Code Red Utilized Twice In One Week
9/8/11 - Dodge County’s Code Red system has been used twice in one week to help in locating two different missing Beaver Dam children. Code Red is a reverse 911-system put in place in the county back in 2009 to alert residents of emergency situations with a round of phone calls covering a pre-determined geographical area. Beaver Dam Police Lt. Brandon Stommel tells us that it is rare to deal with a missing child alert in Beaver Dam, let alone twice in one week. As it turns out, both the children who went missing were friends though they were not together at the time of their disappearances. Stommel says Code Red helped locate a missing boy last Friday. The missing boy from last night was found by his mother, but Stommel said Code Red did generate a lot of valuable leads.
Dodge County Emergency Management Director Joe Meagher is asking residents to register there cell phones with the county so as to receive “Code Red” calls. Meagher says they’ve only used the Code Red system a half dozen times since its implementation. Three times were for missing children. It was also used for a boil water order, a gas leak and following the explosion at Columbus Chemical to alert residents of a potential air-born hazard. Meagher says the county is only able to contact residents who are listed in the phone book, or those who register their cell phones. For more information or to register your cell phone number, Meagher encourages you to visit the county’s website at www.co.dodge.wi.us.
Code Red has presented officials with some problems, most notably the phone calls directed at Dodge County dispatchers from people that just have questions but have no information. Meagher urges the public to contact law enforcement following a Code Red only if you have relevant information related to the emergency.
Cell Phone Donations Encouraged At Hero’s Festival
9/8/11 - The American Hero’s Music Festival will mark its third year this weekend at Beaver Dam’s Swan Park. New this year will be a cell phone collection drive for soldier’s overseas. Kay Appenfeldt with the sponsoring agency The Exchange Club of Beaver Dam says the AT&T Pioneers group is collecting the used phones. For each cell phone, the company will donate a $25 gift card to a soldier stationed overseas. All date will be securely erased and the type of phone does not matter. Exchange Club President Muriel Harper says they are also inviting attendees this year to sign a banner for local troops who will be shipping out later this month as part of the West Bend-based 238th Aviation Regiment. The event this year was expanded to two days, complete with another parade through the downtown to the event site at Swan Park. Music entertainment on the state includes Alexis, Oil Can Harry, Crystal Waters, The Elwood Lee Band and Joe Cantafio and the 101st Rock Division Band. The American Hero’s Music Festival will be held tomorrow from 5pm to 10:30pm and on Saturday from 11am to 10:30pm. The parade kicks things off on Saturday and entries are being accepted. The Exchange Club is looking for patriotically-themed entries, bands, military vehicles. Contact Don Laabs 887-1253 or Kay Appenfeldt 887-1693
Hartford CEO Found Competent In Attempted Homicide Trial
9/8/11 - A retired C-E-O of Wisconsin’s largest electric utility has been ruled mentally competent to stand trial on allegations that he tried killing his wife. Washington County Circuit Judge Todd Martens has ruled that 85-year-old Charles McNeer of Hartford can help prepare his own defense. In late July, the judge said McNeer was incompetent to stand trial. The defendant was getting treatment at the time at the state’s mental health facility in Madison. McNeer is due back in court on October 19th. He’s charged with attempted homicide for allegedly trying to kill his wife Ann in late June. Authorities said he struck the woman several times in the head with a hammer. He told investigators his own health was failing – and he did not think his wife could live without him. McNeer was the chairman of the Wisconsin Energy Corporation from 1975 through 1991.
Columbus Has New City Attorney
9/8/11 - Columbus will be getting a new City Attorney for the first time in 22 years. The City Council this week approved a two year contract with Lathrop and Clark, a Madison-based law firm. Paul A. Johnson of Lathrop and Clark’s Lodi office will be representing the City beginning in January of 2012. Council Member Roger Sneath was quick to commend outgoing City Attorney Randy Lueders. Lueders will continue to work with the new Attorney till July 1, 2012.
Columbus Safe Routes To School Program Criticized
9/8/11 - The first year of the Columbus “Safe Routes to School” program is receiving criticism. The program to promote safe walking and biking to and from school has received complaints about traffic patterns in the elementary and middle school areas. The Safe Routes to School “Committee” has been working on the new traffic pattern plan for over two years. From discussions at this week’s Council meeting it appears that plan tweaking between City Engineering, school officials, police officers and public works employees will be needed.
Separate Election Probably Needed For Gubernatorial Recalls
9/8/11 - The head of Wisconsin’s elections agency says he believes two separate petitions-and-elections would be needed to recall the governor and lieutenant governor. But Kevin Kennedy says he’ll ask the board to seek a legal opinion from the attorney general on that, when the board meets on Monday. Democrats and union supporters are talking about recalling Republican Governor Scott Walker early next year. But Walker and Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch were elected as a team last November. And the state Constitution says nothing about their having to be recalled together. Only the process for calling a single elected official is mentioned. If opponents want to recall both Walker and Kleefisch, Kennedy says they’ll need to get 540-thousand valid signatures statewide to order recall elections for each official – and then the elections would be held separately. Republican Attorney General J-B Van Hollen has not weighed in on the subject. Under Kennedy’s view, voters could replace Governor Walker with a Democrat, while Republicans would still control the lieutenant governor’s office – which is a heartbeat away from the top job.
Dodge Dem’s Chair Discusses Candidate Announcement Timing
9/8/11 - More than a year before next fall’s general election, the Chair of the Dodge County Democratic Party says it is the right time for a local candidate to declare his campaign for Assembly. Peggy Slez says the group has a plan with what they’d like to see happen in the 39th Assembly District and that plan is James Grigg, the current mayor of Horicon. The Assembly seat is currently held by former Beaver Dam councilmen and Horicon resident Jeff Fitzgerald, who heads the Assembly majority. Slez says her group debated the timing and determined with Fitzgerald possibly running for US Senate, it is best to give people a good understanding of the possible future direction of the district sooner rather than later. Grigg – who worked for 35 years in manufacturing – identifies himself as a candidate who supports collective bargaining.
Two Democrats Announce Senate Bids
9/8/11 - As expected, two state Assembly Democrats asked voters today to send them to Washington 14 months from now. Mark Pocan and Kelda Helen Roys, both of Madison, announced their candidacies for the U-S House seat being given up by Madison Democrat Tammy Baldwin, who’s running for the Senate. The 47-year-old Pocan owns a sign company, and has been in the Assembly for 12-and-a-half years. He co-chaired the Legislature’s powerful finance committee when Democrats ran both houses in 2009-and-2010. Roys, who’s 32, is in her second term in the Assembly. She used to be the director of the state’s NARAL abortion rights’ group. Both Democrats said they would protect Wisconsin families if elected. A third possible candidate, state Senate Democrat Jon Erpenbach of Middleton, says he’ll announce in the next few days whether he’ll join the race.
Walker Named To GOP Governors Association Exec Committee
9/8/11 - Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker has been named to the executive committee of the Republican Governors’ Association. He replaces Rick Perry of Texas, who stepped down to run for president next year. The head of the G-O-P governors’ group, Bob McDonnell of Virginia, says Walker is a visionary. Walker said he looked forward to working with the group to try and get more Republicans elected in statehouses throughout the country next fall.
Presidential Election Date Change To Be Debated
9/8/11 - Wisconsin lawmakers return to session next week – and one of the first major bills in the Assembly would change the date of the state’s presidential primaries. The Senate has already approved the change, which would move the primaries from mid-February to the first Tuesday in April – the same day as the spring state-and-local contests. Both national parties asked for the change, as more states have been holding their primaries earlier-and-earlier to try and get more national exposure. Other states are also pushing back their primaries. And officials say Wisconsin’s contests would be in about the middle of the national schedule.
Packers To Grace Wheaties Box
9/8/11 - The Green Bay Packers’ two biggest stars will have their own Wheaties’ boxes. General Mills said it recognized quarterback Aaron Rodgers and linebacker Clay Matthews both for their play, and for their community service. The two cereal boxes will be sold only in Wisconsin, starting in a month. Rodgers said he could never imagine being on a Wheaties’ box as a child – and he called a privilege and an honor. Matthews said last year was special for the Super Bowl champion Packers – and he’s planning to have the same success this year. Green Bay will open its Super Bowl title defense tonight night at Lambeau Field against the champs from the previous season, the New Orleans Saints.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Top Stories September 6th
Grigg Set to Run for Assembly
9/6/11 - Horicon Mayor Jim Grigg is expected to announce tonight that he plans to run for the 39th Assembly District seat currently held by Jeff Fitzgerald. That’s according to the Democratic Party of Dodge County’s website, which indicates Grigg will make his announcement at the Administration Building in Juneau at 5pm. Grigg has been the Mayor in Horicon since 2006 and has strong ties to local unions from his 24-years of working at John Deere Horicon Works. Fitzgerald, who’s held the assembly seat since 2000, is also expected challenge for the Republican bid to run for the U.S. Senate seat to be given up by Democrat Herb Kohl next year.
Baldwin Becomes First Democrat to Declare for Senate
9/6/11 - Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin of Madison has become the first Democrat to declare their candidacy to run for the U-S Senate seat to be given up by Herb Kohl next year. In an online video, the 49-year-old Baldwin vowed to quote, “stand up for you, no matter how tough the odds or how powerful the special interest.” She has been in the House since 1999, and was among the first in Congress to oppose the war in Iraq. In weekend media interviews, Baldwin said she’d work to cut the national debt – put people to work re-building schools and roads – close tax loopholes for sending jobs overseas – and support a repeal of the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy. Baldwin said it’s fair not the lower the debt quote, “merely on the backs of the middle class.” La Crosse House Democrat Ron Kind and former Appleton House Democrat Steve Kagen are also contemplating a run for Kohls seat. On the Republican side, Mark Neumann, a former congressman, announced his Senate bid last week. Former Governor Tommy Thompson, state Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald of Horicon, and state Senator Frank Lasee of De Pere are also lining up G-O-P candidacies.
Republicans, Democrats Take Part in Labor Day Activities
9/6/11 - Two Republicans took advantage of the Marathon County Labor Council’s change of heart, and marched in yesterday’s Wausau Labor Day parade. Congressman Sean Duffy and state Senator Pam Galloway marched with dozens of supporters at the end of the procession. And they encountered union protestors who yelled “Shame, shame” while some on the other side screamed “Small government, Small government.” Some parade-goers turned their backs on the lawmakers, while chanting for a recall of Governor Scott Walker. The Labor Council originally said it would ban Republican lawmakers from the Wausau parade, mainly because of their support of the state law that virtually eliminates collective bargaining for most public unions. But the group changed its mind after the mayor threatened to pull tax dollars for police and clean-up, and high school bands talked about withdrawing. The governor stayed home on Labor Day, and his office issued a statement which praised Wisconsin’s employees. Walker said the workers are quote, “the single most valuable and important asset we have when attempting to attract and retain employers.” And the governor vowed to press forward with his plan to create a quarter-million new private sector jobs by 2015.
Some Non-Union Employees Being Given Temporary Pay Raises
9/6/11 - Some of Wisconsin’s local governments are giving temporary pay raises to non-union employees, to help them offset their new increase in pension payments. The state requires all public employees not covered by contracts to pay five-point-eight of their salaries toward their pensions. But La Crosse Mayor Matt Harter said a number of employee unions in his city still have contracts. He says those union workers are not required to pay higher pensions for the rest of the year, so non-union workers shouldn’t have to pay them either. Last month, La Crosse aldermen approved five-percent raises for non-union workers for the rest of the year, which will cost taxpayers an extra quarter-million dollars. La Crosse County, Madison, Dane County, Hartland, Fox Point, and the Waukesha County town of Summit have also approved similar raises. They’re often called “temporary pay equity adjustments.” Oconomowoc officials will consider a five-point-one-percent raise for its non-union employees tomorrow night. Mayor James Daley says it’s not about getting around the state laws on the higher pensions. He says it’s about treating non-union and unionized workers the same.
