pioneer publisher Andrew Johnson, and is survived by his mother, Laura, and three siblings. The family issued a statement on the paper’s website, which called David Johnson an American hero, a man of God first, and a strong leader at school and in his Army unit. After graduating from Mayville High School, Johnson went on to Evangel University in Springfield, Missouri where he earned his degree in 2010. He had been deployed since last December and led the Army's Third Brigade Combat Team. Campus pastor John Plake said Johnson was a well-respected student leader, and he headed the school's R-O-T-C military program. He kept ties with the university after he graduated, and he attended a special Veterans Day service there last November. Johnson’s family was to fly to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware where David’s body is expected to arrive shortly.
Columbus Woman Charged In Walker Probe
1/27/12 - Two more of Governor Scott Walker's former Milwaukee County aides were charged Thursday as part of an ongoing John Doe investigation. 43-year-old Kelly Rindfleisch of Columbus has four felony charges of misconduct in public office. And 61-year-old Darlene Wink is charged with two misdemeanor counts of internal political solicitation by public employees. Rindfleisch is due in court February 22nd. Prosecutors said she was Walker's deputy chief-of-staff in the Milwaukee County Executive's office when she did extensive campaign work on county time for Brett Davis through a private e-mail network. Davis is a former Assembly Republican who ran and lost for lieutenant governor in 2010. He's now the state's Medicaid director. Wink resigned in May of 2010 as Walker's constituent services director. She was accused of spending part of her workdays doing campaign work for Walker's G-O-P bid for governor. Ciara Matthews of the Walker campaign said his office made it clear that county employees were not allowed to use tax-funded time and resources to conduct any political activity – and Walker expected everyone to follow that law. There are now four ex-Walker aides charged as a result of the John Doe probe. Former county aides Tim Russell and Kevin Kavanaugh are both accused of embezzling over 63-thousand-dollars from an annual event that benefits veterans and their families.
Hartford Man Gets Probation In BD Pistol-Whipping
1/27/12 - A Hartford man was placed on probation for pistol-whipping in Beaver Dam last summer. It happened in the 600 block of Madison Street on August 4 around 2am. Mark Patterson pleaded “no contest” to Disorderly Conduct and Operating a Firearm While Intoxicated had four other misdemeanors and a felony dismissed but read into the record. 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 a 23-year-old Beaver Dam man who apparently did not 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.
Lodi Man Indicted For Pharmacy Robbery
1/27/12 - A Columbia County man has been indicted on federal charges for allegedly robbing a pharmacy at gunpoint. Officials with the US Justice Department say Anthony Carriola of Lodi walked into Eannelli’s Pharmacy in Prairie Du Dac on January 10 and stole morphine pills. The 28-year-old reportedly brandished a .44 caliber revolver. If convicted, Carriola faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on the robbery count, and a mandatory minimum penalty of seven years for using a firearm, which would be served consecutively to any other prison term imposed.
Watertown Man Waives Prelim In Assault Case
1/27/12 - A Watertown man has waived his right to preliminary hearing on a variety of charges related to the alleged abuse his girlfriend. Floyd Holcomb Jr. is charged with felony Second Degree Sexual Assault and misdemeanor counts of Battery, Disorderly Conduct and Criminal Damage to Property. According to the criminal complaint, the 25-year-old broke into her apartment earlier this month and the two had a violent exchange. The next day, Holcomb was said to be violent again and reportedly tried to rape the woman with young children nearby. If he is convicted, the charges carry a maximum penalty of 42 years in prison. Holcomb is being held on a $5000 cash bond.
WI Assembly Approves Mining Bill
1/27/12 - Amid heavy debate and protests, the Wisconsin Assembly voted 59-to-36 last night to limit environmental restrictions and public challenges for a new mine near Lake Superior. All Republicans voted yes. All Democrats voted no. The bill creates a one-year time limit for state officials to act on permits for new iron ore mines -- and it's tailored to Gogebic Taconite's plan to open a vast mine in parts of Ashland and Iron counties. The Assembly debate ran for four-and-a-half hours. Republicans called the bill a massive job creator not just for the mine, but for equipment makers and other suppliers as far away as Milwaukee. But Democrats said the bill was written to guarantee profits for Gogebic Taconite, while slashing tax revenues that local communities would otherwise get from a mine. Bad River Indians feared that pollution would hurt pristine lands in the far north for generations. One of their drummers was cited for disorderly conduct during a Rotunda protest. And spectators questioned the legality of the vote, saying it wasn't totally done in public. There were several outbursts in the gallery during the debate. And Speaker Pro Tem Bill Kramer finally removed all the spectators after some people rained down obscenities under covers of throat clearing and group coughing. The package now goes to the Senate, where its prospects are less certain. Senate Mining Committee chairman Neal Kedzie, a Republican from Elkhorn, has questioned whether the Assembly package goes too far.
Ellis Apologizes for Calling High School in GB a “Sewer”
1/27/12 - The president of the Wisconsin Senate has apologized for calling Green Bay Preble High School a "sewer" during a private dinner with some colleagues at a Madison restaurant. Somebody used a cell phone to record Mike Ellis's conversation -- and it ended up on PolitiScoop-Dot-Com. His group was talking about the possibility of expanding private school voucher programs beyond Milwaukee and Racine. The voucher program gives state tax funding to low-income kids to attend private schools, with a goal of escaping poverty. Ellis, of Neenah, brought up the idea of letting just part of a school district be in the program -- and he used Green Bay as an example. In the recording, he said quote, "Green Bay East is fine. West is fine. Preble's a sewer. They have the poverty possum." Ellis said he was only mentioning a hypothetical example. He apologized to a reporter, and said he called the Green Bay superintendent to aplogize as well. Preble students, staff members, and parents went to the school to protest Ellis's remarks and highlight the school's achievements.
Improvised Geocaching Devices Sparking Concern
1/27/12 - There is a new trend sweeping the country and it’s got local authorities on a wild goose chase. It’s called “geocaching” and it’s a real-world outdoor treasure hunting game. Players try to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, using GPS-enabled devices – like smart phones -- and then share their experiences online. If you log into Geocache.com you’ll find there are over 15,000 hidden geocache containers in the Beaver Dam zip code alone. It’s safe, family-friendly entertainment. There’s only one problem. People who are not in on the game think participants are planting random bombs all over the place. Dodge County Sheriff Todd Nehls says his department just got another call on Wednesday from the Town of Theresa reporting that a pill bottle was duct-taped to a road sign. Nehls says whenever somebody is hiding or concealing a container on public or private property many citizens report this activity as suspicious, suspecting either drug or terrorist activity. The Sheriff’s Department responds to these calls and quickly uncovers the suspicious items as a “geocache.” Nehls says he is hoping to educate the public about the possibility that suspicious activity could be the result of geocaching enthusiast’s favorite pastime. He also wants to let geocacher’s know that their actions could be misconstrued and lead to a lot of wasted time for law enforcement. For more information you can go to www.geocaching.com
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Top Stories January 26th
Mayville Soldier Killed in Afghanistan
1/26/12 - An Army lieutenant from Dodge County has been killed in Afghanistan. W-T-M-J Radio in Milwaukee said 24-year-old First Lieutenant David Johnson of Mayville died in action. But the Pentagon has not released information about the incident -- or when it happened. Johnson headed an infantry platoon based in Fort Lewis Washington.
Walker Delivers State of the State Address
1/26/12 - With non-stop protest chants in the background, Governor Scott Walker told Wisconsinites last night that the state's on the right track for an economic turnaround. The Republican Walker spent much of his second annual State-of-the-State address touting his job creation and budget-balancing efforts. Walker did not mention the recall effort against him, but he asked for civility. And he did not acknowledge the hundreds of screaming protestors gathered in the Capitol Rotunda who were upset about his cuts in spending and public union bargaining. Those gathered in the Assembly chamber for Walker's speech heard them in the background. Five spectators in the gallery interrupted the 35-minute address. One called the governor a "liar" when he said he respected Wisconsinites. Another mentioned vulnerable children when the governor discussed education initiatives. Both were escorted from the chamber, and Capitol Police later said four protestors were arrested. The Rotunda crowd yelled, whistled, and chanted as they drowned out Walker's speech that was piped in to the area. Senate Democratic leader Mark Miller said the protests were not surprising and they illustrate quote, "the sharp divide the governor's policies have created in the state." But G-O-P Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald said Walker and his fellow Republicans did the right thing by trying to get government out of the way, and the letting the private sector boost the economy.
Waupun Prisoner Death Labeled an Overdose
1/26/12 - A convicted killer died from an overdose of methadone while in his state prison cell, and officials are trying to find out how he got the drug. The Dodge County medical examiner's office said yesterday that David Wapp's death was caused by accident. The 31-year-old Wapp was found dead November eighth at the Waupun prison. And the only thing officials knew at the time was that foul play was not involved. Toxicology tests uncovered the overdose. Wapp, of the Mukwonago area, was sentenced in June of 2010 to life in prison with no chance for a supervised release. He stabbed and cut his ex-girlfriend, Samantha Peterson, 37 times while they argued in a car outside the home of Wapp's aunt in Waukesha County. It happened four days after he left prison for another offense.
BD Chamber Honors Award Winners
1/26/12 - The Beaver Dam Chamber of Commerce last night held its annual Recognition night at Old Hickory Country Club. Mary Fitzgerald from the American National Bank was named Chamber Member of the Year for her volunteer work for the Chamber. The Beaver Dam Community hospital won the Non-Profit Organization of the year award. Hospital Board Chairman Jim Kirsch stressed the importance of the hospital remaining independent so that it can deliver the best care to local residents. Hospital CEO Kim Miller said the hospital’s non profit status allows it to invest its financial resources back into local health care services. A national organization recently awarded the hospital its Outstanding Patient Experience Award for the 3rd year in a row.
