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The beat report

I had a great time last week meeting with digital journalism students at UW-Whitewater.

I also met with staff at the Royal Purple, the school’s student newspaper.

The digital journalism students asked good questions and offered thoughtful comments on social networking and journalism.

We talked about best practices, ethics and other issues related to journalists using social media.

And the Royal Purple staff seemed like a talented group of writers, designers and photographers.

I think those kids have a bright future. The future of journalism is in good hands.

LEFT IN THE NOTEBOOK

• I bumped into interim Town of Beloit Police Chief Steve Kopp at the CARE House event aimed at raising awareness on child abuse. Kopp, a former Janesville deputy chief, said his new job is going very well. The Town of Beloit Police Department has been in the middle of controversy and lawsuits recently. I’ve talked to several people about Kopp taking that job. People have told me Kopp is the perfect person to clean house. They said Kopp’s professionalism, experience and intelligence would turn that department around.

• The Rock County Sheriff’s Office gave out a lot of awards to its staff this year. The agency even gave out an award to the person who organizes the awards. Between the sheriff’s office and Janesville Police Department, about 35 awards were given this year.

• I left one tidbit out of my story about cases of physical child abuse on the rise at the CARE House. The CARE House has a new room to evaluate children for abuse. The room has been on the house’s wish list for a long time.
  

RANDOM OBSERVATIONS

• We got a good laugh in the newsroom last week when we overheard scanner chat about donkeys blocking the road.

• The CARE House has a nice building. It was my first time there. It seemed very friendly and welcoming to kids.

• The Rock County Coroner’s Office observed National Crime Victims’ Rights Week with the launching of the Remember Me Program to help residents grieve the loss of loved ones. The program kicked off with the donation of 600 comfort objects to the coroner’s office. New Life Assembly of God donated items such as stuffed animals to start the program. The items will be given to grieving children and adults. Chief Deputy Louis Smit and Deputy Tony Farrell Sr. developed the Remember Me Program as part of the coroner’s mission to provide compassionate and professional death investigations. The comfort items are presented on a case-by-case basis or as requested.

QUOTABLE

• "I think it's financial. I think it's a lot of different pressures," Mary Ann Burkheimer, CARE House program director, on why the CARE House has seen an increase of physical abuse cases involving children.

• “Just the thought of my son in a casket was enough to throw me off … I’m truly sorry for what happened. It’s in my mind all the time … I’m really sorry that happened, and I can’t take that back,” Charles Aegerter Sr., explaining why he robbed a bank in Edgerton. Aegerter’s son was fatally shot in Janesville last year. Aegerter also lost his job at General Motors and was in financial trouble. Aegerter was sentenced Friday to three years in prison and seven years extended supervision.

TWEETS WORTH RETWEETING

• “Mmm grilled upholstery,” @stephjhelle, on a person breaking into a vehicle and spraying barbecue sauce all over the interior.

• “Thanks for speaking to our students,” @UWWhitewater, on my visit with UW-Whitewater students.

FACEBOOK BANTER

• “I suppose he wasn't buying that it was a green leafy bra,” M. P., on a woman arrested for possession of marijuana after an officer found marijuana stuffed in her bra.

• “Just tragic,” J. K. T., on the death of a boy who fell from a moving tractor while riding with his dad.

• “My heart goes out to the family....so tragic,” K. J. T., on the boy’s death.

• “How terrible is this... My prayers for your family and the child,” E. G., on the boy’s death.

• “I think people underestimate middle schoolers. I know people who used and sold drugs in middle school, doesn't surprise me at all,” A. L., regarding drugs in middle schools.

• “Wow. Dummy,” S. N., on a driver who was texting while driving and swerved into a traffic light to avoid hitting a pedestrian.

• “Well, at least he did the right thing and turned himself in BEFORE he did the crime. I'm guessing he's getting some help now, or at least had a little time to think about his priorities in detox,” S. G. H., on a drunken man calling police to say he was going to rob a convenience store.

• “Easier than beating it to death. It's not like they're going to rehab a possum or euthanize it,” L. H. F., on police shooting an injured possum.

• “Firing a gun in the city limits should be reserved for emergent situations,” B.G., on police shooting injured possum to dispose of it.

• “The thought of stealing a Bud light beer is like stealing poop out of a litter box,” W.J., on a burglar stealing a can of Bud Light.

• “That's karma for ya,” J. B., on a driver and passenger fleeing on foot after crashing into a tree in Janesville, while a second passenger was left behind because of a broken femur.

OFF THE BEAT

• My boys are already getting gifts for Easter. Their grandparents have sent Easter baskets with candy, clothes and other small gifts. Those kids are spoiled rotten.

• I’ve rented a couple movies lately. Check out “The Fighter.” Great acting.

LOOKING AHEAD

• It’s already the middle of the week. Time is flying.

• James Humphrey, the motorcyclist who pleaded guilty to first-degree reckless homicide, is scheduled to be sentenced next week.

Ted Sullivan can be reached at (608) 755-8253, tsullivan@gazettextra.com or follow him on Twitter or Facebook at Rock County Crime.