Top Stories, January 20th

Fox Lake Residents Face Sewer Line Replacement

1/20/11 - City officials in Fox Lake could be having some residents replace their sewer laterals this summer. In an effort to reduce flooding problems, utility officials have identified the need to replace many of the sewer pipes that runs from a private residence to the city-owned sewer line. While costs will vary depending on the length of the lateral, estimates are in the $3000 range. Residents would be required to hire their own private contractor and secure their own funding. Rather than testing every property, City Administrator Bill Petracek says they would identify problem laterals only during major street projects, when the water main is replaced or if discovered during routine, day-to-day maintenance. There are three such projects planned for this year and testing would be done to determine if the ten affected property owners need to repair or replace or do nothing with their laterals. There is already an ordinance on the books requiring property owners with defective laterals to address the defect or face fines. At the next Fox Lake Common Council meeting, city leaders are expected to act on a resolution that would authorize the utility to move forward with enforcement in future projects.

OSHA Recognizes Waupun Business For Safety

1/20/11 - A Waupun business has been recognized by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration for their commitment to running a safe and productive work site. The Flint Hills Resources fuel terminal has achieved “Star” status under OSHA’s Volunteer Protection Program. OSHA determines the designation through site visits, interviews with employees and management personnel, annual evaluation and document review. Criteria for the recognition include: hazard prevention and control, safety and health training, management leadership and employee involvement. Flint Hills spokesman Jake Reint (rent) says the recognition is only possible because of the hard work of their employees. The terminal on State Highway 26 in Waupun, has not had an injury or illness recorded during the three-year review period. In addition, OSHA found that the work site appropriately controls any potential hazards and diligently provides safety and health training for employees. Flint Hills Resources in based in Wichita, Kansas and is the leading provider of transportation fuels used in the Upper Midwest. The company’s terminals in Milwaukee and Madison were also given “Star” stats under OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Program.

The Dead Maybe Grateful But Counties Are Not

1/20/11 - A lack of government money is causing Wisconsin’s funeral homes and medical examiners to do what the state once did – bury the poor and the lonely. The state pays up to 25-hundred-dollars to buy paupers who qualify for Medicaid. But for those who don’t qualify, morticians are often on their own after the state cut off general assistance payments for county burials in 2009. Madison funeral director Pete Gunderson tells the Wisconsin State Journal said his company handled about 60 pauper burials in 2005 – and that number skyrocketed to 200 last year. Most qualify for Medicaid, but Gunderson paid for about 40 burials that used to be covered by county assistance. Dodge County Medical Examiner P.J Schobel says in 2009 they were forced to pay for as many as five burials but only one or two last year. He says many of the area funeral homes are good at working with families living on limited means and helping them give their loved ones a proper burial.

Columbus Establishes Energy Commission

1/20/11 - The Columbus Council passed an ordinance Tuesday night changing their Energy Task Force from an Ad Hoc committee status to a Commission. The newly created “Greater Columbus Energy Task Force Commission” will be making recommendations regarding Energy conservation and sustainability projects and activities. The City is requesting Water and Light “one per cent” funds be used to fund projects recommended by the commission. Commission members will be appointed by the Mayor.

Board To Consider HS Math Change

1/20/11 - The Beaver Dam High School could be moving towards teaching just one track of math. Currently there are two tracks of math being taught. The one most of us grew up with is called Traditional math and consists of Algebra, Geometry and Calculus. The other is called CORE mathematics which emphasizes real-world applications and teaching and learning math through problem solving. Superintendent Steve Vessey says the university system in the state has made it clear to them that they would like students to have a traditional math background. Because of that the district is planning several meetings that will involve input from the community and parents in determining how they should proceed. Vessey says they hope to have a plan submitted to the board by June and to implement it beginning with the 2012-2013 school year.

Hearing On Horicon Principal Contract Cancelled

1/20/11 -- A hearing on the contract for an assistant principal at the Horicon High School has been canceled. Jeff Higgins, who is also the athletic director, had requested a hearing in front of the school board to discuss their decision to issue a preliminary notice of non-renewal of his contract. That meeting was slated for last Monday but was postponed to allow for Higgins newly obtained attorney to review all of the information. A second hearing was scheduled for last night, but at the request of Higgins and his attorney, the meeting was canceled. It’s unclear if another one will be scheduled, but Superintendent Gary Berger says he expects a final resolution to the matter at the school board’s meeting next Monday. Higgins was put on administrative leave, while serving as Principal of the high school, in early June when issues between he and his staff came to light, but was reinstated in August. Berger said last month that non-renewal isn’t based solely on this summer’s events, and that the school board is looking at the big picture.

La Crosse Deputy Charged With Reckless Homicide

1/20/11 - A La Crosse County sheriff’s deputy has been charged with negligent homicide for allegedly causing a traffic crash last summer that killed a teenager. The state Justice Department announced the felony charge today against deputy Trisha Stratman. She’s scheduled to make her initial court appearance on February fourth. Officials said Stratman drove through a red light at 90-miles-an-hour with her siren and lights activated – and her squad car collided with a vehicle driven by 16-year-old Brandon Jennings, a Holmen High School student. He was ejected from the vehicle, and was not wearing a seat-belt. The crash happened last July 18th on County Trunk “O-T” near La Crosse. The State Patrol investigated the incident, and the Justice Department is a special prosecutor in the case.

Packers Flag To Fly Over Illinois Capital

1/20/11 - Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker announced his bet Wednesday with Illinois Governor Pat Quinn on Sunday’s N-F-C Championship Game. The governor who loses the bet in the Packer-Bear game will have to volunteer in a food pantry in the winner’s state, while wearing a shirt from the opponents’ team. Also, Walker says the loser must fly the opposing team’s flag at his governor’s office a day before the Super Bowl. Walker asked Wisconsinites on Twitter for ideas about what his bet should be. And he said people had some great ideas. Some offered Wisconsin cranberries, brats, and Door County cherries – and those items will be donated to food pantries.