The Richards Insurance Agency is the Chamber’s Business of the Year. The local business began with a staff of four under Don Richards in 1965 and has grown to nearly 70 employees. Half of the company is owned by its employees, the other half by its owner – managers. Retired owner manager John Ralston, well known for his community fund raising efforts said the agency stresses the importance of being an active partner in the community. Current owner-manager Dave Pfister said Richards Agency employees volunteer in almost every worthwhile cause in the community.
Richard Zieman was introduced as the Citizen of the Year by his wife Nancy. The couple founded the internationally known Nancy’s Notions. Mark Killilngsworth who serves with Richard Zieman on several volunteer organizations said Zieman has donated literally thousands of hours and continues to serve in leadership roles for a large number of community causes. Nancy’s Notions has also contributed significant funding and contributions to community projects. Killingsworth said as the company grew so did its commitment to the community.
Honor Flight: Pearl Harbor
1/26/12 - Pearl Harbor survivors are being sought for what’s billed as a “once-in-a-lifetime Honor Flight to Pearl Harbor, Oahu, Hawaii.” The Old Glory Honor Flight hub that departs out of Appleton is asking the approximately 40 Pearl Harbor survivors that live in the state of Wisconsin to contact their office immediately. The non-profit chapter is planning a tropical trip to the Aloha State. They define Pearl Harbor survivor as any veteran stationed on the island of Oahu or within three nautical miles at the time of the attack on December 7, 1941. Honor Flight is a nationwide program with regional chapters that has traditionally flown World War II veterans to their memorial in Washington DC at no cost to them. The Appleton hub says they remain committed to that primary mission, but Honor Flight Pearl Harbor is another way to say thank you to veterans for their service and sacrifice. Organizers are hoping Pearl Harbor survivors will contact them by their February 6 application deadline. They are also actively seeking donations to finance the trip for survivors, their caregivers and support staff. Pearl Harbor Survivors can apply by calling 1-888-635-9838. Old Glory Honor Flight is a registered 501(c)3 organization. Make checks payable to “Old Glory Honor Flight” and write "Return To Pearl" in the memo section of the check. Donate via PayPal at: http://www.oldgloryhonorflight.org/return_to_pearl.html
December Jobless Filings Lower Than Last Year
1/26/12 - Most counties in the region saw a moderate decrease in their December unemployment rate, compared to November. That's according to local estimates released Wednesday by state workforce development officials. In Dodge County, the jobless rate was at 6.8% in December, down one-tenth from November and nearly a full-percentage point lower that December of 2010. Columbia and Jefferson counties both dropped a tenth-of-a-point over the two-month period to 6.9%. Fond du Lac County held steady at 6.2% while the jobless rate ticked-up a tenth in Washington County to 6.1%. Dane County has the states lowest rate at 4.4%. Door County has the states highest number of jobless filings at 11.7% and is one of six counties in double-digits. In total, 44 of the states 72 counties saw an increase in the jobless rate over the two-month period, 20 had decreases and there was no change in 8 counties. In comparing December 2011 to December of 2010, there were only two counties that saw increases in unemployment.
Five of Wisconsin's 12 metro areas lost jobs during December. The Eau Claire and Sheboygan areas lost 800 jobs each on a seasonally-adjusted basis. Metro Milwaukee lost 700, and La Crosse and Madison had smaller losses. Janesville had the highest unadjusted jobless rate among the 12 metros at eight-point-three percent. Madison had the lowest at four-point-seven. All but four Wisconsin counties saw their unadjusted rates go down from November. Manitowoc, Menomonee Falls, and West Allis had slight increases in their municipal unemployment rates.
Growmark Fined By OSHA
1/26/12 - Federal officials said a grain-handling facility in Ixonia has committed five workplace safety violations. The Occupational Safety-and-Health Administration is recommending 84-thousand dollars in fines against Growmark. OSHA said the company knowingly failed to protect employees before they entered grain bins -- and they did not provide harnesses or rescue equipment for those working inside the bins. Growmark is based in Bloomington Illinois. It has 15 days to either pay the fines, challenge the violations, or seek a meeting with OSHA. Company spokeswoman Amy Bradford said Growmark is aware of the violations -- but it's not commenting for now. Growmark does business in 30 states and Canada.
Waupun Hoping to Get Bond Funding
1/26/12 - The Waupun School District approved a plan to secure a $2.5-million bond intended for deferred maintenance and technology upgrades. Interim Superintendent Don Childs says the district is eligible because of the number of students living below the poverty line as determined by free and reduced lunch offerings. Childs says the loan will not impact the tax rate and they will be able to pay back the money over a period of 10 to 20 years at zero-percent interest. The district could find out as early as tomorrow if they’ll be getting the Qualified Zone Academy Bond.
Grosenick Has Not Guilty Plea Entered for Him
1/26/12 - An Iron Ridge-area man charged with seventh offense OWI stood mute during an arraignment hearing Wednesday Dodge County court and the judge entered a “not guilty” plea on his behalf. The Dodge County Sheriff’s Department says a deputy pulled over Dennis Grosenick in November after allegedly observing him cross the center line and almost put his vehicle into the ditch while making a right hand turn. A preliminary breath test indicated that Grosenick’s blood alcohol level was nearly three times legal limit of .08. Grosenick is currently being held at the Dodge County Jail on a $25,000 cash bond. If convicted he faces up to 10-years in prison.
More Time Will Be Given to Verify Signatures
1/26/12 - A judge in Madison is giving state officials more time to determine if there are enough valid signatures to order recall elections. Also Wednesday, Dane County Circuit Judge Richard Niess gave the Republican recall targets more time to challenge improper signatures. An estimated one-point-nine million signatures were filed eight days ago, demanding recall votes against Governor Scott Walker, Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch, and Senators Scott Fitzgerald, Pam Galloway, Terry Moulton, and Van Wanggaard. Under state law, the Government Accountability Board has 31 days to certify recall petitions. But due to the sheer numbers, Niess granted an extra 30 days. He also gave the Walker and Kleefisch campaigns 30 days to challenge signatures once they receive copies of all their petitions. Kleefisch had not received any petitions as of Monday, even though the existing law would have given her until Friday to review them all. The four senators have their petitions, and the judge gave them 20 days to file challenges. Their new deadline is February ninth.
Poll: Obama Favored Over Romney
1/26/12 - A new poll gives President Obama an eight-point lead over Republican Mitt Romney in Wisconsin's presidential race. Just over 700 registered voters were surveyed in the first Marquette Law School poll. 48-percent favored the Democrat Obama for a second term, while 40-percent supported former Massachusetts governor Romney. The poll did not list any other head-to-head matchups involving other G-O-P White House hopefuls. Republicans are trying to get Wisconsin to carry their nominee for the first time since Ronald Reagan's second term in 1984. State voters are split on Obama's job performance. Forty-seven percent approved, and 47-percent disapproved. One-third of the Wisconsinites surveyed thought the economy had gotten worse in the last year, and only 22-percent said it got better. But 36-percent expect an improvement in 2012. Seventy-percent of those polled believe the nation's on the wrong track -- but 50-percent said Wisconsin appears to be on the right track, while 46-percent disagree. The poll had a margin-of-error of plus-or-minus three-point-eight percent.
Poll: 51% Approve of the Job Walker is Doing
1/26/12 - Just over half of Wisconsin voters approve of Governor Scott Walker's job performance. That's according to the first poll released today by the Marquette Law School in Milwaukee. Fifty-one percent of the 701 registered voters polled by phone approve of the job the Republican Walker's doing. Forty-six percent disapprove. The poll was taken from last Thursday through Sunday, just days after recall petitions were filed against the governor. The poll has a three-point-eight percent margin of error. It was released just hours before Walker addresses a split electorate in his annual State-of-the-State message. The Marquette poll also shows that Walker leads four potential Democratic challengers in a recall election. The poll has Walker leading his opponent from 2010, Tom Barrett, 50-to-44 percent. And the governor leads former Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk 49-42. Walker would also out-poll Democrats Dave Obey and Tim Cullen. Seventy-four percent agreed that state employees should pay more toward their own pensions and health insurance, but limiting collective bargaining was supported by just 48-to-47 percent, within the margin of error. The Marquette Law School poll was conducted by Charles Franklin, who's on leave from U-W Madison. The school plans to conduct a number of polls in 2012.
1/26/12 - An Army lieutenant from Dodge County has been killed in Afghanistan. W-T-M-J Radio in Milwaukee said 24-year-old First Lieutenant David Johnson of Mayville died in action. But the Pentagon has not released information about the incident -- or when it happened. Johnson headed an infantry platoon based in Fort Lewis Washington.
Walker Delivers State of the State Address
1/26/12 - With non-stop protest chants in the background, Governor Scott Walker told Wisconsinites last night that the state's on the right track for an economic turnaround. The Republican Walker spent much of his second annual State-of-the-State address touting his job creation and budget-balancing efforts. Walker did not mention the recall effort against him, but he asked for civility. And he did not acknowledge the hundreds of screaming protestors gathered in the Capitol Rotunda who were upset about his cuts in spending and public union bargaining. Those gathered in the Assembly chamber for Walker's speech heard them in the background. Five spectators in the gallery interrupted the 35-minute address. One called the governor a "liar" when he said he respected Wisconsinites. Another mentioned vulnerable children when the governor discussed education initiatives. Both were escorted from the chamber, and Capitol Police later said four protestors were arrested. The Rotunda crowd yelled, whistled, and chanted as they drowned out Walker's speech that was piped in to the area. Senate Democratic leader Mark Miller said the protests were not surprising and they illustrate quote, "the sharp divide the governor's policies have created in the state." But G-O-P Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald said Walker and his fellow Republicans did the right thing by trying to get government out of the way, and the letting the private sector boost the economy.