Nehls to be Promoted to Brigadier General
9/6/11 - Sheriff Todd Nehls says when his promotion to Brigadier General is official, it will not affect his role as Dodge County’s top cop and should do nothing but bring great things to the area. Nehls received Senate confirmation for the promotion in July, but the action does not become official until he is accepted into a position that demands the rank of a Brigadier General. He says he will be selective with any opportunities but he is optimistic he will find the right fit. Nehls says it makes more sense to be pre-confirmed for a position, rather than risk finding a job and not gain approval of the Senate.
7th OWI for South Milwaukee Man
9/6/11 - A Wisconsin man could face his seventh-offense drunken driving charge from a traffic stop last Friday night. The Wisconsin State Patrol was told a small car had hit the median barrier in the southbound lane of U.S. 41 near Fond du Lac. Witnesses said the car actually hit the barrier twice at about 8:30 p.m. Friday. 39 year old Begoll Azizi of South Milwaukee was arrested on drug charges as well as driving with a revoked drivers license.
Woman Thanks “Angels” for Their Generosity
9/6/11 - Though she faces many challenges, 40 year old Cristina Earls is grateful for the generosity of others today. The Sheboygan woman's car was totaled after vandals flipped it over last week. Earls says she had just spent all her cash getting the car fixed and she is the single mother of four children. She also has lung disease and leukemia, which is in remission. She says her faith was restored when several people stepped in to help. Sheboygan County Budget Auto in Plymouth offered to sell her a car for one dollar. Earls says two anonymous "angels" gave her an envelope containing 150 dollars, too.
Senator Wants to Add Text Message to “Do Not Call” List
9/6/11 - A Wisconsin state senator wants to add text messaging to the state's "Do Not Call" list. Wisconsin residents can sign up to stop telemarketers from calling their phones now, but Senator Van Wanggaard of Racine says he's concerned about companies trying to get around the no call law by sending text messages. Wanggaard says he got two in the middle of the night last week, calling them an annoyance people shouldn't have to put up with. Persons without text messaging on their phones could win up having an additional bill.
Man Arrested After Watching Porn in Hotel Lobby
9/6/11 - Employees at a hotel in Onalaska say they had told a guest to quit watching pornography in the lobby several times when he became angry last week. They say the public computer was visible to guests as they entered the hotel. When he was told to quit watching the objectionable material, witnesses say the guest started to yell and curse at hotel stuff. When police arrived, they found 22 year old James Eisenmann in a nearby store. When officers searched his room, they reportedly found bottles of wine -- which would be a violation of the suspect's probation on a drug charge.
9/11 Victims Father to Speak
9/6/11 - Gordon Haberman will share the story of his daughter's death and his family's search for answers when he speaks at Marquette University today. Andrea Haberman, who graduated from Kewaskum High School, was a victim of the 9-11 terror attacks in New York City. The 25 year old was on a business trip that day. She was on the 92nd floor of the World Trade Center when a hijacked airliner slammed into the building. She and nearly three thousand other Americans died in a series of terrorist attacks that day. A book, “Just a Few Sleeps Away“, documents Haberman’s family both before the attacks and the obvious impact since. Haberman will speak in Eckstein Hall.
Fundraiser Set for Fall River Boy
9/6/11 - A benefit fundraiser for three-year-old Austin Schuetz of Fall River will be held this Saturday at the Fire Station. In May of this year Austin was diagnosed with B – Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia …a form of childhood cancer. To help lessen the financial burden of the Schutz family during this difficult time the Village Fire Department will be holding an 8-hour benefit Saturday afternoon and evening. Activities include a 1 o’clock Bean Bag Tournament, a 1:30 to 3:00 pm High School Band program, fire truck rides, a bounce house, bake sale and Bingo for cash prizes starting at 7:00 pm. Businesses from the Columbus / Fall River area have donated items for the silent auction, the raffle and some of the food and beverages for sale at the Fire House. Austin has been fighting his battle with leukemia courageously, but the family needs additional support to cope with the medical expenses. The fundraiser will be held at the Fire Station at the Johnson Road entrance to the Village.
Powerball Over $100M
9/6/11 - Tomorrow night's Powerball jackpot is above 100-million-dollars for the first time in almost a month. The top prize is 107-million, after nobody won it during the Labor Day weekend. It's the sixth time this year the Powerball jackpot has risen above 100-million. But Wisconsin has not had a jackpot winner since September fifth of 2007, when Steve Peot of Green Bay claimed a 29-million-dollar prize. He chose the cash option of almost 14-million-dollars, taking the whole prize now instead of in 30 annual installments. Tomorrow night's cash option is just over 64-million. Thomas Morris of neighboring Minnesota won the last Powerball jackpot on August 10th. It was worth 220-million-dollars, but Morris chose the cash option of almost 124-million. The next Mega Millions' drawing is tonight, and that jackpot is at 37-million dollars.
9/6/11 - Horicon Mayor Jim Grigg is expected to announce tonight that he plans to run for the 39th Assembly District seat currently held by Jeff Fitzgerald. That’s according to the Democratic Party of Dodge County’s website, which indicates Grigg will make his announcement at the Administration Building in Juneau at 5pm. Grigg has been the Mayor in Horicon since 2006 and has strong ties to local unions from his 24-years of working at John Deere Horicon Works. Fitzgerald, who’s held the assembly seat since 2000, is also expected challenge for the Republican bid to run for the U.S. Senate seat to be given up by Democrat Herb Kohl next year.
Baldwin Becomes First Democrat to Declare for Senate
9/6/11 - Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin of Madison has become the first Democrat to declare their candidacy to run for the U-S Senate seat to be given up by Herb Kohl next year. In an online video, the 49-year-old Baldwin vowed to quote, “stand up for you, no matter how tough the odds or how powerful the special interest.” She has been in the House since 1999, and was among the first in Congress to oppose the war in Iraq. In weekend media interviews, Baldwin said she’d work to cut the national debt – put people to work re-building schools and roads – close tax loopholes for sending jobs overseas – and support a repeal of the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy. Baldwin said it’s fair not the lower the debt quote, “merely on the backs of the middle class.” La Crosse House Democrat Ron Kind and former Appleton House Democrat Steve Kagen are also contemplating a run for Kohls seat. On the Republican side, Mark Neumann, a former congressman, announced his Senate bid last week. Former Governor Tommy Thompson, state Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald of Horicon, and state Senator Frank Lasee of De Pere are also lining up G-O-P candidacies.
Republicans, Democrats Take Part in Labor Day Activities
9/6/11 - Two Republicans took advantage of the Marathon County Labor Council’s change of heart, and marched in yesterday’s Wausau Labor Day parade. Congressman Sean Duffy and state Senator Pam Galloway marched with dozens of supporters at the end of the procession. And they encountered union protestors who yelled “Shame, shame” while some on the other side screamed “Small government, Small government.” Some parade-goers turned their backs on the lawmakers, while chanting for a recall of Governor Scott Walker. The Labor Council originally said it would ban Republican lawmakers from the Wausau parade, mainly because of their support of the state law that virtually eliminates collective bargaining for most public unions. But the group changed its mind after the mayor threatened to pull tax dollars for police and clean-up, and high school bands talked about withdrawing. The governor stayed home on Labor Day, and his office issued a statement which praised Wisconsin’s employees. Walker said the workers are quote, “the single most valuable and important asset we have when attempting to attract and retain employers.” And the governor vowed to press forward with his plan to create a quarter-million new private sector jobs by 2015.
Some Non-Union Employees Being Given Temporary Pay Raises
9/6/11 - Some of Wisconsin’s local governments are giving temporary pay raises to non-union employees, to help them offset their new increase in pension payments. The state requires all public employees not covered by contracts to pay five-point-eight of their salaries toward their pensions. But La Crosse Mayor Matt Harter said a number of employee unions in his city still have contracts. He says those union workers are not required to pay higher pensions for the rest of the year, so non-union workers shouldn’t have to pay them either. Last month, La Crosse aldermen approved five-percent raises for non-union workers for the rest of the year, which will cost taxpayers an extra quarter-million dollars. La Crosse County, Madison, Dane County, Hartland, Fox Point, and the Waukesha County town of Summit have also approved similar raises. They’re often called “temporary pay equity adjustments.” Oconomowoc officials will consider a five-point-one-percent raise for its non-union employees tomorrow night. Mayor James Daley says it’s not about getting around the state laws on the higher pensions. He says it’s about treating non-union and unionized workers the same.
Nehls to be Promoted to Brigadier General
9/6/11 - Sheriff Todd Nehls says when his promotion to Brigadier General is official, it will not affect his role as Dodge County’s top cop and should do nothing but bring great things to the area. Nehls received Senate confirmation for the promotion in July, but the action does not become official until he is accepted into a position that demands the rank of a Brigadier General. He says he will be selective with any opportunities but he is optimistic he will find the right fit. Nehls says it makes more sense to be pre-confirmed for a position, rather than risk finding a job and not gain approval of the Senate.
7th OWI for South Milwaukee Man
9/6/11 - A Wisconsin man could face his seventh-offense drunken driving charge from a traffic stop last Friday night. The Wisconsin State Patrol was told a small car had hit the median barrier in the southbound lane of U.S. 41 near Fond du Lac. Witnesses said the car actually hit the barrier twice at about 8:30 p.m. Friday. 39 year old Begoll Azizi of South Milwaukee was arrested on drug charges as well as driving with a revoked drivers license.
Woman Thanks “Angels” for Their Generosity
9/6/11 - Though she faces many challenges, 40 year old Cristina Earls is grateful for the generosity of others today. The Sheboygan woman's car was totaled after vandals flipped it over last week. Earls says she had just spent all her cash getting the car fixed and she is the single mother of four children. She also has lung disease and leukemia, which is in remission. She says her faith was restored when several people stepped in to help. Sheboygan County Budget Auto in Plymouth offered to sell her a car for one dollar. Earls says two anonymous "angels" gave her an envelope containing 150 dollars, too.
Senator Wants to Add Text Message to “Do Not Call” List
9/6/11 - A Wisconsin state senator wants to add text messaging to the state's "Do Not Call" list. Wisconsin residents can sign up to stop telemarketers from calling their phones now, but Senator Van Wanggaard of Racine says he's concerned about companies trying to get around the no call law by sending text messages. Wanggaard says he got two in the middle of the night last week, calling them an annoyance people shouldn't have to put up with. Persons without text messaging on their phones could win up having an additional bill.
Man Arrested After Watching Porn in Hotel Lobby
9/6/11 - Employees at a hotel in Onalaska say they had told a guest to quit watching pornography in the lobby several times when he became angry last week. They say the public computer was visible to guests as they entered the hotel. When he was told to quit watching the objectionable material, witnesses say the guest started to yell and curse at hotel stuff. When police arrived, they found 22 year old James Eisenmann in a nearby store. When officers searched his room, they reportedly found bottles of wine -- which would be a violation of the suspect's probation on a drug charge.
9/11 Victims Father to Speak
9/6/11 - Gordon Haberman will share the story of his daughter's death and his family's search for answers when he speaks at Marquette University today. Andrea Haberman, who graduated from Kewaskum High School, was a victim of the 9-11 terror attacks in New York City. The 25 year old was on a business trip that day. She was on the 92nd floor of the World Trade Center when a hijacked airliner slammed into the building. She and nearly three thousand other Americans died in a series of terrorist attacks that day. A book, “Just a Few Sleeps Away“, documents Haberman’s family both before the attacks and the obvious impact since. Haberman will speak in Eckstein Hall.