Waupun Prisoner Death Labeled an Overdose
1/26/12 - A convicted killer died from an overdose of methadone while in his state prison cell, and officials are trying to find out how he got the drug. The Dodge County medical examiner's office said yesterday that David Wapp's death was caused by accident. The 31-year-old Wapp was found dead November eighth at the Waupun prison. And the only thing officials knew at the time was that foul play was not involved. Toxicology tests uncovered the overdose. Wapp, of the Mukwonago area, was sentenced in June of 2010 to life in prison with no chance for a supervised release. He stabbed and cut his ex-girlfriend, Samantha Peterson, 37 times while they argued in a car outside the home of Wapp's aunt in Waukesha County. It happened four days after he left prison for another offense.
BD Chamber Honors Award Winners
1/26/12 - The Beaver Dam Chamber of Commerce last night held its annual Recognition night at Old Hickory Country Club. Mary Fitzgerald from the American National Bank was named Chamber Member of the Year for her volunteer work for the Chamber. The Beaver Dam Community hospital won the Non-Profit Organization of the year award. Hospital Board Chairman Jim Kirsch stressed the importance of the hospital remaining independent so that it can deliver the best care to local residents. Hospital CEO Kim Miller said the hospital’s non profit status allows it to invest its financial resources back into local health care services. A national organization recently awarded the hospital its Outstanding Patient Experience Award for the 3rd year in a row.
The Richards Insurance Agency is the Chamber’s Business of the Year. The local business began with a staff of four under Don Richards in 1965 and has grown to nearly 70 employees. Half of the company is owned by its employees, the other half by its owner – managers. Retired owner manager John Ralston, well known for his community fund raising efforts said the agency stresses the importance of being an active partner in the community. Current owner-manager Dave Pfister said Richards Agency employees volunteer in almost every worthwhile cause in the community.
Richard Zieman was introduced as the Citizen of the Year by his wife Nancy. The couple founded the internationally known Nancy’s Notions. Mark Killilngsworth who serves with Richard Zieman on several volunteer organizations said Zieman has donated literally thousands of hours and continues to serve in leadership roles for a large number of community causes. Nancy’s Notions has also contributed significant funding and contributions to community projects. Killingsworth said as the company grew so did its commitment to the community.
Honor Flight: Pearl Harbor
1/26/12 - Pearl Harbor survivors are being sought for what’s billed as a “once-in-a-lifetime Honor Flight to Pearl Harbor, Oahu, Hawaii.” The Old Glory Honor Flight hub that departs out of Appleton is asking the approximately 40 Pearl Harbor survivors that live in the state of Wisconsin to contact their office immediately. The non-profit chapter is planning a tropical trip to the Aloha State. They define Pearl Harbor survivor as any veteran stationed on the island of Oahu or within three nautical miles at the time of the attack on December 7, 1941. Honor Flight is a nationwide program with regional chapters that has traditionally flown World War II veterans to their memorial in Washington DC at no cost to them. The Appleton hub says they remain committed to that primary mission, but Honor Flight Pearl Harbor is another way to say thank you to veterans for their service and sacrifice. Organizers are hoping Pearl Harbor survivors will contact them by their February 6 application deadline. They are also actively seeking donations to finance the trip for survivors, their caregivers and support staff. Pearl Harbor Survivors can apply by calling 1-888-635-9838. Old Glory Honor Flight is a registered 501(c)3 organization. Make checks payable to “Old Glory Honor Flight” and write "Return To Pearl" in the memo section of the check. Donate via PayPal at: http://www.oldgloryhonorflight.org/return_to_pearl.html
December Jobless Filings Lower Than Last Year
1/26/12 - Most counties in the region saw a moderate decrease in their December unemployment rate, compared to November. That's according to local estimates released Wednesday by state workforce development officials. In Dodge County, the jobless rate was at 6.8% in December, down one-tenth from November and nearly a full-percentage point lower that December of 2010. Columbia and Jefferson counties both dropped a tenth-of-a-point over the two-month period to 6.9%. Fond du Lac County held steady at 6.2% while the jobless rate ticked-up a tenth in Washington County to 6.1%. Dane County has the states lowest rate at 4.4%. Door County has the states highest number of jobless filings at 11.7% and is one of six counties in double-digits. In total, 44 of the states 72 counties saw an increase in the jobless rate over the two-month period, 20 had decreases and there was no change in 8 counties. In comparing December 2011 to December of 2010, there were only two counties that saw increases in unemployment.
Five of Wisconsin's 12 metro areas lost jobs during December. The Eau Claire and Sheboygan areas lost 800 jobs each on a seasonally-adjusted basis. Metro Milwaukee lost 700, and La Crosse and Madison had smaller losses. Janesville had the highest unadjusted jobless rate among the 12 metros at eight-point-three percent. Madison had the lowest at four-point-seven. All but four Wisconsin counties saw their unadjusted rates go down from November. Manitowoc, Menomonee Falls, and West Allis had slight increases in their municipal unemployment rates.
Growmark Fined By OSHA
1/26/12 - Federal officials said a grain-handling facility in Ixonia has committed five workplace safety violations. The Occupational Safety-and-Health Administration is recommending 84-thousand dollars in fines against Growmark. OSHA said the company knowingly failed to protect employees before they entered grain bins -- and they did not provide harnesses or rescue equipment for those working inside the bins. Growmark is based in Bloomington Illinois. It has 15 days to either pay the fines, challenge the violations, or seek a meeting with OSHA. Company spokeswoman Amy Bradford said Growmark is aware of the violations -- but it's not commenting for now. Growmark does business in 30 states and Canada.
Waupun Hoping to Get Bond Funding
1/26/12 - The Waupun School District approved a plan to secure a $2.5-million bond intended for deferred maintenance and technology upgrades. Interim Superintendent Don Childs says the district is eligible because of the number of students living below the poverty line as determined by free and reduced lunch offerings. Childs says the loan will not impact the tax rate and they will be able to pay back the money over a period of 10 to 20 years at zero-percent interest. The district could find out as early as tomorrow if they’ll be getting the Qualified Zone Academy Bond.
Grosenick Has Not Guilty Plea Entered for Him
1/26/12 - An Iron Ridge-area man charged with seventh offense OWI stood mute during an arraignment hearing Wednesday Dodge County court and the judge entered a “not guilty” plea on his behalf. The Dodge County Sheriff’s Department says a deputy pulled over Dennis Grosenick in November after allegedly observing him cross the center line and almost put his vehicle into the ditch while making a right hand turn. A preliminary breath test indicated that Grosenick’s blood alcohol level was nearly three times legal limit of .08. Grosenick is currently being held at the Dodge County Jail on a $25,000 cash bond. If convicted he faces up to 10-years in prison.
More Time Will Be Given to Verify Signatures
1/26/12 - A judge in Madison is giving state officials more time to determine if there are enough valid signatures to order recall elections. Also Wednesday, Dane County Circuit Judge Richard Niess gave the Republican recall targets more time to challenge improper signatures. An estimated one-point-nine million signatures were filed eight days ago, demanding recall votes against Governor Scott Walker, Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch, and Senators Scott Fitzgerald, Pam Galloway, Terry Moulton, and Van Wanggaard. Under state law, the Government Accountability Board has 31 days to certify recall petitions. But due to the sheer numbers, Niess granted an extra 30 days. He also gave the Walker and Kleefisch campaigns 30 days to challenge signatures once they receive copies of all their petitions. Kleefisch had not received any petitions as of Monday, even though the existing law would have given her until Friday to review them all. The four senators have their petitions, and the judge gave them 20 days to file challenges. Their new deadline is February ninth.
Poll: Obama Favored Over Romney
1/26/12 - A new poll gives President Obama an eight-point lead over Republican Mitt Romney in Wisconsin's presidential race. Just over 700 registered voters were surveyed in the first Marquette Law School poll. 48-percent favored the Democrat Obama for a second term, while 40-percent supported former Massachusetts governor Romney. The poll did not list any other head-to-head matchups involving other G-O-P White House hopefuls. Republicans are trying to get Wisconsin to carry their nominee for the first time since Ronald Reagan's second term in 1984. State voters are split on Obama's job performance. Forty-seven percent approved, and 47-percent disapproved. One-third of the Wisconsinites surveyed thought the economy had gotten worse in the last year, and only 22-percent said it got better. But 36-percent expect an improvement in 2012. Seventy-percent of those polled believe the nation's on the wrong track -- but 50-percent said Wisconsin appears to be on the right track, while 46-percent disagree. The poll had a margin-of-error of plus-or-minus three-point-eight percent.
Poll: 51% Approve of the Job Walker is Doing
1/26/12 - Just over half of Wisconsin voters approve of Governor Scott Walker's job performance. That's according to the first poll released today by the Marquette Law School in Milwaukee. Fifty-one percent of the 701 registered voters polled by phone approve of the job the Republican Walker's doing. Forty-six percent disapprove. The poll was taken from last Thursday through Sunday, just days after recall petitions were filed against the governor. The poll has a three-point-eight percent margin of error. It was released just hours before Walker addresses a split electorate in his annual State-of-the-State message. The Marquette poll also shows that Walker leads four potential Democratic challengers in a recall election. The poll has Walker leading his opponent from 2010, Tom Barrett, 50-to-44 percent. And the governor leads former Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk 49-42. Walker would also out-poll Democrats Dave Obey and Tim Cullen. Seventy-four percent agreed that state employees should pay more toward their own pensions and health insurance, but limiting collective bargaining was supported by just 48-to-47 percent, within the margin of error. The Marquette Law School poll was conducted by Charles Franklin, who's on leave from U-W Madison. The school plans to conduct a number of polls in 2012.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Top Stories January 25th
WI Legislators React to SOTU
1/25/12 - Wisconsin's congressional Democrats said they appreciated President Obama's vow to revive manufacturing in his State-of-the-Union address last night. But the state's Republicans said Obama's plea for economic fairness wrongly focuses on guaranteeing outcomes through government action, instead of opportunities in a free market. The Democrat Obama called for higher taxes on the rich -- a 30-percent bracket for those making over a million dollars a year. And he took another swipe at the foreclosure problem by offering a new re-financing program. The president also mentioned steps to help students afford college, and tax cuts for manufacturers. Milwaukee House Democrat Gwen Moore said Obama's policies have helped companies like Master Lock bring foreign jobs back to Wisconsin. But Sherwood Republican Reid Ribble said Obama's focus on American-made energy rang hollow when he rejected the Keystone oil pipeline last week. House G-O-P Budget Chairman Paul Ryan of Janesville said Obama quote, "recommitted to the path of debt, doubt, and decline." Menomonee Falls House Republican Jim Sensenbrenner said his chamber has focused on job creation and tax reform with no help from the Senate or White House. But Wisconsin Senate Democrat Herb Kohl said he was encouraged by Obama's focus on education both in the classroom, and with opportunities for job re-training.
Walker to Give State of the State Address Tonight
1/25/12 - Governor Scott Walker will give his second State of State address tonight and it comes under much different circumstances than his first 358-days ago. That came right after he and a new Republican legislative majority were swept into office -- and they had already achieved victories by passing a first round of job creation bills. But tonight, Walker will return to a state Assembly chamber that's been by rocked by protests ever since the Republican governor proposed a virtual end to most public union collective bargaining. His signature legislation was introduced 10 days after that first State-of-the-State address. And it divided Wisconsinites so much that it prompted hundreds of thousands of people to sign petitions for an unprecedented gubernatorial recall. Tonight, Walker spokesman Cullen Werwie says the governor will focus on the property tax savings his union law created -- plus his efforts to reduce fraud-and-waste in state government. But there might not be a lot of talk about jobs -- especially after the U-S Bureau of Labor Statistics said yesterday that Wisconsin was the only state in the country to lose private sector jobs in each of the last six months. Werwie says there have been bumps along the way, but the state is heading in the right direction.
BDCDC: Dissolve, Evolve or Revolve?
1/25/12 - The Beaver Dam Community Development Committee met last night for the first time in six months and the main agenda item was whether or not to consider dissolving the committee. The CDC was put in place back when Beaver Dam had a full-time economic development officer on the payroll. In 1997, the city decided to essentially contract out for those services and the Beaver Dam Area Development Corporation was formed. The Development Corp, a public-private partnership with the city, crunches numbers and negotiates with companies looking to set up shop behind closed doors and brings the findings to various city committees for approval. CDC Chair Robert Ballweg called the committee to session yesterday to ask if they’re still relevant, and he was met with mixed reactions. Discussion then turned to the possibility of establishing a new role for the CDC, shifting its scope to smaller projects that may not be practical or cost-effective for the Development Corp to focus on, like land purchase negotiations and downtown revitalization. Another possible new area of focus would be for the CDC to coordinate a revolving loan fund with revenues generated from the downtown Tax Increment Finance District #6, where the new Madison Place and the Lake Historic Lofts are located. Ballweg says between $25,000 and $30,000 could be accumulated annually for downtown businesses to use toward remodeling and façade improvements. After reaching consensus in committee, Ballweg agreed to meet with the city attorney, the mayor, the director of finance and officials with the Development Corp to draft a resolution outlining plans for a revolving loan fund. If the resolution is not approved by the committee and council, Ballweg says it would be time to revisit the necessity of the Community Development Committee.
UC Looking to Merge
1/25/12 - United Cooperative is seeking to merge with a company from Denmark, Wisconsin. The Beaver Dam-based company has signed a letter of intent to pursue the merger with Cooperative Services. United Co-Op President and CEO David Kramer says the agriculture industry puts a great deal of effort into improving efficiencies and sustainability so that present and future generations can continue to produce food and fuel efficiently. Kramer says the merger will provide their patron members with the equipment, products, and service needed to maximize production and survive for generations to come. Cooperative Services is projecting revenues for the fiscal year ending Jan. 31, 2012, to be in excess of $29 million. All of Cooperative Services divisions can be found at one location in Denmark; that includes feed, grain, agronomy, a Cenex convenience store, and an automotive shop. Formed in 1936, United Cooperative is a full-service cooperative with feed, grain, agronomy, fuel, lubricant, and propane locations throughout Wisconsin. They documented $525 million in sales in 2011, up $200 million from 2010, and employ about 500 full-time, part-time, and seasonal workers. United Cooperative is expected to finalize mergers with Shawano-based Mid-County Cooperative and Pulaski Chase Cooperative in February. In coming months, there will be a series of meetings with Cooperative Services’ employees and patron members about the proposed merger. Ballots will be mailed out next month. If approved, the merger will take effect April 1.
Peyer to Resign
1/25/12 - Randolph School District Superintendent Greg Peyer is resigning effective June 30th. In a letter sent to district staff members last week Peyer said that while he has enjoyed his time in Randolph he realizes that due to the size of the district and the current economic times there needs to be a restructuring of the administration. He said the board had been considering a change for some time and said would not impede the process in anyway. Peyer has been with Randolph for 5-years and says he intends to pursue other positions in education and in the business world.
Wiard Gets Probation
1/25/12 - A Horicon man who burglarized a Horicon tavern last Fourth of July weekend will spend five years on probation. Police arrested Daniel Wiard on charges of domestic battery during the early morning hours of July 3 and en route to the jail, arresting officers got word that Danny Boy’s Irish Pub in Horicon had been burglarized. The next day investigators reviewed video footage from that night and the bartender identified the suspect as a guy named “Dan” who was new to town. Wiard moved to town last June. Police executed a search warrant at his residence and recovered $2600 in small bills and a Brewers Jersey that had been on a wall in the establishment. According to the criminal complaint, the 30-year-old waited in the women’s bathroom until everyone left for the night, loaded-up a garbage can full of items from the bar, dragged the garbage can home on his bike, and then dumped the garbage can full of stolen items out in his living room. That sparked a fight with his mother that resulted in his arrest on the domestic abuse charges. Those charges were dismissed but read in last November when Wiard pleaded “no contest” to the felony burglary charge. In addition to probation, Wiard was ordered yesterday (Tu) maintain absolute sobriety but his probation officer will be able to order 30 days in jail for a first violation, 60 days in jail for a second violation and 90 days in jail for a third. A three year prison sentence was imposed and stayed but if his probation is revoked he will get credit for the 142 days he already spent behind bars.
Officials Urge Caution When Using Craigslist
1/25/12 - If you’re buying or selling an item through Craigslist, Milwaukee police suggest you only meet the other person in the transaction in a public place. Police say they are seeking a spike in robberies hitting people using the popular online classified ads site. Investigators say there have been at least a half-dozen in the last month, with four of those happening in the last week. They are following up on leads and but don’t say if they’re close to an arrest or not.
Jobs Committee Favors Mine Bill
1/25/12 - The state Assembly Jobs Committee voted 9-to-5 Tuesday in favor of a bill that tries to make it easier for a new iron ore mine to open in far northern Wisconsin. The package would streamline the process of getting state permits for iron ore mines both now and in the future. And the panel okay-ed several changes suggested by members of both parties. Local communities would get a bigger-than-expected share of tax revenues from the materials that are mined. The limit on application fees would be raised from one-point-one million dollars to two-million. There would be assurances that mining projects would follow the terms of the Great Lakes water protection agreement. And Indian tribes near proposed mines would receive copies of permit applications. But that wasn’t enough for Stevens Point Democrat Lou Molepske. He wanted tribes at the table when mining decisions are being made. But Greendale Republican Jeff Stone said it’s not the government’s responsibility to represent Indian tribes – and they can pursue their own interests on the subject. The 180-plus page bill now goes to the full Assembly for a final vote.
Kohls Expanding Business into the South
1/25/12 - The Kohl’s Department Store chain is expanding its online business in the South. The Menomonee Falls-based company announced yesterday (Tu) that it would build a distribution center in DeSoto Texas, near Dallas, to serve buyers on its Web site. The facility is expected to open this summer with about 400 new jobs. Hiring is expected to begin around March first. Kohl’s has 84 retail stores in Texas.
Harley Sales Looking Better
1/25/12 - Things are starting to look up for Wisconsin’s legendary motorcycle maker. Harley-Davidson of Milwaukee reports a 106-million-dollar profit for October-through-December, compared to a loss of 47-million in the same quarter a year ago. Investors made 46-cents a share in the last quarter, after losing 20-cents at the same time the previous year. Sales of Harley motorcycles jumped almost 11-percent worldwide this past fall, and almost 12-percent in the U-S. Sales revenues exceeded a billion dollars, up from 917-million in the same quarter the previous year. Harley C-E-O Keith Wandell said the higher sales were due to a rise in consumer confidence, plus growth in foreign markets. But he says the company is still cautious in its expectations for the New Year. Harley-Davidson saved about as much as it expected from its re-structuring activities last year – around 217-million dollars.