Fundraiser Set for Fall River Boy
9/6/11 - A benefit fundraiser for three-year-old Austin Schuetz of Fall River will be held this Saturday at the Fire Station. In May of this year Austin was diagnosed with B – Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia …a form of childhood cancer. To help lessen the financial burden of the Schutz family during this difficult time the Village Fire Department will be holding an 8-hour benefit Saturday afternoon and evening. Activities include a 1 o’clock Bean Bag Tournament, a 1:30 to 3:00 pm High School Band program, fire truck rides, a bounce house, bake sale and Bingo for cash prizes starting at 7:00 pm. Businesses from the Columbus / Fall River area have donated items for the silent auction, the raffle and some of the food and beverages for sale at the Fire House. Austin has been fighting his battle with leukemia courageously, but the family needs additional support to cope with the medical expenses. The fundraiser will be held at the Fire Station at the Johnson Road entrance to the Village.
Powerball Over $100M
9/6/11 - Tomorrow night's Powerball jackpot is above 100-million-dollars for the first time in almost a month. The top prize is 107-million, after nobody won it during the Labor Day weekend. It's the sixth time this year the Powerball jackpot has risen above 100-million. But Wisconsin has not had a jackpot winner since September fifth of 2007, when Steve Peot of Green Bay claimed a 29-million-dollar prize. He chose the cash option of almost 14-million-dollars, taking the whole prize now instead of in 30 annual installments. Tomorrow night's cash option is just over 64-million. Thomas Morris of neighboring Minnesota won the last Powerball jackpot on August 10th. It was worth 220-million-dollars, but Morris chose the cash option of almost 124-million. The next Mega Millions' drawing is tonight, and that jackpot is at 37-million dollars.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Top Stories September 5th
Vandalism at Lomira High School
9/5/11 - Authorities are investigating a break-in at the Lomira High School early yesterday morning. The Dodge County Sheriff’s Department says a caller reported that lights were flashing inside the school just before 4 a-m. When officials arrived on scene they found that fire extinguishers had been discharged, lockers had been broken into and more damage done to the locks. Authorities say they don’t have any suspects and their investigation is just beginning. Anyone with information is asked to contact the sheriff’s department.
Two Dead after House Fire in Baraboo
9/5/11 - Two people were killed in a house fire Saturday night in Baraboo. Authorities say their investigation is ongoing and have not determined a cause. It’s believed that two people lived in the home. One body was found after the fire was put out, while a second body was discovered on Sunday when officials returned to continue their investigation. The two people found have not been identified. Fire officials said it took a while to put the blaze out because of the remote location and low water supply.
Columbus School Board to Look at Facilities Proposals
9/5/11 - The Columbus School Board continues to prepare for a 2012 recommendation on the state of the District’s facilities. The board will be holding an open review of architectural proposals looking at future needs. The district already asked the UW Population Lab to do a study of student numbers and trends for the area. As a second step in the facilities assessment the board and the public will be looking at architectural proposals September 8th. The Thursday night meeting will be held in the Columbus Middle School Library from 6:00 to 9:00 pm.
Capitol Ceremony to Mark 10th Anniversary of 9/11 Attacks
9/5/11 - A ceremony will be held a week from ysterday at the Wisconsin state Capitol on the 10th anniversary of the 9-11 terror attacks. Wisconsin National Guard commander Major General Don Dunbar will preside. State and federal officials are expected to attend the ceremony that is scheduled to start at 7:30 a.m. The public is invited to attend the ceremony which will be broadcast live on Wisconsin Public Television.
Ryan Not Ruling Out Vice Presidency
9/5/11 - U.S. Representative Paul Ryan won’t be running for president next year, but he’s not ruling out a run for vice president if asked. That’s what the Janesville Republican told a Milwaukee TV station on Sunday. Ryan says he’s not going to focus on the opportunity because it’s someone else decision. He says he’s going to worry about his own job, which he says involves balancing the budget, getting the country’s debt under control, and creating conditions that are favorable to getting jobs created. Ryan has also ruled out any possibility that he would run for the senate seat being vacated by Democrat Herb Kohl next year.
Neo-Nazi Rally Draws Big Crowd of Protestors
9/5/11 - Saturday's anti-Nazi rally had been going on for about an hour when the stars of the show finally appeared. Shortly after the scheduled 2 p.m. start time of the rally by the National Socialist Movement, members found themselves outnumbered by as much as 50-to-one. Police in riot gear were on the scene to keep the two sides apart. The neo-Nazis carried American and Wisconsin flags, a Confederate battle flag and a flag carrying the banner, "white pride worldwide." All businesses near the West Allis City Hall plaza were closed in anticipation of the showdown. There was one sign posted on Papa John's Pizza saying that business doesn’t quote “support hate." Police reportedly arrested two people on weapons charges and three for disorderly conduct.
Manufacturing at Head of Plan to Improve Job Outlook in WI
9/5/11 - The head of the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development says manufacturing is leading the way as the job picture improves. Agency Secretary Scott Bambach kicked off Workforce Development month at a state-of-the-art plastics extrusion company in Baraboo last week. Teel Plastics employs about 170 workers. Baumbach says he hopes the 120 thousand people now getting unemployment checks in Wisconsin will access the department's employment website. Right now there are 34 thousand job listings on the site. Wisconsin's unemployment rate continues to stay between seven and eight percent, but Baumbach says he believes that figure will go lower as communications improve between technical schools, employers and workers.
Edgerton Man Pulled from Rock River
9/5/11 - A Rock County dive team recovered the body of a missing man Friday night, about 45 minutes after he was last seen. Emergency responders were called to the Rock River and were told 45 year old Keith Pierce of Edgerton might be in the water. Pierce was dead at the scene. He had reportedly been fishing near County Road H and Gibbs Lake Road.
Student Facing Felony Battery Charges in Attack
9/5/11 - Kenosha police are recommending a felony battery charge be filed against a 15 year old high school freshmen for launching an unprovoked attack on another teenager. The 14 year old victim suffered a fractured skull. Both teenagers are students at Bradford High School. The suspect was arrested near his home. Investigators say the victim was waiting at a bus stop with his friends last Thursday afternoon when the suspect approached, accompanied by several other teenagers. Witnesses say the older boy suddenly knocked the victim to the ground, punching him in the face several times and kicking him. The 14 year old was hospitalized for a night, then released Friday.
Clerk/Treasurer Facing Charges for Writing Herself Paycheck
9/5/11 - Town officials in St. Joseph, Wisconsin, are asking the court to remove recently-elected clerk-treasurer Mary Stanley. She is accused of writing herself an unauthorized paycheck just days after she took office. Stanley didn't show for a hearing last Friday and the judge has extended a restraining order against her, stopping her pay, ordering her to return anything taken, and banning her from the town's property. A hearing on her removal is set for next month. A week after her April 12th start date, Stanley allegedly wrote herself a check for 23 hundred dollars. The town is accusing her of writing herself two unauthorized checks, forging the town chairman's signature on those checks and making personal purchases with town money. St. Joseph officials say the total for the alleged misappropriations is a little over seven thousand dollars.
Art Museum Receives Largest Donation in its History
9/5/11 - A 7-point-6 million dollar gift is the biggest ever received by the Milwaukee Art Museum. Leonard and Bebe LeVine reportedly donated the money after Leonard LeVine died in 2008. That gift is more than twice as big as the largest bequest received in the past. It will be used to improve the museum collection and the way it is presented. A gallery space will be named for the LeVines.
9/5/11 - Authorities are investigating a break-in at the Lomira High School early yesterday morning. The Dodge County Sheriff’s Department says a caller reported that lights were flashing inside the school just before 4 a-m. When officials arrived on scene they found that fire extinguishers had been discharged, lockers had been broken into and more damage done to the locks. Authorities say they don’t have any suspects and their investigation is just beginning. Anyone with information is asked to contact the sheriff’s department.
Two Dead after House Fire in Baraboo
9/5/11 - Two people were killed in a house fire Saturday night in Baraboo. Authorities say their investigation is ongoing and have not determined a cause. It’s believed that two people lived in the home. One body was found after the fire was put out, while a second body was discovered on Sunday when officials returned to continue their investigation. The two people found have not been identified. Fire officials said it took a while to put the blaze out because of the remote location and low water supply.
Columbus School Board to Look at Facilities Proposals
9/5/11 - The Columbus School Board continues to prepare for a 2012 recommendation on the state of the District’s facilities. The board will be holding an open review of architectural proposals looking at future needs. The district already asked the UW Population Lab to do a study of student numbers and trends for the area. As a second step in the facilities assessment the board and the public will be looking at architectural proposals September 8th. The Thursday night meeting will be held in the Columbus Middle School Library from 6:00 to 9:00 pm.
Capitol Ceremony to Mark 10th Anniversary of 9/11 Attacks
9/5/11 - A ceremony will be held a week from ysterday at the Wisconsin state Capitol on the 10th anniversary of the 9-11 terror attacks. Wisconsin National Guard commander Major General Don Dunbar will preside. State and federal officials are expected to attend the ceremony that is scheduled to start at 7:30 a.m. The public is invited to attend the ceremony which will be broadcast live on Wisconsin Public Television.
Ryan Not Ruling Out Vice Presidency
9/5/11 - U.S. Representative Paul Ryan won’t be running for president next year, but he’s not ruling out a run for vice president if asked. That’s what the Janesville Republican told a Milwaukee TV station on Sunday. Ryan says he’s not going to focus on the opportunity because it’s someone else decision. He says he’s going to worry about his own job, which he says involves balancing the budget, getting the country’s debt under control, and creating conditions that are favorable to getting jobs created. Ryan has also ruled out any possibility that he would run for the senate seat being vacated by Democrat Herb Kohl next year.
Neo-Nazi Rally Draws Big Crowd of Protestors
9/5/11 - Saturday's anti-Nazi rally had been going on for about an hour when the stars of the show finally appeared. Shortly after the scheduled 2 p.m. start time of the rally by the National Socialist Movement, members found themselves outnumbered by as much as 50-to-one. Police in riot gear were on the scene to keep the two sides apart. The neo-Nazis carried American and Wisconsin flags, a Confederate battle flag and a flag carrying the banner, "white pride worldwide." All businesses near the West Allis City Hall plaza were closed in anticipation of the showdown. There was one sign posted on Papa John's Pizza saying that business doesn’t quote “support hate." Police reportedly arrested two people on weapons charges and three for disorderly conduct.
Manufacturing at Head of Plan to Improve Job Outlook in WI
9/5/11 - The head of the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development says manufacturing is leading the way as the job picture improves. Agency Secretary Scott Bambach kicked off Workforce Development month at a state-of-the-art plastics extrusion company in Baraboo last week. Teel Plastics employs about 170 workers. Baumbach says he hopes the 120 thousand people now getting unemployment checks in Wisconsin will access the department's employment website. Right now there are 34 thousand job listings on the site. Wisconsin's unemployment rate continues to stay between seven and eight percent, but Baumbach says he believes that figure will go lower as communications improve between technical schools, employers and workers.
Edgerton Man Pulled from Rock River
9/5/11 - A Rock County dive team recovered the body of a missing man Friday night, about 45 minutes after he was last seen. Emergency responders were called to the Rock River and were told 45 year old Keith Pierce of Edgerton might be in the water. Pierce was dead at the scene. He had reportedly been fishing near County Road H and Gibbs Lake Road.