1/25/12 - Wisconsin's congressional Democrats said they appreciated President Obama's vow to revive manufacturing in his State-of-the-Union address last night. But the state's Republicans said Obama's plea for economic fairness wrongly focuses on guaranteeing outcomes through government action, instead of opportunities in a free market. The Democrat Obama called for higher taxes on the rich -- a 30-percent bracket for those making over a million dollars a year. And he took another swipe at the foreclosure problem by offering a new re-financing program. The president also mentioned steps to help students afford college, and tax cuts for manufacturers. Milwaukee House Democrat Gwen Moore said Obama's policies have helped companies like Master Lock bring foreign jobs back to Wisconsin. But Sherwood Republican Reid Ribble said Obama's focus on American-made energy rang hollow when he rejected the Keystone oil pipeline last week. House G-O-P Budget Chairman Paul Ryan of Janesville said Obama quote, "recommitted to the path of debt, doubt, and decline." Menomonee Falls House Republican Jim Sensenbrenner said his chamber has focused on job creation and tax reform with no help from the Senate or White House. But Wisconsin Senate Democrat Herb Kohl said he was encouraged by Obama's focus on education both in the classroom, and with opportunities for job re-training.
Walker to Give State of the State Address Tonight
1/25/12 - Governor Scott Walker will give his second State of State address tonight and it comes under much different circumstances than his first 358-days ago. That came right after he and a new Republican legislative majority were swept into office -- and they had already achieved victories by passing a first round of job creation bills. But tonight, Walker will return to a state Assembly chamber that's been by rocked by protests ever since the Republican governor proposed a virtual end to most public union collective bargaining. His signature legislation was introduced 10 days after that first State-of-the-State address. And it divided Wisconsinites so much that it prompted hundreds of thousands of people to sign petitions for an unprecedented gubernatorial recall. Tonight, Walker spokesman Cullen Werwie says the governor will focus on the property tax savings his union law created -- plus his efforts to reduce fraud-and-waste in state government. But there might not be a lot of talk about jobs -- especially after the U-S Bureau of Labor Statistics said yesterday that Wisconsin was the only state in the country to lose private sector jobs in each of the last six months. Werwie says there have been bumps along the way, but the state is heading in the right direction.
BDCDC: Dissolve, Evolve or Revolve?
1/25/12 - The Beaver Dam Community Development Committee met last night for the first time in six months and the main agenda item was whether or not to consider dissolving the committee. The CDC was put in place back when Beaver Dam had a full-time economic development officer on the payroll. In 1997, the city decided to essentially contract out for those services and the Beaver Dam Area Development Corporation was formed. The Development Corp, a public-private partnership with the city, crunches numbers and negotiates with companies looking to set up shop behind closed doors and brings the findings to various city committees for approval. CDC Chair Robert Ballweg called the committee to session yesterday to ask if they’re still relevant, and he was met with mixed reactions. Discussion then turned to the possibility of establishing a new role for the CDC, shifting its scope to smaller projects that may not be practical or cost-effective for the Development Corp to focus on, like land purchase negotiations and downtown revitalization. Another possible new area of focus would be for the CDC to coordinate a revolving loan fund with revenues generated from the downtown Tax Increment Finance District #6, where the new Madison Place and the Lake Historic Lofts are located. Ballweg says between $25,000 and $30,000 could be accumulated annually for downtown businesses to use toward remodeling and façade improvements. After reaching consensus in committee, Ballweg agreed to meet with the city attorney, the mayor, the director of finance and officials with the Development Corp to draft a resolution outlining plans for a revolving loan fund. If the resolution is not approved by the committee and council, Ballweg says it would be time to revisit the necessity of the Community Development Committee.
UC Looking to Merge
1/25/12 - United Cooperative is seeking to merge with a company from Denmark, Wisconsin. The Beaver Dam-based company has signed a letter of intent to pursue the merger with Cooperative Services. United Co-Op President and CEO David Kramer says the agriculture industry puts a great deal of effort into improving efficiencies and sustainability so that present and future generations can continue to produce food and fuel efficiently. Kramer says the merger will provide their patron members with the equipment, products, and service needed to maximize production and survive for generations to come. Cooperative Services is projecting revenues for the fiscal year ending Jan. 31, 2012, to be in excess of $29 million. All of Cooperative Services divisions can be found at one location in Denmark; that includes feed, grain, agronomy, a Cenex convenience store, and an automotive shop. Formed in 1936, United Cooperative is a full-service cooperative with feed, grain, agronomy, fuel, lubricant, and propane locations throughout Wisconsin. They documented $525 million in sales in 2011, up $200 million from 2010, and employ about 500 full-time, part-time, and seasonal workers. United Cooperative is expected to finalize mergers with Shawano-based Mid-County Cooperative and Pulaski Chase Cooperative in February. In coming months, there will be a series of meetings with Cooperative Services’ employees and patron members about the proposed merger. Ballots will be mailed out next month. If approved, the merger will take effect April 1.
Peyer to Resign
1/25/12 - Randolph School District Superintendent Greg Peyer is resigning effective June 30th. In a letter sent to district staff members last week Peyer said that while he has enjoyed his time in Randolph he realizes that due to the size of the district and the current economic times there needs to be a restructuring of the administration. He said the board had been considering a change for some time and said would not impede the process in anyway. Peyer has been with Randolph for 5-years and says he intends to pursue other positions in education and in the business world.
Wiard Gets Probation
1/25/12 - A Horicon man who burglarized a Horicon tavern last Fourth of July weekend will spend five years on probation. Police arrested Daniel Wiard on charges of domestic battery during the early morning hours of July 3 and en route to the jail, arresting officers got word that Danny Boy’s Irish Pub in Horicon had been burglarized. The next day investigators reviewed video footage from that night and the bartender identified the suspect as a guy named “Dan” who was new to town. Wiard moved to town last June. Police executed a search warrant at his residence and recovered $2600 in small bills and a Brewers Jersey that had been on a wall in the establishment. According to the criminal complaint, the 30-year-old waited in the women’s bathroom until everyone left for the night, loaded-up a garbage can full of items from the bar, dragged the garbage can home on his bike, and then dumped the garbage can full of stolen items out in his living room. That sparked a fight with his mother that resulted in his arrest on the domestic abuse charges. Those charges were dismissed but read in last November when Wiard pleaded “no contest” to the felony burglary charge. In addition to probation, Wiard was ordered yesterday (Tu) maintain absolute sobriety but his probation officer will be able to order 30 days in jail for a first violation, 60 days in jail for a second violation and 90 days in jail for a third. A three year prison sentence was imposed and stayed but if his probation is revoked he will get credit for the 142 days he already spent behind bars.
Officials Urge Caution When Using Craigslist
1/25/12 - If you’re buying or selling an item through Craigslist, Milwaukee police suggest you only meet the other person in the transaction in a public place. Police say they are seeking a spike in robberies hitting people using the popular online classified ads site. Investigators say there have been at least a half-dozen in the last month, with four of those happening in the last week. They are following up on leads and but don’t say if they’re close to an arrest or not.
Jobs Committee Favors Mine Bill
1/25/12 - The state Assembly Jobs Committee voted 9-to-5 Tuesday in favor of a bill that tries to make it easier for a new iron ore mine to open in far northern Wisconsin. The package would streamline the process of getting state permits for iron ore mines both now and in the future. And the panel okay-ed several changes suggested by members of both parties. Local communities would get a bigger-than-expected share of tax revenues from the materials that are mined. The limit on application fees would be raised from one-point-one million dollars to two-million. There would be assurances that mining projects would follow the terms of the Great Lakes water protection agreement. And Indian tribes near proposed mines would receive copies of permit applications. But that wasn’t enough for Stevens Point Democrat Lou Molepske. He wanted tribes at the table when mining decisions are being made. But Greendale Republican Jeff Stone said it’s not the government’s responsibility to represent Indian tribes – and they can pursue their own interests on the subject. The 180-plus page bill now goes to the full Assembly for a final vote.
Kohls Expanding Business into the South
1/25/12 - The Kohl’s Department Store chain is expanding its online business in the South. The Menomonee Falls-based company announced yesterday (Tu) that it would build a distribution center in DeSoto Texas, near Dallas, to serve buyers on its Web site. The facility is expected to open this summer with about 400 new jobs. Hiring is expected to begin around March first. Kohl’s has 84 retail stores in Texas.
Harley Sales Looking Better
1/25/12 - Things are starting to look up for Wisconsin’s legendary motorcycle maker. Harley-Davidson of Milwaukee reports a 106-million-dollar profit for October-through-December, compared to a loss of 47-million in the same quarter a year ago. Investors made 46-cents a share in the last quarter, after losing 20-cents at the same time the previous year. Sales of Harley motorcycles jumped almost 11-percent worldwide this past fall, and almost 12-percent in the U-S. Sales revenues exceeded a billion dollars, up from 917-million in the same quarter the previous year. Harley C-E-O Keith Wandell said the higher sales were due to a rise in consumer confidence, plus growth in foreign markets. But he says the company is still cautious in its expectations for the New Year. Harley-Davidson saved about as much as it expected from its re-structuring activities last year – around 217-million dollars.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Top Stories January 24th
Charter School Registration Numbers Encouraging
1/24/12 - Registration for the new charter school at the former Fox Lake Elementary building is off to a good start. Interim Waupun School District Superintendent Don Childs says that in the first three days of registration being open 42-students applied. Childs told us on WBEV’s Community Comment earlier this month that they would not be able to open the doors unless at least 50 students enroll. With the early enrollment numbers Child says it’s now more likely that they’ll have to go to a lottery system to decide which kids get in and which ones don’t. Families have until March 15th to register, and Childs says if there are more than 125-registrations all students will be put into the lottery. The acronym for the school is “SAGES” which stands for “School for AGriculture and Environmental Science.” Childs says the school will teach all subject areas, with a focus on agriculture and environmental studies, and with emphasis on hands-on field work and learning through project-based learning.
Home Sales Hold Steady in Dodge County
1/24/12 - The number of homes sold by Wisconsin Realtors went up slightly in 2011, while the median price dropped by 6.4%. The Realtors Association says that its members sold just over 51,500 existing houses in Wisconsin last year -- 120 more than in 2010. There were 745 homes sold in Dodge County, one more than in 2010. In Columbia County last year there were 522 homes sold, up 23 from the previous year. Jefferson County had 741 homes sold last year, and increase of 14. There were 20 less homes sold in Washington County in 2011 compared to the previous year, for a total of 1096. Realtors' board chairman Rob Keefe said home sales lagged from last January through June because the previous year's federal tax credits had expired. The median home sales price for the year was $132,000, that’s $9000 less than in 2010. Dodge County’s median price was down $18,000 over the two-year-period to $100,000. Columbia County price-tags dropped by $12,000 to $128,000. Jefferson County was down $10,000 to $140,000. Washington County saw median home prices drop by $5000 to $180,000. Realtors' C-E-O Mike Theo says it's still a buyer's market. He says the employment picture needs to improve if home sales are to keep growing but Theo said the recent drop in the jobless rate is a quote, "welcomed sign."
Juneau Residents Deal with Power Outage
1/24/12 - Electricity was out in the city of Juneau for a couple hours Monday. It started around 10:30am when a power pole snapped, downing transmission lines near the wastewater treatment plant. The southern part of the city was affected, mostly the business district. Nearly all of the service was restored by 12:30pm. The wastewater plant remained on a back-up generator until late afternoon as crews worked to fix the utility pole.
Digital Access Meeting in Columbia County
1/24/12 - The Wisconsin Public Service Commission has scheduled a public meeting this afternoon in Columbia County on plans to expand digital access in the south-central part of the state. People attending will be asked for their input on ways to fill gaps in broadband availability. The PSC says another goal for the meeting is to get public and private investment of time and money to extend broadband service to rural areas where face-to-face interaction is even more difficult, making the service more necessary. The meeting will start at 4:30pm at the Days Inn-Portage.
Police Investigating Burglary in Waupun
1/24/12 - Authorities in Waupun are investigating a burglary at Helen’s Kitchen. Waupun Police records show the break-in at the West Main Street business happened sometime early Sunday morning. It’s believed the subjects attempted to gain entry through the rear door but were unable to get in, so they broke the glass in the front window. The safe inside the business was opened and an unknown amount of money was taken. Police were notified of the break-in around 5 a-m. Anyone with information is asked to contact Waupun police.
Teens Should Avoid Felony Record
1/24/12 - Three area teens who were arrested after rifling through vehicles – or “car-shopping” as they called it – should be able to avoid a felony record. The trio was arrested in Randolph last March when they came across a brief case with $600 cash inside. One teen entered into a deferred prosecution agreement yesterday and will have the felony dropped if he stays out of trouble during the one-year probation. Two others previously pled to reduced misdemeanor charges and were also placed on probation. All three also ordered to pay restitution and perform community service.
Asboth Gets Two Months in Jail
1/24/12 - A former Beaver Dam man will spend at least two-months in jail for stealing from a family member. Cody Asboth of West Bend faced up to six years in prison on a felony charge but yesterday he pled to reduced misdemeanor charges of Theft. Authorities say the 19-year-old moved in with the family member in 2008 and in the years that followed stole as much as $10,000 in cash, a coin collection and jewelry. He pawned the items for around $2700. Asboth ordered to serve 150 days in the Dodge County Jail, but 90 days was stayed by the judge and the remainder will be served with Huber privileges so he can attend school.
Man Who Escaped Dahmer Gets 18-months in Prison
1/24/12 - The man who led Milwaukee Police to serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer in 1991 was sentenced to 18 months in prison today. Authorities said Tracy Edwards helped another man throw Johnny Jordan into the Milwaukee River last July. The 43-year-old Jordan drowned after the three men argued on a downtown Milwaukee bridge. The other defendant, 44-year-old Timothy Carr, was sentenced Friday to four years in prison. The 52-year-old Edwards pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of aiding a felon, and he must spend two years under extended supervision when he leaves prison. Both sides asked Circuit Judge Rebecca Dallet to give Edwards probation for lying to police about the incident. But the judge said Edwards deserved some prison time because at age 52, he should have known better. The judge also gave Edwards credit for 191 days he spent in jail since his arrest. He and Carr must also pay a combined 25-hundred dollars in restitution to Jordan's family. Edwards escaped from Dahmer's clutches in 1991, and led him to police. Dahmer later admitted killing 17 young men and boys before the killer was later murdered in prison.
Senators to Vote on Special Education Bill
1/24/12 - Wisconsin senators are expected to vote today (Tue) on a bill to limit seclusions and physical restraints of students. Advocates for children with special needs have been pushing for the measure, saying it's those youngsters who are most likely to be restrained or placed in time-out rooms due to outbursts. The bill prohibits certain restraints altogether, like those which don't protect children's heads. It gives procedures on when it's appropriate to restrain or seclude youngsters -- and the practices would have to be done by trained personnel with a goal to encourage positive behavior. The issue has been discussed nationally, but a similar bill in Congress has not gone anywhere. Also today, the state Senate is scheduled to vote on letting high schools hand out vocational diplomas based on credits for vocational-and-technical classes.
Big Contract Under Review
1/24/12 - Some lawmakers in South Dakota are grumbling after a Wisconsin company earned a five-million-dollar contract to recruit a-thousand new workers to that state. Governor Dennis Daugaard recently said that Milwaukee's Manpower Incorporated won a contract to get financial service and information technology workers to move to South Dakota -- along with factory and engineering workers. But two similar firms that in the state, Dakota Staffing and Careers Unlimited, said they were never aware that such a contract went up for bids. And lawmakers say they want more information before giving final approval to the idea. Policy adviser Kim Olson said the governor's office went beyond the legal process for seeking bids. Olson said the state did not have to publish a request for proposals in newspapers, but it did so anyway in November. Olson said the plan was posted on two Web sites, and 122 vendors who signed up for state contract notifications were alerted.
Alda Coming to Wisconsin to Help Train Actors
1/24/12 - Alan Alda will help train aspiring actors in southeast Wisconsin in 2013. The former "MASH" star will be the master teacher in next July's fellowship program at Ten Chimneys at Genesee Depot in Waukesha County. Ten Chimneys is the historic estate of theater legends Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne. The Ten Chimneys Foundation says Alda will focus on spontaneity during his week-long program. Broadway star Joel Grey will be this year's master teacher in July. Ten Chimneys is located in the town where Lunt was born. He died in 1977, and Fontanne died in 1983.
1/24/12 - Registration for the new charter school at the former Fox Lake Elementary building is off to a good start. Interim Waupun School District Superintendent Don Childs says that in the first three days of registration being open 42-students applied. Childs told us on WBEV’s Community Comment earlier this month that they would not be able to open the doors unless at least 50 students enroll. With the early enrollment numbers Child says it’s now more likely that they’ll have to go to a lottery system to decide which kids get in and which ones don’t. Families have until March 15th to register, and Childs says if there are more than 125-registrations all students will be put into the lottery. The acronym for the school is “SAGES” which stands for “School for AGriculture and Environmental Science.” Childs says the school will teach all subject areas, with a focus on agriculture and environmental studies, and with emphasis on hands-on field work and learning through project-based learning.
Home Sales Hold Steady in Dodge County
1/24/12 - The number of homes sold by Wisconsin Realtors went up slightly in 2011, while the median price dropped by 6.4%. The Realtors Association says that its members sold just over 51,500 existing houses in Wisconsin last year -- 120 more than in 2010. There were 745 homes sold in Dodge County, one more than in 2010. In Columbia County last year there were 522 homes sold, up 23 from the previous year. Jefferson County had 741 homes sold last year, and increase of 14. There were 20 less homes sold in Washington County in 2011 compared to the previous year, for a total of 1096. Realtors' board chairman Rob Keefe said home sales lagged from last January through June because the previous year's federal tax credits had expired. The median home sales price for the year was $132,000, that’s $9000 less than in 2010. Dodge County’s median price was down $18,000 over the two-year-period to $100,000. Columbia County price-tags dropped by $12,000 to $128,000. Jefferson County was down $10,000 to $140,000. Washington County saw median home prices drop by $5000 to $180,000. Realtors' C-E-O Mike Theo says it's still a buyer's market. He says the employment picture needs to improve if home sales are to keep growing but Theo said the recent drop in the jobless rate is a quote, "welcomed sign."
Juneau Residents Deal with Power Outage
1/24/12 - Electricity was out in the city of Juneau for a couple hours Monday. It started around 10:30am when a power pole snapped, downing transmission lines near the wastewater treatment plant. The southern part of the city was affected, mostly the business district. Nearly all of the service was restored by 12:30pm. The wastewater plant remained on a back-up generator until late afternoon as crews worked to fix the utility pole.
Digital Access Meeting in Columbia County
1/24/12 - The Wisconsin Public Service Commission has scheduled a public meeting this afternoon in Columbia County on plans to expand digital access in the south-central part of the state. People attending will be asked for their input on ways to fill gaps in broadband availability. The PSC says another goal for the meeting is to get public and private investment of time and money to extend broadband service to rural areas where face-to-face interaction is even more difficult, making the service more necessary. The meeting will start at 4:30pm at the Days Inn-Portage.
Police Investigating Burglary in Waupun
1/24/12 - Authorities in Waupun are investigating a burglary at Helen’s Kitchen. Waupun Police records show the break-in at the West Main Street business happened sometime early Sunday morning. It’s believed the subjects attempted to gain entry through the rear door but were unable to get in, so they broke the glass in the front window. The safe inside the business was opened and an unknown amount of money was taken. Police were notified of the break-in around 5 a-m. Anyone with information is asked to contact Waupun police.