Student Facing Felony Battery Charges in Attack
9/5/11 - Kenosha police are recommending a felony battery charge be filed against a 15 year old high school freshmen for launching an unprovoked attack on another teenager. The 14 year old victim suffered a fractured skull. Both teenagers are students at Bradford High School. The suspect was arrested near his home. Investigators say the victim was waiting at a bus stop with his friends last Thursday afternoon when the suspect approached, accompanied by several other teenagers. Witnesses say the older boy suddenly knocked the victim to the ground, punching him in the face several times and kicking him. The 14 year old was hospitalized for a night, then released Friday.
Clerk/Treasurer Facing Charges for Writing Herself Paycheck
9/5/11 - Town officials in St. Joseph, Wisconsin, are asking the court to remove recently-elected clerk-treasurer Mary Stanley. She is accused of writing herself an unauthorized paycheck just days after she took office. Stanley didn't show for a hearing last Friday and the judge has extended a restraining order against her, stopping her pay, ordering her to return anything taken, and banning her from the town's property. A hearing on her removal is set for next month. A week after her April 12th start date, Stanley allegedly wrote herself a check for 23 hundred dollars. The town is accusing her of writing herself two unauthorized checks, forging the town chairman's signature on those checks and making personal purchases with town money. St. Joseph officials say the total for the alleged misappropriations is a little over seven thousand dollars.
Art Museum Receives Largest Donation in its History
9/5/11 - A 7-point-6 million dollar gift is the biggest ever received by the Milwaukee Art Museum. Leonard and Bebe LeVine reportedly donated the money after Leonard LeVine died in 2008. That gift is more than twice as big as the largest bequest received in the past. It will be used to improve the museum collection and the way it is presented. A gallery space will be named for the LeVines.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Top Stories September 4th
Tempers Still Hot as Labor Day Approaches
9/4/11 - Months later, tempers are still running high, leading many Republican politicians to break with tradition and stay away from Labor Day holiday events like parades. Governor Scott Walker's spokesman says Walker will spend the day with his family, as he always does. Labor groups remain angry about Wisconsin's new law ending most collective bargaining rights for public employees. Two Republican state senators lost their jobs in recall elections due to the backlash. The Marathon County Labor Council originally tried to ban Republican lawmakers from Monday's parade, but it backed down when the Wausau mayor threatened to refuse to pay insurance costs and other expenses for the public event.
Trash Pick Up Delayed in BD
9/4/11 - Trash pick-up in Beaver Dam will be delayed by one day all week because of the Labor Day holiday. Director of Facilities David Stoiser says Veolia Environmental will collect Monday’s route on Tuesday, Tuesday’s route on Wednesday and that delay will continue throughout the week with Friday’s route being collected on Saturday. Brush collection, which takes place on the first trash collection day of the month, will also be delayed for those residents who did not already have brush collected at the beginning of the month last week. Monday’s brush will be collected on Tuesday and brush collection concludes with Wednesday’s brush route collected on Thursday. In addition, the Department of Public Works garage will be closed on Labor Day Monday.
Bicyclist Deaths Up from ‘10
9/4/11 - The number of bicyclists killed in Wisconsin in the first eight months of this year is the same the number who died in all of 2010. Officials said nine cyclists have died in crashes this year. Five were struck in the rear by motor vehicles. And four bicyclists died when they rode into the paths of cars-and-trucks. The most recently reported cycling death happened on August 19th in Kenosha. Police said 50-year-old Wayne Bricco was crossing a street in the path of a westbound car that hit him. Bricco died the day after the mishap. The nine cycling deaths in Wisconsin this year is more four more than in the first eight months of last year.
WEDC Still in Startup Process
9/4/11 - Wisconsin’s new Economic Development Corporation has been in place for almost two months. And it’s still in the process of getting started. The group is a public-and-private organization that replaced the state government’s Commerce Department. The agency’s director, Paul Jadin, tells the Wisconsin State Journal it’s more complicated than many people think. Four vice-president posts still need to be filled, along with top spots on the corporation’s new board. In the meantime, Jadin says the group is starting to do what the governor and Legislature wants it to do – attract new jobs, by being more flexible than the old bureaucratic system. So far, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation has given out 34-million-dollars in grants for business projects that are supposed to create over 900 jobs. Jadin also says there’s plenty of oversight to help make the new office accountable to taxpayers. He says the agency should avoid pitfalls from similar efforts in other states. Michigan’s corporation awarded nine-million-dollars to a convicted embezzler last year. The agency in Texas was accused of a conflict, after giving 16-million-dollars to firms connected with supporters of Governor Rick Perry. And Indiana’s group was caught inflating its job numbers, and fighting efforts to open its records to taxpayers.
No Council Meeting, But BD Mayor Listening Sessions Will Go On
9/4/11 - Beaver Dam Mayor Tom Kennedy has listening sessions scheduled on Tuesday. Kennedy says city residents are invited to meet with him, one-on-one, without appointment on the first and third Tuesday of every month. He says it is important that constituents have the opportunity to speak with him the day after each regular meeting of the common council. The sessions will be held this week even though the council is taking a break for the Labor Day holiday. The meetings are held in Room 109 on the first floor of City Hall from 10am until noon and again from 5pm to 6pm. Kennedy also makes himself available for private meetings by appointment by contacting the mayor office.
Regents Plan to Meet to Discuss Cutting 51 Jobs
9/4/11 - The Board of Regents for the University of Wisconsin system will consider a plan to cut 51 jobs at its meeting this coming week. Actually, only eight system workers would be laid off. The other positions are already vacant. The plan would meet a requirement of the recently passed state budget to cut almost two and a half million dollars in administrative costs at the university system. Anyone displaced would be given the opportunity to find new positions within the university system. Most of the eliminated positions would be in the IT department.
Western WI Man Facing Charges for Threatening to Blow Up IRS Office
9/4/11 - A La Crosse man is scheduled to make a court appearance next Wednesday to face charges he threatened to blow up the IRS office. Witnesses say 48 year old Paul Weber was pacing in the Internal Revenue Service office that afternoon, demanding to speak to an agent, while threatening to blow the building up. After Weber said that, he evidently went to Congressman Ron Kind's office and demand to see him. A staff member reportedly blocked Weber from Kind's office and pushed him out the door -- leading to more threats from Weber. He has been charged with one felony and one misdemeanor over the alleged threats.
Woman With History of Child Abuse Back in Court
9/4/11 - A western Wisconsin woman is free on a signature bond, after being charged with neglecting the same daughter she was convicted of abusing 13 years ago. 36-year-old Elise Will and her 37-year-old husband Jeremee of Hammond both appeared in Saint Croix County Circuit Court Friday afternoon. They’re charged with felony child abandonment and misdemeanor child neglect, and both are due back in court Wednesday when the status of the case will be reviewed. Prosecutors said the teen was abused as a baby. She’s now 14 – and police said the couple locked her out of her house, made her sleep in an outdoor tent, and starved her for four days. Authorities didn’t learn about the alleged abuse until they were investigating the death of another child – the mother’s new baby daughter. That girl was six weeks old when she died July 23rd. Police are still waiting for medical reports in that case. The first autopsy reports did not turn up any trauma on the infant – but sheriff’s deputies are still investigating.
Man Gets 3-years for Selling Driver’s License
9/4/11 - A former Wisconsin DMV worker has been sentenced to three years in prison for selling drivers licenses to illegal immigrants. Khue Xiong of Stevens Point allegedly worked with Eric Silva, finding illegal immigrants and offering them fraudulent licenses for a thousand dollars. Xiong entered the DMV database to change their residency status. Court records indicate more than 70 licenses were sold during a six month period in 2009 and 2010. Six men were charged in the case. Two of the suspects are still being sought.
Walker Orders Special Election
9/4/11 - Governor Scott Walker has ordered a special election for the state Assembly seat vacated by La Crosse Democrat Jennifer Shilling. If more than two candidates run from either party, a primary would take place October 11th. One finalist from each party will then square off in a general election on November eighth. Shilling held the Assembly seat for over a decade until she was elected to the Senate last month. Shilling unseated Republican Dan Kapanke in a recall vote. As of last week, three Democrats and no Republicans had filed preliminary paperwork with state officials to run for the vacant Assembly post – La Crosse School Board president Christine Clair, La Crosse County Board member Jill Billings, and arts center administrator David Krump. Other candidates were expected. But former representative and La Crosse Mayor John Medinger said he would not run for the seat – and neither would the city’s current mayor, Matt Harter.
Obama Administration Backs Off Tougher Ozone Standards
9/4/11 - The Obama White House is backing off from imposing tougher standards for ozone – an air pollutant that’s been a problem for years in southeast Wisconsin. The E-P-A announced the new standards in January of last year. The government said the new limits would down on hospitalizations and lost sick time at work. But businesses said it would put unnecessary costs on utility and factory smokestacks at a time when air quality was getting better. President Obama said today the administration would continue protecting the environment – but he also said it was important to cut regulatory burdens to help the economy recover. Most of Wisconsin’s lakeshore areas along Lake Michigan are in federal non-attainment zones, where development is restricted due to heavy ozone.
Black Bear Hunting Season Opens Wednesday
9/4/11 - Wisconsin’s hunting season for black bears opens on Wednesday. The D-N-R said just over nine-thousand permits were issued – and the harvest limit is the same as last year, at just over 52-hundred. The bear season runs through October 11th. This year, a hunter must leave a bear tooth and part of a rib when registering the animal. Officials say it will help with a two-year study of Wisconsin’s bear population, to determine if the state is setting appropriate quotas.
9/4/11 - Months later, tempers are still running high, leading many Republican politicians to break with tradition and stay away from Labor Day holiday events like parades. Governor Scott Walker's spokesman says Walker will spend the day with his family, as he always does. Labor groups remain angry about Wisconsin's new law ending most collective bargaining rights for public employees. Two Republican state senators lost their jobs in recall elections due to the backlash. The Marathon County Labor Council originally tried to ban Republican lawmakers from Monday's parade, but it backed down when the Wausau mayor threatened to refuse to pay insurance costs and other expenses for the public event.
Trash Pick Up Delayed in BD
9/4/11 - Trash pick-up in Beaver Dam will be delayed by one day all week because of the Labor Day holiday. Director of Facilities David Stoiser says Veolia Environmental will collect Monday’s route on Tuesday, Tuesday’s route on Wednesday and that delay will continue throughout the week with Friday’s route being collected on Saturday. Brush collection, which takes place on the first trash collection day of the month, will also be delayed for those residents who did not already have brush collected at the beginning of the month last week. Monday’s brush will be collected on Tuesday and brush collection concludes with Wednesday’s brush route collected on Thursday. In addition, the Department of Public Works garage will be closed on Labor Day Monday.
Bicyclist Deaths Up from ‘10
9/4/11 - The number of bicyclists killed in Wisconsin in the first eight months of this year is the same the number who died in all of 2010. Officials said nine cyclists have died in crashes this year. Five were struck in the rear by motor vehicles. And four bicyclists died when they rode into the paths of cars-and-trucks. The most recently reported cycling death happened on August 19th in Kenosha. Police said 50-year-old Wayne Bricco was crossing a street in the path of a westbound car that hit him. Bricco died the day after the mishap. The nine cycling deaths in Wisconsin this year is more four more than in the first eight months of last year.
WEDC Still in Startup Process
9/4/11 - Wisconsin’s new Economic Development Corporation has been in place for almost two months. And it’s still in the process of getting started. The group is a public-and-private organization that replaced the state government’s Commerce Department. The agency’s director, Paul Jadin, tells the Wisconsin State Journal it’s more complicated than many people think. Four vice-president posts still need to be filled, along with top spots on the corporation’s new board. In the meantime, Jadin says the group is starting to do what the governor and Legislature wants it to do – attract new jobs, by being more flexible than the old bureaucratic system. So far, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation has given out 34-million-dollars in grants for business projects that are supposed to create over 900 jobs. Jadin also says there’s plenty of oversight to help make the new office accountable to taxpayers. He says the agency should avoid pitfalls from similar efforts in other states. Michigan’s corporation awarded nine-million-dollars to a convicted embezzler last year. The agency in Texas was accused of a conflict, after giving 16-million-dollars to firms connected with supporters of Governor Rick Perry. And Indiana’s group was caught inflating its job numbers, and fighting efforts to open its records to taxpayers.
No Council Meeting, But BD Mayor Listening Sessions Will Go On
9/4/11 - Beaver Dam Mayor Tom Kennedy has listening sessions scheduled on Tuesday. Kennedy says city residents are invited to meet with him, one-on-one, without appointment on the first and third Tuesday of every month. He says it is important that constituents have the opportunity to speak with him the day after each regular meeting of the common council. The sessions will be held this week even though the council is taking a break for the Labor Day holiday. The meetings are held in Room 109 on the first floor of City Hall from 10am until noon and again from 5pm to 6pm. Kennedy also makes himself available for private meetings by appointment by contacting the mayor office.
Regents Plan to Meet to Discuss Cutting 51 Jobs
9/4/11 - The Board of Regents for the University of Wisconsin system will consider a plan to cut 51 jobs at its meeting this coming week. Actually, only eight system workers would be laid off. The other positions are already vacant. The plan would meet a requirement of the recently passed state budget to cut almost two and a half million dollars in administrative costs at the university system. Anyone displaced would be given the opportunity to find new positions within the university system. Most of the eliminated positions would be in the IT department.
Western WI Man Facing Charges for Threatening to Blow Up IRS Office
9/4/11 - A La Crosse man is scheduled to make a court appearance next Wednesday to face charges he threatened to blow up the IRS office. Witnesses say 48 year old Paul Weber was pacing in the Internal Revenue Service office that afternoon, demanding to speak to an agent, while threatening to blow the building up. After Weber said that, he evidently went to Congressman Ron Kind's office and demand to see him. A staff member reportedly blocked Weber from Kind's office and pushed him out the door -- leading to more threats from Weber. He has been charged with one felony and one misdemeanor over the alleged threats.
Woman With History of Child Abuse Back in Court
9/4/11 - A western Wisconsin woman is free on a signature bond, after being charged with neglecting the same daughter she was convicted of abusing 13 years ago. 36-year-old Elise Will and her 37-year-old husband Jeremee of Hammond both appeared in Saint Croix County Circuit Court Friday afternoon. They’re charged with felony child abandonment and misdemeanor child neglect, and both are due back in court Wednesday when the status of the case will be reviewed. Prosecutors said the teen was abused as a baby. She’s now 14 – and police said the couple locked her out of her house, made her sleep in an outdoor tent, and starved her for four days. Authorities didn’t learn about the alleged abuse until they were investigating the death of another child – the mother’s new baby daughter. That girl was six weeks old when she died July 23rd. Police are still waiting for medical reports in that case. The first autopsy reports did not turn up any trauma on the infant – but sheriff’s deputies are still investigating.
Man Gets 3-years for Selling Driver’s License
9/4/11 - A former Wisconsin DMV worker has been sentenced to three years in prison for selling drivers licenses to illegal immigrants. Khue Xiong of Stevens Point allegedly worked with Eric Silva, finding illegal immigrants and offering them fraudulent licenses for a thousand dollars. Xiong entered the DMV database to change their residency status. Court records indicate more than 70 licenses were sold during a six month period in 2009 and 2010. Six men were charged in the case. Two of the suspects are still being sought.
Walker Orders Special Election
9/4/11 - Governor Scott Walker has ordered a special election for the state Assembly seat vacated by La Crosse Democrat Jennifer Shilling. If more than two candidates run from either party, a primary would take place October 11th. One finalist from each party will then square off in a general election on November eighth. Shilling held the Assembly seat for over a decade until she was elected to the Senate last month. Shilling unseated Republican Dan Kapanke in a recall vote. As of last week, three Democrats and no Republicans had filed preliminary paperwork with state officials to run for the vacant Assembly post – La Crosse School Board president Christine Clair, La Crosse County Board member Jill Billings, and arts center administrator David Krump. Other candidates were expected. But former representative and La Crosse Mayor John Medinger said he would not run for the seat – and neither would the city’s current mayor, Matt Harter.
Obama Administration Backs Off Tougher Ozone Standards
9/4/11 - The Obama White House is backing off from imposing tougher standards for ozone – an air pollutant that’s been a problem for years in southeast Wisconsin. The E-P-A announced the new standards in January of last year. The government said the new limits would down on hospitalizations and lost sick time at work. But businesses said it would put unnecessary costs on utility and factory smokestacks at a time when air quality was getting better. President Obama said today the administration would continue protecting the environment – but he also said it was important to cut regulatory burdens to help the economy recover. Most of Wisconsin’s lakeshore areas along Lake Michigan are in federal non-attainment zones, where development is restricted due to heavy ozone.
Black Bear Hunting Season Opens Wednesday
9/4/11 - Wisconsin’s hunting season for black bears opens on Wednesday. The D-N-R said just over nine-thousand permits were issued – and the harvest limit is the same as last year, at just over 52-hundred. The bear season runs through October 11th. This year, a hunter must leave a bear tooth and part of a rib when registering the animal. Officials say it will help with a two-year study of Wisconsin’s bear population, to determine if the state is setting appropriate quotas.
Top Stories, September 3rd
Nehls In Line For Promotion To Brigadier General
9/3/11 - Dodge County Sheriff Todd Nehls is in line for a promotion to Brigadier General of the Army National Guard. Nehls, who is currently a Colonel, was nominated for the position by Major General Donald Dunbar. President Obama then forwarded the nomination to the Senate and Nehls was confirmed for the promotion on July 25. That action does not officially give him the rank of a Brigadier General. Nehls says now is when the hard work begins and for the next year or two he will aggressively pursue available opportunities – either inside the state or outside Wisconsin – to be accepted into a position that demands the rank of a Brigadier General. Nehls says he will be selective with those opportunities but he is optimistic it will happen. He says he does not expect a possible promotion to affect his position as sheriff. Nehls says the possible elevation to that rank will do nothing but bring great things to the people of Dodge County and enhance his opportunity to serve his constituents. Governor Scott Walker this week promoted General Dunbar, adjutant general of Wisconsin, to the rank of two-star major general. Nehls says that promotion has no effect on his prospects to find a position as Brigadier General.
GOP Lawmakers Mull Appearances At Labor Day Parades
9/3/11 - Some of Wisconsin’s top Republicans plan to march in Labor Day parades on Monday – even though Wausau labor leader Randy Radtke said they should be quote, “ashamed to show their faces.” The Marathon County Labor Council’s effort to ban Republicans from its Labor Day parade shows how resentful organized labor remains to the G-O-P’s approval of the state law that virtually eliminates collective bargaining for most public unions. Republican Governor Scott Walker – who triggered massive protests when he first proposed the law in February – plans to spend Labor Day with his family. But the G-O-P leaders of both houses will be out among the crowds. Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald of Juneau and his brother, Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald of Horicon, both plan to be in Randolph’s Labor Day parade – just like they were last year. G-O-P Congressman Sean Duffy says he’ll be in Wausau’s parade, after the labor council changed his mind about not letting him and other Republicans march. Wausau Senate Republican Pam Galloway says she’ll be there, too, but she admits some folks won’t be happy to see her. Wausau’s mayor said the city would have refused to pay expenses for the parade there unless the Labor Council let both parties in. Jim Tipple says Labor Day should not be a politically-partisan holiday, and it should honor workers of all political leanings. Assembly G-O-P finance chair Robin Vos of Racine County plans to stay away from Racine’s labor festival. He says it normally attracts hard-core Democrats.
Labor Day Travel Projected To Be Lower This Year
9/3/11 - If you’re traveling this Labor Day weekend, you’re not seeing as much traffic on the roads as a year ago. The Triple-“A” says about 660-thousand Wisconsinites are traveling this weekend, down three-percent from last year. But the Triple-“A’s” Pam Moen says it’s a small decline considering new fears about the economy and a big jump in gas prices over the last year. Moen says people have adjusted somewhat to the high fuel prices, but many won’t be traveling as far this weekend. She said the average trip will be around 600 miles, 30 miles fewer than last Labor Day. Meanwhile, the state D-O-T has suspended the work of highway crews for the weekend. There are almost two dozen major construction zones, and officials say there are some lane restrictions where drivers will have to be careful. That includes on Highway 151 near Beaver Dam which remains a two-lane highway, one lane in each direction, from County Highway D-E to County Highway G. The heaviest traffic is expected between noon-and-8 p-m on Monday. And the State Patrol says the current “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign continues through the holiday. Eight people were killed in Wisconsin highway crashes last Labor Day weekend.
Mauston Man Pleads Out In Tavern Break-Ins
9/3/11 - A Mauston man has entered into a plea agreement with prosecutors yesterday in a series of Dodge County tavern break-ins. Thomas Dahlgren pleaded to a pair of felony Burglary charges and had another felony and three misdemeanors dismissed but read into the record. The 45-year-old and two others are accused of breaking into the Dockside Pub and Grille in the Town of Westford in January, Jumpers Bar in the Town of Beaver Dam in February and Chances Bar in the Town of Burnett in March. Thousands of dollars was stolen from poker machines, ATM’s and safes. 32-year-old Nicholas J. Etter of West Salem and 32-year-old Michelle L. Novak of Mayville were the first to be charged in the case. According to the criminal complaint, Novak reportedly admitted to being the getaway driver and lookout; she has a jury trial on the calendar next month. Etter admitted that he was involved but blamed Dahlgren for orchestrating the break-ins. Etter entered a “no contest” plea in June and will be sentenced later this month. Dahlgren, meanwhile, was on probation for Attempted Homicide at the time of his arrest and is currently incarcerated at the Waupun Correctional Institution. The judge ordered a pre-sentencing investigation yesterday and a sentencing hearing is scheduled in November.
UW Allowing Guns On Campus
9/3/11 - The University of Wisconsin has announced it will allow concealed weapons on its campus, but not inside any buildings. Under the new state law legalizing the carrying of concealed weapons, the university will allow them at events like tailgating parties. But, they will not be allowed inside stadiums, classrooms and other UW buildings. They will be okay in any place on campus that is not enclosed. The new law goes into effect November 1. Under its guidelines, signs will have to be posted to show specifically where guns are prohibited. The new law also prohibits guns in certain specific locations -- like police stations, schools and courthouses.
Appleton Hardest Hit By Friday’s Storms
9/3/11 - The city of Appleton was the hardest-hit by Friday's storms, with nearly 20 thousand customers losing their electrical service. In all, at least 60 thousand customers lost their power when strong storms swept through west-central annd east-central Wisconsin in the afternoon. A major transmission line to Appleton was knocked off-line. Emergency management officials say it could take three days to restore power to everyone. Officials in Waushara County report several roads are impassable due to downed powerlines and trees falling onto the pavement. A reception center is being run by the American Red Cross at Kaukauna High School.