Teens Should Avoid Felony Record
1/24/12 - Three area teens who were arrested after rifling through vehicles – or “car-shopping” as they called it – should be able to avoid a felony record. The trio was arrested in Randolph last March when they came across a brief case with $600 cash inside. One teen entered into a deferred prosecution agreement yesterday and will have the felony dropped if he stays out of trouble during the one-year probation. Two others previously pled to reduced misdemeanor charges and were also placed on probation. All three also ordered to pay restitution and perform community service.
Asboth Gets Two Months in Jail
1/24/12 - A former Beaver Dam man will spend at least two-months in jail for stealing from a family member. Cody Asboth of West Bend faced up to six years in prison on a felony charge but yesterday he pled to reduced misdemeanor charges of Theft. Authorities say the 19-year-old moved in with the family member in 2008 and in the years that followed stole as much as $10,000 in cash, a coin collection and jewelry. He pawned the items for around $2700. Asboth ordered to serve 150 days in the Dodge County Jail, but 90 days was stayed by the judge and the remainder will be served with Huber privileges so he can attend school.
Man Who Escaped Dahmer Gets 18-months in Prison
1/24/12 - The man who led Milwaukee Police to serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer in 1991 was sentenced to 18 months in prison today. Authorities said Tracy Edwards helped another man throw Johnny Jordan into the Milwaukee River last July. The 43-year-old Jordan drowned after the three men argued on a downtown Milwaukee bridge. The other defendant, 44-year-old Timothy Carr, was sentenced Friday to four years in prison. The 52-year-old Edwards pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of aiding a felon, and he must spend two years under extended supervision when he leaves prison. Both sides asked Circuit Judge Rebecca Dallet to give Edwards probation for lying to police about the incident. But the judge said Edwards deserved some prison time because at age 52, he should have known better. The judge also gave Edwards credit for 191 days he spent in jail since his arrest. He and Carr must also pay a combined 25-hundred dollars in restitution to Jordan's family. Edwards escaped from Dahmer's clutches in 1991, and led him to police. Dahmer later admitted killing 17 young men and boys before the killer was later murdered in prison.
Senators to Vote on Special Education Bill
1/24/12 - Wisconsin senators are expected to vote today (Tue) on a bill to limit seclusions and physical restraints of students. Advocates for children with special needs have been pushing for the measure, saying it's those youngsters who are most likely to be restrained or placed in time-out rooms due to outbursts. The bill prohibits certain restraints altogether, like those which don't protect children's heads. It gives procedures on when it's appropriate to restrain or seclude youngsters -- and the practices would have to be done by trained personnel with a goal to encourage positive behavior. The issue has been discussed nationally, but a similar bill in Congress has not gone anywhere. Also today, the state Senate is scheduled to vote on letting high schools hand out vocational diplomas based on credits for vocational-and-technical classes.
Big Contract Under Review
1/24/12 - Some lawmakers in South Dakota are grumbling after a Wisconsin company earned a five-million-dollar contract to recruit a-thousand new workers to that state. Governor Dennis Daugaard recently said that Milwaukee's Manpower Incorporated won a contract to get financial service and information technology workers to move to South Dakota -- along with factory and engineering workers. But two similar firms that in the state, Dakota Staffing and Careers Unlimited, said they were never aware that such a contract went up for bids. And lawmakers say they want more information before giving final approval to the idea. Policy adviser Kim Olson said the governor's office went beyond the legal process for seeking bids. Olson said the state did not have to publish a request for proposals in newspapers, but it did so anyway in November. Olson said the plan was posted on two Web sites, and 122 vendors who signed up for state contract notifications were alerted.
Alda Coming to Wisconsin to Help Train Actors
1/24/12 - Alan Alda will help train aspiring actors in southeast Wisconsin in 2013. The former "MASH" star will be the master teacher in next July's fellowship program at Ten Chimneys at Genesee Depot in Waukesha County. Ten Chimneys is the historic estate of theater legends Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne. The Ten Chimneys Foundation says Alda will focus on spontaneity during his week-long program. Broadway star Joel Grey will be this year's master teacher in July. Ten Chimneys is located in the town where Lunt was born. He died in 1977, and Fontanne died in 1983.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Top Stories, January 22nd
Archbishop Dolan Coming To Region This Spring
1/22/12 - Former Milwaukee Catholic Archbishop Tim Dolan will return to Wisconsin this spring to celebrate his elevation to cardinal. He’ll preside over a Mass at Holy Hill near Hartford on the afternoon of April 28th. The Vatican announced two weeks ago that Dolan is among 22 prelates to be elevated to cardinals during a ceremony in Rome next month. He led the Catholic Church in 10 southeast Wisconsin counties – including Dodge County – from 2002 until about three years ago, when he became the Archbishop of New York. While in Milwaukee, Dolan had a special relationship with the National Shrine of Mary at Holy Hill. He helped the shrine get designated as a basilica, and he presided over a Mass to celebrate the honor in 2006. The shrine’s rector, Father Don Brick, says he’s excited that Dolan’s coming back. He says it will apparently be the first time that a cardinal presides over a Mass at Holy Hill – and he expects all of the shrine’s 15-hundred seats to be full for that service.
DMV Expanded Hours Begin This Week
1/22/12 - The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is expanding its DMV service center hours statewide. Kristina Boardman, with the Division of Motor Vehicles says "Beginning the week of January 23, all of Wisconsin’s 72 counties will have a DMV service center offering at least 20 hours per week of driver license, skills testing and identification card services. This expansion is a requirement of the current state budget." Four new service center locations include Alma in Buffalo County; Eau Claire South in Eau Claire County; Keshena in Menominee County; and Viroqua in Vernon County. There will be no change in hours at the Beaver Dam Service Center on Plaza Drive, which serves the Dodge County area. Statewide DMV service hours will increase by more than 625 hours each week, or more than 32,000 hours a year. A list of DMV locations, hours and services is on the Web at www.wisconsindmv.gov.
Alliant Energy CEO To Retire
1/22/12 - The chairman and CEO of Alliant Energy says he will retire at the end of March. William Harvey has led the energy company for the last six years. He’s been with the company for 25 years, since it was known as WPL Holdings. The company’s board of directors has chosen Patricia Kampling to take over for Harvey. That will happen April 1st. Kampling came to work for Alliant in 2005.
Wisconsin Attracting Less Start-Up Capital
1/22/12 - New Wisconsin companies attracted a lot less start-up capital last year. According to the national “Money Tree Report,” 72-million-dollars in venture capital was raised in the Badger State in 2011. That’s about 40-percent less than the previous year, at a time when venture capital grew by 22-percent nationally. Wisconsin firms only attract less than one-percent of the nation’s total venture capital investments. Therefore, John Neis of Venture Investors in Madison says it’s hard to draw conclusions. But in general, he says the state’s situation is lagging behind the nation as a whole. Majority Republicans are trying to do something about that by drafting a bill to provide millions in state funds for venture capital. But the measure has been held up over an insistence by some lawmakers to allow certified capital companies, or CAPCOs, to get state money. That’s drawn criticism by many lawmakers, after a similar program in 1999 saw one company get around eight-million tax dollars without investing it. At last word, CAPCOs have been removed from the latest venture capital bill – but supporters say there might not be enough time to pass a measure before the legislative session ends in March.
Assembly To Consider Mining Law Tweaks
1/22/12 - Republicans in the Wisconsin Assembly say they want to make small changes in the mining bill being considered to route more tax money to local governments. Party members released a bill last month aimed at helping Gogebic Taconite brings hundreds of jobs to the area by building an iron mine in the Penokee Hills. That legislation called for half of the revenue from a state tax on ore sales to go to local governments. The change proposed by the GOP would increase the local share to 60 percent. A legislative committee is expected to approve the bill next Tuesday.
Principal Accused of Selling Pot
1/22/12 - The Antigo High School football coach, who’s also an elementary principal, was one of three people charged Friday in a marijuana sales ring. 47-year-old John Lund was charged in Langlade County Circuit Court, more than seven weeks after he was put on paid administrative leave. He faces eight felony counts of possessing, manufacturing, and delivering marijuana – and maintaining a drug trafficking place. Twenty-six similar charges were filed against 55-year-old Scot Peterson of Antigo. And three counts were levied against 46-year-old Bradley Maahs of Wittenberg. All three are scheduled to make initial court appearances on Monday. Authorities said they found drug evidence when they searched the homes of Peterson and Maahs in late November and early December. Peterson reportedly told investigators he bought marijuana and re-sold it to others, naming 10 people. Lund apparently told officers in late November he received the drug from the other defendants several times – and he also sold marijuana to Peterson so he could distribute it to others. The Antigo School District refused comment on thecharges, and said it would review Lund’s administrative leave status this week. The School District sent parents a letter in early December saying Lund was put on leave. He was the principal of Pleasant View and West elementary schools in Antigo.
Teacher Accused of Relationship With Former Student
1/22/12 - A teacher at Hales Corners Lutheran School could spend up to nine months in jail if he’s convicted of having a relationship with teenager. Craig Perino is accused of having sex with a 16-year-old girl who was a former student. Perino was charged in Racine County Court last week. He has been suspended from his job as a middle school teacher. Perino told police he knew the victim from the time when he was a student at his school. He reportedly confirmed sex contact had happened.
Plea Set For Prisoner Who Made Fake University
1/22/12 - A state prisoner is scheduled to enter a plea February 10th to creating a fake university, and encouraging a fellow inmate to enroll and pay tuition. Prosecutors labeled 45-year-old Kenneth Shong as a career con-man with eight aliases. He was ordered Friday to stand trial on a felony fraud charge. Investigators said he was serving time in the state prison at Oshkosh in 2006 when he set up Carlingford University, and convinced a fellow inmate to enroll. The inmate reportedly had his mother send a check for 17-hundred-dollars in tuition to Carlingford’s campus in Mobile Alabama – which turned out to be a post office box set up by Shong. Investigators also said a convicted sex offender from Green Bay had persuaded another inmate to enroll in the fake school – and the sex offender created his own post office box and got help from another Green Bay man to set up a Web site. State corrections’ officials have not said whether the sex offender or his alleged helper would face charges.