Wisconsin Officials Touring Iron Range
9/3/11 - Wisconsin officials from the Department of Natural Resources will join people from other state agencies on a trip to Minnesota next week. They will fly to that state's Iron Range Tuesday to observe how Minnesota regulates its mining. Just last June, a Hurley company announced it was putting plans for a 1-point-5 billion dollar iron ore mine on hold until Wisconsin's review process was more clearly defined. If it moves forward, the mine could mean 700 jobs for a part of the state that badly needs places for its residents to work. Long-term demand for metal is behind the increase in mining exploration. This state hasn't had a complete review of a metal mining permit application in more than 20 years.
West Allis Mayor Critical Of Neo-Nazi Rally
9/3/11 - West Allis Mayor Dan Devine has harsh words of criticism for a neo-Nazi group staging a rally in his city today. The National Socialist Movement says it is staging what it calls a "rally in defense of White America." The movement reports it is anticipating a crowd approaching 100 people at City Hall. The rally comes in response to the reports of young black people attacking white people on the first day of the Wisconsin State Fair. Organizers of a counter-protest say they anticipate a much larger crowd to oppose the neo-Nazi message -- maybe as many as two thousand people. Mayor Devine says the group's views are "repulsive," saying they are "fueled by hatred, fear and divisiveness." The neo-Nazi rally is scheduled to last from 2 to 4 p.m. Opponents say they will start gathering at 1 p.m. Though both sides say they intend to remain peaceful, extra teams of police officers will be on hand to keep things from getting out of control.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Top Stories September 2nd
Dodge County Establishes Veterans Court
9/2/11 - The Dodge County Circuit Court has started a Combat Veterans’ Court and Mentor Program. According to Judge Steven Bauer, the program is designed to assist veterans of the Armed Forces who have served in a combat zone, have been charged with a crime, and who may be suffering from a combat-related adjustment issue. Veterans who are charged with a crime will be directed by their defense counsel to Dodge County Veteran’s Service Officer Mark Grams for an assessment for eligibility of services. Bauer says it won’t be a “get out of jail free card.” He says the goal is to assist veterans who may have behavioral issues related to their service to our country by getting them needed treatment with the ultimate goal of reducing the chance that they commit another crime. A major component of the program is the assignment of a veteran mentor. He says they’ve identified and trained five highly qualified veteran mentors—all with combat experience. The mentors will assist the veterans in obtaining the treatment they require, and provide a sounding board and role model for them. Bauer says the program has the support of Dodge County Sheriff Todd Nehls, District Attorney Kurt Klomberg, Veteran’s Service Officer Grams, and representatives of various veterans’ groups within the county. These types of alternative court programs are taking hold in Dodge County as the Alcohol Court started by Judge Brian Pfitzinger is celebrating its one year anniversary today.
Fox Lake Man Charged With Felony In Head-On Collision
9/2/11 - A Fox Lake man is being held on a $20,000 cash bond for allegedly causing a drunken, head-on collision that injured a carload of people last month. Brandon M. Smith is charged with felony OWI Causing Injury for the accident on Highway 33 in the Town of Beaver Dam. According to the criminal complaint, the 27-year-old told police he drank a 30-pack case of beer before heading out to a friend’s. He reportedly lost control and crossed the centerline, into the path of an oncoming vehicle. The driver of that vehicle was transported to the Beaver Dam Community Hospital and four other passengers complained of back, neck and hip pain. Smith’s blood alcohol level was said to be over three times the legal limit for driving at point-two-six-three (.263). The charges carry a maximum six year prison sentence upon conviction, but because Smith is a repeat offender he could have up to four years added to that sentence. He would also lose his license for at least one year and as much as two years. Smith waived his right to a preliminary hearing yesterday and is scheduled to be back in court later this month.
Lincoln, South BD Named Promise Schools of Recognition
9/2/11 - The Department of Public Instruction has announced that two Beaver Dam schools are among 116 statewide that are Wisconsin Promise Schools of Recognition. For the third year in a row, South Beaver Dam Elementary was acknowledged as a school that helps disadvantaged students achieve academic progress. Lincoln Elementary also earned the honor this year. Superintendent Steve Vessey says it’s a credit to the teachers, staff, students and parents in the schools and he also says it’s a positive reflection of the district as a whole. Criteria for the selection included poverty rates as defined by free and reduced lunch data and the results of standardized tests in reading and math. The district will receive $5000 for the designation and will also be presented with a Promise School award during an October 12 ceremony at the state capital.
Tractors Stolen From Persha Equipment
9/2/11 - Authorities are investigating the theft at Persha Equipment in the town of Hubbard. According to the Dodge County Sheriff’s Department, workers reported Wednesday morning that four Simplicity lawn tractors were stolen during the overnight hours from the business on Highway 33. Three of the units were new and one was used. Officials report they have no suspects at this time.
Trailer Stolen From Banes Auto
9/2/11 - Authorities are investigating the theft of an enclosed car trailer taken from Banes Auto on Madison Street in the town of Beaver Dam. Workers reported the theft Wednesday morning and indicated it had been taken during the overnight hours. It’s described as being a 24-foot dark blue trailer with the license plate B-T 2603. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Dodge County Sheriff’s Department.
Lasee Likely Running For Senate
9/2/11 - He says he’s not ready to make an official announcement, but Republican state Senator Frank Lasee says it’s, quoting here, “quite likely,” he will run for the U.S. Senate. Lasee says he will make a decision soon. At least three prominent Republicans are expected to run for the seat being vacated by the retirement of Democratic Senator Herb Kohl. Only former congressman Mark Neumann has made his candidacy official. But, Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald has said he is “99 percent” sure he will run – and former Wisconsin governor Tommy Thompson is obviously considering a campaign himself.
Mason Seeks To Index Minimum Wage
9/2/11 - A state Assembly Democrat says he’ll try again to let Wisconsin’s minimum wage go up automatically each year according to inflation. Cory Mason of Racine has been trying to five years to eliminate what he calls “political wrangling” to keep low-income workers from getting behind. His proposal would also raise the state’s minimum wage from 7.25-an-hour to 7.60. Mason is now asking colleagues to co-sponsor his measure before he introduces it. Mason says it would benefit 316-thousand employees statewide. But that’s assuming employers keep those jobs in place. The last time Mason proposed indexing the minimum wage, Ed Lump of the Wisconsin Restaurant Association said it could force employers to cut jobs they could no longer afford. And Lump said inflation is often at its worst during rough economic times, when the minimum wage would rise the most under Mason’s bill. The last time Wisconsin increased its minimum was in 2009, when it matched the federal government’s figure of 7.25. Both minors and adults now have the same minimum, after the state did away with a lower wage for minors. And farmers lost an exemption in 2009 to pay as low as 4.25-an-hour to pre-teens and young teens.
Obama Won’t Interrupt Packers Game, Just Concert
9/2/11 - President Obama will speak to Congress and the nation next Thursday night to discuss his economic agenda. But the White House says the speech will be over before the Packers start playing the New Orleans Saints in the N-F-L’s regular season opener in Green Bay. The speech had been planned for Wednesday night, but Republicans cried foul because it would have conflicted with a G-O-P presidential candidate debate. So the White House moved the speech to Thursday night – and that got Cheeseheads concerned. The speech will most likely take place during the league’s “Kick-off Concert” that N-B-C was planning to show. But the concert will also be on the N-F-L Network. N-B-C will show the Packer game, with the kickoff at 7:30. The “Peacock Network” will also broadcast from Lambeau Field during the “Today Show” next Thursday morning. Matt Lauer and Al Roker will be there. “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” is taping a segment in Green Bay with Packer fans. And the Weather Channel, C-N-B-C, the “E” entertainment network, and the Telemundo Spanish language channel are also planning segments from Titletown next Thursday. State deputy tourism secretary Dave Fantle says the promotion and excitement is like a quote, “mini-Super Bowl.” Green Bay expects over 100-thousand people for the free concert and the game. The concert features Kid Rock, Lady Antebellum, and Maroon Five.
Kohl’s, Boston Store Profits Down
9/2/11 - Two of Wisconsin’s largest department store chains reported lower-than-expected sales last month. Kohl’s, which has a store in Beaver Dam, reports a one-point-nine percent decrease in its same-store sales compared to a year ago. And Bon-Ton Stores – which is the parent company of Boston Store, had a four-point-seven percent drop in its same-store sales for August. Outside analysts had expected Kohl’s to have an increase instead of a decrease. And Bon-Ton was projected to have a smaller decline of just over one-percent. Kohl’s chairman Kevin Mansell said his chain would dramatically increase its marketing to reverse its declines. The company had a drop of four-point-six percent in its same-store revenues in July.
Outdoor Fire Pot Recall
9/2/11 - Ten companies have recalled about two-million jugs and bottles of gel fuel that’s used in outdoor fire-pot decorations. Three of the 10 manufacturers are from Wisconsin – Real Flame of Racine, Lamplight Farms of Menomonee Falls, and the Sunjel Company of Milwaukee. The Consumer Product Safety Commission says the gel fuel has caused several dozen injuries, when users pour on too much gel because they’re not sure if a flame is extinguished. Officials say people can get dangerous burns or flares if they pour too much gel on a burning pot.
9/2/11 - The Dodge County Circuit Court has started a Combat Veterans’ Court and Mentor Program. According to Judge Steven Bauer, the program is designed to assist veterans of the Armed Forces who have served in a combat zone, have been charged with a crime, and who may be suffering from a combat-related adjustment issue. Veterans who are charged with a crime will be directed by their defense counsel to Dodge County Veteran’s Service Officer Mark Grams for an assessment for eligibility of services. Bauer says it won’t be a “get out of jail free card.” He says the goal is to assist veterans who may have behavioral issues related to their service to our country by getting them needed treatment with the ultimate goal of reducing the chance that they commit another crime. A major component of the program is the assignment of a veteran mentor. He says they’ve identified and trained five highly qualified veteran mentors—all with combat experience. The mentors will assist the veterans in obtaining the treatment they require, and provide a sounding board and role model for them. Bauer says the program has the support of Dodge County Sheriff Todd Nehls, District Attorney Kurt Klomberg, Veteran’s Service Officer Grams, and representatives of various veterans’ groups within the county. These types of alternative court programs are taking hold in Dodge County as the Alcohol Court started by Judge Brian Pfitzinger is celebrating its one year anniversary today.
Fox Lake Man Charged With Felony In Head-On Collision
9/2/11 - A Fox Lake man is being held on a $20,000 cash bond for allegedly causing a drunken, head-on collision that injured a carload of people last month. Brandon M. Smith is charged with felony OWI Causing Injury for the accident on Highway 33 in the Town of Beaver Dam. According to the criminal complaint, the 27-year-old told police he drank a 30-pack case of beer before heading out to a friend’s. He reportedly lost control and crossed the centerline, into the path of an oncoming vehicle. The driver of that vehicle was transported to the Beaver Dam Community Hospital and four other passengers complained of back, neck and hip pain. Smith’s blood alcohol level was said to be over three times the legal limit for driving at point-two-six-three (.263). The charges carry a maximum six year prison sentence upon conviction, but because Smith is a repeat offender he could have up to four years added to that sentence. He would also lose his license for at least one year and as much as two years. Smith waived his right to a preliminary hearing yesterday and is scheduled to be back in court later this month.
Lincoln, South BD Named Promise Schools of Recognition
9/2/11 - The Department of Public Instruction has announced that two Beaver Dam schools are among 116 statewide that are Wisconsin Promise Schools of Recognition. For the third year in a row, South Beaver Dam Elementary was acknowledged as a school that helps disadvantaged students achieve academic progress. Lincoln Elementary also earned the honor this year. Superintendent Steve Vessey says it’s a credit to the teachers, staff, students and parents in the schools and he also says it’s a positive reflection of the district as a whole. Criteria for the selection included poverty rates as defined by free and reduced lunch data and the results of standardized tests in reading and math. The district will receive $5000 for the designation and will also be presented with a Promise School award during an October 12 ceremony at the state capital.