UW Scientist Suspends Bird Flu Research
1/22/12 - U-W Madison scientist Yoshihiro Kawaoka joined others Friday in suspending their research into the potentially-deadly bird flu. About three dozen scientists said they would “pause” their studies for 60 days, while international specialists discuss what should be done with the products of their work. Researchers at the U-W and Erasmus University in the Netherlands created a lab version of the bird flu to study how the disease would threaten people. But U-S officials who funded the studies urged the scientists last month not to publicize the formulas of their lab flu, so bio-terrorists would not steal it and the strains don’t escape if an accident were to happen. The scientists reluctantly agreed not to publish all of the details, as long as the government comes up with a system to give the data to scientists who need to know the formula for their own research. The National Institutes of Health is working on the system. In announcing their “pause,” Kawaoka and the other researchers called for an international public meeting to debate the best ways for scientists to learn safely about what’s been developed so far.
Wisconsin Ag Trade With Vietnam Likely
1/22/12 - It might take a few years, but it seems clear that Wisconsin’s agriculture industry will do more trade business with Vietnam. State Ag Secretary Ben Brancel and his department’s international consultant, Jennifer Lu, went on a trade mission to Vietnam last week to look for exporting opportunities. Brancel tells Brownfield Ag News that Vietnam has a fast-growing economy with a rapid growth in dairy consumption, and 80-percent of their disposable income is spent on food. Brancel said he and Lu were surprised when the Vietnamese said they wanted a-thousand dairy heifers and 30 embryos from Wisconsin. Only a limited amount of land is available in that country. And Brancel said it’s more suitable for confinement-based cattle which are common in the U-S – and they’ll need to import grains to feed whatever cows they get. Also, the state’s ag leader says Vietnam’s population is growing by 900-thousand people a year – and the country’s own dairy industry won’t be able to keep up with the increasing demand. Brancel says the state will work with the U-S-D-A to find people interested in doing business with Vietnam – and it will take a few years to build the necessary relationships.
Top Stories, January 21st
Fire At Sensient Flavors
1/21/12 - Crews from three departments and the Dodge County Hazmat Team responded to a fire Friday night at Sensient Flavors. Juneau Fire Chief Curt Ninmann says the structure fire at 330 South Mill Street was reported at 7:45pm. The blaze started in an oil heater dryer, was brought under control within 35 minutes and was contained to a mechanical room. Ninmann says oil and water run-off in the building was handled by the plant’s internal wastewater treatment facility, with the remaining run-off from fire fighting operations outside the building was controlled by the Dodge County HAZMAT team. A private contractor was contacted to dispose of the waste run-off. The Juneau Fire Department was assisted by Clyman Fire Department and Horicon Fire Department.
Philbin Takes Dolphins Head Coaching Job
1/21/12 - Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin has been named head coach for the Miami Dolphins. Philbin earned the head coaching job just two weeks after his son died and one week after the Packers were knocked out of the NFL playoffs. Philbin first interviewed for the Dolphin job January 7th. His son Michael’s body was found the next day. Philbin has coached with the Packers since 2003 and has been offensive coordinator since 2007. He got the job after Miami’s first choice, Jeff Fisher, turned the team down to become head coach of the St. Louis Rams. The Dolphins are coming off three straight losing seasons – something that hadn’t happened for nearly 50 years. The team hasn’t reached the Super Bowl in 27 years.
Alcohol Suspected In Early Morning Runoffs
1/21/12 - Authorities in Dodge County responded to numerous runoffs throughout the day yesterday and at least personal injury accident. There were three runoffs reported Saturday morning between 3:15am and 4am and all three may have been alcohol-related. The first runoff happened on Highway 68 in the Town of Trenton. Two passengers were sitting in the back seat after the driver had apparently taken off on foot and was later apprehended. A 24-year-old Beaver Dam woman was transported to the hospital for a legal blood draw. Five minutes later, deputies were called to a car in a ditch on Woodland Road in the Town of Herman. A 49-year-old man was cited for his first OWI with a blood alcohol level over twice the legal limit. A half-hour later, another runoff this time on Highway 175 in the Town of Theresa, where a truck was trying to pull a van out of the ditch. A 64-year-old Theresa man, who owned both vehicles, had a blood alcohol level that was just over the legal limit for driving.
Dahmer Tipster To Be Sentenced Monday
1/21/12 - A man who admitted throwing another man to his death off a bridge in downtown Milwaukee was sentenced Friday to four years in prison. 45-year-old Timothy Carr of Milwaukee must also spend five years under extended supervision. Police said he and Tracy Edwards threw 43-year-old Johnny Jordan into the Milwaukee River where he drowned. It happened last July while the three were arguing. Carr jumped in to try and save Jordan – but it was too late, and police pulled the two out of the water. Carr pleaded guilty to reckless endangerment. Edwards – who’s known for leading Milwaukee Police to serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer in 1991 – will have his case settled on Monday. He struck a plea deal on his charges.
Milwaukee Man Gets Life In Random Shooting
1/21/12 - An 18-year-old Milwaukee man will spend the rest of his life in prison for the random murder of a teenage girl 13 months ago. A judge refused Friday to give Marcus Evans any chance for a supervised release. He was carrying a shotgun he had just pointed at his mother when he spotted 17-year-old Jonoshia Alexander on December 15th of 2010. Evans didn’t know the girl, but he forced her into an alley where he shot her twice in the head. Alexander was walking home from a north side Milwaukee bus stop, on her way home from a high school dance practice. According to the Journal Sentinel, Evans was born with cocaine in his system to a schizo-phrenic father and a mother with bi-polar disorder. When he was 15, Evans shot and wounded a cousin, and was given 14 months in juvenile detention. He killed Alexander six months after he left the institution.
BDPD Investigating Tavern Theft
1/21/12 - The Beaver Dam Police Department is investigating the theft of money from a local tavern. Owners with Dino’s Bar and Grill on 400 South Center Street reported to police Thursday morning that someone had stolen three bags of money sometime after closing. Anyone with information should contact the Beaver Dam Police Department.
Officials: ‘Clearview On-Time, On-Budget’
1/21/12 - Dodge County officials say the renovation of the new Clearview Long-term Care and Rehabilitation facility in Juneau is on time and on budget. The construction is currently in Phase Two of the $44.5-million project, with most of the outside work completed by the end of 2011. When it’s done, the state-of-the-art facility will have 236 beds. Currently there are 110 residents living in the newest portion of the building that was part of Phase One and completed last summer, while the remaining residents are still being housed in the older building. Officials are planning a dedication ceremony on June 30, which would be two-years to the day that ground was broken. It’s expected that all residents will be moved in by mid-August. Clearview serves the county’s aging population as well as those with behavioral and mental health issues and also has one of only three brain injury rehabilitation centers in the state.
Columbus Council To Consider Liquor License Request
1/21/12 - The “Doo Drop Inn Bar and Grill” passed an initial Columbus liquor license hearing this week. Applicant Roger Kennedy plans to rent – with an option to buy – the former Fireman’s Tap building at James and Water streets. Kennedy says he plans to operate the downtown building as a Bar and Grill. The Fireman’s Tap closed its’ doors in 2006 and the building has remained vacant. The City Council will vote on approving the Class B beer & liquor license on February 7th.
Columbus Sleigh Rally A Go
1/21/12 - The current snowy weather has been helpful for the Columbus “Sleigh Rally and Festival” planned for February 11 at Fireman’s Park. The City and the Wisconsin Horse Council have been planning the winter event. Festival Coordinator Melanie Lichtfield told the City Council this week that registrations for the event continue to come in. Horse show competition and sleigh rides are planned for the outside events. Planners are also including a chili cook off, model horse show, cake walk and cookie decorating inside the Park Pavilion.
Gableman Refusing To Recuse Himself
1/21/12 - Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Michael Gableman says he won’t recuse himself from three cases. One of them is an attempt to reopen last year’s decision allowing the governor’s controversial collective bargaining law to go into effect. Attorneys involved in the cases asked Gableman to step aside because parties on the other side of the lawsuit had been represented by the firm which defended Gableman against an ethics violation. The justice wasn’t billed for the legal services. Gableman cited Supreme Court decisions in similar cases and comments by Chief Justice John Roberts about withdrawal decisions. The full Supreme Court could still force Gableman off the cases.
Wetlands Bill Heading To Senate
1/21/12 - A bill that could make it easier to build on Wisconsin wetlands is on its way to the state Senate. Four Republicans voted yes, and three Democrats voted no when the Senate Natural Resources Committee endorsed the measure. The chief sponsor, panel chairman Neal Kedzie of Elkhorn, calls the changes an improvement over the D-N-R’s present policy – which puts a major burden on developers to have little-or-no net damage to wetlands. The bill would make a number of changes in the process of getting state permits to fill in wetlands. They include the preparing of a mitigation plan in which developers would either have to create new wetlands, pay the D-N-R to support its efforts to restore wetlands, or buy credits from groups that have restored wetlands. The bill’s supporters say builders would get new ways to prove that they can offset damage to valuable wetlands. But conservation groups fear that it would open the door to more losses of wetlands, claiming that mitigation would be the prime choice. They also accused Kedzie of trying to ram the bill through – something Kedzie denied. He says he’s just trying to open up some options, and the Wisconsin Wetlands Association supports the bill. Business, home-building, and road-building groups are also behind it. Wetlands are valuable for soaking up water and preventing floods. The D-N-R says about half of Wisconsin’s wetlands have been lost to agriculture and construction over the last 150 years.
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