Tractors Stolen From Persha Equipment
9/2/11 - Authorities are investigating the theft at Persha Equipment in the town of Hubbard. According to the Dodge County Sheriff’s Department, workers reported Wednesday morning that four Simplicity lawn tractors were stolen during the overnight hours from the business on Highway 33. Three of the units were new and one was used. Officials report they have no suspects at this time.
Trailer Stolen From Banes Auto
9/2/11 - Authorities are investigating the theft of an enclosed car trailer taken from Banes Auto on Madison Street in the town of Beaver Dam. Workers reported the theft Wednesday morning and indicated it had been taken during the overnight hours. It’s described as being a 24-foot dark blue trailer with the license plate B-T 2603. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Dodge County Sheriff’s Department.
Lasee Likely Running For Senate
9/2/11 - He says he’s not ready to make an official announcement, but Republican state Senator Frank Lasee says it’s, quoting here, “quite likely,” he will run for the U.S. Senate. Lasee says he will make a decision soon. At least three prominent Republicans are expected to run for the seat being vacated by the retirement of Democratic Senator Herb Kohl. Only former congressman Mark Neumann has made his candidacy official. But, Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald has said he is “99 percent” sure he will run – and former Wisconsin governor Tommy Thompson is obviously considering a campaign himself.
Mason Seeks To Index Minimum Wage
9/2/11 - A state Assembly Democrat says he’ll try again to let Wisconsin’s minimum wage go up automatically each year according to inflation. Cory Mason of Racine has been trying to five years to eliminate what he calls “political wrangling” to keep low-income workers from getting behind. His proposal would also raise the state’s minimum wage from 7.25-an-hour to 7.60. Mason is now asking colleagues to co-sponsor his measure before he introduces it. Mason says it would benefit 316-thousand employees statewide. But that’s assuming employers keep those jobs in place. The last time Mason proposed indexing the minimum wage, Ed Lump of the Wisconsin Restaurant Association said it could force employers to cut jobs they could no longer afford. And Lump said inflation is often at its worst during rough economic times, when the minimum wage would rise the most under Mason’s bill. The last time Wisconsin increased its minimum was in 2009, when it matched the federal government’s figure of 7.25. Both minors and adults now have the same minimum, after the state did away with a lower wage for minors. And farmers lost an exemption in 2009 to pay as low as 4.25-an-hour to pre-teens and young teens.
Obama Won’t Interrupt Packers Game, Just Concert
9/2/11 - President Obama will speak to Congress and the nation next Thursday night to discuss his economic agenda. But the White House says the speech will be over before the Packers start playing the New Orleans Saints in the N-F-L’s regular season opener in Green Bay. The speech had been planned for Wednesday night, but Republicans cried foul because it would have conflicted with a G-O-P presidential candidate debate. So the White House moved the speech to Thursday night – and that got Cheeseheads concerned. The speech will most likely take place during the league’s “Kick-off Concert” that N-B-C was planning to show. But the concert will also be on the N-F-L Network. N-B-C will show the Packer game, with the kickoff at 7:30. The “Peacock Network” will also broadcast from Lambeau Field during the “Today Show” next Thursday morning. Matt Lauer and Al Roker will be there. “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” is taping a segment in Green Bay with Packer fans. And the Weather Channel, C-N-B-C, the “E” entertainment network, and the Telemundo Spanish language channel are also planning segments from Titletown next Thursday. State deputy tourism secretary Dave Fantle says the promotion and excitement is like a quote, “mini-Super Bowl.” Green Bay expects over 100-thousand people for the free concert and the game. The concert features Kid Rock, Lady Antebellum, and Maroon Five.
Kohl’s, Boston Store Profits Down
9/2/11 - Two of Wisconsin’s largest department store chains reported lower-than-expected sales last month. Kohl’s, which has a store in Beaver Dam, reports a one-point-nine percent decrease in its same-store sales compared to a year ago. And Bon-Ton Stores – which is the parent company of Boston Store, had a four-point-seven percent drop in its same-store sales for August. Outside analysts had expected Kohl’s to have an increase instead of a decrease. And Bon-Ton was projected to have a smaller decline of just over one-percent. Kohl’s chairman Kevin Mansell said his chain would dramatically increase its marketing to reverse its declines. The company had a drop of four-point-six percent in its same-store revenues in July.
Outdoor Fire Pot Recall
9/2/11 - Ten companies have recalled about two-million jugs and bottles of gel fuel that’s used in outdoor fire-pot decorations. Three of the 10 manufacturers are from Wisconsin – Real Flame of Racine, Lamplight Farms of Menomonee Falls, and the Sunjel Company of Milwaukee. The Consumer Product Safety Commission says the gel fuel has caused several dozen injuries, when users pour on too much gel because they’re not sure if a flame is extinguished. Officials say people can get dangerous burns or flares if they pour too much gel on a burning pot.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Top Stories September 1st
Jacob Gassen’s Way Unveiled
9/1/11 - Well over a hundred people turned out yesterday for a street renaming ceremony to honor a fallen Beaver Dam soldier. School Street was renamed Jacob Gassen’s Way during a ceremony yesterday attended by local officials, members of the military and a strong contingent of Freedom Riders who joined family and friends of Gassen. Jacob Gassen’s Way is located across from the Beaver Dam High School, which is where Gassen graduated in 2008. The 21-year-old Army medic died last November during an ambush in Afghanistan, becoming the third Beaver Dam resident to die in the Middle East. Speakers included Mayor Tom Kennedy, two of his former high school teachers and Jacob’s mother Barb Gassen, who thanked her husband Greg and children Chris and Jesse for being so supportive even while they were grieving themselves. The tarp covering the new Jacob Gassen’s Way street sign became tangled during the unveiling, but an Army National Guard Colonel standing nearby sprung into action and hoisted Gassen’s younger brother (pictured) up the pole so he could get a better handle in removing the covering.
Pool-Goers Sickened By Cryptosporidium
9/1/11 - A half-dozen people or more were sickened this summer after swimming in a couple of public pools in Dodge County pools. The county’s Public Health Officer Jody Langfeldt says those who got sick had been infected with the parasite cryptosporidium. Langfeldt says while they could not determine an exact source, all the people who got sick had a history of being in public pools in Beaver Dam and Fox Lake in late July and early August. Langfeldt says they worked with pool operators to rid the water of cryptosporidium, which is a parasite that causes diarrhea among other symptoms. When asked if they ever inform the public of such incidents Langfeldt says this was the first time they’ve dealt with an outbreak of cryptosporidium this size.
Escape Artist Going To Jail
9/1/11 - A Columbus man who managed to elude arrest on domestic abuse charges for most of the month of June was sentenced yesterday to seven months in jail. Michael Lasiewicz was wanted by police in early June following an alleged domestic incident. Officers went door-to-door searching for the 29-year-old but later learned he had fled the scene before they had gotten there. About a week later, a deputy clocked the suspect’s vehicle traveling 80-miles per hour in the Town of Elba. He pulled over but then jumped out of the vehicle and ran into the basement of a nearby residence. The owners of the home were outside at the time and told the deputy the suspect had to be in the basement because there was only one way out. After a short time, Lasiewicz was taken into custody and placed in the back of the patrol car. For safety reasons, the deputy cracked one of the windows before going back into the basement to retrieve the suspect’s driver’s license. When he came back out, Lasiewicz was gone. At the end of June, authorities received a tip about his whereabouts and as they closed in he again fled the scene, sparking a chase that went for a couple of miles before Lasiewicz crashed into a parked car and was taken into custody. Lasiewicz still faces a variety of charges in Columbia County related to the domestic abuse incident.
Former Assemblymen Wood In Trouble Again
9/1/11 - Former state Representative Jeff Wood might be in trouble again. Chippewa County prosecutors are considering possible charges, after the V-A’s medical clinic in Chippewa Falls told police that Wood might have changed the amount of a prescription he received for a controlled substance. Police captain John Liddell told the Chippewa Herald he was not sure what the drug was. He said Wood was detained on Monday for violating probation. He said the former lawmaker has cooperated with police. The 41-year-old Wood is currently on probation for the last of three impaired driving convictions that occurred in Columbia, Marathon, and Monroe counties since late 2008. The first conviction was driving drunk in Columbia County – and the last two were for driving under the influence of excessive prescription drugs. He served in the State Assembly for eight years ending in late 2010. He withdrew his Republican affiliation in 2008, and was an independent in his final term. G-O-P lawmakers tried but failed to remove Wood in his final year – but he ended up being censured by the Assembly. He did not run for re-election last time, and Republican Tom Larson won his old seat.
Feds Asked to Review Photo ID Voting Law
9/1/11 - The U-S Justice Department has been asked to review Wisconsin’s new photo I-D requirement for voting – and to watch how it’s carried out. The request comes from Sally Stix, head of the State Bar Association’s civil rights’ section. In a letter to Attorney General Eric Holder, Stix said the law could suppress the votes of thousands of Wisconsinites without solving problems with voter fraud – which Republicans said was the main reason for the law. Stix asked the Justice Department to review the process used in passing the law, to make sure legislators did not have any unlawful intent. And she wants Washington to make sure the measure does not violate federal voting or civil rights’ laws. The voter law takes effect next February. Besides showing photo I-D’s, voters must sign poll books – and they must have lived 28 days at the current addresses instead of the previous 10 days.
School Starts As Districts Scramble To Fill Vacant Positions
9/1/11 - School begins today for most of Wisconsin’s public school kids. But some won’t see their favorite teachers, and others will be in larger classes thanks to a larger number of retirements than normal. Records reviewed by the Associated Press show that almost five-thousand Wisconsin public school teachers called it quits last spring – almost double the number in each of the last two years. Almost 11-hundred U-W System employees also retired – up from 480 the year before. And in total, almost 10-thousand public workers hung it up by June 30th – a 93-percent jump from the year before.
Green Bay high school German teacher Ginny Fleck blames what she called an eight-thousand-dollar pay cut due to the higher shares public workers are paying for their health insurance and pensions. That’s part of the new law which limits most public union bargaining to salaries at-or-below inflation. The Beloit public schools lost about 10-percent of its teachers – and officials said only 40 of the 60 instructors who retired have been replaced, resulting in larger class sizes. State administration spokeswoman Carla Vigue said decisions have not been made on how many state workers will be replaced. She said each agency is still looking at its needs.
One U-W analyst said a few months ago that the union bargaining limits should not be entirely blamed, because more workers than normal are hitting their retirement ages anyway since they were part of the big Baby Boom generation. Fleck said a lot of experience walked out the door with her. She said all the leadership in her school is gone – and morale is down because some of the younger teachers cannot find experienced mentors. But the Walker administration has touted the money that’s being saved as lower-paid new instructors get hired – and schools find savings from the higher employee contributions.
WEAC Wants Walker To Negotiate Pay Raises
9/1/11 - Wisconsin’s largest government employee union wants the Walker administration to negotiate pay raises for its 22-thousand members. The Wisconsin State Employees Union asked the Republican governor’s people to bargain with the group – and after getting no response, the union sent the same request to state legislators. Under the new state bargaining limits, the union can ask for pay raises at-or-below inflation – and nothing else. Union chief Marty Beil (beel) says the law allows unions to seek a total increase of three-point-six percent in the two-year period that ends in mid-2013. Administration spokesman Carla Vigue says the union’s request is being reviewed, and a response will be given soon. Two other unions have made similar requests. They’ve been without contracts since mid-2009. Democratic lawmakers scrambled to approve new deals last December before they lost control of the Legislature. But the Senate’s Democratic leader at the time, Russ Decker, rejected the deals on his way out the door. Walker has not talked with the unions since then. Beil said if Walker remains silent, his union will pressure legislators – and perhaps take legal action.
3 Officials in State Juvenile Corrections Office on Paid Administrative Leave
9/1/11 - Three top officials at the state juvenile corrections’ office in Milwaukee have been put on paid administrative leave. The Journal Sentinel says their bosses want to know why two teens, which were on supervision for previous crimes, were allowed to allegedly kill a pregnant woman last month. The paper said 18-year-old Jimmy Scales had been released from juvenile confinement 11 months earlier than scheduled for being a getaway driver in a 2008 murder. And 16-year-old Mical Thomas was freed three months before his term would have been up for robbery and auto theft. Had they served their full terms, they would have been confined on the day they’re accused of killing a pregnant Sharon Staples in front of her 13-year-old son. That happened August seventh while Scales, Thomas, and another teen reportedly stopped the woman to rob her on a west side Milwaukee street. State corrections’ officials confirm an internal investigation, but they’re not commenting further. The governor’s office said Scott Walker was briefed about it, but they’re not saying anything more, either.
Charges Filed Following YouTube Beating
9/1/11 - The victim’s parents filed a police report when they saw their son’s beating on YouTube. Police in Wauwatosa say they are investigating the beating of the 15-year-old. It happened in June, but was not reported for more than two months. The YouTube video reportedly shows two boys beating the victim so badly he had to go to the hospital. The parents say that his attackers need to be brought to justice. The teen has since recovered from his injuries.
Deal Appears Close for Ryan to Step Down
9/1/11 - A meeting of the Sheboygan City Council was abruptly canceled for last night. And one alderman says some type of resolution might be in the works involving the Council’s effort to remove embattled Mayor Bob Ryan. The Council was expected to name former U-S Attorney Steve Biskupic as a special prosecutor to investigate two formal complaints against Ryan involving his recent drinking binge. But the mayor issued a one-sentence statement yesterday that the meeting was canceled quote, “in light of continuing discussions with Council President Eric Rindfleisch.” Rindfleisch has not commented. Alderman Don Hammond told the Sheboygan Press the Council wants to make sure it considers all its options before it calls a hearing similar to a trial on the question of removing the mayor. The Council ordered the procedure because Ryan rejected a call by the aldermen to resign after he was involved in three high profile alcohol incidents.
9/1/11 - Well over a hundred people turned out yesterday for a street renaming ceremony to honor a fallen Beaver Dam soldier. School Street was renamed Jacob Gassen’s Way during a ceremony yesterday attended by local officials, members of the military and a strong contingent of Freedom Riders who joined family and friends of Gassen. Jacob Gassen’s Way is located across from the Beaver Dam High School, which is where Gassen graduated in 2008. The 21-year-old Army medic died last November during an ambush in Afghanistan, becoming the third Beaver Dam resident to die in the Middle East. Speakers included Mayor Tom Kennedy, two of his former high school teachers and Jacob’s mother Barb Gassen, who thanked her husband Greg and children Chris and Jesse for being so supportive even while they were grieving themselves. The tarp covering the new Jacob Gassen’s Way street sign became tangled during the unveiling, but an Army National Guard Colonel standing nearby sprung into action and hoisted Gassen’s younger brother (pictured) up the pole so he could get a better handle in removing the covering.
Pool-Goers Sickened By Cryptosporidium
9/1/11 - A half-dozen people or more were sickened this summer after swimming in a couple of public pools in Dodge County pools. The county’s Public Health Officer Jody Langfeldt says those who got sick had been infected with the parasite cryptosporidium. Langfeldt says while they could not determine an exact source, all the people who got sick had a history of being in public pools in Beaver Dam and Fox Lake in late July and early August. Langfeldt says they worked with pool operators to rid the water of cryptosporidium, which is a parasite that causes diarrhea among other symptoms. When asked if they ever inform the public of such incidents Langfeldt says this was the first time they’ve dealt with an outbreak of cryptosporidium this size.
Escape Artist Going To Jail
9/1/11 - A Columbus man who managed to elude arrest on domestic abuse charges for most of the month of June was sentenced yesterday to seven months in jail. Michael Lasiewicz was wanted by police in early June following an alleged domestic incident. Officers went door-to-door searching for the 29-year-old but later learned he had fled the scene before they had gotten there. About a week later, a deputy clocked the suspect’s vehicle traveling 80-miles per hour in the Town of Elba. He pulled over but then jumped out of the vehicle and ran into the basement of a nearby residence. The owners of the home were outside at the time and told the deputy the suspect had to be in the basement because there was only one way out. After a short time, Lasiewicz was taken into custody and placed in the back of the patrol car. For safety reasons, the deputy cracked one of the windows before going back into the basement to retrieve the suspect’s driver’s license. When he came back out, Lasiewicz was gone. At the end of June, authorities received a tip about his whereabouts and as they closed in he again fled the scene, sparking a chase that went for a couple of miles before Lasiewicz crashed into a parked car and was taken into custody. Lasiewicz still faces a variety of charges in Columbia County related to the domestic abuse incident.
Former Assemblymen Wood In Trouble Again
9/1/11 - Former state Representative Jeff Wood might be in trouble again. Chippewa County prosecutors are considering possible charges, after the V-A’s medical clinic in Chippewa Falls told police that Wood might have changed the amount of a prescription he received for a controlled substance. Police captain John Liddell told the Chippewa Herald he was not sure what the drug was. He said Wood was detained on Monday for violating probation. He said the former lawmaker has cooperated with police. The 41-year-old Wood is currently on probation for the last of three impaired driving convictions that occurred in Columbia, Marathon, and Monroe counties since late 2008. The first conviction was driving drunk in Columbia County – and the last two were for driving under the influence of excessive prescription drugs. He served in the State Assembly for eight years ending in late 2010. He withdrew his Republican affiliation in 2008, and was an independent in his final term. G-O-P lawmakers tried but failed to remove Wood in his final year – but he ended up being censured by the Assembly. He did not run for re-election last time, and Republican Tom Larson won his old seat.
Feds Asked to Review Photo ID Voting Law
9/1/11 - The U-S Justice Department has been asked to review Wisconsin’s new photo I-D requirement for voting – and to watch how it’s carried out. The request comes from Sally Stix, head of the State Bar Association’s civil rights’ section. In a letter to Attorney General Eric Holder, Stix said the law could suppress the votes of thousands of Wisconsinites without solving problems with voter fraud – which Republicans said was the main reason for the law. Stix asked the Justice Department to review the process used in passing the law, to make sure legislators did not have any unlawful intent. And she wants Washington to make sure the measure does not violate federal voting or civil rights’ laws. The voter law takes effect next February. Besides showing photo I-D’s, voters must sign poll books – and they must have lived 28 days at the current addresses instead of the previous 10 days.
School Starts As Districts Scramble To Fill Vacant Positions
9/1/11 - School begins today for most of Wisconsin’s public school kids. But some won’t see their favorite teachers, and others will be in larger classes thanks to a larger number of retirements than normal. Records reviewed by the Associated Press show that almost five-thousand Wisconsin public school teachers called it quits last spring – almost double the number in each of the last two years. Almost 11-hundred U-W System employees also retired – up from 480 the year before. And in total, almost 10-thousand public workers hung it up by June 30th – a 93-percent jump from the year before.
Green Bay high school German teacher Ginny Fleck blames what she called an eight-thousand-dollar pay cut due to the higher shares public workers are paying for their health insurance and pensions. That’s part of the new law which limits most public union bargaining to salaries at-or-below inflation. The Beloit public schools lost about 10-percent of its teachers – and officials said only 40 of the 60 instructors who retired have been replaced, resulting in larger class sizes. State administration spokeswoman Carla Vigue said decisions have not been made on how many state workers will be replaced. She said each agency is still looking at its needs.
One U-W analyst said a few months ago that the union bargaining limits should not be entirely blamed, because more workers than normal are hitting their retirement ages anyway since they were part of the big Baby Boom generation. Fleck said a lot of experience walked out the door with her. She said all the leadership in her school is gone – and morale is down because some of the younger teachers cannot find experienced mentors. But the Walker administration has touted the money that’s being saved as lower-paid new instructors get hired – and schools find savings from the higher employee contributions.
WEAC Wants Walker To Negotiate Pay Raises
9/1/11 - Wisconsin’s largest government employee union wants the Walker administration to negotiate pay raises for its 22-thousand members. The Wisconsin State Employees Union asked the Republican governor’s people to bargain with the group – and after getting no response, the union sent the same request to state legislators. Under the new state bargaining limits, the union can ask for pay raises at-or-below inflation – and nothing else. Union chief Marty Beil (beel) says the law allows unions to seek a total increase of three-point-six percent in the two-year period that ends in mid-2013. Administration spokesman Carla Vigue says the union’s request is being reviewed, and a response will be given soon. Two other unions have made similar requests. They’ve been without contracts since mid-2009. Democratic lawmakers scrambled to approve new deals last December before they lost control of the Legislature. But the Senate’s Democratic leader at the time, Russ Decker, rejected the deals on his way out the door. Walker has not talked with the unions since then. Beil said if Walker remains silent, his union will pressure legislators – and perhaps take legal action.
3 Officials in State Juvenile Corrections Office on Paid Administrative Leave
9/1/11 - Three top officials at the state juvenile corrections’ office in Milwaukee have been put on paid administrative leave. The Journal Sentinel says their bosses want to know why two teens, which were on supervision for previous crimes, were allowed to allegedly kill a pregnant woman last month. The paper said 18-year-old Jimmy Scales had been released from juvenile confinement 11 months earlier than scheduled for being a getaway driver in a 2008 murder. And 16-year-old Mical Thomas was freed three months before his term would have been up for robbery and auto theft. Had they served their full terms, they would have been confined on the day they’re accused of killing a pregnant Sharon Staples in front of her 13-year-old son. That happened August seventh while Scales, Thomas, and another teen reportedly stopped the woman to rob her on a west side Milwaukee street. State corrections’ officials confirm an internal investigation, but they’re not commenting further. The governor’s office said Scott Walker was briefed about it, but they’re not saying anything more, either.
Charges Filed Following YouTube Beating
9/1/11 - The victim’s parents filed a police report when they saw their son’s beating on YouTube. Police in Wauwatosa say they are investigating the beating of the 15-year-old. It happened in June, but was not reported for more than two months. The YouTube video reportedly shows two boys beating the victim so badly he had to go to the hospital. The parents say that his attackers need to be brought to justice. The teen has since recovered from his injuries.
Deal Appears Close for Ryan to Step Down
9/1/11 - A meeting of the Sheboygan City Council was abruptly canceled for last night. And one alderman says some type of resolution might be in the works involving the Council’s effort to remove embattled Mayor Bob Ryan. The Council was expected to name former U-S Attorney Steve Biskupic as a special prosecutor to investigate two formal complaints against Ryan involving his recent drinking binge. But the mayor issued a one-sentence statement yesterday that the meeting was canceled quote, “in light of continuing discussions with Council President Eric Rindfleisch.” Rindfleisch has not commented. Alderman Don Hammond told the Sheboygan Press the Council wants to make sure it considers all its options before it calls a hearing similar to a trial on the question of removing the mayor. The Council ordered the procedure because Ryan rejected a call by the aldermen to resign after he was involved in three high profile alcohol incidents.
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